Tropical Odyssey between Indonesia and North East Australia

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Cairns

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

Depart for an Australian experience into the rainforest. After a 30-minute drive, you will arrive at the Skyrail Rainforest Cable Car Station. Upon arrival, you will board one of the gondolas for an amazing experience over Australia's World Heritage listed tropical rainforest canopy, and into the rainforest itself. Spanning approximately four-and-a-half miles over pristine rainforest, Skyrail allows you to explore the wonders of this ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth, and includes time at two mid-stations. The easy access walkways at Barron Falls Station take you on three separate lookouts where you will be treated to breath-taking views of Barron Gorge and Barron Falls. This station is where you will find the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre.

At the completion of your Skyrail journey, you will proceed to the centre of Kuranda, a delightful village nestled in the heart of the rainforest. Established as a railway station in the mid-1800s, when logging and mining were large industries on the Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda became known as a place to stock up on goods and also where one could enjoy some culture and sophistication at one of the local hotels. Today, this colourful township is a haven for markets, cafés, and restaurants. After a brief overview of the town, you will have some free time to further explore on your own. No doubt you will want to take the opportunity to browse the shops for local artwork, crafts, opals or aboriginal souvenirs while you are here.

Following your visit to Kuranda, you will board your coach and will return to Cairns for lunch.

After lunch you will take a short panoramic drive of Cairns passing the Cairns Casino and view the Central Mall and the shops in the bustling downtown area. An informative commentary will provide details about the Navy Patrol Base, shipyards and the Sugar Terminal, beyond which lies the Fishing Base, a lucrative source of revenue for this prosperous region. Continuing on, you will venture through the town of Portsmith and the suburbs of Bungalow and Manunda, both of which feature lovely old Queenslander-style houses. A brief stop at the Botanical Gardens affords a chance to stretch your legs and wander among the interesting fauna and flora, before arriving at the hotel.

You will check-in to the hotel Shangri-La the Marina 5*.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 - Cairns

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

The five-stars Shangri-La The Marina hotel is located on the waterfront at Marlin Marina, connected to the Pier shopping complex and adjacent to the Trinity Bay Esplanade. You will also find close by, Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Esplanade. The hotel features a restaurant and two bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a solarium. It offers a free Wi-Fi access.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Deluxe Seaview room at the five-star Shangri-La The Marina Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.

·        The official check-out time at the hotel Shangri-La The Marina is at 11am.

·       Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Shangri-La The Marina
Pierpoint Road Cairns
Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 1411

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Denpasar/Jimbaran

Meet at Denpasar Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel InterContinental Bali Resort 5*.

Check in your room starts from 3pm.

Afternoon and dinner at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel's facilities.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Jimbaran/Benoa

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel.

You'll hit the road and enjoy a leisurely morning drive before arriving at the village of Bukit Pecatu, located at the southern tip of the island. Here, perched atop a sheer cliff, you will discover the Uluwatu Temple. You will be captivated by its magnificent location 70 metres above the waves. It is one of the 6 key temples considered to be the "spiritual pillars" of Bali. The temple is surrounded by a small forest home to hundreds of monkeys. They are believed to be the loyal guardians of the temple.

Then, you will head to a local restaurant for an Indonesian lunch.

Your afternoon visit will lead you to the coastal village of Sanur to visit Pura Mertasari, a Balinese Hindu temple. This visit aims to make you discover how goes a traditional ceremony. In the outer courtyard of this temple, you will see firsthand how local women make « Canang Sari », one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank God in praise and prayer. You will also have the opportunity to join them in the process.

You will then be transferred to the pier of Benoa to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

With its ideal location in Jimbaran Bay, the InterContinental Bali Resort has a beautiful white sandy beach. It is surrounded by extensive gardens, and has numerous leisure and relaxation facilities, including six swimming pools, tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness centre and a Spa. Its high-end accommodation blends modern comfort with elements of traditional Balinese architecture. Classic Garden View rooms feature a private balcony with garden views.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in standard room at InterContinental Bali Resort 5* hotel local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (mineral water + a glass of wine or a local beer or a glass of a soft drink + a tea or a coffee).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

·        This program requires to be able of walking outside. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

·        During visits at temples, we recommend to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knees.

·        The temple visited to discover a traditional ceremony could change according to the local festivities.

Contact of your hotel:

InterContinental Bali Resort

Jalan Uluwatu 45

Bali 80361

Indonesia

Telephone : (62) 361 701888

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Denpasar/Sanur

Meet at Denpasar Airport in the Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the Maya Sanur Resort & Spa 5* hotel.

Check in your room from 3pm.

Afternoon and dinner at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel's facilities.

Overnight at the hotel Maya Sanur Resort & Spa 5*.

Day 2 – Sanur/Batuan/Pejeng/Cempaga/Ubud

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel.

You will lead to the village of Batuan to explore its charming narrow streets lined with traditional houses and local art galleries. Known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Balinese art, Batuan is renowned for its classic Balinese paintings which often depict mythological themes. In addition to its artistic heritage, it is recognized for its traditional layout and communal way of life. The village follows the traditional Balinese concept of "Tri Hita Karana," emphasizing the harmonious balance between humans, nature, and the divine.

You will then head to a community gallery of local painters to indulge in this creative and relaxing Balinese art.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will be driven to Kehen temple, one of Bali's oldest and most sacred temples. Built in the 11th century, it is dedicated to the fire god, Brahma Vayu. Kehen Temple offers visitors a unique cultural and spiritual experience, with its ancient history, impressive architecture and continuing role in Bali's religious life.

In the late afternoon, you will check-in to the hotel Maya Ubud Resort & Spa 5*.

You will enjoy a time at leisure to refresh before your dinner.

Dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 – Ubud/Gianyar/Blayu/Ubud

After breakfast, you will leave for your third day of visit.

Your morning begins with a visit to the Gunung Kawi Monastery. It is known for its 11th century rock-cut funerary monuments, home to ten funerary monuments, known as candi, carved directly into the rock face. These candi are dedicated to Balinese royalty, notably King Udayana and his concubines. Each monument is around 7 metres high.

You will then discover the Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple, nestled in a picturesque setting surrounded by green hills and rice terraces. The temple is built around a sacred spring emerging from a rocky cave, used for rituals and religious ceremonies.

Before lunch, stop off at the magnificent terraces of Tegalalang, one of Bali's most iconic and picturesque sites. The terraced layout creates an impressive mosaic of terraced levels on the hillsides. The rice fields offer landscapes of exceptional beauty, with lush shades of green. The color and texture of the rice fields change with the seasons, creating an ever-changing visual spectacle.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will head off to the Ubud Monkey Forest to meet the long-tailed macaques, also known as crab-eating macaques. This lush woodland offers a dense, tropical natural setting of around 10 hectares. The forest is also considered a sacred and cultural site, with statues, sculptures and architectural elements integrated into the environment.

You will be driven to your hotel to enjoy some leisure time and refresh.

Before your dinner, you will first proceed to the village of Blayu to visit Puri Taman Sari, an ancient palace symbolizing the royal family. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by the sounds of a traditional Balinese musical instrument called "Bleganjur." Following the welcome procession, you will be guided to the entrance where refreshments will await you.

Then, you will continue your visit at the heart of the magnificent Puri Taman Sari palace, constructed in the 17th century. This spectacular site of historical architecture served as the royal palace for the ancestors of the Mengwi dynasty, designed in the style of ancient Balinese compound houses. In this atmosphere, you will experience the essence of Balinese life.

You will then undergo a captivating and unforgettable moment by observing the locals engaging in traditional Balinese activities, mostly carried out by women at the heart of the Puri Taman Sari Palace.

Before departing from this historic and cultural gem, you will indulge in an Indonesian buffet dinner.

You will then be driven back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Ubud/Kemenuh/Benoa

After breakfast, you will enjoy a morning at leisure at your hotel, the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa 5*.

Until 12:00 p.m, you can take your time over breakfast, stroll through the peaceful gardens, or relax by one of the two swimming pools nestled in lush natural surroundings.

You will then proceed with check-out formalities before being taken to a local restaurant for lunch.

Then, you will delight in the picturesque landscapes of the central part of the island during a 45-minute drive that will take you to the village of Kemenuh. There, you will be guided to the Setia Darma House of Masks & Puppets. Nestled in the heart of a traditional Balinese village surrounded by rice fields, it has housed since 2006 an extensive and impressive collection of masks and puppets from various regions of Indonesia and around the world, ensuring their preservation.

You will then be transferred to the pier of Benoa to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

Step from lush tropical gardens onto white-sand beach at the Maya Sanur Resort & Spa hotel and feel the gentle caress of the sea breeze as you tread the boardwalk of this former fishing village. Find tranquillity in the comfort of your impressive nest daybed with its serene views of the tropical garden and lagoon pool.

The Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is located in a beautifully secluded setting, framed by the picturesque valley of the Petanu River, the villages of Bedulu and Pejeng, and the lush rice fields of Peliatan. It is a haven of tranquility where luxurious rooms await you. Complimentary wireless internet is available in all rooms and common areas. You will have the opportunity to enjoy its two pools, tennis courts, a yoga pavilion, and a fitness center.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:
· 1-night accommodation in standard room at the Maya Sanur Resort & Spa 5* hotel (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
· 2-nights accommodation in standard room at the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa 5* hotel (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (mineral water + a glass of wine or a local beer or a glass of a soft drink + a tea or a coffee).
· Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:
· Lunch and dinner on day 1.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa if necessary.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Early check-in and late check-out.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:
· A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.
· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
· Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
· Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
· Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
· This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
· This program requires to be able of walking outside. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
· During visits at temples, we recommend wearing appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knees.

Contact of your hotel:
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
Sanur 80228
Indonesia
Telephone: (62) 361 849 7800

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
Jln Gunung Sari Peliatan, P.O. BOX 1001
Gianyar,80571
Indonesia
Telephone: (62) 361 977 888

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.