Indonesia & Far East Holiday Collector

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Indonesia’s second-largest city and Java’s capital, Surabaya is known as the City of Heroes thanks to the important role it played in capturing international attention during the country’s revolution in the 1940s. And that independent spirit is still palpable among the metropolis's internationally diverse population of nearly three million people. Surabaya is home to Indonesia’s only synagogue as well as the largest mosque in East Java. And colonial-era buildings sit just a short stroll from glitzy new shopping centers. Visitors have much to experience, whether taking in the extensive artifacts in the Museum Mpu Tantular, seeing where Indonesia’s clove cigarettes got their beginnings at the House of Sampoerna or venturing into the city’s green lung with a boat ride through the mangrove forests of Wonorejo. You’ll feel transported to a Middle Eastern bazaar at the Pasar Ampel, where the vendors hawk spices, sticky sweet dates and imported carpets. And a visit to Kenjeran Beach, right in the city, offers the chance to spot fishermen showcasing their fresh catch or take in views of one of Indonesia’s longest bridges. Obviously, deciding where to spend your time will be your main conundrum in Surabaya.

Probolinggo is a pretty port town on the north coast of East Java that's home to the ethnic minority Tengger people. The city garners mainly tourist attention as a jumping-off point for visiting Mount Bromo. One of Indonesia's most spectacular volcanoes, Bromo is best viewed at sunrise but makes a strong impression any time of the day. While the top has blown off, the 2,329-meter-high (7,641-foot) peak contains a cone that's still active. And views of the surrounding volcanoes from here are just as thrilling. If you opt to stick around Probolinggo, a town of roughly 217,000 people, you'll be pleasantly surprised. There are none of the stifling crowds and pollution of Jakarta here. A pedicab tour is a fun way to get around to see the city's Chinese temple, pleasant city square, churches and museum. But the main sites are just as easily visited on foot. There are beautiful beaches, temples, waterfalls and bamboo forests to see in and around Probolinggo. And just seven kilometers (four miles) from town at Bentar Indah Beach, you can go for a swim or stroll along the white sand. Before leaving, shop for a typical batik from the region to take home as a souvenir.

Located on Bali’s north shore, Celukan Bawang is gateway to beautiful white- and black-sand beaches, coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu-Buddhist temple complex.

Beautiful Bali is everything you imagine it will be; humbling temples, tranquil lakes, traditional villages, idyllic sands and thriving paddy fields.

One of 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Komodo Island is famous for its bright blue waters, steep sloping hills, and the four thousand giant lizards who call the island home.

One of our "off the beaten path" destinations, Lembar is located on the island of Lombok, just east of Bali. With its slow pace, beautiful beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second highest volcano, Lombok offers quite days amidst spectacular beauty. Discover Tanjung Aan near the Kuta Beach, where the sand looks like pepper; shop for local handicrafts and weavings in the islands small villages; and drink from the fountain of youth at Narmada Park. Sample shore excursions: Mataram Highlights, Sasak Native Village & Kuta Beach.

Step back into the colonial days of the Dutch East India Company in Old Semerang. Or journey to Borobudur Temple, where ten massive stone terraces, each representing a different stage of enlightenment, are topped by the Great Stupa. Sample shore excursions: Semarang City Tour; Borobudur.

Tanjung Priok is your gateway to Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest city and exotic capital. Visit The National Museum of Indonesia chronicling sixteen centuries of history; explore Indonesian culture at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah; wander the streets of Old Town and learn about Dutch colonial architecture; tour Masjid Istiqlal (Independence Mosque), the largest mosque in Southeast Asia; and shop for treasures in one of the city’s excellent shopping malls.

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Koh Samui can feel like a screensaver landscape. As if designed by Mother Nature for posters, calendars and daydreams, it’s Thailand’s most famous island for a number of reasons. The beach-fringed coast is edged with vivid, blue water that’s a surf-and-sand playground for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, building sandcastles and simply lounging. Along with busy food stalls and restaurants where you can find a whole world of cuisine made with local produce and fresh seafood as well as authentic Thai dishes, the lively streets are lined with bars, boutiques, markets and spas. By contrast, the island’s interior can provide moments of reflection and replenishing solitude. Enter the dense, hilly jungles for hikes to ancient temples and pristine waterfalls and quaint villages where you can experience true Thai hospitality. With dreamy landscapes and island adventures from boat excursions to nature treks, you'll soon be enchanted by Koh Samui.

A busy, cramped and frenetic city, Bangkok has a reputation of bombarding your senses. Centuries of history collide with a fast-paced modern lifestyle.

The 3,000-mile Mekong River runs throughout Asia and affords an experience of the continent like no other.

The 3,000-mile Mekong River runs throughout Asia and affords an experience of the continent like no other.

White sand beaches, turquoise waters, beachfront cafés. Nha Trang's days as an underappreciated treasure are over. Still very much intact since the 7th century are the venerated towers of the Cham Ponagar Temple complex. Sample shore excursions: Nha Trang City Tour; Nha Trang Countryside.

Located on the South China Sea, Da Nang is a major port city and your gateway to the natural and ancient wonders of Vietnam. Gaze upon the five peaks of the Marble Mountains - long a source of inspiration for Vietnamese artisans; visit the palace and pavilions of Hue, the Imperial City of the Nguyen emperors; and explore the charming merchant town of Hoi An and nearby China Beach. Sample shore excursions: Artisans of De Nang; Rural Traditions; Imperial Hue.

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.