Day One - Fremantle (Perth), Western Australia, AUSTRALIA
Ranked seventh on Lonely Planet's list of the best places to live, Fremantle is finally stepping out from the shadow of its larger neighbour, Perth. With only 20 kilometres between the two cities, Perth has long attracted visitors with its laid-back, hippie atmosphere. However, Fremantle's vibrant history and promising future offer a compelling alternative. The coastal city has transformed dramatically since the America’s Cup put it in the spotlight in 1987, with over AUS$ 1.3 billion invested in revitalisation efforts. The city is now flourishing with a vibrant urban culture, supported by investments in the arts and generous grants for small businesses. This has led to the emergence of lively music venues, trendy bars, boutique hotels, unique bookstores, craft breweries, and Indian Ocean seafood shacks, all nestled alongside buskers and beautiful beaches. If this doesn’t appeal to you, a leisurely walk along the scenic wooden riverside pathway might just change your perspective. Fremantle also carries a unique historical significance as one of Australia’s former penal cities, with remnants still visible at Fremantle Prison. Between 1850 and 1868, nearly 10,000 convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment here, and the prison remained operational until 1991. Today, this iconic sandstone structure is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is just a 15-minute trip from the port, making it a must-visit destination.
Day Two - Day at sea
Days spent at sea provide an ideal chance to relax, refresh, and relish in the joy of doing very little. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa day, go whale watching, dive into your reading, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil ocean days perfectly complement the bustling adventures of exploring the shore.
Day Three - Day at sea
Days spent at sea provide an ideal chance to relax, refresh, and relish in the joy of doing very little. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa day, go whale watching, dive into your reading, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil ocean days perfectly complement the bustling adventures of exploring the shore.
Day Four - Day at sea
Days spent at sea provide an ideal chance to relax, refresh, and relish in the joy of doing very little. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa day, go whale watching, dive into your reading, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil ocean days perfectly complement the bustling adventures of exploring the shore.
Day Five - Benoa, Bali, INDONESIA
Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, the Land of a Thousand Temples, or the World’s Last Paradise, boasts a reputation that, while impressive, barely scratches the surface of its true essence. Bali truly lives up to its acclaim—with lush mountains adorned with terraced rice fields in one direction, black sand beaches in another, and a captivating populace that humbles even the most seasoned travellers. If you're in search of a Garden of Eden that genuinely has it all, Bali certainly meets the criteria.
What distinguishes Bali from Indonesia’s numerous other tropical paradises is its rich and varied culture. The island is home to around 10,000 Buddhist-Hindu temples, each featuring daily offerings of lotus flowers and fruit, reflecting the gentle beliefs of its inhabitants. The vibrant arts and crafts scene is particularly notable in Ubud, the island's cultural heart, though creativity flourishes throughout the region. Ideal souvenirs include exquisite silver jewellery and intricate wood carvings.
Additionally, if the opportunity arises, be sure to experience a traditional dance performance, especially one accompanied by local gamelan music. No discussion of Bali would be complete without mentioning its culinary delights. From lavish meals to delightful street food, every dish is truly divine. Be sure to savour a succulent chicken satay, betutu (the King’s reputed favourite), and sambal matah. Whatever you choose to explore, rest assured that the flavours will leave a lasting impression long after you return home.
Day Six - Benoa, Bali, INDONESIA
Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, the Land of a Thousand Temples, or the World’s Last Paradise, boasts a reputation that, while impressive, barely scratches the surface of its true essence. Bali truly lives up to its acclaim—with lush mountains adorned with terraced rice fields in one direction, black sand beaches in another, and a captivating populace that humbles even the most seasoned travellers. If you're in search of a Garden of Eden that genuinely has it all, Bali certainly meets the criteria.
What distinguishes Bali from Indonesia’s numerous other tropical paradises is its rich and varied culture. The island is home to around 10,000 Buddhist-Hindu temples, each featuring daily offerings of lotus flowers and fruit, reflecting the gentle beliefs of its inhabitants. The vibrant arts and crafts scene is particularly notable in Ubud, the island's cultural heart, though creativity flourishes throughout the region. Ideal souvenirs include exquisite silver jewellery and intricate wood carvings.
Additionally, if the opportunity arises, be sure to experience a traditional dance performance, especially one accompanied by local gamelan music. No discussion of Bali would be complete without mentioning its culinary delights. From lavish meals to delightful street food, every dish is truly divine. Be sure to savour a succulent chicken satay, betutu (the King’s reputed favourite), and sambal matah. Whatever you choose to explore, rest assured that the flavours will leave a lasting impression long after you return home.
Day Seven - Day at sea
Days spent at sea provide an ideal chance to relax, refresh, and relish in the joy of doing very little. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa day, go whale watching, dive into your reading, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil ocean days perfectly complement the bustling adventures of exploring the shore.
Day Eight - Day at sea
Days spent at sea provide an ideal chance to relax, refresh, and relish in the joy of doing very little. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa day, go whale watching, dive into your reading, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil ocean days perfectly complement the bustling adventures of exploring the shore.
Day Nine - Singapore, SINGAPORE
Sleek, airy, and elevated, Singapore presents a stunning, futuristic vision of an ideal urban life. Nearly six million residents call this remarkable city home, which is thoughtfully designed to provide ample space for relaxation. Gorgeous outdoor parks, vast indoor gardens, and beautiful recreational areas are nestled among the towering skyscrapers of the City of Gardens. Once a serene fishing village, it has transformed into a glittering island city-state and a global hub for science, education, and technology. Singapore is impressively clean, and its hyper-efficient public transport system swiftly carries both residents and visitors across the city’s neighbourhoods in the blink of an eye. Striking fountains and bold skyscrapers, reflecting traditional feng shui principles, come alive with dazzling light displays after sunset. The lush botanical gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, span 52 hectares and boast a stunning array of vibrant orchids. For a breath of fresh air, explore the canopy walkways at MacRitchie Reservoir Park. At the iconic Marina Bay, three interconnected towers stand as a landmark overlooking the island-dotted waters. Within minutes, you can traverse between the vibrant Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown, where stunning temples such as the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple offer rich cultural experiences. Singapore's cuisine is a delectable blend of Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, skillfully enhancing the best elements of each. Dine in soaring restaurants or savour the city's famous gin-infused cocktail, the Singapore Sling, while enjoying the breathtaking skyline.
