Bali Malaysia & Thailand from Singapore – Celebrity Millennium – 14 January 2024
The Pacific Cruises
Many travelers dream of cruising the islands of the South Pacific, and this is one of those magical destinations that doesn’t disappoint. The turquoise and azure blue waters, majestic tropical scenery, gorgeous white sand beaches, and remarkably welcoming people seem, well, perfect in many respects. And, indeed, they truly are.
The region that’s so captivated our imaginations is comprised of some 7,500 islands, only 500 of which are inhabited. Scattered across a vast expanse of ocean, the island chains are commonly grouped into three major regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Despite many similarities, these island nations and their roughly 6 million people are surprisingly varied and diverse, with unique histories, cultures, languages, geology, and scenery.
Given the high costs of land stays, cruises offer the added benefit of being a “value” choice, to see many different islands. For example, the famed overwater bungalows in Bora Bora or Moorea can easily cost $800 per night and up, while costs for good food at the major hotel restaurants make London seem like a bargain (a salad for £25 at lunch, a fish entree for £35 at dinner, high markups on wine, etc.). If you add up hotel, dining, and transportation costs, a luxury land-only one-week holiday in a couple of Tahitian or Fijian islands can easily cost twice as much (or more) as a one-week cruise.
Best Time to Go
The South Pacific is blessed with a year-round tropical climate. The best weather, with little to no rain, occurs during the dry season from May to October (although trade winds pick up during these months). During the wet season, between November and April, rain, temperatures, and humidity increase. North of the equator in Micronesia, the seasons are reversed.
There is no other place like Bali in this world. A magical blend of culture, people, nature, activities, weather, culinary delights, nightlife, and beautiful accommodation. Bali is rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world by countless websites, review portals, and travel magazines each year – for very good reasons. Whatever your age, background, budget, or interest, there is something great for everyone to explore and discover. And that’s a promise.
Top Five Places to visit
Bali has literally hundreds of places to visit and things to do – many hidden treasures. If we would have to pick 5, then that’s our list:
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple with Kecak Dance before Sunset, and on the way back fresh BBQ seafood dinner on the beach in Jimbaran.
- Daytrip to the Rice Field Terraces (e.g. JatiLuwih) and a stop at the temples Tirta Empul or Goa Gaja, closing the day with a traditional Dance performance in Ubud with a dinner in one of the many amazing restaurants in Ubud.
- Hit one of the amazing Beach Clubs in Canggu, such as the FINNS Beach Club or La Brisa for the day, and if you are up for it, stay till after sunset, when some of the coolest DJs get to work their art.
- Visit the Artist Villages of Mas or Celuk, and experience firsthand how these masters are carving and creating the most amazing artworks.
- The Mountains – Climb Mount Batur or if this is too difficult join an e-bike tour through the villages and highlands of Bali.
Of course, there is more, scuba diving, golfing, trekking, canyoning, rafting, animal parks, countless temples, and religious sites, hundreds of amazing restaurants, bars, and clubs…the list is endless… that’s why so many travelers come back.
