Singapore Cruise from Singapore to Benoa — 13 Days

Singapore, Singapore

Singapore rewards the curious with a rare mix of order, energy and invention. Within a short ride of the waterfront, explore Chinatown’s shophouses, Little India’s temples and Kampong Glam’s Malay heritage. Follow pepper crab and satay aromas into a hawker centre, where local cooks make a persuasive case for lunch. For a quieter hour, Gardens by the Bay pairs dramatic Supertrees with cool conservatories and views across Marina Bay.

Batan Island Philippines (Scenic Stop)

Belitung Island Indonesia, Indonesia

Belitung, off Sumatra’s east coast, rewards visitors with pale sand, clear water and immense granite boulders. The island’s best-known shoreline, Tanjung Tinggi, pairs smooth stone with turquoise sea. In Tanjung Pandan, explore local markets and Rumah Adat Belitung, a traditional wooden house. Boat trips to tiny Lengkuas Island bring a 19th-century lighthouse and excellent snorkeling.

Semarang, Indonesia

Semarang rewards travelers who look beyond the harbor. Kota Lama’s Dutch-era warehouses and civic buildings recall the city’s trading past. The domed Gereja Blenduk anchors its historic square. Sam Poo Kong, a Chinese temple complex associated with 15th-century admiral Zheng He, reflects Java’s layered heritage. For a longer excursion, Borobudur, the celebrated Buddhist temple complex, lies about 100 kilometers inland. Make time for lumpia, Semarang’s famed spring roll.

Karimunjawa Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya, East Java’s provincial capital and Indonesia’s second-largest city, is a working port with a layered past. From Tanjung Perak, explore the old quarter, lively markets and broad boulevards that reveal its trading-city character. The House of Sampoerna, set in a restored Dutch-era complex, tells the story of the city’s clove-cigarette industry. For a dramatic change of scene, Mount Bromo’s volcanic landscapes make a lengthy day trip from the city.

Probolinggo, Indonesia

Probolinggo sits on East Java’s north coast, but its greatest draw rises inland: Mount Bromo. From here, travellers reach the Tengger highlands, a region of volcanic cones and a vast ash plain. At dawn, Bromo’s crater and the surrounding peaks reward an early start. The port city offers a working-Java perspective, far removed from Bali’s resort rhythms. Plan an overland excursion carefully; mountain roads and changing weather shape the journey.

Menjangan Island Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Lembar, Indonesia

Lembar is Lombok’s working harbour, where ferries connect the island with Bali. The port lies about 25 kilometres south of Mataram, Lombok’s compact capital. Explore Sasak heritage in traditional villages, surf beaches in the south, and rice fields across the inland foothills. The island’s best experiences lie well beyond the waterfront, so plan to travel.

Benoa, Indonesia

Benoa is Bali’s principal cruise gateway, set on the island’s sheltered southeast coast. From the pier, Bali’s contrasts are close at hand: Nusa Dua’s resorts and Sanur’s seafront. Denpasar offers markets, museums, and a glimpse of daily life beyond the resort belt. Allow time for traffic; journeys inland can take longer than the map suggests. For a deeper excursion, Ubud pairs galleries and rice terraces with a lively arts scene.