cruise |
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Clockwise from top right: Tea |
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served at Spa Alila, Bali; Bali is |
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renowned for its paddy fields, |
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such as the World Heritage-listed |
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Tegalalang Rice Terraces; a temple |
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statue decorated with plumeria |
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blossoms; paddling a canoe on |
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Lake Beratan |
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Previous pages: Bodgaya Island |
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off the coast of Malaysian Borneo |
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images: awl images |
T he island of Bali needs no introduction. This Indonesian hotspot is the starting point for Crystal Cruises’ 11-night Bali to Hong Kong voyage, offering guests beach life and city energy in equal measure. Then, following a day at sea, it’ s time to discover the maritime history of South Sulawesi’ s port city, Makassar, before making a stop in Sandakan, Malaysia— home to a rehabilitation center for orangutans. The 740-guest Crystal Serenity then continues north, hopping around the Philippines’ emerald islands toward Boracay, before docking overnight in the country’ s buzzy capital, Manila. After crossing the South China Sea, a final overnight in Hong Kong offers no shortage of things to do, from sampling street food to mooching around markets, and thrilling helicopter rides above the skyline. BALI, INDONESIA
While Bali is famed for its sprawling beaches and secluded coves, there’ s so much more to the island than first meets the eye. The picturesque province— one of 38 in Indonesia— is abundant with lush landscapes, jungle-shrouded volcanoes, rice fields and waterfalls. It’ s a place of deep spiritual importance to its people, and is often referred to as‘ The Island of the Gods’. Its rich Hindu heritage comes
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alive in the ancient temples found all over the island, each one said to be a seat of the Hindu gods. Two notable examples are the cliffside Uluwatu and Tanah Lot in Tabanan, the latter perched on a large offshore rock formation, making for a pretty sunset backdrop.
Balinese culture also features traditional dances including the dramatic, fire-fueled Kecak, along with arts and crafts, spiritual healing and sun salutations. A! 20-minute drive from Benoa, where the ship docks, is the trendy beach town of Seminyak, home to a wealth of cafes, restaurants and designer boutiques.
For those who enjoy a slower pace, mountainous Ubud is abundant in cultural activities, artists’ workshops and natural treasures along the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a sun-drenched trail that provides outstanding vistas. The Kajeng Rice Fields Walk is also a great option for traditional villages, streams and rice paddy fields.
MAKASSAR, INDONESIA
On arrival into this bustling port city, on! the eastern Indonesian island of Sulawesi, guests should keep an eye out for phinisi, the traditional two-masted wooden sailing ships once used for fishing, commerce and the strategic trading of spices, gold, coffee and silks. Today, Makassar is known for its idyllic beaches, pristine waters and cultural attractions,
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ITINERARY
Hop on board this incredible 11-night sailing with Crystal Cruises
Day 1 Bali, Indonesia
Day 2 At sea
Day 3 Makassar, Indonesia
Day 4 At sea
Day 5 Sandakan( Sabah), Malaysia
Day 6 Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Day 7 Boracay( Malay), Philippines
Days 8 & 9 Manila, Philippines
Day 10 At sea
Days 11 & 12 Hong Kong, China
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summer 2025 • 65 |