SOUTHEAST ASIA EXPRESS (SEA-X)

DAY 1 (D) ARRIVE SINGAPORE

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Selamat datang, Huānyíng, and Vanakkam! Welcome to Singapore, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city-state known for its modernity and diverse traditions, culinary delights, a hub of architectural wonders where lush greenery and eco-friendly infrastructures coexist harmoniously. After hotel check in, make sure to head out to explore the magnetic neighborhood. Orchard Road is to Singapore what Fifth Avenue is to New York – a retail and dining paradise, with thousands of establishments offering the ultimate lifestyle experience to both tourists and locals. Carpe this diem!

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DAY 2 (B) SINGAPORE-JOHOR BAHRU-SINGAPORE

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Grab your passport… Today we’re crossing the border to Johor Bahru, the southernmost and second largest city of Malaysia. An erstwhile fishing village, modern day Johor Bahru sustains a motley of mosques and museums, galleries and gardens, and an assortment of swanky shopping malls. We drive by the mesmerizing Danga Bay then make a photo stop at Istana Besar (Grand Palace), the royal palace of the Sultan of Johor. Afterwards, it’s time for major retail therapy. Johor Premium Outlets is the place to hunt for your favorite brands at discounted prices. Gucci? Prada? You betcha!

DAY 3 (BL) SINGAPORE-BATAM-SINGAPORE

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Today, we’ve got our GPS set for Batam, an Indonesian port city accessible by an hour ferry ride from Singapore. The capital of Riau Province, Batam is a boomtown blessed with dazzling coastlines, first-class golf courses, water adventures, duty-free shopping, rejuvenating spas and relaxing beach resorts, as well as mouthwatering fresh seafood and delicacies. After the obligatory “Welcome to Batam” photo op, we bounce to the massive Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple then Muhammad Cheng Ho Mosque. Fun fact: Cheng Ho, often regarded as the greatest admiral in Chinese history due to his accomplishments in leading extensive and successful Chinese trade expeditions, is a Chinese apostle of Islam and, to many, is a symbol of religious and racial harmony. After a sumptuous lunch, we continue the tour to Golden City Batam and Dino’s Gate. We also check out a handcrafts center and a kueh lapis (A traditional cake with several layers of goodness!) factory then we tumble back to Singapore by sundown.

DAY 4 (BL) SINGAPORE

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Dig into breakfast then get ready to explore more of Singapore. We drive by Suntec City and the Singapore Flyer then make a photo stop at Merlion Park (Tempted to do the drinking pose?). Then it’s onto Chinatown where we make our way to Thian Hock Keng Temple, a century-old gem of a monument and architectural masterpiece. After a brief stop at a local souvenir shop, we head to Marina Bay Waterfront to check out Gardens by the Bay – an impressive nature park and sanctuary for nature lovers and horticulturists spanning 101 hectares (250 acres). After lunch, we roll into Mandai River Wonders. Hop on the Amazon River Quest for an unforgettable boat adventure to discover animals from the Amazon like the Brazilian tapir, Giant anteater, and Jaguar. Explore the Yangtze River and get close to adorable animals like the Red Panda and the resident Giant pandas named Kai Kai and Jia Jia. Home to one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater vertebrates (11,000 animals and counting!), there’s also Electric eels, ancient Sturgeons, the Mekong giant catfish, Chinese softshell turtles, Giant river otters, Manatees, Red-bellied piranhas, and so much more. Hakuna matata!

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DAY 5 (BD) SINGAPORE-CEBU BY FLIGHT

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Bad news: It’s your last day in Singapore. Good news: You’re heading to another country, this time to the Philippines. Mabuhay! Welcome to Cebu, the "Queen City of the South" and home to amazing journeys and delectable food. Did you know that the Philippines was claimed in the name of Spain in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, who named the islands after King Philip II of Spain? Philip = Philippines! The first permanent Spanish settlement was established in Cebu in 1565. For your welcome dinner get ready to stimulate your taste buds with Lechon Cebu, named by American chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain as the “Best pig ever.” Skip the calorie count!

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DAY 6 (BLD) CEBU-OSLOB-CEBU BY VAN

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Today, we need to wake up bright and early but you’ll have plenty of nap time as we roll into Oslob. Ready for a mind-blowing experience? Prepare to plunge into the water to swim with the world’s largest fishes. Whale sharks can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) long and weigh an average of 20 tons. Though carnivorous, you don’t need to worry because they don’t pose any threat to humans. (Their diet consists mainly of smalls shrimps and plankton.) Prepare to be wowed (And feel really small) with this unique wildlife interaction that will leave memories to last a lifetime. Afterwards, it’s onto the gorgeous Sumilon Sandbar to complete your daily dose of Vitamin Sea. Want more? We make our way to Tumalog Falls for a refreshing dip before heading back to the city. Come evening we navigate to La Vie in the Sky, a mountain-top winery and restaurant serving delicious chows and gorgeous views. Bon appétit!

DAY 7 (BD) CEBU-SIARGAO BY FLIGHT

Wave goodbye to Cebu and say hello to Siargao. After an easy breezy flight, it’s time for your first Siargao experience. We head to Cloud 9, the island’s most popular surfing spot. Care for a surf? Or go swimming or just relax while enjoying a fresh fruit smoothie. Bottoms up! Come dinnertime, expect a spread of drool-worthy seafood so good, you’ll probably overeat. Then you’re free to check out the island’s vibrant nightlife. One ice-cold San Miguel please!

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DAY 8 (BLD) SUGBA LAGOON + SIARGAO LAND TOUR + FIREFLIES & BIOLUMINESCENCE TOUR

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Swimsuit up! Today we’re going on a land tour that also comes with a leisurely boat ride to Sugba Lagoon. We head to Del Carmen then hop on to a boat to reach Sugba Lagoon – a serene natural spot surrounded by epic mountains. Go paddle boarding, kayaking, rafting, or perhaps unleash your fearless side, conquer the diving board, and dive into the inviting lagoon. Afterwards we make our way back to Siargao and navigate to Magpupungko Rock Pools, home to natural rock pools that only come into view during low tide. When the tide recedes, a crystal clear rock pool emerges. Go ahead and jump in! We also visit Coconut Mountain View, an overlooking viewpoint that allows you to see spectacular landscapes adorned with countless coconut trees. Afterwards, we head to Maasin River. Make sure to check out the famous crooked coconut tree and try the rope swing. Banzai! In the evening, a delicious feast of authentic Indonesian cuisine awaits. Enak banget! After dinner, we hit the mangroves of Secret Beach with a boat cruise while watching glittering fireflies and bioluminescent plankton. It's the northern lights of the sea!

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DAY 9 (B) SIARGAO-DEPARTURE

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Down your coconut juice and grab your suitcase that’s now overweight with precious mementos. We bid farewell after breakfast. What an adventure it’s been! We wouldn’t blame you though if you rebook your ticket and decide to extend. Just let us know and we’ll make arrangements.