Lead Pricing
| Interior | Outside | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request Price | Request Price | Request Price | Request Price |
Art inspires. Awakens your emotions and stimulates your thoughts.
In the quiet calm of morning, your private veranda becomes a place of true inspiration. Surrounded by the magnificence of the dawning day, at one with the vista of sea and sky, in awe of nature and the vast beauty of this world. The shoreline of the next port slides closer and closer into view, and with it an undeniable anticipation of things to come and the promise of limitless possibilities.
Silversea creates exceptional ocean journeys with unique opportunities to explore remote ports-of-call from an intimate haven of incomparable luxury, each voyage a unique masterpiece. Discover genuine European expertise reflected in every detail, from our tranquil all-suite accommodation and uncompromising service to distinctive fine dining and a carefree all-inclusive philosophy.
Our guests hail from across the globe, yet share an appreciation for the spectrum of choice offered in Silversea’s array of exotic destinations and exclusive explorations ashore. By blending these elements together with enrichment experiences, each new port becomes more than a destination, it becomes a state of mind, transcending the traditional concepts of cruising. It is this distinction that has earned Silversea the reputation of World’s Best.
ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE
COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES SERVED THROUGHOUT THE SHIP An extensive selection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks are yours to enjoy — all courtesy of Silversea.
IN-SUITE BEVERAGE CABINET STOCKED WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every suite features a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.
COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE DINING AND 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE A formal dinner served course-by-course, a late-night snack, or a full breakfast delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.
COMPLIMENTARY SILVERSEA EXPERIENCE® A shoreside event exclusively for Silversea guests on select voyages. Recent outings have included dinner in the desert in Namibia and a concert at the ruins of Ephesus.
A FULL SPECTRUM OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ENRICHMENT Production shows, classical concerts, and folkloric performances. Multi-tiered show lounge. Lectures by world affairs experts, renowned authors and destination specialists.
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION INTO TOWN Roundtrip transportation from the pier to the heart of town in most ports of call.
Silversea … The art of travel. The art of good living.
Your home away from home while you embrace the intrepid explorer within. The suite’s seating area has plenty of room to relax while you go over your notes, ready for the next adventure. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views, ideal for appraising the local wildlife.
One bedroom: 240 ft² / 22m²
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
WiFi Internet access an hour per day
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination)
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Hair dryer
Writing desk
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda from where you can contemplate anything from the midnight sun to an antarctic sunrise.
Some Veranda Suites accommodate three guests (Suites going from 505 to 510
and from 605 to 610). The Deluxe Veranda Suite offers preferred central
location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 295 ft² / 27 m² including veranda (49 ft²/ 4,5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
WiFi Internet access am hour per day
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower (some with bath/shower combination)
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Hair dryer
Writing desk
A Silversea signature, with a preferred central location, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming.Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda from where you can contemplate anything from the midnight sun to an antarctic sunrise.
The Deluxe Veranda Suite offers preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 295 ft² / 27 m² including veranda (49 ft²/ 4,5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
WiFi Internet access an hour per day
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination)
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Hair dryer
Writing desk
With a room configuration that favours watching the sun rise from the comfort of your bed and losing yourself in the mesmerising seascapes, this suite is the perfect answer to adventure cruising. A large walk-in wardrobe, and an expansive living make the Medallion Suite a your home away from home on the high seas.
Medallion Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 437 ft² / 40.6 m² Including veranda (81 ft² / 7.6 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Vanity table with hair dryer
Writing desk
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Stylish and sophisticated with larger verandas, excellent for taking pictures and bird-watching. Situated midship, this suite is perfection in design and comfortable living. A huge walk in wardrobe, a beautiful marbled bathroom and a spacious living area completes the picture.
Silver Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 541 ft² / 52 m² Including veranda (92 ft² / 8 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area
Separate dining area
Marbled bathroom with shower; Silver Suite has two bathrooms with shower
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Vanity table with hair dryer
Writing desk
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for relaxing after a days’ exploring and looking through your photos. With lectures being streamed live to your room, this is the pinnacle of good living at sea. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 736 ft² / 69m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,031 ft² / 96m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Unlimited Premium Wifi
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. The ideal space for sharing stories with fellow explorers and new friends. With enough space to roam both in and outside, this suite is perfect relaxing and recounting the highlights of your day. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 1,019 ft² / 95 m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,314 ft² / 122 m² including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
SUITE FEATURES:
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
This stylish apartment offers the superlative in levels of space, comfort and service on board. A perfect mix of expedition experience with luxury lifestyle. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 587 ft² / 55 m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 827 ft² / 77 m² including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
SUITE FEATURES:
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower, plus a powder room; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for relaxing after a days’ exploring and looking through your photos. With lectures being streamed live to your room, this is the pinnacle of good living at sea.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 736 ft² / 69m² including veranda (126 ft² / 12 m²)
Two bedroom: 1,031 ft² / 96m² including veranda (175 ft² / 16,5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. The ideal space for sharing stories with fellow explorers and new friends. With enough space to roam both in and outside, this suite is perfect relaxing and recounting the highlights of your day.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 1,019 ft² / 95 m² including veranda (145 ft² / 14 m²)
Two bedroom: 1,314 ft² / 122 m² including veranda (194 ft² / 18.5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
This stylish apartment offers the superlative in levels of space, comfort and service on board. A perfect mix of expedition experience with luxury lifestyle.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 587 ft² / 55 m² incl. veranda (89 ft² / 8 m²)
Two bedroom: 827 ft² / 77 m² incl. veranda (89 ft² / 8 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower, plus a powder room; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
With 18-brand new Zodiacs, the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant in Antarctica and a pole to pole expedition itinerary, Silver Cloud really does break the ice between expedition and luxury.
After extensive refurbishment, Silver Cloud is the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Her large suites, her destination itineraries and her unparalleled service make her truly special. Her four dining options will tantalise your taste buds and as 80% of her suites include a veranda, watching a breaching whale or a few cavorting penguins has never been so personal. A limited number of guests in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her 18 zodiacs, 10 kayaks, possibilities are almost limitless with ship-wide simultaneous explorations.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 514.14 ft
- Tonnage: 16,800 tonnes
- Maiden Voyage: 1994
- Refurbished: 2017
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 254
- Crew Nationality: International
- Officer Nationality: European
- Dining Staff Nationality: International
- Ship Registration: Bahamas
Ship Facilities
- Zagara Spa
- Beauty Salon
- The Library
- Swimming Pool
- Shopping Boutiques
- The Panorama Lounge
- Explorer Lounge
- Dolce Vita Bar
- Hospital
- Fitness Centre
- La Terrazza Restaurant
- Photo Studio
- Lifts
- La Dame
- Laundrette
- The Restaurant
- The Grill
- Pool Bar & Grill
- The Connoisseur’s Corner
- Tor’s Observation Lounge
- Jogging Track
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Apr '21 | Cairns, Queensland, Australia |
05:00 PM | |
| 07 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 08 Apr '21 | Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia |
07:30 AM | 06:00 PM |
| 09 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 10 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 11 Apr '21 | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia |
06:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 12 Apr '21 | King George River, Western Australia |
05:30 AM | |
| 13 Apr '21 | Hunter River, West Australia |
Cruising | |
| 14 Apr '21 | Hunter River, West Australia |
Cruising | |
| 15 Apr '21 | Buccaneer archipelago, Western Australia |
Cruising | 07:30 PM |
| 16 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 17 Apr '21 | Ende (Flores), Indonesia |
07:00 AM | 04:30 PM |
| 18 Apr '21 | Kalabahi, Indonesia |
06:30 AM | 02:00 PM |
| 19 Apr '21 | Pulau Maopara, Indonesia |
06:30 AM | 06:00 PM |
| 20 Apr '21 | Anano Island, Indonesia |
12:30 PM | 06:30 PM |
| 21 Apr '21 | Bau Bau, Indonesia |
06:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| 22 Apr '21 | Palopo, Indonesia |
06:30 AM | 08:30 PM |
| 23 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 24 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 25 Apr '21 | Semarang, Indonesia |
08:00 AM | 05:00 PM |
| 26 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 27 Apr '21 | Singapore, Singapore |
06:00 PM | overnight |
| 28 Apr '21 | Singapore, Singapore |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
22 Night Cruise sailing from Cairns to Singapore onboard Silver Cloud.
The Kimberley is on everyone’s bucket list. And it’s not surprising why – with its aeons of history, starling red rocks and vertical waterfalls, it’s a traveller’s paradise. But that is not all this inspirational voyage has to offer; from untamed landscapes to underwater wonders and cultural highlights that are as diverse as the ancient aboriginal wall paintings, this sailing from Australia to Indonesia will surprise at every single stop.
Highlights of this cruise:
Cairns, Australia
Warmly welcoming you to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a treasure trove of rich tropical beauty and incredible sea life. Swathes of rainforest spread out to the north, where you can soar over the canopy in a cable car, before looking down over narrow channels of water plummeting down gorges and crocodile-filled waterways. The diverse lands of the Atherton Tableland lie to the west, but it’s the crystal-clear waters – and life-filled reefs – of Cairns’ remarkable underwater world that draws universal adulation. Priding itself as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, explore Cairns’ constellation of colour, as you dive into the world’s largest and most spectacular underwater universe. Head out on a glass-bottomed boat tour to explore the 3,000 coral reef systems, and let hours drift by appreciating the waving corals and life-imbued reefs during exceptional scuba diving and snorkelling sessions.
Thursday Island, Australia
While it may not be the largest island – a taxi can take you on a bespoke tour of the entire island in less than an hour – Thursday Island is a vibrant jewel in Australia’s crown. Located adrift from the northern tip of the Australian mainland, it’s one of the tropical Torres Strait islands, which are scattered between the mainland and Papua New Guinea. A gaping deep water port means the location is ideal for fishing, but you’ll have to avoid the temptation to swim in its idyllic seas – the waters are renowned for crocodiles, sharks and stingers.
Darwin, Australia
“Australia’s capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honour of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavours, colourful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination. Crocodiles patrol the jungled waterways and tropical rainforests around Australia’s gateway to the Top End. Explore via airboat to look down on the veiny waterways of the mist-laced Kakadu National Park. The sounds of chattering birdlife and the gentle splash of fountains and waterfalls will fill your ears in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Soak it all in, before kicking back and relaxing with a picnic and a crackling barbecue.
Hunter River Region, Kimberley (Western Australia), Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system surrounded by soaring red sandstone cliffs. Narrow mangrove channels shelter numerous bird species, mudskippers, fiddler crabs and the infamous saltwater crocodile; the most aggressive crocodile species known to man. Naturalist Island at the mouth of the river has a stunning stretch of sandy beach that makes a perfect landing site for small helicopters that can pick up visitors wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior. The highlight inland is the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the mighty Mitchell River. The headwaters of the falls are cool and a dip in the fresh water is a welcome reprieve from the heat of the heartland.
Buccaneer Archipelago Region, Australia
Roughly 800 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago surround and shelter the impressive spread of Yampi Sound (from the aboriginal word for water, “Yampeeâ€). The area was named in 1821 by Captain Phillip Parker King, in commemoration of William Dampier’s visit in 1688. Pearlers began visiting the area in the late 1800s, and more recently mining operators established open-cut mines on Koolan Island on the east side of the Sound. Some of the richest iron ore in the world is extracted here to this day. The coastline of Yampi shows rock layers wildly twisted and contorted into great folds. White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites, Ospreys, Common Sandpipers and Eastern Reef Egrets inhabit the archipelago and the area is rich in fish life, which in turn is an attraction for bottlenose dolphins that come here to feed.
Ende Flores, Indonesia
The town of Ende is found on the south coast of Flores, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Ende is also the capital city of Indonesia’s Ende Regency. Unlike many other places in Indonesia, the town and the island are predominantly Roman Catholic as they were under Portuguese rule for some 300 years. Ende is the gateway to the Kelimutu National Park to see the three coloured lakes of Kelimutu. To get there one will have to drive through the Indonesian rainforest and eventually climb up to see the “Lake of Young Men and Maidensâ€, the “Bewitched Lake†and the “Lake of Old People†–all of which not only have different colours controlled by the changes in chemical conditions, but also a distinctive physical structure, and a unique geochemical and hydrothermal regime.
Pulau Kital, Indonesia
Located close to Pulau Maopora, the tiny Pulau Kital is part of the small Barat Daya archipelago in the Sunda Islands and stretches less than half a mile across. A beach encircles the densely forested island. While the neighboring islands show hilly terrain, Pulau Kital is quite flat, which makes it a lovely spot to visit and stroll through its lush vegetation that includes Barringtonia, frangipani, Bougainvillea and beach almond. The island lies on the southern edge of the Banda Sea, where visitors can rest on the pristine, rarely visited beaches and swim and snorkel at heart’s delight.
Bau-Bau, Indonesia
Buton Island seems to be small compared to its neighbor Sulawesi, but with slightly more than 4,400 square kilometers (just under 1,700 square miles) it is Indonesia’s 19th largest island. Much of the lowland consists of uplifted karst and other limestone formations. Due to its hilly topography it still has a considerable amount of forest; most of it is seasonal tropical lowland forest with mangroves in coastal areas. Visitors to Bau-Bau, the main city on Buton Island, may well be welcomed with a mangaru, which is a welcome dance performed by three men to respect guests and to ward off enemies. Overlooking Bau-Bau is Benteng Keraton Buton, known as having been the seat of the sultan. Claiming to be the biggest fort in Indonesia and made of coral blocks, it commands an excellent view over the city and port and the sea beyond.
Semarang (Gateway For Borobodur), Indonesia
Semarang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, situated on Java’s north coast between the shore of the Java Sea and a small ridge of mountains. Ceded to the Dutch West India Company in 1677 by King Amangkurat I in payment of his debts, it became their headquarters and the seat of the Dutch governor of the northeast provinces. Semarang’s usefulness as a port waned due to the gradual silting up of the harbor; by the 19th century, Surabaya had eclipsed Semarang as Java’s premier port. With a population of over one million, a third of whom are thought to be of Chinese extraction, Semarang is the largest city in Central Java and its administrative capital. Semarang serves as a popular gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and to fabled Borobudur.
Singapore, Singapore
Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens’ skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean – and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city’s neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up – nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs – and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark.