Romancing Malaysia & Bali

Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, or KL, the cosmopolitan Malaysian capital, situated along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and amongst Southeast Asia’s fastest growing cities.

On day two, our morning tour takes us out to KL’s outer suburbs. We first visit Royal Selangor, Malaysia’s leading manufacturer of pewter products, where we take a fascinating guided factory tour. At a Batik Factory, learn about the meticulous techniques required to produce batik, an age-old wax painting craft. Continue to the Batu Caves, an important Hindu landmark and cave-temple, housing an impressive array of sacred shrines and statues.

Later, take refined dining to a whole new level, literally, 282m (925ft) above ground level, in an upscale revolving restaurant, atop Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower. While feasting on a sumptuous buffet, enjoy spectacular 360° views of the city’s glittering skyline. Dinner is preceded by a private guided city tour through Chinatown’s colourful street bazaars, passing illuminated landmarks that include iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin structures.

Enjoy a full day of leisure together in Kuala Lumpur, an exciting metropolis that presents an intoxicating blend of old-world charm and new-world sophistication. Experience the capital’s famed retail therapy, in one of many glamorous mega-malls and the incredibly diverse dining options, including world-acclaimed, multi-ethnic cuisine. Additionally, discover some of the city’s key landmarks and heritage sights, including the King’s Palace, Independence Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Depart early for the two-hour-plus drive to the historic state of Malacca (Melaka). Once a strategic trading port, Malacca is regarded as the birthplace of the nation’s historic and cultural roots. Rich with heritage buildings and landmarks, the state capital, Malacca City, is today recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage City – a superb destination to discover the centuries-old legacies of European colonial forces. Our full-day heritage tour starts with A Famosa Historical Complex, a 16th century Portuguese fortress and one of Asia’s oldest surviving remnants of European architecture. This contains the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and Porta de Santiago, the latter, the only fortress section still intact. Continue on to 17th century Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Chinatown’s bustling Jonker Street.

Arrive in Bali, the “Island of the Gods”, embedded amidst the Indonesian archipelago. One of the planet’s top holiday destinations, Bali is amply blessed with natural tropical beauty and a unique Balinese Hindu religion that is interwoven with the island’s traditions, spirituality and culture.

Transfer to Bali’s cool, lush central highlands and ancient royal town of Ubud. One of Bali’s most popular destinations, Ubud has long been acknowledged as the island’s cultural and artistic heart and nowadays, guardian of the authentic “Bali Spirit.” Spend the remainder of your day exploring Ubud and its outlying traditional artisan villages.

Over the centuries, Ubud has evolved as a centre of healing and spirituality and is home to numerous holistic healers and practitioners of alternative health. Today, this highland town is one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations. Journey beyond Ubud, to a luxurious and secluded tented camp, set amongst picturesque rice fields and a rainforested river gorge.

Amid this all-natural setting, within a floating tent beside the peaceful Ayung River, be totally pampered with a soothing 60-minute treatment that incorporates a foot bath and body massage. Once fully rejuvenated, enjoy a sumptuous High Tea in a silk-panelled tent. Conclude your blissful day in Ubud’s magical rainforests, enjoying a Balinese dance performance – an ancient Hindu form of storytelling.

Embark on a unique culinary experience, pairing authentic Balinese cuisine with themed food adventures, perfect for gourmands who wish to learn not only about traditional recipes, but also about the native cuisine and its cultural influences.

These meals or cooking classes are structured around locally-based and off-the-beaten-track experiences. Choose from five compelling “Day in the life” themes, which represent traditional Balinese culture. Visit a secluded rustic village to see how palm wine is produced, or join a local fisherman for a fishing expedition on a Jukung, a traditional outrigger fishing boat. Cycle through emerald-green rice fields and the rainforested foothills of Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest mountain-volcano. Alternatively, learn how to create beauty products from all-natural organic ingredients, or shop super-early with the locals at a rural market.

Drive to Tabanan Regency, one of Bali’s most picturesque regions. Stop at Taman Ayun, a UNESCO-recognised temple built in 1634 and one of Bali’s most sacred and visually stunning Hindu temples. Part of the traditional Balinese rice field irrigation system (Subak), this mammoth temple complex is encircled by a wide moat. Continue to one of Bali’s most venerated sea temples, Tanah Lot, which was founded in the 16th century. With its iconic silhouette of shrines perched upon a wave-lashed rock, this is one of Bali’s most photographed sites. Conclude your day in Canggu, at Hotel Tugu Bali, an award-winning “living museum” dedicated to preserving Javanese and Balinese cultural heritage. Beside Canggu’s crashing surf, savour a gourmet seaside lunch.

Indulge in a blissful day of “alone time” together. This idyllic island offers countless places and activities to share and create cherished memories. Make the most of the alluring golden sands of crescent-shaped Jimbaran Bay, one of Bali’s finest stretches of beach. Although Jimbaran has developed into a popular resort destination, it is still a traditional fishing community that maintains a distinct Balinese village ambiance. Enjoy your time sun worshipping, kayaking in the bay and sunset dining with your toes in the sand at Jimbaran’s famous seafood restaurants.

Spend an idyllic day on and around the paradise island of Nusa Lembongan, one of a trio of small islands that is a short distance, yet a world away, from Bali’s bustling southern shores. Measuring just 8sqkm (3sqmi), this lovely island is renowned for its crystal clear waters and vanilla white-sand beaches, as well as a distinct lack of hawkers, traffic and noise. Enjoy a leisurely two-hour cruise on a private luxury catamaran, starting with breakfast served on board. You may be lucky and spot dolphins frolicking in the warm waters. On arrival at Nusa Lembongan, indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch at The Reef Club, followed by an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. The cruise back to the mainland coincides with the sun sinking into the ocean, with an exotic cocktail in hand.

Late afternoon, set sail from Jimbaran Beach on a Jukung, a traditional outrigger fishing boat, exclusively chartered for the two of you. On this romantic sunset cruise, sail past dramatic limestone cliffs into Jimbaran Bay, where you can admire one of Bali’s legendary sunsets. Under vast mango-hued skies high above the Indian Ocean, your private staff will indulge you on-deck with gourmet canapés and Champagne. Toast together, in a fitting finale to a truly memorable journey of romance.

Free at leisure until the transfer to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport for your onward flight.