One of Asia's great economic successes, Singapore has fused diverse cultures into one dynamic nation.
Behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Beneath the westernized modernity beats a totally Asian heart. Strong beliefs center around extended families, filial piety, discipline, respect and Asian work ethics. Singapore’s name, meaning "Lion City," can be traced to the 13th century, and today there is the mythical Merlion, half-lion, half-fish, standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River as the symbol of Singapore. A recent advertising campaign billed Singapore as "A Fine City."
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology. Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations visit. Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
May 15, 2028 - Singapore
One of Asia's great economic successes, Singapore has fused diverse cultures into one dynamic nation.
Behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Beneath the westernized modernity beats a totally Asian heart. Strong beliefs center around extended families, filial piety, discipline, respect and Asian work ethics. Singapore’s name, meaning "Lion City," can be traced to the 13th century, and today there is the mythical Merlion, half-lion, half-fish, standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River as the symbol of Singapore. A recent advertising campaign billed Singapore as "A Fine City."
May 16, 2028 - At Sea
May 17, 2028 - Belitung Islands
May 18, 2028 - Krakatoa (Krakatau)
Anyone interested in natural processes and geology will be fascinated by Krakatoa (Krakatau). The cataclysmic eruption of 1883 captures the imagination, and spectacular volcanic activity continues to the present. Visitors can hike around the island and see the massive volcano up close, as well as the newest volcano island called "Anak Krakatau." Local guides are also available to assist visitors while touring the area.
May 19, 2028 - Peucang Island (Ujung Kulon)
May 20, 2028 - At Sea
May 21, 2028 - Tanjung Puting National Park
Tanjung Puting National Park, located on the Indonesian island of Borneo, is home to a wide variety flora and fauna. However, it is most famous for its orangutan and proboscis monkey conservation programs. Tanjung Puting was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977.
May 22, 2028 - Karimun Jawa
The Karimun Jawa Islands comprise an archipelago of 27 small islets, of which Karimun Jawa is the largest. Only seven of the islands are inhabited. The vegetation consists mainly of mangrove and beach forest, although there is some lowland rain forest on Karimun Jawa. Most of the islands are surrounded by sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs. Fresh water is confined to a few small wells and forest streams on Karimun Jawa.
May 23, 2028 - Semarang
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. With a population of over one million, Semarang is the largest city in Central Java and its capital. Semarang serves as a popular gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and to fabled Borobudur. Pasar Johar Market is the sprawling central market, selling brassware and bric-a-brac in addition to foodstuffs and textiles. Citraland is a convenient shopping mall on Simpang Lima, one of the major shopping streets. The majority of Semarang’s restaurants are centered around Jalan Gajah Mada. Their menus feature every variety of Asian cuisine. Other sights include Gereja Blenduk - a Protestant Dutch church dating from 1753 and the oldest church in Central Java. Built in the shape of a Greek cross, it features a baroque organ and pulpit; and Chinatown - offering such buildings as the Confucian Thay Kak Sie Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and built in 1772.
May 24, 2028 - Pulau Bawean
May 25, 2028 - Probolinggo, Java
Probolinggo is a port village from where to explore cultural and natural sites slightly further afield, with the Jabung Temple - a 14th century Buddhist structure in red stone - close by. Visit the captivating volcanic landscape at the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, which has the most active volcano system in Indonesia. Experience Tenggerese culture in the network of myriad villages within and along the edges of the park; the Tenggarese Poten Temple in the "sea of sand" along the base of Mt. Bromo provides a look into this austere tribe's aesthetic. Higher elevations in the park are barren and feel as though you are on another world, whereas descending into the foothills you will find peaceful, hidden natural sanctuaries, like the Madakaripura Waterfall and its caves, providing repreive from hiking around Mt. Bromo.
Get on the water at the Pekalen River, known for its river rafting with Class III+ white water, or opt for a taste of local fruit at Probolinggo's mango and grape gardens, visit the Andung Biru tea plantation or shop for unique, handmade goods at the craft stalls.
May 26, 2028 - Menjangan Island
May 27, 2028 - Benoa
Benoa (Tanjung Benoa) is a modern Balinese resort - a government-run dreamland of coconut palms, white sand beaches and pristine waters located near the island's southernmost tip. Geologically, the area is quite different from the rest of Bali, and even from the rest of the Bukit peninsula upon which it rests. Instead of rice fields or limestone cliffs, there is sandy soil reaching down to a long, sandy beach protected by a reef. Coconut trees are everywhere. The climate here is also drier than the rest of Bali, freshened by a mild ocean breeze.