Stone, Steel, Fire And Water: Singapore & Indonesia

Experience overview

This program takes travelers to the most ancient and modern cities in Southeast Asia's Ring of Fire, linking the Stone Age traditions of Sumatra and Sulawesi, the attractions of Singapore, and the rich artistic heritage of Yogyakarta and Bali. Start in Singapore, taking in the dazzling modernity and the traditional neighborhoods that combine to make Singapore one of Asia's most exciting destinations. After touring this island nation, begin touring Indonesia. Fly to Medan, then continue on to beautiful Lake Toba, home of the Batak people. Their religion combines elements of ancestor worship and animism with Christianity. Traditional arts such as woodcarving and weaving express religious ideals. Explore the royal tombs of Samosir Island, and the beautiful Sipisopiso waterfalls. Return to Medan for a flight to Yogyakarta. This ancient royal capital is an excellent base for exploring the city's lively contemporary arts scene, and the ancient temples of Borobudor and Prambanan. Next, fly to Bali, where you will tour traditional artisans' villages around Ubud, known as the cultural heart of the island. Fly to Surabaya, then on to Ujung Pandang and up to the Toraja region of central Sulawesi. Local legends assert that these people originated from Southeast Asia; their ancestors are said to have washed up on the shores, and used their broken boats as roofs. Today, traditional Toraja houses face to the north, and are shaped like ships. Spend three days exploring this extraordinary region, learning about its people, and their intriguing animist traditions. Return to Bali for two nights, before flying home.

Highlights

  • Explore Southeast Asia's Ring of Fire: Visit ancient and modern cities like Sumatra, Sulawesi, Singapore, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
  • Experience Singapore: Enjoy modernity and traditional neighborhoods.
  • Discover Indonesia: Explore Medan, Lake Toba, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
  • Unique Cultural Experiences: Learn about the Batak people's religious beliefs at Lake Toba and explore Yogyakarta's vibrant arts scene.
  • Artisan Villages in Bali: Visit traditional villages around Ubud.
  • Toraja Region in Sulawesi: Experience unique ancestral traditions and boat-shaped houses.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

Culinary highlights

Beach holidays

Exotic islands


Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arrive Singapore;

Day 2: Morning tour, dinner cruise;

Day 3: Morning tour;

Day 4: Morning tour, evening opera tour;

Day 5: Fly to Medan, drive to Brastagi;

Day 6: Lake Toba and Samosir touring;

Day 7: Day at leisure;

Day 8: Fly to Yogyakarta,

Day 9: City tour;

Day 10: Tour Borobudor and Prambanan;

Day 11: Fly to Bali;

Day 12: Besakih tour;

Day 13:: Fly to Ujung Pandang, drive to Rantepao;

Days 14 & 15: Tanah Toraja touring;

Day 16: Fly to Bali;

Day 17: Day at leisure;

Day 18: International departure

 

Day 1
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Client Reviews: Find out what our clients have said about their experience.

Melinda & John
Nov 2016
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Not only were we treated royally and terribly spoiled, but we felt we got a sense of the Japanese people, their history and their culture. It is a trip that we will always find joy in remembering. Thank you so much for all you did to make it such a memorable time for us.
Sarah & Evan
April 2016
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We had no idea what a Microlight was going into our honeymoon, and seeing it when we arrived admittedly made us weak in the knees… But it ended up being the highlight of Zambia for us and we can’t imagine experiencing the magnitude of Victoria Falls any other way!
Tracy & Matt
April 12, 2016
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It was a life changing experience and we couldn't be happier to have done it, learned so much, seen so much, and escaped from work for a couple of weeks!
Scott Eirinberg
March 2017
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If you don't have a friend overseas, Absolute Asia is like the next best thing. We found their guides so friendly and knowledgeable, that we even traded recipes and photos with a couple of them after the trip.
Geoff & Annie
April 2018
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Absolute Asia nailed every aspect of our trip, immersing us in the folklore and dramatic wild beauty synonymous with the magical land, while also fitting in five star luxury…
Nina Greenberg
May 2018
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The level of service and the itinerary were all spot on. I left feeling that within a two week time period I had seen and experienced the best of Kenya!
Seth & Nicole
Oct 2018
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The planning process was excellent. My biggest concern at the outset was a lack of deep conversation from other agencies. My expectation was that someone would take the time commensurate with the cost and Jessica did exactly that
Alfond Family
Nov 2018
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We brought our two grandchildren, ages 12 and 14, to South Africa to fulfill a long-held dream of ours. Attention was paid by Daniela and her colleagues to every detail and every nuance of our trip, and after all of our raves, it’s inevitable that we shall have to come back with our other seven!
Nathan Battle
Dec 2018
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Absolute Asia packed our trip with hidden secrets, insider experiences, and top notch local guides-transforming our vacation into a a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Superb!
Stefanie Rubin
Dec 2018
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Absolute Asia has been an invaluable partner to American Jewish World Service (AJWS). AJWS has been able to provide high-end philanthropy travel to our donors because of Absolute Travel’s attention to detail, flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile to meet our needs. Thank you for helping us to elevate our program to new heights of excellence.
Kim & Heb
Dec 2018
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Absolute Asia showed us sides of Morocco we would not have discovered on our own. Thank you for designing an unforgettable trip.
Dan & Meg
Dec 2018
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Thank you so much for all of the help. It was a trip we’ll never forget and you made it so easy...
Lori & Bill
Dec 2018
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I must say our 2 weeks in Asia has truly been the best experience of my life thus far! We truly appreciate you planning that for us.
Gary Fischman
Dec 2018
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You know, when expectations are sky high, as they were for this trip, there is a very high risk of disappointment. Still, this trip exceeded our expectations. It was truly an incredible, awesome experience. Thanks again for your expertise in putting together this trip. We’ll most definitely go to Africa again in the future.
AMAZING experience. There is no way that we would’ve had the same experience if we planned this trip ourselves. Absolute Asia treated us better than we would’ve treated ourselves!
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