Active Chile & Argentina Exploration Private Tour
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Active Asia Private Tour: Bali, Borneo, Singapore, Koh Samui
Why You Should Go
Bali is one of our favorite island destinations in the Pacific Rim. We recommend traveling to Bali not for the beaches, but rather, for its beautiful, lush interior, most unique Hindu-animistic culture, and its luxurious world-class, high-touch resorts. During our last visit to Bali, Bev, Zen, and I very much enjoyed walking through the lush green terraced rice fields and villages near the artists’ enclave of Ubud. Religious festivals are held throughout the year, adding a special dimension to any stay. The verdant Bali countryside is quite idyllic and surreal.
Just directly north of Bali sits the third-largest island in the world, Borneo. Borneo is located in the Malay Peninsula, bordered by the northwest region of the South China Sea and spanning south ot the Java Sea. Though the island is effectively split into two regions, above the equator and below the equator, the climate reflects the hot, humid equatorial temperatures. As the third-largest island in the world, Borneo is home to an expansive, dense rainforest. Based on its remote location, set amongst tropical plants, grasses, trees, and orchids. The main reason for staying here is the location’s rich wildlife experience, set around a lake and within walking distance of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
As one of the world’s richest nations and the capital of global finance, Singapore has been awash in green for decades. Lately, the densely populated city-state is burnishing its credentials as another type of green center – the ecological kind. A study released in The Economist magazine’s Intelligence Unit and Siemens ranked Singapore as the “greenest city in Asia!” Here, we love the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a massive 183-acre complex (1/5th the size of New York’s Central Park!).
Koh Samui offers tropical foliage with bountiful wildlife spanning the northernmost and southernmost points of the Chumphon Archipelago. Located atop a hillside in the beautiful Gulf of Siam on Laem Yai Bay, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is what we would consider a serene oasis paradise. If interested, the hotel offers many activities and excursions, such as private yacht expeditions and adventures to some of Koh Samui’s landmarks, such as Hin Ta Hin Yai, the Big Buddha Temple, Plai Laem Temple, Na Muang Waterfall, and the Chaweng viewpoint, and other activities, including diving and snorkeling.
Sample Itinerary
16 Days
Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample and can be made longer/shorter or adjusted for personal preferences. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines. Our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.
Day 1
Fly to Bali
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
Day 2
Arrive Bali
Upon arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, you will be met by a private guide to be transferred to COMO Shambhala Estate for check-in, with the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: COMO Shambhala Estate
Day 3 - 6
Active & Cultural Days at COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali
Spend the next four days exploring Bali and participating in active hiking and cultural COMO Shambhala excursions, accompanied by a private guide. Activities include trekking through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Jatiluwih rice fields set in the plateau of Mount Batukaru, exploring the depths of the cavernous Tibumana, Kato Lampo, and Tukad Cepung waterfalls, and having the option of partaking in a sacred water purification ritual at the historic Tirta Empul Temple.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: COMO Shambhala Estate
Day 7
Fly Bali to Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur + Option: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center or Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Upon arrival in Sandakan, you will be privately transferred to Sepilok Nature Lodge. Based on its remote jungle location, the 23-chalet Sepilok Nature Resort offers clean, controlled accommodations perfect for an overnight stay. Our favorite part of this resort is the massive garden (which practically hides the property!), displaying an impressive collection of exotic plants, including 150 different species of orchid and fruit varieties.
Option: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
Just steps away from the Sepilok Nature Resort, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center covers an area of approximately 10,600 acres on the edge of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. At any given time, 60-80 orphaned orangutans live free in the reserve, with about 20 young orphans housed in the nurseries. Feeding time (10 am – 3 pm) is the precious time to interact with these amazing creatures. Although you are not allowed to touch, rest assured that you will have up-close opportunities to be amused.
Option: Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
In the center of the mangrove forests of Semawang lies the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to see Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys native to Borneo Island. This privately-owned nature sanctuary and reserve gives you the chance to observe these animals up close, though we prefer the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Lodge
Day 8
Transfer to Sukau Rainforest Lodge + Kinabatangan River Cruise Excursion
Perched on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River and surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest, the luxury 20-room, 20-villa Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning eco-lodge, with the distinction of being one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World!”
After settling into your villa, you will be introduced to a local nature guide who will review the wildlife you may encounter (including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and rhino hornbills) on a river cruise along the 348-mile-long Kinabatangan River, beginning in the Crocker Range in Southwest Sabah and ending at the Sulu Sea southeast of Sandakan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Day 9
Kinabatangan River & Menaggul River Cruising
Enjoy a sunrise river cruise to reach small tributaries of the main river and the amazing Pitas Oxbow Lake. This is an optimal time to observe birds and monkeys in search of food in the early morning. You will be transferred back to the lodge for breakfast. Your morning activity includes trekking in the surrounding forests, followed by lunch at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
Late afternoon, you will take another cruise along the Menaggul River in search of more flora and fauna. After dinner at the lodge, you have the option to embark on a nighttime river cruise to discover nocturnal wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Day 10
Fly Sandakan to Singapore via Kuala Lumpur
Upon arrival in Singapore, you will be privately transferred to The Fullerton Hotel, situated directly on the Singapore River.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Day 11
Discretionary Day in Singapore at Leisure
Today, enjoy a full discretionary day in Singapore with optional use of a private guide and driver. Suggested stopovers include the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Arab Street, Emerald Hill in the heart of Orchard Road, and the Yong Gallery in Chinatown.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Fullerton Hotel
Day 12
Fly Singapore to Koh Samui
Upon arrival in Koh Samui, you will be privately transferred to Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Day 13-15
Discretionary Days in Koh Samui
Enjoy the next three days at leisure to relax and unwind with the outstanding amenities at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui or Amanpuri. If interested, you may partake in various activities and excursions such as diving, snorkeling, private yacht expeditions to some of Koh Samui’s landmarks, or indulging in spa treatments at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui or Amanpuri
Day 16
Fly Koh Samui/Home via Singapore
Following breakfast at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, you will be transferred to Koh Samui Airport for your flight home.
HOTELS
This luxury health retreat/resort is located in what we feel is among the most strikingly beautiful areas of the Ayung River Gorge. The Balinese-style accommodations are made up of five residences, each with four to five suites and a shared pool. In addition, the property includes more contemporary Estate Suites (5) and Villas (5) with private pools. All suites boast beautiful natural views and various locally-made Balinese fabrics. In addition to COMO’s organic restaurant serving Balinese, Italian, and South Asian food, we very much enjoyed its Kudus House. Kudus House is set in a 150-year-old wooden Balinese structure, serving unique regional dishes. The estate’s comprehensive wellness activities include a hydrotherapy spa, nutritionist, psychotherapist, as well as an indoor and outdoor gym. Enjoy Balinese heaven!
COMO Shambhala Estate
View More InfoThis luxury health retreat/resort is located in what we feel is among the most strikingly beautiful areas of the Ayung River Gorge. The Balinese-style accommodations are made up of five residences, each with four to five suites and a shared pool. In addition, the property includes more contemporary Estate Suites (5) and Villas (5) with private pools. All suites boast beautiful natural views and various locally-made Balinese fabrics. In addition to COMO’s organic restaurant serving Balinese, Italian, and South Asian food, we very much enjoyed its Kudus House. Kudus House is set in a 150-year-old wooden Balinese structure, serving unique regional dishes. The estate’s comprehensive wellness activities include a hydrotherapy spa, nutritionist, psychotherapist, as well as an indoor and outdoor gym. Enjoy Balinese heaven!
Based on its remote jungle location, set amongst tropical plants, grasses, trees, and orchids, the 23-chalet Sepilok Nature Lodge provides clean, controlled accommodations, perfect for an overnight stay. Our favorite part of this resort is its gigantic garden (which practically hides the property!), holding an impressive collection of exotic plants, including 150 different species of orchid and fruit varieties. Though certainly a more ‘basic’ accommodation compared to the luxury Four Seasons, each chalet does include air-conditioning, overhead fans, and ensuite bathrooms, and verandas which overlook either the lake or rainforest. The big plus for staying here is the location’s rich wildlife experience, set around a lake and within walking distance of the famous Sepilor Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
Sepilok Nature Lodge
View More InfoBased on its remote jungle location, set amongst tropical plants, grasses, trees, and orchids, the 23-chalet Sepilok Nature Lodge provides clean, controlled accommodations, perfect for an overnight stay. Our favorite part of this resort is its gigantic garden (which practically hides the property!), holding an impressive collection of exotic plants, including 150 different species of orchid and fruit varieties. Though certainly a more ‘basic’ accommodation compared to the luxury Four Seasons, each chalet does include air-conditioning, overhead fans, and ensuite bathrooms, and verandas which overlook either the lake or rainforest. The big plus for staying here is the location’s rich wildlife experience, set around a lake and within walking distance of the famous Sepilor Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
During our stay here back in 2016, we were a bit surprised at the level of comfort + great food the lodge provides, despite such a remote solar-powered location! Similar to Botswana’s “Big 5,” we were lucky to sight Borneo’s native “Big 5” version, including Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, pygmy elephants, and rhino hornbills. Our only miss was the elusive Estuarine Crocodile! Enjoy this untouched wildlife-rich rainforest! Perched on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River and surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest, the luxury 20-room, 20-villa Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning eco-lodge, with the distinction of being one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World! Though opened back in 1995 as the Sukau region’s first eco-lodge, the property has gone through several renovations over the past few years.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
View More InfoDuring our stay here back in 2016, we were a bit surprised at the level of comfort + great food the lodge provides, despite such a remote solar-powered location! Similar to Botswana’s “Big 5,” we were lucky to sight Borneo’s native “Big 5” version, including Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, pygmy elephants, and rhino hornbills. Our only miss was the elusive Estuarine Crocodile! Enjoy this untouched wildlife-rich rainforest! Perched on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River and surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest, the luxury 20-room, 20-villa Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning eco-lodge, with the distinction of being one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World! Though opened back in 1995 as the Sukau region’s first eco-lodge, the property has gone through several renovations over the past few years.
We feel the 400-room, 5-Star Fullerton Hotel is among the finest high-end properties in Singapore. Situated directly on the river, we find the hotel not to be just a luxury stay, but an iconic piece of Singapore history! The magnificent building, built in 1928, is a grand neoclassical landmark (officially listed in 2015 as a National Monument), as it was once home to Singapore’s General Post Office, the Exchange, Chamber of Commerce, and the prestigious Singapore Club. Additionally, the Fullerton building was designated as one of the sites to be protected from bomb shellings during World War II (!). What makes the building so special is its character—history is etched in every piece of interior design (despite being renovated many times and now sporting a more contemporary look). Luxury amenities here include a full-size outdoor infinity pool, the Fullerton Spa (offering a variety of treatments), The Straits Club lounge area, fitness center & gym, currency exchange machine, heritage art gallery, koi pond, and five onsite gastronomy options. We recommend eating lunch at the sunlit atrium Courtyard, which features an all-glass ceiling to maximize natural light.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
View More InfoWe feel the 400-room, 5-Star Fullerton Hotel is among the finest high-end properties in Singapore. Situated directly on the river, we find the hotel not to be just a luxury stay, but an iconic piece of Singapore history! The magnificent building, built in 1928, is a grand neoclassical landmark (officially listed in 2015 as a National Monument), as it was once home to Singapore’s General Post Office, the Exchange, Chamber of Commerce, and the prestigious Singapore Club. Additionally, the Fullerton building was designated as one of the sites to be protected from bomb shellings during World War II (!). What makes the building so special is its character—history is etched in every piece of interior design (despite being renovated many times and now sporting a more contemporary look). Luxury amenities here include a full-size outdoor infinity pool, the Fullerton Spa (offering a variety of treatments), The Straits Club lounge area, fitness center & gym, currency exchange machine, heritage art gallery, koi pond, and five onsite gastronomy options. We recommend eating lunch at the sunlit atrium Courtyard, which features an all-glass ceiling to maximize natural light.
Originally built as a 19th-century spice warehouse, the Design Hotels group has beautifully restored the property to a unique, contemporary aesthetic, with no two rooms alike! The signature feature is the hotel’s loft-style rooms, which include big bathrooms and luxury amenities. With Singapore’s June average high temperature approaching 90°F, the very nice rooftop pool should be a welcome sight!
Warehouse Boutique Hotel Singapore
View More InfoOriginally built as a 19th-century spice warehouse, the Design Hotels group has beautifully restored the property to a unique, contemporary aesthetic, with no two rooms alike! The signature feature is the hotel’s loft-style rooms, which include big bathrooms and luxury amenities. With Singapore’s June average high temperature approaching 90°F, the very nice rooftop pool should be a welcome sight!
Set on a lush hillside above white sand beaches, Amanpuri’s 40 luxury suites are accessed via steep stairs and a maze of walkways. Amanpuri has been a Lynch family favorite for the past several years and is the first AMAN resort that still impresses years after its debut in 1988. In addition to a 90 ft. freshwater pool, other amenities include an indoor/outdoor spa with a holistic wellness center featuring traditional Chinese medicine practices. For fitness, Amanpuri has a professional boxing ring to experience an authentic Muay Thai training class, and tennis lessons with Phillipe Dupuy. Additional high-quality AMAN amenities include a glass-walled gym with views of the sea, a private beach club, and multiple restaurants. Also notable, the property can arrange chartered yachts/speedboats to the Phi Phi Islands. Amanpuri also offers various on-site classes and off-site excursions along the Andaman Sea. One of the main highlights is the sunset cruise experience, which takes you to Phuket’s western coast to view the clear waters and diverse ocean life at Koh Wai Island.
Amanpuri
View More InfoSet on a lush hillside above white sand beaches, Amanpuri’s 40 luxury suites are accessed via steep stairs and a maze of walkways. Amanpuri has been a Lynch family favorite for the past several years and is the first AMAN resort that still impresses years after its debut in 1988. In addition to a 90 ft. freshwater pool, other amenities include an indoor/outdoor spa with a holistic wellness center featuring traditional Chinese medicine practices. For fitness, Amanpuri has a professional boxing ring to experience an authentic Muay Thai training class, and tennis lessons with Phillipe Dupuy. Additional high-quality AMAN amenities include a glass-walled gym with views of the sea, a private beach club, and multiple restaurants. Also notable, the property can arrange chartered yachts/speedboats to the Phi Phi Islands. Amanpuri also offers various on-site classes and off-site excursions along the Andaman Sea. One of the main highlights is the sunset cruise experience, which takes you to Phuket’s western coast to view the clear waters and diverse ocean life at Koh Wai Island.
Request Custom Itinerary
Thank you for your interest in Kipling & Clark. We look forward to serving you!
Please note we specialize in global private luxury travel, including private guides and drivers throughout, high-quality accommodations, inclusive of safari lodges and ryokans, in-country rail/air, and all taxes/service fees.
Dependent on destination and seasonality, our comprehensive private tour costs are upward of USD 4K-6K per couple per day.
Overview
Temperature
Highs: High 80s
Lows: Mid 70s
Area
1,904,569 km2
735,358 sq mi
Capital
Jakarta
Population
281.3 million
Language
Indonesian
Currency
Indonesian rupiah
Temperature
Highs: High 80s
Lows: Mid 70s
Area
330,877 sq km
127,752 sq mi
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Population
33.5 million
Language
Malay
Currency
Malaysian ringgit
Temperature
Highs: Low 90s
Lows: High 80s
Area
735 sq km
284 sq mi
Capital
Singapore
Population
5.9 million
Language
English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Currency
Singapore dollar
Temperature
Highs: Low 80s
Lows: Low 70s
Area
513,140 sq km
198,123 sq mi
Capital
Bangkok
Population
70.3 million
Language
Thai
Currency
Thai baht
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