Regent Seven Seas Cruise - Singapore to Sydney

This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers an extraordinary array of culture, history and cuisine. Embrace exotic sights and sounds strolling through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head to the Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor before dining at one of many international eateries. Shop along Orchard Road for treasures from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Wander the wondrously futuristic Gardens By the Bay before relaxing with a refreshing Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Semarang is a city on the north coast of the island of Java, Indonesia. A major port during the Dutch colonial era, the city is known in Indonesia for its large ethnically Chinese population. Today, Semarang is a commercial port and administrative capital of Central Java. More a business center than a city for tourists, it is, however, an excellent gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and only some 60 miles away from world-famous Borobudur.

From Buddhist temples to an historic Arab Quarter, the capital of Indonesia’s East Java province is known as a gateway city but you’ll find charms throughout its diverse neighborhoods. One of the most unusual is the House of Sampoerna, a well-preserved historical site built in the 19th-century Dutch colonial style that includes a museum, café and art gallery. You’ll spot the turquoise, dome-shaped roof of the remarkable Al Akbar Mosque Surabaya from anywhere in the city. Opened in 2000, the stylish masterpiece provides spectacular views from atop the freestanding, ottoman-style minaret. Dine on a variety of East Javanese dishes made from locally caught seafood.

Benoa’s charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don’t miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Benoa’s charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don’t miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Indonesia’s isolated Komodo Island is a natural wonder of tropical savanna and scrubland, home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth that they can be found in the wild. The island of Komodo itself is about 60 squares miles in area with dramatic landscapes of 2,000 foot craggy mountains, canyons, Savannas and monsoon rain forests in the valleys. Human habitation is therefore limited to only one settlement in Slawi Bay.

Along the coast of the Northern Territory lies Darwin, a city isolated by the vast Australian desert. The area was sought by the French, Dutch and British, and was established as the town of Darwin in 1869. In 1942, the city was under the threat of a Japanese attack, so a major Australian military base was established. Today Darwin is the largest city of the Northern Territory, offering sights from its colonial past and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

This quaint frontier town, scenically located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Cooktown is the site of Australia’s first European settlement. The town is named after the famous South Seas explorer Captain Cook, and Cook’s Pillar marks the spot where his ship, the Endeavour landed ashore in 1770. Grassy Hill offers a 360° panorama of the countryside and pristine beaches. The area remains a near-wilderness offering dramatic mountains, eucalypts, mangroves and rainforests, heathlands, grasslands, and rivers for the adventurous traveler.

Port description coming soon.

Head out to the Great Barrier Reef Headquarters Aquarium, or discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails and wildlife. Take home local artwork, crafts, jewelry and souvenirs. Savor fresh seafood along with a wide variety of international cuisines, perhaps a cold beer or a glass of fine wine.

Soak up the laid-back, tropical atmosphere of the coastal village of Airlie Beach. This vibrant town is filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants. Walk down Shute Harbour Road, the main street and back bone of Airlie Beach that is lined with outdoor restaurants, cafes and bars. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsundays, the 74 pristine islands in the north of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef where you can visit luxurious resorts and sip cocktails by the pool, bask in the sun or relax in a spa.

This welcoming beachside city boasts an intriguing maritime history along with beautiful coastline and diverse natural landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to preserved wetlands to coastal sand dunes. In addition to its celebrated beaches, the city’s unique ocean baths are among the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The most spectacular views of the beaches and harbor are found at Fort Scratchley Historic Site, where you can also learn about the city’s naval and mining history in the system of underground tunnels. For a taste of the local flavor, stroll down Darby Street and find great eateries and restaurants.

One of the liveliest, must-see cities of the Pacific Rim, Sydney humbly began life as a British penal colony in 1788. Among the colorful characters in its early history was William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame who was deposed as governor during the Rum Rebellion of 1808. In 1852, with the discovery of gold in the interior, Sydney became a thriving port of the Victorian Empire. Today, Sydney looks to the future, its skyline crowned by the graceful billowing sails of its famed Opera House. Visitors can get a glimpse of the past along the narrow, twisting streets of the Rocks, Sydney’s restored historical district and for the adventurous, the Sydney bridge climb will reward you with panoramic views of the city and harbor. Excursions can reveal the spectacular, untamed beauty of the Blue Mountains with a ride on the worlds steepest perpendicular railway; or get up close and personal with Australia’s charming wildlife at the Koala Park Sanctuary, then end your day with a refreshing stop at a traditional Aussie pub.