Amongst the planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, prepare to feel as though you have just entered a zoological paradise, such is the diversity of Borneo’s floral, faunal, and cultural ecology. Relax, sit back as you cruise along in luxury between calls-to-port on the Borneo coastline, fathoming these numbers: 15,000 plants (400 only recently discovered), 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, 100 amphibians, and 394 species of fish. Borneo falls within the “Coral Triangle’, and this implies even more, 500 species of reef building corals, a global epicentre of marine biodiversity - no wonder the WWF has put this region on the top of its list for marine conservation. Available Cruise Departure Dates: Singapore>Kota Kinabalu route - 2012: Jan 18 Kota Kinabalu>Singapore route - 2012: Aug 4

Singapore is the East's great melting pot, a cultural potpourri that leaves the unsuspecting visitor dazzled. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British civil servant, brought the ‘Lion City’ to world prominence after searching for a trading station to counter the Dutch influence in the Straits of Malacca, and trade has remained the island’s mainstay. The best way to experience the remarkable diversity of the city is on foot: the traditional architecture, customs and cuisine of the various ethnic areas are in fascinating contrast to the lavish luxury shopping arcades of Orchard Road and Raffles City. Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and Anglican and Catholic cathedrals are all likely to be encountered during a comparatively brief walk around some of the central areas of Singapore. St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the Al-Abrar Mosque, the vast and florid Kong Meng Sang Phor Kark See Temple Complex, the Chettiar Hindu Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple are only a few of these.

A private vehicle with driver will pick you up and provide a transfer between the hotel and Airport.

Grand Park City Hall (4*) is strategically located within the historically vibrant Civic District. Within walking distance are some of Singapore’s oldest and historical landmarks – a living glimpse into the city-state’s history. The ten-storey atrium hotel combines the charm of restored, century-old shophouses and modern architecture, providing an interesting mix that has earned it the prestigious Architectural Heritage Award. Grand Park City Hall is also within the Central Business District and the new Downtown, providing easy access for business needs. The hotel is next to Raffles City, Suntec and Marina Bay shopping hubs, providing guests endless retail therapy possibilities.

Overnight at Grand Park City Hall (4*).

A private driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a 3.5 hour tour where you will learn about Feng Shui. Feng Shui, or geomancy, is a branch of Chinese Metaphysics studies, where the purpose of this ancient oriental art and science is to promote the achievement of harmony, balance and prosperity for the individuals’ well being as well as for business success. Understand the complementary principles of Yin-Yang, creative & controlling cycles of the Five elements, i.e. wood, fire, earth, metal and water and its relevance to achieving balance and harmony in our lives. This enlightening & intriguing experience begins with a visit to the the financial district. Appreciate how Feng Shui principles are incorporated into the building landscapes and its immediate environment to activate the auspicious qi (or good energies) such as the fish jumping over the Dragon’s Gate. Also find out where the five auspicious mythological dragons lie in Singapore and its contribution to the island state’s prosperity. Visit a Chinese calligraphic gallery to have your name translated into auspicious Chinese characters on an oriental fan (included) and then visit a popular Feng Shui Gallery to learn about auspicious tools and how to strategically place Feng Shui artefacts in your house or office. Final stop is at Suntec City, Singapore’s iconic exhibition and convention center and home to the largest fountain in the world. Understand why water or “shui” symbolizes wealth and fortune as you listen to the tales of people who have found success after touching the water at the Fountain of Wealth. Partake in the ritual and absorb the positive energy, or qi, as you end your tour before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Grand Park City Hall (4*).

Cruise along the coastal waters of Borneo, home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests, and the most pure example where the spleandor of biodiversity still prevails, hiding away countless species of flora and fauna, yet to be discovered.

Singapore cable car presents bird’s eye view of Singapore’s city skyline, the harbor and Sentosa.  Step on it at the Sentosa Luge (the first in Southeast Asia) and feel the tropical breeze as you whizz down the gravity track on your luge that’s part go-kart, part toboggan and all excitement! Requiring no special skills on the part of the rider, the luge is so easy to enjoy and is safe for all ages.  Get in touch with the history and heritage of Singapore at the Images of Singapore museum. From its origins as a Malay fishing village to its founding in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles and subsequent development into a modern cosmopolitan city of many races, customs and festivals, the Singapore Story is told vividly through life-like settings, colourful displays and costumed mannequins.

A private vehicle with driver will pick you up and provide a transfer between the hotel and Cruise Centre.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
Meet your fellow passengers, and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Begin your evening by joining your fellow travellers in the Leda Lounge for a pre-dinner drink and a briefing on tomorrow’s destination and Shoreside Expedition options by one of the Expedition Team.

The Restaurant opens at 7:00pm, though there is no rush, allowing you to dine when and with whom you choose. In warmer climes it is possible to reserve a table for dinner under the stars with full table service, be it a romantic table for 2 or a celebration for 20. After dinner you will find a duo in the Leda Lounge playing a selection of music ideally suited to conversation over a cognac, or dancing should the mood take you.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

This morning you will arrive in Kuching and go visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, a 740-hectare forest reserve where confiscated and surrendered orangutans, and other Borneo wildlife are brought for rehabilitation. Perhaps you'll get to witness the connection of a mother orang and her child, reinforcing their biological likeness to humans. In the afternoon you can also participate in a guided city tour of Kuching. The city tour will visit the Cat Monument, the symbol of Kuching, and Sarawak's oldest temple in the China Town area. The tour will take a route that showcases much of the famous architecture of Kuching including Astana (the former palace of the White Rajah), the old Colonial Law Courts, crossing the Satok Suspension Bridge dating from 1926, past old Malay style stilt houses, and stopping at a beautiful local Mosque. The highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Sarawak Museum which is acknowledged as one of the finest in the world. For those feeling a bit more independent a shuttle bus will be available in the afternoon to and from the city area and optional tours are available to purchase to further explore Kuching's rich cultural and natural history.

Optional:
If you are looking to learn more of the culture of this area an optional tour to the traditional Annah Rais Longhouse is available for purchase. The Anna Rais Longhouse is an authentic Bidayuh Longhouse located in the hills outside of Kuching. This Bidayuh village is accessible by road and it is the nearest native village from the city.

Alternately, the Rafflesia is a giant carniverous plant first discovered in Bornoe in 1818. The flower can grow over one metre in diameter and weigh over 10 kilograms. If the plant is flowering during your visit, you can take an expedition to Gunung Gadung where you will go into the park area with a guide who knows the location of the plant that is flowering on that day. The expedition team will be in communication with the rangers a few days before arrival to be updated on the chance to see the giant flowering carniverous plant.  Please note, this excursion cannot be guaranteed, as it is reliant on the flowering of the plant.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

The inflatable Zodiacs will land on a sandy beach to allow you to explore the tracks of Tanjung Datu National Park this morning. The wildlife will surround you as you explore with a great mix of primates and birdlife. There is a beautiful beach for swimming and weather permitting a beach BBQ will be hosted near the park headquarters. Later in the day there will be the opportunity to explore further into the wildlife reserve by Zodiac for more wildlife spotting.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

A series of walks of varying degrees of difficulty are available today throughout the Bako National Park. Once again you will be surrounded by wildlife, including numerous proboscis monkeys and macaques. Zodiac cruises will also be available today. Due to the fact that wildlife here have been protected since the 1950's the animals are quite used to humans and do not see them as a threat which allows you to walk through the park and see the animals quite easily.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

Today you will explore the Similajau National Park near Bintulu. You'll mostly rely on the Zodiacs to explore the river systems in search of the wildlife, however there may be an opportunity to take a boardwalk through the mangroves if the tides allow. Once again the wildlife will be everywhere and you will be keeping an extra eye out for some of the different species of hornbill usually found in this area.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

After docking at the cruise terminal in Bandar Seri Begawan, you'll have an inclusive city tour available this morning. The tour includes the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and if not in use for prayers, you'll have the opportunity to examine this architectural marvel. You will continue on to the Royal Regalia museum near the city centre which has elaborate displays of gifts received by the Sultan, and to the Brunei Museum on the Kota Batu road which has an excellent display in the Islamic Art Gallery. This tour will also visit Matam fishing village for a look into traditional ways of life in Brunei. A complimentary shuttle bus will run into the city throughout the day for shopping and exploring the city itself. This service will continue into the evening as the city is elaborately lit in the night, particularly the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is a sight to be seen with its decorative illuminations.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

Today's activities will focus on Labuan's history during WWII. The tour today will take you to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery housing the graves of many Australian, Indian and other Commonwealth forces killed during the retaking of Labuan and other parts of the Borneo campaign. You will also visit the memorial peace park and "surrender point", the location where Japanese forces surrended to the Commonwealth forces at the end of the war. You will also visit the Labuan Chimney, situated on a rise at Tanjung Kubong this famous ‘Chimney’, is a high red brick stack believed to be possibly linked to the coal mining days of Labuan. The Chimney was made from more than 23,000 pieces of red bricks imported from England. The bricks layering and works are typical of British style. The ‘Chimney’ is still very much a mystery until today. Various hypothesis has been put forward to its purpose. Some say it is an unfinished mansion. While others say it was a light house beaconing passing ships.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

There will be no landings today but still an amazing opportunity to explore the wetlands and spot wildlife from the fleet of Zodiacs. A variety of primates should present themselves today and the birdlife is significant as well, including herrons and hornbills.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

A series of interesting activities await you on Tiga today. You'll have a 2 hour round-trip walk to a mud volcano where you can even take a dip in the mud if you wish, it apparently does wonders for the skin. A short distance away is the tiny Snake Island, to which you will depart on Zodiacs during the day where you can witness banded sea kraits, and sea snakes from the ocean making their way up on to land. Sea snakes often land themselves ashore to rest and nest. Snorkeling from the main island will be available throughout the day.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Rajahs & Riches.

Today you'll arrive at the port in Kota Kinabalu, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Transfer between your beach resort and the airport.

Borneo still conjures images of mysterious myths and legends, and remains most famous for it's tales and stories about headhunting. Already in early colonial days Borneo gained its reputation as a place where ‘head-hunters roam in wild and untamed jungles.’ These nomadic tribes were also known as animist. At the helm of this millennium, vestiges of these beliefs still remain. This tour visits an ancient burial site that lies within the megalithic belt of the West Coast of Northern Borneo. It is believed that this village existed 200 years ago with the artifacts findings scattered around the nearby area.  Visit the site where the legendary headhunter Monsopiad once dwelled and roamed. This location is renowned for the 42 skulls at the Skull House of Monsopiad Cultural Village. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the Kadazan communities way of life, and to view some personal artifacts of inherited by Monsopiad descendants for 7 generations.

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort is set on Pantai Dalit beach surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation, including a unique nature reserve. Here you'll meet Sabah's icon, the fascinating Orang Utan, as well as a remarkable array of indigenous flora and fauna. Unexpected encounters with hornbills that glide right overhead, peacocks walking by during breakfast, a friendly bear cat greeting you from a tree or the occasional wild rabbit, iguana or squirrel crossing your path are all part of the magic of this remarkable resort.

Overnight at Shangri-La Rasa Ria.

Rich in flora and fauna, Borneo is the home to world’s largest bloom – the Rafflesia. Located along the roadside, is the forest edge reserve, known as the Rafflesia Information Centre, implimented for the purposes of the conservation and research of this strange botanical
wonder.  Discovered in 1818 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and Dr Jospeh Arnold, this mysterious and exotic flower is rootless, leafless, has no stem, and contains no chlorophyll. The flower is parasitic, and is found feeding only on the roots of the Tetrasigma Vine, a woody type of tropical grape vine. The Rafflesia can blossom up to 1meter in diameter, and takes about nine months to grow, but only stays bloomed for a few days within the week.  You will also visit the only Butterfly Park that partakes in a joint conservation project with Sabah Wildlife Department to save the endangered species of Birdwing butterflies of Sabah namely the Brook’s and Golden Birdwing. They also have one of the most up to date insectarium with many rare and endemic species, only found in the Crocker Range and world famous insects.

Overnight at Shangri-La Rasa Ria.

Transfer between your beach resort and the airport.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .