SOUTH EAST ASIA - STA Travel Hub

SOUTH EAST ASIA IN DEPTHBangkok Sanur (Bali)THAILANDBangkokCAMBODIAMedanKo PhanganKo SamuiSOUTH EAST ASIABukit LawangTangkahanBerastagiSamosir IslandSipirokPenangCameron HighlandsMALAYSIAKuala LumpurMalaccaSingaporeMALAYSIABukittinggiManinjauINDONESIATawangmanguYogyakartaMt BromoJakartaMalangCianjurPemuteranBandungKalibaru SanurHighlights• Wander the hectic streets of Bangkok• Enjoy Thailand’s stunning beaches• Watch the sunrise from Mt. Bromo• Befriend orangutans in Bukit Lawang• Taste an authentic cup of Java coffee• Swim in a beautiful volcano lake• Explore Singapore’s ethnic quarters• Visit ornate temples and museumsDepartures 2014STARTFINISHJan 13 Feb 22Feb 10 Mar 22Mar 10 Apr 19Apr 07 May 17May 05 Jun 14InclusionsSTARTFINISHJun 02 Jul 12Jun 30 Aug 09Jul 28 Sep 06Aug 25 Oct 04Sep 22 Nov 01STARTFINISHOct 20 Nov 29Nov 17 Dec 27Dec 15 Jan 24Trip Style: YOLO Service Level: BasicPhysical Grading: 3 Age Group:Recommended for 18-39s Accommodation:Simple hotels (38 nts), sleeper train (1 nt),local homestay (1 nt) Transport: Train, localbus, minibus, ferry, songthaew, taxi, flightMeals: 30 breakfasts, 1 dinner Budget: AllowUSD$750-900 for meals not included GroupLeader: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) GroupSize: Max 16, Avg 10 Tour Code: GAATSEMy Own Room Available: Fr $1,959You might likeShorten your tripBangkok to Singapore on a Shoestring(GAATRM, 14 days) see page 36 Fr $1,449Highlights of Sumatra(14 days, Medan to Pedang)(GAAESH) Fr $1,199Java to Bali(15 days, Jakarta to Sanur)(GAAEKS) see page 93 Fr $1,399TWITTER.COM/STATRAVELAUThis 41-day adventure leaves no stone uncovered! From Bangkok and Bali to Sumatra andSingapore, you’ll discover everything from famous tourist areas to little-known marvels offthe beaten track. Spend your days on boat decks sunning yourself in the hot Asian sun,send your heart pumping on a sunrise hike up Mount Bromo, get your caffeine kick with anauthentic cup of Java at Kalibaru’s coffee plantations, and dive into the warm waters of LakeToba, the world’s largest volcano lake. It’ll be a journey of first experiences, and ones thatyou’ll never forget! Grab your passport and get booking.DAY01-0203-0405-060708-0910-11121314-16ITINERARYBangkokArrive into Thailand’s frenetic capital at any time and head out to explore before meeting your groupand tour leader on the first evening of this awesome six-week adventure. Day 2 is free to discoverthe sights of Bangkok, including the Wat Po Temple and the Grand Palace, before catching theovernight train to Surat Thani. (B)Koh PhanganAfter a short boat ride to Koh Phangan, get stuck into all the activities the island has to offer.Whether it’s kayaking, snorkelling, swimming in the lagoons, or visiting its waterfalls, it’s the perfectplace to get into a relaxed holiday mood and a complete antidote to the bustle of Bangkok!Koh SamuiJust off Thailand’s east coast lies Koh Samui, the next destination. The largest island in anarchipelago of around 80 islands, you’ll have two days to relax amongst white, sandy beaches andclear, warm waters while tucking into fresh seafood and sipping on fruity cocktails.PenangCross the border into Malaysia and enjoy a scenic boat trip to Penang. Eat your way through a streetfood crawl with your travel group and opt for a tour of the city. Save time to visit Kek Lok Si, one ofthe most well-known Buddhist temples on the island, while Little India and Chinatown are the perfectplaces to explore, filled with temples, markets and other interesting things to see. (B)Cameron HighlandsHead to the hills for a visit to Cameron Highlands. One of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations, it’sfamous for its tea plantations and strawberry farms. If the optional highlands tour doesn’t appeal, gooff hiking independently on one of the many well-marked trails. (B)Kuala LumpurThe bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s most populous city. Opt for a city tour to see thesights. Petronas Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, boasts amazing city views and theIslamic Arts Museum, National Mosque and Chinatown are also not to be missed.MelakaToday, it’s off to Melaka, a historic port town. With a wealth of temples, churches, mosques,museums and forts to explore, this town will keep you busy for the day. For a unique view of Melaka,take a boat tour of its canals.SingaporeCross the border into Singapore with time to explore all its many attractions and to wander aroundthe neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little India. For a true taste of the city, call by the opulentRaffles Hotel and order yourself a Singapore Sling! Don’t miss the Night Safari nocturnal zoo; a realfavourite amongst travellers. From the rugged Himalayan foothills to the swampy banks of the AsianRiverine forest, a tram will take you to see 2,500 animals in their natural night time habitats.Medan / Bukit LawangFly to Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, and stroll around the city to take in the many art decobuildings and Buddhist and Hindu temples. On Day 15, see the opulent Maimoon Palace, the GreatMosque and the Vihara Gunung Timur temple. In Bukit Lawang, visit the orangutan viewing platformto watch these adorable creatures being fed or opt to go jungle trekking in Gunung Leuser N.P. (3B)32VISIT WWW.STATRAVEL.COM.AU