Girlfriends Travel
Dynamic Trips for dynamic women
A Taste of Asia:
Bangkok, Singapore, Bali & Hong Kong
January 14 - January 28, 2019
Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.
Singapore
Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and multicultural population. Its colonial core centers on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, with its 18 Corinthian columns. In Singapore's circa-1820 Chinatown stands the red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, said to house one of Buddha's teeth.
Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an autonomous territory, and former British colony, in southeastern China. Its vibrant, densely populated urban centre is a major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline. Central (the business district) features architectural landmarks like I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower. Hong Kong is also a major shopping destination, famed for bespoke tailors and Temple Street Night Market.
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel.
US passport holders require a visa to enter Bali, Indonesia. Visa is granted on arrival and is free of charge.
Here is your daily itinerary for this trip:
DAY 1 - 2
Depart New York City/Newark (EWR)
Your exotic journey to the Orient begins this evening as you check-in for your Cathay Pacific Airways flight bound for Bangkok. Your flight departs late tonight. Enjoy Cathay Pacific Airways award winning service as you cross the international date line and lose one day en route.
Day 3
Arrive Bangkok (Thailand)
Welcome to Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”. Morning arrival in Bangkok, the breathtaking capital, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. You’ll be met and escorted to your upscale, centrally-located hotel. This evening meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner and briefing. Dinner included.
Day 4
Following breakfast embark on an included tour introducing you to some of Bangkok’s most outstanding Buddhist temples: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable 5-tons solid gold statue of Buddha and Wat Po, the temple featuring the colossal 150 foot long “Reclining Buddha” and the White Marble Temple representing the finest Thai architecture.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 5-6
Two days to discover Thailand’s vibrant and exotic capital at your own pace. Join an optional excursion to the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market, reached by a rice barge followed by a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in the world. You may also take a dip in your hotel’s pool or shop to your heart’s content.
Day 7
Bangkok/Singapore
Today, start your Singapore travel on this island gem with it’s dazzling blend of east and west. Your hotel is conveniently located within easy access to the historic Singapore River as well as the shopping and entertainment area. This afternoon you are free to explore on your own.
Day 8
Morning tour takes in the Elizabeth Walk waterfront, the Parliament House and Chinatown. Continue to the Botanical Gardens to see exotic orchids and rare flowers before ascending Mt. Faber for a panoramic view. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 9
Singapore/Bali
Today fly to the tropical island paradise to start your Bali tours. Settle into your oceanfront resort hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or shopping.
Day 10
Today, embark on a full-day tour of Bali to discover the wonders of the “Island of the Gods” with a performance of the famous Barong and Keris Dance, the Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, locally referred to as Pura Tirta Dawa Gunung Kawi Sebatu, then Kintamani, set around the rim of the Gunung Batur crater, and finishing at a look out over Bali’s most active volcano, Mount Batur, which soars over 1,800 meters into the sky. Later stop in Tegalalang to see Bali’s most iconic rice terraces.
Day 11
A day at leisure to enjoy your hotel’s beach and spa facilities. Shop at the local markets located nearby or join an optional tour.
Day 12
Bali/Hong Kong
Morning free. Later, fly to fascinating Hong Kong. Your attractive hotel is in the bustling heart of Kowloon, near the scenic harbor.
Day 13
A morning tour of Hong Kong Island features a ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a spectacular city and harbor view. Then visit the renowned Stanley Market where bargains await, scenic Repulse Bay and the exotic Aberdeen floating fishing village. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or independent exploration. Do not miss the great opportunity to savor the amazing array of delicacies in this culinary Mecca.
Day 14
A day at leisure in Hong Kong, where East meets West, or perhaps join an optional excursion via high-speed turbojet ride to Macau, a fascinating city 65 kilometers west of Hong Kong. Formerly under Portuguese rule, you’ll be struck by the clear European/Mediterranean influence with its beautiful fortresses and churches yet its simultaneous Chinese heritage. Also, for those so inclined, it happens to be the gambling capital of Asia!
Day 15
Hong Kong/USA
Final morning is at leisure. Later, board your flight to (EWR) New York.
Your Trip Leader - Martha
If you would like to join us for this fabulous Taste of Asia, please contact the trip leader - Martha - with any questions you may have.
Phone: 919.221.5046
Email: