There are countless tours available of Southeast Asia which fly from one city to another abruptly introducing you to cultural and architectural contrasts that can be bewildering and, in many ways, unfulfilling. In our view, there are regions of the world which need to be absorbed slowly and at eye level in order for the experience to be enjoyable and enlightening and Southeast Asia is one of those regions. All so often it is the unheard of and out of the way places that form the happiest of memories. Join the all-suite MS Island Sky for the opportunity to journey in comfort whilst exploring Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam for what promises to be a great adventure with just over 100 fellow, like-minded travellers.
Our exploration begins in Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, a land of contrasts from pulsating streets and modern facilities to idyllic swathes of beaches interspersed with limestone cliffs and groves of mangrove trees. After a day of exploration we head to Malaysia where, if you enjoy immersing yourself in culture and wildlife, you will find our days endlessly fascinating with its vast rainforests, endemic wildlife and diverse culture. The best way to explore the region is by sea and from the geological wonders of Langkawi to the varied architecture and rich historical heritage of Penang and the jungle paradise and pristine beaches of Pulau Tioman, marvellous experiences are to be had. Continuing to Singapore, we discover this dynamic city before our final days are spent exploring southern Vietnam visiting the remote Con Dao Islands and the largest of the islands, Con Dao, where we can explore the market, hike in the forest or swim from the palm fringed beaches before heading to our final destination, the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh.
Afloat and ashore, our voyage will be filled with unforgettable images and experiences, heritage filled cities, tropical forests with endemic flora and fauna, remote idyllic islands and littleknown beaches. The privilege of exploring this remarkable region from a small ship is an opportunity not to be missed and we hope you can join us as we discover the astonishing beauty, richness and splendours of Southeast Asia.
- Phuket’s Wonders: Explore the ornate Wat Chalong temple, Big Buddha Temple, and the scenic limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
- Langkawi’s Nature: Discover Langkawi’s unique flora and fauna in its UNESCO Global Geopark and experience breathtaking views from the Skybridge.
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Visit iconic sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, and Independence Palace in Vietnam's vibrant capital.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
There will be a choice of excursions today. An island drive will include Wat Chalong, the largest and the most strikingly ornamented of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples. Its intriguing history features a monk believed to have formidable healing powers. To this day, Thais from all over the country flock to Wat Chalong to pay homage to the monk and regain their physical and spiritual powers. Later see the Big Buddha Temple located at the top of Nark Kerd mountain followed by some time at leisure to explore Phuket Town independently. Alternatively, join a local speedboat to visit Phang Nga Bay which is renowned for the limestone islands rising dramatically from the sea including the famous backdrop to the James Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. Spend the day enjoying the scenery in the bay before we visit Koh Panyi, a settlement built over 200 years ago with houses built on stilts above the water. Later enjoy some free time to explore Phuket Town at your own pace before we sail in the early evening.
We start our exploration of Malaysia on Langkawi where a morning tour will explore the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark and discover some of the flora and fauna that are unique to the island’s wetlands. We will see the caves that are home to Malaysian fruit bats and during a cruise in the mangrove forest we hope to see white-headed eagles, herons, red eagles, long-tailed macaques and different species of reptiles. Alternatively, those feeling active may wish to visit the island’s rainforest for a guided nature walk up Gunung Manchincang, one of the oldest known geological formations in Malaysia. Our knowledgeable local naturalists will provide tales of Langkawi’s geological wonders and vibrant wildlife as we climb. Our hike will end at the Skybridge, a suspended bridge built from an 82 metre high single pylon which hangs at about 100 metres above ground with views over the rainforest and out to the coastline. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon to relax on board or maybe visit a nearby beach.
Awake this morning in Penang Island, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ where we have a choice of excursions. Maybe explore historical Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we can see the well-preserved cultural and historical heritage of Penang’s capital city. Founded in 1786 by the British East India Company, Penang grew as an important trading port and became a melting pot of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and European influences which we can see as we pass by the town hall, St George’s Church, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Alternatively, discover the island’s natural beauty as we join the Penang Hill Railway which was constructed in 1923 and takes us to the top of Flagstaff Hill, 830 metres above sea level. Here we take a onemile nature trail through The Habitat, walking across a dipterocarp forest amidst oak laurels and tree ferns. The area’s rich biodiversity encompasses more than 100 species of birds, endangered endemic plants including the Penang slipper orchid, and a multitude of fauna such as flying lemurs, dusky leaf monkeys and the giant black squirrel. As we make our way along the Treetop Walk, we can take in panoramic views of the city and the Andaman Sea below. Return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon to explore further at your own pace.
From our berth in Port Klang we spend a full day in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Our walking tour begins in Independence Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka. This is the historical place where the Union Flag was lowered, and the Malayan flag was raised for the very first time on the 31st of August 1957. Continue to the Masjid Jamek Mosque, the oldest Islamic place of worship in Kuala Lumpur. Overlooking the Klang River, it offers breathtaking vistas due to the combination of ancient Moorish, Islam and Mughal architectural styles, verdant surroundings, and distant views of the city’s other iconic landmarks. Also see the Central Market, Chinatown and the extravagantly decorated Sri Mahamariamman Temple before ending at the Petronas Twin Towers which were once the tallest buildings in the world. Alternatively, those wishing to discover the flavours of Malaysia may wish to join a culinary tour which will include the chance to sample Nasi Lemak, a dish originating in Malay cuisine that consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan at a well-known local breakfast meeting place. This decade-old melting pot is one place where you can see Malay, Chinese and Indian customers having their packed ‘nasi lemak’. Continue to the Central Market for more tastings including roast duck, roti canai, char kuey teow and putu bamboo.
With more than its fair share of colonisers from Malaysian princes to the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese, this strategically placed city has a fascinating history which is brought vividly to life in the excellent Ethnographical Museum. On a guided walk we also visit the 16th century Portuguese fortress, the former Dutch Governor’s house and the impressive Christ Church. Later we continue our journey along the Malacca Strait which was named after the Malacca Sultanate that ruled over the archipelago between 1414 and 1511. It is from here that early traders from Arabia, Africa and Persia would trade glassware, camphor, ivory, sandalwood, and perfumes and today the Strait is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Please note we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs or local tenders to land.
Spend today in Singapore where there will be a choice of excursions this morning. A city tour will start in Little India including the magnificent Sultan Mosque before seeing the bright colours and vibrant hues in Singapore’s exciting Chinatown. Narrow streets centred on the pagoda lead you to a treasure trove of apothecary shops, quaint teahouses and a cornucopia of stalls selling trinkets as well as the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman. Here we join a cruise along the Singapore River sailing past a mix of colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers ending at Merlion Park. Alternatively, visit the National Orchid Garden which displays the largest collection of orchids in the world with 2,000 hybrids. After lunch on board, the remainder of the day is free to explore further at your own pace, maybe visit the Gardens by the Bay or the iconic Raffles Hotel before we sail tonight.
After a leisurely morning at sea, we return to Malaysia at Pulau Tioman, one of eight islands that form the Tioman Island Marine Park. From our anchorage we will use Zodiacs to land and you can choose between spending the afternoon relaxing on the beaches or join a nature walk to see the unique and protected flora and fauna found in the island’s jungles. Please note we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs or local tenders to land.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail to Vietnam.
We arrive in Vietnam at the Con Dao archipelago. Consisting of fifteen islands, the largest, Con Dao, is the perfect base from which to enjoy palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters and hidden inlets. A designated National Park, Con Dao is swathed in lush vegetation, almond trees and tropical fruit plantations yet also has a sombre history as it was used by the French to incarcerate political prisoners. We have a full day to explore the island, you may choose to visit the Palace of the Island Lord, the historical Con Dao Prison or to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Con Dao market. Those feeling active may want to join a hike on the lookout for wildlife in the forests whilst taking in some breathtaking views of the islands.
From our central berth in the Vietnamese capital, we take a guided tour of the city which was built by the French in 1850. We begin our day with a visit to the Central Post Office and along the way we will also view the Saigon Opera House, constructed by the French in 1898 and the Notre Dame Cathedral. We will visit Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, which was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. The palace was the home and former workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to relax or explore this bustling city further independently.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this evening.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Island Sky
| Length: | 90 Metres |
|---|---|
| Built/Refurbished: | 1992/2018 |
With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.
There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of 75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.
Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.
Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.
