Here is an opportunity to journey in comfort aboard the MS Island Sky whilst exploring Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia on what promises to be a great adventure with just over 100 fellow, like-minded travellers. This unusual voyage begins on the island of Borneo, a veritable wildlife wonderland, and ends in Penang, Malaysia. In between we have an endlessly fascinating itinerary combining remote islands, energetic cities and perhaps most enticing of all there will be several opportunities to witness orangutans including those orphaned or rescued from captivity learning how to live in the wild again.
Following some time in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, we fly to Sandakan on Borneo’s northeast coast where we embark the all-suite MS Island Sky. Straddling the equator, Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is home to half of all known plant and animal species including some of the rarest and most endangered. Marvellous experiences are to be had as we explore remote jungle and rainforest on foot or by boat, observe the diverse range of plants, trees and wildlife including the ‘wild man of Borneo’ – the orangutan. We will also visit Kuching in Sarawak, an enchanting place with colonial architecture that still retains the charm of bygone days and from where there will be the opportunity to discover the Bako National Park. By way of contrast spend a day amidst the riches of Brunei and another in the ever-thriving city of Singapore; such an intoxicating mix of cultures is rarely found on one voyage. In Malacca we will encounter the Peranakan culture which evolved many centuries ago from early Chinese settlers, and in addition, the Portuguese colonisation of Malacca and the resulting trade between east and west that makes this city the fascinating place it is today. Before we reach Penang, our final days of the voyage will be spent in Sumatra which with its rich cultural heritage is home to many fascinating peoples, the largest lake in southeast Asia and remarkable flora and fauna.
Afloat and ashore, this will be a journey of contrasts, from lush rainforests to diverse cultures, spectacular wildlife and intriguing history. This eclectic mix will appeal to the genuine traveller who wishes to see Southeast Asia at its bountiful best.
- Lake Toba and Samosir Island, Sumatra: Cruise across Southeast Asia’s largest lake, Lake Toba, to Samosir Island, visiting vibrant Toba Batak villages and the ancient tombs of King Laga Siallagan, set against stunning volcanic landscapes.
- Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Conservation, Sandakan: Explore the Sepilok Forest Reserve to observe orphaned orangutans in their rehabilitation process and visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, surrounded by Sabah’s biodiverse rainforest with over 450 tree species and 250 bird species.
- Bako National Park, Kuching: Discover Sarawak’s oldest national park, Bako, with guided nature walks through diverse rainforest, waterfalls, and secluded beaches, spotting proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs, and over 190 bird species in a pristine 27-square-kilometre ecosystem.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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 flight.
Arrive and transfer to our central hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently.
After breakfast in the hotel, we take a walking tour of Malaysia’s capital city. We start 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. The remainder of the day is free to explore further at your own pace before we meet for dinner this evening.
This morning we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Sandakan. On arrival we transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in the city and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
For our day in Sandakan we have a choice of excursions including the Sepilok Centre where we will learn about the rehabilitation of the orangutans and hear about their threats to survival. We will visit the Sepilok Forest Reserve feeding platform and see orangutans in the third stage of their rehabilitation programme; the orphaned and injured orangutans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return to forest life. Sepilok is a primary lowland forest and one of the few remaining rainforests in Sabah. Observe the fascinating diversity of plants, trees and wildlife as Sepilok is known to have more than 450 species of trees and more than 250 species of birds, and we also have a good chance of sighting macaques, leaf monkeys and other mammals. Close by is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Opened in 2014, this centre provides rehabilitation to the smallest bears in the world that are at risk from deforestation and poaching. Maybe visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, one of the most accessible natural rainforests in Sabah. It sits by a lake at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department which has been in operation since 1996 for environmental education purposes. Today, it is a 3-in-1 park (wildlife, bird and plant) where we can see the unique flora and fauna of Borneo. Our walk through the forest trails will lead to the canopy walkway where the centre boasts a pristine lowland dipterocarp forest with an astounding 300 species of birds recorded in the area. Alternatively, a city tour of Sandakan will include the lively market and the old-fashioned stone building of St Michael Church, one of the few surviving pre-war stone buildings built in 1893. We will also visit Newlands, the former home of author Agnes Newton Keith.
Spend the morning cruising around the coast of Borneo before we arrive into Kota Kinabalu over lunch. This afternoon there will be the opportunity to explore the myths and legends of Borneo and delve into the history of the ‘headhunters’ with a visit to an ancient burial site and the memorial dedicated to the legendary headhunter Monsopiad. Here, we will learn more about the Kadazan community, the largest indigenous ethnic group in Borneo, and the descendants of Monsopiad.
We arrive this morning in oil-rich Brunei where our full day excursion will include the immense Kianggeh open air market before we take a scenic boat ride along the Brunei River offering views of the magnificent Sultan’s Palace. The Istana Nurul Iman is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and one of the largest residential palaces in the world. We will also see the colourful water villages built on stilts and connected by wooden walkways before continuing to the stunning Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Our tour will conclude at the Royal Regalia Building, which is home to the Sultan’s marvellous collection of royal gifts and ceremonial weapons.
Spend a leisurely day at sea as we continue our journey around Borneo.
Our final two days in Borneo are based in Kuching, capital of the state of Sarawak. We will spend our time here exploring the city and the natural wonders of the surrounding area. There will be a chance to visit the nearby Semenggoh Nature Reserve where since 1975 the wardens have been training young orangutans, who had been orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild. The success of this programme has left the surrounding forest reserve with a thriving population of healthy adolescent and young adult orangutans, who are now breeding in the wild. Besides orangutans, Semenggoh Nature Reserve is also a habitat for rare flora and fauna including the giant squirrel, pigmy squirrel, gibbons and a splendid variety of birds. We will also set out to explore the city of Kuching and learn more about the exploits of the Brooke family who, some 200 years ago, were awarded Sarawak by the former owner, the Sultan of Brunei, in recognition for the aid provided in defeating a rebellion. See Fort Margherita which was built in 1879 to guard Kuching’s River approaches from pirates and the Chinese History Museum which houses many artefacts of past eras and memorabilia of Chinese affairs during the time of Charles Vyner Brooke, also known as the White Rajah in Sarawak history. We will also visit Bako National Park, the oldest national park in Sarawak which is known for its amazing diversity containing almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo. Established in 1957 it occupies more than 27 square kilometres of rainforest, waterfalls, secluded beaches and rocky shorelines. On a series of guided nature walks for all levels we will explore the jungle keeping an eye out for proboscis monkeys, long tailed macaques, silvered langurs, monitor lizards and bearded pigs as well as some of the 190 species of birds that can be found here.
A relaxing day cruising towards Singapore. Maybe take in a lecture by the onboard experts or find a spot on deck.
We will 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 before we sail this evening.
Returning to Malaysia we spend the morning in the historic port of Malacca. With more than its fair share of colonisers from Malaysian princes, the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese, this strategically placed city has a fascinating history brought vividly to life in the excellent Ethnographical Museum. From our anchorage we will use the Zodiacs to land for a guided tour which will include the 16th century Portuguese fortress, the former Dutch Governor’s house and the impressive Christ Church. We will return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and continue sailing up the Strait of Malacca this afternoon.
We arrive on Sumatra at Kuala Tanjung, our base to visit the iconic Lake Toba. At over 1145 square kilometres it is the largest lake in southeast Asia found in the volcanic peaks of the island. After an early breakfast we will start our journey inland passing through the palm oil, rubber and cocoa plantations enroute to Parapat, the gateway town located in the beautiful and fertile volcanic basin at the northern end of the Bukit Barisan mountain range. The scenery is stunning and after lunch in a local restaurant we will board our boat to cruise across the lake to the central island of Samosir, passing lovely coves with white sandy beaches to where colourful Toba Batak villages cling to the shore. We will visit the beautiful traditional houses and ancient tombs of Laga Siallagan, the first king of Ambarita. In front of the traditional houses we find the Banyan tree with the stone chair of King Siallagan, the location where all important judicial and village matters were traditionally administered.
There will be a choice of excursions today, choose a long but rewarding day as we leave the vessel at sunrise and drive inland to the eastern side of the Gunung Leuser National Park and visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre at Bukit Lawang. This is now one of the world’s most important conservation projects as orphaned orangutans are brought here to learn how to live in the wild again. We can watch them at play and feeding and learn how the six month rehabilitation programme works. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the ship in the late afternoon. Alternatively explore the highlights of Medan, the nearby capital of North Sumatra. Here we visit the 19th century Maimoon Palace, a 30 room palace featuring Malay, Mogul and Italian influences before continuing to the Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque). We will explore the collections at the Museum of Northern Sumatra including stone carvings from Nias Island and items from the Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic periods as well as colonial and military history. Our guided tour will end at the Chinese pagoda before we return to the MS Island Sky.
Disembark this morning and after a walking tour of historical Georgetown we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Arrive today.
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.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
