Indonesian and Malaysian Joy
Benoa, Bali to Singapore
Main Tour: January 11-25, 2026
Optional Bali Pre-Cruise Program: January 8-11, 2026
Optional Singapore Post-Cruise Program: January 25-27, 2026
Tour Operator: Go Next
Cruise Ship: Oceania Cruises’ Regatta
Price per person begins at $4,229 for the main tour
Optional Bali pre-cruise program begins at $1,799
Optional Singapore post-cruise program begins at $1,499
Set sail on an unforgettable 14-night journey across Southeast Asia through the jewels of the Indonesian archipelago and beyond. Immerse yourself in rich cultures, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. This exclusive adventure will take you through the diverse and culturally vibrant countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Whether you’re admiring the artistry of local crafts or learning about the customs that have shaped these regions for centuries, every stop is an invitation to explore a new world of cultural discovery. With thought-provoking lectures by former College president, Professor John W. Williams, JD (C’76), luxurious accommodations, and guided cultural tours, this is more than just a vacation – it’s an opportunity to learn, discover, and grow.
Highlights
- Begin your journey in southeast Bali near the port of Benoa, where you can immerse yourself in Balinese culture with a Kecak dance performance. See Bali’s iconic terraced rice fields and learn how the farmers maintain them.
- Make your way to the rugged landscapes of Lombok and relax on a pristine beach with turquoise waters.
- Lose yourself in the cultural tapestry on Bali’s northeast shore at the village of Celukan Bawang, where ancient temples and vibrant markets await your discovery.
- Experience the bustling energy of Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, before delving into the rich history of Jakarta’s colonial neighborhoods, where remnants of Dutch influence still linger.
- Visit Sam Poo Wong, the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang, or explore Indonesian arts and crafts in Jakarta.
- In Kuala Lumpur, explore everything from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to majestic Gothic churches.
- Venture to the idyllic shores of Langkawi, where lush rainforests meet cascading waterfalls.
- Set sail for the sun-kissed shores of Phuket with turquoise waters and golden sand.
- Let the aromatic flavors of Malaysian food tantalize your taste buds in Penang
- Spend a day in Melaka, an iconic city of Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese influences, before ending your journey in Singapore.
Activity Level
Moderate
Trip Includes
- 14 nights aboard Oceania Cruises' Regatta – 670 guests and staff to guest ratio of 1 to 1.7
- Lectures, activities, and discussions with Principia Trip Scholar
- Onboard meals at gourmet specialty restaurants
- Unlimited Starlink® Wi-Fi
- Laundry services
- Shore excursions and tour options available at additional cost
Meet Your Trip Scholar
John W. Williams, JD (C’76) is a graduate of Principia College and earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from George Washington University.
John has spent over 40 years at Principia College serving as a faculty member of the Political Science Department, teaching American government, law, and comparative politics courses; coaching intercollegiate mock trial, moot court, mediation team, and Model Illinois Government teams; serving as pre-law advisor; and holding additional teaching assignments in mass communication, global perspectives, and history.
He also served as president of Principia College from 2020–2023. John was the inaugural recipient of the Principia College Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013.
John grew up in India and Thailand as the son of a military officer and diplomat and has a passion for the region. He has served as the director of the Asian Studies program at Principia College focusing on Asia and Africa and has directed more than a dozen Principia study abroad programs to Mainland Asia providing students with immersive experiences in global politics and cultures. John serves as a popular lecturer for the Principia Lifelong Learning and Summer Session programs.
Itinerary
January 11: Denpasar (Benoa), Bali, Indonesia
January 12: Denpasar (Benoa), Bali, Indonesia
January 13: Lembar, Lombok, Indonesia
January 14: Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia
January 15: Surabaya, Indonesia
January 16: Semarang, Java, Indonesia
January 17: Jakarta, Indonesia
January 18: Cruising the South China Sea
January 19: Cruising the Straits of Malacca
January 20: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia
January 21: Langkawi, Malaysia
January 22: Phuket, Thailand
January 23: Penang, Malaysia
January 24: Melacca, Malaysia
January 25: Singapore, Singapore