Cruising Asia -- Singapore to Bali on NCL Sun

Helix Bridge over calm water at night, with Marina Bay Sands and golden city buildings glowing in the background, a spectacular sight in Singapore, a clean and exciting city.

Cruising Asia on Norwegian Sun, Part 1: Singapore to Bali

Story By Christene Meyers

Photos By Bruce Keller

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

Some destinations deserve more than a quick visit. Singapore is one of them. Rather than flying halfway around the world to immediately board a ship, we arrived four days early to adjust to the time change, recover from the long flight and savor a favorite place. Singapore is one of the world's cleanest and most exciting cities so it was a smart travel decision.

Visitors walk toward Cenotaph Pavilion at Tugu Negara, the national monument, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The golden-domed memorial pavilion is adorned with Malaysian flags

After four fun days in Singapore, we boarded Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun  for a fascinating

fascinating 12-day voyage through Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia before arriving in beautiful Bali. Along the way, we discovered fascinating cultures, delectable food, welcoming people, exquisite crafts, thrilling dance and captivating monkeys. We made new friends, reminding us why cruising is a terrific way to see the world.

Life Aboard Norwegian Sun

Before talking about the ports, allow us to mention what makes the journey between destinations enjoyable. The Sun is a beautifully designed ship with all the comforts of home and quickly became our floating home. The crew greeted us with genuine smiles each day, and before long many knew our names and favorite drinks. That personal touch made the large ship feel surprisingly intimate.

Keller and Cookie beside Norwegian Sun as she prepares to leave Singapore under a clear blue sky.

Dining was a highlight from morning until night. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, sampled international favorites in the lunch buffet and treated ourselves to specialty restaurants. Fresh seafood, excellent steaks, Asian specialties, Italian cuisine and irresistible desserts tempted us daily.

Evenings were filled with Broadway-style productions, live music, comedy, talented musicians performing throughout the ship, and plenty of opportunities to dance or simply relax with a cocktail while watching the ocean drift by. Sea days never felt boring. With lectures, live music, fitness activities, shopping and simply enjoying the sunshine or reading on deck, there was always something happening.

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under a light blue sky, with a skybridge behind them.

Perhaps best of all were the people we met. Cruising brings like minded travelers together. Over meals, excursions and evening entertainment we met couples from around the world, with promises to stay in touch long after the cruise ended.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Our first stop brought us to Kuala Lumpur, a city where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic neighborhoods and colorful markets. The famous Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline, while nearby temples, mosques, and colonial architecture tell the story of Malaysia's diverse heritage.

It was an excellent introduction to Southeast Asia, blending old and new in a natural way. Friendly locals and delicious Malaysian cuisine made us wish we had more time to explore. Another plus for cruising: one decides where to return.

Penang and George Town

Penang quickly became one of our favorite ports. George Town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often described as the cultural heart of Malaysia, and it's easy to understand why.

Keller and Cookie beside Norwegian Sun as she prepares to leave Singapore under a clear blue sky.

The streets are filled with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, colorful street art, Chinese temples, Indian shrines, and bustling food markets. Walking through George Town feels like stepping into several cultures at once, making Penang a true melting pot where history, architecture, and incredible food come together.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi offered an entirely different experience. Instead of bustling cities, we found lush green mountains, quiet beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

This tropical island is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning scenery.

Whether enjoying the coastline, shopping duty-free, or simply soaking up the views, Langkawi provided the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate nature.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket welcomed us with beautiful beaches, lively markets, and the warm hospitality Thailand is famous for. Colorful temples, long-tail boats bobbing in the harbor, and excellent Thai food created a perfect day. Even with only a port visit, Phuket gave us a wonderful taste of why Thailand remains one of the world's favorite vacation destinations.

Close-up of a black civet with wide eyes sniffing red coffee cherries scattered on the ground, looking curious. The controversial coffee bean, which passes through the animal's digestive system, is expensive and rare and considered by many the world's best coffee.

Cruising Asia: Singapore to Bali

A Coffee Unlike Any Other

One unusual discovery during our journey involved one of the world's most expensive coffees -- kopi luwak. The coffee beans are eaten by a small animal, the Asian palm civet, a nocturnal mammal sometimes mistaken for a rodent. After passing through the animal's digestive system, the beans are collected, cleaned, roasted, and brewed into a rare coffee.

While the process may sound unusual, many coffee enthusiasts consider it one of the smoothest coffees available. Whether you're adventurous enough to try it or simply enjoy learning about unique local traditions, it's certainly one of Southeast Asia's most talked-about culinary curiosities.

Mother monkey cradles her offspring in Bali's Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in the village of Padangtegal in the heart of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; the park is in a lush forest popular with locals and tourists alike

Another animal highlight was a visit to Ubud's peaceful Sacred Monnkey Forest Sanctuary. It is home to over 1,200 free-roaming Balinese long-tailed macaques and three 14th-century moss-covered Hindu temples set in a lush 27-acre jungle

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta introduced us to Indonesia's enormous capital city, where modern business districts meet centuries of history.

Busy streets, impressive monuments, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods showcase the diversity and energy of a city that serves as the gateway to one of the world's largest island nations.

Semarang, Indonesia

Two women in orange and yellow hijabs prepare coffee outdoor in Semarang, stirring beans and grinding spices beside woven trays, during a fascinating village tour. We bought spices here.

Semarang offered a more relaxed pace and another glimpse into Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. Delightful people set up shops near historic Dutch colonial architecture. We enjoyed a glimpse into Indonesian life, while nearby temples and an excursion into the country revealed the history of Central Java. Each Indonesian port has a unique personality.

Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, provided an interesting combination of history and modern development.

Beautiful waterfront areas, historic buildings, lively markets, and friendly residents made for an enjoyable visit. Like every stop along our itinerary, the people we met left lasting impressions, as much as the attractions themselves.

Arrival in Bali

After nearly two memorable weeks and two welcome and relaxing sea days, our arrival in Bali was the perfect ending to this first chapter of our adventure. Known worldwide for its breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, artistic traditions, and spiritual culture, Bali captured our imagination. Palm trees line the coastline, colorful temples dot the landscape and every view seem worthy of a postcard.

But for us, Bali wasn't the end. It was the beginning of our next adventure.

Tourists climb steps leading toward Pura Prajapati, one of the three major 14th-century Hindu temples in Padangtegal village, Ubud, Bali. Bali is rich in forests, temples, dragons and monuments.

Up Next:

Our 12-day voyage aboard Norwegian Sun was both fun and educational. From Singapore's futuristic skyline to Malaysia's cultural treasures, Thailand's tropical beauty and the diversity of Indonesia, every day brought discovery. We are NCL regulars, for its fine dining and service, top entertainment and relaxation while exploring fascinating destinations. Next week, our adventure, "Cruising Asia -- Singapore to Bali" continues to part two.

Our "back to back" cruises on from Bali to Brisbane, Australia. We'll walk among rare Komodo dragons, the world's largest living lizards, in Komodo National Park, marvel at the 9th-century Borobudur Temple in Central Java, a UNESCO World Heritage site and stunning Buddhist monument. Our journey aboard Norwegian Sun continues across the Timor Sea, to fascinating ports in Australia, ending in a favorite city, lively and beautiful Brisbane.

If this destination sparked your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting for you. Explore more travel stories and inspiration at WhereIsCookie.com