Depart on your overnight flight to Singapore. Check in to the Fullerton Hotel. Meet your fellow travelers this evening at a welcome reception.

Check out of your hotel and set off to explore this landmark city-state. Cosmopolitan Singapore, a former British colony, has transformed itself into one of the world's leading and most innovative commercial centers. Tour the old sections of the city and see how Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures thrive side by side. View the ultra-modern along the skyline of high rises and in the whimsical creations of the Gardens by Bay. Singapore is truly a melting pot of culture, style and cuisine. This afternoon, embark the National Geographic Orion.

The first stop is the remote Anambas Archipelago, where you can snorkel the unspoiled reefs surrounding Pulau Lintang. Search for colorful giant clams and cardinalfish that make these waters their home. The island is private, so you may have exclusive access to walk the beach, dive, snorkel, or choose to explore by glass-bottom Zodiac.

The remote Badas Islands offer excellent beaches and corals. These rarely visited islands offer an abundant array of marine life. Watch clownfish darting between anemones and if luck is on your side, a beautiful royal blue tang might make this idyllic story complete! Explore above and beneath the sea via stand-up paddleboard, snorkelling, and beachcombing.

Located off the coast of Sumatra, Belitung is part of the relatively unknown Bangka-Belitung sister islands. Spend the morning cruising the pristine waters, weaving your way through the smaller islands and clusters of granite formations that dot the coastline, looking for the perfect quiet cove to kayak and snorkel. Ashore, have the opportunity to meet the locals and witness the blending of the Sumatran, Malay, Bugis cultures--Malay homes on stilts, Bugis fishing village, Sumatran coffee houses, etc. The Dutch tin mines and the promise of work brought many families to the Belitung.

One of the world's most beautiful and powerful volcanoes, Krakatoa or Krakatau, was known worldwide after the explosive eruption in 1883. Ash from the massive event circled the Earth for years. Along the Pacific Ring of Fire, new volcanoes have formed beneath Krakatoa's caldera; Anak Krakatau or "Child of Krakatau" is the most active. Go ashore to explore the black sand beach and lush jungle that rises up to the volcano. The following day, spend time on deck with a team of naturalists, listen to compelling presentations in the lounge, or enjoy one of the many onboard amenities as you travel down the coast of Java.

Today, dock on the island of Java in the bustling port of Semarang. The destination is inland, at the largest Buddhist temple in the world: magnificent Borobudur Temple. Stone reliefs carved in exquisite detail line the base of the temple, depicting everyday life and the path to enlightenment. Spend the full day exploring this spectacular site.

A breathtaking chain of coral-fringed islands, Kreimun Jawa Archipelago sits off the coast of central Java. Designated a Natural Reserve, the marine park protects the biodiversity of the lush mangrove forests teeming with birdlife, 11 species of seagrass and extensive coral reefs, etc. Observe life in the mangroves as you trek deep into the forest raised footpaths, ever watchful for blav-tailed monkeys and red breasted parakeets. Kayak along the seagrass in water so clear you can see the fish and coral below. A true island paradise.

Palau Bawean is a small jewel in the Java Sea. Travel past the beautifully terraced rice paddies as you head to the center of the island and Lake Kastoba. According to ancient lore, a swim in these pristine waters will keep you forever young. Curious monkeys and a variety of birds will make their home in the surrounding jungle. Local villagers eagerly share their traditional music and dance.

Javanese for “deer,” Menjangan Island is named after the rare rusa deer who swim to the island during the spring. This secluded paradise is part of the West Bali Barat National Park, located in the northwest tip of Bali. Teeming with untouched beauty both above and below the water, explore the island on foot, keeping an eye out for deer while wandering through the ancient white stone temple, Pura Segara Gili Kencana; snorkel amongst the brightly colored coral fans, or glide through the clear water on a stand-up paddle board.

This morning, arrive in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali, one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. Following disembarkation get a taste of this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. Following lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.