Island Hopping & Diving in Southeast Asia

Your overseas adventure has begun as you travel to Koh Rong, Cambodia. As you descend, take a look out of your window to see expansive jungles and turquoise waters. A local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your beach villas. 

The afternoon is yours to explore your environment look for wildlife on a nature path, jump into the ocean, or get a massage at the hotel spa. In the evening, you’ll meet with your guide for a traditional Cambodian dinner, giving you a perfect opportunity to get to know your guides and ask questions about your upcoming schedule!

Spend your first full day in Cambodia soaking up rays on the waters of Koh Rong. In the morning, a luxury yacht will arrive at your villa. Climb on board to enjoy breakfast as you cruise around the island. After an hour, put on your snorkel gear and dive into the crystal clear waters to discover a lively underwater world. Enjoy an up-close encounter with exotic fish and coral. After a few hours of swimming, cruise to the Koh Touch fishing village for a stunning seafood BBQ on the beach. Hang out in a hammock, kayak the ocean, suntan on the beach, or search for the perfect souvenir in the village before heading back to your villa. In the evening, you will take a short flight to Bali, Indonesia. 

A professional marine scientist and oceanographer will accompany your ocean excursions throughout the trip to learn about the marine life you encounter, as well as their interactions with the environment. Be sure to ask lots of questions to learn return home with a better knowledge of marine sciences.

Jump on a boat from Bali to escape to the Gili Islands. Your boat will have a glass bottom for you to view Bali’s marine life on the way. Keep a lookout for turtles, sharks, stingrays, colorful fish, and more! You will be greeted at your private island with traditional Indonesian cuisine. Next, take some time to rest in a hammock, swim in the ocean, explore the jungle, or snorkel the water. A local guide will accompany you to comment on Bali’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.

You’ve seen Bali’s spectacular marine life, so why not encounter its land animals, too! Start the day visiting the famous Monkey Forest. Enjoy an intimate experience with these mischief makers by feeding the monkeys and observing them in the Hindu spot. Next, enjoy grazing a platter of fresh meats, pastries, fruits, and cheeses with a cold-brew coffee in hand. Following this, you’ll head to the Bali Swing to enjoy a Tarzan experience. Finish the day with a visit to a coffee plantation and rice fields. In the evening, take a short flight to an all-inclusive resort on the island of Borneo, Malaysia.

Venturing into the deep jungle, you will arrive at the oldest orangutan conservation center in the world. Walk along tree-top bridges to get a bird’s eye view of these bright orange animals in their natural habitat. Learn how the staff work to protect the orphan primates and ensure their safe transition into their natural habitat. After getting up close with orangutans, you’ll head to a local Malaysian restaurant for lunch. 

You’ll spend this afternoon in Sandakan’s local market – a perfect location to buy souvenirs. Then you will visit the Puh Jih Shih Buddhist Temple to learn about Chinese architecture and influences. Explore the attraction and take in the hilltop views of Sandakan Bay.

Today is an absolute highlight of the trip. Wake up early for a traditional boat ride to one of the most famous dive sites in Southeast Asia, Brunei. Take a course on how to manage your equipment before gearing up and diving to the depths of the ocean. Not only will you encounter numerous colorful exotic fish, but you will swim by Australian and American shipwrecks from World War II. Enjoy the weightlessness of breathing underwater as you wade from wreck to wreck. After four hours of diving, make your way to the Canopy Walkway on land to experience Borneo’s lush rainforests.

It has been both an adventurous and educational week in Southeast Asia. We hope you had lots of fun, but it’s now time to leave. Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and guides. Talk about your favorite memories and what you have learned. Next, head to the local airport for your departure flight home.