Explore Singapore by Bumboat
Singapore River may be a small river, but if you look into its past, it hides a fascinating history that tells of great adventures and tales. For one, it is where Sir Stamford Raffles declared the first trading port in Singapore. Take a gentle (electric powered) bumboat ride to discover why this waterway has been affectionately dubbed, ‘The River of Life’. On the journey guests pass by historical sites, monumental architectural wonders, vibrant riverside walkways and structures that highlight the remarkable transformation of Singapore from colonial trading post to modern metropolis.
Crossing Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry
The Star Ferry traces its origins to 1880 when Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, a Parsee cook, embarked on a new vocation. He began a ferry service across Victoria Harbour with his steamboat, the Morning Star. Then in May 1898 the Star Ferry Company, as it is known today, became a public company. Its name derives from the ferries, which all bore the name “Star”.
The 5-10 minute crossing of Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry is akin to stepping back into the days of old to an era when Star ferries were the major passenger connection between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula.
We step aboard the fabulous double-decker “Shining Star” ferry, a beautiful re-creation of the ferries that plied Victoria Harbour in the 1920s. Guests can relax and enjoy the magnificent views of this world famous harbor and skyline while sipping a cup of fine coffee or simply soak up the sun on the open decks.
Check out our video of Victoria Harbour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H44go7wr_NU
Container Port Tour in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is full of surprises. From its rugged tree covered hills to sweeping beaches and colossal city center, the region dazzles visitors. Hong Kong is also home to one of the world’s busiest deepwater seaports. A fascinating place, the seaport is home to nine container terminals and in a single year, can see over 450,000 vessels carrying in excess of 200 million tons of cargo. Certainly not your usual city tour around Hong Kong but this hidden gem will give you an insight into one of the busiest and most efficient Shipping Ports in the World, a sight rarely seen by members of the public.
Join a local crew to sail through Hong Kong’s shipping channel and right into the heart of the Port whilst relaxing with a drink in hand and getting up close to the operations. It’s impossible not to feel dwarfed by the largest ships in the industry as you cruise by.
Your Guide, James has over 10 years’ experience working in the shipping industry across Asia and will give you an insider’s view of Hong Kong’s Port (once the largest and now 6th Largest in the world) while also sharing some great stories during his time in the industry from Pirates to frozen luxury cars!
Tokyo Cruise on the Sumida River
Enjoy a boat cruise on the Sumida River, passing under 12 bridges as you travel to Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers providing a great example Japan’s contrasting landscapes. The Sumida River has acted as Tokyo’s gateway to the sea since ancient times, attracting both people and business to this day.
Among those ships still seen bobbing on the river are the so-called water buses, or suijo bus in Japanese. These unique boat taxis have gained popularity, especially among tourists in recent years as they do not only take you from one place to the other; they also offer amazing views of Tokyo.
Sparkling Breakfast Cruise on Chao Phraya River
This cruise along the River of Kings puts Bangkok in a new light. The day begins with a refreshing breakfast cruise, the first of its kind along the Chao Phraya. The sun rises over iconic Thai scenes such as the Temple of Dawn as your delicious and healthy breakfast is served by Manohra Cruises aboard a lovingly restored antique rice barge. As the sun rises over iconic cultural sites and the river wakes up to the pulsating scenes of the capital, savour a gourmet breakfast selection and revitalise with fresh juices and smoothies – or sip your favourite specialty brew. Make this memorable experience extra special with a sparkling upgrade. Departs Anantara Riverside Pier 7:30 am to 9:00 am.
Jungle Cruise on Kinabatangan River
Join us as we depart Sepilok Centre and transfer to a small jetty in Sandakan for a scheduled boat departure at noon. An hour’s cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary brings guests to Abai Jungle Restaurant where lunch is available. We then start a journey of discovery from the waters of Sulu Sea in Sandakan Town, winding through a magnificent landscape of mangrove forests in search for wildlife before the sun sets. However the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. As night approaches the cruise continues in search of fireflies that light up many of the surrounding trees! For those staying at the lodge they can head out after dinner to experience the “Jungle at night” – trekking along a boardwalk in search of birds, snakes, insects and other wildlife with our expert nature guide.
River Explorer from Kuala Tembeling to Taman Negara
Kuala Tembeling is a rugged place at the confluence of the Tembeling and Jelai rivers, serving as a transfer point to Taman Negara Naitonal Park. This route is popular for its natural riverside beauty and panoramic views from the boat along Sungai Tembeling. The longboat journey lasts about two-and-a-half to three hours before arriving at Taman Negara.
Taman Negara is the oldest primary rainforest in the world at 4,343 square kilometers, spreading itself out over three states at Peninsular Malaysia. The National Park provides exceptional opportunities to watch animals in the wild, both by boat and on foot. Keep your eyes open and have a camera at the ready to spot all types of animal overhead, on the river bank or even swimming up to the boat.