Goldring Travel’s 2026 Culinary & Cultural Journey: Borneo & Indonesia on Aurora Expeditions

I am excited to announce the 2026 Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Journey will be a sixteen-day expedition from Bali to Singapore, visiting Borneo and Indonesia from Buddhist temples to jungles to coral reefs, departing on October 24, 2026. 

As this journey has just been opened for sale, Aurora Expeditions is offering a fantastic 25% discount and only a $2,500 deposit.

This extraordinary journey combines contemplative and active experiences such as visiting the Buddhist temples of Borobudur (a UNESCO World Heritage site), snorkeling with gentle whale sharks and manta rays, visiting an orangutan rehabilitation center, seeing the famous Komodo dragons, and so much more. Of course, we will explore the amazing and diverse cuisines…and the many cultures…from Bali to Singapore.

More specifically, our journey starts in Denpasar with an overnight stay. This provides an opportunity for another Goldring Travel Private Special Event with a pre-journey culinary experience. The introduction to Indonesian flavors will be an experience unto itself!

The next day is a private charter flight to Aurora Expeditions’ flagship X-Bow ship, Greg Mortimer, which after settling in onboard the ship, we set sail for Raja Ampat, home to snorkeling or diving on world-famous coral reefs, or hiking to breathtaking panoramic views, or immersing in the cultural heritage of the area and its famous rock painting sites.

Keeping with the diverse nature of this expedition, the next day are Buri and Fogi Islands. After a morning cultural greeting by the Pasir Putih Village you can stay and immerse yourself in the local life or head under the sea, kayak in the mangroves, or laze on the beach.

The next day is for marine biology geeks – like me – a fantasy come true.  Wakatobi National Park, in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, is home to 750 of the 850 known coral species as well as 942 species of fish.  Prefer land-based experiences? Guided nature walks and birding…or a beach day…are available.

Taka Bonerate National Park, located in the Flores Sea, offers yet more marine and birding experiences or, if you prefer, a glimpse into local life and opportunities to contribute to conservation efforts through tree planting, coral transplantation, or turtle release.

Next up is a “Life List” experience for many: Two days at Komodo Island, where you can observe the famous Komodo dragons, enjoy a scenic zodiac cruise, experience the underwater majesty of Manta Alley, and/or relax and snorkel on the famous Pink Beach (I have stories about it!).

Not enough WOW? The Greg Mortimer then sails to Saleh Bay, Sumbawa Besar, where we will have the opportunity to snorkel with the gentle giant whale sharks! I’m not sure it gets any cooler than that!

After a day at sea, we leave the focus on nature and arrive at Semarang for a visit to the Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia, which is more impressive than the breathtaking scenery on the ride there.

Not enough highlights? The next two days are spent in Kumai, Central Kalimantan, Borneo, experiencing the rain forests and, of course, searching for Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and more.  Not to worry about finding orangutans in the wild, as we will visit Pondok Tanggui Rehabilitation Centre and the Tanjung Harapan Park, where observing them feeding is assured.

After a day at sea, we arrive in Singapore. While the expedition may be over, Goldring Travel plans to have a Private Special Event – hopefully at True Blue, which offers a delicious Peranakan culinary experience that pretty much every world-class chef has experienced.

And, of course, one must experience a Hawker Centre for an amazingly diverse culinary experience, including Chiili Crab and Chicken Rice.  

To top off the experience, I highly recommend one stays at Raffles. Rather than the modern Singapore, experiencing the grandeur of Raffles is not to be missed. (As this is an extra cost, Goldring Travel can offer a number of alternatives, some with complimentary added amenities.)

Prices start at $14,996.25 per person, double occupancy for Balcony Staterooms. There are a few Solo Staterooms available starting at $19,995.00! Only a $2,500 deposit holds your place!

This extraordinary journey is sure to sell out, so if you are interested, please call, email or message Goldring Travel now!