9-Nights Highlights of Singapore & Bali

Singapore

One of Asia's great economic successes, Singapore has fused diverse cultures into one dynamic nation. Behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Beneath the westernized modernity beats a totally Asian heart. Strong beliefs center around extended families, filial piety, discipline, respect and Asian work ethics. Singapore’s name, meaning "Lion City," can be traced to the 13th century, and today there is the mythical Merlion, half-lion, half-fish, standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River as the symbol of Singapore. A recent advertising campaign billed Singapore as "A Fine City."

Sanur

Sanur occupies a happy medium between other Bali beach towns—it's not as frantic as Kuta, and it's not as expensive (or insulated) as Nusa Dua. The white-sand beach, which is lined with outrigger canoes, fronts spacious hotel compounds.

The offshore reef makes the water calm for snorkeling, although the reef itself isn't all that spectacular. Rental shops lease sailboards, surfboards and paddleboards. There are a number of good shops and restaurants along Jalan Danau Tamblingan and Jalan Poso.

As with most places in Bali, day trips can be organized to visit nearby temples and craft villages. It is located 4 mi/6 km east of Denpasar.

Ubud

Hidden among the rice paddies, foothills, and steep ravines is Ubud, the cultural center of Bali renowned for its arts, dance and music. The town was an important source for medicinal herbs and plants wherein Balinese the word 'ubad' means medicine. It was a Javanese priest in the 8th century who discovered Ubud while meditating between two crossing rivers. Here, he discovered the Gunung Lebah Temple on the valley floor which today, remains a pilgrim destination. Tranquil, visitors can find serenity in nature and  inspiration in its ancient temples and palaces. Make friends at the Ubud Monkey Forest, but hold on to your belongings. Meditate at Anand Ashram or hike through the rice paddies.