From buddhist meditation to sumptuous cuisine, these
excursions delve into the best of each destination
Three shore
excursions
ASIA
IMAGES:
ALAMY
;^ G
ETTY
SEE MORE ONLINE AT NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.CO.UK/TRAVEL
Y
ou could spend a lifetime
exploring Asia, with its ancient
temples, emerald rice terraces
and fi ery cuisines. Designed for
seasoned adventurers, Oceania Cruises’
four grand voyages, which call on more than
450 destinations around the world, enable
travellers to discover multiple Asian ports
of call with their unique shore excursions,
small ship luxury and sumptuous cuisine.
Here are three of the best excursions to try.
1
SPEND A DAY WITH A LOCAL
FAMILY, COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
With its dizzying cultural diversity, vast
urban sprawl and prominent colonial past,
Colombo can seem almost overwhelming
at first glance — so it’s best that locals lead
the way. On this excursion, travellers are
welcomed into the home of a local family
to delve into daily life while sampling Sri
Lankan cuisine. Joining a family at their
table to hear stories both tall and true is
often a highlight of any trip — no matter
where you are in the world.
2
BALI HERBAL WALK AND HERBAL
CLASS, BALI, INDONESIA
Home to pulsating urban jungles, rice
fi elds and river valleys, Bali is oozing with
medicinal plants that have been used by
locals for centuries. On this excursion,
travellers may spy the fragrant yellow
tendrils of ylang-ylang, used to lower blood
pressure and alleviate congestion, and
the fl amboyant antioxidant-rich petals of
hibiscus. Bali’s traditional healing methods
are then explored more thoroughly in a
classroom, before the island’s aromatic,
health-giving cuisine is served for lunch.
3
MEDITATION EXPERIENCE WITH A
MONK, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Wat Pathum Wanaram, also known as the
Lotus Temple, is a verdant sanctum of
serenity in the bustling city of Bangkok.
On this excursion, travellers delve into
its history, architecture and the reasons
behind the rituals of the monks’ daily lives.
In the vihan (prayer hall), a monk explores
how Buddhist meditation can lead to
enlightenment, and passes on techniques to
take home.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
For more information on Oceania Cruises’
four grand voyages and shore excursions,
visit oceaniacruises.com
| PAID CONTENT FOR OCEANIA CRUISES
