Explore Southeast Asia Like Early Discoverers: 10 Iconic Stops on a Star Clippers Tall Ship Cruise
Discover one of the world's most stunning and culturally diverse regions aboard an authentic tall ship, much like the first explorers. Star Clippers cruises combine timeless sailing adventure with modern luxuries, granting access to bustling ports and secluded coves alike. Enjoy gourmet cuisine, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an array of water sports—from kayaks to paddleboards—while expert dive instructors, skilled bartenders, and thoughtful amenities like pillowtop bedding elevate your journey.
Channel your inner explorer on these voyages, backed by Star Clippers' decades of expertise in tall ship sailing. Here are 10 remarkable stops across Southeast Asia:
Ko Surin
Home to the Moken people—semi-nomadic "sea gypsies"—this Thai island features thatched houseboats, ceremonial spirit poles, and unique traditions like spearfishing. Anchor here to immerse in their culture. The surrounding waters teem with marine life, including angelfish, sea turtles, moray eels, and seasonal whale sharks—perfect for snorkeling or diving.
Similan Islands
Renowned for world-class snorkeling and scuba in Thailand, these islands host clownfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, brain coral, and sea fans. Relax on palm-fringed white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters, or dive into vibrant underwater ecosystems.
Langkawi
A UNESCO Global Geopark in Malaysia, Langkawi boasts ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, vast caves, and terraced rice paddies. Ride the cable car to a 2,170-foot peak for breathtaking views from the Sky Bridge, then shop duty-free in Kuah Town.
Bali
This Hindu island sanctuary features sacred temples, including the iconic Pura Ulun Danu Bratan water temple on Lake Bratan—depicted on Indonesia's 50,000 rupiah note. Pilgrims honor Dewi Danu for bountiful waters. Venture into volcanic highlands to see crater lakes in an extinct caldera's stunning vistas.
Komodo
Encounter Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards (up to 10 feet and 330 pounds), in their protected national park on this Indonesian island. Observe these prehistoric giants safely from a guided distance within their natural habitat.
Pantai Merah
Known as "Red Beach," this Komodo gem features rare pink sands from microscopic reef organisms. Lounge on the sugary shore against a backdrop of vivid turquoise waters for a surreal, photogenic escape.
Lombok
Indonesia's hidden gem next to Bali, Lombok offers volcanic Mount Rinjani views, bamboo forests, rice terraces, and Sendang Gile waterfall. Engage with Senaru villagers in traditional activities like palm sugar making and coffee picking, visit a local school, and explore Baun Pusuk monkey forest.
Sumba
In Waingapu, source Indonesia's finest hand-dyed Ikat textiles with intricate patterns. In Waikabubak, admire towering thatched roofs over 50 feet high, or trek forests to cascading waterfalls for authentic cultural and natural treasures.
Sumbawa
Witness traditional boat-building in Wera Sangiang, where Bugis artisans craft 70-foot vessels by hand without blueprints. Keep an eye on Mount Tambora, site of the 1815 eruption that caused a global "year without summer."
Moyo Island
A biodiversity hotspot with 86 of 124 regional bird species, including yellow-headed parrots and tanimbar megapodes, plus butterflies, bats, macaques, and barking deer. As a national park, it offers waterfalls for refreshing swims and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling.
