Discover the remarkable side of Asia
Asia Small Group Tours
Based In Australia - 12 Guests Per Tour - Incredible Itineraries
Established in 2017, Remarkable East specialises in small group touring, but not as you know it. With more than two decades of experience exploring Asia, we create bespoke itineraries for discerning travellers looking for a real adventure. Based in Australia, our team uses our on-the-ground experience and first-hand knowledge to carefully curate experiences that are innovative and authentic. With just twelve guests per trip, Remarkable East is redefining small group touring.
Theme South Korea Cherry Blossom Tour
Dates Mon 29 Mar - Sat 10 Apr 2027
Duration 13 Days - 12 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 12 Breakfasts - 5 Lunches - 2 Dinners
Accommodation Mix of comfortable city stays, a charming countryside retreat and a beachfront property
Tour Code REKRCB
While Japan may be famous for cherry blossoms, South Korea offers one of Asia's most spectacular spring displays without the overwhelming crowds. This 13 day small group journey has been carefully designed to follow the natural progression of the cherry blossom season, beginning in the warm south where the first blooms appear before travelling north through the Korean Peninsula as spring unfolds.
Beginning in Busan, follow the cherry blossom season north through South Korea, visiting the spectacular Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Hadong's famous Cherry Blossom Road, the coastal beauty of Gangneung and Seoul at the height of spring. Travel by scenic coastal rail, high-speed KTX and private vehicle through a diverse landscape of mountains, rivers, coastlines and historic cities that many visitors rarely experience.
Beyond the blossoms, we’ll also uncover the culture, history and traditions that define South Korea. Explore colourful markets and ancient temples, wander through Jeonju's beautifully preserved hanok village, enjoy a hands-on pottery experience and soak up the atmosphere in charming cafes, local neighbourhoods and vibrant city streets. Carefully balanced with free time throughout, the itinerary allows you to experience each destination at a relaxed pace rather than simply ticking off the highlights.
With a maximum of 12 guests, comfortable accommodation throughout and an itinerary designed specifically for Australian travellers, this small group journey showcases the very best of South Korea, combining spectacular spring landscapes with authentic cultural experiences.
Tour prices are quoted per person, based on twin share accommodation. Please note that bookings are made one person at a time, so two guests travelling in twin share accommodation will need to submit two separate reservations. Solo travellers should select one traveller and choose the single room option. Deposits and payment plans are available on selected departures. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before completing your booking.
Theme Sri Lanka Personal Development Tour
Dates Wed 1 Sep - Mon 13 Sep 2027
Duration 13 Days - 12 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 12 Breakfasts - 1 Lunch - 11 Dinners
Accommodation Overall four star, with a mix of boutique hotels, private villas and nature and wellness retreats.
Tour Code RESLR
Sri Lanka sets the scene for a tour that explores both the country around us and our own inner landscape. Over 13 days, travel from Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, to the hills around Kandy and Habaraduwa and on the south coast, taking in ancient cities, Buddhist temples, rural villages, local food and some of the country’s most interesting architecture and gardens.
At the heart of the tour is The Art of Growing Older, a four-part programme developed and facilitated by Dr Jenni Harris. Through thoughtful enquiry, creative reflection and facilitated conversation, the programme explores what matters most as we age, the wisdom gathered through our lives and the possibilities that remain ahead. Eight distinct sessions are spread across the tour, providing space to explore these ideas while still experiencing a varied itinerary each day.
Our first four nights are based in Sigiriya, where we’ll climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore an ancient city and travel by tuk tuk through the villages of Habarana before sharing lunch in a local home. Heading south, stop at Dambulla Cave Temple before continuing into the hills at Digana. Visit the historic temples of Pilimathalawa, explore Kandy with a local host and see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
On the south coast, spend four nights in Habaraduwa with a Sri Lankan cooking class at Dinesha’s home in Talpe, a guided walk through Galle Fort and visits to Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga and Bevis Bawa’s Brief Garden. With a maximum of 12 guests and several nights in each location, there is time for sightseeing, conversation and reflection before coming together for a farewell dinner on our final evening.
Tour prices are quoted per person, based on twin share accommodation. Please note that bookings are made one person at a time, so two guests travelling in twin share accommodation will need to submit two separate reservations. Solo travellers should select one traveller and choose the single room option. Deposits and payment plans are available on selected departures. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before completing your booking.
Theme Philippines Explorer Tour
Dates Mon 1 Feb - Sat 13 Feb 2027
Duration 13 Days - 12 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 12 Breakfasts - 7 Lunches - 2 Dinners
Accommodation Overall standard of 4-star throughout the journey
Tour Code REPH
Travel through the heart of the Philippines, exploring the islands of the Visayas across 13 well paced days. Beginning in Manila and travelling through Dumaguete, Siquijor, Bohol and Cebu, the journey focuses on the cultural and natural diversity of the central Philippines. Combining flights, ferries and scenic overland travel, the itinerary links vibrant cities, island communities, marine sanctuaries and coastal landscapes across one of the country's most rewarding regions.
Each day combines some of the best known attractions of the Philippines with experiences that offer insight into local life. Explore the historic streets of Manila, visit the famous Chocolate Hills and encounter the Philippine tarsier in Bohol. In Siquijor, discover an island known for its natural beauty, quiet beaches and centuries old healing traditions, while enjoying a slower pace away from the country's busiest tourism centres.
The tour also showcases some remarkable marine environments. Swim with sea turtles at Apo Island, search for dolphins and whales around Pamilacan Island, and snorkel among vast schools of sardines at Moalboal. From coral reefs and island sanctuaries to waterfalls and tropical coastlines, we balance active exploration with opportunities to relax and enjoy island life.
Accommodation throughout the tour includes comfortable 4 star hotels, boutique properties and beachfront resorts selected for their location and character. With a maximum of 12 guests, the smaller group size allows for greater flexibility, local interaction and a more relaxed pace. Designed for Australian travellers, our small group Philippines tour combines iconic highlights with lesser visited islands, creating a deeper and more rewarding exploration of the Visayas.
Tour prices are quoted per person, based on twin share accommodation. Please note that bookings are made one person at a time, so two guests travelling in twin share accommodation will need to submit two separate reservations. Solo travellers should select one traveller and choose the single room option. Deposits and payment plans are available on selected departures. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before completing your booking.
Theme Ladies Only Nepal Tour
Dates Sat 23 Oct - Tue 2 Nov 2027
Duration 11 Days - 10 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 10 Breakfasts - 9 Lunches - 10 Dinners
Accommodation Overall four star, mix of boutique hotels, mountain lodges and nature retreats
Tour Code RENW
Nepal is known for the Himalayas, but there is far more to the country than its mountain scenery. Designed for women, our 11 day small group tour travels through Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Manakamana, Pokhara, Sarangkot and Chitwan National Park. Combining Nepal’s major sights with village visits, local food, traditional crafts, wildlife and time spent with communities, the departure has also been timed for Tihar, Nepal’s five-day Festival of Lights.
Beginning in Kathmandu, visit Buddhist monasteries, temples and historic markets before travelling to the medieval city of Bhaktapur. Continue west to Manakamana and Pokhara, with time on Phewa Lake and in the surrounding countryside before an overnight stay in Sarangkot overlooking the Annapurna Himalayas. The journey then heads south to Chitwan National Park for canoeing and a jeep safari before returning to Kathmandu.
Tihar is a major part of this departure, with each day introducing different traditions as the festival unfolds. Experience Kukur Tihar, when dogs are decorated with marigold garlands and tika, Laxmi Puja, when homes and streets are illuminated with oil lamps, and celebrations taking place in villages and neighbourhoods throughout the journey. We’ll also cook with Newari and Gurung families, try traditional pottery, visit a Tibetan refugee community, tour an organic coffee farm and meet women working in local community initiatives.
With a maximum of 12 guests, our Nepal itinerary balances sightseeing and activities with slower days and free time. It’s a chance to see several very different sides of Nepal while travelling in a small women-only group.
Tour prices are quoted per person, based on twin share accommodation. Please note that bookings are made one person at a time, so two guests travelling in twin share accommodation will need to submit two separate reservations. Solo travellers should select one traveller and choose the single room option. Deposits and payment plans are available on selected departures. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before completing your booking.
Theme Hornbill Festival Tour
Dates Mon 29 Nov - Sun 12 Dec 2027
Duration 14 Days - 13 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 12 Breakfasts - 11 Lunch - 12 Dinners
Accommodation Overall three star, with a mix of hotels, a heritage tea bungalow and simple village homestays.
Tour Code RENEI
North East India offers a journey into some of the country’s least visited regions, where mountain roads connect remote valleys and villages with distinct languages, food and traditions. Over 14 days, we’ll travel through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, venturing well beyond India’s familiar touring routes. Village homestays, meals in local homes and time spent with Apatani, Galo and Angami communities bring us closer to daily life in places that relatively few international travellers reach.
Beginning with a night in Delhi, we’ll fly to Guwahati, where we’ll spend a night before visiting Kamakhya Temple and continuing to Balipara for two nights in a heritage tea bungalow. Here, we’ll explore Assam’s tea heritage and visit a Mishing village before heading into the hills. Accommodation throughout the journey ranges from hotels and heritage stays to simple village homestays, reflecting the limited tourism infrastructure in these less visited areas.
Our journey takes us deep into Arunachal Pradesh, with two nights in Ziro Valley exploring Apatani villages and their distinctive agricultural landscapes. We’ll join a cooking session in a local home, learning about regional herbs and ingredients before sharing lunch with our hosts. Continuing to Aalo, we’ll visit Galo villages and watch a traditional dance performance before travelling through Pasighat and back into Assam.
Our final days take us into Nagaland, staying in Angami villages and exploring Khonoma’s historic forts, traditional houses and alder farms. We’ll share local food, hear folk songs and learn about community conservation efforts, alongside visits to Kohima War Cemetery and Kigwema. The Hornbill Festival provides a lively finale, bringing together Naga communities for music, dance and closing celebrations. With a maximum of 12 guests, we can follow a route suited to small-scale travel and spend time in communities beyond the usual tourist circuit.
Tour prices are quoted per person, based on twin share accommodation. Please note that bookings are made one person at a time, so two guests travelling in twin share accommodation will need to submit two separate reservations. Solo travellers should select one traveller and choose the single room option. Deposits and payment plans are available on selected departures. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before completing your booking.
Theme Borneo Wildlife Tour
Dates Sat 11 Sep - Thu 23 Sep 2027
Duration 13 Days - 12 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 12 Breakfasts - 7 Lunches - 6 Dinners
Accommodation Premium hotels, rustic rainforest lodges and a luxury island resort
Tour Code REBW
Home to one of the world's oldest rainforests, Borneo offers a rare combination of extraordinary wildlife, rich Indigenous cultures and remarkable natural landscapes. This 13 day small group journey travels through the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, exploring vibrant riverside cities, remote Iban communities and ancient rainforests before concluding with a relaxing stay at the award-winning Gaya Island Resort. The result is a journey that showcases the remarkable diversity of Malaysian Borneo, both on land and along its winding rivers.
Each day combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with experiences that provide genuine insight into the region's history and cultural heritage. Discover Kuching's historic waterfront and award-winning Borneo Cultures Museum, visit the Sarawak Cultural Village and spend time with the Iban people during an overnight stay in a traditional longhouse community. Explore the rainforest trails of Bako National Park in search of endemic proboscis monkeys, travel by longboat along jungle rivers and experience one of the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth from both land and water.
We continue into Sabah, where some of Borneo's most celebrated wildlife experiences await. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre before cruising the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and crocodiles. The adventure concludes with two nights at Gaya Island Resort, where white sand beaches, coral reefs and lush rainforest provide the perfect setting to unwind after an unforgettable expedition.
Accommodation throughout the tour includes a carefully selected mix of premium hotels, rainforest lodges and a luxury island resort chosen for their comfort, character and location. With a maximum of 12 guests, the smaller group size allows for greater flexibility, local interaction and a more relaxed pace. Designed for Australian travellers, our small group Borneo tour combines world-class wildlife, Indigenous cultures and immersive rainforest experiences to create one of South East Asia's most rewarding journeys.
Tour prices are quoted per person, based on twin share accommodation. Please note that bookings are made one person at a time, so two guests travelling in twin share accommodation will need to submit two separate reservations. Solo travellers should select one traveller and choose the single room option. Deposits and payment plans are available on selected departures. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before completing your booking.
“Everything just works. Accommodation, tours, plane and train connections, good knowledgeable local guides and amazing, caring and careful drivers. You don’t use a tour operator six times if the price and service is not exceptional.”
Terry,
January 2026
Why Travel With Remarkable East
Genuinely Small Groups
Our tours are intentionally limited to just 12 travellers, creating a more personal experience and allowing access to places, accommodation and experiences that larger groups with big buses simply cannot reach.
Based In Australia
Remarkable East is part of the Unbound Travel Group, an Australian owned travel company that has been creating journeys across Asia for two decades, supported by local teams and trusted partners throughout the region.
Expertly Crafted Journeys
Our itineraries are shaped by decades of destination expertise and extensive research. We focus on distinctive routes, meaningful experiences and lesser visited regions, consistently earning outstanding feedback.
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Incredible Itineraries
Our itineraries blend iconic highlights with off-the-beaten-track destinations, offering the best of both worlds. Carefully curated by our in-house travel experts, skip the crowds and discover lesser-known places that reveal a richer, more authentic side of each country you visit.
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Insightful Guides
Gain a deeper understanding of each place with insightful local guides who know their destinations inside out. Their lived experience, personal stories, and connections provide context you won’t find in guidebooks, turning each stop into a meaningful and memorable encounter.
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![Tuk tuk on Siquijor in the Philuppines]()
Unique Transport
Travel differently with unique modes of transport that bring you closer to local life. Ride overnight ferries, hop on regional trains, or use smaller vehicles that reach places big tour buses can't. Our journeys offer flexibility, deeper access, and a more personal view of the landscape.
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Culinary Treasures
Enjoy real street food and authentic regional cuisine, watch meals prepared using traditional methods, and sample dishes where locals eat. It’s not just about dining - it’s about experiencing culture through every bite, offering a true taste of a destination from a different perspective.
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Smaller Groups
With a maximum of 12 guests, our take on small group touring allows easier access to places larger groups can’t reach. It’s a more flexible, personal way to travel - ideal for exploring tucked-away spots, connecting with locals, and enjoying a shared experience without the crowds.
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Engaging Activities
Experience a destination beyond the surface through authentic encounters with locals. Join a ceramic workshop, take part in grassroots NGO initiatives, or explore on guided walking tours. These activities offer real insight into daily life, traditions, and community stories.
Remarkable East Travel FAQs
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At Remarkable East, we believe small group touring should be just that: small.
As such, the group size for all of our small group tours are capped at a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
This way, we’re able to get around with ease, utilise local transport and visit more off-the-beaten-track destinations. This tour is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers, and you may even leave with lifelong friendships. -
All of our small group tours to Asia include shared airport transfers, all accommodation, breakfasts, all transport, a dedicated trip leader, and a range of expert local guides. Depending on the region, additional extras that may be included are outlined in each itinerary, such as speciality lunches or dinners, internal flights and entry to relevant landmarks or experiences.
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Our guests come from all over the world, but share a love of travel. Small group touring suits guests who value a balance of structure and flexibility, and who enjoy meaningful experiences over fast-paced sightseeing. It’s ideal for those who prefer not to travel alone but also want to avoid the crowds and rigidity of large tours.
People who enjoy cultural immersion, local interactions, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to travel often find small group touring rewarding. It’s also well suited to open-minded, considerate travellers who appreciate shared experiences, like group meals or guided walks, but value having personal time and space too.
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a group of friends, if you’re curious, adaptable, and interested in the world beyond the typical tourist trail, small group touring is a great compromise between the intimacy of private experiences, and the convenience of group travel.
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We certainly do! Due to the nature of accommodation, like many other tour operators, our pricing is based on per person, twin share - or two people sharing a room.
Without another person to share the cost, a solo traveller will often pay the full rate for that room, or be charged double by a tour operator.
However, at Remarkable East, we try to reduce the cost of this burden by keeping our solo supplements as low as possible. If you would like to learn more about this or potentially source another solo traveller to bunk with, please contact us at mail@remarkableeast.com.au -
If we’re strictly talking about weather, the best months to visit Asia depend on the specific region, as the continent spans a wide range of climates. However, in general:
October to March is considered the most favourable period for much of Asia, particularly:
South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal): Cooler, dry weather makes this peak travel season.
South East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar): These months offer pleasant temperatures and less rain.
East Asia (Japan, China, South Korea): Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May) are ideal for mild weather and seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms or fall foliage.
Exceptions to note:
Northern Asia (parts of China, Mongolia, Siberia): Best visited in summer (June to August) when temperatures are more manageable.
Indonesia and the Philippines: Dry season varies, but generally April to October is preferred.
The Himalaya: For trekking in Nepal, India or Bhutan, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal.
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With over two decades of operating tours from Australia, we know Asia well. While our primary base in in Melbourne, we also have regional offices for our operations staff in the following locations:
- Delhi, India
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Colombo, Sri Lanka -
We certainly do! In fact, private touring with custom-made itineraries is an area we’re particularly passionate about. To explore more of Asia on your terms, please visit us at Asia Unbound, India Unbound or Sri Lanka Unbound to learn more.
2027 Asia Tour Departures
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Islands Of The Visayas | Mon 1 Feb - Sat 13 Feb 2027
Island hop through the Philippines, exploring the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the healing traditions of Siquijor and vibrant coral reefs, with encounters with sea turtles at Apo Island and vast schools of sardines off the coast of Moalboal.
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South Korea In Bloom | Mon 29 Mar - Sat 10 Apr 2027
Beginning in Busan, follow the cherry blossom season north through South Korea, visiting the spectacular Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Hadong's famous Cherry Blossom Road, the coastal beauty of Gangneung and Seoul at the height of spring.
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Heartlands Of Flores | Sat 12 Jun - Thu 23 Jun 2027
Watch sunrise over the three coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu, explore the traditional Ngada villages of Bena and Luba, browse local markets and rice fields, and set sail on a luxury Phinisi liveaboard cruise through Komodo National Park.
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Reflections Of Ceylon | Wed 1 Sep - Mon 13 Sep 2027
Explore ancient cities, hill country temples and coastal gardens in Sri Lanka, with Sigiriya, Galle Fort and the Bawa gardens alongside The Art of Growing Older, an inward journey and personal development programme led by Dr Jenni Harris.
Untamed Borneo Expedition | Sat 11 Sep - Thu 23 Sep 2027
Travel through the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo, exploring vibrant riverside cities, remote Iban communities and ancient rainforests before concluding with a relaxing stay at the award-winning Gaya Island Resort.
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Nepal Womens Pilgrimage | Sat 23 Oct - Tue 2 Nov 2027
Join a ladies only adventure through Nepal during Tihar, the Festival of Lights, exploring medieval Bhaktapur, lakeside Pokhara and the Annapurna Himalayas, with family cooking, traditional crafts and a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park.
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Frontiers Of North East India | Mon 29 Nov - Sun 12 Dec 2027
Tick off your bucket list on a journey through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, with three days at the Hornbill Festival, village homestays, a heritage tea bungalow and cultural experiences with Apatani, Galo and Angami communities.
Go to Asia. Everything is different, yet everything is familiar. The people are kind, the food is rich, and the land surprises you at every turn.
Anthony Bourdain
