Bunnik Tours has launched its 2026 Asia program which features small group journeys through regions such as Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, the 5-Stans and with Sri Lanka taking centre stage.
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean captured the hearts of Aussie travellers, with 2025 bookings for the premium Sri Lanka In-Style tour increasing by 150 per cent year-on-year, while the Sri Lanka Discovery has also grown by 43 per cent.
This destination features ancient temples and lush tea country, dramatic highlands and abundant wildlife – all wrapped in the island’s signature warmth and hospitality that keeps travellers coming back.
Close to the Bunnik family’s hearts, the company’s 30-year anniversary was recently celebrated at their second head office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where Frank Bunnik was honoured with the inaugural Bunnik Tours Humanitarian Award for his work rebuilding communities after the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.
In addition, Japan continues to soar in popularity, with 2025 bookings on track to surpass last year’s record by 10 per cent.
Bunnik Tours’ senior tour guide, Akiko Enoki.
Building on this momentum, Bunnik Tours unveiled their Japan program at a VIP trade event in Adelaide last month with insights provided by local expert guide, Akiko Enoki, alongside a panel of well-travelled product specialists.
“Travelling in small groups is the best way to get the most out of your experience,” Enoki said. “With such a large population in Japan, and many tourists as well, being in a small group allows us to be much more flexible and means our clients can truly immerse themselves in the local culture.
“Experiences like paper making, calligraphy classes, indigo dyeing and green tea making allow you to meet, talk to and laugh with the locals! There’s no better way to get under the skin of a destination.”
The 2026 program offers a rich mix of experiences across Japan, including the popular 16-day Japan Discovery, 16-day Colours of Northern Japan, and 19-day Best of Southern Japan itineraries. All of which are designed to immerse travellers in the country’s unique culture and landscapes outside of the well-trodden Tokyo-Kyoto trail.
Oirase Stream – Aomori, Japan.
The 14-day South Korea In-Depth tour is designed to showcase every facet of the country – from its revered past to its cutting-edge present – and pairs seamlessly with Bunnik’s Japan tours for travellers eager to explore two similar yet distinctly unique destinations.
Another destination that has seen impressive growth is India, with 2025 bookings up 73 per cent compared to 2024. Bunnik Tours offers immersive journeys through South India and Rajasthan, including two special Colours of Rajasthan departures in November 2026 that coincide with the vibrant Pushkar Festival – one of the world’s largest camel fairs, blending livestock trading with music, dance and religious celebrations.
For travellers seeking something closer to home, Bunnik Tours’ Vietnam & Cambodia itineraries showcase iconic sites like Halong Bay, Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, along with unique cultural experiences such as cooking classes and a vibrant food tour by vespa.
5 Stans – Abdullah Murodkhojayev Mosque, Uzbekistan.
Bunnik Tours is also launching a 29-day 5-Stans itinerary exploring Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan – key countries along the Silk Road. This destination continues to gain traction, offering travellers an authentic experience before the region is impacted by commercialisation.
“Our 2026 Asia program reflects our commitment to offering travellers authentic, immersive experiences across a diverse range of destinations,” Bunnik Tours joint-CEO, Dennis Bunnik, said.
“From the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka and Japan to the off-the-beaten-track adventures of the 5-Stans, we’re excited to help Australians explore these incredible places before they change – creating memories that last a lifetime.”
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