Asia has a kaleidoscope of exotic sights, sounds, tastes and experiences. You'll find something new and exciting in every port of call. If you're looking for something unique here are a selection of our favourite ports of call.
Cochin, India
One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coast of India, Kochi (also known as Cochin) was once known as the centre of the Indian spice trade. Exotic spices and the aroma of coffee mingle and waft out through the doors of the Pepper Exchange in Cochin.
Nowadays, the town has a distinct European feel, due to the fact that it was once inhabited by the Portuguese, Dutch and English. Their influence on the town's forts, palaces, museums and old churches is still evident today.
Marmagao, India
Marmagao provides a stepping stone to the treasures of Goa. Untypical of India, there's much about the area and its fabled beaches to set it apart from the rest of the subcontinent and how can you resist a place whose local motto is 'Sossegade', which translates to 'Take it Easy'?
Upmarket restaurants and shopping now complement the dreamy beach life and Goa's easygoing streets make an easy and rewarding first introduction to India. Goa's historical atmosphere, shaped by a fascinating mix of Portuguese and Indian influences, is unique.
Chennai, India
Chennai is a spacious city of avenues and esplanades. Best known as Madras, the city sports legions of colonial haunts that date as far back as the British East India Company's earliest days. The capital of the Pallava kings is a stunning collection of rock-cut temples, caves, Mandapa sculptures and monolithic ratha chariot temples - carved from stone but detailed to look like wood. The Main attraction, however, is the Shore Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.
Penang, Malaysia
Beneath the few high rises that tower over Penang's main town, Georgetown, lies a maze of Chinese houses, many of them undergoing renovation. This eclectic island off Peninsular Malaysia rallies such Oriental flavours with colonial forts and grand houses left behind by Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang, and the generations that followed.
Around town, modern malls mix it with marbled mosques, cannon batteries look out over the Straits of Melaka, and landmarks still echo with names such as Farquhar, Gladstone and Cornwallis.
Phuket, Thailand
In many ways untypical of Thailand, much of island Phuket is given over to the delights of sea, sand and sunshine. Look a little further than the beaches, lovely as they are, and you will find temples such as those of Wat Chalong or Wat Phra Thong, as well as some charming reminders of days gone by around Phuket Town.
Here, you'll discover shuttered façades lining narrow streets crowded with ancient Hokkien merchant houses that showcase swatches of every pastel shade. You can shop for arts and crafts and dine out down any of the sois, side streets filled with charm and character.
Port Kelang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur (KL) is long on contrasts, old and new and across cultures. Views from the ultra modern KL Tower or the twin Petronas Towers (until 2004, the tallest buildings in the world) reveal a city of parks and meandering avenues.
Barter in the Central Market for arts and crafts, explore the streets of Chinatown and turn the clock back to the city's Victorian heyday with a visit to the Royal Selangor Club overlooking Merdeka Square.
Discover lands of ancient mysteries and stunning beauty. The prospect that lies ahead when cruising in this region is one of gentle journeys, spectacular contrasts and infinite interest.
THE INDIAN OCEAN & SOUTH CHINA SEA
Discover lands of ancient mysteries and stunning beauty. The prospect that lies ahead when cruising in this region is one of gentle journeys, spectacular contrasts and infinite interest.
Travel to unique ports of call and discover a different World. From the exotic capitals and off - the - beaten track treasures, to a plethora of the natural wonders - immerse yourself in the diverse history and culture of Asia and the Pacific.
Bitung, Sulawesi - Indonesia
Located on the northern coast of Sulawesi attractions include the Batu Kapal Sea Garden, where you can watch the activity of rare and fascinating animal species, Danowudu Wildlife Sanctuary, covered by lush tropical rainforest, and the Trikora Monument situated at Lembeh Island beach.
Kota Kinabalu, capital of the Malaysian state Sabah
A modern capital with warm hospitality Kota Kinabalu is situated on the tropical island of Borneo, and is the state capital of the Malaysian state Sabah. Here there are dense tropical rainforests filled with exotic flora, golden beaches, offshore islands blessed by warm, clear waters and bustling seaside towns filled with warm, friendly people.
Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan is the centre of Brunei's commerce, finance and government, as well as the heart of Brunei's cultural landscape. It houses some of the nations most revered landmarks, including the breathtaking Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Beneath Bandar Seri Begawan's lavish adornments, gold towers, sparkling fountains and colourful mosaic tiles, lies a city steeped in quiet respect, grounded in Islamic tradition, and exuding a sense of peace.
Laem Chabang (Bangkok) Thailand
The port of Laem Chabang, is just two hours south of the capital Bangkok. As the capital of the country, Bangkok is the centre of administration, commerce and communications. Located in the basin of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is the city of civilization with countless significant historical places waiting to be explored.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia's premier beach town
Sihanoukville has a different look and feel than most Cambodian towns. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and undeveloped tropical islands Sihanoukville is a place to unwind by the beach, enjoy the fresh from-the-ocean seafood, take in a snorkelling or scuba trip, and on the whole slow down and relax.
Kuantan, the capital of the Malaysian state of Pahang
The city itself is fast gaining popularity as a beach resort. The region around Kuantan is also well known for village festivals and for the craft of weaving pandanus leaves into mats, hats and baskets. Woodcarving and batik are also traditional crafts in this part of the country.
Phuket, the 'Pearl of Thailand'
Thailand is known as the 'land of smiles', whose gentle people are the friendliest you could ever meet. So be assured of a warm welcome in Phuket. This increasingly popular retreat, still mercifully unspoilt, boasts a stunningly colourful landscape of lush tropical plantations, dramatic mountain rainforest and endless white beaches.
VIETNAM
Its highlands and rainforest regions, far from being devastated by war - team with exotic wildlife. Its islands and beaches are among the finest in all of Southeast Asia, and its cuisine is very possibly the most delicious you will ever find.
Vietnam is a perfect balance between ancient times and the here-and-now, a country that reveres its past heroes, a nation that has collectively put the woes of war behind it, and people who welcome visitors to their country with open arms and friendly smiles. This destination is really only beginning to open up to its full potential, it is a truly gracious country and an outstanding travel destination.
Hanoi
As Vietnam's capital city for almost a thousand years, Hanoi has long been considered the country's cultural centre. This charming, slow-paced hub is located on the right bank of the Red River and close to many of Vietnam's natural wonders, such as the spectacular Halong Bay which should be on everybody's must-visit list.
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and consists over 3,000 stunning lush limestone islands, which amongst them boast a suite of natural wonders such as illuminated caves, emerald grottos and some of the finest sandy beaches the world has to offer. Local legend has it that the gods sent down a family of dragons to protect Hai Phong from invaders, especially the Chinese, and defend their land. While the dragons' watched over the land, their mighty tails carved the rocky seabed and Halong Bay was created.
Hanoi's many museums, embassies and holy shrines to the late Ho Chi Minh reveal the rich history left behind by its storied dynasties. However, with new high-rises going up, life in Hanoi is getting faster all the time.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also referred to as Saigon, is Vietnam's most bustling and spirited city. Breathtaking in its scope of activities, culture and excitement, Ho Chi Minh City is a modern metropolis with attractions such as museums, art galleries and botanical gardens, along with cultural sites like elegant palaces and stunning pagodas.
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is the scenic Tao Dan Cultural Park. Known for its entertainment and recreational activities, the park is a popular venue for Saigonese for practicing Tai Chi, exercising and relaxing. Although many westerners still imagine Vietnam through the lens of war, it is in reality a country filled with captivating natural beauty and tranquil village life.
BORNEO
The best way to reach any island is through the route of the water. The fascinating view of the small piece of land from a distance captivates the mind and the best way to experience captivating views like this is to cruise to that island - Borneo.
Far away from it all, you'll gaze at Borneo's orang-utan sanctuaries, turtle islands and crocodile farms. Curios in Kota Kinabalu include a cultural village, while the stilts of Brunei's water villages co-exist happily with the Sultan's lavish palace.
SANDAKAN
Once the capital of British North Borneo, the city of Sandakan prospered as a trading post and as a landing stage for Chinese settlers. Much of the old city was destroyed during the Second World War with the result that most visitors will head straight on to nearby Sepilok.
Here, mangrove forest trails and tracts of virgin jungle are home to all manner of wildlife, the stars being the orphaned Orang-utans who are rehabilitated and prepared for release back into the wild. Other wildlife excursions will lead to crocodile farms, sightings of curious proboscis monkeys and caves where swifts knit nests cultivated to make bird's nest soup.
KUDAT
Known locally as Simpang Mengayau, few travellers reach the very northern tip of Borneo. In the main town, Kudat, the local Rungus people have set up 'one village one trade' kampungs, some specialising in making and selling honey, some beads, and others gongs. In Bavanggazo, you can admire a typical longhouse, palm-thatched, perched on stilts and with walls that lean outwards.
A popular mecca for divers, beaches welcome the less adventurous, while the local fish and vegetable markets serve up sumptuous photo opportunities.
KOTA KINABALU
Once known as Jesselton, called 'KK' by the locals, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah state. Like Sandakan, the old city was heavily bombed during the Second World War. The State Museum and its adjoining Art Gallery provide a nice diversion, but most will head into the wilderness to appreciate the beauty of the region. Five miles offshore lie the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, perfect for tanning and snorkelling.
East of town, you'll be drawn to the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia, and Monsopiad Cultural Village with its ghoulish Hall of Skulls. Its not just the journey but the travelling to different places of Borneo which makes the cruise so interesting. You can reach the island by many cruise lines, all of which offer luxurious and comfortable journeys.
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