Small boats, big adventures
AContributed sia’s multi-cultural lifestyle is never more apparent than in ports of call that only small ships can visit. DIVERSE CULTURE Take in the warm, smiling faces, various sites, sounds of all kinds and traditional customs where you’ll be enchanted from the rural to the urban as you journey onwards. Indonesian culture is influenced by age-old traditions and religions from the time of trading routes that wove through major cities. Here tradition is seen in simple everyday life from ceremonies to rituals. Sumbawa Island is known for festivals and traditional Sumbawan boxing. Go and see a match! BEACHES & ISLANDS Maybe quite time in a corner, that just happens to be miles of white sandy beaches and coastal waters, so vivid in its numerous shades of blue, is just what the doctor ordered. Explore the beaches of Indonesia and Malaysia, touted for the ultimate getaway from any hustle and bustle. How about diving? You’ll be fascinated by the array of coral reefs and variety of fish in the crystal-clear waters of this marine habitat. Venture over to the Gilis including Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno for an ideal tropical sojourn. You’ll see glimpses of the green turtle and much more. This area is a diver’s paradise— and a small ship can take you to the most pristine areas with a certified dive master onboard to show you the splendid underwater beauty.
GARDENS & WILDLIFE Nature lovers can explore Ko Surin in Thailand to find an abundance of land and marine life. Even turtle enthusiasts will be in their element along with the various flora and fauna. And for the keen naturalist, visit Singapore’s notable Botanical Gardens to learn how it shaped pioneering horticultural programs. Visit impressive islands of the Karimunjawa Archipelago in Java. You’ll be fascinated by the array of coral reefs and variety of fish in the crystal clear waters of this marine habitat.
CUISINE Asian Cuisine has its roots in many different cultures combining meats, seafood, vegetables, and a variety of spices from regions and provinces all over. Penang is famous for its Malaysian street food and a way of life for Malaysians. Bursting with vibrant colors and tasty broth spiced just right, you must try Assam Laksa; a wellknown soup dish full of fragrant lemongrass, sweet tamarind, chillies, and noodles among other ingredients. Singapore is another place where much of the best food is at hawker stalls and busy adventure with freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. 5. HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE From Old World charm to contemporary city landscapes, you’ll glimpse dramatic backdrops in each region and country as diverse as its religion and culture. Check out the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang and explore statues and pagodas. Take in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay and be dazzled by the scenery, caves, aquatic grottoes and limestone islands.