Explore ASIA by SEA
Discover the magic of the Orient on a cruise taking in ancient history, and fascinating culture, says Leigh Mellor
A cruise is perfect for sampling life in Singapore or Shanghai
FOR MANY of us, the Far East is an exotic, mystical place that features on our bucket list. We dream of ancient temples and enchanting landscapes, of fascinating new flavours as we discover new cuisines. Perhaps you have aspirations to see the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City? Or to shop in the bustling streets of Tokyo? Yet, the prospect of planning a trip to such faraway places can feel a little intimidating, with the logistics of organising long-distance travel, the contrasting cultures and the challenges of different languages.
Imagine, then, the idea of travelling to a variety of thrilling destinations within the cosseting comfort of a cruise ship, transported seamlessly from one port of call to the next, without the need to pack or unpack. If you’ve often pictured yourself amid the cherry blossoms in a Japanese spring, or on the Bagan plains of Burma, surrounded by temples, pagodas and stupas, now is your chance to experience the wonders of Asia.
EXOTIC CRUISE ENCOUNTERS
IN RECENT years, most of the major cruise lines have expanded their collection of itineraries in the East, opening up a whole new world of opportunities for curious travellers. From epic journeys that take you on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage of discovery around the whole region to shorter sailings that give you a taste of life in Japan or Indonesia, for example, there’s something for everyone and every budget. You’ll even find themed cruises that cater for those with specific interests, whether that’s an art-focused itinerary, or perhaps an epicurean adventure, accompanied by chefs hosting on-board cookery demonstrations and accompanying guests on food-themed excursions ashore, to buy local produce and experience the flavours and culinary heritage of different destinations.
For those looking to sample life in Singapore, Seoul and Shanghai, or to dip their toe in the waters of the Andaman Sea or the Ha Lang Bay, a cruise is the perfect proposition – perhaps before committing to an extended trip to a chosen region, or simply because life is too short to spend a long time in one place when you have the world at your feet.
And what a world it is, when you can see orang-utans in their natural habitat in Borneo and enjoy close encounters with dragons at their home in Komodo National Park; when you have the chance to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and marvel at the manicured gardens and ancient temples in Kyoto; when you can explore the
Buy fresh flowers from a colourful floating market
underground tunnels dug towards Seoul by the North Koreans for a planned invasion of the South, or the Cu Chi tunnels, beneath Ho Chi Minh City, used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. And a world where you could buy fresh flowers and trinkets from a colourful floating market, or barter for spices and souvenirs in the streets of Bangkok.
You could visit a village school in Sri Lanka, meet Buddhist monks and take a tour of a monastery or watch artisans using timeworn skills. Or take the chance for a tranquil pleasure cruise along Keralan backwaters in India, or to kayak through the calm waters of Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay. And, when you can stand beneath the skyscrapers of Hong Kong before flying home, you’ll know that Asia is no longer a distant fantasy, but a memorable experience that has opened the door to many more.