South East Asia Cruise - from Hongkong - 102507

The Chinese island of Hong Kong ("Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has, together with the island of Lantao and the Kowloon peninsula, has belonged to the Chinese special administrative region since July 1st 1997. "Hong Kong in the narrow sense" forms the core settlement of the group of islands with a population of more than 4 million. The city is one of the largest financial centres in the world and represents a major junction for sea transport in the region. Sights include: floating restaurants at the harbour, Tai Po racecourse, the beaches at Castle Peak, Man Mo Temple; the bell tower at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula serves as an excellent viewing platform of the city skyline; the 800 m long escalator on Hongkong Island (the longest in the world), "Tiger Balm Garden" with its small caves and statues from Chinese mythology, Victoria Peak with views of the port and the city. There is also a huge number of restaurants and shops.

The Chinese island of Hong Kong ("Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has, together with the island of Lantao and the Kowloon peninsula, has belonged to the Chinese special administrative region since July 1st 1997. "Hong Kong in the narrow sense" forms the core settlement of the group of islands with a population of more than 4 million. The city is one of the largest financial centres in the world and represents a major junction for sea transport in the region. Sights include: floating restaurants at the harbour, Tai Po racecourse, the beaches at Castle Peak, Man Mo Temple; the bell tower at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula serves as an excellent viewing platform of the city skyline; the 800 m long escalator on Hongkong Island (the longest in the world), "Tiger Balm Garden" with its small caves and statues from Chinese mythology, Victoria Peak with views of the port and the city. There is also a huge number of restaurants and shops.

The metropolis of Manila, which has a population of around 1.7 million, is the capital of the Philippines and is considered to be a very important port. The city lies in Manila Bay, Luzon, and consists of 7 main areas. Manila has several universities, an international airport, many shopping centres, oil refineries and other industrial trades. Sights include numerous Baroque churches, which were granted World Heritage Site status in 1993, "China Town", a magical area of Manila, the Chinese cemetery, "Intramuris", the oldest part of the city with many churches and ancient buildings and "Mataki", an ultra-modern and luxurious shopping centre.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in East Malaysia. Sabah is on the north-eastern side of Borneo and has been known as the "land below the wind" since time immemorial, since it lies just below the typhoon belt. The city's landmark and the religious centre of Sabah is the state mosque, which is a splendid sight to behold with its magnificent dome and the blue and gold mosaics. Other sights include: Sabah Foundation (a 30-storey glass building and a technical masterpiece), the town of Tuaran (with a model farm for agricultural research) and the huge Kinabalu National Park at the foot of Mount Kinabalu.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in East Malaysia. Sabah is on the north-eastern side of Borneo and has been known as the "land below the wind" since time immemorial, since it lies just below the typhoon belt. The city's landmark and the religious centre of Sabah is the state mosque, which is a splendid sight to behold with its magnificent dome and the blue and gold mosaics. Other sights include: Sabah Foundation (a 30-storey glass building and a technical masterpiece), the town of Tuaran (with a model farm for agricultural research) and the huge Kinabalu National Park at the foot of Mount Kinabalu.

Muara is the port of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei. The most important sight in Bandar Seri Begawan is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque built at the centre of an artificial lagoon with golden domes and a 54-metre-high minaret that towers over the city. Other sights include: the Churchill memorial with the Churchill Museum; the Hassanal Bolkiah Aquarium; the splendid "Lapau" with its throne room - the stage for traditional royal ceremonies. The Sultan's residence "Istana Nurul Iman" is also worth a visit, as is Tasek Park with its pretty waterfall, the Tamu Market, the Brunei Museum, the Malaiian Museum of Technology and the tomb of the 5th Sultan Bolkiah, who was known as "the singing Admiral" due to his love of music and conquest.

Singapore is a city state at the lower end of the Malay Peninsula, only around 100 km North of the equator. Today the city is one of the most important ports and trading centres in South East Asia. Singapore has a population of over 3 million, including first and foremost Chinese, Malaysians and Indians. Europeans and other ethnic groups round off the city of many nationalities and four official languages. Visitors will notice the spotlessly clean and well-kept roads and squares; Singapore is also one of the safest cities in the world. Some interesting buildings dating from the colonial era have been placed under preservation order, including several former British administrative buildings and Raffles Hotel, whose guests included many authors. From the southern shore of the Singapore River visitors can take a boat trip around the river and Marina Bay. Sights include: the shopping street Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Singapore River, the Botanic Gardens, the zoo and Fort Canning.

Singapore is a city state at the lower end of the Malay Peninsula, only around 100 km North of the equator. Today the city is one of the most important ports and trading centres in South East Asia. Singapore has a population of over 3 million, including first and foremost Chinese, Malaysians and Indians. Europeans and other ethnic groups round off the city of many nationalities and four official languages. Visitors will notice the spotlessly clean and well-kept roads and squares; Singapore is also one of the safest cities in the world. Some interesting buildings dating from the colonial era have been placed under preservation order, including several former British administrative buildings and Raffles Hotel, whose guests included many authors. From the southern shore of the Singapore River visitors can take a boat trip around the river and Marina Bay. Sights include: the shopping street Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Singapore River, the Botanic Gardens, the zoo and Fort Canning.

From the West Coast of the Malacca peninsula (West Malaysia) direct on the border with Thailand, is a group of islands including the main island "Palau Langkawi". Visitors are enchanted by the long, palm-lined beaches and dreamy little sandy coves that hide the odd secluded fishing village. The jungle further inland is a sanctuary for many species of birds. Another rarity is the almost 100 metre-high island of bats. A trip to the island capital of Kuah with its beach promenades and shopping arcades is well worth it. Incidentally, Langkawi is a duty-free free trade area. A visit to the marble tomb of the Malayan Princess Mahsuri is also a must.

The capital of Sri Lanka (which used to be known as "Ceylon"), has developed into an important port for ships travelling in the Far East over the last few years. "Beira Lake" surrounds the town, which is connected to the port by means of a canal. The Clock Tower, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the town and the port is well worth seeing. The town also has many buildings built in the 18th and 19th century by the Dutch, such as St. Peter's Church or Pettah, once the Dutch residential area, which today is bursting with a colourful bazaars. To the South of Beira Lake is Victoria Park. Colombo town centre is home to Dehiwela Zoo with animals from all around the world and a daily elephant circus.

Kochi, with a population of 600,000 is celebrated as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". This sea port at the centre of the Malabar coast grew rich through the export of spices to Europe via the Arabian Sea. The natural harbour of Cochin was created only in the 14th Century as a result of flooding of the lagoon coastline. Expansion work began in 1929. One of the must-sees is the Kathakali dance-drama performed by the natives. Other sights include: "Mattancherry", the Dutch Palace, the synagogue, "Fort Kochi", St. Francis' Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica, the Dutch cemetery, the Chinese fishing nets, Willingdon Island and the Hill Palace Museum.