What’s your favourite takeaway; Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Malaysian, Nonya, Japanese? Hard to choose, isn’t it? Each is fantastic, yet very different from all the others.
Holidays in Asia are like that too.
With as much variety as a Chinese banquet, Asia serves up a holiday experience for all tastes, and every course is a delight. From vast and ancient China to tiny, brand-new East Timor, the range and types of holiday in this magical, mystical part of the globe are endless. And because we’re near neighbours we can get up there for a full-blown holiday or just a short break for a spot of retail therapy or a stretch on a tropical beach to recharge the batteries.
With such diversity in culture, cuisine and history there are countless choices to be made; even deciding which country to visit can be a struggle. The adventurer might consider a trekking holiday in Nepal; perhaps crossing the Gobi desert by 4WD, or tackling the Kokoda track in true ANZAC style. For an experience holiday how about a Vietnamese cooking school in ancient Hoi An, a decadent spa package at a luxury resort in Thailand’s achingly beautiful Hua Hin, or a narrow gauge rail expedition to the cool mountain station towns of northern India.
Family friendly is an often overworked phrase in our business, but nothing better describes the scene on Bali’s sublime beaches or the atmosphere in Hong Kong’s Disneyland, while nothing says “romance” like Banyan Tree or Aman, check them out for the ultimate in luxe. Hot new destinations appear daily and the early adopter might consider Bhutan and South Korea as viable options if the beaten track has become a little too predictable.
Absolutely chockers with unique attractions the big cities of Asia have called us for decades with their chaotic siren songs and timeless traditions. Think Bangkok for its riverfront temples, Shanghai for breakneck speed development, Osaka for cultural treasures, Saigon for street food, Singapore for a relaxing cool vibe, Delhi for a frenetic spice hit, KL for shopping and Seoul as the “new black” in exotic destinations.
What we love about Asia
No matter where we go, the people of Asia are universally cheerful and welcoming.
The streets are a key part of the Asian way of life and we love wandering down back streets, alleys and hutongs watching life being lived.
What’s not to love about the fabulous cuisines of our northern neighbours?
KUALA LUMPUR ~ MALAYSIA
Saturday 9th January 2010
Travel Counsellor: Heidi Winkley
What a lovely, neat city.
*I found it very easy to get around the city.
*The food is great quality.
*The locals are very helpful and friendly.
*Some great pieces of architecture (including the KL Twin Towers), which we had a lovely view of from our motel room, spectacular.
*I spent some time with the elephants on a day tour of the Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, I opted out of swimming with them however, as I didn't want to get wet. This was approximately one and a half hours drive out of Kuala Lumpur and was a wonderful up close experience with many elephants.
*I had an absolutely wonderful seafood buffet dinner at the Revolving KL Tower Restaurant. The food was absolutely amazing and the views were magnificent!
*I did some shopping in the air conditioned markets.
*I only had 1 full day in Kuala Lumpur and definitely could have spent more time here.
I had a very pleasant experience and would recommend Kuala Lumpur for at least a night or two stopover on the way to either the... view full story
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