South
East Asia will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and
diversity. If you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies
and thrive on sensual overload, then South East Asia is
one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding
on earth. You'll quickly develop an abridled passion for
it.
From
the aromas of coriander and peanut sauce in an Indonesian
marketplace, the serenity of a Thai Buddhist temple or the
chattering of monkeys in the Malaysian jungle, the experiences
and memories will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Nothing in the region is ever quite what you expect, and
the only thing to expect is the unexpected which comes in
many forms and will always want to sit next to you. South
East Asia is a litmus test for many travellers, many staying
for a lifetime.
The
Kingdom of
Thailand draws more visitors than any other country
in Southeast Asia with its virtually irresistible combination
of dazzling natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned
hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of ancient kingdoms.
From the stupa-dotted mountains of Mae Hong Son to the lush
limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, from the pulse-pounding
dance clubs of Bangkok to tranquil villages moored along
the Mekong River, the country offers something for everyone.
The
floating emerald islands of the Indonesian
archipelago have for centuries lured everyone from
missionaries to pirates, traders & miners to it's sandalwood
and spice breezes, it's Bali Hai lifestyle and it's magnificent
beaches and coral reefs.
For example, Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled
into thinking it is a painted backdrop. Rice paddies drop
down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through
the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches
are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Malaysia
is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit
in South-East Asia. It is buoyant and wealthy and has moved
towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting
fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures
and customs. Sabah & Sarawak in East Malaysia (Borneo)
offers spectacular wildlife, longhouses and the jaw-dropping
Mt Kinabalu.
Throughout
South East Asia divers can encounter an abundance of marine
life in just about every imaginable colour and shape. The
seas are inhabited by hundreds of types of hard and soft
corals, anemones, colourful nudibranchs, countless varieties
of shellfish, manta rays and pelagics.
Divers worldwide are drawn to the Sipadan's terrific drop-off,
the beauty of the Similian Islands, the critter paradises
of Lembeh & Komodo, and to the Burma Banks & the
Andaman Sea, home of the giant whale sharks.
The tropical location of these dive regions and long established
professional dive operations offer totally unique diving
opportunities, making South Asia one of the world's greatest
dive destinations !
Independent
