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.
Thailand is one of the most popular places to visit. The
Kingdom of Thasiland has never had to succumb to Western colonial
ambition and retained a strong culture which has its foundation
in buddhist spirituality. Thai people must be amongst the friendliest
people on the planet. The natural beauty of the many regions in
Thailand will inspire awe iun every new visitor. Be it the lime
stone rocks rising out of turquoise waters or the untouched rainforest
regions in the north, the many beautiful temples or the simple traditions
of the highland people - Thailand has unlimited facets. AND we haven't
even mentioned the food yet.
However, the marine life of Thailands west coast and the waters
further north in Burmese territory are the main reason why we are
featuring some fine live-aboard cruises in our programme.
The
Indonesian archipelago
is made up of countless islands that covers the enire west-east
stretch of South East Asia. The many different regions feature their
own distinct colourful cultures and traditions.
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.
The main dive regions are North Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, Bali and
the Komodo-Alor region.
Malaysia
is wedged in between Thailand in the north and Indonesia on the
south. Borneo's vast jungles with its remaining orang utan ("Forest
man") population is a main attraction for overseas visitors.
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
!
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