Indonesia, Malaysia & Far East Collector

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Gain an understanding of Phuket history at the Talang National Museum; marvel at the elaborate ornamental design of Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important Buddhist temple; and of course spend time on one of the islands many incredible world-class beaches. Sample shore excursions: Sea Canoe Adventure; Phang Nga Bay.

While some 99 islands make up the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi, Pulau Langkawi, the largest island, is the destination where cruise ships call (at Porto Malai) and where ferries and flights arrive from Malaysia's mainland, just 30 kilometers (19 miles)

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is a must-visit jewel in the Malaysian crown. Popular with tourists for generations and valued by lovers of both food and culture.

In the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, head straight for the city where historic temples unite with fashionable skyscrapers and lush parks.

Tanjung Priok is your gateway to Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest city and exotic capital. Visit The National Museum of Indonesia chronicling sixteen centuries of history; explore Indonesian culture at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah; wander the streets of Old Town and learn about Dutch colonial architecture; tour Masjid Istiqlal (Independence Mosque), the largest mosque in Southeast Asia; and shop for treasures in one of the city’s excellent shopping malls.

Step back into the colonial days of the Dutch East India Company in Old Semerang. Or journey to Borobudur Temple, where ten massive stone terraces, each representing a different stage of enlightenment, are topped by the Great Stupa. Sample shore excursions: Semarang City Tour; Borobudur.

Indonesia’s second-largest city and Java’s capital, Surabaya is known as the City of Heroes thanks to the important role it played in capturing international attention during the country’s revolution in the 1940s. And that independent spirit is still palpable among the metropolis's internationally diverse population of nearly three million people. Surabaya is home to Indonesia’s only synagogue as well as the largest mosque in East Java. And colonial-era buildings sit just a short stroll from glitzy new shopping centers. Visitors have much to experience, whether taking in the extensive artifacts in the Museum Mpu Tantular, seeing where Indonesia’s clove cigarettes got their beginnings at the House of Sampoerna or venturing into the city’s green lung with a boat ride through the mangrove forests of Wonorejo. You’ll feel transported to a Middle Eastern bazaar at the Pasar Ampel, where the vendors hawk spices, sticky sweet dates and imported carpets. And a visit to Kenjeran Beach, right in the city, offers the chance to spot fishermen showcasing their fresh catch or take in views of one of Indonesia’s longest bridges. Obviously, deciding where to spend your time will be your main conundrum in Surabaya.

Located on Bali’s north shore, Celukan Bawang is gateway to beautiful white- and black-sand beaches, coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu-Buddhist temple complex.

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Koh Samui can feel like a screensaver landscape. As if designed by Mother Nature for posters, calendars and daydreams, it’s Thailand’s most famous island for a number of reasons. The beach-fringed coast is edged with vivid, blue water that’s a surf-and-sand playground for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, building sandcastles and simply lounging. Along with busy food stalls and restaurants where you can find a whole world of cuisine made with local produce and fresh seafood as well as authentic Thai dishes, the lively streets are lined with bars, boutiques, markets and spas. By contrast, the island’s interior can provide moments of reflection and replenishing solitude. Enter the dense, hilly jungles for hikes to ancient temples and pristine waterfalls and quaint villages where you can experience true Thai hospitality. With dreamy landscapes and island adventures from boat excursions to nature treks, you'll soon be enchanted by Koh Samui.

A busy, cramped and frenetic city, Bangkok has a reputation of bombarding your senses. Centuries of history collide with a fast-paced modern lifestyle.

Cruising along the Mekong River past hidden villages, mystical jungles and towering mountains affords a southeast Asian experience like no other

Cruising along the Mekong River past hidden villages, mystical jungles and towering mountains affords a southeast Asian experience like no other

White sand beaches, turquoise waters, beachfront cafés. Nha Trang's days as an underappreciated treasure are over. Still very much intact since the 7th century are the venerated towers of the Cham Ponagar Temple complex. Sample shore excursions: Nha Trang City Tour; Nha Trang Countryside.

Located on the South China Sea, Da Nang is a major port city and your gateway to the natural and ancient wonders of Vietnam. Gaze upon the five peaks of the Marble Mountains - long a source of inspiration for Vietnamese artisans; visit the palace and pavilions of Hue, the Imperial City of the Nguyen emperors; and explore the charming merchant town of Hoi An and nearby China Beach. Sample shore excursions: Artisans of De Nang; Rural Traditions; Imperial Hue.

Take in Halong Bay’s splendid scenery as you wind your way through a dramatic archipelago of lake-filled, tropical forest-topped limestone karsts.

From the exceptional views across its famous harbour to the sizzling dishes in its glamorous restaurants, you’re sure to fall in love with Hong Kong.