Singapore, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

Cairns is the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, and renowned for its sultry climate and laid back ambience. The city used to be popular with visitors who came in search of gold, but now they visit to discover something even more precious: the Great Barrier Reef. The unmissable coral reef is easily accessible via boat trips from the city.

The focal point of Cairns itself is the 2km-long Esplanade, with its cafés, bars, piazzas, fine historic buildings and swimming lagoon. [ReadMoreMob] The Tanks Art Centre and nearby Flecker Botanical Gardens are worth uncovering, while the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park recounts stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait people through music and dance.

Cairns is also home to the beautiful Wet Tropics Rainforest. The best way to see this natural wonder is to take the Kuranda Scenic Railway north from the city, passing over bridges and through tunnels carved from the cliff-face and to the village of Kuranda. From there, the 7.5km Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers a ride above the rainforest canopy in glass-sided gondolas. 

Cairns is the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, and renowned for its sultry climate and laid back ambience. The city used to be popular with visitors who came in search of gold, but now they visit to discover something even more precious: the Great Barrier Reef. The unmissable coral reef is easily accessible via boat trips from the city.

The focal point of Cairns itself is the 2km-long Esplanade, with its cafés, bars, piazzas, fine historic buildings and swimming lagoon. [ReadMoreMob] The Tanks Art Centre and nearby Flecker Botanical Gardens are worth uncovering, while the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park recounts stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait people through music and dance.

Cairns is also home to the beautiful Wet Tropics Rainforest. The best way to see this natural wonder is to take the Kuranda Scenic Railway north from the city, passing over bridges and through tunnels carved from the cliff-face and to the village of Kuranda. From there, the 7.5km Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers a ride above the rainforest canopy in glass-sided gondolas. 

Spread out across the hillsides and beautiful northern shores of Papua New Guinea’s picturesque Milne Bay, Alotau assumes a rarely visited, undiscovered feel. Visitors to Alotau can connect with nature amongst the town’s scenic surroundings and fauna-rich waters; unwind at the untrodden volcanic black sand beaches; and immerse themselves in authentic local culture. Alotau natives are proud of Papua New Guinea’s age-old heritage and traditions, which are celebrated at the not-to-be-missed Alotau Cultural Festival – an extravaganza of tribal music, dance and chanting. Also worth visiting for a taste of traditional life is Alotau’s bustling town market. 

Although Alotau is relaxed and laid back today, it was an entirely different place just a few decades ago.[ReadMoreMob] In World War II, Alotau was on many occasions at the centre of fierce and bloody battles between Australian Allied soldiers and Japanese troops. It was here where the Japanese suffered its first decisive defeat in the Pacific Theatre. The Australian War Memorial offers a detailed description of the Battle of Milne Bay, while the Turnbull Memorial – a short distance from Alotau – commemorates the death of Australian Squadron Leader Peter St George Turnbull, who was killed during the battle.

Madang, capital of Madang Province on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, is often referred to as the 'prettiest town in the Pacific' – not least because of its location on a peninsula, surrounded by azure waters and the most picturesque islands.

Despite suffering war-time devastation, Madang has retained much of its natural charm, and has an abundance of pleasant parks with water-lily filled ponds.[ReadMoreMob] The town has a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, and the thriving, friendly market at its centre is well worth visiting. One truly unmissable sight are the huge Casuarina Trees that tower over the streets, and the colonies of Flying Foxes that live in their branches.

The fascinating Madang Museum has many cultural exhibits, and while the 30m-high Coastwatchers Memorial Beacon is impressive but not particularly attractive, the 3km beachfront road next to it offers a pleasant walk with views across Astrolabe Bay. The coast to the north has beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and they provide access to some of the most spectacular diving in the world.

A town rich in fascinating war-time history, authentic culture and breathtaking natural beauty, Wewak – capital of the picturesque East Sepik province – is one of Papua New Guinea’s most beautiful and interesting destinations. 

Fronted by the unspoilt, palm-lined beaches of Sepik’s beautiful coast, and surrounded by dense forests and tree-smothered rolling valleys, Wewak – once the site of Japan’s largest airbase – hides battle scars caused by repeated Australian and US World War II bombing raids well.[ReadMoreMob]

As you relax on the white sands here, or even explore the sleepy town centre, with its traditional markets and restaurants serving delicious local delicacies, it is easy to forget Wewak’s past. The town’s war memorials, including the Wom War Memorial Park, and historic sites such as the Japanese lookout at Mission Hill, serve as an emotive reminder however, and are well worth taking the time to visit.

Situated very much off the beaten track and often overlooked in favour of Asia’s better-known islands, Ambon – the capital of Maluku, Indonesia’s ‘spice islands’ – has the feel of an undiscovered gem. 

Though rarely visited on tours of the world’s largest archipelagic country, there’s much to reward those who take the time to stop and explore here. [ReadMoreMob] Ambon boasts lush, gently mountainous landscapes lined with beautiful beaches and unspoilt bays; crystal clear, coral rich waters that are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving; pretty coastal villages; and a vibrant, culturally-diverse capital, Kota Ambon.

Also known as Ambon City, Kota Ambon – built on a hillside overlooking a picturesque bay on the east coast of the island – is rich in European heritage, having been ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British before Indonesia officially declared its independence in 1945. The city’s European influences are in full-view amongst the wide, well planted streets here; look out for imposing colonial churches and impressive forts such as Benteng Victoria. [ReadMoreDesk]

Kota Ambon’s other highlights include the Commonwealth War Cemetery, commemorating brave Allied soldiers who died fighting the Japanese in World War II here; Francis Xavier Cathedral and Gong Perdamaian.

The Indonesian island of Komodo, is a combination of rusty-red volcanic hills, savannah and forests, and is the rugged habitat of the 3m-long Komodo dragon monitor lizard.

Komodo National Park covers this entire region and is home to more than 4,000 dragons.[ReadMoreMob] The surrounding seas have extensive coral reefs, mangrove swamps and sea-grass beds, and are occupied by a variety of sharks, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and whales. The park was established to protect the unique Komodo Dragon and the local ecosystem. Visits to the island are strictly controlled and only a limited number of organised tours can gain access.

With its beautiful rice fields watered by shallow rivers and forests with many kinds of flora and fauna, Bali is one of Earth's most idyllic places. The friendly locals create a warm, inviting atmosphere, encouraging you to explore the many attractions that the island has to offer including incredible temples, rugged coasts and sandy beaches.

With its beautiful rice fields watered by shallow rivers and forests with many kinds of flora and fauna, Bali is one of Earth's most idyllic places. The friendly locals create a warm, inviting atmosphere, encouraging you to explore the many attractions that the island has to offer including incredible temples, rugged coasts and sandy beaches.

Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, this dynamic city-state is the perfect cocktail of culture, cruising, arts and architecture. This global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population is passionately working towards its dream of a ‘City in a Garden’.

Getting around Singapore is a fairly rapid affair, thanks to one of the world’s most efficient and widespread public transport systems.[ReadMoreMob] Its colonial core centres on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, and its multitude of Corinthian columns. The 19th century red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, allegedly houses one of Buddha's teeth.

The concrete that once dominated the city skyline is slowly being replaced by ‘green skyscrapers’, which look more like living ecosystems than office buildings. Visitors stepping out of the centre will find walking trails, treetop bridges, indigenous wildlife and the city's green jewel, the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A tantalizing selection of food sold from street markets is dotted around the city. Food is taken very seriously: from cheap street fare to Michelin-starred dining, Singaporean foodies will happily queue for it. Of course, for sheer elegance, nothing beats a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel.

Singapore has always drawn visits from a variety of sea craft. Merchants of every race, colour and faith were quickly drawn to the island, and by 1911, Singapore’s population comprised of 48 races, speaking 54 languages. Malay is now the official language.  

The rain-forested, mountainous island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most spectacular beaches situated along the clear blue waters of its western shore. This idyllic high-end island resort contrasts nicely with the culturally-rich capital, Phuket Town, which offers busy markets and fabulous food.

Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is connected to the southern tip of the country by a couple of short road bridges.[ReadMoreMob] The island has wonderful soft white beaches, fringed by shady palm trees and grass huts. Just offshore, many uninhabited outcrops of tall limestone crags rise straight out of the sea and cry out to be explored. Phuket is the ideal spot to truly relax and unwind with incredible views of the surrounding bays. 

In Phuket Town, the Thalang National Museum has fascinating displays about the island’s indigenous culture. [ReadMoreDesk]There are a couple of Hindu Temples on the island, as well as a number of Buddhist shrines, including the Wat Chalong Temple, which is the centre for worship on Phuket. High in the Nakkerd Hills, northwest of Chalong Circle, the 45m-high Big Buddha sits in imposing fashion on the island's finest viewpoint.

Yangon has earned the nickname ‘The Garden City of the East’ due its lush green trees, shaded parkland and beautiful lakes. But Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is also the commercial and increasingly cosmopolitan capital of Myanmar. 

From the port Thilawa, a visit to Yangon reveals a mix of British colonial architecture, modern high-rises and gilded Buddhist pagodas that define its eclectic skyline.[ReadMoreMob] The downtown pavements are one huge open-air market, and feature some of the most impressive colonial architecture in Southeast Asia, alongside a swathe of new shops, restaurants and bars.

The city has barely changed at all, and the Shwedagon Paya, a glistening, awe-inspiring golden Buddhist monument is seemingly the centre of everything. An eye-catching wealth of colour and pigments on its 326ft-high curved exterior gives way to the top of the Pagoda’s crown which is encrusted with diamonds, rubies and other gemstones. Locals and monarchs often donate gold to ensure this incredible structure maintains its beauty.

The city's other notable religious sites include the Botataung and Sule Pagodas, both containing Buddhist relics.

Yangon has earned the nickname ‘The Garden City of the East’ due its lush green trees, shaded parkland and beautiful lakes. But Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is also the commercial and increasingly cosmopolitan capital of Myanmar. 

From the port Thilawa, a visit to Yangon reveals a mix of British colonial architecture, modern high-rises and gilded Buddhist pagodas that define its eclectic skyline.[ReadMoreMob] The downtown pavements are one huge open-air market, and feature some of the most impressive colonial architecture in Southeast Asia, alongside a swathe of new shops, restaurants and bars.

The city has barely changed at all, and the Shwedagon Paya, a glistening, awe-inspiring golden Buddhist monument is seemingly the centre of everything. An eye-catching wealth of colour and pigments on its 326ft-high curved exterior gives way to the top of the Pagoda’s crown which is encrusted with diamonds, rubies and other gemstones. Locals and monarchs often donate gold to ensure this incredible structure maintains its beauty.

The city's other notable religious sites include the Botataung and Sule Pagodas, both containing Buddhist relics.

The port city of Colombo is rich with colonial heritage, religions, races and cultures. With a population of over 4.5 million people, Colombo is a bustling, fascinating and noisy city. It combines Dutch and British colonial buildings, with Buddhist temples, Islamic mosques, Christian churches, and modern gleaming skyscrapers. The impressive Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, is worth uncovering and it borders the sprawling Viharamahadevi Park, home to a giant Buddha. [ReadMoreMob]

The narrow cobbled streets of Pettah, the main bazaar district, are full of shops and street markets selling an amazing array of goods at bargain prices. There are plenty of places to eat, from small shops selling pancakes to coffee shops and upmarket restaurants.

A more rustic, slow-paced Sri Lankan experience can be found in nearby Negombo, with its quaint village streets and lively fish market. Alternatively, sun seekers can venture to the private beach of Mt. Lavinia, located on the breath-taking Golden Mile beachfront.

The port city of Colombo is rich with colonial heritage, religions, races and cultures. With a population of over 4.5 million people, Colombo is a bustling, fascinating and noisy city. It combines Dutch and British colonial buildings, with Buddhist temples, Islamic mosques, Christian churches, and modern gleaming skyscrapers. The impressive Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, is worth uncovering and it borders the sprawling Viharamahadevi Park, home to a giant Buddha. [ReadMoreMob]

The narrow cobbled streets of Pettah, the main bazaar district, are full of shops and street markets selling an amazing array of goods at bargain prices. There are plenty of places to eat, from small shops selling pancakes to coffee shops and upmarket restaurants.

A more rustic, slow-paced Sri Lankan experience can be found in nearby Negombo, with its quaint village streets and lively fish market. Alternatively, sun seekers can venture to the private beach of Mt. Lavinia, located on the breath-taking Golden Mile beachfront.