Ancient Spice Routes

Singapore

Beguiling Singapore is a modern city-state embracing economic
progress against the backdrop of age-old tradition. Many business
people and holidaymakers travel to Singapore on their way to the
Far East, or as a stop-off between Australia and Europe, and are
eager to see and experience this legendary hi-tech Asian city,
which combines traditional enclaves with the towering steel and
cement of a cosmopolitan international power-house. The customs
that underpin community life emerge out of a cultural mix that
includes predominantly Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups.

Singapore is an island off the southern tip of Malaysia, linked
to it by a causeway. It evolved from a sleepy fishing village in
the early 1900s to become one of Asia's economic tigers. Sir Thomas
Stamford Raffles landed on Singapore's northern bank in 1819,
quickly identifying a strategic trading location. Singapore's rural
landscape was transformed by British colonial rule, Japanese
occupation, Communist insurrection and finally, independence. Since
becoming a republic in 1965 the island has experienced increased
prosperity and exponential economic growth. Shimmering skyscrapers
tower above the slick financial districts and elegant colonial
buildings preserve a lingering old-world charm.

Singapore's full calendar of events showcases a spectrum of
cultural celebrations and shopping activities. The early summer
months bustle in anticipation of the Singapore Sale - a time when
tourists can cash in on the competitive prices of electronic
equipment, jewellery and other merchandise. The business activity
thrives amid the celebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim festivals
that punctuate the year with their colourful representations. These
include the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day,
the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival of the Hungry Ghosts and
Thaipusam.

The core of downtown Singapore is formed by the Colonial
District, embellished by cathedrals and cricket lawns. The notable
sites of the area include the Empress Place Building and the
luxurious Raffles Hotel. Although most of old Singapore has been
demolished to make way for the modern city, many major landmarks
within the Colonial District have been preserved. The surrounding
ethnic enclaves of Little India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarter
also provide glimpses into the traditions that have sustained their
respective communities through the centuries.

Port Klang

Port Klang is a bustling port town located in the state of Selangor in Malaysia. It serves as the main gateway for cargo entering and leaving the country, making it an important economic and trade hub. While it may not be the most popular tourist destination in Malaysia, Port Klang offers a unique glimpse into the country's maritime industry and a chance to experience local Malay culture.

One of the main attractions in Port Klang is the Port Klang Heritage Walk. This self-guided walking tour takes visitors through the town's historical quarters, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. The walk includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Royal Gallery, where visitors can learn about the history of the Selangor Sultanate, and the Sri Sunderaraja Perumal Temple, a Hindu temple known for its beautiful architecture.

For those interested in the maritime industry, a visit to Port Klang's Container Terminal is a must. Here, visitors can witness the hustle and bustle of cargo being loaded and unloaded onto massive container ships. There are also guided tours available, providing insights into the operations of one of the busiest ports in Southeast Asia.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Pulau Indah, an island located off the coast of Port Klang. Pulau Indah offers scenic views, mangrove forests, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and bird watching. The island is also home to the Port Klang Cruise Terminal, where luxury cruise ships dock, providing opportunities for day-trippers to indulge in shopping and dining at the terminal's retail outlets and restaurants.

Food lovers will be delighted to discover the diverse culinary scene in Port Klang. The town is famous for its fresh seafood, with numerous seafood restaurants lining the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of Malaysian dishes such as grilled fish, prawns, and crabs, served in various styles including Chinese, Malay, and Indian. Additionally, there are local street food stalls offering appetizing snacks and delicacies like the popular bak kut teh, a pork bone soup infused with fragrant herbs and spices.

Port Klang is well-connected to the rest of Malaysia, making it easily accessible for travelers. The town is located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city, and is connected via a network of highways and public transportation options. The nearest airport is Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which is about an hour's drive from Port Klang.

In terms of accommodation, there are several hotels and guesthouses available in Port Klang to suit different budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose to stay in the heart of the town or opt for accommodations near the waterfront, offering picturesque views of the port.

Overall, Port Klang may not be a typical tourist destination, but it offers a unique and authentic experience for those interested in Malaysia's maritime industry and local culture. With its rich history, vibrant culinary scene, and natural beauty, Port Klang has something to offer every traveler.

Phuket

Located in the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, the
holiday hub of Phuket, or the 'Pearl of the South' as it has become
known, is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Along
with being Thailand's largest island, Phuket has an incredibly
diverse list of attractions, which include rocky and sandy beaches,
tall cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and temples.

Phuket caters to all, with accommodation options that range from
backpackers and simple guesthouses to modern luxury hotels, though
beachfront bungalows on unspoilt stretches of white sand are more
rare now than they used to be. There are numerous activities in or
near the destination, including mountain biking, bungee jumping,
and golf, and it is even possible to go elephant trekking. A
variety of tours offer day trips to the cliffs of nearby Phang Nga
Bay, Koh Phi Phi, and the beaches and islands around Krabi. Several
offshore islands are good for snorkelling and scuba diving. Phuket
also has a huge variety of goods and shopping establishments, from
markets and street stalls to department stores and specialist
shops, and a range of restaurants that includes Thai seafood,
Indian and Western cuisine.

The island's airport makes it easy to get to and from Bangkok
and, though thousands of tourists visit in peak season, Phuket's
sheer size allows travellers to escape from the madding crowds.
Patong Beach is the island's most famous and developed beach
resort, and offers a wide choice of holiday activities, dining
options, and nightlife. It is situated nine miles (15km) from
Phuket City.

Colombo

Sri Lanka's capital is a vibrant and interesting collage of
cultural and historical influences with some very pretty
neighbourhoods. This bustling city is built along the coast and is
close to many of the country's greatest holiday destinations,
including Galle on the southern coast, and Kandy in the central
highlands. Colombo is not generally considered a destination in its
own right, but it is the starting point for most holidays in Sri
Lanka and has some worthy attractions.

Frenetic traffic fills the main Galle Road that runs through the
city from the district of Fort, parallel with the coast, and
connects all the suburban enclaves down to the town of Galle in the
south. Fort is the historic centre of the city and has become the
main business district, filled with shops, office blocks and
government buildings. It is here that most of the gracious old
buildings from the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial eras can
be seen. East of Fort is the exciting Pettah bazaar district, where
the streets are crammed with shops and stalls selling all manner of
goods from vegetables to gemstones.

Further south the city's seafront is known as Galle Face Green,
where locals enjoy games of cricket, fly kites or take evening
strolls watching the sunset. Beyond this lies Colombo's upmarket
Cinammon Gardens neighbourhood, boasting elegant mansions,
tree-lined streets and the lovely Viharamaha Devi Park. The closest
beach resort to Colombo is Mount Lavinia, about six miles (10km)
from the city.

Cochin

The port city of Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is located on
a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas about halfway up the
Goan coastline, in the north of the state of Kerala. A favourite
destination for European tourists on package-deal tours of the
country, Kochi offers a serene and relaxed change of scenery, and a
very gentle introduction to a holiday in India.

The majority of tourists to Kochi stay in the Ernakulam
district, but the old sections of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin are
the main areas of interest. All linked by a series of ferries and
bridges, these districts are an unlikely blend of late-medieval
Portuguese, Dutch and English architecture, and are a living record
of the area's colonial history.

Near Kochi's waterfront, visitors will find a host of extremely
old and interesting religious buildings: the St Francis Church is
India's oldest European church, and held Vasco da Gama's mortal
remains for a while before they were transported to Lisbon; the
imposing 16th-century Santa Cruz Basilica, a testament to the
Portuguese occupation of the area, might feel a little out-of-place
but is still full of grandeur and is eminently photogenic; and the
oldest synagogue in the entire Commonwealth, the Paradesi
Synagogue, can be found in Kochi's 'Jew Town' area, a beautiful
white building with dark blue accents, founded in 1568. Set amid
these fascinating sights are spice markets, fish markets, and a
village green that could have been transported straight from rural
England.

Boasting many cultural sights and interesting things to do, as
well as some top-class restaurants specialising in both local and
international cuisine, the main allure of Kochi remains its serene
atmosphere and languid pace of life. It is very easy to while away
time in Kochi by simply meandering around the waterfront area,
watching fishermen unhurriedly fixing their nets by the water's
edge, and perusing the fine selection of goods presided over by
(mostly) Nepalese traders.

Kochi is also an ideal place from which to organise cruises of
Kerala's backwaters, which is one of the most popular tourist
activities in the whole of India.

Mumbai (ex Bombay)

Situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India,
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India's economic powerhouse, and home
to more millionaires than any other city on the Indian
subcontinent. As well as being the country's financial capital,
Mumbai is also an important port, handling a third of all
international trade; and a base for many of India's largest
companies. However, among all this wealth and the Bollywood
lifestyle are cases of extreme poverty, with almost half of the 21
million-strong population living in slums.

The Portuguese established this old Hindu city as a colony in
1509. In 1661, it passed to England as part of the dowry of
Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II, and became a
vital trading base for the East India Company and later the Crown.
The centre of Imperial Bombay, the city contains a breathtaking
array of High Victorian buildings and is reminiscent of a
prosperous 19th-century English industrial city. The fascinating
range of architectural styles reflects the British passion for the
Gothic and demonstrates the wealth, panache and confidence of
British Bombay. Prosperity has always been considered more
important than religious homogeneity in Mumbai, and this is
reflected in the range of places of worship throughout the city:
churches and cathedrals sit alongside countless mosques, and Hindu
and Buddhist temples.

Like many Indian cities, the streets of Mumbai are congested
with cattle, carts and motor vehicles, and the air is thick with
smog and the sound of horns. But despite this, the city has much to
offer, and those en route to Goa should take time to discover
Mumbai's colourful and fascinating history, as well as its vibrant,
energetic and friendly people.

Muscat

Muscat is the capital and largest city in
Oman, but tourists will find that the mundane activity of the busy
modern capital is easily forgotten among the exotic delights of
bustling markets, cannon-guarded forts, ornate palaces and historic
city harbour. The once important maritime city underwent a
resurgence in the 1970s, when the Sultan Qaboos bin Said began to
develop museums, mosques and palaces, and worked to restore relics
of Muscat's history.

Muscat is made up of three cities grown
together: the original walled city of Muscat (home to the royal
palaces); the former fishing village of Matrah with its maze-like
souq; and the commercial and diplomatic area of Ruwi. These areas,
along with other districts further from the city centre, each have
their own distinct personalities and attractions.

Although Muscat is a popular destination
for sightseeing tours, many of the attractions are primarily
regular fixtures of Omani life. The mosques are important religious
sites, the ancient forts are still operated by the military and the
sultan's palace is the seat of Oman's government.

The beauty of the city is what makes Muscat
so alluring, especially near the harbour. The smooth, curved stone
architecture is a transition from the rocky landscape to the
inviting water of the harbour. Many new buildings have continued
with classic Arabic architecture, further protecting the city's
legacy from the ravages of the modern world. Muscat is one of the
safest, most cosmopolitan and most open-minded cities in the entire
Gulf Region and fast becoming a Middle East tourism hotspot.

Khasab

Khasab is a charming coastal city located in the Musandam Governorate of Oman. It is situated on the northernmost tip of the Musandam Peninsula and is fondly known as the "Norway of Arabia" due to its breathtaking fjords and stunning natural beauty. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Khasab has become a popular destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Oman.

One of the highlights of visiting Khasab is exploring the famous Musandam Fjords. These fjords, formed as a result of ancient geological processes, boast towering cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and hidden coves. The best way to explore the fjords is by taking a dhow cruise. Dhows are traditional Omani boats that offer a unique and memorable sailing experience. During the cruise, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and even dolphin spotting.

Khasab is also home to a variety of historical and cultural attractions. One such attraction is the Khasab Fort, which is a prominent landmark in the city. Built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, the fort is now a museum that showcases artifacts, weapons, traditional clothing, and other historical items. The fort offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjords, making it a must-visit for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.

For those interested in immersing themselves in local culture, a visit to the Khasab Souq is highly recommended. The souq is a bustling marketplace where visitors can find a range of traditional Omani items such as handicrafts, souvenirs, spices, and clothing. It is also a great place to interact with locals and experience the authentic hospitality of the Omani people.

Nature lovers will be delighted to visit the Jebel Harim, the highest peak in the Musandam Peninsula. Located just outside of Khasab, Jebel Harim offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and coastline. It is home to unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Arabian tahr, a type of mountain goat. Exploring Jebel Harim is a thrilling experience and is ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Khasab is also known for its abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf are teeming with colorful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine species. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy exploring these underwater wonders, encountering tropical fish, rays, turtles, and even dolphins.

When it comes to accommodations, Khasab offers a range of options to suit every budget. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, beachside bungalows, or budget-friendly guesthouses. The city also has several restaurants and cafes that serve both traditional Omani cuisine and international dishes, ensuring that visitors will be spoilt for choice.

In conclusion, Khasab is a hidden gem that should not be missed when exploring Oman. Its stunning fjords, rich history, vibrant culture, and abundant natural beauty make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are an adventure seeker, culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil getaway, Khasab has something to offer for everyone.

Abu Dhabi

The brash, bold city of Abu Dhabi is a modern marvel, capital of
the wealthy United Arab Emirates and headquarters of the world's
richest oil operating companies. The pulsating city, with
futuristic skyscrapers and wide tree-lined boulevards, is
capitalising on its sophistication, amazing duty-free shopping
zone, luxury hotels and top-class transport and communication
infrastructure to attract tourists. They come not only for the
'retail therapy' and glitz, but also to explore the fascinating
culture of the vast Abu Dhabi Emirate itself (it is the largest of
the seven Emirates), with its miles of desert and interesting
oases.

The city juts out into the Persian Gulf, with land having been
reclaimed from the sea to make way for a long seafront Corniche
lined with lush gardens and gushing fountains. It is a relatively
young city, the area having been first settled by nomadic tribesmen
in the mid-18th century. It remained little more than a fishing
village until oil was discovered in the 1950s and the financial and
trading boom began.

Today the international airport and deep water port bring in
visitors from around the world, most clutching credit cards and
cash, set on spending as much as possible in the enticing shopping
malls and buzzing souk (market). Limousines are a common sight in
the congested streets, and restaurants that offer the cuisine of
many nations do a roaring trade, especially along the waterfront.
Shopping fever is at its height during the annual Shopping
Festival. Those taking a break from modern luxury can escape to the
desert for a Bedouin feast under the stars, or a camel ride through
the dunes.

Dubai

Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Desert, Dubai has grown
rapidly into a futuristic landscape of skyscrapers, man-made
islands, shopping malls and beach resorts. There is a sense of
outlandish possibility about this modern and progressive city.

Dubai has become a truly global city and influential business
hub, growing particularly fast in areas such as aviation, tourism
and real estate. Standing as testament to its success are
architectural marvels such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest
building, the Burj Al Arab, widely billed as the world's only seven
star hotel, and the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, to name just a
few.

Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the highest
skyscrapers, the fastest cars, the most luxurious hotels and the
biggest shopping malls. The enormous expatriate population, as well
as millions of tourists each year, can enjoy shopping, partying,
sunbathing and fine dining. From within these high standards of
luxury, visitors can also experience exotic Arabia in the bustling
souks of the Deira district, or a night in a Bedouin tent with
belly dancing under the starlit desert skies.

Dubai's attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra modern
and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a
personality like no other. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches,
camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping
opportunities and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more
than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of
explorers.