south east asia city tours

Though fast rivalling Singapore as a booming commercial capital, Kuala Lumpur has far more to offer than just futuristic expressways, high rise office buildings and smart hotels. There are gold domed mosques, tropical gardens and museums to be explored, as well as the Central Market and the bustling night markets of Chinatown. The shops in Kuala Lumpur offer some of the best choice and value in the Far East - B.B Plaza and The Mall are amongst the largest in the Far East.

Genting Highlands has none of the colonial old world atmosphere of the other hill stations. Its main purpose is to entertain Kuala Lumpur’s more affluent citizens. To this end the resort offers a casino, cable car, four-hectare (10-acre) artificial lake, 18-storey hotel, theme parks, horse ranch and a golf course. The hill resort is less than one hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and offers a welcome respite from the city’s humidity, standing at 6,562ft (2,000m) above sea level. Most Malaysians flock here to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of dinner shows, discos and gambling.

Located in the north west corner of peninsular Malaysia within the vicinity of the Thai Malay border. Pulau Langkawi, commonly referred to as Langkawi, is the largest island in an archipelago of some 99 islands. It is well known to many Malaysians for its mystical folk tales of legendary princess’ but is better known for its unspolit and tranquil environment, white sandy beaches, hideaway coves, calm seas, adventurous island trekking and spectacular underwater activities. Langkawi is also the perfect place to relax and unwind in glorious tropical surroundings, with several high-class resorts scattered about the island ready to serve your every need.

An island of uncrowded beaches, lush gardens and historic temples. Penang is a mere 15 miles long and 10 miles wide and is washed by the waters of the Straits of Malacca, just off Malaysia’s west coast. Batu Ferringhi is a 2 mile stretch of beach where you’ll find most of the major resort hotels. For a taste of the island’s colonial past visit the fascinating capital of Georgetown with one of the largest 'Chinatowns' in South East Asia. Explore Penang’s lush, hilly interior with sights including the Kek Lok Si Temple and some fine views from the top of Penang Hill - reached by funicular railway.

The best thing about being in Hong Kong is getting flummoxed and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi-Asian and Western elements. It's about savouring new tastes, weaving through human gridlock and humming some dumb Cantopop tune while slurping your noodles.

From the vantage point of Victoria Peak, overlooking the world's busiest deepwater port, you can see a city geared not only to making money but feeling good about it. At night, it's like looking down into a volcano.

Despite its British colonial past, Hong Kong has always stuck to its roots, and the culture beneath the glitz is pure Chinese. Mind you, that didn't stop locals from feeling apprehensive about being reunited with the motherland when the British handed the colony back to China in 1997; however, it seems their unease has largely evaporated.

Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.