Highlights of Southeast Asia - Part Two
After last week’s focus on the central part of Southeast Asia, I wanted to shift this week to Malaysia, the city-state of Singapore, and the immense island archipelago of Indonesia.
Each of these destinations is a trip all its own, but you can certainly combine visits to more than one of these places on a trip to this part of the world. If you’re making the long flight to get to this part of Asia, why wouldn’t you want to see as much as possible? And Indonesia and Singapore in particular are year-round destinations depending on what you're looking to do on your trip. I can help you build an itinerary that enables you to see and experience what is most important for your trip, help you determine the best time to go, and make it feel as easy as possible! And whether you are traveling as a couple, a group of friends, or with kids, I can create a customized plan that will include activities suitable for all travelers.
Malaysia
Why Visit: Malaysia offers a blend of high-profile cities and quaint old towns, beautiful national parks, mountains to climb, and an abundance of tropical beaches. There are two parts of Malaysia to consider visiting - peninsular Malaysia and the island of Borneo
Highlights:
Immerse yourself in nature. Travel to Borneo and explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites - admire remarkable caves and exotic wildlife in Mulu national Park or hike Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks.
Take a luxury eco retreat at the Banjaran Hotsprings, just outside Ipoh, and be surrounded by majestic landscapes and total serenity in the lush tropical rainforest.
Visit the Batu Caves, one of the most important sanctuaries of Hindu culture, outside of Kuala Lumpur. Or explore the charming cities of Malacca and Penang with their rich heritage, cultural diversity, and eclectic neighborhoods.
Treat yourself to a tropical paradise in Langkawi Island and relax! Sip cocktails from a catamaran during sunset and stargaze as you sail around the Andaman Sea.
Unique Experience:
Take an overnight hike on Mount Kinabalu to see the sunrise over Borneo.
Explore the lush tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands with an experienced guide - learn about the ecosystem of the rainforest from your 4WD vehicle as you climb into the highlands. Then enjoy a private picnic surrounded by the beauty of the tea plantation.
Best time to go: The west coast of Malaysia including Langkawi, Penang, and Pangkor has mild temperatures between December and March (73-90F). December is a great time to visit the Cameron Highlands to avoid crowds.
Stay: The Datai Langkawi is located on secluded white-sand beaches on the Andaman Sea. Choose a luxurious Beach Villa with separate living areas, a private garden, a rain shower, and pool. Make sure you find time for a spa treatment (if you book with me, I can secure a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people per room)!
Indonesia
Why Visit: Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands which include some of the most beautiful beaches and stunning landscape in the world. Bali is probably the most popular destination for tourists - and it’s a beautiful place to start your visit to Indonesia (and you can spend a good portion of your time just visiting this island). But it’s worth exploring other islands if you have the time - Lombok, Komodo, Raja Ampat are just a few of the islands that have something special to offer!
Highlights:
Step off the beaten path in Bali: visit some of the lesser known beaches on the island, stay in small villages untouched by time, and connect with the local culture. See unspoiled landscapes of gorgeous coastlines and lush, terraced rice paddies
Travel to the thousands of islands that make up Raja Ampat and explore the jungles, beaches, and coral reefs. This is a perfect destination for wildlife lovers, scuba divers, or those looking for a really remote getaway (Raja Ampat is high on my bucket list!).
Seek out Komodo dragons in the wild on a trip to Komodo’s UNESCO National Park, then take in the mystical landscapes of the Ngada and Manggarai ethnic groups in Komodo and Flores islands - stay in a village homestay to immerse yourself in their ancient customs.
Unique Experience:
Wake up early to watch the sunrise at UNESCO heritage Borobudur, a massive Buddhist monument and one of Java’s most famous temples.
Spend an afternoon e-biking through the rice terraces in Jatiluwah and enjoy the panoramic views of these iconic rice farms. Enjoy a Balinese-style lunch before exploring one of the less visited mystical spring temples of Bali, Tambo Waras.
Best time to go: Indonesia is a year-round destination so timing really depends on what you want from your trip. January and February are the wettest months so avoid that time if you are interested in trekking as most volcano hikes are closed at that time. May through October is dry across most of the islands. Peak tourist months are July-August and around Christmas/New Year’s - you’ll see much higher prices then,
Stay: Alila Villas Uluwatu offers a private paradise escape while in Bali. The resort’s pool villas are focused on comfort and privacy and offer stunning views. Guests are offered truly personalized stays with 3 levels of butler service - Private, Discreet, or Indulgent.
Singapore
Why Visit: World-class attractions and sights await you in this must-see city-state. Singapore blends historical sites with futuristic icons, is known for its food heritage and rapid urban development, and offers a unique mix of cultures in a compact city. Due to its small size, you can spend 2-3 days visiting Singapore, a perfect add-on to the beginning or end of your trip in Southeast Asia since it’s a well-connected airline hub in the region.
Highlights:
Discover the incredible foods of Singapore on a Michelin Guide Street Food Tour and delight in the mouthwatering dishes from the city’s famed hawker centers.
Take an evening river cruise down the Singapore River to see the bustling nightlife from the water, finishing your night indulging in the famous chili crab dish.
Learn about the colonial history of the city before enjoying panoramic views from the iconic Sands Sky Park 200 meters in the sky or the Gardens by the Bay. The Cloud Forest is the world’s tallest waterfall at 35-meters!
Unique Experience:
Hop on a trishaw - a traditional mode of transportation back in the olden days - and tour Bugis and Little India, the heartland of Indian communities. Stop for a light snack of roti prata, a South Indian flat bread made by frying stretched dough flavored with ghee. Then cool off with ais kachang (sweet, shaved ice that comes with a myriad of potential toppings) or chendol (coconut and palm sugar dessert).
Best time to go: Also a year-round destination, the best time to visit is between December and June. February to April is the dry season where you’ll have the least amount of rain and lowest humidity. However, if you want to avoid crowds, consider going in July to November where there is only moderate rainfall and a lot of festivals happening, especially through September.
Stay: The iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore has been open since 1887 - the hotel offers luxury, history, and colonial design that has been preserved over time. Expect excellent service at this all-suite property - there are more than ten restaurants and bars that offer a mix of classic with contemporary.
If I’ve piqued your wanderlust to get away to Southeast Asia, let’s start planning your escape! Whether you want to indulge in the delicious culinary delights of Singapore, go snorkeling or diving in Indonesia’s stunning coral reefs, or travel through the lush Cameron Highlands (or do all of these things), I can work with you to build the trip of your dreams and add in some special experiences that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about a trip for next Spring or even next Winter!