Singapore is een unieke stadstaat die net ten zuiden van het Maleisische schiereiland ligt. Naast het vasteland zijn er nog talrijke kleine eilandjes, samen goed voor een oppervlakte van 640 km². Singapore kent sterke Chinese, Maleisische, Indiase en westerse invloeden. Hierdoor biedt deze metropool een oogverblindende smeltkroes van culturen, exotische keukens en architecturale stijlen aan. Omwille van de multiculturele bevolking vinden we in Singapore enkele districten terug, zoals Chinatown met zijn indrukwekkende Hindoe-heiligdommen en tempels die versierd zijn met goudsbloemslingers. De glinsterende, ultramoderne winkelcentra en futuristische wolkenkrabbers staan hiermee in schril contrast. De natuurhistoricus William Hordonay omschreef Singapore dan ook als ‘de handigste en meest wonderbaarlijke stad die hij ooit heeft gezien’.
De Republiek Singapore is een soevereine stadstaat in Zuidoost-Azië, op het puntje van het Maleisische schiereiland. Deze voormalige Britse kolonie bestaat uit 63 eilanden en staat bekend om zijn snelle evolutie, van een derdewereldland tot het wereldcentrum van technologie, onderwijs, gezondheidszorg en innovatie. Bezoekers hebben keuze te over wat betreft onmisbare attracties. Het oogverblindende Merlion Park omvat een spectaculaire promenade en het iconische Merlion-beeld van 28 voet, dat een eerbetoon is aan het bescheiden begin van de stad. Futuristisch en toch intrinsiek verbonden met de natuur, de Gardens by the Bay is een van de meest populaire bucketlist-items hier, met zijn boeiende wandeling door de boomtoppen en waterval van 114-voet - binnenshuis. Winkelen wordt een wereldwijd hoogtepunt op de beroemde Orchard Road.
Malaysia is a nation characterised by intriguing contrasts. It is a complex combination of various cultures, diverse landscapes and architectural styles. Chinese joss houses, Hindu temples and gold-domed mosques exist alongside state-of-the-art skyscrapers and contemporary business complexes. The land itself is divided into two parts by the South China Sea. Peninsula Malaysia (West Malaysia) boasts vast bustling cities, stately colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and tranquil islands. Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia) features lush jungles brimming with exotic animal and plant life, towering granite peaks and even some remote indigenous tribes. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a range of adventurous activities including hiking through some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, scuba diving in some of the world’s most renowned dive sites, or white water rafting in one of the nation’s numerous exquisite national parks. Alternatively spend your days exploring the supercharged capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its pockets of rainforest interspersed between towering high rise buildings or simply relax under palm tree-lined beached.
The capital city of Sarawak state offers a pleasant stop for travellers looking for an urban fix between exploring the natural gems of Malaysian Borneo. Kuching is situated on the banks of the Sarawak River, which meanders through the town, lending itself a laid back atmosphere. A stroll along Kuching waterfront (nicknamed ‘The People Place’) offers visitors a diverse mix of cultural attractions and entertainment options, including views of the city’s most intricate architectural gem, Dewan Undangan Negeri – the Sarawak State Assembly complex. A contemporary highlight of the town is a series of offbeat and loveable orangutan wall murals by Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic, while those in need of R&R can indulge in a peaceful afternoon at the lovely Sarawak Orchid Garden. The annual Kuching Food Fair takes place every August, with over 200 different street stalls serving up a smorgasbord of local and international cuisine.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Bintulu has morphed into a thriving urban centre in recent years, thanks to its generous oil and gas reserves - however, it still retains its old-world atmosphere and much of its traditional stilted architecture. Key attractions in the city include its vibrant local markets and the Kuan Yin Tong Chinese Temple - a tranquil shrine and garden complex complete with koi ponds and a waterfall. Several national parks are dotted around the city outskirts, including Lambir, Mulu and Similajau national parks.
Sleek and affluent, Miri is a bustling city steeped in the fiscal honey of its priceless oil reserves. A combination of great cuisine, diverse cultural influences and a cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a pleasure to pass through – which is fortunate since it is a major transit hub, providing onward connections to Brunei, Sabah and Gunung Mulu and Lambir national parks. There are several pleasant beaches in close proximity to the town, and scuba diving courses are offered by several operators in town. For some local flavour – literally and figuratively – pay a visit to Tamu Muhibah, a vibrant market peddling an array of exotic fresh produce and local culinary specialties.
This tiny Southeast Asian nation is located on the north shores of the island of Borneo, facing onto the South China Sea and surrounded by Malaysian territory. The country’s vast mineral wealth is reflected in the lavish architecture and modern amenities of its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, located on the banks of the Brunei River. Here you will find wide, leafy boulevards, opulent mosques with pearly facades and golden domes, and the sprawling Istana Nurul Iman - the sultan’s luxurious residential palace. Other points of interest are the Tamu Kinggeh Market, with its massive array of exotic fresh produce, piles of fragrant spices and sublime seafood, and the stilted river village of Kampong Ayer. Leaving the city behind, head to the Ulu Temburong National Park , a tropical rainforest area that was declared a reserve in 1991. The park has beautiful canopy walkways that allow you to experience its beautiful trees and the wildlife that inhabits them - up close and personal. Lastly, no trip to Brunei would be complete without a visit to the coast, with its exquisite coral reefs teeming with life.
Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Bandar Seri Begawan serves as the capital of Brunei. The city is surrounded by spectacularly scenic landscape featuring pristine beaches, a biodiverse forest and fringed by the South China Sea. Bandar Seri Begawan is home to a number of museums, modern shopping malls, and restaurants, as well as the world's biggest water village, Kampong Ayer, where houses balance on stilts and boats are used as cars. Visitors can look forward to a number of attractions including: the capital's massive Istana Nurul Iman palace, the current residence of Brunei’s ruling sultan; the opulent Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque, featuring 29 impressive golden domes; and the stately Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, boasting multicoloured stained glass windows, ornate chandeliers, Italian marble, all encircled by a lagoon.
Malaysia is a nation characterised by intriguing contrasts. It is a complex combination of various cultures, diverse landscapes and architectural styles. Chinese joss houses, Hindu temples and gold-domed mosques exist alongside state-of-the-art skyscrapers and contemporary business complexes. The land itself is divided into two parts by the South China Sea. Peninsula Malaysia (West Malaysia) boasts vast bustling cities, stately colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and tranquil islands. Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia) features lush jungles brimming with exotic animal and plant life, towering granite peaks and even some remote indigenous tribes. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a range of adventurous activities including hiking through some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, scuba diving in some of the world’s most renowned dive sites, or white water rafting in one of the nation’s numerous exquisite national parks. Alternatively spend your days exploring the supercharged capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its pockets of rainforest interspersed between towering high rise buildings or simply relax under palm tree-lined beached.
Situated in Malaysia, the island of Tinggi, known as Pulau Tinggi, is a verdant outcrop rising abruptly from the Java Sea. Dubbed the ‘General's Hat’ by Chinese seamen hundreds of years ago, the landscape is characterized by Mount Sebudu, a steep 600-metre-high extinct volcano blanketed in lush jungle and fringed by stretches of white-sand beaches. Visitors can look forward to excellent diving and snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters to view an underwater wonderland teeming with abundant coral reef and diverse marine life, hiking to a beautiful waterfall, and visiting a local island village. Other popular activities include: swimming, boating, relaxing on the beach and watching an awe-inspiring sunset.
Kota Kinabalu serves as the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state and has long been the gateway to the island of Malaysian Borneo. Situated on the coast, this small resort town is a lovely place to refuel, get permits, book onward travel and indulge in some well-deserved R&R. If you’re interested in sampling local fare, head to the night market for some fresh fish off the barbecue. Visitors can also look forward to exploring bustling markets, strolling along pristine beaches, and view the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque set along the waterfront. Day trips from Kota Kinabalu include a scenic ride on the North Borneo Railway, an excursion to the neighbouring islands of Gaya and Manukan and an adventure to the Kinabalu National Park, home of the soaring peak of Mount Kinabalu.
