Thailand, "het land van de glimlach", wordt vaak geassocieerd met prachtig goudkleurig zand, met palmen omzoomde stranden, warm azuurblauw water, betoverende tempels en mysterieuze groene jungle's. Het is de belangrijkste reisbestemming in Zuidoost-Azië en heeft voor elk budget en elke soort activiteit verschillende mogelijkheden. Verken de bruisende metropool Bangkok, ontspan op een tropische strand, duik in de wondere onderwaterwereld voor de kust van Koh Tao, maak een jungletocht in het noorden of ontdek oude sites in Ayutthaya, Sukhothai of Chiang Mai, Thailand heeft het allemaal.
Koh Samui is een van de populairste vakantiebestemmingen van Thailand, vanwege de idyllische zandstranden, azuurblauwe wateren, betoverende vergezichten en gemakkelijke bereikbaarheid vanaf het vasteland. Het laatste decennium heeft een uitgebreide ontwikkeling op het eiland plaatsgevonden, met een vloed van luxe hotels en resorts - vaak compleet met prachtige privéstranden. De kustlijn is de belangrijkste reden om naar Koh Samui te reizen, maar andere attracties op Samui zijn de Big Buddha-tempel met zijn 12-meter beelt, de 30-meter Na Muang-waterval, naast een scala aan spa's en restaurants evenals meer relaxte bistro's en bars aan het strand.
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Named for both its turtle-like shape and its history as a turtle breeding ground, Koh Tao is the little sister to the world-famous islands of Samui and Pha Ngan, Koh Tao has made a name for itself as a diving and snorkelling hotspot, due to the profusions of coral reefs that lie within easy access of its coast. Favourite dive sites around the island are Chumpon, where divers have the chance to glimpse feathery scorpionfish, giant barracuda, underwater pinnacles crusted with brightly coloured sea anemones, and on occasion, even whale sharks; Shark Island, with its proliferation of corals frequented by stingrays, moray eels and nudibranchs; and ‘The Twins’, home to a family of rare and elusive saddleback clownfish. When you’re not immersed in the pleasures of Koh Tao’s underwater world, you can explore the island’s terrestrial attractions, including its lush trekking routes, stunning viewpoints and burnished beaches.
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Ko Wua Ta Lap is the largest island in the archipelago of Mu Ko Ang Thong, a marine park in the Gulf of Thailand. It is the only island on which there is accommodation, with lovely bungalows and camping areas. The park’s head office is situated here. It is also the highest point in the islands and offers astonishing views over the area. Visitors may spot monkeys. The gorgeous, tiny beach is well kept, and from here travellers can enjoy swimming, diving, boat trips and exploring the marine park further. The islands are known for their other-worldly tropical scenery of bright blues and greens, which inspired the classic novel (and movie) ‘The Beach’.
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Mae Koh (Mother Island) is one the most visited of the 42 islands that make up the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, which is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, in the Surat Thani Province. The main attraction on the island is Emerald Lake, a saltwater lake linked to the ocean via an underground tunnel and surrounded by karst limestone walls and lush green foliage. A rather steep climb along pathways and a wooden staircase will reward visitors with a full view of this stunning body of emerald-green water. The island also boasts spectacular white, sandy beaches and the waters around the island are well-populated with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life making it popular with snorkelers. The island is easily reached by speedboat from any of the neighbouring islands and day tours are on offer.
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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.
Famed for its clear, turquoise waters and powder-white beaches, Redang Island is an exclusive tropical retreat dotted with upmarket resort-style accommodation and situated off the state of Terengganu on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This pristine paradise forms part of Pulau Redang Marine Park, a protected reserve that offers exciting snorkelling and diving opportunities where nature lovers can spot clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, baby sharks, turtles and coral reefs. Other available watersports include canoeing, boating, island hopping, and kayaking. On land, visitors can enjoy hiking through the virgin jungle or simply relax on the shore sunbathing. For a bit of nightlife, unwind with refreshments at the atmospheric Long Beach and sample local dishes in the village.
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Set in the South China Sea, off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia, Pulau Tenggol or Tenggol Island is the last in a string of islands including Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang, and is part of the Terengganu Park. The island’s main drawcard is its spectacular diving opportunities: 20 dive sites lie in the surrounding waters. The rich marine life here includes sharks, rays, nudibranch and a variety of hard and soft corals. The island’s numerous enthralling beaches offer soft white sands fringed by lush tropical vegetation and lapped by bright turquoise waters. Visitors can also explore the trails which cross the small island (it measures roughly three by two kilometres). Ferries can be taken to Tengol Island from Kuala Dungun on the mainland.
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Lying 32 kilometres of Malaysia’s east coast, Tioman island makes up part of the Mersing Marine Park and is one of Malaysia’s most beguiling travel destinations, famed for its idyllic white beaches and incredible snorkelling and diving. The island is covered with dense tropical jungle and encircled by crystal clear aquamarine waters that support a pristine marine ecosystem. Divers can expect to see a diverse array of underwater life that includes spectacular coral reefs, vividly coloured tropical fish, sea turtles, moray eels, blacktip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and many more species.
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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.
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