Singapore to Cape Town

Straegically located at the end of the Malaysian peninsula, the island nation of Singapore is a modern, thriving metropolis and a true melting pot of cultures. Singapore offers diverse colorful ethnic quarters; a fantastic array of superb cuisines; and a shopping mecca second to none. In many ways Singapore (the name means Lion City) was built by Sir Stamford Raffles. Coming ashore to a tiny fishing village in 1819, through trade treaties and business acumen, he laid the foundation for one of the most amazing urban success stories in history. Today, travelers can embrace exotic sights and sounds as they stroll or ride a trishaw through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head down to the scenic Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor and stop at one of the many international eateries for a refreshing repast. Shop along famous Orchard Road with its merchandise from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade…

Pulau Pinang, as it is known locally, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country's oldest British settlement. The word "Pinang" in Malay refers to the areca nut palm, which provides the betel nut, an essential ingredient in a delicacy chewed by millions in the Far East. Today Georgetown is noted for the largest collection of pre-war houses in all of Southeast Asia and the Penang Heritage Trust has been established to maintain its unique heritage.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

Capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy, Colombo has been visited for over 2,000 years by Roman, Chinese, Arab and European traders. Explore this exotic city and view colorful colonial buildings including the Presidential Secretariat, the Grand Oriental Hotel, and the Lighthouse Clock Tower. A “must” to visit is Pettah, Colombo's leading bazaar district. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with shops and street stalls offering the most unimaginable range of goods. Other noteworthy sights include Viharamahadevi Park, the city's largest and oldest green expanse; and the palatial mansions of Cinnamon Gardens.

Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is located at the southern edge of North Male’ Atoll Kaafu Atoll. Traditionally, Malé was the “King’s Island,” from where the ancient Maldive Royal families had their palace and ruled the country. Malé is dotted with mosques, wide streets, parks and markets. Tour the national Museum, the colorful Fish Market and the Friday mosque with its splendid golden dome.

Part of the charm of travel is to be transported to places that will stay in your memory forever. Mauritius with its translucent waters, moon-white beaches, ebony forests and rare orchids will enchant you. Port-Louis, located in the north-west of Mauritius, was given its name by the French governor, De Nyon in honor of King Louis XV. Travel to the rim of Trou-aux-cerfs, an extinct volcanic, now a tropical forest. Meditate on the beauty of Grand-Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake and pilgrimage place for Hindus, and marvel at the serene beauty of the Plaine-Champagne forest reserve and the spectacular Black River Gorge.

Part of the charm of travel is to be transported to places that will stay in your memory forever. Mauritius with its translucent waters, moon-white beaches, ebony forests and rare orchids will enchant you. Port-Louis, located in the north-west of Mauritius, was given its name by the French governor, De Nyon in honor of King Louis XV. Travel to the rim of Trou-aux-cerfs, an extinct volcanic, now a tropical forest. Meditate on the beauty of Grand-Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake and pilgrimage place for Hindus, and marvel at the serene beauty of the Plaine-Champagne forest reserve and the spectacular Black River Gorge.

If it were any easier to get to this remote island, it wouldn’t be paradise. Relax amid colonial-style Creole homes or explore sonorous tropical waterfalls like the Bride’s Veil. Relax by a tranquil lagoon, swayed by tropical breezes or take a dip on a black sand beach. Réunion’s picture-postcard ambiance includes the breathtaking lunar landscape of Piton de la Fournaise, a still active volcano.

Discover exotic Nosy Be with its rich air fragrant from native spices and flowers and, neighboring Nosy Komba with its lemur population found only in this part of the world. Beginwith a stroll around the city center of Hellville in Nosy Be, visiting the open marketplace. Then hire a driver to take you on an island tour to see the bright blue volcanic lakes, or hire a boat to take you to Nosy Komba to visit the lemurs. Back in Nosy Be, shop for locally made perfume, distilled rum, finelinens and hand carved wooden art. Enjoy some of the fresh local seafood prepared with the local spices in this colorful and aromatic destination.

A bustling, subtropical city and Africa’s busiest port, Vasco da Gama is said to have sighted Durban Bay on Christmas Day, 1497, naming the land Natal as a mark of respect for the Nativity. The name Durban was acquired in 1843 when Port Natal was renamed for Sir Benjamin D'Urban. Today , Durban delights the traveler with its colorful mosaic of ethnic neighborhoods and memorable excursions to game reserves and the traditional lifestyle of the Zulu people. Explore Old Market Square, the Golden Mile beachfront and the scented Botanic Gardens and Gray Street Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Located at the endpoint of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed “The Friendly City.” While regarded as one of the country’s most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area’s beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Located at the endpoint of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed “The Friendly City.” While regarded as one of the country’s most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area’s beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay offers more than 37 miles of beaches and at least 300 days of sunshine a year. Known as the location where the first Europeans made landfall on South African soil in 1488, today’s Mossel Bay is one of the country’s most popular beach destinations, as well as a haven for outdoor adventurers.

Called ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’ and regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, lush parks and shops. Impressive mountains, magnificent beaches and outstanding wineries add to the attraction. Ride a cable-car to the top of famous flat-topped Table Mountain and gaze at the mosaic of towering mountains, verdant valleys and the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The historical highlight is Robben Island, once the prison holding such outstanding anti-apartheid leaders as Nelson Mandela.

Called ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’ and regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, lush parks and shops. Impressive mountains, magnificent beaches and outstanding wineries add to the attraction. Ride a cable-car to the top of famous flat-topped Table Mountain and gaze at the mosaic of towering mountains, verdant valleys and the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The historical highlight is Robben Island, once the prison holding such outstanding anti-apartheid leaders as Nelson Mandela.