From deserts to rainforests, coral reefs to mountains, the empty Outback to the busy cities, mainland Australia, the world`s largest isl&, is a land of fascinating contrasts. Facts about Australia contain many superlatives: there are an estimated 27, 700 plant species, including living fossils such as the cycad palm, & brilliant wildflowers, such as the waratah, Sturt`s desert pea & kangaroo paws; & more than 80 per cent of the 378 mammal species, 828 bird species, 4, 000 fish species, 442 species of lizard, snake & crocodile, & 50 types of marine mammal are unique to Australia. Perfect for nature-lovers, the country also offers fantastic opportunities for sporting enthusiasts from diving to surfing, hiking to climbing. The great outdoors is a perfect description of this vibrant country. For relaxation, apart from the glorious beaches, there is also a wealth of wine, food & culture to be sampled. Australia has more than 60 designated wine regions & has developed a worldwide reputation for its award-winning wines. Among its many home-grown products, there are local cheeses & olive oils direct from the producers & there`s a range of dining options from world-class restaurants to Outback barbecues. Enchanting Australia describes & illustrates the spectacular natural world, the bustling cities & the adventurous pursuits just waiting to be explored. ...

Though one of the smallest islands of the Indonesian archipelago, Bali has miles of world-famous beaches, perfect for sunbathers & surfers alike. But Bali also has extraordinary inland attractions, including picturesque rice terraces, the towering Kintamani volcano, the holy forest with its wild monkeys & the romantically sited water temple of Ulun Danu. The island has a rich cultural heritage with over 20, 000 temples & numerous colourful festivals & ceremonies. A drive through the small country roads will take you through many artisan villages specialising in stone & wood carving; jewellery making & ikat weaving. Bali is also an ideal destination for families with its many child-friendly attractions, such as rafting, cycling, elephant rides & the Bali Bird Park. ...

Capital of Thailand & one of Asia`s most cosmopolitan & compelling cities, Bangkok is a vibrant mix of ancient & modern. It`s an intense city packed with people & a wealth of dazzling attractions. There are exotic temples, eclectic markets, gleaming palaces, ritzy shopping malls &, of course, the famous nightlife. Enchanting Bangkok captures the excitement & vitality of the city through chapters on the spiritual heritage of its temples, the historic museums & monuments, the cabarets & dance performances, as well as the shopping opportunities offered in Silom Road, Sukhumvit Road & the Pratunam area. Visitors can take in the city with a memorable dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River or while enjoying the cocktail hour in the rooftop bar of a skyscraper. & for those venturing beyond Bangkok, there are the marvels of the historical park of Ayutthaya, the bustling fishing village of Mahachai & the floating markets at Damnoen Saduak. Enchanting Bangkok introduces in words & vivid photographs all of Bangkok`s delights by night & by day providing the perfect introduction to & souvenir of a visit to the city. ...

Described by Charles Darwin as one great luxuriant hothouse made by nature for herself, Borneo is home to a rich profusion of flora & fauna, including 669 bird species; a diversity of mammals including the Proboscis Monkey, the Bornean Pygmy Elephant, & the Orang-Utan; & an immense variety of marine life, invertebrates, amphibians & reptiles. From the spectacular peak of Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, to the depths of the world's largest cave in Sarawak's Mulu National Park, & encompassing some of the world's most exotic wildlife watching locations along the Kinabatangan river & at Danum Valley, Borneo is an unrivalled destination for adventurous & eco travellers. ...

Comprising the Malaysian states of Sabah & Sarawak, the independent Sultanate of Brunei, & the Indonesian state of Kalimantan, the island of Borneo is a treasure house of natural beauty & biodiversity. Described by Charles Darwin as ”one great luxuriant hothouse made by nature for herself”, Borneo is home to a rich profusion of flora & fauna, including 669 bird species; a diversity of mammals including the Proboscis Monkey, the Bornean Pygmy Elephant, & the Orang-Utan; & an immense variety of marine life, invertebrates, amphibians & reptiles. From the spectacular peak of Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, to the depths of the world`s largest cave in Sarawak`s Mulu National Park, & encompassing some of the world`s most exotic wildlife watching locations along the Kinabatangan river & at Danum Valley, Borneo is an unrivalled destination for adventurous & eco travellers. ...

Chiang Mai is the natural capital of the north, a fascinating destination in its own right but also a starting point for exploring the country`s most dramatic scenery with its remote hills, villages & mountain tribes. Chiang Mai itself is a moated & walled city retaining many ancient treasures but also rapidly evolving into a modern city with boutique hotels, chic shops & stylish restaurants serving the delicious local cuisine. It is also the centre of Thailand`s art & craft industry. Wood carving, saa paper umbrellas & intricately painted pottery can all be found in the city or visitors can travel to the countryside to see the makers in their home villages. Beyond the city, this book takes readers on a tour of northern Thailand encompassing the elephant camp at Anantara; Doi Inthanon, Thailand`s tallest mountain; the city of Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle; & the highlights of the Mae Hong Son Province. Whether trekking on foot or driving through the region, Enchanting Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand introduces all of the unmissable sights & scenery through its informative text & intimate photographs. ...

Hong Kong surely has few rivals worldwide for being a major city in an outstanding natural setting, surrounded by hills, islands, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife & South China village traditions. Enchanting Hong Kong reveals this multi-faceted destination for a broad spectrum of visitors ranging from those making a short business trip but with some spare time to those who have a bit longer to explore outside the city itself. It provides full information on all the shopping possibilities from the malls to the daytime & night-time markets of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Central, Wanchai & Stanley, as well as the many delicious dining possibilities
- seafood, especially, is a ”must” in Hong Kong. It also takes the visitors a bit further afield to explore the outstanding & extensive network of country trails, the islands, the New Territories & some less well-known beaches. A holiday in Hong Kong can combine a stay in a comfortable hotel with hiking or birding during the day, some shopping, then dinner & a night on the town. It is a many-splendoured place just waiting to be explored.
...

The Republic of Indonesia is a vast archipelago presenting a kaleidoscope of sights for travellers. The range of activities available is equally sparkling with diving, surfing & sunbathing in & beside the coastal waters, & mountain climbing, trekking & paragliding on & over the l&. Java is the home of the Jakarta, the bustling capital city, which has a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the still-operational port of Old Batavia. Elsewhere on Java are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur & Prambanan Temples. A chain of volcanoes forms the backbone of the island offering many opportunities for the adventurous. Bali & Lombok are justly renowned for their dive sites & their beautiful beaches. These are also a feature of Sulawesi & Manado whose interiors are thick with rainforests abundant with wildlife. Kalimantan on Borneo is a big draw for ecotourists, especially the Orang-utan sanctuary. Sumatra is dramatically picturesque: the lakes, mountains & forests offer a wide diversity of wildlife to be explored. Each of these distinctive & beautiful islands is explored in Enchanting Indonesia, which introduces all of the must-see sights, set within the context of the country`s fascinating cultural diversity. ...

Langkawi is the premier island destination in Malaysia. This beautiful tropical archipelago surrounded by an azure sea has an unbeatable combination of sun, surf & sand as well as international beachfront resorts, iconic restaurants & easy access by flight from Kuala Lumpur & Penang. There are also hidden charms to be explored by taking a sunset cruise around the offshore islets or exploring the natural attractions on l&. Langkawi wetlands are particularly scenic as steep limestone walls rise from the mangrove-lined mudflats. They are home to various species of mangroves & rare cycads. For slowing down the pace there are the picturesque beaches of Pantai Cenang, Datai Bay with Pantai Tengah. For holidaymakers looking for more active pursuits, there is diving around the four small coral islands just south of Langkawi where there is also a large floating pontoon facility offering snorkelling for all the family. As well as other watersports, including parasailing & kayaking, there`s jungle trekking, mountain climbing, caving, fishing or taking an adventurous journey through the rainforest canopy all to be explored. Enchanting Langkawi reveals all of the scenic wonders & adventure opportunities that make Langkawi so special, to provide both a guide to & a souvenir of a memorable holiday. ...

Regarded as Southeast Asia`s sleepy backwater for many years, Laos` communist government ensured that the country remained closed to the outside world. Unconcerned by neighbouring Thailand`s dash for modernity, Laos resolutely moved at its own pace. When the door was finally eased open for travellers in the early 90s, it revealed a beautiful country with a fascinating culture & an ethnically diverse population Today, Laos is well & truly awakening from its slumber. The capital, Vientiane, bustles with renewed energy, but many of Laos` attractions lie beyond the capital, where the rural population still ekes out an existence as subsistence farmers, fishermen, market traders & merchants. For many in the countryside, little has changed, & that is part of Laos` enduring appeal for visitors. ...