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. ...

For travellers interested in history & culture, the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, as well as other major cities, such as Putrajaya, Melaka & George Town, are fascinating to explore. Eco-tourists have an amazing choice of destinations from the Taman Negara National Park on Peninsular Malaysia to Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak & the Kinabatangan River in Sabah. Visitors to these natural places will be able to see Orang-utans, the Malayan Tiger, the Western Tarsier, Proboscis Monkeys & many other primates. Birdwatching in Malaysia is particularly rewarding with 656 species recorded in Peninsular Malaysia & 669 on Borneo. For the adventurous, there are challenging mountains to climb, such as Mt Kinabalu in Sabah, some of the world's best diving around Sipadan Island & exciting jungle treks through primary forests. But Malaysia is also perfect for relaxing, whether on the beaches of Langkawi, Cherating, Perhentian Island or Layang Layang & wherever you are, there will always be exciting foods to try. From simple street food snacks to sophisticated five-star restaurants, there is a wonderful range of dishes as testimony to Malaysia's multi-cultural make-up. Enchanting Malaysia is as varied as the country itself introducing travellers through words & photographs to all of the wildlife & architectural wonders, thrilling adventures & cultural highlights. ...

Malaysia is a hugely diverse country & supreme holiday destination. Divided into Peninsular Malaysia & the island states of Sabah & Sarawak on Borneo, each offers a wealth of unique attractions. For travellers interested in history & culture, the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, as well as other major cities, such as Putrajaya, Melaka & George Town, are fascinating to explore. Eco-tourists have an amazing choice of destinations from the Taman Negara National Park on Peninsular Malaysia to Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak & the Kinabatangan River in Sabah. Visitors to these natural placeswill be able to see Orang-utans, the Malayan Tiger, the Western Tarsier, Proboscis Monkeys & many other primates. Birdwatching in Malaysia is particularly rewarding with 656 species recorded in Peninsular Malaysia & 669 on Borneo. For the adventurous, there are challenging mountains to climb, such as Mt Kinabalu in Sabah, some of the world`s best diving around Sipadan.” ...

Whether you`re a first-time visitor or making a return trip, the sheer majesty of New Zealand`s landscapes is always awe-inspiring. There are peaceful lakes & thundering waterfalls, active volcanoes & the looming icy peaks of the Southern Alps as well as beautiful sandy beaches. The country is the ultimate destination for those who are looking for an adventure holiday to explore the natural wonders & discover wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Beyond the scenic bounty, New Zealand also offers world-class local food, wine & accommodation, & friendly, welcoming people. From Auckland at the top of the North Island to Invercargill at the bottom of South Isl&, Liz Light describes & illustrates the epic scenery, the heritage attractions, the unique Maori culture & the renowned wine regions that make up a memorable trip to the country. ...

Penang is a world-renowned holiday destination, famous for its soft sandy beaches & regarded by many as the food capital of Malaysia. Many visitors check into one of the first-class hotels & spend a wonderfully relaxing holiday chilling out on the beaches. But as Enchanting Penangreveals, there are many other attractions to explore. Parts of George Town, the state capital, are listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Here many of the traditional buildings are being restored, fusing the old with the new, to become cafes, restaurants, boutiques & hotels There are also many other sights around the isl&. Take the scenic & historic funicular railway to the summit of Penang Hill, for example, & revel in the view from the top. From here you might take a walking trail down to the expansive Botanical Gardens at the bottom of the hill.” ...

The intense, dark brooding green of the tropical vegetation, the blinding white coral sands of the beaches, & the aquamarine blue of the surrounding tropical seas make for a fizzing cocktail of colour. Add the heat & humidity, suffused with the smells of cooking & tropical fruit hanging in the air; the colourful chaos of the towns & cities, & the brilliant smile that seems ready to erupt from any face at the slightest ”provocation”, & you are getting closer to the distinct Filipino essence... From the island & beach life of the Visayas to Mindanao in the south, & from the wild frontiers of Mindoro & Palawan to the bustling metropolis of downtown Manila, Enchanting Philippines is a captivating portrait of this beautiful Southeast Asian island nation. ...

Phuket & Krabi Islands in the Andaman Sea & Samui in the Gulf of Thailand offer an idyllic combination of a sunny climate, stunning ...

Singapore, a small island nation, offers a huge variety of experiences for holidaymakers of all kinds. This bustling cosmopolitan city has excellent shopping malls & fascinating museums; heritage trails & wildlife walks; a colourful nightlife & a huge choice of dining options. Much planning has been involved in maximising these attractions. Leading the way are the two integrated resorts of Resorts World Sentosa & Marina Bay Sands which offer the glitz & glamour of Las Vegas as well as all the excitement of theme park activities. Other massive projects are the 1.1 km boardwalk that runs along the coast & mangrove area of Chek Jawa, allowing nature lovers to get close to the rich plant & marine life, as well as ' Gardens by the Bay', three waterfront gardens that showcase horticulture & garden art. Singapore's Botanic Gardens have developed into one of the world's most respected with palms, cycads, bromeliads & a vast number of orchids. For sporting enthusiasts, there's the recently introduced F1 Grand Prix, as well as all of the watersports you would expect around an island & some adventurous trekking in the national parks & wetlands. The wonderful array of cuisines from Peranakan to Chinese, Indian to Malay is proof of the collage of cultures that make up Singapore's population. The Singaporeans have everything planned to make a visit exciting, entertaining & comfortable; Enchanting Singapore introduces all of the must-see places & events to help you make the most of your holiday time. ...