South
East Asia will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and
diversity. If you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies
and thrive on sensual overload, then South East Asia is
one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding
on earth. You'll quickly develop an abridled passion for
it.
From
the aromas of coriander and peanut sauce in an Indonesian
marketplace, the serenity of a Thai Buddhist temple or the
chattering of monkeys in the Malaysian jungle, the experiences
and memories will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Nothing in the region is ever quite what you expect, and
the only thing to expect is the unexpected which comes in
many forms and will always want to sit next to you. South
East Asia is a litmus test for many travellers, many staying
for a lifetime.
Thailand is one of the most popular places to visit.
The Kingdom of Thasiland has never had to succumb to Western
colonial ambition and retained a strong culture which has
its foundation in buddhist spirituality. Thai people must
be amongst the friendliest people on the planet. The natural
beauty of the many regions in Thailand will inspire awe
iun every new visitor. Be it the lime stone rocks rising
out of turquoise waters or the untouched rainforest regions
in the north, the many beautiful temples or the simple traditions
of the highland people - Thailand has unlimited facets.
AND we haven't even mentioned the food yet.
However, the marine life of Thailands west coast and the
waters further north in Burmese territory are the main reason
why we are featuring some fine live-aboard cruises in our
programme.
The
Indonesian
archipelago is made up of countless islands that
covers the enire west-east stretch of South East Asia. The
many different regions feature their own distinct colourful
cultures and traditions.
For example, Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled
into thinking it is a painted backdrop. Rice paddies drop
down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through
the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches
are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
The main dive regions are North Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, Bali
and the Komodo-Alor region.
Malaysia
is wedged in between Thailand in the north and Indonesia
on the south. Borneo's vast jungles with its remaining orang
utan ("Forest man") population is a main attraction
for overseas visitors.
The seas are inhabited by hundreds of types of hard and
soft corals, anemones, colourful nudibranchs, countless
varieties of shellfish, manta rays and pelagics.
Divers worldwide are drawn to the Sipadan's terrific drop-off,
the beauty of the Similian Islands, the critter paradises
of Lembeh & Komodo, and to the Burma Banks & the
Andaman Sea, home of the giant whale sharks.
The tropical location of these dive regions and long established
professional dive operations offer totally unique diving
opportunities, making South Asia one of the world's greatest
dive destinations !
Independent
