Singapore to Port Louis

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 of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Be sure to leave time to try a refreshing Singapore Sling at the bar at Raffles Hotel.

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.

Port Victoria is a town on the west coast of Yorke Peninsula in the Australian state of South Australia. At the 2006 census, Port Victoria had a population of 345. Like many other coastal towns on the peninsula, it has a jetty and used to be a thriving port for the export of grain to England.

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.