Ancient Trade Routes

Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions meld in this island-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The site of the world’s busiest port, Singapore offers the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall and Sunte, the world’s largest fountain. Play evening golf on lighted fairways; experience the nightlife on Mohamed Sultan Road; or relax at an outdoor spa. Be certain not to miss the savory seafood.

Kuala Lumpur—or simply KL to the locals—is relatively young as cities go. But as they say, age is just a number, and what KL may lack in longstanding history, it more than makes up for in panache and progress. As you explore the bustling streets, you’ll notice an eclectic mixture of architecture—the Sultan Abdul Samad Building of Moorish design, the Tudor-style Cricket Club, the Railway station that’s a perfect balance of East meets West, and the early English gothic-style St. Mary’s Cathedral (just to name a few). Not to mention the most iconic building of all, the 88-story Petronas Towers; the pride of the city and the ultimate symbol of KL’s futuristic development.

The port town of Sabang is a little slice of beach and jungle paradise on the island of Pulau Weh (also known locally as Sabang). Dipping into the Indian Ocean off the tip of Sumatra, it is the most northwestern island of the Indonesian archipelago. Part traditional fishing village, part colonial-era town, Sabang is a picturesque community with timeless traditions, rustic way of life, and charming friendly people.

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is still largely untouched and unchanged by tourism, but with the New York Times and Forbes naming it a Top Destination, it won’t be overlooked much longer. One of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, there is much to see and Hambantota is the gateway to most of it.

Yala National Park, it is said, brings The Jungle Book to life. Ironically, it was once a hunting ground for the elite under British rule – today it holds the world’s largest concentration of leopards and elephants. Bundala National Park is an important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka, the highlight being the greater flamingo. With herds of elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards, Uda Walawe National Park rivals the savannahs of Africa. Head there for a tropical safari.

Sri Lanka was once known as Serendib, origin of the word serendipity, an apt description for the pleasant surprises certain to pop up as you explore this gem of an island with everything to offer: white beaches, lush tropical forests, fragrant gardens of cinnamon and clove, and a long and equally spicy history. From Colombo, the capital, you can meet the gang at the elephant orphanage, take a trip to Kandy to visit a temple purported to house a tooth of the Buddha, or check out village life on a bicycle. Don’t forget to take some of the excellent tea home with you, a product for which the island became world famous under yet another name – Ceylon.

The “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Cochin is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Stroll Fort Kochi beach at sunset, framed by the Chinese fishing nets, visit St. Francis Church, where Vasco de Gama was buried, and take in a Kathakali dance performance that will leave you spellbound.

The “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Cochin is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Stroll Fort Kochi beach at sunset, framed by the Chinese fishing nets, visit St. Francis Church, where Vasco de Gama was buried, and take in a Kathakali dance performance that will leave you spellbound.

The home of Bollywood, the seat of the Hindi film industry, Bombay is the glamour capital of India. Bask in the glory of the Gateway of India, the signature mark of the city. Then, make a wish at the Tomb of Haji Ali and identify antique pieces at the Chor Bazaar to take home a bit of the spectacle.

The home of Bollywood, the seat of the Hindi film industry, Bombay is the glamour capital of India. Bask in the glory of the Gateway of India, the signature mark of the city. Then, make a wish at the Tomb of Haji Ali and identify antique pieces at the Chor Bazaar to take home a bit of the spectacle.

An important trading port between East and West since the first century, Muscat’s influence once extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. While much of the city’s construction is new, it all displays traditional Arabic stylistic elements, creating a handsome and cohesive whole that incorporates a rich history. Two seemingly invincible mountainside forts from the 1500s flank the palace of the sultan, though today they are both museums. A major highlight is the Muttrah Souq, Muscat’s oldest market. Colorful and bustling, it is a fascinating place to browse, as well as to bargain for exotic spices, traditional handicrafts, or gold and frankincense.

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest emirate by area, Abu Dhabi is home to the seat of government, the Al Nahyan royal family, and a population of approximately 20% Emirati citizens and 80% expats. But its commitment to local culture and heritage, combined with international influences, is what makes Abu Dhabi an intriguing, exciting, and hospitable mix of new and old.

Like a lot of things in Abu Dhabi, Yas Island has its share of superlatives: world’s fastest roller coaster, first roller coaster in a waterpark, only hotel to straddle a Grand Prix Formula1 race track. That probably gives you an accurate picture of this $40 billion sophisticated adult adventure land, but we have to keep it going. It’s that amazing.

Dubai can already be mistaken for a movie set featuring a futuristic metropolis, and there are big plans still in the works. In the middle of the desert where almost nothing existed 20 years ago, there are so many building projects that foreign construction crews vastly outnumber citizens. Everything is the biggest, tallest, and the first of its kind, including manmade islands shaped like palm trees and the world’s first underwater hotel. It’s a striking collection of styles, including modern interpretations of Islamic architecture. If the planet’s largest shopping mall doesn’t appeal, traditional souks do still exist, including a gold souk housing over 200 retail shops.