Australasian Adventure – Taipei to Perth

On this fascinating island visit the world’s tallest building, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, the fabulous Palace Museum’s vast collection of Chinese art and the lovely Lungshan Temple. Explore lovely Keelung’s historic sites and Yeliu Park’s astonishing rock formations.

The canal-like Love River flows through the heart of this wonderfully modern city, and a boat ride along its shores reveals Kaohsiung’s beauty. The former British Consulate, built in 1865, is a historic landmark juxtaposed with more modern sites such as the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, known for its contemporary sculptures.

Dynamic Manila never slows down, so go with the flow by delving headlong into the attractions, including the elegant Malacanang Palace, the National Museum of the Philippines, verdant Rizal Park and the poignant American Cemetery and Memorial. The walled medieval district of Intramuros is also well worth exploring

Enjoy the sights in this bustling, ethnically diverse city as you see the gold-domed mosque, unique high-rise architecture and the Heritage Village. Or venture into the interior and astonishing Kinabalu Park. Stroll past rare plants along a nature trail and through a garden of rare orchids. Or ride Borneo’s last train into the lush countryside of farms, water buffalo and villages. Spend time on the glorious beaches.

Enjoy a drive through this fascinating city past the beautiful mosques with their glittering domes and minarets and the Sultan’s palace, the largest in the world. Visit the Brunei Museum, a repository of Malay culture and priceless Islamic art. Or take a riverboat through the city’s canals and experience its daily life. Travel into the primitive Borneo countryside to a Dayak village where warriors dance in the longhouse.

Semarang is the capital and largest city of Central Java province in Indonesia. It was a major port during the Dutch colonial era, and is still an important regional center and port today.

Showcasing a dizzying array of cultural influences, this second-largest city in Indonesia was once the most important port of the Dutch East Indies. A prime example is the stately 19th-century House of Sampoerna, a colonial-style cigarette factory that houses a fascinating museum. Discover a vast selection of wares at Pasar Pabean, a lively market that links Chinatown and the Arab Quarter. At the Grand Mosque of Surabaya, one of Indonesia’s largest, climb the soaring minaret for better views of the gleaming blue and green tiles adorning the sanctuary’s domes. As a tranquil respite, settle in for high tea at the elegant Majapahit Hotel, a highlight of Surabaya’s complex and absorbing historical legacy.

Explore the hidden wonders of northern Bali from this busy port, where modern seagoing vessels mingle with traditional Bugis schooners, high-prowed wooden ships that have plied these waters for centuries. More eclectic charms await in Bali’s former capital of Singaraja, whose colonial Dutch influence contrasts with the island’s age-old stone temples. Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of Bali Barat National Park, perhaps snorkeling among the luminous coral reefs surrounding Menjangan Island or sighting the graceful Bali starling in a lush monsoon forest. Stroll exotic botanical gardens in the lakeside village of Bedugul and browse a colorful farmer’s market for an authentic glimpse of Bali’s timeless allure.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands of Indonesia and one of three major islands making up Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being a popular destination for diving, it is the only natural habitat of the Komodo dragon. The island of Komodo includes approximately 60 square miles of craggy mountains, deep canyons, savannas and monsoon rainforests.

A fascinating pearling town celebrated for its Indian Ocean sunsets and rugged beauty, Broome also serves as the gateway to grand wilderness of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. In Broome, stroll the streets of Chinatown, discover famous Cable Beach by camel or visit the haunting Japanese pearl divers’ cemetery. During very low tide at Gantheaume Point, you can even see dinosaur footprints left behind 120 million years ago. For a true adventure, strike out into the spectacular Kimberley, a world of ancient gorges, unusual rock formations and epic waterways.

The hub of Australia’s Coral Coast, Geraldton features stunning beaches, a burgeoning culinary scene and a rich history. Step back in time with the city’s array of historical monuments and museums, including Point Moore Lighthouse, Birdwood Military Museum and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Visit Ellendale Pool, a natural pool surrounded by giant gum trees and a stunning rocky cliff. Perhaps spend a leisurely afternoon on one of the many sun-drenched beaches and watch the abundant kitesurfers in action – Geraldton is one of the top three kitesurfing locations in the world. Immerse yourself in the local cuisine at an eclectic café or serene seaside restaurant as you sample lobster fresh from the sea and typical regional dishes.

A stunning setting along Swan River and the Indian Ocean welcomes you into the laid-back city of Perth. At Kings Park, one of the few urban parks that dwarf Central Park, take in breathtaking views of downtown Perth and plan your day. Explore the city’s range of eclectic neighborhoods, immerse yourself in indigenous art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, or discover Australia’s native wildlife at the Perth Zoo. Travel to nearby Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region, to visit one of the many historic vineyards for a tasting of excellent local wines. Meanwhile, discover Fremantle’s distinct character through its 19th century port streetscape. Dive into its seafaring history at the Western Australia Maritime Museum and Shipwreck Galleries, visit Fremantle Prison or explore the Manjaree Heritage Trail for a glimpse of life before European settlement.