Indian Ocean Treasures – Singapore to Cape Town

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Visit a batik factory, a butterfly farm, a mosque, church and Indian temple, or just laze around on the beach. Hike the rainforest and waterfall-clad mountains that form the backdrop to the beautiful sandy beaches on the island known as “The Pearl of the Orient.” The capital of the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique culture and architecture.

Langkawi is the main island in the archipelago of the same name in the Andaman Sea. Stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife will surround you as you snorkel, horseback ride, hike, golf or simply relax on the powdery sands of the island beaches. Experience Langkawi’s wildlife up close on a boat tour of the amazing mangrove forest. Travel by cable car over ancient rainforests to the top of Mount Machincang.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Discover the amazing contrasts of this cosmopolitan, Portuguese-founded city with its lovely colonial architecture, Dutch-style palaces, historic churches, Jewish quarter and huge Chinese fishing nets. Or explore tranquil canals by boat and see ancient villages, exquisite scenery, plantations and temples. See Indian cotton made in traditional fashion.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches on the Arabian Sea, watch the fishing boats and explore the city, especially the 10th century Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius College Chapel, the Sultan Battery, Light House Hill Garden, Mangala Devi Temple and the Jumma Masjid. See a traditional South Indian dance performance or perhaps encounter a festival honoring a local deity.

Enjoy this marvelous old Portuguese and Hindu city studded with vibrant temples and majestic churches. Visit the stunning Baroque cathedral and quaint, colorful Panjim for a taste of Portugal in India. Explore the countryside and its spice farms, local markets and the region’s exquisite beaches.

As the capital of the low-lying, coral-bed Maldives, winsome Malé is surrounded by a sea wall, where you might watch the fishing dhonis return with the day’s catch. Also be sure to see Friday Mosque, a masterpiece of filigree-curved coral built in the mid-1600s, and the Mulee-aage Palace.

An idyllic tropical island, Praslin is ringed with secluded beaches like magnificent Anse Lazio. Don’t miss Vallée de Mai, a virgin palm forest so extraordinary it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest supports extremely rare flora and fauna, including the black parrot and exotic coco de mer, the world’s largest nut.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

Lying off the northern coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be (which means “Big Island” in Malagasy) contains seven volcanic lakes and is blanketed with fragrant flora such as ylang-ylang, frangipani and vanilla. Unusual wildlife flourishes here, as witnessed in Lokobe Nature Reserve, home to maki lemurs, chameleons and paradise flycatchers.

While the other islands of the fragrant Comoros (known as the “Perfume Islands”) gained independence from France in 1975, Mayotte remained under French rule, and you’ll welcome the influence. The Petit Terre district boasts fine patisseries, boutiques and art galleries, and there’s a French flair everywhere.

Intent on recapturing its former glamour, Maputo once again attracts the rich and famous, whom you may see while sipping a cocktail at the extravagant Hotel Polana. Maputo’s struggle for freedom from Portuguese colonialism is recounted in local museums.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

British colonial architecture prevails in Durban, yet natural beauty is what characterizes this charming city on the Indian Ocean. Its Golden Mile beach area attracts sunbathers, of course, but also shoppers and those who enjoy walking the promenade. The Juma Masjid deserves a visit, as it’s the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.

With an average of 320 sunny days a year, Mossel Bay has the second mildest climate in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Enjoy walks along the beautiful beaches, horseback riding and whale and dolphin watching. Track big game on a thrilling safari or take a cruise to Seal Island, populated by over 2,500 Cape fur seals.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.