Benoa to Manila

Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren't a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities.

Bali. A.k.a. Island of the Gods, Land of a thousand temples or the World’s last paradise. As superlative as these monikers may sound, they do not do justice to the actual reality of the island. Bali is as good as everyone says – verdant mountains with terraced rice fields in one direction, black sand beaches in another and captivating people that will leave even the most seasoned traveller humbled. If you’re looking for a Garden of Eden that really does have it everything, Bali ticks all the boxes. The rich and diverse culture of the island is what sets Bali apart from Indonesia’s (many) other tropical paradises. The country’s estimated 10,000 Buddhist-Hindu temples, with their daily offerings of lotus flowers and fruit are testament to the gentleness of the islander’s belief. Then there is the vibrant arts and crafts scene, notably in Ubud in the centre of the island, but prolific everywhere. Ideal souvenirs to bring back range from gorgeous silver jewellery to intricate wood carvings. Additionally, do try to see a traditional dance if possible, particularly if accompanied to local gamelan music. No one could mention Bali without mentioning the food. Dishes range from elaborate meals to street food bites, but all are without exception ambrosia. Do not miss out on tasting a succulent chicken satay, betutu (apparently the King’s favourite meal) and sambal matah. But whatever you decide to discover, you can be assured of a taste sensation that will remain with you long after you have returned home.

Borneo's forbidding interior made it less attractive to early traders and explorers than neighboring areas, so what is now the state of Sabah remained unexploited by the British until the late 19th century, although traders long visited for exotic items such as bird's nests (for the celebrated Chinese soup). In 1963, Sabah joined Sarawak, Malaya, and Singapore (which later seceded) in forming the Federation of Malaysia. Known as the "Land Below the Wind" because it's south of the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies Borneo's northern tip. It shares its southwestern border with Sarawak and the rest of its southern border with the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan. Today vast tracts of forest have been replaced by oil-palm plantations, and a sizable portion of remaining forest land is protected in national parks or conservation areas.On the shore of a deep bay, Sandakan was the capital of British North Borneo and one of the most important towns in Southeast Asia from the 1880s through the 1930s. But Japanese occupation during World War II and allied bombing virtually destroyed the town, and the capital was transferred to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) in 1946. Sandakan enjoyed a revival in the 1970s as the center of the region's logging industry. Logging has since declined, but Sandakan is still worth visiting for its rich history and proximity to some of Borneo's most accessible wildlife attractions. Sandakan's downtown, much of it built on landfill, is squeezed between a steep promontory and Sandakan Bay. In recent years, this city of 450,000 (counting its extensive suburbs) has begun redeveloping its downtown waterfront into a shopping and nightlife hub. Its working harbor area for passengers and cargo is 6 km (4 miles) west of downtown.

Meet the extraordinary wildlife of Sabah a place where orange orangutans move through the rainforest and elusive sun bears hide out in the safety of dense canopy. Join the extraordinary animals in rehabilitation centres where they are lovingly cared for before often being released back into the jungle's interior. You'll also have the chance to encounter one of nature’s more unusual creatures the bizarre proboscis monkey named after the bulbous swinging noses they sport. Sandakan stretches along a scenic bay looking out over the Sulu Sea. A former trading hub ships voyaged here seeking riches from the thick jungle especially sought after bird nests. Nowadays the city has found its niche as a major palm-oil and cacao exporter. Bridges creaking planks and wooden walkways form an elaborate floating maze over the waves at Sim-Sim Water Village. Visit this fishing hotspot to sample some of the succulent local fare tasting freshly prepared meals like butter prawns seafood broths and fried squid snacks. Having served as the British capital of North Borneo there’s always time for an afternoon tea to keep you refreshed during your explorations. World War II history hangs heavy around the city’s neck and Sandakan was heavily shelled during the hostilities when it was occupied by the Japanese. Visit the Memorial Park to learn of the horrifying Sandakan Death Marches which killed thousands of Allied prisoners of war.

Borneo's forbidding interior made it less attractive to early traders and explorers than neighboring areas, so what is now the state of Sabah remained unexploited by the British until the late 19th century, although traders long visited for exotic items such as bird's nests (for the celebrated Chinese soup). In 1963, Sabah joined Sarawak, Malaya, and Singapore (which later seceded) in forming the Federation of Malaysia. Known as the "Land Below the Wind" because it's south of the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies Borneo's northern tip. It shares its southwestern border with Sarawak and the rest of its southern border with the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan. Today vast tracts of forest have been replaced by oil-palm plantations, and a sizable portion of remaining forest land is protected in national parks or conservation areas.On the shore of a deep bay, Sandakan was the capital of British North Borneo and one of the most important towns in Southeast Asia from the 1880s through the 1930s. But Japanese occupation during World War II and allied bombing virtually destroyed the town, and the capital was transferred to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) in 1946. Sandakan enjoyed a revival in the 1970s as the center of the region's logging industry. Logging has since declined, but Sandakan is still worth visiting for its rich history and proximity to some of Borneo's most accessible wildlife attractions. Sandakan's downtown, much of it built on landfill, is squeezed between a steep promontory and Sandakan Bay. In recent years, this city of 450,000 (counting its extensive suburbs) has begun redeveloping its downtown waterfront into a shopping and nightlife hub. Its working harbor area for passengers and cargo is 6 km (4 miles) west of downtown.

Meet the extraordinary wildlife of Sabah a place where orange orangutans move through the rainforest and elusive sun bears hide out in the safety of dense canopy. Join the extraordinary animals in rehabilitation centres where they are lovingly cared for before often being released back into the jungle's interior. You'll also have the chance to encounter one of nature’s more unusual creatures the bizarre proboscis monkey named after the bulbous swinging noses they sport. Sandakan stretches along a scenic bay looking out over the Sulu Sea. A former trading hub ships voyaged here seeking riches from the thick jungle especially sought after bird nests. Nowadays the city has found its niche as a major palm-oil and cacao exporter. Bridges creaking planks and wooden walkways form an elaborate floating maze over the waves at Sim-Sim Water Village. Visit this fishing hotspot to sample some of the succulent local fare tasting freshly prepared meals like butter prawns seafood broths and fried squid snacks. Having served as the British capital of North Borneo there’s always time for an afternoon tea to keep you refreshed during your explorations. World War II history hangs heavy around the city’s neck and Sandakan was heavily shelled during the hostilities when it was occupied by the Japanese. Visit the Memorial Park to learn of the horrifying Sandakan Death Marches which killed thousands of Allied prisoners of war.

The microscopic Sultanate of Brunei lays claim to one of the most dramatic rags-to-riches stories. Thanks to oil, the Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest men in the world, and the Sultanate is often dubbed a Shell-fare-state. Brunei's citizens do not pay income tax; they enjoy free education, medical care and old-age pensions. The government employs a third of the workforce, who are probably the best-paid bureaucrats in the world. Brunei Darussalam, as the country is officially called, is the rump of what was once a sprawling empire that occupied a land area of about twice the size of Luxembourg. On January 1, 1984, after nearly 100 years as a British Protectorate, Brunei became a fully independent sovereign nation. In August of 1967, Hassanal Bolkiah was crowned the 29th Sultan of Brunei. He succeeded his father, Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who started to modernize the capital and is known as the architect of modern Brunei. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and the only town of any size in the country. It is a neat, modern city, split into three main areas. The "old" sector, built in the 1950s, is being redeveloped with new buildings around the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque; the Seri Complex, a commercial area dates from the 1970s, and Gadong boasts a recently shopping center and numerous restaurants: Bandar or, simply BSB, as the capital is commonly called, still features a sprawling maze of wooden houses built on stilts along the Brunei River.

The only sea gateway to Brunei, Muara welcomes you to a tiny country of amazing animals, dense rainforests, and soaring religious monuments. Head for the immense mosques, famed beaches and dive sites, or visit villages teetering above the water on stilts - as you explore a city and country of immense cultural interest and religious heritage. Brunei’s mosques are richly diverse and incredibly ambitious artistic achievements. Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the larger of the two national mosques, and a vast, spectacular accomplishment that fits 5,000 worshipers inside. Adorned with 29 golden domes, the craftmanship is dazzling – inside you’ll see intricately decorated tiles and mosaic patterns. Outside pretty gardens and fountains glow majestically among a sea of lights. The other highlight is Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is perhaps the most magnificent. Enter to see sparkling English chandeliers hanging from the roof, and beautiful Arabic carpets spreading across its floors. The porcelain-white facade and shining domes reflect strikingly on the man-made lagoon it towers above. The floating village of Kampong Ayer teeters on stilts over the Brunei Rivera. Enter a friendly and welcoming community, as you explore along wooden bridges and pathways. Elsewhere, embark on mangrove cruises and venture to dense, ancient rainforests that are home to wonderful wildlife like proboscis monkeys. For beaches, try gorgeous Meragang Beach to watch as the glowing sun dips into the sea’s waves each evening.

MANILA, the capital city of the Philippines, was founded in, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and was the seat of power for most of the colonial rules of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and contains a multitude of landmarks, some of which date back to the 16th century. It is home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. In the 19th century Manila became one of the most modern cities in Asia. Before the Spanish–American War, Manila saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution. Under the American rule following the Spanish-American War, the United States changed the official language from Spanish to English. Towards the end of World War II, during the Battle of Manila, most of the city was flattened by intensive aerial bombardment. Today, tourism is a vital industry in Manila. Major shopping malls and bazaars thrive around Manila.

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a chaotic scramble of intoxicating urban energy. A megacity of culture and creativity, there's a lot to discover amid these chockablock streets. The delicious food wins many fans, but it’s the friendly Filipinos - always eager to help - who ensure that Manila takes a special place in the hearts of many visitors. The Baywalk is one of the city's best places for catching a legendarily intense sunset - or wandering among joggers and leisurely strollers. The city's Intramuros area is its cobbled historic core - and was the centre of power when the Spanish ruled these lands. Decorated with colonial architecture and citadels, the district is known for its rumbling horsedrawn carriages and storied history. Head to Fort Santiago, which aims canons out across the water from its chunky stone walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site stands against the odds, despite World War II bombardments, fires and earthquakes - a true testament to Manila's incredible resilience. As one of the most densely populated places in the world, Manilla can be manically busy at times, but you can always escape to Rizal Park. With Chinese and Japanese gardens and plenty of room for open-air events, it's a beautiful oasis within the city. It's also an incredibly important national symbol, as the location where the hero of independence, Jose Rizal, was executed. A large statue now memorialises him here, and the park was renamed in his honour.