Discover Hidden Coastal Gems: Singapore to Darwin

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Bata is a port city, the largest city in Equatorial Guinea, in the Gulf of Guinea. Though a deep port, there is no natural harbour, and ships dock at a large jetty. Equatorial Guinea is a small French/Spanish speaking country situated just south of the equator. Read more about Bata, Equatorial Guinea

Belitung Island (English: Billiton) lies midway between South Sumatra and Kalimantan, 340 km north of Jakarta, in the Java Sea. It forms part of the province of Bangka-Belitung Islands. Belitung’s population of 270,000 is mainly Malay, with a range of other ethnicities. Read more about Belitung, Indonesia

Semarang, on the N coast of Java, is the capital of the Province of Central Java and one of the largest cities in Indonesia. Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings, especially in the area called The Old City. Here is found the fascinating Dutch fortress that is pentagonal in shape, and nearby the Lawang Sewu building, once a company head office for the Dutch East Indies, with an old locomotive, to name but a few of about 50 old buildings that recall the history of colonialism. Read more about Semarang, Indonesia

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city and the capital of East Java. It is located on the NE coast of Java, sheltered by the island of Madura in the Java Sea. This is “the city of heroes”, whereby during a battle between Indonesian nationalists and British/Dutch forces in 1945 Indonesia galvanised its claims to independence. Read more about Surabaya, Indonesia

Probolinggo is a city on the north coast of East Java, Indonesia, a 1.5 km walk south of the port. Its harbour, on the Java Sea, is used heavily by brightly coloured fishing vessels. The city has a large Madurese population. Read more about Probolinggo, Indonesia

Komodo Island, located in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, is a spectacular destination renowned for its prehistoric Komodo dragons, the world's largest living lizards. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park, the island boasts rugged volcanic landscapes, rolling savannah hills, pristine beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can embark on ranger-guided walks to observe Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, explore the famous Pink Beach, or enjoy snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Read more about Komodo Island, Indonesia

Ende is a port and capital of Ende Regency in the East Nusa Tenggara ("eastern southeastern islands”) province of Indonesia. Ende is located on the south coast of Flores Island, adjacent to Sumba and Timor islands, and has a population of 60,000. The island lies on a gigantic arc of volcanoes that curves 5000 km across the Indonesian archipelago, parallel to a tectonic fault line and earthquake zone. Read more about Ende (Flores), Indonesia

Larantuka is a neat and clean seaport on the eastern end of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Indeed the town stretches 10km along the coast and only half a kilometre inland. Geographically, it lies mid-way between Bali and Darwin. Read more about Larantuka, Indonesia

Alor is the largest island in the Alor archipelago, located at the eastern-most end of the chain of islands that runs through southern Indonesia. The island is of volcanic origin with very rugged terrain, and the only town, Kalabahi, is located on the flat area facing the main harbour. The archipelago offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in Indonesia, but due to intriguing and often very strong currents it is best to snorkel or dive with someone who knows the area well. Read more about Alor Island, Indonesia

Kupang is the capital of the Indonesian Province of Nusa Tenggara. It is the southernmost city of Indonesia, on the island of Timor, with a population of 350,000. (The NE half of the island is the independent country of Timor Leste.) During the 1600s the Dutch and Portuguese colonials vied for power and trade, dominated by the Dutch East India Company. Read more about Kupang, Indonesia

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. Read more about Darwin, Australia