From Table To Temples

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Robben Island and the District Six Museum are must-visits for anyone interested in South Africa's period of apartheid, which came to an end in 1990. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Mossel Bay is a small harbour town situated on the Southern Cape, or Garden Route, of South Africa. It has, over the years, developed into a town of unhurried hospitality, complementing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the area. It was here that the first modern Europeans set foot on southern African shores, so most visitors visit the Da Gama Museum Complex - in the town centre - where this event is commemorated. Mossel Bay’s delightful beaches washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, together with 300 days of sunshine in a year, make it a great attraction. Read more about Mossel Bay, South Africa

Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and is its busiest port. Its subtropical climate and extensive beaches provide excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers, surfers and swimmers. The Golden Mile, a wide stretch of golden sands, is artificially separated by various piers. A promenade stretches along the Durban waterfront that is home to numerous restaurants, pubs, hotels, shops and the world class uShaka Marine World aquarium is worth exploring. Read more about Durban, South Africa

Richards Bay is a city encompassing one of South Africa's largest harbours, a 30 square kilometre lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The deep water harbour has the largest coal export facility in the world as well as large-scale mineral and chemical exports. Tourism is a major industry, with the ocean beach a very popular kite-surfing destination, and a multitude of first class game reserves are within several hours' drive from Richards Bay. Interestingly, the transformation of Richards Bay into the country’s largest harbour and the world’s largest coal terminal only happened in 1976. Read more about Richards Bay, South Africa

The first French settlement of Madagascar, Fort Dauphin (since 1975 Tôlanaro or Taolagnaro) is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on three sides - is located on one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of coast. The newly built Port d’Ehoala provides easy access to the colonial town that is the gateway to a whole host of great excursions and activities. Locally known as the ‘place of dreams’, its lush setting with clear waters and green mountains will hold particular appeal for nature-lovers. A number of excellent ecotourism projects make it relatively easy to take in the lush, semi-tropical landscapes, stands of spiny forest, and wild beaches. Read more about Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

Pointe des Galets is the principal port of Réunion island, a French island located in the Indian Ocean 680km east of Madagascar, and about 170km SW of Mauritius. Two thirds of the island’s western side is covered by mountain ranges. The 3,069m Piton des Neiges (Snow Peak) is the highest point. Between the alpine peaks and the coast are several rain forests, a variety of palm trees, and an abundance of flowers that makes the island appear as one big botanical garden. Read more about Pointe des Galets, Réunion

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, located on the NW coast of the island. The very large city is dominated by the Citadel from which almost the whole city can be observed, and it is surrounded by a range of mountains. The city as a whole is a place of interest, but of special attraction is the famous China Town, where many still dress in national clothing. Everybody speaks Chinese, and it truly possesses an atmosphere that is different from the surrounding neighbourhoods. Read more about Port Louis, Mauritius

Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, lying 44 km NE of Mahe. Once used as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, it is now known as a tourist destination as it is home to beautiful turquoise water and white sand beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. There are also several very rare birds such as the endemic Seychelles Bulbub and the Seychelles Black Parrot, as well as being the only place on earth that is home to the unique Coco de Mer, a fruit from an extraordinary palm tree. Read more about Praslin, Seychelles

Mahe is the largest and most important island of the Seychelles archipelago. While this spectacular island is only 27 km long it is dominated by a mountain range with its tallest peak Morne Seychellois, at 930 m in height, being central to a wonderful national park. There are also some delightful marine national parks off the island. The capital city of Victoria is small enough that it does not take too long to walk around, and this is the best way to see the city and to get a feel of the place and its people, who are often called the ‘friendliest people in the world’. Read more about Mahe Island, Seychelles

Male, pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of the island nation the Republic of the Maldives. This is the smallest country of Asia. The delightful skyline of candy-coloured skyscrapers and historic sites indicate that Male is both a city and an island. The city centre is located at the southern rim of North Male Atoll. Read more about Male, Maldives

Male, pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of the island nation the Republic of the Maldives. This is the smallest country of Asia. The delightful skyline of candy-coloured skyscrapers and historic sites indicate that Male is both a city and an island. The city centre is located at the southern rim of North Male Atoll. Read more about Male, Maldives

New Mangalore is the chief port for Mangalore (formerly Bangalore), on the Arabian Sea of India's west coast. Here a very popular venue for visitors is Panambur Beach that offers jet ski rides, camel rides, boating, dolphin viewing, and food stalls serving ice-cream and natural fruit syrups. Importantly, there are trained beach life-guards and patrol vehicles for safety and security. Most visitors to Mangalore search out its numerous temples that date back to 1068, with their delightful architecture and detailed carvings. Read more about New Mangalore, Indonesia

Cochin, which now takes in much of the region adjoining the original town, is a vibrant city on the SW coast of India. It is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west and it enjoys a moderate equatorial climate. It is a blend of modern India, while the old quarter maintains a colonial 'feel'. Successive waves of migration over several centuries of people from all parts of Kerala and most of India has resulted in all being rather more cosmopolitan in outlook. Read more about Cochin, India

Colombo is the largest city, and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Despite its frenetic traffic and the general hustle and bustle of being where you can see some of the tallest buildings in Asia, it does offer some interesting attractions. In the northern part of the city you can find the British fort, dating from the 19th C, as well as the gracious old buildings of previous colonial eras. Visit the national museum, and the Pettah bazaar district where the streets are crammed with shops and stalls selling everything from vegetables to gemstones. Read more about Colombo, Sri Lanka

Galle is a city situated on the SW tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. It is perhaps best known for its world heritage site, the Galle Fort, which is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by Europeans. It highlights the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. A ‘must see’, the fort with its grass-clad walls, a church, a mosque, and pleasant surroundings, helps visitors to understand the interesting historical background to this delightful city. Read more about Galle, Sri Lanka

Phuket is the main town in the SE of an island of the same name, in the south of Thailand. This destination provides perfect silky-soft beaches, together with superb hospitality. With spectacular scenery and warm blue waters, it is not surprising that it is Asia's most popular beach destination. A range of fantastic day trips are of offer that include rafting, trekking, riding an elephant in Khao Lak, snorkelling at Coral Island, sea kayaking or canoeing in Phang Nga Bay, or taking a Jungle Safari in Khao Sok National Park where you get to ride elephants through the jungle - to name but a few. Read more about Phuket, Thailand

Penang Island is located on the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca, while Penang State includes a narrow hinterland that is separated from the island by a channel. All tourists should visit the World Heritage Listed site of George Town. Take a trishaw ride or a guided walking tour to explore the nooks and crannies of George Town which, with its unique architectural and cultural townscape, and where every clanhouse and building represents a page of its colourful history, is definitely a ‘must-see’. Perhaps take a thirty minute cable car ride, or a three-hour hike through lush foliage of the rainforest to Penang Hill with its amazing views. Read more about Penang, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur - or KL as it is known - is situated midway along the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, and as the nation's capital city it is the focal point of the new Malaysia. The city truly brings together Malaysia's past and present and its varied cultures. Visitors can appreciate the evocative British buildings as well as the unbounded spirit of progress that symbolises Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. Indeed it is home to the Petronas Twin Towers, among the tallest twin towers in the world. Read more about Kuala Lumpur (Kelang), Malaysia

Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 km N of the Equator, just south of the Malaysian state of Johor. One of the few remaining city-states in the world, Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is brimming with diversity and has a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture and a world famous variety of cuisine. You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping, including gargantuan malls, and numerous beaches. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 km N of the Equator, just south of the Malaysian state of Johor. One of the few remaining city-states in the world, Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is brimming with diversity and has a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture and a world famous variety of cuisine. You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping, including gargantuan malls, and numerous beaches. Read more about Singapore, Singapore