Transcultural Peregrination

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. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

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. Read more about Port Klang, Malaysia

Pulau Langkawi, the largest of 99 islands collectively known by the same name, is situated off the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. Since being made a duty-free port in 1987, shopping here is cheaper than anywhere else in Malaysia. Yes, this delightful island's economy is primarily based on tourism. Read more about Langkawi, Malaysia

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. Read more about Phuket, Thailand

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. Read more about Galle, Sri Lanka

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. Read more about Colombo, Sri Lanka

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'. Read more about Cochin, India

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. Read more about New Mangalore, India

The small Indian state of Goa, with a 100 km coastline and extending 50 km inland, is situated at the centre of the western shores of India, facing the Arabian Sea. For 450 years Goa was a Portuguese province, until annexed by India in 1961. As India’s smallest and richest state, it offers the best quality of life in the country. Read more about Goa, India

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. Read more about Male, Maldives

La Digue is the third largest inhabited island of the Seychelles, lying east of Praslin and west of Felicite Island. La Digue also boasts the friendliest people and most tranquil, serene and relaxing atmosphere in Seychelles. Where cars are shunned in favour of bicycles and ox-carts, the pace of life is necessarily slower. Read more about La Digue, 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. Read more about Mahe Island, 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. Read more about Mahe Island, Seychelles

Nosy Be (‘Big Island’: Malagasy), an island off the NW coast of Madagascar, is its largest port and Madagascar’s most popular beach-resort. Though Nosy Be’s inclination is towards mass tourism, it is still a largely peaceful place with sugar cane plantations, rum distilleries, ylang ylang bushes, and lounging lemurs. This still beautiful island offers some amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities as well as primary forests with great wildlife. Read more about Nosy Be, Madagascar

Located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique, Mayotte (French Comoros) primarily consists of two islands, Grande Terre - on which Mamoudzou the capital of Mayotte is situated - and Petite Terre, as well as many other uninhabited islands. These islands are of volcanic origin as evidenced by the ancient volcanic peaks and ravines, and are endowed with breath-taking natural splendour including endemic flora and fauna. The islet of Pamandzi has a volcanic crater filled with emerald green waters known as the ‘Lake of the volcano’, while another beautiful site is in Sulu, where a waterfall falls directly into the sea. Read more about Mamoudzou, Comoros

Maputo, a port city on the Indian Ocean, is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. The centre of many cultures - the Bantu and Portuguese cultures dominate, but the influence of Arab, Indian, and Chinese cultures is also felt - it is often referred to as ‘The Land of Smiles’. It has some beautiful beaches such as Catembe and Ponta d'Ouro, and is also home to a plethora of landmarks. Read more about Maputo, Mozambique

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. Read more about Richards Bay, 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. Read more about Richards 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. Read more about Durban, 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. Read more about Mossel Bay, South Africa

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. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

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. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Luanda, the capital and largest city of Angola, lies on the Atlantic coast. Its Portuguese-speaking urban population of 6 million is a major port, industrial and cultural centre. After 2002, with the end of the 27-year civil war, and strong economic growth from wealth provided by increasing oil and diamond production, major reconstruction began. Read more about Luanda, Nigeria

São Tomé (Portuguese: “Saint Thomas”) is a port on the island of the same name, one of two that constitute the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. In Africa’s second smallest country, this capital city is by far that nation's largest town, tranquil and pleasant with a relaxed, Portuguese-Creole atmosphere. After sundown it is dark with no street lights, so it's a good idea to try and cram as much activity into the day as possible. Read more about São Tomé , Sao Tome and Principe

Cotonou is the largest and most important city of the Republic of Benin, situated in the Gulf of Africa to the west of Nigeria. A majority of the population live on its small southern coastline. While the official language is French, several other languages are commonly spoken. Read more about Cotonou, Benin

Takoradi is an important deepwater seaport situated on the gulf of Guinea in southern Ghana. Although older and larger, it actually combined with its sister city Sekondi in 1946, and today, known as Sekondi-Takoradi, is the capital of the Western Region of Ghana. It is also unofficially called the Oil City of Ghana, due to the massive oil discoveries in the western region of Ghana. Read more about Takoradi, Ghana

Abidjan is the biggest and most important city of Cote d’Ivoire, and has historically been the economic power base of the region. The city stands in Ebrie Lagoon, on several converging peninsulas and islands, connected by bridges, facing south to the Gulf of Guinea. It boasts a large selection of restaurants, as well as a range of fascinating places to visit. Read more about Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Dakar, the western-most city on the African mainland, is a very French capital and the largest city of Senegal. A feverish city that brims with life, together with its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, results in it having the most European atmosphere of any city on the continent. To get an excellent view of the city visit Les Mamelles Lighthouse that was built in 1864 and located on a small volcanic hill. Read more about Dakar, Senegal

The almost lunar volcanic islands that form the Cape Verde archipelago lie about 500 km off the Senegal coast. Although the isles may be African geographically speaking, they have retained a strong Latin flavour. Porto Grande, the port for the capital Mindelo, is on the windward isle of Sao Vicente and is home to over 90% of the island’s inhabitants. Read more about Porto Grande, Cabo Verde

Santa Cruz de la Palma (commonly known as Santa Cruz) is the capital the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The port is of great importance and is the communications hub between Europe, Africa and the Americas, with cruise ships arriving from many nations. Not surprisingly, the city has a real cosmopolitan mix due to immigrants from Latin America, Africa and Western Europe. Read more about Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Funchal is the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira an archipelago 880 SW of Portugal and 600 km NW of Morocco, in the north Atlantic. Funchal’s harbour offers plazas lined with shops, colourful houses spilling down hillsides, due to its almost amphitheatre-like formation, and a profusion of flowers. For a fine view of the magnificent bay, take the unique downhill basket sledge ride. Read more about Funchal, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal