Grand Voyage: South East Asia, Papua New Guinea & Australia’s East Coast

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

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’. Read more about Penang, 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

Pangkor Island is one of a group of nine islands that lie off the NW coast of Malaysia across the waters from the State of Perak. It is very well known for its white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, canoeing, jungle trekking, excellent food, jet-skiing, and tropical fruits. The corals around some of the smaller islands are beautiful, so hire a boat and enjoy some snorkelling. Read more about Pangkor Island, 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. Read more about Port Klang, Malaysia

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

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

Bintan Island is the largest of the 3200 islands in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia. The capital of Riau Islands province, Tanjung Pinang, lies on the SW coast, where most of the 345,000 inhabitants live. Singapore lies 84 km to the NW, separated by Singapore Strait. Read more about Bintan Island, Indonesia

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

Karimunjawa, also known as Karimun Java, a hidden paradise of Java, is an archipelago of 27 islands north of Semarang and off the coast of Central Java. It has been designated as a national marine park. Subsequently It is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming and fishing, as there is extremely little environmental damage in these areas. Read more about Karimunjawa, 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

Bawean Island lies in the Java Sea of Indonesia, about 150 km north of the major Javanese port of Surabaya. The island is fairly circular, about 15 km across. In the centre of the island is the highest point at 655 m. Read more about Bawean, Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Satonda Island is a small island located off the northern tip of Sumbawa, in the middle of the Lesser Sunda Islands chain. It is in the province of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It is a beautiful volcanic island featuring an idyllic crater lake with salt water to swim in, just several hundred metres from the beach. Read more about Satonda Island, Indonesia

Komodo Island may be closed to visitors throughout 2020, following which numbers may be limited to 5000 annually. The decision will be made in mid 2019. Komodo Island lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by Conservation International as a global conservation priority area, and is located in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east. Read more about Komodo Island, Indonesia

Taka Bonerate National Park is a marine park located in the Flores Sea, Indonesia. South Sulawesi Island lies to the north, and Flores Island to the south. The park includes the Takabonerate atoll islands and was granted its status in 1992. Read more about Taka Bonerate National Park, 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

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

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

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

Pulau Gam is a small island located in the Raja Ampat archipelago, off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia. Raja Ampat (“Four Kings”) constitutes 1,500 greatly varied islands. As the archipelago is remote and relatively undisturbed by outsiders, there is an amazing diversity of marine life, with perhaps the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world. Read more about Pulau Gam (Raja Ampat), Indonesia

Jayapura is the capital of the Indonesian-administered territory of Papua on the island of New Guinea. It is situated on a bay called Teluk Yos Sudarso, aka Humboldt Bay. The city lies just 32 km west of the border with Papua New Guinea. Read more about Jayapura, Indonesia

Tami Island is part of a small island group of the same name, in Morobe Province, northern Papua New Guinea. The island includes four atolls that form a circle around a lagoon. It is a seldom visited isle and delightfully peaceful. Read more about Tami Island, Papua New Guinea

Tufi is a small village in the Oro Province on the NE coast of Papua New Guinea on the Bird’s Tail Peninsula, overlooking the Coral Sea. The village is approached by sea or by air on the grassed airstrip at the water’s edge. Inland rises to mountains and rain forest. Read more about Tufi, Papua New Guinea

Read more about Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Doini Island is located in the heart of Milne Bay on the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea. This privately owned island is home to a plantation that was originally surveyed by a government surveyor in 1900, and consists of 1100 hectares of coconut trees and beautiful rainforest. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters teeming with myriads of exotic fish, the island is inhabited by warm and friendly local caretakers. Read more about Doini Island, Papua New Guinea

Cairns is a Far North Queensland city located on the northeast coast of Australia. This laid-back city is just over a 2 hour flight from Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital. With a backdrop of rainforest mountains, Cairns is known to be the gateway of 2 iconic Australian sites, The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Read more about Cairns, Australia

Located near Townsville, this island is part of the Great Barrier Reef and offers stunning beaches, rocky landscapes, and wildlife, including koalas. It’s known for its many hiking trails and secluded coves, making it a favorite for nature lovers. The island has a laid-back vibe, with local resorts and water sports activities. Read more about Magnetic Island, Australia

Percy Island (aka Middle Percy Island), one of The Percy Group of 8 islands on the Great Barrier Reef, is located 87 km off the Queensland coast, and 125 km SE of Mackay. The island was charted by Captain Cook and Matthew Flinders. The island is 6 km at its broadest, and frequently visited by yachts that anchor at West Bay, one of half a dozen sandy beaches. Read more about Percy Island, Australia

Part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this island is famed for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and thriving coral ecosystems. Visitors can explore marine life by snorkeling and diving or enjoy the scenic landscapes through hiking trails. The island’s beaches are some of the most pristine in Queensland. Read more about Great Keppel (Wop-pa) Island, Australia

Lady Elliott Island - ‘Home fo the Manta Ray’ - 110 acres in area and only 5 m at its highest point, lies 75 km east of the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia. The island is the southernmost coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, which extends 2600 km to the north. Read more about Lady Elliot Island, Australia

Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km, and visited only by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the island's easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand. It's a destination with popular beaches and swimming sites at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, and other freshwater pools. Read more about Fraser Island, Australia

Queensland's Capital city Brisbane, which boasts more than 280 sunny days annually, is situated in what's called the "sunshine state." Brisbane is renowned for its sophisticated museums and art galleries, gorgeous botanic gardens, premium shopping in the CBD and Moreton Bay. The city is traversed by the Brisbane River, which provides excellent access to the north and south via the public transport system and well-known CityCats. Admire the sights of the river city and explore the riverfront landmarks with the wind in your hair. Read more about Brisbane, Australia

Queensland's Capital city Brisbane, which boasts more than 280 sunny days annually, is situated in what's called the "sunshine state." Brisbane is renowned for its sophisticated museums and art galleries, gorgeous botanic gardens, premium shopping in the CBD and Moreton Bay. The city is traversed by the Brisbane River, which provides excellent access to the north and south via the public transport system and well-known CityCats. Admire the sights of the river city and explore the riverfront landmarks with the wind in your hair. Read more about Brisbane, Australia