Malaysia’s beginning and end is the capital city of Kuala Lumpur (KL).  Begin your Malaysian adventure in this buzzing city where 21st century megastructures punctuate a truly eclectic Asian skyline.  For a truly inspiring view of the Petronas Twin Towers, be sure to have your camera at the ready at the top of the open air skydeck of the KL Tower.  Without a doubt, it will not take long for you to embrace the Malaysian way of life in KL, beyond and back again.

Currency is the Malaysian ringgit

Language is Malay & English

When to visit Malaysia:

• High Season: December to February
• Shoulder: July to November
• Low Season: March to June

Kuala Lumpur

Sabah, Borneo

Sabah, Borneo

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers

KL Tower

KL Tower

KL Tower

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers

Sabah, Borneo

Sabah, Borneo

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Twin Towers

Sabah, Borneo

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

KL Tower

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Twin Towers

KL Tower

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Jordan is a safe haven in a region of conflict that has delighted visitors for centuries with its spectacular history, friendly towns and inspiring desert vistas.  The ancient hospitality that has welcomed visitors since Roman times remains to this day.  If it is a diamond in the rough that you seek, then it must be the ancient Nabataean city of Petra.  The natural wonders of Jordan are not to be missed as well.  Take a ride with Lawrence of Arabia through the Wadi Rum at sunset where the weathered sandstone glistens red with the waning light of the day.  ‘Ahlan Wa Sahlan’

Currency is the Jordanian Dinar

Language is Arabic

When to visit Jordan

• High Season: March to May
• Shoulder: September to February
• Low Season: June to August

Petra

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

Siq, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra

Petra, Jordan

Petra

Petra

Dead Sea

Wadi Rum

Petra

Petra

Wadi Rum

Petra, Jordan

Wadi Rum

Petra, Jordan

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Siq, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Amman

Petra, Jordan

Jerash

Petra, Jordan

Amman

Jerash

Petra, Jordan

Petra

Petra

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Jerash

Jerash

Petra, Jordan

Petra

Petra

Japan is an incredibly easy and safe country to travel around.  Specifically, the Japanese public transport system is one of the best in Asia.  So, whether you ride a sleek bullet train or a humble rickshaw, you will find getting around the country an absolute breeze.  With all that in mind, if you are looking for contrasting images of ancient temples amongst futuristic cities then you have met your match in Japan.

Currency is the Yen

Language is Japanese

When to visit Japan:

• High Season: April to May, August
• Shoulder: June to July, September to October
• Low Season: November to March

There is a code of conduct for visiting temples.  It is important to act and dress with respect when visiting religious sites.  Women may accept a gift from a monk but must be careful never to touch him.  Shorts and tank tops are not appropriate.  Hats must be taken off when entering the grounds.   Shoes must be taken off before going into the temples.  When sitting in front of Buddha, sit with feet to the side.  Bow in the presence of elderly monks.  Giving a small monetary donation will be greatly appreciated.  Never point your finger or soles of your feet towards a monk or a Buddha figure.

Tokyo Skytree

Miyajima Shrine

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Gion District, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Shinjuku Night District, Tokyo

Miyajima Shrine

Osaka Castle

Yasaka Shrine, Gion District, Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Yasaka Shrine, Gion District, Kyoto

Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Himeji Castle

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Shinjuku Night District, Tokyo

Tokyo Skyline

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Miyajima Shrine

Miyajima Shrine

Osaka Castle

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Yasaka Shrine, Gion District, Kyoto

Miyajima Shrine

Nikko Temple

Tokyo Skyline

Tokyo Skytree

Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Himeji Castle

Miyajima Shrine

Tokyo Skyline

Osaka Castle

Tokyo Skyline

Tokyo Tower

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Shibuya Night District, Tokyo

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Nikko Temple

“Italy is the ultimate dream date: impossibly good-looking, impeccably cultured and obscenely good in the kitchen.  Endlessly inspiring and naturally flirtatious, it will leave you swooning long after that bittersweet ‘Arrivederci.‘”  – Cristian Bonetto

We agree, it’s hard not to feel a little envious sometimes but it’s even harder not to fall madly in love.

Currency is the Euro

Language is Italian

When to visit Italy:

• High Season: July to August
• Shoulder: April to June, September to October
• Low Season: November to March

Rome

Rome

Rome

Florence

Rome

Rome

Isle of Capri

Rome

Florence

Venice

Rome

Venice

Rome

Sorrento

Venice

Rome

Rome

Sicilly

Venice

Rome

Amalfi

Rome

Rome

Rome

Isle of Capri

Rome

Venice

Florence

Venice

Rome

Venice

Rome

Rome

Isle of Capri

Venice

Rome

Venice

Rome

Rome

Rome

Israel itself is modern and westernized, it has great public transport, architecture and plenty of English speakers.  Consider two weeks in Israel so you can hit the major highlights, including Masada, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Haifa and the Sea of Galilee.  Everything is within easy reach by public transport, car or bicycle.  Shalom!

Currency is the New Israeli Shekel

Israel’s national language is Hebrew.  In the tourist centres, many European languages are spoken, including English.

When to visit Israel:

• High Season: April to October
• Shoulder: November, March
• Low Season: December to February

Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Station of the Cross, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Israel

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Station of the Cross, Jerusalem

Bethlehem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Western Wall, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Ireland is now a modern country, but some things never change.  Endeavour to explore the spectacular Skellig Michael which lies offshore in the raging Atlantic.  On the Emerald Isle history presents itself everywhere from coast to coast to coast.  Last but not least, the friendly Irish will give you lasting memories whose lyrical nature is expressed in the warmth of their welcome.

Currency is the Euro

Language is English and Irish

When to visit Ireland:

• High Season: June to September
• Shoulder: April to May, October
• Low Season: November to March

Trinity College, Dublin

Trinity College Library

Trinity College Library

Trinity College, Dublin

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

County Cork

Trinity College Library

County Cork

Temple Bar, Dublin

Cliffs of Moher

Waterford Castle

Waterford Castle

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Waterford Castle

Cliffs of Moher

Trinity College Library

Cliffs of Moher

Trinity College Library

Indonesia’s island geography bridges the exotic cultures of Asia and the island paradises that characterize the Pacific.  Specifically, Bali’s rich culture plays out at all levels of life.  Yes, the mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of paradise on earth.  However it’s more than just an island, it’s a tropical state of mind.

Currency is Indonesian Rupiahs

Language is Indonesian, however there are many local dialects throughout the islands

When to visit Indonesia:

• High Season: July to August
• Shoulder: May to June, September
• Low Season: January to April, October to November

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Ubud, Bali

Tegallalang, Ubud

Tegallalang, Ubud

Tegallalang, Ubud

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Pura Gunung Kawi, Ubud

Tegallalang, Ubud

Pura Gunung Kawi, Ubud

FS Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Saraswati Temple, Ubud

Lempuyang Temple, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Lempuyang Temple, Bali

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Tagallalang, Ubud

Pura Gunung Kawi, Ubud

Ubud, Bali

RC Nusa Dua, Bali

Ubud, Bali

RC Nusa Dua, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Iceland is a tiny island in the North Atlantic where the past meets the future in an elemental symphony of wind, stone, fire and ice.  Beyond the landscapes austere bleakness, it’s hard not to be deeply touched by the island’s awesome beauty as few leave the country without a fervent vow to return.

Currency is Icelandic Kronur

Language is Icelandic

When to visit Iceland:

• High Season: June to August
• Shoulder: May and September
• Low Season: October to April

Dettifoss NP

The Blue Lagoon

Skogafoss

Vik

The Blue Lagoon

Seljalandsfoss

Dettifoss NP

The Silica Hotel

The Blue Lagoon

The Silica Hotel

Godafoss

Dettifoss NP

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss

The Blue Lagoon

Dettifoss NP

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon

India is a global microcosm with one foot deeply grounded in time honoured traditions and the other fervently striding into the digital age.  While it is truly a land of astonishing contrast, as sublime as it is squalid, it certainly embraces diversity like no other country on Earth.  From the forts and palaces of maharajahs to fiery festivals and wildlife safaris at dawn, India is a world of imagination writ large.

Currency is the Indian Rupee

India’s linguistic landscape is varied, including 23 languages recognized in the constitution and more than 1600 minor languages spoken.  Many consider Hindi the national language, however many educated Indians speak English as their first language.

When to visit India:

• High Season: December to March
• Shoulder: July to November
• Low Season: April to June

Travel Health: it is especially important that you visit your travel physician prior to this trip as parts of India are at altitude.  You may need medication to prevent altitude sickness.

Stepwell, Rajasthan

Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, Agra

Baby Taj, Agra

Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Ganges, Rishikesh

Taj Mahal, Agra

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Taj Mahal, Agra

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Jaipur, Rajasthan

City Palace, Jaipur

Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, Agra

Holi Festival, Jaipur

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Stepwell, Rajasthan

Taj Mahal, Agra

Baby Taj, Agra

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Holi Festival, Jaipur

Ganges, Rishikesh

City Palace, Jaipur

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Baby Taj, Agra

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Ganges, Rishikesh

Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar, Punjab

Holi Festival, Jaipur

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Stepwell, Rajasthan

City Palace, Jaipur

Taj Mahal, Agra

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort, Jaipur

City Palace, Jaipur

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Stepwell, Rajasthan

Hong Kong is Asia’s top culinary capital; whether the deliciousness is Cantonese, Shanghainese, Vietnamese, Japanese or European all of your foodie expectations will be exceeded.  Most visitors to Hong Kong begin exploring this vibrant Asian capital by reflecting on the glass and steel typical of this city’s commercial persona.  Hong Kong also boasts a vibrant cultural scene that features the eclectic influences of its Chinese roots, colonial past and a remarkable amount of homegrown talent.

Currency is the Hong Kong Dollar

Languages are Cantonese and English

When to visit Hong Kong:

• High Season: November to February
• Shoulder: October, March to April
• Low Season: May to September (typhoon season)

There is a code of conduct for visiting temples.  It is important to act and dress with respect when visiting religious sites.  Women may accept a gift from a monk but must be careful never to touch him.  Shorts and tank tops are not appropriate.  Hats must be taken off when entering the grounds.   Shoes must be taken off before going into the temples.  When sitting in front of Buddha, sit with feet to the side.  Bow in the presence of elderly monks.  Giving a small monetary donation will be greatly appreciated.  Never point your finger or soles of your feet towards a monk or a Buddha figure.

Hong Kong

Victoria Peak NP

Hong Kong Harbour

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Victoria Peak NP

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Harbour

Victoria Peak NP

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Harbour