Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
It was here that Lord Louis Mountbatten announced the Japanese surrender in 1945 and that Lee Kuan Yew declared Singapore's independence in 1965. Today,…
Must-see attractions in Southeast Asia
Ko Samet
In the island’s northeastern corner near the ferry pier, and an extension of Na Dan, Hat Sai Kaew – the 'town beach' – is the island’s widest, busiest and…
Mandalay
Kuthodaw Paya, aka the ‘world’s biggest book’, draws tour-bus crowds to see its 729 slabs that retell the Tripitaka canon, which is effectively part of…
Northern Laos
This vast area of partly unexplored, relatively pristine forest is layered across inaccessible mountains that climax at almost 2000m near the Vietnamese…
Tra Vinh
This modern Khmer pagoda is also known as the stork pagoda after the birds that nest in the tall trees here. It’s a beautiful, peaceful complex, and…
Malaysia
A short taxi ride from Dataran Putra is this serene, contemplative space with peaceful nature trails, aquatic animals and 100 species of waterbird (climb…
Yangon
If you were wondering where all the street art in Yangon is, you need to start looking down back alleys. This pair of alleys, which can be toured as a…
Railay
At the eastern end of Hat Tham Phra Nang is this important shrine for local fisherfolk (Muslim and Buddhist), who make offerings of carved wooden…
Manila
At the entrance to the site of Rizal’s execution is a black granite wall inscribed with Rizal’s ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’ (My Last Farewell). Eight tableaux of…
West Bali
Amid a growing number of villas, there is a dramatic outcrop of black lava rock jutting out into the pounding waves. Perched on top is the photogenic Pura…
Kupang
Don't miss the atmosphere – or sunset – at this local hangout where Jl Soekarno intersects with the oceanfront. The sand vendors set up stalls and seating…
Sumatra
Gunung Dempo is a semi-active volcano and the highest (3159m) of the peaks surrounding the Pasemah Highlands that dominate Pagaralam. Allow two full days…
Brunei Darussalam
If you're craving peace and serenity this is the place to find it: a trident of wooden walkways extend across alluvial freshwater swamp, with tufts of…
Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC's best contemporary art space is in District 2 on the east side of the Saigon River. Interesting exhibitions and showcases of local artists are…
Aceh
At the hilltop viewpoint reached by following the road 8km north of Iboih through the forest reserve, a gaudy 44m-high globe-shaped monument marks the…
East Bali
The exterior wall of this fascinating temple of the dead features vivid relief carvings of evil-doers getting their just desserts in the afterlife. One…
Siquijor
Opposite the San Isidro Labrador Church, flanked by centuries-old acacia trees, is the oldest Catholic convent in the Philippines, a magnificent timber…
Myanmar (Burma)
In the pagoda-filled area just east of Youqson Kyaung lies Paya Thonzu, a small trio of brick shrines with sikhara (Indian-style corn-cob-like temple…
Sumatra
Just 3km south of Pagaralam, by the village of Berlumai, are these stone carvings scattered among an idyllic countryside of rice paddies and coffee…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Closest to the river mouth, this was once Singapore’s centre of commerce, and it remained an important economic area into the 1960s. By the mid-1980s,…
Ko Samui
It's quite a hike on foot, but a scooter can whisk you up most of the way to this viewpoint among the trees just before the Tan Rua waterfall. The…
Northern Thailand
The two-storey teak house of the last prince of Phrae has been converted into a museum. It was constructed between 1897 and 1907 for Luang Phongphibun and…
Manila
A mismatch among Makati's corporate high-rises, this fantastic art and design gallery was established by prominent businessman and former UN diplomat,…
Battambang
The two-storey Governor's Residence, with its balconies and wooden shutters, is a handsome legacy of the early 1900s. The interior is now open to the…
Northwestern Cambodia
This 11th-century temple, constructed during the reign of Suryavarman I, is in extremely good condition thanks to a lengthy renovation before the civil…
Myanmar (Burma)
The monastery and meditation centre Sasanayaunggyi Kyaung, 0.3 miles north of Paya Thonzu, is a stop-off point for day trippers. It features a lovely 19th…
Ubud Region
This is one of the best views of rice-field terraces in Bali, so it's not surprising that tourists flock here from Ubud to indulge in a frenzy of…
Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery
Kuala Lumpur
The calm spaces, potted plants, mandala ceilings and giant gilded statues create an appropriately contemplative mood for quiet meditation at this…
Penang
This seven-tier, 30m-high tower is one of the most striking features of Kek Lok Si Temple. Completed in 1927, the octagonal pagoda is Burmese at the top,…
North Sumatra
The charming village of Dokan is around 16km south of Kabanjahe. Some half a dozen traditional houses can be found here and they're all occupied, which…
Northeastern Thailand
One of the most important wildlife reserves in Isan, Phu Wua is home to more than 40 elephants. It's a ruggedly beautiful area with lots of exposed…
Mai Chau
This interesting weekly market, 30km northwest of Mai Chau, makes for a fine excursion. The back section has a small but high-quality section of batiks…
Malang
Malang has some wonderful colonial architecture. Just northwest of the centre, Jl Besar Ijen is Malang’s millionaires' row, a boulevard lined with elegant…
Sandakan
Wrapped in the usual firework display of reds, golds and twining dragons, festooned with lanterns illuminating the grounds like a swarm of fireflies, this…
East Bali
A hugely popular location for wedding photographs and romantic saunters, this complex five kilometres south of Amlapura dates to 1921, when the last king…
Ha Tien
The best of the Gulf of Thailand beaches, Mui Nai is 8km west of Ha Tien. The water is incredibly warm and becalmed, so great for taking a dip, and the…
Medan
The home of a famous Chinese merchant who died in 1921 – formerly the wealthiest resident of Medan – this mansion mixes opulent Victorian and Chinese…
Ko Samui
This small green-tiled church north of Na Thon is an interesting Catholic outpost on the island. Visitors can simply push down the latch and let…
Temples of Angkor
Located southwest of the south gate of Angkor Thom, Baksei Chamkrong is one of the few brick edifices in the immediate vicinity of Angkor. A well…
St Michael's & All Angels Church
Sandakan
One of the very few surviving pre-WWII buildings, this pretty stone church (1893) sits as a relic of colonial times and a monument to Christian worship on…
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