Asia Cruise

Bali is the festive face of Indonesia, the jewel in its crown. “Island of the Gods” and “Morning of the World” are two of the names commonly used to describe this island, which is believed by its 2.7 million people to be on loan from the gods.

Profoundly influenced by its rich Hindu culture, Bali has 20,000 temples, 60 annual religious holidays, and 2,000 dance troupes. Hardly a day goes by without a celebration, a procession, or some other festivity.

Westernmost island of the Lesser Sundas, Bali is the most visited island in the Indonesian archipelago. It possesses the country’s most developed infrastructure. The island, which is 150 kilometers (93 miles) long, is known for its beaches some with crashing surf, others with placid waters framed by multicolored coral reefs. Bali’s interior is characterized by an east-west range of volcanoes (Mount Batur rises to 1,720 meters/5,643 feet and Mount Agung to 3,000 meters/9,842 feet) and deep north-south ravines where rice paddies fall away to emerald-green terraces. Bali is characterized by volcanic soil and tropical rainfall that make it an extraordinarily green and fertile land.

Bali alone of the Indonesian islands is predominantly Hindu, and that heritage is largely responsible for the island’s unique character. When the Hindu Javanese Majapahit Empire conquered Indonesia in the 14th century, their artistic and cultural influence profoundly changed Bali, although vestiges of the island’s indigenous culture survive in isolated villages. When Muslims prevailed in Java, the entire Hindu cultural body moved its customs and practices to the smaller island, where the prevailing animist traditions were incorporated into the religion. As a result, Hinduism in Bali has its own flavor, different from that of India.

Paradoxically, given its many blessings, Bali survived the incursions of colonizers and invaders that plagued the rest of Indonesia because it lacked what other islands possessed in abundance: spices, precious metals, and woods. Thus Bali’s culture flourished more or less undisturbed until 1908, when the Dutch took control.

Fishing, golf and, of course, elephant kraals.

Established in 1767 as the capital of Thailand the city maintains a timeless charm. An extensive system of canals has earned it the nickname “Venice of the Far East,” and visitors should make a point of experiencing its floating marketplace. Bangkok is of course also world-renowned for its wealth of ancient temples and beautiful gardens–and did we mention, shopper’s paradise. An hour from Laem Chabang is Pattaya, Thailand’s most popular vacation spot. That’s where the elephant kraals come in.

The Great Barrier Reef curves close to the coast and meets the rain forest at Cairns, the gateway to Australia’s “Deep North.” Explore the reef up close via catamaran, or choose from a host of excursions the lush tropical forests, picturesque towns and homesteads that surround the city. The nearby town of Kuranda has a butterfly farm and a great street market on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means “Resplendent Land,” an apt description for this beautiful island. Its capital, Colombo, has been a major trading port for centuries, and the island itself was colonized first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British. Yet despite splendid examples of colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples. Sri Lanka is located 31 miles off the southern tip of India, with Colombo located on the western coast.

The way to Hué. Such is Da Nang’s current lot: gateway to the historic city of Hué. Da Nang, founded in the 2nd century, was visited by Marco Polo (1285) and by Napoleon II (1856).

Hué served as Vietnam’s capital from 1802 to 1945 under 13 different emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, whose splendid tombs are one of the city’s major attractions.

Da Nang is mostly a historical community, setting of much of the Viet Nam War, and lies on the mid-western coast of Viet Nam. It has a tropical climate, and the terrain has a low, flat delta.

Thanks to its central location between them, the working port of Chan May is the gateway to both these historic cities.

Hiroshima, (hîr´e-shê´me) city (1990 pop. 1,085,677), capital of Hiroshima prefecture, SW Honshu, Japan. Founded c.1594, the city is divided by the Ota R. into six islands. A commercial and industrial center, it manufactures ships, motor vehicles, steel, rubber, and furniture. Hiroshima was the target (Aug. 6, 1945) of the first atomic bomb ever dropped on a city: casualties numbered nearly 130,000 and 90% of the city was leveled. Most of Hiroshima has been rebuilt, but a
gutted area, the “Peace City,” has been set aside as a memorial.

As they say on TV, we’re back! Two decades after the last Americans left what was then South Vietnam, the country is luring back Americans as well as many other nationalities with its colorful, diverse blend of Vietnamese, French and American cultures. Divided into 18 districts, this dynamic city has experienced a dramatic reawakening after so many
years of isolation.

Your ship will dock in the well known resort area of Vung Tau. To reach Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the capital, requires a day long shore excursion. For those with an appreciation of foreign culture as well as American history, it is highly recommended.

No wonder they built a city here! The harbor. The cliffs. The duty-free shops (well, those came later). Referred to as the beautiful city in the World by many, Hong Kong has a lure all its own. Once you visit, you will want to return.

There is nothing like Hong Kong and the bustle of commerce, of enterprise, of fortunes being made. And there’s nothing like her duty-free shops and colorful markets to explore both on land and afloat in Victoria Harbour.

An intriguing blend of old China and the modern world, this venerable British Crown colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty on June 30, 1997. Lying at the southern area of Mainland China and the China Sea, it serves as a major sea port and access point to southern China. It is has ferry and plane service to Maccau and the many outlying islands,
many that offer excellent vacation opportunities.

Jayapura is a part of Irian Jaya and shares a landmass with Papua New Guinea and it’s peoples culture is very similar to the Papuans. From snow capped mountains to jungles, from swamps to glaciers there is much to explore in this less traveled, diverse region.

Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles, is also the least known. This 58 sq. mile island is a hidden paradise, well worth exploring.

Manila, (me-nîl´e) city (1990 pop. 1,587,000), capital of the Philippines, SW Luzon, on Manila Bay. The Philippine capital before 1948 and after 1976, it is the country’s second largest city, its chief port and transport center, and the focus of its commercial, industrial, and cultural activities. Manufactures include automobiles, textiles, and chemicals. Founded in 1571 and developed by Spanish missionaries, Manila was taken (1898) by the U.S. in the Spanish-American War. During World
War II it was occupied (1942) by the Japanese; many 17th-cent. buildings were destroyed in the Allied assault (1945); only the Church of San Agustin (1606) survived. Among the city’s outstanding modern buildings is the Philippine Cultural Center complex.

In classic rags-to-riches fashion, Bombay grew from mud flats and marshland to the richest industral center in the country. Ten million people bustle through her streets daily. A study in contrasts, Bombay embraces Western-style skyscrapers at Nariman Point, historic building from the last century’s “Golden Period” around Bombay Fort, the festival atmosphere of contortionists and vendors at Chowpatty Beach and the reverence of numerous cultures and creeds. Bombay is India’s Hollywood–don’t miss a tour of the movie studios.

The city of Osaka lies in the delta of the Yodo River, which branches out into a network of waterways and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges, earning Osaka the nickname, “Venice of the East.”

Osaka’s origins date back to the mythological early days of the Japanese empire. Following his legendary odyssey through the inland sea, Emperor Jimmu is said to have landed at the mouth of the Yodo, naming this area Naniwa, which means “rapid waves.”

Osaka is the gateway to all day tours to the cities of Kyoto and Nara.

Vying with Ho Chi Minh City for the title of “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang is renowned for its natural beauty, charm, and graceful colonial architecture.

It was established in 1786 by the British as the first trading post east of India. Today, Penang’s historic Georgetown is filled with many fine examples of British architecture.

And if architecture doesn’t do it for you, Penang is also home to the best beaches in Malaysia. Finally, visitors can have a good time just pronouncing the Chayamangkalaram Temple. Whether a first time visitor or frequent traveller to Penang, this exceptional island will captivate you the minute you set foot on its soil. Apart from enjoying beautiful beaches, culture and sights, nothing is far more breathtaking than looking at the sunrise as a new day in Penang dawns.

Penang is food paradise to anyone who has experienced a taste of Penang’s simple yet sumptous galore. This amazing island has always been associated with a rich culture and a place where food is much appreciated by locals and foreigners. From exquisitely prepared sea food to mouth-watering hawkers’ fare, it’s a must to relish every bit of everything, when in Penang.

Everything for the perfect vacation–Thailand’s largest island has it all. Magnificent palm-fringed beaches and bays. Island dotted waters. And some of the best seafood in the kingdom. There’s also exciting nightlife, and activities including visiting pearl farms, seeing the exotic aquarium denizens, and taking a trip to the outlying islands of Phang Nga Bay.

Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city (this due to the influence of the port, which brings a steady stream of international visitors). Many of the buildings are European in design, as is the layout of the wide boulevard known as the Bund. In the mornings, you will see the locals performing their tai-chi movements here. Be sure also to visit the Number One Department Store, your best bet for bargains in this region.

Behind the Bund you will find another Shanghai, this one filled with low houses, winding alleys and mysterious looking courtyards. It’s worth exploring if you have the time.