Beyond Breathtaking: Indonesia And The West Coast Of Australia

The main island of Singapore is shaped like a flattened diamond, 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south. Near the northern peak is the causeway leading to West Malaysia—Kuala Lumpur is less than four hours away by car. It is at the southern foot where you will find most of the city-state’s action, with its gleaming office towers, working docks, and futuristic "supertrees," which are solar-powered and serve as vertical gardens. Offshore are Sentosa and over 60 smaller islands, most uninhabited, that serve as bases for oil refining or as playgrounds and beach escapes from the city. To the east is Changi International Airport, connected to the city by metro, bus, and a tree-lined parkway. Of the island's total land area, more than half is built up, with the balance made up of parkland, farmland, plantations, swamp areas, and rain forest. Well-paved roads connect all parts of the island, and Singapore city has an excellent, and constantly expanding, public transportation system. The heart of Singapore's history and its modern wealth are in and around the Central Business District. The area includes the skyscrapers in the Central Business District, the 19th-century Raffles Hotel, the convention centers of Marina Square, on up to the top of Ft. Canning. Although most of old Singapore has been knocked down to make way for the modern city, most colonial landmarks have been preserved in the CBD, including early-19th-century buildings designed by the Irish architect George Coleman.

Nestled in a bay on the north coast of Java, Semarang is an important port and the gateway to the most fascinating places on the island. The city is the starting point for excursions into the green heart of Java, to the impressive Borobudur temple complex: Climbing up the temple steps, visitors can walk across nine terraces up to the bell-shaped monumental stupa at the top – where magnificent views of the surrounding jungle are revealed. The reliefs in the temple recount the life of Buddha and offer an insight into life in Java in the 9th century.

Semarang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, situated on Java's north coast between the shore of the Java Sea and a small ridge of mountains. Ceded to the Dutch West India Company in 1677 by King Amangkurat I in payment of his debts, it became their headquarters and the seat of the Dutch governor of the northeast provinces. Semarang's usefulness as a port waned due to the gradual silting up of the harbor; by the 19th century, Surabaya had eclipsed Semarang as Java's premier port. With a population of over one million, a third of whom are thought to be of Chinese extraction, Semarang is the largest city in Central Java and its administrative capital. The city consists of two parts: the coastal lowland where most of the commercial activities are found; and the hilly residential area. Although more a business center than a city for tourists, Semarang serves as a popular gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and to fabled Borobudur.

Famed for its beauty, Pulau Menyawakan is a hidden gem in the Karimunjawa archipelago. The island, surrounded by coral reefs and turquoise waters, is an idyllic place to daydream. Those looking for peace and seclusion will find it here: relaxation under palm trees, along with all the luxurious amenities, make Pulau Menyawakan an unforgettable place to get away from it all.

Bali, the “Island of Gods and Demons”, is captivating with its mix of beautiful scenery, friendly people and vibrant culture. In the south of the island, the Dutch founded the port of Benoa, today the main trading port for the island. During the 20th century, Bali developed into a hotspot for travellers seeking sun and spirituality, with its well-developed infrastructure in the south for relaxation and discovery. Away from the busy resorts, you will find a peaceful side to Bali, with traditional villages and picturesque rice fields. Parts of the monsoon forest are protected in the Bali Barat National Park, offering insights into the flora and fauna of the island.

Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren't a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities.

Lombok is separated from Bali by a channel just 35 km (22 miles) wide – yet it is like a completely different world. The scenery on Lombok ranges from rice fields to tropical forests and picturesque bays. The 3,700 m (12,140 ft) high volcano, Mount Rinjani, provides the backdrop and is a great spot for swimming in the crater lake and hot springs. Quiet beaches like the one on Gili Nanggu near Lembar are perfect for snorkelling and relaxing. Those who would rather taste the delicious cuisine on the island will find a great selection at the markets and in the traditional warungs or local food stalls. Culture lovers will be drawn to the lavishly decorated temples, where exuberant dances and Hindu rituals are celebrated.

In the heart of the Indonesian archipelago lies the Komodo National Park – an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Here there are 29 volcanic islands, the largest of which are Komodo, Rinca and Padar. The park is famous for being home to the legendary Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world, which roam majestically through the savannahs and tropical forests. The underwater world here is also fascinating: the crystal-clear waters are home to a rare, still extensively undiscovered marine biodiversity, with colourful coral reefs and exotic sea creatures.

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

Broome, on the north coast of Western Australia, reveals its charm on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The former “pearl capital of the southern hemisphere” now attracts visitors who want to explore the impressive Kimberley region. This area, originally inhabited by the Yawuru Aborigines, is appealing thanks to its unique blend of culture, history and nature. Highlights like the Dampier Peninsula and the legendary Gibb River Road will attract adventurous spirits, while Broome itself is enchanting with its relaxed atmosphere, endless beaches and fascinating heritage from the pearl era – an experience to captivate the senses.

Broome, a coastal town in Western Australia, is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located on the Indian Ocean, it boasts Cable Beach, known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and iconic camel rides at sunset. Once a pearling hub, Broome retains its multicultural heritage, reflected in its cuisine and architecture. The town is also the gateway to the Kimberley region, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique natural attractions like the Staircase to the Moon. With warm weather year-round and a laid-back atmosphere, Broome is a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Exmouth, on the tip of the North West Cape peninsula in Western Australia, was founded in 1964 and is named after Admiral Exmouth, who explored the region in 1818. During the Second World War, bases were set up to support submarine warfare against Japan. Today the city is known for its Harold E. Holt naval communication station. At up to 388 m (1,273 ft) high, its towers are even taller than the Eiffel Tower. But the real beauty of Exmouth is in its natural surroundings: This is the gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park, one of the world’s largest fringing reefs. The reef attracts snorkellers and divers who come to see the impressive underwater world – a paradise for everyone looking for an adventure out in nature.

Geraldton on the coast of Western Australia was founded in 1850 and has since grown into an important centre of trade. The lively city centre has some cosy cafes and shops, while the beautiful beaches nearby are a great place to relax. A particular highlight is the monument to the victims of the sinking of the HMAS Sydney, which stands on a hill above the city. The ship sank after a battle during the Second World War and lay undiscovered until 2008. The impressive architecture of the monument and the magnificent views from the hill offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Geraldton is a fascinating mix of history, culture and natural beauty.

Surrounded by beaches, sun-drenched Geraldton in Western Australia is a thriving city facing the Indian Ocean. Located on the Coral Coast, the city has a friendly country town feel but is infused local history and cultural heritage. Like many coastal towns, the dining and café culture is superb and the choice of which restaurant to choose is a happy dilemma for most travellers!Celebrated for its annual display of spectacular wildflowers, Geraldton’s flora attracts visitors from all regions, with guides taking tourists on as much as 300 mile/500 kilometre round trips in order to make sure that they receive the best possible experience. A haven for visitors especially during the cooler months, the views differ year-in year-out and vary greatly depending on the rainfall. Whole fields become blanketed in colour and rare plants, such as the wreath-flower, burst into splendorous bloom. The well-informed guides keep a track of what is flowering where and visitors only have to ask to be pointed in the right direction. With over 300 species of native plants, it is only expected that insects and birds are attracted to the area. Over 120 types of bird have been classified as well as 22 types of reptile and seven types of frog. Happily, the iconic kangaroo also makes the plains their home, so visitors can expect a real Aussie welcome if they happen upon one!

The small port city of Fremantle on the west coast of Australia is an important trading centre and was a base for allied submarines during the Second World War. The interesting architectural heritage of the city is remarkable, with colonial buildings built with the help of convicts. Fremantle is an attractive place to visit today thanks to the laid-back lifestyle of its inhabitants and relaxed atmosphere. “Freo”, as it’s known by the locals, is a creative centre in Australia, with trendy markets like Fremantle Market, where you can find artworks by young talents as well as local products and specialities.

The port city of Fremantle is a jewel in Western Australia's crown, largely because of its colonial architectural heritage and hippy vibe. Freo (as the locals call it) is a city of largely friendly, interesting, and sometimes eccentric residents supportive of busking, street art, and alfresco dining. Like all great port cities, Freo is cosmopolitan, with mariners from all parts of the world strolling the streets—including thousands of U.S. Navy personnel on rest and recreation throughout the year. It's also a good jumping-off point for a day trip to Rottnest Island, where lovely beaches, rocky coves, and unique wallaby-like inhabitants called quokkas set the scene.Modern Fremantle is a far cry from the barren, sandy plain that greeted the first wave of English settlers back in 1829 at the newly constituted Swan River Colony. Most were city dwellers, and after five months at sea in sailing ships they landed on salt-marsh flats that sorely tested their fortitude. Living in tents with packing cases for chairs, they found no edible crops, and the nearest freshwater was a distant 51 km (32 miles)—and a tortuous trip up the waters of the Swan. As a result they soon moved the settlement upriver to the vicinity of present-day Perth.Fremantle remained the principal port, and many attractive limestone buildings were built to service the port traders. Australia's 1987 defense of the America's Cup—held in waters off Fremantle—triggered a major restoration of the colonial streetscapes. In the leafy suburbs nearly every other house is a restored 19th-century gem.

The port city of Fremantle is a jewel in Western Australia's crown, largely because of its colonial architectural heritage and hippy vibe. Freo (as the locals call it) is a city of largely friendly, interesting, and sometimes eccentric residents supportive of busking, street art, and alfresco dining. Like all great port cities, Freo is cosmopolitan, with mariners from all parts of the world strolling the streets—including thousands of U.S. Navy personnel on rest and recreation throughout the year. It's also a good jumping-off point for a day trip to Rottnest Island, where lovely beaches, rocky coves, and unique wallaby-like inhabitants called quokkas set the scene.Modern Fremantle is a far cry from the barren, sandy plain that greeted the first wave of English settlers back in 1829 at the newly constituted Swan River Colony. Most were city dwellers, and after five months at sea in sailing ships they landed on salt-marsh flats that sorely tested their fortitude. Living in tents with packing cases for chairs, they found no edible crops, and the nearest freshwater was a distant 51 km (32 miles)—and a tortuous trip up the waters of the Swan. As a result they soon moved the settlement upriver to the vicinity of present-day Perth.Fremantle remained the principal port, and many attractive limestone buildings were built to service the port traders. Australia's 1987 defense of the America's Cup—held in waters off Fremantle—triggered a major restoration of the colonial streetscapes. In the leafy suburbs nearly every other house is a restored 19th-century gem.