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south-east asia With steamy rainforests, spectacular ruins, inviting beaches and stunning modern cityscapes, the contrasts of South-East Asia will surely captivate. Discover the many facets of this region trawling Singapores Orchard Road for bargains, staying in a traditional Iban longhouse in Borneo, sampling a spicy laksa in Melaka, snorkelling over colourful off shore reefs in Ko Tao, climbing Mt Kinabalu or riding elephants through the jungles. With miles of unspoilt coastline, hundreds of tiny tranquil islands and warm, sultry water, theres also plenty of opportunity to enjoy a seaside sojourn, so take a detour from the peaceful hills to the beautiful beaches of Bali or follow in the footsteps of James Bond to famous Phang Nga Bay. Friendly faces and fabulous food complete any adventure through this fascinating region so come feast your senses on South-East Asias palette of flavour. See a few of our favourite real life experiences on the following page& When to go& High Season (hot season) Hot and humid, this is the best time to head to the palmshaded shores of the Andaman Sea. Swim in refreshing crystal-clear waters and sip chilled coconut juice. The beaches of Bali beckon, offering a perfect tropical getaway. Highaltitude destinations like Malaysias Cameron Highlands and Thailands northern hilltribe heartlands call, offering cooler climes in addition to rich cultural experiences. Other great ways to beat the heat include scaling the summit of SouthEast Asias highest mountain, Mt Kinabalu, and wildlifespotting beneath Borneos lush rainforest canopies. Low Season (monsoon) Tropical downpours are an experience in themselves, turning streets into rivers and rivers into rapids. Once the rains stop, the swollen waterways offer adventure aplenty; boat rides in Borneo, for example, turn into safaris, with wildlife such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys easily sighted, stranded jan bali borneo java malaysia feb in tree tops sticking out of muddy floodwaters. The wet season is also when rare rafflesia flowers bloom, releasing their pungent odour, and exotic fruits such as durians, rambutans and mangosteens will be found in abundance at street stalls everywhere. Stay dry in a chilled-out cafe, indulging a spicy Thai green curry or some Malaysian roti. Temperatures remain warm so a cool beer will be a welcome treat. Shoulder Season (dry season) The weather is enticingly warm and not too sticky, making sightseeing and trawling through markets a pleasure. A season for celebration, the streets of Chinatown will be brightly decorated in red and gold, to welcome the Chinese New Year. The fasting month of Ramadan also comes to an end and this is marked with festive parades in Indonesia and with great feasts in Singapore and Malaysia. Experience the many colours, cultures and flavours of South-East Asia in close-up as locals in resplendent traditional costumes invite you to fill your plate and join in the fun. mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec High Season (hot season) Low Season (monsoon) Shoulder Season (dry season) singapore thailand thai east coast thai west coast