Colombo to Singapore

Sri Lanka’s capital until recent times, this fascinating city is filled with an intriguing blend of cosmopolitan buildings and ancient temples. A key stop on the spice routes, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trading companies left behind churches, monuments and religions, as well as smatterings of their languages that have been incorporated into the speech and daily routine of the local Sri Lankans.

This thriving port (formerly Madras) on the Bay of Bengal opens a window into the soul of Southern India. Magnificent Dravidian temples compete with monuments from the British colonial past, including the Chepauk Palace and the High Court buildings, mix with contemporary and cosmopolitan sparkle across the diverse urban landscape. Chennai also is home to a thriving university and is the epicenter of Bollywood film production.

The Andaman Islands float like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal, with their lushly forested interiors wrapped in ribbons of golden beach. Port Blair on South Andaman Island is the archipelago’s capital, and home to the Anthropological Museum, showcasing the history of the island’s people, and the Cellular Jail, a colonial prison turned national memorial. Nearby attractions include Mount Harriet National Park, a bird watcher’s paradise, and Havelock Island, with its iconic Elephant Beach.

Residents call Phuket “The Pearl of the South,” and one visit to this green, sun-soaked island in the Andaman Sea will show you why. The coast is a succession of magnificent beaches, the forested interior boasts virgin rain forests and numerous cacao, pineapple, and rubber plantations. The culture is a distinctive blend of Portuguese, Chinese and indigenous Chao Naam: a proud, seafaring people.

Located on the ancient spice routes, Penang is a compelling blend of Old World Asia, Sumatra, India and influences of its various European settlers over the centuries. It has been a historical link between Europe and the Middle East, and its modern identity remains a kaleidoscope of cultures. Lively markets offer adventures for the palate, its emerging art scene adds intrigue to urban jungle, and Penang Bridge and Penang Hill afford sweeping vistas.

Bustling Port Kelang is the principal port of entry for Malaysia. The country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a surprisingly modern city of domes, minarets and spacious, tree-lined avenues. Her symbols of faith are visible at the Jamek Mosque, the city’s birthplace.

Singapore blends the contemporary splendor of a sparkling modern city with influences from throughout the Orient. Its history is one of riches and romance, spice trading and piracy, colonialism and growth. This island state has grown from a small fishing village to one of Asia’s greatest success stories. Temples, mosques and churches stand as serene reminders of the varied collection of migrations that have graced its history. Discover the mansions and polo greens of colonial Singapore, the mystique of Chinatown and the heady aroma of spices and curry along Arab Street. You will quickly come to understand why Singapore is acclaimed as the “Crossroads of the East.”