Emirates 2019 - 2021 Worldwide Brochure

WHERE TO BE in Asia

Cruise Vietnam’s Halong Bay

Eyeball a tiger in Rajasthan

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Halong Bay provides an almost surreal landscape of over 2,000 limestone karst islands, each occupied only by trees, ferns, birds and monkeys. This emerald bay of calm and tranquillity is dotted with traditional junk boats and has inspired the poets and artists of Vietnam for many years. If you’re looking to lie back on a deck and soak in the ethereal beauty of nature, then look no further. p. 102

The best place to encounter the majestic wild Indian tiger in its natural habitat is Ranthambore National Park, atmospherically strewn with ancient ruins, temples, mosques, vine covered burial tombs and a lakeful or two of crocodiles. Be on the lookout for other wildlife – you might spot a leopard, too. p. 86, can be booked on tailor-made basis as well.

Eat yourself silly in Singapore

Pay orangutans a visit in Malaysian Borneo

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Singapore’s rich cultural diversity has created a haven for foodies, where even the hawker stalls have received Michelin stars, with over 40 restaurants and cafés having received the international accolade. Locals and tourists alike are drawn to culinary experiences like moths to a flame, with ever popular hawker centres serving up local specialities like spicy laksas, and fried carrot cake. The produce on display at Little India’s Tekka Centre is a feast for gastronomes. p. 70

Malaysian Borneo is one of only two natural habitats for orangutans, with whom we share 97% of our DNA. Sadly, due to deforestation and hunting, these extraordinary creatures are highly endangered. Take a short flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak and enjoy a heart-warming encounter with rescued primates being rehabilitated for release into the wild at the Sememggoh Orangutan or Matang Wildlife Centres. p. 68 If you’re arriving from the hurly burly of Bangkok, the historic centre of Chiang Mai can feel more like a small country town than a bustling regional capital. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and according to legend, was founded to enshrine a shard of shoulder bone once belonging to Buddha. Just out of town lies a lush green landscape of rainforests and waterfalls, lively markets and elephant sanctuaries. p. 47 Take a time out in Chiang Mai

Live among the leopards in Yala National Park

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Whilst touring Sri Lanka, plan to spend a night or two at Yala National Park, home to 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds. The park boasts majestic elephants, sloth bears, peacocks, and one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Its south coast location means you can easily find a place to cool off in the ocean after a day’s jeep safari. p. 90

Experience ancient geisha traditions in Kyoto

Immerse your soul and feed your appetite in Ubud, Bali

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Less than 1,000 geisha still practice their art in Japan, but the age-old culture of hostesses engaging their clients in the traditional arts of classical music, dance and conversation lives on in Kyoto. Sit in a Gion district café window with your morning matcha latte, and you may get to glimpse a Geisha with her brightly coloured kimono and white face make-up scurrying into a teahouse. p. 108

A holiday to Bali is a great escape for a total mind, body and spirit detox, and there is no better place than cool and mountainous Ubud to help restore balance and perspective. Combine a lush, tranquil, landscape of terraced rice paddies with a raft of wellness options, a dose of cultural events and host of healthy eateries and you have an idyllic haven for complete relaxation and restoration. p. 76 Undoubtedly a huge draw card to the Philippines for nature lovers and fans of underwater pursuits is the chance to interact with the monumental yet placid whale shark. Head over to Oslob on Cebu Island for a truly breathtaking whale shark swimming experience. p. 104 Swim with the gentle giants of the deep in Cebu, Philippines

Satisfy your food cravings in South Korea

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‘Foodie’ travellers should search the streets of Seoul to find pajeon savoury pancakes, the staple spicy pickle of kimchi, or a hearty veggie and rice bowl of bibimbap. The locals are serious about their flavoursome food, and the traditional Korean barbecue, where the fare is cooked over flame at your table, takes on almost a ceremonial quality. p. 106

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