TRAVEL

- 15 Itineraries- memorable china

Our ready-made tour itineraries can take you to all of China's classic cities. We feature the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in capital Beijing, let you compare the old and modern metropolis of Shanghai, wonder at the Terracotta Warriors in ancient Xian and the scenic Li River in Guilin, marvel at the shoppers' paradise that is vibrant Hong Kong. These and many more highlight attractions can be included in our wonderful tours.

Yangtze River Cruises -- 28 Itineraries

• 10 Itineraries - 2009 Yangtze cruise
  
• 18 Itineraries - 2010 yangtze cruise
  

Our splendid Yangtze River Cruises allow you to savor the majestic beauty of the world renowned Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, experience an exciting pea-boat ride along the fantastic Shennong Stream and see first-hand the world-amazing Three Gorges Dam Project. These and other sights will definitely catch your eye as you enjoy the shipboard comfort of the cruise tour.

52 Itineraries- tibet tours

A land steeped in mysticism and spirituality, Tibet has many superlatives, Mt. Everest, the Potala Palace and now the Tibet railway. With its vibrantly colored prayer flags, chanting monks, elaborately crafted prayer wheels and magnificent temples and palaces. The Roof of the World has never been more accessible so why not let us fulfill your dreams and enlighten you by whisking you away to this awe inspiring land of mystery.

27 Itineraries- beijing tour

Beijing, the capital city of China and also the venue of the 2008 Olympic Games, is endowed with many splendid tourist attractions including Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and the new ultra-modern and stunning Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium). Our comprehensive Beijing packages enable you to enjoy every corner of Beijing and will transport you from twenty-first century city life back through time to the wonders of ancient dynasties.

31 Itineraries- xian tour

As the ancient capital spanning thirteen imperial dynasties, Xian is virtually a living history book recording great events from China's past. The city has an abundance of cultural and historical relics. These include the amazing Terracotta Warriors as well as the nation's best preserved fortified City Wall. Together with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist shrine, these are truly highlights of your wonderful tour. Enjoy our a la carte meals in Xian!

29 Itineraries- shanghai tour

Shanghai is an international metropolis with a blend of rich history and fashionable modernity. From Shanghai Museum, to Yuyuan Garden, then to the thriving Bund area and lively Nanjing Road, one may get a sense of the vigor and prosperity of this city. A short cruise trip on the Huangpu River is a fantastic addition and the famous water towns near Shanghai are unique and well worth a visit to round off your experience of the city.

10 Itineraries- silk road adventure

Take an adventurous journey along the world's oldest and most historically important trade route - the ancient Silk Road. Travel from Xian heading for Xinjiang, where the cultures of East and West meet, enjoying the imposing desert scenery while taking a camel ride, appreciating the ancient and well-preserved Mogao Grottoes and souvenir hunting in the famous Sunday Bazaar. Truly, the journey of a lifetime!

5 Itineraries- guizhoe ethnic minority

As a primary region where several ethnic minority groups coexist, Guizhou has many unique things to offer. The traditional architecture of the wooden houses in the minority villages will be first to capture your attention as you wonder how the people live there. The various folk customs, the exotic costumes and dazzling ornaments are fascinating while the breath-taking natural scenery is certain to enthrall you.

4 Itineraries- yunnan discovery

Come to Yunnan and find a place to celebrate life! Yunnan, an idyllic paradise for living, is destined to be a highlight for travelers. Cities with their year round spring-like climate include Kunming, a tranquil old town and the Bai minority tribal area of Dali, the romantic atmosphere and natural wonderland of Lijiang, and Shangri-La - 'heaven on earth', all will captivate you during your visit.

Named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP for short) consists of five islands lying around 3 kilometers off Kota Kinabalu. Coral reefs fringe all the islands and are exposed to varying degrees during low tides. In general TARP is known as an area for macro diving. Although the coral reefs are not extensive, they exhibit the wide range of species diversity that Malaysia is famous for. Most of the diving is done round Pulau Gaya and Pulau Manukan and Sulug, with a good spot north of Pulau Mamutik. Whale sharks have been known to put in an appearance on the migratory route in February and March.

TARP at a glance Accommodation : Bungalows on Manukan only. Highlights : Macro life, idyllic beaches. Average cost of a dive : $20 Dive Sites : 8+ Dive Operators : 3+ Getting there : Boat from KK, 10 minutes. Off Season : November to January

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- The Australian government warned its citizens on Wednesday against sea travel in the Philippines, citing poor maritime rescue services in the country during ship mishaps.

Australia issued the warning after a passenger ship sank off the coast of Zamboanga peninsula last Sunday, killing nine people.

"Sea travel in the Philippines is hazardous," Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said in an advisory. "You should not travel on ferries unless no other means of travel is available."

M/V SuperFerry 9, a 7,268-ton ship, was heading to Iloilo province from General Santos City when it listed for several hours before sinking. More than 900 passengers and crew members were rescued from the tragedy.

Following the incident, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has suspended the operations of Aboitiz Transport System Corp., the ship's operator.

Sea travel is one of the common and cheaper means of transportation within the Philippines, an archipelago consisting of more than 7,100 islands.

The country's cash-strapped coast guard lacks the capability and equipment to monitor sea travel and the ability to quickly respond to sea emergencies.

"Ferries are often overloaded, lack necessary lifesaving equipment and are not adequately maintained. Storms can develop quickly," Australia said.

It also noted that standards maintained by search and rescue services, transport services and tour operators, including adventure activities such as scuba diving, may not be comparable to those in Australia.

The DFAT advised travelers to check operators' credentials and safety equipment beforehand and ensure that their travel insurance policy covers their planned activities.

Australians were likewise warned against pirate attacks in the country, saying piracy occurs in the coastal areas of the Philippines.

At the same time, the DFAT urged its citizens in the country to avoid any large gatherings, demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public events in the run up to the May 2010 polls "as they may turn violent."

"Such events may become more common in the lead-up to country- wide elections in May 2010. You should monitor the media for information about any protests and follow the advice of authorities," Australia said.

Philippine coast guard chief Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, meanwhile, said Australia's advisory was unfair, adding that sea travel in the country remains safe.

The smallest and quietest island in the chain is Gili Meno. There are less accommodation options that neighbouring Gili Air and those that are there tend to be more up market. There is also a bird park on the island. Takat Malang and Simon's Reef Malang reef between Gili Meno and Air offers a plateau at around 12 meters that drops away to around 40. There are several big coral heads with some impressive canyons, overhangs and swimthroughs. Plenty of healthy coral, sponges and gorgonians to be found here along with a vast array of marine fish. Simon's reef, which is close by, also offers similar action with eight big coral bommies in a rough figure of eight formation. Meno Wall The soft coral carpeted wall drops to around 22 meters and is home to all manner of crusteaceans. Some big groupers and turtles are often seen at this spot which is also a popular night dive destination. Spanish dancers and cuttlefish are the delights after dark.

Depths: 10 - 40m Viz: 5 - 30m Currents: Occasional Getting there : Boat 15 minutes. Best months: Apr to Oct

This is the first of the three Gili Islands off the northwest coast of Lombok. It has the largest population and feels more "lived on" than the other two islands. There is a small turtle hatchery here where conservation efforts are in place to protect the local Hawksbill and Green population. There are plenty of good snorkelling spots around the island and a number of good dive sites. Japanese Wreck The remains of a 20 meter World War II Japanese patrol vessel can be found in 45 meters of water to the south of Gili Air. It is home to a large number of lionfish and scorpionfish and often attracts schooling barracuda and jacks. Due to the depths involved decompression or enriched air diving is recommended on this site. Hans Reef To the northeast of Gili Air is this reef of bommies and rocky outcrops. This is a great site for macro life and juvenile fish, keep a lookout for frogfish, pipefish and octopus. Air Wall This dive offers a drop off to around 32 meters, some good coral formations can be found here with plenty of overhangs and arches filled with glassfish. There are concrete blocks that serve as a cleaning station at 22 meters and a sandy patch that can also be explored.

Depths: 10 - 45m Viz: 5 - 30m Currents: Occasional Getting there : Boat 15 minutes. Best months: Apr to Oct

Java, the most populous island of the Indonesian archipelago, is one of active volcanic activity. The most famous one is Krakatoa to the west which offers some good dive spots. There are also several hundred off shore islands with good coral and marine life to be explored. The Ujung Kulon national park consists of Penietan Island and peninsula, and is home to many marvelous Javanese rainforest animals and surf beaches. Underwater also offers myriad marine life at this spot and at Pulau Seribu, a number of tiny islands that serve as a popular weekend destination from Jakarta.

Java at a glance Accommodation : Resort/Bungalow Highlights : Marine diversity, volcanic dive sites. Average cost of a dive : $25 Dive Sites : 30+ Dive Operators : 15+ Getting there : Air/Sea from Singapore or Australia. Rainy Season : November to March.

The map below is interactive so click on the dive site to get more details.

Bali is by far Indonesia's most popular dive destination. It offers plenty of shore based diving opportunities set against a stunning backdrop of volcanic peaks, rice paddys and breath taking beaches. The diving is varied with drop offs, coral gardens and bommies, wrecks and a huge variety of marine life. The Lombok strait lies to the east of Bali and through it flows the greatest volume of tidal water on earth. It is not surprising then that the waters around Bali are often visited by some big pelagics including the elusive sunfish. With everything on offer from muck diving at Secret bay to adrenaline drift diving at Nusa Penida to walls and drop offs of Tulamben and even a world class wreck, the Liberty. Bali has something for every divers taste. Many of the sites have very strong currents and are recommended for experienced divers only however there are also calmer shallower spots like those at Amed for beginners.

Bali at a glance Accommodation : Bali Hotels Highlights : Marine diversity, wrecks, big pelagics. Average cost of a dive : $25 Dive Sites : 40+ Dive Operators : 25+ Getting there : International flights daily. Rainy Season : December to March.

The map below is interactive so click on the dive site to get more details.

There are several good reefs off the coast of the eastern side of Kalimantan. Out in the Makassar strait lie a number of sites are famous for the large gatherings of manta rays and breeding grounds of turtles. There is also a unique biological wonderland in the form of a brackish inland lake at Kakaban. All the islands are relatively close together so can be visited in the same trip. Visibility is often lower here than other parts of Indonesia due to silt from the river in Tanjung Redeb. Samama or Derawan usually have the lowest visibility, Sangalaki a bit better because it is a little further offshore, and Kakaban and Maratua even better because they are even further out.

Kalimantan at a glance Accommodation : Resort/Bungalow Highlights : Mantas, jellyfish lake. Average cost of a dive : $30 Dive Sites : 20+ Dive Operators : 3+ Getting there : Boat from mainland, 60 -120 minutes. Rainy Season : November to March.

The map below is interactive so click on the dive site to get more details.

Layang Layang is a breath taking coral atoll lying 300 kilometers off the coast of Sabah. It is part of the 600 island, reef and shoal group in the South China Sea known as The Spratley's. The 13 linked coral reef atoll isnt that large at only 14 square kilometers however it surrounding waters drop to around 2,000 meters deep which makes for some very interesting marine life. At the time of writing there is only one resort on the artificial island all all diving is done from there. What you can expect sub surface are sheer walls, big pelagics, sharks and a central lagoon for smaller marine life. The coral is pristine and visibility can be awesome.

Layang Layang at a glance Accommodation : Resort Highlights : Stunning visibility, marine life and Hammerheads. Average cost of a dive : $50 (accom inclusive package) Dive Sites : 10+ Dive Operators : 1 Getting there : Air 1 hour from Kota Kinabalu. Off Season : Nov / Jan

Kapalai is a water village resort sitting atop a shallow reef a few minutes north of Sipadan by speed boat. Kapalai is unique as guests can see from their resort accommodation straight down into the clear waters, it doesnt have an island any more as erosion has reduced it to just a sand bank. It is another macro paradise but unlike Mabul the visibility is usually better here. Most diving is done in shallow clear water so it is ideal for beginners. In a sense it is like being on a spacious immobile liveaboard. There are many dive sites around Kapalai, we have just covered the popular ones.

Kapalai at a glance Accommodation : Resort Highlights : Macro life, clear shallow waters. Average cost of a dive : $40 Dive Sites : 10+ Dive Operators : 5+ Getting there : Boat from Borneo, 30 minutes. Off Season : None, diving year round.