Thailand Malaysia Indonesia Tours

Southeast Asia is a group of diverse tropical countries between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, featuring cultures influenced by both India and China and hosting large communities of Overseas Chinese. Known for its perfect beaches, tasty cuisine, low prices, and good flight connections, this region has long been a favourite corner of the world for globe-tramping backpackers. Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand are no exception. While Malaysia shares a border in the mainland with Thailand, it also shares a border with Indonesia in Borneo island, the third-largest island in the world famous for ancient rainforests filled with wildlife including orangutans and clouded leopards. Between the two parts of Borneo, the Malaysian part, Sabah and Sarawak, is more developed and easier to travel than Kalimantan, the Indonesian part, which is entirely different with a generally poor road network. Nevertheless, Kilamantan is truly off the beaten path with dense jungles, snaking rivers and interior mountains serve up endless opportunities for epic rainforest hiking.

While Islam is the most widely practised religion in Malaysia and Indonesia, Buddhism is the largest religion in Thailand and the nation is home to numerous exquisite temples and shrines. The traditional characteristics of Thai architecture are steeply-sloping tile roofs with up turned edges, open air spaces and lush gardens reflected in some typical temples such as Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew Temples and The Grand Palace in Bangkok; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Umong Temples in Chiang Mai; Wat Rong Khun, Wat Rong Suea Ten Temples and The Black House in Chiang Rai... Unlike Thailand, both Malaysia and Indonesia are the melting pots of colonial and immigrant influences as well as its indigenous traditions. One of Malaysia's most iconic cultural sites is the Batu Caves, a Hindu shrine located in the north of Kuala Lumpur combining an interesting natural landscape with a major place of worship and some striking sights. Another popular destination of Malaysia is George Town in Penang, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, featuring a unique blend of colonial architecture, street art and Chinese temples. In Indonesia, one of the most iconic cultural sites is the Borobudur Temple, the world's largest Buddhist monument built in the 9th century on Java island. Occupying the top of a natural hill, Borobudur temple is built in a pyramid-shape and the experience of watching a sunrise at the temple is a truly unforgettable moment in Java.

Among the three countries, Indonesia stands out the most for its unique natural landscape and exotic wildlife. Its landscapes range from dense tropical forests, home to millions of flora and fauna, to sprawling fertile basins of rice fields. The list continues from massive volcanoes to picturesque beaches, from sky-scraping mountain peaks to extensive dry grasslands. Nestled in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Komodo National Park is a realm of wonders where one can admire the majestic Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. The ancient reptile, dubbed the “last dinosaurs on Earth”, can be seen anywhere in the park while roaming freely across the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar as well as a collection of surrounding smaller islets. One can take a guided tour to see these impressive creatures up close under the support of a local guide at all times as the dragons are wild animals. For adventurers, Indonesia, home to more than 130 volcanoes, is a true paradise for mountaineers. Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Lombok island, is the country’s second-highest peak and a steep three-day ascent to the top. Further to the west of Java island, Mount Ijen with the mesmerising sight of its sulphurous, turquoise crater lake can be climbed in a single day. Sitting amidst the “Sea of Sand”, Mount Bromo is a relatively easy trek, and the reward is its stunning beauty in an incredible setting.

For party-goers, the top choice is Thailand with its lively nightlife culture, especially in Bangkok and on the southern islands such as Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui... These places offer an enthralling and energetic nightlife filled with laughter, fun and frolic. From swanky bars and gourmet restaurants to bustling night markets of Pattaya, scintillating cabaret shows of Phuket and tranquil evening cruises along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, there is something for every party-goer to savour. And a definitely "should not be missed" event of Thailand - the Full Moon Parties - an extra flare to the experience transforming the beaches into pulsating arenas of music and dance under the silvery glow of the moon.