Mahe (Seychelles) - Singapore Festive days in idyllic island worlds

White sandy beaches lined with palm forests, including Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, are the idyllic picture-perfect spots on Praslin, the second largest island in the Inner Seychelles. Anse Lazio in particular, surrounded by impressive granite cliffs, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The island’s interior is home to Praslin’s national park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallee de Mai. This is where the ancient Seychelles coco de mer palm trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, grow. Together with around 43 other species of plant and rare animals like the black parrot, they form a unique natural paradise.

La Digue, the fourth largest island in the Seychelles, is legendary for its relaxed atmosphere and imposing granite cliffs: The colossal rounded rocks are particularly impressive at the idyllic Anse Source d’Argent, which is perfect for bathing thanks to its shallow turquoise waters. There are hardly any cars on La Digue and most people use bicycles to get around. It's a great way to explore the island and its hidden wild beaches in the north. In the south of the island is the L’Union Estate, a former plantation estate, which provides insights into the traditional trades of the island and is home to two extremely rare species of terrapin.

Countless palm trees and surrounded by a wide sandy beach and crystal-clear water. Enjoy some wonderfully relaxing hours in the natural paradise of the Maldives just as you wish. Stroll along the fine sand, go for a swim in the pleasantly warm sea or simply unwind on the beach. The reefs and lagoons are home to a colourful underwater world that you can explore while snorkelling.

The south coast of Sri Lanka is your gateway to the island’s wild side: Hambantota, the centre of the district of the same name, is the perfect base for exploring the impressive wilderness and natural beauties of Sri Lanka. Nearby is Yala National Park, famous for having the highest concentration of leopards in the world and for its fascinating animal kingdom. You can follow in their tracks on a photo safari. Udawalawe National Park around the shores of Udawalawe Reservoir has a large elephant population – in the attached elephant orphanage visitors can learn interesting facts about these gentle giants. Bundala National Park offers plenty of variety: Around 200 species of bird spend the winter here.

On the south coast of Sri Lanka is a town full of life, history and cultural diversity. Galle, once an important natural harbour, still attracts visitors who come to experience the town’s unique charm. Winding streets, colourful markets and colonial buildings create a very special atmosphere, in which Asian and European influences come harmoniously together. The imposing fort, built by the Dutch in the 17th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers wonderful views out to sea. Galle has also introduced some green initiatives and combines historic charm with modern sustainability – a place that’s constantly reinventing itself and yet still maintains its roots.

Visitors will find a tropical dream island on Ko Phi Phi Don, one of the main islands in the Ko Phi Phi Islands in the east Andaman Sea off Thailand. Only reachable by boat, the island covers some 28 km² (11 square miles), with white beaches fringed with impressive green rainforests. With its relaxed atmosphere far away from everyday life, Ko Phi Phi Don is the perfect retreat. The neighbouring island of Ko Phi Phi Leh, world famous thanks to the film “The Beach”, also appeals to visitors who want to explore the unique natural scenery. On Ko Phi Phi Don there is room for everyone to relax, snorkel and enjoy.

Langkawi, the main island in an archipelago of around 100 limestone islands, is an inviting place to explore dream beaches and spectacular nature. Rainforests, plantations, rice fields and romantic waterfalls will ensure you soon forget your everyday worries. For a special kind of adventure, take a ride on the SkyCab cable car, which swings over the thick jungle and impressive rock formations, offering breathtaking views over the turquoise sea and surrounding islands. Langkawi offers the ideal combination of relaxation and nature.

George Town on the Malaysian island of Penang combines colonial charm with a lively, multicultural atmosphere. Founded in 1786 by Francis Light as a British trading post, the city soon developed into an important port in Southeast Asia. Still today, scenes in the old town, with its historic buildings, temples, mosques and colourful street art, reflect Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. All over the city, the irresistible aroma of the famous Penang cuisine, known for its variety and aromas, wafts from the traditional food stalls. George Town is easy to explore on foot or in a trishaw, a type of rickshaw, allowing you to make an authentic discovery of the history and culture of Penang.

From Port Kelang, you can embark on a discovery tour of exciting Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. KL, as the city is known, offers a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. The majestic Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, dominate the skyline, while there are plenty of exotic discoveries to be made in the narrow streets: Markets, Hindu temples and districts such as Little India and Chinatown, which reflect the diversity of Malaysian culture. Kuala Lumpur is an ideal destination for explorers looking for a combination of modern architecture and cultural heritage.

Singapore combines modern glamour with deeply rooted traditions. The smallest city in Southeast Asia, its name means “Lion City” and it is home to an exciting mix of futuristic buildings, historic districts and green oases. The city’s landmark, the Merlion, stands guard over the harbour, while its skyline is dominated by the impressive Marina Bay Sands and its breathtaking SkyPark – featuring one of the longest swimming pools in the world. Singapore is a great place for strolling along the busy Orchard Road, discovering long-standing traditions in Chinatown and experiencing the future of urban nature in the Gardens by the Bay.