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A N I N T E R N A T I O N A L T R A V E L L E R A S I A S P E C I A L I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H N E X U S H O L I D A Y S

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T he term ‘cultural melting pot’ can be too readily thrown about, but Malaysia really does live up to the hype. Visitors to this south-east

Asian paradise can savour a stunning array of lush landscapes; bustling, heritage-rich cities where the past and present collide in an exotic explosion of culture, and, of course, the bold and beautiful mixture of global flavours that have made Malaysian cuisine famous.

Those seeking a step back in time should make tracks for the serene, green Cameron Highlands. Developed during British colonial times and retaining a uniquely quaint character, these spectacularly pretty tea-strewn hills boast breathtaking views and cool, fresh highlands air.Here, you can work up an

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appetite as you explore lush tea plantations, rose gardens and rose farms; or visit the beautiful Lata Iskandar waterfalls, where a refreshing dip is the perfect precursor to a traditional afternoon tea.

Back down to earth on bustling Penang

EXPLORE DEEPER

Nexus Holidays offers a number of flexible packages to Malaysia and Borneo. For further details and to book, visit nexusholidays.com.au

COLOURFUL MALAYSIA Nine days from $1999 per person; six nights from $1499 WILDLIFE BORNEO

Eleven days from $2799 per person; eight nights from $2299. Add an optional tour extension for a truly unforgettable experience:LANGKAWI ISLAND Two nights from $499 per person: Cruise through aqua lagoons and lush forests, explore the stunning array of marine life and enjoy isolated beaches before feasting at an open-air seafood restaurant. CHIANG MAI Four nights from $999 per person: Discover the golden spires, ancient temples, gentle elephants, tribal villages, arts and crafts, and cuisine of this jewel in northern Thailand’s crown. THAILAND SPLENDOURS

Eight nights from $1399: From the delightful contrasts of Bangkok to the historic Second World War sites around the River Kwai; from the ancient city of Ayutthaya and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical park, to the beaches, lakes and royal playgrounds of Pattaya; this tour is the perfect introduction to Thailand. SINGAPORE STOPOVER Two nights from $399: The perfect complement to any Asian holiday, Singapore is a destination in itself with its dazzling skyline, the gorgeous greenery of Gardens by the Bay, and tastebud-tempting smorgasbord of culinary delights from around Asia.

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Asia’s largest island is a veritable technicolour playground for nature lovers. Home to around six per cent of the

world’s biodiversity, Borneo is bursting with beautiful wildlife that will take your breath away – regardless of your activity levels. Adventure buffs can get their thrills at the World Heritage-listed Kinabalu Park (think trekking, rock climbing and paragliding), while the less agile can simply admire the dramatic peak of Mt Kinabalu. Animal lovers will delight in meeting orphaned orang-utans during feeding time at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can’t help but feel intimately connected to these magnificent creatures.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge, nestled on the Kinabatangan River, is the perfect

place to sink into the spirit of Borneo. This highly awarded eco-lodge offers guests a fantastic balance of luxury and comfort with the immediacy of the rainforest and its inhabitants – including proboscis monkeys, Borneo pygmy elephants, and a plethora of exotic birds. The river also plays host to safari cruises, where the water sets the stage for an impressive parade of wildlife.

The magic doesn’t end there. At Selingan Island, part of Turtle Island Park, an overnight stay yields the usual island delights – swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. But it’s after dark that the real magic happens; when you’ll witness green turtles landing ashore to lay their eggs. Guests can also see baby turtles released into the sea by rangers; yet another chance to marvel at Mother Nature.

Island, the fascinating Weld Quay Clan Jetties provide a very different glimpse into Malaysia’s colourful multicultural history. These six wooden jetties – each associated with different Chinese clans – are home to heritage (and still lived-in) ‘stilt houses’ harking back to the old Chinese settlements

of architectural styles, from St Peter’s Catholic church to the remains of the ancient Portugese fortress at Porta de Santiago; and the distinctive red former Dutch administrative building, the Stadthuys – itself built on Portugese ruins, back in the 17th century.

Explore the rich and multicultural nature of south-east Asia’s most colourful of paradises.

Sink into the spirit of Asia’s largest island; the perfect place for nature lovers to get up-close and personal with the rainforest locals.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The exotic hornbill; Which lives in the Borneo rainforest; Meet a local orang-utan.C O L O U R F U L

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that sprang up here alongside other immigrants keen to make a living at this busy maritime port. While on the island, don’t miss the opportunity to make like a local in the capital of George Town by hailing a beca (trishaw) – often decked out with flowers, cushions and even a bit of bling – for a stylish ride through the famously vibrant city streets. Keep your eyes peeled for George Town’s famous street art, and make a pit stop (or three) for some of its fabulous street food.

Like George Town, the city of Malacca has long been a mecca for visitors (both cities were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008). Malacca’s history of colonisation by the Dutch, Portugese and British lives on in its unique blend

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:Visit lush tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands; Ride Rickshaws in Penang; Mosque in Malacca, home to a unique blend of architecure; Find nourishment in a bowl of Asam Laksa, a Penang specialty.

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A s impossible to pigeonhole as it is to resist, India will hold you in its thrall from the moment you arrive. The vast,

vibrant land hums with colour, spirituality and the echoes of its storied past, visible in everything from the magnificent architecture to the distinctive cuisine of each region.

The natural starting point for many visitors, Delhi presents a complex contrast between the ancient and the modern. It’s home to historical gems such as Qutab Minar - a 73m-tall ‘tower of victory’, complete with verses from the Quran and other intricate inscriptions in its sandstone exterior, dating back to the 13th century. At the foot of this imposing structure lies the Quuwatu’l Islam, the oldest mosque in northern India.Dehli is also home to a poignant display of more recent Indian history at Gandhi Smitri, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated here in 1948. Gandhi, popularly known as ‘The Father

From ancient history to its beautiful light, the many faces of this vast and vibrant country are ripe for discovery.

MAIN: The awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest ode to love, is best seen in the early morning sunlight. ABOVE: A portrait of a local character is captured in Rajastan.

MAIN: Watch orphan elephants bathe in the river at Pinnewala. BELOW: Stilt fisherman show off their skills near Galle.

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of the Nation’, lived here for a time prior to his death, and the memorial is a tribute to his inspirational life and teachings.

Despite being located in a nation awash with beautiful buildings, temples and monuments, the majestic Taj Mahal, located in the historic city of Agra, is arguably the most stunning of them all. It’s hard to describe the sense of awe that washes over you as you take in perhaps the world’s greatest ode to love – at its best early in the day, its immense white marble dome kissed by the soft morning sunlight.

The famous Indian light also plays a part in the beauty of Jaipur, famed for the gorgeous pink hue that imbues its buildings and streets. A short drive from the city lies the imposingly beautiful Amber Fort, which overlooks Maota Lake from its hillside perch. This immense complex of palaces, gardens, courtyards, temples and more is breathtaking in both its scale and its intricate details, making it a wonderful place in which to lose yourself.

Sri Lanka takes exoticism and beauty to extremes, packing a real punch in a small

package for visitors. Nature is on brilliant display at Yala National Park, a massive nature reserve in the country’s south-east that is home not only to leopards, crocodiles, elephants, jackals and peacocks; but also remnants of ancient civilisations, evident in various stone temples. And at Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, north-east of Colombo, you can watch the elephants as they bathe in the river and enjoy mealtimes.

Another ancient civilisation lies in wait at the astounding Sigiriya Rock Fortress in central Sri Lanka. Here, on the slopes and summit of a dramatic 180-metre-tall granite peak, a sprawling capital was built by King Kassapa I in the 5th century; today you can marvel at the surviving frescoes, the remains of an enormous stone lion, and landscaped gardens.

Sri Lanka is famed for its tea, and Nuwara Eliya – also known as ‘The Little England’ of Sri Lanka – attracted some of the first British tea pioneers, who revelled in the cool, mist-veiled climate. A visit here yields fascinating insights into both

S R I L A N K AVenture through ancient civilisation and rolling tea plantations at this small but potent piece of Asia.

EXPLORE DEEPER

Nexus Holidays offer a number of flexible packages to India and Sri Lanka. For further details and to book, visit nexusholidays.com.au

PASSAGE TO INDIA Seven days from $1599 per personSRI LANKA Seven nights from $1499 per person.Add an optional tour extension for a truly unforgettable experience:NEPAL Five nights from $999 per person: Witness the soaring heights of the Himalayas, be awestruck by Everest, step back in time as you enter ancient kingdoms and Buddhist temples, and be stunned by the Phewa Lake. You’ll also gain insights into Tibetans’ life in exile when visiting a refugee camp; a multi-layered journey through this incredible, complex country. KERALA BACKWATERS Four nights from $999 per person: Traditional folk dance and culture combine with a serene houseboat journey down the Kerala backwaters and a rejuvenating Ayurveda experience to align body, mind and soul.RANTHAMBORE

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(Passage to India mid-tour extension.) Two nights from $899 per person: See the former hunting grounds of the royal Maharajas, now home to the elusive Bengal tiger, alongside macaque monkeys and spotted deer.

colonial history and Sri Lankan culture; with gorgeous old colonial buildings and golf courses intermixed with local village life; and rolling tea plantations – taste it at the source by visiting a local tea factory.

Finally, Galle is the perfect place to soak up the seaside vibes of a bustling port city. Here, sultry tropical sights, smells and sounds mingle with grand old buildings and structures like the Old Town and Fort, hailed by UNESCO as the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south-east Asia.

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J apan is brimming with so many layers of culture, scenery, history and activity that it’s virtually impossible to see and do it all. Luckily, you

can dip into some of the best Japan has to offer in one trip, thanks to the high-speed shinkansen (‘bullet train’) system.

A quick trip from Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city (and foodie heaven) you’ll find Nara. The country’s first permanent capital is packed with an incredible concentration of cultural hotspots including the Todaiji Temple, which houses the enormous bronze statue of the Great Buddha. The temple is located in the northern part of Nara Park, famous for its resident population of beautiful, freely roaming Sika deer.

Kyoto is no cultural slouch either. Don’t miss the World Heritage-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple which, halfway up Mount Otawa, also offers spectacular views all year round (especially during cherry blossom season).

From Kyoto, it’s a scenic ride on the shinkansen to Mount Fuji (for spectacular

views, try Gotemba Peace Park or Mount Fuji 5th Station). Here, at the foot of the iconic mountain, the eight ponds of Oshino Hakkai are fed by snow melting down from Mount Fuji and then filtered through porous lava, resulting in crystal clear water. Seeking a hotter option? Head to nearby Owakudani, a volcanic valley in the Hakone hot springs region boasting scenic hiking trails and a number of hotels with hot onsen.

We have to say it – you absolutely cannot miss Tokyo. Here, in this vast metropolis, you’ll find something for everyone. There’s a dazzling array of attractions on offer: from the historical (Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple) to the cultural (tea ceremonies, pottery making) and the culinary (from traditional cooking classes to the sensory overload of the futuristic ‘Robot Restaurant’). But the simplest form of entertainment is simply wandering Tokyo’s fascinating streets: observing its people, turning down tiny alleyways, wandering into the even tinier bars, and sampling the incredible street food – an unforgettable experience.

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R O U T EFrom cultural hotspots to volcanic hot springs, this fascinating country is brimming with things to see, do and taste.

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Another way to approach Japan is to delve into the heart of its most iconic sights – think alpine vistas, zen gardens, red-

gated shrines, and soulful snow monkeys. The Kurobe Alpine Route cuts a

spectacular 90-kilometre path across the Japan Alps between Toyama and Nagano prefectures. Depending on what time of year you go (it’s closed during winter) you’ll see anything from enormous ‘snow walls’ bordering the road in spring; to flower-speckled alpine fields in summer; brilliant gold and copper foliage in autumn, and the first drifts of powdery white snow in November.

For an authentic glimpse of Japanese life hundreds of years ago, head to the World Heritage-listed, beautifully preserved ‘Gassho-style’ houses of the Shirakawago and Gokayama regions. Nestled in an isolated river valley, these distinctive dwellings date back to the 11th century and feature steeply

pitched, thatched roofs. In the ancient town of Nikko, north of Tokyo, the Toshogu Shrine is another World Heritage site, revered for its incredibly ornate architecture and bounty of sculptures and structures. Visitors can bed at the nearby Kinugawa Onsen Hotel, which offers relaxing hot springs and traditional Japanese tatami beds.

It’s not only humans who enjoy a good soak – at Jigokudani Monkey Park, in the majestic mountains of Nagano prefecture, the wild snow monkeys entrance with their humanlike behavior – grooming, lounging and playing in the steaming hot springs.

Another incredible sight awaits at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vermillion torii gates trace a striking path up the hillside behind the main buildings. And stop by the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya to see how one of Japan’s most iconic manufacturing companies made its name as an innovator.

Want to experience Japan on a whole new level? Take the road less trodden to delve deeper into its treasures.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A street snack of takoyaki in the foodie haven of Osaka; Visit the Kiyomisu-dera Temple in Kyoto; Stroll down a tradtional Tokyo back alley; Tuck into sushi; And see Mount Fuji in spring.

RIGHT: Snow monkeys soak in a steaming hot spring at Jigokudani monkey park. BELOW: The awesome sight of endless torii gates at the

Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto.EXPLORE DEEPER

Nexus Holidays offer a number of flexible packages to Japan. For further details and to book, visit nexusholidays.com.au

JAPAN GOLDEN ROUTE Eleven days from $3499; eight days from $2999. AUTHENTIC JAPAN

Eleven days from $3999; seven nights from $3499.Add an optional tour extension for a truly unforgettable experience:HIROSHIMA Two nights from $720: Gain a new understanding of this momentous moment in world history by exploring Hiroshima’s memorials and tributes to peace, including the Atomic Bomb Museum and Memorial Peace Park. ENCHANTING SOUTH KOREA Six nights from $1499: Politics, nature and culture combine to make South Korea a fascinating destination; from the military insights of the DMZ to the UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District of Mount Seoraksan National Park; from ancient archaeological sites and traditional fishing villages, to the modern metropolis of Seoul. DISCOVER TAIWAN

Seven nights from $1199: Taiwan’s resplendent natural landscapes will surprise even the most seasoned traveller, from the soaring cliff faces and raging rivers of Taroko Gorge to the mystical beauty of Sun Moon Lake. The capital Taipei also delights visitors with its unique mixture of historical architecture and museums, lively night markets, and quirky street culture.

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To discover more about Asia’s spectacular appeal and to plan your trip, visit nexusholidays.com.au

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