Destinations in Asia & beyond

Sizzling travel specials!

Searching for a unique getaway or travel steal? We’ve scoured the globe to bring you exotic cultural tours, adventurous experiences, serene escapes, shopping sprees and relaxing spa retreats.

HISTORIC TREASURES

Bhutan Discover the wonders of Central and Western Bhutan with this 10-night journey into the Dragon Kingdom, from August 25 to September 5 and gain a deep understanding of Buddhist culture. You’ll stay at Uma Paro, selected local hotels and Bumdra camp – a wilderness campsite located high above the Himalayas. And visit historic temples and monasteries, plus three famous valleys – the bustling capital of Thimpu, the unspoiled valley of Haa and the Punakha/Wangdue valley. Priced from US$6,672 – inclusive of accommodation and full board (excluding beverages), guide services, cultural excursions, visas and permits, on-land transport and daily yoga. www.uma.como.bz

Egypt Pay for two nights and get one night free at Mena House Oberoi – a palatial hotel situated in the shadow of the great pyramids since 1869. Rooms are priced from 150 Euros to 510 Euros per night until September 30. www.oberoihotels.com, Email: centralreservation@oberoi.com.sg

Japan Embrace Japan’s rich culture and history by joining Atrium Eco Travel’s newly launched eight-day tour of Kyoto, Takayama, Nikko and Tokyo. Visit a traditional Japanese ryokan inn, bathe in public onsen hot springs, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony and catch a glimpse of a geisha. You’ll also explore a delightful small town in the Japanese Alps – the serene gardens a direct contrast to the neon jungle of Tokyo. With a local English-speaking guide and a seven-day rail pass, this tour departs on August 31 and October 4 and is priced from $3,198 with airfares or $2,498 without. Tel: 6536 9282, Email: travel@atriumecotravel.com

Vietnam Until September 30, journey deep into the mighty Mekong Delta waterways, cruising from Long Xuyen to Chau Doc on Le Jarai – a traditional rice barge converted into a Mekong Cruiser by Victoria Hotels & Resorts. This three-day, two-night Jewels of the Mekong tour is priced from just US$598 per person. www.victoriahotels-asia.com

FUN & ADVENTURE

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia Breathe in the crisp air of the Cameron Highlands Resort and sign up for the Scottish Golf Experience. Enjoy complimentary green fees, caddy services, golf balls, polo shirt, hat and scorecard, plus one night’s accommodation, a Scottish breakfast, four-course dinner, a Golfer’s Therapy massage and a wee dram of single malt whiskey. Weekdays RM550 per person, weekends RM580. www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

Rajasthan, India Stay at the luxurious 18th century Devi Garh palace for two nights until September 30 and pay INR32,000 for Palace suite accommodation and airport transfers or dinner. Recreational activities include trekking, bicycle trips, kite flying, croquet, golf and stargazing. www.deviresorts.com, Email: devigarh@deviresorts.com

Northern Thailand Experience a three-day mahout training course and explore the forests of Northern Thailand astride the friendly, resident elephants of Anantara Golden Triangle Resort. Learn to bathe, feed and care for these gentle giants and enjoy four nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast, free access to the Hall of Opium Museum and a lifetime of memories. Packages start from THB13,300 for two people, until April 2009. www.goldentriangle.anantara.com

Putrajaya, Malaysia Celebrate Putrajaya Shangri-La’s fifth anniversary by booking a Family Fun package priced at just RM325 per night, until December 31. You’ll enjoy one night’s accommodation, buffet breakfast and semi-buffet dinner for two adults and two children aged below six years – 50 percent discount applies to children aged seven to 12 years. Just 30 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya Shangri-La offers a range of activities such as sightseeing, nature trekking, lake cruises, gondola rides, canoeing, sailing and more. Tel: 603 8887 8826, www.shangri-la.com

            South Africa Until August 31, Country Holidays suggests eight days in South Africa’s winter sun with their Safari And The Cape package. Starting at the game reserves near Johannesburg you’ll enjoy panoramic views of flora and fauna, including the “big five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – from an open-topped safari vehicle. Travelling on, you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful scenery of the Cape Peninsula including wineries, penguin rookeries and Cape Town’s waterfront setting – protected by the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. Packages start from $4,280 per person for a minimum of four people staying at Madikwe River Lodge for three nights – inclusive of flights with Singapore Airlines. Plus, three free night’s accommodation in Cape Town and surrounds provided by Country Holidays! Tel: 6334 6120, www.countryholidays.com.sg

SERENE ESCAPES

Boracay Island, Philippines Spend your summer under the sun at Boracay Island – one of the most popular beaches in the world – for an unforgettable vacation. Stay at Two Seasons Resort with a minimum of four people for three days two nights and pay just PHP6,450 per person, until October 15. www.boracay.com

            Koh Samui, Thailand Explore Thailand’s most lush tropical island and stay at Karma Hotel Resort. Enjoy five nights or more from THB8,700 per person per night and you’ll also  experience gourmet delights – a visit to Samui’s local market, an in-residence barbecue with a personal chef and waiter, plus a private cooking class. A personal car and driver will also be at your service, allowing an in-depth discovery of this beautiful island. www.karmasamui.com, Email: info@karmasamui.com

            Laos Until October, pay just US$165 per night to rent the traditional Villa Savanh at The Apsara. Nestled in the centre of Luang Prabang, this self-contained villa, surrounded by lush garden, has three double bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious living room and a maid service. www.theapsara.com, Email: info@theapsara.com

            Lombok, Indonesia Stay in a thatched-roof villa, discover plentiful marine life in clear waters and sunbathe on golden beaches surrounded by swaying palm trees at The Oberoi, Lombok. This exotic sister island to Bali promises a relaxing escape priced from US$275 per night for a minimum of three nights or US$240 for a minimum of six, until December 19. Airport transfers and daily breakfast, afternoon tea and fresh fruit also included. www.oberoihotels.com, Email: reservations@theoberoi-lombok.com      

Sabah, Malaysia Escape to Sutera Harbour Resort for just RM3,888 per couple with the Dreamy Escape package and enjoy one night’s stay at Sutera Harbour Resort, plus two nights in a Honeymoon suite at Manukan Resort, on a private island. Valid until December 31, this package also includes daily breakfast, a barbecue lunch and a romantic candlelit dinner with champagne. Hope aboard a relaxing sunset cruise, or take flight in a helicopter for spectacular views of the surrounding islands. www.suteraharbour.com, Email: sutera@suteraharbour.com.my   

SHOPPING SPREES

Bangkok, Thailand Perfectly poised for retail therapy, the Metropolitan Bangkok is located just minutes away from the city’s main shopping precinct. Metropolitan’s Tote-To-Toe Shopping Experience comes complete with accommodation, daily breakfast, five hours of personal limousine service, a reflexology treatment, welcome Martinis and a daily yoga class. Priced from US$375 for two people, until December 31. www.metropolitan.como.bz, Email: res.bkk@metropolitan.como.bz

            Hong Kong From just HK$1,188 per night, The Fleming hotel is a short stroll to Hong Kong’s best shopping and nightlife. Located in the heart of Wan Chai, enjoy the convenience of travelling around the city by ferry, bus, Mass Transit Railway or taxi. www.thefleming.com.hk, Email: sales@thefleming.com

SPA & WELLNESS

Bali, Indonesia Renowned American yoga teachers Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman host a residential yoga retreat at COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri, from November 16 to 22. Pay US$5,640 and receive six nights’ accommodation for two people, plus five days of yoga tuition, daily breakfast/brunch, welcome and farewell dinners and return airport transfers. www.cse.comoshambhala.bz, Email: res@cse.comoshambhala.bz  

            Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Visit Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa until December 15 and pay RM2,440 for two nights’ accommodation in a Kinabalu Seaview room inclusive of daily breakfast. Each couple will also receive an indulgent two and-a-half hour CHI Spa Indulgence treatment – foot ritual, mud wrap, pearl cocoa scrub, herbal bath therapy and massage. www.shangri-la.com, Email: tab-resv@shangri-la.com

            Shanghai, China Stay for two consecutive nights or more at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel until September 7 and indulge in the rejuvenating Urban Spa Retreat package, priced from CNY2,600. You’ll receive daily breakfast, plus a complimentary CNY1,000 spa credit to spend on a variety of pampering therapies of your choice! www.fourseasons.com/shanghai

BARGAINS IN FLIGHT

Travel with a friend on Singapore Airlines until August 31 and enjoy special round-trip rates of $303 and $313 to Kuala Lumpur and Penang respectively, or $371 to Bangkok. www.singaporeair.com

            Make a booking with Metro Tours to receive fabulous discounts on air tickets before October 30. Return fares with Cebu Pacific start from $178 to Manila or Cebu and $138 to Davao, or $57 to Bali, $94 to Saigon and $89 to Jakarta with Lion Air. Special accommodation offers also available! Tel: 6735 7155, Email: inquiry@metrotours.com.sg

Posted on July 08