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Country ProfilesFiji - Indonesia - Malaysia - Thailand - VietnamFijiWhen most people think of Fiji little more comes to mind than palm draped beaches, a cloudless sky and crystal blue waters. This is the ultimate place to kick back and relax, so if that’s what brings you here you won’t be disappointed. The Mamanuca and Yasawa islands arc north like a stingray's tail from the body of Viti Levu and are Fiji's movie stars, dangled in front of the world as idyllic South Sea Edens – their reefs and cobalt blue waters providing cinematic eye candy for films such as Tom Hanks' Cast Away. The underwater scenery is also spectacular and some of the finest, and most accessible dives in the Pacific can be found here. Fiji’s reputation as ‘soft coral capital of the world’ is well justified. As tempting as it is to slip into a sun induced coma, you will have to leave your beach towel to really get to know Figi. Northwest of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu is the Yasawa Group, a chain of volcanic islands set to rival the better-known Mamanucas in the popularity stakes. A daily catamaran threads its way from one bay to the next, dropping off and picking up travellers as it goes; this is a great way to see the beauty of Figi. When you do finally stop, take a dip into the coral gardens and enjoy the laid-back charm of the island and its people. To really get to know the heart of Figi, spend some time on either of the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Two-thirds of the population live in urban centres and it is on Viti Levu that you’ll find the country’s two cities: Suva, the capital and Lautoka, a port town reliant on the sugar-cane farms that surround it. - Full name: Republic of the Fiji Islands Fiji Destinations: IndonesiaThe vast and richly diverse archipelago of Indonesia, spreading almost 5000km across the equator, will surely hit the spot to satisfy all your holiday needs. With more than 17,000 islands it’s hard to know where to begin. In the West, Sumatra’s jungles hide impish monkeys, leopards, orang-utans and the stoic sun bears. Java offers amazing views of the port from the capital Semarang, from the oceanic rice fields in the lowlands, the city itself, and up to the surrounding mountains of Candi Hill. While in Bali, see the endangered Bali Starling while on a bird watching excursion, dive local waters in search of Mola-Mola, or simply relax in one of Bali’s luxury spas. Treat yourself to one of the Bali’s fine dining hot spot or for a home cooked alternative, try a local Warong and melt at the mouth-watering selection of Indonesian delicacies. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to take in some of Bali’s fine arts and culture it is famous for. Enjoy the laid back surfing culture of Lombok and the Gili’s and the sensation of stepping back through time when you reach islands like Flores and Sulawesi; here you see timeless traditions and ever prominent culture not yet guided by the western world. The Natural wonders Indonesia has to offer seem never ending from the three coloured lakes of Kelimutu, Komodo’s dragons, and Tangkoko Batuangus Natural Reserve in Sulawesi to the exquisite jungle of Borneo. Still, most of the archipelago’s territory remains unexplored, concealing a wealth of cultures and hidden gems to be discovered. You find friends everywhere you go no matter how long you visit for, and don’t be surprised if you awake to find yourself any English teacher for a day! Take in the smells, the vivid colours and the rich hospitality that will never leave your thoughts. Wherever Indonesia takes you are sure to be left giddy with a sense of adventure, leaving your senses reeling and wanting more. - Full name: Republic of Indonesia Indonesia Destinations: MalaysiaMalaysia really does have it all to indulge every sense on your holiday. The peninsula is home to an array of ethnicities and cultures, combining to create some of the best food your tasted buds have experienced. There’s also the jungle covered Borneo where you can spend time with the majestic orang-utans in one of the wildlife sanctuaries. Try scaling the infamous Mount Kinabalu, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the infamous green turtles that make Sipadan their home. Malaysia really is a land of great contrast, as you will see leaving the vibrant splendour which is Kuala Lumpur, on the Jungle railway to the tranquil white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Perhentian Islands. The best thing about this colourful destination has to be the fusion of it all, from the religious, traditional villages to the hustle and bustle of developed Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia is one of the most heart warming and safe places to travel in Asia. If there are any culinary connoisseurs out there, make sure you pay a visit to Penang on the west coast where you will literally taste the blend of culture throughout Malaysia. - Full name: Federation of Malaysia Malaysia Destinations: ThailandWhen you first arrive in Bangkok your senses will be overloaded, whether it is one of the 400 glittering temples, the smell of fresh Pad Thai being prepared on the many side streets or the never ending nightlife Bangkok has to offer. Somehow this city has great success in providing a glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the hustle and bustle of this modern metropolis. Chang Mai is Thailand’s cultural center where you can learn everything from creating a mouth watering Thai Green Curry to the ancient techniques of Yoga and Thai Massage. You may wish to take to the hills, home to some of the many hill tribes, where it’s truly breathtaking to look into the past. Moving south down the narrow peninsula, between the Andaman Sea to the west and the South China Sea to the east, you will be spoilt for choice of charming palm-fringed beaches, limestone climbing outcrops and colourful coral reefs that await you. For those searching for fun, let’s not forget Koh Phangans infamous full moon parties which have been bringing travellers here since the seventies. With the best combination of relaxation, fun, adventure and nature, Thailand offers you a truly unique and memorable look into the best of South East Asia. - Full name: Kingdom of Thailand Thailand Destinations: VietnamAlthough many westerners still imagine Vietnam through the lens of war, it is in reality a country filled with captivating natural beauty and tranquil village life. The highland and rainforest regions are bountiful, teeming with exotic wildlife, and continue to yield new species. Its islands and beaches are among the finest in all of Southeast Asia, and the cuisine is possibly some of the most delicious and fresh you will ever find. Over two decades have passed since Vietnam was officially united, and in that time it has done a remarkable job of healing its wounds. Today, this gracious and graceful country is an ever evolving travel destination. Today, this gracious and graceful country is an ever evolving travel destination with fertile deltas, primitive forests inhabited by exotic fauna, sinuous rivers, mysterious caves and heavenly waterfalls and beaches. Beyond nature, the curious and open-minded visitor will find in Vietnam a feast of culture and history. Venture to the north and nothing can prepare you for the beauty of Halong Bay and its 2000 limestone karsts. Experience the thrills of trekking around mountains of Sapa, or soak in the cultural beauty of Ho Chi Minh and Saigon, two different worlds brought together by the beauty of its people. Vietnam has it all. Go expecting the unexpected; be ready for an adventure as much as a holiday, and Vietnam will deliver. - Full name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vietnam Destinations:
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