Asia travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Islands, islands everywhere – hundred of them in the Mindanao Island group, of which is the largest by far is ‘big daddy’ Mindanao at 97,500 sq km. Mindanao is the centre of Islam in the Philippines, though it is now the island’s minority religion. Even so the struggle to secure an independent Muslim state on the island has been taking place for centuries and continues to these days. Photo by: frankeys creation
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Pangkor is situated off the west coast of Malaysia, between Kuala Lumpur and Penang and only seven km across from Lumut. It is a small island being only 8 sq km but it has interesting history, having been a major tin producer in the 19th century. The island has some of the best beaches on this side of the Malay Peninsula and these are situated on the west coast. The east coast mainly consists of fishing villages. Photo by: mike’sworld
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Nemrut is a 2,150 meters high mountain in Turkey, located near the province of Adiyaman. At the top of the mountain, King Antiochus I Theos (69-36 B.C.) built his tomb-sanctuary along with huge statues (8-9 m high) – two lions and two eagles, and various Greek and Persian gods. Mt. Nemrut was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987. The nearby town of Ad?yaman is a popular place for car and bus trips to the site, and one can also travel by helicopter. Tourists typically visit Nemrut during June through August.
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Chiva-Som, meaning Haven of Life, is located in the south of Hua Hin, Thailand,  is a three-hour drive from Bangkok. The resort  is surrounded by tropical gardens and next to an idyllic beach on the Gulf of Thailand. Chiva-Som provides a comprehensive range of spa, medical and fitness programs that combine the very best of Thai hospitality and Western-style treatments.
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Alila Cha-Am is a tropical paradise situated in the charming coastal town of Cha-Am, on the north west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This luxurious beachside resort is designed to be a sophisticated and contemporary lifestyle destination. From the grand entrance stairway to the rooftop reflecting pool, every detail is understated yet unforgettable. The Horizon rooms, Garden Terrace rooms and Pool Villas are conceived as personal retreats – spacious and elegant.
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This ex-residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur is now a luxury hotel, which was awarded by “Conde Nast Traveller” as one of The Best Hotel in Asia. The interior of the palace was refurbished in keeping with its historical heritage, providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of the royals. The Rambagh Palace is indeed a magnificent palace spread over 47 acres of gardens and offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings.
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Hainan is China’s Hawaii. It’s on the same latitude, with a highly developed agricultural economy, roads and infrastructure. It’s China’s smallest province, divided by a 1.5 km strait from Guangdong, and nestled between the Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea. Like Hawaii it has the beaches, hills, forests, wildlife, and recreational roster. 
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