Boracay, Philippines Boracay is a small island about 200 miles southeast of Manila. Its shape is akin to a dumbbell or a dog-bone, and the narrow strip in the middle is rimmed with two of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The name of White Beach, on the western side, is almost an understatement. It is vividly white and the shallow water offshore shines a candy blue. Add lush coco palms and other tropical vegetation, and a burgeoning community of upscale resorts, restaurants and shops, and you have a prescription for relaxation and aquatic recreation. At other spots around the island, surprise! More beaches. Manila, Philippines The port of Manila is the largest and most important in the archipelago. The city of Manila proper, which boasts the densest population in the world, is really only the center of a larger urban cluster called Manila Metro, housing over 12 million people. Most visitors will be attracted to the oldest section, called Intramuros, to see Spanish colonial architectural icons such as the Manila Cathedral or the ancient San Agustin church. An overnight stay will enable you to enjoy the renowned Manila sunset along the Baywalk, and also leave time for a visit to the important historical site of Corregidor Island in Manila Bay, the site of an Allied surrender in World War II, and then the triumphant return of General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines. Kaohsiung, Taiwan Taiwan’s second-largest city, Kaohsiung is a growing, fascinating, cultural hub featuring a unique blend of tradition, natural beauty, 01202 767926 and modernity. The city’s modern skyline captivates with architectural wonders like the 85 Sky Tower, offering panoramic views of Kaohsiung’s bustling harbour and the sprawling city below. Beyond its urban modern core lie many opportunities to explore important Taiwanese historical sites such as the Chikan Towers, a gorgeous center of Confucian learning surrounded by a dazzling maze of koi ponds, or the colorful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, with their vibrant exteriors and elaborate interior walls. Hong Kong, China Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world; one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.
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