Collection de vacances pour l’Indonésie et l’Extrême-Orient

City-states are rare in the present day—and none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapore’s urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city’s mix of ethnic groups—mainly Malays, Chinese and Indians—and you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community. Singapore’s food scene—which is arguably the world’s most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venues—would merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.

Indonesia’s second-largest city and Java’s capital, Surabaya is known as the City of Heroes thanks to the important role it played in capturing international attention during the country’s revolution in the 1940s. And that independent spirit is still palpable among the metropolis’s internationally diverse population of nearly three million people. Surabaya is home to Indonesia’s only synagogue as well as the largest mosque in East Java. And colonial-era buildings sit just a short stroll from glitzy new shopping centers. Visitors have much to experience, whether taking in the extensive artifacts in the Museum Mpu Tantular, seeing where Indonesia’s clove cigarettes got their beginnings at the House of Sampoerna or venturing into the city’s green lung with a boat ride through the mangrove forests of Wonorejo. You’ll feel transported to a Middle Eastern bazaar at the Pasar Ampel, where the vendors hawk spices, sticky sweet dates and imported carpets. And a visit to Kenjeran Beach, right in the city, offers the chance to spot fishermen showcasing their fresh catch or take in views of one of Indonesia’s longest bridges. Obviously, deciding where to spend your time will be your main conundrum in Surabaya.

Probolinggo is a pretty port town on the north coast of East Java that’s home to the ethnic minority Tengger people. The city garners mainly tourist attention as a jumping-off point for visiting Mount Bromo. One of Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanoes, Bromo is best viewed at sunrise but makes a strong impression any time of the day. While the top has blown off, the 2,329-meter-high (7,641-foot) peak contains a cone that’s still active. And views of the surrounding volcanoes from here are just as thrilling. If you opt to stick around Probolinggo, a town of roughly 217,000 people, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There are none of the stifling crowds and pollution of Jakarta here. A pedicab tour is a fun way to get around to see the city’s Chinese temple, pleasant city square, churches and museum. But the main sites are just as easily visited on foot. There are beautiful beaches, temples, waterfalls and bamboo forests to see in and around Probolinggo. And just seven kilometers (four miles) from town at Bentar Indah Beach, you can go for a swim or stroll along the white sand. Before leaving, shop for a typical batik from the region to take home as a souvenir.

Situé sur la côte nord de Bali, Celukan Bawang est la porte d’entrée vers de magnifiques plages de sable blanc et noir, des récifs coralliens idéaux pour la plongée en apnée et le complexe de temples hindouistes et bouddhistes Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

Indonesia is made up of more than 13,000 islands, but even with all that competition, Bali manages to stand out. Beautiful temples and shrines of all sizes are spread across the island, tucked down narrow alleyways, hidden within the jungle or serenely presiding over scenic locations, like the dramatic Pura Tanah Lot atop a rock formation just off Bali’s western coast.

Bali is well known for its arts—traditional music and dance, painting, wood and stone carvings, silver jewelry and ikat and batik textiles. The island’s artistic center is the village of Ubud, and its art markets and boutiques carry beautiful Balinese pieces to take home.

When it comes to dining, whether you’re craving a burrito or satay, you can find a restaurant that serves it. Don’t leave the island, however, without sampling Balinese cuisine. Local cooking, which reflects Chinese and Indian influences, uses blends of aromatic spices to season grilled meats (though not beef—Bali is an island of Hindu culture in mostly Muslim Indonesia), fresh seafood, rice and vegetables with delicious results.

Une des plus de 17000 îles qui composent la République d’Indonésie, l’île de Komodo est le plus célèbre pour ses résidents dragons de Komodo. Le reste d’une espèce antique de varans autrefois très répandue, ce reptile géant mesure souvent jusqu’à 3 mètres de long et peut peser jusqu’à plus de 135 kilos. L’île de Komodo est d’origine volcanique, avec des paysages spectaculaires de montagnes escarpées, des gorges profondes, de savanes et de forêts tropicales. Exemple d’excursion: trek dans l’île de Komodo.

Une de nos destinations « hors des sentiers battus », Lembar est située sur l’île de Lombok, à l’est de Bali. Avec son rythme lent, ses belles plages, ses cascades enchanteresses, et le mont Rinjani, deuxième volcan le plus haut d’Indonésie, Lombok offre pas mal de jours au milieu d’une beauté spectaculaire. Découvrez Tanjung Aan près de la plage de Kuta, où le sable ressemble au poivre; faîtes du shopping dans les boutiques artisanales locales et de tissages dans les villages des petites îles, et buvez à la fontaine de jouvence au parc Narmada. Exemple d’excursions: meilleurs endroits de Mataram, village indigène de Sasak et la plage de Kuta.

Plongez dans l’époque coloniale de la Compagnie hollandaise des Indes orientales au Vieux Semerang. Ou voyagez au temple Borobudurz, où il y a une dizaine de terrasses en pierre massive, représentant chacune une étape différente de l’illumination, sont surmontées par le grand Stupa. Exemple d’excursion: Tour de ville de Semarang; Borobudur.

Tanjung Priok est votre passerelle vers Jakarta, la plus grande ville et capitale exotique d’Indonésie. Visitez le Musée national d’Indonésie, exposant plus de seize siècles d’histoire; explorez la culture indonésienne à Taman Mini Indonésie Indah; errez dans les rues de la vieille ville et découvrez l’architecture coloniale néerlandaise; visite Masjid Istiqlal (Indépendance Mosquée), la plus grande mosquée d’Asie du Sud; et faîtes les boutiques pour les trésors dans l’un des excellents centres commerciaux de la ville.

City-states are rare in the present day—and none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapore’s urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city’s mix of ethnic groups—mainly Malays, Chinese and Indians—and you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community. Singapore’s food scene—which is arguably the world’s most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venues—would merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.

Koh Samui can feel like a screensaver landscape. As if designed by Mother Nature for posters, calendars and daydreams, it’s Thailand’s most famous island for a number of reasons. The beach-fringed coast is edged with vivid, blue water that’s a surf-and-sand playground for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, building sandcastles and simply lounging. Along with busy food stalls and restaurants where you can find a whole world of cuisine made with local produce and fresh seafood as well as authentic Thai dishes, the lively streets are lined with bars, boutiques, markets and spas.

By contrast, the island’s interior can provide moments of reflection and replenishing solitude. Enter the dense, hilly jungles for hikes to ancient temples and pristine waterfalls and quaint villages where you can experience true Thai hospitality.

With dreamy landscapes and island adventures from boat excursions to nature treks, you’ll soon be enchanted by Koh Samui.

Autrefois un petit centre de commerce Khmer, Bangkok est devenue l’une des villes les plus peuplées et les plus cosmopolites du monde. Rues animées et marchés se tiennent côte à côte avec les temples d’or sereins et les boîtes de nuit fastueux. Explorez le joyau architectural du Grand Palais. Découvrez le plus grand Bouddha de Bangkok à Wat Pho et faîtes du shopping dans le spectaculaire marché flottant de Damnoen Saduak. Exemple d’excursions: Une journée dans la campagne thaïlandaise, Shopping à Bangkok; Tiger Zoo.

Autrefois un petit centre de commerce Khmer, Bangkok est devenue l’une des villes les plus peuplées et les plus cosmopolites du monde. Rues animées et marchés se tiennent côte à côte avec les temples d’or sereins et les boîtes de nuit fastueux. Explorez le joyau architectural du Grand Palais. Découvrez le plus grand Bouddha de Bangkok à Wat Pho et faîtes du shopping dans le spectaculaire marché flottant de Damnoen Saduak. Exemple d’excursions: Une journée dans la campagne thaïlandaise, Shopping à Bangkok; Tiger Zoo.

Connue pour ses plages de sable blanc, les eaux chaudes du Golfe de la Thaïlande, et son ambiance détendue, Sihanoukville est la première destination pour les amoureux plages. Construite dans les années 1950, la ville est beaucoup plus récente et plus cosmopolite que la plupart des villes de province cambodgienne. Passez la journée à explorer les kilomètres de plages vierges ou choisissez-en une et nagez, faîtes de la plongée à tuba ou détendez-vous simplement sous un parasol. Exemple d’excursion: Sihanoukville et ses environs; Piscine à l’hôtel Sokha Beach.

Que vous soyez sur un grand boulevard, admirant l’architecturale coloniale d’influence française, ou dans un marché très animé à marchander avec un vendeur de rue, vous ne pourrez pas échapper à la culture et à l’histoire de cette ville animée. Ho Chi Minh-Ville est le foyer de nombreuses pagodes colorées, de cathédrales et des palais-y compris l’un des plus anciens de la ville, la pagode Giac Lam, datant de 1744. Exemple d’excursion: le Cambodge et l’aventure terrestre à Angkor ou les meilleures places de Ho Chi Minh-Ville.

Plages de sable blanc, eaux turquoises, cafés en bord de mer. Les journées à Nha Trang comme un trésor sous-estimé est révolue. Encore largement intacte depuis le 7ème siècle sont les vénérées tours du complexe du temple Cham Ponagar. Exemple d’excursion: visite de la ville de Nha Trang, campagne de Nha Trang.

Situé sur la mer de Chine du Sud, Da Nang est une ville portuaire et votre passerelle vers les merveilles naturelles et anciennes du Vietnam. Observez les cinq sommets des montagnes de marbre – considéré pendant longtemps comme une source d’inspiration pour les artisans vietnamiens; visitez le palais et les pavillons de Hué, la ville impériale des empereurs Nguyen, et explorez la charmante ville marchande de An Hoi et à proximité de la mer de Chine. Exemple d’excursions: Artisans de De Nang, Traditions rurales; Hue impériale.

Situé sur la mer de Chine du Sud, Da Nang est une ville portuaire et votre passerelle vers les merveilles naturelles et anciennes du Vietnam. Observez les cinq sommets des montagnes de marbre – considéré pendant longtemps comme une source d’inspiration pour les artisans vietnamiens; visitez le palais et les pavillons de Hué, la ville impériale des empereurs Nguyen, et explorez la charmante ville marchande de An Hoi et à proximité de la mer de Chine. Exemple d’excursions: Artisans de De Nang, Traditions rurales; Hue impériale.

City-states are rare in the present day—and none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapore’s urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city’s mix of ethnic groups—mainly Malays, Chinese and Indians—and you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community. Singapore’s food scene—which is arguably the world’s most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venues—would merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.