Morning Calm Books

[Cloris Sopha]

Everybodyhas a reason to book flights to Cape Town. The Mother City has everything: beautiful beaches, lively lounges and restaurants, and five-star hotels from which to explore them all. Historically, it was a busy port for travellers sailing past the tip of Africa. Today, the melting pot of cultures keeps visitors coming from all over the world.

Johannesburg, or Joburg for short, has a rich history built on a 19th century gold rush. The discovery of the precious metal brought prospectors and jobseekers from across the globe looking for a piece of the action. Today, travellers take flights to Johannesburg to dine in exceptional restaurants, party in vibrant nightlife venues or shop at fashionable boutiques in Sandton and Rosebank.

Like most of South Africa, a love of rugby permeates the city. Wear red and white to show support for the Lions, the local team who play at the magnificent Ellis Park, a venue that holds just under 60,000 fans. Grab a stick of biltong (dry cured meat), a refreshing drink and watch the entertainment.

Those in search of a more low-key experience tend to head to Melbourne instead, where life moves at a slightly slower pace. Despite being somewhat smaller than Sydney, Melbourne has plenty to recommend it, from a lively art scene to a bustling cafe culture.

Besides these two tourist magnets, there are a number of other places in Australia worthy of your attention. Visit the west coast to discover destinations such as the less crowded city of Perth, and the Ningaloo Reef, where some parts of the coral are close enough to swim to from the beach.

Adelaide is the ultimate destination for lovers of food, events and entertainment. Explore hidden laneways bursting with boutique bars and intimate restaurants and discover flavours from across the globe at the Adelaide Central Markets.

Brisbane features cheap coffee shops where you can sip an afternoon espresso, an amazing collection of world-class bookstores, meandering walks along the lazy Brisbane River that winds its way through the city, and restaurants and hotels to match.

As much as night owls are catered for, this is also a city for the outdoorsy. Endless sunny days and the close proximity to the Sunshine and Gold Coasts make Brisbane perfect for beach lovers, while large green spaces, such as the City Botanic Gardens, provide a break from the buzzing city.

The hotel options in Melbourne are as endless as the views in the Aussie outback. The inner city has recently experienced a revitalisation as hotels invade the central business district that's also experiencing a population boom. If you're after something completely different, check out Neds Gully Campground for a true Outback experience.

For wildlife and nature enthusiasts, embark on a bush walking adventure at the Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Look forward to spectacular scenery and plenty of wildlife - expect to see wombats and wallabies roaming freely in their natural habitat, just 90 minutes away from Sydney.

Once the capital of the powerful Khmer Kingdom of Angkor, the area has several captivating temple ruins include Bayon Temple, Prasat Preah Khan, and Ta Prohm Temple with its moss-covered walls and roof smothered in giant tree roots.

Shopping in Phnom Penh means exploring the many markets across the city, like Phsar Themei (Central Market) and Tuol Tompoung, bursting with stacks of fabrics, produce, snacks and treasures like carvings, jewellery, artwork, gems and antiques.

The nightlife in Phnom Penh offers everything from the lively bars of Bassac Lane to evening cultural performances and night markets. Enjoy sundowners at stylish rooftop lounges overlooking the city, or simply take in the atmosphere on a sunset cruise along the Mekong River.

On Hong Kong Island, modern skyscrapers and world-class restaurants coexist with quaint alleyways hosting centuries-old tea shops and street markets. Kowloon provides an opportunity to experience atmospheric neighborhoods, shop at street stalls or high-end malls and visit culturally rich museums.

In the New Territories, you can access nature trails, embark on hikes, explore bird-watching paradises and visit beautiful monasteries. All places offer a wide range of hotels, from luxurious or budget friendly to heritage properties. Hong Kong is also home to over 200 outlying islands, full of charming villages and incredible rock formations.

Whichever area you choose as your base, travelling across the spectacular Victoria Harbour is easily accomplished by hopping on a ferry like the Star Ferry or taking the train on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system. On the island, you can also ride the iconic tram and leisurely soak in the vibes of different neighborhoods.

Hong Kong is also an ideal destination for a family-friendly holiday. Children of all ages will be excited by the World of Frozen and Iron Man experiences at Hong Kong Disneyland, or they can unleash their creativity at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.

Malaysia is a remarkably diverse travel destination. The landscape alone is varied; a mix of jungles, beaches and pulsating cities that form the lifeblood of this remarkable nation. While predominantly Muslim, other religions also inhabit the land, so there are some stunning mosques, churches and temples dotted throughout Malaysia.

In contrast, the Batu Caves in the northern suburbs are home to the country's most sacred Hindu shrine, and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia boasts a breathtaking treetop canopy walkway, right over the rainforest. The only sight that can compare is the dazzling light show performed each night by Kuala Selangor's fireflies.

While Malaysia's largest city isn't short on sights it's also a great place for a wander. A cross-section of cultures such as Malay, Chinese and Indian means the cuisine, like the conversations heard on the street, is deeply diverse. Locals are known for their friendliness toward tourists, and being such a cosmopolitan city, many locals speak English and are quick with a smile and happy to help with directions.

But where Kuala Lumpur really comes into its own is with its markets. For the true KL experience, head to a night market and sample all of the sights, sounds and smells of the city. Hunt for bargains in Chinatown or stop by Brickfields, home to Little India, to try out the banana leaf rice restaurants. And if you're still not ready for bed after all that, hit the Mamak stalls. A visit to these lively 24-hour curry houses loved by Malaysians of every background is like a little night out in itself.

And despite its deserved reputation for ruggedness, New Zealand offers many quality restaurants featuring the freshest ingredients, along with high-end accommodations that will suit any style. These range from the fanciest hotels in the world to simple but comfortable hostels aimed at the backpacking set who wander the country in search of their next adventure.

Auckland is by far the biggest city in the country with more than one million of the country's 4.2 million citizens calling it home. As a result, it's where you'll find many of New Zealand's best hotels and restaurants. Dine at Kazuya Restaurant or The Shed, and don't miss the Goat Island Marine Reserve.

Christchurch operates as your jumping-off point to all the south island's adventures but make sure to hit Orana Wildlife Park and take a helicopter ride over the city before you take off into the wild. If you need to stock up on snacks and drinks, King of Snake is an excellent option, while Addington Coffee Co-Op is the place to go for people watching and a late morning pick-me-up. The George Christchurch offers top notch accommodation.

For those not seeking an all-action adrenaline-pumping time, there are plenty of five-star restaurants and luxury hotels dotted throughout the city. This is especially true around the harbour area, while low-key cafes and boutiques are hidden around many corners. Green space is everywhere, too, with parks, gardens, and paths.

Much of the action is concentrated near the water, from the restaurants, lounges and boutiques dotted around Waitemata Harbour to the golden sands and surfer-friendly cafes of Takapuna Beach. In short, Auckland is a paradise for travellers who love being outside.

Despite its futuristic skyline, which boasts such gems as the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, there are plenty of green spaces to escape to dotted throughout the city. The Singapore Botanic Gardens alone comprises 74 hectares of greenery, while the Gardens by the Bay is a veritable playground for visitors of all ages. Places like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Singapore Zoo allow you the chance to get close to the wildlife that this exotic corner of Southeast Asia is known for.

Once you've filled up, there are enough late night lounges and nightlife venues to keep you entertained well into the early hours. And when you do want to relax and recuperate, Singapore's hotel offering is truly impressive. Many of its accommodation options are destinations in themselves, such as the historic Raffles Singapore, where Alfred Hitchcock and Ernest Hemingway once hung out (albeit not together). As well as the large luxury chains, there are also midrange boutique hotels and backpacker hostels to accommodate those on more modest budgets.

Taipei, which is concentrated in the north of Taiwan, is made up of 12 districts, each with its own identity. Wanhua is one of the oldest, but also one of the trendiest. Neihu is where you'll find old and new Taipei, with temples and shopping malls standing side by side. Shilin is home to the National Palace Museum, which has nearly 700,000 pieces of imperial artefacts.

Sitting in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains, Taipei is also blessed with gorgeous scenery. Head to the Beitou district for its hot springs and the stunning Yangmingshan National Park, or to Elephant Mountain hiking trail in Nangang and its rolling forest hills overlooking the city.

If you're curious about culture, one of the best places to head to is Chiang Mai, one of the oldest cities in the country. Here you can go trekking in the jungle, see Buddhist monks in ancient temples and visit an elephant sanctuary.

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