indian ocean odyssey: singapore to mauritius

In its own way, Singapore is an oasis in Southeast Asia. It enjoys a low crime rate, and its infrastructure -- from road and mass-transit systems to a state-of-the-art airport at Changi -- is highly sophisticated. The city also is clean -- so much so that, for years, people were forbidden by law to chew gum in its streets, and eating on the subway can result in a heavy fine. This modern and dynamic destination -- which ranks either as a pro or a con, depending on your sensibilities -- is to cities what Disney is to theme parks.

Technically a city-state, Singapore, connected with manmade bridges to Malaysia, is made up of the main island and more than 60 surrounding islets. The mainland spans 42 kilometres east to west and 23 kilometres north to south. In the north, it shares a border with Malaysia; in the south, islands belonging to Indonesia can be visited via a short ferry ride. Singapore is located just north of the equator and is sultry, tropical and humid year-round.

Singapore is one of the world's biggest banking and transportation hubs. It's one of the most popular stopovers for folks travelling between Europe and Australia. Yet, Singapore is among the 20 smallest nations in the world -- though with 5.7 million people it's also the second-most densely populated country. Despite busy streets, shopping areas and public transportation, it normally does not feel as crowded as large U.S. city centres. Its modern design helps eliminate any feeling of congestion.

Like Hong Kong, Singapore is a city with great cultural diversity, well-developed infrastructure and a very cosmopolitan feeling. Popular with cruise lines for day-long port calls, as well as embarkation, Singapore is easily navigable, with most tourist attractions concentrated in three areas: Orchard Road, the colonial district and Sentosa.

Kuala Lumpur is the modern capital of Malaysia, situated inland near the country's west coast. KL has a population of over one million and offers historical area, traditional temples and mosques, fine museums and all the modern amenities of a major cosmopolitan city.

Sabang, situated on Weh Island at the northern tip of Indonesia, is a hidden gem for cruise travellers seeking tranquillity and vibrant marine life. Renowned for its unspoilt beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving spots, Sabang offers a peaceful retreat combined with warm local hospitality.

In the far south of the country lies Hambantota, located in a fertile agricultural area and renowned for being home to some of the country's most skilful jewellers and craftspeople. Heavily damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, there has been a heavy emphasis on rebuilding and ensuring the town becomes an important part of the development of the region as a whole.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, and is quite urban and filled with sights, landmarks and attractions that chronicle its history and the many cultures that have influenced it. There are any number of activities to choose from in the city from lounging at the beach and dining in seafood restaurants to shopping at upscale boutiques, perusing the national museum and Buddhist temples.

A fascinating amalgam of Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish, Chinese and British cultures, Kochi (aka Cochin) was Portugal's first settlement in India after Vasco da Gama's discovery of India in 1498. A major port in the spice trade for centuries, it has India's oldest synagogue, oldest European-built church, Chinese-style fishing nets, colonial Portuguese and Dutch buildings, distinctive dance forms and a big Christian minority, including Syrian Christians (St. Thomas Christians) who believe their Hindu ancestors were converted by St. Thomas in the first century. Called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi traded with Arabs, Romans, Jews and Phoenicians over 2,000 years ago. Portugal built a fort in the early 1500s, the Dutch conquered it in 1663, the British took over and ruled from 1791 to 1947. Cochin is the second-biggest city in Kerala, a tropical state on India's southwest coast filled with coconut palms and backwaters, a tangle of lagoons, canals and lakes that can be travelled by houseboat past tiny villages and traditional ways of life. Kochi's tourist attractions are concentrated in the historic districts of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry on the peninsula, reached by ferry or motor vehicle from Willingdon Island, where cruise ships arrive. But, the excellent Kerala Folklore Museum is in the modern city, Ernakulam, on the mainland east of Willingdon Island. Fort Kochi is calm and sleepy, Mattancherry is more touristed and Ernakulam is hectic and crowded. With the highest literacy rate in India (over 95 percent) and a strong emphasis on education with many schools, Kerala is considered one of India's most progressive states. One of the world's first freely elected Communist government was here in 1957. South Indian food differs greatly from that at most U.S. Indian restaurants and resembles Southeast Asian food in its love of coconut milk and spices. There are many good restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries. Some are in a few of India's top heritage hotels, inside colonial-style buildings crammed with Indian art and handicrafts.

A fascinating amalgam of Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish, Chinese and British cultures, Kochi (aka Cochin) was Portugal's first settlement in India after Vasco da Gama's discovery of India in 1498. A major port in the spice trade for centuries, it has India's oldest synagogue, oldest European-built church, Chinese-style fishing nets, colonial Portuguese and Dutch buildings, distinctive dance forms and a big Christian minority, including Syrian Christians (St. Thomas Christians) who believe their Hindu ancestors were converted by St. Thomas in the first century. Called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi traded with Arabs, Romans, Jews and Phoenicians over 2,000 years ago. Portugal built a fort in the early 1500s, the Dutch conquered it in 1663, the British took over and ruled from 1791 to 1947. Cochin is the second-biggest city in Kerala, a tropical state on India's southwest coast filled with coconut palms and backwaters, a tangle of lagoons, canals and lakes that can be travelled by houseboat past tiny villages and traditional ways of life. Kochi's tourist attractions are concentrated in the historic districts of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry on the peninsula, reached by ferry or motor vehicle from Willingdon Island, where cruise ships arrive. But, the excellent Kerala Folklore Museum is in the modern city, Ernakulam, on the mainland east of Willingdon Island. Fort Kochi is calm and sleepy, Mattancherry is more touristed and Ernakulam is hectic and crowded. With the highest literacy rate in India (over 95 percent) and a strong emphasis on education with many schools, Kerala is considered one of India's most progressive states. One of the world's first freely elected Communist government was here in 1957. South Indian food differs greatly from that at most U.S. Indian restaurants and resembles Southeast Asian food in its love of coconut milk and spices. There are many good restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries. Some are in a few of India's top heritage hotels, inside colonial-style buildings crammed with Indian art and handicrafts.

Male is the capital of the Maldives -- an island chain situated in the Indian Ocean. Though the Maldives is a small country, Male is a densely populated and bustling city that offers cruisers the opportunity to experience lots of authentic culture that is likely to be missed by visitors who head straight for the resorts and beaches that this island nation is best known for. Cruisers docked in Male should be sure to visit the local fish and produce markets and mosques, including the striking 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy, which is constructed out of white coral. From the city, travelers can also enjoy incredible scuba diving and boating adventures in the pristine turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Lying some 800 km east of Madagascar in the Tropic of Capricorn, the island of Mauritius forms part of the Mascarene archipelago, the remains of an ancient land mass which once united Asia and Africa. The capital is Port Louis  Places of interest include Le Morne Brabant, the Cargados Shoals and Rodrigues Island.

Lying some 800 km east of Madagascar in the Tropic of Capricorn, the island of Mauritius forms part of the Mascarene archipelago, the remains of an ancient land mass which once united Asia and Africa. The capital is Port Louis  Places of interest include Le Morne Brabant, the Cargados Shoals and Rodrigues Island.