PORT GAZETTEER
KOTA KINABALU Malaysia When you call at Malaysia’s Kota Kinabalu, you’ll fi nd yourself on the mysterious island of Borneo. The sights include the State Mosque with its 216ft-high minarets, the Sabah Museum and the outdoor market at Kampong Ayer Square. The beaches at the nearby Tanjung Aru Resort are superb and where you can enjoy fascinating tours to the stilted villages of the descendants of the head-hunter tribes, who gave Borneo its once fearsome reputation.
Lisbon
KUALA LUMPUR (from Port Kelang) Malaysia Towering skyscrapers glisten over the cityscape as a representation of the progressive spirit of Malaysia’s capital. Over the past 150 years Kuala Lumpur has developed from its small traditional roots into a modern city, successfully blending the old with the new. For a bird’s eye view of this bustling capital, visit the viewing areas in the iconic Petronas Towers, while in Chinatown, there’s the chance to immerse yourself in the more traditional cultures of Malaysia amidst the eclectic street vendors.
LANGKAWI Thailand Magnifi cent beaches, mystical folklore and majestic jungle covered hills make Langkawi one of Malaysia’s most popular tropical destinations. Made up of a cluster of around 99 islands, this attractive archipelago was once a sanctuary for pirates. Today its hidden coves and deserted beaches remain beautifully unspoilt. Pulau Langkawi is the largest island and home to craggy mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, ancient caves and crystal clear lakes.
LIMA (from Callao) Peru Callao is your landing point for the capital of Peru, Lima – originally known as the ‘City of the Kings’. Stroll along the streets and alleyways of its historic centre following its archaeological trail and admire beautiful Baroque churches, ornate balconies and classic colonial style buildings. Sights to see include the bronze fountain in the Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace and the mosaics at Pizarro’s Cathedral. The city’s distinct neighbourhoods each offer something a little different – from the bustling market area, to the bars and bohemia of wealthy Barranca.
LIMASSOL Cyprus Sat about halfway along the south coast, Limassol is the ideal base for visitors to enjoy what Cyprus has to offer. Across the island, there is plenty of rugged coastline and mountain scenery to explore and enjoy along with a variety of archaeological sites. A visit to the Troodos Mountains is an excellent way to see the majesty of this island. In the little resort of Troodos you can shop for souvenirs or just enjoy the mountain air. Limassol itself is a working town as well as a holiday resort and has been attractively landscaped with a centre that’s easily walkable. Make sure you visit the 12th century fort where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria and which now houses an excellent medieval museum.
102 WORLD CRUISES 2013 Langkawi
LISBON Portugal Some of the best views of the Portuguese capital come as you sail along the Tagus River. You pass the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the ‘Monument to the Discoveries’ with its statue of Henry the Navigator, before arriving at Lisbon. Although small for a European capital, this city does sprawl a little so you would do best to concentrate on three districts – Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama, each with its own distinctive style. Baixa has busy streets of inviting shops, cafés and restaurants while Alfama is the atmospheric old town. Bairro Alto is another historic district with narrow streets and it is a steep climb from Baixa so look out for the 100-year-old lift (Elevador do Carmo) near Rossio Square.
MADEIRA When you travel around Madeira it quickly becomes clear why it’s known as the ‘Garden Isle’ – and it’s hardly surprising that colourful fl ower markets are one of the most arresting features of Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Locally made wicker furniture, lacework and tapestries all make good buys along with the ubiquitous Madeira wine. Funchal is also the base for tours to the fi shing village of Camara de Lobos where Churchill went to paint.
MANAUS Brazil Manaus is the furthest navigable port on the Amazon, some 1,000 miles from the ocean and deep within the rainforest. Taking its name from the Manaos Indians who inhabited the region, the city became a huge boomtown at the end of the 19th century. As the economy thrived, the locals erected monuments to their success. The most fl amboyant being the huge golden-domed Opera House, which was imported, stone by laborious stone, from Europe. Today the city, with its vast crumbling civic building, remains a fascinating gaudy metropolis, set amidst a sea of dense rainforest.
Lima
MANTA Ecuador Manta, located in a dry tropical forest, enjoys a warm pleasant climate and its wide Pacifi c Ocean beaches stretch for miles along the peaceful shores. The oldest signs of human settlement in South America were found along its coast, giving the city a rich and varied history. Learn about the ancient cultures of the towns of Machalilla, Chorrera and Valdivia in the small Archaeological Museum. In the nearby village of Montecristi live a handful of master weavers, the creators of some of the fi nest straw hats in the world – Montecristi Panama Hats. Watch the artisans as they shape and sculpt their crafted works.
MAURITIUS
The island paradise of Mauritius is the archetypal dream destination with its white sand beaches and blue lagoons, coconut trees and coral reefs, friendly locals and fantastic cuisine. The characterful capital, Port Louis, cossets an Anglican and a Catholic cathedral, a fortifi ed citadel and some fi ne French buildings dating back to the 18th century. You can pay a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses or, elsewhere on the island, you can visit the scenic natural reserve of Black River Gorges National Park.
MELBOURNE Australia Set on the Yarra River and close to national parks and beaches, cosmopolitan Melbourne certainly loves its sport. While, for culture-vultures, must-visits include the Victorian Arts Centre with its magnifi cent concert and theatre complex allied to the National Gallery housing Australia’s greatest collection of fi ne art; and the Melbourne Museum, the largest in the country with fascinating displays of Aboriginal artefacts. One of the best ways to get an immediate feel for the city is to jump on a vintage tram which will rattle you around the key sights in the city centre.
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