If I Had 2 Weeks In Southeast Asia I’d …

SoutheastAsia.org asked its writers what they would do with 2 weeks to spend in Southeast Asia.

It’s been said that variety is the spice of life and travelers in search of living up to that motto should look no further than Southeast Asia. With so many countries and cultures to choose from, one can cram several unique experiences into a short amount of time.

Consider this sample two-week itinerary that will allow you to get three different stamps in your passport while at the same time giving you a better understanding of how much the region has to offer. Plan on spending three to four nights at each stop, while allowing extra days for travel and down time.

Part One: The City

A good place to start your adventure is Singapore. Also known as the Lion City, it’s stylish, clean and efficient; making it a little less intimidating for Western travelers, especially those unfamiliar with the region.

The cultural heart of Singapore beats strongly in its Chinatown district. It’s a wonderful blend of food, shopping and an exciting nightlife. For those interested in eye-popping places of worship, the Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple are highly recommended. 

Those with a taste for something different (and more temples) should also consider Singapore’s Little India community. Nestled amongst the trinket shops are the colorful Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, the Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple (also known as the Temple of 1000 Lights) and the spectacular Leong San See (Dragon Mountain) Temple.

Singapore also boasts several intriguing museums, with the Asian Civilizations Museum and the Singapore Art Museum at the top of the must-see list. Both are very well-organized and offer a brief respite from humid weather. If you’re still looking to beat the heat, enjoy a delicious Singapore Sling at the landmark Raffles Hotel.

Families will want to ride a cable car to Mt Faber and then on to Sentosa Island. Once there, the young (and the young at heart) can enjoy such attractions as Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, Fort Siloso, and Images of Singapore, a cultural museum that highlights Singapore’s importance as a port and trading center as well as its significance during World War II.

Part Two: The Unknown

After the relative orderliness of Singapore, why not shake things up a bit and go to a relatively less-traveled destination? If this notion intrigues you, then look no further than the tiny nation of Brunei on the exotic island of Borneo. 

First things first: coming from Singapore, you need not find a money changer as the Brunei and Singapore dollars hold the same value and are interchangeable. Unlike, Singapore, however, which is a commuter’s dream, public transportation is virtually non-existent in Brunei, so consider renting a car. The good news is that most points of interest are within or nearby the capital city Bandar Seri Begawan. 

When in the capital, don’t miss the golden dome of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque as well as The Brunei Museum and The Royal Regalia Building, both worthwhile museums. Also located in the city is Kampung Ayer, 28 water villages on stilts that contain colorful shacks, shops, schools and even floating fire stations. The best way to experience it is by taking a water taxi along the Sungai Brunei. 

Just outside of Bandar Seri Begawan is Jame’asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Brunei’s largest and most magnificent mosque and Istana Nurul Iman, the palace of His Majesty the Sultan. With a budget of US$350 million, it is most impressive and best viewed at night when it’s all lit up. The luxurious Empire Hotel is also not-to-be-missed, even if you are there just to check out its seven restaurants, cinema, golf course, beach area and other attractions.

Venturing further afield, check out Kuala Balai, a small river village famed for its boat trips, jungle trekking and a tribal skull house. If trekking is your thing, keep going until you reach the Ulu Temburong National Park. It is home to a beautiful rainforest and one of the largest canopy walkways in the world.

Part Three: The Beach

What better way to wind down your trip than with a little relaxation and fun in the sun? And Malaysia is just the place to do it. Those in the know consider Pulau Perhentian (consisting of Pulau Besar and Pulau Kecil) to be the nation’s island. The islands are only accessible by boat from the fishing village of Kuala Besut, but once you get there, it’s worth it.

Pulau Kecil (Small Island) has prettier beaches, a lively nightlife, and backpacker appeal, while Pulau Besar (Big Island) offers better accommodations and is quieter. Both have coral reefs that you can easily swim to from the sandy white beaches. Diving and snorkeling boat tours can also be arranged. Once out in the water, not only will you be able to find Nemo, but small reef sharks and giant turtles too. One bit of advice: be sure to take enough money with you because there are no banks, ATMs or public phones on the islands.

In Conclusion

Consider this itinerary a template for a balanced excursion, because Southeast Asia is so diverse and stimulating that the destinations can easily be switched out for others. For example, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia (plus Indonesia and Philippines) are all located in the region’s southern track. If you want to try the City/Unknown/Beach theme in the north, then why not consider Bangkok in Thailand, off the beaten track in Laos, and a beach somewhere in Vietnam? It’s your adventure, make the most of it!