Insignia - April 14, 2025

Across the Formosa Strait from mainland China is the bustling port of Keelung, on the island of Taiwan. Just 20 miles inland is Taipei, the national capital, one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. Marvel at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Grand Hotel, and the National Palace Museum, with its art treasures from Beijing's Forbidden City.

Bustling Manila is the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city turmoil are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals, dramatic Spanish forts. Choose from the cultural riches of the Metropolitan Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros, Manila's famous walled city, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. A "must see" is the Malacanang Palace with its opulent displays of Ferdinand and Imelda's decadent indulgences.

Located on the northwest Malaysian coast of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu The Sabah Museum has an excellent exhibit of archaeological finds from the area.also serves as the gateway to the beach resort town of Kampung Tanjong Aru.

Muara is the main port of Brunei and here you'll find one of Brunei's five beaches. Muara also serves as the gateway to the century-old Kampong Ayer or "Water Village", that is really a series of small communities linked by 29,140 meters of foot-bridges.

Semerang serves as the gateway to the Javanese city of Borobudur, site of an eighth century temple, the largest Buddhist monument on earth! View the dramatic carved towers and pathways that depict the life of Buddha.

Surabaya exhibits a strong influence from its colonial past. You'll get the feel of being in a 1930's Asian village in some parts of Surabaya, of being in a Dutch colony in others, and in an Islamic city in others. The mosques in Surabaya are quite impressive. Be sure to plan a visit to the Surabaya Zoo to see a family of Komodo dragons.

Did you ever imagine that you would see a dragon in person? On the remote island of Komodo, travelers have been know to see the Komodo Dragons. These giant lizards are the last vestiges of the dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. As if that weren't enough, the other wildlife on Komodo is stunning as well.

With its sparkling beaches, gorgeous wilderness, and ideal location on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Broome is truly the jewel of Western Australia. Feast your eyes upon the pearl-encrusted altar of Beagle Bay Church. Dare to feed the residents of Broome Crocodile Park, or search for the rumored treasure at Buccaneer Rock--but watch out for the pirate ghost who is said to return nightly for it!

Fremantle, the main port of Western Australia, was once a major whaling center. Today, Fremantle boasts a splendid climate, a huge fishing fleet, and warm people. Freo, as the city is known to the locals, is a great place for food lovers, with its many restaurants, cafes, and al fresco dining opportunities. Watch the sidewalk entertainment on South Terrace, a street known as Cappucino Strip.