The Malaysian city of Kuching in Sarawak is known as the launch pad for adventure holidays in Borneo. Visitors pass through on their way to the rainforests and caves of the interior. But travellers who choose to spend a few days here will find it has attractions of its own. For a start, it has a surprisingly rich and well-preserved colonial history.
The Asian elephant still lives in the wild in at least 13 countries. But it’s facing ever-growing competition for land from humans and its numbers are declining. Many others live in captivity and work in the logging industry, at temples and in the tourism business. Travellers who want to see these gentle giants at close hand have several options.
Travellers in Asia may be surprised to discover how widespread the practice of chewing betel nut is. It’s common in many regions, from South Asia to Indochina and beyond. Visitors may be unaware that betel nut isn’t just a chewy stimulant. It has a social and cultural history dating back centuries and is even a symbol of love and marriage.
A great way to absorb yourself completely in a culture is to take a cooking class, and food-obsessed Hong Kong has many to choose from. Whether you want to learn how to create sweets, pastries, traditional Asian fare or Yum Cha, it’s all there for the picking, cooking and, in the end, eating.
It’s a long, hard climb to the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous monastery. But the rewards are worth it. Visiting this Buddhist monastery, perched on a mountain cliff high above the Paro valley, is an unforgettable experience. And senior travellers shouldn’t be put off. Many will find it well within their grasp.
Food, glorious food — we all have to eat and drink, but for many older travellers, age ensures that they appreciate the experience of every morsel even more. Food is a point of differentiation for many destinations and Hong Kong, where East meets West, is no exception. It’s a city where every gastronomic appetite can be whet.
Many older travellers today use a smartphone to make their journeys safer, easier and more fulfilling. In addition to staying in touch with loved ones and keeping up with the news while travelling, they can download apps that provide a range of useful information. Here are some free apps that older travellers may find helpful.
For visitors to Dhaka, a cruise on the city’s main river, the Buriganga, offers a memorable way to see something of the Bangladesh countryside. The river runs southeast from the city and joins up with other major rivers that lead to the Ganges Delta, which stretches across most of the country’s south. A day trip lets you leave behind the crowded capital and watch life unfold along the river banks.
Most visitors to Kellie’s Castle, a popular tourist attraction north of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, don’t venture into the nearby town of Batu Gajah. But the town, for decades the centre of Malaysia’s tin mining boom, has a lot to offer senior travellers with an interest in history. It has a rich colonial past and many intriguing sights.
Since opening its doors to tourism in the mid-20th century, Nepal has become one of Asia’s top destinations. In recent years it has bounced back from civil war and a devastating earthquake to attract growing numbers of visitors. Among them are many senior travellers, who can delve into its culture and history while they enjoy its Himalayan scenery and exciting wildlife reserves.
Hong Kong has always been a popular stopover destination, and much can be seen and done within a couple of days, but this hardly enables visitors to scratch the surface of this many-layered, world-class city. Hong Kong is a destination that can be exceptionally rewarding for senior travellers who have the time to explore it further.
Forests cover nearly 60 percent of Malaysia. They provide great hiking opportunities for senior travellers who want to spend time getting close to nature. Many nature trails in the country’s hill resorts and national parks offer memorable hikes for older travellers without pushing them beyond their limits.
Macau is a gambler’s paradise, the Vegas of the East. It’s also the most densely-crowded territory on earth. But there’s another part of Macau that many people don’t know about. And for senior travellers, it provides a refreshing respite from the teeming casino and shopping strips.
At first glance, the tiny nation of Brunei on Borneo island appears to have little to offer visitors. It’s prosperous but quiet, without the usual Asian urban bustle or the rollicking nightlife that many tourists crave. But this is precisely why some senior travellers will like it – combined with the fact that it has some fine tropical rainforests.
Kathmandu’s Garden of Dreams is an oasis in the heart of a hectic city. Once a private garden, it lay in disrepair for decades before being restored for public use. It’s right next door to Kathmandu’s main tourist district, Thamel. Once you chill out in the garden, you may find yourself in no hurry to leave.
What are the top 5 destinations in Asia for first-time visitors that would appeal most to senior travellers? It’s advisable to start with destinations that provide a ‘soft landing’, and not ones like India that can be quite overwhelming for less experienced travellers. Here are our recommendations for the best places to visit for those new to Asia.
