Chinese Whispers July 2015

Chinese Whispers J U LY 2 0 1 5

The ultimate travel experiences for 2015 (There’s still time!)

CITIES OF THE ORIENT Discover Hong Kong Asia’s world city Shanghai Life in the megacity 48 hours in Saigon

An Evening Among Monks Experience a Buddhist temple stay in Japan The road to Myanmar Everything you need to know to get there in 2015 Guilin, China: Natural beauty mingles with the bizarre Group Tours • Deluxe Holidays • River Cruising • Private Tours • Tailor-Made Itineraries China • Vietnam • India • Cambodia • Laos • Japan • Thailand • Sri Lanka • Myanmar • Tibet • Mongolia • Bhutan Nepal • Hong Kong • Singapore • Borneo • Taiwan • South Korea

Wendy’s Message We were very saddened by the terrible earthquakes that have been occurring in Nepal.

Thankfully the customers we had in Nepal at the time were all safe and brought home, but the people of Nepal are still suffering from the disaster. If you can help them in any small way by donating to one of the many reputable charities that are currently working there, you will be doing a great service to these gracious people.

Enclosed you will find your copy of our Early Bird brochure for 2016. This contains 29 of our most popular tours and features fantastic savings. Not only will you save money, but the full range of Early Bird departure dates is available so you can be first to select your preferred tour and date.

Whatever your plans, we hope to see you travelling with us somewhere in Asia in the near future.

Wendy Wu PS We welcome visitors on weekdays to our new office! Please make an appointment to see us and discuss your future travel plans.

Call 1300 798 118.

Cover image: Temples in Bagan, Myanmar

In June, we moved our Australian office a few metres from our previous office on George Street in Sydney – our home for the last eight years. Our larger new offices will help us continue to expand the range of tours and holidays we bring you - which of course now includes Singapore Airlines Holidays. See page 15 for some tempting beach escapes!

Unlike many companies, we include everything in our fully inclusive tours. In times when the Australian Dollar is buying less, it’s reassuring to know that so much is included. In summary, our tours include: International economy-class airfare and taxes All meals and accommodation All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees to scenic attractions National tour escort and/or Englishspeaking local guides in each city Visa fees for Australian passport holders Tipping and current airline fuel surcharge (subject to change) A Wendy Wu Tours travel wallet

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Loyalty discount If you are returning to travel with us, you will enjoy a loyalty discount on any fully inclusive group tour or deluxe holiday.

Refer a friend Travelled with us before? Tell your friends and we will reward you! Each time a new friend books with Wendy Wu Tours and quotes your details, we will deliver to you a hamper filled with delicious treats! Visit our website for further details.

Keep in Touch FOLLOW. TWEET. WATCH

2nd group tour

SAVE $100 pp

3rd, 4th and 5th group tour

SAVE $200 pp

6th or more group tour

SAVE $300 pp

Wendy Wu Tours Australia @wendy_wu_tours

WHAT’S

NEW?

Where in the world?

Early Bird Specials Brochure Out Now! Book now to save on travel in 2016 and secure your seat on our most popular tours!

We are excited to announce the release of our 2016 Early Bird Specials brochure! You can save up to $1,355 per person on a selection of our fully inclusive group tours through China, Indochina, India and Japan departing between January and July 2016. A copy of our Early Bird Specials brochure has been included with this edition of Chinese Whispers, especially for you. But hurry, these specials won’t be around for long and must be booked before 18 September 2015.

Included in the brochure is our popular 19-day Cities of the Orient tour, which explores all the highlights of China plus three nights in Hong Kong. Now priced from $6,180 per person twin share, that’s a saving of up to $1,000 per person! See page 15 of your enclosed brochure for details.

All group tours are inclusive of return international economy airfares, accommodation with all meals, comprehensive sightseeing with a National Escort and/ or English-speaking local guides, all transportation, visa fees for Australian passport holders, fuel surcharge and gratuities (subject to change). Early Bird Savings are based on the price reduction from the 2016 group tour prices published on 26 May 2015.

Early Bird Specials Travel January

– July 2016

Book before 18 September 2015 for HUGE SAVING on our most populaS r group tours

CHINA • TIBET • VIETNAM • CAMBO JAPAN • INDIA • NEPAL • CENTRA DIA • LAOS • MYANMAR L ASIA • HONG KONG

In Pursuit of Pandas – Christmas Tour Imagine spending Christmas day walking along a snow-covered Great Wall of China, a truly unique winter wonderland. Our In Pursuit of Pandas Christmas tour allows you to celebrate the festive season in an entirely different way. This tour takes you on a journey through some of China’s most impressive historical, cultural and natural sites including the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, the Giant Pandas in Chengdu and, of course, an opportunity to walk on the Great Wall on Christmas Day. This tour will surely make it a Christmas to remember.

11 days fully inclusive from $4,350 pp. twin share departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Departs 24 December 2015.

September 2014 M O O N C A K E F E S T I VA L , C H I N A The mid-autumn or mooncake festival will be held on 27 September this year. The festival dates back to the Zhou Dynasty and celebrates the autumn full moon. Mooncakes themselves are round and come in different flavours according to the region. They are enjoyed and shared amongst families and friends and have come to symbolise a long and happy life. Any excuse to eat cake, we say! Sample a mooncake yourself whilst on our 10 day group tour.

A CHINA EXPERIENCE 10 days fully inclusive from $3,570 pp. twin share departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth* with China Southern Airlines.

Departs 20 September 2015. *Perth passengers may require one night post-tour accommodation in Beijing at an additional cost.

18 – 25 November 2015 P U S H K A R FA I R – P U S H K A R , I N D I A Pushkar Fair is India’s greatest tribal gathering, featuring performances by musicians and dancers from Thar Desert. During the fair, thousands of cattle traders, shopkeepers, merchants, dancers, musicians and artisans congregate at Pushkar for a fiveday-long event, which holds the title of being India’s largest cattle fair.

R A J A S T H A N PA N O R A M A 21 days fully inclusive from $6,198 pp. twin share departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Departs 12 November 2015.

March – April 2016 H A N A M I – J A PA N Celebrate the arrival of spring in Japan and the much-loved ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom). For several weeks Japan is in full bloom and people from all over come to marvel at the brilliant displays of colour and enjoy the sweet smell of the cherry blossom trees. The viewing phenomenon, also called Hanami, has been celebrated for centuries. It is often accompanied by picnics in the park with food and drinks. Cherry Blossom season runs from late March to midApril and both our Discover Japan and Essential Japan tours have departures during these months.

E S S E N T I A L J A PA N 12 days fully inclusive now from $8,390 pp. twin share departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Departs 28 March 2016. Book before 18 September 2015. wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – July 2015

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A message from our partners

Hong Kong Skyline

My Time for Hong Kong A few weeks, days or just hours are enough to get you hooked on the incredible city that is Hong Kong!

Whether you’re a first timer, or already have a loveaffair with this great city, Hong Kong has something for everyone.

A bustling metropolis and a haven for natural beauty, a city where rich Chinese tradition co-exists with cutting-edge global trends, a place where the ancient and modern live side by side; Hong Kong is perfect for those seeking to experience a diversity of unique travel experiences in one compact destination.

A quick stroll takes you from a traditional street market to a state-of-theart shopping mall, passing incense-filled temples. A short ride transports you from towering, iconic skyscrapers to unspoilt panoramas of sand and sea. A morning spent hunting for antique watches can be followed by an afternoon hiking on an uninhabited island and capped off with an evening sampling the latest international trends in modern gastronomy.

In Asia’s world city, every moment is an opportunity to experience a different world.

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SHOPPING For sheer variety of products and brands in all price ranges, Hong Kong is a fantastic shopping experience. From glitzy malls to bustling street markets, trendy boutiques to traditional Chinese product stores, and themed shopping districts, you can find everything from the latest designer fashions and electronic gadgets to best-value antiques and collectibles.

DINING Renowned as the culinary capital of Asia, Hong Kong boasts more than 12,000 restaurants, many of them clustered in defined food districts.

Apart from enjoying the best Cantonese and regional Chinese food, visitors can sample a full choice of authentic Asian cuisines and Western fare. Local must-try dishes are dim sum and fresh seafood, with some of the top examples found in Hong Kong’s award-winning restaurants.

Hong Kong WinterFest Date: December 2015 (Exact date to be announced) As the festive season draws near, Hong Kong WinterFest emits a magical and romantic ambience, with Christmas trees amid glittering skyscrapers, city-wide decorations, festive foods and a spectacular New Year countdown.

New Year Countdown Date: 31 December 2015 Venue: Victoria Harbour Every New Year’s Eve, hundreds of thousands of spectators gather at Victoria Harbour to celebrate with a spectacular fireworks display. In 2014, revellers wished upon the ‘shooting stars’ as they counted down to midnight. The city erupted into an eight-minute pyromusical that started on the waters of the harbour and moved landwards, with glittering rings and iridescent colours of the rainbow enveloping the skyscrapers around the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

You can expect an equally spectacular start to 2016. So, get yourself to Asia’s world city next New Year’s Eve. Pick a spot, join the party and welcome a new year with all the excitement and glamour of a Hong Kong celebration!

AT T R AC T I O N S Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area, with The Peak and Victoria Harbour among the most aweinspiring. You’ll find endless things to see and do on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Or take a ferry and explore the Outlying Islands. Be amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside.

E V E N T S A N D F E S T I VA L S Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Date: Opening 22-25 October 2015; November 2015 The festival kicks off with an internationally celebrated opening party, 22 – 25 October, including wines from around the world paired with the creations of Hong Kong’s culinary wizards.

Enjoy the finer things in life in November with a series of events and promotions, including street carnivals, restaurant wine and dine offers, wine-themed tours, classes and fairs.

W HY N OT A D D A H O N G KO N G S H O R T S TAY TO YO U R W E N DY W U TO U R ?

Take me there!

PRICES ARE FROM PER PERSON, BASED ON LOW SEASON #

Hong Kong Hotel

Twin Share

Sole Traveller

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees

$725

$1,015

Eaton, Hong Kong

$800

$1,180

$1,400

$2,260

Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, seat-in-coach transfers and touring as specified with a local English-speaking guide including entrance fees and meals as listed.

Note: Seat-in-coach transfer after hours surcharges apply. Seat-in-coach tours requires a minimum group size of two passengers to operate. Pick-up is available from most city hotels. # Shoulder and high season, Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner surcharges apply. #LOW SEASON: Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees: 01 Jul - 30 Jul; 30 Aug - 24 Sep 2015 Eaton, Hong Kong: 01 Jul - 30 Jul; 30 Aug to 24 Sep 2015 Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong: 01 Jul to 10 Sep; 16 Nov to 23 Dec 2015

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Chinese Whispers – July 2015

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The Ultimate Travel Experiences for 2015 If you need any more proof that Asia is home to extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences, look no further. There is still time to add these to your 2015 travel wish list!

3 | C ATC H YO U R F I R S T S I G H T O F T H E TA J M A H A L AT S U N R I S E Agra, India “It appears like a perfect pearl on an azure ground. The effect is such I have never experienced from any work of art.”

British painter, Hodges Rise early to view the Taj Mahal in all its glory as the sun is rising. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Some 20,000 people from India and Central Asia worked on the immense white marble mausoleum, with specialists brought in from as far away as Europe to produce the exquisite marble screens and inlay work, made with thousands of semi-precious stones.

Great Wall of China, Beijing

9-day Golden Triangle from $3,798pp. twin share.

Departs 11, 25 October and 22 November 2015.

1 | WA L K T H E G R E AT WA L L O F C H I N A Beijing, China “He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man.”

Mao Zedong The Great Wall stretches from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert in the west. It is 8,850 kilometres long (6,259 kilometres of actual wall, 359 kilometres of trenches and 2,232 kilometres of natural defensive barriers), made from brick, stone, tamped earth and wood. The purpose: keeping northern raiders from swooping down into the heart of China. Walls were erected in northern China in the 7th century BC, although building was sporadic. Nothing can quite prepare you for the awe of the Great Wall as it snakes its way along the mountain ridges as far as the eye can see.

16-day Wonders of China from $4,750pp. twin-share.

Departs 2 November 2015.

2 | C L I M B TO T H E T I G E R ’S N E S T Paro, Bhutan

S AV E $500

Bhutan is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Taktshang is the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, built in the 16th century, and clings to the edge of a sheer rock face 900 metres above the floor of Paro Valley. The moderate hike takes all morning through pine forests surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Local legend has it that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew to this exact spot from Tibet on the back of a tigress, where he subdued a demon and then took residence in a cave where he meditated for three years, three months and three days.

24-day Himalayan Kingdoms now from $8,940pp. twin share. Departs 17 October 2015.

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Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

S AV E $500

4 | TA K E I N T H E S U N R I S E O V E R A N G KO R WAT Siem Reap, Cambodia “Angkor is perhaps the greatest of Man’s essays in rectangular architecture that has yet been brought to life”.

Arnold Joseph Toynbee The magnificent 12th-century Angkor Wat is the heart and soul of Cambodia. Angkor Wat took 30 years to build and represents the Khmer civilisation at its grandest; it is also the best preserved temple with its fascinating decorative flourishes and extensive bas-reliefs.

Angkor Wat is a soaring complex, and unlike the other Angkor monuments, it was never abandoned to the elements and has been in virtually continuous use since it was built.

16-day Angkor to the Bay now from $4,250pp. twin-share (Syd and Mel). Departs 5 and 19 December 2015.

Potala Palace, Lhasa

8 | V I S I T T H E P OTA L A PA L AC E Lhasa, Tibet

5 | D I S CO V E R C H I N A’S L I F E L I N E Yangtze River, China The Yangtze River is undeniably one of the world’s great and legendary waterways. This 6,300-kilometre river has its origins high up in the snow-covered mountain of Tanggula Shan in the southwestern Qinghai Tibet Plateau and runs into the ocean at Shanghai.

It is estimated that this river has more than 10 per cent of the world’s population living along its banks. You will also pass through the Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken.

14-day Majestic Yangtze from $4,060pp. twin share.

Departs 3 November 2015.

6 | H A N G O U T I N H A LO N G B AY Vietnam

S AV E $500

“In the brilliant light of the tropical sun, the sea surface, dark and light, here and there in the shadow of limestone mountains, is really an indescribable, fanciful scene. Sunset looks like a flaring fire, throwing all the islands into a fairyland.”

French journalist, John Rey Regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay shares a common border with China in the north and harbours some of the most stunning scenery in Vietnam. Savour the jaw-dropping landscapes as you cruise through the 3,000 islets that rise from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Bizarre rock sculptures jutting dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have created an enchanted, timeless world. The sails of the junk boats and sampans add further to the scenic beauty.

12-day Vietnam at a Glance now from $3,140pp. twin share (Syd and Mel). Departs 28 November 2015.

7 | G E T S P I R I T UA L O N T H E G A N G E S Varanasi, India

Today the Potala Palace is the official winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Its grand scale and dominance over the city’s skyline reflects the Dalai Lama’s former position as the centre of the Tibetan faith and politics. The first King of Tibet built a palace here on the summit of Marpo Ri Hill in the 7th century. After falling to ruins, construction of the present structure began during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645 and took more than 50 years to complete. Explore this architectural wonder, which has more than 1000 rooms filled with intricate shrines and stunning frescoes.

17-day China & Tibet Discovery from $6,490pp. twin share.

Departs 9 October 2015.

9 | M A R V E L AT T H E T E M P L E S O F B AG A N Myanmar

S AV E $500

Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River is the ancient city of Bagan, home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world, with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. It is believed as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood in the area around Bagan, however invasions, war and natural disasters have reduced most of these to rubble. Despite this, Bagan is home to more than 2,200 standing ancient temples rising from the green plains and is considered Myanmar’s greatest architectural region.

12-day Myanmar Explorer now from $4,740pp. twin share.

Departs 9 October 2015.

Where indicated, $500 saving is included in the advertised price. See back page for terms and conditions.

S AV E $500

“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”

Mark Twain As a religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India as well as one of the world’s most ancient cities. Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Varanasi to the ghats of the River Ganges to witness the Puja ceremony of Ganga Aarti (a prayer ceremony).

The devotees perform their ablutions in the river or offer prayers to the rising sun. A boat trip along the river will provide the ideal vantage point to view these activities and the fascinating mixture of people.

21-day Rajasthan Panorama now from $5,610pp. twin share.

Departs 15 October 2015.

River Ganges, Varanasi

Asia 2015 on Sale Looking to travel in 2015 but your tour isn’t listed here? Request a copy of our Asia on Sale flyer where you can save up to $500 on a selection of fully inclusive group tour departures to Indochina, India and China. Valid for sale 1 to 31 July 2015.

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Chinese Whispers – July 2015

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Let us guide you When you join a Wendy Wu tour, you will be expertly led by our national escort and local guides. Our guides provide expert insight and guidance to help you get the most out of your trip. Here, one of our local guides in Shanghai, Jerri Nian, shares his insider knowledge on his home city.

Shanghai skyline

Tell us something about Shanghai that not many people would know. There is still a thriving Jewish community in China and in Shanghai in particular. In recent years, many international Jewish groups have helped Chinese Jews rediscover their heritage. There are synagogues, Jewish cafés and shops – all of which add to the melting pot of everyday life in Shanghai.

Shanghai local guide, Jerri Nian

What is your favourite area of Shanghai that you like taking people to? I love taking people to the Bund, where you can see both the past and the future of Shanghai. It stretches along the Huangpu River and divides the city in two. Along the western shore, you’ll find colonial buildings from the 1930s when Shanghai became known as the ‘Paris of the East’. In contrast, the very modern eastern side is a sea of futuristic skyscrapers. It’s hard to believe that only 30 years ago, this area was still a field!

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meaty broth. To savour the dumpling, the preferred method of consumption is to bite off a little piece of the doughy outside, drip the broth to a spoon or suck the broth with a slurp, then eat the rest. Delicious!

Describe one experience that visitors must do when they come to Shanghai.

Anyone who visits Shanghai must take a boat trip along the Huangpu River at night. When all the skyscrapers are lit up, it really is a sight to behold and will leave you with a lasting memory of Shanghai.

Is there a particular food dish you would recommend that is typical of Shanghai?

One word – dumplings. In China, we love our dumplings very much and especially so in Shanghai. The types of dumplings vary hugely throughout China, with each region having their own style of the dish. In Shanghai, ours is called Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). These tender pouches are freshly made to order.

They arrive at the table in piping hot bamboo steamers. Each plump dumpling contains a little pork meatball surrounded by a delightful

Delicious Xiao Long Bao

A China Experience 9 D AYS F U L LY I N C LU S I V E

3,270

$

From pp. twin share departing Syd, Mel, Bne, Adl and Per* flying China Southern Airlines.

Departs 11 and 18 October 2015

Travel Tales

An Evening Among Monks

By Lauren Rafter – Creative & Production Manager, Marketing & Product The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and tears well in my eyes. Not a reaction I’m accustomed to at 6am. Cloaked in saffron, he leans purposefully over a mass of candles and Sanskrit papers. The solemn deep hum of chanting begins. I don’t know the lyrics to this spiritual soundtrack but I am entranced.

Only 24 hours earlier all western comforts and customs were left in Kyoto. I am off to stay in a shukubo (Buddhist temple lodge) on Koyasan, a secluded mountain-top temple town, located south of Osaka. Journeying several hours by coach up sweeping bends, passing red torii gates and groups of pilgrims lining the sides of the road, I sense a shift in the atmosphere.

Is it altitude? Or something more ethereal?

Koyasan is the heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, established more than 1,200 years ago

by Kobo Daishi, a Buddhist monk who built the sacred temple complex on Koyasan. His eternal residence is a mausoleum in nearby Okunoin cemetery nestled among ancient cedar trees.

Okunoin Cemetery at Mount Koya

My shukubo is in a peaceful street not far from the cemetery. There is a sense that even the blooming cherry blossoms and chirping birds are searching for something. For according to the teachings of Shingon Buddhism, enlightenment is not a distant reality that can take many lifetimes to reach, but a real possibility within this life if one’s spiritual potential (Buddha-nature) is cultivated through spiritual training.

After a warm greeting from several young monks, shoes are abandoned at the door. “You are welcome”, says a dignified older lady after taking a deep bow. I later find out that monks within this sect are permitted to marry, and our greeter was the wife of one of the senior monks.

I am led through a series of hallways, passing bonsai, rock gardens and ornate screen doors to reach my room. A small table, cushions,

a delicate tea set and a network of tatami mats await as I slide back the paper-thin door.

Outside the bay window is a forest of cedar trees, a small shrine and a snaking mandala of raked stones.

As I sip my warm green tea, something catches my attention – silence. Absolute silence. At first, mild panic sets in. What am I going to do all night with no TV and bar? What have I walked barefoot into? I take some deep breaths and decide to brave the shared onsen (hot spring bath). I disrobe from my yukata (cotton kimono), following the bathing etiquette and sit in the steaming hot water. Relaxing and reflecting… but only for a few moments. The water is so hot you can only tolerate it for a short period.

Dinner is served at 6pm sharp. In Japan each meal is an adventure in itself and the shojin ryori (devotion cuisine) served here is no exception. It is simple, but fresh and tasty.

Several colourful and delicate vegetarian courses are presented as I sit cross-legged at our mini-tables a few inches above the floor. Silken tofu, warming miso soup, fresh vegetables and a steaming hotpot satisfy our hunger. The monk’s wife appears and offers warm sake, which of course I accept.

When I return to my room, my futon bed is laid out and is covered with a cloud-like quilt. I am asleep by 8.30pm.

I awake before sunrise to the sound of gongs.

The worship hall is a sacred space, so cameras are not allowed. A small group of guests are seated in the pews and several monks are seated in front of the altar. I haven’t seen many of them during my stay, but I appreciate I am in their temple and home – they are not here to entertain.

The room is dark, lanterns hang from the ceiling and there are hundreds of gold Buddha statues. Deep chanting of a sutra (sacred scripture) begins. It is as if the previous evening of quiet reflection was preparation for the significance of this moment. The chanting

Sharing warm sake, Koyasan

becomes more zealous over the next 20 minutes, culminating in the Goma, a fire ritual unique to this sect of Buddhism. The fire is believed to have a powerful cleansing effect. A pyre is constructed and the flames grow before our eyes. Soon they are licking the ceiling of the ancient wooden temple as the head monk adds fuel, rocking and chanting at the flames, seemingly encouraging them to grow.

Around 20 minutes later the bonfire is snuffed and the chanting takes on a more meditative tone, before concluding peacefully.

The head monk stands and addresses his guests in Japanese. Someone translates and he asks where I am from. He smiles when I tell him Australia and responds in broken English, “You are very welcome here. Tell your Australian friends, please come visit us”.

Experience this for yourself on our Discover Japan tour (days 11 and 12).

Discover Japan 1 4 D AYS F U L LY I N C LU S I V E

8,890

$

From pp. twin share departing Syd, Mel, Bne, Adl and Per flying Cathay Pacific Airways.

Departs 14 October 2015

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Chinese Whispers – July 2015

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Incense sticks drying in the sun

48 hours in Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still known to its millions of inhabitants, is a city of contrasts: French colonial architecture, sparkling skyscrapers, incense-infused temples and remnants of war co-exist alongside each other. Its frenzied streets – home to an everflowing stream of motorbikes, bustling markets and vendors peddling street food – might seem a little overwhelming at first, but beyond the chaos this exciting city has a plethora of things for visitors to see and do. Here are some highlights to keep you busy for 48 hours.

Day 1 MORNING It’s time to get your walking shoes on to explore the city by foot. Start with a visit to the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1886 and 1890 in the heart of Saigon’s government quarter, and onto the nearby French-style Central Post Office, built by architect Gustave Eiffel. Just down the road you’ll find Cong Vien Van Hoa Park – here you can cool off under the trees with an iced coffee from one of the street vendors (coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French colonists in the 19th century). Walk through the park to the 1960s-built Reunification Palace, the former presidential home of South Vietnam.

This was the scene for the final stages of the American War when a North Vietnamese tank bulldozed through the gates and a soldier ran to the fourth floor of the palace to raise a North Vietnamese flag from its balcony.

LU N C H Saigon is famous for its pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup which was influenced

by Chinese and French cuisine. It’s a must-try, considered by some as the ‘national dish’ . You won’t have any trouble finding a restaurant or street stall selling it!

AFTERNOON Make your way to the War Remnants Museum, which depicts the brutality of the American War on Vietnamese civilian victims.

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It’s a very poignant and emotional museum, but well worth the visit. Take your time viewing the displays, which includes photographs, artillery, jets, tankers, army uniforms and a replica of a prison.

EVENING It’s been a big day! But should you wish to make the most of Saigon – and we certainly think you should – grab tickets for the amazing acrobatic performance currently performing at Saigon Opera House (also known as Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre).

Vietnamese Pho

Day 2 MORNING This morning head out to Cu Chi Tunnels, about 35 kilometres from the city. This 120-kilometre network of tunnels was dug by the VietCong Communist guerrilla troops and was used during the American War to house troops, transport communications and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise

attacks. The tunnels, which are several storeys deep in some parts, feature trapdoors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.

Spend time looking around the tunnels – and if you’re feeling brave, you can crawl through one yourself!

LU N C H Head back into the city for a simple but delicious lunch of Bánh mì – Vietnamese sandwiches with chicken, beef or pork with pâté, mayo, cucumber spears and pickled veggies on a fresh bread roll.

AFTERNOON Time to head to Ben Thanh Market, the city’s most central market, to pick up some bargains!

Here you’ll find just about anything – from fruit and veggies, spices, sweets, clothing, costume jewellery and watches, hardwares, DVDs, and lots of friendly stallholders trying to get your attention. Haggle fervently, unless there’s a ‘Fixed Price’ sign.

EVENING Treat yourself to a delicious dinner on Dong Khoi Street – dotted with Colonial architecture and many cafés, restaurants, bars and stores, this buzzing street has a sordid and colourful history! Stop in at the Caravelle Hotel, the city’s most iconic hotel. Built in 1959, the hotel was home to many members of the International Press Corps during the American War. Its rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon, overlooks the sparkling city lights and is the ideal spot to toast to a wonderful 48 hours!

Take me there!

We can tailor-make the perfect itinerary just for you, or you can join one of 10 fully inclusive group tours that explore Saigon. Please contact our reservations team for more details.

We are excited to showcase some of your entries from our recent photo competition! There are clearly some talented photographers among you. We would love to see more of your favourite snaps taken from your holidays through Asia. If you’ve visited any of our destinations then send us your best shot to go in the running to WIN a $400 Paxtons camera shop voucher.

CO M P ETITI C LO S E O N 1 AU G S UST 2015!

The winner will be announced in the September 2015 issue of Chinese Whispers, and will receive a $400 Paxtons voucher and feature in our 2016/17 brochure. The competition closes on 1 August 2015 so there’s no time to lose.

Simply email your picture, which must be at least 1Mb in size, along with a brief description, telephone number, the date and location of the photo to bigpicture@wendywutours.com.au. Competition is valid for one entry per person and images must be submitted digitally. For full terms and conditions visit wendywutours.com.au/bigpicture.

Faces & Places Photo Competition Big Buddha Thimpu, Bhutan – Llewenna Hilton-Butt

etnam l, Hoi An, Vi Happy loca ttom bo ng Lo t ne – Ja

Durga Puja , Kolkata, India – Vanessa O’Toole

Amer Fort, Jaipur, Ind ia – Wayne Webster Forbidden Cit y, Beijing, China – Annette Bern ard

rakom Lake

music at Local playing Heaven, the Temple of a Beijing, Chin rson – Glenis Pete

ma ttuvallam) at Ku Houseboat (ke India Resort, Kerala, Happy Buddha, near Incheon, South Korea – Roy and Henrietta Moran

Locals in the ric e fields, Hoi An

ap, iem Re boy, S Hansen Local s ri h C odia – Camb

, Vietnam – Helen Marti n

em r Thom, Si n se e at Angko South Gat bodia – Judy Han Reap, Cam

Halong B

ay – Emm

Locals ,S – Pau apa, Vietna line M m onagh an a Hyde

wendywutours.com.au

Li River Cr uise, Guilin – Phil and Dorothee , China Crowther

Chinese Whispers – July 2015

11

Li River, Guilin Image courtesy of travel writer Nina Karnikowski (www.travelswithnina.com)

Natural beauty mingles with the bizarre Nina Karnikowski – Travel Writer Stunning landscapes and life along the river leave strong impressions in south-east China.

The half-naked woman in the steaming hot tub is singing opera. I’m watching her through the windows of her little wooden pagoda, and feeling like a bit of a creep. The feeling quickly fades, however, as I remind myself where I am.

I’m on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes night cruise in Guilin in south-east China. For the past 20 minutes I’ve been bobbing past majestic mountains, pagodas and bridges lit by neon lights, while watching a handful of rather bizarre music and dance acts being performed on the shore.

It’s only my first night in Guilin, yet I’m already starting to realise that this is precisely what makes the destination so unique – this peculiar mix of stunning natural beauty, and slightly psychedelic strangeness. Our boat putters round the bend and we find, in another 12

Call: 1300 798 118 and quote Chinese Whispers

pagoda, a punky girl band playing transparent mandolins and flutes while performing a traditional dance.

Another few hundred metres and we find a small group of bamboo rafts, lit by green lights and manned by pyjama-clad gents with cormorants by their sides. The men are chanting and bobbing up and down. Just as I start to wonder if this is some kind of Chinese river rave, the birds dive into the water and return a few moments later, triumphantly clasping fish in their beaks.

This, our local guide Maggie tells us, is a 1300-year-old tradition that used to earn the fishermen a living. Due to competition from modern fishing techniques, however, it’s now practised mostly to entertain tourists.

“The birds are trained since birth to catch fish for their master,” she says. “There’s a small noose around their neck to stop them swallowing fish they catch. ” The fishermen’s chanting and dancing, she adds, is all just encouragement for the birds to take the plunge.

The otherworldly experiences continue the next morning, when for a moment I think I’ve stumbled into Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Soaring forest-clad mountains jut up around the city like crooked teeth, which are endlessly flossed by the two rivers and four lakes that flow between them.

The best way to get the lay of these mountains is to climb one of them. We start with Solitary Beauty Peak, the original centre of Guilin in the Princes’ City Scenic Area. Our thighs burn like the fires of hell as we ascend the 300 stone steps, but it’s worth every painful second. From the top, it’s nothing but hulking limestone mountains, strips of glossy green river, a smattering of low buildings, and distant hills

so blurred and blue that for a second I think they’re clouds.

This is the stuff that has inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries. And, as Maggie tells us at least half-a-dozen times over the next few days, the stuff that stirred an astute Chinese governor 800 years ago to famously announce, “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven”.

As we continue our explorations, I start to think it might be. There are the magical views from another craggy peak, Folded Brocade Hill, made even sweeter by the marble slide carved into the side to get us back down. There’s the curiously shaped Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin that looks like – you guessed it – an elephant dipping its trunk in the water.

And, when the day becomes unbearably hot, there are the subterranean delights.

Because Guilin is founded on porous limestone rock, more than 3000 underground caverns are concealed beneath the city. This is also why there’s a lack of tall buildings in the city; the ground isn’t solid enough to support them.

Reed Flute Cave has been around for more than 180 million years, and wall inscriptions near its mouth tell us tourists began visiting way back in the 7th century. The temperature drops 10 degrees as soon as we enter, and things start to get a little weird again.

Stalactites and stalagmites, lit by multicoloured lights, reach from the floor and ceiling, creating lumpy sculptures that look like wet sandcastles.

Maggie points out signposted descriptions like “centipede scared by the magic mirror” that leave us wondering whether the writers were indulging in something a little stronger than rice wine when they penned them. In the cave’s belly is the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, a cavernous grotto that once served as an air-raid shelter during World War II, and is now an occasional events space. A short animated film depicting how the caves were formed is projected onto the ceiling, while two life-sized holograms dance to classical music to our right. The beautiful and the bizarre, merging once again.

Cormorant fisherman on bamboo raft – a 1300-year-old tradition, Li River

The next day we rise early to take the 2½hour cruise to Yangshuo along the Li River. It’s hot, but we brave the morning sun to stand on the upper deck and watch hundreds of karst peaks slip by like sleeping giants, their inverted reflections shimmering on the water.

It’s the ideal way to observe life along the river.

Children flap about in the shallows. Bamboo rafts covered with sun shields ferry tourists about. Fishermen cast out their nets. Farmers tend small squares of farmland.

float around in the gooey sludge, giggling like kids at the feeling of it squishing around our bodies, before washing off and plunging into the hot springs.

The alarm is set early the following morning since we’re on the road again. A two-hour coach ride sees us in Longji, in the heart of the great rice bowl of China. Rain sifts down as we step off the bus, but that doesn’t stop us from immediately clicking away at the striking rice terraces that cling to the steep hillsides all around us.

The otherworldly experiences continue the next morning, when for a moment I think I’ve stumbled into Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Soaring forestclad mountains jut up around the city like crooked teeth, which are endlessly flossed by the two rivers and four lakes that flow between them.

We disembark in Yangshuo and find ourselves in the middle of a buzzing local market, selling everything from antique teapots and jewellery to oversized fans painted with Chinese landscapes. From here, the town spans out into a series of laneways lined with small shops and teahouses, and restaurants and bars that thrum with live music at night.

We’ll have to save those for later though.

Right now we’re off to see Yangshuo’s famous Impression Sanjie Liu night show. It’s performed on the Li River with the hills as its backdrop, creating what might be the world’s most gorgeous natural theatre.

We can’t understand a word of the show that apparently tells the tale of the minority groups living in the area (it’s all in Mandarin).

But it doesn’t matter in the slightest. More than 600 performers, including 400 local fishermen and 200 professional dancers perform an extravaganza that fuses folk music and dancing, spectacular costumes and bright lights (of course), all choreographed by Zhang Yimou, the guy who directed the Beijing Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies.

Our second day in Yangshuo begins with sunrise tai chi in our hotel’s garden with Master Huang, who began learning the martial art at just 12 years old. He teaches us a series of graceful movements that we vow we’ll continue practising once we get home, as well as some simple philosophies based around letting go and staying calm.

In the afternoon we grab pushbikes from our hotel and cycle to Moon Hill (no prizes for guessing what this one resembles), then escape the sweltering heat at the Gold Water caves on the way back. Another fairyland of brightly lit stalactites and stalagmites, but with the added bonus of ice-cold mud baths. We

The Chinese have been cultivating rice here for at least eight centuries, and it has transformed the landscape. We hike along the thin strips of hand-carved terraces that twist towards our destination, Ping’an village. Along the way we pass timber houses built into the hills, and meet women from the Zhuang, Miao and Yao minority groups, the three largest minority groups living in this region. The Yao women dress in hot pink embroidered jackets and cut their floor-length hair, which they twist on top of their heads, only once in their lives between the ages of 16 and 18.

Once we reach Ping’an, I have just enough energy left to haul myself up one final hill to watch the sunset. At least that’s what I plan to do before I get distracted by bargaining with Yao stallholders to buy my very own handloom jacket.

We spend the evening dining on the local specialty of smoky rice cooked over an open fire in bamboo tubes, sleep in a traditional stilted wooden guesthouse, and rise early to watch the morning sun spill over this mosaic of kaleidoscopic greens. One final moment of stunning natural beauty, with just enough psychedelic strangeness thrown in.

This article was originally published in The Traveller 12 Feb 2015

Take me there!

Wendy Wu Tours has a Guilin, Yangshuo and Longji package from $650 per person twin share that includes four nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast, private touring with local guides, entrance fees and some meals.

Also on offer are 9 group tours that take in Guilin and Yangshuo as part of a full itinerary. Please contact our reservations team for more details.

wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – July 2015

13

I N F OCUS: M YANMAR

Fisherman, Inle Lake

Myanmar is a hidden gem of Southeast Asia; its majestic land, dominated by temples and pagodas, has been relatively unexplored by tourists. But as the ‘Golden Land’ opens up to change and sanctions are lifted, more and more travellers are venturing into this spiritual country, with a huge increase in tourism since 2012.

Thankfully the pace of change has not been overwhelming. If you are planning a trip to Myanmar this year, here is a brief run-down of what you need to know.

PEOPLE Myanmar’s population is estimated at more than 47 million, with roughly three-quarters of the population living in rural areas, and the remaining in urban Yangon, Mandalay and Moulmein. Myanmar is made up of over 100 ethnic groups; about two-thirds of Myanmar’s population is Burmese (ethnically close to Tibetans and Chinese) and other minorities making up the other third.

The country is yet to be completely overwhelmed by Western fashion and it is common to see men wearing a skirt-like longyi, women in traditional make-up, and older women chewing betel leaves. Myanmar is rich in natural resources and beautiful scenery, but it is the gentle, humorous and inquisitive locals and their remarkable traditions that will be the true highlight of your trip.

P L A N N I N G YO U R T R I P Accommodation in the major cities such as Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) often fill up months in advance so it’s best to get in early. The lack of infrastructure means that it is very difficult to book your accommodation when you arrive and you will likely end up paying quite a bit more than you want. Wendy Wu Tours’ fully inclusive tours make travelling to Myanmar easy, and our two itineraries explore the highlights of Myanmar: • 12-day Myanmar Explorer • 17-day Hidden Treasures of Myanmar Q U I N T E S S E N T I A L M YA N M A R • Observe the beautiful natural scenery and the famous one-legged rowers of Inle Lake while cruising in a local boat.

• Admire the thousands of temples and pagodas surrounding the ancient city of Bagan.

• Though people are freer when discussing politics, do not instigate political conversations.

• Gaze at the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda the country’s most sacred of all Buddhist sites, in Yangon.

• Money is handed over and received with the right hand, while the left hand loosely supports the right arm.

• Take in the panoramic views of Mandalay from Mandalay Hill at sunset.

• A smile always goes a long way, as does knowing a couple of words in Burmese.

14

Call: 1300 798 118 and quote Chinese Whispers

S AV E $500

Myanmar Explorer 1 2 D AYS F U L LY I N C LU S I V E

4,740

$

Now from pp. twin share Departing Syd, Mel, Bne, Adl* or Per with Singapore Airlines Departs 9 October 2015. *Adl passengers may require a stopover in Singapore at an additional cost.

• Visit Mahagandayon Monastery to see hundreds of monks collecting morning alms.

E T I Q U E T T E I N M YA N M A R • Myanmar is emerging from decades of isolation, and as such is still quite conservative in comparison to its neighbours.

• Never use your feet to point at a person or thing.

• Explore the historic town Sri Ksetra by oxcart in Pyay.

• Admire the unique Thanboddhay Pagoda where the entire walls are covered with Buddha images, in Monywa.

• Visit a local market and meet the warm, friendly people of Myanmar.

• Stroll across the magnificent U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak footbridge.

• Meander through the maze of thousands of Buddha images housed in the Pindaya Caves.

Hidden Treasures of Myanmar 1 7 D AYS F U L LY I N C LU S I V E

6,190

$

From pp. twin share Departing Syd, Mel, Bne, Adl* or Per with Singapore Airlines Departs 23 October 2015. *Adl passengers may require a stopover in Singapore at an additional cost.

Where indicated, $500 saving is included in the advertised price.

Which beach will you choose?

Since April 2014, Wendy Wu Tours has operated Singapore Airlines Holidays’ range of short stays, stopovers and beach escapes in Asia for Australian customers. The past few months have been an exciting time for us with the release of the 2015/16 Asia Beach Escapes & Singapore brochure, filled with alluring beach vacations. Here we bring to you spectacular holiday offers to some of Asia’s most sought after destinations!

FANTA STIC VA LU E INCLU SIO NS

• Return international economy-class airfares departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin with Singapore Airlines • Current airline fuel surcharge and taxes (subject to change) • 7 nights’ accommodation • Return airport transfers • Meals as indicated

Centara Karon Resort Phuket, Thailand Why you’ll love this…

FAMILY ROMANCE UNWIND FRIENDLY

• 7 nights from only $1,535pp twin share • Three childrens’ pools, including the Lagoon pool with two waterslides • Three swimming pools each with own swim-up bar • Two restaurants • Great Kids’ Club

7 nights, per person twin share

Superior Ocean View at The Terraces Deluxe at The Lagoon

Swimming pool with swim-up pool bar

DATES

BREAKFAST DAILY

01 Jul to 31 Oct 2015

$1,535

01 Nov to 23 Dec 2015

$1,740

01 Jul to 31 Oct 2015

$1,545

01 Nov to 23 Dec 2015

$1,795

ROOM

Deluxe at The Lagoon

Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Philippines Why you’ll love this…

• 7 nights from only $1,775pp twin share • Bucos Bar with nightly beachfront entertainment • Beachfront location • Award-winning Italian restaurant Don Vito Ristorante Italiano • Mandarin Spa, famous for its Traditional Filipino Hilot Massage View over the swimming pool and beach

FAMILY FRIENDLY

7 nights, per person twin share ROOM

Deluxe Room Premier Sea View Room

BREAKFAST DAILY

01 Jul to 15 Oct 2015

$1,775 $1,915

01 Jul to 15 Oct 2015

$1,875

16 Oct to 23 Dec 2015

$2,015

Deluxe Room

Why you’ll love this…

BOOK NOW BOOK NOW SAVE NOW SAVE NOW

• 7 nights all-inclusive from $3,735pp twin share • Includes all meals and open-bar service* • 140 villas along the beach or over water • Intimate adults-only retreat ideal for honeymooners • Relax at the Oceanfront SPA Cenvaree Deluxe Water Villa

UNWIND

ROOM

Deluxe 31 May to 31 Oct 2015 Ocean Front Beach Villa 01 Nov to 30 Nov 2015

$3,735

31 May to 31 Oct 2015

$4,125

01 Nov to 30 Nov 2015

$4,230

Deluxe Water Villa

• 24-hour resort child care

Lagoon House

• Complimentary water sports (scuba diving is payable locally)

Aerial view of Lagoon Houses

FAMILY FRIENDLY

SCUBA DIVING

7 nights, per person twin share ROOM

• Breakfast and dinner at Baazaar restaurant daily • 50-minute spa treatment per person, per day

$3,865

FANTASTIC ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE! Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Oceans restaurant.

Afternoon tea service, all-day soft drinks and mineral water. Open bar service including house pouring brands, wine, beer, alcoholic beverages and a selection of cocktails from 11am-midnight.

Book before 31 Jul 2015

Why you’ll love this…

• 7 nights 5-star from only $5,995

ROMANCE

ALL INCLUSIVE

DATES

UNWIND

FEATURE RESORT

SCUBA DIVING

7 nights, per person twin share

Amilla Fushi Maldives

Beachfront Swimming Pool

DATES

16 Oct to 23 Dec 2015

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Vu Bar

UNWIND

DATES

HALF BOARD WAS $10,590

01 Jul to 31 Jul 2015

NOW $5,995

01 Aug to 31 Aug 2015

NOW $7,995

01 Sep to 14 Oct 2015

NOW $7,695

15 Oct to 30 Nov 2015

NOW $9,495

01 Dec to 19 Dec 2015

$9,495

WAS $14,590 WAS $13,590 WAS $13,590

Book before 01 Nov 2015

Call 1300 728 998 singaporeairlinesholidays.com.au Or see your local travel agent See back page for full terms and conditions. wendywutours.com.au

Chinese Whispers – July 2015

15

Why book with Wendy Wu Tours 21 years’ operating tours to Asia Unrivalled knowledge and expertise Innovative programmes and unique, rarely visited destinations Comprehensive range of group, deluxe, private and tailor-made holidays Fully inclusive prices with no hidden extras Expert national escorts and local guides Quality hotels and comfortable transportation

1300 798 118 wendywutours.com.au info@wendywutours.com.au or contact your travel agent Wendy Wu Tours Level 6, 20 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS OUT NOW! HURRY, BOOK BY 18 SEPTEMBER 2015.  Huge savings! These Early Bird Specials mean you can confidently book now knowing these tours are the best value for travel in 2016.  These are our most popular fully inclusive group tours so secure your place now to avoid disappointment.  Fly with Cathay Pacific Airways, named ‘World’s Best Airline’ in the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards.  Our Price Promise: Book now with complete confidence that you are paying the lowest price for your group tour. If we subsequently

reduce the price below what you have already paid (after any applicable reductions have been applied), we will contact you to refund the difference. If you have already booked on a featured 2016 tour, you should have already heard from us regarding your discount.  No Surcharge Guarantee: We do not add surcharges to your holiday price, even if it ends up costing us more. While we reserve the right to increase or decrease our prices at any time, once you have paid the deposit for your tour, the price is protected (excludes airline fuel surcharge and tipping).

 Past passenger discounts – save even more! If you have travelled with us on a group tour before, as a member of the Wendy Wu Tours family, you will receive a special past passenger discount on your next group tour.

Order a brochure or visit us online for more information. wendywutours.com.au/earlybird earlybird@wendywutours.com.au

CONDITIONS: Customers booking holidays from this literature will be bound by our full booking conditions which, together with the booking form, can be found online at wendywutours.com.au or in any of our current brochures. Tour prices are per person twin share. Additional departures may be available with seasonal surcharges. Airline fuel surcharge and tipping is included and subject to change. Tours are subject to availability. Due to airline schedules, some passengers may require a stopover or pre/posttour accommodation at an additional cost. Tours including flights with Vietnam Airlines: domestic flights with QANTAS Airways or Virgin Australia are utilised for passengers departing Brisbane, Adelaide or Canberra to connect with international flights in Sydney or Melbourne. Availability and pricing correct at time of printing 12 June 2015. Tour details, itineraries and booking conditions are specified in the Wendy Wu Tours brochures or at wendywutours.com.au.

Loyalty Discount: Our loyalty discount does not apply to tailor-made itineraries, independent travel, special groups, or to our Simply range of tours.

Refer a friend conditions: To be eligible for the ‘refer a friend’ offer you must have a current or previously deposited Wendy Wu Tours booking. One hamper per new booking will be distributed. The referee must quote your full name, booking number and address at the time of their booking. Your hamper will be distributed upon receipt of their deposit. Your friend must be a new customer who has not previously booked with Wendy Wu Tours. We will contact you to arrange delivery of your hamper. Hampers will be delivered at the start of the calendar month. We regret we cannot apply this offer retrospectively.

Asia on Sale: Valid for sale 1 to 31 July 2015, unless sold out prior. Where indicated, savings included in advertised price. Airline fuel surcharge and tipping included, subject to change. Savings not available in conjunction with any other offer. Details correct as at 17 June 2015 and may be subject to change. Tour details and booking conditions as per Wendy Wu Tours 2015/16 brochures.

Singapore Airlines Holidays: Singapore Airlines Holidays is operated by Wendy Wu Tours PTY Ltd. Prices and availability correct as at 03 June 15 and include savings. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa must be booked before 31 July 2015 to receive discount. Book before 01 November 2015 to receive Amilla Fushi special offer. Stays must be completed by 19 December 2015. All other pricing in this literature is valid until 31 December 2015. Please contact us for prices for additional nights, single supplements and children. All offers subject to availability and flight schedules. Booking terms and conditions apply. See http://www.siaholidays.com.au/terms www.siaholidays.com.au/terms. ATAS: A10517.

China • Vietnam • India • Cambodia • Laos • Japan • Thailand • Sri Lanka • Nepal • Myanmar Tibet • Mongolia • Bhutan • Hong Kong • Singapore • Borneo • Taiwan • South Korea

ATAS: A10517