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Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Gateway to Sabah's incredible wildlife and rainforests. Visit the Kinabalu Park and seek out proboscis monkeys at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Try fresh seafood at the famous night market on the waterfront.
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Sandakan, Malaysia
Home to the unmissable Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of the best places on Earth to see orangutans up close. Combine with a visit to the Kinabatangan River for pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. The Sun Bear Conservation Centre is also located right next to Sepilok.
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Makassar, Indonesia
The vibrant capital of South Sulawesi is your gateway to the island. Explore Fort Rotterdam, a well-preserved Dutch colonial fort overlooking the harbour. Don't miss coto Makassar, a rich local beef soup that is a city staple.
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Tana Toraja, Indonesia
One of the most culturally unique destinations in Southeast Asia, famous for elaborate funeral ceremonies and cliff-side burial sites at Lemo and Londa. Trek through stunning highland landscapes dotted with traditional tongkonan houses with their distinctive curved roofs. This is a deeply spiritual region — visit with respect and an open mind.
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Manado, Indonesia
The jumping-off point for the legendary Bunaken Marine National Park, one of the world's top diving and snorkelling destinations with dramatic wall dives and extraordinary biodiversity. The city itself has a lively culinary scene — try tinutuan (Manado porridge) and the spicy rica-rica dishes. Day trips to the volcanic Tangkoko Nature Reserve to spot tarsiers and maleo birds are highly recommended.
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Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
This charming fishing town on western Flores is the hub for exploring Komodo National Park and its famous dragons. Take a liveaboard or day boat to Komodo and Rinca islands, and factor in snorkelling at Pink Beach and Manta Point for manta ray encounters. The hilltop viewpoints around town offer spectacular sunset views over the islands.
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Ruteng, Indonesia
A cool highland town in central Flores surrounded by lush volcanic scenery and the extraordinary spider web rice fields (Lingko) that are unique to this region. The local Manggarai culture is fascinating — visit the traditional village of Todo for insight into ancestral customs. A great off-the-beaten-path stop between Labuan Bajo and Bajawa.
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Bajawa, Indonesia
A quiet highland town nestled among volcanoes, perfect for visiting traditional Ngada villages like Bena and Wogo where megalithic structures and thatched ancestral houses still stand. Hike up the Inerie Volcano for sweeping views across Flores. The region is also known for its naturally hot springs at Soa.
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Moni, Indonesia
A small, peaceful village that serves as the base for climbing Mount Kelimutu, home to three tri-coloured volcanic crater lakes that shift colours mysteriously over time — best seen at sunrise. The surrounding valley is lush and green, ideal for easy hikes through traditional villages. Stay in a simple guesthouse and enjoy the cool mountain air after the heat of the coast.