GO LOCAL: Get a taste of the local activity of Tawau at the fish market which offers not only fresh produce, but also handmade items such as mats, hats and baskets.
MOST people think Kota Kinabalu, with its nature trails and hot springs, is the best way to experience Borneo's rich wildlife.
However, locals claim Sandakan is the true gateway.
The turtle islands, which lie 40km north of Sandakan, is where you can see green and hawksbill turtles lay eggs all year round.
A two-hour speedboat ride from Sandakan will get you to Pulau Selingaan, one of the largest islands, where modern and comfortable chalets are available. This allows you the time to get a bird's eye view of these endangered species.
Those who miss Ah Meng can visit The Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, a 30-minute local bus ride from Sandakan.
Started in 1964 for the rehabilitation of orphaned baby orang utans, it now sprawls over more than 4,500ha of forest reserve for the primates.
Another area rich in wildlife is the Damun Valley Conservation Area, which can be reached via a 40-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu, or a 2 1/2-hour drive from Sandakan.
Danum Valley provides a glimpse into the lives of the rare Sumatran rhinoceros, gibbons, mousedeer and bearded pigs, among others.
Where to stay: Pulau Selingaan Chalet (from RM178, or S$75, a night) at Sabah Parks Jetty and Hotel Ramai (from RM64 a night) in Jalan Leila Town Centre
How to get there: Take a one-hour flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur ($166), then a three-hour flight to Sandakan($183).
Approximate cost: From $403
TAWAU, Kota Kinabalu
YOU may not find Willy Wonka here, but you sure can visit a cocoa factory.
This bustling town is home to a thriving cocoa and palm oil plantation industry and visitors can pop into the cocoa estate on Quoin Hill to see a 'chocolate' tree and tour the factory.
A 30-minute speedboat ride from Tawau is Mabul, the jump-off point for Pulau Sipadan explorations.
Considered one of the five best dive sites in the world, and Malaysia's only oceanic island, Sipadan is not only a sea turtle haven but also home to beautiful corals and schools of bumphead parrotfish.
Night dives may even yield an encounter with these large fish as they sleep, while early morning dives may allow you to swim among big schools of swirling barracuda.
There are other attractions, too, with Dragon Inn Floating Resort providing guests an awesome ocean view as they wake up in rooms built on stilts. Later, they can dine on delicious seafood, thanks to the rich marine life in the surrounding waters.
The Shan Sui Golf & Country Club, 15km away from Tawau town, is a draw for golf-lovers: It has an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Nelson & Haworth.
The town's fish market will also give visitors a taste of local activity.
In addition to the fresh produce on sale, Bajau women also display handmade multi-coloured mats, hats and baskets, which make perfect souvenirs.
Where to stay: Dragon Inn Floating Resort (from RM60 a night), pier of Semporna, and Seafest Hotel (from RM136 a night) in Jalan Kastam
Where to eat: Cowie Bay Seafood Restaurant, a 20-minute drive from the town centre, and Mongolian Chicken Rice in Jalan Chester
How to get there: Take a one-hour flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur ($166), followed by a three-hour flight from there to Tawau ($219).
Approximate cost: $434
KHON KAEN, North-east Thailand
WATERFRONT FUN: If you have time in Khon Kaen, check out Kaen Nakhon Lake,=. Located in the centre of town, it is a popular picnic spot. The temple by the lake, Wat That, features typical Isan spires.
GRAB that fedora and get ready to play Indiana Jones at this spot which teems with archaeological finds of historical significance.
IF YOU'VE had enough of the crowds in Bangkok and Phuket, head for this city - the fourth largest in Thailand despite its relative anonymity - and its natural attractions.
Located 449km from Bangkok, Khon Kaen offers caves that house stone formations such as stalagmites as well as millions of bats.
In Tham KlangKhao, 2.5km from Amphoe Phu Pha Man (the north-westernmost district of Khon Kaen), the evening flight of bats leaving the cave stretches over 10km and takes close to 45 minutes for the last bat to exit the cave.
Other caves such as Tham Phra, near Tham KlangKhao, house beautiful stalagmites, stalactites and big stone pillars.
If the heat gets to you, head for the waterfalls at Namtok Tat Fa and Namtok Tat Yai. They originate from Tat Fa Creek which cascades through small waterfalls before tumbling off an 80m-high cliff. They are said to 'sing' when the water runs through different rock holes.
Dinosaur fans can visit the Phu Wiang National Park (60km north-west from Khon Kaen) where the first dinosaur remains and footprints in Thailand were found.
This city is also the centre of north-eastern Thailand's silk industry, with numerous villages producing their own mudmee designs, which incorporate geometric and zoomorphic patterns unique to north-east Thailand.
Ms Ubon Siri Rutchuree, 35, grew up in one of the villages that are known for their quality silk. In the household she was brought up in, silk was spun in the backyard.
She says: 'My mum has been making silk for about 20 years. There is silk produced by bigger commercial shops that weave our history and culture into them, such as dinosaur or Buddha patterns.'
Where to stay: Fahfang Sport Resort (500 baht to 2,500 baht, or S$20.50 to S$102) at Tambon Ban Fang and Phan Kham Resort (150 to 800 baht) in Ubolratana-Nonsang Road
Where to eat: Pla Pa Noi in Robbueng Road and Chaithung in Maliwan Road
How to get there: Take a 1 1/2-hour flight from Singapore to Bangkok ($306) and then a 55-minute domestic flight to Khon Kaen ($168).
Approximate cost: $486 onwards
UDON THANI, North-east Thailand
FIT FOR INDIANA: Udon Thani's Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a Unesco World Heritage site, houses excavated skulls and bones, among other things.
GRAB that fedora and get ready to play Indiana Jones at this spot which teems with archaeological finds of historical significance.
One of the major attractions of Udon Thani, 560km north-east of Bangkok, is the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site which is about 50km from Udon Thani by car.
Designated as a Unesco World Heritage site because of its archaeological significance, the right side of the place is an open excavation pit with human skulls, bones and other finds left where they are found. On the left side is the Ban Chiang National Museum that displays prehistoric artefacts and Ban Chiang's famed pottery.
Alternatively, you can go rafting, fishing or cruising at the Huai Luang Reservoir, 25km from Udon Thani. If you're not keen on getting wet, just pack a picnic basket and find a scenic spot.
Where to stay: Udon Hotel (460 baht to 1,000 baht) in Mak Khaeng Road and Phen Resort (300 baht to 500 baht) in Nong Bua Lam Phu Road
Where to eat: Sieum Hai in Mak Kheng Road and New Aim Oat in Prachak Road
How to get there: Take a 1 1/2-hour flight from Singapore to Bangkok ($306) and then a domestic flight ($180, about an hour), car, bus or train to Udon Thani.
Approximate cost: From $510
KEP, Cambodia
ALTHOUGH the small seaside village of Kep does not offer sparkling waters and white sands, this hidden Cambodian gem brings to the table fresh seafood - a sure hit with Singaporeans.
Located within the Kampot province, 143km south-west of Phnom Penh, Kep was once a top-notch seaside holiday destination for wealthy Cambodians and visitors in the 1960s.
Today, it is the perfect little hideaway with a ghost-town feel and a sense of history in the air.
A villa that used to belong to King Sihanouk at the top of a hill next to the main beach offers fantastic ocean views and, for about $1.40, the resident caretaker can double as your personal tour guide.
Seafood fans can dine like a king on cheap and fresh crabs and prawns along the 1km stretch of Kep beach.
'An absolute must for all visitors is to eat at one of the 'crab shacks' lining the ocean. Its main draw is the Kampot pepper crab,' says Ms Liz Ledden, an Australian freelance writer currently residing in Phnom Penh in her correspondence with Life! via e-mail.
There are also many seafood dishes as well as traditional Khmer dishes available.
Visitors can also rent canoes, sailing boats and water skis from the sailing club at Knai Bang Chatt, a chic resort renowned for its intimate, boutique style.
Where to stay: Knai Bang Chatt (from $150 a night), a drive about 2 1/2 hours from Phnom Penh Airport, and Veranda Natural Resort, Kep Mountain Hillside Road (from $34 a night)
Where to eat: Crab shacks, where a plate of crabs at about $7 can feed two to three people, and The Sailing Club at Knai Bang Chatt
How to get there: Take a 4 1/2-hour flight (about $340) from Singapore to Phnom Penh. From there, the three-hour bus ride to Kep costs $7 per person. Alternatively, taxis from Phnom Penh Central Market will cost between $55 and $68.
Approximate cost: $423
One of the major attractions of Udon Thani, 560km north-east of Bangkok, is the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site which is about 50km from Udon Thani by car.
TAGAYTAY, Philippines
FILIPINOS yearning for a short break often head for this spot 60km south of Manila.
'Tagaytay is one of our favourites, considering its proximity to Manila and Batangas,' says Filipino housewife Olivia Arias, 35, who is now based in Dubai. She visits Tagaytay frequently for the food and spas.
Tagaytay City lies on top of Tagaytay Ridge. Standing on the ridge which is 640m above sea level, one can see the Taal Volcano below in the Taal Lake.
For the best views, take a 20-minute boat ride ($34) to the volcano to get to the top. Unless you are physically fit, you may be better off parting with $25 to hire a donkey to ride on the uphill journey.
Tagaytay also offers some of the best golf courses in the Philippines such as the Tagaytay Highlands and the Orchard Golf Club.
Where to stay: Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay (from 5,000 pesos or S$155) and Tagaytay Picnic Grove Complex (from 3,300 pesos)
Where to eat: Mushroom Burger (from 70 pesos), a local version of a McDonald's outlet along the Aguinaldo Highway, and Sonya's Garden (from 600 pesos) in Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, which offers homely meals at their bed and breakfast cottages
How to get there: Take a three-hour plane ride to Manila ($335), followed by a 1 1/2-hour land trip to Tagaytay.
Approximate cost: From $539
SAGADA, Philippines
LOCATED 275km north of Manila, this spot is famous for its 'hanging coffins' which can be seen on the way to Sumaging, or Big Cave. It is a traditional burial method where the coffins are placed in precarious positions on cliffs or caves.
If you find this too gruesome, then check out the rice terraces of Sagada which offer magnificent views. The ones in Kiltepan within Sagada are the most striking.
Or head to Bomod-ok Falls to admire the 60m-tall column of water that splashes down. Adrenaline junkies can trek up Mount Ampacao or rock climb at natural cliffs or rock formations.
'Sagada is wonderful for people who love adventure, cool climate and fewer crowds,' says Mr Giles Smith, 30, who runs a travel website and has recently visited his 100th country. Based in Switzerland, he visits Sagada and Donsol often.
Where to stay: There are about a dozen lodging and pension houses in Sagada offering accommodation for only 70 pesos per person. Try also Banaue View Inn (from 1,500 pesos), overlooking the Banaue town square, and Mt Data Hotel (from 1,976 pesos) at Bauko, Mountain Province
Where to eat: Cable Cafe & Restaurant, Rosdin Restaurant
How to get there: Take a three-hour flight to Manila ($335), followed by a 12-hour land trip to Banaue and another three-hour land trip to Sagada.
Approximate cost: From $427
DONSOL, Philippines
THIS is dive heaven, with the highlight being whale sharks which you can interact with while snorkelling.
The town of Donsol is a one-hour drive from Sorsogon or Legazpi City. At the local tourist office there, you can register and book boats that take you out to sea to interact with the whale sharks.
'Swimming with the whale sharks is a heart-thumping adventure, especially when water visibility is less than 1.2m and you worry about bumping into its head or tail,' says Mr Caloy Libosada, 36, who has been involved in Donsol's whale shark conservation efforts.
You can also dive at the neighbouring San Miguel islands or shop at Legaspi City.
Where to stay: Hernandez Guest House (from 250 pesos per head) at Donsol town and Vitton Beach Resort (from 1,500 pesos) at Dancalan
How to get there: Take a three-hour flight to Manila ($335), a domestic flight to Legaspi ($277) and a one-hour drive to Donsol.
Approximate cost: $627
Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Philippine Embassy, www.tagaytay.com, Ms Liz Ledden, www.visitsagada.com, Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Singapore, Insight Guide Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia Promotion Board. Flight charges are two-way tickets and inclusive of taxes. Calculation for approximate cost: two nights' accommodation and two-way air tickets.
This article was first published in Life!, The Straits Times on June 24, 2008.
