Unfollow the herd | 2024 Selective Asia

Unfollow the herd

Travel & adventures in Asia 24/25 www.selectiveasia.com

Meaningful journeys, crafted by award-winning travel specialists Asia 2024-25

+ 44 (0) 1273 670 001 US 1866 932 3840 www.selectiveasia.com

South Korea - 19 Japan - 18 Nepal - 12 & 13 Bhutan 14 & 15

A personal approach to travel We all crave something different from our travels.

Some are eager to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, while others seek to immerse themselves in ancient cultures or explore futuristic metropolises.

the lush landscape of Sariska Tiger Reserve in India and much more in between - spreading our proverbial wings to find fresh experiences to share with you.

Personally, I long for big open landscapes and the spirituality of the mountains, and I’ve recently relished experiencing the unparallelled beauty of the Himalayas of Bhutan and Nepal.

The following pages are teeming with insights from our highly experienced Asia Specialists, who each have their own particular interests. Whether that’s trekking, conservation, food (especially food!), diving or photography, our focus is always on celebrating the best of Asia.

Whether you are considering Asia for the first time or, like us, are a bit of an old hand, one of the greatest joys of this remarkable region is its vast diversity of landscapes, culture and experiences.

There’s always something new to explore even in the most familiar of places, and working hard to bring you those different angles is something we’re very fortunate to do.

Recent visits have seen our team go from tasting new regional delights in Japan to venturing into

We hope that our passion for travel will inspire you to start dreaming of your next adventure, wherever that may take you. When you’re ready, we’d love a chance to speak, learn about your interests and design a trip just for you.

Nick Pulley - Founder

India - 26 & 27

Laos - 11 Thailand - 10

Vietnam - 20 & 21 Cambodia 22 & 23

Sri Lanka - 24 Maldives - 25

Borneo - 16 & 17 Indonesia - 8 & 9

When to go - 30 & 31

Personally designed, exceptional journeys that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.

We’re taking travel to a better place.

Awe inspiring nature

Indonesia - 8/9

Indonesia’s 6,000 or so inhabited islands are home to a huge diversity of cultures, traditions, histories and landscapes.

Wildlife is a huge draw, from the rainforest habitats of Kalimantan — home to orangutans, elephants and bears — to the enormous lizard ‘dragons’ of Komodo National Park. Amongst all the country’s spectacular birdlife, the most tantalising are the Birds of Paradise which you can spot in Raja Ampat and the Molucca islands. Marine life is phenomenal, with diving and snorkelling to match. We recommend living aboard a traditional Indonesian sailing boat for a few days, heading out amongst the islands and getting underwater at every opportunity.

The country’s cultures are diverse, too. The distinctive ancestral homes of tribal Sulawesi are an intriguing place to pause, especially during the tribe’s elaborate festivals and funerals! West Papua in particular takes you far from our usual tech-dominated lifestyles.

It’s challenging travel, but you’re rewarded with a warm welcome from villagers who live almost completely off grid.

Connect with raw landscapes and distinctive culture in West Papua and the Spice Islands on our ‘Hint of Spice’ journey.

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For even the hardiest traveller, a few days downtime are essential to recharge your batteries. Of course, Indonesia has hundreds of idyllic locations for R&R, from the select beaches of Bali to the exotic white sands of Sumba. Factor in the fantastic food, and accommodation that ranges from rainforest bivvies to well-intentioned ultra-luxurious resorts, and you can see why it’s always one of Asia’s most popular destinations.

Laos - 11

Thailand - 10

Land-locked shores At the southern edge of Laos’ land-locked treasure chest is an unexpected pearl - a sprinkling of sandy beaches with the languid Mekong lapping at their shores. Si Phan Don, or the 4,000 islands, is one of those hidden gems that reflects a different light in Laos’ spectrum. Step away from any sense of a frenetic pace to watch waterfalls flow over marbled rock towards the mirror-smooth river in a twist on the quintessential beach life idyll.

More than a pretty beach Cracking open an ice cold Chang as the sun goes down over Koh Mak’s crystal clear horizon is the stuff of Thailand travel dreams, but this multi-layered country has much more to offer beyond the beach. Bite into sweet mango and sticky rice as you wander through Chiang Mai’s energetic Night Bazaar, feel the cool hillside mist refresh your skin as you pick tea on a Fang hillside, or explore Khao Sok National Park by foot and listen out for gibbons on the shores of Cheow Larn Lake.

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Nepal & Tibet - 12/13

The edge of the world Everest, Chomolungma, Goddess Mother of the World — our planet’s tallest mountain is shared by Nepal and Tibet, which should explain why these are two of our biggest destinations for trekking and snow-capped panoramas. That all-important border between China and the Indian subcontinent crosses Everest’s summit, and although we won’t be sending you up there on a Selective Asia holiday, we can take you on many fantastic routes through the surrounding Himalayan mountains. There is superb trekking on the Nepal side, with a huge range (boom tish!) of paths to follow through gobsmacking scenery, and lovely lodges to relax in between treks. Tibet is more about spectacular mountain drives, in particular to the famous Rongbuk monastery — the last stop before the road becomes the sole domain of climbers.

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Bhutan - 14/15

Leading the way Putting Gross National Happiness first is one of Bhutan’s top claims to fame, interweaving personal wellbeing with environmental responsibility. The country stays carbon negative by preserving huge swathes of (trekkable) forest, setting high standards in low energy use, and implementing a world-leading sustainability tax for visitors. A selection of remote, barefoot luxury lodges let you experience this extraordinary kingdom’s unspoilt landscapes at close comfort.

Step onto the Foothills of Bhutan and discover the very best that the Kingdom has to offer , or let us design the perfect balance just for you.

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Borneo - 16/17

Hold tight Borneo’s orangutans are (in)famously threatened. Their rainforest habitat is reduced to a patchwork of reserves, surrounded by plantations. Visiting a reserve brings vital support and funding to protect these intelligent primates, whose survival now depends on conservation areas such as Danum Valley, a 170 square mile patch of original rainforest. 130 million years old, with a staggering 8.8 million plant species, this remarkable place is home to diverse wildlife, including very rare creatures such as the orangutan, Bornean pygmy elephant, Spectacled Flowerpecker, and the sun bear. The park has a busy tree nursery, and works hard to repopulate the forest, as well as protect the existing trees.

Hidden in Danum’s leafy heart, the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge is dedicated to wildlife spotting. It’s highly sought after, so book well in advance!

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Japan Japan & South Korea - 18/19

Beyond a kimchi kick Step a little further

Step a little further Japan is one of the world’s most exciting countries to visit, unfolding in intricate layers of history, culture and natural beauty.

While the electric energy of Tokyo takes the headline spot, and nationwide emblems from cherry blossom to Shinto shrines are instantly iconic, there are hundreds of ways to see Japan on a more local level. Taste dozens of takoyaki in Dotonbori’s gastronomic hub, gaze at Mount Fuji from a relaxing Hakone ryokan, cycle between rugged coastal islands along the Shimanami Kaido trail, and unearth hidden gems away from the usual path.

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It’s been a few years since K-pop first got the Selective Asia office swaying, and since then ever more aspects of South Korean culture have taken the world by storm, from the kick of kimchi to the artistry of New Korean Cinema. However, it’s hard to overstate just how important food is in South Korea. Eating well here comes close to a religion, and the country’s many night-markets offer a daily feast for all the senses.

Vietnam - 20/21

Keep turning corners Vietnam offers an endless contrast of intricate heritage and 21st-century innovation. We love the way you can dart through layers of time in this complex country - turn a corner past one of Ho Chi Minh City’s dramatic glassy towers, and you’re ambling down a narrow back-alley lined with historic shop houses. Wander along Hanoi’s buzzing riverside, and discover faded French-era frontages mingling with modern metropolitan design. Discover each city’s secrets before catching an express elevator up to a rooftop bar for an all-embracing skyline view.

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Cambodia - 22/23

Hidden wonders Koh Rong remains relaxed, refreshing and bohemian; see a thousand stars from the unspoilt coast on a clear night, and stay in simple beachside bliss.

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A handful of gorgeous, high-end resorts have made Cambodia even more popular at Selective Asia HQ, but it’s a country that has held our affection for a long time. Lighthearted adventures through the gently-undulating hills of the Cardamom Mountains, kayaking on the Tatai River. We even hear rumours of an iconic temple or two… Now there’s beachside glamour to match - for us, it’s the ideal combination.

Sri Lanka & Maldives - 24/25

The big blue The Maldives’ sand, sun, coral reefs and sapphire seas are what misty-eyed castaway dreams are made of, whether you’re planning a honeymoon, the ultimate pamper-break, or a relaxing family holiday. Taking time to look beyond those idyllic beaches reveals an even richer experience. Dive or snorkel with a local NGO, assisting with coral reef conservation, or sail through the archipelago spending time with island communities. Absorb the sights and scents of the local markets, and pitch in to prepare an evening meal with a Maldivian host family.

Walk on the wild side With an astonishing 26 National Parks, Sri Lanka offers a treasure trove of wildlife spotting opportunities, making it one of our most popular destinations, particularly amongst families.

Yala still holds the leopard-spotting limelight, but you can follow the tracks of these magnificent big cats, alongside elephants, deer, sloth bears and monkeys in less-crowded National Park surroundings too. Get close to wildlife that doesn’t often appear on a typical jeep safari, keep your eyes on the skies for glimpses of eagles and clouds of butterflies, and head out to sea to watch whales and dolphins in the deep…

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India - 26/27

Into India India’s warmth and energy often sets the SA office buzzing with talk of where to travel next in this continent-sized destination. There’s an endless list of possibilities.

Alongside the magnificence of its headline sights - the Taj Mahal, Varanasi’s ghats and Jaipur’s Amber Palace, to name just a few - are a thousand engaging ways to get alternative glimpses of this multifaceted country. Follow elephant, leopard and tiger tracks through its National Parks, discover a different side to the capital’s rush with a street food tour of Old Delhi, receive a homestay welcome in the Keralan backwaters, or trek between the Himalayan tea fields of Darjeeling. Focus-in on each region you visit, immerse yourself in its complexities and cultures, and step away from the crowd.

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Taking responsible steps At Selective Asia, we strive to be part of the solution, not the problem.

‘Innocence is bliss’ might be an appealing idea, but when it comes to how we approach travel, ignorance just doesn’t cut the mustard.

We should all be travelling responsibly, and we take our role in this very seriously. It’s at the very heart of what we do. Whether looking through a lens of sustainable, responsible or regenerative travel, the message is the same: we must consider the interests of, and drive positive benefits for, conservation, community, culture and the local economy.

We do this by working with the communities we visit to drive meaningful change.

We maximise the benefits of your visit by contributing financially to local businesses, supporting social projects, and protecting the environment and wildlife.

Many of our trips also include community-based tourism activities, helping to fund their work and future plans whilst giving you a more authentic experience. We also strive to minimise our contribution to over tourism, knowing that the steps we take are not only necessary but will enrich your experience. Win win.

When travelling with Selective Asia, you’ll be making a direct contribution to our Planet, Community & Conservation fund.

Responsible Travel - 28/29

30/31

When to go COUNTRY

The Selective difference

MONTH

Bhutan

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Borneo

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Cambodia

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

India

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Indonesia

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Japan

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Laos

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Maldives

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Nepal

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

South Korea

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Sri Lanka

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Thailand

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tibet

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Vietnam

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Best

Good

Mixed

Poor

Although our Destination Specialists can almost always work their magic on a last minute holiday, you will certainly benefit from booking as early as possible to ensure you get first pick of our guides, your preferred hotels, and - without doubt - a better value holiday. This is especially true for particular destinations, such as Borneo (where there is a very limited number of premier wildlife lodges) or during seasonal highlights.

Festivals and local events take place throughout the year in all our destinations, so to avoid missing out it’s always best to give us a call and simply ask, even if you’re not ready to book yet our Destination Specialists will advise you on how popular your hotel options are, and when you need to book by.

If you’re a commitment-phobe, keep in mind that you always secure your Selective Asia holiday with just a 10% deposit; the full balance is usually not needed until 60 days before your departure.

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Bespoke journeys tailored just for you

Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise

Award winning, nose-to-tail service Responsible travel - we do the work so you don’t have to 24 hour local support

Our flexi booking promise and financial clarity

+ 44 (0) 1273 670 001 US 1866 932 3840 www.selectiveasia.com