Island life in Asia

While the cities of Asia are a magnet for travellers, the region's islands provide a perfect complement with their beaches, forests and cultural and ethnic shopping opportunities.

As a sell, south-east Asia is multi-faceted. Vibrant cities, excellent hotels and service, beaches, culture, sports and more are all on the menu. And, for repeat visitors, the options are endless as development continues to open up new destinations.

Already, Thailand and Malaysia are among the top sellers from the Gulf, and, apart from corporate, the trend is for multi-centre packages.

"We find the majority of our customers do twin centres through the gateway cities, since there are no direct flights to the islands," said Dnata Holidays product development manager Tim White.

"Asia will continue to be a sell this year since it has been reliant on markets in a downturn, so there are great deals out there for both hotels and airlines."

From Al Arabi Travel, leisure consultant Sarah Dodds summed up the principal packages. "The islands we sell the most of are Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, while Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia are popular, and there is some demand for Borneo and Bali."

Bali is one option that is expected to grow in popularity, according to Jacqueline Campbell, managing director of The Travel Collection which represents GHM's Chedi Club and the Legian there.

"We started to encounter interest for Bali last year and have seen more enquiries from the travel industry here as people look for new destinations - for 2009, we again have seen interest for both families and as a romantic getaway, and rates are good value with special offers in the market now."

Her views are shared by John O'Sullivan, general manager of two Four Seasons' resorts on the island, who said while his hotels enjoyed only two per cent of their business from the Gulf, there was big potential to develop the market.

"There are endless activities for families, couples, those looking for adventure, to enjoy arts or to do nothing - the destination is very competitive (on price) and access is easy via Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia or even Doha on Qatar Airways."

Bali aside, major tour operators are extending the product offering in the region, with Emirates Holidays featuring Palawan in the Philippines for instance, while Dnata Holidays is dipping its toe in the water with Tioman and Redang on east coast Malaysia.

For Emirates Holidays, Kota Kinabalu on Borneo is another sleeper, with soft adventure potential appealing to expatriate travellers.

"The nature and greenery is appealing, and there is a curiosity about the destination, although it will take time to develop," said Emirates Holidays senior vice president, John Felix. "Generally, travellers are looking to extend their city stays and are looking for alternative options such as Langkawi, Koh Samui, even Sentosa in Singapore - in this way the destinations do not become stale."

And, all agree that now is the time to put together the Asia package.

"Prices are down, availability is there for both seats and hotels," added Felix. "Everyone is catered for in Asia. We will be putting deals straight in the market," said Dnata Holidays' White. "There is also an added attraction with new hotels such as the Capella in Sentosa and Soneva Kiri in Thailand."

Sentosa, Singapore

For those who want an island on their doorstep, Singapore offers up urban glitz and an island getaway in one small but perfectly formed package. The largest of its 60 islands, Sentosa on the north-east coast is billed as a one-stop tropical resort, nature park and cultural heritage centre just minutes from the city and all combined in a 390-hectare package that offers something to suit all tastes, from golf or spa to beaches, entertainment parks and aquariams.

Highlights include Butterfly and Insect World; Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon; Images of Singapore state-of-the-art museum; Sentosa Luge and Skyride's blend of go-kart/toboggan ride; dancing fountains; gardens and nature walks; two championship golf courses; beaches at Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong and ferries to nearby Kusu and St John's for fishing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba.

Among its unique attractions are an international sand-sculpture festival, black moon foam parties, a water and light show at sea; the Sentosa 4D Magix Theatre, and fish reflexology at the Spa Botanica.

As well as long-established Shangri-La, luxury offerings on Sentosa include Capella Singapore, which opened last month incorporating restored colonial buildings with modern attachments overseen by architect Lord Norman Foster.

USP: Convenient and family oriented

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