Southeast Asia is a land formed by the elements of nature with raging rivers, coral islands, and volcanoes delicately balanced with tropical forests and stretches of golden sand. This part of the world has always been a favorite with globe trotters and backpackers seeking out the mystique and tranquility of the lands south of China and Japan and east of India. Southeast Asia is subdivided into two geographic regions, Mainland Southeast Asia, formerly known as Indochina for its location between India and China, and Maritime Southeast Asia, previously known as the East Indies.
This diverse region comprising as many waterways as there are roadways has always seen a fair share of travelers not just for its varied landscapes but also for the spirituality that envelops the region. From the mosques of Malaysia and Brunei to the Taoist temples of Singapore, the Buddhist temples of Thailand, and the Hindu temples of Indonesia and Cambodia, Southeast Asia is a unique blend of religions with no one religion reigning supreme in any individual country of the region. The area which is as steeped in culture and traditions as it is with progress has marched grandly ahead towards the future with its megacities boasting the tallest skyscrapers and megamalls in the world.
When you travel to Timor Leste, you’d be forgiven for wanting to extend your vacation. Many parts of this country in Southeast Asia are unspoiled pockets of paradise. Think crystal-clear aquamarine waters, deserted white-sand beaches, and one of the world’s most biodiverse marine habitats. Centuries of colonization by Portugal followed by tumultuous occupation by neighboring…