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OAHU, HAWAII Oahu hosts a rich variety of Eastern and Western traditions and cuisine. The rising crater of Diamond Head overlooking Waikiki Beach in Honolulu embodies the profusion of natural beauty on the island. Its 125 stunning beaches are a mere prelude to the crystalline lagoons, cascading waterfalls and dense rainforests that grace this stunning natural paradise known as "The Gathering Place." Famously, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 pulled the United States into World War II. RAROTONGA (AVATIU), COOK ISLANDS Rarotonga is the sleepy capital of the Cook Islands. Once a New Zealand colony, its needle- like rock, Te Rua Manga, pierces the sky from the island's centre. White sandy beaches lined with palms surround Rarotonga, luring visitors and locals alike. Because of the mountainous terrain, a roadway encircles the island, but vehicles cannot cross the island's centre directly; inland routes can be travelled only by foot. Several ancient marae (communal gathering places typical of Polynesian tribes) dot the landscape and enjoy spectacular seaside settings. BORA BORA (VAITAPE), FRENCH POLYNESIA Considered the world's most beautiful island, the Society Island of Bora Bora is only 24 square kilometres. This stunning land is made up of a barrier reef of islets, each one connected to the next depending on the tides. Surrounded by a deep lagoon that glows in countless shades of turquoise and emerald, its palm-lined shores and forested slopes rise up dramatically to the pillar-like peak of Mt. Otemanu at 725 metres. KOMODO, INDONESIA Komodo is one of the world's most unique and prehistoric-feeling national parks with a magnificent menagerie of wildlife. Its most famous denizen is the legendary Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. These creatures can grow up to three meters long and typically weigh about 68kg. Gentler animals also roam, including the island's graceful Timor Deer, beautiful wild horses and stout little boars. Resident giant fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are a sight to behold with their jet-black capes. 33 Call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) or contact your local Viking travel agent