DUAL WONDERS

Cradled by ancient civilizations, the Middle East is where the past and present collide in a symphony of colours, scents and experiences. Take this as your guide to the region's rich tapestry of history and modernity

- Emmilyn Yeoh

THE DEAD SEA

What: Floating effortlessly on the surface of the hyper-saline Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is an experience unlike any other. This landlocked natural wonder, bordering Jordan and Israel, has a salt concentration ten times that of the ocean, making it impossible to sink.

Why: Renowned for its therapeutic properties, the right Dead Sea experience starts with mudding up, bathing in the mineral-rich waters and gazing out into the stark landscape surrounding this unique body of water to soak up all the goodness. Your skin will thank you after.

What else: Beyond the buoyant bliss, the Dead Sea region is also steeped in history. Explore the ancient city of Petra—one of the new seven wonders of the world— carved directly into rose-coloured sandstone cliff faces. Marvel at the intricate facades of the Treasury, an undiscovered monument before the early 1800s that has captivated explorers for centuries. For hiking and adventure enthusiasts, a trip to the spellbinding canyon of Wadi Mujib is mandatory, where a thrilling combination of wading, hiking, and sliding down rockfaces await. Here, you will have the opportunity to embark on trails with varying degrees of difficulty, zipline across rock formations and encounter rare wildlife species.

TUNISIA

What: Roman ruins meet sandy shores. Tunisia, a North African nation bathed in the golden glow of the Mediterranean Sea, boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, from the ancient Carthaginians to the Romans and the Ottomans. Explore the sprawling ruins of Carthage, a once-mighty Phoenician empire, and wander through the well-preserved Colosseum of El Jem, a testament to Roman’s engineering brilliance.