Southeast Asia

It is hard to get away from water in most parts of Southeast Asia !
the ten countries that make up the region are linked by waterways and surrounded by oceans.
the hot, wet environment is ideal for farming rice, the staple crop of the region
it is also supports large areas of tropical rainforests.
sadly, heavy logging has forced many forest people to move away to towns, where the way of life is very different


People Power
The Penan people live in the rainforests of Sarawak. they have tried to stop the destruction of their forest home by blocking roads into the rainforest
Sarawak has the world's highest rate of logging


Living with Water
many houses in Malaysia and Indonesia are built on stilts. this helps protect them from floods during torrential rainstorms


The Secret of Success
the small island state of Singapore is a apowerful trading nation. Singapore became succesful because of its position
it was built up as key trading post between the Far East and the West and is now one of asia's richest countries


Floating Market
Much of Bangkok in Thailand is below sea level, and the city has a busy network of canals.
floating markets are colorful occasions local traders bring their good to market by boat, and shoppers paddle up to take a look at what is on offer


Doing Time
The vast majority of thais are buddhis. every male buddist is expected to become a monk for a while to study religious teaching and prepare for adult life


Bali Dancers
The Indonesian island of bali is famous for its exciting dances
historical tales of local princes and heroes are acted out in a masked dance called wayang topeng
the dance is very intertaining with lots of clowning about as well as serious storytelling


Pirates on the South Seas
pirates are still terrorizing the seas of southeast asia, capturing boats and stealling their cargo
in march 1991 a big oil tanker disappeared off the philippines
this was almost certainly the work of pirates