traveller's checks

Fukuoka has long been a point of entry for Chinese and Korean goods, people and culture, and displays a much stronger influence from these countries than does the rest of Japan. The best of the foreigner-friendly hotels are the Grand Hyatt (above) and Hyatt Regency (www.hyatt.com), but you can find a comprehensive list of accommodation and much more information on the city at www.fukuokaguide.com. Fukuoka also offers fairly easy overland access to other interesting Japanese cities. For more information, see www.dragonair.com.hk.

Westminster Travel has a two-night deal to Penang (right) from HK$2,150 (per person, twin share) for hotels at Tanjung Bungah, a cheaper alternative to better-known Batu Ferringhi, farther along the north coast. Available at this price are the Crown Jewel Hotel (www.crownjewelpenang.com) and Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel (www.tanjungbungahbeachhotel.com), but for an extra HK$600 you can stay at Shangri-La's Golden Sands Resort or splurge at sister property the Rasa Sayang for HK$3,490 (both are in Batu Ferringhi). All prices, which are available until December 13, include round-trip, economy-class flights via Kuala Lumpur (where one free stopover is allowed) with Malaysia Airlines and breakfast (except at the Crown Jewel Hotel). Flights depart Hong Kong from Sunday to Thursday and tickets must be issued and paid for by November 30. For further details and reservations, call Westminster Travel on 2313 9800, or e-mail [email protected], reference number 7130P.