For nature lovers, Christmas Island National Park provides fantastic opportunities to observe unique plants and animals in their natural habitats. The park covers about two thirds of the island. As an isolated oceanic island, distant from other land masses, Christmas Island is home to a high proportion of endemic species. Several are endangered. The park protects significant ecosystems including much of the island's uniquely structured rainforests and two wetlands of international importance, the Dales and Hosnie's Springs. In and around the national park you will find a host of native sea and forest birds, unique marine life and land crabs — including tens of millions of red crabs, famous throughout the world for their spectacular annual breeding migration.

Emerging from the placid waters just like the nearby National Museum, the National Theatre is one of the biggest theatres in the Arab world. It hosts performances by some of the foremost artists in the world, ranging from classical music and ballet to contemporary shows. The impressive architectural achievement owns much to local tradition with the wooden interiors and the 1,001 seats inspired by the world-famous Arabic tales.

The idyllic Farasan Island, located about 50 kilometres off the coast of Jazan, is without a doubt the area's biggest draw for travellers. The Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary was created to protect the island's biodiversity, but visitors can still admire the coral reefs, dive and snorkel in the area. Ferries regularly make the trip to the island from Jazan.

Get a glimpse into royal life in modern Egypt at the Manial Palace, built by Prince Mohamed Ali in the early 1900s. The architecture is a bold mix — Islamic, Ottoman, Persian, even Moroccan and Andalusian — with every room showing off intricate woodwork, tiles, and stained glass. The complex includes a mosque, hunting museum, throne hall, and beautifully kept gardens.