This has happened twice now..happens as soon as I leave the temple.
The message is the usual: "Septerra Core Game Engine has encountered a problem and needs to close..."
Could post the error report contents and/or specs if necessary.
Running XP SP3.
Edit: Okay, it didn't happen the third time. :P
Still, any information could be useful. I've had this happen with other games (on GOG and otherwise) too.

I keep crashing at the desert pipes.
I'm running an AMD, single core. Game was running just fine, now i seem to be stuck :(

I've been getting the same problem, during world map transitions at a number of places including Assiz's Temple, The Pumping Station, and the Desert Pipes. I've adjusted my sound hardware acceleration both through quicktime AND through the control panel and it hasn't changed a thing. I've also tried Windows 2000 compatibility to no avail.
My Hardware Specs:
SYSTEM INFORMATION
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.100216-1514)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: ACER
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5200 @ 2.50GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2038MB RAM
Page File: 727MB used, 3203MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DISPLAY DEVICES
Card name: Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) GMA 3100
DAC type: Internal
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (16 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: igxprd32.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4926 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
SOUND DEVICES
Description: Realtek HD Audio output
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5436 (English)

Whoa - it's been awhile since this post was visited. I found a solution that works for me - as others have hinted at the sound is the issue so I just lowered the in-game sound to nothing. After doing so I can enter the world map again from certain locations (Azziz's temple in particular is culprit). ( That is - I load my game from inside Azziz's temple, change the volume settings such that the master/FX/etc are all at the lowest settings then leave the zone to enter another - and am able to do so). Hope this helps someone!