Eastern Elegance

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Kuala Lumpur - or KL as it is known - is situated midway along the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, and as the nation's capital city it is the focal point of the new Malaysia. The city truly brings together Malaysia's past and present and its varied cultures. Visitors can appreciate the evocative British buildings as well as the unbounded spirit of progress that symbolises Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. Read more about Port Klang, Malaysia

Pulau Langkawi, the largest of 99 islands collectively known by the same name, is situated off the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. Since being made a duty-free port in 1987, shopping here is cheaper than anywhere else in Malaysia. Yes, this delightful island's economy is primarily based on tourism. Read more about Langkawi, Malaysia

Phuket is the main town in the SE of an island of the same name, in the south of Thailand. This destination provides perfect silky-soft beaches, together with superb hospitality. With spectacular scenery and warm blue waters, it is not surprising that it is Asia's most popular beach destination. Read more about Phuket, Thailand

Penang Island is located on the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca, while Penang State includes a narrow hinterland that is separated from the island by a channel. All tourists should visit the World Heritage Listed site of George Town. Take a trishaw ride or a guided walking tour to explore the nooks and crannies of George Town which, with its unique architectural and cultural townscape, and where every clanhouse and building represents a page of its colourful history, is definitely a ‘must-see’. Read more about Penang, Malaysia

Jakarta, located on the NW coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Greater Jakarta is the eleventh largest city in the world with more than 23 million people, and like most of the big cities in the developing countries, it does suffer from urbanisation problems. However many of the locals speak some English and are always friendly and willing to assist visitors if they ask for help. Read more about Jakarta, Indonesia

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city and the capital of East Java. It is located on the NE coast of Java, sheltered by the island of Madura in the Java Sea. This is “the city of heroes”, whereby during a battle between Indonesian nationalists and British/Dutch forces in 1945 Indonesia galvanised its claims to independence. Read more about Surabaya, Indonesia

Celukan Bawang, with its large wharf, is the main cargo port of northern Bali, trading in timber and cement from Kalimantan (Borneo) and Java. Bugis schooners, the magnificent sailing vessels that take their name from the seafaring people of Sulawesi, anchor here. What you see here is not the westernised tourist potpourri of Kuta Beach. Read more about Celukan Bawang, Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Semarang, on the N coast of Java, is the capital of the Province of Central Java and one of the largest cities in Indonesia. Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings, especially in the area called The Old City. Here is found the fascinating Dutch fortress that is pentagonal in shape, and nearby the Lawang Sewu building, once a company head office for the Dutch East Indies, with an old locomotive, to name but a few of about 50 old buildings that recall the history of colonialism. Read more about Semarang, Indonesia

Bandar Seri Begawan, or Bandar as it's known locally, is the capital of Brunei and the Sultanate's only settlement of any real size. Straddling the northern bank of a bend in the Brunei River, the city is distinguished by its unlikely mixture of striking modern buildings and traditional homes. Due mainly to the discovery of oil, it now stands as an attractive, clean and modern city. Read more about Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Kota Kinabalu, or KK for short, is the capital of Sabah State in East Malaysia and is located on the northern coast of Borneo. With its modern office buildings and extensive construction work being undertaken on every corner, one could be forgiven for forgetting the almost century-long British control, and think that KK was built just yesterday. Visit the old Post Office and the Atkinson Clock Tower and wander around the older part of the capital. Read more about Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Puerto Princesa City (pop. 255,000) is the westernmost city of the Philippines, situated on the island of Palawan. Spanish colonisers founded the city in 1872, and since then it has passed through administrations of the US and Japan. Read more about Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Coron Island is one of the Calamian Group of Islands in northern Palawan, the Philippines. It lies 300 km SSW of the capital Manilla. Coron Island rises abruptly from the sea with steep limestone cliffs to 300 m or so, and landing sites are limited to a few beautiful small beaches and coves. Read more about Coron Island, Philippines

Borocay is a small island of the Philippines, located approximately 315 km south of Manila. This long (7 km) thin island is a tourist resort, one of the world's top destinations for relaxation. The island has long white talcum-fine beaches that rival many of the world’s best. Read more about Boracay, Philippines

Manila, the capital of the Philippines and the most densely populated city in the world, is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, on the western side of the island of Luzon. This metropolis has certainly come a long way from being a fortified settlement and renowned trading centre in the 13th century. The city attracts over one million visitors from all over the world annually. Read more about Manila, Philippines

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong