This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers rich culture, history, and cuisine. Explore Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India; take in harbor views at Boat Quay; shop along Orchard Road; enjoy a night safari at Singapore Zoo; relax in Bukit Timah Nature Preserve; wander futuristic Gardens by the Bay; and unwind with a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its many cultural layers, from the Petronas Towers and Royal Palace to Gothic churches, Colonial remnants, and a restored Malay timber house in a heritage center. Browse markets and shops for crafts, pewter, jewelry, and batik. Enjoy the fusion of Malay, Chinese, and continental cuisine-try curry, spicy broiled duck, satay, or broiled fish.

Pulau Pinang, as it is known locally, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country's oldest British settlement. The word "Pinang" in Malay refers to the areca nut palm, which provides the betel nut, an essential ingredient in a delicacy chewed by millions in the Far East. Today Georgetown is noted for the largest collection of pre-war houses in all of Southeast Asia and the Penang Heritage Trust has been established to maintain its unique heritage.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

Colombo, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy, has welcomed Roman, Chinese, Arab, and European traders for over 2,000 years. See its colonial landmarks-the Presidential Secretariat, Grand Oriental Hotel, and Lighthouse Clock Tower-and visit Pettah, the city's bustling bazaar district. Also notable: Viharamahadevi Park and the mansions of Cinnamon Gardens.

Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is located at the southern edge of North Male' Atoll Kaafu Atoll. Traditionally, Malé was the "King's Island," from where the ancient Maldive Royal families had their palace and ruled the country. Malé is dotted with mosques, wide streets, parks and markets. Tour the national Museum, the colorful Fish Market and the Friday mosque with its splendid golden dome.

Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles, was named for Mahé de Labourdonnais, a governor of Mauritius. It is the location of Port Victoria, the capital city. Ringed by steep and magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The nearby reefs and pristine marine national parks are a snorkeler's paradise

Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles, was named for Mahé de Labourdonnais, a governor of Mauritius. It is the location of Port Victoria, the capital city. Ringed by steep and magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The nearby reefs and pristine marine national parks are a snorkeler's paradise

Discover Nosy Be, scented with native spices and flowers, and nearby Nosy Komba, home to lemurs found only in this region. Start with a stroll through Hellville's city center and open market. Then hire a driver for an island tour to see bright blue volcanic lakes, or take a boat to Nosy Komba for the lemurs. Back in Nosy Be, shop for local perfume, distilled rum, fine linens, and hand-carved wooden art. Enjoy fresh seafood seasoned with local spices in this colorful, aromatic destination.

Located at the endpoint of South Africa's picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed "The Friendly City." While regarded as one of the country's most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area's beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Located at the endpoint of South Africa's picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed "The Friendly City." While regarded as one of the country's most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area's beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Called "the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth" and one of the world's most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, parks and shops, plus mountains, beaches and wineries. Ride a cable car up Table Mountain for views of valleys and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. A historical highlight is Robben Island, once home to anti-apartheid leaders including Nelson Mandela.