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

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), at Madagascar's northern tip, is a port city known for its colonial charm and natural beauty. See the emerald waters of Diego Suarez Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the crimson cliffs of Tsingy Rouge Park, and the forests of Kakazo-Be with ancient trees and wildlife. Explore markets and the city's blend of Malagasy and French influences.

The charming capital city offers lush mountain ranges, fine beaches, stunning coral reefs and picturesque villages. Learn of the rich cultural heritage Port Louis' five districts have to offer or admire the natural beauty of this volcanic island situated in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.

The charming capital city offers lush mountain ranges, fine beaches, stunning coral reefs and picturesque villages. Learn of the rich cultural heritage Port Louis' five districts have to offer or admire the natural beauty of this volcanic island situated in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.