As a melting pot for the world's cultures and nationalities, Singapore's diversity stands out among its surrounding nations. Its cultural and religious diversity, along with the fact it has no less than four national languages (including English) give it a progressive feel. For those who appreciate architecture, the mix of colonial-era buildings and ultra modern skyscrapers and condos mean they will constantly be in awe of their surroundings. The impeccable standards of cleanliness present in the city are astonishing. Strict laws surrounding this issue mean the municipality is a joy to spend time in.

The city of Melaka (also known as Malacca) has a long and eventful history behind it. The varied range of architectural styles is the result of Melaka's domination by different cultures: Chinese, Muslim, Portuguese, Dutch and British.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, is bustling and diverse with a variety of attractions, including the world famous Petronas Twin Towers. It was only in 1957 that Malaysia's first prime minister declared independence in Kuala Lumpur, and British colonial-era landmarks are still dotted around the city. The Petaling Street flea market is an authentic taste of Kuala Lumpur while the Batu Caves is a destination you cannot miss. The thousands of hawker stalls, cafes and restaurants ensure visitors don't leave without a true taste of the best of Malaysian cuisine

The tropical island of Penang lies on the west coast of Malaysia. The capital, Georgetown is a registered UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. There are numerous temples, mosques and churches on the island. Of particular interest is the Ke Lok Si, the largest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Penang is known as a region of diversity and is often seen as a connection between Europe and Asia. Some argue that Penang offers the best food Malaysia has to offer and the island is fondly referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient'.

Langkawi lies north of the Strait of Malacca, near the border between Malaysia and Thailand. The monsoon climate means the area is hot and humid all year round. Local attractions include a mangrove swamp on the east coast of the island and a black sand beach in the north.

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Phuket is located in southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The country's largest island is well renowned for its marvelous white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, colorful fish and coral reefs, but Phuket is also full of vibrant nightlife and great tourist attractions. Visit Laem Phromthep at the island's southern tip to watch the stunning sunset, see the great work being done at Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, or laze around and do nothing but relax on the 8km long Hat Bang Thao beach.

After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated the underdeveloped town of Hambantota, the Sri Lankan government started several development projects to transform the town into the second largest urban hub in the country. Some of these projects include the construction of a new seaport, the international Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which was completed in 2013, and the Hambantota Cricket Stadium.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting the island. The city used to be known as 'the garden city of the East' and though unlikely to reclaim this moniker, it is still a compelling place. The colonial architecture of the Fort, the lively markets of Pettah and growing number of stylish galleries and shops make Colombo an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan expedition. The ever-growing number of eateries serving anything from Sri Lankan to street food, is another reason travellers are starting to flood to the city.