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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Malé is the capital of the Maldives. The city shares its name with the island it is located on. Due to its rapid growth in population, the island has had to be extended artificially. The throbbing city of Male is a fascinating place, offering you the chance to learn about the real life in the Maldives, away from the laid-back pace in the rest of the country. Even though, the sights are here few and far between, the city's lively markets, bright buildings and alcohol-free cafes are definitely worth a visit.

Mahe is the largest and most developed of the 115 Seychelles islands. The island is home to the country's capital city Victoria and is about as busy as the Seychelles get. There is a large selection of resorts on Mahe, the most outstanding of which are located all along the west coast, here, you will also find the most pristine beaches. However, there are plenty of hidden gems all over the island: the rugged landscapes of the Morne Seychellois National Park or the stunning Le Jardin du Roi spice garden are just two of many.