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

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'.

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. With a population of around 170 000, the city is the largest on the island. It is also the economic center of the country. Port Louis feels like a mixture of different countries and continents - Africa, China, Europe, the Middle East and others. Its lively streets provide a good alternative to the other part of the island filled with peaceful resorts and private beaches. Be aware that once the commuters leave the city after dark, it dies out and practically nothing is open.

Durban is situated on the Indian Ocean on the east coast of South Africa. Durban is South Africa's second biggest city, with slightly more than 3 million inhabitants, and is one of the most important industrial cities in the country. The beaches and the subtropical climate make Durban a popular spot for vacationers from around the world. Watersport enthusiasts will be extremely impressed by the activities on offer and the cultural side of the city boasts many museums, theatres and botanical gardens.

Overnight

Cape Town is the third largest city of South Africa with a population of almost 3.5 million and has been the city of the South African Parliament since 2004. Between October and march, Cape Town is a popular attraction for many tourism which is shown by their growing numbers in recent years. This in turn has made Cape town an important economic sector for the country. One of the favourite sites of tourists is the Table Mountain but the city has plenty more to offer. Museums, historic buildings, Castles and the oldest surviving building in South Africa are all options worth considering.