The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of four million people is a metropolis of modern high-rises, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, Victorian architecture, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. It is a melting pot of people and cultures — Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages; Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Ever fascinating, Singapore boasts diverse cultures, luxurious hotels, and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world.

From a lawless huddle of kampongs in the trackless jungle, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city has grown into a fascinating metropolis. Steel and glass towers stand side by side with graceful stone colonial buildings and mosques adorned with slender minarets. The commercial, financial, economic and cultural heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (better known as KL), is a melting pot. Its population of 1.6 million is comprised of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and a mix of different cultures including Eurasians and others.

Once a British Colony that was a major trading port for tea, spices, china and cloth, Penang is an island where European, Malaysian, Hindu, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cultures met, melded, and flourished. Today, its capital, Georgetown, is a bustling cosmopolitan city that has managed to preserve its unique heritage and its exotic blend of cultures. Georgetown is perhaps the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. It boasts a European-style esplanade and a wealth of temples, mosques and Chinese clan houses. Soak up the stunning beauty of the sparkling beaches. Hike the tropical jungles. Stroll the colonial-era streets of Georgetown. See a snake temple. Tour a batik factory and spice garden or visit a traditional Malay village

Phuket (pronounced poo-keht) is one of the premier travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Travelers from around the world are drawn to this province’s stunning beaches, crystalline waters, and dramatic limestone peaks. Its mountainous interior is densely forested with mahogany, rubber trees, tropical evergreen, royal palm, ficus and bamboo. Located on Thailand’s long, thin southern coast and bordering Malaysia, Phuket island boasts a rich cultural mix of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Western influences. Explore the modern shopping centers, take in a kickboxing match, visit the ancient Buddhist temples or go fishing and catch dinner. Plus, get your fill of snorkeling or scuba diving, as the diving is of world-class caliber.

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands floating in the Andaman Sea off northwest Malaysia. Steeped in mystery and legend, it offers diverse attractions

The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of four million people is a metropolis of modern high-rises, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, Victorian architecture, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. It is a melting pot of people and cultures — Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages; Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Ever fascinating, Singapore boasts diverse cultures, luxurious hotels, and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world.