Mombasa lies on a coral island linked to the mainland by causeways. This is Kenyas second-largest city and its chief port. Its long and complex history includes a well-established part of important trade routes, a city cloaked in Middle Eastern mystery, Portuguese Indian cultures creating an exotic and colorful atmosphere. White beaches border ink-blue Indian Ocean waters, but most visitors are drawn to Kenyas vast interior game reserves.

Off the coast of Tanzania, the island of Zanzibar is imbued with exotic local spices and fruits, such as clove, lemon grass, jackfruit and mango. The aroma of these enticing scents fills the air as you explore the town, from its intricately carved doors and grand palaces to its formidable forts and sugar-white beaches. Peruse the market for a lovely keepsake of this unique place, or simply enjoy a cool drink in Old Stone Town.

Nosy Be is an island off Madagascar’s northwestern coast. In the southeast, the forests of Lokobe Reserve shelter chameleons, geckos and frogs. The capital, known as Hell-Ville, has French colonial buildings and a covered market. Lemuria Land is home to a variety of lemurs, plus reptiles. Also in the park is a 19th-century distillery still used to extract essential oils from the native ylang-ylang tree.

Praslin, the second largest island of Seychelles and arguably tops in attractions, features stunning beaches, azure seas, tangles of jungle and a trademark relaxed atmosphere. What makes Praslin unique is the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest of rare fauna, and most famously the coco de mer palm, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been aptly called the Garden of Eden.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

Atiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, the island of Malé (pronounced “maaley”) is among the largest of the miniscule coral islets of the Maldives, the countrys political, business and cultural center. Sugar-white beaches are sanctuary to countless sea birds, while coral reefs host an endless variety of exotic fish and marine life.

Atiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, the island of Malé (pronounced “maaley”) is among the largest of the miniscule coral islets of the Maldives, the countrys political, business and cultural center. Sugar-white beaches are sanctuary to countless sea birds, while coral reefs host an endless variety of exotic fish and marine life.

Sri Lanka’s capital until recent times, this fascinating city is filled with an intriguing blend of cosmopolitan buildings and ancient temples. A key stop on the spice routes, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trading companies left behind churches, monuments and religions, as well as smatterings of their languages that have been incorporated into the speech and daily routine of the local Sri Lankans.

This thriving port (formerly Madras) on the Bay of Bengal opens a window into the soul of Southern India. Magnificent Dravidian temples compete with monuments from the British colonial past, including the Chepauk Palace and the High Court buildings, mix with contemporary and cosmopolitan sparkle across the diverse urban landscape. Chennai also is home to a thriving university and is the epicenter of Bollywood film production.

The Andaman Islands float like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal, with their lushly forested interiors wrapped in ribbons of golden beach. Port Blair on South Andaman Island is the archipelagos capital, and home to the Anthropological Museum, showcasing the history of the islands people, and the Cellular Jail, a colonial prison turned national memorial. Nearby attractions include Mount Harriet National Park, a bird watchers paradise, and Havelock Island, with its iconic Elephant Beach.

Residents call Phuket “The Pearl of the South,” and one visit to this green, sun-soaked island in the Andaman Sea will show you why. The coast is a succession of magnificent beaches, the forested interior boasts virgin rain forests and numerous cacao, pineapple, and rubber plantations. The culture is a distinctive blend of Portuguese, Chinese and indigenous Chao Naam: a proud, seafaring people.

Bustling Port Kelang is the principal port of entry for Malaysia. The countrys capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a surprisingly modern city of domes, minarets and spacious, tree-lined avenues. Her symbols of faith are visible at the Jamek Mosque, the citys birthplace.

Singapore blends the contemporary splendor of a sparkling modern city with influences from throughout the Orient. Its history is one of riches and romance, spice trading and piracy, colonialism and growth. This island state has grown from a small fishing village to one of Asias greatest success stories. Temples, mosques and churches stand as serene reminders of the varied collection of migrations that have graced its history. Discover the mansions and polo greens of colonial Singapore, the mystique of Chinatown and the heady aroma of spices and curry along Arab Street. You will quickly come to understand why Singapore is acclaimed as the “Crossroads of the East.”