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.”

Kota Kinabalu is a sprawling and busy city situated between the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and Mount Kinabalu, an ideal place for snorkeling, hiking and simply watching the ebb and flow of nature. For people watching, there is the waterfront, where a variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes vie for the traveler’s time and interest. The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, formerly known as the Filipino Market, and Gaya Street Market hawk everything from ethnic souvenirs to traditional foods.

Enter the subterranean world of Puerto Princesa’s Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders located in the Philippines – surrounded by ethereal rock formations and lush forest where monkeys and monitors casually greet guests. The Palawan capital is also a bustling gateway to El Nido and the breathtaking Bacuit Archipelago, surrounded by limestone cliffs and soaked in sunshine.

Lush and green, surrounded by impossibly blue waters ranging from turquoise to a deep azure, this tiny island is big on water play. From moment to moment, Boracay gives you an array of options: swim in the coral protected lagoon, try windsurfing or kiteboarding, snorkel the quiet cove of Baling Hai Beach or go shopping the bustling White Beach.

Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.

Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.

Ishigaki is a city on Japan’s Ishigaki Island and a jumping-off point for beaches and coral reefs. Near the port, the Misakichō district is home to the covered Euglena Mall. The Yaeyama Museum chronicles the history of Ishigaki and the other Yaeyama Islands. Connecting to a small island park, the Southern Gate Bridge offers views over the coastline. East of the city is Maezato Beach, a popular water sports hub.

Jeju province encompasses the South Korean island of Jeju in the Korea Strait. Its known for its beach resorts and volcanic landscape of craters and cavelike lava tubes. Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, features hiking trails, a crater lake at the 1,950m summit and nearby Gwaneumsa Temple. The Geomunoreum Lava Tube System includes 7km-long Manjanggul Cave, created centuries ago when Hallasan was still active

Incheon is rising to new heights, literally. The city is developing metropolitan real estate with dramatic results, including a district called Songdo International City, home to the world’s tallest twin tower buildings and South Korea’s tallest building, the North Asia Trade Tower. Visit Independence Memorial Hall commemorating General MacArthur, who turned the tide of the Korean War, while farther afield the Incheon Islands are favored by hikers and beachgoers.

Incheon is rising to new heights, literally. The city is developing metropolitan real estate with dramatic results, including a district called Songdo International City, home to the world’s tallest twin tower buildings and South Korea’s tallest building, the North Asia Trade Tower. Visit Independence Memorial Hall commemorating General MacArthur, who turned the tide of the Korean War, while farther afield the Incheon Islands are favored by hikers and beachgoers.

As Japans only access to the West, Nagasaki flourished during a period of national isolation in the 16th century and continues to be influenced by the ideas and technology of other cultures. Must-see attractions include Japans oldest gothic-style wooden church, the inspirational Peace Park, and the stately Glover Mansion, an impressive hideaway which was the legendary setting of Puccinis opera, Madame Butterfly.

Mount Sakurajima casts an imposing image on arrival to Kagoshima, but don’t be deterred by the active volcano across the bay. Kagoshima has been voted Japan’s friendliest city, with a climate to match the warmth of its residents – and the heat of Mount Sakurajima. This tropical environment fosters a rich agriculture and aquaculture that produces distinct cuisine and famously high-quality ingredients. The nearby Chiran Samurai Residences and Gardens offer a glimpse into the legendary warriors of 250 years ago.

Views of the sea, high-rises, parks and temples…. Kochi has it all, along with its own famous dish, katsuo tataki, a culinary delight of flavorfully seasoned, seared tuna. Meander through the Makino Botanical Garden, explore the Museum of Art, stroll along the beach, barter at the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, visit the aquarium, or simply gaze at the city’s most celebrated sight, Kochi Castle, which remains largely intact atop Otakasaka Hill, and at the top of most travelers’ must-see lists.

This cosmopolitan gem boasts a proud maritime history and is a gateway to some of Japan’s other legendary locales. Venture to the spiritual heart of Kyoto, home to the famed Golden Pavilion and many cultural intricacies, from the secret lives of the geisha to today’s innovative cuisine. Explore Nara’s Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and wander a park of temples on this journey through Japan’s sacred past and chic present.

From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza District and impressive Tokyo Tower, Tokyo is a complex blend of East and West where houses of wood and paper stand beside soaring steel skyscrapers while kimono-clad women stroll along trendy teenagers. Here in this city of more than 11 million people, the timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan’s enduring traditions, existing in a verdant parkland of isolation.