Malaysia

 Known as Malaysia's historic city, Melacca's Sultan past makes it a cultural attraction for travellers. The historic town centre features many different styles of architecture including Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Islamic buildings. The white beaches of Pulau Besar offer a pleasant contrast as do the rocky headlands of the Tanjung Bidara.

 This is not only a tropical island with coconut palm trees and sandy beaches but it is also Malaysia's most famous holiday destination combining beach relaxation with jungle adventure. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery and rice fields, Kuah, the main city on the island, is a duty free zone so get filing those shopping bags.

  Pulau Penang is known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. If you have time, climb the Penang Hills for a great view over Georgetown. Also here is Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple (Kek Lok Si Temple) and the Snake temple where you can leave midnight snacks for venomous vipers and green tree snakes.

  This city is a monument for Malaysia's modern lifestyle. The Petronas Towers symbolise the country's hip architecture and design. But under the facade of a modern city you can still find the colourful and colonial buildings that represent another era. Chinatown, Little India and Kampung Baru are all worth seeing. The Lake Gardens are a cool place to relax with a drink in your hand. Kuala Lumpur is an edgy city where old meets new and where mosques and temples stand alongside skyscrapers, shopping malls and trendy nightspots. Head 200km north to find the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands. This is Malaysia's hill station, an alpine escape of blue peaks, green hills, tumbling rivers and small towns. Enjoy the cool fresh climate and spend days trekking and tea tasting. The perfect base is Cameron Highland Resort, a 56-room boutique hideaway surrounded by peaceful plantations.