Hong Kong to Singapore

A spectacular, serrated skyline of soaring towers and neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant, immersive metropolis and cultural hub. Dramatic harbour-front light shows transform the waterfront’s gleaming buildings into a colourful canvas – best seen from the Star Ferry, when the Symphony of Lights blares into life each evening. A city where future and tradition collides - perhaps best illustrated by the skyscrapers that feature gaping holes, designed to allow spirit dragons to soar from the hills to the waterfront unimpeded. Wander flowing shopping streets, wade through sprawling markets and soak up the neon glory of this one-of-a-kind city - which continues to reach for the sky. Hong Kong's dense jumble of activity is one of its main appeals, but once you've felt the thrill of rising to towering observation decks, to see the soaring city from above, it's surprisingly easy to find peace among Hong Kong's intense urban wonders. Victoria Peak is the highest point and it offers staggering views down over the city and harbour. The Peak Tram funicular can ferry you to the top, to the vantage point which was historically adored by the rich for the cooler air found here, away from the busy bustle of the city streets. Many elaborate temples add a tranquil element to Hong Kong’s whirr, and Tin Hau temple has a surprisingly urban location, considering its dedication to the Goddess of the Sea. It did once occupy the shorefront, but the city's growth saw land reclaimed from the sea around it, leaving the temple marooned inland. Having been leased to the British for 99 years, milky tea is a revered tradition here - enjoy your cup with a serving of local dim sum.While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

With the glittering lights of Taipei - a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas - sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan. While this port city essentially serves as Taipei's ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei's neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a chaotic scramble of intoxicating urban energy. A megacity of culture and creativity, there's a lot to discover amid these chockablock streets. The delicious food wins many fans, but it’s the friendly Filipinos - always eager to help - who ensure that Manila takes a special place in the hearts of many visitors. The Baywalk is one of the city's best places for catching a legendarily intense sunset - or wandering among joggers and leisurely strollers. The city's Intramuros area is its cobbled historic core - and was the centre of power when the Spanish ruled these lands. Decorated with colonial architecture and citadels, the district is known for its rumbling horsedrawn carriages and storied history. Head to Fort Santiago, which aims canons out across the water from its chunky stone walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site stands against the odds, despite World War II bombardments, fires and earthquakes - a true testament to Manila's incredible resilience. As one of the most densely populated places in the world, Manilla can be manically busy at times, but you can always escape to Rizal Park. With Chinese and Japanese gardens and plenty of room for open-air events, it's a beautiful oasis within the city. It's also an incredibly important national symbol, as the location where the hero of independence, Jose Rizal, was executed. A large statue now memorialises him here, and the park was renamed in his honour.

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a chaotic scramble of intoxicating urban energy. A megacity of culture and creativity, there's a lot to discover amid these chockablock streets. The delicious food wins many fans, but it’s the friendly Filipinos - always eager to help - who ensure that Manila takes a special place in the hearts of many visitors. The Baywalk is one of the city's best places for catching a legendarily intense sunset - or wandering among joggers and leisurely strollers. The city's Intramuros area is its cobbled historic core - and was the centre of power when the Spanish ruled these lands. Decorated with colonial architecture and citadels, the district is known for its rumbling horsedrawn carriages and storied history. Head to Fort Santiago, which aims canons out across the water from its chunky stone walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site stands against the odds, despite World War II bombardments, fires and earthquakes - a true testament to Manila's incredible resilience. As one of the most densely populated places in the world, Manilla can be manically busy at times, but you can always escape to Rizal Park. With Chinese and Japanese gardens and plenty of room for open-air events, it's a beautiful oasis within the city. It's also an incredibly important national symbol, as the location where the hero of independence, Jose Rizal, was executed. A large statue now memorialises him here, and the park was renamed in his honour.

Swampy rivers, soaring mountains and a lush, sheltered location combine to make Kota Kinabalu a diverse and beautiful Borneo destination. Capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, and settled on the north-west coast, it’s a perfect starting point for exploring Sabah's riches. Venture ashore to discover extraordinary wildlife and fascinating human heritage within the dense rainforest. The City Mosque features a pure white facade and cobalt blue patterned dome, and it appears as if floating, casting a beautiful reflection onto the lake beside it. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Gaya Street Sunday Market – where everything from reams of fabrics to fresh honey and piles of bright vegetables is up for sale. For an insight into North Borneo's ethnic cultures, venture into the rainforest to seek out authentic villages. Learn of life in these isolated communities and hear tales of the jungle's tribes - as well as the truth behind grisly headhunting whispers. Scattered islands of sandy beaches and popular dive sites lie offshore, while gentle river rafting rides along burbling waterways offer the perfect introduction to Sabah's verdant scenery and wildlife. Adventure seekers will be drawn to the revered peak of the massive Mount Kinabalu - Southeast Asia's highest. Towering up more than 4,000 metres, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the thousands of diverse plants that grow here. The Mount Kinabalu Botanic garden hike is suitable for all levels, surrounding you with colourful blooms of blossoming flowers and plants. A little fog often shrouds the elevated gardens, adding an atmospheric wisp to some of Malaysia's most sumptuous scenery.

With a fascinating multicultural history, Malacca is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with much to explore. It was a trading center with China, India, and Indonesia, and was at one time occupied by Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and British, resulting in an abundance of historical sites and an interesting local cuisine.

Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens' skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean - and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city's neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up - nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs - and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay - a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples - like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore's cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city's eponymous gin-soaked cocktail - a Singapore Sling.