Malaysia

Malaysia packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a country split across two landmasses. Peninsular Malaysia's west coast runs from the skyscraper canyons of Kuala Lumpur — where the Petronas Twin Towers pierce the skyline above Malay kampung villages, Little India spice shops, and Chinatown's Petaling Street market — to the colonial charm of Melaka and the tea-draped Cameron Highlands.

Penang is Southeast Asia's undisputed street-food capital: char kway teow sizzling in woks, laksa ladled from generations-old recipes, and cendol shaved fresh at hawker stalls, all set against a backdrop of UNESCO-listed George Town's street art and clan jetties. The east coast islands of Perhentian and Redang offer crystal-clear diving, while Langkawi's duty-free beaches draw sun-seekers and mangrove kayakers.

Across the South China Sea, Malaysian Borneo delivers world-class nature. Sabah's Mount Kinabalu is Southeast Asia's highest peak, and the Danum Valley and Kinabatangan River teem with orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. Sarawak's Mulu Caves harbour the world's largest cave chamber, and Kuching — the "Cat City" — serves as a charming gateway to longhouse stays with Iban communities deep in the rainforest.