Mysterious Asian Isles

Taipei, located on the Danshui River, is the largest city and the capital of Taiwan, in the Republic of China. It lies 25 km SW of the Pacific Ocean port Keelung in northern Taiwan. Now a sprawling metropolis, for those who love the hustle and bustle of a big city, it truly is a great place to visit. Read more about Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, Province of China

Kaohsiung is located in SW Taiwan facing the Taiwan Strait. It is home to a major port, is Taiwan's second largest city, and its largest industrial centre. Interestingly, ferries play a key role in everyday transportation. Read more about Kaohsuing, Taiwan, Province of China

Manila, the capital of the Philippines and the most densely populated city in the world, is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, on the western side of the island of Luzon. This metropolis has certainly come a long way from being a fortified settlement and renowned trading centre in the 13th century. The city attracts over one million visitors from all over the world annually. Read more about Manila, Philippines

Borocay is a small island of the Philippines, located approximately 315 km south of Manila. This long (7 km) thin island is a tourist resort, one of the world's top destinations for relaxation. The island has long white talcum-fine beaches that rival many of the world’s best. Read more about Boracay, Philippines

Puerto Princesa City (pop. 255,000) is the westernmost city of the Philippines, situated on the island of Palawan. Spanish colonisers founded the city in 1872, and since then it has passed through administrations of the US and Japan. Read more about Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Kota Bharu (New City) is the capital of Kelantan, a state of Malaysia. It lies near the coast on the N side of the Malay Peninsular, 16km from the border with Thailand. The city lies about 10km upstream on the Kelantan River, which flows northwards into the Gulf of Thailand. Read more about Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Bandar Seri Begawan, or Bandar as it's known locally, is the capital of Brunei and the Sultanate's only settlement of any real size. Straddling the northern bank of a bend in the Brunei River, the city is distinguished by its unlikely mixture of striking modern buildings and traditional homes. Due mainly to the discovery of oil, it now stands as an attractive, clean and modern city. Read more about Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore