Penang, Malaysia

Once a British Colony that was a major trading port for tea, spices, china and cloth, Penang is an island where European, Malaysian, Hindu, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cultures met, melded, and flourished. Today, its capital, Georgetown, is a bustling cosmopolitan city that has managed to preserve its unique heritage and its exotic blend of cultures. Georgetown is perhaps the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. It boasts a European-style esplanade and a wealth of temples, mosques and Chinese clan houses.

Soak up the stunning beauty of the sparkling beaches. Hike the tropical jungles. Stroll the colonial-era streets of Georgetown. See a snake temple. Tour a batik factory and spice garden or visit a traditional Malay village.