A small island nation, Singapore is well-known for its status as the only remaining city-state in the entire world. As a primarily English-speaking country, Singapore is a popular tourist destination among Americans and others alike, who visit the country for various reasons.

After juggling back and forth between several different countries as a colony, Singapore finally gained independence in 1963, and ongoing efforts since then have raised the standard of living, curbed unemployment, developed the economic infrastructure, and reduced racial tension. Today, Singapore focuses on building up the economy; for example, the current prime minister decided to open casinos that would attract tourists to the country.

Singapore is composed of 63 islands covering a comparatively small area, but ongoing land reclamation processes promise to increase land area as well as to fuse together separate islands to create larger, more functional areas. A tropical rainforest climate classification means that Singapore has no distinct seasons, a uniform temperature usually around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and high humidity. June and July are the hottest months, while November and December make up the rainy monsoon season.

With an economy focused heavily on trade, business, and tourism, Singapore is a financially successful country with a good standard of living. The majority religion is Buddhism, with a strong Christian, Islamic, and Taoist minority. While the national language of Singapore is Malay, it is mostly for historical reasons, and the most frequently used language is English. As far as dialects are concerned, Singaporean English mixes local language influences and English to produce a distinct variety of the language.

Singaporeans are active sportsmen and sportswomen, participating in a variety of physical activities, ranging from football to cricket. Golf continues to gain popularity in Singapore as well.

Taiwan is on of the most exciting countries to visit in Asia. It’s capital city, Taipei is a modern metropolis with historic details and a culture that is both ancient and cutting edge.

Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings, towers above everything else in the city. It is a symbol of the country’s economic prosperity. It is also an example of neo-classical Chinese architecture. The building is divided into eight sections (an auspicious number in Chinese mythology) and seems to resemble some of the ancient multi-layered temples scattered around the Taiwanese countryside.

Taipei is a place of history. When Chinese nationalists fled to the island, they brought with them a huge collection of artifacts. Many of these are housed at the National Palace Museum. This stunning building is not to be missed. Not every venue is so infused with history, though. Taiwan’s film scene is making waves worldwide. Spot - Taipei Film House is the best place to get a taste of the art house edge of the industry. Spot is more than a theater. Cafes and Bistros in and around the building make the art house scene move beyond the theater seats. There are literally a hundred exhibit halls around the city; some are offbeat (The Museum of Drinking Water), some unique (Museum of Formosan Aborigines).

Taipei is also a city of parks and temples. Longshan Temple is one of the most popular places of worship. Locals come in hordes to pray here and the architecture is sublime. The small, lotus-strewn lakes of Taipei Botanical Gardens are indelible image of the city. They seem ageless, even though the park itself is a mere hundred years old (young by Taiwanese standards). There are plenty of other chances to view nature in the mountainous areas outside the city.

Taipei boasts plenty of places to shop and dance the night away as well. All in all, it is a city with a strong sense of history and its eyes on the future.

Tokyo is the world’s most populous city. It is through no fault of its own that it has become synonymous with Japan. However, there are major metropolises through the nation. One of the best of these “other cities,” as far as visitors are concerned, is Osaka . While it lacks the notoriety of Tokyo, it has more than enough in terms of attractions and atmosphere.

Osaka has a friendly rivalry with Tokyo. This is highlighted by locals, who like the compare the two cities, especially when Osaka gets the better of the comparison. Osaka exceeds its more famous neighbor when it comes to food. Specialties like Okonomiyaki (a cabbage pancake) and Battera (hearty Osaka style sushi) are best eaten at local mom-and-pop restaurants found throughout the city. Seafood is often the center of attention at a meal; though, being a major metropolis, one can find any kind of cuisine in Osaka. There are actually some good Italian places, Saizeria being one of the more popular ones, scattered throughout the city.

Osaka Castle and Park are major attractions. During spring’s cherry blossom season, locals flock to the park to enjoy the annual show of color and the pleasant weather.

Osaka is home to one of the world’s largest aquariums, Kaiyukan. The centerpiece of this venue is a 5500-ton tank featuring marine life from the Pacific Ocean. A bit pricy to enter, but this is a great place to bring the kids.

To get a taste of something truly Japanese, visit Osaka in springtime. Not only will you get a chance to see the cherry blossoms, but you might also get to check out the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament. The event is held in March and features gigantic wrestlers competing in the most spectacular and ancient Japanese sport.

No, Osaka is not Tokyo. It doesn’t try to be. Perhaps that’s why it is such an attractive place to visit.

Hong Kong Island is at the heart of the Hong Kong. The skyline, as seen from Kowloon or the harbor, has been featured in countless movies. The shoulder-to-shoulder skyscrapers are a trademark of the former British colony. Hong Kong Island is one of the most densely populated places on earth.

The Hong Kong Island experience starts before one even sets foot on land. The best way to get to the island is on the Star Ferry. The trip begins at Tsim Sha Tsui, in Kowloon. The views, and if you don’t mind labeling yourself a complete tourist, the snapshot opportunities, are many.

Hong Kong Island’s restaurants are not cheap, but, like elsewhere in the city, there are plenty of mom-and-pop eateries that serve good fare at cheaper prices.

The island has a glitzy nightlife. One interesting fad is the many bars housed in skyscrapers. Prices vary, but sipping something while looking out over the city is a great way to end the day.

Man Mo Temple, the oldest of its type in Hong Kong, is located on Hollywood Road, as is another Hong Kong landmark, known around town as The Peak. Trams and mini buses go up and down the steep slopes. There are walking trails. Taking these is a good idea if you want to avoid the crowds. However, the incline is severe at times, so a level of fitness is required if you want to rely on your feet. The views on top of The Peak are great, but it is very crowded most of the time.

The less densely populated southern coast is home to some nice beaches. Elsewhere, the trademark rugged shores of Hong Kong make for some scenic panoramas of the South China Seas.

Causeway Bay is a popular shopping district, but if you want to get a feel for the local lifestyle, take a tram through Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun. The rhythm of residential Hong Kong is quite different from the business districts and tourist spots.

Korea’s Seoraksan Mountains are high on the itinerary for domestic and international tourists alike. The picturesque cliffs, with trees doing the impossible by clinging to the steep rock wall, seem like something out of a classical painting. The valleys in between the mountains are home to rare plant and animal life. The area is designated as a national park and has been recognized by the United Nations as a Biosphere Reserve.

There are plenty of sites in the mountain range highlighting Korea’s diverse and lengthy history. Sinheungsa Temple, built nearly 1500 years ago, is home to numerous statues and incredible views of the surrounding slopes. Fort Gwongeumseong is near the temple. It was built in the 13th century to protect Korea from invading Mongolians.

There are several hot springs in the Seoraksan region. The most famous is Osaek Springs. The water is supposed to give those who soak in it a youthful glow because of its high mineral content. Whether that is true or not almost doesn’t matter once you relax in the hot water and take in the surroundings.

One of the best (and least strenuous) ways to see the Seoraksan area is by taking the fifteen-minute ride in the Gwongeumseong Gondola. The large car climbs above the tree line from the ground to the mountain above. You’ll surely be able to capture several postcard-like shots during the trip. And, seeing as the cable pulling the car up the slope does all the work, your thigh muscles won’t get stiff from walking constantly uphill.

The Seoraksan area is a popular tourist destination. As such, things can get a bit expensive. However, booking trips, finding transport, checking in to your accommodation, and all other basics are fairly straightforward. If you don’t mind running into the occasional crowd, this is a fun and easy region of Korea to visit.

Goa has had a long history as the backdrop for the meeting of cultures. Portuguese colonists controlled this area of West India for a long time. Though independence has brought an Indian flavor to Goa, there are still many elements of Portuguese culture, including the colonial buildings and a noticeable minority of Roman Catholic Indians. Though the colonial days are long past, Goa is still a meeting point for many of the world’s cultures.

Goa has long been a tourist hot spot. It was a hippie hangout in the 70s and has retained elements of the counter-culture attitude. Visitors are still likely to run into an aged flower child here or there. Of course, there is plenty more to do in Goa than relive the past.

Why do half-a-million foreigners and over a million Indian nationals visit Goa each year?

For the beaches, of course.

Goa’s beaches are world famous and the area is so familiar with the tourist industry that it’s possible to find something to like on Goa no matter what your motives for visiting are.

Raves and beach parties still occur. Laid-back hangouts and upscale resorts vie with beachside bars and food carts for sand space. Luckily there is enough of Goa to go around. Some of the best resorts are founding Southern Goa, while budget places sit further north; as a destination, Goa has a choice to suit everyone. It is expensive by Indian standards, but still quite cheap when compared to western prices.

Goa’s old city, which is filled to the brim with aged buildings and monuments, is a located near the state capital of Panjim. Visitors are transported back to a time when spice was king and Goa was the gateway to an endless frontier. Many fortunes were made, and many more lost, in and around Panjim. Goa is about the beach, but there is so much more to see.

Bali’s famed Kuta Beach might be home to some of the world’s best sun, sand, and surf, but it is not the only place in Bali worthy of tourists’ attention. Recent development along the island’s east coast has uncovered several gems. One such place is Amed. IN the recent past, it was a sleepy fishing village with little infrastructure. Today, the town, famous for its black sand beaches and sublime dive sites, has become the new darling of Bali’s tourist industry.

It was seven years ago that a paved road connected Amed with the rest of the island. Before that, a dirt track, prone to washout during the wet season, was the only way to reach the town. Phone lines were laid soon thereafter and Amed, the tourist destination, was born.

Needless to say, the town is yet to be overrun with nightclubs and tourist cafes like Kuta has. Amed is still an out-of-the-way getaway with an attractively sleepy atmosphere.

Sailing and scuba diving are the two activities of choice. Both take advantage of the clear and calm coastal waters. It is sometimes possible to catch a glimpse of dolphins while at sea.

There are no tourist markets or handcraft shops like other areas of Bali. However, this fits with Amed’s atmosphere. It’s easy to head out of your hotel and not feel like a tourist.

Lempuyang Temple, one of the more important Hindu temples on Bali. Like other temples it features a long staircase and intricate carvings. The atmosphere is peaceful and the views of the island and the sea are wonderful.

Amed is a place to get away from it all. The sleepy quality that makes this coastal village attractive might not last forever, especially given Bali’s recent success in hosting high profile events. It might be best to get to Amed before that which makes it great disappears.

Shanghai has become the hub for visitors on their way to central and eastern China. Though it is still known more as a center of business than of tourism, Shanghai has plenty of attractions that make it a worthwhile city to visit. In fact, there is enough in China’s largest city to keep visitors busy for a week, or even a month.

Xintiandi is the city’s old town. This area features old style buildings with stone gates. This area was rebuilt and now has a large concentration of art galleries, cafes, and studios. The bars and restaurants in this area are quite hip.

The Giant Pandas that are so famous in China are houses at Shanghai’s City Zoo. The Zoo is one of the most modern in all the world and home not only to the famous bears but also to elephants and rare species form around Asia.

The Bund is Shanghai’s seaside district. The aged buildings hearken back to the past, when Shanghai was a major port of call for ships in Asia. The 1920s and 30s brought wealth and culture to the city. Some of the older buildings from that time are still present. Shanghai is again gaining prominence in the region and it experiencing a kind of second renaissance.

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s main shopping street. It is closed to vehicle traffic and has some of the best shops and restaurants in town. The Shanghai Museum, which houses some of the most valuable artifacts in China, is located on Nanjing Road as well.

Yuyuan Gardens has a host of pavilions and gardens that are built in classical Chinese style. The atmosphere is interesting, though it is mainly a tourist draw and not 100% authentic.

Shanghai has many more delights. One could spend months exploring China’s economic and cultural capital and still not see everything.

Phnom Penh is coming into its own. For years, the dusty streets saw few visitors outside adventurous backpacker types trying to get off the beaten path. Tourists interested in Cambodia usually headed up to Angkor Wat, the ruins of a huge temple complex built hundreds of years ago. While Angkor is one of the most interesting and popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh also has unique attractions. As the infrastructure becomes better and better, it’s getting much easier to get in and around Cambodia’s largest city.

Here are a few things visitors can look forward to in Phnom Penh:

Sisowath Quay, on the banks of the Mekong, is an attractive boulevard. Locals, expats, and tourists find the area pleasant. A walkway along the river provides a great venue for evening strolls while the bars, restaurants, and cafes across the street are some of the best in the city.

Sisowath Quay begins near The Royal Palace. The Palace somehow managed to survive Cambodia’s turbulent and bloody conflicts and is now one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. Inside the Palace grounds are two temples.

Wat Phnom, on a hill overlooking the city, is another temple worth visiting. The view from its grounds is as impressive as the structure itself.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a reminder of the violent conflict that left Cambodia in shambles. This is not a place for the squeamish, but important for those who want to see into the brutal reign of the Khmer Rouge.

The Mekong River is wide and scenic as it runs past Phnom Penh. It is possible to take a cruise on the river, perhaps visiting a village downstream or simply having a meal while afloat.

Phnom Penh is still a cit that lies off the beaten path. It is so charming and full of attractions that it won’t remain so for very long.

Jakarta is one of the most populated cities on the planet. While it is definitely a victim of urban sprawl, the central districts offer all the trappings of a major international metropolis. Central Jakarta (simply called “Central” by locals) is home to a vast majority of the ciry’s tourist attractions and excitement.

Indonesia has a glut of shopping malls. If you are looking to browse the upper end of the retail industry in air-conditioned comfort, there are plenty of venues in Central. Plaza Indonesia is the biggest and most expensive of these. Prices approach western levels, but there are some unique goods for sale. Malls like King Plaza are a step down from Plaza, but offer more reasonable prices.

If you are looking for a more traditional shopping experience, head to Pasar Baru (Baru Market). This is the best place to find deals and souvenirs, as long as you feel that your bargaining skills are up to the task. Pasar Baru is nearly 200 years old, and though the probably didn’t sell digital cameras and iPods back in its early days, the way business is conducted in the market probably hasn’t changed much over the years.

Jakarta is a place to party. This might mean visiting one of the numerous upscale dance clubs that bear names like New Stardust or, perhaps, trying your hand at some Karaoke. One won’t be in Jakarta long before realizing that the most popular sport in billiards. Pool halls are places to socialize and have fun. Just don’t get hustled.

Central is home to some brilliant upscale eateries, though these usually sit in the shadow of worldwide chains like KFC, McDonald’s (some open 24/7), and even Chili’s.

Central Jakarta is the heart of a massive city. Sure, Jakarta has many districts worth exploring. For shopping and having a good time day or night, Central is the place to be.