The Republic of Singapore, sometimes referred to as the Lion City, is a sovereign city-state in Southeast Asia. The territory consists of one main island along with 62 other islets. A global commerce, finance and transport hub, Singapore has a tropical climate with a multicultural population. Its colonial core centres on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, with its 18 Corinthian columns. In Singapore's circa-1820 Chinatown stands the red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, said to house one of Buddha's teeth. From its gardens to historic sites, religious places to nightlife, Singapore hosts an enthralling stay.

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. Located in Southeast Asia, in the tropics, Malaysia is one of 17 megadiverse countries on earth, with large numbers of endemic species. It's known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences in culture and cuisine. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers. Malaysian Borneo hosts wild jungles of orangutans, granite peaks and remote tribes, along with some pretty spectacular diving.

Places to visit in Singapore

Kuala Lumpur  Singapore