Asia's 'sleeping tiger' that has yet to achieve its full economic potential. A unique fusion of the Asian traditions of non-confrontation and respect for elders combined with Spanish ideas of machismo, romance and sophistication. The largest Christian nation in the region with over 7,000 islands — most with beautiful tropical beaches and flashing smiles
Ancient country with a history that includes both ruling its own Empire and being part of the British Empire. Until recently isolated, under military dictatorship and suffering from economic sanctions, currently undergoing major political changes and opening up to tourism.
Malaysia stands out as the center of diversity that is unique in Asia. Half of the population is made up of Malays, while the other half consists of descendants of Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli background, as well as other indigenous people of Malaysian Borneo. There are also small but significant communities of Baba Nyonya(Malay-Chinese), Chetti Melaka(Malay-Indian), Kristang(Malay-Portuguese), Jawi Pekan(Malay-Arab-Indian), Chindian(Chinese-Indian), and Sino-native(Chinese-Kadazan/Dusun/Murut) that are uniquely Malaysian. Culturally, Malaysia is influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, British, Persia, Arab, Turkey as well as neighboring countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. This place is full of variety and this diversity extends to its cities, languages, and landscapes as well.
The forgotten, but growing, country of Southeast Asia, landlocked by Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. It is a mountainous country that is very popular on the backpacker trail. The entire town of Luang Prabang is a World Heritage site.
The sleeping giant of Southeast Asia and the world's largest archipelago, with more than 18,000 islands spanning three time zones. Home of the Komodo dragons and too many sights to see in one lifetime, they have improved economically into a G-20 nation.
One of the world's newest and poorest states, though with abundant natural resources, encompassing the eastern side of Timor island.
Still recovering economically from decades of war, though currently relatively safe and easy to travel. Highlights are Siem Reap near the ancient city of Angkor, the capital Phnom Penh and the beachside Sihanoukville.
Tiny oil-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo.
The pearl of the Orient, has a tropical climate and cultural influences from the rest of South Asia. Has a really interesting historical journey from about 2500 years. Its natural landscape makes it different from the rest and was known as Ceylon in the west.
The first and only country created in the name of Islam, rich in culture and history, varying climates and terrains from hot deserts to snowy mountains, and home of 5 of only 14 8,000-metre mountains on earth, but tourism is suffering due to the unpredictable security situation.