Laid back Hualien is one of the biggest cities on Taiwan’s mountainous east coast, and serves as the gateway to the beautiful Taroko Gorge. It’s also one of the world’s biggest producers of marble, and is home to a number of restaurants specialising in aboriginal cuisine.

Manila is a sprawling, chaotic conglomeration of soaring skyscrapers, faded colonial facades and ramshackle slums, and it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you have the stamina and an inquisitive nature, there is plenty to be enjoyed in the Philippines’ boisterous capital.

El Nido, in the northwest of Palawan province, is the gateway to the spectacular Bacuit archipelago. Dramatic jungle-covered peaks, karst cliffs and pristine beaches draw intrepid travellers to this remote corner of the Philippines, along with the incredibly clear waters, perfect for snorkelling.

Sandakan is the former British capital of Borneo, and is still home to a few old colonial mansions, but most visitors are here for the fantastic Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Other nearby attractions include Gomantong Caves, the Kinabatangan River and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Makassar is the largest city in eastern Indonesia, and has a rich history as an important trading post. The most famous landmark is Fort Rotterdam, which was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and was used to store spices before they were shipped to Europe.

Palopo is the gateway to the highland region of Tana Toraja, famed for its stunning scenery and fascinating tribal culture. Toraja houses are instantly recognisable by their curved, boat-like roofs, and are often adorned with the skulls of water buffalo that have been slaughtered during the Toraja’s elaborate funeral ceremonies.

Komodo Island is situated within an area of spectacular natural beauty, home to the famous Komodo dragon. The stunning beaches are tinged with pink thanks to the high concentration of red coral just offshore, and the waters draw intrepid divers from all over the world.