Singapore’s heritage as an important trading post means that there is a real cultural mix, with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Step away from the gleaming towers and you’ll find yourself transported into another world amongst the intoxicating streets of Chinatown and Little India.

The port of Malacca has a rich multicultural heritage, a product of its history as an important trading hub. Over the years the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and British all held sway here, which is reflected today in the city’s eclectic architecture and unique cuisine.

The city of Banda Aceh was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, but has since been rebuilt and is now a pleasant, laid back place to spend some time. Victims of the disaster are honoured at the Tsunami Museum and Blang Padang Park, while other notable landmarks include the ornate Grand Mosque.

On 27 August 1883 the island of Krakatau (Krakatoa) was torn asunder by the most famous volcanic eruption in history, a cataclysmic event that sent a devastating tsunami racing around the globe. Amongst the remains of the collapsed caldera sits the smouldering and still active Anak Krakatau, the ‘child of Krakatoa’.

Situated at the remote southwestern tip of Java, Ujung Kulon National Park is best known as the last refuge of the critically endangered Javan rhino, though you’d be very lucky to spot one. Other species to look out for include Asian pied hornbills, barking deer, macaques, monitor lizards and wild boar.

The sweltering city of Semarang, on the north coast of Java, is an intriguing mish-mash of Chinese, Islamic and Dutch colonial influences. We recommend escaping the heat with a trip up into the mountains to visit a coffee plantation, or joining an excursion to the extraordinary temple complex at Borobudur.

The city of Probolinggo is located on the north coast of East Java, and is the jumping off point for excursions to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. The sight of smouldering Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, looming over the fertile volcanic plains, is a highlight of any trip to Indonesia.