1. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Nestled on the northwestern coast of Borneo, the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state serves as the gateway to majestic Mount Kinabalu, the island’s highest peak.

If mountaineering isn’t up your alley, then picturesque Kundasang, a jumping-off point for climbers, is also good for a laid-back stop with cattle and vegetable farms dotting the foot of the mountain.

But this coastal city isn’t only about scaling peaks. You can also live it up at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a conservation area that encompasses five islands which abound with beautiful beaches, hiking trails and unspoiled tropical jungle.

2. Phuket, Thailand

With the distinction of being Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is home to some of the country’s best seaside attractions.

For starters, there’s Phang Nga Bay, about 2.5 hours from Phuket by boat. The 400 square-kilometre bay is famous for its limestone cliffs and rock formations. Book a private cruise if you feel like splurging or kayak at your own pace.

Once ashore in Phang Nga province, head to Takua Thung, where a 15-minute hike is all it takes to reach Samet Nangshe Viewpoint for a glorious panorama of the entire bay. Also worth exploring is the Wat Suwan Khuha, a temple cave with a magnificent 15-metre long gold reclining Buddha statue.

If you’re game for more adventure back in Phuket, make a beeline for the spellbinding 130-metre high Kathu Waterfall, Black Rock Viewpoint or pristine Banana Beach, all of which require some jungle trekking to locate.

3. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Situated in the shadows of an active volcano, Indonesia’s Yogyakarta, with plenty of heritage sites and adventure draws, begs to be explored.

Two renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites dating back to the 9th century are just a short drive away from the city centre – the ancient Prambanan Hindu temple and Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple.

There is no shortage of sights to check out in the city either. Make your way to the Taman Sari, with its 18th century royal bathhouse featuring European and Javanese influences, a network of tunnels and Sumur Gumuling underground mosque, complete with an Escher-esque stairwell.

If you are a hardcore adventurer, hire a jeep to check out the superb views from atop Mount Merapi. En route, you can enjoy picture-perfect scenery as you pass by paddy fields, quaint villages and waterways shaped by the many volcanic eruptions here over the years.

4. Vientiane, Laos

Laos’s charismatic capital Vientiane is the jumping off point to lots of fun and exciting outdoor activities, and should be high on every adventurer’s list.

Vientiane’s strategic location along the Mekong makes riverboat cruises a great way to experience the city’s charm. Choose from short sightseeing options to multi-day trips that whisk you away to Luang Prabang in the north.

Less than an hour’s drive northeast is Phou Khao Khouay National Park, a 2,000-square kilometre nature reserve. Here, you can find misty pine forests and sublime waterfalls, all against the backdrop of beautiful karst ridges.

For something less strenuous, visit the nearby Xieng Khuan sculpture park – also known as Buddha Park – for its religious iconography. Over 200 art brut sculptures were erected here in the 1950s, including splendid Buddhist and Hindu pieces.

A four-hour road trip north will take you to Vang Vieng, once the backpacker centre of Laos. No longer the hedonistic paradise of its heyday, this riverside town is now an eco-tourism destination where activities such as tubing, kayaking and caving abound.

5. Miri, Malaysia

The town that oil built, Miri has transformed over the last century from a sleepy coastal village into a bustling seaside city not to be missed.

If you enjoy scuba diving, head to the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park which boasts over 2,000 square kilometres of protected waters, with pristine coral patches and numerous dive sites suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced divers.

Miri is also the gateway to the fascinating national parks of Mulu, Lambir and Niah. At these nature preserves, you can explore some of the world’s most diverse and intricate ecosystems, and see stunning sights like the Pinnacles at Mulu, Lambir’s Latak Waterfalls and Niah’s Painted Cave.

And for a glimpse into the life of the Kelabit, take the road less travelled to the Bario Highlands – a breathtaking highland rainforest the indigenous community calls home – where you can enjoy some downtime in the cool, countryside ambience.

According to airasia.com