1. Penang, Malaysia

When it comes to cultural escapades, Penang has it all. A bustling trading port, Penang attracted throngs of settlers and merchants from all over the world in the 19th century, resulting in a rich melting pot of cultures.

The historic quarter of its capital George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where centuries-old heritage buildings still stand, including colonial mansions, religious structures and shophouses that mirror Penang’s multicultural fabric.

Admire the ornate beauty of Penang’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mahamariamman, and the Indian-Mughal architecture of the Kapitan Keling Mosque.

Or marvel at the classic Southern Chinese design of the Goddess of Mercy Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in the state, and Kek Lok Si, the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.

The stunning Neoclassical architecture of St George’s Church, one of the region’s oldest Anglican churches, is also a must-see.

And to gaze at one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Asia, head to Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Siamese temple built in the mid-1800s.

2. Bali, Indonesia

The Indonesian island of Bali is steeped in tradition and culture, and if you’re a first-time visitor here, Ubud is a great place to start.

The picturesque landscape of this area, known for its verdant rice terraces, is dotted with Hindu shrines and temples.

Among Ubud’s most beautiful are the 10th century Tirta Empul, renowned for its holy spring water, the visually striking Pura Taman Saraswati dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge, and Gunung Kawi, a burial complex with ancient shrines carved into a rock face.

All around Bali, you’ll also find places where you can learn the art of crafting canang sari, the beautiful Balinese Hindu offering seen at temples and homes throughout the island.

But to really soak up the beauty of Balinese life, stay a night at Penglipuran Village – touted as one of Indonesia’s best tourism villages – where you can live with a local family, learn about age-old customs and sample home-cooked meals.

3. Cebu, Philippines

Culture vultures will have a field day in Cebu City, dubbed “Asia’s Cradle of Christianity”.

Once an ancient maritime trade hub under the Rajahnate of Cebu, the city later became the starting point of Spain’s conquest of the Philippines.

There’s heritage in every corner of this vibrant city, from the towering 20-metre statue of national hero Lapulapu at the site of the Battle of Mactan to Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, home to the cross that the famed explorer planted on Cebu’s shores in 1521.

A trip here is also incomplete without a visit to Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, the country’s first church, which houses the Santo Nino de Cebu, one of the Philippines’ most iconic religious relics.

This statuette of Child Jesus, gifted by Magellan to Rajah Humabon, is the centrepiece of the Sinulog Festival. Held annually in January, this grand celebration featuring dances, parades and street parties commemorates the embracing of Christianity by the Filipinos.

4. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city, is filled with cultural gems that date back to the ancient Khmer civilisation and showcase the nation’s rich heritage.

At the top of the list of attractions is the Angkor Archaeological Park. This sprawling 400-square kilometre complex houses more than 1,000 temples, including the pink-hued Banteay Srei, the ruins of Bayon and the beguiling beauty of Ta Prohm where Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed.

Its most iconic landmark is the majestic 12th century Angkor Wat. Adorned with ornate bas relief of apsara and depictions of Hindu legends, the temple – the world’s largest religious monument – is designed to represent Mount Meru, the sacred peak in Hindu cosmology.

You can also give traditional Khmer crafts a go and take pottery classes at the Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre or make your way to Music For Everyone to learn to play a slew of Cambodian instruments like the two-stringed chapei dang veng.

5. Kuching, Malaysia

Kuching is ideal if you want to soak up indigenous Bornean culture.

The capital of Sarawak is where you can get acquainted with the 27 indigenous ethnic groups that call this East Malaysian state home.

Kick-start your adventure at the Borneo Cultures Museum, which spans five floors filled with over 1,000 artefacts and interactive exhibits such as Melanau hanging coffins and Iban war boats, traditional costumes and items used in ancient healing rituals.

Malaysia

Head to the Sarawak Cultural Village to explore indigenous dwellings and watch enthralling traditional dance performances, or visit Main Bazaar on Carpenter Street to buy ethnic handicrafts from woven baskets to wood carvings.

Don’t miss out on sampling indigenous food either, as there are quite a few eateries that serve up these delicacies. Make a beeline for Lepau if you wish to savour Dayak favourites such as midin (bracken ferns), manuk pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo) and umai, Sarawak’s answer to ceviche.

According to airasia.com