9. Explore Singapore’s multicultural heart

While Hong Kong is East-meets-West, Singapore throws the entire Malay Peninsula and Middle East into the mix. Take Kampong Glam, the city’s oldest neighbourhood and one of its most dynamic. In the 1800s, this was a Muslim hub where sultans lived; their former palace is now the Malay Heritage Centre. The golden domes of the nearby Masjid Sultan mosque still draw worshippers, who brush shoulders with hipsters drawn to the cafes and boutiques of Haji Lane. Pick up souvenirs at Royal Fabrics, known for its batik, and the many Arab spice and rug shops. A few minutes away, tucked behind Muscat Street, Gelam Gallery’s bright murals and framed works cover the back lanes. Another eye-popping sight is the Vintage Camera’s Museum, a wonderfully quirky stop while you’re in the ’hood.