Sandakan, on the northeast coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a city where history, wildlife, and culture come together. Once a major trading port known as “Little Hong Kong” for its bustling connections to the wider world, Sandakan has retained its multicultural character, with influences from Chinese, Malay, and Indigenous communities visible in its temples, markets, and cuisine.

Grand Rapids sits along the Grand River in western Michigan, shaped by industry, reform, and a strong civic culture.

Orange Walk is a town in northern Belize situated along the New River and surrounded by agricultural land. Often associated with sugarcane production, it serves as the main center of Orange Walk District and provides a useful base for exploring northern Belize. The river is an important feature of the area, connecting the town with wetlands, forests, and the archaeological site of Lamanai.

Morondava is a coastal town in western Madagascar and the capital of the Menabe region. Located along the Mozambique Channel, it serves as a base for exploring the dry landscapes and wildlife of western Madagascar. The town is closely associated with the Avenue of the Baobabs, one of the country’s best-known natural landmarks, and with the dry forests around Kirindy. Morondava’s setting is shaped by sandy coastal areas, river systems, dry woodland, and open plains.

Santa Cruz de Mompox, better known as simply Mompox (or Mompós), draws many visitors to northern Colombia with its rich history, well-preserved colonial architecture, and several annual events including its Holy Week celebrations and the Mompox Jazz Festival.