Uncover the Treasures of the Orient: Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Asia

Nestled in the northeast of Vietnam, Hạ Long Bay is undoubtedly one of the World’s most jaw-dropping sights! The fascinating legend that surrounds the bay adds to its many charms, which tells a moving story of dragons descending from the heavens to help the Vietnamese locals fight back against hostile invaders in an attempt to protect their homeland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises a collection of over 1,600 islands and islets. Recognised for the gorgeous limestone mountains that soar above the jade-coloured waters, Ha Long Bay is a real natural wonder formed by time. 

Get up close and personal with the amazing limestone islets jutting out of the waters, providing a postcard-perfect backdrop and scenery for a junk boat tour or a sea kayak expedition. Discover the mysterious caves and uninhabited islands, tucked away in the remote areas of the bay. Besides being a feast for the eyes, Hạ Long Bay features floating villages where fishermen have lived for generations, offering a unique cultural experience of glimpsing into the Vietnamese local’s traditional way of living.

Best Time to Visit: September – October

Best Islands to Explore:

• Cát Bà Island. Also known as the “Pearl Island,” Cát Bà Island is steeped with natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The mountainous Cát Bà National Park occupies almost half of the island, perfect for outdoor adventures such as hiking and rock climbing.

• Tuan Chau Island.  This island is a popular tourist hub with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, theme parks and entertainment areas. It’s also home to the Tuan Chau International Port, a modern marina that can accommodate over 1,000 ships at a time.

• Soi Sim Island. Want to escape the hustle and bustle? Head to Soi Sim Island, where you can enjoy tranquillity and incredible flora and fauna. One of the main attractions here is the 400-step-climb Soi Sim Mountain, with panoramic views from the summit! 

Often regarded as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is doused in ancient heritage and rustic charm. It’s the country’s old capital, brimming with traditional wooden houses, cultural landmarks, imperial palaces, Zen rock gardens and Japanese hot springs and public baths. The ancient capital and former emperor residence also prides itself on being home to 17 World Heritage Sites, including Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and a castle. And as the spring comes, catch the poetic spectacle of cherry blossoms that swatches the city in dreamy scenery! 

Several formal traditions are alive and conspicuous in the city, such as kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course meal served in an elegant and artistic manner, and the geisha culture, in which female artisans perform in teahouses and events to entertain guests. You can also try other traditional customs, such as tea ceremonies, night market strolls and wearing a kimono. Get a glimpse of the authentic local character and lifestyle and see the cultural structures that withstood the test of time in Kyoto…

Best Time to Visit: March – May

Best Cultural Sites to Explore:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine. Follow the tunnel of the 10,000 vermilion Torii Gates, snaking up past bamboo forests leading to the sacred Mount Inari — which rises at a height of 233 metres and belongs to the grounds of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. 

• Yasaka Pagoda. This 5-story-tall Buddhist structure is one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto and the last remaining structure of Hōkan Temple. Wander the historic streets of Southern Higashiyama in a kimono for a complete cultural experience.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Perched on a cliffside location, this Buddhist Temple makes an excellent sightseeing spot, overlooking the city skyline and natural landscapes. The views during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons are awe-inspiring! 

The Province of Palawan is a slice of paradise in the Philippines that provides travellers an opportunity to explore some of the world’s natural wonders. Dubbed as the Philippine’s ‘Last Ecological Frontier,’ the archipelago is composed of the main island and over 1,700 islands and islets — all are endowed with rich natural resources and highly diverse flora and fauna. From beautiful beaches and diving sites to majestic limestone cliffs and remarkable cave systems, Palawan is truly well worth a scenic nature trip! 

Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Palawan and is home to one of the country’s sought-after UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the famous Honda Bay — comprising a cluster of small islands and sandbars. From a secret hideaway, El Nido is transformed into a tourist hotspot, featuring sparkling lagoons, rugged islets, steep karst cliffs, white-sand shores and crystal-clear waters with a thriving marine life. Nestled between these two popular Palawan destinations is the laid-back San Vicente — a peaceful fishing village that promises seclusion away from the buzzing crowds of tourists. Finally, Coron is a diver’s sanctuary, where you can dive deep into its jade-coloured  waters and marvel at the underwater treasures and remnants of World War 2 lying in the depth of the seas.

Best Time to Visit: November – May

Best Natural Attractions to Explore:

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Colloquially called the Underground River, this cave system is a World Heritage Site and part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, filled with old-growth forests, limestone karsts and impressive rock formations. 

• Tubbataha Reef Marine Park. This UNESCO-protected marine and bird sanctuary  contains three atolls and a large area of deep sea, boasting a great diversity of marine life and colourful coral reefs — making it one of the best diving spots in the Philippines.

• Mount Tapyas. When you’re not spending time on the sun-drenched beaches or dive sites, why not hike the 750-step stairway to Mt. Tapyas’ viewpoint to witness the picturesque views of Coron and the sunset? 

Think of Bali and you instantly imagine a tropical oasis packed with powdery beaches and fiery volcanoes, vine-covered temples filled with sacred monkeys, rushing white-water rivers and unrelenting sunshine. This Indonesian province embodies the essence of Asia’s exotic culture – and the warm weather lays way for endless emerald green scenery, punctuated by terraced rice paddies. This island paradise is renowned for its refined arts; from dance, to sculpture, painting, metalworking and music.

The small village of Benoa on its south-eastern coast is your gateway to Bali’s many delights, whilst fragrant spices fill the air and feed your soul. Embrace local traditions in Ubud, a quaint town in the Balinese highlands, known as a centre for traditional crafts and dance — ideal for coffee tasting and temple-hopping. And if you’re after Instagramable landmarks, take a trip to Tanah Lot — a group of three temples on an offshore setting built to worship the sea God. Make offerings to the gods inside the Hindu shrine or catch the breathtaking sunsets over the ocean! 

Best Time to Visit: April – October

Best Beaches to Explore:

• Seminyak Beach. This is one of the much-loved Bali beaches among tourists, offering an extensive array of thrilling watersports, vibrant beach clubs and luxury hotels. The dynamic surfing scene during the day turns into a lively party scene once the evening plays out! 

• Jimbaran Beach. Sights and seafood galore, this golden stretch is recognised for its epic sunset views and beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. Walking on the shores, you’ll be tempted by the mouthwatering scent of barbecue smoke blending with the salty sea air.

• Tanjung Benoa Beach. Gear up and get your adrenaline pumping as you enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, sea walking and fly fishing in Tanjung Benoa Beach or pamper yourself with a traditional Balinese massage! 

Singapore is a city-state characterised by sharp contrasts, with ancient shrines and temples in the shadows of skyscrapers, as well as upscale condos set against the backdrop of tropical rainforests. The island country’s cloud-scraping towers and glamorous cityscape make for magnificent panoramas well worth viewing from great heights! Whether you brave the Singapore Flyer or book a ticket to the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park, there are various ways to enjoy the views and the city lights from above.

Once you’ve soaked in enough structured steel and glass to last a lifetime, stroll around Singapore’s verdant greeneries, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens — an age-old tropical garden with a well-preserved landscape design and a UNESCO designation. Or discover the country’s multicultural scene as you wind through Chinatown’s maze of narrow roads or drop by some of the temples and mosques in Little India. For a taste of the future in harmony with nature and culture, Singapore is a Southeast Asian gem that’s for you! 

Best Time to Visit: February – April

Best City Highlights to Explore:

• Gardens by the Bay. This 101-hectare horticultural destination is a futuristic park of colour that aligns to its paradisiacal vision of a ‘city in gardens,’ featuring the World’s largest indoor waterfall, waterfront gardens and cooled conservatories. 

• Merlion Park. The iconic 28-feet Merlion statue can be found in the Merlion Park — one of the famous backdrops for photos in Singapore. This major tourist landmark is a half-lion, half-fish stone carving shooting water into the bay.

• Sentosa. This 500-hectare island resort off the coast of the mainland is a place of action and entertainment. Adrenaline junkies can take the plunge in iFly Singapore, the World’s largest wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, or brave the thrilling rides in Universal Studios Singapore. 

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