Joanna James
The world's vastest continent is a rich mosaic of ancient civilisations, boho-chic enclaves, nature-kissed wonders, and cutting-edge cityscapes that levels up every brand of wanderlust. Here are some unmissable destinations within this majestic landmass for experiential travel.
The Asiatic travel experience is riddled with beautiful contrasts and sensational hospitality at every turn, full of vibrant multi-cultural backdrops and meaningful adventures imbued with enriching nature and heritage. The iconic campaign 'Malaysia, Truly Asia' that brought in millions of awe-inspired tourists is a perfect summation of this country's multi-cultural offerings and a myriad of nature escapes, from rainforest canopy walks and pristine beach hideaways to atmospheric street food meccas scrumptiously beckoning with ethnic specialities, eclectic architecture masterpieces, and rustic quarters full of old-world mystery. Kuala Lumpur is filled with unforgettable allurements that you need to soak in, whether it's rambling through the city's living museum of colonial and modernist structures at Merdeka Square, browsing artisan souvenirs at jewel-toned market stalls, or souring its picturesque hutongs for the ultimate gastronomic bliss.
Whether it's watching the melting sorbet of a tropical sunset atop jungle-clad peaks, chasing crystal waterfalls, dipping in rainforest rock pools, roaming paddy field terraces, adrenaline-rich aquatics in jewel-toned seascapes, or retail therapy in artisan tribal-meets-tropical boutiques, Bali is a luxuriant treat for the heightened senses of the wanderer. If you're seeking serviced accommodation & hotels that are strategically poised near the island's most alluring diversions, look no further than properties offered by the likes of Discover ASR.
An exquisite heritage-rich city straight out of a tapestry, China's ancient Capital is an imperial UNESCO-listed medley of art, culture, and nature, from the movie-worthy scenes surrounding West Lake and antique streets featuring vintage tea shops, vibrant curio stalls, and dynastic architecture to the Silk Museum filled with stunning tributes to indigenous artforms and the idyllic Mejjawu Tea Village, home to the aromatic jade liqueur famously known as Dragon Well Tea.
A city full of sky-high ambition and innovative glamour, Thailand's authentic, affordable, and slightly audacious capital is full of cutting-edge experiences to enthral even the most blasé of globetrotters. From trendy night markets fitted with gourmet restaurants in repurposed planes and mazes of bijou tents richly stacked with vibrant wares to regal summer palaces floating airily beside the 'River of Kings' and lush parks filled with a traditional and contemporary aesthetic of futuristic domes and swan-like pavilions, Bangkok is a place of bliss for ardent Instagrammers.
Sri Lanka is an idyllic paragon of the kaleidoscopic diversity that characterises Asian nations, from leopard spotting on a jaunty Yala safari and tunnelling through transparent swells at Bentota beach to exploring cobblestoned Galle Fort with its colonial elegance and tropical palette and the scaling panoramic cloud forests of Horton Plains. However, if you have to pick just one spot, take the world-famous train ride over the Nine Arches bridge into the fairytale verdancy of Ella, an enchanting hilltop settlement steeped in the delicious fragrance of tea plantations and surrounded by waterfalls and peaks for scenic adventuring.
A city-state full of sparkling vivacity and cutting-edge leaps for meaningfully heightened experiences, Singapore, with its stunning realms crafted out of new-age technology and human ingenuity, as well as its culturally eclectic warmth and nature-brushed simplicity, is a beautiful study of the possible harmony between progress and tradition.
A multi-faceted gem of an isle, Malaysia's Penang is a haven full of family-friendly enticements that stir the imagination of anyone young at heart, with its jungle-clad adventure theme parks, ivory-and-sapphire coastal hideaways, wildlife-rich botanic gardens, and wonderfully quirky museums!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
