Joanna James
The vastest continent on the planet is a rich kaleidoscope of diversely meaningful experiences highlighted by heart-stirring hospitality and cutting-edge efficiency. Whether you're addicted to history, art, culture, nature, or adventure, these stunning Asian destinations will not disappoint.
Bali is a multi-faceted gem of vivacious novelties, whether your brand of wanderlust veers more towards soaring over lush paddy fields on a rustic swing, roaming rainforest gardens, and tumbling into crystalline waterfall pools, or shopping till you drop at retro-chic boutiques, hunting out aesthetic eateries with the best views, and wading through wildflower hillsides to get to contemporary vintage-themed cafés. From adrenaline-packed antics along the jewel-toned coastline, tribal-meets-tropical retail therapy, and sunset mountain hikes to binging on succulent Balinese fried chicken, piquant coffee, and luscious cashew chocolate, your wanderer's heightened senses will find plenty to stimulate them.
A vibrantly cutting-edge theme park cityscape glamoured with oriental elegance, Bangkok shimmers with possibilities that are audacious, authentic, and accessible, from atmospheric night markets selling funky hand-painted sneakers, antique furniture, and trench coats from the '90s to classy dining in repurposed planes, strolling through lush Insta-worthy parks with monuments that fuse Star Trek-worthy futurism with traditional architecture, and observing fairy-like firefly colonies on a dreamy longtail boat ride. You also don't want to miss the jaunty tuk-tuk food tours where you can gorge on the city's most flavoursome stables, such as steaming crab curry, tom yum noodles, beef noodle soup, and mango sticky rice, visiting the colourful floating markets for the freshest tropical delicacies. If you're looking for sophisticated serviced apartments & hotels proffering prime access to the city's chief allurements, venture no further than those offered by popular brands such as Discover ASR.
The teardrop-shaped emerald of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, has many astoundingly varied and gorgeous landscapes for a nation so small, but Ella is idyllic for those seeking quaint heritage and charming nature shot through with the spark of adventure. Hop on the world-renowned train ride rumbling over the postcard-perfect Nine Arches Bridge and free your spirit atop the old-world hilly settlement steeping in the fragrance of Ceylon's tea terraces, with plenty of waterfall plunging, ziplining, rock climbing, and mountain biking to be savoured.
While KL, with its nature-kissed eclecticism, sumptuous generosity, and fascinating heritage quarters, deserves a place on your bucket list, nothing awakens the imagination and lightens the heart like Malaysia's sparklingly youthful Penang Island. With its epic jungle-clad water parks, oceanside rainforest sanctuaries, lip-smacking food tours, and striking contrast between multi-coloured heritage districts and soaring skyscrapers, your thirst for entertainment will be fully quenched.
China's mesmerising UNESCO-listed trade capital, now an ode to the whims of nature and the memories of imperial dynasties, will satiate your craving for living in an old-school movie full of cinematic scenes and romantic moments. Whether you can't get enough of the dramatically beautiful West Lake in all its moods and surroundings or are obsessed with tasteful artisan emporiums like the Silk Museum and Mejjawu Tea Village, Hangzhou is a blissful place for indulgent self-discovery.
This trailblazing City in a Garden is filled with meaningfully heightened experiences crafted by new-age technology, ingenious minds, and multi-cultural nuance. A progressive city tamed by the gentle reins of tradition and graced with the blooming softness of nature, Singapore, with its glitzy integrated bayfront, fantastical realms, and down-to-earth heritage districts, is the perfect medley of contemporary boldness and hearty simplicity.
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.
