Top destinations to uncover in 2015

FROM cosmopolitan cities to breathtaking landscapes and vestiges of arts and culture, these dynamic places across the Asia-Pacific are places to put on your travel bucket list in the new year.

With the G20 Summit in November 2014, Brisbane has cemented itself on the world stage as a global city; something Lonely Planet also recognised earlier this year when it named it Australia’s hippest city. Thanks to various urban renewal projects over the past decade or so, the river city has become a vibrant centre for performing arts, cafes, restaurants and events. Brisbane makes the most of its river location with plenty of walking and cycling trails along its banks, the wonderful Southbank Parklands in the inner city and the fabulous cultural shows that come to centres like Goma, the Cultural Centre, the Brisbane Powerhouse and Judith Wright Centre. There’s aways something on here and fabulous weather to enjoy it in thanks to a sub tropical climate. Brisbane’s location in the south east corner of Queensland also provides it fantastic access to the Moreton Bay islands, plenty of golden coast, inland rainforests and regional farming areas. 2015 could be Brisbane’s year to shine; go see it.

The river city – Brisbane. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com

This little gem on New Zealand’s south island is actually the second largest city on the island. Thanks to the presence of the University of Otago in the city, New Zealand’s first university, it retains a vibrant, youthful population that makes up a large proportion of the populace. Part of Dunedin’s charms include its bluestone Victorian buildings, energetic local bars, connection to Scottish heritage and its position on the shores of the Otago Harbour with access to the isthmus of the Otago Peninsula that is home to a variety of wildlife that includes albatross, seal and penguin. Dunedin also has an interesting array of annual events that are worth more than just a cursory glance. The Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival is held every year in July, with a range of chocolate themed activities, the most iconic of which is the jaffa race down Baldwin Street, billed as the world’s steepest.

The beautiful views from Tairoa Head on Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com

In 2015 the city state of Singapore will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee – 50 years since independence – and they’re planning to celebrate it in style with an array of activities which is reason enough to put it on the travel map in 2015. These festivities will kick off on December 31, 2014 on New Year’s Eve at Marina Bay when there will be a countdown to usher in the Golden Jubilee and 25,000 wishing spheres set afloat. More events will span the calendar year (see www.singapore50.sg for details). Apart from all that there are plenty of other reasons to visit and not just for its malls, sci fi geekiness and organised sterility. Singapore has a blossoming art scene, excellent coffee shops, wonderful gardens, old Chinese shophouses, amazing eating and plenty of shopping that ranges from Chinese herbal medicines and dusty antiques to high end glam and bling.

Singapore. Pic: Shutterstock.com

This is a bit of a wild card addition this year but it’s time to get the Pacific into this Asia-Pacific list. It may also be interesting to note for travel history buffs of WWI and the recent centenary that from 1900 to 1914 the islands of Upolu, Savai’i, Apolima and Manono were part of a German protectorate that was liberated by New Zealand troops in August 1914. Beautiful, enticing, lush, idyllic, paradisal and engimatic are just some of the superlatives that can be heaped on this languid tropical location. There are coral reefs and marine life to see, waterfalls and rainforest inland to explore, lava flows and lava tubes to experience and all the wonderful laid-back culture of the Samoans itself. This is the kind of place to throw away your schedule and go troppo – the perfect place for a holiday.

Java’s former capital Yogyakarta is one of the cultural epicentres of Indonesia and some have even called it the spiritual capital of the island. Far more relaxed than the modern capital it brims with art and culture. vVsitors can pick from an array of performances including Ramayana ballet at the thousand year old Prambanan temples, a visit to the huge walled palace complex of the sultans at Kraton where classical Javanese dance and gamelan orchestras perform daily or regular shadow-puppet plays known as the wayung kulit held most nights in the city. Apart from that Yogyakarta has vibrant markets where you can watch batik cloth being made or just stock up on your supplies. There’s also the colourful Yogya bird market Pasar Ngasem where there are song birds and pigeons and even snakes and lizards. If museums are your thing there’s plenty to choose from, otherwise cruise around the city by traditional horse pulled carts or the three wheeled becak. The 800 AD Buddhist temple of Borobudur is only an hour away.

A becak driver awaiting a fare in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com

With Hong Kong possibly off the tourism radar for the near future, Taiwan is looming as a fantastic democratic alternate place to enjoy Chinese cuisine on a beautiful island. Taiwan not only has plenty of religious and political expression, but they’re very serious about their food as well. Night markets, day markets and everything in between in Taipei serve dumplings, shrimp rolls and even stinky tofu. The island is also surprisingly beautiful with gorges like Taroko, forests, sea cliffs, hiking trails around areas such as the Yushan Peaks, beaches and coral walls and other beautiful landscapes.

This city was once the seat of the wealthy Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties and the age old monuments like mosques, palaces and tombs that dot the city come from this era. Arguably the two most famous attractions are the 16th Century fortress of Golconda Fort where a nightly light show is held, and Charminah, a landmark of the same era in a district known for its diamond and pearl trading. Both are worth visiting and like something out of Arabian Nights. Today the modern city is still royally endowed but this time with shopping malls, coffee shops, high end fashion and perfume and even flyovers. Hyderabad is one of the great examples of an Indian city that has come of age. Hyderabad also has an excellent zoo and you can’t leave without trying the local biriyani, one of the classic rice dishes of this part of India that blends basmati rice, meat, yoghurt, onions, spices and more.

The famed Charminar in Hyderabad. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com

Check out some of the previous destination lists in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Agoda

FROM the beaches of Malaysia and India to the cool climes of Tasmania, we’ve chosen six top Asian destinations for your Christmas holiday Christmas is a great time to visit Asia for a number of reasons. First, if it’s cold at Christmas where you live, rest assured you’ll enjoy the balmy, temperate climes of Asia…>

THE start of a new year is the  perfect time to start flirting with the idea of exciting and different travel destinations. They could be places you’ve long wanted to visit, or somewhere that just offers something different for the 2012 travel palate. Whatever your wish might be here are six places to consider ticking…>

Villa Kiara Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Siem Reap, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Barefoot Sakau Lodge

River Guesthouse

Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 75 per night

The Peninsula

Urban, Luxury

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 185 per night

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

Urban Luxury Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Shangri La Bangkok

Urban Luxury

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 175 per night

The Heritage House & Gardens

Boutique Resort

Chiang Mai, , Thailand

Deal USD $ $115 per night

Dream Bangkok

Boutique Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 84 per night

Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa

Boutique Resorts

Koh Phangan, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 184 per night

Sala Samui

Boutique Resort

Koh Samui, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 225 per night

Panviman Resort

Boutique Resort

Bantai, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Deal USD $ 275 per night

The Racha

Luxury Resort

Racha Island, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Lebua At State Tower

Urban Luxury Hotel

Bangkok, Bangrak, Thailand

Deal USD $ 150 per night

The Sukhothai Bangkok

Boutique Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 190 per night

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Luxury Resort

Koh Samui, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Zeavola Resort

Boutique Resort

Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi , Thailand

Deal USD $ 210 per night

Rachamankha Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Changmai, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 150 per night

LUXX

Boutique Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 75 per night

The Nam Hai

Luxury Villa

Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

Deal USD $ 550 per night

Hotel Penaga

Boutique Hotel

Georgetown, , Malaysia

Deal 150 per night

Hibiscus Villa

Luxury Villa

Kudat, Sabah, Borneo

Deal USD $ 750 per night

Sepilok Jungle Resort

Nature Resort

Sandakan, Borneo, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 10 per night

Old Penang Guesthouse

Urban Boutique Guesthouse

Penang, Georgetown, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 10 per night

Marco Polo Hotel

Urban Luxury Hotel

Davao City, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 92 per night

Pearl Farm Resort

Luxury Beach Resort & Spa

Davao, Samal, Philippines

Deal USD $ 119 per night

Bohol Beach Club

Beach Adventure Resort

panglao, Bohol, Philippines

Deal USD $ 111 per night

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Urban Hotel

Metro Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 94 per night

Casa Leticia Boutique Hotel

Urban, Boutique

Davao City, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 67 per night

Satrisna Home

Urban Guesthouse

Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Manila Hotel

Urban Hotel

Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 185 per night

Dusit Thani Manila

Urban Hotel

Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 140 per night

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Beach Resort

Kapali, Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 1000 per night

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Eco River Retreat

Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 400 per night

Casa Nicaros Hotel

Urban Budget Hotel

Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 50 per night

The Poseidon House

Luxury Villa

Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 363 per night

Abaca Boutique Resort

Spa & Wellness Resort

Lapu Lapu City , Mactan Island, Philippines

Deal USD $ 340 per night

Sangria Langkawi

Luxury Beach Villa

Pantai Tengah, Langkawi, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 530 per night

Eternity Springs Art Farm

Eco Wellness Retreat

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Bali Dynasty Resort

Beach Resort

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Deal 132 per night

Club Bali Hawaii

Beach, Adventure

Anyer, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 90 per night

Desa Seni

Boutique Spa Resort

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Alila Ubud

Boutique Retreat Resort

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 163 per night

Long Life Hotel

Urban Budget Hotel

Hoi An, , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 28 per night

Grace Hotel Beijing

Urban Boutique Hotel

Beijing, 798 Art District, China

Deal USD $ 135 per night

Life Heritage Resort Hoi An

Urban Retreat

Hoi An, , Vietnam

Deal 131 per night

Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa

Boutique Resort

Binh Thuan, , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Evason Ana Mandara Hideaway

Luxury Beach Resort

Nha Trang, , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 200 per night

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Chau Doc , , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 125 per night

The Terraces

Boutique Hotel

Kanatal, Uttarkhand, India

Deal USD $ 240 per night

The Orchid

Urban Boutique Hotel

Beijing, Gulou, China

Deal USD $ 110 per night

The Quay

Urban Retreat Hotel

Phnom Penh, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 70 per night

Luang Prabang River Lodge

Urban Budget Hotel

Luang Prabang, , Laos

Deal USD $ 40 per night

Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort

Urban Hotel

Siem Reap, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 60 per night

Knai Bang Chatt

Beach Resort

Kep, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 115 per night

City Inn

Urban Budget Hotel

Vientiane, , Laos

Deal USD $ $60 per night

Independence Hotel

Luxury Beach Hotel

Sihanoukville, , Southern Cambodia

Deal USD $ 130 per night

Amanjaya Pancam

Urban Retreat Hotel

Phnom Penh, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Sala Luang Prabang

Urban Budget Guesthouse

Luang Prabang, , Laos

Deal USD $ 50 per night

La Residence d’Angkor

Luxury Hotel

Siem Reap, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ USD $285 per night

Settha Palace Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Vientiane, , Laos

Deal USD $ 150 per night

Wanderlust

Urban Boutique Hotel

, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 158 per night

The Mercer

Designer Luxury Hotel

Hong Kong, Sheung Wan, China

Deal USD $ 200 per night

The Club Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

China Town, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 188 per night

L’Hotel Nina at Convention Center

Urban Budget Hotel

Hong Kong, The New Territories, China

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Hotel Fort Canning

Urban Hotel

, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 240 per night

Marina Bay Sands

Urban Hotel

Marina Bay, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 341 per night

Hullet House

Urban Luxury Hotel

Hong Kong, Kowloon, China

Deal USD $ 500 per night

Hotel De Edge

Urban Designer Hotel

Hong Kong, Sheung Wan, China

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa

Luxury Beach Resort

Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam

Deal USD $ 134 per night

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa

Mountain Luxury Retreat

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 295 per night

Batu Karang Lembongan Resort

Luxury Beach Resort

Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia

Deal 230 per night

Bon Ton Resort

Beach Luxury Villa

Pantai Cenang, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Clove Hall

Urban Boutique Hotel

Georgetown, Pulau Penang, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 180 per night

The Secret Sanctuary Boutique Cottage

Boutique Guesthouse

Kuching, Borneo, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 35 per night

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Boutique Resort

Canungra, Queensland, Australia

Deal USD $ 200 per night

Argonauta Boracay

Beach Boutique Hotel

Hagdan, Boracay Island, Philippines

Deal USD $ 120 per night

Anggun Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 75 per night

Soria Moria

Urban Retreat

Siem Reap, Old French Quarter, Cambodia

Deal USD $ 40 per night

La Villa Battambang

Boutique Guesthouse

Battambang, Rattanak Srok, Cambodia

Deal USD $ 55 per night

The Apsara

Urban Boutique Guesthouse

Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province, Laos

Deal USD $ 75 per night

Salana Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Vientiane, Wat Chan , Laos

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Villa Santi Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Luang Prabang, Ban Wat Sene, Laos

Deal USD $ 90 per night

TenFace Bangkok

Boutique Hotels

Bangkok, Pathumwan, Thailand

Deal USD $ 87 per night

Villa Lomchoy

Luxury Villa

Chaweng, Koh Samui, Thailand

Deal USD $ 275 per night

Hintok River Camp @ Hellfire Pass

Rivers Glamping

Kanchanaburi, River Kwai, Thailand

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Luang Poj Boutique Hostel

Boutique Guesthouse

Ranong, City Centre, Thailand

Deal USD $ 13 per night

The Chedi, Chiang Mai

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Chiang Mai, Chang Khlan, Thailand

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Villa Blubambu

Luxury Spa Villas

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 115 per night

Santi Sari

Luxury Guesthouse

Goris, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 200 per night

La Residence Hue

Boutique Hotel

Hue City, Tha Thien-Hue, Vietnam

Deal USD $ 118 per night

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

Luxury Resort

Dalat, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Deal USD $ USD $175 per night

Hotel G

Urban Boutique Hotel

Beijing, Sanlitun, China

Deal USD $ 170 per night

Tiger Rock

Luxury Boutique Guesthouse

Pangkor Island, Perak, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 200 per night

The Opposite House

Urban Luxury Boutique Hotel

Beijing, Sanlitun, China

Deal USD $ 330 per night

The T Hotel

Urban Designer Hotel

Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China

Deal USD $ 150 per night

Hotel ICON

Urban Luxury Boutique Hotel

Hong Kong, Kowloon, China

Deal USD $ 335 per night

Hotel 1929

Urban Boutique Hotel

Singapore, Chinatown, Singapore

Deal USD $ 136 per night

The Scarlet Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Singapore, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 200 per night

New Majestic Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Singapore, Chinatown, Singapore

Deal USD $ 196 per night

Rohet Garh

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Rohet Garh, Rajasthan, India

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Padmini Niwas

Luxury Hotel Test

Mussoorie, Uttarkhand, India

Deal USD $ 33 per night

Orange County

Boutique Luxury Resort

Coorg, Karnataka, India

Deal USD $ 380 per night

Old Harbour Hotel

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Fort Kochi, Kerala, India

Deal USD $ USD $185 per night

Nilaya Hermitage

Boutique Luxury Hotel

Arpora, Goa, India

Deal USD $ 397 per night

Maneland Jungle Lodge

Adventure Resort Retreat

Sasan Gir, Gujurat, India

Deal USD $ 65 per night

House of MG

Urban Boutique Hotel

Ahmedabad, Gujurat, India

Deal USD $ 92 per night

Hotel Bougainvillea

Budget Boutique Guesthouse

Anjuna, Goa, India

Deal USD $ 15 per night

Fort Tiracol

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Tiracol, Goa, India

Deal USD $ 172 per night

Fort Chanwa Luni

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Deal USD $ 130 per night

Fernhills Palace

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Ooty, Tamil Nadu , India

Deal USD $ 235 per night

Carlton Plaisance

Luxury Hotel

Mussoorie, Uttaranchal, India

Deal USD $55 per night