This or That: Asia Travel Destinations

One of the best things about this bright, sunny season is that it’s the perfect weather for outdoor activities. If you’re not big on hiking or beach adventures, perhaps a more leisurely workout walking through serene parks or learning more about wildlife animals is more your scene? If yes, then we’ve got you covered!

There are several national parks, safaris, and sanctuaries located across Asia that are dedicated to safeguarding precious wildlife animals. Not to mention some of these places are UNESCO-protected sites, containing breathtaking scenic views and exotic animals that provide visitors with a raw and authentic wildlife experience. 

Spend this season discovering Asia’s diverse ecosystems and encountering rare and endangered species. From exciting safari parks to awe-inspiring sanctuaries, here are some of the best destinations that provide a glimpse into the natural beauty and conservation efforts that make Asia a haven for wildlife lovers. 

Taman Negara National Park (Malaysia)

With a vast jungle spanning across three states, this destination has been deemed as Malaysia’s premier national park. Taman Negara is one of the world’s oldest rainforests, estimated to be 130 years old, which is older than the Congo and Amazon rainforests! 

It has been a popular ecotourism destination since it was established in 1938, providing nature lovers a chance to experience various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, cave explorations, and animal watching. The park is home to several rare mammals like the Malayan Tiger, Asian elephant, and Malayan gaur, as well as birds such as hornbills, red junglefowl, and the Malayan peacock-pheasant. 

Other fantastic activities you can experience here are the Canopy Walk, where you can enjoy spectacular views on a 40-meter-high and 530-meter-long suspension bridge — the longest in the world! For the adrenaline junkies, you can do rapid shooting along Sungai Tembeling or go jungle trekking through their nature trails. If you’re looking for moderate adventures, visiting the Aborigine settlement is a must, as well as boat cruising on Lake Berkoh. 

The park also provides various accommodations from hotels to resorts and offers ready-made and customized tours. It's free to wander around the property but you can also book one of their tour packages, which you can learn more about here.

This nature haven is only 240 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur, and can be reached via a three-hour bus journey for RM15. You can then take a taxi to Taman Negara (RM150), which will take about an hour, or to Kuala Tembeling jetty for RM20, and then continue the journey by boat to your resort.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Location: Asia Camp, Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara Pahang

Khao Kheow Open Safari (Thailand)

This family-friendly safari adventure is located in Chonburi Province, which is only an hour and a half drive from Bangkok. The massive open zoo first opened to the public in 1978 and houses both domestic and international species such as elephants, hippopotamuses, gibbons, zebras, giraffes, tigers, lions, leopard deer, cranes, and many more. 

This wildlife destination offers a range of activities from interactive experiences, such as animal feeding, to more leisure activities, such as watching animal shows and having a picnic. 

The zoo is located within Khao Chom Puo Wildlife Sanctuary, so you’ll be surrounded by rainforest-covered hills, providing the perfect backdrop for your wildlife adventure. We recommend taking the tram ride or one of their guided tours to better explore the vast landscapes and get up close with the animals, as well as learn valuable insights about them.  

Entrance fees are priced at THB350 (Adult) and THB120 (Child) which is inclusive of access to all the shows. For more information on show schedules and other activities, click here. 

And ICYDK, the internet sensation pygmy hippopotamus, Moo Deng, actually lives here!

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated!

Location: 235 Moo.7, Bangphra, Sriracha, Chon Buri 20110, Thailand

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM 

Manila Ocean Park (Philippines)

As the Philippine’s first world class marine theme park, there’s no better place to see and learn about various marine species than in this wildlife destination located within the city’s capital! 

The Manila Ocean Park boasts a massive oceanarium home to over 14,000 marine creatures from around 277 species that are all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Here you’ll also find the country’s first penguin park and be able to experience an entertaining bird and sea lion show, as well as encounter mysterious creepy crawlies.  

This expansive destination has been integrated into a resort with an aqua-themed hotel, Hotel H2O, that features rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning views of the bay and aquarium walls. If you’ve ever dreamed about sleeping with the fishes like a true merfolk but with the bonus of a luxurious bed and amenities, this is the place! 

Tickets and package bundles can be purchased on their website and are priced between P400 to P1,400. 

Check out their Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram pages for more information!

Location: Manila Ocean Park, Luneta, Manila, Philippines 1000 (behind Quirino Grandstand) 

Operating Hours: Open weekdays from 10 AM to 6 PM; from 9 AM on weekends and public holidays. 

Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Singapore)

Singapore's premier nature destination is the place to be if you want a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience packed with outdoor activities, animal observations, and just a whole lot of fun. The reserve is home to five wildlife parks, namely the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, Night Safari, and Rainforest Wild ASIA.  

Each park highlights unique experiences such as how the Night Safari is the first of its kind in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into the nocturnal animal kingdom. Rainforest Wild ASIA, on the other hand, is the newest addition to its roster of parks, which allows guest to experience an immersive rainforest setting filled with wildlife wonders below and above ground. The park is home to thirty-six species within several animal zones, where you can get up close and personal with them.

Some activities you can enjoy within this massive destination includes forest treks, ranger talks, and adventure playgrounds. There’s even a resort in the area as well as the country’s first-ever cave restaurant with tasty international delights that will surely make your visit worthwhile. 

Mandai Wildlife Reserve offers single ticket passes as well as bundles, so make sure to check them out and see which best suits your visit. Single ticket passes can range from S$33 to S$44.80. You can view the complete list of prices here.

Planning to come back and explore more? Annual memberships start from S$275, and give you access to all the parks, as well as a 20% discount on dining, shopping, and adventure experiences. You can also get 25% off on bookings at Mandai Rainforest Resort and get access to exclusive member events and promos.

Follow them on their Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram pages for more information! 

Location: Mandai Wildlife West, 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825

Mandai Wildlife East, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825  

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Ocean Park (Hong Kong)

Now you might be wondering, what’s a theme park doing on this list? According to CEO Ivan Wong, before anything else, Ocean Park HK is a conservation education institution and wildlife hub with ongoing programs that support conservation efforts for various breeds and species. Although it mainly caters to marine animals with an impressive aquarium as one of its main attractions, the park is also home to several land animals such as pandas and foxes. 

The park also showcases several live animal shows and interactive experiences, such as feeding the animals or stepping into the shoes of their caretakers for a day, which can give you valuable insights into the conservation work they do. Apart from the educational aspect, Ocean Park HK is the ideal place to have fun with the entire family, with rides and attractions such as the cable car and Ocean Park Tower, offering fantastic views of the sea and outlying islands. 

General admission tickets are priced at HK$498 (Adult) and HK$249 (Child). If you’re planning to return and try everything the park has to offer, you’ll save more by availing their annual membership for HK$1,380 (Adult) and HK$980 (Child).

Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Weibo to stay updated!

Location: 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

Operating Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM

Songkran in Bangkok is a whirlwind of splashes, laughter, and full-blown street parties. For a few days, the city turns into a giant waterpark, and avoiding a drenching is about as likely as finding an empty BTS train at rush hour. With the festive chaos in full swing, a luxurious retreat is essential, somewhere to recharge, dry off, and sip on a cocktail far from the water guns. Here are six hotels that guarantee indulgence, comfort, and prime locations for the ultimate Songkran experience you won't forget.

Chatrium Grand Bangkok

If you’re looking for a hotel that puts you right in the heart of the city without sacrificing peace and quiet, Chatrium Grand Bangkok is a winner. Located near Siam Paragon, it gives you front-row access to the Songkran festivities without requiring a lifejacket. Spend your mornings dodging water pistols and your evenings lounging in the infinity pool, enjoying world-class dining, and embracing the kind of comfort that makes you forget you were soaked just hours ago.

Location: Chatrium Grand Bangkok, 728 Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok

Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park

If the idea of Songkran sounds fun, but you also appreciate the option of a dry, elevated viewpoint, Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park has you covered — literally. Just above the lively Silom district, this hotel lets you dive into the festival at your own pace. When you’ve had your fill of water fights, escape to the rooftop pool, order a drink, and enjoy the city skyline while others continue their battle below.

Location: Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park, 952 Rama IV Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Siam Kempinski feels like a well-kept secret — an oasis of tranquility tucked behind the buzzing streets of Bangkok. While Songkran rages on outside, you can slip into one of the resort’s lagoon pools, sip a cocktail under the palm trees, and pretend you're on a tropical island. But when you’re ready to rejoin the fun, direct access to Siam Paragon means you’re never far from the action (or a fresh, dry outfit).

Location: Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, 991/9 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok

The Sukhothai Bangkok

Bangkok might be going full water-war mode, but inside The Sukhothai, it’s all about calm, elegance, and lotus ponds. This hotel is perfect for those who want to experience Songkran on their own terms — splash around in the daytime, then retreat to the hotel’s spa for a well-deserved massage. Bonus points for the Michelin-starred restaurant, where the only thing being thrown around is world-class flavors.

Location: The Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok

Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15

Tucked away in Sukhumvit, Mövenpick Hotel offers a stylish sanctuary where you can enjoy Songkran and keep your hair dry when needed. Start your day getting drenched in the lively streets, but when it’s time to take a break, head to the rooftop Rainforest Bar for a sundowner and panoramic city views. It’s a great mix of fun, relaxation, and Swiss hospitality (which, fortunately, includes some seriously good chocolate).

Location: Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok, 47 Sukhumvit 15, Klong Toey Nua, Bangkok

Centara Grand at CentralWorld

For those who believe the best way to experience Songkran is at full volume, Centara Grand at CentralWorld is the place to be. Sitting atop one of Bangkok’s largest shopping malls, this hotel places you at the very heart of the city’s biggest water fights. Need a break? Dry off at the Red Sky rooftop bar with a cocktail in hand while watching the crowds below. And if you run out of dry clothes, CentralWorld's got you covered.

Location: Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok

Spring is the season of new beginnings and with it comes the transformation of mountainsides and city parks into breathtaking seas of pink and white. While Japan is known for its Sakura season, there are other destinations in Asia boasting stunning cherry blossom views — often with fewer crowds and coupled with unique cultural experiences. 

From breathtaking valleys to charming urban parks, here’s where you can experience a pink-and-white spring day in Asia. 

Thailand

Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai enjoys cool temperatures ideal for cherry blossom trees. There are several viewing spots in the district with various types of cherry blossoms that will surely make your gaze twinkle with awe. 

The Khun Chang Kian Highland Agriculture Research Centre boasts the prettiest pink blossoms from the Nang Phaya Suea Krong trees, which are known as the fresh pink Sakura of Thailand. It’s also the closest viewing spot from town, has long been a popular spot for lovers, and is a great spot for your next IG post. 

You can also check out Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Centre in Doi Inthanon National Park and witness the flourishing Wild Himalayan cherry blossoms in a deeper shade of pink or drive up north to visit Phu Lom Lo, specifically the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park where you can see an entire mountainside and valley covered in an enchanting pastel pink!

Best time to visit: December to February

The Philippines

Believe it or not, there are actual cherry blossom trees planted in Philippine territory and are thriving. Located in Atok, Benguet, Sakura Park (a.k.a. Benguet-Kochi Sisterhood Park) boasts cherry blossom trees that bloom around March. Over a hundred trees were initially planted in 2015 in commemoration of strong ties between the province of Benguet and the Kochi prefecture of Japan. 

Unfortunately, only a few of them survived, which you can still view at the park. It was reported that there were two types of cherry blossoms planted there namely the Yakiwari Sakura, which has pink blooms, and the Sindaya Sakura, which bears white blossoms.

Additionally, the park boasts gorgeous flower fields of various shapes, colors, and sizes, and is close to the Northern Blossom Flower Farm, which is a stunning flower haven in bloom all year round!

Alternatively, the Philippines also has its own version of the Sakura blossoms which thrives in various parts of the country. The Palawan Balayongs with their light pink and white blooms are just as beautiful as the Sakura flowers and can grow in urban settings. Some of the places you can spot them are in Cavite, Pangasinan, and Puerto Princesa in the Palawan province. It was also reported that Salinggogon, which are known as the country’s native cherry blossoms, can be found in Rizal’s Masungi Georeserve.

Best time to visit: Early March to April 

Singapore

Due to its tropical climate, Singapore doesn’t have native cherry blossom trees. But they do have their own version called “Trumpet Trees.” These trees flower in March and April, coinciding with Japan’s cherry blossom season, and then again between August and September. 

The Tabebuia rosea tree blooms pretty pastel pink flowers mimicking the romantic Sakura blossoms. If you’re looking for a Hanami (flower viewing) experience on a budget, these trumpet trees are only an MRT ride away! You can catch them in bloom across the green city including Gardens By the Bay, Bishan-AMK Park, and the Jurong Lake Gardens. 

Speaking of Gardens By The Bay, you can witness actual cherry blossoms at their annual Sakura event! You can learn more about it here. 

Best time to visit: March to April and August to September 

South Korea

You can find a ton of cherry blossom spots across Japan’s closest neighbor, South Korea. Live your K-Drama dreams by walking along a stream filled with pink flowering trees on each side and witnessing the native King Cherry Blossom trees, which are known for their larger and brighter blooms. 

The South Korean tourism page releases an annual Cherry Blossoms forecast, so make sure to check it before you visit. They’re usually in bloom around late March starting from Jeju Island, followed by Busan, Seoul, and Gangneung in early April. 

South Korea also celebrates several cherry blossom festivals across the country where you won’t only get to see the iconic trees in bloom but also get cherry blossom-themed treats and souvenirs.

You can visit Yeojwacheon Stream where 350,000 cherry trees line both sides of the stream or the historic Gyeonghwa Station where the trees are lined between a railroad, making for a unique and picturesque photo spot. These two places are part of the Jinhae district where an annual cherry blossom festival is held.

Some other spots include Nami Island’s Cherry Tree Lane, which is famous for its stunning nature views and Jeju Island Cherry Blossom Festival held in Seogwipo’s downtown area. 

Best time to visit: March to April 

Taiwan

Another Asian country boasting these spring blooms is Taiwan, where the cherry blossoms season lasts from mid-January to early April. Much like in Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also publishes a yearly forecast, making it easier for tourists to know which part of the country the trees are in full bloom at a certain period. 

Check out Pingjing Lane Cherry Blossom Street at the heart of the capital to see blooms as early as the third week of January or head up north to Yangmingshan National Park where the park transforms into a stunning canvas of pink and white for its annual cherry blossom festival. Not only does this celebration provide the perfect viewing spot for Taipei’s gorgeous blooms, but it also features the country’s rich cultural tapestry, offering visitors a glimpse into local traditions. 

If you’re looking for a more remote spot, Wuling Farm is a small mountain resort in Taichung famous for flower viewing all year round! During spring, however, the cherry blossoms take the spotlight until late March before they’re replaced by peach blossoms. 

Best time to visit: Mid-January to early April