Winter Activities in Asia For a Post-Holiday Vacation

Contrary to popular belief, Asia does have a winter season. But what it looks like varies widely depending on where you go. For the first quarter of the year, you can choose between snowy peaks or warm beaches, which makes it easier for travelers to tailor their winter holiday however they want.
But for this list, we’re listing down some of the “cooler” wintery things you can do in the region. From exciting ski resorts and snow festivals to chilly mountain views and indoor skating rinks, consider this your sign to extend the holiday season.
Relax In A Hot Springs In Sabah
Sabah, Malaysia has been frequently compared to Scotland or New Zealand due to its tranquil atmosphere where you can catch cattle grazing the fields and witness breathtaking sceneries. Now that we think about it, it makes the perfect JOMO destination, too!
Despite the lack of snow, which is what most travelers think of when it comes to “winter” activities, it doesn’t feel like you’re in a tropical country thanks to the fresh air and expanse of blue skies.
Hot springs are a well-known winter activity and guess what? You can totally do that here! The Poring Hot Springs boasts a relaxing sulphur spring bath which was first developed by the Japanese during World War II. The hot waters of the spring are piped into open-air baths, but they also offer indoor bathtubs if you prefer privacy.
To reach Poring's hot pools, you must cross a short suspension bridge over the Mamut River. From there, there’s a path that leads to a grove of Gigantochloa Levis, which is the giant bamboo species where Poring’s name came from.
The destination also offers a range of attractions such as Kipungit and Langanan waterfalls, the latter being the highest in Poring; a bat cave, and the chance to view Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.
Cool Down in Baguio

There are only ever two seasons in the Philippines, wet and dry, and it’s tropically warm all year round. However, nestled in the Cordillera mountains — and just a scenic four to six-hour drive from Manila is Baguio City, where one can experience temperate to cool climates. Temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C even during the summer months. Last year, the beloved Summer Capital set a record low of 12.6°C!
Apart from the cool weather, Baguio offers a myriad of attractions and activities to fill your days. You can immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the Easter Weaving Room where you can experience traditional Cordilleran region weaving; escape the hustle of the city and walk through the peaceful Baguio Botanical Garden; and even go on an adventure at Camp John Hay, an expansive complex offering outdoor activities from hiking, shopping, and dining to horseback riding.
Baguio is also known for its Strawberry Farms where you can harvest fresh strawberries to take home. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking to catch some scenic views, Mines View Park is the place to be.
Go Ice Skating in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a subtropical destination and experiences mild and dry winters with lows around 15°C, just enough to wear a jacket for those cool winter winds. And yes, those winds can make it feel even colder.
Although the possibility of snow is rare, Hong Kong offers a wide variety of winter activities for you to enjoy, including ice skating! There are several indoor ice rinks dotted across the city where you can chill and skate with friends and family.
The Glacier Ice Rink at Festive Mall is a popular choice for beginners as it offers a full range of lessons and summer camps should you want to pursue learning how to skate. It’s also one of the largest rinks in Hong Kong and is open from 10:30 AM to 8 PM. Entry tickets cost around HK$80, which includes skate rental.
Another rink worth mentioning is Mega Ice, which is Hong Kong’s first international-sized rink with a harbor view situated in the Beehive Atrium at MegaBox. It’s not only a great place to skate but also to watch sports events since Mega Ice is known to host world-class events like the Hockey 5’s and the Asian Figure Skating Championships. Rentals start from HK$80.
Shred the Slopes in Pyeongchang

Nothing screams winter holiday more than going to a ski resort. South Korea has a thriving ski culture boasting steep slopes equipped with modern facilities offering high-speed lifts, comfortable accommodations, and a range of services that cater to both beginners and advanced skiers.
Although the country is mountainous, it doesn’t have the traditional look of a ski resort, like those jagged peaks of the Alps or volcanoes blanketed in snow like in Hokkaido. However, they make up for it in efficiency by having modern resorts with fast lifts and impressive snowmaking. Also, skiing in Korea means you can enjoy a wide range of activities from dipping in hot springs and doing karaoke, to eating tasty Korean barbecue!
The biggest ski resort in the country is Yong Pyong which has over 28 ski slopes of various levels. In addition to having the world’s largest slope, it also has a very good level of snowfall and 7.4 km of ski lifts. This resort was also the official venue for some ski events in the 2018 Winter Olympics and is only around three hours from Seoul, accessible by shuttle or public buses. The resort offers various ski packages for couples and families and can cost as low as KRW5,679 for an overnight stay.
If you want to take a break from the sport, you can also take the scenic gondola ride to Dragon’s Peak where you can witness a beautiful snowy landscape of the Greater Kaeku Mountain Range. While you’re at it, enjoy a cup of coffee or fill your bellies at the Korean restaurants and steakhouses located on the peak.
K-Drama fans would also be thrilled to know that Dragon’s Peak was where Gong-Yoo and Kim Go-Eun shot some of their most romantic scenes in the 2016 hit drama, “Goblin: The Lonely and Great God,” making this an ideal set-jetting destination, as well.
Join A Snowy Festival In Sapporo

If there’s one thing Japan is known for in the winter months, it’s the annual Sapporo Snow Festival held in Hokkaido, its northernmost prefecture. This snowy event is held during a week in February in several locations around the city, and first began in 1950 when local middle and high school students made snow sculptures in Odori Park. This year’s festival will take place from Feb. 4 to 11.
Odori Park is currently the center of the festival and is where the International Snow Sculpture Contest is held where you’ll be able to witness about a dozen large snow and ice sculptures displayed alongside more than a hundred smaller ones. The park, as well as the Tsudome and Susukino sites also hosts concerts, events, and other attractions — many of which use the sculptures as their stage. To get a scenic view of the festival in the Odori site, climb up the Sapporo TV Tower’s observatory which you can enter for only JPY1,000.
There are also other winter activities you can enjoy in the city such as the many hot springs, saunas, and sento bathhouses that will surely warm you up from the frigid cold, and the exquisite seasonal flavors and dishes you can try like the tender crabs and the classic Sapporo Ramen.
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