Here are top 10 destinations in Asia that are fast gaining interest and popularity among the TripAdvisor community of travellers
1. Kuching, Malaysia
A trip to Kuching is an enriching experience for any visitor, with the many museums and attractions which offer insights into the local heritage and traditions.
Learn more about Sarawak’s main ethnic groups including the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu at Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum where staff live and work to preserve their heritage and cultural traditions. The centrally-located The LimeTree Hotel costs RM147 per night.
2. El Nido, Philippines
Known as the Philippines’ last frontier, El Nido in Palawan is perfect for travellers seeking peace and solitude.
Visit the off-the-beaten-path Nacpan Beach (ranked as Asia’s second best beach in the Travellers’ Choice awards 2016) for a “tourist-less” experience and stay in a water cottage overlooking the sea at the El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island.
Described as “paradise”, you can book a stay for RM2,444 per night.
3. George Town, Malaysia
George Town continues to draw tourists all-year round with its diverse history and delicious food.
Take a glimpse at the customs and heritage of the Peranakan community at the award-winning and beautifully designed Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which has been recreated as a typical home of a rich Baba (Straits-born Chinese man).
Then, head for the fantastic Le Dream Boutique Hotel with rates at RM275 per night, which includes free movie nights and complimentary snacks and wine.
4. Jodhpur, India
The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is a reflection of the royal lineage it has witnessed for centuries.
Majestic forts and palaces, remnants of the glorious past, adorn the landscape of this popular tourist attraction.
Ratan Vilas, bookable on TripAdvisor at RM333 per night, is a mansion built in the 1920s that has been beautifully refurbished into a hotel and provides a wondrous setting to recharge and enjoy its magnificent setting.
Travellers can also visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort which is one of the oldest forts in India that offers sweeping views of the Blue City.
5. Da Lat, Vietnam
Situated 1,500m above sea level, Da Lat is also known as the City of Eternal Spring, offering cool respite from Vietnam’s tropical climate.Marvel at French-inspired architecture and make a beeline for the Linh Phuoc Pagoda, an intricate structure with ceilings, walls and installations made from millions of pieces of broken glass, terracotta and beer bottles.
Complete your trip by staying at the highly recommended Dreams Hotel offering a jacuzzi with rooftop views, bookable at an average of RM120 per night.
6. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Lying on the northwest coast of Borneo is Kota Kinabalu, a popular destination for nature lovers with its renowned national parks and marine life.
Make an advance booking to take a speedboat to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of islands great for snorkeling and diving and referred to as the real beauty of Sabah.
Then, stay in the heart of the city at Hotel Sixty3, a hotel with an “unbeatable location” for RM275 per night.
7. Baku, Azerbaijan
Situated along the Caspian Sea, Baku is a heady mix of Asian and Western cultures, of the old and new, all of which is best reflected in the city’s sights and landmarks.
Explore the famed medieval Old City Baku, hailed as a “must-visit”, which houses the Unesco-listed Shirvanshah’s Palace, and Maiden Tower.
You can also admire the city’s contemporary buildings such as the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, and the Flame Towers which is a trio of skyscrapers covered with LEDs displaying the mesmerising movement of a flame.
Then, rest your feet after a long day of exploration at “the best hotel” in the city, the Hotel Badamdar Baku, for a seasonal average of RM440 per night.
8. Hualien, Taiwan
Taiwan’s second largest city, travellers head for Hualien for its geological wonders of marble cliffs and waterfalls. A must-visit activity in Hualien is hiking through Taroko Gorge that offers breath-taking views of canyons, mountains and quaint villages.
Later, head for Kindness Hotel at Hualien Main Station for a good night’s rest, bookable on TripAdvisor for RM658 per night.
The hotel also offers complimentary supper, perfect for when the midnight hunger pangs strike!
9. Sapa, Vietnam
Set against a backdrop of towering mountains and undulating valleys, Sapa is located in north-west Vietnam and known for its trekking trails. Visitors can head for the Muong Hoa Valley for spectacular views of cascading rice terraces, peaks and forests and learn more about local culture as they make their way through hill tribe villages.
Stay at Sapa Paradise View Hotel, a gem of a hotel with the perfect location for RM178 per night.
10. Jeju, South Korea
A popular honeymoon destination, there is plenty to do in beautiful Jeju, known for its fresh seafood and natural attractions.
Hike through Hallasan National Park, a Unesco-listed site that is home to Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea and famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants as a result of the varying temperatures along the mountainside.
After a day of hiking, put your feet up at the award-winning December Hotel Jeju with its spacious rooms for a good night’s rest. Rooms rates starts at RM195 per night.