New Year is a few months away but it is never too early to start planning your vacation. Asia seems to be a popular choice for holiday during the New Year mainly because unlike the rest of the year, the climate during winter is pleasant in this area of the world. Even during the day, you do not have to bear the heat that you would usually find during the summer months. Plus, Asia offers a wide variety of geographical locations for you to choose from.
If you love the sea, sand and surf, Asia offers you some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Complete with white sand, blue waters and coconut trees, these islands give you the opportunity to relax and unwind away from the crowded city life. Moreover, they are a great place to indulge in some adventure water sports like surfing, snorkelling, diving, etc. Apart from all this, some of these islands host the best New Year parties. So, you do not miss your regular celebrations too. Whatever might be your way of welcoming the New Year, you would find the perfect holiday island destination in Asia. Here are a few of the Asian islands you must consider for your New Year vacation this year.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is a group of 99 islands on the Andaman Sea. It is a popular tourist destination as it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. White sand beaches, palm trees and turquoise waters welcome you at whichever beach you choose to go to. Apart from beach hopping, Langkawi gives you lots of sightseeing opportunities too. All this makes Langkawi perfect for your New Year holidays. The island is home to several luxury hotels and private bays, giving you the chance to relax and pamper yourself. While you are not sightseeing or relaxing on a beach, you can have a chilled bear at one of the bars or try a delicious local dish at a restaurant. Moreover, if you want to celebrate the New Year’s Eve by partying, there are several parties organized by the resorts and hotels in Langkawi. You can also attend the beach party at Cenang Beach if that is what you like. Apart from this, do not miss the floating lanterns and beautiful fireworks at midnight while celebrating New Year’s Eve at Langkawi.
Koh Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Koh Phi Phi Islands in Thailand are a group of six gorgeous islands where only one (Koh Phi Phi Don) is the inhabited one. This is a place you must go to if you are tired of the incessant crowd and traffic of the city. This island do not have cars and even roads for that matter, making them untouched and pollution free. On the other hand, you would be rewarded with wonderful climate, fresh air, breathtaking beaches, lush mountains, limestone caves and amazingly clear water. These islands are great place to indulge in some water sports including scuba diving, snorkelling, etc. You can also try your hand at rock climbing at Tonsai Tower. When it comes to New Year parties, you would definitely have a great time at the beach parties on Koh Phi Phi Don. On the other hand, if you want some quiet and peaceful time to welcome the New Year, there is ample of place on these islands where you would definitely find the much-needed alone time. Want to experience this loveliest island during New Year, all you need is a return ticket and of course Thailand visa too.
Bali, Indonesia
The island of Bali in Indonesia is replete with pristine beaches, green forests, innumerable historic sites, gorgeous temples and rich rice fields. Wherever you go in Bali, you would be rewarded with breathtaking beauty. Moreover, Bali is a laidback place where you can relax and unwind on your annual holiday. While you are not exploring the beautiful temples and forests of Bali, you can go surfing and swimming at one of the beaches of this island. But is this place right for your New Year’s Eve celebrations if it is that laidback? You really do not need to worry about this as Bali hosts amazing New Year’s Eve parties.
The place to go to if you want to have a rocking New Year’s party is Bali’s Kuta Beach. Known for its terrific nightlife all year around, Kuta welcomes the New Year with more gusto. Head to Paputan Badung Square for New Year Bali Carnival and parade, and do not miss the awesome fireworks at midnight. Some other nightclubs that you can go for NY parties are Potato Head Beach Club, Mozaic Beach Club, Double-Six Rooftop, Cocoon Beach Club, Warehouse82, etc. If you are looking for some low-key celebrations to celebrate the New Year, you can head to Jimbaran Bay, Bedugul Botanical Garden, etc.
While Bali gives you ample opportunities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style, you must remember that it can get pretty congested and crowded. So, it would be best to avoid party hopping if you do not want to avoid begin stuck in traffic as the clock strikes midnight, when the world welcomes the New Year.
Andaman Islands, India
If you are not a party person and want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a peaceful way, in the lap of nature, India’s Andaman Islands are a great place to be. While many of the islands here are uninhibited, there are several other islands which offer pristine beaches and beautiful hills and rainforests. Havelock Island, Ross Island, Northbay, Port Blair, etc. are some of the most popular islands that you can visit here. Apart from beach hopping, most of these islands are great places to indulge in some water sports and adventure. It is a great place to indulge in scuba diving. There are several centres that scuba diving training at Havelock Island, Long Island, etc. to those interested. Other than scuba diving, you can also indulge in snorkelling and angling.
Some other attractions of the place include active volcano on Barren Island, Lost City on Ross Island and the British jail and gallows on Viper Island. You can also visit the old tribes of the island if you get the right permission from the authorities. Apart from all these things, Andaman Islands are a great place to just unwind, relax and do nothing. You can visit one of the beautiful beaches on the islands and enjoy the great views especially the breathtaking sunsets. Is there a better way to spend the last few days of the New Year after a busy year? But if you are still rooting for New Year parties and celebrations, head to Havelock Island where most resorts and hotels organize New Year’s Eve gala nights and lavish dinner for their guests.
Boracay, Philippines
Philippine is an archipelago with more than 7641 islands, 5000 of which are not even named. 2000 of these islands are inhabited, making Philippines a great option if you want to spend New Year on an Asian island. While you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing an island in Philippines, a visit to Boracay for your New Year holidays is the perfect way to welcome the New Year. Although a small island, Boracay is considered one of the best holiday destinations in the world as it is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches. Moreover, it offers the rare combination of tranquillity and an amazing nightlife, making it an awesome destination for the New Year.
To enjoy the island to the fullest, it is best to arrive at Boracay several days before New Year’s Eve. This gives you the opportunity to explore the island before the New Year celebrations begin. You can also indulge in some adventure water sports like scuba diving, wreck diving, kite surfing, cliff jumping, sailing, free diving, kayaking, etc. While these would keep you busy during the day, do take time off to check out the restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the evening.
Most resorts and nightclubs in Boracay organize parties during New Year’s Eve. The best place to be during New Year’s Eve is definitely the White Beach. With so many restaurants and resorts offering great food and events, you would definitely have a good time. Plus, you could get a good view of the fireworks when the clock strikes 12. On the other hand, if you want some peace and tranquillity while welcoming the New Year, there are several beaches and resorts that offer you the solitude you need.
These are just a few islands in Asia where you can spend your New Year’s Eve either alone, with friends or even your family. Apart from the above mentioned places, you would find some amazing islands at Cambodia and Vietnam as well. Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka are also great options when you want to spend your New Year holidays on Asian islands. So, do not waste time anymore and choose a beautiful island in the Asian continent to bring in the New Year just as you like it!