South East Asia (S.E.A.) attracts people from all over the world who want to enjoy the tropical sunshine! Being so close to the equator, the countries in this part of the world do not experience any of the four seasons. Instead, the weather alternates between rain and sunshine (most of the time) throughout the year, making it a haven for holidaymakers from outside the region!
1. Kundasang, Malaysia
Kundasang is a great scenic location off the Malaysian mainland in the Borneo Islands. Located in the capital city of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, travel to the town can be difficult and, by today’s standards, rather inaccessible. Which brings us to the true testament of what it’s all about: a seemingly untouched piece of beauty!
2. Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Marketed as a family holiday destination, Genting has something for everyone, from spa packages for mums to professional golf for dads. Temperatures hover around 21 degrees Celsius, so you can be in jumper mode all year round. So all you need is a hot cup of Milo and you’re good to go! Fun fact: Genting’s First World Hotel holds the Guinness World Record for the largest hotel in the world with a total of 7,351 rooms!
3. Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia
If you think a trip to France AND Japan isn’t possible, think again! Just a 40-minute drive outside of Kuala Lumpur, you can find yourself in the unique town of Bukit Tinggi. Situated in the Bentong district of the state of Pahang, this small town boasts a resort modelled on a real French village, which happens to be its namesake: The Colmar. The Colmar Tropicale is a classic architectural beauty that pays homage to the style of buildings built in France in earlier eras. Situated some 2,600 feet above sea level, the aptly named Bukit Tinggi (which translates to ‘high hill’ in English) has truly come to define its name. As such, temperatures here can drop as low as 22 degrees Celsius!
4. Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa is located in the northwest of Vietnam, along the border with China. You will be greeted by picturesque views of the mountains against a backdrop of perfectly mown paddy fields. One of the city’s main attractions is the diversity of its population! Home to eight different ethnic minorities, the inclusive society has a separate identity from the rest of Vietnam that is unique to its core. A cool morning can quickly turn into a cold afternoon. Sapa’s tourism billboard proudly proclaims “four seasons in one day” – late autumn in the morning, spring just after sunrise, summer in the afternoon and winter at night. Sapa has even experienced real snowfall in the past, so layered clothing and other means of keeping warm should not be neglected!
5. Da Lat, Vietnam
Once a retreat for French officers during the French colonial period, Da Lat has since been touted as one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia! French-style buildings still stand today, giving the whole town a homely feel over the years.
6. Chiang Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai remains a characteristically sleepy city in the north of Thailand. The tourism sector has been growing slowly, but in recent years has seen a more rapid and steady rise, with night bazaars popping up and even jazz festivals!
7. Lorentz National Park, Indonesia
The largest single protected area in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lorentz National Park is certainly held in high regard by some of the most powerful organisations. It is a truly undeveloped part of the world, one of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, with an ecosystem that includes marine areas, mangroves, rainforests, alpine tundras and equatorial glaciers. It’s no wonder its biodiversity is recognised as one of the greatest in the world!
8. Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
Pyin Oo Lwin is a colourful city with a history steeped in British colonialism, located in Mandalay Division in central Myanmar. Seemingly one of the few places to be described as uniquely Myanmar, it’s clear that the layout is heavily influenced by mid-19th century British architecture. Described as one of the few places in Myanmar to have seen the least amount of pagodas, it has since capitalised on the deviant infrastructure left behind and developed into a place for tourism!
These cooler parts of S.E.A. bring with them not only the comforts of a colder climate, but also an almost out-of-this-world experience! Belonging to an exclusive minority of a specific country and a unique cultural lifestyle, certain things are truly a marvel to the rest of the world: unique seasonal festivals, harvests, architecture and people.