Travel Bloggers’ Favorite 11 Places to Visit in Asia & Oceania

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Ever wonder what places travel bloggers love? Me too! This article is the third in a series of collaborative posts about travel bloggers’ favorite destinations, featuring places in the Americas, Europe, and Asia and Oceania. We hope you find some inspiration for your bucket list. Have you visited these great destinations?

The Best Places to Visit in Asia and Oceania: a Travel Bloggers’ Travel Bucket List

Tokyo, Japan

by Sander of Arscurendi

When I went to Japan with my family in the summer of 2018, I was shocked. But it was the best possible kind of shock.

You see, as a Belgian citizen, I found it amazing to see both the way some things were very similar in both cultures as well as the vast differences that existed between Belgium and Japan. And that was especially true for Japan’s capital, Tokyo.

It’s no wonder that things are done differently in a megacity that has to handle a population of nearly 10 million people. In Tokyo, it’s not uncommon to see an extremely modern skyscraper on one street, then turn a corner and see a traditional Japanese temple.

Although my entire experience in Tokyo was amazing, there are some things that jump out. First of all, a visit to the futuristic high-tech entertainment district of Odaiba, built on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Secondly, I loved walking through Harajuku, a city district known for its street art and fashion scene. When in Harajuku, you can’t miss a stroll along Takeshita Street. Thirdly, Tokyo’s very own Fifth Avenue: Omotesandō. This avenue is home to various high-fashion flagship stores, and even if you’re not looking to buy anything, you have to feast your eyes on these high-end storefronts. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tokyo. There is so much to do, and if I could go back, I would not hesitate.

Hong Kong

by Marianne of Mum on the Move

There are few cities on Earth as exciting and intriguing as Hong Kong. Its bustling streets, shining skyscrapers and cultural fusion all combine to create to make this a fun and fascinating city to visit.

There are loads of great visitor attractions in Hong Kong. The most popular is the Peak – chances are if you’ve ever seen a photo of Hong Kong harbour from above, it was taken from the Peak. It is the best place for Hong Kong views. Another popular trip is out to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. This is one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world and you can get here via cable car.

Of course, many people head to Hong Kong for shopping, and you are spoilt for choice. Choose between the high-end gleaming shopping malls full of famous designer brands, or join the locals and tourists by haggling for a bargain in the city’s street markets.

One of the highlights of Hong Kong is its nightlife, and hitting the town should definitely be on your list! Head to Ozone, the highest bar in the world at the Ritz Carlton, enjoy dinner with a view at Hutong or head to Lan Kwai Fong, the notorious nightlife street for raucous party-goers.

Clear your head the next morning with a hike on the Dragon’s Back, before heading for a foot massage and cocktails in the Soho area.

Bali, Indonesia

by Jackie and Justin of Life of Doing

It’s no secret that we love Bali, Indonesia and we tell all of our friends and family about this place.

Bali is a hot destination to visit in Asia, yet we love how there are activities for all visitors. You can learn about Balinese history and culture by experiencing the beautiful temples or choose to spend time on the beach for some much-needed relaxation or go on adventures. The opportunities are endless.

As outdoorsy travelers, one of our favorite activities is to chase waterfalls. Luckily, Bali has dozens of waterfalls to choose from. Whether you visit popular or hidden gems, you’ll love seeing the cascades in the luscious forest and swimming in the refreshing waters. Our favorites include Sekempul and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.

Other amazing adventures include exploring the beautiful rice patty fields (Tegalalang is a popular place), hiking up Mount Batur to see the sunrise, or even walking through the canyons at Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang.
Food is an integral part of our travels and Balinese food is delicious. The flavors are something that we’ve never had before. The mix of the bold and spicy flavors with the rice and meats or seafood is drool-worthy. If you like to eat fish, you have to try grilled gurami, a freshwater fish, with the spicy sambal, a type of chili sauce. Don’t eat meat? Bali is vegetarian-friendly with tempeh and tofu options. If you need more inspiration on what to do in Bali, check out our Bali itinerary.  

Mysore, India

by Ellis of Backpack Adventures

Mysore in India is one of my favorite destinations. While many cities in India are busy and chaotic and took their time for me to like them, Mysore was love at first sight. The former capital of the Mysore kingdom is rich in culture and heritage and offers some of the best food in south India.

The most beautiful attraction in Mysore is the colorful Mysore palace. Here you get a sense of the wealth of the kings of Mysore. Every room has new surprises and at night the palace is illuminated with thousands of light bulbs. Mysore Palace is not the only one though. Mysore is full of colonial mansions and palaces. The oldest palace now houses an art exhibition and in the lalith mahal palace, you can dine like a king.

Mysore is also a great city for food lovers. The Mysore masala dosa is a thin rice pancake filled with spicy potatoes and is famous all over India. There are plenty of restaurants to try dosa or other south Indian cuisines. Mysore is also the yoga capital of India and many cafes are specializing in vegan meals. 

Most people stay much longer in Mysore than they originally planned. Its cultural heritage and lively bazaar where you can buy Mysore’s famous sandalwood soap and silk sarees can keep you busy for days. But Mysore is only the start of what there is to see in the area. There are several exciting daytrips to nearby old temples, bird sanctuaries, nature reserves and hill stations. With such a variety of things to do Mysore will please anyone and before you know it’s your favorite place. 

Penang, Malaysia

by Sharon of Dive Into Malaysia

Penang is my favorite destination in the world because it’s just so nice and easy and is an excellent place to hang out. It’s also easy to reach with its own international airport.

Firstly, Penang has a wide variety of attractions for a tropical island. There are beaches, water sports, jungle, and great resorts, but there is also so much more. You can walk around the capital, Georgetown, first established by the British. The center is UNESCO listed thanks to having a “unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia”. Or you can take a ride up Penang Hill for great views or visit some fabulous temples.

Secondly, Penang has some of the best food in the world. It’s a melting pot of Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisines with simply amazing food on offer with these and many other options as well. It’s also very cheap. So if there is one thing you must do in Penang, it’s trying every dish you can!

Finally, Malaysia is a very easy place to be. Many people speak English. Penang is easy to get around with buses, taxis, and uber. The people are friendly and I have always felt very welcome in Penang.

Western Australia

by Samantha of Miss Samantha Elizabeth

My absolute favorite place in the entire world is Western Australia (WA), it is unlike anywhere else on earth. There is so much to love about it, it is hard to know where to begin.

It may take you a few days to drive the entire coast of WA but it is truly stunning and so interesting to see how much it changes. From cliffside views, random sand dunes along the highway, to giant anthills and fields of wildflowers. WA’s roads may not be flooded with cars but it is so fascinating to see such big changes in the landscape every 100km.

Not to mention the wildlife here is so incredible and untouched. Once you are outside the city of Perth you are bound to see some natural wildlife and it is absolutely amazing. You can take a selfie with a kangaroo in Esperance, see some stingrays along the shore in Margaret River, surf with dolphins along the Southwest and spot some wild camels, emus, and horses around Broome.

Although it is a large area of land, not many people reside in the great state of WA. Those who do often come from different parts of Australia or the world. They build a life in WA because of its beauty and truly laid back Aussie vibe. Obviously, due to the fact that many people move to WA from elsewhere, you will find that many people do not have close family nearby. Therefore, you will often notice orphan families are created with close friends who look out for each other and celebrate the holidays together. This makes for the towns to be very inviting for people new to the area and one can quickly make friends.

Western Australia has stolen my heart for its natural beauty, natural wildlife, and wonderful people! In my opinion, the West Coast is the Best Coast when it comes to Australia.

Dubai

by Paula of Truly Expat Travel

Dubai is like Disneyland on steroids, everything is higher, longer and more prominent than other places in the world and I loved every minute of it. If you are expecting the unexpected, then you have come to the right place. My senses were definitely on high alert as I stepped out on the worlds highest observation deck, enjoyed high tea on the 154th floor of the worlds tallest building. It didn’t stop there I also rested my head at the worlds tallest hotel, shopped my heart out at the worlds largest mall (while stopping to watch the worlds largest choreographed fountain) and looked in awe at the worlds heaviest gold ring. Can you believe that Dubai holds 13 Guinness Book of Records? So you can only imagine what else there is to explore.

If I had to pinpoint my favorite things to do though, it would be heading over to the old part of Dubai and exploring the Souks (especially the textile markets), enjoy a ride on an abra which is a traditional boat made of wood which will cost you next to nothing but will ferry you across the Dubai creek.

When you have finished exploring the markets, ensure you try Dubai’s first authentic Emirati cuisine which can be found at Arabian Teahouse Restaurant and Cafe. There is much to explore in and around this area, with loads of art galleries, museum, and shops, it is by far my favorite part of Dubai. 

Kyoto, Japan

by Leona of Wandermust Family

For me, if there is a place that everyone must visit it is Japan, more specifically the cultural heart of Japan – Kyoto! Kyoto is a quick bullet train away from Tokyo and feels like a different world to the bustling Capital. It is the perfect place to learn about Japanese culture, history, and food at a much less frantic place than Tokyo! Kyoto is an easy city to navigate, even if you are traveling with children and around every corner, there is something to see. Whether you looking to see some of the most iconic sites such as the Golden Pavilion and the beautiful red tori gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. There are also beautiful gardens to visit at the Imperial Palace as well as a hidden gem, Niji Castle where you can learn all about the shoguns of the past.  perhaps one of the most bucket-list-worthy experiences that you can have in Kyoto is to go on the hunt for the geishas of Gion and is a great way to spend a night in Kyoto!

There is no bad time to visit Kyoto but perhaps one of the most famous time to visit Kyoto is in the Spring to see the marvelous cherry blossoms. Whenever you go, visiting Kyoto is a must for any traveler!

Cairo, Egypt

by Ahlan of Ahlan Monica

My second home and one of my favorite places in the world is Cairo, Egypt! When you first arrive you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another world. At any time of day, you’ll find people in the streets, cars honking and stray dogs barking. It’s a city that really gives meaning to the phrase ‘ beauty in chaos’. The people are very hospitable, the landscape is so diverse and the history, both recent and ancient is rich!

With tourism on the rise again, now is the perfect time to visit Cairo (and the rest of Egypt while you’re at it!). Among my favorite things to do in Cairo are visit the cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways of Old Islamic Cairo. There you’ll find the best treasures; whether it’s a local cafe where you can stop for a refreshing mint tea, bargains at the Khan El Khalili market or a snack at the Al-Azhar park.

It’s also the city of a thousand minarets and home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The most famous of which, the Mohamed Ali Mosque is built on a citadel that has one of the best viewpoints of the city. Don’t forget a stop to the Egyptian Museum where you can see over 120,000 incredible relics including Tutankhamun’s Gold Mask. You’ll quickly discover that there is so much more to Cairo than just the Sphinx and the Pyramids. Although without a doubt, visiting one of the many incredible pyramid view hotels and relaxing on my balcony while watching the sunset behind the Great Pyramids is a memory I’ll never forget!

Koh Lanta, Thailand

by Neha of Two Flashpackers

Having traveled around quite a bit in the last few years, I have done my fair share of sightseeing. We are beach bums, always on the lookout for beautiful, tranquil and budget beach spots. Tranquil and budget doesn’t usually go hand in hand. But we hit the jackpot when we found Koh Lanta island in Thailand. And now it is our absolute favorite destination!

Koh Lanta, located on the Andaman coast, is a quiet and authentic Thai fishing island, boasting of beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets and minimal crowds. Multiple ferries run daily from Phuket and Phi Phi, while you can also travel overland using taxi services or by renting a car from Krabi. There are many beaches to choose from, based on your preferences and budget. Families can opt for swim-friendly beaches like Khlong Dao and Long Beach, while backpackers and younger couples can opt for Khlong Khlong and Khlong Nin beaches. For those looking for dramatic coastlines and isolation, look no further than Kantiang Bay (the southernmost beach). My favorite: Khlong Nin beach which has the best sunsets on the island with a number of sunset viewing bars and beach shacks.Sample delicious local seafood at these shacks which have a very chilled out vibe. The accommodation options are plentiful, catering to all budgets. With less tourists, the beaches are uncrowded and unspoiled: perfect for complete relaxation.

Apart from enjoying the beautiful beaches, check out Lanta old town(the original town center and home to a sea gypsy settlement) and Moo Koh Lanta national park. You can also take day trips to nearby Koh Rok and the Trang islands, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. Do not come here expecting to party. Lanta is for those looking to enjoy a slice of beach heaven without paying a bomb. Its the perfect place to feel rejuvenated. Go and feel your worries float away. For more information on the Trang islands, you can read my article.

Singapore

by Helena of Through an Aussie’s Eyes

Singapore is a small country that is just off the southern tip of Malaysia. For such a small country, the Singaporeans know how to have everything any traveler could ever want in a favorite travel destination.  The efficient transportation system allows you to see everything Singapore has to offer. From the Singapore Zoo to Little India, Chinatown, Sentosa (includes zip lines and Universal Studios) to the famous Gardens by the Bay, Singapore does have it all and for everyone.

Foodies rejoice, as the Singaporeans know their food. They offer everything from cheaper street food right up to Michelin fine dining. Don’t forget to enjoy a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel. Talking about famous things, go and experience the infinity pool at the top of the Marina Bay Sands (hotel) so you can swim along and see the entire city from 57 levels above the streets.

For the history lovers out there, Fort Canning will take you through the history of Singapore during Japan’s invasion in World War II. You will even learn about the stories behind the fall of Singapore during the Battle of Singapore. Or if shopping is more your cup of tea, just go and stroll down Orchard Road which is a favorite for any fashion lovers.

Are you feeling inspired to visit a new location? We are! If you enjoyed this collaboration, check out our posts about travel bloggers’ favorite destinations in the Americas and Europe too!

Happy travels!

Annick, The Common Traveler

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