8 Penang, Malaysia
It’s a rare visitor who doesn’t fall head over heels for George Town, Penang’s old-world capital. Trishaws jostle for space in its crowded streets, while the quirky street art provides a cool edge. The city’s retro appeal has been bolstered by a boom in funky cafes and bars, and a street food scene that’s hard to beat. The island’s beaches are justly famous, and some of the country’s most indulgent resorts are clustered around the beaches of Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah. KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur or KL is one of Asia’s most underrated cities. Its idiosyncratic flavour is summed up in its striking skyline, where minarets contrast with skyscrapers, including the famous Petrona Twin Towers which you can ascend for a stunning sky-high view of KL from 86 storeys up. From Australia, you can fly to Penang via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Airlines or AirAsia. Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar and Scoot can also get you to Penang via Singapore.
9 Okinawa, Japan
It’s Japan, but not as you know it. The group of islands that makes up Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost region of Japan, and is different from the rest of the country in all sorts of ways, from the subtropical climate to the distinctive Okinawan cuisine, which blends influences from China, Korea and Southeast Asia. There is plenty to explore on the area’s biggest island, Okinawa-hontō, from the impressive Churaumi Aquarium to scenic spots such as the Hiji Waterfall and the sacred site of Sefa Utaki. Further afield, the Yaeyama Islands – with their jungles, mangrove swamps, beaches and excellent diving – are the place to unwind. TOKYO
In the city that never sleeps, you can admire the costumed kids in Harajuku and the neon lights of Shinjuku, before breakfasting on sashimi at Tsukiji fish market. Fly to Okinawa via Tokyo with Qantas, Jetstar, Japan Airlines or ANA. Hong Kong Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Eva Air and China Airlines can also get you to Okinawa via other stopover destinations.
10 Bohol, Philippines
Yes, Bohol Island – just a short ferry trip from Cebu – is another fabulous Philippines destination for water babies, with coral reefs and inviting beaches. But the island has other attractions as well. Its most famous inhabitants (and, arguably, the cutest) are the extraordinary tarsiers, the world’s smallest primates: small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet agile enough to leap five metres in a single bound. You can try your luck spotting them in the wild in the Rajah Sikatuna National Park; for guaranteed sightings, the Tarsier Research & Development Center is your best bet. Other ways to spend the days include visiting the ancient cave paintings on Lamanok Island, swimming in an underground lake in Hinagdanan Cave and hiking the extraordinary dome-shaped Chocolate Hills. CEBU
Cebu is the Philippines’ best-loved holiday destination, famous for its pretty beaches and the superb diving on offer. Bohol is a two-hour ferry ride from Cebu. Fly to Cebu via Manila with Philippine Airlines or Qantas.
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