Exploring Exciting Southeast Asia in Luxury in 2019

By guest blogger, Cassie Steele

The average tourist in Southeast Asia spends $35 a day for accommodations, food, transportation, and sightseeing. The region is famous for backpackers as a low-cost destination and is now gaining a reputation for major luxury because of these low costs. Singapore and Malaysia have world-class accommodations built for a king and other countries are following suit. Many of the hotels are new, the streets are clean, and the people still friendly, making 2019 the year to visit Asia.

Luxury Travel Lifestyle in Singapore

Singapore has the largest rooftop pool, the largest fountain, Fountain of Wealth, and the largest aquarium, the S.E.A. Aquarium. The once small fishing village turned into megacity has plenty to offer visitors in 2019 with a plethora of electrifying activities. Singapore is set to increase its hosting skills this year by introducing UFC in the country for the first time along with the Formula 1 Grand Prix World Championship in September.

Singaporean Events in 2019

In addition, there will be festivals held throughout the year such as Ultra Singapore featuring some of the world’s most iconic DJs. iLight Singapore, a lights’ festival to be held in the botanical gardens, will blow visitors away with the amazing lights show within a nature-based setting. Singapore also holds the benefit of being one of the few countries in the region where these festivals have information on the Internet, making any plan or festival experience easier to coordinate.

The city-state may be known as an expensive place to travel, but that does not mean that it has to break the bank. Western currencies are well accepted and easily converted once in the country. Your debit cards from home will also work, so taking out money will not be a problem. Financing a trip to Singapore can be done from the comfort of your own home before leaving as everything is available for purchase online before arrival. Solo travel is popular in the area, but excursions to the non-touristy side of Singapore is best left to the experts.

Modern Malaysia’s Diversity of Experiences

Malaysia is a destination like Singapore in some ways but different in so many others. Malaysia is pushing the limits of modern with the Petronas Towers, the tallest building in the world from 1998-2004, but also offers experiences on a much more reasonable scale. The beach culture allows visitors to unwind in some of the most tropical and unspoiled beaches in the region. The rainforest destinations are attracting those who want to see natural Malaysia. To best see these sites, hidden beaches and less touristy rainforests, using a proper guide or excursions service can save time and effort whilst providing the best possible in-country experience.

Natural Malaysia – Spots Not to Miss in 2019

Kota Kinabalu is a highlight not to be missed as more tourists are coming every year since 2004, with a record-setting 3 million visitors in 2018. The city is an entry point to hiking Mount Kinabalu, elevation 4000 meters. Arranging a guide can be taxing on your own so booking an experienced tour operator is the best way to see the mountain. Batang Ai National Park is facing a similar issue as its protected rain forest and a chance to meet wild orangutans keeps attracting the masses.

Both Malaysia and Singapore offer different experiences, but their proximity makes seeing both a real possibility. City goers can find happiness in both countries, but nature lovers will fall in love with Malaysia’s natural beauty. People from around the world are coming and 2019 is the year to visit before the sites become crowded.

About Cassie;

Cassie originally worked as a flight attendant for over a decade, taking her all over Asia, including South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India, among others. The combination of interesting cultures, low prices, and delicious food was the reason why Asia became a favorite stop of hers.

A couple of years ago, Cassie took a step back to spend more time with her family and became a freelance writer and editor in which she uses her vast knowledge on Asian destinations to further inspire other travelers to witness the beautiful continent.

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