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| HELLO, PARADISE! El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Photo from Agoda.com |
Five destination suggestions for romantic travel all year round
MANILA, Philippines - What's the easiest way to get to know a person? Travel with them.
And when it comes to couples in a romantic relationship, there is a saying that goes, “Don’t marry someone until you have travelled with them."
Valentine's Day month has passed, but travelling with your loved one can be done all year round. In case you have yet to plan this year's itinerary, here is a list of romantic destinations in Asia, according to accommodation aggregator Agoda.com.
[Note: They are perfect for single travellers, too. Who knows, you just might meet someone along the way! Isn't it exciting?]
1. Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
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| Khao Yai, Thailand |
Khao Yai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular choice among young Thai couples. It covers four provinces in Thailand with a highest peak of 1,351 meters above sea level.
Khao Yai is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, vast greens, and stunning mountainous scenery.
Couples can embark on various nature-themed activities, such as:
- biking through Khao Yai’s very own vineyards, the GrancMonte Estate and the PB Valley Khao Yai Winery
- birdwatching along its many hiking trails
- kicking back in a private villa and taking in the sounds of nature in the highlands
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| Khao Yai, Thailand |
Khao Yai is only accessible by car, and is 1.5 hours away from Bangkok. Two nights in Khao Yai during the Thai winter season (November-February) would be ideal for an idyllic nature-themed romantic escape.
Suggested accommodation:
- Muthi Maya Forest Pool Villa Resort (5-star) has 64 nature-enveloped villas with a large patio and a private pool
- Sasima Moonlight Villa (3-star) offers villas with private pools at a more affordable rate
2. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
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| El Nido, Palawan, Philippines |
Travellers tell tales of Palawan being borderline magical, with captivating lagoons, turquoise waters, hidden caves, enchanting dive sites, and more. Another word most often used to describe the province? Paradise.
There are various activities travelling couples can do together:
- full-day island hopping tours to romantic dinners on the beach
- kayaking to explore the many coves, lagoons, and caves
- jumping off cliffs into the shimmering waters below
Getting to El Nido is fairly easy, with flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa operated by Cebu Pacific and Air Asia. What follows is a 5-hour shuttle ride to El Nido from the airport.
Suggested accommodation:
- El Nido Resorts Lagen (5-star) is one of the most preferred
- Cadlao Resort and Restaurant (3-star) offers privacy and comfort minus the frills
There are over 100 hotels and other accommodation types in El Nido bookable via Agoda.com,
3. Pulau Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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| Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia |
People prefer privacy when they go on holidays, and the secluded island resorts on Pulau Gaya offer just that.
Pulau Gaya is covered in dense, virgin rainforest. You can go:
- hiking in trails 20 kilometers long
- diving in sites within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, the most interesting being the Gaya Wreck located west of Pulau Gaya
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| Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia |
The island is easily accessible via a 10-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu.
Suggested accommodation:
- Gaya Island Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort (5-star) are great for couples looking to splurge a little on a beach holiday in Malaysia.
- Gaya Island Resort has a tranquil Spa Village set amidst mangrove trees
- Bunga Raya Island Resort offers dreamy romance packages for honeymooners
Both resorts feature authentic Bornean architecture and design, with its villas crafted sustainably in order to blend in to its natural surroundings.
Another similarity shared by both resorts: guests usually find it hard to leave at the end of their stay.
4. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
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| Gili Trawangan, Indonesia |
Gili Trawangan is the most popular of the three Gili Islands located off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia. It was dubbed "best island destination in Southeast Asia for travellers on a budget" by TripAdvisor’s TripIndex Sun report in 2014.
Gili Trawangan is bustling with lots of activity. You can:
- shop for cheap local food and trinkets at the local night market
- chill and hangout in bars frequently packed with friendly backpackers
- take yoga lessons by the beach, or cooking lessons to get acquainted with Indonesian cuisine
- witness a glorious sunset with the view of Mt. Rinjani on the horizon
Suggested accommodation:
- Villa Nero and Wilsons Retreat come highly rated on Agoda.com
5. Nantou, Taiwan
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| Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan |
Nantou is the only county on the island of Taiwan that is surrounded by land. It offers picturesque mountainous landscapes, lush flora, and lots of rustic charm. It is dubbed “The Alps of the East” and is a haven for holidaymakers looking for a countryside getaway.
At Nantou, you can:
- visit the Sun Moon Lake, a well-known spot for wedding photography
- enjoy a refreshing dip in the many hot springs around Nantou
- witness a magnificent sunrise at Hehuan Mountain, or Hehuanshan
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| Hehuanshan, Nantou, Taiwan |
Nantou is fairly easy to access from Taipei. Travellers can take the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Taichung and hop on a bus to Cinjing or Puli.
Suggested accommodation:
- Homestays or minsus in Nantou if you want to experience local countryside living
- The Sun Moon Lake Secret Garden Villa at the Yuchi Township and The Cotswold Villa in Cinjing which are highly-rated on Agoda.com
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I wish for you a year of travel and adventure! Live life to the fullest. Carpe diem, folks! - #CoffeeWithKai
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