South East Asian Winter Breaks for Aussies & Kiwis

While all our friends in the US and Europe are enjoying spring weather, for us Aussies and Kiwis winter is rolling in and boy is it getting cold. Now is the perfect time to start planning a warm break in South East Asia to get you through the winter months.

Here are my four top picks for a trip to South East Asia:

A Sunny Day on Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand

Thailand

We love Thailand! It’s our go-to spot in South East Asia and we spent three months there last year in Bangkok, Krabi and Koh Samui. It’s a great destination for families with small children as the Thai people love kids and will dote on them wherever you go.

Bali

There’s so much to see and do on the island of Bali and it’s a relatively short flight away. Avoid Kuta beach at all costs! Instead head inland to Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, for massages, monkeys and beautiful rice paddies. Ubud is a healthy hot spot and has lots of yoga retreats, raw vegan cafes and meditation classes for you to enjoy. If it’s beaches you crave, jump over to the Gili Islands (technically part of Lombok) for sandy white beaches, clear water and world-class snorkelling,

Singapore

Short on time but big on budget? Singapore is the place for you! If you love good hotels, shopping in air-conditioned malls and eating amazing food the head straight to Singapore. If you can afford it, have a look at staying in the magnificent Marina Bay Sands which is famous for it’s infinity pool on the roof. Don’t miss the dumplings at Din Tai Fung which are my absolute favourite! Three or four days is perfect for a city break but if you want to extend your time spend a few more days in a resort on Sentosa Island too.

Perhentian Island Paradise, Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia literally has it all – big cities, beaches, jungles, highlands. You can have any kind of holiday your heart desires here. My top pick is the Perhentian Islands which are at their best from June to August. The water is crystalline and you can snorkel right off the beach. Because of the season for these islands is quite short you need to book now if you plan on visiting this year. Accommodation is fairly basic but you’ll be spending most of your time on the beach and in the water so just go with it!