This article was written in collaboration with www.klook.com.
Holidays these days are multi-faceted with many things to consider – what to eat, do, sightsee and most importantly, where are the great Instagrammable spots! Whether you’re armed with a supercharged DSLR or just a smartphone, the scenery will do most of the work when you’re in one of these photogenic destinations in Asia.
Also, make sure to look out for the “Get The Look” section for outfit ideas to help to level up your Instagram game. Gotta keep those likes flooding in!
1. Bali, Indonesia
Tegalalang Rice Fields, Ubud
Bali is a four-letter word you’d happily welcome into your life! From being a romantic getaway, it has evolved into a tropical paradise for a girls trip, a brocation, or even for solo backpackers. Who wouldn’t want a piece of Bali with its deep blue sea, vibrant green rice fields, and rustic local market mood?
Pura Lempuyang, Karangasem
Since Bali is blessed with diverse landscapes and cultural sights, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to photogenic spots. Hop on the Insta-famous swing overlooking the paddy field and stand in the center at Pura Lempuyang, the Gateway to Heaven. You certainly can’t go wrong in Bali, no wonder it’s one of the world’s favourite destination.
How To Get To Bali
There are daily flights to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, the capital of Bali. From there, you can get to your hotel by car or a private airport transfer from Klook.
If you’re visiting Bali from nearby islands, you can opt for a ferry ride.There are a number of ferry routes namely from Lombok, Gili Islands, Nusa Penida and more. The ferries typically dock in Padang Bai and Serangang, near Kuta.
Get The Look
Dress: Warehouse Honey Floral Smock Mini Dress
Top: Topshop Petite Square Sleeve Trim T-Shirt
Skirt: Dorothy Perkins Paisley Border Print Pencil Skirt
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap (Photos by: @nicespotcollectors & @olastaromiejska)
To many, Siem Reap is synonymous with ancient temple ruins. The one place on every traveller’s list in Siem Reap is Angkor Archaeological Park, the larger complex housing dozens of temple ruins, namely the world-famous Angkor Wat. In this vast area of intricate stone buildings, it can easily take days to complete a tour of the whole complex. Most of all, there’s a perfect backdrop at every turn in Angkor Archaeological Park.
How To Get To Siem Reap
There are many daily flights to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. The airport is easily accessible, located a mere 10-minute away from Angkor Wat and many nearby hotels. For convenience, you can pre-book a private Siem Reap airport transfer from Klook.
Get The Look
Top: Topshop Broderie Knot Front Tee
Skirt: Topshop Button Midi Skirt
3. Agra, India
Taj Mahal, Agra
Needless to say, the Taj Mahal is the top attraction in India and bucket list worthy. With a great love story behind this important monument, the Taj Mahal is also a stunning architectural wonder. To maintain the clean air and clear sky background you see in photos, developments are actually restricted in and around the Taj Trapezium Zone.
Agra Fort, Agra (Photo by @nur.mirza)
Next on the list in the city is Agra Fort or Red Fort. Built mainly with red sandstone and white marble, it’s easy to spot the brick red facade of this distinct structure from afar. As you venture further into the fort, you will find walls, ceilings, and floors of the different rooms and meeting areas to be made of white marble.
How To Get To Agra
You can get to Agra by first flying in to one of the major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and more. From there, you can take the train and get to Agra by road. Flying to Agra is not as common since they’re mostly only for chartered flights.
The most popular method of getting to Agra is to go by train from Delhi. For a hassle-free trip, you can get from Delhi to Agra with a private day tour by express train from Klook. If you’re travelling by car from other cities, you can also opt for a private city transfer.
Get The Look
Top: BCBGMaxazria Bailie Embroidered Tulle And Lace Top
Skirt: Warehouse Pleat Skirt
4. Kundasang, Malaysia
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Kundasang (Photo by @chii_how)
The most popular spot in Kundasang is the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, also commonly referred to as the New Zealand of Sabah. On a clear sky day, the view from the farm is unparalleled and you can see a full view of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia! But even on other days, the views of the misty background leaves a mysterious flair.
How To Get To Kundasang
To get to Kundasang, you will have to first fly to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. From Kota Kinabalu, you can get to Kundasang by car or by bus. Since Kundasang is a highland with limited connectivity in terms of transportation, you can also opt for day tour from Klook which includes other destinations like Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring.
Get The Look
Playsuit: Karen Millen Asymmetric Wide-leg Jumpsuit
Jacket: Topshop Petite Hacked Off Cropped Denim Jacket
5. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An Old Town
If you’re ever in the mood for some retro shots, there’s no place like Hoi An that ticks all the boxes. Home to over 800 historic buildings that are well-preserved, this ancient town is basically a living museum. Stepping into Hoi An Old Town feels like you’re travelling back in time to centuries ago.
Hoi An Old Town
Walk along the streets of Hoi An Old Town and admire the sights of vibrant lanterns at night, the quaint Chinese shophouses, colourful French-colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses, and its famous Japanese Covered Bridge.
How To Get To Hoi An
The closest airport and train station to Hoi An is in Da Nang, a city about 30km from Hoi An. Most bus services also head to Da Nang. You can then get to Hoi An from Da Nang by car. For those who have flown in to the Da Nang International Airport, you can opt for a private transfer to Hoi An. If you’re travelling to Hoi An from Da Nang city, you can opt for a private inter-city transfer.
Get The Look
Top: Topshop Button Embellished Cami Top
Bottoms: Topshop Studded Kiri Shorts
Jacket: Topshop Black Embroidered Kimono
6. Kyoto, Japan
Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto
While Tokyo, the busy capital, is synonymous with neon lights, skyscrapers, and fast-paced lifestyle, Kyoto moves at a different speed. Calm and composed, you can find ancient temples, traditional wooden houses, bamboo groves and more. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glance of a Japanese geisha before vanishing around a corner.
Arashiyama, Kyoto
Two of the most photographed spots in Kyoto would have to be the Fushimi Inari-taisha and Arashiyama. The long stretch of torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha leading to the forest of Mount Inari is a wonderful sight to behold while the towering bamboo groves in Arashiyama feels like it’s out of a story book.
How To Get To Kyoto
Kyoto does not have an airport, but the nearby Kansai International Airport is the gateway to the city. From the airport, you can take a limousine bus transfer to Kyoto. If you’re visiting Kyoto from other cities in Japan, the best way is to travel by train. Getting a JR Pass is essential when taking advantage of the well-connected train system in Japan. You can use the JR Pass on the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto, a famous route, and many other journey using buses, trains, and more.
Get The Look
Top: Topshop Petite Stripe Puff Sleeve Bardot Top
Bottoms: Topshop Petite Check Button Peg Trousers
7. Khao Yai, Thailand
Palio Village, Khao Yai (Photo by @jojoanneee & @jessicachaw)
Commonly referred to as the Europe of Asia, you know you’ve arrived at Khao Yai when the cool air hits your skin. A world of a difference from Bangkok, Khao Yai is nothing short of exciting from its scenic landscapes to vibrant blooms and European-style buildings. It’s definitely fun to trick your friends into thinking you’re in Europe instead of good ol’ Thailand!
Sunflower field, Khao Yai (Photo by @jojoanneee & @jessicachaw)
Depending on the season, the many sunflower fields in Khao Yai are the perfect photogenic spots! The sunflowers typically bloom around late November to January – so plan your trip around these months to catch these beauties. During the bloom, the weather in Khao Yai is also pleasant, promising clear skies and cool winds.
How To Get To Khao Yai
To get to Khao Yai, you first have to fly in to one of Bangkok’s airports. From there you can rent a car or book a private car charter to Khao Yai. You can also get a bus heading to Pak Chong, the town closest to Khao Yai, from Mo Chit Station.
However, it’s recommended to go by car and a guide as well since navigating around Khao Yai may be tricky for those unfamiliar with the language and destination. You can book a Khao Yai custom tour, private car charter, or plenty of other Khao Yai packages on Klook to suit your itinerary.
Get The Look
Playsuit: Dorothy Perkins Billie Petite Navy Floral Skater Dress
Dress: Karen Millen Leopard Print Mini Dress
8. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Borobudur, Magelang
Often called Jogja, Yogyakarta is an Indonesian city known for its sacred temples, traditional arts and cultural heritage. An hour outside Yogyakarta, you can find easily the most famous temple in Indonesia, Borobudur. Borobudur, or Barabudur is not only a UNESCO-listed Mahayana Buddhist temple but also the largest Buddhist temple in the world!
Hutan Pinus Pengger, Dlingo (Photo by @intenyulianda)
A growingly popular spot amongst millennials in Jogja is Hutan Pinus Pengger. A pine forest in Dlingo, you can find multiple sculptures made from tree branches overlooking the city below as well as colourful hammocks tied between trees. With something interesting at every corner, it’s no wonder this pine forest is becoming a hit.
How To Get To Yogyakarta
There are daily flights to Adisutjipto International Airport in Yogyakarta. From the airport, you can get a Klook private transfer to your hotel. For those coming from other cities within Indonesia, you may take the train or bus. Getting around Jogja may be tricky if you don’t have a car, so you can also opt for a private car charter.
Get The Look
Top: Karen Millen Stud Embellished Jumper
Bottoms: Topshop Camo Trousers
9. Busan, South Korea
Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan (Photo by @thereshegoesagn)
The famous port city with beautiful beaches, mountains and temples, Busan is the second largest city in South Korea after Seoul. This charming seaside town boasts wonderful feasts for your eyes and belly with its charming Gamcheon Culture Village and fresh seafood.
Haedong Yonggungsa, Gijang (Photo by gmessian)
One of the more photogenic spots in Busan is Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple by the sea! The captivating sight is made even better by the sounds of waves crashing onto the rocks. It’s truly a place you’d have to experience for yourself!
How To Get To Busan
There are many daily flights to International Gimhae Airport in Busan. From there, you can take a private airport transfer from Klook to your hotel. If you’re travelling from other cities within South Korea, many prefer to opt for the train since Busan is very well-connected on the Korean rail network.
Make sure to get a Korean Rail Pass (KR Pass) for the best deal especially if you’re taking the high speed KTX trains. When in Busan, you can also get around hassle-free with a private car charter and a guide.
Get The Look
Romper: BCBGMaxazria Vivianne Ruffle Romper
Dress: Karen Millen Asymmetric Striped Dress
10. Palawan, Philippines
El Nido, Palawan
Voted as one of the most beautiful islands year after year, Palawan is truly a wonderful paradise. With its clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and limestone hills, it doesn’t take much to fall in love with Palawan. It’s no wonder photos taken in Palawan’s beautiful islands will almost always have #takemeback in the caption.
Coron, Palawan
Some of the most sought-after destinations in Palawan would have to be El Nido and Coron. El Nido with its secret lagoon holds just as much mystery as Coron’s Skeleton Wreck. Make sure to put your best swimsuit on because you’ll probably look at photos again and again when you miss this island the moment you leave!
How To Get To Palawan
To get to Palawan, you will first have to fly in to Manila, the capital of the Philippines where most major airlines fly directly to. From there, you can fly to Puerto Princesa and go by road to your desired island. If you’re travelling there from other nearby cities, you can also opt for a private inter-city transfer from Klook.
Get The Look
Swimwear:
Topshop Floral Bandeau Bikini Top
Topshop Floral High Leg Bikini Bottoms
Share your travel inspiration
We sure hope those destinations above have inspired you to book your next holiday. If so, do share the photo you’ll be taking with us by using the hashtag #heygoodKlooking! If you think we’re missing out on any photogenic spots, show us those amazing photos. Even if you’re not travelling anytime soon, there’s nothing like a lil throwback photo to remind you of the good ol’ times. Remember the hashtag #heygoodKlooking, so we can follow along on your travel journey!
About Klook
Founded in 2014, Klook is one of the world’s leading travel activities and services booking platforms. Klook gives travellers a seamless way to discover and book popular attractions, local tours, rail passes, food options, and unique experiences around the world on its website and award-winning app (‘Best of 2015’ & ‘Best of 2017’ by Google Play and Apple App Store).
With Klook’s innovative technologies, travellers can book after arriving in their destinations and redeem the services by using QR codes or e-vouchers. Each day, Klook empowers countless travelers to indulge in their wanderlust and spontaneity through over 50,000 offerings in more than 200 destinations.
Get inspired by Klook at www.klook.com, the company blog or @klooktravel_sg on Instagram.