Dec 27 2008
Celebrate New Year the new way! (part 1)
Forget clubbing! There are more memorable ways to usher in the New Year and I am listing here 10 unforgettable places to do just that.
- Party with backpackers at Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Avid travelers would scoff at the idea of visiting Bangkok’s infamous Khao San Road. Granted, Khao San is a backpacker’s ghetto; not a place you’d go find authentic local culture but more than anywhere else in Southeast Asia, you’ll find the spirit of camaraderie among travellers well and alive here. This sense of connection among people who come from all corners of the world creates a convival party atmosphere that’s perfect for an informal New Year’s Eve street celebration.
- Check into a luxury resort in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket has long been associated with the idea of a perfect tropical holiday and this reputation will still stand if you stay away from the maddening crowd of Patong Beach. Nestled within a former coconut plantation on the northwest shore of the island is the brand new Indogo Pearl resort and it feels like an ideal retreat for a quiet, romantic New Year’s getaway. Bill Bensley, a renowned designer and landscape architect, has created a stylish travel experience that marries modern architecture with the island’s mining history. As a result, you get a luxurious resort with a host of facilities, including a spa, three swimming pools and a private beach club, to pamper you silly. 
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sarawak Longhouse in Malaysia
Sarawak is an interesting land of many ethnic tribes. That’s why it makes for an extraordinary New Year’s experience if you choose to get off the beaten path. There are many Iban and Bidayuh longhouse along Kuching, Sibu and Miri, and the people are more than happy to welcome you as a guest to their homes. You can be sure that the new year’s eve celebration will involve chugging down copious amounts of home-brewed rice wine, otherwise known as tuak. But more importantly, you get to celebrate life with another culture that is outside of your usual social circle.
- Take a stroll along Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia
Batu Ferringhi is a picturesque stretch of jungle coves and beaches. Dominated by many beach-front resorts, the main road of Batu Ferringhi comes alive at night with bars, reatsurants and the daily night market, where you can pick out souvenirs, crafts and even some art pieces. For a relaxing night out on New Year’s Eve, have a leisurely dinner at one of the seafood restaurantd before taking a stroll along the sandy beach. And if you like, pop into one of the swanky beach front lounges within the resorts for a night cap.
- Catch Mamma Mia at Istana Budaya, KL, Malaysia
Everybody known Abba. Now you can sing along to their greatest hits in this fun and engaging smash hit musical. Direct from London’s West End, Mamma Mia tells the story of a young bride-to-be who invites her mother’s three ex-boyfriends to the wedding in hope of finding her reak father. The hilarity that ensues, the comedy and touching moments are all told through ABBA’s lovable catchy tunes. So, if you want a more cultured way to usher in the New Year, book yourself a seat at the musical’s New Year’s Eve show.
