Where Filipino travelers went for Chinese New Year
CERTAINLY one of the most well traveled people, Filipinos are only too happy to jet off at a new destination, whatever the occasion may be.
This week’s Chinese New Year welcome was no exception as most Filipinos chose to fly abroad to ring in the Year of the Earth Pig. The question is, whee did they go? According to booking data from digital travel platform Agoda — they chose gourmet and retail paradises like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei and Bangkok among others.
Choice for the Lunar New Year 2019 were as follows:
1. Hong Kong
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Manila, the Philippines
4. Cebu, the Philippines
5. Taipei, Taiwan
6. Boracay Island, the Philippines
7. Sapporo, Japan
8. Bangkok, Thailand
9. Palawan, the Philippines 10. Osaka, Japan
Across the rest of the region, Bangkok, Tokyo and Taipei remained top three most popular destinations for Asia Pacific travelers over the 2019 Lunar New Year.
The Lunar New Year is always a golden opportunity for new beginnings. Whether one is looking to unite the extended family in a rare annual gathering overseas or escape from inquisitive relatives by traveling solo, there are just too many activities to try this season in Asia alone.
Today, TheManilaTimes , together with Agoda, shares four unique travel ideas to continue bringing in good fortune and adventures in the Year of the Earth Pig. When heading away with the entire family… The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most popular annual events, taking place until February 11. For some family fun and adventure, head over to Tsudome, featuring snow slides and a rafting area for visitors of all ages.
Stay at Hotel Mystays Sapporo Aspen for an unforgettable stay. Situated in the center of Sapporo, the hotel is an easy reach to JR station and the Tokyu Department Store.
When looking for fabulous food… A must- not- miss at Singapore is the lo hei or prosperity toss. Family and friends huddle around a Cantonese- style raw fish salad and toss its contents in the air while saying auspicious greetings. It is believed that the higher the tossing, the more fortune one would have for the new year.
Those looking to impress their family members can consider Jade restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel with its Special Piggy Edition Gold Rush Yu Sheng complete with edible gold leaf or switch things up at Carlton Hotel Singapore where the Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant offers a unique take of the well- loved dish with Alaskan crab. When traveling solo… Be treated with the captivating sights of Tokyo’s dynamic city skyline while sipping on a late evening cocktail at the popular Peter: the Bar, Sky Lounge Stellar Garden, R bar, or Thirty Six bar. This is also a good opportunity to meet some new friends while traveling solo.
For a memorable experience, try staying in a capsule hotel. Accommodations such as Nine Hours Asakusa and The Millennials Shibuya offer fuss-free and affordable stays right in the heart of the city center.
When seeking nature… Solo travelers looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy some ‘me time’ can head over to Taiwan. Get pampered at Fleur De Chine Hotel and wake up to breathtaking views of Sun Moon Lake. Fill days with visits to nearby scenic spots such as Lalu Island, Wenwu Temple, Chaowu Pier, Songbolun Trail, Cien Pagoda, just name a few.
An alternative is the Radium Kagaya International Hotel, a haven of rest and relaxation that is just steps away from the city’s numerous attractions such as Beitou Hot Spring.