Love to travel but dislike crowds? Then consider these popular destinations in Asia and the Pacific for off-season travel. Forget skiing in Hokkaido — visit during the low season and soak in the hot springs or venture out on a mountain bike. Or find solace in tropical Southeast Asia during the wet season by exploring its charming towns during the afternoon showers and sunbathing on its quiet beaches when the sun is out.
There are many perks to avoiding peak travel seasons and instead opting to visit a destination during the off-season (also called low season) or shoulder season, including cheaper airfare, more hotel availability and fewer crowds at popular attractions. Plus, no matter what time of year you’d like to travel, you can find a compelling off-season destination in Asia and the Pacific to visit. All it takes is a little creative planning and you’re good to go.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
December – February
Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
The East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia sees peak travel in its winter season, from about April to September, when there’s less possibility of rainy weather. However, this doesn’t mean that an off-season vacation is a no-go. Aim to visit in the wet season — there might be more rainy days, but on the sunny days you won’t have to share the turquoise waters and enchanting forests with as many visitors.
In the fishing village of Labuan Bajo, TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo pays tribute to local traditions and rice fields in design details interspersed throughout the resort. For a truly memorable stay, book a private overwater villa with butler service.
TA’AKTANA is relatively close to the stunning Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible via boat ride. Along the way, stop to snorkel with colorful schools of fish. The untamed terrain of Komodo — from its natural pink sand beaches to its lush jungles — transports you back in time. It’s also the only place on Earth where the giant and majestic Komodo dragon roams.
Taipei, Taiwan; China
A subtropical island, Taiwan swelters from May to September, so to avoid the heat-seeking crowds, visit Taipei during the winter off-season. It might be drizzly, but temperatures are typically mild and there will be sunny days.
Located a stone’s-throw from the skyscraper Taipei 101, shopping malls and Din Tai Fung, the restaurant famed for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Le Méridien Taipei is perfectly situated as a base to explore the city.
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) is within walking distance from the hotel and offers hikes with sweeping vistas. The metro and bus stations at Taipei City Hall will bring you to other parts of the city and beyond. The tea plantations in the low-lying mountains of Muzha, for instance, are wonderful to discover — embark on a mist-covered hike followed by a cup of warm Tieguanyin tea.
While Christmas isn’t a big celebration in Taipei, those seeking a relaxed holiday will appreciate the calmer atmosphere. Just avoid the week of Chinese New Year in January or February when many businesses are closed.
March – May
Gold Coast, Australia
Queensland, the Sunshine State, beckons with its glistening coastline and promise of the carefree surfer life. Australia’s Gold Coast sees the most visitors during Southern Hemisphere winter (June to August), but if you’re willing to tolerate more heat, visit during its autumn shoulder season. There will be plenty of space to swim, surf and encounter Australia’s fascinating wildlife.
Set on Main Beach, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast boasts 15 acres of swimming lagoons, and Surfer’s Paradise, an excellent beach for surfers of all levels, is just three miles south of the resort.
Further south, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place to learn about — and see up-close — koalas, kangaroos and other animals unique to Australia.
Penang, Malaysia
This tropical island is blessed with warm weather year-round; however, there are generally fewer tourists in May (and also in September if that time of year better suits your schedule). May does not coincide with major holidays and festivals in Penang, and though it’s wetter, the rain doesn’t drag on for long periods.
Lone Pine, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Resort opened in 1948 as one of the first resorts along Batu Ferringhi Beach, and despite its expansion, it has retained its intimate, boutique feel. The original hotel, a charming colonial-style bungalow, is now a restaurant and bar where guests can kick back with a fruity cocktail while enjoying the sea view.
Lounge around the resort’s elegant pool, fringed by towering trees where dusty leaf monkeys swing. Head to the beach and delight in water sports like Jet Skiing.
A short drive west from the hotel will take you to Penang National Park and its scenic Monkey Beach. It’s also worth heading east to explore George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich Peranakan heritage. Colorful Peranakan shophouses are home to cafés, bookstores and clothing boutiques. And no visit to George Town is complete without eating traditional cuisine at the Michelin-starred Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery.
June – August
The Maldives
June to August is during wet season and therefore off-season in the Maldives, but if you can bear a few afternoon showers, it’ll feel like you have the sparkling azure waters of the Indian Ocean to yourself.
The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa occupies its own island, Van’gaaru. The resort’s design thoughtfully incorporates elements of Maldivian culture, like the villas’ thatch roofs that evoke the shape of traditional fishing vessels. The resort boasts environmentally conscious programs, such as the JW Garden, a tranquil haven that provides fresh ingredients for the on-site restaurants.
This part of the reef is relatively untouched and perfect for snorkeling, while a waterfront gym, an expansive treatment menu at Spa by JW, and an open-air yoga pavilion compensate for rainy days. Book a spacious overwater villa with a private pool for a luxurious stay.
September – November
The Himalayas in Dehradun, India
With dramatic landscapes that inspired the myth of the Yeti, the Himalayas lure travelers year-round. Visit during the September shoulder season, after the monsoons have passed and before the late-autumn peak season begins. While it’ll still be warm, you’ll enjoy the remarkable mountains and Ganges River with fewer crowds.
Carved in the lush foothills of the Himalayas, Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun blends harmoniously with its surroundings, and nearby are several hiking trails and the Dehradun Zoo. Indeed, many adventures await: There’s Robber’s Cave, a limestone cave that got its name from robbers who used it to hide their loot from the authorities in the 1800s. Sahastradhara is a labyrinth of caves, waterfalls and sulfur springs waiting to be explored.
For serious hikers, Tiger Falls in Chakrata is a 3-mile hike through some thicket to arrive at India’s highest direct waterfalls.
Hokkaido, Japan
Many travelers might not think to visit the winter ski haven of Hokkaido, Japan’s north island, in its off-season. Though it’s too early to ski in October and November, it’s a gorgeous sight when fall foliage covers the green mountains.
Set in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, The Westin Rusutsu Resort has much to entertain guests during the off-season. Until mid-October, you can tee off at one of the resort’s four golf courses or ride a mountain bike through the surrounding countryside. This time of year is superb for soaking in the outdoor onsen (hot springs). It’s chilly but not too cold. But should the first snow fall in November, lucky guests visiting later in the season can watch the green forests transform into a powder-dusted winter wonderland.
The on-site Japanese restaurant Kazahana also serves exquisite seasonal cuisine. Hokkaido is also known for its cheesecake and cheese tarts — if you’re hankering to explore, take a 30-minute drive to savor the tastiest treats at Takahashi Dairy Farm.
Singapore
Resting one degree north of the equator, Singapore is a year-round destination, though October and November tend to see fewer crowds.
For an exclusive experience, stay at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove. Tucked away by a marina on the east side of Sentosa Island, the hotel has unobstructed views of the Singapore Strait and centers around a meandering pool framed with lush vegetation.
The free Sentosa bus will bring you to the aquarium and go-karting (which are fun indoor activities for rainy days), as well as amusement parks, water parks and beaches on sunny days.
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