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SOUTH EAST ASIA | Top 3 Most Popular Destinations

18th October 2022

 

Australia's Favourite Holiday Destinations

 

It’s no secret that Australians love to travel.

Half the people I know have visited more cities around the world than they have in our own sunburnt country.

So, if you’re curious as to which destinations are the crowd favourites, read on…

The Results Are In!

 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics report came out a couple weeks ago, giving insight into where Australians love to travel most.

First place was, unsurprisingly, our adrenaline-loving cousin New Zealand.

The silver medal went to Indonesia, with the UK taking the bronze.

The rest of the Top 10 was rounded out by USA, Fiji, India, Singapore, Thailand, Italy, and Vietnam.

 

Aussies Love Asia

 

As it turns out, Australians love travelling the Asia-Pacific.

It’s no surprise - we’re next-door neighbours, and Asia has the perfect equilibrium of culture, nature, and nightlife alike.

So here are your top three destinations, as voted by your flight choices, in South-East Asia.

 

 

#1 INDONESIA

Bali, Indonesia. Photos by Gemma Edwards.

Indonesia is vast and diverse, with many incredible places to explore.

Of course, for many Australians, the first stop on the list is Bali.

Balinese culture is rich and complex, the people are warm and kind, and the nature is stunning.

However, there’s more to Indonesia than this one island (in fact, there are 17,508 of them), so if you’re looking for somewhere a little off the beaten path, then head to Java, Sumatra and beyond – as beautiful as Bali, but with fewer tourists.

Like Komodo National Park, where you can see the elusive Komodo dragon and pink sand beaches. Or perhaps you’d prefer the charming Wae Rebo Village, with unique cone-shaped houses.

If you love history, spirituality, or world religions, then you should check out the 9-tiered Borobudur temple from the 9th century, which happens to be the largest Buddhist structure in the world.

 

TRAVEL MONEY FOR INDONESIA

To travel Indonesia, you’ll need Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). By the way, with a little over $100 Aussie Dollars (AUD), you’ll technically be a IDR millionaire!

It can be a bit confusing, so we’ve created a Travel Money Guide to Indonesian Currency. 

#2 SINGAPORE

Singapore. Photos by Gemma Edwards.

Bright lights in the big city (country).

The second you step out of the airport and onto the sidewalk, you’ll probably see 4 or 5 Maseratis, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other hyper-luxe cars weaving through sparkling skyscrapers. You blink and you see another one. My favourite was a very sleekly-designed yet flamboyantly Barbie-Pink sportscar with tinted windows too dark to see in.

But you get the picture – vibrant Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

There’s lots to see and do – especially so for those who love futuristic and brilliant urban design.

One of the most famous and popular tourist spots is Gardens By The Bay – very creative, innovative, and immersive. It’s a stunning fusion of ecology and design, with a treetop walk, light and music shows, and a 35 metre indoor waterfall.
There’s also, of course, Marina Bay Sands and its famed infinity pool. Even the airport is glamorous, with Jewel Changi Airport home to a cinema, an indoor waterfall, and a butterfly garden.


TRAVEL MONEY FOR SINGAPORE

To travel Singapore, you’ll need Singapore Dollars (SGD).

Fun fact, due to the many highflyers in Singapore, the largest note denomination of Singapore currency was once $10,000 SGD. But you won’t need to carry a note that large if you take a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass and load up in Singapore Dollars.

Find out all this and more in our Travel Money Guide for Singapore Currency!
 

#3 THAILAND

Bangkok, Thailand. Photos by Gemma Edwards.

Ah, Thailand. You touch down and their air is tinged with the scent of lemongrass and tamarind spice. You stroll through bustling markets to drink fresh coconut water by the white sand beaches and turquoise sea. Afterwards you visit some jewelled temples of the most stunning and intricate design, before heading out to experience the famous Thai night scene (and maybe eat some late-night Durian – a very smelly but very healthy fruit).

The most popular destinations in Thailand are Bangkok (of course), as well as Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands (Full Moon Party, anyone?). If you’re an intrepid traveller spending a little extra time, you can also go rural to experience the real Thailand in all its rich beauty.

If you’re an animal lover, make sure to visit ethical sanctuaries – it can be difficult to tell the real from the fake-woke, so view our Guide to Ethical Elephant tourism! [COMING SOON IN OCTOBER]

TRAVEL MONEY FOR THAILAND

To travel Thailand, you’ll want to stock up on Thai Baht (THB).

You’ll want to take cash for markets and food stalls, while also loading up your Travel Money Oz Currency Pass  for activities, shopping, and hotel bookings in the big cities.

For more info and travel money tips, read our Travel Money Guide to Thai Currency. 

And that rounds out Australia’s Top 3 South East Asia Destinations!


No matter where you’re travelling on your Asia-Pacific adventure, we’ve got the travel money you’ll need.

Come and see us in store and chat with our experts for tailored advice, or if you prefer, check out our online currency guides and blogs.

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This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.

References:
MCLEOD, C. (2022). Top destinations for Aussies revealed. The Australian. Retrieved 17 October 2022, from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/bureau-of-statistics-reve....

Gemma Edwards

Gemma is always chasing her next sundrenched adventure - from taking a helicoper flight over an active volcano in Hawai'i, to going on a 50+ temple pilgrimage in Japan (and accidentally ending up at a midnight armwrestling tournament).

When she isn't travelling the world, you can find her writing and creating content about it.

CONNECT:
Insta @gemma.edwardz | LinkedIn /gemma-s-edwards

View all posts by Gemma Edwards

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