DESTINATIONS ASIA | LUNAR NEW YEAR
MALAYSIA exper expert ASK THE Gary King,
head of trade sales, Wendy Wu Tours
“Lunar New Year is one of the most meaningful
times to travel in Asia as it offers a rare opportunity to experience cultures at their most expressive and traditional. Celebrations are rooted in family,
renewal and ritual, and that sense of occasion is felt
everywhere, from temples and city streets to food, performances and local customs. We continue to see strong demand
for travel that coincides with the Lunar New Year, particularly from those returning to Asia for a deeper, more meaningful experience. China and Vietnam consistently perform best when
itineraries are designed to
work with the festive period. For travel agents, the key is setting expectations early. Clients should book well in advance, be prepared
for some reduced opening hours and understand this is about cultural immersion rather than conventional sightseeing. Positioned
correctly, Lunar New Year travel can be a once-in-a- lifetime experience.”
INDONESIA
With a significant Chinese-Indonesian community, Indonesia hosts a flurry of events. “Jakarta and West Kalimantan offer two of the biggest celebrations, showcasing Indonesia’s distinctive expression of Lunar New Year, known as Imlek,” says Melissa Nicholas, product director at Experience Travel Group. “For an urban celebration, head to Glodok (Chinatown) in Jakarta, or for a unique experience, visit Singkawang in West Kalimantan for the Cap Go Meh festival.” Taking place on the 15th day, it features a parade of Tatung
performers said to be spirit mediums warding off evil. Book it: Experience Travel Group can tailor-make a two-week trip to Indonesia from £5,500, travelling to Jakarta, Java and Bali and including flights, accommodation, daily breakfast, guides and transfers.
experiencetravelgroup.com
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Red lanterns, family reunions and dragon dances ring in the new year in Malaysia, and Kuala Lumpur and Penang are at the centre of things. In Penang, capital George Town gets very lively, with night markets, decorations, crafts and street performances, while seven-tiered Kek Lok Si Temple (pictured) turns into a fairytale vision with thousands of LED lights and lanterns. Penang’s version of Chap Goh Meh sees a ritual with a fruity twist: single women inscribe their name on a mandarin that they throw into
the water for men to find – and hopefully fall in love. Book it: Kuoni can tailor-make a trip combining Kuala Lumpur and Penang with a rainforest stay in Borneo from £2,549, including international flights from Heathrow on February 5, 2027, domestic flights and accommodation.
kuoni.co.uk
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TAIWAN
Food is at the heart of Taiwan’s Lunar New Year holiday, with dumplings, spring rolls and tangyuan (sweet sticky rice balls) among the good-luck staples. Taipei is home to some of the most vibrant festivities, with locals gathering at Longshan Temple for age-old rituals and incense offerings. But for the most memorable displays of all, suggest clients linger on. The end of the two-week period marks the start of the Taiwan Lantern Festival (pictured), while the Pingxi district, just outside Taipei, hosts a separate Sky Lantern Festival, when thousands of lanterns are
released into the night sky in a dazzling spectacle. Book it: Regent Holidays has a nine-day Taiwan Group Explorer Tour coinciding with the New Year in Taipei from £2,450, including B&B accommodation, guides and flights on January 30, 2027.
regent-holidays.co.uk
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19 FEBRUARY 2026
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Julius Bramanto, Nalidsa, wu hsoung
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