Malaysians have always loved to travel overseas during “winter”, whether it is to the Northern Hemisphere at the end of the year, or Southern Hemisphere sometime between June and August.
If you’re planning for a “coolcation”, a term coined recently by travel industry experts to mean winter holidays, you may want to add New Zealand or Australia – specifically, Western Australia – to your list.
South and north
New Zealand is a good holiday destination for folks who love nature and the outdoors. The country can be “divided” into the North Island and South Island, with both places featuring dramatic winter landscapes.
Auckland in the North is the most accessible to Malaysians – flights from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore will stop here (a direct flight takes about 10 hours).
If you’re headed to the South, you need to either hop on a domestic flight, or go on a road trip from Auckland. Alternatively, you can also join a tour that includes ground transport in the package.
The South is said to be more popular among travellers for its dramatic alpine scenery. Places like Queenstown and Wanaka are known for snow sports and activities, stunning alpine views, and interesting culture in the highlands.
The ski season here typically runs from mid June, all the way to mid October.
Also a South Island must-do is whale watching, specifically in Kaikoura, where visitors can see sperm whales, humpbacks and perhaps even blue whales, if you’re lucky enough.
Winter brings with it longer nights in New Zealand, so the chances of seeing the Aurora Australis is higher during this time. Head to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve or to Stewart Island (both in the South) to witness this phenomenon.
In the North, the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland is home to a rich variety of marine life. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is ideal for a winter hike, featuring volcanic terrain and emerald lakes along the route. You’ll likely have the trail to yourself, too.
Head to the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown (South) or the geothermal baths at Hell’s Gate in Rotorua (North) for a good dip in the natural hot springs.
In the West
If long-haul travel isn’t your thing, then perhaps Western Australia is a better option for you as flights from KL to Perth is just under six hours.
Nature stays are a major draw in Western Australia, with forest retreats or eco-cabins like RAC Karri Valley Resort (in Yeagarup), Hidden Cabins (about two hours from Perth), Heyscape (Perth), and Tree Chalets (Acton Park) offering top experiences.
In Pemberton, visitors can climb the historic Gloucester Tree, once used as a lookout point, or enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Pemberton Tramway through dense forest landscapes.
Nearly 80km away, Nannup is a charming riverside escape with walking trails, cycling routes and swimming spots such as Barrabup Pool. There are also plenty of local artisan stores and seasonal events to check out here.
The Porongurup National Park has a rich variety of plants in Australia and is known for its giant Karri trees and ancient granite rocks.
There are many bush walks dotted throughout the Porongurup Range that you can check out ... winter is especially good for this as the cooler weather won’t wear you down that easily.
Meanwhile, Margaret River is not just where one goes to learn more about wine (and drink it!), you can also partake in a string of curated experiences like food hunting, art gallery hopping and whale watching.
In fact, winter is when many special events and festivals are being held along the river, including Cabin Fever (featuring wining, dining and more) and the CinefestOz film festival.
