Cassandra NervaIt’s time to ring in the Year of the Rabbit this Lunar New Year! Here’s where you should visit in 2023 according to your zodiac sign, from bustling and exciting cities, to tranquil and serene islands.
1. Rabbit: Phuket, Thailand
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According to feng shui experts, 2023, the Year of the Rabbit, brings bountiful wealth, health, romance, career, and luck fortunes for those whose zodiac sign is the Rabbit!
If this is you, we’ve chosen Phuket, Thailand, as your answer as to where to visit in 2023. Take this time to treat yourself to a luxury resort beach holiday, where round-the-clock service, endless activities and full board meals will keep you occupied.
Then, discover the beauty of Phuket’s vantage points — like Cape Phrom Thep and Karon View Point — overlooking the Andaman Sea. While you’re at it, don’t forget to spend time exploring the rich nature of surrounding islands like Coral Island and Koh Rang Yai.
2. Dragon: Langkawi, Malaysia
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Similarly, those born in the Year of the Dragon will encounter abundant wealth and romance fortunes this year. That said, you can also indulge in a four or five-star luxury holiday — closer to home. For this, we’ve selected the pristine island of Langkawi, Malaysia, where five-star beachfront resorts are aplenty.
Apart from basking in the comfort of a luxurious beach resort, you can head to the famous Kilim Geoforest Park or Langkawi Sky Bridge to admire Langkawi’s swoon-worthy natural beauty or head to Cenang Beach for a fun day out in the sun.
3. Snake: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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With those born in the Year of The Snake also meeting good fortunes in romance this year, why not enrich your time with loved ones on a cultural trip to Yogyakarta?
One of Indonesia’s most-visited destinations, this city features magnificent temples and historical landmarks like the famous Borobudur Temple and Taman Sari, museums like Jogja National Museum and Fort Vredeburg Museum, and tourist villages where you can catch traditional Javanese performances.
And of course, plenty of spots for you to tuck into delicious Indonesian food!
4. Horse: Bangkok, Thailand
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If you’re born in the Year of the Horse, — blessed with prosperous health, wealth, and romance fortunes this year — we’re recommending Bangkok as your top destination to visit in 2023.
Well, why not use your time here to go on a major shopping spree? With malls and night markets — like Jodd Fairs, Asiatique The Riverfront, and centralwOrld — everywhere, Bangkok will be your answer to revamping your wardrobe or buying gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones.
For some reprieve from retail therapy, you can even book a day trip from the city. From Pattaya City and Khao Yai National Park to Ayutthaya, your Bangkok holiday promises to be nothing short of fun and exciting!
5. Goat: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Don’t be discouraged if you’re born in the Year of the Goat this 2023. Despite having lesser fortunes of luck, health, and romance, you can still have an enjoyable holiday — by choosing a familiar destination close to home like Kuala Lumpur.
Ready your cameras for the city’s Instagrammable sights, ranging from the Chinese lanterns at Thean Hou Temple and the picturesque KL Forest Eco Park, to the unique BookXcess RexKL book store and the colourful Saloma Link Bridge at night.
Best of all, many of these attractions are free to enter, meaning more money to spend at the city’s best restaurants and cafes!
6. Monkey: Ipoh, Malaysia
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Are you born in the Year of the Monkey? With romance on your side this year, choose the charming yet quiet Ipoh in Malaysia as your go-to destination. The serenity of the city will be the perfect setting for you and your partner to enjoy some privacy.
Start in the city centre, where colonial-era buildings and mural-lined streets of shops and cafes will be a worthy addition to the ‘Gram. Then, head to the Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village where the famous Sam Poh Tong Temple resides. On the other side of the city lies Perak Cave Temple, a famous hillside temple with a cave entrance!
7. Rooster: Jakarta, Indonesia
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Just like those born in the Year of the Rooster, don’t be disheartened if you’re born in the year of the rooster. Even though fortunes might not be on your side, we’ve got yet another familiar and safe answer on where to visit in 2023: Jakarta.
The exciting metropolis comes alive at night when streets light up and clubs, bars, and late-night restaurants are open. During the day, visit the old town (aka Kota Tua) and the museums, Dutch-era buildings, as well as the Glodok (Chinatown) area that call this place home.
8. Dog: Bali, Indonesia
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For people born in the Year of the Dog, tap into your prosperity of health, wealth, and romance this 2023 on a holiday to Bali!
Start by splurging on a resort or villa stay in popular areas like Ubud, Seminyak, or Uluwatu. From here, you’re in a prime spot to visit Bali’s many cafes and outdoor attractions, like nature reserves, rice terraces, as well as cliffside and riverfront temples.
Craving more adventure? Hop on a ferry to Nusa Penida, an offshore island featuring temples, beaches, and unique rock formations like the famous T-Rex at Kelingking Beach!
9. Pig: Penang, Malaysia
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Our pick for an auspicious destination for people born in the Year of the Pig? Penang. Though many are familiar with George Town on Penang Island, why not spend your next holiday uncovering mainland Penang instead?
Hidden gems are aplenty on the other side of Penang Bridge, starting from the murals at Butterworth Art Walk to the natural attractions of Guar Petai (Frog Hill) and Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest. Of course, one thing’s for sure: the food remains delicious on both sides of the bridge.
10. Rat: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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If you’re born in the Year of the Rat, count on your prosperous year of luck, wealth, romance, and health, by venturing to East Malaysia — not only for Kota Kinabalu but for the greater Sabah area, too.
Yes, we all know Kota Kinabalu for the Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach, and the famous Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak standing at 4,095 metres. But head out of the city, and you’ll find hidden gems like the idyllic countryside, diving sites, waterfalls, and plenty of offshore islands and beaches.
11. Ox: Sibu, Malaysia
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With overall good fortune this year, people born in the Year of the Ox can consider our next recommendation for where to visit in 2023. Picture this: You’re still in Malaysia, but there’s some adventure to be had in the lesser-known city of Sarawak’s Sibu.
Also in East Malaysia, this bustling city has everything you’ll need for a short getaway: Sibu Central Market and Star Mega Mall for food and souvenirs, historical landmarks like Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple for an educating afternoon, and green spaces like Taman Jubli Bukit Aup and Bukit Lima Nature Reserve for some fresh air.
12. Tiger: Kuching, Malaysia
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Finally, located just a six-hour drive away from Sibu lies our choice of where to visit in 2023 for those born in the Year of the Tiger: Kuching. Chief among all of the city’s attractions is Kuching Waterfront; locals stroll along the esplanade at night for light and fountain shows, busking performances, and street food.
On that note, nature lovers will especially appreciate the breathtaking green spaces of Kubah National Park and Bako National Park. Plus, if it’s your first time in Kuching, head to Sarawak Cultural Village to learn more about the city’s unique culture.
Have you figured out the best destination to visit this year yet? Now that you have this list, all that’s left to do is book a flight, pack your bags, and ready yourself for a well-deserved vacation!
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