See Ya in Asia: The Next Big Destinations That’ll Be on Everyone’s Lists

“I’ve been to Bali,” so goes the 1984 Redgum classic – and chances are, you have too. For decades, it’s been the default setting for Australian travel: close, affordable and reliably good.

But familiarity comes with trade-offs. The places we return to – Bali, Italy, Bangkok – are feeling the strain, particularly in peak season. More and more travellers crave new locations with a bit more space and fewer crowds – without losing the charm, texture, diversity and communities that have made these long-held favourites so popular in the first place.

Across South, East and Southeast Asia, a quieter set of destinations is appearing on our radar. Not because they’ve already gotten big, but because they still feel like a find.

Below we highlight eight places we reckon Australians are jetting to next – and what makes them worth the trip. Once you’ve landed on a destination, tools like Travel Booking, accessible through the CommBank app, can help streamline the practical side, from flights to accommodation, all in one place. 

Tainan, Taiwan

Often overlooked in favour of Taipei, Tainan is where Taiwan slows down, and arguably where it tastes best. As the island’s former capital, it’s packed with history, but it’s the food scene that lures many travellers.

This is the birthplace of many of Taiwan’s most iconic dishes: milkfish congee, danzai noodles, and a street food culture that feels less curated, and more like how the locals live. Spend your evenings hopping between night markets (Garden Night Market is the city’s largest, while Dadong in the East District is roomier than most), and your days wandering spiritual sites like Tainan Confucian Temple and low-rise laneways that have hardly changed in decades.

Penang, Malaysia

Long considered the food capital of Malaysia, Penang is where Malay, Chinese and Indian influences collide – best experienced one hawker stall at a time.

Unesco-listed city George Town anchors the experience: a mix of heritage buildings, street art and small hotels. But eating is the main activity, whether it’s char kway teow by the side of the road or cendol in the afternoon heat. When you need a break, Penang Hill offers some altitude and air.

Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka

A few years ago, Hiriketiya was relatively unsung. Now, it’s fast becoming Sri Lanka’s answer to Bali, but with a fraction of the crowds.

The horseshoe-shaped bay in Sri Lanka’s south is a place for slow mornings and long afternoons. Surf in the gentle break with waves for all levels, drink coffee made with locally grown and roasted beans, and settle into sunset sessions that stretch well into the night.

There’s a creative crowd forming with surfers, freelancers and small cafe owners giving it just enough energy without tipping into chaos. Go now, while it still feels like a find.

Siquijor, Philippines

Siquijor has long been associated with folklore and mysticism in the Philippines, but what draws people now is its relaxing pace. It’s an island that resists overplanning.

The most common routes to get there are either via a 40-to-60-minute boat ride from Dumaguete or a two-and-a-half-hour ferry from Bohol. Days can be as action-packed or as mellow as you’d like: you can swim at Cambugahay Falls, cliff jump at Salagdoong Beach, snorkel over lush coral at Sandugan Marine Sanctuary, explore the island by scooter, or settle into a hammock strung up between palm trees.

Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

On the western tip of the Indonesian island of Flores, Labuan Bajo has shifted from fishing town to gateway – the starting point for exploring Komodo National Park.

Most visitors head straight to the water. Liveaboard cruise trips move between islands and bays, where the scenery feels almost unreal: pink beaches, sharp headlands and water that shifts from deep blue to clear turquoise. Komodo dragons are part of the draw, but the landscape tends to leave a stronger impression.

Kyushu, Japan

South of the main tourist circuit, the island of Kyushu offers a different tempo from the bustle of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. It’s still recognisably Japan, but with more space and fewer crowds.

This is a region of volcanoes, hot springs and wide-open landscapes. In Fukuoka, you’ll find some of the country’s best ramen, served from open-air yatai stalls late into the night. Further south, Mount Aso offers dramatic hikes across one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Just off the southern coast of the mainland, Jeju Island has long been a favourite for domestic trips, but is only just starting to appear on international itineraries.

Think volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches and a slower, more rural pace of life. Hike up Hallasan, South Korea’s highest peak, or explore lava tubes and coastal trails shaped by past eruptions.

It’s also known for its unique local culture, from the haenyeo (female free divers) to a distinct food scene built around seafood and black pork.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Hundreds of kilometres away from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang in central Vietnam has come into its own. It’s a coastal city that balances beach time with culture and food, without the intensity of Vietnam’s bigger centres.

Start your mornings with a swim in the clear waters of My Khe Beach, which stretches over nine kilometres of white sand, then explore the caves and temples of the nearby Marbles Mountains. You can spend your entire holiday beachside, or take a side trip inland to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An’s old town, a 45 to 60-minute drive away. Hoi An’s food scene is reason enough to visit: you’ll find bowls of mi quang (a Vietnamese noodle dish from the Quang Nam province), late-night seafood at Nguyen Hoang Night Market, and strong Vietnamese coffee (condensed milk optional) on just about every corner.

It’s also one of the easiest entry points into Vietnam, with increasing direct connections from Australia.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in collaboration with Commonwealth Bank. Provided by Hopper Inc., Travel Booking is accessible via the CommBank app, which brings flights, accommodation and car hire together in one place. Value-added travel comes via AI-powered Price Prediction and trip alert tools, with additional benefits for eligible customers through CommBank Yello, such as cashback and travel credits (ongoing eligibility conditions apply). See commbank.com.au/travelbooking or search “Travel Booking” in the CommBank app.