There’s no better way to fully experience these four top countries than through their world-famous festivals
To know a city is to experience it first-hand. And what better way to do that then to partake in one of its main festivals? Granted there are a lot to choose from, if you’re planning a trip to one of these Asia Pacific countries in the coming months, we suggest you do as the locals do by joining in the fun with their famous festivals to maximise your holiday experience.
For Food: TLC Festival Malaysia
Get ready for a day of great eats and fun treats as Asia Pacific’s leading travel and lifestyle channel brings its TLC Festival to Malaysia for the first time on 22 November 2015. From 2pm onwards, grab your picnic mats and head on down to Setia City Park at Setia Alam for an enjoyable day out with family and friends. There’s lots of fun to be had, with appearances and activities led by a slate of TLC personalities such as Janet Hsieh, Tom and Henry Herbert, Jojo Struys and newest brand ambassador Erwan Heussaff. Additionally, the TLC Festival will also have a wide variety of artisanal fare, from numerous food trucks, local live jazz and fun activities like hot air balloon rides, along with a string of amusing activities for the kids.
For Arts: Sydney Festival
The vibrant Australian city comes alive with this annual cultural celebration that transforms Sydney each January. Delivering the highest quality art and big ideas, the 2016 Sydney Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary with a spectacular program bursting with free and ticketed events across theatre, dance, circus, opera and contemporary and classical music. Scheduled to be held from 7-26 January, the festival is comprised of 157 events, a staggering 89 of which are free. 383 performances will take place across 34 venues and feature 902 artists from 22 countries. With 11 world premieres, 20 Australian premieres and 8 Australian exclusives, summer in Sydney is not to be missed.
To Party: Laneway Singapore
Back for the sixth year running, Laneway gathers the pioneering artistes at the top of their game as well as new music makers. Boasting some of the most talented artists from the U.S., UK, Australia and Asia, Laneway Singapore 2016 will offer an eclectic mix of electronica, shambolic punk, and intelligent pop as well as boundary-pushing R&B. Held on the rolling green hills of the Meadow at Gardens By The Bay on 30 January 2016, the event will also be coupled with fantastic F&B options, crazy activity tents and an all-round amazing atmosphere, all of which will provide over 12 hours of good music, food and fun.
To Marvel: Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
The capital city of Harbin in Heilongjiang, China’s northernmost province puts on quite show during its coldest months. Held in early January to late February, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival features amazing works of art, all created with ice from the Songhua River. The festival boasts four primary parks, amusement zones and a number of ice architectural sculptures created specifically for the yearly event. Granted visitors will have to brave the cold when visiting the festival but watching the breath-taking ice sculptures live and in person will more than make up for it.
