Simply Hamper | 5 Tropical Countries to Visit

With the recent reopening of travel borders, it’s no surprise that everyone has been excited to travel this tropical season!

Our go-to pick (along with almost everyone else) is Southeast Asia. With its interconnectedness, multi-country travel is convenient, and definitely a must-try! It’s no secret that Asia has some of the most enticing destinations and activities for intrepid travelers. With the promise of warm weather, sparkling beaches, lush greenery and golden sunsets, tropical getaways are a traveler’s dream. Each destination is filled with cultural attractions such as gorgeous architecture, mouthwatering local cuisine, sultry summer islands and exotic customs.

Let’s go through some of our top picks for this travel season.

Thailand

Known as the Land of Smiles, all visitors are warmly welcomed by Thai locals, and their hospitality is considered world-class. For decades, the capital city of Bangkok has attracted millions of visitors each year, offering an incredible cultural tradition-meets-modernity experience. Their cuisine features strong, aromatic spices, and the best foods can be found at roadside stalls. Prepare for an explosion of flavor each time you sample a Thai dish!

Arguably Thailand’s (or even Southeast Asia’s) most famous island, Phuket is a hotspot for any tropical tourist. With its crystal clear waters and shimmering white sands, the island is a family-friendly spot that many people visit. Brimming with exciting restaurants, bars and clubs, local markets and exclusive experiences, Phuket is definitely a tropical paradise for those who are looking for some sun and sea.

For those who prefer to avoid the crowds and have some private getaway time in the tropicals, drop by the Similan Islands, an 11-island archipelago off Thailand’s west coast. A paradise for adventurous travelers, it’s the perfect spot for diving and snorkeling. Explore magnificent coral reefs and swim with tropical fish in the sunny gulf of Thailand.

If you’re unable to travel to Thailand to enjoy a tropical getaway with your loved one, try out our Tropical Tranquility pack. With its bright orange herbarium reed diffuser and preserved flowers, you too, can feel like you’re going on a memorable adventure!

Malaysia

Malaysia is a fascinatingly diverse vacation destination, where ancient rainforests coexist with multicultural city life. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is visually defined by Malaysia’s iconic Twin Towers. It offers a stunning combination of modern cities, colonial architecture, with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and lush tropical jungles.

One of the hotspots for tourists is the Perhentian Islands, off the east coast. With sparkling ocean waters and sandy beaches, a spirited traveler can kick back and relax under the tropical sunlight, or explore the coves and caves of the terrain. Another popular island would be Langkawi, home to idyllic beaches and fresh fruity cocktails. With an archipelago of over 100 islands, the interior of Langkawi is a vast home to wildlife such as monkeys and tropical birds. Visitors may opt to travel via cable car to mountainside viewing spots.

Yet another tourist hotspot is Redang Island, one of the largest islands in Malaysia. Visitors may travel via plane or ferry to this tropical wonderland, filled with dense greenery, stunning blue waters, and rejuvenating resorts. Snorkel and dive in the warm ocean water with turtles and groups of tropical fish with top-notch diving instructors.

Travel over to the other side of Malaysia to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, where some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia promise miles of tropical coastline, stunning sunsets, isolated islands and gorgeous stretches of fine white sand. Kick back on Tanjung Aru’s orange sand and bask in its gentle waves, located a stone’s throw away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Both locals and tourists enjoy Borneo’s spectacular sunsets and frequently host beachside barbeques.

Cambodia

The colorful and intoxicating city of Siem Reap is associated with the glorious temples of Angkor Wat. For tourists who are looking for a cultural adventure away from the sun and sea,  Angkor Wat and its gilded temples are strewn across a pilgrimage and ritual landscape. Visit saffron-robed monks and long-tailed macaques before taking a sunset photo from the top of Phnom Bakheng hill. But keep in mind that Angkor Wat is to Siem Reap what a first step is to a child: it’s only the beginning!

For those who are still yearning for some ocean sun, check out Koh Rong Sanloem and bask in the calm, turquoise waters of Saracen Bay. There are over a dozen resorts to choose from, ranging from simple wooden bungalows to luxurious air-conditioned villas.

Another gorgeous beach is Sunset Beach, aptly named for the amazing colours that stream across the skies as the sun dips below the horizon. On the island, there isn’t much to do except paddleboarding, snorkeling, and relaxing under a palm tree, but that’s part of the fun! Possibly more suited for backpackers and young travelers, as the accommodation there falls to a small fishing village called M’phey Bei.

The Philippines

You’ve probably never seen water as bright or as clear as the waters of Boracay, the Philippines’ crown jewel. The Philippines’ most visitor-friendly island is dotted with beach resorts along the white sand, which is fringed by tropical palm trees. An estimated 5000 visitors per day flock to its shores to swim, sunbathe, drink, shop, kite surf, and simply explore.

The central Philippine island of Cebu, which is surrounded by more than 150 smaller islands and islets, has a fascinating history, with many landmarks dating back to the country’s first European settlement. Tourists can enjoy whale and dolphin-watching, scuba or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, rockclimbing, hiking, and dining on sensational Indonesian cuisine in a seaside restaurant. In tourist areas like Malapascua, Badian, and Camotes, high-end resorts can be found alongside more modest resorts in fishing villages like Moalboal.

Another must-visit destination is the sun-drenched island of Coron. Tourists can dive into historic shipwrecks off the coast, explore lagoons and hike island mountains. Just a short distance away from Coron, the narrow island of Palawan is home to dreamy beaches, unique wildlife, charming fishing villages, and the famous Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. Expect to see gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, beaches, and lagoons peppering the landscape, all along the way back to Borneo.

Singapore

Of course, we couldn’t end this without a shoutout to our own crib! Known to some as the stage of hit-movie Crazy Rich Asians, but to most as the quintessential modern city in Southeast Asia. 

The island of Singapore, which is home to some of the world’s best street food in a beautiful ocean-side setting, is a must-see for any traveler who wishes to venture into Southeast Asia. The ever-tropical skylines soar above towering city buildings, chic shopping malls, luxury hotels and more, to over three million trees situated in MacRitchie Reservoir Park’s lush rainforest. 

Check out the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s most technologically advanced airports at Changi Airport. It’s a first-of-its-kind digital attraction that gives visitors a glimpse into Changi’s past, present, and future through a variety of cutting-edge experiences. Visit River Safari, home to over six thousand animals and the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.

For those looking to hit the beach, Sentosa Island is where you will find the fun and sun. Sentosa offers a diverse range of attractions and activities, including themed attractions, large-scale events, idyllic beaches and rainforests, waterparks, and much more. The hit attraction Universal Studios at Resorts World Sentosa is definitely worth a visit, and drop by Sentosa Nature Discovery and Adventure Cove Waterpark Singapore, before cooling off at one of the island’s many pretty beaches. 

Pick up some local treats and delights if you’re a visitor and have them delivered straight to you! Check out our best-selling food hampers, filled with both local and international delicacies and tidbits, perfect for any adventurous traveler. 

As a reminder, always check for the latest travel requirements and restrictions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information before traveling in and out of Singapore. 

A Tropical Experience From Home

If you’re unable to travel, or just like staying in the comfort of your own home, fret not-we have just the right, juicy goodies to make it a fulfilling experience. Bask in the local tropical ambience of Singapore with our favorite fruit hampers, coupled with fresh flowers or tonic of your choice. Get juicy with our best-selling Juicy Joy hamper, or kick it back with the iconic Juice & Recharge set, filled with the best tropical fruits and Brand’s Chicken Essence!

Have your own tropical paradise delivered right to your doorstep, only in Singapore. Check out what else we have to offer, only at Simply Hamper!