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November 22, 2017updated Dec 20, 2023

Countdown To 2018: The 5 Best Places In Asia To Celebrate The New Year

By Chris Boyle

By Codelia Mantsebo

Bid farewell to the old and ring in the New Year in Asia overlooking an infinity pool or make it a night to remember and gaze at a sky full of fireworks from 118 stories high.

Whether you wish to celebrate it in full revelry with fireworks in Taipei or get foamy in Sentosa, there is always something for every type of traveler in Asia.

With the New Year almost upon us, we’re presenting a list of the best places in Asia to celebrate the New Year, and the hottest spots to have that champagne-popping countdown celebration.

Singapore

Usher in the New Year in style at the most sought-after New Year’s Eve party destination in Asia. Singapore hosts spectacular annual celebrations for the New Year and the renowned Marina Bay Sands has made it even more impressive with its Supernova Countdown, where the best skyline of the country is.

At the stroke of midnight, the eight-minute fireworks display lights up Singapore’s iconic downtown skyline.

Immerse in the city-state’s New Year tradition and join the ‘Wishing Spheres’ ceremony at Marina Bay. Write and express your wishes on the floating orbs, where they’ll be lit up and set afloat, transforming the bay into an eye-catching visual arts showcase.

Celebrate on Sands SkyPark and enjoy spectacular views of the fireworks from 57 stories high, over the infinity pool or the observation deck in the clouds.
For a wild party scene, head to Sentosa Island for the best parties and concerts in Singapore.

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Taipei, Taiwan

This year, Taipei is ranked higher than London, Paris, Tokyo or New York for the best place to welcome the New Year.

The main draw of the Taipei’s year-end festivities happens at the iconic Taipei 101. Tens of thousands flock to this skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital for a grand fireworks display designed by French pyrotechnic design experts.

There are various places to see the midnight fireworks, including riverside parks and the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Room 18, Luxy and ATT Show Box.

There will be a monster-sized stage downtown, where all of the biggest names in music and the big screen take a turn at entertaining the huge crowds.

Hong Kong, China

Enjoy the stunning views Hong Kong has to offer along the city’s waterfront at the radiant Victoria Harbour or on-high in a skyscraper on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton.

Victoria Harbour is the belle of the ball for Hong Kong’s spectacular New Year countdown. A street party brings a festive atmosphere during the day while a 10-minute pyromusical lighting up the skies against the iconic Hong Kong skyline marks the new year at night.

Located at the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in the ICC is Ozone bar and this year they’re having a Great Gatsby party for a glamorous start to 2017.

Seoul, South Korea

Whether you’re looking for the traditional events or where to party the night away, Seoul is guaranteed to meet your needs.

While countdowns at midnight are standard in any country, the traditional Korean way to celebrate the New Year is to bask in the glow of the first morning sunrise. Watch the first sunrise at The Homigot Sunrise Festival on Pohang Beach.

For a view of the city and the iconic N Seoul Tower as fireworks light up the sky, head on over to one of Seoul’s trendiest spots. W Hotel throws the most stylish party in the city, while Woo Bar is for the fabulously dressed partiers.

There’s also the highly popular Gangnam district that definitely ups the ante on New Year’s Eve with bars and restaurants in the vicinity hosting their own countdowns.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia’s bustling capital city is acclaimed as one of the best cities in Southeast Asia for an exciting New Year’s Eve party. Known for its gorgeous skyline that features the Petronas Twin Towers as well as the KL Tower among its various skyscrapers, Kuala Lumpur presents a breathtaking backdrop for the fireworks display that happens during the New Year and Merdeka Day (Malaysia’s National Day).

For a view of the fireworks, visit at a rooftop bar to take in the KL skyline. The poolside alfresco bar and restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental KL lets you in style and sip on a Millionaire Mojito as you take in AQUA’s mesmerizing view of the city, while THIRTY8 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur presents a 360-view of the city center, offering one of the most captivating views to catch the fireworks for countdown this New Year.

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