Southeast Asia is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the world, from ancient temples to pristine beaches and bustling cities. And the best part? Many of these destinations are budget-friendly, meaning that you can explore the region without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia and what makes them such great destinations for budget-conscious travellers. Wanna save up more? AirAsia is giving away free seats to these destinations. Yes, you read that right — FREE SEATS!* So, what else are you waiting for? Book now and fly with AirAsia for your much-needed getaway!
*Book from 22 to 28 May 2023 and travel from 22 May to 14 Dec 2023.
8 budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia
1. Miri, Malaysia
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There are many amazing attractions to visit in Miri, known as the second-largest city in Sarawak, Malaysia. Well-loved for its breathtaking flora and fauna, this city has just about everything an adventure seeker will love! Hike up the highest mountain in Sarawak (which also happens to be one of the toughest to scale in Malaysia ?), Mount Murud, dive amongst beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life at Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park, or even explore the world’s largest and longest cave passages at the Mulu National Park as a family! ? Can’t wait to check these natural wonders out? Hop on an AirAsia flight, which is offering FREE SEATS to Miri ? Proof that you don’t need to burst your wallet to have amazing adventures!
2. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Located in the heart of Java is the iconic Yogyakarta, home to the magnificent Borobudur. With its all-year-round summer weather, the things you can do here are limitless! Spend your days exploring the ruins of Borobudur and Prambanan, visit the charming Taman Sari, or make your way to Mount Merapi and get some of the most photo-worthy shots deserving of your social media feed. There are plenty of totally photo-worthy places for you to explore in this region of Indonesia!
For the kiddos, they’ll enjoy the wayang kulit (shadow puppets) performance at Sonobudoyo Museum. Continue your evening by riding a bicycle car at Alun-Alun Kidul where old Volkswagen cars have been gutted and fitted with benches and bicycles inside. It’s a fun ride as these cars are decorated with coloured lights and the speakers blare current pop music!
#HHWT Tip: Make sure to check out our 5D4N itinerary to plan your stay in Yogyakarta.
3. Da Nang, Vietnam
You want the European vacation, minus the cost. Just take a flight in under 3 hours to Da Nang, Vietnam and explore this French-inspired town. Located approximately 22km southwest of Da Nang, Ba Na Hills can be reached by their Swiss-made cable cars! It’s the longest one in the world, too; imagine flexing to your buddies back home ? There’s a variety of activities to do once you reach the top: You can visit Linh Ung Pagoda, a peaceful temple featuring a huge statue of Lady Bodhisattva, cross the newly renovated Golden Bridge held by the hand of the Buddha, or get your dose of adrenaline Fantasy Park, a large indoor entertainment park featuring rides, 4D and 5D cinemas! ?
#HHWT Tip: Check out these 6 Muslim-Friendly Eateries You Shouldn’t Miss In Da Nang before your trip!
4. Sibu, Malaysia
Sibu is a small town located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Despite its size, the town has a lot to offer budget-conscious travellers ? You can find affordable accommodations, and the local food is delicious and inexpensive! One of the must-visit attractions in Sibu is the Tua Pek Kong Temple, which is located in the heart of the town. The temple is free to visit and offers a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Another great option is the Sibu Night Market, which is held every weekend and offers a wide variety of food and souvenirs at affordable prices. If you’ve always wanted to explore East Malaysia, Sibu is the perfect destination to start. Start planning your trip and book your flights with AirAsia. The best part is, the low-cost airline is giving away FREE SEATS to Sibu and other exciting Southeast Asia destinations! ?
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and a popular destination for travellers looking to explore Southeast Asia on a budget. One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is to wander around Bukit Bintang, where there are plenty of cheap halal eats, cool hidden cafes and designer boutiques at Pavilion Bukit Bintang. For a little bit of culture, a great option is the Batu Caves, a series of limestone caves and Hindu temples located just outside the city. Admission to the caves is free, so you can save up more!
5. Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is the bustling capital city of Indonesia and a popular destination for travellers looking to experience the country's rich culture and history. One of the must-visit attractions in Jakarta is the National Museum, which features exhibits on Indonesian history and culture. Admission is SGD$2, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring the museum. Another great option is the Old Town, where you can wander around admiring the colonial-era buildings ? One of the best things about Jakarta is the cheap shopping scene where you can get beautiful batik shirts, kebaya and even fabric to bring home. There are also plenty of cheap AND delicious halal eats in Jakarta so you don’t have to worry about going hungry here!
#HHWT Tip:AirAsia is giving away FREE SEATS to Jakarta and other exciting Southeast Asia destinations, so don’t miss this opportunity to explore this bustling city! ?
6. Langkawi, Malaysia
Pristine sandy white beaches, lush green sceneries, peaks with amazing panoramic views of the island, and plenty of affordable accommodations for an awesome island vacation — what more can you ask for? ? Once you're done with all your shopping (the island is duty-free!), explore the island and find plenty of activities from beach activities, hiking, cable car rides, or take a dip in the beautiful Telaga Tujuh Waterfall! Make sure not to miss the mangrove tour where you can explore the mangrove via a motorboat through Langkawi's lush forest and into the open ocean. The tour makes multiple stops at a fish farm, a local floating restaurant, and even has an eagle feeding session. Your kids will remember this trip, that’s for sure!
#HHWT Tip: Check out these 8 Best Things To Do In Langkawi For Your Next Island Getaway to start planning your trip!
7. Phuket, Thailand
Photo by Bradley Prentice on Unsplash
Dreaming of somewhere with the perfect balance of the sun, sand, and sea for you and your children? Look no further than Phuket! There's a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities perfect for the entire family, and plenty of halal food options around for you and your kids to dig into! ? Need some travel tips? We’ve got you covered right here with these articles:
- Your 4D3N Muslim-Friendly Phuket Itinerary For The Best Beach Getaway
- 5 Free Things To Do In Phuket On Your Next Beach Getaway
- Muslim-Friendly Guide For Your First Trip To Phuket - What To See, Do And Eat
- 18 Useful Tips For The Ultimate Budget Trip to Phuket
8. Penang, Malaysia
There are many reasons why travellers would plan a road trip to Penang. From nasi kandar and asam laksa to ais tingkap and char kway teow, there's no shortage of delicious halal food in Penang. Aside from being a famous street food capital in Malaysia, there are also other attractions and Instagram-worthy spots in Penang to keep you busy ? Check out our recommended reads below to kick-start your foodie adventure in Penang!
- 8 Delicious Halal Breakfast Spots In Penang That Are Perfect For Early Risers
- 6 Aesthetic Cafes In Penang You Must Try For Your Next Foodie Trip
- 7 Awesome Private Pool Accommodations In Penang
- 3D2N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary To Penang (For Foodies!)
Southeast Asia offers a wealth of budget-friendly destinations that are perfect for travellers who want to experience the beauty, culture, and excitement of the region without overspending. From exploring vibrant cities to lounging on pristine beaches and enjoying delicious local food, there is something for every type of traveller ?
With a low currency exchange rate, affordable accommodations, and plenty of free or low-cost attractions to enjoy, these destinations are a great choice for anyone looking to make the most of their vacation! So why not start planning your budget-friendly Southeast Asian adventure today with AirAsia? The low-cost airline is giving away FREE SEATS to these destinations and more! Book from 22 to 28 May and travel from 22 May to 14 Dec 2023. Pack your bags! ?