Sharmila Rajah

There's no way to travel all of Asia in one lifetime, but you can damn well bet that we're going to try. From bustling city destinations to wild island paradises, there's so much on the regional travel menu that we'd gladly spend our annual leave on in 2025 – and if you're having a hard time choosing, then you're in the right place. We talked to our Time Out editors and travel contributors in Asia to suss out what's on their radar for the coming year. These destinations are emerging hotspots: long overlooked or previously hard to get to, but now on the map for travellers searching for alternatives to well-trodden destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Many on the list have become better-connected too – all the more reason to buy that plane ticket in 2025. And it goes without saying: they all have spectacular natural attractions, rich culture, and fantastic dining scenes to satisfy the pickiest of travellers. Here's Time Out's list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2025.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox. READ MORE: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The most gorgeous islands in Asia 

Get swept up by the energy and colour of Kuala Lumpur’s many neighbourhoods – each with its own unique feel and spirit. These pockets wonderfully balance fun, culture and food, giving visitors a taste of Kuala Lumpur’s diversity. Yet, it’s the friendly communities and people that lend an authentic character well beyond the relics and shops. There is no end to the fun discoveries, amazing shopping and eating, and unforgettable adventures to be had in some of KL’s neighbourhoods – all of which are easily accessible through the city’s extensive rail system. READ MORE: An essential guide to Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors and The best hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is hands-down one of the best cityscapes in the world. Breathtaking skylines, ancient temples, bustling shops and markets, and a vibrant and diverse culinary scene combine to make it a pretty dreamy destination. With so much to do and see, what more could you want?  Well, somewhere incredible to stay, of course. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To help you make the most of your visit to one of Malaysia’s most raved-about and best-loved cities, we’ve compiled a list of its best hotels. All you need to do now is sit back, relax, and scroll on through. RECOMMENDED: 27 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur and The essential guide to Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors  

If there’s one thing about Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as locals call it), it’s a city of astonishing contrasts – therein lies its charm. KL can be simultaneously cosmopolitan and traditional. Alluring yet often overlooked, the Malaysian capital has everything you’d want in a city and more – a dazzling mix of street food, sexy cocktail bars, glitzy malls, galleries, and friendly locals. Whether you’re here for a weekend or much longer, here are a few useful things to know before your first visit to KL. Selamat datang and welcome! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Kuala Lumpur and The best parks in KL to escape to

It pays to find a hotel that’s different in design and ethos yet close to all the action. Lloyd’s Inn ticks all the boxes: a chic, urban retreat with rooms designed to reflect Balinese serenity. Think modern, industrial-leaning interiors, outdoor showers, plenty of natural light, and greenery. Part of the Lloyd’s Inn series, this 110-room, 15-storey hotel is arguably a standout, sporting much of the brand’s monochromatic DNA. Get some work done at the co-working spaces, dip in the rooftop jacuzzi, or lounge on a hanging cubby chair. Then, slip into Opeum Bistro for a delicious meal. Bordering the vibrant Bukit Bintang district with the Exchange TRX mall just steps away, you’re well-placed to shop, eat, drink, and party.

Don’t you get tired of staying in ordinary, sometimes boring hotels? We hear a stay at this 180-room hotel is fantastic. Its interior drips with local art, design, and eco features like a vertical garden and an impressive installation of recycled bottles, steel bars and railway sleepers for stairs, which is no surprise given its location overlooking the KL Forest Eco Park. Expect all the modern perks in the rooms – flat-screen TVs, workstations, and walk-in showers – and some extras like hand-painted Peranakan tiles, congkak boards, and rattan furniture motifs. It would almost be too easy to stay in to enjoy the two restaurants, library, gym, and rooftop pool, but the downtown location puts you in the city’s retail and dining hub.