Between new and relaunched flight routes from Dubai to the likes of Penang, Phnom Penh, and Osaka, consider this your cue to journey east.
It’s a busy time in the skies. Not only is air travel back to pre-pandemic levels, but we’re also looking at two Eid holidays in the months ahead — Eid al-Fitr is likely to start on 10 April, and Eid al-Adha will follow on 16 June. And the beauty of living in a city as well-connected as Dubai is that there’s always opportunities to explore new destinations, courtesy of Emirates and Flydubai.
While the two airlines are collectively making all corners of the globe more accessible than ever, it’s Southeast Asia that wins our vote. The region offers it all: beautiful beaches, rich culture, incredible cuisine, impressive landmarks, and the kind of affordability that’s unheard of elsewhere. Here, we delve into five destinations worth considering thanks to improved connectivity to and from Dubai by way of new or relaunched flight routes.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Emirates
With Emirates bringing back its daily Phnom Penh service via Singapore, starting from 1 May, the Cambodian capital belongs on your bucket list circa now. Sitting at the intersection of French colonialism and the Khmer Empire, it is the cultural and commercial centre, translating to plenty of temples, museums, and night markets to explore. The country has a rather dark past, too, with sites like Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Genocidal Center exhibiting the human capacity for cruelty and therefore calling for introspection among visitors. Don’t miss a meal at Malis while you’re there. Run by local celebrity chef Luu Meng, it serves Khmer cuisine with a contemporary twist in an opulent riverside setting.
Stay at: Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
See: The ornate gilding and classic Khmer roofs of the Royal Palace
Do: Take a sunset cruise down the Mekong River
Seoul, South Korea
Emirates
Emirates recently ramped up Seoul operations to ten weekly flights, reflecting the increased demand for international travel to one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. And it’s not just the craze around K-pop drawing tourists to the South Korean capital. The metropolis is home to all manner of contradictions – ancient traditions and gleaming skyscrapers, Buddhist temples and a bustling nightlife – that make it ideal for a city break. Take the time to explore the distinct personalities of Seoul’s many neighbourhoods. Head to Gangnam (yes, like the song) to indulge at upscale eateries and restaurants, Jongno to immerse in centuries of history, and Itaewon for a glimpse of the city’s cultural diversity.
Stay at: The Shilla
See: Seoul by night from the Bugak Palgakjeong viewing pavilion
Do: sample traditional street food at Gwangjang Market
Osaka, Japan
Emirates
The airline will also be boosting its services to Osaka thanks to the introduction of the A380, starting from 1 June, which will offer increased seat capacity on flights. Dubbed “the nation’s kitchen”, Osaka is an absolute haven for foodies, especially when it comes to the cheap and cheerful street food that spans skewered meats, savoury pancakes, and mouth-watering desserts. The city takes a backseat to Tokyo and Kyoto, making for fewer tourists and a more welcoming, laidback atmosphere that caters well to families. Incidentally, Osaka is the birthplace of bunraku, or Japanese puppet theatre, so be sure to add the National Bunraku Theatre to your itinerary if you’re travelling with the kids in tow.
Stay at: Hotel Resol Trinity Osaka
See: the old Japan in the retro neighbourhood of Shinsekai
Do: take the family to Universal Studios Japan
Langkawi, Malaysia
Flydubai
Initially touching down on 10 February, Flydubai is the first UAE national carrier to serve this Malaysian archipelago with a daily service from Dubai. Nature lovers, this one’s for you — here awaits everything from pristine beaches and untouched mangroves to jungle-covered peaks and mysterious caves. Pulau Payar Marine Park, the oldest marine park on Malaysia’s west coast, is also in Langkawi and a prime spot for snorkelling. And because the archipelago is home to 99 islands, exploring it by boat – with stops for swimming, paddleboarding, and eagle spotting – comes highly recommended. Elsewhere, Atma Alam Batik Art Village beckons with an ancient art form that uses dye and wax to create stunning patterns on fabric.
Stay at: Ambong Rainforest Retreat
See: the archipelago from the record-breaking Langkawi Sky Bridge
Do: kayak through the ancient mangrove forest of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
Penang, Malaysia
Flydubai
The Dubai-based carrier also launched flights to Penang International Airport on 10 February, granting travellers easy access to George Town, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang — in fact, the airport is conveniently located in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A veritable melting pot, it boasts a unique blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures, which carries over into its world-class cuisine and distinctive brand of architecture (think: 19th century mosques standing alongside Chinese shophouses and British colonial buildings). We suggest starting at Khoo Kongsi. A gated cluster of houses and meeting places built in the 1850s to celebrate the Khoo family, it’s simply unmissable for its highly ornamental construction.
Stay at: The Blue Mansion
See: the many murals that make Penang a street art capital
Do: take a spice-laden cooking class at Tropical Spice Garden
