lifestyle

7 Different, Offbeat Places You Could Visit To Usher In The New Year

It's almost the end of 2014! Instead of going to the usual crowded spots for a countdown, why not hit the road for some unique places to make your ushering in of 2015 a memorable one?

Cover image via Time Capsule Resort Facebook

1. Seaventure Dive Rig Resort, Sabah. This place is as offbeat as you can get. Located in a converted oil rig in the coral triangle off the coast of Sabah, you are literally just a stone's throw away from one of the world's best dive site.

This mildly converted platform is based right in the heart of the coral triangle, in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo. This metal monstrosity was once commissioned as an exploration jack up rig in the oil and gas industry and now revamped as the Seaventures Dive Rig. A unique dive resort and the only one of its kind in the world, Seaventures still maintains the allure and spirit of a working rig yet the rooms are made more comfortable, the food highly acclaimed, service exemplary and diving world class. It truly is a novelty alternative to any dive resort and best of all it is situated in one of the diving industry’s renowned dive destinations commonly ranked as being one of the world’s best.

seaventuresdive.com

2. Chinahouse, Penang. The Chinahouse is perfect for you if you love heritage art as well as coffee. With well maintained buildings, good food, and live music, this is the spot for you and your close friends to end the year.

Image via tripadvisor.com

ChinaHouse is a traditional compound of 3 heritage buildings, linked by an open air courtyard and converted into 14 spaces comprising shops, cafes, restaurant, galleries, live music and bakery.

chinahouse.com.my

3. Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort, Ipoh. Located in Ipoh, this resort is perfect for golf and nature enthusiasts. There's even a serene lake where one can fish for the day!

Image via fbcdn.net
Image via cwsgolf.com.my
Image via cwsgolf.com.my
Image via tripadvisor.com
Image via fbcdn.net
Image via fbcdn.net

At Sri Damai at Clearwater , all you need to do is relax and indulge in experiences that make life worth living. Tucked away for quiet comfort, our cosy cluster of waterfront chalets is designed for total relaxation. This tranquil retreat, where kingfishers perch and hawks swoop overhead, is an escape to a lifestyle of leisure, whether for a family on vacation or for couples seeking a romatic weekend.

cwsgolf.com.my

4. Time Capsule Retreat, Pahang. Deep in the heart of the lush forest of Pahang, the Time Capsule Retreat is an interesting experience for those looking for a short getaway. There's a waterfall located nearby as well!

We are a quiet and cozy little family run retreat located in the middle of the Sungai Lembing Town Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Facing a lush forest reserve we enjoy great views, cool temperatures and great ambiance for relaxation and serenity. We are a privately owned retreat however and are not a commercial hotel. As such, visits are strictly for booked in guests only. We value our privacy and the privacy of our visiting guests.

wix.com

5. Calanthe Art Cafe, Malacca. Part cafe and part art gallery, this joint is located in Jonker Street, right in the heart of Malacca. The cafe does not close until late so it is a good place to chill before the countdown begins.

Forget Starbucks when you’re in Malacca, and head to one of the best coffee places in the city, Calanthe Art Cafe. Located in a narrow alley just off the well-known Jonker Street, the cafe is like a quiet oasis, even though the decor doesn’t quite say the same thing – it is vibrantly furnished, with eclectic and creative touches such as rattan furniture hanging from the ceiling, hand-painted walls, and little trinkets on shelves throughout the property. It might not sport the famous modern minimalist look every cafe is going for nowadays, but we can’t help but love this feast for wandering eyes.

malacca.ws

6. Tiger Rock, Pangkor Island. What used to be a stronghold fort for the Dutch way back is now turned into a family owned resort in this island. This is one of the places to kickback to usher in the new year.

"Tiger Rock is about low impact, sustainable tourism which includes participation of the local Pangkor Island community, preserving the natural environment and cultural way of life as well as ensuring mutual respect and benefits to all parties involved. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of Tiger Rock, from the way it is designed and built, to how it is managed by local islanders." Rebecca Duckett- Wilkinson

tigerrock.info

7. Permai Rainforest Resort, Kuching. Set within the shores of Borneo, this resort is unique with their tree houses and cabin. It's just a short drive away if you're ever in Kuching and the area will definitely recharge you as you welcome 2015!

Permai Rainforest Resort is an eco-resort set in pristine Borneo rainforest located on the shores of the South China Sea, and at the foot of mystical Mount Santubong. Carefully designed to minimize impact on the natural environment, it offers a unique rainforest experience. The resort is only 25 km or 30 minutes drive north of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak.

permairainforest.com

No matter where you're going to celebrate the new year, be it near or far, party sensibly :)