It can be a little tricky to travel to Asia in September, with rain and monsoons hitting many countries as they move into – or out of – their wettest season. But if you choose right, you’ll enjoy some lovely weather (with maybe an afternoon storm) less crowds and lower prices – so for those reasons September is the perfect time to travel to (many parts of) Asia!
Here are the best places to visit in Asia in September…but first…
Before you go:
Protect your data with a VPN:
If you want to protect your data and be able to bypass in-country and regional restrictions then grabbing a VPN should be on your list. We use Express VPN for only around $12 per month. It’s super simple to set up, you get multiple licences and you can then use wifi safely anywhere (and watch shows from home too). Read more about why you need a VPN here.
Protect your health with Travel Insurance:
Just like the saying goes, if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel. At the minimum get health and medical cover – it is peace of mind at the minimum and life saving at its best. We use CoverMore.
Now – the best places to travel to in September:
Maldives in September
Who doesn’t want to visit the Maldives? No one! While there is still a risk of rain as the wet season comes to an end, it’s a great time to visit the Maldives in September. Why? It’s low season! So it’s cheaper, less crowded and you can find some great deals. It also averages around 27 degrees so the weather is gorgeous, and seven hours of sunshine a day. There’s also plankton around so whale sharks and manta come to feed and you have a really good chance of spotting them.
We love the Maldives and whether you stay local like we did on Thulusdhoo Island or stay in a resort – we LOVE the Park Hyatt Hadahaa, Sun Siyam Iru Fuushi or the Kuredu Island Resort you’ll have a fabulous time. And by combining a luxe stay with a local island stay you’re reducing your cost and supporting locals too.
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Borneo in September
We love Borneo and go there every chance we can. September in Borneo is a great time to go as the island is still dry and there is lots to see before the wet season moves in later in the year.
There is so much to explore here and there are gorgeous resorts too so you can balance adventure and a bit of luxe/relax chill time. Start in Kota Kinabalu – we love the Shangri La Tanjung Aru – and make sure to visit the Mari Mari Culture Centre, it’s one of the best we’ve ever been to. You can read all about what to do in Kota Kinabalu here, plus our favourite things to do in Kuching and detailed articles about visiting Gunung Mulu National Park, the Kinabatangan River and Kudat – the Tip of Borneo.
Amazing Borneo
China in September
It’s so nice to visit China in September as the stinking hot weather of the preceding months cools and autumn breezes in. We just love exploring China – there’s so much to see and do, from Disneyland Shanghai to ancient mountains, camping on the Great Wall of China, rivers that flow through townships like Venice, the karst mountains of Yangshuo and rice fields and ancient discoveries like the Terracotta Warriors in Xian and pandas in Chengdu
Camp overnight on the Great Wall of China
Bali in September
September is hot and dry in Bali – around 24 – 29 degrees each day with very little rain so it’s perfect for exploring the beaches, snorkeling and getting out to the islands like Lembongan and the Gillis, or even over to Lombok – which we love. Check out the awesome Bali beach bars while you’re there, or just chill at these awesome Bali resorts like Padma in Legian or Ubud. You might want to creep your way into the Bali Ghost Hotel – an abandoned resort, check out these secret Bali adventures or just enjoy surfing and a few beers at sunset on Kuta beach. If you’re dreaming of some luxusry, check out Rimba Resort and its sisters, Ayana Villas. Amazing.
Kuala Lumpur
Every month is a good month to visit Kuala Lumpur! There is so much to explore in this amazing city – from cultural museums, artchitecture and old villages (kampungs) to theme parks, rainforests, gardens and so much more. And did I mention the street food?
We love Kuala Lumpur and can’t get enough.
Here are our favourite things to do in Kuala Lumpur. You can also tie it in with your trip to Borneo as there are very frequent and cheap flights from KL to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah and Kuching in Sarawak. And, take a day trip (or more) to Melaka or Ipoh– it’s really a fabulous city for a day trip or a longer stay.
New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a French territory in the Pacific ocean, with gorgeous beaches, waterfalls and swimming holes and a huge marine-rich lagoon. If you’re after a tropical holiday with great weather and less crowds, then September is the time to set off for the islands.
Sri Lanka in September
It’s mainly dry and warm across Sri Lanka in September, although it is an inter-monsoonal month so expect the occaisional downpour – it shouldn’t last too long. It’s best to head inland to the Cultural Triangle during September, visit Sigirya and spot elephants and climb Mt Sigiriya , or visit the stunning beaches in Trincomaleee on the east coast or up to Jaffna in the north. Make sure to ride the trains – one of the best parts of a Sri Lanka trip – and explore these best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
