Six Sizzling Locations to Escape the Winter Blues

There’s nowhere quite like Bali. This idyllic island has surged in popularity in recent years, thanks to its breathtaking beaches, iconic volcanic mountains, and lush green rice terraces.

Despite being a popular tourist hotspot, more and more expats are settling on the island, working in various industries and taking full advantage of the long, warm days and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Average temperatures typically range between 26°C and 29°C, making it ideal if you enjoy relaxing in the sun, hiking, or swimming.

Malang has become famous for its colourful buildings, Dutch-inspired architecture and laidback lifestyle. While most cities in the region have struggled economically, Malang has thrived with steady economic and population growth around the area.

Today, people from all over the world visit the city to explore the surrounding mountains, hills and open plains.

As well as being a natural beauty, there are also cultural relics and temples to visit dating back hundreds of years. Malang is the perfect city if you like mild temperatures (25°C year-round average) and easy access to the city and the beach.

Outside of China, very few people have heard of Xiamen, but inside China, the secret is already out.

Xiamen lies on the southeast coast of China on the Taiwan Strait. The city is well known around the country for its beaches, greenery, temples and culture. The southern coast of the island is perhaps the most notable. With palm trees dotted along the beach, you'd never believe you were in China.

Xiamen is consistently warm throughout the year due to its subtropical climate, and the city itself is a clean, convenient place to live.

Manado has had a rich and varied history. Traditionally a port town, the city has seen many occupiers from the Spanish in the 17th century to the Japanese in the 20th. This diverse history can still be seen today in the cities culture, architecture and cuisines.

If you like to snorkel or scuba dive, then there's no better place to go. Manado is known as the gateway to the world-famous Bunaken national marine park which attracts tourists with its beauty every year.

Manado is the perfect little winter getaway with average year-round temperatures are between 25°C and 27°C.

Balikpapan is one of Southeast Asia's up and coming cities. Once a tiny fishing village on the coast of the island of Borneo, Balikpapan has become one of Indonesia's most sought after locations being named one of the country's most loveable and liveable cities from 2009 onwards.

Although Balikpapan has developed as a prosperous city, there is still a very laid-back culture. Local residents, expats and ESL teachers love to spend their free time relaxing at the gorgeous Kemala beach or cooling down at either the Caribbean Island or Griya Water Park.