New Years Day is the time when the new calendar year begins according to the Gregorian calendar, and falls on the 1st of January. Festivities on New Year’s Eve, and on New Year’s Day itself, provide some of the most dazzling sights and sounds in Southeast Asian countries; in some countries, the celebrations rival even the best that Western countries have to offer. The period between Christmas and New Year’s Day is considered as a peak travel/tourist season in the region as well, so it is best to make travel plans as early as possible to avoid the difficulties of making reservations on airline tickets and accommodations, which can be quite expensive as well when made last-minute.
Malaysia
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Malaysia; although there are two other New Year celebrations in this country (the Islamic New Year, and the Chinese New Year), ushering in the start of the Gregorian calendar on the 1st of January is still a momentous event celebrated in a big manner. New Year’s Eve festivities are marked in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur by an awe-inspiring fireworks display near the Petronas Towers (KLCC). Malaysians usher in the new year by sharing a sumptuous feast with their loved ones on New Year’s Eve, and some areas of the country have programs and street parties to welcome the start of a brand-new year.
Philippines
The Philippines says goodbye to the old year, and hello to the new one, with loud firecrackers and dazzling fireworks displays; these are done in both residential and commercial areas. The Filipinos believe that the loud noises and bright lights effectively attract good luck, while shooing away bad luck and negative vibes from their lives – so that a better life can be expected with the New Year. Countdown parties organized by business establishments and whole communities are popular ways to connect with other people while waiting for the new year to officially start. As with other festivities in this country and the rest of Southeast Asia, abundant food spreads are included gatherings with friends and family members as everyone awaits the ticking of the clock towards another year full of wondrous possibilities.
Singapore
Singapore ushers in the New Year starting with New Year’s Eve celebrations with countdown parties, such as the Siloso Beach Party (dubbed as “Asia’s Largest Beach Countdown Party”) which starts at 6PM on the 31st of December, and lasts until 6AM the next days, the 1st of January. For the New Year 2013 celebration, revelers have a total of five party themes to celebrate the start of the new year with, in one amazing event/general location. The Marina Bay Singapore countdown, on the other hand, features live outdoor performances, breathtaking fireworks displays, and the setting afloat of “wishing spheres” in the Bay of Hope & Light.
Thailand & others
Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam all have their own high-energy New Year’s Eve countdown parties (most of them free and open to the public) to officially and enthusiastically say goodbye to the old year -and to welcome in the new one. Bangkok’s biggest New Year countdown event is held in CentralWorld Square, the largest outdoor activity square in downtown Bangkok; the island getaway of Ko Samui, on the other hand, hosts a number of beach parties to ring in the new year for both locals and tourists alike. In Saigon and other parts of Cambodia, hotels and other big establishments usually host New Year’s Eve parties for their clients, and these events include the presence of abundant food feasts to complete the exciting occasion.
Photos by WilliamGraphy, Roslyn in Starfish Island, chooyutshing and Honou
