Naha Harbour Tree-House Diner, Japan

Agoda.com released their second annual Fresh Destinations list, outlining the most popular destinations for travellers to Asia in 2012.

The list is compiled using data such as bookings, customer reviews and ratings generated on the company’s website.

This year travellers are seeking a greater local experience and are keen on delving into the culture, cuisine and traditions of Asia.

“Travellers that visit this year’s Fresh Destinations will likely discover great beaches, local markets with terrific bargains, specialty museums, historical landmarks, rainforests, bio-diversity and of course world-class resorts,” Agoda.com president Robert Rosenstein said.

Fresh Destinations List 2012:

• Naha, Japan – White sandy beaches, water sports and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Palawan, the Philippines – Tropical destination, encompassing rainforests and reefs.
• Pangkor Island/Pangkor Laut, Malaysia – Island life and Dutch colonial ruins.
• Busan, South Korea – Fantastic trekking and even better seafood.
• Khanom, Thailand – Mangroves, limestone cliffs and a rich ecological system.
• Mui Ne, Vietnam – Interesting rock formations, kite-surfing and killer coastline.
• Tagaytay, Philippines – High-altitudes and a crater lake; see it horseback riding.
• Hualien, Taiwan – Cloudy peaks, steep canyons and hot springs.
• Phetchabun, Thailand – Authentic cuisine, national parks and Khmer heritage.
• Malang, Indonesia – Positioned between mountains with comparisons to Europe.