Cathay Pacific's Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024: Asia’s best adventure escape

Welcome to the Cathay Pacific's Cathay Members’ Choice Awards: our flagship awards which celebrate everything that makes the world so amazing – as voted for by you, our global community of members. Discover the winner that captured your hearts – and your votes – as well as the contenders that made it to the shortlist. 

Not a member yet? It’s free to sign up and unlock a world of benefits, rewards and experiences – not to mention the chance to vote in next year’s awards. 

Winner: Niseko, Japan

For skiers and snowboarders, Niseko is a powder paradise. Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, the village is famous for its fluffy uncompacted snow, averaging an impressive 15 metres of snowfall per season. But Niseko isn't just a winter wonderland; its natural landscapes offer activities like canyoning, fishing, hiking, kayaking and horseback riding, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lombok, Indonesia

Nature lovers gravitate to Lombok, thanks to the excellent hiking opportunities and underwater adventures. Hikers often set their sights on Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest active volcano, while divers plunge into the Indian Ocean to swim among the parrot fish, sea turtles and reef sharks. The island’s myriad surf spots, less crowded than nearby Bali, include the legendary Desert Point, renowned as one of the best places to ride waves in the world.

Sri Lanka

With its extensive hiking, wildlife and marine adventures, Sri Lanka is fast becoming a hotspot for thrill-chasers. Travellers come from all over the world to trek through virgin rainforests and lush tea plantations, dive into underwater shipwrecks and caves, and take on vertical ascents up rugged cliffs and rock faces. For an unforgettable experience, a hot-air balloon ride over the Sri Lankan jungle affords a bird’s-eye view of roaming elephants and other wildlife.

Bali, Indonesia

Head to Bali for the world-famous wellness retreats, rich culture and delicious cuisine but stay for the island adventures – think epic surf breaks, cliff-jumping, zip-lining, scuba-diving, kitesurfing and night-trekking to the summit of Mount Batur, an active volcano, in time for sunrise. Risk it all for the perfect photo at Ubud’s famous jungle swing, which swings out over the edge of a valley for stunning panoramic views of the rainforest, rice terraces and river below.

Bhutan

Largely isolated from the rest of the world until 1974, Bhutan's natural beauty remains unspoiled by overdevelopment. Intrepid explorers can tackle white-water rapids, mountain bike through the Himalayas, or paraglide past ancient monasteries perched on cliff faces. To visit this enigmatic destination, book a pre-arranged tour with a licensed tour operator, in line with Bhutan’s strict “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy that keeps the country’s unique charm and landscapes intact.