Farewell to winter

HONG KONG ARTS MONTH
March 1 to 31, Hong Kong
Each March, Hong Kong’s flourishing arts scene comes to fruition with an inspirational spectrum of events. Local and overseas artists converge to bring about inspiring programmes including exhibitions, dance, music and theatre. Tap into this celebration of creativity to encounter the latest works by established and emerging artists from around the world. Aside from enjoying exhibitions and performances, take a stroll around town to discover beauty and creativity out in the open at Central Station and along Hollywood Road. 

SHIKARIBETSU LAKE KOTAN
Now until March 20, Hokkaido, Japan
Tokachi’s Lake Shikaribetsu in Daisetsu National Park is frozen in winter and that’s the time Igloo village is built. At the igloo village, you can dip into an open-air hot bath filled with hot spring water from Shikaribetsu Onsen, get some drinks from the Ice Bar and spend your night in an igloo built upon the frozen lake to enjoy winter to the extreme. Tons of activities are also available, including ice glass making, snowmobiling, and trekking in the snow-covered forest. 

HOLI
March 13, India
Holi in India is what the Songkran Festival is to Thailand, though instead of throwing buckets of water over passers-by, the Indians have fun with coloured powders. The result is you end up looking like a rainbow, but it’s all in good fun. The joyful festival celebrates the harvest and Earth’s fertility with processions, singing, dancing, traditional songs and lots more. 

JEJU HUEREE APRICOT FLOWER FESTIVAL
Now until March 3, Jeju-do, South Korea
Jeju Hueree Maehwa Festival takes place at Hueree Natural Park every year from late February to early March. Maehwa is the Korean word for apricot flower, which is the sign of spring. The blossoming of the flowers is celebrated at the earliest time in Korea through this festival. Expect various fun activities such as the apricot flower photo contest, black pig show and goose show.

RAPTOR WATCH 2016
March 11, Malacca, Malaysia
Raptor Watch 2017 returns to the shores of Tanjung Tuan, Malacca on March 11. The signature event of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), the festival celebrates the return of the migratory birds of prey known as raptors on their journey back to their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere. Raptor Watch is a public event meant to raise awareness on the conservation of raptors and their habitats. Staple favourite activities including guided walks, games arts and craft will be featured.

FULL MOON LANTERN FESTIVAL
March 10, Hoi An, Vietnam
Each full moon, the heritage town of Hoi An celebrates true lunar beauty by turning all its lights off. The Unesco World Heritage Site town, filled with creaky wooden buildings and narrow streets, switches off the electricity for one night and the entire town is lit by candlelight. Candlelit offerings are floated downstream. Beautiful, vibrantly coloured, silk lanterns come into their own once the glare of halogens has retreated.