5 up-and-coming destinations to explore before they get too popular

Singaporeans are an inquisitive bunch.

They may stick to familiar travel destinations like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, but they are quite an inquisitive bunch when it comes to exploring lesser-known places too.

According to travel search engine Kayak.sg, online flight searches have gone up for these five destinations that are a little off the beaten track.

If you're game for exploring new frontiers, check them out below:

Mauritius

The island paradise is a diving mecca of sorts, with its marine sanctuaries and exclusive resorts. But there's more to Mauritius than just sand, sea and surf. The country's inland also has ancient rainforests, waterfalls and hiking trails.

The best part about visiting Mauritius, is its accessibility to Singapore. Most recently, Air Mauritius launched an air corridor with the Republic, with three flights per week.

Check out what AsiaOne got up to on a recent trip to the island paradise.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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France and Italy are beautiful, but Eastern Europe has its own set of charms that many have yet to discover. Dubrovnik is an ideal launching point for island-hopping around the Adriatic Sea or cruising the beaches along Croatia's southern coast.

Architecture and history buffs will be charmed by the Old Town's stunning fortresses, sculptures and fountains, and shoppers will adore the array of boutiques in the city's pedestrian-only marble lanes.

Boracay, Philippines

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Although Boracay has long been a hit with Singaporean students and backpackers, more families are venturing to the island for weekend getaways.

With white sand beaches, pristine waters and a long stretch of beach resorts, it's easy to see why.

Ulan Bator, Mongolia

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Mongolia's vast, untouched grassland, desert and mountain landscapes are teeming with adventure. Trekking, rafting, camel riding and ger (a round tent covered with animal skins) camping are just a few of the options that are enticing more travellers to consider a visit.

Spend a day exploring the capital, Ulan Bator, which is a fascinating mix of modern high rises, retro Soviet architecture, ger settlements and Buddhist monasteries.

Queenstown, New Zealand

During the Southern Hemisphere's winter, Queenstown's population explodes with snowboarders, skiers and adventure seekers.

After taking in the town's beautiful mountain scenery, travellers can make the four-hour journey to Milford Sound, a fjord on the South Island's west coast.

Once you're in Queenstown, be sure to check out these other Instagrammable places around the country.

Bonus location: Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Check out what AsiaOne discovered while on a recent trip to the former prison island. 

debwong@sph.com.sg