We ask metaphysics master David Tong on his fengshui predictions and travel tips for wonderful journeys in the Year of the Snake
What will the Year of the Wood Snake bring? We ask David Tong, founder of Chinese Metaphysics Global Consulting (CMG Consulting), for his fengshui forecast for each animal zodiac. The Singapore-based fengshui master started his practice in 2006, and has been sought after for his advice on everything from auspicious wedding dates to fengshui advice for your home and office.
Did you know that timely travels may also bring you luck! All the more reason to book yourself a vacation ASAP, we say. Here, the Chinese astrology expert shares his predictions for each zodiac, while offering insight on the best periods of the year to travel.
Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Lucky colour: Blue
Although this zodiac will clash with the Grand Duke (Tai Sui), it’s a year that rewards hardworking Snakes. Make conservative investments and upgrade your skillset to bring wealth luck back to your favour. There may even be profits from property-related investments abroad; like a stunning holiday home in your portfolio. Take short wellness vacations and sign up for yoga retreats and meditation sessions to boost your overall well-being during this challenging year.
Travel tips: Visit mountainous areas or cities, particularly in August, September and January towards the south eastern direction of your birth country. This could mean countries like Indonesia, which is filled with a diverse mix of urban gems and natural wonders.
We suggest making your way towards Bali’s mountainous villages. Consider Nag Shampa Private Estate — the brainchild of Sam and Isabella Branson, a beautiful property nestled among the misty mountain range in Taro village near Ubud. A highlight is the property’s five private pools; it’s also staffed by three in-villa cooks who will prepare delicious home-style meals with ingredients from the organic orchards. It’s like having your own private resort, all to yourself!
Horse
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Lucky colour: White
This might just be the year to chase your dreams. Horses could be experiencing excellent wealth luck, through career opportunities, increments, bonuses and support from co-workers. Remember to exercise regularly and make charitable donations while spending wisely. Single Horses will have romance in the horizon and might just find a partner this year in your circle of friends or colleagues.
Where to travel: Horses will enjoy excellent travelling luck this year, whether for work or leisure. Seaside destinations are most ideal, and the auspicious months to travel will be February, July and October towards countries towards the southern side of the world.
Tong says it’s a good year for weddings for the Horse zodiac. If marriage is on the cards for you and your partner, why not make it a destination wedding in Canggu, Bali? Villa Ambra, Villa Mary and Villa Melissa in the Pantai Lima estate offer ample space for this important milestone in a photogenic seaside setting. These five-bedroom villas boast beautiful interiors and also an enviable location that puts you in close proximity to popular cafés, restaurants and beach clubs in Canggu and Pererenan.
Goat
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Lucky colour: Brown
“The more you travel, the better it is for your career,” declares the fengshui master. For the Goat zodiac, it is an excellent year for work trips, and the best direction to go would be towards the eastern direction of your birth country. Career opportunities with overseas postings or frequent travel will be beneficial to your professional growth. Drive carefully and play it safe when it comes to your health. Invest prudently and spend wisely, as the inauspicious stars may lead to financial loss due to your carelessness.
Travel tips: The most auspicious months to travel will be March, June and November, towards the north for your holidays. This may be your year for solo travel for singles, as you may also meet your soulmate this year in another country! You might also find yourself in a long-distance relationship; travel often to visit one another and arrange regular video calls to keep the connection strong.
Seaside holidays are preferable for Goats this year, says Tong. If you live in Australia for instance, we’ll suggest heading northwards to Bali or Samui for water sport lovers. Both tropical enclaves are also great for everything from romantic getaways to honeymoons and destination weddings. Pick Ban Asan for a private sanctuary where you can admire beautiful sunsets with your travel companions. For single Goats, who knows if this might be where love will blossom!
Monkey
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Lucky colour: Brown
It’s time to take charge at work — an upcoming promotion could increase your professional responsibilities, so step up and showcase your leadership skills. This could also be the year to acquire stable, long-term investments such as buying a new property. Monkeys may enjoy strong romantic luck this year, and may even find their soulmate among their mutual friends. Be sure to have adequate sleep, exercise regularly and take short holidays to recharge yourself.
Travel tips: Monkeys will enjoy excellent travelling luck in 2025, both for work and holidays. This could be an ideal year to learn surfing, snorkelling or diving. Auspicious months to travel will be April, May and December, towards seaside destinations. Areas in the south western direction from your birth country will be considered the most auspicious this year.
If Indonesia is in that general direction for you, why not consider Villa Pantai Indah, located in Canggu-Perennan on Bali’s western coast. You’re just a 120m walk away to Pererenan Beach and a short drive to many wonderful dining and lifestyle venues in the area. This family-friendly property also has its own kids’ room and lounge areas perfect for yoga and meditation sessions.
Rooster
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Lucky colour: Green
With the San Tai star shining in your favour, Roosters will enjoy excellent wealth-related luck from business opportunities, a pay raise or a surprising windfall. You’ll receive support from good bosses and talented employees, although it’s advisable to keep a lower profile this year to avoid conflicts. While single Roosters may have a small chance of meeting potential partners, Tong advises not to rush into the relationship and for married couples to keep the peace at home with mindful expenditures.
Travel tips: Tong suggests relaxing seaside destinations for Roosters this year. Auspicious months to travel will be April, May and January towards the west. We think Natai Beach, along Thailand’s western coast, could be a good choice. Our pick is Villa Roxo at Sava Beach Villas — it comes well-stocked with everything from a Mahjong set and foosball to table tennis and kayaks, as well as a 18m pool and a barbecue grill to ensure fun for the whole family.
Dog
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Lucky colour: Green
This could be a prosperous year for the Dog zodiac, who should maximise the career and business opportunities coming their way while being more mindful of their spending. Dogs may also receive assistance especially from people of the Tiger, Horse and Rabbit zodiac. It could also be a year for romance, whether for weddings, engagements or the slow and steady start of a new relationship.
Travel tips: Enjoy excellent travelling luck this year, whether you are heading to mountainous regions or seaside regions. The most auspicious months to travel will be February, April and June towards the western direction of your birth country.
We think a great destination could be Samui in April when the Songkran festival is happening, or in June when it’s also sunny with little rain. You could host up to 150 guests at the beachfront villa, La Lagune, in Laem Set for a dream wedding while enjoying facilities like a private pool, tennis court and gym. Or enjoy a cosy stay at one of the two-bedroom properties in The Headland Villas — located along Samui’s western coast, each of the three units boast a good size and an oceanfront location that are perfect for a cosy romantic getaway.
Pig
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Lucky colour: Jade green
Although this zodiac clashes with the grand duke, the Yi Ma auspicious star still makes it beneficial for the Pig zodiac to travel for career prospects and educational opportunities overseas. New jobs related to the hospitality sector or roles stationed overseas could be useful to your career progression. It is an ideal year to focus on your career or embark on self-improvement courses. It’s crucial to be the peacemaker in the family this year, and manage any conflicts relating to your kids and the in-laws well to ensure harmony at home.
Travel tips: The fengshui master recommends that mountainous destinations are more favourable than seaside areas for Pigs this year. Auspicious months to travel will be February, March and July, in the northwest direction of your birth country.
Why not chase Hokkaido’s renowned Japow in Niseko during February with a stay at Intuition, which is nestled within a tranquil forest and looks out to amazing views of Mount Yotei. Even outside of the peak skiing period, there is much to see and explore. We’ll recommend spending a beautifully Wicked spring in Fenix West and Fenix Furano in March as the snow melts and the weather starts to warm. Or walk through Furano’s enchanting flower fields and visit the local farms in July.
Rat
1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Lucky colour: Gold
With the auspicious presence of Long De, Tai Yang and Zi Wei stars, Rats could be enjoying a massive amount of wealth from past investments. Be sure to exercise regularly while focusing on your career in the Year of the Snake. This could be a prosperous year of business opportunities, salary increments, job promotions, bonuses or lucky windfalls. It could be your time to shine in a leadership position to rise up the corporate ladder, while having contingency plans in the case of any sudden obstacles.
Travel tips: Both mountainous and seaside destinations are perfect for adventurous Rats, who will enjoy excellent travel luck this year. Auspicious months to travel will be April, August and January, towards the north.
Why not head to Hokkaido for spring and summer — this Japanese region enjoys comfortably sunny days in April and August. Stay at The Vale Rusutsu; explore the neighbouring mountain ranges, and enjoy hikes and cycling trips in its scenic surroundings. Alternatively, make the most of the wonderful Japow conditions in January, for the chance to go skiing or snowboarding.
Ox
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Lucky colour: Yellow
While the presence of multiple inauspicious stars might make the year more challenging, there is still a possibility of huge returns from property-related investments due to the presence of the Di Jie star, says the fengshui master. At the same time, the Ox Zodiac in artistic or creative roles such as marketing or advertising will flourish, and feel supported by colleagues to help overcome any obstacles.
Travel tips: The time is ripe for a beach holiday. Tong says it could be a chance for adventurous people of the Ox zodiac to try water sports such as diving, snorkelling or jet-skiing during the months of May, September and December in the north eastern direction of your birth country. Since the Year of the Snake is ripe for romance and social activities, singles could consider joining group vacations, while couples and parents could plan a family sabbatical to increase opportunities for family bonding.
With that in mind, we recommend putting spacious villas on the top of your list. Consider Ban Kilee, a large eight-bedroom property in Lipa Noi in Samui. Think direct beachfront access, indoor and outdoor cinema amenities, amazing gym facilities, and a large pool with a swim-up bar that looks out to amazing sunset views.
Tiger
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Lucky colour: Yellow
This is a fortuitous year for Tigers: seize the moment, while being prudent with their investments and to avoid gambling and taking loans where possible. Tong expects a smooth sailing year for your career, with a possibility of career progression and salary increment, while receiving support from people of the Horse, Dog and Pig zodiac. Although Single Tigers may find romantic partners this year through their mutual friends, it’s best to avoid having a workplace romance due to the presence of inauspicious stars that may lead to gossip or backstabbing incidents. It’s also a good time for weddings. Married Tigers should err on the side of caution with the excessive romance luck, and plan to spend more time with their partners.
Travel tips: Seaside destinations that offer diving or any water-related sports will be more ideal for your travels this year. The best time to travel will be June, October and November, in the north eastern direction from your birth country.
We’ll suggest staying near Chaweng, the north eastern part of Samui. Consider the villas in Sangsuri Estate for wonderful sea views and easy beachfront access, so you can head to the waters easily or embark on boat trips to do some island hopping. Who knows, it might just inspire you to start organising for a destination wedding here, on your next trip back!
Rabbit
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Lucky colour: Red
With the auspicious Ba Zuo star in your favour, you’ll get excellent luck and even a chance of newfound fame! Demonstrate your talents on social media or in competitions, and show your worth in a year where you should focus on your career; you’ll also have excellent affinity with bosses that may lead to a job promotion or an increase in your professional responsibilities. Enterprising Rabbits may find their businesses flourishing and gaining recognition.
Travel tips: Seaside destinations will be ideal for Rabbits. Auspicious months to travel will be July, October and November, towards the eastern direction of your birth country. Married Rabbits might want to plan holidays with their partners for a better work-life balance, while singles might want to divest their energies in self-development, as their romantic luck may be poor this year.
We’ll recommend places like Coastal Escape Koh Yao Noi for an offbeat island adventure and to make room for quiet time and self-reflection. This estate combines a beachfront location with the rustic, laid-back charm of Koh Yao Noi and its fishing villages, so you’ll be able to enjoy life in the slow lane while on vacation here.
Dragon
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Lucky colour: Blue
It will be a smooth sailing year for the Dragon zodiac, which enjoys excellent luck this year with the presence of the auspicious Yue De and Zi Wei stars. Grab the opportunities as they come — pick the right investments and you may happily accrue a huge fortune. Your career growth may also skyrocket through a promotion or a business expansion, while having the support of people of the Rat, Monkey and Rooster zodiacs.
Travel tips: Dragons are in for a year of fun whether while visiting seaside locations or mountainous destinations this year. The auspicious months to travel will be August, September and December, towards destinations in the Southeastern direction from your birth city.
Head towards Bali, a year-round destination where you can get a good dose of Vitamin C while exploring the coolest lifestyle venues and being close to the mountains and beaches. Be in the heart of the action with a stay at Villa Tana Takah, which boasts stunning architecture and tropical surroundings that will instantly impress anyone who loves nature and good design. It’s also just a short drive to the beaches and popular cafés and restaurants in Canggu and Pererenan.