Cheryl Sekkappan

Ever wanted to leave it all behind and travel the world? Good news for you, because the digital nomad lifestyle is now more attainable than ever, which means you can satisfy your wanderlust while keeping up a steady income.  We'd argue that Asia is one of the best regions in the world for remote workers. We have incredible cities with modern infrastructure and thriving digital nomad communities, vibrant cultures that shift with every city and country, and a plethora of things to do across the continent, which all come affordably if you know what to do.  More Asian countries are courting remote workers, with freshly-launched digital nomad visas (and more to come from the likes of Sri Lanka and Vietnam). Here are the destinations that already offer visas, along with the requirements to qualify.  RECOMMENDED: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The best islands in Asia you need to visit at least once    

Yearly, several prominent music festivals light up Asia's calendar. Don't hesitate – catch that flight, as there's nothing quite like joining a pulsating crowd of fellow revellers, dancing and shouting your heart out to the tunes you love alongside beloved international artists. RECOMMENDED: The best concerts and tours in Asia in 2025 and The absolute best hotels in Asia right now 

Outdoor lovers will know – there are many nature trails and parks in Singapore, so much so that you can plan an entire weekend’s worth of things to do at these green spaces. And one such place would be the 24km-long Rail Corridor, which reopened in 2021 after two years of renovation work. Following this came the restoration of Bukit Timah Railway Station, the launch of Rifle Range Nature Park, and the reopening of the northern section of the Rail Corridor – all of which are part of the Rail Corridor. Needless to say, there’s much to do here. Whether it’s your first or tenth visiting the revamped space, we’ve curated a guide on what to see and do. Happy trails! RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the best outdoor spots in Singapore to admire nature from above  

Gone are the days when cafés mostly offered the same eggs benny or tired rainbow cakes. Singapore’s café scene today is bursting with creativity, character, and caffeine-fulled ambition. Whether you’re after a quiet café for remote work, an aesthetic brunch spot for the ‘gram, or an under-the-radar coffee hideout, this city delivers, and more.  This guide isn’t just for the coffee snobs (though we love you, too). It’s for anyone who loves discovering great food, thoughtful design, warm service, maybe even a surprise or two – like a latte made with cereal milk or excellent sourdoughs right beside a lake in Yishun. From minimalist nooks in the heartlands to buzzing bakeries in the city, these 50 cafés have all been handpicked by our editors and contributors, and are places we’d happily revisit any day of the week.  We’ve included everything from enduring favourites and cult-status cornerstones, to low-key gems you’ll wish you found out about sooner. And if you’re after a more specific vibe – say, pet-friendly spots or dessert-first cafés, we’ve got separate guides for those too. May 2025: This list has been updated with new favourites like Dearborn and Caffe Pralet, as well as well-deserved inclusions like Elijah Pies and Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, while bidding farewell to a few that have shuttered or slipped in standards.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. En

Need a change of scenery from your usual work setup? Whether your home office is less than inspiring or you just can’t stand another hour in a stuffy library, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the usual crowded coffee chains and check out these alternative spots instead. These cosy cafés offer free Wi-Fi, ample power points to charge your devices, and of course, great coffee to keep you fueled while you power through your to-do list.  RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Time to get your gig calendar sorted. Tons of amazing group acts and solo artists are touring Asia in 2025 – we’re talking mega stars like Lady Gaga, Blackpink, and Oasis. We can hear your wallet crying already, but that’s the reality of being a music lover. All there is to do now is hunker down and strategically plan your concert schedule for the year.  RECOMMENDED: Brilliant music festivals in Asia in 2025 and The absolute best hotels in Asia right now 

Vesak Day is one of the most significant days on the Buddhist calendar, and marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Also known as Buddha Day, this sacred occasion is observed with several rituals and celebrations, as well as opportunities for reflection and giving. Here’s everything you need to know about this Buddhist festival, happening on May 12, 2025.  RECOMMENDED: The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Singapore

If you're a beach person, the best part about living in Southeast Asia is the fact that it is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Just hop onto a plane from Changi Airport and you can get to a tropical paradise. Whether you're a pro surfer, diving enthusiast or just a beach bum, these are the best weekend beach getaways from Singapore.  RECOMMENDED: The best short day trips from Singapore and Weekend travel guide: 48 hours in Nusa Penida

There’s nothing like taking a pause from the daily grind to spend some time with the family. Especially if you've been working from home, both you and the kids may need a change in environment. From farm visits to skydiving, Singapore has a myriad of things you can do with your toddlers, tykes and teens. And why not complete it with a stay at some of the city’s best fam-friendly hotels and resorts? We pick up some of the best kid-friendly hotels in Singapore. With interconnecting rooms, themed lodgings, cool toys and fun activities for the little ones, it'll make for great bonding time for the whole family.  RECOMMENDED: The best kid-friendly activities in Singapore and the best free activities for kids

If you prefer getting away from the crowds this school holidays to spend some quality time with your family, try booking a holiday in a resort destination. Whether you're bonding with your parents or taking the little ones on a vacation, these resorts near Singapore might do the trick.  RECOMMENDED: Last-minute destinations to travel to this Christmas break and the best hiking trails in Johor Bahru

If you've been dreaming about lounging around in a hammock while sipping on a fresh coconut in a villa, you're not alone. And even if you don't fancy leaving the country, there's no reason why you should put those tropical dreams on hold. Grab your closest friends and spend a weekend at these fancy holiday villas in Singapore and you'll be transported to the Maldives, Seminyak or Phuket in no time.  Recommend: The most romantic hotels in Singapore and the best luxury five-star hotels in Singapore This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Nestled in the heart of Singapore, Balestier is where you’ll find tantalising local eats, heritage-rich locations and quirky shops. Whether you’re hunting for the city’s best bak kut teh or curious about the history behind its iconic shophouses, this storied neighbourhood is a treasure trove worth exploring.  Click here to find nearby Airbnbs RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore

Bali has always had two distinct draws: the sun-drenched coasts with its buzzing beach clubs and the enchanting forests and rice paddies in its interior. If you’re a diehard beach bum, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will convince you to spare a few days up north. This five-star resort in a quieter neighbourhood of Ubud is the definition of tranquillity, transporting guests back to “Bali as it was 40 years ago”, as a world-weary traveller might say with no little amount of nostalgia. Anantara Ubud cascades down a hillside facing the lush Payangan rainforest in a design that will remind you of the terraced rice fields that Ubud is so famous for. It all originates from the impressive main building, its massive columns holding up the lobby and four dining venues. Every feature of the place calls attention to the outdoors – slatted folding doors in the lobby frame green, waving fronds; floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the excellent signature restaurant Amerta; and alfresco bar Sulang Lounge leads out to one of the hotel’s two heated pools, which itself seems to hang suspended over the treetops. On a clear day, you can even see the conical peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Batur from the afternoon tea spot, Lobby Lounge.  The suites are carved stepwise into the hillside, accessible by an inclined elevator. Connected by an intricate network of stairs are the private villas – ours a one-bedroom abode with a private pool. The villa is spacious yet charmingly cosy: a neutral palette of bei

Feel the beat of New York at this grungy, hip-hop bar along Ann Siang Hill. An unassuming doorway on Ann Siang Road opens up into Brooklyn. Lit by low mood lighting, it has three sections: settle into plush seats for a proper sit-down meal, grab a seat by the main bar to chat with the mixologist, or head down a flight of stairs to the basement where an open-air kitchen shows all the chefs in action. Brooklyn bills itself as Singapore’s first hip-hop bar, so you can bet that hip-hop music will be playing all night long.  On the cocktail menu, 12 tipples are divided into three parts: Heart & Soul, King x Queen, and Ghetto Streets. It’s Brooklyn’s way of paying homage to all that makes up New York — its art, music, and culture. Ladies, come through with the Queen B*tch ($24), a refreshing cocktail with gin, elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth, orange marmalade and yuzu. Or try punchy signatures like The Brooklyn! ($26) and The Big Apple ($26). The former is spirit-forward with its use of barrel-aged wild turkey bourbon, while the latter blends Tiki Lover’s Pineapple, Baldoria dry vermouth, Laird’s applejack, apple maple syrup and black walnut bitters. The usual Maraschino cherry is replaced with a bright red candy apple that bleeds artistically onto a Brooklyn-stamped ice cube. In the Ghetto Streets section, the bartender’s virtuosity and skill come through in complex drinks like the Grandmaster Bear ($24), a fruity concoction with clarified cream. Cocktails aside, the food menu

No need for a scuba diving license to enjoy the treasures of the sea at Koral Restaurants. It’s Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, tucked away in the luxurious Apurve Kempinski Bali. Request for a table under the arched plexiglass of the aquarium to make the most of the unusual setting. It gives you front-row seats to the dance of colourful marine life while you tuck into artistic multi-course menus with Indonesian-inspired dishes like wagyu beef with Maranggi sauce and silken tofu with Kintamani tangerine. 

Bouldering – it's like rock climbing, but scarier since you're scaling the wall sans rope. But the sport has found quite the following in Singapore because it's a true challenge for both the mind and body. Strength, technique, and strategy are a must to excel. It's also just a great bonding activity to have with friends and other enthusiasts.  Lovers of the sport now have a playground at Project Send, a swanky facility that's housed on the second floor of Esplanade Mall. Founded by climbers Kenneth Ng and Sarah Chua, Project Send stands out for its holistic approach to the sport – combining bouldering, strength training, and a dining concept at Beta Café.  Let's talk about the space. Project Send occupies over 5,200 square feet of space at The Esplanade Mall comprising more than 70 routes covering 12 climbing grades. The 14 bouldering walls overlook cityscape and riverfront views for times you need a breather from – quite literally – staring at the wall. Bouldering nerds will also be happy to know that the walls themselves were designed by seasoned Swiss climber Patrick Andrey, who has taken into account the unique features of the space to create an enjoyable spatial flow.  Besides a world-class bouldering wall to climb, gym-goers can also look forward to a holistic set of classes. Expect strength training and mobility sessions to help you conquer that gnarly overhang while protecting your muscles and joints. It all depends on your climbing goals, which Project Send's coaches

There's a new bookstore in the heart of town, and it's a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. Taking over the space in Wheelock Place where the Borders flagship used to be is the ZALL Bookstore. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children across two storeys, and has a café and art gallery to boot. Enter on the first floor and be greeted by black and white calligraphic elements that immediately whisk you away to the Jiangnan Watertown. Here is where you'll find childrens' literature, as well as a spacious multi-functional reading and event space. Head to the café on this floor for some quiet reading time with a hot cuppa – they have a variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea on the menu.  Adults will want to head up the spiral staircase to do some book hunting. Expect a comprehensive collection across literature, humanities, history and philosophy from China and Taiwan. If that's not enough culture for you, there's always the art gallery on the same floor. ZALL Bookstore will be featuring creative pieces from both local and international talent, as well as stationery collections you can shop from. 

Taiwan-born Draft Land Singapore turns one, and it's throwing an anniversary bash for the ages. From October 10 to 13, its inviting one and all down for a celebration featuring great food, lively music, and of course, its drafted cocktails.  You'll want to swing by on October 10 (4pm till late), when 20 cocktails-on-tap will be going for the absurdly good price of $10. Dance to a diverse selection of R&B, hip hop, top 40s, and disco tunes by DJ Chuin as you sip on cocktail favourites like oolong tea collins and yuzu whisky sour, alongside new concoctions like Red & Stormy and Pornstar bellini. Draft Land is known for its Sample Service – so do ask the friendly 'draft tenders' to recommend a few cocktails to try before you commit.  The next two nights are all about the music, with multiple DJs on rotation. DJ Val starts the party at 6pm on October 11 with house, R&B and party anthems; followed by DJ Dyna with an energetic hip hop set. DJ Zack C, a big name credited for driving Singapore's top LGBT clubs in the 2010s, takes over with DJ Chuin from 10pm to midnight. If you're in your Mandopop era, swing by on October 12 instead, where DJ Pin will be soundtracking the night with beloved Mandarin ballads and jazz-influenced tracks. Draft Land has a satisfying menu of Taiwanese delights to go with its tipples, but October 13 brings something a little different. Chooby Pizza is set to pop-up with its Naples-style pizza, characterised by naturally leavened, light and thin crust overl

If you can’t race a car, why not hop around town on a GPSS pub crawl instead? For $50, join Pints and Pitstops on a boozy trip to four top bars around Singapore. At each, you’ll get a locally-inspired cocktail: think alcohol-spiked chendol and ice milo drinks, with the night wrapping at one of Singapore’s hottest nightclubs. Come prepared with your F1 knowledge though – the pub crawl includes race-themed trivia and games, with prizes up for grabs, of course.

The Projector has long been a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community. It runs regular queer parties and events, the crown jewel of which is the annual film festival, Pink Screen. With Pride Month just around the corner, The Projector has now opened ticket sales for this year's festival. It presents a tight curation of indie flicks from Singapore and around the world, which collectively spotlight queer inclusion, transgender experiences, and diverse voices from the community.  From May 31 to June 15, catch romantic comedies, noir flicks, and touching dramas on the big screen. A hotly anticipated film is a re-run of Bugis Street (1995), which paints an evocative portrait of queer Singapore in the 1960s. It's told through the eyes of a young cleaner employed at Bugis Street's Sin Sin Hotel – also a regular haunt for transvestites and transgender sex workers. This film was banned in Singapore for a good 20 years – an important reminder of how far we've come and how much there is left to go.  On the roster are Femme (2023), a seductive erotic thriller about a drag queen on a revenge quest after a traumatic homophobic attack; Love Is Strange (2024), a Women Film Critics Circle Award favourite about a married gay couple who lose their New York City apartment after one of them is unjustly fired from their job; and Peafowl (2022), an award-winning Korean drama that follows Shin-myung, whose dreams of winning a waacking dance competition (and the prize money for gender reaffirming surge

Lazarus Island is undoubtedly one of Singapore's most beautiful islands, and is rightfully beloved for its laidback, rustic charm and idyllic shores. The island has seen some development in recent times, with the addition of Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island cabins, a convenience store called Sol by BDC, and the water sports centre Camelot. The latest addition? Into The Woods, a new glamping experience laying claim to Lazarus Island's most beautiful beach.  Founded in 2022 by Ray and Sam, who were inspired by camping trips they had enjoyed overseas with their young children, Into The Woods is all about "experiencing a life unhurried". The idea is to book one of three family tents (sleeps four) or six couple tents (sleeps two), where you can slow down, disconnect from the bustle of city life, and immerse in nature.  What is it like living at Into The Woods? Where the 'glam' part of the vacation comes into play is in these rooms. On a one-night stay with Into The Woods, we checked into a family tent and found a whole lot to love. It's spacious and fully air-conditioned, with a king bed and a sofa bed to accommodate a family of four. Full-length glass sliding doors offers views of the beach – the glass is tinted so you can look out at the waves from the inside while staying shielded from anyone outside who might be looking in (in any case, there are curtains that you can draw for extra privacy). The room has a snack bar stocked with cereals, biscuits, coffee, and tea, a small f

Grounded is a riveting story of an ace Air Force fighter pilot, whose career in the sky is brought to an abrupt end by an unexpected pregnancy. Recommissioned to the Nevada desert to pilot military drones, she remains physically safe away from the action during combat shifts – but struggles with the disorienting clockwork of motherly duties blended with the psychological toll of war. Based on an award-winning script by George Brant and featuring actress Oon Shu An, Singapore Theatre Company’s Grounded is an empathetic study of both the personal and geopolitical costs of modern warfare.  Oon Shu An’s stellar performance as the protagonist kept us on the edge of our seats for the full 90 minutes, commanding the stage with an unwavering intensity. The script for Grounded is a demanding one, as the pilot slowly descends into madness as the line between her work and personal life begins to blur, a challenge that Oon navigates flawlessly. Despite the character’s disturbing joy in bombing “the guilty”, we found ourselves rooting for her, glad that she found some semblance of happiness in the “chair-force” – a job that she initially despised. The themes of Grounded resonate deeply in today’s context, where one side remains shielded from the threat of death while callously imposing a relentless demise upon others. Grab some friends and book the Watch With Friends package (minimum of four tickets) to enjoy 15 percent off. Interested in a theatre marathon? Grounded is also part of The S

After more than 50 years of parades, Chingay continues to keep things interesting. This year, it's setting out to dazzle with a large-scale floor projection on the F1 track, featuring a lush Chingay garden to fit 2024's theme of 'Blossom'. Look forward to an array of floral motifs throughout six acts to tell the story of Singapore's thriving culture and community.  The whole parade promises to be a visual treat. The floor projection, a first for the parade and the longest yet seen in Singapore, will transform the track at the F1 Pit Building into a massive moving canvas. The parade will open with a majestic dragon flying throughout the F1 track, followed by anamorphic illusions of buildings, flowers, and spaceships. Listen out for the Chingay Gardener (George Chan) and the Flower Fairy (Tan Rui Shan) as they narrate the story of 'Blossom', told through vibrant performances incorporating dragon and lion dances, inline skating, cheerleading, wushu, and pieces by international groups from Uzbekistan, China, Indonesia, and more.  Of course, an indelible part of the Chingay parade is the vibrant floats. This year, five main floats will grace the parade. Presented by groups like Tote Board Group, POSB, and Harmony Circle, they pay tribute to the youth, the elderly, our four major ethnic groups, and more active communities in Singapore. There's no missing the pomp and pageantry in the heartlands either – a float caravan will be parading through residential estates at the Chingay@Hea

Talk about a stunner. The 5-star Artyzen Singapore on Cuscaden Road is Artyzen Hospitality Group's debut in Singapore, and it's a maximalist dream. In a departure from brands that seek to provide a consistent experience across global properties (not a knock, that has its own charm), Artyzen Singapore grounds itself in local history and culture – providing a vibrant stay with a wonderful sense of place.  One fascinating tidbit about Artyzen Singapore is that it's built on prime estate formerly occupied by Villa Marie. It was a 1940s era mansion built by Tan Hoon Siang, a keen horticulturalist and relation of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng. His love of plants, and particular interest in orchids, has been woven into the fabric of Artyzen Singapore. You see it in the bold floral motifs stamped throughout the hotel lobby, in the arched trellises that drip with plants and gems alike, and in the green and tranquil sky gardens across the floors.  The hotel has 142 impressive rooms spanning four categories: Deluxe, Premier, Grand Terrace Room, and Terrace Suite. It's worth noting that all have balconies and soaring ceilings (at least four metres high), which give them a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. The Straits-inspired art we get a peep of in the lift (colourful artwork by Terence Tan that depict Peranakan shophouses) finds its way into these rooms, in the scenic wallpaper and Peranakan-tile motifs.  Our room for two nights is the Terrace Suite, and it's jaw-dropping to say the

The eye perceives beauty, but this building in Asia strikes straight at the heart. India's Taj Mahal, an ivory white marble monument to love, has just been named the most beautiful building in the world by Time Out. It tops a list of 24 most beautiful buildings in the world, shortlisted by Time Out travel editors to celebrate striking and inspiring architectural gems across the globe. We've featured centuries-old monasteries and futuristic art galleries, but taking the cake: what we'd consider the most romantic gesture of all time.  Built between 1632 and 1653, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Besides the poignant love story behind it, the Taj Mahal is admired as a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring an immense Persian-inspired dome, four free-standing minarets similar to those found in Islamic mosques, and calligraphy and floral motifs reminiscent of Islamic art. It's also really easy on the eye, with perfect symmetry from every angle, only enhanced by a reflection pool that leads up to the Taj Mahal. Three other buildings from Asia were included in our ranking. At No. 12 is the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the house of the Parliament of Bangladesh in the capital, Dhaka. It was designed by the world-renowned architect Louis Kahn, who incorporated local materials, such as concrete and marble, to create a powerful structure. Vast geometric openings punctuate this imposing facade to allo

If there's one Asian stereotype that we'll happily claim, it's that we're high achievers. Academics are serious business for us, and that's plain to see in the ever-growing calibre of universities in the region.  The latest QS World University Rankings 2026 are out, and we're proud to say that 13 Asian institutions have cracked the world's top 50.  Bright minds will want to set their sights on the top university in Asia: the National University of Singapore (NUS). It maintains its position as the eighth-best university in the world, with full marks or close to full marks in categories like academic reputation, employment outcomes, and international faculty ratio. For such a small country, Singapore punches above its weight – its other prominent university, Nanyang Technological University, is the second-best in Asia and No. 12 in the world.  The rest of the list is dominated by universities from East Asia, with China alone contributing five entries. Beijing's Peking University leads the pack as No. 14 in the world, with Tsinghua University not far behind at No. 17. Two universities from Shanghai make the list, with Fudan University at No. 30 and Shanghai Jiao Tong University at No. 47; finished by Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China (No. 47).  Those keen to explore beyond China have options in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul to consider, too. Check out the full list of universities in the top 50 rankings here – there's even a handy comparison tool that allows you to see data li

In March, we reported on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, which includes culinary giants like Gaggan (Bangkok), Wing (Hong Kong), and Odette (Singapore). But how do these restaurants stack up against other prestigious venues worldwide? Well, we now have an answer. On Thursday (Jun 19), the cream of the culinary crop gathered in Turin, Region of Piedmont, Italy for the unveiling of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Top honours went to Maido, a restaurant run by chef-owner Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumaru, which has been serving up some of the finest Nikkei cuisine in Peru (and the world) for 15 years now.  Gaggan AnandGaggan Anand Out of the 50 laureates, 14 restaurants from Asia were recognised – the region's top dog being (who else?), Gaggan from Bangkok, slotting in at No. 6 on the global list. Many of the entrants in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list are also represented, including Tokyo's Sézanne at No. 7, Hong Kong's Wing at No. 11, and Seoul's Mingles at No. 29. In a stunning debut on the global list, Bangkok's Potong slides in at No. 13, bagging it the Highest New Entry Award. Congratulations to its fellow Bangkokian, Nusara, for also making its debut, at No. 35. Having said that, we'd recommend a trip to the Thai capital if you'd like to try as many restaurants on the list as possible – the city has six entrants, the most of any Asian city.  And talk about comebacks – two restaurants from Japan made a triumphant re-entry this year. They are Narisawa from Tokyo at No.

We know the safest airlines in Asia for 2025, but what about the all-around standouts in the region? We're talking about the ones that deliver in service, comfort, efficiency, and more, across cabin class categories.  For that, you just have to turn to the World Airline Awards by Skytrax, which many consider 'the Oscars of the airline industry'. More than 325 airlines have been evaluated based on customer ratings, and we now have a list of the 100 best airlines in the world.  Topping the worldwide list is Qatar Airways (for the ninth time in its history), but emerging supreme in Asia is none other than Singapore Airlines. It's won top honours five times before, but settles for second worldwide this time around. Nevertheless, it bagged awards for the World's Best Cabin Crew, World's Best First Class, and Best Airline in Asia.  Kudos to Cathay Pacific Airways, which climbed from #5 last year to #3 this year, making it the second-best airline in Asia. Close behind is ANA All Nippon Airways at #5 globally, retaining its award for the World's Best Airport Services.  Let's not forget the low-cost airlines in the region. AirAsia is a repeat winner of the World's Low-Cost Airline Award, an award it's won 16 times consecutively now. It ranks #28 on the global list, surpassing larger national carriers such as Thai Airways (#29) and Vietnam Airlines (#62).  Want to fly long-haul but at low cost? Scoot is your best bet – it's Skytrax's World's Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline.  Check out

On Tuesday June 17, Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted, spewing an ash cloud more than 11 kilometres into the air. The 1,703-metre twin-peaked volcano, located on the island of Flores – home to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the popular tourist destination Komodo National Park – is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. This latest eruption has prompted officials to raise the alert status to its highest level. So, is it safe to travel right now? Are flights to Indonesia affected? Here's all the latest travel advice.  What's the latest with the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption? Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted at 5.35pm local time, said the country's volcanology agency. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but the National Disaster Agency said that at least one village had been evacuated. Ash rain has also been reported in several villages. Is it safe to travel to Flores? A 7km exclusion zone has been put in place around the crater of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. Geology agency head Muhammad Wafid has stated that no activities should be carried out within this exclusion zone. He also warned of potential mudflows, a dangerous type of volcanic flood consisting of volcanic debris, in case of heavy rain.  Our advice? Travel to Flores if you must, but stay well out of the 7km radius around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.  Are flights to Indonesia affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption? Yes, flights to Flores and nearby Bali have been cancelled in th

Move aside, Tokyo. Osaka is the hottest Japanese city for 2025. The port city – always ever-so-slightly overshadowed by Tokyo – has cracked the top ten of the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2025.  Released today, the Global Liveability Index 2025 ranked 173 cities worldwide based on over 30 factors over five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.  Remarkably, Osaka is the only Asian city to make it to the top ten. It ranked seventh worldwide with an overall score of 96, with full marks in the stability, healthcare, and education categories. It scored 96.4 in infrastructure and 86.8 in culture and environment. The rest of the top ten is dominated by cities from western Europe and Australia, with Copenhagen unseating Vienna as the most liveable city in the world.  Overall, the EIU notes a decline in stability scores in Asia due to intensified military threats in countries like India and Taiwan. But there are beacons of hope, cities that have shown marked improvement in this year's index.  Jakarta, Indonesia, moved up ten positions to rank 132 thanks to improved stability scores. Its security forces have been working hard to build resilience against terrorism and to quell domestic protests. A long-term challenge? Floods and other climate-related risks. In Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai jumped six spots to rank 116 and 130, respectively. Hong Kong also moved six spots to rank 44, and Surabay

Flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, but with recent high-profile crashes, you'll be forgiven for being a little antsy about hopping on a plane.  For some peace of mind, you might want to check out AirlineRatings.com's latest ranking of the world's safest airlines. The safety and product rating website for airlines consulted with check pilots and aviation experts, grading 385 airlines worldwide on measures such as fleet age, fleet size, fatalities, and serious incidents over the past two years.  The safest airline in Asia? That's Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, which ranked number three worldwide. There are some significant movements, with Vietnam Airlines debuting on the list and Korean Air cracking the top ten. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines dropped out of the ranking due to a serious incident involving severe turbulence in 2024, which resulted in one fatality. Nevertheless, AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Peterson maintains that it "remains exceptionally safe and retains its seven-star safety rating".  On the low-cost carrier list, Hong Kong's HK Express emerged as the safest in the region due to its flawless safety record and lack of serious incidents. Besides Japan's ZipAir (a new addition to the ranking) and India's IndiGo, the rest of the list is dominated by Southeast Asian carriers, such as AirAsia (Malaysia) and Cebu Pacific (Philippines).  Flying beyond Asia? Check out the safest airlines in the world, as ranked by AirlineRatings.com here.  Asia's saf

May has been a wonderful month with three public holidays – Labour Day, Polling Day, and Vesak Day – all falling within the first two weeks of the month. Which means June and July are going to be just a little extra tough on us. With Hari Raya Haji recently passing on June 9, we currently have to wait till August for the next 'free' day off, which happens to be National Day – where we'll be celebrating Singapore's 60th birthday (check out these SG60 deals for attractions in Singapore if you haven't!). This time, our nation's special day happens to fall on a Saturday, which means that those who are on standard five-day working schedules can claim a separate off day on another day, or claim salary in lieu. Our advice? Create your own long weekend by taking that off-in-lieu on a Friday or Monday, provided your company allows you to choose. SEE ALSO: Singapore's public holidays for 2026 announced with total of six long weekends Now that we're heading into the second half of the year, here are the final three remaining public holidays in Singapore 2025, with the final long weekend marked by an asterisk: National Day: August 9, Saturday Deepavali: October 20, Monday* Christmas Day: December 25, Thursday  The first three long weekends of the year have already concluded with Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday, and Vesak Day. The last one is happening on Deepavali, which falls on a Monday in October. And since we're on the topic: Get informed on the difference between Hari Raya Puasa and

It’s gala night aboard Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express. Guests are gathered in the gilded piano bar car dressed in their best slinky gowns, pressed suits, and a fur coat or two. We’re here for one final night of entertainment. Bathed in the warm golden glow of vintage-style lamps, our songstress takes an audience request and swings into 'Top of the World' by the Carpenters, her husky tones gliding over the tinkling piano keys – and always, the soft rush of rails under our feet.  It’s been an enchanting three days on Southeast Asia’s most luxurious sleeper train. The E&O Express is the younger Southeast Asian sibling of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, itself descended from the legendary Orient Express of 1883. Refashioned and regauged from New Zealand’s Silver Star stock, the E&O Express first pulled out of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station in Singapore in 1993, plying a route to Bangkok, Thailand. After a brief hiatus thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the emerald-and-cream beauty resumed operations in late 2024 with refurbished cabins and refreshed excursions. It now traces two languorous routes through central Malaysia: one forks at Gemas with endpoints in Merapoh and Butterworth, and the other hugs the coast en route to Perlis.  We’d seen the pictures on social media: sumptuous interiors dripping with vintage glamour. They catapulted the E&O Express to the top of our bucket list – reserved, we thought, for our retirement years or a miraculous windfall. So, when t

Your hotel can make or break your vacation. And for some travellers, the hotel is the whole vacation. Whether you're looking for a sanctuary to come back to after a whole day exploring the city or a destination accommodation with all the luxuries you could ask for, there's an answer in Asia. For the extra guarantee of a good time, you can turn to La Liste's latest list of the finest hotels in the world. La Liste, best known for its rankings of gastronomic experiences worldwide, has now ventured into the hospitality sector. Using a proprietary algorithm, it has aggregated and analysed data from over 400 international sources, comprising thousands of reviews, professional evaluations, and guest feedback to produce a list of the World's Best Hotels. A total of 10 hotels across the globe were honoured this year – and just two exceptional properties from Asia have been recognised.  One of the Asian laureates is Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. This grand dame opened its doors almost 150 years ago, boasting 331 luxurious rooms and 11 restaurants and bars (including the Michelin-starred French table d'hôte at Le Normandie, reopening in the latter half of 2025). It's situated on picturesque grounds by the Chao Phraya river – we love taking afternoon tea on the terrace to soak in the riverside atmosphere. The Peninsula Shanghai is the only other Asian hotel on the 'World's Best Hotels' list. La Liste highlights it as an "architectural tour de force" – and we can't help but agree. The Penins

Like a bolt from the blue, Jetstar Asia announced today that it will permanently cease operations as of July 31. In a Facebook post, the airline stated that Jetstar Asia's (3K) flights will continue to operate on a progressively reduced schedule for the next seven weeks until its closure.  This may be alarming news for those with scheduled flights on Jetstar Asia. Is your route affected? Can you get a refund for existing tickets? Here's all you need to know about how Jetstar Asia's closure will impact you.  Why is Jetstar Asia closing? In a press release published today, parent company Qantas Group stated that the closure of Jetstar Asia is due to "rising supplier costs, high airport fees, and intensified competition in the region, [which have] challenged the low-cost airline's ability to deliver returns comparable to the stronger performing core markets in the Group."   Qantas says it's expected to post a $35 million underlying loss in earnings before interest and taxes this financial year, prompting it and its majority shareholder, Westbrook Investments, to close the airline. Jetstar Asia's closure will unlock up to $500 million in fleet capital, which will be funnelled into Qantas Group's core businesses.  Which routes are affected? 16 intra-Asia routes operated from its Singapore base will be impacted by the closure of Jetstar Asia.  According to The Straits Times, these are the flights between Asian countries currently operated by Jetstar: Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Pe

Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon, and Hot Moon – tonight's Strawberry Moon goes by many names, but whatever it's called, it will be a sight to behold. The June full moon is set to rise over Asia tonight, and it will be an extra-rare one, appearing to hang lower and larger in the night sky. If you're keen to add one more moon photograph to your collection, here's all you need to know about the Strawberry Moon and how to catch it.  When is the Strawberry Moon in Asia 2025? The Strawberry Moon will reach its peak brightness at 2.44am ET on June 11. That's mid-afternoon on Wednesday for moon watchers in Asia, but we expect the full moon to be just as bright and beautiful when it rises tonight (June 10) and tomorrow night. So, don't fret and head out for a nice picnic under the night sky.  What is a Strawberry Moon? Sad to say that the Strawberry Moon is not actually pink, though it's known for having a subtle orange glow. This full moon was named by Native American tribes as it came around every time that wild strawberries reached their peak ripeness, in June.  Why is this year's Strawberry Moon so rare and special? This year's Strawberry Moon is extra special because of a major lunar standstill. This is part of the moon's 18.6-year cycle, where complex interactions between its orbit and the sun's gravitational pull causes it to rise and set at its most extreme northern and southern positions. This year, the moon's path will be the lowest it has been during a June full moon s