Dewi Nurjuwita

Bangkok already makes shopping irresistibly easy. Now, Siam Piwat and Huawei are making it smarter too, with the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card launching on Huawei Wearables. Instead of juggling apps, cards and QR codes while navigating the city’s mega malls, travellers can access selected perks and rewards straight from their wrist. Here’s your shortcut to Bangkok’s retail playground.

Singapore's most popular attractions may include a boat-like tower with an infinity pool and two durian-looking domes and other impressive manmade structures but you'll be surprised by the amount of greenery you can find within the city-state (and surrounding offshore islands). The best way to discover this? Hiking.  Put on your best trekking shoes and go on foot to explore these hidden (and not so hidden) trails around the island. But before you get on the best hiking trails in Singapore, it might be best to slap on some sunscreen – and it wouldn't hurt to bring along some mosquito repellent. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands and the best secret and hidden parks in Singapore

The global festival circuit might revolve around names like Coachella, Glastonbury and Tomorrowland. But Asia’s festival scene is catching up fast, with music lovers travelling across the region for everything from sunrise beach raves and underground electronic gatherings to massive rock and pop spectacles. The momentum is only growing. Tomorrowland is landing in Asia for the first time this December in Thailand, with tickets reportedly selling out in under an hour. Some of the festivals on this list are long-running heavyweights with near-mythical status, while others are newer additions quickly earning their place on the circuit. If you’re the type who plans trips around lineups and dancefloors, here are our picks of the best festivals in Asia to put on your 2026 calendar. RECOMMENDED: All you need to know about Wonderfruit 2026: dates, ticketing, and new Kyoto edition and These are the best cities in Asia in 2026, according to Time Out

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

When you’re in need of some rest and rejuvenation, a vacation in Bali is always a good idea. But with plenty, and we mean plenty, of accommodation options on the tropical island, where to stay can be a tough decision to make.  These resorts offer the perfect combination of luxury, seclusion, and an authentic island experience. From cliffside sanctuaries with sweeping ocean views to hidden retreats in lesser-known regions like Amed and Northwest Bali, we’ve curated a list of the best ones to consider.  Whether you're after private villas perched high in the mountains, wellness-focused getaways near pristine beaches, or stylish retreats designed for a digital detox, there’s something for every type of traveller. Get ready to discover the ultimate spots for a tropical hideaway on the Island of the Gods. READ MORE: The essential guide to Bali for first-time visitors and The best things to do in Bali

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. Our Hotel Editor's picks for the best hotels in Singapore: Best boutique stay: QT SingaporeBest hotel for families: Mandarin Oriental SingaporeBest luxury hotel: Raffles Hotel SingaporeBest beachside stay: Capella Singapore RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of

Lunar New Year is one of Asia’s most important moments on the cultural calendar–and one of the most rewarding times to travel if you know where to go. You’ll find streets transform into lantern-lit spectacles and traditions coming alive across various cities.  Before you start mapping out parades, lantern releases and temple visits, here’s what to know about Lunar New Year 2026 and how its celebrations shift across the region. RECOMMENDED: Uzumasa Kyoto Village park in Japan and This magical mountain town is the top trending travel destination in Asia for 2026

If you're in a relationship, the big V-Day (February 14) is reserved for spending quality time with your partner, from cosy cuddles at night to waking up to a stunning sunrise. Instead of staying at your usual pad, take a break from your everyday routine and spend the night at a home away from home. We’ve rounded up a list of the most romantic hotels in Singapore, so you can pamper your significant other with a much-needed staycation this Valentine’s Day.   RECOMMENDED:Want more choice? These are all of the best hotels in Singapore These are the best free date ideas in SingaporeThese are the most romantic restaurants in Singapore

When you think “romantic island getaway”, it’s easy to picture overwater villas and rose petals on the bed. And look, we’re not mad about that. But romance doesn’t have to always come with a butler and a plunge pool. For some couples, it’s found in shared effort, curiosity, and the kind of experiences that feel better because you did them together. That might mean sweating through a jungle hike, waking up early for a dive briefing, cycling between art installations, or wandering into a forest where you might not even get a phone signal. These trips still come with beaches and beautiful stays–but you have more to look forward to beyond that.  If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day escape or a post-February getaway, we’ve rounded up a list of underrated islands in Asia worth bookmarking. Each one offers a different kind of romance, depending on the type of couple you are. RECOMMENDED: Best places in Asia to travel to in 2026 and Most beautiful islands and coastlines in Asia

There's no way to travel all of Asia in one lifetime, but you can damn well bet that we're going to try. From bustling city destinations to wild island paradises, there's so much on the regional travel menu that we'd gladly spend our annual leave on in 2026 – and if you're having a hard time choosing, then you're in the right place. We talked to our Time Out editors and travel contributors in Asia to suss out what's on their radar for the coming year. These destinations are emerging hotspots: long overlooked or previously hard to reach, but now on the map for travellers seeking alternatives to well-trodden destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Many on the list have become better-connected, too – all the more reason to buy that plane ticket in 2026. And it goes without saying: they all have spectacular natural attractions, rich culture, and fantastic dining scenes to satisfy the pickiest of travellers. Here's Time Out's list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2026.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox. READ MORE: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The most gorgeous islands in Asia 

There’s a new face in the deep at Singapore Oceanarium – and he’s got fins. Hangyodon, Sanrio’s lovable half-fishman, is making a special year-end splash with his first immersive experience in Southeast Asia. From November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Singapore Oceanarium transforms into a mini trail of photo spots, interactive installations and meet-and-greets as Hangyodon marks his 40th anniversary in true aquatic style. Expect a mix of character fun and ocean highlights as you walk through the oceanarium’s different zones.

A beach vacation isn’t truly complete without a blissful massage, and the Island of the Gods is renowned for offering just that. Balinese massage, with its full-body, deep-tissue techniques rooted in traditional healing, is a must-try for any visitor to the island.  Whether you're after rejuvenating body treatments, cutting-edge wellness therapies, or a classic Balinese massage, the island's spa scene delivers a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. From Seminyak’s Insta-famous spots to hidden sanctuaries perched above Jimbaran Bay, these are the spas where you’ll find the ultimate escape for a radiant, post-vacation glow. READ MORE: Best luxury hotels in Bali and Best cafés in Bali to sip, snack, and soak up the island vibes

Step into the glittering world of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Singapore Champagne, sequins, heartbreak, and a whole lot of spectacle – Moulin Rouge! The Musical is set to make its Southeast Asia premiere at Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands in February 2027. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 2001 film, the hit stage production transports audiences to Belle Époque Paris, where young poet Christian falls for Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge, in a love story fuelled by truth, beauty, freedom and above all, love. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, this global phenomenon has already dazzled more than 12 million people worldwide. Expect a high-camp whirlwind of opulent costumes, bold choreography and pop anthems from across the decades, remixed into one wildly theatrical mash-up. Expect a big, glitter-soaked night out that will keep the musical spirit alive long after the curtain falls – voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?  To celebrate its arrival in Singapore, fans can join the waitlist for a chance to unlock exclusive rewards, including two pairs of coveted Gala Night tickets. During the Priority Sale and Super Early Bird period, one lucky ticket-buyer will also stand a chance to win a pair of return air tickets to Paris. Join the waitlist here.

Singapore’s best bars are shaking things up for the World Class Cocktail Festival. The citywide celebration is back, and it brings together 21 of the island’s most respected cocktail destinations for a limited-time bar-hopping experience.  Expect a cross-section of Singapore’s cocktail scene, from stalwarts like Manhattan and Gibson to free-spirited spots such as Sago House and Night Hawk, before the night lifts skyward at HighHouse and hotel bars including METT Singapore. One thing’s for sure, they’re all pouring exclusive World Class creations for the festival. Photograph: Side Door One standout stop is Side Door, helmed by husband-and-wife bartending champions with serious World Class pedigree. Over at HighHouse, cocktails come with a cool twist: elevated pours served 282 metres above ground, offering one of the city’s highest drinking experiences alongside sweeping skyline views. Photograph: @gluggony/Instagram The festival also turns bar-hopping into a game with its stamp-and-win mechanic. Collect stamps as you explore participating bars and unlock rewards at different milestones, with prizes ranging from dining vouchers to bottles of your favourite spirits: such as Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Don Julio 1942, or Zacapa XO. Pick up stamps as you sip your way through participating bars, and watch the rewards stack up as you hit each milestone. Visit five bars and you’ll unlock a selection of merchandise from World Class brands. Make it to 10 bars and you’ll score a S$50 din

Nestled near one of Ubud’s many rice fields, Kano Sari Ubud Villas is a fantastic getaway from the hustle and bustle of Ubud’s busy centre. The hotel is a five-minute drive from Ubud Royal Palace and the market, while the Sacred Monkey Forest is a further 10-minute drive away.

Bio-hacking, the practice of optimising your body’s chemistry and physiology to boost energy and vitality, is more than just a wellness trend - it’s a movement. And there’s no better place to experience it than Karma Spa, a state-of-the-art bio-hacking space set against the backdrop of Bali’s breathtaking southern coast. With an infrared sauna, ice bath, ocean shower, and warm soaking pool, you’ll find yourself immersed in one of the most spectacular environments in the world to explore this cutting-edge therapy.

Tamiang Spa offers exceptional value without compromising on quality, making it one of the most affordable yet enriching spa experiences in Bali. With 60-minute massages starting at just Rp 100,000, this unassuming day spa embodies the essence of Ubud. Its treatment rooms, nestled among lush greenery with the soothing scent of incense wafting through the air, create a tranquil escape. The extensive menu features everything from massages and reflexology to healing treatments and facials, all performed with time-honoured techniques and enhanced by Sensatia Botanicals products.

If you're chasing that perfect beach vacation glow, Glo Spa has you sorted. With five locations across Bali - Sanur, Canggu, Echo Beach, Nusa Lembongan, and Seminyak - this trendy spa is a go-to for travellers looking for a mix of indulgence and essential grooming. Along with its signature massages and body treatments, Glo Spa offers an extensive range of beauty services, from manicures and pedicures to waxing, lash and brow tints, lash perms, and spray tans. It’s a true one-stop shop for all your vacation beauty needs. And yes, it's also where you can get that dreamy, sun-kissed balayage for mermaid hair.

Beauty is skin deep, and it rings ever so true at The Sacred River Spa. Located in Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan along the serene banks of the Ayung River, this holistic spa taps into the mystical energy of the river to provide a deeply restorative Balinese experience. Treatments here go beyond the surface, blending spiritual practices with therapeutic massage to bring you into alignment - body, mind, and soul. The goal is simple: to foster harmony within by tuning into the sacred rhythms of nature.

Bodyworks Spa is a Bali icon, and if it hasn’t popped up on your Instagram feed yet, it’s only a matter of time. With its blush-pink walls and Moroccan-inspired arches, this stunning space feels like a slice of Marrakesh in Seminyak. It's no wonder the spa doubles as a popular spot for photoshoots and creative projects. But beyond the picture-perfect setting, Bodyworks is known for its range of indulgent treatments, from rejuvenating massages and facials to more modern therapies like an infrared sauna and ice bath experience.

This boutique spa from New Zealand may be situated right in the heart of Canggu, but once you step inside, the serene vibe sweeps you away. With island beats playing softly, a fully stocked bar, and private treatment rooms tucked within a lush garden, it’s easy to see why it was named Indonesia’s Best Day Spa at the World Spa Awards. Their offerings also extend to other prime Bali locations, including Seminyak, Nusa Lembongan, and Uluwatu.

Picture this: you’re enjoying a relaxing massage with the soothing sound of waves in the background at an Ocean View spa. That’s exactly what you can expect at Senses Spa by La Joya Biu Biu, perched on a cliff's edge in Jimbaran. Offering a range of facial treatments and massages, all of which feature a nourishing base oil blend of sunflower, olive, soya, and virgin coconut oil.

Perched on the slopes of the majestic Mount Agung, Pura Besakih, or the Mother Temple of Bali, is the island’s most revered and ancient spiritual site. This sprawling complex of over 80 temples dates back to 1007 A.D., making it one of the island’s oldest temples. Terraces and stairs ascend to spacious courtyards that lead up to the main spire, symbolising the worshippers’ climb up Mount Meru, an important mountain in Hindu cosmology. This also allows them to ascend closer to the sacred Mount Agung.  At the heart of Besakih Great Temple lies Pura Penataran Agung, Bali's primary place of worship, featuring 22 intricately designed temples. The panoramic mountain views add to the temple's mystique, making it not only a spiritual destination but also a visual spectacle that captures the essence of Bali’s sacred landscape.

Tucked away on the outskirts of Ubud, this tranquil water temple feels like stepping into a secret garden, enveloped by dense foliage and vibrant tropical plants. Pura Mengening dates back to the 11th century during the reign of King Anak Wungsu and is one of Bali’s most important temples, dedicated to Dewa Tirta Empul, the god of water. Locals come here to pray and collect holy water from its springs, believed to possess healing properties. Within the temple grounds, two purification pools - one for men and one for women - offer a space for the melukat ritual, a traditional cleansing ceremony. We think this is the perfect retreat for those seeking both purification and calm amidst Bali’s natural beauty.

Just when Japan’s hotel scene seemed impossible to make any more tempting, along comes this: Gaggan Anand and Bill Bensley are teaming up on a new hotel inside a 200-year-old sake brewery in Osaka Prefecture. Set within the grounds of Daimon Brewery, a working sake brewery founded in 1826, the upcoming Gaggan Hotel at Daimon Sake Brewery will be located at the foot of the Ikoma Mountain Range. It'll be nestled in between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.  The project is expected to feature just 15 suites, each measuring around 70 square metres, with no more than 30 guests staying at a time. Instead of the usual check-in-and-wing-it approach, the hotel is being planned as an all-inclusive, highly curated stay, with meals and itineraries arranged in advance. Guests will reportedly be able to choose from dining options and plan parts of their stay before arriving, leaving more time for sake, soaking and doing absolutely nothing. Food is, naturally, a major part of the draw. Gaggan Anand remains one of Bangkok’s most influential chefs, known for turning fine dining into something far more playful, theatrical and rule-breaking. His Bangkok restaurant Gaggan also recently ranked highly on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, keeping him firmly in the region’s culinary spotlight. Then there is Bill Bensley, the designer behind some of Asia’s most memorable hotels, including Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia, Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos and Capella Ubud in Bali. Expect storytelling, maximalism and p

Niseko is already one of Asia’s most famous ski destinations, thanks to its deep powder, long winter season, and very real ability to make people suddenly care about snow reports. Now, getting around one of its key resorts is set to become much smoother. Starting in December 2026, Niseko Village in Hokkaido will roll out a new gondola system as part of a major lift upgrade. The new mori-no gondolas will replace the old mori-no chairlift, which has been carrying skiers since the early 1980s. What is changing at Niseko Village? Niseko Village is introducing new eight-seater gondolas designed to move more people up the mountain in greater comfort. The upgrade will double the current transport capacity, helping to reduce queues and make the uphill journey warmer, faster, and less exposed to the elements. That last bit matters. Anyone who has sat on an open chairlift in Hokkaido weather will know that “scenic” can very quickly become too cold for comfort.  How will the new gondola system work? The new mori-no gondola system will be split into two sections, with an intermediate station between the base and the upper mountain. This gives skiers and snowboarders more flexibility, as they can choose to get off midway or continue higher depending on the snow, weather and their own ability level. The first section, running from the base to the intermediate station, is expected to open in December 2026. The second section, which will connect passengers onwards towards the summit, is sche

Airports are not always the most glamorous part of a trip. But the Prix Versailles 2026 airport laureates are a reminder that some airports are becoming architectural destinations in their own right. This year, four of the seven airport projects recognised by Prix Versailles are in Asia, with terminals in China, India and Cambodia making the global selection. The annual architecture and design awards, associated with UNESCO, spotlight standout projects across categories including airports, hotels, museums and restaurants. The strong showing continues a trend from last year, when Asia also featured prominently among the airport laureates with Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2 in Yantai, China, and Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 in Osaka, Japan, both earning recognition for their design excellence. Leading the 2026 Asian entries is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport’s Terminal 3 in China, which opened on October 30, 2025 as part of the airport’s major “five-runway, three-terminal” expansion. Designed around Guangzhou’s identity as China’s “Flower City”, the terminal includes a main building and three concourses, with domestic and international operations supported by 199 check-in counters, 60 self-service kiosks and 87 jet bridges. India has two projects on the list. Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport’s Terminal 2 in Guwahati was designed as a contemporary nod to Assam and Northeast India, drawing from bamboo craft and the kopou phool o

If your idea of a gallery is still four white walls and a polite bench in the middle, Prairie Ark might gently scramble that. Set on the banks of Laoli Lake in the Ulanqab grasslands of Inner Mongolia, the new cultural complex by Chinese studio BUZZ / Büro Ziyu Zhuang doesn't look like a conventional art space. Instead, it looks like a mysterious object that has settled into the steppe.  The building is shaped like a flattened disc, with one edge sinking into the earth and the other lifting towards the open sky. It has all the drama of a spacecraft's arrival, but without fully tipping into novelty architecture. Instead of leaning on familiar pastoral imagery – yurts, horses, rolling romance – Prairie Ark takes a more speculative route, turning the grassland into something cinematic, strange and quietly futuristic. The project is designed as both a gallery and a landscape intervention, blurring the line between building and terrain. Visitors can move from the surrounding prairie onto the sloping roof, making the structure feel less like an object to enter and more like a landform to climb, cross and experience. In a place defined by vast horizons, the architecture does not try to compete with the landscape so much as bend itself around it. Inside, the space is deliberately open-ended. A column-free ground floor allows exhibitions, talks, events and community gatherings to shift and adapt without too many fixed boundaries. Overhead, a gridded ceiling punctuated by skylights bri

From Bangkok’s revived street food scene to Osaka’s evolution beyond deep-fried comfort food, Time Out’s new ranking of the world’s best cities for food in 2026 proves that Asia is eating very, very well right now. And we're really not surprised.  The list was compiled using responses from more than 24,000 locals worldwide, paired with votes from Time Out’s global network of editors and food critics. Only the top-scoring city in each country made the final 20. While Lima took the overall crown, six Asian cities made the global top 20: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing, Osaka, Bengaluru and Hong Kong. Bangkok has been named Asia’s best food city in 2026, landing at No. 2 worldwide on the ranking. Time Out highlighted the Thai capital’s street food revival, a new wave of chefs refreshing regional Thai cuisine, and neighbourhoods like Song Wat Road and Talat Noi as key reasons to visit now. Locals also rated Bangkok highly for both quality and diversity, while Time Out’s expert panel gave it an 80 percent score. It wasn’t the only Asian city to make the cut. Ho Chi Minh City came in at No. 6, praised for balancing its famous street food culture with an increasingly confident fine-dining scene, while Beijing at No. 8 stood out for park-side brunches, café culture and affordability. Osaka, ranked No. 12, was recognised for evolving beyond its street-food rep, with chefs rethinking classics like tonkatsu and udon. Rounding out the Asian entries were Bengaluru at No. 13, which is d

The Ha Giang Loop is one of Asia’s most scenic motorbike routes — all limestone peaks, hairpin bends, plunging valleys and roads that make you question both your life choices and your phone storage. But if you are planning to ride the loop soon, there is one practical detail worth checking before you set off: border-area permits. Is there a new rule for the Ha Giang Loop? Some tour operators have recently been advising travellers that, from June 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering certain border areas in Ha Giang may need to obtain a Border Area Entry Permit and pay an additional fee of around US$10. However, this does not currently appear to be backed by an official government notice. No confirmed announcement from Vietnamese immigration, provincial police or a government portal has been widely published at the time of writing. So for now, it is safest to treat the June 1 date as operator guidance, not confirmed law. Do travellers need a border permit? The permit itself is not new. Vietnam has long required foreigners to obtain permission before entering certain land-border areas, and parts of Ha Giang fall into that category. The classic border districts on the loop include Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac – yes, Meo Vac counts, especially if your route includes Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River or Tu San Canyon. Which areas are affected? Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac are the key ones travellers should know. Some places circulating online, such as Lo Lo Chai, L

North Bali has always moved at a slower, quieter pace than the island’s southern hotspots. Now, Singaraja is getting a new public landmark that could give travellers another reason to head north beyond waterfalls, black-sand beaches and dolphin-watching trips. What is Singaraja Zero Point Area? Singaraja Zero Point Area is a new public landmark being developed in Singaraja, the capital of Buleleng Regency in North Bali. The project is centred around Tugu Singa Ambara Raja, often regarded as Singaraja’s “zero point”, and is designed as a civic space, tourist attraction and community hub. Think of it as a refreshed city landmark: a place for locals to gather, small businesses to operate, and visitors to get a stronger sense of Singaraja’s heritage identity. What will be inside the area? The development includes two main buildings: the Laksmi Graha Building and a gallery building. According to local officials, Laksmi Graha will support activities by Buleleng Regency’s Family Welfare Movement, while the gallery building will be used for meetings and shared exhibitions. The area will also include a more open, heritage-style streetscape alongside the existing Garuda statue, which is already a striking landmark. Why does Singaraja matter? Fun fact: while Denpasar is Bali’s capital today, Singaraja was once the island’s colonial capital. That gives the city a different character from the Bali many travellers know – with traces of old civic buildings, northern trading history and a mo

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka just got a little easier on the wallet. Since May 25, 2026, travellers from 40 countries can apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa via the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system free of charge, as the country ramps up efforts to attract more visitors. Here’s what to know before you start mentally booking train seats through the hill country. What has changed? Sri Lanka has waived the tourist ETA fee for nationals of 40 countries. Eligible travellers can now obtain a 30-day tourist visa through the ETA system without paying the usual processing fee. The visa allows double entry within the 30-day validity period, counted from the date of first arrival. So you can leave and re-enter Sri Lanka once, but your second visit must still fall within the original 30-day window. Which countries are eligible? The free ETA applies to travellers from countries including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, among others. Travellers from the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore, which have reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka, must also apply for an ETA before arrival, but the fee will be waived too. Maldivian nationals will receive a 90-day tourist visa under the ETA system. Do travellers still need to apply before arrival? Yes. This is the important bit: the fee has been waived, but the ETA itself has not disappeared. Travellers still need to a

Ladakh is already the kind of place that makes regular scenery feel a little underdressed. Think high-altitude desert, Buddhist monasteries, white stupas, mountain roads and skies. Now, the northern Indian region is adding another reason to visit: the sā Ladakh Biennale, billed as the world’s highest art biennale. What is the sā Ladakh Biennale? The sā Ladakh Biennale is a contemporary art event set across Ladakh, rather than inside one conventional gallery space. Founded in 2023, sā – meaning “soil” in Ladakhi – focuses on art, ecology, sustainability and community, which feels especially fitting in a region where landscape is not exactly a background character. When is the Ladakh Biennale 2026? The 2026 edition runs from August 1 to 10, 2026. The biennale will take over eight locations along the Leh-Kargil corridor, turning the route into a high-altitude cultural trail of sorts. What is this year’s theme? This year’s theme is Signals from Another Star, bringing together ideas of memory, regeneration, learning, lived experience and climate awareness. In Ladakh, where melting glaciers, changing landscapes and tourism pressures are increasingly part of the conversation, the theme lands with more weight than your standard art-world abstraction. Where will it take place? The biennale spans eight locations across the roughly 230km Leh-Kargil route: Kargil, Mulbekh, Heniskot, Lamayuru, Nurla, Likir, Basgo and Leh. The journey is part of the experience. Who is taking part? The 2026

タイの人気フェスティバル「Wonderfruit」の常連なら、同フェスティバルが例年12月の第2週末に開催されてきたことはよく知っているはずだ。しかし今年は、その恒例の開催時期を巡って思わぬ事態が起きている。 というのも、全く同じタイミングに、Wonderfruitの会場から車でわずか15分という同じパタヤ市内の場所で、「Tomorrowland」が初開催されることが発表されたからだ。 これを受け、グループチャットやフェスティバル関連のフォーラムではたちまち、「Wonderfruitはどうなるのか？」という声が飛び交った。 確かに、両イベントの客層は大きく異なる。Wonderfruitはサステナビリティを軸とした理念と没入型アートを特徴とし、Tomorrowlandは世界規模で展開されるEDMの祭典だ。それでも、2つの巨大フェスティバルが隣り合うように同時開催されることには、驚きの声が上がった。 Wonderfruitに行ったことのある人なら、開催期間中のパタヤが毎年多くの来場者で混み合うことを知っているだろう。配車サービスの料金は高騰し、大型ヴィラは数カ月前から予約で埋まる。そこにもう一つのメガフェスティバルが加わるとなれば、パタヤが相当慌ただしい週末を迎えることは容易に想像できる。 そのため、Wonderfruitが次にどのような動きを見せるのかに注目が集まったのも当然といえる。主催者はこのほど、2026年の開催日程を発表し、例年より1週間早く開催することを明らかにした。 しかし、大きなニュースはそれだけではない。Wonderfruitは初の海外版を日本で開催する予定で、タイ発の同フェスにとって大きな一歩となる。 新たな開催日程から、一連の展開が今後何を意味するのかまで、2026年のWonderfruitについて知っておくべきことを紹介する。 Wonderfruitとは？ Wonderfruitは、タイ・パタヤ近郊の「Siam Country Club」内にある「The Fields」で毎年、複数日間にわたって開催されるフェスティバルだ。音楽、アート、食、ウェルネス、サステナビリティを横断する、広大で創造性に満ちた、環境意識の高い遊び場として知られている。 しばしば「アジアのBurning Man」と称されるこのイベントには、世界中から1日当たり2万5000人以上が来場する。会場では、創造性、コミュニティ、自然をたたえる、24時間続く没入型体験が展開される。2014年12月に初開催されて以来、この地域で最も個性的なカルチャーフェスティバルの一つへと成長している。 2026年の開催日程は？ 主催者は、2026年の開催日程を12月3日（木）から7日（月）までと発表した。会場はこれまで通り、パタヤ近郊の「The Fields」となる。 2026年の拡張プログラム 今年、Wonderfruitは通常の開催期間を超えて展開する。「Open Fields」という新たな取り組みにより、12月3〜7日のメインフェス終了後も数カ月にわたり、会場である「The Fields」を稼働させるという。 「Open Fields」では、会場内の森や農場、アートインスタレーション、多目的スペースを活用。すでに最初のイベントも発表されており、内容は以下の通りとなる。 Camp Wonder12月18日（金）〜23日（水）仏教の教えを通じて遊びと「今ここにあること」を探求する、家族向けリトリートの機会を提供する。 Field.D*12月20日（日）

Running a marathon is already ambitious. But running one through Angkor Wat, past ancient temples and forested roads in one of the world’s most famous heritage sites? That’s definitely one for the books. The Angkor Empire Marathon 2026 returns to Siem Reap, Cambodia on Sunday, August 2, 2026, with routes starting and ending in front of Angkor Wat temple. Here’s what runners need to know. What is the Angkor Empire Marathon? The Angkor Empire Marathon is a race event held within the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to Angkor Wat and dozens of ancient Khmer temples. The route takes runners through the historic landscape of the former Khmer Empire, with organisers noting that the course passes nearly 40 ancient temples along smooth roads and forested stretches. It is also a charity-linked event, with proceeds supporting disabled people and underprivileged children in Cambodia. What race distances are available? There are four categories: Full Marathon: 42kmHalf Marathon: 21km10km Race3km Fun Run The full and half marathon categories are open to runners aged 16 and above, while the 10km race is open to those aged 13 and above. The 3km fun run is open to adults and kids. When does the race start? You will need to be an early riser for this one. The full marathon starts at 4.30am, followed by the half marathon at 5.30am, 10km at 5.40am, and 3km fun run at 5.50am. Runners are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before flag-off. Cut-off times are 6 hours 30 minutes for the full mara

Kazakhstan has long been one of Asia’s most underrated nature destinations, with its snow-capped mountains, vast steppe, alpine lakes, desert dunes and wildlife. Now, the country is planning to protect even more of it. Under a new biodiversity strategy, Kazakhstan will expand its national parks and reserves by 20,000 sq km by 2035, bringing its total protected area to 332,000 sq km. This comes at the right time, since the country is getting more popular among travellers and just extended visa-free travel to 56 countries last year. What is Kazakhstan actually planning? Announced in March, Kazakhstan’s new Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity for 2026-2035 sets out an ambitious plan to expand the country’s protected landscapes and restore more of its forests. The strategy aims to increase forest-covered land to 147,000 sq km, partly through preserving existing woodland and adding another 8,000 sq km through reforestation efforts. In practice, that could mean a much larger network of parks, reserves and protected ecosystems across the country. Earlier plans outlined by forestry and wildlife committee chairman Daniyar Turgambayev included the possible creation of six new protected areas, including the Aral and Zhaiyk forest reserves, a new reserve along the Irtysh River floodplain, Tunkinskiy National Park, Merkenskiy Regional Park and the Kyzylkum reserve. Existing reserves such as Ustyurt, Karatau, Akzhaiyk and Ili-Balkhash could also see exp