Dewi Nurjuwita

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.

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. If you’re looking to soak in the fresh air and stunning scenery while testing your fitness limits, sign up for Singapore T100 and challenge yourself on April 5 and 6 at Marina Bay. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands and the best secret and hidden parks in Singapore

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

It’s always nice being a tourist in your own city, and treating yourself to a staycation is the best way to get away from the daily grind. Luckily, Singapore is filled with plenty of fantastic hotels to choose from, so it's easy to have that much-needed quick getaway without jetting abroad. From chic boutique hotels, to luxurious heritage accommodations, as well as swanky loft-style spaces, these comfy hotels in Singapore will give you the best night's sleep. Plus, with stellar facilities and amenities like infinity pools, bars, and sleek lounges, you're bound to stay entertained throughout. RECOMMENDED: Best rooftop bars in Singapore and 101 things to do in Singapore

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.

If Bali had a poster child, Ulun Danu Bratan would probably be it. This stunning 11-tier pagoda appears to float on the serene waters of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, creating a picture-perfect reflection when water levels rise. Dating back to 1633, the temple is a key site for ceremonies and offerings to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, in honour of Lake Bratan’s vital role as a water source for central Bali’s irrigation. The temple’s architecture, designed in the traditional Balinese Hindu style, features multi-tiered pagodas that rise against a backdrop of vibrant flower beds and towering mountains. The standout is the 11-storey Meru tower, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati.

Tanah Lot, which literally means "Land in the Sea," is home to one of Bali’s most iconic temples. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop with waves crashing below, it’s the stuff postcard dreams are made of - especially at sunset when the temple is silhouetted against a golden sky. Built in the 16th century by Hindu priest Danghyang Niratha, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s seven sea temples, said to protect the island from evil spirits. If you’re lucky enough to visit during Odalan (takes place every 210 days), you’ll catch the temple at its liveliest, with rituals coinciding with the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations. And for the superstitious: rumour has it that Tanah Lot is the site of the infamous "Bali curse." If you're thinking of visiting with your significant other, you might want to weigh up the risks… or at least keep the romance on hold. Eat, pray, and proceed with caution!

Pizza might have its roots in Naples, but Asia has quietly become one of the most exciting places in the world to eat a slice. From tiny eight-seat counters in Tokyo to Neapolitan-style pizzerias in Bangkok and Manila, the region’s pizza scene is now drawing serious global attention. That momentum was on full display this week, when 50 Top Pizza – widely considered the world’s most influential pizza guide – unveiled its 2026 ranking of the 50 Best Pizzerias in the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement took place at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Tokyo, bringing together some of the region’s top pizzaiolos and industry insiders. Photograph: RistoPizza by Napoli Sta Ca’ Taking the top spot this year is RistoPizza by Napoli Sta Ca’ in Tokyo, led by chef Giuseppe “Peppe” Errichiello. Located in the Azabudai Hills complex, the pizzeria blends traditional Neapolitan techniques with playful, contemporary toppings. The restaurant opened in 2023 and has quickly climbed the rankings, after debuting high on the list in previous years. Second place goes to another Tokyo institution: The Pizza Bar on 38th, an ultra-intimate counter inside the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo led by chef Daniele Cason. With space for just eight diners, it’s often described as the world’s smallest pizzeria. Third place is shared between Fiata in Hong Kong, run by chef Salvatore Fiata, and gigi’s in Sydney, led by Daniel Semrani. The list also highlights just how diverse Asia’s pizza landscape has become. Rest

Central Vietnam has been having a moment lately, landing on lists such as our best places to visit in Asia. It's now getting more connected than ever, especially with Vietjet's new direct route between Da Nang and Jakarta. The new service launches on April 29, 2026, and marks the first direct flight from Da Nang to Indonesia. It'll operate five times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. This is huge news for travellers based in Central Vietnam, as they no longer have to endure awkward stopovers just to reach the Indonesian capital. Flights will depart Da Nang at 1.45pm and land in Jakarta at 5.20pm local time, while the return leg leaves Jakarta at 6.20pm and arrives back in Da Nang at 10.05pm the same day. It's a pretty painless new option for anyone plotting a quick city break, a business trip, or a longer Indonesia itinerary starting in Jakarta. The launch also adds to Vietjet’s expanding regional network, coming after the announcement of flights from Singapore to Nha Trang starting in June. And in case you missed the news, AirlineRatings recently named Vietjet the World’s Best Ultra Low-Cost Carrier for 2026, while also placing it among the world’s top low-cost airlines this year in its World's Best Airlines of 2026 ranking.  Of course, this being Vietjet, you can also expect onboard perks, including hot meals, Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi and Vietnamese iced milk coffee, plus rewards through its SkyJoy loyalty programme. Marketing copy a

AirlineRatings has just released its World’s Best Airlines for 2026, and Asia has every reason to feel smug at cruising altitude. In the full-service category, five Asian airlines made the global top 10: Cathay Pacific ranked second, Singapore Airlines third, Korean Air fourth, Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines fifth, and Japan Airlines sixth. Only Qatar Airways managed to edge the region out of the top spot. That makes this year’s list a strong one for Asia, not just in numbers, but in momentum. Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines both climbed from last year’s positions, while STARLUX is one of the standout movers in the 2026 ranking, jumping sharply from No. 18 last year to No. 5. AirlineRatings highlighted its polished cabin service, strong catering and sleek interiors, with the Taipei carrier also preparing to expand into Europe later this year. The ranking has been published annually by AirlineRatings since 2014 and is judged on passenger-facing criteria such as comfort, choice, product consistency and value across an airline’s network, rather than public voting or paid entries. Asia also turned in a strong performance among low-cost carriers. HK Express topped the global low-cost ranking, while Jetstar placed second, AirAsia came third, and Scoot ranked fifth. Vietjet Air, meanwhile, was ranked tenth and separately named World’s Best Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier for 2026. We think it’s well-deserved, especially with the airline's continued expansion in the region with newly ann

It’s no secret that Asia is a food paradise. So when Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 drops, it's safe to say we're sat. Unveiled at a ceremony in Hong Kong, this year’s list once again shines a light on the region’s culinary heavyweights, with a few cities emerging as clear standouts.  Hong Kong led the pack in a big way, taking the top two spots. The Chairman clinched the No.1 title and was named The Best Restaurant in Asia, rising from No.2 last year to reclaim the crown it previously held in 2021. The acclaimed restaurant is known for honouring forgotten Cantonese luxury ingredients and culinary traditions from southern China. Right behind it at No.2 is Wing, chef Vicky Cheng’s contemporary Chinese fine-dining restaurant. Coming in at No.3 is Bangkok’s Gaggan, last year’s No.1 winner, which also retains the title of The Best Restaurant in Thailand for its theatrical and boundary-pushing Indian cuisine. Bangkok, unsurprisingly, had the strongest showing overall with nine restaurants on the list, including Nusara at No.5, Gaggan at Louis Vuitton at No.8, Sorn at No.12 and Potong at No.25. Safe to say the Thai capital is still one of Asia’s most exciting cities to eat through. This year’s list spans 17 cities across the region, with eight new entries and four re-entries. It also marks a first for Kasauli, Penang and Ubud, which all appear on the 1-50 ranking for the first time. Kasauli makes its debut on the main list altogether, while Penang and Ubud move up from the extende

Tulips might be synonymous with the Netherlands, but you can spot them right here in Asia too. In Srinagar, Kashmir’s brief bloom season transforms the foothills into a riot of colour. And it’s all centred around one seriously photogenic event: Srinigar Tulip Festival 2026. What is the Tulip Festival 2026? The Tulip Festival 2026 is currently in full bloom at Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, widely regarded as Asia’s largest tulip garden. The gardens are located on the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking Dal Lake. Spread across a 74-acre hillside, the garden is arranged in seven terraced levels, each planted with more than 1.5 million tulips across over 70 varieties. Beyond the headline blooms, you’ll also spot swathes of hyacinths, daffodils, roses, muscari, irises and ranunculus, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Kashmir’s mountain landscape. The festival typically runs until mid-April (weather-dependent), with peak bloom expected between April 1 and 8, and daily opening hours from 9am to 7pm.  What can you do at the Tulip Festival 2026? Beyond the endless rows of tulips, the festival is designed to be a cultural experience. Wander through the seven terraced levels, where colour-coordinated blooms are punctuated by fountains, scenic viewpoints and dedicated photo spots—all framed by the Zabarwan mountains and sweeping views over Dal Lake. Take your time as you stroll, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the light softens, and th

Bali’s festival scene is getting a serious upgrade this year. Day Zero Bali, one of the most talked-about new arrivals on Asia’s music calendar, is set to land on the Island of the Gods. This marks the Bali debut of Damian Lazarus’ cult Day Zero series, which first gained a global following in Tulum. Think sunset-to-sunrise sets across the island, world-renowned DJs, and a heck of a good time.  What’s Day Zero? At its core, Day Zero is a sunset-to-sunrise electronic music festival that leans into mysticism, ritual and nature, rather than the usual big-room EDM formula. First launched in 2012 by Damian Lazarus to mark the end of the Mayan calendar, it has since evolved into a cult, globally recognised gathering known for its immersive art, theatrical performances and striking visual production. It draws an international crowd of electronic music heads, festival travellers and those chasing that slightly elusive “transformational” experience. Where and when is Day Zero Bali held? Day Zero Bali unfolds as a week-long, island-wide experience, running from Apr 14 to 19, 2026, with a series of sunset gatherings, night events and curated showcases across Bali. Expect satellite parties at venues like Ulu Cliffhouse and Savaya Bali in Uluwatu, as well as Desa Kitsuné in Canggu. The main event takes place on Apr 17, 2026, with a sunset-to-sunrise ceremony at Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park. Perched on a dramatic hilltop in Ungasan, the sprawling complex is best known for its t

If you needed another reason to love flying through Asia, here it is. Five of the world’s top airports for 2026 are all in Asia, according to the latest Skytrax World Airport Awards.  Topping the list once again is Singapore Changi Airport, which has won the title of the world’s best airport 14 times. And it's truly well-deserved, especially with the airport being home to the world's tallest indoor waterfall set inside a lush forest valley, a Butterfly Garden, Canopy Park, and unusual airport perks like free movie screenings and snooze lounges. Changi also picked up multiple awards this year, including World’s Best Airport Dining, Best Airport in Asia and World’s Best Airport Immigration Service. Following closely behind is Seoul Incheon Airport, which climbed to No.2 (up from No.4 last year) and was named the World’s Most Family-Friendly Airport. Tokyo Haneda takes No.3 (up from No.6), sweeping awards for cleanliness, domestic travel and accessibility. Rounding out the top five are Hong Kong International Airport at No.4 – recognised for its security processing and washrooms – and Tokyo Narita at No.5.  The world’s top 10 airports for 2026:  Singapore Changi Airport Seoul Incheon Airport Tokyo Haneda Airport Hong Kong International Airport Tokyo Narita Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Rome Fiumicino Airport Istanbul Airport Munich Airport Vancouver International Airport The results are based on the World Airport Survey, which gathered feedback from travellers of ove

Borneo has long been one of Southeast Asia’s last great frontiers. Now, there’s a new reason to have it on your radar. Club Med Borneo is set to open in November 2026, with bookings launching on March 24, 2026. This marks the brand’s second resort in Malaysia and a major expansion in the region. It’s set in Kuala Penyu, just 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, a destination that’s already gaining traction on lists like our guide to the best destinations in Asia for 2026. Image rendering: Club Med Borneo What is Club Med Borneo? Club Med Borneo is a new premium all-inclusive beach resort, marking the brand’s second property in Malaysia following the success of Club Med Cherating. It’s positioned as one of Club Med’s most ambitious projects in the region, bringing its signature all-inclusive concept–spanning accommodation, dining, activities and entertainment–to the wild, largely untouched landscapes of Sabah. What sets it apart is its focus on sustainable luxury. Club Med Borneo is designed to be the brand’s first large-scale BREEAM-certified beach resort in the Asia Pacific, with eco-conscious infrastructure and low-density development that blends into its natural surroundings. Where is Club Med Borneo located? Club Med Borneo is set along the quiet coastline of Kuala Penyu in Sabah. Framed by lush rainforest on one side and the South China Sea on the other, the resort sits in a part of Borneo that still feels largely untouched – a far cry from the region’s more developed beach

Vietnam has been constantly hitting our list of best places to travel to this year. And now, a new destination just got more accessible. Vietjet is launching a direct flight between Singapore and Nha Trang from June 1, 2026, opening up a quick route to one of Vietnam’s most popular coastal cities. The new service will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with a flight time of around two hours and 15 minutes. It also marks Vietjet’s fifth direct route between Singapore and Vietnam, joining existing connections to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Flights will depart Singapore at 3.15pm, arriving in Nha Trang at 4.35pm, while the return leg leaves Nha Trang at 10.25am, touching down in Singapore at 1.40pm. To celebrate the launch, the airline is offering promotional Eco-class fares from $86 one-way (all-in) across its Singapore-Vietnam network, including the new Nha Trang route. Travellers will also receive 20kg of complimentary checked baggage. Meanwhile, SkyBoss fares are available at a 20 percent discount during the promotion period. The sale runs from March 16 to 20 via the Vietjet website and mobile app, with travel valid between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. What to do in Nha Trang Photograph: Shutterstock Located along Vietnam’s south-central coast, Nha Trang is known for its long sandy beaches, island-dotted bay and growing resort scene. The city’s main stretch, Tran Phu Beach, runs along a lively waterfront lined wit

Malaysia is home to some of the most complex rainforest ecosystems on the planet. Stretching across the peninsula and Borneo, these landscapes are incredibly biodiverse – and remarkably ancient. In fact, parts of Malaysia’s rainforests are believed to be around 130 million years old, making them among the world's oldest tropical forests. But here’s something many travellers don’t realise: one of the world’s largest man-made tropical rainforests sits just outside Kuala Lumpur. The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM Kepong) in Selangor was once land cleared for vegetable farming and tin mining before it was painstakingly restored over decades of reforestation. Today, the regenerated forest stands as a rare example of how degraded land can be brought back to life. It’s also now recognised as a UNESCO-listed heritage site. What is FRIM Kepong? Photograph: Sophie Leguil/Shutterstock FRIM Kepong, short for the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, is a research centre and eco-tourism destination in Kepong, Selangor, just outside Kuala Lumpur. The site spans 545 hectares, adjacent to the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, and is widely recognised as the largest and oldest man-made tropical forest in the world. In fact, its origin dates back to the 1920s. The forest was created as part of an ambitious restoration effort following heavy degradation from tin mining. Scientists began replanting native tree species to rehabilitate the land, gradually transforming the former mining landsc

Spotting a Bengal tiger in the wild is one of India’s most thrilling travel experiences. The country’s national parks and tiger reserves are home to over 3,000 tigers, offering some of the world’s best safari drives–especially during the dry months from October to June. But if you’re heading into the forest soon, there’s a new rule to know: mobile phones are no longer allowed inside several of India’s major tiger reserves, including Ranthambhore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park, as authorities move to reduce disturbances inside these protected habitats. What is the phone ban? Several of India’s major national parks and tiger reserves have introduced a new rule banning visitors from carrying or using mobile phones during safari drives. The policy is designed to minimise human disturbance in wildlife habitats and keep the focus on conservation rather than social media. The move follows broader guidelines issued by India’s Supreme Court, which aim to curb disruptive behaviour within protected areas. Officials say phones have increasingly led to noisy crowds, vehicles clustering around sightings and risky attempts to capture photos or selfies near animals–all of which can interfere with the natural rhythms of the forest. Why is the phone ban happening? Forest officials say the restriction comes after growing concern about how smartphone use is changing behaviour within safari zones. In recent years, tiger sightings have become increasingly chaotic, with safari vehicles

We're just going to say it, Asia has some of the world’s most exciting, futuristic cities. So it’s no surprise that the region has once again made a strong showing in Time Out’s newly released list of the 50 best cities in the world for 2026. The ranking is built on the people who know cities best: the locals who actually live in them. This year, more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities were surveyed on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and overall quality of life. Their responses were then combined with votes from over 100 Time Out city experts to determine the final list. Created in collaboration with Intrepid Travel, the annual ranking celebrates cities that offer the best of both worlds: incredible places to visit and genuinely great places to live. Rather than focusing only on blockbuster attractions, the list looks at the everyday experiences that make urban life exciting–from community feel and walkability to cultural energy and affordability. This year, 11 Asian cities made the global top 50, with four landing in the top 10. Leading the region is Shanghai at #2, the highest-ranked Asian city on the list. Colonial-era architecture sits alongside cinematic restaurant concepts and a café scene often dubbed the world’s biggest. It’s also one of the most affordable cities in the ranking, with 88 percent of locals saying eating out is cheap.  Photograph: Dib Bangkok   Next up is Bangkok at #8, which continues to prove it’s far mor