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.

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.

It’s no secret that Asia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful hotels. These are the kind of places where design, landscape and a very good excuse to extend your stay come together almost too neatly. Now, five hotels in Asia have been named on the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Hotels List 2026, a global selection celebrating properties that pair standout architecture with a strong sense of place. The list features 16 hotels worldwide, with Asian entries spanning China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Among them is The ArcadiaPlace at Lugu Lake, China, where curved architecture mirrors the surrounding mountains, and The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou, a serene West Lake stay reimagined with the feel of a historic Jiangnan merchant’s home. Over in India, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace transforms a centuries-old fortress near Panna National Park into a royal retreat framed by forests, reflecting pools and open terraces. But the Asia entry we have our eye on is Soori Penang. Set in the heart of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage enclave, the hotel occupies 15 restored heritage shophouses beside the historic Khoo Kongsi clan temple. Designed by acclaimed architect Soo K. Chan, it balances the cultural richness of its Chinese clan-compound setting with a refined contemporary aesthetic that feels made for design-minded travellers. Expect lime plaster, stone, timber and bronze interiors, details that nod to local traditions, and after-hours access to the neighbouring

Mention Thailand, and most travellers will probably think of beaches, temples, and night markets. But here’s something you might not know: it also has one of Asia’s most notable dinosaur fossil records. Researchers have now identified a brand-new species there – and it happens to be the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia. Meet Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a colossal long-necked plant-eater estimated to have weighed around 27 tonnes and measured roughly 27 metres from nose to tail. It belonged to the sauropod family, the same broad group as Diplodocus and Brontosaurus, and roamed what is now Thailand during the Early Cretaceous period, around 100 to 120 million years ago. Its fossils were first found in Chaiyaphum province in northeastern Thailand in 2016, after low water levels exposed bones near a communal pond. Subsequent excavations uncovered parts of its spine, ribs, pelvis and legs, including a 1.78-metre-long front leg bone. Researchers later confirmed that the remains belonged to an entirely new species. The name is suitably grand. “Naga” refers to the serpent-like beings found across South and Southeast Asian mythology, while “titan” speaks for itself. Scientists have also nicknamed it “the last titan” of Thailand, since it was discovered in the country’s youngest known dinosaur-bearing rock formation. This suggests that it may be among the last giant sauropods still waiting to be found in the region. For travellers, the good news is that you do not need

It is hardly breaking news that Singapore is often counted among the richest countries in the world. The city-state regularly appears near the top of global wealth rankings, thanks to its high incomes, strong infrastructure and reputation as one of Asia’s biggest financial hubs. But a new ranking suggests that being “rich” should mean more than just having impressive economic numbers on paper. According to the HelloSafe Prosperity Index 2026, Singapore is the richest country in Asia, ranking sixth globally with a prosperity score of 66.43 out of 100. It is also the only non-European country to make the global top seven, sitting behind Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Iceland.The index looks beyond GDP alone, which is where things get more interesting. Instead of measuring only economic output, HelloSafe combines indicators such as GDP, gross national income, income inequality, poverty rates and the Human Development Index, which factors in life expectancy, education and income per capita.Singapore performs strongly thanks to its high economic output and standard of living, but the ranking also comes with a caveat: the country was penalised for having the highest income inequality in the panel. So while Singapore may be rich, the wealth gap is still very much part of the picture. The next Asian economies on the list are Qatar, ranked 11th globally with a score of 50.60, and the United Arab Emirates, which comes in at 13th with 50.22. Both remain among the region’s

There are two types of travellers in the world: those who love following recommendations for places to go in a destination, and those who travel to follow their niche interests. If you’re part of the latter camp and your idea of a good holiday involves looking up at the sky, Maharashtra has news for you. The Indian state has identified 11 new sites for astro-tourism as part of its Dark Sky policy, with plans to develop stargazing-friendly destinations across forests, crater lakes and rural landscapes. According to the policy, the state aims to promote stargazing, astronomy education, and ecotourism, while also working to reduce light pollution and improve infrastructure in these often remote locations. Think observatories, telescope-equipped viewing stations, astronomy interpretation centres and even eco-friendly accommodation. Among the sites already named are Pench Tiger Reserve, Harihareshwar, Lonar Crater Lake, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Toradmal, Bhandardara and Udmal tribal village in Nashik, with more locations expected across the Sahyadri ranges, forest belts and rural hinterlands. The standout for sheer cosmic drama is probably Lonar Crater Lake, which was formed by a meteor strike around 50,000 years ago. The state is also planning curated experiences at these sites, including guided stargazing sessions, meteor shower viewings and night-sky photography workshops. To kick things off, the government has launched the first-ever Khagol Darshan Mahotsav 2026, held at

Calling all museum hoppers, gallery crawlers and bookstore romantics: Taipei has just been named the best city in Asia for arts and culture in 2026.  The Taiwanese capital landed at No. 11 globally in Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s best cities for culture, making it the highest-ranked Asian city on the list. The ranking was based on a survey of more than 24,000 people across over 150 cities, alongside votes from Time Out editors and cultural experts worldwide.What pushed Taipei ahead? According to locals, it’s the city’s rare balance of old and new. One moment, you’re catching a traditional Taiwanese opera performance or wandering through centuries of history at the National Palace Museum. The next, you’re stepping into experimental theatre spaces, socially conscious exhibitions or politically charged literary talks in independent cafés.Taipei also stood out for affordability, scoring the highest on the global list for budget-friendly culture. Locals gave particular praise to the city’s literary scene and independent bookshops, proving you do not need London-level prices to have a world-class arts ecosystem. The city is also investing beyond galleries and museums. Taiwan recently unveiled plans for more urban forests and greener pedestrian-friendly streets aimed at making cities like Taipei cooler and easier to walk during summer, adding another layer to the capital’s appeal for travellers exploring on foot.Other Asian cities that made the global top 20 include Beij

Asia’s cocktail scene just picked up another major global nod. The Pinnacle Guide – an international recognition system for cocktail bars – has announced its latest round of PINNED venues, with bars across Singapore and Hong Kong earning spots in the 2026 guide. Unlike traditional “best bars” rankings, The Pinnacle Guide works more like a Michelin-style system for cocktail destinations. Bars are assessed not just on drinks, but on the full guest experience, from hospitality and atmosphere to operations, sustainability and staff welfare. Venues are then awarded one, two or three PINs depending on how they perform across written applications and anonymous reviews. This latest round is a particularly significant one. For the first time since 2024, new venues have achieved the guide’s elusive three-PIN status, while 46 new bars were recognised globally across all categories. That brings the worldwide total to 192 PINNED bars across 14 countries. Asia also had a notably strong showing this year. Singapore has six recognised bars spanning grand hotel institutions and newer genre-bending cocktail spots. Meanwhile, Hong Kong more than doubled its presence in the guide, jumping from two to five PINNED bars overall. Two of Hong Kong’s biggest additions – Argo and The Upper Room at Duddell's – both landed coveted two-PIN status, reinforcing their reputation as major players in the city’s cocktail scene. According to The Pinnacle Guide, Hong Kong now has the highest concentration of two-

Asia is having a very good year on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 list. The annual collection spotlights 100 extraordinary places to visit and stay, selected through nominations from TIME’s international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as an application process. This year’s list arrives as global travel continues to rebound, with around 1.5 billion tourists travelling abroad in 2025. Across TIME’s two lists – Places to Visit and Places to Stay – 21 Asian entries made the cut, spanning restaurants, cultural spaces, resorts, parks, heritage buildings and even a sleeper train. Thailand leads Asia’s showing with five appearances, followed by China, Singapore and Japan. Among the standout “Places to Visit” entries is Dib Bangkok, which opened in December 2025. The contemporary art gallery is the first venue of its kind in Thailand, bringing together 70 years of international art behind a moody black façade down a narrow Bangkok alleyway. Also in Thailand, DaiDib DaiDee in Pua and Khao Yai Art Forest in Pong Ta Long made the list, showing the country’s cultural pull now stretches well beyond the capital. Singapore scored two entries: the newly restored House of Tan Yeok Nee, a rare Teochew mansion reborn as an art and lifestyle hub, and Rainforest Wild Asia, which deserves special mention. The new wildlife attraction adds a more immersive, adventure-led dimension to Singapore’s already strong family and nature offering. It's proof that the city-state is sti

Forget city breaks for a second. UNESCO has added 12 new sites to its Global Geoparks Network, and Asia has come out especially strong. The latest additions include new geoparks in China, Japan and Malaysia, highlighting everything from glacial mountain terrain and limestone cave systems to mangrove deltas and sites that preserve nearly 2 million years of human history. If you are not already deep in UNESCO lore, a Global Geopark is not quite the same thing as a World Heritage Site. The designation recognises places with geological features of international significance, while also encouraging education, conservation and sustainable local development. These are places where extraordinary landscapes are meant to be protected, not loved to death. Photograph: Shutterstock Among the standout Asian additions is Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark in Japan, home to the country’s largest karst plateau and an extensive cave network. Over in Malaysia, two sites made the cut: Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its major prehistoric and archaeological significance, and Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark, with its mix of mangrove ecosystems, caves and 28 distinct rock geosites. China also added two new entries: Changshan UNESCO Global Geopark, with its mountainous subtropical landscapes, and Mt. Siguniang UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its dramatic glacial landforms and distinct vertical climate zones. Beyond Asia, the newly designated geoparks stretch across

Bali has become synonymous with beach clubs and smoothie bowls. But behind the holiday gloss, Balinese culture is still deeply present in everyday life. That becomes especially clear during Galungan and Kuningan, one of the island’s most significant religious periods. It’s a ten-day stretch when you’ll get to see penjor bamboo poles line the streets, families gather in ceremonial dress, and temple life takes centre stage. What are Galungan and Kuningan? Galungan and Kuningan are among Bali’s most important Hindu celebrations. Galungan marks the return of ancestral spirits to earth, while Kuningan, ten days later, marks their journey back to the spirit world. Together, they represent the triumph of dharma over adharma – or good over evil – and are observed with offerings, prayers, temple visits and family gatherings across the island. When are Galungan and Kuningan in 2026? In 2026, the sacred period runs from Wednesday, June 17 (Galungan) to Saturday, June 27 (Kuningan). If you are visiting Bali around mid-June, this is one of the most meaningful times to see the island’s spiritual traditions in full flow – from dawn ceremonies and incense offerings to gamelan drifting through villages. What can travellers do during the Galungan and Kuningan festivities? This is a time for observing sacred rituals respectfully. Travellers can wander through areas like Ubud or Sidemen to admire the beautifully decorated penjor lining the roads, watch families heading to temples in traditional

More Asian destinations have been moving towards paperless arrivals, such as Vietnam’s new digital arrival card. Bhutan may be next in line. The country is reportedly considering a digital arrival card alongside an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), in what looks like a broader push to modernise border formalities without losing its tightly managed approach to tourism. For now, though, this is still very much in the “watch this space” category. The plans were mentioned during a recent government review, but no launch date, rollout timeline or step-by-step details have been announced yet. What officials are looking at is essentially a smoother, more digital arrival process. Bhutan has already been edging in that direction with paperless visa processing, faster permit approvals and automated immigration clearance, so a digital arrival card would not come out of nowhere. The proposed ETA is a little murkier, since most foreign travellers already need to secure a visa in advance. This could end up being a new layer, a simplified replacement, or simply a tidier version of the system already in place. Until anything officially changes, travellers should assume the existing rules still stand. That means most visitors will still need a visa and pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee, which is currently set at USD 100 per adult per day. There is also some relief on that front: the 50 percent discount for visitors paying in US dollars has been extended until August 31, 2027. Bhut

Japan has no shortage of temples and shrines, but Ise Jingu offers a different kind of pull. There is no gilded excess here - just forest, ritual, and stillness. That calm is precisely what makes this moment so special: the shrine has entered its once-every-20-years rebuilding cycle, giving travellers a rare chance to catch one of Japan's oldest traditions in motion. What is Ise Jingu? Ise Jingu is widely considered Japan's most important Shintō shrine. Rather than one single building, it is a sprawling complex of 125 shrines centred around the Inner Shrine (Naikū) and Outer Shrine (Gekū) in Mie Prefecture. Its spiritual importance is tied to Amaterasu, the sun goddess at the heart of Shintō belief. Why is it rebuilt every 20 years? It's based on a ritual called Shikinen Sengu - a centuries-old practice in which the shrine is ceremonially rebuilt every two decades. It is less about replacement than renewal: salvaged timber is redistributed to shrines across Japan, skills are passed down, and the cycle keeps traditional craftsmanship alive. In Shintō terms, it is a way of preserving vitality through regeneration. When is the rebuilding happening? The current 63rd cycle began in 2025 and will run until 2033, when the sacred mirror is transferred to the newly completed sanctuary. So while this is very much a once-in-a-generation moment, it is not over in a flash. What can visitors see? The most sacred rites remain closed to the public, and visitors cannot enter the main sanctuar

Those who have spent any meaningful amount of time in south Bali lately will realise that the traffic is no longer just an inconvenience. It’s almost part of the itinerary now. The island’s busiest tourism belt, from Kuta and Seminyak to Nusa Dua and Canggu, has long struggled with road gridlock, and Bali’s leaders are clearly aware that the pressure of overtourism needs firmer solutions. Between moves to ban private beaches to protect local culture and proposals to require tourists to show proof of funds before entry, the island has already been trying to get a handle on the strain. Now, it is turning to the sea. What do you have to know about the Bali water taxi? This is not just about giving tourists a prettier transfer. The bigger idea is to ease pressure on Bali’s overburdened roads by shifting some journeys onto the water, especially in the island’s busy southern corridor. Among the planned routes are links from the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport area to popular destinations such as Canggu, offering a faster alternative to road travel. One of the most promising routes is the airport to Uluwatu: trial runs using traditional jukung boats suggest the journey could take around 35 to 40 minutes by sea, compared with well over an hour by car during peak periods. With modern water taxis, that travel time could drop further to around 25 to 30 minutes. That also means better logistics all round: less buffer time, more reliable transfers, and the potential to turn what