Dewi Nurjuwita

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

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

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.

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!

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

If your ideal summer involves less doomscrolling and more alpine air, this might be for you. Goodpace, a new community project for trail runners and mountain enthusiasts, is launching a month-long pilot stay in Fujimi, Nagano from June 12 to July 12, 2026 – inviting a small group to live, work and run together in the Japanese Alps. The concept is simple but unusually appealing: a co-living basecamp where people can stay for weeks rather than just a rushed weekend, with regular access to trails, shared local knowledge, and enough structure to make mountain life actually workable. Goodpace says it is building the kind of longer-stay trail-running infrastructure that does not really exist in Japan yet, where most running communities are still centred around events or short trips. Photograph: Goodpace Participants will stay in a 650-square-metre villa in Yatsugatake, around 12 minutes from Fujimi Station. The house has six ensuite bedrooms, two Japanese inn-style bathing rooms, a large shared living area, a gym, mountain bikes, an outdoor BBQ setup, and yes, a piano for anyone feeling emotionally moved by the mountains. The setting is quiet and forested, with the Yatsugatake range on one side and the Southern Alps on the other. The appeal is not just the house, of course, but the region itself. Fujimi sits on the border of Nagano and Yamanashi, with access to everything from quick local loops to serious alpine objectives. You can run straight from the villa into the Yatsugatake

If you have been circling flight tabs, half-building itineraries and telling yourself you will book it later, Trip.com’s 5.5 Mega Sale might be your cue to stop procrastinating. Running from May 5 to 8, the four-day sale is packed with limited-time deals on flights, hotels, attractions and destination tours. In practical terms, this is probably one of the better windows to snag a bargain before prices creep back up. The headline draws are the daily midnight coupon drops, where travellers can score up to S$155 off premium flights and up to S$125 off flight-and-hotel bundle bookings. There will also be 50 percent-off deals landing at midnight on things like airport transfers, car rentals and cruises, with cruise discounts going up to S$150 off. If you are serious about saving, this may be one of those rare occasions where staying up until midnight is productive. There is more throughout the day, too. From 10am on May 5, Trip.com will launch its Flight Surprise Boxes, with all-in fares to Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Airlines, Bangkok on Thai Airways, and Taipei on China Airlines. Then at 3pm daily, the site will roll out attraction flash sales, including buy-one-get-one-free tickets to places like Universal Studios Beijing, Legoland Malaysia Resort and Taipei 101, plus 50 percent off tickets to Universal Studios Singapore, Hong Kong Disneyland, Everland Korea and POPMART City Park. For those planning a short getaway, the Bundle & Save deals are worth a look too, with packages such

If you needed fresh ammunition for your “actually, Southeast Asia has the best beaches” argument, here it is. Entalula Beach in the Philippines has just been crowned the best beach in the world for 2026 by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, topping this year’s global ranking compiled with input from more than 1,000 travel professionals. The beach, tucked away in El Nido, Palawan, took the No.1 spot on the annual list, which evaluates contenders based on everything from untouched nature and lack of overcrowding to calm conditions, wildlife, and natural soundtrack. According to Tine Holst, Co-Founder of The World's 50 Best Beaches, Entalula rose to the top because it “delivers on every level our judges prioritise” – not just in terms of clear water and powdery sand, but for its towering limestone cliffs, dense greenery, and seclusion that has become increasingly rare on globally recognised shorelines. She added that it is a beach that has “consistently received strong support” from the panel over the years, but in 2026 stood out as “the most complete and impressive beach experience globally.” Which, frankly, is not a bad endorsement to have. The result also points to a broader shift in what makes a beach stand out now. Tine added that one of the clearest global trends is that beaches prioritising conservation over volume are rising to the top. Many of this year’s highest-ranked beaches are either located within national parks or in destinations that have taken a more controlled appro

Asia’s dining scene is having a serious moment. Leading the charge is CieL Dining in Ho Chi Minh City, which has landed at No.3 on Food & Wine’s 2026 list of the world’s top 10 global restaurants, making it the highest-ranked Asian entry on the list. It leads a strong showing for the region, with three restaurants from Asia making the cut in total: Potong in Bangkok comes in at No.5, while Naar in Darwa, India, takes No.6. Taken together, the list is another reminder of just how robust and diverse Asia’s dining scene is right now. Come on, we've got everything from polished Vietnamese fine dining to modern Sino-Thai tasting menus and a Himalayan restaurant rooted in mountain landscapes. The ranking is part of Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers awards and was compiled with input from more than 400 chefs, travel experts, food and travel writers, and wine professionals. These are restaurants chosen not just for their polished technique but for their distinct point of view. These are the kind of places that make a strong case for building an entire trip around dinner.  Asia’s top-ranked entry, CieL Dining, is the intimate, dinner-only restaurant opened by chef Việt Hồng in Thao Dien in early 2024. Food & Wine praises the way Hồng brings together French training and Vietnamese flavours, with dishes such as kailaan with foie gras, cóc fruit with house-made muối tôm, a deconstructed drunken chicken, and a signature fish maw custard. It has already earned its first Michelin star, which

If the full list of the world’s most walkable cities got you eyeing your step count with fresh ambition, here’s the Asia-specific version. In Time Out’s annual survey of 24,000 city dwellers, locals were asked how easy their city is to discover on foot, and several Asian hubs made a seriously strong showing. The global ranking was based on the highest share of residents rating their city’s walkability as “good” or “amazing”, with the top-scoring city from each country included. Leading the pack in Asia – and tied for first place in the world – is Seoul, with an eye-watering 93 percent walkability score. For a city of its size, that is no small flex. Locals praised the South Korean capital for being safe to wander day and night, while neighbourhoods like Myeongdong, Insadong and Hongdae remain tailor-made for getting pleasantly lost on foot. Then there are the city’s clever pedestrian projects, from the elevated Seoullo 7017 sky garden to the streamside paths along Cheonggyecheon, which link central stations with landmarks like Gwangjang Market and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Next up is Singapore, which landed at number eight globally with a walkability score of 86 percent. Anyone who has tried crossing the city in peak humidity without shelter will understand why its covered walkways are doing heavy lifting here. Time Out points to the city-state’s climate-smart pedestrian infrastructure, including the legacy of “Five Foot Ways” or Kaki Lima in shophouse architecture. This design f

Anyone who has stepped out of a Taipei MRT station in July and immediately felt their soul leave their body will appreciate this one: Taiwan is preparing a 10-year urban forest plan to add more shade to its cities, starting with Taipei and New Taipei. The proposal, expected to be presented to President Lai Ching-te at the National Climate Change Committee on April 30, is part of a broader push to treat trees as climate infrastructure, not just decorative landscaping. The timing makes sense. Taipei summers are already hot, wet and increasingly brutal, with daytime highs in June to August often around 32–35C, plus humidity that can make a five-minute walk feel like a personal attack. Officials say the goal is simple: commuters should one day be able to leave an MRT station and reach work, shops or public spaces without trudging across long stretches of exposed pavement. For travellers, that translates to a city that is easier – and far less sweaty – to explore on foot. The plan will prioritise native tree species, avoid planting in places where trees are unlikely to thrive, and may even introduce a tree “ID card” system so officials can digitally track each tree’s condition over time. Taipei has already identified four urban heat hot spots for extra planting: Wanhua, Shilin, Neihu and the East District. They were picked for good reason: these areas combine dense traffic, heavy development and relatively poor shade coverage, from Shilin’s night-market bustle to Neihu’s concrete-

Southeast Asia travellers are used to planning around monsoon seasons, but the forecasted super El Niño has a habit of scrambling the script. Expect more heat, drier spells, haze, water shortages, and weather that feels a little less predictable than usual. Here’s what it actually means for travel in the region – and how to plan around it so you can still have a good vacay. What’s the super El Niño? El Niño is a climate pattern triggered by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. That warming can disrupt rainfall and temperature patterns far beyond the Pacific itself, including across Southeast Asia. A super El Niño is simply a much stronger version of the same phenomenon – the kind that can push heat, drought and weather disruption up a notch. Right now, forecasters say El Niño is likely to emerge in mid-2026 and persist through at least the end of the year, though a very strong event remains a possibility rather than a certainty. NOAA’s latest outlook puts the chance of El Niño emerging in June to August 2026 at 62 percent, with roughly a one-in-four chance of it reaching very strong levels by November 2026 to January 2027. For Southeast Asia, that usually translates into hotter and drier-than-usual conditions in at least some parts of the region. That does not mean every destination will suddenly be hard to travel to, though, but it can make the usual weather patterns feel less reliable and often less forgiving. What do travellers

Vietnam has quietly rolled out a new entry requirement that every international visitor should know about before they fly. As of April 15, 2026, foreign nationals arriving in Vietnam must complete a digital arrival card before reaching immigration, and skipping it could mean a longer wait at the border.The system is currently confirmed for Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the country's busiest gateways. However, the official portal already includes fields for land and sea entry points, strongly suggesting a wider rollout is on the way. This follows similar requirements for travellers by other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Singapore.  Who needs to fill in the digital arrival card?  Almost everyone who isn't a Vietnamese citizen travelling on a Vietnamese passport. That includes visa-free visitors, e-Visa holders, and overseas Vietnamese entering on a visa. What do you need to do? Head to prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 72 hours of your arrival – not earlier, as the system only accepts bookings within that window. You'll fill in your passport details, flight number, accommodation address, and purpose of visit. Once submitted, you'll receive a QR code via email. Save this, as you'll need to show it to immigration officers on arrival. Think of it like online check-in: quick, straightforward, and much better done from your hotel room than in the airport queue. What happens if you skip it? You won't be turned away, but authorit