Dewi Nurjuwita

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

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

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

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

All around the world, trains are back and bigger than ever. From the expansion of night train networks to the resurgence of supremely luxurious rail routes, train travel is proving that alternatives to planes and cars aren’t just greener: they’re often much more enjoyable, too.  When making a list of the best rail journeys in the world, it sort of makes sense that Asia features so heavily. After all, this continent is vast. It’s home to such a mind-bogglingly huge range of cultures and landscapes that it simply cannot help but also be home to an enormous selection of fab train journeys.  So, without further ado, here goes: from luxury hotel rooms on wheels to legendary historical routes, these are the seven best train journeys in Asia.  READ MORE: The most incredible road trips in Asia and The most fascinating historical tours in Asia 

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!

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

Angkor Wat often steals the spotlight as Southeast Asia’s most iconic temple complex, but over in southern Laos lies a site that quietly predates it by centuries. Vat Phou, an ancient Khmer-era sanctuary set at the foot of Mount Phou Kao, is believed to be one of the region’s earliest places of worship. The sprawling temple complex may not draw the same crowds as its Cambodian counterpart, but its history and setting overlooking the Mekong plains make it one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated cultural landmarks. What is Vat Phou? Vat Phou is an ancient Khmer temple complex in southern Laos, set at the base of Mount Phou Khao near the Mekong River in Champasak province. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sanctuary dates back to the 5th century, though most of the ruins visible today were built between the 11th and 13th centuries during the Khmer Empire. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple was designed around the sacred mountain behind it, believed to represent Mount Meru in Hindu cosmology. Over time, Vat Phou evolved to incorporate Buddhist influences, and archaeological evidence –including a fifth-century Sanskrit inscription – suggests the site predates Angkor Wat by centuries, making it one of Southeast Asia’s oldest known places of worship. Where is Vat Phou?  Vat Phou sits in southern Laos, near the small riverside town of Champasak, about 40 kilometres south of Pakse. Pakse itself is the capital of Champasak Province and the main gateway to the

Any Wonderfruit regular knows the drill: the festival usually lands on the second weekend of December. But this year, that familiar timing has thrown up a curveball. That’s because Tomorrowland is set to debut in Pattaya on the exact same weekend, just a 15-minute drive from the Fields. The announcement immediately sparked the same question across group chats and festival forums alike: so… what’s happening with Wonderfruit? Granted, the two events attract very different crowds–Wonderfruit with its sustainability-driven ethos and immersive art, Tomorrowland with its global EDM spectacle. Still, the idea of two massive festivals unfolding side by side has raised eyebrows. Anyone who’s been to Wonderfruit knows that Pattaya already strains under the festival influx each year, with ride-hailing prices surging and large villas snapped up months in advance. Add another mega-festival into the mix, and it’s safe to say the city might be in for one very busy weekend. So it’s no surprise that all eyes were on Wonderfruit’s next move. The festival has now announced its 2026 dates, confirming that it will shift a week earlier than usual. But that’s not the only big update: Wonderfruit will also be launching its first international edition in Japan, marking a major step for the Thailand-born festival. From the new dates to what this expansion means for the future of the event, here’s everything you need to know about Wonderfruit 2026. What’s Wonderfruit?    Photograph: Wonderfruit Wonde

Picture this: the late afternoon sun washing over a long stretch of white sand, the Indian Ocean rolling in steady turquoise waves, and a herd of Sumba ponies galloping across the beach. It’s a scene that has become synonymous with NIHI Sumba, the legendary resort on Indonesia’s eastern frontier that has quietly built a reputation as one of the world’s most extraordinary beach escapes. But NIHI Sumba’s reputation goes beyond its wild setting. The resort has long paired its guest experience with meaningful community initiatives through the Sumba Foundation, supported by entrepreneur Chris Burch, who purchased the property in 2012. The foundation works across the island to improve access to clean water, nutrition, healthcare and education, and has played a major role in reducing malaria in local communities. Now, the same team is bringing that spirit to a new destination. NIHI Rote, set to open in May 2026, will be the second property from the creators of NIHI Sumba. And it’s landing somewhere even more remote. Located on Rote Island in West Timor, the southernmost island of Indonesia, the new resort brings NIHI’s blend of adventure, wellness and purpose-driven tourism to a largely untouched corner of the archipelago. Set along the pristine white sands of Bo’a Beach, NIHI Rote is already shaping up to be one of Indonesia’s most exciting luxury openings for 2026. The resort has been designed as a return to a slower, more intentional way of living that’s rooted in nature, culture

If you like pho, we’ve got news for you: Ho Chi Minh City now has the world’s first pho museum. Yes, an entire museum dedicated to one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes–and arguably one of the world’s most iconic noodle soups. The newly opened Pho Museum in Ben Thanh Ward celebrates the story of pho through food, history and hands-on experiences, offering visitors a deeper look into the dish that has travelled far beyond Vietnam’s borders. The three-storey museum spans 800 square metres, and is the first private culinary museum in Vietnam licensed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports. About time, if you ask us. Inside, visitors can explore pho’s 100-year evolution through a mix of exhibition spaces, a show kitchen, a cinema room and a souvenir area dedicated to Vietnam’s national noodle obsession. The museum’s main draw is a guided tour lasting around 60 to 70 minutes, designed to walk visitors through the cultural and historical roots of pho before culminating in the best part: eating it. The experience begins with exhibits tracing how pho developed across Vietnam’s three regions, featuring hundreds of artefacts, documents and visual displays that explore the dish’s ingredients, cooking methods and culinary traditions. You can expect interactive elements that help bring the stories to life, including displays that break down the components of a bowl of pho and the craftsmanship behind its broth, noodles and toppings. The museum’s show kitchen also offers a

If you’re plotting your 2026 travels and trying to dodge the obvious, Tripadvisor has just dropped a list worth bookmarking. The platform’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations has been unveiled, spotlighting the top trending places for the year ahead. The ranking pulls from millions of reviews and ratings over a 12-month period, highlighting destinations that travellers are raving about right now, and the ones shaping where we’re heading next.  The full global list spans 20 destinations, from Madeira and Tbilisi to Chicago and Milan. But Asia makes its mark with two standouts: Vietnam’s coastal underdog Quy Nhon at #4 and Japan’s laid-back Okinawa City at #16. Quy Nhon’s addition to this list signals something we’ve been noticing for a while: travellers are looking beyond Vietnam’s usual suspects. Just an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this coastal city delivers wide, uncrowded beaches and a slower rhythm that feels increasingly rare. It’s part of a broader shift towards Central Vietnam, a region we’ve already spotlighted in our own list of the best destinations to visit in Asia in 2026. Beyond the sand, Quy Nhon rewards curiosity with Cham-era temple towers perched on hillsides and seafood so fresh it barely needs seasoning. If Vietnam’s headline spots feel saturated, this is the next wave. Meanwhile, Okinawa City’s #16 ranking feels especially timely. As Japan grapples with overtourism – with Fujiyoshida even cancelling its hugely popular cherry b

Slow travel is having a moment in Japan – and this April, it’s getting an upgrade in deep red and gold. For those heading to Japan this year, take heed: there’s a new luxury tourist train departing from Osaka, and it’s launching in April. Nankai Electric Railway Co. is introducing the GRAN Tenku, a four-carriage sightseeing train running from Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station on the Koya Line. It's the gateway to sacred Mount Koya. Don’t forget to bring your cameras on this 90-minute journey. The train travels across nearly 20 kilometres of hills, forested valleys, traditional villages and 24 tunnels, turning the approach to Wakayama Prefecture’s UNESCO-listed Koyasan into a panoramic experience. Onboard, guests can tuck into seasonal breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea sets while watching the scenery unfurl beyond oversized windows. The train’s design leans into classic luxury. Its exterior comes in a rich crimson tone, trimmed with gold accents, while its interiors are configured to enhance views. The first carriage features reclining seats for laid-back comfort, while the second is oriented specifically for sightseeing. Plans for the third and fourth cars are still underway, but they’ll most likely include a lounge space and sofa-style seating for dining. The train accommodates 70 passengers, keeping the experience relatively intimate. Once you arrive at Gokurakubashi, a cable car carries you up to Mount Koya, one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist centres. Here, over 100

Seeing Southeast Asia being represented on screen just hits differently. The colours are richer, streets louder, food more alive – and when our cities and stories make it onto the global stage, there’s an unmistakable swell of pride that follows. For all the times the region has been exoticised or sidelined, it still feels significant when filmmakers choose to root their work here. So when Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker decided to shoot a short film in Penang starring Michelle Yeoh, let’s just say: we’re seated. Baker, the director behind Tangerine (2015) and the Palme d’Or-winning Anora (2024), is known for his raw, street-level storytelling and eye for places that feel lived-in and real. Pair that sensibility with Penang’s layered cultural mix – and a Malaysian icon like Yeoh – and you’ve got a project that already feels worth paying attention to. What is Sandiwara about? Photograph: self-portrait Sandiwara is a 2026 short drama written and directed by Sean Baker, starring Michelle Yeoh in not one, but five roles. In this tight 10-11 minute film, Yeoh steps into the lives of five distinct Malaysian women: The Critic, The Hawker, The Waitress, The Vlogger and The Singer. Each of them delivers a monologue that shines a light on corners of Malaysian culture that rarely make it into the global spotlight. True to Baker’s stripped-back filmmaking style, the project was shot entirely on an iPhone over just two days in Penang. Sandiwara premiered at the 76th Berlin Internatio

Here’s an important PSA for those visiting Japan from April: make sure your phone is fully charged before boarding your flight. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has announced that the use of power banks will effectively be banned on planes from April 2026, tightening rules on portable lithium-ion batteries in the cabin. The new restrictions apply to all flights flying to and from Japan, including transit passengers passing through Japanese airports. For many travellers, especially those on budget airlines where seat sockets are a rare luxury, this marks the end of casually "topping up" your battery at 35,000 feet. While power banks are already prohibited in checked baggage, the new rules will further restrict their carriage onboard. High-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh remain strictly banned, and devices below that threshold will be limited to two units per traveller. And while you can bring your power banks onboard, in-flight use or charging will be strictly prohibited. The decision follows growing global concern over lithium-ion battery fires. According to Japan’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, there were 123 mobile battery-related accidents in 2024 alone. Aviation authorities worldwide have been reassessing cabin safety standards, and Japan’s latest move aligns with international ICAO guidelines aimed at reducing in-flight fire risks. Japan isn’t alone in this crackdown. South Korea recently implemented similar res

There’s something to be said about bridges. They have this uncanny ability to make a landscape instantly more intriguing. Who knew a single arc of steel, stone or wood slicing through a valley could transform an ordinary view into something cinematic? From living tree structures to gravity-defying walkways in the sky, the best bridges don’t just get you from A to B; they become the reason you want to go there in the first place. Time Out Worldwide has just released its list of the most beautiful bridges in the world. And Asia made a strong showing, with four entries landing in the global ranking of 19: Double Decker Root Bridge in India, Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Singapore's Helix Bridge, and the Xianren Bridge in China.  Taking second place overall is the Double Decker Root Bridge in Meghalaya, India. Unlike most bridges on the list, this one isn’t engineered in the conventional sense. Instead, it’s grown. Crafted over decades by the Khasi people using the roots of rubber fig trees, the living structure in Nongriat was designed to withstand heavy monsoon rains. Today, visitors descend more than 3,000 steps to cross the iconic bridge. Photograph: Shutterstock Coming in fourth is Vietnam’s wildly photogenic Golden Bridge near Da Nang, Vietnam. This is one of the more modern bridges on the list, opened in 2018. The 150-metre walkway appears to be cradled by two giant, weathered stone hands rising from the Ba Na Hills. Sitting roughly 1,000 metres above sea level, it’s firmly

Cherry blossom season in Japan usually means one thing: crowds, cameras and that postcard-perfect shot with gorgeous blush hues. But in a move that’s sent ripples through the travel world, Fujiyoshida has cancelled its hugely popular Cherry Blossom Festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park for 2026. When is the usual cherry blossom festival? Japan’s sakura season typically runs from late March to early May, rolling north as temperatures rise. In Tokyo and Kyoto, blooms usually peak in late March to early April, while northern regions like Aomori and Hokkaido see blossoms into late April and May. For the full calendar, read our Japan cherry blossom forecast. Fujiyoshida’s Arakurayama Sengen Park, famed for its five-storey pagoda framed by Mount Fuji and a wash of pink blossoms, has long been one of the country’s most photographed hanami spots. The festival there usually takes place during peak bloom in early April, drawing around 200,000 visitors to a city of fewer than 50,000 residents. Until this year, that is. Why is the festival being cancelled? On February 3, 2026, city officials announced the cancellation, citing overtourism. Simply put, the crowds have become unmanageable for the city.  Despite crowd controls and visitor management measures, the sheer volume of travellers converging on one small hillside park has overwhelmed infrastructure, transit and daily life. Industry experts say this isn’t just about one event. Instead, it’s a sign of what happens when viral “must-get”

It’s no secret that coffee culture in Asia has levelled up. From meticulous pour-overs in Japan to Singapore’s old-school kopi and Vietnam’s slow-dripped cà phê phin, the region takes its caffeine seriously. Now, that obsession has global receipts. The second edition of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops was unveiled at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026. And out of 100 spots worldwide, 14 Asian cafés made the cut. Photograph: @story.of.ono Leading the pack is Apartment Coffee in Singapore, landing at an impressive No.6 globally, making it the highest-ranked café in Asia. The minimalist space is known for its precise pour-overs using single-origin beans from Costa Rica, Rwanda and Kenya, plus a team that genuinely enjoys geeking out about your cup. Close behind at No.8 is Story of Ono in Kuala Lumpur, a stylish spot blending specialty coffee with matcha and Japanese sandos. Elsewhere on the list, Taiwan emerged as a quiet powerhouse with four cafés ranked, while Japan, South Korea and Malaysia each secured two spots. Here are the Asian cafés that made the 2026 ranking: 6. Apartment Coffee, Singapore8. Story of Ono, Malaysia22. Momos Coffee Flagship Store, Korea24. Ult Coffee, Japan28. Koffee Mameya Kakeru, Japan31. Espresso Alchemy, China34. Yardstick, Philippines36. Coffee Sind, Taiwan46. KEEP Coffee Roastery, Taiwan51. Ruli Coffee, Korea57. Tomorrow Coffee Roasters, Taiwan61. Fika & Co. Cafe, Thailand78. Coffee Stopover Black, Taiwan84. Coffee Stain, Malaysia The rankings combine publ