Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

While Borobudur Temple is a must-visit UNESCO site, Central Java has so much more to explore from its rich culture to scenic landscapes beyond this iconic monument.

How to experience Yogyakarta like Javanese royaltyThink royal palaces, hidden gardens, and luxury retreats steeped in history.

The influx of 32 million pilgrims during the 2025 Vatican Jubilee will lead to overcrowded attractions, higher accommodation prices, transport strain, and longer queues, making careful planning essential for other tourists.

Your guide to travelling to Rome during the 2025 JubileeWith 32 million pilgrims heading to Rome this year, here’s an essential guide for managing tours to the Eternal City.

Taiping's Sri Maha Parasakthi Pachaiamman Temple features the largest Hindu Goddess Parvati statue in Malaysia.

Why isn't Taiping on more travellers' radars?Once home to many of Malaysia’s firsts, this colonial town is now a charming gem waiting to be rediscovered.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand now?

Is it safe to travel to Thailand now?Shaken but steady, Bangkok has resumed normal operations and welcomes travellers back after Myanmar quake.

A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March, causing tremors in Thailand and China, damaging infrastructure, and sending residents fleeing in panic.

Powerful quake hits Myanmar and ThailandBuildings swayed and water cascaded over from rooftop pools in Bangkok.

In 2024, Indonesia experienced a notable increase in international tourism, attracting 13.9 million visitors, up from 11.68 million in 2023

Bali’s new rules to keep naughty travellers in checkTourists who violate these rules, which includes using vulgarities, will face legal consequences.

Nearly 50% of international tourists who visit Japan for skiing choose Niseko as their preferred destination.

Japan’s ski tourism hits new heightsSnow isn’t the only thing piling up in Japan – so are the tourists and their spending.

Vietnam’s tourism growth is attributed to increased flight connections, new visa policies, luxury hotel openings, and a rising culinary scene attracting international visitors.

Is Vietnam the next big thing in Asia?International arrivals to the country have steadily grown in recent years.

Cyclone Alfred's aftermath caused significant sand erosion and loss on the Gold Coast's beaches.

Gold Coast wants life to be a beach againQueensland is bouncing back after Alfred’s untimely visit.

A French scientist attending a conference in the US was deported after officials allegedly found “hateful” messages criticising US policies.

More travellers face detention and rejection at US immigrationSeveral countries are issuing travel advisories for the US amid Trump’s stricter border policies.

Japan wants to implement e-visa to streamline immigration, enhance border security, and manage the growing influx of tourists while preserving its cultural and natural heritage.

Japan’s new e-Visa system is coming faster than expectedSoon, travellers from 71 visa-exempt countries must complete an e-Visa before entering Japan.

Budget-conscious travellers are driving hotel bookings in Singapore, drawn by Lady Gaga's exclusive Asian concert and event tourism.

Travellers are going Gaga for SingaporeSingapore hotel bookings soar by 202% during Lady Gaga’s concert week.

The Sanur SEZ in Bali, launching in June, combines world-class medical facilities, wellness centres, business tourism, and hospitality.

Sun, sand, and surgery: Is Bali a new medical paradise?Sanur SEZ in Bali is set to woo global healthcare tourists – and keep wealthy Indonesians seeking treatment back home.

A new era takes flight as Hong Kong's multi-purpose airport city Skytopia gets clearance.

Could a new airport city elevate Hong Kong’s tourism status?Skytopia aims to transform Hong Kong International Airport into a dynamic hub blending business, leisure, and tourism.

Maria Margarita Nograles (right) aims to spur tourism in the Philippines by promoting indigenous heritage, empowering communities, and showcasing the country’s rich cultural identity on a global stage.

Meet the women powering the rise of Philippines tourismHow TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles is championing a powerful Filipino brand.

Lisa (left) from K-pop girl band, Blackpink, plays Mook, a wellness mentor at a luxurious Thai resort in HBO’s TV series, The White Lotus.

Blackpink’s Lisa x The White Lotus = Tourism surge in SamuiFirst came the TV series, then came the K-pop star. Next came the influx of tourists to Koh Samui.

Spain has expanded public drinking bans in 2025, prohibiting alcohol consumption on streets, beaches, and parks, with fines reaching up to €3,000, and stricter sales restrictions in nightlife areas.

Your guide to Spain’s new travel rules in 2025Planning tours to Spain? Here’s what you need to know as Spain enforces stricter measures to manage overtourism.

Instead of just rushing from one iconic site to another, the travel experience in East Java can be enhanced by immersing travellers in nature with picnics at scenic spots like Love Hill or Savannah Hill.

There’s more to East Java than just Mount BromoHow to complement a visit to Mount Bromo with other unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Europe's ETIAS travel authorisation, originally planned for 2021, has been delayed multiple times and is now expected to launch in late 2026 after further setbacks.

Europe’s new travel entry fee? Maybe in 2027…The ETIAS travel requirement is delayed again and again.

Last year, Tokyo residents returned a record 4.49 billion yen (US$30 million) in lost cash to authorities.

Why the Japanese are a tourist’s best friendHonest Japanese citizens hand over millions of dollars in lost cash.