SINCE the 1970s, Hello Kitty has been a permanent fixture across the globe. Namely in Asia and among teen girls. And now, drum roll please: Hello Kitty is collaborating with Japan Railways to bring…
Thailand’s first fully halal hotel opens in Bangkok
THE LUXURY Al Meroz hotel in Bangkok welcomes guests through giant wooden doors, into a foyer with elegant chandeliers and warm, friendly service. Conveniently located with easy access to Suvarnabh…
Has this thief bitten off more than he can chew?
AN ancient fossilized shark tooth has been stolen from a national park in Australia, leaving park wardens stunned and puzzled. Megalodons were three times the size of even the largest great white s…
LGBT escape: Asia pushes pink tourism
THE REGION’s LGBT tourism is expected to grow by leaps and bounds as Asian exhibitors have flocked to ITB Berlin’s LGBT pavilion to raise awareness of LGBT-friendly destinations.“…
Arriving in South Korea: Language, etiquette, customs, soju
IF you’re still under the impression that the Japanese and Korean culture are basically the same, you can’t be more wrong. In Japan, it’s rude to ask someone for their age, especi…
World Happiness Report: These countries are the happiest
“SKEPTICS of happiness believe that power, not happiness is the business of government…yet pursuing happiness is not only idealistic, it is the world’s best and perhaps only hope…
How you could be responsible for Asia’s garbage wasteland problem
BRITISH DIVER Rich Horner has had almost every major news outlet and broadcast station come knocking on his door the past two weeks. All thanks to troubling footage he posted on Bali’s garbag…
How safe is it to travel to these countries in Asia Pacific?
“WILL I BE SAFE?” is a question that creeps into the mind of most travelers at some point. But recent survey data suggests, that far from being a nagging doubt, safety concerns are now …
Drinks with a view: 5 best rooftop bars in Asia
A THRIVING NIGHTLIFE keeps things interesting in cities. From hunting down speakeasy-styled bars or hitting up neighborhood watering holes to enjoying a romantic interlude at snazzier and classier …
Is this the cleanest and happiest nation in the world?
DESPITE global warming and climate change, there is still a country on Earth that has a negative carbon rating. But the Kingdom of Bhutan has this achievement under its belt and is first in the wor…