Let’s Visit Asia

Visiting Tokyo? Try the newly-opened Mandarin Oriental and let the Tokyo panorama take your breath away:
Guests arriving at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Tokyo are ushered from a private entrance, whisked directly to the 38th floor Sky Lobby and presented with a breathtaking view of the dramatic cityscape. Above, the sky is revealed through the vast glass windows. There is no doubt the new Mandarin Oriental hotel epitomises sophisticated luxury.
Located on Chuo Dori, the ““5th Avenue”” of the rich historical district off Nihonbash, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is offering introductory internet rates. Rates may vary from day to day, but a deluxe …read more

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Blogger Christine, who is a Filipino expatriate based in Singapore, wrote an article about Singapore as shopping haven. With the gamut of shops in Singapore, Christine provides a short primer of where to find what, bringing us to a cyber-shopping trip across Orchard Road, Marina Bay and the food jaunts at the Hawker Centers.
Go and have a look-see.

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So you want to go on a holiday and would like to bring your pet with you? Think twice, because although it is not impossible, it’s gonna cause you a great deal of hassle. Think hard, and plan well in advance. In most aircrafts, unless it’s a service animal (such as guide dogs for blind passengers), pets are not allowed inside the cabins. However, some, like Thai Airways does allow, small pets in the cabin, as long as there are no more than two animals aboard the cabin at the same time (you’ve got to coordinate with the airline). …read more

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In a previous post, I’ve enumerated the various shopping festivals in Asia. Well, brace yourself, year 2006 will start with a shopping spree… at the 11th Dubai Shopping Festival! I’ve had stop-overs in Dubai several times and I have to say, if the awesome array of fashion, electronics, cosmetics and especially jewelry at the Duty-Free is anything to go by, the Shopping Fetival is one to wow even the most shoppaholics of shoppaholics!
Themed ”One World, One Family, One Festival”, the month-long extravaganza will start on the 4th of January. Aside from shopping, there are exhibitions, plays, concerts, bazaars, street …read more

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Apparently, a lot of Japanese tourists think so. According to a survey conducted by a Japan travel agency, the expected number of Japanese tourists travelling abroad during this holiday season increased in comparison to last years’. However,
“Fewer people plan to visit China after the anti-Japanese demonstrations and due to worries about the bird flu outbreak.”
Indonesia, hit by suicide bombings on Bali, will probably attract fewer Japanese travellers, with the number expected to decline by 18.7 percent.
OK, let’s take the political anti-Japanese sentiments out of the list and we’re left with bird flu and terrorist threats. I can imagine how …read more

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Well, if my yesterday’s posts on budget airlines didn’t wake your urge to travel, maybe this one will: AirAsia is celebrating its 4th annivesary and is giving away 2 million (!) seats for FREE!
To be eligible, book your ticket online or via mobile (available on GPRS, 3G, EDGE mobile phones or wireless device) between now and to 28th December 2005, for travel between 7 Feb 2006 and 10th October 2006.
Naturally, offer is subject to availability, but free seats are most often found on midweek travel dates. C’mon, that’s travelling for NOTHING (not counting the taxes and airport fees, of course)! …read more

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There’s an “art space” — store to us mortals — along Silom Road in Bangkok that’s gaining popularity for jewelry afficionados. You won’t find fancy yellow diamond rings in Kitti Manoonphol’s shop, but his creations have been seen on beauty queens and Hollywood stars. He calls his creations “contemporary ethnic arts”, making use of ancient beading techniques, and incorporates common materials we see from day to day–plastic toys, Lego blocks, vinyl beads– to put together a unique portfolio.
Check it out on your next shopping trip in Bangkok! Alternatively, according to the Time feature on Manoonphol’s jewelries, if you’re too lazy …read more

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Jetstar Asia is treating us to a birthday blow-out! After one year flying the Asian skies, Jetstar tempts us to fly more! Have a look at these bargain airfares originating from Singapore:
Phuket fr S$18 one-way
Bangkok fr S$18 one-way
Hong Kong fr S$68 one-way
Manila fr S$98 one-way
Taipei fr S$88 one-way
Kolkata fr S$98 one-way
Siem Reap fr S$138 one-way
Phnom Penh fr S$138 one-way
Yangon fr S$208 return
Want to take part in this treat? Simply book by 13 December 2005 for travel from 4 January to 30 June 2006. Sounds like a great Christmas gift idea!

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Malaysian budget carrier Air Asia expands network and will soon add the following new connections (first flights this month or in January):
From Kuala Lumpur
to Balikpapan, Indonesia (RM99.99 / Rp 299.999), starting Dec 20, 2005
to Solo, Indonesia (RM49.99 / Rp 149.999), starting Dec 22. 2005
to Siem Reap, Cambodia (RM79.99 / US$ 22), starting Dec 27, 2005
to Pekan Baru,Indonesia (RM39.99 / Rp 119.999), starting Jan 12, 2006
From Johor Baru (tentatively set to begin on Jan 2006)
to Tawau, Sandakan, Kota Bahru and Ipoh
In addition to these new flights, AirAsia also increased frequency of flights to other stretches such as

KL-Sibu

KL-Macau

Johor Baru-Penang

Johor Baru-Kota Kinabalu

Bangkok-Singapore

Bangkok-Macau

Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani
With …read more

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The Bali Blog ponders: What would it take for you to move (for good, I guess he means) to Bali?
Imagine your dream destination in Asia. Palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze… Warm sand and waters on the beach… drench in cheerful sunshine and witness to breathtaking sunsets. Who wouldn’t want that 365 days of the year?
Well, I don’t. I think half of what makes holiday destinations extra-special is the distance to it all when you’re not on holiday mode. The excitement begins as you make the first plans, and steadily increases as you book your tickets, and pack …read more

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