Let’s Visit Asia

The Mandarin Oriental in Manila has opened a new bar: the Martinis.
Martinis is more than the city’s newest hotspot for drinks, it’s also become the place to go for live jazz in a sophisticated Art Deco setting. World-class jazz performed by a talented chanteuse-led band is on offer every night as is a martini menu that is well worth investigating, with such temptations as Ginger Martinis, Sake Martinis, Choco-chilli Martinis, Dirty Martinis and Cosmopolitans. The classics are here, too, from Singapore Slings to Mojitos and Margaritas –all mixed with flair and offered alongside a range of scrumptious bar snacks and …read more

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According to survey conducted by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Visa Southeast Asia, it seems that, in comparison to last year, 9% more travelers are looking at Asia as next travel destination. It appears that one in two people who intend to travel overseas in the next two years are looking at Asia as their most likely destination. Hm, I’d like to think this blog is making a dent, after all, hah!
Some highlights of the Asia Travel Intentions Survey 2007:

of those intending international travel in the next two years, 52 % were considering Asia as their next travel …read more

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Here’s a 30-second commercial prepared by the Malaysian Board of Tourism, featuring celebrity Michelle Yeoh:

Short but sweet.

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A new luxurious hotel, right in the heart of Beijing, has recently opened: the Regent Beijing. From the hotel website:
Set comfortably between the sleek modernity of the business district and the ancient hutongs of traditional China, The Regent Beijing is in an ideal position to offer a complete experience of Beijing. Strategically located in the heart of the city’s prime cultural and commercial district, the hotel is approximately 10 to 15 minutes walk to Wangfujing shopping districts, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and 45 minutes drive to the international airport.
Visitng Beijing this year? You can avail of the Regnet …read more

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How would you like win two round trip airline tickets, two nights free accommodation at a hotel in Bangkok and a Visa Cash Card with 25,000 baht spending money?
The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale will last three months long (June, July, August) and you can go on a shopping spree! Just register here until May 31, 2007 and you may just win a travel and shopping package to Thailand!
Good luck!

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If you’re flying Singapore Airlines, you can now avoid the long queues at the check-in counter and print your own boarding pass instead. You can go to any of the 14 auto check-in counters available at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 2, choose your seat, print your boarding pass, and drop your luggage at designated Fast Bag Drop counters, specifically for those who already have self-printed boarding passes.
Or, if you want to save even more time, you can check-in over the internet up to 48 hours before your flight in the convenience of your own home or office. For those staying …read more

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In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chinese drama, the Fifth Beijing International Drama Festival is ongoing until May 3 at the Great Hall of the People, Capital Theatre, Poly Theatre, Chang’an Grand Theatre, Haidian Theatre and others theatres in the city. A total of 18, mostly traditional, dramas will be staged during the festival.
The drama festival highlights various aspects of China’s dramatic arts, including musical drama, traditional drama, Peking Opera, Yue Opera from Southeast China’s Zhejiang Province and more.
Click here for more info on the schedule of performances.

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A dozen Asian hotels made it to the list of the Conde Nast Traveller’s Hot List of the best hotels in the world for 2007.
On 7th place: Banyan Tree Lijiang (photo), at Yunnan Province, China
On 12th place: Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski, at Badaling Mountains, China
On 16th place: Four Seasons Resort Maldives, at Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
On 33rd place: Mahua Kothi, at Madhya Pradesh, India
On 44th place: Raffles Beijing Hotel, in Beijing, China
On 49th place: The Bulgari Resort, in Indonesia
On 50th place: The Eugenia, in Thailand
On 51st place: The Fortress, in Koggala, Sri lanka
On 57th place: The Luxe Manor, in …read more

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One of the commodities that are cheaper in Asia compared to elsewhere are clothes. Getting a custom-tailored business suit using high quality raw materials for example, won’t burn a hole in your pocket. But how do you look for a good tailor? Matjnewton has some tips to help you spot a rip-off.

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One of the annoying issues with budget airlines is that they normally don’t give seat assignments. You get your boarding pass, but as soon as the boarding announcement is made, people rush into the aircraft to secure their seats, especially those who are travelling in pairs or groups and therefore want to be seated together during the flight.
If you want to save yourself such stress, you can now pre-select your seats aboard Tiger Airways. For an additional fee of S$5, you can choose any of the standard seats, or for a higher fee of S$25, you can have an emergency …read more

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