Let’s Visit Asia

Only 24 cities have officially signed up for the Earth Hour 2008, held on March 29 — Bangkok and Manila the two Asian cities among them. What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
So for 60 full minutes last Saturday, these …read more

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I was going through the photos we took on our last trip to the Philippines and came across this photo of an uninhabited island between Panglao and Balicasag islands in Bohol. That’s me on the photo, marveling at the spectacular wonder of nature spread out before me.

The island itself is tiny, probably not more than a few hundred square meters and is locally referred to as Virgin Island, presumably because it is uninhabited (to date, at least). What took my breath away was the almost one kilometer-long sandbar that stretched away from the island itself. Our motorized banca …read more

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In the last several months, tourists have been flocking to these cities. Alas, there’s more to Asia that lures the tourist than just the stunning tropical beaches. So yes, if you can make it, go and explore before they truly become Asia’s lost gems.
Read Bangkok Chief of Bureau Denis D. Gray’s observations and lamentations on how tourists have taken over these places.
A fusillade of flashing, jostling cameras and videocams is triggered the moment Buddhist monks pad barefoot out of their monasteries in a serene, timeless ritual. A forward surge breaks into the line of golden-yellow robes, and nearly tramples kneeling …read more

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Been to Japan? Care to share your experiences and memories? Here’s a place for you.
Welcome to ReviewJapan, a place to share your experiences and memories of Japan, and review restaurants, places, products, activities, movies, and all things Japanese. We hope that you will post your thoughts and tell us what you think is interesting about Japan.
You can start your own blog, or post comments in their community forum.

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Traveling to Tokyo? Don’t miss b5media’s newly launched blog, The Tokyo Traveler, written by Shane Sakata.

Shane offers tips on getting around the busy metropole– where to go, what to do, and handy tips on how to make the best out of your stay in Tokyo.
Welcome to the b5media Travel Channel, Shane!

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There has been a number of new airports which opened the last few weeks, and more are set to open in the near future. I can imagine that if you’re a frequent traveler expecting to land in the Changi Airport Terminal 1 and end up in the newly opened Terminal 3, it can be disorienting. However, I think it’s one thing for such arrival information to escape passengers and another for a pilot to remain in the dark about where they’re supposed to land.
An airline pilot took his passengers on a 1,200-mile detour after refusing to land at a new …read more

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Some 480 spas across South Korea will now be sporting a new logo depicting waves of water with two circles symbolizing the heads of a father and son amid rising steam. This is to replace a red icon — a circle with rising wisps of steam– which they have been using for nearly a century because it is also being used by so-called “love motels,” which offer prostitution or short stays for couples having extramarital relations.
The new logo is to be used solely at spa facilities that have a natural hot spring, and violators face up to two years in …read more

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From Let’s Visit Asia, here’s wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

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The interesting thing with budget airlines is that they always the ones who come up with the coolest aircraft livery. Colors that already make it feel like your holiday already starts the minute you board the plane.

Since it is partnering with the AT&T Williams Formula One team, AirAsia has just unveiled its new A320 aircraft dressed up as an exact look-alike of the AT&T Williams racing car.
Right in time for the ongoing Malaysian Grand Prix!

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Jakarta. Singapore. Tokyo. Hong Kong. Taipei. Lawry’s The Prime Rib has also arrived in Shanghai.
Treat yourself to prime rib cuts, carved before you on your tableside. Whether it’s for business meetings, special celebrations, family gatherings, or even wedding banquets, Lawry’s is a great choice for people who know their steaks. Check out this review from the Shanghaiist’s Food Editor, Eric Hu.

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