SINGAPORE - Changi Museum has snagged the top spot in TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice awards under the 'Top 10 Museums in Singapore' category for the second year running.
According to the travel website, Changi Museum is also the only winner from Singapore to be featured in the Asia list. It is ranked 16th in Asia, moving up five spots from its previous ranking of 21 in Asia last year.
With new, modern museums like the National Gallery and ArtScience Museum taking centrestage in Singapore's arts and cultural scene, Changi Museum's win is a nod to conservation efforts in the country.
The current museum was opened on Feb 15, 2001, 59 years after Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 during World War II. The museum had been relocated after the old Changi Prison Chapel and Museum, which was built in 1988, was cleared to make way for the expansion of Changi Prison.
The museum was built to recognise the grit and suffering of the prisoners-of-war (POW) who were interned in Changi Prison during the Japanese Occupation. Audio-visual presentations and letters of these prisoners' accounts fill the small exhibition space, a stark reminder of the dark times during WWII.
The exhibition also features artefacts from the war, such as old uniforms and personal belongings of the prisoners.
A key highlight of visiting the museum has to be viewing the replica of the Changi Murals.
POW Bombardier Stanley Warren began painting murals to draw strength from his faith, in a small room at Block 151 Roberts Barracks, while he was incarcerated by the Japanese. The barracks was also known as St Luke's Chapel.
Completing the murals was a mammoth task as resources were scarce in the prison. However, the other prisoners put themselves at great risk to help Warren acquire the most ingenious tools to finish his work, such as camouflage paint, oil paint and even chalk.
Today, the original murals are closed to the public as the barracks are part of a protected military ground. Visitors can visit the full replicas at the museum.
Here is the full list of the top 10 museums in Singapore according to Travellers' Choice:
1. The Changi Museum
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Changi Museum steals hearts as top museum in Singapore: TripAdvisor
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2. The Intan
Photo: The Intan
3. Singapore City Gallery
Photo: The Straits Times
4. Peranakan Museum
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Nyonya Needlework: Embroidery and Beadwork in the Peranakan World
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5. Asian Civilisations Museum
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The revamped Asian Civilisations Museum
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6. National Gallery Singapore
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Sneak peek of National Gallery Singapore
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7. Chinatown Heritage Centre
Photo: The Straits Times
8. National Museum of Singapore
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Treasures of the World exhibition at The National Museum of Singapore
Here's one more reason to visit the Philippines: It's relatively too cheap to fly here.
This was among the results of a survey conducted by Kiwi.com, an online travel agency that uses algorithms to combine flight itineraries in the vast and fragmented commercial aviation sector to uncover big savings for its clients.
According to Kiwi.com's 2016 Aviation Price Index, the Philippines ranked 9th out of 75 countries that offered "the best value flights." Topping the list of value flights was India while the most expensive was the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The survey studied over one million international and domestic journeys. To come up with the ranking, it took into account fares per 100 kilometres of travel in terms of budget airline and legacy carrier trips to come up with an "average" figure.
The Philippines secured its place among the top 10 countries offering value flights with an average of $7.76 (S$10.60) per 100 kilometres of travel.
The Philippines has three carriers. Legacy carrier Philippine Airlines and two budget carriers: Cebu Pacific Air and Air Asia Philippines. According to Kiwi.com's survey, its average low-cost airline fare for domestic routes was at $5.23 per 100 km and $8.26 for legacy carriers.
For international flights, it was at $3.93 for low cost airlines and $13.61 for legacy airlines, per 100 kilometres.
As noted, the survey revealed that India had the most "value" with an average flight cost of $3.25 per 100 kilometres of travel while the UAEs was the most expensive, calculated at a cost over 30 times higher, or $105.71 per 100 kilometres of travel.
"The Aviation Price Index is a fascinating guide to the costs of air travel around the globe," Kiwi.com's CEO Oliver Dlouhý said in a statement.
As more and more people opt to celebrate their wedding on the breathtaking island of Bali, The Mulia Resort and Villas has introduced a beach-front venue to cater to those seeking to hold grand events under the stars.
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Ken Chu, Han Wenwen wed in Bali
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With the Indian Ocean and the Balinese Geger Temple nestled on the cliffs of Nusa Dua Bay in the background, the Unity Garden boasts 2,000 square meters of space comprising a deck and grass area for cocktail receptions and a main lawn that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, cocktail-style.
The resort also hosts two wedding chapels, two ballrooms and 15 conference rooms that can cater to 5,000 guests. The resort offers eight dining options that are suitable for welcome or rehearsal dinners.
F4 member Ken Chu, 37, reportedly married Chinese actress Han Wenwen, 34, at the property earlier this month. (kes)
The Islamic Arts Museum has been ranked the top museum in Malaysia by TripAdvisor and No.8 in Asia. In the recent Travellers' Choice awards for Museums, the museum in Kuala Lumpur is commended for its role in preserving Islamic art.
"With over 10,000 artefacts from China, Southeast Asia, India, Middle East and Iran, the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur is South-East Asia's largest museum of Islamic art," TripAdvisor revealed.
The travel site also recommend stopping by the Bird Park, National Planetarium and National Mosque when visiting the Islamic Arts Museum.
The museum is situated amidst the lush surroundings of the city's Lake Gardens and is ranked as the No.2 thing to do in Kuala Lumpur on TripAdvisor.
Meanwhile, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum came in second and third place respectively.
Of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, TripAdvisor has this to say: "Recreated as a typical home of a rich Baba (Straits-born Chinese man) of the 19th century, the interior features an eclectic mix of English floor tiles, Chinese carved-wood, Scottish ironwork and continental European art and furniture."
At the museum, visitors should also look out for the special two-seater where prospective couples first meet, while being secretly observed by their elders.
The other two museums also snagged a spot in Asia's top 25 list, with Pinang Peranakan Mansion ranked 10 and Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum ranked 22 in Asia.
Elsewhere, Xi'an's Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses is named No.1 in Asia, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York took the top spot as the best museum in the world.
Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
Beset by violence for more than a decade, Thailand's three southernmost provinces are hoping to encourage more visitors
I have to admit I was a little tense before leaving home for Pattani, one of the three troubled provinces in Thailand's far south.
A few days earlier, a bomb had gone off in front of a local school in neighbouring Narathiwat's Tak Bai district, claiming the lives of a father and his child.
But tension is everywhere - at home, the office, in the car and on the street.
So the desire for adventure in Thailand's far South quickly overcame the threat of violence. When you have been to many conventional places, notorious spots can turn your head.
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Bomb explodes on train in southern Thailand
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Our plane lands on time at 8am in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province. I see a few westerners on this commercial flight, but they appear to be on business trips to Hat Yai rather than on holiday.
Our group, made up of 20 travel journalists and bloggers, is quickly ushered outside and into three vans, which waste no time in heading south down Highway 43 towards Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
Unlike our first trip in Narathiwat three years ago, we're now travelling unguarded.
There is no gung-ho officer, with a Glock 19, nor a small troop of soldiers with their rifles and that comes as a relief - hanging around with commandos tends to make you a moving target.
"We're supposed to go sideways and take a detour through Malaysia - instead of travelling on this route," says Jack, my travel mate, who was on the Narathiwat trip three years ago.
"Many people play it safe by crossing the border at Sadao checkpoint and taking a roundabout route in Malaysia to avoid the risks. They then return to Thailand through the Betong checkpoint," he explains.
"But that would mean missing Pattani and the rest of Yala," I reply. "Call your girlfriend and cross your fingers."
Covering the 130 kilometres on Highway 43 from Hat Yai to Pattani goes without incident. The well-paved road goes through rice paddies, orchards and rubber plantations in Chana and Na Thawi districts.
The further south we go, the more mosques we see. The last temple we visit is Wat Chang Hai in Pattani's Khok Pho district, which is famous for the respected Buddha image of Luang Phor Tuad.
We're stopped by heavily armed soldiers at the checkpoint just before entering the city of Pattani but quickly waved on.
Named after the princess of the ancient Langkasuka Kingdom, Patani means "virgin nymph" in Sanskrit.
The old town of Pattani is home to Chinese descendants and aboriginal Muslim Malay.
There is even a story reaffirming the romance (and tragedy) between the Chinese and Malay in Pattani.
According to the legend, Lim Ko Niao crossed the South China Sea from China to visit her brother in Pattani and convince him to go home, as their mother was dying.
Lim To Kiam told his sister he had converted to Islam and married a local girl and didn't want to leave his family and home in Pattani. Disheartened Lim Ko Niao hung herself from a cashew nut tree.
Image: The Nation
Her body was buried next to Krue Se Mosque and the locals set up the Lim Ko Niao shrine to honour her bravery.
The unfinished Krue Se Mosque and the Central Mosque of Pattani once drew visitors to Pattani. That all ended in 2004 when soldiers stormed Krue Se mosque killing 32 suspected gunmen.
Six months later, 85 civilians died in Tak Bai at the hands of army personnel and the fate of tourism in the deep south was sealed. Even today travellers stay away, eager to avoid danger.
From Pattani, we quickly pass through the small provincial town of Yala. Betong is three hours away on a winding road that stretches beyond the Sankalakhiri Range.
My favourite part is the section from Bannang Sata to Than To district.
High mountains, deep valleys, scattered patches of rice paddy, modest hamlets surrounded by orchards - the scenery rolls past the van's windows like a slide show.
Every once in a while I see Muslim women, with swaying hijabs, transporting their kids home after school. The serenity is almost surreal and you forget the blood that has been spilled here in the south.
We spend two days in and around Betong feasting on the chicken for which the district is known.
"Betong is famous for food," says Lek, the Hakka-speaking proprietor of Ta Ren restaurant.
"We are serious about our food. We have 100 traditions for cooking fish, pork and chicken. Some dishes take three days to prepare."
Image: The Nation
When we are not eating, we visit the parks, temples and tunnels and drive to the ZON duty free shop in Malaysia to stock up on cheap booze.
About 20 kilometres north of Betong town is the Piyamit tunnel.
Excavated by Malaya Communists in 1976, the underground tunnel network is well worth a drive. Boasting multiple entrances and exits, the tunnel was once a hideout and storage area. Today it is home to a museum.
Image: The Nation
We leave Betong the next morning at 4 and travel in convoy, remaining about 50 metres apart at all times. Perhaps it's a driving technique to avoid a roadside bomb. If one van is hit, the other two have a better chance to escape. The night is dark and still.
We make it from Betong to Narathiwat safe and sound. Indeed, the most dangerous part of our trip was the overindulgence in Betong's tender chicken and pork belly.
There's more tension is Narathiwat than in Yala and Pattani and we can feel it in the air as we drive through roadblocks and security checkpoints.
In Ra-ngae district, on the way back from visiting the 300-year-old Talo Mano Mosque (Matsayit Wadi An Husen), we see a group of soldiers escorting kids from school.
Image: The Nation
Tourists are rare although we do spot a few Malaysian cyclists. The long and very last beach of Thailand is empty yet idyllic.
Image: The Nation
It's evening and we can see some Muslim women relaxing on the pristine sand watching with interest as their men put their racing boats out to sea.
The locals are pleased to meet visitors.
"They're alone and lonely down here," says Manthana Phoothararak, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Narathiwat Office.
"The insurgency keeps them apart from the rest of the country."
A successful tourism campaign will not, of course, resolve the conflict in this part of the world - it runs much too deep for that.
But visitors are badly needed, if for no other reason but to generate some much-needed cash and give the people here the confidence to carry on.
Last week, a Malaysian was jailed for forging boarding passes and staying in Changi Airport's transit area for 18 days. Would sleeping in transit lounges be as comfortable as staying in a hotel? Ng Jun Sen (ngjunsen@sph.com.sg) finds out.
After enduring a long stopover in another airport, coming back to Singapore is like stepping into another dimension. Relief feels like the familiar 23 deg C air venting out of the Terminal 2's central air conditioning system.
It must be the same feeling others experience when passing through or arriving at Singapore's Changi International Airport. After all, the airport has been rated the best in the world in several surveys.
Malaysian Raejali Buntut certainly thought so. The former business development manager spent 18 days in the transit area of Changi Airport after oversleeping and missing his flight to Kuala Lumpur.
He forged boarding passes so he could enter various transit lounges and was jailed two weeks for forgery.
But with Changi Airport's public transit area looking as posh as some hotels here, would you even need access to a lounge to spend the night if your connecting flight is a good day or two away?
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New dnata lounge at Changi Airport's Terminal One Transit
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If you have some time to kill, Changi Airport may be one of the best airports in the world to do that.
Here's what I did during my last flight.
Toy store
Initially, I was a kid in a toy store.
I grabbed an airport map and went straight for the headline attractions - T1's social tree, T2's entertainment deck, T3's movie theatre.
There were magnificent gardens that held my attention for half an hour each, and I visited all of them. To be honest, I never even knew some of these existed in the transit areas and I thought back to all the times when I went straight for my flight, ignoring all these facilities.
Food options are also aplenty and you will never run out of things to eat, especially with affordable Singaporean food at two food courts.
With my trolley, I must have circumnavigated all three terminals more than 10 times on Skytrains, clutching onto my duty-free shopping bags and several woodblock prints I made from the "woodblock rubbing stations".
Window shopping is also an option, especially with stores by posh retailers such as Gucci, Hermes and Burberry dotting the terminals.
But sightseeing got old very quickly. Take away the gardens and the attractions, and Changi Airport is just like any other.
To pass the time, all you really need is a nice chair with ready access to an electrical outlet for your devices, which is readily available everywhere.
If your connecting flight is more than 24 hours away, you could either spring upwards of $50 for a six-hour block at one of the transit hotels, or lay your head on one of the many snooze lounges free of charge.
Going the free route seems like a no-brainer, considering how plush the transit area looks. But as comfortable as the recliners are, it will be hard for anyone to get some decent shut-eye for an extended period.
The bright overhead lights could keep you awake, as could the generic and repetitive lobby music that just would not stop playing. The frequent flight announcements coming from the PA speakers do not help either.
A spokesman from Changi Airport said the ambient music is meant to "contribute to a pleasant environment for our passengers", but I started to suspect if it was really to keep them awake so they do not miss their flight.
You would have to keep an eye on your belongings - you would have little recourse if someone took your things and boarded a flight shortly after.
At night, airport police patrol the transit areas, politely waking up travellers to check on their boarding passes.
Police officers checking the passports of travellers in the transit area. Photo: The Straits Times
f you're the sort who often falls asleep with the TV on, then maybe you should head to the movie theatre to catch a free late-night flick.
It is not as comfortable as the snooze lounge recliners, but at least there are fewer distractions. You probably do not want to pop up at your connecting flight without freshening up a bit.
Public toilets are free to use and they are as clean as they are spacious. But you will have to shell out $16 to bathe at pay-per-use lounges. There are also no laundry services in the transit area and I was not going to wash my soiled clothes in the sink and dry them out in the airport.
'Roughing' it out
So would I recommend giving a transit hotel a miss and roughing it out at the general transit area if you have a really long stopover?
Honestly, I would do it only if I absolutely had to.
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10 best airports of 2016
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Despite getting bits of shut-eye here and there, I was a zombie on the move and had little love for the butterfly garden and the koi feeding session that wowed me previously.
I managed to chat with a British gentleman with a six-hour stopover, and he helped me with some perspective on why, despite Changi Airport being voted the best airport for sleeping in by The Guide To Sleeping In Airports, spending the night there is not all it is cracked up to be.
Like me, he was excited at the idea at first, but then he said: "You know, that's why they call it a transit area for a reason. You're in purgatory and it's not home."
Transit area is protected
If you do not have a connecting flight, you are to clear immigration and exit the transit areas. Otherwise, you may face police action, says Changi Airport Group's senior vice-president of corporate and marketing communications Ivan Tan.
Mr Tan says: "The police patrol the airport (including transit areas) and take necessary action against overstayers.
Police officers patrolling the Terminal 2 departure hall. Photo: The Straits Times
"Passengers who enter the transit hall with a boarding pass should only be there for the purpose of travelling to their next destinations.
"Transit passengers are allowed to stay in Changi's transit areas until their next connecting flight at Changi within the next 72 hours."
With more than 55 million passengers travelling through Changi Airport every year, of which 30 per cent are transit passengers, the airport seeks to provide passengers with a pleasant experience.
Mr Tan says: "These include free-to-use facilities such as entertainment zones (movie theatres and entertainment deck), rest and relaxation amenities (snooze chairs and couches) as well as paid facilities such as transit hotels and lounges."
But overstay, and you may run afoul of the law. A police spokesman tells TNPS that the airport police division conducts patrol and regular security checks on persons in the transit areas "to ensure the safety and security of all passengers".
The police said on Thursday that the transit areas of Changi Airport are gazetted as a protected area and they warned people against abusing their boarding pass privileges.
Photo: The Straits Times
Earlier this month, a man and a woman were arrested after they misused their boarding passes to enter the transit area. They allegedly did it to buy Apple's new iPhone 7 and had no intention to board a flight.
Those who misuse their boarding pass to enter the transit areas, with no intention of proceeding to their next destination, are liable for an offence under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act.
This carries a maximum of two years in jail and a fine of $1,000.
Previously, the police had also given similar warnings to fans who would buy a boarding pass and enter the transit area just to be closer to arriving celebrities.
Mr Rajan Supramaniam, a lawyer at Hilborne Law LLC, says that having a valid reason to be in a protected or restricted place acts as a "shield" for people to be there. Without such a reason, a person could be found guilty of criminal trespassing.
Mr Rajan says: "There needs to be valid grounds for people to be in a protected place.
"When you are in a protected place but unauthorised, when you have no reasons to be there, then it could be seen as criminal trespassing."
Reasons like waiting for a flight, having a medical emergency or even getting stuck in the toilet, all these act as a "shield" if the authorities ask why you are there, he explains.
Suspicious
The trigger for the authorities to take action would be suspicious activities," Mr Rajan says.
"If a person was involved in such activities, there will be security checks to see if he has a good reason to be there, so he can shield himself.
"But if you do not, it could be seen as unauthorised access because the airport is not a public place."
When asked if overstaying in a transit area without a valid reason is trespassing, Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan says he "certainly thinks so".
According to Prof Tan, criminal trespassing does not take into account a person's intention.
Mr Tan says: "You need not have intended to break the law by trespassing, but because of the nature of the protected place, it is not a situation of wanting to stay there and then being able to.
"Once he or she does not have a valid reason to be there, a person would have trespassed or breached a regulation that would govern the access and use of transit areas of Changi Airport."
Additional reporting by Hariz Baharudin
This article was first published on September 25, 2016.
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While there aren't as many pet-friendly cafes, restaurants and hotels in Singapore as pet owners would like there to be, there are indeed more and more places that are accepting of pets in their premises. Because of the rise in pet numbers here in Singapore, it is only a matter of time before there are more pet-friendly establishments to exploit this growing demand.
We all know how important your pets are to you and there are bound to be times when you want to give your pets a treat beyond the walls of your home or at the parks. Here at GET.com, we've shortlisted the 5 coolest pet-friendly restaurants and hotels in Singapore for you and your furry friends to check out the next time you're chilling out together.
5 Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants And Hotels In Singapore
1. Happenstance Cafe
Photo: Happenstance Cafe
Happenstance Cafe is an incredibly popular pet cafe that's received so much love from pets and pet owners alike. Known for their genuine warmth and friendliness coupled with a slew of delicious food for both humans and their fur kids, Happenstance Cafe is a lovely place for those looking to chill at a cosy, clean space. Additionally, your fur kids are free to roam about within the pet cafe.
Address: 35 Opal Crescent, Singapore 328425
2. Coastes
Photo: Coastes
Where else in Singapore do you get to chow on yummy pizzas and sip on fancy cocktails complete with a beautiful sea view, beautiful live jazz music and the company of your fur kid? Well, you can do just that at Coastes, a pet-friendly casual restaurant brimming with rustic charm located along a golden stretch of Sentosa's Siloso beach.
When you're in the mood for some laid-back beach vibing with your human friends, your fur kid can join in, too. Cheers to never having to feel guilty again while you soak up the sun during your respite from the hustle and bustle of city life?
Photo: Capella Singapore - Sentosa Island, Singapore
If you don't already know, a night at the ultra luxurious Capella Singapore doesn't come cheap. It is expensive but absolutely worth the splurge if you want a staycation venue that is nothing but opulent.
With only 112 decadent guest rooms, suites and garden villas spread across 30 acres of lush greenery, you can expect utmost privacy at this pet-friendly hotel nestled in Sentosa island. There are bountiful open spaces within the compound of your suite for your fur kids to roam about!
Do note that only well-mannered, diseases-free cats and dogs weighing less than 6 kg are allowed at Capella Singapore. Only 1 pet per room is allowed and when you bring your fur kid around the common areas of the hotel premises, it'll have to be leashed and accompanied by you or held in your arms at all times.
To save money on your stay here, make sure to use a credit card that offers rewards on hotel stays.
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Four to five-star hotels in Singapore
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Address: 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297
4. Hilton Singapore
Photo: Hilton Singapore
Did you know that this luxurious award-winning hotel in the heart of Orchard Road welcomes small pets of up to 5kg? Yes, you heard me - that is true though you'll have to pay a small fee of $50 to let your furry friend stay with you when you're holed up at the Hilton Singapore on one of your escapades.
Word has it that the rooms in Hilton Singapore are quite spacious, so your fur kid shouldn't have any problem scurrying around and about the room in sheer excitement.
If paradise is real, The Wagington plausibly is its equivalent in the world of pets here in Singapore. For those who don't already know, The Wagington is a luxury hotel for your pets. So, don't even think of bunking in with them!
This 5-star pet hotel nestled in utmost tranquillity and prime foliage features 25 decadent private suites fully furnished with handcrafted, buttery soft faux leather orthopedic beds, privacy glass doors and lavish decor.
You never have to worry about your pets while you're on holiday because they will be on theirs, albeit in Singapore. With mandatory tummy rubs, an indulgent array of salon and spa treatments, gourmet meals, social areas in the gardens, in-house fitness centre, and a customised 1.2m deep swimming pool, what more can your fur kid ask for?
Address: 27B Loewen Road, Singapore 248850
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Groom service is standard at Singapore pet hotel
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If your kids are not the furry type, and you're are looking for a nice hotel to spend a fun staycation with them, here are the 10 incredible kid-friendly staycation venues in Singapore.
Is travelling to places in the northern hemisphere like Alaska, Iceland and Greenland, to view the aurora borealis (Northern Lights), or stargazing in Chile's Atacama Desert, South Africa's Kruger National Park, and New Mexico, the United States, your cup of tea?
You'd be thrilled to know, then, that you have the opportunity to enjoy your favourite activity closer to home.
Tourism and Culture Ministry (Motac) Sabah office director Ag. Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar said that astro-tourism and astro-photography (astronomy tourism and photography) is fast becoming popular in the tourism industry.
Ahmad Zaki added that Sabah, with its low levels of light pollution and less cloudy skies, makes it easier for astronomy and photography enthusiasts to enjoy and capture the night sky and horizon. It could become one of the best locations in the world for star-gazing.
"Astro-tourism in Malaysia was inspired by the Million Stars Hotel concept, which is about travellers spending the night under a blanket of stars," he explained during the recent Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Party programme at the Tip of Borneo in Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, Sabah. The programme was a collaboration between Motac and the Sabah Stargazers.
According to Sabah Stargazers president Dr Esmar Abdul Hamid, the event brought together 500 club members, students and members of the public to view the phenomenon (where meteorite fragments hit the earth's atmosphere at about 64km to 96km above the planet's surface, creating a dazzling light show in locations with less interference from other natural and artificial light sources).
There are meteor showers just about every month, but the two main ones which astronomy enthusiasts usually watch out for are the Perseids in August, and the Geminids in December.
Usually, viewings depend on the weather. If it's cloudy, you won't be able to see anything; also, natural light (from the moon) and artificial lighting (from street lamps, car lights, and building lights) will lessen visibility. So, the best places to stargaze are open spaces, such as fields and beaches, where there are no buildings or other artificial light sources.
Here are some places in Sabah where you can enjoy stargazing and skyscape photography, and more.
The Orion constellation over Mount Kinabalu as seen from the Kota Belud-Ranau Bypass to Kg Tambatuon. Photo: Dr Esmar Abdul Hamid
1. Lahad Datu
One particular good spot for viewing the night sky and astro photography is Silam Coast Conservation Area and Felda Sahabat 16, Tambisan. This coastal town also has many other attractions. Besides several markets - a dried fish market, a vegetable and fruit market, a chicken market and a fish market - there is the nearby Danum Valley Conservation Area, where you can go jungle-trekking, swim in the rivers, go bird-watching, and enjoy night jungle tours. At the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, you can go on jungle treks, view wildlife, and do filming and photography.
Kampung Jangkit, Kuala Penyu. Photo: Harris Jeffrey
2. Tawau
Check out the skies at Taman Bukit Tawau (Tawau Hills Park), which offers picnic areas, camping sites, and chalets. This park has a rugged volcanic landscape, with a hot spring and majestic waterfalls. Its highest point is Gunung Magdalena. To the locals, this park is also known as Table, National Park, Taman Negara, Abacca or No.4 Gudang.
This third largest city in Sabah offers an old-world charm and many tourist attractions, such as the Tanjung Markets, Bell Tower, Japanese War Cemetery, Confrontation Memorial, Teck Guan Cocoa Museum, Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve, Maliau Basin Conservation Area, and Taman Bukit Gemok (Bukit Gemok Park).
Kampung Jangkit, Kuala Penyu. Photo: Harris Jeffrey
3. Kudat
To view spectacular night skies, head to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo), Kampung Marang Parang, Tindakon Dazang Beach, Terongkongan Beach and Kulambu Beach.
Pantai Indarason Laut, Kudat. Photo: Christianto Soning
Kudat, situated north of the capital Kota Kinabalu, was originally inhabited by the Rungus, part of the Kadazan indigenous people who traditionally lived in longhouse communities inland. In fact, the name Kudat comes from the Rungus word kutad, which refers to the coarse grass that grows abundantly in the location.
The coastal town is famous for some of the most pristine beaches in the state, including Pasir Putih, Bak Bak and Kalampunian. It is also famous for its fresh seafood. Besides experiencing the Rungus culture, other tourist attractions include the central market, fish market, Sidek Esplanade and Kudat Golf Club.
Kampung Tambatuon, Kota Belud-Ranau Bypass. Photo: Luqman Al-Hakim
4. Kota Belud
Be one with the stars at Kampung Sangkir and Melangkap. Along the Kota Belud-Ranau Bypass, there is another good spot.
Head on to Kampung Tambatuon, which is located in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, next to the Kedamaian River.
Kg Sangkir, Kota Belud. Photo: Ak Tajuddin
Located on the west coast of Sabah, Kota Belud is known as the unofficial capital of the indigenous Bajau (Nomads) people. It is famous for its Sunday tamu (open air market) where you can see buyers and sellers haggling over prices. But in October, the tamu is held on a larger and more vibrant scale, and this is known as the tamu besar (grand market).
Another interesting sight is the golden mosque on the hill.
Kota Belud can be a stopover en route to Kudat, Mantanani and Manana Beach.
Tanjung Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo), Kudat. Photo: Harris Jeffrey
5. Kundasang
Look skywards at Bundu Tuhan. (In the Dusun language, Bundu refers to a type of fruit tree, and Tuhan means landslide or felled.) Located in the Ranau district, Kundasang is the closest town to Mount Kinabalu, and offers a breathtaking view of the mountain. It is also close to Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia's first Unesco World Heritage Site.
Kampung Limau Limauan, Kudat. Photo: Christianto Soning
Kundasang is famous for its vegetable market (open daily), and is inhabited by the native Dusun who work as farmers, park rangers, mountain guides or porters in Kinabalu National Park.
Other tourist attractions in the area include the Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens, and Kundasang Golf Course.
For more information on stargazing in Sabah, visit: www.facebook.com/SabahStargazers/
Kampung Marang Parang in Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat. Photo: Harris Jeffrey
Tips to stay safe when stargazing
1. Be sure to inform the relevant security officers of your location and activities, so that they can patrol the area and keep an eye out for you as you might be carrying expensive equipment.
2. The recommended locations are open to the public. But there are many other good locations for stargazing in Sabah. Before you go to these other locations, make sure you obtain permission from the relevant parties to enter those locations, and do not trespass on any private property.
3. Go in a group, not alone. You can join the stargazing events there if you wish.
4. To prevent neckache caused by looking upwards for a prolonged period of time, you might want to lie on the ground to stargaze (unless you're trying to photograph the skyscape).
As a smooth red wine slides over my taste buds, the shrieking calls of monkeys cut through the air, originating from somewhere to my left, in the tropical jungle near a Buddhist shrine.
In the distance, beyond row after row of grape vines, an Asian elephant plods along in the humid afternoon weather.
I am ensconced in a comfortable armchair at the kind of scenic, upmarket vineyard which is commonplace in my home state, Western Australia. But there are no monkeys, elephants or swathes of jungle in the state's winery-rich southern region.
Instead, I am many thousands of kilometres from home in a country most people would not associate with wine, let alone vineyards.
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard (www.huahinhills.com) is one of the largest of its kind in Thailand, a nation which has shown increasing interest in wine as its middle class has swelled over the past 20 years.
This newfound fascination with wine has led to a burgeoning wine- making industry. Where the Thai wine market once was dominated by imports from Australia, France, Italy and South America, local varieties are now widely sold in high-end restaurants and hotels across the country.
These include Monsoon Valley, the wine made from the grapes selected from the Hua Hin Hills vineyard. Produced at Siam Winery in Samut Sakhon, about 50km south-west of Bangkok, Monsoon Valley was started in 2002.
It was around that time that the Thai wine industry began to flourish and Hua Hin Hills also was established.
Other notable vineyards include GranMonte Estate in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Alcidini in Khao Yai and Silverlake in Chonburi.
There are now almost a dozen such commercial vineyards across Thailand, with Thai wines available in most four- and five-star restaurants across the country. Monsoon Valley is sold in more than a dozen countries abroad.
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, sprawled across a fertile valley and flanked by green ridges, owns a magnificent location. It is about 35km inland from the beach resort town of Hua Hin, which itself is a three-hour drive south of Bangkok.
Hua Hin Hills has exploited its proximity to this popular resort, offering shuttle buses from downtown Hua Hin and marketing the vineyard as a tourist attraction.
In this way, it is similar to the many Australian wineries which supplement their income by inviting visitors to tour their facilities and then stay on to drink and dine at their on-site restaurants.
Hua Hin Hills has a giant Thai- style pavilion, which features an opulent bar and bistro overlooking the vineyard, and also a gift shop. It clearly targets foreign tourists and well-to-do Thais, and appears to be successful in doing so.
When I arrive at this impressive complex, its carpark is filled with tour buses and expensive cars.
A Thai staff member fluent in English leads me to the lobby, with its giant display wall of Monsoon Valley wines, and on through the huge alfresco dining area.
On a wooden balcony, I am seated at my table, beneath a large umbrella, with sweeping views across the vineyard towards the Gulf of Thailand.
Before settling down to have a meal and sample the wines, visitors can ride elephants through the grounds, take guided tours to learn about its viticulture methods or pedal mountain bikes along forest trails.
Built on the site of a former elephant corral, where wild Asian elephants were domesticated, Hua Hin Hills sprawls across almost 200ha in a lush valley.
But I am here to imbibe. So I clutch a generous glass of Cuvee de Siam Rouge, a bold red with notes of cherry and chocolate, which is among Monsoon Valley's most awarded wines.
Then the food arrives and I am enchanted by the delicate tastes and pleasing textures of foie gras terrine, smoked duck breast on crispy wonton and chilled crab meat and apple timbale. Each dish is fresh, unique and succulent.
I chase the food down with a glass of Monsoon Valley's Chenin Blanc Late Harvest, a sweet white wine that is suitably light and refreshing in the sweltering Thai weather.
It may be the effects of the wine or the satisfied afterglow of a fine meal, but I feel like taking up permanent residence on the restaurant balcony.
The meandering elephants, hollering monkeys and glimmering temple in the nearby jungle remind me this is no typical vineyard.
I feel right at home, yet I am so very far from home.
• The writer is an Australian photojournalist who splits his time between Ireland and Thailand.
GETTING THERE
Hua Hin has its own international airport, but there are no direct flight connections with Singapore.
The easiest way to visit Hua Hin from Singapore is to fly to Bangkok and then catch a bus or taxi to Hua Hin, a journey of slightly more than three hours.
This article was first published on September 27, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.
MALACCA - The arrival of an Airbus A319 from Guangzhou at the Malacca International Airport (LTAM) at Batu Berendam here is a milestone for the development of the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
He said the maiden flight operated by China Southern Airlines marks the start of a $9.9 billion investment set to flow into the state over the next two decades.
Malacca would benefit from the arrival of tourists from China and investors, he added.
"Today we have industry captains and players in the hotel industry from China on the flight who are looking for huge investment opportunities," he said after welcoming the inaugural flight here yesterday.
The event was also witnessed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang.
The flight touched down at about 1.20pm, making history for LTAM as the aircraft is the largest ever to land here.
Idris said there will be another 25 chartered flights from Guangzhou to Malacca, with flight tickets fully booked until Jan 3, 2017.
He said with the direct flights, the arrival of Chinese tourists would increase to three million for next year compared to 879,000 currently.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chaired a cabinet committee on tourism meeting in Putrajaya yesterday, where it discussed steps to boost the country's tourism industry.
The last time I was at the space that will very soon be The Warehouse Hotel, it was for an Adidas party many years while I was still working in magazines.
For the longest time in recent years, it remained unoccupied, and when I found out that it'd be converted into a boutique hotel, my first thought was that it made complete sense. Here are some reasons to look forward to its opening.
Photo: Go Away
1. It is in an area with a fascinating history
Nowadays, Robertson Quay - located within a few minutes walk from the hotel - is known for being a dining and nightlife destination, but the space now occupied by The Warehouse Hotel used to be warehouse (obviously), also known as a "godown", in the 19th century, and was situated along a trade route that connected this region with the Straits of Malacca.
In the early 20th century, it was a hot bed of activity for secret societies and underground spirit distilling. Now who says Singapore history isn't exciting? We had illegal moonshine!
2. It's a few minutes walk from great food
You can be sure that I'll be recommending that my friends stay at The Warehouse Hotel the next time they stop by Singapore for a visit. Yes, it's close to really nice Japanese and Italian restaurants, but it's also not too far away from two awesome hawker centres, Zion Road Food Centre and Tiong Bahru Market, and the iconic Red Star Restaurant, which has affordable dim sum served the old-school way - from push carts.
3. It's owned by the Lo & Behold Group
They're also the people behind Overeasy, Odette, Black Swan and Extra Virgin Pizza so you just know they won't make a sloppy affair out of it.
4. The menu at its restaurant, Po, was crafted by Chef Willin Low
Chef Low, of course, needs little introduction. The founder of Wild Rocket basically spearheaded the "Modern Singaporean" ("Mod-sin") food genre, so I'm definitely interested to find out what tasty creations he's come up with for Po.
The cocktail concept at Po also sounds interesting. It's inspired by the building through its three phases of life: Rustic, spice-driven concoctions (from when the building was at the heart of the spice trade); house-crafted spirits (paying tribute to prohibited underworld distilleries); and fresh, "flirty" cocktails (from its most recent incarnation as an infamous disco).
5. Many of the elements here are locally sourced
Photo: Go Away
Including uniforms, bicycles, artwork, guidebooks and coffee & tea. #teamsingapore
6. The rooms look airy and spacious
The problem with some boutique hotels is that you feel like you're staying in little more than a broom closets. This won't be the case at The Warehouse Hotel, as its rooms are spacious and have high ceilings. The decor can be described as "industrial" but elements such as traditional rattan and natural leather add a homely, welcoming touch.
The Warehouse Hotel opens in December 2016. For more information and bookings, visit the hotel's website .
Go Away is a website with a strong focus on making travel and living meaningful without the need to spend a lot of money - it’s all about keeping it real here!
SEPANG - KL International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the region, has amassed a range of quirky items left by absent-minded travellers.
There are voodoo dolls, engagement rings, ikan masin, durian and even a British Airways pilot's cap, just to name a few.
The Star was allowed a rare peek into KLIA's lost and found room, which revealed diverse belongings left behind like MacBooks, passports, wallets, bicycles, television sets, rice cookers and even underwear.
"Once, a Bangladeshi man came and said he lost his friend," said Lost and Found staff Nur Afidah Zahari, 27.
"Another time, I found a plastic bag with voodoo dolls inside."
On average, about 1,700 items ranging from bags to jewellery are left behind yearly in Malaysia's busiest airport. And only 26 per cent of these items are ever claimed.
While most of the items in the room are the usual bags, handphones and electrical items, the staff said they had seen the strangest things being left behind in the airport over the years.
"People have even left perishables here," Nur Afidah said, citing how pork, ikan masin and durian were kept in a locker before they were disposed of after the stipulated three-day grace period for foodstuff.
The Star saw two Cartier engagement rings still in their boxes, which were left by a Chinese couple on transit here. Gold rings, Rolex watches, necklaces, earrings and wads of cash have also been left behind by travellers.
These valuables are kept inside a safe and could not be photographed. The dimly lit store room is located on the third floor of the airport.
The room has shelves of copies of the Quran, boxes of unopened duty free liquor and cigarettes, walking sticks, wheelchairs, camera tripods and designer bags.
There was even a brand new camera drone still in its box, which workers said was found abandoned in the common area in the departure terminal.
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Weirdest sights flight attendants come across while flying
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Other items included an Australian didgeridoo and air zam zam.
In another section of the room, there were boxes filled with passports, MyKad, credit cards, driving licences, wallets, glasses and so on.
The department, manned by four personnel, gets about 10 calls a day for lost items.
Sometimes, Nur Afidah said, people would show up saying they had lost jewellery but were turned away when they could not properly identify or produce proof, like receipts of the items.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) general manager Mohd Arif Jaafar said: "Usually if we see something has been left there, we will monitor it for about 20 minutes. If no one comes to collect it, we will take it to the room. We will scan it for hazardous content, then catalogue and tag it."
These items are kept here for up to one month. If no one comes for them after that, they are handed to the Customs or Department of Environment to be disposed of.
"You may think it is sayang (wasteful) to do so. But we have to follow the regulations. We cannot simply take other people's belongings even if we can reuse the items or give them to charity.
"We have that intention but procedures do not allow us to do so. Maybe some groups can propose this and press for the rules to be changed. We would welcome that idea," Mohd Arif said.
KLIA handled 22.9 million passengers in its terminal last year. There are 819 lost items currently sitting in the Lost and Found room.
The Lost and Found centre can be reached at 03-8776 4312. The email address is CARE@malaysiaairports.com.my.
Treasure trove of lost things at Heathrow
KUALA LUMPUR - If you feel bad for the couple who lost their engagement rings at KL International Airport, spare a thought for the woman who lost her wedding gown at Heathrow Airport.
British travel site TravelSupermarket unearthed a treasure trove of lost items in the world's sixth busiest airport, in a comparative study from May 2015 to May this year.
In that period, British airports recorded 26,543 lost items (or 2,122 items per month).
This is nearly double KLIA's average haul every year.
While most of the lost items were the usual clothing, electronics, bags and toys, the site reported that Lost and Found workers also had brushes with unexpected stuff being left idle around the airport last year.
This included a microwave oven, a wedding dress, a bottle of holy water and an envelope stuffed with Viagra pills.
Airport workers also found three sets of fake teeth around the terminal.
The study noted that about 24 per cent of the clothing catalogued in London airport's lost and found room carried brand names like Prada and Dior.
The study also reported that of all British airports, Heathrow was the place travellers were most likely to lose their wedding rings, collecting 63 per cent of all lost wedding bands in its lost and found last year.
Apparently, travellers were the most careless on Tuesdays. That is the day of the week that yields the most lost items in airports on average.
BANGKOK - With soldiers closing down Bangkok's notorious go-go bars and tourists forced to sneak sips of beer from paper cups, Thailand is dialling down its raucous party scene out of respect for the country's late monarch.
The passing this week of 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej has thrust the Buddhist nation into a period of profound mourning, with masses of tearful Thais filling the streets to pay respect to a king worshipped as an exemplar of moral virtue.
Like nearly all of their compatriots, Thai bar girls swapped their normally racy attire for more modest black dresses and shoes when they showed up to work on Friday (Oct 14) night.
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Large crowds gather as convoy transports Thai king's body to Grand Palace
In Bangkok's Soi Cowboy - a famed alleyway of luridly lit go-go bars and a barometer of the city's adherence to temperance during coups, street protests and religious days - patrons who trickled through were soon disappointed.
At around 10pm soldiers pulled the plug on the blinding neon lights as they enforced an early closing time in compliance with government orders to "tone down" celebrations as the nation grieves.
"Suddenly the army came. It was a group of five guys," said Mr Geroem Bonami, a 31-year-old tourist from Belgium.
"We were asked to pay and they started to tidy up everything and the girls disappeared."
Minutes after the ailing monarch's passing was announced on Thursday, Thailand's junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha took to national television to declare a one-year official mourning period.
He also asked the public to refrain from celebrations for at least 30 days, and dozens of events - from concerts to fun runs, wedding parties and religious festivals - have been cancelled since.
Television networks are also under orders not to broadcast any overly joyous images - such as dancing - with one major channel saying it would not be airing its roaringly popular soap opera series.
Toned-down music, alcohol served in paper cups
While the military regime has not issued an all-out ban on alcohol, which is common on Buddhist holidays, many shops have opted to stop selling drinks and bars around the capital are taking special measures to show that no one is having too much fun.
On the Khaosan road, a grubby centre for foreign tourists a stone's throw away from the King's palace, bars silenced the normally pounding music and served alcohol in paper cups instead of beer towers and buckets.
"There's no music tonight and no party because all the people are so sad. Everywhere in Bangkok, you cannot have loud music," explained Mr Ret Chhuon, a Thai barman, adding he was worried about an extended loss of custom.
"But we must do this because the king has died and we are so sad."
Sombre dress code
Foreign governments have urged their citizens to act respectfully as the kingdom mourns, while the Thai tourist authorities have asked travellers to dress in sombre and appropriate clothing.
Analysts have warned that any protracted clampdown on the party scene could drive visitors away and hurt the tourism sector - a crucial pillar of the kingdom's economy.
On the Khaosan Road some visitors said they were happy to keep it low-key, but would likely leave Thailand if the party didn't rev up again soon.
"If after a couple of days there are still no parties and alcohol, I might leave Thailand, said a 24-year-old Dutch tourist who only gave his name as Kaz.
Others were simply awed by the mass outpourings of grief.
"It hasn't put a downer on the holiday," said British tourist Callum Knight. "We got to see a part of history."
An official period of mourning following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been planned for Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like all visitors to Thailand to continue with their travel plans as normal and kindly be advised of the following:
- Many Thai people will be wearing black or white clothing as a sign of mourning. This is not required of visitors but if possible, they should wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public.
- Visitors should refrain from any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour.
- Tourist attractions will be open as usual with the exception of Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, as they will be the venue of the Royal Funeral Rites.
- The Government has asked for the co-operation from the entertainment venues; such as, bars and nightclubs to consider the opening of their business operations during this time. The decision will be made by the individual owners.
- Most of the traditional and cultural events will be taking place as usual, although the celebrations may be changed for appropriateness as a mark of respect, or the events may be dedicated to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
- All transport, banks, hospitals and other public services will be operating as usual.
- The related authorities have stepped up safety and security measures for all Thais and visitors to facilitate their travelling around the country.
- For any enquiries, please contact TAT domestic offices or tel.: 1672 in Thailand.
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A look back at Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej's life
Raja Ampat is no longer a foreign destination for diving enthusiasts from around the world. One of its main islands, Misool, has been named one of the Top 100 Global Destinations. Various travelling programs have been created to boost tourism to the regency, including a cruise programme by state-owned ship operator Pelni.
For those planning to visit Raja Ampat for the first time, here is a guideline on how to reach the West Papuan region.
Reaching Sorong
Before entering the Raja Ampat area, travellers need to reach Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, West Papua. Both direct and indirect flights are available from Jakarta to Sorong at one-way prices starting from of Rp 1.4 million (US$107). Unfortunately a direct flight from Bali is not yet available.
Transferring to Sorong harbour
After arriving in Domine Eduard Osok, travellers should head to Sorong harbour to catch a boat to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat regency, which is located on Waigeo Island. To reach the harbour, visitors can opt for a 10-20 minute taxi ride that will costs around Rp 100,000, an ojek (motorcycle taxi) for around Rp 20,000 or local minibuses that will cost less but may take considerably longer to get there.
From Sorong harbour to Raja Ampat
Upon arriving at Sorong harbour, you have these options to get to the Raja Ampat Islands: public ferries, speedboats, regular boats or aircraft operated by private carrier Susi Air. The two-hour ride on a public ferry is one of the most popular options, with fares starting at Rp 130,000 for an economy class seat. The ferry will depart from or to Sorong at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Saturdays, it will only depart at 2 p.m. or 12 p.m. from Waisai to Sorong.
Meanwhile, regular boats take about four hours and cost around Rp 100,000 per person, as reported by kompas.com. Speedboats are faster and will take travellers straight to their lodgings, which is why they may cost a million rupiah or more. Those opting to fly with Susi Air will need to contact the airline directly, as it has only a tentative flight schedule.
Island-hopping in Raja Ampat
The main activity for tourists in Raja Ampat is island-hopping-visiting the four main islands of Raja Ampat, namely Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool, or perhaps the smaller islets. As the fare may be high, it is advised to arrange transportation and accommodation with your host prior to arrival in Waisai.
The inaugural flight, SQ32, which departed for San Francisco on Sunday morning, also happens to be the 10,000th aircraft delivered by Airbus.
The new flights are the longest in the Singapore Airlines network, with flying time ranging from 14:35 hours and 17:45 hours depending on direction and time of year.
Passengers departing from Singapore and San Francisco received an exclusive gift pack with collectables. Three of them even walked away with 10,000 KrisFlyer miles and $350 worth of KrisShop vouchers.
The new fleet of A350-900 is designed to ensure comfortable long haul flights, with its higher ceilings, larger windows and wider body.
That's not all.
SIA has also acquired the ultra-long-range variant of the A350, which will enable the carrier to launch even longer flights to Los Angeles and New York.
Your travel plans to Thailand may need to be adjusted now that the country is in a state of mourning. Find out what key events and festivities are affected, as well as how to be a respectful tourist during the year-long period of mourning.
DRESS RESPECTFULLY
Most Thai people will be wearing black or white during the period of mourning. Although no specific dress code has been imposed on visitors, it is best to wear sombre colours and to avoid short or revealing clothes.
Swimwear should still be acceptable if worn at the beach though.
MOST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS WILL BE OPEN, EXCEPT THESE
The Grand Palace, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) will be closed until Nov 1 as they are involved in the royal funeral rites.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium and Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Ramintra Bangkok will also be closed until Nov 1.
Those who wish to pay their respects or write messages of condolences can do so at the Grand Palace. Check the Tourism Authority of Thailand site for details.
NUMEROUS MUSIC EVENTS AND PARTIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED
Out of respect for the king's passing, numerous entertainment activities have already been cancelled.
The October edition of Thailand's famous full moon party was cancelled, and the November date rescheduled; The Urban Music Festival, as well as concerts by the Scorpions and Big Bang have been cancelled; the World Film Festival that was set for November has been postponed; certain cultural events, like the colourful Loi Krathong have also been suspended.
Check the respective event websites and Facebook pages to find out if your travel plans have ben affected.
The Thai government has requested nightlife venues ─ bars, clubs etc ─ to review their opening hours during this time of mourning. While there are no formal regulations, with the businesses having the final say, we reckon that nightlife spots might be more subdued, or have shortened opening hours during the mourning period ─ perhaps not for the full year, but at least for the first 30 days of the mourning period.
BE ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOUR
On that note, it's probably best not to be drunk or rowdy when you're out and about.
DON'T MAKE REMARKS ABOUT THE ROYAL FAMILY IN PUBLIC
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A look back at Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej's life
Thailand has one of the strictest lese majeste laws, and complaints can be filed by anyone against anyone. The Thai people have great reverence for their late king, and sensitivity towards any perceived insults or critical remarks about the royal family or succession may be heightened during this time of mourning, so be very careful about what you say.
You really can't be sure if someone else might misinterpret your words ─ even if they seemed like innocent, curious questions or joking remarks.
Love horror films, ghosts, and all things scary and sinister?
Halloween's your excuse to go full-on with the thrills and chills. From haunted theme parks to spooky pirate lairs, Skyscanner has rounded up the top attractions for your screaming pleasure this Halloween.
1. Halloween Horror Nights 6 at Universal Studios Singapore
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Lingering souls at haunted houses of USS' Halloween Horror Nights
This Halloween, head to Universal Studios Singapore: theme park by day, realm of terror by night. Billed as 'the region's most terrifying event of the year', Halloween Horror Nights is back with 5 new haunted houses, 2 scare zones and 2 live shows.
Come face-to-face with vengeful ghosts, creepy clowns, sinister witches and more! With realistic costumes, talented actors and a hair-raising plot, horror buffs will be in for a treat. If you need to recover from this epic scarefest, why not book a room at Sofitel Sentosa Resort for the night?
Ready for a 12-hour spooky extravaganza at Fort Canning? Held for the first time ever, Thriller at the Park will feature carnival games, trick or treat goodie bags and local DJs spinning all day. Test your mettle with the Zombie Maze Challenge, where you'll need to fend off hordes of the undead, or explore the creepy mock-up cemetery.
Feeling too lazy to dress up in a Halloween costume? Don't worry: there will be face painting stalls on hand so you can look your scary best. And if your friends are in town for the Halloween festivities, you could plan a stay at the chic Hotel Fort Canning so you can really show off your city.
Prepare for a night of pure terror as you venture into this supremely creepy doll factory, where twisted nightmares become reality. As you embark on a horrifying journey through 7 sinister chambers, make sure you don't fall into the clutches of the deranged dollmaker. This spine-tingling experience is not for the faint of heart, so if you're feeling woozy after, you can always retreat to the modern comforts of the nearby Hotel Jen.
For one night only, this American diner will morph into the ultimate fighting arena, so you'll need a killer costume for this epic Halloween showdown. Whether you come dressed as a Marvel superhero, Katniss Everdeen, or a member of the Suicide Squad, get ready to battle it out on the dance floor all night long.
The best dressed partygoers can expect a slew of exciting prizes - from fine dining vouchers to a 3-night stay in Bali. Even if you don't win, you can always treat yourself to a night at the swanky Grand Hyatt, which is just around the corner.
Looking for a kid-friendly way to celebrate Halloween? S.E.A Aquarium takes on a swashbuckling pirate theme for the entire month of October, with plenty of spooktastic activities that will thrill kids and adults alike.
Kids can embark on an exciting treasure trail, meet a gypsy storyteller or watch an underwater show with the sinister Skeleton Wanderers. And since you'll already be in Resorts World Sentosa, why not plan a fun family staycation there once your little pirates have had their fill of Halloween?
Christmas trips are an extra special experience for families and friends, and picking the perfect destination is very important first step to ensuring that everyone has the best time. So, where shall we go this year? Take a look at Skyscanner's compilation for your end-of year holiday.
Where are the best events in December?
1. Bali
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Top things to do in Bali, Ubud
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Bali works all year round, but a Christmas here is way better than a sack full of toys, as any dedicated traveller will tell you. Bali is pretty dry in December, unlike large swaths of southeast Asia where the rain is coming down in sheets.
If you go early in December and remember to book early, you can find some amazing hotel deals as well.
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Abandoned 'Ghost Palace Hotel' in the middle of jungle in Bali
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Things may seem a bit slow when compared to peak season, but Bali always throbs with life even on the slowest day. In addition to the secular style partying and frolicking, you can tune in to Bali's spiritual side at one of the many churches on the island.
This year, Tumpek Wayang, a celebration of the traditional Balinese shadow puppetry, happens to fall on New Year's Eve, and is a great chance for you to catch a fascinating glimpse of Bali's spiritual heritage.
What: Tumpek Wayang
When: 31 December 2016
Where: All over Bali
2. Seoul
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What to do in Seoul: 10 best activities for the full experience
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K-Drama fans will know already how romantic Seoul can be during the holidays, and even casual fans will get a thrill at seeing how the city transforms into a haven for lovers.
If the air outside gets cold, head to a jimjilbang, the traditional Korean sauna, where you will warm back up in no time. For nourishment, head to a chicken and beer parlour and meet some gregarious locals as you enjoy this simple delicacy.
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5 unique BnB hotels in Seoul, Korea you have to stay at
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For holiday parties, try Lotte World, whose Christmas parties are pretty amazing. Ice skating at Seoul Plaza is another memorable experience that will stay with you long after you've left, and for an unforgettable New Year's Day experience, check out the Sunrise Festival, a celebration of all the new year holds in store.
What: Sunrise Festival
When: 30 December 2016 - 1 January 2017
Where: All over Korea
3. Tokyo
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Do you really need an excuse to head to Tokyo? As excuses go, Christmas is as good as any, as the world's coolest city is even cooler when festooned with colourful displays of cheerful illumination. Options about for sightseeing.
Seeking tradition? Head to the amazing temples and shrines, like Sensoji, for a taste of Japan's past. Looking for something more modern? Tokyo embraces modernity with a fervour that few other cities can match. As for holidays, Christmas is more of a romantic holiday for younger Japanese, but for tourists the shopping is unparalleled.
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Massive Studio Ghibli exhibition opens in Tokyo
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While New Year is traditionally a time to spend with family, Tokyo has embraced the idea of a countdown party and there will be plenty of places to celebrate. Pick up a fukubukuro lucky bag from one of the many department stores in the city to surprise yourself with some Christmas bargains.
What: Fukubukuro Shopping Spree
When: 1 January 2017 (you can start lining up on 31 December 2016 and some shops allow you to purchase even before!)
Where: Major department stores and popular shops all over Japan
4. Sydney
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Vivid Sydney's glow takes over the city
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Revellers in Sydney get to be among the first people in the world to ring in the New Year, and when it comes to parties, the locals really know how to get down. With its extravagant midnight pyrotechnics display and innumerable festivals and exhibits, there is more than enough to keep the whole family grinning as they ring in the new year.
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9-day trip to Sydney for less than $1,200
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For someone looking for a hot Christmas, Sydney is enjoying some of the nicest weather in the southern hemisphere, and the water temperature is a balmy 21 degrees, perfect for splashing and surfing.
What: New Year Countdown
When: 31 December 2016
Where: Sydney Harbour Front
5. Ho Chi Minh
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Spending an ideal weekend in Ho Chi Minh City
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Ho Chi Minh, the bustling commerce capital of southern Vietnam, usually welcomes the start of the dry season in December, meaning you won't need to pack your wellies for this trip.
Ho Chi Minh, being the growing country's most bustling and international city, is a great place to celebrate the end of the old year and ring in the new.
As a formerly Catholic city, the grand old cathedrals are fantastic for Christmas services, and the world-class hotels contribute to the spirit of the holiday with displays and events not only for Christians, but fans of Christmas as well.
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Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam's latest resort island
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For New Year's celebrations, the city turns out in force to party with the rest of the world, and the city's rooftop restaurants give travellers a front row view of the colourful explosions filling the sky. Check out The Rex Hotel's iconic Rooftop Beer Garden on Dong Khoi Street. It is a fantastic place to start off Lunar New Year's Eve in the busiest city in South of Vietnam.
Where: Rex Hotel 141 Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh
6. Bangkok
Monsoon rains avoid Bangkok in December, so chances are you'll be high and dry if you choose Thailand this Christmas. Shopping of course is a big draw this time of year, and you'll be sure to find the best gifts for all the people you care about (and yourself too, of course!).
New Year's Eve is when the party really gets going here, and there are hundreds of choices to pick from.
The options run the gamut from family friendly places like Asiatique Riverfront to quieter more subdued options like hotel countdown parties. DJs from all over the world will be flying in for all night dance parties, so keep your eyes on the club guides.
Are you a parent who's running out of ideas where to take your kids on your family day out? For starters, nobody says you have to spend a bomb in order to let them have a whale of a time. Neither do you have to keep forcing endless tuition on your kids just to keep them busy.
Here are fun kids' activities under $20 that you could consider - some are free-of-charge, by the way. Singapore may be tiny compared to many other nations in the world, but here at GET.com, we've scoured and put together this list of 4 secret spots in Singapore that both you and your kids will love. Time to pack your bags and explore Singapore?
For something off the beaten track, consider taking your little ones to Singapore's oldest dragon kiln for some crafty pottery fun. Pottery workshops are held a couple of times a month during weekends.
Trying our hands at pottery sure isn't an everyday thing for majority of us, so why not take the opportunity to let your kids have some fun while picking up something new and letting their creativity reign? If you like, you can also shop for pottery wares there.
Address:
85 Lorong Tawas (Off Jalan Bahar)
Singapore 639823
Opening hours:
Mondays: 9:00am - 5:00pm
2. Science Centre Singapore Observatory
Photo: The Straits Times
Although getting there might not be the most convenient for people residing in other parts of Singapore besides western Singapore, this trip to the Science Centre Singapore Observatory will be worth it.
Who doesn't like to gaze at enchanting stars and the enigmatic moon and planets with the proper equipment? Do take note that these weekly sessions are held at the observatory nestled in the Omni Theatre Building. Also, be sure to check out their website and Facebook page for updates before you make your way down there.
For those who're keen on exploring western Singapore, here are 10 fun and free places to explore in west Singapore. Also, help your kids take their smartness and talents up a notch with fun enrichment classes that deviate from the usual boring books.
Address:
Science Centre Singapore Observatory
21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Singapore 609433
Opening Hours:
Fridays: 7:45pm - 10:00pm (except public holidays)
3. Urban Farm & Barn
Perched on the top of a hill in Bukit Panjang sits Urban Farm & Barn, an urban farm that specialises in vertical farming and edible gardens. They also provide a myriad of workshops, farm tours and sell seeds, seedlings, herbs, growing kits and supplies for their visitors young and old.
Letting your little ones out to get up close with nature sounds pretty awesome to me. Shopping malls and tuition centres aren't the only places to bring them.
Address:
Bukit Panjang Hill
Singapore 670210
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30am - 11:30am
Friday - Sunday & P.H.: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
4. The Animal Resort
If you and your kids are fans of animals, gather everyone on a trip out to The Animal Resort for a fun and relaxing day out. Here, both you and your little ones will get to experience the old-school charm of interacting with free-roaming animals in a laid-back, kampong setting.
Expect to marvel at peacocks, geese, fishes, birds and more while you're at it. If you like, you can also purchase small pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits (subject to availability), pet food and accessories.
There's no need for you to book a session if you're visiting in a small group. You can also organise your precious little one's birthday party here at The Animal Resort if you like!
In dire need of childcare services? Check out these 4 jumbo childcare centres in Singapore. Each of them can accommodate between 200 and 500 little people!
Additionally, we at GET.com reckon that it is always good to save some money, especially since daily necessities and living expenses can balloon when we have families. Here's our pick of the 2 best credit cards for families with kids.
