Tessa Kaur

You might not expect Chanel to be in the business of setting up libraries, yet that’s exactly what happened late last month. Espace Gabrielle Chanel has opened on the third floor of the Power Station of Art in Shanghai, and it’s the first of Mainland China’s government-run libraries to focus on contemporary art. The airy, beautifully sunlit library – designed by Japanese architect Kazunari Sakamoto – has a collection of more than 50,000 books and audiobooks, and will also host the Archive of Chinese Contemporary Art. The initiative is focused on preserving and contextualising the vibrant culture of contemporary art and its practice in China. Espace Gabrielle Chanel is part of a long-term collaboration between Power Station of Art and the Chanel Culture Fund, and is the first of the Culture Fund’s projects in Asia. The Chanel Culture Fund works to support cultural innovation and champion equality of voice globally.  For example, its programs in Paris and Seoul focus on ecology, while its work in Chicago focuses on spotlighting artists from the Global South. Its work with Power Station of Art has resulted in Espace Gabrielle Chanel, but it’s also created the Next Culture Producer Programme, which allows makers in creative disciplines to propose group exhibitions annually. Photograph: Chanel Yana Peel, Chanel’s president of arts, culture and heritage, said the space “is a living testament to Gabrielle Chanel’s conviction that art and culture are essential to everyday life”, an

Most people’s least favourite part of travelling is the airports. Hour-long queues to get through immigration are enough to put a damper on even the most excited traveller’s mood. However, you might not face this problem for long if the technology installed at Indonesia’s airports becomes more widespread. In partnership with Amadeus, Indonesia is the first nation to begin using fully operational biometric, seamless corridor systems, where passengers can complete immigration clearance by walking through gated corridors without needing to stop or scan their passports. This is different from biometric measures in other countries, such as Singapore or the UAE, which still require stopping to scan faces or passports. The corridors use AI-powered facial recognition cameras to capture and verify passenger identities in real-time. These corridors have been installed at two major airports. Two are in Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, and one is at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. Currently, the system is used to prioritise accessibility, serving elderly passengers and passengers with disabilities. To use the corridor, travellers must pre-register through the All Indonesia app, which completes background checks before passengers arrive in the country. However, stress testing showed that each corridor could process over 30 passengers a minute at peak times, making it ten times more efficient than the biometric e-gates used in many other countries. This allows imm

You’re probably already familiar with the Michelin Star system for restaurants, which highlights the absolute peaks of culinary excellence. You may not be as familiar with the newer Michelin Keys, which single out the best hotels in the world, not just the ones in big metropolitan cities, but hidden in less-trodden parts of the world. The Keys have just entered its second year, and the list of 2025’s best hotels has just been released. One Japanese hotel, Asaba Ryokan, has been promoted from Two to Three-Keys, making it one of the best hotels in the world, but we’ve also seen China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam gain their very first Keys, including Three-Key hotels.  One of those Three-Key hotels is NIHI Sumba, located on an Indonesian island near Komodo, about an hour east of Bali. Called the best hotel in the world by some, the hotel is full of luxury villas, set between a stunning private beach and a gorgeous, wild jungle. It somehow manages to retain its authenticity and natural beauty while also being incredibly luxurious – expect butler service, private infinity pools, oceanfront villas, open-air spas, and three restaurants with a variety of food options. And, of course, there are plenty of activities both on the water and on land, like horseback tours, mountain biking, and diving. Another Three-Key hotel is Raffles Hotel, the legendary colonial mainstay of Singapore’s bustling cityscape. One of seven Singaporean hotels aw

For years, Japan’s capital Tokyo has been the largest city in the world, but it’s finally been overtaken. According to the United Nations, Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is now the world’s most populous city, with nearly 42 million inhabitants. Surprisingly, Tokyo isn’t even second on the list – that’s Dhaka in Bangladesh, with 37 million. Tokyo is now third on the list, with 33 million inhabitants. This is due to a combination of factors – changing definitions of cities, the migration of residents to urban areas, ageing populations, and rapid urban growth. Jakarta might begin to face challenges in expanding access to services and employment, managing housing affordability, and investing in transport infrastructure to ease urban congestion.  But Jakarta’s growing population and the influx of younger people looking for opportunities in the city also means that it’s a young and diverse city, and a creative and cultural hub that’s both traditional and incredibly modern.  You’ll find night markets offering local bites and international cuisine between sprawling malls full of luxury brands. There are dive bars and rooftop clubs alike, and an astonishing number of impressive fine dining spots. Check out M Bloc for contemporary art spaces, local music, boutiques, and trendy eateries, and be sure to check out some of the restaurants serving elevated local food from other regions of the country – Indonesian cuisine is far more than nasi goreng. And if you’re looking for a brief escape

It will be no surprise to anyone to hear that Japan’s tourism industry has been absolutely booming for the last few years, largely because of its bustling city life, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Now, there are numbers to back up its reputation as a world-favourite travel destination: Wanderlust’s readers have voted Japan the most desirable country in the world to travel to, allowing it to reclaim the title for the first time in over a decade. Most visitors to Japan will visit Tokyo and Kyoto, the two mainstays of its tourism hotspots, but we say – don’t overlook the country’s offbeat and equally wonderful locales. The next time you visit, consider the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the country’s four major islands and also one of the most beautiful. Travellers are drawn to its gorgeous coastline, but you may also be interested in its famous Dogo Onsen, which inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli’s movies. It’s also the site of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, if you want to get in touch with your spiritual side. Or consider taking a trip to Kanazawa, a major city that escaped air raids during World War 2 and is therefore home to some of the country’s oldest historical attractions. It’s probably best known for Kenrokuen, one of the country’s most beautiful landscape gardens, full of stunning greenery and quaint teahouses. It’s also wonderful in cherry blossom season. Its Higashi Chaya district is famed for its geisha performances, and it’s got a ninja temple (Ninjad

To truly experience a city, you have to walk its streets and go where the locals go. That means veering away from the tourist traps and getting lost down back alleys, following the scents and sounds that indicate vibrant life going on around you, ducking into places that can unexpectedly surprise and delight you. It helps when you know which streets to explore, though. That’s where Time Out comes in. We’ve ranked the coolest streets in the world, focusing on food, drink, culture, fun, and community spirit.  The first Asian entry on the list is Orange Street in Osaka, which ranks second worldwide. Orange Street is well known for its eclectic shopping, offering forward-thinking local Japanese labels, chic boutiques, and vintage stores galore. It’s perfect whether you’re looking for the trendy or the kitschy. Also on the list is Nishihara Shogentai in Tokyo, a quieter enclave near the busy, bustling Shibuya. Kaila Imada, Digital Editor of Time Out Tokyo, says it’s “packed with cosy cafés, charming bakeries, intimate bars, and chic lifestyle shops”. It’s quieter and slower than you might expect central Tokyo to be, making it a perfect respite if you need some peace and quiet. Southeast Asia also has a strong showing in this list. Tenth on the list is Vĩnh Khánh Street, an incredible food street in Ho Chi Minh City. The main street of the city’s District 4 is packed all night, full of seafood grills that moonlight as beer bars, and buskers performing in the middle of the street. S

If you grew up in certain parts of Asia, the thought of Chinese food might evoke thoughts of Lunar New Year reunion lunches, comforting meals made at home, and late-night dim sum suppers. But Chinese cuisine is far more than that, and has been reinterpreted by culinary masters across the continent, showcasing its potential for sophistication and what Chinese gastronomy can look like. Elite 15 Asia has just released its ranking of the fifteen most distinguished restaurants across the region, guided by the Asia Taste Advisors Panel, chaired by acclaimed food critic Agnes Chee, and composed of Michelin-starred chefs, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. These restaurants, found in China, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Macau, showcase the best and most innovative of Chinese cuisine. Topping the list is The Chairman, a modern Cantonese spot in Central, Hong Kong. The one Michelin-starred restaurant, which had a modest start in a quiet lane in Sheung Wan, is one of the world’s most influential Chinese restaurants. With a focus on fresh ingredients rather than recipes or novelty, the restaurant is best known for its steamed fresh flowery crab with aged Shaoxing wine, fragrant chicken oil, and flat rice noodles. This signature dish remains on the menu, but diners can only order one of the set menus emailed to them a few days in advance of their reservation. The second entry on the list, and right next door to The Chairman in Central, Hong Kong, is Wing, the second restaurant from chef Vicky

In a world first, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced that, starting from October 1, 2026, travellers flying out of Singapore will be charged a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Fee as part of their flight ticket. This only applies to outbound passengers and not transit passengers. Don’t worry, the levy isn’t unreasonable, especially if you tend to travel on a budget. The amount charged depends on the distance flown and whether you’re in economy or a premium cabin (business and first class).  This means that if you typically fly economy or premium economy, your lowest levy will be just SGD $1 to fly within Southeast Asia, and the highest will be SGD $10.40 to fly to the Americas. That said, if you fly business or first class, you’ll pay four times more than economy travellers, which means SGD $4.00 to fly within Southeast Asia, and SGD $41.60 to fly to the Americas. This is because longer flights consume more fuel. The bands and prices are as follows: Band 1, Southeast Asia. SGD $1 for economy, SGD $4 for premium. Band 2, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea. SGD $2.80 for economy, SGD $11.20 for premium. Band 3, Africa, Central and West Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand. SGD $6.40 for economy, SGD $25.60 for premium. Band 4, Americas. SGD $10.40 for economy, SGD $41.60 for premium. It’s still extra money out of your pocket, but take heart in the fact that you’re supporting meaningful change for the env

You’re probably familiar with UNESCO as the part of the United Nations that establishes World Heritage Sites, giving landmarks with cultural and natural heritage legal protection under an international treaty.  You’re probably less familiar with its Creative Cities Network, which recognises cultural hubs for their work in “championing creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development”. UNESCO has just added 58 new cities to its network, which now comprises 408 cities across more than 100 countries, including several cities within Asia.  Among the Asian cities added is Dumaguete City, Philippines, as a City of Literature. Dumaguete has produced several literary award winners and is the home to two of its National Artists. It is the home of the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, the longest-running writers' workshop in Asia, and the Silliman University Library, which houses around 100,000 literary works. The city also has an annual literary festival. Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City was also honoured as a City of Film, the first in Southeast Asia. The city is a cinematic cultural hub for the country, holding international film festivals and events, and it continues to support filmmakers in the city with creative spaces, facilities, cultural centres, and startup centres.  Another notable addition was Songkhla, Thailand, as a City of Gastronomy. The city is known for its unique culinary culture, drawing on influences from Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Persian cuisines. It

You’re not alone if you’re feeling like you’ve got to pinch pennies in the coming year – the economy is bad, and outside of crossing your fingers for a big pay raise, there isn’t much we can do about our finances but tighten up our budgets. That shouldn’t stop you from taking a well-deserved break from life and exploring new cities, though. In fact, there are quite a few places that are definitely more worth visiting now than they were last year, because the prices of plane tickets there have dropped. The popular flight price comparison website Skyscanner has crunched the numbers to figure out which destinations have seen the biggest year-on-year price drops, making them the most worth visiting in the coming year. Even better, two of those locations are in Asia, making them even more affordable to travel to if you already live in the region. Coming in second place on the list is Goa, India, which has seen a hefty 34 percent drop in ticket prices. The city has long attracted tourists with its beautiful white sand beaches offering sunbathing and water sports, exciting nightlife and rich culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and high-end luxury resorts. Visit in March to celebrate the colourful Holi festival, or between November and February for the best weather. It’s generally cheapest to fly in February. Tenth on the list is Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which is tied with Ottawa, Canada, and Murcia, Spain, with a 20 percent price drop. The oft-overlooked city, Cambodia’s capital, is

There are a lot of reasons to love cruises – ample activities for the whole family, entertainment galore, and a plethora of dining options – and Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas is one of the most luxurious cruise operations around. If you’ve been itching to check this particular ship out and hop on a getaway, great news: it’s finally returned to Singapore, where it will remain until March 2026.  Ovation of the Seas has an absurd number of activities available on-board. For the adrenaline junkies, the ship has RipCord, the first skydiving simulator at sea, FlowRider, its iconic surfing simulator, and a 40 foot rock climbing wall. SeaPlex, a sprawling indoor activity area, has bumper cards, roller skating, arcade games, and a sports court. The North Star, a jewel-shaped capsule that brings you 90 meters above sea level, will give you breathtaking 360-degree views of the sea. There are a whopping 17 dining options, including Jamie’s Italian, from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. If you’re looking for nightlife, there’s the Latin-themed club Boleros onboard, and a state-of-the-art space named Two70 that combines aerial acrobatics, robotics, and projection-mapped visuals.  If this all sounds like a dream come true, you’re going to love this next part. As part of Royal Caribbean’s 11.11 sales, if you book select Ovation of the Seas vacations from Singapore to Penang, Phuket, or Bali, you can enjoy up to SGD $1,300 in savings, including instant savings of at least $150 per room. I

If you’re from one of those countries where train or metro stations are just a means to an end, a dreary sight that you tune out on your daily commute, you’ve likely never thought of train stations as having a ton of aesthetic value. In some places, however, special effort is made to make these transitory spaces beautiful and pleasant to be in. The Prix Versailles, one of the world’s most prestigious and respected architecture and design awards, has just announced its prizewinners for 2025, honouring outstanding buildings in sectors like hospitality, museums, campuses and airports. This includes its list of the six most beautiful train stations of the year, which includes one in Asia. Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, China, was opened in December 2023 and designed by Japanese architectural firm Nikken Sekkei (the second biggest architectural practice in the world!) alongside collaborators within China. Residing in the centre of northern Guangzhou’s new CBD area, the station connects high-speed railways, subway lines, and bus terminals to move hundreds of thousands of people a day. But it’s more than just a transportation hub – it has offices, commercial facilities, serviced apartments and housing, focusing on using land efficiently to create a mixed-use building that isn’t just functional, but offers spaces for tourists and locals to relax. It has a circular walkway connecting lush green gardens, turning it into what Prix Versailles calls an ‘urban park’ that ‘unites the local co