Into the Wild: Where to Experience Nature Up Close in Asia

RIMOWA, the iconic German luggage brand, is back with the fifth chapter of its "Never Still" Campaign, celebrating not only the essence of travel but also the stories we carry with us along the way. 

RIMOWA is embracing the pre-loved movement, offering re-crafted luggage with a history of its own, which was sold out in mere minutes. This campaign is a continuation of that, featuring three of the world’s most dynamic stars. 

This campaign stars Mandopop legend Jay Chou, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, and K-pop icon Rosé, and their scuffed suitcases that are decorated with cute custom stickers.

The "Never Still" campaign explores how their journeys have not only shaped their careers but also deepened their understanding of the world and themselves. It includes digital and print photography by Johnny Dufort and short films directed by Daniel Wolfe and Elliott Power, which capture the unique personality of the three stars. 

From Lewis Hamilton’s playful Roscoe (his bulldog) sticker, which pays homage to his furry companion, to Rosé’s album tribute stickers on her Classic Cabin, and Jay Chou’s crossed-racket motif on his suitcase, each piece tells a unique story of the purpose of travel, according to the stars.

Talking about her luggage customization, Rosé mentions that she's always traveling and on the hunt for new adventures, and with each exploration, she’s learning new perspectives that have an impact on her and discovering herself. 

For Jay Chou, aside from revealing through his racket sticker that he’s a fan of tennis, he reflects that every journey contributes to helping him understand himself better and see the world with a new, wiser perspective.

Lewis Hamilton says that pursuing new experiences around the world with his recent travels has been instrumental in challenging himself.

For more information, visit RIMOWA on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter). 

Travel is one of the most refreshing ways to get your steps in. For those planning to go on a city break, Skyscanner just revealed nine of the best cities in Asia you can explore easily on foot!

In order to curate the region’s most walkable cities, the travel platform looked into their flight data to pinpoint 30 up-and-coming city break destinations outside America, skipping popular spots like Berlin and Dubrovnik. For this list, they wanted to highlight the hidden gems, destinations that are not only great to explore but also easy to navigate on foot. After all, city breaks are the best when you can walk from one attraction to another without needing to constantly hop on a taxi or catch public transport. 

Skyscanner evaluated their data by considering 14 factors, including distances between attractions, the number of walking trails, average elevation, population density, safety, air quality, and wheelchair accessibility, among others. 

The result? A walkability index featuring the best cities you should consider for your 2025 travel adventures. In Asia and Southeast Asia, nine cities reigned supreme, with Japan’s Nagasaki claiming the top spot. The city located on the island of Kyushu boasts gorgeous beaches and surrounding hills, as well as must-see attractions such as the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, the man-made island of Dejima, and the Sasebo Yosakoi dance festival that happens during the autumn season. 

Second on the list is another Japanese city, Hiroshima, which is a fantastic destination to explore, brimming with cultural attractions from memorial parks to museums and awe-inspiring sites such as the floating Tori gate. This bustling city is also very safe to walk in at any time of day and boasts delicious local delicacies such as the famed Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes).

The list also included Panglao, located in the Philippines’ Bohol province. The destination ranked on the list for its low crime rate, low elevation, and a city limit of just 47 square kilometers. Panglao boasts several beautiful beaches where you can not only walk along the shores but also enjoy all sorts of adventures, from cliff-diving to island hopping. Additionally, you can also explore some of its nearby attractions, such as the famed Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary.

Another city that’s fairly easy to explore on foot is Macau, with limits of less than 10 square kilometers and over 517 attractions to see and enjoy. If you’re looking for the ideal cityscape, this bustling city has lots to offer, from unique dining experiences to thrilling activities like bungee jumping at Macau Tower!

Ready to get those steps in? You can see the full list of destinations here.

Most Walkable Cities in Asia and Southeast Asia According to Skyscanner:

1. Nagasaki, Japan
2. Hiroshima, Japan
3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
4. Sendai, Japan
5. Haiphong, Vietnam
6. Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
7. Thiruvananthapuram, India
8. Coimbatore, India
9. Macau, China

Book your next adventure with Skyscanner and follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more information on the best destinations.

Traveling can bring out one of two personalities in people: Type A people are more structured, organized, and complete with the itinerary and other details. Type B people, on the other hand, are more laid-back, going with the flow of the trip, and are more relaxed throughout. 

If you’re looking to spark some new life and joy for your traveling hacks, take a look at Klook’s latest campaign for some inspiration. 

Klook’s “The Best You” Travel Campaign

Popular travel platform Klook has created a new campaign titled “The Best You,” which redefines travel as more than just a vacation, but a gateway to discovering the best version of yourself you didn’t know you were looking for. 

Partnering with tidying expert and global personality Marie Kondo for their first episode, the campaign aims to position travel as a road to self-discovery and transformation. 

Klook’s latest Travel Pulse study outlined that one in two Millennial and Gen Z travelers are more driven by the desire for personal transformation. They’re not just looking for picturesque getaways or temporary happiness, but for real experiences that spark joy, clarity, and wonder. 

The best way to do that, according to nearly one in five travelers, is to go on nature retreats or take a short weekend getaway to chase meaningful moments beyond the miles. 

“We’ve always believed experiences offer more than just activities — they’re a way to see yourself differently. When the world feels unpredictable, people look for moments that bring them back to who they are. 'The Best You' is our invitation to rediscover joy, connection, and personal growth through the simple power of travel and shared experiences,” said Marcus Yong, Vice President, Global Marketing at Klook. 

“The Best You” is all about discovering experiences that bring you closer to who you want to be — whether it’s discovering your playful side at an amusement park or trying out something new with your loved ones. 

To help future and seasoned travelers kickstart their journey to self-discovery, Klook has created an interactive online quiz that’s part personality decoder, part choose-your-own-adventure. Try out Klook’s Experience The Best You quiz here.

Travelers can discover one out of eight unique travel personalities that reflect their distinct travel aura, unlocking curated experiences designed to bring their best selves to life, wherever they go. 

For more information, travel deals, and perks, check out Klook’s website and follow Klook on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

As it gets warmer across Asia, more and more people are making their way to the beach to cool down. From relaxing retreats to thrilling underwater adventures, there are a ton of things you can fill up your holiday itineraries with, making coastal destinations a top choice among many travelers this season. 

Asia has long proved itself as a top destination when it comes to water sports, being the home to some of the best diving hotspots around. Southeast Asia, specifically, invites thousands of scuba diving enthusiasts from far and wide each year, attracted by its clear blue waters and gorgeous marine ecosystems that earned it the title as scuba diving haven. 

Looking to plunge into the deep on your next summer escape? Digital travel platform Agoda just unveiled insights from its 2025 Scuba Deals Survey, which sheds light on the preferences and motivations of scuba diving enthusiasts across Asia. Conducted last February among 850 scuba divers across 11 markets in the region (Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam), this survey illuminates trends shaping the underwater travel scene, giving potential travelers a chance to shape their own adventures.

“Asia is home to some of the world’s most popular diving destinations and remains a favorite among divers,” said Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director Indonesia at Agoda. “At Agoda, we’re passionate about helping travelers access these amazing experiences. By offering great deals on accommodations, flights, and activities, we aim to make exploring the underwater world easier and affordable for everyone.”

Ready to plan your underwater adventure? Here are some of the notable insights to consider:

Indonesia is the top diving destination

Known for its gorgeous beaches, volcanoes, and rich biodiversity, it’s no surprise that Indonesia topped the list as the most desired scuba diving destination. It even ranked ahead of some of the most popular coastal spots such as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

So, if you’re hoping to witness magnificent underwater sights, Indonesia is the place to be. Since this Southeast Asian country is mostly dry, with temperatures averaging 28 to 29°C, diving is year-round. Some of the best spots for diving there include Pulau Weh, Bunaken Marine Park, and Raja Ampat.

Travelers are motivated by relaxing underwater retreats

Nearly one-third (30%) of respondents cited relaxation as their primary reason for diving, proving that the ocean offers a sanctuary from the stress of daily life. This motivation is prevalent among divers from other Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Another motivating factor is exploring marine life, with over 24% of divers drawn to the allure of ocean creatures. 

Affordable, but with bigger budgets

While many respondents put affordability high on their priority list, ranking it as the most important factor when choosing accommodation for the trip, divers are willing to spend more on their underwater escapades. 

The survey showed that two-fifths (40%) of respondents spend 15 to 30% more on scuba trips compared to regular vacations. So yes, divers want to be on budget, but won’t hold back on spending a little bit more for a good dive. 

Scuba diving trips range from 4 to 7 days

If you ask travelers how long the perfect vacation should last, answers will most likely vary depending on what kind of trip they’re taking, and their motivations and plans. Diving enthusiasts prefer short getaways according to the survey, with nearly half of the respondents (48%) preferring their diving trip to last four to seven days. 

Many also prefer weekend trips (41%), underscoring that travelers find appeal in quick and immersive experiences that they can easily squeeze in between their busy schedules. 

Reefs are the preferred dive sites

As to what kind of diving travelers in Asia prefer, Reef diving emerges as the winner with over 75% of respondents expressing interest in these areas. 

It’s no secret that dive spots in the region boast rich ecosystems and colorful coral that continue to inspire and captivate divers from all over the world, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for witnessing and exploring marine wonders. 

ICYDK, Agoda’s Scuba Deals program is offering an additional 10% discount on participating hotels in diving destinations across Southeast Asia, including spots in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. For more details, click here.

Follow Agoda on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram to learn more about how you can maximize the fun on your trips with fantastic travel deals.

We have many things to thank the Internet for, among which is connectivity and access to information. While the world may have seemed huge and intimidating before, it now feels easy and accessible. Proof of this is “Film Tourism,” a term coined to describe how films and shows inspire audiences to explore destinations popularized by what is seen on the screen. While this is a rising trend in the 2020s, researchers had already noticed the tendency years ago, calling it “movie-induced tourism.” 

While there had been questions as to the validity of “movie induced tourism” in the 1990s, today, researchers confirm that the impact of the film and movie industry on travel is “massive.” 

“Mission Impossible 2” has been said to have increased tourism to Sydney National Park by 200%. “The Lord of The Rings” has also impacted New Zealand’s tourism so much so that the word “Tolkien tourism” was born.

Recently, the release of “The White Lotus” put the spotlight on Thailand, with travel agency, Agoda, reporting a 12% increase in accommodation searches. According to Agoda, interest from the United States also grew by 65% compared to the last month’s average. Whereas past searches for Koh Samui accommodations had previously been from Malaysia and countries nearby Thailand, now tourists from Israel, Germany, France, and the UK have shown growing interest in visiting. 

Pierre Honne, Country Director Thailand at Agoda shared, "The third season premiere of 'The White Lotus' has been a highly anticipated event in Thailand as it has across the rest of the world. The potential positive effects on Koh Samui and Thailand's tourism are undeniable.” 

Past seasons of “The White Lotus,” filmed in Hawaii and Sicily, had also impacted the aforementioned destinations positively, with people flocking to the locales after seeing the show. Associate Professor at UQ Business School, Monica Chien, shared that “film tourism” is a strategic tool for destination marketing, and therefore, economic growth. 

"Film tourism is a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of activities and cultural experiences, all of which can significantly influence a destination's image and drive visitation," she told ABC News.

With this at stake, the Thai government pulled out plenty of stops to ensure that they would be the main feature for the third season of “The White Lotus.” They offered generous tax rebates for the production company, ultimately wooing showrunners to choose Koh Samui over Japan, which had been the original choice for production. This shows the government’s awareness of the power of “film tourism,” and how major bodies are willing to show leniency in order to promote their destinations.

But, as with anything, film tourism has its downsides. In fact, some researchers say that the negative impacts far outweigh the positive ones, especially for places that are ill-equipped to handle the influx. 

First and foremost, is the damage that the natural environment may have to face when accommodating more than the usual amount of people. There will likely be an increase in pollution, trash, and waste. For locales that don’t have the proper infrastructure to manage this, the problem could become critical. 

More than that, there is also the tension between locals and tourists. Displacement could happen – locals and tourists may have to compete for resources such as parking space or rent. An increased number of visitors would also likely encourage local businesses to raise prices in order to capitalize and turn a profit. This could negatively impact the lives and routines of people who have called the area home way before it became “popular.” Of course, problems also arise when tourists are uninformed or deliberately disrespectful. 

A perfect example of this is the case of Sagada, an idyllic mountain town located in the Philippines. The locale was popularized by the 2014 movie “That Thing Called Tadhana” starring Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman.  After its release, local tourists began taking notice of the quaint mountain town, flocking to its hills for beautiful views and refreshing mountain air. However, residents of Sagada noted increasing crises in congestion, water scarcity, pollution, and cultural disrespect (i.e. tourists disrespecting the hanging coffins, which is a traditional burial practice for the Igorot tribe). 

However, the research paper did touch upon the agreement that both tourists and locals have in the perception that “film tourism” is an income generator for Sagada. Locals are also in favor of the government collecting fees (i.e. environmental fees) from tourists in order to supplement income for infrastructure as well as to serve as a deterrent for increased signs of pollution. 

While tourism is fun and exciting – definitely an advantage to many locals who find jobs in the sector – it becomes clear that some etiquette has to be followed in order for it to be beneficial to both locals and tourists. This is by no means the start or end of “film tourism;” in fact, we’re sure that it’s only the beginning. As future productions choose to take advantage of cheaper travel and picturesque locales, “film tourism” is sure to find a boost in even the most remote destinations. 

The most important thing for people to do when partaking in “film tourism” is to research the culture. Make sure that one’s behavior aligns with what is allowed in a certain place. While one may not fully agree with a destination’s beliefs or practices (i.e. religious practices), it’s important to realize that respect for the locals must take precedence over anything else. 

Aside from that, practicing basic politeness should be a baseline. Visitors should be sure not to litter, and not to cause any kind of pollution, including noise pollution. Working together with local governments to protect resources and infrastructure can turn “film tourism” into an enjoyable experience for the people who live in an area, as well as the people who choose to visit it.