Agoda’s 2025 travel calendar: A month-by-month guide to Asia
Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled a list of destinations in Asia for 2025, providing travelers with a month-by-month guide from March onwards to the continent’s seasonal attractions, cultural highlights, and unique experiences. The monthly travel guide suggests different places and cultures throughout the year, based on perfect times to visit. From the scenic cherry blossoms of Tokyo, Japan in March to the lively Diwali celebrations in Jaipur come October, Agoda’s selection offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, “At Agoda, we love helping people explore the world for less. We believe travel should be accessible and inspiring, and…
Dato’ Fazley Yaakob: From Music to Culinary Mastery
Dato’ Fazley Yaakob, a versatile celebrity, has seamlessly blended business, gastronomy, and music into his diverse career. With chart-topping hits like Asmara Ini and Bila April, he enthralled listeners as a recording artist in the late 1990s. Over two decades, he built a name not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a motivational speaker and a successful entrepreneur. Dato’ Fazley’s love for the culinary arts drove him to seek formal training at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, despite his success in the entertainment sector. After clinching the title of Grand Champion on MasterChef Celebrity Malaysia in 2012, he embarked on a rigorous academic journey, earning a Diplôme…
Hong Kong Elevates Muslim-Friendly Travel Experiences for Muslim Travellers
Hong Kong continues to make progress in becoming a Muslim-friendly destination of choice, with enhanced services and facilities that cater to the needs of Muslim travellers. A key milestone in Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) efforts is the increasing number of hotels participating in Crescent Rating’s (CR) accreditation program — a program rating hotel on their Muslim-friendliness developed by Crescent Rating, an internationally renowned Muslim travel marketing company. As of February 2025, 52 hotels in Hong Kong have successfully obtained an accreditation rating from Crescent Rating, depending on the Muslim-friendly facilities available at the hotels. In addition, Hong Kong has significantly expanded its selection of Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly restaurants, accredited by Incorporated…
Bali Considers RM446/Day Tourism Tax to Curb Overtourism
Bali, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, has long been a magnet for global travellers. However, the island’s popularity has ushered in challenges related to overtourism, prompting local authorities to consider innovative solutions to preserve its unique environment and heritage. One such proposal under serious consideration is the introduction of a daily tourism tax for all foreign visitors, inspired by Bhutan’s sustainable tourism model. Bhutan’s approach to tourism is characterised by a Sustainable Development Fee, where international tourists are required to pay USD 100 (RM446) per day. This model aims to attract ‘high-quality’ tourists who are willing to invest in the preservation of the country’s cultural and natural…
The Olive Tree Group: Revolutionising Malaysia’s F&B Scene Under the Visionary Leadership of Leslie Gomez
Leslie Gomez, Founder and Managing Director of The Olive Tree Group, is a dynamic leader whose entrepreneurial vision has driven his company to the forefront of Malaysia’s vibrant hospitality scene. Since its founding in 2003, The Olive Tree Group has evolved from a single outlet to a renowned hospitality empire with 30 restaurants and bars across 7 states and 2 countries. With over 700 employees, the company is a leader in diverse culinary offerings and extraordinary dining experiences. Leslie’s journey began in India, where he gained invaluable experience working in various hospitality roles. His career reached new heights at The Taj, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. During this time,…