More Malaysians are seeking wellness breaks as a way to rest, recharge and prioritise well-being, according to new data from Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform. In Traveloka’s 2024 ‘Travel Redefined’ APAC study of 12,000 respondents, 31% of Malaysians cited ‘rest and recharge’ as their main reason to travel, with the trend continuing into the first half of 2025 where resorts and villas were among Malaysians’ top five most searched accommodation types on the platform. Domestic wellness hotspots were favoured, with Malaysians booking holidays to the beaches of Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Langkawi in 2025. To encourage more travellers to embark on self-care holidays, Traveloka is launching its 10.10 Travel…

In honour of World Rivers Day on September 25, digital travel platform Agoda unveils a curated list of must-visit river destinations across Asia. These unique waterways offer travellers unforgettable backdrops that transform with the seasons, offering ever-changing vistas and a multitude of Instagrammable photo opportunities. More than just scenic landscapes, rivers serve as unique gateways to local life and nature. They typically host unique attractions such as night markets, festivals, and riverside cafés, offering an authentic taste of the regional culture and traditions.  Agoda has curated a guide to breathtaking yet lesser-known river destinations sure to sail onto every traveller’s bucket list: 1. Perfume River, Hue (Vietnam) The Perfume River streams past Hue’s historic…

Xinjiang, the hidden beautiful region in north-western China, is a land where culture, history, and natural beauty converge. Known for its diverse ethnic heritage, Silk Road history, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Xinjiang offers an otherworldly winter experience like no other. Blanketed in snow, the region transforms into a magical destination where frozen lakes glisten under the pale sun and ancient towns whisper tales of the past. If you are planning a winter adventure, here are few destinations in Xinjiang you must visit at least once in your lifetime. 1. Hemu Village Located in the Altay Mountains, Hemu Village is often regarded as one of the most picturesque villages in China. In…

StarCruises is delighted to announce the return of Star Voyager to Southeast Asia for the winter season, sailing from 20 November 2025 to 5 February 2026. Perfectly timed for the year-end festive period and the Singapore and Malaysia school holidays, this deployment offers families, couples and friends a variety of exciting short-getaway options. Singapore Departures, 20 November – 14 December 2025 – 3 Night weekend getaways to Penang, departing Thursdays – 4 Night sailings to Phuket & Penang, departing Sundays Singapore Departures, 18 December 2025 – 5 February 2026 Cruise itineraries will expand to feature: – 4 Night itineraries to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) & Phuket, departing Sundays – 3…

Alipay+, Ant International’s global wallet gateway, and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, have announced the integration of Grab’s ride-hailing services into Alipay+ Voyager, its inbuilt end-to-end AI travel agent. This will make local transportation services in Southeast Asia more accessible for users of Alipay+ Voyager, who can now book rides directly from within their digital wallets. Through this integration, Alipay+ and Grab are further deepening their partnership, which began in 2023 by allowing consumers to use their home e-wallets to make payments on the Grab app. Now, users can book Grab’s ride-hailing services directly from within the same e-wallet, without needing to download an additional app. Launched in mid-2025, Alipay+…