Science encourages children to explore, question, observe, and understand the world around them. During the primary school years, students begin developing important scientific thinking skills that support curiosity, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. A strong understanding of Science at an early stage can also help students become more confident learners in higher academic levels.

Because classroom lessons alone may not always provide enough reinforcement, many parents look for additional learning support through structured educational materials. Well-designed Science books for primary school can help students strengthen concepts, improve understanding, and develop greater confidence in handling scientific topics through guided explanations and practice activities.

Science Builds Curiosity and Critical Thinking

One of the biggest benefits of Science education is that it encourages students to think beyond memorisation. Children learn to observe patterns, ask questions, and understand how different systems work.

Strong Science learning helps students:

• Develop analytical thinking skills
• Improve observation abilities
• Understand cause-and-effect relationships
• Strengthen logical reasoning

These thinking skills support learning across many other subjects as well.

Structured Learning Improves Concept Understanding

Science includes many concepts that require clear explanations and gradual reinforcement. Students may struggle when topics are introduced too quickly without sufficient practice or examples.

Educational materials designed for primary learners often help simplify complex ideas through structured learning approaches.

A good Science learning resource should include:

• Step-by-step explanations
• Visual diagrams and examples
• Topic-based revision exercises
• Real-world applications of concepts

This approach helps children understand topics more comfortably and confidently.

Students Need Regular Reinforcement Outside the Classroom

Many students require additional revision after school to strengthen their understanding and improve retention. Revisiting concepts regularly helps students feel more prepared during assessments.

Consistent revision with science books for primary school allows students to:

• Reinforce classroom learning
• Clarify weaker concepts gradually
• Improve familiarity with scientific terminology
• Build confidence through repeated practice

Additional reinforcement often helps reduce confusion during examinations.

Visual Learning Makes Science Easier to Understand

Science often involves processes, systems, and relationships that are easier to understand through visual representation.

Children generally learn more effectively when educational materials include:

• Diagrams and labelled illustrations
• Visual explanations of scientific processes
• Tables and comparison charts
• Simple step-by-step examples

Visual learning support helps students process information more clearly and retain concepts longer.

Science Encourages Problem-Solving Skills

Modern Science education focuses not only on factual knowledge but also on application and reasoning. Students are expected to analyse information and apply concepts in unfamiliar situations.

To strengthen these abilities, many parents use supplementary learning resources alongside school materials. Across different learning levels, SAP Books Singapore provides structured Science exercises and guided revision support that help students strengthen conceptual understanding while improving confidence progressively.

Problem-solving practice can help students:

• Apply scientific concepts more effectively
• Improve reasoning abilities
• Develop stronger analytical skills
• Build confidence handling open-ended questions

These skills become increasingly important as students progress academically.

Reading Skills Also Improve Through Science Learning

Science learning involves understanding explanations, analysing information, and interpreting questions carefully. As students revise scientific topics, they also strengthen reading comprehension and vocabulary development.

Students often improve in:

• Understanding technical vocabulary
• Reading informational texts
• Interpreting diagrams and data
• Following written instructions accurately

This contributes positively to overall academic development.

Consistent Practice Builds Confidence

Children generally become more comfortable with Science when they revise consistently instead of studying only before assessments.

Regular revision helps students:

• Retain concepts more effectively
• Reduce exam-related stress
• Improve familiarity with question formats
• Strengthen memory through repetition

Confidence grows gradually when students feel prepared and familiar with the subject content.

Science Learning Supports Real-World Understanding

Science helps children understand how things function in everyday life. From plants and the human body to energy and environmental systems, students begin connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences.

This practical understanding helps children:

• Become more curious learners
• Observe their surroundings more actively
• Develop an interest in scientific exploration
• Appreciate the relevance of learning

Practical connections often make Science more engaging and meaningful.

Independent Learning Habits Become Stronger

Educational resources with guided explanations and structured exercises can encourage students to revise independently.

Children who develop independent revision habits often:

• Become more organised academically
• Improve concentration during study time
• Build confidence solving questions alone
• Develop stronger responsibility towards learning

Independent learning skills continue to benefit students throughout higher education.

Parents Can Support Science Learning at Home

Parental support plays an important role in helping children feel positive about Science learning.

Parents can encourage stronger learning habits by:

• Creating regular revision routines
• Discussing scientific concepts casually
• Encouraging curiosity and questioning
• Reviewing mistakes positively

Supportive home learning environments often improve both motivation and confidence.

Final Thoughts

Science education helps children build curiosity, analytical thinking, and stronger problem-solving abilities from an early age. Well-structured science books for primary school provide students with additional learning support, guided explanations, and consistent practice opportunities that strengthen understanding gradually.

With progressive revision materials, practical learning support, and student-friendly educational resources, children can approach Science with greater confidence and interest. Through thoughtfully developed learning materials and structured academic guidance, Singapore Asia Publishers continues to support students in building strong scientific foundations for future learning success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are science books important for primary school students?

Science books help students strengthen understanding, reinforce classroom learning, and improve analytical thinking through structured explanations and practice activities.

2. How can Science revision improve student confidence?

Regular revision helps students become more familiar with concepts, reduce confusion, and feel better prepared for school assessments and examinations.

3. Can Science learning improve problem-solving skills?

Yes, Science encourages students to analyse information, apply concepts logically, and think critically when solving different types of questions.

The post Why Do Students Need Science Books for Primary School for Better Learning? appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The Hari Hong Kong will turn Father’s Day into a weekend feast on Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21, plating up remarkable brunches and set dinners at Lucciola and Zoku, alongside an elegant afternoon tea at The Lounge and The Terrace.

Italian restaurant Lucciola

Italian restaurant Lucciola’s Father’s Day Brunch kicks off with an authentic Italian selection from the bar table including homemade porchetta roast, followed by dishes such as classic braised veal ossobuco with saffron risotto and desserts from a trolley including the restaurant’s signature tiramisu. Lucciola’s Father’s Day set dinner is priced from HKD 568 per person with options such as USDA prime rib eye steak and roasted barramundi fillet, and desserts including Bonet with gianduja chocolate, amaretti, whipped cream and rum caramel bar.

At Zoku, which specialises in contemporary Japanese cuisine, the Father’s Day Brunch includes a premium seasonal sashimi platter, assorted skewers and rolls, and mains such as Spanish mackerel with sake lees sauce and an A-4 Miyazaki wagyu upgrade.

The Hari Hong Kong Father’s Day dining at Zoku

Zoku’s Father’s Day ‘Discovering Zoku’ set dinner is priced from HKD 688 per person and features dishes such as salmon tataki with smoked herring caviar and coconut ponzu, wagyu roll, prawn gyoza and chargrilled lamb chop with black garlic sauce.

Lucciola and Zoku’s brunches are each priced from HKD 628 per person and 488 per child. Brunch includes 90 minutes of free-flow red, white and sparkling wines, sparkling and still water, soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea, with Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne upgrades available at Lucciola and Zoku as well as sake upgrades on offer at Zoku.

From 3-5pm, The Lounge and The Terrace will serve The Hari Afternoon Tea and a Father’s Day Chocolate Stout dessert made with dark chocolate, stout beer and whipped cream.

For menus and reservations, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/fathers-day-celebration/

The post The Hari Hong Kong Celebrates Father’s Day appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Featuring starter Pokémon trios from all nine regions, the experience levels up with nine new themes across 18 cabins, bringing more to discover from day to night

Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure Presented by Singapore Cable Car introduces more to discover in the sky, with nine new starter Pokémon-themed cabins on the Mount Faber Line from Mount Faber Peak to Sentosa. Launching just in time for the June school holidays, this new experience runs from 30 May 2026 to 21 January 2027. The existing Pokémon-themed cabins, featuring five Pokémon — Charmander, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Gengar and Eevee — will also continue through the same period, with hidden Pokémon revealed under UV light after dark.

Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure Presented by Singapore Cable Car

The Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure brings guests of all ages together through iconic starter Pokémon that have accompanied generations of fans over the last three decades. With refreshed cabin themes and evolutions revealed through the UV experience at night, this latest experience deepens the journey while reflecting Mount Faber Leisure Group’s (MFLG) commitment to continually introduce new and engaging experiences, ensuring there is always something new to discover with each visit.

A Shared Journey Across the Pokémon Regions

The cabin themes draw from nine Pokémon regions, from Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle in Kanto to Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly in Paldea. The experience allows guests of all ages to soar across the skyline with the starter Pokémon they grew up with while discovering new favourites from different regions, bringing them together through a shared Pokémon journey.

With only two cabins per region across a total of 18 cabins, each cabin is fully designed around the respective starter trios, right down to the cabin floors and seats, with fun facts introducing each starter Pokémon for guests to explore along the journey. By night, the experience transforms as guests use a UV torch to reveal the different evolutions of the starter Pokémon, uncovering hidden details within the cabins and adding a new layer of discovery to the journey.

In the night, Pokémon reappear as glowing UV-reactive silhouettes

As part of the experience, guests will also receive a Poké Ball-themed collectible silhouette card featuring Pokémon such as Charizard, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Gengar, Lapras, Ditto, Eevee, Snorlax and Dragonite. Guests can hold the card against the skyline to capture their favourite Pokémon set against scenic views from the Singapore Cable Car. With nine designs available, the collectible adds an interactive element to the journey and serves as a meaningful keepsake of this experience.

The Day-to-Night Experience Continues

Alongside the nine new cabin themes, the Singapore Cable Car continues to feature the original five cabin designs introduced when the experience first launched in November 2025. By day, these cabins showcase Charmander, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Gengar and Eevee on their exterior, journeying together and bringing playful charm and an adventurous spirit.

At night, guests can use a UV torch to uncover hidden details within the cabins, where the Pokémon reappear as glowing UV-reactive silhouettes and are joined by hidden flying-type Pokémon — Charizard, Pidgeot, Gyarados, Aerodactyl and Dragonite — revealed only when illuminated by the UV torch in the cabin. For the most determined, a rare surprise awaits. Somewhere among the cable car cabins, Mew makes its mysterious appearance. The excitement culminates at Mount Faber Peak, where photo points featuring starter Pokémon from the Kanto region offer scenic backdrops for photo-taking moments.

Pokémon Singapore Cable Car

Together, the refreshed experience invites guests to rediscover the Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure in new ways, bringing people together across generations.

Tickets

• Round-trip journey: S$33 for adults / S$22 for children aged 4–12
• Cable Car SkyPass (Unlimited Rides, one day): S$45 for adults / S$35 for children
• Children aged 3 and below: complimentary
• All Mount Faber Line ticket holders receive a complimentary Pokémon collectible silhouette card (while stocks last)

$12 June Holidays Local Promotion From 1 to 30 June 2026, local residents can enjoy round-trip tickets at S$12 each (U.P. S$33 adults / S$22 children), available via ticket counters and MFLG’s website.

For more information: www.mountfaberleisure.com/attraction/singapore-cable-car Follow MFLG on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

The post POKÉMON DAY-TO-NIGHT ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY SINGAPORE CABLE CAR appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Singapore is a city of dazzling futures. But its past is alive on Pagoda Street. I visited the Chinatown Heritage Centre on the morning of 26 May as part of my media trip. I expected a small museum. What I found was a time capsule – three beautifully restored shophouses where the stories of sinkheh (new guests), coolies, Samsui women, Chettiars, Chulias and Baweanese migrants breathe again.

From the moment I stepped inside, I understood why this is the only place in Singapore that has meticulously recreated the original interiors of 1950s shophouse tenants. No glass cases. No velvet ropes. Just the creak of wooden floors, the scent of old timber, and the echo of lives once lived in cubicles no larger than a double bed.

A Warm Welcome

At the entrance desk, I was greeted by Cristina and Goh. Their smiles were genuine, their kindness immediate.

Cristina and Goh with their genuine smiles

You can tell immediately: these are people who love this place. They are not just staff; they are custodians of memory.

Goh carefully instructed me on how to follow the visitor footprint. Later, he would tell me, proudly, that the record visit lasts four hours. I believe him. My own visit flew past – two hours were not nearly enough.

A Sensory Journey Back in Time

QR codes allow visitors to scan and get deeper information

The Centre is spread across three floors. What makes Chinatown Heritage Centre extraordinary is its immersive soundscape. In every room, loudspeakers recreate the sounds of daily life: a tailor’s sewing machine stitching endless orders, footsteps climbing a wooden staircase, doors screeching on rusty hinges, people chattering in Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Tamil, Malay, and cats miaowing in back alleys. You don’t just see the past. You hear it. You feel it. Also, Throughout the museum, QR codes placed near each display and room allow visitors to scan and instantly access deeper information about what they are seeing — a small but thoughtful touch that enriches the experience without cluttering the space.

The Greater Town (Tua Po)

After Raffles established Singapore as a free port in 1819, the Chinese were assigned the south bank of the Singapore River – then a swampy, forested swathe. The Hokkien settled along Telok Ayer Street, the Teochew along Merchant Road, the Cantonese in the core of Chinatown. This area became known locally as Tua Po – the ‘greater town’. Today’s Chinatown still bears the mark of the different ethnic groups that set up places of worship here, many of which still serve the community.

Where the Sinkheh Lived

The heart of the museum is on the second floor. Here, you walk through the actual cubicles where migrants lived. One display stopped me completely: a tiny cubicle no larger than a modern walk-in closet. Inside, a wooden bed shared by four men sleeping in shifts. The Cantonese called these infamous living quarters zyu zai kun – literally ‘piglets pen’. Cramped, unsanitary, and yet, this was home.

A tailor shop from times past

I saw a tailor’s workshop, a letter writer’s corner (many sinkheh were illiterate and relied on public scribes), and a coolie’s cubicle with nothing but a rattan mat and a wooden chest.

The Sinkheh: New Guests, Old Dreams

Between the 19th and mid-20th centuries, millions left China driven by famine, floods and unrest, making their way to Nanyang, the southern seas. They were called sinkheh – ‘new guest’ in Hokkien. On the wall, I read an excerpt from the “Rhyme of the Migrants”: “Whether there are earnings or none, return early / Do not let your family wait.” I read it twice. The second time, my eyes were wet.

Most sinkheh ended up as manual labourers

Life as a Coolie

Most sinkheh arrived unskilled and ended up as manual labourers – coolies, from the Chinese ku li (hard labour). Some came as indentured coolies, sold like cattle in the market. Their work was brutal: each coolie carried two sacks of up to 100 kg on their backs, running across narrow wooden planks while balancing on bare feet. A photograph from the early 1900s shows their faces. No resentment. Only exhaustion and resilience.

A Multi-Ethnic Chinatown

Chinatown Heritage Centre Singapore

One of the most important lessons of Chinatown Heritage Centre is that early Chinatown was already multi-ethnic. The Chulias (Tamil Muslims) settled along Cross Street. The Chettiars, known as moneylenders, flourished at Market Street. The Baweanese from East Java lived in pondoks around Club Street, practicing merantau – a rite of passage where young men leave home to seek fortune. One photograph from the early 1900s shows Chinese, Indian and Malay immigrants co-existing on the same street. This is not a detail. This is the heart of Singapore’s story.

Moving Images and Living Memories

One of the first cinemas-on-wheels

The third floor features a short film with haunting visuals: rickshaws, crowded piers, street wayang (Chinese opera), and the first cinemas-on-wheels. Speaking of street wayang: colourful costumes, lively music, dramatic stagecraft – it was something every Chinatown resident looked forward to. Singapore’s oldest opera troupe, Lao Sai Tao Yuan Teochew Opera, was founded in 1864 and still performs today.

And then there were the storytellers (gong gu lao). When night fell, they would sprinkle water to cool the air, lay straw mats, light an incense stick to keep time, and transport their audience – mainly labourers and the illiterate – to another realm. Before television arrived in the 1960s, the storyteller was the cinema of the people. Even the Cinema-on-Wheels is here: a wooden movie box mounted on a tricycle. I smiled. Then I felt grateful that such memories were preserved.

Amacha Tea Shop & Museum Shop

Amacha Tea Shop

At the end of my visit, Cristina handed me a 20% voucher for the attached Amacha Tea Shop, which specialises in herbal healthy remedies and lapis cakes. I bought a box of lapis sagu and a cooling chrysanthemum tea. Both were excellent. The museum shop sells heritage souvenirs and old photographs. I picked up a small print of Pagoda Street circa 1900. A fitting memory.

Final Verdict

The Chinatown Heritage Centre is not a glossy museum. It is for those who want to understand how Singapore came to be. You will walk through cubicles where families of ten slept side by side. You will hear the screech of doors that once closed on tired coolies. You will read poems written by illiterate migrants who only wanted to go home. And you will leave with a profound respect for the resilience of the human spirit.

The room of the sandal maker

Goh told me the record visitor stayed inside for four hours. I believe him. Two hours were not nearly enough. Next time, I will book a whole day.

Practical Information

Disclosure & Thanks

My visit was sponsored by Chinatown Heritage Centre as part of my media trip to Singapore. Sincere gratitude to Yi Qi for inviting me. All opinions, words and images are my own.

The post Chinatown Heritage Centre: The Soul of Old Singapore appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

As more guests wish to bring home a reminder of the wellbeing cultivated at TIA Wellness Resort, the Vietnamese property has expanded its lifestyle boutique, refreshing the array of goods available for purchase and re-opening in a larger, brighter space.

The items now available range from tea to tableware, with some of the decorative elements in the rooms such as a small gong and curtain tassels inspired by mala beads, being among the most popular items with guests.

TIA Tea Collection

Jewellery, notebooks, tote bags, pillowcases, beach and yoga mat bags with distinct TIA designs, and affirmation cards –based on TIA’s wellbeing principles–are also part of the cornucopia of TIA-designed goods. The black and white designs come in three patterns that match the property’s ethos:

• Mala – inspired by the meditation tool of a mala bead necklace that invites stillness and a calm mind
• Splash – bold calligraphy brush stroke patterns including the hand-drawn Zen circle that reflects the idea of being daring, creative and stepping into one’s power
•  TIA – a design that draws on the Vietnamese meaning of the property’s name “ray of light” for a design reminiscent of the sun’s rays, inspiring guests to shine, to take action.

TIA recently created the TIA Signature Tea Collection, available in the store. The collection is inspired by the four pillars that guide the guest experience: Breathe, Flow, Nourish, and Create. Each blend is a thoughtful infusion of herbs and botanicals, chosen for their flavors, and therapeutic benefits. These teas are served daily at the Wellness Center, with selections changing throughout the week to support gentle detoxification, internal nourishment, and ritual enjoyment.

Teas, which are available individually or as a collection, include:

• BREATHE, a soothing blend of chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and passion flower,
• FLOW which brings together lemongrass, ginger, and licorice root to awaken digestion,
• NOURISH a comforting combination of peppermint, fennel, chamomile, and ginger,
• CREATE an uplifting blend of butterfly pea flower, mint, and stevia, and
• WELLNESS, a grounding mix of green tea, daisy flower, and jujube.

TIA Boutique Window

While the expansion was born out of guest requests for many of the items encountered on property, it was important to the team that the goods could also act as a bridge to continue the TIA experience.

“Last year we launched a YouTube channel so guests could continue with the practices they experienced at the resort once they were back home,” explained Ramon Imper, general manager of the resort. “Like the online channel, the goods we offer are another way to tap back into the feelings of a stay – whether it be a visual queue from our tableware,  the taste and ritual of drinking our tea, the scent of our essential oils, or the sound from our gong.”

The new lifestyle boutique is now 25% bigger than the previous space and features a simple, calming design with crisp white walls and cool tiled floors, glass panels overlooking lush tropical gardens, and archways–a signature design element of the property.

The post TIA Wellness Resort Expands Lifestyle Boutique appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has once again been named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure magazine, securing a place among the most elite properties in global hospitality for the sixth consecutive year.

Celebrating its landmark 125th anniversary this year, the legendary Metropole Hanoi was one of only 12 hotels in Vietnam to appear on the 2026 list – and one of only two in the capital. The annual “World’s Best” awards, published in Travel + Leisure’s May 2026 issue, are among the most respected benchmarks in the international travel industry.

“Being recognized in Travel + Leisure’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ is a tremendous honor. As we celebrate 125 years of legendary hospitality rooted in our extraordinary past, this award inspires us to continue crafting even more remarkable experiences for our esteemed guests and the Metropole,” said Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos.

The recognition comes on the heels of several other major international accolades for the luxury hotel. Metropole Hanoi was recently named one of the “100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World” for 2026 by Fodor’s, a leading international travel authority for more than 80 years.

Last year, Metropole was awarded a coveted MICHELIN Key in the MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural edition in Vietnam. Business Traveller magazine named Metropole Hanoi one of the “Best Business Hotels in Asia-Pacific” for 2025, and Robb Report Hong Kong spotlighted Metropole in its “Best of the Best” for 2026.

In June, the Metropole was named the best city hotel in Vietnam in the annual Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. Condé Nast Traveler also recognized Metropole as one of the 72 best hotels and resorts in the world in the magazine’s prestigious Gold List 2025.

For more information on Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, please call 0243 826 6919, email metropolehanoi.info@sofitel.com or visit www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/.

The post Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Named One of World’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ by T+L appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Singapore is a city of many perspectives. From the ground, it’s a marvel of urban planning. From a rooftop bar, it’s a sea of lights. But from a cable car cabin suspended 100 metres above Keppel Harbour? That’s when Singapore truly takes your breath away. I experienced this firsthand during my media trip, thanks to an invitation from Mount Faber Leisure Group. The evening was carefully curated: board the newly launched SkyOrb cabin at HarbourFront, glide across to Sentosa, enjoy a traditional dinner at Good Old Days Singapore Flavours, and end the night with the Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony. What followed was an evening of unforgettable views, delicious food, and pure childlike wonder.

The SkyOrb Cabin: A First-Class Experience in the Sky

I began my journey at the HarbourFront Cable Car Station, just a short walk from HarbourFront MRT. The moment I stepped into the SkyOrb cabin, I knew this was not an ordinary cable car ride.

The SkyOrb is the world’s first chrome-finished, spherical cable car cabin. Unlike the standard transparent cabins, this one feels special – almost futuristic. The interior is sleek, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. I felt genuinely pampered as the cabin began its smooth ascent.

But the real star is the view. Surrounding windows and a glass floor beneath your feet offer sweeping vistas of the city skyline, the shimmering sea, and the lush greenery of Mount Faber and Sentosa. Watching the busy port below, with its massive container ships looking like toys, was mesmerising.

I boarded at HarbourFront and took the Mount Faber Line towards Mount Faber Station. The whole trip lasted about 22 minutes: I went first to Mount Faber but did not get off. The cabin turned back towards HarbourFront and continued on to Sentosa. From there, I exchanged lines and boarded another cable car on the Sentosa Line to reach Beach Station – where both the restaurant and the fireworks show were waiting. Those 22 minutes were enough to take photos, breathe in the moment, and simply stare in awe.

A Seamless Network Across the Island

The entire cable car network is seamless. You can hop on and off at six stations: Mount Faber, HarbourFront, Sentosa, and Imbiah Lookout, Sensoryscape and Siloso Point. A five-minute walk connects Imbiah Lookout to Sentosa Station. And then there is the Monorail with three stations. It is an efficient, well-designed system that makes exploring the island effortless.

If you have time, the whole area is worth exploring. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to do so – but that only gives me a reason to return.

Good Old Days Singapore Flavours: A Taste of Local Heritage

After the cable car ride, I made my way to Good Old Days Singapore Flavours, a family-friendly dining destination located at Central Beach Bazaar in Sentosa.

The restaurant serves a variety of local favourites, and I was eager to try them. On the menu: Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore’s national dish), Singapore Laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup), and their signature Good Old Days Noodles.

I opted for the Laksa and a side of chicken rice. The broth was rich, creamy, and had just the right kick of chilli. The chicken rice was fragrant, the meat tender. It was exactly the kind of comforting meal you need before an evening show. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. Families with children, couples, and solo travellers like myself all felt welcome. The staff were attentive without being intrusive.

Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony: A Spectacle of Light and Sound

At 7:30 PM, I walked towards the Wings of Time show area. By 7:40 PM, the show began – and it did not disappoint.

Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony is Singapore’s only daily fireworks show. Recently upgraded to feature even more fireworks, this 20-minute outdoor spectacle combines 3D projection mapping, state-of-the-art lasers, robotic water fountains, giant water jets, and spectacular fireworks, all woven together with an uplifting soundtrack.

The story follows two young heroes, Shah and Rachel, as they travel through time and discover the wonders of nature, courage, and friendship. It sounds simple, but the execution is breathtaking. Water jets shoot high into the air. Lasers cut through the night. Fireballs burst from the stage. And above it all, fireworks explode in perfect sync with the music.

I have not watched other night shows in Sentosa, but I can say this: I loved every second of it. Even as an adult, I found myself smiling like a child.

The Walk Back: Sensory Magic in the Dark

After the fireworks ended, something unexpected happened. I had to walk along a green path to reach the cable car station – and that walk became one of the most memorable parts of the evening.

The path was lined with amazing video and audio features. Small screens embedded in the greenery displayed nature scenes. Speakers hidden among the trees played soft music and sounds of the rainforest. The vegetation smelled so good – fresh, earthy, slightly sweet.

In the middle of the evening, the sky was dotted with small clouds. The air was warm but not uncomfortable. It was mesmerising. I slowed down. I breathed deeply. I did not want the walk to end.

This sensory path, often called the Sensoryscape on maps, is a hidden gem. Many visitors rush past it on their way to the cable car. Do not make that mistake. Take your time. Let the path work its magic.

Only after the fireworks ended did I get the chance to walk along that green path. I was glad I did.

The Return Journey: Unforgettable

I then got back on the cable car to return to town. The ride back was quieter. The city lights sparkled below. The sea reflected the moon. I sat in silence, replaying the evening in my head.

The SkyOrb cabin, the delicious local food, the fireworks symphony, the sensory walk – everything came together perfectly. It was not just a series of activities. It was a journey – from the sky to the sea, from day to night, from the modern city to the natural island.

Practical Information

Getting There:

• MRT: HarbourFront Station (North East Line – Purple, or Circle Line – Yellow), then walk to HarbourFront Cable Car Station

• Bus: Many services stop at HarbourFront Bus Interchange

Final Verdict

The Singapore Cable Car experience, combined with dinner and the Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony show, is one of the most complete evening experiences in Singapore. It offers stunning views, authentic local food, world-class entertainment, and a touch of nature – all in one seamless package.

I only wish I had more time to explore Sentosa itself. The island has so much more to offer: beaches, adventure parks, nature trails, and luxury resorts. But that is a good reason to return.

If you are visiting Singapore, do not miss this. Book your SkyOrb ride for 6:00 PM. Have dinner at Good Old Days Singapore Flavours. Watch the fireworks. And on your way back, walk slowly along the green path.

You will thank yourself later.

Disclosure & Thanks

My Singapore Cable Car experience, including the SkyOrb cabin ride, dinner at Good Old Days Singapore Flavours, and Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony, was hosted by Mount Faber Leisure Group as part of my Singapore media trip for Asian Itinerary. As always, all opinions, words and images are my own.

Website: https://mountfaberleisure.com/ 

IG: @mountfaberleisure

Cable Car Opening Hours: 08:45AM – 10:00PM daily (Last boarding at 9:30PM)

The post Singapore Cable Car: A Sky-Hour Journey Through the city’s Best Views appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

I have always loved stones. Not for their price. For their secrets. When I enter a place like the Gem Museum in Singapore, something happens to me. My skin tingles. My eyes widen. I forget about time. Because gems are not just pretty objects – they are chemistry frozen into art, geological history compressed into crystal, and light trapped inside matter.

This tiny private museum, hidden inside a three-storey shophouse at 9 Perak Road, is Singapore’s first and most comprehensive gemology museum. It is also one of the most unusual museums I have ever visited – partly because you cannot simply walk in. Entry to the museum is free but you must register online and receive confirmation via email before visiting.

Normally, only the ground floor is open to the public. The upper two floors remain restricted. But on the day of my visit, as part of my Singapore media trip for Asian Itinerary, I was given rare access. A kind lady named Jo, who supervises the museum, took me upstairs to see the laboratory and the private collections that are still closed to most visitors. What I saw – and what I felt – I will not forget.

A Family of Gems

Mr Tay Thye Sun is an honorary recipient of the Fellowship of the Gemological Association of Great Britain

The Gem Museum is a family affair. It was founded by Mr Tay Thye Sun, a certified gemologist who has been in the gem trade for over 40 years. His son, Mr Tay Kunming, and daughter-in-law, Ms Loke Huiying, both certified gemologists themselves, now run the museum together.

The museum first opened in 2015 in a conserved building on Queen Street. In 2025, it moved to its third and current location on Perak Road – a move that allowed the family to consolidate their ventures under one roof: the elder Tay’s gemological laboratory and institute, and the younger Tay’s bespoke jewellery business.

Jo is the kind of guide every museum dreams of having

The Gem Museum is privately owned, but it is also part of Singapore’s Museum Roundtable – a collective of museums and heritage galleries that collaborate on exhibitions and programmes.

A One-Hour Journey

I spent about one hour at the museum, most of it with Jo. She is the kind of guide every museum dreams of having: knowledgeable without being pedantic, passionate without being overwhelming, and genuinely excited to share what she loves.

Jo explained the museum’s layout simply. The route follows the journey of a gemstone from mine to market in four stages: formation, mining and extraction, cutting and polishing (lapidary), and finally the trade and industry.

On the ground floor, I saw raw specimens from around the world. On the upper floors – the ones not yet open to the public – Jo showed me the laboratory where gems are tested and authenticated. I saw equipment I did not recognise, and stones so small they could fit on a fingertip, yet worth fortunes. But the most magical moment came when Jo turned off the lights.

UV Light: The Hidden World of Gems

Jo used a UV torch to get the gems to change color and glow

Jo picked up a UV torch – sometimes called a black light or an ultra torch. She aimed it at a row of ordinary-looking rocks. And suddenly, they were not ordinary anymore. Some glowed bright blue. Others flashed neon green. A few turned deep fiery red. This was fluorescence – the ability of certain minerals to absorb invisible ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible colour. In normal daylight, these stones look dull, even boring. Under UV, they become magical. I stood there like a child watching fireworks. Jo smiled. She had seen this reaction many times before.

She explained that different qualities of gems – iridescence, luminescence, phosphorescence – all depend on their chemical composition. A ruby from Myanmar glows red under UV because of chromium. A diamond from Africa might glow blue because of boron. The same mineral can look completely different depending on where in the world it was formed.

This is what fascinates me most about gems. They are not just beautiful: they are geological postcards from specific places on Earth, each with its own chemical signature, each telling a story of heat, pressure, time and luck.

From the Earth to the Hand

The museum does an excellent job explaining the four stages of a gem’s journey.

Stage 1: Geology and Formation

The Earth’s rocks are divided into three types: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Gemstones of mineral origin are found in rocks or in gem gravels derived from those rocks. Some gems, like quartz and garnets, can be found worldwide. Others, like diamonds and rubies, are rare because they require very specific geological conditions – intense heat, immense pressure, and just the right chemical mix.

Stage 2: Mining and Extraction

For most minerals, only about 10–20% of total production at any given site is of gem quality. Mining methods vary from modern industrial operations to traditional techniques that have not changed in centuries. In Sri Lanka, miners still work underground by hand. In Myanmar, rubies are retrieved from marble matrices using simple tools. The museum displays photographs of these mines, and I found myself staring at the faces of the miners – tired, dusty, but somehow proud.

Stage 3: Cutting and Polishing (Lapidary)

This is where raw stone becomes a gem. The museum displays both uncut crystals and finished stones side by side, so you can see the transformation. A rough diamond looks like a dull piece of glass. After cutting, it explodes with fire. The skill of the lapidary – the cutter – is almost as rare as the gem itself.

Stage 4: Trade and Industry

Finally, gems enter the global market. Singapore, as a major trading hub, plays an important role in this stage. The museum explains how gems are graded, certified and sold – from the mine to the jeweller’s window.

What I Learned from Jo

As we walked through the upper floors, Jo told me about the museum’s geologists. They travel often – to Africa, to South America, to remote parts of Asia – in search of perfect stones. Not perfect in the commercial sense (flawless and expensive), but perfect in the geological sense: rare formations, unusual colours, crystals that teach us something new about how the Earth works.

The owner of this private museum, Mr Tay Thye Sun, has dedicated his life to gemstones. So did his father. Two generations of gem lovers. That kind of passion cannot be faked.

I asked Jo if she ever gets tired of showing the same stones to visitors. She laughed and said no – because every visitor sees something different. A child sees colours. A scientist sees chemistry. A jeweller sees value. And someone like me, a gem enthusiast, sees magic.

Practical Information

Getting There:

• MRT: Rocher Station (Downtown Line – Blue), Exit B. The museum is right beside the station.
• Bus: Several services stop along Jalan Besar or Serangoon Road, a short walk away.

Final Verdict

The Gem Museum is not for everyone. It is small. It requires advance planning. It does not have blockbuster exhibitions or interactive gimmicks. But for anyone who loves gems – truly loves them, not for their price but for their beauty and their science – this museum is a hidden treasure or, as Jo liked to put it, “a hidden gem”.

I spent one hour with Jo but I could have stayed three. I saw rubies from Myanmar, amethysts from Mexico, diamonds from Africa, and a hundred other stones whose names I have already forgotten but whose colours I will remember forever.

And when Jo turned on that UV torch, and the rocks began to glow in the dark, I felt something I have not felt in a long time: pure, childlike wonder. That is what a good museum does. That is what the Gem Museum did for me.

Disclosure & Thanks

My visit to the Gem Museum was hosted as part of my media trip to Singapore. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Jo for her time, her patience, and her passion. This article is for Asian Itinerary and, as always, all opinions, words and images are my own.

The Gem Museum

Address: 9 Perak Road, Singapore 208130

Telephone: +65 6734 3172 

Email: info@fegj.com.sg 

Website: thegemmuseum.gallery

Facebook: The Gem Museum Singapore

YouTube: The Gem Museum Singapore 

The post The Gem Museum: Singapore’s Hidden Treasure of Light and Colour appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Azerai La Residence, Hue in Vietnam’s former imperial capital is inviting guests to experience the vibrant Hue Festival 2026 with an exclusive package, while Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers relaxed summer escapes by the sea.

Azerai La Residence, Hue

The Hue Festival is Vietnam’s premier cultural celebration. Held in the historic city of Hue, it features a year-long “Four-Season” program with nearly 80 events. Visitors can enjoy traditional court music and dance at the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel (directly across the Perfume River from the hotel), lantern parades, boat races, vibrant street food and spectacular fireworks.

Azerai La Residence, Hue has created a special “Hue Festival Package” including a two-night stay with daily breakfast for two, one curated dining experience showcasing Hue’s refined royal cuisine, a 45-minute spa journey, signature afternoon tea and 15% savings on all food and beverage outlets. The package is priced at VND 10,890,000 (approximately US $413).

“Azerai La Residence, Hue is the perfect base for guests who want to experience the Hue Festival,” said Minh Phan Trong, General Manager of Azerai La Residence, Hue. “Our riverfront location offers direct views of the Imperial Citadel and easy access to the heart of one of Vietnam’s most important cultural events.”

Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Travel + Leisure recently named Azerai La Residence, Hue one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” in its May 2026 issue—one of 12 properties in Vietnam to receive the honor. The 122-room heritage hotel is centered around a striking 1930 colonial mansion built in the Streamline Moderne style of Art Deco architecture.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay – Summer Beach Escape

For travelers seeking a more relaxed summer getaway, Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers two unique packages on their website. The “Unfold Your Escape” package includes a three-night stay with daily breakfast for two, daily afternoon tea and more. Additionally, the “Local Residents Offer” provides a 10% discount off the best flexible rate (subject to availability), plus 10% off food and beverage (excluding alcohol) and spa treatments.

“As summer approaches, many dream of unwinding by the sea,” said Julian Moore, General Manager of Azerai Ke Ga Bay. “Our resort is a true oceanside oasis—elegant, peaceful and surrounded by rich local culture, including a vibrant fishing village.”

Azerai Vietnam Hue Festival 2026

Nestled on 4.5 hectares of lush gardens along a sweeping five-kilometer sandy beach, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is an all-suites-and-villas resort located a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City on a new highway. Spacious pavilions and private villas open onto garden terraces in muted tones inspired by local sand and granite. The resort is framed by Hon Ba Island with its historic lighthouse to the east and dramatic sand dunes to the west.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay was awarded a prestigious MICHELIN Key in the Guide’s inaugural Vietnam edition. The resort’s seaside infinity pool also helped it win the title of the “Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia, the Indian Ocean and South Pacific” in a contest last year sponsored by the U.S.-based travel trade magazine Luxury Travel Advisor.

For more information on Azerai La Residence, Hue, call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/. For Azerai Ke Ga Bay, call +84 (0) 252 3682 222, email reservations.kegabay@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay/.

The post Azerai in Vietnam Unveils Special Offers for Hue Festival appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Fusion will mark Global Wellness Day on June 13 and the International Day of Yoga on June 21 with a series of healthy and holistic promotions at its resorts and hotels across Vietnam.

The Vietnam-based wellness brand offers a unique “all-spa inclusive” and “breakfast anywhere, anytime” concept, and has city hotels in Saigon as well as beachfront villa resorts along the coastline and wellness-focused resorts among the mountains and springs of central Vietnam.

Fusion Hotels Vietnam wellness events 2026

Getaways are even more rewarding with exclusive Fusionlife member benefits, offering up to 25% off on room bookings, spa treatments and dining. More details can be found here: https://fusionhotelgroup.com/fusionlife/.

Embracing a philosophy of balance, self-care, and inner harmony, Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang presents a thoughtfully curated wellness journey dedicated to nurturing both body and mind on June 13, 2026, when guests are invited to reconnect and rejuvenate through a full day of mindful experiences, including Walking Meditation, Surfing Activities, Eight Limbs of Yoga, Balance and Flow, Body and Energy Healing, and Floating Sound Healing. This central Vietnamese resort will also host a Global Wellness Weekend by Sophie and Sanjay Rawat from 12 to 14 June, a serene 3-day, 2-night retreat, which includes a two-night stay in an Ocean View Suite, nourishing daily meals, one 30-minute Redwell therapy session, and one 50-minute spa treatment per person per day, along with access to wellness facilities such as the seasalt heated pool, infrared sauna, and herbal steam. This wellness journey is further enriched with a Nutrition Workshop, gathering and sharing circles, a bonfire ritual, cacao ceremony, and guided meditation experience.

Yoga sessions at Fusion

Recently recognized as “Best Destination Spa” at a worldwide level at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh invites guests to celebrate Global Wellness Day with peaceful wellness and mindful activities surrounded by the beauty of nature. The resort yoga instructors await you in a tranquil garden hidden deep within Maia Spa, surrounded by a stunning water lily pond. Here, guests are guided through gentle introductions to Tai Chi and yoga. Every session is thoughtfully designed for beginners, featuring everything from Sun Salutations to deep-stretch and sleep-enhancement practices paired with sound therapy. Beyond the mat, the Maia Natural Lab welcomes guests to handcraft their own organic body scrubs using all-natural ingredients.

From June 1- 30, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion invites guests to embrace a month-long journey of wellbeing through three signature experiences celebrating mindfulness, gentle movement, and the restorative energy of nature. Global Wellness Day will be marked on June 13 under the theme “Joy Magenta,” featuring Qi Gong, yoga, mindful hot spring immersion, and soothing sound healing sessions. On 21 June, International Yoga Day offers a peaceful opportunity to reconnect body and mind through chakra meditation and sunrise yoga amidst the serene forest landscape of Hue. The celebration concludes on 22 June with International Bathing Day, highlighted by a calming water meditation experience in Alba’s natural hot springs, complemented by a singing bowl session for deep relaxation and renewal. Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion was recently awarded Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT) Certification, receiving an outstanding overall score of 97%, another prestigious accolade for this highly recognized wellness resort.

In celebration of World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8), Fusion Suites Vung Tau is gifting complimentary plant seeds to guests, inviting them to grow their own greenery. This small yet meaningful gesture aims to spread awareness and inspire environmental protection. Additionally, on the morning of June 10, the hotel will host a beachfront Tai Chi session for employees, guests and locals alike, promoting health and wellness for the whole community.

At Fusion spas, therapists offer caring, down-to-earth service

Fusion Suites Sai Gon invites travelers to a gentle celebration of wellbeing, starting on June 14 with mindful movements, guided breathing, and restorative treatments crafted to renew body and mind. At its spa, therapists offer caring, down-to-earth service: calming facials, soothing hot-stone therapy, and mindful stretch sessions. Book any payable spa treatment and enjoy an extra complimentary 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in the business district in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong has announced the opening of the new Cham’s Spa. Inspired by Vietnamese wellness traditions, Cham’s Spa offers a calming retreat designed to help guests restore energy, relax the body, and rebalance the mind with 11 specialized treatments, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages, facial care, and herbal remedies. Signature facials feature deep cleansing and gemstone massages for total renewal. Immersive combination packages (100–150 mins) start at VND 639,000.

For more details, visit: https://fusionhotelgroup.com/.

The post FUSION RESORTS IN VIETNAM UNVEIL OFFERS FOR GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY 2026 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Since launching in late 2025, Studio Ryecroft has expanded its portfolio across Asia-Pacific, with current work spanning resorts, destination bars, restaurants, heritage landmarks and live music venues.

Based in Singapore and operating globally, Studio Ryecroft works across cultures, markets and operating realities to develop hospitality concepts with clarity, character and staying power. Founded by Bobby Carey and Tom Hogan, the studio’s concept-to-culture approach is grounded in a simple idea: strong concepts only matter if they can be translated into service, systems and guest experiences that perform in the real world.

“The range of work in our portfolio reflects what we set out to build with Studio Ryecroft,” says Co-Founder Bobby Carey. “We care about strong concepts, but just as much about the systems, standards and guest experience that make them work once they are live.”

“This was never meant to be a business limited to one format,” adds Co-Founder Tom Hogan. “We want to work on ambitious hospitality projects full stop, whether that is a bar, a restaurant, or something more unexpected.”

A selection of recent and current Studio Ryecroft projects is below, with further opportunities in development across Asia-Pacific.

BAR KAP – HOUSE OF TAN YEOK NEE (Singapore)

BAR KAP – Main Hall Interior 2 (photo credit Gaia Lifestyle Group)

Set to open in June, BAR KAP is the destination bar within the House of Tan Yeok Nee, the sole survivor of Singapore’s “Four Grand Mansions” and national monument in central Singapore by Gaia Lifestyle Group and Karim Family Foundation. Studio Ryecroft’s role has been to shape a bar that feels grounded in the house rather than imposed upon it, building a concept that respects the weight of the setting while giving it fresh relevance. From there, the team translated that thinking into a working programme, covering drinks architecture, menu structure, service rituals and the operational systems required to maintain quality under pressure.

FLAGSHIP BAR – SIAM PAN PACIFIC BANGKOK (Bangkok, Thailand)
For Pan Pacific Siam Bangkok, Studio Ryecroft is leading the development of the hotel’s flagship bar with the ambition of creating a venue that can hold its own within Bangkok’s wider bar landscape, rather than simply serve the building. Scheduled to open in 2027, the project spans concept definition, guest promise and commercial positioning, alongside a programme strategy built around the realities of operation: staffing, dayparts, procurement, speed of service and consistency.

‍KŌKULABO – KALEIDO LIFESTYLE BANGKOK (Bangkok, Thailand)

Kōkulabo – Dining Room

At Kōkulabo, an experimental izakaya concept in Bangkok, Studio Ryecroft recently refreshed the beverage programme to better align with the food, the pace of the room and the realities of nightly service. The result is a drinks offering that feels characterful without becoming overworked, shaped through a tighter list structure, a clearer balance between cocktails, highballs, beer and sake, and a non-alcoholic selection given the same level of care and relevance as the rest of the menu.

LULU’S LOUNGE – SJS GROUP (Singapore)
For the revival of Lulu’s Lounge, Studio Ryecroft is supporting the return of one of Singapore’s most recognisable nightlife names, helping shape a bar programme that can move with the venue from earlier evening cocktails into a faster, higher-energy late-night rhythm.

Lulu’s Lounge

Slated to open in the next several months, the scope spans drinks development, bar functionality, recruitment support and key opening guidance, with a focus on building a programme that feels distinctive, operationally sharp and properly suited to a venue where music, atmosphere and volume are as important as what is in the glass.

SKYCROFT KITCHEN – SIAM @ SIAM DESIGN HOTEL BANGKOK (Bangkok, Thailand)
Currently in development with an aim to open later this year, Skycroft Kitchen is being shaped as a functional lab space for Bangkok’s bar & restaurant community: part private events venue, part test kitchen and part working base for creative development. Studio Ryecroft’s role is centred on making that flexibility usable in practice, with a focus on equipment planning, workflow, training and standards that allow the space to support experimentation without losing structure or control.

STARS BAR – FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AT HANGZHOU CENTRE (Hangzhou, China)

Stars Bar – Four Seasons Hotel at Hangzhou Centre

At Stars Bar, Studio Ryecroft began with a full diagnostic of the existing concept and guest experience, with the aim of helping the venue return as a clearer, stronger destination within the city. The work focuses on translating concept into lived experience, from drinks and service to atmosphere and reputation, while giving the bar a sharper point of view beyond surface appeal. Rolling out in the first half of 2026, the goal is to evolve into a venue with greater clarity, consistency and identity, where guests feel a distinct sense of place from the moment they arrive.

CENTARA RESERVE KRABI – CENTARA HOTELS & RESORTS (Krabi, Thailand)
For Centara Reserve Krabi, Studio Ryecroft has been appointed as bar concept and beverage advisory partner for the resort’s two priority bar venues: the Specialty Bar and Wine Bar. The engagement spans concept direction, beverage strategy, menu architecture, operating tools, pre-opening support and post-opening review, helping each venue open with a clear point of view, distinct guest logic and the level of execution expected of a flagship luxury resort.

The post Studio Ryecroft Portfolio In Resorts, Restaurants And More appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic luxury hotel in Cambodia’s cultural heartland, has welcomed renowned contemporary Khmer painter Nou Sary as its new Resident Artist. A master of form and sentiment, Sary began his formal training at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. He later refined his vision in France at the Saint-Étienne School of Art and Design, earning his postgraduate degree in 2006. He was awarded a Bronze Medal from the Society of French Artists in Paris in 2005, selected from among 2,000 artists around the world.

Nou Sary is Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor new Resident Artist

Sary’s impressionist paintings frequently portray Cambodia’s traditional rural life—rice fields, farmers, monks and village scenes—capturing the deep connection between people and the land. His expressive brushstrokes and use of vibrant colour bring the countryside to life. Many of his most recent works adopt a bird’s-eye perspective, offering fresh viewpoints on familiar landscapes and inviting reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature.

A selection of Sary’s acrylic-on-canvas paintings is now on display at the hotel and available for purchase. Hotel guests and local visitors are invited to experience this remarkable collection firsthand with an on-site hotel art tour, which can be arranged in advance through the Raffles’ Resort Programme.

“We are delighted to welcome Nou Sary,” said Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. “Sary is one of Cambodia’s most respected contemporary painters, and his presence here reflects our deep commitment to championing Cambodian artistic excellence. We are honoured to provide a platform for an artist of his calibre and look forward to the unique perspective and inspiration he will bring to our guests and the wider community.”

This announcement builds on several recent developments for the hotel. Earlier this month, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named one of the world’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ by Travel + Leisure for the fifth consecutive year.

In March, the hotel unveiled the immersive new ‘Grand Path of History’ tour featuring rare photographs, video footage, architectural drawings and more. This permanent exhibition is complemented by the new book, A Tale of Two Hotels – Raffles in Cambodia, which showcases the property alongside Raffles Hotel Le Royal, its sister property in Phnom Penh.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor remains a timeless landmark.

Originally opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers exploring the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor remains a timeless landmark. The hotel masterfully blends 1930s French Art Deco design with refined Cambodian influences and contemporary touches across its 119 elegant rooms, suites and villas.

Guests can further immerse themselves through the hotel’s ‘Curated Journeys’ programme, which includes a candlelit ‘Bespoke Temple Dinner’ within the Angkor temple complex, the ‘Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa’ tour, and the ‘Siem Reap Art Tour’.

For more information on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, or to make a booking, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

The post Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Welcomes New Resident Artist appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Zentis Osaka will kick-off the third installment of its Art-in-Residence series with a June 1 unveiling of works by Japanese calligraphy masters Baikei and Taiga Uehira as well as the debut of a stay package featuring an introduction to the revered art form.

Anchored by an exhibition of original works throughout the boutique hotel’s public spaces, the near-year-long collaboration will encompass 11 pieces illustrative of the father-and-son duo’s passionate commitment to preserve the over-1,000-year-old art form by introducing new, contemporary expressions of shodō.

Essense of Shodo – Private lesson – Zentis Osaka calligraphy art residency 2026

In addition to being a shodō master and pioneer in live-calligraphy performances, the senior Uehira is president of the Osaka-based Seisho Calligraphy Association, which he founded in his hometown to promote the centuries-old practice of “zen in motion” through “the way of writing”. Taking inspiration from his father’s masterful brushwork and sharing in his desire to captivate the world with calligraphy, Taiga Uehira became a calligrapher, himself, and founded Calligraphia Japan with hopes of elevating the art by transforming it into a form of global entertainment.

“The deep contemplation and refreshing of the soul offered by Zentis Osaka resonates profoundly with the internal exploration and deepening of expression found in shodō,” said Baikei Uehira. “Themed on ‘Inheritance and Evolution’, this exhibition reflects our endeavor to visualize the breath of culture that connects the past, the present and the future”, added Taiga Uehira. “Through these pieces, it is our hope that guests will develop a sense of what it’s like when timeless heritage intersects with new encounters and evolves for a modern era.”

To complement the on-site gallery experience, the hotel is launching ‘The Essence of Shodō at Zentis Osaka’, a stay package that will allow guests to immerse themselves in the mindfulness-oriented artistic expression not only aesthetically, but also with a hands-on introduction.

Essence of Shodo – Water Calligraphy Set

The package includes:

• Two nights of accommodation in a Studio, Corner Studio or Suite
• A 60-minute, hands-on introduction to Japanese calligraphy
• A water calligraphy set that guests can take home (and use for practice)
• Bath salts featuring Parfum Satori’s signature ‘Satori’ fragrance, which evokes a meditative tranquility much like that which the art of shodō conjures

Hosted at the Seisho Calligraphy Association, the 60-minute introduction to shodō will be a private lesson taught by Baikei or Taiga Uehira (subject to availability). At its conclusion, guests will receive a traditional Japanese fan to take home, showcasing their choice of either their own calligraphy talents or featuring shodō by their instructor.

In lieu of the introductory workshop, guests already familiar with the basics can opt to participate in a ‘performance course’, which gives them the opportunity to try their hand at the kind of large-scale calligraphy that the Uehiras are known for. (An additional charge applies.)

“When we travel, enriching cultural experiences indelibly shape us. We hope that this encounter with over a millennium of Japanese culture – through shodō – will stir inspiration, reignite imaginations and give our guests new perspectives,” said General Manager Kiyotaka Saito.

Zentis Osaka Hotel Lobby – Credit Stirling Elmendorf

The collaboration with Baikei and Taiga Uehira marks the latest installment in Zentis Osaka’s Art-in-Residence series. In 2024, Paris-based Japanese artist itu’ presented an immersive stay experience by transforming a Corner Studio into a one-of-a-kind canvas in addition to exhibiting his works throughout the hotel and infusing his free-spirited style into the staff’s uniforms. In 2025, Osaka-based artist Syo Tanii brought his botanical works to the hotel for a year-long, rotating exhibition which concluded this March.

The ‘The Essence of Shodō at Zentis Osaka’ stay package will be available to book starting May 1, for stays from June 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027 (subject to availability). Rates start at JPY 67,000 (based on double occupancy), excluding taxes and service charge.

For more information, please visit: www.zentishotels.com

The post Zentis Osaka Celebrates Japanese Calligraphy appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

For many travelers in Asia, Machu Picchu feels very far away. It’s not the kind of trip you casually squeeze into a long weekend like Bangkok or Bali. You’re crossing continents, changing time zones, and heading into the Andes Mountains at serious altitude. 

However, once you finally stand above those stone terraces with the clouds moving through the peaks, the long journey makes sense almost immediately. The biggest mistake first-time visitors make is underestimating the planning. That is why we’ve written this piece to reveal what you should know before visiting Machu Picchu.

Plan Your Flights and Tickets Early

how to visit Machu Picchu from Asia

Most Asian travelers reach Peru through long-haul routes connecting in cities like Doha, Dubai, Paris, Amsterdam, or major US hubs. From Lima, you’ll still need a domestic flight to Cusco, which is the starting point for most Machu Picchu trips.

Entrance tickets often sell out weeks or even months ahead, especially during the dry season between April and October. Train seats can quickly get filled up as well. Before booking trains and entry tickets, it helps to understand how to travel to Machu Picchu and how the different routes connect from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.

That part confused me the first time I looked into it. You can’t simply drive to the ruins. Most travelers go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by road, then continue by train to Aguas Calientes before taking a shuttle bus or hiking up to the site itself.

Don’t Ignore the Altitude

Cusco, capital of the Andes

Cusco sits at around 3,400 meters above sea level, which means you will feel it. Even travelers used to mountain destinations in Nepal or northern Vietnam sometimes struggle during the first couple of days. 

Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are common. Local coca tea helps some people, while others prefer altitude medication prescribed before the trip. A smarter move is to slow down for 48 hours after arriving in Cusco. Don’t schedule Machu Picchu immediately after landing. Your body will thank you for it later.

Cusco or Sacred Valley?

A lot of travelers stay in Cusco because it’s lively, historic, and full of hotels and restaurants. But some prefer spending a night or two in the Sacred Valley towns like Ollantaytambo before visiting Machu Picchu.

Honestly, Ollantaytambo makes the trip feel less rushed. The train station is nearby, the altitude is lower than Cusco, and the town itself has a quieter atmosphere. Stone streets, local markets, small cafés make the valley feel calmer before the crowds arrive.

Train or Hike?

train route from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

Not everyone wants the same experience. Some travelers hike the Inca Trail over several days. Others simply want the scenic train ride through the mountains. Neither option is wrong.

The train route from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is beautiful on its own. Huge windows, river views, steep green mountains, tiny villages tucked into the valley. Even people who normally dislike trains end up enjoying this part. If you go hiking, pack light. Machu Picchu has strict bag size rules, and the weather changes quickly. One moment it’s sunny, the next it’s raining sideways.

Endnote

Machu Picchu is one of those destinations that can feel overwhelming during the planning stage. You have to deal with flights, trains, entry slots, altitude, and weather, all at the same time. Once you settle into the rhythm of the trip, Peru becomes surprisingly easy to love just like one would love Bali. The mountains are huge, the history feels alive, and even the train ride into Aguas Calientes becomes part of the memory.

The post What Asian Travelers Should Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

I’ve spent more money than I care to admit on jewellery I’ve never worn. Not expensive jewellery — that’s the thing. It’s always the cheap stuff that accumulates. A gold-toned chain that looked effortless on a model and arrived looking like something from a party favor bag. A pair of earrings that turned my ears green within two weeks. An anklet from a summer festival that lasted roughly until the end of that same summer. None of it was a serious purchase, which is exactly why none of it got treated seriously — and why all of it ended up in the trash eventually.

The funny thing is, I’d already made the mental shift with clothes. I’d stopped panic-buying fast fashion, started paying more attention to what things were actually made from, started asking whether I’d still want something in three years. That thinking had genuinely changed how I shopped — just not, apparently, for accessories. Jewelry was still an impulse category. Still a “it’s only $9, why not” situation.

I don’t think I’m unusual in this. Most people apply completely different standards to jewelry than to the rest of their wardrobe, even when they’ve otherwise bought into the idea of buying less and buying better. And if you’re looking for a place to reset that habit, custom name anklets for women are — genuinely — a surprisingly good starting point. Small investment. High meaning. The kind of piece that doesn’t end up forgotten in a drawer six weeks later.

The Jewelry Category Nobody Has Fixed Yet

Custom name anklets for women

Here’s the problem with cheap jewelry that we tend not to articulate: it’s not actually cheap. Not when you factor in how often you replace it.

A $10 plated anklet that you buy three summers in a row costs $30 and produces three rounds of packaging waste, three rounds of shipping, and three pieces of metal-alloy jewelry that will eventually end up in a landfill. A well-made sterling silver or gold vermeil anklet that you buy once, care for properly, and wear for ten years costs more upfront and practically nothing in the long run — financially or environmentally.

This is obvious logic. It’s the same logic we apply to shoes, to coats, to most things we’ve stopped treating as disposable. For some reason jewelry escapes the same scrutiny. Maybe because the price points feel low. Maybe because we’ve been trained to think of accessories as seasonal rather than lasting.

Either way, it’s worth reconsidering. Especially when the alternative — a piece made specifically for you, from real materials, that has actual reasons to exist — is more accessible than it used to be.

Why Anklets Are the Most Underrated Category in Jewelry

There’s something specific about ankle jewelry that I think gets missed in most conversations about accessories.

It’s intimate in a way that other jewelry isn’t. A necklace sits where everyone can see it. Earrings frame your face in photographs. But an anklet sits low, half-visible, close to the ground — often only noticed by you and by people who are genuinely near you. You’re not wearing it for a room. You’re wearing it for yourself, or for someone close enough to notice.

That changes what it means to personalize one.

You choose your metal — gold, rose gold, or silver — and the piece is made to order

A name or an initial on a necklace is a statement. The same detail on an anklet is quieter than that — more private, more personal. A piece that refers to someone specific, or to a moment, or simply to your own name worn close to the skin. It’s the difference between jewelry that performs and jewelry that means something.

What Makes a Custom Name Anklet Different From Everything Else in Your Jewelry Box

This is the part I want to be specific about, because I think it matters. A generic anklet — even a nice one — is a generic anklet. It’s the same piece sitting in someone else’s jewelry box too. When you buy something personalized, especially something with your actual name on it, it stops being interchangeable with anything else. It’s yours in a way that most jewelry simply isn’t.

The custom name anklet from Custom Anklets is a good example of what this looks like when it’s done properly. You choose your metal — gold, rose gold, or silver — and the piece is made to order with your name rendered in a style that suits the delicacy of the chain. The materials are tarnish-resistant and built for daily wear, not for special occasions only. The chain is adjustable, which matters more than most people expect — ankles vary a lot, and an anklet that’s even slightly too tight becomes something you stop wearing pretty quickly.

What stands out is the combination of things it gets right at once: it looks genuinely elegant rather than novelty-personalized, it’s made from quality materials rather than the plated zinc alloy that most budget jewelry uses, and it has a reason to exist beyond filling a gap in a trend cycle. You order it because you — or someone you love — has a name. Which is not a trend. It doesn’t date.

That last part is underrated. Most jewelry trends look slightly off within five years. A name anklet on a clean gold chain looks exactly as good in 2030 as it does now. Timelessness in jewelry almost always comes from simplicity and personalization rather than heavy ornamentation, and this piece gets that balance right.

The Practical Side: What to Look For Before You Buy

Adjustable length matters enormously

If you’re shopping for an anklet — custom or otherwise — a few things are genuinely worth checking.

Metal quality is non-negotiable if you want it to last. Sterling silver, 18k gold plating over a quality base, or solid gold are your options for pieces that won’t tarnish embarrassingly fast or irritate your skin. If a product description is vague about what the metal actually is, that’s usually a red flag.

Adjustable length matters enormously. This is the thing most people don’t think about until they’ve bought an anklet that doesn’t fit. Standard bracelet sizing is too small for most ankles. A good anklet should have at least an inch of adjustment built in, ideally more.

For custom pieces, check the engraving quality. Names and lettering should be crisp and clean — not a faint stamp that’s already fading. A maker who specializes in personalized ankle jewelry will have better quality control here than a general retailer offering personalization as a last-minute add-on.

Gifting timeline. Custom pieces are made to order, which means they take longer than something sitting in a warehouse. If you’re buying for a birthday or holiday, check the processing and shipping times before you order. Custom Anklets ships worldwide with free shipping, and the timeline is clearly stated — which makes gifting a lot less stressful than scrambling for two-day delivery on something generic.

A Small Thing That Actually Sticks

Most jewelry decisions don’t feel significant in the moment. That’s by design — the fast fashion version of accessories is built on impulse, not reflection.

The shift toward buying one thing made specifically for you, from real materials, that carries a name or a date that refers to something real — that’s a different kind of decision. Not a grand gesture. Just a more considered one.

And there’s something that happens with jewelry like this that doesn’t happen with the impulse-buy version: you actually wear it. Consistently. Without thinking about it. It becomes part of how you move through the world, quietly and without any particular announcement. Which, honestly, is what the best jewelry always does.

The anklet sitting half-hidden above your sandal strap, with your name in gold on a fine chain — nobody needs to notice it for it to be worth wearing. That’s the whole point.

The post The One Accessory Rule Starts at Your Ankle appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

There is a moment, about twenty minutes after turning off the main road towards Tub Kaek Beach, when you start to wonder if Google Maps has finally lost its mind. The asphalt narrows. Plastic chairs outside shuttered minimarts stare back at you. And then, just as you begin to doubt everything, the road opens up to Ao Thalane. The Andaman Sea appears on your left. A small, unassuming wooden sign appears on your right. Le Passetemps. This is it. This is the secret.

For Asian Itinerary, as part of our media trip to discover the real Krabi, we spent two nights at what I can only describe as the most soulful beachfront retreat in all of southern Thailand. Forget the sterile marble lobbies of five-star chains. Le Passetemps is not a hotel. It is a living, breathing archive of a life well-travelled. And it is absolutely explosive in its charm.

A Museum That Breathes

Le Passetemps is a museum that breathes

You do not “check in” at Le Passetemps. You arrive. The reception area is not a desk with a computer. It is a living museum. Every square inch of that open-air wooden pavilion tells a story. Antique Burmese puppets hang next to Indonesian ikat textiles. Vintage cameras sit beside hand-carved wooden Buddhas from Laos. Old maps of Siam share shelf space with Chinese porcelain.

These are not props. These are personal treasures collected by the owners over decades of wandering across Asia. Every object has a journey. And here is the beautiful twist: many of these items are for sale. That handwoven scarf from Chiang Rai? Yours. That antique brass bowl from the Mekong Delta? Take it home. The reception is a gallery, a shop, and a time capsule all at once.

The Heart of Le Passetemps

But the soul of Le Passetemps is found in its people.

But the soul of this place is found in people. Anais, the manager, greeted us like old friends. Not the rehearsed “welcome to our hotel” smile. A real one. Warm. Curious. She wanted to know where we had been, where we were going, and what we hoped to discover. The staff brought us a cold towel and a homemade welcome drink, and she handed us a genuine conversation.

Anais and her team at Le Passetemps do not serve you because it is their job. They care for you because that is who they are. It is the kind of hospitality that makes you emotional on your last morning.

The Bungalows: Colonial Elegance

Our room. You walk up a short wooden staircase. You push open a heavy wooden door. And suddenly, you are no longer in 2026. You have stepped back to a time when travel was slow, deliberate, and romantic.

The bungalow is constructed almost entirely of rich, dark wood. The floors creak in that comforting, honest way. Two single-sized beds sit draped in crisp white linens, flanked by antique bedside tables from who-knows-where. The windows open fully, inviting the salty sea breeze to dance through the room.

But the details kill you. A hand-painted silk cushion from Luang Prabang. A ceramic lamp from a small village in northern Vietnam. Art from all over Asia, carefully curated. You are not staying in a room. You are sleeping inside someone’s beautiful memory.

And yet, none of it feels like a museum. It feels lived-in. Loved. The AC works perfectly. The rain shower is hot and strong. The bed is so comfortable you will consider missing breakfast. (Do not. Breakfast is great.)

Cozy, colonial, timeless. That is the only way to describe it.

The Beach: Nature’s Umbrellas

Most resorts claim to be “beachfront.” Then you discover that means a ten-minute walk down a concrete path. Not here. At Le Passetemps, the beach is literally at the bottom of the garden.

The restaurant, Le Bac-à-Sable (French for “sandbox”), sits right on the sand. And here is the magic: ginormous, ancient trees spread their branches over the entire dining area like nature’s own parasols. You sit at your table, feet in the sand, shaded by a canopy of leaves that has been there for longer than anyone can remember. Sunlight filters through in golden patches. The sea breeze cools your skin. Gentle waves are your background music.

Breakfast is served here every morning. Fresh tropical fruits. Made-to-order eggs. Strong Thai coffee. But honestly, you could serve me instant noodles at that table and I would still give it five stars. Because the view is the real meal.

From your seat, you look out across the pristine, almost private beach. The sand is soft and clean. No jet skis. No speedboats. No crowds. Just the Andaman Sea stretching out, and in the distance, the silhouette of Cape Chamuk Kwai and of Koh Hong archipelago jutting into the horizon. It is the kind of view that makes you put down your phone and just… breathe.

In the evenings, Le Bac-à-Sable transforms into an intimate dinner venue. The chef prepares authentic Thai cuisine and international dishes. And it never feels crowded. It feels like a private dinner party hosted by friends.

The Travel Agency: Because They Care

Le Passetemps runs its own travel agency on-site called Koh Largo. And unlike the generic tour desks everywhere else, this one is run by people who genuinely care. Anais and her team do not push the standard “Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour.” They ask what you love. Adventure? Culture? Wildlife? Then they curate something special. Private longtail boats to deserted islands. Kayaking through the mangroves of Thalane Bay. Trekking to hidden waterfalls. They know the secret spots because they have explored them themselves.

The Verdict

Le Passetemps is not for everyone. And that is exactly why you should book it. It is for the traveller tired of crowds. For the couple who wants romance without clichés. For anyone who understands that a great hotel does not need a marble lobby. It needs a heart. And Le Passetemps has the biggest heart on the Andaman coast.

We came as part of our Asian Itinerary media trip. We left feeling like we had discovered something precious. Something rare. Something that reminded us why we started travelling in the first place.

If you go to Krabi and stay in a generic hotel, you will have a fine time. But if you go to Le Passetemps, you will have a story. Do not miss it.

• Name: Le Passetemps

• Address: 73 Moo 3, Ao Thalane, Khao Thong, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

• Phone number: +66 (0)84 655 9457

• Website: www.lepassetemps-krabi.com

• Email: lepassetempskrabi@gmail.com  

• Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lepassetemps.krabi

The post Le Passetemps: A Love Letter to Krabi’s Best-Kept Secret appeared first on Asian Itinerary.