Universal Studios Singapore is set to transform into a realm of fear and folklore this Halloween season with its much-anticipated Halloween Horror Nights 13, running from 26 September to 1 November 2025. This year’s event takes on a darker and more immersive turn, drawing inspiration from Asian horror with haunted houses based on legendary Thai and Chinese tales. With 18 nights of terror, visitors can expect more than just jump scares. The event combines storytelling, culture, and chilling special effects, creating a Halloween celebration that is both terrifying and culturally unique. The Unruly Immortals – A Journey into Chinese Horror One of the highlights is The Unruly Immortals, adapted from the bestselling Chinese novel that has captivated readers across Asia. Guests will be plunged into the mind of Li Huowang, a troubled student torn between the mystical world of ancient Taoist alchemy and the cold reality of a hospital ward insisting he’s merely hallucinating. Foxtail Pen, the author behind the original story, remarked: “Turning words into a real-life experience has been a magical journey.” The house blends mythology, psychological horror, and disorienting visuals, promising a nightmarish yet unforgettable experience. Death Whisperer – Thai Folklore Comes Alive For the first time ever, a Thai horror film inspires a Universal Studios haunted house. Death Whisperer, Thailand’s highest-grossing horror film in a decade, transports visitors into a cursed 1970s village haunted by a vengeful spirit searching for a new host. Surachedh Assawaruenganun, CEO of M STUDIO, said: “We are deeply honoured. This marks the first time a Thai film has been featured in such a world-class attraction.” This house blends traditional Thai supernatural elements with spine-chilling set design, immersing guests in a uniquely Southeast Asian nightmare. More Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, and Live Shows Beyond these Asian horror highlights, Halloween Horror Nights 13 also features international favourites: Stranger Things returns with a chilling haunted house inspired by the hit Netflix series. Singapore’s Most Haunted explores eerie legends and ghostly tales rooted in local folklore. Scare Zones such as The FEARground and The Realm of Yokai unleash chaos in the streets with roaming monsters and interactive frights. Live shows like Dare or Die Live! and Once Upon a Time… to Die promise theatrical scares and darkly comic thrills. Practical Information for Visitors Tickets start at S$68 (US$50) for non-peak nights and S$78 (US$57) for peak nights. With high demand expected, booking early is recommended to secure your spot at Asia’s premier Halloween event. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the official Universal Studios Singapore website. Why This Year is Different What makes Halloween Horror Nights 13 stand out is its focus on Asian culture and storytelling. By incorporating Chinese and Thai horror legends, Universal Studios Singapore is not only diversifying its attractions but also appealing to the growing regional tourism market. This culturally rooted approach elevates the experience beyond pure entertainment, making it both authentic and unforgettable.

The post Haunted by Asian Spirits at Universal Studios Singapore appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The spectacular limestone cliffs and lush landscape of Krabi have returned to the silver screen as the primary film location of the blockbuster movie, Jurassic World Rebirth, which debuted worldwide on July 2, 2025. After considering the Dominican Republic, Mauritius, Panama and Costa Rica, Hollywood producers opted instead for Krabi as the setting for the fourth in the franchise of Jurassic World movies, inspired undoubtedly by the same natural splendour that lured Banyan Tree’s developers, Asset World Corporation (AWC), to choose Krabi as the site for Banyan Tree Krabi, which opened in 2020. Indeed it was apt that Krabi was selected as the location for a prehistoric backdrop. The pristine environment, and in particular the magnificent limestone cliffs that jut precipitously from the sea, are no less than 90 million years ago, formed at a time when the sea level was much higher. The collision of the continents then uplifted the limestone, contributing to the dramatic karst towers and cliffs we see today. “It didn’t surprise us at all that the film’s producers would call on Krabi as the setting for a dinosaur habitat,” said Haruethai Maneerat, General Manager of the 5-star Banyan Tree Krabi. “I can’t count the number of times I’ve had guests remark that the landscape is so abundantly natural. “We are blessed with a beachfront view directly facing the spectacular uninhabited islands of a marine national park,” she added. “This is one of the most iconic views a visitor to Thailand can witness, and it always amazes guests to know that this untouched paradise is millions of years old.” To celebrate the release of the hit film, Banyan Tree Krabi has introduced a new family-friendly package, offering guests the opportunity to trace the dinosaur-sized footsteps involved in the making of the movie and the spectacular film locations where scenes were filmed. Named the “Jurassic Explorer”, the new promotion for guests includes: a Jurassic World Rebirth-themed welcome drink and snack; a half-day marine excursion to Hong Island and neighboring islands by local longtail boat; a 3-hour tour to discover the natural wonder of Klong Root (Clear Water Canal); a guidebook to explore the picturesque locations where Jurassic World Rebirth was filmed; a 60-minute massage treatment at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi; and special price on tickets for two persons to the Jurassic World Experience at Asiatique The Riverfront, Bangkok. The resort’s developer, AWC, is a partner in sponsoring the Jurassic World Experience, an exhibition in central Bangkok, which features life-size dinosaurs and interactive fun. The excursion to Klong Root takes in one of Krabi’s hidden gems — the rivers and waterways seen in the penultimate scenes of Jurassic World Rebirth, where the surviving protagonists of the film attempt to evade dinosaurs by paddling downriver through the dense jungle. Guests who prefer to scout the sites independently will find that the Banyan Tree Krabi guidebook lays out a map of the spectacular sites and tropical terrain where Jurassic World Rebirth was filmed, including: Klong Root (Clear Water Canal), located 30 minutes by car from the resort; Phra Nang Cave Beach, adjacent to Railay Bay some 40 minutes by boat from the hotel; and Huay To Waterfall, which lies within Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, a 60-minute drive from the resort. In Jurassic World Rebirth, Scarlett Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, the leader of an expedition aiming to secure DNA from dinosaurs which could have life-saving benefits to mankind. Indeed, Johansson herself is a devotee of all things Thailand, stating in a recent interview that her favorite dish is laab gai, a ground chicken meat salad that perfectly balances spicy, sour, and herbal flavours. As a gesture to the film star’s spice-proof palate, Banyan Tree Krabi has now introduced its own version, dubbed “Jurassic Laab–A Star’s Wild Bite”, offering guests at the resort a month-tingling recipe – with options of either minced chicken or ground beef – and served with toasted rice powder. The kitchen has also hatched another new dish, a “Fossil Egg”, which is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, deep fried, and presented on a platter. Additionally, the mixologists at the hotel’s beachfront Kredkaew Bar have also shaken up some new concoctions: namely “The Raptor Forest”, a tangy blend of Midori liqueur, Chalong Bay rum, pineapple juice, lemongrass syrup, ginger ale and lime juice; as well as introducing the Campari-based “T-Rex Rampage”. Meanwhile, at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, guests can relax after a hard day stalking dinosaurs with a Rebirth in Tranquility treatment, which involves an hour’s full body massage followed by a luxurious 30-minute rejuvenating bath. The Jurassic Explorer package is available until 21 December, 2025, with a minimum three-night stay at Banyan Tree Krabi. For enquiries and reservations, go to: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/krabi/offers/jurassic-explorer

The post Banyan Tree Krabi: Where the Pristine Meets the Prehistoric appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Today, we’re diving into the colourful and spectacular world of Indian cinema, particularly the epic duel between Bollywood and Hollywood. Imagine for a moment, if you will, a scene from Bollywood: there’s music, there’s dance, there’s drama, and there’s a whole lot of love! That’s Bollywood for you. It’s as if cinema took a plunge into a bucket of colorful paint and jumped onto one of the most festive decorated elephants you’ve ever seen! But wait a minute, isn’t that how Hollywood works, right? Ah, correct! Hollywood, the global capital of cinema. Big budgets, cutting-edge special effects, and everything a movie lover could desire. But Bollywood, well, Bollywood is a different story. First of all, the quantity of films coming out of Bollywood is absolutely insane! We’re talking about hundreds of films every year! Yes, you heard that right, hundreds! It’s as if Bollywood is saying, “There’s no time for rest! The audience needs emotions, tears, laughter, music, and dance, and we’ll satisfy them all!” And they do. But what makes Bollywood so unique? It’s its blend of drama, comedy, action, romance, and a sprinkle of magic! In Bollywood films, you can see a hero dancing in the middle of the street while defying destiny, or a couple declaring eternal love in the pouring rain. It’s as if every film is a feast for the eyes and the soul. And then there’s the music! Ah, Bollywood music! It’s infectious, engaging, makes you want to get up and dance, even if you’re sitting in the cinema seat. It’s as if every film has its soundtrack ready to conquer the hearts of the audience. But don’t think that Bollywood is just brainless entertainment. No, it’s not! Behind its brilliant surface, there are deep themes, social and cultural messages, and stories that make you ponder. Bollywood can make you laugh, cry, and even inspire you to do something great in life. Now, let’s compare all of this with Hollywood. Hollywood is like the rich and sophisticated cousin of Bollywood. It has big budgets, international stars, and a reputation that precedes itself. But Bollywood has its own unique charm that Hollywood can’t replicate. In Bollywood, stars are like demigods to their fans. They are loved, adored, and followed by millions of people worldwide. Every move they make, every word they say, is carefully observed by a crowd hungry for news about their lives. It’s as if Bollywood is a big family, and its stars are its brightest members. But not everything is rosy in Bollywood’s world. There’s competition, there are scandals, there are challenges to face. But in the end, Bollywood continues to shine like a star in the night sky. So, dear reader, the next time you’re looking for some cinematic fun, don’t forget to take a look at Bollywood. I promise you won’t regret it!

The post Bollywood: spectacular Indian cinema appeared first on Asian Itinerary.