Photo credit

History

In 1990, Taipei’s tourism bureau consolidated resources for a major event to celebrate Lantern Festival in order to promote folk traditions. It soon became one of the most important annual festivals in Taiwan. At first, celebrations were held in Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park in Taipei. But in 2001, various cities were assigned to play host for the festivities as well.

Where to stay: W Taipei

Traditions

During the day, families pray for good luck at temples. Houses are decorated with lanterns of varying shapes such as historical figures, saints, or gods. The main ones, about ten metres tall, are built to represent the zodiac signs based on Chinese astrology wherein the current year’s animal symbol (dragon for 2012) is the most famous theme.

Where to stay: Riviera Hotel Taipei

On the night of the Lantern Festival, lanterns are carried by children out on the streets and are used to decorate both temples and the town square. Traditional paper lanterns are adorned with candles. But thanks to modern technology, laser-powered lanterns can have a full range of movements with sound effects.

Where to stay: Fullon Hotel Taipei

To add even more excitement to this event, different contests are staged all over the city. There are lantern-making competitions where awe-inspiring works of art are created for judging. It is also part of tradition to hold lantern riddle parties throughout the night.

Where to stay: Hotel New Continental Taipei

Aside from the lanterns, celebrants also serve tang yuan – sticky glutinous balls made of rice flour. These can be filled with peanut butter, red bean or sesame paste. Customarily, these are prepared with sugar but others choose to make the balls a little bit salty. Eating tang yuan is believed to help tighten family bonds and foster smooth relationships.

Where to stay: Shangri-la Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei

2012 Festival

The preparations for the 2012 Taiwan Lantern Festival commenced in Changhua Country this past January 29. It will be held until February 19 in three major venues in Lukang, a city known for its temple culture. It is expected to draw about 5 million visitors.

Where to stay: City Lake Hotel Taipei

With a main theme of “Soaring Dragon in Radiant Skies,” the festival’s design will be based on customs and culture merged with technology and art to depict Taiwan’s growth into its centenary during the festival. The main lantern is a beautiful landscape piece which transforms into a fiery dragon by night.

Where to stay: Leader Landmark Lukang Hotel Changhua

Where to stay: Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Taipei

Taipei City Guide

El Nido Lagen Resort, Palawan, Philippines – Photo credit

10. Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s feverish pace can set off some electromagnetic love sparks but for romantic quietude you need to look up … way up. Try the rooftop of the IFC’s Four Seasons Hotel, where infinity pools, plunge pools and a world class spa provide a serene oasis from the hustle bustle of Central.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Hong Kong City Guide

9. Kyoto

Get a jumpstart on the cherry blossoms and let love bloom in Japan’s former Imperial capital and premier World Heritage city. Stay in a luxury ryokan and bask in gustatory tengoku at three star Michelin restaurants like Chihana, Mizai, Nakamura and Tsuruya.

Where to stay: Karaku Ryokan Kyoto

Kyoto City Guide

8. Taiwan

To be specific, the geothermal waters of Taiwan. Get intimate with the best benefit to life in the Pacific Ring of Fire with a curative dip with your love at the Lushan Hot Springs in Nantou County’s Renai Township.

Where to stay: Sun Moon Lake Fleur de Chine Hotel

Sun Moon Lake Guide

7. Ubud, Bali

Skip the dodgy beach and bar scenes of Kuta and get all Eat Pray Love in Bali’s most beautiful enclave, Ubud. A luxe and tranquil resort in verdant hills trumps drunken revelry any day, let alone February 14.

Where to stay: Maya Ubud Resort Spa Bali

Bali City Guide

6. Singapore

Indulge your appetites at the Chocolate Bar on top of the Marina Bay Sands super-resort. Trawl the streets for the best in hawker grub and dine at two of the best restaurants on the planet in Santi and Andre.

Where to stay: Marina Bay Sands Singapore Hotel

Singapore City Guide

5. Palawan

Boracay who? The apex of romance in the Philippines is on immaculate, white sand Palawan. The El Nido Resort Lagen is paradise but make time for it all, from Coron to the UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Where to stay: El Nido Resort Lagen Island Palawan

Palawan Guide

4. Shanghai

The Bund, a symbol of Shanghai’s past and contemporary effervescence, comes alive after dark. Walk hand in hand down Nanjing Road and get a singular sense of the peerless megalopolis, with a flute of bubbly no less, from Vue Bar on Level 33 of the Hyatt On The Bund Hotel.

Where to stay: Hyatt On The Bund Hotel

Shanghai City Guide

3. Goa

Breezy Goa can get hippy dippy at the best of times but turquoise water, find sand under foot and the hypnotic sway of a palm tree help mitigate the ravers. Plus, the Park Hyatt Hotel Goa is plush.

Where to stay: Park Hyatt Hotel Goa

Goa City Guide

2. Luang Prabang

The UNESCO World Heritage gem of Laos sits at the confluence of the Nam Khan and mighty Mekong and is a cool tonic from the likes of Bangkok, Hanoi, Phnom Penh and even Vientiane.

Where to stay: La Residence Phou Vao Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang City Guide

1. Siem Reap and Angkor

Say wat? Escape with your flame to one of the venerable wonders of the world: the former royal capital of the Khmer Empire. Meander amid the ruins of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm and hike up Phnom Bakheng for a remarkable sunset view.

Where to stay: La Residence D’Angkor Siem Reap

Siem Reap City Guide

Chinese New Year display in Kuala Lumpur – Photo credit

Singapore

When it comes to knockout Chinese New Year celebrations, Singapore is definitely at the forefront. Festivities that span the entire country begin with the ceremonial Street Light-Up in Chinatown. Colourful street lanterns, lamps, stage shows, street bazaars and Singaporean celebrities add oomph to the event.

Where to stay: Oasia Hotel Singapore

Singapore City Guide

Malaysia

Lion dances, parades, and fireworks welcome the Chinese New Year in Malaysia. Red papers with Chinese inscriptions on prosperity are pasted in front of houses for good luck. During family dinners, red packets with money are given to the kids and the elderly. All of this, of course, is very typical stuff and not unique at all to Malaysia. What is not typical, of course, is the party atmosphere in central KL.

Where to stay: The Westin Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Kuala Lumpur City Guide

Vietnam

Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, is the Vietnamese New Year that falls on the same day as the Chinese New Year. The most important civic holiday of the year features a festive vibe in the streets of Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City et al and all the requisite noisemakers and fireworks.

Where to stay: Liberty Central Hotel Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City Guide

Hong Kong

The Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong attracts hundreds of people each year. The colourful procession takes place at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

Where to stay: The Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong

Hong Kong City Guide

Philippines

Locals and foreigners alike head to the Binondo, Metro Manila’s Chinatown, for Chinese New Year. The focal point for festivities features lion and dragon dances and a lot of good food. Almost everyone eats nian gao, a glutinous rice cake believed to bring good luck when consumed. Others hoard charms and gems to attract wealth, good health, and love.

Where to stay: Edsa Shangri-La Hotel Manila

Manila City Guide

Macau

Temples are always filled to the brim during the annual celebration of the Chinese New Year in Macau. Locals offer gifts to deities for good luck in the coming year. Touristy Senado Square turns into a giant stage for drum groups, dragon dancers, and fortune-tellers.

Where to stay: The Venetian Macau

Macau City Guide

Thailand

The clinking of cymbals, thumping of drums, and banging of gongs all echo in the exhilarating Chinese New Year festival in Thailand. In Bangkok, merry-making is focused on Yaowarat Road, the city’s Chinatown. Sounds of firecrackers erupt one after the other and the entire city is painted with wondrous gold and red colours. Street performers entertain the crowds with acrobatic antics.

Where to stay: Praya Palazzo Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok City Guide

China

Lunar New Year celebrations from Urumqi to Harbin, Kunming to Beijing, provide a chance to display a feverish, collective pride over one of China’s most auspicious inventions: fireworks. The most awesome spectacle takes place in Shanghai, where the fortunate take it all in from rooftops or high-rise observation platforms, like at the Park Hyatt in Pudong.

Where to stay: Park Hyatt Shanghai Hotel

Shanghai City Guide

Gateway to India and Taj Hotel, Mumbai – Photo credit

5. Yu Shan Fan Dian, Chengde, China

The 220-room hotel Yu Shan Fan Dian is three hours north of Beijing on the Yangtze River. As legend has it, the ghost of the Empress Dowager Cixi is omnipresent on the hotel grounds and in the halls. The place where the hotel was built was once Qing Dynasty property, you see, so the old Dowager feels duly protective of her garden.

Beijing City Guide

4. Asia Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

At first glance, it is easy to write off the Asia Hotel in Bangkok as spooky. The corridors are dimly lit and rooms quite old and musty. Lights flicker on and off in the dead of night. A typical story involves guests waking up just in time to see ghostly figures sitting on the sofa staring at them, only to vanish into thin air.

Where to stay: Asia Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok City Guide

3. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, India

The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai is haunted by the ghost of W. A. Chambers, the hotel’s chief engineer. Chambers travelled to France shortly before the hotel’s completion. He later returned to India only to find out that it was built in the opposite direction. He was so heartbroken that he took his life. Hotel staff and guests claim that his ghost roams the old wing of the hotel obviously still lamenting his design gone bad.

Where to stay: The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

Mumbai City Guide

2. First World Hotel, Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Genting Highlands, the famous hill resort in Malaysia, is also known as one of the most haunted places in Malaysia. Paranormal incidents have been reported at the First World Hotel. Given that it is a casino resort, a lot of gambling-related suicides have happened over the years. There are eerie sounds in the middle of the night as well as apparitions of restless spirits. Locals even claim that some hotel rooms are never rented out even if the hotel is fully booked because occupants fall sick after their stay.

Where to stay: First World Hotel Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands Guide

1. Grand Hyatt, Taipei, Taiwan

Ghost stories about the Grand Hyatt Taipei are rooted in the hotel’s dark history. Apparently the hotel was built on a World War II prison camp where hundreds of people were incarcerated and eventually put to death. Guests of the hotel have allegedly seen ghosts in the corridors while others have heard strange noises from unoccupied rooms. Paranormal activities and rumors regarding the hotel have so negatively affected the business that management decided to consult Feng Shui experts. Chinese calligraphy and scrolls have since been installed in strategic places within the hotel in the hopes of warding off restless spirits.

Where to stay: Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel

Taipei City Guide

Dumpling stall at Shilin Night Market in Taipei – Photo credit

10. Love River (Kaohsiung)

The Love River runs a total of 12 km through Kaohsiung. Its riverside park comes alive with a fantastic night market where one can go on a dumpling food trip. There are also idyllic cafés that feature live bands.

Where to stay: Han Hsien International Hotel

9. Fisherman’s Wharf (Kaohsiung)

Hailed as one of the top 10 greatest ports in the world, the Kaohsiung Fisherman’s Wharf plays a critical role in the country’s export industry and tourism. Mouth-watering shrimp dumplings are always served fresh here.

Where to stay: Lees Boutique Kaohsiung

8. Hsitzuwan Beach (Kaohsiung)

Reaching Hsitzuwan Beach calls for a bit of a drive out of town. Still, throngs of people make the trip to laze on the sandy shore, watch fishing boats and enjoy fine food.

Where to stay: Huahou Hotel Kaohsiung

7. Cijin District (Kaohsiung)

Cijin is one of the oldest districts in Kaohsiung. It is a delightful place to see temples, learn more about the culture and sample authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

Where to stay: Wen Pin Hotel

Kaohsiung City Guide

6. Taichung Folk Park (Taichung)

Various folk artefacts as well as charming Chinese-style gardens and ponds at the Taichung Folk Park attract hundreds of tourists each year. Sample dumplings at area restaurants before scouring for souvenirs at the shopping centre.

Where to stay: Tempus Hotel Taichung

5. Fengjia Night Market (Taichung)

An alfresco dining experience at the Fengjia Night Market is a must for anyone craving local delicacies. Be adventurous!

Where to stay: Galerie Hotel Taichung

4. Shantung Dumplings & Beef Noodles Restaurant (Taichung)
96 Gongyi Rd, sec.1 Restaurant & Bar District

From the name itself, the main attractions in this restaurant are their beef noodles and scrumptious dumplings. Soothing blues and jazz music add to the relaxing ambience and are a bonus for those looking for the perfect hangout to unwind.

Where to stay: Hotel One Taichung

Taichung City Guide

3. Shilin Night Market (Taipei)

The Shilin Night Market is chock-full of shops that sell almost everything. It is also a good spot to hunt for great eats – such as dumplings, most notably, served in fast-food-style carts.

Where to stay: Grandee Taipei Hotel

2. Taipei 101 (Taipei)

Have a gastronomic love affair with the soup dumplings at Jiu Ru – a restaurant at Taipei 101’s shopping centre famous for healthy Jiangzhe cuisine.

Where to stay: Landis Hotel Taipei

1. Din Tai Fung Restaurant

A restaurant listed by the New York Times as one of the world’s best is surely worth a visit. Try the xiaolongbao.

Where to stay: Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei

Taipei City Guide

Photo credit

10. Eslite Bookstore

Visit the 24-hour Eslite Bookstore in Xinyi District. This branch provides the utmost convenience not only for book lovers but also for insomniacs. Browse through rows and rows of reading materials over six levels.

Where to stay: Le Meridien Taipei Hotel

9. Miramar Entertainment Park

A 70 metre-high Ferris wheel, second largest in Taiwan, attracts hordes of tourists to the Miramar Entertainment Park each year.

Where to stay: Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Taipei

8. Yang Ming Mountain

Travel 10 kilometres north of the city to Yang Ming Mountain. Locals regard this as the ultimate romantic spot because of its enthralling view of Taipei at night.

Where to stay: Simply Life Taipei

7. Din Tai Fung

The xiaolongbao (dim sum-style steamed dumplings) at Din Tai Fung has won worldwide acclaim from the likes of the New York Times. While the ownership group operates chains from Australia to Canada – which undoubtedly raises foodie eyebrows – the original restaurant on Xinyi Road (2nd Avenue) is as authentic as ever.

Where to stay: Royal Palace Hotel Taipei

6. Beitou Hot Springs

Learn more about Taiwan’s Japanese-style, onsen-inspired hot spring culture at the first thermal resort on the island.

Where to stay: Nine Plus Spa Hot Springs Hotel Beitou

5. Temples

Xiahai City God Temple is a century-old place of worship. Another must-visit is Hsing Tian Kong – a Taoist temple to Guan Yu, the patron deity of commerce and business.

Where to stay: Grandee Taipei Hotel

4. Visit the Night Markets

The Shillin Night Market is the most popular in Taipei and open from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. Ximending, hailed as the “Harajuku of Taipei”, is a good alternative. It has a more modern feel and caters to the city’s eccentric youth subcultures.

Where to stay: Ferrary Hotel Taipei

3. National Palace Museum

Gain more appreciation for Chinese history at that National Palace Museum by viewing their over 650,000 artifacts and art works.

Where to stay: Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei

2. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The unusual design of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall makes it one of the city’s unique architectural landmarks. It was built to honour the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek.

Where to stay: Hotel Eclat Taipei

1. Taipei 101

Recognised as the world’s tallest building for almost six years before being dethroned by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101 is a marvel. Take the high-speed elevator to the outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor for a singular view.

Where to stay: Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel

Taipei City Guide

Po Lin Monastery – Photo credit

10. Chi Lin Nunnery

The Chi Lin Nunnery, a huge Buddhist temple, was built according to the design style of the Tang Dynasty. It houses a temple, gardens, goldfish ponds, and temple halls with impressive statues made of gold, wood, and clay.

Where to stay: Metropark Hotel Kowloon Hong Kong

9. Tsing Ma Bridge

Tsing Ma Bridge is the impressively long suspension bridge that links Hong Kong to its international airport on Lantau Island. For fantastic views of the two joint bridges, tourists can head to the Lantau Link View Point and Visitors Center.

Where to stay: Royal View Hotel Hong Kong

8. Ma Wan Park

Ma Wan Park contains the world’s only full-sized replica of the biblical Ark of Noah. The park hosts activities and shows perfect for the entire family.

Where to stay: Noah’s Ark Resort Hong Kong

7. The City Art Square

First-class art pieces are usually launched at the City Art Square in Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza. Art aficionados will easily lose track of time while going through original installations and sculptures from both local and international artists.

Where to stay: Regal Riverside Hotel Hong Kong

6. Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Yuen Long District of the New Territories is home to the 1 km-long stretch of the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. A walking tour gives visitors a clearer understanding of how life was in Hong Kong centuries ago. Another major attraction is Tsui Shing Lau, a 600 year old pagoda.

Where to stay: The Peninsula Hong Kong Hotel

5. Stanley

Stanley has the usual round of nice beaches, bars, restaurants and the popular Stanley Market. But the atmosphere is, of course, much more relaxing than in Kowloon or Central.

Where to stay: L’ Hotel Island South Hong Kong

4. Cheng Chau Island

It only takes an hour long ferry ride from Central to reach Cheng Chau Island. There are seafood restaurants with tanks of live fish ready for starving customers. A walk along Tung Wan beach is a fine way to spend the afternoon away from the city.

Where to stay: Central Park Hotel

3. Hong Kong Wetland Park

With a spectacular collection of wildlife from dragonflies, butterflies, reptiles, fish, and birds, the Hong Kong Wetland Park promotes environmental conservation and green tourism.

Where to stay: Harbour Plaza Resort City Hotel Hong Kong

2. Po Lin Monastery

Experience Hong Kong’s natural and cultural side by heading to the Po Lin Monastery located right outside the Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island. It was initially constructed as a simple temple by three Buddhist monks from Jiangsu in 1906 and was then known as “Big Hut.” It was renamed Po Lin in 1924.

Where to stay: Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong

1. Tian Tian Buddha

The towering Tian Tian Buddha, or simply “Big Buddha”, was built and completed in 1993 to serve as an extension of the Po Lin Monastery. This bronze statue is a stunning monument visited by over a million Buddhist pilgrims and tourists annually.

Where to stay: Novotel Citygate Hong Kong

Hong Kong City Guide

Deer Cave, Sarawak – Photo credit

5. Gomantong Cave

The Gomantong Cave system is world famous for its city-like agglomeration of nesting swiftlets. The nests serve as the main ingredient for bird’s nest soup – a delicacy throughout Asia. Given that these come with a high pricetag, nest harvesting is a lucrative, if not hazardous, trade. A visit affords glimpses of the precarious gleaning process, in addition to tours of the cave’s rare flora and fauna.

Where to stay: Sabah Hotel Sandakan

Sandakan City Guide

4. Perak Cave

A panoramic view of Ipoh City awaits visitors to Perak Cave who are willing to climb 450 steps. Perak Tong, which was built by a Chinese Buddhist priest in 1926, houses Buddha statues that are strategically installed between stalagmites and stalactites that are thousands of years old. But the main attraction is a 12 m golden Buddha surrounded by wondrous murals. Totally awe-inspiring!

Where to stay: Belum Rainforest Resort Pulau Banding Perak

Perak City Guide

3. Batu Caves

A visit to Kuala Lumpur is not complete without a stop at the Batu Caves. For one, it is one of the most popular Hindu temples outside of India. It is overly busy once a year when throngs of people head to this limestone hill to celebrate the colourful and eccentric Hindu Thaipusam Festival.

Where to stay: Ritz Carlton Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur City Guide

Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Borneo, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, is home to some of the most spectacular caves in the world.

2. Deer Cave

What sets the Deer Cave apart from the others is its magnificent cave passage, the largest in the world. Discover the Garden of Eden with the aptly named Adam and Eve showers that shoot out 30 m columns of water. It is also famous for the hundreds of thousands of bats that stream from its mouth every evening between 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Those who stay to watch cannot help but stare in awe at how the night sky is engulfed in shadow when the bats take over.

Where to stay: Miri Marriott Resort Spa

Sarawak City Guide

1. Gua Nasib Bagus (Good Luck Cave)

Gua Nasib Bagus, or Lubang Nasib Bagus, is one of the most outstanding caves in Gunung Mulu National Park. It houses the Sarawak Chamber, the biggest known underground chamber in the world. It is so big that it is commonly described as capable of holding up to 10 jumbo jets nose-to-tail within its walls and 60 m high roof. A cave stream is likewise inviting and perfect for a quick splash to rejuvenate the senses.

Where to stay: ParkCity Everly Hotel Miri

Photo credit

7. Parrotfish

The Parrotfish got its name from its whimsical colour. Just like parrots, females are less colourful than males. This fish, which are common in the Indian Ocean and the seas surrounding Indonesia, are known to feed on algae and hard corals.

Where to stay: The Laguna A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa Nusa Dua Bali

Bali City Guide

6. Arapaima

The freshwaters of Thailand are breeding grounds for the Arapaima. Gargantuan in size, this monster fish can easily weigh over 200 lbs and packs on infinite power when in the water.

Where to stay: Millenium Resort Patong Phuket

Phuket City Guide

5. Lionfish

Zebra-like spikes combined with toxic pointed fin rays and proud pectoral fins are what make the lionfish stand out and worthy of respect. They are predators that violently hunt invertebrates and smaller fish. Some species thrive in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and in South Korea.

Where to stay: Haeundae Centrum Hotel Busan

Busan City Guide

4. Pufferfish

The pufferfish belongs to the Tetraodontiformes family together with the blowfish, bubblefish, toadfish, and balloonfish – just to name a few. It has a notorious reputation of being the second-most poisonous vertebrate in the world. But in Japan, certain species are considered high-priced delicacies that are consumed by those who are not afraid to gamble with death. Chefs who prepare this dish must go through a rigorous process and earn the necessary license.

Where to stay: Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo Hotel Okinawa

Okinawa Island City Guide

3. Arowana

Arowana, also known as Asian bonytongue or dragon fish, have numerous species including a variety endemic to Southeast Asia. They frequent slow-moving rivers that pass through swamps in the middle of woody forests. This fish, which feeds on insects, bugs and other fish, plays a significant role in Chinese culture.

Where to stay: Hainan Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel Haikou

Haikou City Guide

2. Koi

The name Koi is a Japanese word that simply means “carp.” Both the vibrantly coloured and grayish varieties are included in this popular species. The multi-coloured variety are commonly used to accessorise gardens and posh landscaping. Some carp species in Asia are considered pests because of the havoc that they cause in waterways.

Where to stay: Hotel Ryutouen Saga

Saga City Guide

1. Clownfish/Anemonefish

Thank Disney for the unbelievable popularity of the clownfish a.k.a. Nemo. Usually seen hiding within sea anemones, these little scrappers top out at about 20 cm. They usually come in orange, reds, blacks, yellows with white slivers depending on the species.

Where to stay: Hotel Grand Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu City Guide

AirAsia plane at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport – Photo credit

10. Mandala Airlines (Indonesia)

Mandala Air won Best Low-Cost Airline at the 2011 Indonesia Travel and Tourism Awards in Jakarta.

Where to stay: Nikko Hotel Jakarta

Jakarta City Guide

9. Jeju Air (South Korea)

Since its inaugural flight in 2006, Jeju Air has continued to expand by offering frugal flights with a marketing emphasis on passenger safety and convenience.

Where to stay: JW Marriott Hotel Seoul

Seoul City Guide

8. Indigo Airlines (India)

Indigo Airlines was named Best Low-Cost Airline in India for Customer Product and Service Quality at the 2011 World Airline Awards. It prioritises customer service perks like quick delivery of arrival baggage (time of the placement of the first bag on the belt is measured on every flight).

Where to stay: Cabana Hotel New Delhi

New Delhi City Guide

7. Bangkok Airways (Thailand)

Bangkok Airways is a boutique airline and Thailand’s first exclusively-owned carrier. It runs programmed cross-country flights to numerous destinations from its main hub in the capital.

Where to stay: Shangri-la Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok City Guide

6. Spring Airlines (China)

This Shanghai-based airline became China’s first no-frills flight provider when it launched in 2005. It travels to over thirty destinations in Asia.

Where to stay: Swissotel Grand Shanghai

Shanghai City Guide

5. Hong Kong Express Airways (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong Express Airways services some twenty destinations in China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Where to stay: Cosmo Hotel Mongkok

Hong Kong City Guide

4. Cebu Pacific (Philippines)

“It’s time everyone flies.” True to its slogan, Cebu Pacific made its mark in the industry through its outrageous 1 USD fares.

Where to stay: Marco Polo Plaza

Cebu City Guide

3. Tiger Airways (Singapore)

Tiger Airways, Singapore’s flagship budget carrier, runs a subsidiary in Melbourne to service domestic routes in Australia and compete with Virgin and Qantas/Jetstar.

Where to stay: Oasis Hotel

Singapore City Guide

2. Jetstar (Australia)

The presence of Virgin in the market led Qantas to set up Jetstar Airways in 2003. The flag carrier Down Under also has shares in Jetstar Asia Airways and Valuair in Singapore and Jetstar Pacific Airlines in Vietnam.

Where to stay: Atlantis Hotel Melbourne

Melbourne City Guide

1. AirAsia (Malaysia)

Air Asia was bought for a token 1 MYR in the wake of 9/11 by a former Timer Warner executive (the company had massive debts at the time). It has since grown into the top low-cost airline on the continent, with plenty of Skytrax kudos to show for it.

Where to stay: Ascott Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur City Guide