Monday, February 6, 2012

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


Charlie's Angel-wannabes trained on Hainan beaches

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 08:57 PM PST

by CNNGo staff

Hainan Island's fair weather, sandy beaches and ample sunshine have long lured Chinese travelers. But now a bunch of trainee bodyguards have fallen under its spell.

A group of 20 swimsuit-clad ladies descended on "China's Haiwaii" last month with one goal in mind -- to spend more time doing push-ups than sipping coconut juice.

Mostly university graduates, they were being trained by China GSA Safety Consultation (天骄特卫), a Beijing-based bodyguard agency. They were in Hainan's to kick-start a 10-month boot camp for professional female bodyguards.

The most-promising candidate from the camp will be sent to study in The Institute of National Security Studies in Israel.

According to Chen Yongqing (陈永青), head trainer, founder and chairman of GSA, the course starts with "slow-paced" warming-up exercises on Hainan's Coconut Island (椰子岛), which are followed by "hell-like" anti-terrorism classes in Beijing.

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Andy Warhol exhibition in Asia: 15 minutes clearly isn’t enough

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 08:45 PM PST

by CNNGo staff

Five cities in Asia are to be hit by pictures of canned soup, a hamburger and a colorful representation of Chairman Mao, apparently wearing lipstick, over the next two years.

The artworks are traveling as part of the "Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal" exhibition, the biggest retrospective on Warhol's work ever to be shown in Asia.

Warhol, who died in 1987, is famous for declaring: "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

The show will start at Singapore's ArtScience Museum at the Marina Bay Sands hotel on March 17, 2012, and will then travel to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo before it ends some time in 2014.

Specific date and venue details for the other cities have not yet been released.

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Finding Tassie on Australia's greatest boat trip

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 04:55 PM PST

by Cecilia Nguyen

We all know it -- the quintessential Australian trip has to feature rough terrain, horseflies and endurance-sapping drives in the hot, arid climate. Or does it?

If you're more inclined to relax and take in the beauty of nature, rather than striving to conquer it, we suggest you look to that overlooked stretch of ocean between mainland Australia and Tasmania -- the Bass Strait.

My journey begins by boarding the Spirit of Tasmania, one of Australia's largest ferries, at Port Melbourne. Since its first commercial crossing in 2002, the Spirit has proved a local favorite for covering the 429 kilometers between the island state and the docks of Melbourne.

If stood on its end, the 194-meter-long Spirit would dwarf the Sydney Opera House and, sitting at scale-busting 29,000 tons, it possesses the same heft as 2.9 million slabs of beer, to use an oh-so-Aussie yardstick.

In economic terms, the Spirit's value lies in its capacity to move not just passengers, but also animals, vehicles and freight between the two states.   

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Best of Rome

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 02:00 PM PST

by Bija Knowles

Finding the best of Rome... You want pizza, but not just any pizza.

You need a coffee, but hell, not a Starbucks coffee.

You want to discover one of humanity's most history-endowed cities, but you have limited time and don't want to get run down by a Vespa doing so.

We know. And we know how to do it.

From ancient monuments like the Ara Pacis to the designer shops of via Condotti; from the best places for a square of pizza as well as picking out the Italian capital's best coffee bar (OK, we narrowed it down to two), our scroll-down guide to the best of Rome is your ticket to condensed culture.

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Koh Lipe: White sands, free Wi-Fi ... what you waiting for?

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 01:57 PM PST

by Ismail Wolff

As a frequent visitor and sometime resident in Thailand for many years, I am regularly approached for one piece of travel advice: "Which beach should I hit?" 

I've never found it an easy question to answer. There are hundreds of beaches to choose from on dozens of islands. Each has its own particular charm (or lack of, in some cases), so it all depends on what you want in a holiday. 

For instance, during a recent conversation with a French expat who runs a guesthouse on the Thai island of Koh Phayam I told him of my plans to visit Koh Lipe over the New Year.

Sitting shirtless in his fisherman pants with his dry bag tossed over his shoulder, he told me in no uncertain terms: "Koh Lipe is dead. It died three years ago."

"Really?" I replied.

read more

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Asia Travel Blog

Asia Travel Blog


Garuda Flights Within Asia Pacific Region Increased

Posted: 04 Feb 2012 05:10 PM PST

Garuda Flights Within Asia Pacific Region Increased, Flights to Europe (Amsterdam) Reduced

St. Regis Hotel in Shenzhen China, Luxury and Elegance 100-Story St. Regis

Posted: 10 Jan 2012 06:06 PM PST

St. Regis Hotel in Shenzhen China, Luxury and Elegance at the 100-Story St. Regis Shenzhen

Year of the Dragon Super Sale – up to 56% off Hotels in China

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 08:20 PM PST

Year of the Dragon Super Sale – up to 56% off Hotels in China

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Asia Travel Blog

Asia Travel Blog


Crowne Plaza Hotel in Semarang Designed For Your Satisfaction

Posted: 03 Feb 2012 03:37 PM PST

Crowne Plaza Hotel in Semarang Designed For Your Satisfaction

Friday, February 3, 2012

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


What does the United States think of Girls' Generation?

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 10:00 PM PST

by CNNGo staff

With a perky performance on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" and a guest appearance on "LIVE! With Kelly!" earlier this week, K-Pop sensation Girls' Generation have begun barnstorming their next target audience -- the United States.

The response? 

"Just saw a bunch of really really hot Asian chicks on Letterman," tweeted one viewer. "I'm not sure who those girls are on Letterman but I think I'm a fan," tweeted another.

The Korean media also made much of the fact that Harry Potter star David Radcliffe said on "LIVE! With Kelly!" that he has a Girls' Generation CD in his possession, despite the fact that he said he has not listened to it yet. 

So what will the mainstream U.S. audience make of Girls' Generation?

read more

Qantas first to get in-flight movies on iPads

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 09:58 PM PST

Aussie national airline Qantas has become the latest carrier to experiment with new ways to deliver in-flight entertainment to passengers, after it went public with a trial of its new Q Streaming system using Wi-Fi-connected iPads.

By replacing the traditional entertainment on some of its Boeing 767-300 aircraft with the Apple tablet, Qantas has set up an instant field test of its own Q Streaming channel, which is based on Lufthansa's BoardConnect technology.

Hands on

In use, passengers find an iPad 2 in each seat pocket that's loaded with a Q Streaming app and a fully charged battery.

Other apps are locked down, leaving users to browse what Qantas says is more than 200 hours of video and audio programming delivered over a password-protected wireless network.

Qantas executive Alison Webster said passengers are responding favorably so far.

read more

Singapore tourism: Marina Bay a bull, Singapore Airlines a bear

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 07:32 PM PST

by CNNGo staff

Two tales -- one of success, the other a failure -- came out of Singapore's tourism industry this week. 

The good news came via casino resort Marina Bay Sands, which reportedly took in S$17 billion in the nine months up to September 30, up 22 percent from the same period in 2010.

And most of the gamblers are foreigners. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, foreign visitors to Marina Bay Sands -- run by U.S. gaming group Las Vegas Sands Corp. -- now account for about four out of five visitors to the resort's casino.

What's more interesting, the WSJ says Marina Bay Sands reported S$3.72 billion in gross gaming revenue for 2011, equivalent to almost 50 percent of the total gaming win for the Las Vegas Strip over the 12-month period to November 30. 

The resort's hotels are also thriving. A report in Singapore's Today quoted Sands' billionaire chief executive Sheldon Adelson as saying he's in talks with the Singapore government to buy land adjacent to Marina Bay Sands resort to add an additional 1,000 to 1,500 rooms, as average occupancy rates are running above 90 per cent.

read more

Seven dazzling days in South Korea

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 02:00 PM PST

by Violet Kim

This itinerary is for the helpless Korea virgins (and despite Korea's burgeoning tourism, we know you're out there), not been-there-done-that backpackers in search of the obscure.  But the adjective "dazzling" here is no meaningless tag. It's a nod to the process of aggressive elimination and selection that gave us the model itinerary for seven days of travel in South Korea. 

mapWarning: routes marked on this map may deviate slightly from actual routes.


It's not a comprehensive list -- being selective tends to make that difficult. But while you may not be seeing everything, what you're seeing will still be thrilling. 

Monday: Good old Seoul  

Incheon International Airport is the gateway to Seoul. Numerous taxis, airport limousine buses -- and now, a specialized railway line -- shuttle passengers to and fro, but the airport limousine buses offer the best value. Bus 6701 towards the Seoul City Hall from Gate 4B or 11A will take you straight to the Westin Chosun in downtown Seoul. The fare is ₩15,000. 

Westin ChosunThis five-star business hotel is comfortingly insular. But more importantly, sights like City Hall, Gwanghwamun Plaza, and various palaces are within walking distance.

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World’s 10 toughest endurance challenges

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 02:00 PM PST

by Jini Reddy

Think you're tough? Fit? Tenacious?

If you're the outdoorsy sort, addicted to high-octane pursuits and like the thought of challenging yourself amid spectacular scenery, you might want to lace up your trainers, pick up your paddle, get on your bike, climb into the saddle, step into those skis -- and more -- for one of these grueling endurance events.

1. Jungle marathon, Brazil


If you're a glutton for punishment, this footrace will be pure delight: it takes place deep in Brazil's Amazonian rainforest and runners must carry their own supplies, covering a distance of 240 kilometers over six days.

Competitors can expect to clamber over hills and through swamps, mangrove, and thick jungle foliage, all while trying not to fall prey to the local wildlife: jaguars, deadly snakes, scorpions, ticks, electric eels.

As if that isn't stomach-churning enough, there's also the risk of heat stroke. Fortunately there's a crack medical team on hand, with donkeys on stand-by for emergency evacuations.

read more

China: $100,000 around-the-world tour sells out in 13 seconds

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 01:57 PM PST

by CNNGo staff

We wrote more than a dozen posts on China's growing appetite for luxury last year.

Few things surprise us anymore. Then we saw this: a 66-day around-the-world tour that sold out in China 13 seconds after the reservation hotline opened -- roughly the time it takes Olympic-champion hurdler Liu Xiang (刘翔) to cover 110 meters.

Did we mention the price? The cost of the whole trip is a whopping RMB 660,000 (US$104,654), about eight to 10 times the annual salary of an average Chinese.

The Magnificent 11 

The tour -- which takes in more than a dozen countries and both poles -- is organized by Ctrip.com, one of China's biggest online travel agencies. News of the fast sellout was confirmed to us by Jack You (游金章), general manager of Ctrip's high-end package tour department.

You said the eye-catching package was sold last June through Ctrip's hotline. After a half-year visa application process, the group took off from Shanghai on January 29.

read more

Stem cell banking: The newest lure in medical tourism

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 12:32 AM PST

by Frances Cha, Seoul Editor

When Min Lee, 54, first toured Seoul's Chaum Life Center -- which is spearheading Korea's stem cell banking industry -- she didn't quite know what to make of it.

"It rather looks and sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, with all the talk about stem cell treatments," said Lee, who accompanied her friend to a fitness class at the medical facility and soon found herself touring the luxurious 20,000-square-meter premises in disbelief.

Opened in 2010 and operated by Cha Hospital, one of the larger hospitals in Korea, Chaum has more state-of-the-art technology than a university hospital, but styles itself as a "Life Center."

It has been the subject of significant media attention recently for its glittering facilities, controversial stem cell treatment, customized schools of therapy and hefty membership fees that match its ritzy Cheongdam-dong location. 

The deposit for a membership costs ₩170 million (approximately US$152,000, and returned after 10 years) and an additional annual charge of ₩4.5 million (approximately US$4,000).

read more

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Latest Travel News Daily Email from ASIA Travel Tips.com

Friday, 3 February 2012. News from last night Asia time and today.

Have a splendid weekend!

The ASIA Travel Tips Team
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
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Reminder: Bangkok's Most Prestigious Flea Market to Take Place 4 February
2012:
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/261-ClutterSale.shtml


3/2/2012 Cebu Pacific to Launch Low Cost Long-Haul Flights in Q3 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-CebuPacific.shtml


3/2/2012 AirAsia Launches Promotion to Celebrate 100th Airbus A320.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-AirAsia.shtml


3/2/2012 Air New Zealand to Launch Bali Flights.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-AirNewZealand.shtml


3/2/2012 Hyatt Signs Three New Hotels in Saudi Arabia.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-HyattHotels.shtml


3/2/2012 Hua Hin to Host 2012 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament 12-16
September.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-ElephantPolo.shtml


3/2/2012 GHM on Track to Double Size of Portfolio.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-GHM.shtml


3/2/2012 ex-Wyndham CIO Jeff Edwards Joins Amadeus.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-Amadeus.shtml


3/2/2012 Edward Shapard Appointed GM of Elbow Beach, Bermuda.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-ElbowBeach.shtml


3/2/2012 Emirates Extends Sponsorship of Hamburger SV.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-HamburgerSV.shtml


3/2/2012 SkyLoft Opens @ iFly Singapore.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-SkyLoft.shtml


3/2/2012 Q3 Profit Down 53% @ SIA.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-SingaporeAirlines.shtml


3/2/2012 Spirit Airlines Firms Up Order for 75 Airbus Aircraft.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-SpiritAirlines.shtml


3/2/2012 Flight Centre Advises Travellers to Lock in Airfare Deals Now.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-RitzCarltonBahrain.shtml


3/2/2012 Ned Capeleris Appointed Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-Thanyapura.shtml


3/2/2012 Phuket's Thanyapura Appoints New Business Development Director.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/32-Thanyapura.shtml


2/2/2012 Starwood Shakes Up Hotel Industry with 24-Hour Stays.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/22-StarwoodHotels.shtml


2/2/2012 ibis Hua Hin Opens; Rates from THB 1080++.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/22-ibisHuaHin.shtml


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