Issue No. 4 | Thursday 16 April 2026 | asiaunmasked.com Your insider guide to Southeast Asia Vietnam’s national tourism masterplan places eco-tourism and community-based experiences at its core. Demand at the country’s largest travel fair this month confirmed that visitors are catching up. Your Week in Southeast Asia This week, Southeast Asia made several decisions
Issue No. 3 | 9 April 2026 Your insider guide to Southeast Asia | asiaunmasked.com Editor’s Note The world has seemingly lost its marbles this week. Flight chaos, Middle East tensions, markets more jittery than a Sihanoukville casino gambler. Yet none of this chaos has managed to cancel Songkran. In five days’ time, the streets
This week: Borneo’s first eco-certified resort opens bookings, Thailand’s tourist fee edges closer, flying to Southeast Asia just got more expensive, and a record pangolin bust in Jakarta. Plus what’s on across the region through April.
Discover pristine islands, ancient cultures, and world-class diving beyond the crowds Bali welcomed a staggering 6.3 million international visitors in 2024—nearly double its local population of 4.2 million. The BBC’s recent investigation revealed the stark consequences: beaches littered with plastic waste, traffic gridlock, and tourists posting “expectations vs reality” disappointments on social media. The tragic
The road less travelled leads to Bali’s most extraordinary secret I’ll confess something that might surprise you: after years of exploring Southeast Asia, I’d almost written off Bali entirely. The Instagram hordes descending on Tegallalang Rice Terraces, the traffic chaos choking Canggu’s once-pristine beach roads, the yoga retreats charging £200 ($250) a night for what
How Indonesia’s most beloved island is quietly revolutionising responsible tourism without sacrificing an ounce of indulgence The Bali I encountered on my latest visit bears little resemblance to the island I first explored thirty years ago, when a dog-eared copy of Lonely Planet’s “South East Asia on a Shoestring” was the backpacker’s bible. Yet surprisingly,
Journey beyond the tourist trail to discover the authentic soul of Indonesia’s most enchanting island – where ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and profound spirituality create an experience that lingers long after your tan fades. The moment you step off the plane into Bali’s warm embrace, the air seems to whisper secrets of the island’s mystical
A revolutionary boutique hotel in Bali is redefining eco-luxury by transforming food waste into architectural poetry – one crushed pistachio shell at a time. The morning sun casts dappled shadows across the wall beside my bed, highlighting a subtle texture I can’t quite place. It’s not the smooth plaster typical of luxury hotels, nor the
The Island of the Gods is evolving, implementing thoughtful regulations to preserve its magic while still welcoming visitors with open arms. Here’s your guide to experiencing authentic Bali while respecting its sacred traditions. The moment you step off the plane in Bali, the warm air carries the subtle scent of incense and frangipani blossoms. This
From dramatic cliff-top vistas to impeccable service: exploring the newly crowned best resort in Indonesia and what makes it worthy of the prestigious accolade Having spent countless nights in various properties across Southeast Asia, I’ve developed something of a sixth sense for distinguishing genuine luxury from mere pretenders. The hospitality landscape across this region has
