The Philippines’ most biodiverse island province is one of Southeast Asia’s great travel experiences – here is everything you need to make the most of it The bangka rounds a limestone cliff, the engine cuts, and a hidden lagoon opens up ahead. The water is so clear you can see the reef fifteen metres below
Issue No. 6 | Thursday 30 April 2026 Your insider guide to Southeast Asia asiaunmasked.com Your Week in Southeast Asia This week we’ve covered developments across the region, including a resort on Palawan Island that has received a full eco-luxury make-over, which bodes well for the future of The Philippines – a country that has
Scientists in Phuket are banking frozen coral genetics against the day the reefs can be rebuilt. The question is whether Thailand’s tourism industry will give them that chance. Thailand’s reefs have endured repeated mass bleaching events since 2022 – the cryobank is banking the genetics needed to rebuild them. In a quiet laboratory at Phuket
How Laos is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism—and how tourists can support the journey White minivans and tour buses collect Chinese tourists from the railway station in Luang Prabang and escort them for their entire time in Laos, highlighting how the infrastructure of zero-dollar tourism operations. The trains from Kunming arrive
Beyond the well-worn tourist paths lies a landscape where genuine cultural encounters remain possible—if you know how to engage respectfully The forest canopy closes in around you as your guide stops to point out fresh elephant tracks in the mud. You’re trekking through territory where the Akha, Lisu, Hmong, and Khamu peoples have lived for
Discover how a remote corner of southern Laos became a global speciality coffee destination—and why conscious travellers should experience its conservation-driven tourism firsthand The morning mist settles across the Bolaven Plateau like a benediction. At 1,200 metres above sea level, the air carries the scent of rich volcanic soil and coffee blossom. This isn’t the
Indonesia’s coral capital joins 26 new biosphere reserves. What this means for divers seeking authentic conservation experiences where their money actually protects marine ecosystems UNESCO just handed Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago a designation that matters. The 52,000-square-mile area – home to over 75% of Earth’s known coral species – is now officially recognised as a
Ambitious 2030 roadmap positions Thailand as sustainable tourism leader whilst new certification standard aims to reshape Southeast Asian travel industry The Thailand Good Travel mark combines traditional Thai symbolism with international sustainability standards Thailand has just declared war on greenwashing! The Department of Tourism unveiled its Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 this week, launching a
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
How international recognition validates Vietnam’s conservation approach and opens new opportunities for sustainable tourism and conscious travellers Côn Đảo National Park marine conservation area, newly recognised by IUCN Green List for exceptional environmental standards Over 90 protected areas worldwide currently hold IUCN Green List certification – a recognition so rigorous that sites undergo comprehensive evaluation
