Entertainment

Hotel boom in Singapore as Asia’s wealthiest bring in S$6billion in investments amid post-Covid travel surge

SINGAPORE: More money is flowing into Singapore from some of Asia’s wealthiest. These high-net-worth individuals are boosting their investments in hotels amid a surge in travel after years of pandemic restrictions, reports Forbes. Among the billionaires who are bringing in big bucks are Sukanto Tanoto from Indonesia and Pansy Ho from Hong Kong. Forbes added […] The post Hotel boom in Singapore as Asia’s wealthiest bring in S$6billion in...

The bizarre history of the hearse

Traveling in a hearse is very likely the final journey a deceased person will take. Indeed, a hearse is among the most identifiable symbols of death and examples of this mode of transport date back to antiquity. But it's in Europe during the 14th century that the bier, an early type of hand-drawn hearse, first appeared. The horse carriage was later adapted for the task, before the motorized hearse became popular in the early 20th century. Truly, the history of the hearse is a fascinating and sometimes macabre one. So, are you interested in finding out more about the vehicles that transport the dead? Click through and follow them to the grave.

Maasai evicted in Tanzania: are tourists and hunting safaris more important than human rights?

Where are the world’s best hotels in 2023? 4 of the top 5 are in Asia – and Hong Kong has 2 of them

The inaugural World's 50 Best Hotels list has four Asian hotels in its top five, and 18 of the 50 that are ranked are in Asia Top spot goes to a hotel in Italy, but another one there, which topped the recent 1,000 World's Best Hotels ranking, doesn't make it onto World's 50 Best list Two of the planet's five best hotels can be found in Hong Kong - ...

Unknown shipwreck found by diver in Thames Estuary

Thames Estuary diver Steve Ellis discovered the previously unknown wooden shipwreck during a dive off Southend Pier last week.

Will These High-Speed Trains Make Flying Redundant?

These high-speed trains are some of the best ways to get around.

Climate change is making plane turbulence worse

The craziest things that ever happened at Buckingham Palace

It's safe to say that Buckingham Palace is the most famous royal residence of the British royal family. Indeed, it's the family's official residence and its walls are filled with history. Well, from protests to stalking, many bizarre things have taken place at the iconic London landmark. Curious? Read through this gallery and get to know the craziest things to have ever happened at Buckingham Palace.

Nature's deadliest assassins

For all its mesmerizing splendor, the animal kingdom can be a dangerous place to live. Among its millions of diverse residents are some truly menacing creatures: mammals, birds, and insects that can end life in an instant. And guess what? There are species of carnivorous plants out there, too. These natural born killers have devised ingenious ways to lure and capture their prey to make them nature's deadliest assassins. Indeed, they number some of the most fearsome predators on the planet. Intrigued? Click through and be in awe of wildlife with the sneakiest kill tactics.

The most beautiful natural parks in The Netherlands

Socotra Island, the most unworldly place on the planet

Socotra Island covers an area of just 3,626 sq km (1,400 sq m), and yet this tiny Indian Ocean island lying off the coast of Yemen represents a treasure trove of dazzling biodiversity. The largest island in the Socotra archipelago, this is a destination that defies worldly description. Instead its landscape in more alien in nature, a unique collection of habitats that would look more at home on a distant planet in the far reaches of the universe. But Socotra is accessible, and more people are venturing outside their comfort zone to explore this remarkable island and its wealth of rare flora and fauna. So, how adventurous are you? Click through and journey to a place extraterrestrial in looks, and little explored by earthlings.

Archeologists in Israel just made an amazing discovery

These Beaches Will Threaten Your Life In Cruel And Unusual Ways

Shark attacks, riptides and polluted waters are just some of the reasons you'll think twice before taking to these beaches.

Paintings of revolutionary Dutch masters, from Rembrandt to Mondrian

Celebrities who were found dead in hotels

Walt Disney's Standoff with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In summary, Walt Disney never wanted a war with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, but the right-wing political leader went after the company after its former CEO Bob Chapek made a statement criticizing DeSantis' so-called ""don't say gay"" legislation. DeSantis has made a series of petty moves against Disney, but Disney CEO Bob Iger made it clear that his company had other options for its billions of dollars. Disney followed up on this by pulling a $1...

Passenger: Is it okay to give bus driver a present because he’s super nice?

SINGAPORE: A netizen shared her experience on Reddit about a bus driver she seemed to find super nice. u/REcommendationLazy16 stated in u/askSingapore: “I’ve recently started taking this bus ride to work everyday! I take bus 656 and my driver is just SUPER nice, he always says hi when I see him in the morning and […]

Passport-free travel coming to Changi Airport in 2024

SINGAPORE: From 2024, automated immigration clearance will be introduced at Changi Airport, letting passengers travel from Singapore without needing a passport. Biometric data will be used instead as part of the changes planned to Singapore’s Immigration Act. Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo said in Parliament on Monday (Sept 18) that biometrics will be […] The post Passport-free travel coming to Changi Airport in 2024...

IHG and BIM Group unveil first valley resort in Vietnam under the InterContinental brand

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel management company, and BIM Real Estate JSC, a member of the BIM Group, have signed a cooperation agreement to develop InterContinental Thanh Xuan Valley Resort, which is part of the Thanh Xuan Valley project. This marks the first valley resort for the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand in Vietnam. Paul Cunningham, from IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Adam Riley, representing BIM Group, at the signing...

Astonishing moment 15 customers 'dine and dash' at restaurant

The dine-and-dash took place at Captain's Restaurant - which has been open on Brighton beach since 1990.

Explore the world's most expensive government projects and see if Singapore is featured

Discover the most expensive government megaprojects from around the world, including Tren Mayer, the Brenner Base Tunnel, and the Belt & Road Initiative.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Visit Europe’s Hotspots During These Months

Here’s when you should visit to see Europe's most popular destinations at their quietest

Banyan Tree Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend

Over September 15-17, Banyan Tree Group responded to the World Wellness Weekend inspirational campaign to live well with a series of activities and in many destinations across Vietnam. World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is considered one of the largest wellness campaigns in the world, with the participation of more than 6,000 organisations and individuals in 147 countries and territories, with the message "Wellness for all - Healthy living for...

Beautiful places on the sub-tropical Réunion Island

Travel expert reveals her time-saving tips for getting out of airports

Lindsey Mukaddam, 37, from Austin, Texas, is known for sharing her vacation adventures on her social media. Now, she has revealed her time-saving hack to get you out of the airport in no time.

‘A great relaxing holiday!’ Tan Cheng Bock returns from road trip to Malacca

SINGAPORE: Opposition leader Tan Cheng Bock shared over social media that he’d had “a great relaxing holiday” after he returned from a trip to Malacca. “Last week, I went on a road trip with friends to Malacca. We had a great time, ate wonderful food and met many Singaporeans there. Malacca is a great place […] The post ‘A great relaxing holiday!’ Tan Cheng Bock returns from road trip to Malacca appeared first on The Independent Singapore News -...

See These Beautiful, Empty Beaches From A Unique Perspective

These aerial shots of celebrated beach destinations around the world showcase the visual majesty of the meeting of land and sea.

Forbidden places around the world you can’t visit

It's hard to imagine that there are a lot of places around the world that people are prohibited from visiting. Unless you're a researcher, scientist, or military officer, some of these places are strictly forbidden for the general public, which adds another layer of mystery to them. There are historical sites that are so fragile they can be easily damaged by humans, and also some seriously dangerous places many of us would be terrified to visit. From an island infested with snakes to a vault holding special secrets, check out these extremely fascinating and forbidden places. Click on!

Plane passenger arrested for trying to open jet door in mid air with 180 people onboard

The man, named as Biswajit Debnath, was seated next to the plane's emergency exit. The 41-year-old then allegedly attempted to open it mid-flight.

‘Total humiliation’: Chinese visitors made to give seats to foreigners at tourist site prompts apology after online outrage

Influencer attacks tourist site for giving special treatment to foreigners and delaying performance for late-arriving overseas visitors The video, seen by millions, is causing outrage online and prompted site management to issue public apology less than 9 hours later A tourist attraction in central China's Hubei province has caused an outcry on mai...

See The Tragic Reality For Our Cities If Sea Levels Keep Rising

Alarming images of what famous cities around the world could look like if the climate crisis continues unabated.

Exploring mysterious and mind-blowing coincidences that defy explanation

No matter whether you believe in destiny or not, the way some things have been written across time is enough to make a person wonder if someone really is pulling all the strings. Some coincidences we can accept as random happenings, but then there are other coincidences that are just too tragic, poetic, or downright bizarre to ignore. From cosmic synchronicity to mind-boggling personal ties, click through to be spooked by and find yourself in awe of the strangest coincidences in history.

Best Travel & Tourism stocks to follow in 2023.

Travel and tourism is a broad category, with a diverse list of well-known brands. Ecotourism is a fast-growing niche, especially among young travelers. Tourism sector has been perhaps the hardest hit part of the economy by the COVID-19 pandemic. This list presents some of the best travel and tourism stocks to track in the post-pandemic era. The list's performance is calculated on an equally weighted method.

Should a ‘sustainable’ restaurant fly food and chefs around the world? Hong Kong collaborative dinners raise questions

Restaurants known for sourcing locally that take part in overseas events often fly chefs and ingredients to the new location The head chef of Roganic Hong Kong, holder of a Michelin Green Star, believes the trade-off for its upcoming collaboration dinner is a beneficial one Sustainable dining is a word that's thrown around like confetti at a Taylor...

Explore the Controversial Homes of India's 'King of Good Times'

Take a tour through the incredible homes of Vijay Mallya, the "Branson of Bangalore", including his mega-mansion perched on top of a skyscraper

UNBELIEVABLE discovery hiding behind woman’s bathroom mirror

From plush mansions concealing tropical paradises to top-secret tunnels and secret rooms, these elusive spaces are hidden away from prying eyes. All is not as it seems in these clandestine home interiors, so prepare for your jaw to drop when you see what they have up their sleeves...

History's most infamous unfinished buildings

There are numerous examples of ambitious but ultimately flawed architectural projects. Around the world are plenty of structures that on paper probably appeared destined for success, but instead were either abandoned or left languishing in construction limbo, often due to lack of funds or political strife. Among these unfinished buildings are palaces, cathedrals, skyscrapers, and even a nuclear power plant. So, where can you find some of the most notorious architecture that never was... or still might be? Click through and study the blueprints, so to say.

The oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world

There are many ancient cities, but not all of them have been continuously inhabited ever since the first settlements. Several cities, however, have been populated for millennia, and it seems like they're not going anywhere anytime soon. Most of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but some are sadly at risk of disappearing. In this gallery, we bring you some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Click on to learn all about them.

These Are The Revolutionary Planes That Got Aviation Off The Ground

The most influential and important commercial planes to have ever graced our skies.

Singapore Airlines gives S$1590 reimbursement to couple who sat next to a ‘snorting, farting’ dog on 13-hour flight

SINGAPORE: A New Zealand couple who had to sit next to a noisy and smelly bulldog during a 13-hour Singapore Airlines flight from Paris to Singapore earlier this year have been offered compensation by the company for what they endured. Gill and Warren Press said in early September that they had paid for premium economy […] The post Singapore Airlines gives S$1590 reimbursement to couple who sat next to a ‘snorting, farting’ dog on 13-hour flight...

The World's Most Famous Gates – And Their Fascinating Histories

These 38 incredible gateways are works of art in their own right. But some have dark histories.

The surprising stories of Titanic's super-rich passengers

Meet the Titanic's richest passengers and discover what happened to them

'We sold our £535k home, pulled our kids out of school and went on a European road trip'

Carl and Ruth Jackson from Swindon struggled through the Covid lockdowns and vowed to make the most of their freedom when it came.

The Incredible Story Of Tutankhamun, Including Recent Discoveries Made About His Tomb

Read on about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s royal tomb and the compelling treasures it contained.

What happened to the affluent diamond mining town DROWNED in sand?

Tour the eerie abandoned ghost town of Kolmanskop, a Namibian settlement consumed by sand

How public transport systems built a city: San Francisco marks 150 years of its cable cars and 125 years of Ferry Building, hub of its ferry routes

The US city's cable car network is celebrating its 150th anniversary and at its heart is the Cable Car Museum, which reveals the system's innards The Ferry Building has been in operation for 125 years, and is now a popular place in which to hang out, full of bakeries, restaurants and shops It's not often that a public transport system is a draw in ...

Daring Airport Landings That Will Test Your Nerves!

Strap yourselves in for a bumpy ride as we take a look at the world's scariest airport landings

23 tiny restaurants where everyone wants a table

Read on as we take a look at some of the world's most special small restaurants.

The perfect travel partner for you, according to your star sign

Ever come back from a vacation and not felt as rested as you thought you would? Of course, there are many things that can go wrong when you're on vacation. Going with the wrong person or people, however, should not be one of them. Astrology tells us that we are more likely to enjoy and get the most out of our vacation if we go away with someone who has a compatible sign. With this in mind, check out the following gallery to find out which star sign makes for your ultimate travel companion.

Crabs just helped scientists make a fantastic discovery in the Galapagos