Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve has unveiled Curiosity Cove, the country’s largest indoor nature-inspired playscape. Spanning 4,600m², the new attraction offers children aged three to 12 a multi-sensory experience across nature-themed zones, encouraging them to move like wildlife and see the world through their eyes.
Designed as an introduction to nature, Curiosity Cove complements the precinct’s recent additions, including Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild.
In Grasslands, explore the immersive digital Watering Hole, set amid tall grass where cheetahs and other animals lurk; photo by Mandai Wildlife Group
The playscape offers four interactive zones inspired by ecosystems – Wetlands, Forestlands, Grasslands and Drylands. More than 30 multi-sensory touchpoints encourage cognitive, social and motor development, from crawling through a ‘snake’s belly’ to climbing an orangutan tree-bed platform or triggering sounds and lights by shaking hanging vines. The indoor playscape ensures year-round wildlife adventures, regardless of weather.
Curiosity Cove is now open, with admission by two-hour timeslots between 10.00 and 18.30. Tickets are priced at S$48 (US$37) for one child aged three to 12, with complimentary entry for one accompanying adult. Extended playtime is available with top-up options.
Thailand has launched a fresh wave of air strikes against Cambodia as renewed fighting erupted over long-disputed border territory between the two nations.
This morning (December 8), Thailand launched air strikes in what it said was retaliation for Cambodian attacks that left a Thai soldier dead – a claim Phnom Penh has strongly denied. According to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), the strikes targeted only military infrastructure.
Air strikes and evacuations mark renewed conflict, while Phnom Penh and Siem Reap continue business as usual; Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, pictured
“Cambodia had mobilised heavy weaponry, repositioned combat units and prepared fire-support elements – activities that could escalate military operations and pose a threat to the Thai border area,” the RTAF said in a statement.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry reported that Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian soldiers at 05.04 on December 8, near Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples, further escalating tensions in the long-contested border area.
Thailand said since this morning, about 70 per cent of its citizens have been evacuated from border areas to safety. Cambodian authorities stated 42 schools in Banteay Meanchey province have been temporarily closed.
Despite the fresh outbreak of violence, areas away from the border in Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coastal areas, remain safe, with businesses operating as usual.
The conflict broke out in May, with a five-day war ending in July when a peace deal overseen by US president Donald Trump and Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was brokered. However, despite the agreement, tensions have continued to simmer, with outbreaks of violence taking place along the border.
The Regent Bali Canggu has officially opened, marking the brand’s first property in Indonesia under IHG and debuting the world’s first Regent Spa.
Located on Bali’s south-west coast, the hotel, which began operations in February, features 150 rooms and suites and six dining venues. Two signature restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Walsh are included: Sazón for Mediterranean cuisine and Cure for Asian cuisine, scheduled to open in early 2026. Other options include Taru for all-day Indonesian and international dishes, the Beach House, a pool bar and the Regent Lounge.
Regent Bali Canggu debuts as IHG’s first Indonesia property with luxury spa and dining
The Regent Spa, developed by IHG’s consultants Raison d’Etre, offers Balinese-inspired therapies across seven treatment rooms. A highlight is The Massage Revolution, performed on a warm quartz sand bed. The spa also includes hydro-wellness facilities with a vitality pool, cold ice baths and saunas.
General manager Manish Puri said the resort’s arrival in Canggu was timely, noting the area had evolved beyond its surf spot reputation. He described Canggu as increasingly vibrant, with restaurants, nightlife and wellness facilities, and said feedback confirmed demand for a luxury hotel. He emphasised that wellness was now a necessity, making the spa central to the hotel experience.
“It’s not all about party but it’s also about wellness and a little bit of spiritual, a little bit of taking care of mind, body and soul,” he said.
The resort targets affluent travellers, including honeymooners and families, and is developing multi-generational programmes and a Regent Kids club to cater to peak seasons such as Chinese Golden Week and Australian holidays.
Puri highlighted the resort’s focus on special events, observing a trend of guests celebrating milestones with friends and family. He said Bali’s hospitality made it an ideal setting for memorable occasions, and the hotel had already hosted several intimate weddings. Cure will continue the celebration theme with private dining rooms for groups of 20 to 100 people.
To address a market gap, the resort is building a flexible ballroom and event space, expected to open in early 2026. As the area’s first large dedicated meeting venue, Puri commented that the space will be “designed to host exhibitions, performances, theatre, and other creative events inspired by the culture of Canggu”.
Oceania Cruises has revealed two new dining concepts aboard Oceania Sonata, the first ship in its Sonata Class, set to launch in August 2027.
La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France will be the only restaurant at sea endorsed by the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, seating 18 guests with menus created by executive culinary directors Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale alongside invited Master Chefs of France. The venue will also host the Dom Pérignon Experience, a six-course tasting menu paired with vintage champagnes.
Nikkei Kitchen aboard Oceania Sonata blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques in a contemporary setting; photo by Oceania Cruises
Nikkei Kitchen will join La Table as a new culinary experience, introducing cuisine that blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques, developed with chef Gustavo Sugay. The menu will highlight seafood, citrus, soy-based sauces and peppers, reflecting the origins of Nikkei cuisine in the late 19th century. Nikkei Kitchen will be part of the ship’s included speciality dining options, available without reservations.
Oceania Sonata will also feature 10 established dining venues, including Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana. The ship will accommodate 1,390 guests, with 30 per cent of suites, and will be the ninth vessel in the fleet.
“Oceania Sonata represents an incredible opportunity to reimagine the future of our culinary programme, while still offering the culinary concepts our guests know and love,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. “La Table and Nikkei Kitchen are emblematic of what sets Oceania Cruises apart… these new culinary concepts reflect our continued commitment to innovation, and our commitment to serve The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”
Quaretti added: “These restaurants are not just simply new onboard venues; they are the embodiment of chef Barale’s and my shared dedication to our culinary craft, and we are excited to share more about these special experiences in the coming months. La Table has allowed us to create a dining experience that honours the heritage of French gastronomy, a cuisine that we are passionate about, and propels it forward. With the addition of Nikkei Kitchen, we’re able to celebrate bold, global flavours in unexpected, fresh ways.”
TTG Asia news bulletin will be taking a break from December 8.
We will be back on January 5, 2026, when we will resume delivering the latest headlines straight to your inbox. The site will continue to be updated with articles during the month, so do check back regularly.
In the meantime, TTG Asia Media wishes all readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
This edition of GTEF is structured around Heilongjiang’s year-round, all-region tourism model and industrial innovation
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), an international platform dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of the global tourism economy, will hold its 2025 edition from December 15 to 17 in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.
Under the theme ‘New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy’, the Forum will gather over 1,000 guests from five continents and more than 30 countries and regions, including the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, heads of international organisations, government officials, ministers of culture and tourism, executives from Fortune Global 500 companies, renowned entrepreneurs, and experts. Together, they will forge a new stage for open cooperation and jointly chart a future blueprint for the global tourism economy.
Launched in 2012 in Macau, GTEF is an annual summit that has held 10 editions to date, attracting over 14,000 participants from more than 90 countries and regions. It has partnered with 44 countries and 13 Chinese provinces and cities to promote cultural and tourism brands, serving as a vital bridge linking China with the world.
This year is the first time it is venturing beyond Macau, a milestone that reflects Heilongjiang’s growing influence in the cultural tourism sector, and the steady expansion of its international cooperation network.
In recent years, Heilongjiang has championed the development of its cultural tourism sector, capitalising on emerging opportunities. The province has successfully harnessed its ice and snow appeal and innovative spirit to establish a diverse industry ecosystem – encompassing the ice-snow economy, winter sports, eco-tourism, and wellness retreats – all strategically tailored to local strengths and powered by new quality productive forces.
Through its two 100-day tourism promotion campaigns, which promoted the province as a cool haven for summer, and a classic ice-snow destination during winter; it has since expanded its cultural and tourism offerings from seasonal popularity to year-round vibrancy, achieving an increase in tourism. In 2024, Heilongjiang welcomed a cumulative of 282 million tourist visits, a year-on-year increase of 29.1 per cent; with its total tourism spending reaching 370.12 billion yuan (approx US$52.3 billion), a year-on-year increase of 67.1 per cent.
International visitor arrivals surged to 1.2 million, a year-on-year increase of 95.4 per cent, while inbound tourism spending reached 13.44 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 101.5 per cent. These figures indicate strong and continuous momentum across both scale and quality in the cultural tourism market, demonstrating the dynamism of China’s high-quality tourism development to the world.
This edition of GTEF is structured around Heilongjiang’s year-round, all-region tourism model and industrial innovation. The Forum features four key pillars: Ice-Snow Economy & Industrial Innovation; Cultural Empowerment & Brand Building; Investment Leadership & Project Development, and Cross-Border Collaboration & Cooperation Opportunities, with the goal of connecting Heilongjiang with high-quality resources and innovative impetus from across the globe.
The agenda will include opening and closing ceremonies, keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, cultural tourism showcases, and a Heilongjiang Province Investment Promotion Session. These sessions are designed to establish a high-calibre international platform for domestic and international participants and enterprises, facilitate the business matching of premium projects, and promote the organic integration of the global tourism economy’s innovation and industrial chains.
The Forum’s dates also coincide with Heilongjiang’s winter season ‘100-day tourism promotion campaign’. Forum guests will be invited to tour Harbin’s landmark attractions and development projects, gaining a firsthand look at the unique appeal of China’s famous ice-and-snow tourism as well as the dynamic achievements of its cultural tourism sector.
For more details and latest updates regarding the Forum, visit GTEF as well as the official GTEF social media accounts
Medan in North Sumatra is gaining stronger interest from Malaysian travellers, supported by short flight times, affordable packages and cultural familiarity, according to outbound operators at the inaugural Astindo Sumut Travel Exchange (Astex).
The first edition of Astex in Medan last month drew 37 Malaysian buyers – the largest foreign delegation at the event – reflecting the market’s growing appetite for the destination.
Calm lakeside scenery on Samosir Island, pictured, is drawing more Malaysians beyond Medan city breaks
Malaysian outbound specialists interviewed by TTG Asia highlighted easy air access as a key driver. Medan is served by multiple daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru, providing flexible options for short breaks.
Cultural closeness also strengthens Medan appeal, said Nor Idayu Kamaruzaman, director of Jendela Asia Tour & Travels. “Travellers feel at ease because the food, language and social warmth are close to what Malaysians experience at home,” she said.
Growth is strongest among families and young adults seeking low cost escapes, noted Syamira Farisha, operations manager at Neskop Travel Agency & Tours. “Our best seller is still the three-day Medan city package,” she said, adding that the itinerary is intentionally simple, centred on food stops, market shopping and a short cultural visit. The aim, she explained, is to make weekend travel easy and effortless.
With demand rising, agents are beginning to look beyond city-based packages. “Clients are beginning to ask for something beyond a city break. We’re here to see what new products can fit a combination that includes Berastagi or even Lake Toba,” said Jo’N Nadia Shehnaz, business leader at Travel Dynamics.
Lake Toba, which saw strong Malaysian group traffic in the 2000s, is drawing renewed attention at Astex. With upgraded infrastructure and new four- and five-star accommodation in Samosir, longer itineraries are now more feasible.
“Lake Toba used to be popular product, and it can be again. With improved accommodation and clearly structured itineraries, four- or five-night packages could appeal to families and small groups without overwhelming them,” Nadia added.
Development of sustainable tourism is being supported by the Meaningful Tourism Centre (MTC) and the Institute of Tourism (IoT), which will begin a series of free online lectures from December 8.
The programme, titled Meaningful Tourism as a Tool to Develop Sustainable Tourism in South Asia, requires pre-registration on IoT’s website. Recorded lectures will be available on the IoT website.
Arlt: destinations will be able to benefit from the increasing interest of activities beyond sightseeing and recreation without falling into the traps of overtourism and environmental damage
MTC executive director Wolfgang Arlt said the lectures provide stakeholders with insight on how to achieve objective benefits and subjective satisfaction from tourism and hospitality activities.
Arlt explained: “The six main stakeholders identified in the Meaningful Tourism approach are: travellers, host communities, employees in service-providing companies, service-providing companies, governments and the environment; and smart KPIs are used to measure the improvement of benefits and satisfaction on a regular base.”
He continued: “With a Meaningful Tourism approach, destinations will be able to benefit from the increasing interest of activities beyond sightseeing and recreation without falling into the traps of overtourism and environmental damage, making sure that local communities and employees get their fair share in alignment with the interests of companies and governments.”
Participants will also learn about carbon credit trading, with speakers including an MTC certified trainer and a local expert.
The lecture on December 8 will focus on North-east India, followed by North India on December 9, Nepal on December 11 and Bangladesh on December 12. Three further lectures on December 15, 22 and 29 will provide more detailed information tailored to South Asia and how to build a sustainable and profitable future.
Arlt noted that India, Nepal and Bangladesh together house more than 20 per cent of the global population, but jointly received only one per cent of global international tourism arrivals in 2024.
The objective of MTC and IoT, he said, is to help grow the tourism industry in South Asia without repeating the overtourism and environmental or cultural damage experienced by other Asian destinations.
Lectures for other parts of Asia will be scheduled in January 2026, with Oceania following in March.
Harbin, China will play host to the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) for the first time. Set for December 15 to 17, the event will adopt the theme, New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy, and attract more than 1,000 participants from over 30 countries and regions.
Attendees will include the secretary-general of UN Tourism, heads of international organisations, government officials, tourism ministers, Fortune Global 500 executives, entrepreneurs and academics.
Harbin’s ice and snow landscape will welcome delegates for GTEF 2025 in December
GTEF 2025 will centre on four themes: ice-snow economy and innovation, cultural brand development, investment, and cross-border collaboration. The programme includes keynotes, roundtable discussions, showcases and an investment promotion session, with delegates invited to visit Harbin’s winter attractions as part of the province’s ongoing seasonal campaign.
MGallery Collection, Accor’s boutique hotel division, will open V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection in early 2026. Located on the secluded island of Mirihi in the South Ari Atoll, the resort marks MGallery’s first property in the Maldives.
The property, formerly Mirihi Island Resort, will undergo renovation and expansion before reopening under the MGallery flag. It will feature 42 villas, including beach and overwater villas, as well as multi-bedroom suites with private pools. The design reflects Maldivian heritage, ocean rhythms, and the island’s namesake flower, Mirihi, offering guests a tranquil retreat immersed in nature.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will offer overwater and beachfront villas amid Mirihi’s tranquil South Ari Atoll
Owned by VIE Maldives, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Major Cineplex Group, the resort joins several MGallery properties in Thailand, including VIE Hotel Bangkok, V Villas Hua Hin, and V Villas Phuket.
Guests will arrive via a 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport. Renovations include redesigned interiors, a signature spa and wellness sanctuary, new indoor and outdoor fitness spaces, upgraded F&B venues with an overwater restaurant and new bar concept, and a main pool area. The project incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with Accor’s ESG pilot programme, from eco-conscious design to operations and guest experiences.
MGallery Collection currently comprises over 120 boutique hotels worldwide, each with a unique story. With the addition of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, the brand expands its footprint in premium leisure destinations.
In the meantime, TTG Asia Media wishes all readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
