Hello! Kitty, the mouth-less feline icon recognized the world over, has started greeting new fans in Taiwan right after their birth. The 30-bed Hau Sheng Hospital in Yuanlin, central Taiwan, has claimed to be the only maternity hospital in the world with authorization from the beloved cartoon cat’s Japanese parent company Sanrio Co, Ltd. Hau Sheng was built for T$100 million (US$3 milion) by Director Tsai Tsung-chi, who hopes the cuddly feline will help assuage the fears and difficulty of childbirth among its patients. Tsai expresses his hope that young mothers suffering from illness and birthing will smile and relax when they see the images of the adorable cat. He specifically chose Hello Kitty as the theme due to her popularity within his own family; namely, his mother, his wife and his daughter.

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Posted in Airlines, Attractions, Japan, Taiwan |

Do yourself a favor. The next time your plane even touches the tarmac of Changi International Airport in Singapore, get off and see what a real airport should be like. Changi International has repeatedly won awards through the years and is considered one of the best airports in the world.

The secret is simple: while other airports act like fast food outlets and wish to process as many passengers through its gates as quickly as possible, Changi acts like Starbucks, inviting visitors to stay awhile and enjoy the many amenities within its halls.

Changi International Airport of Singapore has conceptualized back in the 1950’s, when congestion was starting to trouble the previous Singapore International Airport in Paya Lebar. The city authorities decided to construct a new airport at the easternmost tip of the island in Changi, the site of a former military airbase, well away from urban areas. This is to avoid any buildings from interfering with airplane traffic as well as any ground casualties in the event of an accident. The first phase of the airport was operational by 1981, and expansion and upgrading continue up to this day to allow for advances in flight technology and passenger comfort.

Whether you are a transit passenger, a visitor to the Lion City, on a budget, or well-moneyed from months of saving, take at least two hours of your time to discover Singapore’s fascinating airport.

1. Go online.

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Posted in Airlines, Singapore |

There has never been a better time to travel on a budget in Asia. The continent with the largest population in the world now has the highest concentration of low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the world. LCCs are “no-frills” airlines which offer travelers a fraction of the usual ticket prices by eliminating the standard amenities like in-flight food and entertainment. But in some airlines, these amenities are available to passengers for a fee.

Passengers for some of these LCCs should make ample time allowances for connecting flights, as budget airlines are prone to land much later than the scheduled time. And they should travel light, or the excess baggage fees can make them end up paying as much as if they booked on a “non-budget” airline.

Here are the Asian LCCs as categorized by country destination. With this list, getting your dream vacation in Asia would be easy on your wallets. For Part 2 and 3 of Fly the Low-Cost Skies of Asia, we shall discuss each airline and what are their good and bad points to look out for.

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Posted in Airlines, Asia |

Are you feeling the urge to just get away from it all and pack your things to go on a much deserved or long overdue vacation? Yes? So, what’s stopping you then? More often than not, the reason would be budget constraints.

The good news is traveling in this day and age is no longer just for the Rich and Famous. An average person or a regular employee can go on trips not only domestic ones but international trips as well.

Whenever I travel, I always make it a point that I do a lot of research so that I can make the most out of my trip without blowing off my entire year’s savings. This is why I’m very thankful that there are now quite a number of budget airlines that service the Philippines, my country of origin. These airlines include Air Asia, Tiger Airways and Jet Star. The destinations are interesting enough even if limited.

I decided to go on a trip late last year and was able to work around a limited budget for my trip. My destination of choice was Kota Kinabalu or KK, as it is popularly known.  It is the state capital of Sabah in Malaysia and is fondly described as a “pleasant Borneo surprise” as it is unexpectedly set between the magnificent South China Sea and rich tropical rolling hills.

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Posted in Airlines, Food, Malaysia, Things to do |

In America, first-class airline service has little more meaning than a perk for frequent travelers. Sure, the seats are a little more plush and the passenger may have more legroom, but beyond getting seated before other passengers are allowed on the plane a first class ticket in the American skies doesn’t deserve the ‘luxury’ term.
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Posted in Airlines |