Diwali 2025 vacation: Indians can visit over 50 countries visa-free - check full list, key details

With days left for the Diwali 2025 holidays, several people across the country are gearing up to celebrate the festivities abroad. As a growing number of countries are offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival, travelling abroad has become easier with...

Which 57 countries can Indian passport holders travel visa-free to in 2025?

India has dropped to the 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, giving Indian passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. This marks a decline of five spots from last year, when Indians could travel to 62...

Travel warning for Maldives: US issues Level 2 advisory over terrorism risks; see updated checklist for travelers

The United States State Department issued a revised travel advisory for the Republic of the Maldives on Oct. 7. "Exercise increased caution in [the Maldives] due to terrorism," the Level 2 travel warning states. The advisory indicates that...

10 of the best things to do on Indonesia's Gili Islands

Anyone who’s been to Indonesia's Gili Islands would likely agree on one thing – you can’t help but feel relaxed as soon as you set foot on the fine white sands. These three little islands off the coast of Lombok are a popular holiday destination,...

Agoda, Saudi Tourism Authority to boost Asia-Pacific travel to Saudi Arabia

Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and travel experiences to Asia-Pacific travellers. Launched during Web in Travel...

BLACKPINK's Lisa Appointed as Thailand's Tourism Ambassador

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - K-pop star Lisa from BLACKPINK has been appointed as Thailand's new tourism ambassador to promote the country's culture and charm to international tourists. The Blackpink member's appointment was announced on Wednesday, October...

Eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Displaces Thousands in Eastern Indonesia, Elevating Regional Tensions in the Ring of Fire

Maumere, Indonesia – October 15, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of volcanic unrest, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a notoriously active stratovolcano on the remote island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, unleashed a series of powerful...

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 16, 2025

INDONESIA 1. PURBAYA HITS OUT AT PLAN TO ‘RETURN’ IDLE MEAL FUNDS -- THE JAKARTA POST Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has called for improved budget absorption for the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme, after the National Nutrition...

World : Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 16, 2025

INDONESIA 1. PURBAYA HITS OUT AT PLAN TO ‘RETURN’ IDLE MEAL FUNDS -- THE JAKARTA POST Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has called for improved budget absorption for the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme, after the National Nutrition...

Scoot Expands Indonesia Network with Four New Destinations

Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, announced today it will progressively launch flights to four Indonesian destinations starting December 2025, strengthening its presence across the archipelago and giving travelers more options to...

This Indian city has made it to the list of the world’s 10 cheapest long-haul vacation destinations

If you're looking to explore the world without spending a fortune, here's a list of the world’s 10 cheapest long-haul vacation destinations that can help you plan your trip. This list shows that it's still possible to take an international break...

Scoot launching new flights to Indonesian destinations, including Labuan Bajo, from December

Known for its lively traditional markets and unique culinary offerings, Palembang is one of Indonesia’s oldest cities. From Jan 15, 2026, Scoot will begin four times weekly flights to Palembang on the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, with one-way economy...

Scoot to fly to Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo, Medan, Palembang and Semarang

SINGAPORE – Those looking to travel on a budget now have more options after Scoot announced four new routes in Indonesia – Labuan Bajo, Medan, Palembang and Semarang. Flights to these cities will start progressively between December 2025 and...

Helper jailed a week for lodging false rape report against ex-employer’s husband

SINGAPORE - To end the affair she was having with her employer’s husband, an Indonesian domestic helper filed a false police report against him, claiming he had raped her. On Oct 14, the woman was sentenced to a week’s jail after pleading guilty...

Indonesia, South Africa eye deeper ties in trade, MSME development

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and South Africa have begun exploring new avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso encouraged stronger...

Belitung aims to become carbon-free island, boost green tourism

Belitung, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - Belitung is set to become a carbon-free island as part of a wider push for low-emission development, clean air, and sustainable environmental practices, Belitung District Head Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat said on...

Three destinations ‘trending’ with Aussie travellers

Australians are travelling internationally in record numbers, and according to the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), three destinations in particular are ‘trending’ right now: Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam. In 2024, over 1.6 million...

Maid jailed for lodging false report that employer's husband raped her

SINGAPORE: A domestic helper has been jailed for one week for lodging a false report that her employer's husband had raped her. The name of the 36-year-old Indonesian national was redacted from court documents obtained by CNA on Thursday (Oct 16),...

Indonesia says ban on Israeli gymnasts backed by world body

Indonesia’s gymnastics federation said Friday that the sport’s international governing body supports the country’s decision to deny Israeli athletes entry for the upcoming world artistic gymnastics championships in Jakarta. The event, scheduled...

"The most famous Thai"- Fans celebrate BLACKPINK's Lisa's appointment as 'Amazing Thailand 2026' ambassador, tourism stocks soar high

On October 15, 2025, BLACKPINK's Lisa was appointed as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador for 2026 as part of a promotional initiative led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT stated that the singer-dancer's role is to showcase...