Lifestyle

Why Africa’s Mount Kenya risks becoming as polluted as Kilimanjaro, as access to its peaks is made easier for visitors

The remoteness of Mount Kenya's peaks has traditionally kept visitor numbers down, but when a road up the extinct volcano enabled more tourism, waste piled up The Unesco World Heritage site's custodians are eyeing a cable car to bring in more money, but those who fear overtourism will ruin the mountain are speaking up The view from Point Lenana - o...

The tragically long list of stars who died in hotel rooms

Over time, many well-known individuals have been found dead in hotel rooms. Whether due to drug overdoses, heart attacks, or freak accidents, these celebrities met tragic ends in a lonely setting. Click through the gallery to remember the stars who died in hotel rooms.

Harry Winston Holiday Collection 2023: Dazzling sparkles and treasures aboard the Winston Express

Your one-way ticket on the Winston Express is a holiday journey filled with the most amazing sparklers and treasures this Christmas. Harry Winston invites you onboard the Winston Express this holiday season with a one-way ticket across sugar loaf mountains and glistening fairytale landscapes. Destination? Happiness. On every stop, dazzling sparklers and treasures abound, beginning with the iconic Winston Cluster Collection. This classic design...

The eerie mystery of Japan's Devil Sea

The Bermuda Triangle is famous for its mysterious disappearances. However, there is a lesser-known region in the Pacific Ocean that is equally infamous for its stories of unexplained disappearances and seemingly supernatural activity. Intrigued? Click through the gallery and discover the fascinating secrets of the Devil's Sea.

ARA US Hospitality Trust divests Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport for US$7.7m

The REIT expects to complete the divestment in 1Q24. ARA US Hospitality Trust (ARA H-Trust) has sold Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport to Bacall Companies for US$7.7m ($10.1m). In a bourse filing, ARA H-Trust said it expects to complete the divestment of its 127-room hotel in 1Q24. The hotel is the smallest property within the ARA H-Trust’s portfolio, accounting for 1.0% of the REIT’s total valuation as of 31 December 2022. The REIT added that the...

30 dreamy Australian islands to add to your bucket list

Australia's islands are as beautiful and diverse as you imagine, with gorgeous beaches, of course, but abundant in nature and history as well.

Quirky things you can only find in Japan

Japan is a fascinating country, but a culture shock can be experienced by visitors, especially those traveling from the West. Indeed, the Land of the Rising Sun is more than what one could hope for, and then some! Some ideas, concepts, and customs are indeed fascinating, and in this gallery we bring you a glimpse into the quirkiness you can expect when visiting Japan. Click through to discover them.

I've lived between Singapore and NYC my entire life. Here are 3 ways the latter is better, and one way it isn't.

I've lived in New York City and Singapore. I think the former has the better culture and career opportunities, though the latter has the better food.

Travel Safety: Tips for Women, LGBTQ+, and Persons with Disabilities

I once had a creepy guy approach me in a Uniqlo store overseas. He grabbed my hands, called me beautiful, and begged me to let him take a photo of me. Mind you, this was in the middle of the afternoon in a bustling shopping mall, not in some secluded, dark alleyway or sketchy corner of the city at night. It was a yucky experience, but I’ve heard worse. Take this Redditor for example: [caption id="attachment_88421" align="aligncenter"...

‘Too ambitious’ National Gallery Singapore exhibition on colonial and postcolonial experiences in Southeast Asia and Latin America still has its merits

'Tropical' features more than 200 works from mostly Southeast Asian and Latin American artists spanning the late 19th century to the present day Despite its great pieces, the show is overstuffed, leaving one feeling both too full yet still hungry for a deeper exploration of the Latin American art Inside the National Gallery Singapore, two blue maca...

3 of Seoul’s best ice skating rinks to visit on a winter holiday – here’s why, plus price, opening times and other details

The Seoul Plaza, Grand Hyatt Seoul and Lotte World ice skating rinks all have unique features that place them among the best in South Korea's capital Seoul Plaza is the cheapest, at less than US$1 per hour, while Grand Hyatt Seoul is at least US$39 per hour for adults for two hours Seoul is a popular winter travel destination for Hongkongers. That ...

The mystery surrounding the missing Malaysia Airlines plane

The 2014 disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is one of the most shocking air travel disasters in recent history. The plane was traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished from the radars over the Indian Ocean. No survivors or wreckage were ever found, and countless family members still have no closure almost a decade later. On November 27, 2023, Chinese courts began hearings to determine what compensation the relatives of the victims are owed. “Almost 10 years on, the family members (who refused to accept settlement offers) did not receive any apology or a penny of compensation,” Jiang Hui, who lost his mother, told CNN. “The complete lack of legal remedies over the past decade has made our painful lives even more unbearable.” Jiang is suing Malaysia Airlines, its insurer, Boeing, and the manufacturer of the plane’s engine. His demands include financial compensation and a formal apology. He is also requesting that the companies resume providing psychological support for the families. If the courts decide in favor of Jiang and the other relatives, it's unclear how China will enforce the ruling. Many of the companies involved are international and do not have headquarters in China. Similar lawsuits brought by family members in the United States were dismissed on the basis that the Malaysian legal system should handle these cases. Of the 200 people that disappeared, 150 of them were Chinese nationals. To learn more about the circumstances surrounding one of the biggest mysteries in aviation history, click through the gallery.

How do you transport two giant pandas?

Complex arrangements have been made to safely send Edinburgh's two giant pandas back to China.

The hidden secrets of the world's most beautiful train stations

From classical masterpieces to modern marvels, we take a look at some of the world's most beautiful train stations and their intriguing history.

World’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi experiences inaugural flight

The world’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey took her first flight ever last year.... The post World’s tallest woman Rumeysa Gelgi experiences inaugural flight appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

An enormous iceberg is roaming free for the first time in decades

Public Holidays in Singapore 2024: How to Get 56 Days of Holiday Using 18 Days of Annual Leave

With flight prices shooting sky-high post-pandemic, we have to start booking our overseas trips earlier. And that means some strategic planning around public holidays and long weekends to maximise our limited annual leave days in 2024. In the coming year, we’ll be blessed with 5 long weekends. That's down from the 6 long weekends we enjoyed in 2023, but fret not, if we play our cards right, we could enjoy 56 days of vacation while using 18 days...

This is how much it costs to live on a luxury cruise ship year-round

Unveiling the mysterious tales of the English Channel

The English Channel is widely known as one of the most famous waterways globally. It serves as the division between Southern England and northern France, and boasts the highest number of ships passing through on a daily basis, with an astonishing count of around 500 vessels. Throughout history, the English Channel has been witness to numerous battles, invasions, and courageous acts. Its location has granted it great importance over the centuries, being both a pathway and a barrier. This renowned body of water has a rich and intricate history that matches the unpredictability of its currents and tides. Take a captivating and informative journey around the English Channel by browsing through the following gallery.

Southeast Asia’s first luxury hotel made from retired buses opens in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Southeast Asia’s first luxury hotel made from retired public buses has opened its doors... The post Southeast Asia’s first luxury hotel made from retired buses opens in Singapore appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

These cities could be UNDERWATER if sea levels continue to rise

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

Find out what’s inside Epicon, the new epitome of luxury in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project

Fringing the azure waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Epicon is Saudi Arabia’s latest offering from its NEOM project. A pinnacle of modern luxury and an engineering marvel, it is the retreat of the future that has everything from luxury hotels to beach villas, spas, and wellness centres. Conceptualised by Studio 10Design, Epicon comprises two skyscrapers and a resort and is envisioned to become a jewel of the upcoming desert city of NEOM. Here’s a...

The most dangerous cities in America

Choosing a place to settle involves considering various factors; safety is paramount for families. But perceptions of crime can sometimes be disconnected from reality. Many crimes go unreported, affecting the accuracy of available data. Employment rates also contribute to a location's crime rate. The FBI's crime classification distinguishes between violent and property crimes, with the latter being more common. In 2019, there were 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, compared to 379.4 violent crimes. The introduction of the National Incident-Based Reporting System in 1988 has expanded the scope of crime data, offering details like the time, location, and weapons used. It also includes demographic information about victims and offenders. Mass shootings remain a grave concern, with hundreds of casualties over the years. In this gallery, we explore the most dangerous cities in the US in 2023 (so far), focusing on violent crimes. Click on to discover them.

This Himalayan lake has a dark history

There's a glacial lake in the Himalayas that conceals a sinister secret. In the 1940s, a disturbing discovery was made, yet it wasn't until the 21st century that the mystery was finally unraveled. Or was it? Click through the gallery to learn about the icy Skeleton Lake, and draw your own conclusions.

Spectacular pyramids across the globe, that aren't in Egypt

From the Aztec pyramids of Mexico to temples of Indonesia, and even modern-day buildings from the last century, here’s our pick of the world’s most intriguing pyramids outside of Egypt.

The world's STRANGEST royal buildings dreamt up by eccentric kings and queens

The stories behind the world's quirkiest regal structures.

30 Cheap, Beautiful Places To Retire With Just $250K in Savings

Throughout the years, you diligently saved for retirement and have $250,000 stashed away. But even with that big stash, the reality is that you might not be able to rely on that retirement fund,...

Solo travelers trekking to hidden gems

For those seeking a more intimate and authentic experience, venturing off the beaten path can... The post Solo travelers trekking to hidden gems appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

Why were these famous figures buried in unmarked graves?

For thousands of years, humans have honored the deceased by conducting burial ceremonies. It is intrinsic to our existence, making it difficult to fathom not knowing the final resting place of a loved one. Surprisingly, numerous renowned individuals have been interred in unmarked graves. Even in cases where their names were put on a tombstone for the public to pay their respects, they weren't placed at the actual burial location. Explore this gallery to see which famous figures were buried in graves without markers.

Discover Titanic's tragic secrets at these must-see museums

Your guide to museums around the world dedicated to the doomed ocean liner, RMS Titanic.

They emptied a lake in Madrid and found the unthinkable

Dark Tourism: visiting Chernobyl, Auschwitz and other places with a tragic past

How dirty and smelly were medieval cities?

Streets littered with human feces and animal entrails, rivers awash with bloated corpses, putrefied air alive with deadly microbes, and the nauseating stench of death and decay. Welcome to your average medieval city. Urban life in the Middle Ages was unbelievably dirty and smelly. Overcrowding and a near-total lack of public services compounded an already unhealthy environment made worse by spreading disease. But why exactly was living in a city during this era such a horrendous and frankly dangerous experience? Take a deep breath, tread carefully, and click through this foul and disgusting list of excuses.

Marriott International, IOI Properties Group join hands to bring W brand to Marina Bay

W Hotel - Marina View will open in late 2028. Marriott International has partnered with Malaysian property developer, IOI Properties Group, to bring the W brand to Marina Bay. Currently, Singapore has one W brand hotel located in Sentosa Cove. The new W hotel, which will be called “W Singapore – Marina View,” will have 350 rooms. The hotel will debut at the site of a 51-story mixed-use development. Perched atop the hotel will be Marina View...

Amazing lakes frozen in winter

The world's lakes represent some of the most amazing natural wonders found on the planet. Blessed with year-round appeal, these magnificent bodies of water are especially mesmerizing in colder months, when frozen over and dusted with snow. Click through and chill out admiring these lakes frozen in winter.

The wild story of Laird Hamilton, the greatest big wave surfer of all time

Why is the Union Flag called Jack?

The Union Jack is one of the most recognized flags in the world. The national flag of the United Kingdom and also known as the Union Flag, its origins can be traced back to the early 1600s. But what does its distinctive red, white, and blue design mean? And where does the name Jack come from? Click through and unfurl the history behind the UK's national flag.

DESTROYED palaces around the world: magically ‘rebuilt’

Check out these digitally reconstructed the ruins of seven stunning royal residences from around the globe…

'My village is sliding into the sea - and my house could be gone by Christmas'

Nicola Bayless's three-bed semi in Happisburgh is now less than 50ft (15m) from the cliff after storms Babet and Ciaran ravaged the Norfolk coast in the autumn. And she worries her family's £375,000 property may be gone by the end of December as the village teeters on the edge.

We've ranked the world's best hotel pools. Do you agree with our No1?

Explore the world's most spectacular hotel swimming pools, from Bali and Norway to Ireland and the USA.

Europe's best Christmas markets to visit in 2023

From Budapest to Bath, these are Europe's best Christmas markets to visit in 2023.

Top 43 Free Things To Do in Singapore (Dec 2023): Christmas Markets, Snowfall Displays, Pet Carnivals, Free Jagua Tattoos, And More

Bored as well as broke? We’ve got good news for you. This December, there’s no way you’ll miss out on the festivities with the slew of Christmas markets, fairs, and events to keep you entertained at zero cost. Look forward to so many Christmas markets that I almost lost count of them, festive performances, a 15m tall Christmas tree, free Christmas-themed Jagua tattoos, snowfall displays, and more. Our furry friends aren’t forgotten—the season...

Mind-blowing photos of the unseen side of things

We often go through life with a surface-level acceptance of objects, landmarks, and animals, taking them at face value and moving on. But never underestimate the difference a change of angle can make! Click through to see some fascinating photos that will make you re-imagine your reality.

Countries with more than one capital city

The world has experienced plenty of wars, revolutions, and fallen empires, which changed borders and presented new capitals. In 1900, only around 40 nations had capital cities. By 2000, the number grew to more than 200, largely a result of new countries emerging after the collapse of the British and French empires, the Soviet Union, and Yugoslavia. Most nations chose one city as their official capital, but there are some with two or more, where they split administrative, legislative, and judicial headquarters, for instance. Curious? Then click on and take a look at the countries with more than one capital city.

The most beautiful James Bond movie locations you can visit

We look at some locations around the world that have played a starring role in the movie franchise over the decades.

Historical figures whose bodies have never been found

We know that people go missing and die every day, but for some reason it's more shocking when it happens to someone famous. It's as if their celebrity should provide them some extra protection from accidents and misfortune. In reality, they're just as vulnerable as the rest of us, sometimes even more so due to their dangerous ambitions. Throughout history, some of the greatest rulers, adventurers, and artists have met mysterious ends. Or at the very least, their remains have. There are countless historical figures whose bodies have never be located, so their final resting place is still unknown. Click through this gallery to learn about some of the most fascinating cases.

Gospels, codexes, and more: These are the oldest books in the world

Books are fascinating things. Indeed, where would we be today without the written word, right? Unfortunately, many books were lost over the years and many others were destroyed. Luckily, though, some ancient books stood the test of time and are still among us. Curious to find out which books survived throughout the centuries? Click on and learn all about them.

The most controversial art in history

The Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino and more celebrity hotels that failed

They've got plenty of other talents but these stars had a hard time cracking the hotel business. From ritzy Las Vegas resorts to budget inns in Wales, we reveal the celeb-owned properties that didn't have staying power.

Most Expensive Cities In The World In 2023: Singapore, Zurich Top The List

Singapore and Zurich have jointly dethroned New York City as the most expensive cities in the world to live in, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Worldwide Cost of Living 2023 report. Hong Kong, at fifth place, is the only other Asian city in the top 10. This ranking is based on a comparison of over 400 individual prices for everyday goods and services across 173 cities worldwide. The survey was carried out between 14 August...