Agoda Japan Airlines Partnership

Japan Airlines (JAL) can now book accommodation through a designated JAL Agoda booking page, containing Agoda.com’s worldwide selection of hotels in all of JAL’s destinations. When booking, JAL customers will enjoy Agoda.com’s Best Price Guarantee, ensuring that the best prices on accommodation. In addition, members of JAL’s frequent flier program, JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) will earn 1 JMB mile for every JPY ¥200 spent on hotel reservations through the booking page.

“We are very pleased to add Japan Airlines (JAL), one of the world’s most recognized national flag carriers, to our growing list of airline partners. Over 30 airlines around the world have chosen Agoda.com to handle hotel reservations for their passengers, recognizing our ability to help them drive auxiliary revenue,” said Mr. Wilfred Fan, Agoda.com’s Managing Director, North Asia. “Customers of JAL will now have access to Agoda.com’s extensive hotel coverage in Asia, over 6 million customer reviews, and can enjoy deeply discounted last-minute deals through Agoda.com’s user-friendly booking engine, making travel more affordable and accessible.”

Established in 1951, Japan Airlines has a fleet of 217 aircraft and services 254 destinations including codeshares, and is a member of the oneworld® alliance. To take advantage of this fantastic offer, visit http://www.agoda.com/japanairlines.

Cheap travel deals from Singapore below 100 Dollars

Traveling out of Singapore does not need to be expensive. With the coupon (group buying) sites offering fantastic deals which are deeply discounted, you can find many travel opportunities to nearby getaways from Singapore.

Most cheap travel deals below 100 USD are to neighbouring destinations like Batam (usually ferry included), Desaru (usually bus travel included),  Johor Bharu (with 1 night stay included), LegoLand and Bintan. You can even find relatively far destinations such as Malacca and Kuala Lumpur.

Here are the cheap travel deals from Singapore below 100 SGD. If you want to keep your options more and also can spend a few hundreds more, here are travel deals from Singapore between 100 SGD and 250 SGD.

Lee Kuan Yew in hospital, ill but recovering

Singapore government announced on Tuesday that Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding prime minister, is in hospital after suffering from an infection. Mr. Lee 90, was admitted to Singapore General Hospital on Sunday after suffering from a fever and bad cough caused by an infection, his press secretary Yeong Yoon Ying said in a statement.

Singapore's first and longest-serving prime minister "has been advised by his doctors to avoid public appearances," Ms. Yeong said. This means that Mr. Lee, who remains a lawmaker, will skip an annual Lunar New Year celebratory dinner on Tuesday at his constituency in Tanjong Pagar, located in the island state's south, she said. Source - Singapore's Former Leader Lee Kuan Yew Hospitalized

Lee Kuan Yew led the Southeast Asian city-state from 1959 to 1990 and is widely credited with leading its transformation into a wealthy financial center after it became a nation in 1965. He is the father of current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong was holding a ministor mentor position until recently.

Yeong Yoon Ying added that Lee would not attend a Lunar New Year dinner in his constituency of Tanjong Pagar on Tuesday evening due to his illness.

28 Easy Ways to Save Money in Singapore

BudgetHotels.sg, a site providing information on budget hotels and cheap accommodation in Singapore for budget-minded travelers, released a list of ways to save money in Singapore for travelers who want to see their dollars go further. “28 Easy Ways For a Tourist To Save Money in Singapore” guide is available online now at BudgetHotels.sg.

Packed with insider tips from seasoned Singapore visitors and locals alike, the guide promises to have tourists demonstrating native street smarts with over two dozen invaluable pointers on where to shop, eat, sleep and sightsee while touring the island nation.

The money saving tips are broken down into a number of sections; hotels, getting around, shopping, sightseeing and eating, so tourists can get the expert insight they need at exactly the right time. Compiled by the travel experts at BudgetHotels.sg, the tips are intended to help visitors get more enjoyment from their stay by making even the smallest of spare change go further.

The guide starts with a series of suggestions to help with the search for affordable accommodation, pointing readers in the direction of budget hotels in areas such as Bugis, Chinatown and Geylang. For those with the minimum of finances, the guide also lets readers into the secret of securing free accommodation in Singapore. Also in section one is invaluable pointers dedicated to getting around including common pitfalls to avoid when traveling by taxi and the cheapest passes for public transport.

In section two of the bumper money saving post, BudgetHotels.sg unearths the best shopping deals in Singapore. Top tips include exploring the tax rebate for cash back on purchases, the Great Singapore Sale season and how to enquire about tourist privileges in malls.

Section three is ideal for those who want to see everything without spending their entire vacation budget. It covers how to get free entry to a host of museums, gardens and parks. There’s also a shortlist of the best value attraction passes to look out for.

M1 service down again

M1 has already caused Singapore's worst network outage recently. The mobile operator suffers yet another outage this week, clearly indicating it seriously needs an internal review for its own survival.

M1's mobile services have been fully restored following a disruption earlier in the day, the telco said in a Facebook post at about 12.50pm on Tuesday. Still, some customers said they continue to have trouble connecting to M1's network.

The telco said earlier that some of its customers had been experiencing intermittent services for voice calls and text messaging since 7am. In an e-mail to The Straits Times at 10.30am, it added that mobile data services were not affected. But some users said they could not access these services for several hours.

In its latest update, M1 advised customers who still face difficulties connecting to its mobile network to turn off their mobile devices and turn them back on. Those who continue to face problems can contact M1 athttp://csfeedback.m1.com.sg/

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) said on its Facebook page at about 11.50am that it was 

Cruises from Singapore to Tioman, Redang and Kuantan

Are you looking for a great getaway from Singapore? What about cruising to paradise islands of Redang and Tioman or Kuantan on a floating resort? SuperStar Gemini cruise ship of Star Cruises will offer cruises from Singapore to Tioman, Redang and Kuantan between 6 April to 19 October 2014 according to a recent press release by the Asia-Pacific cruise ship operator. The 50,764-tonne ship will sail from Singapore every other Sunday to Kuantan and Pulau Redang, and every other Wednesday to Pulau Tioman.

From 2 April to 31 October, SuperStar Gemini will be offering five regular itineraries departing from Singapore: the 4D3N cruise to Penang and Langkawi, the 4D3N cruise to Kuantan and Pulau Redang, the 3D2N cruise to Malacca, the 3D2N cruise to Pulau Tioman, and the 3D2N high seas cruise. The 6D5N special holiday cruise to Penang, Phuket and Krabi departing on 8 June will be a perfect summer escapade. For those looking for a longer retreat, their 8D7N relocation cruise departing on 26 March from Hong Kong to Singapore with calls in Danang, Nha Trang, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman or another relocation cruise departing from Singapore to Hong Kong on 23 November with calls in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Danang will be very good cruising options.

Set amidst the South China Sea, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman lures visitors with its crystal clear blue waters, pure white sands, swaying coconut trees, and a sense of excitement and mystery pervading the islands. Visitors will be enchanted by some of the most beautiful corals and a world of spectacular seascapes as they go diving and snorkeling. Declared as Marine Parks to preserve the islands’ natural beauty, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman are the best places to just relax and soak in the sun.

Kuantan is a modern town and the capital of Pahang Darul Makmur, a beautiful state on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Here, you can escape the hustle of city life but still get to enjoy all the pleasure of modern living.

SuperStar Gemini will be homeported in Singapore for the first time from 2 April to 31 October. The 50,764-tonne ship will take passengers to Malacca, Kuantan, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, Penang, Langkawi, Phuket and Krabi. 

SuperStar Gemini will also launch a host of enriching activities for children to learn and for families to bond over during the cruises from Singapore to Malacca, Kuantan, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, Penang, Langkawi, Phuket and Krabi. Ideal for families looking for a great cruise from Singapore. More info at Cruise, Play and Learn.

Where to stay in Bali?

This article is moved to Where to stay in Bali.

Malaysian model Michayla Wong leaked nude photo scandal

Malaysian model Michayla Wong has been the latest victim of leaked nude photo scandal. The photos, which appeared in sites like "Singapore Hall of Shames", were taken in a private photo shoot. According to "Singapore Hall of Shames" the people who took Michayla Wong's photos and likely leaked them are actually in Singapore. The same source claims that According to a girl who claims to be Michayla Wong, a former boyfriend took the photos and later leaked them after an ugly break-up. There are some leaked photos showing both Michayla Wong and her former boyfriend Lai Wee Kiat naked in front of a mirror taking their pictures.

Another likely source is a Singaporean freelance photographer. Whoever the leaker is, the photos are widely circulated and when you search for the Malaysian models name, you only see web sites publishing these photos.

The photos were in fact circulating for some time and they were claimed to be belonging to "Singaporean model Michayla Wong". In reality, the model is Malaysian, hailing from Klang Valley.

Where to stay in Phuket?

This post is moved to Where to stay in Phuket.

Where to stay in Malacca?

Thanks to a rich colonial past, thriving Peranakan heritage and excellent Nyonya fare Malacca is Malaysia’s historical pride. Also spelt Melaka, the state  is  one  of  the  country’s  tourism  industry’s  trump  cards.  First established  in  the  fourteenth  century,  it  quickly  gained fame under the auspices of founder Parameswara, a Sumatran prince. Conquered by the Portuguese,  Dutch  and  British,  remnants  of  their  rule  can  be  seen throughout  the  well­preserved  town  centre,  from  Porta de Santiago (the remaining  gate  of  the  Portuguese­built  A’Famosa  fort)  to  the  nearby Dutch­constructed  Stadhuys.  Malacca’s  a  small  town  so  exploring  it  is fairly easy on foot as you’re never too far from tourist­worthy sights.

Hot  and  humid  throughout  the  year  with occasional rainfall, Malacca is perfect  for  year­round  travel.  Temperatures  range  between  30°C ­35°C  during  the  day  and  27°C  ­  29°C  at  night,  though  after rainfall it could  be  cooler.  Rainfall  occurs  mostly  between  October  and  March while May to July remains the state’s drier months. Wear light clothing, good walking shoes and sunglasses; and you’d be remiss to forget your sun block-the higher the SPF the better!

Here in this post we will talk about where to stay in Malacca. Instead of writing about individual hotels in Malacca, we will talk about the main areas to accommodate.

Malacca City

Malacca City’s Dutch colonial square is perhaps its most striking feature. The terracotta-red buildings along this riverfront are unique due to their louvred windows, chunky doors and wrought iron grilles plus the imposing Stadhuys is the oldest surviving Dutch building in the East. The administrative capital of Malacca, a short walk over a concrete bridge at the southern end leads to Jalan Hang Jebat, which plays host to the Jonker Walk night market as well as a vast collection of antique shops. Southeast from the Stadhuys is the remnants of the Portuguese A’Famosa fort – the lone Porta de Santiago gate.

For hotels in Malacca City, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca City hotels page.

Malacca City is the most popular place to stay in Malacca. Source : syazatravel.com

Jalan Hang Jebat

A bridge at the southern end of Dutch Square leads to Jalan Hang Jebat. It’s commonly known as Chinatown or Jonker Street and used to be famous for its collection of antique stores that sell Nyonya porcelain, Victorian mirrors, wooden opium beds, Peranakan blackwood furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl and more. Within the area is Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (also known as Melaka’s Millionaire’s Row) which is lined with opulent 19th century ancestral homes and mansions. The fun and zingy Friday-and Saturday Jonker Walk night market, that sells everything from tasty treats to cheap keepsakes, takes place here.

For hotels in Jalan Hang Jebat, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Jonker Street hotels page.

Malacca Chinatown

Ayer Keroh

Situated just off the highway to KL, about 11km northeast of Malacca City, is Ayer Keroh. It’s known for its contrived tourist attractions ranging from the Melaka Zoo, with a worthwhile night-viewing safari, and the Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, to a go-kart track and the Ayer Keroh Golf & Country Club – the longest golf course in Malaysia. Housing a 359ha forest, there’s also a Taman Mini Malaysia Complex (13 traditional houses, representing Malaysian states, with works of art and culture in each) and a Taman Mini ASEAN, showcasing abodes of Asian nations. Take bus no. 19 from Malacca City to get here.

For hotels in Ayer Keroh, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Ayer Keroh hotels page.

Source : asiawebdirect.com

Tanjung Kling

20 minutes from Malacca City, about 9km northwest, the journey to Tanjung Kling is a pleasant drive past beachside kampungs. It used to be a mucky, muddy seaside strip with passing tankers spoiling the beach. However, recent progress (the development of seafront apartment complexes and a cleaned-up beach) has resulted in a new and improved Tanjung Kling. These days you’ll see people on the reclaimed beach sunning, flying kites and there’s even a horse riding operator here. Plus, Tanjung Kling’s the best spot in Malacca for seafood with several top notch restaurants and hawker stalls along the roadside at Pantai Kundor.

For hotels in Tanjung Kling, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Tanjung Kling hotels page.

Malacca Tanjung Kling

Malacca Raya

Situated within Malacca City, Taman Melaka Raya isn’t a separate area in and of itself. It’s popular as the town’s favoured food centre especially since, besides a few places in Chinatown, it’s hard to find many restaurants open late at night. It used to house the 60m Eye on Malaysia (which provided 360-degree views of the town centre) until it was dismantled due to a legal dispute. None the worse for the wear, the area will soon see the assembly of a newer, larger Ferris wheel called the Malaysia Eye (December 2011). Malacca’s

two biggest shopping malls – Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan – are located here.

For hotels in Malacca Raya, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Raya hotels page.

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall in Malacca