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☆ I spent 3 nights in Asia's least visited country. It also turned out to be the most expensive.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementIt's one of the world's least-visited countries, making airfare and hotel rates more expensive than many countries in Asia. Only two airlines — the Indonesian low-cost carrier Citilink and the local airline Aero Dili — fly between Bali and Dili. Marielle DescalsotaCost of hotel stay for three nights: $500Timor-Leste only has a handful of three-star hotels and no luxury accommodations. I booked an entry-level room for three nights at Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments for around $500, including tax. For activities, I spent $30 on a massage at a traditional Chinese spa and $50 on a half-day scuba diving trip at the coast.

Persons: —, I've, It's, what's, Cristo Rei, Hilton, Burger King, Gloria Jean's, nasi goreng Organizations: Service, Business, Leste, Indonesia, United Nations, Development, Aero Dili, Timor Plaza, Apartments Locations: Europe, Asia, Maldives, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Timor, —, South, Connecticut, Development Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Bali, Dili, Darwin, stopovers, Singapore, Tokyo, guesthouses, Timor Leste

☆ Forget Spain. These under-the-radar countries actually want you to visit.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Timor-Leste is one of the least-visited countries in the world. Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and became the first new country of the 2000s, according to the official Timor-Leste tourism and travel guide. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the nation has been developing its tourism sector to boost its economy since then. BI's Marielle Descalsota recently traveled to Timor-Leste. Although she found limited tourism information online, Descalsota reported seeing some of Asia's most scenic views on the island's mountainous coastline with ocean waters clearer than those in the Maldives during the trip.

Persons: BI's Marielle Descalsota, Descalsota Organizations: Leste, Sydney Morning Herald Locations: Timor, Fatucama, South, Asia, Indonesia, Maldives

☆ I've traveled to 20 countries in 2 years. I found the most stunning coast in one of the least-visited countries.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Last month, I traveled to Timor-Leste, a country located in the South Pacific. It's also the 14th least-visited country in the world and the least-visited in Asia, according to a January report from CEOWorld magazine. Some 81,000 tourists visited Timor-Leste in 2023 — putting it just ahead of Chad and Sierra Leone, per the report. Marielle DescalsotaOnly a handful of airlines fly to Dili, the capital, where the only international airport in Timor-Leste is located. As I grew up in Singapore and can speak some Indonesian, when locals didn't speak English, that was my fallback language.

Persons: —, I've, France —, It's, Fernando, Hilton, nasi goreng —, 9Milhas, Gloria, Jesus Christ —, Marielle Organizations: Service, Leste, South Pacific, Business, National Statistics Directorate Timor, YouTube, Google, Timor Plaza, Apartments, East Timor Centavo, US Department of State, Burger, Coffee, Cristo Locations: Maldives, France, Timor, South, Bahamas, Asia, Chad, Sierra Leone, Dili, Bali, Indonesia, Darwin, Australia, Dili's, sightsee, East Timor, Indonesian, Singapore, Marielle, Cristo Rei, It's, Angola

☆ Take a look at the 'Mighty Dragon,' China's $120 million stealth fighter meant to rival the US Air Force's fifth-gen jets
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | Lauren Frias | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The Chinese jet has drawn comparisons to the F-35 since the jets were locked in military encounters in 2020. The Chengdu J-20 and the Lockheed Martin F-35. Ju Zhenhua/Xinhua/Getty Images; rancho_runner/iStock /Getty Images PlusThe F-35 jet was introduced to the US military in July 2015. There are three variants of the jet: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C. Lockheed Martin touts the F-35 as the "most advanced fighter jet in the world," with very low observable stealth, advanced sensors, information fusion, and network connectivity.

Persons: Lockheed Martin, Ju Zhenhua, Kenneth Wilsbach, Wilsbach Organizations: Lockheed, Getty, US Air Force, China Morning Post, US Pacific Air Forces Locations: Chengdu, Xinhua, East

☆ Malaysia might add a casino to boost troubled $100 billion mega-development Forest City
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Malaysia may add a casino to Forest City, a mega-development that has turned into a ghost town. AdvertisementMalaysia's Forest City mega-development started with big ambitions and big money. Now, Malaysia is in talks with several high-profile investors to add a casino to Forest City, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on Wednesday. AdvertisementThe southeast nation's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with the heads of a Malaysian property development firm and a resort company at Forest City last week. Expensive, empty apartmentsA casino — which would only be the second in Malaysia — could help struggling Forest City.

Persons: —, Anwar Ibrahim, Ibrahim Iskandar, King Ibrahim, Anwar, They're, Al Marjan Organizations: Service, City, Bloomberg, nation's, Forest City, Garden, Genting Group, Berjaya Corp, Business, United, United Arab Emirates, Las Vegas, downstate Locations: Malaysia, Forest City, Singapore, Malaysia's, Malaysian, Forest, Genting, Marielle, Johor, United Arab, Al, York City, York

☆ I've traveled to 9 out of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I made along the way.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Going during monsoon season and not planning for the weather. Bangkok during the monsoon season. Marielle DescalsotaIn July, I traveled to Thailand on a reporting trip to cover the budding cannabis industry. I didn't plan for the weather, so I didn't have an umbrella or poncho with me and had to rush to get one at the last minute. This is a common occurrence in countries like Laos, Thailand, and the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Persons: Marielle Descalsota Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Chakkrawat, Southeast Asia, Philippines, Laos, Borneo, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia

☆ I spent a night in one of the empty apartments in Malaysia's $100 billion ghost town, and I can see why very few people want to live there
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

I spent a night in one of these apartments and found they weren't as luxurious as they were branded to be. Dozens of vacant units in the estate are listed for rent on Airbnb. I first visited Forest City in May 2022, and it was a ghost town. Forest City projects that some 700,000 people will live in the estate in the next six years. Take a look inside one of the thousands of vacant apartments in Forest City.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Forest City, Business Locations: Forest, Malaysia, China's, Johor Strait, Singapore, China, Forest City

☆ Here's how I prepared for my 15-hour long-haul flight to Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-30 | by ( Joi-Marie Mckenzie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Before I share how I survived my 15-hour flight, I have to let you in on my personal Q2 challenge: I'm determined to eat less ultra-processed foods. Now the city has reimagined itself as a tourist destination, with a waterpark, an artificial beach, and a golf course. According to one estimate, Americans actually have about four to six hours of leisure time every day. AdvertisementSee the full listMore of this week's top reads:The Insider Today team: Joi-Marie McKenzie, editor-in-chief, in New York.

Persons: —, you'll, Let's, Greta Gerwig's, Barbie, Jenny Chang, Rodriguez, Marielle, Marielle Descalsota, Daniel Chaney, Alexa Campbell, Henry Ammann, Alyssa Powell, Beyoncé, Carter, Buckle, Tanner Adell, who's, Javier Zayas, there's, Tyler Le, Ewan McGregor's, Lisa Frankenstein, Zelda Williams, Robin Williams, Joi, Marie McKenzie, Jordan Parker Erb, Dan DeFrancesco, Lisa Ryan Organizations: Service, Business, Canberra Airport, Getty, Art Basel, BI, Visa, Mastercard —, Mastercard Forest City, Paramount, Netflix Locations: Hong Kong, Australia, Johor, Malaysia's Forest, Forest City, Texas, Moscow, New York

☆ Qantas pilots landed a plane with just one working engine, and the airline says it was safe to do so
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Qantas pilots safely landed a plane with a single engine in Perth. Engine failure is rare, but it's not the first time a Qantas engine has had issues. These aircraft are designed to safely operate with one engine," Qantas told The West Australian. AdvertisementIt's not the first time Qantas pilots have had to turn off an engine to land safely. In January 2023, pilots landed a Qantas flight flying from Auckland to Sydney after one of the engines failed while crossing the Tasman Sea.

Persons: it's, —, they'd, Lachlan Britt, Darrell Weekes, Doug Drury, you'd, Drury Organizations: Qantas, Service, West, The West Australian, Airbus, West Australian, Business, The West, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, University of Bologna, Federal Aviation Administration, Central Queensland University, CNN Locations: Perth, Melbourne, Australia, Auckland, Sydney

☆ 'Yellowstone' actor Forrie Smith says he was 'kicked off' a flight for refusing to sit next to a passenger wearing a mask
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Forrie Smith said he was removed from a flight after refusing to sit beside a masked passenger. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementForrie Smith said in an Instagram video on Saturday that he was "kicked off" a plane after he refused to sit next to a passenger who was wearing a mask. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Forrie Smith, —, Smith Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Malaysia's $100 billion ghost town really wants to draw in tourists. It's not working.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Forest City, a luxury development in Malaysia, is banking on tourism to shed its ghost town image. AdvertisementWendy Noble lives 15 minutes away from Malaysia's Forest City, across the border in Singapore. Country Garden, the largest developer in China, spent $100 billion building Forest City. "Forest City is able to attract the weekend tourists," Adilah said, referring to tourists like Noble and Nemis. Forest City Golf Resort's lobby, with a miniature figure of the development.

Persons: it's, —, Wendy Noble, Ree Nemis, Noble, Marielle, Nemis, Adilah Zain, Adilah, Sultan Ibrahim, Shawn, Gary, We've, Chandran Organizations: Forest City, Service, Malaysia's, MARA Technological University, Garden, Bloomberg, BI, Forest, Challenge, Hotel Locations: Forest, Malaysia, Malaysia's Forest City, Singapore, Forest City, China, Johor —, Malaysian, Monaco, Challenge Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

☆ A 29-year-old traveler who's cruised to over 50 countries shares 3 ways passengers can save money on cruises
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Allie Hubers said passengers can save money by choosing the cheapest room and upgrading later. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But there are several ways passengers can save money on cruises and still have a great experience on board, Allie Hubers told Business Insider. Hubers, 29, is a freelance travel writer who's been to 59 countries and sailed on over 40 cruises. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: doesn't, Allie Hubers, —, who's Organizations: Service, Royal, Business Locations: Caribbean

☆ United Airlines now allows frequent flyers to pool miles with 4 other people in a joint account
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

United Airlines now allows frequent flyers to pool miles in a joint account. Miles pooled into the joint account can't be transferred back to individual accounts. AdvertisementUnited Airlines now allows frequent flyers to pool miles with four other people in a joint account, the airline said in a press release on Thursday. In November 2018, JetBlue announced it was allowing up to seven members of its TruBlue loyalty program to pool miles. In January, Frontier launched its "Family Pooling" program for up to eight members of its Frontier Miles loyalty program to pool miles.

Persons: Miles, —, United, Luc Bondar, United's Organizations: Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier, Service, United Airlines, CNBC, United, Business

☆ A frequent flyer who's racked up over 23 million miles shares the best way to pack for a trip
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Tom Stuker, who holds a lifetime pass with United, said he only packs the bare necessities. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementA frequent flyer who's racked up more than 23 million points shared the best way to pack for a trip. Stuker said that he only packs the bare necessities and one backup — and it can't be complicated to clean. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Tom Stuker, Stuker, —, who's Organizations: Service, Washington Post, Business Locations: New Jersey

☆ I rode the $1 coastal train in Sri Lanka from Bentota to Colombo. There was a 2-hour delay, and I didn't have a seat on board, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I recently went on a solo trip to Sri Lanka and rode its famed coastal rail. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . The teardrop-shaped island in South Asia is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and foliage-covered mountains. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Sri Lanka, South Asia, Colombo, Singapore

☆ I grew up trying to win my parents' approval. I ended up getting a Ph.D., but it was solo travel that changed my life.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I traveled solo after breaking off my engagementApart from visiting family in China — my last trip to Beijing was in 2018 — I hadn't traveled solo until last year. Last year, I decided to try something I'd never done before, which was to travel solo internationally. I began documenting my solo travel on TikTok and Instagram. I found it easy to connect with people abroadI started my journey with a solo trip to Denmark and Sweden in November. A month later, I embarked on a monthlong solo trip traveling to eight cities in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Vatican City.

Persons: —, Angela, I've, I'm, hadn't, @realphdfoodie, I'd, It's Organizations: Service, Business, San, San Francisco Bay Area Locations: Europe, Beijing, Florida , Texas, Southern California, San Francisco Bay, Bay, China, Copenhagen, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Vatican City, Iceland, Rome

☆ Coffee beans made from civet poop is big money in Bali. But PETA says tourists should avoid it as the animals are kept in cages and fed rotten berries.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Kopi luwak is a coffee delicacy made from civet feces and is popular in Bali. Advertisement"Deliberately misleading claims about how civet coffee is obtained are rampant in Bali," the video's in-text caption read. Kopi luwak is made by cleaning and roasting partially digested coffee beans excreted by civets. Kopi luwak is also known for its high price point, costing between $45 and $600 per pound, Baker told CNBC. In 2022, PETA said tourists should avoid the kopi luwak after civets were found to be distressed when their feces were collected.

Persons: civets, —, Jason Baker, kopi, Baker, luwak, It's Organizations: PETA, Service, Google, YouTube, CNBC, Bali Tourism Board, Business, kopi Locations: Bali ., Bali, Catur, Ubud, Ohio

☆ At 23, she landed a job at a 3-star Michelin restaurant. Less than 2 years later, she left to run a food stall in Singapore.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Shanice Lim left a Michelin-starred restaurant to run a hawker stall in Singapore. She decided to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and run her own hawker stall. nasi lemak stall in singapore Marielle Descalsota/Business InsiderLim said her efforts have paid off and that she now has a base of customers who don't hesitate to pay SG$5 for her nasi lemak. I wanted to put my brand out there so everyone could have good nasi lemak," Lim said. There isn't much money to be made running a hawker stall.

Persons: Shanice Lim, Lim's, —, Shanice, Lim, Lim's nasi lemak, Marielle, nasi lemak —, Khir Johari, hawker, KF, it's, It's, nasi lemak, Seetoh, nasi, she's, Elizabeth Chan, lemak, Chan, har, wasn't Organizations: Michelin, Service, Culinary Institute of America's, hawker, Business, SG, National Environmental Agency, NEA, Singapore Food Agency, singapore Marielle Locations: Singapore, Culinary Institute of America's Singapore, Singapore —, European, Zen, Malay, lemak, Bedok, hawker, Urban, New York City, nasi lemak, singapore

☆ If you've always dreamed of wandering the alleys in the famous geisha district in Kyoto, your time might be running out
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Gion, a historic district in Kyoto, is set to bar tourists from entering its private streets from April. Gion is famed for its traditional teahouses where geisha work and entertain guests. AdvertisementGion, Japan's popular geisha district in Kyoto, will be barring tourists from entering certain alleys, the news agency AFP reported on Friday. The district council comprises several residents of Gion. While Gion's private streets will be closed, tourists will still be allowed to enter the main Hanamikoji Street, which is public, per AFP.

Persons: Gion, —, Isokazu Ota, Ota, It's, Kotaro Nagaski Organizations: Service, AFP, Asahi Shimbun Locations: Kyoto, Gion, Ota, Japan, Yamanashi, Fuji

☆ AirAsia's CEO says he doesn't regret posting his shirtless photo on LinkedIn as he got a lot of publicity from it
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Tony Fernandes said he posted the topless photo on LinkedIn to show his company's flexible work culture. Fernandes said his PR team doesn't check what he posts on social media. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementAirAsia's CEO Tony Fernandes said he doesn't regret posting his shirtless photo on LinkedIn as the viral post garnered him a lot of publicity.

Persons: Tony Fernandes, Fernandes, Elon Musk, — Organizations: LinkedIn, Service, CNBC, Malaysian, Business

☆ I live in the Philippines but was committed to seeing Taylor Swift in Singapore. I'm spending $1,600 and making a whole trip out of it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Eunice Mecija, a Taylor Swift fan from the Philippines, shared how she budgeted for the Eras Tour in Singapore. AdvertisementThis as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Eunice Mecija, a 24-year-old graphic artist and Taylor Swift fan from the Philippines. I've been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember. I decided to book a flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia instead for 14,000 Philippine pesos, or around $250. Mecija has been a fan of Taylor Swift since she was in elementary school.

Persons: Eunice Mecija, Taylor, splurging, —, Taylor Swift, It's, I've, Taylor Swift's, Nicky Loh, I'm, Mecija Organizations: Service, Getty, United Overseas Bank, Singapore ., Singapore Airlines, AirAsia Locations: Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Manila, Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian, Stockholm, Swedish

☆ Malaysian authorities say they plan to start searching for the missing MH370 plane again, 10 years after it disappeared
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Read previewMalaysian authorities announced on Sunday that they are planning to start searching for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 again, the Malaysian broadcaster Bernama TV reported. Loke said in Bernama TV's broadcast that the Malaysian government plans to spare no expense when it comes to finding the missing plane. As I have mentioned several times, as far as Malaysia's government is concerned, we are committed to that search," Loke said. Oliver Plunket, the CEO of Ocean Infinity, told the local newspaper New Straits Times that it had already submitted its proposal to the Malaysian government. Ocean Infinity did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Persons: —, MH370, Anthony Loke, Loke, Oliver Plunket, Plunkett Organizations: Service, Malaysian Airlines, Bernama, Transport, Malaysian, Business, New Straits Times Locations: Malaysian, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Austin, Beijing

☆ An ex-flight attendant shares his top pet peeves when it comes to passengers — and it includes swapping seats
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In July, American offloaded a passenger after he got into an argument with a flight attendant. AdvertisementHere are three of Laurie's pet peeves as a flight attendant and how to avoid them. Laurie said passengers should pay for their seats in advance rather than trying to move to other passengers' seats once on board — especially without telling the cabin crew. "Don't 'steal' the seat and think the flight attendant won't notice. "As a crewmember, I always tried to have fun and relate to my passengers," Laurie said.

Persons: Bobby Laurie, Laurie, —, Tungateja, stow, Taylor Rains Organizations: Service, US Airways, Virgin America, Jackets, Airlines, AirAsia, Marielle

☆ The Swiftie's weekend guide to Singapore
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Taylor Swift is set to perform in Singapore for six nights in March. There's also more to check out in Singapore — from local eats to last-minute accommodation. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementTaylor Swift arrived in Singapore on Tuesday to get ready for her only stop in Southeast Asia on the Eras Tour. Tickets were priced from 88 Singapore dollars, or around $65, for a restricted view seat, to SG$1,228 for a VIP1 ticket.

Persons: Taylor Swift, There's, —, Swift Organizations: Service, Singapore's Locations: Singapore, Singapore —, Southeast Asia

☆ Step inside the $37 million French-made private jet that's a favorite among the wealthy elite, like John Travolta and F1 star Michael Schumacher
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A new Falcon 2000LXS costs around $36.5 million, while a pre-owned jet costs $24 million. The cockpit of a Dassault Falcon 2000LXS. Flying on the Falcon 2000LXS for 300 hours a year amounts to around $5 million in operating costs, per Guardian Jet. On average, the jet burns some 280 gallons of fuel per hour, which amounts to $1,400 in hourly fuel costs. Both these jets cost around $24.5 million new, per Guardian Jet.

Persons: Falcon, Pratt & Whitney Organizations: Dassault Falcon, Dassault Aviation, Guardian Jet, Guardian, Pratt &, Gulfstream, Bombardier

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