The RedHill MRT station in Singapore is the only all-pink metro station in Asia where many internet celebrities have taken photographs at. A sprightly pink environment surrounds you the moment you step out of the train. This became the inspiration for Korean K-pop girl group Blackpink’s music video “As If It’s Your Last”, where they re-created the station as their set. If you and your BFFs are K-pop fans, this iconic station cannot be missed! To take the perfect shot, visit in the morning for optimal sunlight within this semi-outdoor station — you won’t need to retouch your photo or even use any filter. After visiting the station, drop by the Redhill Food Center nearby to have a taste of the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice!
Address: 920 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 158792
Website: https://www.smrttrains.com.sg/
The Bali Swing isn’t a new attraction, but that hasn’t stopped throngs of Instagrammers from keeping it one of the app’s most popular destinations. Seeing the whole forest beneath your feet while feeling the breeze as you swing through the air is always a welcomed break from the bustle of Hong Kong. Bali Swing’s admission fee starts at US$10, and the establishment has swings available which are closer to the ground (about 10 met res) should you be afraid of heights. The park also provides photo-taking services by professional photographers. The swings massive popularity means that waiting times might take a while, so factor in a little more time there when planning your itinerary.
Address: Dewi Saraswati, 80352 Bongkasa Pertiwi, Kapubaten Bandung, Bali (Banjar Tegal Kuning)
Website: https://baliswing.com/activities/swing
The Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido is a famous fairytale-esque land in Japan. Shiretoko — which means “the end of the earth” in the local dialect — is home to many animals such as foxes and brown bears, and the opening seasons of its lakes revolve around the habits of these native creatures. However, the summertime from May to October is one of the best times to visit for postcard-perfect pictures of the lake and blue skies. The 90-minute walk around Shiretoko Five Lakes’ elevated wooden paths and 3km-long pathways are perfect for you and your BFF to capture stunning photographs of nature whilst appreciating the peninsula’s expansive scenic views.
Address: Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/
Ayutthaya is an archeological gem that’s packed with Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues. It’ll take you at least two days to visit most of the temples and statues here, but if you’re short of time, put Wat Mahathat — one of the biggest and most renowned temples in the area — at the top of your list. Inside, the temple is home to a sandstone Buddha head that’s nestled in Banyan Tree roots, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site draws countless tourists who flock to see this spectacular miracle.
Address: Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
The Erawan Museum is actually a temple located in the suburbs of Bangkok. It is famous for its pink architecture and colourful glass domes. More importantly, you can see Instagrammers taking pictures everywhere inside the museum, proving how popular this place is. Although the museum is relatively small, you can still find intricate within, including the exquisite staircase, where many tourists often stay for hours on end taking photographs. However, do remember that shoes, sleeveless clothes, short skirts or shorts are not permitted within the temple!
Address: 1 99/9 Bang Mueang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan
Located in the western part of Japan and spanning 16 kilometres, the Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori, is a popular tourist destination. The sand dunes were created over thousands of years, as sand from the nearby Sendaigawa River was washed out to sea and eventually redeposited along the coast by the ocean’s currents. The spectacular natural landscape has attracted many photographers and Instagrammers, especially since its scenery changes by the season. You will get to see the desert being covered by a field of scallion flowers in full bloom during autumn, and a blanket of snow in winter. A leisurely stroll atop a camel around the sand dunes is always a good way to experience the unique environment!
Address: Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori City 2164-661
Website: http://www.tottorisakyu.jp
The new Starbucks Cafe in Hualien is the latest location that’s attracting flocks of hipsters in the city. Kengo Kuma, a renowned Japanese architect, has stacked 29 recycled shipping containers to make a Starbucks coffee shop. It was officially opened in September last year and immediately became one of the most beautiful spots in Hualien. The interior is decorated with traditional design elements of the native Ami ethnic group, and every corner of the cafe is so Instagrammable that people often come as early as nine in the morning to secure a seat!
Address: No. 505, Section 1, Nanbin Road, Ji’an Township, Hualien County, Taiwan
Website: https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator/store/6202/hualien-no-231-jhongshan-rd-hualien-city-hua-970-tw
Daegu may not be at the top of many Hongkonger’s minds when planning a trip to South Korea. It might be an hour’s drive from Busan, but still remains to be a mecca for hipsters. Amongst the many attractions in the area, Daegu Art Factory is definitely the most eye-catching. Inside the museum is a gigantic photo of the moon where Instagrammers often spend hours attempting to take the perfect shot. However, there are also other installations and art pieces which are worth your time to explore. Daegu Art Factory used to be a tobacco manufacturing site, but was refurbished as an art museum in 2013. The permanent exhibitions inside the museum are free, which not only attracts new generations of artists to showcase their work, but also encourages the public to get close to art and culture.
Address: 58-2 Suchang-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
Website: http://www.daeguartfactory.kr/eng.action
Can’t wait for your next trip? Do remember to apply for the Standard Chartered Asia Miles Mastercard, where you can earn a welcome offer of up to 40,000 Asia Miles with an earn rate as low as HK$0.2 = 1 Asia Miles*.
*Remark: Only applicable to New Cardholders and terms and conditions apply, please click here for details. New Cardholders are applicants who do not currently hold and have not cancelled any principal card of Standard Chartered Credit Card or MANHATTAN Credit Card issued by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (the “Bank”) in the past 6 months from the date of approval of their current applications for a principal card of the Standard Chartered Credit Cards.
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