9 senior-friendly travel destinations in Asia with inclusive design and accessible experiences
Kyoto offers a slower, more contemplative pace than Tokyo, with cultural experiences that don't require extensive mobility. Public transport is reliable and prioritises accessibility, while temples like Kinkaku-ji and gardens such as Ritsurin Koen feature level paths and benches. The city also caters well to travellers who may benefit from in-room dining or private onsen experiences. Many of Kyoto's attractions are walkable, with frequent rest stops and clean public toilets. 3. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is one of the region's most proactive cities when it comes to senior-friendly policies. Locals over 65 receive free or heavily subsidised public transport, and many museums and public spaces follow suit. Most metro stations are equipped with elevators, and tactile paving is widespread. What sets Taipei apart is its cultural sensitivity—elderly travellers are treated with warmth and patience, especially in markets, parks and religious sites. 4. Seoul, South Korea
While Seoul can be hectic, the city's infrastructure is surprisingly well-adapted for senior travellers. Elevators and escalators are standard in subway stations and public buildings. Attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village have well-maintained paths, and many restaurants offer private rooms with floor seating options. The government's investment in senior welfare is visible in both healthcare accessibility and cultural programming. 5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
A long-time favourite among retirees, Chiang Mai offers a peaceful, relatively flat urban centre paired with affordable private healthcare. The city's many wellness resorts are attuned to the needs of older visitors, offering treatments and services without requiring strenuous activity. As tourism evolves, local operators have introduced senior-friendly tours that avoid rushed itineraries and favour meaningful cultural engagement. 6. Penang, Malaysia
George Town, the historic core of Penang, is one of the few Southeast Asian cities where senior travellers can explore on foot without constant obstruction. The area's flat terrain, colonial-era architecture and café culture make it ideal for slow travel. Local hospitals are well-regarded, with many doctors speaking English. Penang's mix of tradition and modernity appeals to travellers who want substance without stress. 7. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a beach destination with a surprising amount of age-friendly infrastructure. The city's coastal promenade is flat and accessible, and several public areas now include ramps, seating and shaded zones. Compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang has less traffic chaos and better air quality. It's also close to Hoi An, where walking tours are popular and generally suitable for seniors. 8. Hong Kong
Despite its topography, Hong Kong has invested heavily in vertical accessibility. Most public walkways and crossings are equipped with escalators or lifts, and public transport is efficient, affordable and senior-friendly thanks to the Octopus card scheme. Elderly visitors benefit from multilingual support, especially in medical centres, museums and heritage sites. Parks and nature trails such as those at Victoria Peak have well-marked paths with ample rest areas. 9. Kagoshima, Japan
Located in Japan's southern Kyushu region, Kagoshima offers a more relaxed alternative to major cities. Known for its hot springs and clean air, it attracts older travellers in search of therapeutic benefits. Ferries and sightseeing routes are well maintained, and the local culture places high value on elder care. With fewer crowds and a strong emphasis on wellness, Kagoshima is a rewarding but underrated senior-friendly destination.
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Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- Tatler Asia
9 senior-friendly travel destinations in Asia with inclusive design and accessible experiences
2. Kyoto, Japan Kyoto offers a slower, more contemplative pace than Tokyo, with cultural experiences that don't require extensive mobility. Public transport is reliable and prioritises accessibility, while temples like Kinkaku-ji and gardens such as Ritsurin Koen feature level paths and benches. The city also caters well to travellers who may benefit from in-room dining or private onsen experiences. Many of Kyoto's attractions are walkable, with frequent rest stops and clean public toilets. 3. Taipei, Taiwan Taipei is one of the region's most proactive cities when it comes to senior-friendly policies. Locals over 65 receive free or heavily subsidised public transport, and many museums and public spaces follow suit. Most metro stations are equipped with elevators, and tactile paving is widespread. What sets Taipei apart is its cultural sensitivity—elderly travellers are treated with warmth and patience, especially in markets, parks and religious sites. 4. Seoul, South Korea While Seoul can be hectic, the city's infrastructure is surprisingly well-adapted for senior travellers. Elevators and escalators are standard in subway stations and public buildings. Attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village have well-maintained paths, and many restaurants offer private rooms with floor seating options. The government's investment in senior welfare is visible in both healthcare accessibility and cultural programming. 5. Chiang Mai, Thailand A long-time favourite among retirees, Chiang Mai offers a peaceful, relatively flat urban centre paired with affordable private healthcare. The city's many wellness resorts are attuned to the needs of older visitors, offering treatments and services without requiring strenuous activity. As tourism evolves, local operators have introduced senior-friendly tours that avoid rushed itineraries and favour meaningful cultural engagement. 6. Penang, Malaysia George Town, the historic core of Penang, is one of the few Southeast Asian cities where senior travellers can explore on foot without constant obstruction. The area's flat terrain, colonial-era architecture and café culture make it ideal for slow travel. Local hospitals are well-regarded, with many doctors speaking English. Penang's mix of tradition and modernity appeals to travellers who want substance without stress. 7. Da Nang, Vietnam Da Nang is a beach destination with a surprising amount of age-friendly infrastructure. The city's coastal promenade is flat and accessible, and several public areas now include ramps, seating and shaded zones. Compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang has less traffic chaos and better air quality. It's also close to Hoi An, where walking tours are popular and generally suitable for seniors. 8. Hong Kong Despite its topography, Hong Kong has invested heavily in vertical accessibility. Most public walkways and crossings are equipped with escalators or lifts, and public transport is efficient, affordable and senior-friendly thanks to the Octopus card scheme. Elderly visitors benefit from multilingual support, especially in medical centres, museums and heritage sites. Parks and nature trails such as those at Victoria Peak have well-marked paths with ample rest areas. 9. Kagoshima, Japan Located in Japan's southern Kyushu region, Kagoshima offers a more relaxed alternative to major cities. Known for its hot springs and clean air, it attracts older travellers in search of therapeutic benefits. Ferries and sightseeing routes are well maintained, and the local culture places high value on elder care. With fewer crowds and a strong emphasis on wellness, Kagoshima is a rewarding but underrated senior-friendly destination.
Tatler Asia
26-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Gordon Ramsay's Bar & Grill brings the classic Wellington to new heights
Gordon Ramsay's first Malaysian outpost sets a new benchmark for refined British cuisine in the city A name familiar to everyone, Gordon Ramsay brings elevated British fare to Sunway Resort Hotel with his first Malaysian venture. The restaurant's space is a showcase of both British sophistication and contemporary luxury, dominated by rich red and forest green hues and a 24 karat gold leaf ceiling for a touch of opulence. The best of British culture is celebrated here, and loudly at that. Set foot into the restaurant and it will prove difficult to ignore monochrome portraits by photographers Terry O'Neill and Arthur Steel featuring the likes of Sean Connery, Mick Jagger, Twiggy, and more. In case you missed it: Inside the first Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in the Philippines Above Executive Chef, Giles Langford (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) At the helm of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is executive chef Giles Langford who cut his chops in kitchens across the UK, Middle East, and Asia. With a background in agriculture and horticulture, his dishes exemplify a profound appreciation for premium ingredients, particularly evident in Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill's lineup of dishes. Photo 1 of 3 Beef wellington (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) Photo 2 of 3 Beef wellington (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) Photo 3 of 3 Their famous apple tarte tartin (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) The menu here is much like its decor and places familiar British favourites in the spotlight. The menu's crown jewel is undoubtedly its signature beef wellington, a Gordon Ramsay classic. A perfectly seared beef fillet is brushed in English mustard and encased in mushroom duxelles and puff pastry before being served alongside pomme puree and Bordelaise jus. Its Hanwoo beef sirloin is also bound to impress, finished in the restaurant's Josper charcoal oven for added complexity and accompanied by braised Roscoff onions and black garlic puree. Dessert is not an afterthought either, with the restaurant playing host to an indulgent apple tarte tatin made with only Pink Lady apples. Photo 1 of 4 The opulent bar (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) Photo 2 of 4 The Chelsea room, up to 10 pax (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) Photo 3 of 4 Step into opulent dining with Gordon Ramsay's first venture in Malaysia, parked within Sunway Resort Hotel (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) Photo 4 of 4 The main dining hall (Image: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill) Beyond the main dining room, wine enthusiasts will feel right at home with the restaurant's impressive wine cellar and extensive wine list. Also on offer are expertly crafted cocktails that pay homage to both the classics and Malaysian flavours, making the restaurant ideal when looking for an exceptional dining experience.
Tatler Asia
16-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
5 hotels in Kuala Lumpur that are perfect for your next staycation
Lloyd's Inn Kuala Lumpur Photo 1 of 2 Lloyd's Inn Kuala Lumpur Photo 2 of 2 The Big Garden Room Minimalist and serene, Lloyd's Inn KL is a design-forward boutique hotel nestled in the bustling Imbi area, just a stone's throw from The Exchange TRX. With clean architectural lines, natural materials and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, the property offers a calming retreat. Each room is a peaceful escape, featuring an outdoor shower that evokes the Bali experience. Meanwhile, communal spaces such as the rooftop terrace and dipping pool invite quiet reflection or casual connection. Read more: Inside Lloyd's Inn Kuala Lumpur, a sleek oasis in the heart of the city Moxy Chinatown Keen on a bold and playful escape? Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown might just be your ideal staycation spot. Once the historic Oriental Bank building, the hotel preserves its original façade like a time capsule—an ode to the rollicking '70s—while the interiors burst with modern vitality. Perfectly in sync with Chinatown's vibrant rhythm, it's the ideal space for those up for a party or an all-night bar crawl. Villa Samadhi A hidden oasis within the city, Villa Samadhi is a luxury boutique retreat that channels the spirit of a Southeast Asian resort. With its tranquil lagoon pool, timbered villas, and lush surroundings, it offers a romantic, almost tropical escape. The hotel focuses on privacy, relaxation, and indulgent service—making it a top choice for honeymooners or those celebrating a special occasion. See also: How to spend 48 hours in Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam B Hotel Chinatown Stylish and approachable, B Hotel Chinatown offers a clean and comfortable stay in one of KL's most colourful neighbourhoods. Blending convenience with charm, the hotel emphasises functionality with modern furnishings and pops of character. Ideal for business and leisure travellers alike, it's a great base for exploring Chinatown's rich history and vibrant street life. NOW READ The art of intentional living: Inside Kantan Kollektiv at The Campus Ampang How Lancôme created their first topical PDRN powered by the DNA of a rose, with Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream 5 vegan-friendly resorts in Southeast Asia that deliver on luxury Page 2 Above Inside Else Kuala Lumpur in Chinatown (Photo: Else Kuala Lumpur) 2:00pm—Check in at Else Kuala Lumpur Start your journey in the heart of Chinatown in downtown Kuala Lumpur at Else Kuala Lumpur, a restored 1930s historical building once known as the Lee Rubber Building. Far from an aloof modern structure, Else takes loving inspiration from its surroundings, encouraging guests also to connect with the cultural locale and foster more meaningful connections with this vibrant part of the city. The hotel is in the heart of Petaling Street or Jalan Petaling, a hub of arts, culinary flair and architecture. It's also a five-minute walk from the nearest MRT train station, which will help you explore Kuala Lumpur city's best hidden gems in half the time you'd take enduring weekend traffic by car. 4:00pm—Explore Kwai Chai Hong Translated 'Little Ghost Lane' in Cantonese, this colourful tiny street bursts with murals of local artists depicting glimpses of Kuala Lumpur in the 1960s. At its entrance is a red bridge, a popular tourist attraction full of Insta-worthy spots. History buffs can try to spot the functioning Century Old Lamp Post that dates back to the early 1900s just beyond the bridge. See also: The Best Spots In Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown Above Independence Square, or Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Getty) 5:30pm—The heart of Malaysian history at Merdeka Square Put on your best walking shoes and get ready to explore the streets at your leisure. Dataran Merdeka, also known as Merdeka Square, is a historic site where Malaysia declared its independence. It is surrounded by incredible landmarks, such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which you've probably spotted on a postcard or two. Merdeka Square is an eight-to-10-minute walk from another iconic Chinatown landmark, Central Market—the nation's oldest marketplace, originally built in 1888 as a wet market. The best part about the route is that you're bound to discover some hidden gems along the way, from little cafes and coffee stands alongside Central Market to stunning street art and the famed River of Life attraction, a revitalised riverfront area where the Klang and Gombak rivers converge. Pass by this attraction by evening, and you'll see it lit up beautifully as night falls. Tip: If you're committed to walking, be sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat during the rainy months in Kuala Lumpur, which typically sees rainfall in the late afternoon to early evenings. Above Yellow Fin Horse is located on the fourth floor of Else Hotel 8:00pm—Dinner at Yellow Fin Horse Located on the fourth floor of Else Kuala Lumpur, Yellow Fin Horse is helmed by Chef Jun Wong and offers a seafood-centric, open-fire dining experience that champions elemental cooking methods like preserving, fermenting, and ageing. Expect bright, fresh flavours with a smoky twist, paired with an imaginative selection of natural wines, cocktails, and ferments. The intimate setting and excellent service enhance the experience, making each thoughtfully crafted, shareable plate a journey of simple sophistication. Above Brickfields along Jalan Tun Sambanthan (Photo: Unsplash) 9:30am—Breakfast at Merchant's Lane Merchant's Lane is located within an old shophouse that once housed a brothel, an Instagram-worthy wonder of rustic artworks, trees peeping out of an open-air courtyard, delicious coffees and more. A popular brunch spot for locals and tourists alike, Merchant's Lane is known for its all-day big breakfast, artisanal coffees and East-meets-West pasta fusions that will sate all your carb cravings. 11:00am—Explore Little India at Brickfields In Kuala Lumpur, the transition from Chinatown to Brickfields, in the heart of what's known as 'Little India', is a 10-minute drive. After that, explore the beauty of Brickfields on foot as you won't want to miss its colourful streets and arches lined with stores selling all kinds of Indian wares, from multi-storey places offering beautiful hand-sewn traditional garments like sarees and Punjabi suits to coffee shops and restaurants where banana leaf rice, tosai, and more South Asian delights await. Don't miss: 6 nostalgic restaurants in Malaysia that are still well and alive Are you tired after a long, hot afternoon of walking and sightseeing? Head to Malaysia's very first blind massage centre, PB Blind Massage, along Jalan Thambipillay, for a pampering massage session by certified professional blind masseurs. 4:00pm—A stroll through Taman Tugu A green 66-acre site once in danger of being cleared into commercial development, Taman Tugu was made into a public park, with some 1,000 trees in its secondary forest identified and tagged for preservation. Taman Tugu is a great family-friendly spot that offers easy forest trails, pop-up stalls at Taman Tugu Nursery every weekend and a fun and interactive nature education programme and guided tour session in collaboration with local non-profit organisation Free Tree Society. Above Chocha Food store's duck papas in gulai sauce. (Photo: Chocha Foodstore) Above Inside the stylish interiors of the restaurant (Photo: Chocha Foodstore) 7:00pm—Dinner at Chocha Foodstore Back at Petaling Street, indulge in modern Malaysian fare at Chocha Foodstore—a hidden gem that showcases local ingredients with balanced, nuanced flavours. Within its rustic and chic interiors, you'll get to sample flavours like nowhere else, from East Malaysian delights like the ambuyat made from sago palm tree starch and served with vibrant sambal made with salted sinsilog fish and bambangan (wild mango) relish. 10:00pm—Drinks at Bar Mizukami Perfect for savouring meticulously made cocktails while embracing a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, Bar Mizukami is a 10-seater bar in the Ming Annexe. With a seating capacity of just 10, this custom U-shaped bar allows renowned bartender Shawn Chong to whip up bespoke cocktails. Be sure to reserve your spot early. Above LaGula, a popular breakfast cafe offering plant-based delights in Petaling Street (Photo: LaLuga) 10:00am—Breakfast at LaLuga Pretty pastries and pastel-pink interiors are just some unique highlights of LaGula, a popular breakfast cafe at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown. Menu highlights include the Florals for Spring salad, See-Food Platter, and the LaGula Big Brekkie. 12:00pm—Explore food, books and arts at REXKL You don't want to miss the iconic arts and culture hub in downtown Kuala Lumpur, known simply as REXKL. Refurbished from what used to be an iconic cinema, REXKL is a place where art installations, musical events, pop-ups and delicious food converge under one roof. Grab some grub at popular dining spots like Shhhbuuuleee, Phil's Pizza, or Alta Burger before grabbing a drink or two at The Rex Bar. Book lovers will especially appreciate the BookXcess store located on the second floor with its very own fascinating book maze sprawled across what used to be the staircase space of the original theatre it once housed. Above Bōl is best for modern Asian creations with Peranakan flair 1:00pm—Lunch at Bōl Some may tell you that the Malaysian states of Melaka and Penang are best for savouring Peranakan cuisine–a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay cooking with some Indian and Eurasian influences. But when in Kuala Lumpur, don't miss a chance to try Bōl for modern Asian creations with a unique Peranakan flair. Bōl's interiors boast a stunning modern interpretation of a traditional Peranakan house, helmed by executive chef and London-trained interior architect Kian Liew. Bōl's new weekend 4-course lunch menu promises a rich array of unique creations such as Kapitan lamb shank and squid ink assam octopus, followed up by a satisfying 'Hawthorn Melaka' dessert. 6:00pm—Early dinner at Beta Kuala Lumpur What better way to end your trip than with a delicious memento at the upscale modern Malaysian restaurant, Beta KL? Co-founder and executive Chef Raymond Tham showcases his creative ingenuity with eclectic use of local flavours, presenting a contemporary spin on Malaysian cuisine. Allow at least two and a half hours to savour Beta KL's Tour of Malaysia menu, which covers classic cuisine from North, South and East Malaysian states. Best of Tatler Asia video highlights Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community Page 3
