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News18
19-05-2025
- News18
5 Affordable International Getaways For Indians In 2025 That Won't Break The Bank
Last Updated: Take a look at some budget-friendly international destinations for Indian travellers that offer a blend of great experiences and views. The summer season is the perfect time to treat yourself to an international getaway. From crystal-clear beaches, cultural adventures, or breezy mountain retreats abroad, an international holiday will rejuvenate your mind and clear your head from the daily grind. However, the biggest problem when planning an international holiday is the rising cost of tickets and other expenses. Skyscanner's Wanderlost 2025 report reveals that budget-friendly travel is a top priority for Indian tourists. Roughly 31% of Indian travellers are drawn to destinations known for being affordable, and nearly 23% say they're influenced by finding the cheapest places to explore. In fact, high travel costs were a major deterrent in 2024, with 32% of respondents stating it was the main reason they took fewer vacations. Based on airfare data, here are five international destinations that offer excellent value for money, as highlighted by Skyscanner. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia According to Skyscanner, one-way flight fares from India to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2025 start at an average of Rs 17,425. Discover iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves, admire colonial architecture at Independence Square, and explore the vibrant Thean Hou Temple. For shopping and local flavours, visit the bustling Central Market and street food havens in Jalan Alor. Abu Dhabi, UAE As per Skyscanner, the average one-way airfare from India to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2025 begins at Rs 22,588. When in Abu Dhabi, do not miss the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and experience luxury at Emirates Palace. Adventure seekers can head to Yas Island for thrilling attractions, while history enthusiasts can tour the majestic Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace. As per Skyscanner, one-way flights from India to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2025 start at an average price of Rs 12,262. You can explore Cambodia's rich history at the Royal Palace and the National Museum, or take a reflective walk through the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Stroll along the riverside promenade, shop for local crafts at the Russian Market, and indulge in authentic Khmer cuisine at bustling street food spots. Don't miss a sunset cruise on the Mekong River for a scenic end to your day. Muscat, Oman According to Skyscanner, the average one-way airfare from India to Muscat, Oman, in 2025 starts at Rs 22,588. In Muscat, soak in the architectural beauty of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, shop for local treasures at Mutrah Souq, and enjoy a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Relax on the shores of Qurum Beach and visit the regal Al Alam Palace for a glimpse into Oman's royal heritage. Davao City, Philippines As per Skyscanner, the average one-way flight fare from India to Davao City, Philippines, in 2025 starts at Rs 23,557. Explore the Philippine Eagle Centre to see the rare and majestic national bird up close, hike the scenic trails of Mount Apo, the country's highest peak, unwind at Malagos Garden Resort, and visit the Davao Crocodile Park for a family-friendly wildlife experience. First Published: May 19, 2025, 13:46 IST
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- The Guardian
Vibrant markets, beautiful temples and a rich cultural heritage: why Kuala Lumpur should be your next holiday destination
As you approach the towering, 43-metre gold statue of the Hindu deity Murugan, who stands guard outside the Batu caves near Kuala Lumpur, the first thing you notice is the smile across his lips. The mighty god looks very happy to be there. But so does everyone who visits the Malaysian capital. Quite simply, Kuala Lumpur is captivating. The city, which can be reached on a daily direct British Airways flight from London Heathrow, is an intoxicating melange of Malay, Chinese and Indian culture. It's easy to see why, according to Euromonitor International, it's in the top 10 of most visited cities in the world for international arrivals. The moment you step off the plane, you are plunged into a metropolis crackling with energy. Walking around the city – the best way to explore the Malaysian capital – is an exhilarating experience. You are constantly stimulated by the sights, sounds and smells of this vivid, charismatic destination. That is certainly true in Jalan Alor, the street famous for its hawker food. Festooned with red lanterns, this bustling thoroughfare isn't about fancy dining – it serves food with plastic forks, so don't expect silver cutlery. Jostling for your attention, the food stalls proffer a dizzying variety of dishes. Enjoy a scrumptious Malaysian-Chinese feast at the Restoran Sai Woo, where you can try mapo tofu, black hokkien mee, and oyster omelette; or frog legs, pepper crab, and fried pork marinated with soy sauce at the Lim Kee Restaurant; and head to the Mongolia BBQ stall for nasi goreng, chargrilled chicken wings and chicken cheese sausages. Just as enticing is the fare on offer in Chinatown, an enchanting quarter of the city centre overflowing with colourful Taoist temples and markets selling everything from batik cushions to bamboo bowls. It's also the best place to sample Malaysia's national dish nasi lemak. Try out Merchant's Lane restaurant, bedecked with ferns, for one of the best interpretations of this delectable plate of coconut milk rice mixed with salad, peanuts, egg and sambal (a spicy Javanese chilli paste). The Kuala Lumpur skyline is equally celebrated. The most iconic building is the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world. The towers, which played a leading role in Entrapment, the 1999 thriller starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones, each boast 88 floors. They are linked by a two-storey skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floors. The vista from the summit is truly breathtaking. You can also get a marvellous view of the Petronas Twin Towers from the neighbouring KLCC Park. The 20-hectare park has a number of beautifully landscaped lawns, well-marked paths, a wading pool and an array of sculptures. Dotted around the KLCC Park are 1,900 species of trees indigenous to Malaysia, including many examples of the splendid, deep-green Ficus elastica (rubber plant). In addition, the park is home to a spacious 1-hectare playground. Perhaps the most appealing feature of the park, though, is the wonderful 930 sq meters Lake Symphony. There's also a fountain show at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm every night, when the fountains foxtrot to music in a memorable son et lumière performance. Another integral part of the Kuala Lumpur skyline is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, an elegant colonial edifice. In 1894, architect AC Norman designed the building as a British government office in a classic Renaissance style. To pay tribute to the identity of the Malaysian people, he embellished the construction with elegant Islamic flourishes, three copper domes and two minarets. The 40-metre clock tower – known as the 'Big Ben of Malaysia' – ushered in the country's independence at midnight on 31 August 1957. Every year since then, it has been the centrepiece of Malaysia's independence commemorations, as the clock is illuminated with multicoloured lights in celebration. You can't visit Kuala Lumpur without seeing the Batu caves. Built into a 325-metre mogote, this astonishing site is the largest Hindu temple complex outside India. One of the most visited destinations in Malaysia, the 400m-year-old limestone caves first took on religious significance in 1891, when K Thamboosamy, an Indian Tamil trader, created a Hindu temple there dedicated to Murugan. Accessed by 272 rainbow-coloured steps, the network of caves is now filled with entrancing temples, shrines and murals – and a panoply of unexpected wildlife. These astounding caves sum up the sheer magnetism of Kuala Lumpur. As you board the plane back to the UK at the end of your stay, you will no doubt still be sporting a smile reminiscent of Murugan's as you reflect on the marvels of the Malaysian capital. For more information and to start planning your Malaysian adventure in Kuala Lumpur, visit
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Malaysian actress Sophia Ibrahim passed away
6 May - Legendary Malaysian actress Sophia Ibrahim has recently passed away. The actress was revealed to have breathed her last at KPJ Ampang Puteri at 7.15am on 5 May, after experiencing breathing difficulties while attending a programme. Her body will be transferred to Surau Al-Hijrah in Taman Bolton, Batu Caves before burial at the Raudhatul Sakinah Cemetery. Sophia, who was the grandchild of renowned comedian Aman Belon and sister of Khadijah Ibrahim and singer Latif Ibrahim, made her acting debut in 1963 through the film "Jambatan Maut". She had also starred with P. Ramlee in "Dr. Rushdi", and starred in films like "Dajal Suchi" and "Jauh Di Mata". Her last film was the 2023 adaptation of Abdullah Hussain's "Imam". She was 77.
