Updates on H1N1 Flu Virus in Asia Pacific Region

H1N1 Flu is well controlled in Asia region

As the World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 recently, it would be best to know what the situation we have here in Asia. This H1N1 virus is contagious, spreading easily from one person to another, and from one country to another. And according to WHO, there are nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries already.

Although many report confirmed that the Influenza A (H1N1) cases has continued to rise in Asia Pacific region, from the 29,669 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths in 74 countries, below are the number of confirmed cases from Asia Pacific region that have officially reported.

Country            Cases               Deaths

Australia           1307                 0

China                188                   0

India                 9                      0

Japan               549                   0

South Korea      53                     0

Malaysia           5                      0

New Zealand     27                     0

Philippines        77                     0

Singapore         18                     0

Thailand            8                      0

Taiwan              36                     0

Vietnam            23                     0

*Data on 12 Jun 2009

With all above numbers still in concerns for everyone, the good news is that there were still no numbers of deaths from this disease within the region. All governances are now trying to take control over and be prepared to protect their citizens with policies to close down any risky areas with scanning any possibility ways of spreading. So, no worries if you’re planning to travel to Asia during this time, this region will still be a safe and welcomed place for everyone afterall.

For more information and updates on Influenza A (H1N1) in Asia, please visit the World Health Organisation (WHO ‘s website at http://www.who.int

Top 10 Adventure Resorts in Asia : The Recommendations

Adventure Tourism is Very Popular in Asia

With vast variety of its geographical landscape and diversified communities, Asia is not only a heaven for shopping, dining, surfing, fishing, yachting or sunbathing. But this travel paradise region is also regarded as a great place for trekking, climbing or any kind of adventurous activities. Many surveys have reflected to the fact that Asia Adventure Tourism is now becoming increasingly popular. Adventure travel includes physical activity, interacting with local culture, and engaging with nature. The Asia Pacific region is an amazing place for adventure tourism because it is a vibrant and culturally rich expanse with a wealth of natural beauty.

It’s quite easy to search information from some travel guide books or websites to get some ideas where to kick off your journey. While countries in South or Central Asia such as India, Nepal, Uzbekistan or Tibet provide excellent sites for mountain biking, climbing and trekking, some other destinations in South East Asia region such as Thailand, Indonesia or Laos can also be decent choices for river rafting, bird watching and jungle safari.

Apart from the destination options to choose from, check out the bellowed list for some of the top recommended adventure resorts in Asia which might be interesting for any adventurous travelers:

1. Taj Safari Resort, Mahua Khoti, India

Experience the thrill of twice-daily jungle safaris, nature walks with trained naturalists and elephant treks in India’s Bandhavargh Provincial Park, home to the highest concentration of tigers in Southeast Asia. The 12 luxurious village huts provide an ideal home base from which to explore some of India’s greatest wonders.

2. Amankora, Bhutan

Aman Resorts offers five opulent lodges strategically placed for a trek through pristine and mystical Bhutan. With each lodge offering something unique, guests may choose to stay at one or all of the lodges, while trekking through some of the world’s most remote areas. Itineraries can be designed according to guest’s specifications, thus providing an endless selection of breathtaking adventures.

3. Four Seasons, Golden Triangle, Thailand

Accessible only by riverboat, the Four Seasons has created 15 luxury tents in the heart of Southeast Asia. Thailand’s Golden Triangle, a remote region that borders Myanmar and Laos, is the ultimate adventure hideaway. This amazingly beautiful area offers a wealth of pulse pumping activities and experiences, including elephant treks, mountain hikes, and river tours.

4. Elephant Safari Park Lodge, Bali, Indonesia

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast, complemented by the sights and sounds of elephants migrating to a lake for their morning bath. Guests are encouraged to interact with the elephants by taking treks through the Taro forests, assisting in bathing, and spending time at the feeding and petting areas, while learning more about the life of these regal pachyderms.

5. Freedom Inn Niseko, Japan

This tranquil retreat, situated in the scenic countryside of Hanazono, Hokkaido, boasts views of mountains, streams, and volcanic peaks. The recently opened Hanazono 308 Base Lodge and the Niseko United Ski lifts are just a short distance away, in addition to winter activities that include skiing, snowboarding, snow trekking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. Guests are invited to relax at the hot springs bath located on the opposite side of the mountain for a truly refreshing experience.

6. El Nido Resorts Lagen Island Palawan, Philippines

Explore the 45 islands and islets that surround this beautiful tropical resort and offering endless opportunity for adventure, nature appreciation, mountain trekking, and climbing. Miniloc Island is a great place for snorkeling and getting up close and personal with schools of fish right off shore. Kayak around the big and small lagoons or venture to Cadlao Island for trekking, and a walk to the inland lagoon at Nagkalit-kalit.

7. River Kwai Jungle Raft, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Let the world’s entire worries float away on the River Kwai at this tranquil jungle raft resort. Explore nearby caves and waterfalls via canoes or elephants and enjoy the thrilling yet peaceful surroundings. Guests are encouraged to get involved with the local Mon tribes, watch ritual dances, and partake in local customs.

8. Bamurru Plains Hotel, Kakadu, Australia

Hidden in the Australian savannah, nine luxury safari-tent suites provide an ideal oasis from the fast pace of modern life. With no phones or televisions, only highly attentive staff, the resort caters to those seeking to be reacquainted with nature while leaving the chaos of city life behind, if only for a short while.

9. Laos Spirit, Luang Prabang, Laos

Located in the mountains of Laos along the Nam Khan River, this eco-friendly resort offers refurbished French Colonial buildings as a home base for some of the best trekking and hiking in Southeast Asia. Experience the splendor of unspoiled nature and the welcoming qualities of the local people at this majestic mountain hideaway.

10. Hin Tok River Camp @ Hell Fire Pass, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Twenty rustic, eco-style luxury tents overlooking the River Kwai offer a fulfilling change to the luxury hotels of Bangkok. Just two hours outside of Bangkok, this resort is an ideal base from which to explore the nearby Lawa Cave and a myriad of inspiring attractions.

Introduction to The 14th ASEAN Summit in Pattaya

ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS - ASEAN Summit

Right after the 2009 G-20 London summit from early April, all leaders from South East Asian nations are now heading to Pattaya, Thailand. It comes just over a week after this Group of 20 developed and emerging economies agreed at a key meeting in London to commit one trillion dollars to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other global bodies. The summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) and dialogue partners namely China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand will take place at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Pattaya from 10-12 April 2009.

As one of the regional and international organisations attended at G20 Summit, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which represented by Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Chair of ASEAN, the Southeast Asian nations and key regional partners will use a summit next week to discuss their follow-up to a G20 plan to lift the world out of recession.

The theme of this Summit is “Acting Together to Cope with Global Challenges”, and global economic and financial crisis, food and bio-energy security, and disaster management are among the central issues that the leaders will discuss.

The total of 26 outcome documents are expected to be considered during the Summits, including the ‘Pattaya Statement on ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Food Security and Bio-Energy Development’, the ‘Pattaya Statement on East Asia Summit (EAS) Disaster Management’, the ‘Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Good Manufacturing Practice of Medicinal Products’, and the ‘ASEAN- China Investment Agreement.’

In addition to the meetings with dialogue partners, ASEAN leaders will meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon. There will also be a meeting with the heads of leading international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), to discuss the current global financial crisis and other issues.

Since there have been tremendous achievement from early meetings in Hua Hin in the reflection of the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community declarations and other major trade arrangements such as The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, the expectation from the 14th ASEAN Summit in Pattaya wouldn’t be anything less than practical solutions and best collaborations to bring further strengths, wealth and happiness to the Southeast Asia region.

For more information about the 14th ASEAN Summit, visit the official website – 14thaseansummit.org