Bavaria's fairy-tale palaces granted world heritage status
The decision, made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee during its 47th session in Paris, recognises the architectural and cultural significance of King Ludwig II's 19th-century palaces.
Construction began at Neuschwanstein in 1869, but the project was never completed, and building work halted when the Bavarian king died in 1886.
The castle is now one of the most popular tourist sites in Germany, receiving roughly 1.4 million visitors per year. It inspired the Disney castle logo after Walt Disney visited in the 1950s.
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CNA
2 days ago
- CNA
EU to triple travel permit fee to US$23
BRUSSELS: The digital travel permit for foreigners to enter the European Union should cost €20 (US$23), almost triple the original planned fee, under a proposal published on Friday (Jul 18). The adjustment to the yet-to-be implemented ETIAS scheme for visa-exempt nationals comes as the European Commission seeks to boost its financial resources to fund an array of priorities from defence to agriculture. The change reflects inflation and additional operational costs, the commission said. "It will also bring the cost for a travel authorisation to the EU in line with similar travel authorisation programmes," the EU's top executive body said. Adopted in 2018, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) regulation originally envisaged a fee of €7. Britain's equivalent, known as ETA, comes with a £16 fee (US$21), while the United States' ESTA permit costs US$21. Obtainable online, the European Union's ETIAS permit will be required for the bloc's 27 countries with the exception of Ireland, as well as for Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The permit, valid for three years, will be required for non-EU nationals from countries whose citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Europe, such as Canada, Britain and the United States. Those aged under 18 or over 70 years will be exempt from the fee. Brussels said the scheme was created to identify security, irregular migration and other risks as well as to facilitate border crossing for regular travellers. But its implementation, which was supposed to go hand-in-hand with a new automated border check system, has suffered from delays. The European Parliament and member states have two months to review the new €20 fee, which will enter into effect as soon as ETIAS becomes operational - now expected for the last quarter of 2026. This week the commission proposed a boosted €2 trillion long-term budget for 2028-2034, which has already upset some of the EU countries that will have to chip in most of the money. As part of the blueprint, which is subject to negotiation, Brussels said it will seek to raise about €58 billion a year collecting money directly through measures like its carbon border tax and a levy on electronic waste.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Global Design: Soak in Iceland's bathing culture
REYKJAVIK – Iceland's most famous thermal hot spring is undoubtedly Blue Lagoon, known for its milky blue waters. But Iceland's bathing culture goes beyond this hot spot, with more than 100 hot springs and heated pools dotted around the country. Icelanders have been soaking in hot springs for almost 1,000 years – and they are still at it today. Even the tiniest towns have a sundlaug (swimming pool in Icelandic) with all the works: hot tubs, cold plunges, saunas and waterslides, at entry fees as low as 1,000 Icelandic krona (S$10.46). In fact, Iceland's bathing culture has been nominated for Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which, if successful, is set to be awarded in December. While Icelanders have their favourite watering holes, there are also dedicated facilities which attract travellers keen to experience outdoor bathing. The best known of these is the Blue Lagoon, which became famed for its therapeutic waters in the 1980s. Located 45 minutes by car from Reykjavik city centre, it attracts over a million visitors a year. If you have visited an onsen in Japan , you will find the pre-bath routine familiar: Scrub down until you are squeaky clean before even thinking about dipping your toes in the water. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling: White House World Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is it? 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While food is not allowed, you can enjoy a cold beverage, including beer and cocktails, while you luxuriate in the warm water. Cold drinking water is free for when you feel dehydrated. You can refuel with soup, sandwiches and snacks at the end, after you get dressed and exit the pools. The greatest pleasure of the Icelandic bath experience is the delicious contrast between hot and cold, especially if you brave the sub-zero winter. Imagine gazing out on an all-white landscape, your body submerged in balmy waters while snowflakes land on your face. Steam rooms and saunas further heat up the body, while cold mist rooms and icy plunge pools provide an invigorating shock to the system. I am too chicken to dip more than a toe into the cold pools, but I witness brave souls taking the plunge and emerging looking almost victorious. Taking a selfie of your blissed-out face is also not frowned upon. In fact, you will spot many bathers with their phones in rented waterproof casing, casually snapping photos of themselves half-naked against the gorgeous scenery. Compared with onsen waters, which can go up to 42 deg C, Icelandic springs are a few degrees cooler – which means longer, more luxurious lounging. As a huge fan of simmering myself until I turn into a prune, I take the chance while on a recent driving holiday around Iceland to soak my travel-weary bones at three very different baths – from the utilitarian to the luxurious. Myvatn Nature Baths Myvatn Nature Baths is filled with mineral-rich geothermal water. PHOTO: MYVATN NATURE BATHS/FACEBOOK After hiking around a volcano for two hours, we pull up at Myvatn Nature Baths (7,400 Icelandic krona for one adult; ) in the north with sore calves and zero expectations – and, after a good soak, float out in a state of bliss. Surrounded by the stunning Lake Myvatn, this man-made lagoon is rich in minerals and boasts the same milky blue water as Blue Lagoon. It attracts far fewer tourists due to its remote location, though a busload of them were dropped off while we were there. The water at Myvatn Nature Baths contains more sulphur than other thermal springs. PHOTO: MYVATN NATURE BATHS/FACEBOOK There is the characteristic stink of rotten eggs in the air, as the water here contains more sulphur than other thermal springs. The mineral is said to be beneficial for skin, due to its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties. This is the only place where we are advised to remove jewellery, which may turn black due to a chemical reaction with the water. Though the utilitarian facilities are a little tired – a new building is due to be ready in 2026 – the steamy spring is exactly what we need to rejuvenate us. We drink in the peaceful views over the lake, as well as a well-deserved icy adult beverage. Vok Baths The Icelandic blend of nature and modernity is seen in the interiors of Vok Baths, with warm wood, smooth concrete and geometric shapes. PHOTO: VOK BATHS/FACEBOOK The day before we arrive at Vok Baths (7,490 Icelandic krona for one adult; ) in the eastern part of Iceland, we just about wreck our knees on a four-hour hike up and down a glacier. A steaming hot bath is the perfect remedy. From the outside, all that can be seen is a grass-covered roof which merges seamlessly into the landscape, and discreet glass doors which lead to the lobby. This Icelandic blend of nature and modernity is seen in the interiors as well, with warm wood, smooth concrete and geometric shapes being a large part of the minimalist design. Wood planks surround its three floating pools of varying temperatures up to 41 deg C, where bathers – both local and tourist – mingle while taking in the panoramic views over Lake Urrioavatn, arguably even more stunning than Lake Myvatn. Vok Baths has three floating pools, where bathers mingle while taking in the panoramic views. PHOTO: VOK BATHS/FACEBOOK When it gets too hot, we nip into the rain mist tunnel, where it is a refreshing 10 deg C. But I draw the line at submerging my entire body in the lake, where the water temperature goes down from 18 deg C in summer to 0 deg C in winter. Sky Lagoon Possibly the most luxe hot spring – with an admission price to match – Sky Lagoon (from 15,990 Icelandic krona for one adult; ) is also the most accessible from capital Reykjavik, just 10 minutes away by car, making it the most tourist-friendly of the three hot springs we visit. Seemingly carved out of rugged black rocks, the man-made pool is sleek yet simple, once again embodying the Icelandic design ethos that embraces nature. Seemingly carved out of rugged black rocks, Sky Lagoon boasts stunning sauna facilities and a rain mist room. PHOTO: SKY LAGOON ICELAND/FACEBOOK Do not skip the meditative seven-step ritual, which starts with soaking in the natural warmth of the geothermal water, followed by an invigorating cold plunge into a 5 deg C pool. Next is the most impressive sauna I have ever sizzled in, with a huge pane of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the water. Sky Lagoon's sauna has a huge pane of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the water. PHOTO: SKY LAGOON ICELAND/FACEBOOK On a good day, you can admire the cone-shaped Keilir mountain, a 700,000-year-old glacier and even the Northern Lights, while the heat opens every pore on the body. Cool down after that with the minus 5 deg C rain mist – an almost religious experience, with sleek bodies standing silently under the fine drizzle, faces turned to the sky. After a sauna session at Sky Lagoon, guests can cool down with a minus 5 deg C rain mist. PHOTO: SKY LAGOON ICELAND/FACEBOOK Following that, I slough off a layer of dead skin with a salt scrub before entering the dark, womb-like steam room to once again embrace the heat. The final step is a shot of an Icelandic elixir, made with tart crowberries from the lava fields. I emerge from this sanctuary relaxed and radiant. And the lingering sniffles I have been nursing for days are miraculously gone.
Asia News Network
6 days ago
- Asia News Network
The long, suspenseful journey to Indonesia's nickel ‘paradise'
July 14, 2025 RAJA AMPAT – The recent brouhaha over nickel mining operations in Southwest Papua's Raja Ampat regency, a UNESCO Global Geopark known as the 'world's last paradise', exposed the stark contrast between tourism and mining, and that the two industries should not exist in such close proximity. The stories gathered by The Jakarta Post from a trip to Raja Ampat in late June, only two weeks after the controversy broke out, paint a complex picture of parties with multiple interests who were convinced that mining and tourism could coexist, insisting that the tensions had arose over ways to make this possible. The tension is very much palpable on Gag Island, home to the mining operation run by PT Gag Nikel, the only company that was allowed to continue with its activities despite their closeness to the popular marine tourism haven. Getting to Gag Island was not easy, as it is only accessible by sea but beyond the reach of scheduled passenger boats, making chartering or 'piggybacking' the only options available for visitors. Gag Island is located far to the west of Waisai, Raja Ampat's main transit town on Waigeo Island, making the trip unnecessarily long and expensive. It takes around five hours to make a one-way trip on a small boat equipped with twin 1-liter, 50-horsepower Yamaha outboard motors. The water around Raja Ampat is calm, especially during the peak season between October and April, but boats still have to slow down at certain spots to dodge reefs or floating woody debris, sometimes massive, which can puncture the hull, if not damage the outboard's propellers. Outside the peak tourist season, the winds can be more unpredictable, the seas choppier and storms more likely. Yet the small islands and reefs in the region serve as natural barriers for potentially high waves, making the trip relatively comfortable. The biggest challenge in traveling to Gag Island is the uncertain weather. When the Post traveled to the island on June 19, a massive downpour hit as soon as we set sail, bringing visibility to just 150 to 250 meters. As visual navigation was impossible we veered off course several times, only finding our way back after the rain had stopped. We weren't sure if five hours should be enough time to reach Gag Island, since the local residents varied in their answers as to how long the journey would take from Waigeo. Barred entry Before setting out, we secured permission via text messages from Mustajir, Gag Nikel's Jakarta-based legal manager. But this turned out to be a fruitless effort, as workers at the mine denied us entry. We docked at a pier next to an entrance to the workers' quarter and adjacent to the loading bay for barges transporting nickel ores, where the company's security personnel were the first to greet us. Our arrival appeared to cause quite a commotion, with security officers squawking their walkie-talkies multiple times while others checked their phones constantly, trying to obtain confirmation for our visit. No one had the authority to speak to us, and our attempt at small talk only elicited the same response: 'The company's representatives will answer that.' In the end, three staffers from Gag Nikel's community development team agreed to spare a few minutes for an interview, but the mine was strictly off-limits. They offered no clear reasons as to why we weren't allowed in, other than saying that it would be a hassle to give us the required safety briefing and protective gear. One employee named Haris gave the most intriguing reason: Driving to the mine could invite unwanted attention from outside parties. He also recounted a mysterious incident involving an unidentified helicopter doing flybys over the island in the last few days. Gag Nikel may have kept its license, but it had to suspend its operations on June 5 to make way for what the government's so-called 'evaluation'. As a result, most of the company's divisions temporarily stopped work, especially those related to nickel production, the staffers said. Suspicion abounds We discovered our ordeal was far from over when we decided to leave the island. As we sailed away, we stopped by a barge loaded with nickel ore to snap a few photos when we were intercepted by a verbally irate resident: 'Go away already! The villagers are angry!' Curiously enough, we looked around only to see an empty beach without the presence of a single person, let alone an angry one, leading us to surmise that whoever yelled had been one of the company's workers. That incident over, we sailed back the way we came as a man on a longboat tailed us, but diverting slightly further south to see if we could get pictorial evidence of the island's mining operations. Our unknown companion soon caught up with us, however, and we immediately made our way out of the bay. The mine is located inland, so nothing but an old pier and the road leading to the mine can be seen from the sea to the island's southeast. Very little is visible of the environmental impacts from the mine's activities, except for a few deforested patches of land. The man continued to tail us on his longboat but before he could close the distance in any significant way, we pretended to sail eastward and the trick prompted him to head back to the bay. Sailing on southward again, we took some more pictures until we spotted an unidentified ship coming toward us: That was our cue to head back to Waigeo. It turns out we were not the only ones treated with intimidation tactics. A similar experience happened to Greenpeace Indonesia activists when they visited Kawe Island, where PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM) operates a nickel mine. This only reflects the tension brewing in the area after the government revoked the permits of some mining companies, especially the strain among those that fought for the smooth operation of their businesses in both mining and tourism. Local protectionism The local community that holds the customary land rights to Kawe Island have installed barricades to prevent outsiders from reaching the area, effectively stopping any tourism activities in their territory. Since they also have authority over Wayag Island, the community has closed off visitors to the popular tourist spot known for its majestic karst formations. These barricades are indiscriminate, and the community even denied access to a local legislative councilor when he attempted to visit Kawe. In fact, Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu canceled her planned trip to the island on June 11 due to security concerns. A similar blockade was also put up by the inhabitants of Manyaifun Island, where PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP) had started exploration for mineral deposits before the government moved to suspend the activity. On June 25, the opposing sides on the island agreed a truce brokered by local police officers and took down the barricade. It seems calm has returned to parts of Raja Ampat, at least for now.
