Asia Travel Pulse
Malaysia eyes travel boom with launch of new electric train service

But to unlock its real potential, the travel industry says more of the line’s Chinese-made trains need to be deployed, while the route – which runs along west Malaysia from the Thai border down to Singapore – needs a major publicity campaign to capture the imagination of local and foreign travellers.
Over a century old, the railway has been slowly modernised to enable faster and more reliable travel.
A second parallel track now allows two-way services and the entire route has been electrified, and level crossings removed.
While the northern stretch from Kuala Lumpur to the Thai border has been operational since 2010, the delay-plagued southern stretch was only launched on Saturday, with service from the capital to the small town of Kluang, two thirds of the southern span.
Asia Travel Pulse
EVA Air, Southwest Launch Partnership for Asia-US Travel Network
This Partnership Now Connects Travelers to More Routes with Greater Flexibility
This strategic agreement creates an integrated network across the participating gateway airports of both airlines. Passengers can now book a single itinerary including flights operated by both carriers, with coordinated ticketing and through-checked baggage service to their final destination. Travelers will also receive boarding passes for all segments of their journey at the first point of departure, making connections more straightforward and efficient.
“This partnership positions EVA Air for long-term growth in an evolving market by combining resources with Southwest Airlines,” said EVA Air America Head Office Executive Vice President Andrew Su. “Together, we’re streamlining operations, connecting with a broader range of travelers, and responding more swiftly to changing market needs. Beyond simply adding flight options, we are dedicated to reimagining how we serve our passengers and providing travel experiences that are more personalized, more flexible, and thoughtfully designed around their needs.”
“Our relationship with EVA Air brings new opportunities for access between
Beyond facilitating travel logistics, this interline partnership aims to offer competitive fares and broaden access in key routes, enhancing transpacific options for travelers throughout
EVA Air currently offers 89 weekly flights to major cities in the
For more information on EVA Air’s routes and to book flights, please visit www.evaair.com.
ABOUT EVA AIR:
A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within
- Based on
U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025 - Full-time equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2025
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eva-air-and-southwest-airlines-launch-interline-partnership-to-expand-seamless-travel-between-asia-and-north-america-302539209.html
SOURCE EVA Airways Corporation
Asia Travel Pulse
5 essential podcasts for female travellers

Female travellers can find smart guidance in these five podcasts covering safety, planning, community and adventure
Travel can be liberating, messy and personal. For women, it also comes with considerations men rarely have to make: whether to walk through a neighbourhood after dark, what to wear to deflect attention or who to trust when plans fall apart. Yet, the joys are real. You read a city differently, pack lighter, bargain smarter and find allies quickly. Podcasts bridge the gap between guidebooks and lived experience. They offer practical checklists, safety know-how, straight talk on budgets and visas, plus stories that make long transfers feel shorter. They also act as a sounding board when you need to sanity-check plans without the noise of social media. In short, podcasts give female travellers practical company between stops.
Here are five podcasts that speak to female travellers with clear advice and well-reported stories.
Read more: Solo travel is on the rise in Malaysia: here’s what’s behind it
Asia Travel Pulse
Tourist deaths on Thailand’s beaches spark alarm, calls to boost safety

The recent deaths of four tourists in less than a week on Phuket beaches are raising alarm and calls for stricter safety measures as strong monsoon currents, lack of lifeguards and venomous sea slugs threaten swimmers on the Thai island.
All of the deaths happened over three days. On Wednesday, a 68-year-old Swedish man collapsed on Kata Beach while wading out of shallow water and could not be revived by lifeguards, the Thai Examiner news website reported.
Two days later, the body of a 28-year-old American man washed ashore on Patong Beach. Police have sent both bodies for autopsies to determine the cause of death.
A third man, a 35-year-old Russian, drowned early on Thursday while on a midnight swim between Banana Beach and Nai Thon Beach, Khaosod newspaper reported. According to his 24-year-old girlfriend, they had entered the sea around 12.30am when large waves suddenly struck. He managed to push her towards the shore but was swallowed by the waves.
Hours later, again on Kata Beach, bystanders had to rescue two men who were struggling in the water as there were no lifeguards around. One was saved but the other died.
A 10-year-old Canadian girl was swept away while swimming with her family on the same beach earlier in the month when, despite strong waves, no red warning flags had been posted.
-
Brand Stories1 month ago
Bloom Hotels: A Modern Vision of Hospitality Redefining Travel
-
Brand Stories1 month ago
CheQin.ai sets a new standard for hotel booking with its AI capabilities: empowering travellers to bargain, choose the best, and book with clarity.
-
Destinations & Things To Do1 month ago
This Hidden Beach in India Glows at Night-But Only in One Secret Season
-
Destinations & Things To Do1 month ago
Untouched Destinations: Stunning Hidden Gems You Must Visit
-
AI in Travel1 month ago
AI Travel Revolution: Must-Have Guide to the Best Experience
-
Family Travel2 months ago
Things to Do Indoors in New Jersey
-
Brand Stories2 months ago
Voice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Brand Stories1 month ago
Contactless Hospitality: Why Remote Management Technology Is Key to Seamless Guest Experiences
-
Restaurants & Food5 months ago
10 New Restaurants In Delhi NCR To Head To This Month
-
Brand Stories2 months ago
How Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
You must be logged in to post a comment Login