Lifestyle, Music

Don’t Miss Malaysia’s Biggest Talent Show, Astro Star Quest 2025 Grand Finale

Mani Fok and Jess Lee join the judging panel, while Nicholas Teo and Jay Fung add star power to the grand finale.

Malaysia’s most prestigious TV talent competition, Astro Star Quest 2025 Astro《新秀 崛起吧!》 (Astro Star Quest 2025), will hold its Grand Finale next Saturday (13 December 2025) at 8:30 PM at Mega Star Arena Kuala Lumpur, marking a dazzling conclusion to this months-long musical battle.

Astro Star Quest is presented by U Mobile as the official telco and Adonis as the partnering brand. The finale will be co-hosted by Hui Mei 萧慧敏 and Priscilla Abby 蔡恩雨, with #TheCatalyst (崛起推手) Pei Yong joining the hosting team to inject even more energy and interaction into the event.

As for the judging lineup, in addition to the three resident judges — renowned music producer Al Kuan 管启源, 2012 Astro Talent Quest champion Nicole 赖淞凤, and 2011 champion Geraldine 颜慧萍 — the finale will feature two heavyweight guest judges: Mani 霍汶希 Chief Executive Officer of Emperor Culture (Beijing) Development Co., Ltd. and Chief Operating Officer of Emperor Entertainment Group (Hong Kong) and “Iron Lung Queen” Jess Lee 李佳薇, known for her powerful vocal. Their professional input will bring an even higher standard to the evaluation process.

Besides serving as the program’s mentor, Nicholas Teo 张栋梁 will also take the stage for a special performance. Jess Lee 李佳薇 and Hong Kong powerhouse vocalist Jay Fung 冯允谦 will likewise deliver stunning performances, ensuring a star-studded night and an unforgettable musical feast for contestants and audiences alike.

Which eight outstanding contestants will make it to the final stage? The answer will be revealed this Saturday (December 6) on Astro Star Quest 2025 Astro《新秀 崛起吧!》. You can watch the live broadcast simultaneously on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, and sooka, and witness the birth of the next Malaysian superstar!

Subscribe to Astro One today for just RM49.99/month to enjoy on-demand, unlimited entertainment. You can also upgrade your streaming experience to Astro Fibre with 500Mbps high-speed unlimited internet and Entertainment Pack for only RM139.99/month. Learn more through the My Astro App, visit astro.com.my, or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838.

Health & Wellness, Travel

Sindhorn Wellness Spa at Sindhorn Kempinski Bangkok – A Luxury Urban Retreat You Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re planning a wellness trip to Bangkok, Sindhorn Wellness Spa by Resense at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel is easily one of the top places to visit. This spa goes beyond the usual massages and facials — it’s a full wellness sanctuary designed to help you reset both body and mind. Everything here blends traditional techniques with modern facilities, making it one of the most complete spa experiences in the city.

I experienced the Hammam and the Thermal Journey, and they turned out to be the highlights of my visit. Here’s my experience, as well as what else the spa offers.

My Hammam Experience
The Hammam at Sindhorn Wellness Spa is beautifully executed — warm, steamy, and deeply cleansing from start to finish. The session began with a Black Salt exfoliation, which gently polished the skin while the heat from the marble room melted away any lingering tension. After that came a purifying Mud Mask, applied in slow, therapeutic strokes that felt grounding and indulgent. Then came the signature foam ritual — thick, velvety bubbles gliding across the skin in soothing motions. The experience finished with a nourishing layer of Argan Oil, leaving the skin soft, radiant, and deeply hydrated. It’s deeply relaxing and almost meditative. When everything is rinsed off, your skin feels lighter, smoother, and more alive. If you want something luxurious, meaningful, and rooted in tradition, the Hammam is a must.

Thermal Journeys
Before or after any treatment, the Thermal Journey is where most guests drift into total relaxation. You move through different temperature zones: bio sauna, aroma steam room, salt sauna, cold room, cold bucket shower, experience showers, and warming tepidarium loungers. The hot-cold contrast boosts circulation, eases tension, and clears the mind.

It’s quiet, restorative, and honestly feels like a full treatment on its own. If you come here, make sure you allocate time for this.

Other Signature Services
Even though I only experienced the Hammam and Thermal Journeys this round, Sindhorn Wellness Spa offers a long list of treatments that blend ancient practices with modern wellness technology. Here’s a deeper look at some of their signature services:

Traditional Thai Massage & Thai Compress Massage
A refined, luxurious version of the traditional Thai massage. Therapists combine stretching, pressure-point work, and rhythmic movements to release muscle tension without overwhelming the body. It’s therapeutic, not just relaxing — great for posture, flexibility, and tight muscles.

The Detox Circuit
Designed for circulation and lymphatic drainage, this circuit uses water pressure, temperature variations, and targeted jets to stimulate the body. It helps reduce fluid retention, supports detoxification, and leaves you feeling lighter. Ideal for anyone needing a full-body refresh.

Floatation Therapy
You step into a private float chamber filled with warm, mineral-rich water. Because of the high salt content, your body floats effortlessly. The sensation of weightlessness is incredibly calming — it reduces noise, releases stress, and gives your mind space to reset. Perfect if you want deep mental rest or relief from fatigue.

Vichy Shower
This treatment involves multiple warm water streams cascading over you while the therapist performs a massage on a water bed. The combination of heat, pressure, and continuous water flow creates a soothing, almost dream-like experience. It’s great for muscle relaxation, skin hydration, and overall comfort.

Hydro Baths and Modern Wellness Treatments
Sindhorn Wellness Spa also offers hydro baths, pressotherapy, advanced facials, and high-tech wellness therapies designed to improve circulation, reduce swelling, tone the body, and rejuvenate the skin. These modern treatments make the spa appealing to guests who prefer targeted, results-driven wellness.

Why Sindhorn Wellness Spa Stands Out
What makes Sindhorn Wellness Spa special is how seamlessly they combine traditional rituals with advanced facilities. Every corner of the spa feels intentional — from the thermal rooms to the treatment suites. The ambience is calming, the design is elegant, and the therapists are exceptionally skilled.

For anyone visiting Bangkok and looking for a premium wellness experience, this place is absolutely worth putting on your itinerary. I would return again for the Hammam alone, and next time, I’m definitely exploring more of their modern treatments and the full hydro-thermal offerings.

📍Sindhorn Wellness Spa
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel,
80 Soi Tonson, Lumphini, Pathumwan 10330 Bangkok, Thailand
Website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/sindhorn-hotel/luxury-spa
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sindhornkempinski/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sindhornkempinski

Travel

Things to Do at Jurassic World: The Experience Bangkok in Asiatique The Riverfront

I had been looking forward to Jurassic World: The Experience ever since I first heard it was coming to Bangkok. The idea of stepping into a world full of life-sized dinosaurs, immersive sets, and cinematic storytelling sounded amazing. And finally, I got to visit — and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

From the moment I entered, it felt like stepping onto Isla Nublar. Towering animatronic dinosaurs roared and moved with such realism that it’s easy to forget you’re in a Bangkok entertainment complex. The walk-through is carefully designed like a story, moving from labs to dinosaur nests and raptor enclosures, with fog, strobe lights, and sound effects that make it feel cinematic. One of the highlights was getting to pet a baby dinosaur, which was surprisingly adorable and added a fun, interactive touch to the experience. There are also plenty of Instagram-worthy spots — from dinosaur skeletons to full-scale T. rex models — perfect for snapping a few memorable shots.

Tickets are easy to book online, and I highly recommend doing so in advance. They’re priced around THB 769 for adults on weekdays off-peak, rising slightly during peak hours, with kids under 3 free. The visit typically takes 60–90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend admiring the details.

One of the highlights is the gift shop, designed like a safety-bunker. It’s packed with exclusive Jurassic World merchandise — from T. rex skull replicas to themed apparel — making it a must-visit for collectors or anyone looking for a unique souvenir.

Another bonus of visiting here is the location at Asiatique The Riverfront, which makes it easy to extend the day. You have plenty of options for dining and shopping nearby — from casual restaurants and cafes to bigger shopping options like Big C, plus a variety of boutiques and night market stalls. You can also take a ride on the Ferris wheel or just enjoy a walk along the riverside. Getting here is convenient too: BTS to Saphan Taksin and then a free shuttle boat, or parking if you drive.

Walking through the experience was everything I had hoped for — thrilling, immersive, and fun for both adults and kids. For anyone visiting Bangkok, this is not just an exhibition but a proper adventure. After months of anticipation, finally stepping inside felt like returning from a cinematic island adventure — and I can’t wait to go back and explore it again.

📍Jurassic World: The Experience Bangkok
Located at Asiatique, The Riverfront Destination, at 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phrayakrai District Bangkor Laem, Bangkok 10120
Website: https://jurassicworldexperience.com/th/en/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jurassicworldexperiencebkk/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/jurassicworldexhibition

Travel

Akara Sky Hanuman Evening Experience at Bangkok’s Most Immersive Rooftop Destination

During my latest trip to Bangkok, I finally made my way to Akara Sky Hanuman, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable nights I’ve had in the city. If you’re looking for a rooftop experience that blends immersive art, Thai culture, creative dining, and stunning skyline views, this place should be on your Bangkok travel list. Sitting 276 metres above the city, Akara Sky Hanuman offers a full evening journey across multiple themed floors, each with its own atmosphere and story.

I visited during the evening session, which starts from around 4 pm onward. The Evening Pass is priced at about 1,000 baht per person, and it gives you access to every main zone, including the immersive art rooms, Siam Societies lounge, Hanuman Sky Bar & Restaurant, and the Sky Night Market. For the amount of content packed into one visit, the value is honestly quite solid.

My night began at the immersive art installations. These rooms are some of the most Instagrammable spots in Bangkok right now. The Bangkok Reflection space uses mirrors and light to create an artistic interpretation of the city’s past and present, while the Virtual Sky Lantern room recreates the feeling of floating lanterns drifting into the night sky. Both spots are perfect for photography, but also genuinely enjoyable to walk through because of the calming, dreamlike ambiance.

Next, I stepped into Siam Societies, a beautifully decorated Rama V–inspired lounge filled with old-Siam details. With the Evening Pass, guests receive a complimentary welcome drink or dessert, so I took my time here before heading up to the rooftop. The space feels refined but still cozy, making it a nice transition between the art floors and the nightlife section.

The highlight of my experience was the Hanuman Sky Bar & Restaurant. The giant Hanuman head sculpture anchors the space, illuminated with projection mapping that shifts throughout the night. Cultural dance performances happen every hour, bringing elements of Thai tradition to life against a backdrop of glowing city lights. As the evening gets later, the DJ takes over and the energy shifts into a lively rooftop atmosphere. The menu features Thai-inspired dishes and creative cocktails, making it a great spot for both dinner and drinks.

I ended the night with a quick walk through the Sky Night Market, a charming rooftop market offering snacks, small bites, souvenirs, and mini games — a fun, lighthearted way to wrap up the experience.

And honestly, after experiencing the nighttime version, I’m already wishing to return during the day because there’s still so much more to explore.

If you’re planning a Bangkok itinerary and want a unique blend of culture, nightlife, food, and immersive art in one place, Akara Sky Hanuman is absolutely worth visiting. It’s easily one of the best evening activities in Bangkok right now, and a must-see for travelers who enjoy rooftop views with a creative twist.

📍Akara Sky Hanuman
548 One City Centre, 58fl.-61fl. Phloen Chit Rd., Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Website: https://akaraskyhanuman.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/akaraskyhanuman/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@akaraskyhanuman

Health & Wellness, Travel

A Premium Wellness Experience at PAÑPURI Wellness, Gaysorn Tower Bangkok

During our wellness trip in Bangkok, we made a stop at PAÑPURI Wellness — a luxury spa and onsen located in Gaysorn Tower, right opposite CentralWorld. If you’re looking for a premium place to unwind in the heart of the city, this spot definitely deserves a mention.

Prime Location in Bangkok’s Shopping District
PAÑPURI Wellness sits on the 12th floor of Gaysorn Tower, part of the Gaysorn Village complex. The location is perfect for travellers: easy to find, easy to access, and surrounded by major malls like CentralWorld, Big C, and Gaysorn Centre. After a full day of walking, sightseeing, or eating your way through Bangkok, this is the kind of place your body will thank you for.

Slightly Crowded but Well-Managed During Weekend
Since we visited on a weekend, there was a noticeable crowd and a short waiting time. But despite the traffic, the team handled the flow professionally. Their English-speaking staff were friendly, attentive, and made the check-in process smooth. They guided us through the facilities and made sure we knew what to expect, which I appreciated.

90-Minute Thai Massage
The highlight of my visit was the 90-minute Thai massage. It had the perfect balance — firm enough to release long-standing tension, but slow and calming enough to lull you into full relaxation. The therapist clearly knew what she was doing, and the entire session felt steady, rhythmic, and grounding. After days of walking around Bangkok, this massage felt like a reset button for the whole body.

Choosing the Onsen as an Add-On
After the massage, I added on the PAÑPURI gender-separated onsen experience. This is where things get a little interesting: the onsen is full birthday-suit style, just like in Japan. No swimsuits allowed — just you and the mineral pools. Since it’s a nude onsen, photography is strictly prohibited inside.

It can feel a bit unusual if you’re not used to it, but once you settle in, the experience becomes incredibly relaxing. The onsen includes:

  • Multiple mineral-rich hot pools
  • Sauna and steam rooms
  • Cold plunge
  • Quiet relaxation corners

It’s a nice way to slow down, detox, and let your muscles loosen up after the massage.

Calm, Warm, and Comforting Atmosphere
One thing PAÑPURI does really well is the environment. The design uses warm lighting, wood, stone, and soft colours — giving the entire place a serene, natural feel. Even though it was a busy weekend, the space still felt peaceful and private enough to relax properly.

If you’re planning a wellness trip to Bangkok or simply want a high-quality spa experience in a central location, PAÑPURI Wellness at Gaysorn Tower is absolutely worth visiting — though I’d recommend going on a weekday for a calmer, smoother experience.