World Heritage Day celebrated globally on 18 April 2025 provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of World Heritage. 2025 will focus on the 60 years of ICOMOS actions in relation to safeguarding heritage under threat of disasters and conflicts as well as establishing future objectives in prevention, mitigation, preparation, emergency response and recovery to safeguard heritage locations around the world.
Malaysia - George Town, Penang
George Town is the capital of the state of Penang. George Town was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia by Francis Light in 1976. Over time it has gained the reputation as Malaysia's gastronomical capital for distinct culinary scene. The preservation of these cultures contributed to the designation of the city centre of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. UNESCO describes the city as having a "unique architectural and cultural townscape" shaped by centuries of intermingling various cultures and religions. For foodies and heritage lovers looking to explore the city, lyf Georgetown Penang by The Ascott Limited is a social lifestyle hotel for the next generation modern travellers. Offering fun, spacious, and functional rooms that is ideal for independent creatives that want to be just 10 minutes' walk to the famous Armenian Street, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site for plenty of sights to explore. City explorers that want to be closeby to Prangin Mall, Le Cafe and Jalan Macalister, Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang is well-equipped with guestrooms, a swimming pool, a fitness corner and lobby lounge. Also offering central location is Citadines Tanjung Tokong Penang where guests can make the most of their stay. Whether it's a shopping adventure in opulent malls or a leisurely walk along Gurney Drive, the renowned street food heaven this travel-savvy hotel in Penang can choose from a studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Alternatively, guests seeking the modern elegance and colonial charm can stay at the luxurious The George Penang by The Crest Collection with it's prime location at the intersection of Penang Road, Leith Street, Chulia Street designed for unparalleled comfort, featuring high-speed Wi-Fi, gourmet coffee and tea, plush bathrobes, and premium toiletries.
Thailand - Ayuttaya Kingdom, Dong Phayayen
Ayutthaya Kingdom was a Mon-Siamese kingdom centered around city of Ayutthaya in Siam, present day Thailand. Explore the historic temples, bustling night markets and rich cultural heritage, Bangkok is a must visit for travellers looking for Southeast Asian culture. Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Bangkok, take a choice of Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood and Somerset tailored to cater for business and leisure travellers.
lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok taps on its electrifying energy to offer an authentic experience-led social living Bangkok experience in the most diverse part of the town. A perfect fit for millennial-minded travellers and digital nomads who love to get right into where the action is, the buzzing property is a mere 5-minutes walk from Nana BTS Skytrain station.
Experience the enchanting tapestry of Indonesia diverse culture and heritage as diverse as its islands, Bali, with its mesmerizing dance performance and temples. Borobodur Temple is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, built in 8th and 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The monument is located in the Ledu Valley, southern part of Central Java. Indonesian cuisine incorporates an array of flavours influenced by long history of trade and cultural exchange. The Borobodur temples are just a short distance drive from Kimaya Sudirman Yogyakarta by Harris, the perfect place for a business or leisure getaway retreat.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. The name Ha Long means "descending dragon". The bay consists of dense cluster of limestone monolithic islands each with thick vegetation, rising from the ocean. Offering guests majestic views of Ha Long Bay, Citadines Marina Ha Long can arrange boat excursions, kayak adventure and more. It's strategic location offers easy access to exploring the awe-inspiring ancient seascape by boat or cable car, right from the doorstep. Enjoy Vietnamese street eats after a day out, with choice of western cuisine to Southeast Asian classics and exotic cocktails from the rooftop bar to enjoy the awe-inspiring sunset. Nestled along the pristine Bai Chay beach, Oakwood Ha Long has a collection of 86 modern villas; Garden View, Lake Side and Premier. Oakwood Halong Bay resort is closeby to Sun World Complex, Ha Long Night Market, Quang Nin Museum and Yoko onsen Quang Hanh, including easy access to Ha Long Bay - UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Luang Prabang is the capital of Luang Prabang Province in north-central Laos. The name meaning "Royal Buddha Image" derived from a statue symbolizing Lao sovereignty. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the city is recognized blending traditional Lao architecture, European colonial buildings, and over 30 Budhhist temples. The protected area encompasses 33 of its 58 villages. Capital of Laos, Vientiane a charming destination city delighting visitors with its mix of French colonial architecture and traditional artefacts. Somerset Vientiane is just minutes away from the iconic statue of King Fa Ngum, the first king of the Laotian Kingdom of Lan Xang. Somerset Vientiane is a five-minute drive from both Chanthabouli Business District and Wattay International Airport. With 116 units ranging from spacious studios to two-bedroom apartments, Somerset Vientiane caters to business travellers and their families with a myriad of modern business and recreational facilities such as a business centre, tennis court, lap pool, gymnasium, sauna, Jacuzzi, children’s playground, residents’ lounge and outdoor breakfast area.
Phillipines - San Agustin Church
The San Agustin Church completed in 1607, is the oldest stone church in the country. Back in 1993 it was one of four churches constructed during Spanish colonial period to be designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Phillipines. It was named National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976. The Makati Museum, a collection of city rich historic culture is just 7 minutes from Oakwood Makati Avenue, situated in Poblacion district, renowned for vibrant nightlife, guests find themselves moments away from electic bars and restaurants offering cuisines, cocktails and atmosphere for a chill evening and lively party vibes. For more first-class restaurants and high-end shopping malls, visitors can stay at Somerset Millenium Makati, located on Aguirre street, off Arnaiz Avenue. Just a short 15 minutes walk is Ayala train station, connecting visitors the rest of Makati city. Younger and modern travellers that love the creating social connections, lyf Malate Manila is the perfect experience-led social living space. The perfect balance of privacy and community, offering communal spaces, social kitchen, social laundrette, co-working space and a host of intimate chat and social events. Transportation is effortless with Pedro Gil LRT train station and just nearby to popular tourist spots National Museum of Natural History and National Museum to be right where the city gets is energy.
Singapore - Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 166-year-old tropical garden located at fringe of Orchard Road. It is one of three gardens and the only tropical garden to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Botanic Gardens is ranked Asia top park attraction since 2013, by TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards. Founded at its present site in 1859, more than 10,000 species of flora are spread over its 82 hectares. The Botanic Gardens receives about 4.5 million visitors annually which is open from 5am to 12 midnight daily and entry is free except for the National Orchid Garden. Step into the rich history of Singapore and take in the charms of our storied residence to enjoy the sophisticated facilities of a luxury hotel at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection. Taking pride in honouring the legacy created by connecting the architectural design with Singapore enchanting heritage. Be enamoured by the warm comfort of the rooms thoughtfully curated with luxurious amenities. The Club Lounge access to the 1823 Reading Room is a curated library of vintage books and titles. Kesa House by The Unlimited Collection, a stand-out flexible property located on the fringe of Chinatown in the Bukit Pasoh Conservation Area. Explore the surroundings with popular local hawker delights alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, World-class bars and more. Blending tradition and modernity, 10 shophouses are juxstaposed against the skyscraper backdrop of the neighbouring business districts.
Ascott is committed to extending our culture of care and hospitality to the people and environments we interact with through our business. With the support of our teams and like-minded partners, we seek to deliver on this promise through our sustainability programme, Ascott CARES. Aligned with ESG considerations, Ascott CARES, is centred around five fundamental pillars, Community, Alliance, Respect, Environment, Supply Chain. Through these pillars and unique initiatives, Ascott continues to protect and safeguard heritage locations around the world where our service residence and hotels are located to ensure the best hospitality experience for our guests.
Now it's your turn to explore, create memories and pack your bags to immerse yourself in local experiences and let discoverASR unfold before you.
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