Melbourne, Australia

executive summary by darmansjah

The Victorian capital has recently reopened its refurbished Hamer Hall, on the back of a two year project that cost a whopping US$142.5 million. Intensifying its status as Melbourne’s premier concert venue, the ‘new’ hall features improved acoustics, cutting-edge stage layouts and technology, providing home-grown and international latents a bigger performance platform, while audiences will also be able to experience orchestral music by the best musicians worldwide in greater comfort. Further livening up the Southbank area are a plehthora of new dining establishments, such as Trocadero – the brasserie and bar found along the prime St Kilda Road terrace area, serving up Mediteranean fare with alfresco sittings and  a lounge that can accommodate up to 180 at once.

Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport can be reached from Singapore direct with Emirates, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas. From Kuala Lumpur fly with Air Asia Z, Emirates, or Malaysia airlines. Regular buses run between the airport and downtown (US$16)

Located in the picturesque St Kilda district the Prince hotel impresses with its art deco façade, simple yet stylish communal spaces, and 40 rooms each with unique layouts so no one stay is ever the same (from US$145).