Travel
Excellence
Awards
2023
Local Hero Star

Local Hero Star

Singular travel experiences championed by a local. The Local Hero Star is awarded to personalities who uphold tourism-related advocacies, and provide unique tours and activities.

Best Local Experiences

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Aya Kyoto Japan
Japan
No Kyoto itinerary is ever complete unless you’ve seen a traditional Geisha, Geiko or Maiko with your own eyes. But, Aya Kyoto Japan gives you the honour of actually being one through their Kyoto Maiko and Geisha makeover experience — traditional wigs, kimonos, obis, shoes, accessories, and makeup included! With Aya Kyoto Japan, experiencing the true essence of Japanese culture is easy, fun and most importantly, rewarding!
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Bali Eco Stay Coconut Oil Making Workshop
Indonesia
Step into a world of rustic country charm and rich Balinese customs at Bali Eco Stay. This mountain resort rests in a remote corner of Indonesia’s booming tropical island, offering workshops only the most curious of travellers will dare bring themselves into. A must-try for newbies: Their coconut oil making workshop. Learn the traditional skill of oil extraction using coconut flesh, which will come in handy for mastering Balinese cuisine!
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Captain Cook Cruises
Australia
For nearly 40 years, Captain Cook Cruises has been delivering premium cruise services around Australia. Whether it’s to the iconic Sydney Harbour or the Tiwi Islands, exploring the Land Down Under has never been so convenient. Giving you a taste of Australia’s wine culture, the Captain Cook Cruises takes you to Perth’s legendary wine region to visit wineries and get pampered with filling food and live performances.
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Days Tour Hanoi
Vietnam
Led by passionate local travellers, Day Tours Hanoi provides trouble-free personalised excursions in Northern Vietnam. Its tours, like the Days Tour Hanoi, give their guests the opportunity to give back to the local community through immersive activities as simple as having an authentic lunch with native families. The team also works with local suppliers — ensuring their tours are also beneficial to the communities!
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Edo Wonderland
Japan
Relive the Japanese Edo period’s golden era at Edo Wonderland. Located in the Tochigi Prefecture, this theme park offers non-stop historical activities through what they call Experience Zones to help visitors learn more about Japanese history. The buildings are even modelled after Edo architecture and staff costumes after Edo fashion (you can rent yours, too!) for a more genuine experience. The park also has various museums, theatres, and souvenir shops!
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Mekong Eyes Cruise
Vietnam
What better and more stylish way to see the mighty Mekong River, the “mother of all rivers”, than on board a cruise boat? Mekong Eyes Cruise lets you discover this enchanting natural attraction from Vietnam through their Mekong Eyes Cruises. Not like most Mekong Delta tours, the slow extended travel allows for a more serene experience, helping holidaymakers learn more about the Mekong River from different perspectives.
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Sentosa Singapore
Singapore
Themed attractions and resort-style accommodations may be its most famous offers, but Sentosa Island in Singapore would be nothing without its longstanding commitment towards ethical as well as sustainable practises. From efficiently engaging communities and employees to championing environmental conservation, it’s no wonder this sunny island resort in Singapore, one of the country’s most valuable attractions, continues to capture the hearts of millions of visitors every year.
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Sydney Harbour Boat Tours
Australia
What’s a Sydney trip without a good old harbour cruise? Unlike most companies in the Harbour City, Sydney Harbour Boat Tours crafts customised itineraries that cover, among others, experiencing authentic local experiences and nature in all its splendour. Furthermore, they let their guests share in their environmental advocacy by doing beach clean-ups. That’s on top of them helping raise funds to protect the penguins at Sydney Harbour National Park!
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