How have things fared since then for Asia's "Axis of Reform"? Not very well, unfortunately, says William Pesek.

Christopher Adams battles Kuta's crazy traffic and beer bellies before escaping east.

Katie Shepherd finds a clifftop resort away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta.

It's a tough time to be an investment banker in Southeast Asia. Mergers involving Southeast Asian companies have dropped 45 per cent this year to the lowest level since 2009.

Jesse Mulligan lists his five must-try dishes in Hong Kong - with breakfast tripe for the more adventurous.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to remain the world's growth leader.

Winston Aldworth is impressed by the strong, resilient people of Nepal.

Diana Plater is alternately charmed, dazzled and overwhelmed in the Land of Great Kings.

If perfect ski snow is your passion this is the Japanese destination for you, but don't count on admiring the scenery, writes David Lewis.

At a beautiful Bali hideaway, a lack of TV and wifi allows Katie Furze to focus on the sunsets, surf and good food.

For nature enthusiasts and adventurous souls, there's gold in the forest of Malaysia's Sarawak, writes Sophie Barclay.

Nicola Lamb will never forget a special lunch with the locals at a small Turkish Village.

On a sombre drive in Turkey, Wynne Gray shakes his head at the futility of the deaths of so, so many young men in a foreign land.

Avoid being overwhelmed on your first visit to this changing but traditional country — check out these temple tips and insider insights from Gill Charlton.

Teuila Fuatai finds herself relaxing in a Balinese paradise and considers relocating.

Far from usual tourist haunts, Katelyn Catanzariti uncovers a way of life that has flourished for centuries in Thailand.

Twentieth-century tragedy provides a moving lesson in post-war recovery during a visit to Japan's Hiroshima, writes Josh Martin.

Colonial charm and Southeast Asian mystery come together in Myanmar, finds Brett Atkinson.

Belinda Merhab travels to an ashram in Northern India to find herself, but discovers something else entirely.

Immerse yourself in the sacred, inky chaos of the Ganges River in Varanasi, writes Heather Ramsay.

Fondly described as 'the king of the roads' in the subcontinent, the Hindustan Ambassador is on its way to extinction, writes Peter Calder.

The hairs on Jim Eagles' neck prickle at the tomb of a terrifying Uzbek conqueror.

Pakistan has test-fired a ballistic missile able to carry a nuclear warhead to every part of India. Yesterday's test was another escalation in Islamabad's effort to keep pace with its neighbouring rival's formidable military advancements.

It is spring in Tokyo, but Toshiko Takagi cannot bear to see office workers sitting beneath cherry blossom in the parks that dot the Sumida district where she lives.

To repent for his misdeeds, Tibetan monks tell Jim Eagles he must do circuits of Labrang Monastery for about two months. He makes a start.

From architectural wonders to nature reserves, excellent restaurants, its shopping scene — and even a Grand Prix circuit — there's plenty to wow tourists in Singapore, discovers Sam Wylie-Harris.

It's been 40 years since the end of the Vietnam War and this vibrant country has never stood taller, writes Nel Staveley.

Taking your king or queen to Mumbai? Why not stay in style at this regal establishment, writes Chris Leadbeater.

Liz Light walks the Great Rann of Kutch.