The 56th ASEAN Day is celebrated today

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the five founding countries, namely  Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Over the years, ASEAN has gradually evolved and expanded to include Brunei Darussalam in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999, making up today, a ten Member States of ASEAN.

ASEAN was formed to encourage regional cooperation to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development. ASEAN also has the vision of promoting peace and stability within the region, and observing respect for justice, the rule of law, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

ASEAN in Hungary

Currently, there are six ASEAN countries being represented through their respective Embassies in Budapest, Hungary.  All of the ASEAN countries’ Embassies also work together to promote ASEAN in all areas. Similarly to the ten ASEAN National Tourism Organisations that jointly worked to develop and promote ASEAN countries collectively, as a highly desirable tourism region, the six ASEAN Embassies in Budapest also undertake a similar approach.

ASEAN Tourism Industry: ASEAN – A DESTINATION FOR EVERY DREAM

Tourism is one of the key areas of ASEAN’s cooperation since the early establishment of the Association.  Recognising the vital importance of the tourism sector in contributing to the economic development of the region, the ASEAN Leaders, encouraged the development of a viable and competitive tourist industry to promote ASEAN as a single tourism destination with world-class standards, facilities and attractions.

The possibilities for travelers visiting ASEAN as a destination are endless, from its people’s warmth to its culture’s resilience, the sense of fun and adventure amidst its many natural wonders, and the unified feeling of the region as a whole. There is undoubtedly a destination for every dream. As a rich region, ASEAN exemplifies diversity, versatility, and vibrancy.

In 2022, Forbes Magazine listed five of the ASEAN Countries in its article “The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Countries”. This prestigious listing was bestowed upon the Member States of ASEAN based on their inherent natural beauty and the availability of nature-based activities for guests and natives.

On the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of ASEAN, this article aims to create awareness of ASEAN, particularly on the region’s rich tourism industries by featuring six (6) of the ASEAN countries that are physically represented in Budapest, Hungary. For more information about ASEAN please visit https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/

Embassies of ASEAN Countries in Budapest, Hungary:

Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam

 8 August 2023

“WONDERFUL INDONESIA”

Indonesia is a huge nation comprised of hundreds of cultures derived from local regions, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. Living on more than 13 400 islands, the Indonesian nation today counts over 273 million population comprising over 200 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The Indonesian youth, in their Youth Pledge of 1928 vowed together to build “One Country, One Nation and One Language: Indonesia”, regardless of race, religion, language, or ethnic background in the territory known as the Dutch East Indies. After gaining Independence in 1945, inter-marriages among people of different ethnic groups have welded the population into a more cohesive Indonesian nation. As a massive archipelago, it is understandable that Indonesia has plenty of tourist destinations. In 2019, the Government of Indonesia released a programme called “10 New Bali”, 5 of these destinations are named Super Priority Destinations. These Super Priority Destinations are:

1. Lake Toba, North Sumatra is an extraordinary natural wonder of the world. It is the largest and deepest volcanic lake in the world. In the middle of it, there is an island almost the size of Singapore. At over 1,145 square km and a depth of 450m, Lake Toba is more like the ocean.
2. Borobudur Temple, Central Java – Located on the island of Java, the magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument. The temple sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Build between 780 – 840 AD, during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India’s influence on the region. However, there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesia.
3. Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara – Along the south coast of Lombok Island lies a long and wide stretch of beautiful white sand beach facing the glistening Indian Ocean. In the background are lush green hills and mesmerizing landscapes. This is Mandalika, once a surfers’ best-kept secret, now it has emerged as the island’s capital of leisure. Here, the tourism industry fused seamlessly with the unique and colorful culture of the local people that is still well preserved for generations.
4. Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara – On the westernmost tip of Flores Island sits the town of Labuan Bajo. It lies peacefully with many wonders waiting to be explored. The extraordinary interest among travelers lies in Komodo dragons or locally called “Ora”. The Komodo National Park was listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage. Both on land and underwater, it is home to fascinating wildlife.
5. Likupang, North Sulawesi – North Sulawesi is a province in Indonesia that is well known for its stunning natural attractions. The Beaches, the mountainous areas, and the lush forests are the highlights that make this destination special. Likupang beach is one of the best places in this province. The beach is in the northernmost part of Sulawesi and just 48km away from Manado, the capital of the province. The white sandy beach along with the pristine water that aligns with the green hills seen from a distance is already enough for Likupang beach to take anyone’s breath away. The beautiful clear seawater once stunned locals and Indonesia’s World Wildlife Fund in 2007 because a green sea turtle was seen in the area. The presence of a rare species like this is a sign that the ocean ecosystem of North Sulawesi is in good condition. This clear water is also a favorite place for people to dive and snorkel in.

Before departing on your exciting adventure across the various wonders of Indonesia, be sure you have the necessary travel documents that you will need to bring along on your trip. It will also be wise if you are well aware of all the information regarding immigration and visas to Indonesia from your home country to avoid all the unnecessary inconvenience. For further information, please visit https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/home  

“LAOS: SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL”

Our vision is to be a country known for its immersive, diverse experiences while never losing its peaceful, laidback personality.

Laos is an intriguing, evocative Southeast Asia country that will captivate you from the get-go. The verdant landscape shimmers in different shades of green, from the emerald tea plantations to the lime-green paddy fields. The northern highland regions are characterised by forested mountains and mist-shrouded crags. In the south, you’ll find the landlocked ‘Four Thousand Islands’ archipelago – also known as Si Phan Don – on the vast waters of the Mekong River.

The country appeals to nature enthusiasts. Trek into remote forests in search of the indigenous white-handed gibbon. Go trekking, rafting, and mountain biking, or visit Nam Ha National Protect Area, home to elephants, tigers, and leopards.

But there’s more to Laos than its landscapes. It also has a rich, multi-faceted culture. You’ll love exploring its cuties, infused with French elegance (after being colonised in the 19th century) and populated by lichen-encrusted ruins and ancient Buddhist temples. If you are in search of luxury, head to a traditional Laotian spa, where you can indulge in an herbal steam sauna or a massage with aromatic lemongrass oil.