Themed spiritual pilgrimages, this issue of Passport takes you on various journeys that are at the heart of different faiths held by people around Asia. With stories that uncover spiritual practices and places across the continent and a six-page 2019 festival calendar to inspire your travels next year, this is an issue not to be missed!

As the importance of the oceans fade amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Asian Diver endeavours to be its mouthpieace, bringing its voice to life with underwater tales that are yet to be told.

The concept of food has always been one served on a plate (or bowl) selflessly, with a story to tell. Each ingredient and every process tells a tale of a home and a homeland. In this issue, we journey through the history of staple Asian foods, rice and noodles, and their associated dishes around the region. You may see stark differences as well as uncanny resemblances among dishes, and each dish will show you part of a nation’s culture and tradition. Our feature articles highlight the unique street food culture of Asia, and take you through the fascinating history and practice of the paan (betel nut) custom. And in case it all makes you feel a little peckish, we have also provided some inspiration for amazing restaurants, cafés, and other dining experiences for any mood, budget and event, so you can have your fix in any corner of Asia. Be warned though: your mouth will water and you may hear a rumble – from your tummy, of course. But we promise it will be worth the journey.

In this issue, Asian Geographic magazine celebrates 20 years of publishing by rehashing some of its best works, contributors, and achievements. We will look at two decades of captivating photography and stunning art, as well as scientific discoveries and cultural exploration. While it is safe to keep on the track, our journey through Asia has often taken us off the beaten path, whether through physical quests or beyond the boundaries of our minds. On this occasion, we also bring to light a unique perception of the current economic development in India and China, as well as take you through the enchanting, multi-faceted country that is Qatar. As we mark this milestone we look back on this beautiful continent and the people who have helped shape our identity, but we also look forward – for there is much more to come.

As the importance of the oceans fade amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Asian Diver endeavours to be its mouthpiece, bringing its voice to life with underwater tales that are yet to be told.

Think you know Asian diving? Think again. Asian Diver blows the lid on the dive destinations you (think you) know and love. Get ready to discover the blue water and drop offs in muck Mecca, the world-class reefs that neighbour the most famous wrecks, and the critters that inhabit pelagic paradise. Prepare to have your underwater world turned upside down.

Asian Diver's ADEX Collector's Edition is back with an inspiring and fact-packed bumper issue to celebrate the International Year of the Reef, alongside an in-depth look at the ocean's apex predator. Get the low-down on what's happening in the shark fin trade, brush up on your knowledge of sharks and corals, and find out how individuals and organisations around the world are working to save our sharks and reefs.

Dive into the unique, wild and whacky experiences of underwater photographers and divers from around the world. From epic pelagic stories to first-time jitters, readers will be in for a treat in this special edition of Scuba Diver Australasia + Ocean Planet.

Asian Geographic Magazines continues to commemorate its 20th anniversary in this issue by celebrating the richness, allure, and expanse of Asian brands, artists, and locations that are, and have been, in line with our publication’s themes and overall outlook for the past 20 years, as well as bring to you more original articles and perspectives. For the last two decades, we have been honouring Asia’s diversity and vastness, and still continue important discussions in the continent, ranging from environmental issues to science, exploration, travel and of course, the different heritage, art and cultures that pulsate through the continent and reinforce our vision to bring Asia to the World.

In this issue, we unpack several health controversies and crises, from MSG to processed foods to the insect food revolution and diabetes. But it’s not all doom and gloom: The region’s varied cuisine is an intangible part of its heritage. We pay homage to the enduring art of the longevity noodle – handmade and visually evocative. Asia’s food culture is perhaps best summed up through the humble hawker, peddling the sheer diversity of this region’s culinary innovation through their roadside food carts. But even the ubiquitous street food vendor faces an uncertain future, as regulators of hygiene standards and urban planning brandish eviction – or “relocation” – notices. It’s time to eat smarter: to be more conscious of what we buy, how we waste, and what we ignore on that little label on the side of a can. Perhaps never before has this phrase been more weighty: "You are what you eat". Bon appétit!

This year, the quadrennial Asian Games – a massive sports event that often gets mixed up with some of its regional variants – will be hosted here in Southeast Asia. We appraise several local sports that set the Asiad’s lineup apart from its Olympic counterpart, and drop in on three unique sportspeople gearing up for August. But the 18th Games’ most interesting aspect could just be its return to Indonesia, a place where, over a half-century ago, Jakarta’s controversial hosting decisions shocked the 1960s’ worlds of sports and politics. Indonesian politics also kicks off another fascinating tale: how five Southeast Asian men managed to create the first Asian miracle of the 20th century: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Helped by a few rounds of golf and drinks, these powerful diplomats succeeded in getting their respective countries – many with histories of bitter grudges and border invasions – to team up into a bloc that today still merits international admiration. Their surviving family and friends share memories of these master negotiators.

The 2019 edition of The Big Blue Book focuses on the perils of plastic pollution on the very source of life – the ocean. We look into the creation of plastic, its long life span, durability and opinions from prominent scientists on how plastics affect marine species – for example how microplastics affect coral reefs. We also investigate the solutions that can prevent further plastic pollution of our oceans so that marine species can be protected.

There is nothing so pure as donning a simple pair of fins, snapping on a mask, and chomping down on a snorkel bit before a beach entry into a silvery turquoise lagoon. Freediving is like a first love, the one that taught us how to move through this three-dimensional world. Together we felt the wonder at the profound beauty of life but also learned that without respect, all is lost. In this issue, Asian Diver looks at the evolution of freediving through the centuries, from its beginnings more than 7, 000 years ago in ancient cultures such as the Chinchorro to its current status as one of the most popular underwater sports in the world.