The article highlights the attractions of North Bali, an area often overshadowed by the more popular southern beach towns. It describes the unique temples with historical significance, the sacred Lake Bratan with its surrounding natural beauty, the local cuisine with its fiery warungs serving traditional dishes like bebek betutu gilimanuk and babi guling, the region's rich tradition of arts and crafts, and the benefits of staying in local accommodations such as Puri Ganesha Villas. The article encourages travelers to explore the serene and culturally rich northern part of Bali, offering a more contemplative and authentic experience compared to the bustling tourist hotspots.

The International Geographical Union conference on sustainable tourism was recently held in Lombok, Indonesia, highlighting the island's potential for eco-tourism and its challenges. Lombok, which has seen a surge in tourism, is being developed with a focus on sustainability to avoid the pitfalls of its neighbor Bali. Luxury tour operator Jacada Travel has seen a 40% increase in sales to Bali, indicating a regional tourism boom. Lombok's new international airport and infrastructure improvements have boosted tourist arrivals. The Indonesian government and local authorities are promoting eco-tourism, with new developments like Hotel Tugu Lombok and Sira Beach House exemplifying sustainable practices. However, the island faces environmental and infrastructure challenges, and there is concern over maintaining the balance between development and preserving the community and environment.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is growing, necessitating both wide-body jets and alternative transportation like Cinnamon Air's seaplane service. Despite the challenges of travel infrastructure and the legacy of civil war and the 2004 tsunami, tourism is on the rise with diverse international visitors. Seaplanes offer a unique perspective and access to various parts of the island, including areas previously affected by conflict now being developed for tourism. The article highlights the experiences of pilots and tourists, the convenience of air travel in contrast to the difficult road conditions, and the potential for tourism growth in the northern and eastern coasts.

In Taiwan, a significant expansion is underway at an industrial park dedicated to recycling electronics and other materials. The construction site, which is being developed by Super Dragon Technology, one of Taiwan's largest recyclers, is designed with environmental considerations in mind, featuring energy-saving materials made from old electronics. The facility will allow for the secure storage of valuable materials such as gold, highlighting the importance of recycling in an island nation that produces a significant amount of electronic waste. Taiwan is known for its technology companies, including Asus, Acer, and HTC, and has the highest per capita production of electronics in the world.

Taiwan is experiencing a significant boom in recycling, driven by its robust electronics industry. The island, home to major technology companies like Asus, Acer, and HTC, has seen a dramatic increase in recycling operations, growing from about 100 to over 2,000 outfits. The revenue from waste companies has surged to 65.8 billion Taiwan dollars in 2012, up from 24.9 billion a decade earlier. A new warehouse under construction on Taiwan's northwest coast exemplifies the island's commitment to recycling, with energy-saving materials made from old electronics. Chen Wei-Hsian of the Formosa Association of Resource Recycling highlights the industry's growth, attributing it to the proliferation of electronics firms.

Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, once a retreat for Chiang Kai-shek, is now a major tourist attraction hoping to draw more visitors from mainland China. The region saw a significant increase in mainland tourists following a 2010 tourism pact signed by President Ma Ying-jeou's administration. Despite the boost, local businesses and tourism officials are aiming for even higher visitor numbers to revitalize the area.

HTC, once a leading mobile devices maker in Taipei, has experienced a significant decline, with an 88 percent drop in stock price since April 2011 and an 83 percent decrease in profits for Q2. The company faces challenges such as executive departures, accusations against former executives for theft and fraud, and a need to rebuild its brand. The CEO, Peter Chou, is under scrutiny, and the company is struggling with marketing, sales, distribution, and inventory costs.

The article discusses Foxconn's recent announcement to improve wages, overtime, and working conditions for its workers in Shenzhen, China, amidst long-standing accusations of poor labor practices. Despite these changes, industry insiders warn that Foxconn may shift operations to cheaper labor markets or increase automation. Foxconn, a key supplier for Apple and other major electronics brands, has faced intense scrutiny following a series of worker suicides in 2010. The company has factories worldwide and is considering expanding its investments in Vietnam due to lower labor costs. The article also touches on the broader implications of automation in the industry and the pressure on contract suppliers from large corporations like Apple to maintain low costs.