THAILAND

NEWS UPDATE

ASIAN TRAILS DONATES TO BAAN METHA THAM

Asian Trails made a donation of Baht 100,000.- to Baan Metta Tham primary school in Phayao, North Thailand. The donation is to support the school’s educational needs. 

PRODUCT UPDATE

COLORS OF CHIANG MAI                

Asian Trails offers a new tour, Colors of Chiang Mai, which involves four to five hours of bicycling through the southern parts of Chiang Mai.

The route takes you to Chiang Mai’s rich cultural landscape, cycling along quiet country roads and passing temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years. Enroute visit a special school for hill tribes’ children and a small pottery workshop producing different types of handcrafted pottery.

Ride along the Ping River and breathe in the local atmosphere that makes Chiang Mai so special. Bottled water and a local meal will be provided during the trip. 

For more information please contact us at: res@asiantrail.org

MILLENNIUM RESORT PATONG PHUKET

This five star resort is set in lush tropical landscaping within an urban environment - in Patong next to the new modern Jungcelon Shopping Complex. Scheduled to open in October 2007 it has two wings - the Beachside and the Lakeside. Its 421 rooms are tastefully furnished in rustic resort charm. Each room has a bath/shower, mini-bar fridge, safe deposit box, television, telephone, Internet access, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and coffee and tea-making facility. 

For more details, please visit the resort’s website at:  

http://www.millenniumhotels.com/th/millenniumpatongphuket/index.html

FESTIVALS IN THAILAND

20th THAILAND INTERNATIONAL SWAN BOAT RACE AND LONG BOAT RACE CHAMPIONSHIP THAILAND

Chao Phraya River at Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

8-9 September 2007

The Tourism Authority of Thailand initiated the kingdom’s first longboat race contest in 1986 as recognition of the importance of preserving Thailand's river-based cultural tradition.

Since 1988 a series of longboat race contests have been held at both local and national level. With the event’s growing popularity the first international boat race was held on the Chao Phraya River near the Rama IX Bridge, Bangkok in September 1999. It is now become an annual international event drawing the participation of boat teams from around the world.

THAILAND OPEN 2007

Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok

22–30 September 2007

The Thailand Open 2007, carrying a prize money of USD550,000, will be held at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok from 22-30 September.

Confirming their participation in this prestigious event are three of the world’s top five tennis players - Grand Slam champions World #2 Rafael Nadal and World #4 Andy Roddick, as well as teen sensation World #3 Novak Djokovic. Also competing are the world’s fastest rising players Benjamin Becker, Novak Djokovic, the German pair of Tommy Haas and Benjamin Beckerand and hometown’s hero Paradorn Srichaphan.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF DANCE AND MUSIC

Thailand Cultural Center, Bangkok

September-October 2007

Designed to position Bangkok as a cultural centre for world-class performing arts in Asia, the Thai capital will be hosting the International Festival of Dance and Music for the eighth consecutive year this September.

Each year the star-studded festival presents an impressive programme of world-class dance and musical performances, bringing together the finest international artistes and dancers from countries around the world like Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia, and France. Also taking part are celebrated Thai artists and performers, many of whom have gained international fame.

Contact information:
Thailand Cultural Centre
Ratchadapisek Road, Huay Kwang,
Bangkok 10310.
Tel: +66 (0) 2247 0028
Fax: +66 (0) 2245 7747
E-mail: thaicultural@hotmail.com

PHUKET VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

11-19 October 2007

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite.

As part of the festival’s rituals Thais of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet as a form of spiritual cleansing and

merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples. These include aesthetic displays, such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs, performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".

THE SAKHON NAKHON WAX CASTLE PROCESSION & ROYAL TROPHY LONG BOAT RACES

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Temple, Sakon Nakhon

20-26 October 2007

To mark the end of Buddhist Lent or “Ok Pansa” communities in northeastern Thailand or “I-San” stage an annual celebration consisting of a grand procession of meticulously-carved wax castles, long-boat races and festive celebrations. On the final day of the festival, which falls on the end of the Buddhist Lent, local residents make a trip to the temples to make merit.

This ancient folk tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. Over the centuries the tradition has evolved. Originally, ornate wax trees carved out of poles of beeswax were presented to temples along with other merit-making ritual offerings. Today, offerings come in elaborate designs and sophisticated shapes and forms, such as

miniature Buddhist temples and shrines or wax castles. molded from beeswax.

ILLUMINAED BOAT PROCESSION

The Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom

21-27 October 2007

The Illuminated Boat Procession is celebrated in I-San, the northeastern region of Thailand on the 15th day of the waxing moon to the first day of the waning moon in the 11th lunar month of the Buddhist calendar, usually a month earlier than the corresponding month in the conventional calendar.

This dazzling event marks the end of the Buddhist Lent or “Ok Pansa” and is accompanied by a colourful street procession and cultural performances, which add to the highlights of the annual event.

The illuminated boats vary in shape and form and reflect cultural identity, artistic and cultural splendour, indigenous culture and beliefs, folk knowledge and skills. Designs are inspired by Buddhist motifs, the Royal Barges, mythical characters in I-san and Brahmin legends and folklores. Commonly featured are the Naga – the Serpent King, Hong – the swan that is the sacred steeds of the Brahmin gods, Hamsa - the sacred goose and mount of Brahma, Garuda – the mount of Phra Narai (Vishnu), Erawan – the mount of Indra and Ganesh – the elephant-headed son of Shiva.

NEWS UPDATE

NEW STAFF MEMBER IN VIENTIANE

In August we recruited Mr. Yves Peutot as the new

assistant to Ms. Somchit to handle our fast growing French department.

Yves has lived in Laos off and on for many years and has an indepth knowledge of the country, having travelled throughout Laos when working on various projects. He is also the first foreigner working for ATL who is fluent in Lao! He is presently responsible for answering quotation and tour requests from all our major French accounts.

NEW DOMESTIC AIRLINE IN LAOS

LAO AIR, a new domestic airline in Laos, is operating scheduled and chartered flights in the country. It is set up by the Lao Military aviation operator “Lao Deun Akad”, which mainly operates helicopters on charter basis.

LAO AIR has bought a new Cesna Grand Caravan with 12 seats for commercial flights. The present scheduled flights are to Xam Neua, Phongsali and Xaignabouri. Flights to these remote destinations were so far only of interest to NGOs and development project staff. The airline is now targeting the tourist market and has plans to fly the Vientiane-Luang Prabang route in the near future.

The airline is a welcome competitor to the official national airline, Lao Airlines.

AN UPDATE ON SAVANNKHET PROVINCE

Special announcement: The Ing Hang Festival will take place from 18-24 December. The occasion will also celebrate the one year anniversary of the International Friendship Bridge. A number of performances, sports activities and a food festival are planned for this special occasion.

Before visiting Savannakhet make sure to contact the Eco Guide Unit, Savannakhet at: thongsavaths2@yahoo.com or Savannakhetguides2@yahoo.com; Tel/Fax: 041-214203, Mob. 020 2605046.

The Eco Guide Unit offers the following services:

• A half-day guided Savannakhet Historic City tour

• A one day trek, “Nong Lom Lake”, starting 15 km east of Savannakhet, ending at That Ing Hang. This tour  can be extended to include a homestay at Ban That to continue trekking on day two.

• Ban Phonsim – two-day trek with homestay

For guests spending more than one day in Savannakhet Asian Trails will hire an additional local guide to accompany them.

WHAT’S NEW IN ASIAN TRAILS CAMBODIA

NEWS UPDATE

ANGKOR WAT'S NOT A "NEW WONDER"!

It is unfortunate that Angkor Wat was not selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World… We are all very disappointed. However this is no excuse for not visiting Cambodia’s most famous national monument, the highlight for any travellers keen to discover the magic of Asia. The Temples of Angkor offer unrivalled beauty and still deserve their reputation as one of the greatest man made marvel!

CAMBODIA WORKS ON AIR ACCESS

Cambodia’s new tourism minister Mr. Thong Kong recognises the need to upgrade the country’s tourism promotion efforts, as called for by the private sector.

In an interview with TTG Asia the minister said that to achieve this goal the first step was to introduce new flights, as well as increase the number of the current air services. He emphasised that his tourism promotion plan was to bank on Cambodia's cultural heritage and natural resources, buoyed by the current stability and public safety and security.

Cambodia recorded 1.7 million tourists last year and expects to welcome 2.04 million arrivals this year and 2.44 million in 2008.

RAFFLES HOTELS HONOURED

Congratulations to Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh (pictured left) for being the only Cambodian hotels to be listed by Travel + Leisure among Asia’s "Top 50 hotels"! 

Readers of Travel + Leisure, a leading lifestyle magazine devoted to the celebration of travel, chose Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor for “its historic ambience in a tradition-rich location” and Raffles Hotel le Royal for “its old-world charm and the city’s best amenities”.

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PRODUCT UPDATE

PHNOM PENH CELEBRATES WATER & MOON FESTIVAL

The Water Festival in Cambodia takes place each year from 23-26 November at the time of the full moon, and is the most extravagant and exuberant event in the Khmer calendar.

Starting from the day of the full moon more than a million people, from all walks of life and from all over the country, flock to the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh to watch traditional boats racing on a huge scale. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking the strength of the powerful Khmer marine forces during the Khmer empire. The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap River and is also seen as thanksgivings to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish.

ANGKOR WAT INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON

Asian Trails Cambodia is giving its full support to the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, which will be held on 2 December.

The Marathon, which highlights the capability of disabled people in sports and all aspects of society, started in 1994 in Japan as a fund-raising event for the production of artificial limbs in developing countries. In 1996, despite the extremely chaotic situation in Cambodia, the organiser held the Marathon within the country. This practice continues until today.

This year the Marathon will be held on 2 December. The starting and finishing points will be in front of the central sanctuary of Angkor Wat. Everyone is invited to participate - women, men and kids and people in wheelchair or wearing artificial limb.

To register please go to the website at: www.angkormarathon.org.

THE LEGEND OF ANGKOR WAT...

“The Legend of Angkor Wat, when history comes to life” is a new spectacular light and sound show inspired by Cambodia’s historical tale and mythological beliefs. It will be held in front of Angkor Wat from 24 November 2007 to 20 January 2008.  Lights, sounds, water screen and other special effects, combined with APSARA dances and contemporary Khmer performances will ensure you an unforgettable evening!

• Performance days: Every evening except on everyTuesday, Christmas Eve (24 December 2007) and New Year’s Eve (31 December 2007).

•Show time: Show only, 20.00 hrs-21.00 hrs; Show + buffet dinner, 19.00 hrs-21.00 hrs

CHANGE IN “LES NUITS D'ANGKOR" DATES

The dates of “Les nuits d’Angkor 2007” performance have been changed! We are sorry to announce that the eighth edition of the now famous multicultural show, scheduled for 13-16 December 2007, has been postponed to 31 January-3 February 2008.

ORIENT PANDAW

The brand new 60-berth Orient Pandaw, part of the renowned Panda Cruises and the Irrawaddy Flotilla, is currently under construction. It will make its maiden voyage in September 2008 with a new 10-night expedition, starting from Saigon in Vietnam and then moving deep into the heart of Cambodia. The itinerary includes two nights in Saigon and two nights in Angkor.

Please contact us for more details on this new ship.

FLIGHT UPDATE

BANGKOK AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH CHIANG MAI-SIEM REAP SERVICE

Bangkok Airways will launch twice weekly flights from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap from 29 October, shortcutting a transit in Bangkok to facilitate high season traffic.

The flights will be on Thursdays and Saturdays on the 70- seat ATR72. It leaves Chiang Mai at 16:10 hrs and arrives at Siem Reap at 18:30 hrs. This is specifically a one-way light.                                                                                            

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Personal recommendations of Managing Director Thuy Tien

DALAT – HOME OF VIETNAM’S ADVENTURE TOURISM

Photo: Evason Ana Mandara Villas in Dalat

Dalat, the former French hill station is still a little bit away from the typical tourist routes with its remote location in the Southern Highlands of Vietnam. Even though Dalat is only three hours away by car from the popular coastal town of Nha Trang, most travellers prefer to head directly to Ho Chi Minh City on their way to the South.

One of Dalat’s main attraction is its climate, which is much milder that other Vietnamese cities due to its high altitude. The vegetation reminds one of Central Europe rather than tropical South East Asia.

The city has a few sightseeing spots such as the former Summer Palace of the last emperor, a flower market and a cable car. However Dalat’s highlight is in nature – the surrounding highlands with endless pine forests, green hills and small rivers - offering the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning, trekking and rock climbing.

Vietnam Airlines operates daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat., By car the journey takes six hours. Accommodation is offered by colonial gems, such as the Sofitel Palace and Novotel Dalat. There is also Evason Ana Mandara that offers French-style villas, styled after the architecture of the 1920s and 1930s, now converted into guestrooms.

 Asian Trails, together with a specialised partner, offers adventure tours to Dalat. We have qualified guides and the necessary equipment to make the tour an unforgettable experience. For more information on adventure tours and accommodation in Dalat please contact us at: asiantrails@hcm.vnn.vn

NEWS UPDATE

ASIAN TRAILS’ STAFF IMPROVES ENGLISH SKILL

Asian Trails is offering our employees in the Ho Chi Minh office the opportunity to improve their English to an intermediate level through lessons provided by the Vietnamese American Training College. The lessons take place in our office three times a week and last two hours per session. The aim is to facilitate communication in business English between Asian Trails and our partners around the world and to help avoid delays due to misunderstanding in communication. The lessons will also equip our staff to communicate efficiently with our clients on the ground to provide best available assistance.

NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL OPENS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City officially opened its new four-storey International Terminal on 2 September 2007. Test operations were conducted between between 14 to 20 August with about 30 international flights a day.

Vietnam Airlines switched all its international flights to the new terminal from 28 August. Thai Airways’ flights to/from Ho Chi Minh City started operating at the new terminal from 30 August. The new terminal is fully operational this month.The old terminal now serves only domestic flights.

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FLIGHT UPDATE

BANGKOK AIRWAYS INCREASES FLIGHTS TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Thailand’s Bangkok Airways will increase its Ho Chi Minh City-Bangkok service from three flights a week to daily flights from 29 October 2007. The airline operates this service together with Pacific Airlines since March 2007.

The winter schedule is as follows:

All flights are operated on a Boeing 717 except on day 6, which will be an an Airbus A320,

PACIFIC AIRLINES TO LAUNCH NEW SERVICES

Pacific Airlines, Vietnam’s second largest airline  after national carrier Vietnam Airlines, will start operating new routes between Ho Chi Minh City and the popular beach resort of Nha Trang on 21 September, and from Ho Chi Minh City to the former Imperial City of Hue on 1 December.

HOTEL UPDATE

INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI WESTLAKE OPENS IN MID-NOVEMBER

International Hanoi Westlake, Hanoi’s latest luxurious hotel, is scheduled for a mid-November opening. Set entirely over the waters of the historic Westlake it is only 10 minutes to the centre of the old town.

The hotel’s 359 rooms and suites are in contemporary Vietnamese design with private balconies, with most offering a lake view. All suite guests enjoy complimentary access to the Club Lounge. It has six distinctive restaurants and bars for stylish dining in the city.

NEW COMFORTABLE LODGE IN NORTHERN HIGHLANDS

The newly-opened Mai Chau Lodge is located about 130 km south west from the capital Hanoi in the northern province of Hoa Binh. The mountainous region is home to different hill tribes and is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as trekking or cycling.

The 15 rooms, with either mountain or lake view, are equipped with modern  amenities that include television to a minibar. There are two restaurants, one bar and a swimming pool to guarantee a comfortable stay in Mai Chau. The lodge also offers training and reaches skills for villagers in the area. It has also started a fund for donating buffalos to underprivileged families.

LIFE RESORTS MANAGES HOSPITALITY TRAINING CENTRE IN HUE

The Villa Hue is a new boutique hotel within the same complex as the Hue Tourism School, and a practical training centre for the youth from Hue and the surrounding areas. They are under the management of Life Resorts.

The hotel’s 10 Superior and two Deluxe rooms feature a private bath/shower and toilet, air conditioning, comfortable sitting area, mini-bar and refrigerator, cable television and wifi connection. Vietnamese and Western dishes will soon be served by the students in the hotel’s restaurant. Beverages and pastry are available in the Lobby Bar and Coffee Lounge.

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A note from General Manager Mika Itavaara

This has been an exciting summer for all of us at Asian Trails Myanmar, getting ready for the forthcoming high season and going on our annual staff fam trips in Myanmar. Personally I have been challenged with malaria, acquired from a jungle expedition, but am happy to say I am now fully recovered.

With great pleasure I was honoured to spend the last days of the Nordic summer, although very briefly, in my home country of Finland. My trip there in August was a combined sales and family trip. The weather could not have been better, but I must admit that temperatures of the far North do not appeal much after being used to the pleasant climate of Myanmar.

NEWS UPDATE

FLOODING UPDATE

During the past months of July and August some parts of Central Myanmar suffered from flooding caused by the summer monsoon. In August the historical site of Ava, in the proximity to Mandalay, was off limits to visitors as it was flooded. Other tourist destinations did not suffer from the floods and remained open as usual. The situation has already returned back to normal and the water levels in the Ayeyarwaddy River have dropped. Ava is again opened to visitors.

FUEL PRICES INCREASE

On 15 August Myanmar’s government decreased its subsidies to the fuel supply by 100% and for natural gas by 200%. This cost increase is likely to have an impact on commodity prices and services within the next few months. At the time of writing there has been a few peaceful demonstrations in Yangon with people demanding lower fuel rates.  It is also likely that tourism sector will be affected and some transportation increases and fuel surcharges may be imposed.

For more information and update please contact our Yangon office.

SUMMER TEAM BUILDING AND STAFF FAM TRIPS

Every year, during the summer season, we organise educational trips for our staff to see what’s new as well as to have few days of fun out of office.

As our reservations department has grown considerably in the last year or so, this time we travelled in four

teams, each led by its own team leader. The destinations this year were the Bagan and Inle Lake regions where our station managers and local staff had arranged an eventful itinerary for all of us.

PRODUCT UPDATE

STRAND HOTEL, ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST HOTELS IN 2007

The Strand Hotel, Yangon's premier accommodation choice and Myanmar's best hotel, has been nominated one of World Best Hotels 2007 by Travel + Leisure Magazine. The Strand was ranked 34th among top hotels all over the world.

The Strand Hotel was built in 1901 in the heart of Yangon, located close to the Yangon River. It was extensively renovated in the 1990s. It is now Yangon's best hotel and offers charming colonial atmosphere of times long gone by.

Website:  www.ghmhotels.com

CRUISES ON MYANMAR'S RIVERS

Cruises on the Irrawaddy by Road to Mandalay (part of the Orient Express group) restarted during the month of August after a short break during June and July. The Road to Mandalay offers top-notch service confirming to Orient Express standards.

Arvada Cruises, operating Pandaw 1947 cruises, have also restarted their operations in August. In addition to the highly popular Bagan-Mandalay cruise they also offer cruises on the lesser-known and visited Chindwin River, flowing down from the mountain ranges bordering India. Another adventurous option is to go all the way by boat to Bhamo, in the upper stretches of the Irrawaddy River. Additionally, Ayravata Cruises is adding a new luxury boat RV Paukan to its flotilla fleet that will start operations in November 2007. This brand new vessel is constructed identically to the traditional steamers plying Myanmar's rivers during the colonial era.

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HOTEL UPDATE

New! YANGON HOTEL

A new mid-class hotel, the YANGON HOTEL, recently opened in Yangon. It is located close to the Mingaladon International Airport, about 10 kilometers from the city centre. It offers a good degree of comfort for budget and mid class guests with 112 comfortable rooms in Deluxe, Executive and Standard Suites categories. The hotel has two restaurants - the Chinese restaurant located on the top floor offering a wonderful view over Yangon, and an international restaurant located on the ground floor.

SERENITY RESORT (INLE LAKE) OPENS   

The Serenity Resort, managed by the Inle Princess Resort, has been completely renovated and refurbished, and is now ready to accept clients.

The resort is located on the eastern shore of the Inle Lake amidst lush floating gardens. The tastefully decorated private chalets, built on stilts, allow great views over the lake and the surrounding countryside, with the backdrop of a Shan mountain range.

Read more at www.theserenity.com

COUNTRY UPDATE

CHINA SOUTHERN LAUNCHES FLIGHTS TO MYANMAR

China Southern, Asia's biggest airline, has started direct flights to Yangon from Guangzhou (also known as Canton). The three times weekly flights, launched on 2 July, are operated on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Guangzhou is a welcome addition to the international destinations served from Yangon, permitting better connection to the strategic Pearl River Delta Region of Southern China. The airline is also offering onward connections to the rest of China and North Eastern Asia.

AIR BAGAN FLIES TO SINGAPORE

Air Bagan, Myanmar's largest privately owned airline, is due to start a new daily flight to Singapore on 7 September. The flight will be operated with an Airbus A310 and will offer a much welcomed new extra capacity on the Singapore route, the second busiest routing out of Yangon after Bangkok.

UPCOMING FESTIVALS

PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA FESTIVAL

30 September:  1st Waxing day of Thidingyut

Venue:  Inle Lake, Shan State

Festival ends 17 October

Four Buddha statues are ceremoniously transported clockwise around the Inle Lake on the royal barge. One leg-rowed boat races are held throughout the festival’s duration.

All festival dates are subject changes in Myanmar without prior notice due to various reasons beyond our control. 

For a full list of festival dates please contact our Yangon office: res@asiantrails.com.mm

A note from Managing Director Serge Huber

ATMA’S NEW CONTRACT/PRODUCT MANAGER

Asian Trails Malaysia is happy to welcome Mr. Brandon Lim Chiat Eng on board as its the Contract and Product Manager. His recruitment is part of the company’s expansion plan.

Lim is responsible for securing contracted rates and new products/packages for the company. He has been involved in nature-based tours for the past 20 years and has developed and promoted successfully different packages to the interiors of Peninsular Malaysia. He is most known for promoting Cameron Highlands as a nature/adventure destination. He has also participated in and given talks on environmental issues.

We wish Lim the best of luck in all his coming challenges with us.

• Photo: Managing Director Serge Huber (left) celebrating Lim’s birthday

NEW PRODUCT

New!  KUALA LUMPUR LIFESTYLE TOUR: On foot and by train

ATMA is happy to introduce a new tour that highlights Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur  - Kuala Lumpur Lifestyle Tour. To test drive this new tour ATMA’s management team (pictured left) did a recce of the tour on 22 August

The day-long tour combines both the modern and traditional aspects of Malaysia, taking you through the streets of Kuala Lumpur to get a first hand experience of how Malaysians live and work.

Conducted by a local guide the trip begins with a visit to the local wet market, or pasar in the Malay language. You can spend hours at this unique market visiting the numerous stalls selling a large variety of products, from vegetables to poultry to dry goods. Then it is on to the Monorail (Light Rail Transit) to continue the tour to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) to visit the famed Petronas Twin Towers, the world tallest twin building.

Next stop: Little India. This place is so called as it is devoted to selling everything Indian – from clothing to trinkets, religious paraphernalia and food. It is a riot of colours. If you are a lover of Indian cuisine there is no better place than here to indulge yourself. Lunch is just that – Indian food served on banana leaf.

The tour also gives you an insight into the various religious practices of the Malaysians with visits to the Jamek Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, the Si YeeTemple and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

The tour ends with a cup of coffee in a modern but traditional coffee house.

For more information, please contact: res@asiantrails.com.my

FESTIVALS IN MALAYSIA

MOON CAKE FESTIVAL

26 September 2007

 The Moon Cake Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This year it is celebrated on 24 September.

The festival had its origins in the 4th century, celebrating the harvest festival and the worship of the moon goddess Chang-Er. Today the festival is celebrated with the eating of moon cakes under a full moon, the giving of moon cakes to family and friends as well as lantern processions.

BAZAAR RAMADHAN

12 September–12 October 2007

 The annual Bazaar Ramadhan. held throughout Malaysia. coincides with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. Numerous colourful roadside stalls dot the streets and open spaces in towns and villages throughout Malaysia, selling a delightful array of traditional dishes for the breaking of the daily fast.

HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

22 October-22 November 2006

Muslims in Malaysia, like their counterparts in other parts of the world, celebrate Hari Raya Aidil at the end of the holy month of Ramadhan when they fast from dawn to dusk.

Malaysian Muslims begin the first day pf Hari Raya with visits to the graves of their loved ones, followed by prayers and the seeking of forgiveness from their elders. They hold “open houses” for their relatives and friends and serve them a generous spread of food and traditional delicacies that include ketupat served with beef rendang (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk), satay (grilled meat on skewer) and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes).

DEEPAVALI/FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

8 November 2007

Deepavali or the‘ “Festival of Lights, is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu calendar. Hindus celebrate the occasion by decorating their homes with dozens of lights or oil lamps, called vikku, to signify the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over dark. It is a day of festive joy with Malaysians visiting their friends of Hindu faith to extend good wishes and to celebrate the joyous occasion.

One of the distinctive features of Deepavali in most homes and temples is the kolam, which is a decorative design drawn or placed on floors and walls.

HOTEL UPDATE

THE FRANGIPANI LANGKAWI RESORT & SPA

The four-star Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa is located about 15 minutes drive from the Langkawi International Airport, 30 minutes from Kuah town and within walking distance to the hustle and bustle of Pantai Tengah with its shops, restaurants cafes and bars.

One of Frangipani’s best features is its 400-metre long beachfront of soft golden sand. The resort offers spacious bungalows, villas and suites. Each villa is tastefully decorated with its own tropical garden. All Deluxe Garden Villas and Deluxe Beachfront Villas have a semi-outdoor rainforest shower and private terrace.

HOLIDAY INN KUCHING’S NEW POOL

The hotel’s newly renovated pool, with a refreshingly bright ambiance complemented by scenic view of the Sarawak River, features a blend of Sarawak native designs in the floor tiling and ironworks alongside contemporary fixtures. It is an ideal venue for holding private cocktails, outdoor dinners, product launches and wedding. It will also be the stage for the hotel’s various food promotions in the near future. Other new facilities include a children pool and playground set amidst the landscaped gardens

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Personal picks of Managing Director Renato Domini

BLOSSOM AT SENTOSA VILLA

I am pleased to recommend the restaurant and lounge Blossom at Sentosa Villas. It offers excellent modern Thai food in a nice, stylish and hip ambiance. This restaurant is a superb alternative to Kudeta, La Lucciola or Living Room. The Australian chef, Will Meyrick will make sure you have a great dining experience. Recommended dishes: Panaeng Beef Curry, Shrimp Salad

NEWS UPDATE

NEW AIRPORT IN LOMBOK

A new airport project is currently ongoing in Central Lombok and is due to be completed in early 2010. With a longer runway and bigger terminal this airport will replace the current one in Mataram, which cannot accommodate wide-body aircraft and the increased flight frequency to Lombok, an island located west of Bali.

EVENT UPDATE

CLASSICAL BALINESE COURT PERFORMANCES

Venue : Mercure Sanur

Opening date : 27 August 2007

Website : http://balimusicanddance.com/

Mercure Sanur in co-operation with Mekar Bhuana is hosting a series of traditional classical dances with dinner. Accompanied by a full gamelan orchestra the highly trained dancers, in their court-style costumes, perform every second Monday of the month.

Mekar Bhuana is a Sanur-based ensemble dedicated to the preservation of the endangered Balinese gamelan and dances.

COMMONWEALTH BANK TENNIS CLASSIC

Date : 9-16 September 2007

Venue : Grand Hyatt Bali

Website: www.bali-wtatour.com

The former Wismilak International tournament will be re-named from this year as the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic, reflecting the new sponsorship deal of one of Australia’s leading financial institutions. This prestigious women’s tennis event in South East Asia has once again attracted many of the world’s leading player, including Lindsay Davenport who makes her return to singles competition after an absence of almost a year.

THE UBUD WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL

Date : 25-20 September

Venue : Various locations in Ubud

Website : http://www.ubudwritersfestival.com

The 2007 festival lives up to this reputation with six days of rousing discussions, creative workshops, book launches, luscious literary lunches and dinners, a free children’s programme plus poetry, theatres, films, music and dances —an exhilarating programme in one of the world’s most beautiful settings. It is also one of the top literary events in the Asian region. In 2006 the festival was named “one of the world’s great book events” by Conde Nast Traveler and “among the top six literary festivals in the world” by Harper‘s Bazaar.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

SRIWIJAYA AIR LAUNCHES NEW ROUTE

Sriwijaya Air started a new daily flight between Bandung and Denpasar from 2 August 2007, using a Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

Bandung, the capital city of West Java and the fourth largest city in Indonesia, is the centre of Sundanese culture and cuisine. Other attractions lie in the Dutch architecture, a wild tangle of high volcanic peaks, hot springs and huge tea plantations that surround the city.

http://www.sriwijayaair-online.com

DENPASAR–MALANG SERVICE

Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) is now operating on the Malang-Denpasar route, using a Fokker 50, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Malang, one of Indonesia's most beautiful cities that drifts along in an air of nostalgia, provides an alternative for those who want to travel beyond Bali. This is a city where old Dutch planters and civil servants used to retire to a life of ease and luxury surrounded by hilly apple and tea plantations. It is also one of the departure points for an early morning trip to the magnificent Mt. Bromo.

DIRECT TRANSFER TO GILI TRAWANGAN, LOMBOK

Visitors now have an alternative transport to the Gili islands in Lombok, with shorter traveling time.

Island Explorer with its Gili Cat (http://www.gilicat.com) operates daily transfers from/to Padang Bai, East Bali and Gili Trawangan Island as well as Teluk Kode in Lombok mainland. The journey takes 80 minutes. The vessel seats up to 16 passengers.

Another operator, Blue Water Safaris, (http://www.bwsbali.com/) leaves from Benoa harbour to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kode in Lombok on certain schedule. Using two boats with maximum capacity of eight and 10 passengers respectively, the journey takes two hours.

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HOTEL UPDATE

KAMUELA VILLAS SEMINYAK

Location : Seminyak

Total rooms : 5 villas

Opening date : early August 2007

Website : http://www.aston-international.com

 This small villa complex consists of five units of two bedroom villas with private swimming pool. Situated next to Bali Deli it provides easy access to restaurants and shops along Seminyak street.

LE JARDIN

Location : Seminyak

Total rooms :11 villas

Opening date :3 August 2007

Website : http://www.lejardinvilla.com

 Located 200 metres from the beach this villa complex features nine two-bedroom villas and two three-bedroom villas, which are fully self-contained. The design concept accommodates privacy, comfort and luxury with all villas featuring an open-plan kitchen, and living and dining areas with direct view to a private swimming pool and garden

ANHERA

Location : Ubud

Total rooms : 8 villas

Opening date : July 2007

Website : http://www.anherahotelbali.com

The Anhera Hotel Bali is located in Jalan Raya Sanggingan in Ubud and is about five minutes away from Ubud Art Market and just steps away from the Blanco gallery. The eight villas are built in a combination of modern and traditional style, offering you total privacy yet giving you the full services of a hotel. Villas offer spectacular view of the river or padi fields. Each is equipped with a jacuzzi, CD player, coffee- and tea-making facilities and a well stocked mini bar to ensure a comfortable stay for you.

WINA HOLIDAY VILLA KUTA

The former Wina Cottage in Kuta, renamed Wina Holiday Villa Kuta, is now managed by Holiday Villa, a leading Malaysian hotel management chain that also manages Diwangkara Sanur.

Website: http://www.winaholidayvillakutabali.com/

PASAR SENGGOL AT GRAND HYATT BALI

Conceptualised by Super Potato, Japan’s cutting edge restaurant designers, the newly renovated Pasar Senggol, features a collection of live food stalls serving authentic Indonesian and Balinese cuisine with an extensive seafood grill. Guests have a sense of being in a local temple, with river stone walls and Balinese gate as stage backdrop. Dance performances entertain diners at this unique “one stop shop” cultural experience.

Website: www.bali.grand.hyatt.com

MELIA BALI

The resort will open its 145 Deluxe Garden rooms to its guests in late 2007. These upgraded superior rooms, angled to capture stunning views of manicured gardens, comprise 131 with king beds and 14 twin beds.

Located in buildings II, III and IV the contemporary tropical d?cor features elegantly canopied beds, with sleek tropical wood furniture and floors. The living area expands outdoors to the verandah that is furnished with a lounger, breakfast table and chairs, overlooking tropical gardens.

Website: http://meliabali.com/index.php

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All rights reserved ? Asian Trails 2006

Newsletter archive:  

Sep 07,  Jul 07,  May 07, Mar 07, Jan 07,

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