THAILAND

Product Update
Festivals in Thailand

LAOS

A note from Philippe Conod
News Update
Hotel Update

CAMBODIA
News Update

Product Update

Hotel Update

Restaurant Update

VIETNAM
A note from Thuy Tien

Brief News

Hotel Update

Airline News

MYANMAR
A note from Mika Itavaara

Brief news

Staff Update

Product News

Hotel Update

Airlines Update

Upcoming Festivals

MALAYSIA
News Update

Hotel Update

INDONESIA

A note from Andr? Seiler
News Update

Flight update

Hotel Update
 

CHINA

A note from Kris Van Goethem

News Update

Staff Update

Product news

Hotel Update

Upcoming Festivals

THAILAND

PRODUCT UPDATE

FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN THAILAND

THAILAND INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL

At the Rama VI Camp, Cha-am, Phetchaburi

8-9 March 2008

The Thailand International Kite Festival attracts an ever-growing number of devoted kite fans, participants and spectators from all over Thailand, as well as from countries around the region and beyond. The colourful kite festival presents a golden opportunity for visitors to savour the international flavor of kite culture in a single trip.

PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2008

Pattaya Beach, Thailand

21-23 March 2008

Te Pattaya Music Festival has proven to be very popular among locals as well as foreign travellers each year. This international flair is also reflected in the music events, bands and shows that can be seen on the festival. There is always a diverse mixture of local Thai and foreign music acts.

The music itself does not follow any specific style. You will find all facets of modern music, from hip-hop, pop, rock to electronic music. There is even jazz and easy-listening sessions at the Pattaya Music Festival. Throughout the event numerous bands will be playing as well as DJs spinning the newest tunes from all over the world.

This year the Pattaya International Music Festival 2008 will be held for three days, from 21 until 23 March. The event will not just be about live concerts and music but include many music-related activities and performances. Music books, music magazines, and CD’s are also on sale.

  MEKONG RIVER INTERNATIONAL MULTISPORT ITU ASIAN CUP 2008

Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai

28-30 March 2008

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Saen municipality, the Triathlon Association of Thailand and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) are jointly organising the 2008 Mekong River International ITU Triathlon Asian Cup competition. The event is to promote sports tourism and foster closer relations among the six Greater Mekong Subregion member countries, namely Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and southern China.

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Nationwide

13-15 April 2008

This traditional Thai custom of merry-making is the Kingdom's most “sanuk” (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm nation-wide, once a year.

In most parts of the country, Songkran extends over a period of three days. Known the world over for its characteristic tradition of water throwing, ranging from a courteous sprinkle, a polite splash, harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water cannon delivered in a festive spirit. Without a doubt, on the practical side, Songkran is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest season of the year.

There is, however, a much deeper significance to "Songkran". Apart from marking a new beginning Songkran is also a time for thanksgiving. It is an important time for individuals to reflect upon the many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness each has personally experienced and to remember how such acts of generosity and compassion bring peace, happiness and well being. Songkran is also the time for reunions when family ties are renewed.

BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR (BIG) & BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARE FAIR (BIH)

The Challenger Hall 1-3 IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

Trade: 17-20 April 2008 (10.00 hrs 18.00 hrs)

Public: 21-22 April 2008 (10.00 hrs-21.00 hrs)

Be among the first to catch a glimpse of the newest collection of gifts and home decorative items, as well as the trends for 2008 by visiting the Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2008 (BIG & BIH, April 2008) - the largest gifts and housewares trade show in ASEAN.

Organised by the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) for the 25th consecutive time BIG & BIH has proved to be the most comprehensive gifts and home decors trade show in this region, featuring a vast variety of world-class quality products of contemporary designs to fulfill the needs of every individual.

The 2008 edition is expected to draw nearly 1,000 exhibitors from Thailand and neighbouring countries and more than 100,000 visitors, especially from the United States of America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

A note from Managing Director Philippe Conod

Dear colleagues and friends,

I want to share with you some news from the South of Laos. Following a recent survey trip to there I would like to recommend a few lovely properties I had a chance to visit and stay at.

LA FOLIE LODGE

Opened last November this 12 bungalows (24 rooms) wooden construction has a very personal touch and offers a comfortable stay.

A large open-air restaurant/bar area offers you a beautiful view of the swimming pool and a stunning sunset over the Mekong River.

The lodge is located on Don Daeng Island, opposite Champasak town. Crossing by ferry takes 10 minutes from Champasak and 20 minutes from the Pakzemain road. Its ideal location enables guests to discover all the major attractions of South Laos without having to change hotel every day. Discover and relax at your own pace.

Website: www.lafolie-laos.com

KHONE PHAPHENG RESORT & GOLF CLUB

Located two kilometres upstream from the Khone Phapheng Falls this brand new resort offers 16 bungalows with three standard rooms each, three bungalows with a total of 10 deluxe rooms and two   executive rooms, each occupying an entire bungalow.

A large property along the bank of the Mekong River the  Khone Phapheng Resort also offers a swimming pool and a large function room, which can accommodate up to 120 persons. A nine-hole standard golf course is in the final stage of construction and a spa will be completed for the next high season.

Website: www.khonephaphengresort.com

KINGFISHER ECOLODGE

For those of you who can bear staying for a few days in a hotel without television and telephone (including mobile) but with modern comfort and a beautiful natural environment, the Kingfisher Ecolodge is the place to be.

The lodge has four deluxe rooms with full bathrooms and four eco rooms with a common bathroom (two clean toilets and two shower rooms). It can easily accommodate individuals or small parties looking for mixed adventure and relaxation.

The Kingfisher Ecolodge is easily accessible by an 8-km good condition dirt road from the main highway. Annual closure is in May and June.

Website: www.kingfisherecolodge.com

NEWS UPDATE

PIMAI FESTIVITIES

The Lao New Year “Phimai” festivities are approaching. Celebrated from 13-16 April just about every business will be closed in Laos during this period. Water throwing is part of the celebrations and you may just get drenched more than once during the festival. So just join in the celebrations, stay wet, have fun and smile.

Asian Trails’ offices will provide standby services during the festive days.

LOW SEASON

The low season will start right after the traditional New Year. Attractive rates and plenty of availability will help to materialise groups and FIT short notice bookings.

HOTEL UPDATE

Phnom Penh

New: Beach and lobby bar at the Cambodiana

Change is in the air at Cambodiana Hotel. The Chaktomuk beach will soon open at the rear of the hotel. Customers will be able to enjoy weekend barbecues on the elevated artificial beach overlooking the Bassac River.

As at press time, the new Lobby Bar and Gallery is due to open at the beginning of March. The bar will have a live band performing six nights a week and has art works by the Khmer artist Assax on display and for sale.

Siem Reap 

New: Boutique hotel, Pavilion d’Orient

Pavilion d'Orient, which just opened in Siem Reap, is an old colonial style mansion hidden in a lush tropical garden with 18 individual designed rooms. The unique salted water pool will refresh your senses after a hot day discovering the Angkor Temples. A spa is also available to bring you the Asian sense of relaxation with a full range of massages. At the restaurant, "Le Planteur", you will discover the taste of Cambodian and European cuisine.

Four Points by Sheraton Angkor to open in 2009

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed its first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Cambodia and the Indochina region: Four Points by Sheraton Angkor, Cambodia. Scheduled to open in 2009 the hotel will feature 150 rooms, 8,500 square feet of meeting space, three restaurants, health club, spa, swimming pool and a business centre.

The hotel is located on Road No. 6, which links Siem Reap International Airport to Siem Reap town.

Sunway to manage Allson hotels in Siem Reap

Sunway Hotels & Resorts, which now owns and operates five Sunway hotels and manages four Allson hotels, has signed an agreement to manage two more Allson brand hotels in Siem Reap beginning 1 January 2008. The hotels, to be named Allson Angkor Hotel (3*) and Allson Angkor Paradise Hotel (4*), have 193 rooms and 169 rooms respectively. 

Hotel Lotus partly under renovations

Hotel Lotus Angkor in Siem Reap is now partly under renovations until September 2008. During these months the hotel will upgrade all rooms, lobby bar, lobby, pool garden, pool bar, spa, front view and the reception.

Please note that the hotel is operating as usual and is not closed during the renovation period. Knocking will only be done in the three suite rooms between 10am and 2pm when most of the guests are out of the property, visiting the Angkor sites. The hotel will do its utmost to keep a good ambiance and pay special attention to its guests’ needs.

Angkor Village Hotel to close for renovations

Angkor Village Hotel will close for a full refurbishment starting from 1 May until 30 September 2008. All the bathrooms of the deluxe rooms will be renovated and the rooms repainted. The hotel will also install a completely new kitchen.

Sihanoukville/Bokor

Ramada Hotel Sihanoukville closed

Ramada Hotel and Resort apologises for the closure of Ramada Hotel Sihanoukville due to financial imbalance. The hotel was expected to be in a fully developed stage and operational by February 2008. However, due to unforeseen circumstances vital investors have pulled out their shares causing the Ramada Hotel Sihanoukville to tumble from lack of funds.   

New Sokha resorts

The Sokha Group announced plans for two new hotels last month. The group will build a new resort at the Bokor hill station as well as open a 1,000-room hotel and golf course at Sihanoukville’s Occheutal Beach. This is in addition to the company’s plans to open a new hotel on the Chroy Changvar Peninsula opposite the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

PRODUCT UPDATE

Siem Reap

Authentic cooking class at Angkor Village Resort  

The Angkor Village cooking class offers you a deep insight into Cambodian cuisine and its secrets.

At the Old Market of Siem Reap the chef will explain the secrets of rice and how to choose seasoning products. Back at Angkor Village Resort he will present a cookery demonstration of the dishes that you have to prepare! With a recipe in hand and assisted by the chef you will learn and experience cooking traditional Khmer cuisine and preparing three delicious local dishes. You get to taste your own dishes after the cooking session.

The cooking class is conducted in a convivial Khmer setting at L’auberge des Temples. All classes are small size (maximum 12 people) to ensure adequate personalised attention.

The Elephant Experience

Founded in 1997 with just four elephants the Compagnie des El?phants d’Angkor has grown over the years, improving the facilities for its elephants and the service offered to visitors to the temples. In 2002 the new elephant house at the “Farm”, opposite the base of the Phnom Bakheng Mountain, was completed.

We now give you the opportunity to spend some time with this magnificent animal, learn about its daily care and, hopefully, leave you with a desire to learn more. After spending just half a day with this respectful animal you will know how to wash, scrub and feed it. The programme also includes a walk through the forest where you experience the basics of driving an elephant. This special experience is designed for a maximum of four people.
 

Khmer Village Homestay 

Khmer Village Homestay is a unique community-based tourism site, which captures the essence of village life in the heartland of Cambodia. Located in Baray, Kompong Thom Province, it is ideally situated between the capital of Phnom Penh and the popular tourist destination of Siem Reap, home of the world-famous Angkor Temples.

At Khmer Village Homestay you will experience a taste of “real” Cambodia, travelling by an ox cart to visit local tourist spots and village homes. You also get to relax at our stunning purpose-built venue, which is created using raw materials that reflect the beauty of the surrounding area.

You will be amazed at the range of exciting activities on offer during your time at Khmer Village Homestay: village tour by pony cart, village home visit, sunset ox cart ride, boat making and fishing expedition (seasonal), palm fruit tasting and many more.

RESTAURANT UPDATE

Phnom Penh

More room at Malis

Malis, an upmarket contemporary Cambodian restaurant, has opened a new ground floor room. The new space can seat up to 35 people. Air-conditioned and fitted with modern equipment, such as projectors, it is ideal for small business meetings or private dinner functions. 

New: Le Wok

The new restaurant Le Wok is a refreshingly light and modern mid-range eatery on Street 178’s increasingly gentrified strip. With its menu featuring both French and pan-Asian cuisine, Le Wok is casual yet chic. 

A note from Managing Director Thuy Tien

VIETNAM CELEBRATES “NATIONAL TOURISM YEAR”

Vietnam is celebrating the “National Tourism Year” in 2008 with a year-long festival that will focus on the Mekong Delta, the waterways and the countryside.

The opening ceremony took place in mid-February with a big parade of cars symbolising the provinces, the cities and the countries through which the Mekong flows. Musical programmes and other performances were held on a stage, which was half submerged under water and half on land. Images of the people of the area were shown during the opening ceremony before the conclusion with a dazzling display of fireworks.

Some of the activities scheduled for the rest of the year are a cuisine cultural festival and an International Exhibition among others.

Apart from this cultural activities Can Tho will celebrate the opening of its airport and the Can Tho bridge later this year.

WELCOMING IN THE “YEAR OF THE RAT”

Vietnam celebrated the new Lunar New Year, which heralded in the “Year of the Rat” on 7 February. All the streets in the major cities were lit up to welcome in the “Earth Rat” and people gathered to watch the fireworks and celebrate new beginnings.

Asian Trails takes this opportunity to wish all of you a magnificent and prosperous Year of the Rat. We also wish to inform you that in 2009 we will welcome the “Year of the Cow” on 26 January. Don’t forget to mark the date in your calendars and remember this is the least convenient period of the year to travel within Vietnam.

BRIEF NEWS

ASIAN TRAILS DANANG MOVES

The Danang branch office of Asian Trails Vietnam, in the centre of the country, has just moved to a new location only 50 meters away from the previous one. This new office is bigger to accommodate the growing number of staff.

Telephone lines, faxes and e-mails remain unchanged. The new address is:

Asian Trails Danang

262 Tran Phu

Danang, Vietnam

Tel: 84.511.561348, Fax: 84.511.561349          

VIETNAM INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS CLUB (VITO CLUB)

Ten international tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City, including Asian Trails, have formed a club to unite forces in order to fight the difficult situation the tourism sector is undergoing in the country and to promote professionalism in the industry.

RELOCATION OF NAM PHAN RESTAURANT

Nam Phan Restaurant is closed from 1 February and will move to a new location in Phu My Hung, District 7. It will reopen in June 2008. Bookings made at Nam Phan restaurant will be moved to Nam Kha restaurant.

HOTEL UPDATE

SUNRISE RESORT NHA TRANG REBRANDS AS MELI?

Sol Meli? Hotels & Resorts, the world known resort group, has taken over the management of the five star Sunrise Resort Nha Trang, now renamed Meli? Sunrise Nha Trang. This development will help to promote the coastal town as a beach destination in Vietnam.

NEW FIVE STAR HOTEL IN HANOI

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is building a five star property in Hanoi, which is expected to be completed by end 2009. It will offer another 500 rooms to the existing room inventory in the capital city. The hotel will be located next to the International Convention Centre.

HOTEL SITUATION IN VIETNAM

The number of foreign tourists increased 18% in Vietnam in 2007 compared to the previous year. This, together with the lack of hotel investments in Vietnam’s major cities and an average increase of 30% in hotel rates in only 12 months, led to a critical supply and demand situation in the hotel industry. Coupled with a year-round high occupancy of between 80% to 90% in international hotels in 2007 (as reported by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) travel agents and tour operators are put at a disadvantage as they are weaker and the hoteliers more powerful in the supply-demand game.

AIRLINE NEWS

CEBU PACIFIC TO START OPERATIONS TO VIETNAM

More options to fly between Vietnam and the Philippines will come in Spring 2008 with Philippines’ Cebu Pacific flying to Vietnam.

In April Cebu Pacific will connect Manila and Hanoi three times a week and Ho Chi Minh City with Manila three times weekly.

VIETNAM AIRLINES TO ISSUE E-TICKETS

Vietnam Airlines will start issuing e-tickets this summer as a commitment to IATA. It currently offers e-tickets on some routes, but only on a trial basis. In the first stage of e-ticketing the airline will offer e-bookings through the phone and authorised offices, before proceeding to accept online payment at the second stage.

All foreigners are required to present their passports at the time of booking together with a phone number, which the airline will use to inform them of any schedule changes.

SIEM REAP AIRWAYS PLANS SIEM REAP-HO CHI MINH SERVICE

Cambodian Career Siem Reap Airways has plans to start new daily services from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City starting from Spring 2008. This new daily connection will increase the number of flights between these two cities to seven daily departures.

A message from General Manager Mika Itavaara

Regardless of a little slowdown in arrivals this winter things are moving on quickly in Myanmar. Several new properties are being built at the main tourism destinations to cater to the high demand for top quality accommodation. Similarly new cruise boats will be in operation on the upper Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers next winter season. ‘

It is exciting to see that Myanmar tourism is progressing with style. After a busy ATF in Bangkok I managed to take some time to survey more in depth the Putao region in the Myanmar, which is at the same latitude as Nepal and Bhutan. Putao is starting to emerge as a better-established and more accessible destination. The “hip” place to be at the moment is the Malikha Lodge. The resort is a cluster of luxuriously appointed designer chalets with all the comforts one may desire. There are soft adventure tours of different flavours, spa treatments and excellent cuisine and, of course, nice fire places to keep warm in the cool evenings. Simply a great place to enjoy quality time and put your feet back on the ground. The Putao surroundings are covered with untouched forests where you can still hear gibbon calls all over in the mornings. There are still countless species of flora and fauna in the jungles and high mountain pastures yet to be discovered. The region has also great potential for soft adventure sports such as mountain biking, trekking and rafting as well as for nature specialist tours.

Air Bagan flies to Putao twice weekly. Special region permits required can be arranged through our office.

BRIEF NEWS

ATM HOSTS TWO MICE GROUPS IN JANUARY

We had the pleasure to handle one meeting group of 37 pax from Zuellig Pharma Company and one incentive group from the Superpharm Company of Israel. The latter visited Yangon, Bagan, Inle and Ngapali. Some of the trip’s highlights included a temple dinner in Bagan, local leg rowing competition at the Inle Lake (50 in each team). The group members also tried this peculiar sports activity. Amazingly no one fell into the water.

After the cultural and lifestyle sightseeing highlights came the beach retreat in the beautiful Sandoway Resort and at the Ngapali Beach, known for its white sands. A special BBQ picnic lunch was arranged with parasols and cushions on an island with white sand beach. After snorkelling we returned to the Sandoway Resort to watch the breath- taking sunset over the Bay of Bengal and to sample local cocktails.  

STAFF UPDATE

ATM WELCOMES NYEIN CHAN

We are pleased to welcome Mr Nyein Chan to our company and the reservations department as a full-time employee. Nyein Chan has been studying at the CVT (Centre for Vocational Training in Yangon) for three years and throughout his curricula he has been an apprentice with Asian Trails. He has now completed his studies and we are proud to have him working with us full time. 

PRODUCT NEWS

NEW! RV PAUKAN 2007’s maiden voyage / 20 January           

A new cruise ship RV Paukan 2007, “a floating boutique hotel, was launched on 20 January. One of our French groups was fortunate to get on this maiden voyage, travelling from Mandalay to Bagan. The cruise was hosted by Ayrawata Cruises’ Managing Director, Mr Andrea Massari.

The RV Paukan 2007 will be operating on the Irrawaddy River, travelling mostly between Bagan and Mandalay. Please contact our Yangon office for updated cruise schedules.

NEW! Introducing Inle Balloon Safaris

During December 2008 Balloons over Bagan will be launching a series of exclusive and intimate balloon safaris in beautiful Shan State.

The journey will focus on Inle Lake and Pindaya, offering two varied and unique balloon experiences. Inle Lake and the surrounding area are at its most beautiful in December with excellent visibility, vibrant colours and stunning terrain sometimes reminiscent of Provence in Spring time.

Further details and reservations, please contact Asian Trails office.  

JOIN Mystical Myanmar Travel Trade FAM Trips 2008 
Myanmar Marketing Committee’s Travel Trade FAM Trips are running until September 2008 for travel professionals worldwide, including travel writers and travel photographers.

The Mystical Myanmar FAM Trips: 9 Days/8 Nights covering Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake; additionally the Classic Myanmar FAM Trips and Fascinating Myanmar FAM Trips: 5 Days/4 Nights covering Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay or Inle respectively, are to be chosen from its fixed departure dates.

Detailed information, itinerary and booking forms can be downloaded from www.myanmar-tourism.com

Asian Trails will host the group departing on 24 July. All bookings and enquiries must be made directly to MMC.

HOTEL UPDATE

HOTEL NIKKO ROYAL LAKE YANGON REBRANDED AS CHATRIUM HOTEL YANGON

From 1 April 2008 Hotel Nikko Royal Lake Yangon will be re-branded as Chatrium Hotel Yangon. It will be a member of Chatrium Suite Hotels & Resorts, which is the hotel management chain belonging to its owning company and affiliates in Thailand.

The Chatrium Suite Hotels & Resorts chain currently has four hotels: Chatrium Hotel Yangon, Chatrium Suite in Bangkok (re-branded from Emporium Suite), Chatrium Riverside Hotel in Bangkok and Chatrium Hotel Shanghai (opening 2010).

Website: www.chatrium.com.

AIRLINES UPDATE

KENG TUNG AIRPORT’S SOFT OPENING

In our previous newsletter we announced the closure of the Keng Tung airport until 15 March 2008. The airport upgrading works are still ongoing, but the airport authority has agreed to open the airport for three days per week.

Yangon Airways will start flying again to Keng Tung on 20 February operating on Tuesdays, Thursday s and Saturdays. Air Bagan and Air Mandalay will resume their normal operations on 15 March when the airport is fully opened.

UPCOMING FESTIVALS

PINDAYA CAVE FESTIVAL

17 March: 11th Waxing day of Tabaung

Location: Pindaya, Shan State

5-day ceremony ending 21 March

Typical Taung-yo pagoda festival. Different ethnic minority races can be seen.

SHWE-MAW-DAW FESTIVAL

13 April: 8th Waxing day of Tagu

Location: Bago

13-day ceremony ending 26 April

The trial artists perform on stage with full force to show their competitive edge over their counterparts and to win future performance contracts.

WATER FESTIVAL (THINGYAN)

12 April: 7th Waxing day of Tagu

Location: Throughout the country

5-day festival ending  17 April

The festival is held on the eve of the Myanmar New Year to cleanse the evil deeds of the previous year with water. Young people go out to enjoy themselves while the elders take shelter in monasteries and pagoda precincts.

ATMA’s staff celebrates Chinese New Year & wishes you a happy “Year of the Rat”

The staff of Asian Trails Malaysia gathered at the Putrajaya Seafood Centre to celebrate Chinese New Year. The dinner’s highlight is, of course, “Yee Sang” or raw fish and the team had great fun doing the traditional “tossing of the fish” for good luck and a successful 2008.

We wish all of you good health, wealth and prosperity during this “Rat” year.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE COUNTRY

ATMA AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Responsible Tourism is about tour operators “providing quality travel experiences that promote conservation of natural environments and offer opportunities and benefits for local communities”. ATMA believes that Responsible Tourism is a business ethic that all tour operators should adopt and is collaborating with Wild Asia to implement the principles of sustainable tourism and to promote the best management practices. 

MALAYSIA RANKS SECOND IN PRICE COMPETITIVE COUNTRIES

Malaysia is the second most price competitive country in the world in the travel and tourism industry, according to the World Economic Forum.

The WEF gave top billing to Malaysia’s participation at travel and tourism expos and ranked the country at sixth position, further enforcing the government’s strong commitment to promote the industry.

Malaysia is also billed as having good road, railway, airport and port infrastructure, as well as its stable of domestic travel network. It also took into account the country’s low ticket taxes and airport charges, low comparative fuel prices and its favourable tax regime.

The country is ranked 24th overall as a safe destination for tourists, and 19th in terms of reliability of police services on par with the United Kingdom

UNKNOWN MALAYSIA – TAMAN NEGARA SG RELAU

It is said that when one door closes, another opens. This saying may well apply to Taman Negara, Malaysia’s premier National Park.

ATMA, in its quest to offer something new and exotic, is taking you to explore the National Park’s beauty from a relatively unknown trail. There are many forest trails in Taman Negara and the popular ones are the Interpretive Trail, Negara Trail, Palas Trail and Gua Gajah Trail. The 0.5km Interpretive Trail provides an introduction to the rainforest and its ecosystem while the trail to Gua Gajah (pictured), a limestone outcrop, is about five km long and provides shelter for elephants during the monsoon.

The small of visitors to Taman Negara Sungai Relau has made it a haven for wildlife observation. The vast number of wildlife sighted includes civet cas, mouse deer, barking deer, wild boar, binturong, gibbon, leopard cat, owl, panther and elephant. It is also a haven for bird watchers with more than 200 species of birds.

A detailed itinerary will be ready in the very near future. 

The “Year of the Rat” has begun and many visitors from nearby countries took the opportunity to spend a few relaxing days in Bali during the Lunar New Year holidays.

Another important day in February was Valentine’s Day, celebrated worldwide by both young and old lovers. In conjunction with this event an online company’s global survey found Bali as the most romantic spot in Asia after destinations such as Phuket, Tokyo and Hong Kong. This is not a surprise, considering Bali’s many luxurious villas and resorts, world class spas and friendly staff giving their outmost to make a romantic holiday on the island an unforgettable experience.

Asian Trails offers, together with some selected hotels, attractive packages tailor-made for honeymooners and those in love. Please contact us at info@asiantrailsbali.com for more information. We will be happy to help you find the most romantic place on the island to spend your holidays with your loved ones.

NEWS UPDATE

DIRECT TRANSFER TO GILI TRAWANGAN & LOMBOK

Instead of flying between Bali and Lombok another option is to use one of the comfortable speedboat services. Blue Water Safaris leaves from Benoa harbour to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kode in Lombok. Using two boats with a maximum capacity of 10 and 18 passengers (latter capacity in the new vessel) each, the journey to the destination takes between 2 and 2.5 hours.

Another existing operator, Island Explorer with its Gili Cat, operates daily transfer from/to Padang Bai, East Bali and Gili Trawangan Island, as well as Teluk Kode in Lombok mainland, taking 80 minutes for the transfer. The vessel seats up to 16 passengers.

FLIGHT UPDATE

GARUDA INDONESIA TO RENEW FLEET

Garuda Indonesia, the country’s flag carrier, ordered 10 Boeing 777-300ERs aircraft on the first day of the Singapore Airshow last month. This aircraft type can fly up to 15 hours non-stop and transport up to 350 passengers. The airline is expected to take the first delivery of he aircraft in 2010.

Garuda managed to secure a remarkable profit in 2007 after a loss in 2006. The carrier is planning to open new routes to cities in Europe and the United States.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIES TO YOGYAKARTA

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) launched its first direct flight between Yogyakarta and Kuala Lumpur in early February. The three times a week flights are on a Boeing B737-400 aircraft.

MAS is the second airline to open direct connections to Yogyakarta. Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, AirAsia, is the first to launch flights to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur in January. Its four times weekly flights depart Kuala Lumpur on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using its new 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.

HOTEL UPDATE

RITZ-CARLTON BALI RESORT & SPA LAUNCHES AYANA VILLA

Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa recently launched its three-bedroom villa, Ayana Villa, on the cliffs over Jimbaran Bay. Translated as a “place of refuge” in Sanskrit the villa occupies 3,000 square meters of landscaped gardens in a quiet corner of the resort. The 420 square meter villa makes a magnificent entertainment area for up to 200 guests. A traditional Indonesian gazebo perched above the cliffs provides an enchanting and intimate wedding venue for couples to exchange vows against the magical backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

The villa is also set up as a private sanctuary with facilities that include a double massage room steam shower, private gym complete with treadmill and free weights, a 105 square metre pool and heated jacuzzi. It has three deluxe bedrooms, each with stunning views of the ocean, traditional carved Indonesian beds and large adjoining bathrooms featuring twin vanities, rain showers and large bathtubs. The state-of-the-art electronics include Bose home entertainment systems, flat-screen high-definition televisions in each bedroom and bathroom, and even high-tech toilets!

A dedicated team of staff, including a 24-hour on-call butler and a personal chef to prepare your choice of meals upon request, attends to your every whim with personalised yet discreet service.

Website: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Bali/Default.htm

NEW ACCOMODATION AT THE BALI SAFARI LODGE

The Mara River Safari Lodge is the latest addition to the theme park. Guests can choose to stay in either a one- to a three-bedroom lodge., which are located inside the park with a view over the savannah, home to the Tsavo lions.

The 39-unit lodge is supported by the unique Tsavo Lion restaurant, with an African ambience, from where diners can get “up close” with the lions, which wander freely outside.

Website: www.balisafarimarinepark.com

A message from General Manager Kris Van Goethem

Spring is in the air! After a few weeks of harsh weather sweeping across central China in the second half of January causing distress to millions of people who were planning to travel home for Chinese New Year (it was the coldest winter certain parts of China have ever seen in the last 50 years!), we can now finally look forward to better times. The Spring Festival brought relief and we can now feel China is warming up to a new season for travel.

The Olympics Year will certainly make its mark in the history of tourism in China. We are expecting a lot of special groups and a large number of travellers to come to China, and in particular to Beijing, this year to look at the capital city that is undergoing a facelift with new hotels, skyscrapers, underground lines and improved public facilities. They, however, may avoid coming during the month of August, when the Olympics is being held, due to high room rates, shortage of hotel rooms and shortage of airline seats ... it’s all very exciting and we hope to share this with you this year!

NEWS UPDATE

HAPPY NEW YEAR OF THE RAT!

Gong Xi Fa Cai, Wan Shi Ru Yi!

The Year of the Rat started on 7 February 2008 and ends on 25 January 2009. The New Year celebrations officially closed on 21 February, the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, with the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao).

The Rat is the first in the cycle of 12 animal signs. If you are born in 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924 this is your year!

A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity and renewal. The Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person, is clever, bright, sociable and family-minded.

OLYMPICS UPDATE

The preparation for the biggest Games in China’s history is on track. Although we cannot assist you with obtaining tickets it is still possible to book hotel rooms, transfers and tours with us during the Olympics.  However it is important to note that most hotels impose minimum stays of seven to 19 nights on top of the “Olympics” rates.  Please contact us for any enquiries.

P&O CRUISES IN SHANGHAI ON VALENTINE’S DAY

The M.V. Oriana (pictured left) visited Shanghai on 14 February as part of its World Voyages. The Asian Trails China’s team handled the pre- and post- cruise arrangements and the guests, mostly British citizens, were accommodated at the Royal Meridien for three nights. The weather was excellent during the three-day post programme and the guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

CHINESE PUBLIC HOLIDAY SYSTEM

From this year the Chinese National Holiday system is changing to cope with the heavy burden on public transport systems during the three Golden Weeks. There will be 11 holidays instead of 10 for the Chinese people and the May Golden Week is abandoned to make way for more traditional holidays. The updated National Holidays are as follows:

STAFF UPDATE

WELCOME VERONIQUE

Ms Veronique Ducassy will take up her position as Managing Director of Asian Trails China in March. After a busy ITB with many meetings and updates of our developments in China she will travel to Beijing to assume her new functions. We wish her all the best in this new and exciting challenge.

PRODUCT NEWS

UNESCO

UNESCO has extended the List of China World Heritage Sites in 2007. We can organise tailor-made packages for guests wishing to discover these natural and cultural wonders.

South China Karst: The Karst region extends over a surface of half a million sq km, lying mainly in Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi provinces. It represents one of the world’s most spectacular examples of humid tropical to subtropical karst landscapes.  The stone forests of Shilin (near Kunming, Yunnan) are considered superlative natural phenomena and a world reference with a wider range of pinnacle shapes than other karst landscapes with pinnacles, and a higher diversity of shapes and changing colours. The cone and tower karsts of Libo (southern Guizhou), also considered the world reference site for these types of karst, form a distinctive and beautiful landscape. Wulong Karst (near Chongqing) has been inscribed for its giant dolines (sinkholes), natural bridges and caves.

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages: Located only a few hours’ drive from Guangzhou, Kaiping Diaolou (also know as watchtowers) and Villages feature the Diaolou, multi-storeyed defensive village houses in Kaiping, which display a complex and flamboyant fusion of Chinese and Western structural and decorative forms. They reflect the significant role of ?migr? Kaiping people in the development of several countries in South Asia, Australasia and North America, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

HOTEL UPDATE

New hotels are coming up like mushrooms all over China.  Here is a selection of our preferred hotels opening in the near future. We have contracts with all the hotels featured below. Please feel free to contact us for enquiries.

BEIJING

Park Hyatt (pictured right): Soaring above the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District Park Hyatt Beijing is part of the Yintai Centre, the tallest skyscraper on Chang’an Avenue, and located directly opposite the China World Trade Centre.

The hotel combines gracious service with contemporary accommodation to create a warm, welcoming personal residence. Guests will be able to experience a wide range of unique shopping, dining and entertainment concepts in Park Life, a dynamic lifestyle destination located within the complex.

The hotel is scheduled to open in time for the Olympic Games.

Four Points by Sheraton, Haidian: Located in southeastern Beijing this hotel is scheduled to open its doors in July 2008. Comfortable, fun, and fuss-free it has 301 guest rooms, an invigorating health club, indoor swimming pool and full-service spa. Other facilities include nine meetings rooms and 1,560 metres of meeting and function space.

SANYA, HAINAN ISLAND

Banyan Tree Sanya Resort and Spa: Opening this April the Banyan Tree Sanya Resort and Spa will be the first all-pool villa resort in China. Located at Luhuitou Bay it boasts 49 lavish pool villas nestled in a tropical lagoon landscape. It is set to be another jewel in the Banyan Tree’s collection of properties, featuring a spa and hydrotherapy development, signature dining outlets, and extensive conference facilities.

Mandarin Oriental is scheduled to open a private beach resort in Sanya in June this year. The 12-hectare resort is on a 1.2 km-long private sandy coral beach, blending with the natural surroundings. It has 297 rooms with expansive views over the South China Sea.

UPCOMING FESTIVALS

QINGMING or TOMB-SWEEPING FESTIVAL

4 April

Location: All over China

The concept of filial piety or obedience to one's elderly or ancestors is a very important concept in the Chinese culture. Traditionally the Chinese believe that the spirits of deceased ancestors will look after the family even when they are gone. Hence, offering of food and spirit money could keep them happy in the spiritual world and, in turn, the living family will continue to prosper through good harvests and more children from the ancestors’ blessing.

All rights reserved - Asian Trails 2008

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