Dear friends,

The year is already moving fast as we already change seasons from winter to spring. for many of our destinations, this means a time for colourful festivals and celebrations. Guests are encouraged to take part in many of these festivities where one can sample mouth watering local delicacies, engage with the locals, witness dazzling parades and partake in street activities. Watch out though - it's also a time for getting soaked by icy cold shots from water pistols! Read on to find out more details!

Results from January and February are also very encouraging with only a slight dip in numbers. A very encouraging sign that we are already on the road to recovery!
 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Luzi A. Matzig

CEO

DESTINATION INFORMATION

ASIAN TRAILS PRODUCT UPDATE

Eco-Adventures on the Pang Soong Nature Trails

These programs, which are either one day, one and a half day, and two days in duration, are designed to appeal to those who are ‘fit and over fifty’, and enjoy the outdoor environment. Different trails, graded from easy to medium in terms of difficulty provide access to the 30 sq.km beautifully pristine, evergreen Mae Lai community forest located high in the mountains just one hour outside of Chiang Mai, that has been protected by its custodians, the Khon Muang (Chaa mieng – fermented tea) farmers of the Mae Lai valley for over 200 years.  With basic, yet comfortable and clean accommodation available the resort comprises of the delightful Pang Soong Lodge and the Outdoor Education & Research Centre all in clean cool mountain air. This unique private sector operated – community owned attraction, is a model of responsible tourism that helps protect the forest, and provides environmental education to locals and visitors alike.  For additional details please contact  res@asiantrails.org.

HOTEL INFORMATION

AKA Resort Hua Hin

offering deluxe villa accommodation set in 10 acres of verdant tropical landscape, blending traditional Thai elegance with contemporary chic.  With either one or two bedrooms, each deluxe villa combines luxurious interiors with a 10 metre private infinity pool, garden sunken bath and shower, sundeck and terraced courtyard with garden pavilion.  Only 10 minutes from the town centre, railway station, and superb sandy beach, with complimentary shuttle transfer between the resort and those attractions throughout the day.  It is also the nearest five-star resort to Black Mountain Golf Course, and is renowned for its signature spa treatments and massages.

AKA Resort Guti Hua Hin

This luxury monastery styled retreat, sheltered by the mountains has a panoramic view of the Hua Hin countryside.  Guest villas are dotted around the 25 acres of verdant tropical landscape and include private 10 metre infinity pool, garden terrace, private courtyard, and garden pavilion overlooking panoramic vistas. A retreat, an oasis of calm, a refuge from modern city life, AKA Resort Guti Hua Hin provides its guests a unique opportunity to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.

Centre Point Hospitality

Centre Point Hospitality manages the 8 executive serviced apartments in prime locations throughout Bangkok by 3 different brands; Grande Centre Point Hotel Residence, Ratchadamri, Centre Point Hotel & Residence, Wireless Road, and Centre Point Executive Serviced Apartments, Petchburi 15, Sukhumvit 10, Silom, Langsuan, Saladaeng, Sukhumvit – Thong Lo. It offers superior, superb comfortable accommodation from a studio room up to 2 and 3 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, and standard facilities of swimming pool, fitness center, laundry service, mini-mart, free in-room high speed internet connection, and 24-hours intendance service.  Please visit www.centrepoint.com for more details

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

MARCH 2009
ASIAN BARRED GROUND DOVE COOING COMPETITION
Yala Province, Southern Thailand

Thais have long believed that doves are creatures that bring good luck to those who rear them. They are also regarded as symbols of purity and peace. These qualities, specified by ancient texts, are believed to bestow great wealth and honour upon the owner. Given this belief, in former times, the rearing of zebra doves was a popular past-time among Thais. The practice was widespread throughout the lower southern provinces and neighboring countries. A local dove-cooing contest has now evolved into an international event with participants from the neighbouring countries.

AUDEMARS PIGUET AND ANANTARA TRUMPET THE 2009 KING’S CUP ELEPHANT POLO TOURNAMENT
March 23-29, 2009
At Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, Chiang Rai

This year’s event is once again sponsored by Audemars Piguet — one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious watchmakers — and will see 12 teams go trunk to trunk to win the coveted King's Cup trophy. An opening parade and blessing ceremony will be held in Chiang Saen town on March 23 to showcase the culture of the Golden Triangle region with northern traditional-style dancers, hill-tribe villagers in traditional costume, elephant spirit men (Khru Ba Yai), and colourfully decorated pachyderms. The parade will mark the kick-off of the weeklong competition held on the banks of the Ruak River which divides Thailand from Myanmar. During the first five years of the tournament, the event took place in the royal seaside town of Hua Hin before moving to the native home of elephants in 2006 — the Golden Triangle. The tournament was introduced to Thailand in 2001 by Anantara Resorts and is a charitable event that raises money for the country’s National Elephant Institute in Lampang, North Thailand.

5^th WORLD THAI MARTIAL ARTS FESTIVAL AND WAI KHRU MUAY THAI CEREMONY
NAI KHANOM TOM DAY – TRIBUTE TO A MUAY THAI FOLK HERO
March 10 – 17, 2009
At the Ayutthaya World Heritage Site

The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is home to the annual World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony. For individuals trained in the ancient Thai art of boxing or ‘Muay Thai’, the annual Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony held during the annual Thai Martial Arts Festival is the most important date on their calendar. Muay Thai boxers from around the world return to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom. The ancient origins of Muay Thai or Thai boxing can be traced back to Muay Boran or “ancient boxing”, a form of unarmed combat used by Siamese soldiers in conjunction with an ancient weapon called Krabee Krabong.  Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and Ayutthaya, the home of its legendary hero, Nai Khanom Tom, is the stronghold of Muay Thai.

SWEET GRAPE & ‘BEST OF DAMNOEN SADUAK’ FAIR
March 2009
Wat Chotikaram Pier, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province

FAIR HIGHLIGHTS

-  A colourful boat procession

-  Sweet Grape Contest

-  Fruit Contest

-  Food Contests

-  Delicious Kuay Teow Reua boat noodles

-  Kuay Teow Reua boat-noodles eating competition

-  Miss Sweet Grape beauty contest

-  Folk sports

-  Sales of OTOP products

The Damnoen Saduak District is home to Thailand’s world-famous floating market. The coluorful spectacle of its bustling floating market with a myriad of paddle boats, laden with produce from nearby orchards and plantations or offering other merchandise is perhaps one of the world’s most photographed sights.  Described as the ‘land of fruit and Thai life by the riverside’, Ratchaburi Province is situated in fertile agricultural heartland. Its rural landscape is characterized by lowland plains dotted with vegetable plots, plantations and fruit orchards nurtured by the Mae Klong River and numerous other tributaries, natural and man-made irrigation canals and waterways.

APRIL 6 - 19, 2009
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Bangkok. Ayutthaya. Phra Pradaeng. Samut Prakan. Chon Buri. Chiang Mai. Si Satchanalai., Sukhothai. Khon Kaen. Nong Khai. Nakhon Phanom. Hat Yai. Nakhon Si, Thammarat. Phuket.

Songkran Day has been celebrated as New Year's Day in the Thai solar calendar since ancient times. Across the country, the people enjoy the time for religious ceremonies, merit-making for families and friends, and splashing water.  The word "Songkran" means a passage or course and refers to the position of the sun within the solar system. As the sun enters each of the houses of the zodiac constellation, a songkran cycle is completed. Over time, the use of the term has become more generic. During this time, the sun is equidistant to the earth so there are an equal number of hours during the day and night, a phenomenon known as "mahasongkran" (the supreme cycle). This marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. Songkran is celebrated over a 3-day period. A spirit of good-natured fun permeates the holiday season. Songkran embodies the essential caring and unity at the core of Thai society — enduring qualities that make Thailand truly amazing.

KHAO PHANOM RUNG FESTIVAL
THE ASCENT OF KHAO PHANOM RUNG – ‘HOME OF THE GODS’
April 2009
Phanom Rung Historical Park, Chalermphrakiat district, Buri Ram province

Khao Phanom Rung Festival and The Ascent of Khao Phanom Rung

Highlights include a rarely seen invocation ritual or buang suang ceremony, a procession to pay homage to the gods and celestial beings, a traditional Northeastern Thailand or I-San-style hope bai dinner, cultural presentations, the Phanom Rung Devalai light-and-sound presentations and traditional cultural performances and sales of a range of souvenirs, village handicrafts and products from the sub-districts (tambon) of Buri Ram province promoted under the OTOP — One Tambon One Product — banner. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is the second most significant Khmer-style temple in Northeastern Thailand or I-San. Although often overlooked on account of the famed Angkor city complex in Cambodia, the Khmer monuments of I-san represent key architectural milestones in the development of Angkorean design and ritual. In fact virtually every Angkor-period monument played a role in an elaborate cosmology that linked the entire network, a part of which lay in what is today Thailand. According to ancient folk belief, one should make a pilgrimage to the summit of Khao Phanom Rung to pay homage to the gods, deities and celestial beings that reside on the mountain at least once in a lifetime. The tradition has been carefully preserved by the residents of I-san over the centuries.

POI SANG LONG
April 2009
In Amphoe Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son

One of Thailand's most naturally scenic areas, this province is home to a number of hilltribe communities. Poi Sang Long, the ordination of novices, is a religious ceremony of the Thai Yai tribal peoples. A spectacular and colourful procession displaying the offerings for the monks is paraded through the town

A note from Managing Director Philippe Conod

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

ASIAN TRAILS PRODUCT UPDATE

Stay in Style in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy top comfort in a beautiful location, relax near the swimming pool between two escapes to the Heritage City of Luang Prabang, at the beautiful Sunset House. Available for 2 – 8 persons, hotel like services available, car, guide and

any additional service possible on request. Bookings accepted from 2 nights minimum. Ideal for small groups of friends and families. Ask for prices, low season promotions available.

HOTEL INFORMATION

New Opening in Pakze

As previously announced, the new Champasak Grand Hotel opened its doors

last December. Ideally located on the bank of the Mekong River, in the middle a a new shopping and animation area, the Grand offers 225 rooms in 12 floors,

ranging from Standard room to Executive suite. 

Comfort and large rooms make it the new best place in Pazke.

Chanthavinh Resort in Luang Prabang

Cross the Mekong River by boat and arrive in just over 10 minutes to this

Oasis of peace. Enjoy the large green garden, have a drink and dinner on the terrace overlooking the beautiful Mekong River. 24 double and twin rooms in the main building, all with Mekong view, and 9 bungalows with garden view, can accommodate those who prefer to stay close but away from the animation and the crowd. Regular ferry services provided but the hotel, charter of private boats is possible any anytime from 0600am to 11pm.

RESTAURANTS & VENUES

Enjoy a beautiful sunset whilst sipping a cool cocktail before having dinner in the open air (air condition room also available) at the brand new Mekong Lanexang floating restaurant in Pakze.

Large choice of food and drinks available at THE place in Pakze.

Open daily for lunch and dinner

DESTINATION INFORMATION

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

Tonle Sap Database

The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve Environmental Database was formally launched in December last year. Claimed to be the most comprehensive website available on the biosphere, the database is part of Tonle Sap Environmental Management Project and aims to preserve the lake and improve the livelihood of many people that live around it.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Asian Trails Cambodia supports Cambodia’s circus extravaganza: TINI TINOU

Tini Tinou 2009, Cambodia’s circus extravaganza now in its 6th year and bigger than ever, which attracts artists from around the world, will take place in both Phnom Penh (the country’s capital) and Battambang this coming March & April 2009.

Sponsored by Asian Trails Cambodia the host of this spectacle is Phare Ponleu Selpak, whose roots are in the 1980s Thai refugee camps, caused by helpless people fleeing Cambodia as a result of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s.

The festival will officially open in Phnom Penh on March 28 with a colorful and exciting parade through the streets of the city, featuring all the invited artists, over 120 from 10 countries. Later that evening in the capital’s Olympic Stadium there will be a stage show, continued the following morning, with a cabaret afternoon; rich moments, unique & unmissable! It continues in Battambang where from 2^nd until 5^th April, 2009 the public will be entertained with feats of acrobatics, juggling, trapeze flying, tightrope displays, contortionists, tumbling, and of course everyone’s favorite the antics of the clowns.

For guests wishing to experience the lively atmosphere please contact Asian Trails Cambodia for your arrangements.

ASIAN TRAILS PRODUCT UPDATE

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

Opening of Villa Kiara Boutique Hotel

Villa Kiara is an intimate boutique hotel made up of 8 suites and 9 deluxe rooms. All rooms and suites are spacious, colourful and tasteful decorated with natural products and Cambodian handicrafts. Each of the rooms has either a private balcony overlooking the swimming pool or a secluded intimate garden. In this heaven of tranquillity you will experience the warmth of the Khmer traditions and the depth of its ancient culture.

Kamphong Thom

Kep

New rooms at Veranda Resort

Perched in the Mountain of Kep National Park lies Veranda Natural Resort overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Island and Bokor Mountain. The newly built Retreat Residence offers 7 comfortable and fully equipped air conditioned rooms that make your stay unforgettable in this quiet hillside location.

Bokor/Kampot

Ground Breaking Ceremony of Sokha Bokor Hotel and Bokor National Park

Sokha Hotel Company announced officially the start of Bokor National Park Development Project with a Ground Breaking Ceremony on top of Bokor Mountain. The project will take 15 years to complete with a budget in the millions of US dollar. It includes the building of road network on the mountain, sewage and drainage systems, constructing hotels and casinos, condominiums, villages, flat houses, amusement parks, restaurants, department stores, vegetable farms, hospitals, schools etc. This plan aims at transforming the area from a quiet tourism city into a dynamic developmental city surrounding by the great view of natural forest in Cambodia.

RESTAURANTS & VENUES

Phnom Penh

A note from General Manager Claudio Kellenberger

DESTINATION INFORMATION

Hoang Lien National Park temporarily closed to tourists

An official announcement from Hoang Lien National Park was sent recently advising the Park will be closed for all tourist visits from the 27th Feb. 09, due to the high risk of accidental fires. No information was disclosed about when it will be opened again since it will surely depend on weather conditions.

HOTEL INFORMATION

AIRLINE INFORMATION

RESTAURANTS & VENUES

White Marble Restaurant Hoi An

Hoi An recently opened its first Wine & Asian Tapas bar, White Marble Restaurant.

Centrally located with views to the Tu Bon River and the vibrant street life of the old town, this century old building changed into a tastefully renovated upstairs restaurant and downstairs lounge bar.

It offers an extensive list of premium international wines - available by the glass or bottle, a diverse selection of Asian Tapas inspired by the Vietnamese tradition of dish sharing and it aims to be the new meeting point in Hoi An. White Marble Restaurant, the perfect place to start and finish your Ancient Town experience.

Secret Garden Hoi An

This new restaurant is located in a backstreet within the old town of Hoi An. Its location makes it reachable only by foot. The place is small and charming, features live music and its privileged garden is perfect for those seeking something cozy. An open-kitchen, full access for guests in wheelchairs, permanent exhibitions from local artists and the Vietnamese menu will help promote all aspects of the culture of Central Viet Nam. Events for up to 120 people and cooking classes can be organized in the premises upon request.

STAFF UPDATES

Goodbye, adios, Hen gap lai!

Idoia Mezo is leaving Asian Trails Vietnam end of March 09. She worked with us as Product Manager since July 2006 and was also in charge of Latin Markets. She made significant contributions to establish and strengthen our position on the Spanish market. Idoia decided to pick up with another challenge in Asia, outside the tourism field. A big ‘thank you’ from all staff and management of Asian Trails Vietnam for her relentless work, commitment and efforts. We wish her all the best, both for her professional and personal future!

Hello, hola, xin chao!

Mr. Javier Salvador Parra (Spanish) will join Asian Trails Vietnam mid of March 09 as new Manager Latin Markets. Javier has an extensive background in costumer services for Latin tourists and worked several years in the Asia/Pacific area for different Inbound operators. He is fluent in both Italian and Portuguese, besides English and Thai. We wish him a good start and success in his new position.

A note from Managing Director Veronique Ducassy

Chinese New Year is also called "Spring Festival". We will have to wait a while for springtime as the month of Feb has given us the chance to see Beijing under the snow. For two days the city and surroundings have wrapped themselves in a white coat.

But March is coming soon and flowers and trees will be blooming again to welcome our visitors.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

The Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival are over and we have now fully entered into the Year of the Ox!

DESTINATION INFORMATION

ASIAN TRAILS PRODUCT UPDATE

Solar Eclipse 22 July 2009 - We are in full preparation to receive groups from different continents to view the solar eclipse this summer.  The best observation points for the eclipse will be in between Shanghai and Hangzhou at certain designated places.  Our experts have inspected the sites and selected viewing areas for our customers.  Asian Trails China can still accommodate your requests for Eclipse packages!

HOTEL INFORMATION

Well-being extension from Shanghai - we would like to recommend Kayumanis Private Villa, a luxury retreat just 3 hours away from Shanghai, or 1 hour from Nanjing.  Just 21 villas, all with oversize private pool and a sunken bathtub with water from the local hot spring.  The Kayumanis has 4 properties in Bali, and this is their first venture into China.  The Spa introduces therapists from Bali and draws inspiration from the healing properties of Chinese herbs.  Ask us for special packages for your discerning customers!

RESTAURANTS & VENUES

STAFF UPDATES

ANY OTHER NEWS

Asian Trails attended FITUR tourism show in Madrid during the last week of January. A time to meet our partners from Spain and Latin America.

On the photo (left to right) : Luciano Centolanza (from Thailand), Veronique Ducassy (from China) and Roger Haumueller (from Thailand).

A note from Managing Director Thomas Carnevale

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

WATER FESTIVAL - THINGYAN

From April 13th until April 16th 2009

Perhaps the most popular of all festivals, the Thingyan is held on the eve of Myanmar New Year to cleanse the evil deeds of the previous year by spraying water. Young people go out to enjoy themselves and elders take shelter in monasteries and pagoda precincts. The streets of Yangon as well as of all the other cities and towns around Myanmar are thronged with people dancing, throwing water at themselves and having a good time.

The atmosphere is electric and people behave in a different way as they usually do during the year.

DESTINATION INFORMATION

ASIAN TRAILS PRODUCT UPDATE

Our Managing Director, Mr. Thomas Carnevale, accompanied by our Reservation Agent Mr. Kelvin, had the opportunity to go on an inspection trip to Arakan/Rakhine State at the beginning of February. They visited both Sittway and Mrauk Oo, taking in also the Laytoo Chin Villages located near the border between Arakan and Chin State, around 2 hours by boat from Mrauk Oo.

Mr. Thomas also had a chance to inspect all the accommodation available in both Sittway and Mrauk Oo, which although not luxurious are of a very decent level and can be recommended. The new Mrauk Oo Princess, which officially opened last October, is still in the process of being finished and will be completely opened for the next high season.

A visit to Northern Rakhine is warmly recommended to clients looking for off the beaten track destinations however still looking for some comfort while on the road.

After visiting the Northern part of the state Mr. Thomas also visited Ngapali Beach, arguably Myanmar's best, located in the southern part of the state. There he inspected the hotels, which, although with less occupancy than usual compared to previous seasons, are still doing relatively well.

Our Reservation Assistant, Mr. Nyein Chan Aung, had the opportunity of being invited by Amara Cruises, to join them on one of their regular journeys from Bahmo, in Kachin State, to Mandalay. The cruise takes 7 days and goes through some of the most remote and majestic landscape in Myanmar, stopping at Katha, the small city where George Orwell wrote his famous "Burmese Days" as well as going through the second and third Irrawaddy Defiles "Gorges".

For more details on this cruise as well as for prices and schedule do not hesitate to contact us.

Elephant Coach Burma Road

Asian Trails Myanmar is pleased to announce, in collaboration with Asia Elephant Coach Ltd., for the 2009-2010 season new tour packages onboard the restored World War II dodge buses.

Asia Elephant Coach has recently completed the restoration of a third bus, therefore offering more possibilities for luxury travel around Myanmar!

Two new Asian Trails packages will go on sale starting from October 2009.

The first will feature the Old Burma Road, travelling in comfort and style onboard the restored bus from Muse, on the Myanmar side of the border, to Mandalay, stopping along the way in Lashio, Hsipaw and Maymyo - Pyn Oo Lwin.

The second will instead feature a tour to Kyaihktiyo/Golden Rock, continuing to Hpa An in Kayin State and Mawlamyine in Mon State.

One of the buses will be based permanently in Bagan, therefore the same will be available also for sightseeing around Bagan (including Mount Popa) as well as for road transfer from Bagan to Mandalay and vice versa.

Travelling onboard these restored buses is a really unique experience and the service onboard is geared towards the highest standards. The buses are able to sit 6 people plus the accompanying guide. A fully equipped emergency car with mechanic onboard will follow the bus at all times during the long tours along the Burma Road and to Mon / Kayin State. At least one of the Elephant coaches will remain available in Yangon for day trips in and around the city as well as for airport transfers.

Balloons over Shan State

Balloons over Bagan has informed us that following last year's success, they will offer also again this December their special and exclusive Balloon tour around Inle Lake area in Shan State, coupled with the usual Bagan flights.

To cater to increased demand there will be now 4 fixed departures. These special and exclusive tours will last 6 days and will feature a total of 5 Balloon flights over Pindaya region & Inle Lake, in Shan State, as well as two flights in Bagan. As last year, the groups for each departure will be limited to 8 guests.

The best available accommodation at each site will be provided and all the sightseeing as well as meals will be included. Some more "unusual" extras are also included, like canoe trips on Inle Lake and lunch & cooking experiences in a local Inn Tha house on Inle Lake. These tours will cater to the most discerning and experienced travellers and we expect these to book up fast, we therefore recommend early reservations.

IFC Pandaw New cruises

IFC Pandaw has recently announced two new cruises for the 2009-2010 winter season.

The first one called "The Irrawaddy" will take 15 days and have 5 departures from October until March and will take in the upper and lower reaches of the Irrawaddy River.

It will travel upstream from Pyay/Proome via Magwe, Sale, Bagan & Mandalay all the way to Katha (where George Orwell wrote his now famous book Burmese Days) before turning back downstream towards Mandalay.

The second cruise "Golden Land", taking 8 days and with four departure spread during the same months, will instead travel downstream from Mandalay all the way to Pyay/Proome, stopping along the route in Bagan and Magway in between others.

Both tours can easily be combined with visit to other areas of Myanmar.

For more information as well as for special prices do not hesitate to contact us.

AIRLINE INFORMATION

A note from Managing Director Serge Huber

Warm Greetings from Kuala Lumpur.

Despite the economy slowdown, we're pleased to say that we had the best ever January in the history of Asian Trails Malaysia and this has inspired all of us to work even harder to make 2009 a successful year.

While it is still “icy times” in many parts of Europe, the weather remains hot and sunny here and with the F1 race in Sepang in early April, it's the perfect time to visit Malaysia.

We've now set up our offices in both Penang and Langkawi and with our two new representatives on board, we look forward to providing a higher standard of service for our guests.

Malaysia, Truly Asia!

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

ATMA had its annual Loh Sang (toss for luck) event, a Chinese New Year tradition on February 5 to toss the Yee Sang (Raw Fish + Salad) for better luck and prosperity in the new year.

The Loh Sang ritual is synonymous with Chinese New Year, symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead and what better way to celebrate this auspicious tradition than with the whole team.

The dishes served during Chinese New Year have symbolic meanings. By having fish, one wishes for “a surplus every year” and having it raw spells liveliness, prosperity and longevity. A plate of yee sang did look like it had a surplus of everything – finely shredded carrot, radish, ginger and other vegetables in a rainbow of colours, as well as sprinkles of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds and flour crackers. Just before the tossing, plum sauce, pepper, five-spice powder and lemon juice were added.

WHAT’S Chinese New Year without yee sang? Well, to many Chinese, it’ll mean missing out on a tradition to “raise” good luck for the coming year.

Colours of Malaysia (Main Launch)
8 March 2009

Malaysia's premier cultural extravaganza is back to dazzle and entertain locals and visitors alike. Colours of Malaysia is a cornucopia of spectacular traditional performances, colourful parades as well as exquisite arts and crafts. The national-level launch takes place at Kuala Lumpur's Dataran Merdeka. Don't miss the marvellous food fiestas held at various parts of the country in conjunction with this event:

Penang International Food Festival 2009
13 March 2009 Until 15 March 2009

Enjoy a remarkable gastronomic experience in Penang, hailed as the food capital of Malaysia! This food festival offers a chance for visitors to enjoy Penang's culinary creations as well as its excellent parties. Venues include the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA), Batu Feringghi beach as well as the island's famous streets.

Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix 2009
3 April 2009 Until 5 April 2009

Catch the 10th edition of F1 action in Malaysia! Witness the blazing action at one of the most high-tech circuits in the world. With the extreme hot and wet conditions at the Sepang International Circuit, the skills of the world’s finest drivers will be tested to the limit! Don’t miss it, be there in Sepang!

Race starts at 5.00pm local time.

For more information and special accommodation rates, please contact us at: res@asiantrails.com.my 

Langkawi Water Festival 2009
10 April 2009 Until 11 April 2009

Come and join the locals to celebrate at Pantai Cenang with more than 100 categories of sea- side and water related games.

16th Regatta Lepa Semporna

The Annual Water Festival of the Sea Gypsy in Sabah
18 April 2009 Until 19 April 2009

Be awed by the traditional sailboats of the Bajau people, known as Sabah’s ethnic seafarers. Lots of fun-filled matches such as tug-of-war, kayaking and boat racing will be held. The highlight is the selection of the best ‘lepa’ or sailboat.

Regatta Lepa-Lepa is an annual event in Semporna Town which celebrates the age-old Bajau tradition of boat-making. Semporna Town is home of the seafaring East Coast Bajaus who are known for boat craftsmanship. The lepa boat is a beautifully hand-made vessel which during celebrations, is adorned with a dramatic decorative sail - the sambulayang. Since 1994, the Regatta Lepa-lepa has become a big tourist attraction in Sabah, with international tourists came just for the parade of these splendid boats...

The most beautiful lepa, local ethnic music and dance performances, beauty pageant and sea-sports activities are among the activities each year.

Perhentian Underwater Challenge
24 April 2009 Until 26 April 2009

Perhentian Island, a world-renowned tourist destination, is set to draw both local and international visitors at this time as it presents an underwater photography competition off the island’s coasts, exciting traditional games, beach soccer and volleyball. Earth awareness programmes such as ‘clean the beach’, will also be conducted.

International Rafting Expedition
26 April 2009 Until 3 May 2009 

The expedition requires participants to raft about 360 kilometres on the Pahang River. The event, which will take place for eight days and seven nights, will see participants served with village feasts upon arriving at several spots along the rafting route. Cultural performances will be among the highlights at these venues to celebrate the rafting adventure.

Sabah Fest 2009
2 May 2009 Until 3 May 2009

The state’s most anticipated event, Sabah Fest features a spectrum of cultures and traditions through dance, music, fashion and food. The festival is a prelude to the Harvest Fest celebration happening statewide.

DESTINATION INFORMATION

ASIAN TRAILS PRODUCT UPDATE

FRIM INSPECTION & FAMILIARIZATION TRIP

An inspection cum familiarization trip to FRIM was held on Feb 17 involving some of our managers as well as our KL based agent.

Everyone enjoyed the outing as we trekked in the forest followed by a canopy walk experience before adjourning to the Malay Tea House for lunch.

It's thumbs up from all and ATMA will launch this tour  to be called “A DAY IN FRIM” from March.

About the Tour

A fascinating day trip where one gets to experience trekking in a forest as well as enjoying the canopy walkway right in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. It is a perfect opportunity for visitors to learn more of the forest and at the same time relax and refresh their body in an unpolluted environment.

The canopy walkway system is a suspension bridge 150m in length and 30m above the ground linking 6 trees with 3 viewing platforms. The walkway system and the platforms are vantage points from which one experiences a panoramic view of the forest. Beside this, the walkway system functions as a platform for scientific study of canopy plants and animals. On a clear day you can see the Petronas Twin Towers in the background.

About FRIM (Forest Research Institute of Malaysia)

About 80 years ago, the present institute grounds were little more than abandoned tin mine pits, vegetable gardens and shrubby forest. Since 1926, foresters and scientists have nurtured the forest back to life into a serene forest with inspiring trees.

Few other forests in the world have been studied as extensively as the FRIM Forest Science Park. As the planted trees matured, a wealth of knowledge of their growth and forest ecology has been accumulated. Today, FRIM has a wide reputation as a centre of excellent forestry research.

Apart from the scientific value of the forest, shady park-like arboreta as well as nature trails invite you for leisure and educational walks. There is a diversity of animal life, of which birds and squirrels are most readily seen.

KL Convention Centre has a deal for you

THE Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre recently launched its "We Have a Deal for You" campaign, a rewards programme that enables clients to earn reward points against food and beverage charges, and redeem these against the five elements of the centre’s creative services.

The five elements are sound, lighting, video, decoration enhancements and theming packages for events. The campaign provides fresh and flexible value-added options for people seeking a venue to hold conventions, exhibitions, and entertainment or private functions.

Designed to meet the most basic or comprehensive requirements, the "pick and mix" format allows the organiser or host the flexibility of selecting different creative requirements for their events.

The winner of awards such as the CEI Industry Award 2009 for Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is ideal for banquet events like dinners, cocktail receptions, launches and high-tea functions.

The centre has also created flexible day conference packages available from Monday to Friday for people looking for a meeting venue. These come with the option of a standing buffet at the venue’s foyer area to facilitate better networking among the attendees.

The centre which consists of two auditoria – seating 3,000 and 500 respectively – 9,710sq m of exhibition halls, a Grand Ballroom, Banquet Hall, Conference Hall and meeting rooms, provides ample function space in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, please call 03-2278 9488 or email: res@asiantrails.com.my

HOTEL INFORMATION

GOLDEN SANDS PENANG UNDERGOS REFURBISHMENT

The Golden Sands Resort Penang is currently undergoing a refurbishment programme.
Phase One which is the Garden Cafe is completed and work is currently in progress at the restaurant, Sigi's by the Sea as well as the guestrooms (Phase Two and Three) from level 7 to 4. A buffer floor is created so as to minimize any guest inconvenience.
Due to this, all the Executive Seaview rooms are closed-out from February until May 2009.

Phase Four (Guestrooms from level 3 to 1 as well as the function rooms, Health club and the merger of Peppino restaurant) will commence after the completion of phase Three while Phase Five is the enhancement of the reception area both to be completed by December 2009.

We would like to highlight that Shangri-La will manage the development professionally, engaging specialist contractors to fulfil the refurbishment with the objective of minimizing impact on guests.

THE HYDRO MAJESTIC HOTEL PENANG

The Hydro Majestic Hotel Penang is located along Miami Beach Penang; just a short and pleasant ride to the Batu Ferringhi area, 25 minutes by car to Georgetown and 45 minutes to Bayan Lepas International Airport. 

Ideal for both business and leisure, Hydro Majestic Penang offers 326 luxurious oversized guest rooms and suites – some of the most spacious along the beach. All rooms and suites offer a private balcony from which to enjoy breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. Comfortable and contemporary furnishings create a tranquil residential feel with the emphasis on comfort.

The Hotel has an array of Asian, international cuisine and Penang’s best local favourites served at its newly refurbished restaurant – Palms, situated by the cool natural environment of the newly refurbished swimming pool.   For pre-or-post-dinner drinks or gathering with friends or family members, guests can visit the open yet exclusive Sea Lounge and be entertained by live performances nightly.

For business travelers, high-speed internet access in all the guest rooms and public areas is an especially useful standard amenity.

Luxury Tanjung Sanctuary Resort to Open in Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi, located in the northwest of peninsular Malaysia, will get a new luxury boutique resort. Tanjung Sanctuary Resort will re-open in the first half of 2009 following a total refurbishment that took a year.

The 16-villa (32-key) resort occupies six acres [2.4 hectares] of a 62-acre [25 hectare] plot of native mixed hardwood trees which sweep down on to, a private sandy beach and five separate sandy coves, two with their own streams. Dusky-leaf and crab-eating monkeys inhabit the Tanjung Sanctuary grounds. Sea eagles, hornbills, sea otters and pink dolphins are regularly sighted. Tanjung Sanctuary's showpiece restaurant, The Point, sits over rocks on the coast.

Tanjung Sanctuary has been designed for couples who want to retreat to privacy surrounded by nature. Each of the 32 rooms offers separate views of forest, beach or headland. All units offer 81 square metres of space including a large balcony, in-room dining table, sofa set, 40-inch wall-mounted LCD TV, tea/coffee making set, electronic safe and minibar. All rooms include a large spacious bathroom with Japanese-style bath.

MERCURE KOTA KINABALU

Mercure Kota Kinabalu is an integral part of 1Borneo shopping paradise. This new hip and happening place of Kota Kinabalu with combined entertainment complex is a great location to enjoy a wide range of culinary delights and entertainment options.

Hotel Facts

•325 rooms and suites are exquisitely appointed offering a touch of style and space with pleasing details.

•Guests can enjoy modern amenities including high-tech efficiency with broadband internet access, flat screen TV and other conveniences

for the fast pace of today’s lifestyle.

•It has 2 Meeting Rooms and a Boardroom which are located at roof-top. Ideal for Corporate Meetings to Private Functions with a maximum capacity of 120 pax. All are equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual.

AIRLINE INFORMATION

MAS extends low fares to UK, Europe routes

MALAYSIA AIRLINES is extending its all-inclusive low fares to United Kingdom (UK) and Europe flights due to demand from customers who already enjoy its special fares to other destinations.

Malaysia Airlines commercial director Datuk Rashid Khan said a one-way trip to London starts from RM1,450 while flights to Frankfurt, Rome and Stockholm are going for as low as RM1,500 one way from Feb 2 until Feb 15.

The destinations also on offer are Australia, Hongkong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Dhaka, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jakarta, Yogjakarta, Surabaya, Ho Chi Minh City, Cebu, Phuket, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Singapore.

Rashid said the travel period is between March 2 to Aug 31 this year for all destinations except Australia and Europe where the travel period is March 18 until Aug 31. These fares are available exclusively online.

"With these low fares, our customers can enjoy five-star services at affordable prices. These are the advantages offered that make us the preferred airline for business and leisure travellers," he said.

Malaysia Airlines’ all-inclusive low fare is supported by premium services including refreshments on board, convenient schedules, on time departures, 20kg baggage allowance, allocated seats and other benefits.

RESTAURANTS & VENUES

Rustic retreat in the city
 

Tamarind Hills restaurant re-opens in the heart of the city, offering diners a taste of Thai and Burmese cuisine in a cool ambiance.

Tamarind Hills has relocated to the heart of the city, atop an exclusive and private hilltop property along Jalan Sultan Ismail. Diners can ‘walk up an appetite’ on their way to the restaurant by heading up a flight of stairs lit by flickering oil lamps at night.

The newly re-opened Tamarind Hills retains its back-to-nature look with bamboo walls, stone decorations, wooden furniture and a pond surrounding the restaurant, serving as an oasis within the urban jungle. The interior and decor is inspired by the hill tribes of Indochina, with traditional tribal colours seen on the fabrics of the cushions and staff uniforms.

The restaurant consists of two areas: the plush interior with rustic-luxury decor or the open-air verandah, which would be perfect for evening meals or cocktail parties. There are also plans to build a lounge, where diners can relax to chill-out tunes in the company of friends.

But despite the new location, the menu still offers the same fine Thai-Burmese cuisine, with a modern twist. Diners can choose from signature Tamarind Hills dishes such as Red Tom Yam cooked with river lobsters, Thai salads and various seafood and fish dishes.

Curry-lovers will be bowled over by Tamarind Hills’ exquisite curry selection like steamed fish roe curry with roasted rice and apple eggplant, wagyu cheek panaeng curry, a milder Burmese curry called Mandalay chicken and potatoes, as well as authentic green curry.

Lunch is from noon to 3pm, while dinner is from 6pm to 10.30pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

STAFF UPDATES

Clement Joseph came on board towards end December as Customer Service Executive. He has about two years experience in the industry having previously work in a similar capacity with another inbound operator.  Clement speaks ten languages fluently such as English, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Tamil, Greek, Czech, Fiji, Tonga, French and Arabic.

Yusmaliza, fondly known as Yus joined us as Inbound Officer, Kuoni Department in January. A graduate in hotel and tourism management, she has five years of working experience handling reservations and quotations. She is proficient in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Thai and also speaks a bit of French and Mandarin.      

Sharon Kueh has joined our Accounts Department as Accounts Executive. She has four years experience in this capacity and is presently pursuing a part-time professional accounting course.

Brian Balan is appointed as Executive Tour Representative based in our Penang office. He brings in his experience of having previously handle customer service in different capacities. Brian is multi-lingual and has a wealth of experience in training front-liners in effective communication with regards to the hospitality industry.

Vijayandran Chidambaram joined us in January as Executive Tour Representative in our Langkawi office. A qualified tour guide since 1991,  he worked as a Kuoni Representative in Langkawi for a local operator from 1991 to 1994 before been appointed Tour Manager from 1994 to 1998.

ANY OTHER NEWS

Part of the city will be in darkness on March 28 when Kuala Lumpur joins 1,000 cities worldwide to celebrate Earth Hour.

The switch-off in non-essential lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm (local time) is aimed at promoting awareness in the fight against climate change and is a simple and effortless step that every person can take to trigger a huge positive impact.

One of Kuala Lumpur's shining beacons, Menara Kuala Lumpur has pledged its support and will be in an hour of darkness on March 28.

Asian Trails Malaysia will be playing its part whereby staffs are encouraged to observe “Earth Hour”.

To pledge your support or for more information, please log on to www.earthhour.org/malaysia

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Designed by A.C. Norman, construction of the Sultan Abdul Samad building started in 1894 and was completed three years later. Its architecture was inspired Moorish elements, making it quite unique among the other buildings in the vicinity. This building is named after Sultan of Selangor who reigned from 1857 to 1898.

Central Market

Built in 1888 by the British who ruled Malaya at that time, the Art Deco building used to house a wet market for Kuala Lumpur citizens and tin miners. Further expansions were made in 1889, 1895, 1920 and 1921. By 1933, the expansions to the warehouse would result in its current size today. Declared as a Heritage Site, it is now considered by many to be the best place in town to experience Malaysian culture, art and craft.

Victoria Institution

The success of the Raffles Institution in Singapore in the 1889s saw the setting up of Victoria Institution (VI) in 1893. However, the present day location of Victoria Institution on Petaling Hill is not its original site.

The original school building was located at Jalan Bandar, and was officially opened on July 30,1894. VI has its own swimming pool and synthetic track for 100 metres sprint event, making it the only school in the region with these facilities.

St John’s Institution

St John’s was founded by the La Sallian Brothers. The secondary school is a red and white brick building with Grecian-Spanish architectural influences and is gazetted as a National Heritage Building by the Government of Malaysia.

Founded in 1904 when the school was set up at the request of the Education Department and the then Bishop of Malacca, Mgr. Fee, the La Sallian Brothers opened a school in Kuala Lumpur. The enrolment was 18 boys

Masjid Jamek

Masjid Jamek is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. It was officially opened in 1909, two years after construction was completed.

The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Before the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965, Masjid Jamek served as the city’s main mosque. The mosque has a Moorish architecture.

Stadium Merdeka

Stadium Merdeka was the site of one of Malaysia’s most historically significant events. On Aug 31 1957, power was transferred from the British Empire to the newly independent Malayan government. Tens of thousands of people crowded into the stadium, which was built specifically for this occasion. While the stadium is an important part of Malaysia’s history, it was almost demolished in the late 1990s. In February 2003, Stadium Merdeka was declared a national heritage building.

Photo shows the most significant moment in Malaysian history:
The Declaration of Independence by our first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman on 31st August 1957.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Completed in 1910 to replace an older station on the same site, the station was Kuala Lumpur’s railway hub for the Federated Malay States Railway and Malayan Railway, before Kuala Lumpur Sentral assumed much of its role in 2001. The station is notable for it architecture, adopting a mixture of Eastern and Western designs. The station is located along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, previously known as Victory Avenue.

Royal Selangor Club

The Royal Selangor Club is a social club founded in 1884 by the British as a meeting point for educated and high-ranking members of British colonial society in then Malaya.

The organisation was initially based in a small wooden building with an attap roof near the north-eastern corner of the field, now known as Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square, opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad building. Designed by A.C. Norman, the building was later redesigned by architect Arthur Benison Hubback (who was notably credited for the design of the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station) and rebuilt in 1910, with two additional wings on either side of the main building and a Mock Tudor styling.

Pudu Prison

The prison was closed for several years following the 1986 execution of Kevin Barlow and Brian Chambers, both Australian nationals, for trafficking heroin. It was reopened for a short time as a museum in early 2004. No longer used as a prison, it can be viewed only from the outside.

Carcosa Seri Negara

With the eclectic fusion of Neo-Gothic and Tudor styles, the residence has more than eight bedrooms including the master bedroom and guest rooms, and eleven bathrooms. It became a hotel in 1989.

Seri Negara was originally known as the Governor’s Residence when it opened in 1913 as the official guest house of Governor of the Straits Settlement. Later it was called King’s House.

Sea Turtle Adoption Program

The Sarawak Forestry has developed a vision to save the Sea Turtles. The Sea Turtle Adoption Programme, established in April 2008, is one of the many insignia of Sarawak’s innovative conservation programme that seeks and encourages public environment to help save this endangered species. The main mission of the programme is to create awareness on the importance of sea turtle conservation and to impart knowledge on sea turtle conservation.

Marine Wildlife Habitat Conservation

Today, Sarawak can be proud to have as many as 2,284 units of reefballs, mostly placed in the waters of the Talang-Salang National Park by the Sarawak Reefball Working Group (SRBWG). These artificial reefballs mimic the natural limestone of coral reefs and has the same pH as salt water. It not only provide inter-nesting shelters for turtles, but also a ready made habitat for coral species.

For more information, please login at www.sarawakforestry.com

A note from Managing Director Andr? Seiler

DESTINATION INFORMATION

NYEPI DAY (SILENCE DAY) – 26 MARCH 2009

A celebration for the New Year of the Balinese calendar, which falls usually in March, is a day of silence and contemplation. Local custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence from 6am on 26 March 2009 until 27 March 2008. They have to stay indoors, make no noise and switch off all lights for the duration of this period. Major hotels generally permit their guests full use of their various outlets with the understanding that guests will not venture outside the property. Bali's only airport will also shut down during the entire Nyepi period. All flights that would normally embark or disembark passengers in Bali have been cancelled for the approximate 24-hour Nyepi interlude.

Please avoid to arrival & departure on this date as both domestic & international flights are not allowed to fly in /out in Bali and the schedule will be cancelled.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2009

The Presidential Elections will be preceded by legislative elections set for April 9, 2009 with the formal certification of those results to be made by KPU on May 9, 2009. The National Elections Commission (KPU) have decreed that the next general election for Indonesia's President and Vice President will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2009. If a run off election is required, that will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Please note that response time on above mentioned dates can be slow as staff will need to cast their vote.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

BALI’S FIRST MAJOR GOLF TOURAMENT

The Indonesian Open, from the annual co-sanctioned European tour and Asian Tour event since 2005, moves to Bali, February 26 – March 01, at the new Kuta Golf Resort. Boasting Indonesia’s richest prize purse for a sporting event, the Indonesia Open immediately follows the Johnny Walker Classic in Perth, Australia.

GROMSEARCH SURFING IN INDONESIA BY RIP CURL

The Rip Curl Surf Gromsearch series kick off February 8 in Lombok, and will continue March 8 and April 5 in Padang (Sumatera) and Lakey Peak (Sumbawa). The Rip Curl West Sumbawa Pro takes place May 10-20. The fourth gromsearch is to commence 5 July at Cimaja (West Java), and the fifth on September 13 at Medewi Beach, Bali. Bali will further host most of the remaining events, namely The Rip curl Padang Padang, August 1-31, the RC national training Camp, gromsearch National Final and the Rip Curl Surf & Music Festival which will take place in the month of October. Finally, the Rip Curl Art & the Search Festival will close the year’s agenda on November 27 in Jakarta.   

ASIAN TRAILS PRODUCT UPDATE

MORE ELEPHANT TREKKING

Bali Safari & Marine Park in the east of Bali introduced a new one of a kind Elephant trekking. On the back of a elephant you will cross the “African village”, home to several African animals such as the white rhino, orxy, wildebeest, zebra and ostriches. The program runs daily.  

HOTEL INFORMATION

NEW BRANDING

On January 23, 2009, a luxurious cocktail party was held in the gardens of the Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa - a farewell of sorts to the Ritz-Carlton Brand at the 77 hectare resort with 368 guest rooms. Effective April 1, 2009, the West Paces Hotel Group will assume management of the resort which will be renamed as the Ayana Resort & Spa.

Founded by Horst Schulze, the West Paces Hotel Group manages properties in Alabama, California, Chicago, Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey, Germany and now in Bali, Indonesia.

AIRLINE INFORMATION

GARUDA, READY, SET, GO!

Garuda Indonesia is set to form its future in 2009. With the grand success of “Visit Indonesia 2008” the government has decided to extend to campaign into 2009. With the news Garuda has decided for follow up with an ambitious new route program.

Garuda Indonesia new routes in 2009

Jakarta - Tanjungkarang
Jakarta - Malang
Jakarta - Makassar - Kendari
Jakarta - Makassar - Gorontalo
Jakarta - Makassar - Sorong
Jakarta - Makassar - Ambon
Jakarta - Makassar - Palu
Jakarta - Jambi
Jakarta - Manado - Ternate
Jakarta - Balikpapan - Tarakan
Jakarta - Pangkal Pinang
Denpasar - Lombok
Denpasar - Kupang
Denpasar - Adelaide (Australia)
Denpasar - Hong Kong
Surabaya - Hong Kong

AIR ASIA GOES INDONESIA

Air Asia opens new Indonesia overseas routes to further strengthen it position in the largest country South East Asia’s. The routes will be operated with 12 A-330 and 5 Boeing 737s.

Denpasar – Bangkok (Thailand) launched on the 20 January 09.

Denpasar – Singapore

Denpasar – Perth (Australia)

Medan – Penang (Malaysia)

Medan  - Hong Kong

Medan – Bangkok (Thailand)

Medan – Phuket (Thailand)

Medan – Singapore

LION AIR SET’S THE PATH

MAJOR international expansion plans are on the cards for Lion Air. Indonesia’s largest private airline, which operates domestic and regional flights, moved 10 million passengers in 2007.
At press time, it was targeting a final count of 12 million passengers in 2008. Lion Air, which started as a one-aircraft operation in 2000 and has since grown to a fleet of 37, has ordered 178 Boeing 737-900ERs. Fifteen were delivered by end-2008, and it will receive a dozen in 2009 and 2010, 26 in 2011 and 22 in 2012.

STAFF UPDATES

NAOMI LUMANGKUN FROM ASIAN TRAILS JOINS FAMILIARIZATION TRIP TO LOMBOK

The Oberoi, Lombok was hosting a familiarization trip for selected potential DMCs recently.   During the three days visit to Lombok, a comprehensive itinerary had been prepared for the participants to ensure they could experience what Lombok island has to offer. Apart from exploring various Lombok tourist attractions, participants also enjoyed the luxury accommodation and service at The Oberoi, Lombok . Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are synonymous the world over with providing the right blend of service, luxury and quiet efficiency. Internationally recognized for all-round excellence and unparalleled levels of service, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts have received innumerable awards and accolades. A distinctive feature of the Group’s hotels is their highly motivated and well-trained staff that provides the kind of attentive and sensitive service that is rare today. The Group’s resorts have created a reputation for the highest levels of luxury among leisure hotels around the world. 

ANY OTHER NEWS

A MIRACLE IN THE EAST

The Bali Safari and Marine Park witnessed the blessed arrival of a baby male elephant born in the park on 25 January 2009. The proud baby boy of two Sumatran Elephants, “David” and “Tini”, the yet-to-be-named offspring was assisted into the world by 2 veterinarians and a team of elephant keepers following a 22-month-long pregnancy. "Baby's" weight at birth was a healthy 70 kilograms.