Tropicallife may aug2015 scoop by mixmedia

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GAYA RESORT ISLAND MISOOL ECO RESORT

KOTA KINABALU MELBOURNE

RAJA AMPAT SIMILAN ISLANDS

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MEMORABLE HOTEL DE L’OPERA HANOI OPERATIC GLAMOUR IN THE HEART OF HANOI

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LE MERIDIEN BALI JIMBARAN JALAN BUKIT PERMAI, JIMBARAN, BALI T (62)(361) 846 6888 lemeridien.com/balijimbaran

DISCOVERY AWAITS Voyage through an illuminating journey of discovery at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran. Set by the pristine white sands of Jimbaran Bay, our 118 generously sized rooms, suites, penthouses and villas with modern Balinese decor, chic touches and indulgent amenities create a refined inviting ambience. For more information or to make a reservation, visit lemeridien.com/balijimbaran or call +62 361 846 6888 8°78' S 115°1 6' E DESTINATION UNLOCKED

©2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Aloft, Element, Four Points, Le Méridien, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

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On the cover

Gili Trawangan, Lombok Photo by : Sanjaya Margianta

PUBLISHER Olaf Purvis

PUBLISHed by

MANAGing EDITOR Yerina Margia EDITOR Woro Agustin Nadia Ayu Jayanti Billy Bagus CONTRIBUTORS Henry Snowden Delia Kirana Mark James Ann Claire AREA MANAGER Dian Yustikarini Woro Agustin ASST. AREA MANAGER Nadia Ayu Jayanti TECHNICAL ADVISOR M. Amirullah finance Putu Ary Duryatini Nik Purnama Dewi office Coordinator Nelly Yuliana operation Imam Fahmudi Gede Suardika Wayan Vena Irawan

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

sales department

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Retno Wulandari Henrych Chrystian Sanjaya Margianta Clif Pontororing

senior account manager Intan Indahsari

Senior photographer Gus Dharma

sales manager Nasrul Jihadan Diena Utomo

photographer Anggityas Asfrandi Mudianto Cok Gd. Agung W

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ACCOUNT manager Lucky Martaguna

account executive Angga Prabowo Iqbal Febian Tirtowiguno

MANAGING DIRECTOR Olaf Purvis busIness development director Lanny Manullang Sahanaya director | electronic media Avianti M managing editor Yerina Margia GEneral manager makassar & palu A. Tadampali GEneral manager Semarang Joko Krisna GEneral manager cilegon Ali Muchtar GEneral manager serang Maman

publisher’s note

FROM MY DESK It’s not a secret that numerous tourist destinations in Asia have been over developed and to some extent lost the very unique qualities that made them popular in the first place. While modern overdevelopment gives a traveller the advantage of good facilities and more choice it often creates a corresponding loss of the original charm of a destination. Although not as wide spread as in previous years, there are in fact still many destinations throughout Asia that have managed to preserve their unique originality and charm. More and more these days, travellers have become discerningly selective for their choice of secluded island destinations that provide an escape from the everyday stresses of work therefore, in this edition we present you with a collection of ‘secret hideaways’ that include Komodo Island, Sulawesi, Pulau Kapas and many others.

EDITOR’S NOTE

For superb accommodation choices, there are several great options such as Arumdalu Private Resorts in Belitung, Plataran Komodo, Tanjong Jara Resort, and more in this issue. When planning your next destination, Kota Kinabalu should be put on the agenda and it is from there that Gaya Island Resort can be reached with a short boat trip. This is a luxurious resort situated on a remote island not too far from Kota Kinabalu.

From My Desk

If you are looking for an adventure in taste, there are some great dining venues listed here that are worth visiting: VIN+ Seminyak, S.K.A.I. at Padma Resort Legian, and Glow.

In the edition, we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary and I would like to take this opportunity to offerPandawa my heart feltEstate gratitude all your support. We are very excited to announce the winner of The Cliff with for its clever ne of the probLifedesign Online Photoand Contest. features tropicalWith over 2000 photos submitted, I have been very pleased to lems face Tropical in Balinese see the excitement and enthusiasm gardens has incorporated modernthis photo contest has generated. selecting holiday destination is the facilities and comfort with all this. o v e r w h e l m i nWe g also take you Behind The Kitchen of how we “cook” all of our media products with the dedicated Thebehind “5 Best us Beach presents to completing every job in the best possible way. choice at one fipeople whoGetaway” are committed ngertips. Places to stay, good restau- some truly remarkable destinations of attractive scenic environments. Destinarants, attentive service, access to nature I hope you enjoy this edition and stay inspired! and scenery as well as point of interest tion choices here offer some unforgettable are all standard prerequisites for a suc- holiday experiences. cessful holiday. Of course accommodation is one of the most essential parts in As we all aware Bali has become a holiday destination that has now reached new having a fine vacation. heights with its culinary choices. RestauIn these days of modernity, high tech rants for all tastes flourish here. Style, facilities are obviously expected if not presentation and just good food have always required. However, most of the brought Bali to the attention of world thrill of getting away on a well-earned gourmets. Featured in this issue are Cut holiday to foreign parts is the feeling that Catch Cucina at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua you are really in a different part of the Beach Resort, Kayuputi at St. Regis world. I don’t want to travel overseas to Bali Resort, Locavore and Urchin Olaf Purvis end up in a room, albeit a luxury room, olaf@mixmedia.co.id Olaf Purvis that I can find close to my own place of Spas are also highlighted in this issue olaf@mixmedia.co.id residence. I think, hotel or resort design including The Spa at Bulgari Hotels should be influenced by the culture of its & Resorts for an experience of pure environment or at least the property uti- pamper. lizes some elements of the traditional style to its architecture or interior. Enjoy this edition, travel safe and have a happy holiday!

In this edition, we feature some exciting resort destinations that really do bring their local culture into play for visitors. The Reef on Gili Meno blends perfectly with nature while offering all the comfort

table of content Behind the Kitchen

MixMedia is celebrating the 10th Anniversary and we bring you closer to Olaf Purvis, the man behind his team and the company’s successful growth.

Next Stay

Next Island

GAYA ISLAND RESORT

RAJA AMPAT

This perfect slice of paradise on a secluded island features unbeatable scenery, opulent accommodation and wonderful facilities.

The natural beauty of Raja Ampat is captivating and breathtaking. This is the reason it has drawn so many travellers from around the world to witness one of our planet’s truly great natural wonders.

Five Best

Presents the ‘must visit’ best kept secrets of getaway islands in Southeast Asia. They offer spectacular views and tranquil holiday moments.

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Next Destination KOTA KINABALU

Spice

S.K.A.I. This is the new hot spot on the island offering a dining venue with a beautiful beach view.

One of the popular holiday destination located in East Malaysia as the city has so many fascinating attractions.

MELBOURNE

Enjoy the best of Melbourne, the capitol of the State of Victoria is a modern metropolis packed with entertainment and things to do.

Unwind

SPA ULUWATU AT INTERCONTINENTAL BALI RESORT Indulge yourself at Spa Uluwatu with their signature massage that will leave you feeling revived, free of tension and calm of mind.

TROPICAL LIFE ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST 2015

100

The contest was conducted to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of MixMedia. Over 2000 photos were submitted to the contest and in this edition you have the chance to look at the work of the winners.

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THE

5 RADIOS 5 RADIOS 5 RADIOS 8 PRINT PUBLICATIONS 8 PRINT PUBLICATIONS 8 PRINT PUBLICATIONS OUTDOOR MEDIA OUTDOOR MEDIA OUTDOOR MEDIA ONLINE MEDIA ONLINE MEDIA ONLINE MEDIA CREATIVE COMMUNICATION SERVICE ONLINE MEDIA CREATIVE COMMUNICATION SERVICE CREATIVE COMMUNICATION SERVICE

Ten years ago in Bali, MixMedia began its journey as a small and undercapitalised media company with just two staff. Since then the company has evolved, developing into one of the fastest growing local media concerns on the island. Today, the company manages 8 print publications, 5 radio stations, various online media and outdoors media as well as providing creative communication services. Over 160 people in 8 cities throughout Indonesia run all this while serving a healthy and satisfied list of over 200 clients.

It has been roller-coaster journey and has entered its double-digit year on this, our 10th anniversary. It is now that we would like to proclaim our sincere and heart felt gratitude for all of those who have given us continuous and long-term support. We would certainly not have been able to achieve all this without the help of our clients and their audiences. We at MixMedia, on this anniversary year would like to share with you some of the thoughts of the people behind the growth of our company.

“BREAKING THE HABITS” We started growing the company with just two staff, little knowledge about the media business and no funding. We well remember the early days when salaries were sometimes paid late. In order for us to compete with the well-established media companies and survive in this tough industry we acted differently and most importantly, effectively. We avoided many of the established formulas that had become habitual throughout the industry, for example we hardly promote ourselves with visible marketing and PR campaigns. Most of the time we stayed away from

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the sophisticated marketing practices simply to be more efficient and effective. We seldom learn lessons from within our industry; it is rather more the case that we have found by analysing the actions of successful companies in other industries provides us with far more good material to be adapted to suite our own business. This may sound a bit strange but developing successful strategies adapted from outside our own industry provides us with a unique edge in providing new ways to meet the needs of our potential and existing clients. “We are quite sure if we had been busy looking at the actions of our competitors, we wouldn’t be much further ahead today than we were 10 years ago” We believe at that the end of the day business is about making money so that we can make a positive difference to family, staff, audiences and not least our clients. Therefore breaking the industry habits has never been a problem for us as long we followed a code of legality and ethical practice that sought no harm to others. We believe that by following these practices we have enjoyed a faster growth than we would have without them.

OLAF PURVIS

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MIXMEDIA

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“PLACING THE RIGHT PERSON ON THE WRONG POSITION”

“TRANSFORMING THE DIFFICULT TIME TO GROWTH”

We think less than 5% of those who work in this company had marketing or media backgrounds when they first came to us. Today we have a law graduated person working as an editor, a person with a secretarial background leads the business development department, a managing editor with a background of finance, a school principle in charge of operations, a good photographer who has a bachelor degree in religion and a photographer who became an editor, These are only a few examples of how unconventional this company is.

In ten years of business we have been faced on many occasions with difficult problems and critical moments. It is at times like these that hard decisions have to be made.

For us the essentials are not the experience of a job applicant but rather being able to select a person with the drive to adapt to new situations. The right person can adapt to almost any job description and more often than not, bring a new and refreshingly productive approach to their work. A new work experience without any prior experience will cause the right person to be creative and think outside the box.

“IF WE CAN’T FIND OPPORTUNITIES, WE CREATE ONE” Bali has been one of the world’s top tourist destinations for years and as a result many investors have been trying to profit from it. It is not a secret that some industries on this island have become over crowded as a result of too many players and we include ours with this remark. As a result opportunities for growth in our industry have been progressively in decline. Nevertheless, here at MixMedia we have enjoyed continuous growth. The reason for this is simple; we create our opportunities rather than wait for them to come along.

However, we never view these problems or situation in isolation. Many are the times when we have analysed these in the full context of the business as a whole and have discovered as they say, “a silver lining to the cloud”. In other words we have managed to turn problems around so that they actually contribute to growth. Of course some of the decisions we have made set more pressure on us but in these cases we carried the baggage of these pressures along a positive path of growth.

“IF SOME THINK THEY ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS, THEY SHOULD GO” We are certain that a good teamwork has taken us to where we are today. Each of us here at MixMedia manages to contribute in many different ways. Nobody here imagines they are better than anybody else. In the event that somebody takes on a ‘better than thou’ opinion of himself or herself, it is time for them to go. We have many people who have worked with us for years and few starters have been let go simply because they were not team players. Seniority means nothing in this company; all here are regarded and measured on the basis of their performance and teamwork. The finest plan without a good team is no plan at all.

“FOCUS ONLY ON THOSE WHO HELP US GROWTH” If you ask our Managing Director, the one who has

contributed over 65% of our revenue; how he managed it while going home at 6 p.m. most days, he would tell you that the answer is simple. “Focus on those who help growth, not on those who don’t.”

this company to the next level. Despite the need for a continuing learning curve, nothing makes us happier than the knowledge that one day these are the people that will successfully lead this company.

Each and every day at the office the thing we concentrate on is how best to help people around us for the better. This includes our staff, clients and audiences. We recall just over a month ago signing a medium sized yearly contract that less than a month later we help them generated revenue of almost 70% of the contract utilizing our network and spending capability.

“WHAT’S NEXT?” If you are working with us, there is always the question of what comes next and the answer of course is that it can be anything we want. Last year we purchased a majority share holding of a publication from one of the largest media companies in central Java and have turned loss into profit in less than a year.

“LISTEN BEFORE BEING LISTENED TO.” Anybody entering this industry will find themselves in endless sales programs where each contender delivers smooth sales pitches, media attempts to sell advertising space, public relations programs to get exposure and media buyers continuously negotiate prices and this seems to result in a situation where everybody is talking at the same time. It can be a little like social media where everybody plugs away but takes little notice of what others are trying to say. It is a common enough perception of sales people that knowing how to talk is really all that is needed for success. For us here at MixMedia this is not so, we have to learn that listening more is really the only way to discover a client’s or potential client’s needs. Without knowing the need it is not possible to offer good advice.

Our next project will be franchising our products outside Bali. To be clear, this is franchising not licensing that we refer to here. What we plan is an arrangement where 3 people and a minimum opening capital of a bit over USD $10,000 will provide opportunities to own your own media company. We are also in the process on increasing and developing our online media. Thanks to my Creative IT team, last month we increased traffic by over 1,000% with practically zero cash outlay.

“NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH” If you’ve worked long enough in this industry, you’ll know there is always free food on the table. Well, it might look as though it’s free but nothing in this world is free anymore. Just like entering the media business, it’s not going to be free or easy to start.

“APPRECIATING THE YOUNGER GENERATION” It is always pleasing to see how the younger generation evolve in this company. Most of the people working for us are ranging from 20 to 28 years old and they always surprise us with their abilities to accomplish different tasks. It is their fresh ideas and energies that produce the intensity to take

But we promise you one thing; you can do well in this business without working hard if you know how to work smart. Most of us go back home at 6pm because we know how to make this work and we can definitely show you how.

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AYODYA RESORT BALI RECEIVED HOLIDAY CHECK 2015 AWARD, GOLD CIRCLE AWARD 2014 BY AGODA.COM, AND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE 2014 BY BOOKING.COM Ayodya Resort Bali is honored to be listed as one of the best hotels that received the HolidayCheck 2015 award from holidaycheck.com based of various categories such as Beach Resort, Spa Resort, Honeymoon Resort, and Pool Paradise in Bali. The holidaycheck.com is the Europe leading hotel review portal with 25million visits each month where the guest can easily recognize hotel by the review and score of it. Recently, Ayodya Resort Bali has also accepted additional awards from booking.com and agoda.com; the world’s leading online booking portals that take on around 650,000 room nights reserved each day. The Award of Excellence 2014 was presented by booking.com to the hotel that received the highest average review score by global travellers thus indicating the high level of guest satisfaction of Ayodya Resort’s service and facilities. While the Gold Circle Award 2014 from agoda.com was given to Ayodya Resort Bali as a mark of excellence based on specific criteria and requirements, including number of positive reviews, consistency of competitive pricing, and the utilization of agoda.com’s custom-built Yield Control System.

NEW CONCEPT AT THE LANEWAY Situated at Peppers Sentosa Seminyak, The Laneway Restaurant offers variety of chic settings where one can enjoy air-conditioned bliss and a peek behind the scenes with the dining room’s dynamic display kitchen or dine al fresco beside the 35-metre swimming pool. In addition one may sit back and relax within the open-air lounge that features comfortable sofa style seating and a new pool table. The Laneway’s international culinary team is well versed in the latest epicurean trends as well as a distinct selection of authentic recipes from around the world. Choose from a well-rounded menu of delicious grills, Asian specialties, sumptuous Italian creations, and delicious fresh salads brimming with organic produce from Ubud’s lush hillsides. When ordering, don’t forget to consult with your expertly trained wait staff to pair your meal with wine or innovative cocktail from the bar.

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GARUDA WISNU KENCANA Cultural Park Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan Badung 80364 - Bali, Ph. (0361) 700 808 | Fax. (0361) 703 626, E. marketing@gwkbali.com | www.gwkbali.com Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park @gwk_bali gwkbali

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AN EXOTIC WINE DINNER AT VIN+ SEMINYAK, BALI

On Friday, April 24th 2015 VIN+ Seminyak Bali had its’ very first wine dinner, featuring exotic Indonesian dishes by VIN+ Arcadia’s very own Executive Chef, Djoko Sarwono who has won the Iron Chef Indonesia award for 10 consecutive years. The Chef presented amouse bouche of salmon dabu dabu paired with KWV Pearly Bay Celebration Sparkling Rose from South Africa, Indonesian seafood salad with rujak juhi & fresh romaine lettuce paired with Wither Hills Pinot Gris of New Zealand, scallop & barramundi bumbu kuning paired

with Chardonnay by Edwards of Margaret River, duo beef comprising of beef tenderloin with rendang sauce and stewed wagyu beef paired with Chateau Cissac from Bordeaux, and to finish a green creamy panna cota paired with El Gallo Dulce Ximenez from Spain. This first wine dinner was fully booked, and the next series of the wine dinner will be held monthly, pairing wines from all over the world with classic dishes from the VIN+ Seminyak Bali’s culinary team.

MICHELIN STAR CHEF FABIO CIERVO AT INTERCONTINENTAL BALI RESORT From 4th to 8th March 2015, InterContinental Bali Resort presented the celebrated Italian Chef, Fabio Ciervo. During this period, the Michelin star chef prepared a series of exclusive events including some exclusive cooking classes, gastronomic dinners, Frescobaldi wine seminars, and a Frescobaldi wine dinner, at Bella Cucina Restaurant in InterContinental Bali Resort. Chef Fabio’s philosophy is to explore the world of Haute Cuisine in order to create dishes that combine ingredients in an unusual but harmonious way, while also seeking inspiration from all cultures. Chef Fabio’s gastronomic dinner offered the choice of both à la Carte and a set gastronomic menu. Each featured marinated scallops, red mullet, ravioli del plin filled with baccalà, Sicilian pecorino cheese and ‘loin of lamb with hazelnut crust. The à la Carte menu included smoked local lobster, risotto, ravioli, gnocchi, calamarata shellfish, roman zucchini, lemon balm and sun-dried vesuviopiennolo tomatoes. Finally, Chef Fabio served mouthwatering dessert, tiramisu with a twist of modernity.

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GOLDEN TULIP JINENG RESORT - BALI The soon to be opened Golden Tulip Jineng Resort will offer a uniquely Balinese experience, a theme inspired by its tropical setting and deep cultural heritage. Featuring 189 private rooms and suites, the resort is conveniently located at the Southern terminus of Sunset Road, Kuta just a 10-minute drive to the airport and have easy access to all of South Baliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attractions and beaches such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak. The three largest shopping malls and entertainment centres; The Bali Galeria Mall, Duty-free shops and Lippo Plaza Sunset are within walking distance of the resort. With private enclaves of blissful relaxation, all rooms and suites at Golden Tulip Jineng Resort feature open and inviting layouts that are beautifully appointed with warm wooden textures and overlook the centre of the resort to offer views of the lush garden and swimming pool areas. The resort is to be completed with the latest-techno gym equipment, state-of-the-art meeting & banquet facilities, spa, yoga sessions, a cosy pool bar with an array of culinary sensations and a kids club & modern games room. All of this will allow guests to enjoy stays in total comfort without leaving the resort.

AWARTA NUSA DUA LUXURY VILLAS & SPA OFFICIALLY OPERATES

Centara Grand Villas Nusa Dua has officially become the Awarta Nusa Dua Luxury Villas & Spa. The rebranding is an incentive in contributing to deliver humble excellence in services and product to all their valued guests by passion through Awarta Nusa Dua Luxury Villas & Spa. Situated in Nusa Dua BTDC complex, the resort offers 14 villas divided into 3 types. Each villa is spacious and secluded with its own swimming pool and designed in Peranakan style blending Chinese, Malay and European architectural features. Awarta Nusa Dua Luxury Villas & Spa provides services and facilities such as restaurants and bars including Ru Yi, The Long Table Restaurant, 8 degree Bar; 24 hours fitness center, The Lounge, spa and beach club.

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AWARDS FOR REMEDE SPA AND LAGOON SPA The St. Regis Bali Resort and the Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, The Laguna Nusa Dua Bali are both celebrating over their wins at the 2015 World Luxury Resort Spa Awards. The St. Regis Bali Resort’s Remède Spa was awarded the Global Winner for the Best Luxury Boutique Spa and The Laguna Bali’s Lagoon Spa was credited as the Country Winner for Best Luxury Resort Spa. Participation for these awards has been extended to include 144 countries. Remède Spa was the sole Global Winner from Indonesia. Incorporated in 2009 as an affiliation to World Luxury Hotel Awards, World Luxury Resort Spa Awards is a recognized global organization providing luxury spas with recognition for their world-class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. The awards are presented to luxury spas in different categories on a country, continent and global basis. The winner of each category is determined through a voting process by guests of the spas.

POOLE BAR & LOUNGE AT MERCURE BALI LEGIAN Recently opened in March 2015 the Poole Bar & Lounge is the latest addition to the brand new Mercure Bali Legian. Located right in the heart of the Legian area at a strategic intersection, Mercure Bali Legian is newest and the largest 4-star International Brand Hotel in Legian It is an ideal stay for business as well as leisure travellers. The hotel offers a total of 321 designer rooms and suites. At the Poole Bar & Lounge guests can enjoy a relaxing sojourn from 11am to 8 pm. Here the bar serves elegant tapas and a wide selection of beverages. Some of the bar’s most popular dishes are herb cream cheese stuffed in watermelon, buffalo chicken wings and prawns wrapped with bacon. One can also enjoy refreshing mocktails such as the Legian Junction made with fresh pineapple fruit and juice, fresh mint leaves and mint syrup. The pool deck has 18 sunbeds, 2 big gazebos, and 3 daybeds. The Poole Bar & Lounge at Mecure Bali Legion is a perfect place to lounge and relax between business and holiday activities.

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MANDAPA A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, SOON TO BE OPENED IN UBUD Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is soon to be opened in Ubud as an opulent sanctuary for the relaxation of body, mind and soul. Situated in spiritual Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Mandapa, a RitzCarlton Reserve offers a total of 60 luxury villas and suites complete with 24 hour certified butler service, Dining Beyond options, sense of space and place and best address. Along with this, water and nature based activities for mini explorers are available. Overlooking the Ayung River or lush valleys, each villa has its own private outdoor space including swimming pool and garden. Each suite features a private patio, spacious bedroom, living space and beautiful suites. Surrounded by verdant rice paddies, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve provides several dining venues from all-day dining, Balinese and Asian cuisine to fine Mediterranean-European cuisine, pool bar and a lounge. Other facility include Mandapa spa with 8 treatment rooms using a range of ESPA and local products.

ROBERT MARCHETTI THE PLANTATION GRILL NOW OPEN Double-Six Luxury Hotel is delighted to announce the opening of the highly anticipated seafood & meat grill, Robert Marchetti The Plantation Grill. Located on the fourth floor of the hotel, Plantation Grill flaunts twentiesstyle luxury, with marble finishes, a vaulted doubleheight ceiling and huge glass windows looking out to the sea. The restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialty is dry aged, exclusively sourced and imported meat and line-caught sustainable seafood cooked over custom made coal and wood grills and wood-fired ovens. Guests can also enjoy the Billiard Room, Plantationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main bar area, and Sling Bar, situated at the top of the spiral staircase serving until the late hours.

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Jeeva Klui WHEN A SECLUDED LOCATION WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF MODERN AND OPULENT FACILITIES IS A PRIORITY, JEEVE KLUI, ONE OF THE SECRET GEMS OF LOMBOK, SHOULD BE PUT ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT TROPICAL HOLIDAY RETREAT. Situated at the edge of the Wallace Line, Jeeva Klui, is small luxury boutique resort overlooking the Indian Ocean to the islands of Bali and the sacred Mount Agung volcano. As the flagship of Jeeva Resorts, Jeeva Klui is committed to the use of recycled materials that reflect the architectural traditions and cultural diversity of Indonesia. The resort is one of only two resorts in Lombok that captures and recycles rain and wastewater. The accommodation here is made up of 35 villas and suites divided into several types; beachfront suites, beachfront villas and pool villas that are spread across spacious landscaped grounds. To ensure complete guest comfort and an enjoyable stay, each villa features its own bathroom with rainfall showerhead, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, DVD players, mini bar, and furnished balcony. The Waroeng located on the oceanfront veranda and overlooking the swimming pool, beach, and the ocean beyond, is an open air restaurant and the centre of daily life at Jeeva Klui, serving a selection of Western and Asian dishes.

For those wishing to get pampered, the resort provides The Jeevaniya spa set by the beach that boasts two twin massage rooms for couples and two single treatment rooms each with vistas along the beach, the Lombok strait and on to the mountains of Bali. Guests may enjoy the treatments either in the spa pavilion, the privacy of their own suite or in a beach cabana.

Jalan Raya Klui Beach No. 1 Lombok Phone: +62 (0) 370 693 035 www.jeevaklui.com

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Arumdalu

Private Resorts, Belitung FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A PLEASURABLE EXPERIENCE COMBINED WITH THE LOCAL CHARM OF THE BELITUNG ISLAND, ARUMDALU PRIVATE RESORTS MERITS SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. AS ONE OF INDONESIA’S GEMS, THIS RESORT PROVIDES AN IDEAL SCENIC GETAWAY WITH SUPERB ACCOMMODATION.

Situated in the Membalong district amongst the beautiful islands of Belitung, just off the eastern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, Arumdalu Private Resorts offers secluded, private and secure location villas with state-of-the-art facilities. It is designed with contemporary Indonesian art and style to reflect the natural surroundings and local culture with the use of mostly locally sourced materials. Warm earth colours

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dominate the interior of the villas with the aim of creating an appealing ambience so befitting a memorable experience. As a member of ‘Secret Retreats, a collection of small hidden gems across Asia’, Arumdalu is an eco-friendly luxury resort promising to deliver ‘a one of a kind’ holiday experience on a remote island. The resort boasts 10 villas with sizes ranging

next stay the Belitung word sahang, meaning pepper. Here the best fresh quality supplies are used to provide the culinary excellence expected from a resort of this high standard. One of the delightful advantages of villa placements here is that each offers direct access to its own private beach. The beaches in Belitung are truly unique, huge mounds of natural granite rise magnificently out of the water creating picturesque shorelines that contrast naturally with blue skies over their crystal clear sea. This is a perfect place to relax. Beaches are of white powdery sand, the views offered from the shoreline are dramatic and compelling, shallow water of the Arumdalu Sea is ideal for swimming as it meets the beaches and one is surrounded by the tropical splendour of it all. The only way to improve all this is to order an Arumdalu signature cocktail while soaking up this sublime environment. Weddings are catered for here and Arumdalu provides a uniquely magnificent beach setting for the occasion along with all the celebration arrangements and the friendly, professional service required to make the event one of those unforgettable moments. Luxurious spa treatments are also available at the resort to indulge and rejuvenate Arumdaluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests. Jl. Desa Batu Lubang, Membalong, Belitung www.secret-retreats.com/arumdalu

from 320 to 400 sq. meters; each featuring its own private swimming pool, gazebo and outdoor shower. This resort has a restaurant for all tastes and presents a menu of international, Chinese and local Belitung fusion. The Sahang Beachfront CafĂŠ and Resto derive its name from

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Villa Borobudur VILLA BOROBUDUR IS A PLACE OF HIDDEN CHARMS OFFERING SPECTACULAR AND BREATHTAKING VIEWS FROM LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION WITH ALL THE COMFORT OF MODERN FACILITIES. Surrounded by the natural beauty of its position, this traditional yet stylish sanctuary is comprised of 7 hand carved, teak wood joglos. Villa Borobudur has committed to maintain and promote the rich culture of Java while supporting local communities and preserving the natural environment. Nestled on the jungle slopes of the Menoreh Mountains that overlook Borobudur Temple and the volcanoes that encircle the lively and fertile valley below. Each villa type in Villa Borobudur has an inviting blend of traditional Javanese style and modern amenities. The atmosphere on entering a villa here immediately takes one. The emphasis on design, style and fixtures is to give guests the comfortable impression that they have been invited to use a wellappointed traditional home. There are 3 villas here that offer a backdrop view of Borobudor Temple.

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Villa Diponegoro is an enchanting and spacious villa with views of Borobudor and the twin volcanoes of Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu and their surrounding environment. Villa Menoreh is a 2-bedroom joglo style villa with a private pool and astonishing panoramas of Borobudur and its surroundings. Villa Kayangan is the third 2-bedroom joglo style villa with a private pool and remarkable

views of the whole valley around Borobudur including Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu and Mount Sumbing. For those traveling with a big family or friends, the spacious 4-bedroom Villa Merapi has a large gazebo and a private pool featuring a natural slide and small waterfalls. Spa treatment is available in your villa on request.

Dusun Pete, Majaksingi Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java Tel. +62 293 5525520 www.villaborobudur.com

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Plataran Komodo Beach Resort A GREAT MANY TRAVELLERS HEAD TO KOMODO ISLAND FOR ITS SPECTACULAR SCENERY, EXOTIC FAUNA AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES. HERE THE ULTIMATE IN LAVISH ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLAND CAN BE FOUND AT THE PLATARAN KOMODO BEACH RESORT. Situated at its own secluded Waecicu private beach, Plataran Komodo Beach Resort offers the only accommodation of its class on the island together with the best aspects of Komodoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural beauty. Access to the resort is by way of a short boat trip from Lebuan Bajo airport. Plataran Komodo Beach Resort was designed to reflect the traditional aspects of Indonesian building styles while incorporating the very best of modern luxury villas that are set facing the beach and overlooking the Flores Sea. The resort features 6 units of one-bedroom villas and 2 units of two-bedroom family villas. Each villa is placed to maximise the breath taking view and all include an exotic bathtub with a view onto a lovely private garden. A separate shower room and luxury amenities compliment the interior.

The resort swimming pool with its spacious pool deck and pool lounges face the ocean. Here guests can unwind and enjoy the peace of this secluded environment. As well as the amazingly styled restaurant, romantic dinners under the stars and adjacent to the lap of a gentle Flores Sea can be arranged for guests on request. One of course does not spend time on Komodo Island without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Komodo National Park. The island is also well known for its diving and snorkelling sites with their abundance of marine life.

Wae Cecu Beach Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Flores - NTT Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat, Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur Tel. +62 385 41019 www.plataran.com

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Misool Eco Resort IN TERM OF ECOSYSTEM FRIENDLY, MISOOL ECO RESORT HAS TAKEN THEIR COMMITMENT OF PROVIDING THE BEST LEISURE ACCOMMODATION BY NOT CHANGING ITS AMAZING SURROUNDINGS. THIS IS ONE GETAWAY IN THE MIDST OF MESMERIZING RAJA AMPAT THAT ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SPEND TIME IN.

Built back in 2008 on a former sharkfinning camp, the award-winning Misool Eco Resort is an intimate private getaway in a wide archipelago of inhabited island of Batbitim. The nearest port is 165 km away, offering an ultimate sense of seclusion and laid back atmosphere. No pollution of any kind can penetrate the resort’s surrounding area; this includes signals for cell phones, which for many is not a bad thing. It allows one to soak up the natural beauty with the minimum of distractions. The commitment of Misool Eco Resort to blend rather than destroying its surrounding is true to the roots. They have even established their own ‘no-catch

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zone’, covering a vast 1220 sq. metre area, patrolled by dedicated rangers to prevent illegal fishing activities. The result can be seen when one decides to dive in the clean blue sea around the resort’s gorgeous reef where colourful corals, patrolling reef sharks, pygmy seahorses, schooling tuna, giant manta rays, walking sharks are among things divers will see in this pristine underwater environment. As a member of “Secret Retreats, a collection of small hidden gems accross Asia”, Misool Eco Resort offers 8 luxurious water cottages, built on stilts above the placid horseshoe-shaped North Lagoon, along with 18 deluxe villas.

next stay All villas feature private en suite bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning, a hammock built right into the veranda, and steps directly leading into the sea. With the maximum capacity of just 36 guests and a staff-to-guest ratio of 3: 1, Misool Eco Resort is ready to deliver an ultra exclusive retreat experience. During a stay there, the ocean will become an integral part of daily activity. Chances are, one will be more than tempted to plunge into the calm blue ocean and play with the kind of fish rarely encountered at any other tropical destination. The Misool Eco Resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dive Centre has separate wet and dry areas. The wet area is equipped with plenty of rinse tanks and ample space while the dry area looks out towards the famed dive sites of Fiabacet, just a 5-minute boat ride away. After a day of sand and sea one can head to the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant, which is located in the centre of the beach area, tucked behind the coconut palms. It serves a pleasing combination of Asian and Western cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh local product and fish. Here dreams become a reality to be enjoyed in real time in Raja Ampat at Misool Eco Resort.

Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua www.secret-retreats.com/misool

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TANJONG JARA Malaysia

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REFLECTING ON THE GRANDEUR AND LUXURY OF A MALAY TRADITIONAL PALACE, TANJONG JARA RESORT IS A BLISSFUL SANCTUARY, SURROUNDED BY GENTLE EXOTIC NATURE AND AN ELEGANT CULTURE THAT INVITES YOU TO FEEL WHAT IT’S LIKE TO UNWIND LIKE THE ROYAL MEMBER OF A KINGDOM.

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Conveniently situated on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, between Kuala Terengganu in the North and Kuantan in the South, Tanjong Jara Resort is a quaint 99-room resort with authentic taste, rooting on the region’s timeless spirit. The resort’s compound is composed by local timbers and rich fabrics, inspired by the 17th era of Malay’s Royal Palaces and based on ‘Sucimurni’, an ancient Malay concept with emphasizes on the purity of one’s spirit, health and well being.

Tanjong Jara Resort is accessible by road from all major cities within Peninsular Malaysia, approximately a mile away from the expressway and just over an hour’s drive from Kuala Terengganu Airport. You may continue your journey from the airport to the Resort via private car transfers. The accommodations at Tanjong Jara Resort are divided into 6 types, namely Anjung Suite, Anjung Room, Serambi Sea View Room, Bumbung Sea View Room, Bumbung Room and Serambi Room. Each room is equipped with high-quality amenities and leisure facilities overlooking the immensely beautiful sceneries of a gleaming South China Sea and landscaped tropical gardens. There are other facilities to enjoy in the resort’s vicinity including two kinds of pools, conference hall, tennis courts, library and a spa. On entering the resort one is welcomed nicely with a glass of ‘Exotic Roselle’; a tasty natural beverage made from fresh hibiscus flower extract. There are plenty of activities for guests to unravel and discover the beauty of Tanjong Jara Resort’s surrounding. Jara Walk is an interesting thing to do where you can experience the nature through the jungle perimeter of the resort. Other fun activities are snorkeling and diving in the Pulau Tenggol, a small island off to the resort in order to discover the beauty of the underwater. To cater for those with a culinary bent, Tanjong Jara Resort has prepared a selection of settings where guests can savour meals. If you crave for local cuisine, Di Atas Sungei restaurant is a great choice as they offer a unique dining experience. Nelayan, situated by the sea is a wonderful place to relax and savour abundance of Asian and Western light meals.

Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun 23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia Tel. +60 3 2783 1000 travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my www.tanjongjararesort.com

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GAYA ISLAND RESORT

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DREAM ACCOMMODATION IN A BEAUTIFUL SECLUDED ISLAND IS PERHAPS BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE GAYA ISLAND RESORT.

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Within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, lies Pulau Gaya, which is home to Gaya Island Resort, one of the best and most lavish resorts in Borneo. To get to the resort, one first has to go to Kota Kinabalu, continue with land transfer for about 15 minute to Sutera Harbor Marina and from there a speedboat will deliver visitors to the island. First reactions after setting foot on the island are simply mesmerizing. The resort lies between the folds of descending tropical rain forest and a golden sandy beach meeting a blue clear sea with its coral reefs. Added to this, the famous and majestic rise of Mount Kinabalu stands in the distance as a sentinel over its island creation. To minimize its carbon footprint the resort has applied itself to ecologically sustainable practices - the use of motorized vehicles is limited to operational purposes only. The architecture of the villas at Gaya Island Resort reflect the authentic

Sabahan building style and local materials used for the buildings blend amicably with the resort’s natural surrounds.

can dine at Omakase, a two-story restaurant offering three Japanese omakase styles as well as teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe.

Gaya Island Resort features 120 villas and 1 two-bedroom Suite. Kinabalu Villas face to the South China Sea. Bayu Villas are located on a gentle hillside within a short walk from beach. Canopy Villas are set higher up in the forest with either rainforest or mangrove aspects. The largest accommodation is the twobedroom Suria Suite, suitable for family or group guests. Every villa is tastefully designed with contemporary elegance to deliver luxurious comfort and a tranquil atmosphere.

For unwinding around the pool the Pool Bar & Lounge is a contemporary casual poolside lounge with a floating cabana and swim-up bar - a perfect place to relax in style.

For a gastronomic journey, the resort provides 5 tantalizing dining venues for a great range of choice. Feast Village is an all-day restaurant situated by the hotel’s lap pool with views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding beach. Here one can savour an abundance of dishes from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. When night falls the options are to eat at Fisherman’s Cove where fresh seafood can be enjoyed or one

A unique and private dining experience can be arranged in Tavajun Bay, about a 5-minute boat ride from the resort where lunch or gourmet picnic basket is served upon request. One’s stay would not complete without visiting the award-winning Spa Village Gaya Island. It is built in a mangrove setting with six treatment rooms on offer. The guarantee here is to be indulged and rejuvenated with a refreshed body and mind.

Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park 88000 Kota Kinabalu , Sabah, East Malaysia Tel. +60 3 2783 1000 www.gayaislandresort.com

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MADUZI HOTEL BANGKOK

A LUXURIOUS HOLIDAY HOME IN THE HEART OF BANGKOK

We were moved instantly into a holiday mood just as soon as we stepped into the lobby of the Maduzi Hotel. This small luxury hotel offers the ultimate in privacy and tailor-made services. The architectural design of this hotel has a contemporary external appeal about it while displaying an attractive artistic approach to its internal perspectives. An elegant gate, adding an extra sense of privacy and security to the building, guards access to the property. Maduzi Hotel’s policy is to only accept guests with reservations so that their exclusive needs can be prepared for in the most efficient way. This policy delivers a far better individual approach to their geusts. This is what is so special about this hotel; both business and leisure travellers alike get special attention to all their wants and needs. The hotel lobby resembles more of a cosy living room than an expansive marble entrance. Here guests can conduct casual business meetings over brunch or relax quietly

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between holiday activities with a book. Across from the lobby is a bar and restaurant, both decorated in homely style to give the impression of personal space. Situated at the Sukhumvit-Asoke intersection, Maduzi Hotel Bangkok, a member of ‘Secret Retreats, a collection of a small hidden gems across Asia’ is a seven-storey hotel featuring 40 rooms. Each level is designated with the progressive letters M – A – D – U – Z – I. We stayed on level D or the 4th floor in a spacious 53 square metre semi studio room with a 2.4 metre king size bed. Our room was decorated in a stylish Thai theme and provided good city views. Facilities in the rooms include extra large size bathrooms with a Jacuzzi, an easy to use espresso machine, 42-inch LCD TV, CD/DVD player and a Bose sound system. Other complimentary services include Wi-Fi access, standard mini bar, coffee/tea facilities in the lounge, a daily cocktail hour, the use of meeting rooms and early check-in/ late check-out subject to availability.

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The hotel also provides working space for business guests and it is sited close to the business area of Bangkok. Maduzi Restaurant by Yuya, is highly recommended while staying in Maduzi. It is the only French fine dining restaurant in Bangkok with a Japanese chef. We decided to have the four-course lunch that we savoured in a privately intimate ambience. We had such a wonderful time staying in this uniquely personalised environment that we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even notice the absence of a swimming pool. Maduzi Hotel Bangkok has succeeded in delivering so much more than the one or two extra the attributes normally expected in a 5 Star establishment. Anything missing was well and truly compensated for by the spacious luxury of our accommodation and the detailed attention we received regarding all our requirements by a caring staff. All this together with Maduzi Hotel Bangkokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proximity to shopping and business districts explains the reason why returning guests regard this hotel as a second home. 9/1 Corner of Shukhumvit Soi 16, Ratchadaphisek, Klongtoey, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2615 6400 www.secret-retreats.com/maduzi

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SEA DANCE RESORT

THERE IS NEVER AS SHORTAGE OF FABULOUS ACCOMMODATION IN KOH SAMUI AND A RECENT STAY EXPERIENCE AT SEA DANCE RESORT IS PROOF OF THIS FACT. OPENED FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, THE RESORT HAS GAINED ITS REPUTATION AND DRAWN TRAVELLERS WHO WISH TO EXPERIENCE KOH SAMUI’S SECRET AND SECLUDED BEACHES.

This, our next journey took us to the one of the most talked about islands in the Gulf of Thailand. After we arrived on Koh Samui we took a shuttle directly to Sea Dance Resort situated at the island’s tranquil Hanuman Bay and conveniently located less than

functional facility that managed to take care of things with the minimum of fuss.

ten minutes from Samui International Airport. The resort immediately impressed us with its tropical beauty and relaxed ambience. The staff here were very friendly and spoke good English, something not always found in the South Thailand area. The lobby was not over pretentious; it was more of a good

one of the 20 square meter 1 bedroom garden villas that had been built in a style befitting the tropics. Comfort is the key word that describes our villa with its spacious outdoor and indoor living areas. The bathroom came complete with rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers.

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This beachfront resort offers 26 guestrooms, all with their own patio and private aspects. We stayed at

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A mini bar was well stocked with a full range plus some complementary items. The villa had a 30” LCD TV, offered free Wi-Fi, laptop-compatible safes, coffee/tea makers and deluxe amenities. Our first inclination was to get straight on to the beach; it was there that I took in the full impact of this wonderful place. Standing on a beach of white powdery sand that edged to a clear sea that was punctuated with island panicles. With this amazing vista in mind we retreated to the resort’s infinity pool area to unwind with a selection of refreshing cocktails, beers and wines from the Sea Almond Pool Bar. Since our location was very close to Koh Panghan, we took the opportunity to experience the legendary “Full Moon Party”.

The hotel was very helpful in arranging the tour package and gave us several tips for the trip. Before leaving the resort, we had a wonderful lunch at the Sea Bass, a sister branch of the award winning Thai restaurant Lemongrass in Dubai. Sea Bass serves authentic Thai cuisine that reflects a refined balance of traditional Thai flavours and spices as well as a selection of western favourites to cater for all tastes. We left Sea Dance Resort with a feeling of relaxed contentment and wonderful memories. We certainly plan to return soon. Sea Dance Resort will soon join Secret Retreats, a collection of small hidden gems across Asia and is now in the process of adding more guest capacity.

63/253 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand seadanceresort.com

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SIX SENSES CON DAO ABOUT 230 KM FROM THE CAPITAL CITY OF HO CHI MINH, IN THE BEAUTIFUL ARCHIPELAGO OF CON DAO ISLAND, SIX SENSES CON DAO IS A FIVE STAR RESORT BUILT TO COMMEMORATE THE NEEDS OF EVERY TRAVELER SEEKING A QUALITY GETAWAY WITH HIGH-CLASS FACILITIES AND BREATHTAKING SCENERY SURROUNDS. Located off the southeast coast of the mainland of Vietnam, Six Senses Con Dao is accessible through the nearby Co Ong regional airport via a 50-minute domestic flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Six Senses Spa, and fitness facilities. The resort’s quaint interior takes in the essence of a traditional fishing village and blends it with contemporary architectural design, complimenting the beauty of its natural surroundings.

Sets amidst the island’s pristine nature, Six Senses features luxurious villas with direct access to private infinity pools overlooking the vast South China Sea. It also boasts a private beachfront,

There are a total of 50 villas at Six Senses Resort, divided into styled single-level and duplex, offering 1,3 and 4-bedrooms.

To ensure the comfort of the guest, each villa is terraced with sun loungers, tea and coffee facilities including espresso machine, wine bar and wine cabinet, butler service, free Wi-Fi just to name a few of the in room facilities. To experience the best of tropical ambience and dine with style, there are a few options; By the Beach, Deli’cious By The Market and Vietnamese By The Market.

Dat Doc Site, Con Dao District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, Vietnam Tel. +84 64 3831 222 www.sixsenses.com/ConDao

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MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SANYA MANAGED BY MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL GROUP, MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SANYA TAKES THE ‘EAST MEET WEST’ CONCEPT VALUE INTO THE NEXT LEVEL, WITH ACCOMMODATIONS WOVEN TO THE TROPICAL LANDSCAPE OF SANYA CITY IN IMPECCABLE CHINESE MANDARIN STYLE. Covering the hefty thirty acres of lush beachfront area, Mandarin Oriental Sanya is a phenomenal resort built on an ideal site. Surrounded by a peaceful, natural environment with lush greenery, protected coral reefs and a secluded 1.2 km beach, it is an ideal getaway for anyone looking for a refreshing private escape. The city itself provides the visiting travellers with a dreamy tropical goodness; year-round sunshine, sandy coral beaches, clear waters, excellent golf facilities and amusing water sports activities.

Located at the coastal city of Sanya—often dubbed as ‘The Chinese Hawaii’, on the island of Hainan, Mandarin Oriental Sanya offers a total of 296 rooms, each have the same level of tranquillity and serenity. Every room, villa and suite is spacious and tastefully designed combining a contemporary décor with ethnic touches. The resort also features series of private low-rise and villa type accommodation with ocean views, and some types are equipped with individual pools, patios and gazebos. For culinary enthusiast, the resort has nine innovative restaurants and bars built in the resort’s vicinity, each with its own concept and specialties. A holiday would not be complete without indulging oneself in the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, in which they offer 18 treatment rooms covering 3,200 square metres. Three landscaped pools are ready to welcome you to swim and enjoy the quietude, respectively, with a direct view beyond the azure South China Sea.

12 Yuhai Rd, Sanya City, Hainan, PRC China Tel. +86 (898) 8820 9999 www.mandarinoriental.com/sanya

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MUST-VISIT BEST KEPT SECRET ISLANDS Some of us dream about a tropical getaway on a secluded private island away from the madding crowd. Away to savour freshly caught fish, refresh in cool sea breezes under palm trees and enjoy that long gin and tonic through a glorious sunset. There is a wont of many travellers to discover and explore hidden outcrops of secret paradise with tropical beaches on to blue seas. Destinations where one almost feels they are the first to step ashore. This is really about looking for islands or areas on Islands where the clutter of human activity is not so great that it screens the natural beauty and where one is allowed an uninterrupted escape from the rigours of life, to indulge the senses and enjoy some of nature’s gifts. Here, we feature some of the ‘must visit’ best kept secrets of getaway islands in Southeast Asia. They are not all unpopulated secrets of course but they do have certain attractive aspects in common. The islands listed here offer scenic beauty and much to do during the day as well as peaceful opportunities to laze on the beach or by a pool.

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KOMODO ISLAND, INDONESIA

The Komodo National Park and Pink Beach on Komodo are just two of the highlights of this island. Pink Beach is not to be missed. Situated in an uninhabited area of the island, this beach is one of only seven in the world that due to a mixture of red and white sand give off a lovely pink hue. The water here is shallow making the beach ideal for swimming or snorkelling from. One is able to gaze down onto wonderful corals of all colours, shapes and sizes. For diving enthusiasts there are world-class diving sites either just off Komodo as well as the close site of Gili Banta, an unpopulated island just northwest of Komodo. Gili Banta features many finger like bays with crescent beaches and is well known for its large population of giant sea turtles and manta rays. The dive site here is said to be comparable with those of Raja Ampat. There is a rugged beauty and a gentle beauty to be found both on and between Komodo and Gili Banta islands.

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five best

SULAWESI, INDONESIA Formally known as the Celebes, Sulawesi is the world’s 11th largest island and one of Indonesia’s main islands. Shaped a little like a lowercase k, Sulawesi has areas areas of unique culture, an abundance of spectacular scenery and some of the best world-class diving spots in the world. Bunaken is one of Indonesia’s most famous diving and snorkelling areas and it draws many visitors from all over the world. Situated on the northern tip of Sulawesi, Bukaken Island is part of the Bunaken National Park, a marine park covering 890 sq. km. More species of marine life are concentrated about the reef just a few kilometres off shore than anywhere else in the Indo-Western Pacific. The different genera of coral here are seven times that of Hawaii. Seven of the eight species of giant clams that occur in the world are to be found here.

Tanjung Bira is another magic spot on Sulawesi and while not quite as well visited as Bunaken it is nevertheless a worthwhile trip for its powder-white sand beach fringed with palm trees and the simply beautiful scenery of the area. It is not too busy and well worth the 5-hour drive from South Sulawesi’s capital, Makassar. This is an ideal spot for unwinding, relaxing and swimming or snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the shoreline. Tangung Bira’s southern most position on South Sulawesi gives it some amazing sunsets.

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PULAU KAPAS, MALAYSIA

Situated nearby the city of Kuala Trengganu, Pulau Kapas (Kapas Island) is only 2 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide. This small island really fits the imagined images of many of its visitors. Here, untouched tropical forest, turquoise water, swaying palm trees and colourful coral reefs just off shore, makes this an idyllic tropical island destination. A day trip here is highly recommended. The name Kapas means cotton and is attributed to the pure white beaches. The sand is soft to walk on and this helps to engage an image of a most enjoyable island to be shipwrecked on.

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Most visitors come for relaxation, sun bathing, swimming and diving. With good visibility, calm and shallow water, snorkelling is also popular as there are colourful reefs and a good variety of fish to view. Several type of accommodation can be found here, however for visitors looking for more luxurious options; Gema Island, just a few meters northwest of Kapas, will oblige.

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TARUTAO NATIONAL MARINE PARK, THAILAND

Ko Tarutao Marine National Park in the Adaman Coast of Southern Thailand consists of 51 islands covered with protected virgin rainforest that is home indigenous fauna. Most of the islands are surrounded by magnificent beaches and healthy coral reefs.

The island is 26.5km long and 11km wide and the highest point is 700 metres above sea level. Rainforest covers over 70% of this hilly and most unspoiled island in the Anderman Sea. Here there are long sandy stretches of unspoiled beach and some caves to be explored.

Ko Tarutao is the largest of the 51 islands that belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park and second-most visited island in the group. In the early 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ko Tarutao was used as a prison because it was considered remote and hard to escape from.

Another island within the Tarutao National Marine Park worth visiting is Koh Lipe. This island lays just a short ferry ride from Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Langkawi. This small island can be well explored on foot within a couple of hours. A variety of accommodation is available here along with beach facilities and as such the island has become popular with day-trippers and overnighters.

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PUKA SHELL BEACH, BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

The name here is derived from tiny puka shells that are found in the white sand. This quiet beach, located in the northern part of Boracay is a great place to have a lazy day trip while at the same time savouring the excellent seafood provided by small restaurants around the beach. The 800-meter-long stretch of shining white sand on this tiny islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northern tip is a major draw for visitors.

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At certain times of the year the beach is not suitable for swimming as the water is deep and sometimes rough. However, Boracay is a lovely picture postcard island full of gentle attractions. It is a perfect place to soak up the sun and unwind in a tranquil atmosphere. The beach is also known for its astonishing sunsets.

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Raja Ampat THERE SIMPLY ISN’T AN ADEQUATE WORD IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE THAT CAN DO JUSTICE TO THE SUBLIME MAJESTY OF RAJA AMPAT. THIS IS AN AREA THAT HAS DRAWN VISITORS AND RESEARCHERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO ABSORB THE TIMELESS NATURAL WONDER OF RICH MARINE LIFE AND ISLAND VISTAS THAT PRESENT THERE. RAJA AMPAT IS AN EYE OPENING DESTINATION AND IN THIS MODERN WORLD OF OURS, ONE OF THE TRULY GREAT NATURAL WONDERS OF OUR TIME.

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It is impossible not to be overwhelmed by natural beauty of Raja Ampat. A trip to this incredible area of ocean in Eastern Indonesia transports one to a different world, far away from the skyscrapers and asphalt of modern civilization. It is a window to the world that nature intended and a holiday destination of priceless beauty. Raja Ampat translates into The Four Kings and is made up of the four island groups of Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and Misool that lie off the province of Papua. The four groups make up an archipelago of more than 1,500 islands, cays and shoals. Each of the four main islands has its own unique identity and culture but shares a common attraction; a magnificent seascape of tiny islands with turquoise lagoons coral reefs. Marine biologists have observed that Raja Ampat has the richest reefs in the world with a marine biodiversity second to non. Here with its staggering marine biodiversity, new species are being discovered on an almost daily basis. The lagoons and coral reefs support breeding areas and nurseries providing the very essence of marine life’s cycle. Raja Ampat is a paradise for snorkelers and divers who along with the full prism of marine colour can view giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, manta rays and several types of sharks, including the mesmerizing wobbegong shark. Besides Raja Ampat’s well known diving sites of Manta Ridge, Cape Kri or Sel Pele Bay, there are dozens of other sites that are yet to be explored and studied.

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For holidaymakers wanting to take in the sights from a base of indulging accommodation there are a number of luxurious eco-resorts to be found in the vast expanse of Raja Ampatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s archipelago. One or two stand firmly above water providing guests with front door access to a calm blue sea and its coral gardens.

from Bali or Jakarta so the first leg of the journey would be Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi. From there a 4-hour fast boat trip will take visitors to the outer islands of Raja Ampat. The Live-aboard boat excursions have become a popular and enjoyable way to reach Raja Ampat from Bali or Jakarta.

To get to Raja Ampat, one can fly to Sorong, a coastal city and regency in the eastern Indonesia province of West Papua. However there are no direct flights to Sorong

Intending visitors to Raja Ampat can be sure that the extra effort required to get there will pay the sort of dividends one dreams about for pristine destinations.

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Belitung Island BELITUNG ISLAND HAS A UNIQUE SHORE LANDSCAPE WHERE HUGE GRANITE BOULDERS EMERGE MAJESTICALLY OUT OF CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER INTO BLUE SKIES. SITUATED ON THE EAST COAST OF SUMATRA, THIS ISLAND IS ONE OF INDONESIA’S GEM DESTINATIONS.

Pristine white sand beaches overlooking a turquoise sea of great snorkelling sites and a fantastic display of offshore islands have gained Belitung its worldwide recognition as a much visited holiday destination, especially for those seeking an alternative from the mainstream vacation islands around Indonesia. Belitung maintains a laid-back tropical ambience without any of the ritzy neon fizz of nightclubs and party venues that come with the Western influence of so many Island resorts. Located off West Indonesia, Belitung has remained under the radar for a long time. It was not until the epic Indonesian movie Laskar Pelangi was filmed on location a couple of years ago when the island’s unspoiled natural beauty was perfectly framed in the movie that drew it to the attention of travellers from around the world. Belitung can be reached by sea or plane, and it is advisable to access the island from Pangkalpinang on Bangka, Belitung’s neighbouring island. It is easier this way than

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taking the route from Jakarta. A little interesting fact about Belitung is that it was formally the home of a tin mine run by the Australian giant BHP Billiton from where the island’s name, as a result of a local twist of speech, Belitung came from.

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The best time to visit and enjoy the good aspects of Belitung is during the dry season from April through to December. This is the time when the sun shines, cool afternoon sea breezes waft off a calm sea where reefs and surrounding islands are colourfully visible and island cruising is a joy. Two of the finest beaches to visit at Belitung are Tanjung Kelayang and Tanjung Tinggi. Here a peaceful tropical ambience of sun, sand and sea can be enjoyed without the commercial over catering found on other sandy shores. Most of the hotels and inns are located at Tanjung Pandan city on the West side of the island. It is a small city with adequate facilities and has several points of interest of its own including a museum, an interesting harbour and a beach with its attendant fresh seafood restaurants. Aware or not of Belitungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charms, it is without doubt one among the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. Here the laid-back atmosphere and panoramic scenery make this island a great holiday destination for those seeking something rather special for their holiday destination.

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Similan Islands WHEN THINKING OF TAKING A TRIP TO PHUKET AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS, DESTINATIONS THAT USUALLY CAME TO MIND ARE THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED KOH PHI PHI, KRABI AND MAYA BAY WHERE THE MOVIE “THE BEACH” WAS SHOT ON LOCATION.

As this was going to be our second visit to Phuket, we decided to move on from there to another Thai island destination. After some Internet research we agreed to spend some time in the Similan Islands. We arrived in Phuket in the late evening and stayed there overnight before continuing our trip to the Similan Islands the next morning. However, not wanting to miss the opportunity while in Phuket’s Pathong area we had dinner that night at the Number Six restaurant. Situated just 300 meters away from the famous Bangla Road, this restaurant looks very ordinary, but they have been serving one of the best ranges of Thai food for years. So popular is the restaurant that there usually queues but one shouldn’t be put off by this because the food is well-worth the wait. The next morning a shuttle van of our tour operator picked us up at 6 am from the hotel and took us to the Tap Lamu Pier. A 90-minute boat trip later we arrived safe and well at Koh Ba Ngu; island number 9 of the enchanting Similan Island group.

The name Similan is taken from the Malay word of sembilan meaning nine and the island group was declared a Marine National Park in 1982. Each of the Similan Islands has a name and number and recently two more islands have been added to the Similan National Park, making a total of eleven within the group. Each island boasts breath-taking views and stunning white sandy beaches that fold into the island bays and from the beaches fish can be observed swimming below the water’s crystal clarity. Most of the islands are uninhabited while two islands; Koh Miang (island no.4) and Koh Ba Ngu (island no. 9) provide tourist accommodation for overnight stays. Here on Koh Ba Ngu we were mesmerized by the lovely beach, we didn’t waste any time and donned snorkelling gear for a colourful look at the reef and its display of marine life. After snorkelling we walked up the island’s rocky heights.

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This took a little bit of effort but the visual rewards as we arrived at the top were well worth the exercise. From our vantage point we took pause over a panoramic view of islands and beaches on a glistening sea. After Koh Ba Ngu we took a 30 minute boat ride to Koh Miang (island no. 4) just before landfall we did some more snorkelling over a reef close to the island before heading to our overnight accommodation. Before retiring that night we took in an incredible sunset from the top of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hill. The next morning we took an exploratory walk and discovered what we named as our own private beach cove on the west side of the island. We were both very glad to have chosen this destination with its enticing beauty and for us, perfect weather. The Similan Islands are only available to visitors from November through to April as May to October is the monsoon season making the sea too rough for safe small-boat trips.

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Ko Samui WITH SURROUNDING ISLANDS. AFTER A MAGNIFICENT TIME IN SIMILAN ISLANDS, WE TRAVELLED TO THE NEXT TROPICAL HIDEAWAY, KOH SAMUI, SITUATED IN THE GULF OF THAILAND ABOUT 35 KM. NORTHEAST FROM THE TOWN OF SURAT THANI. KOH SAMUI IS THAILAND’S SECOND LARGEST ISLAND AFTER PHUKET. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE VISITED AND WE KNEW WELL THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY A LOVELY BEACH VACATION IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY.

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The island is considered to be one of the most popular destinations in Asia not only due to its gorgeous natural beauty but also because it is easily accessible. Koh Samui is home to many lavish resorts and villas; it is endowed with palmfringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest. The iconic landmark here is the 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai temple.

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Phu Quoc LOCATED IN THE GULF OF THAILAND, PHU QUOC IS VIETNAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LARGEST ISLAND, ONE THAT STRETCHES FOR 48 KM ACROSS ITS LENGTH. THIS IS A HOLIDAY HAVEN FOR TROPICAL ISLAND TOURISTS TO SOAK UP THE SUN ON WHITE SANDY BEACHES OR FOR THOSE TRAVELERS LOOKING FOR GENUINE FOREST TRAILS AND NATURAL LANDMARKS TO EXPLORE. Even for the Vietnamese, Phu Quoc is considered a rather new tourism site. Blessed with an environment of 37,000 hectares of virgin forest, unspoiled beaches and off shore coral gardens it is not hard to see why this island has great tourist potential. A limestone mountainous ridge known as 99 Peaks runs north to south for the 30-kilometre length of the island Despite building up reputation as prominent getaway destination, most of areas on Phu Quoc are still pretty much underdeveloped. The majority of the Island is dedicated to National Park and a protected

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marine environment. Slipping away from the resort area at Long Beach one finds oneself close to nature in a pristine environment with great opportunity for exploration. Marine and island activities abound to fill a holiday on Phu Quoc. These include diving or snorkeling over colourful reefs, kayaking in the bays, forest trekking, track bike riding and interacting with friendly locals. Alternatively, lounging on the beach, enjoying fresh seafood lunches or dinners and perhaps a pampering massage by the sea add another dimension to holidaying on this lovely island.

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For indulging accommodation, La Veranda Resort is a boutique resort off the white sand of Duong Dong Beach overlooking the Western Gulf of Thailand. Here with its background of tropical forest this resort is reminiscent of a French Colonial seaside mansion and boasts 70 rooms that feature dark timber, mosaic tiles, unhurried ceiling fans from crafted ceilings and the romance of double doors on to balconies. All rooms come complete with modern 5-Star facilities and indulgent service. The four restaurants at the resort include the fancy Le Bar sporting an excellent wine list, international beers and spirits along with meals and regular live music and Le Pepper Tree, offering stunning views over the ocean with selections of Pacific Rim cuisine. Phu Quoc Island provided us with a most fulfilling holiday. Here we were able to either throw ourselves into active holiday mode or relax in the charming luxury of the La Veranda Resort or its warm waters off the beach.

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Sanya, China SEATED ON THE SOUTHERNMOST TIP OF CHINA, SANYA IS THE COASTAL CITY ON HAINAN ISLAND THAT HAS BEEN DRAWING GLOBAL TOURISTS AND TRAVELERS WITH ITS DREAMY STRETCHES OF BEACH, INTRIGUING HISTORICAL SITES, NUMEROUS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL CHAINS, AND UNSPOILED NATURAL SCENERY. IT IS AN IDYLLIC PLACE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO EXPERIENCE A TROPICAL HOLIDAY IN RURAL CHINA.

Due to its remoteness, Sanya used to be a place to exile all officials who found themselves out of favor with the country’s ruler during the time of the Chinese dynasties. Buddhist monks also used the island as a tranquil retreat before or after their journeys to spread the word. Nowadays, Sanya is a rapidly growing tourist commodity, often referred as ‘China’s Hawaii’. As the only tropical city across the coastline it offers the whole

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activities associated with most tropical resorts. Sanya offers a range of accommodation from humble lodgings and inns to 5-Star resorts. Sanya is a rather compact area where almost everything is within walking distance from everywhere else. The best way to reach Sanya is by plane, as the city has its own airport with flights to most major Chinese cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai or Hong Kong Buses and trains offer more visual oprions. There are several places to visit in Sany. Sanya Bay Beach stretches for 25 kilometers and is well catered for with seafood restaurants and watersport facilities. Alternatively Dadonghai Beach has clear water off its white sand and the beach fringed with coconut palms and is less crowded than Sanya Bay Beach. Here the beach offers some spectacular scenery with its bay surround of mountains. Perfume Bay is a secluded beach with a rural hinterland and offers a rather more serene stroll with its pleasant aspects of farmland.

To see of the majestic remnants of Chinese ancient civilization, one should visit Nanshan Temple situated 40 kilometers South of Sanya city. It boasts several replicas of Tang Dynasty architecture with two figures of Buddha guarding the entrance gate. There is a part of the temple area known as the Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Tourism Zone and it is here that stands the giant Kwayan Statue. Made from gold and jade it is studded with pearls, diamonds and other gemstones as it overlooks the Southern Sea. The area around Nanshan Temple is well known for its production of high quality pearls and visitors here have the opportunity to purchase that very special gift. It was certainly a delightful change of scenery after exploring the capital city.

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BANDUNG KNOWN AS THE CITY OF FLOWERS, BANDUNG MAINTAINS A STRIKING ATMOSPHERE THAT IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS ONE EMBRACING CREATIVENESS. ALSO KNOWN AS THE ‘PARIS VAN JAVA’, THE CITY HAS BECOME A SHOPPER’S PARADISE, AN ADVENTUROUS HOLIDAY DESTINATION AND THE HOME OF CLASSIC COLONIAL AND ETHNIC ARCHITECTURE UNDER SKIES DELIVERING A PLEASANT CLIMATE.

West Java’s capitol and Indonesia’s third largest city, Bandung lies at the altitude of 768 metres and is surrounded by a verdant cover over the beautiful Parahyangan Mountains. Bandung has long been a popular getaway for the people from Jakarta and nearby regions. Here there are a number of natural sites and plantations to visit for refreshing moments around the city. One of the highly recommended natural sites around Bandung is the Kawah Putih Volcano just a short 50-kilometre drive from the city’s southern area. Opened to public since 1987, the volcano’s creator has a large, highly acid lake. This changes colour from blue to white, green and brown tinges depending on the concentration of the water’s sulphur, its temperature or its state of oxidation. The sands and rocks surrounding the lake have turned white due to the reaction of the acidic water. Simple tourist facilities exist near the lake, including ample parking and public toilets. Around 5 minutes further driving from Kawah Putih, one can visit the Walini tea plantation area. There is something quite magical about tea plantations and this one with its scenic views and fresh cool air with the sent of tealeaves is a refreshing escape from the bustle of a busy city atmosphere.

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In Bandung there is a fine example of classic colonial and local design at the Gedung Sate. This building was once an office for the Dutch East India Company’s Department of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. Nowadays, the building serves as the office of the governor of the West Java province. It was the Dutch architect J. Gerber who built Gedung Sate around 1920. The name was literally taken from the word ‘Sate’ or ‘Satay’, because the central pinnacle of the compound is said to resemble this Indonesian traditional delicacy. The city of Bandung gained the ‘Paris Van Java’ moniker because it reminded the Dutch Colonists of Paris with its mild European climate. Apart from industry, Bandung is also a university city where young talent has over the years helped develop it as the home of

artists, musicians and other creative talents. Bandung is also one of the premier centres of Indonesia’s modern music scene. Clothing that includes well-known brand names, casual wear and much of the country’s local wear is a big industry here. A trip to Bandung would not be complete without a visit to some of its famous outlets such as Rumah Mode, Grande Fashion Galleries, The Secret Factory Outlet, Summit Boutique Factory Outlet, and The Branded Club. These offer branded and unbranded items at low prices. Street outlets also offer irresistible prices throughout Ir. Juanda Street, Setiabudi Street, Riau Street and the Cihampelas area. To experience what Bandung has to offer, visit www.airasia.com and purchase a ticket.

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YOGYAKARTA AS THE CULTURAL CENTRE OF JAVA, YOGYAKARTA HAS MAINTAINED AND DEFENDED ITS CHARM AND REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE RICHEST HISTORICAL TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN INDONESIA. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE, LEARN, ENJOY AND INDULGE IN HERE.

There are only a few areas entitled to place ‘Daerah Istimewa’ (Special region) in front of their names. Yogyakarta is one of those few. This city in Central Java has long maintained an impressive spirit of preservation for its historical, cultural and spiritual sites. Modernity has of course come to Yogyakarta but not at the expense of the city’s precious assets. There is much to explore in and around Yogyakarta, including the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Borobudur Temple and the Prambanan Temple. There are other equally fascinating historical points of interest around the city. Vredeburg is a Dutch colonial fortress that presents captivating dioramas of Indonesia’s defining war of independence within the confines of its colonial architecture. Another site of historical worth is Keraton, the palace where the Sultan of Yogyakarta resides. Traditional dance performances are performed frequently at the palace’s Alun-Alun (central gathering place) close to the Keraton area. With time to explore, do visit Malioboro Street, this is a major shopping hub in Yogyakarta that lies on the north-south axis between Keraton and Mount Merapi. It is the largest tourist district of the city, surrounded by international hotels, restaurants and shops offering almost everything one can imagine. Performances by talented street musicians, magicians,

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painters, and other artists occur throughout the street providing entertainment and colour for their passing audiences. Also in Malioboro one should visit the large traditional market of Beringharjo. Here, as well as traditional market fare, goods ranging from basic household items to handicraft. A walk through this market will plunge one into the exciting clatter of Yogyakarta’s traditional life. Adventurers at heart may like to spend some time hiking the heights of Mount Merapi. This is the most active volcano in the country and it has erupted regularly since 1548. One is able to witness nature’s

strength with the awesome spectacle of lava spewing down to an ash-laden terrain. Obviously this volcano is monitored carefully and excursions are always guided so personal safety is a priority. A visit to Yogyakarta is both educational and entertaining and will produce a meaningful and memorable holiday. AirAsia provides a direct flight from Bali to Yogyakarta. For more information please click on www.airasia.com

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KOTA KINABALU KOTA KINABALU SERVES AS THE MAIN CITY OF THE SABAH PROVINCE IN EAST MALAYSIA ON BORNEO. THE CITY IS A MODERN CAPITAL OF WARM HOSPITALITY AND IS SITUATED IN A SPELLBINDING LOCATION OF OFFSHORE ISLANDS WITH THEIR LONG WHITE SANDY BEACHES AND VIRGIN CORAL REEFS. THE CITY ITSELF HAS A BACKDROP OF TROPICAL RAINFORESTS ALMOST TO ITS BACK DOOR.

Formerly known as Jesselton, Kota Kinabalu (or popularly reckoned as ‘KK’) is strategically located on the northwest coast of Borneo Island, facing the South China Sea. It is the main gateway and hub for tourist and travelers to reach several of the most sought-out tourism destinations in Malaysia. It lies right on the coastline close to Mount Kinabalu and the Kinabalu National Park, and the offshore area directly leads to the tropical islands off Malaysian

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Borneo such as Gaya, Selingan and Lankayan. The city is often visited by tourists travelling to Sabah and Borneo, and is a prime location for fishing due to its rich marine ecosystem. One of the most exciting spots to visit around the Kota Kinabalu area is of course the towering Mount Kinabalu. Reaching to a height of 13.435 meters above sea level, it

is Malaysia’s tallest mountain and SE Asia’s third highest peak. One of the summits at Mount Kinabalu is called Low’s Peak, and can be climbed with ease by visitors in good physical condition. There is no need for climbing equipment at any point on the main route but other peak of Mt. Kinabalu provides a stiffer challenge and for this rock climbing skills and equipment are required. For les strenuous sightseeing activities there are several city sites worth visiting. Signal Hill Observatory sits on the highest vantage point of the city and provides breathtaking views of the city and beyond. The Kota Kinabalu

City Waterfront with its 2 km long boardwalk is a popular area for visitors to the city. Here holidaymakers can enjoy sunsets from upscale restaurants including the Hard Rock Café Kniabalu. The waterfront is also home to the Waterfront Mall with outlets offering mid to high-end brands and a luxury hotel and residence. Kota Kinabalu is a holiday destination to embrace, a place to explore the city’s surroundings and engage in some exciting activities. AirAsia is currently providing a direct flight from Bali to Kota Kinabalu that operates three times a week. More info please click www.airasia.com

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BANGKOK BANGKOK, ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CITIES, GENERATES A POWERFUL MAGNETISM THAT DRAWS VISITORS FROM ALL FOUR CORNERS OF OUR PLANET. KNOWN LOCALLY AS THE CITY OF ANGELS THIS MODERN KINGDOM IS STEEPED IN HISTORY AND A CULTURE FORMED OVER THE MILLENNIUMS TO BECOME THE WORLD’S ONLY CROWN STATE NEVER TO HAVE BEEN COLONISED BY ANOTHER. HERE IN BANGKOK VISITORS WILL FIND TOGETHER WITH FASCINATING HISTORICAL SITES, A SHOPPERS PARADISE AND SUPERB ACCOMMODATION ALONG WITH A VAST AND ENTICING RANGE OF RESTAURANTS.

I took AirAsia’s recently introduced daily direct morning flight from Bali to Bangkok. After arriving on this most convenient flight I went directly to my hotel in Siam Square, dropped my bags and wondered off to one of my favourite Thai restaurants in the area. I have revisited Bangkok for many years now and these visits engaged good memories, those that have made this city one of my favourite destinations.

Still on the subject of food, an exciting way to enjoy an evening meal is to take a dinner cruse along the legendary Chao Phraya River that winds through Bangkok. Not only to be indulged with excellent food but also to take in the sights of magnificent temples and some of the stunning architecture, both historic and modern. From a dinner plate one gets to pass the iconic 70-meter Wat Arun temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn with its intricate coloured glass and Chinese porcelain patterning. As the sun moves towards its horizon and the shadows lengthen the temple lights up into a spectacular edifice of reflected light and shadow.

I am a slave to Thai food and where else would one

get the best but in the country’s capitol. For myself it’s the small traditional outlets scattered around the city that appeal to me the most. From these I enjoy noodles, soups, skewered meats, seafood, salads, pad Thai, som tam, tom yum goon and so much more.

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Shopping is another of the enticing attractions of Bangkok. If visiting between the months of June and August one should take advantage of the bargains on offer through the Bangkok Grand Sale. For those looking for premium brands, Siam Paragon is one of the places to shop as on offer here are numerous international brand products. Central Word is another good shopping stop as here alongside outlets selling high-end brands sit stores offering more affordable products. A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without going to the

Chatuchak weekend market, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest outdoor market. The market covers a vast the area and offers a huge variety of items including clothing, accessories, handicraft, antiques, souvenirs, housewares, dĂŠcor fittings, pets, pants, and of course food and drinks. Those venturing in with a view to window shop will not be able to escape empty handed. To experience the best of Bangkok, just click www.airasia.com to purchase a ticket. AirAsia now has 2 daily flights from Bali to Bangkok.

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MELBOURNE FOUNDED IN 1835, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA’S CULTURAL CENTRE IS NOT ONLY A CITY STEEPED IN HISTORY AND HISTORICAL SITES, IT IS ALSO A MODERN METROPOLIS HEAVING WITH ENTERTAINMENT AND THING TO DO. THE CITY HAS BECOME A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR TRAVELLERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

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Melbourne is the capitol of the State of Victoria and Australia’s second most populous citiy. It really got its start to grandeur during the gold rush of the1850’s; it was this that transformed it into one of the world’s largest and wealthiest cities of its time. In 2011 it was voted the ‘World’s Most Liveable City’ and is touted, especially by Melbournians, as the best all round city in Australia. There is so much to see and do here that it would take weeks to cover just some of the popular sites and activities. For visitors with limited time here are a few that should not be missed.

For a first visitor the Eureka Skydeck 88 is a good starting point. From a vantage point on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, visitors are presented with an amazing 360-degree vista Melbourne and its surrounds. To add to the excitement here this is the only building in the world to feature ‘The Edge’, a glass cube that launches 3 metres out from the side of the building and up 300 metres above the ground. Melbourne is famous for its coffee outlets and cafes. This is a city where some of the best coffee in the world is served. The trend started in the1850’s when coffee houses were the place to meet with friends or business associates. After World War II Melbourne took in a large number of Italian immigrants who inevitably maintained the demand for good coffee as well as adding their own cultural skills to the trade. Today visitors can join a coffee tour to do the rounds of the very best Melbourne has to offer. Another major tourist attraction is the Queen Victoria Market, a major landmark in Melbourne. Here one can find a huge selection of diverse products and produce from meat and vegetables to clothing, shoes, jewellery and hand

made arts and crafts. Visitors will be asked many times if they have been to the Queen Victoria Markets yet. They are very proud of their markets there in Melbourne. Melbourne is also known as a mecca of fashion. Some of the popular locations for shopping are Central Melbourne and Collins Street. One can also shop in Harbour Town Melbourne, the home of numerous brand direct outlets, specialty stores, entertainment and other attractions. Visitors should really take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road. One of listed seven natural wonders of the world is the Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park and one of the most viewed highlights of this road trip. The massive limestone structures tower majestically to 45 meters above the stormy Southern Ocean. The Twelve Apostles is one of the most photographed sites in Australia. One shouldn’t miss it in real life. Now traveling to Melbourne is much easier as AirAsia flies 5 times a week from Bali. Just click www.airasia.com to purchase a ticket to enjoy the best of Melbourne.

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ARCHIPELAGO DELIGHT AT VIN+ SEMINYAK This is a pleasant, cosy restaurant in the heart of Seminyak with tempting dishes and a well-stocked cellar. VIN+ Seminyak is ready to satisfy appetites with their newly launched archipelago delight. Introduced on April 20th, Archipelago delight features delicious homemade Indonesian dishes that can of course can be well paired with wine. The first dish served was the light soto ayam (chicken soto), suitable with a glass of pinot gris or chardonnay blended with gewurztraminer. One of the most famous Indonesian dishes, oxtail soup has a rich and tasty flavour that can be paired with a glass of Australian Shiraz. Next came the barramundi balado. It presented beautifully with balado sauce spread over the top of the fresh fish. Soon after that beef shank balado made its way to the table. It comes with a generous portion of tender and good quality beef arranged nicely on a plate and topped with balado sauce. These two balado menus are great with a crisp sauvignon blanc. Even though the balado sauce is made to be mild, the chef has cleverly managed to create an authentic and flavourful balado. Lastly was nasi goreng pork belly (pork belly fried rice), the signature dish originated from VIN+ Arcadia Jakarta. It may look small, but the portion is enough to please the taste buds satisfy the appetite. This is a dish that should be paired with a glass of pinot noir. I would highly recommend this dish, it has such an appealing flavour and it is easy to understand why it is one of the restaurants favourites.

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One has the option to enjoy the open-air casual dining area or private dining located right next to the Retail Shop that can accommodate up to 30 people.

Jl. Kayu Jati No. 1 Seminyak, Bali Tel. +62 361 473 2377 bali@vinplus.biz vinplus.biz

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S.K. A.I. at padma resort legian The initials here stand for ‘Sunset-KocktailAl-Fresco-Indulgence’. S.K. A.I. Beach Club at the Padma Resort Legian offers a packed menu to select from for fine tropical dining while presenting a sweeping beach view. It was to be a dining experience of taste and style with a view. Located just beside the stunning Padma Beach, S.K.A.I. Beach Club is an inviting dining venue of modern contemporary interior design and rustic touches. The restaurant is divided into two main areas; al-fresco style spaces complete with a compact-sized infinity pool, and a fully air-conditioned indoors area for more private dining. The menu at S.K.A.I. Beach Club takes the elements of several different culinary types. I chose to start with S.K.A.I. seafood Caesar; a plate of starter that consists

of lobster, prawn, salad, poached egg, served with tasty homemade Caesar dressing. For the main course, I treated myself to the S.K.A.I. special BBQ ribs, either the smoked beef ribs or the sticky pork ribs are available and both are precisely cooked with a delicious sweet sauce. I chose the beef and here tender meat fell off the bone with some gentle prodding with my knife and fork. I highly recommend this choice. To accompany my meal I ordered (-2 °) beer. This is extra cold beer that has undergone an advanced process to maintain its cold temperature. Although I was almost full I simply could not resist a serve of the chocolate chilli tart. This was a great way to enjoy an excellent meal in S.K.A.I.’s embracing atmosphere.

PADMA RESORT LEGIAN Jl. Padma No. 1 Legian, Bali Tel. +62 361 752 111 www.padmaresortlegian.com

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GLOW RESTAURANT Casually tucked in Como Shambala Estate, glow offers all-day menus using mostly organic and locally sources products in a serene and cozy atmosphere.

The restaurant is a contemporary-styled and opensided with an open-kitchen so guests can witness their food being prepared freshly. They serve easy dishes, nutritious and delightful COMO Shambhala Cuisine including salads, energizing juices and blends rich in living enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Tuna sambal matah is certainly one recommended dish. It is a grilled flake tuna top it off with sambal matah, Balinese special chili sauce and served with apple aubergines, ginger flower, shallot and lemongrass. All the ingredients were fresh and the sambal matah actually made the salad taste better through spice, not overpowering. Sea vegetable, avocado, cucumber & radish salad with Japanese dressing is another great choice. Finely sliced fresh cucumbers as the based with slabs of avocado, radish and pile of sea vegetables consisting of 3 different kinds of seaweeds are beautifully assembled in a plate creating a different yet refreshing and tasty dish. To end my lovely lunch, I had a portion of dadar gulung, one of Indonesian favorites snacks. It is a savory and sweet pancake roll stuffed with coconut and palm sugar. The flavor is authentic. However, if you wish to have something else, Glow has other kinds of dessert on offer such as cakes, diary free ice cream, sorbets and granitas made from assortments of fruits as well as flowers.

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COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan. Ubud, Gianyar - Bali Tel +62 361 978 888 www.comohotels.com/comoshambhalaestate

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THE DECK GOURMET LOUNGE Established in October 2014, The Deck - Gourmet Lounge is the latest addition to the dining venues at Club Med Bali. Situated on Nusa Dua’s beach front, The Deck – Gourmet Lounge provides an a la carte menu specializing in casual easy food for late breakfast, late lunch, small bites, seafood dinner and late dinner. A day pass or a night pass is required to enjoy the fare The Deck has to offer. White and blue hues dominate the interior where one has the choice of a comfortable indoor dining area, an outdoor floating deck or an indoor bar provided for those wanting bar service and snacks. After gazing through the menu I started with tuna tartar and mango. It’s a simple and delicious dish consisting of chopped fresh tuna, fresh mango and a lime olive oil dressing. For the main course, I chose the herb-crusted mahi-mahi, a plate of baked mahi-mahi with a roasted garlic cream sauce and fried leaks that

were served with fragrant yellow rice. The tasty yellow rice well complimented the mahi-mahi with its sauce and other ingredients. With three choices for dessert I opted for the pasty of the day. This was Paris Brest, a classic French dessert, made of choux pastry and a praline flavoured cream. To end I enjoyed a glass of Bali passion put together with grapefruit juice, guava juice, and lychee syrup. This was a perfect end to my late lunch at the DeckGourmet Lounge.

CLUB MED BALI Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua BTDC, Nusa Dua, Bali Tel. +62 361 771521 www.clubmed.com

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KARMA BEACH CLUB GILI MENO

As more and more travelers head to Gili Islands these days, now culinary enthusiasts can savor Mediterranean-meets-new-world cuisine in a sea-breeze place at Karma Beach Club Gili Meno.

Set conveniently in Karma Reef, Karma Beach Club Gili Meno is a luxurious and chic beachfront restaurant perfect for all day dining focusing on locally caught seafood, and known for its traditional Indonesian inspired dishes. One dish worth selecting is the grilled fish. One has the option to choose the fresh fish of the day, either barramundi, mahi-mahi, red snapper or tuna that is grilled to perfection served with fresh tomato slices, some green salad with a drizzle balsamic vinaigrette as well as pesto sauce. The vegetables and sauces absolutely complement the fish - very flavourful.

The portion is enough for one person and it’s such a perfect dish to enjoy especially when it pairs with Karma Splash Rose, a rose wine produced in Australia. It’s recommended to enjoy the beach club for at least half a day, where one can swim, or do nothing while sipping the classic Karma cocktail, a mixture of vodka, curacao, lime, simple syrup and topped with sprite. The beach club also offers VIP boat service to pick up those from Gili Trawangan or Gili Air so that everyone can unwind in Karma Beach’s laid-back barefoot elegance.

Here, the paella is definitely a must. This classic Spanish rice dish consists of seafood, chicken and chorizo.

KARMA REEF Dusun Gili Meno, Gili Indah Kec. Pemenang. Kab Lombok Utara Tel. +62 370 630982 www.karmaresorts.com

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CASCADES RESTAURANT

Well known for its fine dining with French and Asian influences, CasCades Restaurant offers culinary enthusiasts a fabulous dining experience.

Occupying an impressive valley location in a 10-meter high Balinese style thatched roof establishment, the menu in CasCades Restaurant is engineered with French technique, a modern flare and an assertive focus on using the highest quality ingredients, many of which are organic and found locally on the island. Our first delight in the six course tasting was veal duo, slow roasted veal, and smoked mackerel rolls with red radish, daikon and potato soil bone marrow with pickled cucumber, bronze fennel, smoked croutons and tuna wasabi mayonnaise. These two appetizers really stimulated our appetite. This was followed by an unforgettable dish of seared wild American scallops, with the added textures of Jerusalem

artichoke, black pudding crème and nasturtium. The next course was the tasty duck l’orange sous-vide French duck breast with purple carrots, mint burgul, carrot chutney and aigre-doux a’ l’orange sauce. The last course and best part was the savoury dessert, chocolate aero cubes with beetroot sponge, red bell pepper sorbet, strawberry crumble and berry beetroot sauce. Here, the food presentation is simply remarkable. We had such a wonderful gastronomic journey with added value of the stunning views and gentle respectful service.

Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, Ubud, Bali Tel. +62 361 972 111 www.cascadesbali.com

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Raja’s Restaurant Balinese Royal Dining Raja’s Restaurant is located at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa and offers authentic Balinese cuisine in a royal setting. The restaurant has earned numerous awards including the Hospitality Asia Platinum Award’s (HAPA) Gastronomic Experience, the Asia Cuisine during the HAPA 2008– 2010 Regional Series and it is the only certified halal Balinese restaurant on the island. The dining area is divided into two sections; a fully air conditioned indoor area and open-air wooden pavilion. The restaurant presents an exotic air of splendid Balinese grandeur without losing any of its intended elegance.

If you fancy dining like a Balinese regent, Raja’s Balinese Restaurant is the place to enjoy a right-regal experience.

The menu here is comprehensive in its range of Balinese dishes with the latest addition of tapas available in a variety of choice. Each of these is enticingly presented on a small plate. My favourites were the grilled duck leg, twelve hour braised beef cheek, prawn sate, glutinous rice and pan-fried snapper with sambal matah. The restaurant’s chef maintains authentic flavour and immaculate presentation with all the dishes on offer at Raja’s. Raja’s signature dish is either duck or chicken betutu. This is a whole duck or chicken that has been marinated in 16 different spices, wrapped in palm leaves

and then slow cooked for four hours. The betutu is a dish not to be missed. Another highly recommended dish here is the delicious ulam kambing mepanggang; grilled lamb cutlets served with a local curry sauce and Balinese vegetables. Dessert of course is here in authentic form and range including pandanus leaf pancakes with jackfruit, fresh tropical fruit, a choice of 6 types of exotic ice cream and more. A visit to Raja’s Balinese Restaurant is an adventure tour in taste and style.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa  Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot North 4 Nusa Dua, Bali Tel. +62 361 771210 www.nusaduahotel.com

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SPA ULUWATU AT INTERCONTINENTAL RESORTS Fancy a little R&R and seeking a dedicated spa to achieve your objective? Spa Uluwatu at InterContinental Bali Resort should be your destination.

Spa Uluwatu provides three types of treatment rooms: a private treatment room, a tented pavilion overlooking Jimbaran Bay and the seclusion of the Villa Retreats. An array of treatments from head to toe is available to cater for all needs and provide rejuvenation and relaxation therapies. The InterContinental Signature Massage was my choice as it combines a comforting combination of several massage styles from around the world. As soon as I entered the private treatment room it was as though I had walked through a portal to a new environment. The room had an elegantly classic style aided with an effective use of marble delivering a magically serene atmosphere. My treatment began with the ritual footbath to cleanse the feet after which a skilful therapist worked her plied her art to

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perform a range of massage techniques with that Balinese a touch. Three choices of massage oil were offered and I selected a relaxing compress of essential rose and geranium oil. The sweet fragrance of rose and ingredients contained in the geranium oil actually produced a balancing effect that relieved tension. I found my treatment to be a relaxing and pampering experience in the superb elegance of this luxury spa. I left InterContinental Bali Resort feeling revived, free of tension and calm of mind.

Jalan Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran, Kuta, Bali Tel. +62 361 701888 bali.intercontinental.com

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THE SPA AT AMANDARI Purposely designed to reflect aspects of Bali’s natural beauty, Amandari Spa presents as a luxurious sanctuary of quiet serenity.

A feature of the Amandari Resort in Ubud, this spa offers a full range of wellness and beauty treatments that can be performed in the privacy of guests’ suites, in a bale overlooking the Ayung valley or in an open-air pavilion surrounded by alang-alang plants. It was a lovely day when I arrived at Amandari and a friendly member of hotel’s staff accompanied me along a winding path to the open-air pavilion. I chose the Amandari Massage, one of the recommended treatments here and this began with a honey and

ginger foot scrub. A Swedish massage combination of acupressure and stretching came next. With this my therapist applied her skilled hands with the magic of that inimitable Balinese technique. Lying in the contentment of this open-air pavilion, the only sound to be heard was the soothing calm of gurgling water flowing into a pond. For this particular treatment, surrender oil comprising of the organic Balinese ingredients of ginger, lavender and lemongrass is utilized. The ginger produces a warming effect to help relieve tension and lemongrass acts as a detoxifier.

After the treatment, I was prepared ready to receive a Balinese ‘otonan’ ceremony. This in fact is a traditional birthday celebration to say thank to God for giving health and gift of longevity. It was a doubly sweet gesture as it was not yet my birthday. My treatment had the healing effects of allowing my tensions to fade providing peace of mind and a rejuvenated spirit.

Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali Tel. +62 361 975 333 www.amanresorts.com

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THE SPA AT FAIRMONT SANUR BEACH BALI Nestled subtlety underneath a water feature at the heart of the resort, The Spa at Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali is sanctuary for both houseguests as well as those who come to Bali looking for indulging spa treatments in the calm tranquillity of a stylish environment. Stepping into the spa lobby, I was warmly welcomed by the reception staff that asked a range of essential questions while explaining the products that would be used for treatments. I decided on the Bali Sea minerals detox treatment. This 2-hour treatment started with a foot ritual involving a cleaning process where peppermint and lime crystal salts worked as an initial antiseptic. Following this an invigorating sea salt scrub with added ginger and jasmine liquid gel for cleansing was applied. Before going on to the exfoliating step, the therapist performed a skin brushing with the use of loofah hand mitt in order to remove the loose skin. Next, a scrubbing step was performed with the use of a detoxifying body scrub consisting of sea salt, ginger, eucalyptus and jasmine. For this a circular scrubbing motion was employed starting

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from the bottoms of my feet and worked up through the rest of me. A body boreh wrap made up of clove, ginger, rice powder, turmeric, nutmeg, lemongrass followed and continued on to a bath ritual where I soaked comfortably in warm water containing ginger slices and limes. The last step was the energizing lymphatic body massage using bergamot and geranium massage oil that gives off a wonderfully sweet aroma and delivered a contented feeling of relaxation. The gratifying result of this treatment was a smooth and supple skin and a calm sense of rejuvenation.

Jalan Kusuma Sari no. 8, Sanur Beach, Bali Tel. +62 361 302 8901 www.fairmont.com

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KUPU KUPU BARONG VILLAS & MANGO TREE SPA BY L’OCCITANE Great products and experienced therapists combined with a spectacular view from a unique treatment room are some of the atributtes make Mango Tree Spa by L’OCCITANE at Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa one of the best spas on the island of Bali. As soon as I arrived at the spa’s lobby, a glass of cold mango juice was served before being escorted by a staff member to Tree spa room on the top of a mango tree. This treatment room is a semi open-air traditional bamboo tree house, equipped with private bathroom. It overlooks the Ayung River and its beautiful verdant valley. My treatment was called the Journey to Provence, a package of massage and facial treatment. A ritual footbath was first performed before moving on to the full body massage using lavender products. The treatment involved a 60-minute Aromachologie body massage based on Swedish effleurages, Chinese acupressure points and long kneading Balinese movements that resulted in a deep level of relaxation and left my mind and body totally refreshed. A body scrub using shea butter to remove dead cells followed this. The effect was to leave my skin softer and healthier.

The smooth natural sounds of flowing river water and bird song in the background added to the serenity of my relaxing treatment. The whole experience was comfortable and rejuvenating and left me with an invigorating sense of verve.

After taking a shower, I had a facial with the use of Angelica products. Starting with a cleansing process and followed by facial scrub. The treatment finished with the application of a facemask.

Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali Tel: +62 361 975 478 www.kupubarongubud.com/spa-by-loccitane.php

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Tropical Life Online Photo Contest To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of MixMedia, Tropical Life Magazine held an enthralling Online Photo Contest for everyone starting from the 1st of March 2015 with the themes of nature and cityscape. The enthusiasm of this photo contest was vast as the contest was open to all, both amateurs, professionals and those of all nationalities. The emphasis here was not so much technique but rather the capturing of a subject from the right angle at the perfect moment. It is this that made the contest popular with non-professional photographers. As a result, over 2,000 photos were submitted and in this edition we publish the winning entries of the Tropical Life

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Online Photo Contest along with the votes gathered for the top 25 finalists. The judging panel was made up of Andi Adrian (Commercial Director AirAsia), Nirwan Lesmana (Vice President Marketing Communications Telkomsel), Tommy Trisdiarto (Director of Marketing and Communications Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort) and Olaf Purvis (Managing Director MixMedia). The winner and runner up of this contest have now been chosen. With the second tier of the competition two were chosen from the top 25 contestants. One was chosen by viewers of the Tropical Life website and the other by MixMediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative team.

MOST FAVOURITE BY MIXMEDIA CREATIVE TEAM

EFRAIM GINTING - The Blanket

MOST VOTED BY VIEWERS

BACHTIAR RUSYDI - The Vibrant Treasure TropicaLife.net

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Best

25 We narrowed the finalists down from over 2,000 photos and here we reveal the top 25 finalists of the Tropical Life Online Photo Contest.

DON SUGENG - Toroan Waterfall

GUZ MAHESA - Morning Full of activity

GREGORIOUS HENDRA - Baluran National Park

HENDRO PRANYOTO - Senja di Tanjung Papuma

at Sunrise

PANDU ADNYANA - Morning Row

INDRAWIRA - Surga yang Tersembunyi

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HAMID MUKHLIS - Morning in Dieng

ESTHER PUPUNG - Kenjeran

ANJAR WISNU - Refleksi Monas

FAHRUROZI - Sunset Gunung Merbabu

ADI WIRATMO - Kabut Bromo

YUSTINUS - Kembali Pulang

PUTU AGUS EKA KURNIAWAN - Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple

JOVY - Kawah Ijen

MADE AGUS DEVAYANA - Foggy in the Morning

HENDRY HAMIM - Danau Biru

EFRAIM GINTING - The Blanket

DIDIK PUTRADI - Danau Tamblingan

ARRY WIBOWO - Tranquility

ANJAR WISNUBROTO - B / O

GEDE SUKA PRATAMA - Morning Activity

GEDE ARY SUARDIKA - Cerita Senja di Desa Pegadungan

NENGAH ARDIKA - Sawahku

JKONG- The Marina Bay Sands

LIK XIN CHONG - You’re My Firework

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ADI WIRATMO Kabut Bromo

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GEDE ARY SUARDIKA Cerita Senja di Desa Pegadungan

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DON SUGENG Toroan Waterfall

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UBUD VILLAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015 IS ON! MUSIC LOVERS! HERE’S SOME EXCITING NEWS! ONE OF THE MOST ACCLAIMED ANNUAL JAZZ EVENTS ON THE ISLAND, THE UBUD VILLAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL (UVJF) WILL SOON COMMENCE. ENCOURAGED BY DIFFERENT LOCAL CREATIVE COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZED BY A DEDICATED TEAM THAT COMES FROM A RANGE OF FIELDS AND BACKGROUNDS HAVE TOGETHER MADE UBUD VILLAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL THE ONLY JAZZ FESTIVAL IN INDONESIA THAT “BRINGS JAZZ BACK ON THE RIGHT TRACK”.

The 3rd UVJF this year will be held on 7th and 8th of August at Museum ARMA Ubud and will bring together jazz musicians from Indonesia and abroad to showcase their musical, technical and creative abilities to perform. Some of the names that will appear at this event are Indra Lesmana, Laura Brunner, The Nial Djuliarso Quartet, Dodot &Co, Gustu Brahmanta, Dewa Budjana, Yuri Mahatma, Dian Pratiwi, Astrid Sulaiman, Kirana Big Band, Dion Janapria, The Nita Aartsen Trio, Dwiki Dharmawan and Balawan. These will share the 3 stages with international musicians such as Grammy winner Oran Etkin (NYC/USA), The Julian Banks Trio, Alex Lahey (Australia), The Miles Projects (Holland) and others. As well as presenting A-Class performers,

Ubud Village Jazz Festival is once again be proving their commitment to boost the regeneration process of Indonesian newyoung–jazz musicians by continuing their partnership with The Jazz Summer School in Korea and The Netherlands this year. It is this exciting initiative that promotes a higher level of Jazz education in Indonesia. The Bali Jazz Summer School is a 5-day jazz camp that will be held prior to the festival offering help and advice for players of guitar, drum, piano, bass, brass and reed instruments along with vocal tuition. Early bird special price tickets are now available for purchase online until July. Don’t miss this extraordinary deal! For further information or inquiries, click www.ubudvillagejazzfestival.com

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living

VILLA IN CANGGU YYC/AY/TL001 A great choice for those looking a holiday home in Bali. This fully furnished villa has 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, private swimming pool, living & dining area, service area, staff quarter as well as balcony overlooking the beautiful rice field. 3-bedroom villa Land size: 1.115 m2 | Build size: 675 m2 Price: Rp 6.500.000.000 Title: Freehold For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA B IN PETITENGET BLP/AY/TL002 If you wish to have a villa close the famous Seminyak area, this villa is the one. The 2 story villa provides 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, entertainment room, guest toilet, closed living and dining area, large pool with pool deck, fully equipped kitchen, gazebo, nice garden, service area and a carport that fits 3 cars. Beside, maid’s room with bathroom, staff’s kitchen and service area are available in this villa. 3-bedroom villa Land size: 600 m2 Price: Rp 16.000.000.000 Title: Freehold For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA P IN CANGGU PDC/AY/TLOO3 This big villa is a great investment. The villa is facing to the rice fields complete with lap pool, kid’s pool, bale bengong, large garden including about 500 m2 vacant land. It has 4 deluxe rooms, 1 superior room, open-air living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen and service area. 3-bedroom villa Land size: 3.370 m2 | Build size: 550 m2 Price: USD 2.100.000 Title: Freehold For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

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living

VILLA IN BUKIT EHB/AY/TL 004 This fully furnished and huge villa is a wonderful choice for those looking a dream villa on the beautiful island of Bali. It has stunning view of Jimbaran Bay, Ocean and runway of Ngurah Rai international Airport. The villa provides spacious living & dining area, swimming pool, gazebo, service area and garage. 3-bedroom villa Land size: 3.370 m2 Build size: 550 m2 Price: USD 2.100.000 Title: Freehold For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN PERERENAN UVP/AY/TL005 This special villa has 3 units. The 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom, each features open-air living & dining area, private pool and gazebo. The 1-bedroom has kitchen, living & dining area. Other facilities are service area, laundry room, parking area, Wi-Fi. 3 unit villas Land size: 1.850 m2 | Price: Rp 15.000.000.000 Title: Freehold For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN BUMBAK UMALAS VBU-AY-TL007 This beautiful villa is located only 400 m off the main road of Umalas, 30 minutes from Petitenget Seminyak, and 15 minutes to Berawa beach Canggu with view of rice field. The villa is fully furnished, 4-bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms (Master bathroom overlooking rice field), 1-study room, open-air spacious living & dining area, dining table for 10 seats capacity, large fully equipped kitchen with western standard, wet kitchen with cool storage, pantry, 3-refregerator & freezer, entertainment & bar room with home theatre, big pool with Jacuzzi, big garden, patio with dining table, staff & service area, carport fits for 2-cars, and 32,000 kwh power capacity. 4- bedrooms villa Land size: 17.4 are (1740 m2) | Build size: 6 are (600 m2) Price: USD 2.000.000 Title: freehold For more info contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

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VILLA IN KEROBOKAN VK-AY-TL008 This villa is only 1 km to the beach and 5-10 minutes to the famous Seminyak area. It has 3-bedroom with en-suite bathroom, open-air living & dining area, swimming pool, garden, service area and carport for 2 cars. 3-bedroom villa Land size: 450 m2 Price: Rp 7.000.000.000 Title: Freehold For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA DM IN UMALAS VDU-AY-TL009 A beautiful villa with stunning view located 150 m off the main road; 4m-wide lane, 10-15 minutes from Petitenget Seminyak, and 1 hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The villa offers everything you would expect from 3-bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, closed living & dining area, fully equipped kitchen, private pool, gazebo, carport fits for 1-car, receptionist, and 24-hours security. 3- bedrooms villa Land size: 4.2 are (420 m2) | Build size: 2 are (200 m2) Price: USD 490.000 | Title: under cost of the owner For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN KAYU TULANG, CANGGU VKT-AY-TL0100 The brand new villa is located about 5 minutes to Echo beach and 15 minutes from Seminyak area. It is fully furnished, has 4 air-conditioned bedrooms (3-bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms), roof top terrace with sun-beds, 1-powder room, closed living & dining area, fully equipped kitchen, large swimming pool, large day bed, big garden, staff quarter (2-bedrooms, bathroom & kitchen), service area, storage, 16.500 watt power capacity, electricity stabilizer for the whole house, solar hot water system, deep water with water filter system. 3- bedrooms villa Land size: 10 are (1000 m2) | Build size: 5.88 are (588 m2) Price: Rp 12.000.000.000 | Title: freehold For more info contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 812385150

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VILLA C IN UMALAS VCU-AY-TL0110 The villa is located in the secured villa complex about 150 m from the main road of Jalan Bumbak, 10 minutes from Petitenget, and 10 minutes to Berawa beach. It is fully furnished, has 3-bedrooms with e-suite bathrooms, powder room, closed living & dining area, fully equipped kitchen, private pool, gazebo, staff & service area, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security. 3- bedrooms villa Land size: 4.1 are (410 m2) | Build size: 20.9 are (2090 m2) Price: USD 6.500.000.000 | Title: freehold For more info contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 812385150

VILLA E IN CANGGU VEC/AY/TL0012 This furnished villa is ideal for a holiday home as its location is close to the beach and only minutes away from Canggu Club. It has 2-bedroom with en-suite bathrooms, living & dining area, kitchen, swimming pool, staff quarter, service area and carport. The area in the 3rd floor can be converted into a 3rd bedroom overlooking the rice field. 2-bedroom villa Land size: 300 m2 Build size: 250 m2 Price: Rp 5.500.000.000 Title: Freehold For more info, contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA S IN CANGGU VSC/AY/TL0013 Looking for a second home in Bali? This one could be yours. The fully furnished villa has 3-bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 12m x3m swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen including island with bar stools, and large dining table. The master bedroom is located on second floor and has a beautiful view of the paddy field. It also provides staff quarter and service area. 3-bedroom villa Land size: 530 m2 Build size: 385 m2 Price: Rp 6.500.000.000 Title: Freehold For more info contact Tropical Agent Tel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

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hotel listing

PULLMAN BALI LEGIAN NIRWANA

PADMA RESORT BALI AT LEGIAN

MACA VILLAS

A prolific beachfront resort located close to the legendary Kuta beach, Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana offers 351 quality rooms to indulge you during your stay. Other facilities provided including a rooftop bar, pools, restaurants, ballroom, and wellness center. They also held regular art exhibition in their spacious open-air lobby area.

A serene sanctuary under the shades of palm tree, Padma Resort Bali at Legian is one fine alternative for travelers seeking ultimate comfort in tropical ambience. With traditional Balinese architecture design, lavish interior and wide selection of rooms, it is set to bring the best of your stay during vacation.

Maca Villas & Spa Bali offers twentyfive 1 and 2 bedroom pool villas that are intimately designed for total privacy and capture the true essence of a Bali Holiday. The villas feature an open-air receptionlounge in a modern twist on traditional Balinese design, round-the-clock guest concierge and villa butler service.

Jl. Melasti, Legian Bali, Indonesia Tel. +62 361 762 500

Jl. Padma No.1 Legian Bali, Indonesia Tel. +62 361 752 111

Jl. Lebak Sari No.7, Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia | Tel. +62 361 739090 www.macavillas.com

SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT

LE MERIDIEN BALI JIMBARAN

QUNCI VILLAS LOMBOK

Intimately welcomes you to the heart of Kuta, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is a five-star accommodation offering quality service, comfortable resting space and easy access to entertainment spot around Kuta area. The hotel boasts a total of 203 rooms and suites for their beloved guest, as well as other facilities such as the famous Feast and Bene restaurant.

Located not far from the pristine Jimbaran Bay, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran is one of the most stylish luxury hotel in Bali. There are total of 117 spacious guest room owned by the hotel, as well as other exclusive facility such as Bamboo Chic Restaurant, Serenity treatment center and the wonderful Smoqee bar & sky lounge.

Nestled in front of the gorgeous Mangsit Beach, Qunci Villas is the ideal place for those looking for a serene and picturesque getaway in the comfort of modern and plush services. It offers 78 rooms, Qamboja Spa, restaurants and two 30-meter and a 15-meter infinity edge pools overlooking the Bali straits.

Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta Bali, Indonesia Tel. +62 361 846 5555

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Jl. Bukit Permai, Jimbaran Bali, Indonesia Tel.+62 361 846 6888

Jl. Raya Mangsit, Sengigi, Lombok, Indonesia Tel. +62 370 693 800 www.quncivillas.com

hotel listing

HOTEL MAJAPAHIT

THE PHOENIX HOTEL YOGYAKARTA

SIAM KEMPINSKI HOTEL BANGKOK

A heritage Hotel in the centre of Surabaya city, Hotel Majapahit is a luxurious historical hotel featuring graceful colonialstyle architecture and beautiful gardens. The hotel provides 143 rooms, prestigious dining facilities, a spa, a health club and an outdoor pool.

Situated in the heart of Yogyakarta, The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta is the second of the MGallery collection selected in Asia due to its history and splendid decor. The hotel boasts 143 exquisite rooms, the famous Paprika Restaurant, The 1918’s Terrace Bar and MySpa.

Jl. Tunjungan no.65, Surabaya, Indonesia Tel. +62 31 5454 333 www.hotel-majapahit.com

Jl. Jenderal Sudirman no. 9 Yogyakarta, Indonesia Tel. +62 274 566617 www.thephoenixyogya.com

Situated in the heart of Bangkok’s tourist area of Siam and only a short walk away from the city’s best known shopping and entertainment destination, the Siam Paragon and the Siam Centre, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok offers a unique blend of a luxury city hotel with a resort featuring 303 rooms including 42 suites and 98 service residences all with 5 star facilities and amenities.

Rama 1 Road 991/9, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 2 162 9000 www.kempinski.com

TRADERS HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR BY SHANGRI-LA

THE MAJESTIC MALACCA

SHANGRI-LA’S RASA SAYANG RESORT & SPA, PENANG

Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur offers 571 well-appointed rooms and suites, restaurants, 24-hour business services and health club, and an award-winning rooftop bar-SkyBar. The hotel is within walking distance to the KLCC Park, Suria KLCC and 10 minutes walk to Bukit Bintang.

Situated in The UNESCO World Heritage city of Malacca, The Majestic Malacca houses the Mansion and an adjacent new wing of 54 lavishly appointed guest rooms that include 43 deluxe king rooms, 9 deluxe twin rooms and 2 suites. The hotel features the famous Spa Village Malacca.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel. +60 3 2332 98888 www.tradershotels.com

188 Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia Tel. +60 6 289 8000 www.majesticmalacca.com

This luxury hotel in a prime location offers 399 guest rooms including 54 luxury suites with captivating vistas of the city, Victoria Harbor, Kowloon and the Peak. For your gourmet pleasure, choose from an array of impressive restaurants including the two Michelin three-star restaurants. Pamper yourself at the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is a must.

Batu Feringgi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia Tel. +60 4 888 8888 www.shangri-la.com

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PICK UP POINT In Room

Brasa Jl. By Pass Sanur

Karma Resort Jl. Uluwatu

Café Degan Jl. Petitenget

Kopi Bali House Jl. By Pass Sanur

Café Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tamblingan

Kori Restaurant Jl. Poppies II

The Royal Santrian Jl. Pratama

Café Moka Jl. Raya Seminyak

The Haven Jl. Raya Seminyak

Casa Gourmet Seminyak Square

Komaneka Resort Jl. Bisma

Grand Mirage Jl. Pratama

Canggu Deli Canggu

New Kuta Condotel Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu

Chandi Jl. Laksmana

The Laguna Resort BTDC C151 Smart Villas Jl. Laksmana

Sentosa Private Villas Jl. Pura Telaga Waja, Seminyak TS Suites Bali Jl. Nakula Gending Kedis Jl. Karang Emas Sejahtra, Jimbaran Kanishka Villas Jl. Kunti The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak Amadea Resort Jl. Laksmana The Elysian Jl. Sari Dewi

Club Bali Mirage Jl. Pratama

Dejavu Kitchen Jl. Arjuna

Lanai Double Six

Discovery Kartika Plaza Jl. Kartika Plaza

LV 8 Resorts Jl. Discovery, Canggu

Dulang Café and Bakery Kuta Square

Lumut Jl. Danau Tamblingan

Downtown Villa Jl. Raya Seminyak

Made’s Warung Jl. Pantai Kuta Jl. Raya Seminyak

Faces at The Bale Nusa Dua

Mamasan Restaurant Jl. Raya Kerobokan

Flying Fish Double Six

Massimo Restaurant Jl. Danau Tamblingan

Gill Wilson Jl. By Pass Sanur

Bali

Grand Hyatt Bali BTDC Grocer & Grind Jl. Laksmana

Alila Villas Uluwatu Jl. Belimbing Sari, Desa Pecatu Alaya Ubud Jl. Raya Pengosekan ARC Sunset road Amandari Jl. Raya Sayan Amanusa Nusa Dua

Kuta Paradiso Hotel Jl. Kartika Plaza Kupu-Kupu Jimbaran Suite Jimbaran

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali BTDC

Alilla Villas Ubud Melinggih Kelod, Payangan

Kuni’s Jl. Laksmana

Conrad Jl. Pratama

Chez Gado Gado Jl. Dhyana Pura

Ahimsa Jl. Kunti

Kudeta Jl. Laksmana

Griya Santrian Jl. Danau Tamblingan H Sovereign Bali Jl. Raya Tuban

Melia Benoa Jl. Pratama Metis Jl. Petitenget No. 6 Merah Putih Restaurant Jl. Petitenget Mezzanine Jl. Danau Tamblingan New Kuta Golf Pecatu

Hard Rock Hotel Jl. Pantai Kuta

Grand Nikko Bali Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan

Hard Rock Café Jl. Pantai Kuta

Novotel Nusa Dua BTDC

Hotel Niksoma Jl. Padma II

Panonpoe Jl. Laksmana

Hu’u Jl. Petitenget

Pandawa Beach Villas And Spa Jl. Pantai Gumicik

Intercontinental Jimbaran Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

Ramada Bintang Bali Jl. Kartika Plaza Ramada Beach Resort Jl. Pratama Rumours Jl. Laksmana

Sheraton Laguna BTDC

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran Jl. Bukit Permai

SenS Hotel Jl. Sukma Banjar, Ubud Sentosa Seminyak Jl. Pura Telaga Waja Sienna Villas Jl. Raya Seminyak Gg. Keraton 5 St. Regis Jl. Pratama, Tanjung Benoa Suka-Suka Jl. Batu Belig Sushi Tei Jl. Sunset Road Tarita Gallery Jl. By Pass Teckococo Jl. Petitenget The Bistrot Jl. Kayu Aya Dijon Setia Budi The Corner Store Jl. Laksmana The Oberoi Jl. Laksmana The Orchard Jl. Laksmana The Village Jl. Danau Tamblingan The Villas Jl. Kunti Sofitel Luxury Hotels BTDC Ultimo Jl. Laksmana Villa Dedaun Jl. Legian Vila Jerami Jl. Kunti

International SOS Jl. By Pass

Piment Rouge Jl. Serangan, Kerobokan

Villa Lumbung Jl. Petitenget

Jenggala Keramik Jl. Uluwatu

Prana Spa Jl. Kunti

Bali Deli Jl. Kunti

Jemme Restaurant Jl. Petitenget

Puri Santrian Resort Jl. Danau Tamblingan

Blue Ocean Double Six

Junction Jl. Laksmana

Sector Jl. Pantai Shindu

The Legian Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak

Bridges Jl. Raya Campuhan

Karma Kandara Jl. Uluwatu

Sardine Jl. Petitenget

Mantra Jl. Raya Nusa Dua

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Mozaic Jl. Raya Sanggingan

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort Jl. Pantai Kuta

Villa Jodi Jl. Laksmana

AYANA Resort & Spa Bali Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

The Bay Bali Jl. Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa Jl. Gunung Sari Peliatan

Peninsula Resort Jl. Pratama

Ayodya Resort Bali BTDC

Selatan, Sawangan

Warisan Jl. Raya Kerobokan W Retreat & Spa Bali Jl. Petitenget

Teatro Gastroteque Jl. Kayu Aya, Kuta, Badung, Lombok The Oberoi, Lombok Medana beach The Santosa Villas & Resort Jl. Raya Senggigi The Lombok Lodge Jl. Oberoi - Tanjung Hotel Novotel Lombok Mandalika Resort Lombok Tengah Qunci Villas Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi Hotel Vila Ombak Gili Trawangan Jakarta Shangri-la Hotel Jend Sudirman Kav.1 Hotel Borobudur Jakarta Lapangan Banteng Selatan Hotel Intercontinental Jakarta Midplaza Jend. Sudirman Hotel Pullman Jakarta MH. Thamrin Hotel Pullman Jakarta Cerntral Park Harum Manis Indonesian Restaurant Pavilion Apartment Reatail Arcade CASSIS Pavilion Apartment Reatail Arcade The Media Hotel & Towers Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya 3

Miracle Aesthetic Clinic Jl. MH Thamrin 40 - 42 Lobby Lounge JW Marriot Jl. Embong Malang Somerset Jl. Raya Kupang Indah The Platinum Grill Graha Famili Golf The Taman Dayu Golf Club PT. Golf Taman Dayu, Jl. Raya Sub - Malang KM 48 Vis A Fis JW Marriot Jl. Embong Malang 85 - 89 Yogyakarta Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta Jl. A. Mohammad Sangaji Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa Dusun Tanjungan, Borobudur

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur Parkroyal Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur Novotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur Pacific Regency Hotel Suites Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur Best Western Premier Dua Sentral Park Royal Kuala Lumpur Park Royal Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa Jl. Laksda Adi Sucipto KM. 8,7

Novotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta Jl. Jendral Sudirman

The A Loft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

Singapore Hotel Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen The Connoisseur Emporium River Valley Road The Queen & Mangosteen Vivo City

Pacific Regency Hotel Suites

Starhill Galery Enak KL Shook @ Starhiil Gallery Starhill Tea Salon Frangipani Restaurant Twenty one Kichen + Bar

The Connoisseur Divan

El Cerdo, Cangkat Bukit Bintang

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road

Prince Hotel KL

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay

Bangkok Thailand

Avani gold coast sepang resort

Costa Coffee

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok

Intercontinental Singapore

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel

Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan

Ibis Singapore Bencoolen

OPUS CAFE Plaza Indonesia

The Queen & Mangosteen Vivo City

Surabaya

The Scarlet Hotel

Kawi Lounge Sheraton Hotel Jl. Embong Malang 25 - 31

Park Royal Plaza Naumi Hotel

Mercure Siam Bangkok Hanoi - Vietnam HOTEL de l’opera Hanoi Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

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