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Local Look:

Bountiful Beauty

in Kuching and Lombok

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DESTINATION ASIA | EDITORIAL

Editor’s Letter By Paula Keung

While rounding up contributors for this spotlight issue about Kuching and Lombok, I had an initial fear that finding locals would be difficult. I was wrong; the Indonesian and Malaysian culture values courtesy and friendliness. I’ve made some fast friends half way around the globe, and if I were to hop on a Singapore Airlines flight tomorrow, I could count on a few folks to play tour guide. Of course, my first stop would be Singapore; if there was ever a food-centric city, I’d say Singapore is it. There’s an abundance of food courts scattered across the city; featured local Tad Sato thinks Newton Circus is the best one. After I’ve had my fill of kaya buns and Hainanese Chicken and Rice, I’ll get onboard a SilkAir flight to Kuching, where Shin Kinoshita will take me under the deep blue sea for a beautiful look at the sea turtles and the shipwrecks. There’s plenty to dine

on after we’ve surfaced; James HandfieldJones, owner of Kuching Caving, recommends the seafood stand on top of a parking garage, of all places. I think I’ll try the oyster omelette or the lobster. A few days later I might head to Indonesia’s Lombok Island, where the pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere bring tranquility to the soul. Lucienne Anhar, the owner of Hotel Tugu, already has a bedroom picked out at her resort. I can’t wait to arrive and luxuriate at the hotel spa, and then lay on the sand all day listening to the gentle waves. Care to join me?

T R AV E L S AV V Y f o r D E S T I N AT I O N A S I A Publisher: Stig Baasvik Editorial Director: Paula Keung Creative Director: Ken Thelian Advertising Operations: Eva Kulova 495 Communications LLC Paula Keung Bret Polansky Ken Thelian Travel Savvy Magazine 495 Communications LLC New York, New York For Advertising Opportunities, Please call 917 428 0635 Contact Editorial: EDITOR@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.com INQUIRIES: INFO@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM Advertising: ads@495communications.com

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Contents

Letter from the editor

Changi & Beyond

Adventures Down Under

Sun, Sand, and Ayam Taliwang

Local Quick Tip: Hello Kitten?

Peace and Tranquility in Lombok

The Shores of Kuching

Lombok in Pictures

On the Cover: Sunset at the Hotel Tugu in Lombok

DESTINATION ASIA | SINGAPORE

We asked 3 locals to name a centrally-located place to dine. Here’s where they suggest.

Christina Lee Blog: Smiliezz World

Chin Mee Chin

Changi Dash& Dine Travel Savvy Editors

Over 42 million people fly through Singapore’s Changi Airport annually. As a major hub in Asia, there is a flight taking off or landing every 100 seconds from their runways. You might choose to hang around the airport and

shop, dine, or nap. (Check the airport’s comprehensive website for more details: www.changiairport.com ) However, if your layover is 5 hours or more, you might want to venture into Singapore for a meal. Just be sure to check-in and print your boarding passes at the kiosks before you head out. To get downtown, opt for a 20 minute taxi ride or hop on the country’s subway, the MRT.

204 East Coast Road MRT Stop: Paya Lebar Chin Mee Chin Foursquare Page

Chin Mee Chin is an excellent example of a local ‘kopi tiam’ (coffee shop). Since it’s a coffee shop, they are only open weekdays until 4 PM; they’re closed on weekends. Here you’ll find some of Singapore’s best kaya buns, something I had never heard of until I arrived in this city. Kaya is a sort of coconut jam that is spread

on bread and topped with a thick square of butter. Normally, it’s spread on plain white toast, but at Chin Mee Chin they serve kaya on yummy little buns--hence the name ‘kaya buns.’ Like every good kopi tiam, they also offer Singapore-style soft-boiled eggs, which means it’s super runny and you are suppose to eat it topped with soy sauce and white pepper. You can also find a selection of local Singapore coffee drinks, my favorite being kopi bing, which is coffee with sugar syrup and milk. If you can, have a walk back to where the barristas work and you’ll see that their method for brewing coffee is unique indeed. Instead of using a typical coffee filter, they use what is called a coffee sock and it involves some pouring of the coffee back and forth, from container to container.

DESTINATION ASIA | SINGAPORE

Jocelyn Chia Twitter: @jocelynchia CEO of MomsLoveIt.com

Imperial Herbal Restaurant at Vivocity Mall #03-08, Lobby G, Vivo City MRT Stop: Harbour Front Imperial Herbal Website

I would recommend the Imperial Herbal Restaurant in Vivocity. Any taxi driver from the airport will know how to get there. When a friend of mine told me that she had a 7 hour layover in Singapore, and this was the ONE restaurant she was hitting based on wordof-mouth recommendations, I immediately exclaimed “Oh my god! That is my FAVORITE restaurant in the city!” It is very unique in terms of the food it offers - it infuses traditional Chinese herbs into delicious Chinese cuisine, making a very tasty yet healthy treat for the senses. A unique appetizer to start off with is the “Fu Rong” (Fluffy egg white) with dried scallop, that sits prettily on a bird’s nest that is made of potato. I also strongly recommend pre-ordering the paper-wrapped 8 Treasures Chicken in advance. For a fun, almost-DIY dessert treat, order the yam and sweet

potato dessert--you dip pipinghot pieces of yams and sweet potatoes into ice-cold water to caramelize their syrupy coating, resulting in a sweet, crunchy and satisfying end to your meal.

DESTINATION ASIA | SINGAPORE

Getting to Singapore with Singapore Airlines From Los Angeles

Daily to Singapore via Tokyo; 5 All-Business Class non-stop flights to Singapore per week

Tad Sato Tad’s Facebook Page

From New York

Daily to Singapore via Frankfurt (JFK); Daily All-Business Class non-stop to Singapore (EWR)

Newton Circus Food Court

From Houston

500 Clemenceau Ave North, MRT Stop: Newton Station (NS21). Newton Circus Foursquare Page

Newton Circus is one of several ‘hawker’ courts in Singapore. There are many food stalls and open areas with tables that you can share as seats become available. Newton Circus has stalls offering just about every type of food imaginable: seafood, spicy chicken, noodle shops, Japanese, sugar cane juice stands, fruit stands, etc. It’s great to just walk around, stretch your legs, get some food, and spend some time soaking in the Singaporean

5 flights weekly to Singapore via Moscow From San Francisco

addiction to good food before your next flight. Find a stall that is serving one of my favorite dishes, Hainanese Chicken and Rice; this is something you really can only get at a food stand since it’s not a restaurant-y type dish. If you are feeling adventurous after your meal, head to a fruit stand and order some durian. It’s the smelliest fruit before you eat it, but when you taste, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by it’s sweetness

and texture. At least, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised--some folks just can’t get past the smell. Like Newton Circus, durian is an experience to be had for sure!

Twice Daily to Singapore, one via Hong Kong and one via Seoul

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

DESTINATION ASIA | KUCHING

KUCHING On the northwestern part of the island of Borneo lies the Malaysian state of Sarawak, where you’ll find Singapore

a distinctly multi-cultural world that reflects Malay, Chinese and Indian LOMBOK

influences as well as Arabic, British, and a few others. The landscape is

also varied; there are beautiful beaches, stunning limestone rock formations, paddy fields, and buzzing city neighborhoods. Borneo has plenty to offer in terms of adventure travel and active vacations, making the island perfect for all comers; you can sit on the beach and lounge, or you can dive deep into the ocean and explore shipwrecks. The next day you might climb rocks, explore caves and follow that with an evening of prowling night markets in search of the most delicious seafood dishes. Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a great place to start in terms of exploring Borneo. Located on the northwestern portion of the island, Kuching is home to a mixed population that includes the ethnic sub populations of the Dayak and Orang Ulu people, as well as a small expat community. Getting THERE FROM SINGAPORE

SilkAir offers 3 weekly flight from Singapore. Flight time: 1h 25 minutes

Adventures Down Under James Handfield-Jones, Owner, Kuching Caving James’ Website

British expat James HandfieldJones, joint owner of Kuching Caving, has been leading cave research expeditions in and around

Kuching for the last 5 years, and heading caving expeditions for the traveling public for almost as long. Tour participants are picked up in Kuching at their hotels and equipped with helmets, lamps, protective trousers, boots and gloves. Then it’s off to the caves in search of archaeology, geology and wildlife. While surface biodiversity is challenged everywhere, it is alive and well underground.

DESTINATION ASIA | KUCHING

He explains, “Our caving destinations are between 40 minutes and 2 hours from Kuching. The most popular, “Big Spaces, Cool Streams” is a great expedition for a traveler who doesn’t have any caving background but wants to experience the excitement of life underground. We are the only company running expeditions to these caves, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience seeing some of Borneo’s natural gems.”

tour for visitors who want to treat their taste buds to the exciting flavors readily available in the region. Visit the website or contact James at KuchingCaving@gmail. com for information on any of his adventures.

Lot 7902 Sublot 81, Block C G/F Queen Tower Kuching, Sarawak Facebook Page Peter’s Special Foursquare Page

Lot 25

James also enjoys the varied ethnic cuisines available in Sarawak. He’s launching a food adventure

I recommend the Prawns Wrapped in Bacon, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

At Top Spot Food Court, Jl. Padugan (Atop the Parking Garage) Kuching, Sarawak Top Spot Foursquare Page

Peter’s Special Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Quite Simply: Try the baked lobster!

Photo Credit: tzeemeng

Semmengoh Wildlife Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg Kuching 93000 Semmengoh Website

This is the wildlife preserve where you go to see the orangutangs of Sarawak. It’s an experience not to be missed; try to get there early to maximize your chances of seeing the orangutangs during feeding times. Driving is most convenient so you don’t have to worry about catching the bus back to town.

DESTINATION ASIA | KUCHING

The Shores of Kuching Shin Kinoshita, Owner of Aquabase Kuching

Aquabase Kuching Links: Facebook Page Twitter Aquabase Blog

Shin Kinoshita has had a love affair with the ocean for his entire life. While studying linguistics at university in Japan, he managed to earn his dive certification at a local dive shop. Free time from studies meant attending marine symposiums and lectures and researching marine biology. Later, a dive trip to Malaysia inspired him to become an instructor and guide. “My guide on that trip was

so comprehensive. We discussed the marine life we were seeing in the region, and each day presented a new experience under water. So, it just seemed clear that diving and leading aquatic expeditions was something I was destined to do.” Along the way, Shin has dived all over the globe, earned a Masters Degree in Hospitality Management, and has worked extensively in travel marketing. Today, he owns and operates Aquabase Kuching, the on-site diving and aquatic sports company at the luxurious Damai Puri Resort (Website). Kuching is an excellent dive destination. During the dive season (May to September) you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful reefs that are home to schools of grouper, butterfly fish, angelfish, sea turtles, etc. Also, you can visit WWII-era shipwrecks just a few Photo Credit: Cynthia Chew www.thefoodpornographer.com

miles off shore. Aquabase is not only for divers; the company also offers boat rides to Bako National Park (Website), sunset safari cruises, snorkeling, canoe trips, island-hopping tours, and more. After you’ve docked at the resort following a day on the Aquabase boat, Shin suggests eating locally and enjoying the abundant seafood available all around Kuching, like crunchy sea cucumbers, crab sauteed in chillies, and Sarawak Laksa, a local spicy soup featuring jumbo prawns. Read below to find out where to dine.

KU Teluk Penyuk Santubon Ku Website

The Damai Puri Resort is lovely overall; the rooms are spacious and the amenities and spa are luxurious. A bonus: the resort has several options for dining, and everything is open to the public– not just for the hotel

DESTINATION ASIA | KUCHING

guests. One of my favorite places on the property is KU, which has a Malaysian theme, but with a modern twist. Order the chicken satay and the nasi goreng. The prices are very reasonable and the service is great.

Jalan Satok Weekend Market Corner of Jalan Satok and Jalan Palm

About a 10 minute taxi ride from Kuching’s tourist-y waterfront is

Photo Credit: Mikhail Panfilov

heads that look like little green circles and order a dish (pictured right). The way to eat this is sauteed with garlic and chili oil. Don’t leave Kuching without trying this truly local treat! Photo Credit: Yusman Saidi

a busy area called Satok. There are several main roads– Jalan is Malay for ‘road’– and on Jalan Satok, there is a small square that is home to a great open-air weekend market that is a mustdo. There are so many street stalls with food and vegetables as well as little craft stands and souvenir merchants. It’s all very affordable– you can eat for around $2-4 USD per dish– and you’ll love the energy and atmosphere. As Malaysia is a multicultural country, you will be able to note the different cuisines in each stall, such as Malay, Indian, Chinese, etc. One thing you must try is Midin. Find a stall with a box of small, green fern-

Jambu Bar and Lounge

Photo Credit: cwfoodtravel.blogspot.com

32, Jalan Crookshank Jambu Website

Junk

After a long day of work, our dive crew often hangs out at my favorite lounge, Jambu. The place attracts an international mix of expats and locals, mostly because everyone loves their good food, local drinks, and great music. For dining, reservations are recommended. If you want to chill out, this is where you go.

80, Jalan Wayang Junk Facebook Page

If you’re into a younger crowd check out Junk. The bar is covered in junk, but the music is far from it. There are light food options available and you’ll have fun talking to a diverse mix of people; we might even run into each other! Photo Credit: Yusman Saidi

DESTINATION ASIA | KUCHING

PhotoOp: “Take a walk through Old Kuching. Shop at the open air markets and look for the cat statues. Kuching is Malay for ‘cat.’ Make sure to stop in the art galleries along Main Bazaar Street; the art scene in Kuching features some great local artists who also own galleries and shops along this road.” —Lucas Goh, Kuching Local

Photo Credit: Caroline Rooney

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

Sun, Sand, and Ayam Taliwang Donie Ramdhoni Medical Student

Lombok is

a small Indonesian island that neighbors Bali. Visitors flock to this tranquil place to enjoy white sand beaches, a beautiful culture, and activities ranging from scuba diving to hiking and backpacking. Locals of the island enjoy these pursuits year-round; temperatures on the island hover between a mild 70°F and a sultry 95°F. Tourists to the island hail from every corner of the globe; Australians, Europeans and Asians come for the food, the people, and the culture. Getting There SilkAir offers 5 weekly flight from Singapore. Flying Time: 2h 45 minutes

Donie’s Twitter Page

I am a Lombok native, so I can tell you with confidence that there’s nothing more beautiful than the Lombok beaches. Our temperate weather and tranquil culture are the reason visitors flock to our island. If you want to go to my favorite beaches, visit Kuta Lombok and Senggigi Beach. They are about 2 hours apart by car. Both Kuta and Senggigi have more to offer than just a beautiful beach, like Sade village and the Batu Bolong Temple. Both areas have plenty of accommodations and urban comforts and worth at least a full day’s visit or more. And, when you’re in Lombok, try the local dish, Ayam Taliwang or

Chicken Taliwang. It’s a special spicy chicken dish of the Sasak people; we make up 80% of the population in Lombok. There are 2 places I like to have Taliwang-read below to find out where.

Kuta Lombok Since the Lombok International Airport is located near one of my favorite beaches, why wait to dip your toes in the water? Once you land, head directly Kuta Beach. You’ll notice that the sand looks pristine and white as you approach the shore, but take a handful and inspect it up close-it actually looks like small white peppercorns. The entire island of Lombok is still pretty underdeveloped, and Kuta is a great example of how much natural beauty you can find here; the mangrove trees grow right into the waterline, and there’s never a crowd. The main hotel in this area is the beach front Novotel. It’s luxurious and perfectly situated.

Photo Credit: Ridzki Noviansyah

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

Senggigi Beach Hire a car to take you to Senggigi, which you can do by asking at any car rental shop; your hotel can also arrange this. There are other ways to get here, perhaps by bus. But, you may find that a private car will allow you to stop along the way and visit markets or sites. For example, on the way from Kuta to Senggigi you will go through an old town, Ampenan. There’s a fish market here and many stalls with small gifts and souvenirs. While you are in Kuta, be sure to visit Sade, a traditional village of the Sasak tribe. Only customary grass abodes with clay and dung floors are found here; there is a law against modern construction designs within the town. Visitors can visit the many stalls selling ikat fabrics in colorful designs; but, do remember to haggle!

Kuta Beach Photo Credit: www.quicktrip.sg

Sade Village Photo Credit:Etty Nuraini

Senggigi happens to be the main tourism area of our island. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants; generally it’s a busy area. While you’re in Senggigi, visit the Pura Batu Bolong Temple, where you can marvel at the famous hole in the rock that drops directly into the ocean. Also, the view straight across to Bali is magnificent from here!

Pura Batu Bolong Temple Photo Credit: Randi Ang

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

And, in Senggigi there’s Udayana street, which is near the old airport. Make sure to try all the foods here. One of my favorite things to enjoy is Sate Rembiga, a spicy chili-covered grilled beef. You can find fish skewers, fresh coconuts, and so much more. A local dish that you must try is Ayam Taliwang. ‘Ayam’ is Indonesian for ‘chicken,’ and tradition calls for it to be spicy! Some restaurants do a fried version, and some restaurants roast over open fire. In Lombok, roadside stalls and fancier restaurants can be equally delightful. I like to dine casually, so as long as you don’t need fancy surroundings you’ll love the food anywhere on the island. Do you want to know where I think the best Taliwang can be found? At Kania and Haji Moerad, and believe me -- these casual places keep people coming back for more!

Kania 2 locations: Jl. Panca Usaha Cakranegara - LOMBOK Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Haji Moerad Restaurant Jl.Pelikan No.6 Pajang Pejanggik Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Jl. Pejanggik 8, Mataram Lombok Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Ayam Taliwang Photo Credit: www.enci-scrapbook.blogspot.com

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

spa. The clear blue waters of Sire Beach are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. With only 19 suites, the hotel has been painstakingly decorated with historic artifacts, original works of art, and unique touches such as private lotus ponds, soaking tubs sculpted from boulders, and a spa that is housed in a replica of an ancient Hindu temple.

Peace and Tranquility in Lombok Lucienne Anhar

Hotel Tugu Lombok Jl. Pantai Sire, Desa Sigar Penjalin, Kecamatan, Tanjung Hotel Tugu Website

Hotel Tugu Lombok is a small boutique luxury property located right on Sire Beach, on the northwestern part of Lombok. The hotel offers access to an 18hole golf course and full service

The hotel’s owner, Lucienne Anhar, travels to Lombok often for both business and for the island’s serene lifestyle and natural surroundings. “For me, Lombok brings back a feeling of a carefree childhood. The vast green fields, lush palm plantations, cows and goats and monkeys everywhere... you just feel so much more at one with

nature on the island. The miles of white sand along Sire beach, the smiles of the Lombok people that make you feel like family, it’s all part of the island’s charm.” Below, Lucienne suggests a few activities that you can do in Lombok to fill your days with idyllic bliss. A stroll at the market of Sembalun followed by a picnic on the valleys of Sembalun, where fields of vegetables will transport you away from daily worries and bring you to a simpler time.

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

A dinner of a lifetime on top of our own Hening Swarga Spa, which is housed in a replica of an ancient Hindu temple. You’ll be surrounded by a view that is 360 degrees of lush tall palm trees as far as you can see and the vast beautiful ocean, covered by a million stars above. Visit the Gangga waterfalls. There are 3 of them; the first 2 are easier to reach but the 3rd one is the most atmospheric…with a big cave and a very strong rush of water. It’s usually completely empty which makes it even more special. A boat trip on the Tugu Hotel’s “pirate boat,” Naga Mesem, to one of the Gili islands. We’ll pack a picnic and champagne for your trip. Look for the dolphins jumping in and out of the waves during your excursion.

A quick lunch stop at the original Ayam Taliwang restaurant, Rumah Makan Ayam Taliwang, in the middle of old Mataram. The address is: Jl. Ade Irma Suryani, Mataram Burying oneself in the seriously oversized and most comfortable bed of the Bhagavat Gita Suite at Tugu Lombok, made from whole tree trunks, feeling like a powerful king of an ancient kingdom.

A sunrise walk on the mileslong white sand beach of Tugu Lombok alone, surrounded by silence with the exception of the quaint sound of nature and the sea, taking in the view of the magical sunrise behind Mount Rinjani.

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

Lombok in Pictures Nanang Wirawan Nanang’s Facebook Page

As a photographer living and working in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, Nanang Wirawan has resided in this region for the last 12 years. Lombok, an island about the size of Hawaii, is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands in the Java Sea; these islands are separated into provinces, with Lombok a part of West Nusa Tenggara province. Nanang’s work has given him the chance to see some of the most remote caves and unusual rock formations throughout the province. His work occasionally takes Photo Credit: Mikhail Panfilov

him from Mount Rinjani, the active volcano that sits over 12,000 feet above sea level in the middle of Lombok, to the magnificent Gili Islands, and beyond. “There is so much to experience in this area. We are very close to Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore; Lombok and Bali are considered the perfect getaway locations for so many residents in this part of the globe.” Nanang is constantly discovering new phenomena on the island. Among his discoveries: the best sate in Lombok, which he’s shared with us below. Read about his favorite markets and day trips for photographers who are looking for the perfect photo op. Visitors interested in a photography lesson or a trek around the island with cameras in tow can contact him directly at lombokphotography@gmail.com

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

Photo Credit: Ari Diatmika

Dine Locally!

Warung Menega Jl. Raya Senggigi 6, Senggigi, Lombok Warung Menega Website

Wonderful seafood!

Sate (Satay) Bulayak

Ayam Bakar Taliwang

Suranadi Lombok Barat, Komplek Wisata Suranadi Narmada, Nusa Tenggara Barat Sate Bulayak Foursquare Page

Jln. Caturwarga, Cakranegara, West Lombok Business Listing

Sate of different meats. Try everything. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inexpensive and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love the flavors.

Traditional Food. Try the Taliwang Chicken.

Spend a day at the Markets and Shop Photo Credit: Mikhail Panfilov

Pasar Seni Jl. Raya, Senggigi Beach

Photo Credit: Lauren Bates

Great outdoor market centrally located; beach accessible. Perfect for souvenirs and gifts; dozens of small stalls offering arts and crafts.

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

Sukarara Village Lombok Tengah

A traditional village in the center of the island of Lombok where the traditions of weaving are passed down along generations. There will be English-speaking guides to take you through the demonstrations, and gift stalls as well as a central shop where you can try your hand at weaving your own fabric.

Mataram Mall Jl. Pejanggik Lombok Barat

Mataram is the largest city on the island and the capital of the entire province. You’ll likely find yourself in this area, and you might be interested in stopping at the Mataram Mall. It’s nothing fancy, but it does offer a central place to shop and dine. There’s an Indonesian-style arcade on the upper level complete with

florescent lights and flashiness, and if you’ve eaten your share of spicy Taliwang Chicken, you can find more moderate westernized fare here as well.

Day-Trip Photo Ops!

Gili islands

Sembalun Village At the base of Rinjani Mountain is Sembalun Village, a small traditional Sasak village with rice paddies, fields of fruit trees and vegetables, and meadows where cattle graze freely. There are day trip excursions to Sembalun; or some visitors can actually stay for

a while longer by volunteering to work and live with the locals. See www.cdc-sembalun.org for more information on volunteering opportunities.

“Gili” means “small island” in Sasak; the Sasak people make up 85% of the population on Lombok. This small trio of islands are the closest you might come to heaven on earth! There are no motorized vehicles allowed on Gili, so you’ll tool around on a bicycle or via horse-drawn cart. Divers and beach bums will be happy to spend a day or two here; there are small resorts and hotels on each island for your convenience.

Photo Credits: Lauren Bates

DESTINATION ASIA | LOMBOK

Sekotong If you look at a map of Lombok island, you’ll see that there’s a small tail at the southwest corner; this is Sekotong. There’s a gorgeous white-sand beach here, and you’ll likely see sea turtles, beautiful fish, and crystal blue water. It’s very quiet here; you’ll hear only the water washing onto the shore and the breeze rustling the coconut and mangrove trees. If you’re interested in staying in the area, look up the Cocotinos Resort. Otherwise, you can come to this beach at low tide; the sands disappear at high tide.

Photo Credits: Lauren Bates

DESTINATION ASIA | SINGAPORE AIRLINES

our All-Business Class configured aircraft, which fly non-stop to Singapore from both Newark and Los Angeles. Singapore Airlines takes great pride in the level of service offered to each and every passenger. We are proud to have been voted the “World’s Best Airline” in 22 of the past 23 years by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, and “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for 16 years running. Our award-winning service is available from five U.S. gateways. We fly between Los Angeles and Tokyo; San Francisco and both Hong Kong and Seoul; New York (JFK) and Frankfurt; and between Houston and Moscow. Additionally, all of these flights continue on to our main hub in Singapore. The airline also offers the only non-stop flights between North America and Southeast Asia on

The airline’s route network spans the globe, linking more than 60 cities in over 30 countries throughout North and South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Our Asian network is further complemented by SilkAir, our regional carrier, which serves over 30 additional destinations in Asia. Take your next journey to Asia or Europe on Singapore Airlines and experience the in-flight service even other airlines talk about. We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon! Sincerely,

Kenneth Bright Vice President of Marketing - Americas Singapore Airlines

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