T R O P I C A L I F E . N E TSEP - DEC 2015

Next StaySANDAT GLAMPING RESORT

VILLA MANDALAY

Next DestinationSINGAPORE

TOKYO

Next Island LANGKAWI

KOH TAO & KOH NANG YUAN

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Let us rejuvenate your skin in a radiantly fresh glow.

Let us pamper you with extensive wellness opportunities.

Let us arrange a boutique collections of Balinese inspired treatment.

Let us turn a day into lifetime memories.

Jalan Nusa Dua Selatan Lot III, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, IndonesiaTEL +62 361 849 8988 FAX +62 361 849 8989www.ritzcarlton.com/bali

UNVEILING THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA - October 2015Reserve your treatment at +62 361 849 8988or email at rc.dpssw.spa@ritzcarlton.com

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Let us rejuvenate your skin in a radiantly fresh glow.

Let us pamper you with extensive wellness opportunities.

Let us arrange a boutique collections of Balinese inspired treatment.

Let us turn a day into lifetime memories.

Jalan Nusa Dua Selatan Lot III, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, IndonesiaTEL +62 361 849 8988 FAX +62 361 849 8989www.ritzcarlton.com/bali

UNVEILING THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA - October 2015Reserve your treatment at +62 361 849 8988or email at rc.dpssw.spa@ritzcarlton.com

TropicaLife.net4M G A L L E R Y , A C O L L E C T I O N O F M E M O R A B L E H O T E L S : E U R O P E - A F R I C A - C A R I B B E A N - A S I A P A S I F I C

MEMORABLETHE ROYAL SURAKARTA HERITAGE

SOLO

The Royal Surakarta Heritage is situated in Solo, the heart of Central Java. Solo is the hometown of two Javanese glorious kingdoms, Kasunanan Surakarta and Mangkunegaran, and the homebirth of UNESCO heritage of Batik. The Hotel's Javanese ambience offers its visitors a large and diverse range of symbols and pieces of the Solonese legacy with a strong Batik influence. It is a proudly MURI award winning hotel, for its exquisite Batik design combined with an authentic Javanese's service and hospitality.

THE ROYAL SURAKARTA HERITAGE SOLOJL. SLAMET RIYADI NO.6 , SOLO 57111 INDONESIATEL. +62 (0)271 666 111 | FAX. +62 (0)271 666 530

mgallery.comaccorhotels.com

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LE MERIDIENBALI JIMBARANJALAN BUKIT PERMAI,

JIMBARAN, BALI

T (62)(361) 846 6888

lemeridien.com/balijimbaran

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 indulgentamenities create a refined inviting ambience.

For more information or to make a reservation, visitlemeridien.com/balijimbaran or call +62 361 846 6888

DISCOVERY AWAITS

8°78' S 115°1DESTINATION UNLOCKED

6' E

©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 a�liates.

M G A L L E R Y , A C O L L E C T I O N O F M E M O R A B L E H O T E L S : E U R O P E - A F R I C A - C A R I B B E A N - A S I A P A S I F I C

MEMORABLETHE ROYAL SURAKARTA HERITAGE

SOLO

The Royal Surakarta Heritage is situated in Solo, the heart of Central Java. Solo is the hometown of two Javanese glorious kingdoms, Kasunanan Surakarta and Mangkunegaran, and the homebirth of UNESCO heritage of Batik. The Hotel's Javanese ambience offers its visitors a large and diverse range of symbols and pieces of the Solonese legacy with a strong Batik influence. It is a proudly MURI award winning hotel, for its exquisite Batik design combined with an authentic Javanese's service and hospitality.

THE ROYAL SURAKARTA HERITAGE SOLOJL. SLAMET RIYADI NO.6 , SOLO 57111 INDONESIATEL. +62 (0)271 666 111 | FAX. +62 (0)271 666 530

mgallery.comaccorhotels.com

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With 189 well-appointed rooms and suites, the Golden Tulip Jineng Resort offers an inspiring opportunity to relax and recharge one's mind, body and soul.

OPENING SOON!

EXCELLENCETRADITIONCOMFORTINSPIRING STAYSin the heart of Bali...

Jl. Sunset Road, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia 80361.Tel: +62 (0)361 47 27 488. Fax: +62 (0)361 47 27 499.

Email: reservations@goldentulipjinengresortbali.com. www.goldentulipjinengresortbali.com.

Swimming Pool Dhanya Restaurant Ananta Yoga

Pool Access Room Phalastana Amphitheatre Dedari Spa

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For more information or to make reservations,

ring us at +62361 8499 600 or visit courtyardseminyak.com

Located in the heart of lively Seminyak, the new Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak

offers breezy balconies in all rooms, refreshing lagoon pools with swim-up Pool

Bar, the coolest all-day breakfast experience at Seminyak Kitchen, and a Kids Club

packed with fun activities. Of course we can go on and on about our location nearby

Seminyak’s famous dining scenes, coolest beaches, and endless entertainment, but

then again we prefer you to have fun your way!

SEMINYAK’S NEWINTERNATIONAL PLAYGROUND

Courtyard by Marriott® Bali Seminyak

Jalan Camplung Tanduk No. 103 SP, Dhyana Pura

T 0361.8499.600 F 0361.8499.200

courtyardseminyak.com

From $145++/night

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On the cover

Mount Bromo, East Java

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERRetno WulandariHenrych ChrystianSanjaya MargiantaClif Pontororing

Senior photographerGus Dharma

photographerAnggityas Asfrandi MudiantoCok Gd. Agung W

Digital PromotionPrasyudyo

PUBLISHEROlaf Purvis

MANAGing EDITORYerina Margia

EDITORWoro AgustinNadia Ayu JayantiBilly Bagus

CONTRIBUTORSHenry SnowdenDelia KiranaMark JamesAnn Claire

AREA MANAGERDian YustikariniWoro Agustin

ASST. AREA MANAGERNadia Ayu Jayanti

TECHNICAL ADVISORM. Amirullah

financeNik Purnama DewiGilang Delima

operationImam FahmudiMade YogiWayan Vena IrawanDwi Sucahyono

PUBLISHed by

MANAGING DIRECTOROlaf Purvis

busIness development directorLanny Manullang Sahanaya

director | electronic mediaAvianti M

managing editorYerina Margia

GEneral managermakassar & paluA. Tadampali

GEneral managerSemarangJoko Krisna

GEneral managercilegonAli Muchtar

GEneral managerserangMaman

sales department

senior account managerIntan Indahsari

ACCOUNT managerLucky Martaguna

sales managerNasrul Jihadan

account executiveIqbal Febian Tirtowiguno

T R O P I C A L I F E . N E TSEP - DEC 2015

Next StaySANDAT GLAMPING RESORT

VILLA MANDALAY

Next DestinationSINGAPORE

TOKYO

Next Island LANGKAWI

KOH TAO & KOH NANG YUAN

FROM MY DESK

These days when travellers plan holidays, one of the important things that came to mind along with places of interest is the lure of their destination’s local cuisine.

The variety of dishes that can be found in Indonesia alone is vast. Each island in this archipelago offers its own distinct range of flavours, ingredients, presentation and style. Taking a closer look at today’s trends one is bound to be impressed with the marriage of traditional local flavour with western technique and presentation. This explosion of cross-cultural blending has opened the world to the delights Asian food in the most imaginative way.

In this edition, we present several restaurants in Bali, Singapore and Bangkok that serve something different with their culinary fare. Take a look at Republik45, Hujan Locale, Warung Pulau Kelapa, Basil, Clifford Pier and others that we feature here to excite the palate.

The “5 Best Mountain Destinations with The Most Spectacular Panorama” display some truly remarkable and incredible places delivering unbeatable vistas.

We have highlighted a great selection of accommodation choices here in Bali including Ayodya Palace, Sandat Glamping, Villa Sekapa and many more. For those planning their next destination, AirAsia provides easy and convenient access to some of the most favorite holiday spots like Yogyakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur. All these are well covered in this issue.

With the end of year approaching some will be wondering where to spend their next holiday. In the Next Island section, we have choices of spectacular tropical hideaways that are great to be spent with family or friends.

I hope you enjoy this edition and stay inspired!

Olaf Purvisolaf@mixmedia.co.id

one of the prob-lems face in selecting holiday destination is the o ve r whe lm ing choice at one fi-

ngertips. Places to stay, good restau-rants, attentive service, access to nature and scenery as well as point of interest are all standard prerequisites for a suc-cessful holiday. Of course accommoda-tion is one of the most essential parts in having a fine vacation. In these days of modernity, high tech facilities are obviously expected if not always required. However, most of the thrill of getting away on a well-earned holiday to foreign parts is the feeling that you are really in a different part of the world. I don’t want to travel overseas to end up in a room, albeit a luxury room, that I can find close to my own place of residence. I think, hotel or resort design should be influenced by the culture of its environment or at least the property uti-lizes some elements of the traditional style to its architecture or interior. 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 and amenities one expects.

Pandawa Cliff Estate with its clever Balinese design features and tropical gardens has incorporated modern facilities and comfort with all this. The “5 Best Beach Getaway” presents some truly remarkable destinations of attractive scenic environments. Destina-tion choices here offer some unforgettable holiday experiences. As we all aware Bali has become a holi-day destination that has now reached new heights with its culinary choices. Restau-rants for all tastes flourish here. Style, presentation and just good food have brought Bali to the attention of world gourmets. Featured in this issue are Cut Catch Cucina at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Kayuputi at St. Regis Bali Resort, Locavore and Urchin Spas are also highlighted in this issue including The Spa at Bulgari Hotels & Resorts for an experience of pure pamper. Enjoy this edition, travel safe and have a happy holiday!

Olaf Purvisolaf@mixmedia.co.id

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EDITOR’S NOTE

TROPICALIFE.NET | SEP / DEC 2014

From My Desk

publisher’s note

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Next Stay40

A unique luxurious choice of accommodation located in Ubud that features opulent tents and wonderful facilities.

The villa is cleverly designed to ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay for their guests.

SANDAT GLAMPING RESORT

VILLA MANDALAY

Next Island62

6842

The Western and Northern coastlines of the island offer new experiences for a mesmerizing holiday.

The island has drawn many travelers around the world due to the fascinating natural beauty and breathtaking panorama.

BALI WEST & NORTH

LANGKAWI

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Five Best 50Present the best mountain destination around

Southeast Asia. They offer spectacular views and

unforgettable holiday moments.

table contentof

93Unwind

A must-visit spa that will pamper and leave you feeling rejuvenated, free of tension and calm of mind.

SUKHAVATI

Next Destination

76SINGAPORE

82JAPAN

Enjoy the best of Tokyo, the capitol city of Japan and experience one of those memorable holiday moments.

A very popular holiday destination that offers so many mesmerizing attractions.

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Spice

REPUBLIK45

One of the new hot restaurants on the island that offers delectable Indonesian dishes in a stunning interior.

Gallery96

Let’s take a look of the photo that gave him first place in the Tropical Life Online Photo Contest 2015.

ADI WIRATMO

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glance

EMIRATES SERVES A DAILY NONSTOP SERVICE TO BALI

Dubai-based airline Emirates officially launched a

direct flight to Bali with an inaugural flight EK 398

from Dubai to Bali on Wednesday, June 3rd 2015.

The EK 398 carried Emirates’ top officials, several

media from Gulf Coast Countries and passengers

from 40 different cities around the world including

Moscow, New York and Amsterdam. Bali is Emirates’

146th global destination adding to the airline’s route

network in the Far East region, which now spans 18

destinations in 11 countries.

A Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with a two-class

configuration operates the non-stop service between

Dubai and Bali. Throughout all cabin classes on

Emirates passengers can enjoy more than 2,000

channels of entertainment on demand with the

airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment

system, ice. Passengers also have the added bonus

of a generous baggage allowance with 30 kilograms

for those travelling in Economy Class and 40

kilograms for Business Class.

HARD ROCK CAFÉ BALI AIRPORT AT NGURAH RAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Hard Rock Café Bali just opened the 2nd café at

Indonesia’s 3rd busiest International Airport, Ngurah

Rai on Tuesday, 14 July 2015. It is located at the

international Departure Terminal with two different

entrances, the Café’s entrances are just at the

flight departure side by Gate 3 and the Rock Shop

entrance along the fashion label shop walkway.

Hard Rock Café boasts a 116 seating capacity in a 330

square meter area, a large sit-down bar featuring

two wide screen monitors playing continuous music

video, a rock Shop featuring the latest fashion

merchandise, and wall-to wall memorabilia with

hanging guitars of famous artists from the Ramones

to Sheryl Crow and more.

Hard Rock Café Bali Airport opens everyday at 4am

for breakfast and continues on to a late at 2 am.

The menu features a wide selection of savoury dishes

from the ever-popular juicy legendary burgers and

smokehouse barbeques to handcrafted signature

cocktails carefully made at the bar.

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PADMA RESORT UBUDOFFICIALLY OPENSEnsconced within an untouched river valley overlooking the

enchanting bamboo forests of Payangan in Ubud; the 149-room

Padma Resort Ubud is an expansive destination resort located north

of Bali’s celebrated cultural centre.

The resort features five-star amenities and facilities including

stunning views from every room or suite, an 89-metre infinity

swimming pool and signature world-class dining venues, the

expansive resort is sited on 11 hectares and offers discerning

travellers a rare opportunity to experience contemporary Balinese

architecture and artworks in an unparalleled natural setting.

Padma Resort Ubud also provides a Kid’s Club, the Padma spa, a

fitness centre and a 3.4-kilometer Jogging Track that is perfect for a

pre-breakfast jog at sunrise or a leisurely walk after lunch. Custom

designed meeting room and ballroom wings are available and

designed to accommodate personalized corporate events for up to

80 people.

VIN+ SEMINYAK BALI HELD WINE CARNIVAL16 AUGUST 2015

Just a day before the Indonesia Independence Day, Vin+

held its first and own ‘Wine Carnival’ showcasing prestigious

wines from all over the world such as Chile by Concha Y

Toro; France by M Chapoutier, Louis Vialard, Pascal Jollivet,

Taitinger; Germany by J.J Prum & Valckenberg; Australia by

Ashbrook, D’arrenberg, De Bortoli, Mitolo, Oakridge, Shaw

& Smith; Italy by Pio Cesare & Ruffino, New Zealand by Villa

Maria & Wither Hills; USA by Beringer, Joseph Phelps; and

local Sababay wineries. Vin+ also prepared finely prepared

food created by Chef Djoko Sarwono of VIN+ Arcadia &

Deni Sugiarto of VIN+ Kemang featuring a carving station,

traditional Indonesian & Balinese dishes and desserts.

Over 700 guests enjoyed the sun downing session with live

entertainment by DJ Ai Tumbuan as the main act, DJ Kimi &

Yuyu, Eva Scolaro and The Koustic band. This laid back event

where strangers, families, friends gathered together for a

casual wine enjoyment and tasting session went on until 3

a.m. The next Wine Carnival is to be held in 2016 and is to

become an annual event of VIN+ Wine & Beyond.

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glance

One of the most anticipated live music

events in Bali, the Ubud Village Jazz

Festival (UVJF) has just commenced.

Held in the majestic venue of ARMA

Ubud, UVJF this year still held its roots

as a true jazz festival, gathering music

enthusiasts from all around the globe.

For two consecutive days, Friday to

Saturday 7-8 August 2015, several

performers brought out their best on

the UVJF three main stages; Padi, Giri

and Subak, from Indra Lesmana, Nita

Aartsen, Dian Pratiwi, Alex Lahey, Ben

Van Der Dungen, Laura Brunner and

Grammy winners Oran Etkin, to local

artists such as Dewa Budjana, I Wayan

Balawan, Astrid Sulaiman, Yuri Mahatma,

and young skillful musicians from the

Underground Jazz Movement (UJM)

project. The event also announced

their second partnership with The Jazz

Summer School in Korea-Netherlands as

an initiative to promote Jazz education in

Indonesia.

UBUD VILLAGE JAZZ FESTIVALFINELY BLENDS NATURE WITH QUALITY LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITIONAT CONRAD BALI

From July to September 2015,

Conrad Bali presents a Photography

Exhibition, titled Tri Hita Karana, which

means harmony among people and

the environment. Three distinguished

photographers are selected to

display their works in this exhibition:

Landscape specialist Made Pandu

Wira Adnyana (on environment), who

is also amongst the 25 Best in Tropical

Life Online Photo Contest 2015,

I Nengah Januartha (who is covering

the topic on people), and award-

winning photographer Tjandra Hutama

(on culture)

The photographers provide their own

distinct and personal interpretation

on the subject of “Tri Hita Karana”, a

core concept that lies at the root of the

Balinese belief system, based closely on the topics of people, culture and

the environment.

Throughout exhibition, the photographers conduct workshops every

Saturday and Sunday for hotel guests, by taking them on a ”photo safari” at

the locations where the exhibited images were shot. During the excursion

participants receive tips, instructions and insights into the concepts of the

images and how they relate back to the theme of “Tri Hita Karana”.

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The vast Indonesian archipelago still contains a great

many pristine islands and areas to explore. Aaranya

invites all adventurers at heart to join them in once-in-a-

lifetime voyages of discovery. The Australian-based travel

company specializes in providing ‘off-the-beaten-path’

expeditions led by team of experts consisting of eminent

wildlife researchers, local naturalists, internationally

acclaimed wildlife photographers and trained safety

specialists. Some of the activities provided by Aaranya are

trekking, diving, snorkelling, beachcombing, bird watching,

night time spotlighting and caving. The travel company

promises their guests an exclusive experience in wildlife

exploration through remote areas. This is an experience

that cannot be gained through hotel accommodation or

following the mainstream tourist tracks. Aaranya will guide

their guests to explore into the depths of Indonesia’s

wildlife, people and culture as well as a discovery of the

balances between conservation, traditional ways of life

and the natural environment.

EXPLORE INDONESIAN WILDERNESSWITH AARANYA ODYSSEYS

glanceglance

A NEW ITALIAN DINING EXPERIENCE IN BALI

One of Singapore’s most iconic

and longstanding Italian fine dining

destinations, ilLido has recently

established its restaurant on the

island of Bali. Located in the heart

of Seminyak, occupying what used

to be Warisan Restaurant, ilLido Bali

welcomes all food enthusiasts to taste

their excellent selection of classic Italian

cuisine, world-class wines and crafted

cocktails.

The restaurant presents an uber-chic

and relaxed Italian dining experience

serving the finest freshest ingredients

to produce delectable classic Italian

dishes. The menu is an authentic

showcase of timeless classics of the

most traditional and familiar ingredients

and flavours.

The wine list presents a collection of the best in Old and New World

wines, with a strong emphasis on Old World Italian classics such as Barolo,

Brunello and Amarone and France’s Bordeaux and Burgundy. Each and

every cocktail on the menu is an original creation of ilLido Singapore’s very

own mixologist Jody Adler and features unique homemade infusions with

fresh tropical fruits.

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To demonstrate how raising awareness can be

achieved in a fun filled and healthy way, Handara

Golf & Resort Bali held a Hackers & Slackers

Golf Carnival up in the misty heights of Bedugul,

Tabanan on Saturday August 15th. The event

commenced early in the morning with a Yoga

session, followed with a Fun Golf Tournament that

culminated with a closing ceremony to announce

the winners.

This fun event included children as support for their

competing family members as well as to share some

of the other carnival’s activities. These activities

included a Bouncy Castle, Fishing and Golf games

and interacting with Mickey and Minion figures. All

income from this event was spent on baby food,

milk formula and other much appreciated items for

the 400 children of the Pancasari Community.

HACKERS & SLACKERS: A FUN-TASTIC FUND-RAISING GOLF CARNIVALE

BY HANDARA GOLF & RESORT BALI

glanceglance

BALI NATIONAL GOLF RESORTREADY TO BE BALI’S NEXT BIG THING

On Saturday August 8th, Bali National Golf Resort (BNGR)

celebrated its first anniversary. On that celebratory day,

the resort also proudly announced the ground-breaking

construction of their new 5-star hotel and private villas.

With a finishing date in 2017, the BNGR 5-star hotel is

planned to have 246 rooms comprising of standard

rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. The décor is to be of

contemporary modern lines with an accent of Balinese

inspiration. On the other side of this resort complex, the

32 units of BNGR villa suites will provide their guests with

total privacy, bespoke services, and a custom vacation

experience. As of today, BNGR consists of an award

winning golf club known as Bali National Golf Club (BNGC)

and the 7-luxury villas of Bali National Golf Villas (BNGV).

Each property is complemented with spectacular views.

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Ayodya Palace is tucked tranquilly and

conveniently within the Ayodya Resort

Bali committed to deliver a Balinese

Royal service to their guests. Private

check in and out are provided to ensure

its exclusivity of the guest of Ayodya

Palace.

Guest can stay at one of the 79 elegant

rooms and suites, each with expansive

bathrooms, all tastefully decorated with

Balinese wooden crafts and complete

with the ultimate in amenities, butler

service and complimentary daily mini

bar. Three accommodation types are on

offer here. Ayodya Palace Garden View,

Ayodya Palace Ocean View, and Ayodya

Palace Honeymoon. The honeymoon

type in particular offers a small private

foyer at the entrance area that is

furnished with a spacious bathroom

with a bathtub for two.

At Ayodya Palace, you can enjoy several

facilities including private swimming

pool, a separate access to the beach and

an exclusive club lounge. Other benefits

while staying at Ayodya palace include

daily breakfast, refreshment at the

pool, and afternoon tea where you can

savor a wide selection of sandwiches,

cakes and cookies. When the night falls,

evening cocktails are ready to serve,

accompanied with an array of delicious

canapés. Besides, pack and unpack

service, free internet access and free use

of the gym at the fitness centre,

are available for your convenience.

Jalan Pantai Mengiat, P.O. Box 46,Nusa Dua 80363, BaliTel. +62 361 771102www.ayodyaresortbali.com

MORE TRAVELLERS THESE DAYS ARE LOOKING FOR MORE PRIVACY WITH REGARD TO THEIR ACCOMMODATION WHILE AT THE SAME TIME REQUIRE A FULL RANGE OF FACILITIES THAT MEET THEIR NEEDS. AYODYA PALACE HAS COMBINED BOTH TO THEIR LUXURIOUS PALACE.

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Ayodya Palace

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Villa Sekapanext stay

Hidden Hills Villas offers affordable luxury boutique villas in

their resort setting where the theme is one of bringing the world

together. Each of the 6 villa units features a private pool and an

individually unique design.

The design of each of the villas is inspired by elements of style,

culture, interior decor and architecture of countries representing

popular tourist destination from around the world. The villa

themes are Villa Santorini (Greek), Villa Sanya (Chinese), Villa

Marrakesh (Moroccan) Studio Joglo (Indonesian) and Villa

Sekapa (Bali). The sixth villa named Villa Grande presents an

international flavour of modernity.

For those wishing to indulge themselves in an authentically

traditional Balinese ambience, Villa Sekapa is the best choice. The

2-bedroom ocean view pool villa is carefully designed to represent

the rich heritage of art and craftsmanship Bali is so well known for.

With the use of intricate woodcarvings, authentic local

furniture and decorative interior works of art, this villa

provides a remarkable Balinese experience. The bonus

here is the 180-degree ocean view from Villa Sekapa.

Private dining can be arranged in the comfort of your

own villa, as the chef is able to cater for a wide selection

of cuisines upon request. Other facilities provided in the

villa include Therapedic mattresses, 400-thread count

pure cotton sateen sheets, Nespresso machines, wireless

megaboom speakers and LED flat screen smart TV.

Another luxurious villa choice in Bali can be found at Pecatu hilltop on the South-western side of Bali where Hidden Hills Villas presents a theme of global unity; an embodied core concept of this establishment.

Jln. Labuan Sait, Gg. Puncak Sekapa II, PecatuTel. +62 361 895 7574www.hiddenhillsvillas.com

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KOMANEKA AT MONKEY FOREST

Ubud has long held its appeal to Bali’s visitors for its well-vaunted

reputation as the island’s artistic, shopping, dining and scenic hub.

Both the town site and the surrounding countryside are fascinating

places to explore while absorbing some of the local culture.

Komaneka at Monkey Forest is a resort that offers its guests the

opportunity to feel part of Ubud’s rather special cultural settings.

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and an abundance of exotic

plants, the hotel is a tranquil oasis for those seeking for a close-to-

nature escape from the bustle of holiday activity.

Komaneka at Monkey Forest boasts an intimate interior setting

that is highly influenced by Indonesia’s traditional architecture and

locally inspired decoration. Suite rooms or pool villas are the two

room choices here and both offer a generous range of international

amenities that include a mini-bar, electric kettle with coffee/tea, air-

conditioning, wide screen LCD TV with HDMI ready-input, Apple

TV, IDD phone, bathtub and private veranda.

Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali Tel. +62 361 479 518 www.komaneka.com

SITUATED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF UBUD’S SACRED MONKEY FOREST, KOMANEKA AT MONKEY FOREST RESORT IS AN ATTRACTIVELY STYLED BOUTIQUE HOTEL RUN BY THE KOMANEKA FAMILY, COMPRIMISING OF STAFF AND THE MANAGEMENT THAT ALL ARE DRAWN FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

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One of the outstanding aspects of Komaneka

is the resort’s approach to service and

hospitality. The Komaneka Family has a genuine

mission to offer something unique from their

traditional background of hospitality. Staff and

management here apply that extra measure to

ensure that guests are made to feel at home.

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Tucked in the trendy area of Seminyak,

C151 Smart Villas Seminyak is a

prominent leisure accommodation

based on a ‘modern minimalist comfort’

theme, with a warm exterior and

ambience that blends in harmoniously

with its natural tropical surrounds. The

interior area of the villa is spacious and

full of natural light setting the mood for

guests to relax and enjoy an intimate

stay.

C151 Smart Villas Seminyak is built on

a prime location, just steps away from

famous Seminyak destinations such

as white sandy beaches with world-

class beach clubs, arrays of fashion

boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and

other entertaining venues.

The villa owns a total of 7

accommodation units with a capacity

range of 2 to 8 guests. Each unit

features an entertainment room,

Jl. Kayu Aya No. 151, SeminyakTel. +62 361 739 151www.c151.net

C151SMART VILLASSeminyak

DESIGNED WITH A SIMPLE YET ENGAGING CONCEPT IN MIND, C151 SMART VILLAS SEMINYAK OFFERS AN EXCLUSIVE AND INTIMATE SETTING TO GUESTS SEEKING UTMOST PRIVACY IN THE MIDST OF THE STYLIZED URBAN REGION OF SEMINYAK.

spacious living and dining room, 3 en-suite bathrooms with

a private steam room, Jacuzzi spa bath, automatic toilet and

shower. It also boasts a variety of advanced facilities and

technologies that support the villa’s modern environment. These

include an on-site water purification plant, throughout moon

lighting system, electrical curtains and vertical blinds to fully

retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

All the opulent facilities and 5-star amenities of C151 Smart Villas

Seminyak are constructed primarily to ensure their guests an

unrivalled staying experience during their much-needed holiday

in one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

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Situated in Ubud, Sandat Glamping is made up of 5 luxury tents and 3

Lumbung (traditional buildings made of wood and local straw); each boasts

its own Italian designer decor.

Conditions for personal comfort in Sandat Glamping’s tents is of the highest

luxury quality in the great interior living space provided. Set in private

gardens overlooking coconut palms, the tents come with all the modern

amenities of all 5 star hotels. These range from mini-fridge, air-con, WIFI and

an iPod dock, with stylish lava bathroom and a shared infinity pool area. Each

tent is designed to be uniquely individual from the others.

The Tenda Penjor Suite ‘Brown’ unit, is an over-the-top luxurious lodging with

a bathroom complete with chandelier, Venetian-style mirror, round double

bed and 360 degree breathtaking view of both the forest and rice terraces.

While The Suite Tenda Ylang-Ylang ‘Blue Ortremare’ is an uber-elegant unit

with custom-made canopy double bed, white armchair, logs of petrified wood,

and luxurious bathroom, producing a refined atmosphere suitable for those

who wish to enjoy great view in comfort from bed while relaxing.

Guests are encouraged to step out and enjoy the territory around Sandat

Glamping. Some of Ubud’s art galleries are just a short bike ride away, as

well as the majestic Royal Palace where shadow puppet shows are regularly

performed. For a more energetic adventure, one can cycle one’s way to the

foot of nearby Mount Batur or boost the adrenaline with some white-water

rafting.Jl. Subak Sala, Banjar Sala, Pejeng Kawan, UbudTel. +62 821 4408 1998www.glampingsandat.com

FOR THOSE WHO MAY QUESTION ‘GLAMPING’IT SHOULD BE POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS NEITHER A BALINESE NOR INDONESIAN WORD. IT IS IN FACT TWO ABBREVIATED ENGLISH WORDS – GLAMOROUS AND CAMPING PUT TOGETHER TO INDICATE ‘GLAMOROUS CAMPING’. SANDAT GLAMPING IS A LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION COMPLEX COMPOSED OF STYLISH SHELTERS THAT PROVIDE THE EXPERIENCE OF NATURE CAMPING UNDER 5 STAR CONDITIONS.

SANDAT GLAMPING

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The careful attention to design detail

with the employment of handpicked

soft furnishing textiles along with an

exciting collecting of antiques from

different parts of the Indonesian

archipelago has ensured the creation

of a flawless interior. Thatched roofs,

lush gardens and cascading water

features bring the villa into the good

company of its natural surrounds.

The Longhouse integrates with

its strategic location by providing

180-degree sweeping view of the Bukit

Peninsula and beyond to a chain of

majestic volcanoes that loom in the

distance and are normally visible at

noon. The night view of the island’s

southern plains ablaze with twinkling

lights is nothing short of spectacular.

The Longhouse can accommodate up

to 12 people through the 6 bedrooms.

Four of these have king size beds

while the other 2 have twin beds

that can be converted into king size

beds. Two extra beds are available on

request at extra cost. The villa has an

open fronted lounge as well as casual

and formal dining areas. Facilities

provided include home cinema and

a play area for children equipped

with toys, books and games and child

facilities.

Guests may order meals from a

selection of menus provided by

the villa’s chef. These menus cover

Western, Asian, Balinese, vegetarian

and children’s dishes.

A complimentary car with driver is

also provided by the villa for those

who wish to explore the area around

Jimbaran’s tranquil bay, visit the cliff

top temple of Uluwatu, or the world

famous surf beaches around the Bukit

Peninsula vicinity.

JL. Goa Gong Tiara Nusa, Jimbaran, Bali+62 361 737 498 (Elite Havens office)www.thelonghousebali.com

LONGHOUSE IS THE MASTERFUL CREATION OF FAMOUS ARCHITECT POPO DANES THIS THREE-STOREY VILLA BOASTS AN UNINTERRUPTED 180-DEGREE COASTAL PANORAMA OF THE BUKIT PENINSULA. THIS SENSATIONAL VIEW IS JUSTIFICATION FOR THE VILLA’S OUTSTANDING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND EVOCATIVE COLLECTION OF INDONESIAN ANTIQUES.

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The Longhouse Bali

Photo By Christopher Legget & Gali Pribadi

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Here at Villa Mandalay, Balinese-style

pavilions have been arranged in a U-shape

configuration around the attractive

central point of a 25-meter rectangular

swimming pool. The villa features 2

master bedrooms that flank the main

living and dining areas. Each bedroom

has its own large bathroom with separate

his and her vanities as well as an oversize

terrazzo bathtub. There are also 4 guest

bedrooms located around the swimming

pool with direct access to the pool’s

wooden deck. A smaller studio bedroom

is situated next to the sauna just off from

the lower garden that overlooks a six-tee

‘pitch and putt’ golf course.

Careful thought has been put into the

design detail of Villa Mandalay to ensure

a relaxing and comfortable stay for guests.

The open-air dining area is regaled by a

lovely tropical garden and is a great place

to enjoy breakfasts, sunset cocktails and

candlelight dinners. Spa treatments can

be had in the comfort of the villa or at

the garden bale (pavilion) upon request.

An in-house private chef is on hand to

prepare and serve a mouth-watering

selection of Asian and western dishes.

A 7-seater car with driver at a special

daily rate is available for excursions to

galleries, Hindu temples, Bali’s cultural

hub of Ubud or the world class shopping

and dining experience of Seminyak.

Villa Mandalay offers luxurious

accommodation in a stunning location

with friendly, attentive service and 5-star

facilities. Jl. By Pass Tanah Lot, Br Pempatan, Munggu, Mengwi+62 361 737 498 (Elite Havens Office)www.villamandalaybali.com

WAKING UP IN THE MORNING TO THE SWEEP OF TERRACED RICE PADDIES DOWN TO THE INDIAN OCEAN ONE CAN BE SURE THAT THEIR HOLIDAY AT VILLA MANDALAY WILL BE SO MUCH MORE THAN AVERAGE.

VILLA MANDALAY

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Photo By Christopher Legget

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A CONTEMPORARY BALINESE STYLE PROPERTY SET ON THE BANKS OF A JUNGLE-CLAD RIVER IN THE VILLAGE OF MAS ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF UBUDA KARMA RETREAT

MAYURA

Mayura - A Karma Retreat is just 50 minutes from the

international airport and 10 minutes from central Ubud,

Bali’s artistic, spiritual and cultural hub. It was here

that the last rulers of the Hindu Majapahit Empire fled

centuries ago, bringing with them a rich tradition of art,

music, theatre and writing. Today, Ubud is thronged with

galleries –from grand museums to tiny hole in the walls

and it is here that you can witness some of Bali’s most

accomplished dancers and gamelan musicians performing

each evening. Visit the royal palace, mossy stone temples

and traditional markets or venture into the stepped rice

paddies that border Ubud and discover the heart of

rural Bali. Ubud and its environs are also famed for their

wellness offerings, hosting some of the world’s leading

yoga teachers, healers, nutritionists and meditation

teachers.

Mayura - A Karma Retreat - a contemporary Balinese

style property set on the banks of a jungle-clad river in

the village of Mas on the outskirts of Ubud, surrounded by

rice terraces, coconut groves and mossy stone temples.

With just 32 guest rooms, the retreat has been designed

to blend seamlessly with the magical environment, while

offering guests outstanding levels of service and comfort.

Mayura - A Karma Retreat offers a selection of beautifully

appointed Deluxe guest rooms as well as one opulent

Imperial room. Each room features custom furnishings

and fittings, including elaborately carved hardwood

beds and matching furniture evoking a classical Balinese

aesthetic. Rooms also feature a comprehensive selection

of amenities to ensure you’re stay is as relaxing as

possible.

Banjar Kawan, Mas, Ubud, BaliTel. +62 (0361) 479 2956

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It’s no secret that The Fullerton Hotel Singapore stands as

the ultimate hotel for luxury accommodation in Singapore.

Situated in the heart of Singapore’s art and financial district,

guests at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore are within walking

distance of popular dining and meeting venues such as the

city’s Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. The hotel is also close to

cultural and entertainment establishments that include the

Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, The Esplanade, Theatres on

the Bay as well as the Asian Civilisations Museum. The Merlion,

Singapore’s national icon is to be found just across the road at

One Fullerton, a waterfront dining and entertainment complex,

linked to the hotel via an underground ‘travellator’.

Once home to the General Post Office,

The Singapore Club and the Chamber of

Commerce, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

features 400 luxurious rooms and suites

carefully designed to provide both leisure and

business travellers with a haven of tranquillity

and comfort. Each room and suite is individually

named to reflect the building’s rich history.

On entering the lobby I was greatly impressed

by the architecture and elegant design that

underlined the building’s rich heritage.

THE FULLERTON HOTEL SINGAPORE

WHERE HISTORY, GRAND ARCHITECTURE, LUXURIOUS COMFORT, AND REMARKABLE VIEWS MEET TO CREATE A SUPERB ACCOMMODATION IN SINGAPORE.

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THE FULLERTON HOTEL SINGAPORE

I stayed in Quay room on the Straits Club floor

that overlooked the historic Singapore River.

The room is spacious and tastefully decorated

with a blend of classic and contemporary

features. The overall décor was complemented

by natural colour shades. The bathroom is

plush with amenities and included a large

bathtub and separate shower recess. During my

stay I was privileged to enjoy a complimentary

Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, evening

canapés and a cocktail in a dedicated lounge

showcasing Straits Chinese objects d’art.

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There are several dining choices at The Fullerton

Hotel Singapore to satisfy a variety of personal

tastes. The Town Restaurant, an all day dining

restaurant sited by the Singapore River offers

local and international buffet, an a la carte menu

and is also the venue for daily breakfasts. Jade is

a fine dining modern Chinese restaurant serving

a wide selection of delicious dishes created by

master chefs.

The Courtyard has a casual yet sophisticated

atmosphere and is perfect for those looking for

a light meal, a relaxing afternoon tea or elegant

cocktails.

The trendy Post Bar provides a different setting

and ambiance for business lunches. An al

fresco area is available adjoining the outdoor

East Garden with an array of creative canapés

on offer to accompany drinks in this relaxing

environment.

The Lighthouse Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

perched on top of the hotel provides authentic

Southern Italian cuisine. One is also able to

enjoy mesmerizing views of the city skyline,

the Marina Bay waterfront and nightly displays

of the Marina Bay Light Show while enjoying an

intimate dining experience.

Other facilities provided are meeting rooms,

ballroom, The Fullerton Spa, the infinity rooftop

pool as well as complimentary transfer services.

1 Fullerton Square, Singapore

Tel. +65 6733 8388

www.fullertonhotel.com

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THE QUINCY HOTELAN IDEAL ACCOMMODATION FOR SHOPPERS

Among the abundance of hotels in Singapore, The Quincy

Hotel offers a good alternative to visitors for a convenient

and comfortable stay.

Well situated in central Singapore, The Quincy Hotel is

Singapore’s first All-Club hotel where all guests receive the

same service regardless of room type. The All-Club Benefits

takes Quincy’s innovation one step further, turning the

entire hotel into an exclusive ‘club’ lounge featuring all-day

light refreshments at the hotel lobby restaurant.

The Quincy Hotel’s location is one of the reasons many

visitors to Singapore including myself, chose this hotel. The

renowned Orchard Road shopping belt is only a five-minute

walk away, Paragon Shopping Mall is about 3 minutes on

foot and the nearest MRT Station can be accessed with

a 5-minute walk. For those visiting for medical reasons

the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre is also within walking

distance from the hotel. To taste the famous Singaporean

street food, the Newton Hawker Centre is just a short walk

from The Quincy Hotel.

The lobby here is small and adjoins a dining area that

features large glass panels overlooking a lawn that add to

a sense of space. There is an iMac station in the reception

area for guest use.

Quincy features 108 rooms and utilizes key card-only

access. This is the first hotel in Singapore to operate such a

system that ensures the security and privacy of guests.

The rooms are not large here but a clever design plan

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manages to create a sleek and stylish interior that

is most comfortable. Rooms have open concept

bathrooms complete with exclusive amenities.

The hotel offers buffet breakfast, all-day light

refreshments, complimentary in-room mini-bar

and evening cocktails with canapes. All everyday

needs are taken care of here.

The hotel features a glass-encased infinity pool

with views of Singapore’s skyline on the 12th floor

that offers a refreshing and relaxing venue after a

day of shopping. A 24-hour gym is situated close

to the pool.

For weekend visitors the hotel offers the ‘Qool

Weekend’ package that includes more benefits

including a bottle of red wine, couple art jamming

sessions (Saturdays) or cupcake baking classes

(Sundays) and movies by or in the pool on

Saturday nights.

Convenience and value for money are the

factors that make The Quincy Hotel an ideal

stay for travellers of all types. It is not surprising

that the hotel has been consistently ranked by

TripAdvisor’s reviewers as one of the top 10 hotels

in Singapore.

22 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore

Tel. +65 6738 5888

www.quincy.com.sg

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WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT COMFORT AND LOCATION ARE THE TWO IMPORTANT ASPECTS WHEN CHOOSING HOLIDAY OR BUSINESS ACCOMMODATION. LOCATED JUST A STEP AWAY FROM ITS OLDER SISTER, G HOTEL GURNEY AND A NEW ADDITION TO G HOTEL, G HOTEL KELAWAI IS AN IDEAL PLACE TO STAY IN PENANG, SITED AT JALAN KELAWAI IN GEORGE TOWN, PENANG’S MAIN THOROUGHFARE.

G Hotel Kelawai

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2 Persiaran Maktab, 10250 Penang MYTel. +604-2190000 Fax. +604-2190101www.ghotel.com.my

Within walking distance from the hotel

is Gurney Drive; Penang’s well-known

food hawker’s street. The hotel is also

close to Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon,

nearby tourist attractions, UNESCO

world heritage sites and of course

beaches. G Hotel Kelawai scores high

marks for its location in the heart of

George Town.

Tagged as “Style Redefined”, the

interior of G Hotel Kelawai’s uniquely

innovative design was inspired by

the architect’s desire to create an

environment conducive to both work

and play for the hotel’s guests. Gravity,

the hotel’s rooftop bar, incorporates this

philosophy well as the bar caters for

business meetings as well as a venue

for relaxing drinks over a splendid view.

Stepping into G Hotel Kelawai’s

chic lobby, one is drawn with rising

expectations to the Italian made Baxter

Chester Moon Sofas designed by Paola

Navone and Baxter Molly Armchairs

designed by Doriana and Massimiliano

Fuksas – and this is just the starting

gate for a ride through luxury and

opulence.

The hotel has 208 rooms that are

all styled to personify the opulence

apparent from its clean architectural

lines. All bathrooms come with eco-

friendly Appelles toiletries, imported

exclusively from the finest certified

organic essential oils producer in

Australia.

The message here is one of elegant

comfort. G Hotel Kelawai also provides

an Executive Floor for its Executive

Rooms, Executive Premier and Premier

Suites. Guests on the Executive Floor

are spoiled with additional benefits

such as access to the Executive Lounge,

personalized check-in and checkout

and evening cocktails while taking

in a sunset beyond the mesmerizing

landscape of Penang.

G Hotel Kelawai offers a wide variety

of local and international cuisines

available from the F&B outlets, Spoon

Café, 2PM Lounge and Gravity. Guests

can enjoy chatty lunches, snacks or

quiet dinners for two.

An infinity rooftop pool sits on G

Hotel’s 24th level and is adjoined to

the Gravity rooftop bar. Here guests are

able to lounge in comfort by a pool that

offers a stunning 360-degree view of

the island and the iconic Penang Bridge

while enjoying bar and food service.

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vV

MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS WITHTHE MOST SPECTACULAR PANORAMA

There is no question that mountains attract our attention

more directly than almost any other geographical feature

on Earth. The sheer size of some of these leviathans

makes them hard to ignore and the impact they have on

our weather, water supply and arable land is significant.

One of the more interesting aspects of our interest

towards mountains is the almost insatiable want many

have to climb them.

For some the well-trod track is the one to avoid if

embarking on journeys to take in new heights of

exploration. For others of course the beaten track is

often the wisest route to take when aiming for the

summit of a mountain. Here we have listed several

volcanic mountains around Indonesia and beyond

for those with a wont to experience some of the raw

beauty on nature’s monsters. We explore mountains

here from Flores, Lombok, Bali, Java and on to the

Malaysian boarder.

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MOUNT BATUR

Bali like so many of Indonesia’s islands has

been formed as a result of volcanic activity. The

mountainous chain that runs through the middle of

Bali is a result of this activity and in the case of Mt.

Batur, activity that is not quite over.

Mount Batur is located in Batur Village, Kintamani

and is an active volcano standing 1,717 meters above

sea level well known as a gorgeous sunrise spot.

The area around the volcano is a deep crater lake

and the site of a massive explosion many years ago.

Bubbling hot springs also feature around the base of

this volcano that attracts both trekkers and viewers

alike to its surrounds. Mount Batur’s peak provides a

fantastic platform for sunset watchers.

Almost a century ago, Mount Batur erupted.

Although it was not as massive as the one happened

at ancient time, it still claimed live of thousands

citizens around its vicinity along with hundreds of

temples and villages. Balinese Hindu still considers

Mount Batur as a sacred place until this moment.

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MOUNT KELIMUTU

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Situated close to the small town of Moni in central Flores Island, Kelimutu is a

volcano that rises 1,639 meters above sea level. This volcano is famous for its

three striking summit crater lakes each containing their own distinct colours of

red, blue and green water.

The reason for this strange coloration is not precisely known but it is thought

that various gases reacting with different minerals are the main cause. The

scenic panorama of the said lake is what makes Kelimutu a noteworthy hiking

destination.

To get to the mountain one must go through to the town of Moni located 50

km away from the capital city of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara. There are frequent

flights scheduled from Bali to Ende.

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MOUNT RINJANI

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Mount Rinjani stands 3,726 meters above sea level on

Bali’s near neighbour, Lombok. It is the 2nd highest

strati volcano peak in Indonesia and the highest

vantage point of Lombok. Mount Rinjani provides

a challenging treat for all hikers and promises a

rewarding view on the top for all who manage to get

there.

There are two ways to access the mountain; from

Senaru village on the North or Sembalun on the East.

For those without volcano trekking experience it is

advisable to take the Sembalun route. This route is

more scenic, easier to manage and offers a better

chance to reach the peak in one day. This trip will

also lead trekkers to a crater area called Plawangan.

This is a good camping and fishing area for those

who want to rest and break their excursion up over a

longer period.

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MOUNT BROMO

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Mount Bromo is Indonesia’s best-known volcano; it is a

natural wonder that stands 2,329 meters above sea level

on the Eastern side of Java. The mountain sits in the midst

of vast plain called the “Sea of Sand” or “Segara Wedi”, a

protected nature reservation since 1919.

Although thousands of tourists climb its peak daily, Bromo

is a very active volcano, and has erupted three times since

2000. Depending on the degree of volcanic activity, the

Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Disaster Hazard

Mitigation sometimes issues warnings against visiting

Mount Bromo.

The most common way to visit Bromo is via a village

called Cemoro Lawang. Walking to the mountain area will

take about 45 minutes, but visitors can also arrange an

organized jeep tour for the trip.

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MOUNT KINABALU

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In topographic prominence, Mount Kinabalu

is the 20th most prominent mountain

in the world and considered among the

most important biological sites in the

world, having accorded a World Heritage

Status by UNESCO. Mount Kinabalu

contains thousands species of plants,

hundred species of birds and mammals,

including the rare Rafflessia flower and the

endangered orang-utan.

The lowest peak of Mount Kinabalu can be

climbed quite easily by a person in good

physical condition and there is no need for

equipment at any point on the main route,

however other peaks along the massif

require at least basic rock climbing skills

and hiking gear.

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Rising up like a monolith from the Jurassic era Mount

Kinabalu stands 4,096 meters above sea level. It is

the highest peak in Borneo’s Crocker Range as well

as the highest mountain in Malaysia.

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Bali West & NorthTHERE IS MORE TO BALI THAN THE HYPED SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE ISLAND. THE WESTERN AND NORTHERN COASTLINES OF THE ISLAND ARE ALSO FULL OF WONDERFUL EXAMPLES OF TRADITION, CULTURE AND REMINDERS OF THE PAST WAITING TO BE EXPLORED. EXAMPLES ARE THE JEMBRANA REGENCY ON THE WEST AND NORTHERN COASTLINE WONDERS OF BULELENG. BOTH ARE MUST-VISIT UNDER-THE-RADAR AREAS THAT OFFER DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF BALI AND NEW EXPERIENCES FOR AN ENTHRALLING HOLIDAY.

Let’s turn our attention away from the tourist glamor

of South Bali, where Seminyak, Kuta, Legian and other

international tourist destinations are located and move on to

explore a more personal side of Bali.

On the Western side of the island, Jembrana regency

invites you to explore its rugged naturaal beauty and take

a peek into its fascinating historical sites. Here a visit to

Blimbingsari village is recommended. It is in this village

one can see the famous Hati Kudus Catholic Church of

Palasari. Established around 1940, the church has long been

considered as a symbol of enculturation between Roman

Catholics and Balinese locals. The church has become the

centre of religious and

social activity for Palasari’s

residents who make up the

islands largest Roman Catholic

community.

One should continue from Blimbingsari to the North

Bali coast, towards a region called Buleleng. Although

still developing as a tourist destination, Buleleng’s main

city Singaraja was actually the first city in Bali to accept

international visitors through Penimbangan Harbor. A few

decades ago, the harbour acted as a trading post but was

eventually visited by travellers from around the world who

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wished to experience the island’s beauty first hand.

Near the harbour lies an historic ‘Kelenteng’, or

Chinese prayer temple called Ling Gwan Kiong. This

temple was originally built around the 18th century

and is considered sacred by the people of Buleleng.

In 2004, a restoration project was commenced to

enhance the beauty of the temple and return it back

to its former glory.

Singaraja also has many Pura (Balinese temples),

such as Pura Beji, a small ancient temple tucked

on the side of paddy field. In the main yard of the

temple, lies a statue of two foreigners holding musical

instruments that proves how Balinese, particularly

Singaraja people, have long been assimilated with

international culture and embrace them without

hesitation.

If you travel along the main road West of Singaraja,

you will eventually arrive at Lovina, a quiet coastal

town that also acts as a main tourist attraction

in Buleleng regency. Evening beach visits are

recommended here, as the sunsets can be quite

dramatic. And mornings are a good time to get a look

at the local fishermen’s catch. Locals are also happy to

take visitors out on their boats for a spot of dolphin

watching.

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Nusa Lembongan &Nusa PenidaNUSA PENIDA & NUSA LEMBONGANONCE KNOWN AS “WHAT’S THAT ISLAND OVER THERE?” NUSA PENIDA IS NOW DRAWING CONSIDERABLE INTEREST AMONGST BALI’S VISITORS. BACK IN THE EARLY 90’S NUSA LEMBONGAN WAS NOT QUITE THE MYSTERY THAT NUSA PENIDA PRESENTED THEN.

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Lembongan in those days was

the haunt of young surfers who

were happy to put up with modest

facilities and warm beer for the thrill

of challenging surfing conditions.

Today both islands have great appeal

for tourists and offer some exciting

differences to Bali’s well-trodden

tourist areas.

I enjoy my life here on Bali but there

are times that I really need a weekend

break to refresh myself through

relaxation. The Nusa island cluster is a

quick 45 minutes by boat from Bali.

Nusa Penida the largest of this island

cluster offers a chance to get away

to an almost pristine and strikingly

beautiful environment. The island

is basically a limestone plateau

with a strip of sand on its northern

coast that is dominated by the rise

of the plateau. The island offers

some marvelous scenic trekking

opportunities and one should be sure

not to forget the camera. Here bird

life abounds and most notably Nusa

Penida is, with strong local support,

a preservation sanctuary for the

endangered Bali Starling. There is a

bit of old mystical folk law on Nusa

Penida where a diverse range spirits

are said to wander the plateau.

There is a stark difference between

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

but they are welcome differences.

While Penida is developed enough

to take care of its local inhabitants

it is at the same time able to offer a

marvelous natural environment for its

visitors. Lembongan has become much

more developed at basic and high-

end levels to meet tourist demands.

Main activities here are diving and

snorkeling but there are also good

facilities for one to just relax on this

small island. The inhabitants on the

island have traditionally earned their

living by farming seaweed. This low

paying activity makes tourists very

welcome by the locals who will often

offer small boat rides to some of the

best snorkeling spots on the island.

Visitors to Lembongan should visit

the powdery white sand of secluded

Dream Beach located on the island’s

southern coast. A cafe is attached to

the single resort on the beach area,

making it a superb spot to practice the

‘art of doing nothing’.

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LangkawiTHERE ARE SEVERAL NOTEWORTHY TROPICAL DESTINATIONS THROUGHOUT MALAYSIA, AND ONE OF THESE IS LANGKAWI; A GORGEOUS TROPICAL ISLAND FULL OF ENGAGING ACTIVITIES, NATURAL LANDSCAPE WONDERS AND PLUSH ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES. LANGKAWI IS REGARDED AS HAVING A FULL COMPLIMENT OF ALL THAT’S NECESSARY FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY GETAWAY.

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Despite the fact that Langkawi has been a tourist

destination for decades, it has managed a balance

between development and its natural assets.

The government has kept the original face of

the island-a rural Malaysian region where the

traditional kampung (villages) have remained as

they have been for generations.

Langkawi is actually a collection of 104 islands

just off the coast of Kedah but it is only the largest

island that has become a tourist hub. Thus the

island of Langkawi is also the namesake for the

whole island group. The name ‘Langkawi’ actually

comes from the term ‘Elang Kawi’ or ‘reddish

brown eagle’, the island’s official mascot. Langkawi

is a beautiful island blessed with pristine white-

sandy beaches, a lush forest area and a clear blue

sea surrounding its coast. In 2008, the archipelago

was officially titled ‘The Jewel of Kedah’ because of

its mesmerizing natural landscape.

To reach the island, there are many direct flights

from major cities in Malaysia, and I chose to fly

in from KL. Cenang Beach is still one of the most

visited places by tourists as this duty free island

offers shoppers numerous items for sale. There

is also an abundance of beachfront restaurants

stretching along the beach. Here the flavors of

many different nations are on offer.

There is a good range of accommodation offering

high standards and comfort to choose from on

the island. One of the best that Langkawi has to

offer is The Datai Langkawi, an exciting property

secluded on the Northwestern tip of the island.

This luxurious rainforest hideaway features 54

well-appointed rooms, 40 villas, 16 suites and 14

beach villas with a breathtaking panorama of the

surrounding natural beauty.

First-grade materials have been used to build Datai

Langkawi with features of tropical timbers and

local rock. The siting and choice of materials has

produced a ‘close to nature experience’ for guests

here in this tropical rain forest environment.

This stunning hideaway is fully-equipped with

facilities, has 5 different restaurants, a Spa, a gym,

a sauna, two tennis courts, 1 family and 1 adult-

only outdoor swimming pool, and direct access

to both beach and nature. The resort can offer

their guests unparalleled opportunities to immerse

themselves in nature’s timeless wonders via dozens

of enthralling activities.

The beach at Datai Bay is regarded as one of the

‘Top 10 beaches in the World’. Here one can unwind

and enjoy sun lazing or sunset dining, swimming

or sea adventures. This has been a favourite

destination for modern travellers seeking a natural

environment in tranquil surrounds.

Photo by The Datai Langkawi

TropicaLife.net68

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Koh Tao &Koh Nang Yuan

ON THE CENTRAL GULF COAST OF SOUTHERN THAILAND, THERE IS A CLUSTER OF ISLES THAT HAVE BECOME A POPULAR GETAWAY DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS. IN THIS ISLAND AREA, KOH NANG YUAN AND KOH TAO ARE TWO SMALL ISLANDS THAT HAVE GAINED WORLDWIDE ATTENTION FOR THEIR RUGGED NATURAL BEAUTY, PRISTINE WHITE BEACHES AND ALL THE CHARM OF TROPICAL GULF ISLANDS.

Thailand is of course well known for providing some

of the most endearing holiday destinations for those

seeking tropical island getaways. The gulf area offers

island holiday choices from the sheer splendor and

luxury of 5-Star resorts to the balm of isolated islands on

tranquil seas. On my last trip to Thailand’s gulf I chose

to visit Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan islands.

Koh Tao is a favorite destination for scuba divers.

However, nowadays this tiny island has become more

and more popular amongst discerning travelers for the

range of luxurious hotel options. Holidaymakers also

travel to Koh Tao for the superb beaches that ring the

island.

One of the best accomodations in Koh Tao is Casas Del

Sol. This is an affordable luxury boutique villa complex

offering 5 beach villas with the standard of facilities and

built in comfort to greatly enhance holidaying on this

lovely island.

Photo by Casas Del Sol - Koh Tao Photo by Casas Del Sol - Koh TaoPhoto by Casas Del Sol - Koh Tao

69TropicaLife.net

next island

One of the biggest attractions for me

on this visit were Koh Tao’s scuba

diving sites. The island is blessed

with easily accessible diving sites

that are especially safe for beginners.

I didn’t have to wait long under

water before I was able to come

across sharks and rays swimming

above and around a playground

of tangled neon coral. The area is

also very suitable for snorkelers

because of the shallow waters. After

an exciting afternoon I allowed

myself a pleasant sundowner session

overlooking the beach while a setting sun put on a glorious display of red

and orange fire.

A day trip to Koh Nang Yuan is a must when staying in Koh Tao. Koh

Nang Yuan Island is recognized as one of the most beautiful and

magnificent islands in the world. Situated just 400 meters off the

north end of Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan is actually made up of three tiny

islands that are each connected by sandbar causeways to their adjoining

partners. The best way to get to this island is by Thailand’s traditional

long tail boats that are easily chartered from eager skippers.

The unique topography as well as picture postcard scenes in this area

along with white sandy beaches and a crystal clear ocean is the reason

that so many travellers come to enjoy the islands.

Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yang have become focal points in among the

myriad of island clusters in the Gulf of Thailand. These two islands

feature all the attributes that one dreams of when considering a tropical

island holiday.

Photo by Casas Del Sol - Koh Tao

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LAYING ABOUT 315 KILOMETERS SOUTH OF MANILA AND 2 KILOMETERS OFF THE NORTHWEST TIP OF PANAY ISLAND IN THE VISAYAS REGION, BORACAY IS ONE OF THE SMALLER ISLANDS IN PHILIPPINES VAST ARCHIPELAGO. THIS THIGHBONE-SHAPED ISLAND MEASURING 7 KILOMETERS IN LENGTH WITH A 1-KILOMETER WIDTH AT ITS NARROW STRETCH IS A WORLD-CLASS HOLIDAY DESTINATION. THE NARROW STRETCH IS A WHITE SANDY BEACH LINE FACING BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLAND.

From Singapore, I took a 3.5-hour flight to Manila and

continued to Catican where I caught a delightful ferry

ride through a blue ocean, a bright sunny sky and a lovely

sea breeze. I felt young and free in this enticing tropical

atmosphere. This is the sort of lead up to holidays that I love

as it set a mood of positive anticipation.

It seems that Boracay’s reputation as ‘one of the best resort

islands in the world’ rings true. A clear blue ocean surrounds

this lovely island and its beautiful beaches putting it in pole

position against the Caribbean, South Pacific islands and

Indonesia’s and Thailand’s best.

White Beach here is of course a major attraction and is classed

as one of the finest beaches in the world.

This beach offers ideal conditions for swimming and

snorkelling with its clear shallow water while on Bulabog Beach

(the other side of White Beach) there are opportunities for

more challenging water activities such as kite boarding and

windsurfing.

It is at nightfall that the island transforms into a festive melting

pot. At this time restaurants, bars and discos come to life

through the island’s town area and one’s own party mood is

impossible to ignore through the dazzle of bright lights and

invigorating music.

To enjoy the best of Boracay, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and

Spa is the island’s first and only 5-Star international luxury

resort.

Boracay

next island

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This 12-hectate resort is just what

most travelers look for these days:

luxury, comfort, secluded beachs,

comprehensive leisure facilities

comprising two private beachfronts,

infinity pools, spa, and a state of the art

health club.

The resort features 219 rooms including

36 villas and suites that are designed by

combining modern and ethnic Filipino

threads to the decor. In order to ensure

guests have the best to choose from the

resort offers 7 in house restaurants and

bars along with their own entertainment

centre.

Whether one is looking for a romantic

getaway, honeymoon, or secluded

holiday, Boracay Island can be said to

be one of the best destinations in the

world for these purposes.

Photo by Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa

next island

Photo by Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa

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SOLOSOLO IS A FORMER ROYAL CITY AND STILL HOME TO TWO ROYAL ENCLAVES. IT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CITIES OF CENTRAL JAVA WITH A RICH COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL SITES. HERE PALACES, PARKS, AND JAVANESE CULTURAL REGALIA ATTRACT TOURISTS TO THIS INTERESTING CITY, A CITY WITH A REPUTATION FOR THE FRIENDLY WELCOME IT OFFERS ITS VISITORS.

Solo - or Surakarta as it was known

in bygone times is a magnet for those

interested in the historical development

of the region. Today the city is regarded

as the least Westernized metropolis in

Central Java. I was made to feel very

welcome here during my visit and most

impressed by the friendly countenance

of the city’s locals. As a former royal

precinct Solo has, in a naturally

authentic way, managed to maintain

much of its Javanese characteristic.

My first site visit in Solo was the

Kasunanan Palace. Once it was the

main palace of Surakarta Hadiningrat

Kingdom built by Pakubuwono II in

1745. Today the palace houses an art

gallery and an impressive museum

displaying weaponry and artifacts of

the old kingdom.

next destination

Photo by The Royal Surakarta Heritage Solo

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next destination

To help me gain a deeper knowledge of the

past here I paid a visit to the Sukuh and Cetho

Temples on the slope of Mount Lawu in the

Karanganyar Regency. These temples were

built by the Majapahit Kingdom in the

15th century, both are finely decorated

and display historic reliefs and

carvings.

After the temples I wanted to

get a feeling of some of the more

earthy culture and traditional

art here and so made my way to

Kampoeng Batik Kauman. The

local people in this village are well

known for their astonishing batik

work depicting motives and patterns

adapted from the time of the royal families.

In the old area of Laweyan one can purchase

examples of these traditional art works as well

as some of the more contemporary batik work

that the area is famous for.

After almost a day of sightseeing through

some of the best that Solo has to offer I took

some time to stroll through Sriwedari Park.

This park was once used as the resting place

for royal Sultanate family, and now functions

as an entertainment hub for children and

adults alike. There is a theater in the park

that holds regular performances of the

‘Wayang Wong’, a classical Javanese

theatrical dance depicting themes of

the Ramayana or Mahabharata.

To enjoy the best of Solo, The Royal

Surakarta Heritage Solo is highly

recommended.This hotel boasts 150

elegant rooms, divided into 5 main types

(superior room, deluxe room, executive room,

junior suite, executive suite) with facilities

that include a restaurant and pool bar. The

hotel is within walking distance of Solo’s

best sites including the Mangkunegaran

palace, the Kasunanan palace and the city’s

traditional markets.

Courtesy of The Royal Surakarta Heritage Solo

TropicaLife.net74

On this visit I decided to enjoy the broader side of

Jogjakarta. I wanted to visit historical places around

the city to gain some of the background knowledge

to these sites. As soon as I landed I made my way to

Kotagede—Yogya’s historical neighborhood. I came

here to discover how the art of the area’s silversmiths

have made Kotagede famous.

The silversmiths of Kotagede began to flourish at

the time when Yogyakarta was established as the

capitol of Mataram. During the Dutch colonial era the

government took steps to preserve the craftsmanship

of the area by establishing the Kotagede Silverware

Institute. Craftsmen tended to specialize in delicate

ornamental work known as filigrees, silver casting,

sculptures and items adorned with floral motifs and

the depiction of ancient Hindu iconography. Alongside

the delicate craftsmanship of Kotagede’s silverware

industry is the

well-known ‘batik’

processing of the area.

Here traditional fabric

is adorned with distinctive

Javanese motifs in an art form that

has gained worldwide recognition for its

artistic beauty.

After visiting Kotagede and managing to pickup

some lovely examples of silverware and batik, I

continued my journey to Fort Vredeburg. This is a

former Dutch colonial fortress that is now a museum

where captivating dioramas portraying scenes from

Indonesia’s defining War of Independence are on view.

Fort Vredeburg is one of the many landmarks that

depict the history of Jogjakarta.

next destination

MY TRIP TO DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA WAS NOTHING SHORT OF FUN FILLED INSPIRATION. HERE I GO AGAIN, SETTING DOWN MY FEET IN ONE OF INDONESIA’S MOST CULTURED CITIES. THIS IS A PLACE TO STUDY, SEARCH, AND WONDER; A PLACE TO DISCOVER THE HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS THAT HAVE MADE YOGYAKARTA AN OFFICIAL SPECIAL REGION OF INDONESIA.

Yogyakarta

75TropicaLife.net

I left Vrederburg with a better knowledge of

Indonesia’s most important era, and was happy

to discover that my next destination, Keraton

of Yogyakarta was just a few steps away from

the museum. Formally known as Keraton

Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, this palace

complex is where the Sultan of Yogyakarta and

his family live. Despite of the globalization

of modern governments, Yogyakarta still

maintains a ‘Sultanate’ status, although it is

now more of a symbolic cultural center for

the Javanese people. The palace also houses a

museum displaying the sultanate’s artifacts.

The last place on my visit list in Yogyakarta was

Monument Jogja Kembali, or popularly known

as ‘Monjali’ located at Ngaglik sub-district,

Sleman. It is a pyramid-shaped museum built

to commemorate the Indonesian National

Revolution containing dioramas of key

moments of the revolution, artifacts leftover

from the colonial period and revolution as well

as a silent memorial room.

Yogyakarta can be reached by a short flight

of one hour and 10 minutes. AirAsia provides

2x direct flights daily. For more information

please click on www.airasia.com

TropicaLife.net76

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THIS METROPOLITAN AND SOPHISTICATED CITY NEVER FAILS TO IMPRESS THE MILLIONS OF VISITORS IT RECEIVES FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE. SINGAPORE IS A DESTINATION THAT ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING NEW TO EXPLORE AND ENJOY.

A recent trip to Singapore was as usual memorable

and it was on this trip that I decided to unwind by

visiting new social venues and previously unvisited

restaurants while leaving the shopping for another

visit. This gave me an opportunity to discover so

much more of what the city had to offer.

After checking in at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore,

I discovered the culinary options in the surrounding

area alone were endless. The Fullerton Heritage is

a dining and hospitality complex consisting of The

Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Singapore, One Fullerton, Clifford Pier, The Fullerton

Waterboat House, The Fullerton Pavilion, and

Customs House

Lantern, situated on the top of The Fullerton Bay

Hotel is a venue one ought not to miss. Regarded

as one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore,

Lantern provides a 360-degree panorama of the

city and overlooks the stunning Marina Bay and

SingaporePhoto by The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

77TropicaLife.net

its surrounds. It is best to visit in the

evening while sipping on a fabulous

cocktail or excellent wine and at the

same time watching the light show

from Marina Bay Sands. This is a daily

performance that includes fireworks on

special occasions.

Another nearby venue

is Catalunya at the

Fullerton Pavilion.

Here the restaurant

can safely boast one

of the best Spanish

menus in the city

while offering a

stunning waterfront

panorama of Marina

Bay. Catalunya is also

a great viewing platform

for the Marina Bay Sands light

shows.

One Fullerton is the home of some of

Singapore’s the best restaurants and here

a variety of tastes are catered for.

One of Singapore’s major attractions is

Merlion Park, sited in front of

The Fullerton Hotel.

On this trip I had the opportunity to

visit Tiong Bahru to see what they had

to offer. It is one of the island’s oldest

residential areas and its trendy cafes,

bakeries and attractive shops have made

the area very popular. Open Door Policy,

Plain Vanilla Bakery, 40 Hands are just

some of the famous places to

visit here.

As the hotel is within

walking distance to

Makansutra Glutton

Bay, I decided to

sample the hawker

food available there.

This hawker centre

is located near the

Esplanade theatre, offering

a delicious range of local

specialties like the Hainan chicken

rice, Singapore chili crab and many

others.

Visiting Singapore should always in one’s

agenda; especially as it is only a 2.5-hour

flight from Bali by AirAsia; daily direct.

Click www.airasia.com to purchase a

ticket.

Photo by The Fullerton Heritage

TropicaLife.net78

Kuala Lumpur is one of those cities that I keep going back to

because it has something exciting to offer every time.

Starting my journey from Bali I took a direct 3-hour flight with

AirAsia to Kuala Lumpur and was ready to enjoy this trip the

moment I landed.

Quite apart from the many well-known places of interest around

and just out of KL I had decided to make the 2-hour drive to visit

some of the historic landmarks in the city of Malacca. The city was

listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 because of its rich

cultural and historic sites.

Enjoying Malacca was a comfortable one-day trip for me as this is

a small city where most of the attractions here are close together.

While there I visited St Paul’s Church, the old Stadhuys (Town Hall)

and Christ Church all within easy reach of the Malacca River. Before

leaving the city I owed myself a meal of Nyonya, this renowned local

cuisine is served in many restaurants and should not be missed

while in Malacca.

next destination

Kuala LumpurTHE AMAZING CITY WITH SO MUCH ON OFFER

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Back in Kuala Lumpur, I highly recommend to stay at the Majestic Hotel

Kuala Lumpur as this is one of the best hotels in the city where it sits

opposite the striking old Moorish style railway station. The Majestic

Hotel Kuala Lumpur features 300 beautifully appointed deluxe guest

rooms and luxurious suites. The building was originally built in 1930s

and considered as one of the great colonial landmarks in the city. Its

location is known as the historical mile of Kuala Lumpur and within

its vicinity, there are many major attractions including the National

Museum, National Mosque, Islamic Arts Museum, Lake Gardens and

Bird and Butterfly Parks.

For those planning a visit towards the end of year there is an

opportunity to take advantage of the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale that will

be held on 14th November 2015 to 3rd January 2016. Two of the well-

known shopping centres that have drawn most of the visitors in the past

are The Suria KLCC and the Pavilion. Situated at the base of the iconic

Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia’s premier centres

offering major brands as well as more affordable merchandise. On the

other hand, Pavilion is a modern shopping centre in the Bukit Bintang

area with hundreds of retail shops representing some of the world’s

finest brand names along with well-known local brands, entertainment

and a selection of quality eateries.

It is always a delight to visit KL, always something different to see and

do in this thriving cosmopolitan city. With 5x daily direct flights from

Bali to Kuala Lumpur, one can easily experience the delights of this city.

Visit www.airasia.com to purchase a ticket.

Photo by The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur Photo by The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

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BangkokTHERE IS NO DOUBT THAT BANGKOK HAS MADE ITS MARK AS ONE PREMIER DINING CITIES OF THE WORLD. HERE RESTAURANTS RANGE FROM THE EXCLUSIVE FINE DINING ESTABLISHMENTS THROUGH TO CASUAL EATERIES AND ON TO SOME OF THE MOST ADVENTUROUS STREET VENDORS IN THE WORLD.

Traveling to Bangkok is easy these days as AirAsia offers

convenient twice-daily direct flights from Bali. I arrived

around noon for my culinary journey with some thoughts

about where to have lunch and as it turned out I found

myself in the popular food court at Siam Paragon. It is here

that one can, if so inclined, spend the day sampling different

dishes with a never-ending variety of small bites.

Like a lot of people, I really love the aromas, tastes, special

spices and colourful presentation of Thai food. Each one of

their dishes is a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

The street vendor’s food here is a real treat of discovery for

new tastes and exciting ingredients. Some of my favourites

include som tam nua, pad Thai, noodle soup and the full

range of Thai curries.

As a paradise for diners the city has a great deal to offer

in the area of opulent dining options. Some of these

offer magnificent vistas along with world-class dishes in

magnificent surrounds.

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One of these is Sala Rim Naam, sited in

the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Here

one can dine in style while enjoying

views over the majestic Chao Phraya

River. The restaurant presents authentic

Royal Thai cuisine such as lon poo

talay (sea crab meat cooked in

coconut milk); yaam talay

(spiced seafood salad);

and mussamun nuea

(Southern style beef

curry with sweet

potato and onion).

Sala Rim Naam is

richly decorated

with traditional

artefacts and built

in the traditional

Northern Thai style

so creating an elegant

ambience and unique

cultural experience where one

can watch a classical Thai dance show

performed every night while at the

same time enjoy the curve of the Chao

Phraya River.

Other places that belong on any list

of excellent dining venues are Nahm,

Issaya Siamese Club, Bo Lan and Soul

Food Mahanakorn. These along with

many others contribute to the rich

dining milieu of Bangkok.

Another recommendation for visitors

to the city is to embark on one of the

luxurious dinner cruises along the Chao

Phraya River. This is an opportunity to

dine in style while taking in some of

the magnificent landmarks such

as the Wat Arun (the

Temple of Dawn),

Wat Phrakaew

(the Temple of

the Emerald

Buddha), the

Grand Palace

and the Santa

Cruz Church.

These

cruses are

guaranteed

to provide

a memorable

evening.

Bangkok is also a city for shoppers and

the opportunity to discover the range

of goods on offer should not be missed

before leaving Bangkok. Siam Paragon,

Terminal 21, Central World and The

Platinum Fashion Mall are just some of

the shopping malls worth visiting.

To enjoy Bangkok, visit www.airasia.

com to purchase a ticket.

Photo by Sala Rim Naam

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HIGHLY POPULATED TOKYO IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF JAPAN’S URBAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT. THIS HUGE AND WEALTHY METROPOLIS MAKES GOOD USE OF AN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY THAT BLENDS GRACEFULLY WITH SOME OF THE FASCINATING ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CULTURE. TOKYO IS ONE OF THE GREAT CITIES OF THE WORLD; IT IS A MAJOR DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS, EDUCATION, AND HOLIDAY TRAVEL AND OUGHT TO BE A DESTINATION FOR EVERYONE - SOMETIME IN LIFE.

Japan

Despite its size, Tokyo should not be thought of as a

single city. It’s actually a constellation of cities

and districts that merged together. Starting

out from Bali, I took the AirAsia flight to

Kuala Lumpur where I was able to catch

a connecting flight on to Tokyo; Japan’s

capitol.

To experience the best of Tokyo

one should select the most suitable

accommodation for one’s needs.

If shopping and a preference for

contemporary accommodation with

a central city siting are important

considerations, Conrad Tokyo is an

excellent choice. The hotel has been designed

in a contemporary Japanese style and offers 290

spacious guest rooms with views overlooking the city or the

Hamarikyu and Tokyo Bay. Conrad Tokyo features

some of the city’s finest restaurants, bars and a

25-metre lap pool. The hotel also houses the

Mizuki Spa; the largest spa of its kind in

Tokyo.

The shopping and entertainment

centers of Ginza and Roppongi are

just minutes away from the hotel.

Ginza is an upscale area in Tokyo and

recognized as one of the most luxurious

shopping districts in the world, where

one can shop at some of the flagship

premium brand stores such as Chanel, Louis

Vuitton, Dior and Gucci; to name just a few.

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For dining Sukiyabashi Jiro, located at the stylish Ginza district is much

recommended. Sukiyabashi Jiro is a 3-star Michelin and legendary sushi restaurant

owned and operated by sushi master Jiro Ono. Several international public figures

have dined here and over the years Tokyo has been acknowledged as the culinary

capital of the world. This city boasts more Michelin-Star restaurants than any other

city in the world, exceeding even Paris.

A must visit while in Tokyo is the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the residence of the

Emperor of Japan. The palace is located on the former the site of Edo Castle.

The architecture of the palace is impressive and set in the intricate classic style

of Japanese gardens. Another place of interest is the Tokyo Tower in Shiba-koen

district of Minato. This is the second tallest building in Japan and has now becomes

one of the city’s main tourist attractions providing uninterrupted views of the

mountain and natural landscape beyond the city’s precinct.

With easy connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur, a trip to Tokyo is just a click away.

For more information, visit www.airasia.com

Photo by Conrad Tokyo

Photo by Conrad Tokyo Photo by Conrad Tokyo

TropicaLife.net84

spice

The restaurant offers an exquisite design with a strong lean

towards an urban, semi-industrial workspace. The décor is

split between natural tones of teak and rubber wood, with

stone, steel and marble punctuating the structure. An immense

vertical garden balances the ambience and runs the full

length of the restaurant, both in-door and out. Local antique

decorations are set amidst designer installations, providing a

truly unique and engaging location.

The food itself is a pleasure to behold. The range of dishes

and style of presentation gives any diner a sense of warmth,

satisfaction and comfort. The menu ranges from light to bold,

with a selection of set menus, a la carte dining and chef ’s

suggestions. The service matches the food perfectly, providing

international standards of attention, with a stylish, yet easy

going attitude.

Our dinner experience consisted of Pangsit Bebek (crisp

wonton cases with shredded duck and pickled vegetables),

Udang Balado (char-grilled Tiger Prawns in a rich chili tomato

emulsion) and Bebek Goreng Bali (a traditional succulent and

crispy duck dish), which proved to be the perfect balance of

contrast, weight and flavor. Beverage pairing for the meal was

made with a selection of bespoke cocktails, which are readily

available to match any menu. We then finished the night with

a house favorite, Dadar Unti – an Indonesian Coconut and

Pandan Crepe, filled with caramelized palm sugar.

REPUBLIK45

Jln. Raya Kerobokan No.86A, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Tel. +62 819-1674-1844

Republik 45 is a spectacular new Indonesian Restaurant recently opened in the heart of Seminyak, Bali. The food concept here is purely dedicated to authentic Indonesian fair, providing the customer with a true taste of the region’s finest dishes, made with traditional ingredients, recipes and cooking methods.

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Bejana

spice

There are not that many Indonesian fine-dining restaurants on the island and Bejana has been added to this important list of those that serve the most-favoured authentic dishes from across the archipelago. This is a swanky styled restaurant that manages to deliver a comfortably relaxed atmosphere.

Situated on the edge of a cliff face, Bejana has three levels overlooking

the ocean and is tastefully designed with some Balinese’s accents and

traditional elements of local craftsmanship.

The menu focuses on a range of very popular dishes from many of

Indonesians’ regions The Indonesian rijsttafel is a good way to savour

a mix of regional Indonesian favourites. Each of these is served in

small portions and began for me with gado-gado, Sundanese salad

and Asinan Jakarta, a sweet and sour pickled seasonal fruit.

For the main course, my sample dishes were soto pesmol, a tasty

spiced coconut and seafood soup originally from Jakarta and ikan

woku, spiced barramundi with red bean parcel and lemon basil from

North Sulawesi. Other choices are sambal udang from Kalimantan

consisting of king prawns and tomato-chilli relish, and kalio daging, a

delicious beef dish from Padang that had been slow cooked in spice

and coconut milk.

To end this enjoyable culinary journey through the archipelago I was

served kue Bali comprising of assorted Balinese mini cakes such as

dadar gulung, klepon, lak lak, lapis, wajik, talam jagung and tape ubi

goreng. A glass of Bejana’s exotic signature cocktail consisting of

vodka, homemade spice syrup and lemon juice really complemented

the whole experience.

BEJANATHE RITZ CARLTON, BALI Jln. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Lot III, Sawangan Nusa Dua, BaliTel. +62 361 849 8988

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spice

Spice by Chris Salans is a casual café and bar with affordable

prices offering a wide selection of Balinese and Indonesian

flavors in western cuisine cooking and presentation. The

place is small yet cozy with only a few tables arranged by the

massive glass window and several stools around the kitchen

bar where you can watch the chef and his team in action

preparing the food right before your eyes.

I started with tartare of yellow fin tuna tataki. The fresh tuna

is seared, still raw inside but deliciously matched with the

sambal kecicang, crème fraiche and tempe croutons.

Next I had the crispy pork belly perfectly cooked and served

with turmeric dressing, grilled pineapples and vegetables. Even

though this tasty dish uses pork belly as the main ingredient

it should not be thought of as a heavy dish. The turmeric

dressing really complements the meat.

The last dish was the slipper lobster; a grilled lobster topped

off with curry leaf butter, fried galangal and a sprinkle of

tempe crumble.

To accompany the meals, kalamansi margarita and jackfruit

bourbon cocktail are the ideal choice.

Jalan Raya Ubud No 23. Ubud, Bali Tel: +62 361 4792420 www.spicebali.com

SPICEBy Chris Salans

Situated in the heart of Ubud, overlooking the busy main street, Spice by Chris Salans is one of the latest additions to the Ubud food scene and the third restaurant owned by this award-winning chef.

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Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Br. Lungsiakan, UbudTel. +62 361 971 872

spice

Set conveniently on the side of

tranquil Sanggingan road, Warung

Pulau Kelapa takes on ‘Indonesian

classic’ demonstrated by their

antique wooden-based interior.

With paintings and traditional

masks hanging on all its walls, the

restaurant is actually a collective

compound of cozy eatery that

ventures inwards until leading to an

organic, functional farm.

At Warung Pulau Kelapa,

Indonesian food regains its position

as a prime culinary treat. With finely

assorted Indonesian classic menus

to choose from. Street food (called

‘jajan’), to ‘puter’ ice cream and fine

blended specialty coffee are tunes

to toe range on offer. I treated

myself to the warung’s rijstaffel

set menu set. A main menu made

from the smorgasbord selection

of Indonesian dishes and served

with white or yellow rice. Warung

Pulau Kelapa’s rijstaffel consists

of 5 main menus, 4 side dishes,

3 kind of ‘sambal’ chili sauce, 2

traditional crackers and one bowl

of rice. The main menu is varied,

from beef rendang, fish with woku

sauce to delicious chicken satay.

The mild and authentic tastes of

fresh Indonesian delicacies’ linger

on my mouth long after the meal

has finished.

Another unique aspect in this

restaurant is that one is allowed to

pick one’s own ingredients from the

organic farm to be prepared for the

meal. The organic farm has plethora

of edible plants and healthy

ingredients, from the most common

to some of the less common.

PULAU KELAPAWARUNG

TAKING THE BEST OF UBUD’S GREEN ENVIRONS, WARUNG PULAU KELAPA PUTS ALL ITS EFFORTS INTO PRESERVING AND REFINING BOTH THE DELIVERY AND PRESENTATION OF INDONESIAN DELICACIES. USING FRESH INGREDIENTS FROM THE WARUNG’S OWN BACK YARD WHILE MAINTAINING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF KITCHEN PREPARATION IT HAS CREATED AN AUTHENTICITY THAT TAKES ITS GUESTS ON A DELIGHTFUL CULINARY JOURNEY OF TASTE AND ADVENTURE.

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Will Meyrick is a man of culinary passion. His efforts have earned

him a reputation of one of the few famous names in Bali’s culinary

milieu and still his reputation moves on. This Scottish lad who has

made Indonesian his home has just recently decided to bring his

lifetime experience of tasting South East Asian food into the casual

fine-dining setting of Hujan Locale.

Situated in Ubud, Hujan Locale features high-quality slow cooked

food from local products. The interior of this two-level restaurant

is composed by classic and rural urban styles, creating a pleasant

decor that guarantees an indulging dining experience. After making

myself comfortable in one of the sofas, I decided to start with

several appetizers, such as the unique DIY five spice grilled beef

menu, which allows guests to make their own dish from a prepared

set of ingredients, including a rice paper wrapper, tasty beef meat,

peanut sauce and vegetables, with a tasty dip sauce to wrap the

taste.

For an exotic taste, I tried Hujan betel leaves, prawns and black

pudding—a creative take of Balinese ‘lawar’ made from vegetables,

spice and grilled pork blood. The taste is well-balanced and

delicious. Then I moved to the main menu; a portion of stir-fry

prawn to fulfill my craving for fine seafood. I followed this with a

plate of Sumatran BBQ pork ribs that blended convincingly with

Sumatran sauce and spices.

Jalan Sri Wedari No. 5, UbudTel.+62 361 849 3092www.hujanlocale.com

spice

Hujan LocaleFrom the same group that established Sarong and Mama San, Hujan Locale is one of the latest additions to the gastronomic venues in Ubud that offers various selections of South East Asian fare including some of the finest dishes inspired by the tasteful spices found in Indonesian culinary delights.

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Occupying a luxurious space

on the first floor of Sheraton

Grande Sukhumvit, basil is a Thai

restaurant showcasing an exquisite

menu of classic and creative

modern dishes using the very best

ingredients to ensure the quality

and flavours of each dish.

One should start off with one

of the restaurants most popular

appetizers called goong sarong, a

deep-fried marinated tiger prawn

wrapped in an egg noodle net.

This is a delicious way to begin a

meal. With goong sarong’s crispy

and crunchy net one meets the

tenderness of moist shrimp on

the inside. For those who prefer

salad as starter, yum som o goong

is a really good choice. This

simple and tasty dish consists

of pomelo, water chestnut and

prawn delivering an excellent

combination of flavors and

textures throughout the one dish.

For the main course, gaeng kiew

waan nua Angus (green curry

with Angus beef ) is a highly

recommended choice and should

not be missed. The rich coconut

milk base and Thai spices really

complement the tenderness of the

Angus. This is a dish to savour

well with a bowl of Thai fragrant

steamed rice.

For fish lovers, mok pla Salmon

is recommended and is the most

healthy option. The restaurant’s

salmon trout is baked with chilli

paste, dill and sweet basil and

presented on a banana leaf.

Freshness, delectable taste and the

excellent ambience are clearly the

reasons why many food lovers have

chosen basil as one of the ultimate

places to experience authentic Thai

delicacies in Bangkok.

spice

SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVITA Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel. (66) 02 6498888www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com

Known for authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary setting, the award winning Thai restaurant, basil never fails to impress with its sensational flavours and artistic presentation.

BASIL

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spice

THE CLIFFORD PIERLocal Gastronomic with Breathtaking View

Perhaps the reason this venue is one of the most talked about restaurants in

Singapore is because of its lovely ambience and the stunning vista of its surrounds.

Situated on the waterfront of Singapore’s Marina Bay as part of The Fullerton Bay

Hotel Singapore, The Clifford Pier is a restaurant serving an extensive selection

of local and regional traditional dishes. Built in 1933, Clifford Pier was the main

landing jetty for regional maritime traders and immigrants before it’s recent

transformation into a spectacular restaurant by The Fullerton Heritage in 2014.

As soon as I stepped into The Clifford Pier, I couldn’t help but notice the elegant

design that blended with the building’s original architecture. Here 2 sitting areas

are provided; indoor dining and an al-fresco area where one can enjoy the view of

the Marina Bay and Singapore’s modern’s skyline.

For starters, one can sample the ubin kueh pie tee or heritage rolls. The must-

have dishes are the soup kambing, a tasty mutton soup with traditional spices and

wagyu rendang, delicious tender wagyu beef that has been braised in coconut. For

those craving Singaporean noodles, the rickshaw noodles are a good choice. To

finish, love letter form the pier, with chocolate sauce and ice cream is definitely a

great way to end a lovely lunch.

The Clifford Pier is an excellent place for an all-day dining experience in a relaxed

atmosphere while surrounded by a magnificent panorama.

THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL SINGAPORE80 Collyer Quay, SingaporeTel. +65 6597 5266

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Tucked conveniently on the outskirts

of Ubud, the spa takes peace and

quiet seriously by utilizing its serene

environment while letting white

dominate the building’s colour scheme

so allowing for a clean and relaxed

atmosphere.

I was welcomed by the receptionist

at the spa lobby and was soon

guided to a spacious treatment room

complete with small garden. The

Como Shambhala Massage was my

choice of pampering and this began

with a warm towel foot cleaning.

This 60-minute massage uses Uma’s

signature blended massage oil that

produces a calming of the mind and

a bodily rejuvenation. A combination

of traditional Balinese massage and

Swedish massage techniques including

long flowing strokes, kneading with

medium pressure were applied to ease

knots and tensions. The treatment

ended with a great head massage that

helped to improve blood circulation.

For those who would like to escape

from the daily routines of life for a

short and relaxing spell of indulgence,

COMO Shambala Retreat at Uma Ubud

is the place to go. It is amazing just

how much the body can be relieved of

stress and tension in such a short time.

Tucked conveniently on the outskirts

of Ubud, the spa takes peace and

quiet seriously by utilizing its serene

environment while letting white

dominate the building’s colour scheme

so allowing for a clean and relaxed

atmosphere.

I was welcomed by the receptionist

at the spa lobby and was soon

guided to a spacious treatment room

complete with small garden. The

Como Shambhala Massage was my

choice of pampering and this began

with a warm towel foot cleaning.

This 60-minute massage uses Uma’s

signature blended massage oil that

produces a calming of the mind and

a bodily rejuvenation. A combination

of traditional Balinese massage and

Swedish massage techniques including

long flowing strokes, kneading with

medium pressure were applied to ease

knots and tensions. The treatment

ended with a great head massage that

helped to improve blood circulation.

For those who would like to escape

from the daily routines of life for a

short and relaxing spell of indulgence,

COMO Shambala Retreat at Uma Ubud

is the place to go. It is amazing just

how much the body can be relieved of

stress and tension in such a short time.

Uma by ComoThere is an abundance of excellent plush spa venues on Bali and COMO Shambala Retreat at Uma Ubud is amongst the most impressive of these. Uma provides an array of holistic and Asian-inspired treatments.

unwind

Jl Raya Sanggingan, Banjar Lungsiakan,

Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali

Tel. +62 361 972448

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unwind

SUKHAVATI AYURVEDIC RETREAT & SPA

The property is surrounded by verdant tropical gardens

and comprised of 8 beautiful villas. The One Day Taste

of Ayurveda was my choice for an indulging treatment

program. The introduction to this treatment was a

consultation with the Resident Ayurvedic Doctor. After

this I was escorted to one of the villas that was to be my

resting place for the day.

My first treatment was the Abhyanga, performed in the

semi open-air treatment room located close to the villa

and overlooking the river. This particular treatment

involved long strokes and circular movements using warm

herbal oil and executed by two therapists simultaneously.

Following this was a Shirodhara; a gentle pouring of warm

oil in a continuous stream over my forehead to stimulate

healthy blood circulation to the brain. The benefits here

are the relief of stress, anxiety and the amelioration

of insomnia. This was a very relaxing and pleasing

treatment and was followed by the Nasya prescribed by

the Ayurvedic Doctor to remove excess kapha dosha in the

nose, throat and head area.

An organic vegetarian lunch was served soon after my

treatment in the comfort of the villa. After my meal I

was treated to an Ayurvedic facial and foot massage. One

therapist attended to the foot reflexology while the other

started the facial by messaging and applying a Face Pack

that helped to soothe, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.

From the moment I stepped into Sukhavati Ayurvedic

Retreat & Spa I enjoyed their indulging attention. For

those looking for a complete day of bliss the One Day Taste

of Ayurveda is highly recommended.

Br. Bebengan Tangeb Abianbase, Mengwi,

Badung, Bali

Tel. +62 361 900 6128

www.sukhavatibali.com

Naturally enveloped in the serene environs of Mengwi, around 30 minutes drive from Denpasar, is the Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa. This is a boutique retreat offering a comprehensive wellness program employing traditional Ayurveda treatments.

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unwind

With the plethora of extravagant spas

in Bangkok, one may wonder which of

the many are best able to live up the

promises made. The Grande Spa has a

trusted reputation as one of the finest

hotel spas in Bangkok and assures

guests life enriching, rejuvenating and

healing treatments.

The Grande Spa features an extensive

menu of spa treatments including

holistic aromatherapy, hydrotherapy,

Swedish and traditional Thai massage,

facials, wraps and beauty treatments,

performed by professional therapists

with gracious Thai hospitality in a

calming environment to ensure an

unforgettable spa experience.

The spa uses its own spa and beauty

products under the Comfort Zone

brand.

Amongst the variety of the signature

treatments on offer, the Grande

Therapeutic Luk Pra Kob is a must-

try. Inspired by the Thai tradition of

natural healing, this 2-hour treatment

begins with a warm luk pra kob herbal

compress to release muscle tension.

It is then followed by the Grande

realignment, a unique blend of Grande

Spa experience personalized to suit

individual preferences. It involves slow,

intense pressure applied during this

deeply restorative treatment, which is

designed for tight, stressed and aching

muscles.

While at The Grande Spa, one should

take advantage of the other wonderful

facilities provided, for example a sauna

or a dip in the fabulous swimming pool

set in a tropical garden.

THE GRANDE SPA A haven where purity, stillness and silence, create a refuge for body and mind.

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit,

A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok

250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel. (66) 02 649 8120

www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com

95TropicaLife.net

Nestled in the lush natural beauty of Sayan, Spa at The Samaya Ubud is an elegant retreat for those seeking a little R&R away from the hectic rush of city life.

SPA AT THE SAMAYA UBUD

Spa at The Samaya Ubud is set just a few steps from the Ayung

River where it provides a selection of pampering spa treatments

that will rejuvenate both body and mind.

I decided to have the eternal bliss, a 2.5-hour head-to-toe

treatment, which began with a Samaya foot ritual that cleansed

with warm lemon water then a rub with cinnamon salt and

followed with a peppermint spray. Next came the spa’s warm lime

lemongrass oil and rose petal massage. This medium pressure

massage worked well to ease away muscle fatigue and diminish

tension.

The treatment continued on with a Royal Javanese Lulur (scrub)

comprising of rice, turmeric and fragrant cendana wood powders

and finished with yoghurt mask. The benefit of these ingredients

is to remove dead skin cells, cleanse and increase circulation and

thus creating a soft glow to the skin.

After all this I was treated to a milk bath in the spa’s Jacuzzi before

progressing to their fresh traditional facial. The facial started with

an aloe vera cleanser, followed with an aloe vera peeling mask,

fresh strawberry and honey to tighten the skin and ended with

applying juice from a slice of fresh orange as antioxidant along

with thinly slice cucumber over my face and neck to refresh and

revive the skin.

unwind

The Samaya Ubud

Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan – Ubud, Bali

Tel. +62 361 973 606

The whole comfortable experience was

most enjoyable and was enhanced by the

calming background sound of running river

water from the Ayung River.

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gallery

1ST WINNER OF TROPICAL LIFE ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST 2015

ADI WIRATMO

As a photographer, Adi Wiratmo is no stranger to awards and praiseworthy acknowledgements. As a professional in the industry for over 12 years, the Sumbawa-born lad continues to pursue his passion and natural talent for capturing moments and scenery with his lenses.

Adi Wiratmo has never taken his photographic skill for granted. He knew what he wanted to become,

and strived to achieve his dream of perfecting his art form. His work routine as a photo contributor for

womens’ tabloids helps him to hone his skills and establish the right settings for his photography.

For Adi, photography represents art itself in the fullest meaning of the word. He has managed to avoid

spending a lot of time tinkering with the results of his photographs because his raw images are so

professionally captured.

97TropicaLife.net

Let’s take a look of the photo that gave him first

place in the Tropical Life Online Photo Contest 2015.

Not only did Adi successfully capture the majestic

atmosphere of Bromo’s crater, but also framed it so

well it has the effect of a brush painted image. The

composition and tone speak for Adi’s skill in this

memorable still image.

It is by putting creativity and dedication to the

forefront of his work that puts Adi in a class of his

own. His next project is to have his photographs

published in book form and by the look of his current

work it would seem that he is not far from doing so.

gallery

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gallery

Puri Lukisan MuseumAs the oldest art museum in Bali, Museum Puri Lukisan has become the preserve of Balinese art and artists’ identities. The museum is home to a fine collection of modern and traditional Balinese paintings along with an important selection of artistic wooden carvings dating back to Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

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gallery

As the oldest art museum in Bali, Museum Puri

Lukisan has become the preserve of Balinese

art and artists’ identities. The museum is home

to a fine collection of modern and traditional

Balinese paintings along with an important

selection of artistic wooden carvings dating

back to Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

Balinese art has held the eye of the

international art scene for many years now.

This interest in borne as a result of the unique

and captivating style of expression displayed

in Balinese art form. Puri Lukisan Museum

exists to maintain this attention, which in

turn encourages the endeavour of young

Balinese artists to maintain some of the

island’s traditional styles along with new artistic

concepts.

The museum began as a foundation named

‘Pita Maha’ and was formed by the famous

Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet and the then

Prince of Ubud, Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati.

Officially opened to public in January 31st 1956,

the collection was pioneered with a donation

of paintings from Rudolf Bonnet himself.

Eventually it started snowballing and soon

other artists followed to donate their paintings

and crafts to help the museum actively

organize exhibitions promoting local artists.

Nowadays, Puri Lukisan mainly exhibits paintings

from 4 major sources; namely Batuan, Sanur, Ubud

and Young Artists who’s work is heavily influenced by

traditional drawing styles that are painted in. These

pieces depict stories of ancient tales telling of evil

versus good. Some of the renowned artworks currently

displayed at the museum are by I Gusti Made Deblog,

I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Ida Bagus Gelgel, I Dewa

Nyoman Batuan, and many others of note.

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living

VILLAPRICE: USD 440.000

For those seeking the ultimate villa in Bali,

this is your chance to own a beautiful

and comfortable villa in a prime location.

This new 3-bedroom villa will be built in

a location of your choice. You have the

option to select a land either in Nusa

Dua, Jimbaran, or Sunset Road. The price

stated is including land with facilities such

as living room, kitchen & mini bar,

4 x 12 swimming pool, sundeck, carport for

2 cars. This is a very great investment!

3-bedroom villa

Land size: 500m2

Build area: 250m2

Title: Freehold

For more info, please email to :

property@tropicalife.net

101TropicaLife.net

living

VILLA IN BERAWA, VIB/AY/TL0102

This is a great investment for those looking for a property in Bali. The villa is fully furnished and has 3 bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, 4 x 12 swimming pool, staff quarter and service area, semi enclosed living & dining area.

3-bedroom villaLand size: 1.400 m2Build size: 642 m2Price: Rp 7.900.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN CANGGU2, VIB2/AY/TL0103

The villa sits in 900 m2 and designed to deliver a ‘feel at home’ atmosphere. It is fully furnished and has 4 bedrooms with ensuite bathroom,12 x 4 swimming pool, enclosed living & dining area, a TV room and an office room.

4-bedroom villaLand size: 900 m2Price: USD 1.500.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

A great choice for those looking a holiday home in Bali. Situated in a quiet residential area, this fully furnished villa has 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, private swimming pool, open living & dining area, service area, staff quarter as well as terrace overlooking the beautiful rice field.

4-bedroom villaLand size: 800 m2Price: Rp 7.900.000.000Title: Leasehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN CANGGU, VIC/AY/TL0101

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It is a cozy holiday villa in a residence area and designed in Mediterranean style. This two-story fully furnished villa has 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, 3.5 x 20 pool, open-air living & dining area with fully equipped kitchen with Western standard, 1-powder room/guest toilet, garden and sun beds.

3-bedroom villaLand size: 500 m2Build size: 278 m2Price: USD 300.000Title: Leasehold for 27.5 years

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN TEGAL CUPEK, VITG/AY/TL0104

Situated only 500 meter from Canggu Club, these two units of villa were built next to each other. It is a two-storey villa and has 2-bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, closed living & dinning area, kitchen area, private pool with pool deck and Outdoor carport.T

2 units of 2-bedroom villaLand size: 150 m2Build size: 120 m2Price: Rp 3.500.000.000/each unitTitle: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN CANGGU3, VIC3/AY/TL0105

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 villaLand size: 300 m2Build size: 250 m2Price: Rp 5.500.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA E IN CANGGU VEC/AY/TL0012

living

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VILLA IN BUKIT JIMBARAN EBH/AY/TL0109

This fully furnished villa can be your second home in Bali. It has beautiful view of the ocean, Jimbaran Bay runway of Ngurah Rai International Airport. The villa has 3-bedroom with en-suite bathroom, closed living & dining area, swimming pool, gazebo, staff quarter, service area and carport.

3-bedroom villaLand size: 400 m2Build size: 300 m2Price: Rp 5,800,000,000Title: Freehold

For more info contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 812385150

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 villaLand size: 530 m2Build size: 385 m2Price: Rp 6.500.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

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 villaLand size: 3.370 m2Build size: 550 m2Price: USD 2.100.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 8123850900 +62 8123851500

VILLA IN BUKIT EHB/AY/TL 004

living

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hotel listing

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. Raya Mangsit, Sengigi,

Lombok, Indonesia

Tel. +62 370 693 800

www.quncivillas.com

QUNCI VILLAS LOMBOK

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.

Jl. Bukit Permai, JimbaranBali, IndonesiaTel.+62 361 846 6888

LE MERIDIEN BALI JIMBARAN

It is a 5-star hotel strategically located in the premier resort of Nusa Dua area. Comprehend of 96 plush rooms and suites, the five-star hotel is connected to Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), a world-class venue for MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference & Exhibition), which has proudly hosted numerous international conferences.

Kawasan Pariwisata ITDC Block NW/1, Nusa DuaTel. +62 361 8498833www.balinusaduahotel.com

BALI NUSA DUA HOTEL & CONVENTION

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.

Jl. Pantai Kuta, KutaBali, IndonesiaTel. +62 361 846 5555

SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT

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.

Jl. Padma No.1 LegianBali, IndonesiaTel. +62 361 752 111

PADMA RESORT BALI AT LEGIAN

Maca Villas & Spa Bali offers twenty-five 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 reception-lounge in a modern twist on traditional Balinese design, round-the-clock guest concierge and villa butler service.

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

MACA VILLAS

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hotel listing

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.

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

THE MAJESTIC MALACCA

Located in Georgetown, G Hotel Kelawai is one of the best hotels in Penang offering 208 stylishly appointed rooms and houses the only rooftop bar with 360-degree view of the island. The hotel is within walking distance to Gurney Drive and close to Gurney Plaza.

2 Persiaran Maktab, 10250, Penang, MalaysiaTel.+60 4 219 0000www.ghotel.com.my

G HOTEL KELAWAI

A heritage Hotel in the centre of Surabaya city, Hotel Majapahit is a luxurious historical hotel featuring graceful colonial-style architecture and beautiful gardens. The hotel provides 143 rooms, prestigious dining facilities, a spa, a health club and an outdoor pool. Jl. Tunjungan no.65, Surabaya, IndonesiaTel. +62 31 5454 333www.hotel-majapahit.com

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. Jenderal Sudirman no. 9Yogyakarta, IndonesiaTel. +62 274 566617www.thephoenixyogya.com

HOTEL MAJAPAHIT

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.

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

TRADERS HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR BY SHANGRI-LA

THE PHOENIX HOTEL YOGYAKARTA

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok is an iconic address in the heart of Sukhumvit Road. The renowned hotel is ideally connected with a pedestrian sky bridge linking to the SkyTrain at BTS Asok station, the subway at MRT Sukhumvit station, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and more. Hotel discerning travelers can easily discover the allure of this captivating city, its palatial shopping malls, historic temples and all that the city has to offer.

Rama 1 Road 991/9, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand Tel. + 662 649 8888sheratongrandesukhumvit.com

SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVIT

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IN ROOM

The LagunaResortBTDC

C151 Smart VillasJl. Laksmana

The Royal SantrianJl. Pratama

The HavenJl. Raya Seminyak

Grand MirageJl. Pratama

New Kuta CondotelJl. Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu

Sentosa Private VillasJl. Pura Telaga Waja, Seminyak

TS Suites BaliJl. Nakula

Gending KedisJl. Karang Emas Sejahtra, Jimbaran

Kanishka Villas Jl. Kunti

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak

Amadea Resort Jl. Laksmana

The ElysianJl. Sari Dewi

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, BaliBTDC

BALI

AhimsaJl. Kunti

Alilla Villas UbudMelinggih Kelod, Payangan

Alila Villas UluwatuJl. Belimbing Sari, Desa Pecatu

Alaya Ubud Jl. Raya Pengosekan

ARCSunset road

Amandari Jl. Raya Sayan

AmanusaNusa Dua

Ayodya Resort BaliBTDC

AYANA Resort & Spa BaliJl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

Bali DeliJl. Kunti

Blue OceanDouble Six

Blue Water ExpressSerangan

Bridges Jl. Raya Campuhan Café DeganJl. Petitenget

Café Batu JimbarJl. Danau Tamblingan

Café MokaJl. Raya Seminyak

Canggu DeliCanggu

ChandiJl. Laksmana

Club Bali MirageJl. Pratama

ConradJl. Pratama

Dejavu KitchenJl. Arjuna

Discovery Kartika PlazaJl. Kartika Plaza

Dulang Café and BakeryKuta Square

Downtown VillaJl. Raya Seminyak

Faces at The Bale Nusa Dua Chez Gado GadoJl. Dhyana Pura

Gill WilsonJl. By Pass Sanur

Grand Hyatt BaliBTDC

Grocer & GrindJl. Laksmana

Griya SantrianJl. Danau Tamblingan

H Sovereign BaliJl. Raya Tuban

Hard Rock HotelJl. Pantai Kuta

Hard Rock CaféJl. Pantai Kuta

Hotel NiksomaJl. Padma II

Hu’uJl. Petitenget

Intercontinental JimbaranJl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

International SOSJl. By Pass

Jenggala KeramikJl. Uluwatu

Jemme RestaurantJl. Petitenget  

JunctionJl. Laksmana

Karma KandaraJl. Karma Kandara

Kopi Bali HouseJl. By Pass Sanur

Kori RestaurantJl. Poppies II

Komaneka Resort Jl. Bisma

KudetaJl. Laksmana

Kuni’sJl. Laksmana

Kuta Paradiso HotelJl. Kartika Plaza

Kupu-Kupu Jimbaran SuiteJimbaran

L’assiette Jl. Mertanadi LV 8 Resorts Jl. Discovery, Canggu

LumutJl. Danau Tamblingan

Made’s WarungJl. Pantai KutaJl. Raya Seminyak

Mamasan RestaurantJl. Raya Kerobokan

Massimo RestaurantJl. Danau Tamblingan

Melia BenoaJl. Pratama Mercure Bali LegianJalan Legian

MetisJl. Petitenget No. 6

Merah Putih RestaurantJl. Petitenget 

MezzanineJl. Danau Tamblingan

New Kuta GolfPecatu

Grand Nikko BaliJl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan

Novotel Nusa DuaBTDC

PanonpoeJl. Laksmana

Pandawa Beach Villas And SpaJl. Pantai Gumicik

Peninsula ResortJl. Pratama

Piment RougeJl. Serangan, Kerobokan

Prana SpaJl. Kunti

Puri Santrian ResortJl. Danau Tamblingan

SectorJl. Pantai Shindu

SardineJl. Petitenget

Ramada Bintang BaliJl. Kartika Plaza

Ramada Beach ResortJl. Pratama RumoursJl. Laksmana

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort  Jl. Pantai Kuta

Sheraton LagunaBTDC

SenS Hotel  Jl. Sukma Banjar, Ubud

Sentosa Seminyak  Jl. Pura Telaga Waja

Sienna VillasJl. Raya Seminyak Gg. Keraton 5

St. RegisJl. Pratama, Tanjung Benoa

Suka-SukaJl. Batu Belig

Sushi TeiJl. Sunset Road

Tarita GalleryJl. By Pass

TeckococoJl. Petitenget

The BistrotJl. Kayu Aya

DijonSetia Budi

The Corner StoreJl. Laksmana

The OberoiJl. Laksmana

The OrchardJl. Laksmana

The VillageJl. Danau Tamblingan

The VillasJl. Kunti

Sofitel Luxury HotelsBTDC

UltimoJl. Laksmana

Villa DedaunJl. Legian

Vila JeramiJl. Kunti

Villa JodiJl. Laksmana

Villa LumbungJl. Petitenget

W Retreat & Spa BaliJl. Petitenget

The Legian Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak

Mantra Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan

The Bay Bali Jl. Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan

MozaicJl. Raya Sanggingan

Maya Ubud Resort & SpaJl. Gunung Sari Peliatan

Le Méridien Bali JimbaranJl. Bukit Permai

Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & ResidencesJalan Pantai Mengiat Ritz Carlton BaliJl. Nusa Dua Selatan

Teatro GastrotequeJl. Kayu Aya, Kuta, Badung, 

VIN+ BaliJalan Kayu Jati

LOMBOK

The Oberoi, Lombok

The Santosa Villas & Resort

The Lombok Lodge

Hotel Novotel

Mandalika Resort Qunci Villas

Hotel Vila Ombak

JAKARTA

Shangri-la Hotel

Hotel Borobudur Jakarta

Hotel Intercontinental Jakarta Midplaza

Hotel Pullman Jakarta

Hotel Pullman

Harum Manis Indonesian Restaurant

CASSIS

The Media Hotel & Towers

OPUS CAFE

VIN+ Kemang

VIN+ Central Park

VIN+ PIM

VIN+ ArcadiaPlaza Senayan

SURABAYA

Kawi Lounge Sheraton Hotel

Miracle AestheticClinic

Lobby Lounge JW Marriot

SomersetThe Platinum GrillGraha Famili Golf

The Taman DayuGolf Club

Vis A Fis JWMarriot

YOGYAKARTA

Grand Aston Yogyakarta Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta

HYATT Regency Yogyakarta Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta

SINGAPORE

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Hotel Ibis Singapore onBencoolen

The ConnoisseurEmporium

The Queen &Mangosteen

Holiday Inn Express Singapore

Costa Coffee

Intercontinental Singapore

Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel

The Scarlet Hotel

Park Royal Plaza

Naumi Hotel

SOLO

The Royal Surakarta Heritage Solo

The Sunan Hotel Solo

KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA

Traders Hotel 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 Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur

The Majestic Kuala Lumpur Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Novotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur

Starhill Galery

Enak KL

Shook @ Starhiil Gallery

Starhill Tea Salon

Frangipani Restaurant

Twenty one Kichen + Bar

El Cerdo, Cangkat Bukit Bintang

Prince Hotel KL

Avani gold coast sepang resort

The Quincy Hotel

PENANG

G-Kelawai

Sheraton Grande

BANGKOK - THAILAND

Sheraton GrandeSukhumvitBangkok

Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan

Mercure SiamBangkok

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