WHAT'S UP #ISSUE 03 by PANORAMA DESTINATION

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Dining | Hotels and Views | Products

THETRAVELISSUE

B Y P A N O R A M A D E S T I N A T I O N

WHAT S UP‚

WHAT‘S UP ISSUE 03JUNE 2016

WAMENAPAPUA PROVINCE

TANJUNG KELAYANGBELITUNG

CELEBRATIONS - FESTIVALS AND EVENTSDINING OF RESTAURANTS AND VENUES

HOTELS NEWS AND VIEWSFLYING IN AND OUT RUBRIC

Greetings from the CEO

Office Jakarta : Panorama Building 4th floor, Jl. Tomang Raya no.63, Jakarta Barat 11440, P: +62 21 5695 8585 | F: +62 21 5695 8586Publisher : Renato Domini, Editor-in-Chief : Mike Thorne, Graphic Editor : Andry Korintus,

Dear Valued Partners,Welcome to our April-May issue of Panorama Destination News Bulletin!

Once again, we bring you updates and news about hotels, restaurants, airlines, destinations, events and happenings in Indonesia. Tour, travel and hospitality is a dynamic and continually evolving integrated industry. This year we will see the opening of new and refurbished hotels and resorts in traditional and new destinations throughout the archipelago. Panorama Destination is strongly committed to the development of new destinations in Indonesia and we look forward to offering a wider variety of inbound tour options.

Among our recent additions is a half-day tour to Kidzania Children’s Edutainment Center in Jakarta’s Pacific Place Shopping Mall. Kidzania is a kid-sized replica of a real city where children can role-play from 100 professions and occupations. Children can even get paid for their work in Kidzania’s own currency. Our 14 Days/13 Nights North to West Sumatra Discovery tour is an opportunity to explore rainforests where orangutans and other wildlife can be seen in their natural habitat, visit Samosir Island in Lake Toba, learn about the traditional cultures of the Batak and Minangkabau communities, and then top-off the adventure with a 3-night stay at a serene tropical island beach resort.

We also have a 5 Days/4 Nights Bali Food and Temple Tour, which is the perfect way to savor the traditional cuisine of Bali and to explore the rich culture and beauty of the island. The 7 days/6 Nights Bali Lifestyle Retreat tour offers a peek into Balinese culture and tradition, along with a bicycle ride through beautiful highland countryside and the opportunity to try the trendy new sport of stand-up paddle-boarding. As the year progresses you can expect to see more great tours being offered by Panorama Destination

In May, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism clarified which countries are on the new list for free visa entry to Indonesia. Tourists from any of the 168 countries on the list will no longer have to fork out the USD 35-dollar fee required with the old Visa-On-Arrival. The new free visa facility will almost certainly have a positive impact on foreign arrival figures.

The GoI’s overseas promotion activities to boost inbound tourism included participation by the Ministry of Tourism in the Thailand Golf Expo 2016, which was held over three days in May. Minister of Tourism, Mr. Arief Yahya said that Indonesia is a paradise for golfers because at least 114 of the country’s golf courses meet international standards, and many of these courses are set in picturesque locations.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of our Bulletin. And don’t forget, we would love to share the news about activities and happenings in your restaurant, hotel, airline, destination or event in Indonesia.

In the meantime,I wish you all happy reading!

Renato DominiCEO, Panorama Destination

Greetings from the CEO

DESTINATIONHAPPENINGS

Available through 124 entry points nationwide

May 2, 2016 - Indonesia‘s Ministry of Tourism has clarified the use and validity of the 30-day free visa entry to Indonesia, which is now granted to citizens of 168 countries. The Ministry of Tourism‘s Deputy Minister for International Marketing, I Gde Pitana explained that there are 124 entry points in Indonesia at which the free visa can be issued, comprising 29 airports, 88 seaports and seven border points. The good news for tourists visiting Indonesia is that they will no longer have to pay the USD 35 visa-on-entry fee.

Free visa entry requires that a foreign visitor to Indonesia must be a citizen of one of the 168 countries eligible for the visa-free facility. The visitor must have a passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, be prepared to show a confirmed ticket for a flight exiting Indonesia, and not be listed on the “black list“ maintained by Indonesian immigration authorities. Visa-free is issued for a maximum stay of 30-days and can not be extended.

Validity of the free visa is limited to tourism, family and social visits, cultural and art visits, government assignments, to attend or serve as a speaker at a seminar, to attend an international exhibition, to attend a meeting with a branch office or business headquarters located in Indonesia, and as a transit point on a visit to another country. The free visa can not be used for visits by working journalists.

Maximum stay period is 30 days from (and including) the date of arrival and can not be extended or converted into another class of visa. However, there is no limit to the number of times that a the 30-day free visa facility can be used in a single year. The best news for tourists to Indonesia is that they will no longer have to pay the USD 35 visa-on-entry fee. The list of countries granted 30-day free visa entry is available on the website of Indonesia‘s Directorate General of Immigration.

Destination Happenings

Indonesia lists 168 countriesfor free visa entry

May 13, 2016 - Indonesia‘s Ministry of Tourism participated in the recently held Thailand Golf Expo 2016 to promote the country‘s premier golf destinations. The international expo was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, May 12 to 15. Golf enthusiasts from Thailand and other countries visit the event to view the latest lines in golf products and to findalternative golf destinations abroad. The Ministry of Tourism participated in the expo with the aim of boosting golf tourism in Indonesia, which has shown steady growth in recent years and now attracts around 3,000 foreign tourists annually.

114 golf courses in Indonesia meet international standards

Indonesia Promotes Golf Tourismat Thailand Golf Expo 2016


Indonesia is a paradise for golfers according to Minister of Tourism, Mr. Arief Yahya, because at least 114 of the country‘s golf courses meet international standards. Many of Indonesia‘s golf courses are set in very attractive locations with a backdrop of active volcanoes, lakes, natural forests, urban skylines and ocean views. The promotion focused on top golf destinations in Bali, Jakarta, Bogor, Surabaya, Medan, Batam and Bangka Belitung.


Wamena the ‘Kingdom above the clouds‘Wamena, the capital of the Jayawijaya Regency is located in the Baliem Valley of West Papua. Situated at an elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, Wamena enjoys a cool mountain climate during the daytime, and nights that can be quite cold. The dawn is often hidden by a heavy mist, which disappears by mid-morning to reveal a clear blue sky with fleecy white clouds. It is therefore not surprising to often hear Wamena described as the ‚kingdom above the clouds‘.

Wamena is home to three indigenous cultures, the Dani, Yali and Yani, with the Dani culture being the most dominant. With remoteness adding to its charm and mystery, Wamena can currently only be reached by 45-minute flight from Jayapura, the capital city of Papua Province. However, a road is under construction to link Wamena with neighboring Nduga Regency. The new road will provide easier access to this beautiful region.

Ancient culture and majestic beauty in a land immune from time

Exploring the Baliem Valley and the vast Lorentz National Park by trekking or by vehicle is like traveling through a land that time forgot. Traditional villages with ancient cultures and customs, dense forests with amazingly diverse wildlife, all thriving unspoiled within a spectacular and remote landscape, adds up to a truly rewarding and rare travel experience.

Mummies of great former chiefs can be seen in the huts of some villages and can be brought outside on request. The closest mummy to Wamena is in the village of Sumpaima, which is easily reached by 45-minute public minivan ride from Wamena. The mummy at Akima, about 19 kilometers north of Wamena, is said to be 400 years old. The Dani live in round or oval grass huts, and their villages are enclosed by fences. Although they are farmers, in the past the Dani were fierce warriors and still like to stage mock battles between villages. But today the battles are entirely for fun and to relive past glories.

The ‚Bakar Batu‘ ceremony is an ancient custom preserved in all of Papua‘s traditional communities. The bakar batu (rock burning) ceremony is held for important occasions and originated long ago both as a bonding ceremony among local families, and also to signify declarations of tribal war and peace. The ceremony is basically one of cooking a pig and feasting together. Before being skinned and cut into pieces, the pig is symbolically speared with an arrow by the village chief.

The cooking is done by first heating rocks and then placing them in a shallow hole and covering them with layers of banana leaves, wild grass and pork meat. More heated stones, banana leaves and grass form the topmost layer to create a simple oven. This method of cooking is known as an earth or pit oven and is believed to be among the world‘s oldest cooking methods. Vegetables, such as cassava and corn, are placed on the topmost layer to cook. The entire mound is then enclosed in rattan and various roots and left to cook for about half an hour.

Roaming through Wamena is fascinating and completely safe. Main streets are lined with shops selling locally produced art, masks, costumes and various souvenir crafts. The town‘s three markets are also well worth exploring as they not only sell fresh vegetables and fruits but a wide variety of goods. They are more like open-air shopping malls than traditional markets. It is essential to ask permission before taking photos since many of the buyers and vendors are from remote villages. On the outskirts of the town, visitors will see some of the traditional grass huts in which local residents live. The bridge across the Baliem River near the main market is a good spot to see people washing clothes, swimming, fishing and even digging out gravel - as well as seeing travelers from remote villages coming into town to buy or sell their goods in the markets.


Prior to the appointment of Mr. Arief Yahya as Minister of Tourism in 2014, the tourism sector had never been a stand-alone ministry. Tourism had previously been a directorate of other ministries, such as Post and Telecommunications, Art and Culture, and the Creative Economy. Since 2014, as a stand-alone ministry, the Ministry of Tourism has been grouped with the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry for Seas and Fisheries, Ministry of Mining under the coordination of the Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs. This grouping is clearly aimed at improving coordination and mutual support between ministries with related portfolios.

Up to the early 1970‘s, Indonesia had put limited focus on tourism. Oil & gas was the mainstay of the Indonesian economy and a powerful tourism sector was yet to be born. With the support of international institutions, including the World Bank, the government of Indonesia set about developing the tourism sector to reduce the county‘s dependence on oil & gas as a key revenue earner. The most significant first step was the development of the now world-renowned Nusa Dua Resort in Bali in 1973. Developed and managed by the Bali Tourism Development Corporation, Nusa Dua not only pioneered self-contained tourism resort development in Indonesia, but also became a role model for tourism resort development in various other countries around the world.

Tourism Potential

Tourism Indonesia:

Current and Future ProspectsIndonesia‘s tourism sector: a potential economic powerhouse

Bali has for more than four decades been Indonesia‘s primary tourist destination, yet Indonesia has many other potential tourism destinations, many of which have been developed to varying degrees. However, many more destinations await development or the achievement of their full potential. A significant number of other locations throughout the archipelago with excellent tourism potential so far remain virtually untouched.In his first speech as Minister of Tourism, Arif Yahya stated that Indonesia‘s tourism potentials are immense, adding that new breakthroughs are needed in the marketing of Indonesian tourism products through conventional means and through the most

up-to-date digital technology. „We need to look outwards. To do that, Indonesia’s tourism needs to be based on international standards. These standards will center on 4 key aspects, these are: infrastructures, ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), health and hygiene“.

Tourism Potential

Tourism Potential

Tourism growth statistics

In 2016, the tourism sector is targeted to welcome 12 million foreign tourists earning foreign exchange of Rp 172 trillion, and see 260 million domestic tourist trips with a collective spending of Rp 223.6 trillion. Tourism is also estimated to provide 11.7 million jobs (direct and indirect employment).

Even against a backdrop of global economy instability, regional disputes and fluctuating oil prices, foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia reached 8,802,129 in 2013, further increasing to 9,435,411 in 2014. The figure for 2015 is estimated at around 10 million plus. In 2014, tourism provided 9,814,000 jobs (direct and indirect employment), while the figure for 2015 is estimated at 10,140,500 jobs (direct and indirect employment).

According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), currently the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia are Bali, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Jakarta, North Sumatra, Lampung, South Sulawesi, South Sumatra, Banten and West Sumatra. The average number of days a foreign tourist stays in Indonesia varies significantly. As an example, around 12 days for Europeans and 5 days for Chinese tourists.

By 2019, the tourism sector is expected to attract 20 million foreign tourists and 275 million domestic tourists, and to raise Indonesia‘s world tourism competitiveness index ranking to 30th position. The sector will contribute eight percent to the national gross domestic product (GDP), with foreign exchange amounting to Rp 240 trillion and provide 12,127,000 jobs (direct and indirect employment), accounting for about 8 percent of Indonesia‘s total workforce.

Tourism Potential

Tourism Potential

Mandalika - West Nusa Tenggara

Morotai Island - Near Halmahera

Tourism Potential

Borobudur Monument - Central Java

Bromo - Tengger - Semeru (East Java)

Thousand Island - Near Jakarta

Wakatobi National Park - Sulawesi

Tourism Potential

Labuan Bajo - Nusa Tenggara

Tanjung Lesung - Banten

Tourism Potential

Lake Toba - North Sumatra

Tourism Potential

Tourism Potential

Tanjung Kelayang - Belitung

Tourism Potential

The ten destinations to be managed by the BOP are the Borobudur Monument (Central Java), Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara), Labuan Bajo (Nusa Tenggara), Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park (East Java), Thousand Islands (near Jakarta), Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Wakatobi National Park (Southeast Sulawesi), Tanjung Lesung (Banten), Morotai Island (near Halmahera) and Tanjung Kelayang (Belitung).

Tourism Potential

HOTELSNews & Views

Riau - Meliá Hotels International to open2nd resort hotel on Bintan Island

March 8, 2016 - Meliá Hotels International has signed a management agreement for its second property on the island of Bintan following the signing of Gran Melia Bintan. Overlooking the Malacca Strait, the new Melia Bintan will cover 8 Ha of coastal land and will feature 280 rooms and villas, a spa, fitness center, two beach-front restaurants, a swimming pool with water attractions, and a large convention center.

“This new project is an exciting addition to our resort portfolio in Indonesia, where we’ve had over 30 years of experience,” said Bernardo Cabot, the Spanish hotel group’s Asia-Pacific Senior VP. “Our momentum continues to be fueled by strong demand for our exceptional guest accommodations and service. Meliá Bintan will provide discerning travelers a gateway to the one of the world’s newest meccas for luxury travel.”

Bintan is the largest island in Indonesia‘s beautiful Riau Islands archipelago, a group of approximately 3,000 large and small islands spread across a vast sea area from the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula between the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. Bintan is a short distance from Singapore and easily accessible by scheduled ferry services. A popular destination for beach lovers, surfers, culture, history and eco-tourists, particularity visitors from Singapore, the island also hosts various international events.

Meliá Hotels International is the largest hotel chain in Spain and one of the largest hotel companies in the world. The company currently operates more than 350 hotels in 35 countries and 4 continents under its well-known brands: Meliá, Gran Meliá, ME by Meliá, Paradisus, Innside by Meliá, TRYP by Wyndham, Sol Hotels and Club Meliá.

Hotels News and Views

Easy access by ferry from Singapore

Bali - Novotel Bali Benoa completesrefurbishment of Deluxe Rooms

March 14, 2016 - Novotel Bali Benoa has announced that refurbishment of the resort‘s Deluxe Rooms has been completed and all the rooms are once again available to guests. Located at the edge of Nusa Dua on the Tanjung Benoa peninsula only 14 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Novotel Bali Benoa is a seafront resort with 187 guestrooms, cabanas and villas.

Novotel Bali Benoa is set up in traditional Balinese style amid beautiful tropical gardens and ponds and features 3 swimming pools, 3 restaurants and 2 bars, a kids club, gym and spa. Guest services include free Wi-Fi Internet connection, free business center, daily theme buffet with live entertainment, 24-hr room service, entertainment every night, and daily activities for children and adults. Leisure activities include water skiing, glass bottom boat tours and scuba diving.

A unique “Balinese feel” infused with a modern flavor, each Deluxe Room features a king-size bed or single bed(s) and has coconut wood furniture and floors, a spacious bathroom with mosaic tiles in the rain shower, ceiling fan and air conditioner, and either a balcony or a terrace with garden. Some renovation work has also been carried out on the resort‘s beach-front to give the beach and Beach Club a refreshing new look.


A Balinese feel with a modern flavor


Riau - Archipelago International opens Favehotel PekanbaruIdeal for travelers interested in Malay art, history and culture

March 21, 2016 - Archipelago International recently opened its newest hotel, the favehotel Pekanbaru in Pekanbaru, capital city of Riau Province, Sumatra. This new hotel is strategically located in the heart of the city close to many iconic cultural spots and just 10 minutes from Sultan Syarif Qasim II Airport.

Favehotel Pekanbaru features 100 guestrooms including smoking and non-smoking rooms. Each guestroom has en-suite bathroom with shower, individual AC, 32“ LED TV with international and local channels, writing desk, safety deposit box, universal power outlets and IDD telephone. Guest facilities include 3 meeting rooms, restaurant and 24-hour front desk. The hotel has round-the-clock security with CCTV and key card system. Free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet connection is available throughout the hotel.

Pekanbaru is located on the banks of the Siak River with direct access to the Strait of Malacca. A trading port since the 17th century, the city has some historic landmark buildings. Places to visit include Sang Nila Utama Museum (Malay cultural heritage), the Great Mosque (largest mosque in Riau Province), Bandar Serai Art Center (sports, arts and cultural activities), Riau Cultural Park (art and cultural activities), Sri Indrapura Palace (museum with artifacts of the Siak Kingdom), and Muara Takus (ancient Buddhist temple).

Archipelago International is one of Indonesia‘s leading hotel operators with a portfolio of 110 properties ranging from ultra-luxurious villas with private pools to select-service, economy-class hotels to serviced apartments. Archipelago International operates favehotel, NEO, Quest, Harper, Aston, Alana and Kamuela brands and has a development pipeline of more than 100 properties in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.


Swiss-Belhotel Jambi now open in Jambi City, Sumatra

April 1, 2016 - Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the opening of Swiss-Belhotel Jambi, in Jambi, capital city of Jambi Province, Sumatra. The 4-star hotel is located in the city center, convenient for business, entertainment, dining and shopping. It is the first international property in Jambi with a grand ballroom featuring a 7-meter high ceiling and capable of hosting more than 1,200 guests. “Swiss-Belhotel International is delighted to welcome Swiss-Belhotel Jambi to our global portfolio of hotels and further strengthen our business in Sumatra,“ said Swiss-Belhotel International Chairman and President, Mr. Gavin Faull.

Swiss-Belhotel Jambi has 136 guestrooms in Deluxe, Business Deluxe, Executive Suite, Premier Suite and President Suite. Only 20 minutes from Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin Airport, it is the ideal accommodation for business and leisure travelers. All guestrooms have mini-bar, safety deposit box, air conditioning, LCD TV with satellite TV channels, IDD telephone, and high-speed Wi-Fi Internet connection. The hotel has two restaurants, a ballroom, function rooms, gym, spa and sauna.

Jambi city itself has few attractions other than the Museum Negeri Propinsi Jambi, which displays local costumes, handicrafts and other artifacts. However, Jambi Province has significant historic importance as the seat of the ancient Melayu Kingdom and has extensive archaeological sites. Nurturing some of Sumatra‘s last remaining lowland rainforest, Bukit Duabelas National Park is home to the nomadic Orang Rimba tribe. Located on the border of Jambi and West Sumatra provinces in Kerinci Seblat National Park, the awe-inspiring Mount Kerinci (3,805 meters asl) is the highest active volcano in Indonesia. There is an extensive 7th century temple complex at Muaro Jambi that is believed to have been a Buddhist education center.

Swiss-Belhotel International is a fast-growing international hotel and resort management group with 135 hotels, resorts and projects located in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Georgia, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

Ideal accommodation for business andleisure travelers


Jakarta - Best Western Hariston Jakarta

April 8, 2016 - Best Western International has announced that the company is no longer managing the Best Western Hariston Jakarta as of Friday, 8 April 2016.

Best Western has more than 4,000 independently owned and operated hotels in 100 countries and territories worldwide, making it one of the world‘s largest hotel chains. The company has more than 80 Best Western Premier luxury branded hotels, which offer upscale amenities and services, in North America, Asia and Europe.

Cessation of management agreement


Bali - Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort

April 16, 2016 - The management of Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort has announced that they have suspended planned renovation work at the resort. As the start of renovation was delayed from the original commencement date of March this year, the work would not have been completed by the end of June, which is close to the start of the high season. The management is concerned that renovation work during this period may cause inconvenience to the resort‘s valued guests.

Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort is an all-suite beach-front resort where guests can view the spectacular Seminyak sunsets over the ocean from their private balcony. The resort features a blend of contemporary and Balinese traditional design

and matches this elegant approach to its upmarket location with chic restaurants and cafés, trendy nightlife and internationally renowned fashion boutiques. Amenities range from a glorious rooftop restaurant and bar, and rooftop spa, to an infinity edge swimming pool with grand view out over the Indian Ocean.Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is an international hospitality management company with properties in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Zambia.

Planned renovation work put on hold


Bali - Candi Beach Villas / Candi Beach Resort & SpaRenovation work completed

April 18, 2016 - Candi Beach Villas / Candi Beach Resort & Spa have recently completed the renovation of their Ocean Terrace Restaurant & Kitchen, Ocean View Suites, Ombak Bar and extension of bathrooms with an additional separate shower in the building rooms and bungalows. Final cleaning, testing and commissioning of the Ocean View Suites, the restaurant and kitchen equipment will be completed by the end of May.

During this time, Ocean Terrace Restaurant will serve international cuisine, while Biru Restaurant will serve Indonesian cuisine. Both restaurants will be open daily from 07:00 to 23:00 hrs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, Ombak Bar will be open from 10:00 to 24:00 hrs every day. Breakfast for guests staying in Ocean View Pool Villas and Ocean View Suites will be served at Biru Restaurant by à la carte and semi-buffet menu, but can optionally have breakfast at Ocean Terrace Restaurant. Guests staying in bungalows and building rooms will be served buffet breakfast at Ocean Terrace Restaurant.

Candi Beach Villas / Candi Beach Resort & Spa is located in Candidasa, in the peaceful eastern part of Bali. The resort is designed with traditional architecture utilizing local materials from Bali and neighboring islands. Set within a large tropical palm garden that leads down to a private white sand beach, the resort harmonizes with its surrounding environment.

Candidasa is one of Bali’s best diving and snorkeling spots. Places of interest include Tenganan, a Bali Aga (original Balinese) traditional village, Tirta Gangga royal water garden, Taman Ujung water palace, and Lempuyang Temple, one of Bali’s oldest and most highly revered temples surrounded by spectacular scenery.


Bali - Aston Tuban Inn under new managementRenamed Permata Kuta Hotel by Prasanthi

April 21, 2016 - Aston Tuban Inn is now under the management of Prasanthi Hotels & Resorts and has been renamed Permata Kuta Hotel by Prasanthi. The 4-star hotel has 120 guestrooms and offers an array of international standard guest facilities including restaurant and pool bar, swimming pool, fitness center, spa, games room, business center and 24-hour front desk.

Situated 20 minutes walk from Kuta Beach, the hotel is within walking distance of southern Bali‘s main attractions, including sandy beaches, cultural sites and nightlife. Segara Beach, Tuban Beach, Lippo Mall and Supernova Shopping Center are all just minutes away.

Prasanthi Hotels & Resorts is an Indonesian hotel management company that has signed 24 properties in locations around the archipelago. Prasanthi hotels feature an eco-friendly concept with excellent service and warm Indonesian hospitality.

Bali - Archipelago InternationalAston Tuban Inn End of management agreement

April 22, 2016 - Archipelago International has announced that their management agreement for Aston Inn Tuban in Bali has ended as of April 30, 2016. Accordingly, the property is no longer part of the Archipelago International portfolio and will therefore no longer participate in any Aston brand or Archipelago International programs. Archipelago International continues to manage several other outstanding Aston branded hotels in Bali including Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center, Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence and Aston Banua Beach Resort & Spa.

Archipelago International manages and operates hotels, condotels, resorts, serviced suites and branded residences under seven core brands in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. The company has an extensive Indonesia portfolio of 100 hotels and 110 ongoing projects.



Bali - Bali Rich Villas and Spa UbudClosed till June 30 for major upgrade

April 25, 2016 - Bali Rich Villas and Spa Ubud has announced that they will not be operating from April 1 to June 30, 2016 due to major upgrading work. A boutique villa resort set against a backdrop of green hills and the Wos River, Bali Rich Villas and Spa Ubud is just a few minutes drive from Ubud, the center of Balinese art and culture.

Major upgrading will give this charming boutique resort 33 guestrooms and 12 villas with modern Balinese design, a new lobby, gym, spa, 2 restaurants, lounge, multi-purpose room, and a garden function area. Designed to provide privacy and comfort, all villas will have either a garden, main pool or nature view, private pool, kitchen & dining area, upper floor deck, spacious bedroom and large bathroom. Function facilities will be available for private, social and corporate events of up to 100 guests. Bali Rich Villas and Spa Ubud is an ideal choice family groups and solo travelers, and for honeymoon couples looking for a truly romantic atmosphere.

Bali - Cempaka Belimbing VillasUpgrading public area rest rooms and landscaping

April 25, 2016 - Cempaka Belimbing Villas has announced that they will be renovating their public area rest rooms and landscaping. The work is expected to be completed by the end of May. Cempaka Belimbing Villas is located in the village of Belimbing on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. The resort features purely Balinese architecture in its collection of 25 comfortable and fully equipped villas. All villas have a large bedroom, LCD TV, refrigerator, hot and cold shower, and large veranda overlooking lush gardens and beyond to scenic rice terraces in the surrounding countryside.

Belimbing Village is a traditional Balinese village set in the beautiful highlands of Tabanan Regency, in the western part of Bali. The area is famous for its spectacular rice terraces and views of Mount Batukaru, which at 2,276 meters is Bali‘s second highest mountain. Cempaka Belimbing Bali Villas is a good starting point for a trek or mountain bike ride to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. Belimbing Village is a 1.5 hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and about the same from Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur or Lovina Beach.



Bali - Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan‘descent into paradise‘

May 3, 2016 - Often described as a ‚descent into paradise‘, the amazing architecture of the iconic Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan never fails to amaze guests. Recognized as one of the world’s best resorts on the Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2013, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan offers 60 ultra-comfortable suites and villas hidden in a lush green paradise with breathtaking panoramas. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the Ayung River in the beautiful Sayan Valley in the central highlands of Bali, this world-renowned resort offers an escape into some of the island‘s most serene and scenic countryside.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is located just a short drive from the scores of art galleries, boutiques and restaurants of Ubud. The Elephant Safari Park, Bali Bird Park, Tegalalang Rice Terraces and Batur Crater Lake, historic temples and other attractions are all easily accessible from the resort. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 90-minute drive.

The Rice Bowl Architecture Journey, a newly introduced experience for guests, starts at the point of arrival, where guests cross a wooden bridge suspended over a river to an elliptical rooftop lotus pond. From here they start their descent into the lobby and valley. The resort’s guides explain the design story as guests descend through the curved futuristic-style main building surrounded by rice fields and then through groves of fruit trees, vegetable and herb gardens. Another bridge takes the tour to the other side of the river to visit a holy spring and explore the surrounding environment.

The Rice Bowl Walk is followed by a rejuvenating Rice Spice Spa treatment. A typical farmer‘s lunch of Nasi Campur (steamed rice served with a variety of dishes) at the treetop Ayung Terrace completes this extraordinary experience. The half-day Rice Bowl Architecture Journey is priced at IDR 1,500,000++ per person.


Four Season Resort Bali at Sayan



Jakarta - Four Seasons Hotel JakartaNow open for reservations

May 9, 2016 - Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta is now confirming reservations for guest arrivals beginning June 20. To celebrate its grand opening, the hotel is offering an introductory offer with special room rates and daily hotel credit of US$ 75 (IDR 1,000,000) until July 31, 2016.

Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta boasts 125 suites and is the centerpiece of a mixed-use development in Capital Place that also includes an office tower, which is open for business and welcomes its first tenants this month. The hotel interiors were designed by renowned designers Champalimaud Studio and its lush tropical landscaping by Bensley Design Studios. Hotel features include a spa, fitness center, elegant event spaces, and four food and beverage options, including a soaring rotunda on the ground floor, an

elegant bar and a signature Italian restaurant on the rooftop.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a Canadian-based company that currently manages 98 properties in 41 countries. The company focuses on highly personalized 24-hour service, combined with authentic, elegant surroundings of the highest quality. Since 2014, Four Seasons has operated the Four Seasons Jet. Featuring signature design and service, this private jet offers round-the-world journeys to Four Seasons hotels and resorts - creating a seamless Four Seasons travel experience.


Bali - Menjangan Dynasty Resort, Beach Camp and Dive CenterThe first ‘glamping‘ resort in Bali

May 2016 - A new tourist resort with a ‚glamping‘ concept will open in Bali in August this year. Located on a peninsula in northwest Bali, the Menjangan Dynasty Resort, Beach Camp and Dive Center will be an eco-friendly all-tent resort featuring high quality bamboo structures combined with African safari tents. Set in the beautiful forested countryside of Bali Barat National Park, the 16 Ha resort is surrounded on three sides by ocean and a calm lagoon with a white sandy beach. Initially the resort will have 24 tented suites along with two, two-bedroom tented villas and two one-bedroom tented villas, with each villa having its own private plunge pool.

Menjangan Dynasty Resort, Beach Camp and Dive Center will feature a grand array of guest facilities, including a large, cliff‘s edge infinity pool, a beach

club and bar, watersports center, a dive center and a spa. Local attractions include diving or snorkeling off nearby Menjangan Island, pearl farms, trekking, cycling, horse riding, hot springs and waterfalls. For holidaymakers wishing to combine recreational and sports activities with a back-to-nature experience, but without skimping on luxury, this new resort would be an ideal choice.

Prime Plaza Hotels and Resorts has been appointed by the owner, PT Prapat Agung, to manage the new property. Prime Plaza Hotels and Resorts currently operates five hotels in Bali - Bali Dynasty Resort, Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel, Sanur Paradise Suites, Amadea Resort and Villas Seminyak, and PrimeBiz Kuta. Information about Menjangan.


Bali - ARTOTEL SanurThe ART + The HOTEL

May 2016 - ARTOTEL is a word play of ART and HOTEL, and refers to a collection of art-inspired hotel designs featuring original works of art by emerging talented local artists. ARTOTEL strives to enhance guest experience and simultaneously promote Indonesian contemporary art to the world. Each ARTOTEL property offers a different experience. Just like art, which is never the same, every ARTOTEL is individually customized and designed based on its location and environment.

ARTOTEL Sanur is one of the hottest spots in Bali with its newly constructed design that features a blend of modern architecture and the charm of traditional Balinese artistry. This boutique hotel showcases artworks by some of the most relevant contemporary

artists in Bali today. Located 25 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and just 2 minutes walk from the beach, ARTOTEL Sanur offers 89 spacious art-infused guestrooms.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi connection is available in all rooms and throughout the hotel area. ROCA, an all day dining restaurant and bar, serves a selection of Indonesian and Western cuisines. The hotel‘s rooftop pool and bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the intimate ambiance, as well as ARTSPACE, an art rotation gallery.

Bali - The Katamama, SeminyakA boutique hotel inspired by arts and culture

May 2016 - Katamama is an all-suite boutique hotel located in Seminyak, Bali. The Katama showcases Indonesian culture through design, architecture and international brand collaborations across fashion, music, art, mixology and the culinary arts. The hotel‘s contemporary Balinese design elements and lush green gardens epitomize the natural beauty of the island.

The Katamama has 58 suites with king-size beds, custom-made furnishings and timeless midcentury pieces. The décor combines understated elegance and contemporary design embellished with original artworks. All suites overlook the hotel gardens while the rooftop suites have their own interior staircase leading up to a private and spacious rooftop garden

with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.

MoVida X Potato Head restaurant combines Frank Camorra’s MoVida Spanish cuisine and Potato Head’s design expression, offering a unique dining experience. Created by award-winning mixologist Dre Masso, the hotel‘s Akademi bar is a hub for mixologists and offers patrons a wide selection of cocktails.

PTT Family, owner of Katama, is a hospitality and lifestyle company with operations in Jakarta, Bali and Singapore, including Potato Head Beach Club Bali, Lilin Restaurant Bali, Three Buns Jakarta, Three Buns Singapore, Potato Head Folk Singapore and Potato Head Garage Jakarta.


May 12, 2016 - W Hotels Worldwide, in partnership with Coca-Cola, has introduced the firstever W Sound Suite at W Bali Seminyak. This private music studio and writer‘s room will be a place for professional recording artists, studio musicians and producers, in addition to hotel guests, to record in style while on the road. Elements of the studio‘s aesthetic pay tribute to Coca-Cola, including the subtle integration of the Coca-Cola red and printed lyrics on the wall.

“W has a long history of musicians staying, playing and celebrating at our hotels,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “We know that inspiration can strike at any moment, so the W Sound Suite is today‘s tech-savvy version of scribbling lyrics on a cocktail napkin.”

W Sound Suites are in part the brainchild of the W brand‘s North American music director, DJ White Shadow, the Chicago-based producer best known for his work with Lady Gaga. He has been working with W to identify the best sound equipment and studio layout to ensure the suites are optimal for professional use. Additional studios will be unveiled later this year at W Hollywood, W Barcelona and W Seattle, with more to come in other music meccas around the world.

“While traveling around the globe making music for the last decade, I’ve run into many challenges including costly studio rentals, the risk of disturbing other guests, and not being able to find a suitable place to listen to or create music,” said DJ White Shadow.

“We dreamed up an environment for musicians to create that is convenient, stylish and functional. I’m thrilled to partner with the equally innovative team at W Hotels. There isn’t another brand that could bring this idea to life on such a global scale and in such an innovative way.”

W Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hotel chain owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The company is expanding its worldwide portfolio of 46 properties

to more than 60 in 2017 and up to 75 by 2020. W Hotels offer a unique mix of cutting-edge hotel design blended with a strong focus on contemporary fashion and music. At the moment of arrival at a W Hotel, guests step into a sensory environment with amplified entertainment, vibrant lounges, modern guestrooms and innovative cocktails and cuisine.

This private music studio and writer‘s room will be a place for professional recording artists, studio musicians and producers, in addition to hotel guests, to record in style while on the road.

Bali - W Hotels launches music studiosThe first-ever W Sound Suite at W Bali Seminyak


» We know that inspiration can strike at any moment, so the W Sound Suite is today‘s tech-savvy version of scribbling lyrics on a cocktail napkin «


May 23, 2016 - Westin Resort Nusa Dua has announced the reopening of two of their refurbished signature facilities, Heavenly Spa by Westin and Westin Family kids club. The awardwining spa presents a refreshed thermal facility and continues to focus on holistic wellness, drawing on traditional Balinese healing practices. Westin Family kids club has a fresh new look with a bright décor, updated furnishings and enhanced equipment for toddlers and children up to the age of twelve.

A rejuvenating haven, Westin Resort Nusa Dua is set on a white sandy beach on Bali’s southern coast. This exclusive 5-star resort features 433 luxury guestrooms designed by Singapore based FBEYE International. All guestrooms and suites are spaciously appointed with ocean, pool or garden views. Touches of nature and traditional Balinese accents reflect the resort‘s surroundings.

Guest facilities include Westin WORKOUT, a well-equipped fitness center, along with three pools that include a large salt water pool in a tropical setting and a freshwater pool with a 12-mete water-slide.

Bali - Westin Resort Nusa DuaHeavenly Spa by Westin and Westin Family kids club reopen



Bali - The Grand Nikko Nusa Dua Bali to be rebrandedReopening as the Hilton Bali

May 23, 2016 - A management agreement has been signed between Hilton Worldwide and PT Caterison Sukses, owner of the property. The hotel will reopen as the Hilton Bali on 1 December 2016 The signing of the Hilton Bali marks the third Hilton property in Bali, joining the Conrad Bali and Hilton Garden Inn Bali.

“We are deeply committed to expanding our presence in Indonesia, both by introducing more brands from our portfolio of 13 brands as well as entering into new locations where we may not currently be operating,” said Guy Phillips, Hilton Worldwide’s Senior Vice President of Development for Asia & Australasia. “Today’s announcement underscores both the Hilton brand’s strength in this market as well as our management capability to drive exceptional experiences for both guests and owners. In partnership with PT Caterison Sukses, the Hilton Bali will be a strong addition to our portfolio.”

The new Hilton Bali is situated on Bali’s south coast and will offer 389 guestrooms and 19 onebedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas. Facilities will include five F&B outlets, four interconnected swimming pools, a children’s lagoon pool, three tennis courts, a fitness center, and more than 3,700 sqm of event space, including two ballrooms.

July 1st, 2016 - : Vasanti Seminyak Resort Bali is set to join the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide family, to be reborn as Four Points by Sheraton Bali.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is the most global high-end hotel company in the world. Starwood’s strength lies in its eleven distinct lifestyle brands, an award-winning loyalty program and 188,000 talented associates operating in 1,300 properties throughout 100 countries worldwide.

Four Points Hotel is best for business. Everything a traveller needs for greater comfort and productivity is provided, in facilities where timeless classics are woven with modern details. Stylish rooms, comfortable beds and productive workspaces are all paired with delicious breakfast and great coffee to start the day right. Guests finish their day by kicking back with Four Points’ Best Brews, in an atmosphere designed to unwind the weary traveller after work. All served up at the value that guests deserve, along with perks they never expected.

Vasanti Seminyak Resort Bali was a natural fit for the Starwood Family, with its demonstration of four-star international standards and the warmth, energy and highly professional service provided by its staff. Following on from its notable successes at the World Luxury Hotels Awards in 2014 and 2015, and in light of its growing reputation in the area, Vasanti Seminyak Resort Bali was an ideal new partner to welcome into the Starwood brand.

Four Points by Sheraton Bali features 121 modern, elegant and stylish guestrooms and suites, designed with a contemporary approach that blends Balinese style seamlessly with some of the coolest new technology, which is sure to satisfy even the most tech-savvy of guests. For modern travellers seeking a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak, Four Points Sheraton Bali fits the bill.

Bali - Four Points By Sheraton Bali SeminyakVasanti Seminyak Resort Bali Rebrands To Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Seminyak


Located conveniently just 15 minutes from the city centre and 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the hotel is perfectly situated and luxuriously furnished, to provide travellers with a perfect blend of

business and pleasure. An outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, gym, spa and free high-performance Wifi are all on-hand to make guests’ stay comfortable, unforgettable and hassle-free. What better way to finish the perfect day, than with a spectacular view of sunset over Bali from the hotel’s beautiful rooftop? All this and more is waiting at the fantastic new Four Points by Sheraton Bali Seminyak.

DININGof Restaurant & Venues

The biggest city in Southeast Asia and one of most rapidly growing, Jakarta has a thriving culinary scene. From street vendors pushing carts equipped with a small gas cooker and laden with a variety of ingredients, to smart coffee shops and sidewalk cafés to world class restaurants, Jakarta has it all. Besides the delights of Indonesia‘s diverse regional cuisines, the cuisines of many countries around the world are available throughout the city. It would take a tome to list all the fine dining spots of Indonesia‘s capital city, so the following is a short list of some of the most popular.

Serving the freshest selection of seafood, and the finest choice of Australian and US prime beef, C’s is one of the finest restaurants in Jakarta. Located on Level 4 of the Grand Hyatt with a sweeping view of the lobby, C‘s features two fully open kitchens, four private dining rooms and a 3,000-bottle walkthrough wine cellar. Seafood is kept live in eight fish tanks to ensure the highest, freshest quality before being prepared in woks or steamed in traditional bamboo baskets. Prime meat is cooked on a wood-fired grill.

Opening hours:Lunch: 12:00 - 15:00,Dinner: 18:00 - 23:00,Sunday Brunch: 11:30 - 15:00

Strategically located at Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Amuz Gourmet Restaurant is situated on the second floor of the Energy Building. Lovers of French cuisine will enjoy a cozy fine dining experience in a chic Parisian interior featuring ironwork inspired by the Eiffel Tower, elegant chandeliers and original paintings by some of Indonesia’s most renowned artists. Amuz Gourmet Restaurant is an ideal setting for a romantic dinner whilst being serenaded by contemporary romantic music.

Opening hours:Mon - Fri 11:30 - 14:30 & 18:00 22:30Sat - Sun 18:00 - 22:30

C’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Amuz Gourmet Restaurant

Dining Of Restaurants & Venues

C’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant


Amuz Gourmet Restaurant

AL Nafoura Restaurant

Rosso Restaurant



Designed over two levels to create a spacious, relaxed atmosphere, the award-winning Al Nafoura is located on the ground floor of the Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta. The design and décor of this charming Lebanese restaurant has an authentic Mediterranean and Middle East ambiance. Superbly prepared dishes include favorites such as hummos, tabouleh, samboussek sabanole, shish kebab and shorbet adas. With authentic Lebanese music in the background, a relaxing Sisha on the terrace offers a truly magical experience.

Opening hours:Mon - Fri 11:30 - 14:30, 18:00 22:00Sat - Sun 17:00 - 22:00

Located at the lobby level of the Shangrila Hotel, this elegant Italian restaurant offers authentic southern Italian cuisine, a wide selections of cocktails, mocktails, and a wine cellar boasting more than 200 world-class Italian, French, and new-world wines. A non-smoking restaurant and lounge, Roso has a lively, casual and personable atmosphere and is very suitable for families with children.

Opening hours:Lunch 11:30 - 14:30,Dinner 18:00pm - 22:30

AL Nafoura Restaurant

Rosso Restaurant


The Face Bar is a cocktail lounge that is highly popular with expats who not only gather here to enjoy drinks and conversation, but also to dine in the venue‘s two restaurants - ‚Lan Na Thai‘ for Thai cuisine and ‚Haraza‘ for Indian cuisine. The interior of the Face Bar has a mystical atmosphere with dark wooden chairs and tables, ethnic ornaments and dim red-orange lighting. The two restaurants are each decorated to provide an atmosphere that elegantly reflects the country of their cuisine.

Opening hours:The Face Bar, 17:00 - midnightRestaurants serve lunch, noon - 14:30,Dinner 18:00 - 22:30

Harum Manis is one of Jakarta‘s the high end Halal Indonesian restaurants. Combining folk performances and theater with superb dining on classic Indonesian cuisine, Harum Manis offers variations of typical dishes from almost every region of Indonesia. Their one-meter satay, fried fish and beef randang are highly recommended, while the Sunday buffet is a particularly great way to taste dishes from all over the archipelago.

Opening hours:Every day 11:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 23:0

The Face Bar Restaurant

Harum Manis Restaurant


Harum Manis Restaurant

The Face Bar Restaurant


Kitchenette Restaurant & Crêperie

Paulaner Brauhaus Restaurant

Located on Floor 2 of East Mall, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town, Paulaner Bräuhaus brings Bavaria right into the heart of Jakarta. Offering à la carte, family and casual dining, this German restaurant serves authentic Bavarian specialties. The restaurant is well-known for its Paulaner beer, homebrewed in its own microbrewery. With live music entertainment in a sophisticated Bavarian ambiance Paulaner Bräuhaus is a lively and welcoming venue for a get-together with family and friends.

Opening hours:Monday to Thursday: 11:30 - 00:30,Friday & Saturday: 11.30 - 01.30, Sunday: 11.30 - 00.30

Located in Plaza Indonesia Shopping Center, Kitchenette Restaurant & Crêperie has an open kitchen bursting with kitchen cabinets and cooking equipment. Designed to be a social space and restaurant, Kitchenette is a comfortable, ‘homey‘ spot that is ideal either for a tasty snack or for family dining.Kitchenette serves a variety of international dishes including tapas, galettes and crêpes and is open for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night social drinks.

Open hours:Weekdays 10:00 - 22:00,Weekends 10:00 - midnight

Paulaner Bräuhaus Restaurant

Kitchenette Restaurant & Crêperie



AVIATIONFlying In & Out

Garuda Indonesia supports Lake Toba tourismwith new flightNew service to SilangitMarch 16, 2016 - Government plans to develop tourism in the Lake Toba area have been boosted by Garuda Indonesia’s launch of a new flight from Jakarta to Silangit Airport. The national carrier commenced flying the new route on March 22. Flights operate three times a week using a 96-seat Bombardier aircraft and includes a stop in Sibolga, North Sumatra. Silangit Airport is located in Siborong-Borong, North Tapanuli and serves as the main gateway to Lake Toba.

Lake Toba is Indonesia’s biggest lake and the largest volcanic crater lake in the world. The government has a target of one million international tourists visiting Lake Toba annually by 2019.

The lake is one of ten tourism destinations to be developed in line with the government‘s aim of 20 million tourist arrivals to Indonesia by 2020. Infrastructure improvements planned for the area include new roads and tourist facilities, along with the expansion of Silangit Airport to allow it to handle larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

Aviation : Flying In & Out

Garuda Indonesia is the third airline with flights to Silangit Airport. Susi Air currently offers regional connections from cities including Medan, Dumai and Sibolga, while Lion Air Group subsidiary, Wings Air operates services from Batam.



Tigerair launches new Bali-Australia flightsDenpasar - Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth

March 28, 2016 - Tigerair‘ now has flights from Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth to Bali. The low-cost carrier has taken over the three routes from Virgin Australia, operating the services on three Virgin Boeing 737-800 rebranded in Tigerair’s yellow and gold livery. Flights will leave Melbourne and Perth daily, and fives times a week from Adelaide.

Seven kilograms free carry-on luggage are allowed on these low-cost flights, but there is a prepaid fee for check-in luggage. There are options to buy seats with extra legroom, and ‘jump the queue’ to be among the first on board is available for an additional fee. In-flight entertainment is available through passengers’ own mobile phones and tablets but an app needs to be downloaded before the flight. TV and music are free during the flight and vouchers for movies can be purchased on board.


New Soekarno-Hatta terminal to open in mid June

May 27, 2016 - Terminal 3 Ultimate is a brand new addition to Jakarta‘s main airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang. Expected to handle its first passengers between June 15 and 20, the terminal will initially serve the domestic and international routes of Garuda International, Indonesia‘s national airline. Terminal 3 Ultimate will be fully operational from next March, when it will begin serving other SkyTeam Alliance carriers including Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Air France and Dutch carrier KLM. In the future, Terminal 3 Ultimate is planned to be Soekarno-Hatta‘s only arrival and departure terminal for international passengers.

Terminal 3 Ultimate is managed by Angkasa Pura II and is being built on schedule at a total cost of IDR 7.5 trillion (USD 550.1 million), including the cost of facilities. The eco-friendly terminal covers an area of 42 hectares and will be able to handle 15 million passengers a year after phase one, and 25 million passengers upon completion, adding to the airport‘s current capacity of 52 million. The second phase, including the terminal’s “people mover”, an integrated electric train system that will help passengers move to, from and around the terminal, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2017. Phase two also includes completion of a fast railway linkthat will connect the airport to Jakarta.

Terminal 3 Ultimate, an eco-friendly and modern design

CELEBRATIONSFestivals & Events

Celebrations - Festivals & Events

Bali, June 4 - Tumpek Wayang

Tumpek Wayang is a special day for blessings dedicated to the traditional theater art of shadow puppetry.Various offerings are made to the equipment and puppets. Tumpek Wayang is one of a series of Tumpek days for blessing different subjects. The others are Tumpek Kandang for cattle and livestock, Tumpek Uduh for plants,

Tumpek Landep for metal objects and tools, Tumpek Kuningan for ancestral spirits, and Tumpek Krulut for traditional gamelan music instruments - all of which occur in a 210-day cycle on the Pawukon calendar.

Surakarta, June 10 to 12 - Solo Batik Carnival

A celebration of Indonesian cultural heritage, the Solo Batik Carnival or ‚Karnaval Batik Solo‘ is a very colorful annual carnival held in Solo City (Surakarta). The main attraction of this event is its street parade of dancers wearing extravagant costumes with batik motifs.


Papua, June 19 to 23 - Lake Sentani Festival

Sentani lake festival is a four-day event that brings together all the indigenous groups of Papua in a colorful celebration of culture and tradition. Held at Khalkote, East Sentani, the festival is a grand event with music, dancing, cultural parades, exhibitions, boat races, local craft fairs and food. One of the highlights of the festival is Isolo, a typical war dance performed on a boat on the lake.Bali, June 11 to July 9 - Bali Arts Festival

A celebration of art and culture, the Bali Arts Festival - ‚Pesta Kesenian Bali‘ - takes place every second Saturday of June to the second Saturday of July. A variety of traditional and contemporary dances, shadow puppetry, music compositions and youth competitions are presented in auditoriums, and on open stages and outdoor pavilions. Most of the exhibitions and art performances are held at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre in Denpasar. This colorful festival is the perfect time to see Bali’s wealth of performing arts along with various cultural highlights from other islands in Indonesia.

Bali, June 25 - Saraswati

Celebrated on an Umanis Watugunung Saturday in the Balinese 210-day Pawukon calendar, Saraswati is devoted to Dewi Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Literature. On this day, books of knowledge, manuscripts and the Vedas are blessed and special offerings are made together with aspirations for knowledge and wisdom. The day is the first in a series of five important religious celebrations.Bali, June 25 - Perang Pandan Duels or ‚Mekare-

Kare‘

The age-old traditions of Tenganan in Karangasem, East Bali, include the ritual blood sport called ‚Perang Pandan‘ or ‚thorny pandan-leaf battles‘. Perang Pandan is a mass coming-of-age ritual dedicated to Indra, the Hindu god of war and the sky. The highlight is when bare-breasted male villagers battle each other in a friendly way armed with a small rattan shield in one hand and a tied bunch of thorny pandan leaves in the other. Perang Pandan also takes place in the village of Tenganan Dauh Tukad on July 22.


Bali, June 26 - Banyu Pinaruh

Banyu Pinaruh follows Saraswati and falls on a Paing Sinta Sunday in the Balinese Pawukon calendar. In the morning, Balinese Hindus head to the beach for a day of family leisure and for cleansing and purification purposes. Bali, June 27 - Soma Ribek

Soma Ribek falls on a Pon Sinta Monday on the Pawukon calendar and basically means ‘rich Monday’. As Balinese culture is very much based on agriculture, the day signifies blessings for prosperity in the form of full harvests that fill the rice barns, thereby symbolizing affluence and sustenance.

Celebrations - Festivals & EventsBayu Pinaruh

Bali, June 28 - Sabuh Mas

Sabuh Mas is dedicated to precious stones and metals. Various rituals include the cleansing and blessings these items of wealth. On this day the Balinese express their gratitude towards the Divinity for their worldly riches and remind themselves that fate will eventually separate them from their wealth. The day falls on a Wage Sinta Tuesday on the Balinese Pawukon calendar Bali, June 29 - Pagerwesi

Pagerwesi is the last day in the ‘wealth’ series of celebrations and signifies spiritual reinforcement. Its name roughly translates to ‘iron fence’ in English, meaning that anything of high importance, including the soul and spirituality, should be protected from destructive influences.


Bali, July 21 to 23 - Ombak Bali International Surf Film Festival

Ombak Bali takes place on the shore of La Plancha in Seminyak, presenting three days of outdoor surf film screenings, music and art. Ombak Bali is a platform for surf filmmakers to promote their work, and aims to promote awareness of social issues and the environment by screening inspirational surf films.

Bali, July 9 - Tumpek Landep

Tumpek Landep is a holy day dedicated to the blessing of metal items toward their better use in daily life. The items to be blessed range from heirloom keris daggers to various other metal objects, including machinery, cars and motorcycles. On this day cars and motorcycles are decorated with intricate stitched-leaf ornaments called ‚sampian‘.


Bali, July to October - The Bali Annual Kite Festival 2016

The Bali Kite Festival is an annual event in Bali where the art of kite making and piloting is held in high regard.

The event is also enjoyed by international visitors as it provides rare opportunities to see truly gigantic kites built with traditional and contemporary designs. Taking place over various dates, the festival generally starts with the onset of the windy season, usually at the end of June. A competition is also held for ‘new creation’ kites, which may include three-dimensional figures and unusual designs, from Hindu gods, cars and motorbikes to mascots and brand sponsors. A gamelan orchestra accompanies each kite-flying troupe, adding to the playful spirit of the festival and the drama of take-offs and landings.

Bali, July to November - Makepung Bullock Races

Bull racing is a long-standing tradition in the town of Jembrana, West Bali. Hundreds of pairs of buffaloes are teamed up with their jockeys riding traditional wooden plows that are slightly modified for the competition.

This annual festival usually starts in July with various heats around the coastal race tracks of Jembrana, leading up to the finals, the Jembrana Regent’s Cup in mid-November. During the festivities various local art forms are also staged, such as Jegog bamboo orchestra and bull fashion shows.


Bali, July 25 to 31 - Bali International Choir Festival 2016

The annual choir symposium and competition event is organized by the Bandung Choral Society. More than one hundred choir and several conductors are expected to participate in this event which will include a series of choir symposiums and competitions.


GETTING UP CLOSE WITHPANORAMA DESTINATION

In April this year, Panorama Destination appointed JTR Events & Marketing Co., Ltd as the company‘s B2B representative in Vietnam. As a follow-up, Panorama and JTR jointly conducted a Workshop at the Grand Saigon Hotel Ho Chi Minh City, May 23-26, 2016. The event was attended by senior management and staff of Panorama Destination and JTR along with representatives from 88 tour and travel companies.

The Workshop kicked off with opening and introduction sessions by JTR and Panorama DMC, followed by a presentation of Panorama DMC company profile and tour products, and then a question and answer session. The event wrapped up with lunch at the hotel‘s coffee shop.

Mr. Irwan Raman, Director of Business Development for Panorama Destination, said the event was a great success and that Panorama Destination was delighted to partner with JTR as the company‘s representative in Vietnam.

Panorama Destination Workshop, Ho Chi Minh CityFurther expanding international partnerships

Getting Up Close With Panorama Destination

Meet Our TeamFeriyanto - Travel Design & Reservation East Europe/Baltic States Officer

Hailing from South Sumatra, Feriyanto graduated from Ahmad Dahlan University in Yogyakarta with a Bachelor’s Degree in English literature. He continued his studies at Yogyakarta’s Gadjah Mada University where he earned a Master’s Degree in tourism.

Recently appointed as Travel Design & Reservation East Europe/Baltic States Officer for Panorama Destination, Feriyanto says, “As the tourism industry is growing very rapidly in parallel with the development of its related technologies, creative and innovative ways in presenting new tourism products are a must. Joining the Panorama Destination team is an honor for me and a step up in my career. A great chance to keep learning and creating, and last but not the least, to stay focused on better and sustained achievement.”

In addition to boundless enthusiasm for his daily tourism and travel work activities, Feriyanto likes to read a variety of books and closely follow T&T industry developments and updates, and when time permits, he likes to work out in the gym.

Anggun Maharani - Human Resources Manager

Ms. Anggun Maharani has been appointed as Panorama Destination’s new Human Resources Manager. Ms. Maharani replaces Ms. Christine Ester, who has left Panorama Destination to pursue a new direction in her career. We wish Ms. Ester every success in her future endeavors.

A graduate of Atma Jaya University in Yogyakarta, Ms. Maharani has garnered more than eight years of experience in the field of Human Resources. Prior to joining to Panorama Destination, she worked at Panorama Tours as Manager of People Support Service, Human Capital Management.

Ms. Maharani says her two main passions are traveling and cooking. “Traveling is about broadening the mind by experiencing other cultures and their history, learning about different opinions and ideas, exploring different scenery, and also enjoying the uniqueness of local cuisines.”

Melvyn Liliana - Manager Product Proactive

Melvyn has garnered more than 10 years of experience in the tour and travel industry with specialties in luxury travel, travel management, tour conducting, public relations, sales and marketing, business development and hospitality. As Proactive Product Manager, Melvyn is responsible for seeking potential destinations all over Indonesia and developing quality inbound products for Panorama Destination.

Born and raised in South Sumatra, Melvyn attended Padjadjaran University in West Java. After graduation she worked for a year in the wedding industry, following this with four years in a travel agency. Melvin then took the bold step of becoming a freelance tour leader. Four years later she decided to take on new challenges in inbound travel by joining Asia World Indonesia based in Bali.

Melvyn has traveled extensively throughout Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea and has even made a 45-day solo backpacking trip around Western Europe. Among her most cherished travel memories are island and beach trips, roller-coaster rides, meeting old friends and making new ones, and enjoying the local cuisine, art and music scene wherever she goes.

Getting Up Close With Panorama Destination

WHAT'S UP #ISSUE 03 by PANORAMA DESTINATION

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