Blessed with beautiful scenery, Maluku has tapped the large potential in tourism and hospitality industry. Hotelier Andre Sitanala expresses his enthusiasm on how the industry could shape the future direction of the Spice Islands. “One of the development strategies to build Maluku toward economic recovery is through tourism and hospitality. However, it would be hard to succeed without the support of the islands’ good infrastructure that ensures safety and comfort,” says Andre Sitanala, the … [Read more...]
Turkey: Between East and West
Exploring the charm of the best of both worlds At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey takes visitors to reminisce on the dawn of civilization. This evocative land is where Alexander the Great pulled out his sword and slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire had its victory that led to the birth of modern secularism. The history and geographic location have made Turkey a unique country where western and eastern … [Read more...]
Green Tokyo
By Aulia R. Sungkar Exploring sustainable city living The world’s largest metro area and most populous city, Tokyo offers a unique destination. Apart from its excellent eateries, fun entertainment centers, fabulous shopping venues and other related cosmopolitan excitements, the concrete jungle of Tokyo is also a garden city. Despite blending into the rhythm of the city’s busy scene, Tokyo residents are accustomed to creating gardens in small public spaces outside apartment buildings, … [Read more...]
The Early Times of A Tiger Economy
Dubbed one of Asia’s economic tigers, Singapore has gained popularity as a destination for indulgent shopping, eating and partying, but also as a country with world-class health care facilities and an international-standard education system. Indeed, the history of Singapore can be traced back to the beginning of the world’s globalized economy. By the 19th century, the British were developing a trading empire and had their sights set on Southeast Asia. It was Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who … [Read more...]
Tour de Singkarak 2011
Minister of Culture and Tourism (Menbudpar) Jero Wacik; together with West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno, Director General of Marketing at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia Sapta Nirwandar, and PB ISSI Chairman Phanny Tanjung; officially inaugurates the giant event of Tour de Singkarak 2011 in a cultural art ceremony in Taman Budaya Padang (literally means “Padang’s Garden of Culture”). This spectacular ceremonial opening is marked by drumming the Gendang Tasa, … [Read more...]
BANDUNG GETAWAY
Buckle up for an excursion to this vibrant Indonesian town a couple of hours’ drive from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta WORDS AULIA R SUNGKAR PHOTOGRAPHY TIMUR ANGIN Located some 150km south-east of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia’s West Java province has a quaint atmosphere. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, Bandung has a laid-back lifestyle that is different from the country’s capital with all its hustle and bustle. Just a two-hour drive from Jakarta puts you … [Read more...]
High on Nature
Strap on your boots to explore the natural wonders of Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. After a 3am wake-up call, we’re greeted by the fresh pre-dawn breeze and the spectacular panorama of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Even the half hour shivering in the dark waiting for the beautiful sunrise over Mount Bromo is worth the excitement. It’s a two-hour drive from Malang before another 30-minute jeep ride to reach the scenic lookout at Mount Penanjakan. Because it’s the holiday … [Read more...]
Positively Charged
Positioned right in the heart of Chinatown, everything is within your reach at The Sparks Hotel Jakarta. Here are four things to do nearby GET SHOPPING The six shopping centres in the Mangga Dua areas are great for fashion and electronic buys. Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua, ITC Mangga Dua I and II are fashionista heaven, while gadget bargains galore can be found at Dusit and Harco Mas. Alternatively, visit WTC Mangga Dua for the complete shopping and entertainment experience. GET … [Read more...]
Surabaya Society
Follow the young set in this Indonesian city to a string of popular hotspots around town. Home to a bevy of brand new nightclubs, cool coffee shops and Western-style bars, Surabaya is no longer just a town for heavy industry types and shipping officials. This coastal capital of East Java now offers good local and international coffee shops, where trendy cosmopolites sip on lattes, while well-known DJs mark the spot around the city’s up-and-comingclubbing scene. In line with the … [Read more...]