3 days ago7 min read

LATest e-bulletin December '24

In this issue: ① Quote of the month ② A Dedication to Malaysia ③ What Makes a Forest City ④ What Makes a Chinatown ⑤ So Many Good Reasons to Work with LAT ⑥ Kuala Lumpur Bar Scene ⑦ Deadly Floods ⑧ TK, KUL to SYD

"Thinking is difficult, and acquiring knowledge is hard; that’s why most people judge"

Carl Jung

A Dedication to Malaysia

As the year comes to a close, we dedicate this final issue, along with the quote of the month, to Malaysia — a country often misunderstood and underexplored. This treasure chest of wonders remains obscured, entangled in a web of shyness and confusion. The lack of clarity stems from deep-rooted social, religious, and ethnic complexities, compounded by poor preparation, education, and awareness within the public sector — all concealed beneath a thick mantle of vested interests. Grasping Malaysia's diversity and multifaceted identity is no easy task; it is as elusive as water slipping through one's fingers.

Yet, the private sector shines as a beacon of vibrancy. Malaysia is undeniably a developmental success story, one that, if nurtured by a more stable political and social environment, could mirror the achievements of its southern neighbour.

Our industry reflects these dynamics. The contributions of tourism and cultural exchange, while promising, fall short compared to regional counterparts. Despite the passion, innovation, and investment flowing from the private sector, progress is often hindered by a constantly shifting and unpredictable landscape.

It is little wonder that those unfamiliar with Malaysia view it with a raised eyebrow, perplexed by its contradictions and challenges. But to these sceptics, and to all Malaysians engaged in the tourism and cultural sectors—both private and public—we extend an invitation; let us collectively reflect on the profound insights of our quote of the month and work toward unlocking Malaysia's immense potential.

What Makes a Forest City

Malaysia's ambitious plans to develop the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and revive the decade-old Forest City project reflect a broader strategy to transform the region into a hub for industries like logistics, healthcare, and financial services. However, both initiatives face significant challenges.

The Johor-Singapore SEZ, envisioned to be four times the size of Singapore, is a joint effort to boost regional economic growth. The project underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration and aims to attract investment with a diverse industrial focus. A final agreement between the two nations is expected by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Forest City, launched in 2014 as a large-scale urban development on reclaimed islands in Johor, has struggled to meet its original vision. Despite plans for a population of 700,000 and a mix of residential, commercial, and educational facilities, it has been labelled a "ghost town," with only 10,000 residents and limited commercial activity. Properties have largely been acquired as investments by Chinese buyers rather than as homes.

To revitalize Forest City, Malaysia recently established a special financial zone offering competitive tax incentives. Starting in early 2025, single-family offices managing over RM30 million ($6.8 million) will qualify for corporate tax exemptions. Other companies meeting specific criteria may also benefit from tax rates between 0% and 5%. The government aims to position Forest City as a financial magnet, particularly for high-net-worth families looking to relocate from China and East Asia for tax advantages and better educational opportunities.

However, scepticism remains. Experts have questioned whether the incentives are robust enough to compete with established financial hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. Further clarification on the regulatory framework and tax conditions will be critical to building investor confidence.

On the ground, Forest City shows limited signs of renewal. Sparse occupancy and shuttered businesses suggest that the financial zone designation alone has not yet spurred significant economic activity. The initiative’s success will depend on whether it can overcome these hurdles and effectively attract international capital and residents.

What Makes a Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, with its rich history and cultural revival, is a testament to how urban regeneration can honour heritage while fostering inclusivity. At the heart of this transformation is Kwai Chai Hong, a hidden gem that captures the area's past and its vibrant resurgence.

Once a neglected cul-de-sac with dilapidated shophouses, Kwai Chai Hong underwent a remarkable transformation spearheaded by five local visionaries. The area now boasts beautifully restored facades, evocative murals, and occasional live performances, such as the Cantonese opera "Princess Flower," which bring its storied history to life. Wall paintings depict everything from playful children to "ladies of the night," reflecting the neighbourhood’s multifaceted past.

Beyond Kwai Chai Hong, Chinatown offers a mix of historic charm and modern appeal. Petaling Street, still bustling with counterfeit stalls, contrasts with newer hotspots like Concubine, a bar honouring the area's colourful past, and Rex KL, an arts and culture hub repurposed from an old cinema. Jao Tim, with its live jazz, and Else, a boutique hotel with Art Deco elements, add to the neighbourhood’s allure.

Unlike Chinatowns in other global cities, which often cater primarily to tourists, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown remains a space where locals and visitors alike gather, celebrating diverse cultures. This inclusive ethos, combined with efforts to preserve the area's heritage, offers a model of urban renewal that balances conservation with community engagement.

Kwai Chai Hong and its surroundings invite both nostalgic reflection and contemporary exploration, making it a must-visit destination in the Malaysian capital.

So Many Good Reasons to Work with LAT

Established in 1991

Independently owned and operated

Purely B2B with travel industry partners

Online booking engine with immediate

confirmation of hotels, tours and transfers

Skilful Contents Provider and Technology user

Knowledgeable and efficient reservations personnel

Long and proud association with the MICE industry in all Lotus destinations

Fully committed to Sustainability and CSR

Climate Contribution for all packages and services on offer Extensive selection of scheduled group departures and innovative product lines

Direct access to a vast pool of local professional contributors

Owns small boutique island hotels strategically located

LAT Indochina subsidiary operating in Thailand and Vietnam

Multilingual guides in all destinations

Operations offices throughout its destinations

Centralised bookings and payments for multi destination tours 24/7 assistance with interactive voice response available in four languages

LAT Application with UpToDate itineraries and info for guests. Downloadable from Apple and Play Stores

TATTLER

Kuala Lumpur Bar Scene

When asked which city has the best bars in Asia, people often mention Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok. The first two, as business and finance hubs, generate the wealth and customer base to attract top-tier mixologists, sommeliers, and craft brewers from around the world. Bangkok, meanwhile, enjoys a longstanding reputation as a party capital.

Kuala Lumpur, on the other hand, is rarely part of the conversation. Yet, despite Malaysia’s 15% alcohol tax and occasional police raids targeting illicit drinking among Muslims—whose religion prohibits alcohol consumption—the city’s bar scene is flourishing.

What sets Kuala Lumpur apart in the beverage world is its endlessly creative cocktail bars. Just as Malaysian cuisine thrives on blending influences from Southeast Asia, China, India, and Europe, this same fusion approach is redefining its drinks culture. The city’s bartenders are contributing to a new golden age of cocktails with bold creations and imaginative remixes of classics infused with local flavours.

Chinatown, cantered around Petaling Street, has become a hub for up-and-coming bars, cafés, and restaurants. Here, hip urbanites flock to old shophouses with peeling paint, where trendy bars and vegan eateries sit side by side with pawnshops and budget hotels.

Other trendy bar districts include the upscale residential areas of Bangsar, Damansara, and Taman Paramount.

Natural wine, a global trend, has also found a following in Kuala Lumpur. For those drawn to its rugged, earthy flavours, “Unwined” in Bangsar boasts the largest selection of natural wines in Malaysia. If you love exploring an extensive menu at your leisure, this spot is a must-visit.

HIGHLIGHTS

TK, KUL to SYD

Following the launch of Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight from Melbourne in March, Sydney has now become the second Australian city added to the flag carrier’s ever-expanding network. The new service will operate four times a week via Kuala Lumpur, covering a 9,300-mile route with a flight time of approximately 19 hours.

Malaysia, Deadly Floods

The number of flood evacuees across nine states has risen to 140,492, impacting 42,329 families. These individuals are currently housed in 713 temporary evacuation centres (PPS). According to the Disaster Information Portal by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), the affected states include Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Melaka, and Johor, spanning 38 districts. Kelantan remains the most severely affected state, with 288 PPS shelters accommodating 91,402 evacuees from 28,308 families across 10 districts.

Our whole product for free and independent travellers, groups and MICE are based on a Climate Contribution programme. This means that part of the greenhouse gas emissions that will be generated are offset by projects in collaboration with Climate Partner, one of the leading climate protection solution providers for companies.

The arising emissions are being compensated by supporting a third-party certified geothermal energy project in Darajat, Java (Indonesia). The project helps to meet the growing demand for electricity in Indonesia. By increasing the share of renewable energy, the dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity decreases, and about 705,390 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved per year.

For over thirty years, Lotus Asia Tours Group has provided services and assistance to travellers the world over, specialising in the design and implementation of corporate events, activities, incentive tours and motivational travel, targeted at FIT, GIT and MICE markets, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indochina. The group also operates four boutique island hotels in Indonesia, in Lombok, Bali, Sulawesi and Papua.

To learn more about our brand please head to our website, or contact us directly; we look forward to hearing how we could help make your next trip, tour or event memorable and successful.

Corporate Office D-5-4 Megan Avenue 1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: +60 (0)3 21617075 · F: +60 (0)3 21617084 · E: latgroup@lotusasiatours.com

OUR HOTELS

Click here for more details about our resorts.