LATest e-bulletin February '25

2 days ago6 min read

Look at the endless innovative touring products developed by LAT. From slow tourism to tours aways from crowds, from an agile system of modular scheduled departures in different languages to arts, architecture, outdoor, experiential, culinary food and education packages, just to name a few!

All our offers are strictly carbon contribution @ LAT Climate Contribution, all emissions being calculated and offset by projects in cooperation with Climate Partners.

In this issue: ① Quote of the month ② Progress and Regress ③ Sumba, Indonesia ④ So Many Good Reasons to Work with LAT ⑤ Malaysia promotional videos ⑥ Layang Layang ⑦ Singaporean Armony ⑧ Indonesia goes Atomic

"Those who adhere to the past won’t be able to cope with the future"

Willy Brandt

Progress and Regress

The year has begun with a fresh wave of global events, shaking geopolitical balances and reshaping social, political, and civil liberties—progressing in some regions while regressing in others.

In the so-called "West," traditional social structures and civil values are under increasing strain, while in other parts of the world, significant advancements are taking place. A notable example is Thailand, which has become the first Southeast Asian nation to issue marriage licenses to LGBTQ couples after a nearly 20-year campaign by activists.

Marriage equality overcame legislative hurdles in June when the Senate approved a bill passed by the House of Representatives in March. The law officially took effect this week after a 120-day adjustment period following its publication in the Royal Gazette. The updated civil and commercial code replaces gender-specific terms such as "husband" and "wife" with "spouse" and "man" and "woman" with "individual." It also extends welfare entitlements, government pensions, and tax benefits to all married couples while allowing religious institutions, such as those within Christianity and Islam, to maintain their own marriage practices.

Thailand’s progressive step may inspire neighboring conservative nations to move toward greater civil equality. Meanwhile, in Japan—another traditionally conservative country—some municipalities, including Tokyo, have begun issuing civil partnership certificates in the absence of national legislation.

On a different note, LAT is celebrating exciting new developments. We have launched The Malaillo Liveaboard, a seven-cabin luxury sailing yacht offering unparalleled experiences at sea. You can explore more here: Malaillo Liveaboard. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce the opening of The Metita Resort in the Moluccas, an exclusive retreat blending with nature: Metita Resort.

Our commitment to innovation continues. We are actively enhancing our tech solutions, from upgrading our IVR telephone assistance to refining the LAT application, to ever better our on the ground client support. In Malaysia and Indonesia, new highly motivated colleagues have joined our team, strengthening our expertise and capacity for groups, incentives, sales, and customer service.

As the world navigates its transformations, LAT remains dedicated to growth, innovation, and excellence.

Sumba, Indonesia

As the focus of tourism to Indonesia keeps shifting east, Labuan Bajo—once a tranquil retreat—has now succumbed to the pressures of mass tourism, transforming into yet another landscape of concrete, disorder, and a brow rising "sole cash" administration for Komodo National Park. In our relentless pursuit of the next hidden gem, we turn our gaze to Sumba, an island still largely untouched by the chaos of mainstream travel.

To facilitate exploration for our esteemed clientele, we have compiled essential information on Sumba—an island of rugged beauty, rich traditions, and unspoiled beaches. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Bali, Sumba offers a rare experience of peace and tranquility (at present).

Sumba is accessible via domestic flights from major Indonesian cities. The island has two main airports: Tambolaka Airport (TMC) – Serving the western part of the island and Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport (WGP) – Located in Waingapu, in the east.

Flights from Bali (Denpasar) or Jakarta typically include a stopover in Kupang or connect directly to Sumba. Upon arrival, renting a car or motorbike with a driver is the most efficient way to explore, as public transport is limited.

Take one of LAT Tours to visit Ratenggaro Village in Southwest Sumba, renowned for its tall thatched-roof houses and ancient megalithic tombs. Alternatively, explore Praijing Village, where traditional Sumbanese homes stand against a backdrop of lush valleys.

Beaches & Coastal Wonders: Relax on the island’s pristine shores—Nihiwatu Beach is a paradise for surfers, while Walakiri Beach is famous for its mesmerizing mangrove silhouettes at sunset. In the south, Bwanna Beach boasts dramatic cliffs and a massive rock arch rising from the sea.

Outdoor Adventures: Nature lovers can explore Sumba’s many natural wonders, from the Weekuri Lagoon, a crystal-clear saltwater lagoon, to Lapopu Waterfall, one of the island’s tallest cascades. For hikers, Wairinding Hill near Waingapu offers rolling landscapes that shift between golden and green hues depending on the season, while Tanarara Hill presents an almost surreal, painterly view of Sumba’s rugged terrain.

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 5 small boutique island hotels strategically located and one luxury sailing yacht

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

Malaysia Promotional Videos

A video montage for the launch of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign has sparked comments over the omission of mosques, despite featuring non-Muslim places of worship, echoing last year’s controversy surrounding the George Town Festival.

The 41-second video, shared by Tourism Malaysia on Facebook on Jan 6, showcases landmarks such as a historical church in Melaka and the Batu Caves Hindu temple. However, many viewers were unimpressed, questioning why none of Malaysia’s iconic mosques were included. Some even suggested that this omission was an attempt to "erase the Islamic identity of the country."

Many correctly pointed out that Malaysia’s mosques are renowned for their beautiful architecture, raising the question of why none were featured.

When contacted, the Culture and Tourism Minister explained that the non-Muslim places of worship depicted were chosen as popular tourist attractions, citing Batu Caves as an example. He added that an official explanation would be issued.

HIGHLIGHTS

Layang Layang

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has revoked the operating license of Layang-Layang Island Resort Sdn Bhd, effective Monday, Jan 6. In a statement MOTAC confirmed that the license, numbered 2992, was revoked in accordance with Section 8 of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 [Act 482]. This follows reports from several media portals alleging that a resort in Sabah failed to refund deposits to more than 100 individuals, including foreign tourists, who had booked scuba diving packages since 2020. The reservations required a 50 percent deposit.

Singaporean Harmony

Singapore has passed a law designed to protect against foreign interference in its race-based clans and business associations, as the government looks to limit outsiders from undermining racial harmony in the multicultural city-state. Under the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, which was passed this month, if an organization is designated as a race-based entity, they will have to disclose foreign and anonymous donations, foreign affiliations and their leadership.

Indonesia goes Atomic

Fossil fuel-dependent Indonesia plans to build nuclear power plants with the capacity of about 4 gigawatts (GW) in a bid for cleaner energy, an adviser to President Prabowo Subianto said on Friday. Indonesia’s current installed power capacity is more than 90 GW, with more than half of that powered by coal and less than 15% by renewables. It currently has no nuclear capacity, a controversial topic in a country prone to earthquakes.

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 five boutique island hotels in Indonesia, in Lombok, Bali, Sulawesi, Papua and Maluku, as well as a seven-cabin luxury sailing yacht.

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

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