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In this issue: ① Quote of the month ② Between Bali and Lombok. ③ Malaysia Hidden Gems ④ So Many Good Reasons to Work with LAT ⑤ Bali Construction Moratorium ⑥ Malaysia Airlines Hits Roadblocks ⑦ Bali Air Show ⑧ KLIA most connected airport
"To all those dissatisfied with themselves because they are unable to express their emotional abilities or put their productive skills into action, we would like to point out Herman Melville's saying: it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation"
Between Bali and Lombok
The days passed, traveling between Bali and Lombok.
He enjoyed staying in the villages, joking with the women, eating at the warung, and walking for long stretches through the terraced rice fields, in slow contemplation of the universe around them.
The heights of the Balinese mountains refreshed their bodies from the heat.
Endless and recurring colourful processions filled the otherwise monotonous and idle air of the villages.
Life revolved around religion and a cosmological vision of it, which characterized the many daily rituals.
Every moment of life was accompanied by one or more rituals, whether it was studying, working, marriage, births, or deaths. Each ritual was performed at different levels, depending on the caste one belonged to and the specific conditions of the event and place where it occurred.
The choreography, colours, and richness of flowers and offerings in every ceremony created a kind of levitating state that drew them into a sweet vortex of colours and smells.
The personal devotion of every woman, child, and man particularly struck them.
Rarely did anyone seem to participate out of mere duty.
For the most part, everyone was genuinely involved in sustaining the intrinsic structure of these atmospheres.
Though they came from very different cultures, even between the two of them, Gabriele and Aldo were carried away by that liberating ecstasy.
They inhaled long puffs from resinous ganja joints from the mountains and walked alongside the groups of women, children, boys, and girls with enormous piles of offerings on their heads, smiling and laughing in unison, marching toward an undefined absorption of purity.
Long motorcycle rides up and down mountains and hills along roads flanked by rice fields, coconut groves, and dense stretches of rainforest sharpened their desire for wandering.
They mounted the motorcycle, which took off, flying into enormous three-dimensional naïve paintings.
The smell of wet vegetation settled on their skin and penetrated their nostrils, while large water buffalo looked on as they passed, indifferent.
From the heights of Kintamani to the shores of Lovina.
The buffalo stared at them, and they paused to stare at the buffalo.
Gabriele declared to the largest buffalo he had ever seen that humanism in the absence of humans was wonderful.
He said it in Italian, and neither the buffalo nor Aldo understood, but both nodded in agreement.
They left from there, thinning out at the end of that mountain road, with the buffalo watching them disappear like a dot in the air.
Silent and impassive, the buffalo thought that those two were lucky to smoke the grass, while he had to graze it.
The dot flew high above the channel separating Bali from Lombok.
The dolphins, enormous and agile lumba-lumba, accompanied them, swimming beneath the waves of the sea, while the motorcycle swayed and pitched up and down through the large clouds.
They crossed the Wallace Line, riding its turbulent shifts, which transformed a humid climate into a dry one, and lush vegetation into an arid landscape.
They entered the latter, following corridors of warm ascending currents that suddenly died down, making them plummet, only to catch another that would lift them back up.
A breath-taking ride with exhilarating bumps and jolts, heralding the departure from Bali’s gentle and refined harmony and the entry into Lombok’s rustic, wild, and angular world.
They landed with a jolt on rugged terrain, among people with dry, cracked skin, large calloused farming hands, and lean bodies wrapped in simple checkered sarongs.
There were no tourists to be seen, only a few backpackers who, like in many other corners of Asia, tended to display a pronounced detachment from their surroundings, masked by smiles of innate insolence and a petulant ritual of shared affectation, language, and gestures.
By Fabio Delisi
Malaysia’s Hidden Gems
Malaysia beckons the intrepid traveller, offering the chance to escape the well-trodden paths and discover the unexplored corners of this magnificent country. From sprawling rainforests and secluded islands to quaint villages and vibrant street art, Malaysia has something special for every explorer.
Consider exploring with a curated Malaysia LAT tour package. These packages offer a simple and immersive experience, introducing you to the lesser-known but equally amazing parts of the country. If you’re ready for a journey beyond the guidebooks, satisfy your curiosity with our tour packages, your gateway to the hidden treasures that make Malaysia truly unique.
There is more to Malaysia than its vibrant cities and popular tourist destinations. Venture off the beaten path, and you’ll uncover hidden gems that showcase the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and natural beauty—often overlooked by travelers. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore Malaysia's lesser-known treasures, revealing some of the most underrated and undiscovered spots waiting to be explored.
Located in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, the Belum Forest Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers. This untouched wilderness is home to rare species like the Malayan tiger and the Sumatran rhinoceros. Explore pristine rainforests, hike to hidden waterfalls, or take a peaceful boat ride on the serene Temengor Lake for a thrilling and immersive nature experience.
Tucked away from the bustling tourist hubs, Kuala Kangsar stands as one of Malaysia’s most stunning royal cities. The grandeur of the Ubudiah Mosque, the historical treasures of the Perak Royal Museum, and the serene beauty of the Kuala Kangsar River provide an authentic Malaysian experience, far from the usual crowds.
Nestled in the heart of Sarawak’s mountains, Bario is a remote and picturesque village, accessible only by small planes. Surrounded by lush landscapes, Bario offers a rare glimpse into the unique Kelabit culture. Hike through the pristine rainforest, visit natural salt springs, and savour traditional Kelabit cuisine for an unforgettable, immersive experience.
Although neighbouring islands like Langkawi and Perhentian tend to steal popularity, Lang Tengah remains a hidden gem in the Terengganu archipelago. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Long Tengah is a haven for divers and beach lovers seeking peace from the tourist crowds.
While Taman Negara National Park is a well-known destination, its Canopy Walkway remains somewhat of a hidden gem. Suspended high above the rainforest, this walkway offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the lush canopy and provides a unique perspective on Malaysia’s diverse ecosystem.
Move onto Penang, and Ipoh quietly emerges as a haven for street art lovers. Take a walk through the narrow streets of Ipoh Old Town, and you will find colourful murals and installations, each telling the story of the city’s history and culture.
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
Bali, Construction Moratorium
The Indonesian government is set to impose a moratorium on the construction of hotels, villas, and nightlife venues on the popular resort island of Bali in an effort to curb overdevelopment and overtourism.
As of the end of 2023, there were 541 hotels operating in Bali, an increase from 507 in 2019.
This moratorium is part of the government’s broader plan to reform tourism on the island by enhancing service quality, creating more employment opportunities, and preserving the area's cultural heritage.
Authorities indicate that the moratorium could last up to ten years, aimed at restoring balance to the island's security, culture, and economy.
HIGHLIGHTS
Malaysia Airlines Hits Roadblocks
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which operates Malaysia Airlines, has reduced its flight capacity by 20% through December due to multiple operational problems, significantly impacting the airline, which had just begun to recover from a long-term slump.
These flight reductions, which commenced this month, affect both domestic and 13 international routes, including key markets such as China, Japan, and Australia. For instance, the route from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo has been reduced from seven to three weekly flights, while the Kuala Lumpur to Sydney route now operates only five flights per week. The cuts come in response to service disruptions that began in August, which included frequent delays and unplanned landings, raising concerns about the airline's safety. On August 4, a Malaysia Airlines flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) due to technical issues. Additionally, between August 20 and 22, flights to Shanghai and Medina, Saudi Arabia, returned to KLIA due to cabin pressure problems. A flight from Melbourne also made an emergency landing at Alice Springs, Australia, due to engine issues. The cuts come in response to service disruptions that began in August, which included frequent delays and unplanned landings, raising concerns about the airline's safety. On August 4, a Malaysia Airlines flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) due to technical issues. Additionally, between August 20 and 22, flights to Shanghai and Medina, Saudi Arabia, returned to KLIA due to cabin pressure problems. A flight from Melbourne also made an emergency landing at Alice Springs, Australia, due to engine issues.
KLIA most connected airport
Travel-centric data platform OAG has released its Megahubs 2024 report, ranking Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as the most connected airport in the region.
The Megahubs report serves as the definitive ranking of the 50 most globally connected airports, with three of them located within the Asia-Pacific region. Alongside KLIA, Japan’s Tokyo Haneda and South Korea’s Seoul Incheon also made it into this year’s top 50. This achievement underscores the robust recovery of the regional travel sector, as these markets actively pursue growth.
In terms of connectivity, the growth in the region is widespread, with four airports in Southeast Asia making the list and an additional seven from Northeast Asia. Tokyo’s Narita Airport received special mention for its remarkable ascent from 60th in 2023 to 15th this year.
The Asia-Pacific region also dominated the low-cost connections (LCC) sector, with its airports comprising around 64 percent of the Top 25 LCC Megahubs. KLIA led this category as well, ranking first with approximately 14,583 possible LCC routes across 137 destinations. AirAsia is the dominant carrier at KLIA, accounting for 35 percent of all flights and 48 percent of total LCC capacity.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila came in second among this year’s top Low-Cost Megahubs, surpassing Incheon with its impressive connectivity to 97 destinations.
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.
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