AirAsia ceased charging the RM3 fee (US$0.70) for all flights departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) starting yesterday.
The fee, which the airline terms “klia2 fee” was introduced in May 2014 to cover the additional cost imposed by Malaysia Airports Holdings (MABH) for the use of mandatory facilities such as aerobridges and SITA check-in and boarding systems at klia2.
AirAsia scraps the klia2 fee amid an ongoing legal battle with Malaysia Airports
This was not charged when AirAsia operated out of the LCC Terminal previously.
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said: “We have said from the very beginning that klia2 is not fit for LCC operations, and we will be going directly to Malaysia Airports for all extra costs they’re (levying on) us.”
This comes on the back of the Malaysian Aviation Commission saying that AirAsia’s klia2 fee would become illegal once the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code is updated to prohibit airlines from imposing unnecessary charges on passengers, The Malaysian Insight reported.
The proposed amendment is currently awaiting approval by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Meanwhile, the airline is in the middle of a legal battle with MABH, which sued the airline last month over unpaid passenger service charges, according to the same report. Malaysia Airports is claiming RM9.4 million from AirAsia and RM26.71 million from its longhaul affiliate, AirAsia X.
The Asai brand targets the 'millennial-minded' with its affordable lifestyle positioning
Asai Yankin is slated to open in the northern central part of Yangon come 2020, one of the first properties to be signed under Dusit International’s new affordable lifestyle brand.
Reflecting the four key pillars of Asai Hotels – Thoughtful Essentials, Common Areas, Locally Inspired, and Connected Community – Asai Yankin will comprise 111 compact rooms (15-22m2), while a large mixed-use space will offer areas for work, leisure, and a restaurant.
The Asai brand targets the ‘millennial-minded’ with its affordable lifestyle positioning
Other facilities include a fully equipped gym and two retail floors highlighting local brands and products.
The hotel is located approximately 25 minutes by car from Yangon International Airport, and next to Myanmar Plaza, the city’s first international retail shopping centre. Attractions such as Shwedagon Pagoda, Kandawgyi Lake and Yangon Zoological Gardens are only 20 minutes away be car.
Four more Asai properties are already confirmed in the pipeline – three in Cebu (in Lapu-Lapu, Oslob, and the city centre); and a flagship in the Sathorn district in Bangkok.
Asai Hotels’ management team hopes to secure 10 more properties in the pipeline by the end of the year across South-east Asia and Japan. This includes owned and joint venture properties as well as properties under management agreements.
The writer (middle) in traditional performance garb
A behind-the-scenes experience of this fast-disappearing performance art
Why
Teochew opera is a fast disappearing trade that few understand and even fewer practise. The art form survives today through second- and third-generation performers, emerging during key religious events such as the Hungry Ghost Festival, as one of Singapore’s last vestiges of tradition.
A participant getting up close and personal with the art form
What
The Art of Chinese Teochew Opera immerses participants into the backstage world of opera troupes, from their symbolic makeup to thousand-dollar hand-woven costumes.
Our session was held comfortably indoors in a clan association, where we met some of Singapore’s last opera performers – a local family, led by mother Tina Quek.
As they worked on their intricate makeup, university researcher Caroline Chia narrated the heritage of Chinese opera and explained the significance of each performer’s dress and appearance.
The highlight of the experience was donning the elaborately embroidered costumes and headdresses, with the expert help of Quek and her daughter. Wearing the heavy and regal robes gave me great perspective and respect for the performers, who typically perform in the humid heat.
The session ended with a sample skit by the troupe that brought to life the costumes and choreography of traditional opera.
The writer (middle) in traditional performance garb
How
Although opera is normally performed outdoors, this session was conducted comfortably in an air-conditioned room. While listening to Chia’s exposition, participants were urged to step forward for a closer look, interact with the props and quiz the performers or Chia.
Photography is also encouraged, and while quiet and serious, the performers are not camera shy and were happy to engage in conversation about their work.
Transport is provided from the central pick-up point to the clan association, during which the Xperience Travel guide provided a brief background of opera in Singapore.
Pricing for groups of more or less than 10 pax may differ.
Verdict
A rare and immersive dive into a side of Singapore that’s truly hidden, even to many locals. This rich experience is best suited for guests who are curious about traditional Chinese art forms and culture, as well as those adventurous enough to dress in flamboyant costume.
No. of participants: Around 10 Rates: S$175 (US$129) per person
Lanson Place Hospitality Management (Lanson Place), the hospitality arm of Wing Tai Properties, has appointed Michael Hobson as CEO.
Prior to joining Lanson Place, Hobson was chief marketing officer of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and has played a pivotal role in their global development and brand efforts over a career spanning 25 years.
The recent move by casino operator Genting Malaysia to sue Twenty-First Century Fox and its soon-to-be owner Walt Disney for more than US$1 billion is not seen as a setback for the country’s tourism, say inbound travel agents.
Genting Malaysia in November 2018 accused the two of terminating a contract related to the construction of the first Fox-branded theme park in Genting Highlands.
The attraction was going to be the only operating 20th Century Fox theme park in the world and the first in Asia
Last month, Genting Malaysia’s chairman and CEO Lim Kok Thay told Singapore’s Business Times that the theme park “remains very much part of our plans”, while describing the theme park as “only a small part” of expansion plans for Resorts World Genting.
The opening of the branded theme park, originally scheduled for 2016, had been delayed numerous times. This led some inbound agents such as Azizi Borhan, managing director, Asutra Convex, to not promote the attraction even before news of the theme park potentially not materialising.
World Avenues’ executive director, Ally Bhoonee echoed similar sentiments: “We never promoted the Twentieth Century Fox World theme park because we didn’t want to take a risk. There were delays and no clear indication of when it would open. Our overseas agents have also not asked about it.”
He further remarked that the country has “plenty of other theme parks” that agents can include in itineraries.
Moreover, agents emphasise that theme parks are just one component of more extensive itineraries in Malaysia.
In Azizi’s experience, tourists typically spend just half a day in a theme park, with the rest of the itinerary packed with other activities such as shopping and sightseeing.
Ally added: “Even without a branded theme park, Resorts World Genting will still have its destination appeal. People go there for a change of weather, and the shopping, food and entertainment experiences.”
On the other hand, Raaj Navaratnaa, general manager, New Asia Holiday Tours & Travel, opined: “(Losing the theme park) will affect (potential) arrivals from Asian markets to some degree as there is no new international attraction of that class in Malaysia. We have to find other ways to attract weekend holidaymakers to Malaysia.”
For example, he shared that the company has developed edu-tourism packages to attract students from regional markets such as Vietnam and Thailand to take up short language courses in Malaysia, in addition to being the groundhandler for the Kabaddi World Cup from April 2 – 15.
Uzaidi Udanis, president, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, agreed that the theme park would have had a positive impact on arrivals. However, he stressed: “We cannot depend solely on a single product or be over-reliant on man-made theme parks. We need to create ‘natural theme parks’ in the forests, mountains and rivers.
“We are planning to have an inbound tourism boot camp in Langkawi from January 15 to 17 followed by one in Lahad Datu, Sabah in February. Through these camps, we intend to gather the inbound players together to identify new products that we can promote to overseas markets. We need to leverage our strength in culture and ecotourism and come out with more packages to attract international markets. This is our long-term strategy.”
Photography Butlers now accomapnying guests to gram-worthy shots within Regent Taipei, and soon around the city as well
Guests at the Regent Taipei can leave their selfie sticks at the door without falling behind on the gram, as the hotel introduces what it says is an industry-first Photography Butler service.
Available by advance reservation only, Photography Butlers will accompany guests to popular Instagram check-in spots in the hotel, tourists attractions and “insider photo locations” across the city and take photos for guests.
Photography Butlers now accomapnying guests to gram-worthy shots within Regent Taipei, and soon around the city as well
Currently, photo location options include more than 30 Instagram-worthy spots within Regent Taipei; while scenic locations near the hotel will be available in the following phase. Routes and itineraries may be customised based on time available, season and number of people in the guest party.
The hotel added that travellers in Taipei who are unfamiliar with the city will be able to fully enter exploration mode without a selfie stick or having to hand their phones to strangers for photo-taking.
Photography Butlers are Regent Taipei employees who are “like-minded” and trained, and photo locations are selected based on research done on Instagram.
Alex, Regent Taipei’s chief concierge, Taiwan’s Golden Key society president and Regent Taipei employee photography club president, said: “By providing the Photography Butler service, surpassing the industry standard, we were already able to secure a major client’s return stay due to enhanced customer satisfaction.”
While Photography Butlers responds to the needs of guests in an always-on, snap-happy generation, the hotel admits it also serves as a strategic marketing tool by directly encouraging social media posting.
Regent Taipei managing director Simon Wu elaborated: “Enhancing guest satisfaction and driving digital engagement are continuous goals for us. Following the increase in FIT customers and the inseparable relationship between photography, social media and travel, the services we provide must also reflect these trends.”
The hotel had previously introduced other personalised services in the form of Wedding Butlers and Shopping Butlers.
Okura Nikko Hotel Management, a subsidiary of Hotel Okura, will soon open two Hotel Nikko-branded properties in Cambodia and Thailand.
Slated to open in 2022, Hotel Nikko Phnom Penh will be the first Hotel Nikko-branded hotel in Cambodia. There will be 201 guestrooms in total, occupying floors 14-22, with a standard area of 36m2. Facilities include a wide range of restaurants including Japanese cuisine and all-day dining, as well as a sky bar on the 23rd floor.
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Rendering of Hotel Nikko Phnom Penh
Rendering of Hotel Nikko Amata City Chonburi
Managed by UY United, the hotel will occupy the upper level of the tentatively named Japan Trade Center, a mixed development project currently under construction in Phnom Penh’s Toul Tum Poung district.
Thailand’s third Hotel Nikko will open in 2021 in Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate, around 60km south-east of Bangkok. The hotel will be built on a site of approximately 21,000m2, near the entrance to Amata City Chonburi, a 4,000ha smart city that is already home to 750 international companies, of which 450 are Japanese enterprises.
Hotel Nikko Amata City Chonburi will offer around 250 guestrooms, each measuring 32m2. Amenities will include access to golfing facilities at the nearby Amata Spring Country Club, gym, public bath, banquet hall and restaurants.
These slated openings are part of Okura Nikko Hotel Management plans to expand the group’s global portfolio to 100 properties, primarily in Asia, by 2020.
ACTS Group is positioning Canvas as a brand seeking to nurture the connections between people and cultures (photo credit: ACTS Group)
ACTS Group, a Hong headquartered property developer, is launching a lifestyle brand, Canvas, which places community-centric, networking and cultural initiatives and values at the heart of its properties.
With flagship properties in Bali, Hua Hin and Bangkok, each Canvas product is meant to showcase its locations, while building “approachable and inclusive networks” and raising awareness of sustainability and cultural preservation, ACTS Group said in a statement.
ACTS Group is positioning Canvas as a brand seeking to nurture the connections between people and cultures (photo credit: Canvas)
The brand encompasses three components: Canvas Place, a hospitality and real estate development arm; Canvas Belong, with options for individual and corporate membership; and Blank Canvas, a platform for creative minds to gather.
Under the Canvas Belong programme, Canvas Citizens will enjoy a range of benefits from a welcome life coaching session, stays at new Canvas Place resorts in Bali and Hua Hin, cultural experiences and lifestyle offerings in dining and wellness in five cities, to enriching events with influential CEOs, entrepreneurs, designers, wellness and sports champions from around the world.
The membership programme will launch in Hong Kong on January 23, 2019, then Bangkok and Shanghai the following month.
Founder of ACTS Group, Carl Gouw, said: “Canvas seeks to inspire and nurture connections between people and cultures. Through the different components of Canvas, we are weaving together the story of creative ideas, cultural diversity and originality.”
Edouard Demptos has joined Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok as general manager.
Prior to his move to Thailand, Demptos was hotel manager at Grand Hyatt Singapore, where he has been since June 2016.
The Frenchman first joined Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in 2004 and has since worked in Morocco, Spain, the Philippines, China and Singapore. He first arrived in Asia in May 2009 as director of F&B at the Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila, and subsequently joined Hyatt on the Bund in April 2011 in the same capacity, before he was later promoted to executive assistant manager F&B and hotel manager.
From the east to west of our incredible archipelago, you can indulge in these stunning beaches that are ready to captivate you. Slather on your sun block, get out your coolest sun hat…..here are 6 Instagramable beaches to put on top of your best beaches bucket list in Wonderful Indonesia!
Pulau Lengkuas, Belitung
Apart from its unique and pristine beaches, visitors to Lengkuas Island in Belitung are also intrigued by the island’s lighthouse. This is just one historical landmark you can find in the area dating back to the Dutch colonial era when they built it in 1882. The 62-meter high lighthouse still operates to this day. The beaches and the lighthouse will make a sure hit for your Instagram feed…..
Jogan Beach, Yogya
Jogan Beach is approximately 70 kilometers or around two-hour drive from Yogyakarta. What’s so special about this beach? It hosts a stunning waterfall with a cliff standing around 10-12 meters high, the water flows directly from the cliff to the sea. A heart-stopping view! To reach the waterfall, the track is quite challenging. But don’t worry, once you reach the waterfall, all the challenges you went through will be worth it and make your photos even more memorable…
Kelingking Beach, Bali
A Jurassic park experience in Bali? You heard it right. The cliff on Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali, has a peculiar shape. The cliff is formed like a T-Rex’s pinkie and definitely a crowd pleaser. The lush of green covering the lands, the T-Rex shaped cliff, the turquoise colored water that graces the astonishing white sands is simply a natural perfect picture that would blow you away.
Pink Beach, Komodo
Komodo Island is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located west of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, and is most famously the home of Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards. The pink hues of this beach are said to be the result of microscopic animals called Foraminifera, which produces red pigments on the coral reefs. When these tiny fragments of the red coral are mixed with the sands on the shoreline, it naturally generates soft pink color. An automatically Insta-favorite view!
Bawana Beach, Sumba
Bawana Beach is located in Kodi, Southwest of Sumba, around a 90-minute drive from the town of Tambolaka. Itis the home to the iconic giant hole in the rock wall situated on the shoreline of the beach. The rock’s hole is an insta-favorite as it generates a dramatic view for those beachgoers seeking for the perfect picturesque snapshots especially during sunset. When the tide is high, you can also enjoy the beach view from Mareha hill. Simply gorgeous!
These are only a glimpse of many other splendors that await you in Wonderful Indonesia when you explore in our site. Click Indonesia.travel to find what you are looking for. Come visit soon, choose your adventure and experience be inspired by Wonderful Indonesia!
Find Paradise in Every Part of The Indonesian Archipelago!
