Asia’s all-in-one playgrounds are crowd-pullers, but are they drawing the right mix?

Clockwise from Top: Macau’s Cotai Strip (top); Casino at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore; Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands

Since the first integrated resorts (IRs) burst onto the tourism scene some years ago, they have captured the imagination of tourists and locals alike with their glamorous appeal.

The positive effect IRs have had on destinations has been irrefutable for most. Tourist arrivals to Singapore, home to Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), have skyrocketed since the mega resorts opened in 2010. Demand is still strong, with bookings seeing a double-digit increase so far this year, according to inbound operators.

“Both IRs are now leisure destinations in their own right,” said Ram Samtani, general manager, Ramesh Travels Singapore, pointing out that Universal Studios at RWS and the world-class performances and exhibitions at MBS have successfully lured holidaymakers.

Over in Macau, growing numbers of young visitors and families have also turned up since IRs opened some five years ago, said Hong Kong-based Beng Seng Travel assistant director, Colman Or, who specialises in the destination.

But fast-forward a few years, and travel consultants say IR operators around the region must walk the tightrope between pandering to the very affluent and reaching out to a wider market.

Largely seen as high-end venues, IRs have been accused by some of being too exclusive and expensive for the mid-market, and even for repeat visitors who may be willing to fork out large sums, but not beyond a certain length of stay.

Kasel Travel Solutions Philippines, CEO, Eric Papa, said this has been Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) Achilles’ heel. “The problem is it’s only for the rich to go to the casino. It has an image problem.”

Shanghai Spring International Travel Service China deputy general manager, Asia-Pacific, Zou Qingling, said the high prices of hotel rooms were the main stumbling block. “Although IRs claim that they have thousands of rooms, we still can’t get rooms during the busy season as those are saved for their VIP clients,” she noted.

India’s Classis Travel & Tour managing director, Rajendra Dhumma, added: “IRs are making an attempt to retain guests for a longer period of stay, but the room rates are steeply hiked during the weekends. Obviously this leads to a stay of a maximum of three to four nights.”

Chalking up roomnights
Arguably one of the biggest concerns of the mega resorts today is how to entice visitors to increase their length of stay.

Luo Jiajun, director, tourism management department, East China Normal University, said: “Unlike the Westerners who like to relax by sunbathing or going to the spa, Chinese travellers are more dynamic. Their vacations are all about seeing various interesting places and eating delicious food. They like to look around when they are in a foreign country and they don’t like to stick at a place for too long.”

Smaller destinations like Singapore and Macau are at a disadvantage in this respect. Nantha Travel & Tours Malaysia managing director, Nantha Gopal, said it was difficult to get his clients to stay more than two days at RWS as many travel to Singapore on weekend trips and want to see more than a theme park. Similarly, Hong Kongers rarely stay for more than a night in Macau’s IRs, pointed out Beng Seng Travel Hong Kong’s Or. “Escalating hotel rates every year also make the city more expensive compared to neighbouring destinations,” he said.

Hong Kong-based MV Destination general manager, Clemson Lo, said the IRs in Macau would have an even harder time keeping tourists within their complexes when the city’s monorail becomes functional in 2016. “I think the competition would be even worse, as tourists would be able to move around much easier.”

He added that while the IRs had a good number of entertainment acts comparable to Las Vegas, many were paid attractions. “To make it less exclusive, have more free entertainment, such as the recent Butterfly Pavilion at MGM Macau,” said Lo.

Gray Line Tours Hong Kong managing director, Michael Wu, suggested that the Macau IRs also leverage on the new development coming up on nearby Hengqin Island, a special zone in Zhuhai designated for tourism, business and conventions.

Indeed, IRs throughout Asia will have to up their game if they want to persuade their guests to stay longer, even if that means moving towards more cross-selling, said travel consultants.

Alicia Seah, senior vice-president of marketing and PR of Singapore-based CTC Travel, said: “With more theme parks being built across the border in Johor (in Malaysia), including Legoland and Hello Kitty Town, IRs could consider tie-ups.”

Malaysia’s Mayflower Acme Tours, deputy general manager, channel management, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, too, observed it was easier to sell Macau and its IRs when twinned with Hong Kong. He opined that IRs should collaborate on value-added packages. “This would appeal especially to the European and Middle East markets who love IRs because everything is confined within that space,” said Abdul Rahman.

Becoming better bedfellows
Moreover, travel experts told TTG Asia that the IRs were missing out on a number of opportunities to obtain more business.

Ramesh Travels Singapore’s Samtani said RWS and MBS should look beyond working with the largest inbound operators. “Smaller players might bring in low volumes, but they could actually deliver higher yields, as they ofen focus on more lucrative niches.”

Contract rates, or the lack thereof, are another bugbear of the trade. Nantha Travel & Tours Malaysia’s Gopal said it was difficult to work on long-term packages with his Singaporean counterparts because of the lack of contract rates from hotels. “We cannot do packaging using Internet rates,” he said.

Mayflower Acme Tours Malaysia’s Abdul Rahman agreed, saying that with such dynamic rates in Singapore, he could not commit to customers without fixed rates.

Kasel Travel Solutions Philippines’ Papa added: “(RWM) is only tapping the online market. The contract rates it gives are not that appealing compared with the good rates offered on its website.”

The price has to be right
Offering a value-for-money proposition remains key, especially for one of the largest outbound markets in Asia.

Macau’s Venetian, for one, is a hit with most categories of the Indian outbound traveller, having priced its 70m2 rooms attractively. Galaxy Macau, on the other hand, does not offer the same bang for the buck even though its 45m2 rooms are priced marginally lower, observed travel consultants.

“The Indian traveller understands the equation of value for money very well and has his distinct preferences,” said Rajesh Sethi, managing director, Carnation Travel Services India. This does not necessarily mean they want it cheap, but they will carefully examine the cash cows that most resorts milk for profit.

Mitesh Dani, managing director, Parul Tours & Travels India, contended: “IRs should offer seasonal discount packages to coincide with the Indian outbound high season. Moreover, Oriental cuisine is predominant, but there is a lack of Indian food at reasonable prices.”

A holistic assessment is needed to get the offering and the price right, said Mamta Panjani, general manager, Mercury Travels India.

A tricky balance
At least one IR so far has been trying to broaden its appeal. RWM vice-president for marketing communications, Martin Paz, said its new Remington hotel had brought affordable budget rooms and serviced apartments onto the grounds, while casual dining outlets and fast-food brands had also opened. He enumerated other recent efforts to draw more travellers “regardess of niche markets”, such as the GameZoo, a 6D theatre experience for families, and free entertainment like The Edge of Glory, an acrobatic show.

However, CTC Travel Singapore’s Seah felt that MBS and RWS had already hit the mark in terms of positioning.

“RWS has a good mix of family-oriented attractions and restaurants that cater to people from all walks of life. MBS is visibly targeted at the wealthy, but some of its attractions and food and beverage options are still accessible to the mid-market segment,” she said.

Uniglobal Singapore managing director, Victor Yam, went further to argue that the IRs should never cater to the mass market. “Singapore is small, and if both resorts cater to a wider audience, our infrastructure might not be able to cope,” he explained.

What’s new

Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
Tree Top Lofts
The IR’s latest addition to its accommodation portfolio, the unique 163m2 Angsana and Tembusu lofts offer nature-loving guests five-star luxury in verdant surroundings. Apart from close-up views of the flora and fauna in the immediate area, guests will also enjoy panoramic views of Mount Faber to the north and the forests of Sentosa to the south.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The Jersey Boys
Another smash hit musical is making its way to Singapore as the year draws to a close. Premiering on November 22 in Singapore for a 14-week season, The Jersey Boys tells the real-life story of how four poverty-stricken boys grew up to become Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, one of the greatest successes in pop music history, selling 175 million records worldwide.

MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach, Vietnam
The five-star property will open in 1Q2013, offering 541 guestrooms, a convention centre, 90 live table games, 500 electronic games and VIP facilities. There will also be ocean sports, movie houses, a library, retail areas and a Kids’ Corner & Teen Centre.

Solaire Resorts & Casino, Philippines
One of four IRs that make up the Entertainment City adjacent to the Manila Bay area, Solaire will be launched in 1Q2013.The billion-dollar complex will feature a 500-key hotel, a pillar-less ballroom for up to 1,600 people and 18,500m2 of gaming space, including a 5,000m2 VIP salon.

Resorts World Manila, Philippines
The King and I
The fresh take on a beloved musical stars Leo Tavarro Valdez and Monique Wilson, veterans of the musical theatre scene. Starting September 15, the production boasts innovative props and light, sound, video technology, with a wardrobe designed by local fashion icon Rajo Laurel and Aksana Sidarava from Belarus.

Sands Cotai Central, Macau
Macau’s newest IR debuted in April with 6,000 hotel rooms and suites and 111,000m2 of retail, entertainment and dining facilities, as well as meeting and convention space. It will be complete when the world’s largest Sheraton property is inaugurated this month. Already opened are hotels by Conrad and Holiday Inn.

This article was first published in TTG Asia, September 7, 2012 on page 9. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.

Additional reporting by Linda Haden, S Puvaneswary, Shekhar Niyogi, Prudence Lui, Rosa Ocampo & Hong Xu

Christmas comes early for a number of children in Malaysia whenever 800 members of the Malaysian English Language Teachers’ Association (MELTA) convene for their annual conference. Gifts of books and stationery, collected through MELTA’s Melt-A-Heart charity campaign, are channelled to schools and needy children.

The Melt-A-Heart campaign, a permanent feature in MELTA International Conference, donated RM2,500 (US$801) worth of books to four schools in Sarawak during its gathering in Kuching in June this year.

Gnanakumaran Subramaniam, president of MELTA, told TTGmice that the campaign was in line with the association’s goal of advancing the education of Malaysians. He said: “It represents our deep sense of commitment about raising the literacy level among children in Malaysia, especially those from disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

“We have never faced resistance to this programme. I believe this is because deep down most educators are generous and selfless people. Appealing to teachers is particularly easy when the cause is to help under-privileged children.”

MELTA is just one of the growing number of trade associations and companies that are paying greater attention to their communities and environment, and are leveraging on the collective power of their staff and event attendees to achieve corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives through specific activities as part of a business event.

The 21st International Council for Commercial Arbitration Congress, which took place in Singapore from June 10-13 with event support from Ace:Daytons Direct (International), also featured charity elements. The organisers engaged the Society for the Physically Disabled and Gift and Take (GAT) to produce conference notepads and batik folders for delegates. GAT markets creative products made by disadvantaged people, giving the community financial independence.

Within the MICE industry, attendees of the annual Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings and Corporate Travel World trade events in Bangkok have been called upon for the past eight years to donate toiletries, clothing, stationery and toys to selected children’s homes and orphanages through the Donate a shoebox of love initiative in support of the Carry For Kids organisation.

There are also business events that offer participants the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and physically contribute to the community. A group of CEOs from a global oil firm planted seagrass in the vicinity of Cambodia’s Koh Ouen and Koh Bong isles as part of their meeting programme in Song Saa Private Island resort.

Pacific World regional director, Manuel Ferrer, has observed an evolution in the way corporate clients adopt CSR programmes. He said: “While the number of MICE groups adopting green CSR measures – holding green meetings, ensuring that chosen venues are sustainable and so on – has risen steadily over the past few years, the adoption of community-led CSR programmes – those that involve helping the less fortunate communities – has been fluctuating.

“Before the 2008 financial crisis, community-led CSR programmes were very hot. It was trendy to do something for the community, whether or not the participants truly cared. The trend tapered off when the crisis hit, which I think was mostly due to the fact that people started to stop and think more carefully about how and why they are spending on those programmes.

“The adoption of CSR programmes by corporate clients has started to make a comeback, as people begin to make community work part of their lives.”
“The adoption of CSR programmes by corporate clients has started to make a comeback. It helps that well-known businessmen such
as Bill Gates are propagating the use of own fortunes for philanthropy.”

Manuel Ferrer
Regional manager
Pacific World

For off-site CSR programmes as part of a bigger business event, event specialists said corporate clients tended to favour community-led activities.

Kuala Lumpur-based Leisure & Incentive Tours has been organising corporate visits to orphanages and facilities for the disabled around Klang Valley. The company’s director of sales and marketing, Wan Munirah Wan Puteh, said: “CSR programmes that help the needy and the disabled are appealing because well-to-do (delegates) want to feel good about helping those in need.”

Borneo Trails in Kota Kinabalu has also been working with charity and welfare organisations in Sabah, Malaysia to develop CSR programmes for its corporate clients. Past programmes included a sponsorship of a four-wheel drive vehicle for a school, donation of furniture and food to private organisations for disabled people, and painting an orphanage.

Exotissimo Vietnam has organised half-day CSR programmes that fit well into a corporate event as well as full-day activities. General manager George Ehrlich-Adam, found that full-day CSR programmes were generally better received by his clients. “(Full-day CSR programmes) offer a more complete experience, as there is adequate time and budget. These programmes are not standardised, and are created specifically for a client. Activities could be held in Ha Long, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang – wherever the group visits,” he said, adding that clients favour activities that involve everybody in the group.

However, not all corporate clients have the luxury of time when it comes to CSR programmes, say event specialists.

“CSR programmes that take up not more than half a day are the most sought after. It is usually slotted in the middle of a meeting. It would be disastrous to have the activity at the end of the meeting, as delegates would have lost their focus by then and would want to go home,” said Wan Munirah Wan Puteh. “Our challenge is to develop a programme that is attractive enough so that delegates will not wish to skip it. It must also not take up too much time or involve a lot of hard (work) on their part.”

Ferrer said: “What keeps corporate groups from including CSR programmes as part of their meetings or conference is the delegates’ lack of time. Therefore, successful CSR programmes must be simple and appealing. There are some wonderful CSR activities in the market, but they are too complex for delegates to understand and take up too many days. Most delegates want to comprehend and do it right away.

“I think Banyan Tree’s (Hotels & Resorts) involvement of hotel guests in their in-house CSR programme is effective. Hotel guests will be asked to make a donation towards the hotel group’s turtle conservation project, and if he/she agrees, a small amount will be added to the daily room rate.”

Ferrer was referring to Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ Green Imperative Fund, which invites every guest to be a supporting partner through a small contribution of US$2 per room per night (or US$1 at Angsana properties), under an opt-out arrangement. Banyan Tree then matches the guest contributions dollar for dollar. The fund, audited by Ernst and Young, can only be utilised for projects that benefit the community or environment.

While Borneo Trails director, K L Tan, said there was a tendency for companies to drop CSR programmes in times of financial difficulty, Exotissimo Vietnam’s Ehrlich-Adam observed otherwise in the current economic slowdown. He said: “We are seeing more companies asking for CSR recommendations now.”

Extend a helping hand

Opportunities for business event organisers and delegates to contribute to their community and environment are aplenty. Here are a few ideas to get you started

From left: RiverKids Project in Phnom Penh;  Giving Back Project by Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta; Rag to Riches by Team Building Asia

Cambodia
RiverKids Project

How it is done: Donations and assistance are garnered for Phnom Penh’s RiverKids Project through a series of fundraising initiatives by Singapore-based event specialist, M.I.C.E Matters. For instance, M.I.C.E Matters appeals for donations at its own Christmas parties and also encourages clients to visit the RiverKids Project as part of their tour programmes to lend a helping hand.

M.I.C.E Matters is now looking at designing a permanent tour programme to Cambodia that incorporates a visit to the Riverkids Project. Profits raised from the programme will be donated to the Riverkids Project. M.I.C.E Matters will provide all the raw materials and equipment needed to carry out the activities.

Why it is good: Participants can play a part in helping to kickstart change in poverty-stricken families and prevent the exploitation of children and their families through a series of educational, health, social and work programmes.

Contact: Melvyn Nonis, director, M.I.C.E Matters, (65) 6323-3004

Le Lotus Blanc

How it is done: Located in Phnom Penh, Le Lotus Blanc serves Western and Khmer cuisine while imparting service skills to children who once scoured garbage dumps for a living. This restaurant and vocational training school is run by Pour un Sourire d’Enfant, which means ‘for the smile of a child’ in French.
Why it is good: Lessons learned by the children will be useful when they grow up and join the work force. Dinner events at Le Lotus Blanc will play a part in training the children.

Contact: Pour un Sourire d’Enfant, (855-17) 602-251 or communication@site-pse.org; or Exotissimo Travel Cambodia, go.cambodia@exotissimo.com for tailored programmes that include a visit to Le Lotus Blanc

Singapore
Melrose Home, Singapore

How it is done: Through InterContinental Singapore’s Insider Community programme, attendees of meetings held at the hotel are invited to join Melrose Home’s team of volunteers to help organise recreational activities for the children, and to spend some quality time with them.

Melrose Home is run by The Children’s Aid Society, providing protection and care for children aged four to 18 years old, whose parents and guardians are unable to care for them within a residential setting.

Why it is good: Besides interacting with the children, participants can provide assistance and support to disadvantaged children from broken homes.

Contact: Rachel Hee, marketing communications & PR manager, InterContinental Singapore, rachel.hee@ihg.com

Indonesia
Giving Back Project

How it is done: The Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta in Indonesia, a hotel managed by Santika Indonesia, offers a one-day activity that takes participants into a village where local women run small businesses for survival. Participants are asked to guide these women on ways to run their businesses more effectively, for instance, by teaching simple accounting skills and offering tips on product packaging.

Why it is good: Participants can share their own business experiences in the cities with small local business owners, while learning about life in the villages.

Contact: Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, (62-274) 488-488

Website: www.royalambarrukmo.com

Meeting with Meaning

How it is done: Organised by Conrad Bali, guests are brought to remote artisan villages in Bali, where they will see master craftsmen at work, and try their hands at wood carving, silver or pottery making and batik weaving.

Why it is good: Opening participants’ eyes to the world of the ancient crafts is a way of sustaining traditional art and culture. Immediate benefits to the artisan community will come from the participation fees paid by visiting corporate groups, and from purchases of art pieces participants make at the village.

Contact: Conrad Bali, (62-361) 778-788

Website: www.conradbali.com

Australia
Endeavour Foundation

How it is done: Cairns Convention Centre in Australia offers conference organisers the option of having their satchels packed by the Endeavour Foundation, which provides opportunities for people with a disability to participate in the everyday life of the community. The convention centre itself engages the Endeavour Foundation in preparing newsletters for mailing.

Why it is good: This programme provides employment for people with a disability.

Contact: Cairns Convention Centre, (61-7) 4042-4200

Website: www.cairnsconvention.com.au

Support the indigenous people

How it is done: Conference organisers have the option of purchasing delegate satchels and gifts that are artistically designed and made by local indigenous communities for their clients and speakers.

Why it is good: These purchases provide much-needed income to the indigenous communities, and recipients of these products will have in their hands a unique keepsake from the conference.

Contact: Cairns Convention Centre, (61-7) 4042-4200

Website: www.cairnsconvention.com.au

Asia-Pacific
Habitat for Humanity International

How it is done: Habitat for Humanity invites local and multinational businesses to address the challenges of poverty housing in Asia-Pacific. Corporates can partner with Habitat for Humanity in five ways: by providing funds to build homes for families in need; by involving employees in the constructing homes; by donating construction products and services that will lower the costs of building homes; by having corporate executives and professionals lend leadership skills to Habitat for Humanity; and by seconding professionals such as architects, engineers, accountants and public relations executives to help Habitat for Humanity adopt cost-efficient best practices, which will enable more homes to be built faster, cheaper and better.

The organisation has corporate relationships with many companies such as Boeing, Caltex and General Motors.

Why it is good: The programme provides corporates a tangible opportunity to give back to communities and strengthen public relations, among other benefits. Participants will also bond when building houses together.

Contact: Habitat for Humanity, ap_info@habitat.org

Hong Kong
Tung Chung Green Organic Farm

How it is done: The Tung Chung Green Organic Farm is a social enterprise serving the Tung Chung Community and provides employment opportunities for those with difficulties in finding jobs, as well as for unemployed Tung Chung residents. The two-hour farm visit will allow participants to experience organic farming, produce their own herbal green tea, as well as harvest and purchase fresh organic vegetables. The programme costs HK$60 (US$7.70) per person, and can take groups with 15 to 30 pax.

Why it is good: Visits to the farm will help to sustain its cause.

Contact: Tung Chung Green Organic Farm, (852) 3480-7883

Website: www.tc.ymcahk.org.hk/organic_farm/en/index.html

Rags to Riches

How it is done: After the client identifies a charity that will benefit from this activity, Team Building Asia will organise the collection of clothing and other recyclable items from participants. At the session, teams will take part in a challenge to recreate a giant version of their logo in pre-determined marked-out areas using all the donated items. The end product makes for a great photo opportunity as everyone celebrates their collective creativity. All the items will be delivered to the chosen charity at the end of the day.

Why it is good: This activity encourages participants to give back to the community while simultaneously recycling unwanted items.

Contact: Team Building Asia, hongkong@teambuildingasia.com

This article was first published in TTG Mice, September 2012 on page 10. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.

Additional reporting from S Puvaneswary, Mimi Hudoyo, Linda Haden and Liang Xinyi

A stand-up comedy by Indians, a dinner in the dark and a Moroccan bar with tabla performances, TTG Asia reporters shine the spotlight on new-to-town F&B and entertainment options that will keep Indian travellers buzzing long after sundown

Clockwise from left: Kasbah The Fort; food from Lucky 13; VIEW62 by Paco Roncero; AMMO; Sunba Retro Bar

Singapore by Liang Xinyi

Lucky 13
Opened in October 2011

Where #01-02 TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road

Hours of operation 17.00-00.00 (Monday-Thursday); 17.00-02.00 (Friday-Saturday)


What’s special A Miami-style club featuring Cuban and Latin cuisine. Popular among Indian expats, this restaurant-club will appeal to Indians’ love of drinks, food, music and partying. Its location in the heart of Orchard Road makes it convenient for Indian travellers to wrap up a day of shopping with drinks – happy hours run till 22.00 daily. The club boasts various sections, from the more intimate Viper Lounge to the L-shaped bar and al fresco deck.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Private bookings of the Viper Lounge can be made with a minimum of 25 people and S$2,000 spending (US$1,606), while a custom menu – which can offer free flow of drinks and food – is possible. The club’s operators are willing to discuss packages for bigger groups.

Fight Comic
Opened in May 2012

Where BluJaz Café, 11 Bali Lane

Hours of operation Every Thursday, from 20.00

What’s special This weekly event offers a view of Singapore’s nascent stand-up comedy scene, which has grown phenomenally in the last two years. Homegrown talents poke fun at Indian culture, making this ideal for good-humoured guests who love a fun banter. Fight Club’s headlining acts include the country’s only Indian female stand-up, Sharul Channa. Foreign comedians also perform occasionally; for example, Sanjay Manaktala from Mumbai.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Prior to the show, guests are encouraged to fill out an audience card to pose questions to ‘Uncle Agony’ as well as to suggest topics – the comedians never shy away from any issue requested, according to the organisers. 
There is no vegetarian menu, but menu customisations such as buffets and free flow of drinks can be arranged for groups of more than 25 people. Cover charge is currently S$10 (US$8) per pax, with no additional discounts for groups.  Alternatively, if guests are keen to watch Fight Comic at other locations or on other days, a minimum of 50 pax is required.

Thailand by Timothy France

Calypso Cabaret Theatre
Opening in September 2012

Where Asiatique, The Riverfront, 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok

Hours of operation 20.15 and 21.45 (show times)

What’s special For the last 24 years, Thailand’s ‘lady boys’ have been dazzling audiences at the Asia Hotel, but come September, its new riverside venue will boast an increased capacity, from 350 to 500 seats, as well as a Thai restaurant on the premises. Regulars to the show can expect an expanded troupe of cabaret dancers, as well as new and improved acts. The theatre also offers immediate access to the Asiatique retail and lifestyle complex, which has late-night shopping and dining, with its 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests The show attracts a growing number of FIT travellers from India but few group bookings, said Nipon Boonmasuwaran, manager of Calypso Cabaret Theatre. Ticket prices are set at 1,200 baht per person (US$38), although discounts are available for advanced and prepaid bookings. Group deals are available on a case-by-case basis, as are private performances.

DID – Dine in the Dark
Where 2nd floor, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, 187 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok

Opened in June 2012

Hours of operation Seatings at 18.30-20.30 and 20.30-23.00 (daily)

What’s special After a day’s sightseeing in the Thai capital, Indian tourists may wish to engage in a sightless dining experience, a phenomenon that originated in Europe and has now arrived in Bangkok. DID is a culinary concept designed to amplify your senses, thus offering a truly unique experience. Guests are welcomed by a hostess before they are guided to their seat by visually-impaired waiting staff. The restaurant donates 10 per cent of earnings to support programmes for the blind.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Three set menus are offered with a choice of Thai, Western or vegetarian food starting from 750++ baht (US$24) per person, and wines starting from 200 baht per glass. Diners are not immediately told what is in the three-course menu, as discovery is part of the pleasure. The standard vegetarian menu does contain eggs and dairy products, but vegans can also be accommodated.

The existing restaurant has 60 seats, and group bookings are accepted and prices are negotiable. Themed events happen regularly, and special arrangements can be made for private group bookings, such as an Indian menu prepared by an in-house chef, multiple courses and alternative entertainment.

Hong Kong by Prudence Lui

AMMO
Opened in May 2012

Where Lower Level, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty

Hours of operation 11.30-00.00 (Sunday to Thursday); 11.30-01.00 (Friday, Saturday and eve of public holiday)

What’s special Dining at AMMO is dining in heritage and history. A former explosives magazine compound created by the British army in the mid-19th century, the site underwent a conversion and is now the Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Its interiors evoke a cinematic experience with spiral staircases as chandeliers and a copper-crafted mural. The surreal and modern space makes it a surprise within bustling Hong Kong.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests AMMO draws from the best of East and West, its menu comprising Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Signature starters include the Slow Cooked Egg with Toro, and its homemade pasta dishes include the Gnocchi with Braised Angus Oxtail, Sorrento Lemon Zest and Cocoa Powder. Vegetarian alternatives can be prepared upon request. A tailormade set menu for private events costs an average of HK$500 (US$64) per person for lunch and HK$800 per person for dinner, plus 10 per cent.

AMMO can organise a guided tour around the historic sites for groups before or after their meal. At the Joseph Lau Roof Garden, guests can take in the sights of the stunning Admiralty skyline as they pass through the Yasumoto Bridge to the Heritage Compound, where three Grade 1 historic buildings are located.

At additional cost, guests will also be able to visit the Asia Society Gallery. From September 25 to January 6, on display are 150 exclusive pieces of Indian jewellery dating from the 17th-19th centuries as part of the exhibition, When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection.

VIEW62 by Paco Roncero
Opened in June 2012

Where 62nd floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai

Hours of operation 11.30-02.00 (daily for lunch, tea, dinner and lounge)

What’s special Paco Roncero, one of Spain’s most influential chefs, has brought nouvelle cuisine to Hong Kong’s only revolving restaurant, which boasts unrivalled views from Victoria Harbour to The Peak. The two-Michelin-star chef is famous for his innovative culinary techniques, and guests can expect avant-garde dishes with unforgettable textures and flavours.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Groups can book the entire dining area or lounge for private events, but there are minimum charges for lunch and dinner. Prices range from HK$80,000 (US$10,317) to HK$220,000. – Prudence Lui

The Philippines by Marianne Carandang

Seventh High
Opened in November 2011

Where 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours of operation Lounge (18.30-02.00); Club and Club Room (22.00-04.00)

What’s special This popular multi-level supper club in posh Bonifacio High Street is an intimate alternative to others like Prive, also in the same area, and the huge Republiq Club at Resorts World Manila, located near the airport.

The third-floor Lounge offers full dining service and drinks and can accommodate up to 100-120 people; the second-floor Club Room, a VIP area, 80-100 people; and the main Club, 500 people. The Club plays pop, R&B and mash-up dance mixes, while The Lounge has its own nightly live bands and the music ranges from ‘60s hits to jazz.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests All areas can be reserved by private groups. Previously customised events include an Indian bridal shower at the Lounge, which served 200 come-and-go guests vegetarian food. Exclusive events can be booked for about four hours and 100 people at 1,000 pesos (US$24) per pax, or a smaller group size at negotiable rates. Live acts can also be brought in.

Kasbah The Fort
Opened in May 2012

Where The Fort Strip, 7th Ave cor Katipunan Circle Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours of operation 12.00-00.00 (daily)

What’s special The two-level restaurant is an offshoot of Kasbah Bar in Boracay, known for its Moroccan food and sunset live music performances that run late into the night. In fact, it opened in Manila due to popular demand from Boracay visitors. To date, it is the only venue to offer Moroccan food in Moroccan-styled decor.

DJs spin on Tuesday nights, while on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays, live music performances by local music legends are rotated. Performances at Kasbah often take on a world music feel.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Both the Manila and Boracay outlets bring in special performances by the Sing India band, which features the music and voices of CJ Wasu and Punnu Wasu. Punnu, trained in Hindustani classic music, plays the mandolin and the harmonium. His brother, CJ, plays the tabla, the harmonium, the dhol and the dholak. Belly dancers are sometimes brought in too.

Food-wise, there are many dishes suitable for Indian diners. The second floor can be blocked off for private groups and parties of about 40 people. Set dinners are available for events that can last up to around four hours.

Malaysia by S Puvaneswary

Sunmall stretch in Pantai Tengah, Langkawi
Opened in January 2012

Hours of operation Sunba Retro Bar (19.00-0.200); Sunsutra (18.00-00.00); Sunkarma (18.00-00.00); Sun Café (12.00-00.00)

What’s special Owned by Langkawi’s Sun Group, the row of entertainment and F&B outlets provides a good spread of night options. Dressed up in kampung (village)-style, Sunba Retro Bar has an in-house band, while just next door is Sunsutra, a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine. Guests can order food from Sunsutra and asked to be served in Sunba Retro Bar. Sunkarma is a chill-out lounge and Sun Café is a more casual eatery compared to Sunsutra.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Sunba Retro Bar’s live band can play songs in Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil. Sunsutra also has a vegetarian menu and on request, it can prepare special Indian dishes.

All the venues can accommodate private functions, and they are willing to work with tour operators to cater to the special needs of clients.

Nawab Authentic Moghul Restaurant
Opened in September 2011

Where No. 2 Chulan Square, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur

Hours of operation 11.30 to 23.30 (daily)

What’s special Chefs are very experienced in Indian cuisine and come from India. Non-vegetarian tandoor items are signature dishes.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests The restaurant guarantees its dishes are similar to Moghul and North Indian cuisine found in India. Special rates can be offered for groups, and tour operators must book in advance for private functions. On request, the restaurant can arrange for live music by ghazal (lyric poem) singers and the closing time can be extended until 02.00. – S Puvaneswary

This article was first published in TTG India, August/September, 2012 on page 10. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.