Far East

INDONESIA

Bali | Lombok | Bintan

The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos" which means islands. It is an appropriate description of the archipelago as there are estimated to be a total of 17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian and Asian continental mainlands and dividing the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator.

Five main islands and 30 smaller archipelagoes are home to the majority of the population. The main islands are Sumatra (473,6O6 sq.km), Kalimantan 1539,400 sq.km), Sulawesi l 189,216 sq. km), Irian Jaya (421,981 sq. km), and last but not leastJava (132,187 sq.km), home to 70 percent of the country's population. Indonesia shares Irian Jaya with Papua New Guinea and two thirds of the island of Kalimantan with Malaysia and Borneo.

The islands and people of Indonesia constitute the fourth most populated nation in the world. As a democratic republic, Indonesia is divided into 27 provinces and special territories and classified geographically into four groups. First are the Greater Sundas, made up of the larger islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
Second are the Lesser Sundas, consisting of smaller islands from Bali eastward to Timor. Third is Maluku which includes all the islands between Irian Jaya and Sulawesi. The fourth and final group is lrian Jaya in the extreme eastern part of the country.

Bali

A friendly and remarkably artistic people, living amid breathtaking panoramas, have created dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies and ceremonies, making Bali an island almost unreal in today's hectic and changing world. Terrace rice fields dominate the landscape, with rivers and small irrigation streams dissecting a luscious green landscape, filling the air with enchanting sounds of running water.  Bali is divided by a string of impressive and authoritative volcanoes running almost through the center of the island. Mountains and particularly volcanoes are believed to be the home of the gods. Shrouded in mystery and magic, they stretch skyward in majestic splendor. Bali's main volcano is the still active and sometimes explosive. Gunung Agung, which is considered, sacred among local people as it is believed to be the center of the universe. Not just a view visitors leave with the same believe.

The Balinese have been more exposed to international tourists and generally speak more English than people in other parts of the Indonesian archipelago. They have managed to preserve their culture despite overwhelming foreign influences brought to the region by an ever increasing number of tourist. Bali's international airport, Ngurah Rai, is in the south of the island and is served by numerous international airlines and charters. In order to keep up with the growing number of visitors and the need for their comfort, more hotel have been built, ranging from small bungalows types for budget travellers to the luxurious Nusa Dua tourist resort area, near the air port, on the southern tip of the island. Water sports have naturally gained in popularity and Bali offers superb surfing, windsurfing, sailing,scuba diving and white water rafting.

Bali Hyatt - 4 Star

Location:

With its distinctive architecture and lush tropical gardens abounding with exotic foliage and secluded lily ponds, Bali Hyatt is well loved for its timeless appeal, blending into the serene village life of Sanur.  Set on the beautiful, gleaming white sands of Sanur beach, the Bali Hyatt hotel faces a tranquil lagoon, fringed as far as the eye can see by a coral reef and set amongst 36 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, with more than 600 different species of flora and fauna. 

Accommodation:

All 389 traditional Balinese-styled guest rooms and suites overlook the most peaceful views in Bali - lush tropical gardens and the magnificent Bali sea. Decorated with intricate batik and ikat fabrics in a rich palette of colours, every room sits within a tranquil courtyard and features a private balcony.  Each room has satellite TV, minibar, hairdryer and private

safe.  Regency Club rooms have added amenities including continental breakfast and evening cocktails. 

Facilities:

• Balinese Village style Spa
• Two Swimming pools
• Jacuzzi
• Tennis courts
• Badminton
• Volleyball
• Watersports

Dining:

• Wantilan Cafe (Indonesian)
• Pizza Ria (beachfront)
• Cupak Bistro

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel - 5 Star

Location:

The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is situated in the Nusa Dua resort area on the southern peninsula of Bali. The hotel is just minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport and within easy traveling distance of the island's major tourist attractions. 

Accommodation:

The 380 guest rooms and suites combine opulent wood finishes and hand woven fabrics. All rooms have a balcony, satellite TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, and an in-room safe.  The 81 Deluxe rooms are bigger than the 179 Superior rooms and are more richly furnished.  The 56 palace rooms are larger still, have enhanced amenities and guests

have access to a private lounge for breakfast and other benefits. There are also Family rooms for 3 or 4 people. 

Facilities:

• Nusa Dua Spa
• Three swimming pools
• Tennis courts
• Fitness centre

Dining:

• Rajas (Balinese)
• Maguro (Contemporary Japanese)
• Sandro's Pizzeria
• Chess Restaurant (seafood specialties)
• Wedang Jahe (International cusine)

The Ritz Carlton - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

Dramatically perched on a bluff overlooking the azure Indian Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa embraces the mystique of Bali, its bewitching natural beauty and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people. This Resort invites total relaxation and self-indulgence; and is only minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport, many of Bali's cultural sites, dances and temples.

Accommodation:

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa has 243 guest rooms and suites; 47 rooms and suites in The Ritz-Carlton Club(r) Level; and 48 villas. All guest rooms and suites are decorated with Balinese-crafted furnishings with private balconies and garden or ocean views. The Club Level features a handsomely furnished lounge, five daily food and beverage presentations, and a professional concierge. Luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas offer total seclusion, panoramic Indian Ocean views, air-conditioned indoor living rooms, open-air lounge areas, plunge pool and personalized butler service.

Facilities:

• Secluded private beach
• Two-tiered outdoor fresh water pool with infinity edge
• Children's swimming pool
• Waterfall at pool's edge masking salt-water aquarium
• 18 hole golf putting course
• Three tennis courts
• 1.5km jogging path
• Mountain biking
• Spa complex
• Cultural programme

Dining:

• Padi (Spice Islands menu)
• Sami-Sami (Mediterranean cusine)
• Damar Terrace (Open air bar)
• Kisik Bar & Grill (seafood)
• Langit Theatre (Open-air buffet dining with Balinese dance perforamances) 
• Kubu (beach huts, light meals)
• Honzen (Japanese restaurant)

Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran Bay - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

Terraced through hillside gardens to Jimbaran Bay, an exclusive, exotic retreat immersed in the mystique of this gentle, spiritual land. Balinese sleeping, dining and bathing pavilions surround a courtyard and plunge pool in every villa. The resort is sixteen miles from the International airport.

Accommodation:

Exotic, luxurious and inspiring, 147 free-standing thatched-roof villas provide a tropical paradise overlooking Jimbaran Bay. Nine spacious estate homes provide access to the beach and offer the utmost privacy.  Each "guest room" is a free-standing, thatched-roof villa nestled into the hillside overlooking Jimbaran Bay. One-Bedroom Villas offer over 200 square metres (2,152 square feet) of indoor and outdoor space, privately contained within a walled tropical garden.  Each villa includes an air-conditioned bedroom and bathroom and open-air living quarters.

The garden courtyard and sundeck contain a private plunge pool with infinity views of Jimbaran Bay. Luxurious bathroom includes an oversized soaking tub separate from the shower and an outdoor, garden shower.

Facilities:

• Indonesian Spa Centre
• Infinity Pool
• Fitness centre
• Tennis courts

Dining:

• Taman Wantilan (Indonesian specialties - views over Jimbarab Bay)
• Warung Mie (Asian Noodle dishes)
• PJ's (International with an emphasis on seafood)
• Pool Terrace Cafe
• Terrace Bar & Lounge

The Elysian - Luxury Boutique Villas

Location:

Situated in Bali's most fashionable neighbourhood of Seminyak, this complex of twenty six provate pool villas rovides contemporary accommodation with full hotel and resort facilities. The villas are close to the beaches, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

Accommodation:

The resort hotel features 26 Villas each within its own private garden with 8 x 3 metre pool, sundeck, double bedroom & living space.

Sleep on the finest King Koil mattresses and soft cotton sheets, soak or shower in an oversized sunken tub, laze on a day bed,  enjoy private dining in the lounge or sunbathe and swim all in the comfort of your own holiday villa in Bali.

Each villa also features every modern comfort, including: broadband internet connection, 40 channel cable television, DVD/VCD/CD player, Preloaded Ipod Nano on request & Bose sound dock, IDD telephone, pantry mini bar, safe, and can be enjoyed open and fan cooled or enclosed and air conditioned.

The property is a member of the Design Hotels Group, and offers a high standard of design innovation and comfort.

Facilities:

• The Elysian Spa
• Outdoor pool
• Balinese massage treatments
• Body treatments
• Yoga
• Library

Dining:

• Rush-Bamboo Poolside Cafe
• 24 Hour in-villa dining

The Legian - 5 Star

Location:

On the island of Bali, the luxurious, all-suite Legian is set in lush tropical gardens in front of Seminyak Beach, and offers extraordinary views of the Indian Ocean. Each suite is adorned with rich woods and marble, and features contemporary amenities that redefine resort living. The Club at The Legian, with its private-pool villas, is the pinnacle of luxury.

Accommodation:

The hotel consists of 67 suites and 11 pool villas. Each suite is individually furnished, offering comfortable living rooms, dining areas and spacious bedrooms in a tasteful mix of old and new. Rich woods and cool marble soothe the senses, while spacious balconies provide sweeping views of land and ocean.

Facilities:

• Spa
• Body treatments
• Two tier Swimming pool
• 35 Metre lap pool
• Gym
• Sauna
• Yoga
• Tennis nearby
• Golf nearby
• Beaches
• Business facilities
• Banquets
• Boutiques
• Laundry/dry cleaning service

Dining:

• The Restaurant (European cuisine with Asian influence)
• Pool Bar
• The Lobby Lounge
• 24 Hour room service 

Amankila - 5 Star

Location:

Set on a cliff top, Amankila (peaceful hill), overlooks the Lombok Strait on Bali's east coast. This remote yet accessible resort is a gateway to "old Bali", where you can discover her temples, villages and water palaces or trek through forests and rice fields, or just relax in a private "bale" at the Beach Club.

Travelling time from the airport is one hour, and well worth the trip to experience this magnificent location. Below the resort is its private stretch of sand and beach club. From the intimate, airy lobby, the views are already very much in evidence. The resort is close to Manggis, Candi Dasa, Tenganan and other villages in Karangasem, Bali’s most traditional regency.

Accommodation:

Amankila’s suites are elevated to take advantage of the spectacular views to the sea and surrounding hillsides. The 34 free-standing suites, with their alang alang roof thatching, are fashioned as beach houses with a twist. They reflect the lines and flow of their East Bali surroundings, in particular the royal water palace just outside Amlapura, the district capital. Suites are connected to the reception and restaurant area by stepped walkways. Wireless broadband connections are now available in all resort accommodations and public areas.

Facilities:

• Beach Club pool
• The Beach Club
• Snorkelling
• Windsurfing
• Hobie-cats
• Kayaks
• Three-tier pool
• Lounging Bales
• Library
• Gallery & shop
• Massage & beauty treatments
• Wireless broadband in public areas

Dining:

• The Restaurant
• The Terrace (Asian & Western cuisine)
• The Beach Club (salads, Brunch, afternoon tea)
• 24 Hour private dining
  

Amandari - 5 Star

Location:

Amandari (peaceful spirits) opened in 1989 in the verdant hills of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. Perched on an escarpment high above the picturesque Ayung River gorge in the village of Kedewatan, it was designed after a Balinese village with river stone walkways, shrines, gardens and high paras-stone walls. Balinese-style gateways front each of 30 suites and a separate villa, with the open-air lobby resembling a "wantilan" or village meeting place.

The pathway that runs through Amandari and down the valley to the river below is sacred land. Every six months for hundreds of years, Balinese have taken the path down to a pool of holy water. Just above this spring-fed pool sit three modest shrines and an ancient tiger carved into rock.

Accommodation:

Balinese-style stone gateways front Amandari's 30 walled, thatched-roof suites, each with a private garden courtyard. There is one premium villa as well. Wireless broadband connections are now available in all resort accommodations and public areas.

There are six types of accommodation, ranging from Village Suites which feature either a large combined bedroom and living room or a ground floor living room with a separate queen-sized bedroom on a mezzanine level. Each suite offers twin vanities and dressing areas with separate shower and toilet rooms all with Javanese marble flooring, a bar, music system and an outdoor sunken marble bath. The other types of Villas and Suites offer varying degrees of extra space, facilities and luxury.

Facilities:

• Cliff edge pool
• Spa
• Open-air massage bales
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Body treatments
• Gym
• Tennis (floodlit)
• Library
• Gift shop & gallery
• Wireless broadband

Dining:

• Restaurant (Western & Indonesian dishes)
• The Bar
• In-room dining 

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Lombok

Lombok is noticeably different to its close neighbour, Bali. The northern part of the island is mountainous and lush with tall trees and shrubs. The south, on the other hand is arid and covered by savannas.  Large Asian mammals are absent and replaced instead by large numbers of marsupials, lizards, cockatoos and parrots.  The difference becomes more pronounced as one moves further east where dry seasons are more prolonged and the land is dry and bush-like, and so in many areas corn and sago are the staple food, instead of rice.

At around the time Islam first came to these islands in the 16th century, four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace in what is now West Nusa Tenggara and is still the religion embraced by those in the west of Lombok, who are primarily Balinese. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences in the past, but has still retained a unique identity.

The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition as do the people of neighouring Sumbawa. Soft, white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok, where the motto is " You can see Bali in Lombok, but not Lombok in Bali". Famous for its ikat handwoven textiles, the island has exceptional charm and is relatively undiscovered, except for the town of Senggigi which becoming a major resort area.  Regular shuttle flights from Bali and Surabaya as well as ferries, provide excellent transportation links within the islands of the province as well as with the rest of the country. 

Senggigi Beach Hotel - 3 Star

Location:

Located on the beautiful beach of cape Senggigi, in a 12 hectars of lush tropical garden shaded by palm trees. Only 15 minutes easy drive from Lombok's Selaparang airport and the capital city, Mataram. 

Accommodation:

There are 150 air-conditioned rooms – 104 Garden rooms in attractive longhouse style two storey buildings and 42 Beach bungalows in duplex buildings closer to, but not right on the beach.  These are bigger manily have kingsized beds.  All have a balcony, satellite TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a personal safe. 

Facilities:

• Mandara Spa
• Tennis courts
• Watersports centre
• children's club

Dining:

• Rinjani (Local & Intnernational cuisine)
• Basilico (Italian Pavilion)

Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort - 5 Star

Location:

Located in a prime position on the Bay of Lombok's main beach, the Sheraton Senggigi exudes a tropical ambiance. The 154 guest rooms are arranged in low-rise wings designed to allow guests to take full advantage of the spectacular views of exotic gardens and sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Accommodation:

There are 154 rooms all with spacious balconies,satellite TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and in-room safe.  The 100 Deluxe rooms have parquet floor, stylish wicker furniture and lots of ethnic touches. The 43 Deluxe Terrace rooms are on the ground floor and have a large terrace with direct access to the gardens. 

Facilities:

• Large swimming pool with a sculptured water slide
• Attached children's pool
• Tennis courts
• Fitness centre
• Beachside massage pavilion
• Watersports

Dining:

• Poolside Pizzeria
• Lobby Lounge

Qunci Villas - Boutique Hotel

Location:

These carefully designed boutique villas are located on stunning Mangsit Beach just north of Senggigi on the island of Lombok, 22 miles east of Bali. Lombok's charm truly lies in its century-old, tranquil coastal areas with virgin white beaches and green mountains. The Villa complex is comprised of 20 units on a beautifully landscaped beachfront property peppered with swaying palms and lush tropical plants.

Accommodation:

Qunci Villas is a tasteful mixture of modern architecture combined with the architectural style of Lombok and Bali. The complex itself is specifically designed to take full advantage of stunning views across exotic gardens out across the sparkling blue waters of the Lombok Straits.

The rooms offer all the creature comforts that travellers have come to expect from Boutique Hotels while simultaneously blending in traditional material. The decor of the Villas feature cool and refreshing natural timbers, warm and inviting textiles, comfortable furnishings, and a dash of impressive local art, all of which provides guests with a peaceful and relaxing holiday in a local environment.

All of the Villas open out onto a spacious private wooden-deck veranda with a view of the ocean or the tropical gardens. Additionally, many rooms open out into their own private outdoor garden bathroom with showers that re-create the feel of a warm tropical rainfall

Facilities:

• Beach front swimming pool
• Library
• Guest laundry & dry cleaning
• Airport transfer and taxi service
• International telephone service
• Doctor on call 24 hours
• Private parking
• Currency exchange
• Non smoking rooms

Dining:

• Restaurant Bai Bar & Grill
• Bar
• Room service

The Oberoi Lombok - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

A senic 45-minute drive from Lombok's aiport on Medana Beach, on the nort east shore overlooking the Gili islands. 

Accommodation:

The property has 50 luxurious Pavilions and Villas, all single storey with a thatched roof, ethnic artefacts, a large shaded terrace, sunken bath and separate shower, satellite TV with video player, CD player, hairdryer and in-room safe. Villas have their own private walled garden, most with a private pool and all with high ceilings, a large luxurious bathroom and a four-poster bed.  

Facilities:

• Long swimming pool
• Spa
• Fitness centre
• Watersports centre
• Library

Dining:

• Sunbird Cafe (alfresco setting by the beach)
• Lumbung Restaurant (Asian & Continental cuisine)
• The Amphitheatre
• Tokek Bar

Bintan

That perfect beach getaway is never complete without a vast array of watersports, and that's just what Bintan Resorts has to offer. Thrill yourself with adrenalin pumping waterskiing, jetskiing,sailing, windsurfing, banana boating and boogie boarding action. Dive into the clear blue waters and be enthralled by the beauty of its underwater world. Snorkel around the rich and abundant marine life or simply plunge into the cool waters for a refreshing dip on a hit sunny day. Whenever your itinerary, Bintan Resorts promises to bring out the "Beach Bum" in you!

Banyan Tree Bintan - 5 Star

Location:

Nestled above a secluded bay in the north-western tip of Bintan island, Indonesia, Banyan Tree resort is the epitome of luxurious living, offering an exclusive villa lifestyle amidst the mystic charm of its natural surroundings. Just 45 minutes from Singapore by high-speed catamaran and a 10-minute drive to the resort, and the tropical scenery of Tanjong Said greets you. Beautiful bays dotted with coconut trees, the open sea, ancient forests, hills and mangroves make up the poetic setting that's so close to Singapore and yet a world apart.

Accommodation:

The Banyan Tree Bintan offers a choice of 72 villas with 17 Pool Villas and 55 Jacuzzi Villas.  Villas range from Spa Pool Villas, Bayfront Pool Villa, Seaview Pool Villa, Jacuzzi Villa on-the-rocks, seafront Jacuzzi Villa, Bayfront Jacuzzi Villa, Seaview Jacuzzi Villa and a Valley Jacuzzi Villa.  Each are luxuriously appointed and provide a private open-air jacuzzi, ensuite bathroom with sunken bathtub, outdoor dining area, colour TV with in-house movies and video player, air conditioning, tea/coffe making facilities and hairdryer.

Facilities:

• Banyan Tree Spa
• Body treatments
• Massages
• Rock edge swimming pool
• Beach pool
• Two tennis courts
• Snorkelling & fishing trips
• Caneoing
• Sailing
• Water-skiing
• Windsurfing
• Kids club
• 18 Hole Greg Norman designed golf course

Dining:

• Saffron (authentic Thai cuisine)
• The Cove (Mediterranean cuisine)
• Treetops
• In-villa dining

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