BALI, INDONESIA – Travellers booking Bali hotels in March may be present during the special day known as Tumpek Landep.

This event sees Bali’s Hindu population give thanks for metal tools, family heirlooms and sacred weapons such as the keris – a double-edged dagger with an undulating blade.

On the morning of Tumpek Landep, each metal item is carefully washed and polished, before being wrapped in pieces of cloth and blessed with offerings.

Holy water is then sprinkled on the tools and incense is burnt in a traditional ritual.

Nowadays, the holy day extends to modern items made from metal, including cars, motorcycles and other vehicles.

Computers and office machinery will also be blessed during the day, which pays tribute to Sanghyang Pasupati, the god of steel implements.

Taxi drivers and other car owners can be seen decorating their vehicles with woven palm fronds.

Other holy days of this kind that take place in Bali throughout the year include Tumpek Wayang – giving thanks for the gift of art – and Tumpek Kandang, which celebrates the gift of livestock.

The cruises depart from May to November and are seven to 15 days long.

To get the deal, cruises must be booked by April 30.

Among the eligible departures are the Seabourn Spirit’s Adriatic and Dalmatian voyages, the Seabourn Legend’s French and Italian Riviera cruises, and the Seabourn Odyssey’s sailings in the Greek Isles, Turkey and the Black Sea.

In June, the new Seabourn Sojourn will begin its maiden season in Northern Europe, cruising Scandinavia, Russia, Scotland and Norway.

In Asia, Seabourn Pride offers voyages visiting Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and China, including pre- and post-cruise extensions to Beijing on some departures.

All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at $3,550 per person, based on double occupancy of an ocean-view suite.

Giordano brings more than 20 years’ experience in luxury hotels and restaurants to his role, including Executive Chef positions at the St Regis Beijing, and Four Seasons Resorts in Chiang Mai and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The Italian native, who grew up in a small farming town of just 1500 people, said he jumped at the opportunity to work at AYANA, which has been honored with several industry awards following its rebranding last April under the management of West Paces Hotel Group. The most recent accolade was Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort at the World Travel Awards 2009 in London.

“I had heard many good things about the property and was excited to work with Horst Schulze and his team at West Paces,” Giordano said. “AYANA’s reputation is first-class as a luxury destination that provides a unique and memorable guest experience, and this is recognized by the many awards it has won. I feel privileged to be a part of this team.”

From the region of Emilia Romagna in northern Italy, renowned for its homemade fresh pasta, cured meats, asparagus, and seafood fresh from the Adriatic sea, Giordano’s career has seen him travel widely in south-east Asia. He said the opportunity to work in Bali was a bonus to joining AYANA’s team. “The Balinese are well-known for their hospitality and friendliness, and now I can understand why this is so often voted the World’s Number One island. It truly is a beautiful place with beautiful people.”

He arrived in Bali just before the busy Christmas and New Year period, and just as AYANA unveiled its latest renovation, of Damar Terrace restaurant, one of seven restaurants spread out around the 77-hectare property. Giordano said he has been amazed at the sheer quality and diversity of the culinary experiences at AYANA, which also include:

• Dava, an ultra-chic restaurant with stunning Indian Ocean views serving modern international cuisine by Chef William Gumport, and a la carte breakfast for villa guests.

• Kisik Bar and Grill, an ocean front, sand-floored restaurant carved into the Cliffside serving fresh seafood fresh from the boats and cooked to perfection over coconut husk barbecues.

• Rock Bar, a must-see for every visitor to Bali, perched 14 meters above the ocean on a rocky outcrop at the base of towering cliffs.

• Padi, also recently renovated and featuring Thai, Indian and Indonesian cuisine for dinner, and international buffet breakfast.

• Sami Sami, a cliffside restaurant serving Italian cuisine.

• Langit Theatre, an open-air, terraced theatre for dining under the stars while watching traditional Balinese dance performances.

• Spa Café, serving low calorie healthy spa cuisine.

• Pesta Lobster ‘Dinner on The Pier’, the resort’s famous candle-lit, four course lobster dinner for just two people, ‘cast away’ on the private pier extending out into the Indian Ocean.

“This is the type of resort that food and wine connoisseurs dream of,” said Giordano. “Travelers can come here and savor a different dining experience every night, and be completely wowed by the ambiance, cuisine and service, without ever leaving the property. From dinner for two on the private pier, to the urban-chic of Dava and Asian family-style dining at Padi, this is a true culinary journey!”

General Manager Charles de Foucault said Giordano’s strong background at high-end restaurants and luxury hotels would further enhance the dining experiences available at AYANA’s restaurants.

“Giordano possesses a wealth of experience and creativity, and we look forward to seeing the ‘Giordano touch’ take our culinary service to new heights.”

The fashion runway lights up in April when Singapore’s definitive fashion initiative Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) is launched as part of a joint effort by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, SPRING Singapore (SPRING), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the private sector. To be held annually, the AFX will help the industry to develop a strong base of local design talent, stimulate demand for local fashion brands locally and internationally, and position Singapore as a gateway to Asian designers and markets.

Last March, a consultancy study was commissioned by the three agencies to better understand the needs of the local fashion industry with the aim of bringing it to greater international heights. The four-month study covered major international and Asian fashion events, and involved fashion professionals from Singapore and London in mapping out industry gaps and identifying opportunities for Singapore to evolve as a sustainable design-led fashion industry.

The AFX is designed to address some of these industry needs and will comprise both business-to-business and business-to-consumer components, as well as talent development programmes to identify promising local and regional talent. With Asia’s potential as a viable market for the fashion industry and growing pool of talent, AFX aims to be a premier fashion event for the region.

“International fashion professionals see strong opportunities in Asia. Singapore, with its strategic location, is ideal as a fashion exchange hub and springboard to the region. With our strong MICE infrastructure, Singapore offers a unique setting where the leaders of the fashion business can congregate for an exchange of ideas and products.” said Mr Andrew Phua, Director of Tourism Shopping and Dining, at the Singapore Tourism Board who elaborated that the buzz surrounding AFX is expected to attract both business and leisure visitors to Singapore. “We recognise that as a new brand, the AFX will take time to grow and root itself in the minds of fashion professionals.

The New York and Milan Fashion Weeks took years to develop their strongholds of the industry and we hope that the AFX will quickly step up to fill a current gap in the industry and become a fashion exchange hub of the region. As it does so, the AFX will not only provide a boost to the industry, but also unite the various elements of the industry to bring the local fashion industry one step closer to the international playing field.”

For its launch in 2010, AFX will showcase events such as Blueprint, Asia Fashion Summit, Audi Fashion Festival, and a fashion design competition to identify promising local and regional talent. Further details of these individual events will be unveiled over the coming months.

Blueprint – A Business to Business Networking and Trade Platform for International Fashion Industry

Blueprint is a business-to-business fashion tradeshow targeting regional and international fashion professionals and the first of its kind bringing together the best of Asian designers and international buyers. Blueprint is organised by Mercury Marketing and Communications and supported by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf). It will run from 29 April to 1 May at the Pit Building.

Some 50 exhibitors and 1,000 buyers and visitors from regional and long-haul markets such as Europe and the United States, are expected to attend the trade show which will showcase

evening and formal wear, contemporary and ready-to-wear collections as well as mid- to high-end jewellery and accessories.

On 1 May, the event will open to the public as Blueprint Emporium. This ticketed event will offer consumers a rare chance to sample the offerings of cutting-edge brands, many of which are not available commercially in Singapore. It will also allow exhibitors to test their brands on the Singapore market. Blueprint Emporium is looking to attract some 3,000 visitors.

“The anchoring of a fashion trade show in Singapore in conjunction with other fashion events under AFX represents a collective approach to develop the local fashion industry.

Through the Blueprint platform, leading designers from Singapore and Asia are able to congregate in one place to showcase their latest collections, exchange ideas and break new grounds to cater to the needs of the international market”, said Mr Tan Soon Kim, Deputy Director, Lifestyle Division of IE Singapore. “This show differentiates itself by being Asian-centric, showcasing the best of Asian designers, while facilitating access to the international market.

As Blueprint develops and draws top global buyers and business partners in the years to come, the international fashion industry can look forward to an established Asian fashion trade platform in Singapore to further their growth.”

Asia Fashion Summit – Bringing Together Fashion Industry Professionals in Asia

The Asia Fashion Summit aims to bring together fashion industry professionals across Asia to exchange ideas, network, keep abreast of emerging industry trends and business management strategies to gain foothold in the Asian markets.

Organised by TaFf from 28 to 30 April, the inaugural summit will be the converging point for 200 senior managers, creative directors, and principal designers of fashion retailers, brand owners and buying houses.

Participants can attend speaker sessions, forums and workshops touching on topics such as fashion brand building, trend forecasts, eco-fashion sustainability and fast retailing to the increasingly savvy consumer.

“Singapore’s textile and apparel industry has evolved much over the past 20 years, from a manufacturing based industry to one which emphasizes retail and innovation and design creativity. The various elements of Asia Fashion Exchange are intended to help the industry

shore up their capabilities and will create many businesses and brand building opportunities for our members. This is a joint effort by the government with the close support of the industry, making it a meaningful endeavour. The success of AFX will be the success of our members and I look forward to this new phase of development for the Singapore fashion industry.” said Mr Benny Pua, President of TaFf.

Audi Fashion Festival – Enhancing Consumers’ Fashion Experience in Singapore

Launched and organised by Mercury Marketing and Communications last year, the Audi Fashion Festival (AFF) returns for a second instalment this year at Ngee Ann City from 28 April to 2 May 2010. The AFF will showcase world-class collections by top international designers and labels, amidst glittering red-carpet parties attended by supermodels and members of the fashion elite.

Fashion Design Competition – Recognising and Grooming Local and Asian Fashion Talent

The fashion design competition is an industry effort driven by TaFf, and supported by the private sector to identify and develop the best design talent across Asia, and aims to anchor regional talent in Singapore by attracting them to build their base here.

The competition in April will showcase the creations of aspiring local and regional fashion designers.

They will vie for prize money and a coveted one-year internship with a leading Asian fashion house. In addition, the winners will receive mentorship and resources to design and produce a collection to be showcased at the next AFX to an international audience.

“At the heart of every established fashion city and successful fashion industry is a thriving magnet of design and creative talent.

This competition will be a much anticipated platform for many aspiring designers and fashion names-in-waiting to showcase their collection, link with international brand names and potentially catapult to fame.

Through this programme, we hope to draw top talent from the region which will further strengthen Singapore’s positioning as an exciting Asian nucleus of fashion and design talent,” said Mrs Kee Ai Nah, Director of Lifestyle Division, SPRING Singapore.”

Key AFX Event Timelines
ASIA FASHION EXCHANGE
28 April to 2 May

Audi Fashion Festival
28 April to 2 May

Asia Fashion Summit
28 to 30 April

Blueprint
29 April to 1 May

Fashion Design Competition
29 April

The alliance brings together the Asia Pacific’s two leading low cost, low fare carriers and will focus on a range of major cost reduction opportunities and potential savings – to the benefit of customers throughout the region.

Key to the agreement is a proposed joint specification for the next generation of narrow body aircraft, that will best meet the needs of the low fare customer of the future. Both airline groups will also investigate opportunities for the joint procurement of aircraft.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce, Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan and AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes finalised the agreement in Sydney today.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the historic non-equity alliance would give Jetstar and AirAsia a natural advantage in one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets.

“Jetstar and AirAsia offer unmatched reach in the Asia Pacific region, with more routes and lower fares than their main competitors, and this new alliance will enable them to maximise that scale,” Mr Joyce said.

“Just as both carriers have pioneered the development of the low cost, long haul airline model, today’s announcement breaks the mould of traditional airline alliances and establishes a new model for achieving reduced costs and increased efficiency.

“The aviation market in Asia is a growth market, and has proven resilient over the past 12 months, despite the tough operating environment, with significant growth in passenger numbers forecast in the region.

“This partnership will ensure that both airlines can capitalise on these growth opportunities.”

The agreement includes the development of cooperation in areas such as:

Future fleet specification – both carriers will investigate opportunities for joint procurement of the next generation of narrow body aircraft. A collective goal is to achieve cost reductions in terms of order volume and influencing design specification to deliver more efficient, low cost operations;

Airport passenger and ramp handling services – developing cooperative arrangements for the provision of passenger and ground handling in Australia and within Asia at overlapping airports by leveraging scale;

Shared aircraft parts and ‘pooling’ – pooling inventory arrangements for aircraft components and spare parts;

Procurement – Joint procurement, with a focus on engineering and maintenance supplies and services, with Jetstar maintaining its existing use of and commitment to Australian facilities; and

Passenger disruption arrangements – reciprocal arrangements for passenger management (i.e. support for passenger disruptions and recovery onto the other airline’s service) across both the AirAsia and Jetstar flying networks.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Buchanan, said the cooperative approach was a result of the two organisations’ strong focus on costs.

“Jetstar and AirAsia are passionate about offering consistently low fares,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Year on year, Jetstar is reducing its controllable costs by up to five per cent annually. This agreement will enable a further step-change in our cost position and ensure sustainable low fares.

“In coming years Jetstar and AirAsia want to work with manufacturers on the next generation aircraft to ensure it best meets our business requirements.”

AirAsia Group CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes hailed the agreement as another step in the airline’s strategy to maintain its global leadership as the lowest-cost airline operator.

“AirAsia strongly believes the strategic tie-up will help the airline maintain its position as the lowest-cost airline in the world despite rising costs associated with the fledgling global economic recovery,” Mr Fernandes said.

“It is key for us to keep our costs as low as possible. This is what enables us to provide the low, low fares that our guests have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy.”

Mr Fernandes said a common aircraft type specification in terms of the next generation narrow body offering should be proactively pursued by both airlines because of the many efficiencies it would bring.

“With joint purchasing power it means that we can potentially work with airline manufacturers on the right configuration and design of an aircraft specifically for AirAsia and that best suits our operational needs for the future,” Mr Fernandes said.

“A strategic arrangement with Jetstar focussed on investigation of operational synergies is a logical development for us. AirAsia and Jetstar share the same philosophy of low cost, low fares and high quality customer service.

“There is clear sense in finding the right cost solution for a range of airline and associated services which support AirAsia’s expanding route network.”

The two largest airlines in the Asia Pacific in revenue terms, Jetstar and AirAsia jointly earned nearly AUD3 billion in revenues in the 2009 financial year.

These arrangements are, where required, subject to regulatory approval.

KUTA, INDONESIA — People using accommodation in Kuta or other Balinese resorts may like to make an excursion to the Indonesian capital for next month’s Java Jazz Festival.

The event takes place from March 5th to 7th and brings acclaimed artists and performers from around the world to the Jakarta International Expo centre in Kemayoran.

Despite its title, the festival is not just for jazz lovers, as its diverse programme is designed to cater to all musical tastes.

Artists confirmed for this year’s event range from R&B diva Toni Braxton and contemporary soul singer John Legend to pioneering pianist George Duke and guitar virtuoso Steve Lukather.

The festival was first held in 2005 and has grown to become one of the highlights of the musical calendar in Indonesia, with thousands of people heading to Jakarta for the event.

A total of 15 stages are set up for the festival, which aims to showcase emerging artists alongside established stars.

Daily passes are available for 300,000 rupiah (GBP20), while those who want to experience the entire festival can purchase a three-day ticket for 800,000 rupiah.

Certain high-profile performances carry an additional charge, with tickets for John Legend starting at 760,000 rupiah and Toni Braxton priced at 300,000 rupiah.

SEMINYAK, INDONESIA — A visit to Bali could provide travellers with an opportunity to witness Male’an Sampi, a traditional celebration on the neighboring island of Lombok.

Taking place during April, this annual event is held at a waterlogged race track on which prize cows from across the region are brought to race by their breeders.

The cattle races are just part of the event, however, with various parties and celebrations taking place at the site throughout the day.

As Male’an Sampi traditionally takes place just before the planting season begins on Lombok, it is viewed by the Sasak people – the native islanders – as one of their last chances for major enjoyment and socialising before a long period of hard work.

Exploring Lombok is becoming increasingly popular among people using accommodation in Seminyak and other resorts on Bali, as the island has its own distinctive character that ensures it stands out from its neighbour.

One major difference between the two islands is that the Sasaks, unlike the Balinese people, are predominantly Muslim.

The tourism industry on Lombok has also not developed as quickly as that of Bali, so the island is attractive for people seeking rural retreats and remote countryside.

BALI, INDONESIA – The festival of Sekaten Muludan offers people using accommodation in Bali an opportunity to experience another aspect of Indonesian culture.

A celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, the event is observed by Muslim communities across Indonesia, making it an interesting alternative to the version of Hinduism practised by most inhabitants of Bali.

By leaving the island and heading over to Java, travellers will find special events arranged as part of Sekaten Muludan in many towns and cities.

The festival takes place in March every year and is marked by religious services in mosques around Indonesia.

One particularly popular event is the Sekaten Fair, held in the city of Surakarta in central Java.

This is a celebration of Javanese culture and religious identity, with a spectacular procession through the city, local handicrafts and many traditional performances ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.

The fair takes place in the North Square of Surakarta’s Kasu Nanan Palace, where crowds gather to receive gifts from the sultan on Grebeg Maulud – the final day of the celebrations.

Known locally as Solo, Surakarta is also famous for large textile markets such as Pasar Klewer, where traditional batiks can be purchased.

UBUD, INDONESIA – People spending time in Ubud hotels this March are likely to be in Bali during Nyepi – the day of silence.

This important religious festival falls on the first day of the lunar new year and is marked by spending time at home in silent self-reflection, fasting and meditation.

Anything that could interfere with these activities is forbidden during Nyepi, so people visiting Bali should not be surprised to find shops and restaurants closed for the duration of the day.

Nyepi is primarily a Hindu event, but people of other religions usually also observe the day of silence as a mark of respect.

Visitors to Bali will also be asked to regard the island’s traditions and will be required to stay inside during the festival.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs recently advised people travelling to Bali to be aware of Nyepi and reminded them to consider the local customs.

This year, the holy day will begin at 06:00 local time on Tuesday March 16th and finish at the same time on March 17th.

The day after Nyepi is known as Ngembak Geni and sees the resumption of social activity in Bali, with families gathering to perform certain traditional rituals.

Those who book and pay in full by April 30, 2010, save up to $4,600 per person and receive free international air of up to $1,500.

While several ports are repeats from the original 2010 voyages, there are new ports in countries such as Israel, Greece, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and more.

Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an “Ultimate Explorers Experience” such as a noviciation ceremony and food offering to the monks in Rangoon. The cruise also offers guest speakers sharing knowledge of the people, cultures and sights from each journey. On average there will be seven to 10 lectures on a 14-night itinerary.

Each voyage, ranging from nine to 18 nights, will visit places that the larger ships can’t access, such as Ile Rousse, Corsica, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus; the beaches of Belle-Île-en-Mer, France, also known for its dramatic coastline; the coral reefs of Corn Island, Nicaragua, once frequented by Caribbean pirates; and Kumai, Kalimantan, Borneo, to experience dawn in the jungle and observe orangutans.

The 2011-12 “Voyages of the Great Explorers” will circumnavigate the world in 335 days, commencing in Singapore on Feb. 22, 2011, and ending in Hong Kong on Jan. 24, 2012.

The 25 voyages will visit six continents, 254 ports of call in 61 countries while crossing 14 seas and oceans, and transiting four canals — Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); Kiel Canal; and the Panama Canal.
Prices start at $6,545 for the 13-night Panama City-to-Lima voyage.

For more information, call 800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com