5 days ago6 min read

LATest e-bulletin January '25

In this issue: ① Quote of the month ② Myanmar’s Military at a Breaking Point? ③ Maratua, Indonesia ④ So Many Good Reasons to Work with LAT ⑤ Singapore’s Hawker Centres ⑥ Glamping in Malaysia ⑦ Bali aims high ⑧ Yet another Visit Malaysia Year, 2026 ⑨ Singapore Art Week

Real elegance is everywhere, especially in the things that don’t show

Myanmar’s Military at a Breaking Point?

Since its independence in 1948, Myanmar's military, the Tatmadaw, has maintained a firm grip on the country. However, 2024 marks a turning point, with the Tatmadaw facing its most significant battlefield losses since its early years. Control over key trade routes and border crossings, particularly with China, has slipped, and fighting has spread to central Myanmar, nearing military strongholds like Pyin Oo Lwin.

The uprising began after the army overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's democratic government in 2021. Initially, ethnic Bamar protesters fought back with help from armed ethnic groups. But in 2024, the biggest beneficiaries have been the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of ethnic armed groups now dominating parts of the Shan Hills and nearly all of Rakhine state. While well-organized, they prioritize control over democracy, with allegations of atrocities by the Arakan Army against the Rohingya minority.

China, a long-time player in Myanmar’s internal conflicts, initially backed the Brotherhood to address scam centres targeting Chinese citizens but may pivot back to the junta to avoid its collapse. Meanwhile, the regime faces dwindling revenue, a depreciating currency, and growing discontent within the ranks, echoing the military’s near-collapse in 1949.

As the Tatmadaw’s cohesion falters, 2024 raises the question: could history repeat itself?

Maratua, Indonesia

Maratua, a remote atoll in Indonesia's Derawan Islands, offers pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine life. Reaching this secluded destination requires up to two days of travel by air and boat from Jakarta or Bali, a challenge that has kept it largely under the radar.

However, the island is poised for change as Indonesia prepares to relocate its capital to East Kalimantan, near Maratua. Development plans include an expanded airport and a concrete jetty to accommodate larger passenger boats, signalling an anticipated tourism boom.

Maratua attracts avid divers who explore its biodiverse waters, spotting whale sharks, manta rays with wingspans of up to six meters, and other marine life. Snorkelling is equally rewarding, with sightings of angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, giant clams, and even lionfish. Green turtles are a common sight grazing in the shallows.

Recognized as the world's third most biodiverse marine location after Raja Ampat and the Solomon Islands, Maratua vibrant ecosystem faces looming threats from increased tourism. Derawan Island, a smaller nearby destination, serves as a cautionary tale of overdevelopment.

For those seeking an unspoiled escape, now is the time to experience Maratua wonders—just tread lightly to preserve its fragile beauty.

So Many Good Reasons to Work with LAT

Established in 1991

Independently owned and operated

Purely B2B with travel industry partners

Online booking engine with immediate

confirmation of hotels, tours and transfers

Skilful Contents Provider and Technology user

Knowledgeable and efficient reservations personnel

Long and proud association with the MICE industry in all Lotus destinations

Fully committed to Sustainability and CSR

Climate Contribution for all packages and services on offer Extensive selection of scheduled group departures and innovative product lines

Direct access to a vast pool of local professional contributors

Owns small boutique island hotels strategically located

LAT Indochina subsidiary operating in Thailand and Vietnam

Multilingual guides in all destinations

Operations offices throughout its destinations

Centralised bookings and payments for multi destination tours 24/7 assistance with interactive voice response available in four languages

LAT Application with UpToDate itineraries and info for guests. Downloadable from Apple and Play Stores

TATTLER

Singapore’s Hawker Centres

Singapore operates 121 government-managed hawker centres, hosting over 6,000 small, privately run food stalls. Far from being relics of the past, the government has built 14 new centres in the past decade, with the latest opening in September 2024. These centres are meticulously regulated, ensuring a diverse mix of cuisines (including halal options), affordable prices (at least one dish priced around S$3.50), and local employment (restricted to Singaporeans and permanent residents).

Customer behavior is also governed by strict rules. A new law enforces the clearing of trays and litter, with non-compliance risking fines of S$300. Despite these measures, the tray and crockery return rate remains stubbornly at 90%, sparking parliamentary debate.

Hawker centres were established in the 1960s and 1970s to address issues like street congestion, litter, and hygiene. Today, they serve as affordable dining venues for Singaporeans and as "community dining halls," fostering interactions among diverse racial and cultural groups. Recognized as part of Singapore’s cultural heritage, hawker centres symbolize the city-state's multicultural ethos, though mixed-group dining remains uncommon.

In 2020, UNESCO added "hawker culture" to its intangible cultural heritage list, cementing the importance of these culinary hubs to Singapore’s identity.

HIGHLIGHTS

Glamping in Malaysia

Treat yourself to breathtaking hillside views and an unforgettable stay in a cozy caravan or luxurious tent! Glamping accommodations are blossoming across Malaysia in serene locations like Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands. Surrounded by nature, these glamping sites provide an unconventional retreat, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From charming tents to signature caravans, there’s something for everyone. For a truly unique experience, splurge on a stylish caravan stay. These endearing spaces often feature plush furnishings, rustic decor, and an inviting ambiance, offering the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Reconnect with nature without sacrificing luxury on your next escape!

Bali Aims High

Bali’s provincial tourism authorities have announced a target of 6.5 million foreign tourists for 2025, building on the record-breaking success of 2024. Last year, the province welcomed over 6.3 million international travelers, accounting for half of Indonesia’s national total of 12 million.

Yet another Visit Malaysia Year, 2026

On Monday, 6th January, Malaysia kicked off its highly-anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign during a spectacular event at Hangar 6 of the MAB Engineering Complex. The launch event was officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who revealed the campaign’s official logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery. The event set the stage for the promotional activities leading up to VM2026. Hopefully, more details of the plans for this major tourism initiative will be announced too, in the near future, generating the expected excitement for what lies ahead.

Singapore Art Week

From 17 to 26 January, Singapore will be transformed into a vibrant hub of art and creativity for the 13th edition of Singapore Art Week (SAW). The city will showcase a diverse array of inspiring works by local, regional, and international artists, alongside marquee events such as ART SG, S.E.A. Focus, Light to Night, and the much-anticipated return of the Singapore Pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2024.

Our whole product for free and independent travellers, groups and MICE are based on a Climate Contribution programme. This means that part of the greenhouse gas emissions that will be generated are offset by projects in collaboration with Climate Partner, one of the leading climate protection solution providers for companies.

The arising emissions are being compensated by supporting a third-party certified geothermal energy project in Darajat, Java (Indonesia). The project helps to meet the growing demand for electricity in Indonesia. By increasing the share of renewable energy, the dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity decreases, and about 705,390 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved per year.

For over thirty years, Lotus Asia Tours Group has provided services and assistance to travellers the world over, specialising in the design and implementation of corporate events, activities, incentive tours and motivational travel, targeted at FIT, GIT and MICE markets, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indochina. The group also operates four boutique island hotels in Indonesia, in Lombok, Bali, Sulawesi and Papua.

To learn more about our brand please head to our website, or contact us directly; we look forward to hearing how we could help make your next trip, tour or event memorable and successful.

Corporate Office D-5-4 Megan Avenue 1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: +60 (0)3 21617075 · F: +60 (0)3 21617084 · E: latgroup@lotusasiatours.com

OUR HOTELS

Click here for more details about our resorts.