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Volume 2, Issue 1, January 1, 2009 |
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Christmas has come and gone, but there are still plenty of celebrations on the horizon. Here is a look at what travellers can see and do in January and February in Asia.
Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Chinese New Year Fiesta wows guests with fabulous floats, elaborate stage performances, arts and crafts stands, and food and souvenir stalls. The event takes place at the New World Centre and Avenue Of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsu, Kowloon, Hong Kong from Jan. 27 to Feb. 1.
Also celebrating the Lunar New Year is the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade which has been selected by Lonely Planet’s Bluelist last year as one of the world's most fascinating attractions. The parade of floats takes place on Jan 26, from 20:00 to 21:30.
Alternatively, join thousands of people lining both sides of the Victoria Harbour as they usher in Chinese New Year with a magnificent display of fireworks. The sky will light up on Jan. 27, 20:00. For details, visit www.DiscoverHongKong.com/cny/eng/html/overview.html.
Or indulge in an explosion of colours at the Lantern Festival which features lanterns, lion and dragon dances and traditional festive food. Aside from Chinese New Year, this is one of the most celebrated times of the year in Asia. Lantern shows will take place in Beijing (Beihai Park Lantern Festival Fair), Sichuan (Zigong Lantern Show) and Harbin (Ice Lantern Festival) on Feb 9.
In Japan, the Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Hokkaido features dazzling ice sculptures illuminated by a kaleidoscope of laser light beams at night. For details, visit www.yjw2009.jp/eng/. 
SriLankan Airlines’ flight schedule is undergoing several temporary changes, as the airline introduces four new aircraft and retires four older ones in its narrow-body fleet. Two new Airbus A320 aircraft have arrived while two more are being sourced. Until all the new aircraft arrive, the airline is temporarily suspending services to four destinations — Calicut (CCJ), Cochin (COK), Coimbatore (CJB) and Hyderabad (HYD) starting Jan. 15 through the end of the winter season. SriLankan will continue serving all other destinations in its route network.
EVA Air has initiated daily charter service to Mainland China, adding Hangzhou (HGH) and Shenzhen (SZX) to an existing network that includes Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN) and Shanghai (PVG). EVA serves its newest destinations by flying nonstop from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Hangzhou and from Taipei’s Sung Shan International Airport (TSA) to Shenzhen. Government, trade and airline officials celebrated the addition of the two gateways in separate ceremonies at Taoyuan and Sung Shan airports. Previously, EVA’s flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou were restricted to weekends. EVA’s charter service began on Dec. 15.
With the addition of new Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, Turkish Airlines will initiate first-class service on its long-haul flights. The airlines’ first-class cabin offers complete privacy and comfort with its fully-reclining seats in 2.1-metre length. First class will be available on services to and from Singapore (SIN), Hong Kong (HKG), London (LHR), New York (JFK), and Tokyo (HND). Turkish Airlines first-class service also includes a new on-board catering concept.
Jet Airways has put in place a number of measures to minimize passenger inconvenience arising out of flight disruptions and cancellations due to fog in the approaching winter season. The carrier has advised passengers to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport by calling Jet Airways’ call centre (3989 3333), the airline’s toll-free number (1800 22 55 22) or via texting the airline’s Jet Mobile facility due to anticipated thick fog. In case of flight disruptions, the airline will deploy additional aircraft for relief where possible. Affected passengers will be entitled to hotel accommodation. Those travelling with tickets booked on certain fare levels will be provided with conveyance expenses to the place of residence or hotel, up to a maximum of INR 1500.
Etihad Airways has been awarded rights to start a five-flights-a-week service from its Abu Dhabi (AUH) home base to the Japanese capital Tokyo (HND), starting March 2010. The decision follows bilateral talks between Etihad Airways representatives and Japanese government and aviation officials last week in Tokyo. The addition of Tokyo to Etihad’s flying programme will bring the number of destinations served by Etihad in Asia to six, including Beijing (PEK), Manila (MNL), Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL). In addition, Etihad has also gained flying rights to Narita (SBG), Kansai (KIX) and Chubu (NGO).
Avenida De Joao IV
Macau, China
www.hotelsintra.com
It may not be the most luxurious of hotels, but Hotel Sintra is an ideal option for those on a budget. I stayed for two nights in a deluxe room that was comfortable and fairly modern, complete with bathroom amenities. There was no balcony, but the room was fairly spacious.
The hotel is conveniently located, just opposite a big department store, and is within walking distance of many popular tourist sites. Taxi from the ferry terminal to the hotel costs about MOP 25; fare from the hotel to the airport is about MOP 55. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the ferry station if you are heading to Hong Kong.
Hotel staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The bellboy in particular was exceptionally enthusiastic and full of energy. He waved madly by the roadside to help me hail a taxi.
The downside to my stay was I could not get computer access anywhere in the hotel. Breakfast is not included in the price and there was no bar, pool or fitness centre.
All in all, if you're looking for a budget room, Hotel Sintra is a good choice.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
Through April, Trisara resort is offering low rates starting at USD 590 per night for its signature ocean-view pool room. Other per-night rates offered during the promotion include ocean-view pool suite (USD 860); ocean-view pool villas (USD 930); ocean-front pool villa (USD 1,230); and two-bedroom ocean-front pool villa (USD 1,750).
The Mandarin Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has launched a special Sleep Ritual treatment. Priced at HKD 1,400, the 90-minute treatment is designed to induce sleep through the use of music, scents and massage. The aromatherapy massage uses soothing sandalwood and chamomile oils to promote the flow of energy throughout the body. For chronic insomnia, an additional 30-minute Shirodhara treatment at HKD 700 will help guests relax by means of warm oil applied to the forehead.
Quantum Hotels and Resorts has launched a Boracay Beach Golf Vacations Programme, which includes two nights of accommodation at the luxurious suites of The Residences, a round of golf for two, daily breakfast for two, as well as use of a private beach and swimming pool. The Fairways and Bluwater New Coast, Boracay Island offers an 18-hole par-72 world-class golf course to provide golf players and enthusiasts a stimulating island golf experience. Boracay Island, with its white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines.
The Luxe Manor, Hong Kong welcomes Valentine’s Day 2009 with a gourmet set dinner, champagne and jazz. Priced at HKD 1,988, the five-course Valentine’s Dinner at Aspasia begins with the Calvisius caviar on celery root foam, Balik salmon and veal jelly, followed by a white bean emulsion with black truffle. The main course includes Wagyu beef tenderloin with morel mushroom and pinot sauce, foie gras on pumpkin and tangerine purée. Two glasses of after-dinner champagne are served in Dada Bar and Lounge, The Luxe Manor’s new bar featuring live Jazz music.
South Korea 's luxury hotel The Shilla Seoul is offering a promotional shopping package including deluxe accommodation and discounts on purchases at its duty-free centre. The Shopping at The Shilla package is priced at KRW 280,000 and valid until Oct. 31. Included in the package is accommodation in a deluxe room with stunning views of Mount Namsan, breakfast for two at The Parkview, a VIP Gold Card for the duty-free shop at Shilla’s (with discounts of 5 to 15 per cent) and a complimentary duty-free shopping voucher worth KRW 20,000. For reservations, visit http://www.lhw.com.
