DAILY SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THENEWSLARK THURSDAY, OCT. 17TH, 2019

IndonesiaTHE TOURISTS PARADISE by y golden memories in with their old heritage cultures

SAMI AHMED and loveable people I must share something with you regarding Mtourism trip in Indonesia. I’m sure many of the points that I will cover will already be familiar to you. However, I hope this can contribute something to tourism in Indonesia.The current plan of building tourism within Indonesia to 20 million visitors a year by 2019 is an ambitious target. A rough calculation shows that annual growth rates should average around 16% per year [source]. Over the last two years, the numbers of international tourists in Indonesia has grown just over 8% each year (8-9 million by last two years). So although the figure of 16% growth is not impossible it is of course a very ambitious target. of safety precautions, including most visited and photographed Pandawa Beach wearing the appropriate clothing temple in Bali; however, it has Pandawa beach is locally known as During a recent trip to Bali I talked a lot with people What I preferred to and using a guide wherever all the authenticity of a stage ‘Pantai Pandawa’ based on the epic involved in the tourism industry about this goal and possible. It’s not unheard of for set – even the tower of rock that what it would mean to Indonesia. A statement made the world‘s tourists Mahabharata. It is hidden behind students and their teachers to stop the temple sits upon is an artful large limestone cliffs which give by someone working for a large resort operator has when you be there Western tourists and ask them to reconstruction (the entire structure spectacular views of the Indian stuck in my mind; “Bali is going to be overwhelmed“. practice their English, or for locals in Indonesia you was crumbling) and more than Ocean. Full of blue skies, white Of course, with Bali being so famous, many locals wanting to snap selfies with visitors one-third of the rock is artificial. sands, and frothy surf, the beach is and people think that a double ratio of tourism will enjoy with fairer skin. You’ll feel like Temple is simply among Bali’s not- a one of a kind for this coastal area. numbers to Indonesia will mean a huge growth in the mesmerized Brad and Angelina have nothing to-be-missed icons. On the cliffs, are carved arches full the number of tourists heading to Bali. The central beaches, on you by the time you leave. Balinese highlands, Ubud is considered the Cultural Munduk Twin Lake of large statues of characters of the capital of Bali and is one of the most popular places mountains, lakes Seminyak Beach five pandavas from Mahabharata? Twin Lake is surrounded by The path then branches off to two to stay. It’s a gorgeous and vibrant town, nestled deep Seminyak is Bali’s most & beside that mountains with little cafe’s, different sections- the eastern in the jungle, with friendly people and plenty to sophisticated and upscale beach lake tamblingan, separated part is a little rocky but it is full see. We suggest using Ubud as a base for your time most loveable resort area, where the top draws in Bali – most of Bali’s best attractions are close by, by the rainforest-covered hill, of local stalls selling refreshments people and many are its beautiful beaches and and it’s really well connected in terms of transport. approximately one kilometers, who and snacks while the other part chilled-out vibes. Compared to It’s also peaceful, unlike some of the other tourist more pleasing created their own viewpoint. There features a cleaner stretch of the likes of Ubud, there’s not a towns and villages. Canggu is a small beach village are so many that you won’t be able sand and provides opportunities destinations huge number of things to see and on the Southwest shores of the island. It’s an up to visit them all in one day. There for engaging in water sports as well as the do here, but there are some fun, and coming tourist destination but is still relatively are a few cool ones which are a adventures and grilled seafood. All family-friendly attractions to underdeveloped and quieter than the more popular magnificent city bamboo lookout point or a swing these varieties and features make enjoy. Despite humble beginnings, tourist spots. There is lots to do in Canggu and is a skylines throughout overlooking the lake. The swing is the beach exotic and unique. hotspot for interesting young travelers and digital Seminyak is now a very modern called Wanagiri swing. nomads alike. That being saind, the town still has the country. part of Bali. Even so, among the a really relaxed vibe. It has black sand beaches and glitz and glamour of the boutique Toya Devasya good surf, and although it isn’t that well connected shopping streets and fine-dining Toya Devasya Natural Hot Springs for transport, it’s close enough to places that are. restaurants are some traditional has four natural hot spring pools Canggu would be a great place to stay once you’ve malls, high-end restaurants and touches like Petitenget Temple. If and one pool of warm water the ticked off the Central and Northern Balinese museums galore line the crowded you’re looking for something to size of a swimming pool. Minerals attractions. Spend time chilling on the beach and streets, while simply getting into a do between sunbathing sessions contained in hot water is said to be enjoying a mellow lifestyle. If you’re looking for cab and watching the driver dart on some of Bali’s most beautiful able to provide healing, revitalize somewhere with a roaring nightlife, you could stay in-and-out of the insane traffic is beaches, you’ll find a good the body and rejuvenate your soul. in Kuta or Legian, and if you want to stay somewhere an experience on its own. If you’re selection of distractions here. Enjoying natural panorama and upmarket and classy, try Seminyak. All of these looking for a little culture there’s no fresh mountain air while sitting or places are beach villages situated close to Canggu on other place to be. This centralized Tanah Lot soaking in warm water will make the Southwest Beaches spot has some of the best Pura Tanah Lot is a hugely you feel fresh and comfortable. In authentic dining in the country popular tourist destination. It AMAZING JAKARTA addition to restoring the freshness and picturesque hotels with does have cultural significance of the body, natural hot water When we reach in Jakarta it was bright sunny day,I plenty of services to help get you to the Balinese, but this can be is also beneficial for health and feel that the country’s capital might not be as spiritual around to the various squares and hard to discern amid the crowds, healing diseases will relexed and or picturesque as some of the other spots on the map, monuments. If you do decide to go clamour and chaos – especially rejuvenate you. but it’s certainly full of a life of its own. Shopping out exploring be sure to take plenty for the overhyped sunsets. It’s the DAILY SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THENEWSLARK THURSDAY, OCT. 17TH, 2019

hile there are a lot of things to do in Lombok, the island has a reputation as being a difficult place to explore. That is changing. Over the last five years new roads have been built and Wthe international airport has opened. A combination of cheap hotels and good infrastructure has made Lombok an increasingly popular tourism destination. To help you make the most of your holiday in Lombok, here is a list of the 21 of the best things to do in Lombok (and I’m not going to include the Gili Islands). The list includes some of the islands beautiful beaches, Rinjani Volcano and roaring waterfalls. We’ll start the list with the essential guide of things to visit in Lombok. Sunrise from the Peak of Mount Rinjani After visiting the Gili Islands, hiking Rinjani is the Take an Island Hopping Tour you order some food you can use the infinity pool for most popular tourist activity on Lombok. It’s a tough free. If you have the money the lodge is a great place to hike and you can’t do it in a day. Most people choose It was a Around the Sekotong Islands stay as well. The hotel has 5 rooms and each bungalow to take the three-day two-night trek to climb Mount amazing One of the nice things about visiting Lombok is the has a private a terrace. Rinjani. While the Rinjani Trekking Tour is expensive experience opportunity to visit the tropical islands that surround it is worth it. From the top of Rinjani you have almost it. I personally recommend the Sekotong Island Chain. Snorkelling at the Pink Beach panoramic views over the island and can see as far As you can see from the photo above, the Sekotong Is- underwater Tangsi Beach is commonly known by locals as the away as Mount Agung on Bali. I’ve climbed Mount lands are relatively small with beautiful sandy beaches sculpture in ‘Pink Beach’, because of the distinctive colour of the Rinjani once before. If you enjoy the outdoors then surrounded by coral reefs where you can go snor- sand. While you need a good camera lens and some this is one of the best things to do in Lombok. Indonesia will kelling. These islands are becoming more popular with take divers to tourists, but they have yet to attract the same crowds imagination to really see the beach as pink, it is worth as the Gilis. You can visit the Sekotong Islands on day a visit. There are coral reefs in the sheltered bay where Tiu Kelep Waterfall a hauntingly tours from Lombok. If you enjoy relaxing by the beach you can go snorkelling. If you are staying at Jeeva In the hills of Lombok you can find a lot of waterfalls. and swimming around coral reefs then you will enjoy Beloam Beach Camp it’s possible to do canoeing If you have to pick the most popular then it’s between beautiful place this activity. across the bay and even some snorkeling (if you do go Sendang Gile Waterfall and Tiu Kelep. Personally I below the snorkeling watch out for my Go Pro, I lost it in the bay prefer Tiu Kelep Waterfall, which is located in the somewhere). North of the island. The setting is beautiful, with lush surface, where Enjoy the Views at Ashtari Kuta tropical jungle surrounding the falls. You can find a human figures Ashtari, Kuta is one of my favorite cafes in Lombok. Narmada Water Park useful guide on visiting Tiu Kelep Waterfall on Jones The café has tasty food and drinks, but it’s the views will slowly Narmada is a historical Water park that was construct- Around the World. that make Ashtari so memorable. Ashtari is on a hill become a coral overlooking the the bay of Kura, Lombok. There are ed in 1727 by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang reef. beanbags and tables set out on the patio in the front Asem. The park is a spiritual retreat for Hindu’s and Selong Belanak Beach of the cafe where you can sit and relax. In the morn- was constructed as a replica of the summit of Mount The beaches of South Lombok are picture postcard ing Yoga classes are held on the patio. I’d recommend Rinjani (a holy Lombok Mountain and the highest beautiful. In my opinion they are a lot nicer than the visiting in the late afternoon. Here’s a link to the café point on the island). The park is set in beautiful culti- beaches of Bali and have a fraction of the number of website just in case you want more information. I vated gardens and there is a natural spring. Though it’s tourists. One of the best beaches in Lombok is Selong promise you’ll love it! not as interesting as the water palaces on Bali, it’s one Belanak Beach, which is in the South of Lombok. The of the few historical place to see in Lombok. You can beach stretches along the front of a crescent bay and find out more about Narmada Water Park here. the floor of the ocean is sandy. Small stalls line the Infinity Pool at Rinjani Lodge The infinity pool at the Rinjani Lodge is one of the edge of the beach where you can buy fresh coconuts I hope this list gives you some inspiration for some of new hip places to visit in Lombok. The lodge is on the and even rent a surfboard. Selong Belanak Beach is a the adventurous things to do in Lombok. If you have edge of the Rinjani National Park and the infinity pool good place to learn to surf or just sit down and relax. anything I should add to the list for my next visit to offers beautiful views over the surrounding country- Add this beach to your Lombok ‘to do’ list. Lombok. side. You can visit the hotel as a guest and as long as

Small island just off of lombok. Walk away from the hustle and bustle to find this swing set on the beach. DAILY SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THENEWSLARK THURSDAY, OCT. 17TH, 2019 garments, fans, leather goods and other industrial products. Zero rated market access is offered to Kinnow and oranges from Pakistan providing a level playing field to this product in the Indonesian market. Pakistan offers to Indonesia under PTA covers 313 tariff lines that include items such as edible oil, sugar confectionery items, coca products, chemicals, kitchenware, rubber, wood, glassware and electronic products. There is great potential for Pakistani mangoes to be exported to Indonesia besides Pakistan Indonesia Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be helpful to boost trade ties. The delegations consists of Thai Airways Marketing Manager Rashid Zafar Siddiqui, Indonesian Counsel General Karachi, State Counsel Mrs Zehra Murad Ali akistan and Indonesia share in Pakistan to participate in the two friendly, brotherly countries subcontinent supported the to strike a balance so that it can along with senior journalist strong bilateral ties and upcoming expo in October, he enjoying historical deep rooted, legitimate independent struggle of become a win-win situation Sami Ahmed, Zahid Kirani, Pthe trade between the two added. time tested and all weathered Indonesians and many Muslims for trading partners. Indonesia photojournalist Javed Iqbal has increased by 1.06% which friendship. Both countries are of subcontinent joined the war imports over $ 550 million worth Mr. Salik told the delegation and blogger Irfan Junejo. The will grow further, said Pakistan knotted with Islamic brotherhood of Indonesian Independence and of vegetables annually. The recent that the visit of Former Finance delegation was sponsored by Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Abdul striving for global peace, laid down their lives for this noble economic rise of Indonesia Minister Asad Umar has benefitted Airways and visited famous places Salik Khan while addressing a promoting tolerance, fighting to cause. Some of them received was also example for Pakistan to in growing the trade between the of Bali, Lombok and Jakarta. A Pakistani media delegation sent by eliminate terrorism, extremism, the highest military award of follow, especially because the two two countries. He informed that two day complimentary stay at Indonesian Counsulate in an effort intolerance and endeavoring to Indonesia. countries signed the Preferential there is active approach taken in was also provided to the to promote tourism in the country. resolve problems and differences Trade Agreement (PTA) on discussing Kashmir issue with Pakistan’s major exports to visiting journalists. He said that this is the first time editors of newspapers, deputy by peaceful means and holding Indonesia include textiles and February 3, 2012 which came into that Pakistan has initiated Science speaker Parliament and other dialogues. Both countries are clothing, vegetable and fruits effect on September 2013. Under The Provincial Cultural affairs diplomacy in Indonesia for educational institutes. active members of UNO, and mainly oranges while its major the PTA Indonesia offers market Minsiter Sigit Sadione welcomed OIC. Both countries relations access for 223 tariff lines, of which the initiative. The Pakistani which 5 scholarships have been He appreciated the efforts of imports items from Indonesia is are built before independence 103 are zero rated. Items in the Embassy in Indonesia has also granted already. The business Indonesian Counsulate to send palm oil. With over $ 2 billion when Quaid e Azam Muhammad preferential Trade Agreement established a cultural and tourism scene between the two countries the delegation in order to promote worth of imports, the balance Ali Jinnah as uncontroversial list include fresh fruits, cotton centre to promote the tourism is also flourishing and there is tourism culture. He added more of trade is in favor of Indonesia leader of the Muslims of yarn, cotton fabric, readymade between the countries. greater opportunity for businesses that the Pakistan and Indonesia are while the two countries are trying

SPOTLIGHT ON TRIP TO INDONESIA advantage of The ASEAN Free vicinity. Western tourists not only Trade Area (AFTA) to find a visit Bangkok and surroundings, market of many of its products. but in addition many travel to the was the second largest southern beaches and islands. The consumer of pickup trucks in the north is the chief destination for world after USA. trekking and adventure travel with The nation is recognized by the its diverse ethnic minority World Bank as "one of groups and forested mountains. the great development success Thailand's attractions stories" in social and include diving, sandy development indicators. Despite beaches, hundreds of tropical a low per capita gross national islands, nightlife, archaeological income (GNI) of US$6,610 and sites, museums, hill tribes, flora akistan and Thailand ranking 83th in the Human and bird life, palaces, Buddhist are two friendly Development Index (HDI), the temples and several World countries enjoying percentage of people below the Heritage sites. Many tourists good relations and national poverty line decreased follow courses during their stay pursuing the trajectory from 65.26 percent in 1988 to in Thailand. Popular are classes Pof further cementing these ties 8.61 percent in 2016, according to in Thai cooking, Buddhism and by cooperating in various sectors the NESDB new poverty baseline. traditional Thai massage. Thai and endeavoring to enhance trade Thailand's one of countries national festivals range from ties and joining hand to efforts with the lowest unemployment Thai New Year Songkran to Loy towards peace, stability and mutual rate in the world, reported as 1 Krathong. Many localities in cooperation, said Abdul Iftikhar percent for the first quarter of Thailand also have their own Ahmed Ambassador to Thailand 2014. This is e proportion of the festivals. Among the best- Tourism in Thailand has bright population working in subsistence known are the " Elephant prospects: agriculture.. Round-up" in Surin, the Thailand is a country at the center Tourism in Thailand has bright "Rocket Festival" of the South Asian Indochinese prospects: Tourism accounts in Yasothon, Suwannaphum peninsula composed of 76 about 6 % of Thailand’s economy. District, Phanom Phrai istrict both provinces. At 513,120 Sq. Km and Thailand is the most visited district are located in Roi Et over 68 million people, Thailand country in South East Asia. Province . Medical tourism is world’s 50 th largest country by According to the World Tourism As of 2019, with 64 accredited total area and 21 st most populous Organization, estimates of tourism hospitals, Thailand is currently country. The capital and the receipts directly contribute to GDP among the top 10 medical tourism largest city is Bangkok. Thailand is of Thailand about 15 trillion baht. destinations in the world. In bordered to the north by Myanmar Around 33 million tourists visit 2017, Thailand registered 3.3 and Laos, to the east by Laos Thailand out of which around 7 million visits by foreigners seeking and Cambodia, to the South by million are from ASEAN countries. specialized medical treatment. In The Tourism Authority of 2018, this number grew to 3.5 Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia With a high human development, tiourism are leading sectors of the largest in Southeast Asia and the 9 Thailand uses the slogan “ million. As of 2019 Thai medical .It is a founding member of The it is second largest economy in economy. th largest in the world. Thailand Amazing Thailand to promote centers are serving increasing Association of South East Asian South East Asia, and 20 th largest Economy: Thailand is an emerging automotive industry has an annual Thailand internationally. Asian numbers of Chinese medical Nations. It is considered a regional by PPP, Thailand is classified as economy and is the second output of near 1.5 million tourists primarily visit Thailand tourists in tandem with increasing power in South East Asia and a newly industrialized economy ; largest economy after Indonesia. vehicles mostly commercial for Bangkok and the historical, overall Chinese tourism. middle power in global affairs. manufacturing , agriculture and Thai automotive Industry is the vehicles. Thai car industry takes natural, and cultural sights in its

THAI AIRWAYS COMFORTABLE TRAVELLING AT ITS BEST

Travelling and comfort go hand of the world’s famous figures have aquatic environment in line with in hand and when it comes to been crafted with great skill. After Thailand’s formal curriculum. choosing your travel partner, I that we went to the Dream World after we were had seen various always look for the quality and Safari Siam Park in the guidance of Thai beaches, most notably Pattaya luxury of its business class that our team guide. Later on the fun and Pucket, Koh Samui and Kirby one can get. I had the chance of and educational tour of the Sea Phi. Phi-Island, which is known visiting Indonesia as part of media Life Bangkok Ocean World took as James Bond Island. Last day we delegation by the Indonesian place. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean were served the evening dinner Consulate Karachi. Fortunately World is the largest Southeast while cruising which will be very when we turn back from Asian park. Spread over an area memorable and we enjoyed a lot. All this goes to Mr. Rashid Zafar Siddiqui, Marketing Manager of Thai Airways as our travel partner who proved to be the best host and ensure our timely arrival and departure while making all the necessary arrangement and the journey became one that we will cherish forever, From the comfort to hospitality, yes in- flight experience offers the best customer service and makes you feel at home. The staff and crew of the flight to the management were very courteous and welcoming. Indonesia, we arrived in Bangkok, of about 10,000 square meters. The best part was the food as you the scheduled Thai Airways had Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World rarely find something palatable in The Berkeley Hotel located in the heart of Bangkok on a two day stay for us. At Bangkok aims to provide visitors with both air travel. All in all, it was a hassle- Ratchaprarop Road in the area, . As a most Airport, a representative from worthwhile place to visit, whether for relaxation or business, you will be truly Siam Corporation Guide was satisfied with “A Touch of Elegance”, the modern luxurious style of there to pick us soon after he The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam. As a 5-star hotel, you will be offered the best took. Our Mr. Zahid Aman Ali, escorted us from the airport to of our cozy and richly elegant environment, with an abundance of things to the Barclays Hotel which is one of appreciate, and enjoy our golden location for the nearby popular shopping the best hotels in Thailand, where areas and convenient public transportation. we stayed there for two days, that same night, Thai Airways arranged for us Pakistani food at the Indian Hut Restaurant where we had delicious food and excellent service . The next morning, our team was guided tours to Thailand, there we saw shopping malls and various Thai entertainment and education. free journey. From now on Thai food tasted, In adding more after Through formal education Airways would be my top priority 559 Ratchaprarop Road, , Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand then special visit to Madam Tasso programs, the aquarium aims to for travelling in future. Museum where the wax statues promote the understanding of the