Ubud: My you’ve changed

Ubud used to be a quiet little artistic village in Bali. 

Now it is a magnet for tourists from around the world. 

The trouble is that the infrastructure has not kept up with the influx. 

The roads are shambolic. The pavements a health hazard (see the image below). 

But you can still get cheap massages, even cheaper Bintangs and interesting cultural experiences. New age therapists abound  

There is a forest where dim tourists get their mobile phones stolen by exhuberant monkeys; some seriously good restaurants and street markets abound.

So the masses will keep coming. 

The Mehrudhani Boutique Hotel is a nice affordable oasis down a laneway in the centre of town. It’s pleasingly quiet in a town where quiet can be hard to find. 

Check it out here https://www.meruhdani.com/

Moxy bounces impressively into Bangkok

Marriott’s lively Moxy brand of hotels bills itself as being "for the young and young-at-heart". Guest contributor and Seniors’ Card holder Roderick Eime tests that claim at the one-year-old Bangkok property.

The Marriott people really broke out of the stodgy “cookie-cutter” hotel business with the introduction of the Moxy lifestyle brand, and the fresh Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong fits like the proverbial glove into this boisterous, youthful persona that now comprises 100-something sister properties around the world.

Both GOTR publisher Winsor and I have defied our advanced years and grown to embrace this outlandish brand. {See Winsor's review of the Glasgow Moxy)

My introduction to this offbeat brand was the first Australian property, the Moxy Sydney Airport. It struck me immediately with its brash, industrial-chic decor, which included various nods to retro eras like vinyl records and classic vintage arcade games.

Punchy beats echo around the welcome area, along with Liberace-meets-Banksy-meets-Warhol decorations and wall art. Naturally enough, these intentionally gaudy spaces lend themselves to social media sharing, a smart marketing strategy given the target customer base.

While similar in style and feel, the Bangkok property is the first and largest Moxy hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. It is located in the vibrant and rapidly developing Pathum Wan district, near the Chit Lom BTS, and takes the Moxy concept to the next level.

With more than 500 rooms on 20 levels, the accommodation is almost identical to what I recall from the Sydney Airport version. Sixty percent of the rooms are standard queen rooms, with the remainder in twin and deluxe configurations.

If I had any criticism at all, it would be the “cabin” size (18sqm) of the entry-level rooms, although the available space is cleverly adapted so that one doesn’t feel cluttered. Features like the “walldrobe” and folding furniture maximise the scant floor space, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dizzying cityscape panorama.

The largest rooms are the deluxe 36sqm ones (above), of which there are 18. Another 18 corner rooms offer 26sqm of floorspace.

As a finicky sleeper whose aging bones are easily upset with many mattress types, even the expensive ones, I can soundly (pun intended) say the Simmons brand mattresses preferred by many top hotel chains, including Marriott, mean I don’t have to crane myself out of bed in the morning.

Comparisons with my local experience diverge completely when it comes to dining and event spaces. While Moxy Bangkok still retains an “industrial” feel with its long-bench cafeteria format, it blends perfectly with the arena-sized space on Level 9 where the reception, bar and various play spaces are located.

An expansive, themed outdoor terrace area is ideal for large or small events, and guests can choose to dine there while overlooking Bangkok’s glitzy ‘Blade Runner’ cityscape.

The ‘grab’n’go’ convenience booth is still tucked into the wall opposite the bar for those on the move, but a fulsome sit-down experience is preferred, especially since the kitchen proudly spruiks its many delicious offerings.

Chef P and his deputy chef Mind (above), proudly recommend some of the tasty creations offered in the Moxy Bar & Restaurant while I ponder the many choices. It seems the Massaman beef curry is their dinner favourite, while pork (or chicken) in black sauce soup is suggested as a bold breakfast boost - and I find both hard to dispute.

The cocktail menu reads like a Hollywood film festival and exemplifies the breakout bravado of the bar team. As they say in their own words, “our new cocktail line-up is a love letter to iconic scenes and legendary characters.” They go on to tease us with such creations as The Infinity Kiss, The Ice Berg, Hunter’s Last Shot, Galactic Stardust and Felix Felicis. I’ll leave you to make the various cinematic connections.

Promotions of various kinds are always on offer at the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, both with food and beverage and the rooms. For example, the ‘STAY FOR BREAKFAST’ promotion runs all year and entitles guests to a complimentary breakfast with their stay, normally THB399. I can personally attest to this feast, which will easily sustain you through your busy Bangkok day.

For more information, guests can contact Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong via email at moxy.bkkox.rsvn@moxyhotels.com, by phone at 02 209 5999, through LINE @MoxyBangkok, or visit the official website at www.moxybangkokratchaprasong.com. Culinary deals are also available for browsing via LINE Shopping at https://shop.line.me/@moxybangkok.

Marriott Bonvoy members receive special promotional offers and can earn various loyalty rewards, including Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

# The writer stayed with assistance from the Moxy. 

Brewers get frothy: want a break on beer taxes

 

There is nothing more Australian than enjoying a cold beer.

But the price of a beer is constantly increasing and brewers are asking for a break.

With the beer tax set to increase yet again on Monday, February 3, the Brewers Association of Australia has made a submission for Treasurer Jim Chalmers' budget consultation process calling for urgent action to address the high rates of tax.

Brewers Association of Australia CEO, John Preston said: “On behalf of brewers and beer drinkers across Australia we are asking for urgent action to address the high rates of beer tax.

"We already have one of the highest beer tax rates in the world – there is no need for it to keep going up twice a year.

“Australians are doing the right thing and drinking responsibly. All these tax hikes are doing is making it increasingly unaffordable for Australians to head out to their local for a beer.

“Last year the newly elected Labour Government in the United Kingdom used its first Budget to continue the reductions in beer tax that were started under the previous Conservative government.

"We believe the Treasurer should follow the example of his British counterpart and give much needed relief to beer drinkers and our hospitality sector."

Image: Scop.io

Fires may impact 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games

The wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles and surrounds have raised doubts about the Californian city’s ability to host the Olympic Games in 2028.

The cost of rebuilding and insurance are casting a cloud over preparations, says Dr Tom Heenan, who lectures in sport, global and Australian studies at the Monash Intercultural Lab in Australia.

“LA 2028 will be the Olympic version of the Hunger Games," Heenan said in a media statement.

“Even without the wildfires, the Games will cost Angelenos dearly, especially the poor and homeless, and prove to be another IOC-orchestrated budgetary blowout, if not a Montreal-type black hole.

“The additional infrastructure requirements will strain an already stretched public purse and shift labour from the much needed rebuild in the hills.

“For a city built on property speculation, 2028 could be a repeat of the 1932 Games, which was a real estate agent’s dream.

“The winners will be property developers and the head of LA's organising committee, Casey Wasserman, and his sport-entertainment empire.

“The losers may well be LA residents who will bear the expense of the Olympics and a costly yet questionable rebuild in fire-prone hills.”

How to enjoy business class without spending a fortune

Flying business class without spending a fortune?

What wizardry is this?

Budget carrier Vietjet, known for its cheap fares from Australian airports to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, also offers business class fares in 85% lie-flat seats from just over $1,000.

I just flew each way between Melbourne and Hanoi as a guest of Vietjet and both flights were super comfortable and on time. 

On the overnight flight between Hanoi and Melbourne I managed seven hours of uninterrupted snooze. That's a rare treat.

You have to make some compromises. First, Vietjet does not offer entertainment; you'll need to load some movies, books and music to your phone or device before flying. And there was no wifi on the two Airbus A330 flights that I took.

But there was pre-flight lounge access at both ends: at The House in Melbourne and the chic Song Hong lounge in Hanoi. Drinks, snacks, wifi and comfortable chairs that take a lot of the stress out of flying.

There is also priority boarding and disembarkation from the cosy business cabins, which comprise just two rows with a 2-2-2 business configuration.

Attentive and smartly attired crew help you stow your baggage, and business class ticket holders are allowed a massive 18kg of hand luggage - a huge win. That's in addition to your checked baggage allowance.

There's a pillow and blanket waiting for you in your seat, along with a little amenities bag with slippers, eye mask and some Occitaine d'Provence goodies.

Once on board there are pre-flight drinks and nibbles (water, juice or wine), and dedicated business cabin staff.

The food is good, too, with a choice of either the business menu or dishes from economy included in your fare.

Business choices include the likes of fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese baked fish, and chicken and vermicelli soup. The red and white wine options were Portuguese and serviceable if not stellar.

Throughout the flight you are offered nuts, or some cheese and biscuits, before a second meal is served (I slept through breakfast on the return leg).

There are dedicated business class toilets that were kept immaculate during both my flights. Flight time between Melbourne and Hanoi is around 10 to 10/12 hours.

Vietjet flies from Ho Chi Minh City to major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and also connects Hanoi to Sydney and Melbourne. Economy fares start at around $250, while business class fares begin at $1,100, with frequent seat sales on offer.

Current deals from Vietjet start from $199, available to purchase until this Thursday. The discounted tickets are available between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, for travel between November 15 and May 22, 2025.

Travellers from Australia can also enjoy a 20% discount on business class fares by using the code LEADER20 when booking on Vietjet’s website, app or via authorised travel agents.

If you have a longer time before needing to book, Vietjet is offering up to 50% off on deluxe tickets for bookings made now until November 20.

Passengers flying deluxe can enjoy up to 40kg of free checked baggage, free seat selection, and free flight schedule changes. Deluxe passengers get 10kg of carry-on luggage and a meal combo with a drink.

Check out the current deals - they change all the time - at www.vietjetair.com.

The airline's newest route connects Da Nang to Ahmedabad in India and it also has increased flight frequencies from Vietnamese ports to Busan (South Korea), Hong Kong (China), Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung (Taiwan).

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. It is Vietnam’s largest private carrier.

# The writer was hosted by Vietjet

A new route between Sydney and Bangkok

You might wonder why AirAsia gets a lot of coverage here.

1. They offer a great service.

2. They are very good at communications and special offers.

Today’s news is Thai AirAsia X will welcome flyers beckons back to Thailand ahead of the peak end of year travel season with direct Sydney-Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) flights, to be available six times a week starting from Sydney from December 2, 2024. 

Seats are on sale now starting from just $333* direct to Bangkok - or with a Fly Thru option via Don Mueang Airport to leisure destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi in Thailand and internationally to Da Nang in Vietnam, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad in India and many more. 

Booking are available at the airasia.com website, or the airasia MOVE app between August 19-25 for travel commencing from Sydney from December 

Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X, said: “Thai AirAsia X is returning to Sydney with a better network, schedule and enhanced connectivity spanning over 50 Aussie favourite destinations in Thailand and beyond to meet strong demand.

“At the same time, we are increasing the number of flights between both destinations to fly six times weekly every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (2 flights), and Saturday. Arriving at Don Mueang Airport (DMK) makes the route even more convenient, placing passengers just 30 minutes from central Bangkok via public transport options such as the sky train (Red Line), airport bus, and taxi cabs. 

“Outbound travellers with connecting services will also save time at the airport by being able to quickly pass from check-in through immigration to their gate at the same airport with no need to change airport terminals like before.”

Enjoy Paris like a local - and on a budget

Looking to visit Paris as a tourist? 

Keen to spend your money on food, drinks and experiences rather than accommodation?

How about living like a Parisian for a week or two, sleeping in the suburbs and commuting to the various attractions each day?

If you've tried to book a hotel room near the Champs Elysees, the Marais, or on the rue de Rivoli, you will be aware just how expensive even a small hotel room can cost in the French capital, even post Olympics.

So how about staying further out - and having more to spend?

Friends of mine have just launched an affordable option to hotels on Airbnb and Booking.com - a studio on the eastern edge of Paris, adjacent to where they live.

You'll find it if you search for "Paris with added Zen".

It is described as a comfy spot for up to up to four people with a pricing algorithm that makes its rates competitive.

The studio is located in Bry-sur-Marne, which is 13 km from Paris-Gare-de-Lyon. It comes with garden views (I'm told you can spot the Eiffel Tower in the distance), free wifi and free private parking should you need it.

The studio is 14km from Opéra Bastille and 15km from Notre Dame Cathedral.



The air-conditioned, non-smoking apartment consists of one bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a coffee machine,

The bathroom comes with a shower and bathrobes and towels and bed linen are included.

There are two train lines - RER E and A - within walking distance as well as the recently extended metro 11.

I'm told it takes 20-25 minutes to the city, with one change. 

If you get your dates right you’ll pay under 100 bucks Australian a night. 

Here's the link. Tell Chris that Winsor sent you. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1204176911229262789?source_impression_id=p3_1722744039_P3k6b-hoytZR4czs 

Want to fly to Asia on the cheap?

AirAsia has continued its post-pandemic celebrations with a new Mega Sale featuring 10 million discounted seats across Asia and beyond which are available for booking now to destinations worldwide.

From now until March 19, 2023, all-in fares one way from Sydney and Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur are on sale from $269, from Sydney and Melbourne to Bangkok from just $239, from Auckland to Sydney from $NZ199, from Perth to Bali from $169 and from Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur from just $189.

For those seeking extra comfort, premium flatbeds are also on sale starting from $799 from Perth to Kuala Lumpur and from $NZ559 from Auckland to Sydney.

AirAsia’s fly-through connecting services to popular destinations from Australia are also included in this sale. Fly from Australia (Sydney/Perth/Melbourne/Gold Coast) to Phuket, New Delhi, Manila, Seoul, Kuching, Hanoi and more starting from just $193 all-in fare one way.

In Malaysia, AirAsia’s main hub, domestic fares are also now on sale to many popular leisure favourites from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru and more from under $120.

AirAsia X has flights on sale to many popular international destinations such as from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo or Taipei from under $120.

The Mega Sale prices are only available until Sunday and cover travel dates between September 4, 2023, and July 9, 2024.

Bookings can be made at airasia.com, or via the airasia Super App.

Air Asia X returns to the Gold Coast

The AirAsia group is making another major push into Australia with an announcement of a return first-ever route - the Gold Coast, from February 15 next year.

The route will be the airline’s fourth destination in Australia, further expanding its network Down Under.

Following the return to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, AAX has carried over 30,000 guests between Malaysia and Australia.

That number is set to grow substantially with the new announcement and additional frequencies to Sydney and Melbourne launching this month.

Fares between the Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur start from RM799 (under $299) all-in one way for economy and RM3,999 (under $1340) one way for premium flatbed seats.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said there has been overwhelming demand for the airline’s return to the Gold Coast

“We are thrilled to be coming back to the stunning Gold Coast as the first and only low-cost carrier flying direct. As our first-ever route, which launched in November 2007, this is an incredibly special announcement for AAX.

“Fifteen years ago the Gold Coast was the catalyst for the birth of AirAsia X and our Australia expansion, which quickly became one of our most popular core markets.

“Through Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X will connect visitors to more than 130 destinations across Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, India, South Korea and many more.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said: “The return of AirAsia X to Gold Coast Airport’s arrivals board is a terrific investment in Gold Coast tourism and jobs.

"International aviation is highly competitive but absolutely critical to rebuilding Queensland’s post-Covid overseas visitor economy and that’s why we’re backing AirAsia X on the Gold Coast.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Malaysian visitors back to enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle in Australia’s favourite destination and AirAsia X increasing its inbound flight schedule to five a week by late 2023."

Alongside AAX’s return to Australia, sister medium-haul airline Thai AirAsia X also recently launched its first ever direct services between Bangkok to Sydney and Melbourne.

New ways to get to Bangkok with Thai Air Asia X

Australians have a new way of travelling to Thailand with the introduction of new routes by Thai AirAsia X.

The airline this week began delivering direct services to and from the Victorian and Thailand capital cities.

Tassapon Bijleveld, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia X, said: “This is Thai AirAsia X’s first direct route between Melbourne and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

"The route has been launched with three flights per week on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and plans to increase services in line with future forecast demand..

“Thailand is an incredibly popular destination for Australian travellers, not only to Bangkok but to provinces including Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and many more.

“Australians love Thailand and visitors to Bangkok can now experience dynamic shopping, rich art and culture and its renowned cuisine and nightlife at great value on our comfortable and affordable widebody aircraft.

"At the same time, Thailand is a regional hub from which AirAsia offers a broad range of flights where Australians love to travel to, with over 100 destinations across Asia now on sale."

Budget Thai AirAsia X has also launched Sydney-Bangkok flights to operate four times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

New airline makes flying across the US a breeze

Breeze Airways is an upstart low-budget airline that is shaking up the domestic flying scene in the US.

The carrier started operations last year and last week it revealed plans for several new routes at ultra-low prices.

Breeze CEO David Neeleman, who founded the JetBlue operation, told USA Today that the airline plans to open operations in Orange County, California, from the quaintly named John Wayne Airport.

Breeze recently won take-off and landing slots at the airport outside Los Angeles.

"We went in and made a good case that we could do something different," Neeleman said. "The airport authority agreed with us."

Breeze is based in Provo, Utah, but will start operations in and out of Orange County from February with destinations including Orlando in Florida.

"We wanted to do something different to offer the community something they’ve never had access to before," Breeze Chief Commercial Officer Lukas Johnson told the newspaper. "They have very little (transcontinental) service despite being a premium airport."

Introductory fares will start at $US119 one-way between Orange County and Orlando, and $49 one-way between Provo and Orange County - but flights at those prices must be purchased by Wednesday.

Breeze plans to continue growing its network in 2023 and eventually hopes to serve more destinations from Orange County if it can secure more landing slots.

As part of its expansion, the airline will add two new cities to its flight plans: Vero Beach in Florida and Cincinnati in Ohio.

The airline will fly from Cincinnati to Charleston and San Francisco with fares starting from $US39 starting in February 2023.

Breeze's business plan is to utilise smaller airports and secondary markets, such as Provo, and connect to bigger markets. Orange County is considered a secondary market to Los Angeles International.