WWF spots Sumatran tiger family

A hidden video belonging to the WWF Indonesia has taped a female tiger and its two cubs in the jungle in the central part of Sumatra.

It is the first tiger family WWF Indonesia researchers have discovered ever, due to video recordings over the last month. The WWF placed four videos in the Rimbang Baling conservatory and the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, located in Riau and Jambi.

“Obtaining a video recording of a tiger family within a month after we started operating the device has given us a morale boost,” coordinator of the the WWF-Indonesia research, Karmila Parakkasi told Antara on Thursday.

The video trap also recorded the presence of a male Sumatran tiger and its usual prey such as wild boars, reindeers, anteaters and long-tailed monkeys.

Karmila, however, expressed fear about the survival of the tiger population due to the presence of two giant pulp, paper and palm oil producers near the animal’s habitat, not to mention rampant illegal logging.

“Our question is whether the tiger cubs can grow up in such a threatening environment?” she said. She estimated the number of Sumatran tigers in the wild at 400.

The WWF will launch a global campaign to protect endangered tigers in February, which coincides with the year of the tiger, according to Chinese astrology.

AirAsia and Jetstar Cement Low-Cost Carrier Alliance

Malaysia’s AirAsia and Australia-based Jetstar on Wednesday confirmed they were forming an alliance to help the budget carriers reduce costs, including cooperation on passenger handling at airports across the region and possible joint purchases of aircraft.

On Dec. 18, the Jakarta Globe reported the two were in talks to form a joint venture, a sign that budget carriers were under pressure to cut costs.

Reacting then to the news, the country’s biggest low-cost carrier, PT Lion Air, said any alliance would make competition in Indonesia, one of the region’s largest markets, even more cutthroat.

Key to the AirAsia-Jetstar agreement signed on Wednesday in Sydney is a proposed joint specification for the next generation of narrow body aircraft, the airlines said.

The airlines, among the biggest low-cost carriers in Asia, will consider buying aircraft together so that the bigger orders lower the cost of each plane.

Jetstar, a unit of Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways, and AirAsia will share aircraft parts and cooperate on passenger handling at airports in Australia and Asia.

Travelers Pinch Pennies with 21-Day Advance-Purchase Deal at JW Marriott Medan Indonesia

Great luxury hotel packages don't have to be expensive and the JW Marriott Hotel Medan, Indonesia is making a point of that with its "21-Day Advance-Purchase" deal that is budget-friendly and making travel to Indonesia fun and affordable. Medan, Indonesia hotel packages are a nice way to pinch pennies when traveling to this fabulous city for business or pleasure and with advance purchase rates starting as low as $60 USD, travel enthusiasts won't want to delay making reservations.

Travelers who take advantage of the Marriott's "21-Day Advance-Purchase" deal can save money by booking and paying for their stay in advance at this luxury Medan hotel where these special advance purchase rates are even available on holidays so travelers can book their stay and create their own holiday hotel packages. Medan, Indonesia is the capital of the province of North Sumatra, a major entry point for boats and flights from Malaysia and offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, as well as the excitement of a major world travel center. The JW Marriott Hotel is conveniently located above the B & G Tower and provides breathtaking views of Medan. Hotels of this caliber are hard to find in Medan, and the new JW Marriott hotel is the first five-star luxury hotel in the city and offers lavish Marriott amenities including the relaxing on-site Quan Spa; five restaurants that feature a variety of world-wide cuisine, including a steakhouse, bakery and the popular Marriott Cafe; a fitness gym, and meeting rooms.

Persons wishing to book Medan as their travel destination may take advantage of these rates from now through Dec. 30, 2010. This offer includes a great hotel room rate when booked at least 21 days prior to arrival (buffet breakfast not included) and may be used on a maximum of three rooms per guest name. Cancellation is permitted up to ten days prior to arrival. All rates are subject to applicable government taxes and services. Blackout dates and restrictions may apply without notice. When making online reservations, the promotional code ADP must appear in the Corporate/Promotional code box, or persons may call 1-800-228-9290 in the US and ask for promotional code ADP. This promotion is valid seven days a week through Dec. 30, 2009 and a limited number of rooms are available. This offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms and cannot be combined with any other promotion. Advance reservations are required. Rates are per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservation.

Dining Out: Top 5 restaurants in Indonesia

The Miele Guide to Asia's finest restaurants is written by food experts who know and love the region (www.mieleguide.com).

This is a list of the top 5 restaurants in Indonesia, where the cuisine is varied but fine dining still confined to the capital Jakarta and the island of Bali. It is not endorsed by Reuters.

1. Mozaic, Bali
Jalan Raya Sanggingan
Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
www.mozaic-bali.com

2. Ku De Ta, Bali
9 Jalan Laksmana
Seminyak, Kuta, Bali
www.kudeta.net

3. Naughty Nuri's Warung and Grill, Bali
Jalan Raya Sanggingan
Ubud, Bali

4. Sarong Bali Restaurant, Bali
Jalan Petitenget No. 19X
Kerobokan, Kuta
Bali, Indonesia
www.sarongbali.com

5. Bumbu Bali, Bali
Jalan Pratama
Tanjong Benoa, Nusa Dua
www.balifoods.com