Taste of Myanmar Travels & Tours

11/05/2015

"Jaggery" Myamar Sweet from Toddy Palm Tree!

11/05/2015

‘Jaggery Myanmar Burma’ - Sweet from Toddy Palm

Bettern Mount Popa and Bagan, there are lots of Toddy Palm trees.

How to collect toddy juice

The climber ascends the tree carrying minimal equipment: a knife in a wooden scabbard tucked into his waistband, and two or three small, empty ceramic pots dangling from rope also tied around his waist. When he reaches the top he removes the toddy-filled pots that had been put in place during the previous ascent, and replaces them with the empty pots.

He then uses the knife to slice about 1 inch from a part of the male trees called the htan-nou (toddy udder), a stem enclosing the palm tree’s flower cluster from which the sap drips when freshly cut. Each stem can produce toddy for about three months before being depleted, with the daily yield decreasing over time. A new stem will fill one pot in about 10 hours, while older stems will only partly fill the pot during that time.

The sap is sweet when initially collected and can be consumed in that state. Popular with locals is bitter toddy, which is made by mixing sticky rice power with the sweet sap and then allowing it to sit for one day. Although this drink is non-alcoholic, it is sometimes amusingly referred to as “sky beer”. The truly alcoholic variety is brewed by boiling jaggery candy and water in a pot, mixing in sticky rice powder, allowing the concoction to ferment for two days, and then dripping the liquid into glass bottles.

To make jaggery candy, fresh sweet juice is boiled in a large pan over an open wood fire until it becomes a thick paste. After it cools it is rolled into balls and allowed to dry in the sun.

The palm trees of the Kyaukpadaung region can be used for much more than collecting toddy, and in fact no part of the tree goes to waste. The fruit of the female tree can be eaten directly, and the juice can be mixed with rice to make a custard-like snack called htan thee moun. The husks of the ripe fruit are usually fed to cows and oxen. The large fronds from the trees are used as roofing material for houses, and the tough frond stalks can be made into everything from baskets and hats, to furniture and yokes for oxen.
The tree trunks, meanwhile, are made into posts for houses, as well as tables and chairs, and the lower portions are even carved out to create big flower pots. The roots are used for firewood, and some portions of the root can even be roasted and eaten. The tree’s seeds are pressed to produce an oil that is used to make soap.

23/04/2015

Loikaw is the capital of Kayah State - Home for the long neck laides & located in southern Shan State of Myanmar and on the Bilu River, a tributary of the Thanlwin (Salween) River. It can reach from Southernmost part of Inle lake to Phe Khone by boat (6 hrs) and then drive to Liokaw by car about an hour and 30 minutes. And also It is about 5 hours drive from Kalaw and just an hour's flight from Yangon.

The inhabitants are mostly Kayah also known as Karenni and has a population of about 30,000. National races are the Kayah, Gagho, Gagbar, Kayan (Padaung), Ma nu ma naw, Yin Baw, Yin Ta le`, Inn Tha, Shan and Bamar live in the Kayah State. In the hill regions, you will find the Pa-O national race as well. Most Kayah Padaung nationals live in Pan Pat Village, which is situated in Kayah State.

The famous religious landmark of Loikaw is the Thiri-Mingalar Taung-kwe Pagoda Hill, scenically built on a hillock overlooking the vast expanse of the environs. You can watch desolately at the pilgrims and enjoy the marvelous landscape form the top. Taungwe Taung Zedi is the most venerated pagoda in Kayah State. Taungwe meaning "Separated hills" in Myanmar. The Kinnare Bird are the national symbol of the Kayah State.

Myanmar’s largest hydropower plant is located 20 km east of Loikaw at Lawpita Water Falls and named as Lawpita Hydropower Plant. It is the main electric power source in Myanmar.

12/04/2015

12/04/2015

SHINBYU OR NOVITIATOIN CEREMONY

The Shinbyu or novitiation ceremony is one of the most important events in a Buddhist's life in Myanmar. Novitiation means allowing boys to enter the Buddha's Order of Sangha (or monks) as a novice after shaving their heads, donning robes, and asking permission in Pali to become a novice.
Myanmar people regard their lives to be incomplete if they themselves, or their sons, have not been novices. Parents normally sponsor a novitiation as an obligation, but certain well-wishers can also contribute if the boy's own parents cannot afford the expense or if he is an orphan. The tradition dates back to the time of the Buddha some 2,500 years ago when the Buddha granted His son the heritage of becoming a novice.
Now the occasion is usually associated with much fanfare, and charity feasts are held for invited guests and relatives of the sponsors. There are now also grand ceremonies of mass novitiation, in which sometimes up to a thousand affluent well-wishers sponsor a number of boys who have been unable to become novices.

Novitiation ceremonies are usually held during the summer around the time of the water festival when schools are closed for the year-end vacation. Boys aged between 9 and 12 are beautifully dressed in princely attire that can be attributed to the fact that the Buddha's son had been a prince himself.
When the procession begins, the boys ride the caparisoned horses, shaded with gilded umbrellas, accompanied by parents, family members and local women girls carrying sets of yellow robes, offerings and an ornate betel box. A band of music troupe and dancers accompanies the procession which leads to a suburban nat or spirit home where prayers and devotions are held.
Then the procession visits a pagoda to pay homage to the Buddha and do meritorious deeds. If the ceremony occurs in big cities like Yangon, the procession is a convoy of cars rather than horses, and the Shwedagon Pagoda is visited.
Finally, the novitiates return home, change clothes and rest until they visit a monastery late in the afternoon. There, the monks shave the boys' heads and the hair is caught in a white cloth by the closest of kin. Then the boys have to beg permission in Pali to the head monk to be novitiated, and the ceremony is then conducted. After prayers, the boys don robes and the transformation occurs. The fresh novices have to stay in the monastery for a retreat of at least seven days under the care of the residing monks, following every set of rules, studying Buddhist scriptures and making the most of their stay there.

20/03/2015

03/03/2015

02/02/2015

Le Planteur Restaurant & Bar!

Le Planteur opens a new restaurant on Inya Lake, at 80 University Road. Le Planteur (Inya Lake) upgraded even more to the next standard of finesse in quality, standard and ambience!! And so, Le Planteur (Inya Lake) remains faithful to its concept, in a stunningly attractive venue!! It is an exciting and wonderful evolution and change for Le Planteur – but the things you and I love about Le Planteur have not changed.

11/10/2014

11/10/2014

Gokteik Viaduct – The largest railway trestle in the world upon its completion in 1901, the highest bridge in Myanmar (102 meters high/ 37 meter span since 1901).

09/10/2014

Notice to Tourists

1.For more information please go to www.evisa.moip.gov.mm and information on restricted area go to www.mip.gov.mm.

2.You will need the following before you apply:
(a) Your passport validity must have at least (6) months.
(b) You have to attach one color photo (4.8 cm X 3.8 cm) taking during last (3) months.
(c) You will need your visa or master credit card for the payment of USD 50.

3.Visa processing information
(a) Length of stay is (28) days from the date of arrival in Myanmar.
(b) eVisa sevice is none refundable.
(c) You will receive an email acknowledgement within 1 hour after successful payment.
(d) The processing time is upto (5) working days.
(e) The validity of eVisa approval letter is 90 days from the issued date. If it is expired, entry will be denied.

4.If the applicant has child(ren) under (7) years old on the same passport, you have to put the name of that child, date of birth in the minor section of the application form.

5.The applicant should complete individual personal data whether passenger is FIT or package tour.

6.eVisa is a only valid for a single entry. Re-entry will require a new visa.

7.Currently passengers with eVisa are only permitted to enter via Yangon International Airport. We will announce other port of entry in due course.

8.If the decision is not allowed to entry, you may return by the same flight.

9.Ordinary passport holders from the following countries are giving visa exemption for 14 days-
(a) Laos
(b) Vietnam
(c) Philippines
(d) Cambodia
(e) Indonesia

10.The following (43) countries are granted eVisa for initial -

No. Country Name No. Country Name
1. Australia 23. Laos
2. Bangladesh 24. Malaysia
3. Belgium 25. Nepal
4. Brazil 26. Netherlands
5. Brunei 27. New Zeland
6. Cambodia 28. Norway
7. Canada 29. Pakistan
8. China 30. Philippines
9. CZECH 31. Poland
10. Denmark 32. Russia
11. Egypt 33. Saudi Arabia
12. Finland 34. Serbia
13. France 35. Singapore
14. Germany 36. Spain
15. India 37. Sri lanka
16. Indonesia 38. Switzerland
17. Israel 39. Thailand
18. Italy 40. Turkey
19. Japan 41. United Kingdom
20. Korea, DPR 42. United State of America
21. Korea, Republic 43. Vietnam
22. Kuwait

The following (24) countries have been added from 02/October/2014 :

No. Country Name No. Country Name
1. Argentina 13. Lithuania
2. Austria 14. Luxembourg
3. Bulgaria 15. Malta
4. Chile 16. Mongolia
5. Colombia 17. Panama
6. Croatia 18. Peru
7. Cyprus 19. Portugal
8. Estonia 20. Romania
9. Greece 21. Slovakia
10. Hungary 22. Slovenia
11. Ireland 23. Sweden
12. Latvia 24. Venezuela

19/08/2014

Myanmar eVisa(Official Government Website)

18/07/2014

Bangkok Airways to start Chiang Mai based Yangon-Mandalay route
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Bangkok Airways plans to launch ATR 72 services from Chiang Mai to both Mandalay and Yangon in late October this year. It will give Bangkok Airways five routes to Myanmar as Bangkok Airways has already become the largest foreign carrier in Myanmar, with three routes and 40 weekly frequencies. Mandalay will initially be served with three weekly flights and Yangon with four weekly flights but Bangkok Airways is confident both markets will grow and eventually be able to support more frequencies. Bangkok Airways has roughly doubled its capacity to Myanmar over the past year as it added a fourth daily flight on Bangkok-Yangon and launched services from Bangkok to Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Bangkok-Mandalay and Bangkok-Nay Pyi Taw routes will continue to be served with seven and five weekly frequencies respectively. Bangkok-Mandalay is served with A319s while Bangkok-Nay Pyi Taw is generally served with ATR 72s but A319s have been used during peak periods.

Admin - Thura @ သူရ

17/07/2014

Air Mandalay signs definitive agreement for purchase of up to 10 Mitsubishi regional jets

AIR MANDALAY Limited announced at the UK’s top airshow, that it has signed an Aircraft Purchase Agreement with Mitsubishi Aircraft for an order of six firm MRJ90s with a purchase option for an additional four MRJ90s.

The agreement demonstrates Air Mandalay’s continuing commitment to best serve both the local population and visitors to Myanmar, as the country transitions to an international standard air transport structure.

Yangon based Air .Mandalay, currently operates turboprop aircraft and is seeking to expand and enhance its fleet’s capability through the introduction of regional jets.

The addition of the MRJ will provide unprecedented benefits to drive the airlines expected growth in the region. Moreover, the MRJ, along with Air Mandalay’s strong management team and Myanmar’s strategic geographic location in the competitive Asian market, will provide Air Mandalay and Mitsubishi Aircraft with an opportunity to outpace the industry for years to come.

Air Mandalay’s CEO, Gary J Villiard says the company chose the MRJ for its advanced design characteristics, its promised customer support backed by the Mitsubishi parent company and the reliability and economy of the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan Engine (GTF).

By 2032, Mitsubishi Aircraft anticipates demand of about 1,000 airplanes in the expanding Asian regional jet market. This agreement with Air Mandalay will enable Mitsubishi Aircraft to accelerate sales efforts across the region. Thus far, 325 MRJ are on order but Air Mandalay is the first Asian airline outside of Japan to select the aircraft.

Deliveries of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), Japan’s next generation regional aircraft are scheduled to commence in 2018. In the meantime Air Mandalay will be expanding its fleet with the introduction of six Embraer Regional Jets (ERJ) as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary later on in the year.

Air Mandalay is an airline incorporated on October 6 1994, which currently operates scheduled services to 15 domestic destinations, as well as offering air charter services to numerous oil companies.

17/07/2014

E-Visa to Be Introduced by This Year: Official


The Department of Immigration and Population (DIP) under the Immigration Ministry by this year will finally implement an E-Visa system which was initiated in 2011, a top official said.

The system will enable a visa applicant to receive Myanmar visa within three days of submitting application, thus saving time and costs, U Maung Maung Than, Director of DIP said.

“This will not only benefit foreign businesspeople but also tourists,” he said.

The director said the technical aspect of the project has been finalised while the service aspect is yet to be taken care of fully.

“We can start our service before the end of this year,” U Maung Maung Than said.

E-Visa will be available for the countries that do not have a Myanmar Embassy and for applicants who live far from a Myanmar consulate. Applicants will get online notifications once they get the visa, according to the DIP. The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) and the DIP are collaborating to implement the E-Visa system.

Currently, foreign applicants from countries where there are no Myanmar consulates have to wait for about a week to get their applications approved, while visa fees also vary in different jurisdictions.

“Many countries have boosted their tourism sector by introducing this kind of system. It is taking us a long time to implement the system, but once launched it will help us double tourist arrivals very soon,” U Naung Naung Han, secretary of Myanmar Tourism Federation, told Myanmar Business Today.

Myanmar has set a target of attracting 3 million tourists in 2015, a near-triple of the 2012 figure, Minister for Tourism U Htay Aung said earlier.

Tourist arrivals in Myanmar hit 1 million for the first time in 2012, an increase of 200,000 compared with 2011, amid drastic reforms undertaken by the semi-civilian government that came to power three year ago.

credit: http://myanmarvisa.com/latestnews/2014/06/07/e-visa-to-be-introduced-by-this-year-official/

E-Visa to Be Introduced by This Year: OfficialPosted on June 7, 2014 by adminThe Department of Immigration and Population (DIP) under the Immigration Ministry by this year will finally implement an E-Visa system which was initiated in 2011, a top official said.The system will enable a visa applicant…

27/05/2014

Oriental Ballooning will operate Inle lake area very soon!

Oriental Ballooning launched its commercial operations on 21st November 2013 in Mandalay, and on 1st of January 2014 also started flying in Bagan. 2014 -2015 the operation season will be from October 20th 2014 (Bagan), and November 1st 2014 (Mandalay) to March 31st March 2015, Inle operations date will be from 15th November 2014 to 31st March 2015.

Oriental Ballooning is a 100% privately owned Myanmar Company, set up and run by reputable persons from the hotel & tourism industry in Myanmar, who run the Amata Hotel Group. For the first operating season, the capacity of 40 passengers per day in six balloons (two balloons with 4 passengers and four balloons with 8 passengers). The offer both private charter and premium service to all passengers with one sunrise flight per day 45 minutes to one hour duration, depending on the wind speed on the day.

26/05/2014

Traders re brands Yangon hotel to Shangri-La name

YANGON landmark Traders Hotel re branded to Sule Shangri-La Yangon last week following two- and-a-half-years of renovations. The hotel’s overhaul ensures guests receive an experience in keeping with other Shangri-La Properties, said Philip Couvaras, Shangri-La area general manager.

“During [the past] 20 years, the Shangri-La brand has become recognized as the number-one brand in Asia,” he said. “We have done the refurbishments and we re branded the hotel so we could bring the Shangri-La brand to Myanmar.

“[We will] give every guest a personal experience, one that is really sincere, and a level of service that comes from the heart to our guests,” he said.

In addition to the renovations, the hotel has also conducted extensive staff training and increased the amenities on offer. Mr Couvaras said prices for some products and services at Sule Shangri-La have recently increased, but claimed this was not related to the change in branding on April 28.

“There has been no specific strategy to increase prices other than those that impact our business from time to time,” he said, citing the example of wine, which is more expensive because of higher costs due to a government crackdown on illegal imports beginning in late 2013.

“We have always adopted an approach that our food and beverage pricing is reasonable, quality and freshness being the main criteria,” he said. “Most important is that room rates remain unaffected.”

Hong Kong-listed Shangri-La Hotels and resorts owns both the Traders and Shangri-La brands.

The name change is part of a push by Shangri-la to restart and expand projects that were stalled about 15 years ago by a combination of the Asian Financial Crisis, economic sanction and a travel boycott as a result of alleged human rights abuses in the country.

Sangri-La will formally open Shangri-La Residences Yangon in 2015. It is a twin tower project beside Kandawgyi Lake that includes two 21-storey towers of 120 apartments each.

Currently one tower is fully occupied and the other, which is not fully open, is at about 30 percent occupancy. Plans call for the project to be surrounded by 15 acres of landscaped gardens and will offer a range of recreational facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and a mini mart.

Shangr-La is also developing Sule Square beside Sule Shangri-La with a targeted completion date of 2015. The multi-story commercial tower will include offices, retail space and underground parking. It has also announced plans to build a 350-room Lakeside Shangri-La hotel near Kandawgyi Lake with investment of US$115 million.

A ground breaking ceremony for the hotel, which will be located near the Shangri-La Residences, was held in December last year. The completions of renovation works at Sule Shangri-La and the construction of Shangri-La Residences were funded by an $80 million loan from the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group.