ATJ Journey Magazine Spring 2019

ATJ

Summer 2018

T HE W ELCOME IS SUE atj.com

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BEYOND THE ORDINARY WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Part relaxation, part education, part life-enriching experience, travel can be the culmination of a life-long dream. Here are reasons ATJ is the best choice to deliver on your expectations.

HISTORY

In addition to designing journeys for discerning individuals, we also design customized journeys for the World Wildlife Fund, and the Harvard, Princeton and Yale alumni associations, to name a few.

EXPERTISE

SUPPORT Enjoy toll-free phone and email access to your own Travel Specialist, and customized reading, medical, cultural, packing and insurance information. We also have an a team available 24/7 during your travels.

SECURITY We’re in constant contact with our in-country partners while you’re traveling. If anything should go wrong with your health, well being or arrangements, we’re on it.

Our Travel Specialists possess the most extensive first-hand regional knowledge of any

U.S.-based company. No other

company offers such expertise PEACE OF MIND in the Asia/Pacific region.

It’s a priceless commodity,

included in all of our trips.

EFFICIENCY

We’ve spent over three decades NO REGRETS honing air arrangements, checking hotel quality and hand picking the best guides, so you don’t have to.

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WELCOME

ONE-STOP SHOP

Get volume-discounted We’ve been specializing airfare, visa information exclusively in the Asia/ and a perfectly arranged Pacific region since 1987. itinerary with meals, transfers and guides, then pay for all

REPUTATION services on one bill.

Over 75% of our business is repeat or referral, a testament to our substance.

CREDIBILITY

LETTER FROM ATJ

Beginning or rather creating the first issue presented itself with this question... what is the theme? What is Journey about? What first impression will we leave you? Obviously and sensibly a good welcome was a must.

Especially with travel, we all want to feel welcome, to be a part of the culture. So think of us as that friend you visit when out of town. The one that knows all the best kept secrets of the area, the guide.

With that, we hope we are a welcoming step toward a life of travel. We want to give you all the "good to know" advice, a peek into undiscovered beauty and the tastes, smells, feel of the cultures. We want you to feel like you are walking down the streets of Bali with your best friend with the scents of flower and sandalwood incense burning and roosters crowing behind you. Whether or not you are able to go to Bali or any other place on the opposite end, we hope we can at least provide an experience with each turning page.

And now, welcome to our first edition of Journey! We want to offer you more throughout the year, to allow for daydreaming, wandering and journeying with us. Our corner of the world is a very diverse and unique region, steeped in tradition, history, stories, spirituality and detail too rich in myth and fact to convey in one singular signature catalogue each year. We bring to you our new publication....a way to offer meaningful insight every few months, right to your mailbox, that you can hold, read, share and ponder.

You might only visit a destination once in your life; make sure you do it right.

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Photo courtesy of Pat O'Connell

Contents DEPARTMENTS

Letter from ATJ.............. 1 Ethics Travel Insider..................... 4 Books to Travel By......... 5 Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam Unique & Boutique............ 6

Bali Senses................................. 12 Vietnam Cravings............................. 32 Splendid Sri Lanka Featured Group Trip.......... 34 Foundation...................... 36

Easy to Forget Essentials Travel Must Haves............. 8

FEATURES 10

Giving Alms

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Top 5 Feel Good Travel Experiences

You're in Luang Prabang, Laos and the bells of the town's monasteries toll at dawn. Long, golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the town's people—long lines of barefooted monks weaving through the streets on their alms rounds.

We travel to appreciate our small place in the world; and maybe in some small way our wanderlust will positively impact someone’s life and make their world a better place.

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5 Secret Beach Resorts I’ve been combing Asia and the Pacific for many years curating my own list of go-to, off-the-beaten track, five-star resorts that are perfect for travelers looking for an authentic beach escape far from the tourist crowds.

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Anthropological Tour de Force An intriguing jumble of people coexist with complex tribal liaisons and 850 mutually unintelligible tongues.

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ETHICS TRAVEL INSIDER

We and our travelers have been exploring Asia and the Pacific for more than 30 years. What it comes down to for us is the following: ˃˃ Travel with humility and a genuine desire to meet and talk with the local people. ˃˃ Acquaint yourself with local customs and respect them to avoid offending anyone. ˃˃ C ultivate your listening and observing skills rather than merely hearing and seeing.

Cultivate the habit of asking questions instead of knowing all the answers. ˃˃ Accept your host country’s different way of doing things, their different concept about time and their different way of looking at the world. ˃˃ Become enlightened about another way of life; if you really want it to be like home, why travel?

BOOKS TO TRAVEL BY YAK GIRL Dorje Dorma This unusual memoir immerses the reader in the fascinating story of a spirited girl in a remote, undeveloped region of Nepal near the border of Tibet, a place made known to the world in Peter Matthiesen's The Snow Leopard. Life above 13,000 feet in northern Dolpo―often called the last paradise because of its breathtaking snow-capped peaks, untouched beauty, and hand-irrigated green pastures―was one of constant risk and harsh survival. In the 1980s, Dolpo had no running water, electricity, motor vehicles, phones, school, or doctors, other than the local lamas trained in the use of herbs and prayer.

˃˃ Do not expect special privileges as a foreigner nor make promises to local people that you cannot fulfill. ˃˃ L earn greetings and courtesy phrases, especially "please" and "thank you" in the local language. ˃˃ Reflect daily on your experiences to deepen your understanding. Remember that which enriches you may rob or violate others, and doesn’t really enrich you either in the end. ˃˃ Always ask permission before taking someone’s photograph. Be courteous and subtle, and establish a connection first. You might also learn "May I take your picture?" in the local language. ˃˃ Remember, flexibility, a good attitude, sense of humor and an open mind— coupled with patience, ingenuity and respect—will help ensure a positive trip experience. As you pack your suitcase, we encourage you to take these qualities with you on your journey for a safe and fascinating adventure! *The Traveler’s Code of Ethics, adapted from statements developed by the Christian Conference of Asia.

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UNBOUND John Shors John Shors re-imagined one of the world's greatest love stories–the romance that inspired the Taj Mahal–in his critically acclaimed, international bestseller Beneath a Marble Sky. Now, with Unbound, Shors recreates an ancient and celebrated Chinese legend about a pair of young lovers separated by war and the Great Wall.

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UNIQUE & boutique CURATED ALTERNATIVE LODGING EXPERIENCES

Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam

SHINTA MANI

SHINTA MANI ANGKOR - BENSLEY COLLECTION Siem Reap, Cambodia

These 10 ultra-luxe villa compounds with personal swimming pools allow guests to experience this lively town in a whole new level of comfort. Under the ancient canopy of Siem Reap’s palace trees, each walled compound offers residents total privacy in their own tropical garden.

Discover the remote world of the "people of heaven".

Each villa offers 156sq meters across two pavilions including a floor to ceiling glassed bathroom with views over the garden and outdoor bathtub and rain shower. Inside the living space, three dimensional murals have been carved to render the romantic folds of Jayavarman’s robe – one of the Khmer Kings known for his powerful pioneering spirit – the perfect complement to such exquisite surrounds.

soneva kiri resort

li-an lodge

topas eco lodge

MUANG LA RESORT

SONEVA KIRI RESORT

LI-AN LODGE

TOPAS ECO LODGE

Muang La, Laos

Koh Kood, Thailand

Ping An Village, Longsheng, China

Sapa, Vietnam

Feast your eyes on unspoilt natural surroundings. Sample the tradition of bathing in hot spring water. Enjoy the seclusion of the stunning scenery.

Discover the remote world of the "people of heaven". Stay next to the village of Muang La, where it all began!

Untamed jungle, pristine beaches, and a local fishing village, Koh Kood is an unspoilt island far beyond Thailand's tourist trail. Located on this island is the serene and secluded Soneva Kiri, offering an unrivaled blend of luxury, environmentally friendly design and unforgettable, authentic Thai experiences. Barefoot luxury at its best, Soneva Kiri inspires the imagination, Thai style.

Li-An Lodge overlooking the magnificent rice terraces in Longsheng has 16 rooms and each features a different aspect of Chinese arts and crafts. It is an entirely wood structure implementing the Chinese traditional building technique of tongue and groove without a single nail. Since its opening, LiAn Lodge has received raving press reviews from CNN Go, Forbes Travel Guide, National Geographic Traveler and other prestigious magazines from France and Hong Kong.

Topas Ecolodge is a small lodge situated on a beautiful hilltop deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park only 45 minutes outside Sapa in North Vietnam.

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Nam Pak River, Muang La Lodge took its place in the heat of the lush, green countryside to become a haven of peace and tranquility lulled by the sound of the river. The charm of our Lodge is everywhere.

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They have 33 mountain bungalows all built as rustic chalet-style single bedroom houses from local white granite.

Each of the bungalows presents a casual style with a private balcony, from there you can enjoy the magnificent view of the towering peaks and endless valleys dotted with ethnic minorities’ villages. A perfect place for touring in the surrounding area hiking or biking or just relaxing from the noisy and busy city life.

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CLOTHING

EASY TO FORGET ESSENTIALS

¨ Underwear ¨ Socks ¨ Pants ¨ Shorts (longer shorts are recommended, especially for more traditional areas) ¨ Blouses and/or dress shirts (depending on where you are staying and dining and your travel style) ¨ Casual/short-sleeved shirts (halter tops and tank tops are not recommended)

TOILETRIES & MEDICAL ¨ Dresses and/or skirts ¨ Blazer or dinner jacket (depending on where you are staying and dining and your travel style) ¨ Sun hat (with brim) ¨ Windbreaker and/or rain jacket ¨ Bathing suit ¨ Sleepwear ¨ Warm jacket and cozy hat (better to bring and not need than be cold)

TRAVEL MUST HAVES

PERSONAL ITEMS

Maybe you’ve traveled the world a dozen times and you're a packing expert, or you’ve never had to think about packing for multiple countries, hours and hours on the long haul flight and how to care for yourself and loved ones, thousands of miles from home in a completely different time zone. Maybe you fall somewhere in between? We’ve taken hundreds of trips collectively and have seen the span of 30 years throughout Asia and the Pacific, and think we have some pretty good tips for you. Some you may already know and some you may not have thought of. As technology and connectivity change, so has our ‘Travel Must Haves’...if you think of something we’ve missed, let us know and we’ll share it with our travelers and team….gone are the days of traveler’s checks, and we never leave home without our cell phones and chargers, but some tried and true items are still on our list!

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¨ D ay pack or waist pack to carry your camera, etc. ¨ M oney belt or money pouch ¨ J ournal and pen ¨ B ook(s)(see “Reading List”) ¨ U mbrella ¨ B inoculars ¨ A ddress book ¨ B usiness cards ¨ P illowcase and sheet (if traveling by sleeper train or trekking in remote areas) ¨ P ostcards and/or pictures of home & family to share with local people ¨ K eys (pack in a safe, memorable place for when you get home)

assport (valid for 6 months beyond your return date AND with at least P two blank pages per destination), including applicable visas

TECHNOLOGY ¨ Cell phone & charger (we bring two chargers, one for the wall and one for the auto cigarette lighter) ¨ iPad, tablet, e-reader or laptop ¨ Camera, extra camera batteries ¨ Film or memory card ¨ Voltage converters (as necessary—most modern appliances are dual-voltage) ¨ Plug adapters ¨ Compact flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries ¨ Travel alarm clock ¨ Small calculator (for monetary transactions)

¨ Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation

DON'T FORGET!

¨ Travel Guide booklet (ATJ creates a custom guide for every departure, tailored to your trip) ¨ Final itinerary ¨ Additional insurance documents (if purchased) ¨ Wallet with cash, credit cards, ATM card, driver’s license, personal health insurance card (be sure to let your bank know when and where you will be going so that they don’t flag your expenses as potential theft or fraud) ¨ Emergency evacuation, medical insurance & any additional insurance papers ¨ Make photocopies of the following: Photo ID page of passport, credit cards, airline tickets (take a copy with you and leave a copy with someone at home)

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FOOTWEAR ¨ Walking shoes for daily wear ¨ Dress shoes for evening (depending on where you are staying and dining and your travel style) ¨ Waterproof sandals ¨ Hiking boots or sturdy running shoes (depending on where you are staying and dining and your travel style)

TRAVEL AIDS ¨ Earplugs ¨ Sleeping mask ¨ Travel pillow ¨ Motion sickness aids ¨ Small locks for luggage ¨ Guidebook, maps, phrase book ¨ Plastic bags (for dirty laundry, dirty shoes or to wet items)

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¨ Sunscreen ¨ Insect repellent ¨ Shaving supplies ¨ Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss ¨ Deodorant ¨ Shampoo and conditioner ¨ Brush or comb ¨ Hair dryer (though commonly supplied at hotel) ¨ Moisturizer and lip balm ¨ Contact lenses/solution and/or prescription glasses ¨ Nail care, tweezers ¨ Aspirin or ibuprofen ¨ Feminine products ¨ Tissues, toilet paper (keep a small pack in your daily travel bag for pit stops) ¨ Antiseptic towelettes ¨ Any personal medications including those specific to traveler’s maladies as recommended by your physician

ACCESSORIES ¨ Belt ¨ Tie (depending on where you are staying and dining and your travel style) ¨ Wristwatch ¨ Sunglasses & case ¨ Jewelry (leave valuables at home)

Important Note: Most flights throughout Asia and the Pacific have smaller baggage weight allowances than most US flights.

Contact your air carrier directly for the most up-to-date information. Be sure to leave room for souvenirs purchased while traveling!

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NOTHING IS MORE MOVING THAN WATCHING or participating in giving alms to local monks and nuns.

Alms is an act of virtue, selfless giving, a path to nirvana.

Imagine, you're in Luang Prabang, Laos and the bells of the town's monasteries toll at dawn. Long, golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the town's people— long lines of barefooted monks weaving through the streets on their alms rounds.

Giving Alms LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

All rise early, and so do you, to witness or even participate (in some areas) in this moving scene typical of many countries and communities scattered throughout this region.

In Sri Lanka, we visit a local temple where you will be able to present alms (a cooked meal) to the monks residing at the temple along with the local family who is cooking the meal for the monks. Most alms giving have time frames and specific areas of a village or town where given.

This ritual is a Buddhist cornerstone, and the cornerstone of most religions throughout the world. Monks and nuns make their alms rounds to gather food for their only meal of the day; in turn, the community and individuals or families who participate, gain merit and continue on their own path to nirvana. The act of alms giving assists in connecting the human to the monk or nun and what he/she represents.

Please note, in keeping with ATJ's respectful stance regarding local cultures, please observe this sacred ritual from a respectful distance. We also encourage that, if you must take photographs, that it does not interfere with this highly revered ritual.

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NASI GORENG This staple on Bali is cooked with lemon grass, which is one of the most iconic flavors and aromas in Asia. Used quite often in culinary and medicinal preparations.

SENSES bali

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

MANTA RAYS

I feel the rice terraces in Bali are the best in the world.

If you’ve never seen this in person, it’s a complex system of growing rice with unique irrigation techniques that also happens to be one of the most beautifully hand crafted visual structures one can imagine.

Touching Manta Rays when snorkeling in Komodo was a big highlight on my last trip.

Nothing compares to being this up close and personal with wildlife, to see beautiful underwater creatures in their own habitat, right off your liveaboard.

WHAT I HEAR, SMELL, SEE AND TASTE IN BALI

Jarrod Hobson

ROOSTERS IN THE MORNING INCENSE

A great alarm clock to start another day in paradise. While you might hear roosters throughout the day, when the sun is rising and a rooster crows, it signifies the village awakening, preparing for the day, cooking the first meal and paying respect.

Offerings are made all day and the smell is something I love. The smell of incense captures the spirituality and the calmness of the people. Originally used to temper aromas of daily life, incense is very common in Asian culture to burn in temples, used as offerings, in ceremonies, in the home, during prayer and contemplation.

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Top 5 Feel Good Travel Experiences IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Tom Lastick

Beyond hotels, sightseeing and activities, we travel to appreciate our small place in the world; and maybe in some small way our wanderlust will positively impact someone’s life and make their world a better place. Here are a few of my favorite experiences that ATJ can arrange, which are not only meaningful cultural experiences for you, but also directly benefit the local people, community and their environment in a positive and meaningful way.

Keep Reading

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1 SIEM REAP Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia. The ruined city of Angkor is one of the wonders of the ancient world visited by millions of foreign visitors every year. Sadly, many local children who grew up nearby have never seen Angkor nor understand their own homeland’s glorious past. We have teamed with a local NGO to arrange for your tour of the temple ruins to include a group of local children from the area that have never had the same opportunity. Beyond the amazing architecture and history, your experience will be enhanced by seeing the smiles and bright eyes of the children accompanying you and for whom you made the experience of a lifetime possible.

2 LUANG PRABANG Laos

In largely agrarian, developing world nations like Laos, one is often not guaranteed education beyond the primary level, if at all. Many people in Laos, especially young people, are eager to learn English as a path to a better life in the tourism industry or abroad, but few of them have access to teachers who are fluent enough to teach them. We team with a local NGO that sponsors drop-in English conversation and practice for visitors to talk with or read to locals and children. A bilingual facilitator, books, maps and other supporting materials are provided to aide in your conversations and interactions. Some opt to stay for an hour or two, some opt to stay all day.

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"BEYOND THE AMAZING ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY, YOUR EXPERIENCE WILL BE ENHANCED BY SEEING THE SMILES..." atj.com

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YANGON

CHIANG MAI

Myanmar

Thailand

In many countries previously ravaged by decades or longer of unrest, war or political upheaval, traditional arts such as music are sadly not a priority. Skilled people needed to teach and carry on traditions are lesser and lesser with each passing generation. We partner with an NGO in Myanmar that opened a music center to reintroduce these skills to young, eager students. On a visit to this center you will be treated to a concert by the students and take solace in knowing your visit helped to purchase instruments for them, hire and train local instructors and provide scholarships for the most talented to continue to refine their craft abroad.

"Travelers can feel good knowing profits from the program support threatened elephant acquisition, reforestation initiatives and local community education."

For millennia, majestic Asian elephants have been domesticated and trained for manual labor, largely farming and logging. In the modern age, the need for elephant power is no longer; yet with a lifespan often approaching 100 years, literally thousands of former working elephants now find themselves without purpose, mistreated and lacking the natural habitat and skills to fend for themselves. We partner with a couple of very ecosensitive and friendly partners that provide many of these elephants with a comfortable and safe “retirement” where visitors can interact with them, feed them, bathe them, learn about elephant breeding, management and the challenges faced by both domesticated and wild Asian elephants in the modern world. Beyond being an amazing experience, travelers can feel good knowing profits from the program support threatened elephant acquisition, reforestation initiatives and local community education.

Photo courtesy of Kirsten Louy Nasty

5 BULIAN VILLAGE Bali

Hidden away in a secluded corner of Northwest Bali, far from the masses in Bali’s more traditional tourist enclaves lies the village of Bulian, ancestral family home to one of our longest standing and most trusted local partner, guide and friend. In his company, spend a day in a foreign and exotic world with his extended family in Bulian. You may help make traditional flower offerings for temple festivals and weddings; help with tilling and harvesting the fields; learn about and play traditional musical instruments and also participate in preparing the nightly family meal. Then you’ll be treated to a feast, celebration and performances in your honor through the evening including traditional dance, music and conversation. This is the real Bali and this special day we have developed here in this village helps carry on and maintain traditions and customs being lost elsewhere on the island. A life changing day for you and an opportunity for truly special people to maintain practices and traditions passed down for generations but increasingly forgotten in the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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MY FAVORITE WAY TO END a rich cultural itinerary in Asia or the Pacific is with several nights on a tranquil beach. There are so many beautiful beaches in the region, but the perfect combination of a quiet, secluded shore and luxurious property can be surprisingly hard to find. I’ve been combing Asia and the Pacific for many years curating my own list of go-to, offthe-beaten track, five-star resorts that are perfect for travelers looking for an authentic beach escape far from the tourist crowds.

5 Secret Beach Resorts Katie Landgraf

Keep Reading

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SAL SALIS Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

This remote nature lodge located in the dunes of Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park features luxury safaristyle tents on a remote, quiet beach just feet away from one the most vibrant and seldom visited reefs left on the planet. Snorkeling and kayaking on the reef is a must, and adventuresome travelers can also opt to swim alongside the gentle, vegetarian whale-sharks that make their home in the area. This secluded retreat is accessible via a two-hour drive from Exmouth airport.

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WAKATOBI Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sulawesi is a remote Indonesian island known for its unique cultural rituals. It’s beautiful beaches are a well-guarded local secret and Wakatobi is one of the few resorts introducing travelers to their remote beauty.

To reach the resort, board the dedicated private plane in Denpasar, Bali and in less than three hours you’re at Wakatobi’s secluded airstrip, a short boat-ride from your own beach villa. Kept conscientiously small with only 28 villas, Wakatobi ensures that the pristine local environment remains the focus on your stay.

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SIX SENSES Soneva Kiri - Koh Kood, Thailand

A 90-minute flight from Bangkok on the resort's private plane brings you to the small island of Koh Kood, near the Cambodian border and also seemingly back in time. This supremely luxurious resort offers contemporary five-star comfort while simultaneously hearkening back to the undiscovered charm of Thai beaches decades ago.

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SANDOWAY RESORT Ngapali Beach, Myanmar

Although there are a smattering of other small resorts on Ngapali Beach, this stretch of Burmese coast is still off most travelers’ radar. A rustic-luxury private villa at the Sandoway offers the perfect home-base for soaking up Ngapali’s sleepy fishing village charm and relaxing on the wide, white-sand beach.

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SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND Cambodia

Most travelers only think of the ruins of Angkor when planning a trip to Cambodia.

For the lucky few that venture to the Cambodian coast, that means unspoiled, sparsely populated beaches and authentic coastal culture. Just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville, this gorgeous luxury resort sits on its own private island, offers private over-water villas and thoughtful, ultra-luxurious amenities. atj.com

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Anthropological Tour de Force PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Photo courtesy of Pat O'Connell

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"PAPUA NEW GUINEA'S ISOLATED TRIBAL SETTLEMENTS WERE SOME OF THE LAST TO BE "DISCOVERED." Enjoy a festival or sing-sing, tribal cultures, indigenous art, birding, wildlife, hiking or remote river cruising.

Synonymous with adventure and home to the world’s most exotic tribes, Papua New Guinea is a land as colorful and astonishing as its fabled bird of paradise. An intriguing jumble of people coexist with complex tribal liaisons and 850 mutually unintelligible tongues. They practice their cultural celebrations and ancient agricultural practices amid rugged mountains, thundering waterfalls, dazzling reef systems and an abundance of exotic birds and beasts.

Papua New Guinea’s isolated tribal settlements were some of the last to be “discovered,” coming into contact with the outside world for the first time as late as the 1930s.

During this time, the tribes were living in thriving Stone Age agricultural communities and believed that they were the only people on earth. Though some things have changed in the past eighty years, many have not.

Our trips feature three unique Sing-Sings in which many different tribes assemble for a spirited, colorful celebration and competition of dancing, music, costumes, arts and customs.

Enjoy a fabulous two-night stay in a jungle lodge on the banks of the remote Karawari Region, home to traditional tribes. The remote coastal areas of Tufi are home to even more distinct tribal cultures. This journey is an anthropological tour de force without parallel—join us.

Photos courtesy of Suzanne Noakes

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA EXOTIC. MESMERIZING. EXUBERANT.

Photos courtesy of Pat O'Connell

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Home to many of the world’s most isolated tribes, each practicing their own cultural traditions amid rugged mountains, thundering waterfalls, dazzling reef systems and an abundance of colorful birds and beasts, Papua New Guinea is the Holy Grail of immersive cultural travel. To best experience this unique destination, we recommend traveling on a Small Group Trip lead by an experienced, well-connected Tour Leader.

GROUP TRIP: MT. HAGEN SING-SING

• Access traditional villages along Karawari’s remote waterways • Enjoy fantastic birding opportunities amidst wondrous settings • Meet exotic tribes such as Asaro Mudmen and Huli Wigmen • Marvel at authentic tribal handicrafts, straight from the source • Tour with an expert on Papua New Guinea’s tribal culture, flora and fauna • Immerse yourself in your choice of colorful local festivals

11 days from $10,495

10 days from $9,975 J F M A M J J A S O N D

GROUP TRIP: TUMBUNA SING-SING

J F M A M J J A S O N D

GROUP TRIP: RABAUL WARWAGIRA & MASK FESTIVAL

11 days from $10,495 J F M A M J J A S O N D

Detailed itinerary at atj.com/trip-finder

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CRAVINGS VIETNAM

Everyone loves comfort food, it reminds us of our childhood, it heals us when we are sick and it soothes us when our spirits need a lift. In Vietnam, the same is true…our long time friend of over 25 years, and partner, has shared with us some of his favorite dishes, with recipes and ingredients that you might be able to find at your local Asian market. We constantly crave the taste of those wonderful and magical places we visit on our adventures in Asia and the Pacific. Maybe some of these Vietnamese favorites will satisfy your cravings too!

Pho is a dish heavily influenced

by French cooking!

PHO (NATIONAL DISH) A popular street food, the Vietnamese soup consists of broth, rice noodles called bánh phở, a few herbs, and meat, primarily made with either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà).

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CHA GIO OR NEM Fried or fresh wrapped rice paper rolls ‘cha gio’ (southern name) or ‘nem’ (northern name).

CANH CHUA

BANH MI

THIT KHO

BÁNH XÈO

Sweet and sour fish soup “canh chua”.

This is a fresh and healthy dish, very well known in the south.

“Banh Mi”, which comes from the French word “pain” meaning bread, is a simple yet delicious sandwich loaded with a fusion of meats and vegetables from native Vietnamese cuisine.

This caramelized pork belly and boiled eggs in a clay pot is a great comfort food. Our friend recommends that you eat this signature dish with a bowl of rice and homemade sauerkraut!

Literally "sizzling cake," named for the loud sizzling sound it makes when the rice batter is poured into the hot skillet.

The Vietnamese savory fried pancake is made of rice flour, water, turmeric powder, stuffed with individual preferences, and served vegetarian or with meat.

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SPLENDID SRI LANKA FEATURED GROUP TRIP 12 days from $7,345

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Tropical Sri Lanka is a land of great natural and cultural wealth fringed by golden, palm-studded beaches and topped with misty tea plantations. The island nation possesses its own distinct culture—a melding of Sinhalese, Tamil and numerous foreign influences from its many centuries as a center of maritime trade. From diverse wildlife preserves to fascinating archaeology to relaxing beaches, Sri Lanka truly has it all.

• Explore the ruins of the ancient capital cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa • Tour Sri Lanka’s many fascinating dagobas (shrines housing a relic of the Buddha) • Seek out shy, wild leopards in Yala National Park • Revisit the Dutch Colonial period in Galle, a charming collection of historic lanes, homes, shops and churches • Admire the world-famous frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens of Sigiriya • Take an unusual boat safari in Gal Oya National Park where elephants swim between islands

Detailed itinerary at atj.com/trip-finder

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FO U N D A T IO N

The ATJ Foundation invests in a variety of carefully selected relief work initiatives that support grass roots assistance in Asia and the Pacific to very specific projects to aid in health, safety and rebuilding on the heels of natural disasters and unexpected adversities. We invite our travelers and our staff to become involved in strengthening our personal connection with the communities that have always been at the heart of our efforts.

Some of the work the ATJ Foundation has contributed to are: • Clean Water Initiative/Myanmar 2002-2014 • Tsunami Relief 2004 • Cyclone Nargis/Myanmar 2008 • Nepal Earthquake 2015 • Sri Lanka Flooding 2017

Please visit atj.com/atj-difference/foundation to read more and to make an easy online donation.

WE PROMISE ATJ and our overseas partners personally vet all initiatives.

100% of your donation goes directly to the ATJ Foundation.

ATJ wire transfers go directly to our partners, no red-tape.

All administrative and any associated costs are donated by ATJ. The ATJ Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit – all donations are tax-deductible.

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ATJ 1855 S 57th Ct. Ste 230 Boulder, CO 80301 USA

MAN CANNOT DISCOVER NEW OCEANS UNLESS HE HAS THE COURAGE TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE SHORE. ANDRE GIDE

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