Tourism Experience of the year – Balloons over Bagan with Sharky’s
The Tourism Experience of the year is not is limited to be on land, in the sky, or on/under the water, as long as it offers a moment that leaves one marvelling at Myanmar.
This year’s winner managed to combine both land and sky, taking you across the magical scenery of Bagan in the morning and finishing in an unexpected way with a quality breakfast prepared wherever the winds brings you.
Mergui Archipelago Welcomes A New Dive Center
A new dive resort has opened on the idyllic Mergui Archipelago off the coast of Myanmar.
The Awei Pila Resort offers a variety of courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Dive Master. Courses and guided dives can be conducted in the following languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German or Italian.
Awei Pila Opens Scuba Diving Center in Myanmar
The recently opened island resort Awei Pila, located in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, has debuted its own scuba program. The Awei Pila Dive Center will provide scuba certification courses, as well as dive excursions to any of 12 different dive sites found near the resort.
New Dive Center Opens in Mergui Archipelago
Awei Pila, an exclusive resort set on a remote tropical island, has opened a SCUBA diving center in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, offering Open Water courses and certification to first-time divers.
Seeing Myanmar from A Different Angle: Hot Air Ballooning
The morning air was brisk and smelled fresh as our group huddled around a small table with offerings of coffee, tea, and biscuits. The sky was still dim as the sun hadn’t fully awakened yet, with just enough light to watch as the ground crew prepared the massive envelope for inflation. We didn’t wait long before the captain fired up the burners, lighting up the area with mesmerizing flames. As the balloon slowly took shape and stood upright, we were in awe of its size.
New Island Paradise Mergui Archipelago: Chic eco-resort opening
A chic, back-to-nature resort. Awei Pila, has opened recently in the remote tropical Mergui archipelago, off the coast of southern Myanmar and Thailand, offering exclusive seclusion and barefoot luxury comfort in an unspoiled location.
Glamping arrives in Mergui Archipelago
MERGUI, 13 February 2019: It’s a case of ‘take only photos and memories, leave only footprints’ at the newest five-star resort in the remote Mergui Archipelago, off the coast of southern Myanmar and Thailand.
THREE EXCITING NEW HOTELS TO EXPERIENCE IN MYANMAR- LUXE GETAWAYS, 29 JAN 2019
It is a new year, and for many looking to add a Myanmar getaway to their travel itinerary, we have handpicked these exciting new hotels by The Memories Group. Regardless if you refer to this fascinating destination as Myanmar, or still insist on calling in Burma, you are sure to be swept away by this culturally rich country.
Balloons Over Bagan soars to new state in Myanmar – TTG Asia, 17 Jan 2019
Balloons Over Bagan, under Myanmar-based Memories Group, has launched a new hot-air balloon flight in Kayah State. Hot-air balloon rides in Loikaw take off at sunrise on a daily basis throughout the year and can carry six to eight passengers per flight
Balloons Over Bagan Launches New Hot-Air Balloon Flight in Myanmar – Luxury Travel Advisor, 16 Jan 2019
Balloons Over Bagan has set sail for new horizons this month with the launch of a new hot-air balloon flight in the remote ethnic region of Kayah State in Myanmar.
Balloons Over Bagan Soars to New Heights in Myanmar – Luxury Travel Magazine, 15 Jan 2019
One of Myanmar’s most iconic and recognizable tours, Balloons Over Bagan, has set sail for new horizons this month with the launch of a new hot-air balloon flight in the remote ethnic region of Kayah State.
Balloons over Bagan soars to new heights in Myanmar – Travel Daily News, 15 Jan 2019
LOIKAW, Myanmar – One of Myanmar’s most iconic and recognizable tours, Balloons Over Bagan, has set sail for new horizons this month with the launch of a new hot-air balloon flight in the remote ethnic region of Kayah State.
Be one of the first to discover Myanmar’s luscious resort island of Pila – World Travel Magazine, 15 Jan 2019
Nestled amidst a network of some 800 scattered islands and vibrant coral reefs, the island of Pila in Myanmar was known only to the indigenous people of the Mergui Archipelago, the Moken, for centuries, and only opened to foreigners in the late 1990s. Since then, the island has remained relatively untouched by the ravages of modernisation. It’s newest resort, Awei Pila, aims to maintain the balance of the island’s ecosystem while simultaneously providing guests with an exclusive resort to call home.
A Close-Up Look at Mergui Archipelago’s Nascent Eco-Tourism Industry- The Irrawady, 14 Jan 2019
MYEIK, Tanintharyi Region—With its pristine natural islands and Moken “sea gypsy” tribes—whose way of life is rapidly disappearing—the Mergui Archipelago has long held a special fascination as a travel destination for outsiders.
Myeik town itself is famous for its pearl shops, edible-nest swiftlet, fish, shrimp and crab farms, as well its British colonial-era structures. A walk around downtown and along the Strand Road will let you admire the architecture and allow you to enjoy the local attractions.
The 17 Most Hotly Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2019
The beach resorts, city hotels, safari camps, and adventure lodges you need to know this year.
A boutique hotel with a floating spa in England’s countryside. Luxury domes in the middle of Bolivia’s salt flats. A top-to-bottom remake of one of the world’s legendary hotels in Singapore. These are just a few of the reasons we’re excited to travel in 2019. As we hunker down for winter, we’re setting the countdown for the openings of some truly incredible properties this year, from spa retreats to lavish resorts to tented camps across the globe. Here, we’re predicting an entire year’s worth of the best in travel—let’s go!
Asia's first solar yacht launches in Myanmar- FTN News, 9 Jan 2019
Burma Boating, a sailing firm owned by Myanmar tourism trailblazers Memories Group, has unveiled the latest acquisition to its fleet – the S55, a 16.7-meter solar-powered yacht, which will offer expeditions around the Mergui Archipelago from January 2019.
‘Silent’ solar yacht launches in Mergui Archipelago - Travel Daily News, 9 Jan 2019
KAWTHAUNG, Myanmar – Burma Boating, a sailing firm owned by Myanmar tourism trailblazers Memories Group, has unveiled the latest acquisition to its fleet – the S55, a 16.7-meter solar-powered yacht, which will offer expeditions around the Mergui Archipelago from January 2019.
Myeik welcomes Asia's first solar yacht- Myanmar Times, 9 Jan 2019
The first fully solar-run yacht in Asia will set sail this month offering expedition around the Myeik Archipelago, the operating company Burma Boating said on Wednesday.
The firm, owned by Myanmar tourism company Singapore-listed Memories Group, revealed its latest addition to its fleet, a 16.7-metre 100 percent solar-powered catamaran, which can accommodate up to six guests, and three crew members.
Hot air balloon tourism on the rise- The ASEAN Post, 8 Jan 2019
By Jason Thomas
Adventure tourism is gaining a strong foothold in ASEAN, a region which already enjoys a mature and well-developed tourism market.
Blessed with jungles teeming with flora and fauna, an abundance of underwater life and a wide range of islands, mountains and cliffs to explore, Southeast Asia has world-class adventure destinations and has been marketed as such.
Holiday hit list: the 12 places to visit in 2019- The National, 2 Jan 2019
Here’s our list of must-visit destinations around the world this year. From designated cities of cultural importance to awe-inspiring resorts and regions enjoying improved accessibility, we round up the must-visit destinations around the world this year.
Living life better in 2019- The Business Times, 28 December, 2018
- Inclusivity in, exclusivity out
2018 has been a tumultuous year on many fronts. The markets have been volatile, with the possibility of 2019 bringing more gloom. The US-China trade war shows few signs of abating, and Brexit has gotten murkier. The global failure to act decisively on climate change infuriates many – including outspoken teenagers who demand the right to grow up in a better world.
More foreigners riding hot air balloons to see Bagan- Eleven Myanmar News, 15 December, 2018
More foreigners are using hot air balloons to enjoy the aerial view of Bagan, according to Oriental Ballooning.
“We fly hot air balloons from October to April. We choose a place to take off the balloons in the morning based on the direction of the wind. There are three places in Bagan to go ballooning. We fly over the entire town. It takes about 45 minutes to one hour to for a trip in the balloon,” said Khine Wint Phyu, Director of Sales and Marketing of the company.
New destination in Myanmar targets long-stay visits – TTR Weekly, 11 December 2018
YANGON, 11 December 2018: Southern Myanmar’s Tanintharyi region, a narrow strip down to the nation’s southern tip, recently unveiled plans to boost growth through responsible tourism.
Once part of the Siam and Thai kingdoms, and now sharing a land border with Thailand along the Tenasserim hills, the sought-after and fought-over territory is rich in natural resources. But its legacy from the distant and recent past means it lags behind its Kra Isthmus neighbour Thailand.
Aww, Yes: New all-villa resort Awei Pila to open on secluded Mergui Archipelago island- CoCo Travel, 4 Dec 2018
For fans of remote splendor and barefoot luxury, a new resort scheduled to open its doors next weekend may appeal. Awei Pila might not be the easiest spot to get to — the Mergui Archipelago island is a two-hour ride by speedboat from the mainland of Myanmar — but it certainly looks worth the effort.
The new resort is made up of 24 villas featuring a shabby chic by the beach aesthetic, with lots of flowy sheer white curtains and whitewashed wood.
Memories bets on tourist boom in Myanmar- The Business Times, 3 December 2018
Awei Pila, the exclusive luxury resort situated on the remote island of Pila in Myanmar- 28 Nov, 2018
It’s two hours by speedboat from the mainland – but a world away when it comes to wildlife and unexplored beaches.
By Jennifer Chen
Up to now, luxurious offerings in Myanmar have not matched the attention the country has drawn from investors. But Yangon-based Memories Group, which listed in Singapore earlier this year, is set to change the landscape with the opening of Awei Pila next month.
Set Sail – Philippine Tatler Traveler
Hotel investments continue to rise despite lower tourist arrivals- Myanmar Times, 16 November 2018
Singapore-listed company Memories Group Ltd yesterday launched three new hotels in Myanmar, located in Mawlamyaing, Yangon and Mergui, respectively, even as tourist numbers dip and occupancy rates fall across the country.
Hotel Suggati seeks to put Mawlamyaing, Myanmar, on map- Breaking Travel News, 16 November 2018
Memories expands presence in Myanmar- TTR Weekly, 15 November 2018
Memories Group Q2 loss widens to US$1.7m on administrative expenses, cost of sales- The Business Times, 8 November 2018
MYANMAR-FOCUSED tourism player Memories Group, posted a net loss of US$1.7 million for the second quarter ended Sept 30 from a net loss of US$713,000 in the year ago period mainly due to increased administrative expenses from acquisitions and cost of sales.
Memories Group Q2 loss widens to $2.3m on administrative expenses, cost of sales- The Straits Times, 8 November 2018
Memories Group buys out Samena Capital-backed Myanmar firms for $41m – Deal Street Asia, 1 November 2018
SGX-listed Memories Group – which operates tourism businesses in Myanmar – has completed the acquisition of SM Asset Holdings Pte Ltd and Mokan (S) Pte Ltd, that own islands and hotels in the country, for $40.7 million, according to an SGX announcement.
Memories Group posts net loss of $2.3m – The Straits Time, 26 July 2018
Myanmar-based tourism firm Memories Group, in its first earnings report since its Catalist debut in January, posted yesterday a net loss of US$1.7 million (S$2.3 million) for the three months ended June 30, widening from US$698,000 in the year-ago period.
Memories Group acquires hotels, island development rights; posts US$1.7m Q1 loss – The Business Times, 26 July 2018
MYANMAR-based tourism firm Memories Group, in its first earnings report since its Catalist debut in January, posted on Wednesday a net loss of US$1.7 million for the three months ended June 30. A year ago, the loss stood at US$698,000.
Memories Group acquires two Myanmar hotels, island development rights for US$40.7m; posts US$1.7m Q1 loss – The Straits Times, 25 July 2018
Memories Group acquires two Myanmar hotels, island development rights for US$40.7m – The Business Times, 25 July 2018
MYANMAR-based tourism firm Memories Group, in its first earnings report since its Catalist debut in January, posted on Wednesday a net loss of US$1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, widening from US$698,000 in the year-ago period.
Memories Group makes $4 mil acquisition of Kayah Resort in Loikaw – The Edge, 30 May 2018
Memories Group, the tourism-focused company based in Myanmar, is acquiring a boutique hotel in Loikaw, Kayah State, Myanmar, for US$2.9 million ($3.9 million) from the Wa Minn Group of Companies and U Kun Naung Myint Wai.
Looking forward to creating new memories – Aspire Financial Freedom, 30 May 2018
Myanmar tourism stock soars away from crisis – The Edge Singapore, 8 January 2018
By Clara Ferreira-Marques
A Myanmar tourism company soared up and away from the country’s humanitarian crisis. Tycoon Serge Pun’s hot-air balloon operator Memories Group had a strong debut after reversing onto Singapore’s junior exchange on Friday.
STI dips below 3,500 as banks, Singtel pull back – The Business Times, 6 January 2018
It’s a party across the region but S’pore is sober – The Straits Time, 6 January 2018
STI slips 11.71 points, with damage seen in share falls by DBS, UOB and Singtel Cai Haoxiang Markets across the region kept up the jovial new year spirit yesterday but Singapore proved the party pooper after days of merry-making.
Memories Group surges 30% on first trading day Following a reverse takeover, the firm is now focused on Myanmar tourism-related business – The Business Times, 6 January 2018
By Rachel Mui
MEMORIES Group, formerly known as SHC Capital Asia, began trading on the Singapore bourse at 28.5 Singapore cents on Friday after completing a placement to meet public-float requirements. As at 9.53am on Friday, the counter was trading 7.02 per cent, or two Singapore cents, higher at 30.5 Singapore cents after 1.56 million shares changed hands.
Memories Group begins trading on SGX at S$0.285 after reverse takeover of SHC – The Straits Times, 5 January 2018
By Rachel Mui
Memories Group, formerly known as SHC Capital, began trading on the Singapore bourse at 28.5 Singapore cents on Friday (Jan 5) after completing a placement to meet public-float requirements. As at 9.53am on Friday, the counter was trading 7.02 per cent, or two Singapore cents, higher at 30.5 Singapore cents after 1.56 million shares changed hands.
Memories Group begins trading on SGX at S$0.285 after reverse takeover of SHC – The Business Times, 5 January 2018
By Rachel Mui
MEMORIES Group, formerly known as SHC Capital Asia, began trading on the Singapore bourse at 28.5 Singapore cents on Friday after completing a placement to meet public-float requirements.
Myanmar’s First Tourism Stock Rises 48% in Singapore Debut – Bloomberg, 5 January 2018
By Sterling Wong and Livia Yap
Thousands of tourists have floated in a hot-air balloon over Myanmar’s historic Bagan plains dotted with more than 2,200 ancient Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. Chances are they rode one of Memories Group Ltd.’s inflatables.
Myanmar’s first tourism stock rises 30% in Singapore debut – The Edge Markets, 5 January 2018
Thousands of tourists have floated in a hot-air balloon over Myanmar’s historic Bagan plains dotted with more than 2,200 ancient Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. Chances are they rode one of Memories Group’s inflatables.
Myanmar’s first tourism stock starts trading in Singapore – Bloomberg, 5 January 2018
Thousands of tourists have floated in a hot-air balloon over Myanmar’s historic Bagan plains dotted with more than 2,200 ancient Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. Chances are they rode one of Memories Group Ltd.’s inflatables.
Memories Group – First to Debut on Singapore Exchange in 2018 – Aspire Financial Freedom, 4 January 2018
By Don Low
Memories Group is slated to be the first company to debut on the Singapore Exchange. Listing on 5 January 2018 after completing a compliance placement of up to 50 million shares at $0.25 per share, the exercise is a reverse takeover (RTO) of SHC Capital Asia and hence there is no public offering.
Memories Gp placing out shares to keep public float – The Business Times, 28 December 2017
By Lynette Khoo
Placement of up to 50 million new shares at S$0.25 each follows reverse takeover of company. MEMORIES Group, the former SHC Capital, has launched a compliance placement of up to 50 million new shares at 25 Singapore cents a share.
SHC Capital Asia proposes to buy MM Myanmar for $51m – Deal Street Asia, 21 November 2018
By Juliet Shwe Gaung
SGX-listed SHC Capital Asia Ltd, an investment holding company backed by See Hoy Chan Sdn Berhad Group has said it plans to acquire MM Myanmar Pte Ltd, for about S$69.7 million ($51 million).
SHC Capital Asia lodges circular for placement of 50 mil new shares at 25 cts each – The Edge Markets, 21 Nov 2017
By Samantha Chiew
SHC Capital Asia announced on Monday night it had lodged a circular for the proposed acquisition of MM Myanmar for $69.7 million. The group will be acquiring the shares from Yoma Strategic Investments, First Myanmar Investment Company and Exemplary Ventures.