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Southeast Asian Leaders Agree to Form Free-Trade Zone by 2015

Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders agree at summit in Philippines to establish free-trade zone by 2015; pledge to intensify their fight against terrorism, protect region's migrant workers and improve their campaign against HIV/AIDS; also break from tradition of consensus and noninterference and agree to new charter with broad enforcement powers; group fails to find common ground on how to deal with Myanmar, which has come under fire for its poor human rights record

The Muslim Stereotype

I find the common American stereotypes of Islam profoundly warped.

Indonesian President Is Sworn In, Promising a Cleaner Government

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised a new era of cleaner government and renewed growth for Indonesia.

THREATS AND RESPONSES; President Seems to Gain an Asian Ally

Pres Bush and leader of Brunei, Sultan Sir Bolkiah Hassanal, meet at White House; they agree to expand intelligence-sharing as part of Washington's campaign against terrorism; photo

10 Asian Nations Join With U.S. in Pledge to Fight Terrorism

Ten Southeast Asian nations joined the United States on Thursday in pledging to "prevent, disrupt and combat" global terrorism.

Powell Treading a Thin Line in Rallying Antiterror Support

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell arrived in Brunei on Tuesday night for meetings with fellow foreign ministers aimed at solidifying the campaign against global terrorism.

A Plant Gets Picky

This week's column includes items on the tropical pitcher plant, great white sharks and rules for designating moons.

Brunei: From Oil Rich to Garage Sales

For years, Brunei's Prince Jefri Bolkiah shoveled away at the tiny sultanate's cash reserves. Now the nation is waking up from its swoon of abundance and wondering how it will support itself

Indonesian Chief Cleared in 2 Cases, but Future Seems Dim

Indonesia's attorney general clears Pres Abdurrahman Wahid of involvement in two corruption cases that led to his censure and calls for his ouster by Parliament, but Wahid's options for political survival seem to be narrowing as lawmakers prepare for impeachment vote on May 30; campaign against Wahid has grown from charges of malfeasasnce to referendum on his leadership; photo

Talk of 'Holy War' From Jakarta Leader's Home Base

Soft-spoken and nattily dressed, Abdul Halim does not look as if he is about to set off on a holy war. But when he talks of Indonesia's embattled president, Abdurrahman Wahid, his voice takes on a sudden fervor. ''He is the nation's educator,'' said Mr. Halim, who sells used cars and dabbles in politics in this industrial city in East Java. ''I look up to him because he speaks the truth.''

How to Say No To a Sultan; Brunei and Its Leader Try Economic Discipline

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiash of Brunei, whose lavish spending helped push country into recession, now acts as economic disciplinarian, trying to less its dependence on oil production and into global economy; Brunei has been vowing to diversify its economy since mid-1980's, but reductions in dominance of oil have been achieved largely by raising government outlays; surging oil prices have taken some urgency out of reform drive; photos

Hints of Graft by Indonesian President

Protests against Indonesia's Pres Abdurrahman Wahid erupt into violence in capital of Jakarta as investigative committee submits report to Parliament suggesting he acted improperly in two multimillion-dollar corruption scandals; findings of six-month inquiry suggest Wahid may have been involved in embezzlement of $3.7 million from government agency and that he improperly accepted $2 million from Sultan of Brunei; photo

As in Manila, So in Jakarta? Upset of Leader Is Protests' Aim

Thousands of chanting protesters denounce Indonesia's president, Abdurrahman Wahid, in what has become daily ritual in Jakarta and other major cities; Wahid is embroiled in corruption inquiry, and protests are expected to grow; special parliamentary committee is expected to announce results of its investigation into charges that Wahid's personal masseur embezzled $3.7 million from state agency, and that Wahid failed to report secret $2 million gift from sultan of Brunei; Wahid took office with ...

GOLF: ROUNDUP; Wayne Smith Leads By One in Thailand

Golf Roundup; Wayne Smith takes lead after first round of Johnnie Walker Classic in Bangkok; Pres Clinton shows up at 11:30PM to play at Royal Brunei Golf and Country, after long day of summit meetings; he and Singapore Prime Min Goh Chok Tong play nine holes until 2AM, on lighted course in lush rain forest, despite flashes of lightning

REPORTERS' NOTEBOOK; An Oil Barony Knows How to Entertain Important Visitors

Reporters' Notebook vignettes from Pres Clinton's visit to oil-rich Brunei; photo of Pres Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, being greeted by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his two wives

Sixty kilometres west across the Pearl River estuary from Hong Kong lies the tiny Portuguese enclave of MACAU . A mere sliver of mainland and a couple of islands covering about twenty-four square kilometres in total, the territory is geographically and economically a midget compared to its booming cousin across the water, and the Macanese transfer of sovereignty back to China in 1999 - two years after Hong Kong's - had none of the drama or controversy that surrounded that of Hong Kong. As in its larger neighbour, Hong Kong, the majority of Macau's population are Cantonese-speaking Chinese. However this has not prevented the territory from developing an atmosphere distinct not only from Hong Kong but from other parts of southern China. With outdoor cafés, charming Portuguese place names, public squares, the odd palm tree and numerous Portuguese restaurants, there is a definite whiff of southern Europe in the air.

However, by the millions of gambling fanatics living in nearby Hong Kong (and increasingly Shenzhen and Guangzhou as well), Macau, with its liberal gambling laws, is seen as little more than one giant casino . It is largely as a spin-off from the colossal gambling trade that money is being pumped in, allowing large-scale construction to take off, including that of Macau's own (underused) airport on the island of Taipa. New highrise hotels, highways and bridges are appearing, and even Hong Kong-style land reclamation has begun in earnest.

Nevertheless, temptations for non-gamblers remain. With a colonial past predating that of Hong Kong by nearly three hundred years, Macau's historic buildings - from old fortresses, to Baroque churches, to faded mansion houses - are still plentiful, while the crumbling backstreets around the port are reminiscent of Hong Kong as it might have been fifty years ago. Finally, the two islands of Taipa and Coloane , now being linked to the peninsula by bridges and land reclamation, contain pockets of total tranquillity with fine beaches and restaurants.

Considering that costs are a good deal lower here than in Hong Kong, and the ease of travel between Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau, it's a great pity not to drop in on the territory if you are in the region. A day trip from Hong Kong is possible (tens of thousands do it every weekend), though you need a couple of nights really to do the place justice.

The Macau currency is the pataca (abbreviated as "ptca" in this book; also sometimes seen as "M$"), which is worth fractionally less than the HK dollar, and is very nearly equivalent to the Chinese yuan. HK dollars (but not yuan) are freely accepted as currency in Macau, and a lot of visitors from Hong Kong don't bother changing money at all. Like the Hong Kong dollar, the pataca is set to continue its status as a separate currency for the foreseeable future.

Visa regulations are not set to change either. Citizens of Britain, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Canada, USA and most European countries are automatically granted permission to stay twenty days on arrival. If in doubt approach the nearest Chinese Embassy or Macau tourist office. In Hong Kong there's Macau tourist office at Room 1303, Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road, Central (tel 2549 8884).

MACAU CHINA
Most Popular Provinces: Beijing - Changsha - Chengdu - Chongqing City - Guangzhou - Guilin - Hangzhou - HongKong - Kunming - Lhasa is occupied - Macau - Nanjing - Sanya - Shanghai - Suzhou - Xi'an	LATEST NEWS LATEST NEWS Southeast Asian Leaders Agree to Form Free-Trade Zone by 2015 Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders agree at summit in Philippines to establish free-trade zone by 2015; pledge to intensify their fight against terrorism, protect region's migrant workers and improve their campaign against HIV/AIDS; also break from tradition of consensus and noninterference and agree to new charter with broad enforcement powers; group fails to find common ground on how to deal with Myanmar, which has come under fire for its poor human rights record The Muslim Stereotype I find the common American stereotypes of Islam profoundly warped. Indonesian President Is Sworn In, Promising a Cleaner Government Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised a new era of cleaner government and renewed growth for Indonesia. THREATS AND RESPONSES; President Seems to Gain an Asian Ally Pres Bush and leader of Brunei, Sultan Sir Bolkiah Hassanal, meet at White House; they agree to expand intelligence-sharing as part of Washington's campaign against terrorism; photo 10 Asian Nations Join With U.S. in Pledge to Fight Terrorism Ten Southeast Asian nations joined the United States on Thursday in pledging to "prevent, disrupt and combat" global terrorism. Powell Treading a Thin Line in Rallying Antiterror Support Secretary of State Colin L. Powell arrived in Brunei on Tuesday night for meetings with fellow foreign ministers aimed at solidifying the campaign against global terrorism. A Plant Gets Picky This week's column includes items on the tropical pitcher plant, great white sharks and rules for designating moons. Brunei: From Oil Rich to Garage Sales For years, Brunei's Prince Jefri Bolkiah shoveled away at the tiny sultanate's cash reserves. Now the nation is waking up from its swoon of abundance and wondering how it will support itself Indonesian Chief Cleared in 2 Cases, but Future Seems Dim Indonesia's attorney general clears Pres Abdurrahman Wahid of involvement in two corruption cases that led to his censure and calls for his ouster by Parliament, but Wahid's options for political survival seem to be narrowing as lawmakers prepare for impeachment vote on May 30; campaign against Wahid has grown from charges of malfeasasnce to referendum on his leadership; photo Talk of 'Holy War' From Jakarta Leader's Home Base Soft-spoken and nattily dressed, Abdul Halim does not look as if he is about to set off on a holy war. But when he talks of Indonesia's embattled president, Abdurrahman Wahid, his voice takes on a sudden fervor. ''He is the nation's educator,'' said Mr. Halim, who sells used cars and dabbles in politics in this industrial city in East Java. ''I look up to him because he speaks the truth.'' How to Say No To a Sultan; Brunei and Its Leader Try Economic Discipline Sultan Hassanal Bolkiash of Brunei, whose lavish spending helped push country into recession, now acts as economic disciplinarian, trying to less its dependence on oil production and into global economy; Brunei has been vowing to diversify its economy since mid-1980's, but reductions in dominance of oil have been achieved largely by raising government outlays; surging oil prices have taken some urgency out of reform drive; photos Hints of Graft by Indonesian President Protests against Indonesia's Pres Abdurrahman Wahid erupt into violence in capital of Jakarta as investigative committee submits report to Parliament suggesting he acted improperly in two multimillion-dollar corruption scandals; findings of six-month inquiry suggest Wahid may have been involved in embezzlement of $3.7 million from government agency and that he improperly accepted $2 million from Sultan of Brunei; photo As in Manila, So in Jakarta? Upset of Leader Is Protests' Aim Thousands of chanting protesters denounce Indonesia's president, Abdurrahman Wahid, in what has become daily ritual in Jakarta and other major cities; Wahid is embroiled in corruption inquiry, and protests are expected to grow; special parliamentary committee is expected to announce results of its investigation into charges that Wahid's personal masseur embezzled $3.7 million from state agency, and that Wahid failed to report secret $2 million gift from sultan of Brunei; Wahid took office with ... GOLF: ROUNDUP; Wayne Smith Leads By One in Thailand Golf Roundup; Wayne Smith takes lead after first round of Johnnie Walker Classic in Bangkok; Pres Clinton shows up at 11:30PM to play at Royal Brunei Golf and Country, after long day of summit meetings; he and Singapore Prime Min Goh Chok Tong play nine holes until 2AM, on lighted course in lush rain forest, despite flashes of lightning REPORTERS' NOTEBOOK; An Oil Barony Knows How to Entertain Important Visitors Reporters' Notebook vignettes from Pres Clinton's visit to oil-rich Brunei; photo of Pres Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, being greeted by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his two wives Province of Macau Sixty kilometres west across the Pearl River estuary from Hong Kong lies the tiny Portuguese enclave of MACAU . A mere sliver of mainland and a couple of islands covering about twenty-four square kilometres in total, the territory is geographically and economically a midget compared to its booming cousin across the water, and the Macanese transfer of sovereignty back to China in 1999 - two years after Hong Kong's - had none of the drama or controversy that surrounded that of Hong Kong. As in its larger neighbour, Hong Kong, the majority of Macau's population are Cantonese-speaking Chinese. However this has not prevented the territory from developing an atmosphere distinct not only from Hong Kong but from other parts of southern China. With outdoor cafés, charming Portuguese place names, public squares, the odd palm tree and numerous Portuguese restaurants, there is a definite whiff of southern Europe in the air. However, by the millions of gambling fanatics living in nearby Hong Kong (and increasingly Shenzhen and Guangzhou as well), Macau, with its liberal gambling laws, is seen as little more than one giant casino . It is largely as a spin-off from the colossal gambling trade that money is being pumped in, allowing large-scale construction to take off, including that of Macau's own (underused) airport on the island of Taipa. New highrise hotels, highways and bridges are appearing, and even Hong Kong-style land reclamation has begun in earnest. Nevertheless, temptations for non-gamblers remain. With a colonial past predating that of Hong Kong by nearly three hundred years, Macau's historic buildings - from old fortresses, to Baroque churches, to faded mansion houses - are still plentiful, while the crumbling backstreets around the port are reminiscent of Hong Kong as it might have been fifty years ago. Finally, the two islands of Taipa and Coloane , now being linked to the peninsula by bridges and land reclamation, contain pockets of total tranquillity with fine beaches and restaurants. Considering that costs are a good deal lower here than in Hong Kong, and the ease of travel between Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau, it's a great pity not to drop in on the territory if you are in the region. A day trip from Hong Kong is possible (tens of thousands do it every weekend), though you need a couple of nights really to do the place justice. The Macau currency is the pataca (abbreviated as "ptca" in this book; also sometimes seen as "M$"), which is worth fractionally less than the HK dollar, and is very nearly equivalent to the Chinese yuan. HK dollars (but not yuan) are freely accepted as currency in Macau, and a lot of visitors from Hong Kong don't bother changing money at all. Like the Hong Kong dollar, the pataca is set to continue its status as a separate currency for the foreseeable future. Visa regulations are not set to change either. Citizens of Britain, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Canada, USA and most European countries are automatically granted permission to stay twenty days on arrival. If in doubt approach the nearest Chinese Embassy or Macau tourist office. In Hong Kong there's Macau tourist office at Room 1303, Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road, Central (tel 2549 8884).

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