1-January_2013 by AirAsia Berhad

AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE TRAVEL 3SIXTY°

66 JA NUA RY 2013

Kyoto, Japan

PAST PERFECT

Siberian Tiger, China AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

CATCH A TIGER BY ITS TAIL

Taipei,Taiwan

DREAM PARADE

Bali, Indonesia

AGE OF BATUAN

PP15075/07/2013(032403)

Travel more Explore more

2013!

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD

ISLANDS & BEACHES TRAVEL GUIDE pg. 24

SMUGGLING ME IS SOOO 2012! IT’S 2013, PEEPS. READ ME ONLINE. www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

113 0 20

CHECK-IN Contents January 2013

NAVIGATOR

AGE OF BATUAN Bali, Indonesia

DREAM PARADE Taipei, Taiwan

TIGER, TIGER BURNING BRIGHT Siberian Tiger, China

PAST PERFECT Kyoto, Japan

100

ISLANDS IN THE SUN Krabi, Thailand

110

PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE Saying No To Your Boss

116

TRAVEL LOG Unforgettable Sri Lanka

110 92

BOARDING CALL

STYLE FILE

06 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS

Get Set, Go!

Life in the Fast Lane

120 OFF THE RACK 124 VANITY FARE Hello 2013!

08 INBOX The Buzz from our Guests

12 RED FORT News from AirAsia

160 MY AIRASIA Allstar Dreams

FLIGHT PLAN 20 SPOTLIGHT Stuff you’d Love to Know

26 HOT DATES January Events to Keep a Lookout for

30 ASEAN COMPASS

128 JETSETTER Anna Oposa

IN FLIGHT 134 PLANE FUN Puzzles & Games

136 PICTURE PERFECT Photos Taken by AirAsia Guests

138 GET COMFY

100

Joy of Flying

PORT OF CALL 140 ROUTE MAP

New Year, New Ideas

148 DESTINATIONS

34 QUICK BITES Foodies’ Delight

156 AIRASIA SALES OFFICES & STATIONS

38 PAGE TURNER

158 TOUCHDOWN

Turning Over a New Leaf af

Makassar, Indonesia

42 MONEY MAKER Training for Financial Security

44 PRESCRIPTION Ironclad Immunity

46 SCORE BOARD Low Impact, High Rewards

52 HYPER TECH Unbelievably Real

56 SLEEP INNS Gems of Java

62 HIT LIST Slam On Scams

132 KIDS SPACE New Beginnings

PUBLISHER GROUP HEAD, BRAND & ANCILLARY INCOME MANAGING EDITOR ART DIRECTOR WRITERS PHOTOJOURNALIST EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER CONTRIBUTORS ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun Al-Ishsal Ishak R. Rajendra Kan Seak Hong Beverly Rodrigues Chitra S Adam Lee Fazlina Bee Binti Abdul Rashid Fadillah Kamarudin Captain Lim Khoy Hing, Craig Ferguson, Curt Schwarz, Eﬁ Hamzah, Pete King, Shantini Suntharajah, Wang Yuanchang Spencer Lee (AirAsia Berhad) spencerlee@airasia.com Indran Balavishnu (Malaysia) indran.balavishnu@pharpartnerships.com Senthuran Mohan (Malaysia) sen.mohan@pharpartnerships.com Mairianne Reardon (Singapore, UK and International Markets) m.reardon@pharpartnerships.com Paragorn Petchnaree (Thailand) paragorn.p@pharpartnerships.com Vikhram Radhakishnan (Indonesia) vikhram.r@pharpartnerships.com

ON THE COVER Travel more, Explore more in 2013 Image: Getty Images

Marully Gultom (Indonesia) marully.gultom@pharpartnerships.com Frances Barsana (Philippines) frances.barsana@pharpartnerships.com Tel: +6 03-7966 8655 (Phar Partnerships Malaysia) E-mail: sales-T360@airasia.com Travel 3Sixty° wishes to thank Lovatts Crosswords & Puzzles, MPH, Pansing Marketing, Advantage Quest Publications, Quikmark Media, Destination New South Wales EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PUBLISHED BY

PRINTING

PRE-PRESS SERVICES

travel3sixty@airasia.com Travel 3Sixty° c/o AirAsia Berhad

LCC Terminal, Jalan KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel: 603-8660 4333

Percetakan Zanders Sdn. Bhd.

WEBMASTER WEB DEVELOPERS WEB DESIGNER

Have a question regarding travelling with AirAsia? Get your answers here at airasia.com/ask! We’ll help you out via chat, twitter.com/askairasia or E-mail if you need further assistance

Handprint.com

Matthew Mok, Ellyse Ng, Irvin Hanni, Haze Jalalludin, Abby Yao, Ari Fajar

AirAsia on Facebook: www. facebook.com/AirAsia. For AirAsia promotional updates, travel stories & news: www.facebook.com/airasia

No 1A Jalan SS25/34, Mayang Light Industrial Park, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Iyan Yudhiana Mohd Suﬁan, Zulasyraf Razak Angie Lew

All rights reserved. The opinions and statements of contributors in Travel 3Sixty° do not necessarily reﬂect those of the publisher or AirAsia Berhad. Travel 3Sixty° and AirAsia Berhad are not responsible or liable in anyway for the contents of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. We reasonably assume that all articles are factual and not plagiarised or intentionally libellous. The editorial team reserves the right to edit and / or re-write all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. Reproduction of material from Travel 3Sixty° in any form is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by sufﬁcient return postage. All information correct at the time of printing.

PP15075/07/2013(032403)

Find us at

airasia.com/ask

AirAsia on Twitter for information & assistance on simple requests: www.twitter.com/AskAirAsia For exciting news, bytes and tweets from AirAsia: www.twitter.com/airasia

No. 16, Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.Tel: 603-5623 9393

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚ DIGITAL TEAM CONTENT

FOR QUERIES, ASSISTANCE AND FEEDBACK, YOU CAN REACH US HERE:

www.facebook.com/travel3sixty

AirAsia blog to share travel experiences and stories: http://blog.airasia.com Find us on Weibo at http://t.sina.com.cn/airasia Folow us on RenRen at http://page.renren.com/airasia

12 013 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS 2011 201

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE In my younger years, one of my prized possessions was the Eagles’ 1976 studio album, Hotel California. Besides the album’s namesake – a massive cult hit – track number three, Life in the Fast Lane grabbed my attention. The song tells about a couple who take their excessive lifestyle right to the edge. Being young then, anything rebellious sounded good. The song’s catchy riffs recently resurfaced in my head, and I even caught myself humming the tune. I went through my CD collection, found the album (got it on CD, as my old cassette had worn out) and played the song. Although the same song, the once rebellious undertones had faded away and a new meaning set in. Life in the Fast Lane. Without realising it, 2012 has left us. I’m sure many of us feel the same way, disbelieving the fact that we’re now setting foot in 2013. Just ask anyone, and a majority would convey the same feelings. I think it’s because of the fast-paced living that we’re all accustomed to, making us develop a ‘tunnel vision’ on life. Clear view ahead but with the sides blurred. Life’s true essentials like the crisp of the morning air, warmth of the sunset or the relaxing sounds of raindrops against the window often go unnoticed. 6

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

But if there are downs, there are also ups. 2012 was, indeed, a great year for AirAsia. We won the coveted World’s Best Low Cost Airline award from Skytrax for the fourth consecutive year and saw rapid expansion with our affiliates in Japan and the Philippines. AirAsia Japan launched five new routes last year, from Narita to domestic destinations of Okinawa, Fukuoka, Sapporo and, international ones to Seoul and Busan. Philippines’ AirAsia launched flights from Clark to Kalibo and Davao (domestic), and to Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau. All in 2012! A fantastic accomplishment. Though we have been ‘in the fast lane’ ever since we started (as our quick 25-minute flight turnaround time might suggest), we’ve not forgotten the simpler, more meaningful things in life. From the very start, we’ve been devoted to providing high quality services and products for you – our valued guests – to enjoy a great ‘AirAsia Experience’. As your support is of utmost value to us in AirAsia’s journey to continued success, our New Year’s resolution is to be better than the rest and deliver only the best. And soon, we will be launching AirAsia Foundation, a platform to share our ethos

of entrepreneurship, equal opportunity and innovation and, to demonstrate our commitment to being responsible corporate citizens. One thing’s for sure. We’re looking forward to fresh challenges in 2013 with various improvements to enhance your journey with AirAsia. As the New Year unfolds, these new additions and improvements too shall be revealed. Happy New Year, and have a blissful and productive 2013! And yes… don’t forget to slow down once in a while.

Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun Deputy Group CEO AirAsia

1 INBOX 0 2013

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

I read the article titled Getting Physical (Score Board, Nov 2012) during my flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, which discussed how children need to engage in more outdoor activities. In my generation, children went outside in the evenings and played with other children from the neighbourhood. We flew kites, cycled, played hide-andseek, caught insects etc. Sadly, children nowadays prefer staying indoors and staring at their computers. They have lost the joy and freedom we experienced LETTER during our childhood. Outdoor activities not only OF THE improve health, they also enable the kids to explore MONTH! the ‘real world’. The world is not learnt from the Internet alone. ~ Wendy Beh Lee Wen, via email Having Travel 3Sixty° onboard really helps kill boredom in the ﬂight. As I was reading the October 2012 issue, I was particularly attracted to the Exciting & Unusual in the Pilot’s Perspective section. It was enlightening to read Captain Lim’s experiences. My favourite part was when he explained the scenario of why some decisions are made, such as aborting a landing due to bad weather that can inconvenience passengers and incur massive costs to the company. Also, his use of layman terms in describing the technical aspects made the article totally enjoyable. After reading this article, I will never complain about delays or landing being aborted ever again because now I know that there is always a reason why pilots make such decisions. ~ Jian Quin Lee, via email

LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS: Winter apparels worth RM947 by Universal Traveller 2ND & 3RD LETTER WIN: RM100 voucher each by Luggage Empire *T&C apply.

Whenever I plan to book a flight, I prefer my departure to be at the end of one month and my return flight the following month. I do this so that I can read different editions of Travel 3Sixty°. I know this is strange but I actually love looking at the route map at the back of the magazine each time I fly, as this helps me chart new destinations for my future travel plans! ~ Mohammad Danny Aimi, via email

HERE’S THE BUZZ ON AIRASIA’S SOCIAL MEDIA Love this cheeky blurb on AirAsia’s inflight magazine Travel 3Sixtyº. Oh MAS, time to lose the tie.

HELP SAVE THE EARTH. READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AND STOP

STEALING ME!

2012

Waiting to board the flight to Hong Kong with @ailinngg at @AirAsia. Can’t wait to dig into the Nasi Lemak !

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

@AnneJacqPaul Chesterchin

HCMC - KUALA LUMPUR Your service is quite good and I really love your food menu (cheap but delicious) Hope to fly with you again. Nhóc Cen

I just bought great fares for my trip next July/August. $98 KL to GC. Can’t beat that bargain!

Home. Thk u @tonyfernandes & @ AirAsia for making my 12D Japan trip happen! I love the Premium Seats!! So comfy! :) @wackybecky

A very friendly check-in agent greeted me with ‘Happy Birthday’ as she checked my documents. Nice ;)

AirAsia allows web check-in a week before departure date. Although a low cost carrier but AA is advanced in its website. The printable boarding pass is neat and efficient! Thumbs up! Iris

Finally booked my first trip! Also my first experience booking flight online! Thanks to the AA Guangzhou Call Center who guided me through. Very, very excited. Must do more homework on destination before I fly! Rachel

Rebecca Brimblecombe

@azuan1880

Like what you read in Travel 3Sixty°? Share your thoughts with us in English! To show you how much we appreciate your feedback, we’ll give the best letter of the month winter apparels worth RM947 by Universal Traveller and the other two letters will receive a RM100 gift voucher each from Luggage Empire. Email your feedback to travel3sixty@airasia.com. Travel 3Sixty° reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length, and only letters regarding articles published in Travel 3Sixty° will stand to win a prize.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 RED FORT 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

WORRY-FREE, FUSS-FREE

AirAsia has made air travel affordable, thus enabling guests to visit and explore cities and countries with its ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’ motto. Paying attention to the tips and pointers listed on this page will ensure guests truly benefit from the facilities and services offered by AirAsia.

SELF CHECK-IN FACILITIES Guests flying with AirAsia can choose to check-in via any of these three facilities: Website, Mobile or, Kiosks at airports. Here is a quick graphic timeline on the facilities available.

Self Check-in (WEB/MOBILE/KIOSK) opens 14 Days before your departure date and closes up to 1 hour prior to your departure time.

AirAsia X (D7) Self Check-in closes 4 hours prior to your departure time.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING If you’re on time, we’re on time. AirAsia’s Baggage Drop and Check-in counters are open 2 (two) hours before flight and close 45 minutes before flight. We urge you not to be late because the Departure Gates shut 20 minutes before flight. So, be early and get ready to leave for your destination on time!

DOs

MISSING BAGGAGE If you have a checked baggage missing, please approach one of our friendly Guest Service Officers immediately. You will need to provide your baggage tag that was given to you at the time of check-in to enable us to track your baggage through the Baggage Tracing System. You will then be given a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number to check the status of your baggage online and get updates regularly during the tracing period.

X Arrive at the airport early, at least 3 hours before your ﬂight (do factor in the possibility of trafﬁc jams along the way). X Check in online, at the kiosk or via the AirAsia mobile apps. X Drop your bags off early at the counters. X Clear Immigration and Security screening early. X Listen to the announcements made on the Public Announcement System. X Check your Departure Gate number against your Boarding Pass.

MEALS ONBOARD

HOT SEATS

Nobody likes to travel hungry or be disappointed when Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak runs out. Solve this problem by purchasing meals online up to 24 hours before the flight and save up to 15%! The best thing is that you will be guaranteed a meal and served first in the flight.

Hot seats are for guests who pre-book their seats and select seats at Row 1-5, Row 12 and 14. Row 1-5 are for guests who want to board and disembark ﬁrst while rows 12 and 14 have extra legroom. These seats are charged at RM30 per seat currently.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

DON’Ts X Spend so much time at the Duty Free Shopping Areas or restaurants that you forget to get to your Departure Gate on time.

AMAZING ANNIVERSARIES

ABOVE: Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairwoman of AirAsia X (eighth from left) and Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, the Board of Directors and management team of AirAsia X at AirAsia X’s 5th birthday bash. LEFT: Aireen Omar, CEO of Malaysia AirAsia, at the airline’s 11th birthday celebrations. TOP LEFT: Dharmadi, CEO of AirAsia Indonesia celebrating with AllStars in Jakarta.

Late 2012, Malaysia AirAsia turned 11, Thai AirAsia turned nine, Indonesia AirAsia turned eight, and AirAsia X turned ﬁve! All four airlines celebrated with fabulous promotional fares and fun activities. Here’s what the heads of the countries had to say about completing another successful year and starting a new chapter.

“Seeing what AirAsia has grown into in its 11th year of operations motivates me further to provide more value for our guests and, to keep the AirAsia promise of affordable travel for all.” ~ Aireen Omar, CEO of Malaysia AirAsia

FRIENDSY PLANE LANDS In April 2012, AirAsia X launched the ‘Friendsy’ Facebook competition, in which participants were asked to fill a virtual plane with their Facebook friends. Seven months later, the winner, Julie-Anne Foster, claimed her prize: A return flight to Kuala Lumpur for up to 302 people, and three nights’ accommodation with a prize value of AUD270, 000! The arrival of the ‘Friendsy’ flight onboard an AirAsia X Airbus A330 that carried Foster’s family and friends to Kuala Lumpur on November 2, coincided with AirAsia X’s fifth birthday celebration.

“To add to the X-citement, I am privileged to be able to travel on AirAsia X’s Premium Flatbed seats, enabling me to experience the comfort of travelling on a long-haul, low fare airline. I believe there will be more holidays to come with AirAsia X, which has made travel affordable for everyone to fly X-tra Long.” ~ Julie-Anne Foster, winner of AirAsia X ‘Friendsy’ Facebook competition

“AirAsia’s success would not have been possible without the support of our guests. It’s exciting that we have been able to make our vision of providing affordable travel for everyone come true. We’ll continue to strengthen our route network and connectivity, which currently spans over 85 destinations!” ~ Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia “It’s been eight great years for AirAsia Indonesia. We’ve achieved so much; from being the first airline to land in Bandung with an Airbus A320, the first to occupy the-state-of-the-art Terminal 3 at SoekarnoHatta International Airport to becoming the best airline in Indonesia in terms of international guests carried in 2010 and 2011.” ~ Dharmadi, CEO of AirAsia Indonesia “As an affi liate of the AirAsia Group, we are proud to be part of this X-citing campaign – AirAsia’s 11th Birthday Bash promotion. Without the AirAsia group and its vast feeder network, we would not be where we are today. Our low fare offerings in conjunction with AirAsia’s 11th Birthday Bash promotion allows guests to plan their 2013 holiday in advance, offering guests incredible fares to 13 destinations across China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Nepal and Australia.” ~ Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X 14

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

“Friendsy” winner, Julie Ann Foster with her family and friends.

ADOPT A TREE, SAVE A RIVER In September 2012, AirAsia Cargo lent support to World Rivers Day – a global initiative endorsed by the United Nations that aims to raise public awareness on the importance of protecting the world’s waterways. AirAsia Cargo’s corporate sponsorship was channelled towards purchasing seedlings to be planted at a mangrove site in Kuala Gula, Perak, as part of the Adopt-A-Tree Programme. Over 120 trees were planted at Kuala Gula, and the tagline ‘Now Everyone Can Plant’ reﬂects how everyone can contribute towards this conservation effort.

CONQUERING THE SKIES AirAsia’s Captain Norashikin Onn was recently awarded the Anugerah Kesatria Puteri at the National Young Women’s Gathering organised by Puteri Umno and Sekretariat IDEA. The award is bestowed upon individuals who excel in their respective fields. Capt. Norashikin is not only the first female flight commander in AirAsia, but also the first female flight commander for a wide body aircraft for commercial airlines in Malaysia. Inspired by a book on Amelia Earhart, the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic, Capt. Norashikin believed she would one day conquer the skies.

KUNMING & NANNING, NATURALLY! On December 10, AirAsia launched its first direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan in Southwest China! This was followed by direct flights to Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on December 11. Both destinations are known for their natural beauty. While Kunming boasts access to picturesque attractions like the Dongchuan Red Land, Dian Lake and UNESCO World Heritage listed Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village in the Stone Forest or Shilin, Nanning is known as the ‘Green City’, and offers scenic spots like the Daming Mountain, Liangfengjiang River Scenic Spot and Lingshui Hot Spring. AirAsia recently launched flights from Bangkok to Xian and Wuhan. In February 2013, AirAsia X will fly from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai.

“You will achieve success and selfsatisfaction if you believe in yourself. It is all in the state of mind.” ~ Captain Norashikin Onn, Malaysia AirAsia

COOKIES FOR A CAUSE

Next time you purchase an in-ﬂight meal on AirAsia, be sure to pick up a packet of assorted chocolate chip oatmeal, cashew nut butter and almond butter cookies for dessert. These bite-sized, preservative-free cookies are freshly baked by The Silent Teddies Bakery, which is run by the Community Service Centre for the Deaf (CSCD). This centre aims to equip deaf youths with entrepreneurial skills and promote independence. As one of AirAsia’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the airline orders 10,000 cookies on a monthly basis!

“This collaboration offers CSCD’s talented youths the chance to develop their entrepreneurial skills, and enables our guests to play a direct role in helping the young bakers flourish and become self-sustainable by simply purchasing the cookies, as all proceeds go into supporting CSCD programmes.” ~Aireen Omar, CEO of AirAsia Berhad 16

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Aireen Omar, CEO of Malaysia AirAsia at the Kuala Lumpur – Kunming route launch.

Jasmine Lee, AirAsia Berhad Commercial Director (third from left); Dato’ Pahamin Ab. Rajab, former AirAsia Chairman (fourth from left) and Dato’ Aziz Bakar, AirAsia Berhad Chairman (fifth from left) with local airport authorities at the celebration for the inaugural flight to Nanning.

BIG ALLIANCE

In September 2012, Think BIG Digital Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of Tune Money, inked a MOU with Mandiri, Indonesia’s largest bank to allow Mandiri credit card holders to convert their Power Points into BIG Points. This applies to Mandiri credit card holders who are members of BIG, AirAsia’s global loyalty programme. With accumulated BIG Points (points earned when travelling and shopping with BIG partners worldwide), card holders may redeem ﬂight tickets on AirAsia and AirAsia X, and enjoy an exciting range of rewards too. Visit www.tune2big.com or www.airasia.com to sign up as a BIG member.

“We are proud to announce our partnership with Mandiri. By forging a partnership as such, not only will AirAsia and Mandiri be able to capture untapped markets to fuel business expansions, but also significantly boost the travel industry in Indonesia.” ~ Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia & Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Tune Group

SCHOLARLY STOPOVER

EDUCATION FOR ALL!

In November, scholars from Titian Muhibah – a study tour programme for CIMB Foundation scholarship holders in Indonesia – visited AirAsia’s ofﬁce in Malaysia to learn about AirAsia’s multicultural workplace, the airline’s decision to set up its regional base in Jakarta, and the way the airline strengthens regional ties among guests, staff and the community. The contingent comprised 24 scholars, as well as representatives from CIMB and the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture.

In November, just five months after AirAsia X commenced flights to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, the airline launched the One Laptop Per Child Program in collaboration with Open Learning Exchange (OLE) Nepal – a non-profit organisation with a mission to improve the quality of education in Nepal through the integration of technology in the classroom. Under this community outreach programme, AirAsia X sponsored 30 XO laptops for children at Chandi Devi Primary School, and trained educators to integrate laptops and digital learning resources in lessons. These laptops were pre-loaded with learning tools like E-Path, and curriculum-based digital learning materials designed by OLE Nepal.

“AirAsia X is humbled to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of children in a country that it operates in and is committed to ensuring the success of the program. We will continue to support any noble initiative that best serves and brings about improvement to the community where we are present.” ~ Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia with CIMB foundation scholars.

HOT PICK FOR FRESH GRADS AirAsia was awarded ‘Most Popular Graduate Employer in Leisure, Travel and Hospitality’ at Malaysia’s 100 Leading Graduate Employers 2012 Awards in Kuala Lumpur recently. Recognition was based on the results of the Malaysian Student and Graduate Barometer Survey, which identiﬁes the top 100 employers graduating students and fresh graduates most want to work for. A total of 12,000 respondents participated in this survey from April till September. AirAsia ranked ﬁfth in a tie with tech giant, Apple Inc.

“In just a few short years, AirAsia has managed to build a strong attraction to young graduates. They believe in our brand promise and they have seen how a career in AirAsia can take off and be most successful and satisfying.” ~ Adzhar Ibrahim, Group Head, People, AirAsia

Khairul Nizam Mahyiden, AirAsia Berhad Head of Industrial Relation & Compliance, (second from left) receiving the ‘Most Popular Graduate Employer in Leisure, Travel and Hospitality’ award.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Sitaram Khadka, Principal of Chandi Devi Primary School (left) and Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X (right) with the students of Chandi Devi Primary School testing out their new laptops.

FLYING THE FAITHFUL In support of the renovation of the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal, Thai AirAsia supplied a special charter ﬂight to enable devotees to attend the inauguration of the special renovation project in November 2012. This project is the third such undertaking, and included the construction of a sacred foundation, and the placing of the Royal Krathing (monk’s robe) at Nepal’s Lumbini Thai temple.

Captain Tanapat Ngamplang, Director of Flight Operations for Thai AirAsia (second from left) and Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Chairman of the Renovation of the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha project (second from right).

1 SPOTLIGHT 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

THE BEST IN MUSIC, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY AIRASIA REDTIX. Get your tickets at redtix.airasia.com

WONG TZE WAH STANDUP COMEDY SHOW 2013 JAN 5 & 6, 2013 Hong Kong funny man

SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN The ﬁrst outside Japan, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town at Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park in Johor, Malaysia features walk-through attractions, interactive play areas and rides dedicated to the hugely popular Hello Kitty character. Highlights of the mini ‘town’ include Kitty House and Wishful Studio where fans can play dress-up, make their own jewellery and even bake cookies. Hello Kitty lovers can also catch their favourite characters and friends, Dear Daniel, Badtz-Maru and My Melody live in concert at the Purrfect stage. Younger children will have a fantastic time taking a spin on the tea cup ride or having their photos taken with Hello Kitty and friends. If you want to have a purr-fect birthday bash, parties can be organised at the theme park’s Apple and Strawberry Party Rooms. Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park is located in Nusajaya, a 20-minute drive from the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, and just 25 minutes from Johor’s Senai International Airport.

Wong Tze Wah is bringing his stand-up routine to Malaysia this month. The popular actor and comedian will have you roaring with laughter with his brand of cheeky humour during the two-night show at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

COMPILED BY: CHITRA S

WE LOVE ASIA FESTIVAL

JAN 19 & 20, 2013 Get ready to PARTY!!!! International acts including LMFAO’s Redfoo, Party Rock Crew, Taio Cruz, Yolanda Be Cool, DJs Antoine and Steve Aoki, and Joachim Garraud will be headlining the We Love Asia Festival at the Sepang Formula One Circuit in Kuala Lumpur. Dance the night away to the pulsating beat of the music – a combination of house, electronic and dance. Taio Cruz

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

BIG NIGHT OUT 2013 FEATURING YEAH YEAH YEAHS, VAMPIRE WEEKEND AND BAND OF HORSES JAN 30, 2013 Rock the night away to the sounds of Grammynominated indie rock bands Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend and Seattle’s Band of Horses at Singapore’s Big Night Out 2013. A one-night only performance, the concert at Fort Canning Park is a not-to-be-missed treat for indie rock fans.

GEORGE LAM LIVE IN MALAYSIA JAN 11, 2013 Fans of George Lam will be delighted

Vampire Weekend

to note that the charismatic entertainer is back to perform in Malaysia – the ﬁrst stop on his new solo tour. One of Hong Kong’s most recognisable singercomposers, Lam’s powerful vocals and creative music arrangements have won him legions of fans over his 35-year music career. Catch the evergreen crooner live at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands.

Be our fan on FaceBook.com/AirAsiaRedTix, follow us on Twitter.com/RedTix and purchase your tickets for the abovementioned events at AirAsiaRedTix.com

HAVEN IN IPOH The Haven Lakeside Residences in Ipoh, Malaysia offers homebuyers a chance to own condominium units located on the fringe of a virgin forest and natural lake. Comprising three 26-storey towers with a total of 497 units – more than 80% of which either face the lake or forest – The Haven promises breathtaking views and a serene environment just 15 minutes from the city centre. The exquisitely designed condominium boasts quality ﬁnishing and lavish facilities and, is managed by Best Western International’s Premier label. Amenities available at The Haven include meditation decks, amphitheatre, business centre, conference and meeting facilities, a 5-star restaurant and café and, housekeeping services among others. The Haven has already chalked up a string of accolades including the ‘Best Condo Development (Malaysia)’ award at the South East Asia Property Awards, the International Star Diamond Award for ‘Leadership in Quality’ in Paris and the Diamond Eye Award for ‘Quality & Excellence’ in Geneva. For a luxurious abode in lush tranquil surroundings, make The Haven your home. www.thehaven.com.my

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

ISLANDS & BEACHES With thousands of islands and beaches in the Asia-Pacific region, choosing your next beach vacation is no easy decision. How do you pick a destination that best suits your needs? Well, you can start by checking out AirAsia’s Awesome Islands & Beaches Travel Guide, which shortlists the best islands and beaches in the region from popular favourites to exotic, lesser-known spots. The digital guide also offers directions and, tips and trivia, making it a handy reference to help you plan your next beach or island holiday. Download it to your laptop, smartphone or tablet for free at www.airasia.com/ awesomeislands.

VOICES OF AUSTRALIA The Festival of the Voice at The Rocks in Sydney celebrates Australia Day with an impressive lineup of Aussie musical talent, bringing together singers and songwriters from across the country in one incredible event. Besides fantastic live music, festival-goers can visit food and craft markets and, take on other budding talents at Karaoke at The Rocks’ harbourside location. Join the party on January 26, 2013. Entrance is free. www.therocks.com

TUNE IN PATONG Following the success of its properties in Hat Yai, Pattaya and Bangkok, value branded hotel chain, Tune Hotels is opening its ﬁrst hotel on the island of Phuket. Tune Hotel Patong is located in the heart of the popular beach and within easy reach of the island’s landmarks such as the Big Buddha monument, shopping district of Jungceylon and entertainment venue Phuket Fantasea. The hotel boasts 144 rooms: 96 doubles, 46 twin rooms and two disabled-friendly units – all available at affordable prices. www.tunehotels.com. 24

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 HOT DATES 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

JANUARY 2013 INDIA

PONGGAL JAN 14 Tamil Nadu in South India celebrates life and gives thanks for a good harvest during a four-day festival ﬁlled with colourful ceremonies, community get-togethers and cattle races. www.incredibleindia.org

JAPAN

2013 JANUARY GRAND SUMO TOURNAMENT JAN 13 – 27 Watch sumo wrestlers spar in Japan’s most iconic combat sport at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. www.sumo.or.jp

PHILIPPINES

KATY

JAN 17 – 27 A revival of the hit Filipino

musical chronicling the rise and fame of the country’s queen of jazz and bodabil (vaudeville), Katy Dela Cruz, will be staged at the CCP Little Theatre.

www.ticketworld.com.ph

MALAYSIA

ESNES.N.ON2 JAN 23 & 24 Hunting

Kimbra

down a murderer amid the excitement of India, Austrian dance company, ieLaroque, presents a colourful commentary on art and entertainment, and the relationship between the audience and creators at PJ Live Arts. www.pjlivearts.my

COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

SINGAPORE

ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL

JAN 26 By music lovers for

music lovers, this indie rock fest at The Meadow, Gardens by The Bay showcases an international line-up with acts like Alt-J, Kimbra, Gotye and Kings of Convenience. http://singapore.lanewayfestival.com.au

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

HONG KONG

I-1 WORLD MUAYTHAI GRAND EXTREME 2013 JAN 7 Get ready for some extreme action when the ﬁercest muay Thai champs battle it out for the World Title and International Title Super-4 Grand SLAM (72kgs and 61kgs) categories at the Hong Kong International Trade & Exhibition Centre (Star Hall). www.i-1ofﬁcial.com

THAILAND

EBISU MUSCATS ASIA TOUR

JAN 19 J-pop group,

MACAU

ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Ebisu Muscats, will be performing at Central World, Live Arena in Bangkok. www.thaiticketmajor.com

JAN 5 Classical music lovers will delight in the AUSTRALIA

MURDER ON THE PUFFING BILLY EXPRESS JAN 25 Join other whodunit enthusiasts garbed

120-year-old orchestra’s rendition of Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony, Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (1919), and Maxwell Davis’ An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise featuring traditional Scottish bagpipes at Macao Cultural Center G.A. www.macauticket.com

in 20s or 30s attire for a fun night of murder, mystery and suspense aboard Victoria’s centuryold steam train, Pufﬁng Billy. www.pufﬁngbilly.com.au

MALAYSIA

THAIPUSAM

JAN 27 Thaipusam celebrates the occasion when Goddess Parvati gifted her son, Murugan, a vel or divine spear to vanquish the demon Soorapadman. This Hindu festival is celebrated grandly in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where devotees undergo a strict period of fasting, abstinence and prayers before bearing burdens called kavadi to fulﬁll vows to Lord Murugan. www.tourism.gov.my

AUSTRALIA

ANISH KAPOOR - SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ART SERIES JAN 1 – APRIL 1 The celebrated

contemporary artist, whose work explores the contrasting forces of light and darkness, and seeks to understand what it means to be human, exhibits his artworks at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. www.mca.com.au

ELSEWHERE… • MALAYSIA JAN 25 The Papi & Grumpy Show www.tix.my

INDONESIA

SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA ONE LAST TOUR JAN 19 The Swedes who joined forces to bring the world some of the best electronic dance music with hit singles like One and Miami 2 Ibiza, will be touring for the very last time, with a stopover at Eco Park, Ancol Jakarta. http://rajakarcis.com/ 28

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

• AUSTRALIA JAN 4 & 5

Southbound Festival www. southboundfestival.com.au • HONG KONG JAN 17 – 27

Horrible Histories Ruthless Romans www.hkticketing.com • MACAU JAN 26 Helene Grimaud Piano Recital www.macauticket.com • SINGAPORE JAN 16 - 27

M1Singapore Fringe Festival 2013: Art & Entertainment http:// singaporefringe.com/fringe2013

1 ASEAN COMPASS 0 2013

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

NEW YEAR, NEW IDEAS

It’s a brand new year and it’s time for resolutions! If ‘travel more’ is on the top of your list, you’ll love these ideas, top tips and smart travel strategies. They’ll help you explore new destinations, expand your horizons and have lots of fun doing it!

EXTRAORDINARY CELEBRATIONS

Royal Palace Mok pa

Villa Maly Elephants sanctuary

Did you know that some of the most unusual New Year traditions are practised in Asia? In Japan, every New Year since 1951 has been celebrated in conjunction with a wildly popular Japanese TV music show named Khaku Uta Gassen, which means ‘Red and White Song Battle’. The show centres on two teams of male and female music celebrities battling it out in a series of competitions. Much like the world-famous American Idol, the judges and home audience get to decide if the all-male white team or the all-female red team wins. Featured celebs are usually from Asia but American pop stars Cyndi Lauper and Paul Simon too have competed in the past! GETTING THERE AirAsia X ﬂies to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

LOVING LUANG PRABANG Exotic and steeped in rich culture, Laos is a special destination, perfect for a memorable vacation. Although the capital city Vientiane is a great place to visit, the true star of Laos is undoubtedly UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang. Here’s what’s in store at this treasure trove of ancient culture and 19th century European architecture.

ENJOY LIMITLESS LUXURY If you feel like splurging, it’s worth saving up for this luxury accommodation. Villa Maly is a refurbished 1938 art-deco royal mansion surrounded by emerald green tropical gardens. The drawback? The ambience is so perfect, you’ll be reluctant to leave your room to explore the rest of the city!

WHIP UP A MOUTH-WATERING MEAL Laotian food is known for its fresh

www.villa-maly.com

herbs. Impress dinner guests at home by learning to prepare Laotian staples such as mok pa (ﬁsh wrapped and steamed in banana leaves) and jaew bawng (spicy chilli salsa). Learn these dishes at www.tamarindlaos.com

WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HISTORY

This magniﬁcently intricate Royal Palace was built in 1904 for King Sisavangvong. The palace has since been turned into a museum that displays remarkably well-preserved royal artifacts. If you’re a history buff and would like to delve deeper into Luang Prabang’s royal heritage, make sure you get yourself the selfguided audio tour of the palace. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

SWIM WITH THE ELEPHANTS This peaceful sanctuary is home to scores of Laos’ former working elephants and was set up to protect the gentle giants from the arduous and dangerous work of logging. The sanctuary also happens to be one of Luang Prabang’s foremost attractions and, tourist dollars go towards supporting the local communities and taking care of the elephants. Visitors can learn mahout skills and if you can, join the elephants at bath time. It’s an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life! www.elephant-park-project.org GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to Vientiane, Laos daily from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details. Luang Prabang is about 390kms from Vientiane.

BUNNIES IN INDIA You won’t ﬁnd any Playboy magazines in India (the magazine is banned!) but if you’re in the country and you’d like to party with a Playboy bunny, hop over to Goa. The over 2,000 square metre club, which launched in mid-December 2012, sits on a gorgeous beach in Candolim. To avoid breaking obscenity laws in India, the bunnies here wear a much tamer version of the revealing Playboy outﬁt. Goa’s Playboy Club will focus on the brand’s glitz and glamour rather than over-the-top sexuality or nudity.

NEVER OUT OF TOUCH Ever experienced flying to your destination only to realise you’ve forgotten something important? Well, you’ll never have to worry again – at least not if the thing you forgot was your smartphone and your destination is Hong Kong. Visitors to Hong Kong can rest easy knowing that they’ll never be caught ‘off the grid’, thanks to a convenient new Smartphone rental service aptly known as ‘Handy’. The service allows travellers to rent smartphones from Hong Kong’s airport arrival halls for HK$68 a day. The fee includes unlimited local and international calls, as well as 3G Internet access. www.tinklabs.com.

BOREDOM BUSTERS One of the most tiresome parts of any trip is the long haul flight. Hours and hours on a plane often prove to be mind-numbingly dull and are especially difficult for travellers who find it hard to sleep on the plane. Here are a number of boredom-busting activities that will make time fly.

READ A PAGE TURNER Reading a book is one of the best ways to make the hours move faster. However, it’s best to avoid complicated Pulitzer prize winners or personal growth books. Fun novels and murder mysteries are the best kinds of reading material to take on a trip. They will help you keep your focus on the page and stop you from counting the hours.

GET WITH THE GAME Rely on portable game players such as PSPs or the Nintendo 3DS to stave off those yawns. Don’t worry if you don’t own a portable game player as a smartphone loaded with interesting games is just as good. Or better still, pre-book your Samsung Galaxy Tab on your AirAsia X ﬂights and enjoy movies, games and music. Go to www.airasia.com/my/en/inﬂightcomforts/entertainment.page for details.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

MAKE SOMETHING CREATIVE

TOKYO’S SCIENCE & TECH MUSEUMS If you dig science and technology, then Tokyo is your paradise. There’s no dearth of cute, cuddly robots and ‘smart’ buildings to excite your inner geek. These top Tokyo museums are guaranteed to keep you happy for hours!

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE An enormous museum that’s over a century old, Tokyo’s National Museum of Science and Nature boasts millions of exhibits, ranging from dinosaur fossils to rocket engines. www.kahaku.go.jp

SONY EXPLORA SCIENCE MUSEUM The folks at Sony used their considerable technological genius to create interactive games that respond 32

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

to your body movement or voice. For instance, at one of the activity stations, you can effortlessly change the pitch of your voice from a high shrill squeak to a deep, scary baritone. www.sonyexplorascience.jp

MIRAIKAN: THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF EMERGING SCIENCE AND INNOVATION Facial recognition technology, plastics that are electrical conductors, remote surgery and of course robots of every conceivable shape and size – this museum has them all! The innovation and creativity you’ll ﬁnd here is practically boundless! www.miraikan.jst.go.jp GETTING THERE AirAsia X ﬂies to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www. airasia.com for details.

You might think it strange to start an arts and craft project in an airplane but a long ﬂight happens to be one of the best places to unleash your creative side. Just keep it simple and work on projects that do not require too many supplies. Stringing beads to create colourful jewellery or creating personalised birthday cards are perfect craft projects while ﬂying long haul.

THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL According to the 2012 World Travel Market Global Trend Report, one of the top emerging trends predicted to take over the world of travel is the Smart TV Travel phenomenon. Televisions that combine Internet technologies and Social Media are known as Smart TVs and in the near future, Smart TV viewers will be able to instantly book holidays and travel packages to destinations featured in shows they’ve just watched. Another fascinating travel trend that is just beginning to emerge is the Digital Detox travel package. Hotels of the world are beginning to offer a ‘digital detox’ for tech-weary travellers. This means Internet or mobile network access will not be available. These technology-free hotels encourage guests to switch off their communication devices as a form of escape from their busy lives.

1 QUICK BITES 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

FOODIES’ DELIGHT

You don’t really need to be a ‘foodie’ to appreciate food. Be adventurous and go with an open mind to enjoy some of the most delicious and delightful offerings that can be equally satisfying whether in humble or luxurious settings.

RENDANG PUCUK UBI

CURRY SCALLOP PIE It is definitely one of the more unique foodie offerings from Australia. Beef pies are common in Australia but the curried scallop pie is a true Tasmania creation. You can find curried scallop pies in most bakeries and restaurants throughout Tasmania but nothing quite beats enjoying this pastry treat at Ross Bakery. Here, these pies together with other delicious breads and pastries can be savoured amidst the charming 19th century village atmosphere in the heart of Tasmania’s finest heritage village. Ross Bakery also runs an inn, which has been in operation since 1830 where guests can experience authentic and well-preserved cosy bedrooms, and log fires in the guest lounge. www.rossbakery.com.au GETTING THERE AirAsia X ﬂies to Sydney and Melbourne daily from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details. There are easy connecting ﬂights to Tasmania from these two cities.

Voted as one of the most delicious food worldwide by CNNgo, rendang is a very popular dish in Malaysia and Indonesia, and is often served during festivals and celebrations. Often prepared in a dry style, the complex ﬂavours of this dish are heightened when eaten with plain or compressed rice cakes (ketupat). Generally made with meats, the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra and from m ake this the state of Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia also make very ﬂavourful dish from cassava shoots. ots. The leaves are slow cooked in a mixture of o spices and coconut cream ream till they dry out ut and become chewy wy shreds of delicious morsels. orsels. The product can n be ordered online att www. maklongtimah.com.my and was introduced at the launch of the N9 9 Food Trail, a culinaryy showcase of Negeri Sembilan cuisine.

TEA-LIGHTFUL TFU

WORDS: WILSON NG

FRUIT & CHOCOLATE

Malaysia is one of the top 10 cocoa producing countries in the world and has a small but exciting chocolate industry. If you’d like to bring back home locally produced and crafted souvenirs, try fruit chocolates from Cocoa Boutiques. With outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Genting Highlands, this chocolatier produces unusual chocolates with fruit jelly ﬁllings such as mango, papaya, Kiwi fruit and durian. The durian is an extraordinary ooption but if you just want some uniqu unique ﬂavours that’s not over the top, try the ginger, chilli or Tongkat Ali (local medicinal bark said to be an aphrodisiac). www.cocoaboutique.com.my

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Bubble tea is all the rage now and you can enjoy this fun drink onboard AirAsia flights. Brought to you by Chatime, which operates outlets in almost every country in this region, two delicious drinks – Roasted Milk Tea with Red Bean and Mango Green Tea with Rainbow Jelly – are available onboard Malaysia AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia flights, retailing at RM8 / INR24,000 each serving. The Roasted Milk Tea with Red Bean is an earthy tea roasted over charcoal and paired red with red beans, while the Mango Green Tea a with Rainbow Jelly is a refreshing green tea infused with mango nectar. Guests are advised to prebook this drink as s it frequently sells s out on flights! www.airasia.com

HEAVENLY KOBE BEEF Just an hour’s train ride from Osaka, the city of Kobe is also renowned for the best beef in the world: Kobe beef. What makes this beef top grade is its tenderness and exquisite flavour courtesy of the fatty streaks in the meat. The Oi Butcher in the city, having been established in 1871, serves one of the best Kobe beef teppanyaki dishes in the city. The restaurant also sells choice cuts for takeaways. The century old restaurant is located near the Kobe subway and Kobe JR Train stations. www.oi-nikuten.co.jp GETTING THERE AirAsia X ﬂies to Osaka and Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

SINO THAI FOOD IN PHUKET The hybrid Thai-Sino culture came about with the intermarriage of local Thais and migrant Hans from mainland China. The ensuing cuisine also saw an interesting mix of local ingredients with Chinese cooking styles. At present, there are only a few restaurants in Phuket that still serve this type of cuisine. One such outlet is the Raya Thai Restaurant. Set in an old pre-war building, the restaurant serves delicious offerings such as caramelized and braised pork belly, crabmeat curry served with rice vermicelli and deep-fried sea bass with shallots and red chillies in tamarind and lemongrass sauce. Raya Thai restaurant is located in Phuket town. ( Bibingka 48 New Dibuk Cross Road, Phuket 076-218-155) GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to Phuket from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

CHEF MICHAEL HAN OF FIFTY THREE, SINGAPORE Singapore born Michael Han is a law graduate who chose food over practising law. He pursued his dream of becoming a chef and has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Europe that includes The Fat Duck, L’Enclume and Anthony’s in England, and Mugaritz in San Sebastian, Spain. His cooking style reflects both his personality and broad range of training and also underlines his openness to using a wide range of ingredients from both Europe and Asia. Michael was nominated for the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence ‘Rising Chef of the Year’ in 2010 and 2011. This talented young chef serves at FiftyThree, which was listed as one of World’s 50 Best Restaurants ‘Regional Spotlight – Singapore’, and on CNNgo.com’s Best Eats 2010 as Singapore’s Best Gourmet Restaurant of 2010. FiftyThree also won the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in 2012. Han was in Penang late last year to cook for ‘Hennessy Appreciation Grows’ Dinner for invited VIP guests. www.fiftythree.com.sg 36

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

MAISON FRANCAISE Maison Francaise is a combination of an authentic French cuisine restaurant, garden pool lounge and an exclusive cigar lounge in Kuala Lumpur with amazing views of the Petronas Twin Towers. The restaurant is fast gaining popularity for serving an excellent selection of French food crafted by its experienced chef, Franck Lamache, who has served in many celebrated outlets such as the 3-Star Michelin, Crillion Hotel in Paris, Alain Ducasse, and Le Taillevent. Lamache offers a wide selection of cold and warm entrées such as homemade smoked salmon platter with mixed green salad and foie gras terrine with onion and apple chutney, amongst others. www.maisonfrancaise.com.my

1 PAGE TURNER 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

NEW YEAR,NEW LEAF

Discover your better self and enrich your life in 2013 with empowering reads. Self Self-improvement literature has been around for ages, with one of the first known of this genre age published by Dale Carnegie in 1936. How to Win pub Friends and Influence People laid out a plan to get Frie people to like you and follow your lead. The title sold peo some 15 million copies worldwide! som Fast-forward to the 21st century, and one of the most influential self-help books is Rhonda Byrne’s mo bestseller, The Secret, which is rooted in the Law be of Attraction. It advocates positive thinking to spark desirable results such as greater wealth and sp ggenuine happiness. But, empowering books aren’t limited to 12-step 1 2-step guides to getting rich or thin. Expanding horizons by mastering a foreign language or yyour ho picking up new skills like crocheting can be equally enriching. For Dummies is an extensive series of instructional guides with titles like Raising Chickens for Dummies aamong its over 2,300 titles, which initiate readers into new and diverse topics. The re FabJob how-to books are great guides for Fa starting a new business or securing a dream sta career, while Teach Yourself books are popular care tools for language learning. Then Th of course, there are autobiographical accounts that move readers to change their lives, accou poems that inspire and works of fiction that fill our with joy and positive energy. lives wit

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

HELP & HOPE

GUARDIANS OF BEING by Eckhart Tolle and Patrick McDonnell celebrates a love for all living creatures, and extols the joys of living in the present to attain peace of mind and freedom of spirit.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

ALLSTAR PICKS Inspiring books recommended by AirAsia AllStars

WHAT THEY DON’T TEACH YOU AT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL BY MARK MCCORMACK “The useful advice in this book is exactly what AirAsia practises. The ability to be street smart, practical and actively aware, and to use our instincts, insight and perception is more impactful than the traditional, structured business education.” ~ Aireen Omar, CEO, Malaysia AirAsia

THE POWER OF ONE BY BRYCE COURTENAY “This is a story set in South Africa in the early Apartheid days, about the coming of age of an English boy who is ridiculed by the Afrikaners, but is not part of the Black and Coloured communities either. The simple philosophy extolled in the book – ‘First with the head, then with the heart’ – still resonates with me.” ~ Raman Narayanan, Regional Head of Communications, AirAsia asean

THE PROPHET BY KAHLIL GIBRAN “This book taught me about the truth of life and helped me understand myself and people around me. The story is related to our everyday life – love, work and friendship. Understanding people is very important in order to live together in peace.” ~ Piyasuda Archasantisuk, Corporate Communications Executive, Thai AirAsia

MANGAN ORA MANGAN, KUMPUL BY UMAR KAYAM

THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER MY LIFE WITH THE HERD IN THE AFRICAN WILD by conservationist Lawrence Anthony chronicles the lifechanging lessons learnt from the wild herd he rescued.

LITTLE PRINCES ONE MAN’S PROMISE TO BRING HOME THE LOST CHILDREN OF NEPAL by Conor Grennan is a true story of a casual volunteer at a children’s home who ends up making it his life’s mission to rescue the trafﬁcked children of Nepal.

“Written by one of Indonesia’s ﬁnest writers – a sociology-enthusiast committed to capturing life at the grassroots – Mangan Ora Mangan, Kumpul is inspired by the Javanese saying: ‘Whether we eat or not, we stick together’. During a tough year when both my arms were paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, it enticed me to laugh even at the hardest moments.” ~ Baskoro Adiwiyono, Corporate Quality Manager, Indonesia AirAsia

LEADERSHIP WISDOM, THE 8 RITUALS OF VISIONARY LEADERS BY ROBIN SHARMA “I never knew timeless leadership wisdom could be conveyed in a light and entertaining yet effective manner. Great read for future leaders!” ~ Kirubaraaj Manokaran, Safety Risk Assessment Team Leader, AirAsia X

IMPATIENT OPTIMIST – BILL GATES IN HIS OWN WORDS

YOUNG GUN Travel 3Sixty° chats with Stefan Bachmann, who recently published his debut novel, The Peculiar, to rave reviews at the age of 18.

Edited by Lisa Rogak Compiled from three decades of interviews, public statements and media coverage, this stimulating collection offers insight into the mind of Gates, founder of Microsoft and icon of the personal computer revolution.

BUDDING TALENT

A CUP OF COMFORT – CLASSIC EDITION

I didn’t think I’d ever be a writer. In grade-school, I’d invent fancy titles for imaginary books, and wonder about writing them. One day I tried it and I haven’t stopped since.

Edited by Colleen Sell

WRITING PROCESS FOR THE PECULIAR

Revisiting some of the uplifting stories that have touched millions of lives, and bringing you even more heart-warming tales, here’s a collection of 50 stories from real people that’s sure to shine a ray of light into your life.

I was excited about the combination of folklore and ‘steampunk’ (sub-genre of science ﬁction that features steam powered machinery), and it all just came together. I tend to outline books, get a few key scenes down and ﬁgure out the ending in advance. It’s easier to get all the way through, and helps with foreshadowing and character development.

THE ANTIDOTE – HAPPINESS FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN’T STAND POSITIVE THINKING Oliver Burkeman Witty and thought-provoking, The Antidote explores human psychology and the seemingly counterintuitive idea of attaining happiness by embracing READ uncertainty, insecurity and OF THE failure – a viewpoint found in MONTH! the works of Stoic philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome.

CLOUD ATLAS David Mitchell Mitchell weaves a complex plot of six interconnected stories that move from the 19th century to a postapocalyptic future, demonstrating how actions impact lives in the past, present and future.

KOLIPTUS – A KOALA’S TALE IMAGES: ADAM LEE

Karen Hodges This illustrated book about Koliptus the koala, and his search for a place to belong, is a wonderful book for children that drives home the need to protect koala habitat.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

INSPIRATION BEHIND THE PECULIAR I’m interested in the way the world labels people. I don’t think people ﬁt in tidy boxes. I wanted my hero to be stuck in the middle – not human and not faery – searching for his place in the world. Everyone is peculiar, and the things that make people different are often the things that make them strong. INTENDED READERS I’d say 10 years and up. I loved scary books as a kid as long as they weren’t overboard gory and disgusting. This book is a bit tamer than some books for younger readers I’ve read recently. I hope adults enjoy the book too.

FAVOURITE WRITERS JRR Tolkien, Susanna Clark, Lemony Snicket, Philip Reeve, Beatrix Potter. I love good prose and dense atmosphere, and these writers have both in spades. Not to mention humour, character depth and awesome imagination.

UP NEXT The companion book to The Peculiar, The Whatnot, comes out in fall 2013, and is the conclusion to these characters’ adventures. It’ll be a little bit darker. We’ll get to see inside the faery world for the ﬁrst time, which was exciting for me to write.

LIVING IN A NOVEL I deﬁnitely wouldn’t want to be in mine. I’d die! I wouldn’t mind living in a Dickens novel. Things usually turn out OK if you’re one of the good guys.

1 MONEY MAKER 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

TRAINING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY When pockets are full and there’s enough money in the bank, challenges in life seem more bearable. To understand financial security, the training must begin early, so the young uns’ grow up to be responsible and contributing members of society. X Share your values about money with them on how to save, make it grow and more importantly, how to spend wisely. X Introduce the concept of ‘hard earned money’ by giving them extra money for extra chores that they do around the house. Clearly differentiate between what they already must do daily as opposed to what they choose to do for the extra allowance. X Make your children understand the difference between needs, wants and desires. This will help them make wise spending decisions when they grow up. You can start by creating three types of savings boxes: Save, Spend and Donate. X Teach them the fundamentals of savings and that money accumulated accrues interest – make them see their savings grow. You can motivate them by placing the earned interest into their ‘Save’ box.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

X If you have cash to spare, you can opt to match their yearly savings at the end of every year as a form of greater motivation.

TEACHING THE YOUNG Face it. Money does make the world go round. Yet many parents treat the topic of money as taboo and refuse to discuss it with their children. Here’s the deal. Educating, motivating and empowering children to understand and use money correctly are the best gifts you could ever give them. It’s important to talk about money with your children because they see you handling and juggling money every day. Money is a priority in life, but not above careful and honest use of it. X Introduce money and its uses to your children as soon as they can count. Provide as much explanation and information as you can. Children learn through observation and repetition.

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

HOME MONEYMAKER METHODS

If you’ve just been laid off from you job or are looking to make some additional income on the side, here are some sites to help you launch a new, or to start an add-on career from home,

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

X You may also teach your children the merits of giving back through their ‘Donate’ box. This could be as simple as getting them to take $5 out and dropping it into a donation box for a charity. X Open a bank savings account for them the moment they can have one so they become successful savers in the future. However, try not to refuse their request for withdrawals if they want to buy something that is within reason because this is the actual reward of savings: They can afford to buy something with their own hard earned and saved money. X Make your children understand the responsibility that comes with borrowed money i.e. interest alerts. If what they wish to buy is not covered by their own money, the added amount they borrow from you will be charged with interest. They will learn fast that borrowing money is really expensive and will hopefully not make it a habit as they grow up.

with the help of the Internet and minimal investment. X www.ether.com is a site that helps connect your specialised skills with consumers from all over the world i.e. taxation advice, beauty consultancy, physiotherapy etc. X contributor.yahoo.com/signup/ exists through voices.yahoo.

com where a community of contributors/writers submit howto articles, write a story or even rant. If they like what you share and your work receives high Internet trafﬁc, you can get paid anything from USD3 to USD20 per work submitted. X www.clicknwork.com advocates ‘homesourcing’ at its best.

% respondents said they believe that small business contribute positively to their local community. American Express OPEN, July 2012

4.6

billion USD is the total amount saved by consumers worldwide from redeeming online coupon savings in 2011, with an expected growth of up to 96.8 million adult Internet users worldwide who will use coupon savings in 2013 www.ilovecouponmonth.com

% of corporate espionage crimes in the United States are found to be committed by employees, hence the deeper background checks and tighter security imposed by big conglomerates. CreditScore

It offers you the opportunity to provide your professional services from home to some of the world’s biggest companies by matching your skills to the requirements of an assignment. Payment is anywhere between USD5 to USD150 per hour, depending on the task but you’ll have to pass a test ﬁrst.

1 PRESCRIPTION 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

IRONCLAD IMMUNITY

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Source: www. worldometers.info

POWER PACKED PROTECTION To protect your immune system, it certainly warrants a better understanding of it. Your body and all your organs and senses are part of the immune system. You can see it working even with a mosquito bite: You’ll get an itchy, red bump. That’s your body’s way of eliminating the toxins/ bacteria/germs spread by the bite. Your immune system is perpetually hard at work 24/7 to eliminate and expel bacteria and viruses from your body. Here are some tips on protecting your immune system. A BALANCED DIET with sufficient proteins, carbs and fibre is a must. All health practitioners advocate a well-balanced diet as the first line of defense for your immune system. GET ADEQUATE SLEEP at night with at least eight hours of rest because this is when your immune system works best, replenishing and rebooting itself to protect you.

BRUSH YOUR TEETH regularly, at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before you sleep. Oral hygiene is an important aspect of protecting your immune system, as we tend to ingest all kinds of toxins and germs throughout the day. Your saliva is ﬁrst in line to eradicate bacteria, failing which, the acid in your stomach will kill it. Poor oral hygiene makes it easy for the bacteria to multiply and attack your body. EXERCISE REGULARLY because when you work out, your immune system perks up through good blood circulation, oxygen supply and overall feeling of wellness; but don’t overdo it or you may also compromise your immune system. General recommendation is to have at least 30 minutes of exercise a day through yoga, walking, running or even playing an outdoor game. Source: www.livestrong.com

% of the world’s population live in countries where they are more likely to die of obesity than malnutrition. Source: www. inforgraphicsshowcase. com

16.5 billion is the estimated cost of yearly spending on breast cancer research, prevention and treatments worldwide. Source: www.knowcancer.com

CAREFUL CURBING OF CARBS

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

Cutting carbs altogether from your diet is NOT the best solution for losing weight. More and more health practitioners and nutritionists advocate that the old food pyramid guide offers the best combination of a balanced diet. Your daily food intake should comprise of:

45% - 65% CARBS This is important for your central nervous system, kidney, brains, muscles and intestinal health.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

10% - 25% PROTEINS are essential for growth, tissue repair, preserving lean muscle, immune function, and producing and balancing hormones and enzymes.

20% - 35% FATS are important for cell, nerve, tissue and hormone production, and for the absorption of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Source: visual.ly/complete-guide-calories, www.cdc.gov/nutrition

is the number of undernourished people in the world at the time of Press, this year. The numbers are slowly diminishing through charitable aid and funding.

NOTE: ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON ANY ALTERNATIVE THERAPY OR EXERCISE REGIME.

906, 104, 033

The common cold, flu and occasional coughing fit are all subtle signs that your immune system is not operating at optimal level and, that you need to take early care of your health. Ensuring you understand immunology and taking precautions can help in averting serious health issues.

1 SCORE BOARD 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

LOW IMPACT, HIGH REWARDS

It bodes well to give our bodies the occasional break from rigorous workouts or contact sports to lessen wear and tear on muscles and joints. Pushing yourself too hard can cause serious injuries with the ramifications appearing painfully in life later.

USD is what Nike co-founder, Phil Knight, paid for its famous ‘swoosh’ logo from graphic design student Carolyn Davidson in 1971. He told her: “I don’t love it, but maybe it will grow on me.”

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Source: www.businessinsider.com

10 BEST LOW IMPACT WORKOUTS Low impact exercises are less stressful on the body but offer good results when done regularly. Take your pick from this list of 10 highly effective low impact exercises.

BICYCLING AND STATIONARY CYCLING Similar to walking, the intensity and pace is important for a total body workout to help burn calories while getting cardio-ﬁt.

SWIMMING & AQUA AEROBICS Because water supports body weight, there is less impact on muscles and joints. It also extends lung capacity so you breathe easier and oxygenate better.

ELLIPTICAL MACHINE EXERCISES These include those that offer isometric exercises where the machine moves you, lessening the impact on muscles and joints.

PILATES focuses on lengthening the muscles and strengthening the core. It helps strengthen the abdomen, back and other core muscles to increase oxygen supply to the body.

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

Source: www.ivillage.co.uk, www.patient.co.uk

YOGA Stretch, breathe and strengthen – yoga is the ultimate low impact exercise for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

WALKING The best low-impact workout on the face of earth! The target is always to start slow, and then pick up the pace for 15 minutes before slowing down again Urban golf for a good cardio workout.

STRICTLY SUPPORTIVE

You can sag before your time. The breasts can move up to 10cm, which can cause stretching in your Cooper’s ligaments (the primary supporting structure in the breasts) if you don’t invest a good sport bra.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

STEP AEROBICS Simply pull out a step platform and get stepping! Researchers say that an hour of step aerobics is equivalent to a mid-distance run. TAI CHI Made up of gentle, fluid movements that are deliberate, it strengthens the muscles and improves flexibility. GOLF This is a social workout where you and your golfing buddies control the pace. You get bonus points if you forego the golf cart and walk the course. ROLLER-SKATING Take a trip back to the 1970s and skate around the park. It’s fun provided you have safety gear on including a helmet.

miles per hour or 19.312 kilometres per hour is the winning speed for the first automobile race that took place in the world. It was won by Jules-Albert De Dion, a pioneer of the French automobile industry in Paris, 1884. Source: Team Sport

% of the estimated online fantasy sports players of 32,809,564 worldwide are into American football (NFL). Source: STAT LLC

According to ﬁtness gurus, it is an absolute must to invest in good sports bras, especially if you’re into high impact workouts like running, aerobics and zumba. Why? Because... You can cause tension on your upper back and neck if you workout without a support bra. This is especially for those who are wellendowed, because the back muscles work harder against the weight infront to keep the shoulders in correct position during the workout.

You can develop breast pain (mastalgia) from not wearing a bra during a workout. When the breasts are not properly supported, they are free and can suffer from wrenched nerves and muscles while in motion.

AIRASIA WORLD OF SPORT HARRY REDKNAPP: QPR’S NEW MANAGER NAGER On November 24, 2012, Queens Park Rangers Football Club confirmed the appointment of Harry Redknapp as the club’s new manager, signing a twoand-a-half year contract with him at Loftus Road. Widely regarded as one of the best English managers in the business, Redknapp’s track record speaks for itself. After guiding Portsmouth to an FA Cup Final victory in 2007/08, he arguably, enjoyed his finest hour in managing Tottenham Hotspur, where he led them into the Champions League for the first time in history at the end of the 2009/10 season. Redknapp remarked: “I’m delighted to be back in the managerial hot-seat with QPR. When I spoke to the shareholders and they told me about their plans, I knew this was too good an opportunity to turn down.” QPR Chairman Tony Fernandes, added: “Harry was our number one target, the unanimous choice of the Board and we’re delighted to have him in the club. He has a proven track record in the Premier League and has all the skills we were looking for to get us out of the current situation. His management skills are second to none and we are confident in him leading QPR away from the bottom.”

WORDS: CHENG YIK HOONG

BRIEF HISTORY

Redknapp was appointed manager of West Ham United in 1994 and he helped establish the club in the Premier League, introducing a number of young players such as Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and his nephew, Frank Lampard. The highlight of Redknapp’s reign at Upton Park was a brilliant ﬁfthplace ﬁnish in the Premier League TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

in 1999, earning the club a place in Europe. Soon after his departure from the Hammers in 2001, he returned to assume role of Director of Football with Portsmouth that summer and then, manager the following year. Redknapp ended Pompey’s 15-year wait for topflight football by leading them to promotion. The club then finished 13th in the Premier League the following season. However, by November 2004, Redknapp’s next destination was a highly controversial one when he joined rivals Southampton. Saints were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season and Redknapp was back at Portsmouth by December 2005, admitting he had been wrong to leave. Redknapp was to enjoy greater success in his second stint at Fratton Park. He kept them up, took them to ninth and eighth place finishes.

He then achieved hero status by winning the FA Cup in 2008, as Portsmouth beat Cardiff City 1-0 at the new Wembley Stadium. In 2008, Tottenham Hotspur came-a-calling and Redknapp made the move to north London. With Redknapp at the helm, the White Hart Lane outfit finished eighth that season, before being guided by him to fourth spot the following campaign, ensuring the club qualified for the Champions League for the first time in history. Tottenham subsequently reached the quarter-finals in Europe’s elite competition, recording famous wins over some of the continent’s most prestigious clubs. They also performed well in the league, finishing fifth. Redknapp was named Premier League ‘Manager of the Year’ for his achievements, but things took a turn for the worse midway through the next season, with speculation rife that

Harry Redknapp (second from left) giving instructions to Jamie Mackie during his very first match against Sunderland.

he would be offered the England job, which eventually went to Roy Hodgson.

Zamora passing through Arsenal’s Pet Mertesacker (left) as Adel Taraabt (right) races from the back.

Zamora continued to play even with a head injury during the game with Manchester City.

RANGER’S LETHAL WEAPON: BOBBY ZAMORA WHO IS THE BEST STRIKER YOU’VE PLAYED ALONGSIDE IN YOUR CAREER? I have played with some great players over the years but if I had to choose just one, I’d go with Carlos Tevez. We had a good connection at West Ham United. I really enjoyed playing with him because he is a special player.

THE GREATEST STRIKER OF ALL TIME? Diego Maradona. It’s difﬁcult to look beyond him. He was unreal. Some people say Leo Messi but he hasn’t eclipsed Maradona for me. He (Messi) hasn’t won a World Cup, has he?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A PERSON LOOKING TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL? Work hard. That’s the key. Even players with great talent have to work hard and be willing to help out their teammates. Look at Leo Messi for instance. A phenomenal talent, but his work is incredible and you need to have that as part of your game – regardless of ability.

WHAT TOP QUALITIES DOES ONE NEED TO BE A QUALITY STRIKER AT THIS LEVEL? Strength and intelligence are probably the two main attributes 50

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

you need. You also need to have a good understanding of other players in terms of the way they play. You can help them make their mind up by the way you position your body while at play.

WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND IN QPR? Andrew Johnson; he’s a top lad.

BEST STADIUM YOU’VE PLAYED IN? I have played at some great

stadiums. Some of these stadiums have made a name for themselves in English football. I’ll have to say Wembley because it is so special and every boy’s dream in UK to play there.

FAHMI ENDS SEASON IN STYLE Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin or Fahmi, closed his 2012 season in style by taking his second, career podium win at the Valencia Grand Prix after finishing third in the thrilling race. The event saw the Malaysian Moto3 rider and Danny Kent winning their positions in a sensational manoeuvre on the final turn of the contest. Fahmi finished the season in 7th position with 128 points. Only 21 years old, Zulfahmi is the first Malaysian to receive an award following marked improvement shown with his team AirAsia SIC Ajo.

“I was very careful at the start and just followed the leaders. I saw some riders crashing, so I became more careful until the final stages of the races. I took a big risk on the final turn and I am happy to win my second podium. “ ~ Fahmi

02 01 HYPER TECH 2012 2013

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

UNBELIEVABLY REAL Whether ‘hugging’ someone with a phone or scratching with your fingernails to reveal data on barcodes, technology keeps improving with all kinds of innovations that aim to make life easier. Even happier.

IN THE FUTURE

GLASS NOTES Hitachi is in the planning stages to use thin quartz glass to store digital data. The company believes that information stored as dots inside the quartz glass and read by an optical microscope will remain safe and undamaged forever because quartz glass can stand extreme cold and heat, as well as hostile conditions. http://phys.org

DISNEY MAKES PRINTED OPTICS Disney has also gotten into the technology game with its printed optics. These are light ‘pipes’ produced by a 3D printer and inserted into toys and lit using LEDS and mobile projectors. Disney hopes that in the future such printed optics can replace LCD and LED screens used on small objects. www.disneyresearch.com

GIF IN CONTROL HUGGED BY THE PHONE The Helsinki Institute of Information Technology and Nokia Research has modiﬁed Nokia phones to vibrate when the user squeezes them when making a call. Called a ForcePhone, this phone can transmit ‘pressure messages’ that the listener on the other end of the line can understand as virtual hugs – or annoyance – depending on how hard the caller squeezes. www.technologyreview.com

WORDS: PETE KING

MOO’VING DETAILS

With this invention from Moo, users will no longer need to print call cards to hand out to business associates. They only need to touch the NFC business card onto someone’s Smartphone to transfer details. The information can also be updated d and passed on to other users. http://uk.moo.com/nfc/

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

This website makes gifs or animated pics that are not only fun to view, you can even interact with them! It lets you control how a gif moves or is animated by moving your ﬁngers or the cursor over the tablet, phone or computer screen. http://gifctrl.com/GB

HERE’S A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S BREWING IN THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY. X The US government is funding a project by Carnegie Mellon University to make security cameras predict someone’s next move, using the same kind of technology Microsoft uses in Kinect and Google in selfdriving cars. X In future, be prepared to drive cars like the Hinoko or Urban Car, which can be folded to fit into a parking space. X Computers in the future might never need to boot up after powering down because the memristors (memory resistor) used can remember the last state when it is powered back on. X Samsung is working on a smart device skin, which can take a digital image and display it over the skin of a phone. X University of Virginia has built a prototype system that can measure heart rate through ‘earbuds’ and pick songs to help the user reach or maintain a desired heart rate. X Qualcomm and Project Ray have developed the Ray, a device that can help the visually handicapped to call out, email and text messages, network and manage remote devices.

ACOUSTIC BARCODES Different from the barcodes you see on books and supermarket items, Acoustic Barcodes can be engraved onto wood, stone, glass or plastic. Instead of using a scanner, you simply scratch with your ﬁngernails to read them. A microphone records the sounds the nail scratching makes, which are decoded to retrieve information from a computer, or even run a programme. http://chrisharrison.net/index.php/Research/AcousticBarcodes

PLANET OF THE APPS EASYTIMECALC

COVETED COLLECTIBLES Iconic, well-designed and much desired, these gadgets have become must-haves for both their functional aspects, as well as their aesthetics.

MICROSOFT SURFACE ACE TABLET The Microsoft’s Surface tablet et has a Touch Cover you can type on, and a new screen with Live Tiles on its 10.6-inch ClearType HD display. Running ing on Windows RT, it runs a special al version of Microsoft Ofﬁce. Its ultra light and durable VaporMg casing g has a built-in ﬂip-able Kickstand to keep it upright.. www.microsoft.com/Surface

This app can calculate and recalculate (add, subtract, get ﬁnal date) the days and months of the year. This app also works with fraction dates, and can accurately calculate the beginning and ending of an event or a project timeline.

GOOGLE CHROMEBOOK It’s an Internet or 3G-connected laptop that uses a web browser for Search, Gmail, YouTube, Hangouts and, to enjoy lots of apps from the Chrome Web Store. It can automatically update and backup by itself. The device also allows multiple users so that each one has his or her own account for ﬁles, apps and settings. www.google.com/intl/en/

OS: iOS Price: Free

GOALHAPPY If you wish to set new goals for 2013, this app can help you by recording your progress with graphs and daily, weekly or monthly counts, showing how even a small activity can bring results. Share your goals and progress with friends and family for added support and motivation. OS: iOS & Android Price: Free

chrome/devices

THE IPAD MINI Thinner and lighter than other similar sized tablets, the iPad mini is light enough to be held with one hand. The 7.9-inch display looks larger due to the thinner bezels while its screen is perfect for reading eBooks. The gadget runs all apps found on the normal iPad and takes 5-MP pictures.

EXTRA PEDOMETER

www.apple.com/ipad-mini

Start getting healthy by exercising and walking to stay ﬁt. This app can keep track of and record the number of steps you take or, when you jog. The ‘History’ section can break down the step count further for each week. Share the ﬁnal count with friends.

P’9223 SLIM DATA STORAGE FROM PORSCHE

OS: Android Price: Free

Like the Porsche, this portable SSD drive is designed to transfer ﬁles at fantastic speeds via USB 3. The device can also withstand extreme handling and even comes with a password lock. Easy to set up, it backs up ﬁles automatically with each use. www.lacie.com

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 SLEEP INNS 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

GEMS OF JAVA

Some of the world’s most beautiful hotels are located in Indonesia. This comes as no surprise as they reflect not only the culture and traditions of the local communities in their architecture and design, the hotels also offer genuine warmth and the hospitality of the people who welcome you to their cities. Travel 3Sixty˚ visits Surabaya, Jogjakarta and Bandung this month.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

SWEET INDULGENCE IN SURABAYA

Just minutes after pulling up at the Shangri-La Surabaya, I lounge in my room as a hospitality executive serves me a cup of Chinese tea – a lovely way to begin an indulgent stay at one of the city’s best business hotels. My home for the weekend is a spacious executive room with views of the bustling Darmo area and the swanky Ciputra World Mall. Designed in soothing shades of pea and olive green accented with copper, my abode comes with a sizeable desk, and comfy lounge complete with traditional snacks like ting-ting (peanut brittle) and sumpia (fried shrimp spring roll), complimentary broadband and Wi-Fi Internet access. For business travellers after more personalised services, the exclusive Horizon Club offers perks like private in-room facsimile machine and personal voicemail, access to private meeting rooms, complimentary buffet breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and even free suit pressing. Like all good business hotels, Shangri-La Surabaya knows exactly how to help guests relax. After a long meeting, guests can work out at its state-of-the-art gym, TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

sign-up for Pilates and yoga classes at the Health Club, plunge into the palm-fringed pool or, enjoy retail therapy at Ciputra World Mall – easily accessible with the hotel’s free shuttle service. For the ultimate indulgence, a trip to the spa here is a must. I opt for the famous Maduranese full-body massage that’s recommended for

EXPEDIA’S 2012 VACATION DEPRIVATION SURVEY The world’s most vacation-deprived countries are right here in Asia, as revealed by Expedia, the world’s leading online travel agency. According to Expedia’s 2012 Vacation Deprivation® survey, an annual analysis of the diverse holiday habits of travellers around the world, the study showed that Asia represents the world’s most vacation-deprived region, with employees continuing to take the fewest days off and work the longest weeks. For instance, Malaysians spend about 40 hours a week at work, but receive an average of only 14 days annual leave, while 41% of Singaporeans have postponed or cancelled vacations for work reasons. For those who are vacation-deprived, fret not because there is a cure in sight. Whether you are a sun loving beach vacationer or an adventure seeker, Expedia recommends the following city and beach hotels deals to kick off 2013. The best part? These great hotel deals won’t break your bank.

CITY HOTEL TENFACE BANGKOK (FROM AS LOW AS USD$78/NIGHT) Experience the best of both worlds with TenFace Bangkok, a modern, Art Deco boutique hotel tucked in the heart of Bangkok’s business district with easy access to shopping malls, food and sights such as Siam Paragon and Lumpini Park. men due to the strong pressure applied. Using eucalyptus essential oil, my masseuse applies long, firm strokes, focussing on my legs. After a full day of shopping and exercising, this intense massage is the perfect remedy! Of course, a stay here would not be complete without sampling the fine array of F&B options, including teppanyaki at Nishimura, international buffets at Jamoo, and Tex-Mex fare at Desperados -home of the gigantic Black Jack Burger. This colossal meaty delight comprises juicy Cajun beef patties with melted cheese, mushrooms and beef bacon. Then, there’s Shang Palace, which boasts Cantonese cuisine and a new dim sum menu with treats like mixed mushroom dumplings, deep fried eggplant with fish paste in Thai chilli sauce, and steamed salted egg and custard powder. Meanwhile, Portofino, a candlelit Italian restaurant with breadsticks as centrepieces, serves up fragrant wood-fired pizzas, delicious pastas like plump ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms and parmesan; and lighter options like melt-in-your-mouth cod in white wine. For dessert, the liquid centre chocolate torte with vanilla ice cream is simply divine.

BEACH HOTEL FAIRWAYS & BLUEWATER NEWCOAST BORACAY, PHILIPPINES (FROM AS LOW AS USD$146/NIGHT) Take a dip and soak up the breathtaking view in one of the resort’s two outdoor swimming pools or enjoy a leisurely stroll along one of their four private beaches. With family friendly activities such as horseback riding and buggy rides, Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Boracay offers the perfect dose of fun and relaxation for all holiday seekers.

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SURABAYA Jl. May. Jend Sungkono 120, Surabaya 60256

www.expedia.com.sg TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD IN JOGJA Nestled in the foothills of Mt Merapi, north of Yogyakarta, The Cangkringan Jogja Villas & Spa is a charming little hideaway to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This boutique property comprises 19 villas and eight rooms, spread out on a beautifully landscaped estate. With just the sweet sounds of nature for company, you’ll never guess you’re a mere 25kms from the city centre. And on days when the skies are clear, guests at the villas are rewarded with stunning views of the imposing ‘Fire Mountain’, as I was, on my first morning in the resort’s Maya Villa. Luxuriously appointed with a plush king-sized bed, a spacious bathroom with shower and sunken bath and, a private balcony, the mountain-view villa I called home for the duration of my stay was definitely a treat for my travel-weary body. The cosy villa felt like home away from home, thanks to its spacious layout and thoughtful decorative touches - a blend of both modern and Javanese elements. The hotel is purpose-built for relaxation, and its private living spaces make you feel as though you are the only guest around – a definite luxury for travellers. I enjoyed dreaming the afternoons away in the open air, living room beneath my villa, which looked out to the pool. If you’re holidaying with family

in tow, the Maya and Manggar Villas are good choices as both come with connecting rooms. For larger groups, the three-roomed Mayang and Arumdalu Villas with their own private pools are excellent choices. The Cangkringan is also a favourite with honeymooners, and it’s no wonder. The Gading Villa – also with its own private pool – is set amidst a beautiful garden and ensures couples have the utmost privacy. The hotel is also right next door to the sprawling 18-hole Merapi Golf Course – one of Central Java’s best. Don’t forget to bring your clubs if you simply must have a round on the greens. Golf packages include accommodation at the hotel’s Kemuning rooms with meals thrown in. There are also bicycles for hire at the hotel – a great way to explore the surrounding countryside at your own time and pace. One of the

highlights of my visit to The Cangkringan was an early morning ride in an open jeep to Mt Merapi. The driver picked me up at 4.30am in time to catch majestic Merapi at sunrise. Because it is not possible to go right up to the peak, the hour-long jeep tour takes guests to a viewing plateau instead. For IDR250,000 per person (a minimum of four people required), more adventurous guests can choose the Breakfast on the Top package. Pampering is a must when you’re on vacation and that is exactly what The Cangkringan Spa offers. With a host of treatments including massage therapies, facials and body scrubs, the hotel spa is the place to head to for a little TLC. I chose the traditional Javanese massage – an hour-long session that was a steal at just IDR175,000. Using aromatic oils, my masseuse expertly kneaded my sore muscles and coaxed me into a deep sleep. Upon awakening, and with my tummy rumbling, I headed to the hotel’s restaurant. With its quaint joglo roof, intricately carved teak furniture and traditional patterned tiles, I felt as if I was walking into someone’s home instead of a restaurant. If what you are looking for is peace and tranquillity, you can’t go wrong at The Cangkringan. The hotel is just 45 minutes away from the airport and within easy reach of Yogyakarta’s heritage sites – Borobudur and Prambanan.

WORDS: CHITRA S

THE CANGKRINGAN JOGJA VILLAS & SPA

Jl. Raya Merapi Golf, Desa Umbulharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman, Yogyakarta

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

CLASS ACT IN BANDUNG Having braved a storm during the flight and a nasty gridlock on ground, I arrived in Bandung sleepy, grumpy and hungry. It was a Friday evening and the townsfolk were oblivious of the downpour as they clogged the street that led to Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers. But they didn’t look like locals! Ahh... tourists... all ransacking the many, many fashion stores and discount outlets along Ir. H. Juanda Street where the hotel is located. Mercifully, the crowd petered out as the hotel was located on the upper end of the street, also known as Dago area. The Dago/Juanda street is a busy thoroughfare but the moment you turn into the hotel grounds, the outside world is just a hazy memory of dusty roads, noisy traffic and shopping crazed tourists. The big and airy reception greeted me with its elegant, carved wood wall panelling in dark timber tones, accented with frosted glass, turn-of-the century chandeliers. Javanese design elements were judiciously applied all over the premises, giving the place a nice touch of tradition that blended artistically with the European-style lounge. At the Towers section of the hotel, the Towers Lounge even has a functioning fireplace that is lit when temperatures drop at night. The lounge is a lovely throwback to the past with its fireplace, deep leather chairs and elegant wall paintings. Guests can also choose to dine on the balcony area at the lounge that overlooks the villages and distant mountains. The 154 rooms at this low rise building comprise Deluxe, Pool View, Garden Access and Pool Access categories. But since this little haven is located at the edge of a valley and lush with tropical plants, all rooms offer soothing views of greenery with no harsh intrusion of manmade structures. The overall colour scheme of creams and beiges, set off by timber coloured accents, making the hotel chic but in a classic way. My room

came with a huge bathroom with an almost kitschy wall lamp draped in amber coloured crystals. The patio opened up to a serene garden that is the perfect place to lose oneself in a book or simply listen to the chatter of resident birds. The King-sized bed was a plush offering with sumptuous duvets and piles of downy pillows that I burrowed under while surfing almost 60 over channels on the TV! While rummaging through the room, I chanced upon the hotel portfolio, which I thought was the most practical ever. There were very specific instructions on what to do in the event of a fire that included touching the door to see if it’s still cool before opening it. If the door felt hot, the instruction was to stay put, cover the bottom of the door with wet towels and call for help. I must say, I have stayed in many hotels and have never seen such specific instructions on safety. The attention to details, right up to safety and evacuation procedures goes to prove the

WORDS: R. RAJENDRA

kind of care and service that the Sheraton brand prides itself on. The service with a genuine smile extends to all sections of the hotel. From the concierge who happily advised me on areas to shop and those to avoid and the waiting staff at Feast Restaurant who was worried that I wasn’t eating heartily enough to the housekeeping staff who thought I looked lost trying to locate the reception, the Javanese tradition of hospitality was a well-honed habit here and one that ﬂowed generously. You may come to Bandung to shop, enjoy the cool hill station air, play golf at the nearby Dago Endah course or, even get married (I witnessed three weddings over the weekend at the hotel when I was there!), but one thing’s for sure, the Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers has perfected the art of hospitality and will be more than happy to cocoon you with care and comfort when you visit.

SHERATON BANDUNG HOTEL AND TOWERS Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 390, Bandung 40135 Indonesia

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 HIT LIST 0 2013

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SLAM ON SCAMS

It is unfortunate that tourists and travellers are the first target for scammers worldwide. Generally, when tourists get conned, they rarely report it so as not to spoil their holiday. Here are some alerts on what swindlers are up to, so you may avoid them and enjoy a pleasant and peaceful holiday.

RENTAL CAR RUNS

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

When you rent a car in Vietnam, you’ll deﬁnitely stand out as a tourist because the number plate will clearly show you’re not local. There are lots of tricksters around and you have to be Vietnam prepared for emergencies and work out a contingency plan if the car breaks down. Here’s a scam that you need to know: A stranger will keep pointing at your tyres and as you come to a stop at a trafﬁc light, he may offer to help when you alight from the car to check on your tyres. That’s about the time when his accomplice grabs your valuables and handbag from the car and runs off.

GET SMART

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Always lock your car doors while you drive. If it so happens that you do have a flat, put the contingency plan you’ve worked out with the car rental company into action.

IMPORTANT NOTE

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Travel 3Sixty°, in no way, wishes to damage the reputation or sully the tourism industry of the countries mentioned here. However, there will always be instances where a foreigner will get fleeced or cheated when he or she visits any country. This article is meant to create awareness of some of the more common scams that take place and how travellers can arm themselves with adequate knowledge for self protection. For every one rotten apple, you will encounter hundreds of genuine, honest and hardworking individuals who appreciate your tourist money and want you to truly enjoy the hospitality, beauty and warmth of their country.

COUNTERFEIT COPS

IMAGE: INMAGINE

When you’re a tourist, it’s hard to keep track of the typical uniform of the local police, and scammers take advantage of this. The fake Various Countries policeman will usually hang around crowded tourist spots, especially train or bus stations, museums and art galleries. They will approach you and tell you of a case of fake money in circulation. They will ask you to reveal the contents of your wallet so they may check for such money. Since they are policemen whose job is to protect you, you comply. Once you hand over your wallet, they run like the wind!

Persons of any authority who request to check or see your belongings or identification papers will have to first produce their identification badge. Always ask an officer of the law for such identification. If you’re doubtful, say that you want to walk to the nearest police station with him and, he can check it there.

GET SMART

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

IMAGE: INMAGINE

FAKE MONKS

Take note if you’re headed for Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Shinagawa, and Roppongi in Tokyo. These ‘monks’ will approach tourists, offer a good luck charm and ask for a donation. While you’d be happy to donate to a noble cause, these are not Tokyo, Japan really monks and the money is not going to any charities. These ‘monks’ are part of a syndicate that make thousands of Yen a day, preying on gullible tourists. In any case, real monks are not allowed to ask for cash or any means of worldly goods apart from food.

Smile and walk away. If you really want to help them and worry that they may be real monks, offer to buy them food instead. The fake ones will most likely walk away. In fact, this tip can be used to stave off beggars and street urchins too in various countries. Never offer money, no matter how pitiful the beggars look. Offer to buy them food instead.

GET SMART

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

TAXI TRAUMA

Refusing to use the meter, claiming the area you wish to go to is congested with trafﬁc, demanding exorbitant fees for short distances, pretending to India, Malaysia, not know the way to your destination, saying the Philippines place you’re looking for has closed down or moved, offering reduced taxi fares in exchange for visiting shopping outlets are all part of famous taxi scams in these countries. There are many taxi and auto rickshaw drivers who are honest, but some do resort to tampering with their meters.

Always get into a proper taxi queue and insist the driver uses the meter. Some malls have coupon kiosks that ensure you take only legitimate taxis. If the taxi refuses to use the meter and demands a specified amount, do not argue but politely walk away. Do not entertain taxi drivers who approach you. If you feel you have been victimised, quietly note the taxi driver’s registration number and get your hotel to help lodge a complaint to the relevant authorities. But if you are desperate, need a taxi very badly and don’t mind paying, make sure you agree clearly on the amount, repeating it at least twice to avoid any confusion and verbal arguments.

IMAGE: ADAM LEE

GET SMART

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

IMAGE: INMAGINE

ECIMEN P S E L P SAM

PHONEY MONEY

Various Countries

Watch the money like a hawk during the transaction. Always check your change and don’t be afraid to return an iffy-looking bill and ask for a different one. Better yet, carry enough small change so you can pay the exact fare.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

GET SMART

Times are hard and some travel related businesses too are practising this scam. However, it appears unbridled amongst taxi drivers who are notorious for giving you fake bills in change. Be extra careful when paying your taxi fare and keep your eyes on the driver because this is when they’ll slip in a few of those dodgy notes back to you.

RUG RIP-OFF

A trip to Indonesia more often than not involves shopping. Textiles, fabrics and carpets are all pretty cheap here. With carpets and rugs, the older they are, the higher the value. So if it’s an investment on an expensive carpet you’re making, be sure to have an expert or at least a knowledgeable friend with you when buying. Many little shops in huge bargain lofts are manufacturers themselves, and chances are, their factories are more than capable of ‘bleaching’ rugs and carpets for that aged look. These are then sold off as antiques at crazy prices. Jakarta, Indonesia

GET SMART 66

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Do your research and find out which genuine shops sell the real thing. Check online or ask a local friend. Make sure you understand the characteristics of an antique carpet before purchasing one. Don’t be taken in by the beauty of it or the glib talk. Ask for certification.

FAKE FRIEND

Be extra careful when you’re wandering around alone because you’ll end up making ‘friends’ soon enough. A local (male or female) may approach you in the street, bar or shop and start chatting, taking full interest in Beijing, China you. He’d want to welcome you by offering to buy you a drink or local knick-knacks. Next, he’ll offer to take you to a fantastic restaurant, club or KTV bar. The meal or drinks in the place will cost an arm and a leg! But not to worry because your newfound friend will say it’s on him and offers to pay for the meal. He’d walk to the cashier, ‘pay’ and leave swiftly. Before you try to leave, a waiter will appear and hand you a whopping bill! Only then will you realise that your ‘friend’ never paid and that you’ve just been taken for a ride. You may think that the poor sod was just after a meal but beware, this new friend will return to the restaurant later to collect his ‘commission’.

The best way to deal with this type of scam is not to accept any such invitation from strangers, politely say Thank You and walk away. If the person is persistent, say you are waiting for a local friend and his family to take you out for dinner/shopping. Remember what mum said: “Don’t talk to strangers!”

IMAGE: INMAGINE

GET SMART

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

IMAGE: INMAGINE

GEM SCAM

Many gem scams take place at must-see tourist stops in Bangkok. Normally, the scammers will Thailand station themselves near temples and entrances to tourist attractions. Once they spot tourists, they will approach them and claim the temple/attraction is closed for the day. They will then offer to take the unsuspecting tourists to an alternative temple/ attraction on a tuk-tuk that just happens to be waiting nearby – for free. The tourist will welcome this friendly gesture and hop on, only to ﬁnd the tuk-tuk stopping at jewellery shops along the way, all of which sell overpriced, if not fake gemstones. This has become a hot scam that the Thai Gem & Jewellery Trader Association views seriously to protect its reputation. If you ever get caught gemscammed, call them at +662 6301 3907 or visit www.thaigemjewelry.or.th

To begin with, check for yourself that the temple/ attraction is really closed. If you find yourself being ushered into a jewellery shop, just smile, say Thank You, and leave.

GET SMART

SAFETY STRATEGIES Short of engendering unnecessary paranoia in tourists, it pays to keep safe so your dream holiday comes true. X CLARIFY THE COST of all your purchases when negotiating. Be sure to list what is included in the price because when you’re quoted the ‘final price, it may not include service charges or taxes. Always ask if there are additional charges to the ‘final price’. X BE EXTRA ALERT WHEN YOU ARE MOST VULNERABLE especially when you’re tired from a long flight, adjusting to the time difference, anxious to find your way around, or even when you’re in a happy holiday mood. Always check around to see if whatever amount is quoted to you is reasonable with your travel companion or the locals around. X BEWARE OF SMILING STRANGERS because scammers

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

and conmen are adept at winning your confidence through friendliness and assurance. While it seems shameful to be suspicious of a friendly face, it’s even more embarassing to be scammed by one. X WATCH YOUR GUIDE and tour escorts carefully because even if their job is to look after you, they are not spared from the lure of commissions. This is where you need to be careful. They may strongly recommend a particular place even though it’s not half as good as the one your heart is set on. So be firm but agreeable and insist on where you’ve already planned to go. X DO YOUR MATH and if you can’t do it in your head, don’t forget the pocket calculator or the one in your smartphone. Double checking prices with the currency conversion will lower the risk of you being duped, especially when the currency is very much smaller in value and has a lot of zeroes in them. Check your credit card charges for a purchase immediately

to ensure there are no added zeroes in them. X PLAY HARD TO GET when bargaining for an item you like. As a tourist, you’re always at a disadvantage. However, the shop people know that if they don’t cut a deal, you’re not likely to return. So as long as you don’t give away how much you want something, it would be in their best interest to lower the price. X CARRY SMALL CHANGE because short-changing a tourist is the classic scam and the only way to avoid it is by paying the exact amount. It’s not easy to get lower value notes when changing at your local moneychanger, but try to get your hands on as much change when you arrive through small purchases like a bottle of water or a meal. X DON’T SUCCUMB TO PRESSURE because this is how you get scammed – be it a car rental or beautiful scarf. If your heart is not set on it and you just want to ‘please’ the vendor, don’t do it.

1 FEATURE • Indonesia 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

BATUAN

AGE OF

As tourism flourishes in Bali, the complex art form of Batuan is at its zenith. WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE IMAGES: COURTESY OF BRUCE GRANQUIST

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

RIGHT: I Wayan Warsika’s painting, Tumpek Wayang, shows the Balinese tradition of staging shadow puppet performances to appease Kala, the demon God, in order to keep him from consuming people born on his birthday – the feast of Tumpek Wayang. PRECEDING PAGE: I Wayan Gendra’s complex depiction of the final climactic battle of the Mahabharata includes characters and incidents from the four final chapters.

Amber ﬂames decimate the paper buffalo as children scamper up the steps to the funeral pyre, and chase each other around the burning tower. Although I’m in Batuan village to learn about their extraordinary art form, I ﬁnd myself crashing the ngaben or cremation ceremony of an 80-year-old pendeta, or religious leader. The elaborate ritualistic send-off to the next life is a ceremony that’s often depicted in Batuan art. Having witnessed the dramatic procession of the 20-foot bade, (cremation tower), I can easily understand why this event would capture an artist’s imagination. Suddenly, a swarm of tourists descends, snapping photos with the funeral pyre as a backdrop. Seemingly unperturbed by this intrusion, the mourners indulge the triggerhappy tourists. But, it makes me wonder, when did tourism enter their lives, and intertwine with their sacred rituals? I soon discover that the answer to this has a lot to do with the origins of Batuan art.

BREAKING WITH RITUAL During an art history talk at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, I speak to Bruce Granquist, a studio artist and illustrator who has compiled a book on Batuan art featuring the works of over 115 Batuan painters. Blown away by the early works, which resemble intricate black and white tonal tattoos, I’m even more fascinated when Granquist explains the evolution of Batuan art. According to Granquist, there were no commercial paintings in Batuan village before the 1930s. Showing me dense paintings that seem to have about a hundred different scenarios unfolding simultaneously, covering every last inch of the canvas in dizzying detail, he says “This is a completely new form. It is more radical than cubism if you look at its function and role. This art was made for us.” By ‘us’, he means outsiders, tourists. “In the 1930s, Bali was marketed as a paradise with bare-breasted maidens, but 72

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

for the Balinese it was a difficult place to live.” This was attributed to the worldwide economic depression, crop failures and social upheavals caused by policy changes instituted by the Dutch colonialists. To supplement their income, the Balinese, who were accomplished artists in the fields of music, dance and carving, turned to painting. Up till that point, the only paintings they were familiar with were the sacred ones specific to Kamasan village in East Bali. In the 17th century, the Javanese king had commissioned paintings for ritual purposes. Artists trained for years to master the thick iconography and complex symbolism within these paintings. Showing us what looks like flying eyeballs, Granquist explains. “These are aun-aun. They symbolise the presence of beings that might become manifest. Empty

space is only a place where there are spirits or beings that might pop into existence at any time.” Painters needed to know all the rules in order not to break them, for to err was tantamount to requesting a death sentence. “You do not fool around with ritual painting. Illness or death could be the cause of negligence.” And so, the early paintings produced by the Batuan artists were not ritual art, but portrayals of Sanskrit epics, village life, cultural ceremonies, legong dancers, as well as stories from local folklore. Moving away from ritualistic art eventually, their paintings became more naturalistic and playful. Freed from the potential dangers of offending powerful spiritual forces, the artists were quick to embrace giddy experimentation. Among the deﬁning characteristics of

ART-TEA The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah offers ‘Art Afternoons’ – intimate and enlightening art history talks by Batuan art specialist, Bruce Granquist. These interactive sessions over afternoon tea chronicle the evolution of Batuan art, and discuss The Chedi Club’s collection. http://tanahgajah.com

Batuan art are dense layers of action stacked from bottom to top; a warped, wavy folding of space and the fusion of the imagined, mystical and spiritual with the mundane. You’d see farmers tilling their ﬁelds with angels aloft, and the fearsome demon queen Rangda lurking in the bushes. Although this had never been done before, it perfectly encapsulated the Balinese world. “As in Balinese life and thought, the empirical and spiritual worlds are never ﬁrmly divided in Balinese art,” explains Granquist. Although neighbouring Sanur and Ubud were also known for their paintings, it was Batuan that thrived – largely due to the presence of two famous anthropologists: Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson. In 1936, hoping to study the psyche of the Batuan people, they commissioned

paintings of dreams, daily life and the spiritual world. “They were interested in all aspects of the thought world of the young painters of the time. The stranger, the better!” says Granquist. Over two years, the anthropologists purchased 845 paintings. This offered artists ﬁnancial support, and opened up the ﬂoodgates of creativity, allowing Batuan artists to give free rein to their imagination.

TRAILBLAZERS & TORCHBEARERS Two artists who are most often regarded as the fathers of Batuan art are Dewa Putu Kebes and I Nyoman Ngendon. In the 30s, Batuan art was in its infancy, but dramatic developments were clearly visible in the

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Chinese ink, grinding stones and other apparatus used in Batuan art; Rangda, the fearsome demon queen of Balinese mythology is often depicted in Batuan paintings fighting the Barong, a benevolent force. Their fight symbolises the eternal battle of good and evil; I Made Griyawan works on a Batuan piece. His soothing triptych can be seen in the background.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

artworks of these painters who made the often perilous journey to Ubud and Sanur to exchange creative visions with foreign artists like Walter Spies and Theo Meier. This led to works like Putu Kebes’ Preparations for the Horse Trance Dance. While the subject reﬂects his background as a 74

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

traditional mask maker and carver, the playful strokes and cartoon-like ﬁgures are worlds apart from the shadow-puppet characters of Kamasan art. A great lover of artistic exchange, Ngendon travelled as far as Central Java to meet other artists and revolutionaries, and infused his

art with fresh ideas. Sadly, in 1947, Ngendon was executed by the colonial government for his subversive art. He is remembered as a great teacher whose contributions to the early development of Batuan paintings are immortalised in such Picasso-esque works as Portrait of Ernst Schlager.

LEFT: I Wayan Bendi’s surreal 1985 painting entitled Bali Isle was conceived purely from his imagination.

local artists broadened the range of subjects depicted in the paintings. One such example is I Made Budi’s incorporation of modern elements like airplanes – a reflection of his experiences during a whirlwind publishing project with photographer Leonard Lueras that took him as far as Japan and Hawaii. Budi’s contemporary, the deeply surrealistic I Wayan Bendi contends that he was the first to paint an airplane. While Budi painted what he experienced, Bendi painted what he imagined. These arch rivals shaped a new hybrid form of Batuan that fused the modern, traditional and imaginary. Funnily, both were criticised by more dogmatic painters for deviating from the true Batuan style. Today, Batuan art continues to reflect the traditional Balinese world with updates that capture the realities of the day: For example, cameratoting tourists ambushing mourners at cremation ceremonies!

GUIDING LINES

In Batuan, the sanggar – an artists’ collective in which painters gather to learn and collaborate on artworks – has been instrumental in passing on the Batuan tradition. Here, beginners learn to mix ink while absorbing knowledge at the worktables of masters. Despite a three-decade lull in

Batuan art due to WWII and the turbulent civil war that caused a decline in tourism in Bali, the sanggar preserved this art form. In the 70s, when the Hippies began to travel, tourism ﬂourished and Batuan art experienced a revival. The one-on-one interaction between the laidback visitors and

While Batuan art may celebrate creativity, there are certain aesthetic guidelines or pakem that define the Batuan style. To decipher the Batuan code, I visit I Made Griyawan whose art seems to challenge the conventional idea of Batuan painting. The first thing I notice is a minimalist triptych composed only of orderly waves and tranquil sky, none of the frenzied energy I’d seen in other Batuan art. The effect is hypnotic, soothing. “I’m not interested in painting a lot of people; everyday life is already busy. This is the silence of nature.” To illustrate how this painting keeps to the Batuan style, Griyawan describes the four pakem that all Batuan artists follow. The first process, ngortenan, involves sketching the design on canvas. Next comes nyawi, where the sketch is outlined in Chinese ink for dimension. During the third process, ngucek, the artist does an ink wash to add gradation from black to white, and give the painting life. This is then followed by the most important step, sigar TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

DISCOVERING BATUAN ART X Batuan Art Museum was established in June 2012, and includes a collection of over 250 paintings by first generation and current artists. The museum can arrange visits to the artists’ studios. www.batuanmuseum.com X Agung Rai Museum of Art is a centre for visual and performing arts that offers painting classes and various cultural workshops. www.armamuseum.com

X Museum Puri Lukisan has a collection of works by the Pita Maha, an association created in the 30s to maintain artistic standards. www.mpl-ubud.com

mangsi, when depth, detail and ornamentation are intensiﬁed. The artist can actually stop here, but many colour their paintings using acrylic paint, watercolours or natural dyes. Griyawan follows the processes, but paints his thoughts. Rather than straight-forward lessons, Griyawan’s soulful art is layered with meaning. “At times, I have questions. When the meaning comes to me, I put it on my canvas. I always have a message. I hope that what people take from me, they can use, not just as a decoration,” he says. Griyawan prefers philosophical paintings and those that pay tribute to nature. Around us are paintings depicting the search for God, reincarnation and angels, global warming, corruption and terrorism, as well as animalcentric Tantri stories, which seem a blend of Aesop’s Fables and Sheherezade’s One Thousand and One Nights. 76

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Like many aspects of Balinese culture, Batuan art is also accomplished with spirituality. Griyawan meditates and seeks divine guidance to paint, and hopes his art offers inspiration for the lost. When I ask him about the fusion of the supernatural and mundane, he says “When I work, I start with emotion. If people feel it, that’s supernatural!”

THE LEGACY CONTINUES Both Granquist and Griyawan feel that this is the golden age of Batuan art. Not only do artists today have the full range of the world of art for inspiration, but easy travel means that there’ll be no shortage of outsiders seeking this exotic land. GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to Bali from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details. Batuan is located in the Gianyar regency, south of Ubud.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: I Gusti Putu Motor’s stylised painting of a kecak dance – a Balinese dance and music drama that depicts a battle in the Ramayana between the monkey-like Vanara and the evil Ravana; I Wayan Gendra at the Batuan Art Museum; Ida Bagus Dupem’s painting portrays a cremation ceremony. The tall structure in the centre is the cremation tower or bade.

1 FEATURE â&#x20AC;˘ Taiwan 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

m e a e d r a r Da P for zil ings a r in B sta br o i . o R n fie year g w o y e t gro er lob ome an ev g e w ,h e th milar ity, Tai s r e si trav en a ipei C t ’ dn wh Ta nee nival wn in u Yo Car e do ON GUS s e FER u G h I t RA ho Y: C APH the OGR & RDS WO

T PHO

The sound could be heard from a distance. Frenzied drumming and the shrill blows of whistles mixed with the cheers of an excited mass of people. Thousands lined the main plaza in front of Taipei city’s Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and even more stretched north along Zhongshan South Road, all trying to get a glimpse of the colour and spectacle that was underway. A perfect autumn day in Taiwan’s capital only added to the festive atmosphere, as more than 100 groups took part in the annual Dream Parade – dedicated to fun in the streets.

AN ASIAN CARNIVAL Imagine a little bit of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival combined with elements from the New Orleans Mardi Gras, mixed with a dash of the Burning Man. Now add in Taiwan’s aboriginal culture, toss in some Hakka traditions to the mix and stir in a good serving of homemade arts and crafts, and you’ll get an idea of the Dream Carnival. When people think of Taiwan’s numerous festivals, the Dream Parade is probably not the ﬁrst thing that comes to mind but every

year this event just gets bigger and better, attracting people of all ages and walks of life, eager to watch or join in the excitement. From humble beginnings a decade ago, the annual Dream Parade has grown into a major event, attracting scores of participants from around the world. That ﬁrst parade in 2002 featured only about 200 performers whereas 2012’s event featured some 5,000 participants with an estimated crowd of 30,000 looking on. Organised by the Dream Community Culture & Education Development Foundation based in Xizhi, New Taipei City and, co-sponsored by the Taipei City government, the event celebrates creativity, especially grassroots, DIY-styled artistic ideas. This was clearly depicted by what the participant wore: A man painted to appear like Spiderman pedalled a three-wheeled bicycle, middleaged men wandered around in loincloth and, grandmothers in their 70s dressed in colourful, midriff revealing attire. Creativity was on display everywhere you looked, and the artistic notion was expressed by all ages – from grandparents all the way through the generations down to babies.

WHAT THE DREAM PARADE BRINGS TO TAIWAN “Carnivals are a tribute to life. All carnival participants express their brightest side with their happiest mood on the day. No matter the reality, it’s an opportunity to set down the burden, forget everything and celebrate the moment. At the same time, I am committed to inspire people in these communities and villages in Taiwan. I encourage people to showcase their dreams by combining their traditions and personal characteristics. Starting from the countryside in Taiwan, I hope to push it further to all over Taiwan, and make Taiwan a dream place filled with happy carnivals!” ~ Gordon Tsai, Founder and Organiser of the Dream Parade

ABOVE: Gordon Tsai showcased his fire-breathing prowess at one of the Dream Parades. LEFT: Participants like these drummers, often spend their own money to make amazingly beautiful costumes for the parade. PRECEDING PAGE: Although the parade is a time of fun and frivolity, participants take it very seriously and prepare masks and costumes months in advance.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

PREPARE TO PARTY Beginning at 2.00pm, the artists and performers gathered at Freedom Square in front of Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. The crowd was still thin at this point with the ofﬁcial start time not for another hour or so. Adjustments were made to costumes while last minute touchups were quickly administered just before the ﬁnal run through of performance routines took place. Onlookers were free to mingle with the participants and many of them did so freely, wandering through the assembled ranks, having their photos taken with the gloriously colourful participants. Serious photographers, on the other hand, took advantage of what they later marvelled

at as a photographer’s paradise. Everywhere you turned something bizarre was taking place and the constant click of camera shutters added to the soundtrack of the afternoon. The creative types worldwide often have a reputation of not being very punctual but none of that was evident at the Dream Parade. The hundred plus groups gathered at their assigned positions and promptly at 3.00pm, the ﬁrst of the procession moved out of the public square and made its way up the road. It would take almost one and a half hours for the groups to begin moving, as they slowly made their way through the city streets in a parade more than a kilometre long. The destination wasn’t all that far away, located basically around the corner on Ketagalan

Boulevard but it took three hours for everyone to complete the walk from start to finish. Along the way, police officers managed traffic flow with lane and road closures for the duration of the parade, and the entire route was lined on both sides by curious onlookers, photographers, friends and family of the participants and a sizable media contingent.

FROM NEW ORLEANS WITH LOVE Every year, the Dream Community invites artistic groups from ‘sister carnival cities’ throughout the world. In 2012, it was the city of New Orleans’ turn and to that end, a threestorey high ﬂoat was constructed from which TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Mardi Gras ‘throws’ were tossed. ‘Throws’ are strings of colourful beads and these proved to be a hit with young and old alike. As the float made its way along the parade route, outstretched hands could be seen, almost begging for the beads to be tossed their way. Cynthia Tiny, who hails from Sao Tome, took pride of place on the highest level of the float. Taking part in her first Dream Parade, the braided beauty said that initial nerves at performing in front of so many people soon disappeared as the “music kind of got in my body and I forgot I was in front of all the people and I just started interacting with them”. In addition to the performers invited from New Orleans and Sao Tome, artistic 82

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

groups from Japan and France were also in attendance, as well as individual artists from Brazil and other countries.

DREAM MAKER The Dream Parade was created of by Gordon Tsai, a real estate developer with a passion for the arts who annually spends millions of dollars sponsoring art, both by sending young Taiwanese artists abroad and inviting foreign artists to Taiwan. Prior to establishing the Dream Community, Tsai travelled the world visiting festivals and community events seeking inspiration for ways that he could beneﬁt his own community in Xizhi, a

flood-prone district just outside Taipei. Taking cues from Burning Man in Nevada and the Fremont Festival in Seattle, he created the Dream Parade. That first parade featured stilt walkers, papier-mâché puppets and drummers. Tsai himself is an active participant in each Dream Parade, donning a costume and running around with an almost manic energy. One year he wore a large diaper, an oversized baby bonnet and white body paint, another year he was clad in a loincloth, wings, halo and painted with purple body paint. In 2012, red was his colour. Covered in body paint and wearing a feathered headdress, he also displayed his fire breathing prowess!

For Tsai, it’s the community spirit that makes it worthwhile. “The most unforgettable aspect of the Dream Parade is the community spirit behind it. Before the parade, the members of the community spend time in the workshop to transform their ideas into reality with help from international artists,” he quipped on the spirit of cooperation and unity shared by the participants of the parade. To reiterate his point, Tsai pointed out an 80-yearold man walking on stilts and a 70-year-old woman dancing the samba, saying, “arts become the glue of the community.”

FIESTA OF FEATHERS Feathers were a common sight on costumes in the parade. One of the ﬁrst groups in the procession was a drumming troupe, clad in revealing, bright blue and pink bejewelled costumes with feathered headgear. With their drum beats and energy, they brought an infectious excitement to the crowd as they passed by. While beating drums and shaking tambourines, they blew on whistles and cheered out loud. Onlookers behind the crowd safety barriers jostled for the best position

ABOVE: A lot of the inspiration for the parade comes from other world carnivals like the ones in Rio and Venice. RIGHT: The participants marching past Liberty Square in Taipei.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

TREASURE HILL A short MRT ride from the Dream Parade lies Treasure Hill. Originally a veteran’s village tucked into a hillside above the Xindian River, it was closed down in 2006 for a four-year restoration project. It reopened two years ago, as an artists community featuring 14 art studios, two exhibition rooms and two rehearsal rooms. In addition, 22 of the original families who called the area home moved back in following restorations, now living side by side with resident artists. Treasure Hill is located a short walk from Gongguan MRT Station and the National Taiwan University campus. www.artistvillage.org

ABOVE: Feathers feature prominently in the participants’ costumes. LEFT: Often dressed in risqué outfits, the parade gives the participants a chance to let their hair down and have a good time.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

to see the spectacle. This was immediately followed by a group of dancers wearing little more than feathers. Men in Speedos and women in bikinis donned elaborate bejewelled and feathered headdresses, as well as feather boas wrapped around their waists. They swayed to the drumbeat and danced their way down the street. Many of the costumes on display were the work of Brazilian costume designer Angelica Lessa. This was her third Dream Parade and she likened the atmosphere to that of Rio’s Carnival. “The magic of the Brazilian carnival has made the event one of the (cultural) wonders of the world and now, the people of Taiwan, can experience the same feelings.”

Revealing costumes were not only for the young. More than a few participating groups were made up of middle-aged and elderly folks who also donned midriff baring garments. They wore big smiles and appreciated the cheers and encouragement from the audience. It’s not every day you see a 70-something grandmother dancing in a bejewelled bikini!

NATIVE VIBE At regular intervals, groups of young schoolgoing drummers passed by. There were about 25 such troupes and they hailed from Aboriginal communities in Taiwan. As well as marching in the parade, they were also

competing in the National Dream Cup Samba Drum competition. To get invited to Taipei and join the Dream Parade, these troupes had to win local competitions and were judged on choreography and enthusiasm, as well as drumming skills. Many were accompanied by Aboriginal singers and dancers, often parents, teachers or older siblings. The Dream Parade and its associated community developed in response to what was seen as a lack of community arts in Taiwan. With its continuing success and yearly growth, it is now a much-loved feature of Taipei’s festival calendar and an event not to be missed. www.dreamcommunity.org.tw GETTING THERE AirAsia X ﬂies daily from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei. Visit www.airasia.com for details.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 FEATURE • China 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Tiger,Tiger Burning Bright Ferocious in the wild, yet one of the most beautiful creatures ever to walk the earth, the Siberian tiger is being given a new lease on life at a remote breeding centre in northeastern China. WORDS: TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚ EDITORIAL & WANG YUANCHANG PHOTOGRAPHY: WANG YUANCHANG

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

LEFT: A pair of adult Siberian tigers wait patiently in the snow for a potential meal. RIGHT: An ambush of tigers chasing after a bird, though not necessarily for food. These cats can be very playful at times. RIGHT ABOVE: Siberian tigers can run extremely fast, clocking up to 80kms an hour.

For over ﬁve million years, Siberian tigers roamed western and central Asia and, eastern Russia, and were famed for their strong build and ferocious temper, although not feared as a ‘man-eater’ like the Bengal tiger of India. Sadly, over the past century, the population has dwindled rapidly, forcing World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to add the species to its list of top 10 endangered animals.

SAVING THE STRIPES While the total population of this species is fast dwindling, not many are aware that a

lifeline has been cast to arrest the decline via a tiger breeding and conservation facility. Founded in 1986, the facility is tucked away in the snowy forests of Hengdaohezi at the foot of Mount Hufeng in the Wandashan region of northeastern China. Established by the Chinese National Forest Ministry and Administrative ofﬁce and, the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, the Chinese Felidae Animal Breeding and Feeding Center is touted as the world’s ﬁrst tiger sanctuary and began operations with just eight cubs. At present, after a lengthy but sustainable effort, the centre is home to over 1,000 tigers. Though

faced with many seemingly impossible hurdles and stumbling blocks, the centre has proven many skeptics wrong and is testament to its breeding and conservation programmes.

CATCH A TIGER BY THE TAIL There is a Chinese proverb 冾尅ឞ勪┮ďᶽ that roughly translates to ‘No one dares touch a tiger’s behind’. This is also true in the literal sense as tigers are very territorial and will not suffer kindly other animals trespassing in their domain. Additionally, these cats do not appreciate

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), also known as the Amur, Manchurian, Ussuri or Northeast tiger, is the largest in the tiger family. Adult males can measure up to three metres from tip of nose to tail and, weigh over 300kgs!

LEFT: The centre was established in the wild to recreate the tiger’s natural habitat, allowing them to enjoy lush grassland. LEFT ABOVE: Though a ferocious creature, the tiger often also exhibits curiosity and playfulness.

other creatures, man included, creeping up from behind – hence the proverb. But for the sake of survival, military doctors had to take on the dangerous job of treating and providing care for the cats, even if it meant creeping up from behind. Initially, lacking proper professional care from veterinarians, the centre had to resort to asking help from military doctors to treat, cure and care for these creatures. One such person is Dr Liu, who had no experience treating animals, let alone tigers. Some 12 years ago in 1999, when he was ﬁrst asked to attend to the cats, Liu was less

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

than enthusiastic about the opportunity. He wasn’t given much choice though and had to attend to them. “I was very nervous and even now, my heart beats faster and my hair stands on end when I think about the day,” recalled Liu of his first brush with the cats. At that time, the dosage of anaesthetics to be administered to the cats was still at testing stage. To avoid death or disability from overdose, Liu and his fellow doctors had to very slowly and carefully, anaesthetise the tiger every five minutes. Eventually, after three dosages, the cat finally went into deep sleep and the doctors were able to perform the delicate procedure.

But just one hour later, the animal started to stir and someone in the team cried: “The tiger is waking up!” Within a minute or so, the tiger had stood up, sending all the doctors ﬂeeing, heading for the door. According to Liu, someone else had the good sense to lock the door, forcing the doctors to return to the operating table and continue working on the tiger. Again, they administered the anaesthetics slowly and completed the surgery. Till today, the doctors ensure the tiger’s head is facing away from the door, so that the team can bolt from the operation theatre in the event the tiger comes

LEFT: A cub finds security and assurance in its mother’s embrace. BELOW: Tigers are highly alert and are always aware of what’s moving about in their surroundings.

around and decides it doesn’t fancy having its behind poked and prodded by human beings.

BEAUTY AND HER BEASTS For the Siberian tiger, December to February is mating season. The male is very territorial during this period, allowing only females to enter his domain. Another male entering its territory will result in ferocious fighting. While the males fight it out to establish superiority, the females quietly watch from the sidelines to see who emerges victorious. Once a clear winner is identified, the female will saunter up

and offer itself to the victor. This is believed to be a natural form of evolution that helps the species survive by ensuring only the healthiest males father the next generation of tigers. While the males are the proverbial testosterone laden creatures that occupy the highest rung in the pecking order, the females are no slouches either. One ﬁne specimen named Beauty ᆼ僖Ǿ deserves star billing for her exquisite ﬁgure, shiny fur and sleek appearance. Beauty has given birth to over 30 cubs, once a set of triplets and quintuplets too! She is also frequently called a ‘hero mom’ for her maternal instincts in caring for her

brood, often protecting the little uns’ and even standing guard over them during heavy down pour. This is something seldom seen in the tiger kingdom as the animal is known to be very independent, indifferent even. Beauty is also a shrewd tigress when it comes to choosing her mating partners. The matriarch selects the best amongst the male to lie with and will never allow tigers of a lesser stature to get even close. All her cubs have grown up to become healthy tigers themselves, proving the veracity of the theory of how the female mates with only the strongest to produce healthy offspring.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

RIGHT: The Siberian tiger is very comfortable with its cold environment. In winter, its fur thickens to withstand freezing temperatures while warmer months see its coat shortening. BELOW: Mating season for the Siberian tigers is between December and February.

ARTIFICIAL CAT MOTHERS The first cub was born at the centre in 1987. Liu and his fellow officers kept vigil day and night, taking care of the pregnant tigress. Soon, the mother produced a healthy cub but with it, a new set of problems arose. It being the tigress’ first pregnancy, she didn’t quite know how to feed her newborn and kept pushing the babe away. The poor cub mewed pitifully, hungry and in need of motherly love but to no avail. Fearing the worst, Liu and his team decided they had to save the young tiger

by allowing it to suckle from a female dog that had recently produced a litter of pups. The separation also deprived the cub from being licked by its natural mother in creating the bond so important for it to survive. Again, the team improvised by using their ﬁngers and wet cotton swabs to imitate a similar action, ensuring the cub experienced the gentle licks it would have received from its own mother. At present, almost all the mothers feed and care for their own cubs but in certain cases where the mothers produce triplets and quintuplets, the care providers swing into action and become instant surrogate mothers

for the cubs. Based on this experience, staff members at the centre are highly trained in artiﬁcial feeding procedures. Beginning with retired female workers who helped out to feed the cubs, the centre has grown with some of the daughters of these women taking over from their mothers and grandmothers in continuing the service and tradition.

BORN WILD, BORN FREE The goal of the centre is to breed, rehabilitate and eventually release the beasts back into the wild. To accelerate the process of

THE TIGER IN CHINESE ASTROLOGY The tiger is the third sign in the Chinese zodiac and is a symbol of bravery. This courageous animal was revered by the ancient Chinese as it is a symbol said to prevent the three main tragedies to befall a household: Fire, thieves and ghosts. People born in the year of the tiger are generally well liked because of their charismatic and outgoing personalities. They are straightforward, instinctive and smart, but are tenacious, suspicious and often act hastily. Those born in the year of the tiger are compatible with those born in the year of the horse, dog and dragon.

RIGHT: The care providers at the centre were initially retired women. Soon after, their daughters and granddaughters joined the centre in caring for the tigers and their cubs. RIGHT ABOVE: Although a solitary animal in the wild, the female tigers at the centre prove to be very dedicated mothers who watch after their cubs until they can fend for themselves.

returning the cats to their natural habitat, the centre set up two wild life reserves in Hengdaohezi Breeding Centre, which has about 200 tigers, and another reserve near Harbin that has over 900 tigers. Each day, the trainers release live animals like chickens and sheep to train the cats to hunt for food in the wild. With this constant reinforcement of their natural environment, the tigers grow stronger and learn hunting skills quickly. They even grow adept at scaling trees, which is a rarity for tigers. These creatures are also amazingly smart and know how to look for food in the

vehicles that drive up to the base to feed them. Once a tiger even managed to open the door of a vehicle, but luckily the staff managed to climb to safety. The local government estimates that by 2050, a major exercise in testing the efﬁciency of the programme will be undertaken, as it takes that long to gauge success. Plans are also afoot to widen the size of the centre and the reserves, banning hunting and even human occupation of nearby areas. Preventing the Siberian tiger from becoming extinct has become increasingly

challenging at present. The centre has, to a certain extent, been successful but the rate is still overshadowed by the declining numbers of tigers in the wild. As this amazing animal ﬁghts its most ferocious battle to survive, the dedicated team at the Chinese Felidae Animal Breeding and Feeding Center continues grabbing the tiger by its tail, dicing with death themselves in ensuring this beast survives yet another century. www.weihushan.org.cn/tiger/en/ GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to various Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chonqing, Wuhan, Xi’an, Nanning, Kunming, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin, and Shenzhen in mainland China. Go to www. airasia.com for details.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 FEATURE • Japan 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Past Perfect The magnificence of Kyoto’s past has never been threatened by the everencroaching present. From ancient shrines and temples to age-old traditions that continue to flourish, Kyoto has always been the epicentre for Japanese culture and a quick primer to anyone wanting to get acquainted with all things Nippon. WORDS: TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚ EDITORIAL & CURT SCHWARZ PHOTOGRAPHY: CURT SCHWARZ

RIGHT: The 3-tiered pagoda of the Kiyomizu-Dera temple. PRECEDING PAGE, LEFT: A Buddhist priest on his way to a temple ceremony. PRECEDING PAGE, RIGHT: The ornate roof of the Nijo-jo temple.

The Japan of the past evokes images of kimono-clad women wearing traditional wooden sandals walking gingerly along cobblestone alleys, monks heading solemnly to temples to perform their daily duties, splendid shrines, magniﬁcent palaces and immaculately clipped gardens with stone bridges and quiet corners for contemplation. In Kyoto, the past lives on and the grandeur of yore is very much part of its contemporary landscape.

CULTURE CAPITAL Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years with layers upon layers of history building its glorious past. From the 6th century up to the 16th century, Buddhist priests established shrines and temples in this prefecture while shogunates erected forts and pagodas near lakes, rivers and the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Ruling emperors raised stone walled castles encircled by moats and held court in prominent imperial palaces in the centre of the city. The city ﬂourished as the administrative, cultural and religious epicentre of Japan until Tokyo replaced Kyoto in the middle of the 19th century. Mercifully, air raids during the Second World War spared Kyoto, as the American bombers did not consider the city important enough to annihilate. As such, almost untouched, Kyoto retained its position as the spiritual and artistic centre of Japanese culture with scores of shrines, temples and historical monuments. 94

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

RIGHT: Seido-Toro or bronze lanterns that are used to decorate temples and shrines. BELOW: Morning prayers at Shimogamo Jinja Shrine.

EYE OF CALM

Many of these historical sites stand in stark contrast with the modern buildings in Kyoto. On the east of Higashiyama Hills, in the northern and western sides of the city, hundreds of temples and shrines share the same breathtaking views they did when ﬁrst erected hundreds of years ago. My ﬁrst excursion was to the popular Kiyomizu-Dera Buddhist Temple, a spectacularly built complex of shrines and temples dating back to the 8th century. The main temple structure is built against the

steep slopes of the Higashiyama hills overlooks parts of the city. On a busy afternoon, my wife and I jostled our way through hundreds of school kids rushing to the inner Jishu Shrine dedicated to the deity of love. Here, the giggling girls attempted jumping from one stone to the other six metres away with their eyes shut in hopes of ﬁnding the perfect match. In other sections of the temples, pilgrims offered prayers before a huge golden Buddha that gleamed in the afternoon sun.

Of all the amazing sights here, the one that grabbed my attention was the Kinkoku-ji Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist Temple with immaculately sculpted gardens set on the banks of a tranquil pond. I had walked pass this spot many times but never appreciated its serene beauty due to inclement weather. That afternoon, the sun was out and I couldn’t have picked a better day to visit the shrine. The golden rays of the sun reﬂected off the gilded pavilion, casting a warm blanket over the compound, creating an almost surreal setting. We made our way from Kinkoku-ji to the Arashiyama area, which boasts beautiful forested hills that extend all the way to the Hozu Gawa River where families come to rent rowboats for leisurely rides on weekends. The riverbank is dotted with small eateries that offer stunning views of the hills across the river. A few minutes further down the river are the Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Forest and Philosopher’s Path. So tranquil are these attractions, one would never imagine that a bustling metropolis is just mere minutes away.

FALL AND FLOWERS A dozen or so temples dot the cool hills to the north of Kyoto. The Daisen-in temple here is a classic example of Zen-Buddhist architecture while the KamowakeikazuchiTRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

RIGHT: The afternoon sun reflecting off the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji temple. OPPOSITE PAGE: Young women continue wearing traditional kimonos despite their modern lifestyles.

jinja temple is one of the oldest in Japan. Just northeast of this area is the Shugakuin Imperial Villa that was built in 1680. The stunning villa boasts an impressive garden and a lake with a manmade island in the middle. Beautiful year round, the gardens take on a dramatic appearance during the autumn months and the sakura (cherry blossom) season. The russet, bronze and golden hues of fall light up the area in autumn while the sakura blooms change the landscape to a fairytale setting in spring. These seasons are very popular with locals and foreign visitors. Cool temperature, crisp air and clear blue skies all add to the beauty of the surroundings. However, these months also see a tremendous surge in visitors wanting to catch a glimpse of the villas and the compound, turning the venue into a sea of camera-toting humans as well.

YOU GOTTA EAT Before arriving in Japan, I assumed the Japanese food scene to be only about sushi and sashimi. Though not altogether wrong, Japanese cuisine is more than just raw ﬁsh. In addition, Kyoto has a diverse international food scene with remarkably good Italian restaurants. The city is also famous for restaurants serving provincial dishes that are not available anywhere else, making them a rare treat even for locals. But for foreign visitors, sampling the more popular Japanese dishes is a good place to start. Spread around the city are numerous 96

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

little cafés and hole-in-the-wall diners that offer simple meals such as kare raisu (curried rice), soba and ramen. It is easy to dine here as almost all diners display plastic replicas of their menus in the window display with corresponding prices. Whenever my wife and I popped in for a meal, joyful and often over-enthusiastic irasshaimase! The meals were cheap, fresh and delicious and, the ocha (green tea) was more often than not, free and free-ﬂow!

Although slightly on the pricey side, the Gion district in Kyoto does have some reasonably priced restaurants. Sandwiched between the Kamo River and the Yasaka Shrine, Gion is also the area to spot geishas. As we were happily tucking into steaming hot bowls of ramen, we spotted genuine geishas dolled up and wrapped in their traditional kimonos walking down the street. Paper lanterns hanging along the street cast a thin light

LEFT: Water taxis plying the Oi River in Arashiyama. BELOW: Paper lanterns at the main gate of a shrine near the Nishiki Market.

on their painted faces, making them appear even more mysterious. The highlight of our gastronomic adventures was the many markets and food courts around town. The Nishiki Market was a great introduction to authentic local cuisine served in Kyoto for over four centuries. The exotic sights and smells added to the excitement while the huge selection of fresh seafood, seasonal local foods, spice, noodles, curries, sushi, bento and soy ice cream turned us into gluttons who wanted to sample every possible offering. Do get there early as this market closes by 6.00pm. The following afternoon we found our way to the basement of the Isetan Department Store, located beneath the Kyoto Train Station. Stalls selling local, Western and other Asian treats displayed their fare with great artistic ﬂair. The choices were overwhelming and the urge to try everything was my biggest dilemma. The food section in the supermarket too had a great selection of bento sets, sushi, sashimi and other local offerings. Be prepared for the ‘rush hour’ at 8.00pm as the counters mark down the precooked food by 30 percent to ensure food sold the next day is the freshest. But if you are in a hurry and don’t want to brace middle-aged women clamouring for marked down meals, a visit to the convenience store will take care of your hunger pangs. Japanese mini marts stock a very good selection of cooked food and beverages for the hungry customer. On one 98

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

occasion, I walked out with a tray of onigiri (seaweed rice triangles) and a packed sushi set for just a few dollars.

GOOD TO GIFT What souvenir do you buy when visiting Japan? A lot actually. On the only rainy day I experienced in Kyoto, I headed to the Kyoto Handicraft Center to stock up on all things Japanese. This is a great place to shop for

kimonos, woodblock prints, Japanese dolls, pottery, samurai swords, tea sets, umbrella and fans. It is easy to lose track of time in the ﬁve-storey building, as there are loads and loads of things to see and buy. Craftsmen are also on hand to demonstrate the art of making handicrafts. The Sakyo and Kita Ward areas too are worth a look. Curio and antique shops sell interesting stuff but as always, you need to be discerning to know which item is genuine and which is fake. I found some

GETTING AROUND KYOTO Kyoto has a great network of trains, subways and buses connecting to most of the historical sites and attractions. The ICOCA prepaid card available to short term visitors of Japan can be purchased at the Kansai airport in Osaka. The ICOCA & Haruka packages consist of a ticket that can be used to travel from the airport to either Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto. The ICOCA prepaid card is valued at Yen 2,000 and can be used on urban transportation in the greater Osaka region too. The roundtrip version of the package includes a ticket that can be used to travel back to Kansai Airport. www.japan-guide. com/e/e2359_icoca_haruka.html

lovely paintings that were available only in this area with others that were painted way before the Second World War. But what I truly liked was the fact that the honest proprietors weren’t pushy in selling their wares. Perhaps it is the eternally polite Japanese culture that prohibits them from coercing their customers. Although I had spent eight days kicking around Kyoto, I realised I had seen only a fraction of the sites and attraction. But I am glad I decided on adopting the Zen approach of ‘Less is More’. By trying not to cram in all the sites, I was able to better enjoy the few sites I visited. I had never been to Japan before but Kyoto was such a good introduction that my appreciation of its culture, history, people and practices took on a special signiﬁcance and prompted me to make a mental note to visit the country real soon and delve even deeper into Nippon. www.kyoto.travel

IMAGE: INMAGINE

GETTING THERE AirAsia X ﬂies to Osaka and Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

LEFT: Autumn scene in the Maple Garden at Kitano Temmangu Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 FEATURE • Thailand 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

100

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Islands sun inthe

Limestone cliffs on one side and golden shores on the other, with an abundance of nature and cultural attractions in between, Krabi perfectly exudes the allure of an ultimate beach getaway.

WORDS: IRVIN HANNI PHOTOGRAPHY: AFFANDI ABD. HAMID/FND

ISLAND ALLURE

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Southern Thai meals like this tom yam dish are known to be spicier compared to other regions in Thailand; batik production is one of the sources of income for the villagers of Koh Klang; Ao Nang Beach just before sunset. PRECEDING PAGES: Longtail boats on the shores of Tup Island.

102

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

I’ve always been fascinated with interesting legends that explain the origins of a place. In this modern and fast-paced world, legends, folklore and mystery add a dash of wonderment to an otherwise grey landscape. One such story is about a Princess Goddess and her commoner lover in Southern Thailand. The villagers apparently were dead against this union, as the couple hailed from differing social spheres. Hurt and dejected, the princess cursed the villagers and turned them into islands. Fast forward to the present. There is an estimated 200 islands around Krabi: A few large ones, some accessible, others remote and a few totally untouched by man and modernity. But one thing’s for certain, the islands off Krabi are deﬁnitely beautiful gems blessed with white sandy beaches, azure waters and warm island breeze.

From Krabi International Airport, Ao Nang is just a 45-minute drive by car. After checking into my hotel, I wasted no time for my fun-in-the-sun vacay. Armed with beach hat and sunglasses, I hopped on a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach to explore the famed islands off the coast of Krabi. First stop was Tup Island. There were already plenty of sun seekers when I arrived at the island but that didn’t stop me from appreciating the beauty of the place. What’s unique about Tup Island is the ‘bridge’ connecting it to Chicken Island. Between these islands lies a submerged sand bank that becomes visible only during low tide, enabling you to walk from one island to another! Imagine my delight as I gingerly stepped on the sand bank to walk from one island to the other with gentle waves licking my feet from both sides of the sea! As I was leaving the island by boat, I noticed a ‘monstrous’ chicken staring out to the ocean from atop the rocks. Well, it wasn’t a real chicken but a rock shaped like one. Then it made sense why this island was called Chicken Island. It really looked like one! And its neighbouring islet looked like a turtle. Did the princess curse the animals too, I wondered.

LEFT: Monks inside Tiger Cave Temple. BELOW: Patrons at the floating restaurants at Khao Khanab Nam can pick the freshest fish to be cooked according to their tastes.

WATER WORLD The ocean around these islands was simply stunning and beckoned me to dive into the crystal clear waters. After half a day of swimming with the ﬁshes, sunbathing and imagining myself marooned on an uninhabited island, I was famished. I practically jumped for joy when told that lunch was waiting for me at Railay Beach. The spread of seafood dishes and tom yam soup was predictable but delicious nonetheless. Having devoured literally everything, I knew I couldn’t look like a beached whale and had to lose the extra kilogrammes I had put on over lunch. Taking a brisk walk around the restaurant led me to Walking Street, which was lined with restaurants, bars and shops. The path eventually led me to a jungle trek that cut across some heavily wooded area. What was truly remarkable about this place is that, although Railay Beach is located on the mainland, the beach is only accessible from the ocean as the area is a wooded fortress! My island-hopping journey continued with a quick trip to Phra Nang Beach. Another beautiful beach, this area is home to a bizarre attraction. A short walk to the end of the beach led to the Phra Nang Cave, where

a small shrine dedicated to the Princess Goddess is located. Not for the prudish, the shrine is ﬁlled with offerings of wooden phallic symbols of all sizes, colours and shapes. Part of a fertility rite, locals swear that these offerings help them conceive.

CHARM OF KOH LANTA The next day I set out on another island adventure. Just two hours on a ferry ride from Noppara Tharat Pier is Koh Lanta, a gem of an island that has evaded the party island vibe that the island of Southern Thailand is known for. Most travellers overlook Koh Lanta for the more popular islands like Koh Phi Phi or Phuket, which is why a trip here is perfect for those seeking a spot of tranquillity surrounded by calm waters and powder soft beaches.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

103

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Colourful tribal hats on sale along the streets of Ao Nang; street food in Krabi is cheap and delicious; the aptly named Chicken Island seen from afar.

104

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

I decided to visit one of the bigger islands within the cluster, Koh Lanta Yai. The island measures just 25kms in length and has good roads an circling the it, so it’s easy to get around by car. But if you’d rather have the sun on your back and the wind in your hair, rent a motorbike for just about THB250 a day. It is cheap, efﬁcient and you’ll get to work on that tan too. Upon reaching the island, I headed straight to Kok Kwang Beach, quickly spread a batik cloth on the soft sand, and soon, was lost in my copy of The Godfather, serenaded by the gentle sounds of crashing waves, and the soft clouds shielding me from the direct sun. Having had my ﬁll of sunny beaches and blue waters, I walked towards the old town of Koh Lanta. The place retains a rustic feel with an aging jetty, new lighthouse, a simple courtyard where local kids play sepak takraw, a little roundabout and a main road lined with old shops and houses. Some of the newer

shops here are pretty touristic but I personally found the pre-war shops quaint and full of character. There was one shop still processing rubber the old way, another one had been converted into a mini Buddhist temple, while a third had been turned into a roosting ground for swiftlets (to collect bird’s nests for sale). Nostalgia came a-calling as this place reminded me of my own grandfather’s village in Malaysia.

CAVING IN My last day in Krabi was pretty adventurous, to say the least. From Chao Fa Pier in Krabi town, I took a longtail boat to the Khao Khanab Nam Cave. Inside, a mysterious world unfolded in the darkness with stalagmites and stalactites extending from the roof and floor. The occasional flapping of bats added to eeriness. It was a little scary for my personal liking but the caves house very important relics of prehistoric carvings and drawings, some dating back to up to 6,000 years ago. Viewing these drawings was a special experience knowing that they have survived six millennia of wear and tear. Having had my fill of pre-historic art appreciation, I yearned for sunlight and hastily headed out to Koh

LEFT: Island hopping is a popular activity for tourists in Krabi. BELOW: An intricately carved statue stands guard at the entrance to the Goddess of Mercy pagoda in Tiger Cave.Temple.

Klang to see Thai village life. This time around, I grabbed a tuk-tuk for a slow ride around the village. The scenery was simple, albeit a rich and diverse. Green paddies, wooden houses with chickens scratching around the compound for food, songbirds cooing from their cages, and village folks gathering in simple coffee shops to catch up on the latest gossip – life unfolded in a very real and unencumbered way here. As dusk fell, a kind of hush descended, signalling the end of yet another day, as residents got ready to hang up their daily woes and get a good night’s rest.

TIGER’S BLESSING My trip ended on a serene note with my visit to Wat Tham Sua or the Tiger Cave Temple. Even before setting foot inside the main temple, I was engulfed by a sense of supreme calmness. The complex comprises the main temple, a pagoda that honours the Goddess of Mercy, a library, as well as little shops. The main attraction that is still under construction here is the bell tower, a majestic structure that can be seen from a distance. Built at the cost of THB200 million, the tower (upon completion) will be 90 metres tall, making it one of the world’s tallest bell towers!

For the psychically fit, the must-do activity here is to climb the 1,237 steps that lead to the Khao Kaeo Peak. The climb to the summit takes about an hour but I thought it was well worth the huffing and puffing, though I was drenched by the time I got to the top. Apart from amazing 360 views of the town, the shore and the islands in the distance, I also got to view a replica of Buddha’s footprint, the Pagoda of the Holy Relic, as well as a huge statue of Buddha. As the sun prepared to take its daily dip into the ocean, the horizon lit up in a blaze of warm colours. Krabi on one side and the far-flung islands on the other all seemed like one large painting. Perhaps the Princess Goddess’ curse has been finally been lifted and she is no longer angry with the people of Krabi and, has bestowed the area with beauty, peace and tranquillity. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Krabi from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

105

EASY ISLAND TRANSFER X Travelling to your favourite islands in Thailand is easier with AirAsia’s island transfer service. You can now pre-book and have a vehicle waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to the ferry pier and then to the islands of your choice. X Fly from Bangkok to Krabi for easy transfer to Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi X From Bangkok to Hat Yai to go to Koh Lipe ABOVE: A local boy in the old section of Koh Lanta town after a game of sepak takraw. BELOW: Young rice plants in the flooded paddies of Koh Klang.

X From Bangkok to Surat Thani if you want to go to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.

THINGS TO DO SEA CANOEING Canoes are easily available for rent at most beaches around Krabi, with rates ranging from THB200 to THB250 per hour. SCUBA DIVING For divers, the nearest dive sites to go to are Koh Podah Nai and Koh Podah Nok. Other dive sites such as Koh Phi Phi, Shark Point Marine Sanctuary and Hin Daeng and Muang are accessible via speedboats from Ao Nang. ROCK CLIMBING Before you think that this is an extreme sport only for the pros, think again. There are beginners’ courses available at Railay, Tonsai and Phra Nang beaches for everyone to try. 106

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SAYING NO TO YOUR BOSS

Bosses generally get their way while subordinates merely nod, agree and walk away. Not so in the airline industry. When lives are at stake, not only are co-pilots trained to speak up, they can also wrest control and land the aircraft safely. Capt. Lim Khoy Hing explains why it is NOT insubordination when this situation arises in the cockpit.

IMAGES: INMAGINE

No, this isn’t how pilots slug it out in the event a co-pilot needs to speak up against the captain. This image is merely for illustration purposes.

110

In the past, a co-pilot believed that the captain could do no wrong. That was back when first officers had no choice but to adhere to the convention regarding the chain of command. But must the interpretation of this hierarchy be rigid? What if the captain makes a serious mistake? Can boss’ error be allowed knowing very well that the consequences are going to be dire? From some of the air accidents in the past, it would appear that certain co-pilots faced difficulty when challenging their captains. Perhaps this reluctance to question authority was brought forward from the past where some senior captains were ex-military TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

pilots and their commands were not to be questioned. Incidentally this is also an Eastern Asian culture of deference to the wisdom of an older person. The captain was ‘God’; someone not to be argued with even in the event of a wrong decision. Presently, this philosophy, from a civil aviation standpoint, is no longer valid when safety is concerned. In the airline industry, more than 75% of air crashes involve human error, which is attributed to failures in leadership, team coordination and decision-making. Constant and rigorous training in CRM (Crew Resources Management) and EBT (Evidential Base Training) for aircrew are among

some of the current steps put in place to mitigate these problems.

DUMB TO PLAY DUMB Not speaking up against a wrong action has led to undesirable consequences in the past. In 1977, two Boeing 747 charter ﬂights from the nowdefunct PanAm, and KLM collided at Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It was the worst air accident of the century with the loss of many lives. The captain of the said KLM ﬂight who took off without clearance was also the chief pilot in charge of training, a man of prestige, respect and trust. The co-pilot who was on duty with him did not dare question the captain

and assumed his superior to be always right. In fact, this co-pilot was also just recently trained by the same senior instructor a few months earlier. The co-pilot was put in a difficult predicament but the consequence of not speaking up was fatal. In 2004, a Boeing 737-300 went into the Red Sea shortly after take-off from Sharm elSheikh International Airport. The captain was one of Egypt’s most experienced pilots. In addition, he was also a highly decorated war hero in the Egyptian Air Force. During the flight, the captain suffered spatial disorientation (a loss in the sense of direction and position in flight) and made a mistake in the turn. The co-pilot

Citadines Uplands Kuching Malaysia A new serviced residence in the city

Kenyalang Park Shopping Centre

Darul Ithihaad Mosque

n pa

Swinburne University of Technology Islamic Information Centre

Ja la

Bulat

Ju ga h

Tu n

Provident Fund

lands

an Up

g Swee Tian ng Kuching nO Jala Employees

To Airport (15 mins)

Federal Government Complex

iga gT

Complimentary daily breakfast and housekeeping service

The Spring Shopping Mall

Si m

168*

MYR

Citadines Uplands

lan Ja

INTRODUCTORY RATES STARTING FROM

To Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (20 mins)

Tun an Ja l

Raz

Jalan Wan Alwi

King Centre

To Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone (15 mins)

Citadines Uplands is your ideal home in the city, centrally located in what is set to be the hub for education and local government offices in Kuching. Stylish apartments feature a separate living room and a fully-equipped kitchen. With modern amenities such as a sleek home entertainment system and high speed internet access, your home can comfortably host a party or double up as a home office. Because life

is about living.

For further information and global reservations, please email enquiry.kuching@the-ascott.com or call (60-3) 2140 2220 * Terms and conditions This promotion is valid for stays from 19 Dec 2012 till 31 Mar 2013 and subject to 10% service charge and 6% government tax. Prior reservations are required and subject to availability. Other terms and conditions apply.

Citadines Apartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;hotel is managed by The Ascott Limited, a member of CapitaLand. It is the largest global serviced residence owner-operator in Asia Pacific Europe and the Gulf region, managing the Ascott, Citadines and Somerset brands in over 70 cities across more than 20 countries.

who was well aware of the error but was unwilling to challenge his more experienced superior. This deference and inability to speak up at that crucial juncture resulted in an accident that could have been averted. These examples are just a few of many instances when lower ranking ofﬁcers chose to remain silent out of fear and respect, knowing very well that their superiors had made ﬂawed decisions that would eventually result in the loss of life. The inability to assert good judgement and show disapproval in the presence of a superior easily led to these fatal human errors.

GOOD TEAM WORK In a TriStar accident in 1972, lack in crew coordination, communication and delegation of duties were evident. Here, three highly qualified flight crew members (captain, first officer and flight engineer), were so engrossed in solving a minor problem onboard that no one was actually flying the plane! All of them became so fixated on

the landing gear light that none noticed that the autopilot had accidentally disengaged. However, an example of good crew coordination and teamwork was evident in the incident involving a DC 10 in Sioux City, Iowa in 1989. The plane suffered a catastrophic failure of its tailmounted engine that led to the loss of all ﬂight controls. While the cause of the accident was not due to pilot error, on checking

the maintenance history, it was ascertained that a mechanic was found to have not done his job properly, whereby certain inspections were not carried out duly. Even though the accident was classiﬁed as mechanical failure, the root cause was traced back to human error. However the crew, which had been trained in Crew Resource Management, was able, as a team, to handle a

“The co-pilot is trained to take over by employing set procedures and appropriate phraseology that is urgent but nonconfrontational. The airline industry recognises the predicament of a subordinate crew and gives him protection against insubordination should such an event ever occur.” very difﬁcult situation and, bring the aircraft down to earth. They were able to save the lives of 185 people on that ﬂight. Another success story comes from the Qantas Airbus A380 Flight from Singapore to Sydney (article titled Safe & Sound, Feb 2012), where Crew Resource Management training helped bring a stricken aircraft safely down to the ground. The plane suffered an exploding engine failure that also caused numerous other problems to the structure. Mercifully, quick action and coordinated efforts from the crew members in the cockpit saved all 469 lives onboard.

CRUX OF CRM

Crew Resource Management training expounds teamwork, cordination and problem solving in ensuring the aircraft operates safely.

112

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Before CRM training became mandatory for all airlines, pilots and crew used to work on a more autonomous level. The gist of CRM is the emphasis on teamwork, coordination and delegation of duties. These were non-existent in the past. The captain was considered the authority and his word was law! In the TriStar case mentioned above, the captain did not delegate responsibility to any of his crew at all. Someone must

The captain and the co-pilot work together in smart synchronisation with the control tower and the automated apparatus in the cockpit.

always be flying the aircraft. By not delegating and getting too preoccupied with the problem at hand, the captain and his team had basically breached the so-called first Golden Rule of the Airbus flying philosophy – ‘Fly, Communicate and Navigate’.

REAL LIFE APPLICATION The importance of CRM is emphasised in all the six monthly Pilot Checks. Evidential base training such as creating scenarios of recent catastrophic events is included in the flight check syllabus to assess the reactions of the co-pilot in handling situations that demand the team to not only to coordinate and work together, it also checks if members of the team know when to speak up and when to establish their assertiveness. For example, during one section of the Pilot Check flight, the captain is told to act as an overpowering, rigid and overly fixated to rules regardless of the safety of the plane and its passengers. During the course of the training, when

114

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

the captain intentionally makes wrong decisions, the training module will see how co-pilots react to this situation and take control by defying their superior. Throughout the course of training, it is implicitly drummed into the trainees’ heads that it is perfectly ﬁne to stand up, speak up and wrest control from their bosses when precious lives are at stake. However, the co-pilot is trained to take over by employing set procedures and appropriate phraseology that is urgent but non-confrontational. The airline industry recognises the predicament of a subordinate crew and gives him protection against insubordination should such an event ever occur.

CONCLUSION Today, ﬂying is so much safer than it used to be. The airline industry has put in a lot of effort to reduce human errors and trainers play a very important role to ensure pilots are reminded of the pitfalls of poor CRM. Young pilots are encouraged to be assertive and say ‘No’ to their bosses at appropriate times.

In fact, when I was flying, I always encouraged my first officers to speak up if they had any questions or queries that they were uncomfortable with. Pride and ego have no place in the cockpit, and this is

indoctrinated into the ﬂight crew constantly. You can be sure that the team ﬂying you to your destination has also been subjected to the same messages, time and time again. Your safety, as always, is of utmostv importance.

Captain Lim Khoy Hing is a former AirAsia Airbus A320 and AirAsia X A330/A340 pilot who also used to fly the Boeing 777. He has logged a total of more than 25,500 flying hours and is now a Simulator Flight Instructor with Air Asia X. In his spare time, he shares his opinion on aviation issues with others. For more air travel and aviation stories, check out his website, ‘Just About Flying’ at www.askcaptainlim.com.

1 TRAVEL LOG 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

RIGHT: The travellers at Sigiriya. BELOW: Izuddin at Jami Ul Alfar Mosque.

UNFORGETTABLE SRI LANKA

Ahmad Zhafir Mustafa and his buddies Yana and Izuddin take in the fascinating sights and sounds of Sri Lanka.

Many of my friends were surprised when I told them I had booked a roundtrip to Sri Lanka with AirAsia a year ago. They questioned what could I possibly do there. For me, the main reason for the trip was to climb Adam’s Peak. Just a few months before the trip, much to my surprise, my friends Yana and Izuddin decided to join me. Our approximately four-hour ﬂight from LCC Terminal touched down at Bandaranayake International Airport Colombo at 12.00pm local time. The weather was perfect and after clearing Immigration, we met our travel agent representative who drove us straight to Adam’s Peak. The journey took another ﬁve hours. A long and tiring journey but on the bright side, we got to see a very scenic Sri Lanka. Driving in Sri Lanka is quite an experience. Drivers honk to communicate, using the 116

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

honking to overtake, to warn others that they are coming down a hill, and to signal pedestrians to get out of their way. Surprisingly, even dogs understood this ‘language’! It was 6.30pm when we reached our accommodation. We decided to go to bed early as the climb to Adam’s Peak started at 2.30am the next morning. Adam’s Peak, locally known as Sri Pada, rises 7,359ft above sea level. For Muslims and Christians, this is said to be the place where Adam ﬁrst set foot after being exiled from the Garden of Eden. There is a temple at the top, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. We climbed over 1,000 steps to the top and it was a tough climb. Some steps were slippery while others were steep and irregular. The view from the summit was breathtaking. We were surrounded by mountains, the Maskeliya reservoir, waterfalls and tea plantations. It was pretty chilly up there and so we were happy to pay LKR200 for a cup of hot tea. We came down after spending an hour at the peak, had our breakfast, checked out from the hotel and proceeded to Sigiriya, another six hours’ drive from Adam’s Peak. We stopped at Kandy to enjoy the view from the top of a hill overlooking the city. We could see the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic together with the Royal Palace next to it. There is also a manmade lake next to the temple and a bath for the queen and concubines.

RIGHT: The travellers in the cave with the paintings of concubines in Sigiriya. BELOW: The three friends with Adam’s Peak at the back.

Got an interesting tale about your travels with AirAsia? Email your story (around 800 words) and images (high res min 1MB in size and clearly captioned) to us at travel3sixty@airasia.com. Published submissions will receive a 1N/2D stay at the Grand Premier Room for 2 inclusive of breakfast valued at RM1,200++, and a RM100 voucher redeemable at any of F&B outlets at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur.Travel 3Sixty˚ reserves the right to edit the article for clarity and length or change the value of the prize to another gift of similar value. Prize voucher cannot be exchanged for cash and the Editorial’s decision is final. Entries must include name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.

The next morning, we visited the Big Rock, a must-see attraction in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya, which means ‘Lion’s Rock’ was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. The throne, swimming pool and ruins are well preserved on the summit. There are also paintings of over 500 concubines on the walls there, which we learnt came from various countries from around the world. After Sigiriya, we headed back to Colombo. We stayed at a guesthouse at Mount Lavinia, situated near the beach. The area is very convenient for travellers, as it is accessible via train or bus from the city. We took the train to and fro the city, which cost us LKR15 one way per person, walked hours in the Pettah area, and rode the auto rickshaw around the city. I recalled seeing the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque in Travel 3Sixtyº some time ago and decided to pay a visit. Other than its unique maroon and white stripes, I was fascinated to see local Muslims performing their ablution before prayers using water from a nearby fish pond. I’ve never seen anything like this before. On day five, our trip to Sri Lanka ended and we were ready to head home with Air Asia. We learnt a few days later from Yana that Lonely Planet had named Sri Lanka as one of the top countries to travel in 2013. I smiled from ear to ear. Thank you AirAsia. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Colombo, Sri Lanka from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

118

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

INTERCONTINENTAL KUALA LUMPUR, located in the heart of Malaysia’s bustling capital, is the ideal urban retreat for discerning business and leisure travellers with a taste for style and substance. Providing guests with an impressive view of the city’s skyline and just steps away from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the hotel is also within walking distance to countless other shopping and entertainment activities. With the convenience of shuttle services and a nearby LRT (Light Railway Transit) station, guests looking to dive into Kuala Lumpur’s bustling shopping options such as Central Market and Chinatown will ﬁnd the hotel’s strategic location the main draw. The 31-storey hotel has spared no expense in upgrading its facilities and services for a refreshingly luxurious feel in ensuring top-of-the-line amenities and comfortable stays for all its guests. The hotel boasts 473 elegantly designed rooms and eight meeting rooms with multifunctional capabilities along with two ballrooms. Recreation facilities include a swimming pool, Fitness Centre and the Sompoton Spa. Offering guests only its best, InterContinental Kuala Lumpur is a true jewel in the heart of Malaysia. www.intercontinental-kl.com.my

1 OFF THE RACK 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

GET SET, GO!

It’s the New Year and time for a brand new wardrobe! Change your style and attitude and step forward feeling great and looking fab!

POP OF COLOUR If you’ve ever made the mistake of picking up someone else’s bag off the airport luggage carousel, you’d deﬁnitely appreciate this new addition to American Tourister’s Smart luggage range. The best selling ‘Smart’ range now features a bag in ﬁre-engine red that combines style, functionality and durability for luggage that truly stands out. www.american tourister.com.sg

BIG AND BOLD Kenzo’s Resort 2013 line, inspired by trekking attire, is big on style and, experiments with bold shapes and prints. Dare to be different with voluminous safari jackets and A-line dresses, patterned boots and even a handbag with built-in iPad case. www.kenzo.com

WORDS: CHITRA S

WILD CHILD This season, animal prints are all the

120

rage from clothing to accessories. If you want to walk on the wild side without looking like you had just escaped from the zoo, opt for trendy animal print tees. Spanish brand Bershka has a range of funky animal print tops with detailing that will help you stand out from the crowd. www.bershka.com

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

MAKEOVER YOUR STYLE Clueless where to start? Follow our easy ideas and make a change this 2013.

SUNNY SIDE UP You simply have to get your hands on these über cool, limited edition sunnies from Aussie label AM Eyewear. The brand’s limited edition release features ﬁve colourful styles – Ava, Sheridan, Little T, JJ Gordon and Capt Jonny. Grab yourself a pair before stocks run out! www.ameyewear.com

EXAMINE YOUR CLOSET When it comes to getting a new look, the best place to begin is by looking inside your closet. Chances are there are suits or dresses that have been sitting around for ages unused and unnoticed. Here’s a tip: If you haven’t used a clothing item for a year, throw it out! Or donate it to someone who may have better use for it.

ADD COLOUR

HOMEGROWN DARLING Conceptualised by Malaysian-born designer Isabel Lam, Chiyo stocks womenswear, shoes and accessories that are contemporary but also a little quirky. Shoes and accessories are handcrafted, which adds to their unique aesthetic appeal. Products are available online and at stockists in Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne. www.shopchiyo.com

BACK TO SCHOOL There’s nothing geeky about M Missoni’s Pre-Spring line although the collection’s colour palette of Yale blue, Harvard red and Princeton dark orange is inspired by American Ivy League universities. The range evokes playfulness and charm by mixing contrasting colours and patterns with trendy silhouettes. www.missoni.com

Variety is the spice of life. While it’s great to have basics in black, white and grey, a wardrobe of only these colours makes you dull and dowdy. Experiment with different hues and shades and go for a pop of colour the next time you shop. You can always mix and match colourful separates with your favourite blacks, whites and greys.

1ST STOREY is a multi-label menswear pop-up store in Singapore’s Tiong Bahru Estate that features 16 local brands, including Carryall James, Fabrix, The RegiMen and Jaunty Boys under one roof. It’s a great place to stock up on your fashion needs but get there fast, as this pop-up bids adieu to customers at the end of January. www.facebook.com/1ststorey 122

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

IMAGE: SXC.HU

STRICTLY MALE ACCESSORISE

If you’ve never visited the accessories section in a store, it’s time to start. The right accessories can make you look like a million bucks! A pair of beautiful diamond earrings, the right watch, quirky cuff links, ethnic inspired jewellery – all these help enhance your look, so long as you do not overdo it.

1 VANITY FARE 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

BEJEWELLED LIPS The Jewels by Maybelline New York is a range of rich and creamy lipsticks in six jewel tones from ruby pink to shocking violet. These new additions to Maybelline’s Color Sensational line contain antioxidants, minerals and honey nectar that protect your puckers and, the latest colour technology that delivers a high shine ﬁnish to lips. www.maybelline.com

HELLO 2013! Start the year off with skincare and beauty routines designed to renew, rejuvenate and bring out the best in you!

WORDS: CHITRA S

SOAP UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

124

Lathering up with a bar of L’Occitane’s Rose Petals Shea Butter Soap formulated with shea butter and scented with rose petals will not only leave you looking good but, feeling good too. All profits from this bath treat will be channeled into efforts to improve eye health and help eradicate preventable blindness in rural communities in developing countries. www.loccitane.com TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

MANLY ROUTINE Sothys Homme Manly Regime incorporates volcanic rock in its magnesium content and the exfoliating properties of rhyolite grains from the Mediterranean Sea. Start the day with the Energizing Face Cleanser, prepare skin for a smooth shave with the Softening Shaving Foam and ﬁnish with the Age-Defying Hydrating Fluid. www.sothys.com.my

FACE FIRST An annual limited edition release, Kanebo’s Face-Up Powder from its Milano Collection 2013 is a luxurious formula that provides long wear coverage with a ﬂawless ﬁnish. The compact powder with SPF14 PA++ contains royal jelly and rosemary extracts and, comes in a gold case embossed with a motif of angels. www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp

LIGHT YEARS AHEAD An antidote for dull and lifeless complexion, Garnier Skin Naturals’ Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask brightens skin in just 10 minutes. With ingredients including Tanggula glacier water from the Tibetan mountain range, scutellaria plant extract and pure lemon essence, this mask boosts radiance and helps skin achieve a natural glow. www.garnier.com

CROWNING GLORY Get to the source of hair loss with L’Oréal Paris Fall Repair 3X – a hair care system enriched with arginine to nourish hair from root to tip, stimulate and restore hair fibres. Treat your crowning glory to a little TLC with the range that consists of shampoo, conditioner, treatment mask and a tonic specially formulated to strengthen follicles and prevent hair fall. www.lorealparis.com.my

126

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL Pretty Powerful: Beauty Stories to Inspire Confidence is an inspiring beauty read that features makeover ideas, interviews with women in the public eye on what beauty means to them and, expert makeup tips and tricks to accentuate a woman’s natural beauty. The book by makeup guru Bobbi Brown is not only a go-to makeup guide but more importantly, drives home the message that all women are beautiful with motivational stories aimed at boosting confidence and unleashing a woman’s inner beauty. www.bobbibrown.com

1 JETSETTER 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

ANNA OPOSA

Only 24, this young woman is making waves in environmental advocacy in Philippines, mainly through her work with Save Philippines Seas, a project to protect the country’s marine resources. An English graduate, Oposa puts her skills to good use as a writer, teacher and trainer and, has co-authored a book on climate change for elementary school children. The youngest and only Filipino recipient of the Future for Nature award presented annually by the Netherlands’ Future for Nature Foundation, Oposa talks to us about her passion to make the world a better place. HOW DID YOUR LOVE FOR THE OUTDOORS TURN INTO A PASSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES?

COMPILED BY: CHITRA S

My love for the outdoors, speciﬁcally the beach and the sea, and my passion for environmental causes have never been separate. My parents raised me and my brothers that way. We were told that it was our responsibility to take care of the environment.

128

Oposa was awarded the Future for Nature Award in Netherlands for her conservation efforts.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

WHY IS SAVE PHILIPPINE SEAS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART? I grew up near the sea. I started diving at 15 because my brothers

and dad were divers too. The sea is a unique environment but it’s unfortunate that many people do not get to see it. I’m convinced that if they did, they would be more inspired to protect it. Save Philippine Seas (SPS) was created by like-minded people whose goal was to protect our waters.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS THE CHIEF MERMAID OF SAVE PHILIPPINES SEAS? My role includes networking, collaborating with partners, representing the organisation in media-related events and activities, and overseeing different projects and campaigns.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS AN ENVIRONMENTALIST? Because of my age, my projects and intentions are often questioned. I used to get hurt about it, but now I just work harder. Dealing with bureaucracy can be frustrating but that’s part of the job. The biggest challenge, though, is apathy. It is not easy to get people to care, even when it’s for their own good.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECTS WITH KIDS.

ANNA’S TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING GREEN

I started teaching musical theatre to kids when I was 15. That evolved into teaching environmental education through theatre. Filipinos love singing and dancing and it is through these mediums that I teach kids and share the cause. It’s important to start them young because it’s easier to mold their minds, habits and perspectives.

YOU HAVE SPOKEN OUT AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION AND ILLEGAL EXPORTATION OF MARINE SPECIES IN PHILIPPINES. WHAT GIVES YOU THE COURAGE TO SPEAK YOUR MIND?

X Instead of getting souvenirs made of seashells, which is part of the natural environment, take home handicrafts like sarongs or locally grown products like coffee that supports community traditions and help pump money into the local economy.

Oposa at the World Economic Forum in Davao, Switzerland.

Oposa enjoys sharing her experiences with children and, teaching them to care for the environment.

X Carry your own shopping bags and water bottles to reduce usage of plastics and other non-biodegradables.

Speaking my mind for causes I believe in comes naturally to me. I believe young people should speak out but they should also be constructive when voicing their opinions. It is equally important to think of solutions to problems and not just pass judgement.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT? It makes me proud to see my students start their own movements and projects. Being the youngest and only Filipino

X Provide feedback and write down complaints or commendations you have about your travel experience. This enables local authorities to improve their services and continue good practices.

Follow Anna’s adventures at http://annaoposa.ph and @annaoposa on Twitter or log on to http:// savephilippineseas.com to be a volunteer. Taking a break in Bantayan Island, Cebu.

recipient of the Future for Nature Award was pretty cool too, if only to show the world that a Filipino can, and that age is not a hindrance but an advantage.

WHAT ARE THE PROJECTS YOU ARE CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN? The two major projects are the Thresher Shark Shelter in Malapascua, Cebu and the Ecotown Development Framework of San Vicente, Palawan with the Climate Change Commission.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE YEAR? In 2013, the shark sanctuary project continues. We’ll be holding coastal law enforcement training for the bantay dagat (volunteer ﬁsheries patrol force) 130

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

in Cebu in February, and an Arts-Science Festival for students and teachers in April. Save Philippine Seas will also be organising a number of events for the Month of the Ocean in May 2013 with cooperation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. We’re also launching a nationwide monitoring and evaluation project for marine turtles called Pawikan Watchers.

WHO INSPIRES YOU? The Filipino people are my biggest inspiration. So are the people I work with, from the boat crew to marine biologists who motivate me to work harder. Also, I’m blessed with supportive family and friends who inspire me to be the best I can.

1 KIDS SPACE 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

NEW BEGINNINGS It’s a brand New Year, kids! Learn about New Year customs practised around the world, find out what New Year resolutions are all about and see what’s in store for you in the coming months.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS You may have heard mom and dad talking about making a resolution for the new year. But, do you know what that is? A ‘resolution’ is basically a promise you make to yourself at the beginning of the year. It can be something simple like deciding to help your mom with chores around the house or something that requires a little more work like resolving to study harder. Making a resolution is a new year tradition and it helps us set goals for the year. Pick a resolution that is not too difﬁcult like being nice to your kid brother, for example, and see if you can stick with it until the end of the year!

? Your name

Teapot

Short.

How did you mark the passing of 2012 and the beginning of the new year? The ﬁrst day of the Gregorian calendar, January 1 is universally celebrated as New Year’s Day but in some countries, people observe different customs to ring in the new year.

NEW YEAR CUSTOMS

1. What belongs to you but others use it more than you? 2. What begins with T, ends with T and has T in it? 3. Which five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

ANSWERS:

IMAGE: INMAGINE

RIDDLE FUN

DENMARK If you ever ﬁnd yourself in Denmark during New Year’s Eve, be sure to stay behind closed doors! The Danes have a quirky way of celebrating New Year’s: They break old dishes on each other’s front doors – in the spirit of friendship. It is believed the larger the pile of broken dishes outside your home on January 1, the more friends you have!

SPAIN

WORDS: CHITRA S

IMAGE: LOVEMADELOVE.COM

When the clock strikes 12 on January 1, the Spanish eat a grape at every chime to ensure good luck and happiness throughout the year. That means eating 12 grapes – one by one – for each chime of the clock. Try it next New Year’s and see if it works for you!

132

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

PHILIPPINES Filipinos consume round fruits like grapes, oranges and lanzones and, don clothing with polka dots on New Year’s day. Locals believe things that are round in shape resemble coins and will bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

LEARN A NEW SKILL Lara’s Place in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia offers a variety of classes for children of different age groups. Try your hand at jewellery-making, scrapbooking, clay sculpting or sewing among other creative pursuits available at the centre. Or, if you like action-packed activities, Lara’s Place even provides kung fu and archery lessons! http://larasplace.my

1 PLANE FUN 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

RIDDLES 1. What phrase is represented here? wriITting 2. If you roll a dice and six comes up five times in a row, what is the chance that six will come up again on the next throw? 3. Which two letters will come next in this series?

QUICK QUIZ

AEFHIKLMN

Who was recognized as the ‘Person of the Century’ by TIME magazine in 1999?

Which Charles Dickens novel featured the character Ebenezer Scrooge?

What do the initials P&O stand for in that shipping company’s name?

In which city was the ﬁrst Disneyland outside America opened in 1983?

What is the nickname of Hawaii?

Snapped in 1934, the ‘Surgeon’s Photograph’ was for decades the iconic image of which unsolved mystery?

At an Olympics Games Opening Ceremony, is the host nation’s team last or ﬁrst to march into the stadium?

The embassy of which country granted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange asylum?

Shiitake and enoki are what type of food?

4. Can you work out what proverb is described here? A rotten labourer perpetually finds fault with the implements that he owns. 5. Which word can follow all of these? Surf, particle, dash & bread.

SUDOKU To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: • Each of the nine vertical columns • Each of the nine horizontal rows • Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

10. Who was lead singer and songwriter for the grunge band, Nirvana?

PLAY ON WORDS 2

• QUICK QUIZ 1 Albert Einstein 2 A Christmas Carol 3 Peninsular & Oriental 4 Tokyo 5 The Aloha State 6 The Loch Ness Monster 7 Last 8 Ecuador 9 Mushrooms 10 Kurt Cobain • RIDDLES 1 Put IT in writing 2 One chance in six. The odds don’t change whatever the previous results 3 T & V – these are the letters of the alphabet without curves 4 A bad workman always blames his tools 5 Board • PLAY ON WORDS 1 Ace up your sleeve 2 Fit as a ﬁddle 3 Six of one, half dozen of the other 4 Breaking even

134

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

PUZZLES ARE COURTESY OF LOVATTS CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

1 PICTURE PERFECT 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

PIX OF THE MONTH Just snapped a cool picture? Send it to travel3sixty@airasia.com with Snapshot in the subject line.

SECOND PRIZE WINS A 3D/2N stay in a Standard room at Novotel Kota Kinabalu 1Borneo inclusive of buffet breakfast at Square Restaurant for two worth RM924 nett! Novotel Kota Kinabalu 1Borneo, a 4-star international chain hotel, is an integral part of 1Borneo Hypermall – the largest mall in Borneo with 1.5 million square feet of shopping, leisure and dining choices. Just 25 minutes from the airport, the hotel is only 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city centre and is located adjacent to University Malaysia Sabah and, within close proximity to the State and Federal Administration Government ofﬁces and Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP). All 263 rooms of the hotel are uniquely designed with comfort in mind where spacious rooms done up in contemporary décor guarantee guests the best in comfort.

WINNER

Novices at Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar Romina Ochner

BEST PICTURE WINS

A 3D/2N stay in a Deluxe Sea View room at Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan inclusive of buffet breakfast for two worth RM1,230 nett! Situated on Sandakan’s waterfront overlooking the Sulu Sea, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan offers a comfortable stay for value-oriented business and leisure travellers. The hotel is located in the city’s new CBD, with many attractions nearby, including the Central Market and Harbour Mall Sandakan. The 300 stylish guestrooms are filled with thoughtful touches that contribute to an unencumbered, comfortable stay. Guestrooms feature the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort™ Bed: A plush mattress, down pillows, cosy duvet, and crisp 250-thread-count sheets and LCD flat screen TV. The hotel also comes with a fully equipped gym and outdoor pool on the 13th floor, with expansive views of the harbour and the city. For dining options, The Eatery serves a wide array of tantalising local and international dishes throughout the day; The Best Brew pub – featuring the brand’s renowned Best Brews™ programme – offers a varied selection of hand crafted beers from around the world, and The Wrapped Deli and Lobby Lounge offer beverages, light meals and sweet treats.

RUNNER-UP

View of Mount Fuji from pristine old Japanese village. Aladin Lagumbay

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Readers may submit images that are 300dpi and 1MB in size (minimum half A4 paper size) • Each entry must include name, address, phone number and caption • Readers must own the rights to the picture submitted • Judges’ decision is final • Entries are automatically disqualified if they do not meet our criteria. • Winner will be notified via e-mail when the prize is ready to be sent out. • Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.

136

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

1 GET COMFY 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Joy of flying

Whether on a short or long-haul journey, flying can be a pleasant experience if you are well-prepared. Here are some steps to ensure you have a safe, smooth and comfortable flight.

h2o To The rescue

shoulDer lifTs

Knee lifTs

fooT pumps

Gently lift your right shoulder and lower the left one simultaneously. Repeat the movement five times by alternating both shoulders.

Lift knee up toward your chest and hold the position for 10 seconds. Gently lower knee and repeat with the other leg. Repeat the exercise as desired.

Keeping both heels on the floor, point feet upwards as high as you can. Return feet to earlier position. Then, lift heels while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Repeat the exercise as desired.

Keep yourself hydrated during your flight. Airplane cabins are extremely dry and dehydration can occur easily. Drink lots of water and continue drinking water once you reach your destination. Try to minimise consumption of alcohol or caffeine onboard; both are diuretics, which can further dehydrate.

beaT The lag

compiled by: chiTra s illustrations: Tim lai

To counter the effects of jetlag, get as much sleep as possible when flying west to east. When flying in the reverse direction, try and stay awake as much as you can. The AirAsia Comfort Kit comes complete with eye shade, neck pillow and blanket to help you sleep. If you need to stay awake, the neck pillow allows you to get comfy while reading a book or listening to music.

138

Deep Vein Thrombosis

To preVenT DVT

DVT can occur when a blood clot forms in the large veins of the legs or arms, partially or completely blocking blood circulation. Sitting still and moving very little during long flights may lead to the occurrence of DVT. If you are flying long-distance, ensure you perform in-flight exercises such as those listed here as a precaution against developing DVT. When possible and permissible, stretch your legs and walk along the aisle. Be aware of early symptoms such as pain or swelling in the legs, which can happen even after you disembark. Seek medical treatment immediately if this occurs.

Anti-DVT socks are on sale on board all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights. Also called compression socks, they help blood circulation. The socks come in Small (USA 3-6/Europe 35-39), Medium (USA 6-9/Europe 39-43) and Large (USA 9-12/Europe 43-47).

travel 3sixty˚

popping ears Changes in air pressure or altitude cause our ears to ‘pop’ and sometimes ache during take-offs and landings. For a comfortable flying experience, suck on sweets or mimic the act of chewing and swallowing if you do not have any with you. This will relieve the discomfort and help stabilise the pressure in the ear canals. Pacifiers will work just as well for toddlers and, if you have a cold, use a nasal decongestant to clear your nasal passage and alleviate the ache.

1 Route Map • AirAsia Malaysia 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

INDIAINDIA

ChennaiChennai Bangalore Bangalore Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli Kochi Kochi

SRI LANKA SRI LANKA ColomboColombo

airasia malaysia DomesTic rouTes Langkawi

Alor Setar

Penang

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Bharu Kuala Terengganu

Labuan

MALAYSIA

Miri

Kuala Lumpur

Bintulu Sibu Johor Bahru

140

travel 3sixty˚

Sandakan

Kuching

Tawau

Beijing Beijing Seoul Seoul

SOUTH SOUTH KOREA KOREA JAPAN JAPAN

Tokyo Tokyo Osaka Osaka

Shanghai Shanghai Hangzhou Hangzhou

Chengdu Chengdu

NEPALNEPAL

CHINACHINA

Kathmandu Kathmandu

KolkataKolkata

Taipei Taipei KunmingKunming Guilin Guilin Guangzhou Guangzhou TAIWAN TAIWAN NanningNanning Shenzhen Shenzhen Macau Macau Hong Kong Hong Kong Hanoi Hanoi

MYANMAR MYANMAR LAOSLAOS

Chiang Chiang Mai Mai Vientiane Vientiane Yangon Yangon THAILAND THAILAND Da NangDa Nang

sKyTrax WorlD’s besT loW-cosT airline 2009, 2010, 2011& 2012

Clark (Manila) Clark (Manila)

Siem Reap BangkokBangkok Siem Reap

CAMBODIA CAMBODIA VIETNAM VIETNAM

Phnom Phnom Penh Penh Ho Chi Minh Ho ChiCity Minh City

PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES

Krabi Krabi Phuket Phuket Hat Yai Hat Yai Langkawi Langkawi Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Banda Banda PenangPenang Aceh Aceh BRUNEI BRUNEI MALAYSIA MALAYSIA Kuala Kuala Medan Medan Miri Miri LumpurLumpur Johor Bharu Johor Bharu Kuching Kuching Pekanbaru Pekanbaru SINGAPORE SINGAPORE PadangPadang Balikpapan Balikpapan

PACIFIC PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN

Palembang Palembang

INDONESIA INDONESIA Makassar Makassar JakartaJakarta Semarang Semarang Bandung Bandung Surabaya Surabaya Solo Solo Yogyakarta Yogyakarta LombokLombok Bali Bali

INDIAN INDIAN OCEAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA

airasia hubs in malaysia Kuala Lumpur International Airport Kota Kinabalu International Airport Penang International Airport Johor Bharu International Airport Kuching International Airport AirAsia Malaysia Route AirAsia X Route

Gold Coast Gold Coast Perth Perth Sydney Sydney

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEAN OCEAN

Melbourne Melbourne

travel 3sixty˚

141

1 Route Map • AirAsia Thailand 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Xi’an

CHINA Chongqing

INDIA

Kolkata

MYANMAR

Wuhan

Guangzhou Macau

Mandalay

Shenzhen Hong Kong

Hanoi Chiang Rai Chiang Mai Yangon

Udon Thani Nakhon Phanom

THAILAND Bangkok

Chennai

Ubon Ratchathani

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat Krabi Phuket Trang Hat Yai Narathiwat Penang Medan

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

INDIAN OCEAN

INDONESIA Jakarta

Surabaya Bali

airasia hubs in ThailanD Don Mueang Int. Airport, Bangkok Phuket Int. Airport Chiang Mai Int. Airport International Route Domestic Route

142

travel 3sixty˚

T 3 6 0 _ J a n _ Nu s a D. p d f

Pa ge

6 / 1 2 / 1 2 ,R I 2_ :T 13 66 0 P_ M No v _ SL C. p d f

Pa ge

2 7 / 0 9 / 1

1 Route Map • AirAsia Indonesia 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

PACIFIC OCEAN

THAILAND Bangkok

VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh City Phuket Banda Aceh Medan

Kota Kinabalu

Penang Kuala Lumpur

Johor Bharu Pekanbaru

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

Padang

Balikpapan

Palembang

INDONESIA Jakarta Semarang Bandung Surabaya Yogyakarta Solo Bali

Makassar

INDIAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA

airasia hubs in inDonesia Soekarno Hatta Int. Airport, Jakarta Ngurah Rai Int. Airport, Bali Husein Sastranegara Int. Airport, Bandung Juanda Int. Airport, Surabaya Polonia Int. Airport, Medan International Route Domestic Route

144

travel 3sixty˚

Perth

1 ROuTE Map 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Sapporo

JAPAN Seoul

SOUTH KOREA Busan

Osaka

Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo

Fukuoka

Okinawa

ROuTE Map AirAsia Japan International Route Domestic Route

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA

CHINA

Taipei

ROuTE Map AirAsia Philippines

TAIWAN

Hong Kong

Clark International Airport International Route Domestic Route

Clark (Manila)

Kalibo

PHILIPPINES

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

146

travel 3sixtyË&#x161;

Kota Kinabalu

Davao

T3 6 0 _ J a n_ Four Poi nt s . pdf

Pa ge

3 / 1T 23 /6 10 2_ ,N o 5v :_ 4S 7h e P i M k . pdf

Pa ge

2 7 / 0 9 / 1 2

1 DESTINATIONS 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

LCCT, KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur skyline

Malaysia

KUCHING, SARAWAK Indigenous woman

QUICK FACTS

• Capital city of Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia • Kuching means ‘cat’ in the local language • Around 980 kms from Kuala Lumpur by air • Home to the longest river in Malaysia – the Rajang River (563 kms) that originates from the interiors of Borneo • The local ethnic groups are made up of Dayak and many other smaller tribes • Kuching has fantastic museums that showcase its historical and tribal past along the Waterfront area. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

AirAsia flies to various from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Johor Bahru, Penang and Singapore.

KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

Malaysia

Mt. Kinabalu

QUICK FACTS • Capital of Malaysia • Popularly known as KL • Home to the Petronas Twin Towers • Local currency is Ringgit (MYR) • English is widely spoken with Bahasa Malaysia being the ofﬁcial language • Mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese ethnic groups • Food paradise for cheap and delicious meals especially hawker fare • Climate is hot and humid with temperatures around 32° Celcius on average. AirAsia flies to various destinations from Kuala Lumpur. Refer to route map on page 142 for more info.

PENANG

Malaysia

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

QUICK FACTS • Capital city of Sabah in East Malaysia on Borneo island • Popularly known as KK • Around 1623 kms from Kuala Lumpur by air • Local indigenous people include the Kadazandusun people apart from local Malay, Chinese and other ethnic groups • Jumping off point to many of Sabah’s attractions such as Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan Island and Danum Valley • Tuanku Abdul Rahman marine park is located just opposite the city in the South China Sea. AirAsia flies from KK to from Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Miri, Tawau, Sandakan, Johor Bahru, Penang, Singapore, Jakarta, Clark (Manila), Taipei, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

JOHOR BHARU, JOHOR Legoland in Johor Bahru.

148

Malaysia

QUICK FACTS

QUICK FACTS • Penang island is located up north on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia • Around 369 kms from KL • Popularly known as ‘Pearl of the Orient’ • Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage City • Great beaches along Feringgi and Tanjung Bungah • Also known as the food paradise of Malaysia for cheap and delicious eats.

• Gateway to the south part of Peninsula Malaysia with easy access to Singapore via the Causeway • around 368 kms from KL • Lots of city shopping with Legoland slated to open in late 2012 • Danga Bay in the city area is ﬁlled with lifestyle and leisure attractions • Nearby beaches on the east coast such as Desaru are good for surﬁng and seaside activities.

AirAsia flies from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Johor Bahru, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Medan, Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya.

AirAsia flies from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Penang.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Thailand

BANGKOK

CLARK (MANILA)

Reclining Buddha statue in Bangkok.

QUICK FACTS • Capital city of Thailand • Locally know as ‘Krung Thep’ • Shopping paradise with hundreds of malls and streets markets • Local currency is baht (THB) • Great dining, clubbing and shopping options at Sukhumvit and Silom streets • Chatuchak Weekend market 18 kms outside the city is a must visit for a great shopping experience • Take a riverboat ride down the Chao Phraya River • Travel in the city is easy with the BTS and MRT • Thai food is cheap and delicious in Bangkok! AirAsia flies to various destinations from Bangkok. Refer to route map on page 144 for more info.

Thailand

PHUKET Stunning islands in Phuket.

Phillipines

Manila Cathedral

QUICK FACTS • About the size of Singapore, Clark is located in the Philippines’ Luzon island • Clark is one of the fastest growing commercial centres in Philippines and is well connected by air and road to many parts of the country • AirAsia Philippines connects to Davao, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa from Clark’s Diosdado Macapagal International Airport • Visit The Salakot, a structure that resembles a farmer’s hat, symbolising Philippine sovereignty • Go for horse rides at El Kabayo Riding Stables • Nayong Pilipino is a theme park that showcases replicas of Ifugao and Muslim houses, Aeta village and other attractions • Puning Hot Springs has 13 hot springs for your swimming pleasure • There are many army base attractions as Clark used to be an American army air base. AirAsia flies from Clark (Manila) to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. AirAsia Philippines flies to Kalibo, Davao and Puerto Princesa from Clark.

QUICK FACTS

• Island paradise on the south-western part of Thailand • Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and sunny tropical climate makes the island the perfect beach destination • Many beaches on Phuket are literally deserted • Patong Beach is the most popular but Karon, Bang Tao, Kamala, Kata and Surin are good alternatives • The Andaman Sea off Phuket can be rough, so pay attention to warnings.

TOKYO

Japan

AirAsia flies from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Hong Kong, Bali and Jakarta.

Thailand

CHIANG MAI

150

QUICK FACTS

• The second largest city up north in Thailand • Popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’ • Climate is cool and very pleasant • Local culture is called ‘Lanna’ and is unique to the northern region of Thailand • The ‘Walking Market’ on Sundays in the Walled City is a wonderful market to explore and buy local goods • ‘Khantoke’ meals are popular in this city • City is very popular for spas and wellness centres.

QUICK FACTS • Megalopolis of over 13mil people • Local currency is Yen ( ¥ ) • Home to the world’s largest ﬁsh market – Tsukiji Fish Market • Temperatures average 27.5° C in summer and 6° C in winter • Has the most extensive urban railway network in the world • Tokyo has around 88,000 restaurants and more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. • Vending machines all over the city offer everything from soups to umbrellas.• Check out the hip crowd at Harajuku’s Takeshita-Dori.

AirAsia flies from Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket, Hat Yai and Macau.

AirAsia X flies from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia Japan flies to Fukuoka, Okinawa and Sapporo from Tokyo.

Mulberry paper parasols

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Mt. Fuji on Honshu Island.

JAKARTA

Indonesia

Jakarta skyline

MEDAN Traditional custom of Nias island.

Indonesia

QUICK FACTS

• The fourth largest city in Indonesia, Medan is located on the east coast of Sumatra Island • The city is a lively place and the jumping off point to Lake Toba and Bukit Tinggi – 2 of Sumatra’s natural attractions • Nias and Mentawai Islands are accessible from Medan and are great surﬁng spots • “kek lapis’ or layered cake is a very popular food item from Medan. AirAsia flies from Medan to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Surabaya and Bandung.

QUICK FACTS • The capital city of Jakarta is a huge metropolis with a population of around 10 million people • Local currency is Ruppiah (IDR) • Stay in the city centre to avoid the notorious Jakarta trafﬁc • Shopping and leisure activities abound at Kuningan and Kemang area • Great shopping is available at Plaza Senayan and Plaza Indonesia • Visit historical sites and museums at Kota Tua • Ancol is a water theme park north of the city • Pulau Seribu is another attraction with literally untouched islands just 45 kms away from Jakarta.

SURABAYA

Indonesia

Bullrace in Surabaya.

AirAsia flies to various destinations from Jakarta. Refer to route map on page 146 for more info.

BALI

Indonesia

Island of the Gods

QUICK FACTS • Dubbed the ‘City of Heroes’ for the role the people of Surabaya played in the struggle for independence • Surabaya means ‘shark and crocodile’, derived from a legend about a battle between a shark and crocodile • It is the second largest city in Indonesia • Mount Bromo is a stunning volcanic mountain and a place for many ritual practices AirAsia flies from Surabaya to Kuala Lumpur, Medan, Bandung and Bali.

BANDUNG numerous temples and shrines on the island • Bali is predominantly Hindu while the rest of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim • Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches and highland retreats • Kuta is famous for its beach culture • Seminyak and Legian are hip leisure activity enclaves with great dining, clubbing and hotel options • Go further inland to Ubud for cooler climate or to less visited areas like Padang Padang for great surﬁng opportunities • You may spot dolphins at Lovina • Make sure you visit Tanah Lot and Mount Besakih temples to experience the spiritual side of Bali.

QUICK FACTS • Located in West Java, Bandung is the third largest city in Indonesia and about 146 kms from Jakarta • Bandung is known as the Paris of Java • Bandung is famous for its shopping with numerous factory outlets all around the city • Enjoy the distinctively Dutch colonial architecture here • Visit the areas with volcanic activity such as the Tangkuban Perahu area • The mountainous landscape offers a cool and wet climate, enabling some of the best tea and coffee to be grown in Bandung.

AirAsia flies from Bali to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Phuket, Bangkok, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bandung and Perth.

AirAsia flies from Bandung to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Medan, Pekanbaru, Surabaya and Bali.

QUICK FACTS • Known as the ‘Island of Gods’ for the

152

Indonesia

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Tangkuban Perahu crater

CMY

1 salEs OFFiCEs & sTaTiOns 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

brunei Darussalam BAnDAR SeRI BegAwAn Unit No.110 Ground Floor, Bangunan Kambang Pasang, Jln Gadong BSB, BE4119 Brunei Darussalam

camboDia PHnOM PenH Phnom Penh Airport Office, 17 Mezzanine Floor of Arrival Domestic Terminal, Phnom Penh Airport, Phnom Penh 179, Street Sisowath, Sangkat Phsar Kandal 1, Khan Daun Penh, 12204 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.

JAKARTA Terminal 3, Departure Hall Airlines Offices, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng Jl. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara Komp Rukan Dharmawangsa, Jl. Dharmawangsa VI No.43, Jakarta Selatan Sarinah Plaza Jl. Mh Thamrin, No. 11 (LG level) Jakarta Pusat MAKASSAR Departure Terminal, Sultan Hasanuddin, International Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi

china

Mall Panakukang, Carrefour Panakukang, 3rd Floor, Jl. Adyaksa Baru No.1, Makassar, South Sulawesi

MACAU

MAnADO

Office 20, Mezzanine Level Passenger Terminal, Macau International Airport Taipa, Macau gUAng DOng Century Holiday International Travel Service (Shenzhen) Co.Ltd., XY-10 Junting Hotel, 3085 Eastern Road, Luo Hu, Shenzhen Century Holiday International Travel Service (Guang Zhou) Co Ltd., First Floor, No 8 Zhong Shan 3 Road, Guang Zhou Zhuhai Sun Star International Travel Agency Co Ltd., 1151, South of Yingbin Road, Zhuhai BeIJIng Century Holiday International Travel Service (Beijing) Co Ltd.,No 163A Floor Of Yi No 6, Chaowai Street Of Chao Yang District Beijing China, 100022 Beijing

Sam Ratulangi International Airport Jalan A.A. Maramis, Manado 95374 MeDAn Bandara PoloniaTerminal Keberangkatan Internasional, Medan 20157 Sumatra

malaysia JOHOR Tune Hotels.com Danga Bay, Lot PTB 22819, Jalan Skudai, Mukim Bandar, 80200 Johor Bahru GL 13 Senai International Airport 81250 Johor Bahru

SABAH Lot 1 & 2, 1st Floor, Terminal Building, Sandakan Airport, 90719 Sandakan FL4, 1st Floor, Tawau Airport Building, Jalan Apas-Balung, 91100 Tawau

No. 26 Jalan Meriam, 84000 Muar, Johor

TB228, Lot 5, Ground Floor, Istana Monaco, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex 91000 Tawau

No 7, Jalan Bestari 1/5, Taman Nusa Bestari, 79100, Bandar Nusajaya, Johor.

Lot G24, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000, Kota Kinabalu

KeDAH

TGround Floor, Terminal 2 Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Old Airport Road,Tanjung Aru 88100, Kota Kinabalu

Lot 20, Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Halim, 06200 Kepala Batas, Alor Star Langkawi International Airport 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi No. 68-B Ground Floor, Jalan Ibrahim, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman KUALA LUMPUR

SARAwAK GL02, Ground Floor, Bintulu Airport, 97000 Bintulu Ground Floor, Miri Airport, 98000 Miri Lot 946, Jalan Parry, 98000 Miri

Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, 50470

Departure Level, Kuching International Airport, 93756 Kuching

Lot G027B, Ground Floor, Podium Block, Plaza Berjaya,12 Jalan Imbi,55100 Kuala Lumpur

Wisma Ho Ho Lim, 291 Sub Lot 4,Ground Floor, Jalan Abell, 93100 Kuching .

Minangkabau International Airport, Padang, West Sumatra

No 71 Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1 Taman Usahawan Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur

GFLO1, Departure Area, Ground Floor, Sibu Airport, 96000 Sibu

PALeMBAng

KeLAnTAn

Ground Floor, No. 36 Jalan Keranji, 96000 Sibu

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Palembang, South Sumatra

Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa Kota Bharu

Grd Flr, Lot 4034, Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Parkcity Commercial Sq, Phase 5, 97000 Bintulu

3183G, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim (Opp. KB Mall), 15050 Kota Bharu.

Ground Floor, 192H Al-Idrus Commercial Centre, Jalan Satok, 93400 Kuching

Garuda Plaza Hotel, Jl. Sisingamangaraja, No.18 Medan-20213 PADAng

PeKAnBARU Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport, Jalan Perhubungan Udara Simpang Tiga, Pekanbaru, Sumatra

CHengDU

SeMARAng

Century Holiday International Travel (ChengDu) CO.LTD, No. 172 Binjang East Road, Jinjang District, Chengdu

Carrefour DP (Duta Pertiwi) MALL, Jl. Pemuda No. 150, 1st Floor, Semarang 50132

inDonesia

PeRAK Tune Hotel, No.2, Ground Floor, The Host, Jalan Veerasamy, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. TeRenggAnU

SL11 Ground Floor, Lot 2541 Lee Ling Heights Phase 2, Mile 6.5 Jalan Penrissen, P.O. Box 2044, 93250 Kuching

Komplek Pertokoan Simpang Lima, Blok C No. 1

Level 1, Terminal Building, Sultan Mahmud Airport, 21300 Kuala Terengganu

Lot 6813, Ground Floor Synergy Square, (Matang Jaya Commercial Centre), Jalan Matang Jaya, 93050 Kuching

BAnDA ACeH

SOLO

LABUAn

SeLAngOR

Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda, Blang Bintang, Aceh

Adi Soemarmo International Airport, Solo, Central Java

Level 1, Labuan Airport Terminal 87008 Wilayah Persekutuan

DenPASAR, BALI

SURABAYA

MeLAKA

Ground Floor, Terminal 3, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport 47200 Subang, Selangor

Bandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Terminal Keberangkatan International Bali 80361

Lobby International Terminal Juanda International Airport Jalan Raya Juanda Surabaya Jawa Timur

No 32, Jalan Melaka Raya 23, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka

Jl. Legian Kaja no. 455 Kuta, Bali BAnDUng Ruangan Nombor 34 Bandara Husein Sastranegara Jalan Pajajaran No 156 Bandung Jawa Barat Lobby Grand Serela Hotel Jl. L.L. R.E Martadinata (Riau) No 56 Telp. (022) 426 1636

Grand Circle Tunjungan Plaza 3 Lantai 1, (Lobby Condominium Regency), Jln. Basuki Rahmat 8-12, Surabaya YOgYAKARTA Adisutjipto International Airport Jln. Solo km.9, Yogyakarta, 55282 Melia Purosani Hotel, Jl Suryotomo No.31, Yogyakarta

You can now fly flat for less with

Melbourne Gold Coast Perth

Sydney Seoul Taipei

PenAng Penang International Airport 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang Ground Floor, Kim Mansion 332, Chulia Street, 10200 Penang

Jalan KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor Lot-35 Mydin Mall USJ 1 B-G-3A, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya 47170 Puchong Selangor

No 723 L-G, Jln Sungai Dua 11700 Pulau Pinang

Lot S141, 2nd Floor, Plaza Metro Kajang, Section 7, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang

A-G-07, Jalan Todak 4, Sunway Business Park, 13700 Seberang Perai Penang.

No 1, Jln PJS 3/48, Taman Sri Manja, 46000 Petaling Jaya

to these following destinations:

Chengdu Hangzhou Beijing

Osaka Tokyo Kathmandu

No 10, Jalan Bandar Rawang 11, Bandar Baru Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor.

ThailanD

No 2, Jalan Dagang SB 4/2, Taman Sungai Besi Indah, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

127 Tanao Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200

myanmar YAngOn Yangon International Airport Office Unit# 01-L, Parkroyal Yangon, Myanmar

philippines CLARK Diosdado Macapagal International Airport Clark Civil Aviation Complex Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines 2023 MAnILA Wintrex Travel Corporation, Unit 108 SM City North Edsa – The Block SM City Complex, North Edsa, Pag-Asa 1, Quezon City, Manila Wintrex Travel Corporation, Unit 126 South Parking Building, SM Mall of Asia Complex, J.W Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City DAvAO 4th Level, Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P Laurel Avenue, Bajada Davao City, Philippines.

singapore Row: 13 & 14, Departure level 2 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, Singapore

sri lanKa COLOMBO Setmil Aviation (Pvt) Ltd., Ground Floor, Setmil Maritime Centre, 256, Srimath Ramanathan Mawatha, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka

Tesco Lotus - Hat Yai, 1st Floor, 1142, Kanchanawit Road, Hat Yai, Songkla, 90115

BAngKOK

Suvarnabhumi International Airport Room A1-062 Ground Floor, Concourse A, Bangna-Trad Road, Racha Teva, Bang Pli, Samutprakarn 10540 Tesco Lotus – Bangkapi, 2nd Floor, 3109 Ladpro Road, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240

KRABI 133 Moo 5 Petchkasem Road, Tambol Nuakrong, Amphur Nuakrong, Krabi 81130 nARATHIwAT Narathiwat Airport 330 Moo 5 , Tambol Kok-Kian, Amphur Muang, Narathiwat 96000 PHUKeT

Tesco Lotus – Rama1, 3rd Floor, 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330

Phuket International Airport 312, 3rd Floor, Tumbol Maikao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110

Tesco Lotus – Rangsit, 2nd Floor, 392/4, Moo2, Phaholyothin Road, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, 12130

Unit 9, Laflora Patong Area, No. 39, 39/1, Thaveewong Rd., Patong, Kratoo, Phuket

Tesco Lotus - Sukhumvit 50, 1st floor, 1710, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok, 10110

Tesco Lotus – Phuket, 2nd Floor, 104, Chalermprakiat Road, Rasada Sub District, Muang District, Phuket, 83000

Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Floor, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, Bangkok, 1090 CHIAng MAI Chiangmai International Airport 60, 1st Floor, Tambol Sutep, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 416 Thaphae Road, Chiang Mai Tesco Lotus - Chiang Mai Kamtieng, 2nd Floor, 19, Kamtieng Road, Patan Sub District, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50340 CHIAng RAI

E M O C D E B TO US H T I W

SURAT THAnI Surat Thani International Airport 73 Moo 3 Tambol Huatuey, Amphur Punpin, Suratthani UBOn RATCHATHAnI Ubon Ratchathani Airport 297 Ubon Ratchathani Airport, Thepyotee Road, Amphur Nai Muang, Ubon Ratchathani 34000 UDOn THAnI Udon Thani International Airport 224 Moo 1, Tambol Makkhang, Amphur Muang, Udon Thani 41000

Chiang Rai International Airport 2305/2 404 Moo 10, Tambol Bandu, Amphur Muang, Chiang Rai 57100

VieTnam

HAT YAI

HAnOI

Hat Yai International Airport 125 Hadyai International Airport, Moo 3 Klongla, Klonghoikong, Songkhla 90115

Lobby A,3rd floor, Noi Bai International Airport. HO CHI MInH Room # 1.4.19,Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Call Centre numbers ausTralia

1300 760 330

macau

0800912

china

+86 20 2281 7666

neW ZealanD

0800 45 25 66

france

+33(0)1 7048 0722

paris

+33170480722

inDia

1860 500 8000

philippines

+63 2 588 9999

+91 44 4294 8300

souTh Korea

00798 1420 69940

(calling from Mumbai and New Delhi only)

TaiWan

008 0185 3031

ThailanD

+66 2 515 9999

The uK

0845 605 3333

inDonesia

+62 21 2927 0999

Japan

0120 963 516

hong Kong

+852 3112 3222

Experience our you fly with • Comfortable ﬂatbed seat • Free ﬂight change without penalty • Free 25kg baggage allowance • Pillow and duvet to be used onboard

and enjoy these benefits when • Complimentary meal and drink • Priority boarding & baggage retrieval • Dedicated check-in counter • Personal universal power port

9 9 7

ALL-IN

E FNAE R WAY O

FROM

1 TOUCHDOWN 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

MAKASSAR, INDONESIA A thriving seaport that once lured adventurers from as far as Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands, Makassar is the vibrant hub of Sulawesi and the gateway to Indonesia’s East.

and hanging tombs as well as tau-tau (lifesized efﬁgies of the dead). www.lonelyplanet.com/ indonesia/sulawesi/tana-toraja

BANTIMURUNG BULUSARAUNG NATIONAL PARK This park in South Sulawesi is situated in an area once christened the ‘Kingdom of Butterflies’ by British naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace. A butterfly conservation centre within the national park houses a variety of species, including one of the rarest butterflies in the world – the Papilio androcoles. Bantimurung’s proximity to the city centre (the park is 50kms from Makassar) makes it an ideal retreat for a little R&R. http://www.tn-babul.org/

EAT Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

This city, formerly known as Ujung Pandang, has long been known for its shipbuilding and the seafaring prowess of its people. From as far back as the 14th century, merchant ships docked at Makassar, bringing with them a cargo of silks and tea in exchange for spices from the Moluccas. The Portuguese and Spanish took advantage of Makassar’s central location and proximity to the Spice Islands and used the port as an entrepôt to store spices and other trading items before shipping them to Europe. Makassar was the seat of the Gowa empire until the Dutch wrested power from the local rulers. In 1667, the Dutch seized control of the city’s port and prohibited other Europeans from trading there. Today, though Makassar remains a bustling port, it is the city’s fuss-free beauty that is the main draw.

MUST SEE/DO FORT ROTTERDAM An iconic landmark of the city, this fort dates back to the Gowa kingdom of the 16th century. In the mid 1600s, Dutch

WORDS: CHITRA S

Paotere Harbour

158

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Coto Makassar

forces attacked and wrested power from the local rulers, but promptly repaired damages, adding European architectural elements to the fort that are still visible today. LOSARI BEACH AND THE ISLANDS OFF MAKASSAR Losari – the city’s waterfront promenade is a jump off point to the beautiful islands off Makassar. Nearest to the city and only a 15-minute speedboat ride away are the islands of Kayangan and Lae-Lae. www.indonesia.travel

TANA TORAJA Located approximately 300kms north of Makassar, Tana Toraja or the Land of Heavenly Kings draws tourists who want to catch a glimpse of its elaborate funeral ceremonies. When a local dies, the body is kept – sometimes for several years – until enough money is saved for a proper sendoff. The ensuing funeral ceremony is an elaborate affair, replete with rituals including animal sacriﬁce. Burial practices also differ here and, the region is known for its curious cave graves

PISANG EPE When it comes to desserts in Makassar, this dish of grilled bananas covered in a melted brown sugar sauce is deﬁnitely a crowd favourite. COTO MAKASSAR This hearty soup made with beef bones and offal and, liberally seasoned with herbs and spices is standard fare all over Makassar. The dish is usually accompanied with ketupat (compressed rice cakes). MIE KERING MAKASSAR Of Indonesian Chinese origin, this popular dish is basically mie kering (dried noodles) topped with delicious egg-y gravy, mushrooms, shrimp, squid and strips of chicken.

SLEEP HOTEL SANTIKA MAKASSAR Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin No. 40, Makassar 90000 ASTON MAKASSAR HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin No. 10, Makassar 90111 ROYAL REGENCY HOTEL Jalan Daeng Tompo 8, Makassar 90112 For more hotel options, visit www.airasiago.com GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to Makassar from Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Balikpapan. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

1 MY AIRASIA 0 2013 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

ALLSTAR DREAMS AirAsia AllStars dream big and aim high in 2013! CHITPOL WATCHARAPAN, Flight Attendant Executive, Thai AirAsia

ADAM LEE, Photojournalist, Travel 3Sixtyº, Malaysia AirAsia

“I’ll travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on zero Baht ools and by walking and hitchhiking! I’ll sleep at schools temples, and eat with the local people in d every province I pass through. Pictures and stories will be posted on my Facebook pagee throughout my trip. When I reach Chiang Mai, I’ll walk to Doi Suthep (top of Suthep hill), sleep in a tent for one night, and wake up to do 10 sun salutations in the morning.”

“I plan to get a sleeve tattoo. My design will include prime numbers, Angry Birds, and the motto of the Freemason Thirtythird degree Ordo Ab Chao meaning ‘Order from Chaos’.

CAPT. TANAPAT C NGAMPLANG, N Director of D Flight Operations, F Thai AirAsia T “New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back over the past year, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. ’You achieve a goal. You keep a resolution’. So, my new year resolutions are to spend more time with family and friends, learn something new and help others.”

ADELHEID HELENA BOKAU, Financial Services & Loyalty Manager, Indonesia AirAsia “I want to design fabulous clothes and have my own fashion label like Kimora Lee Simmons!”

AISYA RAHMAN, Marketing Executive, AirAsia X “I plan to pick up and master pole dancing. Two-way satisfaction!”

KUHAN KANDIAH, Operations Executive, Flight Op Malaysia AirAsia.

COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

““Write, direct and ssing in my own onem man Broadway show ffeaturing Whitney H Houston numbers!”

160

NATHALIE RATSATIT, Creative Designer, Thai AirAsia “My New Year resolution is to master advanced yoga and be able to do a full split!”

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

KULESWARY TANABARLAH, Industrial Relations & Compliance Executive, Malaysia AirAsia “I want to conduct a yoga camp with AirAsia Allstars in dramatic locations like the foothills of the Himalayas, and Mendenhall Valley, Alaska.”

ALFREDO RAMON ‘FREDDY’ HERRERA, Commercial Head of Philippines AirAsia “I’m going to start the year right by losing about 15kgs before my birthday in April! There’ll be lots of savings if I can ﬁt into my old clothes!”