8-August_2012 by AirAsia Berhad

AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE TRAVEL 3SIXTY째

61 AUGUST 2012 AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE PP15075/07/2013(032403) www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

The Japanese Connection AIRASIA JAPAN TAKES FLIGHT

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8 0 2012

CHECK-IN Contents August 2012 82

NAVIGATOR

GIRL POWER IN AIRASIA Women on Top

PICTURE PERFECT BORACAY Philippines

THE CHAMPAGNE OF SNOW Asahikawa, Sapporo, Japan

100

GATEWAY TO KYUSHU Fukuoka, Japan

104

OCEAN BLUE, FOREST DEEP Okinawa, Japan

116

PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE Tom, Dick or Harry?

122

TRAVEL LOG Ode to the Japanese People

158

STYLE FILE BOARDING CALL

126 OFF THE RACK

06 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS

130 VANITY FARE

Konnichiwa

08 INBOX The Buzz from our Guests

10 RED FORT News from AirAsia

160 MY AIRASIA Hot in Japan

FLIGHT PLAN 16 SPOTLIGHT Stuff you’d Love to Know

22 HOT DATES August Events to Keep a Lookout for

26 COMPASS Around the World

30 QUICK BITES Best Food Forward

34 PAGE TURNER Books for a Better World

38 MONEY MAKER Long Term Strategies

40 PRESCRIPTION Bringing Sexy Back

42 SCORE BOARD Weird and Wonderful

46 HYPER TECH Tech Beyond Borders

50 SLEEP INNS Shoreline Sensations

84 HIT LIST Icons of Nippon

134 KIDS SPACE Kids Rule!

Style Ahead

It’s All Good

112 JETSETTER Hatsune Miku

IN FLIGHT 136 PLANE FUN Puzzles & Games

104

138 PICTURE PERFECT Photos Taken by AirAsia Guests

140 GET COMFY Joy of Flying

PORT OF CALL 142 ROUTE MAP 156 AIRASIA SALES OFFICES & STATIONS 158 TOUCHDOWN Davao, Philippines

130

PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR ART DIRECTOR WRITERS PHOTOJOURNALIST EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER CONTRIBUTORS

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

, Dato Kamarudin Bin Meranun R. Rajendra Kan Seak Hong Beverly Rodrigues Chitra S Adam Lee Fazlina Bee Binti Abdul Rashid Fadillah Kamarudin Alice Yong, Captain Lim Khoy Hing, Carol West, Eﬁ Hamzah, Paul Dymond, Pete King, Shantini Suntharajah 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

ON THE COVER

Paragorn Petchnaree (Thailand) paragorn.p@pharpartnerships.com

Cover Image: Getty Images

The Japanese Connection

Vikhram Radhakishnan (Indonesia) vikhram.r@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 EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PUBLISHED BY

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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.

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

8 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS 12 0 2012 2011

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KONNICHIWA

ABOVE: The launch of AirAsia Japan ticket sales. BELOW: First AAJ aircarft at Narita Airport on June 11, 2012.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Hello from Japan! It gives my team and me great pleasure to finally see AirAsia Japan (AAJ) take off with our inaugural flight this month. We opened for sales last May and the response has been nothing short of astounding! We are 100 percent positive that we’ve tapped into a very eager market of travellers that has amazing potential for future growth. It also goes without saying that the AirAsia brand has firmly taken root in our beloved nation too. A little bit on how it all started. AirAsia Japan Co., Ltd. was founded in August 2011. This is a joint-venture between ANA and AirAsia, and just within a short period of nine months, on May 30, we announced the launch of ticket sales for our destinations. This is indeed a very important milestone in the history of Japan aviation. For a very long time, like the rest of the world, air travel was reserved only for the privileged few. With AirAsia, ‘NOW EVERYONE CAN FLY. However, this is just the beginning of the realisation of our promise to revolutionise air travel. In order to be a truly powerful Low Cost Carrier (LCC), we need to build a solid platform to provide safe and reliable airline services. For this purpose, we have conducted extensive training and experimental flights in ensuring safety of the highest standards. Our airline is world renowned for its low cost and affordability, as well as high safety standards and friendly service. AirAsia’s presence in Japan kicks off with our inaugural flights on domestic routes to Sapporo and Fukuoka on August 1, 2012. Okinawa will join us from August 3. Together, these destinations mark the arrival of AirAsia in Japan and are a promise for more destinations and services in the near future. Based at Narita International Airport, we are pleased to bring the LCC concept to the Japanese domestic market. Our objective is to develop the LCC market in

Japan, generating new demand with the aim of making affordable and quality travel available to all. Narita airport will serve as a gateway for tourists to explore the many beautiful destinations in Japan. The country has always been a favourite with world travellers but not many know that Japan is so much more than Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. AirAsia Japan is proud to bring to the world audience and our own people the natural beauty, amazing culture and traditions and, the progress achieved at these three cities. Okinawa is Japan’s little Hawaii with gorgeous shorelines, subtropical weather and azure waters to dip your toes in. Fukuoka is a passionate city with great traditional festivals, futuristic interpretive architecture and historical monuments, and not forgetting its signature noodle dish, the Hakata-ramen. Sapporo meanwhile, is famous for its winter snowscape, panoramic greenery and delicious hot ramen that is best enjoyed on cold wintry mornings. With AirAsia’s established network worldwide, we are confident of meeting the demands from domestic business and leisure travellers between Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Tokyo, and derive excellent load factors to many new ‘undiscovered’ destinations in the country. We look forward to opening even more exciting destinations in the near future, enabling our guests to enjoy more cities with mind-blowing low fares. As seen elsewhere, growth in aviation also prompts growth in industries related to it – hospitality, entertainment, retail, education, medical and many more. Similarly, we hope that AirAsia Japan will also play a significant role in creating a huge impact on the local economy. We aim to create new jobs and have been actively recruiting fellow Japanese to join us as pilots, flight attendants, ground services crew, engineers and office staff. Once fully operational, we should be able to employ many more staff and contribute to the income of the local communities. The future is indeed bright for us. Thank you again for giving us this tremendous opportunity. I hope to see you on board very soon!

Kazuyuki Iwakata CEO AirAsia Japan

8 INBOX 0 2012

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

I always look forward to reading Travel 3Sixty° on my trips onboard AirAsia. On my return back, I read the June issue and was touched by the article on Somaly Mam. The part that caught my attention was: “What should travellers know about sex slavery and trafficking. The reply was: “When you see a woman on the street, do not look down on her and please do not abuse her any further. Most of us do not stop to consider that these women have their own stories.” I never LETTER thought of that and I feel ashamed of myself for OF THE thinking lowly of them. ~ Mrs Shan, via email

MONTH!

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.

I wa was ﬂying to Bali on AirAsia recently and your article Eye on IIndonesia (June 2012) was particularly informative and useful for my trip. But the most inspiring article for me was the feature on Georgetown, Penang. I was born in Penang and visit the city at least once a year but I’ve not actually made an effort to visit the historical places on the island. After reading your article, I’ve decided that I must visit the places featured. Of particular interest to me was the joss stick maker. Because of your article, I researched a bit and also found out that there is a wooden sign board engraver still plying his trade in Penang. This is also going to be a mustvisit for me. ~ Tan Tsoang Chet, Singapore

My wife and I were on board AirAsia returning to Singapore from Bangkok from our wedding anniversary trip and we were glad to have stumbled upon the article titled Angels of Mercy (May 2012). It’s good to see AirAsia featuring non-proﬁt organisations and their work. With the help of the article in the magazine, we are now exploring the idea of contributing to this wonderful cause. ~ Terence Kua, Singapore

HERE’S THE BUZZ ON AIRASIA’S FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND WEIBO PAGES 1 thing I always enjoy on my AirAsia flight is running thru the Travel 3Sixty pages. Great content, highly entertaining, highly informative! Susan Keller

Bravo!!! Compliments to flight crew AK5188 Kul-Myy 7th June. Plane touched down smoothly without me realising it had landed.

Flying to Krabi in a bit and hoping it’s gonna be an awesome getaway this May! Thanks to @AirAsia for tix promo. We’re so extremely excited! Yay! RedHotCherry

Rossa

A very formal flight landing info and suddenly a Happy B’day tune from flight crew to a b’day passenger! I’m impressed! Sheila Kurniadi

Priscilla Yikhui

Thank you for your amazing AA BKI staff for helping me out! Juliet, you’re awesome! Veron Miki-Tan

Last week, my lecturer was asking the class to name some companies which have great product & great channel, and I thought of AirAsia immediately!

Kathleen I’ve been your loyal follower since your fan base was 20,000, and now it has surpassed 130,000! Even though I have not tried AirAsia’s services to date, I really admire AirAsia! All the best! Mr. Nobody

@AirAsia Recently used your twitter chat to get wheelchair assistance for my parents for a trip. Received assistance. Great innovation! Lsmurthi

I hope AirAsia will expand more and faster in China, so more Chinese consumers can enjoy affordable air travel! Night Sky

Like what you read in Travel 3Sixty°? Share your thoughts with us! 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˚

8 RED FORT 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

IMAGE: ADAM LEE

NEW NERVE CENTRE

To keep the momentum going and advance the expansion of the airline in its second decade of operation, AirAsia is realigning its strategy for a wider, regional focus. The airline will be setting up AirAsia Asean, a regional base in Jakarta, Indonesia that will act as a ‘nerve centre’, engage with the ASEAN Secretariat headquartered in the Indonesian capital, and help ensure the concerns and appeals of the airline are heard within ASEAN. With AirAsia Asean, the airline hopes to create an environment free of daily operational pressures and the necessary battles that ensue, in order to give senior management the space, time and interaction necessary to steer the AirAsia Group through its second decade and expand the airline’s footprint throughout the region. The establishment of this regional ofﬁce in Jakarta will also help raise the proﬁle and branding of AirAsia Indonesia, which is planning for a listing on the Jakarta Stock Exchange by year end.

“AirAsia Malaysia’s headquarters is not moving to Jakarta. AirAsia Malaysia is a Malaysian-registered airline, with all its aircraft registered under the Malaysian flag and it is a company listed on Bursa Malaysia. That will not change. AirAsia is committed to upholding our pledge to Malaysians that ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’. The establishment of the AirAsia Asean office in Jakarta as our regional base is to help to more fully deliver on that pledge to all the people of ASEAN and beyond. Shifting AirAsia’s emphasis to a regional strategy is not just good business, it is also a move that will keep us ahead of the inevitable competition that is heading our way.” ~ Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia

COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

HELLO KATHMANDU!

On July 3, AirAsia X launched twice weekly ﬂights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Although initially launched for sale via select sales agents, the increasing demand from guests to explore this historic, spiritual and picturesque Himalayan city, has prompted the airline to open the route for online bookings. The airline is also considering boosting ﬂight frequencies between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu in the near future. Go to www.airasia.com for details. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

SAVING SHARKS In conjunction with World Oceans Day on June 8, Thai AirAsia launched its ‘Sharks Can Fly’ campaign and teamed up with Siam Ocean World to release brownbanded bamboo sharks into the wild. The 20 sharks bred by Siam Ocean World were ﬂown by Thai AirAsia from Bangkok to Trang, where special transportation was arranged to transfer them to the Hat Chao Mai National Park. Thai AirAsia also ﬂew 20 students from the Pathumwanaram School to Trang to accompany the sharks, and learn about the important role sharks play in preserving the ocean’s fragile ecosystem. This initiative is an important step towards the preservation of sharks in Thailand, and the airline hopes it will encourage other organisations to step up and support the cause.

TENNIS TALENT Following successful try-outs and training with Thailand’s top tennis ace ‘Big’ Danai Udomchoke during the ‘Flying Towards a Dream with AirAsia’ project, Thai AirAsia ﬂew 12 young tennis players to compete in the Junior Asian Tennis Federation tournament in Indonesia. This is one of the airline’s many initiatives to support youth sports in Thailand.

SAFETY FIRST!

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Boudhanath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.

When booking ﬂights and picking seats, guests should be aware that there are certain restrictions for seats near the emergency exit. Due to safety reasons, guests who choose to sit near the emergency exit must be above 16 years of age, physically and mentally able to assist crew during an emergency evacuation and, able to read and speak English. This is to ensure a safe and speedy emergency evacuation should the need arise.

ASEAN ART ALIVE In July, AirAsia teamed up with Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) – a non-profit organisation dedicated to reviving endangered Cambodian art forms – to showcase the dying Cambodian art of Sbaek Thom or large shadow puppet theatre in Malaysia. This art form was declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005, and the airline was thrilled to fly the Wat Bo Sbaek Thom troupe to Penang for a performance at the George Town Festival 2012. This initiative, AirAsia’s latest ASEAN-level Corporate Responsibility sponsorship, reflects the airline’s new regional strategy in which AirAsia’s extensive route network acts as sky bridges linking cities, communities and cultures. The airline aims to bring ASEAN together, and inculcate cultural appreciation and respect among member nations. Thai AirAsia is also collaborating with the Thai Ministry of Culture to provide free air travel to national artists to aid them in their mission of creating, disseminating and exchanging their cultural contributions in order to increase the economic value of art and culture in Southeast Asia and beyond. FROM LEFT: Thai AirAsia Director of Business Development ML Bovornovadep Devakula (third from right), Culture Minister Mrs. Sukumol Khunploem (middle) and Permanent Secretary for Culture Mr. Somchai Sianglhai (third from left).

SHARING KNOWLEDGE In May, as part of its CSR work, Indonesia AirAsia invited 50 children from a school situated near the Soekarno Hatta Airport for a field trip to Terminal 3. Most of the children had never had the opportunity to visit an airport or get into a plane before. On this trip, the children were treated like VIPs and given a tour of Terminal 3. They even had the opportunity to check out Indonesia AirAsia’s newest A320! To inspire the children to dream big, an AllStar pilot, guest service officer, flight attendant and engineer were on hand to share their areas of expertise, and encourage the young ones to work hard to fulfill their goals. Indonesia AirAsia also donated four sets of computers to the school, and will provide basic computer classes. 12

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CLARK CONNECTIONS To make it super convenient for guests to travel to and from Philippines’ Clark International Airport, AirAsia is working with two bus liners to boost connectivity. Now, guests can transfer from the airport to Marquee Mall in Angeles City for free using the Victory Liner, or to Metro Manila’s Pasay Terminal or SM Megamall using the Philtranco Bus service. For more info on the seamless connectivity, visit http://on.fb.me/LSD5yV

TOP OPS In June, AirAsia X bagged the Airbus Top Operational Excellence Award 2010-2011 for the world’s best Airbus A330-300 operator (small ﬂeet category) at the Airbus A330/340 Technical Symposium in Bangkok. Every two years, Airbus awards the top performing airlines based on its global database of technical dispatch reliability performance. In 2011, AirAsia X achieved a record of 99.53% for its operating, maintenance and safety systems.

FROM LEFT: Philippe Gourdon, Vice President of A330/A340 Programme Customer Services; Philippe Mhun, Airbus Vice President Programmes; Soo Hoo Haw Loon, AirAsia X Head of Maintenance; and Laurie Alder, Airbus HO Customer Support Asia Pacific.

“This is not only a win for us, but it is also a validation of our commitment to operational excellence. This demonstrates that a high-performing airline can achieve the world’s lowest unit cost performance while still delivering the world’s best operational reliability and customer service – where true competitive advantage comes from its amazing team of AirAsia AllStars and the unique AirAsia culture of continuously striving to be the best.” ~ Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X

RETURN TO DON MUEANG FLYING TO BEIJING In June, AirAsia X launched its inaugural flight to Beijing, China from Kuala Lumpur. This first direct flight recorded an average of 90 percent passenger load both ways, and showed that the shift from Tianjin to Beijing had increased passenger traffic to the Chinese capital. Beijing is one of the 10 priority cities identified by the Malaysian government in its Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) to boost tourism growth and connectivity. Come August 6, AirAsia X will increase its current four weekly flights to daily services. Fly-Thru services from Beijing to Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and other destinations are available via Kuala Lumpur. Follow AirAsia via facebook.com/ AirAsia and twitter.com/AirAsia for real-time updates on the latest promotions.

COOL APPS In May, AirAsia launched the AirAsia for Chrome Application (app) allowing guests to book flights in four easy steps via their Google Chrome web browser. All guests need to do is choose a destination and travel dates, decide on add-ons like baggage allocation and meals, fill in personal details, and make payment via credit card. This simplified booking process even features a ‘Discover’ button that allows guests to search for available flight options based on their specific budget. For fans of the Angry Birds game, this app offers a direct link to install the latest game, Angry Birds Heikki, which features Heikki Kovalainen, who drives for AirAsia’s official partner, Caterham F1 Team. The app is available for download at the Chrome Web Store. https://chrome.google.com/webstore AirAsia is also the first airline and public-listed company to launch an Annual Report App (AR App), making it convenient for investors to access its annual report anytime and anywhere. This app offers user-friendly features like universal landscape and portrait views, gesture function with zoom, table of contents with thumbnails, page scrubbing with thumbnails and tab Sajith Sivanandan, Country Manager for Google functionality, and can be downloaded Malaysia and Arun Verma, AirAsia Group Head of Technology and Innovation at the Google Chrome from iTunes for iOS users and Google Web Store launch Play for Android users.

DID YOU KNOW? AirAsia was Asia’s first airline to go ticketless, and offer online services that empower mobile phone and PDA users to browse the airline’s webpage and book a flight from anywhere in the world! 14

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Starting October 1, Thai AirAsia will be transferring its operations back to the historic Don Mueang International Airport, which saw its first commercial flight in 1924, and was replaced as Bangkok’s main airport in 2006 with the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Considering Thai AirAsia’s rapid growth, the uncongested Don Mueang International Airport is the perfect base to support the airline’s ambitious expansion plans, with assured assistance from the Airports of Thailand Company. This move will allow Thai AirAsia to manage its operations more effectively and provide guests with improved services. Guests who are affected by this shift may choose to change their travel dates at no additional cost, or convert the paid flight into credit shell. For more info, contact the AirAsia Call Centre at 02-515-999 or visit www.airasia.com

“The uncongested Don Mueang Airport will certainly benefit AirAsia when it boosts its fleet of Airbus A320s to a total of 48 and welcomes more guests.” ~ Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia

DOUBLE WIN For the second year in a row, AirAsia was honoured by the Malaysian Investor Relations Association Berhad (MIRA) during its awards night. While Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO was awarded the ‘Best CEO for IR – Mid Cap’, Benyamin Ismail, AirAsia Investor Relations Manager was named the ‘Best IR Professional – Mid Cap’. This is a second win for both recipients.

FROM LEFT: Azita Nazrene, Investor Relations Executive; Aireen Omar, CEO of Malaysia AirAsia; Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Berhad; Andrew Littledale, Group CFO; Benyamin Ismail, Investor Relations Manager, Malaysia AirAsia.

8 SPOTLIGHT 0 2012

IMAGE: JOHAN HAMIDON

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EVIAN WELLNESS

TO MARKET Every weekend for four months, a group of photography students explored the alleys of Kuala Lumpur’s historic Pudu market, documenting in pictures attention-grabbing scenes. The end result is a collection of black and white photographs that capture the spirit of the market, and more importantly the community that is its backbone. Simply entitled Market, the exhibition featuring the works of these photographers is on at the Print Room KL until September 9, 2012. http://theprintroomkl.com

CHARGE UP

The newly-opened evian SPA at the Palace Hotel Tokyo offers rejuvenating spa treatments amidst plush surroundings. With panoramic views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and a pristine Alpineinspired ambiance, the spa evokes calm and serenity. The ﬁrst to open in Japan, evian SPA TOKYO has ﬁve treatment rooms, a spa suite, marble sauna, cold plunge pool, heated and reclining baths as well as men’s and women’s relaxation lounges. www.palacehoteltokyo.com

Why lug around different adapters for your smartphone, tablet and game console when you can travel light with the World USB Charger by SKROSS? This handy charger for USB-capable devices is not only lightweight, it also has a patented sliding plug mechanism, which means it can be used in over 150 countries regardless of different electrical standards. With dual USB ports and an electrical current of 1300mA, it allows two devices to be charged at full speed simultaneously. www.airasiamegastore.com

COMPILED BY: CHITRA S

FUN AT THE PEAK

If you are planning to visit Madame Tussauds Hong Kong this month, take advantage of the Summer Fun on the Peak promotion – a collaboration between Madame Tussauds and merchants on The Peak including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Häagen-Dazs, Chow Tai Fook and Sasa. Until Aug 31, 2012, guests who purchase tickets to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will receive the Summer Fun on the Peak coupon that entitles them to discounts of over HKD300 at the said outlets. While there, check out its newest attraction – a wax ﬁgure of Michael Jackson. www.madametussauds.com/hongkong TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

HOLIDAY PACKAGE Check into The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur from Aug 17 until Sept 9, 2012 and take advantage of its School Holiday room package for families with kids in tow. The package includes a one-night stay in a superior room, complimentary buffet breakfast for two, an extra bed, Kids Club facilities, and a 20% discount on selected spa treatments at The Spa and Med Beauty. In addition, guests also get 30% off the room price for an additional room booked. www.thesaujanahotel.com

A SLICE OF MALAYSIA

EVENTS

The Malaysiana collection by Royal Selangor comprises pewter magnets, keychains, paperweights, charms and tumblers that feature iconic images of the country from its flora and fauna to the renowned Petronas Twin Towers. Key pieces include a Rafflesia charm, and magnets engraved with images of the wau (local kite), sea turtle and hibiscus flower. Rooster and turtleshaped paperweights inspired by tin currency used in the royal courts of the Malay Peninsula in the 15th century complete the collection. www.royalselangor.com

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! The much-anticipated 2012 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix will be back next month, bringing with it thrilling race action, and world-class entertainment, set against a spectacular backdrop of heritage and modern buildings. Headlining the entertainment this year are Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Taiwanese heart-throb Jay Chou. Take advantage of the Group Booking Special that offers fantastic savings, and Combination Packages that enable fans to experience the action from different parts of the circuit over three days. Prices start from SGD198 for a three-day Zone 4 Walkabout ticket to SGD2,128 for a three-day Turn 3 Premier Grandstand ticket. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.singaporegp.sg

LOVING HANDS Hands Percussion (HANDS) celebrates their 15th anniversary with Souls in Love - a concert that explores the meaning of love through music and dance. Joining the percussionists on stage are New York-based Malaysian violinist Fung Chern Hwei, and guest choreographers Ng Teck Voon and Judimar Hernandez. Catch Souls in Love at Pentas 2, KL Performing Arts Centre from August 9 to12, 2012. www.facebook.com/handspercussion

Noel Gallagher

Katy Perry

Jay Chou

Maroon 5

MINI WONDER The X-Mini™ KAI Bluetooth Capsule Speaker™ is a speaker, dongle and conference call device all rolled into one. Equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology, built-in mic, and with a playback time of up to eight hours, this little wonder is great when you are on the move. The device is also compatible with iPads, laptops, music players and mobile phones. www.airasiamegastore.com 18

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8 HOT DATES 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

AUGUST 2012 AUSTRALIA

SPRING DANCE AUG 30 – SEPT 2 The Sydney Opera House hosts Australia’s only international festival of contemporary dance with two weeks of flamenco, hip hop, capoeira, samba and innovative dance performances, as well as artist-led master classes. http://springdance.sydneyoperahouse.com

MACAU

DRAGON INTERCEPTION - LITTLE DRAGON ASKING FOR DIRECTION AUG 1 – 12 Artist Allen Wong showcases images of kung fu legend Bruce Lee transformed into dramatic multi-dimensional perspectives at Macau’s Art For All Society. www.afamacau.com

INDONESIA

GYM CLASS HEROES LIVE IN JAKARTA AUG 11 Rap rock band Gym Class Heroes, known for singles such as Cupid’s Chokehold and Clothes Off!, perform at Jakarta’s Kartika Expo, Balai Kartini. www.trilogylive.com

JAPAN

OBON

AUG 12 - 15 Japanese honour their ancestors during Obon, a festival that has been celebrated for over 500 years and includes the traditional Bon Odori dance. www.jnto.go.jp/eng SINGAPORE

PURPLE COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

AUG 2 – 18 The

poignant true story of Singapore’s most famous transsexual, Miss Maggie Lai comes to life on stage at Joyden Hall at Bugis+ in Bugis district. www.toyfactory.com.sg

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MALAYSIA

MERDEKA MILLENNIUM ENDURANCE RACE (MMER) AUG 29 – SEPT 1 The ultimate challenge for drivers and their machines, the Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race sees teams battle it out for 12 hours straight at the Sepang International Circuit. www.sepangcircuit.com

EID-UL-FITR AUG 19 OR 20 (dates may change according to countries)

AUSTRALIA

DESERT PSYCHEDELIC AUG 1 – 19 Visit Western Australia’s Fremantle Prison Gallery, and check out the art of one of its most creative inmates – the indigenous artist Jimmy Pike – whose work includes bold depictions of the harsh desert landscape in psychedelic colours.

Muslims around the world celebrate Eid, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with prayer, reconciliation and family time. In Indonesia, Eid is known as Lebaran, while in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, the festival is known as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Experience the unique concept of ‘open house’ in these countries where the celebrants open their homes to visitors to celebrate the joy of completing the fast successfully.

PHILIPPINES

POTTED POTTER AUG 28 – SEPT 2 Here’s a hilarious parody of the famous Harry Potter series that features all your favourite characters, a ﬁre-breathing dragon, brilliant songs and a healthy dose of Hogwarts magic. The Potted Potter tour of Australasia kicks off in Manila’s Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium before moving on to Singapore and Australia. www.ticketworld.com.ph

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AUG 25 – SEPT 30 In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece, a ‘phantom’ terrorises the Paris Opera House while mentoring a young singer in the hope of winning her love. The musical will be staged at Manila’s CCP Main Theatre for a limited season. www.ticketworld.com.ph

www.indonesia.travel, www.bruneitourism.com, www.tourism.gov.my

www.fremantleprison.com.au

HONG KONG

THE BEACH BOYS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR LIVE IN HONG KONG 2012 AUG 25 The Beach Boys, the legendary band that brought the world fabulous hits such as Good Vibrations and Kokomo, have reunited for a tour that stops by the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. www.hkticketing.com/eng/

ELSEWHERE… INDONESIA • AUGUST 8 - 11 Baliem Valley Festival 2012 www.indonesia.travel • AUGUST 3 – 5 Wedding Festival www.weddingku.com HONG KONG • AUGUST 11 Summer Pop – Live in Hong Kong MACAU • AUGUST 30 Feast of Hungry Ghosts, www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/

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8 COMPASS 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

AROUND THE WORLD

From Japan to Iran, there is a wealth of culture, customs, art and architecture for the intrepid traveller to discover. While traipsing through historical sites or heady holiday hotspots, make sure you enjoy these places while looking like a million dollars yourself!

TOP AMONG TRAVELLERS Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang, Malaysia was awarded the 2012 Certiﬁcate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, one of the world’s largest and most trusted travel sites on the web. The resort earned an impressive overall score of 4.5 out of 5 points, as adjudicated by guests. Criteria included volume of reviews and how recently the reviews were submitted by TripAdvisor travellers over the past 12 months. Director of Communications at the resort, Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman, noted that the staff at Shangri-La were especially honoured to have won the award as TripAdvisor is a third party portal, which reﬂects the authentic appreciation, candid comments and genuine feedback of hotel guests.

I ‘HEART’ JAPAN High expectations generally set you up for disappointment but that’s not true with Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun never fails to deliver: The culture is unique, the food amazing and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its street fashion! If you’re still in two minds about visiting, here are three additional reasons to go to Japan now!

WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH

IMPECCABLE MANNERS The Japanese are polite. Exceedingly polite. You’re unlikely to encounter rude service staff or ﬁnd yourself jostled out of the way by crowds. In fact, people will go out of their way to help you with directions and anything else you may need. Courtesy isn’t just common; it’s the soul of this country.

VENDING MACHINES You can’t walk more than 20 metres in Tokyo without encountering a vending machine. Everywhere you turn, you’re likely to see these machines selling all kinds of food and drinks. However, only in Japan will you find vending machines selling eggs, umbrellas and flowers! But wait! You may even be able to get fresh vegetables, sneakers and even neckties! TERRIFIC TOILETS Toilets in Japan are veritable technological marvels! Seats are warm, and you’ll even get a jet spray of clean water to help clean up. They even have piped in relaxation music to help you calm down. Now what more could you possibly want in a toilet? GETTING THERE AirAsia X flies to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan. Beginning August 2012, AirAsia Japan will commence flights to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa from Narita Airport. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

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IMAGE: CROWNE PLAZA MUNTIARA KUALA LUMPUR

IMAGE: INMAGINE

www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort

DEALING WITH TRAVEL FATIGUE When you’re on holiday, it’s tempting to push yourself so you can do, see and experience as much as possible but this is a big mistake! Forcing your body to keep going when you need to rest is a recipe for disaster. If you’re feeling exhausted or not in the least bit interested in seeing another ‘must-see’ site, know that you’re suffering from travel fatigue. Think of it as a sign to relax and pamper yourself. Skip the museum tour and go for a massage instead or stay in your hotel room, order room service and take a nap. Remember, there’s no rule that says you must be on the go every second of your holiday.

Imam Square, Esfahan

MYTHS ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH KIDS MYTH 1: KIDS REQUIRE EXTRA LUGGAGE There’s no need to take every last baby item with you when you travel. Many hotels provide essentials like strollers, baby bottles and toys. Call ahead to ﬁnd out what they offer so you don’t over pack. MYTH 2: KIDS DON’T REMEMBER Child psychologists have discovered that children who have experienced travel are more comfortable in accepting people different from themselves compared to children who’ve never left home ground. MYTH 3: KIDS GET BORED Actually, the smaller the child, the less likely he gets bored. Little ones are easily entertained by simple activities like pushing a button over and over again or looking out the window at shifting scenery. In fact, the threat of boredom is more pronounced in older kids like teenagers.

MUST-SEE IN IRAN Iran is home to more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you ever ﬁnd yourself in Iran, here’s a list of must-see places that capture the beauty, history and grandeur of this ancient country.

PERSEPOLIS, ANCIENT PERSIA This is arguably the most well known of Iran’s archeological sites. You’ll be blown away by the carvings of Persian and Median guards marching in step here.

SHAH-E CHERAGH MOSQUE This incredibly beautiful mosque in Shiraz is decorated with thousands of pieces of glass. It’s like walking into the centre of a disco ball – guaranteed to leave you speechless.

IMAM SQUARE, ESFAHAN Imam Square is an immense space designed to demonstrate the inter-relatedness of government, education, religion and business. You’ll need more than a day to explore the numerous mosques, bazaars and palaces within the square. GETTING THERE AirAsia X ﬂies to Tehran four times a week. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

IMAGE: TUMI, IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN WATCH

GUY’S GUIDE TO TRAVELLING IN STYLE

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Men tend to let style slide while on holiday because they think it takes too much time and effort to look good. Here are three effective tips that will help even the most ‘fashion-challenged’ man cut a ﬁne ﬁgure on his next vacation.

BAG IT RIGHT All men should own at least one good travel bag. This doesn’t mean you need to shell out thousands to get a branded bag. It just means you need to avoid cheap fakes from the ﬂea market. Invest in a good, sturdy piece of luggage in a dark colour like navy, dark brown or black. It’ll match anything you wear and you’re assured of arriving (and departing) in style.

IT’S ABOUT TIME Treat your watch as a style accessory and take at least two with you on your trip. You can have a ‘classy’ option for formal dinners and a fun or sporty timepiece when you’re traipsing around town.

STEP OUT IN STYLE Ask any woman and she’ll tell you — shoes make or break your entire outﬁt! The secret here is to travel with just two pairs that look good and work with everything you wear. Pack a pair of low proﬁle boots or stylish rubber-soled ones that go with everything, as well as a pair of dress shoes for trendy nights out on the town.

8 QUICK BITES 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

BEST FOOD FORWARD

There’s more to food than meets the eye. Not only does it nourish, food also has the power to bring together kith and kin together, changing strangers into friends and bridging cultural differences. Now go forth and travel, explore and eat to your heart’s content!

AMAZING AVOCADOS Healthy and rich in fibre, folate and vitamins C, E and K, avocados also contain good monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. The high water and fibre content make avocados perfect for appetite control. Use mashed avocado as a healthy dip, or as a creamy base for soups, sauces and gravies in place of cream. Spread avocado mash onto steamed or grilled corn, sandwiches and cream crackers instead of butter. Diced or sliced avocado can also be added to prawn cocktail salads, sushi or spring roll filling. If you have dry or sensitive skin, apply this avocado facial cleanser which is effective against pollution and grime. Make it on alternate days and refrigerate between uses. • Beat an egg yolk until light and frothy. • Add ½ cup milk and half a ripe, skinned avocado. • Mash it until mixture has a lotion-like consistency. • Apply on face like regular cleanser. • For dry skin, wash off with warm water, but if you have normal skin, use mild soap and water.

WORDS: ALICE YONG

IMAGE: ADAM LEE

More tips and ideas at www.avocado.org.au

‘EATS’ A CELEBRATION

AYAM PENYET

Visitors to Singapore may want to mark its National Day on August 9 with a celebratory feast of chilli crabs. Check www.bestfood.at-singapore.com for the best restaurants to savour this dish. Then rejoice over Indonesia’s Declaration of Independence Day on August 17 with a delicious Nasi Padang meal at Garuda Nasi Padang (Jalan Gajah Mada, Medan, Indonesia). In celebration of Malaysia’s National Day on August 31, One World Hotel’s Cinnamon Coffee House will offer a sumptuous high-tea spread featuring dishes from Malaysia such as chicken rice, assorted noodles, satay, roti canai, dim sum, rojak buah, rendang, Malay kuih and ice kacang, among others. www.oneworldhotel.com.my

Literally meaning ‘smashed chicken’, this mouth watering dish from Indonesia has become hugely popular lately and outlets have cropped up in various parts of the world. Basically, it is a piece of crispy, fried chicken smothered in tangy chilli sambal and often served with steamed rice and slices of cucumber. Try this dish at REMBOELAN restaurant at Plaza Senayan Rotunda (4th Floor, Main Gate) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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COFFEE HAVEN Bali’s ﬁrst specialist coffee boutique, Seniman Coffee Studio (Jalan Sriwedari, Ubud, Bali. T: +62 (0) 361972085), founded by David Sullivan and Rodney Glick, prides itself on roasting on premise its organic Arabica beans that are responsibly sourced from various Indonesian isles. The different roasts are handcrafted to perfection using the pour-over or hand-pulled espresso methods to bring out their best ﬂavours. A selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, classic Indonesian dishes and desserts is also served at this stylishly designed cafe. www.facebook.com/senimankopi

SNAP THIS UP Shaped remarkably like a DSLR telephoto lens with realistic detailing, the camera lens mug can used for hot or cold drinks. It also comes with a lens hood that doubles up as a coaster or small plate for tidbits. www.thinkgeek.com

ED ON A MISSION Catch the inspiring, offbeat gastronomic adventures of Edward Kwon, South Korea’s latest tourism ambassador and former Burj Al Arab Hotel’s head chef in the TV series EdVentures In Asia. Shown on the Life Inspired (LI) channel, the 13-episode series will see the charming chef heading to Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Osaka, Macau, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Delhi, Beijing, Jeonju (South Korea), Nha Trang (Vietnam) and Ulan Bator (Mongolia) in his attempts to globalise Korean cuisine. www.litvchannel.com

PATTAYA’S MOVEABLE FEAST

FAST & FEAST Muslim visitors to Kuala Lumpur will be spoilt for choice when it’s time to end their fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Our favourite buka puasa (breaking of fast) spread is at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, which offers a lavish spread called Santapan de Raja (royal cuisine) from nine Malaysian states at Essence. More than one hundred mouth-watering specialties and international dishes can be savoured at RM108.00++ per person until August 19. www.eatdrinkandmore.com/sheratonimperialkualalumpur 32

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“The best thing I’ve eaten in Pattaya, Thailand is freshly barbecued squid and deep-fried baby crabs by the beach. Doused in fish sauce and a sprinkling of chilli powder, I can never get enough of the scrumptious seafood that’s cooked right on the spot over a portable, makeshift charcoal stove! It’s a moveable feast at your beck and call as the mobile hawkers walk up and down the entire beach, peddling ice lollies, prawn crackers, burgers, som tam (Thai papaya salad) and drinks to those lounging around enjoying the sun, sea and sand.” ~ AirAsia guest, PR consultant and avid shutterbug, Ching Yee Sing

8 PAGE TURNER 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

BOOKS FOR A BETTER WORLD Remembering Martin Luther King’s fiery freedom speech, Travel 3Sixty° explores great reads on equality and social justice.

KING’S SPEECH On August 28, 1963, American civil rights leader Martin Luther King made his legendary ‘I Have a Dream’ speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. to some 300,000 civil rights supporters. With rousing words, this powerful orator called for civil and economic rights for African Americans, and an end to racial discrimination. This was a deﬁning moment for the American civil rights movement, and King’s famous speech has gone down in history as one of the best speeches of the 20th century. In 1964, Martin Luther King was the youngest man ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Four years later, at the age of 39, King was assassinated. In 2002, the Library of Congress added King’s famous speech to the United States National Recording Registry. A year later, the National Park Service commemorated the location of King’s speech with an inscribed marble pedestal at the Lincoln Memorial. His writings continue to inspire civil rights activists worldwide.

KING’S LEGACY Strength to Love, which includes short meditative pieces written in jail cells during the days of the civil rights struggle, explains King’s philosophy of non-violence and his commitment to justice. Why We Can’t Wait focuses on the civil rights struggle in Birmingham, Alabama, arguably the most racially segregated city in the US at the time. Here, King discusses why 1963 was a crucial year, traces the history of the civil rights struggle and examines the journey to full equality for future generations. The Measure of a Man explains the theological roots of King’s political and social philosophy of non-violent activism.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

GOOD BOOK

In Stride Toward Freedom, King le recounts the ﬁrst successful large-scale application of non-violent resistance in America, and traces the journey of the African American community who in his words “learned to ﬁght for their rights with the weapon of love, and who, in the process, acquired a new estimate of their own human worth.” Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? which was written in 1967 is King’s last manuscript, and includes his thoughts, plans and dreams for America’s future. Believing that humankind has the resources and technology to stamp out poverty, King demands an end to global suffering.

Here’s a list of thought-provoking works on equality.

GANDHI, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY: THE STORY OF MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH traces the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi from childhood to his rise as a great leader during India’s quest for independence. Regarded as one of the world’s most important icons of peaceful resistance and non-violent revolution, Gandi has inspired civil rights movements worldwide.

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF NELSON MANDELA chronicles the early years, political awakening, struggle and sacriﬁces of a great man who led South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. Mandela endured 27 years of imprisonment before tasting freedom and, witnessing the beginning of the fall of apartheid. In 1994, Mandela became the ﬁrst democratically elected president of South Africa.

VICTORY: THE TRIUMPHANT GAY REVOLUTION by political columnist Linda Hirshman tells the gripping story of the gay rights movement and how it changed America with victories like the legalisation of gay marriage in New York in 2011 and an end to discriminatory laws against gay and lesbian personnel serving in the military.

DON’T MISS! • Melbourne Writers Festival • Aug 23 – Sept 2, 2012 • www.mwf.com.au TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

I SUCK AT GIRLS Justin Halpern If you laughed your way through Sh*t My Dad Says, you’ll be hysterical reading Halpern’s comical encounters with the opposite sex as he navigates the world of dating and sex, guided by his father’s hilarious words of wisdom. READ

OF THE MONTH!

JEREMY LIN: THE REASON FOR THE LINSANITY Timothy Dalrymple This is the story behind Jeremy Lin, a relatively unknown New York Knicks backup point guard who went on a shocking seven-game winning streak that transformed him into a basketball superstar in 2012.

THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE Stephen King From the master of fantasy and suspense, comes the eighth installation of The Dark Tower series. Here, the protagonist Roland Deschain reveals a dark past when he tells a strange story about his early days as a gunslinger.

WILD: FROM LOST TO FOUND ON THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL Cheryl Strayed With her mother dead, family scattered and marriage broken, Strayed embarks on an impulsive solo journey to hike the Paciﬁc Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert to Washington State. Despite the dangers, Strayed forges ahead and ﬁnds strength and healing along the way.

RAPTURE Lauren Kate IMAGES: ADAM LEE

As Daniel battles dark forces to stop Lucifer from erasing the past in the ﬁnal book of the Fallen series, Luce must make a shocking choice to free herself from a horrifying curse, even if it means sacriﬁcing her love for Daniel.

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ENGINEERING HAPPINESS Having created a mindfulness-based Emotional Intelligence course with the aim of contributing to world happiness, and achieved great results with Google employees, Google engineer Chade-Meng Tan recently released Search Inside Yourself to make happiness accessible to everyone.

WHAT EXACTLY IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)? It is the ability to understand and gain mastery over one’s own and others’ emotions, and be skillful in a social context. Studies have shown EQ to be twice as important as intellectual prowess in contributing to success at work. The purpose of the Search Inside Yourself course is to help people improve their EQ, thereby helping them enhance the quality of their work and the quality of their emotional lives. We hope that when people ﬂourish emotionally, excel at work, and have satisfying relationships, the world in general will be happier and more peaceful.

CREATING HAPPINESS WORLDWIDE IS A PRETTY BIG GOAL. HOW DO YOU SEE THIS HAPPENING? I think the key is to make the formula for happiness understandable, useful and accessible. Once that is done, happiness is so compelling that it doesn’t take a lot to convince everybody in the world to adopt it.

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO SCEPTICS WHO THINK THIS IS ALL NEW AGE FLUFF? Happily, there’s a lot of brain science behind it. Some studies show meditation to strengthen your pre-frontal cortex, the part of your brain known as the ‘executive centre’. Other studies show meditation to increase your ability to regulate the part of the brain called the amygdala, thereby enhancing your ability to calm anger and other afflictive emotions. Modern brain science shows that your brain is something you can train with practice. Many of my students at Google come thinking it’s all ‘hippy B.S.’, but within a few weeks, they find the science and the benefits of the practices too compelling to ignore.

8 MONEY MAKER 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

IMAGE: INMAGINE

LONG TERM STRATEGIES

Consumer demand drives every economy but, consumers can also be very fickle. Modern consumerism dictates how we conduct business and what we offer. So, how do you please an unpredictable market? You stay one step ahead at all times and educate yourself on the market’s needs and desires.

BUILDING A BUSINESS MIND Starting a business is easy when you have the capital. But sustaining the business and taking it to its full potential are the most essential abilities required for the success of any business. This is where you, as the owner, investor or partner, need to build and sharpen business acumen. Firsthand experience and the ‘school of hard knocks’ are good foundations but, obtaining a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from a good school will put you way ahead of the competition.

AS AN EMPLOYEE, AN MBA... X... gives you an Immediate jump in pay grade that’s commensurate with the pedigree of the qualification (i.e. 40% or more in pay increase with a qualification from Harvard, Stanford or London Business School). X... helps you greatly if you want to move from a technical background into finance or consultancy position as it’s the benchmark for employers to know that you understand business.

X... prepares you for a senior management position, especially if you’re working in a high proﬁle multinational company.

AS AN EMPLOYER, AN MBA... X... offers you the greatest assets you can cultivate – a valuable global network and access to international markets. X... gives you the ability to create better value for your business as your mind has been honed and trained speciﬁcally for business success. X... helps with another important skill – people management. The success of a company is built by its people and not just its services and products. To help you get started on your MBA journey, check out www. beneﬁtprep.com for details on the test preparation courses required and admissions consultancy into the world’s top business schools such as Harvard, Columbia, NYU, Stanford, Berkeley, London Business School, Wharton School of Business and more.

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

BRAND PRESENCE & POSITIONING

GO LOCO FOR COCO-MAT

HAVE SHOES, WILL DATE

We’ve all heard of companies, mainly cosmetics, giving out samples for trials and feedback as a means to raise sales, but here’s one that tops it all! While most furniture outlets discourage customers from sitting, let alone sleeping, on its showroom beds, Greece-based COCOMAT furniture shop in New York City offers customers ‘nap rooms’, encouraging customers to spend up to a couple of hours in their mock hotel suite that features a Californian king-sized bed, fresh linen, soothing music and a complimentary glass of juice.

Of the scores of matchmaking services available, this one ups the ante. Launched by Malaysian retailer Shoes Shoes Shoes in association with dating site Lunch Actually and the women’s radio station Capital FM, men who register with Lunch Actually are encouraged to select from a list of 20 shoe styles they’d like their potential partner to wear, and pick a percentage of the sale price they’re willing to pay for the date. The ladies who buy the shoes are matched with the guy who has pre-selected the shoes and given the discount that the guy has paid for earlier.

www.coco-mat.com

www.facebook.com/shoedating

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percent of online marketing agencies worldwide offer Social Media services, while an additional 7% plan to do so in the future, according to a HubSpot report released in April 2012. (www. marketingcharts.com)

percent of the global mobile streaming on smartphones is through YouTube according to Mobile Trends Report 2011. (Mashable.com)

1.1

billion is Facebook’s reported revenue pre-public offering for the first quarter of 2012, up by 45% from USD731 million last year. (www.forbes.com)

8 PRESCRIPTION 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

BRINGING SEXY BACK

With drugs and topical medication easily available over the counter, we often forget that food not only nourishes, it can also get us all hot and bothered. Many naturally occurring compounds in food actually provide the blueprint for pills and tablets that help get us into the mood for intimacy and physical pleasure.

2.8

million people worldwide die each year as a result of obesity that brings about health complications such as coronary heart disease, ischaemic stroke, type 2 diabetes and other common cancers. (Source: www.who.int, World Health Statistics 2012)

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

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Organization, Global Research 2012)

THE SEXY SIX The phrase “Not tonight dear, I’ve got a headache!” has a common connotation... that you’re either tired or not in the mood. The only way to counter fatigue (if there aren’t any health issues to look into), is probably to get adequate rest and good quality sleep. To address the lack of desire, consider adjusting what you eat. There are foods that balance our body’s natural functions. Here are the super six that will help sex you up. GINGER The heat in ginger stimulates blood ﬂow, speciﬁcally to the erogenous zones of the body, making them more sensitive to the touch. CHOCOLATE There’s a science behind why chocolates make good date gifts. Cacao has phenylethylamine (PEA), also known as the ‘love chemical’, which stirs feelings of euphoria and attraction, and promotes the production of dopamine in the brain’s pleasure centres that peak during orgasm.

DRINKING DISRUPTS DREAMLAND TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

percent of deaths in children worldwide are caused by infectious diseases, the highest occurrence due to pneumonia and mainly in the African region. (Source: World Health

OYSTERS High in protein and zinc, oysters promote stamina and increase testosterone production, which raises libido in both men and women. ASPARAGUS This tasty vegetable is loaded with folic acid that helps increase production of histamine, a substance that assists in reaching orgasms more easily for both genders. GARLIC Packed with allicin that encourages blood circulation, simply soaking a crushed garlic pip in hot water and drinking the liquid will get the blood ﬂowing to the nether regions rapidly when aroused. AVOCADO The Aztecs call it ahuacuatl, or ‘the testicle tree’. That prompted Catholic priests in Mexico in the 16th century to ban people from eating avocados because of its appearance. The fruit, however, is high in Vitamins C and E, and manganese that promotes joint health, allowing for greater agility and ﬂexibility.

years is the average number of years added on to the life expectancy of women in higher income nations, bringing the average life span of women to 68 years worldwide. (Source: World Health Organization, Situation & Trends Research 2012)

Research done on the drinking habits versus quality of sleep of a group of college students (with high alcohol consumption) proved that while the students did fall asleep faster when drinking moderately, they actually enjoyed less quality sleep compared to days when they didn’t drink at all. While those who drank a lot may not have experienced reduction in sleep time, they certainly felt tired the next day. This generally means that drinking even a bit of alcohol does interfere with the amount of sleep you get; and the more you drink, the less quality sleep you’ll get. Source: news.discovery.com

8 SCORE BOARD 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL

REIGNING RECORDS

As with everything in life, not all sports or sportsmen elicit awe. Some can be downright strange!

CHESS BOXING You either checkmate, or suffer a knockout! This weird combo of intellect and physical prowess is the brainchild of Dutch artist Iepe Rubingh, who was inspired by a French comic book Le Froid Equateur by artist and ﬁlmmaker Enki Bilal. Participants must possess skills in both disciplines because the game can be won either way – through six rounds of chess with ﬁve bouts in the ring.

IMAGE: WIKIPEDIA

18 months old is the age of the world’s youngest table tennis player as at February 2012. British born Jamie MyskaBuddell returns his dad’s serve with accuracy while sitting.

Get set, ready, grab hold of your spouse and run like mad to the ﬁnish line through a water hazard and two dry obstacles along a 253.5 metre track. From Finland where the ﬁrst championship was held in 1997, it has spread across the world although the reigning champions remain the Finnish. Basic rules: Your wife (or partner) has to be a minimum weight of 59 kilogrammes.

UNDERWATER RUGBY Although named Underwater Rugby (UWR), this game has very little in common with actual rugby rules due to the fact that gravitational rules don’t apply as it’s played in a swimming pool. Invented by the German Underwater Club as part of its athletes’ ﬁtness programme in the 1960s, it has since evolved to become an actual game with the ﬁrst World Championship held in 1980 in Mülheim, Germany. The goal baskets are at the bottom of the pool, hence the challenge.

86 years old is the age of the world’s oldest gymnast. German native Johanna Quaas’ muscles, strength and agility can put many 20-somethings to shame.

INSPIRING APHORISMS WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

“An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.” ~ Emil Zatopek, Czech long distance runner and three-time Summer Olympics gold medallist.

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“Sport strips away personality, letting the white bone of character shine through. Sport gives players an opportunity to know and test themselves.” ~ Rita Mae Brown, American novelist, poet, screenwriter and activist.

“The key is not the will to win, everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.” ~ Bobby Knight, retired American baseball coach, nicknamed ‘The General’

Source: www.worldrecordsacademy.org

WIFE CARRYING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

90 years old is the age of the world’s oldest triathlete. British pensioner Arthur Gilbert has taken part in 40 triathlons made up of a 500-metre swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a three-mile run. He is currently training for his 41st.

THE AIRASIA WORLD OF SPORTS NEW BOYS ON THE BLOCK QPR recently welcomed new blood into its fold with the signing of Ryan Nelsen, Andy Johnson, Robert Green and Samba Diakite. Stars in their own right, Ryan Nelsen, the former New Zealand international defender, has penned an initial one-year deal with QPR while Andy Johnson will stay on for two. Johnson has a proven track record in English football, having netted a remarkable 147 goals in all competitions, scoring at a rate of one goal in every three appearances throughout his career. The other two new faces are Robert Green and Samba Diakite. England international goalkeeper Robert Green has a wealth of experience at both domestic and international levels, having made over 480 Club appearances throughout his career. Meanwhile, Malian midﬁelder, 23-year-old Samba Diakite was a revelation during a short loan spell in W12 last season, producing one amazing play after another, as well as netting the winner in the R’s 2-1 victory against Arsenal in late March.

MARK HUGHES’ TAKE ON THE NEW PLAYERS.

“Ryan is a fantastic professional with a great work ethic and it will benefit the younger lads in the group to see how he goes about his work.” Andy Johnson

Samba Diakite

“Andy is a great character and has vast Premier League experience.” “Rob is obviously someone with vast experience at international and Premier League level and his pedigree speaks for itself.”

Ryan Nelsen

Robert Green

“Samba is a very accomplished footballer and he’s made to measure for the Premier League.”

WORDS: CHENG YIK HOONG

INDONESIA WARRIORS CROWNED WINNERS

The Indonesia Warriors were crowned as champions of the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League 2012 after beating San Miguel Beermen in a three game battle, winning the final game with 78-76 score. The game was everything the fans wanted, and it came down to the wire at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines on June 30, 2012. Backed by a boisterous home crowd, the San Miguel Beermen got off to a quick start, which earned them the lead. With the championship on the line, both teams came out strong in the second quarter, stepping up their game as the clock ticked closer to the finish point. After a nail biting last quarter, Indonesia Warriors clocked down the important final buzzer and won the finals by 78 to 76. Indonesia Warriors’ Evan Brock who had been outstanding in the finals, averaging 21.67 points per game and 13.67 rebounds per game in the series, clinched the ABL Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

QPR’S 2012/2013 SEASON The 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season promises to be one to savour for QPR fans, buoyed by a remarkable return to the topflight 12 months ago. Rangers clinched their survival on the final day of a topsy-turvy campaign, despite going down to a 3-2 defeat against Manchester City. The R’s successful bid to remain in the Premier League was built on their stunning performance throughout the season while at their homeground, Loftus Road. Inspired by a plethora of signings, Hughes’ charges won six on the bounce at Loftus Road, including sensational victories over Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the run-in. This season promises to be just as entertaining with Hughes adding fresh faces to a squad already brimming with confidence.

02 8 HYPER TECH 0 2012 2012

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TECH BEYOND BORDERS The Internet has gone so global that you can read and understand d practically any language in the world even if you don’t know Swahili hili from Sinhala. The world is getting really small, faster and better.

ELECTRIC IMP: WIRELESSLY CONNECT HOME APPLIANCES As small as the SD memory card, this network card called Imp Card can connect electronic gadgets in the home to the Internet using WiFi. The user needs only a smartphone to control the connected gadgets. www.electricimp com

DOPPELTEXT: READ IN ONE LANGUAGE, UNDERSTAND IN ANOTHER Doppeltext enables you to read an eBook in a language you don’t comprehend but still make sense of it in English. Simply click or touch the French (for example) sentence and bring up the English translation above it. You can also read the interactive eBook on a tablet, phone, eReader or the computer. www.doppeltext.com

TIMELY TIPS

MAKE YOUR MOUSE WORK SMARTER X Press the Shift key and the mouse simultaneously to highlight text. X Press the scroll wheel and hold down the Ctrl key to zoom in and out on a web page. X Roll the scroll wheel and hold down the Shift key to move forward and backwards when browsing the Internet.

WORDS: PETE KING

X Double-click on the mouse to highlight a word, and triple-click to highlight the whole paragraph.

SO.CL: MICROSOFT SOCIAL RESEARCH PROJECT

YAHOO! AXIS BROWSER: FASTER SEARCHING

Microsoft is letting the general public and students use its experimental research project So.cl to ﬁnd web pages, images and videos using its Bing search engine, and share them either publicly or privately. So.cl then assembles the found items into a page of images. Socially, users may join a ‘video party’ and chat with each other as well as share videos.

The new Yahoo! Axis browser searches smarter and faster by eliminating result links. It performs a search and goes straight to the thumbnails of the web pages. In just two steps, you’d ﬁnd what you were looking for! You can now download the iPad and iPhone versions of the Axis and, the plug-ins for Chrome, Firefox, IE and Safari browsers.

www.so.cl

axis.yahoo.com

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X While highlighting a ﬁle or text, rightclick on it to copy it, and right-click on another place to paste it. X Holding down the Ctrl key, left-click to select multiple objects or highlight multiple parts of a text. X Double-click the top title bar of a window to open it in full or to resize it.

“Knowing how to think empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.” ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History; Author of Space Chronicle, The Pluto Files, and StarTalk Radio host.

PLANET OF THE APPS GARMIN STREETPILOT ONBOARD FOR IPHONE

MUSIC MAVENS

With these new generation audio players, you’ll hear more than just sweet music.

PHILIPS GOGEAR CONNECT 3 Philips GoGear Connect 3 uses its own Songbird app to view photos, play music and HD videos in surround mode, and also sync them to your PC. When wearing the Sound Isolation headphone, the device can alert you if you are playing your music too loud. Its built-in WiFi also connects to the Internet to download and run Android apps. www.usa.philips.com

This navigation app identiﬁes streets, gas stations, businesses and speed limits on major roads. It displays buildings and landmarks in 3D, and lanes in realistic pictures. Its emergency locator tells you the exact latitude and longitude, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations. OS: iOS Price: USD29.99

SAMSUNG GALAXY 5.0 Like the iPod Touch, this Samsung music player looks and works like a smartphone. You can surf the web, log on to Facebook and Twitter, send out emails and play games, though you can’t send or receive calls. It plays 60 hours of music and eight hours of videos, and enables you to shoot pictures and videos with its 3.2 MP camera, and video chat with a front lens. www.samsung.com

TRIPADVISOR With TripAdvisor, you don’t need recommendations from your travel agent for your next holiday destination. Find reviews of hotels and destinations from other holidaymakers to help you make an informed decision. The reviews have holiday photos, advice on what to do (and what not to do), and also come with ratings on places, attractions, restaurants and hotels.

COWON D3 Suitable for ﬁtness freaks, this watch tracks your performance during workouts, calculating calories burned and distance covered while running. It's also sweat- and rain-proof, and scratch-resistant. You can even answer calls and texts, and listen to music and the radio. https://motoactv.com

OS: iOS and Android Price: Free

OOVOO ooVoo hosts not one but up to 12 HD video chats simultaneously! Even if your friends are not using ooVoo, they can still view your video message via links you email, post or text to them, or video chats you upload to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. For business use, you only pay USD2.99 a month to show slides, graphs and presentations to clients with ooVoo. OS: iOS and Android Price: Free

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SONY WALKMAN Z SERIES Just press on the W. button to play and control music on Sony’s ﬁrst Walkman operating on Android. For starters, ampliﬁed music blasts out from the xLOUD speakers without any noise and distortion. Connect the Walkman to the speakers, PC or TV either wirelessly using DLNA or through a HDMI port and you can sing along to synchronised lyrics, or just play games or watch videos. www.sony.com.my

8 SLEEP INNS 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SHORELINE SENSATIONS Sea, sand and sun are the essential ingredients for a fantastic beach holiday. But add to this some great beach resorts and you may think you have died and gone to heaven! Here’s our roundup of must-visit seaside resorts from around the region.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

EDITOR’S CHOICE!

FEEL THE LOVE

There are so many reasons to love Penang’s Shangri-la Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. With its ancient rain trees, opulent décor and world class Asian-inspired spa, it is easily one of the most luxurious resorts the Feringgi strip has to offer. From the moment I entered the luxurious Rasa Wing and was whisked by a friendly front desk staff to my spacious Rasa Premier Room with its outdoor bath on the balcony, I felt as though I was returning to a much-loved place – a place with soul. Not only does the resort exude Malaysian hospitality in the TLC its staff provide guests, it also showcases the beauty of local culture through its art that reﬂects Malay, Indian, Chinese and Peranakan heritage. Strolling through the resort is like having a mini cultural excursion. I found supersized belt buckles worn by Malay aristocracy, artwork inspired by the metal batik-making block, carvings of the tree of life that features extensively in Malay art, elaborate biscuit moulds and other fascinating cultural articles used as part of the resort’s décor. An informative booklet in my room offered insights into each piece – a TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

meaningful introduction to Malaysia’s colourful cultural melange. In the evenings, a traditional music troupe entertains with the mystical sounds of the gamelan. What better way to immerse oneself in the cultural heart of a country. Thought and care have gone into many offerings here, from the state-of-the-art gym, saltwater pool and cuddly robes (that don’t look like oversized lab coats you ﬁnd in most hotels) to the enormous bathrooms that come with L’Occitane products and a ledge to sit on. There are even service buttons in the garden if you need to buzz a waiter to top up your mojito!

tophats, spring rolls, ﬁsh cakes and green papaya salad, and sweet snacks like sago gula Melaka and mango sticky rice. For the ultimate indulgence, a trip to Rasa Sayang’s CHI, The Spa is a must! Before my treatment began, I was asked to pick from a variety of fragrant oils to determine my element. Selecting the right oil to complement a person’s element is important, and a fun way to begin the spa experience. Even yin and yang energy is assessed to handpick an appropriate masseuse. Besides a wide range of traditional Asian therapies, this spa offers a local touch with treatments inspired by Malay healing rituals. I tried

But for a lone female traveller, one of the most important aspects is the professional and helpful staff. The best experience I had was dining at the Feringgi Grill. It may be the 21st century, but it can still be a little unsettling for a single female to walk into a fine dining restaurant packed with couples and groups. Arriving at my table, I noticed the latest Cosmopolitan and Clue magazines waiting for me. Enquiring if this was standard entertainment, my waiter replied “Just for people like you…” For the rest of the night, attentive waiters popped by to ensure I was well taken care of, and recommended must-try classics like the fabulous Caesar salad and rich, gin-flamed tomato soup that have been on the menu since 1973! I was thankful for the company as well as the recommendations. These house specials lure diners back not just for their amazing flavours but for the tableside theatrics employed in their preparation. My waiter chatted easily with me as he deftly pounded, tossed, cooked and swirled everything to perfection. Instead of the hearty chateaubriand steak that the restaurant is popular for, I opted for a main course of a melt-in-your-mouth black cod served with a labna-stuffed red bell pepper – simply delicious! Then of course, there was dessert. While I was tempted by the pavlova with Chantilly cream, I opted for the house special, also prepared tableside: Crepe Feringgi, a simple but beautifully-balanced dish of baby bananas, citrus sauce and spiced rum, folded into a crepe and served with vanilla ice cream. Perfection! For more casual bites, the Pinang Bar offers all-day Penang Thaipas, basically tapas inspired by local and Thai flavours. These include tom yam and laksa shooters, as well as stylish servings of

the signature treatment, Rasa Asmaradana, which draws on techniques used by native Malay healers. Incredibly soothing, it includes a gentle massage with a steaming hot poultice of ginger, turmeric, pandanus leaves and lemongrass that relaxes the head and shoulders, and long kneading strokes using aromatic nutmeg, cinnamon and sandalwood oil to invigorate. To get your chi back, there’s nothing like the CHI Balance. Combining light and deep strokes, this holistic, full body massage works to bring your yin and yang back in harmony, and includes an aromatic bath in a lush private garden. Good food, great people and a focus on tranquillity. The Shangri-la Rasa Sayang really is heaven on earth.

SHANGRI-LA RASA SAYANG RESORT & SPA

Batu Feringgi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia +604-888 8888 www.shangri-la.com

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WORDS: R. RAJENDRA

EDITOR’S CHOICE!

SUNNY PLEASURES

I never stay put in a hotel to enjoy it to the maximum, no matter how luxurious or beautifully appointed. I simply need to get out of my room to explore the city, a nearby street, or a neighbouring market, drinking in the sights and smells. Not at the Angsana Laguna Phuket though. I surprised even myself when I remembered towards the end of my stay that I had made no effort to visit busy Patong Beach or the rest of Phuket. Even then, when I did make the trip, it lasted less than four hours! I simply wanted to return to the gloriously beautiful resort and hope to meet and play with Lucky, the resident baby elephant. More of that later. Located about 20 minutes from the airport on the shores of Bang Tao Bay, the Angsana Laguna Phuket is a slice of paradise on earth. It is a huge resort enclave with beautifully manicured gardens and a lagoon that’s mere metres from the Andaman Sea. It has great dining options, a beach club that reminded me of the beaches of Ibiza instead of Thailand, well-appointed rooms and villas and, many exciting amenities that’d require 300 pages to describe. Now you see why I stayed put, foregoing my gallivanting ways. Water is everywhere as this resort hugs the shores of the lagoon. Most of the 409 rooms in 10 different categories face either the ocean, the lagoon or the ridiculously long, free-form pool measuring 323 metres – the longest in Phuket. You can even travel from one end of the resort to another, or visit some of the other resorts within the lagoon by boat. And if swimming in the pool or the ocean doesn’t fulﬁl your water activity quota for the day, there is kayaking and sailing too. Some key attractions at Angsana Laguna saw me overjoyed. The ﬁrst was the TreeHouse Kid’s Club. As I’ve never been partial to tykes splashing about in the pool while screaming their lungs out, this kiddies club is the perfect place to dump the adorable ‘monsters’ while dad and mom get some quality time together. The club has a playground TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

with soft ﬂooring for the kids to tumble and fall, while additional programmes such as understanding Thai culture, Thai dancing and Muay Thai are designed to keep the children busy under the watchful eyes of the dedicated minders. Bliss for parents, sublime for people like me who believe kids should be seen only. Not heard. The second attraction was the rooms. From one and two bedroom lofts, Laguna Premier Rooms, suites and the Angsana Grand Pool Residence, the accommodation options are all exquisitely appointed with contemporary furnishing accented subtly with stylish traditional Thai elements. Purple, being the resort’s colour theme, is creatively woven throughout the resort and adds dramatic touches in further enhancing the beauty of the place. The third must-try attraction is the bespoke Angsana Spa, which offers soothing massages and therapies. This tropical garden conceptspa houses 12 indoor treatment rooms with a wide variety of wellness treatments from the East and West. Guests must try the signature Bamboo Massage that uses warmed bamboo poles and long massage strokes to gently soothe away your aches and untangle any knots in the body. The fourth and my personal favourite was the Xana Beach Club. Sleek, sexy and Oh so chic! this hotspot sits facing the ocean and is the perfect place for seamless day-to-night beach club experience. With celebrity DJs spinning the turntable and a 35-metre long, swim-up pool that dances with colourful lights according to music, Xana is the place to hang out. With an extensive cocktail and drink menu including some very unusual concoctions using local ingredients such as tamarind juice,

lemongrass, kafﬁr lime and basil leaf juice, the bar also serves up light lunches and dinners. Simply jump into one of the shaded deck chairs, grab a drink and you will be immediately transported to a world where worries and woes are just meaningless words. Dining options are aplenty here. For traditional Thai fare, head to Baan Talay. Marketplace offers buffet breakfast and popular Asian and international dishes in a restaurant that has ﬂoor-to-ceiling glass walls for maximum natural light. Bodega Grill offers Italian and Mediterranean dishes while Poolside Bar, Loy Krathong Bar and Beach Club round up the F&B options at the resort. One remarkable feature at this resort is the inter-resort dining facility where you can dine in any one of the other six resorts within the enclave and simply sign the bill to your room. And that brings me to Lucky. Lucky is the adorable baby elephant that makes his rounds in the morning and late afternoon around the resort. His appearance sends children squealing with delight while adults beam with pleasure, watching the pachyderm pick fruits off the ground and pat kids’ heads with his trunk. Lucky can even do a little courtsy when given something to eat and wave goodbye when he is done with you. I just couldn’t tear myself away from this delightful creature, especially when he patted/blessed me on my head before blowing snot onto my face. Everyone around me howled with laughter and enjoyed his antics before Lucky curtsied, waved goodbye and trudged away. He certainly was the resort’s lucky charm as the creature embodied all that is good, loving, hospitable and endearing about the Angsana Laguna Phuket.

EXPEDIA’S INSIDERS’ SELECT 2012 As the largest online travel agency in the world, Expedia has leveraged its rich hotel content, traveller reviews and local market expertise to deliver a highly informative and compelling list of top hotels worldwide via the Expedia Insiders’ Select programme. The Insiders’ Select list recognises top-ranked hotels available in Expedia’s global marketplace, drawing on its collection of more than 500,000 guest reviews annually combined with a value rating and the local market expertise of Expedia employees in markets worldwide. This list represents a selection of the top properties offered on Expedia, and aims to help travellers make conﬁdent decisions by identifying the hotels that are recognised by other travellers for delivering excellent overall experiences. Below are some hotels in Asia ranked very highly in the 2012 Expedia Insiders’ Select list.

TAJ LANDS END, MUMBAI Taj Lands End offers breathtaking views of the sea and the energy of metropolitan Mumbai. The hotel is located in the heart of the new Bandra, and has hosted celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan and Jessica Simpson.

CONRAD CENTENNIAL SINGAPORE The Conrad Centennial Singapore is located in the heart of Singapore’s liveliest and largest business, historical, cultural and shopping districts of Marina Bay. It is also close to worldclass attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, and Marina Bay Sands.

BOREI ANGKOR RESORT & SPA, SIEM REAP Angkor Resort & Spa is a truly Cambodian ﬁvestar hotel set right smack in Siem Reap. The hotel is a perfect base for exploring the Kingdom of Wonder, located just seven kms from Angkor Wat, and just a ﬁve minutes drive to Siem Reap.

GRAN MELIA SHANGHAI

ANGSANA LAGUNA PHUKET

Located in the prestigious Pudong District and overlooking the Huangpu River, Gran Meliá Shanghai Hotel provides panoramic views of the Shanghai cityscape, with easy access to the city’s major landmarks and tourist attractions. 310 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngthalay, Talang, Phuket, Thailand www.angsana.com

Book these amazing hotels on Expedia online and get the most bang for your travel buck. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

WORDS: MATTHEW MOK

EDITOR’S CHOICE!

SPA’CIALL ALL AROUND

“Peace will always prevail”. The copy on my favourite tee immediately popped to mind as I walked into Fusion Maia, Da Nang in Central Vietnam. Amazingly tranquil, the resort has been designed to exude a Zen-like atmosphere without compromising on luxury and creature comforts. Clad in clean, simple lines, the resort’s decor was beautifully accented with warm, neutral tones that set the mood for a very pleasant stay. Meticulously trimmed gardens and water elements added to the calm and created the kind of atmosphere I longed for, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. After a quick introduction to the beach resort, I was led to one of the 80 Pool Villas located within the grounds. Luxurious but without being opulent, the villa was a well-appointed and spacious suite with the living quarters extending all the way to a private pool and garden. I quickly performed my obligatory check-in with Foursquare, thanks to the resort-wide complimentary WiFi service, which was then followed by me checking out the rain shower in the bathroom! With thoughtful amenities – toiletries for him and her – I couldn’t help but wonder how the high end Spa Villas, the 2-bedroom Deluxe Beach Villa and the 3-bedroom Grand Beach Villa would look. Of course the bed in the villa was one of the best I’d ever tried. Accompanied by ﬂuffy pillows, the big and comfortable bed took sleep to a brand new level of luxury. This was the type of bed that you simply do not want to get out of in the mornings. Fusion Maia also has a huge swimming pool overlooking the ocean. The view was simply sublime – azure waters, soft white sands and warm ocean breeze. This was the type of seaside resort that newly married couples would come to for wedding photo shoots. Adjacent to the pool, an open-air restaurant served fresh juices, salads and seafood. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

After a dinner of Asian and fusion ﬂavours at Five Dining Room, it was time to pay Maia Spa a visit. What was really cool about Fusion Maia was the all-inclusive spa sessions that are extended to all guests at no extra charge. Treatments at the spa include a selection of massages, body treatments such as scrubs and wraps, as well as facials, manicures and pedicures. My spa appointment was prebooked and after answering a simple questionnaire, I soon experienced unparalleled bliss with the ‘Natural Living Massage’ – a combination of ancient Eastern healing and holistic aromatherapy. Every knot was untangled and stress points melted away blissfully. Realising I could never get enough of this massage, I quickly made appointments for the following day for the signature massage ‘Fusion Feeling’ and decided to give a little TLC to my face with an aromatherapy facial, followed by a hand relaxation massage and a manicure. An in-house spa trainer, whose resume includes extensive spa-training experiences at the Banyan Tree Training Academy, provides a minimum of 3-month training to all new staff, while a doctor specialising in Ayurveda from India advises on holistic guidance and mentoring. Even at 100 per cent occupancy at the resort, each guest is guaranteed two treatments per day. Guests can pre-book their ﬁrst two treatments prior to arrival. On arrival, they can book two treatments per day for the rest of their stay. If they want additional treatments, the spa will try to accommodate the request, subject to availability of therapists.

One added feature of the spa is guests can also enjoy express spa facilities at a cocktail bar called Fusion Lounge in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An at no extra cost. With free shuttle bus services to Hoi An from Fusion Maia, guests can enjoy the historic wonders of this town, do a spot of shopping and cap it off with a quick spa treatment before heading back to Da Nang. Big on all things natural, I discovered another interesting feature offered at Fusion Maia. The Natural Living programme here encompasses spirit uplifting activities such as laughter yoga, foot reﬂexology and pebble meditation. Food is also an integral part of this programme where freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices are prepared for detoxiﬁcation and rejuvenation. But it doesn’t end there. Even the wellbeing of the soul is catered for with the ‘Seven Daily Practices’ philosophy. This programme is part of an activity that is colour coded for each day of the week with daily themes such as Eat Well, Get Social, Enjoy Nature, Be Active and Open Your Mind. Guests are invited to follow the programme by inculcating elements of natural living such as eating fresh, unprocessed foods and participating in mind and soul uplifting activities, each carefully designed to help achieve a balanced lifestyle.

Oh, did I mention the resort’s destination gourmet breakfast? It’s another unique feature that allows guests to enjoy breakfast anytime and anywhere. I opted for smoked salmon, bacon and eggs served sunny-side up, complemented by pastries and fruit juices and tea served by the beach while enjoying the morning ocean breeze! If only every morning was like this. After two and a half days of getting pampered with endless spa treatments, dining on healthy meals and allowing good vibes to permeate my heart, mind and soul, my battery was fully recharged. Fusion Maia more than met my expectation of a quality spa resort, backed by its ever-helpful staff.

Just before I bade farewell to the wonderful staff, I learnt that a new hotel called Fusion Alya will be launched soon in Hoi An, and its unique concept is all about eating healthy. No prizes for guessing who will be making another trip soon to Da Nang.

FUSION MAIA DA NANG

Truong Sa Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City, Vietnam +84 511 3967 999 www.fusionmaiadanang.com

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BALI BLISS Located in the exclusive Nusa Dua resort area, the Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, boasts panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a promise of the best ever beach vacation on the Island of the Gods. The 257 guest rooms and 19 suites combine modern Balinese style with evocative tropical garden or lagoon views, while the resort’s unique Lagoon Access Rooms allow you to step from your private balcony directly into crystal-clear lagoon waters. Guests can also enjoy seven swimmable lagoons, the ﬁrst swimmable lagoon in the world, stretching over 5,000-square metres. Dining options here include Banyubiru, which features pan-Asian and international cuisines, while the beachfront restaurant Arwana offers extensive coastal cuisine with fresh seafood. Cornerstone features a wine room with a unique setting for private dining and a deli with a sambal corner for tasting ﬁve authentic sambals from various Indonesian provinces. One amazing service provided by the resort is Luggage Liaison. With this bespoke service, you can travel without luggage to any of the hotel brand’s 69 destinations, with peace of mind that comes from knowing that your belongings will be waiting in your room upon arrival. As part of this programme, your baggage will be retrieved by Luggage Forward’s door-to-door luggage delivery service prior to departure and sent to the hotel to be placed in the room and unpacked before you arrive, upon request.

FUSION FAB The old and new of Singapore artfully come together in architecture, service and hospitality at Capella Singapore, located on Sentosa Island, where curved, modern structures gently intermingle with colonial buildings and the verdant rainforest. The experience begins as soon as guests approach the premises, where a private driveway meanders up to the hotel. Here, visitors will be received by hotel staff in two historic bungalows named Tanah Merah, dating back to the 1880s. With the waves gently lapping against the shore of the resort, guests can indulge in total luxury at any of the guestrooms, manor, suite and pool suite. Here, touches of Asia mix with contemporary design, while marble vanities in the bathroom, natural wood cabinets and plush carpeting cocoon guests in total luxury. What makes your stay here truly enjoyable is the huge list of complimentary services such as ﬂexible check-in and check-out times and, the usage of the exclusive Capella Library that offers light snacks and refreshments throughout the day, amongst others. A special Personal Assistant will also contact guests to assist them with their travel arrangements and any other details that they may need sorted while staying at this very special hotel.

CAPELLA SINGAPORE 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore

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THE LAGUNA RESORT & SPA, NUSA DUA, BALI Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N2, Nusa Dua, Bali

8 FEATURE 0 2012

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE

From a pioneer of the People’s TV to the driving force behind the ‘People’s Airline’, Marianne Hontiveros, CEO of Philippines AirAsia, is a dynamic leader who is fearless in taking on challenges. WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

Rebel or revolutionary, Marianne Hontiveros – or Maan as she is known – is a natural born leader. She’s been at the forefront of power struggles in Philippines, and is regarded as an icon of strength, independence and femininity. Maan’s foray into the world of travel began in her college days when she set up a student travel bureau organising exchange programmes and access to student and youth charter ﬂights between Asia and Europe. A great success, this initiative offered young Filipinos the opportunity to experience the world. Since then, Maan has taken giant strides in the travel industry, championing low cost travel and empowering even more people to ﬂy.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! With a passion for performing arts and broadcast journalism, it was inevitable that Maan begin her working life in front of the camera. Those in Philippines who grew up in the 70s would be familiar with this former broadcast journalist and TV personality who hosted the nation’s very ﬁrst magazine format TV show, Ms. Ellaneous. Airing at prime time, Maan travelled throughout the country covering a wide variety of subjects from the arts, culture, entertainment and tourism to social and environmental issues. However, after eight years, political interference brought an end to the show. “We were thrown out of the TV station just before the fall of Marcos because we wanted to give airtime to the opposition.” Maan’s break from the TV industry was only temporary. During the People Power Revolution, she would return vindicated and stronger than ever as she played a key role in the takeover of the very same TV station that had once attempted to silence her. On February 24, 1986, Maan was one of three broadcasters who went on air to announce that Channel 4 had been seized by the rebel soldiers of President Aquino. “That

Maan and her dream team at Philippines AirAsia.

was a big psychological turn in the struggle. It showed the people and the entire world that Marcos was no longer in control. When I got to the TV station, there was gun ﬁghting in the streets. As soon as the government forces inside laid down their arms, we ran in, rounded up some engineers and said: Put up the transmitter again. We’re going on the air! We instantly renamed it People’s TV 4. We were not the government; we were the people!” But going on air meant dangerous exposure. When fresh forces were sent over to reclaim the station, Maan called on the people for support. “We would have been dead ducks if they’d taken over the station, but people surrounded us, and they couldn’t get through. I was proud to be part of the ﬁrst free broadcast from this station.” After 20 years under the repressive regime, this was an emotional moment for all Filipinos. Watching Maan on TV in Washington DC, her brother broke down. “He called and left a message. It said: Dearest Maan, we are proud of you, we love you. But, please comb your hair!”

FATEFUL MEETING In the 90s, Maan joined the media bureau working on Fidel Ramos’ campaign for ofﬁce. But when Ramos became president, Maan declined the invitation to join his administration. Instead, she told the president that she could better serve him in the private sector. The path she chose would lead her to AirAsia. In 1992, while setting up Warner Music in the Philippines, Maan met Tony Fernandes, who was heading Warner Music Malaysia. “We got along instantly! Tony has a great sense of humour and is extremely bright – My kind of guy!” The two became ﬁrm friends. “When Tony decided to set up Tune Air, he called and said ‘Just be ready because we’re setting up an airline!’ I asked what he knew about running an airline. Tony said ‘Hey, if we can sell compact discs, we can sell airline seats! It’s going to be affordable for people, and I’m going to call it Tune Air.” “I asked ‘As in sing in tune?’ He answered ‘Absolutely, sing in tune!’ Even at that point, TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Philippines AirAsia’s maiden flight out of Clark.

the Filipino market. “We may be ASEAN, but we’re not homogenous. AirAsia is very dynamic, able to adapt and change with the times, and continually improve processes.”

NAVIGATING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

we knew we’d eventually set up a joint venture in Philippines.”

RISE OF PHILIPPINES AIRASIA With friend and patron of the arts, Antonio Cojuangco as Chairman, and Michael Romero as Vice Chairman, Maan put together a joint venture in less than four years. The establishment of Philippines AirAsia was finally announced in December 2010. Immediate hurdles encountered were obtaining the AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate), as well as seat allocations. “Most of the other airlines had already gobbled up much of the available seats on routes we wanted to fly. We needed to get the Philippine government to reallocate seats held but un-utilised by other local carriers, and start air talks for additional seat allocations.” Protectionism was also a problem. “We adopted Open Skies in 2010. But, nothing happens overnight. I’m quite vocal about this. They have to even up the playing field, and allow more players in.” But the greatest challenge Maan faced was building her dream team. “We needed people with a passion for travel, who could work both independently and as a team.” She was told that the best people for the airline industry were the creative ones because they love life, and she wholeheartedly agreed. Maan recruited a vibrant mix of analytical and creative minds from within and outside the aviation industry, leading to Philippines AirAsia making its maiden flight in March 2012. While leveraging on the strength of the AirAsia brand, as CEO of a start-up airline, Maan has artfully tailored the airline for 62

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In terms of the direction of the airline, Maan has clear goals. “I’ve given myself a ﬁve-year timetable. In that time, I want Clark to be the gateway of ASEAN to the US.” But more than commercially-driven goals, Maan would like to support initiatives she’s passionate about. As an avid scuba diver for almost 30 years, and a member of a worldwide foundation called Reef Check International that monitors the health of reefs, Maan works closely with marine biologists and scientists on reef monitoring and training of volunteer scuba divers for coastal resource management in Batangas, where she lives. “I think we should champion environmental causes, particularly since we use up a lot of fuel. Closest to my heart is reef conservation. We are at the centre of biodiversity in this part of the world. The health of our reefs will impact not only our country but also the rest of the world.” As a great supporter of the arts including Ballet Philippines and the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Maan also feels strongly about developing local talent. “There are so many talented Filipino artists and not enough support for them. Art is a tourist attraction. It would be cool if we could sponsor artists from all over the region!”

5 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MAAN X In school, Maan was a member of the theatre and Glee Club! X In college, Maan worked on a children’s TV show called Lollypop Party. X Maan has a Bachelor of Arts degree, and is currently pursuing a second degree – in music! X Maan’s favourite dive spot is the Tubbataha Reef in Cebu, Philippines, but she’s also dived in Manado, Indonesia and the Red Sea. X Maan’s travel essentials include her laptop, iPad, four phones and Crest brand of toothpaste! Maan loves adventure in the great outdoors.

Maan on shoot for Ms. Ellaneous.

LIVING LIFE When Maan is off the clock, she loves to play guitar. In fact, this accomplished entrepreneur is a classical guitarist who loves baroque music. She ﬁrst picked up the guitar as a student playing protest and folk songs, but went back to school in 2008 to study classical guitar. Maan believes that studying music has done wonders for her. “Having the discipline to study and go through exams and performance evaluations is very good for me. Learning music theory opens up the synapses in the brain. This is good because as the CEO of Philippines AirAsia, I’ve had to learn a whole new industry.” This would be a daunting experience for even the bravest of people, but Maan is unafraid. “There’s nothing to fear, but fear itself. Live life now! You have to be true to yourself, and in everything, be fair. If you’re guided by that, you can’t go wrong! ” *Follow Maan Hontiveros on Twitter @maanhontiveros

Maan on the TV show Lollypop Party in the 1970s.

As a mischievous chil d, Maan (left) loved playing pran ks.

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BEAUTY & BRAINS

Do not be fooled by Aireen Omar’s easy-going personality and sweet demeanour. Behind the geniality lies a fiercely determined lady who has swum with sharks on the trading floor during her mid 20s. The new CEO of Malaysia AirAsia proves once and for all that beauty and brains can coexist quite comfortably. WORDS: CHITRA S PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

GROWING UP Born and bred in Petaling Jaya (PJ) in Selangor, Malaysia, Aireen is a true blue PJ girl. She attended Assunta Primary and Secondary school, which she credits for helping shape her character and personality during her formative years. The rose among thorns at home, with three brothers who used to tease and bully her, Aireen learned to fight her own battles early and stand up for herself. While Aireen enjoyed pursuits like ballet and piano, reading Beano and Dandy comics, and watching TV just like others her age, she was also ambitious and decided on a career path at the tender age of 15. “My father encouraged me to read Liar’s Poker and Barbarians at the Gate – two books that defined 1980s Wall St. The books were so interesting that I decided right then that I would one day work on Wall Street.” Deciding on which university to attend was an easy one for Aireen. A fan of the sitcom Family Ties, Aireen recalls being influenced by Michael J. Fox’s character on the hit TV series, whose dream was to attend the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). “After watching an episode of Family Ties, I asked my father if LSE was a good school and he said it was one of the best universities in the world. So, I immediately set my goals. I told my dad I was going to study at LSE and work on Wall Street.” Once she set her mind to it, there was no turning back for Aireen. After graduating from LSE, she moved to the US and obtained a Master’s degree in Economics from NYU. This then led to her securing a position at Deutsche Bank Securities, which put her on the trading floor. Only in her 20s, Aireen had quickly achieved what she set out to do as a teenager. Dealing with huge sums of money daily, the young woman learned to be focused and objective in her work. As the years wore

Aireen with her staff from Malaysia AirAsia.

on, however, she realised that the harsh realities of working on the trading ﬂoor were turning her into a different person. “I was becoming tense and loud; it wasn’t me. I was raised to be respectful. That’s when I knew I had to get out.” And as more opportunities were opening up back home, Aireen decided to return to Malaysia.

FORGING AHEAD Back on home turf, she joined the banking industry thinking it would be a natural progression. After a couple of years, however, Aireen felt she wanted to do more and started looking for a new challenge. In 2006, she was approached by Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia, with an offer to lead the airline’s Corporate Finance unit. Game for a new challenge and buoyed by Kamarudin’s vision for the company, Aireen agreed to come onboard. “AirAsia has given me the opportunity to explore what I can do and test my capabilities. It is truly a company that links effort with reward. It allows people to

be themselves and, realise their full potential.” Aireen set about her work with great determination and, many challenges came hurtling her way. During the peak of the credit crisis, she was responsible for securing competitive financing for a brand new fleet of aircraft, ensuring the delivery of the fleet would not be affected by the economic situation. Keeping her cool even during the most trying period, Aireen proved her mettle and garnered respect as a formidable businesswoman. “It was an unprecedented situation. Banks were collapsing and they didn’t have money to lend. I had to keep engaging the banks to make sure our aircraft would be delivered on schedule. There was no room for excuses. My job was to read the market and I had to deliver.” As CEO of Malaysia AirAsia, Aireen has her work cut out for her and that includes ensuring the company stays ahead of the game at all times. “We cannot be complacent. We have to be able to withstand things like spikes in oil prices, competitive pressure and, be prepared for every eventuality.” The role of CEO also means that she is the head TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

cheerleader for over 5,000 employees. Not only does she have to oversee the business aspect of things, Aireen also needs to ensure that employees are motivated and continue to contribute positively toward the company’s growth. “In a way, I’m a cheerleader. I have to ensure everyone works together, achieves objectives that have been set and continue being creative and innovative in whatever they do.”

GIRL POWER

a French banker break down in tears! “Be tough when you have to be. It’s possible to maintain a pleasant personality and not be treated like a doormat. If someone tries to take advantage of you, then you have to take a tough stand and, from experience, I’ve found that people will respect you for it.” Her advice to young women? “Be focused, work hard and never give up. It’s also important to be humble as that will keep you grounded.” Not one to do things in half measures, Aireen is also a ﬁrm believer in being the best in all that she does, no matter what she dabbles in. “Whatever you choose to do, don’t do it halfway. You’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve by giving it your all.”

Aireen has never found gender a stumbling block, despite being a high-powered woman in a relatively male-dominated industry. “Gender has never played a role in my career. All I know is this is what I’m expected to do, and I have to be the best at it. Generally, people expect to see a man at business meetings, Despite her hectic schedule, Aireen tries to and some do get a little uncomfortable when I balance work with play. Weekends are spent walk in, but once they realise that I’m capable catching up with family and friends, and and can do the job, they warm up to the idea indulging in her favourite pastimes. Aireen of working with me.” is passionate about staying ﬁt, and keeps in Interestingly, Aireen makes no shape with an exercise routine that includes compromise when it comes to her femininity. power plates, pilates and swimming. She “Women do not have to sacriﬁce their also enjoys the arts and loves visiting art femininity because it is what makes us galleries and attending concerts. To chill unique. I think we should allow people to out, she watches movies and appreciate us as women, and appreciate the fact that women can be capable leaders.” Don’t, however, be fooled by her good looks and girl-next-door personality – Aireen is no My family. My parents pushover. She once made

HER PASSION

MY INSPIRATION

sometimes, even manages to keep up with the Kardashians on E! Whether for work or leisure, travel is also high on Aireen’s agenda, and she counts Indonesia and Myanmar among her favourite destinations. “I love travelling and that’s probably one of the reasons I was attracted to AirAsia. It’s a way to see the world, and to experience different cultures. You get to see how people live, how they work and what makes them tick.” *Follow Aireen Omar on Twitter @aireenomar

5 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT AIREEN X She dances to music playing in her car while waiting at trafﬁc lights. X In school, she used to be ‘in love’ with John Taylor from the band Duran Duran. X As a child, she did a bit of modelling and even appeared in a television commercial. X She currently holds an orange belt in Aikido and aspires to master the Japanese martial art. X She loves anything with peanut butter and chocolate in it.

and my siblings have always inspired me to be the best that I can be. They are my pillars of strength.

Flip through the following pages to read about other women AllStars who are trailblazing in AirAsia. 66

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KATHLEEN TAN Regional Head of Commercial

IMAGE COURTESY OF U+ WEEKLY

Kathleen, or Kat as she is fondly known, has been with AirAsia for over eight years now and has a massive portfolio that includes Network & Fleet Planning, Scheduling, Revenue Management, Marketing, Branding, Communications, Ancillary & Financial Services and E-Content, amongst others, under her capable wings. She set foot into the industry with practically no experience and had to literally learn it from scratch. Kat’s ‘never-say-never’ attitude, determination and drive have not only seen her penetrating and setting up new markets for AirAsia, they have also served her well in exploring new ways in marketing the AirAsia brand the world over, earning her the accolade of a Social Media maven. To date, her Weibo account has over 130,000 followers, ranking her as the 2,510th most influential personality in over 300 million users on the micro blogging site. As a woman in an industry that is predominantly male, Kat has an interesting take on it: “It is not a disadvantage. In fact, it is very empowering. The men I deal with admire us women for doing the work that, prior to this, was exclusively a man’s domain. They appreciate the fact that women are equally capable and can shoulder the same responsibilities and deliver results like any other. Additionally, I find it easy to deal with them when it comes to negotiations. Men cave in quickly when faced with a strong woman.” Kat is also a firm believer that women like her are role models for the younger generation to aim for excellence. She is a very good example of how talent, drive and hard work can ensure success and wants young career women to emulate and learn from her experiences. “Women out there still face lots of obstacles in their career paths. For Asians, there is still a certain amount of conservatism that prevents women from reaching their full potential. This is where I come in as a mentor. I am able to coach women from the various countries where AirAsia has been established to embrace their talents and natural charm as women to aggressively pursue their dreams and goals.” An avid techie, Kat puts it all down to skills and talent and enthuses that AirAsia practises what it preaches. “There is no gender discrimination in this company. You will see female engineers, pilots and even Ramp Agents (baggage handlers). Whatever a man can do, a woman can do it equally well, if not better. We are equal opportunity employers and treat both genders alike. In fact, we treat all three genders equally!” she ended the chat with a hearty chuckle. *Follow Kathleen Tan on Twitter @Empressrox, on Instagram @ kathleentan and Weibo at http://weibo.com/kathleentan

LEFT

KHURAIZAH RAMLAN Flight Attendant Executive, Malaysia AirAsia

HOW IS BEING A WOMAN ADVANTAGEOUS IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? In my position, being a woman and a mother helps tremendously, especially in my approach to our younger employees, many of whom have just left school or are in their early 20s. I ﬁnd that they respond to instructions better when I employ a more motherly tone.

RIGHT

YIM SZE MIN Lead Projects Engineer, Engineering, Malaysia AirAsia

DO YOU FIND IT A CHALLENGE HAVING MOSTLY MEN AS COLLEAGUES? In the beginning, of course, I had to prove my worth. But over time, I’ve found that it isn’t a challenge to have men as colleagues. In fact, we are able to learn from each other, especially when it comes to problem-solving on the job.

RIGHT

SHIREEN CHIA Regional Head, Catering and Inflight Business

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FORCED TO SACRIFICE YOUR FEMININITY IN THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER AND IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? A certain degree of gender biasness still exists in the business world. But I’ve learned there is no need to sacriﬁce my femininity to get the job done I just need to get tough if a situation calls for it. I think it’s important to be true to what I believe in and be myself at all times.

IMAGES: SHAWN LOR, BLINK STUDIO

LEFT

TERRI CHIN Group Head, Quality & Assurance

DO WOMEN MAKE BETTER LEADERS AND IF YES, WHY? Leadership is not necessarily linked to gender. In my opinion, women tend to make good leaders in roles that require empathy and an eye for detail. Anyone can have visionary ideas but in order to execute those ideas and make them work, details are critical.

LEFT

SIEGTRAUND TEH SIEW FOONG

Group Marketing Manager

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FORCED TO SACRIFICE YOUR FEMININITY IN THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER AND IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? Business behaviour is not gender-based as no one can force you to not be a man or woman. It is work and such environments call for professionalism. The good thing is that women are highly adaptable. Sometimes, at the end of a working day, the boys may want to go for a Karaoke session and a woman may want to join them. But she can always carry herself like a lady, enjoy the session and still be one of the team. There is no need to sacriﬁce anything.

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CENTRE

NADIRA RAMLI Co-pilot, Malaysia AirAsia

DO YOU FIND IT A CHALLENGE HAVING MOSTLY MEN AS COLLEAGUES? Not at all – it’s already part of our culture at AirAsia to treat everyone as equals and all my male colleagues have treated me as such. There has never been any question of my abilities just because I’m a girl. What matters is doing a good job and ensuring our guests have a safe and enjoyable ﬂight.

RIGHT

CAROLINE CHAI SET PENG

Manager, Communications, Malaysia AirAsia

WHAT MOTIVATES OR EMPOWERS YOU TO DELIVER THE BEST IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? It’s the passion I have for my job. I’ve been with the company for ﬁve years now and I look forward to each day at work. I think if you enjoy what you do, it’s only natural that you’ll give your all on the job.

JASMINE LEE SZE INN Director of Commercial, Malaysia AirAsia

DO WOMEN MAKE BETTER LEADERS AND IF YES, WHY? I don’t think it’s a matter of gender. Our AllStars culture promotes gender equality and female leaders are just as essential to the organisation as their male counterparts. It’s all about having a balanced environment at work. Men tend to be pragmatic in their work and women bring balance to this equation with their nurturing and personal approach.

ANDI NADIA IKRANA Manager, Route Revenue and Development, Indonesia AirAsia

WHAT MOTIVATES OR EMPOWERS YOU TO DELIVER THE BEST IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? That’s easy – my team, Tony (Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO AirAsia), and a full ﬂight. Those are the factors that make me strive for the best at work.

ZAMRAH ISMAIL Head, People Dept., Malaysia AirAsia

DO WOMEN MAKE BETTER LEADERS AND IF YES, WHY? Personally, I believe gender has no bearing on whether someone will make a good leader. At the end of the day, it all comes down to job performance. As long as you’re able to deliver, it does not matter if you are a woman or a man. This is more apparent in a company like AirAsia that does not differentiate between sexes.

FAR LEFT

NORAZALIA MD ARIF

Ramp Agent, Malaysia AirAsia

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT TASK THAT YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN AND HOW DID YOU SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE IT? Towing an aircraft has been the most difďŹ cult task thus far. It is something that even men may cringe at but I take each challenge in my stride and look to my seniors for guidance.

LEFT

RENUKA KUNATHEVAN

Head, People Engagement, Malaysia AirAsia

WHAT MOTIVATES OR EMPOWERS YOU TO DELIVER THE BEST IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? The hope that what I do touches the lives of our fellow AllStars, even in the smallest way, by helping to create a work environment that is both fun and productive.

RIGHT

WITCHUNEE KUNTAPENG

FAR RIGHT

PARIMALA THARMALINGAM

Station Head, Bangkok, Thai AirAsia

Ramp Agent, Malaysia AirAsia

DO WOMEN MAKE BETTER LEADERS AND IF YES, WHY?

CAN A FEMALE HANDLE A TOUGH JOB SUCH AS YOURS?

Yes, I think so because women tend to be more understanding and adaptable. We can be strong and tough, or soft and demure, depending on what the situation calls for. We know how to multi-task and we can juggle between different roles without breaking into a sweat!

Equal opportunity means a woman should be able to handle any job, and being a Ramp Agent is no different. Gender has no bearing on your capabilities. The most important thing is that you are able to do the job.

! R E V T S E E B E H T T E G D ing in to LCCT

flights com able on ALL

Avail

except from

Singapore

I A P E R MOBILE P . N W O T DEAL IN

Super IDD Rates:

Data:

5 sen/1MB

Australia RM0.16 China RM0.15 India RM0.14

Calls:

16 sen/min

SMS:

5 sen/sms Ask that nice looking flight attendant that you have been ‘admiring’ about our SIM cards. Definitely a valid reason (if you don’t already have one) to break the ice. Go ahead. Could be your lucky day. And if it is, you’d already have a mobile prepaid service you could use. Cheap rates to make those calls too. Best deal? Definitely. Also available at our kiosk at the International Arrival, LCCT.

/TuneTalk

@TuneTalk

www.tunetalk.com

8 FEATURE • Philippines 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

PICTURE PERFECT BORACAY

Azure waters, palm-tree fringed white sandy beaches, and everso friendly locals complete the picture postcard that is Boracay. Ranked among the most beautiful islands in the world, this gem in the Philippine archipelago is truly a slice of paradise.

IMAGE: CORBIS

WORDS: CHITRA S PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Feast on fresh seafood like these steamed mud crabs that are served at beachside restaurants on White Beach; swimming in the clear waters of Crystal Cove Island; D’Mall is the largest shopping area in Boracay.

Located approximately 315kms south of Manila and 2kms off the northwest tip of Panay in the Western Visayas region, Boracay comprises three main barangays (villages) – Manoc-Manoc, Balabag and Yapak. Relatively tiny compared to other Southeast Asian island getaways like Phuket and Bali, this dog-bone shaped island measures only 7kms in length and is just 1km wide at its narrowest point. It is believed that the island’s name stems from the word borac meaning ‘cotton’ in the local Aklan tongue, which alludes to its soft-ascotton ﬁne sand beaches. But like all beautiful islands, Boracay has its own romantic legend. My guide, Bobby Casimero, a native islander or Boracaynon, recounted a tale told to him by his grandmother when he was just knee-high. According to legend, the island was ﬁrst inhabited by a couple who were deeply in love. The husband, Bora and his wife, Acay decided their island

home should be christened Boracay – a testament to their everlasting love and, to ensure the memory of their love would live on long after they had passed. I personally couldn’t ﬁnd any documentation to verify this legend but the story is an appealing one and besides, Boracay certainly seems tailor-made for romance. At every turn, I found myself wishing my other half was with me to share the glorious beauty of the island. Taking cover from the sun beneath the shade of a palm tree while Casimero rattled on, I imagined spending a lazy afternoon or two lying with my partner in a hammock, with just the sound of waves lapping against the shore for company.

BEACHY KEEN Decades ago, before word of the island’s beauty became widespread, White Beach on the western side of Boracay was a

backpackers’ haven, and a place to chill out and watch the world go by. It may be hard to keep development at bay, especially now that tourists are ﬂocking to Boracay in droves, but the island still retains a laidback vibe that cannot be replicated, at least not in this part of the world. White Beach is split into three main zones named after disused boat stations that used to serve particular stretches of the beach. Station 1 is home to boutique hotels and ﬁve-star properties while Station 2 offers mid-range accommodation. Station 3 offers lodgings that are easy on the pocket and is the preferred choice of backpackers and shoestring travellers. All three areas front the same gorgeous beach so, it really doesn’t matter where you are based and, considering the entire length of White Beach stretches only about 4kms, it is possible to walk from one end to the other. Motorised vehicles aren’t allowed TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

onto the sandy pedestrian pathway, which is the strip of land between hotels, restaurants and shops, and the rest of the beach. From sunrise to sunset, White Beach is the island’s vibrant hub. During the day, colourful paraw (sailboats) and bangka (pump boats) line up at the shoreline ready to ferry passengers to outlying islets. Tourists and locals pass time with games of beach soccer or volleyball, and little kids walk around with baskets of trinkets for sale. The scene, however, changes as the sun sets, when makeshift stalls hawking everything from instant tattoos to ‘designer’ sunglasses take over the beach. Having hawkers cajole you into buying a fourth pair of sunglasses may not be everyone’s cup of tea but bargaining on the beach for trinkets and ‘I LOVE BORACAY’ T-shirts is part of the island’s charm. And once the sale is closed, reward yourself as I did, with an ice-cold bottle of San Miguel from one of the many beach-side bars. Sitting on a deckchair, on the beach and under the stars on my first night on the island, I was coaxed into a lazy stupor by a combination of, I believe, San Miguels, the evening breeze, and strains of reggae wafting from a band performing on the beach. As the night wore on, I traipsed the entire stretch of Stations 2 and 3, and was promptly entertained by even more musicians performing under makeshift tents, and firedancers that could sober anyone up with their daring routines. The easy-like-Sundaymorning feeling is what makes White Beach and Boracay a much-loved and favoured destination. Boracaynons like Casimero, however, prefer Puka Beach in the northern end of the island. Named for the cone-shaped shells of a sea snail found on its shores, Puka is a much quieter stretch of beach. There are other beaches along the island as well, like Diniwid on the West and the secluded Ilig-Iligan in the East. If you are keen on exploring different beaches on the island, do your homework first or enlist the assistance of a local guide.

CRYSTAL CLEAR

ABOVE: The waters off Boracay Island are rich with marine life such as this pretty starfish.

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Waking up bright and early on Day 2 of my Boracay jaunt, I boarded a bangka from Bulabog Beach to Crystal Cove Island Resort (www.crystalcoveisland.com), a private island dotted with man-made sculptures of no particular theme. There was a voluptuous nude woman, various animals, and life-sized ﬁgures reminiscent of Easter Island statues. Curiosities aside, it is the island’s beautiful coves and aviary that attract boatloads of tourists daily. I was told the island gets its name from crystal rock formations that are

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Quench your thirst with fresh coconut water in the middle of the sea; a fire dancer thrills the crowd with his daring routine on White Beach; the entrance to Crystal Cove Island.

found on it, but unfortunately, I never did come across any. “The exact location of the crystals is a well-kept secret; only the owners know where it is,” said Casimero of the hidden gems. Luckily for me and other visitors, the island’s natural coves were the bigger draw. It took me about 30 minutes to trek from one end of the island to the other, in order to explore the coves. Navigating my way carefully down a steep stone staircase, I entered the ﬁrst cove, which was ideal for snorkelling. The second cove further along the island took a little more work though. Crawling on my hands and knees through a narrow tunnel, I was rewarded with stunning sea views. The island also offers a bird’s eye view of the surroundings, which includes Boracay and other nearby islands and islets. After exploring the coves, I got back onto the bangka and headed out to the open sea for

more snorkelling. Boats plying the BoracayCrystal Cove route often stop along a reef near Crocodile Island (so named for its snout-like appearance), allowing passengers to explore the rich marine life there. Feeling a little tired, I decided against diving, and watched as my more adventurous fellow passengers took the plunge. Joining them was my experienced boatman who dived straight into the water sans equipment to bring me a starﬁsh, seahorses and pretty shells, which were promptly returned to the water after a very brief show-and-tell session. The afternoon heat was taking its toll on me when Casimero tapped my shoulder and enquired if I wanted an ice-cream. With neither a cooler nor fridge in sight, I thought the sun had gotten to his head, until I spied a couple of canoes racing towards our boat. As the boatmen paddled closer, I could see

that one was laden with coconuts while the other had a little cooler box packed to the brim with ice-cream cones. Needless to say, everyone devoured the ice-cream and had their ﬁll of coconut water right there in the middle of the sea!

BYE BYE BORACAY Just as I was settling into the island way of life, and much too fast for my liking, Day 3 rolled around and it was time to leave beautiful Boracay. That morning, I awoke to a puddle of water in my room courtesy of a leaky roof and a tropical storm. The dismal weather echoed the way I felt about leaving Boracay behind. I packed my bags with a heavy heart, but as the sun ﬁnally broke through the dark clouds, lifting my spirits, I told myself I would one day return to Boracay – the island of everlasting love. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

JOURNEY TO BORACAY Though the island is sometimes described as far-flung, it is easy to get to Boracay with AirAsia. My flight from Clark to Kalibo in the Aklan province took just about an hour. From Kalibo, which is the gateway to Boracay and home to one of the largest festivals in the Philippines – the Ati-Atihan, I hopped on a bus to Caticlan. The journey through the rolling hills of Aklan province took me past little towns and villages, paddy fields dotted with carabaos, and along a scenic coastal road to the port at Caticlan. From there, it was just a short 10-minute boat ride to Boracay.

WHEN TO GO The weather is great during the summer months from March to the end of May but make reservations early as this is the peak holiday season in Philippines. Summer is also the best time to enjoy White Beach before the onset of the Southwest monsoon season (June Sept), which results in choppy waters on the west of the island. During the monsoon, boats taking visitors to outlying islets or back to Caticlan set off from Bulabog Beach on the opposite side of the island.

THINGS TO DO PARAW SAILING These boats with eye-catching

sails ply the waters of Boracay, offering rides to tourists game for adventure. An average paraw can accommodate four to six passengers.

www.boracayinsider.com

KITE AND WIND SURFING Touted as one

ABOVE: Bangkas moored by the beach at Boracay.

of the best places to learn kitesurfing in Asia due to its perfect winds, Boracay is a favourite haunt of kitesurfers or kiteboarders. Before kitesurfing was all the rage, the island was popular with windsurfers. Every January, the Boracay International Funboard Cup, which features windsurfing and kiteboarding events, attracts extreme sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

www.islakitesurﬁng.com, www.windsurfasia.com

D’MALL PLAZA

The biggest shopping area on Boracay, this pedestrian mall along Station 2 is packed with shops selling everything under the sun, as well as restaurants and bars.

GETTING THERE Philippines AirAsia ﬂies twice daily to Kalibo from Clark. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

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FEATURE â&#x20AC;˘ Cover Story

moshi moshi! www.airasia.com/travel360

The Land of the Rising Sun is a wonderful clash of the old and new, a curious study of how hallowed traditions can co-exist in perfect harmony with modernity and even the downright quirky and bizarre. From ancient temples and thousand-yearold traditions to bullet trains and soaring skyscrapers, Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to embrace modernisation has put it ahead of many industrialised nations of the world. With the launch of AirAsia Japan this month, we celebrate the amazing and often awe-inspiring nation that is Japan.

ILLUSTRATION: TIM LAI

*Moshi Moshi = Hello

8 HIT LIST 0 2012

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S N ICO ON P P I N OF

WORDS: WORD WOR WO W ORD O RDSS:: EF EFI FFII H HAF HA HAFIZAH AFI AF A FFIIZA ZA AH H HA HAMZ HAM H HAMZAH AMZZAH AH

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Early folklore concerning the ninja was of Prince Yamato, who neither wore black nor adopted stealthy tactics that 侍 • 忍者 are associated with ninjas today. He was, instead, a master of disguise, who dressed as a woman to attract his enemies, namely, two barbarian chieftains. Once he lured them into a false sense of security, Yamato drew his sword and killed them both. The use of disguise is a hallmark of ninja tactics, and by virtue of that, Yamato is known as ‘The First Ninja’. The samurai, on the other hand, are armoured swordsmen of Japan. A samurai’s life may essentially be that of a warrior, but historians have noted that many were poets, politicians, fathers, husbands and farmers who were recruited and trained to ﬁght wars for the emperors and lords from 1,500 years ago. The functions of a ninjaa and a samuraii differ a is a highly skilled covert agent or greatly. A ninja mercenaries who conducted in espionage, sabotage and assassination, especially active during feudal Japan. The samuraii whereas, is a highly skilled warrior o (master or teacher) with who serves his daimyo absolute loyalty, even to death based on the bushido (warrior code) that places great emphasis on honour.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

NINJA & I SAMURA

I ORIGAM

IIM MAG M A EE:: C AG CORB COR CO OR RB BIS IS IMAGE: CORBIS

折り紙

Paper is said to have been brought into Japan by Buddhish monks in the 6th century; mainly attributed to the monk, Dokyo. Initially, origami (ori means ‘folding’, and kami means ‘paper’), was an art form used for official and formal occasions. Origami tsuki was a folded piece of paper that accompanied valuable gifts as a certificate of authenticity, noshi was folded paper that was sent along with gifts in celebrations as a token of good fortune and tsutsumi was formal gift-wrap paper. The origin of origami was more ceremonial and the art symbolised sincerity and purity. The styles of paper-folding have evolved into an art form that requires technical expertise and dexterity. Action origami contains moving parts of the main piece; modular origami allows for use of thread or glue to hold the folded pieces together; wet-folding origami uses a technique to form gentle curves instead of geometric straight folds and flat surfaces; pureland origami that allows using one fold only at a time; origami tessellations uses repeated twist folds like pleats to connect parts with no gaps or overlaps and many others. There is even moneygami that uses currency notes instead of paper.

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& BONSAI A IKEBAN

IMAGE: CORBIS

Bonsai (bon meaning ‘tray’ or ‘low pot’, and sai meaning ‘planting’) is the art of growing trees in pots, and pruning them to create miniature forms. The art was very popular during the Kamakura period (circa 盆栽 1200). Although growing miniature plants is popular in many cultures, 生け花 the Japanese turned it into a high art by crafting a living organism with matching miniature landscape. The off-shoot of this art is ikebana (from the word ikeru meaning ‘keep alive’, and hana meaning ‘flowers’). This art of flower arrangement emphasises the balance of symmetry and asymmetry in its presentation, displaying shapes, lines and forms in the use of flowers, stalks, leaves and stems in the most minimalist fashion. There is a spiritual practice attached to ikebana where the practitioner needs to be silent so he or she may cultivate the relaxation of mind, body and soul. While there is no definite history as to the beginnings of ikebana, the first school is said to have started 500 years ago at the Purple Cloud Temple in Kyoto. There are certain basic disciplines that are observed since the 20th century: Moribana upright is the style of piling up flowers arranged in a shallow vase or basket; Nageire upright is the style of a simple arrangement in a tall container; Nageire slanted is a style that incorporates flexibility in presentation similar to that of the upright version; and Nageire cascading is a style that includes a stem that hangs lower than the rim of the vase while balancing the lines of the flowers.

KU HARAJU STYLE

原宿スタイル

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Harajuku is an area in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. The name itself means ‘meadow lodging’ but also refers to a sub-culture of funky, Gothic youngsters clad in unique street fashion who hang out in Harajuku, mostly on Sundays along the pedestrian bridge that connects the area to the Meiji Shrine. The styles of these youngsters are inspired by popular culture publications like Kera, Tune, and Gothic & Lolita Bible, to name a few. It began in the 1980s when the Omotesando Street in Harajuku was closed to trafﬁc and turned into a pedestrian way. Mobs of wildly dressed teens gathered at the street cafes and fashion boutiques to simply chill out with their friends, or with the purpose of performing and showing off their skills, which later gave rise to the vibrant Hokoten band scene. Harajuku today remains a tourist attraction where you can take pictures of, and with the teens in sensational and shocking outﬁts.

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SUMO G IN WRESTL

The word often evokes images of extremely large men with little hair buns atop their heads, stomping about in a loincloth, individually capable of eating food for a family of ﬁve at one sitting. But this picture doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what sumoo wrestling is all 相撲 about. Historians agree that the origins of sumoo date back 2,000 years although it never took hold as a spectator sport until the early 1600s. What makes sumoo special is the premise on which the sport was built – shinto, the native code of ethics of Japan. The grappling, tussling and wrestling occurs i spends most of their time only for a short while because the sumoo wrestler (called rikishi) performing rituals, moves and cries that are steeped in Shinto tradition. The rules to win in sumoo are simple: The rikishii either forces his opponent out of the ring (dohyõ) or any part of their body to touch the ground other than their feet. But, there are strict rules about the moves they use or else the wrestlers risk being declared losers on the grounds of kinjitee (use of illegal i then announces the technique). The off-stage referee (gyõji) winner to the audience along with the kimarite (winning technique) used.

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IMAGE: INMAGINE

ONSEN

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温泉

The presence of seismic activity in Japan has given the nation one of earth’s greatest gifts – thermal springs – and the Japanese have built a culture around it called the onsen, which means ‘hot springs’. An early reference was made to the Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama of the Shikoku Prefecture, discovered by ancient hunters in pursuit of a wounded animal. The hunters believed that animals were messengers of the gods and the fact that it made its way to the hot springs to soothe its pain, meant the waters were divine – possibly the reason why many onsen buildings erect statues of brown bears or white herons on their premises. The traditional onsen policy is simple: Patrons must submerge themselves into the waters as naked as the day they were born to get the most beneﬁts. But with visitors to Japan not so open to the idea of bathing buck naked with their Japanese counterparts, the private onsen was created (not to be mistaken with sentõ, which is an indoor public bath as opposed to an open-air thermal spring). Both the private onsen and the sentõ use very hot tap water, meaning you will miss the beneﬁcial minerals that a real thermal spring offers: Sulphur onsen (iõ-sen), sodium chloride onsen (natoriumu-sen), hydrogen carbonate onsen (tansan-sen), or iron onsen (tetsusen), depending on which part of Japan you’re visiting. In experiencing an authentic onsen, be warned that the traditional ones have no gender segmentation except little towels to cover up while out of the pool. Many enforce strict regulations prohibiting those with tattoos, no matter how small from entering the onsen. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

GEISHA 芸者

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

Geisha is a relatively modern emergence from the early 1700s, but Geisha-type women have existed for a very long time. Saburuko (ones who serve) was the given name to such women at the end of the 7th century, and shirabyoshi (ones who entertain) appeared in the late 1100s. The saburuko were women of social displacement who found themselves having to trade sexual favours as a means of survival; while the shirabyoshi is an off-shoot of the saburuko women who were also educated and skilled in dancing, singing, reciting poetry and playing the shamisen (traditional banjo-like instrument with three strings). Based on their charm and talents, although from the working class, they were invited to entertain at aristocratic gatherings. During the mid 1700s, a new group of entertainers called geiko emerged in Kyoto and Osaka. Made up of male entertainers, this group had already been in existence since the Kwanbun period (1661 – 1672) but was ﬁnally joined by the ﬁrst female geisha (gei means ‘art’, and sha means ‘person’ or ‘doer’) with the appearance of Kikuya from Fukagawa. The world of the geisha has evolved into an elite class that’s shrouded in mystery and rituals. They are professional performers and artisans; women who are elegant entertainers. To experience the most exclusive and highest class of geisha service in a reputable establishment, be prepared to pay up to USD800 an hour!

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SE JAPANE E CUISIN

Be it sushi, sashimi, yakitori or soba and udon, Japanese food has found favour in just about every corner of the world. Taste and freshness aside, the cuisine is particularly known for being healthy. The Japanese are famously know to ‘age gracefully’ because their diet is generally a balanced combination of hot and cold, sweet and spicy, raw and cooked, and fresh and fermented. Japan has the lowest obesity rate in the world at only 3% versus the French at 11%. And the average life expectancy in Japan is 75 years, according to the latest World Health Organisation report. No one sums it up better than Naomi Moriyama, co-author of Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat: Secrets of My Mother’s Tokyo Kitchen: “The Japanese diet is the iPod of food”. It focuses the energies of food into a condensed and delightful size, as in sushi – a healthy combination of carbs (rice), seaweed (fibre), with toppings of raw or cooked fish (protein). The bentõ (meaning ‘convenient’) too takes into account the balance of potassium, sodium, acid and alkaline, which translates into a healthy macrobiotic diet. Japanese food is not merely about eating healthy as the dishes are also ‘food for the eyes’. Great attention is paid to the presentation of each dish. The food has to be as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate, transforming each presentation into an art piece in itself. SUSHI: Nigiri sushi is a small rice ball with various seafood toppings; norimaki is rice, seafood and vegetables rolled in dried seaweed sheets then cut into bite-size pieces; temaki (hand rolls) is nori seaweed sheets shaped like a cone filled with rice, seafood and vegetables; inari is rice in little pockets of fried aburaage (beancurd skin) with or without toppings. SASHIMI: Thinly sliced raw seafood, eaten with soy sauce mixed with wasabi (hot horseradish paste. YAKITORI: Usually grilled chicken meat, skin or liver on sticks dipped in a sweet and savoury sauce.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

理日本料

RAMEN: Noodles in soup served with a variety of ingredients like vegetables and fish cake. Ramen flavours differ with the soup base: Shoyu ramen is a clear, soy sauce based soup; Miso ramen is a miso based broth; Shio ramen is a clear, salt based soup; Tonkotsu ramen is white, milky, pork based soup. The other option is the udon, which are thicker noodles served in a soup. It would be sinful not to mention the sake (meaning ‘alcohol’) – when talking about Japanese cuisine. Sake is traditional Japanese rice wine, served both hot or cold, and was documented to have first been brewed at least 2,000 years ago. Originally produced as offerings to the gods and to purify temples, it then became the drink for the upper class in Japan. Mass production began in the 1300s where it was made available to all with sake breweries popping up throughout the nation; and later in the 1900s spread throughout the world. While there is good sake and bad sake, a sip of either one will guarantee cheerful feelings as each serving can pack up to 20% alcohol. Simply shout Kampai! (‘cheers’ in Japanese) with each swig! TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

8 FEATURE • Japan 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

WORDS: CAROL WEST PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT MUIR

Asahikawa in the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan is a renowned winter wonderland with powder so pure and pristine, it is often regarded as the champagne of snow. 92

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LEFT: Snow Crystal Museum in Asahikawa. OPPOSITE PAGE: A skier getting ready to take on the Kamui Ski Links. PRECEDING PAGE, LEFT: Icicles gleam against a blue Kamui sky. PRECEDING PAGE, RIGHT: A silver frost adorns white birch trees at Kamui Ski Links.

“At Kamui Ski Links, skiing and snowboarding off-piste is where the action is but it’s a risky business,” remarked local tourism officer ‘Aussie’ Ken while strapping on his snowboard ready to shred the slopes for a visiting film crew. He was not wrong. By day two, my partner had already taken a powder on a downhill run. Hobbling back, he channeled Clint Eastwood’s character Detective Harry Callahan muttering, “A man’s got to know his limitations”. Here on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, this should be ski rule #1 but surrounded by limitless powder, it’s difficult to curb your enthusiasm. Successfully marketing some of the deepest, softest snow on earth has made Japan a tourism heavy-hitter and each year, Kamui’s boutique ski site, just 20kms from Asahikawa, receives around eight metres of light, effervescent powder known as the ‘champagne’ of snow.

LURE OF ASAHIKAWA An arrow-straight highway through a bucolic landscape slumbering under lavish white blankets of snow accompanied us on the two-hour drive from Sapporo to Asahikawa. A copse of white birch shivered starkly against a sky bruised by sweeping clouds. In 1972, Hokkaido’s youthful capital, Sapporo, gained international fame hosting the Winter Olympics. However, nearby Asahikawa was our winter destination of choice to take in Japan’s cultural and culinary pulse. Located in the heart of the Taisetsu mountain range and 94

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“Little ones shrieked excitedly as they hurtled past on snow rafts while others hit the ski trails like professionals. Snow-going quad bikes, snowmobiles and tubing courses were filled with ruddy-cheeked children, leaving the timid ones for the sedate snowshoe course.” gateway to Kamui Ski Link’s celestial powder heaven, Asahikawa combines the opportunity to ride impressive ski and snowboard runs by day and the chance to tune into the local food and entertainment scene at night at some of the city’s 1,200 bars and restaurants. The morning blue sky shimmered beautifully as we arrived in Asahikawa, adding a touch of poetic beauty to Japan’s other name: ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’. At minus 14°C, icy crystal shards and delicate snowflakes adorned fir trees dusted with snowy powder. Ten corduroy-groomed slopes sparkled with ‘diamond’ dust and the sun further polished the landscape to eye-burning brightness. Having arrived there, one of my first visits was to the Snow Crystal Museum, a testament to one man’s fascination with the powdery white stuff. Amongst the exhibits were images of sparkling snowflakes shaped like precious, multi-faceted gems. Observing these miracles of nature in their raw beauty, it became clear that when it comes to originality, nothing competes with nature’s perfect symmetry.

POWDER TO THE PEOPLE Regular shuttle buses operate from downtown Asahikawa’s train station and hotels to Kamui Ski Links. Each bus, I noticed, pulled up at the site, disgorging a regiment of snow centurions clad in high tech ski gear. The crunching of pristine powder under their feet as they prepared to carve-up the 2,363m ski run, was a strange but not unpleasant sound that I got used to quickly. These young uns’ were in battle mode to alley-oop (a 180° turn as you go uphill) on the half-pipe and rip down the woodland route. They have a local saying at Kamui: “If you can see it, you can ride it, and, with no off-piste restrictions, it’s powder to the people!”. With one gondola, seven two-person chair lifts, 10 runs, and a dramatic downhill course that’s highly regarded by international and local ski federations, this is one of Hokkaido’s best kept secrets. The real bonus, however, is fewer gondola queues and plenty of trafﬁc-free options for skiers at all levels. Being a novice, after careening out of control, and terrorising small children on the

RIGHT: A snowman at Asahiyama Snow Village.

QUICK FACTS X Asahikawa is Hokkaido’s second major city about 152km or two-hour drive north of Sapporo. X Hourly rapid trains from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport continue on as Super Kamui trains to Asahikawa, with no transfer necessary in Sapporo. The journey takes two hours. X Asahikawa is the terminus of the JR Hakodate Main Line to Sapporo. The station houses a tourist information centre. X Chuo Bus Service offers frequent (about every 20 minutes) bus service from the Sapporo JR Station for ¥2000. It takes just under 2 hours. X JR Hokkaido has a Asahiyama Zoo Ticket from either Chitose Airport or from Sapporo valid for 4 days, costing ¥7,500 from Chitose (stop over at Sapporo) and ¥5,500 from Sapporo. This pack includes train and bus from Asahikawa. X Asahiyama Zoo is in the suburbs of Asahikawa. The zoo is closed between seasons usually from October 22 to November 2 and from April 8 to 27. Penguin walk can be viewed daily from mid December to March. Visit asahiyamazoomiyage.com/penguin-walk.html

for details. All prices and times are correct at time of publishing.

For more information on Hokkaido and Asahikawa, visit http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp and www.asahikawa-tourism.com

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nursery slopes, I admitted reluctantly that I was a no ‘snow-it-all’. I was grateful, however, that Kamui was mainly used by locals who work during the week and were well out of harm’s way when I ran amok on the slopes! Promised a high quality snow adventure, we had some glorious runs almost to ourselves. Sheltered by hills and cushioned by foamsoft snow, I felt feather-light as I honed my ﬂedgling skills on the beginners’ slope. Above me, skiers gracefully descended, carving neat parallel designs onto the powder, with the long, wide cruisers allowing plenty of margin for error. Snowboarders glided laconically past before sinking into cotton-wool softness and completing the fairyland postcard. Nearby, a deer’s hoof prints ran through a stand of ﬁr trees, their boughs garlanded with snow.

WINTER WONDERLAND In downtown Asahikawa, a giant snowman holding a glass heart between his hands seemed a ﬁtting welcome to a chilly city that each February, gleams with dazzling ice sculptures that stretch down Kaimon Koen – the city’s pedestrian-friendly shopping strip with both sides heated during winter for easy, non-slip walking. Nearby Tokiwa Park adds to the fun and excitement when it becomes

the location for the Asahikawa Winter Festival, one of Japan’s best known, a sparkling ﬁve day spectacle of snow, ice, lasers and dazzling ﬁreworks designed to light up cold nights. The beauty of these sensational sculptures belies the chain-sawing, chiselling, cutting, drilling and polishing employed by an army of international competitors. During the festival, razor sharp edges, sinuous curves, gossamer ice wings and intricately carved scales adorn crystalline beauties lushly lit in pink, yellow and blue.

ATTRACTIONS GALORE Tour guide Saito-san couldn’t wait to show me a ‘100 Yen’ shop where I bought packets of kairo – little pouches that when shaken and slipped into pockets or shoes, keep ﬁngers and toes snuggly warm. Youngsters, on the contrary, never seem to feel the cold when having fun at Asahiyama Snow Village, an icy fun park near town. Little ones shrieked excitedly as they hurtled past on snow rafts while others hit the ski trails like professionals. Snow-going quad bikes, snowmobiles and tubing courses were ﬁlled with ruddy-cheeked children, leaving the timid ones for the sedate snowshoe course.

STAYING THERE

Expedia Japan offers a wide choice of hotels and packages in Asahikawa, Sapporo and greater Hokkaido. Go to www.expedia. com/Japan.d89.DestinationTravel-Guide for details.

FOOD SCENE IN ASAHIKAWA

The food scene in Asahikawa is vibrant. Here are some interesting facts on the local food scene.

ABOVE: Getting up close and personal with king penguins at Asahiyama Zoo.

Next door was Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s northernmost and most popular zoo with more than 800 animals on show. Smiling teenage girls sporting ﬂuffy ear-muffs jostled happily trying to get close-up views of the resident polar bears, while another large group tried to take pictures of seals zooming through plastic tube tunnels. The main attraction, however, was the daily penguin walk. Zookeepers assemble a large ﬂock of king penguins for their leisurely half-kilometre waddle past delighted visitors who morph into a gaggle of penguin paparazzi, snapping away deliriously with cameras and video recorders working 98

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overtime. You’d have to visit the Antarctica for a chance to get this close to these glossy birds out for a constitutional. It seemed appropriate that the penguins were thriving at this zoo. With a spectacular landscape covered in pristine powder that’s often regarded as the champagne of snow, Asahikawa is truly a magical winter wonderland that proved that sub-zero temperature can be equally adept at warming the heart and senses. GETTING THERE AirAsia Japan commences daily ﬂight to Sapporo from Narita Airport, Tokyo. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

X Shoes off and sitting cross-legged on tatami mats in a smoky atmosphere amongst smiling faces, in Japanese barbecue restaurants is the in thing in Asahikawa, and in most places in Japan. Warm-up ﬁrst with the famous Asahikawa ramen broth that uses pan-fried pork that is stewed in shochu – a clear distilled liquor with brown sugar and miso. X The go-to-place for crunchy radish salad and baby lamb is Daikokyua Barbecue Restaurant (7 Chome, 4 Jo Dori, Asahikawa City), where jazz tunes are heard over the sizzle of marinated meats on the charcoal grill. There is no need to order as well-trained staff keep the food and beer coming. Space is tight so bookings are recommended. X Japan has a time-honoured tradition of reverence for food, and staff at all dining outlets are happy to guide visitors through the culinary experience. For a barbecue with a view, head to 21 Club on the 25th ﬂoor of Novotel Sapporo where spatula-wielding chefs transform Kobe beef into unforgettable slices of blush-pink perfection designed to be consumed with a connoisseur’s deliberation. www.novotelsapporo.com

IMAGE: INMAGINE

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES IMAGES: JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION

Fukuoka, in the north of Kyushu Island, serves as a gateway to exploring this magnificent region with its lush green spaces, rich heritage and metropolitan vibe.

Gateway to Kyushu

8 FEATURE â&#x20AC;˘ Japan 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

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1. A hotspot for mountain climbing, Mt. Hikosan was once famous as the sacred dwelling and training grounds of the priests of the Shugendo – a mystical sect that stressed the bond between humanity and nature, and physical endurance as the path to enlightenment. 2. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival is the most famous festival in the Hakata district of Fukuoka. During this festival, men race through the streets carrying decorative floats that can weigh up to one tonne! 3. Akizuki Castle Town in Asakura City, Fukuoka, attracts thousands of tourists who come to experience its old world charm and the beauty of the changing seasons. 4. Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu was originally constructed in 1602 and fully restored in 1990 after a fire in 1865. Today, it offers beautiful views of the Kanmon Straits and houses a folklore museum. 5. During the Hina Matsuri or Doll Festival in Fukuoka’s Yanagawa City, you’ll spot pretty, handmade balllike ornaments called sagemon. The Hina Matsuri is celebrated to pray for the health and happy future of young daughters. OPPOSITE PAGE: The 234 metre-tall Fukuoka Tower is the tallest seaside tower in Japan, and featured prominently in the 1994 film Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla.

3 1: The Kujukushima Islands – a group of 208 islands scattered between Sasebo Port and Hirado Island in Nagasaki prefecture are part of the Saikai National Park. 2: The Senteisai Festival commemorates the death of the child emperor, Antoku who drowned himself when the Taira clan was defeated in the Genpei War. On his death anniversary, court ladies visit his shrine and performed dances to worship him. 3: During the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, Nagasaki’s Chinatown area is lit with over 15,000 lanterns. 4: Tenzan Resort in Saga is an artificial ski field that offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, and grass-skiing in summer. 5: Kaikyo Yume Tower in Yamaguchi offers panoramic views of the Kanmon Straits, Ganryu Island, Hibiki Sea and Kyushu.

EXPLORE KYUSHU 4

Sightseeing in Kyushu has never been easier with the Kyushu Shinkansen, a high-speed railway line that runs from Fukuoka city in the north to Kagoshima down south in approximately one hour and 20 minutes! As a perk for foreign tourists, JR Kyushu offers a 3-day (¥14,000) or 5-day (¥17,000) JR Kyushu Rail Pass for ﬂexible and economical travel. Given the fact that the regular fare for a roundtrip from Fukuoka to Kagoshima costs ¥20,000, this special pass is great value for money! With the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, visitors can travel to the pottery-making cities of Saga, hot springs of Oita, grand Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, surf beaches of Miyazaki, hot sand baths of Kagoshima and many other attractions around Kyushu.

GETTING A JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS The JR Kyushu Rail Pass by JR Kyushu is only available for foreign visitors to Japan. Purchase the JR Kyushu Rail Pass online (www.acprail.com/rail-passes/japan), at selected travel agencies outside Japan or, selected JR railway stations and travel agencies in Kyushu. www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/ Complement your rail travel with the SUNQ Pass, which offers unlimited rides on almost all highway and local buses, and selected ferries within the Kyushu region. www.sunqpass.jp/english/

6 6: While the much-coveted blowfish is known as fugu in Japanese, in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, it is called fuku meaning happiness.

7: Yamaguchi’s Iwakuni City boasts a unique style of sushi that is prepared by layering rice, vegetables and other ingredients in a square mould instead of rolling them in seaweed. 8: Takeo Onsen, located at the foot of Saga’s Mt. Horaisan, is reputed for its excellent water quality. On its list of famous guests are the famed swordsman and ronin, Miyamoto Musashi, as well as the German physician Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold, the first European to teach Western medicine in Japan;

GETTING THERE Starting August 1, AirAsia Japan launches daily ﬂights to Fukuoka from Narita International Airport in Tokyo. Currently, AirAsia X operates seven ﬂights a week to Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

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Located in the southern corner of Japan, the Okinawan Islands’ sub-tropical climate has created an archipelago that is surrounded by the bluest ocean and the greenest jungles, made even more resplendent by its ancient history and unique culture. WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL DYMOND

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“The warm tropical climate of Okinawa combined with the high level of rainfall means that the stalactites of Gyokusendo grow much faster than those in any other region of the country.”

Pristine sandy beaches, azure waters ﬁlled with tropical ﬁsh below and jet-skiing holiday makers above – this pretty much sums up the appeal of Okinawa. The Okinawa Prefecture is a world renowned water lover’s tropical paradise. But what do you do if the weather isn’t co-operating, the sun refuses to shine and, the temperature sinks to goose-bump level? Mercifully, this beautiful part of Japan offers more than just sunbathing.

FRIENDS FROM THE OCEAN As I sip my shikwasa soft drink – a local citrus fruit beverage in

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Okinawa – a shadow suddenly looms above, a very large shadow. As in the size of a city bus. It’s a good thing there’s 60 centimetres of acrylic glass separating me and what turns out to be an enormous whale shark. Situated right next to the ocean, from where it draws the 10,000 cubic metres of seawater needed to fill its 77 tanks, the Churaumi Aquarium is visually breathtaking. With displays of corals, turtles, sharks, clownfish and surgeonfish, it’s beautiful but certainly reminiscent of many other aquariums around the world. That’s until you reach the pinnacle where everyone gathers to see the main attraction: The Kuroshio Sea.

A glass panel 22.5 metres wide and more than 8 metres tall – the world’s largest – dwarfs the silhouette of the tiny people standing at its base. This huge tank contains more than 7,500 cubic metres of water. But it wouldn’t be that awe-inspiring if there was only water in it. So, the organisation that runs the aquarium decided to ﬁll it with hundreds of giant manta rays, yellow-ﬁn tuna, bonito and three gigantic whale sharks. It truly is an amazing sight. To take the whole tank in you really need to stand at the very back of the auditorium it is housed in. In fact, you will need to go all the way back if

you want any photo with all three whale sharks in one shot! Then, you should walk to the glass and get as close as possible to be mesmerised by the graceful manta rays gliding within inches of your face while the whale sharks cruise in for a better look at you. Just because the weather isn’t conducive for diving, doesn’t mean you can’t experience the wonders of Okinawa’s underwater world.

VISITING OKINAWA’S PAST Okinawa has been razed to the ground and then re-built countless times over the centuries. Most

SUGGESTED SHORT STAY The easiest way to get around Okinawa is to a hire car. Most come with built-in GPS, which is a must on the maze-like Okinawan roads! For a short 3 or 4 day trip, start off at Churaumi Aquarium in the north of the main island. It is easily accessible from any of the resort hotels in the coastal town of Onna-Son and you can stop off at a number of other attractions and beaches along the way. The next day, head to Ryukyu Mura before the drive down to Naha. From your base in Naha, head south to Okinawa World and the Gyokusendo Cave. You could easily spend a day here exploring all the other attractions. On your final day, head out to Shurijo Castle before stopping off at Kokusai Doori for some retail therapy.

OKINAWAN CRAFT Okinawa cultural heritage includes some amazing art and crafts, namely: X Bingata and Bashoufu textiles. X Okinawan ceramics from Tsuboya and Yomitan. X Ryukyuan lacquerware famous for its chinkin gilt line engraving and mother-of-pearl inlay technique. X Ryukyu glass that’s made from discarded glass bottles

ABOVE: Umi Budou or ocean grapes, is a traditional Okinawan food. RIGHT: An elderly woman working at the Ryukyu Mura posing for the camera. OPPOSITE PAGE: Gyokusendo is a giant underground cave and the featured attraction of Okinawa World at the southern end of the main Okinawan Island. PRECEDING PAGE: Three giant whale sharks swim amongst manta rays and other fishes in the Kuroshio tank at the Churaumi Aquarium.

recently, World War II brought fierce fighting and the destruction of much of Okinawa’s traditional buildings and cultural landmarks. To get a feel for what life would have been like during the Ryukyu Kingdom (14th to 19th Century) a visit to the Ryukyu Mura (village) is a must. Many of the buildings within the park are older than 200 years and have been transported stone by stone from outlying areas. Traditional tiled roofs display the ever-present shiisa. The shiisa are lion-gods that can be seen all over the archipelago, mainly in the form of roof ornaments and small figurines. The male shiisa has an open mouth that’s said to invite good luck.

For those with a penchant for painting, making your own shiisa is a lot of fun. For around USD10, a kimono-clad lady will supply you with a white ceramic lion, a set of paint and brushes and, an hour of serenity as you add your own sense of style and design to this feline Okinawan deity. This is a great activity for the kids, as it makes a wonderful souvenir for their bedrooms back home. There are also classes available in traditional crafts such as sanshin – a traditional Okinawan three stringed instrument – weaving and pottery decoration.

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OKINAWA UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES Okinawa has nine UNESCO World Heritage

sites that chronicle the Ryukyuan civilisation dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries. X Shurijo Castle.

X Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon’s restored stone gateway of the Sonohyan shrine is all that remains of this utaki (sacred place). X The Royal Mausoleum of Tamaudun, built in 1501, is the final resting ground for the kings of the second Sho dynasty. X The Royal Gardens at Shikinaen offer visitors serene Ryukyuan atmosphere. X The ruins of Nakijinjo Castle overlook the East China Sea. X Nakagusukujo Castle provide visitors a chance to explore some of the more intact structural remains of the Ryukyu Kingdom. X Zakimijo Castle ruins is an example of Okinawa style aikatazumi or stone piling. X Sefa-utaki is the sacred ground of the creator goddess, Amamikyo. X Katsurenjo Castle sits on a hill on the Katsusren Peninsula with views of the Pacific Ocean

ABOVE: A female dancer in traditional Okinawan (Ryukyu) kimono performing on stage at Ryukyu Mura. LEFT: Shiisa, or Okinawan lion gods, are protective deities said to bring good luck. OPPOSITE PAGE: The stone entrance to Nakijin Castle, a 14th Century castle in Okinawa.

OLD IS GOLD One of the highlights of Ryukyu Mura is undoubtedly its staff, in particular its elderly staff. Many of the displays and crafts are taught by elderly Okinawan women – known as obaachan or ‘grandma’. These delightful women are an endless source of smiles and laughter as they teach you about their world, and ask about yours. Their English may be limited, so the conversation might involve a lot of gestures and head shaking but the effort is thoroughly worth it. Every day there is a wonderful performance of traditional 108

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Okinawan dance and drumming. Suddenly the old man who took your ticket at the gate is the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The lady who helped you put on your traditional kimono for a commemorative photo is the queen, and all the old ladies you met during the day are dragging you up on stage for a dance. Children will be thrilled by the giant shiisa who makes its way through the crowd with its good friend, the wandering clown minstrel. One lucky person is chosen from the audience to throw a ball into the friendly shiisa’s mouth and receives a reward in return.

“Most recently, World War II brought fierce fighting and the destruction of much of Okinawa’s traditional buildings and cultural landmarks. To get a feel for what life would have been like during the Ryukyu Kingdom (14th to 19th Century) a visit to the Ryukyu Mura (village) is a must.”

GOING DEEPER To experience a side of Okinawa even more ancient than Ryukyu, you need to head south and venture underground. At more than ﬁve kilometres long and with over 1 million stalactites, Gyokusendo is Japan’s second largest cave and was formed about the time man migrated out of the African continent, but only discovered in the late 1960s. As you descend gingerly down the metal staircase into the bowels of the earth, the ﬁrst thing you notice is that it is bright, brighter than you would expect

so far underground. If there is one thing the Japanese do really well, it is sparing no expense to provide a wonderful experience for visitors. Here, they have gone all out to ensure you see the full beauty of this majestic cavern without the need for torches. Only 890 metres of the cave is open to the public while the rest is used for research, but enough to give you an insight into the awesome power and beauty of nature. The metal paths weave through tight tunnels lined top and bottom with stalactites and stalagmites, forcing you to bend down to avoid bumping

into them. Then suddenly, the cramped pathway opens out into a giant, cavernous cathedral hundreds of feet high and long. The warm tropical climate of Okinawa combined with the high level of rainfall means that the stalactites of Gyokusendo grow much faster than those in any other region of the country. These stalactites are simply magniﬁcent and are deﬁnitely worth your time to admire, observe and ponder. Many visitors tend to almost run along the path in order to make it back to their bus on time but the true beauty reveals itself when the crowds have gone and all that is left is the quiet drip, drip, drip

as water falls from the roof of the cave to the pools of water below. Keep an eye out for the large eels swimming around though.

OKINAWAN GRANDEUR Although much of the capital city of Naha was destroyed during Allied bombing raids, one shining example has been carefully restored to its former glory. For over four centuries Shurijo Castle was not only home to the royal court of the Ryukyu Kingdom but its political and cultural heart too. In lavish ceremonies the king

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IMAGE: INMAGINE

Shurijo Castle, one of Okinawa’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

OKINAWAN CUISINE One of the most striking differences between Okinawa and the rest of Japan is the food. Firstly you’d better like pork! It’s in absolutely everything and is considered a local delicacy. Some other local specialties are the Okinawa soba –a type of noodles served in broth, umi budou (sea grapes – a type of seaweed that looks like grapes, goya – a bitter vegetable used in another local delicacy known as champuru, and shikwasa – a citrus fruit used in juices and soft drinks and found only in Okinawa and Taiwan. For more information on Okinawa, go to www.okinawastory.jp/en

would greet foreign dignitaries in the large enclosed courtyard of this magniﬁcent castle. The interior of this UNESCO World Heritage site gives visitors a glimpse into the opulence of court life in the 15th century. Heavily gilded gold thrones are surrounded by decorated pillars and balustrades. An ornately jewelled crown worn by ancient kings hints at the riches of this lost culture. Although little of the original complex remains, the

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giant stone ramparts stand as a testament to the might of the past.

SOME SHOPPING WOULD BE NICE Before you jump on a plane back home, you’ll probably need some retail therapy and the place for that in Naha is Kokusai Doori or International Avenue, stretching over 1.5 kilometres and boasting boutiques, souvenir shops, candy shops, comic book stores… you name it and they’ve got it! This is

a great place to pick up a local souvenir. Heiwa-Doori is a little arcade that runs off the main drag and leads to an undercover market area reminiscent of many in Southeast Asia. Although you might not be tempted to buy, one area not to miss is the giant ﬁsh market selling all kinds of colourful tropical ﬁsh (used in sushi), sea cucumbers and other exotic delicacies. For the really brave, you can even pick up a sunglasses-wearing pig’s head for a bargain price!

Okinawa has only ofﬁcially been a part of Japan for the last 200 years or so. Before that it had a long, proud history as an independent nation trading with many foreign empires. Although its beaches and resorts are world class, it’s nice to know that its history, culture and affable people are Okinawa’s greatest treasures. GETTING THERE AirAsia Japan commences daily ﬂights to Okinawa from Narita Airport, Tokyo. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

8 JETSETTER 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

HATSUNE MIKU

To date, her hit song – World is Mine – has received more than 16 million hits on YouTube. She has appeared in a TV commercial for Toyota, which aired in the US. She is the star of her very own video game – Project DIVA and her concerts are often sold out. It’s hard to think of her as anything but human, but the hugely popular Hatsune Miku is a virtual creation, and very unlike you and me. The face of Vocaloid 2, a singing synthesizer application first developed by Yamaha, Miku is a virtual pop star with a fan base that can rival Justin Bieber’s Beliebers. Her creators, Crypton Future Media, explain the inspiration behind her birth, and what the future holds for virtual stars like Miku. WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATION OF HATSUNE MIKU? When you create a product using technology that synthesizes a singing voice, you ﬁrst think of replicating the voice of an actual singer. But we didn’t want this synthesized voice to be compared to a real singer. That is how we came up with the concept of an imaginary girl – Hatsune Miku – the face of the voice synthesizer software.

COMPILED BY: KOTA SUZUKI & CHITRA S

SOME CALL HER A VOCALOID, VIRTUAL POP STAR AND EVEN A DIVATAR (DIVA + AVATAR). WHAT IS HATSUNE MIKU?

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We choose not to deﬁne Hatsune Miku and leave it to users of the software to interpret her in their own way. Miku cannot be deﬁned. The software is used by songwriters, composers, illustrators, programmers and many others and we do not want to interfere with their creative freedom in interpreting Miku or the software.

WHAT ABOUT THE CONCEPT BEHIND HER PERSONA?

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The character of Hatsune Miku – the girl in aquamarine pig-tails – was inspired by anime, which has a huge following all over the world.

DID YOU EVER PREDICT SHE’D BECOME THIS POPULAR? No, it came as a surprise to us. The software was originally targeted to those who ‘create music’ – i.e. composers and musicians. No one predicted that Miku would be so successful. She is now a video game character too! Hatsune Miku concerts attract thousands of fans from all over the world and she has even appeared in television commercials.

HAS HER POPULARITY LED TO THE CREATION OF OTHER VOCALOID CHARACTERS? We have produced other characters – Kagamine Rin and Len – but they were planned even before Hatsune Miku was launched. The popularity of Hatsune Miku, however, made people realise the potential of the voice synthesizer software.

HOW OLD IS THE AVERAGE HATSUNE MIKU FAN? Her fans include mostly teenage girls, as well as men and women in their 30s and 40s – in Japan and other parts of the world.

DO YOU THINK THAT VIRTUAL CHARACTERS LIKE HATSUNE MIKU WILL BECOME THE MUSIC STARS OF THE FUTURE? Not in our opinion. Hatsune Miku was not produced to imitate the voice

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f Her name means ‘first sound of the future’ in Japanese. f She is and will forever remain sweet 16. f She is 158cm and weighs in at 42kgs. f She is a cosplay (costume role play) favourite at anime conventions. f She was among the Top Ten artistes suggested by fans to perform at the London Olympics opening ceremony in an online poll run by the website www.the-top-tens.com.

T ON.NE CRYPT WWW. . C N I , EDIA TURE M ILLUSTATION KEI © CRYPTON FU BY

IMAGE: (C)SEGA (C)CRYPTON FUTURE MEDIA, INC. • ORGANIZED BY SEGA / MAGES. Hatsune Miku performing ‘live’at one of her concerts.

HATSUNE MIKU INFOBYTES

of a ‘real singer’. Her appeal lies in the fact that her voice is unique. Likewise, a human singing voice is also unique and cannot be replaced by software.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE APPEAL OF HATSUNE MIKU? We have given people a free hand to utilise Miku’s image and technology as long as it is not for commercial purposes. For instance, in Japan, there are many amateur illustrators and musicians who are highly-skilled and they have used Miku to enhance their creations. This has added to her appeal.

8 PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

TOM, DICK OR HARRY? You are bound to have seen movies where a gung-ho passenger leaps into action to safely land a wayward aircraft. But can just about anyone takeover the controls and guide a plane to terra firma with no prior training? Capt. Lim Khoy Hing sets matters straight.

IMAGES: INMAGINE

Would anyone be able to fly an aircraft should both pilots be incapacitated at the same time? This is among the common questions asked by gamers and serious flight simulator enthusiasts who enjoy playing Microsoft Flight Simulators on the Boeing or Airbus virtual planes. They frequently wonder whether their ‘experience’ flying these ‘planes’ on computers would equip them to land a real airliner safely should the captain and co-pilot become incapacitated due to food poisoning, for instance. To answer the question, most airlines have a general policy of not serving certain foods, especially seafood, to the pilots to prevent total crew incapacitation.

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Also, they must not eat the same food at the same time in order to prevent both from falling sick simultaneously. So, the possibility of that happening is quite remote to begin with.

WHO TO THE RESCUE? In this month’s article, I will try to answer the hypothetical question of who might have a better chance of saving a plane should both the pilots come down with food

poisoning. Movie plots involving airplanes sometimes show an ordinary passenger or cabin crew with no ﬂying experience easily helping to land a plane safely, perhaps with the assistance of someone over the radio from the control tower. In 2005, on board the Helios Boeing 737 in Greece, both the pilots lost consciousness due to a problem with the pressurisation system that they had failed to

Long haul flights have two sets of crew (four pilots) on board.

recognise. The ill-fated flight crashed because nobody knew how take over the flight controls. The computers on board actually flew the aircraft for about three hours until it ran out of fuel. So, what’s the real deal should this unfortunate scenario happen?

A HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO This is a hypothetical scenario with four passengers onboard a flight that suddenly loses its pilots. Tom is a passenger who has absolutely no clue about flying; Dick, a newly qualified single-engine pilot with little flying experience; Harry, a computer geek who plays Flight Simulators for hours on end; and Marvel, an off-duty fully, qualified typerated pilot who happens to be on board. Let’s see how these four chaps perform when an emergency occurs in the cockpit. The first thing anyone would need to do before taking over

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is to remove the incapacitated pilots from their seats. This would involve strength and skill, as the seat belts needs to be removed and the pilots extricated from their seats properly so as not to accidentally hit any controls. Once that is done, the question of who is the most suitable candidate to take over becomes pertinent.

TOM – A PASSENGER WITH NO FLYING EXPERIENCE Unlike a car, a commercial airliner is not an easy machine to handle for anyone without ﬂying experience. First of all, Tom needs to get inside the cockpit and then talk to someone over the radio. He would need to know how to operate the radio on a Boeing or Airbus plane or even which frequency to dial. This would probably be beyond the grasp of someone with no ﬂying experience.

Without communication with an expert, Tom would not even know where to begin. Hence, I believe Tom would have extreme difﬁculty to successfully land the jet plane.

DICK – A PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE HOLDER WITH LITTLE FLYING EXPERIENCE On the Helios Airways disaster, the two pilots were incapacitated due to loss of cabin pressure and consequently, suffered from lack of oxygen. However, one ﬂight attendant was still alive as he still had some oxygen from a portable bottle. He did have some piloting experience like Dick but he couldn’t get through the locked cockpit door in time. Had the ﬂight attendant been able to get into the cockpit earlier, there might have been a possibility that he could have landed the aircraft using the automation and with help from the ground.

The cause of this crash was the ﬂight crew’s failure to set the pressurisation switch correctly after maintenance. This caused the plane to remain unpressurised until the cruise, which is similar to staying on top of Mount Everest without any oxygen! If Dick is able to access the cockpit and communicate with the control tower in time, he might be able to land the plane safely.

HARRY – THE COMPUTER GEEK A computer geek like Harry may have a better chance provided he is used to ﬂying a similar type of plane on his desktop simulator. This requires the auto pilot to still be engaged, and the runway to be equipped with an Instrument Landing System. It is also imperative that he is able to talk to another pilot on the radio. Unless these three basic requirements are met, Harry would have some difﬁculty in bringing the plane home safely.

Given the right conditions and guidance from the control tower, a flight simulator fan who is used to flying planes on the computer, may be able to land a jet liner safely.

On short haul ﬂights where there is only a Captain and a First Ofﬁcer, the two-pilot incapacitation issue, though remote, would probably pose some problems. Therefore, the off-duty pilot would be the better person to safely land the plane should this very unlikely event ever happen.

CONCLUSION As you can see, if Captain Marvel was not on board the plane, my bet would be on Harry or Dick to bring the plane down. So, if you are an avid flight simulator player, the time spent playing the game would not go to waste if such a situation should ever happen while you are on board an aircraft. The trick for him is to communicate the predicament on the radio and to keep the auto pilot on. While it’s possible to control the aircraft by pressing push buttons and turning knobs easily with instructions given over the radio, flying manually by grabbing the sensitive side stick of an Airbus requires a lot of practice and skill. As such, if Harry were to ‘hand fly’ the plane, it would be a very difficult endeavour. Even professional pilots have to go through training in a full flight simulator to ensure they continue to fly a plane safely. However, a large airliner like an Airbus A380 can be landed safely using the auto landing system with guidance from the ground. Given the right conditions such as good weather, a perfect 120

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aircraft and Harry being already familiar with the aircraft’s systems, as well as continuous assistance from a qualiﬁed pilot or instructor, he might be able to pull it off, if he keeps his cool.

CAPTAIN MARVEL – THE OFF DUTY PILOT It really is quite unlikely that both pilots are incapacitated simultaneously during a flight (apart from the Helios disaster). However, there have been cases where a single pilot was disabled due to a heart attack in a light aircraft and a passenger was able to land the plane safely with instructions from another qualified pilot on the radio. This isn’t an issue on long haul flights as most airlines have two sets of crew (four pilots) on board.

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.

8 TRAVEL LOG 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

ODE TO THE JAPANESE PEOPLE Francesca Yieh, who recently visited Japan found its people to be most respectful and friendly and incredibly gracious.

LEFT: The famous Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. BELOW: My sister and I at Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, Hiroshima.

I have fallen in love with Japan – the Land of the Rising Sun, the land of cherry blossoms and my girlhood dreams. Ever since I was a young girl, I had wanted to visit Japan. But somehow, life and circumstances conspired to delay my visit until recently, only after I passed the half point mark of a century on earth. And oh my! How I loved my time there! It’s been some time since I returned to Kuala Lumpur and I am still full of awe of Japan. I never tire of sharing my love and great time there with just about anyone who is willing to listen. But that’s easy because there is so much to talk about this amazing country. I loved almost everything about Japan: Its fascinating customs, captivating culture, delicious food, fantastic transport systems… but my greatest awe and admiration was reserved for the country’s people. They were 122

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Posing for pictures in front of one of the gates to the Imperial Palace, Tokyo; wedding party at Happoen Garden in Tokyo; both of us with Mount Fuji in the background.

Throughout my stay in Japan, I was impressed, astounded and humbled by the behaviour of the Japanese around me, be it young, middle-aged or old. They were polite, orderly and respectful of each other and heeded rules and regulations. Whilst travelling in their efficient, clean and punctual trains, I was amazed to find that although almost everyone had a device in hand, not a single cell phone rang. Their cells were all on silent mode. Such discipline and respect for rules and regulations is truly remarkable. ‘No’ means ‘No’ to the Japanese and everyone respects the rules. There were so many things that were also the norm in Japan that are nearly unheard of in other countries such as bicycles being left by the roadside, unlocked yet un-stolen. Vending machines along sidewalks were left untouched by vandals or thieves and so on and so forth. I could go and on about how no one is above the law, even for the simplest rules and regulations. Honestly, I cannot sing enough praise of Japan, its citizens and all things Japanese. Like I said, I have fallen in love and I thank AirAsia for being instrumental in helping me finally realise my childhood dream. the most gracious, courteous, helpful and disciplined people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I read recently in the local newspapers and I quote, “There are no people on earth who are like the Japanese when it comes to manners, ethics, efficiency, cleanliness etc,” You know what? I absolutely agree. We should all try to emulate the Japanese. Despite the language barrier, everyone my sister and I approached for assistance – whether at establishments or on the streets – responded helpfully. A few even went the extra mile like immediately Googling directions for us right then at the traffic junction, or leading us almost to the doorstep of our destination. Even shopkeepers and assistants gave us directions to shops and places we wanted to visit with genuine smiles on their faces. How wonderful is that?

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Got an interesting tale to share from your travels with AirAsia? Email it to us at travel3sixty@airasia.com along with your story (around 800 words) and images (high res minimum1MB in size and fully captioned). Published submissions will receive a RM250 voucher courtesy of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel. 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.

Take time out to treat your loved ones to a memorable dining experience at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, renowned for its delicious, value-formoney dining experience that is made even more special with true Malaysian hospitality. Savour Asian fusion buffets with a touch of Malaysian ﬂavours at Temptations, dine on the freshest sashimi and sushi in town at Sagano, or enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine with the most succulent Peking Duck and BBQ dishes at Dynasty. After a scrumptious meal, simply book yourself into a modern LifeStyle room to enjoy the pleasures of life.

8 OFF THE RACK 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

STYLE AHEAD

Our style list this month features an eclectic mix of seasonal trends, funky fashion and traditional wear, plus the latest in travel accessories. Take your cue from our style guide for looks that will keep you ahead of the competition.

PACK UP Pac Packing for a trip is such a breeze with the HS MV+ hard case luggage series by American Tourister. Combining style with function, the lightweight sty bags come in three sizes and bag colours with spinner wheels for easy col manoeuvrability. www.americantourister.com.sg ma

MAN IN DENIM De Devolution Movement, Dr Denim’s latest collection features super-stylish late jeans in multi-coloured hues and styles jea designed to make you stand out from des the crowd. The brand also carries a range of shirts and knitwear. Available ran at ActuallyKL. A www.actuallyshop.com

DO THE POLKA

WORDS: CHITRA S

DAYDREAMERS WELCOMEE

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Inspired by Singapore-born designer Gilda da Su’s love for all things fun, Rêvasseur showcases wcases a combination of whimsical and avant-garde de designs that experiment with different textures xtures and prints. Create a style that is uniquely yours with the brand’s quirky and playful pieces. s. www.revasseur.com

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Po Polka dots are big this season at agnès b. Its S/S 2012 Voyage agn collection includes totes, bags and col wallets emblazoned with chic but wa ever-so-cheeky polka dots. Star pieces eve include black on black polka-dot inc handbags and, red and blue wallets han imprinted with the brand’s ab. heart imp logo and polka dots. www.agnesb.com log

THAI STYLE The next time you are in Bangkok, Thailand, stop by Central Chidlom for the latest designer fashion and accessories. The seven-storey department store in Thailand’s fashion capital stocks a wide selection of apparel, which includes collections by local designers. Check out homegrown brands like Kloset and Senada for street fashion with a Thai twist. www.central.com.th/

ACCESSORISE HIM From lace-ups and moccasins in luxurious leather to carry-wear that include messengers, totes and briefcases, Pedro’s latest line for men features a collection of footwear and accessories designed for the style-savvy gentleman. www.pedro.com

K FOR KENZO

IT’S A HOLI-HOLIDAY! Aussie brand Holiday Trading & Co specialises in clothing and textiles made from ﬁne natural ﬁbres. Using blocked prints and hand-blended colour palettes, the brand’s fuss-free designs echo a carefree vibe that will complement your holiday style. www.holidaydesign.com.au/ 128

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The youthful energy of Kenzo’s new creative directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim is evident in its women’s prefall line that features bold shapes, textures and proportions that are fashion forward and fun. Highlights include dresses and tops nipped at the waist, comfy capital K sweaters and playful accessories like conductor caps and platform booties. www.kenzo.com

SARONG PARTY Pair a bold-patterned sarong with an elegant top or turn it into a sexy tube dress. Inspired by traditional Malay wear, the latest collection of separates by Malaysianbased Mayfair Designs is designed to ﬂatter the female form. www.facebook.com/mayfairdesigns

8 VANITY FARE 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

IT’S ALL GOOD From all-natural skincare to dramatic lash extensions, our round-up of beauty products will keep you looking good no matter the season.

LAVENDER BLUE Melvita Organic Lavender Floral Water has oil-control and anti-inﬂammatory properties that prevent excessive sebum production, and soothes sensitive skin. Beat the heat and freshen up with a spritz of this purifying ﬂoral water. www.melvita.com

JUICY POUT Stick or pot, the choice is yours. Made from Community Fair Trade beeswax and marula oil, Born Lippy stick and pot balms from The Bodyshop hydrate while giving lips a hint of sheer colour. Available in shades and ﬂavours such as watermelon, toffee, lychee and pomegranate. www.thebodyshop.com

TWO IN ONE

WORDS: CHITRA S

SMOOTH AS SILK

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The EverSleek Sulfate-Free Anti-Frizz System by L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise™ is a range e of cleansing, conditioning and treatment products infused with h essential botanical oils to help repair over-processed hair. Thiss gentle, silicone-free formulation n restores hair’s natural balance for locks that are sleek and silky y smooth. www.lorealparis.com.my TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

With a refreshing scent of bergamot, green mandarins and neroli, Diptyque’s Revitalising Shower Gel is a convenient two-inone shower product that cleanses and refreshes skin and hair at the same time. The peppermint essence in it tones skin and, wheat and almond extracts restore volume and shine to hair. www.diptyqueparis.com

NATURAL B-LUSH Made from ethically and sustainably sourced organic ingredients, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics offer an enticing range of skin, body and hair care products. Try the Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon – macaron-shaped bath treats scented with cocoa, tonka bean, grapefruit and bergamot oils or, Latte Lip Tint – a moisturising lip balm with a delicious latte aroma. www.lush.com.au

BLACK BEAUTY

ALL A-FLUTTER For everyday wear or sultry nights, The Lash Expert by Stage offers a selection of eyecatching falsies for every taste and fancy. Bat those sexy eyelashes and watch heads turn your way! www.stage-cosmetics.com

For healthy and youthful looking skin, try Garnier’s Light Black Foam – a cleanser formulated with eucalyptus extract and mineral clay that both detoxiﬁes and exfoliates. Gentle enough for daily use, the cleanser removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural protective barrier. www.garnier.com

MANE ATTRACTION Whether you like wearing it long or short, in a pompadour or à la Justin Bieber, the Studio Line range from L’Oréal Paris makes styling hair fun and easy. Take your pick from four unique products – Wet and Sleek, Mix It Up, Spike Fanatic and Flick’N Sweep. www.lorealparis.com.my

NAIL IT! The latest high gloss nail lacquer collection by M.A.C offers 31 lustrous shades from the sheer, ballet slipper pink of Delicate to the sparkly light bronze sheen of Soirée. Choose from three longwearing ﬁnishes – cream, pearl and frost for attention grabbing nails. www.maccosmetics.com 132

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8 KIDS SPACE 0 2012

KIDS RULE!

Step into the shoes of AirAsia pilots and flight attendants, follow the adventures of a larger-than-life cat or, ride a horse in Bali – the choices are endless! With so much to do and experience, there is hardly a dull moment to be had.

CAT IN THE HAT

IMAGE: THE CA L.P. USED BY T IN THE HAT & 1957 DR. SEUSS PERMISSION ENTERPRI . ALL RIGH SE, TS RESERV ED.

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

With his endless tricks and wacky ideas, The Cat in the Hat will take you on an amazing fun-ﬁlled adventure. Follow the exploits of the wise-cracking cat in a stage production based on the beloved Dr. Seuss book, at the DBS Arts Centre, Singapore from August 22 – September 30, 2012. www.srt.com.sg

KIDDIE CREW KidZania Kuala Lumpur’s young guests recently got a chance to interact with AirAsia pilots and flight attendants, and learn firsthand what their professions entail at a coaching clinic hosted by the airline at the indoor edutainment centre. Dressed in pilot and flight attendant uniforms, the children were kept busy and entertained in the Kidzania AirAsia flight simulator under the watchful eyes of AirAsia’s friendly crew. For a chance to meet the crew and learn from them, look out for the next coaching clinic at KidZania! AirAsia SkyRider Club members will be the first to be notified of future coaching clinics. www.kidzania.com.my

Hey kids! Sign up now and become a SkyRider for just RM25 (for a limited time only) and get your hands on these goodies – a SkyRider Club Member’s Kit, KidZania KL passes worth RM55 (or KidZania Jakarta passes for Indonesian residents), 25% off stays at Tune hotels at selected locations, and 15% off on all SkyRider merchandise at www.airasiamegastore.com. Members also get to enjoy exclusive discounts on hotels and packages from AirAsia Go, special offers on concerts, events and theme parks from AirAsiaRedTix and RM2 preloaded airtime and 500 Tune Talk points from Tune Talk. Sign up now at www.skyrider.airasia.com

YES TO NONO’S Table of Plenty’s NoNo’s bars are a delicious and nutritious treat for kids. Made from natural wholegrains, these muesli bars are a great alternative to sugar-ﬁlled schoolyard snacks. NoNo’s are available in yummy Cocoa Crush and Berry Blast ﬂavours. www.tableofplenty.com.au

WORDS: CHITRA S

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For the latest promotions, like us on FaceBook.com/SkyRidersClub and follow us on Twitter.com/SkyRidersClub TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

HORSING AROUND Bali Equestrian Centre offers horse riding lessons and pony rides for kids as young as three. Learn about horses and the basics of riding from the centre’s qualiﬁed instructors. Kids can also sign up for riding camps and other fun activities held during school holidays. www.baliequestriancentre.com

8 PLANE FUN 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

RIDDLES 1. What do athletes have on their feet and backs?

QUICK QUIZ 1

A polyandrous woman has more than one what?

Which word is a US state capital, a mythical creature and the surname of acting siblings?

Who is the most powerful star in the world according to Forbes’ 2012 Celebrity 100 list?

The citizens of which country may say cin cin (pronounced ‘chin chin’) to your health?

Desynchronosis, a disruption in the circadian rhythm, is usually called what?

How many strings does a ukulele usually have?

The ‘Big Four’ Fashion Weeks are held in New York City, London and which two European cities?

The nashi is a variety of what fruit?

Which entrepreneur did Priscilla Chan marry on May 19, 2012?

10 In what part of the body would a labret be inserted as an ornament?

PLAY ON WORDS 2

4. Who sweeps drives and runs whenever he can?

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.

1 7 2 3 9 4 3 2 6 8 8 9 6 3 1 1 8 6 6 7 5 2 4 7 6 3 8 4 8 1 3 2 7

• QUICK QUIZ 1 Husband 2 Phoenix 3 Jennifer Lopez 4 Italy 5 Jet lag 6 Four 7 Paris & Milan 8 Pear 9 Mark Zuckerberg 10 Lip • RIDDLES 1 Trainers 2 A stitch in time saves nine! 3 American Beauty 4 A cricketer • PLAY ON WORDS 1 A kick in the pants The long arms of the law 3 Snail mail 4 Raining cats amd dogs

9 7 4 5 2 6 1 8 3

6 2 5 8 1 3 7 4 9

8 1 3 9 4 7 5 6 2

5 8 2 4 3 1 6 9 7

7 3 9 6 8 5 2 1 4

1 4 6 2 7 9 3 5 8

4 6 1 3 9 2 8 7 5

2 5 8 7 6 4 9 3 1

3 9 7 1 5 8 4 2 6

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

3. Complete the phrases and work out what Hollywood movie title is hidden here. i. As … as apple pie ii. ... is in the eye of the beholder

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2. Can you decipher the proverb disguised here? A loop of thread in a ticking type of bomb redeems half a golf course.

PUZZLES ARE COURTESY OF LOVATTS CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

8 PICTURE PERFECT 0 2012 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 two-bedroom suite at One-Stop Serviced Residence & Office, Kuala Lumpur worth RM900 nett (room only)! Situated in Fraser Business Park, One-Stop Serviced Residence & Ofﬁce offers guests a choice of 175 apartment units that include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, ofﬁce and kitchen space in each unit. In addition to these apartment units, the property also has 14 one-bedroom SOHO units that are fully furnished with modern amenities. Catering for working professionals, expatriates and families on holiday, the property is within easy reach of the city centre with daily shuttle services to Bukit Bintang shopping area, Pavilion and KLCC.

WINNER

Searching for Fresh Water Crabs – Kalibo Mangrove Eco Park Genne Grace Abing, Sucat, Parañaque City

BEST PICTURE WINS A 3D/2N stay for two in a Deluxe Studio Room at Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur inclusive of breakfast worth RM2,576 nett! Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, The Federal Kuala Lumpur Hotel is an ideal lodging option for travellers on business or leisure stays. The hotel is a mere 2-minute walk to major shopping malls, entertainment and, food and beverage outlets. The rooms and suites here are thoughtfully furnished and units come complete with in-room safe, tea/coffee making facilities, satellite TV channels, WIFI access, hair dryer and iron.

RUNNER-UP

Tulips at Keukenhof tulip garden in the Netherlands Xinying Xie, Australia

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.

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TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

8 GET COMFY 0 2012 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.

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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.

8 Route Map • AirAsia Malaysia 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Tehran Tehran

IRAN IRAN

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

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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

Guilin Guilin Taipei Taipei Guangzhou Guangzhou TAIWAN TAIWAN Shenzhen Shenzhen KolkataKolkata Macau Macau Hong Kong Hong Kong Hanoi Hanoi MYANMAR MYANMAR Haikou Haikou LAOSLAOS Chiang Chiang Mai Mai Vientiane Vientiane Yangon Yangon THAILAND THAILAND Da NangDa Nang Clark Clark Siem Reap BangkokBangkok Siem Reap

CAMBODIA CAMBODIA VIETNAM VIETNAM

Phnom Phnom Penh Penh Ho Chi Minh Ho ChiCity Minh City

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

PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES

Krabi Krabi Phuket Phuket Hat Yai Hat Yai Langkawi Langkawi Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Banda Banda PenangPenang Aceh Aceh BRUNEI BRUNEI Kuala MALAYSIA Medan Medan Kuala MALAYSIA 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 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

Gold Coast Gold Coast Perth Perth Sydney Sydney

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEAN OCEAN

Melbourne Melbourne

travel 3sixty˚

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8 Route Map • AirAsia Thailand 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

CHINA Chongqing

INDIA

Guangzhou Macau

Kolkata

MYANMAR

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

Colombo

Medan

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

INDIAN OCEAN

INDONESIA Jakarta

Surabaya Bali

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

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Available at leading department stores in: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

8 Route Map • AirAsia Indonesia 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

PACIFIC OCEAN

THAILAND Bangkok

VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh City Phuket Banda Aceh Medan

Kota Kinabalu

Penang Kuala Lumpur

Pekanbaru

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

Padang

Balikpapan

Palembang

INDONESIA

Makassar

Jakarta Semarang Bandung Surabaya Solo Yogyakarta Bali

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

146

travel 3sixty˚

Perth

8 ROuTE Map 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Sapporo

JAPAN Osaka

Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo

Fukuoka

Okinawa

ROuTE Map AirAsia Japan International Route Domestic Route

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA

ROuTE Map AirAsia Philippines Clark International Airport International Route Domestic Route

Clark

Kalibo Puerto Princesa

PHILIPPINES

Kota Kinabalu Kuala Lumpur

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MALAYSIA

Davao

8 DESTINATIONS 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

LCCT, KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur skyline

Sarawak

KUCHING 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

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

Penang

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 Legoland will be opening soon in Johor Bahru.

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Johor

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.

Phuket

Phuket int. Airport 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, Kota Kinabalu, Kalibo, Davao and Puerto Princesa.

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.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai int. Airport Mulberry paper Quick Facts • The parasols

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

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travel 3sixty˚

Mt. Fuji on Honshu Island.

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 Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Sapporo.

JAKARTA

Indonesia

Jakarta skyline

Medan

POLONIA Traditional custom of Nias island.

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.

JUANDA

Surabaya

Bullrace in Surabaya.

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

NGURAH RAI

Bali

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.

HUSEIN SASTRANEGARA

Bandung

QUICK FACTS • Known as the ‘Island of Gods’ for the numerous temples and shrines on the island • Bali is predominantly Hindu while the rest of Indonesia is 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.

Tangkuban Perahu crater

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TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

8 salEs OFFiCEs & sTaTiOns 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

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.

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

inDonesia BANDA ACEH Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda, Blang Bintang, Aceh DENPASAR, BALI Bandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Terminal Keberangkatan International Bali 80361 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 JAKARTA Terminal 3, Departure Hall Airlines Offices, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng

MAKASSAR Departure Terminal, Sultan Hasanuddin, International Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi Mall Panakukang, Carrefour Panakukang, 3rd Floor, Jl. Adyaksa Baru No.1, Makassar, South Sulawesi MANADO Sam Ratulangi International Airport Jalan A.A. Maramis, Manado 95374 MEDAN Bandara PoloniaTerminal Keberangkatan Internasional, Medan 20157 Sumatra Garuda Plaza Hotel, Jl. Sisingamangaraja, No.18 Medan-20213 PADANG Minangkabau International Airport, Padang, West Sumatra PALEMBANG Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Palembang, South Sumatra PEKANBARU Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport, Jalan Perhubungan Udara Simpang Tiga, Pekanbaru, Sumatra

No 75, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150, Johor Bharu, Johor No 20, Jalan Raya, 81000, Kulaijaya, Johor. No 97, Jalan Rahmat, 83000, Batu Pahat, Johor GK 01, Ground Floor, Kluang Mall, Jalan Rambutan, Bandar Kluang, 86000 Kluang, Johor. No 21,Jalan Dedap 21, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, Johor Bharu KEDAH 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 Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur, 50470 Lot G027B, Ground Floor, Podium Block, Plaza Berjaya,12 Jalan Imbi,55100 Kuala Lumpur

SEMARANG

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

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

No. 4 Jalan 3/116B, Kuchai Lama Entrepreneur Park, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 582000 Kuala Lumpur.

Komplek Pertokoan Simpang Lima, Blok C No. 1

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

SOLO

KELANTAN

Adi Soemarmo International Airport, Solo, Central Java

Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa Kota Bharu

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

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

Jl. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara

No. 26 Jalan Meriam, 84000 Muar, Johor

Komp Rukan Dharmawangsa, Jl. Dharmawangsa VI No.43, Jakarta Selatan

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

3183G, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim (Opp. KB Mall), 15050 Kota Bharu. PERAK Tune Hotel, No.2, Ground Floor, The Host, Jalan Veerasamy, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. TERENGGANU Level 1, Terminal Building, Sultan Mahmud Airport, 21300 Kuala Terengganu LABUAN Level 1, Labuan Airport Terminal 87008 Wilayah Persekutuan MELAKA No 32, Jalan Melaka Raya 23, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka PENANG Penang International Airport 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang Ground Floor, Kim Mansion 332, Chulia Street, 10200 Penang No 723 L-G, Jln Sungai Dua 11700 Pulau Pinang

A-G-07, Jalan Todak 4, Sunway Business Park, 13700 Seberang Perai Penang. SABAH Lot 1 & 2, 1st Floor, Terminal Building, Sandakan Airport, 90719 Sandakan FL4, 1st Floor, Tawau Airport Building, Jalan Apas-Balung, 91100 Tawau TB228, Lot 5, Ground Floor, Istana Monaco, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex 91000 Tawau Lot G24, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000, Kota Kinabalu TGround Floor, Terminal 2 Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Old Airport Road,Tanjung Aru 88100, Kota Kinabalu SARAWAK GL02, Ground Floor, Bintulu Airport, 97000 Bintulu Ground Floor, Miri Airport, 98000 Miri Lot 946, Jalan Parry, 98000 Miri Departure Level, Kuching International Airport, 93756 Kuching GFLO1, Departure Area, Ground Floor, Sibu Airport, 96000 Sibu Ground Floor, No. 36 Jalan Keranji, 96000 Sibu Grd Flr, Lot 4034, Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Parkcity Commercial Sq, Phase 5, 97000 Bintulu Ground Floor, 192H Al-Idrus Commercial Centre, Jalan Satok, 93400 Kuching SL11 Ground Floor, Lot 2541 Lee Ling Heights Phase 2, Mile 6.5 Jalan Penrissen, P.O. Box 2044, 93250 Kuching Lot 6813, Ground Floor Synergy Square, (Matang Jaya Commercial Centre), Jalan Matang Jaya, 93050 Kuching SELANGOR Ground Floor, Terminal 3, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport 47200 Subang, Selangor 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 Lot S141, 2nd Floor, Plaza Metro Kajang, Section 7, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang No 1, Jln PJS 3/48, Taman Sri Manja, 46000 Petaling Jaya No 10, Jalan Bandar Rawang 11, Bandar Baru Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor.

Ground Floor, Curve NX, 18 Jalan PJU 7/5, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

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 111 North Bridge Road #0136/37, Peninsula Plaza 179098,

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

ThailanD 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 Tesco Lotus – Rama1, 3rd Floor, 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330 Tesco Lotus – Rangsit, 2nd Floor, 392/4, Moo2, Phaholyothin Road, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, 12130 Tesco Lotus - Sukhumvit 50, 1st floor, 1710, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok, 10110

NARATHIWAT Narathiwat Airport 330 Moo 5 , Tambol Kok-Kian, Amphur Muang, Narathiwat 96000 PHUKET Phuket International Airport 312, 3rd Floor, Tumbol Maikao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110 Unit 9, Laflora Patong Area, No. 39, 39/1, Thaveewong Rd., Patong, Kratoo, Phuket Tesco Lotus – Phuket, 2nd Floor, 104, Chalermprakiat Road, Rasada Sub District, Muang District, Phuket, 83000 SURAT THANI

Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Floor, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, Bangkok, 1090

Surat Thani International Airport 73 Moo 3 Tambol Huatuey, Amphur Punpin, Suratthani

CHIANG MAI

UBON RATCHATHANI

Chiangmai International Airport 60, 1st Floor, Tambol Sutep, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200

Ubon Ratchathani Airport 297 Ubon Ratchathani Airport, Thepyotee Road, Amphur Nai Muang, Ubon Ratchathani 34000

416 Thaphae Road, Chiang Mai Tesco Lotus - Chiang Mai Kamtieng, 2nd Floor, 19, Kamtieng Road, Patan Sub District, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50340

UDON THANI Udon Thani International Airport 224 Moo 1, Tambol Makkhang, Amphur Muang, Udon Thani 41000

CHIANG RAI

VieTnam

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

HANOI

HAT YAI Hat Yai International Airport 125 Hadyai International Airport, Moo 3 Klongla, Klonghoikong, Songkhla 90115 Tesco Lotus - Hat Yai, 1st Floor, 1142, Kanchanawit Road, Hat Yai, Songkla, 90115

Noibai International Airport Lobby A, 3rd Floor, Hanoi 223, De Tham Pham Ngu Lao Ward District 1, Ho Chi Minh City No. 9, Hang Manh Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi 16, Nguyen Van Linh, Hai Chau District, Da Nang

KRABI 133 Moo 5 Petchkasem Road, Tambol Nuakrong, Amphur Nuakrong, Krabi 81130

127 Tanao Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200

Call Centre Numbers ausTralia china france inDia

1300 760 330 +86 20 2281 7666 +33(0)1 7048 0722 1860 500 8000 +91 44 4294 8300

inDonesia Japan hong Kong

+62 21 2927 0999 0120 963 516 +852 3112 3222

(calling from Mumbai and New Delhi only)

macau neW ZealanD paris philippines souTh Korea TaiWan ThailanD VieTnam The uK

0800912 0800 45 25 66 +33170480722 +63 2 588 9999 00798 1420 69940 008 0185 3031 +66 2 515 9999 +84 8 3838 9811/ 9812 0845 605 3333

8 TOUCHDOWN 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Street dancers perform during the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. The festival is held annually in celebration of life.

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES The capital city of Southern Mindanao looks out onto the picturesque Davao Gulf and is bordered by the provinces of Davao del Norte to the north, and Davao del Sur to the south. Modern yet rustic, with lots to do, see and experience, Davao City is a great place to visit any time of year.

MUST-SEE, MUST-DO THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE RESEARCH & NATURE CENTER Visit the centre to catch a glimpse of the magniﬁcent Philippine Eagle. Located about 36kms from Davao City, the centre is dedicated to conserving the endangered bird. www.philippineeagle.org

WORDS: CHITRA S

PEOPLE’S PARK The pride of Davao City, this 4-hectare park celebrates the culture of the region. With sculptures of the Lumads (indigenous people of Southern Philippines) the Philippine Eagle, and a Durian Dome, the park is a favourite hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. www.davaotourism.com

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LON WA BUDDHIST TEMPLE The largest Buddhist temple in Mindanao and among the few in Philippines, this shrine in Agdao is deﬁnitely worth a visit. Simply decorated and set in lush green surroundings, the temple inspires quiet contemplation and serenity. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL If you have Googled Davao, chances are you have seen images of the azure waters and white sandy beaches of Samal. Just a short hop (about 2kms) away from Davao City, Samal is famous for its beautiful beaches and tranquil waters (Davao region is typhoon-free!). Dotted with resorts, it is the fastest-growing tourist destination in Philippines. www.samal-island.com

DAVAO WILDWATER ADVENTURE Looking for adventure? Take a break from the usual touristy pursuits and experience white-water rafting along the Davao River. Get a crash course on the basics of rafting and paddle your way down the rapids for a wet and wild adventure. www.davaoadventure.com EDEN PARK NATURE RESORT A mountain resort 3,000 feet above sea level, this 80-hectare, pine tree-dotted retreat offers respite from the heat of the city, and bird’s eye views of Davao City and the gulf. Enjoy crisp mountain air, try your hand at zip-lining and, sample fresh produce grown in the resort’s grounds. www.edennaturepark.com.ph MT APO NATIONAL PARK The highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954m, Mt Apo is located between Davao City, Davao del

IMAGE: CORBIS

This bustling city situated on the island of Mindanao in the Philippine archipelago is the gateway to all that the region has to offer from highland adventures to island getaways.

Sur and Cotabato provinces. The mountain is considered sacred for the Manobos, Bagobo, Ubos, Atas, K’lagans and Tagacalo – indigenous tribes who’ve called the mountain home for centuries. www.summitpost.org

EAT DURIANS Love it or hate it, the King of Fruits reigns supreme in Davao. Not content with just eating the fruit? In Davao City, you can even drink it. The Blugre Café in Davao City serves a unique brew of durian-flavoured coffee. www.thefoodieschoice.com INIHAW NA PANGA The finger-licking goodness of grilled tuna collar or jaw is definitely a treat not-to-be missed in Davao City. www.tourism.gov.ph

SLEEP HOF GOREI BEACH RESORT Kaputian, Samal, 8120 PH MARCO POLO DAVAO Claro M Recto Street, Davao, 8000 PH WATERFRONT INSULAR HOTEL DAVAO Km5 Lanang, Davao, 8000 PH GETTING THERE AirAsia Philippines ﬂies daily to Davao from Clark. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

8 MY AIRASIA 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

N I T O H AN P A J

LEARN JAPANESE Japanese say Itadakimasu before meals to give thanks.

a irAsi A m ro ips on ars f t AllSt n offer Japan. a i p Ja to do n t wha

Say Domo for ‘Hi’,’Thank you’, ‘OK’ and ‘See you’. Arigato means ‘Thank you’

COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

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YUKIHISA KATSUIE

MINAKO TAKADA

YUMIKO SHIMIZU

HANAKO MAEKAWA

Captain

Flight Attendant

Marketing Executive

I come from Matsumoto City, located in the middle of Japan and nestled in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Some fun things to do while in Japan include taking in the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, which is one of the biggest displays in the country, and savouring a Sendai specialty: Ox tongue. For the best, I recommend the Ara Ox Tongue restaurant in Shinbahshi area and also in Haneda Airport Terminal 2. Something you might not know about the Japanese – we have a custom of gathering children in a park early in the morning during summer vacation to exercise to instructions and music from a radio broadcast. Attendance is marked with a stamp.

I’m from Fukuoka, in the southern part of Japan. A popular place to hang out in Fukuoka are the yatai, which are like mobile food stalls with chairs. Here, you can enjoy sake and local snacks. My favourite dish is natto. This traditional dish is made from soy beans, and eaten on rice with soy sauce. Some people don’t like it due to its strong smell and sticky texture, but it is really tasty and healthy. You can buy natto at any supermarket in Japan! While visiting our country, do check out the Nippon series, an annual baseball tournament. In my city, we have a pro baseball team named Softbank Hawks, and we love them!

Inflight Catering Meal Planner

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

I’m from Ibaraki Prefecture, and my favourite Japanese delicacy is sushi. The best place for sushi is Tsukiji in Tokyo where there are lots of sushi bars and a huge ﬁsh market where you can enjoy the freshest seafood! While in Japan, be sure to visit our hot springs, like the one in Nikko in Tochigi, and check out the shopping and dining scene in Ginza, Tokyo. Of course, there’s nothing like a dose of culture. So, make a trip to the Naritasan Shinshouji temple in Narita, Chiba on the ﬁrst day of spring, and witness a ceremony called Setsubun. On this day, sumo wrestlers and folks in the show business throw beans to drive away bad luck. Others will then pick up those beans for good luck. It is also said that if you eat the number of beans correlating to your age then you will get even more good luck!

My hometown is Tokyo, and for partying there’s no better spot than the Mado Lounge in Roppongi Hills. It’s a stylish venue, and the view is amazing! When I’m feeling peckish, my favourite Japanese dish is shabu-shabu, which is a Japanese style of hotpot featuring thinly sliced meat and vegetables. It’s delicious and healthy. Try this at Kisoji restaurant. You should also look out for something called kyaraben, which is a cute and colourful lunchbox. This elaborately arranged bento features food designed to look like people, characters from popular culture, animals and plants!

CMY