/2-February

AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE TRAVEL 3SIXTY째

55 FEBRUA RY 2012

Semarang, Indonesia

AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

HOT ON THE HERITAGE HUNT French Flavours

FOOD, FORTS & FAB FUN

Till Death Do Us Part

THE GREATEST LOVE STORIES

Chiang Mai, Thailand

PP15075/07/2012(029856) www.airasia.com/travel360

CUPID'S GONNA

GET YOU!

ROSE OF THE NORTH

02 2012

HELP SAVE THE EARTH. READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AND STOP STEALING ME! www.airasia.com/travel360

CHECK-IN Contents February 2012 66

NAVIGATOR

56

THE GREATEST LOVE STORIES FROM AROUND THE WOLRD Real & Legendary Lovers

66

ROSE IN FULL BLOOM Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, Chiang Mai

76

HERITAGE HUNT Treasures of Semarang

86

FORTS, FOOD & FRENCH FLAVOURS Perigord Noir Region of Southwest France

94

PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE Safe & Sound

100

TRAVEL LOG A Fortunate Ill Wind

40

48

48 HIT LIST

Love Makes the World Go Round

76

110 KIDS SPACE Kiddie Treats

STYLE FILE BOARDING CALL 08 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS

All You Need Is Love

10 INBOX

The Buzz from our Guests

12 RED FORT

News from AirAsia

128 MY AIRASIA Allstar Love

102 OFF THE RACK Here's Looking at You Babe

104 VANITY FARE

In the Mood for Love

106 JETSETTER Pablo Ientile

IN FLIGHT 112 PLANE FUN Puzzles & Games

114 PICTURE PERFECT

FLIGHT PLAN

Photos Taken by AirAsia Guests

20 SPOTLIGHT

116 GET COMFY

26 HOT DATES

PORT OF CALL

Stuff you’d Love to Know

February Events to Keep a Lookout for

28 COMPASS Trave Smart

30 QUICK BITES Love is in the Air

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Joy of Flying

118 ROUTE MAP 124 AIRASIA SALES OFFICES & STATIONS 126 TOUCHDOWN

Surat Thani, Thailand

32 PAGE TURNER

The Defining Romances

34 MONEY MAKER Modern Alliances

36 PRESCRIPTION Pushing for Passion

38 SCORE BOARD

Revealing the Secrets of Sports

40 HYPER TECH

Shopping in the Future

42 SLEEP INNS Stars of Da Nang

102

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AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

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

Kathleen Tan R. Rajendra Kan Seak Hong Beverly Rodrigues Chitra S Adam Lee Fazlina Bee Binti Abdul Rashid

Semarang, Indonesia

HOT ON THE HERITAGE HUNT

Till Death Do Us Part

THE GREATEST LOVE STORIES

French Flavours

FOOD, FORTS & FAB FUN

Fadillah Kamarudin Chiang Mai, Thailand

Alice Yong, Captain Lim Khoy Hing, Carol West, Efi Hamzah, Ali, Pete King, Shantini Suntharajah, Indran Balavishnu (Malaysia) indran.balavishnu@pharpartnerships.com Mairianne Reardon (Singapore, UK and International Markets) m.reardon@pharpartnerships.com Charuphan Pojchanart (Thailand) charuphanp@airasia.com Vikhram Radhakishnan (Indonesia) vikhram.r@pharpartnerships.com

ROSE OF THE NORTH

CUPID'S GONNA

GET YOU!

02 2012

HELP SAVE THE EARTH. READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AND STOP STEALING ME! www.airasia.com/travel360

ON THE COVER Season for Love Cover Image: Getty Images

Tel: +6 03 7962 5813 (Phar Partnerships Malaysia) E-mail: sales-T360@airasia.com Travel 3Sixty° wishes to thank Lovatts Crosswords & Puzzles, MPH, Pansing Marketing, Quikmark Media EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PUBLISHED BY

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TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚ DIGITAL TEAM CONTENT WEBMASTER WEB DEVELOPERS WEB DESIGNERS

Matthew Mok, Jayne Kam, Irvin Hanni Iyan Yudhiana Ong Chin Han, Jason Phoon, Mohd Sufian Charmaine Wong, Goh Wee Kee, Howard Choong

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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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

02 12 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS 2011 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

IMAGE: INMAGINE

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

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Love is a many splendoured thing and knows no caste, colour or creed. But don’t beat yourself up silly if you are not salivating like a Pavlovian dog at the mere mention of your soul mate’s name. You can still be single and enjoy love in all its glory. Go love your security guard! He does a good job keeping you safe in your condo, right? Go love your maid who prepares your meal tirelessly though you spit it out in disgust.

She could (should!) poison you, you know! Go love your friends who religiously sit through hours, listening to your mindless drivel; your incessant bitching and complaining. Really... there simply are so many ways you can show love.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it” ~ Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, Persian poet.

This month, do yourself a favour. Stop whining that you haven’t landed a hot chick or a muscular bloke to spend Feb 14 with. Enjoy the real meaning of love by expressing it to people who deserve the appreciation and gratitude. And in the process, love thyself too.

That’d be the greatest gift to yourself.

Managing Editor, R.Rajendra

02 INBOX 2012

www.airasia.com/travel360 12 FEATURES • Philippi 2011 www.airasia.com/travel360

nes

It made me smile reading Follow the Star (Dec 2011) that featured the parol (lantern).

I was reminded how colourful the holiday The season is in my country that even the less fortunate Filipinos will go out of their way to hang lanterns in their houses. This just shows how joyful Filipinos are and how they always find a way to smile and laugh, despite the hardships in life. Thanks for featuring my country LETTER OF THE via this article. It truly captured the beauty that’s found MONTH! in the simplest of things. Happy 10 Awesome Years AirAsia! ~ John Christian Andaya, Philippines

Follow Star

HERE’S THE BUZZ ON AIRASIA’S TWITTER, FACEBOOK AND WEIBO PAGES Pilot’s Perspective column in Travel 3Sixty˚ is my fave!

Kindly send my best regards to Captain

The people of Pampan ga in the Philippines have long been inventing dramatic folk traditions that express their festive spirit and fun-loving nature.

Today, the star-shaped parol (lantern) of Pampanga is a shining Christmas and a celebra symbol of ted local icon.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

55403_t360 Dec2011_CP_3.in

dd 108

Lim :) Dhita Anggrawati @AirAsia flight from Pekanbaru to Kuala Lumpur was awesome with cute/super handsome stewards! Batgirl My travel highlight in 2011 was when the whole family flew to Christchurch, thanks to @ AirAsiaX promo fares when they launched that route. Sleepless In KL

I was travelling from Penang to Singapore on Dec 26 and picked up the magazine with reluctance.

This is because I have usually been let down by such in-flight magazines with various other airlines. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and amount of information packed in your magazine. The article Dreams Do Come True (Dec 2011) was amazing, especially given the time of the year when people are planning and dreaming about what to achieve in the next year. It got me thinking and gave the right push I needed to ‘dream big’! Thank you Travel 3Sixty˚! ~ Urvi, via Email

A heartfelt appreciation and a happy Awesome 10th birthday AirAsia! You guys are simply the best! William Lim Yii Liang

Please start flights to Amritsar, Punjab in India. It’ll be very beneficial for us as there aren’t many airlines that fly there directly! Rabeenash Singh I had a very pleasant flight experience even when the whether was bad outside. The pilot on AK5105 did his best in providing us with a pleasant journey. A big Thank You to Captain David Ong and his copilots on the flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur.

Joey Cheah

LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS A RM918 VOUCHER TO BE REDEEMED AGAINST AN ATC 0912 28” LUGGAGE* THE OTHER TWO PUBLISHED LETTERS WIN A RM100 VOUCHER EACH FROM LUGGAGE EMPIRE. *T&C apply. *Luggage shown here for illustration purpose only. Colours may vary.

I was reading your article Reaching Out (Dec 2011), which was about AirAsia helping flood victims in various places in Thailand recently.

Being a resident of Bangkok, I must say that everyone was, directly or indirectly, affected by the devastating floods. It isn’t easy describing the daily frustration of dealing with this prolonged natural disaster, which lasted over two months.

Therefore, it meant a lot to us in Thailand that AirAsia demonstrated its commitment in helping the community by distributing hot meals, clean drinking water and other necessities. Keep it up AirAsia, you are truly an airline of the world! ~ Daniel Boey, Bangkok

AirAsia took me to a completely unknown land in 2009 first time ever with its competitive prices and shining red aircraft.

Thank you! ParaParaStar The furthest places I’ve been in 2001 were Thailand and Singapore. In 2011, AirAsia took me further to the place that I’ve wanted to go – Europe! Thank you AirAsia! Anneme8 Since 2010, AirAsia has flown me to many overseas trips to Southeast Asia – Bangkok, Phuket, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh. Hope AirAsia will continue to fly me to more places in the next 10 years – Europe, South Africa and USA! All the best AirAsia! Lydia

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 a fabulous prize 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.

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02 RED FORT 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

NEW HOTSPOTS Beginning February 7, AirAsia will fly to Semarang in Central Java, Indonesia and Surat Thani in southern Thailand from Kuala Lumpur. While Semarang is known for its heritage sites and local delicacies, the province of Surat Thani in offers a delightful mix of architectural gems like the spectacular Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya Rat Worawihan with its well-preserved artwork dating back to the Srivijaya empire, as well as natural attractions like the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park and, seven-tier waterfall Namtok Mueang Thuat. Surat Thani is also the gateway to the island resorts of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan – home of the popular full moon party.

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Semarang and three times weekly to Surat Thani from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

“As a truly Asean airline, we are committed to connecting more people throughout the region. We are sure that our guests will be as excited as us with the introduction of Semarang, a businesscentric town with big tourism potential; and Surat Thani, the largest province of southern Thailand and gateway to the island of Koh Samui.” ~ Kathleen Tan, AirAsia Regional Commercial Head

Tangkuban Perahu volcano in Bandung.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Mutton satay is popular in Semarang, Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya Rat Worawihan in Surat Thani, traditional Javanese peacock dancers.

GO BANDUNG! • BANDUNG ON SALE This shopping tour takes visitors to some of the best shopping spots in Bandung, renowned for thousands of factory outlets.

(Duration: Six hours)

COMPILED BY : BEVERLY RODRIGUES

• SHOP + MUSICAL ANGKLUNG ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE A tour that combines a shopping spree and local lunch with a visit to the musical arts school, Saung Angklung Udjo for an anklung (musical instrument made from bamboo) performances, traditional dance, puppet show and more. (Duration: Six hours)

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• VOLCANO AND HOT SPRINGS TOUR This tour takes you north of Bandung to the active volcano called Tangkuban Perahu, as well as the nearby Ciater Hot Spring. Lunch is included.

Book your tours at www.AirAsiaGo.com TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

CAROLING IN THE AIR To spread Christmas cheer, AirAsia AllStars hopped on board several flights to entertain guests with Christmas carols 38,000 feet in the air! The AllStar carolers were joined by flight attendants who helped add even more merriment to the occasion. AirAsia AllStars often put on shows for guests during special occasions, as part of the airline’s on-going WOW (Work on Wonders) campaign to improve service and create a fun flying experience.

CUTTING COSTS In an effort to minimise travelling costs for AirAsia guests, the airline has abolished counter check-in fees for all international flights throughout its network.

Now, all bookings made from December 22, 2011, will be exempted from the counter checkin fee of RM10. AirAsia encourages all guests travelling on domestic flights to take advantage of its free, self check-in options via web, mobile or kiosk. Guests who’ve already prepaid the counter check-in fees may obtain a credit shell by contacting Customer Care via the e-form at www.airasia.com.

“This move is part of our continuous efforts to reduce the cost of travelling for our guests, especially with the recent hike of passenger service charge for international travellers. As a passionate low cost travel loyalist, we always listen to our guests’ needs for lower fares and fees. We will continue to review our ancillary prices and do our best to provide lowest fares, innovative products and services.” ~ Group CEO AirAsia, Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes AllStars entertaining guests on board with Christmas carols.

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SABAH

BY DEMAND Beginning February 6, AirAsia is boosting flight frequencies between Kuala Lumpur and two popular adventure destinations in Sabah, with 14 flights a week to Kota Kinabalu, and three daily flights to Sandakan.

Starting February 21, the airline will also add flights to Kota Kinabalu from Hong Kong, bringing total frequencies to 10 weekly flights.

While Kota Kinabalu is famous as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kinabalu National Park, home to Mount Kinabalu, Sandakan opens doors to a wealth of ecotourism hotspots like Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River, Gomantong Caves and the dive haven, Lankayan Island.

For real-time updates on upcoming flight promotions, visit www.airasia.com, and follow AirAsia on Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia).

Minister of Ministry of Youth and Sport Malaysia, YB. Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Shahrudin Kassim, Manager Government & Middle East Business Development.

DRIVING SPORTS In November 2011, AirAsia received an appreciation award from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Malaysia during the Futsal 1Malaysia Tournament at Putrajaya, Malaysia. In attendance were YB. Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister, and Shahrudin Kassim, AirAsia Government & Middle East Business Development Manager. The award was conferred in recognition of AirAsia’s support and cooperation towards sporting activities in the country.

GIVIN’ A LITTLE KINDNESS In November, AirAsia’s Junior Jet Club teamed up with KidZania Jakarta (an interactive entertainment and education theme park that allows children to experience adult jobs in an environment that simulates real life in a functioning economy) to bring cheer to the underprivileged children of Rumah SOS Desa Taruna in Jakarta.

AirAsia sponsored 200 gift packs for the children while KidZania donated Rp5, 000 from the sale of each ticket during the holy month of Ramadan, bringing the total donation to Rp58, 000,000.

Senior officials from AirAsia and KidZania, as well as special invitees like Miss KidZania 2010, were present at the cheque presentation ceremony in November, 2011.

GORGEOUS GUESTS In December, AirAsia X lent support to the 15th Miss Tourism International World Finals competition when the airline flew in the pageant’s delegates for the event at Sunway Resort Hotel Grand Ballroom. This international pageant is the only New Year’s Eve pageant that hosts over 30 beauty queens from around the world, and serves as a platform to promote tourism and cultural exchange.

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EXCHANGING PLACES In December 2011, AirAsia’s Corporate Culture department initiated the first ever AllStars’ East Meets West Junior Exchange Programme, an intercultural exchange programme open to children of AllStars in Malaysia. Enabling children of AllStars from East Malaysia to visit West Malaysia, and vice versa, the programme encourages young ones to learn, appreciate and understand different cultures.

While Captain Mohd. Ridwani Kadir hosted two siblings from East Malaysia in Perak and took them for a traditional wedding feast, the Corporate Culture team flew 10 West Malaysians aged 10 to 16 to Bintulu, Sarawak for a five-day adventure. The West Malaysians explored Niah National Park’s majestic caves, trekked through the coastal rainforest of the Similajau National Park, visited a longhouse, and sampled local delicacies. The AllStars in Bintulu also took time out to have dinner and play games with their colleagues’ children.

The programme aims to build self-confidence, instill camaraderie and enhance network skills. For 15-year-old Sherold Sean Soria, this certainly paid off. “Besides the adventure, I also enjoyed making new friends, and of course, travelling without my parents!”

Sherald Shane Soria happily splashing his friends during a high speed boat cruise along Sg. Gelam.

HOT TIP!

Become a BIG SHOT when you sign up for AirAsia’s global loyalty programme called BIG at tune2big.com and earn BIGGIES (loyalty points) to be redeemed against free AirAsia flights every time you spend with AirAsia and other BIG partners worldwide.

I’m a

BIG

shot

02 SPOTLIGHT 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

PAST & PRESENT Ten Thousand Waves is a nine screen video installation, which weaves together stories linking China’s past and present. The project features Maggie Cheung, Zhao Tao, Yang Fudong and, poems by Wang Ping.

Shot on location in China by acclaimed artist Isaac Julien, this exhibition incorporates a variety of artistic disciplines. Valentine Willie Fine Art in Singapore (VWFA) in collaboration with London’s Victoria Miro Gallery presents a series of limited edition photographs for the project. The exhibition is on until Feb 26, 2012. www.vwfa.net

Maiden of Silence

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We don’t want you to take AirAsia’s in-flight magazine – Travel 3Sixty˚ – off the plane but fret not, we’ve now made it possible for you to read the magazine online. Check out our new online portal to read or download Travel 3Sixty˚ and, share your favourite articles from the magazine with your friends. You can also read exclusive stories from our bloggers and AirAsia fans, browse and rate beautiful travel photos sent in by our guests or, send in your own shots! www.airasia.com/travel360 TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Midnight

Yishan Island, Voyage

IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST & VICTORIA MIRO GALLERY, LONDON

WORDS: CHITRA S

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚ ’S NEW HOME!

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL Get on board the vintage rattler carriages of the Legendary Blues Train, as it celebrates 18 years of bringing world-class blues acts to the public. Immerse yourself in music and experience the beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, as the train makes its way down the Bellarine Rail track.

The train begins its ride at the historic Queenscliff station, with revellers changing carriages at every stop to experience the four blues acts. With a capacity of 200 people, the Blues Train also caters for functions including weddings, parties and corporate events. The train operates Saturday nights from now till May with many fun packages. www.thebluestrain.com.au

APPETITE FOR LOVE

Wine and dine your loved one at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur this Valentine’s Day. The hotel’s culinary team is whipping up delectable meals to get couples in the mood for romance. Treat your loved one to a scrumptious five-course candlelight dinner that includes fi llet of monk fish with pan-fried duck liver and white asparagus and, porcini mushroom sauce at Villa Danieli. Savour a V-Day buffet dinner at Essence restaurant or, sip champagne while nibbling on chocolate dipped strawberries at Pavilions Lounge. www.starwoodhotels.com 22

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

NEPAL IN 3D Imagine exploring Kathmandu from the comfort of your living room, listening to birds chirping and people chatting in the town square, as you make your way to Boudhanath Stupa! Now, you can do just that with 3rd Planet, an interactive 3D online travel portal that takes users on a virtual journey, helping travellers plan their trip in greater detail with the assistance of interactive 3D CGI scenes. The recently launched Journey to Everest is the first 3D project to be featured on the website that highlights destinations around the world. A great resource centre for travellers, 3rd Planet enables users to get a feel for the destination before their visit. www.3rdplanet.com

WANDERING CLOUDS Get ready to embark on an amazing journey with renowned Taiwanese dance troupe Cloud Gate that traces the Buddha’s footsteps to Bodh Gaya. Watch dancers perform Songs of the Wanderers on a stage covered with 3.5 tonnes of rice, turning it into an amazing Zen-like landscape! Asia’s first modern dance company, Cloud Gate, is named after a Chinese ritual dance and its dancers are skilled in Tai Chi Tao Yin, meditation, martial arts, Chinese opera and, modern and classical dance forms. The performance is choreographed by the troupe’s artistic director Lin Hwai-min and, accompanied by Georgian folk music. Catch this acclaimed performance in Penang on Feb 10 and in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 16 and 17, 2012. http://www.ticket2u.biz

HI-TECH SUPPORT Flying can be a breeze if you are well-prepared for your trip and that includes dressing comfortably. Put on a compression top and arrive at your destination feeling fresh and relaxed. Designed by HPE Clothing exclusively for AirAsia, this top is engineered to regulate blood flow, body temperature and prevent muscular fatigue; keeping you comfortable throughout your journey. Available in white or black in sizes s XS, S, M and L for women and, S, M, L, XL and XXL for men. Get it onb onboard board AirAsi AirAsia ia and AirAsia X flights, and at www.airasiamegastore.com

MALAYSIANS’ FAVOURITES

Recent statistics released by Hotels. com® reveal that Singapore is the most popular destination for Malaysians! In second place is gkok Hong Kong, followed by Bangkok and Seoul. London and Paris were the only cities outside Asia to make or it to the top 10 destinations for pots Malaysians. The remaining spots went to Beijing, Taipei, Phukett and Guangzhou.

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02 HOT DATES 02 2012 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

FEB 2012

SINGAPORE

CHINGAY PARADE FEB 3 – 4 In its 40th year, Singapore’s Chingay Parade is grander than ever, with performers presenting incredible stunts along a 360 metre-long waterway. The opening segment features an impressive dragon float and, warrior dragon dance with some 800 dancers. www.chingay.org.sg

FRANCE

DANSER SA VIE FEB 1 – APR 2 The Centre Pompidou showcases Danser Sa Vie or Dancing through Life, an exhibition that explores the connection between the visual arts and dance – from the 1900s to the present through paintings, sculptures, installations, audio-visual work and choreographic pieces. www.centrepompidou.fr

MALAYSIA

COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

THAIPUSAM

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FEB 7 Tamil Hindus in Malaysia make their annual pilgrimage to the Batu Caves temple to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, when Lord Muruga, the Hindu God of War, defeated a demon with his vel or divine spear. On this day, thousands of devotees, including the Chinese, offer up burdens called kavadi to ask for Lord Muruga’s blessings. www.tourism.gov.my

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

PHILIPPINES

17 INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FEST TH

FEB 9 - 12 Ride gigantic hot air balloons from around the world when these balloons descend on Philippine Air Force’s ADAC hangar at the Clark Airbase for a fabulously colourful affair. www.clarksubicmarketing.com

UNITED KINGDOM

AUSTRALIA

EVENTS

27 ANNUAL JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL TH

PERTH INTERNATIONAL ARTS FEST (PIAF) FEB 10 – MAR 3 Celebrating its 60th year, The PIAF presents over 1,100 local and international performances including the theatrical production Raoul that’s filled with humour and shape-shifting illusions, and How Like an Angel, which combines spectacular acrobatic displays with sacred music.

FEB 11 - 19 Celebrate Norse mythology and the spirit of the Viking Age in York with Viking folklore, feasting, music and craft, valiant battles and the re-enactment of a fallen warrior’s funeral – complete with a burning longship! www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

www.perthfestival.com.au

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL SOLO ACOUSTIC SHOW – FEB

22 Flying solo, Dashboard Confessional front man Chris Carrabba brings you the band’s best songs, acoustic style – a sound that’s been touted as both romantic and melancholic.

One of the intimate venues he’ll be playing in is Malaysia’s performance venue, KL LIVE.

NEW ZEALAND

JAPAN

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

FEB 17 Dubbed the ‘Garden City’, Christchurch is filled with pretty parks, gardens and green spaces. To witness the city in full bloom, check out the Festival of Flowers – floral art at its best! www.festivalofflowers.co.nz

FEB 6 – 12 View gigantic snow sculptures or try skiing on bamboo skis in Hokkaido, home to one of Japan’s most popular winter fests. Other winter hotspots in Hokkaido include Asahikawa and Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan. www.jnto.go.jp

ERYKAH BADU LIVE IN KUALA LUMPUR – FEB 28 The

Queen of Neo-Soul performs at The Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – the first Asian stop on Badu’s first ever Australasian tour.

ZEE BOLLYWOOD NITE 2012 – FEB 4 Zee’s hottest

THAILAND

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL BLUES ROCK FEST FEB 23 – 26 Catch blues musician and actor Chris Thomas King of O Brother Where Art Thou fame at Laguna Phuket, along with amazing bands like Malaysia’s AkashA and Australia’s John Meyer’s Blues Express.

stars like Binni Sharma from Dance India Dance, Ruturaj and Vaishnavi from Dance India Dance Little Master, and Sara Khan and Sujoy Reu from Ram Milaye Jodi offer three hours of non-stop Bollywood hits at Malaysia’s Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

UNIT ASIA SEA TOUR – FEB 9 Asian jazz ensemble Unit Asia, with members from Japan, Malaysia and Thailand, performs at KL LIVE during their Southeast Asian Tour 2012.

www.phuketbluesfestival.com

ELSEWHERE… SINGAPORE M1 Singapore Fringe FEB 15 – 26 www.singaporefringe.com Singapore Airshow FEB 14 – 19 www.singaporeairshow.com UK Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II FEB 6 www.enjoyengland.com FRANCE Adam and Eve FEB 1 – MAR 6 www.palaisdessports.com MALAYSIA Le Tour de Langkawi 2012 FEB 24 – MAR 4 www.ltdl.com.my

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BE OUR FAN ON FaceBook.com/ AirAsiaRedTix, FOLLOW US ON Twitter. com/RedTix AND PURCHASE TICKETS TO THESE HOT EVENTS AT AirAsiaRedTix.com

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

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02 COMPASS 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

TRAVEL SMART

IMAGE: ADAM LEE

From experiencing Red Carpet Service at dirt cheap prices to enjoying a camping trip in total luxury, here’s a quick look at what’s hip, hot and happening in the world of travel

DELICIOUS TOKYO

WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH

FIRST CLASS TREATMENT

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If you’re looking to glam up your AirAsia experience, look no further! The Red Carpet Service, which was introduced in December 2011, provides a speedier check-in and boarding process handled by professional and friendly staff. It also includes dedicated check-in counters, priority tagging, access to a premium lounge, fast departure, immigration and security clearance, priority boarding and baggage handling, amongst others.

Guests can purchase this service either online or over the counter for RM100 (pre-booking) and RM120 (airport rate). The Red Carpet service is currently available in Kuala Lumpur for all AirAsia flights departing from LCCT. www.airasia.com

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY 101 You don’t need state-of-the-art equipment or months of training to take beautiful travel photos. Just keep the following tips in mind and you’re good to go.

• Get your camera as close as possible to the subject. This increases the chances of capturing details that will add to the quality of your photograph.

• Keep your eyes open and your camera handy. Serendipity plays a huge role in good travel photography, so you need to be ready to whip that camera out at a moment’s notice.

• Change your point of view to get interesting results. Tilt your camera or get down on your knees for a variety of great angles in your photos.

• To capture movement and feel of your destination, you’ll need to be good at motion photography. Practise at home by photographing the rides at an amusement park, a racetrack or a busy street.

• Only use the flash when you have no other option.

Photographs lit by the harsh light of the camera’s flash can look dull and amateurish. Natural light is always best.

Tokyo defends its impressive title as the world’s food capital for the fifth year running!

The prestigious Michelin guide, arguably the most respected food guide in the world, awarded the city’s restaurants the most stars recently.

Some of Tokyo’s top restaurants like Ryugin was promoted from two to three stars while Korean restaurant Moranbong entered the list with two stars, making it the most esteemed Korean restaurant on the planet.

Among the hundreds of restaurants that were ‘starred’ in Tokyo, 52 were awarded 2 stars and 179 received one star. Although the Michelin guide is itself a French publication, restaurants in Paris paled in comparison to the ones in the Japanese capital with only 70 receiving stars.

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies three times a week to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BANGKOK Equally known as a shopper’s paradise, foodie haven and a city of earthly delights, Bangkok is also a surprisingly family-friendly city. Kids will love the Siam Ocean World located in the basement of the posh Siam Paragon Shopping Centre (1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road) or the Dusit Zoo (71, Rama V Road, Chitralada district), which has been around since the 1930s but was recently refurbished to include a skywalk and lakeside promenade. Siam Park Avenue (Serithai Soi 75) is just as much of a must-see with its dinosaur museum, thrilling rides and the world’s largest wave pool, which measures an impressive 13,600 metres. The little ones will also enjoy the Funarium (Sukhumvit 26, behind Carrefour at Rama IV Road). This is a giant, airconditioned space with super-slides, trampolines, tubing and rope swings that will keep kids happy for hours.

GO GLAMPING If the thought of camping makes you want to roll over and die, you might take a shine to a new version of this outdoor activity. Glamourous camping or ‘glamping’ combines high-end luxury with the exciting wilderness. Australia boasts a number of notable glamping campsites but Longitude 131° is undeniably one of the best. Located in the heart of the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, this campsite offers stunning views of Uluru – a sacred aboriginal site where a natural red sandstone rock rises out of the flat landscape. The camp features opulent, modern amenities like electrical curtains, Bose sound systems and world-class dining. The best part?

Painstaking measures have been taken to protect the surrounding environment so eco warriors will have nothing to worry about. www.longitude131.com.au

DON’T CALL HOME Resort at Mabul Island, Sabah, Malaysia.

WELL-HEELED VISITORS The Visa Global Travel Intentions Survey 2011, which measures past and future travel habits and motivations of global travellers, revealed that a large percentage of affluent travellers from China, India and South Africa had listed Malaysia as their top destination in the next two years. The online survey received a total of 11,620 respondents from 23 countries. The demographic profile of an affluent traveller, according to the survey is a 35-year-old, married professional with an average monthly income of US$4, 319. The survey also revealed that 74 percent of wealthy tourists to Malaysia were planning to engage in outdoor activities while other popular holiday pastimes include food tours and lifestyle-related pursuits such as health and wellness and, musical events.

Whatever you do, don’t use your mobile phone to make phone calls while travelling. International roaming fees can be ridiculously expensive and just five minutes of conversation will cost what you’d pay for a good meal at a trendy restaurant. Instead, check with your mobile network provider if they offer reasonably priced international call fees via special overseas call packages. Remember, you also end up paying for incoming calls when you’re outside your home country, so it’s best to switch off your phone to avoid receiving pointless calls from annoying telemarketers. Do yourself a favour and call home using an international phone card at your hotel, public phone or, stick to e-mailing.

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02 QUICK BITES 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

February’s the month to celebrate love, love, love!

Knowing that the best way to someone’s heart is through the stomach, we offer delicious ideas that will ignite sparks of romance in your life, melt your beloved’s heart and lift you up to cloud nine. If all these fail, well at least, you’ll have a full tummy.

LET HER EAT CAKE Surprise your lady love with a luscious Lavender Bavarois cake topped with macaroons or, rekindle the flames of passion over a candlelit dinner at Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia www.eastin.com.

SEEING STARS

WORDS: ALICE YONG

Discover the secret of Chef Alfonso Iaccarino’s success at The Sukhothai Bangkok.

The owner of 2-Michelin Star restaurant Don Alfonso 1890 in Sorrento, Italy, will cook for guests at La Scala restaurant’s The Art of Dining 2012 series with his son, Ernesto. Reservations are essential for the Wine Dinner on February 1 while special Set Lunch and Dinner menus will be available from February 2-4. www.sukhothai.com

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DEATH BY CHOCOLATE Brother and sister team Kevin and Celine Yeo from 3 INCH SIN tempt with their wickedly indulgent chocolate molten cakes that come in Baileys, Cherries Jubilee and Lemon flavours at Cluny Court and Millennia Walk, Singapore. Newer creations include ‘A Brighter Side’ (chocolate tart with orange marmalade tart base) and Mogador (chocolate mousse with raspberry glaze). www.3inchsin.com

THE ITALIAN JOB

AFTERNOON TEA-SERS Soak in the magnificent view of Lake Wakatipu while lounging over a delicious Sunday afternoon tea served at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand. Prepared by Executive Chef Gwen Harvie, you have a choice of ‘Eichardt’s Garden Tea Party’ or ‘Signature Afternoon Tea’ sets.

Jumbo Scallop Risotto with asparagus and wild mushroom, Rack of Lamb baked with Parma ham in puff pastry and Osso Buco, Italian braised veal shank are just but some of the offerings served amid the cosy, contemporary setting of Cellini’s Italian restaurant at the Dorsett Regency Hotel, Hong Kong. Apart from exquisite main dishes and tasty desserts, hightea is available between 2:30pm and 6:00pm. www.hongkong.dorsettregency.com

www.eichardtshotel.co.nz

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

OYSTER MANIA Most people find eating oysters sensuously sexy despite there being no hard scientific proof that the mollusc is an aphrodisiac.

Low in calories but rich in vitamins A, B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), C and D, as well as minerals: calcium, iodine, iron, potassium, copper, phosphorous, manganese, sodium and zinc (which controls progesterone levels), oysters probably acquire their libido-boosting prowess from folklore.

While Casanova apparently consumed up to 50 oysters a day, King Henry IV tossed back as many as 300 in one sitting!

GAME FOR A QUICKIE? The art of food seduction is easy with Quickies: Morning, Noon and Night, a nifty cookbook penned by chef cum restaurateur Denise Fletcher. Her collection of 70 easy to follow recipes with beautiful photographs also includes useful cooking and baking techniques and tips. Available from major bookstores or online at www.marshallcavendish.com

VALENTINE COOK OUT Malaysian actor and heartthrob Alan Yun waxes lyrical on Valentine’s Day Q. How would you celebrate Valentine’s Day? A. I’d cook my signature dish of pasta carbonara and prawns with white wine sauce for a romantic dinner at home. It’s more meaningful to prepare a dish with whatever ingredients one fancies, and then cook them with love.

Champagne and white wine would be ideal to top the evening off.

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02 PAGE TURNER 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

THE DEFINING ROMANCES

FAMOUS ROMANTIC NOVELS MADE INTO MOVIES

Here’s your chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day with some of the most Valen memorable romances ever written. me

Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare endures as one of the world’s most famous tragic romances. Adapted for stage, film film and opera, this story of star-crossed lovers separated by feuding families, ends with the young lovers committing a double suicide.

Samuel Richardson’s novel Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, published in 1740 is considered one of Europe’s earliest romance novels. In this work, Pamela, a 15-year-old maid, is aggressively pursued by her master, who is initially reluctant to propose marriage due to the difference in social standing.

Written in the epistolary style using letters as a means of relating Pamela’s intimate thoughts and feelings, it is one of the first novels based on a courtship told from the heroine’s perspective.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

Jane Austen is respected as pioneer and master of the romance genre. Her novel Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813, is set in the early 19th century and chronicles how Elizabeth Bennet navigates etiquette, morality, education and marriage in the genteel rural society of the day. The realism and sharp social commentary in Austen’s writings make her one of the most widely read writers in English literature.

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The Brontë sisters, Charlotte and Emily, are known for their gothic romance novels Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights published in 1847. Both novels are considered literary masterpieces with strong

fem feminist themes. Jane Eyre tells the story of an orp orphan’s journey to becoming an independent woman wh who struggles between conscience and passion, while Wuthering Heights is woven with tragedy and revolves around the tortured romantic hero, Heathcliff.

Georgette Heyer established the Historical Romance genre in the 1920s, and later, the subgenre of Regency Romances with stories set during the English Regency period (1811-1820). Offering glimpses into the distinct politics and social conventions of the era, these novels kept readers entertained even during the Great Depression. Despite never granting interviews or making public appearances, and saying “I ought to be shot for writing such nonsense”, Heyer wrote bestsellers throughout her career.

Love in the time of Cholera by Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez explores love in its many facets, starting with puppy love, moving through manic obsession and finally settling into a more mature sentiment. It features an unlikely hero whose eternal devotion to a woman is eventually rewarded when she reciprocates his feelings in their twilight years.

The title suggests that lovesickness is comparable to cholera.

Bodice-rippers – a sexually charged romantic novel, usually in a historical setting with a plot that involves the seduction of a vulnerable heroine. The covers of such novels always portray a swooning heroine in the arms of muscular, devilishly handsome hero or villain.

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• Time Traveller’s Wife, Audrey Niffeneger • What Dreams May Come, Richard Matheson • Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy • Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell • Twilight, Stephenie Meyer • The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks

LOVE LITERATURE • Often dubbed the ‘Queen of Romance’, Barbara Cartland wrote a whopping 732 books and sold over a billion copies, garnering a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

• The demand for escapism in the 1930s prompted Mills & Boon to focus on hardback romances sold through weekly two-penny libraries. Their distinct brown binding brought about the moniker ‘the brown books’.

• Though repeatedly rejected by leading publisher of romance novels, Harlequin, Nora Roberts eventually became the first author to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.

THE (NOT-FOR-PARENTS) TRAVEL BOOK Michael Dubois, Katri Hilden & Jane Price

READ OF THE MONTH!

Packed with fast facts about every country in the world, and filled with colourful images, this Lonely Planet travel book will inspire wanderlust and make an incredible addition to your children’s library. Even adults are sure to discover fascinating, new info. Great as conversation starters!

The author of The Gift of Rain talks about his latest novel, The Garden of Evening Mists.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE GARDEN OF EVENING MISTS?

SHATTER ME Taherah Mafi In this romantic dystopian novel, 17-year-old Juliette is imprisoned by The Reestablishment, which plans on using her inexplicable fatal touch as a weapon.

But when Juliette falls in love, she finds the strength to fight for a better future.

THE TIME OF MY LIFE Cecelia Ahern Lucy Silchester has received an invitation for a meeting with Life, but she’s too busy living with halftruths to make the appointment. When she meets a man who introduces himself as her 'life', Lucy has to come to terms with what’s really important.

INSIDE WIKILEAKS Daniel Domscheit-Berg From the former WikiLeaks spokesman who worked closely with Internet activist and WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange, comes a thrilling inside story revealing the conflicts and p power struggles within this whistle-blowing organisation organisation.

HUMOR ME Brad Montgomery et. Al. IMAGES: ADAM LEE

CHATTING WITH TAN TWAN ENG

Sixteen of America’s funniest humourists and comedians share the importance of humour and laughter, offering tips on how to add a dose of fun to your daily diet and use humour to manage stress, forge relationships and look at life more positively.

I was introduced to one of the master gardeners who worked for the Emperor of Japan, and became fascinated by his job. He designs Japanese gardens all over the world and insists that everything be done by hand, using traditional tools and methods. I also wanted to explore how a female prisoner of war copes with life after the war, and comes to terms with what she’s done in the prison camp. The world has changed, she has changed, so how does she fit in now?

WHY DID YOU SET BOTH NOVELS DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION? The Japanese Occupation was one of the most devastating things to have happened in our recent past, and I find it odd that so many people of my generation are not interested in it. Any writer will tell you that when the story comes, the writer has to write it down.

WHICH NOVEL DID YOU ENJOY WRITING MORE? I enjoyed writing The Gift of Rain because it was my first novel, and I had complete freedom. I always tell writers who complain about writing their first novel, “Enjoy the process, because that feeling of total freedom will never come again.” On the other hand, when writing The Garden of Evening Mists, I didn’t have the uncertainty I’d had when I was writing my first book. Seasoned authors warned that writing the second novel is one of the hardest things to do. They were right.

TELL US YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKS AND WRITERS Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World about an elderly painter who illustrated pro-war art for the Japanese government during WWII, and has to come to terms with his actions after the war. I re-read it every year, and always discover something new. My favourite writers and greatest influences are Kazuo Ishiguro, Salman Rushdie, Julian Barnes, David Mitchell, Edmund White and Vladimir Nabokov.

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02 MONEY MAKER 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

MODERN ALLIANCES

6 POSITIVE MINDSETS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS:

Great businesses don’t grow overnight, but with information technology available at our fingertips today, time has become relative.

It’s all about timing now. Functioning independently is no longer an option, as it’s all about building alliances and forging mindsets.

BE COMMITTED to your targets, even when you face rejection. One little achievement at a time snowballs into one large achievement. This keeps the employees’ spirits and morale up.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

ACCEPT CHALLENGES As a boss you need to stay abreast with the latest, i.e. social media and online network marketing. It can be intimidating, so get the right people to help.

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percent of small and medium businesses in Europe are waiting for economic indicators to rise before they’re willing to hire and spend Survey by Discover Small Business Watch

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percent of the 3.88 billion population in Asia are Internet users as at March 2011, compared to a mere 18% a decade ago

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

www.internetworldstats.com

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9O

percent of restaurants worldwide fail within the first year of operations, and a mere 47% of those remaining make it past their second year www.ask.com

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DIRECT HIT Peer-to-peer financial services are the latest to hit the business world. Started by a crowdsourced fundraising company in the UK, CivilisedMoney offers peer-to-peer financing alternatives to a wide range of banking services. The premise of this service is to make it easier for interested parties to invest, donate, lend, borrow and transact with others directly.

CivilisedMoney was started by pooling together £100,000 for its own crowdfunding effort by good Samaritans and philanthropists in just nine days.

Plans to expand beyond the UK and bring peer-to-peer finance to as many countries as possible via licensing and other arrangements are underway.

• CivilisedMoney makes financial assistance simple and straightforward without the involvement of banks.

• Like-minded consumers can pool their money to back an idea, a person, a business or an organisation.

• This financial crowdsourcing organisation offers businesses the funds for start-ups and expansions.

• The outfit charges a 5% fee for funds secured only if the targeted required amount is reached.

• There is no fractional lending, no excessive bonus payments, no gambling with your money, no hidden and unfair fees or charges. www.civilisedmoney.co.uk

WORDS OF WISDOM “Hire character. Train skills.”~ Peter Schutz, Prosche President and CEO 1981 and 1986 “I don’t pay good wages because I have a lot of money; I have a lot of money because I pay good wages.”~ Robert Bosch, German industrialist, engineer and inventor, founder of Robert Bosch GmbH

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”~ Bill Gates, American business magnate, investor, philanthropist and author

BE IN CONTROL Keep your focus on important things.

Prioritise and develop a strategy for dealing with potential problems and feel confident in your ability to handle them.

DON’T BE TOO CRITICAL It’s no use criticising yourself when a mistake is made – regrets don’t make a difference but drain you of energy and discourage you. Instead, learn from them and move on.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Stop worrying about getting everything right – it’s unrealistic. Learn, learn, learn! Investing in courses, seminars and in yourself is the ultimate investment for your business.

GET HELP When you don’t know something, ask friends, family, business people you meet, and read. Don’t sit back and wait, because information will not simply materialise out of nowhere!

Source: www.entrepreneur.com

02 PRESCRIPTION 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

PUSHING FOR PASSION

FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR HEART

What pushes us through tough times, besides focus and dedication, is passion. Often ‘passion’ becomes an elusive notion, as we get caught up in the daily grind of routines and must-do’s. But all’s not lost. Here are some ways to activate passion so that you may enjoy a wholesome, healthy and happy state of being.

EAT HEALTHY A balanced diet ensures a healthy heart and circulation system.

Have plenty of fruits vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish, and pulses.

Keep salt, sugar and fat intake low.

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IMAGE: INMAGINE

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

KEEP ACTIVE 30 minutes of regular physical activity helps maintain cardiovascular fitness while 60 minutes a day helps maintain healthy weight.

SPORTING ZEAL Aversion to sports hobbies has become a legendary urban trait, save for the few who manage to sneak in a gym visit or two during the work week.

However, that’s not ‘real’ sports. Activating a sporting interest may ignite the overall passion in your life. Here’s why: PHYSICAL FITNESS The most obvious reasons would be a healthier heart, better blood circulation, greater energy and natural weight loss. Your breathing, strength, endurance, flexibility and overall cognitive skills will improve.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PLUS Exercising releases at least eight hormones, many of which contribute to improving your psychological state. You’ll be more positive with increased self-esteem, as you learn to believe more in yourself for excelling in a game or, accomplishing a sporting task.

STRESS RELIEF Countless studies prove that physical activity reduces stress levels. However, competitive sports can increase stress, but that’s merely temporary. The adrenaline released will also help regulate your blood sugar levels.

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES By participating in a game, you expand your network – be it for work, business or personal purposes. The interaction also helps build communication skills and teamwork abilities.

FUN! FUN! FUN! After all that seriousness at work, day in and day out, you deserve to have fun. This is possibly the most important reason to play a game. Any game!

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thousand people die of heart attacks each year before they reach the hospital. www. mamashealth.com/heart

17.3

million is the estimated number of people who die of heart diseases every year, representing 30% of all global deaths. By 2030, an estimated 23.6 million people will die from cardiovascular diseases. www.who.org (International Research, Data and Statistics)

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of the world’s cardiovascular disease deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. www.who.org (International Research, Data and Statistics)

AVOID TOBACCO Cut cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewable tobacco out of your life. The risk of a heart attack or stroke drops immediately upon quitting, and by at least half after one year of stopping.

MONITOR BLOOD PRESSURE Apart from headaches, high blood pressure shows no real symptoms, making it really dangerous as you can get a sudden stroke or heart attack. As such, check your pressure regularly.

BLOOD SUGAR WATCH Keep tabs on your blood glucose as high levels increase risks of cardiac arrest and strokes. All the more important if you are a diabetic!

BLOOD LIPIDS SCREENING Regular check-ups are a must as blood cholesterol levels depend on a healthy diet and if necessary, medications, to avoid sudden stroke or heart attack.

ADDRESS CLINICAL DEPRESSION Studies show that those who are clinically depressed have higher risks of a heart attack. Keep your emotional health in check.

Sources: Medline Plus; Medindia; World Health Organization; NHS UK

02 SCORE BOARD 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

REVEALING THE SECRETS OF SPORTS

Unless a particular sport is of great interest to you, a lot of information is left untapped. It’s time to reveal some of this hidden information.

SPORTY CELEBRITIES

Actress Emma Watson was a member of an allgirls, high school field hockey, tennis and ski teams.

Madonna was a member of her high school cheerleading squad (Rochester Adams High School), while Blake Lively was cheerleader at Burbank High School.

Jessica Biel was a soccer player who grew up idolising Mia Hamm, retired top American female soccer player.

Matthew Perry was ranked No. 2 Best Tennis Player of Ottawa, Canada, when he was 13, way before finding fame on TV series Friends.

MAKE A SPLASH!

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

PEAK PERFORMANCE KNOW-HOWS

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What separates the best from the good is not just talent but how the talent is applied. This is how six-time world champion kayaker, Anna Hemmings, built an empire around her sports training techniques that can be applied in an average person’s life for high performance – be it in sports, work or personal life. Called HeartMath, the technique offers an understanding in personal resilience, health and overall well-being in performance excellence. The technique is also used by NASA in its training programmes. www.beyondthebarriers.co.uk TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

Swimtag is a revolutionary training aid that monitors your progress in the pool while making your activity fun, engaging and interactive. Designed for swimmers of all levels by UK-based 222 Sports Ltd, the device monitors the swimmer’s timing, stroke rate, stroke type and the number of lengths swum. Once finished, performance data and statistics are automatically analysed and uploaded to the user’s account. Swimtag also offers specific training plans, whether to help swimmers lose weight or improve stamina. www.swimtag.co.uk

Megan Fox was a competitive swimmer from ages five through 14 in Florida and Tennessee.

Dean Cain was offered a baseball scholarship to 17 schools when he opted for a career in acting.

MIND OVER MATTER • Golfer Jack Nicklaus states that he believes golf is 90% mental preparation and 10% skill.

He prepares for matches by visualising putts and mentally rehearsing how he executes each drive.

• The L.A. Lakers winning game against the Sacramento Kings in 2002 got its coach, Phil Jackson, attesting to his morning practice of self-hypnosis, meditation and visualisation that gave the Lakers the faith they could win.

• As far back as 1956, European and Eastern Bloc Olympic teams travelled with their personal hypnotherapists.

Jack Nicklaus

Phil Jackson

02 HYPER TECH 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

SHOPPING IN THE FUTURE From paperless to cash-less, we are heading in the direction of doing just about anything under the sun using our handphones.

Here’s a look at how shopping is being revolutionised and, other new developments in the world of technology.

SIM-BASED NFC Almost everyone you know and his aunty... owns a phone. But soon, they and their aunties won’t be needing cash or credit cards for their purchases. Using Near Field Communication (NFC), they merely need to flash their handphones at a device near the cash register to pay for their purchases. This mobile payment feature will also extend to purchasing tickets, mobile couponing, exchange of data and content, control access to cars, homes, hotels, office and car parks. The next step in this development is mobile NFC or, SIM-based NFC. Already some 45 global dev mobile operators have agreed to use this technology. mob

“ “Anything which uses science as part o of its name isn’t: Political science, c creation science, computer science.” ~ Hal Abelson, Class of 1992 Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the MIT, on science. (Source: www.xent.com) a

AUTO-RESPOND EFFECTIVELY If you run a business and subscribe to an auto response e-mail service like Mailchimp, here are some simple tips to keep it simple and professional.

• Don’t send out e-mails too often.

Once or twice a week will suffice.

• Make up short descriptive headlines to catch attention.

• Write short and simple sentences.

• Use e-mails to say ‘Thank You’ to your customers for subscribing to the newsletter.

• Don’t sell products using these e-mails, but suggest special offers or coupons.

Eye tracking will become the most used tool in the future, especially for those who are impartial to using a mouse or touching the glass display on a tablet or smartphone. Danish company Senseye is using Android software to track a user’s eye movement with a frontal camera and perform tasks on the device’s screen. (http://senseye.net) Another company, Tobii, is also incorporating eye tracking but in the car. The system can recognise the driver when it senses his eye movements. Used as a driver safety system, it tracks his eyes to make sure he’s alert and not drowsy while driving. www.tobii.com

BENT FOR THE FUTURE The present display screen on a handphone or tablet is usually made of very hard glass that cannot be bent. The display screen of the future will be totally the opposite. Korean company Samsung has developed such a technology. The flexible glass display is made from transparent plastic that Samsung claims is thinner, lighter and more durable than LCD.www.samsung.com

WORDS: PETE KING

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EYE TRACK TECH

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TIME TO FACEBOOK Facebook is evolving and adding newer features.

The latest is Timeline.

Timeline is a way for members to go back in time to see what they had posted in the past, instead of clicking on ‘Older Posts’. Facebook has already rolled out this feature beginning with New Zealand, followed by the rest of the world.

Instead of waiting for the feature to arrive at your shores, see if you can spot a green button saying ‘Get Timeline’. Can’t find it? Then simply wait for it like the rest of the world or move to New Zealand. www.facebook.com

VISA’S MOBILE PREPAID NFC sounds nifty but not everyone with a handphone will be confident of using this feature to pay for their purchases. VISA is offering an alternative solution called MTN Mobile Money. It is aimed at ‘unbanked and under-banked’ users in developing countries.

Similar to a prepaid VISA account, the MTN Mobile Money uses the handphone to transact. http://investor.visa.com.

GET SMART WITH THE IDIOT BOX

Gone are the days of big, bulky TV sets that hogged half the living room. This is the era of sleek, super TVs that offer crystal clear visuals, exceptional sound quality and features so advanced, calling televisions the ‘idiot box’ seems a travesty of the highest order.

SMART ALL THE WAY The Samsung D8000 has built-in Wifi for streaming 3D movies and for surfing the web, enabling you to watch YouTube videos in the Smart Hub. The 3D sound delivers audio depth and dimension using Depth Rendering Technology. Blurred moving images are cleaned up using noise reduction and motion smoothing for an unparalleled visual experience. www.samsung.com

SUPER SONY This 55-inch KDL 55HX823 3D TV from Sony makes low resolution YouTube videos look great using video data analysis while the 400Hz mode or Motionflow XR 400 does away with image lag and motion blur. Besides Wifi, it even has Ethernet LAN and a whole bunch of ports to connect to the PC, headphones and USB thumbdrives. www.sony.co.uk

MINUS THE GLASSES While other 3D TVs require 3D glasses for viewing, the Regza 55X3 does away with the goggles. Moreover, the display screen has four times the HD resolution, up to 3,840 × 2,160 pixels. Unusual too is the TV’s ability to track your face, allowing viewers to adjust the range of 3D. www.toshiba.co.jp

FAST & FURIOUS Refusing to jump onto the LED bandwagon like other 3D TV makers, Panasonic proves that 3D TVs can be equally great using LCD. Its APD technology scans fast at 4 ms to 2 ms that minimises the overlapping of left and right images to achieve natural 3D images with less double images. www.panasonic.net

MUST HAVE METZ This German-made 3D TV comes in either 42 or 55 inches and has up to 750 GB of hard disk space to store recordings. The Metz Primus 55 3D TV allows you to plug in USB devices to play movies or stream them using DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). The TV also converts 2D movies to 3D. www.metz.de

FLICKER GONE 3D TV is the way to go and LG leads the pack with its next-generation 3D, flicker-free TV. The flickerless feature on the glasses prevent dizziness and even headaches! Additionally, the battery-less glasses need not be recharged and do not emit electromagnetic waves either. www.lg.com TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

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02 SLEEP INNS 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

STARS OF DA NANG Relatively new to beach-loving vacationers, Da Nang in central Vietnam is a stunning stretch of unspoilt sandy beaches and laidback tropical charm. Here are two hotels in Da Nang that are setting the bar high on world-class hospitality and service.

WORDS: R.RAJENDRA

EDITOR’S CHOICE!

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SEASIDE PARADISE If Da Nang in Vietnam wasn’t enough of a hidden gem, the decadently beautiful The Nam Hai is another jewel in this seaside city. Located 30 kilometres from Da Nang, the drive along the coastal road gives you a little hint of what’s to come. Da Nang is a quiet little city that prides itself on its tranquillity and laidback charm. A few resorts are beginning to take shape but that’s about it.

Development is only now stirring. So, it’s a great time to visit Da Nang before it turns into a commercialised, touristy destination.

The Nam Hai is just a tad too beguiling with its slab of stone signage that gives no indication of what’s inside the resort grounds. Set over 35 hectares of lush and beautifully-manicured grounds along Ha My beach, the drive up to the reception area is flanked by coconut palms and tall green hedges that don’t quite reveal the luxury that awaits you inside. Walking up to the steps at the arrival area, I was greeted with a cup of ginger infusion that instantanly warmed me. The cool, crisp morning air had certainly chilled me but the warmth of

the drink and the reception helped thaw out any earlier misgivings.

The hotel itself is a resplendent property that expertly fuses all creature comforts of a 5-star deluxe lodging with the architectural elegance of Vietnamese culture. The villas here are designed to echo the architectural splendour of the Tu Doc Royal tombs of Hue, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wood, air and water fuse most elegantly in the design element, representing the use of Feng Shui principles. The dark, gleaming wood tones of the villas, the ever flowing air that’s continuously being fed by the South China Sea breeze, and the vast expanses of clear water in the hotel’s numerous pools create a sense of peace and wellbeing.

The villas here are a class above the rest as they all offer unobstructed views of the ocean. With 100 units that are divided into 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villas (each with its own pool), The Nam Hai ups the ante in resort living with its stylish accommodations.

The one-bedroom villa that I stayed in was sheer luxury with a huge king-size bed swathed in Irish linen, set on a raised platform and looking out to the ocean through

ocean or, sign up for a cooking class. I chose the latter and was whisked off for a familiarisation trip to the market at Hoi An (about 10 kms away) to smell, touch, taste, prod, feel and fondle all kinds of local produce. Upon returning, the chefs who accompanied me taught me how to prepare three authentic Vietnamese dishes – fresh spring rolls, mi quang (a local turmeric noodle dish) and banana heart salad – which I got to eat once completed.

They even threw in a course completion certificate!

ceiling-to-floor glass doors. Nature is such an important element in this hotel that they have gone to great lengths to ensure you are as much outdoors even when you are not. A mosquito net canopy creates a whimsical feel while an oversized lacquered eggshell tub in the living area allows you to soak away the worries, as you drink in the charm of the resort while staring out at the ocean, as I did when I was there. But wait! The villa also comes with a humongous bath area, which opens out to a private outdoor shower, lush with greenery and ancient wall sculptures from a bygone era. This is very much the place you take your loved one for a romantic experience of a lifetime!

But if you can tear away from the luxury, decadence and stylish elegance of your room, there are ample activities to be had around the hotel. The pools – both heated and natural – are a wonderful spot to while your time, sipping a cool one or catching some tropical sun.

Dining options are aplenty at The Restaurant, which overlooks the water gardens, serving fine international cuisine with a touch of local flavours. The Beach Restaurant is a more casual setup that you want to pop in for Vietnamese meals, fresh seafood and grilled offerings. The food at both these outlets is also mostly organic, grown at the hotel’s compound. The Bar on the upper level of The Restaurant, with its almost brooding dark finish and design, offers a huge selection of drinks and light snacks.

If you get really weary (as if!) with all that world-class hospitality that the hotel is renowned for (don’t take my word for it – The Nam Hai has chalked up over 25 awards and industry accolades from all kinds of publications and Award Ceremonies and the list keeps growing!), you can opt for a yoga session overlooking the

To top off the experience, you simply cannot miss the treatments at The Spa. Overlooking a pond filled with lilies and lotus, the spa offers an extensive list of treatments and rituals. Do try the Vietnamese massage that relaxes and energises simultaneously, unblocking and coaxing the chi to flow freely through the body.

You can’t wax lyrical enough about The Nam Hai. This is one deluxe hotel that reinterprets the meaning of hospitality with sheer luxury that’s matched only by the service and the warmth of the local culture.

THE NAM HAI, HOI AN A Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province, Da Nang, Vietnam T (84) 510 3940 000

www.thenamhai.com GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Da Nang four times a week from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia. com for details.

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THE BEST BREAK EVER!

EDITOR’S CHOICE!

Got a family who has been hounding you for a holiday, preferably somewhere with at least one kilometre of pristine beach? Hunt not, pack your bags and head to Hyatt Regency Da Nang, located on the famed China Beach and less than 15 minutes from the city centre.

Within minutes of clearing Immigration and Customs,

you’ll find yourself on the shores of Da Nang’s most visited beach, ensconced in a holiday resort that’s practically tailor-made for the family!

The Hyatt Regency Da Nang opened just a few months back and welcomes you to a world of comfort and fun for the whole brood. The beach itself is a fantastic place to enjoy the ocean, play in the sand or simply bask in the warm tropical sun. The Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) to the left of the resort has created a bay of sorts that sees a calmer sea compared to other stretches of the beach, making it a

firm favourite of families with children. Additionally, Da Nang’s Marble Mountain is literally across the hotel with lots of hiking, exploring and discovering to be had there.

Between the mountain and the ocean is an expansive resort that carries the Hyatt brand of hospitality with great pride. You may be a little surprised with the almost stark, even austere overall look and feel of the resort as you arrive at the main entrance.

An imposing gateway and a rampart lead you to the lobby. This design echoes the original ramparts at Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World heritage site. But once inside, the contemporary interior design featuring mostly light coloured woods and stone, welcome you to a world of modern luxury. This modern take, however, is expertly offset with accents of traditional touches in the form of dramatically oversized lanterns, carved wooden stools and, an intriguing backdrop of thousands of ceramic bricks behind the reception counter – each softly reflecting the glimmer of light from the lobby area.

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The accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Da Nang is super spacious. 200 rooms, 182 residences and 27 Ocean Villas offer unobstructed views of the sea. The rooms are well appointed with almost a minimalistic feel but in a comfortable way. I thoroughly enjoyed the large bathtub (for once I could fit my legs into it, being a six-footer!) that was placed at an interesting angle to give you amazing views of the ocean and the main pool area.

As for amenities, the main thing I noticed were the five pools sprinkled around the resort, giving you lots of options to swim or chill out. The Regency Club is another facility worth mentioning as it was built to encapsulate the idea of a ‘hotel within a hotel’. This exclusive facility offers check-in and check-out facility, breakfast, evening cocktails and use of the private infinity pool – all with majestic views of Marble Mountain.

The resort also offers a variety of dining options, mainly Greenhouse that serves light Vietnamese and European-style meals, Pool House that serves delicious food and beverages around the main pool area, and Beach House that is the perfect spot to wind down after a day at the beach with a superb selection of wines, grilled offerings and Western dishes.

For the kids, the beach is there for them but you’ll surely appreciate Camp Hyatt that takes the tykes off your hands and keeps them occupied with a host of activities like rock climbing, beach exploring and such.

The resort is preparing an extensive list of stuff for kids, so do check out this facility when it is fully operational.

With all that time now at your disposal, check out VIE Spa, the resort’s bespoke beauty and wellness centre. The treatments at VIE Spa gather inspiration from natural sources and thus, you can opt for Mountain Air treatments that energise and uplift, the Expansive Sea that calms and de-stresses, and Pure Earth that promises to purify and nourish. Tranquil pools of water and textured slate slabs create a world of peace, as you walk into the inner recesses of this sanctuary of calm.

Sliding glass doors keep the outdoors mere feet away and constantly draw in natural light and energy as the treatments take place.

The huge sprawling complex and the never-ending options for R&R make the Hyatt Regency Da Nang a top-of-the-list vacation destination that goes all out to ensure every member of the travelling team is taken care of. Be it F&B options, exploring nearby attractions or simply chilling out, the Hyatt Regency Da Nang ticks all the right boxes for a fulfilling holiday.

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HYATT REGENCY DANANG RESORT AND SPA A Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang, Vietnam T +84 511 398 1234

www.danang.regency. hyatt.com GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Da Nang four times a week from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

Save 10% on your next holiday from Kuala Lumpur at AirAsiaGo.com

Book a holiday from Kuala Lumpur with your American Express速 Card and enjoy fantastic savings Make your booking with your American Express Card from 1 December 2011 to 29 February 2012 and enjoy 10% savings on all package deals from Kuala Lumpur for travel between 1 January and 30 June 2012.

Simply click the American Express banner ad at AirAsiaGo.com and use the promo code AAGAmex2012 to enjoy this exclusive offer.

Terms and Conditions: This offer begins 1 December 2011 at 00:01hrs and ends 29 February 2012 at 23:59hrs. Valid for new purchases only. Promo with the accommodation component is valid on www.airasiago.com for American Express Cardmembers who use the promo code AAGAmex2012 during the promotion period and applicable for selected hotels only. Package rates are per person based on twin sharing basis. Accommodation check-in/out period is valid from 1 January to 30 June 2012. Full payment shall be made upon booking. A non-refundable processing fee is applicable for payments via credit, debit and charge card. Fare includes fuel surcharges; carbon offset surcharge (for flights to/from Europe) and airport taxes (except for selected airports where airport tax is collected at the point of departure). All taxes must be paid at the time of purchase unless otherwise stated. Foreign fares are subjected to currency exchange rates. No refunds are permitted after payment has been made. Guest travelling are responsible for obtaining and must possess and have available for presentation as required by the relevant authorities all entry and exit, health and other documents required by law. AirAsia reserves the right to deny guests from boarding without proper travel documentation. Other terms & conditions apply.

02 HIT LIST 2012

www.airasia.com/travel360

LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND

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IMAGE: CORBIS

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

Romance, more than a mere expression of love, is about making memories together. If the time has come for the grand gesture of a memorable vacation, here are places you should consider.

Not necessarily popular, they will certainly leave a romantic mark in your lives together.

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A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE For city slicker couples, New York offers a soft side amidst its hustle and bustle. Check out the little roof garden at The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Known as the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, it offers stunning views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Wine and dine your loved one at The Garden’s café and bar, but be sure to book early because the glamour and scenic vista at this spot make it extremely popular. www.metmuseum.org

IMAGE: INMAGINE

TEMPTING TALLINN Tallinn, capital city of Estonia in Northern Europe, is a tableau of picturesque castles, cathedrals and cobblestone streets set in one of the world’s best-preserved medieval towns. Arriving at the city, you will be greeted by the serene sight of Lake Ülemiste, the city’s largest lake. This charming city offers history and oldworld romance. There are plenty of romantic dinners to be had in Tallinn, as it offers some of the most interesting restaurants in the Baltic region. It can get very cold here and the best time to travel is in July when it’s sunny yet cool. www.tallinn.ee GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Paris and London from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details. There are easy connecting flights from London and Paris to Tallinn.

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BAROQUE DREAMS The medieval city of Bruges in Belgium is a potent Gothic love spot that is rich in romantic symbols. From its Gothic churches, 17th century mansions to sparkling canals and flower markets, Bruges has the charm of Venice without the crowds. The local government celebrates romance, with a statue near its City Hall that honours couples who have been married there. www.brugesinfo.com

IMAGE: CORBIS

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Paris and London from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details. There are easy connecting flights from these cities to Brussels in Belgium. Bruges is about two hours by train from Brussels.

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IMAGE: INMAGINE

IMAGE: CORBIS

TALES FROM TUNISIA Tozeur, the oasis city in southwest Tunisia, is the ultimate setting for an Arabian Night dream-come-true. Located in the expanse of the Tunisian desert that stretches in all directions, this city is a lush, palm grove with thousand-year-old mosques, where the essence of medieval romance comes to life. A stroll in its medina (old city) and camelback treks with your beloved across the dunes are a must. www.tourismtunisia.com GETTING THERE AirAsia flies five times a week to Paris from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details. There are easy connecting flights from Paris to Tunisia.

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IN LOVE IN INDIA Time appears to stand still in the eastern desert town of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in India.

Known as the Golden City, the sandstone fort surrounding still serves as a citadel since it was built in 1156. Rich in history and princely tales, townhouses with intricate latticework and royal abodes that have been turned into hotels offer nothing short of a golden vacation. The air may be dry and dusty, but when the temperature drops in February, nothing beats cuddling up together in bejewelled, harem-like accommodations. www. tourisminindia.com

IMAGE: INMAGINE

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Mumbai and New Delhi from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Go to www. airasia.com for flight details.

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IMAGE: CORBIS

SENSUAL SHIRAZ While conservative Iran may not necessarily be a romantic hotspot, the city of Shiraz is resplendent with centuries of lovelorn poetry and romance, where the air is rich with the fragrance of rose and orange blossoms in summer. Try planning a picnic at Bagh-e-Eram, and join the Shirazis on their pilgrimage to the tombs of the country’s revered love poets, Hafez and Saadi, on Fridays. www.itto.org GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Tehran from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

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BLISS ON A BUDGET For affordable getaways, here are some ideas you can mull over that won’t crack your bank account while still celebrating your love. It can be simple or elaborate. It’s totally your call!

BEACH BOUNCE Love the sun, love the sand, love the one you’re with! The beach is a time-tested, hot love spot on a budget that is both failproof and cost-effective. If you’re not living near the beach, it could be a cheap plane or train ride or even short drive away. Start by visiting www.airasiago. com for the best deals.

AMUSINGLY ADORABLE Amusement parks are often touted as a family fun spot, but it’s nothing short of romantic fun for couples too who wish to release their inner child.

Go on the rides and roller coasters together; this is a great excuse to hug tightly the one you love when on that ‘scary’ ride.

SPA CELEBRATION

IMAGE: VISITBATH.CO.UK

Book yourselves a ‘his and hers’ spa day and have a luxurious massage and facial. Most spas offer great packages for couples. Discuss what you both like and decide on the spa and treatments you want. Nothing can feel more romantic than when you’re relaxed and refreshed.

TIME FOR BATH Bath, a little spa town in Somerset county just outside London in southwest England, is a heavenly spot of warm hot springs and quaint colonnades. It has been a city break location for many love struck Londoners for years. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1987, Bath receives at least a million stay-over visitors annually for its theatres, museums, cultural venues and mostly, for its romantic old-world charm. www.visitbath.co.uk.

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies five times a week to London from Kuala Lumpur.

Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

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THRIFTY ADVENTURE Check out cheap flights to new places and hunt for the best combination deals for flight fare + hotel together. Pick a low-cost destination that you have never visited and discover it together!

You’ll find amazingly affordable options at www.airasiago.com

ROAD TRIP GALORE Take to the open road and drive off into the sunset. You don’t have to decide your destination immediately, just drive through the most scenic routes and look out for a spot where you may want to park and experience together. The destination is not the fun part, it’s the trip and the excitement of spontaneity that translates into romance.

02 COVER STORY 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

The

Greatest ove LStories rom faround

In honour of Valentine’s Day this month, take a trip around the world with love stories that inspire, captivate and enthrall.

orld W

the

WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH ILLUSTRATION: TIM LAI

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Everyone likes a great love story. Across borders and throughout human history, we’ve been mesmerised by stories of love built on boundless sacrifice, profound honour and unbridled courage. These accounts of enduring adoration and devotion inspire hope that true love will overcome all obstacles and, prevail over overwhelming odds like vehement parental disapproval, ravages of time, uncertainty of war or even, the finality of death.

From India to Egypt, China to the United Kingdom, here are some of the most magnificent love stories in the world. Some are rooted in truth while others are based on legends and folklore but all of them have stirred hearts, captured imaginations and captivated souls through the centuries.

The United Kingdom

PRINCE EDWARD & WALLIS SIMPSON One of the most memorable and shocking romances of all time took place in 1930s Britain, during the shortlived reign of King Edward VIII.

As the eldest son, Prince Edward of Wales ascended the throne when his father, George V passed away in 1936. All would have been well if not for one glaring predicament – Edward was in love with American divorcé, Wallis Simpson.

The British royal family is nothing without its traditions and there is one that is upheld tenuously: No king shall have a divorced woman as his wife. This unbending custom placed Edward in a dilemma. He was caught between his love for Simpson and the regal heritage that he was born to uphold. Despite great efforts, Edward could not convince the royal family or the British government officials to accept Simpson as queen. In December 1936, Edward did something no other king in history had ever done before – he officially abdicated!

The crown passed to his younger brother, George VI, and Edward married Wallis Simpson the following year.

The former king lived out his days with his wife, outside the United Kingdom. In a famed speech he delivered on the day of his abdication, Edward openly pronounced his love for Simpson: “I have found it impossible to carry on the burden of responsibility and to discharge the duties of king, as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love.”

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China

LADY WHITE SNAKE The tale of Lady White Snake is one of the most popular love stories from the Orient. It is the story of prevailing love that crosses all borders – even the insurmountable boundary between species.

The story goes that Lady White Snake was an ancient snake with a pure, noble heart and the power to take human form. Lady White had a handmaid and disciple known as Green Maid. The two were very close and often transformed into lovely maidens.

One day, while in human form, Lady White met a mild-mannered scholar and fell deeply in love with him.

The couple married and lived happily together until a powerful Buddhist monk named Fa Hai happened 58

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to visit their medicine shop. The monk informed Lady White’s husband that she was actually a snake and gave him a potion that would turn her back into a serpent.

The husband, at first disbelieving, decided to give his wife the drink. When he saw her true form, he collapsed and died from shock. In grief, Lady White and Green Maid battled with the mountain gods to procure a magical herb that would resurrect him. The herb worked and Lady White’s husband accepted her again.

Eventually, they even had a son together.

In another well-known version of this tale, things don’t end as happily. Against her husband’s will, Fa Hai the monk imprisoned Lady White under a pagoda by a beautiful lake. Centuries go by before she is finally set free by Green Maid, who spent hundreds of years increasing her powers to liberate her beloved Lady White.

India

SHAH JAHAN AND MUMTAZ MAHAL The stunning, white marble monument that is the Taj Mahal was named one of the seven wonders of the world and it is hard to imagine that it is, in reality, a tomb.

Shah Jahan, who lived in the 17th century, was a Mughal Emperor who built the Taj Mahal. He fell in love with Arjunand Banum Begum, a Persian princess, when he was just a boy of 14 and she, a 15-year-old girl. It is believed that it was a case of love at first sight as young Shah Jahan was enamoured the instant he laid eyes on Begum in a bazaar. He then marched straight home to the palace and announced to his father that he would marry the girl he saw at the marketplace.

True to his word, the prince married young Begum five years later. He gave her the title of ‘Mumtaz Mahal’,

meaning ‘Jewel of the Palace’ because he believed she was the most beautiful and noblest woman he had ever known. Poets of the time agreed, praising her beauty, grace and compassion in prose.

Custom allowed Shah Jahan to marry more than one and Mumtaz was his third wife, but by all accounts, he had eyes only for his beloved ‘jewel’ with whom he had 14 children. Tragically, the love of his life died giving birth to his last child. At her deathbed, the grief-stricken emperor vowed to build her the greatest mausoleum the world had ever seen. He also vowed never to remarry – a promise he kept until the end of his life.

Those who know this remarkable love story will certainly agree that the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, which took more than two decades to construct, is surpassed only by the everlasting love of the man who built it to honour the life and death of his beloved wife.

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Malaysia/Indonesia

PUTERI GUNUNG LEDANG The legendary tale of Puteri Gunung Ledang or the fairy Princess of Mount Ledang is a well-known folk tale that has been passed down through generations.

According to the legend, Puteri Gunung Ledang was a lovely fairy princess. Her astonishing beauty was renowned throughout the region, attracting a marriage proposal from the powerful but cruel Sultan of Melaka, Mahmud Shah. The princess was unimpressed and made seven impossible demands to prevent the Sultan from marrying her. She demanded one bridge made of solid gold and another of silver to be built from Melaka to Mount Ledang, seven jars of virgins’ tears, seven bowls of young betelnut juice, seven trays filled with the hearts of fleas, seven trays filled with the hearts of mosquitoes and, a bowl of blood from the Sultan’s son.

The Sultan was willing to go to any lengths to marry the princess but could not bring himself to kill his own son to extract the blood.

The princess, free from having to marry the Sultan, chose a husband – a warrior named Nakhoda Ragam.

They lived happily together until one day, Ragam

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playfully ticklesed his wife. She reacted uncontrollably, momentarily losing grip of her powers and Ragam is accidentally killed. Filled with grief, the princess vowed never to set eyes on another man and lived out her days on Mount Ledang in solitude.

Another popular version made into a movie chronicles how the princess was forced by her brother, the King of Majapahit in Indonesia, to marry the powerful Sultan of Melaka. The Sultanate of Demak was planning to attack Majapahit and the king’s only recourse was to form an alliance with Melaka to gain protection. Hang Tuah, the legendary warrior from Melaka was sent to Majapahit to escort the princess back to Melaka but the two fall in love instead. Hang Tuah was torn between his loyalty to his liege and his love for the princess. The princess came looking for Hang Tuah and took up residence in Mount Ledang.

The king upon realising that the princess’ ridiculous demands were actually an outright refusal to marry him cursed her that she will never be visible in daylight. The tragic lovers are said to be like day and night, side by side but never able to be together.

FRANCE

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA The Phantom of the Opera is a novel that has been immortalised as one of British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best loved theatre musicals.

The tale begins in a Paris opera house where whisperings of a ghost haunting the building has been circulating among Parisians. Christine, a beautiful chorus girl who performs at the opera house, begins hearing a sweet, unearthly voice. Believing it to be from heaven, Christine asks the ‘voice’ to teach her to sing.

Unknown to her, the voice does not belong to a heavenly angel but to Erik, the Phantom of the Opera – a deformed musical genius whose face is permanently hidden behind a mask. Erik helped build the opera house but is ashamed of his deformity, and lives in

the depths of its cellars. Christine discovers Erik’s true identity when he kidnaps her one night. The Phantom threatens to burn down the opera and kill everyone including himself and Christine, if she refuses to marry him. Christine agrees to his demands. Overcome with emotion, he weeps and lifts his mask to kiss her.

Christine is filled with sympathy upon seeing his face and kisses him back. This simple act touches Erik and he decides to let Christine go on the condition that she returns to bury him when he dies. The sad, lonely Phantom dies three weeks after and the cause of death is said to be due to a broken heart.

The Phantom of the Opera was originally a novel written in the early 20th century by Gaston Leroux, who was a French novelist, playwright and journalist. It is a one-of-a-kind love story, which expertly intermingles drama, horror and romance in equal parts.

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Egypt

ANTHONY & CLEOPATRA Mark Anthony and Cleopatra died thousands of years ago but their love has endured through the telling and retelling of their spellbinding story. William Shakespeare’s play – Anthony and Cleopatra – is performed in theatres across the world to this day.

Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was renowned for her great intellect as much as her astounding beauty.

It is believed that she could speak nine languages and was a gifted mathematician. She was also known for her irresistible sexual allure and was not above using both her looks and brains to further her political ambitions.

Historians note that she was an astute politician who brought peace and prosperity to Egypt.

At one stage, Cleopatra became romantically involved with Julius Caesar, Rome’s greatest leader at the time. When Caesar was assassinated, Cleopatra was accused of being a party to the crime. The 62

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situation reached a boiling point and Roman general, Mark Anthony, summoned Cleopatra for questioning.

However, it was love at first sight the instant he saw Cleopatra. The Egyptian queen was equally mesmerised and the two began a torrid affair. The romance between two powerful political figures of Rome and Egypt outraged the Romans but despite strong protests, the couple got married.

At the time, Mark Anthony was in dispute with Caesar’s adopted son Octavian of Rome. Matters soon came to a head, and war was declared between Octavian and the combined armies of Anthony and Cleopatra. While their love may have been indestructible, the couple’s political alliance proved less durable.

Octavian was victorious, forcing both Anthony and Cleopatra to go into hiding in Alexandria, Egypt.

They were pursued and Alexandria fell into Octavian’s clutches. Facing the angry Roman army proved too much for the unfortunate lovers who tragically took their own lives.

WHO WAS ST. VALENTINE? The Catholic Church recognises more than one saint named Valentine or Valentinus but the precise origin of St. Valentine’s Day and the patron saint it is named after has been lost in time.

However, a number of legends containing traces of both Christian and Roman tradition, have emerged in connection with the celebration of February 14 as the day of love and romance.

Among these is a story that depicts Valentine as a priest who lived in the 3rd century in Rome.

The ruling emperor took it into his head that unmarried men made better soldiers and decided to outlaw marriage. Valentine was horrified at the injustice of this decree and continued to preside over marriages in secret.

The courageous priest’s actions were discovered and he was tragically put to death.

Another popular legend describes the origin of the expression ‘from your Valentine’.

According to the story, Valentine was a prisoner who fell in love with a young girl, possibly a jailor’s daughter who visited him. Valentine sent out the first Valentine card and signed it ‘from your Valentine’ a ubiquitous phrase that is used in Valentine’s Day cards to this day.

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HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORIES THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME – AND THE ONES THAT DIDN’T!

True Hollywood love stories often outshine the ones that play out on the silver screen. Here are some of the most famous – and infamous – celebrity romances LASTING LOVE

RITA WILSON & TOM HANKS

JOHNNY DEPP & VANESSA PARADIS

HEIDI KLUM & SEAL

Incredibly, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have defied all odds and remained married for more than two decades despite the temptations of Tinseltown.

The two have never failed to support each other in their careers and have successfully kept their relationship strong – an uncommon feat even for couples who live in the ‘real world’.

Depp is famed for being blessed with an irresistible combination of angelic good looks and a rebel heart. While his attractiveness has not waned, the star’s attitude certainly has. Depp, who had a string of high-profile girlfriends like Wynona Ryder and Kate Moss, has publicly admitted to falling in love at first sight with French model, singer and actress Vanessa Paradis. The couple has been together since 1998 and they have a 12-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son.

It was a marriage that began with a one-of-a-kind proposal. Seal asked Heidi to marry him on a glacier, in an igloo that was specially constructed for the occasion. The model and musician have been married for seven years and have faithfully renewed their vows every year. While there’s no doubt that their three children help keep their bond strong, it is their obvious love and passion for each other that helps them stay near the top of everyone’s ‘Favourite Couples’ list.

DESTRUCTIVE DEVOTION

WHITNEY HOUSTON & BOBBI BROWN

PAMELA ANDERSON & TOMMY LEE

RIHANNA & CHRIS BROWN

One of the world’s best-selling pop artists of all time, Whitney Houston’s star power was eventually overshadowed by her disturbing relationship with husband, Bobbi Brown. Their 14-year marriage was riddled with drug use, infidelity, physical abuse and intermittent visits to jail and rehab. In 2003, Brown was charged with battering his wife who finally divorced him in 2007.

In the 90s, the scandalous relationship and marriage of the buxom Baywatch babe and talented drummer of heavy metal band, Motley Crue, was tabloid gold. They were one of the first celebrity couples to have a sex tape leaked on the Internet and at one point, she discovered that he had given her Hepatitis C. Tommy Lee assaulted his wife in 2008 and the pair divorced that same year. However, they have since moved back in together to try and make things work for the sake of their two children.

Back in 2009, Pop Princess Rihanna and her ‘nice guy’ rapper boyfriend Chris Brown appeared to be very much in love. When pictures of Rihanna’s battered face appeared on the Internet, the world was shocked to learn that it was Brown’s handiwork.

Rihanna broke things off and Brown was charged with assault and sentenced to five years probation and 1,400 hours of community service.

Industry grapevine was recently abuzz with rumours that the two are getting back together.

02 FEATURES • Thailand 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

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Rose in Full Bloom

If you find yourself in Chiang Mai or the ‘Rose of the North’ as the city is fondly known, visit the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek in Muang district. An annual event, the threemonth long horticultural display, which runs until March 14, 2012, is one of the top attractions of this city in northern Thailand.

Though delayed last year due to floods, its opening in December 2011 is a symbol of hope and speaks volumes about the resilience of the Thai people.

WORDS: CHITRA S PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

The stunning Bhutan Garden with the Giant Flora Wheel in the background is one of the main highlights at Royal Flora Ratchaphruek.

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LEFT: A showcase of Lanna architecture, the Royal Pavilion sits high above the festival grounds.

BELOW: The resplendent Lao Garden modelled after a temple.

Towering balloon figures of mascots Nong Khun, Lom Bin, Din Chum, Nam Sai and Ai Unn – all symbols of good fortune – greet visitors at the entrance of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek grounds, giving you a hint of the size and scale of Chiang Mai’s annual international flower festival. If you think the Royal Flora is going to be a quick walk in the park, think again, as it is spread over 80 hectares and home to over 2,500 species of flora.

Thankfully, for a small fee, you can hop onto a tram, which allows you to view the magnificent horticultural displays without breaking a sweat.

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There is plenty to see and do at the festival, so be prepared to spend a good two to three hours there.

You can get off the tram as it stops at different zones and, continue exploring the displays that catch your fancy. For a bird’s-eye view of the entire festival area, visitors are welcome to hop onto the Giant Flora Wheel, a Ferris wheel that offers visitors panoramic views of the grounds. Be warned though, the queue for tickets can be a tad long. If you do not want to brave the crowds at the Giant Flora Wheel, climb up to the Royal Pavilion, and you will be rewarded with equally beautiful vistas of the grounds.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Pretty poinsettias are a feast for the eyes, AirAsia’s display at Royal Flora, a lotus in full bloom, dancers performing the candle dance, the vibrant, golden head of a sunflower, a young woman entertains visitors with traditional music, Ai Unn – one of the mascots.

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ABOVE: Hop on the Giant Flora Wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the festival.

RIGHT: Hamming it up for the cameras at the entrance of Royal Flora Ratchaphruek.

GARDENS OF THE WORLD Among the highlights of the festival are the international gardens; displays put up by participating nations that include Bhutan, Canada, India, Japan, Nepal, Morocco, South Africa and Spain. The international gardens are not mere horticultural displays but offer visitors a glimpse into each country’s rich culture and heritage.

The meticulous attention to detail in recreating some of the gardens is a testament to the dedication and artistry of the participating nations. The Bhutan Garden, surrounded by a high wall decorated with traditional motifs, immediately caught my eye. I stepped through 70

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its wooden gates and was invited to experience the charm of this Himalayan nation. I offered prayers at an altar housing the Sri Shakyamuni Buddha and felt a sense of calm envelop me, as I took a few minutes to contemplate the beauty of this garden. Another site for quiet contemplation is the India Garden with its sculpture of Lord Ganesh, the Hindu Elephant God, looking out onto a pond. Morocco was also one of my favourites and the best time to visit was at dusk, when the yellow glow of lanterns hung at the pavilion brought this North African garden to life, enchanting with its rose-perfumed ambiance.

LEFT: The dancing field of flowers at the Imagination Light Garden.

BELOW: A huge topiary of Royal Flora mascot Nong Khun.

LEFT, BELOW: The Tree of Boromaphothisomphan, the Lannainspired centrepiece at the Royal Pavilion.

DANCING LIGHTS

THAI CULTURE

As day slowly turned into night, I made my way to the Imagination Light Garden, a new addition to the festival. During the day, the garden’s light fixtures look like modern flora-esque sculptures but as night fell, what seemed like thousands of tiny bulbs magically transformed into a field of flowers and butterflies dancing to the beat of accompanying music. Though it may seem kitschy to some, the scene made for a pretty picture and was a favourite with visitors who were seen furiously snapping away with their digital cameras.

The festival is also a great way to sample Thai culture.

Take a step back in time and see how Thais lived in the past when you visit traditional buildings modelled after houses in the northern, southern and central regions of Thailand. Inside these wooden houses, young men and women dressed in traditional outfits perform folk dances from the region they hail from.

WHEN TO GO February with its cooler weather is the best time to visit Royal Flora Ratchaphruek as the gardens are in full bloom and awash with vibrant colours of exotic tropical flowers and temperate blooms like roses and chrysanthemums. www.royalflora2011.com

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LANNA CENTRAL Although the second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai is a calm oasis that sometimes doesn’t seem to reflect its metropolitan status. From a cooler climate to a slower pace of life, the city is brimming with cultural and heritage attractions that are unique to the northern region of the country.

ABOVE: Offering prayers at Doi Suthep Temple.

While Bangkok is known for its nightlife and shopping, Chiang Mai has a more relaxed vibe and is a great place for a holiday to unwind from the daily grind. The customs, traditions and lifestyle of this city are generally referred to as Lanna culture, and here is our list of things to see and do when you visit this city located along the Mae Ping River.

WAT CHIANG MAN Tucked inside the walled city, is Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. Built by the city’s founder, King Mengrai during 1296 – 1297 AD, this temple is definitely worth a visit. Within the temple compound is Chedi Chang Lom or the Sacred Elephant Encircled Stupa, the site of the royal residence and sleeping quarters during the construction of Chiang Mai. It is believed that King Mengrai enshrined a sacred hair relic of the Buddha inside the chedi after the temple and city was completed.

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DOI SUTHEP TEMPLE When sunlight hits the temple’s gold covered chedi or stupa, the gleaming brilliance shines like a beacon over the city. Throughout my stay in Chiang Mai, this golden stupa was visible every morning, as I drew the hotel room’s curtains. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Thailand dating back to the 14th century, is just a half hour drive from the city. You can climb up the steps – around 309 of them – (or ride a cable car) to the top, and marvel at this magnificent temple and the view from its peak. If you would like to offer prayers, joss sticks and candles can be obtained for a small fee from the temple’s caretakers.

You can also buy ethnic crafts and local produce sold by traders who line the foothills of Doi Suthep. This is also a great spot to buy freshly-picked strawberries grown in the hilly area.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A dancer performing a Lanna folk dance at the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center, a worker at the Bor Sang Umbrella Village putting the final touches to an umbrella, a replica of the Emerald Buddha, Doi Suthep Temple, visitors buying food at the Sunday Night Walking Market, a monk painting a statue at Doi Suthep Temple, a tourist posing in a Hmong hilltribe outfit near the Doi Suthep Temple.

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ABOVE: Thapae Gate, one of the entrances to Chiang Mai‘s walled city.

SUNDAY NIGHT WALKING MARKET Situated in the walled city, the Sunday Night Walking Market has lots to offer. Although you will come across night markets every day in Chiang Mai, if you could choose just one, this would be it. Starting from the mouth of Thapae Gate at the ancient wall, you can bargain with traders for souvenirs to take home, including handmade soaps, clothing, bags and accessories, artwork and even gemstones. There are also a lot of tribal goods for sale such as patchwork quilts, clothes, and traditional silver and wooden jewellery made by nearby hill communities.

The weather in Chiang Mai is cool in the evenings, making for a pleasant stroll along the market, but if you need refreshments, there are stalls selling fresh fruit juices, Thai desserts and even fried bugs for the more adventurous.

BOR SANG UMBRELLA VILLAGE Shop for paper brollies of all shapes and sizes here, from dainty parasols to little cocktail umbrellas.

Specialising in umbrellas made of Sa paper produced from the bark of the mulberry tree, a visit to this factory offers an insight on how these umbrellas are crafted.

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Watch the artists as they expertly paint landscapes and floral patterns free-hand onto the umbrellas. You will definitely appreciate the work that goes into these humble umbrellas after a tour of this place. www.handmade-umbrella.com

OLD CHIANG MAI CULTURAL CENTER Though a little touristy, the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center is the place to head to for a traditional khan toke meal accompanied by folk music and cultural show.

Relax and sit back on the floor (cushions provided) while waiters bring you a tray with a selection of Lanna (northern Thai) dishes. The meal includes rice, soup, pork curry, fried chicken, vegetables and crisp pork rinds. The show begins as dessert is served, and the performers will wow you with their rendition of ethnic Lanna dances. Be enthralled with the graceful moves of dancers performing the fingernail dance and their deft mastery of swords during the sword dance. www.oldchiangmai.com GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Chiang Mai from various destinations. For flight details, go to www.airasia.com

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02 FEATURES • Indonesia 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

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The second temple complex of Gedongsongo.

Heritage Hunt Semarang in Central Java is a little known heritage trove fi lled with intriguing bits of history, interwoven with local myths and legends.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

“She stood in the hall stark naked, and when the confetti fell, she just disappeared,” Bapak Bambang, director of the MGM said as he gazed at the grand old theatre.

He was talking about Mata Hari; yes, the supposed double agent! If a local legend is to be believed, Mata Hari’s career began right here in Semarang at what was known during the Dutch occupation of Indonesia as the Stadschouwburg – an entertainment venue for Dutch soldiers and traders.

At 18, Mata Hari (born Margaretha Geertruide Zelle) answered an advertisement placed by a veteran soldier living in the then Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) looking for a bride, and married him a year later. While living on the island of Java, she immersed herself in Indonesian dance, and adopted the name Mata Hari, meaning ‘sun’. Later on, she performed as a striptease artiste in Paris, using Mata Hari as her stage name.

Throughout her life, Mata Hari played exotic dancer and seductive courtesan, forming liaisons with powerful men and moving in dangerous circles. Whether Mata Hari was truly guilty of espionage remains a mystery. She admitted to working for French Intelligence during WWI, but was also accused of spying for Germany. Mata Hari’s execution by firing squad in 1917 turned her into a legend, the quintessential femme fatale.

Standing in the hall where Mata Hari once performed was quite an experience.

The original roof shaped like an overturned vessel has been retained, the architect seemingly inspired by Columbus. Lining the roof are hexagonal porthole-type designs, keeping in line with the maritime theme of the architecture. What I couldn’t quite fathom were the two mammoth insects perched on top of the MGM. Instead of a roaring lion – the signature of the famous Hollywood motion TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

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ABOVE: A 40-tonne bronze statue of Admiral Zheng He at Sam Poo Kong Temple.

picture studio – the roof houses two red ants, rather at odds with the building’s stained glass images of Snow White and her posse of dwarfs.

This baffling blend of kitsch elements was soon explained. When Soeharto came to power, he was determined to stamp out all traces of Dutch colonialism. In the local language, red ants are called marabuntah, and Soeharto chose them as symbols of Indonesian nationalism; Red, for bravery, and ants for their spirit of solidarity. The letters ‘MGM’ boldly displayed on the theatre are merely a play on the name of the Hollywood studio; the initials stand for Marabuntah Gedung Multiguna (Red Ant Multipurpose Hall). This quirky rebranding gives the hall even more character, revealing insight into Indonesia’s fascinating history under Soeharto’s rule.

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A HERO’S TRIBUTE Next up, I stopped by the eclectic Sam Poo Kong Temple dedicated to the illustrious explorer and sainted seafarer, Admiral Zheng He. Besides claims that the celebrated mariner circumnavigated the globe way ahead of European explorers, Zheng He is also believed to have had special powers; an uncanny proficiency with weaponry, an ability to control the sea, and best of all, the gift of teleporting using a well!

The place where the Sam Poo Kong Temple sits today was once the harbour where Zheng He’s fleet docked during his voyages in 1405 and 1416. The water has since receded, and now the sea lies about seven kilometres away. But, traces of the maritime age can still be observed in the temple’s many fascinating elements.

Spread out over 3.25 hectares, the temple compound built by Semarang’s Confucian community comprises splendid pavilions.

The first is dedicated to the God of the Earth, and protected by statues of fierce, swordready guards representing the yin and yang elements. Just outside are colourful sculptures of the eight Sea Gods who protected Zheng He on his adventures, and beyond this, a temple built in honour of a captain who perished during the second voyage. Here, intricate pillars made of cement and volcanic ash from Bali’s sacred Mount Agung depict writhing dragons and swirling waves.

Just nearby, I noticed a strange tree twined into what looked like chains and ropes. Locals believe that this 600-year-old tree sprouted from the anchor of one of Zheng He’s ships.

Fascinated by this bit of trivia, I was even more amazed to see the gigantic anchor of one of Zheng He’s 12-metre long junks propped up against a temple wall. There’s even a well in a small cave where Zheng He used to pray, which functions as a sort of wishing well now.

Legends and history aside, the most interesting discovery was learning that the main temple was built facing the Holy Ka’aba

BELOW: Temple-goers burning joss sticks at Sam Poo Kong Temple.

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BELOW: One of the gigantic ants on the MGM building.

RIGHT, BELOW: The interior of the MGM building, now used as a function hall.

in Mecca out of respect for Zheng He’s Islamic faith. Imagine, a Confucian temple built in honour of a Muslim!

Wondering about this man who inspired such grandeur, I was glad to see Zheng He’s legacy immortalised in elaborate stone carvings depicting his many voyages. Complex reliefs tell of how Zheng He led the Ming dynasty’s expedition to the western oceans, interceded for peace between kingdoms, put an end to the pillaging of pirates, and even escorted the legendary Chinese princess Hang Li Po to the kingdom of Malacca to form a royal alliance.

An explorer and an emissary of peace, Zheng He’s history is well worth a visit at the temple.

CELESTIAL MARVEL Another must-see when visiting Semarang is the Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah. Completed in 2006, a culmination of five years of work, this grand mosque with its blend of Javanese, Arabic and Greek architectural influences is a vision in white.

Built on a 10-hectare site, the mosque can accommodate some 13,000 pilgrims, and is believed to be the biggest mosque in Central Java. A set of 25 pillars inspired by Rome’s Colosseum represents Islam’s prophets, while Arabic calligraphy adorn the walls of the mosque. Reminiscent of the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, this grand mosque even has six hydraulic umbrellas that open to shade pilgrims in the courtyard.

ABOVE: Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah is reputed to be the biggest mosque in Central Jawa.

To get a better view of the mosque, I took a high-speed elevator up the Menara Asmaul Husna. Standing 99 metres tall, the height reflects the 99 attributes of Allah, and also proffers fabulous views of the mosque, as well as the surrounding landscape.

RESTORED GEM One of the most thrilling sites I visited in Semarang was the Lawang Sewu – a popular landmark designed by architect Prof. Jacob F Klinkhamer as the head office of the national railway of the Dutch East Indies in the early 1900s. Once crumbling, today the art deco building is undergoing massive restoration.

And, if rumours are to be believed, the Lawang Sewu will be declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2012. This status would mean an influx of heritage buffs, as well as

fans of the macabre, intent on spotting a ghost or two lurking in its long passageways.

Pausing to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows depicting the goddesses of luck and prosperity, I couldn’t imagine the atrocities committed underground.

Donning galoshes, I joined a tour into the bowels of Lawang Sewu. The tunnels, which run for some 75 metres, were constructed to collect rainwater as a means of cooling the building. During the Japanese occupation, however, they were used for sinister purposes.

It was here that Indonesian freedom fighters were drowned by their captors. My guide pointed out tanks and standing prisons used to confine grown men in cramped quarters while the water rose. Splashing around in the darkness with just a torch light, I felt an oppressive energy in the air.

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BELOW: The Lawang Sewu building, said to mean ‘a thousand doors’ in Javanese.

OPPOSITE PAGE, RIGHT: A stone relief at Sam Poo Kong Temple reflecting religious diversity and harmony.

OPPOSITE PAGE, BELOW: The stained glass masterpiece at Lawang Sewu.

During Soeharto’s reign, the Lawang Sewu remained a chilling place. It’s only now that restoration work is in progress that the people of Semarang are beginning to take tentative steps into this heritage building.

ANCIENT RUINS The last stop on my heritage trail took me south of the Semarang municipality to Ambarawa. Travellers are familiar with Borobudur and Prambanan, but Central Java has many other unexplored gems like the Hindu temple Candi Gedongsongo.

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Built of volcanic stone during the Sanjaya dynasty from 730 AD to 780 AD, Candi Gedongsongo predates its more celebrated sisters. In fact, this temple that sits on the slopes of Mt. Ungaran, and 1,200 metres above sea level, is believed to be one of Java’s oldest Hindu structures.

Legend has it that the temple complex was commissioned by Queen Shima of Kalingga, who was instructed in a dream to build a prayer house closer to God at the mountain peak called Suro Loyo. Bringing along her artisans, Ki Hajar Selokantoro and Ki Hajar Watangrono, the queen travelled

for 40 days till she reached this spot. Once the temples were erected, she returned to Kalingga with Ki Hajar Selokantoro, while Ki Hajar Watangrono stayed behind to meditate, and eventually ascended to heaven. Another legend tells of how a dispute between the artisans over the exact location of Suro Loyo led to a bitter feud with each artist plotting to destroy the other’s temple.

Today, only five of Candi Gedongsongo’s nine temple complexes remain. These showcase plinth and cornice moulding, and reflect Queen Shima’s many teachings and philosophies on life.

Whatever its origins, there’s no denying the allure of Gedongsongo. This ancient spiritual site continues to attract jasmine-bearing pilgrims every full moon, as well as visitors hoping for a refreshing dip in the healing waters of its natural springs.

THE HUNT CONTINUES… Semarang’s treasures are deep and vast; the histories and legends here may overlap and contradict, but therein lies the excitement and mystery. Semarang is a heritage trove waiting to be explored.

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Visitor Info SAM POO KONG TEMPLE OPEN: Daily, 24 hours, ENTRANCE FEE: For temple compound, Rp10, 000 for foreigners and Rp 3, 000 for locals. For the temples, Rp30, 000 for foreigners and Rp20, 000 for locals.

(Special photo op in period costume for an additional Rp75, 000, inclusive of two photos. Closed on Mondays)

LAWANG SEWU OPEN: Mon – Wed: 8am – 5pm. Thurs – Sat: 8am – midnight. Sun: 8am – 6pm.

ENTRANCE FEE: For compound, Rp10,000. Additional Rp10,000 to enter building. For guided walk inclusive of tunnel tour, Rp30,000.

GEDONGSONGO OPEN: Daily, 6.15am – 5.15pm ENTRANCE FEE: Rp25,000 for foreigners and Rp5,000 for locals. (Horse riding packages up to temples and hot springs cost between Rp35, 000 and Rp70, 000.)

MASJID AGUNG JAWA TENGAH OPEN: Daily, 24 hours ENTRANCE FEE: Free.

SIDE ATTRACTIONS Learn about the powers of traditional Indonesian health tonics called jamu at Nyonya Meneer’s Taman Djamoe Indonesia. www.nyonyameneer.com

Take a refreshing dip at Curuk Tujuh Bidadari, a waterfall named for its seven tiers where angels are said to bathe. www.central-java-tourism.com

Visit the Vihara Buddhagaya in Watugong to see the beautiful Avalokitesvara Pagoda or Metta Karuna that houses statues of Kwan Yin in her many forms.

Savour Robusta coffee at Kampoeng Kopi Banaran, where it’s said to be extra creamy and bubbly. www.kampoengkopibanaran.com Make a pilgrimage to Gua Maria Kerep where there’s a grotto for Mother Mary designed after the natural one in Lourdes, outdoor prayer spaces and a little chapel. www.central-java-tourism.com

GO SEMARANG! • Semarang City Tour (approx. 6 hours) • Pure Paradise Karimunjawa (overnight package) • The sky Spa (approx. 6 hours) • Atmosphere & Aromas of Tlogo & Ambarawa (approx. 5 hours) CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A ride through Kampoeng Kopi Banaran, a Sleeping Buddha at Vihara Buddhagaya, Mother Mary's grotto at Gua Maria Kerep, Javanese Peacock dancer, bust of Njonja Meneer – founder of the jamu empire.

Visit www.airasiago.com to check out the full range of tours.

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Semarang daily from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

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02 FEATURES • France 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

orts, food f

& rench

In the Perigord Noir region of southwest France, history mixes with gastronomy to satiate your senses, taking you on a trip that fi lls your tummy with artisanal produce, just as it satisfies your wanderlust with its history.

fflavours WORDS: CAROL WEST PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT MUIR

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RIGHT: Sarlat-la-Caneda’s quaint main street charms visitors with a profusion of flowers.

OPPOSITE PAGE: One of the many cafés waiting to be discovered whilst wandering in Sarlat’s charming medieval streets.

PRECEDING PAGE: A modest fieldstone house in the pretty medieval village of Beaumont.

An extended holiday in rural France is a romantic and recurring dream for many travellers. While the Loire Valley’s splendid chateaux and fine wines are alluring and Provence’s impossibly pretty stone villas and Mediterranean views captivating, Robert and I decided on the Perigord Noir region in southwest France, a region famous for its cavemen, kings and castles.

Black-green oak forests, from which Perigord Noir takes its name, covered limestone escarpments as we passed through Dordogne Valley’s dramatically curved roads. Low fieldstone walls guided us past neatly packed wheels of hay bathed in a halo of golden light. As I traced the Dordogne River’s meanderings on our circuit map, it pointed out to a number of medieval bastides or fortress castles that wore their battle-scarred passage of time with stoicism. They remain as silent testament to the Hundred Years War when loyalties, land and the right to rule swung violently between French and English kings.

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SOLID AS A ROCK As if extruded from the rock face itself, Castle Beynac and the Chateau de Castelnaud perched dramatically on rocky promontories above the Dordogne River where they have been defending and defying each other for centuries. Constructed in the 12th century, Castelnaud was originally English and claimed to be the strongest rampart in Perigord. Its medieval war museum is a brutal treasure trove of armour, maces, shields and chain mail. I could only imagine the clang of steel as men forged their swords on the armory’s stone floor. On the opposing bank, the French held Castle Beynac’s faded tapestries and knights’ banners hung mournfully in empty halls, where shafts of light illuminated a dusty heritage and turbulent past.

During those tumultuous times, people sought refuge in medieval villages clustered at the feet of many bastides such as the charming Domme, a Bastide Royale built by the King of France in 1280. From the ramparts where 70 Templar Knights imprisoned in

the early 14th century etched poignant messages, the Dordogne valley’s verdant panorama rolls to the horizon. Today, the Middle Ages get visitors in the form of middle-aged travellers wandering flower-filled lanes, shopping for local wines, canard, crepes and glaces artisanales (homemade ice cream).

We sought refuge at Les Fortous, a lavenderfringed, stone cottage in Paunat, a hamlet of around 200 people. Radiating from its tiny core, captivating wine regions, picturesque villages, sublime gastronomy, troglodytic forts and churches all awaited the pleasure of discovery. This was the land of Perigord’s famous black truffles, foie gras and goose and throughout the week, the region’s sleepy medieval towns are transformed into vibrant crossroads for gastronomic encounters with local produce.

GLORIOUSLY GOOD FOOD It was early morning during late summer. Sarlat-laCaneda’s cobblestone street market was postcard

perfection. Shopping for larder luxuries in southwest France falls under the heading of ‘passion’ rather than ‘necessity’ and I couldn’t wait to pop gariguette strawberries into my mouth. Staining my fingers, they tasted of sunshine. Not a bad way to start the day, I deduced. The wicker basket soon filled with aubergines that gleamed like patent leather, dew-dressed lettuce, orbs of vine tomatoes, a circle of chevre (goat’s cheese), baguettes wrapped with a delicate twist of paper, meaty cepes mushrooms and a bottle of Cabernet Franc from nearby Bergerac. Animated French voices made everyday exchanges lyrically charming. Gathering a home-baked tarte tatin, we were ready to feast French-style.

RETURNING TO THE PAST From Sarlat, we headed to Les Eyzies de Tayac, France’s pre-historic ‘capital’, home of the Cro-Magnon Man and the fascinating Musee Nationale de Prehistoire, a modern sandstone building wedged into an ancient limestone cliff. The soul of the Dordogne runs through TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

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the Vezere River valley and the inspirational 400 millennia of human history unearthed here was artfully laid-out in this light-filled museum.

Halfway between Les Eyzies and Montignac-Lascaux, famous for its remarkable cave art, we clambered up Roque St Christophe to a long terrace carved deep within a limestone escarpment. Tenuously shaped by the elements, families here literally lived between a rock and a hard place in this defensive troglodyte fortification 20,000 years ago. From this hidden place high above the river, my hand traced the marks of human ancestry on this ancient piece of rock.

Close to the village of Montignac, at Lasceaux, we fast-forwarded a few millennia to view a collection of cave art at its sophisticated zenith. Discovered in 1940 and hidden from the masses, it was estimated that the images of oxen, bison, cows, deer and cave leopards were painted some 17,000 years ago. Considered RIGHT: A street barrow laden with garden-fresh, seasonal produce at a local food market.

FAR RIGHT: A bronze statue of a boy in Sarlat’s medieval laneways.

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symbolic sacred art that was both cultural and mythological, awe-inspiring facsimiles can be viewed in the Hall of Bulls and Axial Gallery while the originals remain safely tucked away in a controlled environment.

MEDIEVAL PERFECTION One of the most beautiful villages in France is the fortified town of Monpazier founded in 1284 by England’s King Edward 1. Virtually intact, the orthogonal plan, fortified gates, arcaded square, archways and vaulted streets remain authentic jewels of medieval architecture. Under an intense azure sky we paused to lunch under grape vines and espaliered roses in the market square framed by ochre shingled roofs and stone walls. In the cool cloistered walkways, shops sold traditional wooden toys, jewellery and antiques – instant memories of the Perigord.

Sipping Bergerac’s celebrated wines inspired us to explore its winding medieval streets. A statue of Cyrano de Bergerac – the town’s swashbuckling centerpiece stood imperiously on a pedestal. His nose pointed towards Maison des Vins de Bergerac where, let’s face it, noses are important! The Romans were the first to uncork Bergerac’s ability to grow fine wines here. After a swift education on the 13 appellations, we drove to Monbazillac, just 15 minutes away, for a wine tasting amongst the vines. An appellation with elevation, this grand 16th century chateau was straight out of the pages of an Alexander Dumas novel and I half expected to hear the clatter of hooves in the courtyard, announcing the arrival of the three musketeers.

Not to be outdone, petit Paunat too had a few secret gems right on its doorstep. On the edge of it's cornfields, Tremolat patisserie’s freshly baked croissants aux buerre quickly became a breakfast staple while a posh dinner

in a private booth overlooking topiaried gardens at the 17th century Relais & Chateaux property Le Vieux Logis was unforgettable.

RIVERINE RESONANCE Just five kilometres away, the port village of Limeuil marks the confluence of the Vezere and Dordogne rivers.

Graceful willow trees were rendered a rich chartreuse by a setting sun and Café l’Ancre du Salut was busy serving people who’d come to this picturesque place. Ducking under a stone arch, we followed a narrow pathway that wound its way through a charming village to a panoramic garden with spectacular river views.

From the stone terrace of Les Fortous, the bells of Paunat’s Romanesque abbey tolled eight and it was time to cross the gravel square for dinner. For a thousand years the abbey has been both an impregnable

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ABOVE: Monpazier, a perfect medieval village and one of the most beautiful in all of France.

RIGHT, ABOVE: One of life’s pleasures delivered with a smile in the Perigord Noir.

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fortification and place of worship but, tucked behind a 12th century sandstone building nearby with claret shutters and scrubbed wooden floors was the rural restaurant Julien’s. Here, owner and maitre d’ Julien conducted dinner like a concert master serving seasonal, regional food cooked simply from the heart.

During dinner, a local gave us a tip: The Sunday morning market at Issigeac is not to be missed. And so the next day, passing fields of corn and barley interspersed with vineyards producing Monbazillac and Bergerac wines, we headed to another characterladen village on the edge of the Dordogne. At the heart of its lanes and passageways was a collection of 14th century wattle and daub houses unique to the Perigord. Every Sunday, this peaceful village becomes a bustling market when one of the region’s best and busiest markets spreads out its wares in front of the Gothic church of St Felicien. An accordion-playing chanteuse entertained while a flame-haired woman sold honey from her own hives. Fat juicy prunes, Mara des Bois strawberries from Vergt, second-hand books, violets, herbs and the aroma of cumin and spices mingled with artisan bakeries while temptation came in the guise of light-as-air mounds of nougat.

Holiday dreams colliding with reality can sometimes equal disappointment but with so much to see, do and taste, the Dordogne had quickly become an all-

consuming passion spanning the centuries and satiating the senses. However, I’ll leave the last word to American writer Henry Miller who, captivated by the Perigord, claimed “it’s the closest approximation of paradise”.

MARKET DAYS Check with the local tourism offices but here’s a guide to medieval market days: MONDAY Les Eyzies TUESDAY Le Bugue, Brive WEDNESDAY Siorac, Sarlat, Bergerac THURSDAY Domme, Lalinde FRIDAY Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, Brantome SATURDAY Le Bugue, Sarlat, Brive, Cahors SUNDAY Saint-Cyprien, Issigeac,Limeuil (summer only)

GETTING THERE AirAsia X flies to Orly, Paris 4 times a week from Kuala Lumpur.

Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

Perigueaux, the capital of Perigord Noir, is around a six-hour, 424-kms drive from Paris traveling south on the A10 to Orleans, taking the A71 south to Vierzon before continuing on the A20 south to Limoges. From here take the N21 south to Perigueaux.

Hire a car on arrival from www.europcar.com or www.autoeurope. com or take the train from Paris’ Gare d’Austerlitz for the four-hour ride to Perigueaux (www.europebyrail.com).

For regional tourism information log onto www.perigordnoir.com

02 12 PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE 2011 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

SAFE & SOUND

IMAGE: CORBIS

When you board an aircraft, rest assured that every possible preparation has been put in place so that you arrive at your destination safely. Capt. Lim Khoy Hing explains what is done to ensure you fly with peace of mind.

ABOVE: A safe and sound ensures you arrived at your destination well rested.

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If you drive a car, do you check if there is sufficient engine oil before your journey? As far as I know, not many drivers do. However, if an overheated engine eventually catches fire on the road, the driver can make a quick exit and get to safety. This luxury, however, is not possible while flying.

As you can see, checking a plane’s engine oil is equally critical, if not more, and is only one of the many items that must be scrutinised prior to every flight. The

reason is simple: The pilot doesn’t have the same luxury a driver has in the event that the plane’s engines overheat. He certainly cannot be getting out of the cockpit to check the engines midflight!

Meticulousness in pre-flight inspection is part of a pilot’s job to ensure that your flight is as safe as possible. This is just a tiny part of a pilot’s role in ensuring that passengers are transported safely to their destination without any mishaps.

That said, I’ll explain the processes that illustrate how pilots are trained to analyse and manage emergencies safely.

CHECK RIDES In the airline industry, all pilots are required to go through ‘base checks’ or Check Rides at least once every six months.

This includes demonstrating the pilots’ handling skills, as well as procedural and system knowledge. Such Check Rides

IMAGE: INMAGINE

in a simulator are usually programmed to run between two to three days.

Each Check Ride consists of four hours of exercises on stress and anxiety management, and emergencies that can range from engine failure, fires, to flight control problems and loss of electrical power, amongst others. Although it is possible to simulate all the aforementioned emergencies one after another during the Check Ride, in general, most of the major ones not performed will be programmed in the following Base Checks in the ensuing six month or later. Nonetheless, in a three-year cycle, a pilot would have undergone testing on all the major failures.

THE AIRBUS A380 INCIDENT Generally, most emergencies are text-book examples with laid down procedures that ensure pilots know what to do in such 96

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instances. However, there was a recent emergency in Singapore that was extraordinary and very difficult to handle.

On November 4, 2010, a Qantas Airbus A380 flying from Singapore to Sydney had shrapnel from an exploding engine, causing a series of damages. The plane’s wing was punctured, part of its fuel system damaged, and one of its hydraulic systems disabled. The anti-lock brakes were also crippled and performance of engines #1 and #4 was degraded. Moreover, the plane sustained damage to its landing flaps and the controls of its outer left engine.

As you can imagine, such a scenario could never have been foreseen and thus, prepared for in training. Nevertheless, thanks to rigorous pilot training, the captain, first officer and the additional three crew members in the cockpit all pooled their resources and brought the plane down safely at Singapore’s Changi International Airport.

When confronted with such a potential catastrophe, the captain’s first priority is to determine whether it is feasible, legal and safe to land. To answer these questions, the first officer has to furnish all the relevant information, amongst others, if the runway is long enough to land based on the failures.

In the above A380 accident, when the captain decided to turn back with his stricken plane, it was fortunate that the aircraft was close to Singapore, which has a four-kilometre long runway.

The supporting crew had to calculate the landing distance required based on the situation.

Initially, feeding information on the failures and wet runway (worst case scenario) into the computer returned an invalid answer. This meant that it was literally impossible to land on the four-kilometre long runway.

However, when it was ascertained that it was not raining in Singapore, the computer calculated a landing distance of 3900 metres for a dry runway condition. This only left a minimum margin of 100 metres on Changi’s 4000 metres runway for the captain to play with.

Hypothetically, if the captain were to land the A380 on Sydney’s longest runway (3962 metres), it would only have 62 metres to spare but, it would have run out runway space by 20 metres if it attempted to land on the longest runway (3880 metres) at London’s Heathrow.

LEFT: An engineer subjecting an AirAsia aircraft to rigorous checks before a scheduled flight.

Had the captain elected to divert the plane to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it would have had a longer runway (4019 metres) at its disposal!

Why does it take 3900 metres for the plane to stop instead of half that distance? This was mainly because the damages suffered by the plane were so extensive that the landing flaps could not be deployed.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FLAPS Flaps are devices at the trailing edge of an airplane wings that are used to either increase its lift or drag, depending on the pilot’s selection. The higher the flap selection, the greater the drag.

Flaps are used when the aircraft has to slow down in preparation for landing. They are partially extended before take-off to increase lift but, are fully extended during the landing to allow the aircraft to safely approach the runway at the lowest possible speed. Because the crippled A380 was unable to have its full flaps selected, it had to land at a higher speed, thus extending the landing distance to 3900 metres.

As a result, the aircraft landing speed was 35 knots faster than 98

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a landing with full flaps, causing four tyres to blow up before the plane stopped completely, with 100 metres of runway to spare.

FUEL DUMPING The A380 captain could have mitigated the extra landing distance by reducing the landing weight. He could have done so by dumping the excess fuel.

On most commercial jet planes, the take-off weights are always higher than the permissible landing weights for long-haul flights. On the Airbus A380, the maximum take-off weight is 569 tonnes but the maximum designed landing weight is only 391 tonnes. As such, the aircraft has to dump its excess fuel in order to land safely if an unplanned landing is carried out due to emergencies.

Some aircraft do not have the dumping function such as the Airbus A320, and as such would need to burn off as much fuel as possible prior to landing.

This happened in Los Angeles International Airport sometime back when a JetBlue Airbus A320 suffered a nose landing gear problem. The captain flew the plane in circles for more than two hours in order to burn off the fuel to lower the risk of fire upon landing.

CONCLUSION There’s no way a pilot can be totally prepared for every imaginable emergency but there are ways to significantly improve the odds of dealing with them. It has been proven statistically that preparation and

training is paramount in dealing with emergencies successfully.

So despite the magnitude of onboard damage, the pilots’ rigorous training equips them to handle all kinds of disasters safely. Consequently, in the A380 incident, 469 lives were saved.

You can be assured that the crew flying your plane at the very moment you are reading this article, would have undergone rigorous training, checks, tests and audits to certify that they are in tip top condition with regards to their mental, physical and emotional health – all for the sole purpose of flying you safely.

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 more than 25,500 total flying hours and is now a Flight Simulator 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.

02 TRAVEL LOG 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

A FORTUNATE ILL WIND

A mishap that interrupted Tim Reynolds’s training course turns out to be a blessing in disguise as he uses the recuperating period to travel instead to China and Indonesia.

TOP: Tim in front of a Torajan burial cliff in Lemo.

ABOVE: Buffaloes for sale at a local market in Rantepao.

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I was several weeks into a training course with my new employer when I strained my Achilles tendon, meaning that I had to suspend the course and find some way to fill in the next six weeks till my ankle improved. Out of the blue, a friend suggested that I use the break to visit my partner in China, and out of disaster came opportunity.

Fortunately, AirAsia’s flight schedule and fares were as friendly as my friend’s advice was brilliant. Before I knew it, I had booked a flight to Hangzhou, and then on to Indonesia.

Indonesia is one of the few countries where a Chinese passport causes no concerns, and you just obtain a visa on arrival like everybody else. It was a logical place to go on short notice. It is also a country that I hadn’t visited yet, so it fitted in with my plan to go to every country in the World at some stage. When AirAsia opens up routes to Africa and Eastern Europe, I’ll get closer to fulfilling my dream of doing so.

Anyway, after a few days sampling the joys of Hangzhou and neighbouring towns, my partner and I flew down to Jakarta and had our first taste of Indonesia. Probably not the best place to start, as the traffic, noise and the heat all combine to challenge the senses of a person used to Western comforts.

Noneteless, Jakarta is a good jumping off point to the myriad of choices the country has to offer. With friendly and informed advice from our couchsurfing host we quickly booked a trip to Sulawesi and headed for a week amongst the Toraja people.

Many years ago I had seen a documentary on TV about people in Indonesia who have the most elaborate funeral and post death rituals, and now my partner and I were right in the middle of it. As we passed through the gate that announced we were in Toraja, we started to see the buildings with roofs like sailing ships. That in fact was meant to be the effect. The roofs recall the ships that brought the Torajans to this area centuries before.

Now these unique buildings store grain rather

LEFT: Funerals in Tanah Toraja are an eloborate event where the whole village joins hands in sending off the deceased.

BELOW: Traditional Torajan Houses with their distincitve roofs.

than have people living in them but are still a fascinating insight into a different culture.

On our second day we were lucky enough to witness a funeral ceremony. I was subsequently told that many visitors organise their whole visit around a ceremony that they have had to book for in advance. With beginners’ luck we had stumbled onto one that was happening at the time of our visit.

The Torajans place such a high premium on funeral ceremonies because they ensure that the soul of the dead can ascend to Paradise, and from there, look after the family they left behind. Family and friends come from far and wide to attend the ceremony. To ensure they have time to visit, the body is embalmed. As such, there can be many months between death and the funeral ceremony. Funeral rites such as the sacrifice of water buffaloes and pigs are performed to achieve a good omen during the ceremony.

After a week of visiting the graves of Toraja, be they in trees, rock walls or caves, we got onto an AirAsia flight and headed for in Bali.

The sun, the surf, the all night parties, and the pulsating Balinese culture provided an amazing opportunity to put the cares of the world behind us and just enjoy the present.

There’s an adage that it is an ill wind that blows no-one any good and, this was certainly true in the beginning for me. However, from a situation where I was faced with the trauma of not being able to carry on with my training course, I was suddenly able to shoot off to faraway places and spend treasured moments with my partner on a fantastic holiday. Thank you AirAsia and thank you Achilles tendon.

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 from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

Travel 3Sixty˚ reserves the right to edit the article for clarity, 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-for-money 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 our modern contemporary LifeStyle rooms to enjoy the pleasures of life.

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02 OFF THE RACK 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU BABE! Whether on your way to an important meeting, fancy party or hot romantic date; look your best with our hot selection of apparel and accessories.

STEP OUT IN STYLE Brown hues are balanced with neutral tones and blue accents in leathers, suede and fabric in Pedro’s Spring/ Summer 2012 footwear collection. Extravagant heels and towering wedges hint of a luxurious lifestyle while men’s lace-ups and loafers are complemented with fine detailing. The classic doctor’s bag is revamped with elegant details while clutches and handbags feature woven crafting and embossed finishing. www.pedroshoes.com

CRUISE-TASTIC

WORDS: CHITRA S

BLACK SWAN

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Turn on the glamour in a silver glitter and python-print chiffon dress or impress in an evening gown inspired

by Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Princess Odette in The Black Swan. These outfits by Bran et Daguet feature a combination of fabrics and simple yet clever designs, infused with its trademark dramatic flair. Couture and ready-to-wear pieces are available at the Bran et Daguet boutique in Penang. www.branetdaguet.com TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

From feminine totes in clean graphic lines, hand-knitted raffia hobo bags and cute coloured wedges to sophisticated skyscraper stilettos in glossy patent finishes, the Jimmy Choo Cruise 2012 Collection will keep you looking sharp. Turn heads with footwear in bold bursts of fuchsia, coral pink, vivid green and chrome yellow or opt for muted but sexy nudes with peek-a-boo details. The same pop of colour and 70s-inspired floral designs accentuate bags and accessories. www.jimmychoo.com

ORIENTAL SPLENDOUR

Freitag F25 iPad2 sleeves transform magically into four positions – paperback, key note, make-up and battleships. A simple flick opens the cover and instantly switches on the iPad, thanks to an embedded magnet. Made of old truck tarps, these sleek iPad2 sleeves are water-repellent. Available at ActuallyActually in Singapore. www.actually.com.sg

A combination of oldworld craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, Omega’s Fine Leather Collection iPad2 sleeves are handmade from Italian calf leather. The sleeve folds back allowing viewing in the classic position or at a 45°angle.

Fashionistas will love the iconic Ω pattern engraved in the leather. Available in black or brown.

Mayfair Designs celebrates the seson with its range of cheongsam and Oriental-inspired tops with gorgeous designs and stunning colours. The brand is known for its classic, comfortable and flattering outfits, made in-house by their skilled team. Pieces are available ready-towear or can be madeto-measure at Mayfair Designs, Kuala Lumpur.

T: +603 21459936

02 VANITY FARE 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

While we may not score you a date for V-Day, we sure can help you get ready for that romantic liaison with your special someone, or two (whichever rocks your boat) with our make-up, skincare and fragrance picks for February.

DE-LIGHTFUL! Brighten up with M.A.C’s Lightfully New range, a unique marine-bright formula with seaweed that fortifies skin against excess melanin and free radicals. Nourish and hydrate skin with the range’s super-duo charged water, essence, moisture creme, softening lotion and SPF30/PA++ moisturiser. www.maccosmetics.com

HELP FOR DRY SKIN Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator by Clinique is a rich creamgel with moisture barrier repair technology designed for maximum hydration for drier and delicate skin. Olive squalane, red algae extract and Aloe barbadensis leaf juice in the product help maintain skin’s moisture balance for a dewy, plumped up look.

WORDS: CHITRA S

www.clinique.com

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PURE ENERGY A splash of HydraEnergetic Powered Water is all you need to revive tired skin. Powered with its patented Active Defense System formula, this product

by L’oréal Paris Men Expert will leave skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. Contains Vitamin C and caffeine. www.lorealparis.com

FLOWER POWER Try Melvita’s Floral Bouquet range, which features a cleansing foam, face soap and toner derived from organic ingredients to keep skin clean naturally. Narcissus flower extract is used to give skin a bright, luminous glow while rose and orange blossom help smoothen and moisturise skin. www.melvita.com

AQUA WONDER Exfoliate, tone and moisturise with Aqua3Step by Biotherm, a skincare routine tailored to optimise hydration.

Use the Biosource Daily Exfoliating Cleansing Gel enriched with scrubbing micro-beads for clean and smooth skin.

Next, follow with Aquasource Instant Hydration Toning Lotion and finish off with Aquasource 48H Deep Hydrating Replenishing Gel for optimal hydration. www.biotherm.com

GOODBYE DARK SPOTS Developed for Asians, Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions® Clearly Corrective™ White line features a potent combination of white birch and peony extracts that combats dark spots more effectively.

The collection includes the Purifying Foaming Cleanser, Skin Brightening Exfoliator, Dark Spot Solution and Hydrating Moisture Emulsion. Upon application, its Dark Spot Solution with Activated C attacks dark spots quickly without over drying skin for a flawless complexion. www.kiehls.com

GUILTY AS CHARGED Encased in a glossy black box with the iconic Gs entwined in an interlocking heart-shape, the Gucci Guilty coffret is a great Valentine’s Day gift for couples.

For a limited time only, the coffret contains Guilty Pour Homme with base notes of cedar wood and patchouli and, Guilty for Femme with top notes of pink pepper and an amber base. www.gucci.com

02 12 JETSETTER 2011 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

PABLO IENTILE

BELOW: Pablo in Taiwan

Be it Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, China or the Philippines, illustrator Pablo Ientile draws inspiration from typical Asian scenes to fill the pages of his sketchbook.

Having started his 10-country tour in Kuala Lumpur on September 15 last year, Ientile has camped on couches in the homes of strangers across Asia – all in the name of his Illustration Around The World project. The project, which follows the main character – the bear Pablo – on his journey, also features the work of illustrators from the countries he visits.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU DECIDED TO BECOME AN ILLUSTRATOR?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?

When I was younger, I always enjoyed painting and drawing like most other children. But it was only at 22, when I was choosing a major in university that I decided on graphic design and art as my career choice.

My Argentine origins! We have a particular sense of humour.

Animated TV shows I watched while growing up like The Simpsons, The Ren & Stimpy Show and Astro Boy also heavily influenced my style.

WHAT INSPIRED THE ILLUSTRATION AROUND THE WORLD PROJECT?

COMPILED BY: CHITRA S ILLUSTRATIONS: PABLO IENTILE

Staring at a blank piece of paper one day with no ideas and lacking inspiration, I thought to myself, ‘How many illustrators out there are in the same situation as me?’ Not just in Madrid where I live but also in Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur. That’s when I decided that instead of sketching in my house, I could go and draw with other illustrators out there – visit them, see where they work and create something with them. I knew their support and ideas would bring something new to my drawings and, the project so far has been a success.

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HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE CITIES IN ASIA YOU WANTED TO TRAVEL TO? At first, I picked countries I really wanted to see but in the end, I chose those that had thriving art scenes. I made it a point to contact local illustrators in all those places. I do enjoy exploring the countryside, so I typically spend a few days away from the

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

RIGHT: An illustration of Shibuya district in Tokyo.

city. Each country had something different to offer and my journey has certainly been an exciting one.

HOW DID YOU KEEP YOUR COSTS LOW DURING YOUR TRAVELS? The great thing about this trip is that through social media, I was able to find people willing to offer me lodging. This is amazing because it allowed me to live in the city without spending too much. On trips like this, you have to save money where you can and I travelled on low cost airlines like AirAsia, which was great because it connected me to all the major Asian cities.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE PROJECT WILL ACHIEVE ONCE COMPLETED? I hope it will make me famous and rich but honestly, the most important thing is that the experience itself has enriched my life. I feel like I’m born again!

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED ILLUSTRATING MOST ON THIS JOURNEY? I love temples and tried to visit and sketch as many as possible.

Besides that, I enjoyed drawing the local people.

ABOVE: An initial sketch of Pablo.

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Ientile (centre) with fellow illustrators in Japan.

ABOVE: Pablo, as depicted by Malaysian illustrator Kenji Chai

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST MEMORIES OF THIS TRIP?

NAME THREE THINGS THAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE WHEN TRAVELLING.

In Tokyo one night, I missed the last train home and some locals who spotted me walking around looking lost asked me if I needed help. I explained my situation and they promptly offered me a place in their apartment for the night.

It amazed me that total strangers could be so kind, Asians are definitely the friendliest people I’ve ever met.

A good camera, sketchbook and pens.

WHAT’S NEXT AFTER THIS PROJECT? The first thing I’m going to do is put together a book about my Asian experience and then hopefully, embark on a similar trip to other countries.

For more on the Illustration Around The World Project, go to www.illustrationaroundtheworld.com

02 KIDS SPACE 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

KIDDIE TREATS

Hey kids, check out the treats we have in store for you this February! Walk among dinosaurs in Singapore or swing from tree to tree in Bali, and share your travel adventures with us for a chance to win cool prizes.

POISED FOR ADVENTURE Pack your bags and step onboard the all-new SkyRiders Club and let us take you on a fun-fi lled journey!

At AirAsia, we believe flying should be fun and enjoyable for our young guests too! Keeping that in mind, the SkyRiders Club was created for guests aged between two and 16 years. The club offers loads of fun activities, rewards, benefits and exciting giveaways for tots to teens. Register now at http://skyriders. airasia.com for the latest updates on our activities, or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/SkyRidersClub and Twitter at twitter.com/SkyRidersClub.

SEND US YOUR TRAVEL STORIES This is your chance to share your AirAsia travel adventures with us! Tell us where you went and what you did on your recent trip. Start writing as the best story each month will be featured on SkyRiders Club’s Facebook page. In addition, you will also stand a chance to win exclusive SkyRiders merchandise.

Send in your stories – short or long – with a photo to skyriders@airasia.com

TREE TO TREE Located within the Botanical Gardens in Candikuning, the Bali Tree Top Adventure Park has plenty of activities that will keep kids and adults busy. There are circuits for every age group from four to 70 years, with different levels of difficulty. From suspended bridges to Tarzan jumps, and spider nets to flying foxes, there is something for every adventure seeker. www.balitreetop.com

DINOS-R-US Roam the prehistoric world at Dinosaurs Live!, an interactive and educational exhibition showcasing the prehistoric creatures at Science Centre Singapore. With close to 50 lifesized exhibits, including a 19m x 6m Diplodocus, Dinosaurs Live! is the largest showcase of animatronic dinosaurs in Singapore. Trek through the jungle-like arena with a Dinoguide and be a part of the action, as Tyrannosaurus rex takes on the long-horn Styracosaurus in Clash of the Titans.

You can also dig for fossils in the Dig Pit! or have fun on the Dino Rides. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm and runs until Feb 26, 2012. www.science.edu.sg 110

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BRUSH UP KIDS Melvita’s toothpaste for children is gentle, with a yummy strawberry taste. It contains xylitol, extracted from birch and beech bark, which helps prevent tooth decay, and grapefruit pips and Echinacea to cleanse the mouth. This toothpaste for kids aged four and above, has no fluoride or artificial colouring. www.melvita.com

02 PLANE FUN 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

RIDDLES 1. What am I? I am an insect within an insect. In sound I mean ‘live’.

2. What am I? I am tiny. Different types of my last seven letters are found in newspapers. I start with a golf average.

3. What mathematical symbol can be placed between 3 and 7 to make a number bigger than 3 but smaller than 7?

QUICK QUIZ 1.

What type of creature is a minke?

2.

The 2016 Summer Olympics will be held in which country?

3.

What type of fish is included in the ingredients of Worcestershire sauce?

4.

Which of the following is not an archangel in any religion: Michael, Raphael, Sebastian or Gabriel?

5.

Googol is a number written as the numeral 1 followed by how many zeros?

6.

Sir Guy of Gisborne was the villainous henchman of which legendary character?

7.

What does IMO stand for in a text message?

8.

Alphabetically, which is the first country in the world?

9.

What is the official language of Egypt?

10. The Silver Chair, The Magician’s Nephew and The Last Battle are novels from which fantasy series?

PLAY ON WORDS 1

2

3

4

7 9 5 4 3 6 2 8 1

8 6 3 7 1 2 4 5 9

1 2 4 9 8 5 6 7 3

5 1 6 3 2 4 7 9 8

3 4 9 8 7 1 5 2 6

2 7 8 5 6 9 3 1 4

6 3 2 1 5 8 9 4 7

9 5 1 6 4 7 8 3 2

4 8 7 2 9 3 1 6 5

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i. Tarba, Crcmooo ii. Plrioti, Ybali iii. Loos, Wrynoa iv. Blsoni, Tlupgroa

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.

• QUICK QUIZ 1 Whale, 2 Brazil, 3 Anchovies, 4 Sebastian, 5 100, 6 The Sheriff of Nottingham, 7 In my opinion, 8 Afghanistan, 9 Arabic, 10 The Chronicles Of Narnia • RIDDLES 1 A Bee (in beetle) (be = live), 2 Particle, 3 A Decimal Point (3.7), 4 i. Rabat, Morocco, ii.Tripoli, Libya, iii. Oslo, Norway, iv. Lisbon, Portugal • PLAY ON WORDS 1 Fork in the road, 2 Putting your foot in your mouth, 3 Race against time/the clock, 4 Tap dancing

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4. Where in the world? Unravel these place names

PUZZLES ARE COURTESY OF LOVATTS CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

02 PICTURE PERFECT 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

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 Deluxe Suite at Anggun Boutique Hotel for 2, inclusive of breakfast worth RM1,000++!

WINNER

Taoist Temple in Penang, Malaysia Bertrand Linet, Plerin, France

BEST PICTURE WINS A 3D/2N stay in a Superior room at The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur for 2, inclusive of breakfast at Suria Café worth RM1,040++

Conveniently located in the business, shopping and entertainment district area of Kuala Lumpur, Anggun Boutique Hotel is less than a five-minute drive away from the famed Petronas Twin Towers. This hotel was converted from two 1920s shophouses with most of the rooms looking out into a peaceful courtyard that captures the old colonial charm of yesteryear Malaya. All rooms are air-conditioned, come equipped with air purification systems and feature DVD players, personal safes and minibars. Guests can also enjoy state-of-the-art entertainment from the comfort of their beds with the hotel’s high speed Internet access and multilingual world news channels, radio stations and movies.

Visit www.airasiago.com for attractive room deals at this hotel.

Nestled amidst 160 hectares of lush tropical gardens, The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur is an idyllic 210-room retreat. The hotel is adjoined to the Saujana Golf & Country Club that boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses. Located 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and 35 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the hotel is just 5 minutes away from Skypark (former Subang Airport), and a private jet aviation hub. Facilities here include extensive dining choices, function areas, numerous meeting room options and a host of delightful recreational activities to suit every traveller’s needs.

Visit www.airasiago.com for attractive room deals at this hotel.

RUNNER-UP

Burmese girl in a temple, Mandalay, Myanmar Romain Lazzarotto, Singapore

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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02 GET COMFY 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

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.

02 Route Map • AirAsia Malaysia 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

UNITED KINGDOM London

Paris

FRANCE

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

IRAN

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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Kuching

Sandakan Tawau

Beijing Tianjin Seoul

SOUTH KOREA Osaka

Shanghai Hangzhou

CHINA

Chengdu

Tokyo

New Delhi

INDIA

Kolkata

MYANMAR

Mumbai

LAOS

Chiang Mai Yangon

Hanoi

Bangalore

Tiruchirappalli Kochi Colombo

SRI LANKA

Taipei

TAIWAN

Haikou

Vientiane

THAILAND

Chennai

Guilin Guangzhou Shenzhen Macau Hong Kong

Bangkok

Da Nang

Clark

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

PACIFIC OCEAN

Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh PHILIPPINES Surat Thani Phuket Krabi Hat Yai Langkawi Kota Kinabalu Bandar Aceh Penang BRUNEI Kuala MALAYSIA Medan Miri Lumpur Johor Bharu Kuching Pekanbaru SINGAPORE Padang Balikpapan Palembang

INDONESIA

Jakarta Semarang Bandung Surabaya Yogyakarta Solo Bali

Makassar

INDIAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA

Gold Coast

Perth

Melbourne

Kuala Lumpur International Airport Kota Kinabalu International Airport Penang International Airport Kuching International Airport

SOUTHERN OCEAN

NEW ZEALAND Christchurch

travel 3sixtyËš

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02 Route Map • AirAsia Thailand 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

New Delhi

CHINA

INDIA

Guangzhou Macau

Kolkata

MYANMAR

Shenzhen Hong Kong

Hanoi

Ching Rai Chiang Mai Udon Thani

Yangon

THAILAND Bangkok

Ubon Ratchathani

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

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

Colombo

Medan

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

INDIAN OCEAN

INDONESIA Jakarta

Surabaya Bali

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Phuket Int. Airport Chiang Mai Int. Airport International Route Domestic Route

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02 Route Map • AirAsia Indonesia 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

PACIFIC OCEAN

THAILAND Bangkok

VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh Phuket Bandar Aceh Medan

Kota Kinabalu

Penang Kuala Lumpur

Pakanbaru

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

Padang

Balikpapan

Palembang

INDONESIA

Makassar

Jakarta Bandung

Surabaya Solo Yogyakarta Bali

Darwin

INDIAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA

Perth

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

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02 SalES OFFiCES & STaTiOnS 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

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

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 & Terminal 2D Departure Hall Airlines Offices Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Cengkareng, Jl. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara Komp Rukan Dharmawangsa, Jl. Dharmawangsa VI No.43, Jakarta Selatan

Lindeteves Trade Center Building, Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.127, Lantai GF2 Blok RA 49, Jakarta Pusat

malaysia

MAKASSAR

Tune Hotels.com Danga Bay, Lot PTB 22819, Jalan Skudai, Mukim Bandar, 80200 Johor Bahru

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

JOHOR

GL 13 Senai International Airport 81250 Johor Bahru No. 26 Jalan Meriam, 84000 Muar, Johor No 7, Jalan Bestari 1/5, Taman Nusa Bestari, 79100, Bandar Nusajaya, Johor.

MEDAN

No 75, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150, Johor Bharu, Johor

Bandara PoloniaTerminal Keberangkatan Internasional, Medan 20157 Sumatra

No 20, Jalan Raya, 81000, Kulaijaya, Johor.

Garuda Plaza Hotel, Jl. Sisingamangaraja, No.18 Medan-20213 PADANG Hotel Hangtuah, Jl. Pemuda no. 1 Padang, Sumatra Barat, 25117 PALEMBANG Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Palembang, South Sumatra PEKANBARU Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport, Jalan Perhubungan Udara Simpang Tiga, Pekanbaru, Sumatra SEMARANG Carrefour DP (Duta Pertiwi) MALL, Jl. Pemuda No. 150, 1st Floor, Semarang 50132 SOLO Adi Soemarmo International Airport, Solo, Central Java 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

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

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 SABAH Lot 1 & 2, 1st Floor, Terminal Building, Sandakan Airport, 90719 Sandakan

KEDAH

FL4, 1st Floor, Tawau Airport Building, Jalan Apas-Balung, 91100 Tawau

Lot 20, Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Halim, 06200 Kepala Batas, Alor Star

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

Langkawi International Airport 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi

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

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 No. 63, Ground Floor, Medan Bunus Off Jalan Masjid India, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.

TGround Floor, Terminal 2 Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Old Airport Road,Tanjung Aru 88100, Kota Kinabalu SARAWAK Lot GL.14, Public Concourse Terminal Building, Bintulu Airport 97000 Bintulu Ground Floor, Miri Airport, 98000 Miri Lot 946, Jalan Parry, 98000 Miri

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

Ho Ho Lim, Ground Floor, 291 Sublot 4, Jalan Abell, 93100 Kuching

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

Departure Level, Kuching International Airport, 93756 Kuching

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

KELANTAN Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa Kota Bharu 3183G, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim (Opp. KB Mall), 15050 Kota Bharu.

Wisma Ho Ho Lim, Ground Floor No. 291, Sub Lot 4, Jalan Abell 93100 Kuching 1st Floor, Main Terminal Building, 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 (667-C), Wisma Y S Tan Lorong Kepayang, 41300 Klang No 1, Jln PJS 3/48, Taman Sri Manja, 46000 Petaling Jaya

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

philippines Diosdado Macapagal International Airport Clark Civil Aviation Complex Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines 2023

singapore

NARATHIWAT

Row No:11, 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

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 SURAT THANI

ThailanD

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

BANGKOK

UBON RATCHATHANI

Suvarnabhumi International Airport Room A1-062 Ground Floor, Concourse A, Bangna-Trad Road, Racha Teva, Bang Pli, Samutprakarn 10540

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

127 Tanao Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200 CHIANG MAI SALES OFFICE Chiangmai International Airport 60, 1st Floor, Tambol Sutep, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 416 Thaphae Road, Chiang Mai

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

VieTnam HANOI

CHIANG RAI

Noibai International Airport Lobby A, 3rd Floor, Hanoi

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

223, De Tham Pham Ngu Lao Ward District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

HAT YAI

No. 9, Hang Manh Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi

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

16, Nguyen Van Linh, Hai Chau District, Da Nang

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

Call Centre Numbers ausTralia china france inDia inDonesia Japan hong Kong macau malaysia

1300 760 330 +86 20 2281 7666 +33(0)1 7048 0722 1860 500 8000 +62 21 2927 0999 0120 963 516 +852 3112 3222 0800912 600 85 9999 (Premium Customer Service line, chargeable at RM1.95 per minute.)

myanmar neW ZealanD paris singapore souTh Korea TaiWan ThailanD VieTnam The uK

+95 1 25 1885/1886 0800 45 25 66 +33170480722 +65 6307 7688 00798 1420 69940 008 0185 3031 +66 2 515 9999 +84 8 3838 9811/ 9812 0845 605 3333

02 TOUCHDOWN 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

SURAT THANI, THAILAND Surat Thani is often bypassed for the beautiful islands off its coast but this southern Thai town and province has plenty to offer. From caving in Ban Na San to trekking through Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani is simply waiting to be discovered.

King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) bestowed Surat Thani its name that translates to ‘The City of Good People’, but this laidback southern city / province is also known as ‘The Province of a Thousand Islands’.

The gateway to the islands off Thailand’s Gulf Coast, Surat Thani lies 685 kms from Bangkok and is the largest province in southern Thailand. Once a part of the Srivijaya empire (7th century to 13th century AD), Surat Thani is chockfull of historical, cultural and natural attractions on the mainland that are worth seeing. And of course... the islands!

Eat Southern Thai cuisine is known for its fiery heat and if you like spicy food, you will enjoy tom yam in Surat Thani. Seafood is abundant, fresh and cheap, and you can get your fill of crabs and lobsters on the mainland or on the islands. Salted eggs from the Chaiya district are particularly tasty, as the ducks here are raised on a diet of molluscs and fish. Sample also Surat Thani’s oysters, known for their size and taste. The rambutans here are delicious too, with locals claiming them to be the best in Thailand.

WORDS: CHITRA S IMAGES: TAT

Must Do KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK One of the most beautiful national parks in Thailand, Khao Sok is a wonderful spot with gorgeous scenery reminiscent of Gui Lin in China, virgin forests and a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors planning to explore the area CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Si Surat stupa, Wat Phra Borom That, Chaiya, the island of Koh Samui, local delicacies.

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over several days can stay in a youth hostel, bungalows or floating houses located within the park.

ISLAND HOPPING A favourite haunt of backpackers, the islands off Surat Thani are like sparkling jewels in the Gulf of Thailand.

Hop on a ferry from Don Sak to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao and enjoy funfilled days in the sun and sand! Koh Samui is famous for its white, sandy beaches and palm-fringed coast, and has recently become famous for spa holidays. The full moon parties on Koh Pha Ngan are legendary. Located 20 kms north of Koh Samui, this island has a relaxed vibe that is favoured by holiday makers. Koh Tao is a haven for divers with its rich marine life and beautiful coral reefs.

OYSTER FARMS Oysters are cultivated in Surat Thani and the molluscs farmed here are said to be larger than elsewhere. Several medium-sized farms are situated around the estuarine areas of Khlong Tha Thong and Khlong Kradae where tours and home stays can be arranged.

Sleep • Diamond Plaza Hotel, 83/27 Moo2, Sriwichai Road, Makamtia District, Amphurmuang, Surat Thani www.diamondplazahotels.com • Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa, 92/1 Moo2, Chawen Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui FOR ATTRACTIVE ROOM RATES AT HOTELS IN KOH SAMUI, VISIT www.airasiago.com GETTING THERE AirAsia will commence service to Surat Thani on Feb 7, 2012 three times a week from Kuala Lumpur.

Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

02 MY AIRASIA 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360

ALLSTAR LOVE

With a workforce of vibrant AllStars buzzing around the AirAsia hive, there’s bound to be some red-hot passion in the air. At AirAsia, office romances are a thing to celebrate, and in this special issue, we catch up with five couples who’ve discovered the true meaning of love.

PHUA PUI GEOK (PPG), ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER & TANG YEW WAH (TYW), PRODUCT SOURCING MANAGER – MAA STATUS: MARRIED PPG: We come to work together and leave for home together, and spend most of our travel time talking about work and sharing our feelings. AirAsia is so far, the only company I’ve heard of that never stops married couples from working together.

TYW: We always encourage each other when we have problems. Working in the same company allows us to understand the problems we face at work.

DINUS HAFIS (DH), SENIOR EXECUTIVE, COMMERCIAL & PAULA ZORAYA (PZ), FLIGHT ATTENDANT– IAA STATUS: MARRIED DH: We share what’s going on and update each other on Management & Operation issues. For example, I always update my wife on new routes, and plan holidays for us!

PZ: I have someone to drive me to office since we work in the same airport area!

VINITH BELAPAN (VB), ACCOUNT ASSISTANT, FINANCE & MANIMEGALAI RAVEE (MR), EXECUTIVE, FINANCIAL SERVICES & LOYALTY – MAA STATUS: ENGAGED MR: The first time I met Vinith was on our first Airbus joyride. At first, we were just friends who had lunch and tea together. But by May 2006, things were official. For our first date, we watched The Da Vinci Code.

VB: Like Mani sais, we went for a movie. She slept and I watched the movie alone! This is how our love story began.

EDWIN BUDI SANTOSO (EBS) , GUEST SERVICE ASSISTANT & PRITHA AYUNINGTIAS (PA) SENIOR FLIGHT ATTENDANT – IAA COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

STATUS: MARRIED

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EBS: We share knowledge about our jobs and our daily work experiences. It’s great that we can have a relationship and work in the same company.

PA: We know each other’s working environment, and that helps us understand each other better.

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚

RAVEENSINGAM RAJASINGHAM (RR), FIRST OFFICER & SUMITRA GURU (SG), AIRASIA X OPERATIONS MANAGER STATUS: RECENTLY MARRIED RR: I first noticed her when I landed in Kuala Lumpur after a long flight from Toulouse -- she was glowing from a distance!

From then on, everything fell into place, and we’ve been together ever since. We’re aware of each other’s work patterns. While some guys might get suspicious if their wives get SMSs at odd hours, I just say “Keep the noise down when you type; I’m trying to sleep here!” We keep the romance alive by being spontaneous – packing up overnight and just heading out to Bangkok for the weekend!

SG: The first I knew of Raveen’s existence was when he was called in to fly during a crisis. He looked like he was up to ‘no good’! But, I soon realised he wasn’t such a bad guy after all, and I wanted him to be a bigger part of my life.

The great thing about working together is having a nice dose of each other and an ever ready lunch buddy!