/7-July_201

2011 ISSUE 48

48 TRAVEL 3SIXTY JULY

PLUS Road to London

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd a

l36

ira

ve

.a

w

TRAVEL Waitomo, New Zealand, Central Market, Malaysia FOOD Food for Thought DESTINATION Margaret River, WA SPECIAL FEATURE Rice Terraces of Yunnan, China

ww

PP15075/07/2012(029856)

SKY

TO THE

TRAVEL 3SIXTY째 GOES DIGITAL

0

THE AIRASIA MAGAZINE

STAIRWAY

s i a . c o m/tr

a

E UR AS RS. E PL GE VE NG SEN EMO I AD AS R FT. RE R P NOT RA E H HE O IRC R T OT E D A FO OF EAS OM R PL F 13/6/11 11:57:35 AM

1165-12r1qc.pdf

Page

1

5/19/2011,

11:20

AM

contentsjuly BOARDING CALL News, Announcements, Mail

06 Captain’s Address 08 Inbox What our guests are saying about Travel 3Sixty°

10 Red Alert Exciting News from AirAsia

18 Bulletin Stuff you’d love to know

38 Health Matters Doctor’s Orders

40 Guts & Glory Road to London

42 Hot Rods Moving Technology

44 Tech-Talk This Just In!

46 Sleep Inns Livin’ it Up in Langkawi

82 Pilot’s Perspective Duly Delayed

FLIGHT PLAN Travel 3Sixty°’s Super-cool Guide

58 NAVIGATOR

70

26 Calendar July events to keep a lookout for

30 Cuisine Food for Thought

34 Books

Feature Stories

Exciting Reads to Pick Up

52 Hit List

36 Biz Body

Have Heart, Will Travel

Solution Savvy

58 Stairway to the Sky 64 Go to the Glow Underground rafting in New Zealand

70 A Hive for Heritage

46

Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

76 The Best Expedition in the World Working on the Great Barrier Reef

80 Ever After Bridal Photography in Exotic Locations

86 Travel Log Hong Kong in a Jiffy

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 1

11/6/11 10:04:56 AM

contentsjuly 100 Snapshot Fab photos taken by AirAsia guests

102 Comfort 5 tips for a more enjoyable flight

PORT OF CALL 104 Destination Margaret River, Western Australia

106 Route Map 110 AirAsia Sales Offices & Stations

90

MY AIRASIA 112 The Trouble-Shooter

80 JET SET Fashion, News, Celebs

88 Style Sizzlers Fashion from Around the World

90 Summer Love Creating the Perfect Look

92 Jetsetter

76

Jang Hyuk

IN FLIGHT 96 Junior Jet Club A Seoul-ful Trip

98 Plane Fun

44

Puzzles & Games

2

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 2

11/6/11 10:11:13 AM

123453_AXIATA_TR360.pdf

Page

1

2/06/11,

4:45

PM

0

TRAVEL 3SIXTY° GOES DIGITAL

w

.a

l36

ww

SKY

TO THE

ira

TRAVEL Waitomo, New Zealand, Central Market, Malaysia FOOD Food for Thought DESTINATION Margaret River, WA SPECIAL FEATURE Rice Terraces of Yunnan, China

ve

STAIRWAY

s ia . c o m/tr

PLUS Road to London

a

RE SU EA S. PL GER VE G O IN SEN EM AD AS R FT. RE R P OT RA HE HE O N IRC R T OT E D A FO OF EAS OM R PL F

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd a

13/6/11 11:57:35 AM

Publisher Kathleen Tan

Rice Terraces of Yunnan, China Managing Editor R. Rajendra Art Director Kan Seak Hong Writers Beverly Rodrigues Nicolette Ng Editorial Assistant Fazlina Bee Binti Abdul Rashid Photojournalist Adam Lee Contributors Captain Lim Khoy Hing, Carol West, Efi Hamzah, Daniel Fernandez, Joleen Lunjew, Shantini Suntharajah

Cover image: Photolibrary

PUBLISHED BY Travel 3Sixty° c/o AirAsia Berhad LCC Terminal, Jalan KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: 603-8660 4333

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

PRE-PRESS SERVICES Digiscan Services Sdn. Bhd. No. 26, Jalan 4/62A, Bandar Manjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 603-6273 6386

Advertising Enquiries Indran Balavishnu (Malaysia) indran.balavishnu@pharpartnerships.com

For queries, assistance and feedback, you can reach us here:

Mairianne Reardon (Singapore) m.reardon@pharpartnerships.com

airasia.com/ask

Nick Lockwood (UK and International Markets) nick.lockwood@pharpartnerships.com

Charuphan Pojchanart (Thailand) charuphanp@airasia.com

Hendra Lapusa (Indonesia) hlapusa@baliplus.com

Tel: +6 03 8660 4034 / 4032 (Malaysia) E-mail: sales-T360@airasia.com Travel 3Sixty° Wishes to thank Lovatts Crosswords & Puzzles, MPH, Pansing Marketing Editorial enquiries travel3sixty@airasia.com 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.

Have a question regarding travelling with AirAsia? Get your answers here at airasia. com/ask! We’ll help you out via chat, twitter.com/askairasia or E-mail if you need further assistance AirAsia on Twitter for information & assistance on simple requests: www.twitter.com/AskAirAsia For exciting news, bytes and tweets from AirAsia: www.twitter.com/airasia

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

www.facebook.com/airasia AirAsia blog to share travel experiences and stories: http://blog.airasia.com

PP15075/07/2012(029856)

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 4

10/6/11 4:49:30 PM

T360_Jul_BreraO.pdf

Page

Page

1

19/05/11,

10:30

AM

captain’s address Limited edition wristbands for sale onboard for RM10.

Scenes of devastation in northeastern Japan.

We launched the To Japan with Love campaign as a tribute to the people of Japan. As a neighbour of Japan, it is only right that we, the ASEAN community, help.

We share the pain and grief of those who lost their loved ones in the recent earthquake and tsunami disaster and, we offer prayers and strength to the survivors, hoping that they’ll remain resilient and steadfast in the face of adversity. The display of unwavering human spirit during such a crisis is truly inspiring.

Courage, resilience and determination; these are also the same traits that AirAsia was built on.

This is not the first time that AirAsia has come to the aid of the people and nations at times of tragedy. We were there during crises in Acheh (tsunami), Myanmar (cyclone Nargis), Sichuan, China (earthquake), Padang, Indonesia (earthquake), Bali (bombing), Bangkok (civil unrest) and Christchurch, New Zealand (earthquake).

6

When the Malaysian governmentdriven aid campaign to Japan was launched in the aftermath of the double disaster in Japan, AirAsia immediately lent support by flying 200 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Japan on AirAsia X. Led by Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia, the much needed supplies were delivered in March.

Since the launch of the To Japan with Love campaign, we have placed donation boxes in all 4,000 plus flights that we operate each week. We have also ordered 5,000 special-themed, limited edition wristbands that are available for sale onboard for RM10 apiece. The wristbands, we hope, will serve as a reminder of this campaign and, function as another avenue to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake.

In our efforts to get local communities involved, AirAsia has also provided free air passage to youth volunteers who joined the ASEAN Youth Caravan of Goodwill

in reaching out and bringing cheer to the communities most affected by the disasters.

Response to our campaign has been fantastic and we have you, our guests, to thank. We hope to raise US$1 million to help the people of Japan.

But we want to do more and we’ll continue accepting donations for a year, or for as long as Japan needs the aid. The funds raised in our campaign will be channelled through Japan Platform, a consortium of 32 Japanese NGOs that are at the forefront of recovery efforts in northeastern Japan.

Please continue supporting this initiative and donate your spare change or, purchase the special wristband the next time you fly with us.

Recovery is easier when we pull together, and AirAsia is assisting in the best way we can. We hope you too will stand with us in helping bring a little joy to the people of Japan.

From all of us at AirAsia

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 6

10/6/11 7:34:20 PM

inbox

Here’s the buzz on AirAsia’s Twitter and Facebook pages

TART TALES I was reading Travel 3Sixty° on my way to Langkawi recently and the article Mouthful In Macau (May 2011) caught my attention. I had travelled to Macau last year and the picture of the delicious egg tarts in the article reminded me of the sweet offerings there. Although Macau is small, it is rich in food culture and though I thought the tarts were a hot attraction, the article introduced to me other delectable dishes in the Macanese food constellation. I hope to try them when I visit Macau again. ~ Yu Zhen, via E-mail An artist’s vision to curb consumer waste and empower the margina lised who live in its shadow, transforms trash into quirky designer creations.

LETTER OF THE MONTH!

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM

Left: Pak Wandi making his Below: Plastic packaging rounds, pulling his gerobak. ready to be redesigned attractive merchandise. into Below, right: Waste material at Kampung Cireunder.

Opposite page: Art installation

by Ann Wizer – a statement on waste, using syringes, pill blisters and boxes .

LEE

THRASH SENSE

If only people were sensible enough to realise that there is monetary value Did you know? in thrash, the world would have taken an entirely different course in handling rubbish. The article Thrash’ Formation (May 2011) enlightened me that though most people discard thrash blatantly, it is a valuable source of income to others. I salute the team at Project XS for their heartfelt initiatives to help save the earth and at the same time, provide education for the under-privileged children in Jakarta. Thank you Travel 3Sixty°, for publishing this article and instilling ‘thrash sense’ in us. ~ Joanne Teh, via E-mail

The first thing that struck me as I stepped out of the cab was the rancid stench of decay. Oversized hens chased each other over mountains of slushy garbage, and somewhere in the nearby hillocks of trash, lizards were making a racket.

I’d arrived at Kampung Cireunder in Cilandak Barat, one of thousands of trash picker communities that exist on the fringes of ultra-modern Jakarta.

Homes erected haphazardly from rough slabs of zinc, wood and cardboard seemed to be on the verge of collapse, sinking into the ground – soft from years of accumulated trash.

This village was literally built on a garbage dump.

76

travel3sixty may

55011 76_XS Project

books James Patterson

is preying A cold-blooded duo Europe on young couples across postcards and sending taunting before each to local newspapers arrives attack. When a postcard detective in Stockholm, NYPD up with Jacob Kanon teams to nab his a Swedish reporter daughter’s killers.

Not enough to reunite trafficked children tale about a man’s mission of Nepal. the most remote parts with their families in We talk to Conor Grennan about his work.

From volunteering stint to mission

My initial reasons for volunteering were pretty selfish. I wanted to something impressive put on my CV. But when I realised just how much it quickly put things these children were suffering, into perspective.

Read of the Month Robyn Sisman

wished They loved it! They more stories!

BABYNOMICS Madeline Thomas

IMAGES: ADAM LEE

g guide A helpful money-savin Thomas for first-time parents, world navigates the often scary with huge of parenthood fraught discussing wise costs and concerns, good handinvestments for baby, of other smart me-downs, and lots safe parenting. tips for effective and

PENANG HERITAGE FOOD Ong Jin Teong

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES;

would No trip to Penang, Malaysia sampling the be complete without foodie cuisine of this much-loved book on paradise. This detailed comes Penang’s culinary heritage giving with classic family recipes, up your own you a chance to whip Penang char koay teow!

people

Nepal don’t know much about that story there. I wanted to share trafficking we witnessed and bravery show the joy, strength, in an uplifting way; to of the children.

Kate Pepper When divorce lawyer husband who’s goes up against her le pop diva, representing a high profi the courtroom things get sticky. Will bedroom? Find battle move into the read full of out in this fun and sexy lust, secrets and lies.

32

Princes Most Inspiration behind Little and the kind of child

THE PERFECT COUPLE

to being featured Little Princes’ reactionsI had told even adapting to Do children have problems upon returning poorer living conditions a big surprise for me. home? Not at all. That was up never compare to growing

can Having a nicer house the same: children are essentially with your family. All they sometimes whiney, but Joyful, fun, frustrating, resilient. ; They are incredibly adapt to their environment

IONS

VOLUNTEER VACAT

Households produce close to 30 million tonnes of waste every year, 73% of this ends up in landfills. www.esauk .org

Despite the abysmal surroundings, I received a warm welcome from Pak Wandi, a 28-year-old trash picker or pemulung who’s been collecting plastic, metal and broken bottles since he was just 13 years old.

Like many children of trash pickers, Pak Wandi never attended school. Instead, he devoted his days to helping his father collect trash.

Today, he has children of his own, and hopes that one day they’ll break the cycle and find their way out of the trash pickers’ village.

A Scavenger’s Life

A regular day for Pak Wandi begins as early as 5.00am.

By 6.30am, he’s off on his hunt, pulling a large cart called gerobak. Pak Wandi’s hunting ground is the upper middle class neighbourhood of Pondok Indah, one and a half hour’s walk away. He won’t return till his gerobak is full; this may take two to three nights.

You’d think filling a cart with trash would be easy.

But Pak Wandi is only interested in specific types of trash. You see, pemulung don’t get paid by the town council to keep the streets clean. Instead, they search for trash they can sell to middlemen called lapak, and they need volume.

In the pecking order of trash, shattered glass and broken bottles are at the lower end of the spectrum.

Cardboard boxes and paper fetch a marginally higher price, and above that are shampoo bottles and cans.

The most coveted discards are metal items.

It can take up to two weeks to obtain enough volume to sell to a lapak. On the rare occasion that Pak Wandi manages to fill a gerobak full of metal items, he earns about US$10. But metal is scarce and competition among trash pickers is fierce; for every lapak out there, there are 10 pemulung. In Kampung Cireunder alone, Pak Wandi has to vie with some 150 pemulung.

76-77

may travel3sixty 77

in

Tara Miller I spent two months Ta in rural

Cambodia teaching English Ca in hospitals and villages, volunteering vil time in the orphanages, and spending or with poor families. Returning countryside co to help to Australia, I felt compelled alive again that had made me feel those th to help Cambodia’s by b starting a project safe from and keep the children poor, p FB the sex trade. Via AirAsia

Vina Puspita I’ve been teaching under

art to street kids in Jakarta, Sahabat Anak the supervision of the ‘voluntourism’ community. The word my talent by inspired me to contribute houses, so poor painting local learning enthusiastic children would be more FB about studying. Via AirAsia

Your turnaround time is so much faster now & the food quality has improved significantly! Great progress & keep it up!

Jacqueline Foong Thanks AirAsia for making distance just numbers.

Everyone indeed can fly! :) adurasayangness

10/6/11 5:02:15 PM

NOBLE TOURISM

TURNS LIFE CALLING VOLUNTEER TOURISM Little Princes, a poignant can be said about

Postcard &Killers Liza Marklund

My trip to Siem Reap was magical, thanks to AirAsia’s awesome flight+hotel package! So cheap i wanna go again! missy_a_n

While browsing through the May 2011 issue of Travel 3Sixty° on a flight from Paris, I chanced upon the three brief write-ups on volunteer tourism in the ‘Books’ section. I was fascinated by the fact that there is a group of noble people who would travel to other countries to help uplift the well-being of the less fortunate. I was hoping to further read on the experiences of these volunteer tourists and I hope that in a future issue, Travel 3Sixty° will have a full story on them. ~ David Khoo, Kajang, Malaysia

So happy that i got another 10 cent tix yesterday, while browsing thru AA booking engine!

Only RM30ish (include credit card fee) return to Langkawi - My very 1st trip to the most talked about place in Msia!!!!

Lynette W Leong My Favorite airlines, AirAsia :).... Also, brings me smile & joy.

Sandeep Wadia

travel3sixty may 14/4/11 12:11:17 PM

55011 22_Book_may

34

THE X FACTOR While reading Travel 3Sixty° on a flight to Christchurch, I came across Exploring New Frontiers (May 2011) where Air Asia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani elaborated on the X factor of AirAsia X, which is embodied by the airline’s “X-ploratory spirit of pushing boundaries and breaking conventions.” And I thought the ‘X’ was only about X-tra leg room and X-tra comfort. Now I have the right answer to what the ‘X’ really stands for in AirAsia X. ~ Yong Chin Chin, via E-mail

LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS A RM999 VOUCHER TO BE REDEEMED AGAINST A ROYAL MCQUEEN LUGGAGE.* *T&C apply. *Luggage shown here for illustration purpose only. Colours may vary.

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 three letters will receive a RM 50 e-gift voucher each. Email your feedback to travel3sixty@airasia.com.

Travel 3Sixty° reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length, and only letters regarding articles will stand to win a prize.

8

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 8

10/6/11 5:05:38 PM

279158_10388-RWS005.pdf

Page

1

5/27/11,

5:50

PM

redalert

SEOUL FOOD AirAsia X has teamed amed up with Korean celebrity Chef Shingun rline’s menu to develop the airline’s uala Lumpur for the Seoul – Kuala al menu will route. This special feature three Korean rean dishes: Korean Traditional al Chicken & w, Chicken Dry Pollack Stew, mpkin Breast Sweet Pumpkin e& Cheese Croquette Mushroom Tofu Steak with old Kimchi.

AirAsia X also plans to expand this Korean menu, and is currently rrently experimenting with Chef Shingun’s secret recipe for the Korean barbeque eque delight – bulgogi. i.

HOT TIP!

“W hope that this partnership would “We further promote South Korea to the fur world and I am thankful to AirAsia X for wo helping me live my dreams and making hel this collaboration possible.” ~ Chef Shingun thi

P Pre-book your meals at www.airasia.com to enjoy savings of up to 25%, while ensuring your favourite dishes are available. By pre-booking, you also help to reduce wastage! y

Relaxing Reward To celebrate the third anniversary of the AirAsia-Citibank’s partnership, AirAsia rewarded 10 loyal AirAsiaCitibank credit card members with a pair of return flight tickets to Seoul, South Korea, complete with

Premium Flat Bed seating, and 300,000 AirAsia-Citibank Rewards Points. Johan Aris, Regional Head of Financial Services and Loyalty at AirAsia said “We want our customers to have ‘the money can’t buy experience’ whenever they travel with AirAsia.”

One lucky winner, Ng Chee Chuan, certainly appreciated the token. “With the premium flat bed seats, we will have a super smooth and comfortable flight.”

Visit www.airasia. com regularly to keep in the loop on more exciting AirAsia-Citibank campaigns.

GO SEOUL! • Pop by a kimchi school to learn about South Korea’s favourite delicacy, and then, shop till you drop at the popular Insadong Antique Street, Dongdaemun Market and Myeongdong.

• Visit hotspots like the Kyeongbok Palace and the National Folklore Museum, then catch the comical Nanta Show, in which kitchen items are turned into percussion instruments, or Jump Show, a musical about an eccentric martial arts family.

• Make a pilgrimage to beautiful Namiseom Island, the filming location of Korea’s romantic drama series, Winter Sonata.

Book your tours at www.AirAsiaGo.com

1st from left is Johan Aris, Regional Head of Financial Services and Loyalty, AirAsia Berhad. 3rd from right is Anand Cavale, Business Director for Cards & Consumer Lending, Citibank Berhad.

10

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 10

13/6/11 1:05:27 PM

T360_Jul_TuneT.pdf

Page

Page

1

3/06/11,

9:31

AM

WARM WELCOME

ALLSTARS RECHARGE

AirAsia Thailand offered a warm welcome to Chiang Mai University freshmen who were travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in May. To make their transition as fun as possible, AirAsia organised games, orientation activities and competitions at Suvarnabhumi airport, on board the flight and, upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport.

THAI TRAVEL PORTAL One-stop online travel portal AirAsiaGo has teamed up with Expedia, the world’s largest online travel agent to launch the Expedia Thailand website in Thai. Visit www.expedia.co.th for great discounts on hotel stays, incredibly low flight fares, value-for-money travel packages and travel insurance.

Airline of the Year AirAsia was named Asia Pacific Value Airline of the Year at the 2011 Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Aerospace & Defense Awards in June. Frost & Sullivan recognises outstanding performance in the aviation industry, and Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial for AirAsia was honoured to receive the award that recognises innovative best practices. “As we are drawing close to our 10th anniversary this year, we are proud to have served the underserved, realised dreams, changed lives and we are looking forward to doing more of that as we move along.”

Kathleen Tan

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 12

Recently, AirAsia’s Corporate Culture department organised a special weekend of healthy living for a group of Allstars at The Spa Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand. The retreat included yoga sessions, organic meals and natural spa treatments. Not only was this an opportunity for Allstars to unwind and learn yoga, it was also great way to bond with colleagues from other countries and stations too. Here’s what the rejuvenated Allstars had to say: I loved our yoga instructor’s mantra: “Say thanks to your parents, your friends, your body and each part of it, and send love to your enemies.” I may be struggling with weight issues, but I firmly believe that we should love our bodies, take care of our health and even be grateful to enemies for pushing us to our limit, to be all we can be. ~ Khairul Nizam Mahyiden, Head of Industrial Relation & Compliance Beyond the wonderful relaxation, I made excellent friends.

This makes for good team work. Go Allstars! ~ Bonyaluck Winyaratana MS, Guest Experience Team Leader

I have a better understanding of yoga and healthy eating habits. This will give me more energy and greater focus at work. ~ Ragu Nadarajan, Quality Assurance Engineer

I know every part of my body and how to help my body. I love the healthy food and fresh air! ~ Kruetip Suradech, Finance and Accounting Executive

No pain, no gain. I learnt to think positively, love everyone and appreciate my body. ~ Fazlina Bee, Travel 3Sixty° Editorial Assistant

10/6/11 5:07:43 PM

DiGi_7294_T3Sixty.pdf

Page Page

1

4/19/11,

10:41

PM

Creative Genius AirAsia Group CEO, Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes is the only Southeast Asian to make New York-based business magazine Fast Company’s list of 2011’s 100 Most Creative People in Business.

Fernandes has not only democratised air travel, but diversified his great value, low cost philosophy with such successes as Tune Hotels, Tune Talk, Tune Money and Tune Tone.

Speaking about the recognition, Fernandes, said “It speaks volumes of the kind or organisations we’re in where creativity, imagination, innovation and resourcefulness reign supreme. I am a dreamer and when you encourage other people to realise their dreams too, you will find the creative spirit permeating and bursting in everyone.”

Going The AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani

Distance For AirAsia Running Club members, running is more than a hobby; it’s a passion.

The avid runners here continuously push their bodies to the limit to beat their personal best and set new records. After training hard for the SIC & AirAsia Fun Run held at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit in May, the club took on an even bigger challenge. With AirAsia X CEO and marathon enthusiast Azran Osman-Rani leading the pack, the AirAsia Running Club stormed the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in July competing in the 21-km and 42-km marathons.

Allstar winners of the SIC AirAsia Fun Run: Lim Hong Han, Lim Hong Khai and Daryl Ong.

AirAsia Allstars in action at the SIC run.

TRANSFORMERS ROLL OUT! Transform dreary schooldays into exciting learning adventures with limited edition Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon merchandise. Super cool goodies include backpacks, stationery sets, colour pencils, lunch boxes, water bottles and wallets featuring your favourite Autobots and Decepticons. Start your collection by purchasing online at airasiamegastore.com or on board AirAsia flights.

14

Transformers pencil box

Transformers wallet

Transformers backpack

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 14

13/6/11 1:13:08 PM

R1_T360_Jul_Tune.pdf

Page

Page

1

8/06/11,

7:14

PM

TRIPLE WIN AirAsia nabbed three major awards for investor relations during the inaugural awarding ceremony of Malaysian Investor Relations Association (MIRA) in May. AirAsia’s Group CEO, Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, won Best CEO for Investor Relations – Mid Cap, while AirAsia’s Investor Relations manager, Benyamin Ismail took home the award for Best Investor Relations Professional – Mid Cap. AirAsia itself was awarded the Best Investor Relations Website award.

Commenting on this win, Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes said “Adhering to strict investor relations standards and putting great emphasis on transparency and good corporate governance are hallmarks of AirAsia’s success.” For Benyamin Ismail, these awards prove that AirAsia is on track in investor relations. “The organisation has been working hard for the past year to create value for the stock and their investment by making sure the right message and information are conveyed to our shareholders and investors.”

Humanitarian Mission

In June, AirAsia X flew 20 members of the ASEAN Youth Caravan of Goodwill to Haneda, Japan.

On a mission to spread joy and lend support to survivors of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Northeast Japan, the youth staged cultural performances and shared their own survival stories at evacuation centres.

55137_t360 16 55067 hit listjuly2011_final_1.indd 56

Tanahmas_outline_new.indd 1

10/6/11 11:58:48 5:18:48 PM 5/13/11 AM

19/5/10 12:10:20 PM

bulletin

!

FOOD FOOD FOOD

For the first time in the 18-year history of the Singapore Food Festival (SFF), the SFF Village will host Singapore’s biggest food and beverage event with more than 60 food stalls offering a variety of mouth watering, lip smacking local and international dishes. From July 15 to 24, 2011, the festival offers food tasting sessions, food river cruises, culinary heritage trails and many other exciting food related activities. www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sg

FEAST ON THE

KING Besides a UNESCO world heritage listing and spectacular street food, Penang is also home to some of the most exquisitely aromatic durians in Southeast Asia. AirAsia’s Penang Durian Tour takes you to durian orchards in Balik Pulau. Here, apart from learning about the fruit, you get to sample fresh and delicious durian fruits that have just fallen off the trees. The Penang Durian Tour also covers other exotic tropical fruit orchards growing nutmeg, ambula (kedondong) and more. www.airasiago.com.

18

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 18

10/6/11 5:20:01 PM

2011052712301030T360_July11.pdf

Page

1

27/05/2011,

12:30

PM

READY TO

ROCK!

MTV World Stage is back in Malaysia this year with a brand new line-up!

Scheduled for July 24 at i-City in Shah Alam, the outdoor concert will feature live performances from popular international, regional and local recording artistes including the award-winning rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars and local band Pop Shuvit. Passes to the MTV World Stage Live In Malaysia 2011 are up for grabs at http://worldstage.mtvasia.com.

Contest ends at midnight of July 6, 2011.

ENGLAND

at your Fingertips

When travelling, having a guide is a great way to visit and learn about the best spots in a foreign land. If you are planning to visit England, simply download the Enjoy England iPhone app. The app comes with over a thousand fresh ideas and exciting places to visit in England – from ancient castles in Northumberland to walks along the Cornish coast. Listings on types of activities, popularity, as well as pricing are included. www.enjoyengland.com .

20

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 20

10/6/11 5:25:07 PM

there’s always something happening at hard rock

hardrock.com hotels

yokohama

Abu Dhabi, 2013 • Bali • Biloxi Chicago • Dubai, 2013 • Hollywood, FL Hungary, 2012 • Las Vegas • Macau • Orlando Panama Megapolis, 2011 • Pattaya • Penang Punta Cana • San Diego • Singapore • Tampa

casinos

Biloxi • Hollywood, FL • Hungary, 2012 Las Vegas • Macau • Punta Cana • Tampa

cafes

United States Atlanta Atlantic City Baltimore Biloxi Boston Chicago Cleveland Dallas Denver Destin Detroit Foxwoods Gatlinburg Hollywood, CA on Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, CA at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, FL Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Key West Lake Tahoe Las Vegas Las Vegas at Hard Rock Hotel Louisville Maui Memphis Miami Minneapolis Myrtle Beach Nashville New Orleans New York Niagara Falls Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Seattle St. Louis Tampa Washington, DC Yankee Stadium

bali

Canada Niagara Falls Ottawa Toronto Caribbean/ Central America Aruba Cayman Islands Nassau Panama Punta Cana Santo Domingo St. Maarten South America Belo Horizonte Bogotá Buenos Aires Caracas Cartagena Margarita Island Medellin Rio de Janeiro Santiago, 2011

©2011 Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved. SeeTheShow™

facebook.com/hardrock

MAR1067BS11_AirAsia_July_210x275.indd 1

twitter.com/hardrock

Pacific Rim Fiji Guam Saipan Surfers Paradise Sydney

Europe Amsterdam Athens Barcelona Berlin Bucharest Budapest, 2011 Cologne Copenhagen Dublin Florence Glyfada Gothenburg Hamburg Krakow Limassol, 2012 Lisbon Madrid Mallorca Malta Marbella Moscow Munich Nicosia, 2011 Oslo Paris Prague Rome Stockholm Venice Warsaw UK Edinburgh London Manchester Middle East Africa Bahrain Beirut Dubai Hurghada Kuwait City Nabq, 2011 Sharm El Sheikh Asia Bali Bangkok Beijing Bengaluru Chennai, 2011 Colombo, 2011 Fukuoka Hanoi, 2011 Ho Chi Minh City Hong Kong Hyderabad Jakarta Kuala Lumpur Macau, 2011 Makati Mumbai Narita New Delhi Osaka Osaka, Universal Pattaya Penang Phuket Pune Sentosa Singapore Singapore Changi Airport Tokyo Tokyo, Uyeno-Eki Yokohama

live

Biloxi • Hollywood, FL Las Vegas: The Joint • Orlando

6/1/11 1:22 PM

DIVING DEAL

Malaysia is famous for its beaches and Perhentian Island, off the coast of Terengganu, is no exception. With lush greenery, white sandy beaches and warm blue waters, Perhentian Island is also a divers’ paradise. AirAsiaGo.com is offering an exciting 4D/3N Fun Diving package that includes three nights stay in Perhentian Island Resort with breakfast, as well as four dives with equipment rental. The package also includes boat transfers from the Kuala Besut jetty. www.airasiago.com .

CUDDLY GIANTS

55067_080-087_Avian Nation 87 22 55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd

Come visit the giant pandas at the Seac Pai Van Park in Macau. Located at the northwestern foot of the Coloane Hills, the park covers an area of 198, 000 square metres with various public facilities including the Giant Panda Pavilion, zoo, walk-in aviary and Giant panda information centre. At the Pavilion, guests get to observe the charming pandas in indoor and outdoor enclosures that are modelled after the natural terrain of the creature’s habitat. www.macaupanda.org.mo .

14/5/11 AM 10/6/11 11:53:46 5:26:46 PM

RAINBOW WARRIORS

Ever since it was used as the backdrop for the awardwinning Indonesian film Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Warriors) by Andrea Hirata, Belitung Island has become a hotspots of sorts in Indonesia. The film tells the story of a teacher with 10 students who has to deal with poverty and obstacles in keeping the school open. Some of the locations used in the film have been declared by the local government as areas of importance to culture and tourism to help raise funds for the Muhammadiyah Elementary School, which was featured in the novel. Laskar Pelangi tour packages that include these places are available at www. belitungisland.com. The island is about an hour’s flight away from Jakarta and is also accessible by boat.

HOME & AWAY

Located in Soi Thonglor, Somerset Thonglor offers business and recreational facilities aimed at making guests feel at home. When there, do check out the resident’s programme that aims to help familiarise guests with Bangkok through city tours.

The property even provides tuk tuk rides to nearby hotspots including the BTS Skytrain station. www.somerset.com.

55067 red alert 18 55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 24

13/5/11 5:27:49 2:41:20 PM 10/6/11

2011060603253425360_july_CO.pdf

Page

1

6/06/2011,

3:25

PM

calendar

UK

JULY

AwesomeFest July 29 – 31 Fearless BMX riders, skaters, MotoX bikers, drift drivers and other daredevils pump up the adrenaline during this extreme sports festival at Mallory Park. www.awesomefest.co.uk

THAILAND

Phi Ta Khon July 1 – 3 Locals wearing spirit masks made from rice husks and coconut bark, play pranks during this mischief-filled Ghost Festival in Loei province. www.tourismthailand.org

AUSTRALIA

Walking with Spirits July 30 Djilpin Arts and the Australian Shakespeare Company interpret an ancient Aboriginal ceremony or corroboree with music, fire and imagery during the Northern Territory’s most extravagant Aboriginal cultural festival at sacred Malkgulumbu. www.djilpinarts.org.au

INDONESIA

Manado Beach Festival July 7 – 15 The anniversary of Manado is celebrated with traditional arts and music, fashion shows, sports competitions and a Nyong and None (Mr. and Miss) Manado pageant. www.indonesia.travel

26

SINGAPORE

Grimm Tales July 21 – 23 Some of the best loved fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are given a contemporary twist through narration, physical theatre, puppetry and mime. www.sistic.com.sg

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 26

10/6/11 5:31:34 PM

PARIS

Paris Plages July 21 – August 21 Artificial sandy beaches pop up along the Seine, turning Paris into a summer playground complete with floating swimming pools and beach rugby fields. en.parisinfo.com

NEW ZEALAND JAPAN

The Man in Black – The Johnny Cash Story July 4

Some 1,100 years ago, impressive processions were held to appease the deity of plague and illness. Today, Kyoto still carries on this tradition with artistic floats often called mobile art museums. www.jnto.go.jp

Johnny Cash’s rise to stardom, fight for survival and final redemption is captured in this award-winning tribute with hits like Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line and Folsom Prison Blues. The show plays at various venues across New Zealand.

Gion Matsuri July 1 – 29

HONG KONG

International Arts Carnival July 7 – August 14

Hot Dates!

■ MALAYSIA KK Food Fest July 9 – 22 www.lifeandstyle.com.my/kkff ■ SINGAPORE Korean Music Wave 2011 July 15 www.sistic.com.sg ■ AUSTRALIA Melbourne Int. Film Festival July 21 – August 7 www. melbournefilmfestival.com.au Gold Coast Airport Marathon July 2 & 3 www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au ■ HONG KONG Chinese Opera Festival 2011 July 1 – 24 www. hkticketing.com ■ FRANCE Bastille Day July 14 en.parisinfo.com

Catch multimedia puppetry, masked theatre, dance, music and physical comedy in this arts festival for children. Highlights include the Moscow Circus on Ice and Parken & Nikolais Celebration by the modern ballet group Introdans Ensemble for Youth. www.hkiac.gov.hk

www.ticketdirect.co.nz

MALAYSIA

Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo July 16 - 17 Enjoy classical and contemporary music, and a spectacular sunset at Simpang Mengayau, one of Sabah’s most stunning locations, literally, on the tip of Borneo. www.sabahtourism.com

july travel3sixty 27

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 27

10/6/11 5:32:39 PM

SIZZLIN’ IN JULY It’s the height of summer and what better way to enjoy the warmth of the season than with some fantastic concerts, musicals and stage events.

URBANSCAPES July 16 Immerse yourself in Kuala Lumpur’s creative arts scene during this fun outdoor all-day festival that brings together talents from the fields of music, fashion, art, design and photography at Padang Astaka in Petaling Jaya.

MAGICAL MUSICALS

IF NOT NOW, WHEN? July 23

July 1 – 17

Multi-platinum rockers Incubus storm Kuala Lumpur’s Stadium Negara to promote their sixth studio album: If Not Now, When?

Credited for an eclectic style spanning hard rock, metal, funk, electro, jazz, hip hop and pop, the ever-evolving Incubus kicks it up a notch with a complex offering that lead vocalist Brandon Boyd describes as their “unabashed, romantic, lush, sonic love letter to the world.”

It’s musical mania this July when Magical Musicals comes to Sunway Lagoon’s Amphitheatre. Set in New York, this musical tells the story of six up-and-coming performers making their way in life after an audition in Broadway.

Taking you through 25 years of West End and Broadway magic, you’ll be treated to your favourite songs from over 30 musicals including Moulin Rouge!, Grease, Mamma Mia!, West Side Story, Hairspray, Footloose, We Will Rock You and the TV musical sensation, Glee!

With an extravagant stage set, spectacular pyrotechnics, large LED screens, fire eaters, Bhangra drummers and West End stars, this incredible production is a musical extravaganza not to be missed!

DREAMGIRLS July 14 – 24 Malaysia’s Broadway Academy stages this muchloved musical about a 60s girl group from Chicago called ‘The Dreams’. The journey of this superstar trio, the joys and pitfalls of fame and fortune, are captured with classics like And I Am Telling You I´m Not Going, One Night Only and Listen.

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

28

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 28

10/6/11 6:02:47 PM

T360_Jul_Desaru.pdf

Page

Page

1

25/05/11,

8:33

PM

IMAGE: CORBIS

cuisine

WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH

FOOD FOR THOUGHT What’s cooking in the food industry these days? A lot actually! Join us as we delve into the hottest food trends of the moment.

30

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 30

13/6/11 1:18:10 PM

The Machine Makeover

IMAGE: PHOTOLIBRARY

Vending machines are getting a much-needed makeover. In Japan, these automatic food kiosks are now dishing out farm fresh eggs and sushi. All over US and Europe, machines that dispense food like lobster and quiche are popping up.

Once this trend takes off, we’ll never look at vending machines the same way again.

Food is, literally, a part of our physical selves. The sight and smell of food have the power to evoke the past. Cooking and eating brings people together, weaves family ties, creates traditions and inspires hope and aspirations for the future.

Food and the act of gathering to eat are cherished as essential parts of human interaction. Around the world, food is a reflection of a nation’s culture, tradition and identity. At its highest form, it is an expression of the soul. The food industry of the 21st century, and we as consumers, have evolved and adapted to reflect these deeper nuances.

Never before have food trends emerged so rapidly, influencing our thinking on what we put on our plates and into our bodies. Perhaps for the first time in human history, food isn’t being consumed just for nourishment or for pleasure – it’s also closely linked to fashion and trends. Here’s a look at what professionals and industry experts have to say about the food trends that are sweeping across our tables and possibly transforming our eating habits.

Happily Homegrown Growing your own produce at home is now a hugely popular concept for many. In the US, households growing their own food have leapt up a whopping 24 percent since 2007. Even big city folks, who have precious little garden space – if at all – are jumping on the bandwagon.

With a little creativity, window ledges are being turned in herb boxes, flower pots are heaving with tomatoes and empty rooftops are housing chicken coops. http:// growfoodathome.wordpress.com

Download that Dish Cookery books are so last century!

The food world changed forever the moment iPhone and other smartphone apps appeared. These mobile applications offer a mindboggling array of tools to assist everyone from die-hard foodies to harried mums. You can now convert measurements and perform ingredient calculations (http:// kitchencalculator.net), share food photos (www.foodspotting. com), track calories (Lose It!), find recipes (http://www.epicurious. com), and more with just the click of a button.

july travel3sixty 31

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 31

10/6/11 6:04:50 PM

frightening. In New York, various foodie organisations are pushing the limits on what’s considered edible in the West. For some, food like chicken’s feet and pig’s ears have always been a source of pleasure but these unusual items are now becoming more commonplace in other parts of the world, thanks to a growing willingness to sample new chow.

Vegetarian Proliferation

Warning: Man in the Kitchen More men than women have been hit with job loss all across the world and this has led to them helping their families by donning an apron instead of bringing home a paycheck. It’s not just the economy that’s lured men to the stove, though. Guys are also attracted to cooking, thanks to the rise of macho TV chefs and intriguing cooking shows. Studies show that 21st century males spend three times more time in the kitchen compared to their 70s counterparts.

Devouring like a Daredevil

Going Local ‘Local’ could mean anywhere in the world depending on where you live. Consumers realise that buying, cooking and eating locally-grown produce not only supports local farmer and growers, it also pays off in terms of health benefits because food that travels the shortest distance stays fresh. Less transportation time also translates to big benefits for the environment because it creates less pollution and eases the burden on your wallet because it’s cheaper.

Deliverance from Preservatives Less is more when it comes to preservatives. Consumers are more aware and interested to know exactly what goes into a tin of tomatoes or a bag of chips and, are not afraid to voice out their opinions if they’re not happy with the ingredients list. Big food producers have taken notice, leading to more food products that are free of preservatives, artificial colours, flavourings and sugar substitutes. Word is out that Campbell’s, Kraft and Starbucks are reinventing their recipes and packages to reflect this new trend. www.foodadditivesworld.com

IMAGE: PHOTOLIBRARY

IMAGE: CORBIS

Vegetarianism is now enjoying a neverbefore-seen surge of popularity. This is great news for our collective health. It’s common knowledge that fresh fruits and vegetables combat all sorts of illnesses like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Eating a vegetablebased diet also allows better weight control. Mother Earth stands to gain huge benefits too. A United Nations report revealed that the world’s cattle herds do more damage to the environment than all the cars and planes combined. More vegetarians,

fewer cattle, better world! www. happycow.net

Snake, insects, chicken embryo… these delicacies aren’t just for Andrew Zimmern on Bizzare Foods.

More and more people are willing (even eager!) to try food that was previously seen as disgusting or

32

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 32

10/6/11 6:05:24 PM

Fabulous Food Facts Boost Brain Power Make oranges and blackcurrants your favourite snacks and you’ll go right to the top of the class. Colourful fruits and other foods rich in vitamin C have the power to increase mental agility.

Longevity Tip Want to live longer? Stick to eating chicken, seafood and vegetables. Research reveals that having just 100g of red meat everyday can raise your mortality rate by 30% or more.

Outwit Cancer Colourful fruits and vegetables contain high levels of phytochemicals – a potent cancer-fighting, immune-boosting nutrient.

Eat a variety of colours for the best protection as different hues indicate the presence of different types of phytochemicals.

Get Frisky Garlic is packed with allicin, which increases blood flow to (ahem, ahem!) every part of the body. So don’t be afraid to go into garlic overdrive when you’re in the mood for love.

Studies show that eating a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes plenty of olives, fresh seafood and hummus (a chickpea dip) lowers the risk of depression by about 30%. These foods feature lots of good fats and happinessinducing B vitamins.

IMAGE: PHOTOLIBRARY

Stay Happy

july travel3sixty 33

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 33

10/6/11 6:06:06 PM

books WOMEN’S RIGHTS

THOSE IN PERIL Wilbur Smith

Dipika Rai’s debut novel Someone Else’s Garden shows readers what it’s like to be ‘low-caste’ and female in rural India.

Somali pirates kidnap the teenage daughter of oil heiress Hazel Bannock, and demand a ransom of 20 billion dollars. While authorities are unable to intervene due to political and diplomatic reasons, Bannock teams up with Major Hector Cross to rescue her daughter.

SING YOU HOME Jodi Picoult Heartbroken after a string of unsuccesful pregnancies that result in a divorce, Zoe Baxter is surprised to find herself in love again, and planning a family with a woman. But, a custody battle over her fertilised embryos turns into a fight for gay rights. Picoult’s novel comes with a CD of folk songs to set the mood.

READ OF THE MONTH MY V MY VENEZUELAN EN E ENEZ NEZ EZUE UELA UELA UE LAN N CUISINE Chef Carmen Rawsto Rawston

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES IMAGES: ADAM LEE

Try your hand at whipping up exotic Venezuelan delicacies like the elaborate pabellón criollo (a rice and bean dish), or mixing Latin thirstquenchers like the popular rum fruit cocktail guarapita.

Chef Rawston’s easy cookbook is a delicious introduction to Venezuelan food culture.

ONLY TIME ME WI WILL WILL LLT LT TELL ELL ELL EL (CLIFTON N CHRONICLES) Jeffrey Archer The first installation of the Clifton Chronicles is filled with great characters and juicy secrets. Born into poverty but with the voice of an angel, choral scholar Harry Clifton works his way up in life. But, just when his future is burning bright, he learns a secret that changes his life forever.

DON’T MISS THIS!

34

THE TITLE ‘Feeding a girl child is like watering someone else’s garden’. Such is the belief in communities where girls are treated as liabilities, a drain on the family’s resources as they require a dowry to get married and become productive ‘gardens’ for other families.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN INDIA Some progress has been made and the gender-inequality issue is being addressed on various levels with a lot more girls going to school and joining the workforce. Now, it remains for gender-equality to be sanctioned by tradition. This will happen when women become independent earners and productive members of a family.

GROWING UP My family was taught to repudiate caste several generations before I was born.

I come from a family of very strong, educated, independent women who believe in education. I’d like to raise my children to be socially-conscious, bequeathing them the legacy of social and intellectual freedom.

TO MY READERS I would like my readers to come away knowing and believing that there is a kernel of redemption in every situation, a possibility of a miracle in every destiny, which can make us more than we ever thought we could be.

CALLING ALL BOOKWORMS! Don’t miss the Hong Kong Book Fair 2011 from July 20 till 26 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai. www.hkbookfair.com/en

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 34

10/6/11 6:07:37 PM

053111_SWJulyTeraph.pdf

Page

Page

1

2/06/11,

12:32

PM

200

bizbody

active Facebook users (about 40%) access the social network through their mobile devices.

30

Whenever you come across a stumbling block, always look to those who have solved theirs successfully and take a big page out of their books.

Protect Your Start-up Statistics claim that half of all business startups fail in the first year. Here’s how you can avoid failure according to business consultants Denise Beeson and Scott Gerber, whose book, Never Get a ‘Real’ Job: How to Dump Your Boss, Build a Business and Not Go Broke, is all about what he learned from his failures.

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

The Oprah Example On May 25, 2011, Oprah aired her last episode after 25 years in the business. It’s the end of an era, leaving a void in the lives of many people who’ve learnt, developed and created a better life by watching The Oprah Winfrey Show. Television stations are also bracing for a slump in afternoon ratings with Oprah bidding farewell. While Oprah moves on to her next big venture – OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), sceptics question if this new venture will bear the same success.

Oprah has proven her detractors wrong in the past.

Whatever the future holds, she continues to teach us all a great lesson even at her departure – that we should all strive to do what we want to do, how we want to do it, and just go for it!

36

PERCENT of the world population subscribe to mobile phones.

USD1

• HAVE A RESERVE FUND Emergencies happen! Set aside money for unexpected expenses. It’s also useful when opportunities arise to hire and buy inventory.

BILLION

worth of products have been ordered from Amazon using mobile devices from mid 2009 to mid 2010.

The numbers are projected to rise by 30% come 2015.

Info from www.mobithinking.com

Solution Savvy

MILLION

• FORGET ORIGINALITY Not all businesses require work when you try to be ‘unique’. Gerber says, “Those that set out to revolutionise the wheel will be run over by it.” Stick to the basics and learn to be unoriginal in some ways to maximise profitability.

• DON’T RELY ON FUNDING Investing in an unproven, moneyless start-up is a mere dream. Focus on building a solid business model that generates revenue and profit instead of seeking outside funding.

• DON’T WAIT FOR CLIENTS Set aside a portion of the day to sell! “A business will not be successful unless prospecting for new clients occurs daily,” Beeson says. Sales activity has to be done daily because the market is so dynamic that clients come and go.

Mark These Business Words!

“This 24/7 layer of connectedness we’ve added has really ramped up the feeling that life is going out of control. The first warning sign is usually a heightened sense of having too much going on, toggling of our attention. You don’t really know how addicted you are.

You’re skating on the surface of your day. We’re not built to handle that onslaught of information.” ~ William Powers, author of Hamlet’s Blackberry

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 36

10/6/11 6:18:25 PM

health matters

DOCTOR’S 5 ORDERS

MILLION

SUPER SEVEN SERVICING Our bodies need regular maintenance and servicing. That means not only taking care of what we eat, but eating things that protect and regulate our organs. Besides the brain, there are seven important organs that aid our state of well-being.

The super seven includes kidneys, skin, blood, liver, lungs, lymph and colon. Hence, regular de-toxing is important.

CANCER -SLASHING Ingredients EGG YOLK Research in 2009 suggests that it may be cancer-protective because it’s rich in choline (linked to lower rates of breast cancer). One yolk delivers 25% of your daily needs.

Cleanse kidneys by drinking parsley juice; it’s a natural diuretic.

Protect skin with moisturisers and a good sun block.

Donate blood as it eliminates toxins and encourages body to produce fresh blood cells.

Remove impurities from liver with milk thistle extract.

The mucous and toxins in the lungs can be eliminated with ginger.

To clear the lymphatic system, exercise regularly and take massages.

Flush out the bad stuff in the colon by eating a healthy and nutritious diet.

Check with your doctor on the safest ways to cleanse before you begin any regime.

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH IMAGES: WWW.SXC.HU

CABBAGE

A large-scale study of 120,000 women found that premenopausal women who consumed a lot of dairy products, especially low-fat and fatfree ones, ran a lower risk of breast cancer.

38

2.5 MILLION

people worldwide die from harmful use of alcohol yearly.

40

PERCENT of adults aged 25 and over, globally, suffered high blood pressure in 2008.

39

PERCENT

One 22-calorie cup of cabbage is loaded with sulforaphane which increases production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging, cancercausing free radicals.

LOW FAT CHEESE

people globally die from tobacco use annually at an alarming rate of one death every 6 seconds.

of the world population above 25 years old has high cholesterol level.

PROSTATE PROTECTION Research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Kathryn Wilson, recently announced that coffee could possibly thwart prostate malignancy. Wilson’s team collected data on 48,000 men for the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study which ran from 1986 until 2008. Every four years, the men reported on how much coffee they drank. The Harvard team found that drinking six or more cups of coffee a day was associated with an almost 20% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to those who did not drink coffee.

60

PERCENT of recommended daily allowance for folacin – necessary for blood cell formation and prevention of liver diseases – can be found in just a 150g serving of asparagus.

Source: World Health Organization (International Research)

We pay homage to doctors in celebration of World Doctor’s Day on July 1 with a list of facts, figures and medical advice.

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_1.indd 38

10/6/11 6:19:08 PM

4143_May_Travel3six.pdf

Page

Page

1

2/22/11,

11:08

AM

COMPILED BY: NICOLETTE NG IMAGE: PHOTOLIBRARY

guts & glory

ROAD TO

LONDON Head to London for the upcoming F1 Grand Prix from July 8 to 10 and kick-start the countdown to the London Olympics 2012 with some fun sports facts.

40

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 40

10/6/11 6:23:50 PM

DID

YOU

KNOW?

ACTION IN LONDON AirAsia took over the Westfield London Shopping Centre, bringing Asian experiences like sushi making, traditional Thai massage, henna tattooing and Malaysian cultural dances to an appreciative London audience recently. Adding to the excitement was the presence of AirAsia’s Team Lotus and Clio Cup. Don’t miss the chance to catch more action with Team Lotus as they battle it out at the 2011 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix from July 8 to 10, 2011. www.silverstone.co.uk

IMAGES: OLYMPIC DELIVERY AUTHORITY

START THE COUNTDOWN! The 2012 London Olympics will be held from July 27 to August 12 with events taking place at various venues in the Olympic Park, and across the UK, including the famous Old Trafford in Manchester and St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Get ready for your chance of a lifetime to join mascots Wenlock and Mandeville to cheer on your favourite athletes in a total of 38 sports disciplines. Tickets have gone on sale! www.olympicticket.info.

THE BIGGEST F1™ FAN Think you know everything about the Formula 1? Here’s your chance to walk away with over US$10,000 worth of prizes including a pair of Green Room hospitality suite tickets valued at whopping US$6,167! All you need to do is answer 23 questions in six minutes or less, and the 23 highest scorers will proceed to a final elimination round on August 23, 2011 to vie for the title of the World’s Biggest F1™ Fan. www.biggestf1fan.com.

A bowling pin only needs to tilt 7.5 degrees to fall down.

A soccer ball has 32 panels.

Golf balls can reach speeds of up to 273 kilometres per hour.

july travel3sixty 41

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 41

10/6/11 6:25:06 PM

hot rods

Toyota Auris with inflated airbags.

Moving Technology If in the past, modes of transportation merely moved you from point A to point B, a whole slew of technology is poised to make your travelling safer, faster, greener and even more fun!

WORDS: DANIEL FERNANDEZ

Technology has found its way into every facet of our lives. It has become a necessity for some and a must-have for many.

In the last 20 years or so, it has slowly found its way into the automobile. First it came in small doses as ABS (anti-lock braking system), airbags and ESP (electronic stability programme) to keep cars safer. Then, car manufacturers found newer uses for technology in the form of passive safety features. The introduction of Park Assist Systems and reverse parking cameras became a standard feature.

In recent years, premium models were outfitted with technology that pushed production costs sky-high, thus making them expensive beyond the means of the average buyer. Dashboards were fitted with computers that controlled cabin climate conditions, in-car entertainment and other comfort features. Using a toggle switch, a mouse like device or a rotary click-and-confirm knob, these features can be individualised to suit the needs of the driver and their passengers.

Artist impression of Rods:Mercedes B-Class Self Parking System.

42

Artist impression of Volvo pedestrian detection and full auto brake features.

Next came the need to have connectivity via mobile entertainment and communication devices such as the I-Pod, portable USB sticks and even the mobile phone. The driver was now able to bring his personal music into his car and listen to his favourite tunes. For the handphone junkie, Bluetooth connectivity in the in-car entertainment unit allowed the driver to ‘pair’ the handphone with the car stereo, thus allowing them hands-free communication and voice connectivity. This has made driving safer and reduced distraction when on the road. GPS (global positing systems) have also been introduced into all types of cars, as the ease of mobility has become an important requirement in navigating the streets.

Then there are Drive Aids. This technology makes the drive experience a lot more pleasant and at the same time, safer for pedestrians, passengers and drivers. Some luxury cars like the Mercedes B-Class, Lexus LS, Toyota Prius and Ford Escape now come with Self Parking Systems (as an option) controlled by multiple cameras and a computer software. Drivers only need to find the space and put the car in ‘park mode’ and the car parks itself neatly with the driver needing only to apply the brakes to stop the car when parked.

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 42

13/6/11 3:17:51 PM

To prevent and reduce pedestrian accidents, cars like the Volvo XC60 and S60 sedan are equipped with cameras and sensors located in the front and side of the cars that work with a software to detect pedestrians and even pets to reduce or prevent injuries or fatalities. The system scans for small moving objects and calculates their movements to prevent possible accidents.

Fuel efficiency and emissions too have become important issues lately and car manufacturers are stepping up their efforts in creating clean burning in low capacity engines in order to get the best fuel efficiency possible. Clean air emissions have made it possible for new cars to be leaner in fuel consumption and better in power. Cars like the VW Polo TSI uses a small capacity engine of just 1.2-litres but produces the power of a bigger 1.6-litre car whilst still producing very little CO2 emissions!

For the future, new-age communication – the Internet – will be the key feature in luxury cars. Though not really for the drivers and more for the passengers, the Internet will keep passengers connected to the latest in real time.

This has been an expensive feature till now but in recent months, mainstream car manufacturers have begun introducing Wi-Fi connectivity to allow families to travel with Internet-ready devices to entertain passengers and, run GPS and other entertainment systems. The availability of cheaper hardware has made this possible and very soon, even basic modes of transportation like compact city cars and scooters will be equipped with these moving technology.

Volkswagen Polo TSI engine.

55067 hot rods 43 55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 43

5/13/11 6:27:22 1:41:55 PM 10/6/11

tech-talk

This Just In!

IMAGES: APPLE

Feast on the much-awaited Apple iPad2 and these other tech companions.

SLEEKER & FASTER 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter, the iPad 2 has two powerful cores, which mean better surfing, better watching, better gaming... better everything! And it gets better with these applications. www.apple.com

Originally intended for iPhone 4, Apple has updated iMovie to a universal application for iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4 and iPad 2, allowing you to drag your fingers across the clips to preview them, as well as trim edges before adding the clips to a project.

With front and rear cameras on the iPad 2, you can communicate better with iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPod Touch or Mac over Wi-Fi via FaceTime. The cameras allow you to switch between two views during a conversation.

With the GarageBand app, you don’t need expensive gear as it has a complete collection of audio tools for recording audio pieces.

Size Doesn’t Matter

WORDS: NICOLETTE NG

C for Compact The Fujitsu ESPRIMO EH300 is an ergonomically designed, all-in-one compact size, high performance PC that delivers optimum functionalities, features and speed, giving users wireless control of their multimedia content anywhere. www.fujitsu.com

44

At only 26.7cm long and 3.8cm wide, Edifier Sound To Go is a high-performance portable micro speaker that connects to any laptop or desktop computer via USB. www.edifier-international.com

Travel Navigator Designed as a personal GPS navigator and a full-featured Smartphone, the GarminAsus A50 offers both car and pedestrian navigation modes. www.garminasus.com

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 44

10/6/11 6:28:31 PM

sleep inns

Livin’ it Up in Langkawi With brilliantl blue skies, a soothing island vibe and luxurious hotels that cater for your every need, you’ll never want to leave Langkawi, Malaysia.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

Holistic Haven The Westin lifestyle is all about wellness and rejuvenation, and at the award-winning Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, you’ll be transported to a paradise designed to revive even the most flagging of spirits.

Step into the white tea-perfumed Minangkabau style resort and begin your sensory journey with stunning seaviews from Breeze Lounge.

Then, indulge in an energy-boosting Heavenly Massage at the beachside Heavenly Spa, the only one in Malaysia. Feel your tension ebb away as your masseuse applies a warm herbal pouch to your back followed by a powerful aromatherapy remedy.

Afterwards, enjoy the Spa by Night, a romantic three-course dinner by the beach. Imagine a table for two on

46

the candlelit spa deck with just the moonlight, lapping waves and sea breeze for company, and of course discreet waiters to keep your wine glass filled. The three-course dinner includes creative appetisers like lemon dill cured seabass, harissa marinated calamari and cucumber onion salad, a main course of the freshest seafood

grilled to perfection, and a decadent dessert for a sweet finish.

Westin’s famous SuperFoods make a grand appearance at the breakfast buffet with a section dedicated to these health-enhancing goodies rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Get your fix with a syringe of mango or kiwi puree pumped over yoghurt,

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 46

10/6/11 6:41:43 PM

or a nutricious blueberry smoothie.

SuperFoods like avocados, walnuts, dark chocolate, wild salmon and raspberries are subtly incorporated into other dishes too creating ‘food synergy’ for an even more delicious spread. To celebrate life, indulge in free-flowing sparkling wine. Yes, bubbly at breakfast!

After a full day of kayaking, snorkelling, swimming in the infinity pool, playing tennis and other fun activities, retire to your room and enjoy a soothing night’s sleep on a Heavenly Bed, designed to cocoon you in layer after layer of pure, fluffy bliss.

A Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar,

07000 Langkawi, Kedah T +604 960 8888 Visit www.airasiago.com for attractive room deals on this hotel.

48

Family Fun & Frolic With just the right blend of carefree fun and luxury, Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort is a great place for some quality, family time. Stepping into your room, you’ll find a lovely welcome gift. This could be a tropical fruit basket, bottle of wine, cute dusky leaf monkey soft toy or even a colourful platter of macaroons and chocolate chip biscuits to begin your vacation feeling like a VIP. Whether your ideal holiday involves lounging by an infinity pool, enjoying a drink at a sunken pool bar, joining cooking classes or trying out various watersports, this resort has something for you. Children have a special hangout of their own. The cheerful Lutong Kid’s Club offers a variety of

board games, children’s books, videos and arts and crafts like batik.

For a much-needed break, treat yourself to Sheraton’s signature Healing Massage at The Spa. Using a combination of soothing strokes and acupuncture and speciallyblended oils, this gentle one-hour aromatic massage leaves you feeling thoroughly rejuvenated.

At night, dine on a decadent array of fresh seafood at the atmospheric Captain’s Grill, complete with white sails and knotted ropes.

A Jalan Teluk Nibong,

07000 Langkawi, Kedah T +604 952 8000

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

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 48

13/6/11 12:20:28 PM

T360_Jul_Cayman.pdf

Page

Page

1

5/05/11,

3:17

PM

Ode to Nature Nestled in the midst of an ancient rainforest, The Andaman nurtures a special bond with nature. Here, you’ll see dusky leaf monkeys, flying lemurs and other wildlife in the greenery and resort grounds. Being so close to nature, this luxury abode is fully aware of its responsibility to the environment, and has initiated various green practices for energy and water conservation, waste management and pollution reduction. A stay here is truly an eyeopening experience.

50

Topping the list of things to do is the nature walk that introduces guests to the wonderful diversity of both flora and fauna on the island. The Andaman has also inititated a Coral Conservation Project to rehabilitate the fringing reef that was damaged by the 2004 tsunami, and often, invites guests to participate in coral clearing and educational reef walks.

It’s no surprise that even the spa here – V Bontanical Spa – showcases the beauty of nature with its open air pavilions overlooking the sparkling Datai Bay. The view is worthy of all the positive superlatives you can think up.

To ease your jetlag, enjoy a deep tissue Time Traveler’s Massage, which draws on the healing powers of essential oils and ancient acupuncture.

For a truly decadent treat, try the Holistic Gemstone Facial. Imagine having your face massaged with jade, jasper, obsidian, aventurine and unakite! Despite how it sounds, this facial is not purely hedonistic; each gem has special healing properties to drain toxins, improve microcirculation, calm and regenerate skin.

The Andaman is all about experiences and capitalises on its great location by the sea to offer guests an unusual pre-dining experience. In the evenings, local fishemen come ashore, and guests get to pick which crustacean or fish they’d like grilled for dinner. It doesn’t get fresher than that!

A Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah T +604 959 1088

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

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 50

10/6/11 6:44:01 PM

hit list

Have Heart, Will Travel Here’s a new way you can travel while still doing something good for the community and the environment.

Class In Session COMPILED BY: NICOLETTE NG

If patience is your forte, then you might want to give teaching a go in Sri Lanka. In fact, you can do more than just teach English throughout this project. As you become more involved in the local community’s life, you’ll slowly take up different roles that may include a sports coach, an entertainer and even a family friend.

These eight to 12-week long teaching projects are based in Colombo. Children in the project range from seven to 18-years-old and they’re eager to earn a foreign language. The teaching process is also much easier and more fun as it is done through conversation classes, games and songs. www.responsibletravel.com

52

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 52

10/6/11 6:45:16 PM

Build a Home The monsoon season in Vietnam not only brings about much needed rain for agriculture, it also sadly damages the houses of the local communities, which are often built on stilts and soft ground. Here’s where you come in to lend a hand. Through the i-to-i partner project in the south of Ho Chi Minh City, volunteers help with the re-building of houses within a two to six week-stay there. Supervised by professionals, volunteers will spend most of their time near the Mekong Delta with fellow builders and locals.

This volunteer work also offers travellers a closer look at the Mekong Delta, while learning the local culture and language. www.responsibletravel.com

Save a Bear After watching a TV show that presented horrifying footage of Asiatic Black bears held in coffin-sized cages in 1993, animal activist, Mary Hutton, decided to start a petition-signing activity, which led to the founding of Free The Bears Fund. Today, World Expeditions in association with Free The Bears Fund, have developed unique eco-tours that enable guests to visit bear sanctuaries in Laos, Cambodia and India to help out. Volunteers are offered the opportunity to get close to the bears and help out with the enrichment programme and food preparation. Throughout the duration of the trip, you will be supervised by an experienced local guide and a representative from Free The Bears Fund to ensure you enjoy the learning experience with the bears. www.freethebears.org.au

Care for an Elephant Animal lovers who’ve always wanted to work with elephants and learn more about animal husbandry should grab this opportunity. Aiming to improve the living conditions of captive elephants, The Surin Project in Northeastern Thailand’s Surin province provides support to the elephant owners through responsible volunteer tourism and community involvement. By doing this, the project hopes to slowly stop them from going back to Bangkok to beg on the streets with their elephants. Volunteers at the project will help build shelters, dig irrigation canals and plant elephant food.

Helping owners earn a living ensures that elephants are not forced back to the streets. Volunteers can also help out at the original conservation project, the Elephant Nature Park, near Chiang Mai. www.surinproject.org

54

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 54

10/6/11 6:46:09 PM

MMM0052_10_Nilai.pdf

Page

1

31/03/11,

5:37

PM

, Malaysia

Nilai University College and Oxford Brookes University, UK has had a long working relationship dating back to 1998. You can now benefit from this relationship by joining a programme in the fields of business, hospitality, nursing or computing.

Successful graduates will enter the working world with a Nilai UC degree and an award of similar standing from Oxford Brookes. Oxford Brookes has been consistently named the best new university by the UK Times.

CALL NOW: Scholarships And Financial Assistance Available

DO MORE! Sometimes, the satisfaction of travelling can be obtained from something as simple as volunteering.

Responsible Travel has come up with hundreds of volunteer packages that you can choose from. Find out more at www.responsibletravel.com.

• Care for Children in Cambodia helps underprivileged youngsters through education, mentoring and coaching in the country’s many orphanages.

• Community Work with Orphans in the Philippines allows you to work with underprivileged children on the island of Leyte. The program includes teaching English, arts, crafts, games etc.

• Get involved with traditional Yolngu Aboriginal knowledge and understanding of the land, sea and animals through the Arnhem Land Community Projects in Australia.

AirAsia flies to Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. For flight schedule and bookings, visit www.airasia.com

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 56

10/6/11 6:47:26 PM

cover story

STAIRWAY

SKY

TO THE

With carved rice terraces that climb heavenwards, the natural splendour of the Yunnan plateau in southern China is matched only by the unique cultural heritage of over 55 ethnic tribes who have made this rugged and often unforgiving landscape their home.

IMAGE: PHOTOLIBRARY

WORDS: CAROL WEST PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT MUIR

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 58

13/6/11 12:21:55 PM

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 59

13/6/11 12:22:12 PM

triangular embroidered cushions dangling from their waists. In this mountain village perched on China’s Yunnan Plateau, you are what you wear and for the lavishly costumed Yao, Miao, Hani, Yi and Dai Chinese minority groups parading resplendently around me, this is merely part of daily life.

An eerie mountain haze fuses with a pastiche of cooking and eating, as women, squatting over small grills lined with tofu squares, fan the embers. Vapour rises from aluminum steamers filled with meat buns and people hunch over piping hot bowls of noodles. Adding to the early morning cacophony, ubiquitous bicycles and honking motorbikes skate around trucks overflowing with cassava as they squeeze through narrow laneways. To the locals, it’s business as usual but to the visitor, it’s a headswivelling breakfast-and-show!

CARVING THE EARTH

Above: A lifetime of toil in the terrace farms is etched on the faces of these men.

Top: Traditional homes in Qingkou village.

Preceeding page: The rice terraces of Yuanyang in Yunnan rise up like a stairway to the sky, shrouded in morning mist.

60

Walking through Yuanyang marketplace, the imagery is as vivid as stepping into the pages of a wellthumbed book of folk tales. Blackclad Hani women stride purposely by wearing imposing headdresses.

Stooped, elderly women shuffle past with brush mats on their backs as protection from heavy baskets that are their life’s burden. Gossiping Yi housewives waddle in front, two

As mists quiver like a bride’s veil, mysterious Yuanyang appears to drift in a white sky, yet the town and surrounding villages are home to 20,000 who farm the plateau’s ancient terraced rice fields. For more than a millennium, the Hani people have walked close to nature, living in harmony with forest and farming.

Tumbling down 12,666 hectares of mountainous terrain from 2,000 metres above sea level, the rice paddies remind me of glistening tiers of wet-lip pools. Stretching like a stairway to the sky, they have become a major attraction for visitors to China’s rural Yunnan province.

Light rain begins to fall as we pull off the road and watch a khaki-clad farmer urge his buffalo to haul his plough through the soggy terrace.

He’s standing thigh high in water and the muddy walls of the terrace look perilously close to collapse but for 1,200 years, this has been the agrarian way of life for the

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 60

10/6/11 6:50:11 PM

Left: A local woman cooking in the early hours of the morning in one of Yuanyang’s market laneways.

dry stone walls, their unique, mushroom-shaped roofs clad in rice straw, are as warmly welcoming as the 800 villagers whose lives remain untrammeled by exposure to the outside world. Qingkou Village provides a snapshot of a tidy place where fresh spring water gushes from faucets at the communal laundry, sheaves of soybeans hang outside homes to dry and kindling is neatly stacked for the cooking fire.

Surrounded by tens of thousands of terraced fields that tumble vertiginously into the valley below, the Hani are applying to UNESCO for World Heritage listing for their Hong He Hani terraced fields.

Culturally-rich Yunnan province is home to many of China’s 55 ethnic groups who are happy to celebrate their diversity with visitors. Frequent migrations have scattered more than two million Hani throughout Southeast Asia including Laos, Vietnam, Burma and Thailand. In China, the 1.25 million Hani are one of the country’s oldest ethnic groups and prior to the founding of the People’s Republic of China, had their own unique political system.

Evolving over 1,500 years during the Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties, these nomadic hunter-gatherers forged strong emotional links to their unique terraced field culture.

Hani farmers of southern Yunnan.

Harnessing nature over millennia to serve their needs, the terraces stand as a potent distillation of the industriousness, dedication and wisdom of the Hani. Starting from the bottom of the mountain, trenches were dug close to water resources; ridges were formed by mixing clay with small stones and then, beaten with sticks to prevent leakages or collapse. As a small nod to progress and to offset landslides that are

inevitable when annual rainfall can reach 2,000 millimetres, the main terraces are now reinforced with a woven wall of bamboo.

HOME IN THE SKY A lifetime of farming these magnificent floating fields is etched on the faces of the men and women at Qingkou Village (Tiger’s Mouth Village), located 35 kilometres south of Yuanyang. With homes built of

ELABORATELY ETHNIC I sit with a trio of ancient men who are relaxing in a rotunda overlooking the village square with barely a set of teeth between them. Between puffs of cigarette smoke they tell of a secret; a ‘men only’ ceremony held each year in the forest above the village where they worship the Dragon Tree. Looking out across the july travel3sixty 61

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 61

10/6/11 6:51:02 PM

Left: The rich heritage of the Hani people is well preserved in their outfits and traditions, as seen in the image of this mother and baby.

Below: Young women of the Quingkou Hani cultural village substitute fans with palm fronds for a graceful dance performance.

terraces where farmers hidden by shoulder-high rice dissolve into the landscape, life does appear to be a harmonious blend of forest, water, irrigation and folklore.

Suddenly there’s a frisson of activity in the Qingkou Hani Cultural Village square and a troupe of young women gather for a performance. Clad in fitted tunics and black pants, their long black hair in flying ponytails, they kick up their red velvet-shod heels deftly, while using Chinese rice bowls like castanets and palm fronds as graceful fans. The air is tinged with smoke drifting in on a late afternoon breeze and a crowd of curious onlookers gather on the steps to watch the impromptu performance, while stealing glances at the strange visitors from beyond their field of dreams.

62

RETURNING TO TERRA FIRMA As dusk gathers, women with baskets of wood drive their buffalo home. I pause at a scattering of village stalls to buy some of the hand-made bags, tops, jewellery, scarves and souvenirs that will serve as mementos of a special time and place.

On leaving the village, my bus stops at a little wooden slab hut that serves as a water station. It’s a steep descent down the valley and the driver sprays water on the tyres to prevent slippage. The setting sun glimmers through the mist, polishing

the terraced fields until they gleam like mercury. As majestic gorges plunge below, the bus gradually descends into a sub-tropical zone where exuberant sprays of ferns, bamboo and banana palms underpin a verdant landscape. Winding leisurely around the hillside, the road dissects canyons that run to the valley floor where the Red River runs its course.

Glancing upwards, rolling mists draw a veil across the sky and I know that Yuanyang is once again cast adrift to float amongst its ancient, aquatic pools.

AirAsia flies to Guilin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen from Kuala Lumpur and, Shenzhen and Guangzhou from Bangkok. For the full flight details, go to www.airasia.com

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 62

10/6/11 6:51:24 PM

WORDS : JOLEEN LUNJEW IMAGES: THE LEGENDARY BLACK WATER RAFTING COMPANY

Spending hours on all fours in a cold, wet and dark cave doesn’t particularly sound like a great holiday outing but the glow worms of Waitomo Caves in New Zealand sure know how to put on a show to keep the damp at bay.

64

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 64

10/6/11 6:56:06 PM

Below: Visitors begin the underground river journey by floating through the glow worm cave.

Opposite page: Abseiling down into the unknown.

Reality hit me as I stood on the edge of an underground waterfall, peering gingerly at the swirling mass of foamy water roughly two metres below. Am I really going to leap backwards into the icy darkness? What if I accidentally somersault and land on my head? What if I sink under and can’t surface for air? What ifs. Why do people always conjure up the worst possible scenarios?

Realising my line of thought wasn’t helping one bit, I took a deep breath to calm my furiously beating heart. I will make the jump, I told myself but maybe I shouldn’t have volunteered to go first.

TAKING THE PLUNGE It’s perfectly safe,” said Jed my guide. “I had a 65 yearold lady jump on my last trip,” he added. I was not about to let an old lady outshine me. I clutched the tyre tube firmly to my butt and backed cautiously to the waterfall’s edge, all the while being fully aware of the strong currents threatening to sweep me away. My heels were now dangling in the open space.

“Oh come on, we don’t have all day,” teased my partner. I gave him an evil glare before I pushed off the ledge, hurling my body swiftly into the dark below. The fall was less than a second but it felt like an eternity before I made contact with the icy cold water.

The deafening din of the waterfall masked the cheers from above.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I noted that the waterfall didn’t seem that high after all. Nevertheless, I was relieved to have survived the jump.

Hurling yourself backwards off underground waterfalls is one of the many exciting aspects of black water rafting. Although it is called black water rafting, rafts are not used and the water is not black. This sport involves navigating a network of caves, rivers and underground waterfalls on an inner tyre tube.

july travel3sixty 65

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 65

10/6/11 6:56:33 PM

THE WAITOMO GLOW The heart of this sport is located in Waitomo, an area that is littered with limestone caves formed by 30 million years of volcanic and geological activities. Visitors have been flocking to the Waitomo caves since the late 19th century. So what’s so special about these caves that even the Queen of England has come to see?

The main attraction here is, in fact, smaller than your pinkie finger.

Found together in large numbers, tiny creatures called glow worms emit a soft light, creating the illusion

Guests hook legs to form the ‘eel’ as they float down the river.

If you decide to go with the founding company, there are two trips you can choose from: Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss. The three-hour long Black Labyrinth experience is ideal for first timers who want a taste of what’s in store without having to exert themselves too much. The latter is a pumped-up version of the first and includes additional activities such as abseiling, flying fox and climbing up underground waterfalls.

Pressed for time, I opted for the Black Labyrinth. The only gear you need is your bathing suit and a towel for drying off after. The rest – wet suit, boots, helmet and headlamp – are all provided by the company. Cameras are unfortunately not allowed but photos are available for sale at the end of the trip.

It was a 10-minute drive to the caves where a pile of inner tyre tube greeted us at our destination. After choosing our floating devices, our guides – Jed and Lucy – proceeded with a safety briefing and a practice run. We were told to hook our legs under the next person’s armpits to form an ‘eel’. This would be our formation when we drift through the glow worm cave.

66

of twinkling stars against the black underground canvas.

Not satisfied with showcasing their natural treasures through dry guided tours in the caves, the adventure-loving Kiwis invented a sport where visitors can have a wild, adrenaline-packed time while enjoying this amazing spectacle of nature.

Black water rafting was founded by The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company (www.waitomo.com) but there are many other operators conducting tours now.

BLACK BOWELS

Abseiling down into the caves can be both exciting and nerve wracking.

Our guides then brought us to a river where a platform was built roughly two metres above water.

This would be our practice jump and everyone passed with flying colours.

Somehow, jumping in broad daylight was much less daunting.

Satisfied with our performance, our guides finally led us to the cave entrance where we had to crawl and slide down a narrow passageway before emerging in a large grotto.

Majestic stalactites hung from the ceiling above, some connecting with the stalagmites below to form imposing columns.

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 66

10/6/11 6:57:23 PM

T360_Apr_KLBPark.pdf

Page

1

3/03/11,

7:04

PM

INTO THE ABYSS “This way please,” said Lucy as she led us deeper into the cave. The drop in temperature was pretty evident, as we bowed our heads to avoid scraping the low ceiling of the caves.

We continued navigating the narrow cave passageways for the next hour, sometimes on our hands and knees, sometimes on our bellies, exploring crooks and crevices.

It was not long before we got to the waterfall where we took a leap of faith into oblivion. Ironically, the anticipation was much scarier than the actual jump itself.

The highlight of the trip was just after the waterfall. Forming the ‘eel’, we fell into a hushed silence as Lucy pulled Right: Climbing up an underground waterfall; one of the many activities at the Waitomo Caves.

AirAsia flies four times a week to Christchurch from Kuala Lumpur.

Waitomo is located about 200 kilometres from Auckland, while Taupo, Rotorua and Mount Ruapehu are about a 2-hour drive from Waitomo. You can either self-drive to Waitomo or catch a domestic flight to the North Island.

For flight schedule and bookings, visit www.airasia.com

68

us along. The scene above us was nothing short of spectacular. A blanket of soft tiny lights formed a surreal galaxy of stars. I reclined on my tube to take in the ‘night sky’ above, while imagining that I could identify the Big Dipper, the Southern Cross and even the Milky Way. It seemed incredible that tiny creatures could create such an astounding work of art. A sense of calm flowed over me as I listened to the gentle lap of the waters.

My dreamlike surroundings slowly gave way to reality. Daylight was approaching. I turned to look back one final time before the glow totally vanished. If only we had just a moment longer.

GLOW WORMS Despite its name, glow worms are not actually worms. They are in fact, the larvae of a twowinged insect resembling a large mosquito. The larvae can grow to the size of a matchstick and looks a bit like a maggot.

To attract food, the glow worm emits light from its tail, a result of a chemical reaction between its waste by-product and the oxygen in the air. Insects attracted by the light are caught by sticky threads that the glow worm weaves, much like a spider web.

Glow worms can live for up to nine months before making a cocoon and finally emerging as adult insects. The adults have only a few days to live as they don’t have a mouth. Their sole purpose is to mate and reproduce.

Damp, dark places shielded from the wind with flat ceilings are ideal for glow worms. This is so that their thread does not get tangled and the wind does not dry them out. The caves at Waitomo provide the perfect environment with an abundance of insects brought into the cave via the river.

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 68

10/6/11 6:59:14 PM

T360_Jun_UltraR.pdf

Page

1

26/04/11,

10:13

AM

A

HIVEFOR HERITAGE A vibrant arts and heritage bazaar bursting with quirky curios, traditional collectibles and fun art pieces, historical Central Market captures the whirlwind experience of bargain hunting in Malaysia.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

Filled with antiques, traditional handicraft and religious art, Central Market is a treasure trove of Southeast Asian heritage.

70

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 70

10/6/11 7:04:12 PM

MUSEUM

It’s pretty amazing how the urban landscape evolves, altering experiences from generation to generation. I daresay many KLites born in the 80s know nothing of Central Market’s humble beginnings as an open wet market back in 1888.

But for those who grew up in the 60s and 70s, Central Market is a nostalgic landmark that holds many memories.

Like any wet market worth its salt, Central Market was once a dank, noisy and chaotic place where locals haggled over the price of clucking chickens and writhing fish. Just outside, hawkers selling free-range kampung (free-range) eggs spilled onto the busy main road clogged with lorries unloading spices.

The art deco facade, which was erected in the 30s, gave this old market a stylish and functional image, but it was the decision to preserve this heritage building and transform it into a centre for Malaysian culture, arts and handicrafts that really set the

course for this establishment. In the late 70s, Central Market, dubbed ‘CM’ by trendy KLites, became the place to catch cultural performances and while away lazy afternooons at pubs like Bull’s Head and Riverbank.

Today, the turqoise and salmon art deco building is a great example of adaptive reuse. While retaining its original structure, Central Market’s labyrinths are filled with quirky arts and crafts that reflect the colourful diversity of Malaysia, which is also artistically reflected in the special alleys on the ground floor. Names like Malay Alley, Chinese Alley, Little India and Straits Chinese Alley not only indicate the type of ethnic goods sold there, they also offer visitors cultural insights with architectural detailing such as colourful tiles and design elements.

Given a new lease of life, this market is a thriving hub of art and heritage that continues to evolve and remain relevant in the 21st century. Read on for a compilation of cool outlets not to be missed.

IMAGES THIS PAGE: CENTRAL MARKET

The original Central Market building before the art deco facade was erected.

Check out ethnographic arts of Sumatra and Borneo at the Art House Gallery Museum of Ethnic Art (www.ahgmuseum. com.my; T +6012 388 6868) in Central Market Annexe, located next to the main building.

Artifacts here include wooden statues, basketry work, masks, textiles, beadwork, funerary objects and silver, brass, bronze and boneware.

Central Market during its days as a wet market.

july travel3sixty 71

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 71

10/6/11 7:05:56 PM

Cute coinbox from The Coconut Shop.

Baskets, bags, floor mats and other stuff woven from pandanus leaves and other natural materials.

COCONUT CRAZE If you’re looking for a quirky gift or something fun to jazz up your wardrobe, check out The Cononut Shop (www.thecoconutshop.com; T +603-2260 7781), which specialises in products fashioned from the shell, husk and trunk of the coconut tree. Using coconut shells, products come in myriad shades of coconutty brown. Offerings here are really quite inventive, from coin boxes shaped as water buffaloes to cocktail handbags with layers of coconut shell stitched together.

TRENDY TRADITION One of Central Market’s oldest tenants, Loh Tim Kee ( T +603-2274 7206) has been a hotspot for wedding gowns for over 25 years. This family business has survived three generations, and continues to dress the city’s Chinese community, as well as tourists looking for cultural attire.

While preserving Chinese tradition with its time-honoured, cheongsam made from brocade, satin and silk from China, Loh Tim Kee keeps

72

things fresh with a gorgeous range of fusion frocks, blending cultural elements and contemporary designs.

Here, you’ll find trendy Hong Kongstyle men’s dinner suits, silk brocade cheongsam with lacework, cherry blossom motifs and high slits with handmade buttons and, hot pink samfoo with the happiness symbols.

NATURAL MEDICINE

Colourful traditional masks make for great wall art.

Discover natural health and beauty remedies that Asians have been using for centuries at Asian Secrets Tea Shop ( T +603-2201 8899). In Asia, the rainforest is a natural pharmacy filled with treatments for various ailments, and Asian Secrets is a great place to explore natural healing powers. You’ll find here, skyfruit to control blood sugar levels, ant nests to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, yellow tongkat ali and kacip fatimah to enhance libido, as well as herbs for general heath and vitality. You can even pick up raw ingredients for the traditional Indonesian medicine called jamu.

Knowledgeable consultants will guide you through the process.

Cheongsam at Loh Tim Kee.

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 72

13/6/11 12:24:19 PM

T360_Jul_FlexiR.pdf

Page

Page

1

20/05/11,

4:43

PM

HAPPY FEET

Artistic clogs add colour to your wardrobe.

Put a little verve in your step with creative clogs from Rhino Art ( T +6012-695 8034). This traditional wooden footwear has been given a fun twist with bright handpainted designs ranging from pretty leaves and flowers to bold swirls.

Besides spicing up your look, these imaginatively-decorated clogs will definitely make for a great conversation piece.

TRADITIONAL KITES If you’re looking for cultural keepsakes, drop by For U handicrafts – Wau ( T +603-2274 1906). This shop specialises in wau, a traditional Malay kite that’s popular in east Malaysia. In wau competitions, wau makers are judged not only on the intricacy of their artwork, harmonious colours and overall construction, but the wau’s takeoff and flying height, as well as the pitch produced by the humming bow. Here, you can purchase a wau with lightweight but durable bamboo frames and elaborate designs of coloured tissue and paper as ornaments or to fly.

CENTRAL MARKET OR PASAR SENI 10, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur T 1300 22 8688 www.centralmarket.com.my Open: 10.00am – 10.00pm A

Shop for a diverse range of art or just have a chat with local artists at Central Market Annexe.

COLOURS OF NATURE If you’re looking for products that support your environmentallyfriendly lifestyle, check out Eco Warna ( T +603-2272 3663). Here, you’ll find natural dye apparels with colours derived from pineapples, mangosteens, onions, rambutans, butterfly pea flowers and pandanus leaves. All products are chemicalfree, and the muted tones of the dyes offer understated elegance.

Create a unique look with hand-dyed cotton pareos, silk shirts, scarves, shawls and ties, or even pouches and handbags, and know you’re doing your bit for the environment.

74

MIND GAMES For almost 14 years, Game Corner ( T +603-2260 6613) has been exercising minds with a wide range of IQ puzzles, brainteasers and toys from around the world.

Stocking over 1,000 games – from ancient Chinese puzzles like the snake cube, tangram and mouse maze, to tricky Thai conundrums like khub phean, and contemporary games, Game Corner offers hours of challenging fun. Containing no nails or artificial colouring, all games are safe for children. And, since they’re portable, they make great travel companions.

Central market today.

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 74

10/6/11 7:14:48 PM

T360_Jul_CMarket.pdf

Page

1

7/06/11,

11:12

AM

The Best Expedition in the World

IMAGES: TOURISM QUEENSLAND WWW.TQ.COM.AU

If Life is a Beach, then Ben Southall is having a whale of a time where every day is a holiday!

In January 2009, Tourism Queensland created worldwide buzz when it launched the ‘Best Job in the World’ campaign to promote the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Applicants were invited to vie for ‘Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef’ – a job that involved spending six months exploring 2,300 kilometres of Queensland’s coast and many of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

Beating 34,000 entries, Briton Ben Southall clinched the job of a lifetime when he wowed the judges with his video application expressing his love for adventure and featuring photographs of himself riding an ostrich, running a marathon, scuba diving and kissing a giraffe.

It was truly a fantastic, once-in-alifetime experience and Ben spent six months as the Island Caretaker, exploring, experiencing and reporting on his adventures on the Great Barrier Reef. Upon completing his tenure as the caretaker, Queensland Tourism

76

appointed Ben as ambassador and since then, Ben has travelled the world, speaking to media, the travel industry and potential visitors about his experiences in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef specifically.

But this Brit’s adventure hasn’t come to an end yet. He now embarks on his next quest - ‘The Best Expedition in the World’. Having started in May 2011, Ben will explore Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef on a three-month, 1600-km kayak and sailing journey from the Town of 1770 on the Central Queensland coast and arrive at Cooktown in mid September 2011.

The Best Expedition will raise the profile of the Great Barrier Reef and show why it is the best managed coral reef in the world by highlighting the best practices of authorities including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) as well as local tourism operators. Along the way, Ben will experience the reef and take part in a range of activities

with researchers, tourism operators and expedition partners. He will also participate in reef conservation dives, snorkelling and bushwalking, while recording his experiences and the marine life he encounters.

Ben will document the entire trip and will be blogging and photographing his journey and interacting with locals and visitors.

Fans can follow Ben’s adventure and check the full itinerary at www. bestexpeditionintheworld.com

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 76

10/6/11 7:16:34 PM

A Rich Underwater World Great barrier reef is home to: • more than 30 species of whales and dolphins • 1,625 species of fish • 411 species of hard coral and over 150 species of soft coral (equates to 10% of the world’s soft coral) • as many as 3,000 species of molluscs • 6 of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles • Giant clams over 120 years old • Millions of nesting seabirds.

july travel3sixty 77

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 77

10/6/11 7:17:08 PM

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) • GBR is the largest and most extensive coral reef system in the world comprising about 2,900 individual coral reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays.

• It represents approximately 10% of all coral reefs in the world.

• GBR spans two thirds of the northeastern coastline of Australia, extending north from Bundaberg on Queensland’s coast to Cape York at the northern tip of Australia.

• It is 2,300 kilometres long and approximately 350,000 kms2 in size – about 70 million football fields or the size of Japan!

• It is the largest natural feature on earth and its size makes it the only living structure that can be seen from the moon.

• Individual coral reefs on GBR range in size from less than one hectare to over 1,000 km2 and, each has its own unique shape.

• GBR’s largest continental island is Hinchinbrook Island at 317 kms2. Its largest coral cay is North West Island, located in the southern part of GBR, at 1.1 km2 in size.

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef

AirAsia & the Best Expedition in the World AirAsia is proud to partner with Tourism Queensland and its ‘Best Expedition’ programme by showcasing Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef to a global stage.

“Queensland’s greatest natural attraction is a drawcard like no other. AirAsia shares a genuine love for the region. AirAsia is thrilled to be able to support Ben in his efforts to educate the world about the reef,” AirAsia X Head of Commercial Darren Wright said.

“AirAsia, like Ben Southall, is passionate, driven and loves pushing the boundaries, and we stand ready to support those like Ben who have the desire to make a difference.” www.airasia.com

78

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) work in partnership with industries such as tourism, local communities, other government agencies and, education and research institutions on a number of initiatives designed to monitor and preserve GBR. Programmes such as the ‘Eye on the Reef’ and the ‘Sightings Network’ involve tourism operators collecting information about the health of the reef and any unique or extraordinary sightings of marine life on their tours. This information is shared with the GBRMPA to assist them in managing the marine park.

‘Responsible Reef Practices’ have been developed by the GBRMPA. These are safe, environmentally friendly and responsible guidelines for activities that occur within GBR Marine Park.

The GBRMPA and QPWS manage moorings to enable boats to anchor without damaging the reef. These are located along GBR, particularly in key tourism areas.

Tourism operators are committed to implement best practice environmental, social and cultural standards.

They are provided with a range of incentives as part of an innovative ‘high standard operators’ program run by the GBRMPA.

AirAsia flies to Gold Coast in Queensland, Melbourne, Darwin and Perth. For the full flight details, go to www.airasia.com

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 78

10/6/11 7:22:07 PM

54684 style scene 99

15/11/10 2:33:29 PM

Ever After

Gone are the days when newly-wedded couples posed in front of two-dimensional cardboard cut-outs of distant locales for their wedding photos. The trend now is to find a truly exotic locale, sweep your sweetheart off her feet and head to the said destination where a coterie of professionals will prepare you for the best bridal pictures ever. With AirAsia making air travel immensely affordable, your wedding album will be full of stunning images with memories that will last ever after!

Clockwise from above: Tonle Baty ruins in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Hanoi Metropole Hotel, Vietnam; National Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Buddha Park, Vientiane, Laos

80

travel3sixty july

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 80

10/6/11 7:28:02 PM

Clockwise from far left: Notre Dame Church, Hanoi, Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh; Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi; Hanoi City.

Tips on Destination Bridal Photography • Decide on a place that is special for both bride and groom; perhaps you both met there for the first time or enjoy the history and architecture of the place etc.?

• Have a rough image of what you wish to convey in the images. Love for each other? Innocence and purity of your love? Passion?

• Discuss the types of outfits you want to wear with the photographer or stylist.

• Think of the climate of the place during the shoot and the suitability of the clothes. Wearing a fur-lined jacket in hot sweltering Bangkok may not be a good idea.

• Consider local sensitivities. If you are shooting in front of a sacred place, you should respect the place and people who may be performing their religious duties. Smoking, kissing and drinking alcohol – even if it is only for a pose – should be avoided.

• Think of how confident you are when facing a crowd. If you are the camera shy type, shooting in busy areas with onlookers will make you even more uncomfortable. This will ruin your pictures too. Discuss this with your partner and the photographer and indicate how bold you can be and, what you are willing or not willing to do in public.

• Remember, you are not a professional model and thus, it is OK to produce notso-perfect pictures. Have fun and let the real YOU shine through!

is partnering with a select number of bridal and fashion houses in Kuala Lumpur to help you create sweetest memories. For your convenience, these outlets are all housed under one roof at:

KL International Expo Bridal Gallery Sdn Bhd No. 110-4, 4th Floor, Jalan Loke Yew, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: +603-9223 8686 F: +603-9222 4079 www.klbridalmall.com.my

Bridal Houses • Very Taipei Bridal Photography Sdn Bhd • Manhattan Bridal Photography Sdn Bhd • Vivi Bride Sdn Bhd • De Love Wedding Sdn Bhd • Exquisite Wedding Sdn Bhd Outfits • DL Fashion Design

july travel3sixty 81

55137_t360 july2011_final_2.indd 81

13/6/11 12:19:17 PM

pilot’s perspective

IMAGE: CORBIS

DULY DELAYED

Not all flights are delayed because of bad weather, faulty aircraft parts or congestion in the airspace. At times, baggage checked in without an accompanying passenger causes major delays due to security issues.

Capt. Lim Khoy Hing explains in detail.

At times, I find it a little hard to produce a good explanation to passengers as to why flights are delayed. However, occasional delays are part and parcel of air travel and, as much as we dislike being late, we cannot avoid them.

Most delays are generally due to technical, air traffic or weatherrelated problems. Long delays have a cumulative effect (due to the fact that the same aircraft would be used

82

for later flights) and therefore, are bad for the airline business too.

Mechanical problems are a common cause for delays, which is aggravated by congestion resulting from crowded skies with more and more people embarking on air travel.

This ‘travel explosion’ inevitably leads to late air traffic clearances or being put on hold at the embarkation gate due to the many planes queuing up to fly out.

Pilots or airlines do not deliberately delay flights despite what passengers may think. Any delays – even for a minute – have to be explained in detail by the captain. Yes, even one minute! This shows how serious the airlines are in ensuring you depart on time.

In this issue, I’ll discus how passengers can help airlines reduce delays and, make flying safer and more comfortable for all.

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 82

10/6/11 7:24:59 PM

T360_Jul_SGFS.pdf

Page

Page

1

9/06/11,

3:16

PM

On December 21, 1988, a Pan Am Boeing 747 was also destroyed by explosives, killing 243 passengers and 16 crew members on board. Eleven people on the ground at Lockerbie in southern Scotland also perished, bringing the total fatality to 270.

A passenger who has checked-in with bags but fails to show up at the gate will cause delay.

Do Away with Delays

Delayed by Passengers If a passenger with no checked-in baggage fails to turn up on time for the flight, he will be left behind.

However, on international flights, a passenger who has checked-in with bags but fails to show up at the gate creates a bigger problem. The flight cannot depart unless the checkedin bags are off-loaded (in case the luggage carries harmful contents that may endanger the aircraft during flight). If the captain ignores this to avoid the delay, he would infringe on strict rules (Annex 17 of ICAO), leading to severe consequences for the pilot and the airline.

The objective of this rule is to ensure passengers board flights onto which they have checked-in their baggage. The general security presumption is that terrorists will not want to kill themselves, and will not board an aircraft if they have placed an explosive in the baggage, although nowadays, suicide bombers have no such compunctions.

84

To achieve compliance, loading of baggage is done manually onto the cargo compartment. In this case, each luggage item is tagged whilst being loaded. The other part of the baggage tags, which are bar-coded, are stuck onto a sheet and compared to a list of the passengers on board.

When a passenger with a checked-in bag fails to show up, the baggage handlers will remove the particular piece of luggage. Depending on the position of the luggage in the aircraft, this may take a lot of time and cause major delays to the departure.

Flight delays cost time and money to passengers and airlines and are more than just an inconvenience.

Passengers, however, can help to mitigate this problem by observing the below listed: • Arrive early at the airport and check-in early, allowing ample time for any possible queues and delays at the counter.

• Arrive early at the boarding gate by not wandering off too long to duty-free shops.

• Be aware of what is allowed in your hand luggage, especially with regards to LAG (liquids, aerosols and gas). Ensure you do not carry more than the allowed quantity and if in doubt, declare it to the security officers.

Contents that Kill Unaccompanied bags, which were found to have explosives have led to the destruction of two planes. On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, operating on the Montréal-LondonDelhi route on a Boeing 747 was blown up by explosives, crashing into the Atlantic Ocean. A total of 329 people died.

Checking-in early helps to make your flight depart on time.

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 84

10/6/11 7:23:07 PM

Better Late…

Delays are never desirable but can be reduced when passengers are considerate and are aware of flight requirements. Those not caused by passengers are normally unavoidable (such as repairs/replacement of faulty mechanical parts or due to bad weather) but necessary in order to ensure passengers safety.

Hopefully, this article will go some way towards making you feel less irritated at the pilots if you ever hear an apologetic voice informing you of a delay in your flight.

As always, I wish you a safe flight.

Note: Travelers that infringe Annex17 are required to pay additional charges when purchasing a new ticket.

Annex 17 of ICAO** “Should passengers flying internationally with checked-in baggage fail to arrive at the departure gate before the flight is closed, that person’s baggage must be retrieved from the aircraft hold before the flight is permitted to take off” **International Civil Aviation Organisation

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 Simulator Flight Instructor/Examiner. 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.

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 85

10/6/11 7:23:17 PM

travel log

Hong Kongin a

Jumbo Floating Resturant in Hong Kong

Jiffy

Dolphin show at Ocean Park.

Shiuli Mukherji travels to Hong Kong with her family and soaks in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city.

Hong Kong in April is perfect for touring the many attractions in store there. My 7-year-old son, husband and I took AirAsia flight AK 658 from the LCC Terminal in Malaysia and reached Hong Kong International terminal T2 after a four hour journey. It took us about 40 minutes to clear Immigration and retrieve our baggage. Then, we were off to our hotel, which was located adjacent to Times Square and Tshim Sha Tsui (TST) road.

DAY 1 After breakfast, we set out to visit Hong Kong. Firstly, we visited the Golden Bauhinia Square. Located in Wan Chai, north of Hong Kong, the Golden Bauhinia Square is made up of a six-metre tall bauhinia flower sculpture. The sculpture is important to the people of Hong Kong, as it is a symbol of reunification with China in 1997.

Having visited this important site, we proceeded to Victoria Peak via the Peak Tram to enjoy Hong Kong’s natural beauty. After the fresh air there, we came down to Aberdeen, situated at the southern tip of Hong Kong Island. It was a pirates’ den some two centuries ago and

later turned into a fishing village. Although highly developed, Aberdeen maintains its traditional lifestyle. If you are lucky, the fishermen will invite you into their dwellings to catch a glimpse of their everyday lives.

It was almost 12 noon as we hurried to visit Stanley Market. We had only 30 minutes to visit the market and simply Shiuli at Golden Bauhinia Square. couldn’t enjoy the place, as there was so much to see, bargain and buy!

From Stanley Market we moved to Ocean Park. It’s an amusement park with 19 rides, including two roller coasters. It also houses 11 animal exhibits such as the giant panda habitat, a jellyfish and Chinese sturgeon aquarium, as well as a four-storey aquarium that houses more than 2,000 types of fishes.

Got an interesting travel tale to share? Then email it to us at travel3sixty@airasia.com along with your images and personal details. Published submissions will receive a RM250 e-gift voucher from us.

Travel 3Sixty° reserves the right to edit the article for length and clarity.

To find out how else AirAsia can enhance your travels, visit www.haveyouflownairasia.com.

86

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 86

13/6/11 12:57:28 PM

Entrance to Disneyland in Hong Kong.

DAY 2 My son insisted on going to Hong Kong Disneyland, which is located on Lantau Island. We arrived early and had to wait for the park to open. But once the gates were opened, we were transported to a world of magic and fantasy! Both children and adults can enjoy Disneyland to the fullest. It made me relive my childhood, and also helped me connect with my son.

Hong Kong Disneyland has very exciting themed amusement areas for all to enjoy. In Tomorrowland, one can enjoy all kinds of rides and a space-themed roller coaster. In Adventureland, the river jungle cruise is simply entertaining. In the afternoon, when the weather is too humid, you simply go indoors to be entertained by the fantastic Lion King musical.

The other attraction that we caught was the Symphony of Lights, held at the harbour front.

The spectacular multi-media display includes more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

The show creates an all-round spectacle of coloured lights, laser beams and search lights performing an unforgettable show that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

Mickey and Minnie.

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 87

10/6/11 7:35:27 PM

fashion fab

Style Sizzlers From bags to bras and shoes to shorts, the season is all about chilling out and soaking up the laidback warmth of the season. Summers is getting hotter by the minute!

Body Love Kiss goodbye to bras that pinch, poke and scratch with La Senza’s Body Kiss™ bra. The cushioned underwire and moulded foam cups provide a super comfortable wear and can be worn in five different ways: Classic, halter, narrow halter, criss-cross and narrow criss-cross versatility. www.lasenza.com

Smart Activator

Cosmo Travels

The Activator from GUESS is a chronograph-style watch with a tachometer-inspired top ring that is enhanced with white markings, allowing sport enthusiasts to track elapsed time, while the matte white chronograph dial spotlights an array of functional sub dials.

Using the revolutionary Curv® technology, a high-performing material, the Samsonite Cosmolite is an extremely light range of luggage that is also scratch proof.

Four wheels on the bag allow 360degree mobility. www.samsonite.com

www.guesswatches.com

Woven Summer Braids, weaves, and raffia are big this summer on footwear and Stuart Weitzman embraces this island-inspired look in their SS 2011 collection with sexy wedgies, sandals and heeled beauties.

WORDS: R.RAJENDRA

www.stuartweitzman.com

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 88

13/6/11 3:52:51 PM

Lab Experiments

The Pied Piper

Z Zegna experiments with fluid, lines in its SS 2011 collection called Outdoor Laboratory. With cottons dominating the line, the outdoor theme is expressed through trousers and jeans worn short at the ankles, pea coats, parkas and bomber jackets. Earthy and mineral tones echo the season’s warmth. www.zzegna.com

Vivid hues, new materials and clean lines form the basis of Furla’s 2011 SS handbag collection, titled TECHNO NATURE. These contrasting elements combine cleverly to evoke lushness without compromising on style and practicality. www.furla.com

Modernist Mastery Eclipse, a Malaysian bred label is not only famous for its sleek silhouette in clothes, the label’s shoe collection is also becoming a fast household name. The platform heels here feature graphic, flower-like curvves that cage the ankles. www.eclipse.com.my

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 89

13/6/11 3:53:24 PM

pure beauty

SUMMER

LOVE The air is warmer, the nights longer and the season more sensational! Celebrate sexy, balmy nights with the season’s collection of skincare, make-up and our personal favourites in fragrances.

Light Years Ahead dr. brandt® light years away® Whitening Cream targets and controls hyper-pigmentation to whiten, lighten and brighten skin. www.drbrandtskincare.com

A Burberry Summer The look is natural and the beauty ethereal. Burberry’s Spring Summer collection features six new shades and three looks – Natural, Effortless and Sun-kissed. www.burberry.com

Spanking Clean RMK introduces a cleaning lineup that effectively removes makeup, unclogs pores and exfoliates skin. The cleansing balm removes traces of make-up, the milk cleanses and lifts complexion, while the oil rids of all impurities. www.rmkrmk.com

The Scent of Summer It’s a lighter, airier season and the fragrances echo the warmth of the air and the spring in your step. Here’s the season best.

WORDS: R.RAJENDRA

Classique Summer from Jean Paul Gaultier

Be Delicious Juiced from DKNY

90

Eau du Sood from Annick Goutal

L’Eau D’Issey for Men

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 90

13/6/11 4:00:55 PM

Gloss Perfection Lash Long Touted as the ultimate lengthening mascara, Long Extreme Stiletto from Maybelline New York uses a Stretch & Set brush to wrap and cover each lash. One application is enough to provide 360 degrees of coverage. www.maybelline.com

It may very well be the best lip gloss ever invented! L’Oreal Paris Glam Shine 6H gives you a long-lasting, justapplied effect, all-day shine, even coverage.

Comes in eight sexy shades for six hours wear and hold. www. lorealparis.com

Ocean Kissed A water based eye shadow reminiscent of the ocean, the Lunasol Shining Ocean Eyes colour turns silky upon application and adheres snugly to skin. Available in five alluring shades. www. kanebo-cosmetics.co.jp

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 91

Oil Busters Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Collection is oil-, paraben-, silicone-, dye- and fragrance-free to help rebalance skin’s hydration levels and provide all-day no-shine moisture to skin. www.kiehls.com

13/6/11 3:57:17 PM

jetsetter

Jang Hyuk IMAGES: SIDUS HQ

Dive into the drama as Korean star, Jang Hyuk tells us about his role in his latest series, Midas.

Born on December 20, 1976 in Busan, South Korea, Jeong Yong Joon, better known as Jang Hyuk, spent most of his childhood in his birthplace before making his debut in Model, an SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) drama in 1996. Since then, Jang Hyuk has made numerous appearances in dramas, films and even music videos, before landing his first lead role in Volcanic High with actress, Shin Min-ah, that received praises from fans and critics. His career, however, came to a halt in 2004 when this heartthrob had to serve a two-year obligatory military service, which he had avoided earlier. Upon completion in 2006, Jang Hyuk starred in the MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) mini series, Thank You, which won him the Golden Acting Award at the 2007 MBC Drama Awards. In his latest TV series, Midas, Jang Hyuk plays Dohyun, a bright but unambitious lawyer forced to seek the posh life by his mentor, leading him to question his values and the ensuing struggle in rediscovering his humanity.

What was the hardest thing about your role in Midas?

It’s a very complicated character. I play a corporate lawyer, but not the kind who goes to court all the time. I had to do a lot of research on financial terms and issues in order to understand and express my character.

What major challenges did you face on set?

Keeping a good emotional state of mind is really important. I’m always thinking of the ways to express myself and how to make the best of my character.

How do you deal with stress on set?

I make sure I have a good workout session whenever I can.

Working-out boosts my energy levels and that helps me maintain a positive mindset. That way, I can get along with everyone on set and make everyday a good day.

The original Midas turns the things he touches into gold. If you had that kind of power, what would you change?

Honestly, I wouldn’t want to have that kind of power. I prefer to be a normal person. When I’m off the set, I don’t really go out partying or living large. I prefer to live the life of a normal person.

92

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 92

11/6/11 9:11:37 AM

T360_Jul_PH.pdf

Page

Page

1

6/06/11,

6:16

PM

How do you rate yourself as an actor?

I don’t consider myself a good actor yet. There’s a lot of learning to do and I think the key to becoming a good actor is how well one understands his characters. If I don’t understand my role well enough, I won’t be able to play it well.

How do you stay fit?

Exercising is not about obtaining a great figure alone.

It’s about character building. I practise jeet kun do (a form of martial art) and its movement usually involves an opponent. From there, I learn the values of harmony and I use those values when I’m on set.

What is the must-visit place when in South Korea?

Definitely the city of Busan because it’s my hometown!

Busan is a tourist city and it is home to prestigious events like the Busan International Film Festival. It’s the second biggest city in South Korea and has a balanced ratio of cultural attractions to modernisation.

Is Busan known for any special food?

There are many specialty foods that originate from Busan and it is only available there. For example, the deiji mori guk bab (pork head soup) is a speciality of this city and visitors always make it a point to try it when they visit. The sashimi in Busan is also very fresh.

55137 july2011_final_3 94 55067 t360 Jetsetter 108

11/6/11 10:06:55 9:16:17 AM 5/13/11

T360_Jul_Boost.pdf

Page

1

7/06/11,

12:40

PM

junior jet club

A Seoul-ful

Trip

Kaufman and his family visit Seoul during winter time to enjoy the food, culture and traditions of this city.

My trip to South Korea last year began with a visit to Everland theme park in Seoul. There, I got to ride the roller coaster, cable car and explore the zoo. At the zoo, I saw the ‘liger’, a cross between a lion and a tiger.

After breakfast on our second day, we visited Gyeongbok Palace, home to the Korean royalty. Next, we ventured to the wax museum, where many wax statues of famous people are on display. I saw Michael Jackson and David Beckham! There was one statue dressed like a tourist with a camera hanging around his neck. My dad thought it was real person!

After the wax museum, mom and dad decided on some shopping at Insadong and Myeongdong. Later, while I was having my dinner, it began to snow. I ate my food hurriedly and ran out to experience snow for the first time ever!

Kaufman and family at the Seoul summit 2010 venue.

Kaufman (centre) with his family members dressed in traditional South Korean outfits.

The following day we tried a DIY kimchi experience, where visitors can learn how to make kimchi. This was quite enjoyable though I was a bit scared with all the chilli in the dish.

We continued our trip to Namsan Hanok village, where I got to try out many traditional games. I even had a snowball fight there! The War Memorial Museum was our next destination. Vehicles used during the Korean war such as tankers and fighter jets were on display, including a gigantic boat with hundreds of bullet holes all over it.

Jeju Island was our next stop and there, I saw Dragon Head Rock, a rock shaped just like a dragon’s head. Ghost Road on Jeju Island is a strange place. Water here can

flow uphill, which I later learnt, was an optical illusion. After being mesmerised by the peculiarity of this place, we headed to Tap-Dong Street.

There, we climbed Seongsan Sunrise peak and got an aerial view of Jeju Island. The island is actually shaped like a bird.

We returned from Jeju Island to Seoul and our tour guide took us to China Town. Here we bought more foods and souvenir items. Our final stop on the tour was at Compact Smart City, Incheon Bridge and the Incheon Bridge observatory.

I would like to thank my parents and AirAsia for giving me this opportunity to fly to Seoul!

Kaufman Lee Yi Xian, 14, Kuala Lumpur

Would you like to be part of Travel 3Sixty°, share your AirAsia travels with other young adventurers and be rewarded with a Junior Jet Club prize? The Junior Jet Family loves travel tales and super hero adventures. So whether you have been riding tuk-tuks in Thailand, cuddling koalas in Australia or climbing the Great Wall of China; we want to hear your tale! Visit our online community juniorjetclub.airasia.com, register as a member (don’t forget you need your parent’s permission for this) and visit our Jet Setter Page.

Here you can see previous Junior Jet Setters of the month, share and submit your travel story and pictures. You can also email us at juniorjetclub@airasia.com. If we publish your article you will receive a Junior Jet Club t-shirt, cap and a year’s free membership! Your article will also appear on our website juniorjetclub.airasia.com and will be shared with all our members.

96

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 96

13/6/11 12:29:21 PM

plane fun

SPOT the

difference

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.

Cross out

Fill all the words listed into the grid.

We have given you a word to get started.

1. Maracas missing, 2. Feather larger, 3. Pattern on flag, 4. Bird on hat, 5. Barmaid missing, 6. Guitarist’s hat larger, 7. Medallion changed to star shape, 8. Cane missing.

Puzzles are courtesy of Lovatts Crosswords & Puzzles

98

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 98

11/6/11 9:42:00 AM

snapshot

Pix of the

month

Best picture wins a 3D/2N stay in a Classic Room at

Asta Hotel Shenzen in China for two worth

RMB3864nett!

WINNER OF THE MONTH

Bustling San Ma Lo at Senado Square, Macau Choy Khai Chew, Malaysia

“Located in the heart of the Futian CBD and shopping district, Asta Hotel Shenzhen is adjacent to the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre & close to Hong Kong border. This contemporary 5-star Corporate MICE hotel offers 334 luxurious guestrooms.

Enjoy unlimited complimentary broadband internet access. Be pampered by our signature beds, rain shower and sumptuous breakfasts. Your Home for Business and Leisure.“

Consolation prize: a 3D/2N for two in a Twin Superior Room at Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur worth

RM1,578!

L Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, The o Federal Kuala Lumpur Hotel is an ideal lodging option for travellers on business or leisure stays. The hotel is is mere 2-minute walk to major shopping malls, entertainment, and, food and beverages outlets. The rooms and suites at this hotel are thoughtfully finished and all units come complete with in-room safe, tea/coffee making facilities, satellite TV channels, WIFI access, hair dryer and iron.

Curug Malela, a wonderful waterfall at Gunung Hulu, Cimahi, West Java, Indonesia Ismed Hasibuan, Banten, Indonesia

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

Terms & conditions: Readers may submit images that are 300dpi and 1MB in size (minimum half a A4 paper size) • Each entry must be accompanied with 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 when the prize is ready to be sent out. • Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.

100

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 100

11/6/11 9:44:18 AM

T360_Jul_TSgore.pdf

Page

Page

1

13/06/11,

10:59

AM

comfort Deep Vein Thrombosis

Knee Curls • Sit straight and gently lean forward and raise one knee.

• Grasp the knee with both arms and gently pull the leg towards your chest as you lean back.

• Hold for 15 seconds, then release and gently lower the leg.

• Repeat with other leg.

DVT can occur when a blood clot forms in the large veins in the legs or the arms, leading to an either partially or completely blocked blood circulation. Sitting and moving very little during long flights may lead to the occurrence of DVT. If you are flying long distance, please ensure you perform onboard exercises such as the Knee Curls exercise to get the blood flowing to your leg. Or walk from your seat to the end of the aircraft (where permissible and when safe) and back to your seat to stretch your legs.

Have a Pleasant Flight Flying can be a drag when others are not considerate.

It can also be physically demanding, especially if you are on a long-haul flight. Here are some simple steps to help make your journey more enjoyable.

Be Kind, Be Considerate Rest Assured To counter jetlag, sleep as much as you can onboard when you are flying west to east. The AirAsia Comfort Kit comes complete with eye shade, neck pillow and blanket to get some shut eye.

When flying east to west, stay awake as much as possible. The neck pillow in Comfort Kit allows you to get comfy while reading a book or watching the clouds zoom by.

102

• Do not kick or rock the seat in front of you.

• Try not to talk loudly, especially if there are other passengers asleep.

• Use a handkerchief to cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.

• Be careful when you open the overhead cabins.

• Do not switch seats without checking with the flight attendant.

Keep Hydrated The air in the aircraft is pretty dry and will leave you feeling sluggish. To counter this, drinks lots of water, avoid alcoholic drinks and reduce consumption of caffeinated & carbonated drinks!

travel3sixty july

t360 july2011.indd 102

6/9/11 12:37:18 PM

54684 style scene 99

15/11/10 2:33:29 PM

destination

WORDS: NICOLETTE NG IMAGES: TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA WWW.WESTERNAUSTRALIA.COM

Margaret River Western Australia Eat, drink and be merry and perhaps tumble down a hill or two before settling down for more food and drinks at the Margaret River region in Western Australia.

Located in the South-western region of Western Australian, around 272 kilometres south of Perth, the Margaret River region is well known for its world-class wineries and gourmet food. The great outdoors is the other attraction here with all kinds of adventure activities.

Marri Wood Park (marriwoodpark.com.au) biodynamic winery is a must-visit spot in Margaret River. This small family business produces cabernet-merlot and sauvignonblanc wines prepared with biodynamic agricultural methods.

Try also the Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory & Vasse Virgin (oliveoilsoapfactory.com.au), where visitors can sample different types of olives and olive oils. The factory also produces olive oil infused chocolates.

For outdoor junkies, explore the Cape to Cape Track.

This scenic track, listed by Australian Geographic as one of the top 10 tracks in Australia, extends 138 kilometres from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, and takes about five to seven days to complete. If time doesn’t permit, head to the

104

Brookwood Estate and try the Margaret River Buggy Tours.

The buggy rides offer off-road, half or full day tours.

STAY HERE Seashells Yallingup A Yallingup Beach Road, Yallingup Western Australia T +61 8 9750 1500 W www. seashells.com.au Burnside Bungalows & Organic Farm A 287 Burnside Road, Margaret River, Western Australia T +61 8 9757 2139 W www. burnsidebungalows.com.au Margaret River Hideaway A 225 Osmington Road, Margaret River, Western Australia T +61 8 9758 8005 W www.margaretriverfarmstay.com

CHOCOLATE HEAVEN “My favourite place at Margaret River was the Margaret River Chocolate Company. There were all kinds of chocolates, from chocolate bars to chocolate syrup. And the best part was the limitless amount of yummy chocolate buttons that were available for tasting!” ~ Jessica Lee, Malaysia via Travel 3Sixty° on Facebook

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 104

11/6/11 9:46:28 AM

Mercure

KRABI DEEVANA

Opening in October 2011 A newly built hotel all fit harmoniously in Ao Nang, Krabi, one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches and nature destinations.

Pre-opening office: Moo 3, Ao Nang Soi 8, Ao Nang Beach, Maung, Krabi, 81000, Thailand Te.l : +66(0) 7563 8318 Fax: +66 (0) 7563 8320 E-mail: info@mercurekrabi.com www.mercurekrabideevana.com

www.mercure.com/asia Your loyalty program

Russia

route map Uzbekistan Afghanistan

Tehran

United Kingdom

Ireland

London

Iran

Germany

Paris N.Korea

Beijing

France

Tianjin Seoul

Italy Spain

S.Korea

China Shanghai Hangzhou

Chengdu

New Delhi

kistan

Nepal

Bhutan

Guilin Bangladesh

Kolkata Myanmar

Mumbai Yangon Bangalore Tiruchirappalli

Vientiane Chiang Mai Clark

Indian Ocean

Cambodia

Krabi Phuket Hat Yai Narathiwat Langkawi Alor Setar Kota Bharu Banda Aceh Penang K.Terengganu Medan Kuala Malaysia Lumpur

Pekanbaru Padang Palembang Kuala Lumpur International Airport Kota Kinabalu International Airport Penang International Airport Kuching International Airport International Route Domestic Route

Vietnam

Siem Reap

Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh

Sri Lanka

t360 july2011.indd 106

Philippines

Thailand

Chennai

Colombo

Macau Hong Kong

Laos

Bangkok

Kochi

Taipei

Taiwan

Shenzhen

Hanoi

India

Guangzhou

Johor Bahru Singapore

Kota Kinabalu

Sandakan Labuan Brunei Miri Bintulu Tawau Sibu Kuching

Balikpapan Makassar

Indonesia

Jakarta Bandung Yogyakarta

Surabaya Bali Solo

6/14/11 10:45:14 AM

AirAsia Hubs in Malaysia From Kuala Lumpur, you can fly direct to:

World’s Best Low-Cost Airline 2009 & 2010

Japan

Pacific Ocean

Tokyo

Alor Star, Bali, Balikpapan, Banda Aceh, Bandung, Bangalore, Bangkok, Bintulu, Brunei, Chengdu, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Christchurch, Clark, Colombo, Gold Coast, Guangzhou, Guilin, Had Yai, Hangzhou, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Johor Bahru, Kochi, Kolkata, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Krabi, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Labuan, Langkawi, London, Macau, Makassar, Medan, Melbourne, Miri, Mumbai, New Delhi, Padang, Palembang, Paris, Pekanbaru, Penang, Perth, Phuket, Phnom Penh, Sandakan, Seoul, Shenzhen, Sibu, Siem Reap, Singapore, Solo, Surabaya, Taipei, Tawau, Tehran, Tianjin, Tiruchirappalli, Vientiane, Yangon,Yogyakarta.

From Penang, you can fly direct to: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Langkawi, Medan, Singapore, Surabaya.

From Kota Kinabalu, you can fly direct to: Clark, Jarkata, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Hong Kong, Miri, Penang, Sandakan, Shenzhen, Singapore, Taipei, Tawau.

From Kuching, you can fly direct to: Bintulu, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Miri, Penang, Sibu, Singapore

From these destinations, you can fly direct to: Australia Gold Coast Perth

Bintulu  Kuching Johor Bahru  Kuching, Medan, Miri, Sibu Kuching  Bintulu, Johor Bahru, Miri, Sibu, Singapore

Langkawi  Singapore Miri  Johor Bahru, Kuching, Singapore Sibu  Johor Bahru, Kuching

Melbourne

New Zealand

Christchruch

t360 july2011.indd 107

6/14/11 10:45:17 AM

China

Bangladesh

Guangzhou Shenzhen

Hanoi

Macau

Myanmar

Taiwan Hong Kong

Laos

Chiang Rai Chiang Mai

Udon Thani

Yangon

New Delhi

India

Thailand

China

Bangkok

Ubon Ratchathani Vietnam Cambodia

Philippines

Phnom Penh

Kolkata

Ho Chi Minh

Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat

Krabi

Phuket

Hat Yai Penang

Indian Ocean

Medan

Narathiwat Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Singapore

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Phuket Int. Airport Chiang Mai Int. Airport

Indonesia Jakarta Bali

International Route Domestic Route

AirAsia Hubs in Thailand From Bangkok, you can fly direct to:

Bali, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Hat Yai, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kolkata, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Medan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, New Delhi, Penang, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Shenzhen, Singapore, Surabaya, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Yangon

From Phuket, you can fly direct to:

From Chiang Mai, you can fly direct to: Bangkok, Hat Yai, Kuala

Lumpur, Phuket, Singapore

From these destinations, you can fly direct to: Chiang Mai  Kuala Lumpur Hat Yai  Kuala Lumpur Krabi  Kuala Lumpur

It's never too late to cover yourself You can still purchase your AirAsia INSURE even after you've bought your ticket via Manage My Booking and Web Check-In at AirAsia.com. * Benefits offered are subject to type of plan purchased from originating country. Terms and Conditions apply.

www.airasiainsure.com

Bali, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ubon Ratchatani, Udon Thani

108

travel3sixty july

t360 july2011.indd 108

6/14/11 10:45:17 AM

Hong Kong

Myanmar

Laos

Thailand

Philippines

Bangkok

Vietnam Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh

Phuket

Darwin

Penang

Banda Aceh

Australia

Medan

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Perth

Singapore

Pekanbaru Padang

Indian Ocean Soekarno Hatta Int. Airport, Jakarta Ngurah Rai Int. Airport, Bali Husein Sastranegara Int. Airport, Bandung Juanda Int. Airport, Surabaya Polonia Int. Airport, Medan

Balikpapan Palembang Makassar Jakarta Bandung

Indonesia Surabaya

Solo Yogyakarta

Bali

International Route Domestic Route

AirAsia Hubs in Indonesia From Jakarta, you can fly direct to:

Bali, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Penang, Medan, Singapore, Yogyakarta

From Bali, you can fly direct to:

Bandung, Bangkok, Darwin, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Perth, Singapore

From Surabaya, you can fly direct to:

Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Medan, Penang, Singapore

From Bandung, you can fly direct to:

Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Medan, Singapore

From Medan, you can fly direct to:

Bandung, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Surabaya

From these destinations, you can fly direct to:

Yogyakarta  Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Solo  Kuala Lumpur Makassar  Kuala Lumpur Padang  Kuala Lumpur Pekanbaru  Kuala Lumpur Banda Aceh  Kuala Lumpur Palembang  Kuala Lumpur Balikpapan  Kuala Lumpur

Rest

Assured Get yourself covered so you can rest easy during your travels.

From as little as USD2.30*. * Benefits offered are subject to type of plan purchased from originating country. Terms and Conditions apply.

www.airasiainsure.com

july travel3sixty 109

t360 july2011.indd 109

6/14/11 10:45:18 AM

AirAsia Sales Offices and Stations CAMBODIA PHNOM PENH

vPhnom Penh Airport Office, 17 Mezzanine Floor of Arrival Domestic Terminal, Phnom Penh Airport, Phnom Penh

CHINA MACAU

vOffice 20, Mezzanine Level

Passenger Terminal, Macau International Airport Taipa, Macau SHENZHEN

Makassar

vDeparture Terminal, Sultan Hasanuddin, International Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi vMall Panakukang,

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

vSam Ratulangi International

Airport Jalan A.A. Maramis, Manado 95374 MEDAN

vBandara PoloniaTerminal

MALAYSIA JOHOR

vTune Hotels.com Dangga Bay, Lot PTB 22819, Jalan Skudai, Mukim Bandar, 80200 Johor Bahru vGL 13 Sultan Ismail Airport 81250 Johor Bahru vNo. 26 Jalan Meriam, 84000

Muar, Johor KEDAH

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

SABAH

vLot 1 & 2, 1st Floor, Terminal Building, Sandakan Airport, 90719 Sandakan vFL4, 1st Floor, Tawau Airport Building, Jalan Apas-Balung, 91100 Tawau vTB228, Lot 5, Ground Floor, Istana Monaco, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex 91000 Tawau vLot G24, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000, Kota Kinabalu vT2: Ground Floor, Terminal 2 Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport Old Airport Road,

vJunting Hotel Shenzhen, XY-10, Shenzhen Eastern Road, Shenzhen

Keberangkatan Internasional, Medan 20157 Sumatra

vLangkawi International Airport 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi

INDONESIA

vGaruda Plaza Hotel, Jl.

KUALA LUMPUR

vTanjung Aru 88100, Kota Kinabalu

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

SARAWAK

BANDA Aceh

vBandara Sultan Iskandar Muda, Blang Bintang, Aceh DENPASAR, BALI

vBandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai,

Sisingamangaraja No.18 Medan-20213

vHotel Hangtuah, Jl. Pemuda no.

1 Padang, Sumatra Barat, 25117

vLot G027B, Ground Floor,

Podium Block, Plaza Berjaya,12 Jalan Imbi,55100 Kuala Lumpur

vLot GL.14, Public Concourse Terminal Building, Bintulu Airport 97000 Bintulu

Palembang

vAirAsia Travel & Service Centre

v1st Floor, Miri Airport, 98000 Miri

PADANG

Terminal Keberangkatan International Bali 80361

vSultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Palembang, South Sumatra

vJl. Legian Kaja no. 455 Kuta, Bali

Pekanbaru

BANDUNG

vSultan Syarif Kasim II

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

vNo 71 Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1 Taman Usahawan Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur

vRuangan Nombor 34 Bandara Husein Sastranegara Jalan Pajajaran No 156 Bandung Jawa Barat

International Airport, Jalan Perhubungan Udara Simpang Tiga, Pekanbaru, Sumatra Solo

vNo. 4 Jalan 3/116B, Kuchai Lama Entrepreneur Park, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 582000 Kuala Lumpur.

vLobby Grand Serela Hotel Jl. L.L. R.E Martadinata (Riau) No 56 Telp. (022) 426 1636

vAdi Soemarmo International Airport, Solo, Central Java

vNo. 1, Jalan PJS 3/48, Taman Sri Manja, 46000 Petaling Jaya.

SURABAYA

KELANTAN

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

vLapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa Kota Bharu vLot No. 15 & 17, Terminal

No. 10 Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara

vGrand Circle Tunjungan Plaza 3 Lantai 1, (Lobby Condominium Regency), Jln. Basuki Rahmat 8-12, Surabaya

vJln. Panglima Polim,

YOGYAKARTA

JAKARTA

vTerminal 3 & Terminal 2D

Departure Hall Airlines Offices Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Cengkareng,

vJl. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4,

No. 105B Blok M, Jakarta Selatan

vLindeteves Trade Center Building,

Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.127, Lantai GF2 Blok RA 49, Jakarta Pusat

vAdisutjipto International Airport

Jln. Solo km.9, Yogyakarta, 55282

vMelia Purosani Hotel, Jl

Suryotomo No.31, Yogyakarta

TERENGGANU Building, Sultan Mahmud Airport 21300 Kuala Terengganu Labuan

vLevel 1, Labuan Airport Terminal 87008 Wilayah Persekutuan PENANG

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

t360 july2011.indd 110

vGF Lot 946, Block 9, Miri Concession Land District, 98000 Miri vGround Floor , Sublot 661B of Lot 354, Unity Centre Block 7 MCLD Jalan Miri Pujut 98000 Miri vGround Floor, Kuching International Airport, 93756 Kuching vWisma Ho Ho Lim, Ground Floor No. 291, Sub Lot 4, Jalan Abell 93100 Kuching v1st Floor, Main Terminal Building, Sibu Airport, 96000 Sibu SELANGOR

vGround Floor, Terminal 3, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport 47200 Subang, Selangor vJalan KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor vLot-35 Mydin Mall USJ 1 vB-G-34, IOI Boulevard Jalan Kenari 5 Bandar Puchong Jaya 47170 Puchong Selangor

6/9/11 12:53:09 PM

vLot S141, 2nd Floor Plaza Metro Kajang, Section 7 Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang vNo 1 (667-C), Wisma Y S Tan

Lorong Kepayang, 41300 Klang

MYANMAR

THAILAND

PHUKET

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

BANGKOK

vSuvarnabhumi International Airport Room A1-062 Ground Floor, Concourse A, BangnaTrad Road, Racha Teva, Bang Pli, Samutprakarn 10540

vUnit 9, Laflora Patong Area, No. 39, 39/1, Thaveewong Rd., Patong, Kratoo, Phuket SURAT THANI

v127 Tanao Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200

YANGON

vYangon International Airport vOffice Unit# 01-L, Parkroyal Yangon, Myanmar

PHILIPPINES

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

CHIANG MAI SALES OFFICE

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

UBON RATCHATHANI

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

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

CHIANG RAI

SINGAPORE

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

vRow No:11, Departure level 2 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, Singapore v111 North Bridge Road #01-36/37,

Peninsula Plaza 179098,

SRI LANKA Colombo

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

v416 Thaphae Road, Chiang Mai

UDON THANI

vChiang Rai International Airport

HAT YAI

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

VIETNAM

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

HANOI

vNoibai International Airport Lobby A, 3rd Floor, Hanoi

KRABI

v133 Moo 5 Petchkasem Road,

vNo.30 Le Thai To Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi City

NARATHIWAT

vVan Phong Ban Ve Tp Hcmc 254 De Tham, P.Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

vNarathiwat Airport 330 Moo 5 , Tambol Kok-Kian, Amphur Muang, Narathiwat 96000

v223, De Tham Pham Ngu Lao Ward District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

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

TERMINATION OF MALAYSIA SELF HELP MENU LINE Please be informed that effective 1st May 2011, our Malaysia Self Help Menu service line at +603 2171 9333 will no longer be available.

For self-service options, kindly log onto askairasia.com.

t360 july2011.indd 111

6/9/11 12:53:09 PM

my airasia

THE TROUBLE-SHOOTER Whenever AirAsia Allstars in our Malaysia LCCT have computer problems, we call our Desktop Support Team headed by Team Leader, Kanesan Supramaniam.

An Allstar since 2005, Kanesan loves the opportunity to contribute towards the growth of innovative technology at AirAsia.

My Job

Twitter or FB?

My job is to help my colleagues by troubleshooting their technical glitches and, preparing the hardware and software required in their work.

The Desktop Support Team also remotely assists those who need help with their desktops.

Facebook because it gives me more room for discussion and sharing without limiting me to 140 words on my status update. I can also chat whenever I’m on FB.

I like...

AirAsians are Living their Life Supporting Team members And others Regionally! This is my interpretation of the Allstar culture. As an ASEAN airline, AirAsia has supported many destinations during their downturns, for example Bali after the bombing, tsunami-hit Acheh, and now, Japan.

In terms of AirAsia’s innovative facilities, I like Web and Mobile Check-in. These facilities enable me to check-in for my flight by going online or scanning the barcode on my iPhone. I don’t need to queue at the counter. Manage My Booking allows me to make changes to my booking info anywhere by logging into my mobile apps. It’s so convenient! At work, the Desktop Support Team is able to remotely access desktops for troubleshooting via Office Communicator. This means, I can help my colleagues in Bangkok and Jakarta too!

IMAGE: ADAM LEE

Travel Tools My travel essentials are my iPhone 4, Ipad2 and my notebook as these gadgets keep my life lively. I watch movies, listen to songs, play games, check-in for my flight, view weather forecasts for my trips and keep connected via Facebook. Of course, I also check on Man United’s progress as I’m a hardcore Man United fan!

112

Allstar Culture

Misconceptions It’s a misconception that IT guys find it hard to talk to women. This is a myth.

In my opinion, women are very exposed to the IT world and have no problems talking to us IT boys.

Additionally, our technical know-how actually gets the girls approaching us to sort out their problems with their computers, and from there we strike up a conversation!

travel3sixty july

55137 t360 july2011_final_3 112

13/6/11 12:39:01 PM

T360_SimeDarbyHC.pdf

Page

Page

1

4/8/11,

4:10

PM

T360_May_Indocafe.pdf

Page

1

21/03/11,

3:32

PM