VOYAGE December 2013
INSIDE JAPAN
The Land of The Rising Sun
TRAVELING SOLO Be Alone, Not Lonely
Maldives
A Taste of Paradise in the Indian Ocean
Contents
4 4 18 World’s Best Cuisines
A myriad of foods from fou corners of the world. From mouth watering deserts, to the delicious pastas. Come and taste the world.
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22 Travelling Solo
Our editor shares her experience of travelling solo. Who says travelling solo can’t be fun?
Travel in Style
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ST. TROPEZ
Our curated picks of must-have items to stay fabulous on the move. 2
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INSIDE JAPAN The Land of The Rising Sun
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The lobby was hearty and quiet, decorated with a true Zen philosophy. There were not much furniture seen but a pot of decorating plant and two reclining bamboo chairs by the glass window overlooking a valley and a set of beautiful mountains. I sat there as I soak the green surroundings and witness the sun setting on the horizons, giving ways to the dark of the night. For a moment there, I was immersed with true serenity. I can still remember exactly how that moment took my breath away.
The 15-course Kaiseki dinner was served in our room by our private butler, and each course was a sensational treat. The food presentation was an art, some even too pretty to be eaten. Breakfast was rather simpler, with a choice of either American or The ceiling on our room was low but Japanese style. I woke up the next morning just in time the bedroom was spacious enough with one of the most beautiful sunrise I and furnished beautifully with simplicity. Everything about the room have ever seen and spent the rest of my was traditional yet sophisticated, the time there with the indulgence of absolute tranquility. futon beds, the Tatami mats, the wooden chairs, the toiletries and the We stayed for 3 days at Hakone Ginyu ceramic tea sets. and it was worth every penny. I left with a fond memory and unbeatable However, the best part was the experiences. Japan is a land known of balcony tucked behind the room. It its great history, rich culture, tasty has a spectacular cuisine and breathtaking landscapes, mountain view and set with a and Hakone Ginyu has it all. moon-watching sofa and its own
The Ultimate Ryokan Experience When I visited Japan earlier this year, I feel like my trip would not be complete
without staying for a day or two at a Japanese traditional inn, also known as the ‘Ryokan’. After going on through some research and recommendations, I landed my choice and decided to splurge on Hakone Ginyu Located in a small village of Hakone, high up at the mountains, the trip to Hakone Ginyu was not exactly easy breezy. My partner and me traveled from Kyoto, and it took us almost 5 hours to get there. We had to change trains a few times, from the glorious Shinkansen, to a subway-like city train and finally on to a tiny train that climbs up the mountain, with the capacity of no more than 25 people. 6
outdoor private Onsen. I was beyond excited and just when everything was settled, the first thing I did was took a dip. I bathe my ache in the Onsen as I gaze at the stars that lights up Hakone’s sky. I felt the warm water has relieved my sore muscles, the smell of nature relaxed my mind as the wind took my worries away.
Feeling exhausted and restless from the long journey, we finally reached the Ryokan just right down the road from Miyanoshita station where we got off. The moment I stepped in to Hakone Ginyu, I know I have come to a right place. We took our shoes at the entrance and were greeted by the staff with the warmest welcome, as if they could feel our weariness. 7
FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE KYOTO 8
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KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE KYOTO 10
GEISHA PERFORMANCE KYOTO 11
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GINKAKU-JI TEMPLE KYOTO
BAMBOO FOREST ARASHIYAMA
WOMEN IN KIMONO, JAPANESE TRADITIONAL ATTIRE 12
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TRAveling solo
The next day I woke up with the biggest smile on my face, feeling good about myself, as the warm sunshine and the sound of the waves kissing the shores greeted me that morning. I realized that all I had to do was to be open to all experience that beckons me. I have learned that only by letting things in, I can find happiness, as true happiness lives within me.
be alone, not lonely
Every one of us needs a break
from the everyday routine now and then. Traveling, for me is probably the best way to escape. Some people prefer to travel with their spouse or loved ones; some prefer to travel in a group of friends, while others liked it solo. And for me, I say nothing beats the experience of having an adventure by yourself. At first, traveling solo sounds daunting to me. All kinds of worries came up, from getting lost in a strange place, the insecurity of getting robbed or attacked during the trip, to the awkwardness of eating out alone in a restaurant. But after I was forced to take some trips by myself, I finally found the beauty of making the best out of my solitary escapades. When I’m traveling alone to a big city, I prefer to stay in a city centre hotel to keep me from the harm of unknown hazard district. If I’m going away to a more secluded place, I love to make sure that my hotel caters almost anything. I remember staying in a beautiful boutique hotel in Saint-Tropez, but they do not provide room service. For some reasons, I was starving at 11pm and the hotel had nothing but chocolates and alcohol. My tummy was aching and I couldn’t sleep. The whole night has ruined my overall good experience there. Despite that, the best thing about traveling alone for me is how I can enjoy the time 14
where I can finally live without compromises. I could do whatever I want during my trip. Whether its sitting and relaxing at the beach all day, shopping, sightseeing, or even if I just want to stay in my gorgeous hotel room and order room service, its my call. It is my vacation and it can be everything that I want it to be.
“I went home packed with confidence, the rewards of self-respect, great experiences and valuable knowledge.”
When I feel like I’ve had enough solitude, I usually went for a night out and sit at the bar. The bar is without a doubt one of the best place to meet new and exciting people. One of the most interesting people I met was through traveling and sitting at the bar (or other communal places). I am always amazed with the friendliness of the locals, or the stories of other like-minded travelers that I met there.
Last thing, “If you have to travel alone, travel in style”. These wise words from Daniel Cleaver are probably the one thing I remember from watching The Bridget Jones’s Diaries. Let’s face it - when going solo, that occasional pity stare from people around is inevitable. But whenever this happens, I put on my best shades, walk with a smile on my face, and my head held high. With Signora Prada, Mademoiselle Chanel, and Monsieur Dior with me, I just couldn’t care less.
Someone said “The best thing to know someone is to travel with them”, so does to know yourself. Traveling alone has made me learn and find myself more. By traveling alone and trying some things new, I have discovered my inner powerful self. I always went home packed with confidence, the rewards of self-respect, great experiences and valuable knowledge.
Although I won’t lie, I have had my moment of doubts and lonely nights. As I recall myself in Bali several years ago, I was wide-awake with thousands of thoughts scattering in my restless mind.
“I was alone with the night and my sorrow, but I felt alive.” It was 3 am, I sat in my hotel balcony, the sky was dark and empty, and suddenly that moment comes rushing in. I was there, alone with the night and my sorrow, but I felt alive. In all of the sudden, it seems the easy winds at the witching hour has taken my scattered thoughts and they just disappears with the universe. I didn’t think anymore, but I feel. I feel pain, I feel it aching my whole body, and I’m letting it all in. Let it consumes me, exhaust me, drowns me or isolates me. For each of its torture, can only bring me more to life.
SANTORINI GREECE 15
THE WORLD’S BEST CUISINE
ITALY
Savoury dishes around the world for the perfect self-indulgence
JAPAN
Kobe Beef Salmon Sashimi
Spaghetti Al Nero di Seppia
Custard Profiteroles with Chocolate
Marble Beef Shabu Shabu Beef Carpaccio with Goat Cheese
Pork Ramen 16
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MALDIVES A Taste of Paradise in the Indian Ocean
When it comes to beach gateways, Maldives is more than a cup of tea. Thousands of islands divided by the region of its Atoll, sprinkled on top of Indian Ocean’s sexiest shades of blue. It is the worlds lowest country with surfaces only a few meters above sea level. I stayed in the North Male Atoll, one of the regions with the easiest access to the capital, Male. My first glimpse of the Atoll was breathtaking. The beaming white sands looked so enticing under the lining palm trees. I was sheltered inside the archipelago’s renowned over-water villa that has the luxurious view of an infinite sea. The sun shines so bright shimmering the landscape, leaves no place for my worries. The gentle waves that hugged the shore lured me to sink into the crystal-clear water to have a taste of the ocean. A group of fish swimming by the seashore excites me to enjoy their freedom. 18
I stroll along the miles of the luscious beach and indulge myself with one of a kind Spa treatment by the ocean. Even sipping Margharita felt so gratifying as I immerse the peace of my surroundings. When the night takes over, everything was silent and undisturbed. I stayed up late gazing thousands of stars scattered on the deep and dark sky. The night breeze caresses my skin assuring me that I am safe. As the sun rises, the sky is filled with graceful warm colors. The picture perfect scene once hooked me to believe that I am in paradise. Everything was so surreal, having to witness myself, nature’s game of hide and seek.
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Enchanting Bali
TRAVEL IN STYLE Romantic Venice
Charming Morocco
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Trendy New York
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the many faces of Bali, to listen to its secretsThe people are so nice, trying to engage in a conversation with you with their sincere and to catch a glimpse of its heart. So eventually I decided to go to Ubud, the smile. culture centre of Bali. I decided to see the famous tari kecak. It Ubud is the contrast of what is well-known was amazing. They performed the dance at from Bali, there are no beaches, no people a temple, with the sunset as it backdrop. It with bikinis, no party. Ubud is located 600 simply magical. meter above the sea at the mountain, the view is dominated by the vast gradient of green.
The Hidden Face of Bali
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A long time ago, Ubud is just a small art village in the mountain. Looking at it now, it seems this village hasn’t change a lot. You can see many painters, sculptures, and dancers while you stroll down the pavement.
Most people recognized Bali for its beautiful beaches. Every year, the island
is flock with tourists from four corners of the world. Some of its part such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua has becoming the main attraction and the ultimate destination for commercial tourist. Some people even dare to go as far as saying that Bali has lost its original beauty. Fortunately, Bali has a hidden face‌ a face that only appear for those who has a genuine intention of immersing themselves to the magical land of Bali.
To describe Bali as a beautiful island with gorgeous beaches is a truly understatement. This island has many secrets and layers, in which every layer has its own merit. The first time I landed in Bali, I was welcome by the warm tropical sun and the breeze that carries the scent of the ocean. I immediately feel that I am in the right place. I stayed at Nusa Dua, the less crowded part of Bali where many luxurious hotels are placed. The beach is just right in front of my hotel, beckons to me. I spend my first day pampering myself at the beach, relaxing while enjoying my book that I bought specially for this trip. 22
There’s something about being in the beach that can lift up every stress, and every burden on my shoulders washed away. I ended my time at that beach after I witness the most captivating sunset I ever saw. The gradient of orange and blue that are being reflected by the glistening ocean can really bring any man or woman to appreciate the beauty of nature. The morning after while I enjoyed my first cup of coffee, there was a temptation to go back to the beach, and have a spa and just pamper myself again with the hotel facilities. But, I remind myself that I have a mission. My mission is to unveil 23
VOYAGE
December 2013