Travel 3sixty september 2014 by Bryan Luong

AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Children of the Stars

TANA TORAJA

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ME FROM THE AIRCRAFT. READ ME ONLINE.

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9 0 2014

CHECK-IN Contents September 2014

NAVIGATOR

106

Tana Toraja, Indonesia

Sapa, Vietnam

LIFE & DEATH IN TORAJA

OFF THE WALL Penang, Malaysia

SICHUAN’S WILD WEST Litang Horse Festival

CITY OF THE GODDESS Madurai, India

82 32 56

AMONG THE HMONG

114

PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE No Fears, No Tears

120

TRAVEL LOG Lucky Traveller

STYLE FILE

124 OFF THE RACK Autumn Style

BOARDING CALL 06 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS

128 VANITY FARE Fall’s Fab List

132 JETSETTER Sarika Gupta

Mabuhay, World!

IN FLIGHT

08 INBOX

138 PICTURE PERFECT

The Buzz from our Guests

10 RED FORT

Photos Taken by AirAsia Guests

News from AirAsia

140 GET COMFY

160 MY AIRASIA

Joy of Flying

Childhood Favourites

PORT OF CALL

FLIGHT PLAN

142 ROUTE MAP

20 SPOTLIGHT

150 DESTINATIONS

Stuff you’d Love to Know

32 HOT DATES September Events to Keep a Lookout for

36 ASEAN COMPASS

156 AIRASIA SALES OFFICES & STATIONS 158 TOUCHDOWN Seoul, South Korea

Immerse Yourself

40 QUICK BITES Sweet September

46 PAGE TURNER Examining the Crime Scene

50 MONEY MAKER Where There’s a Will...

52 PRESCRIPTION

124

Healthy Feet, Happy Life

54 SCORE BOARD Extend Your Endurance

56 HYPER TECH The Rise of Wearables

60 SLEEP INNS Chic KL Cribs

66 HIT LIST Local Rides

136 KIDS SPACE The Art of Fighting

PUBLISHER GROUP HEAD, BRANDS & COMM. MANAGING EDITOR DEPUTY EDITOR ART DIRECTOR WRITERS

Datuk Kamarudin Meranun

R. Rajendra Beverly Rodrigues Kan Seak Hong Chitra Santhinathan Adli Syahril

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Adam Lee

PHOTOGRAPHER

Ariff Shah

GRAPHIC DESIGNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CONTRIBUTORS

AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Jenny Wakana

Children of the Stars

TANA TORAJA

Fadillah Kamarudin Fazlina Bee Binti Abdul Rashid Captain Lim Khoy Hing, Eﬁ Eqbal, Omar Havana, Marco Ferrarese, Keeta Brennan, Stephanie Brookes, Ril Rahman

TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚ DIGITAL TEAM CONTENT

Matthew Mok, Irvin Hanni, Abby Yao, Ari Fajar

WEBMASTER

Iyan Yudhiana, Hakma Juhari

WEB DEVELOPERS

Mohd Suﬁan, Zulasyraf Razak

WEB DESIGNER

Angie Lew

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ME FROM THE AIRCRAFT. READ ME ONLINE.

9 0 2014

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ON THE COVER Tongkonan House in Tana Toraja, Indonesia

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Indran Balavishnu (Malaysia) indran.balavishnu@pharpartnerships.com Senthuran Mohan (Malaysia) sen.mohan@pharpartnerships.com May Aung (Singapore) may.aung@pharpartnerships.com Panda Pochjanart (Thailand) panda@pharpartnerships.com

Vikhram Radhakishnan (Indonesia) vikhram.r@pharpartnerships.com Ivan Riyansah (Indonesia) ivan.riyansah@pharpartnerships.com Frances Barsana (Philippines) frances.barsana@pharpartnerships.com Nick Lockwood (Singapore, UK & International) nick.lockwood@pharpartnerships.com

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Have a question regarding travelling with AirAsia? Get your answers here at airasia.com/ask! We’ll help you out via chat, twitter.com/askairasia or E-mail if you need further assistance AirAsia on Twitter for information & assistance on simple requests: www.twitter.com/AskAirAsia For exciting news, bytes and tweets from AirAsia: www.twitter.com/airasia AirAsia on Facebook: www. facebook.com/AirAsia. For AirAsia promotional updates, travel stories & news: www.facebook.com/airasia AirAsia blog to share travel experiences and stories: http://blog.airasia.com Find us on Weibo at http://t.sina.com.cn/airasia Folow us on RenRen at http://page.renren.com/airasia

93 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS 4 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Joy with AirAsia Zest and AirAsia Philippines senior management teams.

MABUHAY, WORLD! When you arrive in Manila or anywhere in the Philippines, you’ll see the word Mabuhay, which is the Filipino way of saying ‘welcome’ or ‘hello’, but more interestingly, its literal translation means to ‘come alive’. Philippines AirAsia was born two years ago and has grown stronger after a strategic alliance with AirAsia Zest in 2013. With the two airlines combining operations, we have become a formidable player in the Philippine market, having the unique advantage of being able to leverage on the extensive network of the AirAsia Group across the Asean region, North Asia, India and Australia. Indeed, now more than ever, Filipino Allstars (as we like to call our team) are determined to be a major force in the Philippines by following the best and highest international standards in customer service and safety. We are, after all, a member of the AirAsia Group, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six straight years! We, at Philippines AirAsia, ﬂy high with the world’s best! As the new Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Zest, I am proud to say that our Philippine operation is made up of a unique combination of industry veterans who are all willing to share their wisdom and experience with the young, dynamic and energetic group who are overflowing with fresh and 6

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creative ideas. Together, we work tirelessly to provide the best experience that every guest deserves. At the heart of all our efforts to build our company is our collective desire for our country’s tourism to grow and our economy to ﬂourish. AirAsia, with its low fares, quality service and extensive network, has brought communities closer together and afforded people better quality of life. I have seen how Malaysia AirAsia, Thailand AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia have played a big role in shaping their respective countries. We are privileged to have the opportunity to do the same for the Philippines. I am reminded of the day Typhoon Haiyan struck parts of the Visayas region and instantly paralysed airport operations in Tacloban, the capital city of Leyte province, which suffered the brunt of the super typhoon. The devastation didn’t spare our team. Some lost their homes and were separated from their family and yet, on the day they were called back to work to assist stranded passengers, as well as relief and rescue workers, all of them came and performed beyond what was expected of them. AirAsia Zest was among the first local carriers to launch humanitarian ﬂights to areas affected by the typhoon in Tacloban, Kalibo

and Cebu. We carried over 5,000 relief and rescue workers and offered free ﬂights to all those in need – regardless of whether they were AirAsia guests or not. It is an honour for me to lead a team of dedicated Allstars and we are all geared up to welcome everyone on board. Expect exciting times ahead. We will introduce new routes, increase frequencies, open new hubs and offer new products and services. To all of you, we say Mabuhay and welcome to Philippines. We are happy to ﬂy with you.

Joy Cañeba CEO, AirAsia Zest

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While reading the picture essay titled Milestones & Memories (July 2014), I found myself reminiscing over my travels with AirAsia. My maiden flight was to Kota Bahru in 2005 to meet my first boyfriend’s family, flying out of KLIA, which was quite intimidating for a first timer like me. At the age of 23 in 2008, I used my first annual bonus as a bank officer to treat my parents to a holiday in Siem Reap. The following year, I flew to Bangkok on my first solo trip. Over the next five years, I flew LETTER with AirAsia to Penang, Phuket, Krabi, Bandung, OF THE Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Taipei, New Delhi, Paris, Kuching, Busan and Hong Kong – having started my journeys from LCC Terminal MONTH! to the present klia2. In those six years, I was promoted twice with the same bank to Assistant Vice President and now Vice President. On my recent flight to Hong Kong, the girl next to me asked why I still fly with AirAsia when I can certainly afford a full service airline. My reply was: “One, for the fond moments like when AirAsia flew me to New Delhi for a holiday with my present boyfriend in 2011, and then, to visit his family in Paris for the first time in 2012. Two, I share the same belief as AirAsia – challenge boundaries where not even the sky can limit one’s potential.” In a few weeks, I will embark on a trip with my best friend to Perth and Sydney for my 29th birthday. I also have trips booked for Manila and Tokyo and have been eyeing Da Nang for 2015. Terima Kasih for the memories, AirAsia! ~ Tarynn, Melaka, Malaysia

With my all-time favourite wine of choice being a Barossa Shiraz, it was no surprise to read in the article Falling for Barossa (July 2014) that an array of cultures underlies the region’s awardwinning reds. Whilst planning a trip to my fiancé’s home town in Italy, I’ve had frequent cravings for hearty home cooking and red wine. So, on my AirAsia X flight from Sydney to KL, this article was a welcome read. Flying all the way to Italy for hand-made gnocchi and tiramisu may not be practical, so your write-up on Casa Carboni’s enoteca and cooking school had me dreaming of a weekend in Barossa upon my return. We are lucky in Australia to have cultural diversity that allows us to enjoy world cuisines without ever leaving the country. ~ K Alisha Milajew, Australia

I couldn’t help but be mesmerised with the article Pride of the Desert (July 2014), and the colourful pictures of what transpires during the Pushkar camel fair in India. I can already imagine the festivity in the air; the aromas, sights and sounds of the desert; camels and livestock; women dressed in colourful outfits; men looking debonair; and the intense bargaining taking place! Thank you travel 3Sixty° for this intriguing piece that has further piqued my passion for travel. ~ Joanne Teh, via email

THE RENAISSANCE KUALA LUMPUR HOTEL The Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel is located mere steps from the Petronas Twin Towers and minutes from the city’s top attractions including Little India, Aquaria KLCC, KL Bird Park, Central Market and Chinatown. Accommodation, divided between East and West wings, features free WiFi, sofa, LCD TV, mini fridge, coffee/tea service and 24-hour in-room dining. While amenities are the same, the aesthetics differ at both wings: The West Wing rooms feature a classic European design with elegant accents, while the East Wing rooms are done up in a contemporary style and have a soft colour palette. Opportunities for indulgence abound, whether at the Mandara Spa or at any of the seven dining venues. Enjoy lavish buffets at TEMPTationS and Vogue Café; authentic Chinese dishes and the city’s best Peking duck at Dynasty Restaurant; and hibachi and sushi at Sagano Restaurant. After indulging, head to the Fitness Centre, the Olympic-size pool or tennis courts to work up a sweat. renaissance-hotels.marriott.com

LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS: 3D/2N stay in a Deluxe room at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel inclusive of breakfast for two worth approx USD700 nett!

OTHER PUBLISHED LETTERS EACH WIN: One F&B voucher worth approx USD30 to be redeemed at any F&B outlet at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

Like what you read in travel 3Sixty°? Share your thoughts with us in English! To show you how much we appreciate your feedback, we’ll give the best Letter of the Month and two other published letters attractive prizes. Email your feedback to travel3sixty@airasia.com. travel 3Sixty° reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length, and only letters regarding articles published in travel 3Sixty° will stand to win a prize.

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HERE’S THE BUZZ ON AIRASIA’S SOCIAL MEDIA To the captain who flew us on AK379 from Denpasar to Kuala Lumpur, we experienced a good take-off and landing. Thanks for the smooth flight. Monica Wong

Thank you AirAsia for enabling me to go on overseas holidays every year! Well done! Sally Graham

Flight booked! Can’t wait for my parents’ very first flight experience to visit me in India with AirAsia. Wohoo! @nadirahbabji

Last night’s safety announcement on Flight AK5218 was very interesting! Kept us entertained! Thanks! @kelvinchan89

Reached Kalibo at 5.20pm. Thumbs up to AirAsia for the smooth connecting flight! CaiCaiZi

First time on an AirAsia flight to Bangkok, and I visited Chatuchak Market. It was a great experience! PiZi

MINI GUIDES, MAXI INFO The Awesome Philippines and Awesome Thailand travel guides are now available as mini guides divided into singledestination PDFs for easy downloading or reading online. You can zoom into exactly what you are looking for and download only the required material. AWESOME PHILIPPINES MINI GUIDES DESTINATIONS: Manila, Cebu, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa and Tagbilaran with DIY itineraries. Download it at: airasia.com/awesomePH

AWESOME THAILAND MINI GUIDES (also in Japanese for the main guide!) DESTINATIONS: Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Trang, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. Download it at: airasia.com/awesomethailand

9 RED FORT 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

BEST IN THE WORLD On July 15, AirAsia was crowned ‘World’s Best Low Cost Airline’ and ‘Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline’ for the sixth consecutive year at the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards in London. The Skytrax World Airline Awards is the global benchmark of airline excellence and one of the most prestigious accolades in the airline industry. The awards are based on an annual global survey conducted over a 10-month period, covering over 245 airlines worldwide. A total of 18.9 million customer surveys were completed, measuring standards across 41 key performance indicators of an airline’s front-line products and services.

(Fourth from left): Anaz Ahmad Tajuddin, Group Head of Engineering, AirAsia; Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia; Mittu Chandilya, CEO of India AirAsia; Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X; Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia; and Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X flanked by flight attendants.

“I thank our guests whose valuable comments and feedback have made us an outstanding airline today and my incredible team of Allstars who work hard every day to deliver only the best.” ~ Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia.

AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER On July 21, AirAsia’s Chief Photographer Adam Lee bagged three second prizes and two honourable mentions at the Prix De La Photographie Paris 2014 (Px3) competition. The awards received were second prizes for his entries titled A Grand Affair in Bali in the Portraiture category, AirAsia’s Annual Report 2013 in the Advertising category and Amber in the Press category. Lee also received honourable mentions for his entries titled Tragedy in Tacloban and Flesh Trade. Lee’s photography works were selected from thousands of entries from over 85 countries. Px3 is juried by top international decision-makers in the photography industry including Carol Johnson, Curator of Photography of Library of Congress, Washington D.C. and Alice Gabriner, World Picture Editor of Time Magazine, New York. 10

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Tragedy in Tacloban

A Grand Affair in Bali

AirAsia’s Annual Report 2013 cover

EASY TRANSIT AirAsia and AirAsia X have introduced 139 new Fly-Thru routes to provide a seamless travel experience without the hassle of multiple check-ins and baggage transfers when transiting at AirAsia’s FlyThru hubs: Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Guests who have booked flight tickets with AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service will receive an onward flight boarding pass from the first point of embarkation and will be allowed to bypass immigration clearance

at these two Fly-Thru hubs. Your baggage will be checked through to the ﬁnal destination, so you need not collect baggage at your transit hub to check-in again. For a complete list of routes where the Fly-Thru service is available, log on to www.airasia.com

“The Fly-Thru service reflects our continuous effort to innovate and enhance our service offerings, presenting utmost convenience to our guests and making multiple-city flights easier and more efficient.” ~ Aireen Omar, CEO of Malaysia AirAsia.

X-CITING NEW ROUTES! On July 7, Thai AirAsia X announced direct ﬂights to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan from Bangkok starting September 1. Guests who attended the press conference include Nadda Buranasiri, CEO of Thai AirAsia X; Wiboon Nimitrwanich, Executive Director, Advertising and Public Relations, Tourism Authority of Thailand; and Izumi Amano, Bangkok Ofﬁce Director, Japan National Tourism Organization. To celebrate the joyous occasion, the airline offered promotional fares on Economy seats from USD93 and on Business Class seats from USD310 one way.

(Left to right): John Leahy, Tony Fernandes, Fabrice Brégier, Eric Schulz, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and Azran Osman-Rani with flight attendants.

SEAL THE DEAL On July 15, AirAsia X signed an USD13.8 billion deal with aircraft manufacturer Airbus in London for 50 brand new A330neo and an additional 50 purchase rights. AirAsia X is the first airline in the world to order the newly launched aircraft. The agreement was signed by Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO, and was witnessed by Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia; Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X; John Leahy, Airbus COO, Customers; and Eric Schulz, President – Civil Large Engines of Rolls Royce. With more than 536 aircraft ordered, the AirAsia Group continues to expand, cementing its status as one of Airbus’ largest customers. The first deliveries of the new A330neo aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Q4 2017. 12

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(Second from left) Wiboon Nimitrwanich, Nadda Buranasiri and Izumi Amano flanked by flight attendants.

“This has been a highly anticipated moment for us and for many Thai travellers who are looking forward to convenient, low-fare and high-value travel options to Japan.” ~ Nadda Buranasiri, CEO of Thai AirAsia X.

NI HAO, XI’AN!

BIG WISHES COME TRUE

On July 3, AirAsia X celebrated its inaugural flight into Xi’an from Kuala Lumpur in Xi’an, China. The home of the Terracotta Army, Xi’an is the airline’s fifth destination in China. The launch was attended by Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X; Dato’ Fam Ee Lee, Director of AirAsia X; Rohaiza Haris, Deputy Director of Tourism Section of the Malaysian Embassy; Ma Li, Director of the Primary Industries Department of Municipal Development and Reform Commission of Shan Xi Province; and Fu Li Sheng, Chief Marketing Officer of Xianyang International Airport. To commemorate the occasion, the airline offered promotional fares to Xi’an from approximately USD62 on Economy and USD218 on Business Class. The airline operates four weekly flights to Xi’an from Kuala Lumpur.

In early May, AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme rolled out its BIG Travel Wish Campaign, a three-month long contest that required participants to submit the most intriguing reasons for wanting to travel to their desired destinations via BIG’s Travel Wish application on Facebook. In July, BIG presented two grand prize winners Raymond Chuah Moong Earn and Nurlynnie Azzureenie Abdullah free ﬂights to Melbourne, Australia and Tokyo, Japan, respectively, as well as an exclusive BIG Shot experience that included a wardrobe and hair makeover, an escort by local celebrities Peter Davis and the Chong sisters, as well as a chauffeur ride provided by Malaysian race car driver Alex Yoong, and a helicopter ride to a private rooftop party. Over the span of three months, BIG gave out 10 million AirAsia BIG Points to 1,000 lucky participants out of 35,000 contestants.

“The BIG Shot experience is something new that we are embarking on for the brand and our members.” ~ Alice Goh, CEO of AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme.

“Adding Xi’an into our ever growing network in China proves our commitment in our growth strategies in the Asia Pacific region and will further expand the airline’s reach in North Asia.” ~ Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X

FUN IN PHITSANULOK To bring the brand closer to the local community, AirAsia organised the AirAsia Walking Street: Save and Soar event that took place every Saturday from July 19 to September 6 in Phitsanulok, Thailand. AirAsia opened an ice cream booth and donated proceeds to Phitsanulok Banyanukul School. The airline also gave visitors the opportunity to win return tickets to Bangkok from Phitsanulok through its ‘AirAsia Landmark Hunting’ game where participants had to ﬁnd and snap photos with AirAsia branding placed throughout the venue. In future, AirAsia will bring the event to other provinces across Thailand including Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Surat Thani.

(Second from left): Panwipa Sukkakanond, Senior Product Manager of Thai AirAsia; Boonsong Tanthani, Mayor of Phitsanulok; and Jukkrit Mee-Date, AirAsia Phitsanulok Station Head flanked by flight attendants.

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Nurlynnie Azzureenie Abdullah (left) and Raymond Chuah Moong Earn

IMAGE: ADAM LEE

to the masses and transform Indian aviation. RT We’ve been very proud to partner with AirAsia to set up an airline in India because it embodies things that we consider important: Values and ethics, as well as bringing affordable air travel to the people. We’ve always partaken in things that we believe are good for the country. This is going to be a game-changer in India because it establishes a new standard in bringing air travel to millions of people who have never been able to travel by air.

BUILDING BIG DREAMS At the official launch of India AirAsia in Bengaluru, India, on July 3, travel 3Sixty° caught up with Ratan Tata (RT), Advisor for India AirAsia and Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes (TF), Group CEO of AirAsia to find out about AirAsia’s business expansion in the country.

AS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS, WHAT ARE YOUR APPROACHES TO BUILDING A BUSINESS LIKE INDIA AIRASIA? TF There are two; the ﬁrst aspect is getting the right people,

culture and chemistry to build a fantastic brand. Then, the most important thing is to offer low fares so that everyone in India can ﬂy. I think that’s what the people are excited about: To have an airline that can deliver

WHICH DO YOU THINK IS MORE IMPORTANT – WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE OR YOUTHFUL VIGOUR TO DARINGLY VENTURE INTO UNCHARTERED TERRITORIES? TF You need to have energy and you must have belief. The airline business is tough and many people gave up before really giving it a good shot. But, nothing can beat experience. You can have all the energy, but if you don’t have the brain or wisdom, there’s no point. I think energy, persistence and fortitude and daring to be different are important. So, both are required ingredients for success.

RT I think doing the right thing for the stakeholder is crucial when you enter a business. In all cases, operating business for the good of the customer is important. This is a customerfacing business; it is bringing a facility to the people in a manner that they have not been able to have before. We believe that we are doing the right thing in the right way and carving out new avenues for the way people travel in India.

FINALLY, WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR READERS? TF This is the people’s airline. Work with us and give us suggestions to make it better. Hopefully, we’ll deliver something that all Indians will be proud of. We are here to create jobs, to allow people to ﬂy, to dare to be different and to dream big – and you are very much a part of it. So, join us on this ride and be a part of the India AirAsia dream. RT Thank you for the business and trust. We will try to live up to your expectations and, hopefully, exceed them. We continue to look at ways that the airline can serve you better, and to be creative and innovative in terms of what we can offer.

BEACHES OF GOA On June 12, India AirAsia launched its inaugural flight from Bengaluru, the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ to Goa, an awesome beach destination in India. Here’s a roundup of beaches to check out when in Goa.

X CANDOLIM BEACH This long and lively stretch of beach boasts good restaurants and hip nightspots. Visitors can enjoy water-based activities like parasailing and water skiing, and visit the Aguada Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. X ANJUNA BEACH Once home to hippies, Anjuna

there’s a famous flea market at the southern end of the beach, which opens from morning till dusk.

X ARAMBOL BEACH Located in a traditional fishing village called Arambol, Arambol Beach is famous for its alternative wellness activities like reiki, yoga and meditation, and is also home to a cool music scene. Strong winds here make it a great spot for paragliding and kite surfing. GETTING THERE India AirAsia ﬂies daily to Goa from Bengaluru, India. www.airasia.com

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Beach is now a popular tourist spot with cool restaurants and bars and stunning sea views. Every Wednesday,

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Anjuna Beach

Learn about the story of a young man from China, who in 1885 started a humble pewter enterprise that would one day become an iconic Malaysian brand. This story is one that intertwines with the history of Malaysia, starting with Kuala Lumpur's early days as a tin mining town. For a fun-filled experience, enrol in the School of Hard Knocks* to craft pewter the way it was done over 100 years ago. An experience not to be missed.

Admission to Visitor Centre is free. Wheelchair Accessible. http://visitorcentre.royalselangor.com

ROYAL SELANGOR VISITOR CENTRE

*Charges apply for workshop.

KUALA LUMPUR OPEN DAILY 9AM - 5PM

PENANG OPEN DAILY 10AM - 10.30PM

SINGAPORE OPEN DAILY 9AM - 9.30PM

4 Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya 53300

3A-G-1 Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang

3A River Valley Road #01-01

T +603 4145 6122 F +603 4022 3000

Tanjung Tokong 10470

Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020

Free Shuttle Service Call +603 4145 6122

T +604 891 2018 F +604 891 2019

T +65 6268 9600 F +65 6268 6300

visitorcentre@royalselangor.com.my

straits.quay@royalselangor.com.my

contact.sg@royalselangor.com

INTRODUCING PREMIUM FLEX AirAsia’s brand new Premium Flex service offers greater flexibility for guests, especially business travellers. With this service, guests get to enjoy truly great benefits on both AirAsia and AirAsia X flights! X FLEXI-FLIGHT Guests have the flexibility to change their flights twice, up to two hours before their scheduled time of departure, without incurring a change fee. Fare differences apply. X EARN BIG POINTS Guests who are also AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme members can earn one BIG point for every MYR1 spent. X CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE SEAT Guests can select their favourite seats (Standard or Premium Seats) on AirAsia and AirAsia X flights at no additional charge. Premium Seats are subject to availability. X PACK MORE Premium Flex guests are provided with a baggage allowance of 20kgs on all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights. X XPRESS BOARDING Premium Flex guests enjoy priority boarding. YOU CAN OPT FOR THE PREMIUM FLEX SERVICE WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TICKETS ONLINE AT www.airasia.com OR SCAN THE QR CODE HERE.

PAMPERING WITH PREMIUM FLEX Satisﬁed AirAsia guests share their experiences with this service.

“Great! We were able to choose the seats that we like and board the plane early.” ~ Teh Thian Ngee, Malaysia.

“This service is very affordable. I skipped the queue and enjoyed the priority lane while boarding. Overall, it was a pleasant experience!” ~ Tan Lae Peng, Malaysia.

“It was a good experience for me. Everything was fast!” ~ Piriyapandh Thaisuriyo, Thailand.

“This service is worth it. My flights were on time. It’s beyond my expectations.” ~ Raziff Jamaluddin, Malaysia.

TUNE IN ALOR SETAR Tune Hotels is set to open its second property in Kedah, Malaysia, this November. The new 88-room hotel in Alor Setar, Kedah’s capital, will be housed in the refurbished Bangunan HBR, and in close proximity to state government offices and the Alor Setar railway station, as well as historical and iconic buildings including Masjid Zahir, Balai Seni, the Royal Museum and the Alor Setar Tower. On June 2, an agreement for a MYR12 million financing facility for this hotel was signed by Khairil Akmal Hanafi, Group CEO of HBR Group and Abdul Razak Abu Bakar, Senior Vice President for Corporate Banking, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Rakyat), and witnessed by Dato’ Mohd Rawi Abd Hamid, State Executive Councillor for Tourism. 18

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(Left to right): Khairil Akmal Hanafi , Dato’ Mohd Rawi Abd Hamid and Abdul Razak Abu Bakar.

9 SPOTLIGHT 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Mount Kinabalu

SABAH

From its humble beginnings as an outpost of the British North Borneo Chartered Company to its elevation as the capital of North Borneo (as the state of Sabah was known before becoming a part of the Federation of Malaysia) under British colonial rule, Kota Kinabalu (formerly Jesselton) or KK for short, is a picturesque city with an enviable seafront location. Famed for its sandy beaches, pristine marine park, colourful markets and abundance of fresh seafood, the city is also the gateway to one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia – Mount Kinabalu.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

EXPLORE KINABALU PARK The ﬁrst UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia, Kinabalu Park is the gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks. Ascending the summit of Mt Kinabalu takes about a day and a half (with an overnight stay at Laban Rata) via two standard trails: Summit and the more scenic but longer Mesilau. www.kinabalu-park.com

TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN MARINE PARK Comprising a cluster of ﬁve islands – 20

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Mari-Mari Cultural Village

Kiulu River Rafting

Ocean Seafood Village

Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug – as well as surrounding reefs, this national marine park encompasses an area of 50 square kilometres. Whether you opt for a daytrip or to stay overnight, the islands boast crystal clears waters and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau and Murut indigenous tribes with half-day guided tours offering visitors insight into their lives and unique rituals. ‘Performers’ actually hail from these tribes and employment in the village helps sustain their livelihoods and keep their traditions alive. www.

market sells all manner of trinkets, souvenirs and clothing. For more shopping options, and some say, better quality goods, explore the streets behind Le Méridien hotel. There are several shops here that stock souvenirs, decorative items and pearl jewellery. Jalan Tun Fuad

www.sabahparks.org.my

marimariculturalvillage.com

EXPERIENCE

KOTA KINABALU HANDICRAFT MARKET Better known as the Filipino Market, as the original stallholders were of Filipino origin, this

MARI-MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE This cultural village showcases the traditions of the

Stephens, along the waterfront

TANJUNG ARU BEACH Close to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, this beach is a favourite among locals and derives its name from the aru (casuarina) trees

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Writer Chitra Santhinathan waxes lyrical about her oncesecond home, Kota Kinabalu, and the myriad cultural, historical and natural wonders of the East Malaysian state of Sabah.

that grow here. I spent many an evening on the beach, strolling among the casuarina trees with coconut (water) in hand, plane spotting and watching glorious sunsets. KIULU RIVER RAFTING Situated an hour north of KK in the town of Tamparuli, Kiulu River has a Grade I to II rafting course that only requires basic paddling skills, making it ideal for ﬁrsttimers and families with young children.

TASTE OCEAN SEAFOOD VILLAGE Step into this Chinese restaurant and you’ll be greeted with tanks upon tanks of fish and crustaceans guaranteeing a ‘fresh-from-the-ocean’ seafood dinner. Point to your fish or shellfish of choice and tell the waiter how you’d like it cooked. Order stir-fried Sabah vegetable (a leafy green) as a side and coconut jelly (a pudding served in a coconut) for dessert. No. 4, Lorong Api Api Centre 3, Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu 088-264701

LAND BELOW THE WIND Occupying the top end of the island of Borneo, Sabah is often referred to by the moniker Land Below the Wind, a term attributed to writer Agnes Keith who titled her 1939 book in reference to Sabah’s location just below the tropical typhoon belt. Here are my top recommendations of things to see and do in this Bornean paradise.

EXPLORE SIPADAN ISLAND Described by oceanographer Jacques Costeau as an untouched piece of art, Sipadan, off Sabah’s southeastern coast, is one of the world’s top dive sites. The waters here are teeming with sea turtles, white tip reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish and barracuda. The island is a protected site and only a certain number of divers are permitted per day. Due to strong currents, Sipadan is recommended for advanced open water or experienced divers. MALIAU BASIN Dubbed the Lost World of Borneo, the basin encompasses some 400kms of pristine forest and is home to rare and endemic species of flora and fauna including the rare Rafflesia 22

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tengku-adlinii, clouded leopard and Malayan sun bear. The forest is also a refuge for the endangered Borneo pygmy elephant. Besides jungle trekking and bird watching, a dip in the magniﬁcent seventiered Maliau Falls is highly recommended. maliaubasin.org/home/

tailed macaques who often join in the feasting. The sanctuary itself serves as a rehabilitation centre for displaced and injured orang utan that are eventually encouraged to return to the wild. Batu 14, Jalan Labuk-

TIP OF BORNEO A three-hour drive from KK, Borneo’s northernmost tip, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau offers views of a spectacular seascape, white sand beach and rocky outcrops. It’s also the point where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea.

LABUK BAY PROBOSCIS MONKEY SANCTUARY This sanctuary offers glimpses of the pendulous-nosed, potbellied proboscis monkey in the wild. Food lures the monkeys to trees near a purpose-built viewing platform, offering plenty of photo opportunities. www.proboscis.cc

EXPERIENCE

AGNES KEITH HOUSE The restored home of American writer Agnes Keith is deﬁnitely a must-see for history buffs and fans of the novelist. With its enviable location overlooking the bay, a tour of the house offers spectacular views of

SEPILOK ORANG UTAN SANCTUARY A trip during feeding time almost guarantees sightings of these gentle giants in their natural habitat, as well as troops of long-

Sandakan

089-531180

An orang utan at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

the town below, as well as insight into the lives of the Keiths. Just a few steps away from the property is the English Tea House with its croquet lawn, and 100 Steps (a path that leads into town). Jalan Istana, Sandakan 089– 221140 OPERATING HOURS: 9am to 5pm daily

TASTE HINAVA is the Kadazan-Dusun version of ceviche – a raw ﬁsh salad with fresh lime juice, sliced shallots, chilies and grated ginger. Sample this appetiser at ethnic eateries across the state. GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to Kota Kinabalu from various destinations. www.airasia.com

Puppetry by Roberto White

FESTIVAL OF ARTS Kakiseni Arts Festival returns in its second year at Pavilion in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, from September 12 till 16 with the theme Arts to the People. This ﬁve-day festival boasts art exhibitions, performances and workshops by local and international artists. Highlights include performances by Australian comedian Stuart Bowden, Argentinian puppeteer Roberto White and Spanish dance duo Elías Aguirre and Álvaro Esteban, as well as local performances by ASWARA Dance Company and Boh Cameronian Arts Awards winner Namron. Entry to the festival is free. http://festival.kakiseni.com/

AWESOME PENANG! Learn more about Penang in Malaysia, with the latest AirAsia’s Awesome Penang travel guide. This guide will ﬁll you in on Penang’s must-try food, great attractions and cool hangout spots. Download this informative guide for free on your mobile devices and PC at www.airasia.com/ awesomepenang or scan the QR code here.

Puppetry by Natacha Belova

TRACK YOUR LUGGAGE Trakdot Luggage is a bag tracker device that helps passengers locate their bags. This nifty device is compact and can be placed in your checked-in baggage. When the bag is in the airplane, this device enters airplane mode. Upon landing, it automatically turns on and transmits information on the whereabouts of the checked baggage via SMS or e-mail. Owners of ‘lost’ baggage will still have the assurance of knowing the location of their bag even if it doesn’t reach its destination. You can also retrieve information on your bag via the Trakdot mobile app on your Android and iOS devices. Trakdot Luggage is available for USD89.99 including activation fees, shipping and a one-year subscription. www.trakdot.com 24

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LEGEND IN TOWN Fans of American singer-songwriter John Legend can catch his live performance at the Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur this September 23. As part of his All of Me World Tour, this nine-time Grammy Award winner performs his chart-topping hit All of Me and a selection of his greatest hits including Ordinary People and Everybody Knows. Tickets to the concert are available from approximately USD62 to USD228. www.ticketpro.com.my

MODERN LIVING It is a good time to invest in Prima Lagenda Lifestyle Apartments that’s strategically located in Lagenda Tunjong, a new township in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. This new housing development consists of 343 apartment and studio units from 262 sq ft to 1490 sq ft in two blocks. Facilities at the new project include a multi-purpose hall and function room, a basketball court, gymnasium and changing rooms, prayer rooms, children’s playground and day-care nursery, game and reading rooms, swimming pools, BBQ pit and reception lobbies with three-tier security. An Accor Group hotel and malls like CheSiti Village Mall and Lagenda Galleria are currently under development in the area. www.lagendatunjong.com

KL’S TOP ATTRACTION Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, has been presented the TripAdvisor 2014 Certiﬁcate of Excellence for consistently achieving outstanding reviews. This award-winning venue ranks ﬁfth out of 108 places of interest on the website’s ‘Things to do in Kuala Lumpur’. The recognition from TripAdvisor proves that this worldclass attraction has been providing a great experience for visitors worldwide. www.royalselangorvisitorcentre.com

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ART ATTACK From September 10 till 14, Junction Arts Festival returns in its fourth year in Launceston, Tasmania, with cool programmes. Focusing on unique live arts and performances, the quirky art festival is held at various spots in the city like parking lots, laneways and rooftops instead of conventional art venues. This year’s programmes include a play directed by Nassim Soleimanpour called White Rabbit, Red Rabbit and a walking performance titled My Best Friend orchestrated by Malcolm Whittaker in memory of deceased and departed pet dogs of Launceston. www.junctionartsfestival.com

EPIC ROAD TRIP American Bike enthusiast Jaime Dempsey returns to host the second season of Ride N’ Seek, a motorcycle travel documentary TV series on History™. In the new season, Dempsey takes a road trip across East Malaysia and Brunei over 30 days to discover some of the best attractions and activities in both destinations. The documentary features Dempsey’s activities throughout her journey like exploring a mysterious tunnel in Kunak, Sabah excavated by the Japanese during World War II; training and sparring with Sabahan MMA champion, Ann ‘Athena’ Osman in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; and participating in the ‘Feeding the Dead’ ritual in an Iban longhouse in Spaoh, Sarawak. Watch Ride N’ Seek every Monday, 9pm on History™ and History HD™. www.historyasia.com

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9 HOT DATES 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SEPTEMBER 2014 CHINA

THE WESTIN CHONGQING VERTICAL RUN 2014 SEPT 13 This challenging stair climbing race in Chongqing will see participants running up from the ground ﬂoor lobby of The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square to its helipad on the rooftop – a total of 1,352 steps! www.cqwestinrun.com

INDIA

PULIKALI SEPT 11 Local men don masks and paint their bodies in bright colours and black stripes resembling tigers to stage the pulikali folk dance at the Swaraj Round in Thrissur, Kerala. This folk dance was introduced by the king of Cochin, Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, in the 18th century as a performance to reﬂect his strength during the celebration of Onam, an annual harvest festival. www.keralatourism.org

MALAYSIA

COMPILED BY: ADLI SYAHRIL

DAVID BLAINE: REAL OR MAGIC LIVE IN KUALA LUMPUR

SEPT 5 The world famous illusionist David Blaine stages mind-blowing magic tricks and endurance stunts at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, as part of his first Asian tour. www.ticketpro.com.my

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PHILIPPINES

BOYS II MEN LIVE IN MANILA SEPT 12 American R&B vocal group Boyz II Men returns with their classic hits like End of the Road, On Bended Knee and I’ll Make Love to You at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Manila. www.ticketnet.com.ph

AUSTRALIA

ONCE THE MUSICAL SEP 26-NOV 16 In this Broadway musical staged at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, Guy, a Dublin street musician who has given up on his music, ﬁnds inspiration to dream again when he meets a special girl.

SHILA AMZAH LOVE LIVE IN MALAYSIA SEPT 13 Malaysian songstress and 2012 winner of the Asian Wave in China, Shila Amzah serenades fans in Kuala Lumpur with her famous hits including Xia Yi Bu and Masih Aku Cinta at Megastar Arena! VENUE: Megastar Arena, Kuala Lumpur

www.oncemusical.com.au

SRI LANKA

DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! SEARCH FOR THE CITY OF LOST TOYS SEPT 27 & 28 Join Dora, her cousin Diego and Boots the monkey to ﬁnd Dora’s lost teddy bear in the City of Lost Toys at this fun musical show at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo. www.lifeliketouring.com/doralive

SINGAPORE

MOONFEST

ELECTRIC PET SHOP BOYS LIVE 2014 SEPT 24 UK Electronic band Pet Shop Boys belts out tunes from their latest album titled Electric at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. VENUE: Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur

BE OUR FAN ON FACEBOOK. COM/AIRASIAREDTIX, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.COM/REDTIX AND PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR THE ABOVEMENTIONED EVENTS AT AIRASIAREDTIX.COM

SEPT 5-8 Singapore’s Esplanade –

Theatres on the Bay celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with a series of traditional Chinese arts programmes including orchestral classics by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Peking opera excerpts by the Plum Blossom Award Art Troupe and shadow puppetry acts from Hunan. www.moonfest.com.sg

ELSEWHERE… • MALAYSIA AfricaMalaysia International Fashion Show SEPT 24-28 www.africa-

malaysiafashionshow.com •

INDONESIA Shane Filan You & Me Tour Live in Jakarta, concert SEPT 13 www.rajakarcis.com • THAILAND The Comedian Thailand Show 2 SEPT 27 www.thaiticketmajor.com • AUSTRALIA Children of the Sun, theatre play SEPT 8 - OCT 25 www.sydneyoperahouse. com • SINGAPORE 2014

Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix SEPT 19-21 www.singaporegp.sg

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ASEAN COMPASS 009 14 2

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

IMMERSE YOURSELF Dress like a local, experience Indian cinema and learn how to navigate security checks like a pro.

FLIGHT-READY! Clear airport security in a breeze with these useful tips.

ALL DOLLED UP! Be inspired by the women of Southeast Asia and their exotic traditional attire – guaranteed to excite the fashionista in you.

THAI CHAKKRI Of the eight traditional dresses Thai women wear, the chakkri is the most formal style. It is a toga-style blouse with a long piece of fabric covering one shoulder, similar to the Indian saree. It is paired with a full-length wrap skirt that has a distinct two-fold pleat in the front.

VIETNAMESE AO DAI

MALAYSIAN BAJU KURUNG The baju kurung is a looseﬁtting, long-sleeved dress with a rounded collar, matched with a long skirt, usually of the same design and fabric. The more formal ones are made from rich fabrics such as silk and lace, often with beading and embroidery, while easy-towear fabrics such as cotton are y y use. chosen for everyday

INDONESIAN KEBAYA A tight ﬁtting, knee-length dress worn over a long skirt, the kebaya is buttoned down the front and is often sheer, worn with a bodice underneath. More formal kebayas are heavily beaded and embroidered. The skirt is a long piece of batik wrapped tightly around the waist.

FILIPINO BARO’T SAYA The baro’t saya is a blouse and skirt combo. The blouse has a round collar and wide, three-quarter length sleeves, and is made from sheer fabric often covered with embroidery. It is paired with a long skirt us usually made from plaid or striped cotton.

WORDS: KEETA BRENNAN

IMAGE: ADAM LEE

Essentially a tight-ﬁtting tunic over loose, pantaloon-style trousers, the ao daii com comes mes in

a wide variety of colours and fabrics. Styles range from silk tunics in vibrant colours featuring intricately-embroidered designs of dragons or ﬂowers to plain pastel tunics in ﬂowing chiffon.

Kebaya

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Thai Chakkri

Filipino Terno, inspired by the Baro’t Saya

KNOW YOUR LAGS Liquid, aerosols and gels in your carry-on cannot exceed 100ml and must be kept in a clear zip lock bag. STASH THE BLING Coins, jewellery and items that are not metalite detector friendly should de be kept in your bag, to avoid unnecessary av pat-downs. pa COMPARTMENTALISE C Keep your passport Ke and boarding pass an in a designated bag compartment for co easy access. ea KEEP GADGETS K JUICED Recently, new JU security measures were se introduced for all inwardin and an outward-bound from the UK and flights i US, requiring passengers US to switch on electronic devices at security de checkpoints to prove they ch function as they should. fu Ensure that your carry-on En devices are fully charged, de as passengers have been denied boarding be due to flat batteries. du Always check on security Al guidelines before gu travelling, as rulings tra differ for each country. di

and includes a visit to the former home of 50s heartthrob MG Ramachandran, which is now a museum showcasing his personal effects and film memorabilia. If locations are more your thing, a visit to Kerala is a must, as many Tamil movies have been filmed there too. These include Bekal Fort as seen in the film Bombay and Athirappilly Falls, a location in the films Kannathil Muthamittal and Iruvar, as well as the Alleppey backwaters, a popular backdrop for many Bollywood hits, including Dil Se starring Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. www.walking-tours.wonobo.com,

www.bollywoodtours.net/kollywood-tours.html Kollywood

Bollywood

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Everyone knows Hollywood, but how about Bollywood, Tollywood and Kollywood? Take an exciting tour that revolves around the Indian ﬁlm industry and if you’re lucky, you might even make it on set as an extra!

BOLLYWOOD This extremely popular Hindi movie industry based in Mumbai, India, has produced stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan. TAKE A TOUR Most guided tours include a visit to a ﬁlm studio to watch a live shoot and a drive past the houses of famous Bollywood stars, but for die-hard Bollywood fans, the city

of Mumbai is a film location all by itself! Design your own tour by visiting some of Mumbai’s top shoot locations such as the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus featured in the film Ek Deewana Tha, Aksa Beach seen in the flick God Tussi Great Ho and the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat from the film Dhobi Ghat, just to name a few. www.bollywoodtourism.com, www. bollywoodtours.in

BE AN EXTRA! Bollywood movies are known for their international feel, so if you’re a foreigner travelling in Mumbai, you might just stand a chance to be cast as an extra. The backpacker hostels in the Colaba district are perfect spots to meet

KELANTAN DELIGHTS

Rock Climbing in Gua Musang

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IMAGE: WWW.ANDYSAIDEN.COM

Malaysia’s northeast state of Kelantan offers more than meets the eye. From mountain climbing to heritage hunting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

casting agents, and many people have also been approached to become extras while hanging around Leopold’s Café on Colaba Causeway. Once selected, expect long hours and very little pay, but the upside is a priceless opportunity to be immortalised on ﬁlm!

KOLLYWOOD The equally successful Tamil cinema industry is based in Tamil Nadu, India and made famous icons like Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan and Vijay. TAKE A TOUR If you’re in Chennai, opt for a walking tour of Kollywood that takes you past the houses of Kollywood’s ﬁnest

BEACH-BUMMING AT PANTAI IRAMA Pack some sunscreen and head down to this beach that was once considered the most beautiful beach along Malaysia’s East Coast. HERITAGE HUNTING AT BALAI GETAM GURI Also known as the Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, and home to Kelantan’s exquisite range of handicrafts, which include silverware, songket (brocade intricately patterned with gold or silver threads), batik and wooden carvings, visitors get to experience craft making ﬁrst hand and purchase these truly Malaysian souvenirs. FISH HAGGLING AT SABAK BEACH Be here in the late afternoon to watch ﬁshermen return from sea in colourful boats. An impromptu market takes place with noisy

TOLLYWOOD This Telugulanguage film industry is based in Hyderabad, India, and has created such superstars as Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu and Tamannah Bhatia. TAKE A TOUR Take a selfguided tour to the world’s largest film complex, Ramoji Film City. Spread over 2,000 acres with hills, vales and lakes, it is both a tourist attraction and a major filmmaking facility. Be awed by life-sized sets of palaces, cities and gardens, film sets for Telugu movies such as Angulika and Nuvve Kaavaali. Scenes from Bollywood movies such as Bade Miya, Chote Miya and Krrish 2, as well as the blockbuster Sivaji The Boss have also been shot here. www.ramojifilmcity.com

haggling for the best price and freshest catch. JUNGLE TREKKING IN JELAWANG The highlight of this trek is the 160 metre-high Jelawang Waterfall, considered one of the highest waterfalls in Southeast Asia. ROCK CLIMBING IN GUA MUSANG Cavers and climbers will be spoiled for choice at the various limestone caves in Gua Musang area. WHITE WATER RAFTING AT SUNGAI NENGGIRI Sungai Nenggiri offers an exciting white water rafting adventure in spectacular scenery. Take a three-day expedition with relatively easy rapids ﬂowing through the dense forest and you might even spot an elephant along the way! www.tourism.gov.my

9 QUICK BITES 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SWEET SEPTEMBER As warm weather gives way to mellow moods with the arrival of fall in many parts of the world, now’s the time to enjoy traditional mooncakes and, learn about the shared reverence Asian communities have for rice.

MID-AUTUMN JOY Mooncakes make their appearance during the MidAutumn festival that’s celebrated by the Chinese on September 8 this year. Originating as a harvest festival during the Tang dynasty, one legend tells the tale of Chang’e whose husband, Hou Yi, saved Earth from being scorched by 10 simultaneous suns when he shot nine of them down. Hou Yi was rewarded with the elixir of immortality but turned into a tyrannical king soon after. Not wanting his subjects to suffer anymore, Chang’e stole the elixir. She later turned into the spirit of the moon and the festival was celebrated in her honour. The cake that takes the shape of the moon was eaten during the festival. The Westin Kuala Lumpur offers eight, baked-skin mooncakes with ﬁllings such as white lotus paste with single yolk, lotus paste with twin yolk, red bean paste and Five Sen5ses assorted nuts mixture, green tea with single yolk and black sesame with white lotus paste, amongst others. They’re priced at approx. USD33 for a box of four and USD50 for a box of six; individual pieces are sold at approx. USD8. www.thewestinkualalumpur.com

Pandan paste with single egg yolk mooncake

GREEN GOODNESS With each 450ml bottle containing up to one kilogram worth of organic vegetables and fruits, consuming just a tablespoon of Mr. Green Juice is a great way to ensure your body gets all its daily nutrients. The juice is cold pressed to extract the maximum juice, as this retains more minerals and ﬁbre compared to other juicing methods. Mr. Green Juice offers 10 fruit/vegetable extractions and four Nut Milks. www.mrgreenjuice.com

Air batu campur

WORDS: R. RAJENDRA

ICY FRESHNESS

Halo halo (Philippines), air batu campur (Malaysia), es teler (Indonesia), chè sâm bð luong (Vietnam) and falooda (India) are all popular desserts where shaved ice is topped with a variety of ingredients like chopped fruits, nuts, jelly and seeds, and ﬁnished off with condensed milk or coconut cream and lashings of sugar or palm sugar syrup for a refreshing treat. travel 3Sixty˚

FOOD ALCHEMY Located in the heart of bustling Hong Kong, a new experience called Alchemy awaits the adventurous diner. Set across two levels, Alchemy delivers unique experiences on each level: Upstairs, a relaxed yet indulgent bar setting serves crafted cocktails alongside casual dining, while Downstairs, ﬂavours and textures take on new dimensions as guests dine in complete darkness. Guests are invited to re-evaluate their perception of taste and smell, where total darkness focuses the mind entirely on tastes and textures. Guests are guided to their table by visually impaired waiting staff, and once seated, they’ll experience a new style of dining – relying entirely on touch, smell, taste and hearing. The menu is changed regularly with a focus on highly distinct textures and ﬂavours. 16, Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong. www.alchemy-concept.com

RITUALS OF RICE Rice is a very important grain in many Asian cultures and is often revered not only as a food source, but also as an integral part of culture and even a manifestation of the divine. BALI Grains of uncooked rice are moistened and pressed onto the temple and between the eyebrows in honour of Dewi Sri, the patron goddess of rice. INDIA In northern parts, a bride is welcomed into her new home by kicking a pot of rice inwards into the house. This symbolises the overﬂowing bounty bestowed by Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, upon the house with the arrival of the bride. In southern parts, uncooked rice coloured with turmeric is showered upon newly married couples as a form of blessing. Young children also learn the alphabet by drawing the letters in uncooked rice grains spread on a tray. JAPAN In the Shinto Buddhist tradition, rice from an earlier harvest together with coloured silks and other ritualistic offerings are presented to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess, during the Kannamesai (New Rice Festival). Mythology states that rice was bestowed upon the Japanese people by the Goddess. THAILAND Mae Posop or the Rice Goddess is treated with great respect, especially close to harvest season. Offerings of bitter fruits and a mirror are taken to the ﬁelds as the goddess who is a heavily ‘pregnant’ at this stage craves bitter stuff and likes admiring her full body. Children are taught to treat rice with respect, not to drop cooked rice and never to step on or across rice grains on the ground, lest they insult Mae Posop.

THE NACHOS CHALLENGE Devour 2.25kgs worth of nachos ﬁlled with 12 ingredients such as spicy taco meat, beans, guacamole, sour cream, black olives, lettuce, cheddar cheese and cheese sauce amongst others within 45 minutes and you’ll be declared the winner of the mighty Nachos Challenge at Gastro Sentral, Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur! You’ll also be rewarded with a mention on the Wall of Fame, a Gastro shirt and cap and a bottle of wine, and have the cost of the meal waived if you clean off every single morsel on your plate. Failure to do so will see you earning a spot on the Wall of Shame instead. To add insult to injury, you’ll need to cough up approx. USD40 for the cost of the meal! So, come to Gastro Sentral located on the Lobby Level and put your money where your mouth is! www.lemeridien.com/kualalumpur 42

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MAXIMUM MEX OUT Offering tasty and affordable Mexican fare, Mex Out is a ‘fast-casual’ eatery located in Far East Square in Singapore. Dishes are made to order and favourites such as Carne Asada (marinated NZ ﬂank steak in onions and paprika) and Cochinta Pibil (pork shoulder braised in orange juice and spices) demand for repeat visits. Also, you can’t go wrong with popular Mexican sides like tortilla chips and homemade guacamole. Wash everything down with Mexican drinks such as Jarritos sodas and Modelo beers! 39 Pekin Street, #01-01, Far East Square, Singapore. http://mexout.com

9 PAGE TURNER 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

EXAMINING THE CRIME SCENE

KNOW YOUR DETECTIVES

This month, we dissect the crime fiction genre and take a look at some of the worst criminals ever born. Crime fiction with its many tricky twists and turns has fascinated readers for centuries, especially those who relish solving a suspenseful mystery. Typically, crime fiction includes detective stories like whodunits, legal thrillers involving lawyers trying to prove a case and hard-boiled fiction, a tough, unsentimental style pioneered by Dashiell Hammett, which portrays graphic sex and violence, coating detective fiction in a film of gritty realism. When it comes to detective stories, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle nailed it with his mystery-cracking Sherlock

be the truth”. In many ways, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was ahead of his time; even before forensic science became a reality, Holmes was already meticulously studying crime scenes for trace evidence, ﬁngerprints, ballistics, and other clues, and condemning the contamination of crime scenes. In 1927, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle listed some of his favourite cases crafted for Holmes, including The Final Problem, which was meant to be the last of his Sherlock Holmes stories. In this tale, he pits Sherlock Holmes against his arch nemesis, Professor Moriarty, killing the detective off in a presumed

epistolary novel is considered the ﬁrst detective novel in the English language. Some of the greatest crime stories of all time include eccentric Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, which won the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière for best international crime novel; James Ellroy’s neo-noir crime novel The Black Dahlia that weaves a tale of corruption and debauchery inspired by the real life murder of Elizabeth Short; Ed McBain’s King’s Ransom, which illustrates his pioneering work with police procedurals; and Edgar Allen Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue, which presented one

X Agatha Christie’s Jane Marple is a shrewd observer of human nature who often embarrasses the local police by solving mysterious cases that leave them stumped. X Émile Gaboriau’s Monsieur Lecoq is one of the earliest detectives in literature and was an important influence on the great Sherlock Holmes – although, the pipe-smoking detective referred to Lecoq as a ‘miserable bungler’ in A Study in Scarlet, just after dismissing Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin as a ‘very inferior fellow’. X Shamini Flint’s Inspector Singh is an overweight Singaporean detective who investigates curious crimes all over Asia and solves them with his signature wit and cantankerousness, but often made a scapegoat by the Singaporean Police Force.

CROOKS GONE SILLY They say crime doesn’t pay and this has never been truer for these criminals.

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

X The Stupid Crook Book by Leland Gregory is a hilarious compilation of some of the dumbest criminals ever – from a man who attempted to siphon gas from a motor home but ended up stealing sewage waste, to a bank robber who locked the key to his getaway car… in his car!

Holmes, possibly the most famous detective in literary history. Appearing in some 56 short stories and four novels from1887 till 1927, Holmes employs astute reasoning, forensic science and an assortment of clever disguises to catch his criminals, and his brilliant deductions have popularised his quote: “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must travel 3Sixty˚

tumble into Switzerland’s Reichenbach Falls. However, due to pressure from fans, Doyle was forced to resurrect this muchloved detective in The Adventure of the Empty House. But before Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective tales, there was Wilkie Collins’ The Moonstone, which set the conventions for classic detective stories with red herrings, numerous suspects and pressing social issues thrown into the mix. This 19th century

of the ﬁrst locked-room cases ever encountered. Notable hard-boiled crime novels includes Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and James M. Cain’s The Postman Always Rings Twice, which was initially banned in its day due to its shocking portrayal of sexuality and violence. Today, it sits in the Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels list.

X National Geographic Kids Weird but True: Stupid Criminals illustrated by Tom Nick Cocotos includes wacky tales of how some of the silliest criminals have given themselves away. One burglar even left his wallet behind! X The World’s Dumbest Criminals by Daniel Butler and Alan Ray features incompetent crooks, from a man who holds up a gun store with a baseball bat to a cat burglar who gets drunk on the job!

A SHORT RIDE IN THE JUNGLE

Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent A 2,000-mile motorcycle odyssey along the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia offers exciting encounters with ﬁghter pilots, tribal chiefs, illegal loggers and bomb disposal specialists.

SUBTERRANEAN James Rollins

An archaeological team heads to Antarctica to explore an underground labyrinth only to discover that evil lurks in the icy darkness and that those who’ve gone before them, have never returned. They also stumble upon world-changing revelations.

EVIL AND THE MASK Fuminori Nakamura Fumi

Wh he’s 11 years old, Fumihiro When Kuki is bequeathed a mission by K his elderly father and informed h READ of the sole purpose of his OF THE birth: To fulfil their age-old b MONTH! ffamily tradition in which one child is begotten to inflict on c the world as much misery as possible. From then on, Fumihiro is poss trained in the art of destruction and wretchedness, and lives a life with no repercussions. That is, until he begins to question his dark quest.

THE AWAKENING OF MISS PRIM

Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera When the clever literature lover Prudencia Prim accepts the position of private librarian in the village of San Ireneo de Arnois, she never imagines the dramatic turn her life will take or the love she’s about to ﬁnd.

FIFTY SHADES FREED EL James

The erotic romance between Ana Steele and Christian Grey is taken up a notch in the conclusion of the Fifty Shades trilogy. The lovers have overcome numerous challenges to be together, but just when they think things are perfect, Ana’s worst nightmares come true. 48

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LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

Andrew Matthews, bestselling author of How Life Works, talks about how feelings can change your life.

INSPIRATION I explore what fascinates me. I want to know how people bounce back from disappointment, how they recover from loss, how they achieve big goals, how they stay in love. I want to understand the laws of the universe and the great spiritual teachings, so my books are about these things. BEING POSITIVE It is a decision. At age 25, I realised that many of the happiest people I knew had more problems than I did! I discovered people who were ﬁghting cancer, people who had lost all their money, people who had lost loved ones – who had a better attitude than me. Finally, I understood that it is not what happens to you that matters but how you think about it. People who consistently succeed, succeed because they feel successful. This is the secret: You have to feel successful before you can be successful. What we think matters but how we feel is what matters most.

LIFE MOTTO To make the world a better place doing things I love to do: Writing, drawing and speaking. To do my best; we are always happier when we do our best. To ﬁnd reasons to be grateful every day. INSPIRING PEOPLE Firstly, my father; he had a difﬁcult childhood growing up without a mother, but found a way to put enthusiasm and creativity into everything he did. Dad was an artist and an entrepreneur, and had a great sense of humour. He found a way to make life fun every day. Secondly, my wife and publisher, Julie. She also lost her mother young. She is the smartest, most courageous and most generous woman I’ve ever met. I learn so much from her every day.

GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE My own career as an author and artist. I have learned how important it is to believe in myself and to give my best – when you do these two things, wonderful things happen when you least expect them. A QUESTION FOR A MOST ADMIRED MENTOR I would ask Nelson Mandela what he thought about during those 27 years in prison – and how he kept his dream alive.

TARGET AUDIENCE How Life Works is for everybody from CEOs to parents and students. Just yesterday, a 13-year-old girl told me that she had read the book in two days and that it had helped her deal with bullying at school.

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% of all digital shoppers will be mobile shoppers by 2016. (eMarketer/ Bazaarvoice, March 2014)

WHERE THERE’S A WILL…

Whether you have modest savings or are simply rolling in it, writing a will is important to ensure your loved ones are provided for, giving you peace of mind.

CARVING CLARITY

WORDS: EFI EQBAL

Of all the important documents you write in your lifetime, a will may just be the most important. It will ensure that your family is properly provided for when you are no longer around. It could also possibly speed up the process of distributing your assets and reduce any unnecessary taxes or penalties. The clarity a will provides may also avoid disputes amongst family members. It would be best to seek advice and clariﬁcation from a lawyer on the legal requirements according to your country of origin. As life goes on, you may need to change your will and rewrite it. Be sure to state that your new will revokes all

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previously made wills and codicils (amendments to the will). But to begin, here’s what to do. MAP & MATCH X Make a list of everything you wish to bequeath like jewellery, properties, bonds etc.. X Sort out all the documents in relation to these things and put them in one ﬁle. X List down your loved ones and match them up with the things you wish to leave them. DRAFTING THE DOCUMENT X Write your full name, address and date of birth. Declare that you are of sound mind at the time you are writing your will.

X Write the name of the person or people you nominate as executor(s) to handle your will. X If you have young children, name the people you want as their guardians and ensure their willingness to care for your children. X Write down speciﬁc bequests like the care of your pet(s) and even trust funds you want to set up for them. X Specify funeral arrangements, including those you have made, for example, burial plot purchase. X Have this document notarised as a legal and binding document, signed in front of the notary or commissioner of oaths and have them sign as witnesses to your signature.

FREE! We all love freebies. No matter how small or little, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from buying something and getting something (useful) with it for free.

% of rich and successful people maintain a daily ‘things to do today’ list; 86% of them read, but not only for fun; and 62% of them keep their life goals in sight all the time. (www. businessinsider.my)

Source: www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills

APPROACHES THAT SELL 1

trillion USD is estimated as the minimum combined fortune of Forbes’ 185 ‘Richest Families in America’; individually they each have at least USD1 million. (www. forbes.com)

NEW & IMPROVED! The word ‘new’ offers a connotation of novelty, while ‘improved’ means you are committed to research and development for your customers’ benefit.

BOOK NOW, PAY LATER! Offering limited risks is a definite ‘yes’ for higher sales and returning customers – especially when you offer an option to cancel the booking for free for a limited period. Transparency gives customers an understanding that they have options, making them more responsible customers. Source:www.entrepreneur.com

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Neglecting your feet may lead to serious problems later in life.

Our feet are the parts of the body that take the most punishment every day. They account for about a quarter of all the bones in our body and provide us a solid foundation to stand on, taking the brunt of our weight as we walk and run. So, it’s important to keep them happy and healthy. Here’s how. INVEST IN PROPER SHOES Shoes should be comfortable and ﬁt properly – too tight and you may get hammer toes, ingrown toe nails and pain. Too loose and your heel won’t sit correctly, giving you blisters and calluses. Our feet tend to grow as the hours pass, so you should always buy shoes in the evening to get your correct size. Be mindful that as the years go by, you may also gain up to a size larger! DON’T IGNORE PAIN Consistent pain and cramps in your feet may indicate peripheral arterial disease. This

may be symptomatic of a greater complication, as your blood ﬂow is reduced by possible plaque build-up in blood vessels. Seek proper medical advice if you suffer consistent pain in your feet. TAKE SPECIAL CARE IF YOU ARE DIABETIC High blood sugar conditions can damage blood vessels, contributing to complications in the feet such as fungal infections, calluses and bunions that, if left untreated, may lead to skin ulcers due to poor blood circulation. Also, diabetics can develop nerve damage, which lessens sensitivity to pain and pressure, and may eventually cause foot deformities, contributing to problems with walking and instability in old age. ALWAYS SEEK FOOT CARE ADVICE FROM PODIATRISTS Ask your medical doctor for a referral if you have problems ﬁnding one. Source: www.care2.com

WORDS: EFI EQBAL

GREAT ICE CREAM SUBSTITUTES

If you’re looking to cut out refined sugars from your diet, here are some tips for a less naughty, all natural dessert that tastes just as good as ice cream!

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FREEZE YOUR BANANAS Once they’re solid, blend them and you’ll get a thick and creamy consistency akin to ice cream. Add in a bit of cocoa powder and low fat peanut butter and you have a great dessert with only half the guilt!

FREEZE COCONUT MILK This is especially great for those who are lactose intolerant. High in healthy fats, coconut milk assists in boosting metabolism. Blend it once it’s solid and add raw honey. Source: www.care2.com

386 .23

km/hour is the speed at which your brain sends and processes messages through your senses and experiences.

700

million times is the average number of breaths that each of us would have taken in a lifetime, if we lived to an average of about 66.6 years old.

120 million rods (photoreceptor cells in the retina) and six million cones (visual colour photoreceptor cells in the retina) are present in each eye, helping us see in black and white, as well as colour respectively. Source: www. factmonster.com

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

HEALTHY FEET, HAPPY LIFE

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EXTEND YOUR ENDURANCE

Improve your stamina with these exercises to remain fit even past your prime.

STAMINA FOR LESS STRAIN Many of us begin feeling the strains and pains of aging by the time we hit our 40s, especially if we are tied to desk-bound jobs with little physical activity required. If you lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle, you can still prolong your ‘good’ years well past your 60s through proper care and endurance exercises. Here are some suggestions to help improve your stamina for an overall better quality of life. SNOOZE, DON’T LOSE Getting adequate sleep is the most important part of improving your stamina. This is when your whole being gets to rest and repair itself in

preparation for the coming day. Most adults require a minimum of six to eight hours of solid sleep, depending on your actual make-up. Start turning in early and you’ll feel the difference in a matter of days. CARDIO FOR A LEG UP Experts have said that the most effective way to improve your stamina is by starting low to moderate intensity cardio exercises for at least half an hour, three times a week. This would include walking, swimming, jogging, hiking or cycling. Remember to warm up ﬁrst to avoid injuries and always start slow and build your speed and time gently. In a matter of weeks,

you’ll be jogging up the stairs without losing your breath. BUILD MUSCLES FOR BETTER ENDURANCE This doesn’t mean you have to bulk up. It just means doing anaerobic workouts (as opposed to cardio workouts that are aerobics) to improve muscular strength, which makes for a positive impact on muscular stamina for the simplest of chores like vacuuming, gardening and clocking in overtime at work. Regular lightweight training on major muscle groups on your arms, back, thighs and legs will be a real blessing when you grow old.

wins and only five defeats was Muhammad Ali’s record when he retired from the international boxing arena in 1981. www. thepeoplehistory.com

% of our body’s muscle mass is lost between the ages of 50 to 70 years.

infographicsmania.com

108

is the exact number of stitches that a baseball must have to be used in a major league game. www. sciencekids.co.nz

Source: www.livestrong.com; www.hufﬁngtonpost.ca

DIVA-LIKE DEEDS THE DANCE

DURATION

Hip Hop WORDS: EFI EQBAL

Salsa

Belly dancing Tap dancing Pole dancing travel 3Sixty˚

AVERAGE CALORIES BURNT (depending on intensity)

AVERAGE WEIGHT RANGE

370 – 610 One hour session

405 – 480 270 – 360 200 – 700 250 – 350

55kg – 85kg

Source: www.ﬁtnessblender.com

Step up your calorie-burning activities with fun dance classes.

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PEBBLE Arguably the smart watch that kick-started the whole craze, the Pebble features a sharp e-paper display and offers extended battery life of up to a week between charges. With this nifty device, you can stay connected to your iPhone or Android smartphone while receiving messages or even controlling your music playback – right on your wrist. The second generation Pebble, the Pebble Steel, ups the ante with a stylish metallic design.

THE RISE OF WEARABLES

The next frontier of computing is not your pocket or backpack – it is on your wrist and head. Dick Tracy, the super detective from the 40s, was always with his iconic wristwatch two-way radio, while the TV show Star Trek: The Next Generation featured super cool communicator badges. It seems that science ﬁction has become science reality, with companies – big and small – racing to create the next generation of wearables for consumers. While you may think it is just a gussied up watch, these wearables are much more than that. Pair them with your smartphone, and they become an extension of

your mobile experience. No longer do you need to take your phone out of your pocket every time a new notiﬁcation arrives – just check it on your wrist or heads-up display. Will wearables be the next stage in consumer devices? With companies such as Samsung, Google, Microsoft and (reportedly) Apple joining the race, we say ‘yes’. Who knows, the next time you look at your wrist, it may be to check your WhatsApp messages, not just the time!

GOOGLE ANDROID WEAR

WORDS: RIL RAHMAN

SONY SMARTBAND

Instead of a smart watch, Sony has what they call a ‘life-logger’ accessory. This device links to your Android smartphone and automatically records your physical, social and entertainment activities, from your sleep cycle and running time to important events you’d like to remember. Its waterproof design allows you to wear it even while swimming! You can view your recordings via your smartphone or tablet. travel 3Sixty˚

Mountain View’s own take on the smart watch, the Android Wear is designed to fully integrate with any Android smartphone. You can read texts, notifications, alerts and more – all on your wrist. You can also reply via voice commands with your Android Wear. Companies like Samsung, LG and Motorola are racing to be the first in the market to have their own version of Wear. Expect the first devices by October 2014.

Android Wear

LG Android Wear

TIPS FOR SMARTPHONE USERS Protect your smartphone and maximise its usefulness.

COMPACT IMAGING Looking for a lightweight vacation camera? Here are three options to help you capture wonderful memories.

BACK-UP YOUR PHOTOS Cloud service apps like Dropbox and OneDrive from Microsoft allow you to store photos. With gigabytes of space offered, you won’t have to worry about running out of space. STREAM ONLINE MEDIA Music service, comics and even movies are available online and you don’t need cables connected to your computer to transfer songs or movies. Just fire up apps like Spotify and enjoy your favourite tunes and movies anywhere. SECURE YOUR PHONE Make sure your phone’s lock screen is activated to prevent social media hijacking or worse, identity theft! Activate your phone-location service for easy locating and retrieval, in the event that your phone is stolen.

PLANET OF THE APPS Fancy controlling your PC from a distance? These apps are designed for remote control of your favourite media player on your computer – or even your computer itself!

REMOTI.CO LITE Imagine controlling your media on your PC from a distance, all through your smartphone. Just set up your media player on your PC, and install Remoti.co Lite to control your multimedia playback via your smartphone! OS: Android

Price: Free

UNIFIED REMOTE Turn your fancy smartphone into a universal remote for your PC or Mac. Control your favourite programmes, media player and even your PowerPoint presentation for work. In fact, it can even function as your computer’s mouse and keyboard! OS: Android (requires PC-side server software) Price: Free

REMOTE FOR ITUNES Turn your Android smartphone into the ultimate iTunes remote control and manager. Browse for your favourite artist, control playback volume, and so much more. Play music on your computer and AirPlay speakers with just a touch of a button. OS: Android and iOS Price: USD3.99

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PANASONIC LUMIX GM-1 The LUMIX GM-1 is as capable as any other interchangeable lens camera out there. Barely bigger than a pack of cards, it is able to accommodate various lenses from portrait all the way to telephoto, and ﬁts right in your pants pocket! www.panasonic.com.my

OLYMPUS STYLUS 1 The Stylus 1 is your ticket to great pictures in any lighting condition. With an equivalent of a 10x zoom lens at your disposal, this is the perfect camera for you whether you’re in a dim club in Bali or the great outdoors of Nepal. www.olympus.com.my

SONY RM 100 MK III It’s as small as your smartphone, but has features that rival most DSLRs. With 20.1 megapixels at your ﬁngertips, snap away and then transfer images to your phone via WiFi, so you can share them via your social media networks right away! www.sony.com.my

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CHIC KL CRIBS

WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

Kuala Lumpur, the Garden City of Lights, offers some truly cool stays that range from classic elegance and colonial splendour to modish chic.

COLONIAL MAGIC

As a young girl, I’d passed the old Majestic Hotel countless times and imagined what it must’ve been like in its heyday, the era of swing music, fedoras and white dinner jackets. This white Art Deco building had been the place to be and be seen back in the 30s and even right up till the 70s, before its lustre began to dim, and it was surpassed by newer hotels, and later, converted into an art gallery in the 80s. In its glory days, the Majestic Hotel was a favourite among the local jet set and colonial elite who enjoyed Sunday curry tifﬁn lunches and typically European tea dances. Throughout its illustrious history, this iconic hotel attracted numerous eccentric guests including a passionate

vibe, sense of history and commitment to service that have earned The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur a listing in the Leading Hotels of the World, the world’s largest luxury hotel collection. I was over the moon when I was invited for a weekend stay at this historic hotel. Greeting me at the entrance was a doorman dressed in crisp white period attire with knee-high socks and a pith helmet. My time travelling adventure had begun! Although I’d arrived at the lobby of the 15-storey Tower Wing, an annexe that was added on when the YTL Group reopened the newly-restored property in 2012, the homage to old world elegance was evident. The new building keeps to the clean lines and symmetry envisioned by Dutch architect Van Leangeanderg when

writer who locked herself in her room surviving only on orange juice as she feverishly completed a novel, a gentleman who claimed to be the illegitimate child of Sherlock Holmes and a dragonﬂy conservationist determined to record dragonﬂy activity in the area. If the walls here could talk, they’d tell of conspiracies over warm scones, political manoeuvring in quiet corners and historical events that served to shape modern day Malaysia. The popularity of Majestic Hotel comes as no surprise, as, in its prime, the hotel was one of the only in the city to boast modern sanitation, long baths and hot and cold showers. These modern facilities, which positioned it as the most luxurious hotel of its time, may have been its greatest draw then, but today, it’s the hotel’s nostalgic

he designed the original hotel in the early 20th century, with its Roman columns and intricate cornices, a blend of neo-Renaissance and Art Deco architecture. Inside, the hotel strikes a fine balance between sleek modernity and old world refinement. A dramatic glass chandelier, made up of what looks like swirling icicles, is suspended over the lobby, which boasts a chevron floor design that morphs into a 3D-like step pattern – a hallmark of the Art Deco design style – when viewed from above. For my first night, I stayed at the more contemporary Tower Wing, which boasts 253 guest rooms and suites ranging from Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites to Grand Suites and Premier Suites. My Deluxe Room was sleek and sophisticated with a lot of glass, dark marble and polished

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chrome, in keeping with the Art Deco theme. Its monochromatic palette was offset by crisp white sheets and upholstery, giving the room a clean design that’s perfect for business travellers. But, this room is not just for business; the centrepiece, a bold four-poster bed – minus any fussy adornments or whimsical curtains – offers an unobstructed view into the spacious glass-partitioned bathroom complete with a sexy bathtub for some playful voyeurism. Of course, if you’d prefer a little privacy, there’s a curtain that can be drawn to keep your toilette a mystery. For guests keen on experiencing a stay in a more colonial setting, the five-storey Majestic Wing, which is actually the original hotel building, takes old world indulgence to another level. Designated as a national heritage site under the Antiquities Act, the façade of the old building remains the same, and the meticulous restoration work on the hotel’s interior includes specially designing light fixtures similar to the vintage wrought-iron lamps described in an article on an auction that took place when the old hotel closed in the 80s. On my second night, I stayed in one of the Majestic Wing’s Governor Suites, with views of the Moorish-style railway station and the Mughalstyle KTM headquarters next door. Designed with timber flooring, tufted

carpets, a separate living area, and a stunning bathroom with black and white checkerboard tiles and a dramatic claw-foot tub, the cosy colonial feel of the suite transported me back in time. Guests staying in the Majestic Wing also enjoy full butler service, a complimentary minibar that’s replenished daily and even a private car and driver for trips within the KL area. Every evening, Majestic Wing guests are treated to complimentary cocktails like Calamansi Mojito at the library and can opt for continental breakfast in bed. But, I’d suggest that guests skip the lazy lie-in and head for the buffet breakfast at the all-daydining restaurant Contango instead, as the spread is pretty hard to beat, especially with the highly recommended roti coklat, basically roti canai (Indian ﬂatbread) with warm and gooey premium chocolate.

Dining at The Majestic is really a decadent affair – from that quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea in the lovely Orchid Conservatory to savouring colonial cuisine like Hainanese Chicken Chop, Classic Prawn Cocktail and Mulligatawny (spicy, peppery broth), as well as luscious British desserts like Spotted Dick at the Colonial Café, with sensual jazz classics rendered by the illustrious Soliano family. While at The Majestic, be sure to savour colonial cocktails like the stengah, a favourite among British planters; gin pahit, made with Angostura bitters and mentioned by writer W. Somerset Maugham in his stories set in Malaya; as well as the hotel’s signature cocktail: Code 55 and 2 Bulat, inspired by a true event. Supposedly, in the 30s, an angry lady stormed into the dining hall, sat herself with a couple, and ordered this drink from the bewildered captain, who quickly realised she’d actually requested a Colt 55 and two bullets – the perfect remedy for a cheating husband! The cocktail comes with two test tubes – one filled with grenadine, symbolising blood, the other, whiskey, representing bullets. The bar is located in the Smoke House, a historical building that houses a card room, cigar room, screening room where old black and white films like Casablanca, Mutiny on the Bounty and The Great Ziegfeld are shown, and the Truefitt & Hill salon offering exceptional grooming services for discerning men who relish a traditional hot towel wet shave. For complete relaxation, drop by The Majestic Spa designed in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Willow Tearooms with high back chairs that seem like something out of a fantasy novel. All massages in this lavender-scented spa begin with a pre-treatment ritual called A Gift from the Garden, which includes a luxurious foot scrub made from a blend of lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, mint and rice flour, followed by a foot wash in an enamel basin using warm water scattered with lavender buds. This thoughtful treatment, which is done in a special area complete with old style wooden washstands with pretty floral-designed basins, is meant to relax patrons and get them into the zone before their massage begins. After a soothing scalp massage using rosemary essential oil to stimulate hair growth and promote relaxation, I was all ready for my traditional Malay massage. This treatment uses fragrant bunga rampai oil and long kneading strokes, and put me right into a blissful coma – one that I had no intention of waking from any time soon. As I drifted off, I hoped that when I did awake, I’d find myself in the very stylish 1930s.

THE MAJESTIC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

5, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. +603 2785 8000

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WORDS: CHITRA SANTHINATHAN

LIVING IT UP AT THE RITZ

Interest aroused by strains of jazz music, the gentle clinking of glasses and whispers of conversations coming from The Lobby Lounge, the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur’s elegant dining room-cumlounge, I peeked in to find well-shod ladies and gentlemen at tables laden with Sunday lunch and bottles of Laurent-Perrier champagne. Nothing short of extravagant, the oft-talked about Sunday Roast at the hotel was certainly a feast for the senses. In front of me lay hulking cuts of roast beef and lamb, luscious lobster tails, scallops and oysters, house-made foie gras, multi-hued sushi (a curious addition, but spotted on almost everyone’s plate nonetheless) and gold leaf-flecked chocolate trifle! Discreetly handed a plate by the maître d’, I proceeded in as ladylike a manner as I could muster to sample the epicurean delights on display.

round-the-clock and the butlers here pride themselves on serving with a genuine smile. No smarmy Niles here! While the Sunday Brunch is hard to top as far as lunch spreads go, The Lobby Lounge also hosts an indulgent English Afternoon Tea with an array of dainty ﬁnger sandwiches, crumbly scones with jam and cream and delicate pastries. The highlight of the afternoon affair is the selection of teas on offer, ranging from fruit or herbal infusions to the alcohol-free yet intoxicating Irish Whiskey Cream tea. One thing’s for sure, you’ll never go hungry at the Ritz-Carlton KL. Award-winning Li Yen dishes up reﬁned Cantonese cuisine, César’s serves up big breakfasts and Carlton Gourmet provides the setting and sustenance for business lunches or casual meals. A bridge links the YTL property to the classy Starhill Gallery (also a YTL enterprise) that offers fine-dining and thematic restaurants at its Feast Village.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur is one of the city’s premier accommodations and among just a handful with a dedicated butler service serving all its 365 rooms and suites. Located in KL’s Bukit Bintang area, this luxury hotel is the perfect base for all shopping and entertainment needs or, if you’re just looking to be spoiled rotten. I know I was. The über-spacious Premier Suite (measuring 84 square metres) took me by surprise; it was larger than the apartment I used to live in! With a spacious living area and powder room for guests, huge bedroom, walk-in closet (the size of a small room) and marbled bathroom with a spacious shower and sunken bath, there was just so much room to frolic in. And we’re not even talking about the three-storey penthouses with private plunge pools, of which there are four. Better still was the careful attention to detail and the service lavished on us by our butler for the weekend. My other half and I returned from dinner one night to ﬁnd our room door ajar and a pair of ladies’ shoes at the doorway. Spotting a tray of desserts on the table, I ﬁrst assumed we had entered another room by mistake. Perhaps, sensing guests at the door, my butler, a slip of a girl really, appeared from inside the bedroom. It turned out she was in the midst of drawing a bubble bath for my partner and me, replete with scattered rose petals. Whether you need to get your shirts pressed or shoes polished, butler service is available

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur also has one more wild card up its sleeves – it’s much-lauded and award-winning Spa Village. An oasis of calm, the resort-like vibe of this spa belies its location in the heart of the city. This beautifully-landscaped retreat has been the spa of choice for many a weary city slicker. Check your troubles at the door and surrender to the expert ministrations of the therapists and their repertoire of treatments. From traditional Malay healing therapies to energise men and enhance beauty for women to the measured strokes of Swedish massage, the spa provides the perfect antidote to revive and rejuvenate. My therapist utilised kneading motions and long strokes complemented with aromatherapy to coax my body into a state of bliss. After my treatment, I was served a pot of piping hot, restorative ginger tea that was so delicious, I found it hard to stop at just one cup. Outdoor cabanas provide spaces to relax and unwind pre- or post-treatment and the pool (there are two at the hotel) here offers more privacy. With a prestigious address, classy service, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, top-notch eats and a spa paradise, The RitzCarlton Kuala Lumpur delivers luxury on all counts. Aah… to be spoilt like that again. Well, one can always hope.

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THE RITZ-CARLTON® KUALA LUMPUR

168, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

THE WOLO BUKIT BINTANG The WOLO Bukit Bintang is a 14-storey boutique hotel that’s located right smack in the main thoroughfare of KL’s CBD, shopping and entertainment district. Located at the crossroads of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail, this 138-room hotel is literally steps away from the Bukit Bintang Monorail station, connecting travellers to KL Sentral, the main transportation hub in the city that links directly to the airport. The WOLO collection of boutique hotels embodies hospitality that is uplifting, surprising and a little irreverent, imbued with charming touches that are designed to deliver a memorable experience. On the ground and mezzanine ﬂoors, the hotel houses a Wine & Cigar Lounge that serves a top quality selection of wines and cigars, and Tous Les Jours, a French inspired bakery. Cnr of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, KUALA LUMPUR

Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

+603 2719 1333

DoubleTree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur is located at The Intermark at Jalan Tun Razak, which is just a 15-minute walk to the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers via a covered walkway leading to the Ampang Park LRT Station. Renowned for its signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie welcome upon check-in, the hotel offers 540 contemporary rooms and ﬁve F&B outlets with a wide selection of dining options from local cuisine to home-style Italian fare. Guests can also swim in the hotel’s outdoor saltwater pool or work up a sweat in the 24-hour ﬁtness centre, fully equipped with cardio and free weight equipment. For guests wanting to host events, the hotel has over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with the latest AV equipment and technology, while the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,300 guests. The Intermark, 348 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur

+603 2172 7272

CROSSROADS HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR Crossroads Hotel is a modern designer hotel offering the valueconscious traveller a place to call home. Its strategic location allows easy accessibility via Monorail to most of the city’s attractions, such as KLCC, Little India, Central Market, KL Bird Park and Chinatown. Boasting great service at budget friendly rates, Crossroads has 50 spacious well-designed guestrooms that come with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, LCD TVs with USB playback, multiple international adapters, comfortable mattresses, signature pillows and complimentary high-speed WiFi access. Higher category rooms include a mini bar, living area and tea/coffee making facilities. 1, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur

+603 2698 7000

IZUMI HOTEL BUKIT BINTANG Izumi Bukit Bintang is located strategically in Kuala Lumpur’s business and shopping districts; the hotel is close to shopping centres such as Pavilion, Lot 10, Sungei Wang and other malls. Ideal for both leisure and business travellers, guests can easily access most attraction spots in the city either by foot or via public transportation such as the Bukit Bintang Monorail Station, buses and taxis. Guestrooms are thoughtfully designed and well furnished, with each room fully equipped with 32” ﬂat screen LCD TV, a safe box and Wi-Fi facilities. 85 Jalan Berangan, off Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur +603 2145 8833

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WORDS: R. RAJENDRA

THE VANTAGE POINT

The Sanskrit word maya may mean illusion but rest assured, there’s nothing illusory about the cool comfort of Maya Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. With the glittering Petronas Twin Towers on one side and Kuala Lumpur Tower on the other, this is arguably the best seat in town to ogle the towers that have defined KL’s skyline. Kuala Lumpur is a busy city and Hotel Maya is far from being a hidden hovel in the ground. Yet, step into this city hotel and the paradox of ‘serenity in the city’ will dawn on you. Touted as a boutique urban resort, the calm offered by this hotel is, at first, unreal. Mere metres from the Twin Towers, a busy thoroughfare right outside its doorsteps, embassies, banks and concrete towers all around it… tranquility isn’t the first thing that pops into mind, but, step into the hotel, and a private world unfolds, far from the madding crowd. Zen in some of its public areas while cheery and even playful in others, Hotel Maya is warm and inviting. Unlike other hotels that welcome you on road level, Hotel Maya’s lobby is located a few levels above and almost at the back of the block.

The bath was another point of interest with industrial chic colliding with Japanese Zen in a very gratifying manner. Brushed metal countertops at the vanity and dark wooden slats may seem like clashing components but here, the union was a pleasing alternative to tiles and slates seen elsewhere. A soak in the oversized tub was like having my very own onsen (Japanese hot springs)! The hotel has many unique private spaces on its premises. Still Waters is a dramatic restaurant with water cascading sensually over an inky black wall. Here, Japanese cuisine is served alongside unusual interpretations of Thai, Korean and Ozzie favourites. Right opposite is Maya Brasserie, a handsome outlet done up in dark, masculine tones that serves local and international menus. In between these two, a pleasant outlet aptly called Ramah Tamah serves tea and cakes, just what you need for a pick-me-up. Even the pool is not your run-of-the-mill water activity area. This is arguably the city’s only hydrotherapy pool with jets of water gently massaging you day and night. But, if you prefer actual human touch,

Driving up to the lobby, I felt like I was being led to a private entrance, my own porte cochère. The small lobby exemplified the hotel’s philosophy of keeping things intimate; guests check-in here before being quietly whisked away to their lodgings high up in the 22-storey building. Interestingly, the design of Hotel Maya includes an equally high atrium with doors and corridors opening onto this void for generous amounts of natural light and air. Flanking the building, tall bamboo plants soften the concrete structure, introducing a touch of Japanese Zen. The 207 rooms at Hotel Maya come in the shape of Studio, Junior Suite and Deluxe Suite. Keeping with the theme of ‘less is more’, wood flooring is juxtaposed with Retro inspired wire chairs and metal bins masquerading as side tables. My Deluxe Suite was super spacious with the space allocated for living, as large as the bed area, further divided by a TV lounge. My bed was positioned East-facing and no prizes for guessing which building twinkled at me by night, courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling glass windows! For added comfort, the hotel has installed air purifiers with Cerafusion Technology in its rooms to eliminate air and surface pollutants. A sound sleep is almost guaranteed!

hop over to Anggun Spa for the real deal with lots of therapies for you to choose from, especially the Malay Urut, a local massage technique renowned for its healing and relaxing properties. For a truly unique experience, head to the Sky Lounge on the 13th floor. In the evenings, sitting on the outdoor viewing deck here and mentally tracing every floor of the Twin Towers is one of the most hypnotic things you can do. Oh... that and taking loads and loads of selfies! So exclusive is this experience, the Sky Lounge is reserved strictly for hotel guests. Maya may be temporal but the pleasures to be had here can be revisited over and over again each time you visit Hotel Maya.

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HOTEL MAYA KUALA LUMPUR

138 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

9 HIT LIST 0 2014

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

LOCAL RIDES

Getting around on your vacation doesn’t have to just involve busses, taxis and trains. Step out of your comfort zone and experience the uniqueness of local transportation wherever you go.

SONGTHAEW

WORDS: CRYSTAL SOO

LAOS Its name means ‘two rows’, but the songthaew is really an open-air truck with two benches set out lengthways or multiple rows sideways. The songthaew is popular among locals, and more often than not, these vehicles are packed with kids squatting in the centre, so expect a tight squeeze! Despite the slightly cramped conditions, the views it offers make it all worthwhile.

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BECA

IAMGE: GETTY IMAGES

VIETNAM In many parts of Vietnam, the river is an important source of livelihood, especially for locals who transport food and goods in dugout canoes. This particular mode of transportation is found in the Central Highland and NorthWestern regions of Vietnam (Thac Ba Lake).

IAMGE: ADAM LEE

DUGOUT CANOE

MALACCA & PENANG, MALAYSIA Known as the beca, the humble trishaw was a common mode of transportation in the past, but it is increasingly becoming a novelty that caters largely to tourists. They’re impossible to miss as most of these nostalgic moving ‘displays’ are now heavily decorated, many sporting ﬂoral themes in ﬂuorescent colours with blinking disco lights and attached boom boxes blaring music. These trishaws are usually pedalled by elderly men who take their passengers along routes with panoramic views, to historical spots and along local food trails. This eco-friendly transportation promises a unique and unhurried sightseeing experience.

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IAMGE: GETTY IMAGES

OJEK/OJEG

BAMBOO TRAIN

IAMGE: INMAGINE

BATTAMBANG, CAMBODIA Almost as wide as a queen-sized bed, the bamboo train is basically a series of bamboo slats on wheels powered by a tractor engine that glides along abandoned railway tracks. The locals call it norry and sit cross-legged on the open-air platform, the wind in their face. This train speeds along the tracks fast enough for the ﬁelds and jungles to appear in a blur of green.

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INDONESIA When in Indonesia, do as the locals do and hop on an ojek! These motorcycle taxis can be spotted by the side of the road and usually offer short-distance rides around town. But, if you’d like to hire an ojek for travels beyond the city area, this can be arranged as well, and will offer a unique and exhilarating ride through the countryside. Incidentally, in the Sundanese language, ojeg stands for ongkos ngajegang, which means ‘pay to straddle’.

WATER TAXI BANGKOK, THAILAND In Bangkok, many locals get around using water taxis that ply the capital’s main waterway, the Chao Phraya River. With more than 30 stops on both sides of the river, this is one of the most economical and convenient modes of sightseeing. Take in sights along one bank as you travel up the river, and then switch sides as you travel down, so you don’t miss the amazing attractions on both banks. For a romantic experience, opt for a sunset cruise!

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JEEPNEY

CURIOUS COMMUTES

PHILIPPINES Philippines’ colourful jeepneys are actually relics left behind by the departing US military after WWII. Their surplus of war jeeps were either sold or given to Filipinos, who gave these vehicles a new lease of life with colourful designs and creative decorations. Today, you’ll hardly ﬁnd two that are alike as proud owners go to great lengths to personalise their jeepneys with vibrant paint jobs and rich ornamentation. Jeepneys may be used for both short- and long-distance trips, and are used by locals in towns and cities across Philippines, accommodating up to 30 passengers!

Unusual vehicles offer fun experiences on your travels.

TOBOGGAN SLED RIDE Funchal, Portugal This two-seater toboggan ride was introduced by locals in 1890 as a fun way to navigate the five kilometre stretch of winding road from the Portuguese town of Monte to Funchal. The toboggans are made from wicker two-seaters on wooden runners, and two men follow you on the 10-minute, 48 km per hour ride downhill to ensure you don’t run off course.

HANGING TRAIN Wuppertal, Germany Germany’s oldest monorail, which first opened in 1901, is a commuter train that’s suspended over the city of Wuppertal and runs along a route of slightly over 13 kilometres.

CHICKEN BUS Central America Some say these bright and colourful old school buses are called ‘chicken buses’ because they’re usually packed like a truck full of fowl. But they may also have earned this moniker because passengers often share space with livestock… like live chickens!

CENTRAL–MIDLEVELS ESCALATOR & WALKWAY SYSTEM

IAMGE: CORBIS

Hong Kong There are 20 elevators to navigate one-way, and the 20-minute ride will take you from Queen’s Road Central in Central to Conduit Road in the high-end MidLevels residential area. The Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system is one of the longest covered outdoor escalator systems in the world.

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IAMGE: GETTY IMAGES

AUTO THREE-WHEELERS INDIA Shout the magic word ‘auto’, and you’ll be waving down one of India’s many three-wheelers. These metal shells powered by seven-horsepower engines offer a thrilling ride to your destination in the fastest amount of time possible. The easy-to-spot black and yellow three-wheelers can accommodate up to three passengers and one driver. But brace yourself, for there are no seat belts!

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9 FEATURE • Indonesia 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

LIFE & DEATH inTORAJA Believed to have descended from the stars,

the Torajans of Sulawesi are a unique people who practise elaborate funeral rituals for their deceased.

Located in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, between Kalimantan and Maluku, Sulawesi sprawls out across the sea, in the shape of an orchid. Tana Toraja, located in South Sulawesi, centres around the township of Rantepao, a landscape of mountainous and ancient terraced rice ﬁelds, and is home to the rich and complex cultural heritage of the Torajan people. The journey into the heartland of this culture starts by heading north from Makassar and involves an eight-hour journey by road. An Indonesian road safari is always made easier with a driver; a guide comes at a nominal fee when you rent a car or a van. The roads in central Sulawesi are in poor condition, often rough and bumpy, but this all evens out when you travel in the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle with high seats, large ground clearance and good suspension. 74

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IAMGE: INMAGINE

WORDS: STEPHANIE BROOKES PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID METCALF

Cliff tombs in Tana Toraja. Outside the tombs, effigies called tau tau are placed to guard/represent the dead.

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Entering the highland region of Tana Toraja allows you to explore a unique culture, one that has fascinated people for centuries with their elaborate sacriﬁcial funeral ceremonies and sacred burial cave sites guarded by effigies. The traditional Tongkonan houses are beautifully decorated with colourful motifs carved into wood. Many of these huge, peaked roof houses are adorned with buffalo horns from past sacriﬁces.

FAR, FAR AWAY The Torajan people believe that they are descended from the stars and arrived on Earth in starships. It is thought that the shapes of their houses resemble those very starships. In the book Ring of Fire, An Indonesian Odyssey by Lawrence and Lorne Blair, the Torajan people are quoted as saying: “Before the dawn of human memory, our ancestors descended from the Pleiades in sky ships.” One of the highlights of visiting Toraja is to attend a traditional funeral, which is held only when a family has saved up enough money to host the elaborate event. It is necessary to build a complete village to house hundreds of guests over a five-day period. The temporary village is dismantled afterwards. Another major cost involves purchasing animals for ritual sacrifice. A funeral buffalo purchased from the animal market can range from USD2,500 to 40,000, while a pig currently costs from USD250 to 350. It is not uncommon to have over 50 pigs and several buffaloes sacrificed at a funeral. For this reason, a mummified body may end up staying in the family house for five years or more waiting for the accumulation of finances. One of the traditional villages David and I visited, not far from the township of Rantepao, actually had a five-year-old preserved mummified body lying in the lounge. The deceased was an elderly female whose husband had passed on earlier; her family was still unable to pay for a second funeral.

A ROYAL REQUIEM Some preserved bodies are stored in ornately decorated sarcophaguses. For those of royal descent, a royal widow is obliged to stay in the same room as her dead spouse until the funeral ceremony and ﬁnal burial. A widow must stay with the mummiﬁed – yet gradually

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disintegrating – corpse of her late husband for up to ﬁve years or more, and symbolically, she rots away too. During this time, she subsists on a special diet that excludes rice products. It is necessary for her to become symbolically dead. She is not permitted to leave her husband’s side. Her helpers, which include lesser widows, and in some cases, slaves, tend to her needs. It is important to nourish the deceased’s soul, so a bowl of food is replenished daily and palm wine is served, while an offering of betel nut or chewing tobacco is made at regular intervals. The Torajans believe it is only through this careful and giving ritual that the deceased will become a free soul, richer in the next life.

RITUALS IN REMEMBRANCE Although we were travelling outside of prime funeral season (July to October), we were keen to attend a funeral, and our guide, Sada, assured us he would help. After numerous phone calls, his efforts paid off and we found ourselves on the way to Tikala Village, just north of Rantepao. Navigating a one-kilometre trail by foot, we reached a temporary bamboo village, which had been erected for the sole purpose of the funeral. By 10.00am, the temperature had already hit 35 degrees Celsius and it was sweltering. As we joined a steady stream of people making their way to the funeral, a friendly vibe accompanied us. Casual chatting and joking was the order of the day. Torajan funerals are seen as a ‘send off’ and a celebration of the soul, so the vibe is far from morbid and solemn. It is seen as a joyous occasion and therefore, devoid of grieving. When we entered the funeral area, we were welcomed by the family of the deceased and invited to join the ‘family platform’. Foreigners attending a Torajan funeral, are seen as a sign of good luck, viewed as a dignitaries, and thus, treated as honoured guests. Once our tea arrived, a small fan club started to gather around us, people jostling to sit by us and start up conversations. We met people from small villages, towns and cities, many of whom spoke very good English, and all of them wanting to bestow their hospitality upon us. From the shaded platform, we looked

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The abundance of the land is visible at the local markets, which sell local spices and different varieties of rice; the terraced rice fields of Toraja tumble down from mountains, stretching across valleys; dressed in her finery, this Torajan dancer is on her way to perform at a funeral ceremony; a local woodworker carves a piece for adornment on a Tongkonan house.

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IAMGE: GETTY IMAGES

A traditional ancestral house of the Torajan people.

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ANCIENT TRADITION Toraja’s belief system is called Aluk, which translates to ‘the way’ or ‘the law’. According to an ancient myth, the Torajan ancestors came down from the stars using stairs, their means of connecting with their creator, Puang Matua. In the Aluk belief system, the world consists of the upper world, which is Heaven, and the lower world, Earth, which belongs to man and is seen as the underworld. Heaven is covered by a celestial, starship-shaped Tongkonan roof. Aluk governs the fabric of social life, the farming methods and the ancestral rites of passage and rituals.

DANCE & MUSIC Dances are performed at funeral ceremonies. Dancing is important because the deceased person is going to the afterlife and the journey is long. Torajans dance not only to express their grief, but also to honour the onward journey. A ritual called a Ma’badong takes place all through the night. This is performed by men in a circle who chant (all night) and it is considered to be the most important part of the funeral ceremony. On the second day, the Ma’randing warrior dance is performed. This signifies the courage of the deceased during their life on Earth. Several men dance wielding swords, sporting fine headdresses and buffalo horn helmets, holding large buffalo skin shields. The dance is held before the ritualistic procession of carrying the body of the deceased from the rice barn to the site of the funeral. Dancing is then turned over to the older women who dress in long feathered costumes and perform the Ma’katia, a poetic song, which speaks of the generosity and loyalty of the deceased person. After the ritual slaughter, a group of boys and girls clap their hands and perform a lively, celebratory dance called a Ma’dondan. War dances are another feature of the Torajan culture. The Ma’nimbong dance is a war dance performed by men, followed by a women-led Ma’dandan dance. All these dances are scheduled and performed according to Aluk religion. If you are lucky, you may catch a special dance called Ma’bua, which is performed only once every 12 years. This dance involves a priest who wears a buffalo head and dances around a sacred tree. As well as funeral and war dances, Torajans perform dances to honour the land and the rice growing cycles. Dancing and singing also take place to honour harvest time, thanksgiving and to celebrate pounding of the rice.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The saddle-shaped, curved Tongkonan houses found mostly around Rantepao, are seen as a measure of a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social standing and are important places for ceremonies and rituals; the smiles and laughter of these Torajan children reflect the happiness that prevails in this land; Kete Kesu village in the Sanggalangi district in Tana Toraja serves as a living museum, as life goes on here, as it has for over 400 years; an elderly Torajan rice farmer who has been tending to the rice fields all her life.

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out over the entire funeral arena and soaked up the welcoming vibe. We were inundated with offers to show us around, whilst more tea arrived, and within about half an hour, we had met over 15 family members. In the distance, we could hear pigs squealing and animals in distress. Torajan funerals are not for the faint-hearted. One has to keep an open mind, and as observers of a time-honoured tribal ritual, we watched with awe, fascination and a little bit nervousness as pigs and buffaloes were hauled into the ‘circle of death’. They were dispatched with great speed and efﬁciency. Blood ﬂowed through the middle of the common area, and huge chunks of meat were weighed and divided systematically according to rank and status. For a funeral, depending on your ranking in the village, you must offer a certain number of pigs or buffaloes, which are then slaughtered and the meat distributed amongst guests. Torajan society is a highly structured one, with four classes of people, including nobility and peasants. To be accepted and included in a traditional funeral ceremony with such openness and warmth was indeed an honour.

CLIFFS OF THE DEAD Next on the agenda was a visit to Toraja’s death cliffs. This is another fascinating aspect of the culture. The Torajans bury their dead in cofﬁn slots chiselled in cliffs, hillsides or in rocks. Some have efﬁgies called tau tau placed in front of the rock entrances to guard the spirit of the dead body. Some bodies are left out in the open, the skeletons exposed for all to see. Many of these bones date back 400 years.

HUMBLE HOSPITALITY The next day, we decided to stay in a traditional village. We headed high into the mountains to a village called Batutumonga where Sada had organised an overnight homestay in a traditional Tongkonan longhouse. It was late afternoon and the light was softening when we reached the high road that would lead us there. The roadside was dotted with mountain folk tending to their cattle, and as it was a school day, we passed many school children sharing the road with farmers and villagers. It is not unusual for children to walk eight to 12 kilometres to and from school each day!

It seems that even though Torajans live in basic houses, in very poor conditions, these rural people are always happy and relaxed, seemingly without a care in the world. In terms of materialistic acquisition, which many of us in more urban areas pursue, the Torajans seem happy to live in a simple way, not wanting for much. Their most important asset is a large, healthy buffalo. At the Tongkonan homestay, we climbed a rickety wooden ladder and settled into the attic where colourful mattresses were laid on the wooden ﬂoor. The owners cooked a delicious dinner, and we dined overlooking the beautiful mountains of Toraja and learned about village life. Life in traditional Torajan villages is structured around an ordered social and political system. Every village is one extended family, with the centre being the traditional Tongkonan house. Every Tongkonan has a name, which is also the name of the village. Marriage within a village is commonplace, however close cousins are not permitted to marry; marriage is permissible between fourth cousins and beyond. Extended families share a kinship and they help each other in farming and paying off debts. A bilateral family line is maintained and each person belongs to both the mother and the father’s families. This is the only bilateral family line practised in Indonesia. Children inherit the family land and house (and any debts) from both the mother and father.

AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER Early the next morning, we embarked on a rafting adventure just out of the main town of Rantepeo. This involved a one-hour walk through Ma’dong village, traversing a series of rice fields. We put-in on the riverbank of the Maulu River. Paddling downstream and being carried by the gentle current, was soft and easy. Only the occasional swooping of eagles above interrupted the calm stillness of floating down the deep gorge. As the river narrowed, we passed a series of large waterfalls cascading from the steep mountainous terrain. Several male iguanas sunbathed on large boulders. The rapids appeared in small bursts, but mostly, it was a trip down a lazy river, perfect for ending a spectacular seven-day trip. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Makassar, Indonesia, four times a week. www.airasia.com.

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9 FEATURE • Malaysia 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

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9 FEATURE • China 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SICHUAN’S

WILD WEST

The annual Horse Festival of Litang is a great opportunity to discover the rich traditions of this remote town in China’s Sichuan province.

WORDS: MARCO FERRARESE PHOTOGRAPHY: KIT YENG CHAN

The games at Litang Horse Festival vary between solo acrobatic performances and multi-horse events.

Bent over the neck of his Tibetan pony, a man with a long braid recited a series of mantras. Hardened by high altitude winds and unforgiving sun, he looked like a clay warrior on horseback. Humming in prayer, he caressed his horse on the side of its head to pass on a good luck spell that seemed to reduce the voices of the hundreds of spectators to a whisper. They all sat along the sides of the racetrack, holding their breaths, anxious for this horse to dash forward. At last, the rider opened his eyes and raised his right hand to the sky, a colourful silk ribbon connecting his fist to his horse’s mouth. He tugged lightly and the horse began to gallop. As mount and rider gained speed, the murmuring of the crowd rose to excited shouts that echoed across the green plateau and the grassy mountains that surrounded my travel partner and photographer, Kit Yeng, and me. The horse’s thumping hooves sprayed chunks of black earth in its wake as it swerved to the centre of the racetrack; suddenly, the rider bit the reins of his makeshift bridle, and let his upper body fall to the side of his mount. Clutching his horse’s flank sideways between his legs, his feet still firmly planted in the swinging stirrups, the rider’s torso and arms seemed to float in the air. It was the first time I’d seen such a dangerous stunt. When the horse approached a low mound in the middle of the racetrack, the rider swung his body down lower and grabbed a stone perched on top of it, and then hauled himself back up onto his horse. He’d made it; the powerful roar of the crowd echoed across the grasslands and leather cowboy hats waved madly in the air. As another rider took his position at the start of the racetrack, the cheers faded again into the silence of anticipation. I closed my eyes to find relief from the blinding sun as the horse nervously scratched the grass with its hooves. Before it dashed forward, I wondered if what was happening before me was real, or just the effect of highaltitude intoxication.

ON THE WORLD’S ROOF Litang Town, at 4,014 metres from sea level, is one of the highest towns in the world. It is the capital of Litang county in the Tibetan Kham region of Eastern Tibet, in the western part of Sichuan province. It’s here that, at the beginning of August, an annual Horse Festival ﬁlls the town’s grassy plateaus with thousands of Khampas. In Litang, Khampas race for honour and prestige; by competing for the best horse, they establish their nomadic socioeconomic hierarchies. However, no outsider knows the precise date or the exact location of this festival. In 92

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fact, Khampas prefer to keep the whereabouts of their annual gathering as secret as possible to avoid attracting unwanted attention. I knew that only few travellers had been fortunate enough to witness this legendary festival during their visits to Western China. Once we had reached Shangri-La – the famous town that marks the beginning of the Tibetan world in Northern Yunnan Province – at the end of July, we’d learnt that the horse festival is usually held for only one day in the ﬁrst half of August. Crossing our ﬁngers, we’d immediately decided to try our luck and travel to Litang in the hope of experiencing this unique festival.

NOT JUST A ONE HORSE TOWN In Daocheng, the first sizeable Sichuanese town after Yunnan province’s border, we

she answered politely, promptly explaining that the horse festival would only take place the next day. My heart started beating faster. After a long trip and a leap of faith, we were to be rewarded with the opportunity to witness the magniﬁcent event we’d set out to experience. “For today,” the woman suggested, “you can explore the town and the monastery.” With a full day ahead of us, we set out to explore Litang. Its main thoroughfare was lined with Chinese restaurants and shops. But, we knew that there had to be a charming Tibetan town around somewhere; black- and maroon-clad Tibetan men kept zooming past us on motorbikes with colourful rugs, and adorned with leather strips cascading from their handlebars. Following the road they’d taken, we came to a place where the road branched out of the city centre and towards the hills. We kept going, past the statue of

ABOVE: The spectacular stunts one can observe in Litang evidence the Khampas’ high level of horsemanship that foreign visitors should definitely not try at home.

hitched a ride along a tiny concrete road that snaked amidst rolling green hills and clear streams. “The Horse Festival is coming up,” said our driver, a tanned Khampa who kept his cowboy hat and sunglasses on even inside the car. “It’s the best time to be in town. But, I don’t know its date. You’d better ask locals when you arrive, for it’s a truly unmissable event,” he recommended. We were still crossing ﬁngers as we checked into a local guesthouse, and asked the Tibetan landlady if she knew anything about it. She was wearing a long black skirt and a woollen jacket, the most effective defence against the plateau’s cold winds. “Walk towards the grasslands out of town, and you will see the encampment,”

Tibet’s epic hero, King Gesar, on horseback, until the road narrowed. Maroon and golden Tibetan houses emerged along both sides of the road, starkly contrasting against green slopes and an intensely azure sky. All the while, a strong breeze swirled around us carrying white pollen as if it were freshly fallen snow. We knew that we’d taken the right turn when we found a Tibetan town hidden between the main road and the looming green mountains.

HEART OF LITANG As we continued on, clusters of square maroon houses continued to jut out over

ABOVE: Prayer wheels dot the sides of Litangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choekhorling monastery. In Tibetan culture, with the spinning of a prayer wheel, it is believed that the mantra embedded on it will reverberate and bless the surroundings. BELOW: Litangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monks belong to the Gelug-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, most popularly known as the Yellow Hat Sect.

ACCESSIBLE TIBET Litang is one of the most accessible and well connected places in Tibet. No special Tibet Travel Permit is required to visit Litang, which is easily reached by bus from Chengdu, with an overnight stop in Kangding. The best time to visit is from May to September, when roads are clear of snow and the plateaus are at their greenest. Winter can be difficult, especially because most accommodation options are basic and not properly heated, and road connections are often blocked by snowfall.

the sides of the street until the road became a steep gravel path. Breathing heavily with each step, we hiked up the green mountain until we reached a bend halfway through the slope. My jaw dropped as I took in the walls of the Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery. It lay between two grassy bends as if it were a maroon creature, its golden pinnacles and red bricks so colourful that they seemed alive against the blue sky. Inhabited by the Gelug-pa monastic sect, this place is a stronghold of Tibetan history: The seventh and 10th Dalai Lamas were born here. We entered the monasteryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s austere and dark interior and passed through a corridor lined with wooden pillars whose red paint showed the wear and tear of history. 94

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The Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling monastery is nestled among grassy hills at the north of Litang city centre.

ABOVE: The prayer wheel is a rotating instrument placed on top of a wooden stick, and is used by Tibetan peoples to spell their mantras. Throughout the festival, attendees pray for the success of their participating family members and favourite riders. BELOW: Before the race, horses are adorned with colourful threads and rugs that bestow good luck upon them.

Golden statues looked back at us among richly coloured Tibetan thankas (cloth painting usually depicting Buddhist art) that ﬂuttered in the breeze and adorned walls. I was particularly struck by one mural illustrating the ascent of a monk, a monkey and an elephant up a mountain path. As I was trying to decipher its meaning, a deep voice surprised me from behind. “It represents the nine stages to the attainment of mental tranquillity,” an old monk with a heavy maroon robe explained. “The elephant represents the human mind; as you can see, its colour turns from black to white. Black stands for mental dullness. The monkey, on the other hand, means distraction. It’s only by progressively liberating the mind that one will attain enlightenment at the end of the path,” he concluded with a soft smile as his gaze settled at the top of the mural, where a lone monk stood on a mountain top.

HOOVES & HONOUR We rose early to make our way to the festival grounds on foot. As expected, the area pullulated with people and animals draped in colourful costumes and traditional robes. Horses sported ribbons of white, blue, orange, green and yellow tied under their tails and around their flanks, adorning them in the colours of prayer flags. Two elderly women swung handheld prayer wheels and smiled at us as we passed. Suddenly, a Han Chinese man approached us. “Most people don’t speak English or Chinese here,” he explained and told us that he’d cycled 600 kilometres to get there. “I’m from Shanghai. My friends and I took the train to Chengdu, in order to cycle to Lhasa in Tibet.” Judging from the number of Chinese tourists who had sprouted here and there

ABOVE: Outside of the dusty thoroughfare, Litang’s quiet back lanes are surrounded by grassy hills and dotted with square Tibetan houses.

Then, the old monk directed us to the opposite corner of the room, where a wooden staircase beckoned. Creaky wooden steps climbed up through the darkness and onto the roof, where fantastic views of Litang and the surrounding valleys opened before us, as if we were looking into a sea of green. From here, we could see that the new Chinese-built thoroughfare was the only non-Tibetan part of town. Further away in the distance, the festival grounds lay just outside of town. Smoke wafted up in the sky from metal chimneys that jutted out of white Tibetan tents like black spoon handles sticking out of vanilla ice cream scoops. From that vantage point, I imagined the riders and horses that we would see the next day.

negotiating the muddy plateau on bicycle, it seemed that crisscrossing the Tibetan Plateau on two-wheels has become a favourite pastime for Chinese travellers. The Khampas, however, seemed not to care too much about tourists today: What truly mattered were hooves, highpitched neighs and the acrobatic prowess of the most valiant among them.

RACING TO IMPRESS As the clay warrior dismounted still holding the stone in his raised ﬁst, a group of yellowclad monks congratulated him. I realised that I wasn’t under the effect of high-altitude intoxication after all.

“What’s going on now?” I asked the Chinese biker, while Kit spoke to a beautifullyattired Khampa lady, her hair twisted in braids, and a shiny array of jewellery dangling from her neck and wrists. “That rider just qualified for the races,” the Chinese biker explained and the local beauty concurred. One after another, men of all ages took on the challenge to the frenzied cheering of spectators. Suddenly, one rider who had bent down to reach for a white scarf slung around a pole, missed it, lost his footing on one of the stirrups, and fell off his horse. A hush immediately fell over the crowd, and only once the man lifted himself up unscathed, and dusted himself off with a sour face, did they start laughing. When all the riders had run once, those who’d managed to grab an item from the floor gathered at one side of the field. I pushed forward for a closer peek, and found myself next to a tall man with dark glasses and a leather hat… the driver who’d given us a lift into town! “I told you,” he said, “Isn’t it great?” At the beginning of the racetrack, three men on horseback were preparing to race against each other. “But, what are they racing for?” I asked him. He looked at me with a bemused expression that gave way to hearty laughter. “Win? There’s nothing material to win here, certainly no cup!” he remarked. A white horse with a man in a brown poncho bent over its neck zoomed past, lifting chunks of fresh grass in its wake. Racing behind it, another man pulled at the bridles, inciting his horse to ride faster. “So, what is the point of this entire spectacle?” I asked. The driver put a hand on my shoulder and pointed at the winning white horse at the exact moment it crossed the imaginary finishing line set between two wooden poles. “Well, it’s very simple. They run for honour and respect. There’s no real winner: The faster the rider, the more prestige for his whole clan,” he enlightened me before hooting happily as a couple of competing horses thundered past us. I finally understood: I’d come all the way to the wide plateaus of Tibet, where there are no fancy cars or clothing, thinking it was about one rider, one winner, one prize. But, what I learnt about this festival, in which men vie for prestige, was that it was all about the clan. They were riding for their people, and perhaps, if they managed to impress a beautiful Khampa lady, a potential wife. GETTING THERE AirAsia X flies daily to Chengdu from Kuala Lumpur. www.airasia.com

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9 FEATURE â&#x20AC;˘ India 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

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India offers unique experiences that can never be replicated elsewhere. In the southern Indian city of Madurai, R.Rajendra experiences history, culture and spirituality and perhaps, even a brush or two with Providence. PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE

One of the gopuram (tower) that mark the entrance of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, resplendent with carvings depicting gods, demi-gods, supernatural beings and humans too.

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The Hall of a Thousand Pillars in the Meenakshi Temple (actually only Weiyang 985 pillars) District were â&#x20AC;&#x201C; built in suchone a way of the to form five core a straight lineareas from of any Xiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an angle. city.

“You don’t choose to visit India, India chooses you.” I couldn’t help but be reminded of this saying as my first ever visit to the South Continent seemed on the verge of getting cancelled due to unprecedented rains in Tiruchirappalli ( Tr i c h y ) t h a t w a s f o r c i n g f l i g h t cancellations. India seemed a little reluctant to welcome me into her warm embrace and, being typically paranoid over the slightest change in plans, I began to wonder if the trip was doomed from the word ‘Go’, if India wasn’t ready for me. Mercifully, an hour or so later, my flight took off and despite very poor weather conditions, the pilot landed the aircraft without any glitches, and I was off to Madurai, some 140kms away from Trichy. Throughout the journey on a relatively empty highway heading further south, the driver couldn’t help reminding me that I had brought the rain. He must have seen my furrowed forehead in the rear mirror as he quickly interjected: “In a good way, saaar (sir)…, we don’t get much rain. Hot season now,” Ganesh commented with a shy smile as we wove through small towns and villages, past truck stops, roadside shrines, little rivers and ponds. Rural India was an unforgiving landscape, but amidst dry patches of earth and thorny bushes, occasional bursts of colour, lush greenery, herds of goats and thriving communities streaked past, reminding me that this land was both pleasant and perplexing at the same time.

IT POURS WHEN IT RAINS My arrival in Madurai late that evening was met with even more rain. As Ganesh drove through the city, the sight of its citizens running helter-skelter, trying to avoid the rain was almost like a Kollywood movie scene (Bollywoood refers to the Hindi film industry while the Tamil ﬁlm industry is called Kollywood – the letter ‘K’ from the city of Kodambakkam, near Chennai, where the industry is located). Ladies in colourful sarees with their mundhani (end of the saree material draped over shoulders) covering their heads, hopped over puddles of water, schoolgirls with hair in double plaits tied with ribbons shared umbrellas, 100

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ofﬁce workers in starched white shirts dodged the muddy splash created by auto rickshaws, and cows by the road chewed ripe bananas observing the ensuing mayhem dispassionately – this was the cinematic tableau that Madurai presented to me. This quasi-urban scene was a pre-cursor to what I would experience repeatedly in Tamil Nadu’s third largest city that was neither an urban centre nor a rural settlement – a bit of both with modernity and tradition colluding in a fanciful manner.

THE ELUSIVE TEMPLE Madurai is an ancient city with a recorded history that stretches back to as early as the third century BC. Megasthanes, a Greek envoy visited Madurai in 302 BC during the rule of the Pandya dynasty, with recorded accounts of reciprocal visits to Rome. The Pandya dynasty ﬂourished until it was overthrown by the Chola dynasty in the 10th century. Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta (Moroccan explorer) also mentioned this city in their journals having visited it in 1293 AD and 1333 AD respectively. “Ganesh, can we pass through the main area? I want to see the big temple,” I asked our driver, hoping to catch a glimpse of at least the famed temple towers before heading to my hotel on the periphery of the city. “Saar… this road don’t go through temple area. Motorcar not allowed,” replied Ganesh, putting a dampener on my plans. I wondered if India still wasn’t ready for me. She let me in but wasn’t prepared to let me near one of the biggest, living temple complexes in the country that easily. Maybe, the time wasn’t right, I consoled myself as we left the bright lights of the city and drove into quieter streets heading out.

THE MYSTERIOUS ‘THEY’ The next day, rain persisted and any chance of visiting the main temple was still a distant hope. A staff at AVN Arogya Ayurvedic Hospital, a traditional health retreat (www.avnarogya.in) where I was lodging, sensed my sullen disposition and enquired about the nature of my troubles. Having heard my ‘woeful’ tale of not being able to catch even a glimpse of the temple, he darted to the window, pulled up the blinds and proudly proclaimed: “Cannot see mother, see son ﬁrst!”

GODDESS WITH FISH-LIKE EYES The presiding deity of the city of Madurai is highly revered by Hindus, especially South Indians, as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess and Shakti (primeval energy). Meenakshi, which means ‘she with fish-like eyes’ (an Indian description of sublime beauty), is a very important figure in Hindu mythology and her origins can be traced back to the Pandya kingdom that ruled South India between 500 BC and 1250 AD. Meenakshi is regarded as a princess, a brave warrior, a just ruler and subsequently, a goddess. For a non-Hindu, this might sound like a glorification of a much beloved ruler who was eventually elevated to the status of a goddess; for the locals, she is verily a Devi (goddess).

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Wall fresco depicting tales from Hindu mythology at the Meenakshi Temple; jasmines for sale at the Matthutavani market; Tamil ladies selling fruits in Madurai city; sculpture of a yali (mythical beast with lion head and serpent body) guarding the entrance to the Thiruparankundram Temple.

Legend has it that Meenakshi was born out of a sacrificial fire pit when King Malayadhwaja and Queen Kanchanamala performed a ritualistic oblation in hope of progeny. Pleased with the devotion of the royal couple, Goddess Parvathy (Lord Shiva’s consort) reincarnated as a three-year-old girl. This girl, Thadathangai, however, had three breasts/nipples. The oracles divined that the oddity would vanish when she met her true love/match. Thadathangai grew up to become an unbeatable warrior and led many campaigns. In her final conquest, she marched to Mt. Kailash and challenged Shiva to a battle. When he appeared, the princess was impressed with his divine qualities, and as predicted, her third breast/nipple vanished. Soon after, Shiva married Thadathangai and they took on the names of Lord Sundareshwarar and Lady Meenakshi. Together, they ruled Madurai.

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MADURAI MUST-DOS Thirumalai Nayak Palace is an architectural beauty built between 1629 and 1636. Commissioned by King Thirumalai Nayak to mark the shift of his capital from Trichy to Madurai, the palace is said to have been built using the services of an Italian architect. Design elements include Indo-Saracenic domes and arches, and Gothic pillar columns. A sound and light show is presented every evening with English and Tamil commentaries. Gandhi Memorial Palace is dedicated to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary leader of the Independence movement and architect of the renowned peaceful Civil Disobedience movement. The building is the former palace of Queen Rani Mangammal of the Nayak dynasty and houses documents, letters, pictures and personal belongings of the Mahatma (great soul), including a bloodstained cloth taken from Gandhi on the day he was assassinated. www.gandhimmm.org

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Pottamarai Kulam at the Meenakshi Temple where the merit of literary works of the past were said to have been judged by throwing them into the pond; the Mukruni Ganesha statue outside the main sanctum at the Meenakshi Temple, carved from a single rock, was unearthed during excavation works in the 17th century; a pillar carving depicting the marriage of Lord Muruga to Lady Devasena in Thiruparankundram; novice priests take a quick break from their classes near the temple tank at Thiruparankundram Temple.

Murugan Idly serves simple but truly delicious idly, a South Indian breakfast dish. These rice and urad dhall (black lentil) cakes are steamed and eaten with hot sambar (lentil stew) or chutney. www.muruganidlishop.com

The most aromatic jasmines are said to come from Madurai. Visit the Madurai Flower Market in Matthuthavaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Integrated Market Complex and see roses, marigolds, jasmines and other flowers being traded and, turned into garlands.

Puzzled at what he was blabbering on about, I approached the window; in the distance, a massive monolith rose from the ground. “Thiruparankundram!” the staff exclaimed. “Where Muruga married Devasena/Deivayanai! They are all there!” he chattered on excitedly. This was, after all, Tamil hinterland and for Tamilians worldwide, Lord Muruga is the patron deity of the Tamil language and culture. “Who are ‘they’?” I asked but he simply darted out of the room saying, “You go there ﬁrst. They are all there to bless you!”

THE GRAND TOUR The temple at Thiruparankundram is one of the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga in Tamil Nadu and according to mythology, this is the spot where the warrior god rested after slaying the demon Soorapadman using the holy Vel (lance) given by his mother, Parvathy. Grateful for liberating the universe, Indra, the King of Heaven, offered his daughter, Devasena, in marriage to Lord Muruga. All the celestial beings descended to Earth to witness this union; in the inner sanctum of this temple that has been carved into a solid monolith, all the major Hindu deities are present to bless the happy couple on their wedding day – a gathering that’s uncommon in other Hindu temples in India. Looking like a typical tourist, I stood outside the main tower of the temple not quite knowing where to start, only to be approached by a raggedly looking old man who asked me to follow him for a grand tour of the temple. Almost instantaneously my guard went up, having heard of how charlatans trick visitors into such guided tours and then demand a fat amount as a fee. But, I followed him nonetheless. There was something about the old man; despite looking impoverished, his eyes were kind and there was a quiet joy in his voice. Also, he had his mythology down pat, regaling me with fascinating history and mythology. “You know Muruga has two wives? Devasena here and Valli in Thiruthani, about 80kms from Chennai. Devasena… he married her at the bidding of his elders but his true love is that tribal girl, Valli. One for duty, one for love,” he chattered on as he took me through the various sections of the temple, explaining frescoes on the

walls and ceilings, and hundred-yearold carvings and statues. At the end of the tour, after taking me to almost every nook and cranny with running commentary to boot, he humbly accepted the small gift of money I offered him, protesting that it was too much. “You visited Thiruparankundram first. Now, you are blessed because all the gods are here. All obstacles will be removed,” he proclaimed and quickly melted into the thick sea of people. Within the next hour, Ganesh called me up and said not only had it stopped raining in the city, but a guide was waiting for me and her name was Meenakshi!

THE GUIDE & THE GODDESS Meenakshi (the guide, not the goddess!) waited for me at the main tower of the Meenakshi Temple. A slightly matronly looking lady, she was dressed in a simple cotton saree and introduced herself with a little frown. Trafﬁc was heavy getting into the city and so, Ganesh had to park quite a distance. “You are late. You won’t be able to visit the temple fully,” she said in ﬂuent English, as I apologised furiously, exchanged Vanakam (Tamil greeting) and rushed to enter the temple. The exact date of the Meenakshi Temple is lost in antiquity mainly because temples were constantly being built, expanded and renovated during the reign of different rulers. Although Tamil Sangam literature suggests the existence of the temple for some 2,500 years now, most historians agree that the shrine to the goddess was built during the reign of King Chadayavarman Sundara Pandyan in the 12th century. However, the Nayak rulers (1529 to 1736 AD) are credited with returning the glory to the city of Madurai, as these rulers were dedicated patrons of Tamil arts, culture, architecture and language. Of them, Thirumalai Nayak (1623 to 1659 AD) ruled Madurai and instructed massive renovation to the temple. He added towers to the temple complex and finished the construction of the raja gopuram (main entrance tower). The temple is a huge complex with 11 towers of varying heights with the raja gopuram rising to a height of about 70 metres. Covered with a plethora of travel 3Sixty˚

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gods, demi gods, mythical creatures, humans and animals, the south tower alone is said to house 1,600 sculptures! Access to the temple is open to all but the inner sanctum where the goddess and her husband, Lord Shiva, are enshrined is strictly for Hindus due to security reasons. However, nonHindu visitors can still enjoy this huge piece of living art by visiting the Hall of a Thousand Pillars, various mandapam (halls) decorated with stone carvings depicting tales from Hindu scriptures, and the Musical Hall where five musical pillars (made up of 22 smaller pillars) produce musical notes when tapped. The Pottamarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Pond) is of particular interest as the literary merits of the works of past poets were judged by dropping them into the sacred pond. According to legend, superior works floated while the rest simply sank. As Meenakshi led me further into the temple, I was gobsmacked at the antiquity of the temple where only natural light and flames from oil lamps were permitted to illuminate the sacred areas. A queue of worshippers snaked around the garbha graha (sanctum sanctorum), all waiting to witness the holy flame being waved in front of the idol. The few seconds (due to the massive crowd waiting in line) accorded to the devotees to offer prayers at the sanctum, was enough to overwhelm many as they broke down in tears, having come face-to-face with their ‘Mother’. The queue was long and despite having paid a little extra to get into the VIP line, I was still far, far away. But, Meenakshi rose to the occasion. Grabbing my arm, she firmly pushed her way through the crowd and brought me to the very mouth of the sanctum sanctorum. She took the garland of roses and vermillion powder I had brought with me as offerings and plonked them firmly in the hands of a rather startled priest, instructing him to perform the puja (prayer). As the priest lifted the aarti (holy flame), she turned to me and said: “The mother never lets the child go disappointed. You’ll see her now.”

MOTHER KNOWS BEST Having performed the daarshan (viewing of the deity), my guide took 104

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her leave, saying that I should be OK from there onwards, that I had no further use for a guide. “A mother also knows when to cut the saree end for her child to soar,” she smiled and left quickly even before I could gather my senses over what had just transpired. Together with hundreds of other devotees, I eventually spilled out onto the main street. The sacred serenity amplified by the aroma of incense, ghee lamps and rose buds gave way to loud Tamil cinema music and traders hawking ever-silverware, sarees and costume jewellery.

ABOVE: The richly decorated interior of the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai showcases Indo-Saracenic architectural elements.

Mundane existence swiftly took over the spirituality I had just experienced. But, I didn’t lament the expiration of those few hours that cradled me in spiritualty, religious fervour, culture and history in the inner circle of Madurai’s famed temple. Nay, the episode simply proved that India had not only given consent for me to approach, she took me right into her bosom and showered me with experiences that will not be forgotten so easily. GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies daily to Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu from Kuala Lumpur.

9 FEATURE • Vietnam 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

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PH OT OG RA PH Y: O MA RH AV AN A

Just as it did in the early decades of the 20th century, Sapa continues to lure intrepid travellers who yearn for meaningful experiences shared with the local Hmong people. A Hmong woman setting up her stall selling traditional blankets.

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Fulfilling a promise to honour someone I’d never even met before brought me to Sapa for the first time in the summer of 2006. It all started with a story, that of those Africans who fought under the French flag in the fields of Dien Bien Phu. Years later, Paul, the son of one of those Senegalese who’d died thousands of miles away from home, asked me to honour the memory of his father. “You must go to Sapa and think of my father when you get there. Do it for those who gave their lives in that terrible battle,” he had told me. I had no expectations of Sapa, but what I found while sharing my days with the Hmong people was an experience that changed my life forever. Approximately 370kms north of Hanoi, the journey to Sapa took me more than eight hours by train. Mountainous terrain, extraordinary natural beauty and the colourful ethnic minorities I encountered along the way, ensured a scenic route. As one of the top trekking destinations in the region, Sapa draws many foreigners every year who come to explore its hills and enjoy the fresh air. Tourists will be truly relaxed in the peaceful atmosphere here, but those who choose to come with an open mind and no fixed plans, will be most rewarded – something I discovered during my first stay.

A WARM WELCOME On board a minivan from the city of Lao Cai, where the train from Hanoi stops, I travelled up via a serpentine road through a deep mist that hid the town during most of the journey. Suddenly, the traditional indigo blue dresses of the Hmong minority appeared, on the sides of the road, announcing my arrival in Sapa, the town that was known during French colonial times as the ‘Summer Capital of North Vietnam’. My minivan stopped at the doors of the hotels where tourists had booked rooms in advance – a recommended step to take prior to arriving in Sapa, as the town does not have enough beds to accommodate the large number of travellers arriving daily. Suddenly, I heard a smiling voice “Hello brother, hello sister! What is your name? Where are you from? How long are you going to stay in Sapa?” This initial encounter with the people who live in the magical mountains can be a tad overwhelming, but that feeling soon dissipates, as you begin to feel like you have found your home.

THE MINORITIES OF SAPA Upon arrival in Sapa, you’ll notice a diversity of colourful dresses that identify the different minorities that live in the area: The Dzao people sport bright red head wraps, while Hmong are known for the incredibly colourful patterns of their embroidery and the ever-present indigo blue of their dress. Various ethnic minorities – of which Hmong people are the majority – inhabit the area around Sapa, constituting more than 80 per cent of the region’s population. Migrating from China in the 18th century, the Hmong people settled in Vietnam’s highlands, especially in the northwest. While traditionally an 108

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ABOVE: Red Dao women sewing traditional clothes in the main city market.

agrarian society who practised shifting agriculture, many Hmong households today live on sedentary subsistence agriculture, based largely on wet rice paddies, dry rice patches and maize cultivation. Of all the minorities, the Hmong people were the friendliest; their eternal smiles welcomed me as I took my first steps in the city. They were curious, their conversations a non-stop chain of questions, but above all, it was the feeling of honesty that attracted me to them. In Sapa, womenfolks dressed in blue wait patiently in the city for newly-arriving travellers. It’s only a matter of seconds before any new visitor to Sapa feels at home.

HANDMADE BY THE HMONG I never doubted that the best way to fulﬁl my promise was to get close to those who really knew the land. Tourists who choose to follow the path planned by travel agencies will go home with the worthwhile experience of having been in one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia. But, those who choose to spend time with the minorities, bypassing commercially crafted tours, and allowing the locals to be their guide, will return home with the experience of a lifetime. Go direct to the minorities and

BELOW: A Hmong woman cooking a meal in her kitchen using the most basic of equipment. BOTTOM: A group of Hmong women tending their vegetable farm.

“Tourists who would like to know how we live must stay with us and live with us. We are very happy to receive tourists in our homes, share a meal with them and show them how we live. Homestays and organised tours are good, but they don’t really give foreigners the opportunity to really know how we live”, Khu, a young Hmong woman who sells textile goods in the streets of Sapa, told me.

MY LY FAMILY The whole village was awaiting my arrival; news of a foreigner carrying his backpack along the side of the road that links Lao Cai to Sapa soon reached the village where the Ly family lives. I did not know that I would have the honour of being the ﬁrst foreigner to live among them. I was received by the family in what felt like a celebration, especially for people who are faced with food shortages. Sitting in front of the ceremonial altar overlooking the largest room in the house of my Hmong hosts, cereal bowls were repeatedly re-ﬁlled with a local beer they had prepared for the occasion, “Haun be, haun be!” they kept telling me: “Drink all, drink all!” With every drink, the conversation became more intense, until the oldest man of the family began to speak

pay what your heart dictates, and you’ll never go wrong! After only a few minutes in Sapa, my heavy rucksack still on my back, the smiling voices that called me ‘brother’ were like a magnet full of magic drawing me into my ﬁrst conversation with the Hmong people. “I want to know how you live, I want to share my days in Sapa with you, I want you to tell me all about this place,” I told them. It only took these few words for the Hmong women to invite me to their village. “You can live with us, in our own way, with our family. We will be very happy to share how we live with you,” they answered. While most tourists visiting Sapa will only remember the Hmong people by the striking impression of the clothes that they sell on the streets of Sapa, others will listen to these women who day after day, try to convince travellers that the best way to discover their home is to walk by their side. In between jokes and never-ending smiles, the paths that they suggest become an adventure full of anecdotes. Visiting their villages, normally far from the city; having lunch surrounded by their family, where the eyes of the youngest ones are entertained by the strange shape of a foreign face; planting vegetables; or riding a buffalo are experiences that will remind anyone of those days when the only goal was just to be happy. travel 3Sixty˚

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THREAT TO TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOOD Once dominated by rice growing, raising domestic animals and gathering food from the forest, the traditional livelihood of Sapa’s minorities is evolving due to tourism. In Sapa’s town centre, some ethnic minorities now run shops or sell souvenirs, handicrafts, beverages and more; they work as tour guides and motorbike drivers and run homestay accommodations. However, despite the obvious benefits tourism has brought the town – the creation of jobs, the increase in incomes, the broadening in community knowledge, etc. – ethnic tourism is altering the life of the minorities. An increase in the number of street vendors, for instance, has brought with it the pressure of competition between different groups, which can be explosive when supply of goods is higher than demand. As many become accustomed to their new jobs, money is becoming an increasingly significant influence, which is altering local customs and traditions.

TOURISM IN SAPA After liberation from French rule, Sapa became a resort for high-ranking officials of the Vietnamese Communist Party. It was from 1992 to 1993, after a period of conflict between Vietnam and China, when many of the resorts and villas built by the French were destroyed, that Sapa began to wake up to its tourism potential once again, seeing a boom in construction of State guesthouses, that returned both French visitors and Vietnamese government officials to Sapa. In 1993, the Lao Cai Provincial Committee decided to promote tourism in the province, and particularly in Sapa, as a key economic sector. Since then, the number of tourists in Sapa has increased over tenfold and it is estimated to reach 1.5 million by this year.

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A Hmong couple tend to their rice paddies.

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about Dien Bien Phu. He spoke about his friends, those foreigners of dark skin who had fought in the area and, like Paul’s father, lost their lives during the French army’s last battle in Vietnam. Later, I slept in a bed of straw covered with a traditional Hmong woven blanket. I’d never been more comfortable.

SIMPLE LIVING Days passed with dreamlike landscapes, and daily breakfasts gave way to large natural showers under breath-taking waterfalls, and gradually, I started to learn more about the Hmong, and especially about the Ly family. But it all soon came to an end: A plane was waiting for me in Bangkok to take me back to the reality of a consumerist world where I no longer felt I belonged. Since that trip, the simplicity and honesty not only of the Ly family but of all those Hmong people I met on my ﬁrst trip to Sapa have been part of my life. I often come back to the place that I ﬁrst described as paradise in 2006. I always come home to share my days with the Ly family, and it was during one of those trips that my name for them changed forever. After many visits with the Hmong people whom I have considered as my family from the very beginning, I received what has been for me the greatest honour that anyone has ever given me: I was baptised during a Shaman ceremony held by the father of the Ly family and given a Hmong name, Nia, which means silver. 112

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Sapa changed my life forever. It will always be the place I travel with the only goal being to be happy with the family that welcomed me as one of their own.

AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME ABOVE: A Hmong woman selling traditional clothes by the door of a tourist clothes shop in Sapa.

Sapa is a place where only those who choose to hold the hands of the minorities, will fully accomplish the dream of living beneath Sapa’s clouds. Only those who choose to live an adventure, who arrive in Sapa with nothing but their bags and their minds open, will return with a souvenir impossible to forget. Sapa is deﬁnitely one of those places where the words of the English writer G.K. Chesterton become a reality: “A traveller sees what he sees, a tourist sees what he has come to see”. It is easy to get to Sapa, but it is really hard, almost heart-breaking to leave when your memories will be the little brothers and sisters that call your name while holding your hand on the way to their home, or the tears running down their faces as you board a minivan. When you see, through the window, a little hand waving goodbye, a woman dressed in blue thanking you for visiting her village, you start planning your next trip to Sapa, as you begin to understand that beneath the magical mist of Sapa, happiness acquires a new meaning. GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to Hanoi, Vietnam, from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. www.airasia.com.

9 PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE 0 2014

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

NO FEARS, NO TEARS Knowing that air travel can be scary for kids, Captain Lim Khoy Hing explains what to expect when flying to put young travellers at ease. When I was little, my parents never had to worry about us kids when it came to air travel. It was never going to happen anyway, as we were too poor even to afford a bus ride! My ﬁrst ﬂight came along when I was a 19-year-old military cadet. It was on a propeller plane (a twin engine eight-seater Dove) when the Royal Military College that I was attending 114

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visited a flying school in the north of Malaysia. I was not fearful of flying. Instead, I was looking forward to it. However, many children and adults suffer from a fear of flying. Children do not usually know how to deal with this fear and may cry or scream loudly, misbehave by attempting to stand up on their seats or even try to remove their seat belts.

In order to help children overcome their aerophobia, parents ﬁrst need to learn more about ﬂying so they can then help educate their children.

EASING AEROPLANE EAR A blocked ear canal may cause pain at altitude. Sounds like a simple thing, doesn’t it? Often, it

is something simple that is at the root of a lifetime of fear and angst. My granddaughter became fearful of ﬂying after suffering excruciating pain from a blocked ear during a plane’s descent. Thereafter, she refused to ﬂy anywhere. I gradually explained to her that it had been a blocked ear that had actually caused her the pain. An imbalance of air pressure caused by a blocked Eustachian

tube had stretched the sensitive membrane in her ear. To reduce the risk of this from happening, avoid ﬂying with children if they have a severe cold. Sometimes, when a child has a mild cold or a sinus problem, the ears become blocked. A few tricks might alleviate the problem, for example, sucking sweets and blowing against a closed nose and mouth (Valsalva manoeuvre) to clear the blockage. Alternatively, try moving the jaw from left to right a few times. This will usually push air into the middle ear, thereby equalising the pressure, which normally eases the pain. My granddaughter is especially prone to aeroplane ear

because her Eustachian tube is more narrow than normal. This often causes a blockage to the Eustachian tube, which results in air not being able to travel up to the middle ear. Blockages are usually caused by mucus and inﬂammation due to colds or throat infections. She understands it better now and knows how to blow her ears in order to clear her very narrow Eustachian tube. A family doctor might be able to help by prescribing antihistamine tablets, which should be taken a day before ﬂying and may help to reduce the amount of mucus produced. Decongestant tablets or syrups have also been found to be very useful. Even better,

a nasal spray can help dry up mucus in the nose. Kid-sized external air pressure-regulating ear plugs can also help as they slow the rate of air pressure change on the eardrum. Ideally, these should be worn before the door of the aircraft is closed.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP ON-BOARD A plane in ﬂight produces some very strange noises, which can be quite frightening to a young child. As such, explaining to your child the various noises in the cabin on the ground and while ﬂying helps to reduce anxieties that they may associate with something dangerous happening.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

BEING ABLE TO EXPLAIN AWAY ANY TROUBLING SOUNDS AND SENSATIONS CHILDREN MIGHT EXPERIENCE WILL GO A LONG WAY IN EASING THEIR ANXIETIES AND FEARS, AND HELPING THEM ENJOY THE AMAZING EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELLING ACROSS THE WORLD, THROUGH THE AIR. AS RALPH WALDO EMERSON SAID, “KNOWLEDGE IS THE ANTIDOTE TO FEAR.”

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Capt. Lim’s first book, LIFE IN THE SKIES is now available for purchase onboard all AirAsia flights (AirAsia X, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia) or online at AirAsia Megastore at www.airasiamegastore. com/life-in-the-skies. html It is also available at all major book stores in Malaysia and Singapore. Enjoy the great collection of articles, anecdotal stories and observations of this veteran aviator in this book.

For instance, the clunking noise just after a plane is airborne or before landing is the sound of the wheels going up or down. The roar of the engines as a plane rumbles down the runway can be deafening and may need explanation to reduce unnecessary fear. Whilst on the ground, there will be a background hum from equipment that supplies electricity, as well as airconditioning for the cabin. The modern jet engine takes a while to start and during this process, the lights will ﬂicker on and off and other pieces of electrical equipment can be heard stopping or starting. Soon after, when the landing ﬂaps are selected, the screw jack noise kicks in, and the transfer unit of the hydraulic pumps creates a sound as if a dog is barking inside the cargo hold! During taxiing, expect a thumping noise as the nose wheel passes over taxi lights. A frequent air traveller will treat all these noises as routine, but not a child.

Captain Lim’s twin grandsons on board an Airbus A340 from London to Kuala Lumpur in 2010.

get out of his or her seat, or refusing to buckle up, calm him or her down with a hug and reassurances that everything will be ﬁne. Most kids do eventually calm down, unless something physical is troubling them, such as a blocked ear.

LET THE LIGHT IN

After take-off, the sound of the engine will change to a lower pitch as the power settings are reduced. This is normally associated with a sinking feeling during the power reduction process, whereby the pilot pulls back the power and slows the rate of climb. A child’s fear may be further compounded by the reduction of the engine noise, which can make him or her believe that something may be wrong with the engines. During the landing phase, the thrust reversers add to the noise level, but all these noises are perfectly normal. This knowledge will help adults explain any abnormal sounds or motions to a child.

UNDERSTANDING TURBULENCE Modern aircraft can take up to at least 150 per cent of the strongest force they could possibly meet in ﬂight, and are therefore, not really affected by turbulence. However, a shaking plane may upset an anxious child traveller who doesn’t 118

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understand what’s going on. Turbulence is a natural phenomenon in the air. It is more prevalent around jet streams that are caused by the Earth’s rotation. Flying inside a jet stream is basically smooth. However, when flying in the vicinity of one, friction between fast-moving jet streams turns the nearby slow-moving air into ‘ball bearings’ of air. So, when a plane is flying in these rolling ball bearings of air, passengers can expect a rough ride. This is just one of the causes of turbulence; flying near a thunderstorm, and through wind shear and unevenly heated air mass can also produce a similar effect. Sound knowledge of turbulence will enable an adult to confidently explain the often scary sensation of turbulence to a child in a reassuring manner.

PREPARE FOR FLIGHT Talk to your child about what will happen on the ﬂight ahead of time. It may be useful to go into details about noises

to expect while boarding, and during take-off and landing, so that these strange or loud sounds do not come as a complete surprise. If your child is frightened, crying loudly, struggling to

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

These days, my grandchildren are far less fearful of flying as they have the benefit of a grandfather to help them understand the mechanics of flight. For others who do not have such an advantage, learning about aircraft and the issues involved in flying is a good idea. Being able to explain away any troubling sounds and sensations children might experience will go a long way in easing their anxieties and fears, and helping them enjoy the amazing experience of travelling across the world, through the air. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Knowledge is the antidote to fear.”

9 TRAVEL LOG 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Our Nemo-themed boat for the glass bottom experience.

LUCKY TRAVELLER

Some people have all the luck, and Patricia G. Ealdama is one of those fortunate few, having won herself a trip of a lifetime to Boracay!

People say I’m one lucky girl. That’s because I always win major prizes in trade events and raffle draws. Last year, Discovery Channel had a trade event and I was praying to win a smartphone. Of course, since I’m a lucky girl, I won an even bigger prize: A trip for two to Boracay with airfare and hotel accommodation included! I was very excited. I usually visit Boracay every year, but in 2013, because of my new job and busy schedule, I wasn’t able to. I’m really not a beach person, but who can resist the charms of one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines? I decided to use my prize in the summer of 2014. I called Discovery Channel and they scheduled my summer escapade. They said I’d be staying at Boracay Regency hotel. I became even more excited because I’d stayed in that hotel before and loved it. They also told me that I would be flying with AirAsia. I got even more excited because I’d never experienced travelling in an AirAsia plane before. I decided to bring my sister along with me. It was her first time and I wanted to show her around and try out new activities together. Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 was packed! Good thing my sister had checked in via web check-in so we just had to drop off our bags and wait to board. It was so convenient! When 120

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it came time to board the plane, we were like schoolgirls giggling with excitement when we saw the AirAsia plane waiting to take us on an epic summer adventure. Of course, we took selﬁes before boarding! When we arrived in Kalibo, we took a van to Caticlan, then a boat to Boracay. Our hotel was beautiful and our room had a veranda where we could chill on hot afternoons and watch marvelous sunsets. We also loved that it had a fab view of the gorgeous pool. We arrived at 3.00pm and were really hungry. I took my sister to my favourite

late lunch spot called Manana. It’s a small Mexican restaurant that has the freshest tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas. We also shared a tall mango shake. So refreshing! After eating, I took my sister to see the famous grotto of Mama Mary. This place is said to be miraculous. The long walk was perfect to burn off the lunch calories. It was really a hot afternoon and we didn’t think twice about jumping into the sea. After swimming, I did some yoga poses to give thanks to Mother Nature for the beauty we’d experienced. I did a couple of pada-

Boracay Talipapa market.

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Snorkelling to find Nemo and his friends.

The crispiest bacon during breakfast.

Having pizza Margherita and salad for dinner at Aria.

Starfish, starfish, starfish and a sea urchin.

hasta asana or hands-to-feet-pose and got wondering looks from passersby. The next morning, after breakfast, we went to buy pasalubong (souvenirs) at Boracay’s Talipapa. It was hard to find as there was a new place with exactly the same name. Good thing the locals were friendly and led us to the correct Talipapa. My sister bought fresh fruits to munch on during the day while I scouted for Boracay’s famous crispy shrimps. I even haggled over the price and the vendor gave in. After buying a few beach accessories and fridge magnets, we booked a glass bottom boat, which allows you to see marine creatures clearly without leaving the comfort of the boat. We shared our Nemo-themed glass bottom boat with two families from Philippines and South Korea. The kids enjoyed looking at the beautiful corals and fish under us. Then, the boat stopped and the guide showed us a pink and blue striped star fish, and a sea urchin. We also hopped out to snorkel. It was beautiful! By the time we returned to our hotel, we were both tired, but I convinced my sister to go to the beach with me again and marvel at the sunset. I wanted to do another yoga pose with the Boracay sunset as a backdrop. Later, I treated my sister to dinner at Aria, an Italian restaurant, where we had a delicious salad and pizza Margherita – our last dinner in Boracay. The next day, we headed home, thoroughly satiated. Boracay had delivered yet another dream holiday. I am definitely one lucky girl!

Got an interesting tale about your travels with AirAsia? Email your story (around 800 words) and images (high res min 1MB in size and clearly captioned) to us at travel3sixty@ airasia.com. Published submissions will receive a complimentary stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru. travel 3Sixty˚ reserves the right to edit the article for clarity and length or change the value of the prize to another gift of similar value. Prize vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash and the Editorial’s decision is final. Entries must include name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.

WINNER OF THE MONTH!

A 4D/3N stay in a King Guestroom at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru iinclusive of breakfast for two at Makan Kitchen worth approx. USD675!

*Value is based on currency rates during publication and may ﬂuctuate.

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Set on the edge of Johor Bahru’s CBD and within walking distance to the Persada Convention Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru welcomes guests to unwind in a spacious guestroom that offers views of the city or straits, right after enjoying a warm chocolate chip cookie upon checking-in. The rooms here come equipped with a large desk, a 40” HDTV and WiFi access, while guests who upgrade to a Deluxe Suite will have kitchenettes and laundry facilities, as well as exclusive access to the Executive Lounge. For guests who require meeting space for events or functions, the hotel offers up to 13,993 sq. ft. of event space that includes two magniﬁcent ballrooms, six meeting rooms and an outdoor terrace. Added services available include a Business Centre and a Wedding Centre that will assist happy couples plan for their special day. Guests can also dine in style at the hotel’s all-day dining venue, Makan Kitchen. If it’s Italian food you’re craving, head to Tosca, while Food Store sells gourmet snacks. Easily accessible from Changi International Airport, Singapore and Senai International Airport, Johor, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru is also a great base for shopping and sightseeing with City Square, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque and other attractions nearby. J12 Jalan Ngee Heng, Johor Bahru, 80000, Malaysia +607 2686 868 doubletree3.hilton.com

9 OFF THE RACK 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

AUTUMN STYLE Decode the fashion seasons and find out what the 2014 Fall/Winter collections have in store for you.

BLACK & BLUE From ultra-feminine slingbacks to sexy booties, the Women’s Collection by footwear and accessories label Pedro exudes sophistication with a colour palette of black and blue. The collection features materials such as patent leather and pony hair in quirky Dalmatian print. www.pedroshoes.com

BAG THAT BAG

WORDS: CHITRA SANTHINATHAN

JUST FOR MEN

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A hidden gem on Melbourne’s Flinders Lane, Lord Coconut is the only dedicated men’s jewellery store in the Aussie city, and prides itself on selling unique handcrafted pieces by Australian artisans, jewellers and designers. The outlet on the fourth ﬂoor of Carlow House stocks over 500 items including unique rings, earrings and cufﬂinks in a museum-like gallery. www.lordcoconut.com travel 3Sixty˚

Among the highlights of Jimmy Choo’s AW14 line is the Charlie bag, a sophisticated leather tote with a contemporary edge. The bag features shoulder straps with chain detailing that can be tucked in to create an oversized fold over clutch, and is uniquely designed with a hinge along its base to protect the bag’s fabric. www.jimmychoo.com

ELEGANCE REDEFINED

Taiwanese model/ actress Chi Ling Lin for Longines.

FASHION DECODER Find out what the different seasons mean in fashion terms. SPRING/ SUMMER

The Longines Elegant Collection is the Swiss watchmakers’ latest offering featuring the brand’s trademark classical design and sleek lines. The new collection offers a choice of dials including a dark, lacquered dial decorated with diamond hour symbols, and a lighter-coloured version of mother-of-pearl with black hour and minute hands. The watches ﬁtted with self-winding, mechanical movements are available in three sizes. www.longines.com

Valentino Spring/Summer 2014

collections are usually presented every September during Fashion Week (with the biggest shows taking place in New York, Milan and Paris) when fashion designers roll out their seasonal creations for the year ahead. Collections traditionally feature lighter fabrics like cottons and linens with a palette that ranges from pastels to vibrant neon hues. Womenswear often features florals and lacework while menswear focuses on casual wear.

FALL/WINTER

Kenzo Fall/Winter 2014

covers fashion for the colder months of the year and is usually shown in February. This is the season where heavier fabrics such as wool and knitwear make their appearance. Think longish coats, sweaters and parkas – clothes designed to ward off the frosty weather. Key trends for the women’s 2014-2015 season include overcoats with shearling trim, tailored suits and Argyle sweaters.

RESORT

COOL ‘COMODDITY’ Menswear label Comoddity, which recently debuted at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, combines quality tailoring and clever detailing to create stylish wardrobe staples. The brand’s ﬁrst capsule collection experiments with panelling, contrasting colours and a mix and match of different materials for the conﬁdent contemporary man. www.comoddity.com 126

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Ralph Lauren Resort 2015

collections, also sometimes known as Cruise or Holiday, once catered for the rich and famous who would escape the winter months to vacation in warmer climes. Today, Resort/ Cruise/Holiday collections are no longer designed exclusively for the wealthy, although the laidback designs that make up most collections still conjure up holidays in exotic locales.

PRE-FALL

Calvin Klein Pre-fall 2014

Bridging the gap between Spring/ Summer and Fall/ Winter, Pre-Fall is the latest addition to the fashion calendar, though with smaller presentations. Pre-Fall collections are in demand by both retailers and consumers because they are launched at a time when the Spring/ Summer collections have faded and the more significant Fall/ Winter lines are still in production.

9 VANITY FARE 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

PERFECT MATCH Matchmaster by M.A.C uses Shade Intelligence Technology for foundation that blends seamlessly into skin, offering medium, buildable coverage with a demimatte ﬁnish. The no-shine formula absorbs excess oil and comes in eight easily blendable shades. www.maccosmetics.com.my

FALL’S FAB LIST

This month, we bring you the latest from the constantly evolving world of beauty, including a smart serum that knows when and what to fix, and makeup looks that have rocked the Fall/Winter runways.

EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE Colossal Kajal by Maybelline New York comes with a unique tip that makes applying eyeliner to the under- and inner-eye areas a cinch. The deep black eyeliner is gentle on eyes and contains vitamin E and conditioning agents. Colossal Kajal is smudge and waterproof for up to 12 hours. www.maybelline.com.my

SMART SKINCARE WORDS: CHITRA SANTHINATHAN

Clinique introduces its Smart Custom-Repair Serum, a formula that repairs skin when and where needed. The product boasts powerpacked ingredients including red algae and ergothioneine that work to soothe, hydrate and ﬁrm skin, as well as banish dark spots, uneven skin tone and dullness. www.clinique.com

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GET THE LOOK Replicate some of the trends spotted on the Fall/Winter runways with our simple tips. STAINED LIPS Elegant

yet edgy, winestained lips are uber-sexy and look good on just about all skin tones. HOW TO Apply lip colour with a lip brush for precision, wait a couple of minutes for colour to set and then blot lips for a deep stain. TRY Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Port

INSTANT SKIN FIX A one-product wonder that hydrates skin and conceals imperfections like dark spots, L’Oréal Paris Men Expert BB Instant Skin Fixer is just the thing for men on the go. The refreshing, non-sticky gel employs Skin Color Correcting Technology that helps cover blemishes and visibly brighten skin all at once. www.lorealparis.com.my

LIGHT YEARS AHEAD The new Garnier Light Complete Multi-Action Whitening Cream SPF20/PA+++ offers added UV protection that helps keep UV-induced dark spots at bay. The improved formulation also includes Express White Complex™ and lemon extract – powerful ingredients that aid in brightening skin and preventing dullness. www.garnier.com

Bobbi Brown for Tibi

NATURAL BROWS It’s

time to put down the tweezers and embrace naturally-brushed brows that can be styled to appear clean and defined or soft and romantic. HOW TO Use a stiff angled brow brush and eye shadow in the same tone as your hair colour. Lightly apply shadow from the inner corner of brows and brush straight up. Using light strokes, brush up and over, working from the inner corner through the arch and on to the end of brows. Or, for a subtle look, simply brush brows upwards with Bobbi Brown’s Natural Brow Shaper or a clean mascara brush. Tom Pecheux for Estée Lauder

GRAPHIC

EYES From winged tips to multi-coloured lines, dare to be bold and creative when applying eyeliner. HOW TO Think about the look you’re going for, be it a geometric shape or an exaggerated cat-eye. For geometric shapes, make a stencil of the desired shape, position it exactly where you want it and simply colour it in. Steal a page from Estée Lauder’s Creative Makeup Director, Tom Pecheux, whose ultrafine lines of black and red (lip colour) accented the eyes of Anthony Vaccarello’s models during Paris Fashion Week. TRY Double Wear Stay-In-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx, Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eyeliner in Black and Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Envious. www.bobbibrown.com www.esteelauder.com

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9 JETSETTER 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Rose Sister – a volunteer at a Mandalay hospital fans an elderly patient, offering respite from the heat.

Stolen Moment – a child looks tentatively at the camera from the safety of his mother’s arms, Mandalay, Myanmar.

SARIKA GUPTA COMPILED BY: CHITRA SANTHINATHAN IMAGES: SARIKA GUPTA

Using only her iPhone, Australian medic Sarika Gupta captured moving portraits of the people she encountered during voluntary clinical placements in India, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea. The Sydney native shares her love of medicine and art with travel 3Sixty° and talks to us about her first solo exhibition.

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Corridor Thoughts – people gather along a hospital corridor, Raxaul, India.

HOW DID YOU GO FROM MEDIC TO ARTIST?

enough to fuse my two passions in a meaningful way.

Art was my ﬁrst passion. In school, I was always dabbling with drawing, painting, collaging and being creative in general. Medicine became a passion later in life, but, because I had grown up around it, the transition from creative to structured living was relatively easy for me. Fortunately, I have been lucky

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE VOLUNTARY CLINICAL PLACEMENTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES? As teenagers, my brother and I attended medical camps with our physician dad in India. I guess those experiences subconsciously set the scene for me to do the same; even back

then, I found travelling and volunteer work to be fun and rewarding experiences.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PHOTOGRAPH THE SCENES YOU WITNESSED IN THE COURSE OF YOUR WORK? At the outset, I didn’t envision my photography to be such a pivotal part of my volunteering experience. The ﬁrst image I took was to quickly capture

the unusual pathology around me without disrupting the tempo in the clinic. It wasn’t until I re-visited the images at the end of the day that I recognised the powerful de-brieﬁng tool I had stumbled upon.

DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE AN EYE FOR WHAT MADE A GOOD PICTURE? My upbringing in the arts equipped me with a strong eye for composition. Interestingly though, when photographing, I am not consciously thinking of the composition of my works, as I would when I am painting or drawing; I guess I’m lucky that the way I see the world falls together nicely in a picture frame.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH? Volunteering is wholly emotional for me – emotion that is

Femme – women queue up to collect medications at a Raxaul hospital.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION, WITHOUT ROSE COLOURED GLASSES. The journey of volunteering and layering that with my art has been eye-opening. My perceptions are constantly challenged and each experience alters my opinions and perspectives. I guess, before I really embraced volunteer work myself, I was looking at things through rose coloured glasses from an idealised vantage point. So, whilst my images dispel façades for the viewer, they have also affected my own perceptions.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PICTURE? Acid Burn is the ﬁrst portrait I captured in Rishikesh, India. It presents a woman who had severe corneal scarring after sustaining acid burn damage

Without Rose Coloured Glasses is an intimate and powerful collection of portraits that vividly capture the stories of those who remain victims of societal dysfunction. The exhibition takes place from September 18 to October 5, 2014 at the Queen St Gallery in Woollhara, Sydney. All proceeds raised from the exhibition will be distributed between Vision Beyond Australia, Rotary International and the Duncan Emmanuel Hospital in Raxaul, India. sarikaguptashow.businesscatalyst.com/

unexpected, raw and surprising. I wanted to capture those different emotions through my images. If there was a powerful moment or a powerful scene or a person with an admirable presence, I would endeavour to photograph that and capture its essence. More than focus on composition, I wanted to seize the moment.

to her face and eye. The image was taken after she was informed that we would not be able to restore her sight. It is a favourite of mine because of her expression, the painterly quality of the ﬁlm and mostly because it narrates the disappointment and hopelessness of the situation. I’m vividly reminded of that moment each time I look at the image.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD IMAGE?

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S ESSENTIAL TO DOCUMENT THESE HARSH REALITIES?

A good image is one that honestly captures the moment and is ﬂavoured with raw emotion. I really dislike images that look set-up and try my best not to make my own images appear staged.

With technology and globalisation, many of us have really progressed from the constraints of extreme poverty, such that the average person doesn’t encounter poverty in their day to day lives. Sadly though, pockets of the

travel 3Sixty˚

world are still stuck in extreme poverty and its associated burdens. It sort of becomes a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, which is the predictable human response. We need to remind ourselves of the global problem, and only then, can we reliably and sustainably move toward change. I see my images as a type of reminder.

HOW HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES ENRICHED YOUR LIFE? I am much more aware of what I have readily available to me, particularly with respect to healthcare. It helps me decide between necessary and superﬂuous and I often realise how truly lucky I am.

DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY EXPERIENCES THAT PROVED CHALLENGING?

backgrounds, contribute positively to their state of health and function as a role model for minority groups, such as young women. The artistic side allows me to creatively capture my experiences so that they become frozen in time. It’s a really special synergy.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR IMAGES? I hope people leave with an understanding of the challenges faced by people living in rural India, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea, but also a reassurance that structured, continuous help is deliverable to these regions, and with commitment, this help can eventually bring about change. I would also like to drive home the fact that voluntary work can be undertaken regardless

Day 0 – patients await their turn for eye surgery, Mandalay.

Camaraderie – young monks walk towards a monastery for morning prayer, Mandalay.

I really struggled in settings where women were denied healthcare autonomy due to social and cultural reasons; in many cases, these women were being spoken for by their husbands or fathersin-law. I found this to be quite challenging as I’m a strong believer in female empowerment both in education and occupation. Strong women lead to strong households, which indirectly strengthen generations.

of credentials or expertise; it’s about giving time and being present in these communities.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR TWIN PASSIONS? My work affords me the opportunity to interact with people of different

DO YOU BELIEVE YOUR IMAGES CAN AFFECT CHANGE? I definitely think they can help raise awareness of the issues these communities face, which, in turn, will inspire commitment to improvement. Affecting change is a longitudinal process that requires a multi-pronged approach; awareness is most definitely the first step because in order to change a situation, you really need to first understand all of its elements.

9 KIDS SPACE 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

THE ART OF FIGHTING Martial arts are not only practised for combat purposes, but also for self-defence, competition and entertainment! This month, travel 3Sixty° introduces you to some of the most famous Asian martial arts.

Play Zone

RIDDLES 1. What phrase is represented here: AALLLL

IMAGE: WWW.WMCMUAYTHAI.ORG/

2. Those who make it don’t want it. Those who buy it don’t need it. Those who need it don’t know it. What is it?

Muay Thai fighters in action.

FIGHTING STYLES

3. We begin with a spring in our step, Bounding to warmer pastures, Then we fall, lose our pep, Feeling cold for months after. What are we? 4. What type of building contains the most stories?

PLAY ON WORDS 1

Get to know the different styles of martial arts in Asia.

SILAMBAM is a traditional martial art in South India, and is also practised by Tamil communities in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. A bamboo stick is used as a weapon and there are numerous combat styles; each one is unique in grip, posture, footwork pattern, attack method and movement, and involves sticks of varying lengths.

BOKATOR is one of the oldest ﬁghting arts in Cambodia. The term bokator means ‘pounding a lion’, referring to a local legend of a ﬁghter who defeated a ferocious lion with a single knee strike. The combat techniques in bokator like joint locks, throws and elbow and knee strikes are based on the movements of various animals including the eagle, horse and snake.

KIDS CAN KICK!

WORDS: ADLI SYAHRIL

Learning martial arts helps children improve self-control, increase flexibility and boost confidence. Join a silat class in Kuala Lumpur’s Pusat Cemerlang Silat (www. pusatcemerlangsilat.com), the muay Thai Kids Programme at Bangkok’s Muay Thai Fits (www.muaythaifits.com) and a silambam lesson at the Simashan Institute of Martial Arts (www. simashan.org) in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

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QUICK QUIZ 1. What is the national symbol of Canada?

songwriter with which grunge band?

2. In which sport did America’s Eric Heiden win ﬁve Olympic gold medals in 1980?

7. My Fair Lady is a musical version of which play by George Bernard Shaw?

3. In 1995 heiress Jemima Goldsmith married which famous Pakistani cricketer?

8. How many degrees Fahrenheit is equal to 0 degrees Celsius?

4. Name the poem by William Blake that talks of Britain’s ‘dark Satanic mills’? 5. ‘Leave luck to Heaven’ is a rough translation of which Japanese electronic game company? 6. Kurt Cobain was the lead singer and

9. Which metal do you get from bauxite? 10. Martin Clunes plays the title role in which TV series set in a Cornish village?

PUZZLES ARE COURTESY OF LOVATTS CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

RIDDLES 1 All in all 2 A cofﬁn 3 The seasons - spring; summer; fall; winter 4 A library • PLAY ON WORDS 1 Let sleeping dogs lie 2 Cash cow 3 Throw the game 4 Laughing your head off • QUICK QUIZ 1 Maple leaf 2 Speed skating 3 Imran Khan 4 Jerusalem 5 Nintendo 6 Nirvana 7 Pygmalion 8 32 9 Aluminium 10 Doc Martin

MUAY THAI is characterised by the combined use of hands, shins, elbows and knees during combat, earning this Thai martial art its moniker: Art of the Eight Limbs. The prum is a common technique in muay Thai whereby a ﬁghter holds an opponent’s head before executing knee strikes.

SILAT is well-known in the Malay Archipelago, especially in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. This ancient martial art involves hand and foot movements like strikes, blocks and other manoeuvres. Silat is also performed as a dance at events like Malay wedding ceremonies and royal occasions.

9 PICTURE PERFECT 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

PIX OF THE MONTH

Just snapped a cool picture? Send it to travel3sixty@ airasia.com with ‘Picture Perfect’ in the subject line.

SECOND PRIZE WINS A 3D/2N stay in Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu’s LM Club Room inclusive of breakfast for two worth approx. USD688!

WINNER

Family home at Nigeem Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Ayut Nissapa, Hat Yai, Thailand

BEST PICTURE WINS A 3D/2N stay in The Andaman’s Luxury Jacuzzi Studio Suite inclusive of buffet breakfast at The Restaurant for two worth approx. USD1,779! The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort located on Malaysia’s Langkawi Island, is tucked away between a 10 million-year-old rainforest in tranquil Datai Bay and an 8,000 year-old fringing coral reef. An idyllic personal alcove, the Jacuzzi Studio Suite boasts dark wood flooring and natural hues to emphasise its connection to the outdoors. These accommodations are located on the ground floor of the resort’s north wing and are named after various butterfly species found in Langkawi. This Luxury Jacuzzi Studio Suite is distinguished by its private Jacuzzi on the 9-square-metre covered terrace. The terrace opens up to a 15-square-metre garden, where guests can admire the rainforest and enjoy the tranquility of rhythmic waves lapping the Andaman shore. Modern touches include an iPod® docking station and a 46-inch LED flat screen TV with a DVD player and cable channels. Connect with friends and family via complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, and stay refreshed with a fully-stocked mini bar and coffee machine.

THE ANDAMAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT

Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah www.theandaman.com

RUNNER-UP

Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu embraces the evocative beauty of Sabah whilst showcasing stunning views of the city and South China Sea. Located in downtown Kota Kinabalu, the hotel lies within easy walking distance of local attractions, and a vast selection of historical and cultural attractions, as well as the city’s business and financial centres. Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu’s 306 spacious, well-appointed guestrooms combine contemporary chic and vibrant culture, enriching hues and natural textures that enhance the sense of space and luxury. Guests at Le Méridien Club rooms and suites enjoy exclusive access to Le Méridien Club Lounge, which offers a luxurious setting, panoramic views, complimentary continental breakfast, all day refreshments and evening drinks with canapés. Four innovative restaurants and bars serve fine cuisines and great entertainment. The Circle Restaurant, Flames Steak Restaurant, The Lounge and Pool Bar showcase an eclectic range of specialties from international cuisine in a casual setting and Kota Kinabalu’s only steakhouse. The hotel’s unique city-centre location and spectacular views make the perfect location for a journey of discovery in one of Malaysia’s finest travel destinations.

LE MÉRIDIEN KOTA KINABALU

Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah www.lemeridienkotakinabalu.com

Rice ﬁelds in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam. Tenzing Chadotsang, Brooklyn, NY, US

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Readers may submit images that are 300dpi and 1MB in size (minimum half A4 paper size) • Each entry must include name, address, phone number and complete 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 and stated T&C. • Winners will be notified via e-mail when the prize is ready to be sent out. • Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.

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8 GET COMFY 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

JOY OF FLYING

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

Nick Harris, Human Performance Specialist and HPE (Human Performance Engineering) founder has worked with a broad range of clients from Formula 1 World Champions, London 2012 Olympic medalists and Grand Slam-winning tennis players to rock legends AC/DC during their world tour. Here, Harris shares tips on how to stay fit and healthy whilst travelling:

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

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

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

Drink lots of water throughout the flight and continue keeping your body hydrated even upon reaching your destination. Airplane cabins are extremely dry and dehydration can occur easily. Drink at regular intervals but do not attempt to drink too much water at one sitting, as the sudden increase of fluids will act as a diuretic and the body will try to expel the water with frequent trips to the toilet. Also, keep the consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol to a minimum.

A NATURAL HIGH If you are looking for an energy drink that is packed with natural goodness, try the new EQ8 Orange & Passion Fruit! Made from natural ingredients such as green tea, guarana and just a nip of natural caffeine from green coffee beans, EQ8 is lightly sparkling and is best enjoyed chilled. Grab one today and put that spring back in your step. Priced at only MYR6, EQ8 is available on board Malaysia AirAsia flights.

COMPILED BY: CHITRA SANTHINATHAN

BEAT THE LAG

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To counter the effects of jetlag, get as much sleep as possible when flying west to east. When flying in the reverse direction, try and stay awake as much as you can. The AirAsia Comfort Kit comes complete with eye shade, neck pillow and blanket to help you sleep. If you need to stay awake, the neck pillow allows you to get comfy while reading a book or listening to music. The AirAsia Comfort Kit can be purchased onboard or pre-booked online at www.airasia.com travel 3SixtyË&#x161;

COMPRESSION CLOTHING Wearing compression clothing alleviates fatigue and muscle soreness because the fabric increases oxygenation, resulting in improved and regulated blood flow to the muscles. It also decreases muscle oscillation that helps reduce the severity of fatigue and normalises pressure. Made from climate control FRESHFITÂŽ fabric, HPE compression wear helps to keep you cool and dry, as the specially constructed yarn reacts as skin temperature rises, drawing heat away from the body to cool you down. Additionally, the silver technology protects you against harmful bacteria, enabling you to arrive at your destination feeling fresh and in good health. The compression outfits are worn by AirAsia Flight Attendants and are now available for purchase to AirAsia guests via www.airasiamegastore.com.

9 ROUTE MAP • Malaysia AirAsia 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Chandigarh Chandigarh Jaipur Jaipur

Jeddah Jeddah

Goa Goa

Chennai Chennai

BENGALURU BENGALURU

Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli KochiKochi Colombo Colombo

MALAYSIA AIRASIA DOMESTIC ROUTES Langkawi Alor Setar

KOTA KINABALU

Kota Bharu

PENANG

Sandakan

Labuan

Kuala Terengganu Miri

KUALA LUMPUR

Tawau

Bintulu Sibu

JOHOR BAHRU

KUCHING

Maps not to scale and are just a graphic representation. Maps do not reflect the opinion of the publisher with regards to the legal or geographical status of any country/territory depicted. Maps as at September 1, 2014.

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Beijing Beijing SeoulSeoul

ASIA ASIA

TokyoTokyo Busan Busan Nagoya Osaka Osaka Nagoya

Xi’anXi’an Chengdu Chengdu

Hangzhou Hangzhou

Shanghai Shanghai

Kathmandu Kathmandu GuilinGuilin Taipei Taipei Guangzhou Guangzhou Nanning Nanning Shenzhen Shenzhen Macau MacauHongHong KongKong HanoiHanoi

Kunming Kunming Kolkata Kolkata

Chiang Mai Mai Chiang Yangon Yangon Bangkok Bangkok

Vientiane Vientiane Da Nang Da Nang

SKYTRAX WORLD’S BEST LOW-COST AIRLINE 2009 – 2014

Manila Manila

SiemSiem ReapReap

Kalibo Kalibo CebuCebu

Phnom PenhPenh Ho Chi Phnom City City Ho Minh Chi Minh

KrabiKrabi Phuket Phuket Hat Yai Hat Yai Langkawi Langkawi KotaKota KOTAKOTA KINABALU KINABALU Bharu Bharu Banda Banda PENANG PENANG KualaKuala Terengganu Terengganu Bandar Bandar Seri Seri Begawan Begawan AcehAceh Medan Medan Miri Miri

PACIFIC PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN

JOHOR BAHRU BAHRU KUALA KUALA LUMPUR LUMPUR JOHOR KUCHING KUCHING Pekanbaru Pekanbaru Singapore Singapore Padang Padang

Balikpapan Balikpapan

Palembang Palembang Makassar Makassar Jakarta Jakarta Semarang Semarang Bandung Bandung Surabaya Surabaya Solo Solo Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Lombok Lombok Bali Bali

INDIAN INDIAN OCEAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA

AIRASIA HUBS IN MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur International Airport Kota Kinabalu International Airport Penang International Airport Johor Bahru International Airport Kuching International Airport AirAsia Malaysia Route AirAsia X Route India AirAsia Route

GoldGold CoastCoast PerthPerth Adelaide Adelaide

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEAN OCEAN

Sydney Sydney Melbourne Melbourne

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Seoul

Tokyo

Xi’an

Osaka

ASIA Chongqing

Wuhan Changsha

Kunming Guangzhou Macau

Mandalay

Shenzhen Hong Kong

Hanoi Chiang Rai

CHIANG MAI Yangon

Phitsanulok

Udon Thani Nakhon Phanom Khon Kaen

PACIFIC OCEAN

Ubon Ratchathani

BANGKOK

Chennai

Siem Reap Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City

Surat Thani Krabi

PHUKET

Trang

Nakhon Si Thammarat Hat Yai Narathiwat Penang Kuala Lumpur Singapore

INDIAN OCEAN Jakarta

Surabaya Bali

AIRASIA HUBS IN THAILAND Don Mueang Int. Airport, Bangkok Phuket Int. Airport Chiang Mai Int. Airport International Route Domestic Route Thailand AirAsia X Route

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9 ROUTE MAP • Indonesia AirAsia 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Bangkok

Phuket Banda Aceh

MEDAN

Kota Kinabalu

Penang Kuala Lumpur

PACIFIC OCEAN

Johor Bharu Singapore Pekanbaru Padang

Balikpapan

Palembang

JAKARTA BANDUNG

Yogyakarta

Semarang Solo

SURABAYA BALI

Darwin

INDIAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA

AIRASIA HUBS IN INDONESIA Soekarno Hatta Int. Airport, Jakarta Ngurah Rai Int. Airport, Bali Husein Sastranegara Int. Airport, Bandung Juanda Int. Airport, Surabaya Kualanamu Int. Airport, Medan International Route Domestic Route

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Perth

9 ROUTE MAP • Philippines AirAsia 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Seoul Busan

Shanghai

Macau

MANILA Kalibo Puerto Princesa

Tagbilaran

Kota Kinabalu Kuala Lumpur

AIRASIA HUBS IN PHILIPPINES Ninoy Aquino International Airport Mactan Cebu International Airport International Routes Domestic Routes *All flights from Manila are operated by AirAsia Zest.

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Tacloban

CEBU

9 DESTINATIONS 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur skyline

Malaysia

KUCHING, SARAWAK Indigenous woman

QUICK FACTS

• Capital city of Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia • Kuching means ‘cat’ in the local language • Around 980 kms from Kuala Lumpur by air • Home to the longest river in Malaysia – the Rajang River (563 kms) that originates from the interiors of Borneo • The local ethnic groups are made up of Dayak and many other smaller tribes • Kuching has fantastic museums that showcase its historical and tribal past along the Waterfront area. AirAsia flies to various destinations from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Bharu and Singapore.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

Malaysia

Mt. Kinabalu

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

PENANG

Malaysia

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

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

JOHOR BAHRU, JOHOR Legoland in Johor Bahru.

QUICK FACTS • Penang island is located up north on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia • Around 369 kms from KL • Popularly known as ‘Pearl of the Orient’ • Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage City • Great beaches along Feringgi and Tanjung Bungah • Also known as the food paradise of Malaysia for cheap and delicious eats. AirAsia flies from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Johor Bahru, Bangkok, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya and Singapore.

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Malaysia

QUICK FACTS

• Gateway to the south part of Peninsula Malaysia with easy access to Singapore via the Causeway • around 368 kms from KL • Lots of city shopping such as Johor Premium Outlets and theme parks such as Legoland and Puteri Harbour family theme park • Nearby beaches on the east coast such as Desaru are good for surfing and seaside activities. AirAsia flies from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Penang, Tawau, Lombok, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bandung and Ho Chi Minh City.

Thailand

BANGKOK

MANILA

Reclining Buddha statue in Bangkok.

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

Thailand

PHUKET Stunning islands in Phuket.

Philippines

Manila Cathedral

QUICK FACTS • The capital of Philippines is located on the Eastern shore of Manila Bay • Also known as the Pearl of the Orient • Home to more than 12 million people • The business hubs of Makati and Taguig are also the city’s restaurant and nightlife centres • Visit the walled city Intramuros, a fortress erected by Spanish colonialist Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1571 • Shop at the bargain haven Greenhills and the bayside Mall of Asia complex, both popular with tourists • The most pleasant months to visit are from December to February • Flights out of the city’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport offers both domestic and international connectivity. Philippines AirAsia (PQ) and AirAsia Zest (Z2) fly to various destinations from Manila. Refer to route map on page 148 for more info.

QUICK FACTS

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

TOKYO

Japan

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

CHIANG MAI

Thailand

QUICK FACTS

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

AirAsia flies from Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Hangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau.

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Mt. Fuji on Honshu Island.

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

JAKARTA

Indonesia

Jakarta skyline

MEDAN Traditional custom of Nias island.

Indonesia

QUICK FACTS

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

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

SURABAYA

Indonesia

Bullrace in Surabaya.

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

BALI

Indonesia

Island of the Gods

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

BANDUNG

Indonesia

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

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

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

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

Tangkuban Perahu crater

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

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8 SALES OFFICES & STATIONS 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN  ULot 122, 2nd Floor, Mezzanine Level of Terminal Complex, Brunei International Airport BSB, Brunei Darussalam

CAMBODIA

MAKASSAR  Departure Terminal, Sultan Hasanuddin, International Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi  Jl. Boulevard Ruko Ruby no. R28 Panakukkang Mas

PHNOM PENH

MEDAN

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

 Kualanamu International Airport, Ticketing Lounge International Arrival 1st floor, Deli Serdang

 179, Street Sisowath, Sangkat Phsar Kandal 1, Khan Daun Penh, 12204 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia. Telp. (855) 23 983 777

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

CHINA

 Minangkabau International Airport, Padang, West Sumatra

MACAU  Office 20, Mezzanine Level, Passenger Terminal, Macau International Airport Taipa, Macau GUANG DONG  Century Holiday International Travel Service(Shenzhen), Co.Ltd, XY-10 Junting Hotel,2085 Eastern Road, Luo Hu, Shenzhen 518001  Century Holiday International Travel Service(Guang Zhou), Co.Ltd, First Floor, No 8 Zhong Shan 3 Road,Guang Zhou 510000  1151,South Of YingBin Road Of Zhuhai,Zhuhai 519000 Guang Dong BEIJING  Century Holiday International Travel Service (Beijing) Co Ltd., No 163A Floor Of Yi No 6, Chaowai Street Of Chao Yang District Beijing China, 100022 Beijing

PADANG

PALEMBANG  Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Palembang, South Sumatra PEKANBARU

BANDUNG  Ruangan Nombor 34, Bandara Husein Sastranegara, Jalan Pajajaran No 156 Bandung, Jawa Barat  Lobby Grand Serela Hotel Jl. L.L. R.E Martadinata (Riau) No 56, Telp. (022) 426 1636 JAKARTA  Terminal 3, Departure Hall Airlines Offices, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng  Jl. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara  Komp Rukan Dharmawangsa, Jl. Dharmawangsa VI No.43, Jakarta Selatan

travel 3Sixty˚

 Lot-35 Mydin Mall USJ 1

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

 B-G-3A, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya 47170 Puchong Selangor

 Summit World Philippines, Inc. - DIMDI,J.R. Borja st., Cagayan de Oro City

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

TERENGGANU

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

PAMPANGA

SURAT THANI

 Ties That Travel Incorporation, Ground Floor Tune Hotel, Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines.

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

SINGAPORE

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

 Level 1, Terminal Building, Sultan Mahmud Airport, 21300 Kuala Terengganu LABUAN  Level 1, Labuan Airport Terminal, 87008 Wilayah Persekutuan MELAKA

 No 10, Jalan Bandar Rawang 11, Bandar Baru Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor.  Lot 3B Ground Floor, Wisma Thrifty, No19, Jalan Barat 46200 Petaling Jaya, (Opposite PJ Hilton) Selangor.

 Ground Floor, Kim Mansion 332, Chulia Street, 10200 Penang

SURABAYA

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

 No.3, 26 (B), Road (between 78th x 79th Street), Mandalay.

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

PHILIPPINES

SABAH

 Express Ticket Office – Terminal 4 Domestic Road Pasay City

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

 Melia Purosani Hotel, Jl Suryotomo No.31, Yogyakarta

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

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

 Jl. Legian Kaja No. 455 Kuta, Bali

PERAK

 Jet Aviation and Shipping Services - Laguindingan International Airport, Brgy. Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental

 Adi Soemarmo International Airport, Solo, Central Java

INDONESIA

 Bandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Terminal Keberangkatan International Bali 80361

CAGAYAN DE ORO

 Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu

 Jalan KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor

KELANTAN

 Yangon International Airport

 GL 13 Senai International Airport, 81250 Johor Bahru

DENPASAR, BALI

 Boracay Ticket Office - Phase IV D’Mall Brgy. Balabag Boracay Island Malay Aklan

 Penang International Airport 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

 Hangzhou Nota Air Service Co.,Ltd, Room 201, Huaxing Century Building, No.317 Wantang Road, Hangzhou China.

 Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda, Blang Bintang, Aceh

BORACAY

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

SOLO

 Adisutjipto Int. Airport, Jln. Solo km.9, Yogyakarta, 55282

BANDA ACEH

SELANGOR

 Wisma Paradise, Ground Floor, No. 63 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

YANGON

YOGYAKARTA

HANGZHOU

 Skyliner Services Corp - 3rd Floor Service Lane, Elizabeth Mall N. Bacalso Ave. Cebu City

PENANG

 Century Holiday International Travel Service(ChengDu) Co.Ltd, No 172-5 Binjang East Road, Jinjang District, ChengDu  Century Holiday International Travel Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, No.739,Changde Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

 Lot L1L C15, Ground Floor, Arrival Level, Kuching International Airport, Kuching, Sarawak

MYANMAR

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

 No. 26 Jalan Meriam, 84000 Muar, Johor

 Lot GK-01, Ground floor, Kluang Mall, Jalan Rambutan, 86000 Kluang, Johor KEDAH  Lot 20, Lapangan Terbang, Sultan Abdul Halim, 06200, Kepala Batas, Alor Star  Langkawi International Airport 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi  No. 68-B Ground Floor, Jalan Ibrahim, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman KUALA LUMPUR  Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, 50470  Lot G027B, Ground Floor, Podium Block, Plaza Berjaya,12 Jalan Imbi,55100 Kuala Lumpur  No 71 Jalan Metro Perdana Barat, 1 Taman Usahawan Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur

NARATHIWAT

 Lot UG-003, UG-003A & UG0038, Upper Ground Floor , Plaza Low Yat, 7 Jalan 1/77 , 55100 Kuala Lumpur

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

 Sultan Syarif Kasim II, Int. Airport, Jalan Perhubungan Udara Simpang, Tiga, Pekanbaru, Sumatra

CHENGDU

SHANGHAI

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 Sarinah Plaza Jl. Mh Thamrin, No. 11 (LG level) Jakarta Pusat

 Lot 1 & 2, 1st Floor, Terminal Building, Sandakan Airport, 90719 Sandakan  FL4, 1st Floor, Tawau Airport Building, Jalan Apas-Balung, 91100 Tawau  TB228, Lot 5, Ground Floor, Istana Monaco, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex 91000 Tawau  Lot G24, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000, Kota Kinabalu  Ground Floor, Terminal 2, Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Old Airport Road,Tanjung Aru 88100, Kota Kinabalu  Lot G67, Ground Floor, Oneplace Mall, Putatan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah SARAWAK  GL02, Ground Floor, Bintulu Airport, 97000 Bintulu  Ground Floor, Miri Airport, 98000 Miri  Lot 946, Jalan Parry, 98000 Miri  Wisma Ho Ho Lim, 291 Sub Lot 4,Ground Floor, Jalan Abell, 93100 Kuching  GFLO1, Departure Area, Ground Floor, Sibu Airport, 96000 Sibu  Ground Floor, No. 36 Jalan Keranji, 96000 Sibu

 Office Unit# 01-L, Parkroyal Yangon, Myanmar MANDALAY

MANILA

 Wintrex Travel Corporation – Unit 108 SM City North Edsa – The Block, SM City Complex, North Edsa, Pag-Asa 1, Quezon City  Wintrex Travel Corporation Unit 126 South Parking Building, SM Mall Of Asia Complex, J.w Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City.  Supersonic Services Inc - G/F Colonnande Residences 132 C. Palanca Stree Legaspi Village Makati City 1229 DAVAO  North Star Shipping & Aviation Services Inc - 4F Gaisano Mall Of Davao, J.P Laurel Avenue, Bajada Davao City.  John Gold Travel and Tour Services, Inc. (DVO Airport) Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Buhangin, Davao City  John Gold Travel and Tour Services, Inc. - 2/L Victoria Plaza, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City TAGBILARAN  Lydia’s Ticketing Outlet Talibon Commercial Center 1, Talibon, Bohol Philippines  Tarsier Tours and Travel Services - 2nd Floor Airport Bldg. Airport Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol PUERTO PRINCESA

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

 Hagedorn Travel and Tour Inc. - Bgy Bancao-Bancao, Airport Compound, Pto. Prin. City, Pal.

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

TACLOBAN

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

 Cebu Ticket Office - Mactan Cebu International Airport, West Wing Domestic Pre-Departure Area, Airport Road, Lapu-lapu City

 Summit World Tacloban Inc DZR Airport, San Jose Tacloban City CEBU

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

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

THAILAND BANGKOK  127 Tanao Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200  Suvarnabhumi Int. Airport Room A1-062 Ground Floor, Concourse A, Bangna-Trad Road, Racha Teva, Bang Pli, Samutprakarn 10540  Tesco Lotus – Bangkapi, 2nd Floor, 3109 Ladpro Road, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240  Tesco Lotus – Rama1, 3rd Floor, 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330  Tesco Lotus – Rangsit, 2nd Floor, 392/4, Moo2, Phaholyothin Road, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, 12130  Tesco Lotus - Sukhumvit 50, 1st floor, 1710, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok, 10110  Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Floor, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, Bangkok, 1090 CHIANG MAI  Chiangmai Int. Airport 60, 1st Floor, Tambol Sutep, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200  416 Thaphae Road, Chiang Mai  Tesco Lotus - Chiang Mai Kamtieng, 2nd Floor, 19, Kamtieng Road, Patan Sub District, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50340 CHIANG RAI  Chiang Rai Int. Airport 2305/2 404 Moo 10, Tambol Bandu, Amphur Muang, Chiang Rai 57100 HAT YAI  Hat Yai International Airport, 125 Hadyai International Airport, Moo 3 Klongla, Klonghoikong, Songkhla 90115  Tesco Lotus - Hat Yai, 1st Floor, 1142, Kanchanawit Road, Hat Yai, Songkla, 90115 KRABI  133 Moo 5 Petchkasem Road, Tambol Nuakrong, Amphur Nuakrong, Krabi 81130

 Narathiwat Airport 330 Moo 5 , Tambol Kok-Kian, Amphur Muang, Narathiwat 96000 PHUKET  Phuket International Airport 312, 3rd Floor, Tumbol Maikao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110  Unit 9, Laflora Patong Area, No. 39, 39/1, Thaveewong Rd., Patong, Kratoo, Phuket

UBON RATCHATHANI

UDON THANI  Udon Thani International Airport, 224 Moo 1, Tambol Makkhang, Amphur Muang, Udon Thani 41000 PATTAYA  Tesco Lotus South Pattaya, 2 Floor 408/2 Moo 12, South Pattaya, Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

VIETNAM HANOI  Lobby A,3rd floor, Noi Bai International Airport. HO CHI MINH  Room # 1.4.19,Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

CALL CENTRE NUMBERS AUSTRALIA 1300 760 330 CHINA +86 20 2281 7666 INDIA 1860 500 8000 INDONESIA +62 21 2927 0999 JAPAN 0120 963 516 JEDDAH +966 8008449458 +966 8008500001 (For Guests using Zain as their Telco service provider) HONG KONG +852 3112 3222 MACAU 0800912 MALAYSIA 600 85 8888 (AirAsia X Premium Line) chargeable at RM1.95 per minute PHILIPPINES +63 2 742 2742 SINGAPORE +65 6307 7688 (AirAsia X Premium Line) SOUTH KOREA 00798 1420 69940 TAIWAN 008 0185 3031 THAILAND +66 2 515 9999

9 TOUCHDOWN 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, Gyeongbokgung Palace.

the river in the 1950s showcases the massive restoration effort. www.cheonggyecheon.or.kr NAMDAEMUN MARKET boasts over 10,000 stores that line the streets outside the old city wall’s southern gate. From flowers and fabrics to seaweed and sunglasses, streetside vendors and shopkeepers in multistorey buildings compete for the attention of shoppers in this sprawling pedestrian market. Peckish shoppers should sample street snacks like bindae duk (mung-bean pancakes) and mandu gook (dumpling soup). www.visitseoul.net CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE in north Seoul was home to the Joseon government for 270 years, earning it the title of the longest-serving royal residential palace. Well-preserved with many of its original features still intact, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace built in the 15th century is the pride of the city. Visitors often gush over its ‘secret garden’ – a beautifully-landscaped example of Korean garden design. whc.unesco.org BUKCHON is a collection of some 900 hanok or traditional homes that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. In contrast to the city’s glitz and glam, Bukchon is an actual settlement and not a purpose-built tourist attraction. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the area was settled predominantly by the yangban (ruling class) due to its proximity to both the Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung palaces. The village is also home to several museums of traditional Korean culture and art.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

EAT/ DRINK

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

WORDS: CHITRA SANTHINATHAN

From hallyu to historic palaces, South Korea’s capital is also the country’s historical and cultural heart.

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Seoul is a contrast of the old and the new. On the one hand, it boasts majestic centuriesold palaces and shrines while on the other, numerous skyscrapers including the N Seoul Tower, attests to its status as an economic powerhouse. The epicentre of K-Dramas, K-Pop and hallyu (South Korean pop culture), the city is also popular with history buffs and lovers of Korean cuisine. While hallyu-crazy tourists often make a beeline for attractions like Gangnam (popularised by Psy’s Gangnam Style), Seoul’s well-preserved palaces and old neighbourhoods are a wonder to explore. travel 3Sixty˚

Add to that plenty of shopping options and a pulsating entertainment scene, and you’ll understand why Seoul is so captivating.

MUST SEE/ DO CHEONGGYECHEON A highway that ran overhead was demolished to uncover and restore this once polluted river. The cleaned up and beautifully-landscaped oasis with bridges, walkways and public art displays is now one of the city’s top attractions and testament to an amazing renewal project that began just about a decade ago. A museum replete with a reconstruction of the wooden shacks that lined

BIBIMBAP is a dish of rice, vegetables and grilled meats, topped with an egg and a generous dollop of gochujang (sweet chili paste). Stir everything together with your chopsticks and dig in – soul-food indeed! HOTTEOK Savoury or sweet, with vegetables or just sugar and a dusting of cinnamon, these floury little pancakes are a favourite street snack. SOJU A distilled spirit made from rice or other grain, soju is the tipple of choice here. Enjoy it neat but be warned of the alcohol content – about 20 per cent. Gun-bae!

SLEEP RAMADA HOTEL AND SUITES SEOUL NAMDAEMUN 27, Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-135 FRASER PLACE NAMDAEMUN 58, Sejongdaero, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-094 THE GRAND HOTEL MYEONGDONG 38, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-861 For more hotel options, visit www.airasiago.com GETTING THERE AirAsia ﬂies to Seoul from various destinations. www.airasia.com

9 MY AIRASIA 0 2014 www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

CHILDHOOD FAVOURITES

Being a kid is awesome and many of us wish our childhoods had never ended. This month, travel 3Sixty° steps back in time with AirAsia Allstars to reminisce about what they loved as kids.

BUNGA WIEDYANING PUTRI

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Assurance Exec., Quality Assurance Dept. INDONESIA AIRASIA

SURAJ BHUSHAN SINGH

COMPILED BY: ADLI SYAHRIL

Flight Attendant, FA Dept. INDIA AIRASIA

160

I was a huge fan of Indian superhero Shaktimaan during my childhood. This ﬁgure has cool powers such as super speed, strength, teleportation and telekinesis. My brothers and I used to watch Shaktimaan together whenever he was on TV. travel 3Sixty˚

NOR SAZUANI SOFIE BINTI NOOR AZLI

Analyst Exec., IT Dept. MALAYSIA AIRASIA

When I was a kid, I was hooked on Super Ring and Mamee Monster snacks. I bought these yummy snacks almost every day because they were so tasty and crunchy. Also, I got a free sticker each time I bought Mamee Monster!

PAX PALOMA

Marketing Officer, Commercial Dept. PHILIPPINES AIRASIA

As a child, halo-halo was one of my most favourite desserts. This sweet treat is very famous in the Philippines, especially when the weather is extremely hot. It’s a mixture of shaved ice, ice cream, fruits, evaporated milk and lots of sweet beans and jellies. It’s simply irresistible!

I miss jumping rubber rope with my childhood buddies. When we were kids, we had lots of fun stringing rubber bands together before playing the game. There was a time when we played the game near a drain and I fell into it!

RONNAROT ROSARPITAK

Flight Attendant, FA Dept. THAI AIRASIA X

I was an online games addict when I was a kid, and my favourite game was Ragnarok Online. I would play it for days, doing nothing else but play and eat. I gained 20kgs just from devouring fast food and not exercising!