Silkwinds 4/14 by Bookletia

SEE ASIA AND BEYOND WITH SILKAIR

APR 2014

BLISS OUT IN BORACAY 长滩岛：幸福天堂

JAMU: NATURE’S CURE-ALL 佳木：天然的医者

ENCHANTING MANDALAY 妩媚曼德勒

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28 VIDEO FORMATS

Android is a trademark of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

-asia.com -asia.com

20 2 Perfect Days in Davao

Island hop, climb the Philippines’ highest mountain, feast on durians and more 达沃两日逍遥游玩遍各岛屿、攀上菲律宾最高峰、大享榴莲宴，吃喝玩乐不间断

26 Temptation Island

Dive into Boracay for spectacular adventures and beachside fun 诱惑之屿到长滩岛的沙滩大冒险，乐翻天

36 Nature’s Healer

Traditional jamu herbal therapy goes new age 天然的医者传统佳木草药治疗勇闯新时代

44 Sons of Buddha

From boys to monks: Bagan’s Shinbyu rite of passage 佛的子弟男孩变和尚：缅甸蒲甘 Shinbyu仪式

24 Take home this copy of Silkwinds and share it with your friends and family! Past issues are also available online at silkair.com

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Silkwinds is published monthly for SilkAir by Publicitas Publishing E-mail: PP.Asia@publicitas.com www.publicitas.com/publishingAsia

BUSINESS OFFICE: Managing Director Joui Ong Commercial Director Betty Liswanty Relationship Manager Serene Lee EDITORIAL: Editorial Director Rod Mackenzie Senior Editor Ming Rodrigues Deputy Editor Nelissa Hernandez Art Director Joaelle Ng

6 The Big Picture

Alley barber in Chengdu

8 Calendar

What’s happening this month

12 Family Fun

10 People

Xiamen

Hoi An restaurateur Duc Tran

14 Hot Picks

ADVERTISING: Media Specialist Merlyn Hor Tel: +65 6735 8681 ext 318 E-mail: merlyn.hor@publicitas.com

Trends and items to covet

Asian curries

24 In The Mood For Mandalay

Myanmar’s ancient royal city beckons

52 Welcome Aboard About SilkAir Network Map News from the Deck Sales Offices Postcards

68 Mind Games

Crossword and fun brain teasers

The views and opinions expressed or implied in Silkwinds do not necessarily reflect those of SilkAir or Publicitas Publishing. No responsibility is accepted for the claims made in advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. Unsolicited material will not be returned. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of SilkAir and Publicitas Publishing. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2014 by SilkAir (S) Pte Ltd. All information correct at time of printing. Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd. MCI (P) 184/11/2013

COVER: JOJIE ALCANTARA. PREVIOUS PAGE: ESTAN CABIGAS. THIS PAGE: GETTY IMAGES; CORBIS

18 Food Snapshot

‘‘A ba rbe r C h e n g d u a llg iv in g a s h a ve in a we re o n ce a e y wa y. St re et ba rbe rs ba c k la n e s, co m m o n sig ht in it s co m m e rcia l w h ich h a d a b u st li n g 20t h ce nt u rycu lt u re in t h e e a rly ca p it a l o f S . T h e a lle y s o f t h e t e e m ed wit ich u a n p ro v in ce wit h m a k e s h a ss o rt ed ped dle rs t ra d e s, t e a hh if t st a lls, a rt is a n s, I n t h e lat e o u s e s a n d m a rk et s. wa s sa id to Qin g dy n a st y, t h e re ba rbe rs h o p s be h u n d red s o f w h e re it in e ra in C h e n g d u, a n d y o u co u ld f innt ba rbe rs we re fo u n fo r a s po t o d re si d e nt s g at h e ri n d, f g o ss ip.’’ g

David Ha german

Do you have an interesting travel photo to share? Email silkwinds@publicitas.com

Not-to-be-missed events in Singapore and around the region. BY LISA-ANN LEE

Through

April

REDSEA GALLERY PRESENTS DALI, SINGAPORE For the first time in Asia, fans of the late Spanish master Salvador Dali will be able to see – and even acquire – his original works from the famed Pierre Argillet Collection. Featuring 112 etchings, paintings and tapestries, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the 50-year friendship between Dali and renowned publisher Argillet, one that would inspire what art historians term “the finest bodies of the Master’s art”. redseagallery.com

– 7 April

– 13 April

SHENZHEN MAKER FAIRE, SHENZHEN

PENANG WORLD MUSIC FEST

If you’ve never heard of Grammy nominee N’Faly Kouyate’ & Dunyakan, now’s your chance to see what the fuss is all about in their first-ever Malaysian performance at the Penang World Music Festival. Held at the Penang Botanic Gardens’ Quarry Park, the lineup also includes social-conscious reggae band Carlos DjeDje and the Protectors; and Indian tribal drum group Dollu Kunita from Karnataka. penangworldmusic.gov.my

Love tinkering and making things with your hands? Then head to the Shenzhen edition of the world-famous Maker Faire. Held at the Nanhai E-cool Sea World in Shekou, Nanshan District, this family-friendly event welcomes budding inventors, entrepreneurs, engineers and artists of all ages to share their homemade creations, take part in hands-on activities and learn new skills. shenzhenmakerfaire.com

– 16 April – 15 April SONGKRAN FESTIVAL, CHIANG MAI

– 20 April HUE FESTIVAL, DANANG

It’s one of the biggest festivals in Thailand, but if you want to be right in the thick of the action, go north to Chiang Mai where the celebration ante gets cranked up all the way to an 11 with processions, raucous merrymaking and a free-for-all water fight. Be prepared to get drenched. tourismthailand.org

CHAUL CHNAM THMEY, SIEM REAP AND PHNOM PENH It’s a time of thanksgiving as Cambodians celebrate the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year with temple and home visits, alms-giving and playing popular games. Most shops in Phnom Penh will be closed during this period, so it’s best to do as the locals do and find your way to the countryside instead to witness the colourful rituals. tourismcambodia.org

Featuring performance troupes from more than 30 countries, including Hanoi’s wellregarded New Vietnam Circus, the biennial Hue Festival looks set to pull in the crowds. Head up to Vietnam’s ancient capital to soak in the festivities, which include a kite-flying competition, street performances galore, art exhibitions, and a food festival featuring the cuisines of six countries. huefestival.com

– 27 April REGATTA LEPA SEMPORNA, SABAH It’s carnival time as the villagers of Semporna pay homage to the lepa, a traditional single-mast sailing boat that doubles up as a symbol of the Bajau community’s maritime heritage. Taking place each year on Sabah’s eastern coast, the regatta turns the Celebes Sea into a riot of colours as villagers compete to win the title of Most Beautiful Lepa. sabahtourism.com

INMAGINE; GETTY IMAGES; SABAH TOURISM BOARD

April – 18 May JADUGAR KARAN MAGIC SHOW, CHENNAI He’s cut a man into eight pieces, walked through a moving fan and made a live elephant disappear – what will he do next? Find out in this 150-minute extravaganza as top Indian magician Jadugar Karan returns to cast a spell on Chennai audiences. eventjini.com

Through 15 June MISCONCEPTION, SINGAPORE Known for pushing the artistic envelope, top contemporary Chinese artist Gao Weigang’s solo exhibition at Espace Louis Vuitton Singapore is an intellectually stimulating experience, with a collection of art works that includes a staircase leading to nowhere, aimed at challenging people’s perceptions of their material world. louisvuitton.com 9

Hoi An is small. What made you choose to open a succession of fusion Vietnamese restaurants there?

People

Hoi An reminds me of my childhood in Saigon, with its small-town feel, rice fields, fishermen and market ladies wearing pajamas in the streets. I thought, hey, I could raise my family here. I like being part of a closeknit community; I like knowing where my ingredients come from. In Hoi An, I get that. What sets your food apart from the rest?

Turning classic Vietnamese cuisine on its head in traditional Hoi An was a leap of faith that not only made Duc Tran a culinary household name in the old town, but brought him home full circle. TEXT AND PHOTOS: AARON JOEL SANTOS

n 1985, if you’d told Duc Tran he would one day be running a successful restaurant business, he would have laughed. That was the year he boarded a boat and left his family behind with dozens of other refugees. He was 15. When he returned to Vietnam in 2003, it was to say goodbye to his dying father. By then he was an accomplished chef whose cuisine, a unique blend of Vietnamese and South American flavours, was coming into its own. He had cooked on beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico, rolled sushi in Austria, and ran a catering company out of his house in Corpus Christi, Texas. Soon after, he found his way to Hoi An. Instead of opening a bungalow and kitchen for travellers, as originally planned, he launched his first restaurant in the heart of the old town. Today, Duc Tran heads a popular triumvirate of restaurants – Mango Rooms, Mango Mango and Mai Fish – gives talks at professional culinary conferences in the US and Vietnam, and is one of Hoi An’s most celebrated chefs.

Inset: Duc Tran’s cao lau, a Hoi An staple, consists of locally sourced noodles, tender, braised pork, pickled shallots, and fresh, crisp greens

Growing up in Vietnam, living with a MexicanAmerican family in the US after I left Vietnam, and travelling through Europe and South America, introduced me to many flavours and ingredients. For many Vietnamese, it’s a big risk toying with traditional flavours. I’m adding fruits to savoury compositions, blending Mexican and European spices with Vietnamese vegetables, and tweaking all the classics without losing what makes them inherently Vietnamese. That’s important, to not forget the original dish. ”To not forget the original dish” – is that idea reflective of your life? Born in Vietnam, but grew up in the US, do you still identify as Vietnamese?

If you’d asked me 10-12 years ago, I would have probably said I’m American. But today, I don’t know. I left Vietnam, but Vietnam never left me. Maybe I’m a lot like my food: at heart, I’m Vietnamese, but there are lots of other things piled on top. Now that you’re busy with three restaurants, does cooking still excite you?

I’ll always love to cook. It’s in my blood! I love going early to the local market to talk to the vendors about what’s fresh. I’ll wait for the fishing boats to come back with their catch, and walk around to get inspiration for specials. As long as I’m cooking with fresh, local ingredients, I’m happy. What does the future hold for you?

Hoi An is my home now. I like that all of my restaurants are here. It’s important my daughters know their food comes from the local economy, and they can support that. Right now, my wife and I are finishing a bungalow villa near the river. I’d be happy just having it to cook for friends and family, to gather people the way my mother would gather all of us for the New Year. Good food and good company. That’s what I hope to leave behind in Hoi An.

Family Fun

Its bustling seafront, green spaces and lovely 19th-century architecture, make this coastal city one of China’s prettiest family-friendly destinations. BY BIJU SUKUMARAN

he staccato grunts of uniformed team members resound as their arms pump into motion, synchronising as they establish a rhythm. I’m at the Jimei Dragonboat Race in Xiamen, China, and although they’re out of the water, the Taiwanese team looks good as they finish their warm-up. Along with several friends, I’ve come to support the mixed foreign and Chinese team – the only such team – as they attempt to give it a go on the Jimei University Lake this afternoon. Families have been streaming into the area, taking the two-hour bus from Xiamen to cheer on their favourites, indulge in street food, and make an outing of the festivities. As the teams line up in the thin wooden boats, there’s a pause as children are lifted up and snacks are abandoned, while

cameras are poised in anticipation, zooming onto hands clenched around lifted paddles. The loudspeaker crackles, the whistle blows, and the race is off! Located off the coast of China’s Fujian province, about an hour by ferry from Taiwan, Xiamen, known as Amoy in the 14th century, was a former fort of the port city Quanzhou, the terminus of the Maritime Silk Road. Today, it’s a place of parks, boardwalks and beaches, and is considered one of the most beautiful and liveable of China’s many cities. In the summer, the beach next to Xiamen University is filled with students and families splashing in the waves, throwing Frisbees or wandering the boardwalk where local musicians strum their guitars and serenade the crowds. Truly, Xiamen is a city best enjoyed outdoors.

GET BEACHED The windy beaches are perfect for flying kites – several national and international kite festivals have been held here over the years. Alternatively, sporty youngsters can try their hand at standup paddle boarding, or you can rent and ride tandem bicycles from stands next to the boardwalk. Over at Hai Yun Tai (facing page) and Huangcuo beaches, a number of schools train newcomers in the exhilarating sport of kitesurfing. For more contained family fun, head out to the sprawling 21,000 sqm Xiamen Guanyinshan Fantasy Beach Water Park, where your toughest decision is deciding where to head first: the wave pool, water slides or spas and therapy centres.

MUSICAL WONDERLAND Imagine a car-free, pedestrianonly island, where pianos outnumber bicycles, and strains of piano concertos whisper from hidden speakers throughout the town. Welcome

to Gulangyu islet. A 10-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, Gulangyu is more famously known as Piano Island, due its close, if quirky, association with the musical instrument. Interesting factoid for the kids: Gulangyu boasts the largest collection of pianos in the world, with a piano museum (above) flaunting about 100 ancient versions of this instrument from around the world. Even the ferry

ON THE MARKET TRAIL For a more local experience, wander through Zhongshan Road, Xiamen’s walking street. A closed-off district close to the university, it’s a riot of mom-and-pop shops and bigger department stores packed with high-end jade and handcrafted curios like masks, regional dried goods and sweets. The nearby night food market is one of the largest in Xiamen selling local delicacies, and assorted seafood and meat, grilled on the spot.

EXPLORE CASTLES IN THE SKY If mystery is what you’re after, check out the rounded communal fortresses – known as tulou – of Xiamen’s Hakka people. Made of rammed earth, the larger examples dominate the landscape a few hours by bus from Xiamen. A story tells of CIA analysts assuming they were missile silos, due to their circular shape and hollow inner courtyard. Whatever the truth may be, this UNESCO World

CORBIS; SHUTTERSTOCK; GETTY IMAGES

LET LOOSE IN A 24-HOUR PARK Bragging panoramic views of the sea that sweep from the bay and Haicang Bridge (above) on the right, to Gulangyu islet on the left, Haiwan Park, at about 200,100sqm, is Xiamen’s largest urban park that never sleeps. A swathe of hills surrounded by restaurants and bars, it’s one place the whole family can make a day and night of. Enjoy themed gardens like Tree Garden, Coastal Scenery Garden, Water Garden, or investigate the biodiversity at the wetland park. By night, Avenue of the Stars turns into one big disco ground. More than 2,000 LED lights that line its 300m long path, strobe and flash in a razzle-dazzle display of as many as 40 different light patterns.

building and concert hall are both shaped like – you got it – a piano. Gulangyu also used to be home to dozens of European and American embassies, mansions, and churches, as Xiamen was one of five treaty ports after the Opium War. So don’t be surprised by the beautifully kept gardens and many classical European architecture that line the streets like sentinels of the island’s colonial past.

Heritage Site stands out as lone castles, some up to five storeys high, a quaint oddity amidst the small villages and plantations of the province. A trip here is also a great opportunity to explore Fujian’s stunning countryside.

SilkAir flies daily between Singapore and Xiamen 13

Your guide to the latest must-haves and great experiences. BY LISA-ANN LEE

WHAT LIES BENEATH

INMAGINE; BIG BLUE SCUBA DIVING INTERNATIONAL

On the surface, Zhejiang province’s Qiandao Lake is a picture-perfect scenic site. However, lying beneath the waters of this manmade lake is the ancient Chinese city of Shi Cheng (Lion City), which was built during the Han dynasty and flooded in 1959 to make way for a hydroelectric power station and reservoir. Rediscovered in the early 2000s, it’s recently emerged as a popular dive site for adventurers keen on exploring its treasures. If you’d like to do the same, check out the trips to Qiandao Lake by Shanghaibased diving operator Big Blue. big-blue.cn

Running for good If you’re an avid jogger staying at a Westin property in the Asia Pacific region, how about giving your karma a boost when you head out for a run? The best part about the ‘Work Out. Do Good’ charity drive is that you don’t even have to pack your own running kit. Just reserve or borrow Westin New Balance gear, which includes trainers with disposable insoles and sports apparel, or use the runWESTIN running route map during your stay. The hotel group will then donate a pair of New Balance running shoes to Soles4Souls, a charity that provides footwear to the less fortunate, for every 20 guests who participate in the programme from now till the end of the month. gear.westinwellbeing.com

Play it again

Looking for a gift for the music purist? Why not let them be their own music producer with the charmingly retro Crosley Director CD collector. Apart from playing 33s, 45s and 78s, this three-speed turntable also lets you preserve your old collection of mixtapes for posterity by recording them directly to CD. crosleyradio.com

SURVIVAL SMARTS Whether you’re braving the elements in the desert or trekking through the jungle, the SAS Survival Guide, written by former British Special Forces officer John Wiseman, has long been considered an indispensable part of any adventurer’s outdoor kit. Thanks to modern technology, you can now access all its tips, as well as videos and images, via an offline app. One of its coolest additions? An SOS alert that converts SMSes into Morse code light signals. sassurvivalguide.com 15

Oh, baby

If you’re travelling with a young child, struggling with a stroller is the last thing you need. The sleek Babyzen Yoyo Stroller, brainchild of French doctors who came up with a chic alternative to the clunky models they saw everywhere, offers more than just style. For a start, it’s super light and compact, measuring only 56cm x 46cm x 25cm when folded, meaning you can easily stow it in the overhead compartment when flying. Another nifty feature: you can unfold it using just one hand without having to fumble with locks or safety catches. babyzen.com

Just when you think the ante on luxury resorts has hit the glass ceiling, in comes Iniala Beach House. Bringing together some of the world’s best creative minds, including Spain’s A-Cero and Thailand’s Eggarat Wongcharit, this 10-suite Phuket retreat comprises three villas, each with its own personal spa and therapist, as well as the Iniala penthouse, a desertinspired pleasure den. Located on Natai Beach, Iniala has also secured the culinary prowess of Eneko Atxa, the youngest chef to receive three Michelin stars in Spain. For the kids, there’s the Island of Iniala, dubbed the ‘first kids’ hotel in Asia’, which comes with a kitchen where they can learn to cook, among other treats. iniala.com

MING JUN TAN

LUXE IT UP

JUNGLE JIVE

If you’re looking for something adventurous to do in KL, head up to Klang Gates Quartz Ridge or Dragon’s Backbone. Less than two hours from the city, this geological landmark made entirely of quartz offers spectacular views of the city skyline on one side and the Gombak Forest Reserve and Klang Gates Dam on the other. Check out outdoor adventure operator Open Sky Unlimited’s trekking trips to the area as well as other places like the former colonial hill retreat, Bukit Kutu. openskyunlimited.com

Food Snapshot

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a curry? Depending on whom you ask, it can be a meat or vegetable dish redolent of the following spices: turmeric, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, coriander â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and other unexpected ingredients. Pat Tanumihardja samples some tasty variations of this Asian comfort food.

Gang panang neua

WHAT: This mild curry is one of few Thai curries usually made with beef. The name panang is thought to originate from the Malaysian island of Penang as the spice paste shares many ingredients associated with a Malay curry: galangal, lemongrass, coriander seeds and cumin. The savoury-sweet balance is tempered by peanuts and citrusy kaffir lime leaves.

TRY: Charm Thai Restaurant, Holiday Inn Resort, 52 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket

CORBIS

EAT: Usually eaten with rice, this dish is delicious accompanied by pickled ginger, steamed eggs or salted prawns.

Gudeg

Ga li niu rou fan

WHAT: Introduced to China by Indian monks, curry dishes are popular in southern China, with beef curry rice epitomising this culinary merger. Beef chunks, onions, carrots and potatoes are seasoned with curry powder and stir-fried. White pepper, soy sauce and/or hot chilli oil lend local flavour. EAT: Best enjoyed with white rice but you’ll also find it served with noodles as ga li niu rou mian (curry beef noodles).

WHAT: A Central Javanese speciality, this sweet stew of young jackfruit is boiled for hours with palm sugar, coconut milk, candlenut, coriander seed, galangal, garlic, and bay leaves. EAT: A complete gudeg meal comes with chicken, a hardboiled egg, tahu bacem (spiced tofu), sambal goreng krecek (a stew of crunchy water buffalo skin) and sambal (chilli paste) on the side. TRY: Gudeg Yu Djum, Jalan Kaliurang KM 4,5, Karangasem CT III/22, Jogjakarta

WHAT: The musky flavour of lamb and mutton is popular among Malaysian Muslims. In this Indian-inspired dish, pieces of kambing (lamb or mutton) are braised in a coconut milk spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, and a paste of chillies, shallots, garlic, ginger and galangal. EAT: Kari kambing is served with plenty of rice or roti (flat Indian bread) to counter the heat and soak up all that hearty, delicious gravy. TRY: Fayas Curry House, 21 Jalan Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur

Ca ri ga

TRY: Bark Mey, Huang Gang Village, Jilong Building, 1st Floor, No 64, Shenzhen

Burmese curry

CORBIS; ICHIL/WWW.IOFLIFE.COM; DREAMSTIME; INMAGINE

Kari kambing

WHAT: Burmese cuisine owes its diversity to its geographic location straddling China to the east and India to the west, not to mention the migrants from what is now Cambodia and Thailand. Burmese curry has roots in Indian cooking but is much simpler. Whether pork, mutton, or shrimp, the curry base remains the same – turmeric, paprika and lots of onion, ginger and garlic. EAT: Its robust ginger and chilli nuances go nicely with coconut rice and a succession of side dishes: salad, soup and vegetables, and herbs to be dipped in ngapi (fish or shrimp paste). TRY: Feel Myanmar, 124 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Street, Yangon

WHAT: This rich, southern Vietnamese dish is flavoured with lemongrass and chockfull of chicken thighs and drumsticks, onion, potatoes and sometimes sweet potato or taro. Like Thai and Cambodian curries, it features coconut milk, and is reliant on fish sauce for umami (meaty or savoury taste). EAT: For a fiery kick, ca ri ga is usually served with chilli and baguette slices (a French culinary legacy) to mop up the sauce. Or enjoy with rice or bun (thin rice noodles). TRY: Cari Deli, 101 Nguyen Cu Trinh, Q1, Ho Chi Minh City

Fish head curry WHAT: Created in the 1960s by an Indian chef in Singapore, this dish has the trademarks of a typical South Indian curry: a thin, coconut-based gravy spiced with chillies, and dressed with vegetables such as okra and brinjal. The ikan merah (red snapper) head is a local touch – Chinese Singaporeans regard it as a delicacy – and tamarind adds a nice tang. EAT: The fish’s soft cheeks are the best part, so too the eyeballs and lips. Tuck in with rice and vegetables piled on a banana leaf. TRY: The Banana Leaf Apolo, 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 19

Davao

Its bucolic tapestry of nature woven with cultural threads makes this city in Mindanao a favourite tourist escape.

L Apo, the highest mountain in the BY SAKINAH MANAFF-GREEN

Philippines, Davao City is blessed with dazzling landscapes, from coral islands to virgin forests; fertile soil that makes it the country’s fruit basket; and a melting pot of 1.4 million that includes indigenous tribes and Muslims. Growing out of a Christian settlement that began in 1848 when a Spanish expedition colonised some mangrove swamps, Davao City today welcomes visitors and foreigners seeking an idyllic retirement.

R. Magsaysay Street

Bu kid no nH igh wa y

d Roa Biao Pan – Philippine Highway

Da va o–

d Roa

ne ppi hili – P way Pan High

tian ban Can

rel Lau e J.P. venu A

y ma Ma oad R

Play in the park

Not many cities can boast a garden right in its heart. The brainchild of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the man-made People’s Park is four hectares of gardens, inspired by and designed after New York’s Central Park. It’s a proverbial playground of over 1,000 species of wild flora and trees from places like Central America, Africa, New Guinea, Australia, and the Philippines, jogging trails, unusual life-sized sculptures, ponds and a waterfall. Not surprisingly, it’s popular among locals or Dabawenyos, especially on weekends with its many outdoor performances. 2

Digging into the past

The 300m-deep WWII Japanese tunnel was carved out of the hilly section of Matina Balusong, west of the city, presumably by prisoners of war, as a hideout to ferry equipment, and mobilise Japanese forces against the Americans.

Today, it’s a major attraction with a hotel and restaurant. Check out the collection of vintage weapons: machine guns, bombs, explosives, ammunition and bullets. Deeper in are compartments of water bunkers, offices used by the Japanese soldiers, a dungeon and several chapels. 3

Boning up

Despite its dubious name, D’Bone Collector Museum has an impressive collection of wellpreserved bones, skeletons and skulls of animals and fish that’s one of the largest of its kind in the world. Entering this private museum, started by the son of missionaries with an interest in animals and their skeletal remnants, you’ll find the remains of bears, a lion, horses, crocodiles, a dugong, whales, insects, and a Cambodian python, amongst others. But don’t miss the museum’s highlight: two rare sperm whales, one of which is 12.4m long.

JOJIE ALCANTARA; MELO VILLAREAL; HAZEL MELO OF UNSUGARCOATED REVIEWS/WWW.UNSUGARCOATEDREVIEWS.COM; GETTY IMAGES

ocated in the shadow of Mount

SHUTTERSTOCK; RHONSON NG

All hail the king

Island hop

The Davao Gulf is sprinkled with half a dozen islands and the best way to explore them is to charter a boat from Sta Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park. Go swimming at Vanishing Island, a sandbar that got its name because it disappears at high tide; and see an amazing variety of starfish while snorkelling at Starfish Island. 6

Eagle eye

Davao’s rich fertile volcanic soil and Aimed at educating visitors on climate means that it’s not unusual conservation, the Philippine to find a redolent riot of tropical Eagle Center, which started as fruits on the streets. But the region’s a breeding programme, is now most renowned fruit is the king of a sanctuary for the endangered them all – the durian – and you Philippine Eagle, monkeys, bats, can sample up to 10 varieties, from reptiles, and other wild bird silky-fleshed arancillo, to puyat species. Learn about falconry with its thick, bitter-sweet yellowand interact with the majestic orange flesh. Pick your favourite birds of prey at the Keeper Talk, from the fruit stands along where the bird’s keeper helps Magsaysay Park, Agdao Public visitors understand the bird’s Market, Bankerohan Market and characteristics, biology and life Bangoy Street. at the Center.

PEAK PERFORMANCE If you have three to four days to spare, climb Mount Apo. Rising more than 2,954m over the city, it’s located in a national park with trails for hiking, pristine lakesides for camping and abundant wildlife. The landscape shifts from forest to grassland to barren sulfuric rockpile as you ascend the Kidapawan trail. Camp at the grasslands surrounding Lake Venado before making the final push to the summit at dawn.

SilkAir flies six times weekly between Singapore and Davao 21

人民公园里趣味盎然的雕塑是游人拍照留念的热点

达沃市田园风光与丝丝文化编织出引人入胜美景，访客都爱来这位于菲律宾棉兰老岛的城市享受几日悠然。译：MAIN CHING 物骨骸。馆里的亮点是一具令人咋舌的12.4米巨头鲸骸骨。

依

4 果中之王

1 拥抱大自然

以纽约中央公园为设计灵感，四公顷大的人民公园(People’s Park) 是庸碌都市人放慢步伐的天地。剔透人工瀑布在一千多品种花卉丛林间淙淙而下，跑步道在奇特雕塑、音乐喷泉、晶莹池塘和游乐场间蜿蜒伸展。周末还有精彩的户外表演。

2 时光隧道

这个二次大战时期的日军隧道位于达沃以西的Matina Balusong。三百米深的隧道是当年日美抗战时的军事命脉，如今是旅游景点。穿越悠悠隧道，看到旧时的军火配备、机关枪、地牢、日军办公室等，昔日抗战情景历历在目。

3 骨头博物馆

踏进这私人经营的D’Bone Collector博物馆，您钻进了精彩又神奇的骨头世界里。馆内骨头珍藏是世界最大之一，收藏了天上飞的、水里游的和地上爬的动

达沃肥沃的火山土盛产各类肥硕甜美的热带水果。不过，每人必会屈服于果中之王 —— 榴莲的浓郁诱惑。其十个种类各具特色，无论是绵密口感或甜中带苦，滋味让您好吃到吮手指！马上到Magsaysay公园、Agdao市场、Bankerohan市场和Bangoy街大饱口福去！

菲律宾老鹰中心让您近距离目睹濒临绝种鸟类的雄姿

5 岛屿探险记

达沃海湾岛屿点点，最写意不过是从Magsaysay公园附近的Sta Ana码头租一艘小船穿梭在岛屿之间。您也可在Vanishing岛畅游,到 Starfish岛赏海星，享尽与海洋嬉戏的愉悦。

6 ‘鹰’ 姿飒爽

到离市区一小时车程的菲律宾老鹰中心(Philippine Eagle Center) 跟濒临绝种的菲律宾老鹰打声招呼。管理员会深入浅出介绍猎鹰训练术、老鹰的习性和在中心里的生活点滴。与这些空中英雄做近距离接触是每个游人期盼的重头节目。

颠锋状态若在达沃呆上三四天，不妨挑战菲律宾之最 —— 阿波火山(Mount Apo)。这座睡火山屹立在国家公园内，高居海拔 2,954米。区内设登山路线和幽静湖畔营地。Kidapawan登山路沿途风景无价，从苍劲森林、连绵草原到荒芜硫石堆，景观变化多端。

胜安航空每周六次从新加坡飞往达沃

JOJIE ALCANTARA; GETTY IMAGES

偎在菲律宾最高山的怀抱里，达沃市的明媚风景、多种族文化和丰盛热带水果一一欢迎您。

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Located 716km north of Yangon, Myanmar’s second largest city is a timeless link with the country’s royal past. Adrian Mourby shows you nine ways to appreciate Mandalay’s charms. n the road to Mandalay, where the flyin’ fishes play, an’ the dawn comes up like thunder outer China ‘crost the bay...” No doubt, Rudyard Kipling, in his famous 19thcentury ode “Mandalay”, was struck by the exotic splendours of Burma’s last royal capital during his travels. The romanticism of that bygone era has not lost its glow. Mandalay was created by King Mindon, who in 1857, built himself a huge new court, siting it in the far north on the banks of the mighty Ayeyarwady. A grid system was employed to create 144 city blocks with the new palace at its centre. By 1885, the British had conquered Burma and Mandalay ceased to be capital. But even today – and despite the influx of Chinese immigrants over the last two decades – it has remained unchanged, and almost mythical in the imagination.

Behold Buddha’s face on the street of the marble craftsmen

King Mindon decreed that each trade should operate in its own part of the city. Today, you will still find all the marble carvers working to the west of the Mahamuni Pagoda. Watch Buddha’s

face being completed by a master craftsman. His team will have already carved everything else, and you’ll see plenty of faceless Buddhas along the road waiting for the master’s touch.

Thrall to Burmese tales at Marionette Theatre, 66th Street

Two Mandalay women are trying to keep the ancient Burmese art of puppetry alive with nightly performances in their own theatre. The shows are narratively complex, drawing their plots from the Jataka (about the Buddha’s previous lives) and the Hindu epic, Ramayana, and accompanied by a small orchestra. Shows last an hour and it’s best to bone up on research beforehand to follow the story. Post performance, you can buy painted masks along street stalls that recall figures in the marionette shows.

Watch the sun go down from Mandalay Hill

This is where Mandalay’s best sunsets can be appreciated, against the fabulous vista of the city and Ayeyarwady River. From King Mindon’s unusual statue of the Buddha pointing down to Mandalay, 1,729 steps lead to a pagoda at the

for so long that the Buddha now looks as if he is wearing gold feathers. Touch the statue of Airvata, plundered from Angkor Wat in 1784, for good health.

Observe monks collecting alms

If you wake early and head for the river bank, you may well catch maroon-robed monks on their morning walk collecting food in metal bowls. Becoming a monk is something every Burmese man does at least once in his lifetime and is a mark of honour for his family.

Get lost in Zegyo Market

get a sense of what the palace used to be like, and the sheer size of King Mindon’s complex remains impressive. Make a beeline for what is now Shwenandaw Monastery, originally King Mindon’s apartment in the royal palace. See the degree of delicacy to which the royal style had evolved by the 19th century, with ornately carved teak beams and doors, lacquered, gilded and even tiled in tiny mosaics to reflect the king’s wealth.

The oldest market in Mandalay and regarded as the second best in Myanmar, it’s an Aladdin’s trove of antiques, fresh produce, and souvenirs, including tapes of Burmese music. Take your camera to snap the artistically arranged piles of tomatoes and chillies, and mounds of tea and thanaka powder, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark.

See gold-leaf beaters at work top, or you can get there by hopping onto a tuk-tuk for MMK1,000.

Read sacred texts at Kuthodaw Pagoda

Famed for being home to the world’s biggest book, Kuthodaw Pagoda sits below Mandalay Hill surrounded by 729 white stupas. Inside each is a marble slab inscribed on both sides with a page of text from Tipitaka, the three ‘baskets’ of Buddhist teaching. King Mindon came up with this idea to give sacred texts a more durable form than traditional palm leaves.

GETTY IMAGES; INMAGINE

Wander through Mandalay Palace

To walk round the three-kilometrelong moat that surrounds this lowrise, fortified royal residence, is to be reminded of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Inside, most of the buildings are concrete and corrugated iron replicas from the 1990s – the Palace was destroyed during WWII – but it’s subtly done so you still

At King Galon and at Golden Rose on 36th Street, catch gold being beaten into wafer-thin sheets by men wielding large hammers. Gold leaf is used for votive purposes in temples where it is applied to Buddha statues, like at Mahamuni Pagoda, where embellishments have been going on

Witness street drama from a tuk-tuk

Take a tuk-tuk tour and plunge into the maelstrom of Mandalay’s rush hour. The lack of a metro system makes Mandalay roads a piece of street theatre. See everything from mounds of white goods (household appliances like refrigerators) and animals transported on motorbikes, to young monks packed into backs of trucks, and more people hanging onto the back of a bus than you would have thought possible.

SilkAir will fly three times weekly between Singapore and Mandalay from 10 June 2014 25

Boracay’s picture-postcard beaches and coves have been seducing holidaymakers since the ‘70s, when it was ‘discovered’ by adventure-seeking surfers and backpackers. Tim Metcalfe distills the enduring allure of one of the world’s most fabled paradise islands.

ne can only imagine that over countless millennia, the mighty Pacific had pounded and finely crumbled billions of dead seashells onto the shores of this dog-bone shaped isle, creating that fine powderwhite sand – bleached like flour and soft as cotton wool. Since then, Boracay has evolved from a remote, laid-back hideaway to an international destination, as the rustic cabanas and beach bars make way for luxury spa hotels, boutique resorts and pool villas climbing the limestone headlands. Its peerless beaches have made this tiny island in the Philippines – just eight kilometres long and one kilometre wide at its narrowest – consistently voted among the very best in the world. As with its closest tropical paradise ‘siblings’ Bali, Koh Samui, Phuket and Langkawi, regulars may lament that Boracay – just two kilometres off the northwestern tip of Panay Island in

Western Visayas – is not what it used to be. But let’s face it, neither does anywhere else stay the same. Over 600,000 foreign visitors last year, on top of 700,000 domestic tourists, are testimony to its enduring appeal. Nowhere is the latest Philippines’ Department of Tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” truer than on this speck on the map – especially along world-famous White Beach, the hub of resorts, restaurants, bars and nightlife stretching 4km along the west coast. 28

By day, Boracay is a hive of activity, from sunsoaking and skimboarding to beach volleyball and every water sport imaginable. All the latest aquatics fads are here – Opening spread: Iconic White Beach lures thousands to Boracay. This page (clockwise from top): The island is a watersports haven; Fridays’ distinctive signage; evidence of Boracay’s international appeal

even helmet-diving, which was new to me, and is a bit like being an astronaut taking his first step for mankind on the moon, except you’re waddling tentatively around the floor of a coral reef. By night, against the backdrop of its famously seductive sunsets, the beach pathway pulses with seemingly endless Happy Hours, fire-eating and dancing waiters at all-you-can-eat buffets, live bands and thumping techno clubbing. This is party central, so just stroll around

OPENING SPREAD: ESTAN CABIGAS. THIS SPREAD: DREAMSTIME; SHUTTERSTOCK; ESTAN CABIGAS

This transformation has undeniably taken a toll, with the price of booming tourism plain for all to see: high-season crowds, congested traffic, flooded streets when it rains, and a chaotic, dangling roadside maze of haphazardly intertwined electrical and telephone lines. Yet the beach itself, lined by swaying palms, remains breathtakingly beautiful; and also spotless, thanks to strict rules against littering, dogs, and even smoking, all zealously respected and upheld.

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However, beyond this bustling equivalent of Boracay’s metropolis, it can be reassuring to discover that a slower pace of island life remains when you venture off the beaten track – either to stay, keep the lively crowds at arm’s length, or head out on a mountain bike, motorbike or an All-Terrain Vehicle. Still, Boracay’s myriad attractions cannot detract from the fact that its beaches

are the biggest draw, with enough to go around to keep everyone happy.

Separated by a small headland, Diniwid is a secret gem. Only a short walk or a tricycle ride away from its lively neighbour White Beach, this sandy bay with exceptionally clear waters surrounded by hillside resorts is much quieter and relaxing, making it better suited to families with young children or those seeking a more peaceful holiday.

Also minutes away from the action and a stroll over to the island’s narrow centre is Bulabog Beach, with surf shops and budget bamboo-hut lodgings reminiscent of Boracay in the old days. It’s not as picturesque, but an offshore coral reef protecting it from strong waves makes it one of the world’s premier spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing in the early months of the year. This shelter is also a haven for scuba-diving and snorkelling; you’ll find colourful local outrigger sailboats called paraws, which run excursions for up to six to outlying islands. Bouncing over high swells beyond the reef when it gets choppy is exciting, but definitely not for the faint-hearted.

GETTING THERE Kalibo Airport on Panay Island is the gateway to Boracay, but getting to the island from this terminal is an adventure in itself. First there’s a 90-minute road trip through the countryside to Caticlan Jetty Port, by minibuses or local jeepneys. ‘Ferry’ is a rather loose description of the traditional motorised outrigger canoe, called banca, that shuttle you over the strait to the island. Tourists need to pay PHP175 for the environmental fee and jetty fee before boarding, and the trip takes less than 20 minutes. When your banca beaches Boracay, depending on the tide, you may have to disembark directly into shallow water lapping the beach, so keep your luggage light, and be ready to take off your shoes and roll up your trousers to wade ashore.

Still, it’s worth the heart-in-mouth experience once you get to Crystal Cove. Snorkelling out of a cave into what can only be described as a giant aquarium, among rainbow shoals of tropical fish, is pretty surreal.

In contrast, wild and windswept Puka Beach, bathed in azure blue waters on the remote north-west cape, defines what it means to get away from it all. Such is the solitude, you can imagine how Robinson Crusoe felt, marooned on a deserted island. More than anywhere else on the island, Puka Beach, with its powerful tubes that peak in December, remains the same as when adventurous surfers first descended and put Boracay on the map. Around the cape, secluded Banyugan is also popular among windsurfers.

Neighbouring Punta Bunga is the most exclusive beach on the island – home to the five-star Shangri-La’s Boracay Pick your fun – paragliding over the vast beachscape or exploring Boracay’s lush coral reefs and marine life

JOJIE ALCANTARA; SHUTTERSTOCK

like everyone else and follow whatever vibe takes your fancy, from Fridays resort with its much-photographed beach sign made of driftwood, downing cocktails at Cocomangas Shooter Bar, and beach-tent raves at Boracay Regency’s Wave Bar.

Resort & Spa, which has its own private beach, naturally. Elsewhere, scores of pretty shells draping the beach and eye-popping views seal Punta Bunga’s exclusivity as a retreat for discerning luxury travellers.

Another less-trodden route are the idyllic beaches and coves of Ilig-Iligan, best known for jungle bat caves where giant

fruit bats roost by day. Surprising as it may be, this is the passage to rugged Boracay, with trails extending to the island’s most popular hiking spots, capped by Angol Point, where you can take the invigorating cliff jump into the waters below. Or just hike up Mount Luho – the view from the 300ft summit is well worth the effort. Along the way you may stumble across

a raucous cockfighting arena bellowing with excited villagers, or a community of indigenous islanders called the Ati people, mending their fishing nets. Such encounters, perhaps, are the true heart and soul of ‘old Boracay’, the one some lament is lost forever. But veer off course just a little, and you’ll find Boracay has not lost its bewitching magic.

STAY June to October is traditionally the low season, when winds shift eastward to White Beach, and it’s a little rainier. High season – October to May – sees winds blowing out to sea, leaving the beaches calmer. Mid-Range/Family: Fridays (fridaysboracay.com) has been an icon since 1982, renowned for its tropical charm and lively bar. Boracay Garden Resort (boracaygarden.com. ph) surrounds lagoons and pools, and is ideal for kids. Couples retreat: Nami Resort Boracay (namiresorts.com), perched on the hillside above Diniwid, combines privacy with breathtaking sunset views to admire from romantic private jacuzzis. Spider House Resort (spiderhouseresort. com) is a fun treehouse on stilts, where you can dive into the sea straight from its deck.

WHEN IN KALIBO Originally home to the native Ati people and founded by Spanish colonialists in the 16th century, Kalibo is the capital of Aklan province in the north-west of Panay Island, and gateway to Boracay and the Western Visayas. • Take in the Spanish colonial architecture of Kalibo Cathedral, dating back to 1804. It was rebuilt twice, following a devastating fire in 1885 and earthquake in 1990. • Explore Bakhawan Eco-Park. A mangrove forest with bamboo walkways, it’s the Philippines’ most successful mangrove reforestation project, and just a short tricycle ride out of town. • See piña weaving. If you’re souvenir hunting, the province is known for

finely hand-woven piña (pineapple fibre) textiles and handicrafts, showcased at the House of Piña. • Explore Tinagong Dagat and the caves and waterfalls at Nabas and Tangalan, respectively, by paddle boat. Not far from town, they are the area’s best-known natural attractions. • Catch the colourful Ati-atihan Festival in January – Kalibo comes alive with tribal dancing and parades, with participants dressed in indigenous costumes of the Ati people, the earliest known settlers of this region.

Budget: Melinda’s Garden (melindasgarden.com) – a leafy garden of simple nipa huts with porches and hammocks – is delightful, while Le Soleil de Boracay (lesoleil.com.ph) is quaintly Mediterranean. Luxury: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa (shangri-la.com), which has its own speedboat ferrying guests to its doorstep, and Monaco Suites De Boracay (monacosuitesboracay.com) are among the top luxury resorts on the island.

SilkAir will fly three times weekly between Singapore and Kalibo from 27 May 2014

ESTAN CABIGAS

Above: Stunning sunset over Punta Bunga. Right: Kalibo’s famous, finely hand-woven piña textile

自1970年代，背包客和爱玩一族发掘菲律宾长滩岛(Boracay)迷人的沙滩和海湾后，许多游人就相续倾倒在它的妩媚之中。请与Tim Metcalfe一起探索这片人间天堂。译：MAIN CHING 滩岛(Boracay)岸上不尽其数的贝壳经过浩瀚太平洋的千锤百炼，化如粉状，如棉花般柔软，像面粉般洁白。位处菲律宾中部，仅八公里长，一公里宽的长滩岛也许是这样形成的。去年，多达 60万外国旅客和70万当地游人到访，体验它的无限魅力。清幽的岛屿世外桃源变国际观光热点。淳朴海边小屋和沙滩酒吧被豪华酒店、精品度假酒店和泳池别墅取代。洁白的沙滩也频频被世界推崇⋯蜕变的代价是什么？旅游高峰期的人潮、交通阻塞的不便、雨季时的雨水泛滥⋯多亏当局禁止乱抛垃圾和禁烟，长滩岛才得以保存其蓝天碧海和棕榈婆娑的景致。

长滩岛的绚丽多姿最能体现菲律宾旅游局“菲律宾更好玩！”的宣传口号。在这里拥抱阳光和海洋的游客无数。他们做日光浴、玩沙板冲浪 (skimboarding)、打沙滩排球甚至戴着头盔在海床上漫步，欣赏海底美景(helmet diving)，爱怎么玩，就怎么玩！夜幕低垂时，红彤彤的夕阳下山，欢乐时光开始了！丰盛的自助餐、现场乐队奏乐、侍应生热情起舞... 长滩岛真是昼夜精彩不间断。若不想夜夜笙歌，想回归岛屿悠闲的步伐，只要租一辆山地车、摩托车或全用途车，您就可远离人烟探奇去。

只需短程徒步或乘电动三轮车，就可到达寂静的Diniwid。这里的环境清

幽，海水晶莹清澈，依山而建的度假村围绕细沙绵绵，适合爱宁静的寻幽访胜者以及拥有年幼小孩的家庭。

Bulabog沙滩位于长滩岛中部。冲浪品专卖店和廉价竹屋住宿林立，有昔日长滩岛的味道。Bulabog海滩的风景比其他地方稍逊色，但它的地理位置却较优越，因为有珊瑚礁遮挡强风，让海滩成为风筝冲浪、帆板冲浪、潜水和浮潜活动的好去处。想寻求非一般的体验，可乘坐paraw帆船出海去。颠簸的航程有惊无险，抵达外岛的Crystal海湾，你可从洞口浮潜与七彩鱼群玩耍，这股快感真是难以形容。

想体验鲁滨逊漂流荒岛的孤独，西北偏僻一处的Puka海滩可让您体验孤单。其风大浪大的狂野牵引着寻找刺激的冲浪者，尤其是每年12月管浪形成的高潮期。附近隐蔽的Banyugan也是帆板爱好者的首选。

Punta Bunga海滩是香格里拉长滩岛度假饭店的所在地，拥有专属沙滩是理所当然。不论是高品味的豪华客或蜜月新婚夫妇，都会对这儿的沙滩景致为之倾心，爱上这里人烟稀少的僻静环境。

上：长滩岛海上活动精彩万分，让您玩个过瘾；中：岛上的White Beach是最热门的海滩之一；下：Ati-atihan节让您欣赏Ati族缤纷舞蹈和游行；对页：长滩岛风光明媚，常年吸引许多外国和本土游客

长滩岛如何去 Ilig-Iligan除了有超级果蝠的蝙蝠洞，也暗藏不少人迹罕至的沙滩和海湾。如果您喜欢远足，这里有许多路线供选择。您若胆大过人，不妨攀上Angol Point 山崖，对着大海，进行一次毕生难忘的‘山崖跳’！投奔怒海太吓人？那么就爬上300英尺高的Luho山俯视美景。沿途可见村民进行斗鸡时的忘我和Atis 土族修鱼网的朴实。这些生活点滴也许就是长滩岛真实情怀所在。无须哀悼‘ 旧长滩岛’的流逝，只要走出岛上热门景点的框框，就可重拾往日的真谛。

Panay岛的Kalibo机场通往长滩岛，从机场转90分钟车程到 Caticlan Jetty Port码头，再搭约 20 分钟渡轮即可到达。

住宿小提议一年四季都可造访长滩岛。高峰期为十月至五月，淡季为五月至十月，那时住宿价格偏低又能避开人潮，可说是一举两得。中档/家庭：房客都钟爱Fridays (fridaysboracay.com)的热带风格和热闹酒吧。Boracay Garden Resort (boracaygarden. com.ph)设泳池，很受小孩欢迎。Diniwid Beach Resort (diniwidbeachresort.com) 宽敞的套房和别墅适合全家入住。甜蜜静居：Nami Resort Boracay (www.namiresorts.com)让您和旅伴在按摩浴池里欣赏夕阳。Spider House Resort (spiderhouseresort.com) 让您直接从甲板跳进海的怀抱。

路经卡里波(Kalibo) 卡里波位于Panay岛西北部，原是Ati族的家园。这里的机场可通往长滩岛。卡里波也有不少精彩好去处。 • 探索Bakhawan生态园，它是菲律宾红

树林重新造林最成功项目之一。 • 买一件当地具代表性的piña (黄梨纤

ESTAN CABIGAS

维)编织品或手工艺品。

廉价方便：Melinda’s Garden (melindasgarden.com)的小屋设阳台和写意吊床。Le Soilel de Boracay (lesoilel.com.ph)洋溢地中海风情，五星级体验：岛上顶级豪华度假村美誉非香格里拉长滩岛度假饭店(shangri-la.com) 和长滩岛摩纳哥度假酒店 (monacosuitesboracay.com) 莫属。

• 泛舟拜访Tinagong Dagat的山洞和在 Nabas 和Tangalan的瀑布。 • 一月的Ati-atihan节让您一窥Ati 族的

缤纷舞蹈和游行。

从5月27日起，胜安航空每周三次从新加坡飞往卡里波(Kalibo)

Jamu, Indonesia’s ancient art of herbal healing, has come a long way from its humble beginnings. TEXT BY SAKINAH MANAFF-GREEN ILLUSTRATIONS BY KRISTINE GONZALES very morning across Indonesia, women heave baskets containing bottles of tonics on their backs, peddling them to office employees on their way to work for IDR2,500 (about USD0.25) a glass. For many Indonesians, it’s a small price to pay for good health and general wellness. These potions, known as jamu, are usually hand-prepared and brewed by these women to a closely guarded recipe. A centuries-old traditional Indonesian healing art, jamu is a holistic therapy based on the idea that if disease comes from nature, so must its remedy. It is rooted in the Indonesian philosophy of health and healing, defined as harmony between a person and their environment, or balance between hot and cold. For instance, if the body becomes too hot, in the case of a fever, ‘cooling’ vegetables and herbs such as turmeric are prescribed. Similarly,

colds are treated with spices to warm the body. Unlike conventional Western medicine, where drugs are used to kill an infection, jamu acts as a catalyst, encouraging the body to produce its own antibodies. The ingredients are affordable and widely available: mashed banana for wounds, nutmeg to treat insomnia, guava for diarrhoea and lime to encourage weight loss. Jamu used to be freshly made and available as brews and pastes, but today, you can find them in a wide array of teas, tablets, powders, creams and even cosmetics and beauty products. Jamu also has a spiritual element. It is not uncommon for Indonesian healers to recite prayers before making jamu or insist on administering jamu on auspicious dates. Based on

the Indonesian notion of illness as a disturbance in a person’s spiritual and mental energy, the healer synchronises her mind with that of her patient’s, and sends positive energy and thoughts. If it all sounds folkloric, a 2011 study by Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology on the soursop tree – whose leaves are used to relieve gout and arthritis in Indonesia – found that extracts from the soursop fruit inhibit the growth of breast cancer. Vincristine, one of 70 useful alkaloids identified in the Madagascar Periwinkle (known as tapak dara), dramatically increases the survival rate of children with leukemia, while turmeric – a popular jamu ingredient – is being explored as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. What makes jamu truly remarkable is that it has endured the advent of modern medicine. Indonesians from all walks of life embrace this philosophy of healing and imbibe jamu regularly to maintain general wellbeing or treat ailments, from the common flu (known as masuk angin), joint pain, infertility, even cancer.

From tonic to skincare

What began as a cottage industry in Indonesia – usually made up of one-woman operations – has grown to a mega industry with an annual turnover of more than IDR10 trillion (over USD860 million approximately), employing around three million people at 1,300 factories nationwide. The biggest factor behind this development was the changing lifestyles of consumers themselves. Increasingly educated, affluent and eager to embrace convenience, young Indonesians were turning away from jamu’s bitter brews in favour of Western pills and tablets. Some manufacturers with foresight realised this early on, and started to rethink their business to tap this opportunity. One of them is Martina Berto, one of the top five jamu makers in Indonesia. The company’s founder, Martha Tilaar, led the way in professionalising the industry by introducing large-scale production methods and quality control, setting up research and development centres, embracing innovation and technology, and advertising her products – all game-changing strategies in the then-fledgling industry. The company started producing jamu in capsules, pills and powder sachets to 38

be mixed with water, and even in packaged beverages – selling convenience to a rising middle class. In the process, Berto increased awareness of the values of traditional healing and won new converts. Soon, jamu manufacturers recognised a gap in the market for jamu-inspired skincare and cosmetics. Indonesian women view beauty care as a holistic system for the mind and body, with traditional medicine and beauty products as part of the same regimen. So when it came to developing a beauty range, jamu manufacturers used Indonesian herbs as active ingredients. For example, Berto’s Sariayu Bidari Laut face mask for oily skin is made from bidari laut wood, rice starch and tamarind pulp. As a total skincare and health solution, these beauty products were typically accompanied with complementary jamu tonics. In the last 10 years or so, the spa business in Indonesia has boomed, with many incorporating jamu healing into treatments like mandi lulur, a body scrub and beauty secret of the ancient Javanese royal court. Javanese princesses were said to receive massages and lulur scrubs made from a paste of rice, pulverised bark and flower, followed by herbal baths, for 40 days before their wedding. Today’s mandi lulur is a purifying body treatment using a blend that usually includes finely ground rice, nuts, turmeric root, ginger, cinnamon, jasmine oil and sandalwood powder.

Some spas have even gone a step further by offering the services of a tabib or dukun (traditional healers). At MesaStila resort in Central Java, a well-known tabib from the nearby village offers jamu consultation and therapy to guests. Says Erny Sulistyawati, the resort’s health and wellness manager. “Our tabib freshly makes all the jamu treatments using plants grown in the resort.”

Bringing jamu to the world

For all of jamu’s health benefits, it’s not more well-known outside Indonesia, especially in the West, where the popularity of Asian healing traditions, like India’s Ayurvedic system and Traditional Chinese Medicine, has taken off.

The good news however, is that the government has taken steps to implement modern, clinical trials to back performance claims with scientific data. It is already conducting scientific studies on four types of jamu used to treat cholesterol, high blood-sugar levels, hypertension and gout, to be followed by jamu used to treat cancer.

becomes more widely available – and takes its place amongst the great natural healing traditions of the world.

SilkAir flies to Indonesia. For flight schedules, see SilkAir Postcards on page 58

As alternative therapies for wellness and health become more mainstream, it’s only a matter of time before Indonesian jamu

The main reason lies in the industry’s lack of regulation. In August 2010, eight people died and six others were hospitalised after drinking jamu from a herbal drink vendor in South Jakarta. Established jamu players are urging the Indonesian government to take a tougher line against irresponsible manufacturers, who mix potentially dangerous drugs to enhance the tonic’s perceived effectiveness. While the few big jamu players with an eye on the international market may have their own quality control systems, most locally produced jamu products have not undergone rigorous scientific testing to meet internationally approved standards.

POPULAR TYPES OF JAMU • Beras kencur – Made of kencur (Kaempferia galanga), raw rice, Javanese tamarind water, sugar and salt, it is regarded as a general tonic for fatigue, increases appetite and improves blood circulation • Kunyit asam – A tonic of turmeric, tamarind water, salt and sugar, it’s believed to treat menstrual problems, eliminate body odour and assist in weight loss

• Tolak angin – A popular herbal medicine for cold, flu, fever, sore throat and runny nose • Pegal linu – A blend of turmeric, ginger, galangal and pepper, it is a common remedy for rheumatism • Temulawak – A mixture of temulawak (Javanese turmeric), Javanese ginger, tamarind water and pandan leaves to treat a variety of digestive ailments, from stomach ulcers to food poisoning

• Tongkat Ali – Used as a popular natural testosterone booster, as it contains the root extract Eurycoma longifolia, believed to reverse the effects of erectile dysfunction • Pilis – A paste made of ginger root, cinnamon, candlenut, sweet anise and sintok/beluru roots, to be mixed with water and applied on the forehead of new mothers. It is thought to relieve fatigue, dizziness and headaches

从寒微出身到成为世代信赖的良方，印尼古老的草药治疗法源远流长。译：MAIN CHING 天早上在印尼各处，提着装满一瓶瓶补品篮子的妇女沿街向上班族兜售补品。这些称为佳木 (Jamu)的补品是从妇女们的秘方熬制出来的，小小一瓶卖2,500印尼盾(约0.25美元)，是笃信佳木功效的印尼人为健康付出的小小代价。佳木是印尼百年传统治疗艺术，理念是疾病从自然界而生，疗法应当从那里而来。它体现了印尼人的健康与养身哲学，讲究人体与环境的和谐，冷与热的平衡。佳木起催化作用，促进身体产生自然抗体对抗病症，有别于西方医学用药物消除病菌的做法。现代医学虽发达，但印尼人对佳木的功效坚信不疑。他们经常饮用佳木，除了保健，也相信它能治百病如伤风感冒、关节炎、不育症甚至癌症。制作佳木的原料便宜垂手可得，碾碎的香蕉治伤口、豆蔻抗失眠、番石榴缓和腹泻、酸柑有 40

图：KRISTINE GONZALES

助减肥。以前的佳木一般是新鲜调配，煲成药汤或碾成泥状出售。现在的佳木制成茶包、药片、药粉、营养霜，甚至融入化妆品和美容产品，选择应有尽有。历史悠久的佳木也充满神秘色彩。印尼佳木医者在调配佳木前诵经是常事，有的甚至坚持只在黄道吉日才进行治疗。因为印尼人认为病痛是心灵和精神上的失调，医者须与病患的思维同步，这样才能给予正能量以达药到病除的效果。可别以为佳木的神奇是无稽之谈。据2011年美国弗吉尼亚理工大学食品科学与技术系一项研究显示，印尼人用来治痛风和关节炎的刺果番荔枝(又称红毛榴莲)，其果汁有抑止乳癌生长功效。马达加斯加长春花(Madagascar Periwinkle，印尼语为 tapak dara)里的长春新碱 (Vincristine)显著增加血癌儿童的存活率。黄姜，一种佳木常用的原料，也用作治疗老年痴呆症研究。

过去的10年里，水疗(spa)风潮在印尼崛起，多数spa中心也在治疗项目里融入佳木元素。Mandi lulur是是一个源自古爪哇公主婚嫁前的美容秘方，受到许多spa爱好者欢迎。这种秘方采用米、坚果、黄姜、姜、肉桂、茉莉花精油和檀香粉调配，富有洁净全身肌肤的功效，让宾客沉浸在无微不至的呵护中。一些spa中心还发挥巧思，提供tabib或dukun(传统治疗师)服务，让宾客接受治疗时备感安心。

制造佳木在印尼原本是一人式家庭工业，如今已变成年营业额过10万亿印尼盾(约8.6亿美元)的超级企业，国内1,300多家工厂聘用约300万人。消费者生活方式的改变是促使这门工业蓬勃发展的主因。教育程度高、逐渐富裕又爱好便利的年轻消费群舍弃传统佳木的苦口良药，转而选择西式较易服用的药丸和药片。一些佳木制造家独具慧眼，看好此趋势有利可图。其中一人就是印尼五大佳木厂家之一的Martina Berto。公司创办者Martha Tilaar当年引进大型现代生产技术、实行品质管理、设立研究中心、大胆采用科技并极力为产品打广告，这些大刀阔斧的改革为当时刚起步的佳木行业注入新生机。公司开始生产胶囊、丸状和即冲即溶的佳木，更推出轻便包装的佳木饮料，让中等阶级消费者趋之若鹜。Berto接手生意后提升消费者对佳木的认知，让更多人热衷于这百年传统疗方。

奇怪的是，佳木的瑰玮并没在印尼以外的地方，如推崇印度传统阿育吠陀 (ayurvedic)和中医的西方国家盛行起来。佳木行业缺乏管治，不负责任商家横行是主因。2010年8月，八人因喝了南雅加达草药供应商的佳木不幸身亡。虽然供应商已被绳之以法，但信誉良好的厂家还是恳请印尼食品药品监控局，强制取缔那些搀入有毒物质来提高销量的黑心供应商。佳木没能在印尼以外的地区畅销的另一原因是，当地制造的佳木产品没有经过严格的临床研究和通过国际审核标准。几个有意将产品推广到国外的大厂家虽有自己一套质量检验系统，但是多数制造商都不遵守一致的卫生规则。所幸的是，印尼政府已开始实施现代化临床试验，以科学数据证实佳木的功效。目前研究已在用来治高胆固醇、高血糖、高血压和痛风的四种佳木展开。接下来的研究目标是用来治癌症的佳木。随着另类健康与保养方式主流化，印尼佳木变得普及。相信佳木有望在自然疗法占有一席之位。

不久后，精明的厂家发现了用佳木做成护肤和化妆品的新商机。因为印尼妇女视美容与保养为身心相连的全面护理，使用传统药物和产品是不可或缺的环节。因此，佳木厂家在研发美容产品时将印尼草药变成活性原料使用。如Berto的 Sariayu Bidari Laut油性肌肤适用面膜以bidari laut木、米淀粉和黄姜泥制成。为了强调护肤和健康可兼得，这些美容产品都会跟互补的佳木补品搭配在一起售出。

常见的佳木种类 • Beras kencur: 消除疲劳，促进食欲等 • Kunyit asam: 缓解月事不适，除体臭等 • Tolak angin: 舒缓感冒、发烧、喉痛等 • Pegal linu: 治风湿病 • Temulawak: 治消化不良症状 • Tongkat ali: 有壮阳功效 • Pilis: 缓和疲劳、晕旋和头痛胜安航空飞往印尼。欲知航班详情，请阅第 58页

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11/7/13 4:56 PM

SONS BUDDHA of

Bagan: a landscape scattered with golden temples, pagodas, and stupas – remnants of Burmese religious heritage. It’s not surprising the locals still hold onto past traditions, like Shinbyu, the Buddhist initiation of young boys entering the monastery as ‘Sons of the Enlightened One’. It’s a tradition that stems from the conversion of Prince Siddhartha to Buddha. This rite of passage sees the boys learning values like humility – as novice monks, they go door to door begging for food every morning; frugality – their last meal is at midday; and meditation. This photo essay captures the pomp, pageantry and spiritually charged initiation of Thea Ha, 12, and his brother Soe Nyai, 10. The boys will follow in Siddhartha’s quest for enlightenment, and like him, will symbolically shave their heads, leave their family and worldly possessions behind to live in a local monastery for a week to three months or as long as they please. The celebrations last two days and during this period, to prevent evil spirits from causing accidents or disturbances to the children’s monastic initiation, parents will carry the children from place to place, ensuring the child’s feet do not touch the ground. TEXT: GINA GEURGIS PHOTOS: THE TRIBE PRESS AGENCY

Opening spread: The boys entering the monastery enjoy family support from their young cousins and extended relatives. The children all sit on stage in elaborate dress as princes and princesses. This page, from top: The morning of Shinbyu, the family applies make-up and dresses Thea Ha as Siddhartha. The living quarters of the extended family is typically abuzz with excitement, as parents fuss over dressing and preparing more than 15 children as royalty; a father shares his wisdom. The ceremony is intended to teach the boys the way to love, peace and understanding, and material detachment

This page (clockwise from top left): A moment of reflection before the initiation; a grand ceremonial headdress. Only children undergoing Shinbyu can wear green, the colour symbolising balance, harmony and youth in Buddhism; a proud Thea Ha is ready for his journey to spiritual awakening. Before losing his princely robes, kids like Thea Ha parade through Bagan on extravagantly adorned horses and oxcarts, with family members attending to the needs of each child, such as shading them from the hot sun, supplying water and fixing garments. The size of the procession indicates the prosperity of the family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thea Ha and Soe Nyaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parade extends over 200m and stretches through the town of Bagan

This page, from top: A child on horseback, led by his proud parents. The grandeur of the procession unites the extended clan; lavishly beaded footwear fit for a prince

This page (clockwise from top left): Meticulous attention to detail and intricate embroidery go into the children’s ceremonial wear; upon arriving at the monastery, Thea Ha and Soe Nyai recite the Buddhist principles as the senior monk shaves their heads. It is this moment the parents offer their sons to Buddha, an emotional time of release and offering, as the boys no longer belong to them but are now ‘Sons of the Enlightened One’. Symbolically, the parents hold out a white cloth to receive their child’s hair; a group of young monks return home three days after staying at the monastery. The children who supported the initiated kids also get to stay at the monastery for a day or two as young novices. Upon returning, the boys may re-enter the monastery as novices at any time

Decked out in flowers and flags, an old oxcart canters by one of 3,300 temples in Bagan

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A full-service, award-winning airline, SilkAir currently flies to 45 destinations across 12 countries and is the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. The destinations we operate to are within a five-hour radius from Singapore, with our furthest destination being Kathmandu in Nepal. Our positioning as a short to medium haul full service regional carrier with a warm Asian touch has given us a unique appeal amongst leisure and business travellers in Asia. The face of our carrier, SilkAir’s warm, personable and friendly cabin crew will put you at ease as you embark on your journey. Delivering service from the heart, our cabin crew understands how little touches can go a long way. Passengers can unwind with inflight service that’s attentive, gracious and more importantly, reliable – ensuring your travel experience begins the minute you step onto our plane.

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with Nur Natria Binte Razali, flight stewardess What’s a good day trip from Kuala Lumpur (KL)? Taman Rekreasi Air Panas Sungkai – it’s about a 90-minute drive north of KL to Sungkai. At this lovely hot springs park, you can enjoy a picnic, try your hand at boiling eggs in the hot spring water, or enjoy a bath in the dipping pools along the secluded areas. Any great eats? Try Nasi Kandar Pelita at No. 149 Jalan Ampang. Nasi kandar is a popular dish that originated from Penang. It’s rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. Make sure to ask for their speciality, kuah campur (mixed gravy). The eatery is open 24 hours and a meal costs about MYR5-10, depending on what you choose. Also, sample air mata kucing (literally translated as “cat’s eye water”), a local fruit mixed in with syrup, water and ice – it’s a refreshing drink on a hot day. Any travel tips? Sling your bag across your body to deter pursesnatchers. But be sure to have the bag facing away from the road and traffic, in case there are drive-by purse-snatchers.

Nasi kandar

Billed as the country’s ‘biggest shopping festival’, the Big Davao Fun Sale happening from 14 March to 16 April, will see discounts of up to 80 per cent on everything from health and beauty, electronics, gadgets, fashion, travel and lifestyle, kicking off with a mall-wide sale in the first two days. Shop and you also stand a chance to win PHP100,000, a weekend getaway and other surprises in a raffle. You can also look forward to a food festival with about 100 participating establishments, organised by the Restaurant Association of Davao, to complement the festivities. facebook. com/bigdavaofunsale

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Till 6 April 2014, SilkAir and Singapore Airline passengers with e-tickets or boarding passes for travel to and from Medan will enjoy a special fare of IDR65,000 nett per person for one-way transfers on Medan’s Airport Railink Service (ARS) between Kuala Namu International Airport and Medan station. The promotion is valid only for the same day of departure or arrival.

Enjoy 10 hours of music playback and incredible sound with the deluxe wireless edition of Lifetrons DrumBass™ III BT Bluetooth Speaker. Rechargeable via USB, it’s compatible with iPod, iPhone, iPad, PC, Mac and most smartphones. If colours brighten up your day, consider Estée Lauder Lip Color Luxuries new travel exclusive palette that includes six shades of Pure Color Lipstick. Items are available in the SkyShop catalogue, through mail order or pre-order online and have them delivered to you on your next SilkAir flight. Visit silkairdutyfree.com 54

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inflight meals, reliable flight schedule, through check-in service and the KrisFlyer frequent flyer programme. Wireless inflight entertainment will progressively be introduced from Q2 this year, and passengers can look forward to complimentary wireless streaming of blockbusters, short features and chart toppers via their handheld devices. Beyond the practical, the campaign serves to illustrate SilkAir’s extensive network of 47 exotic destinations around the region, and the seamless connectivity between Singapore Airlines and SilkAir that customers can enjoy. silkair.com

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Save your SilkAir boarding pass to enjoy an assortment of privileges, including exclusive discounts on accommodation, dining and shopping, as well as discounted rates for the SIA Hop-On Bus.

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INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM ON TRIAL In December last year, SilkAir launched a wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) system trial – using the eXW Wireless IFE solution – on one of its aircraft to complement its existing overhead entertainment system. During the ongoing pilot trial, passengers enjoy complimentary access to inflight entertainment content via their laptops, iPhone, iPad, iPod or Android tablets and smartphones. The wireless inflight entertainment system will be rolled out progressively from Q2 this year.

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AUSTRALIA GMT+9.5 hours Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)

DARWIN (DRW)

Darwin International Airport Terminal Suite 9 Henry Wrigley Drive PO Box. 41725 Casuarina Darwin, NT 0811 Tel: (61-8) 8927 8336 Fax: (61-8) 8945 2336 Flight time: 4 hours 40 minutes Airport tax: AUD 77, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 13km

CAMBODIA GMT+7 hours Currency: Cambodian riel (KHR), US dollar (USD)

PHNOM PENH (PNH)

Unit 2923-24, Building C Hongding International Mansion 32 Yubei Sancun Jiangbei District Chongqing 400020 Tel: (86-23) 6787 8891/2 Fax: (86-23) 6786 3249 Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes Airport tax: CNY90, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 21km

KUNMING (KMG)

2002, 20th Floor, Building B Yinhai SOHO International Apartment Building 612 Beijing Road Kunming, Yunnan Tel: (86-871) 6313 2334 Fax: (86-871) 6313 2093 Flight time: 4 hours Airport tax: CNY90, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 25km

SHENZHEN (SZX)

Flight time: 4 hours 5 minutes Airport tax: CNY90, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 32km

WUHAN (WUH)

Unit 2-4A, Regency C Samdech Monireth Blvd (St 217) SK. Tomnoub Tuk, KH. ChamkarMorn Phnom Penh Tel: (855-23) 988 629 Fax: (855-23) 988 626 Flight time: 2 hours Airport tax: USD25 (adult), USD13 (child), collected during ticketing Airport to city: 11km

Unit 16-16, 16th Floor, Tower 1 New World International Trade Tower, 568 Jianshe Avenue Jianghan District, Wuhan 430000 Tel: (86-27) 8555 7648/7748 Fax: (86-27) 8555 7548 Flight time: 5 hours 5 minutes Airport tax: CNY90, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 26km

SIEM REAP (REP)

XIAMEN (XMN)

Office No.122 & 123 Siem Reap International Airport Siem Reap Tel: (855-23) 964 993 Fax: (855-23) 964 994 Flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes Airport tax: USD25 (adult), USD13 (child), collected during ticketing Airport to city: 7km

CHINA GMT+8 hours Currency: Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY)

CHANGSHA (CSX)

Room 61002, Huatian Hotel 300 East Jie Fang Road Changsha, Hunan Tel: (86-731) 8997 7861/3 Fax: (86-731) 8577 3873 Flight time: 4 hours 45 minutes Airport tax: CNY90, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 20km

CHENGDU (CTU)

#09-04 Tower 2 Raffles City Chengdu No.3, Section 4 South Renmin Roa Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Tel (86-28) 8652 8626/36 Fax (86-28) 8652 8656 Flight time: 4 hours 35 minutes Airport tax: CNY90, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 18km

CHONGQING (CKG)

15th Floor, Unit H International Plaza No.8 Lujiang Road Xiamen 361001 Tel: (86-592) 205 3257/80 Fax: (86-592) 205 3273 Flight time: 4 hours 5 minutes Airport tax: CNY90, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 20km

INDIA GMT+5 hours, 30 minutes Currency: Indian rupee (INR)

BANGALORE (BLR)

Park View, 17 Curve Road Near Queens Circle, Tasker Town Bangalore 560051 Tel: (91-80) 2286 7870/2 Fax: (91-80) 2286 7899 Flight time: 4 hours 20 minutes User development fee: INR1,070 Passenger service fee: INR229 (both collected during ticketing) Airport to city: 40km

CHENNAI (MAA)

The Westminster, 1st Floor 108, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai Mylapore, Chennai 600004 Tel: (91-44) 4592 1921 Fax: (91-44) 4592 1914

Flight time: 4 hours 20 minutes Passenger service fee: INR229, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 20km

COIMBATORE (CJB)

195A, Tulsi Chambers 195 West T.V.Swamy Road R.S.Puram, Coimbatore 641002 Tamil Nadu Tel: (91-422) 437 0271/81 Fax: (91-422) 437 0291 Flight time: 4 hours 25 minutes Passenger service fee: INR233, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 10km

HYDERABAD (HYD)

6-3-1192/1/1, 104 First Floor White House, Block A, Kundan Bagh Hyderabad 500016 Tel: (91-40) 4036 9000 Fax: (91-40) 4036 9024 Flight time: 4 hours 35 minutes User development fee: INR1,910 Passenger service fee: INR225, both collected during ticketing Airport to city: 38km

KOCHI (COK)

Aisha Manzil, Ravipuram MG Road, Kochi 682016, Kerala Tel: (91-484) 401 0410 Fax: (91-484) 401 0310 Email: SilkAir_Kochi@singaporeair.com.sg Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes Airport tax: INR221, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 32km

KOLKATA (CCU)

Millenium City IT Park, Tower II 9th Floor, Unit 9A, DN-62 Sector V, Salt Lake Kolkata 700091 Tel: (91-033) 2367 5422/3 Fax: (91-033) 2367 5421 Flight time: 4 hours 20 minutes User development fee: INR575 Passenger service fee: INR229, both collected during ticketing Airport to city: 20km Prambanan temple, Yogyakarta

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRV)

2B, Relcon Plaza, Pattom Palace PO Trivandrum 695004, Kerala Tel: (91-471) 255 4144/5144 Fax: (91-471) 255 7144 Flight time: 4 hours 25 mins User development fee: INR575 Passenger service fee: INR233, both collected during ticketing Airport to city: 6km

VISAKHAPATNAM (VTZ)

Novotel Varun Beach 15-3-22, Block 4, Nowroji Road Visakhapatnam Tel (91-891) 274 0002/3 Fax (91-891) 274 0099 Flight time: 4 hours 20 mins Airport tax: Not applicable Airport to city: 7km

INDONESIA GMT+7/8 hours Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

BALIKPAPAN (BPN)

BRI Tower, 6th Floor Suite 606 Jalan Jendral Sudirman No.37 Balikpapan 76122 East Kalimantan Tel: (62-542) 73 0800 Fax: (62-542) 73 7639 Flight time: 2 hours 25 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 12km

BANDUNG (BDO)

Wisma Bumiputera Lt2, Suite #207 Jalan Asia Afrika 141-149 Bandung 40112 Tel: (62-22) 424 1251/2 Fax: (62-22) 424 1253 Flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes Airport tax: IDR75,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 4km

LOMBOK (LOP)

Lombok Raya Hotel Jalan Panca Usaha No.11 Mataram 83231, Lombok Nusa Tenggara Barat Tel: (62-370) 62 8254/5 Fax: (62-370) 62 8292 Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 30km

MAKASSAR (UPG)

Unit F & G, 10th Floor Menara Bosowa Jl Jendral Sudirman No 5 Makassar Tel: (62-411) 368 1017 Fax: (62-411) 368 1049 Flight time: 3 hours 10 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 17km

MANADO (MDC)

Ground Floor, Jalan Sarapung No.5 Manado 95111 North Sulawesi Tel: (62-431) 86 3744/844 Fax: (62-431) 85 3841

Visit silkair.com for the latest offers Flight time: 3 hour 40 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 15km

MEDAN (KNO)

Must Experience: Chongqing Penang assam laksa

2nd Floor, Hotel Polonia Jalan Jendral Sudirman No.14 Medan 20152 Tel: (62-61) 453 7744 Fax: (62-61) 453 7798 Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 42km

PALEMBANG (PLM)

Ground Floor, Sandjaja Hotel Jalan Kapt. A. Rivai 6193 Palembang 30129 Tel: (62-711) 35 6473/537 Fax: (62-711) 35 6809 Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes Airport tax: IDR75,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 2km

PEKANBARU (PKU)

4th Floor (Lantai 3A) Surya Dumai Group Building Jalan Jend Sudirman No.395 Pekanbaru 28116, Riau Tel: (62-761) 83 9979/89 Fax: (62-761) 83 9099 Flight time: 1 hour 5 minutes Airport tax: IDR75,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 10km

SEMARANG (SRG)

Menara Suara Merdeka Jl. Pandanaran No. 30 Level 6, Unit 6-04 Semarang 50134 - Jawa Tengah Tel: (62-24) 7692 8838 Fax: (62-24) 7692 8839 Flight time: 1 hour 55 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 6km

SOLO CITY (SOC)

Novotel Hotel Jalan Slamet Riyadi 272, Solo Central Java 57131 Tel: (62-271) 72 4604/5 Fax: (62-271) 72 4607 Flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 14km

SURABAYA (SUB)

Menara Mandiri, 10th Floor Plaza Tunjungan 2 Jalan Basuki Rahmat 8-12 Surabaya 60261 Tel: (62-31) 531 9215/16 Fax: (62-31) 531 9214 Flight time: 2 hours 20 minutes Airport tax: IDR150,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 22km

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YOGYAKARTA (JOG)

Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel Arcade 8-9, Jalan Laksda Adisucipto 81 Yogyakarta 55281 Tel: (62-811) 264 9318 Flight time: 2 hours 20 minutes Airport tax: IDR100,000, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 8km

MALAYSIA GMT+8 hours Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)

KOTA KINABALU (BKI)

Unit B, 1-2, 1st Floor Block B, Plaza Tanjung Aru Jalan Mat Salleh, 88100 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (60-88) 26 5770/1 Fax: (60-88) 26 5499 Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes Airport tax: MYR65, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 10km

KUALA LUMPUR (KUL)

Singapore Airlines office: 10th Floor, Menara Multi-Purpose Capital Square 8 Jalan Munshi Abdullah 50100, Kuala Lumpur Tel: (60-3) 2692 3122 Fax: (60-3) 2692 1128 Flight time: 55 minutes Airport tax: MYR65, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 80km

KUCHING (KCH)

#07-1A, Gateway Kuching Jalan Bukit Mata 93100 Kuching Sarawak Tel: (60-82) 25 6772/3 (ext# 101) Fax: (60-82) 23 9773 Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes Airport tax: MYR65, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 10km

LANGKAWI (LGK)

Langkawi International Airport Mezzanine Floor, 2nd Level Padang Mat Sirat 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darulaman Tel: (60-4) 955 9771 Fax: (60-4) 955 9772 Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes Airport tax: MYR65, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 18km

PENANG (PEN)

Suite 12.08 12th Floor Plaza MWE No. 8 Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Penang Tel: (60-4) 263 3201 Fax: (60-4) 262 0458 Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes Airport tax: MYR65, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 21km

Enjoy the quiet, relaxing atmosphere of Gong Tan Gu Zhen, an ancient town dating back 1,700 years. To get there, take the ferry from Wujiang electric dam. Along the way, enjoy the scenic ‘gallery’ of clear waters and lush, hilly landscape. Once you arrive at the old town, get acquainted with the vibrant culture of the Miao and Tujia Zu minority groups.

– Woo Wai Keong, SilkAir Manager, Chongqing NEPAL

THAILAND

GMT+5 hours, 45 minutes Currency: Nepali rupee (NPR)

GMT+7 hours Currency: Thai baht (THB)

KATHMANDU (KTM)

CHIANG MAI (CNX)

399 Kamaladi Street, 1st Floor PO Box 482, Kathmandu Tel: (977-1) 422 0759 Fax: (977-1) 426 0489 Flight time: 5 hours 10 minutes Airport tax: USD20, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 5km

PHILIPPINES GMT+8 hours Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)

CEBU (CEB)

Unit 7D, Pioneer Building Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu Business Park Cebu City 6000 Tel: (63-32) 505 7871 Fax: (63-32) 505 7870 Flight time: 3 hours 40 minutes Airport tax: PHP550, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 14km

DAVAO (DVO)

Suite 056, Pryce Tower J P Laurel Avenue Pryce Business Park Davao City 8000 Tel: (63-82) 227 5301 Fax: (63-82) 221 0103 Flight time: 3 hours 50 minutes Airport tax: PHP550, cash payment upon departure Airport to city: 12km

Samui Park Avenue Building Unit No.C-2, 99/9 Moo 4, Tambol Bopud, Amphur Koh Samui Suratthani 84320 Tel: (66-77) 60 1172/3 Fax: (66-77) 60 1174 Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes Airport tax: THB600, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 17km

PHUKET (HKT)

101/17 Moo 1 Tambol Kathu, Amphur Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: (66-76) 30 4018/19/20 Fax: (66-76) 30 4021 Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes Airport tax: THB700, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 31km

VIETNAM GMT+7 hours Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND) 8th Floor, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Plaza Hotel 01 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Danang Tel: (84-511) 356 2708/9 Fax: (84-511) 356 2711 Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes Airport tax: USD16 (adults), USD8 (child), collected during ticketing Airport to city: 3km

GMT+6 hours, 30 minutes Currency: Myanmar kyat (MMK)

YANGON (RGN)

Turn the page to discover all of SilkAir’s destinations

KOH SAMUI (USM)

DANANG (DAD)

MYANMAR

0202 Sakura Tower, No.339 Bogyoke Aung San Road Kyauktada 11182, Yangon Tel: (95-1) 25 5288 Fax: (95-1) 25 5290 Flight time: 2 hours 55 minutes Airport tax: USD10, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 16km

Centara Duangtawan Hotel 132, Loykroh Road T.Changklan, A. Muang District Chiang Mai 50100 Tel: (66-53) 90 4985/7 Fax: (66-53) 90 4988 Flight time: 2 hours 55 minutes Airport tax: THB700, collected during ticketing Airport to city: 20km

HANOI (HAN)

Cebu City, Philippines

G02 - International Centre 17 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi Tel: (84-4) 3826 8888 Fax: (84-4) 3826 8666 Flight time: 3 hours 20 minutes Airport tax: USD16 (adults), USD8 (child), collected during ticketing Airport to city: 45km

Postcards

Penh Phnom odia b Cam

Stop by the gra nd Royal Palace a nd the Silver Pagoda within the grou nds. Enjoy a stroll along Sisowath Quay, a three-kilometre strip along the west ba nk of Tonle Sap River that’s lined with bars, restaura nts, cafes a nd shops. Frequency: 2 flights daily from Singapore Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Oct)

Darwin a li Austra

Darwin is the gateway to Uluru a nd K akadu National Park, with a bu nda nt wildlife, waterfalls a nd Aborigina l rock art. In the city, Darwin's Waterfront Precinct buzzes with open-air dining, bars, art exhibitions a nd trendy boutiques. Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun) Climate: Rainy (Nov-Apr), dry (May-Oct)

ha Changs China

Surrounded by three rivers, the capital of Hunan in south-cent ral China offers attractions like the Aiwan Pavilion up in scenic Mount Y uelu. A major port, Changsha is also one of China's top 20 economica lly advanced cities. Frequency: 3 flights weekly from Singapore (Tue, Thu and Sat) Climate: Spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun-Sep), autumn (Oct-Nov), winter (Dec-Feb)

p Siem Reaia d o b m a C

du Cheng a in h C

Disco ver the splendid archit ecture and - relief decorations of Angk or Wat, one of the most signif icant archa eologicalbassites east Asia. Near Tonle Sap Lake, the charming floati ng villag esinareSouth a fascin ating sight. Frequency: 11 flights weekly from Singap ore Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-O

ct)

Close to the world-renowned Jiuzhaigou National Park, the capital of Sichuan Province also houses the world’s only giant panda breeding and research centre, and serves as the gateway to the world’s tallest Buddha statue. Frequency: 8 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Spring (Feb-May), summer (Jun-Sep), autumn (Oct-Nov), winter (Dec-Feb)

Now flying to 45 destinations across 12 countries

n Shenzhe China

This city in the Pearl River Delta region something for every one, from shopp ing, dinin g, art to the me parkshas Adm ire the cuttin g edge OCT Creat ive Exhibition Cente r at OCT. Harb or desig ned by fa med Chine se archit ect Z hu Pei.

ing Chongq a Chin

DREAMSTIME

Frequency: Daily flights Climate: Spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun-S from Singapore ep), autumn (Oct-Dec), winter (Jan-Feb)

Natural wonders surround this modern city in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. No visit to Chongqing would be complete without a glimpse of the Dazu rock carvings, a collection of 50,000 ancient religious sculptures and carvings. Frequency: Daily flights from Singapore Climate: Spring (Mar-May), summer (May-Sep), autumn (Oct-Nov), winter (Nov-Feb)

Wuhan China

With a history spanning over 3,500 years, Wuhan offers plenty of sights and experiences for history and culture lovers. Spend a day at Hubei Provincial Museu m and marvel at its more than 140,000 artefacts.

The capital of Y unnan Province is fa med for its natural and historical attractions, like the karst caves in Jiuxiang; Golden Temple, considered the largest copper temple in China; and Y unnan Nationaliti es Village. Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Tue, Fri and Sun) Climate: Spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun-Sep), autumn (Oct-Nov), winter (Dec-Feb)

Xiamen China

SHUTTERSTOCK

ing Kunm a in h C

DREAMSTIME

Frequency: Daily flights from Singapore Climate: Spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun-Aug), autumn (Sep-Oct), winter (Nov-Feb)

Fa med for its classsical Chinese Na nputuo Te mple a nd well-restored colonial buildings, this coastal city also boasts clea n, well-kept streets a nd a lively waterfront district. Frequency: Daily flights from Singapore Climate: Spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun-Sep), autumn (Oct-Nov), winter (Dec-Feb)

re Bangalo India

While it may be known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore lures with its vibrant arts, music, dining and cafe scene, as well as stunning cultural landmarks such as Mysore Palace, just over two hours from the city. Frequency: 5 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat) Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Oct), dry (Nov-Apr)

batore Coim dia In

thriving text ile este r of South India for its its colourfu l K nown fondly as the Ma nchleav with nd lbou spel ists tour es ind ustry, Coim bato re also ures que hill stat ions. and s park life wild tem ples, wall art, pict , Fri, Sat and Sun) ly from Singapore (Wed Frequency: 4 flights week dry (Sep-Mar) (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Aug), Climate: Cool (Dec-Feb), hot

Chennai India

Adm ire colou rful dietie s a nd intricate carvin gs on a ncient Hind u te mples in this city steep ed in Ta mil a nd u cultu res. Forme rly know n as Mad ras, Chen nai offers divers e Hind attractions, from shows to its fa med Mari na Beach. classi cal da nce Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singap ore (Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun) Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Apr-May), rainy (Jun-Sep), dry (Oct-Mar)

ba Hydera India

The capital of Andhra Pradesh in southern India is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important IT cities. Despite its modern trappings, timeless tradition and iconic landmarks like the Charminar monu ment and mosque reflect the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storied past. Frequency: 9 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Sep), dry (Oct-May)

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Postcards

Frequency: 9 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Cool (Dec-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Sep), dry (Oct-May)

apuram ananth Thiruv India

Sprinkled with tranquil beaches, Thiruvana nthapura m or Trivandru m is one of Keralaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most picturesque cities. The port town of Vizhinja m is particularly fa mous for its beach resorts and Ayurvedic treatment centres. Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singapore (Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun ) Climate: Cool (Dec-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Sep), dry (Oct-May)

SHUTTERSTOCK

The seaport town of Kochi has a slew of activities for nature and culture lovers. Learn about the cheena vala or Chinese fishing nets unique to the area, explore 16th-century Portuguese-built churches and forts, or the backwaters with its flourishing flora and fauna.

a Kolkat India

An eye-catchi ng blend of Gothic, Baroque, Roma n, Isla mic a nd Oriental influences flavour the architectural la ndscape of West Bengal's capital. Ethnically a nd religiously diverse, Kolkata boasts a n esta blished a nd renowned tradition in the arts. Frequency: 3 flights weekly from Singapore (Tue, Thu and Sun) Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Sep), dry (Nov-Apr)

apatnam Visakh dia In

GETTY IMAGES

SHUTTERSTOCK

Kochi India

Surrounded by verdant rolling hills, Visakhapatna m or Vizag is the second largest city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It offers natural and cultural attractions such as Kailasagiri Park, Ra makrishna Mission Beach, Kurupa m Market and Araku Tribal Museu m. Frequency: 3 flights weekly from Singapore (Wed, Fri and Sun) Climate: Cool (Dec-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Sep), dry (Oct-May)

DREAMSTIME

Postcards

apan Balikp esia n Indo

es such as the Bugis, Javan ese This seapo rt city is a melti ng pot of cultur Mah aka m River which is down ride boat and Daya k. Take a scenic and handicraft s in town. tones gems for shop or flank ed by lush green ery,

g Bandunsia Indone

DREAMSTIME

Frequency: Daily flights from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

A cool, green enclave, Bandung bears traces of its colonial past, like the tea plantations that were opened by the Dutch in the mid-19th century. Today, the West Javanese capital has evolved into a modern city with outstanding art deco architecture.

k Lombo ia s Indone

DREAMSTIME

Frequency: 5 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun) Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

Mount Rinjani is a favourite with trekkers, who go the distance just to soak in the majestic sight of its crater lake and turquoise waters. For a spot of surfing or scuba diving, head to K uta or Gili Islands.

Manado ia Indones

Manado is blessed with breathtaki ng landscape. Its biggest drawcard is Bunaken National Park, which boasts some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Frequency: 5 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat) Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

ar Makass sia e n o d n I

From snorkelling and diving to jaw-dropping sunsets, this seaside city boasts plenty of natural attractions. It is also the gateway to Tana Toraja highlands, fa mous for its lush vistas and elaborate cultural rituals. Frequency: 3 flights weekly from Singapore (Tue, Thu and Sat) Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

GETTY IMAGES

Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Thu, Sat and Sun) Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

Medan sia Indone

Home to Lake Toba, the world's largest volcanic lake, North Su matra’s capital is also a culinary mecca. Kesawan Square and Merdeka Walk offer a mouth-watering selection of dishes, from sweet Javanese cuisine to spicy Minangkabau specialities.

ang Palembesia n o d In

DREAMSTIME

Frequency: 19 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

The capital of South Su matra owes much of its charm to its architecture and historical landmarks. Must-sees include K uto Besak Fort, once the centre of the Palembang sultanate, and Ampera Bridge. Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat) Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

ALAMY

baru Pekannesia o Ind

s bee n tra nsform ede, Su matra ’s Sia k River ha tur This once sle epy pordet rnoncity. As In don esi a’s centre of M ala yMculosque int o a bu stli ng mo e to int ere stin g site s including the Great Pe ka nba ru is hom d Sa ng Nil a Uta ma M use u m. an Sat)

Solo sia Indone

Formally known as Surakarta, Solo was the centre of political power during the reign of the Javanese Kingdoms. Lovers of Javanese culture will find plenty on offer. Check out the elaborate costu mes at the Solo Batik Carnival, explore fascinating palaces and many exquisite works of art. Frequency: 2 flights weekly from Singapore (Thu and Sat) Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

ng Semara sia e n o d n I

DREAMSTIME

(Mon, Wed and weekly from Singapore n-Sep) Frequency: 3 flights ay), dry (Ju t-M (Oc ny Rai : ate Clim

Nestled in the heart of Java Isla nd, Se mara ng boasts a variety of natural, historical a nd cultural ge ms like the 6th Te mple of Gedong Songo Complex. Once a n entrepot of the spice trade, it is now one of Indonesia's bustling regional port cities. Frequency: 3 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Wed and Fri) Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

ya Suraba sia e n o d In

karta Yogya nesia o d In

make rs, silvers miths and artisa ns This Centra l Javan ese city is home to batik aside, Yogy akart a is more Arts ions. tradit local 's nesia Indo ve preser who entury Borobudur temp les. 9th-c tic majes the of site the as n know popul arly

Hailed as the City of Heroes for its role in the nation’s struggle for independence, Indonesia's second largest city is also the gateway to Mount Bromo, the country's most fa mous volcano.

ore (Mon, Fri and Sun) Frequency: 3 flights weekly from Singap Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

DREAMSTIME

abalu Kota Kinysia Mala

Kota Kinabalu or "K K" is home to Malaysia ’s highest mountain, pristine beaches and iconic landmark s like the beautiful floating City Mosque. A major entry point to Sabah and Borneo, K K's diverse ecology presents many opportuniti es for forest trekking. Frequency: 10 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Nov-Feb), dry (Mar-Oct)

mpur Kuala Luysia Mala

SHUTTERSTOCK

Frequency: Daily flights from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Oct-May), dry (Jun-Sep)

SHUTTERSTOCK

Postcards

Kuala Lu mpur is an interesting study of old and new, boasting a sophisticated urban charm rooted in an old-world culture – think stately colonial architecture sitting alongside modern marvels like Petronas Towers. Frequency: 47 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Sep-Dec), dry (Jan-Aug)

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g Kuchinia Malays

Explore K uching's ethnic richness and ecodiversity. Stay at a longhouse, visit the orangutan sanctuaries at Bako and Semenggoh, or get upclose with Gunung Gading National Park’s giant Rafflesia blooms. Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singapore (Tue, Thu, Fri and Sun) Climate: Rainy (Nov-Feb), dry (Mar-Oct)

i Langkaw a si y la a M

Ma rvel at the wond ers of natu re in on Ma lays ia’s west coast that ’s homLa ngka wi, a strin g of 99 isla nds form ation s steep ed in lege nds,e atondmou ntai ns, cave s a nd rock beautiful beaches.

Penang Malaysia

Explore Pena ng's historic architecture – Chinatown ’s cla n houses, shophouse s a nd te mples like the fa mous K ek Lok Si Te mple, which harks back to the 1800s when Chinese immigra nts settled on the isla nd.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Frequency: 5 flights weekly from Singapore (Tue, Thu, Climate: Rainy (Sep-Dec), dry (Jan- Fri, Sat and Sun) Aug)

Yangonar Myanm

Y a ngon, the former capital of Mya n mar, brims with fascinatin g sites, including the not-to-be- missed 2,500-yea r-old Shwedago n Pagoda, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Mya n mar. Frequency: 9 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Oct)

ndu Kathmaal Nep

SHUTTERSTOCK

Frequency: 5 flights daily from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Sep-Dec), dry (Jan-Aug)

K ath ma ndu is a drea m destination for its rich historical, cultural a nd spiritual offerings. The capital of Nepal is also the urba n heart of the K ath ma ndu Valley in the Himalayas. Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun) Climate: Spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun-Aug), autumn (Sep-Nov), winter (Dec-Feb)

Postcards

Davao es Philippin

Whet your appetite for nature and adventure in Davao, home to attractions like Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Nature Centre, and immaculate forests and trails perfect for hiking and biking. Frequency: 6 flights weekly from Singapore (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun) Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Oct)

Cebu es in Philipp

Specta cular bea ches a nd dive spots aside, the tropical paradise of Cebu is also known as the Isla nd of Festivals for its over 40 festivals, including the a nnu al Sinulog, honou ring the city's former patron saint, Sa nto Ni単o. Frequency: 9 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Oct)

ai Chiang Md Thailan

Haile d as the Rose of the North, Chia ng Mai charm s with sceni c mou ntain s, lush cou ntrysi de a nd more tha n 300 te mples, as well as fine ha ndicra fts a nd ta ntalis ing cuisin e.

ore Singap

A cosmopolitan island city, Singapore draws you in with its myriad cultural sights, shopping, dining and entertainment. Explore its newest attractions: Gardens by the Bay, 101 hectares of lovely waterfront gardens; and the spectacular aquatic world at Marine Life Park. Climate: Cool (Dec-Feb), hot (May-Oct), rainy (Nov-Jan)

SHUTTERSTOCK

Frequency: 5 flights weekly from Singap ore (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun) Climate: Cool (Nov-Feb), hot (Mar-Jun), rainy (Jul-Oct)

mu Koh Sa nd Thaila

A beach lover's paradise, Koh Sa mui is home to 42 stu nning isla nds within the Mu Ko Angthong National Marine Park. Fun in the sun aside, visitors ca n explore fa mous te mples like Wat Phra Y ai (Big Buddha te mple) a nd the floating Wat Plai Lae m. Frequency: Daily flights from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Sep-Dec), dry (Jan-Aug)

Fantastic beaches, good food, bargain shopping and friendly locals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all these and more make Phuket a true Jewel of the Anda man Sea. Popular beaches include Ka mala, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn and Patong. Frequency: 35 flights weekly from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Apr-Oct), dry (Nov-Mar)

The capital a nd largest city of Timor-Leste, Dili is a seaside city brimming with activities. Relax along Cristo Rei Beach or the pristine beaches of Jaco Isla nd, climb Mou nt Ra melau or simply admire the scenic pa nora ma of rice paddies. Frequency: 3 flights weekly from Singapore (Tue, Thu and Sat) Flights are chartered by Air Timor (air-timor.com ) Climate: Rainy (Dec-May), dry (Jun-Nov)

Hanoi m Vietna

Danang Vietnam

Vietna mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth largest city brims with old-world charm and attractions like stunning Non Nuoc beach and Marble Mountains, a popular pilgrimage site., and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb in Hue, just off Danang. Frequency: Daily flights from Singapore Climate: Rainy (Aug-Dec), dry (Jan-Jul)

SHUTTERSTOCK

t Phuke d Thailan

DREAMSTIME

Dili este im T or-L

a nd its e meral d waters is just Maje stic a nd breat htaki ng, Halo ng Bay a ncient te mples, colon ial where noi, Ha of ers wond ny ma one of the with mode rn art galleries. ist co-ex er Quart Old t quain a nd a struct ures ore (Tue, Thu, Fri and Sun) Frequency: 4 flights weekly from Singap Climate: Rainy (May-Sep), dry (Oct-Apr)

Take on these mental challenges!

Armchair traveller 1 Spicy steamboat meal from Chongqing 6 Leaping Gorge, a scenic canyon in Yunnan province 8 Traditional Javanese pancake-like snack, wingko b t 10 Gedung Temple, Semarang’s oldest Chinese temple 11 Classical Khmer dance performances you can watch in Siem Reap 12 Cultural Park, museum and centre of art and culture activities in Pekanbaru 13 Hardwood tree grown in Southeast Asia

DOWN 2 Enjoy cool mountain air at the Simalem Resort on Lake Toba 3 Visit the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ from Coimbatore

Where in the world? Clue: Track down the destinations in this issue!

11 12 13

4 One of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, near Yogyakarta 5 Islands you can visit by boat ride from Losari Beach, Makassar 7 Bandung amusement theme park, Kampung h 9 Tonle Sap is one of these 10 Surface of a tree

Spot on! Can you find the 8 differences?

ANSWERS: SHUTTERSTOCK. CROSSWORD BY MYLES MELLOR. ANSWERS: WHERE IN THE WORLD? A. XIAMEN, CHINA B. DAVAO, PHILIPPINES C. MANDALAY, MYANMAR D. BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

ACROSS

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