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Issue 7 | 2016 | RM12.00
Destination Malaysia YOUR TRAVEL & LEISURE GUIDE
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#SHOPLOKAL JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Sweet Ethnic Treats
TOP 7 LOCAL DESSERTS TO TEMPT YOU
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TRAVEL TECH 7 TRAVEL APPS WE LOVE
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SOLO TRAVELLER GLOBAL DREAM RIDE
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ECOTOURISM GLAMPING AT TANAH AINA
The Chulia Factor
THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE MONSOON TRADERS
Langkawi Batik
A Definitive Guide ISSUE 9 772289
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ISSN 2289-2001
Destination Malaysia
PP 8504/09/2013 (032970)
AN ARTFUL SYMMETRY BETWEEN TRADITION & MODERNITY
FEATURING THE BEST OF MALAYSIA’S NATURAL MARVELS, ADVENTURE TRAVELS, CULTURAL HERITAGE & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
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Destination Malaysia THE PUBLISHER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EDITORIAL
TM Info-Media Sdn Bhd (178079-D) Level 36, North Wing, Menara TM Jalan Pantai Baharu, 50672 Kuala Lumpur Hotline: 1 300 88 9355 Email: enquiry@yellowpages.my Website: www.yellowpages.my
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HEAD OF PUBLISHING Wan Norlelawati Wan Abdul Aziz PRODUCT MANAGER Ishaq Mohd Nor EDITOR Ayu Rahayu Mustapha WRITERS Nabilah Wan & Fina Rossli CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ummi Junid DESIGNER Hairul Izwan & Azyan Alias EMAIL destinationmalaysia@yellowpages.my CONCEPT & DESIGN TM Info-Media Sdn Bhd
BUSINESS HEAD OF SALES Ng Yoon Fatt
THANKS TO TOURISM MALAYSIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM & CULTURE, MALAYSIA No 2, Tower 1, Jalan P5/6, Precint 5 62200 Putrajaya Tel: 03-8891 8000 Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my Website: www.tourism.gov.my | www.malaysia.travel
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Editor ʼs Note I could feel in your spirit The restlessness for a journey —Ben Okri
If you’re reading these words, chances are you’re a traveller at heart. Whether or not you choose to let your travel dreams come to fruition is another matter. Destination Malaysia Issue 7 sets out to fuel your desire to venture into the wild blue yonder. As Malaysia is awash with tempting locations, idyllic retreats and tantalizing cuisines, resistance is certainly futile! What makes this issue really special is our cover story on the Top 7 traditional desserts of Malaysia. Presented in full watercolour splendour, the pages are literally saturated with the gorgeous flavours and many-hued allure of these ethnic treats. Want to know where to find dresses that double as stunning works of art? Read our feature on batik in Langkawi. Local artisans are setting the arts scene ablaze with a dazzling display of colours and creativity. Equally spellbinding is the lasting legacy of the Chulia, whose rich heritage is COVER ILLUSTRATION: DIVINE DESSERTS OF MALAYSIA A delightful cornucopia of ethnic flavours enriches the wonderful world of Malaysian cuisine. Enjoy our scrumptious spread! Illustrations by: Atie Jaafar @wkndiminlove
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The Destination Malaysia Team
inextricably woven into the cultural tapestry of Penang. The #ShopLokal movement, powered by the digital platforms of Yellow Pages Malaysia, deserves our full support. Its noble aim: to bring home-grown businesses and local communities together, ultimately creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that’s dynamic and healthy for everyone. These are just a few of the highlights of Issue 7. Look closely and you’ll find that we have centred our features on the number 7. Some might say it’s a lucky number; we thought it would be a fun way to commemorate our seventh issue. Even more than that, we hope our 7 Best or Top 7 Picks can do justice to Malaysia’s infinite wonders. Above all, we truly hope our travel stories will inspire you to embark on your own journey. Let’s be adventurers together and explore all corners of this beautiful country. Happy travels!
12 Text by: Fina Rossli / Ayu Rahayu Photo: Minut Init / Olive Tree Group
Check This Out! Minut Init Art Space As its founders put it, this “melting pot of creative expression without censorship or discrimination” aspires to diversify the artistic climate of Malaysia. Initially established as an underground art gallery, it has evolved into an “Art Social” platform which allows burgeoning artists, designers
and other creatives to introduce their work, collaborate on projects and interact with society. The shows and performances here are in a class of their own. Be sure to check out upcoming programmes that encompass the visual arts, fashion, design, music, exhibitions and other social events.
Minut Init Art Space 3rd Floor, 29A & 29B, Jalan SS 21/37 Uptown Damansara Utama 43700 Petaling Jaya, Selangor www.minutinit.com
Rock Bottom Kitchen + Bar This unique venue gives a whole new meaning to the nightlife scene! Combining live rock performances and a sports bar under one roof, it’s a dream come true for sports fanatics, music lovers and regular diners alike. Feast your eyes on the giant LED screens, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’re witnessing the matches in situ instead of on-air. If a fine dining experience is what you have in mind, don’t fret. You
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certainly don’t have to be a football fan or a diehard rocker to enjoy the beautiful food on offer. The extensive menu covers culinary gems from North India, Europe and Japan plus a variety of fusion cuisines. Rock Bottom Kitchen + Bar 3 & 5, Jalan Telawi 2 Bangsar Baru 59100 Kuala Lumpur +603 2282 7241
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13 Photo: www.vkeong.com / MAPS Perak
DC Comics Superheroes Café Comic book connoisseurs can immerse themselves in a multisensory DC Comics experience at this superhero-themed café. The Kuala Lumpur outlet is the second one in Malaysia, hot on the heels of its first establishment in Johor. A haven for family get-togethers, parties and other celebrations, this is a fun place to chow down on powerpacked meals which come equipped with imaginative tableware and catchy names. Menu items like the Krypto
Super Dog and Gotham Madness Latte (check out the coffee art featuring a perfectly rendered Batman emblem!) will resonate with superfans of all ages. Superman, Wonder Woman and other favourite characters from the DC Universe dominate the décor, with posters, logos, banners, graphic wall art and life-size models out in full force. What’s more, right next door is the retail store bursting with all sorts of collectibles and merchandise.
DC Comics Superheroes Café Unit 29, Level 2, Sunway Putra Mall 50350 Kuala Lumpur +603 7954 6377
Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) Poised to become Asia’s first animation theme park, MAPS is on a mission: to inspire you to live your dreams. With over 40 global attractions spread across 6 thematic zones, this exciting mega project is well on its way towards topping the list of unmissable destinations in Perak. Whether you’re exploring the thrills of the DreamWorks Adventure Zone, Blast Off Zone and Stunt Legends Show with a group of friends or embarking on an awesome holiday with the kids in Animation Square and Fantasy Forest, everyone’s guaranteed to have a blast! MAPS Persiaran Meru Raya 3 Bandar Meru Raya 3 30020 Ipoh, Perak +605 501 5666 www.mapsperak.com
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14 Photo: Greyhound Café / Sunway Lagoon
Check This Out! Greyhound Café If you’re familiar with Bangkok’s F&B brands, you’ll be thrilled to know that the first fashion café in Thailand has arrived in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. Famed for its splendid medley of Thai food with a twist, Asian fusion menu and Italian dishes, as well as the minimalist style of its interior, Greyhound Café will simply wow you on every level. Tuck into its signature fried chicken wings marinated in fish sauce or sticky rice with mango or coconut sago. Great-tasting treats like these, along with must-try Western desserts, will not disappoint in any way. Go forth and indulge! Greyhound Café Lot 0.2, Ground Floor Ansa Kuala Lumpur 101, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur +603 2148 1188
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CHECK THIS OUT!
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Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon Come lose yourself in a lush tropical fantasyland! The first of its kind in the region, electrifying rides, water playgrounds, cascading waterfalls, meandering pathways, canopy walks and campsites are all set amidst 10 acres of natural rainforest. Featuring characters from three of Nickelodeon’s best-loved shows, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, guests can maximize the exhilaration factor while experiencing nature at its best.
Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon Sunway Lagoon, 3, Jalan PJS 11/11 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor +603 5639 0000 www.sunwaylagoon.com destinationmalaysia
Toll Free 1300 88 9355 | www.yellowpages.my | enquiry@yellowpages.my
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Travel Updates
Tourism Malaysia and Destination Melaka
Sharing the Limelight at ITB Berlin 2016
International Tourismus Börse (ITB) Berlin, one of the largest and most prestigious tourism trade events in the world, was the setting for auspicious moments for Malaysia in early March 2016. Malaysia bagged two prizes at the Golden City Gate Awards, one of ITB Berlin’s main highlights. Golden City Gate recognizes the best film, print and multimedia promotions in the tourism
industry and this year Malaysia was awarded First Star in the print category for Tourism Malaysia’s visual campaign that features the country’s Wau, while the commercial titled Malaysia: Land of Memories won Second Star in the spot category. ITB Berlin 2016 was also the chosen venue for the official launch of
Destination Melaka, a travel app that caters exclusively to the state of Melaka. The handy digital guide was unveiled by Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Haron. To learn more about Destination Melaka and find out why the revolutionary mobile app is making waves around the globe, make your way to our Travel Tech section on page 32.
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26 Text by: Nabilah Wan / Ayu Rahayu Photo: Ummi Junid
#ShopLokal
Let’s Get Crafty at Attached Leather Co.
A PASSION FOR LEATHER At Attached Leather Co., exclusively handcrafted by the hands and hearts of Malaysians is not just a slogan. It’s a declaration of the proprietors’ passion for revitalizing the art of leathermaking in Malaysia. Founded in 2015 and solely operated by husband-and-wife team Faiz Rosli and Ayu Lamien, Attached Leather Co. specializes in custom-made handcrafted leather goods. Visit its bright and airy studio in Square Root Space, Kelana Jaya and you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome, a multicoloured assortment of raw leather as well as an extensive rectangular work area complete with rivets, pricking tools, a stitching pony and other leatherworking destinationmalaysia
tools. The smell of freshly brewed coffee pervades the air along with the distinctive scent of leather.
THE ORIGIN OF THINGS “It all started when Ayu and I stumbled upon a small leather supplier’s shop while we were on holiday in Penang,” Faiz tells Destination Malaysia. Ayu adds, “The shop was about to close, yet the owner was kind enough to spare some time teaching us the basics,” she says. The story behind the brand name has everything to do with the couple’s love affair with leather. They are both architects but decide to devote their expertise and artistry to leathercraft out of sheer passion, as denoted by the
company’s name. “It’s a reflection of our strong sense of attachment to leather and Malaysian products. Faiz got very attached to his leathercraft really quickly and that rubbed off on me. That’s how we got the name,” Ayu explains.
INDIE GEM Attached Leather Co. is determined to be both independent and local, as Faiz is quick to point out. “We don’t mass-produce,” he reiterates. The duo is adamant about creating locally made, authentic and fully handcrafted high-end products. Their policy is not to reproduce designs from other brands. “People would send us links to certain websites and ask, ‘Can you replicate this
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At Attached Leather Co., exclusively handcrafted by the hands and hearts of Malaysians is both a slogan and a declaration of passion. leathermakers receive training in a 7-hour workshop spread over a period of 3 months. They will be instructed in crucial skills such as cutting, stitching and finishing, as well as given assessments on knowledge, application and workmanship.
SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
product?’ Our answer is a resounding no.” They are also ready to lend their support to the local community of artists and craftspeople. For example, they would direct customers to other local crafters, such as those who specialize in long wallets, demonstrating an admirable spirit of sharing.
holders, trays and coasters to larger items like shoulder bags. Ayu and Faiz recently launched their 2016 Travel Goods Collection which features over 10 new products for men and women in four colourways, including iPhone sleeves, passport wallets, travel journals and luggage tags. “Our price range is from RM45 to RM600,” the pair indicates.
GENIUS IN THE DETAILS The wide variety of leather wares at Attached Leather Co., made in-house from vegetable-tanned or chrome leather, dazzle in their attention to detail, superior materials and exquisite craftsmanship. The design is minimalist, classic and sleek. Everything is handstitched — from key holders, card
JOINING FORCES FOR THE LOVE OF LEATHER Attached Leather Co. also conducts leathercraft workshops for leather enthusiasts in collaboration with IDEAS, a local non-profit, and iM4U, the country’s leading volunteer community for youth. At around RM250 per person, aspiring
On top of all its winning formulas, Attached Leather Co. adopts a unique business model. The company chooses to advertise mainly on two platforms: Instagram and Yellow Pages Malaysia. There’s no grandiose plan for world domination for this artisanal brand, just a wholehearted commitment to quality and a localized marketing approach. “Our vision is to infuse the look and feel of Malaysia into our brand,” Faiz states. “We don’t want it to be too commercial.” Customers visit the studio by appointment only, and everything is personalized and made to order. The company has been featured in a Yellow Pages Malaysia marketing exercise as an example of an inspiring success story that can be emulated by small-scale businesses nationwide.
To learn more about Attached Leather Co.’s latest collections, workshops and other updates, go to Instagram @xattachedx and Yellow Pages Malaysia website, www.yellowpages.my.
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Text by: Ayu Rahayu Mustapha / Ummi Junid Photo: Ummi Junid
Langkawi
Batik
An Artful Medley of Age-old Traditions and Contemporary Creativity Mystical isle, travellers’ enclave, shoppers’ paradise, jewel of Kedah. These words aptly describe the island of Langkawi. But beyond the glorious natural riches and glowing commercial success lies another attraction that casts a potent spell on art lovers. Destination Malaysia weaves together the strands that make this tropical gem a thriving home to batik, one of Malaysia’s oldest and most acclaimed cultural heritage.
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ARTS & CULTURE
A typically bold approach to colours and distinctive preference for motifs derived mainly from nature and geometry set it apart from batik found in other parts of the world.
AN ART FORM DRIPPING WITH HISTORY In Malaysia, batik as an art form has a long and varied history. Tracing its evolution from a simple piece of clothing to its present application in high fashion and widespread adoption as a medium of creative expression, it’s easy to understand why batik is such a recognizable mainstay of Malaysian society. Batik’s enduring appeal in this country is mainly due to its tremendous versatility. Malaysian batik comes imbued with a strong national identity. A typically bold approach to colours and distinctive preference for motifs derived mainly from nature and geometry set it apart from batik found in other parts of the world.
BATIK IN LANGKAWI Commonly associated with the East Coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu, batik is in fact a well-established force in Langkawi. With their exuberant hues, intricate designs and plethora of patterns, Langkawi’s batik creations pulse with individuality. They represent a reinterpretation of traditional elements infused with refreshing strokes of modernity. Batik making in Langkawi is spearheaded by a sprinkling of local champions who have made batik their tour de force. Driven by the desire to keep this ancient art alive, their efforts have ensured that the legacy of batik continues to be celebrated even to this day. destinationmalaysia
ARTS & CULTURE
ATMA ALAM BATIK ART VILLAGE A major impetus for developing and promoting the batik industry in Langkawi is provided by Atma Alam Batik Art Village. Located in Padang Matsirat, this art complex comprises a batik workshop, batik showrooms, batik gallery, art gallery and handicraft store. As the name suggests, Atma Alam Batik Art Village also serves as a cultural hub or local community space
for authentic, exclusive and high-quality handmade batik art pieces. “We feel lucky and delighted to be the first to bring batik to Langkawi,” said self-taught batik artist and designer Roshadah Yusof or Sada, who co-founded the centre in 1987 with her husband Azahari Osman, an oil painter. “We were also the pioneers in
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teaching batik making to local apprentices, and giving training to young emerging artists and craftspeople,” she added. Today, with almost 30 years’ experience in the batik industry, Sada has honed her knowledge on batik painting by working closely with Azahari, who studied fine art in Italy and whose work is heavily influenced by the European art scene.
HIGHLIGHTING ALL THINGS BATIK The exquisitely curated craft shop at Atma Alam Batik Art Village offers a vast collection of products lovingly created in-house by the island’s batik artisans — everything from kaftans to handbags, from textiles to soft furnishings, all affordably priced and displaying beautiful workmanship. Some of the treasures, like Sada’s stunning batik paintings and garments displaying gorgeous hand-drawn designs, are not produced in bulk, making them bona fide one-of-akind collectors’ items. Be prepared to be wowed by the wealth of shades and designs skillfully incorporated in sarongs, scarves, dresses, cushion covers, decorative wall scrolls, soft toys and ornaments. Batik-making classes for those keen to create their own masterpieces are also available. These hands-on educational sessions allow local and international visitors alike to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of batik in Langkawi.
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you see around you to get the right effect. Batik is not like oil painting where the result is immediate and instantaneous. With batik, you have to boil the material first and then wash it to see the outcome which again depends on the tones and methods used,“ she explained.
FLASHES OF INSPIRATION AND ARTISTIC BRILLIANCE
CHANNELLING ARTISANAL PASSION THROUGH BATIK DESIGN Sada’s role as joint owner of Atma Alam Batik Art Village involves more than just managing the business side of batik making. Putting forth a personal statement and striking a balance between respecting the integrity of traditional methods and asserting imaginative independence are also high on her list of priorities. As a designer, Sada is responsible for providing creative direction to her staff. “Composition is crucial,” she emphasized. In terms of the overall process, batik artists need in-depth exposure to art and design. Sketching, for example, is an important step; formulating a concept is not just a random process. You’ve got to embrace change, she stressed, be willing to accept guidance, stay open to critique, try out new ideas and not just repeat the same old motifs, which can result in the designs being too homogeneous.
MAKING ROOM FOR INNOVATIVE GROWTH Sada is eager to inject innovation into her artwork. “I don’t like to be restricted by motifs,” she admitted. “I love exploring the techniques.” She went on to say that exploration is an integral part of her design vision. “When you enjoy the technique, the ideas will flow and you’ll enjoy the process more, choosing the effects, the colours. For example, the painting can simply be centred on a single goldfish but if you play around with
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different techniques, the final outcome can be remarkable. Experiment with ways to draw its tail, to depict how it swishes and spirals in the water, the swirling motion.” “I love to capture the movement and take it to another level,” she said. “It’s important to move outside the ordinary meaning and everyday reality of the images.” Sada applies different techniques to her batik art, including overlapping, cracking and the watercolour technique. “Utilize what
As a batik artist, how does she inspire herself? “You’ve got to be happy,” Sada told us with a laugh. Constantly learning from magazines and drawing inspiration from the realm of art through travel and the Internet also help to ensure that her art remains relevant to her global clientele. “I like looking at all sorts of techniques employed by other artists in their work. From there I’d incorporate new elements into my own creations. I recently did a drawing of water lilies with just the floating flowers, no stems or leaves, and the design just flew off the shelves! That’s really gratifying to see.”
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Roshadah Yusof or Sada, co-founder of Atma Alam Batik Art Village, Langkawi
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ARTS & CULTURE
ARTISTRY IN MOTION The motifs applied in Sada’s batik usually signify harmony and tranquillity. Her art portrays flora and fauna, notably those that have cultural relevance or emotional significance to Malaysians, such as the eagle which is synonymous with Langkawi. Some of her paintings evoke the symbiotic relationship between animal life and the plant world, such as butterflies and flowers and fish with aquatic plants.
Zooming in on batik making • Batik making is considered a tedious and extensive process. From choosing a suitable fabric (eg silk, voile, organza, cotton or rayon) to stretching the cloth and applying the different layers of colours, the artist has to take the creation through various stages before the finished version is finally revealed. At least one week is needed to complete a metre of textile. • Canting (or tjanting), an instrument shaped like a pen that can be filled with hot liquid wax, has a narrow spout which makes it an ideal tool or applicator to draw and outline a pattern or motif. • The colouring process needs proper planning. Judging from the way Sada applies
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A MODERN TOUCH Besides flowers and animals, Sada also loves to explore abstract motifs. She cites abstracts as her personal favourite. “With faunal and floral subjects you need to control your movement but with abstracts you have the freedom to engage in experimentation and create new designs. I’m slowly incorporating abstract flowers into my work,” revealed Sada. She would sometimes just throw paint onto the fabric and see how the art evolves within the space. She added that by letting her emotions take control, she finds peace and happiness as an artist. With her flair for creating art that features a unique mixture of the timeless and the modern, it’s no surprise that Sada identifies with the imaging of contemporary batik. “I don’t like my designs to be too heavy,” she stated. “I prefer minimal designs that are not busy. I appreciate realism and try to make the images come to life.” This underscores her belief that a successful artist needs to be stepping out of the conventional framework and creating batik designs that are fun, young and universally appealing.
her motif, she already has the visual in her mind that’s ready to be transferred onto the cloth. • The symmetry of each motif drawn will lend balance to the design. The flow usually starts at the top and culminates at the bottom half of the textile. • Ideation has to be well-organized before the artist starts on the canting process. The more elements the artist decides to incorporate, the more layering and colouring needs to be applied. Much time, energy and persistence is needed to complete each piece of batik. • Colours play a vital role in batik production. Applied on a piece of cloth when it’s wet, a colour usually appears in a different tone and when the cloth dries it will take on another shade. The impact depends on the contrast the artist wants to achieve.
Apart from serving the role of a telecommunication tower, it also caters as a tourist destination for the town. The tower also houses some restaurants and souvenir shop. The tower is an observatory tower to look for the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Muslim months such as Ramadhan, Syawal and Zulhijjah to celebrate Ramadhan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha respectively.
A p a r t F r o m Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n To w e r, Menara Alor Setar Also Provided Banquet Hall And 360’ Revolving Restaurant For Booking As Well As Amphitheater For Event. Menara Alor Setar Lot 99, Lebuhraya Darul Aman, 05100, Alor Star, Kedah Darul Aman Malaysia.
Tel : (604) - 720 2234 / 720 2901 Fax : (604) - 720 2073
www.menaraalorstar.com.my
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Text by: Nabilah Wan / Ayu Rahayu
Heritage
Photo: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia / Shutterstock
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HERITAGE
The
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Chulia Factor
The Lasting Legacy of the Monsoon Traders THE CHULIA CONNECTION Seafaring merchants, coastal traders, island settlers and entrepreneurial change-makers, the Chulia community wields a mighty influence. Khoo Salma Nasution (BA Duke University), writer, publisher, historian, heritage advocate and Asian Public Intellectual Fellow, won the International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS) Book Prize 2015 Colleagues’ Choice Award for her book, The Chulia in Penang: Patronage and Place-Making around the Kapitan Kling Mosque, 1786–1957. Fascinated by Chulia Street, with its Muslim sacred sites and beautiful heritage bungalows hidden behind the Chinese shophouses, Khoo Salma started exploring Penang as a historic port city, examining its role in the Indian Ocean monsoon trade. In the process, she undertook to unravel the Chulia identity and the spread of the Chulia diaspora. Join us on an amazing journey as we seek to understand this remarkable community and its history. Discover more about its contribution to the cultural, social, economic and political development of Penang generally and Malaysia as a whole. Central to the story is the significance of the Kapitan Keling mosque, which lies deep in the teeming heart of the George Town World Heritage Site. Even today, the mosque still stands as a timeless and living symbol of the Chulia heritage.
A majestic view of the Kapitan Keling Mosque, the oldest and grandest mosque in George Town, Penang. Under the endowment (waqf) for mosques, the leader of the Chulias, Cauder Mohuddeen, a Marakkayar shipowner, merchant and progenitor of the Merican clan, founded the mosque in 1801. Since its establishment, it has become the sociocultural hub for the Muslims in Penang. destinationmalaysia
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HERITAGE
AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AT THE CHULIA Tamil Muslims — once known as Chulias — migrated to Penang from the Coromandel Coast of South India. These enterprising maritime voyagers prospered as pepper and pelikat tycoons, as well as traders of local products in the Straits of Malacca. In the 19th century, they enriched the port town of Penang with endowment or waqf for mosques, Sufi shrines and burial grounds, as well as through religious feasts and processions. The South Indian Muslim diaspora has since spread its roots across Malaysia and other parts of the South East Asian region. Khoo Salma, herself a fifth-generation Penang Peranakan, highlighted the successful assimilation of the Chulias that has in turn played a major part in transforming Penang into a melting pot for hybrid communities.
translators and clerks, and in 1876 conquered the press industry by publishing the firstever Malay newspaper, the Jawi Peranakkan.
Today, we often hear of Jawi Peranakan and Jawi Pekan, offspring of intermarriage between a Chulia and a local Malay or Chinese. The local-born Chulias went on to become part of the cosmopolitan Muslim elite. Highly educated, they rose to prominence as scribes,
Walk down the busy thoroughfares of Chulia Street today and you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse into the lives of modern-day Tamil Muslims. Urbanites to the
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core, the Chulias in Penang’s main metropolis perform vital functions such as jewellers and gem traders, textile merchants, money-changers, municipal workers, spice traders and food vendors. Additionally, their presence is still very much felt in the port industry, where they’ve assumed positions like stevedores and ship chandlers.
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The Kapitan Keling Mosque as seen from the outside, showing the copper domes which bear Indo-Saracenic influences.
The term ‘Chulia’ refers to people of the Madras Presidency who were mainly Tamil Muslims.
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INFLUENCES OF THE CHULIA COMMUNITY Nasi Kandar Mamak food, a localized version of Indian Muslim cuisine, is a notable contribution from the Chulia community to the gastronomical landscape of Malaysia. The most prominent dish is nasi kandar, steamed rice served with curry, which has become a national phenomenon! In the olden days, the meal used to be carried on the shoulders of Chulia rice hawkers who would balance two huge pots of rice and curry on a kandar or pole. Contrary to what it is today, the fare was a simple one, the original street food of the island.
Nasi kandar corners are now a familiar sight throughout Malaysia, though many believe that the best nasi kandar can be found in Penang. A staggering variety of side dishes accompany the rice, such as fried chicken, fish, prawns, squid, beef and mutton, a fantastic line-up of curries and sauces, thick slabs of omelettes and a rainbow of freshly cooked vegetables.
Pasembur Another tasty speciality originating from the Chulia community is the pasembur. A salad of sorts, its bevy of ingredients typically includes a julienne of cucumbers and turnips, bean sprouts, potatoes and hard-boiled egg, along with a jumble of deep-fried prawn fritters, crispy fritters and bean curds. A generous pouring of thick gravy made of peanuts, sweet potatoes and chillies completes the dish. Sweet and spicy, nicely chewy and crunchy, the popularity of this signature snack
or appetizer of Penang has long spread to other parts of Malaysia, where it’s commonly known as rojak mamak.
Kain Pelikat Kain pelikat or pelikat cloth refers to the handloomed sarong that was mostly worn by the Chulia population. Made of woven cotton, it comes with checkered or plaid patterns. The word pelikat is thought to derive from Pulicat, the name of a Dutch-controlled coastal fort in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. Believed to be introduced to the inhabitants of the Malay archipelago by the mercantile traders from southern India, the garment has gained a strong foothold in Malaysian society. Now regarded as an integral item of clothing by Malays and Indian Muslims alike, it’s widely worn by Muslim men across the country, especially when attending prayers or during religious events. destinationmalaysia
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Spices You simply can’t deny the rich taste of spices prevalent in Malaysian cooking. But what you might not know is how big a role the Chulias played in Asia’s lucrative spice trade. The story began in Malabar, a region along the southwestern coast of India. Since ancient times, Arab merchants had traded with the locals for spices and later expanded their business dealings to China. However, after Ming China closed its doors to the Arabs, the sole community left to supply the precious commodity like pepper, clove and nutmeg was the Indian Muslim merchant-mariners who moved to Acheh following the Portuguese attack on Malabar. There was one period in which only the Chulias, especially the Marakkayars, were actually controlling the spice trade. Their golden age as spice traders started from the 17th century until the late 18th century, spanning approximately 150 years.
Bangsawan A form of musical theatre or opera developed in the 19th century, the art of bangsawan was pioneered by the Tamil Muslims. Fans of classic Malay films must be familiar with the Penang-born P. Ramlee, the legendary entertainer of many talents. Interestingly, the actors who starred in his cinematic masterpieces were bangsawan performers.
Boria Another Chulia contribution to the local entertainment scene is the boria. This versatile theatrical and musical art form is embedded in the popular arts realm of Malaysia. Case in point: each year, the best boria troupes in the state vie for the crowd’s adulation at the Penang Boria Festival. Their winning strategies? Colourful
and imaginative costumes, lively music and choreography, songs, sketches, parodies and processions. Meaningful messages relayed through the performances touch on contemporary topics like solidarity and harmony. All of these unique qualities have helped ensure boria’s healthy reputation in Malaysia.
For more information on the Chulia, visit the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia and get your copy of the award-winning The Chulia in Penang: Patronage and PlaceMaking around the Kapitan Kling Mosque, 1786–1957 by Khoo Salma Nasution. ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA
Jalan Lembah Perdana 50480 Kuala Lumpur www.iamm.org.my +603-2274 2020 info@iamm.org.my
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Text by: Nabilah Wan / Ayu Rahayu Illustration: Atie Jaafar
Heritage
Sweet Ethnic Treats Destination Malaysia serves up an enticing spread of traditional desserts to tantalize your taste buds. These bite-sized delights and exotic beverages are simply drenched with flavour and come in all shapes and hues, reflecting multicultural Malaysia in the best possible ways. We hope our Top 7 picks will let you feast your eyes and feed your senses on a taste of the tropics!
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Cendol An absolute star of a dessert, cendol is a universal favourite. For starters, it contains coconut milk and palm sugar — a marriage made in culinary heaven! Served cold, a bowl of cendol consists of these two essential elements plus shaved ice, but the main ingredient is noodles of a jelly-like consistency, made with rice flour and juice from the leaves of Pandanus amaryllifolius or screwpine plant. The pandan extract gives cendol its distinctive green colour, as well as its refreshing aroma and taste. Found in places as wideranging as fuss-free roadside stalls to gleaming 5-star restaurants, cendol is even listed as one of Malaysia’s heritage cuisine under the National Heritage Act 2005.
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Apam Balik Pancake lovers will fall head over heels for this nutty creation, Malaysia’s quintessential street food. Crispy on the outside but soft and moist on the inside, apam balik hits all the right spots. Flour, eggs and butter (its batter) and sugar, peanuts, butter and sweetcorn (filling) make up this scrumptious snack. Apam balik is cooked flat on the griddle and folded over when it’s done; hence the name, which means turnover pancake. It’s made fresh to order and served piping hot at local night markets or food bazaars. We promise you this: the cooking smell alone will make your mouth water
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Onde-onde Its fun name, festive green shade and cute size make this sweet confection a winner. Onde-onde refers to glutinous rice flour mixed with pandan juice, shaped into small balls, filled with palm sugar and poached to perfection. The dumplings are then rolled in fresh grated coconut until almost completely coated with the snow-white flakes. One bite of these miniscule treats and you’ll be bombarded with a burst of rich flavours!
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Laddu Another ball-shaped wonder! A classic Indian sweet, laddu or ladoo is commonly made from chickpea or wheat flour, milk and sugar. Other flavourings are added and the mixture is then cooked in ghee. Also known for its medicinal properties, laddu’s melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it a popular dish. If you’re a fan of nuts, this dessert will please your palate as an assortment of pistachios and almonds is also frequently featured in the recipe. .
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Leng Chee Kang This is a dessert staple that packs a big cooling punch in Malaysia’s hot and sunny weather. It incorporates an amazing array of ingredients such as lotus seeds, longan, red dates, goji berries, white fungus, Chinese barley, grass jelly, peanuts, gingko nuts, lily bulbs and rock sugar. Are you impressed yet? A wonderfully sweet, fruity concoction that’s brimming with goodness, leng chee keng deserves top marks in all departments.
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Putu Mayam This fluffy rice floor noodle dish originated from South India. Today, it’s a permanent fixture of traditional Malaysian gastronomy. Putu mayam makers take great pride in its preparation, which starts with mixing rice floor with water or coconut milk. The resulting dough is then pressed through a special sieve to form vermicelli-like noodles. These lacey cakes or string hoppers are then steamed with the aromatic pandan leaf and served with grated coconut or palm sugar.
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Tau Fu Fah Sometimes called soya bean pudding, bean curd jelly or soya custard, a tau fu fah by any other name would taste as sweet! It’s essentially very soft tofu served with palm sugar or clear sugar syrup. Enjoyed hot or cold, the silken, velvety texture of tau fu fah has ensured its place as a much-loved dessert in Malaysia. Simple yet satisfying — what more can we ask for?
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Food Trail Text by: Fina Rossli Photo: Fina Rossli / Faiz Dickie
A Traveller’s Guide to a Culinary Weekend in
Ipoh
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poh is renowned as the culinary capital of Perak. Some even say it’s one of the best places in Malaysia to enjoy a vast diversity of street food. In this former tin-mining town, a vibrant foodie scene is booming. Mouth-watering servings of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines can practically be found in every corner. To add to the allure, prices aren’t high either; you can get a decent meal inclusive of drinks for less than RM10.
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We’ve decided to put these delicious theories to the test. Come join us in a drive up north from Kuala Lumpur to Perak’s main city. Let’s leave on a Saturday morning, spend the night in town, and depart the next day after savouring all that Ipoh has to offer. We’ll also pinpoint interesting local spots worth visiting while we’re there. Let the quest begin!
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RM6. For that price you’ll get a heaping plateful of rice, juicy ayam merah (chicken coated in spices and fried till crispy), marinated spices, salted egg, cucumber slices for that refreshing crunch and thick curry gravy doused all over your rice. Besides chicken, there’s prawn, squid, beef or mutton. For dessert, feast on their utterly heavenly caramel pudding.
SATURDAY, 9.00 am
SATURDAY, 1.00 pm
Start your road trip early, as there’s so much to do and so little time. Be sure to have some breakfast first to soothe that ‘hangry’ epicure in you.
Now it’s time for our first stop. On the agenda: Lunch. On the menu: Nasi Ganja.
After 3 hours’ journey, the famous Ipoh hilltop sign will greet you, signalling that you’re approaching your destination. Brace yourself for a gastronomic exploration! TIP #1: Not familiar with Ipoh? Turn on your GPS map or travel app to guide you through every nook and cranny of this charming city.
Who would’ve guessed that this rustic and unassuming Chinese coffee shop would house the best Nasi Kandar in town? The name (ganja is the local term for marijuana) is a testament to the addictive nature of this dish! Come early to avoid the lunch crowd. You’ve been warned. The meal, like the venue, is deceptively simple. A standard plate costs around
TIP #2: The queue is only for takeaways or tapau, as Malaysians call it. If you’re planning to dine in, just make a beeline for a table and stake your spot. TIP #3: This is the one and only Nasi Ganja in the entire city. There’s no franchise or branch and therefore, luckily for us, no danger of imitations. Where: Rumah Tumpangan dan Kedai Kopi Yong Suan, 2, Jalan Yang Kalsom 30250 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 10.00 am–7.00 pm daily destinationmalaysia
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SATURDAY, 3.00 pm There’s no shortage of places to stay in Ipoh. With an abundance of options that will suit a whole spectrum of budgets, from themed hotels to 5-star establishments, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Preferably, select somewhere near the heart of town so that it’s easier to move around. Now that you’ve got accommodation sorted out, you can start exploring the city’s many gems. Our suggested activities for spending a Saturday evening in Ipoh: • Visit Yasmin at Kong Heng to celebrate the creative genius and cinematic legacy of the legendary director, the late Yasmin Ahmad. • Get brain freeze courtesy of ais kepal or ice ball from Bits & Bobs. • Take a stroll along Concubine Lane for a historical adventure. • Find all 8 murals by Ernest Zacharevic called ‘The Art of Old Town’ painted on the walls of heritage buildings scattered all around the old town of Ipoh. •
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Sip a cup of coffee at any one (or two) of Ipoh’s multitude of hipster cafés. The stars include Burps & Giggles, Konda Kondi, Thumbs Café and El Negra Distro + Studio.
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SATURDAY, 8.00 pm As night approaches, dinner would surely be on everyone’s mind. Vegas Restaurant is high on our recommendation list. Formerly known as Restoran Sin Hoong Fatt, the space consists of a number of hawker stalls offering Asian and Western fare. Satay, Wan Tan Hor (containing chicken, prawn and vegetables) and Char Koay Teow (served dry with prawns and cockles) are definite winners. This might seem like an ordinary selection but the taste is far from the norm. And we mean that in a good way. Honourable mentions: Chicken Rice, Dim Sum and Fried Rice Where: 1, Lorong Cecil Rae, Canning Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 4.00 pm–10.00 pm daily SUNDAY, 8.00 am We know Sundays are for sleeping in but since we’re in Ipoh, it’s time to rise and shine. We’re heading to New Hollywood! The eatery is located right across Vegas Restaurant and provides similar food but New Hollywood caters more to the breakfast clientele. One of their signature edibles is Chee Cheong Fun or rice noodle roll with prawn or chicken dumplings and sweet soy sauce. The softness of the hand-rolled noodle is unbelievable. This treat will simply melt in your mouth. Next on the must-try list is toasted bread with soft-boiled egg or Roti Telur Goyang. Two eggs with wobbly yolks are served on buttered toasts, with a side of dark soy sauce and pepper. The verdict: Perfection on a plate. Honourable mentions: Fried Yong Tau Foo, Char Koay Teow, Red Bean Cakoi and Kopi Tarik Where: New Hollywood Restaurant, 38, Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Canning Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 7.00 am–5.00 pm daily
TIP #4: Take a walk at the Pasar Karat or Pasar Loken, a marketplace where people sell just about anything, from antique radios to things you didn’t know existed. Before we bid Ipoh goodbye, there’s still time to drop by at Funny Mountain, Ipoh’s onestop soya bean shop. This family business has been around for more than 60 years and is deemed among the earliest shops to embrace a drivethrough concept. Visitors and Ipoh residents flock here to satisfy their craving for soya goodness. Tau Fu Fah, Soya Bean Milk and Cincau are the notable attractions. A bowl of Tau Fu Fah only costs RM1, so you can absolutely indulge in the silky smooth texture of this trademark Ipoh dessert with no reservations. Customers who choose the drive-through service would be assigned a runner to take their order, whether it’s dine-in or takeaway. If you’d like to eat on-site, simply find a seat and dig in! Where: Funny Mountain Soya Bean, 49, Jalan Theatre, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 10.30 am till stock lasts
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City Travel 1
Making the Most of Melaka for Under RM100
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With less than RM100 in your pocket, you can explore the many wonders of Melaka! Make maximum use of your precious travel money by following the trail beautifully set out here. Discover the charms of this UNESCO World Heritage City and be thrilled by its priceless culture and rich history — all without stretching your budget.
1. ST. PAUL’S HILL
2. JONKER STREET
Admission: Free Where: Jalan Kota, 75000 Melaka
Food price: From RM3–10 Where: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Aside from a breathtaking view of the city and its coastline, a walk up St. Paul’s Hill will give visitors a sense of Melaka’s history. When the Portuguese colonized Melaka from 1511 to 1641, a fortress named A’Famosa was built here overlooking the river. The fort was critical in maintaining Portugal’s colonial foothold in the Far East but a seven-month attack by the Dutch just about destroyed the entire fortress. All that’s left today is the entrance façade and the structure of a church at the top of the hill.
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Jonker Street or Jalan Hang Jebat is the vibrant heart of Melaka City, where old town houses and shophouses are transformed into cafés, pubs, craft shops, souvenir shops and boutiques. It’s a definite haven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. There are antique shops offering authentic artefacts and relics dating back hundreds of years as well as a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history and mystery. Jonker Street is liveliest at night, especially during festive seasons. It’s also famous for hawker food stalls which dish out local delicacies like asam laksa and cendol, to name a few.
3. MELAKA WONDERLAND THEME PARK & RESORT Ticket price: RM37.90 Where: Lot PT17178, Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Take a break from historical monuments and indulge in a funsoaked adventure at this water theme park. You will find 16 attractions, ranging from high-speed rides such as the Tornado Chaser and Kamikaze Racer to family-friendly attractions like the Adventure Island (multiple-level play structure with 8 slides) and 1 Big Wave Pool (a beachfront complete with its own waves), all set amidst 360 hectares of recreational forests.
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4. MENARA TAMING SARI
5. STADTHUYS
Admission: RM20 Where: Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka
Admission: RM5 Where: Jalan Gereja, 75000 Melaka
Melaka’s famous gyro tower stands at a height of 110 metres, providing a 360-degree panoramic view. Its name and design are based on the Taming Sari Keris, the mythical weapon believed to possess mystical powers belonging to the legendary Malay warrior, Hang Tuah. Attached to the tower are a series of commercial outlets including a restaurant, café and souvenir shops.
Characterized by its red walls, the Stadthuys was once the official residence of the Dutch governors and their officers. The building is a fine example of Dutch woodworking and masonry, and presently houses a museum complex. On display are traditional bridal costumes and relics which chart over 400 years of Melaka’s history. The exhibits are well laid out and offer detailed explanations of how the artefacts played their part in Melaka’s glorious past. Built in the mid17th century, the Stadthuys is the oldest remaining Dutch building in South East Asia. Wander inside to marvel at the architectural features and wealth of historical details.
6. UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE GALLERY Admission: RM15 Where: G12 & G14, Jalan PM 7, Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka Opened in 2014, this fun art gallery gives a whole new meaning to whimsy! Being in it is like entering a topsyturvy parallel universe, where nothing makes sense but in a good way! One thing for sure, there are endless photo opportunities to be had here. The interior is laid out like an ordinary, fully furnished house but apart from that, there’s nothing normal about it! You’ve just got to experience it to believe it.
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Text by: Nabila Wan
Solo Traveller
Photo: Anita Yusof
Anita Yusof
First Malaysian Female Motorcyclist to Roam the World Solo
WITH CHALLENGES COME RISKS AND WITH RISKS COME GREAT REWARDS. THAT’S WHAT ANITA YUSOF IS REVEALING TO THE WORLD. ANITA, A MOTHER OF TWO GROWN-UP SONS, IS ALSO WIDELY REFERRED TO AS THE FIRST WOMAN TO RIDE SOLO ACROSS FIVE CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES ON A MOTORCYCLE. SHE STARTED THE GLOBAL DREAM RIDE PROGRAMME, HER SOLO TRIP AROUND THE WORLD, ON HER YAMAHA FZ150i MOTORCYCLE ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2015 AND IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE HER JOURNEY IN MALAYSIA ON 16 SEPTEMBER 2016.
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hrough her bravery and unswerving tenacity, Anita has become an icon and an inspiration to all female solo travellers out there. Destination Malaysia is fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to get in touch with Anita with the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. In this insightful and illuminating interview which took place in mid-April 2016, Anita talked about her passion and recounted the obstacles she had to face to pursue her dream.
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DM Your dream was to travel the world solo with a motorbike. How did this dream become a reality? AY I worked really hard to achieve this Round the World (RTW) dream. Through my 1-year research, I asked and emailed many global overlanders and adventure riders (adv riding) for opinions. Getting funds was difficult, so I had to save money from my salary and sell my book, Kembara Solo ‘Stans’ Asia Tengah (a previous ride I did in 2013), at book fairs and bike weeks. Alhamdulilah (Praise be to Allah), I also received some funds from the motivational talk I gave about my solo rides at schools, colleges and private institutions.
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Ruta 40, Argentina
DM Were there problems you had to face prior to your world trip? AY Yes, I had to face many problems. My family has been always supportive of my decision because they understood that this was my passion. The difficulties were mainly concerning funds, preparation, visas, and bike technical issues.
Since this RTW journey takes a year to complete, I needed big funds to support my ride. The process of finding a patron
for my project was strenuous. The sad truth is that one needs a big name as a patron in order for corporate sectors and organizations to provide monetary sponsorship in Malaysia. Perhaps they weren’t confident with my abilities, especially knowing that I am a woman, and that wanting to do this RTW ride solo was something that has never been done before. My achievement in advriding, being a record holder for the “First Woman to Ride Solo Across Five Central Asian Countries on a
Motorcyle” by the Malaysia Book of Records and experiences riding solo not only in Central and South East Asia but also in Nepal and China, did not mean anything to them. It was frustrating to me because there were many groups of Malaysian male riders (some of whom had never ridden solo) managing bigscale rides who rode big and powerful BMW bikes and easily got big names as their patrons, which eased sponsorship, while I had not received equal support.
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The end of the road at the end of the world, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Hand of the Desert, Mano del Desierto, Chile
Admiring the giant trees at Avenue of the Giants, California
Grand Canyon, USA
Machu Picchu, Peru destinationmalaysia
SOLO TRAVELLER
I am government servant, serving my duty as a lecturer at Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ipoh, and taking leave was no easy task, as I had to take one year of unpaid leave and still cover expenses for my house, car, bike instalments and much more, while I’m on the road. In fact, my Canadian visa got rejected because the consular wasn’t keen on me entering Canada after seeing that I’d been to Afghanistan. I’d like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia for their support letter, which helped my visa to be accepted. In fact, I had to go through a lot of hassles to get my USA visa as well. What are some of the greatest memories you’ve collected from your journey?
DM List down the places you’ve been to in chronological order as of today [14 April 2016].
DM
DM
It would have to be with dealing with people. I met so many kind and lovely people on the road. Strangers offered me to stay under their roof and provided me with food. Some even gave me money. These are memories that I will cherish my whole life. AY
What are some of the challenges you had to face during your trips? DM
Some of the challenges included the cold climate in Canada and Alaska due to the rain, since it was in the middle of September when I started my journey, money in the USA and Canada, since everything was pricey, language problems in Mexico, especially when crossing the border, thick fog in Guatemala which limited my vision to 3 metres only, and obtaining halal food. AY
DM How did you decide on which countries you wanted to visit? Was it random, or were there any criteria? AY This is a Round the World ride, so I must cover at least North and South America, Europe and Asia. My criteria
I met so many kind and lovely people on the road.
were landscape and culture, but the most important factor was when to ride and where, because I did not want to ride during winter.
AY I started in Seattle, USA — Canada — Alaska — Mexico — Guatemala — El Salvador — Honduras — Nicaragua — Costa Rica — Panama — Colombia — Ecuador — Peru — Bolivia — Chile — Argentina — UK — France — Andorra — Spain and now Portugal.
Name 3 favourite countries.
AY 1. USA for their beautiful national parks 2. Baja California, Mexico for their very unique landscapes 3. Peru also for their unique landscapes, from deserts and mountains to rivers and the Altiplano. Machu Picchu was there! DM What’s your favourite foreign word that you’ve picked up along the trip? AY Donde es bano which translates to “Where is the toilet?” DM Can you share any unique experiences you’ve had with the locals in any of the countries you’ve been to? AY I was lucky to witness the Celebration of The Dead at San Miguel, Mexico and April Fair in Seville, Spain (the best places to witness these celebrations).
times when I rode for 10 days straight before taking a break. DM How long did it take you to learn how to ride a motorbike? AY This is funny as I’m still a newbie with only 4 years of experience. Honestly, on the 5th day after I registered, I already rode from Ipoh to Klang and back alone. DM What’s your favourite motorbike and what type are you riding now? AY I’m now riding a Yamaha FZ150i, which was sponsored, thanks to Yamaha. I’ve always liked a “naked” adventure bike. A sports bike is not to my liking at all. I would love to own a BMW F650GS motorbike. DM
Who is your inspiration?
AY I’ve got plenty. Sifu Hadi Hussein, a cyclist named Zahariz Khuzaimah and a UK advrider, Tiffany Coates. DM
What has travelling taught you?
AY To be closer to Allah and accept that nothing is greater than Allah, especially when being solo on the road, for one has no one to rely on, but Him, and to never challenge nature but to adapt to it by becoming its friend.
DM
DM When do you expect to end your journey and be back in Malaysia?
I would ride for 4 days straight and then take a day off, but there were
AY I am expected to enter Bukit Kayu Hitam border on 16 September 2016 (Malaysia Day).
How long do you have to ride before hitting a pit stop? AY
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TRAVELOGUE
Text by: Fina Rossli / Ayu Rahayu Photo: Shutterstock
Travelogue
Digital Travellers to Follow With their limitless possibilities, Instagram and the blogosphere could really be the next frontier. We’ve come up with a blogroll of sorts to bring you Insta-happy bloggers who have surrendered to their sense of wanderlust and love to tell the tale. Be captivated by their alluring words and evocative images. We hope they’ll inspire you to pursue your own travel yearnings.
1. @malaysiaasia Multi-award winning travel aficionado and social media influencer David Hogan Jr presents a truly mesmerizing account of his journeys around Malaysia, much of Asia, the Middle East and Europe. His celebrated travel blog, Malaysia Asia, is the perfect platform for us to dive into a wealth of insightful write-ups, recommendations, tourism news and much more. The seasoned traveller and photographer also showcases his genius for capturing magic moments in his Instagram account that’s chock-a-block with stunning photos and beautifully crafted anecdotes to tempt the voyager in you. Blog: www.blog.malaysia-asia.my Language: English
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vibrant holiday snaps! Meanwhile, his blog entries are charmingly colloquial, sprinkled with a combination of both Malay and English witticisms which endear him to his faithful readers. Blog: www.pojiegraphy.com Language: English and Malay
5. @just.hy
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His head may be in the clouds, as his blog title suggests, but this part-time blogger has both feet firmly on the ground! His wanderings have taken him across the globe, from Asia and Europe to the Middle East. His travel stories are attractively laid out for all the world to see, inviting us to partake in a slice of life on the go. Blog: www.kakiberangan.blogspot.my Language: Malay
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When life gets too much, sometimes you just want to run away from it all. That’s precisely what Bella strives to do: to lose herself in the world around her, at least for a little while. She blithely comments on just about anything she sees on her travels — Bella’s lively musings are sheer escapism at its best. Blog: www.runawaybella.com Language: English
7. @kotakinako
2. @lilyriani_travelholic
3. @kyspeaks
Bitten by the travel bug? Pose this question to our next blogger/ flashpacker and chances are it will be answered with a resounding yes. The symptoms are certainly there — though Lily has traversed four continents in the span of 20 years, her wish list of dream destinations is still growing by the second! A career in the corporate world has not stopped her from roaming all corners of the Earth. Another interesting fact: Globetrotting on a shoestring is her thing. An awesome travelogue by a talented storyteller, it might just fuel your own travel addiction.
Enjoying a great meal and going places are what this digital chronicler does best. His Instagram posts are a testament to his passion for documenting mouthwatering sights and glorious locations. Follow him as he journeys through Malaysia and beyond in search of good food and unforgettable adventures.
Blog: www.lilyrianitravelholic.blogspot.my Language: English and Malay
Blog: www.kyspeaks.com Language: English
4. @pojiegraphy Former photography student Mohd Shahril Fawzy (or Pojie for short) certainly knows how to put his skills to good use. Visit his Instagram page and you’ll immediately be treated to a plethora of
A picture’s worth a thousand words, or in this case, a blogful of Japanese characters! The blog owner and Instagrammer, who hails from Japan, has called Sabah home for over a decade. Even if you can’t fathom the intricacies of kanji, katakana or hiragana, her snapshots effortlessly bridge the language barrier and speak volumes about the Sabahan way of life. Her love for the wonderful culture and people really shines through! Go on and follow her Instagram feed that’s filled with images of local scenes, all captured with warmth and affection. All in all, a refreshingly original avenue for sharing the many marvels of the Land Below the Wind with audiences from the Land of the Rising Sun. Blog: www.kotakinako.wordpress.com Language: Japanese
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Hotel Highlights
Photo: The Banjaran
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat A Luxurious Sanctuary Steeped in Serenity
Searching for an unforgettable luxury destination? On the recommendation of Tourism Malaysia, we’ve got an excellent choice for you. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in the northern state of Perak is a dream come true. Just a 15-minute drive from Ipoh and only two hours away from Kuala Lumpur, this multi-award winning world-class spa resort showcases breathtaking beauty, exclusive features and impeccable amenities.
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Pamper yourself with The Banjaran’s comprehensive wellness programmes.
NATURAL HOT SPRINGS Nestled in a lush tropical valley and surrounded by a verdant rainforest landscape, The Banjaran is where nature plays the perfect host. The first luxury wellness retreat with geothermal hot springs in Malaysia, this unique hideaway provides ultimate seclusion, allowing you to indulge in a restful, relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere. As soon as you enter the warm embrace of this peaceful haven, you’ll be encircled by natural caves, pristine jungle and cascading waterfalls. Be enraptured by the 260-million-year-old Paleozoic limestone hills, awe-inspiring near-vertical rock formations that majestically tower over the valley. Against this spectacular backdrop, guests are offered a sublime escape from worldly cares and concerns.
Multi-award winning worldclass spa resort showcases breathtaking beauty, PRIVATE GARDEN & WATER VILLAS Each Garden Villa comes with a lavishly appointed master suite, a seating area, spacious living and dining spaces, as well as its own courtyard and patio. What’s even more amazing is that it has a plunge pool, a private outdoor rain shower and a sunken Jacuzzi with hot spring water. The Water Villas overlook a water canal, giving you the chance to just laze around on the balcony and let your senses be lulled by the calming natural surroundings.
ROMANTIC CANDLELIT CAVE DINNER Experience the magnificence and exclusivity of Jeff’s Cellar, a truly one-of-a-kind private wine cellar set within a limestone cave. The stunning setting and dazzling ambience will take your breath away. A party or candlelit dinner here would be an experience of a lifetime!
NATURAL THERAPY Pamper yourself with The Banjaran’s comprehensive wellness programmes. There’s a vast range of spa treatments to choose from, from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic healing to Malay-inspired packages, massages and facials.
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