Gaya Travel
P U B L I S H E R Gaya Peninsular Global Ventures | Kumpulan Media Chandi | Sirron Galeria Sdn Bhd | Suri Media Sdn Bhd A D V I S O R Dato’ Sri Azmi Ismail | Yusoff Awang | Kerk Chan C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R Nuar @ Md Nor Md Diah M A N A G I N G D I R E C T O R S G S B Irnee Norris Ishak P R O G R A M M E S , O P E R A T I O N S & R E L A T I O N S D I R E C T O R Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman G E N E R A L M A N A G E R K T S B Kerk Chan F I N A N C E D I R E C T O R K T S B Pon Lim F I N A N C E & A C C O U N T I N G K T S B Joanna Teo | Julia Han P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E R Catherine Kh’ Ng D I S T R I B U T I O N M A N A G E R An An Sung A D M I N , B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T & M A R K E T I N G M A N A G E R Ahmad Furqaan Hod T R A F F I C M A N A G E R S Anthony De Costa | An An Sung G O V E R N M E N T R E L A T I O N S M A N A G E R S Suhaila Ahmad | Sharon Wong A D V E R T I S I N G M A N A G E R S Ameerah Abdullah | Datin Sharifah Salmah
E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F Juhan Kamaruddin @ Jeremy Khalil C R E A T I V E E D I T O R Irina Norris Ishak C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I T O R Irnee Norris Ishak O N L I N E E D I T O R Ed Junaidi Abu Bakar W R I T E R S Shahida Sakeri | Mohd Shahril Fawzy C O R R E S P O N D E N T W R I T E R ( I N D I A ) Midhun Shibu Pandala C O R R E S P O N D E N T W R I T E R ( G E R M A N Y ) Anne Bechler 010
C O R R E S P O N D E N T W R I T E R S ( P H I L I P P I N E S ) Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap | V ittorio Lloyd D E S I G N E R I. AR. Noor I L L U S T R A T O R Pelukis Jiwa C O N T R I B U T O R S Emila Yusof | Adzleen Abu Bakar | Adela Roslan | Nadya Rizal | Tourism Malaysia P H O T O G R A P H E R S Photography Unit, Gaya Travel | Amierah Noor I brahim | Akugraphy | Iqmal Fauzee | Corporate Communications Unit, Ministr y of Tourism & Culture Malaysia | Photography Unit, Tourism Malaysia
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Contents
I s s u e 11. 4
Cover Art Direction by Miscellaneous Minds Cover Photoshoot by Iqmal Fauzee
Departments
Destinations
14. 16.
56.
Editorial Jottings Bulletin
G a y a T r a v e ll e r 23.
Waking up to Langkawi
Gaya Tech 30. 012
Travel Companions: Samurai Wi-Fi
Gaya Stay 32.
Resorts with Socio-Ecological Conscience
Gaya Café Culture 36.
Wood & Steel: Refreshingly Original
Gaya Dine 40.
Reminiscing the Flavours of Great Instant Noodles
Gaya Shop 42.
Lugging Convenience
Gaya Interview 46.
52.
YB Dato’ Nolee Ashilin binti Mohammed Radzi, Perak State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Communications and Multimedia Mr. Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hospitality
Discovering Eco-Tourism Wonders in Putrajaya and Pahang 62. When Travel meets Doodle - Eat.Travel.Doodle 1.0 Media Familiarisation Programme 70. Kuantan Food Hunt 76. Perak’s Agro Wonders 82. Obrigado Macao! 88. Northern Thailand Charms 92. Finding Neverland at Tokyo Disney Resort 96. Rethinking Japan through Okinawa – Part II of II 100 . Taking the Dream Trip to Western Europe
Hotels & Resorts 108. 116. 120. 122. 126. 128.
Barefoot Luxury Redefined – Sudamala Resorts Alila Villas Soori – Decadent, Plush and Lush Trading Up for a Luxurious Stay in the heart of KL - Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La Auspicious Stay at the Mangala Resort & Spa Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort: Exclusive Above Water Hideaway Village Hotel Bugis: Children-friendly Hotel at the Crossroads of Culture
Travel Anecdotes 132.
Nadia Aqilah
Cover Focus
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Take in Putrajaya’s impressive architecture from the water with Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, the only cruise operator in the whole of Putrajaya that has been in business since 2003. Among the cruise options is the The Dining Cruise, ideal for entertaining guests or clients, with its range of menu like Beef Rendang and Stuffed Squid that sounds too mouth-watering to pass. Private functions can also be held on board the cruise. | www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com Fly over to the well-developed island of Labuan to experience remarkable marine tourism, including World War II vestiges and monuments. Travellers should also visit The Chimney, of Labuan’s icons that remains a mystery to this day. | www.pl.gov.my Explore Perak, the state situated along Peninsular Malaysia’s West Coast that is well connected via the North-South Expressway (PLUS). Perak is emerging as one of Malaysia’s major destinations even though the state only started to emphasise on tourism as one of its economic pillars 10 years ago. Be sure to look out for the special packages and events organised next year in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017. | tourismperakmalaysia.com Savour white coffee and toast at one of the traditional kopitiams - Chinese coffee shops whenever travellers visit Ipoh, the capital of Perak state. This legendary coffee was first developed by the Hainanese when they came up with their own techniques in roasting, brewing and stirring. The coffee is made up of various beans to suit the Asian palate. Grab this Silk Paper World Map by The Map Hatter as part of your travel-related collection. The map is printed on to the highest quality Forest Stewardship Council-approved silk-coated paper using lithographic printing process that allows travellers to document and plan their next adventures. | www.instagram.com/themaphatter | +6 012 639 0735 ( Juliana)
Editorial Jottings
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People travel for so many reasons. When they travel for leisure, the reason is almost always about wanting to relax, unwind, quench their gratification, recharge so that they can tackle life’s challenges when they return home and be inspired. Those travelling for business seek efficiency, smoothness in travel, savings, opportunities, closing deals and make more money for their respective organisations. Whatever the reason may be, the travel should contain one element: substance. What do we mean by substance when it comes to travel? To us, it means that the travelling has to be meaningful, impactful, educational, eye-opening and allows the traveller to make emotional and spiritual connection with the people and place that they are travelling to, and not just engage in only hedonistic activities like excessive shopping, excessive eating, unnecessary spa-ing, selfieing (is there such a word?) to show off and excessive partying. As such, we would like to recommend that when you travel to one place, try to look at it from a different perspective, maybe consider questions like “What kind of people inhabit this place? What are their origins?”, “How do the people here get by?”, “What makes the whole economy of the place tick?”, “Why are the conduct of the people here different? What is the people’s culture?”, “What are the positive aspects of the destination that we can take home?”, etc. It would also be great if we could interact more with the people from that place at a deeper level so that we can understand their psyche, how they look at life and how much effort they have to put in to make the place work. Sometimes, during travel, we are so preoccupied with our own agendas and itineraries that we forgot to stop and
absorb the place that we are in. Instead, why not take time to observe the place, ask the locals questions about their culture, and reflect on their lives and the environment they inhabit? In the pages of this issue, we hope that we are able to bring you ideas on where you can head to so that you can travel with substance: experiencing the eco-tourism attractions in Putrajaya and Pahang (page 56); doodling your way around Kuala Lumpur to look at the city with fresh eyes (page 62); hunting for local delicacy in Kuantan (page 70); savouring delicious local fruits at Perak’s agro-tourism farms (page 76); relishing Lanna culture in Chiang Mai (page 88); getting in touch with your inner child at Tokyo Disney Sea (page 92); shopping for Okinawan handicrafts (page 96); and see selected Western European landmarks with your own eyes (page 100). No matter how far, how long and in what mode, we just want to recommend this when you are travelling: take the time to actually understand the place that you are heading to, its people and culture, and see what positive aspects from that place that you can learn and apply back home – now that is what we call travel with substance. Oh by the way, before I forget: 1. Travellers can now browse Gaya Travel Magazine from issue 10.1 until 11.4 online via our website under ‘Issues’ using Issuu as the platform (www.gayatravel.com.my/issues/) 2. The third part of Ed’s story on Mexico is moved to Issue 11.5 See you in the next issue, safe travels! JUHAN KAMARUDDIN@JEREMY KHALIL Email your comments to jeremy@gayatravel.com.my
O F F I C I A L W E B S I T E www.gayatravel.com.my SUBSCRIPTION, EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES A D V E R T I S I N G E N Q U I R I E S advertising@gayatravel.com.my | (+603) 7972 0952 E D I T O R I A L E N Q U I R I E S editor@gayatravel.com.my E D I T O R I A L O F F I C E 3-57, The Scott Garden, Jalan Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+603) 7972 0952
Bulletin
Intercontinental Jakarta Midplaza Hosts A Breakfasting Event With The Children From Yatim Mandiri Orphanage It’s time again to share joy and happiness in the holy month of Ramadan. This year, InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza took the great pleasure of hosting a goodwill gathering in its Lobby Lounge for children of the Yatim Mandiri Orphanage. This has become annual celebration for the children to break the fast at the hotel during the holy month of Ramadan.
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This was the first time, InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza built a relationship with Yatim Mandiri Orphanage under its current Corporate Social Responsibility programme. This event was enlivened by entertainment host, Indra Bekti, and up-and-coming singers, Esal Revano and Faris FM. Ustad Rifky concluded the program by presenting spiritual lecturers prior the time to break the fast. This social event was held by InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza in cooperation with Kis FM and LITE FM. Blue Bird Group also generously transported the children to the hotel. Other event’s supporters inluded MAXX-M, Le Mariage, What’s New Jakarta, NOW Jakarta, Augustman, The Watches Magazine, Venue, Femina, Network and Gaya Travel Malaysia. Yatim Mandiri Orphanage is a non-profit organisation concerned about the welfare of boys and girls between the ages of 7-17 years old. It provides education, skill activities and shelter in a homey environment for underpriviledged children who are without parents or have been abandoned by extended family members. The orphanage relies on financial support from the community to cover its daily operational costs.
Thailand Travel Mart: Connecting ASEAN and Beyond The Thailand Travel Mart 2016 Plus Amazing Getaway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+ 2016) returned this year at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC), the northern capital of Thailand, involving more than 850 delegates from 55 countries.
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The staging of TTM+ 2016 in Chiang Mai was strategic because the entire northern Thailand region is set to become the bridge between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to personally meet everyone who’s anyone in the Thailand’s travel industry scene, especially our overseas partners. This will be my first TTM+ since I assumed the TAT governorship in 2015. In planning this year’s event, we had promised to make it unique, different and distinctive,” said Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Already in its 15th year running, TTM+ was held under the concept of “Smile with Us” to reflect friendship, enjoyment, happiness and hospitality. It was in line with the new logo of “Amazing Thailand”, which represented the most well-known characteristic of Thainess: the smile. TTM+ 2016 opened with the presentation on Thailand’s Sports Tourism potential to the delegates attending the mart by H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, who unveiled the plan to turn Thailand into a sports hub. Thailand boasts world-class sports facilities, wide-ranging expertise, and reputation for hosting successful regional and
international sports events and tournaments – enough to position the country as a dream destination for sports tourism. Sports like golf are already popular among tourists coming to Thailand and the kingdom has over 300 world-class courses. But now, the Royal Thai Government, with the support of the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, wants to help visitors to discover other facilities including 5,000 boxing rings (many with Muay Thai training centres), over 50 diving clubs, and an increasing network of urban and rural cycling lanes spreading across the country that is promoted at government level. The presentation was then followed by the forum for sellers and buyers addressed by Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, the former Foreign Minister of Thailand and former ASEAN Secretary General, on the topic of “ASEAN Brand… Stronger Together”. Dr. Surin noted that ASEAN’s 10 member countries were a “tapestry of contrasts” comprising the largest Muslim country (Indonesia), the largest Catholic country (the Philippines) and the four contiguous Buddhist countries (Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia), which significantly make ASEAN >>>
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such an attractive destination. He also added that while economic issues dominate the trade and investment agendas, key players should pay equal attention to the socio-cultural and political-security blueprints of ASEAN. The challenges today are more on managing the growth, improving services and enhancing sustainability of tourism industry and the community.
Tourism, Lao PDR; Ms. Daw Khin Than Win, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar; Mr. Vu Nam, Deputy Director General, Tourism Marketing Department, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam; and Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand.
The mart continued with a presentation on the topic of “OTA: An Inconvenient Truth” by Mr. Daryl Lee, Regional Vice President sales and Marketing Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, GTA; and Mr. Deepak Ohri, Chief Executive Officer, Le Bua Hotels and Resorts. The session was moderated by Mr. Joseph Wang, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Daily.
CLMVT members – Cambodia, Lao PDR., Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand – being the sub-grouping of ASEAN, are set to be packaged and promoted as a single destination starting this year. The countries collectively welcomed around 26.8 million arrivals in 2010, rising to 44.42 million in 2014, or about 42 percent of the total visitors in ASEAN.
On 9 June 2016, a joint press conference was held on the topic “CLMVT Link: Prosper Together” by notable speakers such as Mr. Try Chhiv, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; Ms. Manisakhone Thammavongxay, Director of Public Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Culture and
“These statistics show the potential of the CLMVT market as well as its importance to the ASEAN Community. CLMVT countries might be a subgrouping of ASEAN, but if they can strengthen their unity, it will ultimately benefit the ASEAN platform”, Mr. Yuthasak said. >>>
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For examples, “Two Countries One Destination” and the “Mega Caravan to ASEAN” packages organised by TAT in January 2016 introduced media and travel trade representatives from Asia to the wonderful world of road travel through Thailand, Lao PDR., Vietnam and Cambodia. The on-going expansion of aviation linkages also play a vital role in strengthening the competitiveness of the whole CLMVT region. The Governor also said that for the VISIT ASEAN@50 marketing campaign, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, TAT is preparing to introduce the ‘ASEAN Bucket List: Fifty Things to Discover ASEANness’, which recommends destinations within the 10 ASEAN countries that can be linked together and reflect the uniqueness of ASEAN. They will include tourism attractions, events, and activities in which ASEAN members share thematic similarities. These products are categorised under 6 groups:
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ASEAN Festival/Spiritual Events Community-Based Tourism Cruise and River-Based Tourism The Journey of Rice ASEAN Overland Connectivity ASEAN Markets and Bazaars
For this year, TAT will be focusing less on the number of visitor arrivals and more on attracting quality tourists. Therefore, TAT is targetting tourism revenue with a growth of 8% or around THB2.41 trillion (USD68 billion) this year. Of that total, THB1.56 trillion (USD44 billion) will come from international markets and THB850 billion (USD24 million) from domestic travel. TTM+ 2017 will be held 7 to 9 June at the CMECC in Chiang Mai. Based on the positive outcome of the TTM+ 2016, Chiang Mai might also be given the opportunity to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018, when it returns to Thailand after 10 years.
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After a year since our last visit to Langkawi, we managed to come back to this legendary island again. The main reason for our return is of course the Langkawi International Laksa Carnival (LILAC) 2016, which is already in its fifth year. The Gaya Traveller team always looks forward to attending the event because it is the only time when we could have as much laksa as we could stomach in three days! Every year there is always something new to look forward to during LILAC; the organiser for this event, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), did a wonderful job in ensuring that LILAC remains exciting for visitors. As with the past years, many celebrity chefs grace this event and become strong crowd pullers. This year’s LILAC saw the participation of Sarah Benjamin, the celebrity chef from AFC Channel; Chef Jo, the professional chef who is also a jury of Master Chef Malaysia; Sheila Rusly, the popular Malaysian TV personality who hosts and produces various cooking shows; and not forgetting Dato’ Fazley Yaacob, the singer turned chef and restauranteur. These celebrities took part in various activities like participating in a cooking battle, cooking demonstrations, and adjudicating cooking competition.
LILAC 2016 This year’s LILAC also witnessed the unveiling of the Laksa House, which is a mini museum located at Laman Padi, the home of LILAC since its inception. This mini museum tracks LILAC’s history and progress throughout the years. It also has various types of laksa on display for visitors to learn more about the comestible. A new addition to this year’s participation in LILAC is from Korea, serving different versions of japchae, a traditional Korean noodle dish. Fans of Korean culture should definitely give this dish a try! Other international participants were from Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. You could definitely find all the available local laksa; Johor, Penang, Kelantan, Sarawak, Pahang, among others! Alas, despite having attended the event for three days, we did not get to taste all of the laksa on site. If you are a noodle lover, look out for next year’s LILAC! It is usually held at the end of May.
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What We Do Island Hopping On Jet Ski Of late there are many adventure sports companies offering plenty of exciting activities for visitors who are looking for fun beyond lazing around the beach. We decided to do something adventurous this time around: island hoping on a jet-ski! We have never ridden a jet-ski prior to this, and of course we were very nervous about it. When we first heard that the whole experience would last four hours, we started to have second thoughts. However, our guide’s instructions were so simple that we felt confident enough to embark on this half day adventure. We were taken on the Mega Water Sport’s Tour 2 (Dayang Bunting Island Tour), where we visited eight islands that include Dayang Bunting, Singa Besar and Beras Basah. The highlight of this tour is of course the Dayang Bunting Island, which is the second largest island within the Langkawi archipelago. We parked our jet-ski and discovered this island on foot, as well as taking a quick dip in the fresh water lake. There were many interesting sights along the four-hour excursion, our favourite being the area nicknamed “The Fjords”. We have read about the Fjords of Norway in anticipation for our future travels, so this was a very pleasant surprise to discover that that are fjords in Langkawi too! Fjords are generally long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea between high cliffs, as in Norway and Iceland, typically formed by submergence of a glaciated valley. The best part of this activity is our ability to get really close to the smaller islands, and appreciate their natural beauty. We cannot believe how easy it was to manoeuvre the jet-ski. However, precautions must be taken too. Accidents do happen, as they did with our group of ten: a gunnysack got stuck at the propeller, a driver fell off from her jet-ski, and a jet-ski flipped as a result of clowning around. Our guide was very calm throughout the whole ordeal, and handled everything professionally. We are glad to report that none of the mishaps involved the two of us, the only bad thing was that we got sunburned! For more information and booking; Visit: www.megawatersports.com Call: +6 04 9553559
Rhino In The Jungle There is more to Langkawi than just the beach. We had wanted to go for parasailing, but it rained the whole day so parasailing did not seem like a good idea. So we opted for something unique that we have not tried before: Naam’s 4x4 Discovery Ride on the Yamaha Rhino, which is a 4x4, side by side (SxS) off road vehicle. Like the jet-ski, it takes no time to get used to it. One Rhino can accomodate two persons. After listening to a brief explanation by the company’s tour supervisor, the next thing we knew we were on our way discovering some off-road adventure! Guests will be guided by a tour supervisor who will ride in front of the Rhinos. There are two options for this ride: 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. We drove by fruit farms, coconut plantation, fishing village, meadows and paddy fields! Some parts were quite tricky to negotiate, like climbing steep hills and crossing a stream! This is a highly recommended activity if travellers want to let off steam, and experience adrenaline rush at the same time. For more information and booking; Visit:www.naam.bz Call: +6 04 963 9200
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Where We Stay Berjaya Langkawi Resort This is the third time that we stay at this lush and sprawling resort. Berjaya Langkawi Resort is nestled within a rainforest reserve said to be older than the Amazon. The resort faces the Andaman Sea, so guests have access to the white sandy beach and tropical greens. A proof of a good family-friendly property is in its breakfast spread, which we found amazing, with fresh pancakes, waffles, eggs, roti canai and even croissants all cooked on site! We always turn up early for breakfast so that we can take our time and enjoy the buffet. This five-star resort comprises a whopping total of 424 chalets and suites to suit various budgets and preferences. Our chalet has a sea view, which was utterly relaxing. There is also a pick-up shuttle service whenever we need to go to the lobby or other areas of the resort. We had the chance to dine at its Pahn-Thai Restaurant, located on the waters of Andaman Sea. This alfresco dining outlet above water that is open only for dinner serves authentic and delicious Thai gastronomic offerings, which make perfect ending to guests’ day. Besides Pahn-Thai, there are other F&B outlets scattered around the resort, making it possible for us not to leave the resort if we truly wish for a lazy holiday! Browse: www.berjayahotel.com Call: +6 04 9591888
Gaya Tech
Travel Companions: Samurai Wi-Fi TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI
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In the age of social media, the thought of going abroad without remaining connected with reliable internet access can be stressful for many travellers. Besides, there are so many things that you can do when you stay online abroad such as looking up at maps when you’re lost, enhance sightseeing with audio tours, buy advance tickets and have them sent right to your phone and most importantly, keep in touch with family and friends back home. Since we all know how insanely expensive roaming can be, Gaya Travel team members instead carry along a pocket Wi-Fi when we travel. One good provider of pocket Wi-Fi is Visondata Malaysia that brings you Samurai Wi-Fi, covering a total of 108 countries and charges some of the lowest rates in the market. And if travellers were to go to Japan,
Samurai Wi-Fi even gives them unlimited data on 4G LTE network. Furthermore, Samurai Wi-Fi is capable of simultaneously connecting up to five devices, thus small group travellers can bear the cost together, making it cheaper for each individual to remain connected. Gaya Travel team also loves the fact that Samurai Wi-Fi comes in an easy-to-carry pocket size yet possesses long battery life that lasts up to 12 hours on the G2 model and nine hours on the 305ZTa model. Besides, if users rent the G2 (6000mAh Lithium battery) model, it can also serve as an external charger. Due to high demand, customers need to order not more than three months in advance to avoid disappointment. Visit visondata.com.my for the rates.
Devices Specifications G2 (World Wide) » Dimensions: 117 x 63.8 x 20.9 (mm) » Supported network standard: the WCDMA Band 1/2/5/8 » the LTE-FDD Band 1/3/5/7/8/17/20 » the LTE-the TDD Band 39/40 / 41 » the GSM 850/900/1800 / 1900MHz 305ZTa ( Japan) » 305ZTa: area for providing maximum downlink 187.5Mbps is sequentially provided in from some areas. Depending on the available area, maximum downlink 150Mbps, 112.5Mbps, 75Mbps, 37.5Mbps or with less » 4G high-speed communication » Battery capacity 2,700mAh » Corresponding to the high-speed Wi-Fi communication standards “IEEE 802.11 ac (5GHz). The use of 5GHz band, does not interfere with other radio bands thus the customer can enjoy a stable data communication.
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Belum Rainforest Resort, Malaysia Philea Resort & Spa, Malaysia Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa Resort, Indonesia Sol Beach House Benoa Resort, Bali, Indonesia
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Zeavola Resort, Thailand Keemala Resort, Thailand Nature’s Village Resort, Negros Occidental, Philippines Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort, Vietnam
Gaya Stay
Resorts with Socio-Ecological Conscience COMPILED by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by RESPECTIVE RESORTS
In their commitment to become responsible travellers who try to leave only positive impacts on the environment, local society and economy when travelling, travellers can choose to patronise businesses or services that are ethical and help to conserve the environment. After all, social and ecological consciousness is about the choices we make in terms of the food we eat, the activities we do, the things we buy, and the places we stay. So when you decide to embark on another exciting trip next time, why don’t you begin it by booking hotels or resorts that are deemed ecologically and socially responsible? Here are some of our recommendations that fit the bill:
Belum Rainforest Resort, Malaysia
Zeavola Resort, Thailand
| Features | Airport transfer, bicycle rental, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, outdoor pool, water sports (motorised & non-motorised) and spa | Why we like it | The resort was constructed using sustainable materials and follows excellent energy conservation principles | Price | From RM700 per night per person
| Features | Airport transfer, diving, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, outdoor pool, water sports (non-motorised) and spa | Why we like it | The resort’s diving team conducts yearly coral reef-cleaning with guests, staff members clean the beach daily and supports a local school weekly | Price | From THB6,792 per night
Philea Resort & Spa, Malaysia | Features | Airport transfer, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, fitness centre, outdoor pool, meeting facilities, spa and karaoke | Why we like it | It was built with natural Malaysian made resources whilst the furniture are made from materials that are recycled from shipwrecks | Price | From RM528 per night
Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa Resort, Indonesia | Features | Airport transfer, bicycle rental, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, private beach, hot tub, outdoor pool, water sports (non-motorised) and spa | Why we like it | The resort uses organic produce sourced from the surrounding villages’ cooperatives in its kitchen. It also promotes local talents and culture | Price | From USD176.07 per night
Sol Beach House Benoa Resort, Bali, Indonesia | Features | Airport transfer, games room, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, karaoke, outdoor pool, spa and water sports | Why we like it | This property conducts CSR engagement constantly and use Responsible Purchasing Process based on criteria such as social justice, minimal environmental impact and boosting local economy | Price | From USD119.94 per night
Keemala Resort, Thailand | Features | Airport transfer, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, outdoor pool and spa | Why we like it | This resort has organic gardens and uses environmental-friendly synthetic material instead of natural materials to avoid disturbing the vegetation | Price | From THB13,720+++ per night
Nature’s Village Resort, Negros Occidental, Philippines | Features | Airport transfer, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, outdoor pool, garden, horse-riding and meeting facilities | Why we like it | This resort implements proper solid waste management, uses renewable energy sources, instituted noise control programmes, and involves hotel staff in waste reduction, recycling and reusing items | Price | From PHP1,800 per night
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort, Vietnam | Features | Airport transfer, bicycle rental, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, private beach, water sports (motorised & non-motorised), spa and tennis courts | Why we like it | The resort organises educational programmes with the guests. It also provides clean drinking water to orphanages, schools and lowincome areas | Price | From USD644 per night
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Blessed with beautiful islands of clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, gently swaying palm trees, breathtaking underwater life and some of the remarkable diving sites in Southeast Asia, Johor’s stunning islands are the perfect answer for those seeking moments of relaxation and freedom from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pulau Besar Pulau Besar, which literally means ‘Large Island’ in English, is known for its stretches of powdery white sandy beaches, idyllic Malay village nearby and a collection of rustic resorts. Here, visitors can find many species of giant cockles that live on the ocean floor, which six of them can only be found around Mersing waters. It is the nearest offshore island that can be reached from the Mersing jetty. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 2.439791, Longitude: 103.983091
Pulau Tengah Pulau Tengah or ‘Middle Island’ in English, is famed for the crystal clear waters surrounding it, an ideal place for sunbathing and swimming. Its privately owned resort, Batu Batu Private Island Boutique Resort, provides an exclusive hideaway that nestles amidst coconut groves, powdery white sand and tropical breeze. The island also boasts abundant wildlife such as 100 species of birds, over 213 kinds of flowers, Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Hawksbills, Green Turtles and rare Manatees. Pulau Tengah is also popular as one of the few breeding grounds for the Malaysian giant leatherback turtles. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 2.511211, Longitude: 103.957468
Pulau Rawa Located 16km from the Mersing town, Pulau Rawa sits within the archipelago of the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park that is well known for its idyllic beach. The swaying palms, heavenly beach and island
breezes of Rawa are within four hours from Singapore and less than 45 minutes from Mersing by boat. GPS Coordinate: atitude: 2.519564, Longitude: 103.975898
Pulau Sibu Besar Pulau Sibu Besar is the largest of the three Sibu islands. The resorts here provide diving and snorkelling trips for travellers to witness barracuda, nudibranchs and giant clams. The northeast section of the island features secluded sandy beaches where travellers can relax and work on their tan. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 2.217241, Longitude: 104.072248
Pulau Pemanggil Pulau Pemanggil is a sequestered island and one of the furthest off the Mersing coast. It has only one resort, the Lanting Beach Resort, which is tucked away on a hillside. Revered as a fishing location, the waters off Pemanggil are home to many sport fish such as marlin, sailfish and mackerel. Diving, snorkelling and jet ski facilities are also offered by the resort. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 2.582748, Longitude: 104.32587
Pulau Dayang Pulau Dayang, one of the largest islands in the Seribuat Archipelago, is a diver’s and snorkeller’s paradise. With multiple dive sites around the island including several wrecks, each site has something different to offer. Sea turtles, parrot fish,
eels and rays are just some of the aquatic life that can be found. But all of that pales in comparison to the mighty whale shark, which can be sighted at the Rayner’s Rock dive site. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 2.475416, Longitude: 104.503037
Pulau Aur A picturesque island with verdant and rocky landscape, Pulau Aur is home to two resorts catering mainly to scuba divers and anglers. The island – along with Pulau Dayang, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pemanggil – are all part of the Johor Marine Park. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 2.448467, Longitude: 104.524337
Pulau Tinggi Pulau Tinggi, directly translated as ‘Tall Island’, is one of the islands off Mersing most frequented by tourists with a relaxing beach holiday in mind. The only resort on the island, TAd Marine Resort, offers a variety of accommodation and activities. Since the island is also gazetted as a marine park, the waters off the island are teeming with colourful coral reefs and diverse aquatic life. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 2.304814, Longitude: 104.118310
Tourism Johor Suite 5-4, Johor Tourist Information Centre, No.2, Jalan Air Molek,80000 Johor Bahru, Johor T: + 607 223 4935 /+607 224 9960 E: info@tourism.johor.my W: www.tourism.johor.my/
Pulau Besar
Pulau Tengah
Pulau Rawa
Pulau Sibu Besar
Pulau Pemanggil
Pulau Dayang
Pulau Aur
Pulau Tinggi
Gaya Café Culture
Wood & Steel: Refreshingly Original TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by IQMAL FAUZEE
It was on a rainy Friday evening when my friend and I went to Wood & Steel in Kota Damansara, an area now regarded as one of Selangor’s currently hip neighbourhood. And if you know the Kota Damansara well, you will certainly be aware of the too many cafes around the area. Some goes the extra length to be innovative, while others remain true to the classic formula: good food, good place. Lately though, I have been hearing a few things about Wood & Steel, comments that usually went like “I eat there all the time,” or “the bruschetta they have is the best,” making me all the more intrigued.
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It was cold outside, so I was eager to get myself a hot cup of coffee and find a warm corner to sit with my friend. Luckily, the place was not crowded at that time of the day. You can instantly feel the welcoming vibe the moment you stepped in, as it sports a unique homely style and charm without strain in its gorgeous collection of natural wooden furniture, looking refreshingly original. The tables are lined up along walls where evocative paintings mostly by emerging local artist, Rafika Dura, are hung. Ardent art and antique collectors will find themselves drawn to every corner of this snug interior that features quirky items of old and new. There is also a small stage at the far end of the room, where aspiring singers share their talent for free with the cafe’s patrons on weekend nights. Wood & Steel’s menu provides appealing options for groups of two as single visitors. Consider, for instance, the chef ’s specialty Tempura Buttercream (RM27) that comes with pasta, crispy prawn and calamari served with Asian style creamy gravy. It was light in body yet flavourful and definitely not a diet dish. But then again, on a rainy day, comfort food is always the best. We also didn’t forget the signature Chicken and Cheese Bruschetta (RM17), which my friend happily indulged until the plate was empty. And if that isn’t tempting enough, take a look at the dazzling array of hot and cold drinks, featuring various types of coffee as well as coolers and TWG teas, without feeling too guilty since the prices are affordable. A brief conversation with the cafe’s young and dedicated manager, Hifzhan, brought me to the topic of Wood & Steel’s success that all began with the owners Ierfan and Adam’s passion on anything coffee and design.
Their father is involved in the furniture industry for so long, so business and creativity have always been in their genes. But the plan to open a cafe only took place after Adam completed his fair share of training at one of Melbourne’s barista schools. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Wood & Steel has four outlets that occasionally hold differing events that appeal to people coming from all walks of life such as bazaars and short classes. At Wood & Steel Kota Damansara, interested parties may also rent the space upstairs for corporate and private events. Interested in buying that beautiful piece of furniture you found in the shop that would look lovely at your home? Guess what, you can also purchase the furniture as they are also up for sale. In conclusion, Wood & Steel leaves such a strong impression on you that you know you will visit it again soon. We would have loved to stay longer, but as the night approached and the crowd began to swell, we figured that we should come back on another day. So if you want to linger, go during off-peak hours, when nobody has to wait to be seated, and you would have more time to discuss matters of life while properly enjoying your meal. We left our table happy that night and were already looking for another excuse for a second visit. Wood & Steel (Kota Damansara Outlet) 33G, Jalan PJU 5/20E, The Strand, 47810 Kota Damansara Petaling Jaya, Selangor T: +6 03 6151 8081 IG: woodandsteel Opens: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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CRUISE TASIK PUTRAJAYA The main feature of Putrajaya is the Putrajaya Lake (Tasik Putrajaya), which makes up about 12% of the city’s landmass. The lake functions as both a recreational area and scenic element, besides serving as an environmental filter and cooling system.
If there is one thing you should not miss during your visit to Putrajaya, it is taking a ride on Cruise Tasik Putrajaya. Truly, this is one of the favourite things that travellers love to do when being in Putrajaya because it gives them the best way to experience the city from a different perspective. For those who enjoy cruising, opting for Cruise Tasik Putrajaya is the natural thing to do.
Cruise Tasik Putrajaya is the only cruise operator in the whole of Putrajaya and they have been in business since 2003 – that’s 12 years of hospitality experience! Upon looking at Cruise Tasik Putrajaya’s website (www. cruisetasikputrajaya.com), travellers will be able to find out that there are many options available for them to choose
Special Promotion Section
from. Let’s see what options are available and which one suits us best, shall we? Generally, Cruise Tasik Putrajaya offers three types of vessels for travellers to select: the traditional Perahu Dondang Sayang; the Lepa-Lepa, a traditional boat used by the Bajaus of Semporna; and the modern air-conditioned cruise boat. Perahu Dondang Sayang is a handcrafted genuine replicas of the local Malay traditional perahu or wooden gondola-like vessels. This kind of boat is intricately handcrafted and made in the state of Terengganu. This vessel, which is able to seat up to seven people, is definitely suitable for those who seek intimate and nostalgic experience, especially romantic couples. Another unique traditional vessel option would be the Lepa-Lepa, the traditional single-mast sailing boats of the Bajau Laut people, sea gypsies who live off the east coast of Semporna, Sabah. Travellers do not have to go to all the way to Semporna to experience sailing on board Lepa- Lepa. If travellers happen to be in Semporna, they will notice that the original Lepa-
Lepa there is actually not readily available for them to experience because it is only reserved for special occasions. As such, travellers should grab this unique opportunity to experience boarding Cruise Tasik Putrajaya’s LepaLepa since the boat is specially designed to accommodate up to 10 people at one time. For travellers who couldn’t stand the tropical heat, perhaps the modern air-conditioned cruise boat would be a better choice, which comes in two types: single or double deck. These boats are specifically designed and custom built with wraparound windows arching from the armrest level to the ceiling, allowing passengers clear and unobstructed view of both sides of Putrajaya Lake in luxurious comfort. The best part is that travellers get the best of both worlds: they can simply hop over to the outdoor deck and feel the wind brush against their faces, then come back inside for the cool airconditioned comfort. Apart from the scheduled cruises, these boats are also available for private charters. There are also cruises with dining options! The Dining Cruise offered by Cruise Tasik Putrajaya is ideal for
entertaining guests or clients, with its range of menu that sounds too mouth-watering to pass. Fantastic traditional dishes like Beef Rendang and Stuffed Squid are some of dishes served on rotation basis. Private functions can also be held on board the cruise and the rates are reasonable. Cruise Tasik Putrajaya is definitely a must do when you visit Putrajaya!
CRUISE TASIK PUTRAJAYA Jetty Putra, Jambatan Putra, Precint 1, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia. Enquiry : + 603 8888 5539 E-Mail : sales@cruisetasikputrajaya.com Web : www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com FB : www.facebook.com/CruiseTasikPtjy
Cruise ride from RM10/trip *terms and conditions apply
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Gaya Dine
Reminiscing the Flavours of Great Instant Noodles TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by AKUGRAPHY
It’s hard not to feel nostalgic about instant noodles since many of us in Malaysia, including parts of Asia, grew up eating them. They have been part of the dietary staple – we eat them during cold rainy nights at home with family; during our student days, devouring them in between long hours of study at hostels; during tight budgets; and even while travelling across the world for easy, no fuss meal. In Malaysia, 1.3 million packets of instant noodles are reportedly sold every day. It therefore goes without saying that instant noodles are now a part of the Malaysian and Asian culture. So in the spirit of reminiscing memories, Gaya Travel brings you to one of the best places to savour delectable instant noodles: MAMEE Cafe, owned by Mamee Double-Decker that exports instant noodles, among others, to over 100 countries. MAMEE Cafe is contained within a beautifully restored Chinese Peranakan house that is over 200 years old and combines Chinese, European and Malay architectural influences. This is where visitors can marvel the craftsmanship of Peranakan architecture over a cool drink or a mouth-watering meal and admire the artistry of the intricate plaster ornaments, an intriguing black chandelier and full-length French windows with a pair of full-length wooden shutters. No doubt it is beautiful, but I secretly wished to see more of Peranakan design elements like the intricate wood carving with Chinese mythological motifs, coloured tiles, ceramic wares and antique furniture that can be found in a typical Peranakan house. I learned that such refinement used to portray social, economic and political status or rank of a Peranakan family back then. But of course, I am not here for wistful architecture – MAMEE Café’s menu comprising special gastronomic delights is the real attraction. The cafe’s signature dishes include the gratifying MAMEE Mee Goreng Mamak and the ever popular and tasty Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball, which is one of Melaka’s must-eat comestibles, made according to the well-kept recipe belonging to MAMEE founder’s family. Personally, I prefer the MAMEE Chef Curry Laksa, which is rice noodles drowned in gravy made from coconut milk and spices, including dried chillies,
making the dish creamy, thick and aromatically spicy just the way I like it. Apparently, so do most people… Relating to that laksa dish, it is interesting to note that the MAMEE Chef instant noodle range is rated as one of the Top Ten Instant Noodles by the Ramen Rater for its taste and quality assurance. The noodles are free from wax coating and made using the La Mian or Mi Tarik technique originated from China since the 15th century, resulting in springier noodles. On top of that, MAMEE Cafe is also the only halal-certified restaurant by JAKIM Malaysia located along Jonker Street, thus enriching the mix of offerings that can experienced by travellers when they explore the area. So, is it worth to dine at the MAMEE Café when travellers happen to be at the Jonker Street area? Absolutely! It is indeed a great place to have a break from Melaka’s sweltering weather and hang out with friends and family to enjoy a variety of delicious instant noodles. MAMEE Café opens from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Tuesdays except for public holidays and eve of public holidays. MAMEE Jonker House No. 46 & 48, Jalan Hang Jebat ( Jonker Street), 75200 Melaka Tel: +6 012 618 0778 (Henry), +6 06 286 7666 (Yap) Web: www.mameejonkerhouse.com/#
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Gaya Shop
Lugging Convenience COMPILED by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by RESPECTIVE PRODUCT OWNERS
Bags, holdalls, backpacks, knapsacks, cases – these items that become our luggage are so essential during travel that they could make or break our travel experience! Luggage serves the purpose of keeping our belongings organised without having to rearrange them over and over throughout the journey. Below, are just some types of luggage that might just help you to make your travelling easier:
Luggage - Trunki Jurni www.bloomandgrowasia.com
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Travelling can be a tiring affair, especially with the lack of seats and resting areas at airports, train or bus stations. So why not invest in one smart luggage, Trunki Jurni, for your own future comfort? It is a carry-on case with a pop-out pod that functions as a seat. The cases come in three colours: magma red, cobalt blue and fusion pink, each retailing at RM599.
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Tote Bag - Floral Tropicale by Emila Yusof www.creativeunited.my/p/floral-tropicale-tote-bag
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This tote features cool artwork by a local artist, and printed on both sides. Cotton fabric interface is added to the fabric to add rigidity to the bag fabric. This washable totebag is individually cut and sewn by hand. Features include fabric straps, a zipper closure and an inner lining. When it comes to carrying your daily accessories, this 15x15 inch totebag is a great companion when you travel. Retails at RM48.00.
Camera bag - Tom-tom Insert by Gin & Jacqie www.ginjacqie.com/products/tom-tom-insert
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While Tom-tom insert won’t replace your carry-it-all camera bag, but it’s the perfect solution for light trips and shoots where only your camera and a lens are needed. The bag organiser is fully padded and comes with Velcro dividers for you to play around with space, and each divider can act as a cushion/protector for your precious equipment. Retails at RM96.60 each.
Tablet Case - LinkedinLove Woven Straw Tablet IPAD Bag www.zalora.com.my
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This chic bag is hand-embroidered using high quality and eco-friendly straws, making it ideal to not only protect your iPad against water, dust and shock, but also as a fashion statement when you travel. Retails at RM148.90 each.
Carry-on bag - Alpinepac Transit Bag
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www.zalora.com.my Long airport layovers can be both tiring and cumbersome. That is why you’ll need to keep your necessary personal belongings such as toiletries, a set of fresh clothes and entertainment materials close to you to survive those long hours. Try Alpinepac transit bag that bears a suitcase-like construction with enough room for your laptop, clothes, important document and even those last minute bits of shopping. Retails at RM85.00 each. 043
Toiletries bag - Mango Man Men’s Canvas Cosmetic Bag shop.mango.com/MY/p0/man/accessories/canvas-cosmetic-bag/
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Pack your favourite essential products in this toiletries bag without a fuss as the pouch is fitted with a medley of inner pockets to keep your belongings organised. Retails at RM119 each.
Anti-theft bag - Pacsafe Metrosafe LS150 Anti-theft Sling Backpack
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www.pacsafe.com/metrosafe-ls150.html Storing travel documents and money safely while still making them accessible during travel is not difficult at all with this bag, which has fabric embedded with eXomesh® slashguards, a lightweight and flexible, stainless steel wire mesh that protects your gear from a quick slash-and-run theft. The bag’s smart zipper security provides multiple layers of protection to help protect against pickpockets. The RFID safe blocking pocket also helps prevent data from your e-passport, credit cards and key cards fall into the wrong hands. Retails at RM574.98 each.
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Gaya Interview
YB Dato’ Nolee Ashilin binti Mohammed Radzi Perak State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Communications and Multimedia TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by IQMAL FAUZEE
Interviewing the approachable and down-to-earth Dato’ Nolee Ashilin is such a pleasant experience. To Gaya Travel Magazine, she personifies what Perak is all about: easy-going, continuously progressing and full of promise. Dato’ Nolee Ashilin - affectionately known as Dato’ Nolee - shares with us on how the state is streamlining its tourism industry and how it is preparing for Visit Perak Year 2017. Perak’s time to shine Perak only began to focus on tourism as one of the state’s main income generators in the last ten years, making it pretty new in the tourism business. With the support from the state, more plans are being rolled out in making Perak more appealing to tourists. In 2015, the state recorded 7.96 million domestic and 265,794 international tourist arrivals, according to the Malaysian Statistics Department and Tourism Malaysia respectively. Dato’ Nolee Ashilin considers Perak fortunate because it is located along the developed Peninsular Malaysia’s West Coast. The state’s considerable size allows various types of travel and tourism products and attractions to flourish. These attractions are also well distributed throughout Perak rather than being concentrated in only one or two areas within the state. “Perak receives repeat tourists because it has diverse tourism products that allow tourists to enjoy different experiences at different corners of Perak. The state has no problem in meeting tourists’ expectations in savouring various types of travel experiences,” she claims. Perak is highly accessible because many of its tourism products can be reached using the North-South Expressway (PLUS) – many attractions are situated close to every highway exit in Perak, for example Tanjung Malim to access Sungai Klah and Sungkai Wildlife Reserve; Gopeng for agro-tourism; and Tapah to reach Lata Kinjang. Another popular destination that is accessible via the same expressway is Taiping, which is doing well in attracting tourists, especially on weekends and public holidays, making it difficult to secure accommodation during those times. Taiping also receives funding from the federal government since it falls within the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) to upgrade its tourism infrastructure such as heritage trails, zoo and parks. Perak has a lot to offer but is still largely undiscovered by many travellers, especially those from overseas. Dato’ Nolee concurs that the state has many tourism offerings that are yet to be promoted to them. To make these elusive tourism spots more visible, the state government has initiated the Perak Tourism Blueprint 2016-2020, which groups the tourism destinations, products and attractions into seven important clusters. Together with the icons identified as Perak’s unique selling points, the success of these clusters depends on the various activities held within them, organised by the respective tourism cluster committee members comprising stakeholders and tourism industry players.
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“We involve the committee members in coming up with ways to encourage visitors to stay in any one cluster not just for one night but a few nights, for instance the Lenggong-Grik-Pengkalan Hulu cluster, where travellers get to experience the UNESCO Archaeological Heritage Site and agro-farm in Lenggong; Tasik Banding and Royal Belum in Grik; and border tourism at Pengkalan Hulu since it is home to Betong (border town popular for shopping), hot spring and tin mines worth exploring,” Dato’ Nolee expounds. In terms of Pengkalan Hulu, Dato’ Nolee attests that the state recently approved the funding for the development of a floating market within the area to further enhance its appeal. Besides the already established icons, Perak is also promoting its agro-tourism packages, which are considered new. Perak already identified six agro-parks that are tourist-ready for them to be promoted, the latest being the Perak Agrotourism Resort in Tanjung Tualang, developed by the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation and launched by the Sultan of Perak DYMM Tuanku Sultan Dr. Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. “Every year, the state introduces new products via new tourism packages developed together with Tourism Malaysia Perak Office. For 2016, the state promotes agro-tourism. The year before, the state positioned itself as the hub for team-building and outdoor activities,” she adds.
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When asked about the state’s preparation for Visit Perak Year (VPY) 2017, Dato’ Nolee says that there are many things that still need to be done and the state is already halfway through, with the second half of the year concentrating on participating in domestic travel fairs and conducting business-to-business matchings. The state is in the midst of putting together special packages for VPY 2017 that runs throughout the year specifically for the domestic market. Dato’ Nolee further mentions that Perak will also organise promotional travel fair in Singapore, which is Perak’s largest international market, besides participating in the World Travel Mart in London in November 2016. The state intends to capitalise on those two international fairs to get more travel and tour operators to join in selling Perak tourism packages in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017. The state targets to receive 6.5 million tourist arrivals in 2017.
Investments pouring in Dato’ Nolee has witnessed tremendous increase in terms of interest towards Perak’s tourism products, therefore contributing to its growth. “In the last few years, we have seen an influx of tourism activities in Perak, especially eco-tourism, which is the state’s biggest draw, besides other products that can be showcased domestically and internationally. As such, more tourism investors are coming to the state,” she clarifies. At the moment, most investment in tourism are done by local investors. Meanwhile, Perak also receives a growing number of investments from overseas such as the Movie Animation Park
Studios (MAPS) and certain international hotels such as the upcoming Pullman Ipoh and Novotel Taiping, including the already opened Hotel Ibis Styles Ipoh. Dato’ Nolee claims that these big names are coming to Perak because of MAPS, which is considered as a catalyst for more international investors to come to the state, especially to Ipoh.
Ipoh gaining more attention Ipoh has also been garnering attention in the last few years. “There is an increase in terms of hospitality and services in the form of new hotels and cafes opening up in the city, especially in the last two years when Ipoh sees a whopping 50% jump from the previous year in terms of investment in those businesses,” Dato’ Nolee reveals. There are many reasons why Ipoh suddenly appears on the travellers’ maps. “Probably travellers are seeking other destinations besides the ones that are already established like Penang and Melaka,” she opines. Dato’ Nolee is pleasantly surprised and ecstatic about Ipoh’s inclusion in the Lonely Planet’s list as one of the top ten destinations to visit in Asia in 2016, which is an opportunity for the city and the state to garner more international visibility since Lonely Planet is highly regarded internationally and globally influential. “We see this as not only the chance to attract tourists, but also investments to the city and state to make Perak’s tourism industry more vibrant, enriching the types of products being offered,” remarks Dato’ Nolee.
Gopeng as eco-tourism hot spot When asked which spot in Perak is her favourite in terms tourism, Dato’ Nolee quickly mentions Gopeng. “But of course I am biased since it is my constituency,” she chuckles. “Gopeng holds so much potential and the Sungai Kampar area, which is part of Gopeng, is well established in terms of eco-tourism – the Gopeng tourism committee is made up of people who are passionate about the area. It boasts a number of caves, especially the beautiful Gua Tempurung that is known for its length and history. Gopeng is also home to notable rapids suitable for whitewater-rafting,” Dato’ Nolee promulgates. She further states that the eco-tourism players around Gopeng are already established and flourishing. In fact, there are not enough rooms in Gopeng to cater to tourists. “To fulfil the demand, the increase in the number of new rooms depends on the private investors and tourism players since there are no more government land for the state to develop. The spillover from this demand on tourism will prompt other private parties to create new tourism products to further enhance Gopeng’s offerings, for example the restoration of Gopeng old town’s pre-war shophouses where travellers can frolic and have a meaningful respite amidst a charming wistful setting,” explains Dato’ Nolee.
Challenges in tourism The challenge faced by Perak, particularly Ipoh, lies in terms of logistics and public transport. Since the city is gaining wider interest, more tourists are flocking to the city. The express ETS coach from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is a boon to the city’s tourism industry, but also opens up new issues that need solving such as connectivity between the Ipoh train station to the other parts of Ipoh via feeder buses and taxis, which currently is not consistent and frequent. “The Ipoh authorities need to work with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to regulate the taxis and obtain newer vehicles to come in, including improving the city bus services. Recently, the state launched MyBus, which is under a new initiative between Perak Transit and SPAD to solve connectivity within the city,” notes Dato’ Nolee. Another challenge is the readiness of the community to think tourism. “The local community still needs to realise that tourists generally contribute to the local economy, thus must be treated well, just like what can be seen in Thailand and the Philippines. I am not sure if the other cities has been able to do so, perhaps Melaka has been able to do it well, but Ipoh still needs more improvement in embracing tourists so that they will feel more welcomed,” asserts Dato’ Nolee.
ty-based tourism can be successfully carried out,” Dato’ Nolee foresees. However, the state still requires more support and understanding from the community at large, including the private sector. “Besides competing with each other, tourism players in Perak also need to work with each other for the greater good of the state tourism industry. It does require time for the Perak tourism players to reach the stage where Malacca and Sabah are now, but it is doable. Everybody needs to play their part to make Perak tourism industry more successful,” urges Dato’ Nolee. On the same note, she also says that the various homestays in Perak have been showing strong support towards the state’s tourism aspirations and continues to attract many travellers. In conclusion, Perak’s tourism industry is definitely heading towards better years ahead under Dato’ Nolee who is forward-thinking, passionate about tourism and strongly propagates co-operation among the industry players.
Lessons from travels Due to her extensive travelling, Dato’ Nolee is able to bring home interesting ideas gained from abroad. “Tourism is about creative ideas and not having to reinvent the wheel. The state can learn so much from the other foreign destinations. That is why I intend to send as many as possible from my team to go out as much as possible to learn and pick up things on how tourism is done in destinations that are already established since we are still new compared to Penang, Langkawi and Sabah, which all have been focussing on tourism for the last 25 years,” she elaborates. Perak emulates tourism initiatives that are successfully implemented in the other destinations such as the mural artworks that are now gracing Ipoh’s cafes and walkways. Dato’ Nolee states that the art initiative will be extended to Taiping soon.
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Hope for the future In the future, Perak targets to become one of the main tourism destinations in Malaysia among international tourists. “We want to be on the same level as Sabah, Penang, Langkawi and Melaka,” claims Dato’ Nolee. Towards that end, she is determined to rally everyone from the community, private sector and government agencies to give tourism due importance since this economic sector brings in the much needed revenue. “If we pull this right, we will be able to uplift the economic standing of the rakyat, especially those located outside urban areas, where communi-
“... tourism players in Perak also need to work with each other for the greater good of the state tourism industry... Everybody needs to play their part to make Perak tourism industry more successful.”
Gaya Interview
Mr. Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hospitality
1. Since joining Far East Hospitality in 2012, your outof-the-box and unconventional marketing strategies help the organisation to grow from having 18 properties in Singapore to over 90 properties internationally. How do you feel about the achievements so far? Our accomplishments as a multi-award winning hospitality group are only possible because we have a team of dedicated staff who are experts in their fields. At Far East Hospitality, our goal is to continue developing and providing an experience that resonates with the psychographics of our target audience for each of our hotel brands as we define ourselves in the mid-tier hospitality scene. 052
2. Out of all the other brands under Far East Hospitality’s umbrella of hotels, why was Oasia chosen to debut in Kuala Lumpur? We found that Oasia is the brand with the widest customer appeal and the brand was recognised for popularity among customers when it was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in for the second year running in 2015 and listed as one of the world’s best value hotel club lounge by Travel Channel. This is further supported by three key trends: 1. Firstly, the Asian middle class population is set to grow almost five-fold over the next two decades, representing over 3.4 billion people by 2033. 2. Secondly, Asia as a destination has had a strong year in 2013 and that number is expected to grow. International arrivals have increased by 6.3% between January and August, according to figures from the World Tourism Organization, while South-East Asia performed strongly with a 12% increase
after 9% growth last year. 3. Thirdly, there is now greater emphasis placed amongst travellers on health and wellness whilst traveling. IPSOS’ Asean Pulse report found that as the world is seeing growth in importance of health and wellness, there is no difference in ASEAN nations. There is a heightened awareness for health and wellness, and consumers are also steering clear from processed food items and are more willing to pay a premium for health benefits. Taking into consideration the location and product specification, nothing fits better than the Oasia brand that is conceived with the wellness of guests in mind. The location offers a rare quiet respite within the city. And the unique cul-de-sac that is set against the backdrop of Bukit Nanas makes it an ideal restorative haven for the increasing number of wellness-conscious travellers.
3. With the plunge of the Malaysian Ringgit against the Singapore Dollar, why was Malaysia chosen as the gateway for the expansion of Oasia? As the Ringgit depreciates, Malaysia continues to attract strong tourism numbers (in 2014, Malaysia saw over 27 million inbound arrivals). Likewise among Singaporeans, Malaysians are also placing greater emphasis on health and wellness. We aim to replicate the success of Oasia by bringing Oasia to other key gateway cities in the region, starting first with Kuala Lumpur in 2016. IPSOS’s Asean Pulse report found that as the world is seeing growth in importance of health and wellness, there is no difference in ASEAN nations. Both of which presented an opportunity for Oasia to expand to Kuala Lumpur. We believe that by expanding our Oasia offerings locally and abroad, Far East Hospitality will be better placed to continue meeting the needs and demands from the growing pool of middle-class travellers.
4. What are your expectations for the brand in the near future? Oasia has proven very popular among business and leisure travellers to Singapore for providing the sanctuary they’re looking for amidst the bustle of city life, achieving a steady occupancy rate in the high-80s range since opening. Additionally, our goal of focusing on the well-being of our guests through a suite of offerings has resonated very strongly with our guests, and is in line with the greater emphasis placed amongst travellers on health and wellness whilst travelling. With more millennials viewing travel as a necessity and not a luxury, Far East Hospitality’s unique approach of providing comfort without excess, giving attention without pretension, focusing on aesthetics without ostentation, and being relevant to travellers’ needs with a touch of elegance has been positively received by our guests. We foresee that Oasia will also be positively received among discerning travellers to Malaysia who are looking for a hotel that meets their travel needs through Oasia’s suite of wellness offerings. As Singapore’s largest and fastest growing operator for hotels and serviced residence, we are constantly looking at opportunities to expand on our portfolio – locally or abroad. To follow more of the interview, browse Gaya Travel Magazine website (www. gayatravel.com.my/category/articles/ personalities/)
“...Far East Hospitality provides comfort without excess, gives attention without pretension, focusses on aesthetics without ostentation, and be relevant to travellers’ needs with a touch of elegance...”
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Exceptional cultural performance by Fantasy Rainforest Musical Theatre Tour around Putrajaya Botanical Garden to admire the beauty of the tropical vegetation Witness the wonderfully ornate Morrocan craftsmanship and architecture at the Moroccan Pavilion in Putrajaya
Destinations
Discovering Eco-Tourism Wonders in Putrajaya and Pahang TEXT by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI|IMAGES by SHAMSUL BAHRINE ZAINUZZAMAN & MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
Blessed with abundant and breathtaking natural wonders, Malaysia entices visitors to its uniqueness in varied gastronomic and cultural offerings. The country’s diversity also extends to its natural landscapes and lush rainforests that lend its success as one of the world’s favourite eco-tourism destinations. Gaya Travel explored selected enthralling eco-tourism attractions in Putrajaya and Pahang during the recent Malaysian Mega Familiarisation Programme organised by Tourism Malaysia, held jointly with Pahang Eco-Familiarisation Trip, to promote outstanding ecologically related assets in both destinations.
Fantasy Rainforest Musical Theatre Presented exclusively at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) – located approximately 40 minutes’ drive away from Kuala Lumpur – Fantasy Rainforest is a musical theatre that showcases a captivating magical rainforest journey via unique cultural performances by over 60 world-class performers. Besides flora and fauna, this musical theatre features an indigenous tribe living together peacefully at the beginning and later on the harmony was perturbed by a hunter who harms endangered animals. This one-hour show drives home the message that it is imperative for the public to protect rainforests and all of the flora and fauna found within. Ticket price: RM200 (VIP), RM120 (Standard) and RM60 (Child) Show time: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (Daily) Tel: +6 03 8887 6000 (ext. 6189) Web: www.fantasyrainforest.com GPS: 2.895148, 101.680223
Putrajaya Botanical Garden Complete your trip in Putrajaya by visiting one of the must-see attractions in this city: Putrajaya Botanical Garden. With over 700 species of plants, this magnificent garden serves not only as a centre of education and research but also as a trove of the nation’s priceless botanical heritage. Take the Canna Walk, Floral Steps, Hibiscus Walk, Bougainvillea Tunnel or Heliconia Trail to enjoy the wide array of flora. Besides that, the stunning yet exquisite Moroccan Pavilion is tucked away in one corner of the garden. Travellers can feast their eyes on this mesmerising 18,000 square feet pavilion, designed to showcase the unique tradition of arts and architecture of Morocco from its four imperial cities: Fez, Meknes, Rabat and Marrakech. Admission to the Moroccan Pavilion is RM3 per adult and RM1 per student. Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays) Tel: +6 03 8887 7770 Web: www.ppj.gov.my GPS: 2.944596, 101.695762
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Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya Resort Looking for a fabulous nature getaway from hustle and bustle of the city? Then head to Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya, an eco-tourism resort surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest in Raub, Pahang. Only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, this resort offers well-furnished villas and dormitory-style rooms with well appointed amenities to provide unforgettable relaxation and comfort. Travellers are bound to enjoy the view of the oldest tropical rainforest jungle by trying out some of the adrenaline-pumping activities, including jungle-trekking that leads travellers to take the ‘Leap of Faith’ from a 15 feet high wooden platform down into the green emerald lagoon. Besides jungle trekking, Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya also offers morning and night walks, flying fox, adventure race, paintball and organic farming, among others. It is indeed one of the best places in Peninsular Malaysia to be immersed in nature.
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Tip: Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya is only accessible via offroad 4x4 vehicles that will be provided by the resort. Travellers are recommended to use backpacks instead of suitcases to ease the journey to the resort.
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Tel: +603 5512 1006 E-mail: booking.tanahaina@gmail.com Web: www.tanahaina.com GPS: 3.670692, 101.837445
Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary Established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is a home for orphaned elephants that are raised and given shelter. It has been the most popular elephant sanctuary in the country that provides a remarkable opportunity to learn and get up close with the endangered Asian elephants. Travellers are encouraged to participate in the planned activities, starting with elephant observation along the interpretive trail to a documentary video presentation on the translocation of wild elephants to their new habitat. You can even get closer to the baby elephants by giving them a bath in the nearby Teris River. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is ideal in educating and creating awareness among the public regarding the importance of this majestic creature. Tip: If you are planning to visit in a big group, kindly contact the sanctuary to facilitate arrangements. Tel: +609 279 0391 / +6013 908 8207 Web: www.wildlife.gov.my GPS: 3.592440, 102.145744
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Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya Resort offers pristine nature coupled with efficient amenities Grab the chance to bathe a baby elephant at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary Challenge yourself to walk along the world’s longest canopy walkway in Taman Negara Pahang Batek community in Taman Negara Pahang
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Taman Negara Taman Negara simply means ‘national park’ in Malay. At 130 million years of age, Taman Negara is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. It is a must-see park among nature enthusiasts who embrace Southeast Asian ecological wonders ever since it was established in 1938. Besides, it is also home to several species of endangered and rare creatures such as the Asian tapir, Malayan peacock-pheasant, Malayan tiger and Samba deer. If you are a fan of outdoor (or adventurous) activities, do not miss the chance to walk along the world’s longest canopy walkaway. Visitors are required to register and pay an entrance fee before continuing the adventure. This 510-meter bridge suspended 40 metres above ground allows visitors to admire the wealth and diversity of the rainforest’s flora and fauna from its summit. Taking a boat cruise along Sungai Tahan is another way to savour the beauty of this ancient rainforest, which travellers can book from the tour companies located at the Kuala Tahan village nearby. The cruise grants visitors to discover and embrace splendid views and fresh air along the way. Further your journey to an aborigine settlement for a taste of local culture. There are two aboriginal groups that reside in Taman Negara: the Batek and Semokberi. Travellers are recommended to take a trip to an aboriginal village and learn how to start a fire by using rudimentary and natural materials, including the ways to use a bamboo blow pipe as hunting weapon. The village is indeed an ideal place to indulge in their nomadic and tremendously basic lifestyle. If travellers wish to take their photos, kindly ask for permission. On the way back to Kuala Tahan, travellers can opt for rapid shooting, which is an exhilarating ride through the seven rapids along Sungai Tembeling and be ready to get splashed by the refreshing river water. Tips: » Each traveller must obtain an entrance permit into Taman Negara from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia. » Bring a bottle of water to constantly remain hydrated. » Wear appropriate trekking attire and use a water-resistant bag to keep your gadgets dry, if you wish to do rapid shooting.
Entrance fee for canopy walk: RM5 (Adult) and RM3 (Child) Tel: +6 09 266 1122 / +6 09 266 4152 Web: www.wildlife.gov.my GPS: 4.403371, 102.400275
Experience rapid shooting along the Tembiling River by boat (and get wet while at it)
Tel: 609-623 1553 Fax: 609-631 0273 E: tourism@terengganu.gov.my W: tourism.terengganu.gov.my
9th Floor, Wisma Darul Iman, 20503 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
Terengganu State Secretary Office
Destinations
When Travel meets Doodle - Eat.Travel.Doodle 1.0 Media Familiarisation Programme TEXT by ADELA ROSLAN|IMAGES by AKUGRAPHY & IQMAL FAUZEE|ILLUSTRATION by PELUKIS JIWA
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Travellers these days crave for creative ways to express themselves and capture the places they travel to. They are not anymore satisfied with live updates and postings on social media platforms with regard to what they have for meals, what kind of accommodation they choose and what activities they participate when travelling. One of the interesting ways to share travel experiences with the world is through illustrations, specifically doodles, which can depict the travel experience in a more captivating way. This approach also attracts more audience since they are generally aesthetically pleasing, creative and unique, making the audience more intrigued towards the destination being doodled.
What is Doodle, actually? doodle - verb (used with or without object) 1. to draw or scribble idly. 2. a design, figure, or the like. Recognising this new trend of expressing travel experiences through doodles, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia Kuala Lumpur / Putrajaya Office collaborated with Gaya Travel Magazine to promote Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya using doodles and illustrations. By inviting selected doodlers, illustrators and media representatives to take part in a media familiarisation programme to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, aptly named Eat.Travel.Doodle (ETD) 1.0 in conjunction with the Magic of the Night (MOTN) 2016 and the Royal Floria 2016 events in Putrajaya. The participants had a blast not only in experiencing the selected attractions in both cities, but also in doodling the attractions and colouring them, showing off their creative talents. Read on to find out where the participants went and what they doodled.
Royal Floria & Magic of The Night 2016 @ Putrajaya
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Of flowers & mom’s favourite gardens This year’s Royal Floria 2016 continues to showcase the various kinds of tropical flowers and plants, besides those from temperate climate like lilies and orchids, set within indoor and outdoor garden landscapes. Personally, I loved the bamboo theme set up and landscape creation by school children from primary schools to universities! There was also an entrance boulevard covered with the emblematic rows of hanging opened umbrellas that add to the vibrancy of the whole affair! The highlights of this year included the Johor Royal Garden, Designer Garden, The “Magic of Bonsai & Suiseki”, Terrarium “Tropical Magic in the Glass”, the Musical Garden, Tea Party Garden, Cat Pavilion, Floral Pavilion, and Garden Bazaar and Horticulture Market. Of dazzling floats & spectacular fireworks MOTN is a nightly event that goes on for one week involving the parade of creatively decorated and beautifully lit up flotillas according to theme on the waters of the Putrajaya lake for the public to see and vote on the best flotilla that year. Each flotilla represents a Malaysian state or territory. This year’s MOTN was retro, thus the flotillas paraded brought the audience us back to 60s, 70s and 80s era. The flotillas literally turned the Putrajaya Lake area into a magical night that bedazzled the public. My eyes were drawn to the Selangor flotilla featuring the large cutout of the late Mokhtar Dahari, affectionately known as Super Mokh – Malaysia’s football legend in the 70s and 80s – in his iconic soccer-kicking action! Drums were used on the flotilla to muster support and cheering after a victorious win. Those who couldn’t make it for this year’s MOTN would be able catch it next year in Putrajaya. Be sure to come early to grab a good spot to see the colourful flotillas being paraded on water and admire the stunning fireworks at the end.
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01-03. Intrepid travellers should step unto this vertiginously cantilevered KL Tower Skybox and strike a pose
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The colourful and lively Rainforest Fantasy show One of MUDKL’s memorable scenes An ETD participant colouring her doodle during the programme HOHO KL is a must for first-timers to KL - sit on the uncovered upper deck to feel more of the city
Beyond the clouds @ KL Tower Participants of ETD were brought to the hidden forest and canopy walk situated at the Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park, situated at the foothill where KL Tower stands. It took 45 minutes for the participants to complete the walk, albeit at a slow pace. After the launch of the ETD by the Guest of Honour, Tourism Malaysia Domestic Promotion Director Mr. Iskandar Mirza at the Megaview Banquet Hall, the participants then experienced The Sky Box, KL Tower’s latest attraction, which is a cantilevered transparent glass box that allow travellers to directly see the view of Kuala Lumpur, including the ground, through the box’s transparent floor while being suspended 421 meters in the air. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, travellers will definitely revel in the chance to take interesting selfies when being in the box. Definitely a must for those who love taking in bird’s eye views in an adventurous way! Admission fee: RM75 per person for MyKad holders; RM105 per person for non-MyKad holders Web: www.menarakl.com.my GPS: 3.152859, 101.703639
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Seeing The Rainforest comes alive @ PICC Colourful, vivacious and entertaining – these are some of the words that the ETD participants mentioned about the Fantasy Rainforest showcase at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). The story centres on the special connection between human beings and Mother Nature, including the richness of the Malaysian rainforest’s flora and fauna, including the peaceful native tribes that depend on the forest for the livelihood. People of all ages will be thrilled by the show’s peerless cultural performances, mind-boggling stunts, world-class acrobatics and engaging storyline, complete with cutting-edge lighting, sound and special effects. Admission fee: RM200 per person for VIP seat, RM120 per adult & RM60 per child for standard seat Showtimes: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Web: fantasyrainforest.com GPS: 2.906303, 101.676652
Learning about the Origin of Kuala Lumpur @ Panggung Bandaraya All travellers to Kuala Lumpur must watch MUDKL, the musical that depicts the story about the origin and evolution of Kuala Lumpur into the city that we know today. This musical is performed in Panggung Bandaraya, one of the series of gazetted heritage buildings in the city designed by
British architect A.B. Hubback during the period of British Malaya and close to the Merdeka Square. Entertaining, interactive and didactic, the ETD participants were impressed with the talent and energy of the artistes who engaged with the audience while carrying out the storyline meaningfully in a limited time span. The participants were also invited to the stage to join in the performance at the end and pose for pictures with the artistes. The show is carried out in English with other languages mixed in, giving the show a nice flavour that accurately reflects Kuala Lumpur. The participants came out knowing more about the city while having fun doing so. MUDKL is highly recommended and takes only one hour to complete, besides being staged in an air-conditioned hall with comfortable seats, making it a place for nice respite to get away from the tropical heat. Admission fee: RM53 per person for MyKad holders; RM84.80 for non-MyKad holders Showtimes: 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. daily. Website: mudkl.com GPS: 3.153723, 101.693969
KL’s own Double Decker @ The Heart of Kuala Lumpur If you ask me how to see and learn about KL in the fastest way, I’d have to say “take the Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) service”. Apparently this was also what the ETD participants did – they were able to cover various landmarks and attractions along the specified route and learn about them through the audio that narrates the history of those places. Hop-On Hop-Off bus service is recommended for those who are in Kuala Lumpur for the first time (so that they could get their bearing and learn about the city in comfort) or those who are pressed for time. The HOHO bus is scheduled every 20 minutes at each stop (depending on the traffic), so travellers can alight at any location and embark again on the next one. Try sitting on the exposed upper deck (depending on the weather) to gain a more real and personal feel of the city. Admission fee: For 24 hours access: RM40 per adult, RM19 per child For 48 hours access: RM74 per adult, RM38 for child Web: www.myhoponhopoff.com GPS: 3.140560, 101.688360
Stay connected with Samurai Wi-Fi for better connection while travelling to upload pictures, videos, documents and status on social media!
Destinations
Kuantan Food Hunt TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by AMIERAH NOOR IBRAHIM
Kuantan, to the Gaya Travel team, seems to be going on the right direction, providing friendly, laid-back dining spots that serve affordable serious food for both locals and travellers alike. The city is turning into a major culinary centre on Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast through its wide range of eateries in the forms of artsy cafes, classic kopitiams, fine dining and traditional ethnic stalls, so diners will never have any problem in satisfying their palate. For travellers who are new to Kuantan’s gastronomic scene, allow us to introduce you some of the best places to dine, where memorable meals can be enjoyed without having to pay through the nose or drive extra miles to the outskirts.
Breakfast
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90 Degrees Café & Art Why not greet the day by having a hearty meal at 90 Degrees Cafe, where the food is delicious and the place is highly instagrammable. Its location is quite hidden though, but that will only make you feel like an insider. When you do find the understated entrance, grab a spot at one of the Moroccan-inspired cabanas and enjoy the intimate vibe of the space while sipping a delicious cup of Gryphon Tea (Coba Cabana flavour is our favourite). The menus here are full of classic dishes with some luxurious additions such as Egg Royale, Mango Avocado Salad and Egg Waffle. Should you prefer dessert first thing in the morning, try the café’s homemade natural ice cream and see how it uplifts your mood almost immediately. And if you appreciate art, the cafe holds monthly exhibition by an emerging East Coast Artist in Residence (ECAiR) at their trendy community space upstairs. Operational Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Thursday) & 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Friday-Sunday) Tel: +6 09 505 5905 FB: 90 Degrees Café & Art
Lunch Joe Mee Calong Beserah is a thriving fishing village located north of Kuantan, which main products include fresh seafood and dried salted fishes. But that’s not all; travellers can also find plenty of eateries selling the area’s quintessential dish, mee calong, which is Kuantan’s version of noodle soup served with fish balls, egg and fried tofu. Some may even cook it with chicken carcass. But what sets Joe’s noodles apart from the rest is that he makes all of the main ingredients like the noodle, fish balls and even the tofu from scratch. The shop’s décor would not win any design award yet remains functional and decent. It is located on the roadside in front of the Petronas petrol station. Operational Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Monday-Sunday), closed on Friday Tel: +6 013 903 0910 FB: Mee Calong Beserah
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Hearty breakfast of Gryphon tea, Egg Waffle, Mango Avocado Salad and pure orange juice at 90 Degrees Cafe & Art Delicious noodles packed with fishy goodness at Joe Mee Calong
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Flavourful Korean dishes at Daebak Cafe Refreshing cendol at Ibrahim Cendol Air Putih Mouthwatering colourful pudding fit for a king
90 Degrees Café & Art 882, 876, Jalan Air Putih, 25300 Joe Mee Calong 2/1138, Kampung Alur Tuan Haji Berserah, 26100 DaeBak Café A275 1st Floor , Star City, Jalan Beserah, 25300 Ibrahim Cendol Air Putih B-260E, Jalan Air Putih, 25300 UTC - Karoza Puding diRaja UTC Building, Jalan Stadium, 25200 Akar Kopi 2-8, Exit Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25050 Burgerak B1927 ,Ground floor Jalan Beserah, Taman Mariana, 25300
DaeBak Café Once you’ve had your share of the city’s abundant local offerings, stop by at DaeBak for a change of flavour. The cafe is run by a lovely Korean lady, Madam Min, and her husband, Mr. Lee, so do not expect them to discount authenticity. The menu changes from time to time but is consistent in terms of quality as both dishes and drinks are made from fresh ingredients, some even include original Korean products in them. Try the lip-smacking rappoki (traditional noodle with added vegetables and fish cakes) and expect the sensation coming from the clever blend of spicy and cheesy goodness in your mouth! Other signatures include fruit smoothies, organic fruity soda and vanilla crepe. The cafe also features eclectic components that complement each other in a homely yet hip vibe, appealing to the young crowd. On top of that, Madam Min organises short classes for those interested in learning the Korean language. Operational Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Wed-Mon), 8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Tues), 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Weekends) Tel: +6 017 914 8747 FB: DaeBak Café
Tea Ibrahim Cendol Air Putih Malaysia is generally hot and humid throughout the year, so it is only natural that Malaysians appreciate delicious, cold dessert to beat the heat especially after spending time outdoors. For instance, Ibrahim Cendol Air Putih has been stealing the hearts of many for over 35 years with its three different variations of dessert: mixed cendol; cendol with red
beans; and cendol with glutinous rice. We suspect that the quality of its cendol – which is freshly made by hand every day using real pandan leaf – woos a long stream of loyal customers. Portions are generous despite its modest prices, so you may want to share the dessert with your sweet-toothed dining companion… Or not! Price ranges from RM2.00 to RM2.50. Operational Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily. Tel: +6 016 950 8626 FB: Cendol Air Putih
Karoza Puding diRaja Puding diRaja (Royal Puding) is an iconic delicacy of Pahang, often served exclusively to the royal family on special occasions such as coronations, birthdays and anniversaries back then. Today, one can now have a taste of this special royal treat without having to visit the palace since it is available abundantly in the market. Pudding by Karoza, however, is special because the recipe is said to come from the palace kitchen itself. It is immensely rich in flavour and texture derived from the sweetness of the fruits (banana, prune and cherries), crunchiness from the cashew nuts and delicateness of jala mas (golden threads made from egg yolks). The pudding is best served cold with a thick luxurious custard sauce poured on top. Public can buy the pudding at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Kuantan close to the Darul Makmur Stadium. Operational Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. every day Tel: +6 012 908 7001
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Akar Kopi Judging from the daily long queue in front of Akar Kopi, it suggests to us that people in Kuantan have found the right go-to spot to have their caffeine fix and light snacks. When you get to the place, expect to see many white-collar workers after office hours because the shop is strategically located within a business area. As night approaches, a different set of crowd patronises the place, turning the atmosphere relaxing and convivial. The coffee served here is rich in flavour, but slightly acidic with a long aftertaste. Pair it with the kopitiam-style soft-boiled eggs on toast or homemade pastries and you’ll realise that good coffee doesn’t exclusively come from swanky establishments – even coffee snobs would attest to Akar Kopi’s calibre. Operational Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. every day except Sunday Tel: +6 013 953 1526
Dinner Burgerak Truth be told, gourmet burger always seems to taste better than those served in a fast food chain. But as the quality gets higher, same goes with the price. Fortunately for people in 074
Kuantan, to eat a succulent burger with smoky patty won’t require them to break the bank. ‘Burger Anak Kuantan’, simply known as ‘Burgerak’, specialises in burgers that are made to order with fresh produce, juiciest meat and best-kept secret marinade. Travellers can peruse through the menu comprising meaty meals with quirky names – our personal favourite is the lamb burrito. Though this dish might not look pretty, once we have tasted it, we knew that we need to go back for seconds (and thirds)! The burger shop features a dimly lit room with an open kitchen for diners to get a glimpse of the action. It also has an al fresco dining space for those who prefer sitting back and relaxing while enjoying their burgers. Operational Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Monday-Saturday) Tel: +6 016 219 2442 FB: Burgerak
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Poached egg toast served at Akar Kopi Lip-smacking meaty meals at Burgerak
Jl. Ir H Juanda 390, Bandung 40135, West Java, Indonesia T : 62 22 250 0303 Sheratonbandung.com @Sheratonbandung
@sheratonbdg
Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers
Discover Our Transformation and Let It Transform You. The Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers recently underwent extensive renovations and now boasts a dynamic contemporary design accentuated by stately traditional touches, paying homage to Bandung, the City of Flowers in West Java, Indonesia. Nestled amid the cool mountain air of the Dago Valley, the property is perfect for a weekend of golf, shopping and entertainment, being only 30 minutes’ drive away from Husein Sastranegara Airport and 20 minutes from the Bandung Train Station. Being a luxurious urban oasis designed with intricate touches of traditional and contemporary Bandung Art Décor, Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers invites guests to balance work and play through its wonderfully appointed rooms, fully-equipped business facilities, tranquil spa and recreational services. The inviting lobby lounge features the iconic Link@SheratonSM, a unique offering that allows guests to work, relax and connect with family and friends while travelling. Featuring 156 guest rooms luxuriously fitted with the Signature Sheraton Sweet SleeperSM Bed, Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers is the only hotel in Bandung that is designed with a private balcony that offers scenic views. In addition, the Sheraton Towers rooms provide guests with access to a private reception area and exclusive Towers Lounge. Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers offers a range of delicious dining options, giving you the chance to taste international favorites as well as the very best of Indonesian traditional dishes. Feast, the property’s signature restaurant, welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy an interactive experience presented by a skillful culinary team at the live cooking stations, or simply enjoy an extensive selection of buffet and a la carte items. The warm and welcoming Samsara Lounge is ideal for savouring a glass of wine, cocktails, tea, or coffee. Toastina the property’s pastry and coffee house - opens early and serves delicious sweet treats along with favourite drinks.
At Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers, taking care of business is a breeze by offering a total of twelve well-equipped meeting rooms that are customisable for every type of function, from a private board meeting to a large scale corporate event and outdoor banquet venues, including a poolside area and the Towers Garden. A dedicated events team will help guests plan and execute guests’ events down to the very finest detail. All rooms have high-speed Internet access and cutting-edge audio visual equipment supported by a skilled technical team to ensure a highly professional, seamless presentation or meeting. Children’s needs are also met through unique programs and conveniences to encourage the children to come together and explore the fun offered at Play@Sheraton Kids Club, located at Towers Garden featuring vibrant new splash of colours bathed in natural sunlight and non-slip wooden floor for the little ones to run wild in safety. There are also Playstation and Wii games, besides activities like t-shirt colouring, puzzle-solving, Lego-building and more. Outdoors, active kids will enjoy the swings, slides, mini soccer, and horse riding and playing with rabbit at our Rabbit Hole. For guests well being, Sheraton Fitness provides fitness and health solutions while travelling, while Shine Spa is designed to facilitate the fundamental need for recharging amidst warm, comfortable atmosphere. Discover the comfort, convenience and fun of Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers yourself. Please visit sheratonbandung. com for more information.
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Two bunches of Long White Malaga grapes ready to be plucked The best Chononan Mangoes are the ones not covered by paper
Destinations
Perak’s Agro Wonders TEXT by NADYA RIZAL|IMAGES by TOURISM MALAYSIA PERAK OFFICE
Take the step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and bring yourself to the rural area where Mother Earth is close to her children. Breathe in the fresh air, reward yourself with the peace and warmth offered by Mother Earth, which is not just about the sound of the waterfall or birds singing, but also crop cultivation and tree-planting, making you more connected to Mother Earth. For an enriching and educational holiday, why not opt for Perak agro-tourism packages? Here are some places that you should visit for a refreshingly natural escapade!
Saloma Vineyard & Nursery Who says Malaysia can’t grow grapes? Saloma Vineyard & Nursery proves that this crop can be cultivated and harvested even in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Take part in the amazing experience at Saloma Vineyard & Nursery by plucking grapes with you own hands and learn the technique on how to grow grapes by learning from the vineyard owner. Travellers can also buy grape saplings here for RM20 to grow the plant at here. Lot 2658, Belakang Restoran, Batu 6 Lekir, 32020 Setiawan, Perak Tel: +6 017 568 8642 Web: www.salomavineyard.com
Sahabat Hutan Bakau Lekir (Friends of Lekir Mangrove Forest) Do you know that Malaysia is the world’s second largest mangrove region after Indonesia? And Perak is the biggest mangrove area in peninsular Malaysia? Mangrove ecosystems are crucial in sustaining Malaysia’s coastal fishery industry. The catch harvested from the mangrove ecosystem includes various species of shrimps caught in the mangrove waterways or in adjacent coastal waters. Besides, mangrove forests also function as seaward barriers against coastal erosion
and help stabilise the coastline. However, some of these values are intangible and very little is appreciated by many, especially urban dwellers. At Sahabat Hutan Bakau Lekir, travellers can learn about the significance of mangrove towards the socio-economy and eco-system. No. 72, Parit Jiman, Kampung Sungai Tiram, Lekir, 32020 Setiawan, Perak Tel: +6 019 574 6403 Web: www.friendsofmangrove.org.my
Lekir Agriculture Station If Perlis is popular for its mango called Harum Manis, Perak takes pride in its own mango called Chokanan that is cultivated in Setiawan. Lekir Agriculture Station has 80 acres of Chokanan Mango trees, each needs to grow for at least two years and a half before starting to produce mangoes. Besides Chokanan mangoes, Lekir Agriculture Station also plants station for rock melons, coconuts and vegetables, among others. This station is suitable for those who want to experience plucking fruits and vegetables directly from the tree with their bare hands. Pejabat Pertanian Lekir 32020 Setiawan, Perak Tel: +6 05 691 9189
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My Kampung My Future (MKMF) MKMF is a government initiative to help the community of Kampung Gajah, Pulau Tiga to expose their creativity in creating handicrafts or food and sell them directly to travellers such as labu sayong (gourd-shaped clay pitcher), dodol Bonda (a sticky sweet and thick confection made from coconut milk, sugar and rice flour), batik and many more. This project is also to encourage youths to remain in their villages and contribute towards their development. MKMF participants receive funding, land, training and access to a unique mentor-mentee arrangement that equips them to pursue high-income opportunities in agri-business. This approach ensures that Malaysia’s agro-economy remains truly vibrant while reducing the pressure on the country’s urban centres.
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Refarm Refarm is a 26-acres recreational farm, located in Kampar, Perak about 4 kilometres away from Kampar town, situated beside the route towards Temoh & Tapah town. Refarm is surrounded by hills and forests and the best thing about this place is the waterfall inside the forest, which is connected to the swimming pool. A 1.2-kilometre piping system also siphons clean water from the waterfall to supply the crops and animals like chicken, fish and goats. Refarm helps travellers to unwind from the stressful urban lifestyle by letting you experience a farmer’s lifestyle while feeding horses, ostriches, peacocks and more. Travellers will also get the chance to plant organic vegetables, fruits and mushrooms. For those who intend to stay overnight at Refarm, the place also provides accommodations at reasonable prices. Lot 6059, Jalan Temoh Kampar, 35350 Temoh, Perak Tel: +6 012 502 6115 Web: www.refarm.com.my
Gaharu Tea Valley As travellers enter this valley, they will be amazed by its formidable-looking fortress that seems to mimic the Great Wall of China. Located 4 kilometres from Gopeng town, Gaharu Tea Valley spans 300 acres with 200,000 gaharu (agarwood) trees at the foot hills of the Titiwangsa Range. Travellers can make a quick stop at Hugging Hills where the management provides a garden with few tall gaharu trees for visitors to hug them – it is believed that the trees need to be hugged in order to grow healthily. Before leaving, travellers can buy gaharu-based products, among them, gaharu ice-cream and
gaharu noodles. No fees are charged to enter the valley; however, the fee of RM10 per adult or RM5 per child is imposed if travellers plan to tour around the valley. Lot 9840, Mukim Teja, 31600 Gopeng, Perak Tel: +6 05 351 1999
Eco Stays
Sahom Valley Agro & Eco Resort Have you ever experienced living in a bamboo house? If the answer is no, do not miss out the chance to overnight at Sahom Valley as the houses are built using bamboo and located in a palm oil plantation. Interestingly, there are no mosquitoes here. In the daytime, travellers can cycle around Sahom Valley, frolic around Honey Bamboo field, swim in the river across your bamboo accommodation or take a ride on an all-terrain vehicle. After a meaningful day, enjoy the evening by watching the cultural performance by Perak’s aboriginal community and join in the singing and dancing while having a hearty dinner. This resorts is ideal for those who seek peace and relaxation. Sahom Valley offer two different packages – Eco Challenge and Agro Camp – so as to suit travellers’ preferences. Lot 228800 Kampung Sahom, 31900 Kampar, Perak Tel: +6 012 488 5011 Web: www.sahomvalley.wix.com
Desa Warisan iGROW Been missing the ‘balik kampung’ feeling? Then head to Kompleks Desa Warisan iGROW, an integrated project that combines agriculture with hospitality and entrepreneurship. Stepping into this 30-acre land brings back the nostalgia of Malaysia 40 to 50 years ago, with contemporary wooden houses that echoes the vernacular of traditional Malay houses, lush vegetation tropical vegetation, and fresh air. Travellers may wake up to sounds of rooster in the morning, take in the fresh air and reinvigorate their eyes with the view of the adjacent green vegetable farm. For a wholesome agro-tourism experience, travellers are recommended to visit Desa Warisan iGrow to truly be escape from hustle and bustle and engage with nature. Lot 7816 (A) Jalan Bota, Padang Gertak Pulau Tiga, 36800 Kg. Gajah, Perak Tel: +6 05 631 8989
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Variety of handmade “Labu Sayong� ready to be painted Gaharu Tree products that are sold at Gaharu Tea Valley convenience store Bamboo house in the palm oil plantation at Sahom Valley Agro & Eco Resort
Destinations
Obrigado Macao! TEXT|IMAGES by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN
Gaya Travel Magazine was in Macao for the opening of the Macao Annual Visual Arts Exhibition 2016 on 13 May 2016, in conjunction with the 27th Macao Arts Festival. The trip, hosted by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), revealed Macao as a destination filled with offerings that are bound to leave heritage and cultural buffs, including epicureans, impressed. Macao’s tourism industry intends to further diversify its source markets to include travellers from South East Asia, hence Gaya Travel’s participation in this trip together with the representatives from other reputable Malaysian media organisations to encourage Malaysians to visit the territory. 082
Comprising the Macao Peninsula, Taipa, Cotai and Coloane, the Macao territory as a whole was formerly a Portuguese colony, the last beacon of European colonial power in the east that was finally ceded to China in 1999. It is China’s other Special Administrative Region besides Hong Kong, which is high in population density with well-developed physical infrastructure at its centre that lights up gloriously at night. Macao, like most dynamic Asian cities, brims with economic vigour, yet imbued with the sense of Mediterranean langour. One particular aspect that makes Macao stand out compared to the other Asian cities is its Sino-Portuguese mix characterised by the confluence of elements such as ubiquitous bilingual signs (Portuguese and Chinese), airy largos (squares), tiled pavements and walkways, cloistered Chinese temples that emanate smoke and aroma from burned incense, Catholic churches that is now strongly frequented by migrant Filipino devotees, and elegant Mediterranean-influenced architecture that jostle for attention alongside stratified properties and high rises. Since only 7% of Macao population speaks Portuguese, the Macanese who are of mixed parentage are generally fluent in Cantonese besides their Portuguese mother tongue. Most would also pick up a third international language like English. To learn more about how this community came about and how life was like when Macao was still under Portuguese rule, travellers are recommended to visit the House Museums on Taipa that display information and artefacts relating to that colourful period. Macao is accessible on foot, so travellers should expect to do a great deal of walking. It is interesting to learn how close everything is in Macao, especially when we rode from Taipa to Coloane (both were formerly separate islands) in a matter of minutes via the Cotai Strip that stitches up both islands. On top of that, there are already three bridges linking the Macao peninsula to Taipa, Cotai Strip and Coloane, making transfers a breeze.
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A corner constructed in colonial Portuguese vernacular within the old municipality building across the street from Senado Square The iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, arguably the most popular place for travellers to take selfies in Macao Taking a breather at Lilau Square An atmospheric street at St. Lazarus Parish
The installation artwork comprising replicas of butterflies gracing the lobby of MGM Macau
Art in Macao In conjunction with the 27th Macao Arts Festival, we were brought to witness the “Macao Annual Visual Arts Exhibition 2016 Western Media Category” exhibition at the Old Court Building, located on Avenida de Praia Grande. Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau to promote local visual art movement and nurturing home-grown talents, the exhibition featured 83 artworks selected by a panel of jury comprising experts from related fields out of 361 entries. Still talking about art, MGM Macau also showed an inspiring exhibition entitled “Edgar Degas: Figures in Motion” at MGM Art Space (www.mgmmacau.com/fun#degas). The exhibition celebrated the life and works of French painter and sculptor Edgar Degas by presenting 74 pieces of bronze sculptures created by Degas, including the famous “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen”, hailed by art connoisseurs to be way ahead of his time. These sculptures had never been shown to the public and were originally only meant to aid Degas in rendering the figures of humans and animals in his paintings to make them more realistic and proportionate. This exhibition continues until 16 November 2016. Another space to enjoy art and culture in Macao is the contemporarily designed Macao Cultural Centre (CCM) that was completed in 1999 as part of the celebration in the handing over of Macao back to China by the Portuguese. CCM offers shows and art conferences, including venue hire for organisations and corporations to use its space. Adjacent to it is the Macao Museum of Art (MAM), the place where art lovers will be able to witness artworks produced by local and international artists that significantly contribute towards Macao’s contemporary art movement (www.mam.gov.my). MAM has long-standing partnership with the Forbidden City Palace Museum in Beijing, therefore travellers can expect to see artworks relating to the world famous Forbidden City being showcased here such as the excellent exhibition entitled “Ink Wash of the Forbidden City – Paintings by Charles Chauderlot” that is currently running until 16 April 2017. Chauderlot was the first foreigner permitted to enter the restricted area of the Forbidden City from 2002 to 2004 so as to depict its wonder and majesty through paintings that employs Western art techniques using Chinese ink wash and Western drawing papers. Now is definitely the time to visit Macao for its heritage, culture and the arts.
What to See Macao Peninsula To really understand Macao, we need to experience its past to understand its present. To do so, travellers are recommended to follow the Heritage Walk starting from the Senado Square that can be accessed from the bustling and cacophonous Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro (simply known as San Ma Lo among locals). The walk leads you to Macao’s historical landmarks such as the Senado Square (Macao’s urban centre since the times when the Portuguese began ruling over the peninsula); St. Augustine’s Church (established by Spanish Augustinians in 1591); St. Joseph’s Seminary (established in 1728 to serve as the principal base for missionary work in China and Japan); St. Lawrence’s Church (one of the oldest three churches in Macao); Lilau Square, meaning means Mountain Spring, where visitors can still see the spring water sprouting (this is one of the first Portuguese residential quarters in Macao); A Ma Temple or A Ma Gao (existed way before the city of Macao came into being and where the name ‘Macao’ came from); finally culminating at the Ruins of St. Paul (completed in 1640 but destroyed by fire in 1835) where travellers can take countless selfies in front of this iconic façade, which is essentially the remains of the Church of the Mater Dei. To experience more of Macao’s history, travellers can also consider visiting the charming St. Lazarus Parish (Bairro de San Lazaro), which is adjacent to the St. Miguel Cemetery and a 10-minute jaunt from the Ruins of St. Paul’s Church. Old Portuguese families used to live in this area, which is now preserved by the Macao government since the St. Lazarus Church is part of the World Heritage Sites list. An atmospheric walk can be had by traversing the Avenida de Coronel Mesquita heading towards St. Lazarus Church and the surroundings of St. Lazarus Parish to soak in the neighbourhood’s aged yet elegant colonial feel. St. Lazarus Parish is designated as an up-and-coming cultural quarter (it becomes more evident as it gets livelier in the afternoons and evenings) due to its palpable Sino-Portuguese vibe exuded by the area’s pattern-tiled lanes, Mediterranean-styled homes and the Vasco da Gama Garden. Taipa 50 years ago, Taipa was only a fishing village. Nowadays, Taipa is conserved as part of Macao’s heritage. Our guide during the trip, Henrietta, said that Taipa is where many of Macao’s middle and upper classes live, with neighbourhoods that feel newer and more organised. Seems like Taipa, including the Cotai Strip and Coloane to some extent, become the main
beneficiaries from the development spillover since the Macao peninsula is already running out of space. Taipa, especially Taipa Village, is where travellers can still find cobble-stoned streets, piazzas and remarkable colonial architecture; the area feels more real, down-to-earth and strong in communality. Travellers to Taipa Village should check out the pastel-coloured and graceful Taipa House Museums comprising former homes of Portuguese high officials built in the 1920s. These House Museums now exhibit items relating to life back when the Portuguese still ruled Macao, which included the neighbouring Taipa and Coloane islands. The interior in one of those edifices also exhibits artefacts and costumes from Portugal’s regions, alluding to Macao’s past as one of Portuguese colonies. From the museums, travellers then should continue walking towards Old Taipa Village passing by Our Lady of Carmo Church and Carmo Square while heading down the steps heading towards the Direita Carlos Eugenio Road. Once arrived at the road, turn left heading towards the bustling Cunha Street, known as the Food Street, to experience some of Macao’s delicacies like Macanese cookies and ice cream, including Portuguese cuisine, non-halal pastries and meat jerkies. For halal or vegetarian alternative, try the menu from the whimsical and homey Blissful Carrot vegetarian take-away shop (www.facebook.com/blissfulcarrot), which uses fresh organic ingredients, located right after you turn left from the steps along Direita Carlos Eugenio Road. Coloane Coloane (Macao’s southernmost region) is much known for its greenery and serenity. “Coloane is the greenest area of Macao that is quiet, slow and vintage. It is nice to take a stroll along the walkway while having a freshly baked Portuguese Tart, especially in December to February. “It used to be just a fishing village and travellers can still spot the village’s port,” explains Yap Hwee Ling, the Manager-Consumer Promotion for the MGTO Representative Office in Malaysia. The inviting atmosphere of Coloane prods travellers to walk around the area, especially around the village square, to take in the atmosphere that made up of quaint shops, restaurants and houses. Besides serenity, another strong draw is the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion (www.macaupanda.org.mo) with its distinctive seashell-shaped roof and rock wall. This is where travellers get to witness Macao’s two giant pandas kept in a lush enclosure built upon undulating terrain, closely resembling their habitat. The pandas’ adorable behaviour and antics are gladdening to watch and never cease to excite children.
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What to Eat
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One of the best places to experience wonderfully satisfying buffet lunch in Macao is Rossio at MGM Macau (www. mgmmacau.com/rossio). This innovative restaurant is well known for its flavourful mix of over 120 marvellous Eastern and Western fare such as the Portuguese Seafood Rice and the Macanese dish called African Chicken, including patisserie and home-made ice cream, especially ginger flavour. All travellers to Macao must also experience dining at the halal-certified restaurant called The Golden Peacock (tel: +853 8118 9696; e-mail: golden.peacock.reservation@sands. com.mo), the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Asia, located inside the Venetian Macao. This northern Indian restaurant is definitely a must for all Indian food lovers and epicureans alike - its tandoori chicken tikka and paneer lababdar (cottage cheese with tomato gravy and dry fenugreek powder) are to die for. The buffet lunch is MOP196 + 10% tax per person. Speaking more about halal or Muslim-friendly dining places, Macao has started to have more facilities to cater the Muslim market. “In 2012, we only have 1 Muslim dining places, and now we have 6! It’s growing fast. On top of that, most of the big hotels are hiring chef from Malaysia (such as Sheraton Grand Hotel and The Venetian). Furthermore, back in Sept 2014, a Muslim seminar was held to educate the industry players what is Halal and the requirement for Muslims. The first improvement that we saw is Sheraton Grand Hotel at Cotai Central, which provides prayer amenities to Muslim guests,” states Hwee Ling. When visiting Coloane, do not forget to buy the popular Portuguese egg custard tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery (www. lordstow.com), which is “a marriage between the Portuguese Pasteis de Nata and the English custard tart”, giving this delicacy a gratifyingly rich filling. Interestingly, these egg tarts place Macao on the international culinary map not by a Portuguese but by an Englishman by the name of Andrew Stow who founded the bakery in 1989. Since his passing in 2006, the business continuously remains successful and carried on by his daughter Audrey and sister Eileen. Muslim travellers need to check with the seller or their respective guide whether lard is used in making these egg tarts.
Where to stay Sofitel Macao at Ponte 16 (www.softelmacau.com) is a hotel that is upscale, opulent and on-point, only a stone’s throw away to Macao’s old town. Besides being strategically located, the hotel is also a smart choice when being in Macao since it offers services that efficiently meet the demands of both business and leisure travellers. The fact that the hotel is home to the contemporarily stylish Le Chinois Cantonese Restaurant – located at the hotel’s top most floor that afford diners spectacular views of Macao skyline while they savour tantalising Cantonese dishes with French-inspired presenta-
tion – is enough reason for us to fall head over heels. However, budget-conscious travellers can opt for the Project Ponte 16 by 5footway.inn (www.5footwayinn. com/#9) that lies just opposite of Sofitel Macao at Ponte 16, or the Towns Well Hotel (www.townswellhotel.com) located in the heart of Senado Square. Intrepid travellers who seek remarkably local experience can always opt for Airbnb as well, which Hwee Ling considers interesting due to its unique and varied accommodation offerings that meet differing types of budget. Gaya Travel Magazine extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Macao Government Tourism Office and ISC Innovators Sdn. Bhd. for the opportunity to visit and experience Macao first-hand. Visit en.macaotourism.gov.mo for more info. Tips: » When you are being processed at the immigration you will be given a small slip to indicate that you have entered Macao - be sure to keep that slip securely so as not to face any difficulty upon departure. » When exploring Macao’s downtown, it would be quicker to walk rather than driving to get from one place to another because roads in downtown are mostly one way thus require traffic to go one round to get from one place to another. » Due to its small size, Macao is generally pedestrianfriendly because there are many areas that you can simply cover on foot. » Though Macao can be visited throughout the year, be sure to check on its current weather since it is also susceptible to mid-year typhoons, albeit rarely.
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Avant garde paintings that can be seen at the Macao Museum of Art Portuguese egg tarts being prepared at Lord Stow’s Bakery Hunting for food at Cunha Street
Destinations: In Brief
Northern Thailand Charms TEXT|IMAGES by SHAHIDA SAKERI
Once ruled by the Lanna kingdom from the 13th until 18th century, Northern Thailand has long been regarded as Thailand’s most interesting region. It continues to be rooted in Thai tradition yet economically up-to-date. Its provinces include Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun, Uttaradit, Phrae, Nan, Phayao, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son; Gaya Travel team managed to visit the first three during the recent Thai Travel Mart Plus 2016 on early June 2016.
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Northern Thailand is signified by Buddhist temples, hill tribes, verdant forests and emerging creative art scene that draw both local and international travellers to come and visit. The locals’ laid-back attitude constantly puts travellers at ease, beckoning them to slow down and stay longer than intended. The region’s peak period in receiving visitors is between December and January due to its cooler and drier weather since it is surrounded by the country’s tallest mountains. Follow us through these pages as we bring you to the charming attractions that can be found in Chiang Mai, Lampang and Lamphun.
Arriving & Departing From international destinations, visitors can fly directly to Chiang Mai on a number of domestic and international carriers. While these routes are subject to economic viability, it is usually possible to fly directly to Chiang Mai from Kuala Lumpur, Luang Prabang, Singapore, Vientiane and Yangon. From there, take a bus or songthaew (taxi truck) to get to Lampang and Lamphun. Please visit www.tourismthailand.org for more information to prep travellers upon visiting.
Chiang Mai Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre For a meaningful and memorable trip in Northern Thailand, be sure to embrace the local culture by having an immersive dining experience called ‘khantoke dinner’ that combines visual treat of the Thai hill tribe dances with an assortment of local culinary fare. Khantoke (pedestal tray used as a small dining table) refers to the concept that requires people to sit on the floor while dishes are being served, and often practiced during special celebrations such as weddings, festivals and housewarming. One good place to attend such dinner is at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre since the food is always good and live performances are staged by authentic hill tribe communities such as Lahu, Akha and Hmong. Interested travellers can book the khantoke dinner through their respective hotel’s front desk or a tour desk since they generally provide return transfers to the venue.
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Ban Mae Kampong The remote and breathtaking Ban Mae Kampong is a go-to place for travellers in search of unique culture and tradition at 1,300 metres above sea level, with hundreds of nature trails draped over the hills wreathed in clouds. Majority of its people grow coffee under the Royal Project to avoid further deforestation, while some cultivate tea due to its suitable climate. Zipline tours are popular here, especially those provided by a company called the Flight of the Gibbon. However, should travellers prefer less arduous activities, they can consider participating in the doit-yourself (DIY) session of making pillows stuffed with tea leaves, sip a cup of coffee at one of the lovely cafes, or just take a leisure stroll at their own pace around the village. Do take note, however, that the area is full of tamed dogs, thus cynophobics need to be cautious. Currently, there is no public transport to the village – interested visitors need to book a tour or find a chartered rót daang (truck taxi) to get there from Chiang Mai city.
Lampang Wat Phra That Lampang Luang Founded in the 13th century, this fortified temple is one of the most highly revered temples in Thailand as it enshrines a strand of Buddha’s hair in its large bronzy chedi (stupa or pagoda). Although this chedi is not open to the public, visitors still get to admire the elaborate detailing of Lanna architecture as can be seen through various viharns (assembly halls) and ubosot (ordination hall) surrounding the chedi. One in particular is the remarkable Viharn Luang that boasts a traditional Lanna three-tiered roof supported by a large number of huge concrete pillars decorated with gold patterns on black lacquer. The worn-out walls, moreover, feature the tales about the previous lives of the Buddha.
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Wat Pong Sanuk This temple was built in 1886 by the wealthy Burmese immigrants employed in the teak industry back then, thus visitors can expect to witness a charming mixture of traditional Lanna and Burmese architecture as well as decorative motifs across the vicinity. On top of that, visitors will get to have a closer look at Buddhist-related materials like Pra Bod (canvas depicting Buddha’s past life tales), wooden Buddha images and traditional chests containing ancient hand written scrolls. In 2008, the Wat Pong Sanuk restoration project received the UNESCO’s Award of Merit for cultural heritage conservation. Bhumi Lakhon According to legend, there was a lady named Mae Suchada who offered a monk a watermelon during a famine. As he cut the watermelon into half, they found a green gem stone which the monk in the end decided to carve into a Buddha image through the assistance of god Indra. This Buddha image eventually became a significant safeguard or source of protection to the people in Lampang. However, the local king at the time grew suspicious of the monk working so closely with Mae Suchada and suspected
that the two of them were having an affair. He ordered them to be executed, but the monk managed to escape while Mae Suchada was not as lucky. Prior to her execution, Mae Suchada cursed the land and its inhabitants for generations. Travellers can learn more about the story, along with other significant events of Lampang, at the museum called Bhumi Lakhon that showcases historical and cultural documentations of the town. The museum opens only on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum Said to be the pioneer of the ceramic industry in Lampang, Dhanabadee was established since 1954 by Mr. Chin Simyu who had discovered the kaolinite (china clay) deposits in the village of Pangka, Jae-Hom. They started with the emblematic ‘chicken bowls’ that later became a huge success as they were widely used across Thailand. Today, the second generation of Mr. Simyu’s family has put on a modern touch to the designs that garner various accolades from local and abroad. Their products are even exported to more than 67 countries. Travellers should visit the museum to learn about the entire process of ceramic-making. Be sure to stop by at the museum’s large souvenir shop that sells beautiful handmade ceramic wares at factory prices. Entrance fee is THB100 per person. Pattamasaevi Learning Centre Besides the rich histories of monarchs and Buddhism, Lampang is also known for its artistic communities specialising in a variety of fields such as crafts, performance art and paintings. Because of that, Pattamasaevi Learning Centre strives to preserve such skills for future generations through a series of exhibitions and classes. One particular class that travellers can participate is the DIY class in the making of tung, a local flag commonly used in Buddhist ceremonies that functions as a sacrifice or an offering to eliminate evil and bad luck that might occur from sin or deceiving spirit. Once travellers are done with the tung-making, they should pop upstairs to witness the impressive art collection by local artists.
More Activities in Lampang: » Visiting Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao This Lanna-styled temple is considered special for the Thais because the Emerald Buddha (a sacred image of the Thai Kingdom) was kept here from 1434 to 1468. » Shopping at the Walking Street, Kat Kong Ta (Old Market) Every weekend, this street is closed from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to make way for the street market selling souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, antiques and local food. Some well-preserved buildings bearing Chinese, European and Burmese styles along the road have also been tastefully renovated and converted into gift shops, cafes and guest houses. » Riding on a horse carriage around Lampang neighbourhood People in Lampang still use horse-drawn carriages for daily transportation to get them from one place to another. So why not step aboard on this traditional vehicle too and meander in comfort through the quaint Lampang town. Fares start from THB200 to THB400 per ride.
Lamphun Bo Sang Umbrella Village Bo Sang is situated 20 minutes’ drive from Chiang Mai. It is a small neighbourhood where people are well-known for their expertise in making exquisite hand-painted umbrellas. Travellers should visit the handicraft centre and learn about the process of producing the said craft, beginning from the making of bamboo struts, which are then covered with mulberry paper, followed by putting the umbrellas out to dry, and finally hand-painting them meticulously. Travellers are welcome to get in touch with their creative side by joining the DIY class in painting their own parasols for a fee. Of course, a prior reservation is required. The in-house artists, moreover, accept orders to hand-paint travellers personal belongings such as phone cases, purses and jackets at additional rates. Travellers should consider visiting Bo Sang on the third weekend of January, when the town holds the annual Bo Sang Umbrella and San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair. Expect to see the display of colourful umbrellas, competitions and various activities organised for the festival’s attendees. Wieng Yong’s Handicraft Centre Bringing home souvenirs and stylish clothes from a trip is a great way to keep memories alive. So when being in Northern Thailand, do consider buying brocades known locally as pha mai yok dok for loved ones or oneself. These brocades are made of silk and cotton; the latter proves to be the more popular due to its cheaper price. If travellers were interested to see the whole process of brocade weaving, they can go to Wieng Yong’s Handicraft Centre, where women from the Yong ethnic group are more than happy to demonstrate their skill. Brocades sold here are also relatively cheaper. Gaya Travel Magazine extends our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Tourism Authority of Thailand for turning our trip to Northern Thailand into a reality.
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The thrilling Splash Mountain ride at Tokyo Disneyland The spectacular light show of ‘Once Upon a Time’ at Tokyo Disneyland Ariel winning over the audience in ‘King Triton’s Concert’ at Tokyo DisneySea The breathtaking view of the Mysterious Island at Tokyo DisneySea
Destinations
Finding Neverland at Tokyo Disney Resort TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by TOKYO DISNEY RESORT
For a girl who grew up watching Disney movies, Disneyland to me sounds like a dream, the place where one ventures into the lands of fantasy and embraces the fond memories of Disney’s films, therefore a definite must-visit. So when Gaya Travel team was invited to join in the journey to Tokyo Disney Resort with Japan Airlines in conjunction with the Tokyo DisneySea’s 15th Anniversary, I jumped on board without missing a beat. This trip covered both theme parks in Tokyo Disney Resort, namely Tokyo Disneyland and the one and only DisneySea.
Established since 1983, Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park opened outside the United State. It comprises seven theme lands including the iconic Cinderella Castle, a Victorian-styled World Bazaar, a tropical Adventureland, a Westernland depicting America’s western frontier of the 19th century, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and the futuristic Tomorrowland. Each land has its own distinctive attractions, but as all theme park goers would know, the chance to cover all rides within a single day is almost nil because of the crowd. It was no different during the day of our visit. On top of that, the weather decided to play a trick on us when the gentle drizzle turned into a heavy pour out of sudden as we arrived at the entrance. Consequently, most indoor activities were packed to the brim as people tried to take cover from the rain, making the queues longer than usual. But of course, in the optimistic spirit of Walt Disney, my friends and I didn’t let the rain bother us as we braved the weather and start playing. I had good moments on various rides, but my favourite was the ‘Star Tours: The Adventures Continue’, which transported us into the fascinating Star Wars universe in a flight-motion simulator. ‘Peter Pan’s Flight’ ride was also as enchanting as I imagined due to its level of detail, interaction and care that made my inner Lost Girl smile throughout the journey around the magical Neverland. Cinderella castle, on the other hand, offered a walk-through along the intricacies of her world, from beautiful dioramas, art collections, stained glasses to the lavish royal throne room. The walk within the vicinity of Tokyo Disneyland also proved to be exciting as we enjoyed the elaborate seasonal Easter decoration found at every corner. On top of that, I heard so much about the impressive list of the park’s popcorn flavours that my friends and I decided to hunt for them. These popcorns are sold in adorable refillable buckets at popcorn carts scattered around the park; each cart offers different bucket design and popcorn flavour according to the theme land where it is located. As our hands got dirty from eating too much popcorn, we stopped by at one of the designated hand washing area and found ourselves won over by the cute Mickey-shaped soap foams. It was interesting to see how much thought the people behind Tokyo Disney Resort have put into such small details, convincing me and other visitors alike that happiness comes in the simplest forms.
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When the rain finally stopped as the day went by, it gave us the chance to experience the ever popular Splash Mountain ride, which features a story from a Disney film entitled the ‘Song of the South’. It was indeed thrilling, especially at the climactic 50 feet drop into a briar patch. At night, Tokyo Disneyland was illuminated with dazzling ‘Dreamlights’ parade of glowing floats and dancing notable Disney characters, followed by a spectacular ‘Once Upon a Time’ show of light projection on the Cinderella Castle, fires, pyrotechnics, lasers and fireworks – a perfect way to end the trip in Tokyo Disneyland.
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DisneySea, on the other hand, features a slightly different atmosphere: less pretty but nothing short of spectacular. The landscape of the park is so detailed and immersive that the view itself becomes surreal. It comprises seven incredible ports of calls including Mediterranean Harbour, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon and Mysterious Island with plenty great versions of classic rides along with several original attractions exclusive to DisneySea only. Highlights of my visit to the theme park consisted of a Broadway-style ‘Big Band Beat’ show, a long boat ride in Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage and a lively musical entitled ‘King Triton’s Concert’ where Ariel sang and swam gracefully over the audience. I heard that the ‘Tower of Terror’ was awesome too, but due to its never-ending queue and time constraint, our group decided to skip it. Besides my favourites, DisneySea also introduced special shows and activities under the theme “The Year of Wishes” to celebrate its 15th anniversary. One show in particular, ‘Crystal Wishes Journey’, features joyful dance routines staged by Mickey Mouse and his friends together with DisneySea’s main character, Duffy. In line with the Tokyo DisneySea’s “The Year of Wishes” theme, each themed port has a designated ‘Crystal Point’ where visitors can use to collect points by simply placing their ‘Crystal Compass’ (bought from the souvenir shops) on it. Once visitors have completed in collecting all seven points from various ‘Crystal Points’, their ‘Crystal Compasses’ will be able to emit multiple lights and messages from various Disney characters. If travellers do not accumulate enough ‘Crystal Points’, their ‘Crystal Compasses’ will only emit white light. We ended our trip here by watching the invigorating ‘Fantasmic’ show that incorporated Disney characters, barges, boats and a multitude of different effects like explosions, mist screen projections, water effects and of course, fireworks.
Good to Know 1. Tokyo Disney Resort, like any other major theme park, can be crowded especially during weekends and holidays, therefore it is best to plan ahead and strategise on what rides and attractions that visitors would like to go on first to maximise their experience. The map can easily be downloaded from the resort’s official website www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/. 2. Arrive early, or be prepared to join in the long queue. Tokyo Disney Resort also offers a time-saving system, FastPass, which lets visitors minimise the amount of time waiting in line at popular attractions. Simply insert the ticket into the FastPass machine at the desired ride and, in return, they will get a FastPass ticket with a designated time period printed on it. Proceed to play at nearby attractions but come back again at the ride once the time has arrived. This way, visitors will get to enter through FastPass entrance and have much shorter time waiting. However, take note that only one FastPass ticket can be issued at a time for a single holder. 3. There are no public Wi-Fi spots in Tokyo Disneyland. So, travellers should consider bringing pocket Wi-Fi to avoid frustration when wanting to make broadband connection. We use the service by Samurai Wi-Fi Malaysia because it offers one of the best rates for unlimited 4G connection throughout Japan. 4. Currently, there is no halal-certified restaurant in both parks; however, seafood and vegetarian options are abundant. Two popular choices include East Side Cafe in Tokyo Disneyland and Ristorante di Canaletto in Tokyo DisneySea. Gaya Travel Magazine extends our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Tokyo Disney Resort and Japan Airlines for turning Shahida’s Disney dreams into reality.
Destinations
Rethinking Japan through Okinawa – Part II of II TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by MABUI STONE CORPORATION
Okinawa, as described in our previous issue, makes a perfect all-inclusive destination for travellers who want to experience it all: rich history, tropical islands with crystal-blue waters and white sandy beaches; deliciously varied food; and interesting mix of cultures. But the list does not stop there, as this Japanese prefecture offers extensive shopping options for shopaholics and browsers alike such as popular luxury goods, meticulous artisanal crafts, tasty snacks, cute souvenirs or exotic street products. Be sure to bring along an extra empty bag and bring plenty of cash!
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Kokusai-dori Kokusai-dori reminds me of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur – it is busy, vibrant and rich with history. This is, in fact, the place where they held the annual Naha Tugof-War festival each year. Kokusai-dori (meaning “International Street”) stretches almost up to two kilometres and lined with restaurants, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, boutiques and fast food chains. For more serious bargaining opportunities, I recommend travellers to head straight to Heiwadori, Mutsumidori and Ichiba Hondori arcades, where shops are smaller and prices are cheaper. It’s best to visit Kokusaidori on weekends if you like to feel the high energy of the street; however, should you prefer slightly quieter walk, go on weekdays instead. Many shops open from 10:00 a.m. until late. One of the easiest ways to go here is by taking the monorail and stop at either Kencho-mae or Miebashi Stations. Okashi Goten When in Okinawa, consider buying Okashi Goten’s locally grown beniimo (sweet potato) tarts as souvenirs for your loved ones back home. It is delicate, delicious and most importantly, halal-certified. There are several Okashi Goten outlets available in Okinawa, but Makishi and Matsuo outlets are the easiest to find as they are located along the Kokusai-dori street. Visitors can also witness the process of manufacturing the tarts from behind the glass window. The outlets of Makishi and Matsuo open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. (closed at 10.30 p.m. in August and September) Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery Street Should travellers ever wonder about what the old
Okinawa must have been like, then visit this street to be immersed in this charming traditional Okinawan quarter. Tsuboya is considered as the pottery-making hub since 300 years ago, when the ancient Ryukyu kingdom gathered potters across Okinawa islands to the place to encourage the pottery industry. Today, the quarter is still thriving because Okinawan pottery is highly prized due to its quality. Travellers can expect to visit 20 ceramic workshops, stores and galleries featuring glazed wares in numerous designs – one in particular is the shisa, a traditional Ryukyuan decoration resembling a cross between a lion and a dog that locals put at home to ward off evil. To go there, just take the monorail and stop at either Asato or Makishi Stations. Shuri Ryusen Shuri Ryusen is one of my favourite spots in Okinawa, a place where travellers can learn and appreciate Okinawan traditional resist dyed cloth called bingata. Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted by the first gate of Shurijo Castle called Chuzanmon Gate. After stepping inside, travellers are bound to be amazed by the gallery full of exquisite collections of bingata. There is also an atelier on the third floor where experts demonstrate the whole process of coral dyeing technique. Interested travellers can get creative by joining the do-it-yourself (DIY) coral dyeing classes at a fee (Adult: 3,240 yen, Child: 2,700 yen; including tax), and bring home the finished product as a personal momento. Do take note that these classes require reservation. The shop opens every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Take the monorail to the Shuri Station, then switch to any bus with the number 1, 14 or 46 and stop at Shuri High School or Yamakawa.
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Shisa, a significant traditional Ryukyuan decoration that locals often put at home The process of adding the beniimo filling onto the crusts Some of the ceramic wares sold at Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery Street The atelier at Shuri Ryusen where experts demonstrate the whole process of coral dyeing technique
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Ashibinaa Okinawa Outlet Mall, a one-stop destination for premium brands
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Mihama American Village Built on a reclaimed land, this huge American-themed entertainment complex embodies the laidback vibe of West Coast USA, where visitors can find various establishments that fit the concept such as diners featuring American menu, shops selling American big brands and the Mihama 7 Plex cinema showing both English and Japanese movies. I suggest travellers check out the shops like Royal Tudor and Norari & Kurari for artisanal one-of-a kind souvenirs to bring home. Do keep some space in your tummy for that delicious taco rice, a local version of the popular Mexican cuisine. Come at night to enjoy the area’s vivacity or ride the Sky Max 60, a giant Ferris wheel has become the area’s landmark. Interested travellers can take buses with the number 28, 29 or 120 from Naha Bus Terminal, get off at the Gunbyoin-mae bus stop, and then walk for five minutes to the complex. Ashibinaa Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa, or “play yard” in Okinawan dialect, is a Greekstyle two-storey building that offers up to 100 premium brands with emphasis on European names at outlet prices. Visitors can expect massive discounts on everything from clothing to jewelleries and house wares such as Marc Jacobs, Salvatore Ferragamo and Michael Kors. The outlet also provides shoppers with various conveniences such as restaurants, information centre, delivery service and clothing adjustment service. City buses are available directly from Naha Airport
domestic terminal to the outlet, which opens everyday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Good to Know 1. Goodwill Guide Groups offer multilingual guides for international travellers wanting to do sightseeing activity in Okinawa. As volunteers registered with Japan National Tourism Organisation ( JNTO), there is no charge for their service. Travellers only need to only fork out the total transportation cost, admission fees to tourist attractions and meals if travellers eat with them. Refer to JNTO website (www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/ travel/guide/guideservice.html) for more information. 2. Some Muslim-friendly supermarkets in Okinawa such as A-Price, Jimmy’s, Gyomu Supermarket and Ivano sell halal-certified meat and ingredients. 3. For a complete list of halal restaurants in Okinawa, please refer to www.halalinjapan.com. 4. There is also a prayer room available on the third floor of Naha Airport. Gaya Travel Magazine extends our heartfelt gratitude to Okinawa local government and Mabui Stone Corporation for making our trip to Okinawa a reality. Visit www.visitokinawa. jp and www.cintadiokinawa.com for more information on this destination.
Destinations
Taking the Dream Trip to Western Europe TEXT by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI|IMAGES by SHAMSUL BAHRINE ZAINUZZAMAN & MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
Western Europe is renowned for its numerous ancient buildings, alluring landscapes, diverse cultures, solid world-class infrastructure, and up-to-date upscale lifestyle. Embarking on a journey to this part of the world is certainly a dream of every traveller, including mine. When Selamat Bercuti invited me to follow on a Muslim-friendly Western Europe package tour, I immediately jumped on it, turning my dream into reality.
Selamat Bercuti – making the journey to Europe possible
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When planning a trip, we fastidiously research for the lowest priced airline tickets, transfers and accommodations. This whole affair can be time and energy consuming at best, downright quite confusing and frustrating at worst. For better peace of mind, obtaining the services of a travel agent is the best option for hassle-free vacation. Selamat Bercuti is one of Malaysian’s leading travel agents that offers Muslim-friendly tour products (including halal-certified meals, personalised travel itinerary, exclusive ground transport, and accommodation) to exciting destinations including Europe, which is my favourite. Through this nine-day trip, the package brought me to England, Netherlands, Belgium and France!
Iconic landmarks that should be visited in Western Europe Catch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace Located in the City of Westminster, Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the royal family since Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837, which is why I have always been interested to see it with my own eyes. I opted to witness the Changing of the Queen’s Guards ceremony that begins with a troop of guard riding from the Hyde Park barracks and arriving at the palace to take over the guarding duty from their colleagues who were serving before.
Website: www.royalcollection.org.uk GPS: 51.501866, -0.141792
Learn the stories behind Stonehenge This trip brought me to Stonehenge, one of the Britain’s prominent archaeological mysteries. Located 90 minutes away from central London, this well-known spot is ideal for those who are into ancient mysterious ruins. Though I did not manage to capture any appealing images of this iconic landmark due to rainy weather, I was still able to admire and learn more about this monumental vestige at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk GPS: 51.182913, -1.825150
Shop at Bicester Village For shopaholics, a trip to England would not be complete without shopping at Bicester Village. It is the best place to purchase leading European fashion and lifestyle brands like Guess, DKNY, Prada and Burberry at outlet prices when being in London. Bicester Village also offers notable dining options such as the cosy and trendy English country-style farmshop restaurant & café, and itsu, an Asian-inspired restaurant chain. Website: www.bicestervillage.com GPS: 51.892392, -1.156170
“My remarkable experience was the privilege to see and learn about Stonehenge. It is a great example of how an archaeological site is able to unearth so much about a past civilisation that the current generation can learn from. Priceless!� - Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman
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The Queen Victoria Memorial located in front of Buckingham Palace to commemorate the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 Friendly and warm owner (middle) and employees of Rasa Malaysia Take a pleasant trip to Zaanse Schans to see breathtaking views of the traditional windmills around Zaan River Learn how to make wooden clogs at Zaanse Schans Drop by at one of the flower markets to see tulips of every colour at Amsterdam City Atomium is the iconic landmark of Belgium that defines Brussels skyline Visiting Eiffel Tower is a must when being in Paris
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Savouring Malaysian dishes at Rasa Malaysia Restaurant There is a saying that the further we travel, the more we miss home, especially the food. Rasa Malaysia provides me an opportunity to savour several authentic yet delectable Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak (rice cooked with coconut milk served with aromatic fried chicken), asam laksa (rice noodles with flavourful fish based soup), and spicy fried noodles. A place with great ambiance that brings Malaysians closer to home! Instagram: @caferasamalaysia Website: www.rasa.co.uk GPS: 51.543546, -0.006963
Delve into the history of Netherlands at Zaanse Schans Moving further to Netherlands, Selamat Bercuti brought us to one of the well-known attractions in this country, Zaanse Schans. I feasted my eyes on a collection of stunning well-preserved historic windmills and houses believed to be the great example of how a traditional Dutch village looks like. Besides beautiful panorama, this is also the place where travellers get the chance to visit museums and traditional factories, sample Dutch cheese and witness how wooden clogs are made. Website: www.dezaanseschans.nl GPS: 52.477787, 4.817863
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Tour around Amsterdam City Centre I have been to Amsterdam before and it is amazing that a previous travel memory from two years ago still matches the awe of seeing it again like it was the first time – it is indeed a charming, aged European city that never ceases to amaze. Amsterdam, being the Netherlands’ largest city, is the financial, cultural, and creative hub of this nation. The thing that I love most about exploring this city is its quaint architecture and more than 1,500 bridges! GPS: 52.370235, 4.893680
Witnessing the Mysterious Atomium monument in Brussels The tour proceeded to Belgium, the country adjacent to the Netherlands. Belgium is well known for its rich pastries like decadent chocolates and delightful waffles. I stopped by at the beguiling Atomium, one of Brussels’ famous monuments. Originally constructed in 1958 for the world expo, it is simply gratifying to be able to see this work of art with my own eyes. Website: www.atomium.be GPS: 50.896514, 4.341638
Admiring the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower By following Selamat Bercuti’s Europe tour, I am now able to tick another destination off my bucket list: Paris, the popular city renowned for its fascinating architecture, gastronomy, fashion and glamour. When being in this city, a visit to the world famous Eiffel Tower is a must. I went up the tower to take in the summer breeze while enjoying the spectacular views of Paris. There are a few cafés and restaurants available on the tower for travellers to enjoy refreshing beverages or pastries. Eiffel Tower is definitely one of those landmarks you simply must visit at least once in your life. Gaya Travel extends our heartfelt gratitude to Selamat Bercuti for making the writer’s dream trip to Western Europe possible.
G Hotel Kelawai – tagged as “Style Redefined” – is where iconic design and cutting edge lifestyle set the stage for exclusive and extraordinary experiences. Its 208 rooms (143 Deluxe rooms that are 35sqm; 35 units of Executive Room at 35sqm; 48 units of Executive Premier at 45sqm; and 2 units of Premier Suite at 82sqm) are uniquely inspired by innovative design with bespoke furnishing to create energising space for guests to work or play by day or mix and mingle by night. It also accommodates three uber-hip food and beverage outlets that are set to fulfil guests’ gastronomic needs: the French bistro-inspired Spoon café; the smart 2PM lobby lounge; and the cool Gravity, a rooftop bar on 24th floor. Every room in G Hotel Kelawai comes with Serta world’s best mattress, 300 thread count linens, Herman Miller designer work chair, alarm clock, ironing facilities, 55-inch smart HD LED TV, complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, 150Mbps free high speed Wi-Fi connectivity in all rooms and throughout the hotel, usage of gym and infinity pool, G cycle and cross usage at the adjacent G Hotel Gurney. As for the executive floor, guests will be spoiled with complimentary shoe shine service, local city calls, call forwarding service, usage of DVD player and coffee machine and access to Executive Lounge for personalised check-in and check-out, buffet breakfast and evening cocktails while watching the sunset. Every bathroom at G Hotel Kelawai comes with the certified eco-friendly Australia-based Appelles toiletries comprising Appelles Wheat Protein Shampoo, Planifolia Conditioner, Comrey Body Wash, Body Bar (soap) and vitamin B5 Skin Lotion.
G Hotel Kelawai also offers a fully equipped 24-hour state-of-the-art gymnasium on level 23 and business centre on level 1. For those who have the love for water, the infinity pool on the 24th floor gives guests the chance to take in the wonderful surrounding views of Penang while having a dip. The hotel also has tastefully function rooms with Herman Miller designer work chairs, teleconference facilities and LCD touch screen called ‘Forum’, ideal for holding meetings or functions. For larger group gatherings, meeting rooms can be combined into a bigger space. Along with the opening of G Hotel Kelawai, two units of six passenger buggy service are available from G Hotel Kelawai to G Hotel Gurney and vice versa. G Hotel Kelawai provides 24-hour buggy services at the reception counter for guest’s convenience. For guests who are on the way to the airport, for work, sightseeing, shopping retreat or corporate events, the hotel provides bicycle, mini car or van so that guests can move around in style. G Hotel Kelawai is located at the prominent location on the bustling Jalan Kelawai that is home to a diverse array of attractions ranging from traditional temples and local eateries to upscale restaurants, boutiques and jewellers. It is also within walking distance to Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon shopping centres, besides being only a few minutes’ drive to the UNESCO world heritage site, beaches, and even Gurney Drive, where guests can experience Penang culinary adventure all around the clock. Please visit www.ghotel.com.my or contact +6 04 219 0000 for more information about G Hotel Kelawai & bookings.
Hotels & Resorts
Barefoot Luxury Redefined – Sudamala Resorts TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by SUDAMALA RESORTS & JUHAN KAMARUDDIN
Founded by the charismatic Bapak Ben Subrata and led by his sprightly daughter who is also Group Director Emily Subrata, Sudamala Resorts comprising Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi in Lombok and Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur in Bali focus on elements that are essential, leaving guests totally rejuvenated, refreshed and inspired. At the same time, Sudamala Resorts also showcase the integrity and the essences of the destinations that they are present in: Lombok for its pristine raw nature and Bali for its mystical cultural heritage.
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Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi in Lombok This property is the sister resort to the flagship Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur, Bali. We love this resort for its intimate feel, human scale and authenticity. Even during high occupancy, the resort does not feel crowded. Being a Sudamala property, Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi offers spacious accommodation units in the form of suites and villas. Its homeliness quickly puts guests at ease. Though luxurious, Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi possesses well-thought-out look and feel. It doesn’t pretend to be more than what it actually is: cosy, verdantly lush, human-scale and unpretentiously chic with strong sense of place. Its compact size also makes it intimate. The resort’s architecture takes cues from the Sasak traditional house called Rumah Lambung with thatched alang-alang (elephant grass) roofs and decor replete with local motifs and materials such as bamboo for in-room panels and door feature. All accommodation units at Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi are practically laid out and sport light-coloured wooden furniture and fixtures; large oversized king bed that make you want to sleep in for hours; indoor and outdoor shower with elegant natural stone cladding on the bathroom walls and floor; including modern conveniences like electric power extension cord with built-in international plug adaptors, television with domestic and international channels and Wi-Fi connectivity. The resort seems to place emphasis in ensuring that the accommodation units are filled with ample natural light. From the Narmada Ocean View Suite which we stayed, we could clearly hear the soothing sounds of birds chirping happily and waves breaking emphatically, especially when lounging at the suite’s spacious private balcony.
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Breakfast at the resort’s all day dining outlet Olah Olah Restaurant is served at the table instead of buffet to keep the experience exclusive. For dinner, guests should not miss savouring the Sasak Begibung (steamed rice wrapped in pandan leaves in the shape of cone surrounded by succulent and scrumptious dishes inspired by Sasak traditional dishes), including the rich barbecue buffet on Friday nights. The staff members who serve at Olah Olah Restaurant demonstrate high standards of service by remaining efficient, attentive and accommodating. When staying at Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi, guests are encouraged to opt for excursions offered by the resort. One such excursion is the visit to a village called Sukarara to witness and even purchase beautiful woven textiles produced by the ladies of the village, who are expected to be skilful in the craft and know how to weave to get married. What is remarkable is the fact that the intricate designs and patterns on the fabrics are created along the way simply according to the ladies’ imagination without the need for meticulous planning.
Another activity that should be experienced at least once by all guests when staying at Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi is to take the jukung (traditional Lombok outrigger canoe) for a fantastically memorable sunset cruise. This activity allows guests to witness Bali’s majestic Mount Agung from afar and admire Lombok’s raw untouched nature from the water while taking in Lombok’s dramatic sunset. It costs only IDR500,000 for one hour on a canoe that fits two persons. Since Lombok is also surrounded by smaller islands and islets that locals call gili, guests of Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi should also opt for the island-hopping and snorkelling excursion to check out Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis in southwest Lombok, which are a refreshing change compared to the already crowded Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. From the resort, it takes an hour and a half to get to the jetty in Skotong where guests will take the boat to the islands. Along the way to the jetty, guests are able to feast their eyes on Lombok local scenery.
There are still not that many tourists flocking to these three islands. Nanggu is the largest of the three, the good place for snorkelling; Sudak is where guests have their lunch and enjoy postprandial unwinding; and Kedis is for freshening up. The whole excursion to the three gili, including transfers, boat rides and lunch, costs IDR900,000 per person and lasts for about eight hours.
Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur in Bali
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Being the flagship property of Sudamala Resorts, Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur in Bali is a 34-key urbane sanctuary that is contemporarily designed with exquisite Balinese accents. The property also houses an outstanding art gallery called Sudakara Art Space. Though the property is not directly connected to the sea, guests only need to walk 200 metres to get to the Sudamala beach area, which is exclusively reserved for Sudamala’s guests. Similar to Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi, Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur embodies all of Sudamala’s characteristics: practically laid out, amply receive natural light, breezy, elegant, and strongly connected to the destination’s identity and local culture. The rooms within this resort have generously high ceiling and colour scheme not unlike the one in Senggigi, including modern conveniences and amenities such as the efficacious toiletries by Sensatia (Bali’s first and only GMP-certified skincare company), pillow menu, and local folk tales printed on the back of notepapers for guests to read as bedtime stories, adding more personalised touch to the Sudamala experience. In terms of dining, the Ares Steak & Pasta serves as Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur’s all-day food and beverage outlet, offering local- and western-inspired dishes. One dish that is worth trying is the succulent and fulfilling grilled tuna steak with couscous for lunch. Guests should also try out the restaurant’s elaborate Megibung dinner comprising steamed rice surrounded by distinctive and delicious traditional Balinese dishes such as pepes ikan (fish steamed in banana leaves) and ayam taliwang (spicy grilled chicken). Remaining true to its promise in offering redefined barefoot luxury experience, the property offers remarkable tour programmes such as visiting the Pura Tirta Sudamala (Sudamala Water Temple in Bangli from which the resort’s name is derived from) for guests to witness and take part in a Balinese purification ritual called melukat, as well as undergo a therapeutic art class led by the inspiring and accomplished Balinese artist Pak Suklu. Only guests of Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur are able to visit Pura Tirta Sudamala for melukat, which involves immersing and cleansing the body with fresh spring water. The ritual – believed to remove bad influences within the person – comes in several steps, beginning with worshipping the deities at the altar, taking ablution, followed by submerging totally underwater for total cleansing, then washing down under the spring founts, culminated in blessings by the priest. If guests were to ask us which Sudamala activity is the most defining when staying at Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur, witnessing and participating in melukat might just be it, which we found enchanting and refreshing all at once. All guests of Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur in Bali should also make arrangements to visit Pak Suklu, an avant garde yet down-to-earth Balinese artist whose works are renowned not only locally but also internationally yet he remains humble, approachable, spiritual and wise. He leads guests to participate in an art session that allows them to be in touch with their creative side that lies within their subconscious realm. Guests will be pleasantly surprised to see how well Pak Suklu is able to read guests’ characters and the internal issues they face as he interprets guests’ charcoal scribbles – definitely an eye-opening experience towards self-discovery. Surely, staying at Sudamala Suites & Villas Sanur allows guests to be in touch with the mystical Balinese energy as well as their inner selves.
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However, if guests do not feel like venturing out of the resort, they can simply head to the Sudajiva Spa and experience its reinvigorating candlenut massage, which involves long strokes that help to unravel muscle knots and relieve tension, giving guests a good night’s rest and wake up fresh the next day.
Conclusion Based on our almost week-long stay at both Sudamala properties, the impression that Gaya Travel Magazine gets about Sudamala Resorts is that they offer the experience where guests are refreshed and recharged, similar to the role of the namesake water temple in Bangli. Sudamala Resorts do not just offer luxurious vacation; it also redefines the barefoot luxury experience by letting guests immerse in the destinations and absorb their respective essences. Sudamala Resorts are also homely so much so that guests would find it hard to leave. Travellers are therefore recommended to experience both Sudamala properties and take in the best of what both of them have to offer that make travellers enriched in the end. Travellers should also be on the lookout for Sudamala Resorts’ upcoming property, Sudamala Komodo Villas & Dive Resort in East Nusa Tenggara, which is scheduled to open in later half of 2017, offering travellers access to the exotic Komodo dragons and one of the richest marine environments in the world. In short, the Sudamala experience should never be missed by all well heeled travellers seeking to recharge their minds and bodies, as well as reconnect with their souls. Web: www.sudamalaresorts.com E-mail: info@sudamalaresorts.com IG: sudamalaresorts FB: Sudamala Resorts Indonesia #sudamalaresorts 114
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Hotels & Resorts
Alila Villas Soori – Decadent, Plush and Lush TEXT by ADZLEEN ABU BAKAR|IMAGES by ALILA VILLAS SOORI & ADZLEEN ABU BAKAR
Here’s decadence for you: your holiday starts even before you arrive at Alila Villas Soori. The moment when my booking was confirmed, a follow-up email by the hotel arrived at my Inbox asking my personal choices of pillows, bar, reading, music and movie options, pretty much like how a celebrity VIP is treated. It was lovely having to agonise over what types of pillows (aromatherapy or hypo-allergen?) and movies (Drama? Comedy?). It was also an excellent reminder that an exquisite retreat awaits. And it doesn’t stop there. Upon arrival at the airport, I was greeted and welcomed by the smiley host and driver who offered a much needed bottled water and wet towel to refresh myself. The journey took approximately an hour to reach the resort, made bearable by the careful driving and availability of water and snacks in the car. It was a relaxing drive meandering through the villages while making small talk with the supir. The hour-and-a-bit drive to the resort then ended and I was greeted by the beautiful lull that was live gamelan music performed by two local musicians at the entrance. The General Manager of Alilas Villas Soori Michael Di Lonardo himself was there to welcome me. I was then taken to my Mountain View Villa by buggy. I couldn’t contain my excitement upon arriving at the Villa. I was introduced to my Villa Host, who immediately showed me around. The view was amazing. Over the yonder is the magnificent Gunung Batu Karu. I could literally jump straight off from my bed to the private pool right located in front. The villa is resplendent, designed to combine both the allure of Eastern Balinese panache and Western comfort and practicality. It has both outdoor and indoor rain showers and a tub that comfortably fits two. There is a double vanity for His and Hers (no quarrelling for sink space!). The bed, oh the bed, was plush and inviting; one could build a fort with the pillows provided. It must also be said that the Ne-
spresso coffee pods are a smidgeon upgrade from the usual blah types we sometimes get at other hotels. The villa was, simply put, magnificent. But wait, I haven’t finished gushing over it… I love the fact that there is a private pavilion adjacent to the pool for one to lounge or snooze about after a vigorous swim. There are also deck chairs facing the paddy fields, where one can enjoy the breeze and calming green hues of the fields, with the magnificent Gunung Batu Karu as the backdrop. My first night at Alila Villas Soori ended with me blissfully sinking into the sumptuous bed, excited for my Journey the next day. When I had the chance to have a little tête-à-tête with Michael, he envisions Alila Villas Soori as an ultimate place where one feels rejuvenated after a holiday. This must be done holistically: by providing a plush and relaxing abode set in calming and beautiful nature, hearty yet healthy food offerings, and unique local experiences worth writing about. Michael arrived at Alila Villas a little less than a year, his past experiences include running an award-winning health retreat in the Philippines as well just about ten years in the renowned Aman Resorts. The potent combination of Michael’s wealth of experience and ideas, Alila Villas’ strong brand promise, and Soo K. Chan’s cutting edge designs and creations makes staying at Alila Villas Soori highly sought after among the well heeled.
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Besides outstanding accommodations, Alila Villas Soori also offers Journeys by Alila, a series of customised local activities and experiences either on local Balinese culture, arts and crafts or spa and wellness. There are various options: a trip to the market for a cook-out with the Chef; a visit to the nearby temples; and history of Hinduism or even a photography journey to the surrounding areas. Now my Journey, being young at heart (stop sniggering, dear Editor), was traipsing around Alila Villas Soori via Segway. Bright and bushy tailed in the morning, I was brought to the entrance of the resort to test a few rounds on the Segway, given that I have never done anything more exciting than ordering coffee from a hipster café before. Nyoman was my guide and all-round cheerleader throughout my Segway Journey. He was too kind, gentle and more importantly, patient, to fuss over a decrepit scaredy-cat like me. We tested a few rounds and I did get a little bit better at it as he promised. I told Nyoman that I was quite happy to be doing just this for a few hours. He laughed and coaxed me to follow him to the main gate and start venturing out to the nearby villages. Oh God. It was harrowing at first as I am as unadventurous as it comes. We meandered through the paddy fields so the ride was not always smooth. Once I got over the fright, I revelled in the joyous ride around the paddy fields and villages. Nyoman would slow down to talk about the various local vegetation and fruits, the local community and the various pura, or temple. We also talked about the gentleness of the Balinese, their pride for the family, religion and culture, their sense of community and high regard towards filial piety. We spoke on Hinduism extensively. I learnt how almost each of the temples, or pura in Balinese, is specific for Brahma, Vishnu and Siva; safe for one pura desa (village temple) situated near the resort that was built for all three. The conversations were enlightening and interesting, it almost made me forgot that I am on a two-wheeled contraption that would buckle and kick me off unceremoniously into the paddy field. The Journey on the Segway took about two hours around the surrounding villages. By the time we reached the hotel, I was suitably famished. Breakfast, at the time of my stay, was at the Reading Room since the main dining area was closed for renovation. Guests are given a simple yet extensive menu made up of local and western dishes. Meals are only prepared upon order, a refreshing change from the copious amount of buffet spread. All meals are bite sized so as to allow you to taste ALL of the food on the menu, if your tummy allows for it. I was introduced to Chef Fernando Trump and Restaurant Manager Yasa. The food was prepared with as much care and thought as with everything else at Alila Villas Soori. All
food ingredients are sourced locally where possible. Vegetables, fruits and fish, for example, are purchased from the farmers and fishermen from the surrounding villages to ensure their freshness and quality. The food can also be tailored to guests’ dietary requirements and needs. Dinner was similarly wonderful. I had the choice between seafood dining al fresco by the beach while being entertained by the local hotel band and soothing waves, or back at the Reading Room with similar delightful offerings from the kitchen. “I’m Asian, I need my air-conditioning,” I semi-joked to the staff, choosing the serene Reading Room instead. Eating at Alila Villas Soori is both exciting and delightful. The food is fresh, healthy, light and most importantly, does not compromise on taste. Seeing that the General Manager has extensive experience in a health farm (his accolades include an award-winning book on healthy eating), this should not come as a surprise at all. I wish I could’ve sampled everything on the menu, but alas, my rotund tummy was not able to take on all of the kitchen’s delicious offerings. One of Alila Villas Soori’s key attraction is its extensive spa offerings. I made reservations in the evening after my very, ahem, rigorous Segway Journey earlier in the morning. I chose the 90-minute massage session. The spa is an amalgam of glamour, Zen and remedy, all at once. Once I entered the spa, I was immediately cocooned in a quiet and calming atmosphere. I could’ve sworn my heartbeat regulated and my voice turned down a tone – or three. I was brought to the dimly-lit relaxation area comprising plush seats encircling an indoor pond to select the aromatherapy oils for the massage. We agreed on the strokes (medium to hard, with extra attention on some areas) before being whisked away into one of the rooms to change and begin my therapy. It was the shortest ninety minutes of my life – I wished the massage would go on for much, much longer. All my kinks were sorted out and I felt almost as good as new. I must have floated back to my villa that night. The sleep that followed was a bliss. Alas, it was much too soon before I had to bid farewell to the good people of Alila Villas Soori. It was much, much too short a stint. I bid you adieu for now, but I’ll see you soon enough! Alila Villas Soori Banjar Dukuh, Desa Kelating, Kerambitan, Tabanan, Bali 82161, Indonesia Tel: +62 361 894 6388 E-mail: soori@alilahotels.com Web: www.alilahotels.com/soori
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Alila Villas Soori is located at the southwest coast of Bali in Tabanan, about 20 minutes from the famous Tanah Lot Temple. Alila Villas Soori is nestled between the UNESCO World Heritage-enlisted rice fields and unique volcanic black beach coastlines, both make picturesque and arresting views. This property is part of Alila Hotels and Resorts, a renowned chain of resorts and hotels much lauded for their luxurious yet sustainable abodes. Alilas Villas Soori opened its doors to the public in 2009. Holiday and merry makers at Alila Villas Soori can choose between the Beach Pool Villas at ground level or the Ocean Pool Pool Villas above it, both overlook the majestic sea; or the Mountain Pool Villas that overlook the paddy fields. Alilas Villas Soori is designed and owned by the architect genius Soo K. Chan of SCDA Architects fame. Soo K. Chan is a multiple award-winning Malaysian-born architect based in Singapore. His personal touch is visible in Alila Villas Soori. Mr. Soo K. Chan himself visits the resort often together with his team to bring new design ideas or items to furnish parts of the resort. As his personal pet project, Alila Villas Soori is constantly being re-spruced and improved to make the already luxurious resort, better.
Hotels & Resorts
Trading Up for a Luxurious Stay in the heart of KL - Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La TEXT by TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by TRADERS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
Truthfully, the process of finding the right hotel for a trip can be overwhelming for some people: you start with a specific price range, then select a handful of hotels for comparison, read reviews on them written by fellow travellers, browse through the hotels’ images taken by their guests, narrow down the options that best match your needs and finally decide on the one to book. All that process is time-consuming, exhausting and could even be frustrating... until the ‘Hotels.com Loved by Guest Awards 2016’ came along.
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The list of ‘Hotels.com Loved by Guest Awards 2016’ winners conveniently saves time for travellers to use as reference in choosing the hotel to stay when being in a particular destination, therefore relieving travellers from the stress of having to do hotel search. The awards – which confer hotels that have excelled in various categories such as Luxury, Business, Boutique, Beach and Family – are based on 20 million authentic, trusted reviews made by customers who have actually stayed in the properties. One of the most outstanding winners is the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La, which bagged the ‘Best for Luxury’ award. Being largely considered as a business hotel, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La is situated in the coveted strategic location within Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. To the uninitiated, from the outside, the property might come across as just another sterile chain hotel full of businessmen in starched suits who stay for a conference or business meeting. Or so I thought, before arriving at its lobby and realised how wrong I was. The hotel’s clientele is actually more diverse than I expected, ranging from families with children to young couples and individuals (yes, men in suits included). The atmosphere is anything but austere. Instead, think warmth and simplicity that is easy on the eyes, yet full of style. “Enjoy the view,” I remember the hotel employee who ushered me to my room said to me. As I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed by the larger-than-life sweeping panorama of the Petronas Twin Towers and its surrounds! The view makes one realise that Kuala Lumpur is indeed a city that has arrived and at least equal to Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok. The rooms are spacious, designed in warm earthy panache to make guests more relaxed, contrasting perfectly to Kuala Lumpur’s busy streets. Even the bathroom is gorgeous, with lavish marble countertop and ample lighting. To take guests’ pampering up a notch, the hotel also provides a pillow menu to ensure that guests sleep well. The bed also proves sumptuous, while the towels are super absorbent and the amenities that complete the luxurious living experience here. You can gauge the hotel’s level of service by how you are treated during breakfast. It was on a Saturday morning when I – together with many other fellow late risers – turned up at Gobo Chit Chat for a quick breakfast, half expecting that the restaurant would at least be uncongested by then; it was almost close to the end of breakfast time, after all.
Again, I was proven wrong because the space was still swarming with guests. However, the staff swiftly whisked us to our seats, ever smilingly. I could see that the buffet offerings, comprising local and international options, were still abundant and the chefs were patiently preparing made-to-order meals. From this I deduce that: a. the breakfast buffet at Gobo Chit Chat offers a memorable and not-to-be-missed dining experience, thus warrant guests to stay until it closes; and b. the staff remains accommodating and professional in attending to the guests no matter how busy they might be, making guests feel that they are important. I must say that the service at Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La is attentive and efficient, befitting its stature as an established hotel brand. Besides, the real highlight of the hotel is its award-winning Sky Bar on the 33rd floor overlooking the iconic Petronas Twin towers. It is, in fact, one of hippest places to see and be seen in Kuala Lumpur. However, should guests feel that the bar is simply not their scene, they can go to the fully equipped 24-hour gym that overlooks the same stunning view or the Spa that comes complete
with a saunarium and steam bath instead. Either way, guests are sure to have a gratifying time when staying at the hotel. So, does the hotel live up to Hotels.com Loved by Guest Awards 2016 standards? Absolutely! Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La is undeniably luxurious, efficient, reliable and plush, deservedly earning the accolade as the ‘Best for Luxury’. Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La is currently available on Hotels.com from RM410 per night, inclusive of complimentary broadband internet access and breakfast at Gobo Chit Chat. Price is subject to 10% service charge and 6% GST. Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +6 03 2332 9888 Web: www.hotels.com/ho244411/traders-hotel-kuala-lumpur-kuala-lumpur-malaysia
Hotels & Resorts
Auspicious Stay at the Mangala Resort & Spa TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by MANGALA RESORT & SPA
Gaya Travel team was recently invited to experience a hideaway gem called Mangala Resort & Spa in Gambang, Pahang, located only two hours and a half drive from Kuala Lumpur. The two-night stay at the resort proved worthwhile because the team did not just feel relaxed, but also reconnected with nature.
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Mangala Resort & Spa is a 60-acre contemporary tropical all-villa resort set upon what was a former surface mining land that is now amazingly rehabilitated and full of greenery comprising various plants and trees, including palm oil (which we didn’t realise before how beautiful and shady they are) and fruits, which the Gaya Travel team was told that the owner has hands-on involvement in cultivating them. Besides vegetation, the land is also home to countless birds and wildlife like beavers, lizards and snakes. The property has two sizeable lakes: one is where the water-facing units called Jala Villas are located, while the other is used for recreation where guests can enjoy picnicking, kayaking and archery, activities that come highly recommended when staying at the resort. Those who prefer less strenuous undertakings could opt for a rejuvenating treatment at the Mangala Spa instead, particularly the Spa Signature Massage, which utilises candlenut scrub to smoothen the skin and long strokes with thumb pressure to remove tension and enhance blood circulation. Based on our experience staying at the resort, we can deduce that Mangala Resort & Spa is about building and strengthening the primordial essence or foundation of the place, which is nature itself. The resort’s owner Dato’ Franky Chua and his team conscientiously focusses on substance rather than cosmetic by ensuring that form follows function and that durability and timelessness remain paramount. The resort seems to be an extension of Dato’ Franky’s own persona: practical and down-to-earth yet forward-thinking and environmentally-savvy. The resort is indeed the reflection of Dato’ Franky’s character, who is a man of substance. One important thing that make us fall in love with the resort is its literally cool atmosphere. The air temperature at the resort actually drops in late evening, at night and early morning; we learned that the area records one to two degrees centigrade less than the city of Kuantan, which is around 40 minutes’ drive away. The presence of the nearby centre for Vipassana meditation is also believed to have contributed to the area’s positive vibes, besides nature. All of the aforementioned attributes contribute to Mangala’s ability to live up to its motto: naturally relaxing. We suppose it is safe to say that the existence of Mangala adds value and enriches life, offering benefits at many levels: ecologically, physically, mentally and spiritually. Without doubt, the resort truly lives up to the spirit of the namesake Sanskrit word mangala, which means ‘auspicious well being’.
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The resort is an interesting study on exemplary contemporary Malaysian tropical architecture. All units of accommodation within the resort, except for the Sara Cottages, are generally built to face eastwards so that they can receive the invigorating morning sunlight and shade away from the midday and afternoon swelter. All units are also airy with high ceilings for effective thermal comfort, besides receiving ample natural light. Speaking of Sara Cottages, they are recommended for avid birdwatchers since these accommodation units overlook the wetlands, the habitat for various types of indigenous birds. Wi-Fi connectivity is also available at the accommodation units and public areas. Mangala Resort & Spa therefore invites guests to commune with nature without having to sacrifice creature comforts. We suggest that guests wake up early morning to take in the refreshing atmosphere during dawn and listen to the endless chirping of the birds of various types while they actively swoop around foraging for food. Our team discovers that one of the best spots to enjoy sunrise at the resort is by sitting on the balcony of a Jala Villa listening to nature as it awakes. When it comes to holding events or functions at Mangala Resort & Spa, the deck by the resort’s all daydining food and beverage outlet called The Lakeside is an ideal setting for intimate dining and gathering, while the
Banquet Hall offers efficient space for corporate functions and large scale receptions. The resort is also disabled-friendly since there are not too many steps for the guests to negotiate in accessing the resort’s main parts; wheelchair-bound guests could navigate around the resort without much friction. With lush surroundings, positive vibes and refreshing atmosphere, it is not surprising to see that Mangala Resort & Spa has been attracting travellers in droves especially during weekends though it has just been opened for less than eight months. The Mangala experience is as much about following the conscience in getting connected to the earth (in a luxurious way) as it is about improving our well being. By staying at the resort, it does feel like you are part of a movement that helps to rehabilitate the earth – guests would not just be ‘naturally relaxing’, but also be doing a good deed by supporting a property that is noble in its cause and inspirational in its existence… Mangala Resort & Spa Lebuhraya Tun Razak, 26300 Kuantan, Pahang Tel: +6 09 505 7788 Fax: +6 09 505 7799 E-mail: reservation@mangalaresortandspa.com Web: mangalaresortandspa.com
Hotels & Resorts
Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort: Exclusive Above Water Hideaway TEXT by by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by AVANI SEPANG GOLDCOAST RESORT
As an alluring oasis set along Sepang’s 22 kilometre shore, Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort blends traditional elements with luxurious features that are ideal for sun-seekers and eco travellers. It is located in the district of Sepang in the southern part of Selangor, far enough from Kuala Lumpur city centre to feel like a truly secluded tropical experience. Yes, this is also the only resort that is shaped up in the form of a palm tree above water in Malaysia.
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I have been there twice, yet it still feels wonderful each time. For a start, its signature welcome drink called ‘Red Touch’ (a mixture of Sprite and dragon fruit puree) is incredibly delicious and refreshing, that I was tempted to ask for a second glass after finishing it in a couple of gulps. On top of that, the resort manages to turn our vacation mode on as soon as we arrived through its gorgeous landscape of traditional thatched-roof water-villas standing on stilts over the resort’s warm shallow water and tall palm trees – I felt like being transported to an upscale village inhabited by an exclusive community. The villas are all connected via wide concrete walkways that guests can also traverse using bicycles. It is recommended that guests borrow these bicycles and keep them at hand so that they could simply use them whenever they want to explore the resort without having to depend on the buggy. I stayed in a Family Villa that comes with two bedrooms and two en-suite marble bathrooms. The unit is refined and serene, with white walls and polished wooden floor that happily bounce light. The bedrooms are comfortable, too, with big plump beds. The rattan furnishing on the terrace adds a nice dose of style, as do high-tech touches like two flat screen TVs and movies (which guests can subscribe at additional cost). The free Wi-Fi is also strong. If guests find the Family Villa too ostentatious for their taste, they may want to opt for the Superior Rooms instead that offer similar furnishing, amenities and sea view, albeit smaller size units. By the way, all guest rooms are contemporary
Polynesian-inspired, making the experience all the more exotic. Food lovers can explore the five restaurants available at the resort including Sepoi-Sepoi for local flavours amidst al fresco atmosphere; Bila-Bila for fuss-free Malay and international dining options; Hai Sang Lou for Chinese cuisine; the beachfront Perahu to dine western and gourmet fare on the deck; and Stimbot to savour steamboat-style menus. During my stay, I had breakfast at Bila-Bila restaurant that serves hearty breakfast buffet spread, including made-to-order egg and soup stations. But it was the lunch at Sepoi-Sepoi that I particularly enjoyed, especially after knowing that the chefs source for fresh local ingredients and create simple yet tasty dishes. The prices here are reasonable too.
Why do we love the property? Lying down lazily with a good book all day may be enough for some people, but more than often not, lack of action can also bore people out during their holiday. Fortunately, Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort provides options to suit everyone from passive weekend warriors to adrenaline junkies. Those who are active can explore the area on a host of excursions such as the mangrove cruise or the local village tour. At the resort, guests can swim, take up water sports, learn yoga, hit the 24-hour gym or simply unwind at the AvaniSpa. The adventurous side in me prefers the short trip to the
Extreme Park where guests can enjoy activities such as archery, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) ride, go-kart and target shooting at attractive price offers (only RM45 for all four activities)! The resort also offers free shuttle service to and from Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang.
Who should stay here? Families, couples, a group of friends, solos – Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort actually caters for all types of travellers who appreciate genuine hospitality and fuss-free approach while holidaying. It’s worth noting, moreover, that the resort is also suitable for business and MICE groups since it is equipped with large and modern meeting rooms, including two configurable ballrooms that can fit between 50 and 1,000 persons. The room rates at Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort start at RM441++ per night. Avani Sepang GoldCoast Resort No. 67, Jalan Pantai Bagan Lalang, Kg. Bagan Lalang, 43950 Sungai Pelek, Selangor Malaysia Tel: +6 03 3182 3600 Web: www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/sepang
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Hotels & Resorts
Village Hotel Bugis: Children-friendly Hotel at the Crossroads of Culture TEXT by EMILA YUSOF|IMAGES by VILLAGE HOTEL BUGIS
Are you heading to Singapore with your family for the upcoming holiday? Looking for something different for the trip? Try Village Hotel Bugis’ newly launched kids-themed rooms at special rates! The rooms at Village Hotel Bugis can accommodate two adults and one child comfortably and offer themes such as Cars, Sophia and Superheroes. These rooms are children-friendly with children-dedicated amenities. One of the walls is covered by blue wallpaper with the theme’s recurring motifs. Your children will love exploring every part of the room and discovering little surprises such as adorable and fluffy cushions, carpet with flying rabbit, children-sized bath soap and shampoo, powder, toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton buds and body oil, toys and more toys. On top of that, the rooms also readily come with free Wi-Fi connectivity, in-room safe deposit box, 32-inch LCD TV, coffee/tea making facilities, iron and ironing board. Other facilities at the hotel include Mooi Chin Place (non-halal restaurant), The Landmark (Halal restaurant), gymnasium, laundry room, swimming pool, 24-hour guest services, 24-hour security, concierge and business services (faxing / photocopying), including a shopping mall that is directly connected to the hotel. Surrounded by four roads: Victoria Street, Arab Street, North Bridge Road and Ophir Road – or shall we say crossroads of culture – the hotel is very near to everything you want and need. At the North Bridge Road, you can find the famous Singapore Zam-Zam Restaurant, the Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane where small boutique outlets stocked with fashion labels, cafés and stationery shops are located. Bugis Junction and Bugis+ shopping centres are a five-minute walk away
along the street and if you walk for another five minutes, you will reach the Singapore National Library. On Arab Street, which lies opposite to the hotel’s main entrance, is 7-Eleven where travellers can buy for snacks or essentials after midnight. Just across the Ophir Road behind the hotel is the Raffles Hospital, in case of emergency. And if you and your family members are up for some street art, you can discover them at Baghdad Street that connects Arab Street and Haji Lane. Village Hotel Bugis is an excellent choice for families looking for an affordable option in Singapore because it is strategically located and offers the necessary things that you need when travelling with children. If you book your stay from now until 31 December 2016, you can enjoy the special rate from SGD$160++ (rates excludes 10% Service Charge plus 7% GST). The stay includes one-night stay at Kids-themed Superior Room (Room assignment will be random and subject to availability), breakfast for 2 adults and 1 child, unlimited Wi-Fi access and free hop-on, hop-off City Tour for two adults and one child. Village Hotel Bugis 390, Victoria Street, Singapore 188061, Singapore Tel: +65 6297 2828 / Reservations: +65 6881 8888 E-mail: info.vhb@fareast.com.sg FB: www.facebook.com/StayVillage
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Follow these 3 simple steps to Win an Exclusive 3 Days/2 Nights Vacation! 1. Choose only one property and answer all questions correctly. 2. Don’t forget to complete your personal details such as name, IC number, address and phone number. 3. Send it to contest@gayatravel.com.my
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TERMS & CONDITIONS | The reader can only e-mail the answers regarding the hotel of choice in the quiz within the particular issue only once. Competition is open to all readers who are 18 years old and above. The prize is not transferable and can not be exchanged with cash. Judges’ decision is final. The best entrant with the best answer will be deemed winner. Closing date of the competition is 30th September 2016.
Travel Anecdotes
Nadia Aqilah IMAGE by NADIA AQILAH
Nadia Aqilah in her own words:
“Never too old to taste your first heavy snow.” (In Davos, Switzerland, right after rehearsal for our show! 2013)
My name is Nadia Aqilah, I’m the biggest dreamer and believer that it gets annoying sometimes. I love having a good laugh, I love music, and that includes singing, songwriting and dancing. In the real world, I work as a performer, where we act or sing or dance or do all at the same time. I plan to inspire everyone around me with my work, and once I’m done splashing colours in this world, I will have a nice beach house, with my brother as my neighbour, and a lot of animals, sloths and pandas included.
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NADIA on Travels
. Night owl or early-riser?
. My favourite destination(s):
Early riser.
I have yet to discover so many places in this world. For now, I like Koh Lipe, Switzerland, India, Makkah & Madinah.
. Best way to decompress: Deep breaths.
. Back to nature or city slicker? Nature, always.
. One book everyone should read? “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. Simplest book ever. I will never stop recommending this book to people.
. What is the last thing you Googled?
“Why do I always have bruise at my legs”!
. What’s on your playlist right now? Natiruts, all day everyday :)
. What is the moment you’re most proud? Seeing my sister got married just few months ago. And my whole family getting together.
. What’s your biggest pet peeve? Rude, selfish people.
. Whose brain would you like to have had? Beethoven. Just for a month. . Life is too short to... be angry all the time.
. My dream destination(s):
Northern Lights in Norway, Rio, Hawaii... too many to state here!
. My must-have(s) in the carry-on:
Coconut oil (which I make myself ), vitamins, collagen drinks.
. My worst nightmare during travel:
Really bad air turbulence while I’m sleeping.
. My favourite Malaysian spot(s):
Ampang Jaya, Johor Bahru, Langkawi Island, Perhentian Island... eh, all of the islands-lah! I also like Penang.
. My best meal taken in Malaysia:
Wow, so many... Murtabak daging Johor, Italian food in La Risata Ampang, Jalan Alor for seafood, just to name a few. . Malaysia is special because… of its culture, colours and food. Malaysia is also blessed with so many beautiful islands.
. Independent travel or organised tour? Independent.
. See it all or take it easy? Depends. I will try to discover as much as I can and stop before it gets too stressful. Travelling should never be stressful. . Everywhere I go, I will check out the… Scenery, local scene like markets or ceremonies, local food. . In a case of flight delay, I… read my book. . I always bring home… one small gift for my house, besides fridge magnets (I love those!), maybe a small box or a nice piece of cloth by the locals and decorate it at my house. . I travel for… experience. And to recharge.