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Contents
I s s u e 11. 6 / 12 .1
Cover Illustration by Emila Yusof
w w w. iss uu. co m /gayatrave l
Departments
Destinations
14. Editorial Jottings 16. Bulletin
50. Underwater Wonderland at Komodo National Park 58. Kuala Lumpur, The City of Contrast and Diversity 62. ACEQM 2016: When ASEAN Celebrities Invade Malaysia 70. #ICYDK: A Journey into Nature and History in Sandakan 78. In Case You Didn’t Know (#ICYDK) Melaka 84. Terengganu Classic Experiences 90. Grooving in Selangor, the Traditional Way 94. Melancholic and Historic Labuan 98. Alluring Perth, World’s 7th Most Liveable City 104. Checking Up on Chiba – Part I of II 108. Experience Taipei with Malindo Airlines: See, Shop, Eat, Sleep, Repeat 113. Jawa Timur Park in Kota Wisata Batu: Fun and Excitement for the Whole Family in Just One Area! 117. Start-in-Tioman 2016: It is Muslimah Divers’ turn!
Gaya Special Feature 40. LEGO® NINJAGO™ The Ride: First in Asia 44. The BROtimate Escapade: SonaOne’s Top Five Things to do with the Bros in Hong Kong
G a y a T r a v e ll e r
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www.emilayusof.com
23. PERAK GLITTERS IN 2017!
Gaya Tech
30. Sony α6000: Why We Love It for Travel Photography
Gaya Dine 34.
Hitting the Seafood Jackpot at Crab Factory
Gaya Stay
Hotels & Resorts
38.
123. 126. 128.
Cruise Accommodations in ASEAN
Gaya Shop 42.
Head-to-Toe Travel Gears
Gaya Interview 46. CEO Henri Giscard d’Estaing: Club Med Chairman & Xavier Desaulles: Club Med CEO for East and South Asia Pacific (ESAP)
Tanjung Inn: The Oasis in the Heart of Cherating Four Points By Sheraton Singapore, Riverview: The Right Choices for Independent Travellers Resorts World Langkawi: Enhanced Value-For-Money Luxurious Escape
Travel Anecdotes 132. Altimet
Editorial Jottings
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The last few months, especially during November 2016, were hectic to say the least. Little did we expect to be travelling so extensively (not that we mind). We feel honoured to have been invited by various parties to participate in several familiarisation trips, allowing us to feature various destinations for the benefit of our readers. We sincerely invite our readers to follow us as we share our experiences in all of our upcoming issues, including this one. To kickstart 2017, we start off by focusing on selected Malaysian destinations, particularly the states that choose this year as their Visit Year: Perak (page 23), Terengganu (page 84) and Pahang (represented by Tioman Island on page 117). On top of that, we also include other tourism heavyweights like the state of Selangor (page 90), Sandakan (page 70), Melaka (page 78), Kuala Lumpur (page 58) and Labuan World War II heritage (page 94). There is also a feature on the much anticipated ASEAN Celebrity Explore Quest 2016 (page 62), a programme involving ASEAN celebrities savouring the delights of Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu as a way to better understand and promote Malaysia. It is heartening to see that Malaysia’s travel and tourism sector is holding up
well despite the global economic headwinds. Though it is believed that 2017 would also have its own challenges, we think that the Malaysian tourism industry will remain resilient. Besides Malaysia, this issue also features the mesmerising Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia’s diving hubs (page 50); exciting Jawa Timur (East Java) Park, an ideal family getaway (page 113); laidback Perth, which Australians consider as their most remote city yet more accessible from South East Asia (page 98); vibrant Chiba, the prefecture just next to Tokyo (page 104); and endearingly creative Taiwan (page 108). May our writing on these enriching destinations encourage our readers to explore them. By the way, hope it is not too late to wish our readers Happy New Year! See you in the next issue... 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 | +6 03 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 | +6 03 7972 0952
Bulletin
Perak State promoted Perak Plate Programme for Visit Perak Year 2017 in Singapore Perak state government, together with Malaysia’s Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), launched the Perak Plate Programme in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017 at the Agrobazaar MalaysiaSingapore (ABMS).
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The Perak Plate Programme was an initiative to introduce Perak cuisine, packaged food products and popular local delicacies by Perak’s small agro-based industries to Singaporeans, including other international travellers, to boost the state’s brand appeal as an international culinary and tourism destination. The programme also served as a platform for businesses from Malaysia, particularly Perak, to be promoted to the Singaporean market, allowing them to seek potential buyers from the island republic. The Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Perak YAB Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr. Zambry bin Abdul Kadir briefed the media about Perak’s gastronomic offerings that travellers from Singapore are able to savour when visiting the state. Some of the popular dishes that place Perak on the international culinary map are Nasi Vanggey (rice with curry) and salted chicken in Ipoh, Ayam Goreng Berempah Gulam Rasul (spicy fried chicken) in Teluk Intan, laksa (noodles with gravy) from Pangkor island and Kuala
Kangsar, and bamboo rice from Sungai Klah. Among the Perak products sold at the ABMS were Putu Perak Ipoh (fluffy steamed cake made from pounded rice), Cucur Peneram Bagan Serai (doughnut lookalike snack that is dark in colour and made with palm sugar), Lenggong Pekasam (fermented fish from Lenggong), Rendang Masak Hitam (spicy meat dish) and soy sauce noodles. Besides food, the state also promotes its world class attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lenggong Valley, one of the world’s oldest rainforests Royal Belum, world’s best managed mangrove ecosystem Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, and historic colonial British Taiping. Many members of the public experienced the Perak Plate Programme that was held from 19 December 2016 until 15 January 2017 at the Agrobazaar Malaysia-Singapore at the Sultan Gate, Singapore. For more info, browse agrobazaarmalaysia.com.sg and tourismperakmalaysia.com.
#GoDomestic #GoASEAN aims to attract 90,000 Visitors at MITA Travel Fair 2017 In line the upcoming MITA Travel Fair 2017 (MTF2017), the Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (MITA), together with Tourism Malaysia, introduced the official hashtags #GoDomestic and #GoASEAN for local and foreign tourists and travellers to explore more of Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
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Being the largest domestic tourism fair, MTF2017 – targeted to receive 90,000 visitors – is a public-private sector collaboration. 500 exhibitors are expected to participate in MTF2017, offering value-for-money holiday packages that present the uniqueness of Malaysia and ASEAN. The fair allows visitors to plan and grab tourism packages at discount prices up to 60 percent. The Malaysian destination in focus during the MTF2017 is Perak, in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017. The organisers also set up the ASEAN hall that offers packages to ASEAN destinations in line with the Visit ASEAN@50 celebration. Specific tourism segments such as diving, golf, extreme sports and equestrian will also be featured, alongside Malaysian-made arts and crafts. Another attraction is the Malaysian Food Festival hall for visitors to sample delightful local cuisine from several states including Melaka, Terengganu, Sarawak, Selangor, Pahang and Sabah. “MTF2017 is organised as an initiative to help boost Malaysia’s current economy through various tourism activities, mainly on the domestic level, while GoASEAN is another great opportunity for Malaysians to bond with our ASEAN neighbours,” said Dato’ Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia. To ensure that Malaysia achieves its targetted tourist arrivals, MITA continuously help the industry players
to work hand-in-hand with the government to enhance Malaysia’s tourism industry. “Through #GoDomestik campaign, all of us in MITA will stay active in helping the government to promote Malaysia’s unique tourism products to stabilise the nation’s economy. Besides, we also work to ensure that the relationship between Malaysia and other countries remains strong,” said Uzaidi Udanis, President of MITA. MTF2017 will be held on 24 through 26 February 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
Visit Beautiful Terengganu 2017 Launched by The Sultan of Terengganu On 31 December 2016, The Sultan of Terengganu His Royal Highness Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin launched the Visit Beautiful Terengganu (VBT) 2017 campaign organised by the State Government of Terengganu at Duyong Marina Resort in Kuala Terengganu with much fanfare.
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This campaign is part of the state government’s effort in making tourism as one of the state’s main economic engines of growth since Terengganu possesses strengths that make it a veritable destination. VBT 2017 – considered as a crucial marketing tool to boost tourism arrivals to Terengganu – is the fourth “Visit Year” held by the state following the success of the previous campaigns held in 1997, 2008 and 2013.
held at Pulau Warisan in Kuala Terengganu to promote Terengganu specialities through exhibition of local crafts and artworks, retailing of popular local delicacies, demonstrations of traditional culinary and games, music and singing performances by popular Terengganu artistes, including the selling of specifically designed travel packages or ‘trails’ for the public to conveniently explore the state.
The word ‘beautiful’ on the tagline refers to Terengganu’s unspoilt natural, cultural and heritage attractiveness that make the state unique and alluring.
Terengganu received 3.63 million tourist arrivals from January to August 2016. With the VBT 2017 campaign, the state expects to receive 5.5 million tourist arrivals in 2017.
In conjunction with the VBT 2017 launch, a fair entitled ‘Beautiful Terengganu Trail’ was concurrently
Browse beautifulterengganu.com for more information on VBT 2017.
AirAsia Enhances ASEAN Connectivity with Direct Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang AirAsia’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Luang Prabang on 21 November 2016 had the load factor of 96% flight load, indicating travellers’ strong interest towards this UNESCO World Heritage city. AirAsia is currently the only airline that serves this sector, which is its 70th intra-ASEAN route connecting all ten ASEAN countries.
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According to CEO of AirAsia Berhad Aireen Omar, AirAsia is committed towards connecting capital cities to second and third tier cities to generate more growth through trade and tourism. “The ASEAN region, which is at our backyard, is full of potential and Laos as a nation has large room for further growth. AirAsia, together with the Lao government, Luang Prabang airport administration and the Malaysian Embassy in Laos, worked hard in the last two years to turn this flight into reality. “We are happy to be the first and only airline connecting Luang Prabang to Kuala Lumpur directly, bringing the people of Laos closer to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia’s major hubs. From there, Laotians are able to connect to over 120 AirAsia destinations throughout 27 countries,” she said. Head of Commercial for AirAsia Spencer Lee added that AirAsia is not only about providing low cost carrier service but also accessibility. “We are confident that we will have an average load factor of 80% or more for each flight to Luang Prabang due to the city’s allure. Luang Prabang as a destination receives a healthy response from the market, which we intend to serve as part of our commitment towards ASEAN. This sector will not only bring travellers from Kuala Lumpur to Luang Prabang, but also vice versa, helping to boost the tourist arrivals into Malaysia,” he mentioned. The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic His Excellency Dato’ Than Tai Hing considers this newly launched flight connectivity as a bridge that promotes bilateral relations between the two countries. “Both Malaysia and Laos has been enjoying good relations for 50 years and we intend to further deepen the relatonship. Malaysia is the eighth largest foreign direct investor in Laos,” he stated. AirAsia now flies four times weekly to Luang Prabang from Kuala Lumpur. Refer to www.airasia.com for info and online booking.
ESCAPE + EXPLORE + EXPERIENCE
TEXT|IMAGES by IRNEE NORRIS & IRINA NORRIS FB | T W | IG | YO U T UB E : @g a yat r a ve lle r # g a yat r a ve lle r
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PERAK GLITTERS IN 2017!
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Admittedly, Perak is often overlooked as a holiday destination whenever the “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia mood” strikes. As the fourth largest state in the country, Perak has many things to offer visitors and its people alike. Rich with natural as well as man-made heritage, Perak could really surprise travellers. As a matter of fact, Perak makes a wonderful roadtripping destination because there are always something interesting to see and eat along the way! Heritage Haunts Teluk Intan Leaning Tower Located at the heart of Teluk Intan town, this iconic slanting structure (a bit like the Pisa Tower in Italy) was completed in 1885 by the contractor named Leong Choon Chong to serve as a water reservoir for fire and drought other than as a beacon for ships sailing into Telok Anson Port, once upon a time. The chiming clock was designed by JW Benson-Ludgathy and installed in 1894 and it still chimes. Lot 1&2, Kompleks Menara Condong Jalan Bandar 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak Kellie’s Castle The ever mysteriously charming Kellie’s Castle is located in Batu Gajah, about 30 minutes’ drive from Ipoh. It was built by William Kellie-Smith, a Scottish planter, for his beloved wife Agnes, but it was never completed due to his untimely death, upon which, his family decided to sell the property and return to Scotland. Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak Tel: +6 05 365 1336
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Lenggong Archeology Museum Listed as one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites, Lenggong Valley’s archaeological heritage spans close to two million years and is the oldest outside the African continent. The star exhibit of this museum is the Perak Man, South East Asia’s oldest and most complete human skeleton. Other items exhibited are the Paleolithic Age tools and drawings of the Paleolithic people, among others. Note: The museum is currently closed for upgrading works, and will reopen on 1 June 2017. Jabatan Muzium dan Antikuiti Kota Tampan 33400 Lenggong, Perak Tel: +6 05 7679700
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Gopeng Heritage House Antique lovers will love this house, which comes in the form of a two-storey pre-war shophouse with over 800 items from Perak’s glorious tin mining era. On the ground floor, there are displays from a former barber shop and kopitiam (Hainan coffeeshop). Upstairs, the living quarters of the shophouse owner and family are filled with priceless decorations and furnishings that accurately reflect what life would have been like for a middle-class family during the turn of the 20th century in Gopeng. The gallery opens every Saturday and Sunday of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the admission is free. 6, Jalan Sungai Itek 31600 Gopeng, Perak Tel: +6 05 3597828 Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah is the reincarnation of a renovated former palace called Istana Ulu (Ulu Palace), just a stone’s throw from the Ubudiah Mosque, within the area of Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar. This palace was originally the place where the 28th Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Mursyidul ‘Adzam Shah, who reigned from 1887 until 1916, resided during his rule. This royal gallery houses artefacts and important royal objects and historical information on the Perak royal family, especially with regard to His Royal Highness the late Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah, the 34th Sultan of Perak. This gallery aptly captures the glory of His Royal Highness’s life so that it can be shared with the people and serve as an inspiration. This gallery is definitely one of the best ways to learn about the current Sultan who remains close to people’s hearts. Bukit Chandan 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak Tel: +6 05 7774957
Yasmin at Kong Heng This gallery celebrates the life and works of the late Yasmin Ahmad, a film maker-well known for her truly Malaysian spirit. This gallery opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. (Directly behind Container Hotel) 89-91, Old Block Apartments Jalan Sultan Yussuf 30000 Ipoh, Perak Ping Sien Si Temple Ping Sien Si is just one of the few names tagged to this temple; however it is better known as Tua Pek Kong Temple or Kuan Yin Temple in Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut in Sitiawan, Perak. The basic structure of this temple was built over a century ago. However, after its major facelift that costs RM7.5 million, the modest basic structure surrounded by the mangrove forest by the sea has now been transformed into a grand worshipping house that is divided into three sections namely Tua Pek Kong, Kuan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy) and Hua Ye (the Tiger Spirit) for Buddhists to express their gratitude and share their grief with Kuan Yin. These three deities are amongst the 99 statues that frontline the temple. Jalan Pasir Panjang, Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Natural Wonders! Bukit Larut, Taiping One of the most interesting landmarks in Taiping is Maxwell Hill, now known as Bukit Larut, which receives the most rainfall in the country, situated at the altitude of 1,250 metres above sea level. It possesses natural landscape that surrounds the colonial buildings that used to be vacation bungalows for British officers. The majestic view from the top of the hill is something that no one wants to miss when they come to Taiping. Bukit Larut also offers the charming view of sunset with mangroves by the beach and Kuala Sepetang. There are many indigenous plants that grow wildly here such as begonia and jungle orchid, with interesting wildlife to match such as monkeys, reptiles and even tigers. At the foot of Bukit Larut, visitors will be able to find the Biodiversity Centre, which functions as an educational centre for conserving and preserving the balance of Bukit Larut’s natural surroundings.
Mangrove Swamp, Kuala Sepetang The Matang Mangrove Forest has been gazetted as a permanent forest reserve since 1906 and recognised as the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystem in the world. To witness the beauty of the untouched landscape of the mangrove swamp, travellers are recommended to take the boat ride. Besides beautiful landscape, the mangrove swamp is where the migratory birds rest from their journey, making it one of the best places for birdwatching. If you are lucky, you’ll get to see the elusive Chinese White Dolphins swimming along the rivermouths! Charcoal Factory, Kuala Sepetang The charcoal factory owned by Khay Hor Holdings Sdn. Bhd. in Kuala Sepetang is a unique tourist attraction. Established in 1930, the factory is still running until now, producing what they know best in the traditional way: charcoal from the mangrove forest. This factory with its igloo-like kilns has been attracting travellers when they visit Matang Mangrove Forest because this is the best place to learn the whole process of traditional charcoal production. Jalan Taiping Kuala Sepetang 34650 Taiping, Perak Tel: +6 012 573 9563 Kampung Dew - Fireflies Tour If fireflies always fascinate you, then make your way to Kampung Dew and experience watching tonnes of ‘Christmas lights’ along the river! The amount of fireflies is incredible as every tree along the river is lit up and flicker simultaneously, making the whole environment magical. 1, Kampung Dew 34400 Simpang Empat Semanggol, Perak Tasik Gunung Lang Tasik Gunung Lang is one of the recreational places that is famous among Perakians as the place for them to spend quality time with family or friends. This man-made lake is 80-foot deep and covers an area of 175 acres, also home to various reptiles and mammals, including wild plants. So far, there are nine caves found on the islands within the lake but not all have been explored. Visitors are advised not to enter the caves due to safety issues. Instead, visitors can enjoy the wonderful scenery of the man-made waterfall, feed the fish, cruise around the lake and even picnic here. The beautiful landscape of the limestones surrounding this lake makes this attraction
one of the things that visitors should not miss. Jalan Damai 30100 Ipoh, Perak
Zoo and Theme Park Fun! Zoo Taiping and Night Safari Zoo Taiping is the oldest zoo in Malaysia, as well as the first zoo to have Night Safari. Covering the area of 34 acres, Zoo Taiping was actually a jogging track with animals kept for the enjoyment of the British officers during the colonial era. The zoo’s landscape is kept lush since then, hence the presence of so many big trees in Zoo Taiping. There are almost 200 species of animals here, some are active during the day, while the rest are nocturnal, thus making the Night Safari feasible. Among the animals that can be seen in the zoo are wallabies, marmosets, slow loris, owls, Arapaima Gigas (the biggest fish in the world), crocodiles and more. This zoo is divided into two parts: the West Slope and East Slope, both share the clinic and kitchen facilities for the animals. Opens daily from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight. Jalan Pekeliling Taman Tasik Taiping 34000 Taiping, Perak The Lost World of Tambun There are numerous attractions that visitors can enjoy at The Lost World of Tambun, for example the petting zoo that houses over 55 species of animals such as raccoon, parrot, pythons and king cobra. There is also Tiger Valley, where visitors can find three tigers wandering freely in their compound and involved in scheduled shows. The latest attraction to be added in The Lost World of Tambun is the Tin Valley, which displays the history about the beginning of the tin-mining activities in Perak and how it helped to turn the state into what it is today. The Lost World of Tambun is wholly managed by the Sunway Group and due to high demand, Sunway has opened The Lost World of Tambun Hotel that offers 174 rooms, allowing visitors to entirely enjoy what The Lost World of Tambun offers. 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1 Sunway City Ipoh 31150 Ipoh, Perak Tel: +6 05 542 8888 (Theme Park) / +6 05 540 8888 (Hotel)
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Farm Fresh! Kampung Selabak Pineapple Bazaar
Located just four kilometres away from the town centre of Teluk Intan, Kampung Selabak is well-known for its pineapple plantation. The residents of this village has been running the pineapple agro-business for generations, providing them good income. Besides pineapples, there are also other local fruits sold at the bazaar. Jalan Padang Tembak ( Jalan Changkat Jong) 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak Tambun Pomelo Farm Tambun is famous for its pomelo cultivation. There are several pomelo farms in Tambun that not only sold pomelos locally but also exported internationally. One of the largest pomelo cultivators, Mr. Chin, even exports his pomelo to Hong Kong, Singapore, United States of America and Australia, among others. Pomelo cultivation in Tambun is not seasonal, hence production is consistent throughout the year due to Tambun’s hilly soil that is rich with minerals. Pomelo is well-known for its sweet and refreshing taste, besides being used for traditional medicine. At Mr. Chin’s farm, visitors are welcome to savour the fresh pomelo and other fruits such as rambutan, passion fruit, jackfruit, star fruit, guava, sapodilla and many more.
158258A Jalan Ampang, Tambun 31400 Ipoh, Perak Tel: +6 05 5497309 Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng Gaharu wood possesses special healing power that can benefit human race in so many branches of health, particularly in rejuvenating internal organs, besides fragrance. Gaharu Tea Valley in Gopeng was set up 20 years ago covering 300 acres of elevated grounds. At one time, there was approximately 200,000 Gaharu trees grown to meet 90% of the world market demand. The Gaharu grown here is a hybrid of 12 species of Gaharu. Another attraction is the 20-year old mother tree of the Aquilaria hybrid that is as old as the plantation. To explore the area, travellers are shuttled in buses around valleys, hills and trees before reaching the compound of the mother tree. Arrays of health products, processed from Gaharu wood, are sold alongside souvenir items. Opens daily from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng Lot 9840, Mukim Sg. Teja 31600 Gopeng, Perak Tel: +6 05 351 1999
Gaya Tech
Sony α6000: Why We Love It for Travel Photography TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI
You’re in a black cab in London, and suddenly a beautifully lit Harrods comes into view. You reach for your smartphone to capture the sight, but because it’s dark, you have to adjust the setting for a clearer image. By the time the phone is ready, the building has long past you.
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That, my friends, is just one of the frustrating situations you may encounter during travel. While many smartphone manufacturers today are focussing on their camera development, the end result could never be as brilliant as when taken by dedicated digital cameras. But does that really mean you need to carry the bulky DSLR everywhere for outstanding image quality? Fortunately, there is now a wide range of more compact, lightweight and even cheaper photography gears that are far more convenient when you are on the go such as the well-rounded Sony α6000 compact interchangeable lens camera. Basically, Sony α6000 has replaced the exceptional shooter NEX-6 with similar features but with a few more bells and whistles. Sony α6000 boasts the world’s fastest autofocus (AF) performance at just 0.06 seconds, with a highresolution 24.3-megapixel image sensor and an extremely wide autofocus coverage area – 179 focal points – that is teamed with high-precision contrast-detection AF. In other words, it can accurately track and respond to a subject moving through nearly the entire frame, and to shoot a sharp excellent shot with complex scenes at the popping speed of up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus. It is also built with the award-winning BionzX processor, making it speedier particularly notable in terms of start-up time. With its two excellent Auto modes – Intelligent and Superior – that analyse any type of scene to pick the right settings, users can easily shoot at a moment’s notice as soon as it is switched on (would have been easier to shoot that Harrods picture after all, wouldn’t it?).
On top of that, the camera is ergonomically moulded, with rubberised grip for firm hold and high-quality metal build that can withstand minor bumps and tumbles. Its 468g weight (even with lens attached) makes it not too heavy to carry all day. The dedicated movie button is also smartly placed on the edge of camera for easy pressing, and the Sony α6000’s interface is relatively easy to navigate too. To get the best feel of the images, the camera is equipped with a viewfinder that helps users to save time shooting when out in the field and even when it’s too bright to look at the liquid crystal display (LCD), which can be tilted to 45/90-degrees upwards to give better control over compositions. In terms of battery life, users can expect to get around 310 to 360 shots with a full charge. After having said all these, there are still some minor drawbacks that probably concern Sony α6000 users. First, the screen doesn’t tilt the full 180-degree upwards for selfies unlike the α5000, which can make taking photo of oneself while travelling solo slightly frustrating, unless you consider asking strangers to take it for you. Besides, it also does not have weather sealing, making it less resistant to dust and water. But since we’ve tested the camera under gloomy, rainy English weather and cold, dry Okayama climate, we find the camera to be durable and convenient. Wi-Fi® and PlayMemories™ The Sony α6000 camera has built-in Wi-Fi, giving consumers one-touch connection with Xperia® or NFC-compatible Android™ smartphones or tablets for instant image transfer and sharing. For devices without NFC one-touch capabilities, users can wirelessly transfer images and videos and activate Smart Remote Control through Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile™ application, available freely for the iOS and Android platforms. The camera is also compatible with downloadable Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps that would add a range of exciting and creative capabilities.
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Sony α Lenses Assortment The Sony α6000 camera is compatible with Sony’s evergrowing assortment of E-mount interchangeable lenses, and uses the same Sony E-mount as the α3000, α5000 and acclaimed α7 and α7R models, as well as all the previous α NEX cameras. All in all, Sony α6000 compact interchangeable lens camera makes a travel-friendly companion. It is lightweight, sturdy, and will certainly impress advanced shooters with its dedicated controls, speedy performance and outstanding image quality, while amateurs will benefit from the accurate full-auto options and straightforward interface. Sony α6000 is available in black, white, graphite gray and silver in a kit with a compact, versatile 16-50 milimetre motorised zoom lens (model SELP1650) for RM2,699.
Gaya Dine
Hitting the Seafood Jackpot at Crab Factory TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
What could be more invigorating for a seafood lover than walking into a restaurant that offers the freshest, meatiest and juiciest shellfishes swimming with secret spices and perfect seasonings in a convenient boil-in bag?
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I stopped by at the Crab Factory in Petaling Jaya recently for a late lunch with my colleagues, and was impressed not just by the ambience, but also by its staggering array of treats from the sea that include king crabs, brown crabs, red lobsters, slipper lobsters and yabbies, all laid out for diners to have an infinitely delicious experience. Roughly three years ago, an avid traveller T.Y. Ooi decided to open a restaurant that embraces the Creole and Cajun cuisine after an eye-opening trip to Louisiana, USA. Besides introducing this relatively new concept to Malaysians, Ooi also encourages diners of Crab Factory to satisfy their primal instinct by doing away with the utensils and instead dive in with their bare hands. Of course, eating using hands is not alien to Malaysians, but to do it in a classy restaurant atmosphere makes the entire dining experience more relaxed and convivial. Some even say it heightens your sense of taste, fosters better connection with your food, and creates bond with other fellow diners. To the uninitiated, here’s how it works at Crab Factory: customers choose their shellfish, select a seasoning (Zesty Lemon, Garlic Butter, Jamba Jamba, Signature Southern Bang, Creamy Lemak, Thai Sambal and Spicy Plum) to go with it and choose between four levels of spiciness ranging from mild, medium and O’ly Crab to Death Valley. Ooi personally advised me that for a first-timer, it’s best to go with mild, just enough to tease the taste buds but not to overpower the chosen shellfish. Sides like chicken sausages, potatoes, corn or mushrooms go in the bag too at an additional cost. After 15 minutes or so, our orders – one
seafood set of big meat crab with mild Signature Southern Bang sauce (RM175) and a seafood bag of yabbies and Hamaguri clams with garlic butter sauce – arrived hot and steamy, all laid out onto thin pieces of oil paper on the table. “Would this blow my mind away?” I initially wondered. Upon my first bite, I must say yes! The crabs and yabbies were succulent, sweet and tender; far superior to those that I’ve eaten some time ago. The undeniably excellent seasonings – which enhance the flavour of the seafood – burst with spices and flavours. Ooi was right: mild sauces do make seafood tastes better. Of course, it requires extra effort to open some of the thick tough shells, and the action of ripping heads from bodies and sucking out the juices surely don’t look pretty, but the carnal mess is all worth it. A side order of gumbo (RM12.90) is silky and spot-on too, while the golden-brown fried mini Mantao (RM9.90) makes a great add-on to sopping up every last drop of the sauces. Since all of them are so tasty, I’ve promised myself to come again and try other sets, perhaps the French Brown Crab Seafood Set (MYR239) or the King Crab Seafood Set (MYR299). Mind you, having to spend roughly MYR80 to MYR120 per person (depending on the chosen seafood) is reasonable as you will be eating extensive selections of really delicious, juiciest, meatiest shellfishes in just one sitting. Ooi sources most of the seafood from a local supplier, except for a few types of shellfish, therefore charged according
to the prevailing market prices. However, for diners on tight budget, they should try Crab Factory’s Happy Hour Combo Specials offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. that cost between MYR29 to MYR58 per set. Also, the restaurant offers kids meals at RM12.90 per set, featuring tempura prawns or fish cakes with sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes or fries and a bottle of Tropicana Twister Orange juice. All in all, with its outstanding options and creative owner who gets the whole thing right, the Crab Factory is certainly one of the better seafood places in town. Don’t worry about looking like a complete savage here; bibs are provided so that diners can still maintain their decorum. After all, some of the most glorious, messy indulgent foods are just meant to be eaten with bare hands. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and put on your bibs when you dine at the Crab Factory! Crab Factory opens from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to Thursdays, and from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. from Fridays until Sundays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Customers of the restaurant are entitled to complimentary parking at a nearby parking space. * On February and March 2017, as part of its ‘Monthly Crazy Bag’ promotion, Crab Factory offers 25% off for every 500 grams of Freshwater Prawns. Crab Factory 21, Jalan SS2/64 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel: +6 03 7865 5850 Web: www.crabfactory.com.my
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Diamond or Sapphire Princess Costa Victoria Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas Aqua Mekong
05. Anawrahta Cruise (Bagan – Yangon) 06. Pandaw 07. AmaDara (Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong) 08. Azamara Journey (Indonesia - Temples & Dragons Voyage)
Gaya Stay
Cruise Accommodations in ASEAN COMPILED by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by CRUISES OPERATORS
Cruising today is becoming the more popular alternative among travellers who want to make the most out of their vacation minus the fuss. In fact, cruising allows travellers to visit several destinations in one trip, albeit in shorter span of time. So, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in 2017, Gaya Travel presents a list of top cruise lines that traverse the waters in Southeast Asia that travellers can consider for that fuss-free yet well-rounded journeys around the ASEAN region… Diamond or Sapphire Princess www.princess.com
| Expedition | Packages include cruising around Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. | Features on board | Discovery at Sea™ Onboard activities, Captain’s Welcome Champagne Waterfall Reception, Theatre/Production Shows & Guest Entertainer Shows, movies under the stars, bars, nightclubs, casino, library & Princess Book Club, zumba classes, Afternoon Trivia, Theme Night Parties, ScholarShip@Sea® Enrichment activities, Youth & Teen Programs and Youth & Teen Activities. | Price | From SGD697.99 per person.
Costa Victoria www.costaasia.com
| Expedition | Family-friendly tour packages around Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam. | Features on board | Dancing classes, sports tournaments, Italian cooking classes, world-class performances, Pompei Spa with facilities that includes Jacuzzis, saunas and Turkish bath, including beauty salon. | Price | From USD169 per person.
Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas www.royalcaribbean.com | Expedition | This luxurious cruise visits many ports including Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia; Langkawi, Malaysia; Penang, Malaysia; and Phuket, Thailand. | Features on board | VitalitySM Spa, 3 pools, fitness centre, rockclimbing wall, ice-skating rink, mini-golf course, basketball court, jogging and in-line skating tracks, Broadway-style entertainment, Vegas-style Casino Royale, 22,000 square feet dedicated to kids’ areas and duty-free shopping. | Price | From USD307 per person.
Aqua Mekong www.aquaexpeditions.com
| Expedition | 7 nights, 4 nights or 3 nights cruising on a floating five-star hotel along the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. | Features on board | Observation Deck, outdoor pool, 5-Star Southeast Asian Cuisine, spa, library, games room, guided excursions and on board shopping. | Price | From USD3,660 per person.
Anawrahta Cruise (Bagan – Yangon) myanmartravel.indochinacharm.com | Expedition | 8 days cruising from Bagan to Sale, Magwe, Minhla, Pyay, Zalon, Danuphyu before ending the journey at Yangon. | Features on board | Open air yoga or Tai Chi class, bar, spa, lounge, pool deck and restaurants with international offerings. | Price | From USD3,534 per person.
Pandaw www.pandaw.com
| Expedition | A wide range of packages on hand-crafted lowkey luxury ships around Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. | Features on board | Spa (only on Mekong Pandaw), on-board activities (cooking demonstrations, fruit carving, napkin tying and a tour of the working ship), culture forums, themed movie nights and a farewell gala dinner and guided tours during land excursions. | Price | From USD333.90 per person.
AmaDara (Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong) www.amawaterways.com | Expedition | 8-night journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. | Features on board | Welcome dinner and farewell cocktail party & dinner, folklore dances and music performances, culture discussion forums, theme dinners and piano entertainment, fine dining and excursions. | Price | From USD2,999 per person.
Azamara Journey (Indonesia - Temples & Dragons Voyage) www.azamaraclubcruises.com | Expedition | 14 nights cruising on an award-winning ship from Singapore to Krakatoa, Semarang, Lombok, Komodo, Benoa (Bali), and Celukan Bawang before returning to Singapore. | Features on board | Land Discoveries® seminars, wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, spa service, salon service, acupuncture service, fitness centre, casino, cabaret lounge and white night parties. | Price | From From USD3,499.00 per person.
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LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure, the NINJAGO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2016 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND IS A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP.
Gaya Special Feature: Legoland® Malaysia Resort
LEGO® NINJAGO™ The Ride: First in Asia TEXT |IMAGES by FURQAAN HOD
After series of updates and investing almost RM40 million, LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort finally unveils its latest hi-tech theme attraction, LEGO® NINJAGO™ The Ride.
THE LAUNCH LEGO® NINJAGO™ The Ride at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort is the first of its kind in Asia. During the launch ceremony last October 2016, the stellar cast of LEGO® NINJAGO™ led by Sensei Wu and his four ninja protégés Cole (the black ninja representing earth), Jay (blue ninja representing lightning), Kai (red ninja representing fire) and Zane (the white ninja representing ice) made a grand appearance, mesmerising the crowd. The ceremony was officiated by Tourism Malaysia’s Director-General Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab. LEGOLAND® General Manager (Interim) Mr Young Pil-Kim, Themed Attraction Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd Chief Marketing Officer William Edwards, and LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort Director of Sales & Marketing Thila Munusamy also graced the launch. The launch of LEGO® NINJAGO™ The Ride were also joined by young Malaysian and Singaporean celebrities such as Bryan and Blair Herbert,
Puteri Balqis and Mia Sara who were also suited up in LEGO® NINJAGO™ characters. Fun-filled activities were also held for the attendees, who stood the chance to win lucky prizes from LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort.
THE LEGO ® NINJAGO TM This latest hi-tech attraction enables guests to use their hands to throw virtual lightning bolts, move shockwaves and send ice soaring and emit fireballs with incredible accuracy. This exciting ride takes around 10 minutes, and only children at least 120 centimetres tall are allowed on it. The experience is enhanced using four-dimensional effect and special features such as heat, smoke and wind, making it memorably immersive. The ride can hold up to four persons at one time, corresponding to the four ninjas and the respective elements that they represent. At the end of the ride, the public can view their individual scores on display. During school holidays, visit LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort with the 2nd ticket at 50% off via www. legoland.com.my (terms and conditions apply) to experience LEGO® NINJAGO™ The Ride!
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Gaya Shop
Head to Toe Travel Gears TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI
There’s such a thing as travelling the right way, and that means having the right travel gear. Here are some tried and tested accessories that can help make our long journeys more comfortable, packing more manageable, memories easier to record and overall experience more enjoyable!
1. SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick
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(www.lazada.com.my) The benefits of having a flash drive during travel are many: to back up photos, serve as extra entertainment storage and even store encrypted important documents. Travellers can choose any flash drive brand available in the market, but SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick gives you more, allowing users to share content anywhere wirelessly and simultaneously up to three devices. Now you can even stream HiRes video together with your friends while on the go! The drive works well with Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and Windows, and supports all iOS 5.0 (or higher) and Android version 2.3 (or higher) devices. The drive is currently retailed by Lazada at RM209 for 32G capacity.
2. Podo Camera (store.podolabs.com) Ditch the selfie stick for good and take your own photos while travelling by using the world’s first “stick and shoot” camera. Users simply need to stick the camera onto a nearby surface and just shoot! It becomes handier when partnered with the phone – Bluetooth technology converts the phone into a wireless controller. The pixels on the camera’s sensor (2.2 μm) are 50% bigger than those of iPhone 7 (1.5 μm) and Samsung Galaxy S7 (1.4 μm). Retailed at USD59.
3. Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 15” (funsportz.com.my) This winner of the ‘Gear of the Year’ awards by Men’s Journal, National Geographic and Popular Photography might seem pricey, but once you’ve learned its features, you’ll understand why. The San Francisco-based firm partnered with Trey Ratcliff to create one bag that is highly functional and stylish, from MagLatch™ closure, to the origamiinspired FlexFold™ dividers, to the Capture Clip anchors on the side and hyper-adjusting internally padded seatbelt strap. And it is also weatherproof ! The bag has been created specifically for photographers, but avid travellers on the move would also find this messenger bag sturdy and handy, definitely worth the money. Priced is at MYR1,399.
4. Targus Transit 360 Spinner (www.targus.com/my) Stylishly compact, this minimalist-designed luggage perfectly balances practicality and functionality by accommodating more luggage space for a short two- to three-day trip, with its 38-litre size that is expandable up to 30%. It is also fitted with eight wheels to allow 360º rotation for easy manoeuvring and embedded with a double-sided Travel Sentry Approved (TSA) lock for double security. There are three colours available: black, silver and wine. Retailed at MYR799.
5. The Wool Runner by Allbirds (www.allbirds.com) It turns out Allbirds makes the world’s comfiest shoes. The brand’s Wool Runner line features shoes made up of merino wool from New Zealand that is then processed at a textile mill outside Milan, Italy, to create the innovative wool fabric. Allbirds’ founder Tim Brown – a former professional soccer player from New Zealand – believes that the secret in making the shoes soft, lightweight, breathable and well-fitting lies in the fabric. Allbird’s sleek and cushioned shoes allow users to wear them comfortably without socks with minimal odour. They come in four colours and costs USD95 per pair.
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Gaya Special Feature: Hong Kong
The BROtimate Escapade: SonaOne’s Top Five Things to do with the Bros in Hong Kong
During festive season, why not sit back, relax and experience all the “good tidings of comfort and joy”? And what better way to do that other than rounding up your wolf pack for some rejuvenation before heading back to work? One of the world’s perfect island paradises, Hong Kong, offers an accessible escapade that will help you reconnect with people and things that matter in life. Malaysian award-winning rapper, SonaOne who stars in KIX HD’s new reality TV series – The Ultimate BROcation reveals his top five things (starting from number 5) to do with his bros in Hong Kong. Read on and get some inspiration for your own brocation! 044
5. Rejuvenate the tired mind and soul with a foot massage
One of the remedies to being completely relaxed is to schedule in some “down time” and to engage in soothing experiences such as a spa or a massage. Not only will it help you to forget the daily anxieties and stress, a relaxing spa or massage supports healing, boosts energy and enhances the overall well-being. SonaOne: “A therapeutic foot steam spa is the best way to pamper yourself and it surely sheds away fatigue in your body. Then, you’re good to go for another round of shopping! ”
4. Soak up the beautiful view of Hong Kong city on a tram ride
Explore the bustling north corridor of Hong Kong Island as you take a step back in time when you board one of the city’s historic trams. These double-decker streetcars have been travelling through Hong Kong’s busiest thoroughfares since 1904 and continue to be an affordable, inexpensive and fun way to get around. SonaOne: “Riding on the tram is a visual experience in its own right and it was definitely one of my favourite memories of this city. The five of us also bonded through that experience and it was just unforgettable.”
3. Capture that perfect #wefie with sophisticated street art as backdrop
Hong Kong is a melting pot of art, class and style. You never know when you will next be dazzled by a new corner you hadn’t noticed before. Seize the moment by capturing your BROcation memories with truly inspired street art pieces as your backdrop that can be found throughout the city – especially in Sham Shui Po, Sheung Wan and Stanley Market
where Hong Kong’s annual street art festival, HKwalls took place.
1. Set your mind free off the beaten path of the city in the Southern District
SonaOne: “Some of the best street art can be found in Hong Kong and it’s always fascinating for me to check out graffiti by artist as I am also a fan of the art.”
Looking for a place that is a great chill out to unwind? In Hong Kong’s beautiful Southern District, lies steep mountain trails, country parks and beaches that can provide you with a tranquil escape. Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir or head to the secluded Turtle Cove Beach for a truly laid-back afternoon in the sun with your bros.
2. Indulge in delicious food for the soul
Nothing is more satisfying than good nourishment for the body that revigorates you. Where do you even begin when it comes to food in Hong Kong? It is a metropolis known for being a melting pot of culture, perfectly reflected in the array of food selections offered. From hawker stalls to Michelin star awarded restaurants – the island has everything a food lover could ever wish for. Best of all, there are good selections of local halal delicacies offered to the Muslims as well. Be sure to check out the Islamic Centre Canteen in Wan Chai to get your share of delicious Halal dim sums. SonaOne: “I really like the local Halal dim sums in Hong Kong and this is definitely a must try for any visitor. To my surprise, Hong Kong actually has so many Halal certified restaurants and I had no qualms looking for Halal food.”
SonaOne: “I really appreciate the southern part of Hong Kong where I can enjoy the outdoors, seaside and the islands. Best of all, it is easily accessible via public transport!” SonaOne’s exciting adventure with the bros on The Ultimate BROcation premiered on 14 December 2016 at 9:00 p.m. on KIX HD (Astro Ch. 729). Malaysians who are looking for some inspiration to organise their very own BROcation or seek travel ideas should watch the series. For more information, please visit http://ultimatebrocation.kix-tv.com/.
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“Throughout the years, Club Med has institutionalised systems and ways to control costs. We are able to measure, predict and control the quantities of consumption without sacrificing on quality to remain as a value-for-money family-centric holiday destination.�
Gaya Interview
CEO Henri Giscard d’Estaing - Club Med Chairman & Xavier Desaulles - Club Med CEO for East and South Asia Pacific (ESAP) IMAGES by CLUB MED
During Gaya Travel Magazine’s recent trip to Club Med Bali, Gaya Travel Magazine had the opportunity to interview Club Med top management comprising Club Med Chairman & CEO Henri Giscard d’Estaing and Club Med CEO for East and South Asia Pacific (ESAP) Xavier Desaulles. The following are what these charismatic individuals have to say about Club Med…
Mr. Henri Giscard d’Estaing Club Med is well known for its uniqueness because it offers activities that suit each family member, including grandparents. As a result, the entire family can have holiday together in one secure and safe location. No doubt, Club Med intends to create destinations that help to strengthen bonds among families. All Club Med properties have their own different strengths, offering different experiences. If I want to relax, I go to the Albion in Mauritius; if I want to be active, then Bali is ideal – it all depends on the mood and requirements. People want change, so the differing experiences provided by various Club Med properties in Asia and around the world meet people’s expectations in wanting to savour different experiences during their holiday. Among Club Med properties that are great for families are Phuket, Cherating and Bali – these properties are ideal for young families with babies since they are equipped with facilities catering to children from as young as four months up to 17 years old. Besides developing unique family-centric holiday destinations, Club Med has also started to move up the value chain by offering luxurious upscale destination in the form of Finolhu Villas in the Maldives, which is Club Med’s first step into exclusivity to serve the high-end clientele. However, despite that strategic move, Club Med remains true to its reputation as the provider of premium
all-inclusive resort for families. Being in the tourism and hospitality business, Club Med as a global company certainly faces challenges, one of them is in finding exceptional locations to open new properties. When I first joined the company, I was asked many times whether there are still any more viable locations left in the world. And to be honest, I must say yes. For example, I just returned from one location close to Geneva that will make a great Club Med mountain resort. Another one is Guilin, where Club Med just opened, surrounded by spectacular mountainous landscape. And of course, the one most recently announced is Club Med Lombok. Club Med works closely with the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to develop the property in Mandalika, a beautiful area in Lombok designated to be developed along the same vein as Nusa Dua in Bali, but more ecotourism-based. Other upcoming properties are Beidahu in China, slated for opening in November 2016; one new resort in the Alps every year since Club Med is already the top-ofmind brand for family ski holidays; and another one near Sao Paulo, Brazil called Club Med Lake Paradise, scheduled to open in December 2016. When it comes to opening a new Club Med property, the main factors that we look for are strategic and accessible location; natural beauty; and the size of at least 15 hectares for Club Med to hold many activities and for guests to have space to relax.
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Another challenge is to constantly invent and re-invent so that we remain as a pioneer. One aspect that helps Club Med maintain its pole position is through the adoption of digital technology to facilitate guests’ experiences. For instance, besides creating online systems to engage and transact with the public, Club Med also develops mobile apps for guests to not only book rooms but also skiing gear and ski classes, bringing convenience right to the guests’ fingertips. Throughout the years, despite global inflation, Club Med has institutionalised systems and ways to efficiently control costs. We are able to measure, predict and control the quantities of consumption without sacrificing on quality. We have been doing this for a long time and will continue to do so to make sure that we essentially remain as a value-for-money family-centric holiday destination.
Mr. Xavier Desaulles
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The Malaysian market is important because Cherating is the first Club Med to open in Asia. Interestingly, Cherating remains special among Club Med’s Gentil Organisateurs (G.O.s) because of its unique ambience and lush tropical environment. Club Med’s premium all-inclusive offerings are in sync with the expectations of travellers, especially among Malaysian families because they seek value-for-money experiences. Malaysia is also strategic because it has been Club Med’s fastest growing market in the past three years in Asia. As such, Club Med intends to target more Malaysian families to visit not just Cherating but also Bali and the Maldives. Malaysia also has natural assets that trigger Club Med’s interest towards exploring possibilities of opening new properties within the country, perhaps in Langkawi or Kota Kinabalu. The opening of Club Med Lombok in Mandalika attests to Club Med’s confidence towards Indonesia’s growing popularity as magnet for tourism. In line with its pioneering spirit, Club Med is the first few international chains to open in the area, similar to how it assisted in the development of the Nusa Dua area in Bali. Lombok’s charm lies in its still rural and raw appeal, which reminds travellers of Bali thirty years ago. In Asia, the challenge for Club Med is in its operations. Asians generally take shorter vacations like two to four days, compared to Europeans who would take at least the whole one week off. As such, more resources are required to turn over the rooms since there would be sizeable departures and check-ins every day. Another challenge is talent retention – recruiting and retaining the right G.O.s in Asia are crucial. When we select G.O.s, Club Med assesses their attitude, openness towards others, kindness, their activeness, and willingness to interact with others. Once we get to know their character, we then concentrate on their skills or know-how, which can be
taught. Generally, Club Med G.O.s are assigned to a specific Club Med property for six to 12 months, then they will move to other properties. That kind of arrangement makes these G.O.s cognisant and sensitive towards cultural influences, therefore they are well equipped when attending to Club Med’s guests from various backgrounds. It also suggests that Club Med is willing to put considerable investment in developing their own talent’s growth and development because these G.O.s are important to the business. To ensure that the public knows more about Club Med, the group is now aggressively engaging and communicating with the public, especially among the uninitiated. The meaning of premium all-inclusive is not only limited to rooms and meals, but also encompasses transfers, facilities, instructors, activities and sports, among others. Club Med emphasises on the quality of its offerings and breadth of activities so that the brand remains as the best choice for family holiday destination.
“Club Med’s premium allinclusive offerings are in sync with the expectations of travellers, especially among Malaysian families because they seek value-for-money experiences.”
A diver looks on to a couple of lion fishes taking shelter under the coral reef at Crystal Rock dive site, Komodo National Park
Destinations
Underwater Wonderland at Komodo National Park TEXT by FARAH NADIAH|IMAGES by MOHD HAZLI HASSAN & FARAH NADIAH
Some 30 years ago, the legendary dive-master Pak Condo Subagyo travelled on foot from his hometown in Central Java towards east Indonesia in search for the meaning of life. He chanced upon Komodo National Park, which is located within the Lesser Sunda and made a life changing decision to base in Labuan Bajo and dive in Komodo National Park, day in and day out. Today, he speaks of Komodo National Park as paradise on earth with scenic islets and mind-blowing underwater wonderland. My recent diving trip to Komodo National Park reaffirms Pak Condo’s undying love towards Komodo’s aquatic and marine life. Having dived at some of the world’s best diving destinations, Komodo diving experience tops the list.
I emerge from my hotel room to prepare for the first day of dives in Komodo National Park. For the next couple of days, my life can be summarised in a dive mantra: Eat Sleep Dive Repeat. Komodo National Park is accessible via Labuan Bajo fishing town. Since the first dive site is located 45 minutes away from Labuan Bajo port, we set sail to the designated Komodo National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The journey provides a beguiling impression of what would be a fantastic diving trip. I am immersed in the beauty of the clear water ocean that exists in stark contrast to the rugged hills of dry savannah. Located where the Australia and Sundanese continental plates meet, the park is the shatter belt for the ecosystems from both plates. Komodo National Park lies within the coral triangle of the Indo-Pacific region, making it one of the world’s best destinations for diving. To date, there are approximately 40 dive sites identified to cater for diving tourism, while others remain unexplored or require technical deep sea diving skills.
Dive #1: Castle Rock With a back roll negative entry, I descend down the crystal-clear water in a group of eight divers following closely dive masters Karim and Pak Salleh. The dive site, known
as Castle Rock, is a seamount covered with psychedelic coral reefs teeming with invertebrates and fishes. The drop off depends on the current movement. It is wise to expect some serious current, topping seven knots of water movement. In our case, the strong current prepares us to what is the default situation in most dive sites in Komodo National Park. As soon as I reach the rock formation, the current is bearable and I get to enjoy the vibrant colours of the reef and fishes. The huge schools of pelagic marine life are bound to steal the show as it swims pass the deep blue waters. The free swimmers here are giant Napolean wrasse, barracuda, reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish, dogtooth tuna and the like. Nearby, schools of fusiliers make pulsating force that brings the whole underwater to life.
Dive #2: Crystal Rock Just a few hundred metres from Castle Rock lies another spectacular dive site called Crystal Rock, which is a part of a series of seamounts that form a chain with Castle Rock and Gili Lawa Laut. As I make a quick negative entry descent, sunshine sparkles over the clear water as though I am gliding through transparent waters into a colourful oceanic aquarium.
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Dive Practicalities When | All year round diving destination. The park has distinctly different environments in the north and south of the park. Best season in the North is from April through December and in the South is from October through April. Diving types | Gentle drift dives, wall dives, monumental boulders, caves, colourful reefs, seamounts and pinnacles and muck dives. Difficulty level | Experienced divers – familiarity with dive gears and drift diving are recommended. Average Water Temperature | 27ºC to 28ºC in the North & 23ºC to 24ºC in the South Recommended Gears | Min 3mm+ full-length suit and hood & medium to hard stiffness fins, reef hook How | Connect to Labuan Bajo from Ngurah Rai International
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Crystal Rock thrives with soft corals and abundant reef fishes since the currents feed the life at the reefs. Vividly coloured soft corals together with giant barrel sponges and impressive table corals spread beyond the horizon with thousands of anthias and schools of yellow-ribbon sweetlips. Watch out for the black snappers, blue finned trevally, big eyed trevally, tuna, mackerel and white tip reef sharks for incredible big fish schooling action. The best time to dive at Crystal Rock is during the slack tide.
Dive #3: Batu Bolong The next dive brings us to Batu Bolong or the Hollow Rock, which is a rock pinnacle in the middle of the sea. It is the home to some of the strongest currents in Komodo with down current on the east and west of the rock. As we make our plunge into the sea, the rock wall is replete with reef creatures and nutrient-rich corals. We descend to a depth of 23.3 metres before zigzagging up the enchanted rocky wall and gliding pass abundant healthy corals and reef fishes. Since there is no opportunity to drift due to strong currents, it is worth to stay awhile to witness the dynamic spectrum of the underwater wonder where survival, prey and camouflage are the way of life. As I struggle for neutral buoyancy, I witness the beauty of marine life beyond imagination. Besides reefs and fishes, Batu Bolong also offers
pelagic action with sharks, turtles, tuna, barracuda and wrasse high on the bill.
Dive #4: Taka Makassar The star attraction of Komodo National Park’s underwater world is the school of mantas foraging for planktons, which they prey into their mouths using their distinctive cephalic lobes. There are two manta points in Komodo National Park that afford divers the experience of diving with these gentle giants: Taka Makassar (Manta Point) and Manta Alley. As we ride towards Taka Makassar, the dive guides point to black flapping wing underneath our dive boat. The first glimpse of the mantas excites us all until we realise that our boat is tilting to the right because we are all standing at one side of the boat! As we descend the Taka Makassar dive site, a grey reef shark is seen resting at the bottom of the seabed. The visibility is between five to 10 metres due to the density of the plankton in the water. Just as I am about to make a mental note of the different underwater environment from the previous three dive sites, two huge mantas swim by, flapping their pectoral triangular wings that make them look as if they were flying graciously in the water. The upper body of the manta is black or dark brown, while the lower body is white. The giant manta rays are often seen swimming against the current, filtering the planktons. When diving here, divers are recommended to remain as flat as
possible at the bottom to encourage the manta rays remain on the reef top. Some will inch closer to check you out and play around the bubbles that tickle their lower bodies.
Dive #5: Siaba Besar Komodo National Park is also known for its muck diving or macro diving where divers would roam the muddy sediment that lies at the bottom of the dive sites in search for macro creatures such as nudibranchs, shrimp, octopus, seahorses etc. Muck diving is for the trained eyes since most of the time the creatures are only as small as an inch. Since we have too short a time to try all muck dive sites in Komodo National Park, we only get to dive in Siaba Besar. A pair of trained eyes would notice the slimy psychedelic two-horned sea slugs clinging tight to the corals and sponges or crawling on the seabed. The nudibranchs as they are called, are popular creatures among underwater photographers. Later, I spot two crabs carrying two jellyfishes struggling to escape. Gliding forward, a blue-spotted stingray scrabbles the sand for molluscs and worms. The flamboyant cuttlefish graces our presence by changing its skin colour and pattern in a blink of an eye, living up to its name by perpetually flashing vibrant yellow, maroon, brown, white and red along its body. Other macro dive sites are Wingkol, Namu Island, Sarang Island, Cannibal Rock and Three Sisters.
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Flamboyant cuttlefish is one of the macro creatures found in the waters of Komodo National Park Manta rays feed on planktons that are in abundance at Komodo National Park Real-life aquarium and the life within
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As an ambush predator, one should never underestimate a static komodo dragon that has a top speed of 12.4 miles per hour Pak Condo Subagyo, the legendary diver of Komodo National Park Three horse shoes bays make a definitely stunning view worthy of the 45-minute hike uphill under the sun
Dive #6: Three Sisters
Pink Beach or Pantai Merah
Our final dive is the Three Sisters, which comprises three seamounts known for macro and reef diving, lying at a 30-metre sandy bottom. As I make my descent, the water is covered with murky sediments, perfect for macro diving. Due to the strong current, our plan is to dive around the walls of the seamount, which are covered with soft and hard corals, with visibility as far as 15 to 20 metres. As we do our five-metre deep safety stop routine, a school of giant blue finned trevally swims around us to ambush the reef fishes.
On the other side of Padar Island, there lies a stretch of beach known as Pantai Merah or the Pink Beach, derived from the pink colour of the sand that is caused by microscopic animals called Foraminifera that produce red pigment on the coral reefs. When the corals break off and wash ashore, they are combined with fine sand to produce the pink tint that can be seen especially during dusk and dawn. The beach is a spectacular choice for snorkellers and beginner divers since both soft and hard corals fringe the shoreline with abundant fishes.
Komodo Dragon Watching During the day off from diving, there are plenty of activities to do within the Komodo National Park. One interesting activity is to catch a glimpse of the Komodo dragons, whose ancestors can be traced back as far as the Cretaceous Era, beginning slightly after the end of the Jurassic period. The world’s largest lizards have adapted to the harsh environment of Komodo National Park and can be found in Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode. However, there are only two gateways for visitors to see the dragons: Loh Liang in Komodo Island or Loh Buaya in Rinca Island. Although there are more Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, the chance to encounter the Komodo dragons on Rinca Island is higher due to its smaller land size. The long-tailed macaques welcome us at Loh Buaya pier as they sit on the mangrove trees that surround Rinca Island. As we traverse the 600-metre nature path, the vast and barren hilly panorama unfolds. Two deer stand on their two legs reaching for the leaves of a banyan tree where a Komodo dragon weighing over 120 kilograms lies sleeping under it. Since Komodo dragons are effective predators whose method of killing is by ambushing along the game trails or at the water holes, all visitors must be accompanied by a ranger inside the area. I follow the ranger who is holding a stick as protection for a medium route trekking that takes 2 hours to complete. Besides the rolling mountains, there are dragon prey skulls, dragon nests, wild animals, open savanna and a panoramic view from the peak of Rinca Island.
Panoramic View at Padar Island The most scenic view must be from the peak of Padar Island, the third largest island in Komodo National Park, where three horseshoe bays can be seen in one shot. Dropping by at the anonymous bay while waiting for one of the dives, I hike the porous loose rock hill under the searing hot sun one baby step at a time. There is almost no tree along the trek to shelter me from the sun. When I claim a break in disguise of tiredness, I stop, turn back and enjoy the view. Padar’s majestic vistas make the profusely sweaty experience worthwhile. For divers planning to hike on Padar Island, be sure to use proper hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
Gastronomy CafĂŠ.In.Hit is arguably the best coffee shop in Labuan Bajo. The smell of rich coffee lingers as soon as one enters this coffee shop. The Le Pirate Restaurant next door offers western and seafood cuisine in a pirate-inspired setting. The seafront Seafood Tree Top Restoran is famous for its fusion Chinese food, with steamed and grilled fishes cooked in three types of sauce or sweet sour as their specialty, considered as Labuan Bajo cuisine. For the adventurous foodie, there is a row of seafood stalls close to the main jetty or at Wisata Kuliner Kampung Ujung for them to taste authentic grassroots gastronomy. For more info: Tel: +62 385 42137 | +62 823 390 80808 Web: www.komodonationalpark.org | www.cndivekomodo.com Email: info@cndivekomodo.com
Gaya Travel expresses our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia for this wonderful trip.
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One of the local stalls selling apam balik or turnover pancakes that can be seen during the KL Night Heritage Walk Traverse the 200-metre canopy walk to enjoy the stunning aerial view of the treetops and city skyline at KL Forest Eco Park Grab the chance to interact and play with the friendly parrots at KL Tower Mini Zoo Get your creative and mind-blowing shots at Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, The City of Contrast and Diversity TEXT by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI|IMAGES by FURQAAN HOD & MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
Have you ever wandered around your own city as a tourist? You will be surprised to discover that there is so much to see and how little you probably know about the place where you live. As an ardent traveller, there is no doubt that exploring other cities is an unbeatable experience. The further I travel and the more people I met along the way, the more feedback that I receive about how interesting my city, Kuala Lumpur, is to those who have visited. This makes me realise how important it is to understand the very place where we live, which we always take for granted. Recently, I had the opportunity to unearth some of Kuala Lumpur’s gems, where culture is replete and gastronomic choices are plentiful, through #AboutKL and Eat.Travel.Write.Doodle (Citrawarna 2016) familiarisation programmes that brought social media influencers and media members to uncover the city’s attractions. Read on to find out about the places that you can visit when being in one of the World’s Top 10 Most Visited Cities.
For Culture and History Buffs Learn about Kuala Lumpur History in 60 Minutes through MudKL Musical Theatre During my journey of exploration around Kuala Lumpur, I visited the iconic Panggung Bandaraya (City Hall Theatre) where an entertaining musical performance is fittingly held almost every day. MudKL is a 60-minute informative, colourful and interactive musical theatre that showcases significant history of Kuala Lumpur, which depicts scenes from 1857 until the mining boom of 1880, revolving around three characters namely Meng, Mamat and Muthiah who came to the city with the hope of seeking better opportunity and went through the joys, trials and tribulations of life. It was my first time watching this musical theatre
after reading about it on the Internet for a while, and I personally do not mind watching it again. The show enlightens me with brief yet vivid description regarding Kuala Lumpur’s past presented in an entertaining and interactive way. Each talent successfully injects emotions into their characters throughout the show, making the story more compelling. Panggung Bandaraya, Jalan Raya 50350, Kuala Lumpur Tel: +6 03 2602 3335 Web: www.mudkl.com GPS: 3.150668, 101.694979
Join the Fascinating Kuala Lumpur Heritage, Cultural and Nature Trails As someone who lives nearby Kuala Lumpur, I generally have in mind that the city centre is always a place we try to avoid due to the unpredictable crowd and traffic congestion. After undergoing this programme, I learned that there are various stress-free ways to discover and experience this city, which one of it is by joining KL free guided walk covering the city’s heritage, cultural and natural spots. I joined ‘Jalan-Jalan at Kampung Bharu’ and ‘Kuala Lumpur Night Walk’ trails, which were insightful because they allow me to wander around important historical spots, letting me imagine the atmosphere in Kuala Lumpur back when it was still under British rule. Each trail lasts about two to three hours and brought me to some of the lesser-known but significant areas and selected markets that sell local food and souvenirs. The trails are highly recommended for locals – including city residents – and foreigners who wish to learn Kuala Lumpur’s storied past in an immersive way.
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What to wear & bring: Wear comfortable clothes, footwear and cap. Besides, do bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Tel: +6 03 2698 0332 (Office hours 9:00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.) Web: www.visitkl.gov.my
Tip: 24-hour advance book is highly recommended for individuals and groups to join these guided tours. Travellers may join all four trails (Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail, Old KL & Nature Walk, Jalan-Jalan at Kampong Bharu and Kuala Lumpur Night Walk) to obtain perspectives and different experiences.
For Animal and Nature Enthusiasts
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Walk on the Canopy Walk in KL Forest Eco Park Did you know that Kuala Lumpur is the only city in the world that has a natural rainforest located at its centre? KL Forest Eco Park, formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, is one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia that has now become Kuala Lumpur’s famous attraction. Besides learning about different kinds of endemic plants, travellers may also walk along the 200-metre canopy walkway, which provides stunning view of the treetops and the city beyond with KL Tower looming dominantly. It is an ideal for those who intend to find a bit of paradise in the middle of the city. KL Forest Eco Park Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P.Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur Web: www.forestry.gov.my GPS: 3.150557, 101.701698
Meet and Greet with the Adorable Animals at KL Tower Mini Zoo The fact that there is a mini petting zoo located beneath the prominent KL Tower truly caught me by surprise. KL Tower Mini Zoo is another attraction in Kuala Lumpur that grants visitors from all walks of life the chance to see a collection of rare animals. This mini zoo is divided into several sections such as the Mini Jungle, Reptile Zone, Falabella stable, Birdy School, Vegetable & Fruit Walkway, Longkang Fishing, Pet Village and Jungle View. I spent nearly an hour observing unique and adorable creatures such as the meerkat, bat-eared fox, fallabella horse, Saanen goat and alpaca. As an animal lover, I found this mini zoo captivating and different from other small zoos because I get to obtain unforgettable close-up experience
to feed and pet those animals. Travelling families with children should visit KL Tower Mini Zoo for an educational and memorable experience. Jalan Puncak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur FB: KLTowerMiniZooMalaysia GPS: 3.152994, 101.703349
For Fun and Entertainment Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House If you are looking for a place where you can unleash your inner child and photograph your crazy poses, this should be your next stop after visiting KL Tower and KL Tower Mini Zoo. Officially opened in June 2016, Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House is one of the current attractions located in the heart of the city. It is a double-storey house styled like an English cottage with living room, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms constructed upside down. There are also several upside down houses found in elsewhere such as Sabah, Pulau Pinang and Melaka but KL Upside Down House is by far the tallest in Malaysia. I highly recommend travellers to come along with their family and friends so that they could help each other in taking photos and share the fun together. I visited this house with friends and we spent nearly an hour laughing and taking hundreds of fun and creative shots for our Instagram gallery. KL Upside Down House is interesting because it offers travellers unique and fun experience. Menara Kuala Lumpur Jalan Puncak, 50250 Kuala Lumpur Web: www.klupsidedown.com GPS: 3.152998, 101.703530
For Foodies Coliseum Café Travellers should dine at Coliseum Café to enjoy a taste of nostalgia. Ranked as the Longest Operating Western Colonial-Themed Restaurant by the Malaysia Book of Records, Coliseum Café has been operating since 1921 and now becoming a part of Kuala Lumpur’s history. This restaurant stands tall as one of the popular dining options among locals and foreigners for its delectable colonial era-inspired dishes. Besides Kuala Lumpur, Coliseum Café has branches at Plaza 33 Petaling Jaya, Mid Valley and Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall. Entering the restaurant is like a step into the past since the original furnishings are preserved from the time this café started operating until now. My friends and I savoured the
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mouth-watering sauteed black pepper dumpling. We then proceeded to a new culinary experience by trying out their ‘mysterious menu’ in a total pitch-black dark room aptly called Dining In The Dark. That was the time where I have to totally depend on my sense of smell and taste without relying on my sight to fully enjoy the food, which was totally mind-blowing. The gourmet safari is a truly delightful experience and that is bound to satisfy travellers’ taste buds! 45C Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +603 2145 2196 Web: www.gourmetsafarikl.com
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Framed documents on the wall showcasing Coliseum Cafe & Grill Room’s achievements and history Delightful sauteed black pepper dumpling served at Opium KL
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highly-recommended Hainanese chicken chop. The chicken was deep fried to crispy perfection then covered in a tasty sauce that is made of tomato, peas, onions and mushrooms. Coliseum Café is definitely a restaurant that is worth visiting when being in Kuala Lumpur. 98-100 & 102 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 2692 6270 Web: www.coliseum1921.com GPS: 3.153895, 101.696351
Kuala Lumpur Gourmet Safari It is hard to deny that Kuala Lumpur is a city with massive number of popular cafés, bars and restaurants that sometimes left us confused as to where and what to eat. To help travellers experience great food at relaxed pace minus the confusion when being in Kuala Lumpur, simply head to Changkat Bukit Bintang and follow the Kuala Lumpur Gourmet Safari, organised by The Werner’s Group that owns six food and beverage establishments, which travellers get to experience all. During the safari, my friend and I managed to savour several dishes two of their outlets: Opium and Dining in The Dark. Our journey began at Opium where we were served the scrumptious Cajun prawn with mango salsa and the
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Destinations
ACEQM 2016: When ASEAN Celebrities Invade Malaysia TEXT by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI & HALIZSHA HALIM|IMAGES by FURQAAN HOD
On its fourth edition, ASEAN Celebrity Explore Quest (ACEQM) is back again this year with the theme ‘ASEAN in My Heart’. This programme aims to provide delegates from the 10 ASEAN member countries comprising celebrities and media members to experience and promote a selection of Malaysia’s tourism products of choice, besides helping to raise awareness towards Visit ASEAN@50 campaign. Gaya Travel team was part of this trip together with the participants to discover the culture, people, nature and food in two selected territories: Kuala Lumpur and Sabah.
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Kuala Lumpur
national heroes.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, is a highly developed multicultural urban centre that is rich with tourism offerings that include iconic monuments, lush green parks and forests, vibrant shopping malls, variety of entertainment spots and bustling street markets from travellers from all around the world to experience. This world’s top 10 most visited city was a destination for the first leg of ACEQM when participants explored several hotspots within and close to the city.
Opens daily between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. GPS: 3.149562, 101.683737
Marvel at the Iconic National Monument in Kuala Lumpur Full of historical significance, the National Monument or locally known as Tugu Negara is an iconic statue that commemorates the struggle in maintaining peace throughout the land by our brave soldiers during World War II. Commissioned in 1963 by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first prime minister, this national monument is one of the largest bronze statues in the world and was inspired by the Marine Corps War Memorial. During the visit, we had the opportunity to learn and understand the history of this monument and have a photograph with the statue of Malaysia’s
Wet and fun adventure at Sunway Lagoon Being one of the biggest and exciting water theme parks in Malaysia, Sunway Lagoon offers more than 90 attractions across six parks that makes for a memorably exciting experience. One of our favourites was the long suspension bridge that cross over the seemingly endless pool, which allowed us to catch a cool aerial view of the entire water park. Besides the gigantic pool and suspension bridge, there are also several heart-pumping attractions and rides that travellers should try at the water park such as the Vuvuzela, launched from an 11-storey high tower and Congo Challenge, which requires travellers to slide down head first. Opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entrance fee: MYR150 (Adult) and MYR120 (Children) Website: www.sunwaylagoon.com GPS: 3.071533, 101.605167
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All ASEAN celebrities who were involved in ACEQM 2016 posing with organisers Minister of Tourism & Culture Malaysia Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz during the press conference Tourism Malaysia Director-General Dato’ Mirza Mohamad Taiyab accompanied by the Programme Director of ACEQM 2016 Tuan Syed Yahya Syed Othman presenting the appreciation plaque to the Minister of Tourism & Culture Malaysia while the Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah looks on
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IMAGE 07 by Laser Battle (video) - www.laserbattle.com.my
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Tugu Negara (National Monument) is an important Malaysian landmark visited by #ACEQM2016 participants The man-made surf beach at Sunway Lagoon hosted #ACEQM2016 fun-filled activities Malaysian actress and TV Host Juliana Evans (right) teamed up with the other #ACEQM2016 participants to solve the puzzles during Escape Room Challenge The Laser Battle Challenge was won by the Thailand team
Mind-challenging Escape Room at Berjaya Times Square If you enjoy challenges and solving puzzles, this is definitely the right one for you. Besides testing our stamina, the Escape Room offered a difference in the sense that it features a game that challenges our creativity and analytical thinking skills. The participants needed to find clues based on various story lines to solve the live puzzles in order to escape from the mysterious room within 45 minutes. There are different type of rooms to choose from such as ‘Dutch Lady: The Great Chocolate Vault’, ‘The Cage – Of Death and Mystery’, and ‘The Haunted House’. It is hard for us to deny that the questions were harder than we thought. Totally recommended for those who would like their brain to work extra hard. Opens daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:55 p.m. Price per room: MYR38.20 (Normal), MYR33.90 (Offpeak), and RM38.00 (Public holiday). Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall, 7th Floor, Entertainment Podium, No. 1, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur Website: www.escaperoom.com/kl/ GPS: 3.142422, 101.710604
Join the Laser Battle and get thrilled at Berjaya Times Square Looking for a great place for indoor activity in Kuala Lumpur? We highly recommend you to try Laser Battle, another exhilarating attraction in the city. Being the best and most advanced arena in Southeast Asia, Laser Battle features multiple LED colours, bright green laser lights, vibration sensors and sound effects to inject realism to the experience. Each of us were buckled up with a battle vest that become our opponent’s laser gun targets. Truly an entertaining and fun-filled sweat-out session! Price: MYR48 (Two missions) and MYR58 (Three missions) Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall, 7th Floor, Entertainment Podium, No. 1, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur Website: www.lasertagkl.com.my GPS: 3.142422, 101.710604
Sabah Home to the third highest mountain in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu, Sabah is blessed with natural wonders, from beautiful islands to pristine rainforests, heritage architecture, charming culture and unique culinary offerings that make this state one of the most visited destinations in Malaysia. Besides Kuala Lumpur, the participants of ACEQM also experienced the gems located close to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s state capital.
Getting to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Airlines flies 70 times weekly between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. Highly recommended for travellers wanting to experience authentic Malaysian hospitality during the journey.
Learn Unique Borneo Culture and Lifestyle at Mari-Mari Cultural Village The 41-minute drive from the luxurious Magellan Sutera Resort took us to Inanam, a town that renowned for Mari Mari Cultural Village. Situated amidst a remote rainforest atmosphere and away from crowd, this fun and interactive hub showcases traditional homes, culture and lifestyle of five of Sabah’s major ethnic communities: the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun.
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08. #ACEQM2016 participants taking a group photo together with Tourism Malaysia Director-General Dato’ Mirza Mohamad Taiyab at Mari Mari Cultural Village 09. Exciting lansaran (wooden trampoline) show in Murut headhunter longhouse at Mari Mari Cultural Village 10. Linapak, one of Sabahan popular dishes cooked in a combination of diced chicken, potatoes, onion, salt and bay leaf
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#ACEQM2016 participants paying attention to the safety briefing before the white water-rafting activity The team from Laos having fun rafting along the Kiulu River The view from Manukan Island overlooking the other two islands, Sulug and Mamutik (From left) Ms Juliana Evans (Malaysia), Mr Paing Takhon (Myanmar) and Ms Frung (Thailand) attempting jump shot on Manukan
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After arriving at the village, we were divided into several groups, each assigned to one tour guide who gave a comprehensive and informative commentary about Mari Mari Cultural Village. On top of that, we also witnessed and tried our hand on several activities such as cooking linapak (a popular dish cooked in bamboo and banana leaf ) at the Dusun house, learning how to start a fire using bamboo at Rungus house and jumping on the bamboo trampoline at Murut house. A visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village was indeed an enriching experience that it felt like stepping back in time and voyaging through the time when Borneo was just discovered by the British explorers, an exotic and primitive land that was full of wondrous secrets.
and rafting pace), passing by breathtaking and refreshing lush tropical greenery.
Tel: +6 016 821 5689 Email: mmcvinquiry@gmail.com Website: www.marimariculturalvillage.com GPS: 5.973696, 116.202720
Enjoy the sun and breeze on Manukan Island Should travellers look for an island getaway, this is the right place to be. Widely known as a ‘Maldives of South East Asia’, Sabah has astounding array of stunning islands off the eastern and western coastlines. During the programme, we were taken to one of the largest islands that is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park called Manukan. It is generally the most visited island due to its accessibility from Kota Kinabalu city. We started off our day by taking a 15-minute boat ride from Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty to Manukan Island, a charming location that tugs the hearts of many. Travellers may try various activities while being on Manukan such as snorkelling or diving should they wish to admire adorable marine creatures up close. For those who prefer picnicking, there are plenty of spots for travellers to enjoy while savouring food and beverage family and friends, including traversing the 1,500-metre trail on foot to take in Manukan’s natural beauty.
Tips: Travellers are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear for leisure walking. Since Mari Mari Cultural Village only accepts cash as payment for entrance and retail, travellers are expected to bring along extra cash for contingency.
Adrenaline-pumping White Water-Rafting on Kiulu River With its varied and often challenging environment, Sabah has countless spots that are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking up the majestic Mount Kinabalu, jungle-trekking, diving, parasailing, and definitely one of our favourites: white water-rafting. There are two main rivers suitable for rafting activity, which are Padas and Kiulu. According to the local guide, Padas River (difficulty level 3 to 4) is ideal for experienced rafters while Kiulu River (difficulty level from 1 to 2) is best for beginners and all ages. We had the chance to participate in white water-rafting along Kiulu River located in the northwestern region of Sabah, an hour’s drive to Kampung Pukak Kiulu. The adventure begins with a safety briefing conducted by professional raft guide to ensure that all participants remain safe during the rafting. The journey covers between seven and 15 kilometres (taking approximately two hours, depending on water level
Recommendation: Gaya Travel recommends that travellers do this activity with River Bug Asia, one of the white water-rafting specialists in Sabah. This company provides other activities too such as a visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village, Sepanggar Island, Mantanani Mari-Mari Dive Lodge and more. Visit www.riverbug.asia to find to know more about the services. Tel: +6019 820 4921 Email: tours@riverbug.asia
Getting there: Travellers may visit Manukan Island by purchasing a ticket and take a boat ride from Jesselton Point, located close to Kota Kinabalu city centre and a stone’s throw from Suria Sabah shopping mall. Gaya Travel extends our heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Malaysia for allowing our team to participate in this wonderful event, including the chance to experience the best of what Kuala Lumpur and Sabah have to offer.
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Through ASEAN Celebrity Explore Quest Malaysia 2016, the participants from 10 ASEAN countries bonded as one and shared their wonderful moments together while being in Malaysia
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An enriching morning boat cruise along Kinabatangan River to see the unique Bornean wildlife and nature Local and foreign visitors observing the orangutan at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Meet Fulung, the friendliest Bornean sun bear at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Destinations
#ICYDK: A Journey into Nature and History in Sandakan TEXT by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI & JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
Populated by various ethnic groups. Home to remarkable histories. Blessed with wonders of nature. And these, Sandakan, are the reasons why you will always be on my mind. Located on the east coast of Borneo Island, Sandakan is a town that is rich in history and the gateway to many eco-tourism destinations due to its proximity to unique wildlife attractions. As a matter of fact, the richness of wildlife and nature here is one of the major reasons why travellers from all around the world flock to Sandakan. Read on to find out about this quaint city that is dubbed as ‘Little Hong Kong’. Travel recommendation: When travelling to Sandakan, Gaya Travel recommends that travellers use Borneo Eco Tours. This award-winning travel agent specialises in nature-based tours with variety of packages allowing travellers to experience local cultures, bird watching, wildlife river safari, white-water rafting, jungle trekking and among others. Visit www.borneoecotours.com for more info.
Ideal time to visit Sandakan Since Sabah is normally busy in July and August, we encourage our readers to visit in September and October (and even between February and early May) for a less hectic experience. Visitors should also take note of the monsoon (late November until early February). It is best for visitors to check with their tour operators or management of their lodgings regarding Sandakan weather conditions. Essentially, Sandakan can be visited all year round.
Things to do when in Sandakan: Discover the richness of wildlife in Sukau Sukau is situated within the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and requires a two-hour-and-a-half speedboat ride to get there from Sandakan jetty. It is a village that has abundance of natural wonders that are bound to excite ecologically minded travellers. Travellers should take the opportunity to get on the boat cruise along the Kinabatangan River (one of the longest rivers in Borneo), which offers nothing but a remarkable experience for travellers to observe unique Bornean wildlife.
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Travellers may opt to stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located along the Kinabatangan River. One of the activities offered by the lodge is the morning and night boat cruises. This activity offers the chance to encounter Bornean wildlife, including the proboscis monkey, elusive pygmy elephants, orangutans and differing species of birds. For a truly educational wildlife experience in Malaysia, Sukau is definitely hard to beat. In fact, once they have been to Sukau, many travellers become even more inspired by the need to protect wildlife. Tips: » Do bring along binoculars to make your wildlife sightings more satisfactory and memorable. » Take the cruise along the waters in Sukau in the mornings and evenings, when animals are usually most active, depending on the weather.
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Witness the orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre A visit to Sandakan is not complete without a trip to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. For most travellers, the forest of Sepilok is synonymous with the species of primate that can be found only in Borneo and Sumatra called orangutan. Less than half an hour’s drive from Sandakan city, this centre serves as a natural classroom and treatment sanctuary for the orangutans – taking care and teaching the orangutans, especially the young, on ways to live in the wild. Visitors may encounter the orangutans when during feeding sessions at the centre, which are at 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. every day. There is a viewing platform where visitors can watch and take shots of the adorable orangutans. Do take note that the probability of orangutans to appear at these feeding sessions during the fruit season in Sandakan (August until October) is very low that sometimes they might not appear at all. Things to consider: » The sanctuary does not allow visitors to carry their bag, food, drinks and insect repellent. There is a free locker facility to store and lock the belongings. » Wear comfortable and practical clothes and footwear. » Remember that this is not a zoo, therefore do not expect any animal show or the chance to pet the orangutans (physical contact with the orangutans is forbidden).
Entrance fee: Above 17 years old (Malaysian RM5 per person and Non-Malaysian RM30), 17 Years old and below (Malaysian RM2 per person and Non-Malaysian RM15). RM 10 will be charged for the use of cameras, camcorders
and phone camera. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre PPM 219, Elopura 90000 Sandakan, Sabah GPS: 5.865338, 117.948990 Tel: +6 089 531 180
Meet the world’s smallest sun bear at Sun Bear Conservation Centre Located next to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (SBCC) that allows wildlife lovers to see the world’s smallest sun bear, a species that is under threat due to massive deforestation and illegal hunting activity for their body parts, erroneously believed to be medicinal. This rehabilitation centre is established to conserve these sun bears and increase public awareness towards their plight. The facilities of the conservation centre include a boardwalk, observation platforms and visitor centre. These bears more slowly, especially when they climbing up the towering trees, making them easy to photograph. Travellers can spend ample time at the observation platform watching them and take as many photography shots as they want. On top of that, a staff is generally stationed at the platform to provide explanation about the bears. Good to know: Besides sun bear, travellers may also get the chance to observe other animals like the pig-tailed macaque, giant squirrel, rufous-backed kingfisher and Asian black hornbill. Thing to consider: SBCC encourages photography. However, please refrain in using flash when photographing the animals.
Entrance fee: Malaysians pay RM5 per adult and RM2 per teenager (12 – 17); Non-Malaysians pay RM30 per adult and RM15 per teenager (aged 12 – 17). RM 10 will be charged for the use of cameras, camcorders and phone camera. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre PPM 219, Elopura 90000 Sandakan, Sabah GPS: 5.865004, 117.949876 Website: www.bsbcc.org.my Tel: +6 089 534 491 or info.bsbcc@gmail.com
Admire the awe-inspiring Gomantong Caves A one-hour and half drive from Sandakan leads travellers to a place where one of the largest cave systems in Sabah is located. Gomantong Caves is another tourism offering in Sandakan, renowned as the source of swiftlets’ nests, considered as an exotic delicacy for the Chinese.
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Stunning views inside Simud Hitam (Black Cave) One of the most memorable shots captured at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary St. Michael’s & All Angels Church is one of Sandakan’s gems, located on Elton Hill Immerse in tranquil eco atmosphere at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
These nests are so heavily in demand that the raw ones easily worth around RM7,000 per kilogram. Naturally, large numbers are exported to China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Birds’ nest is not actually made of twigs but of the dried saliva of certain swiftlet species. According to Chinese belief, birds’ nest has medicinal and rejuvenating properties. Good to know: The two caves that can be visited here are Simud Hitam (Black Cave) and Simud Putih (White Cave). Simud Hitam soars up to 90 metres high and is the most accessible. Inside the cave, visitors will find various shapes of stunning rock formations and the less valuable “Black Nest” that contains both feather and saliva produced by black nest swiftlets. Simud Putih, on the other hand, is only accessible with official permit from the Sabah Wildlife Department. It is larger of the two caves and requires at least a 30-minute treacherous climb up the entrance. Besides, Simud Putih is where the valuable nests are found. Besides birds’ nest, travellers can expect to see wildlife such as crested serpent eagle, kingfisher, leaf bird and orangutan.
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Tips: » Visit the cave between February to April and July to September to see the birds’ nest collection. » The cave is full of cockroaches and bat faeces, so visitors are highly recommended to wear appropriate footwear. Besides, raincoats may help in avoiding bird dropp
Entrance fee: Malaysians pay RM5 per adult and RM2 per child (aged below 18). Non-Malaysians pay RM30 per adult and RM 15 per child (aged below 18). RM 10 will be charged for the use of cameras, camcorders and phone camera. Gomantong Hill 90000 Sandakan, Sabah GPS: 5.530279, 118.074955
Get up close with the icon of Borneo at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary This sanctuary is located deep within the Yet Hing oil palm plantation and takes one hour and a half to get there from Sandakan. Opened since 2001, the Labuk Bay Probosics Monkey Sanctuary serves as an interesting spot for travellers who want to continue getting up close and personal with wildlife. Good to know: Proboscis monkey was chosen as the official mascot for Visit Malaysia 2014, the Malaysian tourism promotional campaign. The sanctuary grants every traveller the chance to observe the famous proboscis monkeys within a close distance. The facilities of this sanctuary include Obser-
vation Area A (a long wooden walkway that allows visitors to see proboscis monkeys in close proximity), and Observation Area B (where adorable silver leaf monkeys often climb in in search for greens to snack on). Travellers also get to see the oriental pied hornbills at the sanctuary. For the best viewing experience, travellers should come during the feeding sessions which are at 9.30 a.m. / 2.30 p.m. (platform A) and 11.30 a.m. / 4.30 p.m. (platform B). Tips: » The silver leaf monkey usually appears at the sanctuary three to four times a week during the feeding time. » Do bring zoom lens to get a nice shot of the animals here.
Entrance fee: Malaysians pay RM15 per adult and RM5 per child. Non-Malaysians pay RM60 per adult and RM30 per child. RM 10 will be charged for the use of cameras, camcorders and phone camera. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Yet Hing Oil Palm Estate Off Jalan Labuk 90000 Sandakan, Sabah GPS: 5.924158, 117.815261 Website: www.proboscis.cc Tel: +6 089 672 133
Follow the Sandakan Heritage Trail and unearth some of Sandakan charms at your own pace Sandakan city centre itself boasts a variety of attractions due to it being the capital of North Borneo during the British era. Following the Sandakan Heritage trail, travellers may start their Journey from the English tea House & Restaurant famous for its English-inspired dishes and the view of the Sandakan Bay (there are also sets of croquet for those who want to indulge in the game). Then walk to Agnes Keith House to marvel at the edifice and its interiors, which stores memories of life during the British administration, restored to its glory on 16 April 2001 and managed by Sabah Museum since 5 August 2002. Agnes Keith authored three books that documents life back in Borneo that became immensely popular: “Land Below the Wind”, “Three Came Home” and “White Man Returns”. Cap off the trail by visiting St. Michael’s & All Angels Church, the first Anglican Church in Sandakan (built in 1888 and finished about 20 years later), made from limestone that gives it a formidable look, which we truly adore, reminiscent of the quaint churches of England. Travellers may also proceed to the Sandakan Memorial Park to learn and understand the tribulations faced by the British and Australian soldiers who were captured and imprisoned by the Japanese force during WWII on the very site.
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Tip: Map of Sandakan Heritage Trail can be obtained at travellers’ lodgings or at the Tourist Centre.
Places to stay in Sandakan Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan (www.fourpointssandakan.com) If you happen to be in Sandakan city, the best choice of stay is definitely the four-star Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan. Located adjacent to Sandakan Harbour Mall and a few steps away from other shopping conveniences in Sandakan town centre, this hotel has 299 rooms and suites including infinity pool and several dining outlets. Sukau Rainforest Lodge (www.sukau.com) Travellers are highly recommended to stay at the award-winning and ecologically friendly Sukau Rainforest Lodge. This lodge allows guests to stay in a peaceful environment amidst the richness of Sandakan nature and wildlife. Sukau Rainforest Lodge gained its popularity among foreign travellers when it was ranked as one of the Unique Lodges of The World by National Geographic.
Places to eat in Sandakan Pasar Sim-Sim (Sim Sim Market) Located few kilometres away from Sandakan town, Sim Sim Market is ideal for those who wish to savour fresh seafood menu. This market is a must-visit place among local and foreign visitors due to the mouth-watering ikan bakar (grilled fish). The market opens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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GPS: 5.854204, 118.129596
Borneo Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant Some said that discovering local culture is a huge component of travelling. As such, trying out the local food is fundamental. At Borneo Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant, travellers can feast on authentic food from one of the main ethnic groups in Sabah: the Kadazan. Located at Mile 4 in Sandakan, this restaurant has been only started operating since early October 2016. We highly recommend travellers to the local set called nasi linopot (rice with mashed yam wrapped in leaf ) served with ikan basung pinasakan (mackerel-type fish), hinava (fish mixed with lime juice, sliced shallots and grated ginger), bambangan (wild mango mix with salt, grated bambangan seed and slices of chili), salted fish, sambal tuhau (wild ginger mixed with diced chili and scallion) and Sabah vegetables. This restaurant opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays.
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GPS: 5.854197, 118.074549
Gaya Travel Magazine extends our heartfelt gratitude to Sabah Tourism Board for making our trip to Sandakan a reality.
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A must-try grilled fish at Sim Sim Market Discover Kadazan cuisine at Borneo Ethnic Cuisine
Destinations
In Case You Didn’t Know (#ICYDK) Melaka TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
Melaka is one of the smallest states in Malaysia, yet it recorded 15.78 million tourist arrivals in 2015 alone, remarkably high despite its size. And it’s easy to understand why – Melaka is competitive, progressive and at times aggressive in catching the attention of travellers: the state government puts billboards in all Malaysian states including popular shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur to constantly be travellers’ top-ofmind destination; it organises domestic and international road shows; and it even created a ‘Destination Melaka’ mobile app for travellers’ convenience.
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With such effort, no one can deny that Melaka is confident with its offerings. But what if you’ve seen the iconic A Famosa, the Stadthuys, the museums and the churches? What other attractions that you can visit in limited time? To find out, follow my journey through the #ICYDK programme that was organised by both the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and Gaya Travel Magazine, in conjunction with Citrarasa Homestay Malaysia 2016 Carnival, to explore the other parts of Melaka, the land where the past meets the present.
The Sights of Melaka The SHORE Sky Tower Being the tallest man-made building in the state, at 163 metres above street level, The SHORE’s rooftop naturally becomes the ideal vantage point to enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the historic city up to 50 kilometres away in every direction on a clear day. It also makes an interesting venue for outdoor events such as weddings and New Year’s Eve celebration complete with fireworks and twinkling lights under the sky. Travellers can challenge their fear of height by standing on the glass bottom ledge called Sky Deck that overhangs from the side of the building to capture the beautiful moment using professional photography services (no selfies allowed). Entrance fees to the Sky Tower are MYR25 per adult and MYR18 per child. It opens daily from 10:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. (closes at 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).
Web: skytower.theshoremelaka.com
The SHORE Oceanarium Deciding whether aquariums are good or bad for the animals is still in grey area; nevertheless, we can’t deny that they are indeed educational. Besides, there’s something heartening when it comes to visiting aquariums since they offer the opportunity to form a more personal and emotional connection with marine life. After all, not all are brave enough to dive deep into the ocean just to admire the underwater world. So for travellers who are interested in the marine ecosystem, do consider spending an hour or so at The Shore Oceanarium, where its visitors can experience closeness with underwater animals and learn interesting facts about them via its ten sections: Interactive Touch Pool, Shark Quest, Jungle Quest, River Story, Sea Shells Museum, Ocean Theatre, Ocean Journey, Kampung Penyu, Living Fossils and Dangerous Marine Species. Expect to see various species of underwater animals up close like piranha, clown fish (Nemo), lion fish, moray eel and even the transparent species of Asian glass catfish called ghost catfish or the phantom catfish. The Oceanarium prides itself as the first aquarium in Malaysia that brings a three-dimensional (3D) experience by requiring travellers to put on 3D glasses to watch the 3D light board displays located at certain spots within the premises.
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On a clear day, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Melaka city up to 50 kilometres away from the roof top The Touch Pool at The SHORE Oceanarium allows visitors to touch some of the sea animals, including the starfish Participants of ICYDK Melaka being creative at one of the gravity trick sections at The SHORE Interactive Museum A partcipant posing at the realistic replica of Iron Man’s Hall of Armours in The SHORE Toy Museum
There is also a 3D movie entitled ‘A Turtle’s Adventure’ being screened at the Ocean Theatre. Entrance tickets are sold at MYR35 per adult, MYR25 per child/senior citizen. The SHORE Oceanarium opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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Web: www.oceanariummelaka.com
The SHORE 3D Interactive Park Located on the second floor, this interactive park is also part of The SHORE Melaka mixed development owned by Kerjaya Prospek Group. It is an art gallery that features a ‘trompe l’oeil’ technique comprising the illusionary two-dimensional (2D) art pieces that looks like 3D, inviting visitors to become creative while posing with these paintings as if they are part of the original artworks. There are 10 differently themed zones in total, ranging from a variety of 3D and optical illusion arts to gravity and up-side-down tricks. There are also interactive videos implemented within the park that uses Augmented Reality (AR) technology, allowing visitors to create effects like defying gravity in outer space and taming the Malayan tiger. But my personal favourite is the haunted room, where visitors can experience an eerie sensation that comes from the ghostly shadows, impressive apparitions and flickering broken television screen. The gallery is open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the tickets are sold at the price of MYR30 per adult and MYR20 per child. 080
FB: www.facebook.com/3dinteractivepark
The SHORE Toy Museum Many visitors to the museum will experience a flood of old memories, so expect to hear a lot of “awwwhh” and cheery faces and excited finger-pointing, because this is where the 80s and 90s babies find their favourite childhood toys. The museum’s impressive collection features as many as 10,000 toys ranging from antiques, games, dolls, dollhouses, plush toys, miniature aircrafts, vintage cars, figurines to even TV shows- and movie-inspired scale miniatures (Super Mario, SailorMoon, Doraemon and Slamdunk). Fans of Star Wars will also become excited to see the special zone inspired by this epic movie series, filled with life-sized Stormtroopers and Darth Vader. But if you are a Marvel geek like me, be prepared to be blown away by the sights of life-sized characters like Spider-Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and Iron Man – and even Iron Man’s Hall of Armours that make an excellent background for a photo op! The entrance fees are MYR30 per adult and MYR20 per child. It opens daily from 10:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tel: +6 06 288 3366 The SHORE Pinggiran @Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, Melaka, 75100 Melaka
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Some of the vintage collectibles found in Villa Sentosa date back 200 years ago Apart from the mutton curry, chicken rendang is also a huge hit at Warung Kari Kambing Power & Asam Pedas Claypot
GPS: 2.202848, 102.249648
*The SHORE also offers fantastic dining experience through its two F&B outlets: The SKY Deli and River Quay Dining & Lounge. Morten Village The story of Morten Village dates back to the 1920s when the locals of Kampung Jawa had to move from their original homes to make way for development. These locals then found a piece of land near Malacca River to is suitable to to set up a new kampung; however, the price of the land was too expensive that Datuk Othman Md. Nor (the founder of the village) had to seek help from the British Land Commissioner F.J. Morten to loan them money. In return, they named the new village after him in honour of his assistance. Today, Morten Village is valued as the only surviving traditional village amidst modernity in Malacca City. It still embraces a fenceless community concept, which features classic Malacca houses with intricate wood carvings, pitched roofs and colourful front tile-covered entrance staircases. Due to its cultural significance, the Melaka state government finally gazetted the village as a heritage area since 1988 and turned it into a tourist attraction, where both local and international travellers can experience the quintessential Melaka kampung culture, especially at a ‘living museum’ called Villa Sentosa – owned by Datuk Othman’s family – that has vintage collectibles, antique furniture and classic small wedding room complete with traditional Malay-style dais. There is a free guided tour called Kampung Morten Cultural & Heritage Guided Walk organised by the Melaka state government and Melaka Museums Corporation (Perzim) should travellers want to learn more about Sentosa Villa and the village. It runs only three times a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 4:00 p.m. Be mindful, though, that there is a limit of 30 participants per walk, therefore advanced booking is required. Call +6 06 281 4226 or +6 06 282 6526 for more information.
Inang-inang (Glutinous Rice Crackers) Not many people know that these crackers originated from Melaka, originally made by the royal nannies back during Melaka Sultanate period. These nannies were called Mak Inang, hence, inspired the name of the snack. Today, they are commonly served as afternoon tea snack and even as door gifts during Malay wedding. Peranakan Cuisine Of course, no trip to Melaka is complete without having to taste proper Peranakan cuisine. One great place to experience it is at Nyonya Suan Restaurant, which serves Southern Nyonya delights. Service is quick and prices are also reasonable. Most importantly, the quality of its dishes will satisfy travellers’ cravings for authentic Peranakan flavours. Try the chef ’s signature meal, ikan lemak nenas, and sambal bendi as they will definitely give your taste buds a real treat. The restaurant opens daily at 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. for dinner. Nyonya Suan Restaurant 1336D, Jalan Merdeka, Plaza Merdeka, 75000 Melaka GPS: 2.189959, 102.248980 Tel: +6 06 286 4252
Spicy Mutton Curry To cook mutton is tricky; if you cook it wrongly, you’ll end up with unpleasant flavour. That’s why most people would just avoid this type of meat altogether. But in Melaka, there is a popular eatery at Simpang Bekoh that offers “power” spicy mutton curry – not for the meat’s strong gamy taste, but for the dish’s thick fully-spiced gravy that is so ‘powerful’ you’ll beg for a second helping! The curry comes with delicious, soft tender chunks of mutton and can be eaten with rice or nasi impit (compressed rice). Just be sure to come early to the shop because the curries are typically sold out by 9:00 a.m. The shop opens from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. only on weekdays.
Also, consider: Shopping at Jonker Street: The popular stop where travellers can hunt for antiques, crafts and lip smacking local and western food.
Warung Kari Kambing Power & Asam Pedas Claypot KM42, Jalan Tambak Merlang 1, Kampung Simpang Bekoh, 77100 Asahan, Melaka Tel: +6 012 777 5006 / +6 013 682 2800
Riding The Melaka River Cruise (melakarivercruise.my): This 45-minute ride along the river passes by historic buildings, old warehouses, mangrove strands, Morten Village and cafes. (Tickets start at MYR10 per adult and MYR5 per child.)
Biskut Tongkat (Rusk) Also known as Biskut Mayat, Biskut Lutut or Biskut Azan, Biskut Tongkat (rusk) is a hard, dry biscuit commonly served with hot coffee during tea time. There are plenty of brands of this biscuit available in the state; yet, I recommend those by IKS Biskut Tongkat Kampung Bekoh for its cheap but high quality Biskut Tongkat, made fresh daily.
The Taste of Melaka Buah Melaka A popular ball-shaped snack often associated with the state, which is boiled, stuffed with palm sugar, and coated with shredded coconut. It is typically eaten during afternoon tea and Ramadan (Muslim fasting month).
IKS Biskut Kampung Bekoh, Lot 4325, Projek Memproses Biskut, Padang Lebar Simpang Bekoh, 77100 Asahan, Melaka Tel: +6 012 613 4198
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The Hospitality of Melaka The Settlement Hotel Bright and airy, the hotel makes an exclusive sanctuary ideal for those seeking privacy. It is set in a renovated 1960’s four-storey government building, where each space tells stories through a collection of exquisite antiques including porcelain wares, abstract paintings and prints collected over the years by the owner. I must say that they also treat guests with impeccable service and such warmth that make you secretly wish you could stay longer! The Settlement Hotel No. 63, Jalan Ujong Pasir World UNESCO Heritage City Melaka 75050 Melaka GPS: 2.187534, 102.268407 Tel: +60 6 292 1133 Web: www.thesettlementhotel.com
Homestay Alai If travellers are interested in experiencing local culture and lifestyle, they should consider staying at a homestay, which is not only value for money, but also gives the chance for travellers to be immersed in the destination by meeting and staying with a local host – travellers get to learn a few words in Malay and even 082
visit places off the tourist trails that only locals know! One great example is the Kampung Alai homestay programme, which has hosted plenty of local and international travellers. There are plenty of activities that can be done here, including traditional games, cultural performances, village tour and traditional kuih-making demonstration. On top of that, travellers also get to learn about Dondang Sayang with the popular Seri Warisan Baru Alai Dondang Sayang group led by Tuan Hj. Mohd. Isa, established since 2011. The package rates start at MYR120 per person per night. Homestay Kampung Alai KM 7.6, Jalan Hj. Said, Kampung Alai 75460 Melaka GPS: 2.181614, 102.303421 Tel: +6 016 666 6649 (Mr. Akramuddin)
Gaya Travel Magazine would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia for the fruitful collaboration in organising the #ICYDKMelaka programme and making our trip to the state a breeze.
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Though the ingredients are simple, a batch of biskut tongkat requires two to three hours to make Kuih Melaka, on the other hand, is relatively easy to make: once the dough is ready, wrap the palm sugar with it into small balls before boiling them on a pot of boiling water
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Pristine beach on Redang Island Squid-jigging is a popular activity from April until early June A turtle hatchling making its way to the open sea Songket being woven using the traditional way
Destinations
Terengganu Classic Experiences TEXT by RAIHAN FOZIAN, RAYYAN HARIES & ANIS ROZALINA RAML IMAGES by TOURISM TERENGGANU & GAYA TRAVEL MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY UNIT
Though the Gaya Travel Magazine team members have been to many destinations in the world, it seems that we can never get tired of Terengganu due to its bucolic, laidback, fishing village vibe – to us, Terengganu remains incomparable. Something keeps beckoning us to this Peninsular Malaysia East Coast state to revisit places and reengage in activities that could only be experienced in Terengganu. The following are some of what we consider as the Terengganu classic experiences for travellers to gain time and again. 1. Combing Terengganu’s legendary beaches With a coastline that runs for 244 km, Terengganu’s beaches are some of the best and prove to be a great distraction to those driving along Route 3. There’s no point resisting its allure; turn off from the main road anywhere and cherish the serendipitous discoveries not marked in any tourist map. Teluk Bidara in Dungun is a bay near Tanjong Jara Resort where one can explore the cave and lighthouse on Tanjung Api Hill at low tide. Kuala Abang and Kemasik beaches have some interesting sea-side rock formations on which to perch and enjoy the miles of blue, while Penarik tears you in two with the river wetlands on one side and gorgeous beach on the other, and the shade of casuarinas and coconut palms in between the two. The long Terengganu coastline may be inviting but beware of the strong under-currents in certain places. Instead, pull a chair beach-side and munch on keropok lekor as you take in the views of the nearby islands, listen to the waves breaking on the shore and fantasise of owning a beach-front property here.
2. Participate in squid-jigging Squid-jigging is one of the most interesting things
you can do in Terengganu. Travellers can simply board the fisherman’s boats available at the jetty for the activity, which is held during the night. The boat-ride to a squid-jigging location usually takes about one hour from the jetty. Once arrived at the location, the guide – who is actually a local fisherman – will guide you on how to do squid jigging using the gears prepared by the fishermen. Travellers who are prone to seasickness should be prepared with medication like motion sickness pills because the ride to the location is choppy and turbulent. It is best to take the medication prior to getting on the boat. However, for those who simply love the sea, they might end up getting addicted to squid-jigging. The sense of achievement in catching live squidson your own is precious. Travellers can even cook the squid on the boat and enjoy them fresh from the sea!
3. Gawking at fireflies Kampung Mak Chili, a village in Kemaman, offers an amazing experience to those who admire the flickers of fireflies under the moonlight. A thirty-minute boat ride along Yak Yah River, which covers 0.5 km, takes travellers into a world of magic.
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Fireflies have always fascinated people with their flickering yellowish light on trees like Christmas lighting. The light is generated during mating – fireflies flicker their lights to attract the opposite gender. Once they meet their pair, fireflies start to mate. The male will die immediately after mating while the female will die after laying eggs. And the cycle goes continues on and on... The best time to watch these bugs is around 7:00 p.m. because this is the hour when fireflies actively mate. By 9:00 p.m., the flickers of the fireflies will be more subdued as most would have found their pair. Make sure you come at the right time to avoid going home disappointed.
4. Watching turtles lay eggs or releasing turtle hatchlings
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All animal lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit Teluk Mak Nik Beach in Kemaman, Terengganu. Since Teluk Mak Nik Beach is recorded to have the highest number of turtles coming in to lay eggs, the Turtle Conservation Program was set up to make sure that every egg laid at Teluk Mak Nik Beach has higher chance of survival. Turtles could lay up to 100 eggs at any one time and once they have completed laying the eggs on the beach, workers of the Conservation Program will record the number of that batch of eggs and transfer them to a special hatching area for safety and minimise the risk of those eggs being eaten by predators. At Teluk Mak Nik Beach, travellers can join in releasing baby turtles into the sea or even watch the turtles come to shore at night to lay eggs. However, prior arrangements need to be done with Pok Su, the humble guide who takes care of the turtles at this beach. Turtles are an endangered species and the government is working hard to control the number before they go extinct. That is why a passionate guide like Pok Su is required to educate and guide visitors to Teluk Mak Nik Beach. Tel: +6 013 906 4828
5. Deepening knowledge about marine life at Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (TUMEC) Another place for animal and nature lovers to visit is the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (TUMEC), which gives travellers the chance to actually learn about turtles and marine life. At the centre’s display area, travellers can see huge whale bones preserved after it was found dead on the beach. If travellers ever wondered how turtle eggs look like in the sand and how they hatch, TUMEC offers such education. Replete with interesting information, TUMEC is definitely a worthwhile place to visit, especially among children and youths so as to inculcate awareness towards the need for us to preserve turtles and the marine ecosystem, besides developing
great respect towards the ocean and the earth. Not only the centre exhibits various fossils of marine life, they also nurse live turtles before releasing them back to the sea. Rantau Abang Dungun, Terengganu Tel: +6 06 845 8169
6. Learning about Songket at Tuanku Nur Zahirah Complex Tuanku Nur Zahirah Complex was established for one main reason, which is to maintain the heritage of songket, the exquisite fabric consisting of intricate patterns that are woven by hand using mainly gold and silver threads. In the days of old, only aristocrats wore the songket but now, with the evolution of designs and materials, songket can now be supplied affordably and can be purchased by all levels of society to be worn during special occasions. Songket actually can’t be easily woven and very few of people have the knowledge, experience and skills to weave this remarkable fabric. Thus, to ensure the continuation of this craft, the Tuanku Nur Zahirah Complex offers courses for the younger generation to learn songket-weaving and conduct programmes to preserve the songket as part of Terengganu heritage. A songket fabric goes through eight complicated steps and takes about two to three months, depending on the design, before it is completed and ready to be worn. Hence, it is not surprising that songket can fetch up to RM40,000 a piece! At Tuanku Nur Zahirah Complex, the eight steps of making the songket are demonstrated so that visitors can learn and appreciate the high value of the songket for posterity. Lot 11654 Jalan Teluk Pasu Kg. Tanjung Bunut, Mukim Manir 21200 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. Tel: +6 09 615 3399 Fax: +6 09 615 2299
7. Visiting the Islamic world landmarks at Taman Tamadun Islam Taman Tamadun Islam (TTI or the Islamic Civilisation Park) offers an immersive experience with regard to Islamic civilisation through the replicas of 22 significant monuments that contribute greatly towards the advancement of Islam, which are all erected in this park. Among the replica monuments are The Sacred Mosque (Masjidil Haram) in Saudi Arabia, Al-Hambra Citadel in Spain, Kalyan Minaret in Uzbekistan, Lutfallah Mosque in Iran and more.
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The Crystal Mosque shimmering at night Pasar Payang is one of the places to buy Terengganu’s popular snack, the keropok lekor Resplendent traditional Terengganu homes that are now converted into accommodation villas at Terrapuri Heritage Village
There are always choices of trams, buggies or rented bicycles available for travellers to complete their tour of this park. However, they can always walk on their own to explore the park at their own pace and learn more about the monuments and Islam. One of Terengganu’s icons, the Crystal Mosque, is just a five-minute walk away from TTI. So, after completing their tour of TTI, travellers can simply saunter to the Crystal Mosque and be fascinated by its dazzling architecture. The River Cruise service is offered at the jetty located between the Crystal Mosque and TTI. The 45-minute River Cruise brings travellers to view Kuala Terengganu from a different angle, which is from the water. The cruise ends at the jetty near Payang Market, where travellers can buy wonderful local crafts as souvenirs and savour interesting Terengganu delicacies. 088
Taman Tamadun Islam opens daily except Tuesday. Tel: +6 09 627 8888 Fax: +6 09 630 9020 Email: sales@tti.com.my Web: www.tti.com.my
8. Eating and shopping at Pasar Payang Before leaving Terengganu, Pasar Payang (Payang Market) is a must-visit. Food lovers will find Pasar Payang as a gastronomic haven. Travellers are welcomed by arrays of sweet delicacies and local food as they step into the market. With the delicious aroma of the local fare, travellers tend to walk out of the market a kilogram heavier after feting over them. Besides, shopaholics should also take the opportunity to shop at Pasar Payang till they drop! Offering affordable to high-end batik, songket and many other products, ladies are bound to go on a crazy shopping spree. Situated in the city centre, Pasar Payang has been the shopping hub not only for locals but also tourists. It has now become almost
a household name that whenever visitors arrive in Kuala Terengganu, a stop at Pasar Payang is a must.
9. Admiring the splendour of ancient Langkasuka kingdom at Terrapuri Heritage Village Terrapuri Heritage Village is the realisation of the resort owner’s childhood dream of having a small land by the beach. The best part of Mr. Alex Lee’s dream is that he did it better in reality when he reassembled 29 antique Malay houses on his property. His strong passion towards the traditional Terengganu Malay architecture that bears implicit meanings in every single design encourages him to establish the Terrapuri Heritage Village for the younger generations to learn and appreciate the beauty of ancient Malay architecture and craftsmanship. Even though Terrapuri Heritage Village looks majestically ancient, travellers should be relieved to know that the property has modern conveniences and facilities to ensure guests’ comfort. Similar to the other excellent resorts, Terrapuri Heritage Village has a swimming pool and spa for guests to swim, sunbathe, unwind and pamper themselves. Located on the Penarik Beach, this place is blessed with generous amount of sea breeze and surrounded by lush rural-like landscape. A beach house is also available for guests to sit back and enjoy the view of the powdery white Penarik beach. Terrapuri Heritage Village is definitely worth staying for those who seek to be transported to a tranquil and exotic environment that is likened to being in the grounds of a splendidly traditional Terengganu Malay palace. Tel: +6 09 624 5020 Fax: +6 09 622 8093 Email: info@terrapuri.com / sales@terrapuri.com Web: www.terrapuri.com
When to go: The state of Terengganu observes Sunday to Thursday as working days while Friday and Saturday are public holidays. Banks, government offices and most businesses in Terengganu operate from Sunday to Thursday. Also, it’s worth checking out the weather before going. Terengganu experiences heavier rainfall and flooding in certain areas during the monsoon season when the north-east winds blow between November and January. Although the perception is that it rains every day during this period, there are perfectly sunny days, too, in between wet spells. Still, trips to the islands are not advised during this period due to uncertain sea conditions. On the bright side, the monsoon season is considered low season, and travellers get better hotel deals.
Driving tips: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu (approx. 455 km): Take the Karak Highway, then the East Coast Expressway, and exit at Jabor toll. Continue towards Kuala Terengganu on Federal Route 3 via Chukai town in Kemaman. Singapore/Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu (approx. 562 km): Take Federal Route 3 to Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Kuala Rompin, Pekan, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu. Penang to Kuala Terengganu (approx. 460 km): Take Federal Route 4 via Grik to Jertih, then turn into Federal Route 3 to Kuala Terengganu.
Flights: Fly to Kuala Terengganu Airport from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia; or from Subang Airport (Kuala Lumpur) via Firefly.
Destinations
Grooving in Selangor, the Traditional Way TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by AKUGRAPHY
It is interesting to learn that Selangor actually brims with colourful sights and sounds, which mostly resulted from the major influx of various influences like the Orang Asli (Peninsular Malaysia’s aboriginals), Javanese, Banjar, Bugis, Minangkabau, Chinese and Indian throughout the years due to trade and commerce, interracial marriages and even political disputes. Regardless, these influences become cultural assets that make Selangor a unique destination to visit and explore.
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One facet of Selangor that arose from this beautiful blend of various influences is the traditional music and dance. Since almost every ethnic group has a rich musical heritage, visitors to Selangor are able to learn more about its society and important events. After all, a deep-rooted musical heritage defines a group’s identity and solidarity. In light of this, the Selangor Executive Councillor (Exco) for Youth Generation Development, Sports, Culture and Entrepreneurship Development together with UPEN Selangor, PUSAKA and Gaya Travel Magazine explored the state through ‘Rentak Selangor’, a 72-hour curated programme in search of the best beats and moves of Selangor. Poja In the early eighteenth century, Selangor became strongly identified as a Bugis stronghold as a result of Bugis migrants from Sulawesi (Celebes) settling in the state. In fact, the state’s first Sultan was of Bugis descent named Raja Lumu Ibni Daeng Chelak. From this, a cultural fusion took place in Selangor in terms of language, belief system, traditional costumes, music and dance that survived through time, albeit less prominent these days. One fine example of traditional Selangor Bugis
heritage is the Poja dance, originally performed to worship spirits before the arrival of Islam, which afterwards was used to entertain the Sultan. The dance normally lasts up to five minutes accompanying the song ‘Ati Raja’, involving a long list of graceful steps including sedia masuk, tindih kasih, letak dupa, lambung angin, kilas angin, ambil bunga, sembah, menabur bunga, kaup angin, turun tangan, buka kepak, doa and tabur bunga. The dancers, whom generally are women, wear traditional costume called baju bodo embellished with elaborate headgear, bracelets and flowers. Maduppa Bosara This dance – another example of Bugis origin – used to be performed in front of the noble families only especially during Mattandajari (the ceremony where a man comes over to propose). Over time, the dance began to spread among commoners who performed it to welcome guests to their houses or events. Maduppa refers to the traditional tray, while Bosara means the tray’s cover; these items are used in the dance to place various traditional kueh (delicacy) to serve the guests at the end of the performance.
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01. Members of Akar Waris, a troupe of young dancers striving to keep traditional dances alive 02. Cendana Klasik musicians, bridging the gap between two generations through their love and passion for cempuling music 03. The urumi is typically slung with a cloth strap across the shoulder and played entirely with sticks by the drummer while standing or walking 04. Apart from the tuntog (bamboo stampers), the Jo’oh dance is accompanied by the music from jule (viola), tambo (double-head drum) and a-tawa (brass gong).
Pattennung Lipa sabe, or woven silk, is a specialty of Bugis women. When Bugis traders came to dock in Klang, they brought the fabric along with other merchandises. Due to its exquisite quality, the fabric made a perfect gift for the Sultan, the queen and his princesses, and the only way to present it was through the Pattennung dance, which incorporates movements that imitate the act of weaving lipa sabe. Zapin Zapana This upbeat dance is inspired by silat Cemara Bugis, a common martial art practice said to awaken the spirit of Bugis warriors among youths who have Bugis blood. There are a total of 13 steps involved (mostly leg movements), often complemented by joyous tempo and jaunty expressions. Citra Ugik: Poja, Maduppa Bosara, Pattennung & Zapin Zapana Tel: +6 017 289 2241 (Professor Haji Lahir)
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Cempuling Contrary to the previous dances, Cempuling originated from Java, brought to Selangor by Sunan Kalijaga. “Cem” is derived from the word “macam-macam” (variety), “pul” from “berkumpul” (gathering) and “ling” from “iling-iling” (reminding); thus, it is a folk music that incorporates lessons, wisdom and advice played during social gatherings. The classic arrangement of Cempuling involves six main instruments consisting of Rebana Ibu, Gong, Kempul, Kempreng, Enteng-enteng 1, Enteng-enteng and Rebana Anak. Today, musicians become more experimental by blending the instruments with modern ones such as guitar, keyboard and accordion. Cempuling Cendana Klasik Tel: +6 019 233 7931 (Mr. Wak Diro)
Keroncong The history of Keroncong can generally be traced back to the 16th century when the Portuguese began colonising parts of South East Asia. When the Dutch took over in 1641, the remaining Portuguese communities were forced to disown their Portuguese heritage, convert to Protestantism from Catholicism and change their names into Dutch before been sent off to Kampung Tugu, Batavia (now Jakarta). These Portuguese brought along their music culture such as Moresco or Fado, which keroncong was derived. The original Portuguese songs used in the music were about injustice, the cruelty of rulers and social conditions of the day. Curiously, the Dutch grew to like the music, hence christened keroncong, derived from the sound “crong crong”. In 1942, the Japanese banned keroncong as they considered it a holdover from Dutch colonialism. Today, the music is produced with the arrangement of violin, flute, guitar, cello, double-bass, cak, ukulele, accordion – some modern groups even include guitar for edgier sound. Geng Keroncong Tel: +6 019 231 0556 (Mrs. Wawa)
Urumi Melam Urumi means double-headed hourglass-shaped drum, while Melam is a type of percussion, both from Tamil Nadu, South India. When played together during religious ceremonies and processions, they are widely believed to possess supernatural and sacred powers to summon gods and goddesses. Urumi Melam is an oral tradition, with no exact codified system of written notation, hence interested musicians learn it intuitively by listening, imitating and practising. There are five basic sounds produced by the urumi, which shapes the overall sound of the melody, including “open sound”, “moaning”, “talking drum-like” and two closed (non-pitched) sounds. Urumee Melum Tel: +6 016 203 8390 (Mr. Vicky)
Mah Meri’s Jo’oh Dance The name “Mah Meri” means “Forest People”, whose culture and social structure is Proto-Malay, whilst their language is Besisi, a Mon Khmer derivation. Today, there are a total of five existing Mah Meri villages on Carey Island with the population of almost 2,000, said to have originated from a jungle and river area near Endau, a coastal town bordering Johor and Pahang. The Mah Meri are animists, and each year they celebrate an ancestor-worship festival at their Moyang Amai (Spirit Hut), which is not visible to strangers due to its remote location and reserved only for Mah Meri worshippers. The ceremony is an elaborate ritual involving dances and prayers offered to Moyang (ancestors) for future prosperity. The date of the festival changes every year since it is greatly influenced by the lunar cycle. Interested parties may come to Carey Island to witness the ceremony, but prior arrangement is required. If time were not permitting, visitors may visit the Mah Meri Cultural Village instead to learn about Mah Meri culture and lifestyle, including weaving techniques, traditional costumes, wood carvings and dances such as Jo’oh (jungle), which is a way for the Mah Meri to invite their ancestral spirits to join in a festivity. It commences when a man donning an expressive mask – believed to have embodied the spirit of Moyang Gadeng – begins thumping beats from bamboo, violin and mini drums, and moving in circles around a busut (ant hill). Then, a group of women in skirts, sashes and origami-like headgears – all made from pandan leaves – will join in the dance while circling the busut anticlockwise. The village charges visitors MYR7 per person, or MYR10 per person should they need a certified guide. Mah Meri Cultural Village Jalan Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Bumbun 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor Tel: +6 010 252 2800 Web: mmcv.org.my/web
Destinations
Melancholic and Historic Labuan TEXT & IMAGES by HALIZSHA HALIM
The Federal Territory of Labuan is rich with marine life and flora. Located off coast Sabah in East Malaysia, Labuan is known for its natural beauty, clear blue waters, free duty shopping and friendly population attract many travellers. Interestingly, there is also another aspect of Labuan that attract international travellers in droves: Labuan Remembrance Day. Gaya Travel Magazine was in Labuan last November 2016 in conjunction with the Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day), an annual ceremony observed on the 11th hour of the 11th day in November each year in Australia, Great Britain, India, New Zealand and Malaysia to commemorate the fallen Allied Servicemen during World War II (WWII). In Labuan, the ceremony is held on the Sunday closest to 11 November at the Labuan War Memorial, a stoic-looking landmark characterised by a colonnade that forms a forecourt situated at the main entrance of the Labuan World War II Cemetery. Bronze panels engraved with the names of the fallen, including those who were missing and buried in unidentified graves, are mounted on the memorial’s columns. Next to the memorial lies the Labuan World War II Cemetery. 094
When I participated in the ceremony, I was awash with melancholy in remembrance of the soldiers who risked their lives during the war. The solemn ceremony constituted customs and traditions such as the adornment of red poppies and the two-minute silence. As it progressed, laurels were laid on the graves as mark of honour. A lone piper and his bagpipe – traditional Scottish musical highlands’ instrument – played the tune ‘Flowers of the Forest’ to bid farewell to the dead. The ceremony culminated with the heart-rending bugle call ‘The Sound of The Last Post’, signifying that the duty of the dead was over and they can now rest in peace. Travellers who are interested in World War II will find Labuan fascinating. There are vestiges relating to that war that they can experience. The takeaway I gained from my visit to selected vestiges related to World War II in Labuan as noted within these pages is how important it is to preserve peace. I also understand now how crucial it is for humankind to avert such catastrophe. Remembrance Day in Labuan might just be one of the most eye-opening experiences in Malaysia to educate travellers on the value of peace and life. Labuan War Memorial & Labuan World War II Cemetery If travellers were coming from Labuan town, the memorial and cemetery are located on the left of Jalan Tajung Batu. It was primarily intended to commemorate the officers and men of the Australian Army and Air Force who died as prisoners-of-war (POWs) in Borneo from 1939-1945, including those who fell during the 1945 operations to recover Borneo. The cemetery contains 3,908 graves of soldiers from Australia, Great Britain, India, New Zealand and Malaysia. Of these 3,908, 2,156 were unidentified and became known as simply ‘Known unto God”. Visiting hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m until 4:30 p.m. 87000 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory GPS: 5.287163, 115.261817
Remembrance Day in progress at
Labuan World War II Memorial
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Popular claim states that the Chimney Tower was a part of coal-mining area from 1847 until 1911 “Gedung Ubat� where the Japanese used to store ammunition The Peace Park to signify the good bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan 100-year old skeleton of a baby Indian Fin Whale at the Marine Museum
Chimney Museum & Tower The Chimney is considered as an icon of Labuan. The museum that stands next to it serves as a site museum that exhibits and explains the history of Tanjung Kubong, especially on worldwide coal-mining processes and methods from 1847 until 1911, including mineral strata and coal specimens. The museum has seven galleries, including a discovery room and a dedicated exhibition space specifically for the 32.5-metre Chimney Tower that was built using more than 23,000 red bricks, believed to be related to the coal mining days of Labuan. There are many stories being told about The Chimney; some said it was an unfinished building while others said it was a lighthouse beaconing to passing ships, adding more mystery to this landmark. Lot 2 Tingkat Bawah Bangunan Tabung Haji Jalan Tanjung Batu 87008 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory GPS: 5.381114, 115.248835 Tel: +6 087 463 603
“Gedung Ubat” A 30-minute hike from The Chimney leads travellers to the eerie “Gedung Ubat”, where the Japanese used to store ammunitions, strategically built on a cliff overlooking the sea to spot incoming enemy ships. There is also theory explaining “Gedung Ubat” as the place to store herbal medicine which is shaped like a bullet. Intrepid travellers should put this on their lists due to its mysterious aura. Surrender Point As one of the island’s main WWII landmarks, Surrender Point is the site where the Japanese officially surrendered their occupation of Labuan to the Australians. The official surrender ceremony was held at this very spot in the afternoon of 10 September 1945, attended by group Captain C. W. Pearce and Squadron leader J.S St. Heaps of Sydney. 87000 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory GPS: 5.332672, 115.192810
Peace Park Next to the Surrender Point is the Peace Park, built to commemorate the fallen soldiers who fought in Borneo during World War II. It is part of the effort towards building relationship, trust and prosperity between Malaysia and Japan. The construction of the park was completed using contribution by Japan Shipbuilding Industry Foundation and the support of the fallen soldiers’ families. 87000 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory GPS: 5.332672, 115.192810
Marine Museum Housed in a two-storey building designed in the shape of a ship, The Labuan Marine Museum was officially opened on 26 January 2003. It features a collection comprising 572 marine specimens and contemporary items such as fishing, diving and oceanography equipment. The main objective of the museum is to promote awareness and appreciation towards Labuan natural heritage. The upper floor features the habitats of various ocean species, traditional and modern fishing equipment and traps, including diving gear; while the ground floor is divided into four sections: Marine Life, Shipwreck, Reef and Mangrove section. The museum also has 14 aquariums of varying sizes and a ‘touch pool’, offering travellers, especially young children, to experience touching marine life. Travellers will also be able to witness the 100-year old skeleton of a baby Indian Fin Whale, which is 42 feet long and now becomes one of the museum’s main attractions. It was found stranded on Papan Island (one of the small islands off Labuan’s coast). Visiting hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on the first day of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha) Kompleks Sukan Air Antarabangsa Labuan Jalan Tanjung Purun, 87008 Labuan, Labuan Federal Territory GPS: 5.274830, 115.254761 Tel: +6 087 425 927 / +6 087 414 135 Web: www.jmm.gov.my/ms/museum/muzium-marin-labuan
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Destinations
Alluring Perth, World’s 7th Most Liveable City TEXT|IMAGES by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
Known for its generally likeable people, beautiful natural wonders, with sun that nearly always shines brightly, and delightful gastronomy.
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It is no secret that Australia is one of most appealing countries we have explored. Being the sixth largest country in the world with the area of 7,741,220 square kilometres, Australia is divided into six states and two territories comprising the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Northern Territory (NT), New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC) and Western Australia (WA). Each of them certainly has its own charms that entice travellers from all over the world. Recently, Gaya Travel team had the privilege of setting foot in Perth, the capital of Western Australia, by joining a familiarisation programme organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) in collaboration with Malindo Air and Valentino Holidays to discover and experience what this city has to offer. The places that we discovered are definitely worth to be told! Good to know: » Perth is located 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Thus, there is no time difference between this city and Malaysia / Singapore / Bali. » Malindo Air flies 11 times weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Perth and vice versa. » Gaya Travel recommends travellers to follow Valentino Holidays, a trusted travel agency in Perth and around Western Australia that promises a smooth and memorable journey when being in Western Australia. » Stay connected online when being abroad by using Samurai Wi-Fi by Visondata. Visit samuraiwifi.com. my for more into. » All travellers, except Australian and New Zealand passport holders, are required to apply a visa to enter Australia.
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Take the guided tour at The Perth Mint to learn about the Mint’s golden history and witness a live gold pour The State War Memorial at Kings Park commemorates Western Australian servicemen and women who served during Australia’s war and conflicts Delightful chocolate tasting session at Whitsler’s Chocolate in Swan Valley Witnessing how a sheep is sheared during tha Farm Show at Caversham Wildlife Park
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Variety of souvenirs offered at affordable prices in Fremantle Luxurious and comfortable corner in one of the rooms at Crown Metropol Perth Spacious Superior Room at Pagoda Resort & Spa Scrumptious fish and chips served at Kailis’ Fish Market Cafe Sweet and sour fish served at Malaysian Dining Delight, one of the halal restaurants in Perth
Where to go when in Perth? The Perth Mint Have you ever wonder how heavy a gold brick is? You could get the answer by making a visit to The Perth Mint, a premier tourist destination and Australia’s largest enterprise that provides premium gold, silver and platinum products. This captivating Mint showcases a wide collection of gold bars and coins. Follow the exciting tour inside the mint to learn about its significant histories, watch gold pours, feel the weight of a gold bar and marvel at the world’s largest one-tonne gold coin worth $1 million. Operation hours: Opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Getting there: If you are staying around the city, there is a free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus that stops at The Perth Mint CAT bus stop (number R06). Be sure to check on the CAT website to learn about the bus routes. Admission fee: $19.00 (Adult) and $17.00 (Children – 4 to 15 years) 310 Hay Street, East Perth, Western Australia Website: www.perthmint.com.au
Kings Park & Botanic Garden Another attraction in Perth is Kings Park, widely known as one of the largest inner city parks in the world. This 400.6-hectare park exhibits a wide collection of Western Australian flora and also a popular place for sightseeing, picnicking, walking and holding cultural events. Visitors may opt to enjoy a walk through the treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway to admire the sweeping views of the city and the Swan and Canning Rivers. Operation hours: Opens daily Getting there: Kings Park and Botanic Garden are accessible via private vehicle or public transport. If you plan to take public
transport, there is Transperth bus route 935 from St Georges Terrace to Fraser Avenue Precinct where the park is located. Admission fee: Free entry Fraser Avenue, West Perth, Perth, Western Australia 6005 Website: www.bgpa.wa.gov.au
Swan Valley Located 25 minutes away from Perth city centre, the scenic and green Swan Valley is home to countless gourmet artisanal goods, bustling markets, handcrafted wares and over 40 high quality eateries. Grab the chance to visit some of the sweet shops like Morish Nuts to watch the nuts being processed and sample some of its finest nuts produced using premium Australian products; and Mondo Nougat to sample delightful Australian nougats made from high quality ingredients. Getting there: Travellers may drive or take the train from Perth Centre Business District (CBD) to Guildford or Midland. It is highly advisable to make transport arrangement prior to arrival since there is no public transport available from the mentioned locations to Swan Valley. Admission fee: Free entry Swan Valley, Guildford Western Australia 6055 Website: www.swanvalley.com.au
Caversham Wildlife Park This is one of Gaya Travel’s top recommendations when you are in Perth. At Caversham Wildlife Park, travellers will find a host of Australia’s well-known animals and exotic birds. It is a great spot to relax whilst making friends with the unique local wildlife. Grab the opportunity to hand-feed adorable kangaroos, pet the wombat, take a selfie with the koala and join the fun and interactive shows such as ‘Farm Show‘ and ‘Meet The Wombat and Friends Experience’. Travellers should bring their young children here and who will
definitely love the experience! Operation hours: Opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Getting there: Travellers can drive to Whiteman Park via Lord Street or Beechboro Road entrance. Kindly refer to Caversham Wildlife Park official website to know the latest alternatives if you are travelling via public transport. Admission fee: $28.00 (Adult) and $12.00 (Child) Whiteman Park, Perth, Western Australia 6068 Website: www.cavershamwildlife.com.au
The Bell Tower Speaking of the attractions in Perth, visiting the Swan Bells or more popularly known as Bell Tower is one unique experience. This 82.5-metre tall tower includes the twelve bells of St Martinin-the-Fields, one of London’s most famous churches. The bells were rung to celebrate various historic events such as England’s victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the World War II victory at El Alamein in 1942. Travellers are recommended to follow the Bell Tower Experience Tour and try to ring the bells while enjoying the stunning 360-degree view comprising Swan River, Kings Park, City of Perth and Darling Range from the observation deck. The bell-ringing times: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (Between 12.30 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.) Bells Handling Demonstration times: Monday, Tuesday and Friday (Between 12.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.) Operation hours: Opens daily from 10.00 a.m until the last entry at 3.45 p.m. Admission fee (General Entry): $9.00 (Adult) and $7 (Children) Barrack Square, Riverside Drive, Perth, Western Australia 6004 Website: www.thebelltower.com.au
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Fremantle Fremantle has long been an integral aspect of the Western Australian history of development. This working port has played a leading role in shaping the social, physical and commercial environment of the city ever since it was used in 1829 as a port to service the newly established Swan River Colony. This city has many offerings: for those seeking fresh local produce and unique souvenirs, be sure to drop by at Fremantle Market that opens only during weekend. Besides that, learn about Fremantle’s own history and visit a selection of museums such as Shipwreck, Maritime or the Army Museum. Lastly, travellers should end their fascinating day by witnessing the beautiful sunset and breath-taking panoramic city view from the Monument Hill.
112 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia 6152 Website: www.pagoda.com.au
Where to eat?
Fremantle, Western Australia 6959, Australia Website: www.fremantle.wa.gov.au
Kailis’ Fishmarket Café Australia is a favourite country among seafood lovers. Did you know that in Fremantle, you could find the best spot to enjoy fresh seafood? That is why visiting Fremantle is a must, because it is the place where you can find Kailis Fish Market Café, an award-winning restaurant featuring various seafood specialties. Located on the waterfront at Fish Boat Harbour, Kailis’ Fishmarket Café is certainly the place where travellers can unwind and dine amidst cool vibe and pleasant atmosphere. We savoured fish and chips, scallops and salad, which are all highly recommended. Though the prices are a little steep, the taste is exceptionally delicious!
Where to stay?
Operation hours: Opens daily (from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.)
Whether travellers are visiting Perth for business or leisure, the city offers various accommodations to suit their needs. Gaya Travel recommends the following two properties that offer pleasant and memorable stay:
Fremantle, Western Australia 6959, Australia Website: www.kailis.com/fremantle
Getting there: From Perth City, travellers may take a scenic cruise the Swan River to Fremantle with Captain Cook Cruises. The journey will take around 1 hour 15 minutes. Visit the website for ticket prices, packages and cruise schedule.
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facilities available onsite including fitness centre, conference facilities, heated outdoor pool and Pagoda restaurant, this resort is certainly an ideal choice for business or leisure travellers.
Crown Metropol Perth Located in Burswood and around 5 minutes’ drive to the city centre, Crown Metropol Perth is one of Perth’s luxurious and contemporary accommodations. Overlooking picturesque views of the city and Swan River, this hotel offers different types of rooms that are spacious with fine furnishings, large private bathrooms and state-of-the-art entertainment facility. Besides that, guests may enjoy the weather by relaxing at the hotel’s large outdoor pool or rejuvenate at the spa and beauty salon. Great Eastern Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6100 Website: www.crownperth.com.au
Pagoda Resort & Spa Pagoda Resort & Spa is a 4-star resort that is strategically located on the banks of Perth’s stunning Swan River. This resort offers a choice of guest rooms and apartments with views over the river, poolside garden and parkland. With extensive
Malaysian Dining Delight In Perth, there is a wide selection of restaurants that serve halal Malaysian menu, making Perth an ideal destination for Muslim travellers. Located on Manning Road in a suburban area, Malaysia Dining Delights Perth is one of the busiest halal Chinese restaurant in the city. This restaurant has over 60 Malaysian dishes from appetiser, main dishes, desserts and beverages. We highly recommend the curry laksa (coconut milk curry with noodles), Penang char kway teow (stir fried flat noodle cooked in soy sauce and various ingredients), nasi lemak (coconut rice with condiments), Nyonya sambal fish (stir fried fish fillet with homemade spicy anchovies) and salted egg chicken. Operation hours: Opens from Tuesday to Thursday (from 11.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.) and Sunday (from 11.00 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.) 111 Manning Road, Victoria Park, Perth, Western Australia Website: www.facebook.com/malaysiandiningdelights
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01. How fishes were separated based on size and species using automation 02. Ichinoya in Machi is where surfers reunite to play with the waves
Destinations
Checking Up on Chiba – Part I of II TEXT|IMAGES by ADELA ROSLAN|IMAGES by ADVENTURE JAPAN & ADELA ROSLAN
Let us not get too carried away with a country with the most advanced technology in this world. When one gets too carried away, the individual is bound to want to stay longer than expected. If it is not because of Adventure Japan, in collaboration with Chiba TV, I would not be here, dipping myself in this island country. My gratitude goes to everyone in both organisations who helped me to translate every single word and feed me everything raw and made me forget about “nasi lemak” and my usual cravings for “roti canai” breakfast – the trip was truly memorable since it offered me the chance to relish in Japanese legendary hospitality.
Fish and Surf Galore #WhenInChiba Chiba to me is a place where I could settle down and be merry. A destination with a temperate climate that is neither too hot nor too cold is where everyone should be living with loved ones. The first place that my female Balinese travelling companion and I were taken to was to witness the fish auctions at the fishing port, Choshi. Compared to Malaysia’s loud and boisterous wet markets, the Japanese practices inaudible auctions; not a single soul shouted when bidding for the fish. The fishes being auctioned are grouped into small, huge and rare species with the support of a systematic machine. The bidder with tags on their caps carry papers and write their prices after checking the fish, then handed it to the sellers. The high quality fishes will be sent straight away to Tokyo at considerable price. Location: Choshi Fishing Port, Chiba
We continued our exploration by going to Ichinoniya, Machi to look out for surfers. Adjacent to the sea, surf waves roll endlessly from the Pacific Ocean, and the Tsurugasaki beach is popular among local surfers, mainly from Tokyo. The strong current and waves made this beach as one of the surfing venues selected for Olympics 2020. Weekend usually is filled with over 100 surfers from different states, including foreign tourists to test their skills in riding the wave. Due to the swell, the beach is considered as the place suitable only for professionals and experts. There is also no shark spotted here ever since the place is identified as a surfing spot. Location: Tsurugasaki Beach, Ichinoniya, Machi, Chiba
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Sea Animal Lovers’ Haven Though I believe that marine life should remain in the wild, if I were required to see them in enclosures, Kamogawa Sea World would be the best place since it is not overly commercialised. When catching the shows, please invest in ponchos – though you might not be sitting in the marked splash zones, you might also get wet because the orcas make powerful splashes that even those outside splash zones are affected. Besides orcas, there are also shows by beluga whales, dolphins and sea lions, besides walruses, penguins, puffins, and other sea animals. We were wowed by the orca performance in the morning, but the performance in the evening was much better, probably because the orcas must had warmed up. The sea lion performance was cute too, even though it was conducted in Japanese and we couldn’t understand much of it. From the shows, we noticed that the trainers and their sea animals have strong loving bond. Location: Kamogawa Sea World, Chiba
Where the Land Animals call Home To get to the Zoological Park, take the monorail to the zoo, which is itself a distinctive experience on its own, especially when travellers aboard one of the adorably themed trains. 106
The zoo itself is a collection of wide green spaces with arrays of enclosures around the edge. Everything is tucked away, making you feel that there’s the feeling of discovery as you go around corners. It was my first time getting so close with the king of the jungle, separated only by a glass panel. The lion is a male by the name of Alan and he is three years old. We learned that he is raised by humans, hence the half glass and half green enclosure was specifically built for him. He likes to stay next to the glass and roars to children. Another male lion in the enclosure is Toya. We also saw lemurs, meerkats, shoebilled stork, the standing red panda and primates. The chimpanzees even welcomed us by throwing leaves and jumping when called. The public facilities at the zoo are excellent and there are ample seats for travellers to sit and have lunch, except that they need to initially tolerate long queues at the restaurants. The zoological park is generally beautiful, clean and nicely organised. It costs JPY500 per person per entry and can be easily accessed using the monorail, situated five minutes’ walk from the train station. When watching these animals, you’ll find yourself amazed at the zookeepers’ sense of passion and commitment in taking care of the creatures under their care. There’s a great infographic display of “A day in the life of a zookeeper” that gives great insight on what a zookeeper’s daily duties entails and the kind of love and patience he or she needs to have in caring the animals. Location: Zoological Park, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Where the Legendary Samurai lived I’d always been fascinated by the samurais, warriors who were almost inhumanly stoic and ever willing to wield their sword for their masters or slay anyone showing disrespect. Therefore, it was truly memorable for me when we visited to the collection of Samurai ancient residences in Izumi-Fumoto that makes you feel like you are being transported to the times when samurais ruled Japan. Founded more than 400 years ago, it took 30 years to level a hill and alter the river flow to create the samurai district. Stonewalls guarding the houses were built from mud reclaimed from the project and has changed little since. Though most of the houses are now private residences, three samurai residences (Takezoe, Saisho, Takemiya) remain open for public viewing. The rooms are filled with historic artefacts and furniture that re-creates the samurai’s living environment of the old time. Touring each house takes up to 30 minutes. Location: Samurai House, Sakura, Miyakojimachi, Chiba
Stay tune for the second part of my trip in Gaya Travel Magazine Issue 12.2. See you then!
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Live jelly fish - some of them glow in the dark - can be seen at Kamogawa Seaworld Meet Alan, the friendly-lion that likes to stay next to the glass window to meet tourists At the main living area of the Samurai House where samurais entertain their guests
Destinations: In Brief
Experience Taipei with Malindo Airlines: See, Shop, Eat, Sleep, Repeat TEXT|IMAGES by SHAHIDA SAKERI
Taipei is vibrant and progressive. Great care has been taken to make this place truly liveable for its citizens and convenient for travellers of all backgrounds – regardless of race, belief, age, financial status and interest – to roam around and explore the city and beyond. This time, in conjunction with Malindo Air’s inaugural flight to Taipei departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Gaya Travel Magazine along with the other 173 passengers headed to this city to discover its must-sees and must-eats of the city. Follow us as we take you to the places that we visited... Arriving & Departing 108
Malindo Air’s flight OD 632 departs daily from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 7:15 a.m. and arrives at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 11:45 a.m. There is no time difference between Malaysia and Taiwan. The return flight OD 633 departs from Taipei at 12:45 p.m. and arrives at KLIA at 5:30 p.m. The fares are all-inclusive, thus passengers get to enjoy perks such as free baggage allowance (40kg for Business Class and 30kg for Economy Class), in-flight entertainment, and light refreshments.
What to See and Experience? Taipei Grand Mosque, Daan According to Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), Taiwan is ranked at number seven in its “Top 10 Muslim-friendly Destinations for Non-Muslim Countries” due to its growth of halal or Muslim-friendly restaurants and religious facilities
in the country, particularly Taipei. One body that makes sure this effort consistently makes progress is the Chinese Muslim Association, headquartered at Taipei Grand Mosque, the biggest mosque in Taiwan built in 1960 using funds from local and foreign donations, including the King of Jordan and Shah of Iran at that time. The mosque also has its own board of directors that are responsible for the affairs of the mosque and monitoring of the halal certification procedures in Taipei. Today, travellers are welcome to appreciate the classic charm of its architecture or join in one of the public classes held every Sunday. Shin-Ho Handmade Creations Based on the city’s architecture, the way the locals dress up and how food is typically presented, the Taiwanese are undeniably creative. The ‘handmade’ culture is also popular here, explaining the abundance of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) workshops in the city. One such shop is the Shin-
Ho Handmade Creations, where visitors can create plenty of cute handicrafts, including coasters and pouches. The nice lady owner has over a decade of experience in handmade crafts, so you know that you’ll be in good hands. While you’re at it, get some insightful honest tips about the city from her. Workshops last between two to three hours. Yangmingshan National Park, Beitou The park contains many of the country’s treasured landscapes, from unique volcanic geology and topographic sights to the vast hot springs scattered everywhere. It covers a total area of 11,338 hectares with elevations of between 200 and 1,120 metres above sea level. Also, there are 18 hiking trails available here with various difficulty levels, but should you prefer smooth relaxing paces over tough physical challenges, we suggest taking a stroll at Xingtiangang, a beautiful grassland part of the national park.
By definition, Xingtiangang means a “lava terrace”, created from the aftermath of Mt. Zhugao eruption that saw its lava flowing north towards the area, resulting in the stunning landscape that can be seen today. Expect to see a ranch full of cows belonging to farmers from the Beitou, Shilin and Jinshan areas grazing the grass. However, the ranch is closed from December to March due to harsh winter. Travellers can also head to Xiaoyoukeng, a post-volcanic geological landscape located above the Datong Bridge 800 metres above sea level, home to volcanically-created fumaroles, sulphur crystals, hot springs and landslides. There is currently no admission fee to enter the park. Discovery Centre of Taipei, Xinyi Situated within the same block as the Taipei City Hall, the centre makes a great first stop for travellers to learn the city’s many facets such as history, humanity, art, ecology and technology, all via multi-sensory experience. Spend some time reading the fascinating stories or playing with the interactive simulations. For those who are short of time, head to the Discovery Theatre and watch a series of fascinating short films about the lives of the people in the city through a rotating screen.
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Thermal Valley, Beitou The beauty of the Thermal Valley is evident as soon as we walked into the park – located in Beitou, 30 minutes north of Taipei city – with vapour from the hot springs blankets the air much like a light fog while translucent turquoise coloured waters contrast the brown rocks at the edge of the springs. The whole scene is pleasing to look at but travellers need to also contend with the lingering sulphuric smell. The temperature of the waters can reach up to 100°C. The waters here contain rare green sulphur that can only be found in two locations in the world: here and in Akita, Japan. Thermal Valley opens on Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Where to Shop? Ximending Shopping Area, Wanhua Dubbed as the “Harajuku of Taipei”, Ximending’s busy days revolves around its more than six thousand vendors selling fashion items, albums, souvenirs and food. Expect to see most of them Japanese-inspired, though. Also every now and then, mini concerts are often held here, making it a favourite hub among young. Since it is a pedestrian-friendly area, no vehicles are permitted to enter on weekends and national holidays. Shops generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m. Xinyi Shopping District, Xinyi Imagine Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur and you’ll find similarities between the area and Xinyi – both are hip, bustling
and urban with extensive number of world-class designer brands and international culinary offerings. It is also home to Taipei 101, ATT4fun, the upscale Eslite Bookstore, Neo19, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place and Breeze Songgao. Shops here open between 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wufenpu Shopping District, Xinyi Used to be a farm land until 1958, Wufenpu today is popular among the fashionable crowd due to its wide range of shop options selling latest trends in clothing at arguably the lowest prices in Taipei. However, Mondays can get very busy here as the shops are busy restocking and dealing with suppliers, so come on Tuesdays to find the latest offerings or on Sundays to probably catch discounts on last season’s items. Most shops are open from 11:00 a.m. until midnight on weekdays, and until 9:00 p.m. on weekends. Syntrend Creative Park, Zhongzheng If Ximending is the “Harajuku of Taipei”, then Syntrend Creative Park would be the “Akihabara of Taipei” under one roof. It’s a geeky wonderland where tech enthusiasts will get bright-eyed at the look of innovative creations like gadgets, games, simulators, and retired vintage tech tools like vinyl. This 12-storey mall is massive, so expect to spend a good couple of hours here: do not leave without trying the free racing, shooting or street-fighting simulations that we thought are absolutely interesting! There is also a specially dedicated floor to children and teenagers for them to play and try out the gadgets. The Eslite Spectrum, Xinyi Eslite brand is all about creating the best experience for customers as it grows “a diversified platform for cultural and creative connections”. A destination on its own, all 41 Eslite outlets offer a thoughtfully curated local and international treasures for book worms and creative souls. One recommended outlet is the Songyan store that is beautifully designed by the Japanese architect extraordinaire, Toyo Ito. It is airy, big and chic, with a comprehensive selection of books and magazines. Besides, there are also local- and international-branded lifestyle products, gourmet food courts, super stylish cafes, lecture halls, auditoriums and a movie theatre that holds various film festivals in the past. In fact, Eslite Spectrum is so active that it organises more than 500 events per year. The company, moreover, has its own clothing brand – AXES – featuring a huge collection by aspiring local designers that customers can buy at its very own boutique within the complex. Be sure to check the creative brand expo on the second floor to see designers and artists craft their creations up close. With such amazing line of offerings, it’s no surprise that CNN ranked the Eslite Spectrum as one of “the coolest department stores in the world.” The complex opens daily from 11: 00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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Where to Eat?
Where to Stay?
Hui Guan Restaurant, Songshan Finding halal restaurants in Taipei is relatively easy, for instance Hui Guan that serves traditional dishes from Ningxia, a Muslim-centric Hui region in North Western China. Expect to see plenty of beef and mutton of the menu. Among the its best-sellers here are the cumin-flavoured mutton with bread and the superbly tender Hui Guan’s Ningxia braised mutton that requires meticulous effort of repetitive boiling, braising, and marinating.
Atami Hotel, Beitou Since 1972, this hotel has been the relaxing getaway for both local and foreign travellers during weekends and holidays because as it has its own onsen in its premises with separate baths for men and women. Here, guests get easy access to plenty attractions including Plum Garden, Beitou Public Library, Beitou Hot Spring Museum and Xinbeitou Water Park. Mainly Chinese cuisine is served in the restaurant, and Muslim-friendly meals are also available for Muslim guests’ ease of minds.
Khana Khazana Restaurant, Xinyi If travellers prefer other types of food, opt for the ever popular halal Indian cuisine at Khana Khazana for that delectable curries and lip-smacking chicken tikkas! The portions are generous and prices are reasonable. Since it is near to the glossy Xinyi shopping district, Khana Khanzana also makes a good lunch stopover amid shopping spree.
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ICE MONSTER, Daan ICE MONSTER needs no introduction in Taipei since it has been around for the past 19 years, spoiling locals and travellers alike with its multi-favoured shaved ice. The most popular flavour, the mango snow, is a marriage of creamy ice and chunky sweet mango. But if they’re run out of the mango goodness, opt for another one of their fruity flavours, which is equally good. Our favourite is coffee flavoured, though, as it is neither too sweet nor too bitter, bringing out the happy monster in all of us from the very first bite. Chang’s Beef Noodles Shop, Zhongzheng As they say: when travel, be like a local, eat like a local. Taiwanese love their noodles, so be sure to try their staple classic beef noodles sold abundantly throughout the city. In Chang’s family restaurant, noodles are not only homemade with springy and firm texture, but its beef stews are tasty, flavoured by tender sliced beef, pickles and its bestkept secret mix of spices. And of course, it is halal-certified too.
Taipei Nandong City Suites, Songshan This hotel ticks all the right boxes – it offers great transport links to major attractions and possesses pleasing design since the hotel’s interior makes for an appealing stay, especially for young adults. And the beds are superbly comfortable, too. The hotel is suited for travellers intending to visit Taipei 101, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and Raohe Night Market. The Grand Hotel, Zhongshan This hotel distinguishes itself from the other five-star hotels in Taipei through its grand striking red facade, dining experience and of course, its history. When Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan in 1949, he realised that the city lacked quality hotels to accommodate foreign dignitaries, hence this hotel was conceived. Today, the hotel remains one of the tallest and impressive classical Chinese buildings in the world. Notable guests that have stayed here include Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Lee Kuan Yew and Margaret Thatcher. The Grand Hotel is also the only halal-certified five-star hotel in the city with the food and beverage team headed by a two Michelin-star Executive Chef, Chef Erh-Po Lai. Gaya Travel Magazine extends our most heartfelt gratitude to Malindo Air, FUN TAIPEI Event Group, and Hot Taiwan Co. for making our trip in Taipei a success. Till we meet again!
Destinations
Jawa Timur Park in Kota Wisata Batu: Fun and Excitement for the Whole Family in Just One Area! TEXT by NADYA RIZAL|IMAGES by SYAZWANI BUSTAMAM
Although many tourists outside Java island might not yet be familiar with Kota Wisata Batu, this district in East Java province located three hours from Surabaya is home to the domestically popular Jawa Timur Park (also known as Jatimpark) that is full of attractions ideal for the whole family, from children to grandparents! The truth is, the entire Kota Wisata Batu is filled with parks and attractions that belong to a large corporation called the Jawa Timur Park Group – let’s explore the attractions now, shall we? Where to Go? Jawa Timur Park 1 Jawa Timur Park 1 is a park that has East Javanese culture as its theme. Located over 800 metres above sea level and covering 11 hectares, this park offers more than 60 fascinating rides and the only theme park in Indonesia that contains five roller coaster rides in one place. Jawa Timur Park 1 also has Science Centre and Zona Galeri Etnik Nusantara, the place to learn about the diverse cultures of Indonesia. Jawa Timur Park 1 is definitely the place where the whole family can have a fun-filled and educational holiday. Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: IDR60,000 Friday to Sunday: IDR80,000 Jl. Kartika No. 2, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
The Bagong Adventure Museum Tubuh The Bagong Adventure Museum Tubuh is the first and biggest museum of anatomies in Asia, located adjacent to Jawa Timur Park 1. Built upon a 1.5-hectare land areas, this museum is divided into 13 sections. This is the place
where travellers can learn educational information about the human body and how to take care human health through state-of-the-art multimedia devices and realistic exhibits. Travellers will also get to witness Indonesia’s first collection of actual human body preserved in its natural state through the process of plastination, which is exhibited for educational purposes. On top of that, the Bagong Adventure Museum Tubuh also offers health check service at no additional charge! Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: IDR40,000 Friday to Sunday: IDR60,000 Jl. Kartika No. 2, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
New Batu Secret Zoo Batu Secret Zoo is a modern zoo that spans over 22 hectares. There are over 300 unique species of animals from all over the world, including the world’s smallest monkey called “Pygmy Marmoset” that is only 15 centimetres long, Ring Tail Lemur, Snow Leopard and the Golden Headed Tamarin Monkey. Besides exotic animals, the zoo also showcases endemic animals of Indonesia such as the albino Binturung, Tapir and Sumatran Tiger.
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The cheerful entrance indicates the kind of fun that awaits travellers to Jawa Timur Park 1 An exotic bear at Batu Secret Zoo Challenge yourself by kissing a baby crocodile at Predator Fun Park
Travellers can also enjoy the rides that are fit for the family. Batu Secret Zoo was awarded as Top 5 Best Destinations in Asia (2014), 9th Best Zoo in Asia (2015) and the Number 1 Certificate of Excellent Service in 2016 by Trip Advisor. Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: IDR40,000 Friday to Sunday: IDR60,000 Jl. Oro-Oro Ombo No. 2, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
Museum Satwa Museum Satwa – set in Jawa Timur Park 2 – is the most impressive and iconic attraction under the Jawa Timur Park Group. Housed in an opulent white building that looks like the façade of the Russian Bolshoi Theatre built on a hectare of land, this museum is an internationally acclaimed nature and wildlife museum that showcases life-like taxidermied animals from all over the world. There are also various collections of fossils and replicas of ancient animals such as the Apatosaurus and Mammoth, among others. The museum stages the Mayapada Show every weekend, where travellers will be able to witness wildlife put on a delightful show under the guidance of the park’s staff. Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: IDR40,000 Friday to Sunday: IDR60,000 Jl. Oro-Oro Ombo No. 9, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
Eco Green Park The Eco Green Park - the first ecology tour park in East Java designed in a quaint village-like atmosphere – is ideal for those who are into environmental conservation and love animals. Built on a four-hectare of land, Eco Green Park’s theme is “Let’s Reduce Reuse Recycle with Eco Green Park” and it received the award of “Certificated of Excellent 2016” by Trip Advisor. Over 35 educational areas is set up in the park such as Walking Bird, Jungle Adventure, World of Parrot, Earthquake Simulator, waste management process and more. Find out the uniqueness of many birds and insects species of the world only in Eco Green Park. Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: IDR40,000 Friday to Sunday: IDR 60,000 Jl. Oro-Oro Ombo No. 9a, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
Museum Angkut The first and biggest transportation museum in Asia built on a 3.8-hectare land, it exhibits over 300 vehicles from all over the world, starting from the classic to modern vehicles. Divided into 13 areas, each area represents different type of vehicles and their uniqueness. One such area is Buckingham Palace, where travellers can find the replica of the iconic vehicle called
Land Rover Ceremonial, once used by Queen Elizabeth II. The vehicle is also housed in a building designed to look like the Buckingham Palace in London. There is also a 737-200 air craft flight simulator for travellers to experience becoming a pilot on Museum Angkut’s rooftop. In case travellers are hungry while looking at the vehicles, they can head to Pasar Apung Nusantara next to Museum Angkut to savour Indonesia traditional cuisine. Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: IDR60,000 Friday to Sunday: IDR80,000 Jl. Terusan Sultan Agung No. 2, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
Predator Fun Park The latest addition of Jawa Timur Park group, Predator Fun Park is the first predator conservation park in Indonesia, located only 20 minutes from the Batu Night Spectacular. Travellers can see with their own eyes the various collection of predator species collections raging from piranhas and sting rays to crocodiles, including replicas of various ancient predators. This place provides complete information on the need to propagate the predators as they keep balance in the ecosystem, as well hatching these animals. Travellers may also feed certain predators directly. Predator Fun Park is complemented by Waterpark, Croco Train and Extreme Trampoline. Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: IDR30,000 Friday to Sunday: IDR50,000 Jl. Raya Tlekung No. 315 Junrejo, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
Batu Night Spectacular Batu Night Spectacular can be reached only in 10 minutes from Jawa Timur Park 2. It is an amazing night theme park where travellers and their family can enjoy the freshness of Batu City while watching the beautifully gleaming lamps from the Sepeda Udara (Air Bike) ride, one of the 35 fascinating rides available here. Some heart-warming attractions at Batu Night Spectacular are Lantern Garden, Trick Art Gallery, 4D Theater, Battle Area and Laser Mission. There are also thrilling rides for those who are adventurous such as Megamix, Graviton, Haunted House and Magic Bounce, among others. On top of that, there are also interesting shows held every weekend such as the Dancing Fountain, Laser Show and Traditional Dance performance, besides 250 small shops selling various souvenirs and culinary offerings. Entrance Fee Monday to Thursday: 20,000 IDR Friday to Sunday: 30,000 IDR Jl. Oro-Oro Ombo No. 200, Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia
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Where to Stay? Pohon Inn Hotel Pohon Inn Hotel, situated close to every Jawa Timur Park Group’s destination, is the only hotel in Indonesia that is designed with its façade looking like an enormous tree and revolving restaurant called “Jungle Fast Food” that allows travellers to see the leopard, cheetah and jaguar playing in their confines through glass and comes complete with wild jungle atmosphere. Such a great place for those seeking new experiences! Jl. Oro-Oro Ombo No. 9 Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia Tel: +62 341 596111 Website: pohoninn.jawatimurpark2.com
Klub Bunga Butik Resort Klub Bunga Butik Resort is an impressive club house resort on a 12-hectare land filled with lush tropical greenery and offers the breathtaking view of Mount Seteru, Mount Welirang and Mount Arjuno. Klub Bunga does not only provide a great view but also comes with 20 facilities for travellers’ pleasure, from swimming pool to karaoke hall. This place suits travellers on all occasions, either on leisure or business trip, for honeymooning or family bondi as Klub Bunga Butik Resort not only provides room but villas too!
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Jalan Kartika No. 1 Kota Wisata Batu, East Java Indonesia Tel: +62 341 594777 Website: www.klubbungabutikresort.com
Experience This Excitement With Sri Sutra Travel! Sri Sutra Travel is an outstanding travel agency offering the perfect combination of travel that includes airport transfer, accommodation, vehicle rental and other related services. To ensure a funfilled holiday in Kota Wisata Batu and Jatimpark, get in touch with Sri Sutra Travel, whose staff are able to make travellers’ experience more convenient and cost effective.
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Klub Bunga Resort’s interesting interior design combines Javanese and English styles Diners of the revolving restaurant Jungle Fast Food get to view the big cats while dining
No. 22A, Persiaran 65C Pekeliling Business Centre Off Jalan Pahang Barat, 53000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +6 03 4026 6600 / +6 03 4026 6677 Website: www.sutra.my
Destinations
Start-in-Tioman 2016: It is Muslimah Divers’ turn! TEXT|IMAGES by NADYA RIZAL
Every year, Start-In-Tioman (SIT), a premier scuba diving event organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia Pahang Office takes place at Kampung Genting in Tioman island, drawing many divers of various levels who are grouped into different batches. This programme successfully puts Tioman on the international map as a commendable diving spot, besides creating awareness among the public on the importance of protecting the marine life and ecosystem.
However, what makes this year’s (2016) SIT historic is the fact that this five-day programme incorporated a unique set of divers: the muslimah (Muslim females). Interestingly, there is already a group called Muslimah Divers that has already in existence since 2010, founded by Hajah Mastura Manap, with the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin as the patron. The objective of this group is to encourage and give opportunities to the muslimah divers all around the world to pursue their interest in extreme watersports, particularly scuba diving, in the way that is more Muslim-friendly by adhering to the Islamic principles as closely as possible. To that end, the Muslimah Divers collaborated with the SiT 2016 organisers for first time to make diving a more meaningful and relevant activity among Muslim ladies. SIT 2016 did not just enlighten the participating muslimah towards this sport but also helped the participants to obtain a diving certificate and license all at once. Throughout the first two days, SiT held classes to introduce marine life to the muslimah divers, the do’s and don’ts when diving, including ways on how to how to keep track of their prayer times at sea. For the next two days, the participants put their diving skills to the test, applying everything they learned in class previously. They were brought to the diving spots and dived to almost 20 metres deep. By the end of the programme, they were all certified as beginners, which is already a big license for them to dive all over the world. To Muslim ladies out there who are keen to experience diving and get up close and personal with marine life, Muslimah Divers would be able to assist you in making your dream come true through the association’s various diving sessions. Those who are interested can directly check the association’s website regarding classes and fees. 9-1 Jalan USJ 1/1B, Regalia Business Center Taman Subang Mewah, Subang Jaya FB: www.facebook.com/MuslimahDivers/ Tel: +6 03 8081 1370
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Muslimah divers gearing up for diving during the Start-in-Tioman event One of the muslimah divers doing a back roll entry Learning to draw batik at Suzila Batik Arts & Crafts Centre
What can non-divers do in Tioman? Snorkeling Tioman Island has always been the best spot for everyone who loves snorkelling and admire the marine life. There are no restrictions and you may stay in the sea to snorkel as long as you want. Snorkelling does not require heavy equipment and you can easily stay float on water either using life jacket or not. Besides, for those who want to snorkel do not need to swim because the water currents can easily carry them from one coral site to another. Certain areas in Tioman have high concentration of coral reefs, giving everyone the chance to view all the amazing marine life easily. Most snorkelling spots are sheltered from the open water, making them safe and suitable for children too. Mouse Deer Farm Kampung Juara, which is only between 15 and 20 minutes’ speed boat ride from Kampung Genting, has a Mouse Deer Farm where visitors can get up close and feed these sly animals with hibiscus. Most mouse deers that inhabit the centre are from the wild, but now have been tamed. Entrance fee is RM15 per person. Mouse Deer Farm Kg Juara, Pulau Tioman Tel: +6 012 956 1326
Batik Classes Suzila Batik Arts & Crafts Centre is just south of Kampung Genting jetty. At this batik centre, travellers are taught by the founder himself, Suhadi, to make batik using traditional materials. Travellers may draw their own batik on canvas as wall frame or make their own batik sarong or pareo. The tuition fee ranges from RM25 to RM80. A simple batik might take an hour or two to make, while a more complex pattern might take a whole afternoon. The centre also retails ready-made batik with prices based according to the complexity in designing and making them. Kg. Genting Pulau Tioman 26800 Rompin Pahang Tel: +6 017 738 0089 / +6 013 751 4312 Email: suzilabatik@gmail.com
Where to stay? Damai Tioman Resort is a beachfront property offering an on-site dive centre and restaurant. All rooms come with private terraces, air-conditioning units and en suite bathroom with amenities and 24-hour hot water supply. There are also selected rooms that come with a satellite TV and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Those who can’t take their eyes off from social media will be glad to know that free Wi-Fi is provided at the resort’s public areas. Guests can also request for sightseeing arrangements at the tour desk. A souvenir shop is also available adjacent to the resort. Kg. Genting Pulau Tioman 26800 Rompin Pahang Tel: +6 09 413 1442 Web: damaitioman.my
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Hotels & Resorts
Tanjung Inn: The Oasis in the Heart of Cherating TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by TANJUNG INN & JUHAN KAMARUDDIN
Having been in existence for almost 27 years, Tanjung Inn is a rustic, tranquil, down-toearth and unassuming property, neither ostentatious nor a shoestring budget joint. Located amidst the bucolic Cherating Village, the resort is quintessentially local and snug with breezy, laidback vibe, embodying the nature of a typical traditional beachside Peninsular Malaysia East Coast village. Cherating – located about four hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur – used to be swarmed with international tourists back in the end of 1960s up until 1990s, but now it has quietened down, thus no more hedonistic parties and racy affairs. Though some might dismiss Cherating as a destination that has seen better days, the village nowadays seemed to have passed its wild period and instead assumes a more low-key atmosphere that attracts holidaying families and travellers seeking unpretentious, no-frills getaway instead of beach bums and nightlife revellers. Regulars also consider Cherating and Tanjung Inn as a hideaway for them to find solace. The entire property feels like a village of its own: village within a village. Though the whole Peninsular Malaysia East Coast and the outlying islands experience monsoon season at the end of the year bringing heavy rain to the region and forces many establishments to close from late November until February or early March, Tanjung Inn remains open to welcome surfers and surfing enthusiasts at that particular time because Cherating becomes a hot spot for surfing during monsoon. Mornings at Tanjung Inn in particular – and Cherating in general – are lazy and unrushed, beckoning guests to take it easy and absorb the East Coast languor. There is also a pond in the middle of the property that makes it unique, even picturesque. Many guests come to Tanjung Inn
specifically for its lush landscape. It turns out that not only humans are drawn to the place. In the mornings and evenings, guests would be able to spot hornbills, besides other types of birds. We love listening to the birds’ chirping as we wake up. As a matter of fact, one of the co-owners of the resort, Encik Haiyum, says that 48 types of birds and 20 types of butterflies have been spotted within the property, besides cats, macaques, langurs, lizards and elusive wild boars, much to the delight of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The other co-partner of the property, Tengku Kamel, mentioned that the inn plants trees like those of the ficus type to attract wildlife, further enriching the property and contributing towards conserving nature. Some of Tanjung Inn’s rooms, especially the terraces, do not have television sets to encourage guests to bond with their travelling companions who could be their partners, friends or family members. When staying there, guests are encouraged to interact not just with their travelling companions but also with the locals to understand how life is like in Cherating. Besides the terrace accommodation units, Gaya Travel team also takes a strong liking towards the inn’s new beach villas and chalets that face the Cherating beach and the expansive South China Sea. The rooms at the villas and beach chalets are around RM250 to RM300 per night.
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When staying at Tanjung Inn, guests are recommended to check out the following attractions: » Hafiz’s Cherating Activities (hafizcheratingactivities.blogspot.my) – Hafiz is renowned as the firefly whisperer because he seems to know how to summon fireflies, to the point that even international firefly experts come over to learn more about fireflies from him. Be sure to join his firefly cruise at night to witness the fireflies along Cherating River. However, the cruise will be cancelled if the moonlight is strong that night. Alternatively, Hafiz also conducts mangrove cruises during daytime to educate the public on the importance of preserving the mangrove ecosystem. » Pak Su of Geliga Hatchery – Pak Su is a turtle-watching guide who has made a name for himself as the guardian of turtles not only along the Cherating coastline but also up to Kemaman, Terengganu. His hatchery rescues turtle eggs by buying them from the locals who would otherwise consume the eggs as food delicacy. Once hatched, the baby turtles are released to the sea. Guests would be able to participate in the release, which leaves an indelible memory. » Tiedye Neverdie (mobile: +6 019 939 9870) – This atelier that is belonged by a local couple retails tie-dye psychedelically printed batik t-shirts that are unique and fun to be worn by everyone. Besides selling t-shirts, the atelier also offers batik-printing and drawing classes that travellers can participate.
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At the time of writing, the reception area for the beach chalets was still under construction and slated for completion sometime in the second quarter of 2017. We are sure that by then, guests will find the inn all the more appealing and wholesome. There are also canvas tents surrounding the pool behind the villas and beach chalets that guests can rent for the night, offering that special back-tonature experience albeit in comfort. Guests who stay at Tanjung Inn need to understand that the place does not function like a regular chain hotel or resort with standard operating procedures, therefore guests should not expect the same kind of processes or formalities being carried out when checking in. Since it is independently run, the treatment delivered is not the same as the other institutionalised chain hotels or resorts. The inn also does not provide regular cleaning service throughout guests’ stay, except after the guests have checked out, when the room needs to be prepared for the next batch of guests. It neither offers obsequious level of service nor Michelin-star culinary; however, Tanjung Inn’s lush tropical atmosphere makes the stay such a treat because it does feel like staying at a place that belongs to a long-time friend who leaves you to your own devices in making the most of your stay. Mind you, Tanjung Inn’s tranquil landscape and the view of the sea from the property are enough to make it hard for guests to leave, as it did for us… Notes: » » »
Power outages seldom occurs in Cherating, but if it happens, don’t be surprised – it is recommended that guests bring nifty torchlights just in case they need to find their way during blackout at night. For more comfort and peace of mind, bring mosquito and insect repellents. Guests should take note that Tanjung Inn does not provide housekeeping services, therefore guests should not expect the staff to clean the room and change the towels daily throughout their stay.
Browse www.tanjunginn.com for more info or e-mail to booking@tanjunginn.com or call +6 09 581 9081 / +6 011 3989 9402 for reservations.
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Hotels & Resorts
Four Points By Sheraton Singapore, Riverview: The Right Choices for Independent Travellers TEXT by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI|IMAGES by FOUR POINTS by SHERATON SINGAPORE, RIVERVIEW & MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY SUHAILI
Promising stylish comfort and exceptional value, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is the first ‘Four Points by Sheraton’ brand to debut in Singapore when it was introduced in July 2016. Formerly called the Riverview Hotel, this 21-storey property underwent a remarkable rebranding exercise that turns it fresh, attractive and contemporary. Recently, Gaya Travel team was fortunate to experience the hotel’s acclaimed hospitality, fresh facelift and enhanced facilities.
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Standing conspicuously beside the historic Singapore River, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is a four-star hotel offering reasonably priced accommodation, catering to independent business and leisure travellers since the hotel focusses on comfort and work functionality rather than grandeur and ostentation. The hotel’s straightforward sensibility and efficiency please even the jaded travellers.
Efficient property The 476 modern and spacious guestrooms and suites are beautifully appointed and comfortably furnished with contemporary designs and neutral shades. Guests can opt for a room that either overlooks the historic Singapore River or the dynamic cityscape. Each room is equipped with essentials such as bathing amenities, flat screen television with cable channels, in-room safe deposit box, teaand coffee-making facilities, complimentary e-newspaper and the much-needed wireless High Speed Internet Access. Besides, the in-room refrigerator is left empty since guests are given the freedom to customise their own mini bar by purchasing snacks or drinks on the fifth floor or from any nearby convenient store. Apart from accommodation, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is also suitable for corporate meetings, seminars and training activities since it possesses nine function rooms, all equipped with Wi-Fi, ceiling mounted projectors and audio and lighting systems.
Should guests wish to loosen up from their tight working schedules, they can simply hit the gym to sweat it out and stay in shape, or simply escape the heat with a refreshing dip in the pool. Opposite of the hotel is the Robertson Quay, a vibrant area that features an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés where guests get to enjoy brunch after a refreshing morning walk around the river, or sumptuous dinner and post-prandial drinks in the evening. For those who do not intend to venture out of the hotel and prefer to dine internally, guests are welcome to discover the gastronomic offerings served at Four Points Eatery, the hotel’s all-day dining outlet that serves delightful menu that includes Western and local dishes. For lunch, guests are invited to savour the restaurant’s popular Hainanese chicken rice and slipper lobster laksa, cited as one of the main reasons any many Singaporeans and foreigners come to this outlet. Besides, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is also well known for its crafted local beers as one of the hotel’s signatures served at The Best Brew, located at the lobby.
Strategic location One of the strengths of Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is its location. The hotel is conveniently situated close to the Central Business District (CBD) and within distance to several of Singapore’s top attractions. Taxis and buses are available a few steps outside
the hotel. Guests can also utilise the complimentary daily shuttle bus service to Orchard Road and Clarke Quay MRT Station/Chinatown at selected times. To enhance your stay experience, try taking the 30-minute boat ride along Singapore River to feel the vibrant nightlife around the city centre and witness the historic landmarks, quays and bridges. Guests can take a boat ride from the jetty just a stone’s throw from the hotel. An experience to be had when staying at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is the free and informative Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail guided tour to explore Tiong Bahru’s quintessential neighbourhood and quaint buildings, including the atmospheric cafés and restaurants within the vicinity. Guests may ask the concierge with regard to joining this tour. One more hotspot that guests should consider visiting is Haji Lane – located 18 minutes’ drive away from the hotel –
where guests can take in the picturesque buildings, shop for local garments and dine at trendy cafés or restaurants. Guests who wish to experience nightlife in Singapore should head to Merlion Park to enjoy the vibrant ambiance and have a picture taken with the iconic Merlion and the stunning Marina Bay Sands as background. After all things considered, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is the ideal choice for travellers to stay when being in the heart of Asia’s lion city due to its enviable location, timeless efficiency, uncomplicated service and reliable facilities. Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview 382 Havelock Road Singapore, 169629 Singapore 1.289595, 103.836538 www.fourpointssingaporeriverview.com
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Hotels & Resorts
Resorts World Langkawi: Enhanced Value-For-Money Luxurious Escape TEXT|IMAGES by NADYA RIZAL
Looking for a value-for-money resort that serves your five-star desire? Resorts World Langkawi – formerly known as Awana Port Malai – is THAT kind of resort. Facing Langkawi’s turquoise waters, Resorts World Langkawi beckons not only with its Instagram-worthy surroundings but also world-class facilities, including newly renovated rooms.
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Resorts World Langkawi – which is only 10 minutes’ drive to the Chenang Beach and only 10 kilometres away from Langkawi International Airport – actually had undergone massive renovation that has given the resort a whole new lease of life. For guests seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, the resort is a tranquil sanctuary that offers modern amenities while at the same time allowing them to commune with nature and enjoy its beauty. Boasting three dining options, it also houses a spa and an outdoor pool. Guests will also be thrilled to know that the resort will also unveil its own infinity pool in 2017, so do keep an eye on this property. Rooms With the total of 211 rooms, guests may opt for a panoramic view of lush greenery or a view of the cerulean sea. The newly renovated rooms such as those in the categories of Deluxe Garden View, Deluxe Seaview and Premier Seaview are all private spaces that promise a memorable stay. No matter which rooms that guests select, they are bound to be enthralled by the room’s contemporary minimalist chic. For those seeking the finest level of service and comfort, they are welcome to opt for the Premier or Presidential Suites. Food and beverage At Resorts World Langkawi, there are three food and beverage outlets for guests to choose: Seagull Coffeehouse (opens 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.), an all-day dining outlet that serves marvellous buffet breakfast in the
morning and excellent variety of Asian and international dishes throughout the day; Zest (opens from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.), the al fresco dining outlet located on the 500-metre long boardwalk that allows guests to view the sunset, the legendary Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden Island) or the stars; including the Lobby Lounge (opens from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.) where guests can imbibe various beverages like alcoholic drinks and inhouse wine that are free-flow from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. while enjoying live entertainment. Facilities At any resort, the swimming pool is always a magnet for the young and old alike. There are two pools for children and one for adults. For those who loves swimming, the resort will open an infinity pool in 2017. Non-swimmers can opt for the open gym using a treadmill or doing weights while taking in the scenic ocean view. For water sports enthusiasts, recreational water sports available within the vicinity of the resort include jet-skiing, scuba-diving and snorkelling. Guests can also opt for island hopping and fishing, or go on a mangroveand-cave geopark tour. The resort also offers trips to some places of interest, namely Pantai Cenang, Langkawi Underwater World, Cable Car at Gunung Mat Cincang, Mahsuri’s Masoleum (Makam Mahsuri), Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, Buffalo Park and Field of Burnt Rice ( Beras Terbakar). There are also six meeting rooms – including a grand ballroom that can be divided into two meeting rooms – that guests can use for meetings and functions.
Spa The resort’s five-star Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa is a haven for those seeking holistic treatments to pamper their bodies. Traditional Royal Javanese spa rituals are available to soothe one’s body and mind, including aromatherapy massage, hand and foot therapy using authentic South East Asian ancient healing traditions. Sunset cruise & dipping into the ocean What is special about Resorts World Langkawi is the fact that it offers Sunset Cruise beginning at 5:00 p.m. daily. Guests get to enjoy this three-hour ride to experience the tranquillity of being in the middle of the sea as the sky changes colour from shades of orange and red to blue and finally black. As guests cruise around Langkawi’s deep blue sea, they will be serenaded by music that allows them to dance the night away. The Langkawi Sunset Cruise Packages includes a free flow of cocktails like Piña Colada or mocktails, as well as barbecue gourmet feast consisting fish, shrimps, chicken, beef, and salads, among others. To further enhance guests’ experience, a net is cast down on one side of the boat to let them take a dip in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea while being slowly towed by the boat. This activity is called ‘salt wa-
ter Jacuzzi’, a simple yet memorable touch to the cruise experience that lets allows guests to strip down to their swimming attire and immerse in the water. Conclusion Resorts World Langkawi – which has been renovated and upgraded into a contemporary world-class destination – is ideal for travellers who seek value-for-money getaway and memorable experiences, especially when they travel with loved ones, family and friends. The resort proves that to have a meaningful and authentic lifestyle experience, one does not need to go over the top and spend unnecessarily on things that do not directly enrich life. Based on our experience, Resorts World Langkawi meets the utmost need during travel that makes it a good choice: comfort, value and efficiency, minus the unnecessary frills. Resorts World Langkawi Tanjung Malai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Malaysia Tel: +6 03 2718 1188 GPS: 6.259913505944934, 99.73593458533287 Web: www.rwlangkawi.com
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EXCL USIVELY Avenue J Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Travel Anecdotes
Altimet IMAGE by ALTIMET
Altimet is an award-winning rapper, live entertainer, songwriter and producer, who is one of the movers and shakers in the entertainment industry. His long and illustrious career has seen him breaking records, bagging awards and busting pop-charts with seven No. 1 hit singles. Altimet has performed around the world, from Singapore to Kazakhstan, and more recently set his sights to the west. In March 2016, Altimet went on a tour with his band Altimet & The Kawan Band beginning in London, England and ending in Austin, Texas, for the world renowned SXSW Conference and Festival, where the band members were the only Malaysians performed during that event. This KL native is now venturing into new and exciting projects that include a fashion brand, Benua Clothing. Altimet is also the host of Sounds of Muslims, a music-centric travel show that airs on TV3 every Ramadan (Muslim fasting month). The show has taken him to countries as far as Austria, Greece and Macedonia. With lines that packs a punch, rapping skills that are sharp and showmanship that grips, Altimet radiates with talent that is unmissable. Since his breakthrough in early 2000s, Altimet remains a force to be reckoned with and continues to solidify his status as an artist, live entertainer and entrepreneur.
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ALTIMET on Travels . . . .
My favourite destination(s): Rio, Japan, New York, Socotra. My favourite season: Summer. Easier to pack for. My In-flight regime: Sleep. Catch up on movies. One glass of water per hour when awake. My must-have(s) in the carry-on: Deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste, power bank, book,
earphones, spare underclothes. . My worst nightmare during travel: Missing my flight/bus/boat. . My favourite Malaysian spot(s): Any of the islands, really. . My best meal taken in Malaysia: Penang Nasi Kandar. . Malaysia is special because…Of her people. We’re all rojak-ed together so we rojak together. . Backpack or suitcase? Backpack. . Independent travel or organised tour? Independent travel. . Solo or group travel? Group. . Aisle or window seat? Aisle. . See it all or take it easy? Take it easy. . Everywhere I go, I will check out the… Music scene, cos I make music. The food, cos I am Malaysian. . In a case of flight delay, I… Have a walkabout. . I always bring home… Fridge magnets for mama. . I travel for… Experiences. To see similarities and differences.
ALTIMET in 30seconds . Night owl or early-riser? Early riser. 630 am everyday.
. Instagram or Twitter?
Instagram. Twitter isn’t the same anymore :(
. Best way to decompress: Sleep.
. Back to nature or city slicker? City slicker, sadly.
. One book everyone should read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
. What is the last thing you Googled? Nato straps for my watch.
. What’s on your playlist right now? Solange Knowles, Anderson Paak, The Skints.
. What makes you smile? Memes.
. What is the moment you’re most proud? When someone who looks like they don’t listen to hiphop at all tells me they don’t listen to hiphop at all, but like my songs. Feels better than winning any trophy/award.
. What’s your biggest pet peeve? Tardiness.
. Whose brain would you like to have had? Miyamoto Musashi.
. Life is too short to...
Be scared of anything on this Earth, really.