Jetstar Asia June 2016

jetstar MAGAZINE

JUNE 2016

MAGAZINE

ere to ямБnd h W ! d r a o All ab st fun activities the mo e holliid days thes SINGAPORE I VIETNAM I THAILAND JUNE 2016

*Flight must be a return ight departing Singapore. Singapore residents only are eligible. Bookings must be made by 30 June 2016. Terms and Conditions apply, visit jetstar.com. Jetstar Travel Insurance is underwritten by AIG Asia PaciďŹ c Insurance Pte. Ltd. Co. Reg. No.201009404M.

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contents

Chill out at these lush wellness retreats

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JUNE 2016

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44 Cover story

INSIDER

20 I FOODIE FOCUS

39 I SHOP IT

56 I PHOTO ESSAY

Delight in indulgent desserts across the network

Stylish suitcases to buy now

Bangkok bites: discover Soi Ari

9 I THE HOT LIST Events across the network

25 I DAY TRIPPER

12 I NEWS

Explore the awe-inspiring Litchfield National Park

What’s hot and happening this month

27 I MASTERCLASS

14 I IN PROFILE

Meet the man behind KL’s first Michelin star restaurant

COVER ARTWORK LACHIE MCDONALD

Meet Indonesia’s spa queen

16 I POSTCODE The best of Singapore’s Beach Road

19 I WHAT’S IN MY SUITCASE? Take a peek inside the suitcase of fashionable Singapore stylist, Keith Png

41 I BEAUTY ON THE FLY

80 I TRAVEL TALES

Remedies for hot, cold and humid climates

The last word: the real reason for travelling alone

INSPIRE RE 30 I INSTAGRAMABLE

INFLIGHT

Osaka’s top 10 Instagram hot spots

44 I FUN-TASTIC HOLIDAYS

64 I Jetstar news

34 I TRAVEL TREND

The best family friendly spots for a truly memorable vacation

66 I Quiz

Recharge and relax at the best wellness retreats across the Jetstar Asia network

67 I Winners – 51 I VIETNAM AFTER DARK

#StarJourneys

The low-down on the hottest night spots in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi

68 I Where we fly

Welcome I From the CEO

EDITORIAL For all editorial enquiries, please email Jetstarasia@hardiegrant.com.au Publisher Christine Dixon Managing Editor Chloe de Ridder Editor Pearlyn Tham Art Director Dan Morley Senior Designer Sue Morony Sub Editors Sarah Friggieri, Sophie Hull, Nikki Wallman Editorial and Advertising Assistant Alana Young

Welcome aboard JUNE 2016

HARDIE GRANT MEDIA Managing Director Jeff Trounce

ADVERTISING +65 6337 6996 [Singapore] +852 2850 4017 [Hong Kong] or email joseph@asianimedia.com Asian Integrated Media Limited Managing Director Peter Jeffery Executive Director Brendan Inns Director of Advertising SEA Joseph Yap Director of Advertising SEA Soh Liang Liang Jetstar Asia magazine is published for Jetstar Asia Airways by Hardie Grant Media Level 7, 45 Jones Street, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007 Australia +61 02 9857 3700 Website hardiegrant.com.au

For reservations, call the 24-hour Jetstar contact centre below (please only call the number of the country you’re dialling from):

Singapore +65 6499 9702 Australia +61 (3) 9645 5999 / 131 538 China 4001 201 260 Hong Kong +852 3192 7451 Indonesia 001 8036 1691 Japan 0570 550 538 Malaysia 1800 813 090 Myanmar +95 9 42111 6662 Philippines 1800 1611 0280 Thailand 001 800 611 2957 Vietnam (Jetstar Pacific Airlines) +84 839 550 550 All other countries +613 9645 5999

PHOTO LESTER LEDESMA

For hotel bookings and holiday packages call Jetstar Holidays on one of the above reservation numbers and follow the prompts, or visit jetstar.com/hotels

© Hardie Grant Media. All material in JETSTAR ASIA magazine is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.

Every care has been taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefrom. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or Jetstar Asia Airways. All information is correct at press time. MCI (P) 061/11/2015 Jetstar Asia magazine is printed by Times Printers Private Limited.

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Taking you from Singapore to your dream destination

L

ast month, Changi Airport recognised Jetstar Asia as one of the top airlines carrying the most number of passengers from Singapore.

This is a great privilege for us and on behalf of all of us at Jetstar, thank you for choosing to fly with us.

In the last year, the most popular destinations that you have flown to are Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta and we are seeing more of you returning to Bali, Penang, Da Nang and Siem Reap and Phuket as well. As the mid-year holidays begin, we anticipate more families travelling with us and visiting family-friendly destinations like Perth in Australia, Hong Kong and

Taiwan. These flights are more than four hours and to help your little ones enjoy the flight, we have an assortment of toys, gifts, kids’ snacks and activity packs in our Jetshop and Jetstar Café to help them make the most of their time in the air.

Just ask our friendly cabin crew and they will be more than happy to help you make the right selection.

As June also marks Father’s Day, to all dads on our flights, happy Father’s Day! Have a good holiday – we hope you enjoy our service and we wish you a safe flight.

Barathan Pasupathi CEO, Jetstar Asia Airways

Welcome I Group CEO note

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

A team to reflect you

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Welcome to the June issue and welcome onboard your Jetstar flight!

T

ake a moment to look around the cabin and I bet you’ll notice that we fly a really diverse mix of people.

Every day we welcome thousands of women, men and children from a range of different cultures onboard our aircraft.

We believe that to continue to deliver the leading low fares travel experience, we need our teams to reflect the diversity of our customers.

It’s one of the key reasons we’ve been working so hard to create a workplace that respects difference and promotes inclusion regardless of gender, race, religion or sexuality.

Here are just some of the things we love in this month’s issue – enjoy!

This work was recently recognised in the 2016 Australian Airspace Awards, where we won an award for Outstanding Strategy for Diversity.

It was a proud moment for all of us at Jetstar, and also a great sign that we’re on the right track.

We want the very best talent from right across the region to fly, service and maintain our aircraft to the highest standards for our customers.

Thanks for flying Jetstar,

Snaps in Osaka p30

The ‘King of Fruits’ in Penang

The Hot List p0 p09

Jayne Hrdlicka Jetstar Group CEO

Share your Jetstar journey with us!

Indonesia’s spa queen p14

Dive into Litchfield!

FOLLOW: @jetst

arasia

A day out in Litchfield p25

This month, enjoy a cultural and visual feast at the Bali Arts Festival.

Typically starting on the second Saturday in June, the festival gives visitors a chance to experience Bali’s wealth of performing arts along with cultural highlights from other islands in Indonesia.

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THAILAND 48 I DESSERTS MALAYSIA 20 57 II WELLNESS JAPAN 68 RETREATS 34 WHAT’S HOT? 09 I DELICIOUS

Insider I EVENTS

The hot list Durians are on the menu this month in Penang, while runners take to the beach in Phuket. Meanwhile, shopaholics won’t be able to go past the savings at the Great Singapore Sale – and Shrek comes to town.

Open, Participate, Engage and Negotiate June 22–July 9

A precursor to the much-anticipated Singapore International Festival of Arts, O.P.E.N. (Open, Participate, Engage and Negotiate) offers exhibitions, performances, concerts, talks and film across 18 days.

Highlights include Chinese singersongwriter Perhat Khaliq and an exhibition and talk by documentary photographer Newsha Tavakolian. sifa.sg/theopen

Fun fact The first Great Singapore Sale in 1994 was so popular and successful that organisers decided to make it a yearly event.

Find sweet deals at the Great Singapore Sale June 3–August 14

Across Singaporean stores.

Over ten weeks, shopaholics will be in their element at the annual Great Singapore Sale.

During the GSS, retailers offer steep discounts – sometimes up to 70% – on everything from fashion to spa treatments. While Orchard Road is one of the most popular destinations, true shopaholics know that it’s well worth heading to Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India for more bargains. greatsingaporesale.com.sg

Penang Durian Festival June 1–July 31

Nibong Tebal and markets across Penang.

The durian is truly ‘King of Fruits’ at the 2016 Penang Durian Festival. More than 18 types of durian – categorised by grade – and other local fruits will be available for tasting, including exotic varieties like Hor Lor and Red Prawn. While durian is something of an acquired taste (and has a notorious smell!), those brave enough to try its fleshy fruit are promised a tastebud explosion.

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Insider I EVENTS

It’s time to get ogre it!

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Make your friends green with envy June 8–19

Tickets start from S$65 (excluding a booking fee of S$4 per ticket)

Everyone’s favourite grumpy fairy-tale ogre is in town. For the first time in Singapore, Shrek The Musical will be playing at the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands for a limited time.

Showing from June 8, the hilarious and enchanting musical is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and is currently on its international tour. entertainment. marinabaysands.com

Fun fact

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival

Laguna Phuket International Marathon

June 10–12 An ancient Chinese festival has become one of the world’s greatest parties – the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the carnival’s highlight races will take place at a bigger venue, with thousands of the world’s top dragon boat athletes battling it out on Victoria Harbour.

June 4–5 Put on your jogging shoes and run to paradise at the Laguna Phuket Marathon. Alongside the certified marathon (42km) and half-marathon (21km) there is also a 10.5km run, 5km run or walk and a 2km kids’ run. Spectators can explore the race expo, unwind at the farewell BBQ, or just bask on the beach.

Changi Airport saw a record 55.4 million passengers pass through its doors in 2015. Following some exciting new additions (see p12), the airport plans to have capacity for 135 million passengers annually, by the late 2020s.

Insider I NEWS

A roaring good time for the young… and young at heartt!!

On the radar Be inspired for your next adventure with everything new and noteworthy across the Jetstar Asia network.

SINGAPORE’S JEWEL OF CHANGI AIRPORT The countdown is on to the opening of Singapore’s Jewel Changi airport connector. The Jewel is set to open in 2018 and is envisaged as an incredible, world-class lifestyle destination. It will boast shopping, a hotel and the breathtaking, 40m-tall ‘Rain Vortex’ – which is expected to be the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Changi Airport, one of the biggest in the world, continues its growth and is undergoing several major expansions in addition to the Jewel.

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Cambodia’s Phum Baitang wins big Cambodia’s Phum Baitang resort has won four gongs at the Asia Hotel Design Awards. The resort, which features 45 private villas designed to resemble traditional Cambodian homes, won awards for interior design for its spa and bar, Architecture of the Year in the resort category and the Asia Hotel Design of the Year award. phumbaitang.com

Dinosaur Planet opens Bangkok’s first dinosaur-inspired theme park has opened.

Dinosaur Planet has three worlds of dinosaurs: sky, ocean and land – complete with roaring life-sized models. Attractions include the Raptor X-Treme, where visitors are sent on a mission to escape velociraptor robots, and a giant Ferris wheel, the Dino Eye. Visit dinosaurplanet.net

Sule Pagoda restoration Bali gains new eco-monument

Fuji and Mayon to become ‘sisters’

Bali is slated to get a new tourist attraction in the form of the Flower of Life eco-monument. Organised by the NGO, Garden of Life, the flower will be an architectural sculpture based on the principles of sacred geometry.

It will feature more than 420,000 individual solar power-generating glass hexagons. The flower will be located in the 13-hectare ecopark near Jatiluwih.

In a new kind of tourism partnership, Japan’s snowcapped Mount Fuji and the Philippines’ fire-belching Mount Mayon have been declared sisters. The province of Albay and Japan’s Fuefuki City have signed an agreement forging the sisterhood between these twin peaks of ‘fire and ice.’ Mount Fuji is a UNESCO Heritage site while Albay was recently declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Yangon’s iconic Sule Pagoda has received a facelift during its once-every-five-years ‘regolding’. The renovation sees the stupa’s weatherworn gold skin replaced by several hundred solid gold plates and thousands of squares of gold leaf.

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Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer

Meet Asia’s spa queen Starting out with only a garage salon, Martha Tilaar has built Indonesia’s largest beauty empire while helping to empower disadvantaged women

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t the heart of 79 year-old Martha Tilaar’s empire is her belief in the power of herbal medicine and her determination to preserve traditional beauty rituals – such as herbal baths and massage methods – from different parts of Indonesia. And while all four of her children are working in the company, she’s far from putting up her feet – continuing her efforts to champion these native assets.

We chat to this leading player in Indonesia’s beauty industry, who has incorporated the local wisdom of traditional healers and indigenous ingredients into her products and services.

A Q

What inspired you to enter the beauty industry in 1970?

I felt there was a lot of potential in this market. I was living in the US with my husband, who was on a scholarship at Indiana University, and after returning I noticed there weren’t many professional salons in Jakarta with modern equipment, or offering beauty treatments using Indonesian products.

Insider I IN PROFILE

Left: Several of Martha’s large family are involved in her thriving business. Below: An indulgent foot spa treatment

Women had limited options. To cater to this need, I opened my first shop, Martha Salon, in my parents’ garage.

That must have been an unusual move.

What were some of the problems you faced in the early years?

Q

The biggest hurdle was convincing customers of the quality of traditional cosmetics [using Indonesian herbal ingredients like rice powder, jasmine, turmeric and clove].

Often, they thought it was rather silly and considered such products old-fashioned. But those negative comments didn’t discourage me. I saw it as a challenge to change their mindset.

Many of your spa treatments are based on natural ingredients.

What are some of the most popular ones?

INTERVIEW GOH YEE HUAY

Q

The moisturising and anti-ageing Ginger Gold Treatment is a signature treatment. Another is the Pitaloka Mangosteen, which is based on a traditional ritual from South Kalimantan and has strong antioxidant effects. The Balinese

Nature-inspired beauty Coconut Body Treatment refreshes [both the body and senses], thanks to its aroma and special massage technique from Dewata Island.

Q

Can you share some of your beauty secrets?

I believe in total beauty harmony. In Javanese, we call it rupasampat wahyabiantara, which means having inner and outer beauty; and also harmony between the mind, body and soul.

One way I stay healthy

is by drinking jamu (Indonesian herbal drinks made from various medicinal plants). People drink or use different kinds of jamu to meet their needs at different stages of their lives. At my age, for instance, I need jamu that enhances stamina, brain function and the immune system, so ingredients like ginger and sandalwood oil are often used. I also have routine massages to enhance blood circulation and prevent cellulite.

Of all the things you’ve achieved, what are you most proud of?

Q

I’m happy my beauty products are still wellreceived after almost 46 years and provide Indonesian women with opportunities to work and fulfil their potential. To [help] prevent trafficking of women, I established the Bali Sari Spa in Bali

to train marginalised or lowly educated women from rural Indonesia and poor families to become professional beauty therapists. I wrote a book, From Zero to Hero of the Family, to tell some of their stories. I’m happy they can generate income so their children can have a better quality of life and education.

Q

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

I want to contribute to the exploration and preservation of Indonesia’s biodiversity and culture. As the world’s fourth most-populous country, we have more than 1,000 ethnicities, 665 languages and many belief systems. These are our strengths and our national identity. There are also lots of things that the beauty industry can do to help build a better Indonesia.

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Life’s a Beach (Road) This famous Singapore stretch was once a seafront lined with fancy colonial houses. These days, national servicemen stock up on supplies at the army market while hipsters dine, sip and shop

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Raffles Hotel Start off your Beach Road trail at this worldfamous hotel, which has welcomed guests such as Ava Gardner and Karl Lagerfeld since it opened 129 years ago. Until December 31, guests can book the ‘Raffles Experience’ to stay in one of the themed ‘Personality Suites’; enjoy an insider’s tour of the hotel with historian Leslie Danker; sip a Singapore Sling at the hotel’s bar and enjoy a meal at one of its excellent restaurants. 1 Beach Road, +65 6337 1886; raffles.com/singapore

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Manicurious The highly skilled nail technicians here are often asked to help out at magazine shoots. The reason: they are known for their exquisite nail art and can replicate any image that you want on your nails. Sink yourself into plush throne-like seats, relax and let the pampering begin. Complement your session with sweet treats, tea or coffee from the in-house cafe while your nails are being worked on.

41 Beach Road, +65 6333 9096; manicurious.sg

Insider I POSTCODE

Sink yourself into plush throne-like seats, relax and let the pampering begin...

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The Yoga Co.

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Looking for a place to rejuvenate and refresh after a flight? The Yoga Co. is perfect for travellers. You can purchase a one-time pass at S$35 for a 60-minute session, with no strings attached. Furnished like a home, this wi-fi-equipped yoga studio even has a common area where you can answer your emails – talk about productivity! 10a Pahang Street, +65 6262 6781; theyoco.com

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The Pod

WORDS & PHOTOS GRACIA PHANG ILLUSTRATION GRACE LEE

“Pay for the stay, everything else is free,” say the The Pod crew – and they mean it. From breakfast and dry cleaning services to shower amenities, this boutique capsule hotel covers the lot. This minimalist accommodation with 83 capsule pods also has a computer-equipped business suite with wi-fi and printing services. From around S$44 for a single-sized pod, and from S$88 for a queen-sized pod, consider this the most luxurious capsule hotel you’ll ever set foot in. L3 289 Beach Road, +65 6298 8505; thepod.sg

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Piedra Negra With its walls covered in vivid murals, arches trimmed with fairy lights and live DJ sets, it’s hard to miss this place. Whether it’s a gathering with friends or a casual date, the ambience of this Mexican restaurant/bar and its tasty food will keep you coming back for more (the guacamole with chips is addictive). Catch the rather generous happy hour here, which starts at 3pm and ends at 7pm. 241 Beach Road, +65 9199 0610; blujazcafe.net/ menus/piedra-negra

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Supermama Store It’s a gallery, it’s a shop, it’s Supermama!

A strong supporter of local creatives and Japanese craftsmen, this is where you can find specially curated homewares, stationery and apparel. This is a good place to stock up on Singapore souvenirs with a twist: think “Chope” keychains, and The Strangely Singapore Book, which explains local quirks and slang. 265 Beach Road, +65 6291 1946; supermama.sg

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The Projector Housed within the historic Golden Theatre, this isn’t your typical cinema. It’s the go-to for foreign, art-house or local indie flicks. Admire the flip-up chairs and wooden armrests; proof of the cinema’s glory days in the 1970s. Book tickets online but, as seats aren’t allocated, turn up early to get the best ones in the house. The on-site café-bistro serves kaya toast in the day and draft beers as night falls.

Golden Mile Tower, #05-00 6001 Beach Road; theprojector.sg

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Explore I INTERVIEW Fresh flowers

have

Amazing powers

“Top 10 Indoor Gardens of the World"

“World’s 10 most beautiful sky gardens"

— FoxNews.com

— CNN.com

Rediscover your

Sense of wonder

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Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay – Featuring over 1 million plants from 5,000 species Showcasing the best of horticulture, sustainability and architectural design, Gardens by the Bay has blossomed into a must-see destination that’s among the world’s top 20 most checked-in places on Facebook. Journey across the Flower Dome to discover 9 different gardens from Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Europe. Marvel at the 35-metre tall indoor waterfall in Cloud Forest and be amazed as you stroll along the mist-filled Cloud Walk and Tree Top Walk.

Come, be inspired by nature where wonder blooms.

@gardensbythebay gardensbythebay.com.sg 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

Insider I WHAT’S IN MY SUITCASE?

My products are always full size!

I take a few clutches for shopping and clubbing

Pack it all in

PHOTO ROGER CHUA STYLING GRACE LIM

Fashion stylist Keith Png has dressed Singapore stars including the likes of Carrie Wong and Paige Chua – and he shows us he never travels light

Keith Png Fashion stylist @keithpngtl

I USE A HUGE suitcase, even for short-haul trips.

I like to be prepared for every situation – especially if I’m travelling with my extended family.

I don’t believe in packing travel-size products, everything is full size for me. I pack in a big bottle of sunscreen spray so I can share it with my family members – everyone lines up to get sprayed before we head out [in the sun]!

I also love bringing at least five hairstyling products to make sure my hair stays in place. And yes, they are all full size, because I believe more is always better. If I’m being put up at a budget hotel, my Jo Malone candle is a must to make the room smell nice.

I’m an accessories guy so I have three watches in my luggage – a Cartier for business meetings, a Corum for going out

and a G-Shock watch designed by me for everyday wear. I love my Hermès twilly scarf as I can wrap it around my wrist and brighten up any outfit. I also have to bring along my own accessory holder, as I don’t like leaving my rings and bracelets lying around in the hotel safe. I prefer carrying a backpack when I’m sightseeing, but I have a few clutches for shopping and clubbing.

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Clockwise from left: treats from Antoinette, The Trustee Bar & Bistro, Rawgasm Paleo and Juice Bar and (inset) Gaggan, Bangkok

HITTING THE SWEET SPOT FROM THE EXPERIMENTAL AND ARTISANAL TO MODERN INTERPRETATIONS OF TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES, THESE MOUTH-WATERING DESSERTS NEED TO BE ADDED ONTO YOUR MUST-TRY LIST FOR YOUR NEXT GETAWAY

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Devour a flavourfilled croissant

TRADITION WITH A TWIST THE DESSERT: Charcoal Kaya Croissant WHERE: Antoinette, Singapore A tribute to his local heritage, Singaporean chef Pang Kok Keong’s latest addition to Antoinette’s menu is a modern take on the traditional breakfast of charcoal-toasted kaya (a coconut-based jam) bread. It comes in the form of a charcoalinfused croissant filled with a light yet superflavoursome kaya lava.

Coined ‘the Queen’s Kaya’ by the restaurant, the smooth filling is a homemade recipe of coconut

cream and pandan juice that has no artificial colours or flavouring – it was created last year in celebration of Singapore’s golden jubilee. Six other flavours of croissant are available, including salted caramel, green tea, and chilli crab.

Costs S$6

PLATED ART THE DESSERT: Mango Snowball WHERE: Gaggan, Bangkok The Mango Snowball is a signature dessert at Bangkok’s famed Gaggan restaurant – now the winner of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards for two years in a row. It’s an edible masterpiece that

combines art and science.

Kolkata-born chef Gaggan Anand is famed for his innovative Indian cuisine, and was the first Indian chef to bag an internship at the renowned El Bulli in Spain. The Mango Snowball is made from a combination of cream, white chocolate and mangoes, and is prepared using liquid nitrogen and then shaped with a balloon. The result? A perfect sphere that’s crisp on the outside and fluffy and creamy on the inside: a flawless end to your meal.

Available on request as part of a tasting menu priced at THB 3,500++ (S$136++).

SWEET SURPRISE THE DESSERT: Five-course dessert degustation WHERE: The Trustee Bar & Bistro, Perth The five-course dessert degustation menu here evolves and changes depending on the availability and seasonality of the ingredients – so you never know exactly what you’re going to get. Head pastry chef Stephanie Auriant-Douce dreamt up the concept two years ago as a seasonal special, but it became so popular – with guests coming in to have only dessert – it soon became a menu fixture. “We’ve always celebrated local and

Insider I FOODIE FOCUS

A bowl choc full of (healthy!) goodness seasonal produce, and with Australian native flora at our fingertips, it made sense to create a dessert experience that highlighted this,” she explains. At the time of writing, the menu included a mouthwatering spread of olive oil, fig and macadamia ice cream; salted caramel profiterole with chocolate ganache and hazelnut praline; reverse cheesecake with lemon myrtle crumb; blood orange sorbet; and vanilla crème brûlée with fresh berry sorbet. “There’s nothing quite like this offered in Perth, it’s a unique experience,” says Auriant-Douce.

Costs AUD$24 (S$25)

SOCIAL MEDIA HIT THE DESSERT: White Chalk Fish Cake WHERE: White Chalk Dessert Cafe, Phuket An Instagram darling, the café’s best seller – a fish-shaped waffle generously topped with Ferrero Rocher chocolate, whipped cream, roasted almonds, home-made chocolate sauce and served with ice cream

atop a cup of oozing dry ice mist – makes for a dramatic picture.

But with an impressive 300 plates served every day, it is clearly more than just a photogenic dish. The waffle comes with different toppings, including flavours such as caramelised banana, strawberry, and berry cream cheese. Using many home-made ingredients, café owner Monrada Aikwanich explains that apart from a great-tasting dessert, she wanted to create a dish with a “wow factor”. “It must surprise me when served and inspire me to take pictures of it,” she says. “The White Chalk fish cake ticks all these boxes.”

Costs THB 190 (S$7.40)

White Chalk’s extravagant chocolate fish are a bucket-list dessert for die-hard foodies

Where to find them ANTOINETTE, Singapore 30 Penhas Rd, Singapore 208188, +65 6293 3121; antoinette.com.sg

GAGGAN, Bangkok 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Rd, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, +662 652 1700; eatatgaggan.com

THE TRUSTEE BAR AND BISTRO, Perth 133 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, +61 8 6323 3000; thetrustee.com.au

WHITE CHALK DESSERT CAFE, Phuket 37 Ratsada Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand, +66 93 576 8811; facebook.com/ White-Chalk-DessertCafe-226147220928042

RAWGASM PALEO AND JUICE BAR, Darwin Shop 1, 39 Smith St Mall, Darwin NT 0800; rawgasmcafe.com

LE PETIT SOUFFLE, Manila 3F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave, Poblacion, Makati; +63 917 841 8032; facebook. com/Lepetitsouffle

LAI PO HEEN, Kuala Lumpur

WORDS GENEVIEVE JIANG

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +603 2179 8885; mandarinoriental.com/ kualalumpur/fine-dining/ lai-po-heen

ALICE WILD LUSCIOUS, Hong Kong H102-103, 1/F, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2838 1314; alicewild.com

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Insider I FOODIE FOCUS

These exotic desserts boast tasty local flavours, from durian to tofu

GUILT-FREE INDULGENCE THE DESSERT: Snickers Acai Bowl WHERE: Rawgasm Paleo and Juice Bar, Darwin

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Dessert for breakfast, minus the remorse? Yes, it’s possible, with this delicious bowl that’s packed with all things good for you – including organic acai, which is loaded with antioxidants.

Rawgasm claims to be Darwin’s first paleoinspired, raw vegan cafe, serving healthy options that are gluten, dairy and sugar free. The Snickers Acai Bowl boasts banana, organic cacao, coconut water, a dash of honey, and is topped with raw caramel sauce, crushed almonds, cacao nibs and homemade raw chocolate. Head chef Ella Windsor says: “Instead of the usual fruit-covered acai, we wanted to create something to satisfy the chocolate lovers without the guilt.”

Costs AUD$14 (S$15)

FUSION OF FLAVOURS THE DESSERT: Matcha Valrhona Ivoire Classic Soufflé WHERE: Le Petit Soufflé, Manila This eatery has become the city’s soufflé specialist, serving up a wide variety of soufflés ranging from the classics to frozen and even savoury options, like beef curry. The must-try

REFRESHING LOCAL TASTES THE DESSERT: Alice in Wonderland Mystery Ice Cream WHERE: Alice Wild Luscious, Hong Kong

is the Matcha Valrhona Ivoire classic soufflé, a green tea and white chocolate treat that is airy in texture but rich in taste. Anyone who prefers something more dense can try the frozen soufflés, which come in flavours like pistachio and dark chocolate. Chef Miko Aspiras says the ingredients are imported from Japan and France.

He adds: “This has become a one-stop soufflé place for people to try the dish in a variety of ways.”

Classic and frozen soufflés start at PHP300 (S$8.80)

FIT FOR ROYALTY THE DESSERT: D24 Durian Pancakes WHERE: Lai Po Heen, Kuala Lumpur Even non-durian lovers will enjoy this signature dessert, which is flavourful but not overwhelming. A

The must-try soufflé is airy in texture but rich in taste. hot favourite among food critics, the classic dish – a creamy filling of fresh D24 durian and whipped cream wrapped in a wafer-thin crepe – has been served to celebrities, socialites and even Malaysian royalty.

Chef Ricky Thein at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur reveals that at least 200 are sold a day. “The pancakes are prepared daily and we use only fresh durian meat.”

Costs RM43 (S$14.80) for a plate of pancakes

Light but filled with flavour, the dessert parlour’s signature Mystery ice cream range comes in an assortment of unique flavours ranging from Hong Kong milk tea and tofu, to red bilberry and exotic spicy chilli. It is served in a cup overflowing with dry ice fog, making it another Instagramworthy treat. Try the tofu ice cream, topped with rock sugar and osmanthus, which tastes like a bowl of comforting cold beancurd. The Hong Kong milk tea ice cream is a refreshing treat with hints of earl grey, lavender and topped with chocolate sticks. Even the traditional rocky road is given a bittersweet and spicy twist, with strawberry vinegar and chilli powder added to the mix. The joint is the brainchild of Hong Kong superstar Leo Ku and his wife Lorraine Chan, so if you’re lucky, you just might spot a celebrity or two.

Costs HK$58 (S$10)

The Return of an Authentic Eucalyptus Brand QUALITY TRUSTED SINCE 1896

M A R L B O R O U G H C O L L E G E M A L AY S I A

A Great British Education

Located in 90 acres of South-East Asia Pupils are taught a British curriculum from British educators who know the value of heritage and tradition. For over 170 years Marlborough College has been synonymous with a first-class British education. Now in 90 acres of South-East Asia we

offer our pupils the same opportunity to learn and to grow from the wisdom of those who have gone before them. We are a co-educational Preparatory and Senior School offering an outstanding education for pupils aged 4-18.

Visit: w w w . m a r l b o r o u g h c o l l e g e . m y

Insider I DAY TRIPPER

Wangi Falls is an #instadream!

24 HOURS IN

LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK A 90-minute zoom from Darwin, this blockbuster national park and quirky adjacent town offer a double dose of weekend fun

WORDS GEORGIA RICKARD PHOTOS LUKE MCCAULEY, ALAMY

9AM ENJOY BREKKIE WITH THE BUTTERFLIES Batchelor is the gateway town to Litchfield National Park, and its highlight is Batchelor Butterfly Farm.

After breakfast and a 'cuppa on the deck, wander past bathtubs of lilies, hand-carved African mahogany outdoor furniture, themed murals and an enormous veggie patch to admire the butterfly enclosure.

Address: 8 Meneling Road, Batchelor Contact: 08 8976 0110; butterflyfarm.net.au

10.30AM DIVE STRAIGHT INTO BULEY Buley Rockhole is the park’s most popular attraction, offering a series of crystalclear swimming holes with

peachy-sand floors and an underwater world perfect for savvy snorkellers. This is the first attraction in the park (past the magnetic termite mounds stop-off), so get here quick smart – the car park fills up early. You won’t regret it!

LOOK CLOSELY: 5,000-year-old rock art is hiding in plain sight here, or so say the rumours.

Can you find any?

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11.30AM COOL DOWN AT FLORENCE FALLS Contrary to popular lore, there are literally half a dozen spectacular places to swim in Litchfield (shhh!). To get to Florence Falls, stroll the hour-long path from Buley, stopping for a splash in the creek along the way – or take the five-minute drive. Both options lead to a magnificent swimming spot, surrounded by a dramatic rocky amphitheatre and waterfall.

Clockwise from top: Wangi Falls; chill out and take a dip at Florence Falls; beautiful Buley Rockhole

Insider I DAY TRIPPER

1PM ’GRAM YOUR LUNCH AND AN OUTBACK BEACH Amazingly, Wangi Falls is home to a great café (their mango cheesecake is a must). Grab a coffee and head to the water, where you’ll find two separate waterfalls feeding an enormous round pool, encircled by a wide, sandy edge.

DID YOU KNOW? This area has free wi-fi, so you can Instagram Wangi’s amazing natural outback ‘beach’.

Clockwise from above: Wangi Falls; a beverage at Rum Jungle Tavern; Litchfield Tourist Park; Tolmer Falls

...with mini palm forests, Litchfield Tourist Park is an outback oasis...

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5PM SINK A BEER AND A GAME OF POOL With its carefully planted flowers, acres of lush green lawn and mini palm forests, Litchfield Tourist Park is an outback oasis – but its open-air bar is the real surprise. Pull up a pew under the corrugated tin roof, and start a game of pool and a yarn (chat) with the locals.

Address: 2916 Litchfield Park Rd, Finniss Valley Contact: +61 8 8976 0070; litchfieldtouristpark.com.au

3PM SNAP UP A SPOT AT THE LOCAL SECRET The huge, prehistoric sandstone rock formations are reason enough to see Tolmer Falls, but clever visitors will apply for access to the back of the falls via the Loop Walk.

A limited number of permits are available each year (call NT Parks and Wildlife on 08 8999 4555), but it’s once-ina-lifetime stuff: see private, bubbly waterholes, sacred sites and enjoy the silence.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle?

No. Litchfield is remarkably flat, considering the grand scale of its falls and plunge pools: you can reach all areas we’ve mentioned in a 2WD car.

7PM HIT THE BUZZING OUTBACK PUB Live music, great pizzas and a beautiful outdoor beer garden: stepping into Batchelor’s busy modern pub, the Rum Jungle Tavern, is a brilliant surprise.

Raise your glass to the stars as you tuck into dinner under the outback sky.

Address: 5 Nurndina St, Batchelor Contact: 08 8976 0811

Travel info Jetstar flies four times weekly from Singapore to Darwin.

To book, visit JETSTAR.COM

Insider I MASTERCLASS

Kitchen star

Babe is the first restaurant in Malaysia to be opened and run by a Michelin-starred chef. We speak to man of the hour Jeff Ramsey about fun dining, ‘Japas’, and suits and ties

Jeff ’s got the star quality The mango sphere at Babe

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INTERVIEW VANESSA MULQUINEY

W

hen Japanborn chef Jeff Ramsey began his culinary career in 1996 at Tako Grill in Maryland USA, he was a dishwasher; he left as a fully-fledged sushi chef. Not one to waste time, Ramsey next went to Japan to train with Masayoshi Kazato, the country’s official Sushi Ambassador, before leaving the world of sushi in a bid to broaden his expertise and develop his own signature style. It worked: Ramsey was eventually handpicked

by Japanese ‘super chef’ Hide Yamamoto as executive chef of Tapas Molecular Bar at the 6-star Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, where he earned (and retains) a Michelin Star in 2009, at just 32. Ramsey has since been featured at pop-up restaurants across the globe and has become a sought-after culinary educator. He opened Babe in Kuala Lumpur in November last year.

November last year. Our cuisine is ‘Japas’ or modern Japanese tapas, and in sharing style to make it engaging for our guests. [Our feedback tells us] they are finding the food creative and tasty.

Congratulations on the opening of your new restaurant, Babe.

What does it mean to you to open such an establishment?

Q

It’s very exciting to open in South East Asia, where anything is possible. The dining scene here is just starting to blossom and it’s a great time to be here. Malaysians are becoming more open-minded to new dining experiences.

Babe is the first restaurant in Kuala Lumpur opened and run by a Michelin-starred chef; has KL welcomed Babe with open arms?

Q

Babe has been well-received for the most part since our opening in

Babe is touted as ‘fun dining’ as opposed to ‘fine dining’ – can you describe this concept? Does this mean we can leave our stuffy ties and suit jackets at home?

Q

We’d like our guests to have a good time with every dinner at Babe – if they want to dress up or dress down, the choice is theirs.

We endeavour for them to have a memorable dinner where the food takes the spotlight – it’s not only to be eaten, but also to entertain.

Q

What can Babe diners expect?

Babe is young-spirited, bold and at the same time sleek and sexy. We have sweeping views of the KL skyline, including the iconic Twin Towers, which has made

Insider I MASTERCLASS

Clockwise from left: Babe’s truffle nori chips, sepia coconut rice and king crab

Jeff ’s top KL picks

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our sky deck seating very soughtafter for celebratory dinners, proposals and the like.

Babe has quite an impressive cocktail menu. Why is this – are you drawing on the ‘fun’ element?

Q

It has nothing to do with me being a lush [loving a drink], I swear!

Really though, drink is one part of the food and drink experience and to not have a strong beverage programme to complement the food is unthinkable. People love a bit of a gimmick here and there, and it’s part of what makes it fun, but the drink needs to have an identity – with the delicious flavour first and foremost.

Q

What’s a must-try dish?

Q

If Babe were a person, how would you describe him or her?

1000 Year Old Cypress Smoked Yellowtail Nigiri. We don’t want to do too much sushi, because that’s like every other Japanese restaurant – and more so, because sushi is best in its purest form, not something to be messed with.

There are good spirits in these legendary cypress trees and that energy is transferred to the dish when you eat it. It’s amazing.

Well, it’s me. It really is an extension of my personality, of the type of food and restaurant personality I’ve wanted to create that is a combination of everything about dining that excites me.

My favourite spot for brunch is… Yu Yi Bak Kut Teh on Imbi Road in Imbi where I always end up eating Ba kut teh for brunch.

Even though I always think I’m not so hungry, I always end up eating way too much! The portions are generous, the soup is nourishing and the pork is tender. Oh, and the beer is cold.

The best place for dinner with a view is… Fuego at Troika Sky Dining – the atmosphere is fun and inviting and I love the Latin flavours, it reminds me of my home town, D.C. And for post-dinner drinks… Omakase & Appreciate. It’s quaint and small, but it gets packed as well! They have so many ideas and they change the menu as often as I change my chef whites.

Forget Petronas Towers!

When you visit KL, you must go to... The KL Bird Park, it’s top-notch. The entire park is like one large netted cage so the birds can fly around freely. I think it’s the world’s largest.

was still very young. Not all chefs can choose that lifestyle then get into restaurants full-time again.

Describe Babe’s food menu.

You earned your first Michelin star when you were 32 years old – how has such an accolade helped your career?

Q

It’s a collection of ‘Japas’, a phrase we created to reflect the originality and fun-spiritedness of our cuisine. It’s an amalgamation of Japanese flavours and cooking styles, presented in a tapas style – that’s [a] sharing format – with presentation that’s experimental and out-of-the-box.

I was able to pause for a few years from the constant pressure of running a restaurant. I spent a few years opening restaurants around the world and having small, shortstint pop-up restaurants in 5-star hotels, quickly moving on from one spot to the next. It gave me time to spend time with my son while he

Babe, 11th Floor, Work@Clearwater, Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, + 6 03 2095 8599; babe.com.my

Q

Q

What are some of your favourite Kuala Lumpur haunts?

There’s a big Japanese community in Kuala Lumpur, and I’ve discovered some great izakaya (Japanese pub)-style eateries for unpretentious comfort food.

World’s Largest free-flight walk-in aviary

Come and discover this exciting world of feathered friends and enthralling sights for yourself!

www.facebook.com/klbirdpark

www.klbirdpark.com For enquiries: KL

Bird Park

920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Taman Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: +603-2272 1010 Fax: +603-2273 5428 Email: info@klbirdpark.com Opening Hours: 9.00am to 6.00pm daily For reservations & enquiries:

Hornbill Restaurant @ KL Bird Park Tel: +603-2693 8086 Fax: +603-2604 0620 Opening Hours: 9.00am to 8.00pm daily

OSAKA CASTLE Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, thanks to its role in the unification of the country in the sixteenth century. Its dramatic architecture makes a great backdrop for your #groufie. @guidocatelli

OSAKA’S TOP 10 INSTAGRAM HOTSPOTS

@shiwei_

OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN This is one of the world’s largest aquariums and plays host to the world’s biggest fish – the whale shark is some five metres long. Also keep an eye out for the ethereal jellyfish exhibit. @smith1dick

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@cidhue

MINOH PARK Escape the city to Minoh Park and its picture-worthy trail and waterfall. And you can’t leave without tasting the momiji tempura – maple leaves fried in a sweet batter with sesame.

Located at the mouth of the Yodo River, Osaka is a place of vivid contrasts. From cosplay (costume play) in Nipponbashi to the world’s largest fish species at the aquarium, Osaka is full of #instaworthy moments

NIPPONBASHI Nipponbashi, also known as Den Den Town, has recently become a haven for anime, manga and other otakurelated goods. Cosplay lovers flock to the cafés in the area and most will happily pose for a photo.

NAMBA

@miyaken999

In Osaka’s buzzing entertainment district, neon-lit billboards such as the triumphant Glico Man and the bright orange Kani Doraku Crab will naturally draw the eye… and your camera.

@soyadib

Insider I INSTAGRAMABLE

TAKOYAKI Osaka’s original street food, this ballshaped snack is filled with octopus, deep-fried, then doused in mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce and a sprinkle of bonito shavings. It’s the ultimate #foodporn. @fantasticdahee

NARA CITY 31

Less than an hour from Osaka, Nara City was Japan’s first permanent capital and hosts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The centrepiece is Daibutsu (Great Buddha) housed in T dai-ji temple.

@mayannbaragona

WORDS ALESSANDRA BERGAMIN

THE MOMOFUKU ANDO INSTANT RAMEN MUSEUM More than 100 billion servings of instant noodles are consumed each year, so of course they have a museum! Head straight to the My CUPNOODLES factory, where you can create custom noodles. #yum!

@estherrrrtan

SUMIYOSHI-TAISHA SHRINE This shrine is one of the oldest in Japan, founded in the 3rd century. While the bright red temples draw the eye, be sure to also look out for the ema – wooden plaques with handwritten prayers.

@alifung93

TAG US Don’t forget to tag us @jetstarasia #jetstarasia when you’re sharing your travel snaps.

UMEDA SKY BUILDING This is the perfect place for a panoramic shot, day or night. At 173m tall, the building consists of two main towers connected by a floating garden observatory. Capture a moody cityscape or a moment against the night-time lights.

SEEKING THE PERFECT

SOUVENIR From bright Thai silks to delicate Japanese washi paper and intricate Indonesian carvings – travel souvenirs can bring back memories for decades to come

Insider I ADVERTISER PROMOTION

A bracelet perhaps?

OPPOSITE: Hong Kong’s Fa Yuen Street Market.

LEFT: Browse then buy.

BELOW: Lanterns for sale in Hoi An, Vietnam.

What to leave behind

T

he perfect souvenir from your holiday doesn’t need to break the bank – and sometimes the experience of shopping for it can become more precious than the item itself. When you’re seeking out a defining holiday memento, stay savvy, but don’t forget to enjoy the search. Not only will you experience a true slice of local culture, you might be left with your own little piece of it to take home.

PHOTOGRAPHY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Exploring markets Malls and high street stores are relatively universal; for something with even more local flavour, markets are a great place to start. For hustle, bustle and colour, stop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, haggle over silks and spices at Hoi An’s Central Market, or take in the theatricality of Hong Kong’s Temple Street

Night Market.

The list of fun and fascinating markets across Asia is endless.

In Australia, markets are a good source for upand-coming designers, arts and crafts or vintage finds: you’ll find a range of great weekend markets in both Darwin and Perth.

To haggle or not to haggle?

Love it or hate it, haggling is, of course, part of the shopping experience across South East Asia.

But while bartering is common in many places, it is by no means acceptable everywhere.

Where haggling is normal, it helps to have a rough idea of an item’s value – ask an impartial local. An expat in Bali, Zoe Paul, who’s also co-founder of cult Balibased brand Mister Zimi, cautions against losing your cool when haggling.

“When you are talking about a few dollars, the best thing you can do

Whether it’s malaria, debt or ill-advised body art, some things are best left behind. These are the souvenirs you don’t want to pick up on your trip: Stomach trouble Getting sick is a fact of life, but precautions will lessen the odds. Dirty hands are a common culprit. Wash with soap before touching your face or food, and carry hand sanitiser in your bag. Before you travel, visit a travel doctor to check if you need any vaccinations.

Tattoos This is one souvenir that you will carry for life, so think before you ink. Do you trust the tattoo artist? Are they using sealed needles?

Crippling debt Emergency medical treatment, lost possessions or lengthy delays overseas can get pricey, fast. Invest in travel insurance, and read the policy to make sure you are covered for everything you plan to do.

is accept that you are probably paying a bit more than you should and just enjoy the interaction with the locals,” she suggests.

But if you are not happy to pay the price, it’s fine to just walk away and keep searching.

Scam plan Nearly every traveller has fallen for some kind of scam at least once.

Maintain a healthy level of scepticism about ‘oneoff ’ artworks, Persian carpets, rare gems or anything of high value.

These scams have been around for as long as there have been tourists to fall for them. Even more insidious are credit card scams; best avoided by never letting your card out of sight. The best prevention is to stay money wise. Mind your valuables, and don’t flash around the cash.

Wherever you travel, travel safe. For a travel insurance quote, select insurance with your booking at jetstar.com or add insurance through Manage Booking.

Providers of Jetstar Travel Insurance

Jetstar Travel Insurance is underwritten in Singapore by AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., in Vietnam by AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited and in Indonesia by PT AIG Insurance Indonesia.

PT AIG Insurance Indonesia is an insurance company registered and supervised by The Financial Services Authority (OJK). Full details of benefits, terms, conditions and exclusions that may apply to Jetstar Travel Insurance are specified in the policy wording.

CLEANSE AND RELAX Want your next getaway to be more about meditation and detox juices than sun-worshipping and cocktails?

We explore Asia’s amazing array of wellness holidays

The Farm at San Benito

34 reen smoothies, yoga pants as everyday wear and the rise and rise of wellness bloggers: there’s no doubt health and wellness are becoming more important in our everyday lives.

The trend towards taking better care of ourselves has hit the travel industry as well, and hotels and resorts are clamouring to cater to the growing demand by offering holidays that not only leave you more relaxed, but feeling (and looking!) stronger, leaner, calmer or even younger. Think of it as a double-duty holiday – a tempting idea, as our time becomes ever more precious.

If you’re stressed-out with work overload; or you're a burnt-out parent juggling the demands of family and work; or someone who’s aware of the importance of relaxation, nutrition and fitness to balance life’s hectic pace, here are some of the region’s best wellness holidays to suit every need.

G

Take the time to rest and rejuvenate BOOST YOUR HEALTH The Farm at San Benito, Lipa Hidden in the lush foothills of the Philippines’ Mount Malarayat on a former coconut and coffee plantation, a 90-minute drive from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, lies The Farm at San Benito. The therapeutic sanctuary opened in 2003 and is best known for its customised detox programmes, spa treatments

and gourmet raw cuisine at the award-winning vegan restaurant Alive!, which embraces the farm-to-table concept using fresh organic ingredients from the onsite garden. Retreat programmes, which last from one to three weeks, include stress management, antiageing and rejuvenation, fitness, and weight management – all of which incorporate both traditional techniques and modern medicine.

If you’re looking for a health boost, try the Farm Detox, aimed at cleansing the gut, liver and kidneys via a medically guided fast, alongside treatments such as body wraps, massages and scrubs. The accommodation boasts a rusticchic vibe – think thatched roofs and wooden beams balanced with modern-day creature comforts like heated private pools and swanky outdoor bathrooms.

Rates: Sulu Terraces from PHP6,300 (S$263) a night, The Lakan twobedroom villa from PHP80,000 (S$2,335) a night.

Insider I TRAVEL TREND

Here, you may be trained by the world’s athletic elite

SHOP, SIGHTSEE, DETOX Peppers Seminyak, Bali

GET FIGHTING FIT Thanyapura Sports Hotel, Phuket

WORDS GENEVIEVE JIANG

Whether you’re an aspiring triathlete or amateur boxer, Asia’s first integrated sports and fitness hotel promises a bootcamp-style retreat to improve your abilities.

Here, you may be trained by the world’s athletic elite: past and present coaches include Ironman legend Belinda Granger and Muay Thai champion Marcela Soto. The resort boasts a comprehensive list of classes from tennis and swimming to football and cycling. If your travel companion prefers a less gruelling getaway, they’ll be well catered for with weight-loss, detox and wellness programmes which include yoga, massages and sessions with health and nutrition experts. If you’re up for a bit of celeb-spotting, the guest next door may just turn out to be Olympic swim star Ian Thorpe, who is said to be a hotel regular.

Rates: A private triathlon training session or swimming lesson starts from 1,800 THB (S$69) for 60 minutes; a three-day tennis package costs 8,955 THB (S$344) per person; a standard double room starts at 4,075 THB (S$156).

Located next to Seminyak’s trendy shopping, arts and dining hotspots, guests at Peppers Seminyak get the best of both worlds: the tranquillity and privacy of a wellness escape, as well as the option to soak in all the bustling entertainment offerings just a stone’s throw away. The resort’s wellness programmes include stress management, weight loss and detox and rejuvenation. Guests can choose a three or seven-day package, both of which include yoga lessons, meditation, customised meal plans and life coaching. Weekly kick-boxing sessions are also available for fitness buffs.

Rates: A three-day wellness programme starts from IDR 8,500,000++ (S$871++).

A CITY’S BEST KEPT SECRET Sommer Life Beach Retreat, Hong Kong Tucked at the far end of Silvermine Bay in Mui Wo on Hong Kong’s Lantau island is a nondescript wellness retreat with its own private beach – a rare find in a country best known for its energetic city life. Launched last year by Australian entrepreneur and life coach Nathalie Sommer, the small retreat – about 30 minutes by ferry from Hong Kong island – allows busy urbanites a chance to recharge with life coaching, healing massages, yoga and Pilates sessions, tailored juicing detox programmes and raw food cooking classes.

Rates: A one-night stay with personal coaching starts at HK$1,190 (S$207).

From top to bottom: Weight-loss and detox menus are available at the Thanyapura Sports Hotel, training sessions with Ironman champion Chris McCormack, nutrient-packed and cleansing juices are part of the wellness programmes

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Insider I TRAVEL TREND

From top to bottom: Pure bliss at the HARNN Heritage Spa at the Intercontinental Da Nang; getting back to nature with a less rigorous wellness getaway programme that includes yoga

A one-night stay with detox programme starts from HK$1,490 (S$259); an allinclusive personal programme starts from $1,990 (S$346).

ULTRA-LUXE INDULGENCE Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Da Nang

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Nestled in the heart of the Son Tra Peninsula nature reserve, a 45-minute drive away from historic Hoi An, this five-star resort is a work of art. Set within 39 hectares of stepped gardens leading down to a private beach – with breathtaking views of the sea enjoyed from all 200 rooms – the property is the stunning creation of architect Bill Bensley. Winner of the Best Luxury Resort Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2015, the resort’s HARNN Heritage Spa will pamper you with treatments such as the three-hour ‘Journey of the Marble Mountains’, which includes a hot-stone massage, a hammam scrub and a relaxing facial. Daily yoga and tai-chi classes are also available. To end your stay feeling like an A-lister, book a session at renowned podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez’s Pedi:Mani:Cure studio, whose pedicures have won him celebrity fans including Naomi Campbell.

Rates: A classic room with breakfast starts at US$490 (S$662) per night.

Ready to chill out?

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO, Lipa

the holistic healing programmes... include art and sand-tray therapies...

GET BACK TO NATURE KalyaaNa Spa & Wellness Retreat, Western Australia This award-winning retreat was started in 2011 by Karen and Vince Civello – Karen swapped her lifestyle of drinking and late night parties for yoga and meditation after her cancer diagnosis. A three-hour drive from Perth airport, the retreat offers visitors holistic healing programmes targeting the mind, body and soul. These include art and sand-tray therapies, which use art or sand as a means of selfdiscovery; guided meditation; spiritual development; and vegetarian cooking classes. Anyone with a thirst for the outdoors can opt for the Eco-Adventure fitness retreat, where you go mountain biking on the trails of Blackwood river, among other pursuits. The resort also has a partnership with Pemberton Discovery Tours, allowing guests to head out on day trips to discover the diverse Australian wildlife at the Warren National Park, explore various bush trails, traverse undulating sand dunes in a four-wheel drive, and enjoy a stroll along the ocean.

Rates: Four-night retreat from AU$748 (S$774) a night; four-night eco-adventure retreat from AU$817 (S$845) a night.

119 Barangay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines, +632 884 8074; thefarmatsanbenito.com

THANYAPURA SPORTS HOTEL, Phuket 120/1 Moo 7 Thepkasattri Road, Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand, +66 (0) 7633 6000; thanyapura.com

PEPPERS SEMINYAK, Bali Jl. Pura Telaga Waja, Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia, +62 361 730 333; peppersseminyak.com

SOMMER LIFE BEACH RETREAT, Hong Kong 34 Tung Wan Tau Road, Mui Wo, Lantau Island; +852 5501 8633; nathaliesommer.com/ sommerlife

KALYAANA SPA & WELLNESS RETREAT, Western Australia Lot 705 Maslin Street, Bridgetown, Western Australia 6255, +61 8 9761 1420; kalyaanawellness retreat.com.au

INTERCONTINENTAL DANANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT, Da Nang Bai Bac, Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam, +84 511 393 8888; danang.intercontinental.com

Halliday Wine Companion 2016 www.winecompanion.com.au

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Insider I SHOP IT

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This sensible colour gets the business trip tick!

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Your luggage speaks volumes.

These cool picks will ensure you’re always flying in style

Case studies

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These stylish suitcases will stand out on the conveyor belt – so you’ll never pick up someone else’s by mistake

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This classic will take you from work trip to your own vacay

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Said to be Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II’s choice of luggage!

1. RIMOWA LIMBO Multiwheel 63 in Carmona Red, S$1,310. At #B2M-236 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and other outlets.

2. TUMI Glenwood 4-wheeled medium packing case, S$1,310. At Changi Airport Terminal 1 and other outlets. 3. EMINENT 100% makrolon PC lightweight with integrated locking brake, flushed in TSA combination lock 20” S$240. At eminent.com. 4. AMERICAN TOURISTER HS MV+ (Fly Away), S$189-S$249. At #03-110 Marina Square. 5. KINGSMAN+GLOBE-TROTTER 30” Pinstripe-lined wheeled suitcase, £1,579.17 (S$3,047.19) from mrporter.com 6. TUMI Black Arrivé Julius International expandable carry-on, S$2,270. At Changi Airport Terminal 1 and other outlets.

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Insider I BEAUTY ON THE FLY

Beauty remedies Skin saviours and hair heroes for hot, cool and humid climates

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Keep your lips soft and supple

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Travel tips Sun, humidity and freezing weather can all wreak havoc with your hair and skin – and become the worst enemies for your beauty routine when travelling. Whatever climate you are heading to, you can say goodbye to bad hair days and lacklustre skin with these beauty must haves.

1. MAKE TIME TO PRIME Beat the heat and humidity by applying a face primer over your moisturiser to help your makeup stay in place all day long. Oily complexions suit mattifying primers, while acne-prone skin will benefit from oilfree products.

2. TAME THE FRIZZ Protect your hair from damaging heat and humidity and combat frizzy locks with a leave-in hair treatment. Opt for products that have a UV filter and are rich in natural oils like avocado, coconut and argan.

3. SOOTHE CHAPPED LIPS Chilly, wintry weather can leave your lips dry and chapped. Transform rough lips to a soft pout with a moisturising lip balm. Whether it’s tinted, flavoured, scented or SPFprotected, it’s a beauty must in cold climates.

WORDS LISA HOLMEN

WE LOVE 1. JOHN FRIEDA Frizz Ease Original Six Effects Serum, S$16.90 Trade in humidity’s frizzy effects for silky-smooth hair. Available at leading pharmacies. 2. BENEFIT The POREfessional Face Primer, S$54 minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines. Available at Sephora Singapore. 3. SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL Bonacure Repair Rescue Conditioner, S$24 Repair your hair from damaging heat. Available at Schwarzkopf Professional hair salons. 4. PHILOSOPHY Kiss Me Tonight, S$23 Relieve dry lips with this intense treatment. Available at Sephora Singapore. 5. KIEHL’S Lip Balm #1, S$17 Protect your lips from harsh elements with soothing aloe vera. Available at Kiehl’s counters.

6. ELEMIS Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, S$79.50 Reduce moisture loss and boost luminosity. Available at sg.strawberrynet.com.

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Check yourself in.

Not stress yourself out.

Because you can.

Kul stands at the door to her shop Witty Ville (on Bangkok’s Soi Ari 1) where she sells scones (a British afternoon-tea bun traditionally served with jam and clotted cream) alongside bone china tea cups and pocket-sized pottery cats (photo essay, p56).

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SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN 44 I VIETNAM 51 I BANGKOK 56

time for

fun!

From cartoon-themed fun parks to eateries oering Lego-shaped waes and quirky dim sum, these family-friendly spots around Asia will give junior (and you) a truly memorable June vacay 44

WORDS EVELINE GAN

FAMILY BAR TENDERS FUN I SCHOOL I DRINK HOLIDAYS THIS

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s any parent who’s spent a harassed holiday listening to whines of ‘I’m boooored!” can attest, one of the secrets of a successful family vacation is keeping the kids busy with age-appropriate activities. Pencil in these six exciting family-friendly themed attractions and dining destinations: they’re guaranteed to keep the entire family entertained these school holidays.

For the little tots SINGAPORE: Pororo Park

lf for a good Brace yourse Flight of time on the the Hippogriff

Let the kids loose at Singapore’s largest character-themed indoor playground. Spanning more than 11,000 square feet, the educational playground in the Marina Square shopping mall is themed around Pororo the Little Penguin, the award-winning and popular South Korean television animation.

The indoor park features both entertainment and educational facilities including a train ride for kids, a replica of Pororo’s house as seen in the animation series, and a toddler play area as well as ‘edutainment’ classes where kids can try their hand at activities like cooking, arts and crafts, sports and science projects.

While the kids are occupied with the activities, parents can kick back and take a breather at Loopy’s Café, which provides free wi-fi and stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline. Complete your Pororo experience by dropping by the retail store to purchase a memento.

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BANGKOK: Snow Town Beat Bangkok’s tropical heat by visiting this winter-themed indoor village, which has a play area covered with artificial snow churned out by a snow machine.

While nothing beats gliding down a real ski run, the artificial snow slopes here – up to 40cm deep – are sufficient to keep your young ones occupied. They can also have a go at skiing; lessons are priced from 600 baht (about S$23) for a one-hour session. Located within the Japanese-themed Gateway Ekkamai shopping mall, Snow Town also features a playground, a kids’ fashion studio, Japanese restaurants and a games arcade.

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For the bigger kids (kidults, teens and tweens) OSAKA: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan Muggles, grab your brood and head over to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka – the only place in Asia where you can experience the magical world of the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling.

Older kids who are taller than 122cm can have a go on the thrilling ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’ virtual ride through Hogwarts castle. For younger children, there is the more family friendly ‘Flight of the Hippogriff ’ rollercoaster ride (riders must meet a minimum height of 92cm).

After conquering those rides, head over to Hogsmeade village. There, you’ll find shops selling snacks, novelty items and accessories inspired by the book series; as well as the Three Broomsticks tavern which offers Butterbeer, a nonalcoholic beverage that tastes like shortbread and butterscotch.

Kids can try their hand at activities like cooking, arts and crafts and science projects

available for purchase by weight at NT$2 (S$0.10) per gram – so you can take junior’s creation home. The in-house store also carries Lego toys priced from NT$249 ( S$10.40).

TAIPEI: Brick Works Café

For both big and little kids

Besides its fun Lego-themed decor and menu, this café also doubles as a toy store and an educational play area where kids – and adult Lego fans – can unleash their architectural ingenuity using the blocks and figurines provided. You can use the play area free of charge if you dine at the café. Signature Lego-themed dishes include waffles (NT$180; S$7.50), and cupcakes (NT$100; S$4.20) – all served with Lego-shaped cutlery, of course.

The Lego blocks in the play area are

Perfect for animal lovers and to help educate kids on how to respect and care for pets, this themed café will make you go “aww”. Here, the café’s resident cuddly pet dogs and cats roam freely around the premises, entertaining customers with their cute antics. Can’t seem to get their attention? Bribe them with treats ordered from the café’s pet menu. There’s also a selection of

KUALA LUMPUR: Clawset Pet Café

FAMILY BAR TENDERS FUN I SCHOOL I DRINK HOLIDAYS THIS

From left to right: The characters at Pororo Park, sledding at Snow Town, kids’ menu at Pororo Park

SNOW TOWN Where: Gateway Ekkamai shopping mall, 982/ 22 Sukhumvit Rd Prakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok, +66 2 041 9910; snowtown.in.th Opening Hours: 11am– 8pm Monday to Friday; 10am–8pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission: Entrance fee and snow shoe rental package is from 250 baht (S$9.60) per adult and 230 baht (S$8.80) per child (under 90cm tall) on weekdays. Extra charges apply for rental of winter gear including jackets and gloves, and play equipment.

Getting there: Access Gateway Ekkamai shopping mall directly from Exit 4 at Ekkamai BTS Station.

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PORORO PARK

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Where: #02-29 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore, +65 6250 9700; pororoparksg.com Opening Hours: 10.30am–8pm from Sundays to Thursdays, 10.30am–9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission: Two-hour playtime is priced at S$33.50 per child aged two to 12 years, or S$24.50 per child under two years. Free entry for babies under the age of one. Accompanying adults pay S$6 each.

Getting there: Alight at the City Hall, Esplanade or Promenade MRT stations and walk about five to 15 minutes to Marina Square.

Need to know: All visitors – adults and kids – must be wearing socks to visit the playground.

Where: Universal Studios Japan, 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, +81 570-200-606; usj.co.jp Opening Hours: Park operation hours vary – visit usj.co.jp/e/ parkguide/calendar for details.

Admission: A one-day studio pass is priced at $7,400 yen (S$90) for adults and children aged 12 and above; $4,980 yen (S$61) for children ages four to 11, and $6,650 yen (S$81) for seniors aged 65 and above (prices include taxes). The admission ticket includes park entrance and use of all park attractions.

Getting there: Take a JR train ride from Osaka station to Universal City station (changing trains at Nishikujo station).

DETAILS

PHOTOS ALAMY, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Beat the heat at Snow Town

mains and desserts for human diners available here, including the signature Clawset waffles, available in sweet (RM$17.90; S$6.20) and savoury (RM$22.90; S$7.90) options.

Be sure to also check out the quirky drinks menu, comprising mocktails (RM$8.90; S$3) named after the cafe’s furkids and their temperament: such as Arrogant Paris, a concoction of passion fruit with lemon and lime soda; and the Obedient Maggie, featuring each with orange and lime soda.

Here, playing with your food is highly encouraged...

HONG KONG: Dim Sum Icon restaurant The Dim Sum Icon restaurant at Tsim Sha Tsui adds novelty to the quintessential Cantonese dim sum experience and has become something of a social media star, thanks to its fun, themed creations.

48 Iqui velliti consendit facillabores abore doluptatis asimper doluptatis asimper

Here, playing with your food is highly encouraged and if the idea of dim sum that “pukes” or “weeps” when you prod them with your chopsticks appeals, then you’ve come to the right place.

Known for creating the Gudetama (Japanese Lazy Egg character) buns that can “puke” and “poop” custard – and which took social media by storm last year – this trendy joint changes its theme every few months (so check its Facebook page before visiting). It’s now serving up more Instagramworthy treats inspired by another popular Japanese character icon, Kobitos (a collection of mysterious garden elves).

Tuck into these Kobitos-themed dim sum including the signature Milk Custard Buns and Creamy Oat Buns (HKD$49 each; S$8.50 each) with molten custard centres. Give the Milk Custard Buns a gentle squeeze, and watch as warm lava custard “tears” flow out of Kobitos’ eyes. In line with the garden theme, desserts like the Chocolate Mousse Cake and Sawdust Cake (HKD$39 each; S$6.80 each) are served in cute flower pots, with shovel spoons. Other quirky items on the menu include the “vomiting” Egg Yolk Custard Buns (HKD$49) (S$8.50); you can also purchase, ahem, longer-lasting Kobitos paraphernalia.

And for thrill seekers...

There’s more fun ahead – if you dare to try these exhilarating rides in theme parks across Asia.

Universal Studios, Singapore

All aboard the Hogwarts Express

Seasoned roller coaster thrill seekers have confessed even they get a little overwhelmed by the Revenge of the Mummy ride, which is found in the Ancient City part of the park. On this ride you’ll plunge

FAMILY BAR TENDERS FUN I SCHOOL I DRINK HOLIDAYS THIS

What’s new?

Fans of adorable Sanrio characters, Hello Kitty and Pompompurin, can check out two new too-cute-forwords themed cafés that have landed in Singapore.

The Hello Kitty Orchid Garden is located in Changi Airport Terminal 3 (Arrival Hall Central #01-22, Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport; HelloKittyOrchidGarden. com) while Pompompurin Cafe is in Orchard Central (181 Orchard Road #04-08, +65 6509 8672; facebook. com/Pompompurincafesg).

Clockwise from top left: Egg yolk custard buns from Dim Sum Icon restaurant, Pompompurin Café, flower pot desserts from Dim Sum Icon, the Big Breakfast Surprise at Hello Kitty Orchard Garden, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan, selfies at Clawset Pet Café

The ride gets up to an exhilarating speed of 130km per hour. tokyo-dome.co.jp/e/ 49

Ocean Park, Hong Kong

into total darkness then find yourself surrounded by huge fireballs, mummies and scarab beetles. rwsentosa.com

PHOTOS ALAMY, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Tokyo Dome City Attractions, Tokyo This amusement park, part of Tokyo Dome City, boasts a huge range of heart-pumping attractions. Among them is the 80m-tall Thunder Dolphin – one of the tallest continuous circuit roller coasters in the world. Thunder Dolphin’s course passes through both a hole in the LaQua building, and through the Big-O – the world’s first centre-less Ferris wheel.

One of Asia’s most established theme parks, this grand dame boasts rides including the kid-friendly Arctic Blast and The Dragon – where you’ll hang upside down on 360° loops and be whipped around crazy corkscrews. But true daredevils line up for the Hair Raiser, Hong Kong’s only floorless roller coaster. What this means: your legs dangle in midair while the ride moves at a startling 88km per hour and plunges you towards the South China Sea. oceanpark.com.hk/en

Siam Park City Bangkok Water Park and Amusement Park, Bangkok Try the Vortex – it will hurl you forward at 80km per hour – or hop on to the Boomerang, which lurches you in a triple loop forwards before bouncing you back round. But the most popular ride is the Giant Drop, which plunges from a height of 75m.

Be very afraid. siamparkcity.com

DETAILS BRICK WORKS S Where: Taipei Arena na Complex, 2, Sectionn 4, Nanjing E. Rd, Songshan gshan District, Taipei City,, Taiwan, +886 2 2578 578 9253; facebook.com/ om/ BrickWorksTaipei Opening Hours: 11.30–9pm from Mondays–Thursdays, 11.30am–9.30pm on Fridays, 11am–9.30pm on Saturdays and 11am–8pm on Sundays.

Getting there: Alight at Taipei Arena station.

DIM SUM ICON RESTAURANT Where: L308, 3/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2885 1345; facebook.com/ DIMSUMICON Opening Hours: 11am–11pm daily.

Getting there: Alight at Tsim Sha Tsui Station.

CLAWSET PET CAFÉ Where: 36/38A, Jalan SS22/25, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, +60 17 470 0618; facebook. com/clawset.my Opening Hours: 10am–10pm from Tuesdays–Thursdays and Sundays; 10am–11pm on Fridays–Saturdays.

Closed Mondays.

Getting there: Clawset is located just behind Atria Shopping Gallery, which is accessible by train – alight at Kelana Jaya LRT Station.

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Yes, there’s plenty of life after sunset in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – you just need to know where to look. Here’s the low-down on the best spots to head after dark in each city

Sleepless in Vietnam

VIETNAM I AFTER DARK

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52 oth Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) may have reputations as bustling, buzzing cities – but most people tend to think about each place as being firmly set in the daylight, with scooters dashing through crowded streets, markets heaving with produce and beautiful textiles, and customers at crowded street-side eateries happily tucking into local fare. However, with options including jazz cafés, techno clubs, chic cocktail bars and sophisticated eateries, there’s also plenty worth staying awake for at night. We’ve got the inside word on where to head in each city as the sun goes down.

HO CHI MINH CITY’S HIPPEST HANGS If you think of Vietnam’s northern capital Hanoi as the seat of government and learning, Ho Chi Minh City, more than 1,100km to the south, is its sexier, racier little sister. Home to an estimated 10 million people and almost as many motorbikes, it’s also the country’s largest and most energetic urban hub.

Night-owl favourites Local laws that formerly required venues to close by midnight have now been relaxed, which means HCMC’s formerly hush-hush after-hours scene has truly exploded. At al fresco Glow Skybar and its sister lounge space Play, DJ and music consultant Doru Tudose plays house and pop house full-tilt until 3am, with international acts dropping in on Glow as well.

Doru says he’s had a front-row seat to watch the city’s nightlife scene develop since he arrived from Hong Kong in 2005.

“Now, music is international, up-to-date and very diverse – we even have big shows and festivals,” he says.

The Chill Skybar, perched on the 26th and 27th floors of a high-rise, was one of the city’s first sky-high watering holes; Air 360 is another. Both offer stunning views along with cocktails and tunes.

Lush is one of the longest-running mainstays of HCMC’s club scene, hosting big names such as Skrillex, Diplo, Major Lazer, Jazzy Jeff and Krafty Kuts, all of whom have dropped in while touring other big Asian party hubs such as Singapore or Hong Kong.

VIETNAM I AFTER DARK

Good times at long-time favourite, Lush

Left to right: Glow Skybar; Lush is a mainstay on the after-dark circuit

The formerly hush-hush scene has truly exploded...

Sleek and sophisticated There has been a shift away from groups rolling in and taking a hostess-attended table with bottle service, towards more people coming alone, in pairs or small groups, and being open to socialising with others around them. Fuse Saigon and sleek lounge bar and nightclub Velvet rank among the more visitor-accessible hip hop, house and techno clubs.

The city has also sharpened its appetite for fine wines, single malts and cocktails. Cosy, cabin-style bar The Log at function hub GEM Center serves whiskeys, cigars, wines and premium cocktails; while Park Hyatt’s svelte cocktail bar 2 Lam Son remains one of the city’s sleekest nightspots, where actresses and socialites come to flirt over lychee martinis. Chic, cosy Vesper is where you’ll find good conversation, great company and delicious nibbles, while amber-coloured loft bar Last Call is a reliable late-night spot for house music and stellar cocktails.

PHOTOS GLOW SKYBAR; LUSH

Modern fusion Trend-setting café-meets-boutique L’Usine, set above the leafy colonial boulevard Dong Khoi, lures creatives with coffee and cupcakes by day. By night, its dining room is available for private functions and communal-style dining and the store acts as an occasional exhibition space for arts events.

Popular French-colonial-meets-New-York-loft café La Fenetre Soleil is popular among ladies-

who-long-lunch before transitioning into a casual dinner spot, with regular live music events which range from soul to acoustic gypsy jazz.

‘Resto-bars’ are everywhere – Xu offers sophisticated dining upstairs and a cocktail bar with light bites downstairs – while fashion boutique and café, Anna Vo Café is just one example of how local businesses, especially those food and fashion-related, straddle categories.

A quiet evolution Where many District 1 colonial properties have been torn down to make way for multistorey shopping malls, in District 3 particularly, many of the original French colonial residences have been preserved as charming eateries and quaint cafés.

At open-front villa Khoi Thom – which translates as “fragrant smoke” – Vietnam meets Mexico with a colour palette of hot pink, turquoise, lemon yellow and purple.

Live music cafés Yoko and Acoustic showcase live local talent nightly and are always packed with hip young things.

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Left to right: Chill Skybar, sunset views at Chill Skybar and arty L’Usine

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Mellow, artsy ID Café, owned by a Vietnamese alumni of Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, is a perfect example of how young Vietnamese – now exposed to the internet after decades of restrictions – are seeking to assert their own image and cultural identity.

While District 1 and District 3 are known for outstanding places to drink and dine, across the Saigon River, leafy neighbourhood An Phu has grown into an after-work and weekend urban escape. It’s home to French fine dining restaurants such as La Villa, where trufflemarinated sea scallop carpaccio is served poolside; and The Deck, a sleek bar-restaurant named for its wood-floored patio fronting the life-giving waters of the Saigon River.

HANOI’S HIDDEN HOTSPOTS Compared to other lively Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore and Bangkok, Hanoi is still fairly conservative. Its nightlife scene is a little hidden away, in keeping with its traditionally more reserved way of life.

“A lot of people – mostly expats – make a comparison between Hanoi and HCMC. They say Hanoi is boring, that there’s nothing to do… but for me, as a Hanoian, if you spend enough time to understand the city, get to know people, the places to go, you may change

your mind,” says Uyen Vu Le, the catering and events manager of Don’s, an oyster bar in Hanoi.

Buzzing bars and clubs Uyen, who often finishes work late, says despite the ‘official’ line that nightspots must close around midnight (especially in the Old Quarter), there are plenty of places still open – if you know where to look.

During the weekends, she heads to bars or clubs like Hero Bar, Zone 17, and Nest Lounge on Xuan Dieu, which are all open well into the early hours.

In the Old Quarter, Bia Hoi (fresh beer) corner – famous for its 30c jugs and forest of plastic seats scattered across the pavement – is still going strong, but there are myriad other places to sip and snack. Step into the two-storey Dragonfly and you’ll find a buzzy bar and a small dance floor. Divey Mao’s Red Lounge offers cheap drinks and a laidback setting.

The Bank, located on the sixth floor of the Capital Building, is one of the city’s best-known nightclubs, offering pop house until late. Rock City brings together all kinds of art, from performance to contemporary; plus live electronic, experimental and rock music.

Cama ATK is a must for underground music; come early from 6pm to 8pm and you can snag half-price cocktails, wine and beer.

VIETNAM I AFTER DARK

Time for a tipple?

There are places still open – if you know where to look Dine in style If dressing for dinner is your jam, as it is for many Hanoians, you’ll be spoiled for choice. La Verticale, set within a 1930s villa, is an award-winning showcase of ‘mad-scientist’ chef Didier Corlou’s nouvelle cuisine and Vietnam’s culinary heritage through dishes such as lobster with candied rhubarb.

At stylish Italian restaurant and elite watering hole Angelina, part of the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the city’s beautiful movers and shakers in between bites.

If you’re looking for something more lowkey, you can find that, too – mist-cooled, Quan An Ngon (“delicious

food restaurant”) is a must for local favourites such as bun bo Hue, a rich beef noodle soup and banh xeo, Vietnamese pancake stuffed with pork and shrimp, from market-style stalls surrounding the periphery of the ochre-walled building.

Before dinner, former journalist Nguyen Qui Duc, proprietor of café bar and alternative arts space Tadioto, recommends joining the crowds of people catching up over a quick café sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee, a tar-like robusta rocket fuel with sweetened condensed milk and ice) at the city’s ubiquitous sidewalk stalls; or settling into the sofa at one of Hanoi’s chic artsy hangouts.

“It’s busy, crazy and fun, particularly at retro Communist kitsch-themed Cong Caphe, where artists mix with hipsters and local expats,” he says.

In terms of after-dark developments, one of the strongest shifts has been the Tay Ho, or West Lake, neighbourhood north of the city centre. Formerly known mostly for its fishing hamlets and summer mansions for Vietnam’s royals, today it offers everything from lowkey, dive bar/Italian eatery Le Soleil + Paolo & Chi to Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake’s

Sunset Bar, and four-storey gourmet restaurant, rooftop oyster bar and cigar lounge extravaganza Don’s – named one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants by San Pellegrino in 2013.

So, whether you find yourself in Hanoi or HCMC, don’t believe anyone who tells you there’s nothing to do after dark. Whatever your mood and no matter who you’re with, you’ll be able to find something to keep you energised into the wee hours.

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Travel Info Jetstar flies four times daily from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, with up to eight daily connections to Hanoi.

To book visit JETSTAR.COM

Get a taste of opulence at Angelina, at the Sofitel Legend Metropole

BANGKOK I THAILAND

Bangkok bites Step into Soi Ari, a compact area of the Thai capital that’s making a name for itself among foodies and hipsters for its cool array of cafés, bars, pop-ups and markets... photos mark parren taylor

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Sen Kua Gai is perhaps the most popular among a cluster of traditional street-side food stalls on Soi Ari. From dusk until after midnight, homeward-bound ofďŹ ce workers and night-time partygoers head here for a freshly fried bowl of its delicious chicken noodles.

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BANGKOK I THAILAND

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Left Zin Kid Hotdog epitomises the new wave of street hawkers on Soi Ari: innovative, fusion style and distinctly hipster.

Middle The hip still rubs shoulders with the traditional here.

Soi Ari is a great spot to pick up Bangkok’s famous street food.

Right It's not just street stalls on Soi Ari: its side sois are worth exploring, too. You’ll find hidden gems such as Tokyobike, a ‘cycle cafe’ with an in-house coffee shop, La Liart.

At Tanyamama – a café-deli and soonto-be boutique hotel in a house behind Soi Ari – they serve up stylish FrenchAmerican dishes such as this sea bass with white wine and caper sauce.

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BANGKOK I THAILAND

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Back on Soi Ari, Khun Noi spends her days chopping and pounding som tam, the classic Thai green papaya salad that is at once sweet and sour, crisp and juicy, hot and savoury. It’s a great way to start or end a day on Soi Ari.

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Explore I INTERVIEW

PHOTO SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

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JETSTAR NEWS 64 I STAR JOURNEYS 67 I MAPS 68

Inflight I JETSTAR NEWS

Top to bottom: Baby Saw Jet Star, customer service manager Saw Ler Htu with the surprise passenger

Say hello to baby Saw Jet Star

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Baby on board!

In April, a baby boy was safely born onboard, becoming Jetstar Asia’s youngest passenger

I

t started off just like any other workday for customer service manager Saw Ler Htu and the crew on board Jetstar Asia’s 3K583 flight. It was bound for Yangon International Airport from Singapore – and it ended with a lot more excitement than anyone had expected!

The plane took off on schedule and Saw and his team commenced the usual in-flight service. Midway through the flight, cabin crew

member Wan Xin told Saw about a passenger who needed some help.

Saw made a PA announcement, asking for help from any medical professionals on board. As luck would have it, there were three doctors travelling on the flight who offered to assist. Saw’s colleagues Wan Xin and Anson Low made the passenger comfortable and she was checked by one of the doctors, who confirmed she was having labour

pains. Saw made another PA announcement to assure the rest of the passengers everything was okay.

“Although I didn’t reveal the specific medical reason, some passengers realised the crew and doctors were attending to the expectant mother,” he says.

Despite the excitement, the flight landed smoothly and on schedule with a medical team waiting by the door

of the plane. All other passengers remained seated while the medical team attended to the mother-to-be. Her baby chose that moment to arrive into the hands of the airport doctor – becoming the very first baby to be delivered on a Jetstar Asia flight!

He promptly started crying, accompanied by the cheering of passengers.

“The passengers thanked the crew for a job well done and said good luck will come to the airline!” says Saw. He adds he was very proud of his three colleagues who handled the situation with him in a professional and efficient manner, as well as the pilots who maintained a smooth flight and touchdown.

The baby’s family name is Star, and the mother decided to name her boy Saw Jet Star because of the care she received from the crew. To congratulate the family, Jetstar gave mother and baby $1,000 worth of baby supplies.

Saw recently visited the mother and baby Jet Star in Yangon to deliver the gifts.

Need to change a flight?

No sweat!

TRAVELLING WITH A GROUP OF 10 OR MORE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED Jetstar’s new group booking function can help you plan flights easily with our flexible group fares – and a whole list of extra features. These include deposit payment, last-minute name changes, shared checked baggage allowance, waived booking and service fees, as well as dedicated support and booking assistance. Log on to jetstar.com/sg/en/flights/group-bookings to submit your request and an agent will get back to you.

Singlish now okay Wah! The Oxford English Dictionary has now included 19 Singlish terms into its lexicon, accepting common terms like ‘blur’, ‘lepak’ and ‘shiok’ that are already frequently used in Singapore and Malaysia. With these terms gaining more recognition, perhaps it could be time for us to introduce them on Jetstar flights?

We’d extend that personal touch to our Asian customers, and turn that April Fools Day ‘campaign’ into a genuine one! For our Ang Moh customers, we’ll use still proper English, we promise!

At jetstar.com, log in to Manage Booking with your last name and booking reference number, and you’ll be given the full flight details.

There, you can change the departure date, flight or add checked baggage allowance or meals. The extra cost will be displayed so you can decide whether to go ahead with the changes. It’s really simple, so give it a try when you fly!

blur

shiok lepak

VISIT US AND SAY HELLO ON SOCIAL MEDIA! facebook.com/JetstarAsiaAirways @jetstarasia @Jetstar_Asia

65

Inflight I QUIZ

QUIZ TIME Get set to test your travel knowledge with this month’s quiz 1. Borobi, the mascot for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, is what kind of animal?

2. What is the common abbreviation for South Korean popular music?

4

11

3. Which British navigator gave Cape Tribulation its name?

4. True or false: there are 97 train stations in the Tokyo metro system.

5. Filmed in North Queensland in 2015, the fifth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise bears what subtitle?

6. What is the name of Cairns’ NBL basketball team?

66

7. The Queensland town of Tully is home to a 7.9-metrehigh ‘golden’ what?

13

25 5

20

15. In which Queensland city is Australia’s largest army base?

16. What is the official total length of the Great Wall of China?

A) 27km B) 7,456km C) 21,196km D) 678,017km 17. Which northern Queensland destination was ranked No. 3 in Australian Traveller magazine’s list of ‘100 Best Towns in Australia’ in 2009?

18. Which American actor starred in the 1980 TV miniseries Shogun, set in feudal Japan?

19. Which Asian capital city is situated on the Red River?

8. In which northern Queensland city was WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange born?

20. What is the currency unit of Taiwan?

9. What is the predominant religion of Bali?

21. The flower on the official flag of Hong Kong features how many petals?

10. Since 1998, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok has displayed a 30cm gold statue of which British former soccer player?

22. Rhyming with ‘corker’, what is the name for the simple, tasty street food found in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong?

11. In which Asian capital city is there a restaurant named Hobbit House, staffed entirely by ‘little people’?

23. Corazon Aquino was the first female president of which Asian country?

12. Name the island off the coast of Townsville that shares its name with a musician and poet from Greek mythology.

16

14. In what decade did Queensland’s Wet Tropics, including the Daintree National Park, become a UNESCO World Heritage site?

13. What species of starfish has had a devastating effect on the Great Barrier Reef?

24. The North Queensland towns of Innisfail, Tully and Cardwell are part of a coastal region named after which bird?

25. In which Asian country is San Miguel beer brewed?

1_ Koala 2_ K-pop 3_ James Cook 4_ False 5_ Dead Men Tell No Tales 6_ Taipans 7_ Gumboot 8_ Townsville 9_ Hinduism 10_ David Beckham 11_ Manila 12_ Orpheus 13_ The crown-of-thorns starfish 14_ 1980s 15_ Townsville 16_ C) 21,196km 17_ Port Douglas 18_ Richard Chamberlain 19_ Hanoi 20_ New Taiwan dollar 21_ Five 22_ Hawker 23_ The Philippines 24_ Cassowary 25_ The Philippines QUIZ ANSWERS

Inflight I STAR JOURNEYS WINNERS

#StarJourneys Taken some great snaps during your recent Jetstar holiday? Post them on social media, tag us at #StarJourneys, @jetstarasia (Instagram) or @Jetstar_Asia (Twitter) or @Jetstar Asia (Facebook), include a simple caption – and if we feature your picture you will win a S$100 Jetstar voucher!

Wincee Barnido, @raxbarnido "Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times."

Bali, Indonesia

Toh Xin Ling, @throughxleyes "A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles."

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

67

Amalina Ramlee, @tumblelina "We were cruisin', to the unknown..." Thailand Joel Chan, @joworlly "Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing... hope to snag another affordable flight to other countries ..." Bangkok, Thailand

about #StarJourneys SHARE YOUR GREAT TRAVEL SNAPS WITH US AND STAND TO WIN S$100 JETSTAR VOUCHERS! Simply tag @jetstarasia (Instagram), @Jetstar_Asia (Twitter) or @Jetstar Asia (Facebook) and include #StarJourneys in your photo caption. If your picture is featured in the magazine, you’ll win a S$100 Jetstar voucher that can be redeemed on Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Pacific and Jetstar Airways flights. We reserve the right to repost these photos on Jetstar Asia’s social media accounts.

Inflight I WHERE WE FLY

INTERNATIONAL Operated by Jetstar Airways Operated by Jetstar Asia Operated by Jetstar Pacific Operated by Jetstar Japan

Tokyo (Narita) Fukuoka

Nagoya (Chubu)

Osaka (Kansai)

Wuhan Guiyang

Shantou Hong Kong

Hanoi Yangon Haikou Da Nang Siem Reap Bangkok Phnom Penh Phuket Penang Medan 68 Pekanbaru

Taipei Hawaii (Honolulu)

Manila

Ho Chi Minh City Kuala Lumpur

Singapore

Palembang Jakarta Surabaya Bali (Denpasar) Darwin Fiji (Nadi)

Cairns Townsville

Cook Islands (Rarotonga)

Brisbane Gold Coast Perth Adelaide

Sydney Auckland Melbourne (Tullamarine) Wellington Christchurch Queenstown

DOMESTIC VIETNAM

DOMESTIC JAPAN

Hanoi

Sapporo

Hai Phong Thanh Hoa Vinh Dong Hoi Hue Da Nang Chu Lai Pleiku Quy Nhon

Tokyo (Narita) Nagoya (Chubu) Matsuyama Osaka (Kansai) Fukuoka Takamatsu Oita Kumamoto

Tuy Hoa Buon Ma Thuot

Phu Quoc

Kagoshima

Nha Trang Da Lat

Ho Chi Minh City

Operated by Jetstar Pacific Flights are operated by Jetstar Pacific and commence 1 June, subject to regulatory approval

Okinawa

Operated by Jetstar Japan

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Auckland New Plymouth Nelson

Darwin

Cairns Townsville Hamilton Island Whitsunday Coast Mackay

Queenstown

Napier Palmerston North Wellington Christchurch Dunedin

Operated by Jetstar Airways Operated by Eastern Australia Airlines for Jetstar Airways

Sunshine Coast

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Brisbane Gold Coast Ballina Byron

Perth

Newcastle

Sydney Adelaide

Melbourne (Tullamarine)

Auckland

Melbourne (Avalon) Wellington Christchurch

Launceston Hobart Operated by Jetstar Airways

Queenstown

69

Inflight I WHEN WE FLY

SINGAPORE – DARWIN / DARWIN – SINGAPORE

Jetstar Asia, together with Jetstar, operates more than 600 flights per week throughout Asia. Schedule is valid to June 30, 2016.

4 hours 30 minutes (GMT+9.5) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN*

23:05

DRW

05:10

DRW#

06:00

SIN

09:05

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

* No Mon, Tues & Thurs flight from 1 Jun - 17 Jun # No Tues, Wed & Fri flight from 2 Jun - 18 Jun

JETSTAR ASIA SINGAPORE – HAIKOU / HAIKOU – SINGAPORE 3 hours 30 minutes (GMT+8) Time Departure

SINGAPORE – BANGKOK / BANGKOK – SINGAPORE 2 hours 30 minutes (GMT+7) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:20

BKK

08:45

SIN

09:15

BKK

10:40

SIN

10:45

BKK

12:10

SIN

15:25

BKK

16:50

SIN

16:50

BKK

18:20

SIN

19:15

BKK

20:40

BKK

09:25

SIN

12:50

BKK

11:40

SIN

15:10

BKK

12:50

SIN

16:15

BKK

17:30

SIN

21:00

BKK

19:00

SIN

22:25

BKK

21:20

SIN

00:40

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:35

HAK

11:05

HAK

12:00

SIN

15:25

M

T

W

SINGAPORE – HONG KONG / HONG KONG – SINGAPORE 3 hours 55 minutes (GMT+8) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

09:20

HKG

13:25

SIN

09:50

HKG

13:50

SIN

10:10

HKG

14:10

SIN

15:45

HKG

19:45

HKG

14:15

SIN

18:05

HKG

14:40

SIN

18:30

HKG

14:50

SIN

18:40

HKG

20:25

SIN

00:15

M

T

W

SINGAPORE – BANGKOK / BANGKOK – FUKUOKA 2 hours 30 minutes (from SIN to BKK); 5 hours 10 minutes (from BKK to FUK) (GMT+7/GMT+9)

70

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

22:50

BKK

00:20

BKK

02:15

FUK

09:35

FUK

10:35

BKK

14:15

BKK

15:15

SIN

18:40

FKK

10:35

BKK

14:10

BKK

15:10

SIN

18:40

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – JAKARTA / JAKARTA – SINGAPORE 1 hour 45 minutes (GMT+7) M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – PHUKET / PHUKET – SINGAPORE 1 hour 45 minutes (GMT+7) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

08:20

HKT

09:10

SIN

15:00

HKT

15:50

SIN

15:25

HKT

16:15

SIN

16:55

HKT

17:45

SIN

11:10

HKT

12:00

SIN

20:30

HKT

21:20

HKT

09:45

SIN

12:40

HKT

16:40

SIN

19:40

HKT

16:55

SIN

19:50

HKT

18:40

SIN

21:35

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

08:15

CGK

09:10

HKT

12:40

SIN

15:35

SIN

13:35

CGK

14:30

HKT

22:00

SIN

00:50

SIN

15:45

CGK

16:40

SIN

18:50

CGK

19:45

SIN

20:00

CGK

20:55

CGK

09:50

SIN

12:40

CGK

15:10

SIN

18:00

CGK

17:20

SIN

20:10

CGK

20:25

SIN

23:15

CGK

21:35

SIN

00:25

M

T

SINGAPORE – MEDAN / MEDAN – SINGAPORE 1 hour 25 minutes (GMT+7) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

09:30

KNO

09:55

SIN

08:40

KNO

09:05

SIN

15:15

KNO

15:40

KNO

10:35

SIN

13:10

KNO

09:45

SIN

12:20

KNO

16:20

SIN

18:55

M

T

SINGAPORE – DANANG / DANANG – SINGAPORE 2 hours 30 minutes (GMT+7) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

18:00

DAD

19:40

DAD

20:20

SIN

00:10

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – DENPASAR / DENPASAR– SINGAPORE 2 hours 45 minutes (GMT+8) Arrival

Time

SINGAPORE – KUALA LUMPUR / KUALA LUMPUR – SINGAPORE 1 hour 5 minutes (GMT+8)

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:10

KUL

08:15

SIN

09:35

KUL

10:40

SIN

12:50

KUL

13:55

SIN

17:55

KUL

19:00

SIN

19:35

KUL

20:40

KUL

08:45

SIN

09:55 12:30

Departure

Time

SIN

10:45

DPS

13:30

KUL

11:20

SIN

SIN

15:10

DPS

18:00

KUL

14:35

SIN

15:45

DPS

14:15

SIN

17:00

KUL

19:40

SIN

20:50

DPS

19:15

SIN

22:00

KUL

21:20

SIN

22:25

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – GUIYANG / GUIYANG - SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE – PHNOM PENH / PHNOM PENH – SINGAPORE

4 hours 20 minutes (GMT+8)

2 hours (GMT+7)

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

09:45

KWE

14:00

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

13:30

PNH

14:40 20:50

SIN

09:40

KWE

14:00

SIN

19:35

PNH

KWE

14:50

SIN

19:40

PNH

15:25

SIN

18:25

KWE

14:50

SIN

19:45

PNH

21:35

SIN

00:35

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – SIEM REAP / SIEM REAP – SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE – MANILA / MANILA – SINGAPORE

2 hours 10 minutes (GMT+7)

3 hours 35 minutes (GMT+8) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

06:20

MNL

09:55

SIN

13:55

REP

15:10

REP

15:55

SIN

19:10

SIN

16:45

MNL

20:20

MNL

10:35

SIN

14:15

MNL

21:00

SIN

00:45

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

SINGAPORE – YANGON / YANGON – SINGAPORE 2 hours 55 minutes (GMT+6.5)

SINGAPORE – MANILA – OSAKA / OSAKA – MANILA – SINGAPORE 3 hours 35 minutes (from SIN to MNL); 3 hours 55 minutes (from MNL to KIX) (GMT+8/GMT+9) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

02:20

MNL

05:55

MNL

06:55

KIX

11:50

KIX

12:50

MNL

16:05

MNL

17:05

SIN

20:40

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

08:55

RGN

10:25

SIN

17:05

RGN

18:35

RGN

11:15

SIN

15:50

RGN

19:15

SIN

23:50

M

T

W

SINGAPORE – HO CHI MINH CITY / HO CHI MINH CITY – SINGAPORE 2 hours (GMT+7)

SINGAPORE – PENANG / PENANG – SINGAPORE 1 hour 20 minutes (GMT+8) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

09:45

PEN

11:10

SIN

15:10

PEN

16:35

SIN

19:30

PEN

21:00

PEN

11:50

SIN

13:20

PEN

17:15

SIN

18:45

PEN

21:40

SIN

23:10

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:10

SGN

08:15

SIN

13:50

SGN

14:55 21:00

SIN

19:50

SGN

SGN

08:55

SIN

11:55

SGN

15:35

SIN

18:40

SGN

21:40

SIN

00:40

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – TAIPEI – OSAKA / OSAKA – TAIPEI – SINGAPORE 4 hours 45 minutes (from SIN to TPE); 2 hours 40 minutes (from TPE to KIX) (GMT+8/GMT+9)

SINGAPORE – PERTH / PERTH – SINGAPORE 5 hours 25 minutes (GMT+8) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

16:30

PER

21:40

SIN*

03:30

PER

08:40

PER

22:45

SIN

04:10

PER*

09:30

SIN

14:50

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

* No Tues & Thurs flight from 1 Jun - 17 Jun

SINGAPORE – PALEMBANG / PALEMBANG – SINGAPORE

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:00

TPE

11:50

TPE

12:40

KIX

16:30

SIN

01:10

TPE

06:00

TPE

06:55

KIX

10:45

KIX

17:20

TPE

19:25

TPE

20:20

SIN

01:10

KIX

12:15

TPE

14:25

TPE

15:25

SIN

20:10

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – SURABAYA / SURABAYA – SINGAPORE

1 hour 05 minutes (GMT+7)

2 hours 15 minutes (GMT+7)

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

11:20

PLM

11:25

PLM

12:05

SIN

14:10

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

10:50

SUB

12:10 20:05

SIN

18:45

SUB

SUB

12:50

SIN

16:10

SUB

20:45

SIN

00:05

M

T

W

SINGAPORE – PEKANBARU / PEKANBARU - SINGAPORE 1 hour (GMT+7) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:35

PKU

07:35

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SIN

16:35

PKU

16:35

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

PKU

08:15

SIN

10:20

SIN

13:30

SWA

17:40

PKU

17:15

SIN

19:15

SWA

18:20

SIN

22:20

SINGAPORE – SHANTOU / SHANTOU – SINGAPORE 4 hours 5 minutes (GMT+8) M

T

W

71

Inflight I WHEN WE FLY

JETSTAR

JETSTAR PACIFIC

MELBOURNE – SINGAPORE / SINGAPORE– MELBOURNE

HO CHI MINH CITY – SINGAPORE / SINGAPORE – HO CHI MINH CITY

7 hours 45 minutes (GMT+11)

2 hours (GMT+7)

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

MEL

11:15

SIN

16:50

SGN

07:10

SIN

10:10

SIN

21:00

MEL

06:20

SIN

11:00

SGN

12:00

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

PERTH – DENPASAR – SINGAPORE / SINGAPORE – DENPASAR – PERTH 2 hours 35 minutes (from SIN to DPS); 3 hours 45 minutes (from DPS to PER) (GMT+8/GMT+8) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

PER

17:50

DPS

21:25

DPS

22:15

SIN

01:10

SIN

04:55

DPS

07:35

DPS

08:30

PER

12:10

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Flight durations are estimates only, departing from Singapore. Information correct at press time.

Operated by Jetstar Asia Airways Operated by Jetstar Airways Operated by Jetstar Pacific Airlines

72

SAFETY, SECURITY & COMFORT Carry-on baggage Liquids, aerosols or gels (LAGs) must be in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml each. Containers must be placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre.

Safety first Please ask the cabin crew for an infant seatbelt if your child is under two years old.

Return the infant seatbelt to our cabin crew upon disembarkation. Sleeping on the aircraft floor is not permitted. Please read the safety instruction card in your seat pocket, noting emergency exits and location of life jackets.

Please watch the safety

demonstration prior to take-off. In an emergency, the crew will give specific instructions. They may speak assertively and will require your cooperation.

from the lower legs.

During your flight, move your legs and feet three or four minutes per hour, and move about.

Cabin pressure Smoking Government regulations prohibit smoking on all flights. There are smoke detectors in all toilets and penalties for regulation breaches.

The importance of blood circulation and muscle relaxation during flights Compression stockings can assist in preventing swelling of the ankles and feet, and they may improve the blood return to the body

To “clear” your ears, try swallowing and/or yawning.

When you are flying with an infant, give them a dummy or feed them during the aircraft’s descent. Sucking and swallowing will help the infant equalise the pressure in their ears.

Cabin humidity / dehydration Low humidity in the aircraft cabin can cause drying of the nose, throat and eyes, and can irritate wearers of contact lenses. Do:

• Drink water frequently.

• Drink coffee, tea and alcohol only in moderation.

• Remove contact lenses if your eyes are irritated.

• Use a moisturiser to refresh skin.

Jetstar security policy Jetstar has a strict policy on denying boarding to any passengers who are inappropriate in flight or on ground in comments or behaviour. Jetstar does not accept any inappropriate comments as “jokes”.

All matters are referred to relevant authorities for prosecution. Jetstar will seek to recover all costs incurred as a result of inflight incidents from those involved.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LONG WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE Whether your ideal weekend getaway is exploring the cityscape, sunbathing by the beach, or enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature, Singapore has it all! tŝƚŚ ŵĂŶLJ ůŽŶŐ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚƐ ĂŚĞĂĚ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϲ͕ ŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƐŽŵĞ ĞdžĐŝƟŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ in the Lion City for your next weekend getaway!

MARCH

APRIL

SINGAPORE DESIGN WEEK

FASHION STEPS OUT

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MAY

JUNE

TULIPMANIA AT SENTOSA GARDENS BY THE BAY FUNFEST

SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL

Fashion Steps Out ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚƐ ŽĨ Ă ŇƵƌƌLJ ŽĨ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ KƌĐŚĂƌĚ &ĂƐŚŝŽŶ ZƵŶǁĂLJ͕ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƉƵůĂƌ ƐŚŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƐƚƌĞĞƚ ŝƐ ĐŽŶǀĞƌƚĞĚ ƚŽ Ă ;ǀĞƌLJͿ ůŽŶŐ ƌƵŶǁĂLJ͊ ^ĞĞ Ă ůŽŽŬ LJŽƵ ůŝŬĞ͍ ůů ŽƵƞŝƚƐ ĂƌĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ ŝŶ KƌĐŚĂƌĚ ZŽĂĚ ƐƚŽƌĞƐ͘

^ƚĞƉ ŝŶƚŽ Ă ŵĂŐŝĐĂů ůĂŶĚ ĂƐ Gardens By The Bay ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƐ ŝƚƐ ĨŽƵƌƚŚ ĂŶŶƵĂů ĞĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ dƵůŝƉŵĂŶŝĂ͕ ǁŚĞƌĞ ĂŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĚŝďůĞ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƚƵůŝƉ ǀĂƌŝĞƟĞƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĚŝƐƉůĂLJĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ &ůŽǁĞƌ ŽŵĞ ĨŽƌ Ă ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ƉĞƌŝŽĚ͘

,ĂǀĞ ĨƵŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƵŶ Ăƚ Sentosa’s FUNFest͕ ĂƐ ŝƚ ƚĂŬĞƐ ŽǀĞƌ ^ŝůŽƐŽ ĞĂĐŚ͘ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ĞǀĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů ŚŽůŝĚĂLJƐ͕ ŬŝĚƐ ǁŝůů ŐĞƚ ƚŽ ŶĂǀŝŐĂƚĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ǁĂLJ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĂŶ ŝŶŇĂƚĂďůĞ ŵĂnjĞ ĂŶĚ ŽďƐƚĂĐůĞ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ǁŚŝůĞ LJŽƵ ĐŽŽů Žī ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƚĞŶƐĞ ŚĞĂƚ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĐŽŽů ĚƌŝŶŬ͊

/Ŷ ^ŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞ͕ ĨŽŽĚ ŝƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŝŶĚ͕ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ͘ The Singapore Food &ĞƐƟǀĂů ƚŚƌŽǁƐ ůŽĐĂů ĐƵŝƐŝŶĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƉŽƚůŝŐŚƚ ĂŶĚ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞƐ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ƚŽ ƐƵƐƉĞŶĚ Ăůů ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ũƵƐƚ ĚŝŐ ŝŶ͊

DĂƌĐŚ Ϯϱ ʹ DĂLJ ϴ͕ ϮϬϭϲ sĂƌŝŽƵƐ ǀĞŶƵĞƐ ŽƌĐŚĂƌĚƌŽĂĚ͘ŽƌŐͬĨƐŽ

Ɖƌŝů ϴ ʹ DĂLJ ϮϮ͕ ϮϬϭϲ dŚĞ &ůŽǁĞƌ ŽŵĞ Ăƚ 'ĂƌĚĞŶƐ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ĂLJ ŐĂƌĚĞŶƐďLJƚŚĞďĂLJ͘ĐŽŵ͘ƐŐ

OCTOBER

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

SINGAPORE NIGHT FESTIVAL

2016 F1 S1NGAPORE BNP PARIBAS WTA AIRLINES SINGAPORE FINALS SINGAPORE PRESENTED BY GRAND PRIX SC GLOBAL

^ĞĞ Ăƌƚ ŝŶ Ă ǁŚŽůĞ ŶĞǁ ůŝŐŚƚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŶŝŶƚŚ ĞĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŶƵĂů Singapore Night &ĞƐƟǀĂů͘ ^ŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞ͛Ɛ ŵƵƐĞƵŵƐ ǁŝůů ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŽƉĞŶ ĂŌĞƌ ŚŽƵƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞĞƚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ Ăƌƚ ŚĞƌŝƚĂŐĞ ĚŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ŽĨ ƌĂƐ ĂƐĂŚͲ ƵŐŝƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŇŽŽĚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĨƌĞĞ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ĨƌŽŵ ϳƉŵ Ɵůů ůĂƚĞ͘

ĂƚĐŚ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ƌĂĐŝŶŐ ĂĐƟŽŶ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŚŽƩĞƐƚ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ LJĞĂƌ͕ ƚŚĞ 2016 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix͊ tĂƚĐŚ LJŽƵƌ ĨĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞ ŚĞĂĚůŝŶĞ ĂĐƚƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶĐĞƌƚƐ ;ƉĂƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ include Maroon 5, Pharrell Williams, and Bon JoviͿ͕ ƚŚĞŶ ŬĞĞƉ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐƚͲƌĂĐĞ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŽŶƐ ĂůŝǀĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĂŌĞƌͲƉĂƌƟĞƐ͘

>ĂƐƚ Ϯ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚƐ ŝŶ ƵŐƵƐƚ sĂƌŝŽƵƐ ǀĞŶƵĞƐ ŶŝŐŚƞĞƐƚ͘ƐŐ

^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϭϲ ʹ ϭϴ͕ ϮϬϭϲ DĂƌŝŶĂ ĂLJ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ŝƌĐƵŝƚ ƐŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞŐƉ͘ƐŐ

dŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͛Ɛ ƚŽƉ ϴ ĨĞŵĂůĞ ƚĞŶŶŝƐ ƉůĂLJĞƌƐ ǁŝůů ďĂƩůĞ ŝƚ ŽƵƚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ^ŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞ /ŶĚŽŽƌ ^ƚĂĚŝƵŵ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂƐŽŶͲĞŶĚŝŶŐ ƟƚůĞ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐ ŝůůŝĞ :ĞĂŶ <ŝŶŐ dƌŽƉŚLJ͘ ĞLJŽŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƚĐŚĞƐ͕ ĂƩĞŶĚĞĞƐ ĐĂŶ ĂůƐŽ ĞŶũŽLJ ĞdžĐŝƟŶŐ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ &ĂŶ ŽŶĞ ĂŶĚ ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞĚ ƉůĂLJĞƌ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ͘

KĐƚŽďĞƌ Ϯϰ͕ ϮϬϭϲ ^ŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞ /ŶĚŽŽƌ ^ƚĂĚŝƵŵ ǁƚĂĮŶĂůƐ͘ĐŽŵ

DĂLJ Ϯϴ ʹ :ƵŶĞ ϭϮ͕ ϮϬϭϲ ^ŝůŽƐŽ ĞĂĐŚ ^ĞŶƚŽƐĂ ƐĞŶƚŽƐĂ͘ĐŽŵ͘ƐŐ

JULY

:ƵůLJ ϭϱ ʹ ϯϭ͕ ϮϬϭϲ sĂƌŝŽƵƐ ǀĞŶƵĞƐ ƐŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞĨŽŽĚĨĞƐƟǀĂů͘ĐŽŵ

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

SINGAPORE BIENNALE

FESTIVE LIGHT UPS

ďůŽĐŬďƵƐƚĞƌ ĐŽŶƚĞŵƉŽƌĂƌLJ Ăƌƚ ĞǀĞŶƚ͕ the Singapore Biennale ƌĞƚƵƌŶƐ ĨŽƌ ŝƚƐ ĮŌŚ ĞĚŝƟŽŶ ƚŽ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ ĚLJŶĂŵŝĐ ůŽĐĂů͕ ƌĞŐŝŽŶĂů ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů Ăƌƚ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ĞĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ŝŶĐƌĞĚŝďůLJ ƉŽƉƵůĂƌ ĞǀĞŶƚ ƐĂǁ Ă ƌĞĐŽƌĚͲďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ŽǀĞƌ Ă ĨŽƵƌͲŵŽŶƚŚ ƉĞƌŝŽĚ͘

Ɛ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ĂƌƌŝǀĞƐ͕ 'ĂƌĚĞŶƐ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ĂLJ ĞǀŽůǀĞƐ ŝŶƚŽ Ă Christmas Wonderland͘ Ğ ĚĂnjnjůĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ >ƵŵŝŶĂƌŝĞ ůŝŐŚƚ ƐĐƵůƉƚƵƌĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ǀŝůůĂŐĞ͘ ŶĚ ƚŚĞ LJĞĂƌ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ďĂŶŐ Ăƚ DĂƌŝŶĂ ĂLJ ^ŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞ ŽƵŶƚĚŽǁŶ ϮϬϭϳ ǁŝƚŚ ŝƚƐ ĞƉŝĐ ĮƌĞǁŽƌŬƐ Žƌ ĚĂŶĐĞ Ɵůů ƚŚĞ ƐƵŶ ĐŽŵĞƐ ƵƉ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĞƉŝĐ ^ŝůŽƐŽ ĞĂĐŚ WĂƌƚLJ͊

KĐƚŽďĞƌ Ϯϳ͕ ϮϬϭϲ ʹ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ Ϯϲ͕ ϮϬϭϳ sĂƌŝŽƵƐ ǀĞŶƵĞƐ ƐŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞďŝĞŶŶĂůĞ͘ŽƌŐ

DŝĚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϲ – ĂƌůLJ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϭϳ sĂƌŝŽƵƐ ǀĞŶƵĞƐ

weekend in Singapore and great deals at YourSingapore.com Get your guide to every ůů ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĐŽƌƌĞĐƚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ ƉƌŝŶƚĞĚ ďƵƚ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ƐƵďũĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘ ^d ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĂĐĐƵƌĂĐLJ͕ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞŶĞƐƐ Žƌ ƵƐĞĨƵůŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵďůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐŚĂůů ŶŽƚ ďĞ ůŝĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ĂŶLJ ĚĂŵĂŐĞ͕ ůŽƐƐ͕ ŝŶũƵƌLJ Žƌ ŝŶĐŽŶǀĞŶŝĞŶĐĞ ĂƌŝƐŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ Žƌ ŝŶ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶƚĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵďůŝĐĂƟŽŶ͘ ZĞĂĚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞŬ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĐůĂƌŝĮĐĂƟŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ƚŚŝƌĚ ƉĂƌƟĞƐ ƌĞĨĞƌƌĞĚ ƚŽ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵďůŝĐĂƟŽŶ͘

Inflight I DESTINATIONS

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Jakarta FARID MARDHIYANTO Tour guide at ToursByLocals; Toursbylocals.com The best attraction or local hangout to take a guest is...

The National Monument.

Go to the top and you’ll see the skyline of the city and realise how big it is.

If you’re only there for a day, one must-do is to... visit Taman Mini Indonesia

INDONESIA

Indah; this is the place to see how diverse the country is.

The best place for a selfie or groupie is... Sunda Kelapa, the old harbour. Take a picture with traditional wooden phinisi boats.

The best place to go shopping in my city is...

Grand Indonesia if you’re

looking for branded items or hip hangout places.

Or Tanah Abang if you’re looking for textiles and clothes. The best place for local eats is Sabang Street where more than 20 types of local food from different areas in Indonesia are sold in both fancy restaurants and by more modest street vendors.

The best place for a drink or meal with a view is... SKYE bar, on the 56th floor of one of Jakarta’s tallest buildings.

A good souvenir to buy is... coffee beans! There are lots of local coffee shops that sell premium-quality coffee beans from all over Indonesia.

The best way to get around the city is... on a motorcycle. Jakarta has more motorbikes than almost any other city in the world; it’s definitely faster than any other vehicle and you must feel the excitement of it!

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Darwin SARAH PRICE Founder and creative director at Territory Made Designer Markets; territorymade.net

The thing that may surprise first-time tourists is… the incredible depth and richness of culture and the strong creative energy that permeates this city.

There is such a vibrant

AUS T R A L I A

and diverse creative community that has flourished here.

The scenic spot to take a weekend guest… would have to be the Darwin Ski Club. It has sweeping lawns, the best views of some seriously stunning sunsets, cooling beverages and posh nosh. It’s hard to beat and compulsory for any visitor to the city.

An underrated place is...

Cullen Bay. It’s a lesserknown, but very charming corner of the city just five minutes’ drive from the CBD. The bustling marina

is fast becoming a foodies’ paradise and is where you find the best fish and chips in town.

A quiet place that deserves more attention is... the historic Brown’s Mart Theatre and cultural precinct. It looks quiet from the outside, but

really is pumping on the inside. Throughout the year there’s a packed programme of locally produced theatre and amazing musical talent on show at the adjacent live music venue, Happy Yess. Make sure you pop in on Friday afternoons for free local music in the gorgeous courtyard.

Inflight I DESTINATIONS

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Siem Reap JAM NSOULI General manager, Heritage Suites Hotel; heritagesuiteshotel.com/en

The best attraction to take a guest is… Bayon temple in Angkor. To me, it is among the most beautiful and culturally significant of the many temples here in Siem Reap aside from Angkor Wat itself.

CAMBODIA

On the way in you’ll pass through the forest and one of Angkor Thom’s ancient gates.

If you’re only there for a day, one must-do is to... see Angkor Wat, for sure!

While a day typically would not be enough to take in the splendour of the entire temple complex, it is still worth driving or getting a tuk tuk ride through to take in the view from the outside.

A place in the city that visitors might not be aware of that I love going to is… jazz nights every Thursday at Heritage Suites Hotel –

it is a wonderful place to meet people from all over. The happy hour cocktails and canapés are absolutely delicious too.

The most scenic spot in the city is… Srah Srang, formerly an ablution pool for ritual cleansing. The sunrise and sunset views

from here are absolutely breathtaking with gorgeous reflections of the sun on the water.

The best place for local eats is… Café Indochine, located in one of the last traditional Khmer wooden villas still standing in the heart of Siem Reap. The menu focuses on Royal Khmer cuisine and I strongly recommend the amok there.

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Singapore ANNIE TAN Capella Singapore insider; capellahotels.com/ singapore and facebook.com/ capellasingapore.sentosa; Instagram/Twitter: @CapellaSIN

If you’re only there for a day, you should visit…

Singapore Zoo, which is home to some 300 species of animals in their naturalistic habits.

SINGAPORE

A place in the city that visitors might not be aware of that I love going to is… our airport – it’s got as many designer labels, cult beauty brands and famous eateries as any mall.

The best free experience a visitor can get in my city is… a picnic at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 157-year-old garden is home to the world’s largest orchid collection! The garden frequently hosts musical performances and movie screenings.

The most scenic spot in the city is… Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island. I love watching the sun set across the golden beach.

My favourite street in the city is… Keong Saik Road.

Despite its colourful past, it has cleaned up nicely and transformed into

one of the coolest hipster neighbourhoods in Singapore. I’d particularly recommend Burnt Ends for dinner and the speakeasy The Library for drinks.

The best local secret in town is… Chin Mee Chin Confectionary. Try the delicious kaya (coconut jam) toast, local pastries and thick local coffee.

Inflight I DESTINATIONS

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Phuket BARRY JOHN DANIEL Author, writer and journalist

The best place for a great meal with a view is…

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale overlooking the gorgeous Kata Noi beach – you cannot beat it. The former home of a Thai prince, it has sumptuous Lanna-style architecture

THAILAND

and even its own temple,, plus views and food that will leave you feeling shaken and stirred.

My favourite street is…

Thalang Road in Old Phuket Town for its Sino-Portuguese architecture, chic bars, restaurants, art galleries and coffee shops plus its bohemian vibe.

The best place to experience some city culture is… the Rinda Magical Art Gallery and coffee shop on Yaowarat Road. Drop in to chat with renowned Thai artist Watcharin Rodnit

and his unique band of purple coiffured dogs.

The best freebie in Phuket is… to hike up Nakkerd Hill to see the Big Buddha (which is a mammoth 45m tall!) and enjoy the incredible views over the southern parts of the island. There’s even a sunset bar for cold beers.

The most scenic spot in Phuket is… dawn at Phromthep Cape as the sun rises across the Andaman Sea. But be sure to get there early to beat the tour buses which arrive en masse after around 9am.

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Bali

INDONESIA

DARIO ORSINI General manager, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort; sheratonbalikutaresort.com

The best attraction or local hangout to take a guest is…

Ubud, definitely a must for its culture, food, nature and abundance of activities for all ages.

You can see Ubud with a cycling guide group. They

will bring you around the quaint Ubud streets and along the paddy fields, and you can make new friends while you’re at it.

The best place for a selfie or groufie is… Bene Rooftop at Sheraton Bali during sunset. The view spans as far as Jimbaran and Seminyak.

A place in the city that visitors might not be aware of that I love going to is… Saigon Street Bali Restaurant at Seminyak. I love their reinterpretation of Vietnamese street food.

The best freebie a visitor can get in my city is… an amazing sunset – you’ll get them all over Bali.

My personal soundtrack of the city would consist of...

“Porcelain” by Moby and “Pure Shores” by All Saints – both are from The Beach soundtrack.

The best local secret is…

Nyang Nyang Beach in Uluwatu. There are

even remnants of an abandoned vessel ship which is great for photos!

The most scenic spot to visit is… Suluban Beach Cave at Uluwatu. When you reach the beach, you need to climb 40 steps down to reach the powdery sand and endless blue sea.

Inflight I TRAVEL TALES

WHY I REALLY TRAVEL ALONE Confessions of a solo traveller: why it’s my way or the highway

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SOLO TRAVELLERS always give such poignant reasons for their preference for hitting the road alone, don’t they? “Oh, it gives me the chance to find my inner self.” “I love the peace and quiet!” Insert Eat Pray Love-esque quote here.

As someone who’s travelled extensively both by herself and with company, I can tell you these are just excuses we tell in polite company. The truth: other people can just be really annoying. Of course, I’ve had great travel experiences with company (maybe three, if I’m counting). But boy, have I travelled with – and survived! – what I’m sure are the worst of travel companions.

I once travelled with a friend who insisted on starting every day at 7.30am (!) simply because she’s an early riser. Keep her waiting for more than 10 minutes and she’d throw a tantrum and sulk for the rest of the day until I apologised and offered to make amends (usually in the form of promising to wake up even earlier the next day).

Then, there’s that friend whose singleminded obsessiveness with shopping means

She’d throw a tantrum and sulk for the rest of the day... there’s no room for anything else the whole trip. Visit a museum or two? Pfft. Boring!

Experience the local sights? Who has time for that? Now point me the way to the nearest outlet mall.

My personal favourite: the friend who’d insist on hitting the bars hard and then proceed to throw

away all semblance of self-preservation the moment she’s had a few drinks – never mind that we were in a foreign country. It’s enough stress to put anyone off going out to bars overseas, ever.

This is a tricky problem to navigate – or predict – as these friends are usually perfectly reasonable people, outside of trips and holidays. But, put us together in close quarters overseas for a couple of weeks and they suddenly transform into

Mr Hyde. So what do I do when these friends come looking for me for the next big holiday (because they’re usually also oblivious)? I turn the tables right back on them.

I make my travel schedule impossible to match, and come up with such a ridiculous itinerary, they eventually decide to back out of the trip. As the old adage/song lyric goes: “you’ve got to be cruel to be kind”.

If all else fails? You can always say you need to go find your inner peace.

ILLUSTRATION GREGORY ROBERTS

WORDS MARIANNE TAN