Jetstar Asia June 2017

MAGAZINE jetstar MAGAZINE

JUNE 2017

HONG KONG I YANGON I DARWIN

JUNE 2017

contents

june

JUNE 2017

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24 INSIDER

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es Family memori in the making

08 I THE HOT LIST

24 I INSTAGRAMABLE

Events across the network

Unforgettable sunsets and crocodile encounters (only for the brave!) in Darwin

10 I NEWS What’s happening this month

12 I POSTCODE

27 I FIVE OF THE BEST Incredible views in Jakarta

City slicker life in Yangon

COVER ARTWORK JACOPO ROSATI

15 I IN PROFILE Insights on the incredible Yayoi Kusama exhibition from National Gallery Singapore curators

19 I 24 HOURS Hit these wellness hotspots in Hong Kong

23 I WHAT’S IN MY SUITCASE? A frequent-flying CEO shares her practical travel essentials

30 I TRADITION TALKS A treasure trove in Singapore’s Little India

33 I BEAUTY ON THE FLY Convenient spray sunscreens

46 ⚥俒ⰻ㺂 56 I 㽂♧〡嵳⽂굥㄂

INSPIRE 40 I KID-FRIENDLY STAYS These boredom-busting hotels keep the whole family happy

46 I PHOTO ESSAY

INFLIGHT

Low-key local experiences in Hong Kong

60 I Jetstar news 61 I #StarJourneys

34 I FOODIE FOCUS

52 I LATTES & LEASHES

winners

Fancy a drink in Singapore?

Here are the hippest things you can order right now

We ramp up the cuteness with Bangkok’s animal cafés

37 I SHOP IT

Can you skip social media on holiday?

63 I Quiz 64 I Where we fly 70 I Destinations

Cool kicks

76 I TRAVEL TALES

World’s Largest free-flight walk-in aviary

Come a nd discover this

exciting world of feathered friends and enthralling sights for yourself!

9.30am - 5.30pm Bird Photography

10.00am - 5.00pm Ostrich Feeding

11.30am Hornbill Feeding

2.30pm Eagle Feeding

10.00am - 5.00pm Lory Feeding

10.30am Free Flying Birds Feeding

12.30pm & 3.30pm Bird Show

4.00pm Milky Stork Feeding

* All activities are subject to change due to uncertain weather conditions.

www.facebook.com/klbirdpark

* Ostrich feeding: while vegetable stocks last.

www.klbirdpark.com

For enquiries: KL Bird Park

For reservations & enquiries:

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

Hornbill Restaurant @ KL Bird Park Tel: +603-2693 8086 Email: hornbillrestaurant@klbirdpark.com Opening Hours: 9.00am to 8.00pm daily

Welcome I From the CEO

EDITORIAL For all editorial enquiries, please email Jetstarasia@hardiegrant.com.au Publisher Tiffany Sayers Managing Editor Justine Costigan Editor Pearlyn Tham Associate Editor Sophie Hull Sub Editor Tiffany Eastland Art Director Dan Morley Senior Designer Sue Morony Editorial and Advertising Assistant Alana Young

Welcome aboard JUNE 2017

ADVERTISING Managed by Phar Partnerships Pte Ltd. One George Street, 10-01, Singapore 049145 Singapore Mairianne Reardon m.reardon@pharpartnerships.com +65 8323 9775 Malaysia Senthuran Mohan sen.mohan@pharpartnerships.com +60 16 972 7995; +603 2242 1230 Indonesia Vikhram Radhakrishnan vikhram.r@pharpartnerships.com +62 8131 5814 690; +65 932 058 30

HARDIE GRANT MEDIA Managing Director Fiona Hardie 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 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.

More flights to Bali

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his year, Changi Airport recognised the Jetstar Group of airlines as the second-top airline group carrying the most passengers to Singapore. At the same time, OAG, the flight information body, also rated Jetstar Asia as one of the top on-time-performance airlines in the region.

We are proud of these achievements and would like to thank our leisure and business travellers for choosing to fly with us. Your support is evident in the loads that we have on our flights and we are grateful for your continued trust and patronage.

As this is the school holidays, we know that we will have more families flying with us, and our crew will have special activities planned for you and your loved ones on board selected

05 flights. One of the most popular destinations this season is Bali and our two additional services a week introduced recently have proven very popular. We know that our nine services to Bali are serving our new and existing customers better with more options to choose from.

For Hari Raya, we have also added services to Penang, Surabaya, Medan, Palembang and Pekanbaru between 16 June and 2 July to bring together families and friends during this season.

And last, but certainly not least, we would like to wish all fathers travelling with us this month a happy Father’s Day. Thank you and have a safe fl ight.

Barathan Pasupathi CEO, Jetstar Asia Airways

Welcome I Group CEO note

Doing something positive for our planet

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We know how important this is to our customers

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very June, World Environment Day gives the global community the opportunity to reflect, take action and show support for our planet.

This is an important day for us, as aviation is the only industry in the world with a global commitment to climate change, with an ambitious and responsible plan to reduce emissions.

At Jetstar we take our environmental and social responsibilities seriously, and we know how important this is to our customers.

That’s why we’re working hard to reduce our environmental footprint through continual improvements in fuel efficiency by creating smarter operational practices. We’re also

investing in the newest and most modern aircraft, like the Boeing 787, which uses up to 20 per cent less fuel and reduces the noise footprint.

In addition we have lowered our electricity consumption, reduced the amount of waste sent to landfill and have offset our employee corporate travel.

You too can contribute to making the planet healthier when you book a flight with us. Did you know that, for less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can offset your flights during the booking process?

By joining our Fly Carbon Neutral Program you can help us mitigate a share of the unavoidable carbon emissions released during your flight. Fly carbon neutral with Jetstar and 100 per cent of your contribution is used to purchase offsets from verified carbon offset projects to protect forest and restore vegetation in Australia and around the world. With your help, together we can do our bit to ensure our planet thrives.

I hope you enjoy your flight with us today.

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

Jakarta’s best views p27

Master M our quiz Test your knowledge p63

Singapore’s top exhibition p15 Jayne Hrdlicka Jetstar Group CEO

Share your Jetstar journey with us

Super sneakers FOLLOW: @jetst

arasia

Get your kicks p37

A Malaysian boy celebrates Eid al-Fitr, or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the end of the important Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

This year’s celebrations will begin at the end of June.

PHOTO GETTYIMAGES

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SCENIC SPOTS JAKARTA 27 I FLOWER POWER 30 I TRENDY TIPPLES 34

Insider I EVENTS

lks from Hear ta mavens movie

The hot list Dance yourself silly in Singapore or binge-watch world films. That’s just some of the cultural action you can score in June

Taipei Film Festival 29 June–15 July

Calling all cinephiles: catch screenings of 160 of the best new films from Taiwan and around the globe. Expect films from the likes of Italian Yuri Ancarani and Indonesian Yosep Anggi Noen.

You can also attend talks by renowned filmmakers, grab a bargain at the outdoor market and see a special filmscore performance by composer Lim Giong.

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Ultra Singapore 10–11 June

Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Ave, Singapore; ultrasingapore.com

eng.taipeiff.taipei

Joseon Korea Until 23 July Discover what life was really like during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore. The exhibition showcases more than 150 artefacts from the era, including paintings, furniture, metalwork and fashion, from the royal to the everyday. acm.org.sg/exhibitions/ joseon-korea

Mandorah Ukulele Folk Festival 24–25 June Chill out to the sound of ukuleles at this free, laidback beachside festival in Darwin.

Take part in workshops, listen to musicians from all around Australia, and even take to the stage yourself during an open-mic session. mandorahukulelefolk festival.com

WORDS ALANA YOUNG

Dust off your dance moves with huge DJ sets from artists like Don Diablo, Tiësto, Steve Aoki and Hardwell in this epic two-day electronic music festival. Live acts Pendulum, KSHMR and more will perform across three outdoor stages.

This is one big party: last year 45,000 music fans attended.

Insider I NEWS

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

BANGKOK’S HIDDEN BOLTHOLES

Vietnam on the silver screen Explore Vietnam’s most camera-worthy sights during a tour of filming locations featured in the recent blockbuster Kong: Skull Island. The new 10-day tour by Exotic Voyages takes travellers from Hanoi to Saigon to caves, beaches and the gorgeous Van Long Nature Reserve.

thesiamhotel.com

Try Bangkok’s best bars

Sail in style When cruising Halong Bay, you may as well do it with serious class. Luxury cruise company Paradise Cruises has welcomed a new vessel into its fleet: the extravagant Paradise Elegance.

Expect à la carte menus, spa treatments and a circular bar on the top deck. Keep busy with cooking classes, Tai Chi sessions, and day trips to nearby islands and caves. paradisevietnam.com

What language barrier?

More to the markets

DoTalk is the first free mobile messaging app that translates conversations in real-time.

When you send a text message or voice recording using the app, your message is instantly translated into the recipient’s chosen language. It even works in multi-language group chats of up to 10 people. dotalk.com

Singapore’s foodie and lifestyle haven PasarBella has expanded its Grandstand and Suntec City markets. You’ll find new food, fashion and homeware offerings at The Grandstand, as well as a great children’s playground.

At Suntec City tuck into nosh at fresh creperie Cut the Crepe and Thai restaurant Tamarind Kitchen. pasarbella.com

WORDS ALANA YOUNG

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Discover Bangkok’s lesser-known bars on The Siam Hotel’s night-time Tuk Tuk tour. Visit some of the city’s best venues, including Tep Bar, a restored shophouse; chic rooftop bar Sala Rattanakosin; and local favourite, craft-beer brewery Let the Boy Die. The Siam’s Opium Spa and Wellness treatments and personal butler service will help you recover the morning after.

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The heart of Yangon Change is afoot in the central Midtown area of Yangon, where you can get a glimpse of traditional Burmese city-slicker life and nourish your soul, too

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The Rough Cut Yangon’s go-to hipster hangout, this café-cumbar and arts venue is loved by locals and expats alike. It hosts a slew of creative events, ranging from edgy photography exhibitions and inspiring poetry slams to comedy (a true rarity in Yangon); plus, there are open-mic nights every Thursday and indie movie screenings on Sundays.

You’ll want to come back. 19 Minn St, Sanchaung, +95 09 961 337 278; facebook.com/theroughcut.ygn

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Win Star Famous among the resident population, Win Star is definitely a great option for a social vibe. Spread over two floors, it’s a short walk north of People’s Park (which boasts a cracking view) and is the biggest restaurant on the Sanchaung strip. They have an English menu so you’ll know what you’re ordering even if your knowledge of the local lingo is limited. Sanchaung St, Sanchaung, +95 9 788 877 712; facebook. com/WinStarRestaurant

Insider I POSTCODE

You can feed the body before feeding the soul

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Myaung Mya Daw Cho You’ll find tasty mohinga (fish soup with rice noodles) on many street corners of Myanmar. It’s considered to be the unofficial national dish and a staple Burmese breakfast. But this holein-the-wall eatery boasts one of the best bowls of mohinga in the city. It opens early and is located ony five minutes’ walk down the road from Shwedagon Pagoda so you can feed the body before feeding the soul.

118A Yay Tar Shay Old St, Bahan

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Kandawgyi Lake

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WORDS PAUL EWART ILLUSTRATION KAT CHADWICK

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Shwedagon Pagoda It’s widely agreed that if you haven’t visited this iconic bell-shaped temple, you haven’t really been to Yangon.

The spiritual heart of Myanmar, this massive, 110m-tall golden stupa – constructed 2,500 years ago – is said to enshrine hairs from the Buddha and is crowned with more than 4,500 diamonds. Visit at sunset when it’s cooler and the fading daylight offers the best snaps. Singuttara Hill, Dagon; shwedagonpagoda.com

In the mood for some serious peoplewatching? The reservoir here was constructed during colonial times and is now surrounded by a lush, tree-filled park. Entry to the boardwalk is free and a great way to observe a slice of Yangon life at any time of the day. You’ll see monks rub shoulders with fitness-fanatic joggers and strolling families. The surrounding areas have great restaurants and cafés, too.

Kan Yeik Thar Rd

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National Museum of Myanmar Get a grounding in Myanmar’s culture and history in the form of 14 halls jam-packed with ancient artefacts, artworks and exhibitions. They cover everything from rural life to national history (there’s an impressive collection of fossils dating back millions of years) and Buddhism. A standout is the gem-encrusted throne that belonged to the last king of Myanmar. 66/74 Pyay Rd, Dagon, +95 1 378 652

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Phoenix Myanmar Lethwei Gym Get a peek into local culture with a high-intensity workout here. The ancient Burmese martial art of Lethwei (similar to Muay Thai in Thailand), also known as Burmese bareknuckle boxing, has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, with both locals and foreigners stepping into the ring for a go. Thein Phyu Stadium Stadium, Thein Phyu Rd, +95 9 964 300215; facebook.com/PhoenixFitnessMyanmar

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ADELE TAN

ART IN THE CITY

RUSSELL STORER

INTERVIEW SASHA GONZALES PHOTOS COURTESY OF YAYOI KUSAMA; OTA FINE ARTS; VICTORIA MIRO; DAVID ZWIRNER

Experience a sense of endless space in a mirrored room and Instagram largerthan-life polka dots because Yayoi Kusama’s works are coming to Singapore

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orn in Japan in 1929, Yayoi Kusama is one of the world’s most influential artists.

For about three months beginning in June, the National Gallery Singapore will host Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, an exhibition showcasing some of Kusama’s paintings, sculptures, videos and installations from the 1950s to the present, including works never shown before.

We speak to gallery curators Russell Storer and Adele Tan about Kusama’s influence on the art world.

Is this the first time that Kusama is exhibiting in Southeast Asia?

Adele Tan (AT): Yayoi Kusama’s work was previously exhibited in 2006, at the inaugural Singapore Biennale.

Among her exhibits were Ascension of Polka Dots, for which she wrapped trees along Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping street, with her

Q

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Insider I IN PROFILE

Previous page: Gleaming Lights of the Souls This page, top to bottom: Pumpkin; Yayoi Kusama in 1966 with work Narcissus Garden in Venice; Kusama in front of her 2017 work Life is the Heart of a Rainbow

signature polka dots.

Kusama’s work has also been exhibited in smaller exhibitions in Southeast Asia, but this is the first time a retrospective will be presented here.

Why did you think her work deserved a major showing at National Gallery Singapore?

Russell Storer (RS): Yayoi Kusama is one of Asia’s most prominent artists, and many of us at the gallery have been interested in her work for some time. We therefore believe her work should be more widely seen and understood in Southeast Asia.

Q SEE THIS Life is the Heart of a Rainbow

When 9 June–3 Sept 2017

Where

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Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, City Hall Wing, Level 3, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Rd

Time Sun–Thurs 10am– 7pm; Fri–Sat, eve of public holidays and public holidays 10am–10pm

Admission prices From S$15–$25

What can we expect at this exhibition?

AT: Visitors can look forward to an expansive body of work by Kusama, including key paintings, sculptures, videos and installations from the

Q

1950s to the present, representing the most important phases in her career.

RS: A number of Kusama’s signature works are featured, including her early infinity net paintings from the 1950s, works featuring her famous pumpkin motif, and iconic installations such as Dots Obsession.

What are some of the highlights?

RS: Perhaps the most anticipated work will be one of her iconic infinity mirror rooms, titled Gleaming Lights of the Souls (2008). Kusama has been creating these works since the 1960s, for which she fills a small room with many of the same objects that are then reflected in mirrors on each wall. They create a sense of endless space, and are a truly magical experience.

AT: Also not to be missed is our staging of Narcissus Garden in a very historically significant room at the Gallery – 1,500 stainless steel balls will fill the floor and reflect their surroundings.

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What does being a curator entail?

RS: We identify works for a collection, develop exhibitions, and communicate with the public through writing and speaking about art.

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Insider I DAY TRIPPER

24 HOURS IN

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HONG KONG Pack in a day of fitness and wellness: a cold-pressed juice followed by reiki, retail therapy and Barre

WORDS VIVIENNE TANG PHOTOS ALAMY; VIVIENNE TANG

9.30AM LIQUID DIET Make Genie Juicery your first stop. Here you can get all your vitamins and minerals without having to chow down a big breakfast. Co-founded by model, mumpreneur and TV host Cara G McIlroy, Genie Juicery offers cold-pressed juices packed with nutrients.

We like the Cheeky Monkey smoothie, with banana, spinach, cacao nibs and more.

There are a number of outlets but the Central store opens at 8am and is perfect for breakfast on the go.

Where: 45A Hollywood Rd, Central, +852 2815 0500; geniejuicery.com

y Who says a health breakfast can’t be tasty too?

10AM HARDCORE CYCLING Get your workout in early and ride with Hong Kong’s hippest and coolest crowd at c. This cycling studio will feel more like a nightclub that could put any Lan Kwai Fong hotspot to shame. Spinning at XYZ is like your Friday night out, but healthier.

Where: 2/F, New World Tower 2, 18 Queen’s Rd Central, Central, +852 2865 0999; youarexyz.com

Insider I DAY TRIPPER

12PM A LUNCH THAT HEALS Plant-based food has never tasted this amazing. The go-to spot for healthy yet delicious food, Grassroots Pantry attracts even the most hardcore meat lovers.

The scrumptious menu changes weekly and includes fresh, sustainable, organic ingredients. Expect dishes such as a chickpea miso chowder, beetroot gnocchi and a veggie-packed Moroccan tagine.

Where: 108 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, +852 2873 3353; grassrootspantry.com

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Plant-based food has never tasted this amazing Get refreshed with a treatment at The Sanctuary

After all that retail therapy, Zen out at The Sanctuary.

Like the name implies, this is a haven amid the city’s busyness. Services range from energy-healing treatments, such as reiki, craniosacral therapy and vibrational attunement, to other holistic therapies,

2PM A RETAIL THERAPY WORKOUT Your Hong Kong experience just wouldn’t be complete without some shopping. After lunch, head next door to Caelum Greene, Hong Kong’s newest activewear store.

Stock up on hip brands such as Lucas Hugh, Koral, L’urv, Solow and Michi.

Where: 90–92 Hollywood Rd, Central, +852 2548 1827; caelumgreene.com

3.30PM OASIS OF CALM

including emotional freedom techniques and prenatal massage. Opt for a private treatment, sign up for a group meditation or attend one of the intensive workshops.

Where: Unit 902, 9/F, Waga Commercial Centre, 99 Wellington St, Central, +852 2537 1373; thesanctuary.com.hk

Travel Info Jetstar Asia flies to Hong Kong twice daily from Singapore.

To book visit JETSTAR.COM Sculpt your body with a Barre workout

6PM FEEL THE BURN

Find natural beauty products

For your last stop, get your fitness on at Barre 2 Barre. A technique based on Pilates and stretching, this workout will challenge your core strength. Barre will, without a doubt, hit every muscle as you hold various poses. This exercise will leave you lean and chiselled, fast.

Where: 4/F, Cheung Hing Commercial Building, 37 Cochrane St, Central,+852 9688 3503; barre2barre.com

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Insider I WHAT’S IN MY SUITCASE?

Lim is always ready for a mini workout

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Well prepped

PHOTO ROGER CHUA STYLING JONATHAN CHIA

This dating agency entrepreneur brings romance to her customers’ lives, but when it comes to travelling, she’s all about functionality

Violet Lim Co-founder and CEO of Lunch Actually Group; lunchactually.com

THE RIMOWA SALSA AIR SUITCASE is super light and great for longer trips. I travel every one to two weeks for work and I’m a last-minute packer.

I always have a mental list of what I need so I can pack quickly.

I have eight travel wallets, one for each country that I frequently fly to. This makes it easier for me to manage the different currencies.

For leisure, we try to

go to a new destination as a family every year. We have been to Osaka, Kyoto, Phuket, Melbourne, Shanghai and Bali, to name a few. In my luggage, you’ll always find a Pikachu stuffed toy – my daughter Cara’s Christmas gift to me.

Since I travel so much, she wants it to keep me company and to remind me of her.

I always pack my Manduka eKO SuperLite

travel yoga mat, my running shoes and my exercise outfit. A 15-minute yoga practice every morning helps me to relax and keep the muscle aches away.

I’ve also invested in a Tumi backpack – it’s the perfect size and has many compartments for my MacBook Air and my iPad, a lined section for jewellery and an easy-toreach small pocket for keys and coins.

BEACH ESCAPE Enjoy the tranquillity of Mindil Beach at sunset. Find a quiet spot where you can relax, but remember to capture the sky’s amazing changing colours. @jobee_wheatyfreak

DARWIN’S TOP 10 INSTAGRAM SHOTS

@missylonghair

HOP TO IT Litchfield National Park is home to numerous wildlife species including dingoes, wallabies and possums. This little antilopine kangaroo even stopped long enough to star in a few photos. @sienna_lara

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@winnie.travels

SO GORGE! Nitmiluk National Park, located 240km south-east of Darwin, is the location of the famous Katherine Gorge. Here you’ll discover a network of picturesque gorges carved from ancient sandstone.

The capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory is famous for its beaches and Aboriginal art, while the nearby national parks are home to beautiful waterfalls and incredible wildlife

CROC SPOTTING If you take a boat cruise through Kakadu National Park, be sure to look out for crocodiles. Once in a while they may pop out of the water to surprise you – when they do, have your camera ready.

SPECTACULAR WATERFALLS

@robynhizer

The viewing platform is your best bet for a good shot of Tolmer Falls in Litchfield National Park. From here, you can observe the thundering water cascading into the beautiful plunge pool below.

@charlieblissphotography

Insider I INSTAGRAMABLE

SHOP AT SUNSET At Mindil Beach Sunset Markets in Darwin, stalls sell arts and crafts plus tasty food from all over the world. While you shop and eat, listen out for performances by local musicians.

GREEN GOODIES

@tinawatt

At Rapid Creek Markets you’ll find countless stalls selling organic vegetables and fruit, tropical flowers, plants and seafood. It’s located just 20 minutes’ drive from the city. #yum 25

WORDS SASHA GONZALES

@caaitllann

@dmacatron

WITNESS A TROPICAL SUNSET Make your way to the beach and watch the sun disappear from the horizon.

The swaying coconut trees and beach umbrellas complete this perfect picture of a tropical paradise.

@arielclimbs

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

SWIM WITH A CROC At Crocosaurus Cove, you can get up close and personal with saltwater crocodiles. The Cage of Death is the only thing separating visitors from these gigantic predators. Don’t forget to take a, erm, snap!

ROCK STARS Step back in time at Kakadu National Park, located 150km east of Darwin.

This World Heritage-listed site features an array of ancient rock formations like these, making for a stunning landscape shot.

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Insider I 5 OF THE BEST

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OF THE BEST

Enviable Jakarta views

A jaw-dropping cityscape with enticing bites

Need a break from the chaos of the Indonesian capital? These scenic city spots will do the trick The 0.73ha area is home to the Jakarta History Museum located in the former City Hall that dates back to 1710 and the Wayang Museum, which features a huge collection of puppets from around the archipelago. Also housed in a charming colonial building, Café Batavia serves drinks and light meals amid opulent surroundings and walls lined with historic photographs. cafebatavia.com

1 WORDS ANITA SUREWICZ PHOTOS ISTOCK, ALAMY

1. DINING IN THE CLOUDS Perched on the 46th floor of chic complex The Plaza, Salt Grill is the perfect spot for a quality meal with a view.

Smack bang in the centre of the CBD, the restaurant overlooks the skyscraperpeppered skyline, as well as the iconic Monumen Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Roundabout) and the national heritage-listed Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, which dates back to 1962. Salt Grill is owned by Australian chef Luke Mangan and focuses on modern Australian cuisine. To make

2 the most of the experience, reserve a table near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows. saltgrillindonesia.com

2. DOWN HISTORY LANE Located in Kota Tua or Old Town, Fatahillah Square is the go-to destination for a taste of Indonesia’s colonial history. The administrative centre of the Dutch in the 18th century, which was recently nominated for UNESCO heritage status, is lined with stately old buildings that house museums and cafés.

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Insider I 5 OF THE BEST

3 The minimalist space is perfect for indulging in a sundowner the observation platform.

To top off the experience, visitors can take a stroll through the surrounding 74ha Merdeka Square, or Freedom Square, which commemorates Indonesia’s fight for independence and features ponds, fountains and decorative reliefs.

3. INDONESIA IN A NUTSHELL 28

Located on the outskirts of the city, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, or Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park, makes a perfect getaway from the hubbub of Jakarta.

The 101ha park features the cultures of the archipelago’s provinces in pavilions that reflect different styles of architecture, and also display clothing and artefacts from the respective regions. Other attractions include a lake with a miniature of the archipelago at its centre, cable cars, museums, and gardens that showcase orchids, medicinal herbs and cacti. tamanmini.com/pesona_ indonesia

terrace and a series of cabanas, the minimalist space is perfect for indulging in a sundowner or a meal (the restaurant specialises in both Indonesian and international food). The Edge Bistro hosts regular music events, including some with the best DJs in the city. alilahotels.com/ kemangicon

Travel Info

5. BIRD’S-EYE VIEW Jakarta’s most famous landmark, the National Monument, or Monas for short, is one of the best spots in the city to enjoy sweeping views of the whole metropolis, right up to the Java Sea in the north and Salak mountain in the south. The 132m-tall obelisk is topped by a 14m flame covered in golden foil which is just above

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Jetstar flies up to five times daily from Singapore to Jakarta.

To book visit JETSTAR.COM

4. ROOFTOP VISTA Set on the fifth floor of the Kemang Icon by Alila hotel, the trendy rooftop restaurant and bar Edge offers a view of the city’s skyline, stretching from the hip area of Kemang to the skyscrapers in the CBD. Complete with a 16m-long infinity pool, a sunbathing

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Cocktail here?

Yes please

The Return of an Authentic Eucalyptus Brand QUALITY TRUSTED SINCE 1896 29

Rajakumar Chandra has worked in the family business since age nine

FLOWER POWER ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR STORES IN SINGAPORE’S LITTLE INDIA, JOTHI STORE & FLOWER SHOP IS A TREASURE TROVE OF TRADITIONAL COPPER COOKWARE, HENNA COSMETICS, FLOWER GARLANDS AND EVEN COW URINE

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s its name says, Jothi Store & Flower Shop is synonymous with flowers – but not the hipster bouquets or Coachella daisy crowns that permeate social media.

Jothi specialises in traditional Indian flower garlands. Depending on their size and style, some are used as daily prayer offerings while the more elaborate ones are reserved for special festivals and occasions like weddings, Deepavali, Thaipusam and the traditional Pongal harvest festival.

Rajakumar Chandra, director of his family’s enterprise, says the garlands can cost anything from S$5 for a

Insider I TRADITION TALKS

simple design to about S$200 for a complicated wedding style – the latter taking three workers up to four hours to make. He explains that garlands used to be made only with jasmine from India, but now the trend is to use a variety of blooms. His team mixes marigolds with roses in different hues, from orange to white tuberoses, while offerings to deities can include basil and bilva leaves.

“In the old days, wedding garlands were very thick because couples wanted to look more dramatic. Now they prefer smaller, lighter and more elegant garlands, which we create by unfurling every individual rose petal instead of using the roses as they are,” he says.

Brides-to-be often bring their wedding saris to his shop so the staff have a better idea of which flowers to use in the garlands. Jothi also supplies garlands for prayer ceremonies to more than 20 temples in Singapore.

WORDS PEARLYN THAM PHOTOS ROGER CHUA

A store of stories Chandra, also the chairman of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, has worked at Jothi Store & Flower Shop since he was nine, helping to string garlands on the weekend. Named after his eldest sister (jothi means “lamp”), the business

Get up close and personal with Little India If you want to explore the Jothi Store & Flower Shop neighbourhood, go on the Little India Heritage Trail, recently launched by the National Heritage Board in Singapore.

The trail comprises three themed routes, including the 30-minute “Shop Till You Drop” that covers traditional retail businesses in this historic precinct, which dates back to the 1800s. Bluetooth beacons on heritage markers along the trail let you learn the stories behind each in greater detail via your mobile phone. roots.sg/visit/trails

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Jothi sells everything from deities to decorations

was not originally a flower shop. His father, MR Chandra, now 85, had lost his job so began selling betel leaves at a mamak shop– a Singapore convenience store. The family eventually bought the whole building in 1992 and now owns the five-storey Campbell Lane structure, of which two levels are open to customers.

By the mid-1980s, when Chandra took over the business, Jothi had become very successful.

It is one of the oldest shops in Little India and “possibly the most established department store in Singapore”,

Insider I TRADITION TALKS

Bring good lu your home wi ck to th rangoli deca a l plantation now ensure the jasmine supply is constant.

Shop and learn Besides flower garlands, Chandra says the store is now the go-to for Hindu prayer items, ayurvedic products, traditional Indian copper cooking utensils, masala tea leaves and henna hair dyes.

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according to Chandra.

It even supplies some brands (for which it is the exclusive importer) to the famous Mustafa Centre down the road.

Times have certainly changed. In the early 1980s, when there weren’t fax machines (let alone emails and online shopping), stock orders had to be made by letter. It took a week for the letters to reach the recipients, who would then take another two weeks to send back their price lists by post.

Chandra’s father would then mail cash to the suppliers. By the time the goods reached Singapore, the entire transaction would have taken more than two whole months – not exactly instant gratification.

To quicken the process, Ramachandra enlisted the help of seamen who would dock in Singapore

once a month. He got them to bring in goods from India, cutting down the supply-chain process and keeping his customers happy.

Since the early 1980s, the company has owned a flower plantation in Kempas in Malaysia – a savvy move since the store uses about 500kg of flowers a day (up to 100kg of which is jasmine).

Some 40 workers at the

Chandra says his customers usually come in with lists of temple ceremonial and prayer essentials. These are mostly housed on the second level of the store where shelves hold rows and rows of deity statues.

“In the past, when the priest gave someone a list of things to buy, the customer had to go from shop to shop to

The store uses about 500kg of flowers a day He also stocks more unusual items like cow urine (mixed with fragrant sandalwood) and compressed cow dung, used in blessing homes and in religious ceremonies as cows are considered sacred in the Hindu culture.

get everything,” says Chandra. “Sometimes they wouldn’t know what some of these things were. We are an all-inone store for them and I’d like to think that the Indian heritage is still very strong in Singapore because of Jothi.”

Insider I BEAUTY ON THE FLY

Sunny skies ahead

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THE HASSLE-FREE WAY TO APPLY (AND RE-APPLY) SUNSCREEN WHILE YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY: SPRAY IT

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WORDS PEARLYN THAM

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rts Ask the petch what to ma h with moreis mezcal

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Summer spirits THESE COOL DRINKS ARE WHAT YOU SHOULD BE CHILLING OUT WITH RIGHT NOW IN SINGAPORE

T

here’s a popular Spanish song called ‘La Niña Fresa’, in which a spoilt girl refuses a popular street drink called tepache because she feels it’s beneath her to drink something so pedestrian. Well, missy, perhaps you’re regretting that now. The traditional Latin American beverage is among the hippest things you can order at the moment.

It’s not the only tipple making a comeback. The

booze scene is awash with a wave of old-school brews re-emerging in fresh ways – here are four to say ‘cheers!’ to in Singapore, and the brilliant bars to find them in.

Funky favourite In the Aztec Nahuatl dialect, tepache means “drink made from corn”.

However, these days modern recipes harness the tart zing of fermented pineapple rinds as the main ingredient for this fizzy concoction. Imagine

a bright, fruity, faintly earthy pineapple juice infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves and tamarind that’s just a little, uh, funky.

It’s much more delicious than it sounds.

Try it at hip joints such as underground bar Operation Dagger, where it’s served in a beer fermented for seven days with lavender, hops and yeast (S$22).

At mod new bistro Crackerjack, word on the street is that a version featuring slow-juiced

pineapple is soon to be launched.

The hot Mexican Forget tequila. Mexico’s hottest drink export right now is mezcal. According to Nielsen numbers, sales of the ancient agavebrewed spirit doubled between 2012 and 2016.

That figure will only increase as more artisanal mezcal producers and specialist bars spring up.

While its notorious cousin tequila is made solely (by law) from blue agave, which is the most

Insider I FOODIE FOCUS

Left to right: The atmospheric Red Tail Bar; Operation Dagger’s tepache; Ivo Silva from whisky-loving Spago

common variety of the plant, mezcal can be produced from up to 30 different types of agave, and has a smokier flavour plus greater complexity.

Drinking it can be just as complex. Zouk-run Red Tail Bar offers a Pandan War mezcal cocktail (S$20) infused with pandan and mixed with agave syrup, lime and ginger ale. Head barman Lexis Tan says young mezcal is a good match for smoked fish, while mezcal made from espadin agave works best with salads and as a palate cleanser.

WORDS AUDREY PHOON

An adults-only slushie What happens to rosé when you put it in a slushie machine? That’s what the folks at New York’s Bar Primi sought to find out last year. After a few experiments, frosé was born, quickly taking the world by storm. It’s easy to see why – this adult slushie made with frozen rosé and strawberries isn’t only deliciously refreshing but is also Instagram-worthy.

At Crackerjack, the pretty potion (S$19) comes pimped with Mancino Bianco Ambrato vermouth and St Germain elderflower liqueur for a bitter, more complex

Find it Operation Dagger #B1-01, 7 Ann Siang Hill, +65 6438 4057; operationdagger.com

Crackerjack

If Scotland is whisky’s hallowed home, Asia is its new playground

43 Tanjong Pagar Rd, +65 8121 1462; crackerjack.sg

Red Tail Bar #01-04 The Cannery, 3C River Valley Rd, +65 6738 2988; redtailbar.com

Spago boost. Co-owner and head barman Peter Chua says: “Frosé leans on the sweet and floral side, so foods with spices and acidity and white meat dishes go well with it.” Incidentally, Crackerjack’s roasted chicken plate (S$20) is the perfect pairing. It comes with house-made chermoula sauce that’s spicy and acidic.

Whisky’s Asian invasion If Scotland is whisky’s hallowed home, Asia is its new playground. Not only is the region a growing producer, people are also

drinking more Asian labels. According to Ivo Silva, whisky sommelier at celeb chef Wolfgang Puck’s Spago at Marina Bay Sands, consumers are now showing greater demand and interest in Asian whisky compared to Scotch.

One brand growing in popularity is Taiwanesemade Kavalan. The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique single malt was named world’s best in 2015 at the World Whiskies Awards. Its smooth, chocolatey notes, born of a maturation process in American oak barrels

Level 57, Marina Bay Sands Skypark Tower 2, 10 Bayfront Ave, +65 6688 9955; marinabaysands.com/ restaurants

previously used for wine, make it a magical match with desserts.

Savour a glass at Spago (S$70 for 60ml) with the restaurant’s salted caramel souffle with Fuji apple sorbet (S$24). “The burnt sugar notes and exotic fruit behind the whisky go well with the texture and flavour notes of the caramel, while the apple sorbet cools down the whisky,” says Silva.

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Insider I SHOP IT

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An upmarket playground for beach lovers, Repulse Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal spots in Hong Kong. Visit on a weekday for your own stretch of sand.

PHOTO MARK PARREN TAYLOR

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HOTELS KIDS LOVE 40 I HONG KONG SNAPSHOT 46 I CUTE PET CAFÉS 52

words eveline gan and pearlyn tham

The kid is king at these holiday-perfect hotels across Asia

Stay and play

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Top left: A climbing adventure at DreamPlay Far right: Hard Rock Hotel Penang’s incredible waterplay area Below: The spectacular pool at Swissotel Merchant Court All other images: Fun is around every corner at Hong Kong Disneyland

Goofy’s here... what are you waiting for?

COVER STORY I FAMILY STAYS

F

amily holidays are at risk from that notorious kid reaction: the eye roll.

But there are a suite of hotels that will have them bugging you every few minutes with “Are we there yet?” At these boredom-busting hotels, you’ll get child-sized furniture, fun (and free) workshops, Mickey Mouse pancakes, pony rides and more.

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A Disney dream come true

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD HOTEL HONG KONG

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Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is a favourite with families. The reason?

While its décor is classic vintage Hollywood, the features will appeal to the young ones and older Disney fans equally.

As parents check in at the lobby, kids (or kidults) can plonk themselves on the mini couch in the waiting area and watch Disney cartoons on a retro TV set. Enter the elevators and you’ll hear a medley of Disney characters welcoming you in Cantonese.

There are 600 rooms in all, most having two spacious double beds.

Little secrets await you in each room. Cue the Disney-designed bathroom toiletries in their very own cartoon cup holder, which the kids can take home. You can also request a special Mickey Mouse wake-up call on the room phone, which comes with a 15-minute storytelling feature – very useful for entertaining your toddler while you rest on the plush beds.

Depending on the season, you can also book a room themed in the style of your favourite cartoon or superhero movie. For instance, the one we stayed in was decorated as the Iron Man Experience –

More to explore The newest (and third) addition to the hotel line-up at Hong Kong Disneyland is the Disney Explorers Lodge, which revolves around the theme of exotic adventures in a natural landscape.

Disneyland had recently launched the first-ever Marvel-themed ride worldwide. We arrived to a room with Iron Manshaped macarons and bed runners featuring prints of the Tony Stark superhero complete with eyes that lit up.

From June throughout summer, Hong Kong Disneyland will host a new Marvel-themed

experience featuring Captain America, SpiderMan and more in a story set in Hong Kong.

Some rooms at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel will be decorated accordingly.

Outside your room, take a dip in the pianoshaped pool, participate in cupcake classes or dine at one of several restaurants. At Chef Mickey, the breakfast buffet includes the cutest Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes and special appearances by the Disney mascot in full

chef uniform, so have your camera ready.

The Disney team understands the psyche of little people. You can simply head home without having to queue up and check out (and risk making your kids restless) – this is also the reason the mini bars in the rooms are empty, so that the staff doesn’t have to check if you have extra charges.

Of course, no visit to a Disneyland hotel is complete without a visit to the theme park itself.

The hotels in Hong Kong

COVER STORY I FAMILY STAYS

Clockwise from left: Hong Kong Disneyland; Hard Rock Penang; Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong

Little secrets await you in each room...

The Disney team understands the psyche of little people Disneyland provide complimentary regular shuttle bus services to the park where you can (or must) swing by the Iron Man Experience.

This includes the first ever Marvel-themed ride at a Disneyland park: put on special StarkVision glasses, board the Expo Edition Iron Wing and soar through a realistically rendered Hong Kong skyline and iconic locations such as Victoria Harbour – all without leaving your seat.

Price: From HK$1,900 (S$344) per night.

Subject to change.

In-room entertainment galore

SWISSÔTEL MERCHANT COURT The secret to a successful family holiday? Bonding balanced with a bit of space, too. Which is why instead of one big room for the whole family, the Swissôtel offers an adjoining room for kids.

This way, parents can

43 enjoy some peace and quiet and kids get the space to run riot.

Each kids’ themed room is decorated with colourful bedding and has a child-friendly wardrobe, writing desks and chairs. You’ll find special amenities in the bathroom: a footstool, cute toothbrushes and bath toys for toddlers.

There are plenty of in-room entertainment options: books, Xbox and Wii games, movies and kids’ TV channels. But if those are not enough to tire out your Energizer bunny, hop over to the swimming pool, which includes a wading area and water slides.

You could also head over to the nearby Singapore River for a

family-friendly bumboat ride. It will take you past landmarks including the Esplanade, Merlion Park and Marina Bay Sands.

Price: Until the end of June, the Family Fun Escape package is S$569++ for two rooms plus deals like Universal Studios Singapore tickets.

For budding rock stars

HARD ROCK HOTEL PENANG Hard Rock Hotel offers families much more than cool décor. The real bonus here is the organised fun: a whole host of complimentary kids’ activities, from art and craft to outdoor play (ages 4–12). Teens won’t

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Kids won’t want to leave this playground miss out, either, with movie screenings and video games. Then the whole family can hit the waterslides at the pool, said to be the largest freeform pool in northern Malaysia.

Big kids and teens will also love music program The Sound of Your Stay, which allows you to experience life as a budding rock star.

Request a Fender guitar to be delivered to your room or get special access to a Traktor S2 DJ controller in the teens club.

The rooms are made for play, too: besides

having separate sleeping areas for grown-ups and young ones, the newly revamped Roxity Kids Suite comes with awesome kidfriendly amenities like a Playstation 3, soft toys and children’s books – plus a mini bar stocked with snacks like potato chips, milk and juice.

At the hotel’s doorstep is the Batu Ferringhi beachfront, one of Penang’s most popular destinations. Let the kids enjoy some good oldfashioned sand play, or amp up their adrenaline

COVER STORY I FAMILY STAYS

Where to find Disney’s Hollywood Hotel Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 3510 5000; hongkongdisneyland.com Swissôtel Merchant Court 20 Merchant Rd, Singapore 058281, +65 6337 2288; swissotel.com/SingaporeMerchantCourt

Enjoy activities like face painting and pony rides

The Shangri-La Jakarta boasts a splashtastic playground and pony rides; budding chefs will love Nobu Hotel Manila

levels with water sports like jet-skiing and banana-boating.

Price: The Roxity Kids Suite is from RM$610++ (S$192++) per night.

Splashing good playground

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, JAKARTA This hotel offers such a wide range of exciting activities and facilities for children that it’s almost a self-contained entertainment zone.

Start with the recently opened Aqua Playground, a water-themed play

area for those aged two to 12 that will provide hours of endless fun – think water sprays, tunnels, fountains, splash buckets and slides. On Sundays, head over to the dedicated kids’ zone to enjoy activities like face painting, nail art, art and craft and pony rides around the hotel’s sprawling garden.

For other exciting family activities, hop on a taxi and head to the Ancol Dreamland theme park on the Jakarta Bay, comprising multiple theme parks as well as an aquarium.

Price: The weekend package is from IDR$1,900,000++ (S$200++) per night.

Live like you’re at Ocean Park

DORSETT WANCHAI HONG KONG HOTEL Inspired by the iconic Ocean Park marine

Hard Rock Hotel Penang Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, +60 4 881 1711; penang.hardrockhotels.net Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta Kota BNI Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta, +62 21 2922 9999; shangri-la.com/jakarta Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong 387-397 Queen’s Rd East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 3552 1111; wanchai. dorsetthotels.com Nobu Hotel Manila Aseana Ave cnr Roxas Blvd, Entertainment City, Parañaque, Metro Manila, +632 800 8080; nobuhotelmanila.com

theme park, the Ocean Park Family Suite boasts dolphin-shaped bedside tables, a sitting and dining room designed like an ocean playground and an aquamarine colour scheme. Other fun touches include a dedicated reading corner and a world map feature wall.

To get to the real Ocean Park, the hotel offers free shuttle bus rides on Friday to Sunday. Once there, take part in the park’s 40th anniversary festivities which include its restaurants serving

up nostalgic Hong Kong street food. Then hit the range of fun rides and let your little ones get up close with the park’s animal residents such as sea lions, golden monkeys, pandas and, of course, dolphins.

Price: The Ocean Park Family Suite is priced from HK$2,800 (S$507) per night.

The playtime of kids’ dreams

NOBU HOTEL MANILA One of the three hotels within the City of Dreams Manila resort, this luxury hotel is founded

by Japanese culinary powerhouse Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper.

However, the biggest draw here for kids is the easy access to DreamPlay, a 5,000sqm indoor interactive play centre inspired by DreamWorks’ films including Kung Fu Panda and Shrek. Here, kids and adults can make their own 3D animated film, build dragons and watch them fly, join in creative storytelling sessions and interact with their favourite DreamWorks characters.

Price: The Stay and Play package (until 30 December) – which includes accommodation for two kids and two adults, breakfast and DreamPlay passes – is from PHP$10,300 (S$291) nett.

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This page Sunseekers head to the relaxed, crescent-shaped Repulse Bay beach, only a 15-minute bus trip from Central.

Opposite A fisherman whiles away a lazy afternoon on Cheung Chau Island. The small island offers a busy harbour, little temples and colourful markets.

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HONG KONG I CHINA

City secrets There’s a certain magic to the hidden corners of Hong Kong, where fisherman ply their trade and local delicacies are devoured photos mark parren taylor

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Left Search out sweet gao (jelly cake) like these jasmine, coconut and sesame flavoured delicacies from Market Street.

Middle A small shrine wrapped in red occupies a quiet junction in Tai O. Right ‘Seven’ Chung stands with a pot of haam ha (fermenting shrimp paste) in his shophouse on Kat Hing Street, Tai O.

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This page The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery — on a hillside above Sha Tin’s Pai Tau village in the New Territories — sells itself a little short: it actually contains almost 13,000 statues of Buddha.

Opposite In the picturesque fishing village Tai O, Market Street is a busy spot selling local specialities such as sun-dried fish, seafood and kelp.

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LATTES & LEASHES

HERE’S WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IN BANGKOK’S PET-CENTRIC HANGOUTS

BANGKOK I PET CAFÉS

Top: Try cakes and play with cats at Caturday Cafe Below: It’s pooch playtime at The Barkyard

L

ike most Asian crazes, the concept of pet cafés began in Japan and it all started with cat cafés, where patrons paid to share a space with free-range felines. Initially, the idea was that spending time with the moggies would help relax stressed-out office workers, but then the trend took on a life of its own, spawning cafés that housed dogs, rabbits, birds, goats, and even hedgehogs and snakes. Now Bangkok has also gotten in on the act, with a range of cafés where you can get easy downtime with some of the cutest furry friends.

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WORDS SIMON N. OSTHEIMER

Caturday Cat Cafe You might think there are only that many cute cat photos one can stomach, but when it comes to a social media presence, Caturday is leaps and bounds ahead of the crowd, with more than 45,000 Facebook fans and 87,000 on Instagram (@caturdaycatcafe).

It’s not hard to see why when you visit: the friendly cats are very curious about the guests, who sit on floor cushions at low-level tables while the 20 or so felines stroll around, and up and down the climbing ‘catwalk’ pathways hanging from the ceiling. You aren’t allowed to pick the cats up but you’re welcome to engage them with the many toys strewn around the café.

While there are meals to choose from, most guests seem to go for the cakes on offer – try the rainbow crepe (THB138/S$5.60), a kaleidoscope of colour draped in strawberry sauce.

Felines stroll around, and up the climbing ‘catwalk’ pathways

Find it Caturday Cat Cafe

The Barkyard BKK For Bangkok’s dog owners, there’s no better place to take your pet than this pocket park just off chic Sukhumvit 26, a shady tree-lined avenue home to cool cafés and craft beer bars. The Barkyard has a grassy lawn aptly named Central Bark, where four-legged friends run around, enjoy a dip in a dog-only saltwater swimming pool, check into the pet hotel and indulge in some grooming

115 Phayathai Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok; +66 2 656 5247; facebook.com/ caturdaycatcafe

The Barkyard 65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klongtoey, Bangkok; +66 84 874 2777; thebarkyardbkk.com

Rabbito Cafe 29-29/1 Sukhumvit Soi 101/1, Phra Khanong; +66 84 919 1551; facebook.com/ caferabbito

BANGKOK I PET CAFÉS

jumping tricks. Rabbito also serves a range of food, including a cutesy chocolate brownie (THB69/S$2.80) that comes with a dollop of whipped cream adorned with chocolate ‘ears’. If you have a floppy-eared companion back home, pick up some of the homemade rabbit food as a treat.

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And now for a... unicorn Café

Hand feed these furry friends services. An onsite shop sells high-end canine accessories and clothing, while Kiosk Cafe serves up tasty treats for owners. If you are a tourist, pick up a souvenir for your fur kid back home.

Rabbito Cafe Unless you’re familiar with the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog from cult movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, bunnies will forever be cute little carrot-munching creatures. At Rabbito Cafe on the eastern edge of Bangkok, it’s possible to get up close and personal with them. The herd of rabbits, which include bunnies rescued from abusive homes, freely roam the space and, you’re even allowed to carry and cuddle them.

On occasion, the owner has some of her trained bunnies demonstrate

Ramp up the cuteness at bunny business, Rabbito Cafe

Did you know?

Buying a coffee at Rabbito Cafe helps fund efforts to rescue abandoned rabbits.

You know that Bangkok is the centre of the animalcafé universe when it has a café dedicated to unicorns.

While the animals here are (sadly) not real, upon entering you’re transported to an alternate rainbowhue universe that must be the very definition of kawaii. Huge wall murals of majestic unicorns watch over an impossibly cutesy, bubblegum-palette interior, where giddy patrons take endless selfies with toy unicorns large and small. If that’s not enough, you can even put on a unicorn onesie and live out your childhood dreams. Everything on the menu has a unicorn theme, including burgers with French fry ‘horns’, rainbow-coloured spaghetti carbonara, and a yummy pink and blue frappe.

Unicorn Cafe, 44/1 Sathorn Soi 8, Bang Rak; +66 86 397 9262; facebook.com/ unicornbrand

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礳剣❈湱⡃㼜禞碛幊ざㅨ 뚏跗屘ㄤ❀蔄聘⛓た⸈Ⰶ 尹䱈跗幡涸欰ㅨ뚏跗⚥欽 ꝩ皷紺⺫醙たⱄꥬ宐襒掚 禞碛2䔀涸〡䠭♸㔋形涸跗 껺絕ざ湱䔲繠㄂կ

嗵㶩껎 㔋꬗梠嵳涸嵳⽂䀙渿❡嗵 㶩㔔姼♶㼱繠굹鿪⟄嗵㶩 ⚹굹勞կ 嗵㶩껎僽嵳⽂俒僅 ♧䌄涸⠛絡㼭く杝暵⛓㢅 㖈✵⟄嗵聘⚹䏀俱椚⚥⸈ Ⰶ뚃聘ㄤ禞碛⟄⿺ⴗ烱涸嗵 聘嗵聘ㄤ禞碛껎稒㺙絕ざ く饰勻䌄剣崽龏涸嗵껺㄂կ ♳呱傞ⴗ㗌涸嗵㶩껎朔㥵♧ 葁葁涸菺㔔姼⛲鄄䔲㖑➃ 獦⚹嗵㶩菺կ

禞碛跗僽嵳⽂䀙鵛勻 湱䔲崨遤涸♧猫㼭くկ

⚥俒ⰻ㺂

摚㛜 㖈嵳⽂䀙摚㛜䊺絑湱⠛侨 涰䎃僽嫦鸪鵂䎃鵂蒜䗳㢊 涸굹暟⫸僽䬺牟父犷ծ忘 剢ծ㼑㹵瘝䚪僽㼱♶✫鵯♧ 麤繠굹կ 摚㛜㖈嵳⽂⛲獦⚹ 棇郍 僽傍귬⼧ⴔ崨遤涸暵 蒀㼭くկ 㸐涸蒀峂ꆄ랕邍꬗ 专忘蓏띿㢪淼⟄禞碛ⵖ⡲ 剣尵剣껦俱涸挽瑟䗱摚㛜ծ 㹊䗱껦俱摚㛜ㄤ㣪䗱껦俱摚 㛜կ Ⱖⵖ⡲鵂玐湱䔲餩⸆㣗 銳絑鵂䴱䲴禞碛磋ㄤ屘挽瘝 姿낢䩞腊鴪ⵌ淼謭ꂬ腚ծ껦 껺〳〡կ

宐卓拯ⱺ ꤑ✫幡邉ⲫ宐卓拯ⱺ僽嵳 ⽂䀙〥♧麤湱䔲兜麑涸欫 ㅷկ 拯ⱺꅷ欽涸僽暵婋涸䚉 鸟ⲇⲏꝍ腊㢿㖈⼱ⴔꛦⰻ 㼜庛䏞䚉꣭荛 ˫⛓た⸈ Ⰶ됮囎涸宐卓实ㄤ捃✌缺 拯㽠腊ⵖ䧭㢴猫♶ず〡㄂ 涸拯ⱺկ 歋✵嵳⽂䀙渿❡㢴 猫♶ず涸掚䌄宐卓㔔姼⡹ 鵮腊㢿勻⚡宐卓㣐勇掖ꥥ 荈䊹㋐妅鷥䭊蒹卓 虊蛚ծ加 檗 껺誥ծ抠륫卓 勿呠瘝㢴 猫♶ず〡㄂涸絆ざկ

랫㹻畾瘲껎 鵯麤彂荈嵳⽂랫偛涸⠛絡繠 굹➢⵸㣐㢴僽㖈ꅿ㢪ⵖ⡲

䧴僽㖈㹻⚥⟄加挦掐ⵖ㥵 ➚䊺絑䧭⚹嵳⽂衼ぜ繠굹 欨荛僽㹵⠔⚥♶腊緃㼱涸 ⢕肮կ 㸐⟄껺碛ㄤ聘碫⚹勞 俱㼜㸐⟌佞Ⰶ倝됮涸畾瘲 掱靈輑ざ畾껺ծ碛껺ㄤ聘 껺♲猫♶ず涸굥㄂絟㼆⧩ 䖤♧㽂կ

꤯宐ꃑ磋 ꤯宐ꃑ磋僽嵳⽂꤯宐⿦涸暵 蒀㼭く剣傞⛲獦⚹嵳⽂磋կ 㸐涸杝暵⛓㢅㖈✵臧俱⿶ꃑ ⿶欫⡠俱ꬋ䌢⚪㺢⺫䭍暋 聘䎁ծ尪赈䎁ծ赢碛ծ蓏띿ծ蔄 欰ծ詪蝲瘝կ 蕯僽㋐妅く鳯涸 ➃〳⟄㽂霚⸈Ⰶ䔲㖑暵❡ 랕抧瘇鳯嗊㄂麤刿僽껺鳯 〳〡կ 㖈嵳⽂꤯宐ꃑ磋涸䶗 咓♶㼱〫銳蔄♳Ⳝ⯋㽠腊 㢿くⵌ♧烽雮⡹鵂駈껺ծꃑծ 鳯洶涸꤯宐ꃑ磋կ

霿⚽卓实 欰Ɤ✵掚䌄㖑⼓涸霿⚽卓 薉露獦⚹/POJկ 歋✵卓㹊⚥ Ⱘ剣崞⻊ㄤ⥝㢕➃⡤絈脅涸 ⡲欽腊㢿䌐⸔靈蒜⯝氋ծ䱗 嫫Ⱞ괃ծ⤛鵳倝꣥➿靧絶䭯 魧⡤涸⨴䐀㔔姼⛲䧭✫嵳 ⽂䀙➃䌢䎃껏欽涸껏俱կ 䰘 濼鵯⛲僽嵳⽂➃Ɤ㼑涸㼭 猽霅ㆦ

嗵㶩껎⛲鄄獦 ⚹嗵㶩菺կ

厾墰뚏䱍 〥♧麤湱䔲剣馰涸㼭く㽠僽 ꃑ껺繠㄂涸厾墰뚏䱍կ 䟝韌 ♧♴㓑⸢⼧駈涸뚏䱍嵵岙 㖈ꃁ屘ծ署屘ㄤ厾墰涸靈㄂ ⚥ⱄ⸈♳蓏띿ծ껺蝲ծ褖劣ծ 鳯嗊剒たⱄ专♳ꃑꃑ涸厾 墰实⿶ꃑ⿶鳯涸徱㄂〭㣐 㹻䙦腊♶昶

⿶ⴀ梡倝涸〡㄂獦⡲殣讘 껮կ 殣讘껮⛲獦⡲♲錭껝㸐 涸㢪淼鷥欽㖑檗ㄤ禞碛磋ⵖ ⡲ꆄ랕蒀㢪䕎♸涯껮➫㸤 Ⰼ♶ずկ 껦俱倰꬗ꅷ欽倝됮 罈嗵⚏ㄤ涯祪ㅘ♴⿡傞⠔ 形ⴀ涸崽龏嗵껺鵮剣殣讘 ㄤ禞碛涸껺孞絟㼆僽䔲㖑 ➃剒昶涸㼭굹⛓♧կ

殣讘껮

嗵⚏⽷껮

♲❇涸䄉䊜剣麤ꬋ䌢ⴀぜ涸 㼭く嵳⽂霢獦⡲CVB⚥俒 㽠〭⨞涯껮➫կ 涯껮➫㣐荝 〳ⴔ⚹嗵㶩ㄤ蓏띿蔄欰⚙猫 껦俱⡎㖈⠛絡涸涯껮➫♳

溏ⵌ鵯ꅽ湱⥌⡹䊺絑〄梡 嗵㶩Ⳝ⛖僽䖎㢴嵳⽂㼭굹ꅽ ♶腊緃㼱涸勞俱կ 䔲⚥㽠⺫ 䭍✫鵯♧麤鸪䎃鵂蒜罈涰 㨹⟌䗳㹁欽勻䬸ㄎ㹐➃涸嗵 ⚏⽷껮կ 㸐涸㢪淼ꅷ欽禞碛 ⵖ⡲⛓たꝂ♳♧㽻䎁拯鵂 涸嗵⚏紤祪ⱄ㼜禞碛淼侮 ⚡⽷饰勻ⴗ媯㽠䧭✫♧㗌 ⿶♧㗌䎁껺繠㄂涸㼭く✫կ

菔棴餴雴

WORDS MEIZ

䰦僤菔瑟➢倝⸈㗗굷♲ ❇嫦ワ⚙棴➢倝⸈㗗굷 嵳〡嫦ワ❀棴կ 嵳⽂䀙孞⦫拧掚 幡晊涸幡邉ⲫ䧭✫ 㣐「妅鵓涸欫ㅷկ

霼♳䰦僤㸽緸叅 霧♸雧牰 JETSTAR.COM

57

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Celebrate Mother Nature at the Mudpack Festival in the Explore I INTERVIEW

Philippines. Held every June at the Mambukal Resort, see locals decorate themselves with clay and perform tribal dance and ancient drum music.

PHOTO ALAMY

59

JETSTAR NEWS 60 I QUIZ 63 I MAPS 64

Inflight I JETSTAR NEWS

We’re at your service In Singapore, you now have more ways than ever to get Jetstar assistance. We’ve moved our Terminal 1 check-in area from rows 2 and 3 to rows 8 and 9. If customers have not checked-in online, or need to print their boarding pass, they can use the 22 brand new kiosks installed in front of row 8, then drop their bags at the high-tech bag-drop counters.

Customers requiring assistance can head to the service desk at the front of row 9.

10 60

22 KIOSKS

1

SERVICE DESK

Q

A

bag-drop counters

TWO CHECK-IN ROWS

SIX

CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTERS

CUSTOMER SERVICE CARTS

NEW TERMINAL IN DA NANG Da Nang (DAD) has a swanky new international terminal and we’re now operating all flights to and from Terminal 2. We’re using counters 23 to 44, so do check the signboard when you’re checking in for flight 3K542 to Singapore. Terminal 1, where we used to fly to, is now a domestic airport, and both airports are linked via a covered walkway.

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

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), @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!

Ong Chen Chong, @ongchenchong “The signature pose for Ibiza tower could be used here too.” Khao Phing Kan island, near Phuket

Rochelle Yong, @rochelleyong “I turned purple from the cold but it was all still worth it.”

Hong Kong

61

about #StarJourneys

Vernalisa Medenilla, @vernmedenilla “Life is like a rollercoaster.” Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

SHARE YOUR GREAT TRAVEL SNAPS WITH US AND STAND TO WIN S$100 VOUCHERS! @jetstarasia (Instagram), SHAREJETSTAR YOUR GREAT TRAVELSimply SNAPStag WITH US AND STAND TO WIN S$100 @Jetstar_Asia (Twitter)Simply or @Jetstar Asia (Facebook) and include JETSTAR VOUCHERS. tag @jetstarasia (Instagram), @Jetstar_Asia (Twitter) #StarJourneys in your photo caption.

If your picture is featured the caption. If or @Jetstar Asia (Facebook) and include #StarJourneys in your in photo magazine, you’ll win a S$100 Jetstar voucher that can be redeemed on your picture is featured in the magazine, you’ll win a S$100 Jetstar voucher that can Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Pacifi c and Jetstar Airways ights. We reserve the We reserve be redeemed on Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Pacifi c andflJetstar Airways flights. right to repost these photos on Jetstar Asia’s social media accounts. the right to repost these photos on Jetstar Asia’s social media accounts.

Arnel Trinidad, @titoebol “My Taipei jump edition.”

Taipei, Taiwan

Yan Lin, @yanyan_can “The only place in the world where four rivers meet.”

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Inflight I JETSTAR NEWS

Why use Jetstar for business trips?

Your chance to win

The reasons are many: save money, spend less time on admin matters, manage your flights on a handy app and more

Congratulations to the winners of our May contest.

To be one of five lucky winners to each win a S$50 Jetstar voucher in June, answer these questions correctly.

1) Can the Jetstar app let you book and manage your flights?

P

lanning a work trip is never as much fun as planning your own holiday, but the process can be made a lot easier with Jetstar.

As anyone who faces a fast-paced schedule every day will know, time is money. Jetstar is always working hard to maintain its on-time performance records so you won’t be late for your meetings overseas or return home later than you planned.

The airline also has a very high flight frequency to popular business destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta and

more, with some of these cities being served by up to five flights in a day.

And since most of us dislike admin work, the Jetstar app lets you search and book flights, manage your booking, check in and get real-time updates quickly and easily.

If it’s a day trip for you and you don’t have any baggage that needs to be checked in, you can even

check in online, print your boarding pass and head straight to the gate – saving you lots of time and hassle.

To make things even easier, Jetstar has a FlexiBiz bundle from just S$32. Sign up for it at jetstar.com/sg/en/ business and you’ll get all the fantastic benefits below. Consider it a deal sealed.

2) Name one benefit you can enjoy if you sign up with the Business Hub. 3) With the Business Hub, how much carryon baggage can you have with you?

Email your answers, including your full name and contact number, with the title ‘Jetstar FlexiBiz Contest’ to jetstarasiamarketing@ jetstar.com by 30 June 2017. Winners will be contacted via email in July.

Terms and conditions apply.

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62

Inflight I QUIZ

QUIZ TIME Get set to test your travel knowledge with this month’s quiz 1. In which Southeast Asian city will you find the Petronas Twin Towers?

2. What are the four official languages of Singapore?

14

6

3. Where is the famous Kek Lok Si Temple located?

(A) Penang (B) Taipei (C) Hong Kong (D) Bangkok 4. What is the most practised religion in Myanmar?

5. Which is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonised?

19 17

9

6. ‘Jeepneys’ are a popular form of public transport in which city?

(A) Jakarta (B) Manila (C) Siem Reap (D) Palembang

12. What’s the Cambodian greeting called?

13. Which Thai city is also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon?

14. What is Singapore’s national flower?

15. True or false: Hong Kong’s A Symphony of Lights was named the world’s “Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records.

16. What’s the largest minority ethnic group in Guiyang?

17. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets is located in which Australian capital city?

7. Singapore was originally called Temasek. What does t mean in Malay? this

18. Es roti bakar, thick-grilled toast served with ice cream, is a popular street food in which Asian city?

(A) Singapore (B) Kuala Lumpur (C) Penang (D) Jakarta

8. The design of Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City was inspired by which museum in Paris?

19. True or false: Perth is the second-most geographically isolated capital city in the world.

9. Where will you find the famous Kuta Beach?

20. What are the colours of the three stripes on Myanmar’s flag?

10. What’s the name of the big shopping mall in Patong in Phuket?

3

11. Which district in the Taiwanese capital is also called the ‘Harajuku of Taipei’, due to its high concentration of fashion boutiques and cinemas?

63

QUIZ ANSWERS 1_ Kuala Lumpur 2_ English, Standard Mandarin, Malay and Tamil 3_ (A) Penang 4_ Buddhism 5_ Thailand 6_ (B) Manila 7_ Sea town 8_ Petit Palais 9_ Bali, Indonesia 10_ Jungceylon 11_ Ximending 12_ Sampeah 13_ Bangkok 14_ An orchid hybrid known as the Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ 15_ True 16_ The Miao 17_ Darwin 18_ (D) Jakarta 19_ True 20_ Yellow, green and red

Inight I WHERE WE FLY

INTERNATIONAL Operated by Jetstar Airways Operated by Jetstar Asia Operated by Jetstar PaciďŹ c

Flights are operated by Jetstar Japan and commence 2 June, subject to government and regulatory approval

Operated by Jetstar Japan

Tokyo (Narita) Nagoya (Chubu)

Osaka (Kansai)

Shanghai (Pudong) Guiyang Shantou Guangzhou Hanoi

Hong Kong Haikou Sanya

Yangon Da Nang Siem Reap Bangkok Phnom Penh

64

Taipei Hawaii (Honolulu)

Manila

Ho Chi Minh City

Phuket Penang Medan

Kuala Lumpur

Pekanbaru

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 Hai Phong

Sapporo

Tha nh Hoa V inh Dong Hoi Hue Da Nang Chu Lai Pleiku Quy Nhon

Phu Quoc

Tokyo (Narita) Nagoya (Chubu)

Tuy Hoa Buon Ma Thuot

Matsuyama Osaka (Kansai) Fukuoka Takamatsu Oita Kumamoto

Nha Trang Da Lat

Kagoshima

Ho Chi Minh City

Okinawa Operated by Jetstar Japan

Operated by Jetstar PaciďŹ c

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) Launceston Operated by Jetstar Airways

Wellington Christchurch Hobart Queenstown

65

Inflight I WHEN WE FLY

Jetstar Asia, together with Jetstar, operates more than 600 flights per week throughout Asia. Schedule is valid to June 30, 2017.

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

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:35

HAK

11:05

HAK

12:00

SIN

15:25

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – HONG KONG / HONG KONG – SINGAPORE

JETSTAR ASIA

3 hours 55 minutes (GMT+8)

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

66

Departure

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:20

BKK

08:45

SIN

09:15

BKK

10:40

SIN

10:45

BKK

12:10

SIN

12:50

BKK

14:15

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

15:15

SIN

18:40

BKK

19:00

SIN

22:25

BKK

21:20

SIN

00:40

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

10:10

HKG

14:10

SIN

15:45

HKG

19:45

HKG

14:50

SIN

18:40

HKG

20:25

SIN

00:15

M

T

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

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

08:20

HKT

09:10

SIN

11:10

HKT

12:00

SIN

15:00

HKT

15:50

SIN

15:25

HKT

16:15

SIN

17:00

HKT

17:45

SIN

20:30

HKT

21:20

HKT

09:45

SIN

12:40

HKT

12:40

SIN

15:35

HKT

16:40

SIN

19:40 19:50

HKT

16:55

SIN

SINGAPORE – JAKARTA / JAKARTA – SINGAPORE

HKT

18:40

SIN

21:35

1 hour 45 minutes (GMT+7)

HKT

22:00

SIN

00:50

M

T

W

T

F

S

M

T

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

08:15

CGK

09:10

SINGAPORE – MEDAN / MEDAN – SINGAPORE

SIN

13:35

CGK

14:30

1 hour 25 minutes (GMT+7)

SIN

15:45

CGK

16:40

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

18:50

CGK

19:45

SIN

08:15

KNO

08:40

S

SIN

20:00

CGK

20:55

SIN

08:40

KNO

09:05

CGK

09:50

SIN

12:40

SIN

09:30

KNO

09:55

CGK

15:10

SIN

18:00

SIN

15:15

KNO

15:40

CGK

17:20

SIN

20:10

SIN

20:30

KNO

20:55

CGK

20:25

SIN

23:20

SIN

20:35

KNO

21:05

CGK

21:35

SIN

00:25

KNO

09:20

SIN

12:00

KNO

09:45

SIN

12:20

KNO

10:35

SIN

13:10

KNO

16:20

SIN

18:55

KNO

21:35

SIN

00:10

KNO

21:45

SIN

00:20

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

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

18:00

DAD

19:40

SIN

17:25

DAD

19:05

DAD

20:20

SIN

00:10

DAD

19:55

SIN

23:45

M

T

W

T

F

S

Time

Arrival

Time

10:55

DPS

13:40

SIN

11:00

DPS

13:40

SIN

15:10

DPS

18:00

DPS

14:25

SIN

17:10

DPS

19:20

SIN

22:05

T

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

2 hours 45 minutes (GMT+8) SIN

M

S

SINGAPORE – DENPASAR / DENPASAR– SINGAPORE Departure

W

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:10

KUL

08:15

SIN

09:05

KUL

10:10

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

KUL

10:50

SIN

12:00

KUL

11:20

SIN

12:30

KUL

14:35

SIN

15:45

KUL

19:40

SIN

20:50

KUL

21:20

SIN

22:25

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – GUIYANG / GUIYANG - SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE – DARWIN / DARWIN – SINGAPORE

4 hours 20 minutes (GMT+8)

4 hours 30 minutes (GMT+9.5) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

23:05

DRW

05:10

SIN

09:40

KWE

14:00

DRW

06:00

SIN

09:05

KWE

14:50

SIN

19:45

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

SINGAPORE – MANILA / MANILA – SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE – PHNOM PENH / PHNOM PENH – SINGAPORE

3 hours 35 minutes (GMT+8)

2 hours (GMT+7)

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

06:20

MNL

09:55

SIN*

07:00

PNH

08:10

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SIN

16:45

MNL

20:20

SIN

13:30

PNH

14:40

MNL

10:35

SIN

14:15

SIN

19:35

PNH

20:40

MNL

21:00

SIN

00:45

PNH*

09:00

SIN

12:00

PNH

15:25

SIN

18:25

PNH

21:30

SIN

00:30

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

* Thursday service from 27 May - 31 May

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) M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – SIEM REAP / SIEM REAP – SINGAPORE

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

02:20

MNL

05:55

MNL

06:55

KIX

11:50

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

KIX

12:50

MNL

16:05

SIN

11:35

REP

12:50

MNL

17:05

SIN

20:40

2 hours 10 minutes (GMT+7)

SIN

13:55

REP

15:10

REP

13:45

SIN

17:05

REP

15:25

SIN

18:25

M

T

W

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

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

67 SINGAPORE – PALEMBANG / PALEMBANG – SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE – PERTH / PERTH – SINGAPORE

1 hour 05 minutes (GMT+7)

5 hours 25 minutes (GMT+8) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

16:30

PER

21:40

SIN

03:30

PER

08:40

PER

00:05

SIN

05:25

PER

09:30

SIN

14:50

PER

22:45

SIN

04:10

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

11:20

PLM

11:25

PLM

12:05

SIN

14:10

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) Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

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

SIN

07:00

TPE

11:50

2 hours (GMT+7)

TPE

12:40

KIX

16:30

SIN

01:10

TPE

06:00

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SIN

07:10

SGN

08:15

TPE

06:55

KIX

10:45

SIN

13:50

SGN

14:55

TPE

07:00

KIX

10:45 19:25

SIN

19:50

SGN

21:00

KIX

17:20

TPE

SGN

08:55

SIN

11:55

TPE

20:20

SIN

01:10

SGN

15:35

SIN

18:40

KIX

12:15

TPE

14:25

SGN

21:40

SIN

00:40

TPE

15:25

SIN

20:10

SINGAPORE – PEKANBARU / PEKANBARU - SINGAPORE

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – SURABAYA / SURABAYA – SINGAPORE

1 hour (GMT+7)

2 hours 15 minutes (GMT+7)

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

07:35

PKU

07:35

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

11:10

SUB

12:30 20:05

SIN

16:35

PKU

16:35

SIN

18:45

SUB

PKU

08:15

SIN

10:20

SUB

13:20

SIN

16:40

PKU

17:15

SIN

19:15

SUB

20:45

SIN

00:05

SINGAPORE – SHANTOU / SHANTOU – SINGAPORE

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

SINGAPORE – SANYA / SANYA – SINGAPORE

4 hours 5 minutes (GMT+8)

3 hours (from SIN to SYX) ; 3 hours 10 minutes (from SYX to SIN) (GMT+8)

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Departure

Time

Arrival

Time

SIN

13:30

SWA

17:40

SIN

07:00

SYX

09:50

SWA

18:20

SIN

22:20

SYX

11:00

SIN

14:10

M

T

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

11:10

SIN

16:50

SGN

07:10

SIN

10:10

SIN

21:00

MEL

06:20

SIN

11:00

SGN

12:05

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

01:00

SIN

05:00

DPS

07:40

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 68

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.

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Because you can.

Enjoy extra legroom* on our first and emergency row seats for a more comfortable flight!

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*Please approach our cabin crew should you wish to upgrade your seat. Jetstar Asia Airways Pte Ltd BRN:200403570D.

Inflight I DESTINATIONS

70

Bali

INDONESIA

DEVINA HINDOM Director of communications, Bali, Alila; alilahotels.com What’s a good souvenir to buy and where do I get it?

Batik scarves make a great gift for girlfriends – check out Batik Keris, Galuh Batik or Milos Bali. And for your male friends, track down the cool wooden Suki sunglasses.

The best place for local eats is… Head to Warung Sulawesi in Petitenget, Seminyak, for a good nasi campur (rice with meat, vegetables, egg and seafood), the national dish of Indonesia.

The best place for a drink with a view? Definitely

the Sunset Cabana at Alila Villas Uluwatu.

It’s perched on a cliff 100m above sea level and serves Indonesian herb-and-spice-inspired cocktails, such as the Black Margarita, a mix of tequila, tamarind puree, lime juice, lemon juice and Grand Marnier.

If you’re only there for a day, what’s one must-do?

Check into a hotel in the Seminyak area – the best location to explore Bali in a day. While there, visit the cultural site of

Petitenget Temple or go beach club hopping at Seminyak Beach.

A secret place that I love going to in the city is...

Modicum Gastronomy & Artisan Bar in Seminyak, inspired by the 1920s prohibition era in the US. The best freebie a visitor can get in the city is... Most beach activities are free: sunbathing, bodysurfing, swimming, watching the sunset or sunrise, jogging, meditating or practising yoga. Or travel to East Bali and enjoy free snorkelling at Amed Beach.

71

Singapore

PHOTOS ISTOCK; SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

DIANA ONG Director, The PR People; facebook.com/ ThePRPeople The best place for local eats is… Try flavoursome beef noodles with thick yummy gravy at Blanco Court Traditional Hainan Beef Noodles at Guillemard Road. I also love the bak chor mee sua (wheat vermicelli with

minced pork) from Yan Kee Noodle House, which comes drenched in black vinegar sauce.

The best place for a drink or meal with a view? On lazy weekends I head to Tiong Bahru Bakery at Eng Hoon Street for its wickedly good coffee and delicious kouign amann

(a kind of puff pastry), and to people-watch.

For weekday evenings, I like Artemis Grill at CapitaGreen, which serves Mediterranean cuisine and offers a view of the city skyline.

The best attraction or local hangout is… Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for hiking. When you take a friend into the jungle, you engage all the senses and have ample time to connect with one another.

A secret place that I love going to… Gyoza Bar. It’s very intimate and has an authentic, jazzy vibe.

The best freebie a visitor can get in my city is… Advice from taxi drivers, who are almost always willing to share their views on good eating spots and politics.

The best place to go shopping in my city is… Arab Street and Haji Lane for a mix of both traditional stores retailing fabrics and homewares, and hipster shops selling accessories and even vintage cameras. You never know what you will find.

Inflight I DESTINATIONS

72

Manila MAIDA PINEDA Food, travel and wellness writer, author and blogger; maidastouch.com If you’re only there for a day, what’s one must-do? Head to Intramuros, Manila’s historic district. This 64ha citadel dating back to 1577 is a fascinating walk back in time to the Spanish era. The massive stonewalls protected

THE PHILIPPINES

this district from two world wars, meaning many of its buildings and cobblestone streets still remain intact.

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

I love taking visitors on a road trip to Tagaytay, where they can soak up the milder temperature.

Visitors are spoilt for choice with a number of charming restaurants like Antonio’s, Balay Dako, Sonya’s Garden, and Lime and Basil. You can’t miss the view of Taal Volcano and the scenic drive that takes you past fruit stands

and rows of pineapple plantations.

A secret place I love to visit in my city… When I want to stay away from the madding crowd I head to Kapitolyo, Pasig, a residential area few tourists head to.

Here you’ll find cosy

restaurants like Warung Kapitolyo, a home-style Indonesian restaurant.

The most scenic spot… The sunsets in Manila are phenomenal. Stunning splashes of orange and purple fill the sky. Roxas Boulevard facing Manila Bay is the best spot to watch the sunset. Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Solaire Resort & Casino and Conrad Manila have great views looking out to Manila Bay.

Inflight I DESTINATIONS

73

Taipei DEBBIE CHEN W insider, W Taipei; wtaipei.com

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

Elephant Mountain. Parts of the slopes here are quite steep but you’ll get a view of the beautiful Taipei 101, the thirdtallest building on Earth, as well as of the city.

CHINA

The best freebie… There are countless temples scattered all over Taipei.

Hsing Tian Kong in Zhongshan District is devoted to Guan Yu, the patron god of businessmen.

If you’re only there for a day, what’s one must-do?

Shilin, Raohe, Tonghua and Tamsui are just a few popular night markets where visitors will find streets filled with booths selling various cuisines.

A secret place that I love going to visit… A Light – a speakeasy lounge in Xinyi District. Once you enter

through the red door, it’s a wonderland. There’s no drinks menu; you just have to let the bartender know what your favourite mixers are.

The best place for a selfie or groufie… Ximending. It’s not only known for its shopping; a section of it was turned into a graffiti wall village that provides the perfect backdrop for photos.

The best place to go shopping… Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Here you can find Taiwanese designer brands, food and exhibitions and learn to make your own handbags, jewellery and blown-glass ornaments.

Inflight I DESTINATIONS

74

Phuket PIERRE-ANDRE PELLETIER Area general manager – South Thailand, Amari Hotels & Resorts; amari.com The best local hangout to take guests is... Naka Market, where it’s easy to mingle with the local people, eat great food and buy almost anything.

If you’re there for only a day, what’s the one must-do?

THAILAND

Phuket is renowned for its white sandy beaches, which are great for a lazy day of sunbathing and listening to the waves lapping on the beach.

A secret place that I love to visit… Thalang Road, the walking street in Phuket’s Old Town, has charming,

old Sino-Portuguese houses, as well as nice cafés, bars and antique and handicraft stores.

The best place with a view to have a drink or meal…

La Gritta at Amari Phuket, where you can enjoy fantastic Italian food, as well as the best view of Patong Bay. What’s a good souvenir to buy? Tao sor (a green bean pastry) is a popular dessert with the locals and makes a great souvenir.

The most scenic spot in the city… Phuket’s Big Buddha Temple, one of the island’s most important and revered landmarks.

It sits 45m above sea level on the summit of the Nakkerd Hills, which offers the best panoramic view of the southern part of Phuket Island.

The best place for a selfie or groupfie... At The Jetty in Amari Phuket, you can enjoy a unique view of three beaches: Patong, Kalim and Tri Trang.

The best place for local eats is… Tunk Ka Café, especially at sunset.

75

Penang JOHNSON WONG Head chef, Dining Room, Macalister Mansion; macalistermansion.com The best place to go shopping is… Armenian Street for local souvenirs.

Also, visit the night markets at different venues on various nights throughout the week – they are where you can experience the wide

M A L AY S I A

range of multicultural flavours that make Penang the food capital of Malaysia.

The best place for a selfie…

Anywhere in George Town, as long as you are among the historical relics. The beautiful heritage buildings are its

most treasured assets.

Don’t miss the many beautiful murals.

The most scenic spot in the city… Penang Hill – from the top you’ll take in the full panoramic view of Penang. Hiking up the Hill is a great experience, as the wonderful trails take you through lush surroundings and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A secret place in my city that I love to visit… Strait Quay, a beautiful marina precinct housing several restaurants and cafes. I also like the JDOG House

and Café – it’s a very cool dog café where you can spend time with your fur kids.

If you love food… Enjoy a spectacular dinner at Dining Room in Macalister Mansion, a contemporary restaurant that redefines the Penang dining scene through its use of local produce. For somewhere to chill out, go to G Hotel Kelawai’s rooftop bar Gravity or Talk Talk Wine Bar & Lounge at Sungai Dua.

Inflight I TRAVEL TALES

A HASHTAG-FREE HOLIDAY Imagine a holiday undisturbed by social media and email. Jayne D’Arcy did – and lived to tell the tale

Can you skip social on holiday?

I took a pic, put down my phone and let it be photos of my holidays.

One, a mountain scene captured on that emailfree trek, scored a record number of likes. But not being able to snap and share this moment on the lawns was killing me.

What to do? I took a pic, put down my phone and let it be.

It was the same with aquamarine water and

whiter-than-white sand.

A big sheep sculpture.

A submarine in a park.

Then the kids jumping off said submarine.

No record of it for my friends to admire. It took a couple of days before I stopped trying to get the most interesting, unique shots of where we were and what we were doing.

Checking the photos on my phone midway through the trip, I realised there were hardly any. I’d stopped taking them.

I won’t get all deep and meaningful and declare that I truly started living in the moment – although that was one of the outcomes of my email-free trek – but I did have more time. I wasn’t spending hours trying to take the perfect Instagram shot, I wasn’t thinking about what I was seeing in terms of hashtags and I wasn’t repeatedly checking how many likes I was getting.

And what’s not to like about that?

ILLUSTRATION ISTOCK

76

I RECENTLY undertook the unthinkable: a week on holiday without checking my email.

Not once. Sure, there was initial panic and a few what-ifs, but I was up to date with life and figured the world could wait while I went trekking. After that, it was time for checking.

I took a deep breath. I’d missed nothing. I’d been Instagramming like mad, mind you. So I decided to raise the bar this holiday.

I decided to make it a hashtag-free holiday.

So I’m rolling down the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, with my kids.

It’s a super-sunny day and the scene is perfect.

“This will look amazing on Insta,” I think. But then I remember my self-imposed rule.

Before setting off on this family road trip along Australia’s east coast, I’d posted a photo of a classic Aussie saying I’d scrawled on my whiteboard: “See you in the soup.” It’s slang for “See you around”.

But not on this holiday.

Would anyone notice my online absence?

Since joining Instagram I’ve posted hundreds of

Stay for team drinks.

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