SUMMER TRAVEL
# 6 2 8 | I n s i d e s i n g a p o r e | www.is-magazine.com
SUMMER TRAVEL ISSUE Asia’s most exciting new resorts, plus everything you need to plan the perfect summer vacation
PAGE 3 © El Nido Resorts
Find Page 3 online at is.gd/page3
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Cover Story
The Great Escape
Twenty of Asia’s hottest new resorts
Ask an expat what he likes most about Singapore, and chances are the answer will be “How easy it is to get away!” Only now, it’s not just ang mohs chomping at the bit to escape our little red dot every chance they get. Plans are already afoot to build a fifth terminal at Changi, upping capacity well beyond the measly 85 million in store for 2017 (by when, of course, 95% of the projected 100 million population will be foreigners anyway), and finally making good on the government’s promise to turn Singapore into the world’s largest transit lounge. (On the plus side, even more O’Briens sandwich outlets!)
11 bONuS
Michael Meyer on Manchuria 5
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ESSENtIAL EVENtS
FItNESS
The region’s best festivals
StyLE
Beach body basics
In there like swimwear
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dINING
LASt WORd
Bangkok’s top tables
Indiescapes’ Heidi Shum
Who's in charge?
Where to find us!
Country Manager Andrew Hiransomboon countrymanager@asia‑city.com.sg
Assistant Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng Marketing Assistant Lia Roslan
Managing Editor Ric Stockfis editor@asia‑city.com.sg
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Associate Editors terry Ong, Hidayah Salamat Staff Writers Chin Hui Wen, Crystal Lee Editorial Intern Foo Rong En Custom Content Editor Clara Lim Editorial Assistants Azimin Saini, Khairul Amri Art Director Intan Agustina Deputy Art Director tetuko Hanggoro Prasetyowibowo Designers Fishy toh, Zhou Jixuan Multimedia Designer / Photographer Mossy Chew Wenzhi Design Interns Foo Siew Chen, Robson tan Finance Manager Sally Kang Accountant Mark Anthony Habel Admin Executive Goh ting yu
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I‑S Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #14‑03, Singapore 159552. Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2013 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The title “I‑S Magazine,” its associated logos or devices, and the content of I‑S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. I‑S Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in I‑S Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd., 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 136/12/2012
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Meanwhile, the nation has just been granted observer status in the Arctic Council, something our hipster youth had been lobbying in favor of for years, so that they can finally relocate somewhere they can put their $500 scarves to good use. And, as if the North Pole wasn’t far enough, one plucky Singaporean— identified only as Robinson—has put his name down for a planned one-way mission to Mars in 2023. His is rather bittersweet reasoning— he’s signing up for the adventure because his wife died. But with a name like that? You have to figure he’s secretly the advance party for the galaxy’s first interplanetary mall. All of which makes this, our Summer Travel issue, rather timely. It’s packed with tips on the Red Planet’s best eateries; reviews of the best luggage for defending yourself against polar bears; plus early-bird booking discounts for the new highspeed rail to KL in 2020. Enjoy!
On the cover Nihiwatu, Indonesia
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UP FRONT Sources: Asia One, MICA, The New Paper, Publichouse.sg, The Straits Times, Today.
Quote of the Week
OB Index
“Singapore is now an ocean state”
Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression.
Kemal Siddique, Special Envoy for Arctic Affairs, on Singapore’s admission as a permanent observer into the Arctic Council.
MAY
Giveaways TIM WOODS ENTERTAINMENT presents
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The show’s on us A pair of tickets to the One Man Lord of the Rings show at DBS Arts Centre on Thu, 20 June.
written and performed by
CHARLES ROSS
The Bookie
adapted from the book by
J.R.R. TOLKIEN
directed by
TJ DAWE
ONE RING TO RULE THEM ALL
Travel to and from Singapore just got a whole lot harder for three Malaysians involved in a protest at Merlion Park against the result of the Malaysia election. In response to the “illegal” gathering, authorities have revoked the work pass of one and cancelled the visiting passes of the other two. The fate of 18 more remains uncertain.
Passports Passbook Stamps, chops, visas Sentimental value Limited pages Commonly forged Biometric
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The odds: Passports 20:1. They take you so much further. For now, anyway.
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This week you will mainly love your city for its...
Desert Island
New Flight Routes Singapore’s not exactly short of getaway options; but recent weeks have seen a host of new routes added or expanded. In the last month alone: Tiger have announced direct flights to Boracay, Yogyakarta and Bandung; SilkAir say they’ll soon be heading to Semarang and Makassar; and SIA are off to Surabaya upping the number of daily flights to both Bali and Jakarta (see page 14). All of which is great news for anyone feeling claustrophobic on this little island we call home.
Be Good Liquid Love now here’s a chance for you to take some goodwill out of town. Singapore International Foundation is managing a project called “Water for Life” that aims to provide school-going children and adults in Lamongan, Indonesia, access to clean drinking water. Singaporeans can volunteer in this monthly project where manpower is needed to install membrane water filters and conduct classes on topics like hygiene. Volunteers are expected to finance their own trip, including airfare, accommodation, travel insurance, local transport and meals. expect to spend $750-$850. Log onto www.sif.org.sg for more information.
WE’VE ORGANIZED A YEAR’S WORTH OF FREE READER EVENTS. JOIN US! JuL 27, SAT, 8AM
SEP 18-20, WED-FRI
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ThAI TIMe Come September, enjoy a weekend break in Phuket in the company of our travel writers, courtesy of Twin Palms and Tiger Airways.
Find that long lost state of zen with a special outdoor yoga session courtesy of Green Yoga @ MacRitchie.
To apply, go to www.is-magazine.com/isx
4 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
CALENDAR Essential Events The 10 Hottest Tickets Around the Region DON’T Miss
Green Day Indie greats like Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons, The National, Babyshambles and Klaxons headline the three-day Splendour in the Grass. Jul 26-28. North Byron Parklands, New South Wales, splendourinthegrass.com. AU$135350 ($175-455) from www.moshtix.com.au.
JuNE 28-30
July 26-28
NOVEMBER 5
Rainforest World Music Festival. Catch acclaimed international veterans like Louisiana’s Cajun-Creole band the Pine Leaf Boys, Irish folk music group Kila and South African neo-traditional master Dizu Plaatjies. Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, +60 8242-3600, www.rwmf.net. RM120-330 ($48-132) from www.ticketcharge.com.my.
The Cure, Stereophonics and My Bloody Valentine are just some of the top draws at Ansan Valley Rock Festival. Festival Park, Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park, www. valleyrockfestival.com. SKW 120,000-220,000 ($135-250).
Dress to the nines for the Melbourne Cup Carnival as it celebrates its 153rd year. AU$55-489 ($71-635) from www. melbournecup.com.
July 7-21
DO This
The Write Stuff This year’s Ubud Writers & Readers Festival pays homage to Indonesian women’s rights pioneer R.A. Kartini. Oct 11-15. Various venues in Ubud, Bali, +62 361-7808932, www. ubudwritersfestival.com.
Witness supersized sumo wrestlers duke it out live at Sumo Wrestling: Grand Tournament, in Osaka. www.sumo.or.jp. JPY2,000-14,300 ($26-187) from www.sumoticket.jp
AuGuST 28 - SEPTEMBER 1 Kings Cup Elephant Polo Tournament. They won’t forget–so you shouldn’t either. Hua Hin, Thailand. www. anantaraelephantpolo.com OCTOBER 5 Be part of the first ever luang Prabang Half Marathon: la Procession with all proceeds going to charity. World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang, Laos. US$200 donation minimum. Register at www.luangprabang halfmarathon.com.
Sumo Wrestling: Grand Tournament
5 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
NOVEMBER 22-24
Taste dishes by world-class chefs and sip wine amid lush settings at the Margaret River Gourmet Margaret River Gourmet Escape Escape in Western Australia, www. NOVEMBER 16 - JANuARy gourmetescape.com.au. 6, 2014 AU$37-150 ($48-195) from Art junkies should get premier.ticketek.com.au their fix at multicultural art festival Biennale Jogja XII. This year’s edition sees Indonesia partnering with Arab countries. Yogyakarta, +62 (0) 274-587712, www. biennalejogja. org/2013.
Ansan Valley Rock Festival
cover story
First Resort A guide to the region’s hottest new luxe retreats. By Chin Hui Wen
I
t’s boom time for Asian hotels, with a host of new properties opening seemingly every day. But though it’s great to have options, the variety can be overwhelming. So, we’ve come up with a handy guide to close to 20 of Asia’s top new getaways, to help you filter the ho-hum (we don’t need to tell you about another average Chinese city hotel) from the truly worthwhile. It’s quite a mix—including eco-escapes on remote islands and beautifully refurbished old colonials, rich with history—making it easy to plan your next vacation.
Anantara Xishuangbanna
Australia
Cicada Lodge Gorge Rd., Katherine, +61 8 8971-0877, www. cicadalodge.com.au. Opened: March, 2013
QT Sydney
This luxury retreat—a four hour drive from the region’s capital Darwin—in Cicada Lodge Nitmiluk National Park, is an 18-roomer with an onsite restaurant and pool as well as two helicopters (to tour the nearby Katherine Gorge). The place is owned by the indigenous community and local artwork is displayed all over the property (on sale from around AU$600 ($775)). To get there, the
6 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
getaway offers private car transfers for AU$100 ($129) one-way from Katherine Airport. Rates start at AU$323 ($417).
QT Sydney 49 Market St., Sydney, +61 2 8262-0000, www. qtsydney.com.au. Opened: September, 2012
A project by Australian architecture firm Nic Graham + Associates, the refurbished 200 roomer is housed in the old State Theatre and Gowling Building built in 1929. Rooms have black, white and chrome accents and art pieces by emerging local artists. Rates start at US$420 ($519).
cover story
tHe APP PAcK
China
The top smartphone applications to help you get the most out of any trip.
Anantara Xishuangbanna Mengla County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, Menglun, +86 69 1893-6666, www.xishuangbanna.anantara.com. Opened: February, 2013
Trip Organizers
Tucked away in Southwestern China, along the Burmese border, and boasting 80 rooms as well as 23 villas. Facilities include dining options such as international eatery Manfeilong and poolside snack bar Luosuo as well as a spa and an outdoor swimming pool. Plus, the resort offers activities hosted by indigenous groups such as tea picking with the Jinuo tribe and folk singing with the Hani tribe. Rates start at CNY2,000 ($297).
Trip it A favorite of ours for a few years now, trip It offers a simple way to keep all your travel plans close at hand. Not only does it convert your airline and hotel bookings into itineraries that can be synchronized with all gadgets, it also lets you share your schedule with your friends, family and colleagues.
Anantara Xishuangbanna
Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai 111 Pudong Rd., Pudong, Shanghai, +86 21 2082-9888, www.mandarinoriental.com/shanghai. Opened: April, 2013
Set on the banks of the Huangpu River, this new arrival has 318 guest rooms and 44 suites with waterfront views. The place also boasts an extensive art collection curated by the noted Art Front Gallery and includes 4,000 original artworks displayed throughout the building. In addition, there are six different dining venues, an indoor pool and spa with 13 treatment rooms. Rates start at CNY3,600 ($722).
Weekend escapades J A project by singapore’s own changi Airport, this app offers destinationbased information and maps, flight searches and airline deals for 30 cities within a five-hour flight radius of singapore.
Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai
Indonesia Nihiwatu
Sumba, +62 3 6175-7149, www.nihiwatu.com.
guides
Opened: February, 2013
Nihiwatu
around Me Like some sort of sixth sense, this app helps you discover everything around you, from cafes and bars to banks and movie theaters. you can even make restaurant reservations, too.
Located on Sumba Island, this gorgeous retreat has 27-villas and is powered by bio-fuel produced from coconuts at its on-premise bio-diesel factory. In addition, the establishment supports charitable trust, The Sumba Foundation, which provides a clean water supply to villages as well as dealing with malnutrition and educational needs on the island. Rates start at US$595 ($747).
seoul Walking Tour J For more on this brand new app, see page 14.
The Philippines
El Nido Pangulasian Island
uTiliTies
Xe Currency Not new, but still essential. We think Xe is the best currency converter app doing the rounds, thanks to its friendly interface, multicurrency home screen and real-time currency updates.
El Nido Pangulasian Island
Raffles Makati
Pangulasian Island, +63 2902-5900, www.elnidoresorts.com.
1 Raffles Drive, Makati Ave., +63 2555-9777, www.raffles. com/makati.
Opened: October, 2012
The island retreat has 42 villas as well as an on-site dive center, 750-meter stretch of white sand beach and nature trail. It offers guided tours of natural attractions like the famous lagoons surrounding the nearby Miniloc Island. It is also ideally located for stargazing and offers clear views of the North Star and Southern Cross. Rates start at PHP27,000 ($823).
Wi-Fi Finder A must for every smartphone user, this location-based app does just what its name suggests: helps you track down the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots including those free to use.
Raffles Makati
Opened: December, 2012
A ninth project by the Raffles Hotels and Resorts group, this 30-story building includes 32 suites and 237 residences (for private sale) as well as the Fairmont Makati, an establishment with 280 rooms. Each of the suites boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the city skyline. Nearby are attractions like Malacanang Palace and Ayala Museum. Rates start at PHP18,800 ($576).
» 7 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
cover story
Thailand
Hua Chang Heritage Hotel
U Sunsuri Phuket
Hua Chang Heritage Hotel 400 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, +66 2217-0707, www.huachangheritagehotel.com. Opened: February, 2013
Bangkok’s latest boutique property is a project by the Baiyoke Group of Hotels. The design of the hotel incorporates motifs from the King Rama V-era in Thailand as well as early 20th century European patterns. A seven-floor building, it includes 80 rooms and offers a free-form swimming pool and pool bar, limousine service and personal butler service. In-room, expect a 40-inch television as well as bathroom amenities by luxury Thai brand Thann. Rates start at B3,200 ($132).
Vana Belle
scuba diving, private boat excursions, fishing and spa treatments are available. Rates start at B3,499 ($145).
Vana Belle
Sala Lanna Chiang Mai
Opened: January, 2013
49 Charoenrat Road, Wat Gate, Mueang, Chiang Mai, +66 0 5324-2588, www.salaresorts.com/lanna. Opened: April, 2013
A boutique northern Thailand establishment only a 20-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport with just 16 guest rooms. The place boasts two riverfront dining outlets (Italian restaurant Italia and international establishment The River) plus a bar, The Roof, right by the hotel’s rooftop swimming pool. Rates start at B2,800 ($119).
U Sunsuri Phuket
Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa
11/5 Moo 1, Rawai, Muang, Phuket, +66 7638-8781, www.uhotelsresorts.com/ usunsuriphuket.
49 Moo 8, Aonang, Muang, Krabi, +66 0 7562-8900, www.outrigger.com.
Opened: April, 2013
Opened: November, 2012
This getaway set on a secluded stretch This property (which used to be known of Nai Harn Beach is part of U Hotels as Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort and and Resorts. The place has pretty views Spa) has been overhauled, with 44 new of the ocean and is an hour from Phuket Outrigger Phi Phi deluxe garden bungalows. Clustered in Island Resort and Spa International Airport. There are 132 rooms the style of traditional Thai villages, the on offer and facilities such as two swimming deluxe garden bungalows are each equipped pools, two restaurants, a wine bar, spa, gym, library with a flat screen television and iPod/iPhone docking plus free bike hire. Rates start at B3,999 ($166). station. They also provide easy access to the hotel’s private 800-metre beach. Activities like snorkeling,
9/99 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, +66 7791-5555, www.starwoodhotels.com.
This opulent 80-room resort nestled in a cove by Chaweng Beach is outfitted with plenty of red satin and gold brocade. It boasts three dining outlets: international restaurant Kiree, Italian eatery Panali and the Lobby Lounge, which features a comprehensive bar menu. Rates start at B18,000 ($718).
W Bangkok 106 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, +66 2344-4000, www.whotels.com/bangkok. Opened: December, 2012
A pretty swanky hotel featuring a futuristic design with lots of mirrors, glittery details and purple accents. Alongside 400+ rooms, there’s chic eatery The Kitchen Table (headed by chef Sarah Briegel) and molecular cocktails by mixologist Bas Petchapradit at WOOBAR. Rates start at B5,200 ($209).
Before your next trip... ...find out what’s on and where to go in Bangkok and beyond with the indispensible travel magazine Where® Thailand. Check it out at wherethailand.com
HOW TO: take Better travel Pictures short of being steve McCurry (he shot that afghan girl on the cover of national geographic), you can make your travel pictures a touch more exciting by keeping your eyes peeled for these five things.
1. COlOr
2. paTTerns
yeah, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out but sometimes ALL you need is color. Get up close, block the rest out.
Motifs are great. If something gets between you and the patterns, he/she/it will really pop out.
3. sunseT/ sunrise except you’re not going to take a picture of the sun. you’re going to shoot what is basking in its glorious light. And don’t bother shooting the rest of the day—it’s a waste of time.
4. WaTer
5. FraMes
When a Bollywood or advertising director of photography runs out of inspiration, what does he do? Water. everything looks better when wet: roads, people, digital cameras…
this is another old trick but it works. shoot through a doorframe or some foliage to put a frame around your picture. Alternatively, shoot at people already in a frame.
8 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
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cover story
Japan/South Korea
Where’s your wanderlust?
Grand Openings The Best of Asian Travel
KAI Hakone
DestINAtIoN UNLIMIteD
Park Hyatt Busan
KAI Hakone
Park Hyatt Busan
Ashigarashimo Gun Hakonemachi Yumotochaya 230, Hakone, +81 50 3786-0099, www.global.hoshinoresort. com/kai_hakone.
51 Marine City 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, +82 5 1990-1234, www.busan.park.hyatt.com.
Opened: January, 2013
Designed by starchitect Daniel Libeskind, the building has a curved shape (symbolic of Busan’s waves), with 33 floors above ground and six floors below ground level. Food and beverage outlets include the Dining Room (on the 32nd floor), dishing out international fare from an open kitchen, and casual Korean and Western restaurant The Living Room. Rooms start at KRW450,000 ($509).
The getaway is on the banks of the Sugumo River, just a 45-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo. There are almost 50 rooms, outfitted with chic modern tatami mats. On-site, there’s also a dining room serving fresh sashimi from the nearby Pacific Ocean and a cozy library, with about 100 books. Hakone, in the Kanagawa Prefecture, is famous for its hot springs at traditional ryokans. Rooms start at JPY29,000 ($365).
Opened: February, 2013
»
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For an even more comprehensive run-down of more than 70 (!) Asian resorts that have opened in the last year, check out our grand Openings guide available in the I-s tablet App (www. is-magazine.com/app), and downloadable as a free e-Book at www. is-magazine.com/store
cover story
India /Maldives
range curated by an on-site sommelier. There’s also on on-site chef and kitchen crew, available 24 hours a day. Plus, guests have access to the five fine-dining restaurants located at the neighboring five-star resort Coco Bodu Hithi (Asian seafood restaurant Aqua, Japanese restaurant Tsuki, and continental eatery Stars). Rates start at US8,000 ($9,766).
Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa
Coco Privé North Malé Atoll, Kuda Hithi, Maldives, +96 0334-5555, www.cococollection.com. Opened: December, 2012
This resort can accommodate up to 12 guests and comprises of one grand Master Residence—with a private jacuzzi boasting views of the Indian Ocean, a library, cocktail bar and gymnasium—as well as five villas (two of which have private pools). Other features include a large wine-cellar with a
Village Shillim, Post Pawana Nagar, Taluka Maval, Pune, India, +91 88 7967-9123, www3.hilton.com. Opened: January, 2013
This expansive property spans 320 acres at the private Shillim Estate—with pretty rice fields and bamboo plantations— and features 99 villas. Alongside butler service, the place has one of the largest wine cellars in India and comprehensive spa facilities including more than 150 treatments. The getaway also has six on-premise food and beverage outlets focusing on organic and locally-sourced produce. Rates start at INR7,500 ($172).
Malaysia The Dusun
Kampung Kolam Air Pantai, Seremban, +60 616-2585, www.thedusun.com.my. Opened: December, 2012
Located an hour away from KL’s city center, this luxury resort consists of just four individually designed villas sprawled over 4,000 acres of protected forest and takes the concept of boutique accommodations to a whole new level. The Malay-styled Berumbun and Tembusu House are built on stilts with verandahs on two sides and overlook the skyline, but if you’re looking for something more contemporary, opt for the Sora House, a spacious modern-day villa which comes with its own outdoor plunge pool with a direct view of the rainforest. All meals are home-cooked. Rates start at RM300 ($124) for Tembusu.
Macalister Mansion 228 Macalister Rd., Penang, +60 4228-3888, www.macalistermansion.com. Opened: December, 2012
The eight-room establishment housed in an old colonial pays tribute to Colonel Norman Macalister, the first British Governor of the state in the 1800s. Each of the eight rooms traces Macalister different periods of Colonel Macalister’s life through Mansion paintings by Southeast Asian artists. Behind the project are Dato Sean H’ng, Datin Karen H’ng and Colin Seah (of Singaporebased firm Ministry of Design). Rates start at RM800 ($322). n I-S ONLINE: read our interview with Colin Seah at is.gd/interviewcolinseahmacalister.
10 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
BOOKS
Meyer Calling Travel writer Michael Meyer talks to Ric Stockfis about living in and writing about China.
H
aving originally come to China with the Peace Corps, Michael Meyer won the Whiting Writers’ Award for his first book The Last Days of Old Beijing (2008), an account of the two years he spent living in a soon-tobe-demolished hutong, or old neighborhood, in the Chinese capital. The book was never published in China—allegedly because of the slightly different shading of Taiwan on an introductory map—but has recently been translated for both the Mainland and Taiwan. Meyer is currently Assistant Professor in Creative Writing at the University of Pittsburgh as well as a visiting professor at the University of Hong Kong. His next book, In Manchuria, to be published in 2014, recounts his experiences living on a rice farm and travelling (or, in his own words, “bumming”) around northeastern China. We caught up with him on tour in Hong Kong. So the new book is something of a homage to In Patagonia? Sometimes when you’re writing a book you have this subconscious fear that it’ll be the last book you’ll ever write, so you’d better do the best one; do the things you want to accomplish as a writer. I’ve always loved Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia more than any other book, and I’ve always been drawn to north-eastern China (Dongbei, as it’s now known) more than any other region of China, so I thought it’d be nice to do an episodic narrative about a place; using place as a character.
And maybe more real? You don’t want to get posthumously slammed like Chatwin. However good the writing. I’m really sad to see how over the years Chatwin’s books, and Capote’s and Joseph Mitchell’s, have been eroded so much. And you wonder, ‘why did they do that?’, ‘why did they elide the truth?’ That’s one thing I like about this book [Last Days] being translated into Chinese. These are real people, and they’re going to tell people if it’s fake. As a non-fiction writer, you have your reputation and nothing else. And when it comes to China-writing people get away with so much bullshit; because there’s no easy way for an overseas audience to verify it. Of course. It’ll be interesting with the Manchuria book, now that I know Chinese people will be reading it, how that’ll change how I’m writing. I’ve noticed that I’m very good at self-censorship anyway after living in China for so long; but even with my descriptions of things, I wonder what’ll be different. Living somewhere is rather different from travelling through it. What was it like putting down roots in Dongbei? I thought it’d be great. I thought I’d move into my wife’s family’s little village; but instead, because my wife’s family had left, what’s there now is third cousins and distant aunts, and there’s a real rift between the people who have stayed and those who’ve left. The Spanish have a saying that there’s no hell like a small village. Also, I found writing about family much
harder than writing about strangers. So after the first year I actually moved one village over so I could have my own space. It must be strange revisiting your first book now. Beijing’s moved on so quickly. At times I feel like I’m an 85-year-old man lamenting the loss of this town in which I grew up and fell in love in and had my first job in. It only happened 10 years ago! But that’s the thing with cities. We’re always living on borrowed time in them; they change, despite our best intentions. It’ll be interesting to see how the translation will be received when you introduce it in Beijing. Right. Imagine if a Chinese person went to London and wrote a piece about “what Brixton really is” or “hey, Londoners you should be protecting these council estates!” But I really do believe no-one knows that situation more than I do. Government officials can’t because they don’t live there; and the residents don’t have the historical purview. So initially I think I’m going to be a little defensive about the laowai stuff; and not snap at something someone says. Do I bring up the fact that De Tocqueville wrote the greatest book about America, or that Chatwin wrote the greatest book about Patagonia? And that Lao She wrote a book about London in the 1930s? Outsiders do usually write the best about places. But I don’t want to say that; else you’re the didactic prick. n
This is an edited version of a much longer interview. To read it in full go to is.gd/ michaelmeyer. To hear Michael Meyer talk about his new book, download the I-S Tablet App at is-magazine.com/app.
Last Days of Old Beijing is available at bookstores around town, including Kinokuniya (#03-09 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-5021). For more on In Manchuria go to www.inmanchuria.com.
Last Days of Old Beijing is available at bookstores around town, including Kinokuniya (#03-09 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-5021). For more on In Manchuria go to www.inmanchuria.com.
Also available in the I-S Tablet App and as a PDF download www.is-magazine.com/app
11 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
g/ www.clarkequay.com.s aliveafter5
l l o R s e m i t d let the Goo Who can resist a good bargain? clarke Quay’s array of attractive ladies night and happy hour promotions will have you clock-watching till 5pm, ready for some well-deserved, post-work drinks at crazy, marked-down prices. Keep this guide close so you’ll never miss a good deal.
ladies night complimentary drinks AtticA
Fern & Kiwi
Blk A #01-03, 6333-9973 www.attica.com.sg • Up to five complimentary glasses of Rosé Champagne or standard housepour spirits before midnight or up to two drinks after midnight. Wed, 10:30pm onwards.
rAsputin
Blk C #01-02/03/#02-07/08, 6336-2271 www.fernandkiwi.com
Blk B #01-07, 6337-7011 www.facebook.com/rasputinbar • Free entry for ladies and three complimentary housepours. Wed, 11pm onwards.
• Free drinks for the ladies. Wed, 9-11pm. Le noir
shuFFLe
Blk C #01-01, 6339-6365 www.barlenoir.com • Free entry for ladies and up to five complimentary drinks. Thu, till midnight.
Blk D #02-03, 6338-9438 www.shuffle.sg • Two ladies get two glasses of Zonin Moscato, three ladies get three glasses and four ladies get one bottle, all with minimum $20 spent. Wed, 8pm onwards.
the ArenA
Blk B #01-08, 6338-3158 www.thearenalive.com.sg • Complimentary free flow cocktails of sex on the beach, lychee martini or blue lagoon (on a weekly rotating basis). Wed, 10pm-3am.
the chupitos BAr
Blk B #01-05, 6333-4513 www.thechupitosbar.com • Complimentary shooter with any pair of shooters purchased. The largest group of ladies at
midnight receives a free bottle of sex on the beach. Wed, all night.
the pump room
Blk B #01-09/10, 6334-2628 www.pumproomasia.com • Complimentary glass of house red or white wine with every one main course ordered. Wed, 5-10pm.
kiWi
FERn &
crAzy eLephAnt
Blk E #01-03/04, 6337-7859 www.crazyelephant.com • Flavored vodka drinks at $9.50 nett. Wed, all night.
awesome drink deals hooters
senor tAco
Blk D #01-03, 6332-1090 www.hooters.com.sg • Lychee daiquiri at $10 nett. Wed, all night.
Blk D #01-12 www.senortaco.sg • Premium Tres Generaciones tequila shot at $9. Wed, 6-10pm.
the Bungy BAr
Blk E #01-07, 6339-5707 www.bungybar.com.sg • Martini at $10 nett. nett. Wed, 1pm till late. ThE BUnGy BAR Gy BAR
the t pump room
Blk Blk B #01-09/10, 6334-2628 www.pumproomasia.com • Second glass of house red or white wine at $10 nett. All bottles at 15% off all night. Wed, all night.
Half-priced tipples Boss BArBQ
Fern & Kiwi
Blk C #01-04, 6336-3393 www.bossbarbq.sg • One-for-one standard housepours by the glass, house wines and beers. Wed, all night.
Blk C #01-02/03/#02-07/08, 6336-2271 www.fernandkiwi.com • One-for-one martinis. Wed, 11pm onwards.
District 10
FremAntLe seAFooD mArKet
Blk D #01-11 www.district10.com.sg • One-for-one cocktails and shooters. Wed, all night.
Blk E #01-05/06, 6337-1838 www.fremantleseafoodmarket. com.sg • One-for-one cocktails. Wed, 5pm onwards.
hot stones
Blk D #01-06, 6333-4868 www.hotstones.com.sg • One-for-one cocktails. Wed, 5pm onwards.
FREMAnTLE SEAFOOD MARkET
DiSTRiCT 10
*Exclusive for ladies only. All information is correct at time of release and may be subjected to change. Outlet’s terms and conditions apply.
12 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
pAuLAner wirtshAus cLArKe QuAy
Blk B #01-12, 6338-0480 www.paulaner-clarkequay.com • One-for-one cocktail jugs at $38++. Wed, normal operating hours.
the ForBiDDen city By inDochine
Blk A #01-02, 6557-6226 www.indochine-group.com • One-for-one house beers, wines and signature martinis. Wed, 7pm onwards.
the pump room
Blk B #01-09/10, 6334-2628 www.pumproomasia.com
• One-for-one Mumm champagne at $150 nett per bottle and Absolut Elyx Vodka at $280 nett per bottle. Wed, 9pm onwards.
tongKAng coLoniAL BAr & restAurAnt Blk D #01-06, 6333-4868 www.tongkang.com.sg • One-for-one cocktails. Wed, 5pm onwards.
ThE FORBiDDEn CiTy By inDOChinE
BROUGhT TO yOU By CLARkE QUAy
happy hour for Beer Hounds AQuAnovA
Blk c #01-09, 6305-6768 www.aquanova.sg • Draft beers (Tiger, heineken, Erdinger and kirin) at $8 nett per half pint and $13 nett per pint. Daily, 6-9pm. • Tiger, heineken and kirin at $8 nett per pint. Erdinger at $10 nett per pint. Sun-Thu, 6-7pm.
BAyAng
Blk A #01-05, 6337-0144 www.katrinahldgs.com/bayang.html • Tiger jug at $25++. Daily, 5pm onwards.
FremAntLe seAFooD mArKet
Blk e #01-05/06, 6337-1838 www.fremantleseafoodmarket.com.sg • Tiger and heineken tower at $140++ for two. Daily, 10pm onwards.
hotstones
Blk D #01-06, 6333-4868 www.hotstones.com.sg • Tiger and heineken tower at $140++ for two. Daily, 10pm onwards.
Le noir
Blk c #01-01, 6339-6365 www.barlenoir.com • Bucket of five Tiger or heineken bottles at $50. Mon-Fri, 5-7pm.
rAsputin
Blk B #01-07, 6337-7011 www.rasputin.com.sg • Tiger or heineken at $10 nett for a pint, $35 nett for a jug, $35 nett for a bucket and $65 nett for a tower. Daily, 6-11pm.
rAs the essence oF inDiA
Blk D #01-05A, 6837-2800 www.ras.com.sg • Tiger jug at $26++. Daily, 6-8pm.
pAuLAner wirtshAus cLArKe QuAy
renn thAi
Blk B #01-12, 6338-0480 www.paulaner-clarkequay.com • Two hours free flow of 0.5L lager beer at $48++. All 0.3L draft beers and housepour selection at $8 nett. Sun-Thu, 5-10pm.
Blk D #01-05, 6338-7200 www.katrinahldgs.com/ rennthai.html • Draft Tiger jug at $26++. Daily, 5 pm onwards.
White, Mac Black and Magners at $12 per pint. Daily, from 1- 9pm.
the pump room
Blk B #01-09/10, 6334-2628 www.pumproomasia.com • Beer tower at 10% off. Sat-Thu, 5-9pm; Fri and eve of public holidays, 5-8pm.
tomo izAKAyA
Blk A #01-04, 6333-0100 www.tomoizakaya.com • Sapporo draft at $5++. Daily, 5-7pm.
tongKAng coLoniAL BAr & restAurAnt
the Bungy BAr
Blk e #01-07, 6339-5707 www.bungybar.com.sg • Draft beers at $9 nett per pint. Great
Blk D #01-06, 6333-4868 www.tongkang.com.sg • Tiger and heineken tower at $140++ for two. Daily, 10pm onwards.
verve pizzA BAr
Blk D #01-10 www.verve.sg • Bucket of four heineken, Corona or Tiger bottles at $40++. Daily, normal operating hours.
vintry At royAL seLAngor
Blk A #01-01, 6338-2808 www.vintry.com.sg • A bucket of five heineken, Pure Blonde, Stella Artois or Tiger bottles at $35++. A bucket of five Corona bottles at $45++ and a bucket of five Little Creatures bottles at $50++. Daily, normal operating hours.
TOMO iZAkAyA TOMO
awesome drink deals AQuAnovA
Blk c #01-09, 6305-6768 www.aquanova.sg • 20% off all premium spirit bottles. housepour spirits at $8 nett per glass and $28 nett per jug. housepour wines at $10 nett per glass. Daily, 6-9pm. • housepour spirits at $5 nett per glass. housepour wines at $6 nett per glass. Sun-Thu, 6-7pm.
BAyAng
Blk A #01-05, 6337-0144 www.katrinahldgs. com/bayang.html • Margarita jug at $25++. Daily, 5pm onwards.
Fern & Kiwi
LittLe sAigon
Blk c #01-02/03/#02-07/08, 6336-2271 www.fernandkiwi.com • housepours at $10 nett. Daily, 4-7pm. • Free flow housepours at $40++. Daily, 7-9pm.
Blk e #01-02, 6337-5585 www.littlesaigonasia.com. • 50% off all beers, cocktails, housepour spirits and wines by the glass. Daily, till 8pm.
muLLigAn’s
FremAntLe seAFooD mArKet Blk e #01-05/06, 6337-1838 www.fremantleseafoodmarket. com.sg • housepour beer and wine at $5++. Daily, 12-7pm.
octApAs
hooters singApore h
Blk D #01-03, 6332-1090 www.hooters.com.sg • Purchase any two beers or housepour spirits of the same kind and get the third one free. Daily, 10pm onwards.
BAyAnG
chinA one
Blk e #02-01to 03, 6339-0280 www.chinaone.sg • Free flow housepours and beers at $25 nett from 8-10pm, $35 nett from 10pm-midnight and $50 nett from 8pm-midnight. Wed-Sat.
Blk c #01-10, 6305-6726 www.mulliganspubs.com • 20% off pints of beer, wines by the glass and cocktails. Double shots for any housepour spirits at $14 nett. Daily, 12-8pm.
hotstones
Blk D #01-06, 6333-4868 www.hotstones.com.sg • housepour beer and wine at $5++. Daily, 12-3pm; 5-8pm.
Blk D #01-08, 6837-2938 www.octapasasia.com • 50% off all beers, red red or white sangria, house wines and housepour spirits. Daily, till 8pm.
OCTAPAS
rAsputin
Blk B #01-07, 6337-7011 www.rasputin.com.sg • nemiroff vodka bottle at $98 nett. Daily, 6-11pm.
renn thAi
Blk D #01-05, 6338-7200 www.katrinahldgs.com/rennthai. html • housepour spirits at $9++. Mojito and bloody mary at $10++ each. Daily, 6-11pm.
the chupitos BAr
Blk B #01-05 www.thechupitosbar.com • housepour spirits, bottled beers and shooters at $6 nett each. Daily, 6:30-9pm.
the highLAnDer BAr & restAurAnt
Blk B #01-11, 6235-9528 www.highlanderasia.com •• 50% off wines by the glass, beer pints, bottled beers and beer housepour spirits. Sun-Thu, till 9pm.
the pump room
Blk B #01-09/10, 6334-2628 www.pumproomasia.com • 15% off all bottles. Sat-Thu, 5-9pm; Fri and eve of public holidays, 5-8pm.
tongKAng coLoniAL BAr & restAurAnt
Blk D #01-06, 6333-4868 www.tongkang.com.sg • housepour beer and wine at $5++. Daily, noon-3pm, 5-8pm.
verve pizzA BAr
Blk D #01-10 www.verve.sg • One shooter at $12, $20 for two and $50 for six. Daily, normal operating hours.
vintry At royAL seLAngor
Blk A #01-01, 6338-2808 www.vintry.com.sg • 20% off any wine for drink in or take away. Sun-Thu, normal operating hours.
wings BAr
Blk D #01-02, 6333-4460 www.wingsbar.sg • 50% off all draft beers, housepour spirits and cocktails. Daily, 5-6pm. • 25% off all draft beers, housepour spirits and cocktails. Daily, 6-7pm. • Eight shooters for $50++. Sun-Tue and Thu, 5pm-2am; Wed, Fri, and eve of public holidays, till 4am.
if youÕ re in tHe mood for food Beer mArKet
BEER MA
RkET
Blk B #01-17/#02-02, 9661-8283 www.beermarket.com.sg • Wings, grilled sausage or cheese nachos at $3 nett. Mon-Thu, 6-8pm; Sun, all day.
muchos mexicAn BAr & restAurAnt
Blk D #01-04, 6338-4748 www.katrinahldgs.com/muchos.html • Free salsa with nachos (choice of one salsa) with every purchase of margarita jug or Tiger jug. Daily, 5pm onwards. MUChOS M EXiCAn B RESTAURAnT AR &
District 10
Blk D #01-11 www.district10.com.sg • One-for-one housepour liquors, Stella Artois and house wines. Daily, 6-8pm.
Le noir
Blk c #01-01, 6339-6365 www.barlenoir.com • One-for-one beer of the day. Mon-Fri, 5-7pm.
shuFFLe
Blk D #02-03, 6338-9438 www.shuffle.sg • Buy any pizza, pasta, mains or asian delight and get a complimentary glass of housepour spirit, wine, beer, soft drink or juice. Mon-Thu, 6-8pm.
the chupitos BAr
Blk B #01-05 www.thechupitosbar.com • Wagyu beef sliders (3pcs) at $6 nett. Daily, 6:30-9pm.
the pump room
Blk B #01-09/10, 6334-2628 www.pumproomasia.com • Receive a $20 return spending voucher with a minimum spend of $100 (before GST) in a single receipt. Sat-Thu, 5-9pm; Fri and eve of public holidays, 5-8pm.
verve pizzA BAr
Blk D #01-10 www.verve.sg • Any pizza slice with one heineken, Corona or Tiger at $15++; any 12” pizza with two heineken, Corona or Tiger at $35++; any 12” pizza
with two glasses of house wines at $40++; any 12” pizza with four heineken, Corona or Tiger at $50++; free 12” pizza with order of six housepours at $60++. Daily, normal operating hours.
vintry At royAL seLAngor
Blk A #01-01, 6338-2808 www.vintry.com.sg • Choice of nibbles at $7++ (Vintry roast pork, fries, caramelized roast pork, spicy caramelized roast pork, wedges, chicken bites, tomato bruschetta, cheese quesadillas, fivespiced chicken wings). Daily, 4-8pm.
Half-priced tipples mAD For gArLic
Blk B #01-16, 6333-1507 www.madforgarlic.com.sg • One-for-one house red or white wine, draft Tiger and heineken pint and all bottled beers. Daily, 7-10pm.
the ArenA
Blk B #01-08, 6338-3158 www.thearenalive.com.sg • One-for-one housepour and Tiger glass or jug. Daily, 9-10pm.
*All information is correct at time of release and may be subjected to change. Outlet’s terms and conditions apply
the ForBiDDen city By inDochine
Blk A #01-02, 6557-6268 www.indochine-group.com • One-for-one housepour spirits, house wines, draft beers with complimentary crispy Laotian chicken wings with straight-cut fries. Sun-Thu, 5-9pm. *For indoChine members only.
13 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
the pump room
Blk B #01-09/10, 6334-2628 www.pumproomasia.com • One-for-one beers, housepour spirits and house wines at $10++ per glass. Sat-Thu, 5-9pm; Fri and eve of public holidays, 5-8pm.
vintry At royAL seLAngor
Blk A #01-01, 6338-2808 www.vintry.com.sg • One-for-one house wines, draft beers, bottled beers, house pour spirits. Daily, 4-8pm.
travel Send your travel news and promotions to travel@asia-city.com.sg
ESCAPE ROUTES
with Chin Hui Wen
KC Beach Club & Pool Villas
George Town Festival
m AL AYSIA
By George!
Annual arts celebration the George Town Festival returns to Penang from June 7-July 7, featuring a range of art, stage, music, dance, opera and film screenings. This year highlights include performances by Italian chamber music group I Musici (June 7; from RM40 ($16.50)), Sutra (June 29-30; from RM40 ($16.50)), a dance featuring 17 Buddhist Shaolin monks, and photography exhibition Obsura (June 20-23; Free). While in town, stay at boutique establishments like colonial home Macalister Mansion (see page 10) and three-level shophouse Campbell House (106 Lebuh Campbell, Penang, +60 4261-8290, www. campbellhousepenang.com). Find out more at georgetownfestival.com. THAIL AND
Pool Player
The popularity of beach clubs in Koh Samui shows no signs of abating. The latest to join the fold is KC Beach Club & Pool Villas (Cheaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Koh Samui, +66 7791-5155), now open on Cheaweng Beach, featuring both a beach club and a contemporary-themed hotel with 42 rooms and pool villas. Rates start at B6,930 ($288) and include access to the beach club’s facilities. Access to the club is also free for outside guests who
George Town Festival
spend more than B500 ($21) on food and drinks. Get the full details at www.kchotelgroup.com. For more fun in the sun, check out our guide to Thai beach clubs at is.gd/ phuketbeachclubs
mOBILE APP
Walk in the Park There’s no better way to see a city than on foot—you just notice so much more. And the Korean Tourism Organization has just launched a Seoul Walking Tour mobile app offering guides to 16 of the city’s most popular attractions. As you explore the city, the app provides expert audio narrations. It also has GPS utility— making the city easy to navigate—plus details on accommodation, restaurants and shopping options. Download the app for iPhone at itunes.apple. com and Android at play.google.com. FLIGHTS
Indo Me
Indonesia’s really heating up as a destination. Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair. com) will fly from Singapore to Surabaya starting July 26, with fares from $1,725 return. Plus, SilkAir (www.silkair.com) is set to commence thrice-weekly Singapore-Semarang (July 29; from $212 return) and SingaporeMakassar (August 1; from $252 return) services.
Looking to get away? Sign up at www.is-magazine.com/user/register#newsletter to get Escape Routes delivered to your mailbox every Tuesday.
Shanti & L Ad.indd 1
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20/5/13 2:09 PM
I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
island
STYLE + LIVING + DINING | Get More out of your vacation
headphones Sound of Silence Noise-cancelling headphones are a godsend on planes and trains— except they’re usually pretty chunky. Sennheiser’s PXc 250-ii is a svelte new number that actively blocks out sound and is powered by just one AAA battery. Best of all, it’s entirely foldable and comes with a nifty padded pouch so packing is a cinch. $299 from Sennheiser, Marina Square #03-123, 6 Raffles Blvd., 6336-5668.
luggage Case Files Samsonite’s new firelite range currently boasts the world’s lightest cabin bag at 1.9kg (for the cabin-sized Spinner 55, $710). If you’re not the type to travel light, there’s the medium Spinner 69 ($830) and the large Spinner 75 ($870) to fit all of your essentials and an extra pair of shoes while keeping to baggage limits. Pick from red, blue, charcoal and white at Samsonite, #B3-08 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6634-8323, www. samsonite.com.sg.
camera Tough Times Magic Moment Swimwear label Miraclesuit’s latest collection of one-piece swimsuits are every bit as chic (and provocative) as as their bikini counterpart, infused with bright summer prints, sleek silhouettes and flirty details like shirring and draping. What’s even better: each piece is constructed using a special fabric that reportedly smoothens out flaws and resists chlorine damage to last holiday after holiday. $180 upwards from ocean Paradise. #05-34 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6836-2672, www.oceanparadise.com.sg.
Shutterbugs with a penchant for the outdoors can turn to Panasonic’s new 16.1 megapixel Lumix DMc-ft5, a camera that combines ruggedness with functionality. It packs a 28mm wide-angle lens and a 4.6x zoom in an airtight body that keeps out water, dust and even, snow. With 1920x1080 full HD recording capability, you can capture every last detail the next time you decide hiking up Kinabalu is a good idea. $499 from Harvey norman, #02-57/62 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6311-9988.
15 i-S MaGaZine FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
island
food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home
Shape Shifter
OPEN STORE
FITNESS
ZERO Halliburton the buzz: German label Rimowa has vacated its old digs at Mandarin Gallery to make way for competitor ZERO Halliburton’s first flagship boutique in Southeast Asia. The 75-year-old American luggage brand, previously only available at major departmental stores here, is renowned for its sleek and durable aluminum suitcases built by aircraft engineers.
NASA’s Apollo 11 mission) alongside selected pieces from its nylon and polycarbonate collections. Most recently launched are the ZR Geo aluminum suitcases (from $1,129), which feature the brand’s iconic double rib design and come with multi-position telescoping handles, TSA lock, wheel-stopper and a fully-lined interior with practical mesh pockets. Choose from silver or black in six different sizes.
One of Fitness First’s newer clubs has an open concept cycling studio with instructor-led and virtual classes throughout the day. They’re only 30 minutes per session, so you can’t use time as an excuse.
the vibe: Unapologetically sparse, the modestlysized boutique doesn’t feel small thanks to its modern-minimalist approach and glossy floor tiles.
Why you’ll be back: Even if you’re a frequent flyer, you can be pretty sure this stuff won’t fall apart in the midst of your globetrotting adventures. Crystal Lee
Non-members can register for a three-day trial at #02-21 UE Biz Hub East, 6 Changi Business park Ave. 1 (North tower), 6438-8114, www.fitnessfirst.com.sg.
the goods: Though you won’t find the complete range, the store stocks its signature aluminum suitcases (which were used to transport moon rocks in
Three gym classes to prep your body for the beach. By Hidayah Salamat FIGHtSHApE Using techniques that stimulate martial arts moves, this intense, hour-long circuit session will target your inactive muscles and tone you all over. It’s designed to keep someone preparing for a martial arts career in competitive shape so you know it’s a good recipe for a hot bod. Register for a complimentary trial class at Evolve MMA, #03-11 poMo Mall, 1 Selegie Rd., 6337-0082, evolve-mma.com.
HIIt High Intensity Interval Training, in Ritual’s 30-minute class. Your workout of the day can include anything from pushups and burpees to rows and squat pulls. Guranteed to leave you laying sprawled across the floor afterwards. Request for a trial at Ritual, #03-01, 11 North Canal Rd., 6536-7291, www.ritual.sg.
Fitness First
SHORt SpINNING SESSIONS
16 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
#02-19 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6736-2263, www. zerohalliburton.com. Daily, 11am-9:30pm.
island
food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home
food
Man, go! Since when did Bangkok dining get so good? By the Asia city Team, Photography by Gregoire Glachant
I
f you want to start a fight with foodie friends, just challenge them to name the best dining city in the world. And if you want to really go no-holds-barred, tell them you think it’s Bangkok. OK, so Thailand doesn’t yet have the economy to sustain bleeding edge food. And there’s more than a whiff of hype right now. Other cities still do molecular better; and for all that places like Le Beaulieu are doing classical food superbly well, you can find equivalents elsewhere. But what’s clear is that Bangkok is being watched and that the economy is growing fast. Michelin critics passed through recently, as part of their big Southeast Asian investigation. Robuchon is said to be opening something there soon. Rumor has it Juan Amador (another 3-star chef) is heading there, too. Michelin-worthy outlets have set up in the past, but they’ve never done well before; so change may be afoot. Then, of course, Bangkok has the best Thai food in the world. And since Thai food tops so many people’s list of their favorite cuisines, maybe doing the world’s best Thai food—on top of all the other international, experimental stuff—means you really do have the best dining scene. Says Gregoire Glachant, Managing Editor of our sister magazine BK, “I think people have also been blown away by the diversity of food in Bangkok. With food trucks so hot in the US, visitors are just amazed by the markets and the food carts here. It’s taken a few years but people now get that green curry and pad Thai were the tip of the tip of the iceberg. Best dining city? Maybe not. Most exciting (and perhaps underrated)? Probably.” And since BK Magazine’s all-new Top Tables 2013 is far and away the best guide to Bangkok’s restaurant scene, we thought we’d share edited highlights of their top five here just to whet your appetite. Nahm
1. NAhM Thai
While there may be one or two close rivals to the throne, we still believe Nahm serves the best Thai food you can eat in Bangkok. (In fact, we believe it serves the best food you can eat in Bangkok, period.) We love the flexibility given by the set menu which starts you off with delicious canapés (the skewered Southern grilled mussels are divine) before letting you pick one nam prik (relish), one salad, one soup (per person), one curry and one stir fry from a mouthwatering list of options. And while Thompson is resolutely traditional with his dishes, there is just enough innovation to keep you on your toes, especially in the sublime desserts courtesy of his partner, Tanongsak Yordwa. G/F Metropolitan, Sathorn Rd., +66-625-3333. Open daily 7-11pm.
2. LE BEAuLIEu French
the crowd reflects this, but Le Beaulieu is currently our favorite French restaurant in town. G/F Athenee Office Tower, 63 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., +66-168-8220-3. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-11:30pm.
3. QuINcE Mediterranean
The food at the super popular Quince is pretty consistently excellent. Unfortunately, Chef Jess Barnes left the place not long ago. Quince’s Quince number three ranking is thus more a reflection on what the restaurant has accomplished until now, than a guarantee as to its future. Using local produce and seasonal ingredients, Barnes’ cuisine really shines through in dishes like the roasted carrots with shallot, honey, poppy seed and thyme. The space is truly handsome and the kitchen staff is both bold and talented—let’s hope it stays that way.
Resisting fads and fashions, Chef Herve Frerard remains Sukhumvit Soi 45, +66-662-4478. Open resolutely French, whipping daily 11:30am-1am. up chicken liver pate, soups and consommés 4. The Water Library (such as his famous Thonglor bouillabaisse) and hearty, French rustic mains split between What if you imported nearly all land and sea. In short, your produce from the best sources Le Beaulieu these are simple dishes in the world? What if you had more using top ingredients imported chefs than diners? What if you made those direct from France or making the diners start eating together at the exact same most of the chef’s involvement with the time, with a set menu they can’t pick and Royal Projects in Thailand. Such understated choose from? This crazy dream is a reality at refinement and taste doesn’t come cheap and
Water Library Thonglor (there’s also Water Library at Chamchuree Square, which does classic a la carte dining). The restaurant serves a maximum of 10 diners per night, starting at 7:30pm on the dot. To make it all happen, Water Library assembled a dream team of international mixologists, chefs and wait staff, and uses only the very best imported ingredients to boot. While this is Bangkok’s most expensive set dinner, the experience and flavors are also some of the most exciting in town. The Grass, 264/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55, +66 (0)2-714-9292-3. Open daily 6pm-1am.
5. BO.LAN Thai
Chefs and couple, Bo and Dylan (Bo. lan, get it?) worked at David Thompson’s Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Nahm at its original London location. But it was them who first brought the promise of authentic, uncompromising food at fine dining prices back home to Bangkok. Flavors are uncompromisingly, but not overpoweringly, hot, such as the grilled aubergine salad with fresh, plump river prawns and a perfectly half-boiled duck egg. Each bite lets the complexities of the Thai spices and herbs unfold in your mouth. This is Thai food for connoisseurs who want to be pleasantly surprised (as opposed to comforted) by what’s on their plate. n 42 Sukhumvit Soi 26, +66 (0)2-260-2962. Open Tue-Sun 6:30-11pm.
17 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
For the remaining 84(!) head to bk.asia-city. com/toptables2013 or
www.facebook.com/ TopTablesBangkok .
island
food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home
NEW AND NOTED
With Chin Hui Wen
Wellington on a Plate
Ritzy Tipsy The second edition of the Asia-Pacific Food and Wine Festival is going down at The Ritz-carlton hong Kong (International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, +85 2 2263-2263, www.ritzcarlton.com) from June 13-16. Highlights include a cooking class and dinner with chef Mads Refslund from Denmark’s Noma (June 13; HK$3,980 ($632)) and a wine appreciation session with UK Master of Wine Ned Goodwin (June 14; HK$2,980 ($473)).
with booze, and Beervana (August 17-18; From $40), a epic brew showcase offering 200 different drink specimens.
Street Spirit
Closer to home, but still with a determinedly international outlook, is the World Street Food congress, which takes place this week at the F1 Pit Building & Paddock (1 Republic Blvd., www.wsfcongress. com). Before this get-together of cheap eats enthusiasts takes off internationally— Carol Anne Wah of organizers Makansutra hopes to hold it in “San Francisco, Peruvian Mexico or even Israel” one hot Plate Ceviche day—food culture nerds had If you’ve been meaning to best get in line for this year’s visit New Zealand forever, maybe inaugural edition. It’s made this will finally promt you to up of three parts: an industry book flights. Events for popular Dialogue (June 3-4) featuring kiwi food festival Wellington the likes of Anthony Bourdain on a Plate (+64 4473-8044, and Noma’s Claus Meyer and www.wellingtononaplate. topics including food carts and com)—set to run from August fading food cultures (tickets start 9-25—are usually booked out at $630, though); a Jamboree in advance (half the meals are (May 31-June 9) which is your now full) but you can still snag chance to try street food from tickets for highlights like An around the world ($28 on the Offaly Scottish Affair (August door, including $20 of vouchers); 19; $75), a five-course feast and the World Street Food of innards, Arthur’s Whiskey Awards, which are, you know, Breakfast (August 11; $80), a pretty much what you’d expect. four-course morning meal paired
Check out our sister mag BK’s guide to Bangkok’s top coffee joints at is.gd/bangkokbestcafes
Sign up for our weekly food & drink newsletter at is.gd/TheDish to get The Dish delivered to your mailbox every week.
18 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
Need to know Theater & Arts
The Substation > 6337-7535
The Arts House > 6332-6919
Ticketbooth > 6296-2929
Esplanade Box Office > 6828-8377
Cinema Ticketing Hotlines
www.esplanade.com
Fort Canning Park > 6332-1302
chart the weeks ahead
www.substation.org
www.theartshouse.com.sg
www.nparks.gov.sg
Gatecrash > 6100-2005 www.gatecrash.com.sg
National Museum of Singapore > 6332-5642
www.ticketbooth.com.sg
Cathay > 6337-8181 www.cathay.com.sg
Eng Wah > 6836-9074
www.ewcinemas.com.sg
Filmgarde > 6344-5997 www.filmgarde.com.sg
www.nationalmuseum.sg
Golden Village > 1900-912-1234
Singapore Art Museum > 6332-3222
Shaw > 6738-0555
www.singart.com
www.gv.com.sg www.shaw.sg
Sistic > 6348-5555 www.sistic.com.sg
SEE This
DO This
Precious Time
Small Wonders Shop for handmade trinkets, used designer clothing and vintage ware at Every Little Thing.
Live orchestral music accompanied by a real-time screening of The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring promises to be a treat for both fans of the movie and classical music lovers.
See Sales & Fairs, page 21
DON'T Miss
See Stage, below
Internet Idols Pick up valuable tricks from the brightest minds in the regional startup scene at Echelon 2013. See Stuff, page 21
This special issue of I-S only contains edited highlights. For the complete listings, download the I-S Tablet App www.is-magazine.com/app
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stage concerts & gigs
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Syndicate Subsessions: Pleasantry, Fauxe & Weish and Brandon Tay A triple-bill of local bands accompanied by resident visual artist Brandon Tay. Jun 1, 8pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St. Call 6337-7800 for more info. $20 from The Substation.
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I-S PICK> The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring This movie score concert, led by conductor Justin Freer, showcases Howard Shore’s Academy and Grammy award-winning tunes, performed live to the first film in Peter Jackson’s motion picture trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. Jun 6-8, 7:30pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055. $58-228 from Sistic.
I-S PICK> Shelves, Wavves and Múm Concert at Zouk Showcasing a mishmash of indie sounds from the likes of Singaporean pop-rock group Shelves, American punk-rock band Wavves and Icelandic experimental band Múm. Jun 15, 8pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $80.
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Stomp 2013 This famed percussive theater performance needs no introduction. Using only body parts and everyday objects, the Stomp troupe creates intricate, energetic pieces of music that will boggle your senses and get you thumping along in no time. Jun 18-23, 7:30pm. Sands Theater, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave. Call 66888826 for more info. $150-65.
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Dune Rats Live in Singapore The entertaining rock band from Down Under oozes plenty of raucous attitude on and off stage. May 31, 9pm. Night & Day, 139A/C Selegie Rd.. Call 90056525 for more info.
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I-S PICK> Stereophonics—Live in Singapore The Welsh rock stars who brought us hit songs “Dakota” and “Have a Nice Day” return with brand new material from their most recent album, Graffiti on the Train. Jun 25, 8pm. The Coliseum™, Resorts World® Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $88-250 from Sistic.
Chris Tucker Live Return Tour The Hollywood star, best known for his roles in the Rush Hour film trilogy and Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, brings his standup comedy tour to town. Jun 25, 8pm. Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk. Call 3157-1450 for more info. $98-168 from Sistic.
comedy
theater
I-S PICK> One Man Lord of The Rings In this one-man performance of the entire Lord of the Rings triology, Charles Ross re-enacts characters in an imaginative and hilarious manner. Jun 18-21, 7:30pm; Jun 22, 3pm, 7:30pm; Jun 23, 3pm. DBS Arts Centre – Home of SRT, 20 Merbau Rd.. Call 63485555 for more info. $68 from Sistic.
I-S PICK> Alfian Sa’at - In the Spotlight Don’t miss this festival of works by celebrated local playwright Alfian Sa’at, which will premiere his latest theatrical work, Cook a Pot of Curry, along with revivals of old faves Dreamplay: Asian Boys Vol. 1 and The Optic Trilogy. Jul 3-20, 8pm. LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally St.. Call 6292-2695 for more info. $35-60 from Sistic.
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19 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
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musicals I-S PICK
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Dirty Dancing The theater show written by Eleanor Bergstein—also the script writer and co-producer of the 1987 Dirty Dancing movie— tells the tale of teenager Baby and dance instructor Johnny who fall in love at Kellerman’s resort over the summer. The performance features hit songs such as “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey Baby”, “Do You Love Me?” and “Time Of My Life.”, Jun 1-2, 2pm; Jun 4-9, 8pm; Jun 8-9, 2pm; Jun 11-16, 8pm. Grand Theater (MBS), The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $55-175 from Sistic.
art » sports » food & drink Email event news to art@asia-city.com.sg, sports@asia-city.com.sg and food@asia-city.com.sg
sports
art s e pt e m b e r 2 0t h & 2 1 st 2 0 1 3
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last chance
mar i na bar rag e s i n gapo r e
I-S PICK
I-S PICK> Tetraphilia Nadim Abbas’ first solo show here is a compelling installation mapping the word “tetra” (better known as a prefix meaning four) and continues the artist’s psychological explorations on perception. Through Jun 9. Hermes, #01-02A Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd., 6738-9807. Free.
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I NTE R NATI O NAL LIVE ACTS
March 71 Revered veteran Chinese graphic designer and artist Kan Tai-Keung’s works blend elements of traditional landscape paintings with graphic design principles to interesting effect. Through Jun 9. Hakaren Art Gallery, #02-43 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Rd., 6733-3382. Free.
continuing I-S PICK
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I-S Xperience: Twist and Turn Pick up effective Pilates moves in two intensive sessions starting this June, from the fit folk of Sky Pilates. Jun 15, 2pm. Sky Pilates, #05-03 Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd., 6100-7597. Register on www.is-magazine.com/ isx. Free.
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I NTE R NATI O NAL DJ S ETS
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Every trick only needs one truth Awardwinning Singapore contemporary oil painter and sculptor David Chan invites the audience to search for the truth in the face of their own swift and often misleading judgements through his cleverly layered artworks. Through Jun 15. Art Seasons Gallery, #02-21/24 PoMo, 1 Selegie Rd. Call 6741-6366 for more info. Free.
LOCALS & REGIONALs
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Ian Woo: How I Forgot to Be Happy More abstract artworks from one of our foremost artists. The lineup of works emphasizes the materiality of paint. Through Jun 16. Tomio Koyama Gallery (Gillman Barracks), #01-26, 47 Malan Rd., 6659-7068. Free.
opening
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I-S PICK> Mythopoeia This exhibition by Japanese anime and video-game favorite Yoshitaka Amano features several of the artist’s large and smaller automotive paint on aluminum paintings. Jun 7-14. Mizuma Gallery (Gillman Barracks), #01-34, 22 Lock Rd., 6570-2505. Free.
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Clifford Pier—A Place in our Hearts A photo exhibition chronicling the different roles the pier played in the sociopolitical landscape of Singapore from 1933 to 2006. Jun 3-Aug 31. Clifford Pier, Collyer Quay. Free.
1worldfest.com
CLASSIFIEDS
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OFFICIAL
NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE
RADIO STATION
I David Martin Betts, British National currently residing at 56 Toh Tuck Road 05/07, Signature Park Singapore, hereby give notice of my intention to marry Marrisa Estomo Dalere a Phillppino in STA Maria Philippines on the 28th July. I herby give notice that if anyone raises legal objection to the proposed marriage on the grounds of incapacity of either party of other lawful impediment, then such objection must be communicated with the British Embassy Manila ( Tel No. 00632.858.2200) within 21 days from the date of this publication.
20 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
Race Against Cancer Raise money for cancer patients by taking part in this running competition, where individuals can either compete in the 10km run,15km run or participate in the 5km Fun Run. Better still, gather your collegues and join forces for the Team Challenge with a minimum of five runners per organisation for the 10km Competitive Run. Jul 21, 7am. East Coast Park Area E2 (Angsana Green), 1220 East Coast Parkway. Call 6421-5862 for more info. $42-55.
food & drink
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Maifest Singapore Enjoy a sumptuous spead of German food and beer at this lively celebration of the Bavarian festival. Prices include one serving of a German dish and a drink (Erdinger beer, wine or soft drink). Through May 31, 7pm; May 31-Jun 1, 7pm; Jun 1-2, 7pm; Jun 2, 11am. The Padang, Connaught Dr., 6338-9271. $18-78.
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9MCM Upmarket-Summer Edition This food fair will offer samples of gourmet dishes, craft beers, fine wines, produce, home accessories and art, by brands like Le Creuset, Supernature, Thirsty - The Beer Shop, E+ wine and Dream Interiors. Jun 8, 10am. APS Lifestyle Gallery, APS Building, 9 Muthuraman Chetty Rd.. Call 6356-0988 for more info.
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The Austrian Wine Experience Featuring 16 Austrian wines offered at 19 of Singapore’s top wine and dine establishments, wine lovers can look forward to complimentary tasting flights, degustation menus, special winemakers dinners, appetizer flights and ala-carte pairing as well as educational seminars from local wine critic and expert Tan Ying Hsien. Through Jun 16. Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar, 9/10 Duxton Hill. Call 6818-3388 for more info.
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I-S PICK> The World Street Food Congress 2013 This inaugural 10-day food fiesta features up to 35 top street food masters from the region and around the world. There will also be a two-day World Street Food Dialogue for stakeholders to network and share ideas, which will culminate in the World Street Food
stUff » nigHtlife Email event news to stuff@asia-city.com.sg and nightlife@asia-city.com.sg
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WHY not? Fly a plane Ever wished you could take to the skies as a pilot? It’s not as cheap as just jumping on an AirAsia flight, but why not try flying lessons at the Republic of Singapore Flying Club (#05-01 Business Aviation Complex, Seletar Aerospace Park, 700 West Camp Rd., 6481-0200, www. singaporeflyingclub.com). Apply for your Student Pilot's License after a quick medical test, and be prepared to study for some theory and practical tests. Think you have what it takes? Membership starts from $1,500 with a monthly fee of $150. Azimin Saini Awards Dinner. May 31-Jun 9. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd. Call 6438-4038 for more info. Tickets to the Jamboree are $28 at the door.
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I-S PICK> I-S Xperience: Bake and Take Fifteen readers can discover how the wonderful pastries from artisanal patisserie Dolcetto by Basilico are made in this mini master class by chef Angelo Ciccone. Jun 26, 7pm. Dolcetto by Basilico, G/F The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 6720-8000. Register on www. is-magazine.com.isx. Free.
stUff etc
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I-S PICK> Echelon 2013 At the biggest tech startup conference in town, you’ll get the chance to learn anything from how to build problemsolving products and get people to use them, to the right way of conducting a pitch, from key players such as Redmart’s Roger Egan, Trendwatching. com, Airbnb and of course, organizer e27. Jun 4-5, 9am, 9:30am. Singapore Expo, 1 Expo Dr., 6403-2160, e27.co/ echelon. $80-549.
The LASALLE Show 2013 Exhibition Over 900 works from the Design, Fine Arts, Film, Animation, Media Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre and Art Therapy scholls from Lasalle, curated by Dr Charles Merewether. Through Jun 6. ICA Gallery, #B1-04 LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally St., 6496-5000. Free.
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Ad:tech Singapore 2013 The largest media and marketing event for all brand advertisers, traditional and interactive agencies, portals, on-line publishers and service providers provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase and discover new practices and technologies. Jun 13-14, 9am. Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., 6337-2888. $25-1,195.
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I-S PICK> The Best of British 2013 In celebration of its 30th anniversary, The British Club Singapore is presenting this 10-day festival featuring Michelin-starred chef Paul Bates at The Commonwealth Wine & Gourmet Dinner (Jun 7), a football clinic with four ex-Manchester United legends including Andy Cole and Denis Irwin and an exhibition showcasing up-and-coming British artists like Tim Wakefield and Horace Panter. Jun 7-16. The British Club, 73 Bukit Tinggi Rd., 6467-4311.
21 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
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I-S PICK> Beerfest Asia 2013 The fifth annual installment of Beerfest Asia is a testament to a growing reception for Singapore’s premier festival marries beer and grub with live entertainment. This year, the lineup’s been set with a variety of vvacts such as renowned Aussie band The Fortunate Sons, live stand-up comedians such as Tom Rhodes, Stephan Grant and also very own local comedy act, Sons of Singapore. Jun 13, 14-15, 6pm; Jun 16, noon. Marina Promenade, F1 tracks behind Singapore Flyer. Call 6338-8277 for more info. $20-80 from Sistic.
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sales & fairs Every Little Thing From the folks behind flea market Public Garden, this new fair showcases local designers, entrepreneurs and independent businesses with a focus on apparels. Shop from both online and physical store retailers including Modparade, theKang, Five Stones Vintage, Soeurs and MASH-UP. There’s also a gourmet food section featuring Marmalade Pantry and Oriole Coffee. Jun 8-9, 1pm. MICA Building, 140 Hill St., 6270-7988. Free.
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Clarke Quay Traders’ Market: Best of Blog Shops A collaboration between Clarke Quay and flea market brand For Flea Sake, the June edition
of the Clarke Quay Traders’ Market features a ‘Best of Blog Shops’ theme, with celebrity bloggers selling their wares and live band performances. Jun 14-15, 5pm. Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6337-3292. Free.
nigHtlife dj gigs
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I-S PICK> Sick Travelin’ World Tour 2013 presents Fritz Kalkbrenner Fritz Kalkbrenner presents tracks from his criticallyacclaimed album. Jun 1, 10pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988. $25-32 including two drinks.
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Transfix Presents HeatBeat Making their Singapore debut is Argentinian duo Heatbeat. With multiple tracks topping downloads and playlists worldwide, catch them as they blend genres to create their signature techno-based sound. Jun 1, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988. $25-32 including two drinks.
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Ep!c presents Tiësto Multi-award winning DJ Tiësto needs no introduction. His trance tracks have spellbound scores of party diehards so be prepared to brave the crowds. Jun 5, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988. $78-88 including one drink.
nigHtlife Email event news to nightlife@asia-city.com.sg
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from its “colonial chic” aesthetics to its old school martinis. Sip on drinks under the original coffered ceiling or at the alfresco area overlooking the Singapore River.
Decked out with opium bed booths and all aglow with candles and fairy lights, this garden-themed rooftop restaurant and bar channels a romantic, dreamy vibe, all the more so after an intoxicating cocktail or five.
G/F The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, 6877-8135, www. fullertonhotel.com. Open daily noon-1:30am.
4/F The Scarlet Hotel, 33 Erskine Rd., 6511-3323, www.thescarlethotel. com. Open Mon-Sat 6pm1:30am; Sun 5pm-11pm.
WOOBAR
Awash in a futuristic glow, W Hotels’ Gravity signature lounge bar Sleek and sophisticated, this is about as stylish as Breeze bar has oversized plush chairs, they come. Unlike most bars sleek crocodile leather accents and around, the folks here pay a private lounge that will get you feel- tribute to Singaporean culture with ing like a total lush in no time—toa roster of top homegrown DJs and gether with a great selection of single cocktails like the Bak Kwa Whiskey malts, wines and cocktails, of course. and Masala Teh Tarik. 1/F Carlton Hotel, 76 Bras Basah Rd., 6311-8839, www.carlton.com. sg. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat 3pm-4am
2/F W Singapore Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way, 6808-7258, www. wsingaporesentosacove.com. Open Mon-Thu 8am-midnight; Fri-Sun 8am-2am.
Halo Get away from the crowd at this rooftop gem of a bar. Complete with a wrap-around terrace and a reflecting pool, this is a great spot to sip on their top-notch martinis while enjoying the relaxed vibe and a panoramic view of the city. Rooftop, Wangz Hotel, 231 Outram Rd., 6595-1388, www.wangzhotel. com. Open Sun-Thu 4pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-11:30pm.
Post Bar
The Wow If you fancy yourself a whisky connoisseur, get yourself over to this classy bar best known for its selection of over 250 premium Post Bar whiskeys, many obscure or unavailable in the market. There’s even a whiskey buffet on Friday evenings, where you can imbibe five types of single malt scotch paired with French cheese and cold cuts. Foo Rong En and Clara Lim
So named after its origins—the building was once the General Post Office—this CBD favorite delivers familiar classics with a fresh twist,
G/F Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, 23 Beach View, 6818-3388, www.moevenpick-hotels.com. Open daily 11am-1am.
Got an idea for Barfly? Email us at nightlife@asia-city.com.sg
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Forward featuring Oxia Following an eight year gap after his last album, pioneering French DJ Oxia forgoes the hard beats of electronica and returns to showcase a smoother house sound. Jun 8, 10pm. KyÖ, Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6222-5001. $20 including one drink.
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Zouk Soundystem presents Formative & Hong Formative and Hong team up for an unforgettable night of big room house and techno that’s sure to leave you begging
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22 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013
for more. Jun 8, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32 including two drinks.
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I-S PICK> Zouk presents Avicii – A Summer Special Avicii returns for his sophomore gig at the very same place he debuted for Zoukout in 2011. The Swede has risen from his self-taught DJ days to playing chart-toppers and looks set to rock the beach with his mind-blowing sets. Jun 16, 6pm. Siloso Beach, Sentosa. $98 from Zouk, $108 at the door.
LAST WORD
Heidi Shum
WHAT’S NEW AT Online
The globetrotting co-founder of travel site Indiescapes (which provides individual holiday activities hosted by city locals) talks to with Terry Ong about her travel adventures. I get hooked on a certain food, a certain idea, a certain song. And I can eat it, think about it and listen to it, repeatedly, incessantly, until I suddenly get sick of it.
Childhood was great, but I think I always grew up with a slight identity crisis, being a Malaysian growing up in Singapore.
I’ll speak Mandarin fine with my friends, but once I pick You know those up my parents’ phone brilliant Japanese call, my friends say or Taiwanese I speak funny. variety shows You wouldn’t like Tonneruzu In Primary 4 (Human Tetris is want to go on Singapore’s one part of the National Day, on a road trip show) or the my teacher with me older episodes called me a of Guess Guess traitor (jokingly, Guess? I’m one of I think), but that those who’d be in probably left a scar. my airplane seat, watching I hate being boxed them on my iPad, and trying and labeled now. very hard not to laugh out loud. but ending up looking totally I wanted to be a doctor ridiculous. And unglamourous. with Medecins Sans Frontieres I once got stuck in a protest in Cusco, Peru, with Min (who’s now the other Indiescapes co-founder). Backpacks on our back, we rode pillion on a motorbike to the airport. We had to make several u-turns and detours, sneak behind slogan-shouting crowds and dodge stone-throwing protestors.
growing up. I went from that to reading law then banking—a 180-degree turn to professions with the worst reputations.
When we got to the airport, we learnt that other travellers had camped overnight at the airport. It was only us who somehow didn’t get the memo.
I even purchase magazines in languages that I do not know.
I love reading all sorts of materials, but there’s just something about magazines. I keep almost every issue that I get my hands on.
one of the best cities to aimlessly walk around.
www.is-magazine.com
Welcome to the Mansion
When M83 played here at Laneway Festival last year I was truly happy. Dancing to the mesmerizing “Midnight City” in a moonlit park, surrounded by fellow festival goers equally lost in the music… the world and I were one. I’m one of those you wouldn’t want to go on road trips with. Anything which uses simple yet unconventional ideas to solve complicated problems or to make a difference inspire me. Especially when it’s done with a lot of heart. People who are full of themselves, who think the world revolves around them and who think they are always right make me sick. Wake up already! The world is huge. All of us are but a tiny part.
An interview with Ministry of Design’s Colin Seah, who headed the Macalister Mansion conservation project. is.gd/interviewcolinseahmacalister
Who’s Your Daddy?
The meaning of life? Coffee. Savouring a cup of sweet-smelling black coffee under the sun somewhere. Don’t ask me why.
Collector… hoarder... it’s a fine line.
Check out our top dining recommendations for the most important man in your life.
I loved living in Melbourne. It was
is.gd/fathersday2013dining
Got Lobang?
The founders of shopping blog Tua Lobang tell us how it all began. is.gd/interviewtualobang
I-S Magazine is distributed every 2nd and 4th Friday. Look for the next issue of I-S on June 14. 23 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013