Jetstar Australia Magazine — DEC 2018

DEC 2018

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The hot new destinations for 2019. First stop Ho Chi Minh City…

F R EE T O TA K E H O M E

MAGAZINE

DEC 2018

WHERE TO NEXT? WANAKA

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DEC 2018

CONTENTS

the traveller W HERE T O G O N E X T

the checklist ALL T HE T R AVEL IN T EL YO U NEED N O W

0 1 6 S N E A K P EEK:

SY D N E Y FES T I VAL

Here’s what to check out at this year’s performing arts event.

040 HOT LIST We round up the most exciting destinations to visit in 2019.

0 1 9 F E S T I V E T R A V E L

Where to enjoy the magic and bright lights of Christmas in Asia.

0 2 2 T W O S I D E S O F...

Auckland, New Zealand.

025 THE CHALLENGE

An Instagram-free holiday? We put an Insta addict to the test.

028 TECH

The best ways to keep your data and devices safe when travelling.

0 3 0 P O S T C A R D F R O M ...

Launceston, Tasmania.

0 3 2 7 M Y T H S A B O U T...

Yangon, Myanmar.

0 3 4 T R AV EL H A C K:

HAPPY SNAPS

Tips for using your smartphone to take vacation photos like a pro.

0 36 CALENDAR

Music, food and fireworks – what not to miss this month.

050 TA S M A NI A ead to the island’s H south-west for the ultimate wilderness experience.

006

C O N T EN T S

057 SINGAPORE hree very different T travellers share their tips for discovering the best of the Lion City.

the cut T H E BES T OF W H ERE T O E AT, D R IN K A N D PL AY

0 8 6 E A T + D R I N K : O S A K A

Where to delight your tastebuds in the food capital of Japan.

0 9 5 A N AT O M Y OF A DIS H Two Vietnamese chefs serve up their take on rice paper rolls.

0 9 8 H A P P Y H O U R: NEWCASTLE

The chic and edgy joints you’ll want to check out.

103 FOOD TRENDS

The colourful new food craze.

Did someone say “blue pasta”?

105 EXPERIENCE

We go remote in style at a pop-up retreat in Victoria.

108 STREET STYLE 066

0 74

OAHU

ROTTNEST ISLAND

There’s plenty of kid-friendly fun in Oahu – here’s where to find it.

Nostalgic Christmas holiday memories from the West Australian island.

The best looks from the cool kids of one of Melbourne’s hippest suburbs: Fitzroy.

111 GIFT GUIDE

Our favourite gift ideas this holiday season.

the insider JE T S TA R N E W S, M AP S A N D EN T ER TA IN MEN T

1 2 4 JE T S TA R N E W S 1 2 9 EN T ER TA IN M EN T 138 AIRPORT TO CITY 1 4 2 W H E R E W E FLY 14 4 GAMES + PUZZLES 1 4 8 W H E R E’S W A L LY ?

1 5 2 H I G H E R , BI G G E R ,

F A S T E R , LO N G E R

081 WELLINGTON We explore the quirky corners of New Zealand’s most liveable city.

Cover photography

by Ngoc Bich Hue Tran.

E DITOR I A L .

CONTRIBUTORS.

EDITOR Jacqueline Lunn DEPUTY EDITOR Sudeshna Ghosh CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jon Gregory DESIGNER Lisa Emmanuel CHIEF SUBEDITOR Nancy Merlo SUBEDITOR Kaitlyn Palmer-Allen PHOTOGRAPHIC EDITOR Amy Heycock

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Gray Suite 58, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 P (02) 8114 8944 E jetstar.editorial@mediumrarecontent.com

ELISSA BLAKE Arts journalist and editor, Elissa is often travelling across Australia for culture festivals.

But Sydney Festival is the one she calls home. She gives us the inside scoop on what to look out for in next month’s event (page 16).

MANAGING EDITOR, JETSTAR Simon Tsang

A DVERT I S I N G .

VIC & QLD ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER

Chris Joy | (03) 9292 3207

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INTEGRATION SPECIALIST

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VIC ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

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Peggy Ford | (03) 9292 3222

MEDIUM R A R E C O N T E N T A G E N C Y .

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gerard Reynolds EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER Sally Wright CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Margaret Merten DIGITAL STRATEGY DIRECTOR Karla Courtney SOCIAL STRATEGY DIRECTOR Scott Drummond CREATIVE SERVICES EDITOR Georgia Booth CREATIVE SERVICES ART DIRECTOR Philippa Moffitt FINANCE MANAGER Paul Martin

Jetstar magazine is published monthly and is complimentary to domestic and international passengers. Published for Jetstar Airways by Medium Rare Content Agency (ABN 83 169 879 921), Suite 58/26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW 2009. ©2018. All rights reserved. Printed by PMP Limited. Paper fibre is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of Jetstar Airways or Medium Rare Content Agency. For a copy of Medium Rare Content Agency’s Privacy Policy, please visit mediumrarecontent.com. ISSN 1443-2013.

We want you to know that at Jetstar our writers are not armchair travellers.

Any assistance we do accept from the travel industry to produce our stories does not compromise the integrity of the coverage.

For flight reservations jetstar.com For hotel bookings and holiday packages jetstar.com/hotels jetstar.com/holidays

FIONA ADOLPH Perth-based freelancer Fiona has worked in media for more than 25 years. In this issue, she recounts childhood Christmases spent on WA’s Rottnest Island (page 74) – “an extraordinarily beautiful place” – that has been a prevailing theme in her life.

STEVE COLQUHOUN Steve is a Melbourne-based freelance writer and former national editor of Executive Style. This month, he relished the opportunity to “get off those usual tourist trails” to road-test a pop-up glamping experience in Mount Buffalo, Victoria (page 105).

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O P E N 7 D AY S T I L L AT E

CEO’S LE T T ER

A season for giving > Thanks for choosing to fly with us today – it’s great to have you on board.

This month is our busiest of the year with millions of customers flying across our network, taking a welldeserved holiday over the extended Christmas-New Year break.

Across our airports, we’ll have more team members working around the clock to get you on your way as you connect with family and friends.

Christmas is also traditionally the season for giving, so it’s timely to reflect on some of the work we do with communities around the world that need it most.

This year through StarKids, our charitable partnership with World Vision Australia, we surpassed our goal of “$10 million in donations in 10 years”.

This has been made possible thanks to you, our customers, as well as our team members who contribute to help give children in countries across the Asia-Pacific a brighter future.

Two of our cabin crew members, Irene and Jay-Elle, recently travelled to Cambodia on behalf of StarKids to see some of the projects we sponsor and where your donations go (you can read more about their incredible experience on page 126).

IRENE WI T H SCH O OL CHIL DREN IN CAMB O DIA

“I A M S O PR O U D OF T HE W ORK E VERYO NE AT JE T S TAR D OES E AC H DAY T O CRE ATE MEM OR ABLE T R AVEL EXPERIEN CES.” Also this year, through our annual Flying Start grants program (where community groups and organisations across Australia apply for grants to fund projects that will enrich the lives of people in their community), we helped 10-yearold Bryce bring his “Super Max the Turtle” night-lights to children undergoing cancer treatment. The grant assists in covering the travel costs associated with yearly visits to children’s oncology hospitals.

And in true Christmas spirit, each year our team members are given a flight gift voucher to give to someone they feel is truly deserving. Over the years these flights have enabled people to spend time with loved ones, follow their passions or experience new places that they would not otherwise be able to. I am looking forward to hearing more of these stories in the lead up to Christmas.

I am so proud of the work everyone at Jetstar does each day to create memorable travel experiences and I hope you enjoy your trip with us.

I wish you and your family a great Christmas and wonderful break over the holidays. I look forward to seeing you on board again soon.

GARETH EVANS CEO, JETSTAR GROUP

011

01 2

JE T S TAR S O CI AL

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the checklist > ALL THE TRAVEL INTEL YOU NEED NOW

BAL I PA G E

025 SY D NE Y

PA G E

016

> The bronze medals for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games were made from melted down Aussie one and two cent coins.

L AU N CESTO N

PA G E

0 30

> The chairlift over the city’s Cataract Gorge boasts the world’s longest single chairlift span between two pylons.

YA N G O N

PA G E

0 32

> Myanmar locals paint their faces with thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from bark that is said to double as sunblock.

S NE AK PEEK

Sydney Festival T HE HIG HL IG H T S REEL —Local or tourist, there’s something for everyone at this colourful culture fest.

Elissa Blake has the lowdown on what to look out for at the 2019 event—

IMMERSIVE ART

PIGALLE

Apollo 11

irst staged in 1977, Sydney Festival has always been about getting a sunstruck, post-Christmas city off its tanned behind. Over the years, it’s evolved into a globally significant performing and visual arts showcase, one that balances its artistic ambition with popular appeal.

Under director Wesley Enoch’s watch – this will be his third festival – the tradition continues, with cultural diversity and Indigenous representation coded into its DNA. From powerful communal experiences to one-of-a-kind intimate encounters, here is a tasting plate of Sydney Festival 2019, taking place city-wide from 9-27 January.

F

CABARET

Festival Garden > One of the joys of Sydney in summer, the Festival Garden brings crowds and artists together in a pop-up precinct dominated by the historic Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent.

This year’s offerings include Pigalle, a burlesque-meetsdisco vaudeville inspired by the Parisian entertainment quarter, baritone cabaret diva Le Gateau Chocolat in Icons and a return visit from the reliably amazing Irish chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan.

> Sydney celebrates the epoch-defining 1969 moon landing with a series of artworks and family-friendly participatory experiences to explore, all centred around the newly-minted Barangaroo precinct on the harbour.

BAR ANGARO O SO U T H / 9-27 JAN UARY PERFORMANCE ART

Home > American performance artist Geoff Sobelle is known for his quirky shows. Starting with an empty stage, he will conjure up a full-scale house, which then becomes a home as people move in and go about their business in an incredible ballet of domestic routine.

HYDE PARK N ORT H /

ROSLYN PACKER T HEATRE,

9-27 JAN UARY

WALSH BAY / 9-18 JAN UARY

T H E C H ECKL IS T

017

MUSIC

Neneh Cherry > Emerging as an counterculture pop icon in the 1980s, Cherry recently completed a new album – Broken Politics – with UK producer Four Tet. This will be her first Sydney concert since its release.

C A RR I A G E W O RK S, E V EL EIG H / 15-16 JA N U A RY SONIC ART

T5 Tank Sound Project > One of Sydney’s forgotten wartime relics – a huge navy fuel tank disguised as a defence complex to outfox Japanese bombers – is being brought back to life with a sound sculpture. The project will be opened with a live performance on 20 January.

M O S M A N / 23-27 JA N U A RY T H E AT R E

NENEH C HERRY

Beware of Pity

VA R IE T Y S H O W

Shanghai Mimi > The sass, colour and sensuality of Shanghai between the great wars is revived in this world premiere of dance, acrobatics and vaudeville acts set to a live band playing vintage Chinese jazz and blues.

> Two theatre company giants – Schaubühne of Berlin and London’s Complicité – will work on this lavish stage adaptation of Stefan Zweig’s story of a man overwhelmed by guilt after promising his heart, then reneging on the deal.

Wozzeck > South African artist and director William Kentridge turns Alban Berg’s landmark opera about a hapless soldier driven crazy by an army doctor’s experiments and a faithless lover into a riveting visual and sonic spectacle.

SY D N E Y O PER A H O U SE / 25 JA N U A RY-5 FEBR U A RY I N S TAL L AT I O N

Nick Cave: Until > American artist Nick Cave and his team are transforming Carriageworks into a colossal dream space called Until. The overwhelming immersive art installation will be made of millions of knick knacks – from hanging crystals to garden ornaments – designed as a place to bring people and communities together to think and talk about the issues they face such as race and gender.

C A RR I A G E W O RK S, E V EL EIG H / U N T IL 3 M A R C H 201 9

R O SLY N PAC K ER T H E AT RE, W AL S H B AY / 23-27 JA N U A RY

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Splash Test Dummies > Take the sting out of a summer’s day in Parramatta with this award-winning, all-ages aquatic comedy show that manages to successfully combine synchronised swimming with unicycling.

R I V ER SID E T H E AT RES, PA RR A M AT TA / 1 1-1 3 JA N U A RY

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T H E C H ECKL IS T

019

FES T I VE TR AVEL

Bright lights, Big Christmas —You don’t have to be on Santa’s nice list to enjoy the magic of these Christmas and New Year celebrations around Asia—

TA I W A N

> C H R IS T M A SL A N D During the Christmas season, New Taipei City (which surrounds Taipei on all sides) is awash with cheer. The Banqiao District becomes a fairytale-like scene with lights, music and markets selling handmade gifts. While you’re there, snap a selfie with Taiwan’s tallest Christmas tree – a sparkling 36-metre conical structure. eng.taiwan.net.tw

CHRIST MASL AND, NEW TAIPEI CI T Y

U N T IL 1 JA N U A RY 201 9

HONG KONG

> W IN T ERFES T WIN TERFEST, H O NG KO NG

U N T IL 1 JA N U A RY 201 9

Hong Kong does Christmas right – lights decorate the streets and restaurants offer festive menus.

Hong Kong Disneyland will also host the Mickey Mouse and Friends Christmastime Ball – bring the kids along for music, dancing and a snow-capped finale. Aside from all this, visitors should check out Victoria Harbour’s multimedia show, A Symphony of Lights, which takes over the city’s skyline nightly with colourful lasers and searchlights synchronised to music from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. discoverhongkong.com

T H E BES T N YE COUNTDOWN SP O T S IN A SI A > B A N G KO K, T H A IL A N D

CHRIST MAS WO NDERL AND, SINGAP ORE

JAPA N

The New Year’s Eve ball drop at Lebua hotel (lebua.com) in Bangkok takes place from 265 metres up in the air.

Make a booking at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Sirocco, for the best view.

> H O N G KO N G

> S APP O R O W HI T E ILL U MIN AT IO N U N T IL 25 D EC E M BER

FESTIVAL OF T HE L IG H TS, OSAK A

The heart of Sapporo becomes a shimmering winter wonderland each night throughout December, when strings of fairy lights transform tree-lined Ekimae-dori and Minami-ichijo-dori into a luminous tunnel. At nearby Odori Park, other enchanting illuminations warm the hearts of spectators, even on the coldest nights. The display coincides with the German Christmas Market — a celebration of Sapporo’s sister-city ties with Munich and the place to go for traditional Christmas fare. white-illumination.jp

SINGAPORE

> C H R IS T M A S W O N DERL A N D U N T IL 26 D EC EM BER

Come December, Gardens by the Bay is decked out in sparkly finery for Singapore’s biggest annual yuletide fair. Taking over a space about the size of eight soccer fields, the event features magnificent light sculptures handmade

by Italian craftsmen, carnival games, rides and ice-skating. There’s also a European-style market for indulging in festive treats, plus you can pay a visit to Santa’s grotto and meet the man himself. christmaswonderland.sg

JAPA N

> FES T I VAL OF T HE L IG H T S Welcome the festive season in Osaka, where hundreds of gingko trees are lit up along a four-kilometre stretch from Hanshin Mae to Namba Nishiguchi intersections.

Towards the glassy waterfront around Nakanoshima, colourful artworks are projected onto several historic buildings in a kaleidoscopic display, providing spectators with plenty of Insta-worthy moments. hikari-kyoen.com

PUB STREE T, SIEM REAP

U N T IL 31 JA N U A RY, 201 9

Ring in the New Year with the spectacular pyrotechnic display over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.

The fireworks extravaganza gets bigger and better every year, so expect 2019 to kick off with a bang.

> SIEM RE AP, C A M B O DI A Every night is a party on Siem Reap’s Pub Street but come New Year’s Eve, the bar-lined strip ramps up, turning into an open-air nightclub for the evening.

Hit the street with the locals and party well into the New Year.

Piha Beach One of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous stretches of coast, in 1958 Piha became the birthplace of New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern surf scene and still attracts crowds today. Lion Rock is its most iconic landmark.

T WO SIDES

023

Kira Bayer, Dan Freeman

T H E C H ECKL IS T

OF AUCKL AND

The Nelson Street Cycleway Once an old highway off-ramp, this eye-catching bike path known as the “Lightpath” is now an urban space and interactive sculpture lit by 300 LED sensor light poles.

T H E C H ECKL IS T

A DISH AT K ARM A BEAC H CLUB

—Serial Instagrammer Sangeeta Kocharekar banned social media during a weekend away in picture-perfect Uluwatu. So did the digital detox leave her with withdrawal symptoms or more connected to her destination?—

T HE C H ALLEN GE

AN INSTAGRAM-FREE GETAWAY IN BALI 0

O NEEIG H T Y° DAY CLUB’S P O OL

025

0

> Holidays are starting to make me anxious.

Like most millennials, I’ve been using Instagram religiously since its early days. I’m strategic about what I post and when, capturing the “best moments” of my life in a curated feed.

Whenever I travel though, with so much new and exotic to share, things can get overwhelming. Knowing I won’t be back in that perfect spot and have only one chance to get the shot – the pressure is on.

So challenging myself to an Instagram-free weekend away seemed like exactly what the doctor ordered. It was only 48 hours but c’mon people, baby steps...

RES OR T L IFE > The area of Uluwatu is filled with, literally, picturesque spots begging to be ‘grammed but my rules were set – no social media and so I wouldn’t be tempted later, no photos at all.

It was 2pm when I arrived at my home for the weekend, luxury resort The Edge (theedgebali.com), and my fingers were itching right from the get-go. At their public day club Oneeighty° (oneeightybali.com), a couple in the glass-bottom pool – which spears out of the cliff 150 metres above the Indian Ocean – was posing for a paraglider floating past.

I would’ve killed for those shots.

Then there was lunch – my mushroom and truffle oil pizza placed on the daybed with the sea in the background was Instagram catnip.

But my villa was by far the hardest to resist.

Its 18- by seven-metre wraparound pool, the marble-floored lounge and personal butler – all of it screamed #sorrynotsorry. This was harder than I’d thought it’d be, I was actually feeling annoyed I couldn’t Insta-boast about it all.

The only thing stopping me from reaching into the bottom of my bag, where my phone was lying cold and alone, was sheer willpower.

Normally when I travel, it’s glued to my hand.

However, hard as it was, I was committed to recapturing that carefree holiday spirit I had pre-Instagram, pre-#travelgoals.

026

UL U W AT U

CL IFF-SIDE V IE W S

A S TAT UE AT ULU WAT U TEMPLE

> On my first evening, I decided to check out Ulu Cliffhouse (ulucliffhouse.com) beach club.

Sitting with a chilled coconut on the Ocean Deck, which hovers halfway down the cliff face above the sea, I let my phone stay where it was.

Usually, I’d be rushing to snap the swatches of pink and orange painting the skies at sunset – and then racking my brain to come up with a clever caption – but instead, I just enjoyed the moment… and it felt pretty damn zen.

The next morning, after a butler-made breakfast in the villa, complete with a pastryloaded tiered tray and caviar-sprinkled salmon, I headed to Uluwatu Temple. Set on a cliff 70 metres up, with waves crashing at its feet and pesky monkeys perched along its cliffwalk, this Balinese Hindu temple is captivating.

A photo here would’ve given me that token #culture shot – essential to gaining travel ‘gramming cred. But I’d made it this far, why stop now?

> Instead of hanging around waiting for the perfect temple photo, I soaked up the spiritual vibe then headed to Karma Beach Club (karmagroup.com) for a cool drink and a bite.

Arriving at its clifftop (yep, another one) entrance, my jaw dropped at what was beyond.

A rustic collection of beach shacks nestled in a tiny cove dotted with paddleboards, its shallow reef showcasing every shade of blue.

The steep cable car ride down to the beachfront provided highly covetable Insta photo-ops but I resisted. Instead, I simply delighted in the views. It was getting easier, taking in what was in front of me rather than carefully constructing a #breathtaking square shot in my head. I was beginning to see details instead of photo opportunities and that, in turn, made me feel a lot more present and relaxed than I had in a long time.

But all that mindfulness – and perhaps two Espresso Martinis and a cabana siesta – made me late for watching the sunset at seaside restaurant and bar Single Fin (singlefinbali.com) – it’s an Uluwatu must-do.

Unfortunately, by the time the Go-JEK (Indonesia’s rideshare service) dropped me off at the restaurant, it was already dark and the sunset show was over. Normally, I would’ve been kicking myself for missing the money shot but this time I wasn’t fazed.

N O T E: S A DLY, N O N E OF T H ESE I M A G ES W ERE S H A RED O N S O CI AL M EDI A

T HE ED GE

FR O M BE AC H T O C O CK TA IL H O U R

As I dug into a plate of nachos at a candlelit table on the bar’s outdoor deck, I felt a pang of isolation – no one knew where I was or what I was doing on this trip. Then that pang morphed into excitement and liberation: no one knew what I was doing.

Being Insta-free on holidays helped me experience Uluwatu more authentically than I have other destinations where I’ve spent the whole time stressing about snapping. I was reminded of how important it is to live in the moment and create and preserve real memories.

Will I go Insta-free on holiday again? I’m not sure. I quite like getting and giving my #travelinspo on Instagram. But will I get anxious about social media posting? Never again. Because this trip taught me that even though I didn’t ‘gram it, yes it did happen.

And it was amazing.

antlerluggage.com.au

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Safe and sound —These are the best apps, websites and devices to keep your data secure while travelling (or at home)—

> T R ACK YO U R T EC H Keep track of your tech when you’re away from home – simply turn on the Find My feature on your Apple laptop or iPhone, or Find My Device if you’re using an Android phone or laptop.

The find features can lessen some of the pain of lost tech and allow you to locate, lock or even wipe your device if it’s stolen. > C H A R G E YO U R DE V ICES S AFELY

> K EEP YO U R W I-FI PR I VAT E

$ 8 9.95

FR O M $ 87 A Y E A R

You don’t want to face a flat battery just as you try to check the directions to your hotel on your smartphone.

Your devices need to be kept charged and while public charging stations are convenient, you can run the risk of picking up malware. Stay safe and use a battery bank. The Anker PowerPort Speed 5-Ports has fast charging for up to five devices at a time, keeping all your precious travel tech ready for any adventure. myanker.com.au

:)

Travel means relying on Wi-Fi in hotels and public places and a safe connection is a must. A virtual private network (VPN) will keep your browsing, banking and any other web activities away from prying eyes, malware and potential cyber criminals. CyberGhost has smartphone (iOS and Android) and computer (Windows and Mac) apps that allow you to create a VPN connection with a simple click. cyberghostvpn.com

> PRE V EN T DATA E XC H A N G E

> SEC U RE YO U R FILES A B O U T $17.5 0 A M O N T H

> PR O T EC T YO U R P H O N E N U M BER

A B O U T $1 8

Lost, stolen or dead devices can spell disaster when you’re on vacation.

Tresorit will take the worry out of travelling with your tech by syncing and storing your files securely in an encrypted vault in the cloud. tresorit.com

A B O U T $2.8 0 A W EEK

If you do use public charging stations at an airport and are worried about how to keep your phone safe, this handy device can give you peace of mind. With SyncStop, the phone only uses power to charge – there’s no data exchange. So you can just pick up duty free and not a cyber virus. syncstop.com

> EN S U RE PA S S W O RD S ARE S AFE

W O R D S _ R O S A LY N PA G E

A B O U T $ 4.20 A M O N T H

It can be challenging to remember all your different login details on the fly but you can forget all that now – 1Password securely stores passwords and credit card numbers you might need while travelling. The clever app can be used on your phone or tablet as well as your browser to autofill usernames and passwords on supported websites with a couple of clicks. Its Travel Mode feature stores login details in the cloud, not on your device, in case they’re ever lost.

1password.com

If you’re travelling and need to give your mobile number to taxi drivers, tour guides, overseas clients, Airbnb guests or anyone else you don’t want to have your actual contact number, you can protect it using a temporary, disposable number through an app like Hushed. No-one wants to pay roaming charges for mobile spam or unwanted calls and this way, your real number will stay private and won’t be shared with third parties. hushed.com > S T OP CREDI T C ARD SK IM MIN G $ 59.95

Keep your ePassport and credit cards safe from threats with a personal electronic force field. ArmourCard creates a signal that interferes with wireless “tag and go” credit card skimming. Similarly, the ArmourCell ($49.95) protects passwords, photos and other personal data from being stolen from your smartphone. armourcard.com

> H ACK-PR O OF YO U R EM A IL A B O U T $77 A Y E A R

Rest easy with ProtonMail knowing that no-one can read your private email messages. You can sign up for a free email address with 500MB of storage and up to 150 messages per day with the Swiss company. For those who require more space and extra features, there are additional fees charged monthly or annually. protonmail.com

P O S TC ARD FR O M

LAU NCESTON, TASMANIA

HARVEST MARKE T

—This riverside city is a gateway to some of the best food and wine experiences in Tassie. But with an alluring blend of culture, culinary delights and shopping, it's a destination in its own right—

1 QUEEN VICTORIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY (QVMAG) The QVMAG is the custodian of Tasmania’s history. There are rolling exhibitions by local artists, while the permanent collection showcases the fascinating zoological history of the state – think taxidermied Tasmanian tigers and trays of bugs and birds. Ask nicely, there’s usually a keen scientist on site who will be happy to show you around. qvmag.tas.gov.au

2 HARVEST MARKET Breakfast with the locals on fresh bread and snacks like Afghani bolani (pita-style flatbread stuffed with vegetables) at this farmers' market in the CBD. Plus, you can stock up on everything from local salmon to Tasmanian cheeses while chatting with producers. harvestmarket.org.au 3 MISSION ON GEORGE You’ll find everything at this charmingly eclectic op shop, from that vintage winter coat you didn’t know you needed during a summer trip (Tasmania!) to the mug you’ve always wanted commemorating the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. citymission.org.au

4 BLACK COW BISTRO At this upmarket eatery, it's all about Tasmanian steak – local, grass-fed and hormone-free.

It’s so fabled that when Nigella Lawson visited earlier this year, this was where she tucked into her very first meal. Even if you’re not a carnivore, you’ll be well catered for with the best local produce that can be sourced on the day. Dishes such as white fish sashimi or roasted broccoli with lemon beurre noisette and grana padano are on offer. blackcowbistro.com.au

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5 INSIDE CAFÉ & STORE Set within the CBD’s new tech precinct, this locavore's paradise has a cool industrial feel. It’s all local – from the coffee to the pickled fennel they serve with the eggs Benedict. The café also houses a store filled with tempting homewares and quirky souvenirs. insidecafe.com.au 6 PINOT SHOP This boutique riverside wine shop is devoted almost entirely to the finest local reds. Proprietor Michele Round is always on hand to recommend exquisite drops to go with your dinner or to take home as Tassie souvenirs. pinotshop.com 7 PEPPERS SILO HOTEL & DAY SPA In an exemplary act of creative repurposing of space, Peppers has transformed an unused riverside grain silo into designer accommodation. Even if you don’t stay, book in at the day spa for a Shearer’s Crook Back Massage. peppers.com.au/silo

E XPL O RE E VA N DALE > Located just a 20-minute drive from the Launceston CBD, Evandale is a carefully preserved historic village that is now home to a collection of cool galleries and cafés. The Handmark Gallery (handmark. com.au) showcases some of Tasmania’s hippest artists, the Ingleside Bakery Café (fb.me/ inglesidebakery) offers a delicious ploughman’s lunch celebrating local produce and the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company (gourmetsauce.com. au) is great for a delicious lesson in condiment-making… and topiary!

W O R D S_ M EL A N IE TA I T

Q UEEN VICTORIA M USEU M AND ART GALLERY

ILL U S T R AT IO N _ G ER G Ő GIL IC ZE

T H E C H ECKL IS T

7 M Y T H S AB O U T...

YANG ON —Fact or fiction? Jessica Mudditt busts some of the most common misconceptions about Myanmar’s largest city—

MYTH #1 Yangon is the capital city > For all intents and purposes, Yangon is the capital city – economically, culturally and by size – so you could be forgiven for never having heard of the actual capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Yangon held the title until 2006, when then-ruler Than Shwe announced the move after years of secret construction on a former swamp. It’s still a mystery why this was decided. Nay Pyi Taw is a ghost town and serves as the administrative capital only.

MYTH #3

MYTH #2

Yangon isn’t family-friendly > There may not be big-name theme parks but that doesn’t mean Yangon isn’t good for families. Kids are absolutely adored and will be fawned over by warm locals.

There are some great spots to take the whole family – you just have to know where they are.

Hop aboard the rollicking circle line train, do a lap of the zoo or hire a paddleboat at nearby amusement park, Happy World.

It’s a small city > The days of Yangon feeling more like a town than a city are over, yet its reputation as a former colonial outpost lingers. Today, it’s a sprawling metropolis of between five and seven million people (the statisticians can’t agree) spread over a space a little smaller than Singapore. It’s the country’s most cosmopolitan city and although English isn’t widely spoken, you’ll be able to get by.

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MYTH #4 There are no ATMs > Thankfully, the days of furtively carrying around enough cash to last an entire trip are over. ATMs arrived in 2013, after international sanctions were eased, and today there are plenty around.

However, there are still a few quirks in Myanmar’s monetary system, the biggest being that US notes must be in pristine condition to be converted to the local currency of kyats (pronounced “chats”).

M O NKS TR AVELL IN G IN SH WEDAG O N PAG ODA

MYTH #6

MYTH #5 Burmese food is similar to Thai food > Myanmar and Thailand might be neighbours but it appears they seldom swapped recipes. Other than the staple of steamed rice, the two cuisines have little in common. Burmese food is less spicy and people are often surprised to discover it’s more similar to food in neighbouring India. One of its most famous dishes is khow suey, a coconut milk-based curry noodle soup.

Yangon is a fantastic place to acquaint yourself with the classics, try shan noodles or a tea-leaf salad at Monsoon Restaurant or Rangoon Tea House (fb.me/rangoonteahouse).

The city is one of the cheapest places to travel in South-East Asia > While the cost of hotel rooms start from about $40 per night, you don’t get quite as much value for money as you would in other South-East Asian cities, which is one of the reasons a backpacker scene is yet to emerge. Likewise, if you’re avoiding the city’s public transport system (which can be confusing for visitors) the costs of scooting around town in taxis can also add up. But that’s not to say there aren’t ways to save in Yangon. Ride the circle train or dine out on street food – it’s incredibly cheap and delicious.

MYTH #7 There’s no nightlife > Just five years ago, Yangon was so sleepy after dark that the embassy-run British Club used to sympathetically open its doors to anyone in town who fancied a tipple – and it was the social event of the month. Since then, there’s been a blossoming of venues and there are now some great pubs and at least a dozen rooftop bars with killer views of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Tip: the best is the neon-happy Yangon Yangon (sakura-tower-yangon. com) – it’s the city’s highest bar and has a resident DJ.

AND 3 TRUTHS Yangon is changing fast > The city has witnessed incredible change since Myanmar embarked on reforms in 2010. While many of these changes were political and financial, there have also been some fundamental changes affecting peoples’ daily lives. Wi-Fi, Facebook, Coca-Cola, mobile phones and international banking – none of these things were accessible to the general public a decade ago.

It’s one of Asia’s safest cities > Petty street crimes are less common in Yangon than in other major cities in the region. Tourist scams are also rare. Of course, it always pays to be alert, particularly at night. The biggest danger is probably coming a cropper on the pot-holed pavement.

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the world’s holiest Buddhist sites > According to local legend, the glittering pagoda has origins dating back 2600 years and it’s believed to contain relics of four past Buddhas. Attracting pilgrims from around the world, it’s laden with 27 tonnes of gold leaf and dominates the skyline.

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Happy snaps —Australian photographer Kara Rosenlund shares her top tips for taking the perfect holiday pictures with your smartphone—

# 1 CLE A N YO U R LEN S

> You see it so often when people don’t clean their phone lenses as the image comes out hazy and soft. Always make sure the lens is clean with no smudges.

# 2 T U R N OFF T HE FL AS H

> Most of the time – except at night – you don’t need the flash and it can overexpose a lot of the highlights and ruin your photos.

# 3 EXPERIMEN T

W I T H PERSPEC T I VE

> You don’t have to walk up to something and just shoot it from where you are standing. You can bend down, you can stand on something and you can move your body to find a new angle. Always take a moment to think about different perspectives when it comes to your composition.

4

# T U R N YO U R BACK O N T HE S U N > Most people flock to where the sun is setting because of that iconic sunset allure. But I find the real sunset shots are when you turn your body and look in the opposite direction. That is when all the delicate, dusty pink colours come through.

# 5 U SE APPS

> Have some fun with a few different apps to enhance colour, saturation and contrast. I use Snapseed (available on iOS and Android) for my photos.

# 6 G O O D M OR NIN G, S U N S HINE!

> The best sunlight is in the morning.

If you want that gorgeous golden feel, you have to be an early bird and go and grab that light before it gets too harsh.

That is how you capture that beautiful twinkly light, without the subject matter being overexposed.

#7 SIMPL IF Y YO U R S H O T

K AR A AT W ORK

B O N U S T IP P OR TR A I T M O DE

> The best photos are usually simple images. So keep the composition basic and always look out for distractions in the picture. For example, if you take a shot of some palm trees and there’s a rubbish bin under them then that will ruin the photograph. Be aware of everything in the frame when you are taking a photo and avoid messy visual distractions.

> Play around and have some fun if your phone has portrait mode, which uses limited depth-of-field.

That just means your background is all blurred and the focus is on your subject matter – the person or object in front of you.

This is a professional technique and is great for when you are capturing snaps of friends and family when on holidays.

DISCOVER FAMILY FUN HOLIDAYS Thailand has always been a fantastic place for all sorts of holidays - it offers affordable luxury, warm hospitality and a variety of attractions and activities for everyone to see and do.

Centara Hotels & Resorts offers great value family-friendly accommodation in gorgeous, tropical Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Samui and Krabi.

Relax in the comfort of our top-quality rooms, suites and pool villas, with glorious beaches, exhilarating water activities, relaxed beachfront dining, local culture and endless entertainment just moments away. Meanwhile, kids can go wild at our sensational waterparks and at our fully-supervised, multi-age Kids’ Club.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket BOOK DIRECT FOR OUR BEST PRICE PROMISE MEMBERS GET MORE CentaraThe1 members receive 10% off any online rate, plus many more privileges.

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THAILAND. WONDERFRUIT ARTS, MUSIC AND WELLNESS EVENT 13-16 December Siam Country Club, Pattaya wonderfruit.co

NSW. Woolworths Carols in The Domain 22 December The Domain, Sydney carolsinthedomain.com

TAS.

I T'S A D AT E 5 December

TAS. FALLS FESTIVAL

International Ninja Day

29-31 December Marion Bay fallsfestival.com

Human Rights Day

10 December 11 December International Mountain Day

PUT IT IN THE DIARY —No matter where you are this December, there’s plenty to enjoy—

QLD. The Wiggles – Wiggle Pop! Big Show 15-16 December Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane thewiggles.com

VIC. Men’s Domain Boxing Day Test 26-29 December Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne cricket.com.au

NEW ZEALAND. Rhythm and Vines music and camping festival 28-31 December Waiohika Estate, Gisborne rhythmandvines.co.nz

HAWAII. Honolulu Marathon 9 December Ala Moana Boulevard honolulumarathon.org

NSW. SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE 31 December Sydney Harbour sydneynew yearseve.com

SA. Moonlight Cinema From 8 December Botanic Park, Adelaide moonlight.com.au

Charlie Hardy

C ALEN DAR

The Taste of Tasmania 28 December to 3 January Princes Wharf, Salamanca Place, Hobart thetasteoftasmania.com.au

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Garden City Shopping Centre

Ph: 3849 2333

Ph: 5479 2844

NSW Chatswood Shopping Centre

Ph: 9413 1144

Sydney City 317 Pitt St

Ph: 9264 1687

ACT

Canberra Centre 125 Bunda St

Ph: 6249 7364

Canberra Civic 9 Petrie Plaza

Ph: 6247 8711

SA Adelaide City 212 Rundle St

Ph: 8223 3449

Marion Shopping Centre

Ph: 8179 4800

shopping

VIC Melbourne City 235 Elizabeth St Camberwell 843 Burke Rd Chadstone Shopping Centre Doncaster Shopping Centre

Fountain Gate Shopping Centre Frankston 54-58 Wells St

Ph: 9602 3733 Ph: 9861 9100 Ph: 9568 7800 Ph: 9848 3832 Ph: 9705 4000 Ph: 9783 8160

N W OPEN

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All offers end 31st December 2018 or until sold out or otherwise stated. Not all stocks available all stores. Every effort is made to avoid errors in this publication, but Ted’s does not warrant the accuracy of the content of this publication and may correct any errors and may refuse to sell any product or service. Any Liability of Ted’s in respect of any part of this publication is negated to the extent permitted by law. And if liable Ted’s obligation is limited to resupply of the goods or services, or repair, or payment for customers doing so, as Ted’s chooses. Bonus products included at Ted’s normal price only.

Greensborough Shopping Centre Highpoint Shopping Centre Knox City Shopping Centre Southland Shopping Centre

Ph: 9434 3460 Ph: 9317 4477 Ph: 9800 1677 Ph: 9583 5433

teds.com.au

Brought to you by: Uber for Business

Uber for Business How NOVA Entertainment embraced paperless ground travel to save on time and scale their employee travel policy.

As Australia’s fastest growing entertainment company, NOVA Entertainment was searching for an easier way for their employees to manage their travel expense claims. With over 225 travelling staff, including a large sales team that spends a lot of time meeting clients on the road, employees were spending significant time entering details for each trip, submitting the claim, and then waiting for the accounting department to review, approve and process the trip.

A Streamlined Approach NOVA Entertainment wanted their employees to spend more time promoting the brand instead of entering receipts, which is why they began using Uber for Business.

“In most cases they were using Uber anyway,” says Eden Skyring, General Manager of Finance at NOVA, “So, it wasn’t a change of behaviour for them really. They’re still travelling the same way; it’s just much more efficient for us on the back end.”

Now each employee has an account where each work related trip on Uber is billed to the company account, and feeds data to the Uber for Business dashboard, where NOVA can see how their work force travel, view individual trip costs and tax invoices as well as set rider rules for usage of workrelated Uber trips.

direction as to what was required to get set up, what information would be available day-to-day, how the billings would work, how to download data and system controls. We obviously had some questions around rider restriction controls. It was great to see that functionality has been built into the system to ensure staff usage aligns with what’s best for the business.”

Time and Cost Savings When it came time to launch Uber for Business, Eden Skyring says the feedback was positive, “The response from staff was immediate when the announcement was made that we were now live with Uber for Business. I received many emails commenting on the positive impact this initiative would have on their workday”.

The response from staff was immediate when the announcement was made that we were now live with Uber for Business. I received many emails commenting on the positive impact this initiative would have on their workday

Easy Account Management NOVA staff traveling interstate are also able to quickly change their employee expense account rules, allowing them to travel outside of business hours, and then update their rider rules to their default settings.

“Recently, we were also able to activate, for all NOVA staff going overseas, 24 hour Uber access, and all their trips were treated the same way, as if they were traveling in Australia. So, we had all the data, all the billings. It was very straightforward.”

Making the Change “It was very easy,” says Skyring, “we were given pretty clear

And for the finance team, this has made their job easier too. “We have a dedicated resource who manages our Uber for Business dashboard and works with our Uber for Business Account Manager on our administrative needs and reporting,” says Skyring, “Given that we’re a finance team, we do like to put things in Excel and Uber for Business provides us with great data for reporting and analysis.”

So even though NOVA Entertainment is growing, and their ground transportation trips have increased given their need to be in market, they have still seen around 10% savings since their employees have been using Uber for Business.

And for Eden Skyring, the best part is seeing the staff directing their time and energy to the core needs of the business, rather than worrying about travel expense claims. “It’s just not something they should have to put a lot of thought into. They’ve got other things they need to focus their attention on, and Uber for Business provides us a really straightforward, seamless way of getting around.”

To learn more about Uber for Business visit uber.com/business

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the traveller > WHERE TO GO NEXT

R OT T NEST ISL A N D PA G E

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PA G E

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> Farms in the southern state grow about half of the world’s supply of opium poppies used to make pain medications.

SIN G AP O RE

PA G E

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> Singapore is one of only three city-states in the world.

The other two are in Europe – Monaco and Vatican City.

OA H U

PA G E

066

> There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet. Five vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and seven consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W).

H ORSERIDE O N A DESERTED BEACH S TA R G A Z E B Y A S T U N N I N G L A K E G L A M P I N A N AT U R E S A N C T U A R Y H O T L IS T

T H E T R AV ELLER

13 PL ACES T H AT W IL L CHANGE THE W AY Y O U H O L I D AY IN 2019

H ORSERIDIN G IN S U MBA

H O CHI MIN H CIT Y

SU MBA

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V IE T N A M

> This city’s unique buzz has become so loud it’s now on everyone’s travel radar. It’s possible to soar to Saigon Skydeck (bitexcofinancialtower. com) on the 49th floor in the morning, then spend the afternoon enjoying a $2 beer on a plastic stool perched precariously close to the road. Each of Ho Chi Minh City’s 24 districts has a distinct feel. Historic attractions – such as the important War Remnants Museum (warremnantsmuseum.com) in District 3 – stand alongside innovative restaurants experimenting with Vietnamese cuisine (one even created a seriously gourmet $140 banh mi), an explosion of new microbreweries and a deeply entrenched café culture. And while there’s a satisfaction that comes from successfully dodging the swarm of motorbikes as you cross the street, the city’s first metro line, set to open in 2020, will make exploring this great city far less heart-stopping.

I N D O N ESI A

> Bali has been a favourite destination for decades but travellers are starting to seek out new spots to explore in the Indonesian archipelago. Enter Sumba in the East Nusa Tenggara province, a few skips east of Bali. The island is a delight for horseriders who can ride through waves like local horsemen on a bush-to-beach trail tour organised through Nihi Sumba (nihi.com). The resort even has an equine meditation program.

A U S T R AL I A

> It’s been a rebrand 10 years in the making: Newcastle is officially cool. Though this coastal city two hours’ drive north of Sydney has always drawn outdoorsy types keen to explore its ocean pools and nearby national parks, the influx of new drinking dens and eateries courtesy of a decade-long initiative to revitalise empty spaces is enticing a new crowd. Speakeasy Coal and Cedar (coalandcedar.com) is slinging inventive cocktails, craft beer bar The Grain Store (grainstorenewcastle.com.au) is tempting tourists with interesting hops and Corner House Café is a Scandi-style space (fb.me/ cornerhousecafe.newcastle) serving single origin coffee and all the breakfast necessities.

Consider it your next gourmet getaway.

W O R D S_ K AT E B A RR AC O S A

NEWCASTLE

E S T. 1 9 9 9

www.shopmadeinearth.com MELB ME LBOU OURR NE N E • LOS AN GELES • SSAN AN DIEG DIEGO O @madeinearthofficial

A TEMPLE IN B OKOR N ATIO N AL PARK

H O T L IS T

L AKE TEK AP O

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BOKOR NATIO NAL PARK C A M B O DI A

N E W ZE AL A N D

> You don’t need to go to Scandinavia to see an ephemeral light show. Though the Northern Lights have never been more popular, their southern counterpart, aurora australis, is just as dazzling – and gaining popularity. One of the best spots to catch the Southern Lights is Lake Tekapo, in the Mackenzie Basin on New Zealand’s South Island. The Aoraki-Mackenzie region was named an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012 – one of only 12 in the world – in recognition of its sparkling night skies. As interest in these natural phenomena increase, there is more happening in the area, such as a new night-time photography tour to the Church of the Good Shepherd and in April 2019, a new Earth and Sky astronomy experience (earthandsky.co.nz) is set to open, providing unparalleled access to the stars.

> Seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat might be the reason Cambodia makes it onto travel bucket lists but its lush national parks should be your new reason to visit. Bokor National Park, in the country’s south-west, was once a favoured retreat for French colonialists – the ruins of their holiday homes still stand.

These days, the accommodation is a little different. Shinta Mani Wild (shintamani.com/wild), nestled between Bokor and Cardamom national parks, is an eco glamping experience, where you can get back in touch with nature by accompanying rangers as they monitor local wildlife populations.

S TARGAZIN G NEAR L AKE TEK AP O

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K ATA TJU TA

A U S T R AL I A

> Uluru might receive most of the adoration when it comes to sights in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park but the latter half of the park’s namesake is just as worthy of awe. Kata Tjuta, an Aboriginal phrase meaning “many heads”, is a cluster of 36 rust-red domes (also known as the Olgas) sacred to the native Anangu people. For a close-up look, take the three-hour Valley of the Winds walk that weaves between the rocks and has two lookout points from which to really take them in. Go early in the day to increase your chances of seeing the rocks change colour as the sun moves higher in the sky and of spotting kangaroos grazing nearby.

EXPLORIN G T HE OLGAS T HE G OLDEN BRID GE, BA N A HILLS

DA NANG

V IE T N A M

> Da Nang has lived several lives: sleepy backwater, bustling port city, army landing zone. And it’s transformed again, this time into an attractive location for luxury hotels.

It’s an ideal base for exploring the surrounding sleepy beaches and the vertiginous crags of the Marble Mountains, as well as some man-made wonders. The Golden Bridge, sculpted to look as though it’s supported by two giant hands emerging from the ground, can be found in the nearby Ba Na Hills.

T H A IL A N D

> Just when you thought there were no more unspoilt Thai islands left to discover...

On the eastern side is laid-back Koh Kood, an island that’s retained most of its paradisiacal features. While there are plenty of places to stay, from beachfront bungalows to high-end resorts such as Soneva Kiri (soneva.com/ soneva-kiri), there’s really not much to do – which is exactly why you should go. Your choice of activities for the day might include a spa treatment, laying on the beach watching the local fishermen (about 2000 people live here), cruising out to sea in a kayak or hiking through the forest to plunge into the pool beneath Klong Chao waterfall. Tough choices.

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WAN AK A

T HE SLOPES OF WA N AK A

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N E W ZE AL A N D

Queenstown is the default destination for adventure seekers but there’s another hub of thrills equal in natural beauty just an hour’s drive away on the South Island. Wanaka, behind the Crown Range, is full of adrenaline-pumping options: tackle the Cardrona ski fields, where winter Olympians practise their craft, go skydiving, rock-climbing, mountain biking, parasailing or heliskiing. The most recent addition? The space-age dome tents at First Tracks Wanaka Geo Dome Heli Camp (firsttrackswanaka. co.nz) high up in the McKerrow Range.

It’s accessible only by helicopter, offering exclusive access to remote ski-tour terrain.

The timid need not apply.

LEEWARD C OAST

DIVIN G IN T HE LEE WARD C OAS T

H A W A II

It’s easy to get caught in the Waikiki bubble. But leave its beach and sprawling malls behind, hire a car and head west for a different perspective of life on Oahu. Here you have two choices. The first is a family-friendly experience: stay at a series of all-inclusive resorts clustered around purpose-built lagoons ideal for little keiki (kids), have a round on an 18-hole golf course and take a trip to the Wet’n’Wild waterpark (wetnwildhawaii. com). The second is more focused on primal beauty: hiking to mountain peaks formed by millennia-old lava flows and visiting Makaha Beach Park, a spot linked with the first serious attempts at big-wave surfing.

Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a memorable trip.

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H O T L IS T

MCL AREN VALE

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A U S T R AL I A

> For the past year, the dream-like d’Arenberg Cube (darenberg.com.au) has drawn wine lovers’ attention away from South Australia’s Barossa Valley and towards McLaren Vale, a rural enclave south of Adelaide known for producing a good red. Now that it’s established itself as one of the region’s premier attractions, there’s room to appreciate some of the new kids on the block.

Boutique winery and brewery Victor’s Place (victorsplace.com.au) opened in mid 2018, while winery Coriole (coriole.com) launched its new on-site restaurant Gather with Tom Tilbury in the kitchen. Mitolo Wines (mitolowines.com.au) has also refurbished its cellar door and restaurant.

T HE D’ARENBERG C UBE, M CL AREN VALE

BOR ACAY

P H IL IPPI N ES

> Boracay was closed for six months in 2018. The 10-squarekilometre island had become so popular that its pristine white beaches were in urgent need of restoration. Now it’s ready to welcome back visitors with a fresh new image. Casinos, bonfires and beach parties are out – electric tricycles, wetland parks and sustainable eco-tourism are in, meaning the island is on its way to recapturing the off-the-grid feel that attracted travellers in the first place. Visit in mid 2019 when more improvements to hotels and roads are complete.

TO MB ORI RIVER, O SAK A

B OR ACAY ISL A ND

Mark Clinton, Ha’a Keaulana, Lilian Luk

JAPAN > Face-painted rugby tragics will descend all over Japan to cheer on their teams come the 2019 Rugby World Cup (rugbyworldcup.com) in September. But there’s more to see than just the stadiums. One of the first matches in Sapporo, on Hokkaido island, coincides with the Sapporo Autumn Fest (sapporoautumnfest.jp/english), which includes the chance to sample miso-spiked ramen and Japanese delicacies amid the falling leaves. Osaka, on Honshu island, is a food lover’s dream – a blend of Michelin-starred restaurants, kushikatsu stores and street cooks whipping up snacks such as takoyaki (balls of fried octopus, ginger and green onion). Soak away postmatch exhilaration – or disappointment – at an onsen in Oita Prefecture (Kyushu island) or get psyched up for a big game by whizzing through the streets of Tokyo on a real-life Mario Kart (maricar.com).

A DVEN T U RE

into

the

—Pristine yet untamed, Tasmania’s rugged south-west is perfect for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and experience nature at its most glorious. Elspeth Callender straps on her hiking boots and steps out—

> The wind and approaching storm whip everyone into a competitive frenzy and we race each other towards the beach, four yellow kayaks cutting through the lake-top chop.

The clear sky we’d launched under that morning is obscured now by low fast-moving clouds. An expanding grey film right behind the cloud is the torrential rain catching up.

Dead ahead, on an island of green scrub with a long strip of pale sand, is an erected blue tarp we’re all aiming for.

Tasmania’s south-west is a wild and moody corner of the state. It’s a place of button grass plains, rocky peaks, scree slopes, vast stands of tea-tree and eucalypt, cool temperate rainforest and tannin-dark waterways with a coastline of lichened boulders and bull kelp. A landscape formed by an extreme climate supporting life adapted to forceful weather. Aboriginal people lived and thrived here for tens of thousands of years before Europeans arrived and deemed the environment too unhospitable.

Our kayaks slide up the sand and everyone wiggles out and ducks under the tarp as it starts to pour. There are three guides, plus two solo travellers, a couple in their 60s and me. One guide had gone on ahead earlier to prepare this shelter, boil the billy and spread out lunch. Before I’ve finished my second smoked salmon wrap the tarp is a sunshade.

Those of us who reside in Tasmania, where sunshine equals ideal swimming conditions, semi-strip and take a dip in Lake Pedder.

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S TA NDIN G ATOP M O U N T EL IZA

TAK IN G IN M O U N T FIELD N ATIO N AL PARK

This is the second day of a four-day guided hiking and kayaking experience with one of Tasmania’s newest high-end wilderness adventure companies: award-winning Wild Pedder (wildpedder.com.au). The itinerary entails kayaking, hiking and walking within two national parks. Mount Field, established in 1916, is one of Tasmania’s oldest. Southwest National Park, at 6183 square-kilometres is the state’s largest and makes up part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The number of Australians who bushwalk occasionally and regularly has significantly increased during this decade – from 15.6 per cent in 2010 to 27.3 per cent in 2015 – and consequently more Australians are seeking eco-tourism holiday experiences. Tasmania’s magnificent natural environment has been gaining greater domestic and international attention: from July 2009 to June 2010 a total of 409,000 holidaymakers visited the island, while the year ending June 2018 saw 645,400.

That, in turn, has encouraged more locally owned and operated outdoor adventure company start-ups like the one I’m currently working up a sweat on.

Wild Pedder is the creation of Cody McCracken and Lou Balcombe. Lou was born and raised in Tasmania, while Cody, like me, moved here by choice as an adult. They became friends while guiding in Tasmania and, for now at least, guide all Wild Pedder trips.

Both are tall, capable, knowledgeable thirty-somethings with the overdeveloped anterior thigh muscles of 1980s Action

1.6

K AYAK IN G IN L AKE PEDDER

MILLIO N HEC TARES OF TASMANIA IS WILDERNESS WORLD HERITAGE AREA.

100m HEIG H T OF T HE W ORLD’S TALLEST FLO WERING PL AN T, EUCALYPTUS REGNANS.

A N EC HID N A IN T HE WILD

TA S M A NI A

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PIGEO N W H OLE BAKERS

E AT > Find coffee and pastries at Pigeon Whole Bakers (fb.me/pigeonwholebakers) and brunch/lunch at Ginger Brown (fb.me/gingerbrowncafe) or 100 per cent gluten-free and vegetarian eats at Straight Up (straightupcoffeeandfood.com. au). Dine on pub grub with a twist at Tom McHugo’s (fb.me/ tommchugoshobarthotel).

Ti Ama serves traditional-style pizzas from a mirror-ball pizza oven (tiama.com.au). Book ahead for the fabulous Franklin (franklinhobart.com.au).

Chris Crear, Elspeth Callender

A WALKER AT GR O WL IN G S WALLE T

Man figurines. They wear matching black short-shorts Cody insists sit at regulation guiding-standard distance from the top of their gaiters. He has a broad grin and strategic mind and uses words like refugia, floristic, foliated and Gondwania. Lou is a quieter, more contemplative type. Together they created Wild Pedder because they “honestly love sharing the beauty of Tasmania’s wild places with anyone who will let us,” explains Cody.

The previous day, after a dawn pick-up from Hobart, the eight of us hiked Mount Field’s 15-kilometre Twisted Lakes and Tarn Shelf circuit carrying daypacks. Up in the alpine heathland, the blue sky, cloud puffs and bleached trunks of 300-year-old pencil pines were mirrored in every lake. The group picnicked among orange-coloured boulders and rested inside the cool core of historic Twilight Tarn Hut. That evening we ate well and then slept comfortably overnight at our lodge accommodation in Strathgordon (pedderwildernesslodge.com.au).

AL ABA M A H OTEL

S TAY > Bookend your Wild Pedder adventure by overnighting at the boutique budget Alabama Hotel (alabamahobart.com.au) or Montacute (montacute. com.au), both with communal bathrooms only. Alternatively, Hadley’s (hadleyshotel.com.au) and the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel (oldwoolstore.com.au) are fabulous choices. Or splash out and stay at stylish new kid on the dock, MACq 01 (macqo1.com.au).

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TA S M A NI A

Today’s sudden shift in weather means we don’t cover all 16 kilometres of paddling planned. This unharnessed energy of the south-west is a large part of the reason why Cody and Lou chose it as their professional playground. They love the ruggedness, its diverse environments, the layers of history. Lou says it “truly is the path less trodden”. For Cody, the area – being such a significant global wilderness – speaks for itself. And, although seemingly remote, the parts of the south-west we’re exploring with Wild Pedder aren’t all that far from Hobart.

When I moved to Tasmania a decade ago I drove the roads that skirt and vaguely penetrate Southwest National Park in an attempt to get to know the place I’d been magnetically drawn to. But this approach never seemed to bring us closer. Adventure touring in Tassie, I’ve since discovered, can lead to climbing a scree slope in falling snow, hiking a narrow trail in the dark, trekking a rainforest in a downpour – now some of my favourite memories of a place I call home.

We’re back on our feet again the following day for an 11-kilometre return hike to the top of Mount Eliza in Southwest National Park.

On the ascent a trackside echidna foraging for insects either doesn’t notice or care that we’re passing. Pedder is visible all day and despite its youthfulness – the original Lake Pedder was flooded in 1972 as part of the Gordon River hydroelectric scheme – it appears positively prehistoric when overlooked. On a trail graded as hard by Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, this is our most physically demanding

VIE WS ACR O S S M O U N T FIELD A ND ITS VAS T ALPINE M O ORL A ND

JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O TA S M A N I A.

M AC Q 01 H OTEL

“HE LOVES BEIN G IM MERSED IN CLO U D ‘AS I T DA N CES OFF A M O U N TA IN CR AG’ A N D K AYAK IN G T HR O U G H A FL ASH H A ILSTORM.”

day. But there are no complaints and all but one guest and a guide carry on above the tree line to scramble the last section up to an intermittently misty summit of scattered boulders and colourful cushion plants.

Day four is a walk in the park; we’ve come full circle back to Mount Field and enter the Florentine Valley via a logging road. It’s a sombre start on a flat peaty path winding between car-sized stumps and mossy horizontal trunks.

Then, like magic, we’re beneath a canopy of orange-scented sassafras, huge burly myrtles, centuries-old tree ferns and gigantic Eucalyptus regnans – the world’s tallest flowering plant.

“Being adventurous really is the way to get connected to an area,” says Lou, over our rainforest picnic. He talks about how much he loves being immersed in cloud “as it dances off a mountain crag” and kayaking through a flash hailstorm when “the water appears to be boiling all around”.

He calls them extraordinary moments. But soon I’m only half listening to the group’s conversation – my mind has returned to our paddling race towards the beach, the bracing swim afterwards and the afternoon paddle to the lodge with a mildly threatening yet glorious breeze at our backs.

JE T S TA R.C O M

www.mrssippybali.com

@mrssippybali

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01. < T H E F O O DIE > “Adventurous palates should opt for the uniquely Singaporean creations .”

<

T H E L U XE-SEEK ER > “There are plenty of stylish hotels in Singapore that never fail to impress.”

02.

1 DES T IN AT IO N 3 WAYS

SINGAPORE —Whether you’re passing through the Lion City or in search of cultural immersion, three travellers reveal how to experience it all in this cosmopolitan destination—

03. < T H E JE T-SE T T ER > “You’re on a tropical island, so relax by the beach!”

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SIN G AP O RE

01.

THE FOODIE NAME MARIA SINGH OCCUPATIO N FORMER FOOD WRITER AND HOTEL PR

> TIFFIN TIME. The Tingkat Shop is the perfect shopping destination for food lovers (no, you can’t take home a plate of chicken rice), selling quirky tiffin carriers that range from basic porcelain to highly elaborate. They make great souvenirs and gifts. Bonus: the establishment is located in Tiong Bahru Market, which is a dining haven in itself.

Housing around 80 food stalls, you won’t want to miss Kampong Carrot Cake, Jian Bo Chee Kueh (for steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish) and a robust cup of sock-pulled local coffee. tiongbahru.market

TIO NG BAHRU MARKE T T HE OT HER RO O M

G E T FAR M-S C H O OLED. Bollywood Veggies (bollywoodveggies.com) has a food museum and runs tours where you can learn more about humankind’s relationship with what we eat. Cooking lessons are also available.

> SECRET COCKTAILS. With its dark speakeasy vibes and a nondescript entrance, The Other Room instantly transports you to the mystery of the Prohibition Era. Make sure to nab ringside seats at the bar to witness the alchemy of Dario Knox and his team. Spirits are created in-house and are represented on the menus with beautiful illustrations. The glassware is as varied as the drinks – you could be sipping from a teacup perched on a champagne flute stem one minute and drinking from a medieval goblet the next. theotherroom.com.sg

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CHEEK BY JOWL

> BY APPOINTMENT. It’s the new culinary trend Singaporeans have fallen for – dining out in a private home. Pick of the bunch is Nonya Bong the Peranakan, offered by Jeffrey Chia at his own home. A retired engineer, Jeffrey pours his heart and soul into perfecting Peranakan cooking with his signature dishes like beef rendang, chicken buah keluak and fiery sambal prawns. This is undoubtedly the place to experience Singaporean-Peranakan cuisine at its finest. fb.me/nonyabongtheperanakan

> MICHELIN MAN. Value-for-money, Michelin-starred venue Cheek by Jowl sits in a conservation area a short walk from Raffles Place MRT station. Helmed by Sri Lanka-born Australian chef Rishi Naleendra, everything on the menu is seasonal and produce-driven. The popped baby corn amuse-bouche and the bread course, in particular, are enough to warrant the price of lunch, which, at about $49, is great value for three delicious courses. cheekbyjowl.com.sg

T HE TINGK AT SH OP

> STREET FEAST.

“YO U C O UL D BE SIPPIN G FR O M A TE AC UP PER C HED O N A C H A MPAG NE FLU TE STEM O NE MIN U TE A N D DRINK IN G FR O M A MEDIE VAL G OBLE T T HE NEX T.”

At Springleaf Prata Place, you’ll find that quintessentially Singaporean street eat – crisp, hand-twirled, griddle-fried flatbread (prata) stuffed with cheese and paired with a steaming hot cup of frothy milk tea. More adventurous palates should opt for their uniquely Singaporean – but no less tasty – creations like plaster blaster eggs Benedict, prata x alfredo (with rosemary smoked chicken and alfredo sauce) and salted egg prawn prata. Whether it’s morning fuel, a midday fix or an evening feast, nothing is ever off limits on their menu. spplace.com

SIN G AP O RE

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02.

THE LUXESEEKER NAME A N D RE W TA N OCCUPATIO N LUXURY INTERIORS STYLIST MANDARIN GALLERY

LOCAL TIP

AERIAL VIEW OF GARDENS BY T HE BAY

Make reservations and get dining discounts with websites such as Chope (chope.co) and Quandoo (quandoo.sg).

Saving money while binging? ‘Nuff said.

> SHOP LIFE.

> SKY HIGH. Having successfully transformed from a fishing village to a global city, enjoy a visual feast of the island state’s remarkable skyline from the top with a helicopter ride.

The 45-minute sightseeing tour by Singapore HeliServices covers the Southern Islands and the northern coastline. We suggest combining this with a VIP concierge service so the chopper can pick you up from your hotel and take you to your next destination in the city in spectacular fashion. singaporeheliservices.com.sg

If you’ve only got time for one mall, head straight for Mandarin Gallery, a calming upmarket respite from the crowds of Orchard Road.

You’ll find an eclectic selection of international labels like Boss, Bathing Ape and Y-3 as well as acclaimed homegrown retailers Choo Yilin Jewellery and womenswear brand Beyond the Vines. For a breather, refuel at patisserie Antoinette, where the cakes are to die for, or head to the Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten in the adjoining Mandarin Orchard hotel. mandaringallery.com.sg

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> COOL DIGS. Lloyd’s Inn is an elegant urban oasis that’s just a five-minute walk to the city’s most famous shopping stretch of Orchard Road. There are plenty of stylish hotels in Singapore but this boutique hidden gem nestled amid greenery, with minimalist interiors and a dipping pool (don’t dive in – it’s not a swimming pool) never fails to impress my globetrotting friends. lloydsinn.com LLOYD’S INN

LULU’S LO U NGE

ORCHARD ROAD

> ALL NIGHT LONG.

> CULTURE SHOCK. Steep yourself in the traditions of Singapore’s Straits Chinese population at this award-winning private museum in the residence of founder and owner Alvin Yapp. His passion for his culture is on full display: expect antique furniture, porcelain ware from China, intricate French beaded slippers and multi-coloured enamelware, complete with Alvin’s lively explanations of their significance. The one-hour tea tour includes Peranakan light bites. A more customised tour, which includes lunch or dinner, can be specially arranged. the-intan.com

Opened by New York natives Joshua and Sarissa Schwartz – the brains behind the ultra-cool bar Employees Only Singapore (employeesonlysg.com) – Lulu’s Lounge knows a thing or two about having a good time. Sip on cocktails such as Whisky Pucker Up, served with a flirty twist and a fulsome set of lips on the froth, while live acts by the likes of the Kinky Boots cast and international DJs round off an always excellent outing.

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SIN G AP O RE

03.

THE JETSET TER NAME S H I N J I YA M A S A K I OCCUPATIO N BEAUTY BRAND CEO AND F R E Q U E N T T R AV EL L ER

Locals know that the Chomp Chomp Food Centre, located in a low-rise neighbourhood of private homes, is the best one-stop shop for hawker fare.

After 4pm daily, have your fill of the famed fried hokkien noodles, satay, grilled chicken wings, fried carrot cake, rojak and BBQ sambal stingray, all washed down with an ice cold beer or sugar cane juice.

This could just be your most satisfying meal in Singapore. chompchompfoodcentre. business.site

BR IN G T IS S U ES. Not only will you want them to mop up sweat when out and about in the humid weather but they’ll come in handy to “chope” (reserve) seats when at crowded hawker centres like Chomp Chomp (oursgheritage.sg).

GARDENS BY T HE BAY

> YUM TIMES.

> GREEN DAY. Gardens by the Bay is hands-down my absolute favourite spot. The location is unbeatable, right across from Marina Bay Sands and it’s the perfect place to take snaps of the varied flora and the futuristic architecture of the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and the Supertrees. Tackle the gardens in the early evening when it’s cooler and stay for the light and sound show at the Supertree Grove. gardensbythebay.com.sg

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> CITY BEACH. You’re on a tropical island, so relax by the beach! Even when you’re time-pressed, spending an hour or two at Tanjong Beach Club at Sentosa to soak up the sun with a cocktail is a good way to recharge before your next flight out. Another plus: it’s a breezy 15-minute taxi ride from the CBD, yet it feels like a whole world away. tanjongbeachclub.com

> FLY AWAY.

MAS JID SULTAN M OSQ UE

It may be tucked away about a 30-minute drive from the city on the western side of the island but it’s worth the trip to visit Jurong Bird Park.

There, you can marvel at the world’s tallest man-made waterfall and get up-close with 400 species of birds in the spectacular walk-in aviaries where the birds fly freely around. If you are constantly on the go, a visit to the bird park is a great way to get your therapeutic dose of wildlife. birdpark.com.sg

K AMP O NG GL AM DISTRICT

JURO NG BIRD PARK

“I T’S E ASY TO SPEN D H ALF A DAY EXPLORIN G T HE HISTORICAL K A MP O N G GL A M DISTRIC T.”

> TAKE A STROLL. The historical Kampong Glam district has a diverse mix of traditional and hipster elements and it’s easy to spend half a day exploring it. Check out landmarks including Masjid Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre, as well as family-run shops peddling wares such as lamps, carpets and fabrics, and eateries selling delicious Malay fare. On nearby Beach Road, Singapore’s only arthouse cinema, The Projector (theprojector.sg), screens specially curated films. kampongglam.org.sg JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O SI N G AP O RE FR O M A U S T R AL I A.

JE T S TA R.C O M

fun starts here FA MILY

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Want to know where Hawaiian families hang ten on the island of Oahu? We ask local mums to share the best kid-friendly spots for keeping the whole tribe entertainedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

H AWAII K AI SK ATE PARK

HIKE A Q UIETER TR AIL

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ALL A G ES

> Oahu-based art director, blogger and mum of two, Julie Estrella from Aloha Lovely, may have a passion for style but in her downtime she doesn’t mind getting muddy. On weekends she’s often found on the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Digging Trail. About 30 minutes north of Waikiki, the 2.5-kilometre trail has coastline views comparable to Diamond Head Crater (the extinct volcano in the city’s south) but fewer crowds.

“It’s safe for the little ones, isn’t too long and the view is a huge payoff for not too big an effort,” she says.

Julie started taking her (now tween-age) girls to the popular family spot when they were aged five and seven years old. “Kids love crawling over the bendy tree roots and the peek-a-boo views,” she says.

Afterwards, they snack at Fresh Catch in nearby Kaneohe. “There’s great poke [diced raw fish],” she says.

Park on Hui Iwa Street (near the Temple Valley Shopping Center) and look for the yellow marker indicating the start of the track. freshcatch808.com

T U NE YO UR SK ATEBOARD SK ILLS > Given that she is the World Surf League’s general manager for Hawaii/Tahiti Nui, it’s no surprise that Jodi Wilmott and her sons (aged nine, 13 and 19) are keen surfers. But out of the water they spend a lot of time at Proper Rideshop in Kalihi, north of Honolulu’s Downtown business hub. “Skateboarding and surfing go hand in hand,” says Jodi. Proper is far more than a place to buy cool skate gear. “It’s an indoor skate facility with all the equipment. They have great instructors and you can learn to improve your skating,” she says.

When the Wilmott kids are back at their North Shore home (where Oahu’s biggest waves are found), they are often joined by Honolulu teens who make the hour-long drive to skate at the Banzai Rock Skatepark. “It’s right behind the beach near the famous surf spot, the Banzai Pipeline, and is known for its transitions, walls and bowls,” Jodi says. If you fancy something closer to Honolulu – with cool obstacles – take a spin at Hawaii Kai Skate Park. properrideshop.com

WORDS_ SUE WHITE

A G E 7+

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> The competition from Oahu’s North Shore means tourists often miss the island’s west side. “I think people might not realise its beauty,” says Julie Estrella.

For a family beach outing, Julie heads 50 minutes west from Waikiki to the flat-as-a-pancake waters of Pokai Bay. “It’s calm enough to swim laps or float around in a silly inflatable. Think soft white sand and crystal clear water. Locals also know there’s a reasonable chance of finding Spinner dolphins here, especially in the mornings.

Like all wildlife, there are no guarantees, but Julie has had success and says it pays to keep an eye out for the small (by dolphin standards) mammals.

Julie pairs the trip with a meal at Coquito’s, a small Latin American restaurant set back from the main road in Waianae. “I go for Shrimp Mofongo and the kids usually have chicken, rice and beans,” she says. coquitos-latin-cuisine-restaurant.business.site

C O OL OFF AT T HE H O N OLULU M USEU M OF ART > Given her design background, it’s no wonder that when Oahu-based blogger Mal Holcomb-Botts of Aloha Botts and Tots is out with her two kids she often heads to the Honolulu Museum of Art. While the themed Family Day (third Sunday of the month) is a favourite, it’s always a good time to enjoy the museum’s serene surrounds. “There are gorgeous courtyards, ponds and fountains and ever-changing exhibits,” she says.

Consider getting there by public transport, as parking can be difficult.

“If you drive, your only option is meter parking so be sure to have quarters on hand,” advises Mal. For lunch, she recommends the museum café, a picnic in the park across the street, or driving to nearby Kaka‘ako’s cafés.

Those with older kids in tow will love the dancing, music, interactive art exhibits and street food at the monthly ARTafterDARK (January to October). “There are adult beverages too, making it a good go-to for a family night out,” she says. honolulumuseum.org

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> All good cities have one: a former industrial area bursting with cool cafés, microbreweries and pop-up shops. In Honolulu it’s Kaka‘ako, between Waikiki and Downtown.

Salt – a space for the community to gather, eat and shop – comprises one whole city block at Our Kaka‘ako mall and is a hit with teens, not only because of the impressive graffiti art. “It has its own culture including lots of artistic people swapping ideas over coffee,” says Jodi Wilmott. While her teens hang out with friends, she has her own fun. “I mosey around, get food and look at the amazing murals.”

If she’s in the area at the right time, Jodi enjoys another slice of Kaka’ako: the weekly Sunset Bazaar (Kaka‘ako Park, 747 Ala Moana Boulevard) every Friday night. saltatkakaako.com; eatthestreethawaii.com

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> Less than two kilometres inland from Waikiki Beach, across from the Ala Wai Golf Course, lies the perfect activity if you want to spend a few hours out of the sun – glass art workshops at KoBo Glass.

Local mum Marcia Lise regularly takes her five-year-old son to join the studio’s open glass classes. “He likes putting small glass pieces onto the glass sheet... they’re later transformed into a chopstick rest, magnet, sun catcher or a dish,” she says.

Drop-in classes at the cool, air-conditioned studio are kid-friendly.

The final creations are put in the kiln by the teacher and picked up a few days later or posted to their creators, anywhere in the world. koboglass.com

TACKLE T HE T URNS UP N ORT H AGE 6+

> On their home turf of Oahu’s North Shore, Jodi Wilmott’s family regularly tackles the paths of the Kealia Trail (it includes 19 hairpin bends). “It’s quite a workout, so the kids use up a lot of energy,” she laughs. While some locals (such as the “fitness freaks” from the army’s nearby Schofield Barracks) jog the trail in just 45 minutes return, Jodi’s own pace means it usually takes double that.

Expect shade, rocks and lots of vegetation on the way up and ironbark trees nearer to the top, where the reward is the view. You can spot Mokuleia Army Beach, known to locals as Blue Swimming Hole from the lookout. “We often go swimming here after the hike, although in winter the waves get big so you’d want to be careful,” says Jodi.

To make the most of the drive to the North Shore, head into Haleiwa for lunch or shaved ice. haleiwatown.com

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> Every Tuesday and Friday morning from 9-11am in Hawaii Kai (a 25-minute drive east of Waikiki), the family-run, organic farm known as Keiki and Plow opens its doors so kids can come in and pick their own produce. Local mum Greta Gallardo is a regular at this hands-on event, where her two children (aged three and six) are encouraged to harvest veggies, hold chickens and go wild in the dirt.

“Although I absolutely love raising my two kids in Hawaii, I often felt like they were lacking in the area of ‘farm life’ and seeing where their food comes from,” she says.

Before grabbing a basket to gather organic produce and fresh eggs, Greta’s kids usually run up the hill to the play area and lose themselves in building and digging.

“My kids look forward to it and call it the chicken farm where they have ‘chicken friends’,” says Greta. keikiandplow.com

JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O H O N OL UL U FR O M A R O U N D A U S T R AL I A.

S T A Y, P L A Y, E A T Best family-friendly hotel > There’s no shortage of big resorts; the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort (hilton.com) has a kids club for five- to 12-year-olds.

Best family dining > The novelty of revolving restaurant Top of Waikiki (topofwaikiki.com) will keep children entertained.

For quick takeaway, grab the kids a bento box from Mitsu-Ken (mitsu-ken.food96.com).

Best section of Waikiki Beach > Although eight different beaches make up the 3.2-kilometre Waikiki Beach, the pick for families is San Souci Beach. Away from the busy hotel strip, this local favourite boasts calm waters and great snorkelling.

JE T S TA R.C O M

Stephanie Briley, Kalen Emsley, Bitta Harris

It’s free, it’s gorgeous and locals can’t get enough of it. “I love the ocean and so do my children but that is only part of the beauty that Hawaii has to offer,” says Mal Holcomb-Botts of the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens, less than 30 minutes’ drive north from Honolulu. “The lush green tropical foliage at the gardens is an incredible sight that many visitors miss.”

As Insta fans will know, the entry to the gardens is oft photographed (so often, in fact, that guards are posted to stop visitors pausing on the road) but inside there are 400 acres to explore. “The kids can run, run, run to their hearts content… it’s never too crowded,” says Mal. And nothing beats a weekend visit, when kids can fish onsite (10am to 2pm). “They hand out adorable bamboo poles with barbless hooks but require you to bring your own bait,” she says.

The event, which runs on a first come, first served basis, is a catch and release program. “No fish can be taken from the property.” fb.me/hoomaluhiabotanicalgarden

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—A rash of celebrity selfies has put Western Australia’s tiny Rottnest Island on the world stage.

Despite all the attention, it remains the same sleepy place where Fiona Adolph created her favourite summer holiday memories—

BAT H URS T L IG H T H O USE OVERLO OK IN G T HE PAT H TO PINK Y BEAC H

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n a perfect Christmas morning, a rising sun kicked off the bay, sending arrows of light onto the wall beside my cheek. Seagulls heckled as I dozed on, a soft easterly breeze rustling at my shoulder. But what was that clicking and scratching at my back? Turning in outrage, I howled at the dripping, clawed beast snapping its tail on my pillow as my siblings shrieked in delight, my father clearly chuffed that I’d fallen for his old prank again.

A live crayfish. The quickest way to get a teenager out of bed.

Welcome to Christmas 1970s-style. Our family of eight piled into the same heritage cottage in Thomson Bay year after year, our closest family friends cramming their seven kids into a snug twin next door. We had spectacular views south along a gentle curve of beach and east across the ocean to the shallow surf break known as Transit. We ran feral for a festive fortnight, our parents a far more relaxed version of the people they were at home.

Those days are a world away from the #quokkaselfie frenzy that has recently helped position Rottnest Island as a desirable destination internationally. Tennis ace Roger Federer’s 545,000 social media likes in December 2017 were followed by actress Margot Robbie’s two million a few months later. Thanks to celebrities like these, a place renowned for its slow pace quickly became a must-see destination on the back of a quick photo op with the island’s cute and trusting marsupial, the quokka.

Federer made the comment at the time that he thought the creatures were tame as a result of “getting used to the tourists”.

Bless him. Quokkas have been spectacularly unfazed by humans – or anything else – since the last ice age, thanks to their isolation.

Their vulnerability is part of their appeal.

A 35-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, Rottnest Island is a Class-A nature reserve that has been a magnet for (mainly Western Australian) holiday-makers since the 1920s.

Essentially a limestone outcrop, the island’s unusual beauty is obvious from the moment you step off the ferry, Perth just a smudge on the horizon about 19 kilometres to the east.

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A truer version of cerulean would be hard to find anywhere on the planet. On a clear day, the waters reflect every colour in a peacock’s tail.

As a little girl it took great willpower to resist the urge to dive in fully clothed straight off the boat.

From the jetty, convict-built cottages can be seen crouched between tea trees along the shoreline, making up one of the oldest intact streetscapes in the country. Modest dwellings built from limestone quarried on the island to house prison guards in the 1840s, each has different arrangements of timber windows but all feature deep verandas washed in the same apricot hue known as “Rottnest ochre”.

The colour seems to perfectly complement the blue of the bay, the white of the beach and the emerald pines that line the narrow streets. The same streets where my parents fell in love, where I first kissed a boy and where, on a tandem bike en route to our

FISH H O OK BAY

S TAY > There is budget and premium accommodation and plenty of options in between on Rottnest Island (rottnestisland.com), from campgrounds to basic units, bungalows and oceanfront heritage cottages – check out the Hotel Rottnest (hotelrottnest.com.au) and the Karma Rottnest resort (rottnestlodge.com.au). Whether you stay in central Thomson Bay or a quick shuttle bus (or bike) ride away at Longreach, Fays or Geordie bays, each area has its charm.

SN ORKELL IN G OFF R OT T NES T ISL A ND

FIO N A’S FA MILY A ND FRIENDS H OL IDAYIN G IN 1977

honeymoon cottage, my husband and I had our first marital argument – a row over directions.

The writer Robert Drewe has long held the view that every Australian rite of passage occurs on or near the beach and, for our family, that was Rottnest.

As our family grew and changed and some of us moved away from Perth, Christmas at Rottnest was the one certainty that ensured we all stayed close. More than tinsel, eggnog or pud, Christmas for me meant the briny tang of sea air, soft limestone trails underfoot, secret coves and crayfish pulled from the sea in cane pots before dawn and quickly cooked (after being used to scare a barely-awake child half to death).

Rottnest was never what you would call “festive” but my parents tried to make it so.

We used a fallen piece of pine tree draped in tinsel as a Christmas tree. Sometimes the island chapel would hold candlelight events where we would sing “Away in a Manger” and “Jingle Bells”. On many of my childhood Christmases, Father Christmas arrived in a rubber dinghy to fling handfuls of lollies at screaming kids on the shore. The old fella would be drenched in sweat, wearing a faded and sagging rented costume that, even to my young mind, seemed ludicrous in the baking heat of an Australian summer.

Gift-giving on Christmas morning was also a low-key affair, after which we would enjoy the crays’ sweet, tender flesh with crusty loaves warm from the island’s still-famous Rottnest Bakery, homemade lemony mayo on the side.

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The rest of the day was whiled away bike riding, swimming, snorkelling and playing Neil Young songs on the guitar or cards out on the verandah, where we also slept.

It is hard to put a finger on just what it is about “Rotto” that puts a person into a slower gear. For a start, everyone gets around on bikes so the absence of traffic noise and fumes is conspicuous. Beyond the rustle of wind in the pine trees or water lapping on sand, Rottnest bubbles along to the quiet hum of folks chatting, kids playing and old friends catching up.

Despite the island’s diminutive size (it’s just 11 kilometres from east to west) there are 63 pristine beaches and 20 bays, some just snug enough to fit a beach towel. Moderated by the ocean, the island’s temperature usually hovers a few degrees below Perth’s in summer and a few degrees above it in winter. And there is considerably less rainfall, too.

It’s not hard to see why accommodation is often booked out a year in advance during peak Christmas season. But that hasn’t stopped us from going back most years, in spite of our gang ballooning to 30-plus people – even if it means hiring a row of cottages on the sleepy south end of the island, instead of our familiar holiday home in the main settlement.

Last year was special. It was the last Christmas we got to spend with my father, in a blissful daze, revisiting our favourite haunts and mainly just soaking in the island’s magic.

Although I am not subject to live crayfish wake-up calls anymore, in Rotto, the idyll of my childhood Christmases remains intact.

JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O PER T H.

G E T T IN G T H ERE Once you arrive in Perth, regular ferries to Rottnest Island run from: > Barrack Street jetty, Perth (90 mins), rottnest express.com.au > B-Shed and Northport ferry terminals in Fremantle (35 mins), sealinkrottnest. com.au > Hillarys Boat Harbour (45 mins), rottnestfast ferries.com.au

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> Fun for all ages With cycle paths around the entire island, fun parks, a cinema, museum, golf course and good cafés, there is plenty to keep you occupied beyond the obvious swimming, snorkelling and fishing.

You can bring your own bike or hire one through the Rottnest Island Authority or through the ferry operators. rottnestisland.com.au > Dive in Whatever else you plan, a dip with a snorkel in one of the sheltered lagoons (Little Salmon Bay is always good for skin diving) is a must-do.

Equipment hire is available through the ferry services or you can pick up a cheap mask and snorkel at the Rottnest General Store. rottnestgeneralstore.com.au > Dinner with a view The Hotel Rottnest has one of the most spectacular water outlooks on the island. Good times at the property’s restaurant and bar (formerly the Quokka Arms) are guaranteed with live music and local produce-led dishes such as prawn and chorizo pizza or WA-caught fish, served with juniper-infused slow-cooked sauerkraut. hotelrottnest.com.au

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T H E T R AV ELLER

T HE 360 O N...

WELLINGTON NUKE-FREE > Wellington declared itself a nuclear-free zone in a benchmark 1982 vote and the whole country declared the same five years later.

Nuclear-powered or -armed ships were (and still are) barred from entering NZ ports, which caused a rift with powerful ally the United States. New Zealand was officially downgraded from ally to friend.

The two countries aren’t quite ready to swipe right but the US is in the process of approving easier trade and investment there for New Zealanders.

—Movie magic, a bubbling beer scene and a slice of Silicon Valley. Helen Martin discovers the unexpected side of New Zealand’s waterfront capital—

SIMPLY THE BEST > This waterfront city was named the world’s most liveable city by Deutsche Bank, pipping other contenders like Copenhagen and Vienna to the post. Factors that contributed to the win include cost of living, climate, safety and pollution levels.

Wellington also offers great restaurants, cafés, breweries, shopping and a cool arts scene, all within a compact area and with nature at its doorstep.

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MAIL BY BOAT > A three-hour ferry ride south of Wellington will bring you to the cute little town of Picton, where they still deliver the mail by boat up Queen Charlotte Sound. You can play postman and tag along on this 150-year-old mail run (beachcombercruises.co.nz), as you sit back and spot orcas, dolphins, penguins and fur seals – common sights in these waters.

In summer the Mail Boat Cruise also takes in Ship Cove, where Captain Cook anchored his ship in the 1770s to replenish supplies.

DAY TRIP TO WINE COUNTRY > From Picton you can explore the Marlborough region, which lays claim to most of the country’s wine plantings.

The area has so many cellar doors you’ll need a few days to get around them (what a goal though) and its deservedly acclaimed sauvignon blanc has been happily joined by pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling. Cheers!

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BUSINESS MINDS > The World Bank ranked New Zealand the easiest country in the world to do business, knocking Singapore off the top spot. With a thriving start-up culture, Wellington is home to some of the country’s most successful businesses, including software company Xero and car-sharing app, Mevo.

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LORD OF THE TECH > Currently working on the Avatar sequel, Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital (the special effects arm of the Weta Group) has been credited with heralding Wellington’s surge as a creative and tech hub. In 2016 there were some 800 start-ups. Battle a troll from Lord of the Rings on a tour of the Weta Cave Workshop (wetaworkshop. com), where you can also make your own movie blood.

AMBER AT TRACTION > They’re very serious about their beer in Wellington. With more than 20 craft beer bars and breweries, Wellingtonians host Beervana every August to celebrate their true love. During the rest of the year, there’s an official beer trail map (craftbeercapital.com) you can download to further your scientific research.

Hamish Johnson, Jeff McEwan, Dave Roper, Kieran Scott, Anthony Strong

GIRL POWER > An 1893 petition for women to be given the right to vote contained some 24,000 signatures.

The sheets of paper were glued together to form a 270-metre roll and submitted to parliament in Wellington. Result: New Zealand was the first self-governing country to grant women access to the ballot box. Since then the country has had three female prime ministers, including current PM Jacinda Ardern (right) – the youngest female head of government in the world.

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the cut > THE BEST OF WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND PL AY

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> The Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is one of the world’s largest, with some of its caverns measuring 182 metres deep.

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> Fort Scratchley in Newcastle East is Australia’s only coastal fort to return fire at an enemy vessel during a time of war.

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> Famous for its “Aqua Profonda” (deep water) sign, Fitzroy Pool featured in Helen Garner’s novel Monkey Grip.

E AT + DRINK

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—Known as “the nation’s kitchen”, this Japanese city boasts 96 Michelin-starred restaurants as well as countless hole-in-the-wall gems. Katie Lockhart seeks out the best of both—

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> SAUCE BOSS. Oozing hipster cool, this bar in the Shinsaibashi shopping hub boasts one of the largest craft beer selections in town. That’s not all, their gourmet chicken wings are epic. Pair a local beer like Doppo with burgers, fresh cut fries or one of their signature wings – they have 18 different flavours to choose from – and you’re all set. sauceboss.jp

> BAR CUE’S. Located in the heart of uptown Kita, this Osaka institution has been serving delicious cocktails with fruit and herbal liquors for nearly 30 years.

Sleek yet relaxed, the 20-seat bar is perfect for a post-dinner nightcap. cues-club.com/bar

Dave Dawang, Bundo Kim, Leslie Koh

> BAR K. Styled like a moody New York bar with dark wood counters, this intimate venue, located a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station, is one of the city’s best whisky bars. Find an impressive selection from around the world and quality Japanese whiskies, plus impeccable cocktails. A cover charge applies (about $7.50). bar-k.jp/index.php

best bars > GAME BAR GEEBEE. A recent addition to the Shinsaibashi neighbourhood’s game bar scene, this community-focused arcade offers a fun vibe and affordable prices. For about $6 per hour, you can play all the modern electronic games or old-school board games you want, with unlimited soda and small portions of traditional Japanese curry and rice. The alcoholic drinks cost a measly $4.80 extra. Come here for a truly authentic experience with local food and drinks.

> ROOFTOP BAR OO. A huge outdoor terrace is a luxury in the bustling Dotonbori district, so this seventh-floor sports bar and club is a rare find. A good time is guaranteed, whether you are cheering with fellow fans as you watch a baseball match on the 500-inch projector near the outdoor pool, dancing or just kicking back with a vodka tonic and a board game on one of the many couches. oo-u.jp

BAR K

GET YOUR BEARINGS Osaka is divided into two major urban districts, Kita and Minami, meaning north and south respectively. Most of the action is centred around these areas, with smaller neighbourhoods emerging around them.

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> OIMATSU KITAGAWA. Located in a quiet, residential suburb of Kita, this Michelin-star restaurant serves kappo-style omakase kaiseki – a multi-course meal left up to the chef, using seasonal fish and local ingredients. The mystery of lifting the white cloth hanging over the door to walk down the cobblestone path into the warm, eight-seater dining room only enhances how special the whole experience feels. oimatsukitagawa.com

Hiro Nakayama, @miu696

> EK CHUAH. Quality chocolate is not easy to find in Japan but this specialty shop and café is worth hunting down – just follow your nose to the aromas of sugar and chocolate wafting around the charming area of Karahori, Minami. Housed in a traditional two-storey wooden building, the cocoa haven stocks limited-edition chocolates in flavours such as hot wine and apple. The café’s Theobroma cake made of milk chocolate with orange (kind of like a Jaffa) is not to be missed. ek-chuah.co.jp

spots > GANKO RAMEN JUHACHIDAIME. Head to this locals’ favourite tucked away down a small alley of the lively Namba neighbourhood (in lower Minami) for ramen ordered from a machine. Select perfectly cooked miso or salt ramen – an ideal pairing with fatty pork – and once you’re done slurping it up, you may well be rewarded with a printout of personal Osaka recommendations from the helpful owner.

> BAR NAYUTA. If you can find it, one of the coolest underground bars in Osaka is hidden behind a tiny door at the end of a dark hallway, which you can identify from a cryptic emblem on the wall. Once you’re inside this eclectic speakeasy in the flashy Shinsaibashi neighbourhood, tell the owner Hiro what type of alcohol you like, whether you like it sweet, savory, spicy or bitter and he will whip up a top-notch cocktail. bar-nayuta.com

> GINZAYA. It’s standing room only at this hole in the wall, found down on the basement floor of the Osaka Ekimae Daiichi office building, a short hop from Osaka Station. Make like the local businessmen who come here after work for a few pints of Sapporo and izakaya (informal Japanese pub grub) and try the chicken karaage, beef tataki or calamari – you’ll see why it’s so popular.

TRENDING Gin cocktails are Japan’s latest alcohol craze and at Adee in the Intercontinental Osaka hotel, you can sip on them while taking in jaw-dropping views of the city. icosaka.com/en/restaurant/adee

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> SUSHIYOSHI. With two Michelin stars, this Kita restaurant is a coveted reservation so make sure you book in advance (and save up) for one of only eight seats at the minimalist wooden table. Not exactly a traditional sushi experience, here it is a degustation-style three hour meal served by the friendly chef who explains each dish (with a few jokes thrown in).

SUSHIYOSHI

> MAWARU GENROKU SUSHI.

sushi central

> KAWAUME.

> ENDO SUSHI. Serving some of the city’s finest fish for more than 100 years, this cosy, no-frills sushi mecca draws in the crowds for its top-quality marketfresh produce and attractive prices – you can get five pieces for about $12.

The original is located in the Central Fish Market but the newer outpost in Kyobashi’s Keihan Mall, north of Osaka Castle, is just as good. endo-sushi.com

A S TA R -S T U D D E D S U P P E R One of four Osaka restaurants awarded three Michelin stars this year, Taian offers elaborate meals of gourmet dishes such as Japanese yellowtail sashimi served in an inviting setting, complete with a zen garden.

END O SUSHI

Bakergirl, Monique Cheung

> HARUKOMA SUSHI. Join the queues outside this unpretentious eatery on the city’s longest shopping street, Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai, to gain access into a bustling hub where chefs expertly prepare sushi and sashimi for the constant cycle of locals and tourists occupying the 30 or so seats. While the food and (potent) wasabi is as authentic as it gets, they have an English menu.

The idea for the now ubiquitous sushi train, known as “kaiten”, was created in 1958 after Yoshiaki Shiraishi – the founder of this shop – saw beer on a conveyor belt at an Asahi brewery and decided to implement it in his sushi restaurant. If you can’t make it to the original in East Osaka, try one of its numerous offshoots dotted throughout the city to stack as many empty sushi plates as possible for as little as $1.50 a pop. mawaru-genrokuzusi.co.jp

Overseen by chef Takagi Kazuo, whose eponymous restaurant Takagi has held two Michelin stars eight years in a row, this new eatery in the Hilton Osaka in downtown Kita, offers sushi and kaiseki (multi-course meals).

Watching the chefs beautifully plate each piece is as important a part of the experience as the food. hiltonosaka.com

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> CHIGUSA. Specialising in okonomiyaki – savoury pancakes filled with cabbage, pork, tempura scraps and topped with mayo, bonito flakes, seaweed and deliciously sweet sauce – this Kita hotspot tucked away in a narrow side street is loved by locals and well off the typical tourist trail.

The food is freshly cooked in front of you and super authentic.

> SUNSHINE CAFE. This café has been cranking out fluffy, eggy Japanese-style pancakes for decades. Located in a basement near Umeda Station in Kita, it’s become a no-frills breakfast institution (with great coffee). kissa-sunshine.jp

> ZUBORAYA. Fugu, or blowfish, is one of Japan’s most dangerous foods and if prepared incorrectly it could mean a trip to the hospital. But at Zuboraya – the premier place in Dontonbori for expertly cut fugu since 1920 – you’re in safe hands. Order the fish as sashimi or try a multi-course menu with fugu cooked several different ways – best enjoyed sitting crossed legged on tatami floor mats.

JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O O S A K A FR O M A R O U N D A U S T R AL I A.

BIG IN JA PA N Awajishima Burger in Nishinomiya (a 20-minute metro ride from Osaka Station) is known for having some of the best burgers in Japan. Made with Awaji Island beef (where Kobe comes from), these burgers are worth the trek. web-joho.com/awaji

> KUSHIKATSU DARUMA. The Japanese dish kushikatsu – deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables, usually served with a communal dipping sauce – was born right here in the gritty Shinsekai neighborhood of Minami. You can find them on just about every street corner here but this chain, dating back to 1929, is one of the most famous. They also do mean a deepfried cheese (mmm!). Whatever you do, don’t double dip – it’s a sanitary rule strictly enforced by the staff. kushikatu-daruma.com/tenpo_ doutonbori.html

JE T S TA R.C O M

JB Macatulad

D OTO NB ORI AK AO NI

> DOTONBORI AKAONI. Takoyaki is another insanely popular Osaka creation – a wheat flour ball filled with octopus and spring onion, topped with mayo, takoyaki sauce and bonito flakes. This one-dish wonder counter in the heart of lively Dotonbori has a red devil standing guard outside and was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand (for eateries that offer good quality, good value food). The secret to their gastronomic success is probably the use of raw octopus instead of boiled (which is standard for this dish) in all their piping hot, made-to-order takoyaki. doutonbori-akaoni.com

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magine being transported from one idyllic destination to another in a resort-like setting. Picture relaxing by the pool while your kids squeal with delight atop a steep water slide. Or how about enjoying decadent meals together as a family – everything prepared and presented without you having to lift a finger? (Not even to reach into your purse.)

At Cruise Sale Finder, you can find the best deals on the perfect cruise for your next family holiday, whether you’re after a long weekend of chasing the sun in Queensland or a lengthier sail around the azure waters of the South Pacific.

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or entertainment – a fly and cruise holiday ensures you everyone has fun and you get more bang for your buck. And if you don’t know where to start, you can just call the cruise experts who can help and guide you.

Need more convincing? Here are four great reasons why cruising is the ultimate family holiday option.

1. It’s all-inclusive Speciality dining establishments aside, all meals enjoyed in a ship’s main restaurants and buffets are included in the purchase price, as is the wealth of entertainment options, making cruising one of the best value holidays around.

2. Kids are valued From age-appropriate kids’ clubs, to thrilling go kart tracks, surf simulators and rock climbing walls, everyone from the youngest of tots to older

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Australia: 1300 13 41 26 cruisesalefinder.com.au New Zealand: 0800 12 21 29 cruisesalefinder.co.nz

kids will be entertained from dusk ‘til dawn – even during days at sea.

3. You can lock in some “me time” Fancy a massage at the day spa, a cocktail with a view or some quality time on the dance floor? With kids taken care of, mums and dads can make the most of the range of adultsonly activities aboard most ships.

4. Paradise is easy to reach Whether you board in Australia or New Zealand, it’s good to know those tropical islands are only a day or two away, and even local destinations can be explored in a whole new way.

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A N AT O M Y OF A DIS H

—No one truly knows who invented them but we’re sure glad rice paper rolls exist – they make the perfect summer snack, so prepare your filling of choice and get ready to roll— > N A ME C H A N GER

> HE ALT H FAC T OR

Rice paper rolls in Vietnam are also called fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) but submerge them into a vat of hot oil and – hey presto! They become instant deep-fried spring rolls.

This street food is gluten-free, often dairy-free and nutrient-rich.

1. Place ingredients at the top

> HIS T ORY

Shredded lettuce, carrots, vermicelli noodles, pork, prawn or beef flavoured with herbs and pickles. Then it’s all wrapped in rice paper and served with dipping sauce.

According to Vietnamese chef Tony Ngoc of The Chopsticks Saigon restaurant, no one knows the true history of the rolls.

“Maybe it comes from the north’s famous fresh steamed spring rolls called ‘pho cuon thit nuong’, which has grilled pork, vegetables and herbs inside,” he says. “They are more than 100 years old.”

> TAS TE GEO GR AP H Y

> T O DIP OR N O T T O DIP?

In Vietnam, each region favours different flavours. In the north, it’s sour with homemade pickles.

In central Vietnam fresh spring rolls are generally hot and spicy.

And down south? There are too many culinary influences to pick one dominant flavour.

There are sweet, sour, hoisin, peanut, mild and spicy chilli sauces – the list goes on. Always dip. Always.

> W H AT’S IN SIDE?

ROLL YOUR OWN

2. Fold over until they are covered

3. Fold in each side

4. Roll up and serve

> T HE AU S T R AL I A N WAY In Australia, anything that can be rolled in rice paper can become a filling: cream cheese, salmon, avocado, egg, tofu and even beetroot.

W O R D S_ R A C H EL G R AY

RICE PAPER ROLLS VIETNAM

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V IE T N A M

Two Vietnamese chefs get their roll on...

FRIED SPRIN G R OLLS

NAME JOHNNY NGUYEN RESTAURANT HOLY PHO! CIT Y SYDNEY How are rice paper rolls eaten in Vietnam? > In the south of Vietnam, people have fish, pork, prawn, chicken or beef. Then at meal times, everything is put on the table and the whole family rolls the meat or seafood inside their own rice paper with the lettuce, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles and pickle.

NAME T UAN GIANG RESTAURANT TUAN&TU CIT Y HO CHI MINH CIT Y

Are vegetarian spring rolls popular? > Vegetarian is not very popular in Vietnam because in our country a lot of people like meat or seafood. But in Australia a lot of people enjoy the vegetarian option.

What are the similarities and differences between fresh and fried spring rolls? > We use rice paper to make both fresh and fried spring rolls. But for fried spring rolls, the ingredients consist of meat, mushrooms, bean sprouts, egg, onions and vermicelli noodles.

Is there a difference between the rice paper rolls sold in Vietnam and those in Australia? > They use local ingredients in Vietnam so the flavour is a bit different. But here in Australia we have more variety. I roll-in fresh ingredients like avocado, asparagus and salmon. And with the vegetarian rolls, I combine tofu and sautéed mushrooms then add seasoning.

Is there a difference between the rice papers used in each region across Vietnam? > Rice paper is popular all over Vietnam but yes, it is different in each region. Rice paper in the north is thin and fine, in the centre and south it is usually thicker and a bit chewy.

Traditional handmade rice paper is the most popular and is often round in shape, while the commercial paper is cut into a square.

What sauces do you usually serve with your rice paper rolls? > I serve three or four kinds of sauce – sweet and chilli sauce, hoisin sauce and I make a vegetarian version with soy sauce, garlic, chilli, vinegar and some sesame oil.

FRESH PR AW N RICE PAPER R OLLS

How are the rolls eaten in Vietnam? > Vietnamese people eat fried rolls with chopsticks since they’re served warm and greasy, while we use our hands for fresh rolls.

How do you make fried and fresh spring rolls in your restaurant? > In my restaurant we make the traditional fried spring rolls with a recipe from my grandmother – a traditional Hanoian lady.

We also make fresh rolls with a popular southern recipe that includes pork and prawn.

Our more modern versions of fresh rolls include grilled fish and dill or sour pork.

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T HE C U T

H APPY H O U RS

NEWCASTLE —Seeing everything this coastal city has to offer can be thirsty work. But forget settling for a cheap schooner at a tired pub – in the post-steel era, you can take your pick from edgy bars, cool beer gardens and chic cocktail lounges to wind down a busy day—

WORDS_ MICHELLE MEEHAN

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> BASEMENT ON MARKET ST. This intimate urban hangout represents the changing face of Newcastle’s CBD, which has come alive with creative collectives, funky boutiques and a thriving small bar scene. With a dark and sophisticated ambience, yet surprisingly relaxed vibe, Basement specialises in innovative cocktails such as the Firebird, a white rum, guava, pineapple, falernum, bitters and cinnamon concoction that is so smoking hot, it comes with an open flame. Enjoy the best mixes for less from 4pm on Thursday Thirstdays, with $12 specials from their extensive list. basementonmarketst.com.au

> BAR PETITE. Nestled under the Novotel Hotel, Newcastle’s original tapas lounge bar may be hard to find but is even harder to leave, especially after you’ve relaxed into one of the plush velvet armchairs or baroque-style sofas comfortably crowded into the cosy space. Part elegant cocktail lounge, part rustic French wine bar, it features one of the city’s longest happy hours, with $5 tap beer, ciders and sparkling from 12-7pm on Fridays. barpetite.com.au

BASEMEN T O N MARKE T ST

> HONEYSUCKLE HOTEL. BAR PE TITE

Built as a cargo wharf in 1910, this reinvented hotel mixes heritage features with contemporary style and panoramic views of coal ships and cruise liners at one of the world’s busiest ports. Tonnes of seafood pass through Newcastle Harbour each year, inspiring an ocean-themed happy hour, with 25 per cent off the freshest oysters you’ll find this side of the seabed from 5-6.30pm daily. Those looking for something a little stronger can kickstart their weekend with a $9 Espresso Martini from 5-8pm on Fridays. honeysucklehotel.com.au

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> BATTLESTICKS BAR.

T HE FLYING TIGER 231

Happy hour on the harbour is a must at Battlesticks Bar, where a row of white sail-like structures perfectly counterpoint the panoramic floor-toceiling windows. But enough about the architecture. The mind-blowing drinks menu includes eight beers on tap, 280 wines, up to 100 types of spirits and more than 30 cocktails, including their signature Harbourside Sipper with Plantation Pineapple rum, 1800 Coconut tequila, lime, sugar syrup and a salt rim. Its equally extensive happy hour offers $6 tap beers and $4 sparkling wines four days a week (including weekends) from 12-6pm, as well as $10 cocktails to get you in the spirit from 8-10pm Wednesday through Friday. battlesticks.com.au

> CUSTOMS HOUSE HOTEL. The trickling water fountains, harbour views, ultra-comfortable day beds and vine-draped umbrellas make this the perfect venue for sunny afternoons.

But their happy-hour offering, which includes $5 craft ales from 4-6pm Monday to Thursday, is just as enjoyable on the verandah or in one of the two indoors bars and typical pub-style pool room. customshouse.net.au

> THE FLYING TIGER 231.

With exposed brickwork, lush plants and a replica airplane coming through the wall, this is a quirky industrial-meets-tropical den. Licensing laws mean you can’t stop in for a drink without grabbing a bite to eat but their charcuterie boards and tapas plates make this easy to bear. Enjoy share plates while sipping on $8 Aperol Spritzes every day until 5pm, $12 cocktails on Wednesdays or $6 house pours with every meal on Thursdays. tft231.com.au

FO G H ORN BREWH O USE

A former abandoned warehouse in the city centre is now home to an award-winning brewery (open for behind-the-scenes tours on weekends) offering 16 taps with a rotating list of house-brewed craft beers. Highlights include their Sligo Extra Stout – which won the gold medal at the 2017 Australian International Beer Awards – and the uniquely named Dads With Prams low-alcohol pale ale, one of the lightest craft beers in Australia.

Work your way through the lot with $2 off any schooner from 3-5pm Monday to Friday. foghornbrewhouse.com.au

Sophie Tyler, Andy Warren

> FOGHORN BREWHOUSE.

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@eureka_skydeck #eurekaskydeck

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W HAT'S [TRENDIN G]

FOR LUNCH? TRUE BLUE

—No longer do you have to imagine a world where chocolate is pink and pasta is blue. It’s a bit Willy Wonka but bright is best when it comes to food – and there’s no artificial colouring in sight—

W O R D S _ K A I T LY N PA L M E R-A L L E N

STRIKE ME PINK

Heard about it, read about it, dreamt about it – now ruby chocolate is here. The new variety of our favourite treat gets its rosy hue and sweet yet sour flavour from the ruby cocoa bean (yes, it’s all-natural). Chocolatiers, like Josophan’s Fine Chocolates in Leura, NSW, and chocoholics alike are tickled pink. There’s a KitKat in pink now, too. josophans.com.au

PURPLE PATCH

This isn’t your daggy tricolour supermarket linguine – this is a new generation of coloured pasta. These psychedelic turquoise ribbons may seem other-worldly but they have natural origins. Sydney’s Surry Hills pasta bar Mark and Vinny’s makes the tagliatelle using blue spirulina (derived from blue-green algae).

Fancy the other end of the rainbow? They dish up bright red spaghetti coloured with beetroot, too.

Time’s up, squid ink spaghetti. markandvinnys.com

We enjoyed the green matcha craze but now we want to taste the whole rainbow.

We’re living in the golden age of colourful drinks, where a question follows your latte order: “What colour?” Two Sis and Co in Pyrmont, Sydney, serves up hot and iced purple lattes made from taro, a starchy root vegetable – and unlike its charcoal cousin, this latte won’t leave you with an inky grin. fb.me/twosispyrmont

BRIGGS + ARCHIE ROACH WITH ALICE SKYE SAMPA THE GREAT + REMI WITH THANDO ALOE BLACC WITH KAIIT RUFUS WAINWRIGHT WITH MOJO JUJU THE INTERNET MARLON WILLIAMS WITH LAURA JEAN + MORE

TICKETS ON SALE ZOOTWILIGHTS.ORG.AU

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EXPERIEN CE

HERE TODAY GONE TOMORROW his glamping idea is sorely testing me.

Not my patience or resilience. It’s my aching hamstrings that are the issue.

The blame doesn’t lie with the digs. A massive bell tent equipped with a queen-size sprung mattress made up with crisp white sheets, blankets and even decorative pillows is just the ticket after an arduous day of bushwalking in the Mount Buffalo National Park in northern Victoria.

The facilities, too – given we are perched atop a mountain and far from civilisation – are quite civilised indeed, with flushing toilets, running water and cooking equipment.

What really has me hamstrung – pun intended – is my own dogged

WORDS_ STEVE COLQUHOUN

T

determination to see as many of the natural attributes in this stunning location as possible.

Under Sky at The Mountain is a pop-up glamping site (under-sky. lodgify.com). A joint venture between Parks Victoria, which owns the site, and Under Sky, which supplies the tents and facilities, it’s set in Victoria’s stunning High Country, four hours’ drive north-east of Melbourne.

IN2T HE WILD’S ISABELL A CABIN, W OLLO N G O N G

—Pop-up hotels pop up where traditional stays usually can’t, offering access to remote locations – think glamping in a national park (and there’s no need for “do not disturb” signs)—

T HE C U T

WHERE: LAKE CATANI CAMPGROUND, MOUNT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK, VIC WHAT: 10 BELL TENTS, EACH EQUIPPED WITH A QUEEN-SIZE MATTRESS (SLEEPS TWO) WHEN: UNTIL DECEMBER 17 HOW MUCH: FROM $185 (SUNDAY TO THURSDAY) TO $235 (FRIDAY AND SATURDAY) PER NIGHT. PARKS VICTORIA IS ALSO RUNNING A SIMILAR GLAMPING POP-UP EXPERIENCE AT DEVIL COVE, LAKE EILDON NATIONAL PARK.

It takes 40 minutes along a steep and winding road to reach the top of Mount Buffalo, where the crazy collections of craggy boulders set among towering alpine ash trees make it feel like I’ve travelled to another planet.

This is exactly why pop-up hotels are gaining popularity around the world. Pop-up accommodation – whether it’s tent-based glamping in remote locations or repurposed shipping containers in trendy hotspots – encourage travellers to eschew traditional hotel rooms in favour of unique, often seasonal, experiences. (It doesn’t hurt that they also happen to make great social media snaps.)

The concept allows access to places where bricks-and-mortar facilities just aren’t feasible, in a way that’s more cost-efficient, usually more environment-friendly and well, just sexier. The fact that

they are ephemeral, only adds to the mystique.

Some pop-ups can be so successful however, that they remain open indefinitely – without losing any of their charm. The Under Sky glamping spot may too become a permanent fixture.

After an astonishingly snug sleep considering my surrounds, I awoke to birdsong and the morning sun flooding the tent. Firing up the supplied double-burner cooktop, the sound and aroma of sizzling bacon and eggs interrupted the serenity only long enough to provide the fuel for a day of exploration.

With the morning chill still in the air, nearby Lake Catani took an hour to circumnavigate at a leisurely ramble. The steep climb to the boulder-strewn Chalwell Galleries on the other hand, got my heart racing in more ways than one – the challenging slither through a terrifyingly tight chasm is not suited to claustrophobes.

It is almost a relief to return to my well provisioned tent at Mount Buffalo. It includes an esky so you can bring your own food to cook, as well as thoughtful touches like lanterns, towels, hot water bottles, floor rugs, and even an Aeropress coffee maker.

About the only thing missing is an in-camp masseuse... That’s something I could do with right about now.

POP-UPS TO PUT ON YOUR RADAR > Flash Camp at Cooinda, Kakadu, NT Operating in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park during the dry season (June to September), this experience combines luxurious bell tents with the facilities of nearby Cooinda Lodge, including a bistro. flashcamp.com.au > In2thewild Tiny Houses, NSW About two hours’ drive from Sydney you’ll find off-grid houses (like the one pictured below) in temporary, secret locations, near special experiences – think waterfalls, wineries or horse-riding. in2thewild.co > Wandering Souls, Kangaroo Island, SA Wandering Souls lets you select from one of five tent styles and six hand-picked sites. They will set up everything you need for a bespoke glamping experience on this pristine island. wanderingsouls.com.au

Bri Hammond

< THE DETAILS >

A TEN T AT U NDER SK Y AT T HE M O U N TAIN

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T HE C U T

S TREE T S T YLE

FITZROY MELB O URNE INDIE + ART Y —This bohemian inner-city suburb is the place to expand your wardrobe, with a reputation for being supercool and just a little bit kooky—

< THE LOOK > @L AURENDRZEW UCKI

CREATIVITY AND COOL COLLIDE WHEN IT COMES TO FITZROY’S FASHION SCENE, WHERE THE STREETS ARE A CATWALK OF LOCAL DESIGNER THREADS, ONE-OF-A-KIND VINTAGE PIECES AND ON-TREND ACCESSORIES.

> OBUS. Step right in design lovers. This local fashion label is inspired by travel and art and deftly mixes colour, quality fabrics and cool silhouettes to conjure up the kind of clothes that embody Melbourne to their graphic-print soul. obus.com.au

> THE STANDARD STORE. Off-beat yet imbued with classic European flair, the only standard thing about this store is its name. Drop-waist floral dresses sit next to faux fur bucket hats and fox-print T-shirts for him. It’s fun but chic at the same time. thestandardstore.com.au

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THE ESSENTIALS.

WHAT A GEM

@PICKINGSANDPARRY

Mix sweetness with a harder edge for impact.

(Medallion necklace, from $165, petitegrand.com)

> HUNTER GATHERER. The first thing you need to do when you set foot inside this vintage store is give yourself time. It’s going to take a while to sift through all those racks of 70s prairie dresses, 90s sportswear and sequinned disco-era shorts so you can find that perfect 50s full skirt. stores.bsl.org.au/ourlocations/fitzroy-hg

> NIQUE. Get back to basics at this minimalist’s paradise. Stock up on wardrobe essentials such as perfectly cut T-shirts, tanks and linen pants for both women and men. Come summer, the store breaks out a range of swimwear that’s elegant, practical and won’t break the bank. nique.com.au

SWEET KICKS @P OSEANDREPEAT

> ROSE CHONG. A leopard-print Victorian corner terrace is home to this vivacious costumier that’s been a Melbourne institution for nearly 40 years.

With 10 rooms of costumes and the slogan, “Walk in as yourself, walk out as someone else entirely”, you’ll have the time of your life deciding who you want to be. rosechong.com

> COTTAGE INDUSTRY. If you’re after a more subtle style influence, turn to the carefully curated natural and vintage fabric dresses or hand-dyed knitwear in this calm fashion oasis. Supporting fair trade and selling pieces designed in their studio in “small batches”, you’ll leave not just looking good but feeling good, too. cottageindustrystore.com.au

Creative up top and practical on the ground keeps everyone happy. (‘Gazelle’ sneakers, $130,adidas.com.au)

PURL ONE Keep your knitting oversized and embrace texture. (Free People jumper, $167, asos.com)

ON TOP Bucket hats are back and it has nothing to do with being sun-smart. (‘Carolina’ hat, $29.99, citybeach.com.au)

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T Y P O G R A P H Y_ L A C H L A N P H IL P

—Bells are jingling – it’s time to shop! Whoever you’re buying pressies for, we’ve got you covered with something special for everyone (plus a few things to add to your own wish list)—

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GIF T G UIDE

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while in Melbourne... immerse yourself in Victoria’s first naturally-heated mineral springs Located 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD is a coastal oasis where mineral waters flow from deep undergound into geothermal pools.

Discover over 50 globally-inspired bathing experiences as you wander through natural surrounds at the iconic Peninsula Hot Springs.

Your journey to relaxation awaits.

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GIF T G UIDE

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LUMIRA Nuit de Noel (Cinnamon, Sage and Sandalwood) candle, $69, atelierlumira.com

APPLE AirPods, $229, apple.com/au

M U SSON ‘Pera’ diamond pendant available in 18-carat rose, yellow or white gold, from $1450, musson. com.au

—Not sure what to buy the person who has everything?

Indulge them with the finer things in life—

MADE IN EARTH Labradorite ring, $350, madeinearth.com.au

ANTIPODES Divine Face Oil with rosehip and avocado oil, $28.99, priceline.com.au

DOLCE AND GABBANA The One Grey for men, $95-$132, myer.com.au

FRESH Rose Face Mask, $36, sephora.com.au

TRUSSARDI 1911 Delicate Rose eau de toilette for women, $139, myer.com.au

RAY-BAN ‘Original Wayfarer’ sunglasses, $275, sunglasshut.com

the bed base You don’t hang a Picasso in the basement.

So you don’t put a Koala mattress on any old bed base.

We designed ours from the ground up.

An Australian design that’s rock solid, looks great.

Delivered in 4 hours, assembled in 4 minutes.

GIF T G UIDE

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BYRON BAY BEACH LIFE Beach tent in nautical yellow, $169, byronbaybeachlife.com.au TESALATE Leaf Me Alone towel, $79, tesalate.com

BLOOMSBURY The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Illustrated Edition) by J.K. Rowling, $45, harrypotter.bloomsbury.com

LEGO JUNIORS Incredibles 2 Underminer Bank Heist toy set, $39.99, shop.lego.com

—Naughty Naughty or nice, toddler or teen, Santa always knows what kids want under the tree on Christmas morning— NAVIG8R 6 Axis Drone with 640x640 FPV Wi-Fi camera, $78, harveynorman.com.au

S I LKYTOTS Silk cot slip, $84.99, silkytots.com BRIDEST OWE LAVENDER ESTATE Bobbie the Lavender Heat-Pack Bear, $70, bridestowelavender.com.au ANACONDA Luxe inflatable pineapple swim ring, $29.99, anacondastores.com.au

SKINCARE RANGE

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MYTH Laptop sleeve, $69.95, stmgoods.com.au

CANON PowerShot SX740 HS camera, $499, canon.com.au

BELKIN Pocket Power 5K Power Bank, $39.95, belkin.com.au

UNIDEN Guardian App Cam XLIGHT, $199.95, uniden.com.au

— —Innovative gear that puts the “fun” in functional, these are the perfect presents for your tech-savvy loved ones—

GARMIN ‘Vivomove HR’ smartwatch, from $299, garmin.com

TILE Slim bluetooth tracker, $44.95, jbhifi.com.au

HP Sprocket pocket-sized photo printer, $159, hp.com.au

JA Y B I R D Tarah wireless sport headphones, $149.95, jaybirdsport.com JBL Flip 4 waterproof, portable bluetooth speaker, $149.95, jbl.com.au

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VITTORIA Espressotoria Capino capsule coffee machine, $99, espressotoria.com.au

WOODFOLK Imperfect ceramic plate in rose, $40, woodfolk.com.au

—Epicures will love these thoughtful gifts, from stylish tableware to gourmet goodies—

T2 She Dreams of Ginza Sakura black on gold cast-iron teapot, $120, t2tea.com

L A URENT-PERRIER Kerrie Hess Limited Edition Cuvée Rosé Gift Box , $140, 1300 888 664

TANQUERAY Rangpur gin, $64.99, danmurphys. com.au

TIGMI TRADING Bread board in green brass, $95, tigmitrading.com

SUNNYLIFE Martini glasses, $29.95, sunnylife.com.au

BODY SCIENCE Clean Coffee TX 100, $69.95, bodyscience. com.au

STONEBARN Truffle salt, $22 for 150g, stonebarnshopping.com

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The restaurant has been in its current CBD location for 36 years, and is the most awarded Japanese restaurant in Melbourne.

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the insider > JETSTAR NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT AND MAPS

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> Keep up to date with Jetstar news and our StarKids charity.

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> Let us entertain you with a huge selection of movies, TV shows, podcasts, music videos and much more.

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A IRP O RT TO CI T Y

PA G E

138

> Heading from the airport to the city centre? Use our guide to find out the best way to get there by bus, train or taxi.

Jetstar news

STAFF Q+A.

S O M ALY (LEF T) LOVES RIDIN G HER BIKE TO SC H O OL

NAME BRADLEY CHAPMAN POSITION HEAD OF PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY

AGAINST THE TIDE StarKids is helping children like Somaly and her sister get to school safely. Here, Cheryl McGrath shares Somaly’s story.

Tell us a bit about your role. > I help Jetstar identify more efficient and effective ways of operating so we can continue to deliver great travel experiences whilst making travel more affordable for more people. The scope extends across all operational areas of our business including flight and ground operations, engineering, customer experience as well as support functions.

How did you end up working here?

> After over 20 years of varied corporate roles in the oil industry, I was offered an opportunity to come to Jetstar. In just a short time, I knew this was more than a new job and actually the start of an incredibly exciting, new career path.

What is the best thing about working for Jetstar? > To wake up each day and be excited about going to work is a gift. But the best thing about working for Jetstar is the incredible people I work with – from my peers on the operations leadership team to our frontline staff. The raw talent, energy and passion these employees possess is truly amazing.

Talk us through a typical workday.

> During the wet season in Cambodia, living in a house surrounded

by water can be extremely dangerous. For 14-year-old Somaly, the challenges this presented were part of everyday life.

The rainy season (from May to October) would often make Somaly’s journey to school difficult, if not impossible. When her father needed the family’s boat for fishing, Somaly and her sister would be forced to cross the hazardous flood waters by foot to get to class. If they didn’t, the sisters would miss school altogether.

“I walked across the flood area with water from 0.5 to 0.8 metres deep,” the Cambodian teen reveals.

World Vision, in partnership with StarKids, is working to help vulnerable children like Somaly around the world. When World Vision visited the district, they learnt about Somaly’s situation.

Today, her family is living in a new house right in the middle of the village. The kids also have bikes to ride to school safely and Somaly is happy she doesn’t have to miss out on her education.

“I must keep learning to become a teacher, because I will help people to learn,” she says, much to the delight of her father, Cheng.

“I would like to say thank you to World Vision for helping my family,” the proud father says. “In future, I commit to encouraging my children to go to school. I want to see Somaly and her young sister have a good job. I am so glad to see Somaly’s smiles, her study and her successes.”

> As a working father, I utilise Jetstar’s

flexible working arrangements, which enables me to drop off my two daughters at school prior to heading into the office.

My day then consists of meetings and working on strategic initiatives. A real highlight is any day that includes the opportunity to mentor other employees across our team.

T HE IN SIDER

1 25

JOIN THE CLUB Club Jetstar members are saving every day on airfares, products and more.

Sign up at Jetstar.com if you don’t want to miss out on the amazing benefits.

BIG SAVINGS

$30.3M The total savings of members in Australia last year

THE TOP 6 DESTINATIONS FOR CLUB JETSTAR MEMBERS

3.4

The average number of trips Club Jetstar members take every year (compared to 1.8 for nonmembers)

1 DENPASAR

5 PHUKET

2 TOKYO

6 HO CHI

3 CAIRNS 4 HONOLULU

BEST IN CLASS. Two Jetstar credit cards have just taken home gold at this year’s Mozo Experts Choice Awards, where financial experts compared nearly 200 personal credit cards. The Jetstar Mastercard and Jetstar Platinum Mastercard won in the rewards credit card and premium rewards credit card categories, respectively.

This goes to show just how much value is delivered from the Jetstar Dollars Program.

Customers receive one Jetstar Dollar for every $100 spent on their Jetstar Mastercard and one Jetstar Dollar for every $50 spent on their Jetstar Platinum Mastercard and that means spending is saving.

MINH CITY

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING. Spoil loved ones with a Jetstar Gift Card this festive season and they will be thanking you long after they return from their trip with that post-holiday glow.

Jetstar Gift Cards in $50 and $100 denominations can be bought at major retailers including Coles, Myer, Australia Post, Woolworths and Kmart. Gift Cards can be redeemed against flight fares booked with Jetstar online.

Now you know what to get the person who has everything – there’s nothing like the gift of travel. A whopping 81 per cent of people who have purchased a Jetstar Gift Card say they would do it again, so you know you’re in good company.

126

JE T S TAR NE W S

NAME JAY-ELLE O’HARA OCCUPATION CABIN CREW BASED ADELAIDE, SA YEARS AT JETSTAR FIVE How did you get involved with the StarKids program? > I enjoyed collecting donations for StarKids on board and believe it is important to give back to the places we fly. My manager suggested I become an ambassador.

IT TAKES A VILL AGE As StarKids ambassadors, Jetstar cabin crew members Jay-Elle and Irene help spread the word about our charity program. They’ve just returned from a trip to Cambodia to see the difference StarKids makes to children’s lives.

NAME IRENE GODFREY OCCUPATION CABIN CREW BASED COOLANGATTA, QLD YEARS AT JETSTAR SEVEN How did you get involved with the StarKids program? > I have a background in events and was keen to organise a morning tea at work to fundraise for World Vision, which led to a deeper involvement with StarKids.

Tell us about your role as a StarKids ambassador. > I make the StarKids on-board announcement, which tells our customers about the World Vision programs we partner with and explains how they can donate.

I also organise fundraising at my Coolangatta base.

Why are you passionate about the program? > Because it’s about helping kids who are most vulnerable. StarKids provides a caring and protective environment for all girls and boys and I’m very passionate about what the program does on a grassroots level in local communities.

You’ve just been to Cambodia to see the StarKids program in action. What did you learn? > The people who benefit from the programs are so positive about the growth of their communities. It’s amazing what impact you can have.

What surprised you the most?

> The honesty and openness of

community leaders who shared past challenges. They showed passion and strength to give their children a better life and a happier future.

How has this trip inspired you?

> It’s inspired me to appreciate

what I have – we are very lucky.

Plus, a smile and a hug can go a long way.

Tell us about being an ambassador.

> We get a monthly email with

information about the programs we support and upcoming events. I then relay that to the crew in Adelaide.

When there’s a StarKids event in our area, I help organise the fundraising.

Why are you passionate about the program? > We are taking an active part to give back and enrich the lives of kids who need help. StarKids also gives me an opportunity to connect with our customers.

You’ve just been to Cambodia to see the program. What did you learn? > That 83 cents of every dollar donated goes to local communities.

This means the community leaders gain the tools to teach the kids to become self-sufficient.

What surprised you the most?

> The strong sense of community

and how the community leaders were so passionate about teaching parents and kids how to improve their lives.

How is your life going to change after this experience? > This experience will inspire me to remember to find a way to smile, even when things are hard in my life.

Club Jetstar Last year, Club Jetstar members bought 700,000+ exclusive fares, saving more than $22 million.

As a member you’ll get early access to our biggest sales, exclusive member only fares,* 20% off bags and seat selection.^ Plus much more...

Isn’t it time you joined them?

*There is a Club Jetstar joining fee of AUD/NZD $49.00 and an annual membership of AUD/NZD $49.99, waived for the first year. *Member-only fares are not available on all flights or days. Limited availability over public holiday weekends and school holidays. ^Discounts on fares, bags and seat selection only available on new bookings made at Jetstar.com for flights departing Australian airports (Club Jetstar Australia members) or New Zealand airports (Club Jetstar New Zealand members). Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd – ABN: 33 069 720 243

T HE IN SIDER

129

In-flight Entertainment —Take off into a world of entertainment – we’ve rounded up today’s most talked-about movies and TV shows, plenty of kids’ favourites, plus hit music and podcasts to keep you occupied throughout your flight— MORE THAN 40 MOVIES AND 500 TV EPISODES AVAILABLE

ONLY $10 BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES TV COMEDY AND DRAMA KIDS’ FAVOURITES HIT MUSIC PODCASTS

> NEW RELEASE MOVIES.

©2018 MARVEL

Ant-Man and the Wasp

In Like Flynn

Action | PG Scott Lang suits up as Ant-Man and fights alongside the Wasp to uncover secrets of their past.

Adventure | MA15+ The early life of actor Errol Flynn as he inspires a group of friends to set sail in search of gold.

©2018 Paramount Pictures

Mission: Impossible – Fallout Action | M Ethan Hunt and his team are in a race against time after a mission goes wrong.

©2018 Universal City Studios Productions LLLP and Legendary Pictures Funding, LLC. All rights reserved.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Musical | PG Donna’s past relationships continue to affect the present.

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Crazy Rich Asians Comedy, Romance | PG A native New Yorker travels to Singapore with her boyfriend to meet his family.

RATINGS

©2018 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. ©2018 Disney

Christopher Robin Family | G Winnie-the-Pooh heads off on an adventure to help his lifelong friend who’s lost his way.

Skyscraper Action | M Security expert Will Sawyer is framed for a building blaze and becomes a wanted man.

G General.

PG Parental guidance recommended.

M Recommended for mature audiences.

MA15+ Not suitable for people under 15.

Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

PRE-PURCHASE IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND SAVE!

ONE MEMBERSHIP GETS ACCESS TO ALL CLUBS

WE WILL KEEP YOU UNDER THE WEIGHT LIMIT

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AROUND AUSTRALIA FACILITIES VARY BETWEEN CLUBS BUT THEY GENERALLY INCLUDE: 24HR ACCESS | CRECHE WITH KIDS PLAY CENTRE | CYCLE STUDIO BOXING STUDIO | COMFORT ZONE | CARDIO DECK | OVER 200 CLASSES HEALTHY CAFE | PRO SHOP | MEMBERS LOUNGE | LEG ZONE | SAUNAS LADIES PAMPER ROOM WITH HAIR STRAIGHTENERS | OUTDOOR TRAINING AREA FUNCTIONAL TRAINING AREA | STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT

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131

©2002 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

EN T ER TA IN MEN T

> NEW RELEASE MOVIES.

©2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

The Darkest Minds Sci-Fi | M A group of superhuman teens are declared a threat and held in internment camps.

> FAMILY MOVIES.

The Spy Who Dumped Me Comedy | MA15+ Best friends Audrey and Morgan become entangled in an international conspiracy.

Gnome Alone

Ice Age

Animation | PG A teenage girl discovers her new home’s gnomes aren’t all that they seem.

Animation | G A woolly mammoth, a sloth and a saber-tooth tiger try to help a lost human baby.

Frozen

Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

Animation | PG Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

Animation | PG When the ice starts to melt, Manny, Sid and Diego must journey to higher ground.

Mulan

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Animation | G A Chinese girl bravely takes her father’s place in the Imperial Army.

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

The Meg

Animation | PG The trio dodge dinosaurs in a strange, new world.

Teen Titans Go! to the Movies

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

Animation | PG The Teen Titans seek fame in Hollywood.

Animation | PG A continental crack leads to a high-seas adventure. ©2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

Action | M A creature attacks a deep-sea submersible and the race is on to save the trapped crew.

©2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

The Predator

Ice Age 5: Collision Course

Action | MA15+ The universe’s most lethal hunters return to Earth stronger and deadlier than ever.

Animation | G A series of cosmic events threaten the Ice Age world and the gang head off on a hilarious quest to survive.

132

EN T ER TA IN MEN T

> HOLIDAY HITS.

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Elf

Four Christmases

Comedy | G Buddy, a man raised by elves in the North Pole, goes in search of his true identity in New York City.

Comedy | M A happy couple spend Christmas visiting all four homes of their divorced, dysfunctional parents.

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

©1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

All rights reserved.

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

The Polar Express

Home Alone

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Family | PG Accidentally left home alone over Christmas, Kevin must defend his house from burglars.

Family | G A mysterious train visits a young boy on Christmas Eve and takes him on a ride to the North Pole.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Comedy | M The Griswold’s holiday plans predictably turn to disaster.

> FOREIGN FILMS.

> FAVOURITE MOVIES. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Adventure, Fantasy | M Harry and his friends prepare to battle their greatest foe.

The Grand Budapest Hotel Comedy | M The adventures of a legendary hotel concierge and the lobby boy who becomes his friend.

Birdman Comedy, Drama | MA15+ An actor famous for portraying a superhero struggles to mount a Broadway production.

27 Dresses Romance | PG Having served as a bridesmaid 27 times, a young woman begins to re-examine her own love life.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Adventure, Fantasy | M A young wizard arrives in New York with a suitcase of creatures.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Adventure, Fantasy | M Death Eaters wreak havoc in the Muggle and Wizarding worlds.

Tomorrow is Another Day Drama | Cantonese A woman finds out her husband is having an affair and seeks revenge.

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island Animation | Japanese Doraemon, Nobita, Shizuka, Gian and Suneo set sail on a high-seas adventure in the Caribbean Sea.

134

EN T ER TA IN MEN T

> TELEVISION.

©& TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Star Wars Rebels (Season 4)

Animal Kingdom (Seasons 1-3)

Kids | PG As the Rebel Alliance grows, Ezra leads the Ghost crew back to his home world to fight for Lothal’s freedom.

The crew battle to stop Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Empire from quelling the Rebellion once and for all.

Drama | MA15+ After the death of his drug-addict mother, teenager Josh moves in with his estranged grandmother. He soon learns why he’d been kept at a distance – his family makes their living carrying out carefully planned criminal activities.

©2018 Warner Bros.

Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Full House (Season 8) Comedy | PG Stephanie rebels, Michelle buys a donkey and Nicky and Alex don’t like Santa.

Meanwhile, Joey gets an opportunity to meet the Queen of England.

©Disney

©2018 Warner Bros.

Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Trial and Error (Seasons 1-2) Comedy | M A New York City lawyer relocates to a small South Carolina town to represent locals with the help of his oddball defense team.

©2018 Warner Bros.

Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Stuck in the Middle (Season 2)

Frosty’s Winter Wonderland

Kids | G Middle child and teenager Harley uses a little extra ingenuity to navigate life in her large family as one of seven children.

Kids | G Our favourite snowman has lots of friends but he’d like another snow-person, so the children build him a wife named Crystal.

©2018 Warner Bros.

Ent. All Rights Reserved.

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes (Season 2) Lifestyle | G Architect Piers Taylor and actress Caroline Quentin explore architect-designed houses in extreme locations.

©2018 Warner Bros.

Ent. All Rights Reserved.

©2018 Warner Bros.

Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Teen Titans Go! (Season 4) Kids | PG Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven head off on new adventures and show us what life is really like as a teen superhero.

© 2017 Fox and its related entities.

All rights reserved.

iZombie (Seasons 1-4)

New Girl (Season 6)

Drama | MA15+ A medical resident turned zombie takes a job in the coroner’s office to snack on brains. But with each brain she eats, she inherits the corpse’s memories.

Comedy | M Cece and Schmidt struggle to find a new house, Jess is ready to date again and Nick has trouble writing his book. Meanwhile, Aly tells Winston a shocking secret.

From day...

...to night

Picture your perfect day Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Reservations / contact phone number Free call 1800 075 061 | Phone: 07 4964 1340 Address: 25 Ocean View Avenue, Airlie Beach Q 4802 Email: weddings@coralsearesort.com Website: www.whitsundaywedding.com.au

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EN T ER TA IN MEN T

> MUSIC VIDEOS.

Aerosmith

New Hits Various

> ALBUMS. To A Stranger Odette

Bloom Troye Sivan

UK-born, Sydney raised singer Odette grew up with an eclectic musical palette. Her Zulu mother introduced her to African music, soul and funk, while her jazz-loving English father passed on his musical talents.

The second album from Aussie singer-songwriter Troye Sivan explores his experiences as a young gay man and includes the title track “Bloom”, “Seventeen”, “My My My!” and the “Dance To This” duet with Ariana Grande.

Greatest Hits...

So Far!!!

Pink

Romance of the Jukebox Human Nature

(Language warning) Pink’s first greatest hits compilation features all her early hit singles “Raise Your Glass”, “F***in’ Perfect”, “Don’t Let Me Get Me”, “Sober”, “So What” and more of your favourites.

The world-renowned Aussie band takes on classics by the Bee Gees, The Beatles, The Troggs, The Monkees, Otis Redding, The Everly Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Simon and Garfunkel, Van Morrison and The O’Jays.

> PODCASTS & RADIO.

Fitzy and Wippa

The Mentor with Mark Bouris Kyle and Jackie O The Grill Team Kennedy Molloy Aussies In Hollywood Gold FM Kinderling Conversations The Property Couch We Fact Up

The freshest new clips from today’s biggest artists, featuring Tash Sultana, Troye Sivan, Ariana Grande, George Ezra, Odette, Amy Shark, Logic, Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, Sia, Diplo, Labrinth and Matt Corby.

00s + 10s Various Millennium hits for you to enjoy, featuring Mark Ronson, Daniel Merriweather, Kate Miller-Heidke, Something For Kate, Savage Garden, Justin Timberlake, Pink, Guy Sebastian, Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar.

90s Various You Am I, 1927, Martika, Will Smith, Sophie B Hawkins and rock royalty Aerosmith with “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” are some of the 90s hit music artists included in this line-up.

80s Various Featuring awesome 80s clips from John Farnham, Eurythmics, Rick Astley, Billy Joel, Midnight Oil, Band Aid as well as the hit song “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” from the iconic 80s movie Dirty Dancing.

Will and Woody The Coach with Paul Roos Fitzy and Wippa Jase and PJ ChangeMakers The Hot Breakfast Lady Startup No Filter The Slow Home Podcast

Game on AUS The Disruptive Entrepenuer What is OwnerOccupier Appeal?

Meditation Minis Fifi, Fev and Byron Birth, Baby and Beyond with Midwife Cath Crappy to Happy with Tiff Hall and Cass Dunn

Flying overseas for the holidays?

We’re screening our biggest collection of blockbuster entertainment yet.

500+ hours of inflight fun: • New blockbuster films • 200+ hours of TV shows • 80+ hours of music and more

Pre-purchase and save!

Visit jetstar.com for more information

Inflight entertainment is available on selected long haul international flights.

It is included in business class fares and can be added for a fee to all other fare types.

Check jetstar.com for more information.

Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd – ABN: 33 069 720 243

SYDNEY. >

TAXI ABOUT $45

>

>

AIRPORT TO CIT Y Touching down in a new city?

Here's how to get to the centre of the action your way.

>

TAXI ABOUT $40

>

BUS $4.80 Bus Route 380, which takes its name from the Airbus A380 aircraft, departs T1 and T2 and is a limited stops service, terminating at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station in the city centre.

For those travelling from T3 and T4, Route 40 operates daily between the airport and Elizabeth Quay Bus Station.

>

TIP...

The Experience WA smartphone app gives you access to the latest information on local tourist attractions, restaurants, accommodation, transport options and more.

TRAIN $18.70 Catching a train into the city is easy and takes about 10 minutes. Grab the T8 Airport and South Line towards City Circle, which stops at Central Station.

> BUS $5.80 While it does not head into the CBD, Route 400 operates between Bondi Junction in the city’s east and Burwood in the west.

You can catch the bus from outside the T1 International and T3 Domestic terminals. > TIP...

Trains and buses from the airport start around 5am daily and end at midnight.

ADELAIDE.

PERTH. “WHEN I ARRIVE IN A CITY, I LIKE TO GO TO GOOD LOCAL BOOKSHOPS AND MAKE A SELECTION BASED ON HOW I’M FEELING AND WHAT I’M THINKING. THE BOOK I PICK USUALLY SEEMS TO HAVE A DEFINITE KARMIC CONNECTION!” YOKO ONO

>

MELBOURNE. (TULLAMARINE)

TAXI ABOUT $30

>

BUS $10.40 (DAYTRIP) The JetBus and doubledecker JetExpress airport to city services depart the terminal from Sir Richard Williams Avenue and stop at Currie Street in the city centre. From there, it is just a short walk to Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall and the city’s main train station on North Terrace.

> TIP...

If you are staying in the city of churches for the weekend, purchase a $25 Metrocard Visitor Pass.

The ticket gives tourists unlimited travel on buses, trains and trams across three consecutive days.

TAXI ABOUT $65

>

BUS $19.50 The Skybus Melbourne City Express departs the airport every 10 minutes and stops at the busy inner city Southern Cross Station. From there, you can catch another bus, train, tram or slip into a cab at the taxi stand located directly outside on Spencer Street.

> TIP...

Explore the CBD onboard the free City Circle tourist tram between 10am and 9pm from Thursday to Saturday and between 10am and 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday.

MELBOURNE. (AVALON)

> TAXI ABOUT $130 TO MELBOURNE, $50 TO GEELONG >

BUS $22 TO MELBOURNE, $18 TO GEELONG The SkyBus Avalon City Express takes about an hour to travel from Avalon Airport to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne CBD. If you are heading to Geelong, the SkyBus Avalon Geelong Express takes about 40 minutes to reach the port town.

> TIP...

Download the handy Avalon Airport smartphone app for information about transport, car hire, parking and flight schedules.

T HE IN SIDER

BRISBANE.

GOLD COAST.

>

>

TAXI ABOUT $45

> TRAIN $18.50 The Airtrain is a quick and easy option for travelling from the airport into the city. Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hour and every 30 minutes during off-peak periods.

The Airtrain takes just 20 minutes to get to Central Station in the city centre.

The service starts at 5am on weekdays and 6am on weekends and the last train departs at 10pm. >

TIP...

Download the BNE app to help you find transport options, maps, where to dine and shop, parking information and more.

>

TAXI ABOUT $30

> BUS $6 The Airport Connect bus departs from Cairns Airport every 30 minutes from 4.30am until the last flight of the day. The bus takes passengers on a 10-minute trip to a bus depot at Sheridan Street in the city, where they can continue their journey on a Translink public bus.

Alternatively, you can book a shuttle into the city for $6 one-way with Backpacker Shuttle Cairns. > TIP...

It is not a joke – crocs are about! Look out for the red and yellow signs around town and stay croc aware.

HOBART.

TAXI ABOUT $60

“THE MORE I TRAVELLED, THE MORE I REALISED THAT FEAR MAKES STRANGERS OF PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE FRIENDS.” SHIRLEY MACLAINE

> BUS $21 The SkyBus Gold Coast Airport Shuttle operates seven days a week and is a dedicated service for visitors travelling from the airport to the Gold Coast’s most popular tourist spots. The shuttle departs from outside the airport terminal and stops at Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Southport.

“[TRAVEL] HAS GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOME INCREDIBLE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. I HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO NOT ONLY TRAVEL THE GLOBE BUT VISIT SOME GREAT LITTLE REMOTE CORNERS OF NORTH QUEENSLAND.” JOHNATHAN THURSTON

>

TAXI ABOUT $50

>

BUS $19.50 The SkyBus Hobart Express service operates daily and departs regularly from the airport. The bus takes about 30 minutes to travel to the city centre, stopping at Brooke Street Pier before terminating at 19 Macquarie Street, which is located behind the Grand Chancellor Hotel.

> TIP...

Download the Hobart Cabs 131 008 smartphone app to order and track your taxi from the airport.

For information on where to eat, sleep and shop in Hobart, get The Guides by Lonely Planet app.

> TIP...

Gold Coast Cabs offer special flat rate fares from the airport to accommodation located in Surfers Paradise ($65) or Broadbeach ($55).

CAIRNS.

139

BALLINA.

DARWIN.

> TAXI ABOUT $100 TO BYRON BAY

>

>

BUS $7.20 The Route 640 bus from Ballina Airport takes close to an hour to make the 37-kilometre journey to the popular beachside town of Byron Bay.

> TIP...

If you prefer to have your transport organised and booked in advance, check out the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport website for information about shuttle bus services.

For those who want to explore and find their own way, all major car rental companies are represented at the airport.

TAXI ABOUT $30

>

BUS PRICE ON BOOKING The Darwin City Airport Shuttle Service is available seven days a week to take you from the airport to your accommodation in the city. The shuttle departs every 20 minutes during peak period and services all major flights to the airport. Online bookings must be made 24 hours in advance.

> TIP...

If you are staying at the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort or Novotel Darwin Airport Hotel, a free shuttle bus service is available for transfer from the terminal to your accommodation.

BALI. >

TOKYO. (NARITA AIRPORT)

TAXI ABOUT $7 TO KUTA

>

>

BUS $2 There are a range of bus options to choose from but a popular choice is the bright green Kura-Kura tourist bus, which stops at most major locations across the island. The closest departure point to the airport is outside the Aston Kuta Hotel, which is a brisk 16-minute walk from the terminal.

“I NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT MY DIARY.” FROM OSCAR WILDE’S THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

SINGAPORE.

>

>

> BUS $1 The Route 109 bus departs the airport every 15 to 20 minutes between 5.30am and 1am. The bus travels to the city centre (District 1), terminating at 23/9 Park via Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district and the Ben Thanh bus station.

Travel time depends on traffic but the yellow bus generally takes about 30 minutes to reach the city. > TIP...

Show the name of your hotel to the bus conductor so the driver can tell you where to get off. It is also handy to have a map loaded on to your phone.

>

>

TRAIN $37 The Narita Express or N’EX departs every 25-40 minutes and takes less than an hour to reach Tokyo Station. Buy your ticket at JR EAST Travel Service Centers, which are located inside each of the three airport terminals.

> TIP...

Grab the free shuttle to travel between the airport’s three terminals.

HO CHI MINH CITY. TAXI ABOUT $10

TAXI ABOUT $250

> BUS $11 The Keisei group’s Tokyo Shuttle takes 90 minutes to reach the city centre near Tokyo Station.

> TIP...

Knowing how to say a few phrases in the local lingo can go a long way in Bali.

To ask a local to help you call for a taxi, try saying, “Bisa tolong untuk telepon dan order taksi?”

TAXI ABOUT $35

> TRAIN $2 The Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) is located under Terminal 2. Take the train to Tanah Merah station and change to the East West Line heading towards City Hall. > BUS $9 The City Shuttle bus departs every 15 minutes during peak periods and every 30 minutes during off-peak. The trip to the city takes 25 minutes and stops at most major hotels. > TIP...

Save your roaming budget and connect to the free Wi-Fi at Changi Airport.

OSAKA. (KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)

TAXI ABOUT $250

> TRAIN $28 Ride the Kansai Airport Express Haruka to Tennoji Station. There you can easily catch another train to Osaka or stay on the same train and head directly to Kyoto, which takes about 75 minutes. >

BUS $19 Travel in luxury aboard the Kansai International Airport Limousine Bus, which will take you directly to Osaka or Kyoto (for $31).

> TIP...

Taxis are expensive. Travel by train or bus instead.

FIJI. “I LOVE AIRPLANE FOOD. I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF COMPARTMENTALISED FOOD. I LOVE THINGS WHERE THEY ARE IN THEIR OWN LITTLE AREA.” CHRISSY TEIGEN

> TAXI ABOUT $10 TO NADI >

BUS $11 Airport Shuttle Fiji operate a 24-hour shuttle service from Nadi International Airport to most major hotels and resorts in Nadi.

Bookings must be made at least one day prior to arriving at the airport.

> TIP...

It is an offence for taxi drivers to take passengers without having their meter running. If your driver is not using a meter, note the taxi registration number and report it to the police.

The driver may have their license suspended and receive a fine.

A IRP O R T T O CI T Y

AUCKLAND. >

TAXI ABOUT $60

> BUS $16 The SkyBus departs the airport every 10 minutes and takes approximately 55 minutes to arrive in the centre of Auckland.

Alternatively, Super Shuttle can take you straight to your accommodation for $23 for the first passenger and $9 for every extra passenger travelling in the same group. >

TIP...

The Auckland Transport mobile app makes it easy to move around the city.

Download the app to help you plan and track AT Metro buses, trains and ferry services in real time.

QUEENSTOWN. >

TAXI ABOUT $25

> BUS $5 The Orbus departs the airport every 15 minutes and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the town centre. For $13, you can opt to share an 11-seater Super Shuttle for a convenient, tailored door-to-door journey from Queenstown Airport to your accommodation. > TIP...

If your accommodation is anywhere in the centre of Queenstown, you can simply rely on foot power to get around – most things in the adventure capital are within easy walking distance.

HONG KONG. >

TAXI ABOUT $50

>

TRAIN $20 The Airport Express departs every 10 minutes and takes about 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Station in the bustling business district.

>

BUS $6 The Cityflyer route A21 is ideal for travellers heading into the city and perfect for those who want a preview of Hong Kong from the bus window.

Buses depart every 15-20 minutes from the airport.

> TIP...

Download the MTR Next Train app to keep track of real-time train schedules.

141

HAWAII. (DANIEL K. INOUYE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)

> TAXI ABOUT $61 TO WAIKIKI >

BUS $4 Routes 19 and 20 depart from the second-level roadway at Honolulu Airport and stop off at downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Shopping Centre and the hotel-dense Waikiki precinct.

> TIP...

Taxi drivers are referred to as “ambassadors of aloha”.

They are proud of their island and love pointing out landmarks and places of interest. Ask questions – you never know what local secrets you might learn.

WHERE WE FLY Here’s how to get around our network – have fun planning your next trip.

INTERNATIONAL.

Tokyo (Narita)

Zhengzhou Shanghai (Pudong) Shantou Guangzhou Chiang Mai

Yangon Bangkok

Nagoya (Chubu)

Okinawa Taipei

Hong Kong Haikou Sanya

Hanoi

Dong Hoi

Da Nang Siem Reap Phnom Penh

Phuket

Osaka (Kansai)

Hawaii (Honolulu)

Clark

Manila

Ho Chi Minh City

Hat Yai

Penang Medan

Kuala Lumpur

Pekanbaru

Singapore

Palembang Jakarta Surabaya

Bali (Denpasar) Darwin Fiji (Nadi)

Cairns

Cook Islands (Rarotonga)

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Perth

Sydney Adelaide

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

Auckland

Melbourne (Tullamarine)

Wellington Christchurch Queenstown

T HE IN SIDER

DOMESTIC VIETNAM.

143

DOMESTIC JAPAN.

Hanoi Sapporo

Hai Phong Thanh Hoa Vinh Dong Hoi Hue

Nagoya (Chubu)

Da Nang Chu Lai

Matsuyama Osaka Fukuoka Takamatsu Nagasaki Oita Kochi Kumamoto Miyazaki Kagoshima

Quy Nhon

Pleiku

Tuy Hoa Buon Ma Thuot Nha Trang Da Lat

Flights are operated

by Jetstar Japan and commence 19 December (Osaka-Kochi and Tokyo-Kochi), subject to regulatory approval

Okinawa

Ho Chi Minh City

Phu Quoc

Tokyo (Narita) (Kansai)

Operated by Jetstar Pacific

Operated by Jetstar Japan

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND.

Auckland New Plymouth

Darwin

Nelson Cairns Townsville Hamilton Island Whitsunday Coast Mackay

Queenstown

Sunshine Coast

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Brisbane

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

Gold Coast Newcastle

Sydney

Adelaide

Melbourne (Tullamarine)

Auckland

Melbourne (Avalon) Wellington

Launceston Hobart

Operated by Jetstar Airways

Christchurch Queenstown

Palmerston North Wellington

Christchurch Dunedin

Ballina Byron Perth

Napier

PUZZLES 1

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Across 1 Security (6) 4 Explorer of Australia, Abel ... (6) 9 Secret agent (9) 10 Author of Cloudstreet, ... Winton (3) 11 Waterfront pedestrian precinct (9) 12 Root spice (6) 13 First name of Picture A (6) 17 Grease (9) 20 ‘Six-pack’ muscles (3) 22 First name of picture B (9) 23 Guarantee (6) 24 Memento actor, Guy ... (6)

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© Lovatts Puzzles

PICTURE A

PICTURE B

QUIZ 1 Which famous opera singer (soprano) born in Melbourne in 1861, features on the Australian $100 banknote?

2 What television show is the longest running children’s program in Australia?

3 Despite their names, Balmain bugs and Moreton Bay bugs are not insects. What kind of animals are they?

CROSSWORD

Down 1 Australia’s current Prime Minister, dubbed ScoMo, ... Morrison (5) 2 Athlete who won gold at Sydney’s 2000 Olympic Games, Cathy ... (7) 3 Acrobat’s apparatus (7) 5 Sports ground (5) 6 Actress and comedian, ...

Szubanski (5) 7 Ignore (7) 8 Mud-wallowing creature (5) 12 Writer and journalist whose image appears on the Australian $10 note, Dame Mary ... (7) 14 Skilled performer (7) 15 Ice river (7) 16 First name of picture C (5) 18 Music style, rhythm and ... (5) 19 Become liable for (5) 21 The crocodile hunter, ... Irwin (5)

PICTURE C

4 Dunedin, New Zealand, takes its name from Dùn Èideann, the Gaelic name for which city in the United Kingdom?

5 At 2508 kilometres and spanning through NSW, Victoria and South Australia, what is Australia’s longest river?

6 Who won the 2018 Australian Open Women’s Singles title (pictured far right)?

7 The wunderpus photogenicus, found around Vanuatu, Papua

CROSSWORD AND PUZZLES COMPILED BY LOVATTS

New Guinea and Indonesia, is a species of what?

8 According to the Macquarie Dictionary, what is the collective noun for a group of cats?

9 What popular gin-based cocktail was created at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore?

10 Riel is the official currency of which South-East Asian nation?

11 Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor is the real name of which New Zealand singer-songwriter?

T HE IN SIDER

145

SUDOKU

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12 What was the name and address Dory tries to remember in 2003 film Finding Nemo?

13 Who is the only person to have been named both Young Australian of the Year and Australian of the Year?

14 Thailand shares boundaries with which four countries?

15 True or false: “Jingle Bells” was intended as a Thanksgiving song.

16 Increasing surface area and helping with food absorption,

R T

Create words of 4 letters or more using the given letters once only, but always including the middle letter. Do not use proper names or plurals ending with S. See if you can find the 9-letter word using up all letters.

32 good

40 very good

50+ excellent

what is the name of the fingerlike bumps that cover the lining of the small intestine?

17 What are the five rivers that run through Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne?

18 Amberjack, hairtail, Hapuku and tarwhine are all types of what?

19 How many stars are on the flag of the Cook Islands?

20 Coober Pedy in South Australia is the world’s largest mining area of what gemstone?

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 150

Find the solutions on page 150.

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There are 17 beach-themed words hidden in the grid. Search up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally for the words.

Can you find them all?

B U CKE T CR U STACE A N FISHIN G ICE CRE A M JELLYFISH L IFEG UAR D R O CK P O OL SA N D C ASTL E SE AG ULL SE AWEED ST R OLL S U N GL AS SES S U RFIN G SW IM MIN G THONGS U MBRELL A WAVES

What has one head, one foot and four legs?

A bed.

2

I’m tall when I’m young and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?

7 6

A candle.

What’s the most slippery country in the world?

A postage stamp.

A cold.

What is the longest word in the dictionary?

‘Smiles’ because there is a mile between each ‘s’.

I am full of keys, but can’t open any door. What am I?

SO URCE: FU NKIDS JOKES.C O M

What can you catch but not throw?

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Greece.

What travels around the world but stays in one spot?

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P U ZZLES

147

Can you spot the EIGHT DIFFERENCES between these two images? Circle what’s changed on the image below.

1 SPORT Test your knowledge with these super fun, totally awesome trivia questions.

1 Which three sports make up a triathlon?

2 What type of race is the Tour de France?

3 What sport uses the word ‘love’ in its scoring?

4 The Olympic Games logo has how many rings?

2 SCIENCE 1 How many bones does the human body have?

2 What type of gas do trees make?

3 What does a thermometer measure?

4 True or false: lightning comes after thunder?

3 AUSTRALIANA 1 Steve Irwin was known as The Hunter?

2 Australia has how many states and territories?

3 Uluru is also known by what other name?

4 Australia Day is celebrated on which date?

beach! ndy day on the what a sunny, sa d See IF YOU can fin FIND ME and then , we nda, il) ta u ca n see is his woof (but all yo ca n you , so Al ard an d od law. wiza rd wh ite be ’s of wo y, ke spot my ra, me ca a’s nd we bone, ard’s wiza rd wh ite be law’s od d an , ll ro sc bin oculars? d, 7–2019 Martin Handfor Where’s Wally? © 198 . ks Ltd. All rights reserved Boo ker Wal by d lishe pub

More things to find...

„

A muscular medallion man

A cowboy

A cactus

A human pyramid

Two red/yellow umbrellas

A man in a lab coat

P U ZZLES

A punctured beach ball

Three protruding tongues

Someone wearing braces

A cream coloured dog

A human donkey

A man being squashed

Five sprinters

A man in armour

149

150

P U ZZLES

SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD

S A F E T Y C R R O P E R A T P E T E S T I M Z A G I N G E R I L U B R I C N L M U C H O U E R E N S U R E

T A S M A A R G V E D N L A N A D

N E H G I L P E P C O M A R G O T L B R A B S A N T C T R I R I S T I N E V E Y T P E A R C E

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© Lovatts Puzzles

WHEEL WORDS Acre, Care, Cart, Cave, Cite, Clue, Cult, Cure, Curl, Curt, Cute, Ecru, Lace, Laic, Lice, Luce, Race, Rice, Talc, Uric, Vice, Acute, Calve, Caret, Carte, Carve, Cater Cavil, Civet, Clear, Cleat, Crate, Crave, Cruel, Cruet, Curie, Curve, Cuter, Cutie, Eruct, Evict, Ileac, Lacer, Lucre, React, Relic, Trace, Trice, Truce, Ulcer, Vicar, Active, Cartel, Claret, Curate, Lacier, Rectal, Relict, Uretic, Article, Auricle, Clavier, Culvert, Curtail, Recital, Utricle, Victual, Curative, Vertical.

9-letter word: LUCRATIVE

QUIZ 1 Dame Nellie Melba 2 Play School 3 Crustaceans 4 Edinburgh 5 River Murray 6 Caroline Wozniacki 7 Octopus 8 Clowder 9 Singapore Sling 10 Cambodia 11 Lorde 12 P Sherman, 42 Wallaby

13 Cathy Freeman 14 Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar

15 True 16 Villi 17 Brisbane River, River

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Torrens, Swan River, Yarra River and Parramatta

18 Fish 19 15 20 Opal

1 The missing lightning bolt on Robin’s bike.

2 The missing belt buckle on Beast Boy. 3 The colour of Robin’s glove.

4 The colour of Starfire’s bike.

Way, Sydney

5 The normal eye on Cyborg.

6 The eyes on Robin.

SUDOKU

7 The colour of the lightning bolt on Cyborg’s bike.

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Sport

Science

Australiana

1 Swimming,

1 206

1 Crocodile

cycling, running

2 Oxygen

2 Six states and

2 A cycling race

3 Temperature

two territories

3 Tennis

4 False

3 Ayers Rock

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8 The missing lines on the left pillar.

4 Five

4 January 26

152

T HE IN SIDER

H I G H E R. B I G G E R. F A S T E R. L O N G E R. E ACH ISSUE WE FO C US O N A PL ACE P U NCHIN G AB OVE I TS WEIG H T > In Tasmania’s south-west, about four kilometres from the Tahune Airwalk in the Huon Valley, stands a massive tree aptly dubbed the Centurion. At a whopping 100 metres, the mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) is not only the tallest known eucalyptus in the world but is thought to be the tallest hardwood tree and flowering plant, too.

In 1871, botanist Ferdinand von Mueller described the eucalyptus species using the Latin word regnans meaning “ruling”, alluding to its towering height. But when Forestry Tasmania staff discovered the 100-metre Eucalyptus regnans specimen using laser technology in 2008, it quickly earned the nickname Centurion – the title given to military officers who commanded 100 soldiers in the Roman army.

While the North American coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) stands a little taller than the mountain ash, it is neither a hardwood nor a flowering plant so the Centurion will continue to hold its record… at least until an even taller tree is discovered in Tasmania.

W O R D S _ K A I T LY N P A L M E R - A L L E N

AT 100 METRES, THE CENT URION IS EQUIVALENT TO A BUILDING ABOU T 30 STOREYS TALL

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THAILAND CONTENTS

LOI KR AT H O N G FES TIVAL

HIDDEN BANGKOK 02 UNSEEN PHUKET

06

SECRET SPOTS

12

S O N GKR A N FES TIVAL

BA N GKOK M AR AT H O N

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS... > FEBRUARY Chinese New Year: Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan > APRIL Songkran Festival: Nationwide > OCTOBER Vegetarian Festival: Phuket > NOVEMBER Loi Krathong Festival: Nationwide > NOVEMBER Bangkok Marathon: Bangkok > DECEMBER Wonderfruit Festival: Pattaya

HIDDEN BANGKOK

—Listen to the bells at the floating markets, wander the open-air Asiatique mall on the riverfront and admire the garden sculptures at the Museum of Contemporary Art. This is the Bangkok the locals know—

SEE

> TEMPLES From exquisite architecture that dates back thousands of years to thought-provoking modern art, the list of things to see in Bangkok is endless.

Wat Arun (watarun. net) presides over its pearlescent mirror image in the Chao Phraya River and golden Wat Phra Kaew (grandpalace-bangkok.com) is Thailand’s most sacred temple. Bangkok’s famous temples are indeed breathtaking but they can also be busy.

Try the smaller, lesser-known places of worship for serene beauty and quiet.

Wat Saket, or the Golden Mount temple, is a stunning structure at the top of 300 gentle steps to the north of Bangkok’s Chinatown district. The spectacular gold structure houses a Buddha relic and although the climb is long, the views of the city are worth it. Less than a 10-minute walk to the west is one of the oldest temples in the city, Wat Suthat, where you’ll be greeted by a red giant swing outside and intricate wall murals within. Visit Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, known locally as Wat Bowon (watbowon.org), for murals that depict 19th-century Thai images of Western life.

20+

MILLION TOURISTS VISIT BANGKOK EACH YEAR

500,000+ SQ UARE-METRES THAILAND’S LARGEST AND FANCIEST SHOPPING MALL: ICON SIAM

> M U SEU MS + GALLERIES With a population of more than eight million, Bangkok has something for all tastes. Royal watchers can get closer to Thailand’s revered monarchy at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (qsmtthailand. org), located next to the visitors’ entrance to the Grand Palace.

Exhibits tell the colourful history of Thailand’s textile tradition and fashion followers will love the queen’s personal dress collection.

For something hands-on, Museum Siam’s interactive space has the motto “Play + Learn = Joyousness”.

Its delightful exhibits focus on the country’s long history and what it means to be Thai.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (mocabangkok.com) houses more than 800 fascinating and visually stunning artworks that make you think. Artists are free to explore tricky political issues, providing a sometimes confronting and honest approach to Thai culture.

T H A IL A N D

DO

A MITA T H AI C O OK IN G CL AS S

> REL A X Bangkok is the perfect place for one-of-a-kind experiences and to fill your belly with delicious food but it also hides indulgent havens to rejuvenate your body and enrich your mind.

Watpo Thai Traditional Massage School (watpomassage.com) is located inside temple grounds, making for a spiritual visit as well as a physical one. The skilled masseurs provide treatments that are invigorating, relaxing and cheap enough you could afford to go every day of your holiday. Those who feel more at ease going to a spa chain can try Let’s Relax (letsrelaxspa.com), which offers a range of spa and massage treatments in various locations.

> LEARN IC O NSIA M SH OPPIN G C O MPLEX

WAT PHR A K AE W

> SH OPPIN G Lovers of luxury goods and bargain hunters alike are catered for in this incredible city packed with outdoor markets and shopping centres.

If you’re after vibrant chaos, head to the suburb of Pratunam for authentic street markets and factory outlets at The Platinum Fashion Mall (platinumfashionmall.com).

If you need refreshments with your bargains, near one of Thailand’s largest public hospitals, Siriraj Hospital, you’ll find Wang Lang Market, where street food and affordable fashion come together.

High-end fashion can be found at Siam Paragon (siamparagon. co.th). The mall is a centre for the well heeled to shop international luxury brands such as Hermès, Prada and Jimmy Choo but highstreet names including Zara are also on offer. The fourth level is home to IT City, which stocks all the latest technological gadgets and is known for its excellent service.

For those keen to try something new, Icon Siam (iconsiam.com) opened in November 2018 on the Chao Phraya River and offers over 500,000 square-metres of glistening retail and entertainment space.

Get happily lost, hopping from store to store, all day long.

03

You’re likely to miss all the delicious Thai food once you return home, so have a cooking lesson before you leave. Amita Thai Cooking Class (amitathaicooking.com) teaches authentic comfort recipes, while Blue Elephant (blueelephant.com) reveals the secrets of ancient Thai dishes – think green papaya salad with coconut rice and caramelised salted beef or steamed chicken mince with crabmeat.

huket Thailand P , h c a e B o Sunwing Bangta

rt A Family-focused Reso

Sunwing Bangtao Beach is a fully contained family resort with its own restaurants, entertainment programs and a host of activities for all ages.

For those whose ideal holiday consists of sipping colorful concoctions while dipping a toe in the surf or dozing off under swaying casuarinas trees, then Sunwing Bangtao Beach ďŹ ts your bill to the tee.

For those who prefer adventure and excitement, from exploring the undersea universe to skimming along the surface of the turquoise waters on skis, then Sunwing Bangtao Beach is the ultimate destination!

Sunwing Bangtao Beach 22 Moo#2, Cheung Thalay, Thalang, Phuket Thailand 83110 Tel: +66 76 337400 Fax: +66 76 337407 Email: info@sunwingphuket.com Kids S tay, Visit the website at: www.sunwingphuket.com Pla

y and E at for

Free

THE CUT

5

MEET T HE CHEF

E AT

NAME CHEF PHATCHARA “POM” PIRAPAK RESTAURANT THARA TASTE OF THAI RESTAURANT

> S TREE T EATS

S TREE T FO OD IN C HIN ATO W N, BA N GKOK

For real-deal street food, there’s nowhere quite like Yaowarat Road, Chinatown’s main drag. Although it’s tempting to stay in one spot and fill up on things such as spicy barbecued seafood, the best strategy is to keep moving and eat a litt le of everything. Try roasted chestnuts, bird’s nest soup and suckling pig.

Sky Train (transitbangkok.com) riders should stop off at Victory Monument station, which doubles as a street-food haunt. A favourite is boat noodle alley, famous for its rich, tangy broths filled with noodles and all manner of meats and seafood.

17 N U MBER OF MICHELINSTAR RESTAUR AN TS IN BANGKOK

5000 CAPACIT Y AT T HE CIT Y’S H U GE ROYAL DR AG O N RESTAUR AN T

PAS TE BA N GKOK

> FINE DININ G Bangkok doesn’t want for opulent dining.

Michelin-starred eateries like Paste Bangkok (pastebangkok.com), Mezzaluna (lebua.com/ mezzaluna) and Bo.lan (bolan.co.th/2014) are a must for sophisticated palates.

B O.L A N RES TAUR A N T

> NIG H TL IFE Bangkok is known for its clubbing but try some off-the-beaten-track small bars to avoid the tourist crowds. Chinatown has countless nooks where you can enjoy a cocktail. For stunning views however, head to Moon Bar on the rooftop of Banyan Tree resort (banyantree.com) in Sathon, where you’ll be surrounded by the glittering lights of the city. An open-air bridge connects to the hotel’s Vertigo restaurant where you can find outstanding seafood or steak.

What’s a must-do activity for people who are visiting Bangkok for the first time?

Taking a boat to explore attractions and markets along Chao Phraya River.

During the day, visit the three iconic temples: Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun and sample street food at Wang Lang Market or Bang Lamphu. In the evening, shop and have dinner at Asiatique mall.

Name your favourite places in Bangkok...

Wat Saket (Golden Mount) temple and the giant swing at Wat Suthat.

What makes Thai cuisine unique?

The cuisine has an identity that’s been passed on since ancient days – our ancestors’ wisdom is the key. We cleverly blend many varieties of Thai herbs and spices in everything we cook to achieve a balance of tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and... yummy!

Do you have any tips for foreign visitors?

Try to make use of the Sky Train and Metro as much as possible as they’re cheap and will save you a lot of time.

SEE > BEAC HES

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OLD PH UKE T TO W N

Part of the Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Beach holds the title of Phuket’s longest beach, stretching 11 kilometres and as far as the eye can see. A person can walk for kilometres without seeing a fellow wanderer, making this secluded beach delightfully tranquil.

Layan Beach, a little further south, is another uncrowded slice of heaven.

It’s a sheltered patch of sand that enjoys calm waters thanks to the natural island barricade provided by Koh Kala.

For something between deserted and party central (it’s whatever you want to make it), visit Khao Lak. The picture-perfect beach is the launch point for the Similan Islands – one of the best diving sites in the world.

Surrounding Phuket there are idyllic islands only accessible by boat. Banana Beach on Coral Island is renowned for its spectacular coral reefs and snorkelling but gets busy during the day. The once-secret, still-secluded privately owned Maiton Island is a more chilled choice. Accessible by catamaran, the island’s pristine beaches and waters are home to beautiful species of birds, dolphins and tropical fish.

M AITO N ISL A ND

UNSEEN PHUKET

—Phuket is famous for its long stretches of white sand and crystal waters but being an island paradise is just the beginning. Inland attractions and unique experiences await those who know where to look—

> SIG H TSEEIN G

T HE N U MBER OF BEACHES IN PH UKET

70%

OF PH UKET’S L AND IS C OVERED BY M O U N TAINS

Back in the city, the streets of Old Phuket Town are lined with ornate Sino-Portuguese shophouses that have been converted into colourful cafés, restaurants and galleries, giving the area an East-meets-West vibe.

Learn about the history of the district, which built its wealth on tin mining and trade in the last century, and take in the many shrines and temples on the streets.

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T H A IL A N D

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DO > REL A X It might feel impossible to pick just one spa for your massage or treatment but prices in Phuket are so affordable you can give them all a go. Try the outstanding Thanyapura (thanyapura.com) for a decadent spa experience complete with a pool and garden.

The Slate resort is a stunning place to relax and focus on your wellbeing, offering outdoor yoga, a stretching class or a deep-tissue massage in the Coqoon Spa. For spa purists, the elegant Six Senses (sixsenses.com) awaits.

> LEARN Renowned Thai cooking school Blue Elephant (blueelephant.com) has an outpost in Phuket’s Old Town where you can learn to make traditional Thai dishes. Ingredients span from accessible chicken mince through to harder-to-find green papaya but those going home to a big city should be able to source everything at an Asian grocery store.

> SH OP

“STREE T-F O O D STALLS C O MBINE W I T H STREE T PERF ORMERS, DA N CERS A N D VEN D ORS SELL IN G CLOT HIN G, TRINKE TS A N D A N T IQ UES.”

PH UKE T WALK IN G S TREE T

Phuket’s quaint, shop-lined streets are the antithesis of Bangkok’s busy mega malls.

Weekends are the best time to hit Phuket’s numerous markets where street-food stalls combine with street performers, dancers and vendors selling clothing, trinkets and antiques.

Open every Sunday, the Phuket Walking Street night market is one of the town’s most popular attractions. Running the length of Thalang Road, the market showcases the multiculturalism of the area with Baba Chinese, Thai Muslim and Indian shops.

Young stallholders flex their creative muscle, making T-shirts featuring the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture, custom-made flip-flops, knitted dolls and jewellery. And, of course, there’s plenty to eat.

Chillva night market (fb.me/chillvamarket) has a fun, youthful vibe with plenty of original wares made by young local creatives – think clothes, jewellery, shoes and accessories. The market is also a good place to sample all kinds of exotic Thai snacks, including deep-fried insects.

THE CUT

11

MEET T HE CHEF

S TREE T FO OD TO SH ARE

E AT

NAME CHEF PHUBASE CHUPRAKONG RESTAURANT ITALICS AND RISE AT THE AKYRA MANOR CHIANG MAI HOTEL

> S TREE T EATS On the weekend, the famous Thalang Road (Old Town’s main strip) turns into a market but during the week, the small restaurants of Thalang, Yaowarat, Dibuk and Phang Nga roads shine. If it’s time for dessert, pay special attention along Dibuk Road as it’s a well-known spot for sweets and breads. The Lock Tien Local Food Centre, at the corner of Dibuk and Yaowarat roads, is a must-visit for unique local versions of Thai fare such as fresh spring rolls, noodles, deep-fried sausage and curried fish mousse steamed in banana leaves.

$2

AVER AGE PRICE OF A DISH AT PH UKET’S STREET MARKETS

Sampling the intriguing street food in Phuket is a must but the famous island also has plenty of fine dining. In 2019, Phuket is slated to be included in the prestigious Michelin Guide with some incredible eateries earning the coveted Michelin stars. Until then, visit Black Ginger (theslatephuket.com/black-ginger), a Slate Resort eatery that’s set on an island in the centre of a lagoon. On the menu, traditional Thai delicacies sit comfortably alongside modern takes on traditional dishes.

Do you have a favourite place in Phuket where you spend your free time?

I enjoy Kata Beach on the western coast of Phuket (just south of Karon Beach).

What makes Thai cuisine unique?

It’s all about the local ingredients that Thai people cook with.

What is your favourite dish at the moment?

Black squid-ink pasta with pan fried black cod and Chiang Mai Khao soi sauce.

BL ACK GIN GER

AR OK AYA C O CK TAIL AT BL ACK GIN GER

> FINE DININ G

You’re originally from Phuket, what is a “must-do” activity for people visiting for the city for the first time?

They should do a local food tour – I’m not just saying that because I am a chef but because Phuket has a lot of great local food that is different from other cities around Thailand.

Any tips for visitors coming to Phuket?

Set some time aside to explore downtown Phuket, not just the beaches.

SECRET SPOTS

—If you’ve never heard of Chiang Rai or the islands of Trat in Thailand, you’re not alone. These incredible places aren’t on the tourist radar... yet. Get there before everyone else finds them—

T R AT

> N AT UR AL BEAU T Y Trat Province sits on the Cambodian border and although it’s just a one-hour flight from Bangkok’s bustle, its fishing villages and unspoiled islands feel worlds away. Trat’s largest island is Koh Chang (kochangisland.com), where idyllic white sand beaches fringe an exquisite natural landscape and astonishing mountains, dense with jungle cover.

After exploring Koh Chang, island hop to Koh Kood, an isle of quaint fishing villages and undeveloped wilderness perfect for those seeking tranquillity.

Walk the coastal road between villages or swim under one of the island’s stunning waterfalls.

PADDL IN G TO WARDS KO H C H A N G

S O NEVA K IRI

> S TAY

> REL A X While in Trat, visit the Chong Changtune community for an unusual spa treatment locals call the “chicken coop herbal steam”. Guests sit in a small dome-shaped chicken coop and a rice cooker filled with an array of herbs envelops them in a relaxing steam. The coop is used for its size and shape but don’t worry, there are no chickens inside.

The guest sits on a stool inside, head sticking out from the top, perhaps looking a little unusual but enjoying one of the most surprising and relaxing experiences of their lives.

The islands are bursting with friendly family-run guesthouses but it’s hard to resist impressive resorts such as Soneva Kiri (soneva. com) or Centara Chaan Talay Resort and Villas (centarahotelsresorts.com).

Here, villas are equipped with infinity pools, others have their own spa. White sand beaches are footsteps away and everyone, from families to couples, can find their own slice of paradise.

T H A IL A N D

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CHIANG RAI > DO

WAT R O N G K H U N

Chiang Rai is in Thailand’s mountainous north, far from any beach. The north of the province sits on the Golden Triangle, the point where the borders of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar converge. Formerly the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, the city of Chiang Rai is an artists’ paradise with museums, temples and an incredible tradition of textile and silver craftsmanship by local hill tribes.

“C HI A N G R A I IS A N ART ISTS’ PAR A DISE WI T H M USEU MS, TEMPLES A N D A N IN CREDIBLE TR A DI T IO N OF TEX T ILE CR AF TSM A NSHIP.”

Visiting Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is surreal. The snow-white structure is covered in intricate, sometimes curious carvings, from classic Naga serpents to Western pop-culture idols like Michael Jackson.

Privately owned, funded and designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple is a work in progress, slated for completion in 2070.

Chiang Rai is also home to Chiang Saen, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, believed to date back to the 7th century. Some ancient sites survive here, including Buddha figures, ruins and the city’s defensive wall to the east, all interspersed with the city’s modern life.

History buffs can learn more at Chiang Saen National Museum (au.tourismthailand.org).

Back in Chiang Rai city, the colourful night bazaar is known for selling incredible textiles, silverwork and beads from the local tribes. In-between shopping, be sure to head to the outdoor food court for snacks such as northern sausage and deep-fried mealworms.

A N A N TAR A G OLDEN TRIA N GLE RES ORT

> SEE

> S TAY For a luxurious retreat high in the mountains, visit Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort (anantara.com). Wake to stunning views and choose from myriad activities each day.

Go for a spa treatment, visit the elephants, do a private excursion to the Golden Triangle or take a cooking class. Closer to the city centre, The Legend Chiang Rai (thelegend-chiangrai.com) is a comfortable boutique resort on the banks of the Mae Kok River.