August 2015
The Inflight Magazine of Malindo Air
CONTENTS MALINDOMAG
12
TRAVEL: A PERFECT GETAWAY Set out on a holiday to remember at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort and Spa.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 06
COVER STORY: WEAVING INTO A NATION
31
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!
38
INDULGE
46
PERSONALITY
48
HOROSCOPE
51
MALINDO HOLIDAYS
Embrace the spirit of Merdeka as we celebrate 58 years of independence.
16
TRAVEL: VISAKHAPATNAM Journey through a passage where culture meets nature in Visakhapatnam, India.
Tickle your taste buds the next time you’re flying with these delicious meal selections.
Savour on a delightful burst of flavours at Opium KL.
Learn more about our aircraft from none other than the expert himself.
Your ultimate astrological guide for your next getaway.
Enjoy a hassle-free getaway with family and friends, or even a loved one on Merdeka weekend.
2015 AUGUST / 3
CEO’s LETTER MALINDOMAG
CEO’s LETTER THE MALINDOMAG TEAM PUBLISHER Chandran Rama Muthy
on our exciting new destinations by next issue. Currently in our radar are cities in Australia, southern China, the Philippines, Vietnam and further points of India beyond our current six Indian routes.
CONTRIBUTORS Hariss Abdullah, Soo Yi, Kalpana Devasagayam, Azim Hafifz CREATIVE Irina Yasmin Adnan ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS Karen Soo Elicia Chong MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Andrea Liong PHOTOGRAPHER Siti Aisyah Ahmad Tamidzi PUBLISHED BY Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd C-5-05, Block C, Oasis Ara Damansara, 2 Jalan PJU 1A/7A, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. PP 18733/05/2015(034185) PRINTED BY Percetakan Jiwabaru Sdn Bhd Lot 14. No. 2, Jalan P/8, Kawasan MIEL Fasa II, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.
THIS month, Malaysians have a very important event to celebrate. It is the nation’s mark of 58 years of independence as a country forged in rich history, culture and tradition. When independence was gained, a man of fair judgment and insight took to the stages of Stadium Merdeka. Tunku Abdul Rahman, or fondly known to Malaysians as the Father of Independence, chanted “Merdeka!” to a stadium of roaring audiences signifying the beginning of a new nation. Today, this country has significantly placed itself as a renowned country in the global arena for its rich diversities of Asian heritage. We have to be grateful for the sacrifices of our forefathers that have built a foreseeable future for us. Their fortitude and persistent attitude to forge a distinct Malaysian way of life have carved a promising future for the future generations.
ON THE COVER Malindo Air celebrates 58 years of independence as Malaysia flies into a greater future of properity and unity.
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Just as our forefathers aspired for us to be exemplary citizens of our country, our airline continues to flaunt the Malaysian flag wherever it goes while making a rapid growth. And like the forefathers before us, we hope to continue carrying the torch to bring Malaysian hospitality and services to an international level. New routes development is in progress and we will have some good news to share
If you are unfamiliar with Merdeka celebrations, you must know that it is a grand one held every year at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. Catch the colourful fascinating parade and watch cultural performances and marching squads live with the crowds consisting of tourists and Malaysians from all backgrounds on 31st of August. Wherever you find yourself traveling in the month of independence, enjoy the journey. Happy reading and Selamat Hari Merdeka!
Chandran Rama Muthy CEO, Malindo Air
In-Flight Entertainment Personalised touchscreen with a variety of movies, TV shows, music and games to entertain you on your flight.
To book, visit our website, call 03-7841 5388 or contact your preferred travel agent today. *Terms and conditions apply. Malindo Airways Sdn. Bhd. (1018546W)
COVER STORY MALINDOMAG
WEAVING INTO A NATION The glorious story of a nation built by strength in diversity, unity and harmony by Soo Yi
6 / AUGUST 2019
COVER STORY MALINDOMAG
J alur Gemil ang: The proud symbol of Mal aysia
A
man clad in traditional ba ju Melayu overlooks an entire stadium of peopl e from all walks of life. He stretches out and raises his right h and, and yells out, “Merdeka!” as the crowd synonymousl y echoed back another “Merdeka!” with a thundering response. This ch ant went on repeatedl y six more times with the loud roars from the stadium of peopl e. “Merdeka” means freedom, independence and even liberation in the national language of Bahasa Malaysia, and the man was Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s Father of Independence. A new beginning People from all walks of life had gathered at Merdeka Stadium
Dataran Merdek a is Mal aysia’s iconic l andmark
that hot sunny day to witness an important moment that will be forever etched in the history of their motherland. Although the diversity of the people fair represented all walks of life, they all shared the same enthusiasm – to watch as the ambition their forefathers relentlessly fought for, to finally come true. That historic scene was also broadcasted live on national radio, and as television sets were not available then, households that owned a radio would see their families and neighbours eagerly gather around the radio to hear the proclamation live. The night before, right as the clock struck midnight, a historic moment took place at what is now the Dataran Merdeka, or
Merdeka Square. It was a historic moment for peoples in the federated states of Malaya, as it was for the final time the Union Jack was lowered. In its place, a new Malayan flag was hoisted to signify the birth of a new era of independence for the people of Malaya. Euphoria swept across the country that night lasting through the day, and for good reason as the Federation of Malaya had finally gained its independence. Scores of people from all walks of life celebrated in a grand atmosphere, as across the country fireworks, bonfires and communal jubilation took place to celebrate the beginning of a Malaya that belonged to the sovereign people. 2015 AUGUST / 7
The journey The quest for independence was indeed a struggle. Tunku’s delegation took to a peaceful discussion with the British government in London in January 1956. Their sole purpose there was to obtain independence for all people of Malaya. After three weeks of intense negotiation, the London Independence Agreement was signed on 8 February 1956, with the British government agreeing to give Malaya her independence in August the following year. Tunku’s delegation returned to Malaya to deliver the good news and an announcement was officially made at Padang Merdeka in Malaya. When independence was declared by Tunku, he proclaimed that Malaya ‘with God’s blessing shall be for ever a sovereign, democratic and independent State founded on the principles of liberty and justice, and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations’. A simple yet brief speech, but a powerful statement altogether. A message from the Queen was read, welcoming Malaya to the Commonwealth of Nations. Malaysia Years later in 1963, Singapore joined the federation and so did the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, which were located in Borneo across the South China Sea. This establishment meant the union of the Federated States of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak to form the new Federation of Malaysia, and a new progressive nation came into being on 16 September 1963. However, part of that union did not last long, as Singapore made their exit in 1965 from a mutual agreement to form their own independent state. Malaysia Day is celebrated yearly until today on every 16 September to commemorate the historic event. The decades after The fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir 8 / AUGUST 2019
Petronas Twin Towers
Mohamad, is a legendary persona loved by many. He materialised his vision to turn Malaysia into a modern nation with world-class amenities and service levels. During his tenure, many modern landmarks were erected such as the Sepang International Circuit and the Petronas Twin Towers. The Sepang International Circuit hosted the first Malaysian Grand Prix in March 1999, and later on the first Moto GP Malaysian Grand Prix in the following month. Formula One greats such as Michael Schumacher have negotiated the bends on the tracks in Sepang. The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin buildings in the world, standing statuesquely tall against the backdrop of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre. Standing ma jestically at 451.9m and 88 storeys high, the towers dwarfs all other structures in the city’s skyline. The twin skyscrapers are constructed largely from reinforced concrete, complemented with a steel and glass façade whose design was inspired by Islamic art motifs, which is a reflection of the popularity of Islam in the country. The towers also feature the world’s highest double-deck sky bridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, allowing visitors a bird’s eye view of the vibrant cityscape. A shopping mall housing luxury international and homegrown brands sits at the bottom of these two towers and is
relatively a gem for all-day retail shopping. As Malaysia’s nationwide sales are a twice-yearly affair, expect huge discounts for all things retail while in Malaysia. The 1Malaysia Year End Sale towards December is most anticipated by locals and tourists alike, as trendy malls and openair markets prepare for a ma jor shopping frenzy. On the heritage spectrum, Malaysia has a number of well-preserved timeworn colonial and pre-war buildings. Many of these can be witnessed at cities and towns which have survived the test of time and war, such as Georgetown in Penang and Malacca city. In fact, these locations are UNESCO World Heritage sites for their significance in cultural and natural heritage. While they are more popular among urbanites, other heritage sites include Lenggong Valley deep in the hills of Perak, where prehistoric evidence of human remains can be found, and also Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak and Kinabalu Park in Sabah. Today, the Malaysian flag waves graceful and free over Dataran Merdeka. And as Malaysia turns 58 this year, may she continue to prosper and carry in her stride a rich significance of culture, heritage and diversity, side by side, with her people for generations to come.
malindo updates MALINDOMAG
Malindo Air Adds Two New Boeing Jets
Malindo Air welcomes its newest additions to the fleet as it received its ninth and tenth Boeing 737NG aircraft in June, bringing the total fleet to 21 including eleven ATR turboprop aircraft. The new aircraft, bearing registration numbers 9M-LNQ and
9M-LNR, arrived in Malaysia on two separate occasions within days from each other. They are currently mounted for regional routes as the airline progressively expands its route network within Malaysia, the Asean region and Asia. The
Boeing
737NG
(Next
Generation) aircraft type, while lighter and consumes less fuel burn, is equipped with Lumexis technology for the in-flight entertainment system and boasts wider legroom and more spacious overhead compartment. Malindo Air will receive another six jets of the same type by year-end.
Leadership Session with TAR UC Tertiary Students About 160 students of Tunku Abdul Rahman University College Kuala Lumpur campus attended an insightful leadership session with the CEO of Malindo Air, Chandran Rama Muthy along with the CEO of Chatime Malaysia, Bryan Loo and MCA Youth Chief, Senator YB Chong Sin Woon. The dialogue session was held as part of a leadership programme from the educational institute, whereby the speakers shared their experiences with the young enthusiastic audience and gave some handy tips on forging a fulfilling career, whether in entrepreneurship, politics or the corporate world. 10 / AUGUST 2015
According to Chandran, young people should not forget their roots no matter how far they go in life. He believes that, in order to succeed, one should have a positive outlook on life and have integrity in everything they set out to accomplish. Bryan
meanwhile advised that students should be passionate about what they want to achieve and persevere even when the going gets tough. YB Chong had an important point too, that money should not be the highest motivation behind goals.
Four th from l eft: MCA Youth Chief, YB Chong Sin Woon, Chatim e COO, Bryan Loo and Malindo Air CEO Chandran Rama Muthu taking a photo with the p ar ticip ants.
malindo updates MALINDOMAG
New Route: Fly Between Singapore and Ipoh Daily Malindo Air introduced a new route linking Singapore and Ipoh which, began on July 14, 2015. The route officially became the airline’s first Boeing operation in Ipoh using the B737NG (Next Generation) jet, where the airline previously operated only the ATR 72-600 turboprop. The daily service departs from Changi Airport (Terminal 3) at 10am and arrives at the Sultan Azlan Shah
Airport, Ipoh at 11.25am. Returning flights depart the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh at 12.10pm and arrive at Changi Airport (Terminal 3) at 1.30pm. Promo fares as low as RM128 oneway from Ipoh or SGD59 from Singapore are currently on-going and are inclusive of 20kg baggage allowance, in-flight entertainment and light refreshments.
Sector Flight No. Departure Arrival Frequency SIN-IPH OD821 10:00am 11:25am Daily IPH-SIN OD820 12:10pm 1:30pm Daily *All timings stated are local time.
Sixth Route to India Launched – Trivandrum Frequent travellers to India now have one more destination to rave about, because Malindo Air has announced a new route to Trivandrum! Malindo Air will officially begin flying from Kuala Lumpur to Trivandrum four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 24th August onwards. The departing flights leave Kuala Lumpur at 12pm and arrive in Trivandrum at 4pm local time, while the return flights depart Trivandrum at 4.50pm and touch down in Kuala Lumpur at 9pm local time. Being the sixth Indian route for the airline, Malindo Air presently flies to Delhi, Mumbai, Trichy, Kochi and Vishakapatnam (Vizag). Promo fares for Economy Class start from RM309 or INR6,610 one-way, inclusive of a meal, light refreshments, free inflight entertainment and baggage allowance of 30kg.
Sector
Flight No.
Departure
Arrival
Frequency
KUL-TRV
OD261
12:00pm
4:00pm
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
TRV-KUL
OD260
4:50pm
9:00pm
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
*All timings stated are local time.
2015 AUGUST / 11
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A perfect
Getaway by Kalpana Devasagayam, writer at www.9m.my
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‘T
he resor t for all reasons’ as its tagline says, Lotus Desaru, Beach Resort and Spa is one remarkabl e holiday spot that stays true to its market positioning. If you are looking for a weekend escapade, a famil y vacation, excell ent food, entertainment, pure relaxing retreat, adventure, pl easurabl e business ambience or combinations of these el ements, then this resort should definitel y be at the top of your preferred destination list. “Desaru”, meaning the ‘village of Casuarinas’ is located along the East Coast of the Southern tip of Johor. The white sandy beach stretches for about 26km, overlooking the pristine blue sea that is fringed with abundance of Casuarina trees along the shores. ‘Guests who comes here, stays here’ is a term commonl y used among Desaru’s emplo yees and vacationers alike. This is because the resort caters full board service and facilities within its vicinity throughout the day, th at guests will not find a reason to seek out of its property. 2015 AUGUST / 13
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Lotus Suria Spa This centre offers you a unique blend of treatments for preservation of health and cure of disease in the most natural manner. While it offers various options of rejuvenation therapies, its specialty is Ayurvedic Spa that rooted from traditional health science of India. The spa is well equipped while facilitated by experienced therapists and expert masseurs from various origins of Asia to suit your preferred style of comfort and need. Reservations are highly advisable especially during weekends and public holidays, as they can be fully occupied during these times. Dining and Entertainment As the old saying goes, ‘the best way to win a guy’s heart is through his stomach’; and its exactly a practice that Lotus Desaru takes pride in for its guests. The owners, who excels in commercial food business since
decades ago, has certainly gone the extra mile in ensuring that they serve nothing but the best to diners. They offer varieties of snacks, beverages and fresh seafood that cater in local, Western, Chinese, and Indian selection of meals. There are three restaurants available at the resort. All of which are situated on the beachfront, overlooking the serene sea. However, the most ideal spot to relax and unwind alongside some entertaining music will be at the Rhu Seafood Restaurant & Beach Hut. There will be a live band every day till midnight, and on most holidays the area which is complemented by a huge green field will be filled with guests of all ages, either dancing or occupied with fun games and activities till late night. This can be labeled as an icon and the heart of the resort.
Glide your way through som e fun under the sun
Outdoor fun on a giant water slide
Must-Do tips! • Dig in to a scrumptious red snapper fish cooked in Thai style or Tiga Rasa (three tastes) and Thai tom yam soup that are sure to fulfill your spicy, sweet and sour palates, at Rhu Seafood restaurant. Do note that all food served are halal. • Unwind yourself at the green fields by the restaurants upon a contented dinner to be entertained by Zumba dancers and staff leading aerobic dance routines to universal pop songs! It gets livelier as the night kicks with guests enjoying themselves with activities, and your legs will itch to join in the almost flash-mob kind of regime. • Mojito, check! Promising wines, check! Do take some idle time with your loved ones or even by yourself at the beach bar for these refreshing and fine tasting beverages. Enjoy the sea breeze while capturing the tranquil calmness of the beach on the cushioned beach lounges in cabanas, accompanied with a beautiful sunset or moonlight.
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Various acti vities can b e enjoyed at the resor t
Accommodation and Facilities The resort consists of 700 apartments th at come in one, two and three bedrooms. All of the rooms are built with a living, dining and kitchenette th at will easil y make you feel right at home. Families on vacation with babies, toddl ers, or even disabl e guests need not worry as the resort provides baby cots, stroll ers, and wheel ch air upon request. It is also pl easantl y guest-friendl y as there are pathways for mobil e wheel ers throughout the resort.
Cosy b eds in the comfor tabl e ap ar tm ents
Besides its swimming pools, Desaru offers countless to-do activities that will keep its guests of all ages amused and occupied throughout their stay. To name a few are the water park, gymnasium, retail outlets, paintball, karaoke, treasure hunts, batik painting, board games, barbeque pits, and an indoor kid’s club with numerous fun activities. Wedding Banquet and Meeting Rooms Good news for couples who have been dreaming of an island
wedding. While the outdoor setting is perfect for a sunset wedding the indoor ballroom is equipped to accommodate 500 guests comfortabl y for a more private event. As for individuals and corporations seeking to hold conferences, business meetings, team building, or a company retreat, Lotus Desaru is ideal whereby the package, service and ambience makes it an absolute ideal location. This marks the resort as a high-potential MICE destination as well.
Flying to Desaru Resort To get to Lotus Desaru by air, Malindo Air offers 4x daily flights to Senai International Airport, Johor from Subang Skypark, the city airport of Kuala Lumpur. Flights from Ipoh is also available 7x weekly. Airport pick-up by the resort staff may be requested or optionally a cab can also be conveniently obtained for the 45 minutes ride to the spectacular location. Book your hassle-free 3D2N getaway at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa on Malindo Holidays from onl y RM320 per person, inclusive of return flights from Subang to Johor Bahru. Book now at malindoholidays.com 2015 AUGUST / 15
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V i s a k h a A getaway where culture meets by K. Vijay Mohan, Wellfare Holiday World, Visakhapatnam
Fly there now! Malindo Air flies to Visakhapatnam 3x weekly from KLIA2. Forget about tedious booking procedures and the frustration that comes with it. With Malindo Holidays, Malindo Air’s official holiday portal that provides booking access to thousands of hotels in the region with incredible savings, enjoy up to 31% discount on your accommodation. Great holiday packages are on offer so book your flight+stay package together for better value. Get yourself to Visakhapatnam for a 3D2N getaway from RM630 onwards. Book now at www.malindoholidays.com.
V
isakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag with a population of about 2.5million is a Prominent City on the east Coast and is also dubbed as “The Jewel of the East Coast”. Once a Fishing Village, Vizag with its natural harbour became a popular port after it was colonised by the Dutch and later by British. Tucked into the Eastern Ghats, Vizag overlooks the Bay of Bengal to the east and is bounded by the three hill ranges in the North, South and West. The largest city in Andhra Pradesh with an area of 550km, it is primarily an industrial city, apart from being a port city. It is also home to the Eastern Naval Command. According to history, the city was named after the god of Valor-
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Vishakha. It was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom, under Ashoka’s rule in 260 B.C. It was later passed on to the Andhra Kings of Vengi. After that, the Pallava, Chola and Ganga dynasties ruled the city. In the 15th century, Vishakhapatnam became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire. A scenic 28km long stretch from the Rama Krishna Beach to Bheemunipatnam that hugs the eastern coast offers a great drive. Vizag is known for its pristine beaches – Lawson’s Beach, Rishikonda and the Yarada beaches are some of the beautiful beaches that captivate visitors. The R.K. Beach is also a popular choice for visitors to take a stroll and watch the waves lick the shoreline. Rishikonda Beach about 10km northeast from the city is a tourist delight with its unspoilt virgin beaches.
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a pat n a m
2015 AUGUST / 17
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Kail as agiri
The hidden gems Vizag has everything from beaches and beautiful hill ranges to caves and valleys, as well as wildlife sanctuaries, making it the best tourism destination in Andhra Pradesh. The district has many tourism spots that represent the culture and heritage of the true region. The landmarks of the city include the Dolphin’s Nose (a rocky headland resembling dolphin’s nose) with a lighthouse, which is picturesque a place as the name implies. A one of a kind rock promontory that juts out over the Bay of Bengal is open to visitors from 3pm to 5pm in the evening. This is a must-visit site as one gets a fabulous view of the expanse of the sea on one side and on the other side the expanse of the spread out city below. The 11th century Simhachalam Temple is 16km from the city and worth a visit. It is one hour drive from city and the Temple is set atop a small hill. Millions of devotees from 18 / AUGUST 2019
around the world visit this temple every year. The VUDA Park is a crowd puller that’s set on the beach front and is a popular picnic spot with its many shade giving trees. The Park is well equipped with a variety of children play pens, boating club and musical fountains. Sitting atop a hill facing the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal is Kailasagiri Park, an extensive park that gives you a beautiful panoramic view of the city below and its beautiful beaches. The entire park is lit up at night and looks lovely when viewed from the city below. Interesting features of this park are the Titanic point, a floral clock and a toy train which is very popular with kids. Sightseeing around Visakhaptanam Bheemunipatnam, or Bheemli as it is popularly known, is a short 25km picturesque drive along the coast from Visag. Remnants
of a Dutch fort and house, and the red of a laterite hill make this beach far more interesting than a regular sun and sand affair. Part of the charm of Bheemli is that it is suitable for swimming. Small cafes around the beach sell snacks and cold drinks. Located approximately 112km from Visag is Araku Valley, a hill station at an elevation of over 1,000m that’s known for its gardens, valleys, waterfalls and streams. Borra Caves are caves discovered by British geologist William King in 1807. Tyda, which is an Eco tourism project and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary are wildlife conservation sites near the city that are managed by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. 19 of Andhra’s tribes still live in this region, continuously keeping their traditions alive. Curious travellers should visit the Tribal Museum here to learn about the tribes as this educational experience is definitely on our must-visit list. About
90km
from
Visag,
on
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Kursura Submarine Museum Vuda
Vizag is famous for b eautiful b eaches
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A fisherman swinging his net at the break of dawn
the way to Araku sits the Borra Caves that are believed to be a million years old. These beautiful limestone caves are illuminated by sodium vapour, mercury and halogen lamps. Getting there is convenient as there are trains to the caves, but it’s a better idea to hire a cab or rent a car and enjoy the scenic three-hour drive along the coast. Anantagiri is another site to visit on your way to Araku Valley. Set amidst coffee plantations, this place is surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls that set a very pretty picture and the salubrious cool climate just adds to its charms. The Holy Path Annavaram is the shrine to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy situated upon the Ratnagiri Hills. The land is considered to belong to both Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami Temple and Goddess Anantalaxmi 20 / AUGUST 2019
Satyavathi Ammavaru. The temple, which is situated on the hill top is considered as second only to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Various festivals are celebrated here all year-round. Arasavalli, the Sun God Temple situated in Arasavalli Village, which is 100km from Visag is one of the ancient and all among two Sun God temples in the country. According to Padmapuranam, Sage Kasyapa installed the Idol of Surya at Arasavalli for the Welfare of mankind. Therefore, the Surya is of Kasyapasa Gotra. He is also termed as planetary King. Visag is also surrounded by ancient Buddhist sites, most of which have been excavated recently and illustrate the legacy of Buddhism in the region. Thotlakonda, is a third-century B.C. Buddhist ruins situated on top of a hill about 16km from Visag. The site covers an area of 120 acres and has been
declared a protected area by the government of Andhra Pradesh. Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam is a hillock west of Bhimli, about 24km from Visakhapatnam. The Buddhist settlement found here is estimated to date back from the first-century B.C. to the second century A.D. On the hillock, which overlooks the coastline are 16 rock-cut cisterns for collecting rainwater. Sankaram, a stone seated Buddha at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle, about 40km south of Visag is a significant Buddhist site in Andhra Pradesh. The three ma jor schools of Buddhism – Hinayana, Mahayana and Va jrayana – flourished here. The Vihara was active for about 1,000 years. Bavikonda is an important Buddhist heritage site located on a hill about 15km, northeast from Visag city. Here the Buddhist habitation is noticed on a 40-acre flat terraced area.
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Quick Facts on Visag Airport Visakhapatnam International Airport is the busiest airport in Andhra Pradesh. It is connected by daily flights with Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Tirupathi, Port Blair and Vijayawada.
Port Visakhapatnam is one of the country’s largest ports and the oldest shipyard on the east coast. Visag also home to the Gangavaram Port, which is India’s deepest seaport.
Language Telugu is the official language of Visag. It is also the most widely spoken language of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hindi is also spoken by the North Indians who settled here. Visag is a cosmopolitan city where people from different parts of India reside. Hence, English is also widely spoken among the people. A substantial population of Visag comprise of Bengalis and Oriyas. Due to the naval presence and high concentration of public-sector employees, Visag also plays home to residents from other states in India. There is also an Anglo-Indian community.
Festivals and Events The main festivals in Visag that are celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm are Visakha Utsav, Chandanotsavam, Lumbini festival, ISKCON Festival and Navy Day.
One of the many b eautiful templ es in Vizag
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Fly there now! Ipoh has an established airport in the city centre that offers flights to and fro Johor Bahru 4x weekly and Singapore 7x weekly via Malindo Air. Get yourself to Ipoh for a 3D2N getaway for as low as RM280 from Johor Bahru and RM400 from Singapore. Book now at www.malindoholidays.com.
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The
Silver State The Malaysian state of Perak, which literally means silver, bears more gold than many would have thought. by Soo Yi
Content by Tourism Perak
F
or a modest city that is roughly two hours’ drive from Penang island and Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh hits the spot for urban dwellers looking for a getaway. Whether you’re looking for a holiday by the sunny beach, a relaxing retreat by the hills, activity-infused itinerary or a stay deep in the rainforests surrounded by nature, Perak is a natural gem. Choose from whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, jungle trekking, caving and boating. In other words, it is a heaven for thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts. Sweeping acres of lush greenery, with untouched virgin rainforests in tropical climate are a proud icon for Perak. The capital city, Ipoh, is an idyllic city surrounded
by these iconic limestone hills and relatively untouched greenery. What used to be a flourishing tin mining town has multiplied into a city with a population close to a million. Colonial buildings such as the Ipoh Railway Station and Ipoh Town Hall are formidable landmarks of grandeur and still stand in grace till today.
chicken and Hainan chicken rice may be top-of-the-list for tourists, but others such as Ipoh white coffee, beancurd dessert or taufufah, chee cheong fun, dim sum, fishball noodles, nasi kandar, curry noodles, rojak, and kaya pastries – the list could go on and on, but they are all equally as tantalising to the soul.
Ipoh Mention Ipoh and it has to be all about the food! The gastronomic delights that Ipoh has to offer are a culture in itself that the locals are tremendously proud of.
The Lost World of Tambun Theme Park makes the surrounding limestone hills one of the feature attractions in the vicinity of the well-known Tambun Hot Springs. The theme park houses a water park, hot springs, and a tiger enclosure all for a good family day out.
Take a road trip to Ipoh as many Singaporeans and outstation locals do on the weekends for an enjoyable time hunting for good food. To be honest, five meals in a day would not be enough to cover all the exciting food that Ipoh has to offer. Ipoh’s beansprouts
Besides that, there are a number of exotic cave temples built inside the limestone hills such as the famous Kek Lok Tong, Sam Poh Tong and the Perak Tong. Intricate
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A common commute to P angkor Isl and
Water rafting is one of the adrenaline pumping acti vi ties you can try when in Ipoh
Buddhist temple elements are embellished in these cavetemples with sprawling views of ornate well-kept gardens and hills surrounding them. The charming urban area of Old Town conjures a quaint city painted by its legacy in tin mining. Row after row of heritage buildings and ornamental architecture that reflect those heydays of tin still stand to this day, or at least most remnants of such thriving businesses remain, as a testimony to the city’s heritage to become what it is today. Across the Kinta River, lies a slightly “newer” area called New Town, although it was established in early 1930s. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find that modern times have caught up on these timeworn buildings. One of the latest attractions nearby are art murals or quite simply “Art of Old Town”, depicted on walls of old buildings all around the Old Town produced by Ernest Zacharevic, the same man who painted the famous murals in Georgetown, Penang. More of these murals by other artists can also be found in the smaller alleyways of Old Town. Pangkor Island, Lumut Just right off the coastal shores of Perak state lies a cluster of small islands with indisputably some of 24 / AUGUST 2019
The crystal cl ear waters surrounding P angkor Isl and
the best sandy beaches on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Located about 90km southwest of Ipoh and accessible via a 35-minute ferry ride from Lumut Town, the eight square kilometre island is mainly inhabited by fishermen plying their trade and is a thriving tourist destination in Perak. Pangkor is well-known for her pristine beaches. The white sandy beaches and row after row of coconut trees at Nipah Beach and Coral Beach on the northwestern coast emanate a perfect holiday
ambience under the sun. Fishing village settlements lining the shores provide a charming backdrop to Pangkor. Whilst a splendid choice of world-class holiday resorts are available, budget holidays can also be arranged at more pocket-friendly accommodations. For snorkelling activities, off the coast of Pangkor are smaller islets Giam and Mentagor. The islets are surrounded by rich marine ecosystems. Once underwater, you will find sea floors coloured with corals, fish, starfish, sea
TRAVEL MALINDOMAG
One of the many colonial buildings in Ipoh Town
cucumbers and all other marine life moving in and around the bed of corals. For the bold and adventurous, there is an uphill jungle trek across the island that takes around four hours to complete. Apart from jungle trekking, Pangkor offers a breath of bird watching experiences with the many interesting species such as hornbills that make Pangkor Island their home. Tempurung Cave, Gopeng One small town in Perak has been attracting many caving enthusiasts. The Tempurung Cave, or Gua
Tempurung, is a four hundred million year old wondrous cave and one of the most extensive cave systems in Peninsular Malaysia. About three kilometres long, the cave is one of the longest in Peninsular Malaysia. Concealed within this limestone massif is an intricate system of caves of various dimensions honeycombed inside the limestone hills. These caves are actually a spectacular gallery of stalagmites and stalactites and other remarkable rock formations ,which are superb speleological wonders
found only in this part of the world. Ranger-guided tours in different difficulty levels and length are available daily, making cave exploration possible for all ages. The caves sit under the limestone hills and forms tunnels that run from the east to the west covering a distance of almost two kilometres. An underground river passage flows about 1.6km through the hills and is a perfect route for slightly more adventurous participants. Equipment rental facilities are easily available at the entrance to the cave. 2015 AUGUST / 25
TRAVEL MALINDOMAG
Sunset in P angkor Isl and
To get to Tempurung Cave, make your way to the town of Gopeng, which is about 24km south of Ipoh and generally accessible by the North-South Expressway or via the winding scenic kampung (village) backroads that link from one town to another. Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Kuala Sepetang Covering a vast area of more than 90,000 acres, this gazetted forest reserve is internationally renowned as the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystem on the global stage. This sprawling reserve is home to a rich diversity of wildlife that coexist with each other, providing a chance for visiting nature lovers to explore and catch a glimpse of the wetlands, its resources and animals in their natural setting. Within the vicinity of this reserve there exists silvicultural systems, or the practice of assessing and controlling the general health of the rainforest, carried out professionally by the Perak State of Forestry Department in order to preserve and restore their natural ecosystems. These forests are also home to numerous species of marine crustaceans including crabs, shrimps, lobsters, horseshoe crabs and prawns as well as fishes and shellfishes. Like all other mangrove swamps, the Matang Mangrove Forest 26 / AUGUST 2019
Reserve serves as a natural barrier against potentially-disastrous tsunamis. It is an important site for coastal migratory water birds and a portion of migrant forest birds during migration periods, where as many as 43,000 to 85,000 birds can be seen taking a shelter in the forest. The beautiful view of endless greenery makes bird watching a great activity in the morning and so is fishing. Lucky visitors have been able to spot dugongs swimming near the river deltas and pink-skinned Chinese White Dolphins along the river mouths. At night, a boat ride out rewards visitors with a view of synchronised blinking lights of fireflies. An Eco Education Centre within the reserve attracts plentiful tourists and purists who visit yearly. Tours include a unique wooden boardwalk experience across areas of the rainforest and an excursion to charcoal factory sites along the riverfront of Kuala Sepetang. Royal Belum, Gerik Preserved and conserved as a state park, the Belum-Temengor forest is estimated to be 130million years of age, thus
making it older than the Amazon or Congo rainforests. Wildlife surveys conducted in the last few decades show that Royal Belum is an important habitat for large mammals like the Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, Malaysian sun bear, tapir and also the endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros. It is the only forest in Malaysia with all ten species of the Malaysian Hornbill including the large flocks of the plain-pounced hornbill. As many of the attractions are located along Lake Temenggor within the park, you will often make use of a boat to venture out to these places. You can pick from the many nature tours operated on boat cruises to spot wildlife and tropical trees and plants including the ever-elusive Rafflesia, which is just as unusual as it is spectacular without a specific flowering season. There are numerous jungle trails as well to waterfall locations such as Pulau Tujuh, the Temenggor Dam, White Rocks, Pulau Talikail Lookout Tower for bird’s eye view of the forest and Kampung Chuweh, an authentic Orang Asli or aboriginal village to learn the ways of the jungle. If you’re planning for a getaway that is relaxing to the senses, away from the city buzz, give Perak a go. Explore the silver state at your own pace.
FEATURES MALINDOMAG
Stay Our picks of top hotels- each with a show-stopping view. Galleria Sukhumvit 13, Bangkok Price from THB1,650 Galleria Sukhumvit 13 in Bangkok, Thailand provides all one could need for an exciting yet budget-friendly holiday: midrange rates, amenities and facilities dedicated to unwinding and relaxation, and, best of all, a location close to the city’s cultural and modern attractions.
Impiana Hotel Ipoh Price from MYR150 It’s premier four-star hotel in Ipoh, Perak. The Impiana Hotel Ipoh, Perak is ideal for both business and leisure travelers with a business club lounge, high speed connectivity, convenience store, modern banquet facilities and great eateries to suit every occasion.
Sadara Boutique Beach Resort, Bali Price from RP1,560,034 The fresh design starting from the 80 renewed guestroom that combines contemporary design and Balinese unique artistry. There will be in house Boutique Spa that provides the best range of quality products and services to pamper your pleasure. To top it off, the new culinary lifestyle concept of Wave Beach Club, Rasala Kitchen and Rasala Bistro will take you to discover the joy of culinary experience by serving the new innovation of local cuisine that blends in modern presentation like no other.
Anoop Hotel, New Delhi Price from MYR32.32 This property offers transfers from the airport and train station (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Ming Garden Hotel & Residence, Kota Kinabalu Price from MYR252 Contemporary and refined, Ming Garden Hotel & Residences is a vibrant new hotel where modernization, conceptual, food, arts and music meet your essential needs. A novelty wing soaring beneath the Land below the Wind, Ming Garden Hotel & Residences charms the heart of travellers and local visitors alike to their warm sanctuary and pleasant hospitality in the pulse of Kota Kinabalu City. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, our hotel is a refreshing mix of technology and glitz uptown living. Favehotel Hyper Square, Bandung Price from MYR87.81 The hotel is under Aston International Hotels, Resorts and Residences chain suitable for both business and leisure travelers. 28 / AUGUST 2015
Best Western Ramachandra, Visakapatnam Price from MYR275 The Best Western Ramachandra is a three-star first class full service hotel. This hotel has 64 rooms including suites, an exclusive vegetarian restaurant, and multiple cuisine fine dining restaurant and bar. Best Western is the World’s Biggest Hotel Family with world class hospitality waiting for you. This business boutique hotel is a wonderful combination of sophistication, comfort, functionality and affordability. Managed by a team of hospitality professionals, our well thought out rooms ensures an environment that can be customized to suit specific requirements and budgets. Yes Chinatown Point Hotel, Singapore Price from MYR139.13 Ideal for fun and relaxation, Yes Chinatown Pt. Hotel is located in the Chinatown area of Singapore. Situated within close proximity to the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the
town’s attractions and activities. Visitors to the hotel can take pleasure in touring the city’s top attractions: Lukisan Art Gallery, Lucky Chinatown, Singapore Cricket Club. Euro+ Hotel Johor Bahru Price from MYR87.60 When you stay at Euro+ Hotel Johor Bahru in Johor Bahru, you’ll be convenient to Sutera Mall. This hotel is within the vicinity of Mydin Shopping Centre and Istana Bukit Serene. Aston Cengkareng City Hotel & Conference Center, Jakarta Price from MYR114.49 A stay at Aston Cengkareng City Hotel and Conference Center places you in the heart of Jakarta, convenient to Damai Indah Golf and Country Club. This four-star hotel is within the vicinity of Cengkareng Golf Club and Mal Ciputra Mall. M Hotel Melaka Price from MYR157.23 With a stay at M Hotel Melaka in Malacca, you’ll be convenient to Bukit China and St Paul’s Church. This hotel is within close proximity of Kampung Hulu Mosque and Poh San Teng Temple. Grand Gardenia, Trichy Price from MYR235.86 Grand Gardenia is a symbol of ‘harmony’. Where people join hands, come together to create long-lasting relationships. Whether it’s a bond between you and your customer, or you and us ... we believe it should strengthen with time. Grow as we grow. Be entrenched in loyalty. Make those involved happier, and evolve into harmonious associations that lead to mutual success. Hospitality is being redefined today. Hotel where you ‘stay, eat and leave’ are passé. That’s why, we, at Grand Gardenia, believe in going beyond.
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
MALINDO EXECUTIVE LOUNGE Wold class exclusivity at its best
Business Class passengers now have something new to look forward to when they fly with Malindo Air. Enjoy discreet and exacting service standards when you enter the doors to Malindo Executive Lounge. The entire space is replete with lavish details, providing the luxurious comforts to relax and recharge before the journey ahead. Let your gastronomic senses be tantalised by the spread prepared at the modern, fully-equipped kitchen and served at a spacious dining area. Refreshments are served daily throughout the operational hours. Enjoy life’s indulgence in a relaxed atmosphere while waiting for your flight. For the discerning business travellers, we offer high-speed broadband internet access and efficient business support services. For ease of use, access any of the personal computers to check your
Getting there! Located at the departure hall at the main terminal building of klia2, the lounge is only an eight-minute walk from the immigration and security clearance. Upon checking in at the Business Class checkin counters, make your way to the departure hall. After going through immigration and security check, take a scenic stroll down the skybridge or simply hop on the airport buggy service available. Once you have arrived at the main terminal building, the lounge is located next to McDonald’s and The BAR.
emails, surf the net and more. Printing and faxing services are also available upon request. Operating hours are from 6am to 10pm daily, hours that are flexible to your needs. The lounge
is exclusive with a comfortable seating capacity of sixty people. Access to the lounge is complimentary for all Business Class passengers, Malindo Miles Platinum cardholders and Malindo Corporate Gold members. 2015 AUGUST / 29
FEATURES MALINDOMAG
Malindo Air GovernmenT Travel Programme Waran Perjalanan Udara Awam (WPUA) Malindo Air is an airline based in Malaysia and it is the first hybrid airline from Malaysia with dual-class service offerings. Its network currently spans across seven countries in Asia, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and a wellconnected domestic route network within Malaysia.
to government officers on duty travel. An employee of the Malaysian government and its ministries is entitled to a different world of privileges.
Malindo Air recognises the Government of Malaysia as a strategic partner and hence the Waran Perjalanan Udara Awam (WPUA) is a travel warrant offered
More than 250 ministry divisions have registered with us. Call your travel agent today or log on to www.malindoair.com/government for more information.
Malindo Air adalah sebuah syarikat penerbangan yang berpangkalan di Malaysia dan merupakan syarikat penerbangan hibrid pertama di Malaysia yang menawarkan perkhidmatan kelas bisnes ekonomi. Rangkaian syarikat penerbangan Malindo Air kini merentasi tujuh buah Negara di Asia, iaitu Thailand, Indonesia, Singapura, India, Bangladesh, Nepal serta laluanlaluan domestik di dalam Malaysia termasuk Sabah dan Sarawak.
yang ditawarkan kepada pegawai-pegawai kera jaan yang perlu menggunakan khidmat penerbangan atas urusan kerja.
Waran Perjalanan Udara Awam (WPUA) adalah waran perjalanan
To make a booking with us, approach any travel agency that is appointed by the Government of Malaysia and registered with BUMITRA.
Bagi membuat penempahan tiket, hubungi kami atau agensi pelancongan yang diiktiraf oleh Kera jaan Malaysia dan BUMITRA. Lebih daripada 250 badan berkanun kera jaan sudah berdaftar dengan Malindo Air. Hubungi agensi pelancongan anda hari ini atau layari www.malindoair.com/government untuk maklumat lanjut.
Benefits of using Malindo Air WPUA: • • • • •
• • •
Fly conveniently from Subang Skypark or klia2 Brand new aircraft Free baggage allowance of up to 40kg In-Flight Entertainment (B737 flights only) Malindo WiFi and Malindo Mobile connectivity services available onboard Free meal service (B737 flights only) Priority boarding Flight change allowed at no extra charge
Keistimewaan WPUA Malindo Air: • Berlepas dari Subang Skypark atau klia2 • Pesawat baru • Elaun bagasi percuma sehingga 40kg • Hiburan dalam penerbangan (Hanya bagi pesawat B737) • Perkhidmatan Malindo WiFi dan Malindo Mobile disediakan • Juadah percuma disediakan (Hanya bagi pesawat B737) • Keutamaan perlepasan (Priority boarding) • Penukaran masa penerbangan tanpa kos tambahan
For enquiries / Untuk maklumat lanjut: Government Relations Department, Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd, C-5-05, Block C, Oasis Ara Damansara, 2 Jalan PJU 1A/7A, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: +603 - 2035 6699 (Ext. 1348) Fax: +603 - 5036 7058 Email: govwpua@malindoair.com 30 / AUGUST 2015
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
Food, Glorious Food!
When it comes to flavours, Malaysia is the place to whet that appetite for all things tasty.
and vegetarian options as well. Currencies accepted on board are MYR, SGD, IND, INR and THB.
Talk about food whenever you are in Malaysia and you should be in for a good conversation over a meal or two.
Craving for a sweet bite on your flight? How about accompanying your scrumptious meal with a hot cup of coffee? Get your morning fix on board Malindo Air with a cup of Starbucks VIA Caramel Latte or Caffe Mocha at only RM6 each! Krispy Kreme doughnuts are also available to satisfy that sweet tooth in three flavours – Hershey’s Kisses with Almond, Hershey’s Chocolate Chips and Hershey’s Kisses Cookies & Cream for only RM5 per piece.
Malaysia is a nirvana for food lovers, so to speak. If hot, spicy and sweatinducing delicacies are your thing, the local fare of Malaysia will do your tastebuds wonders. Malaysia, being a cultural and ethnical melting pot with heritage dating back from hundreds of years ago with lineage tracing to Java, India, China and Borneo is an amalgamation that goes beyond colour and creed. When you are on board Malindo Air’s Boeing 737 flights, prepare to receive a warm welcome into Malaysia with the in-flight menu of truly Malaysian taste. A great selection of tantalising meals awaits passengers on Malindo Air’s Business and Economy Class.
Malindo Air is proud to introduce the new pre-book option for your in-flight meals. Choose from a wide selection of delicacies in the menu at your seat pocket such as the Kayu Nasi Kandar Briyani Rice with Chicken Briyani, the Malaysian national favourite Nasi Lemak with Chicken Rendang and other nonspicy and vegetarian options with just one click. Before you complete your booking online, remember to tick the food selection under Extras.
With prices that start from RM10 only, there are other non-spicy
Book your flight and pre-order your meal now at www.malindoair.com.
With Malindo Air’s new Pre-Book option, order your meals in advance through your online booking! Simply select the meal, tick the box next to it, complete your booking and voila! Your pre-ordered meal will be served to you on board.
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Have Your Say Sharma (Singapore) SIN-KUL in Economy Class on 13 June. The aircraft was a new Boeing 737-800. Economy Class seats were comfortable with excellent legroom and pitch. Each seat was fitted with touchscreen in-flight entertainment filled with movies and documentaries. A packet of cookies and water were offered. Staff service was courteous. For the price paid (SGD44 per adult, return) Malindo Air offered brilliant value for money. Bravo, Malindo Air! Keep up the good work.
Riyas (Malaysia)
Sirajuddin (Singapore)
Yahanin (Malaysia)
Experienced some delays in the flight taking off (Cochin to KUL April 2015). However, the services offered in plane were reasonably good food and excellent leg room, which was almost like being in Business Class. Luggage handling was also excellent with normal check-in. Malindo Air is definitely an airline I’ll consider if I need to fly again. Good job!
I flew on OD804 SIN-KUL and it was one of the best flying experiences I’ve had. Flight was on time and the cabin crew were very friendly and attentive throughout the short flight. IFE was working great! Worth my every penny spent. Highly recommended!
I’ve travel with Malindo Air many times and it has been superb. Staffs were all fairly professional and the plane was new and comfy. Though there has been last minute announcement on delays or cancellation, I still recommend to fly with Malindo if you have the flexibility of time.
Jessey Cherian George (Malaysia) Mirran (Malaysia) Overall, I had a GREAT EXPERIENCE with Malindo Air, on a return trip to India. All the cabin crew were friendly and welcoming. Also, I experienced fast check-in and the staff was very helpful throughout the whole time. Well done and thank you, Malindo Air for the excellent service! Keep it up.
Mohamed Asif (Malaysia) My first travel with Malindo Air and it was really awesome this morning 10.35am from TRZ-KUL. They had very good cabin crew and super pilot had excellent control with the aircraft. I love Malindo Air and I would definitely fly with them again!
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Cabin crew were very professional and understood the safety requirements. An infant was given the infant seat belt that was looped with the mother’s and this is really commendable given the fact that safety is paramount on all flights. The cabin crew uniform is also one of the best for most low-cost carriers and on this instance, they kept themselves clean, neat and tidy. Good job, Malindo Air!
FEATURES MALINDOMAG
TICKET TICK ET
New Movie Releases from United International Pictures
Mission Impossible - rogue Nation July 30, 2015
Everest September 18, 2015
THE VISIT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES and SKYDANCE PRODUCTIONS Present A TOM CRUISE / BAD ROBOT Production TOM CRUISE “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION”
Genre: Epic Adventure Cast: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal Directed by: Baltasar Kormákur Screenplay by: William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Baltasar Kormákur, Nicky Kentish Barnes, Brian Oliver, Tyler Thompson Executive Producers: Angela Morrison, Liza Chasin, Evan Hayes, Randall Emmett, Peter Mallouk, Mark Mallouk, Lauren Selig
Genre: Thriller Cast: Kathryn Hahn, Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie, Ed Oxenbould, Olivia DeJonge Written and Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan Produced by: M. Night Shyamalan, Jason Blum, Marc Bienstock Executive Producers: Steven Schneider, Ashwin Ra jan
Executive Producers David Ellison Dana Goldberg Don Granger Jake Myers Produced By Tom Cruise J.J. Abrams Bryan Burk Based on the Television Series Created by Bruce Geller Written By Christopher McQuarrie Directed By Christopher McQuarrie Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris and Alec Baldwin Synopsis: With the IMF disbanded, and Ethan (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, the team now faces off against a network of highly skilled special agents, the Syndicate. These highly trained operatives are hellbent on creating a new world order through an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be a member of this rogue nation, as the group faces their most impossible mission yet.
Synopsis: Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest documents the aweinspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival. The epic adventure stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Synopsis: Writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable) and producer Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, The Purge and Insidious series) welcome you to Universal Pictures’ The Visit. Shyamalan returns to his roots with the terrifying story of a brother and sister who are sent to their grandparents’ remote Pennsylvania farm for a weeklong trip. Once the children discover that the elderly couple is involved in something deeply disturbing, they see their chances of getting back home are growing smaller every day. Shyamalan produces The Visit through his Blinding Edge Pictures, while Blum produces through his Blumhouse Productions alongside Marc Bienstock (Quarantine 2: Terminal). Steven Schneider (Insidious) and Ashwin Ra jan (Devil) executive produce the thriller.
Everest is directed by Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns, Contraband) and produced by Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson, as well as Nicky Kentish Barnes and Kormákur. Universal Pictures and Walden Media’s presentation of Everest—in association with Cross Creek Picture—is adapted for the screen by William Nicholson (Gladiator) and Oscar® winner Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire). The film was shot on location in Nepal on the foothills of Everest, the Italian Alps and at Cinecittà Studios in Rome and Pinewood Studios in the U.K. Universal will distribute Everest worldwide.
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FEATURES MALINDOMAG
NOW SHOWING Relax and be entertained by our selection of movies ranging from Hollywood’s latest to all-time favourites.
Chappie
Jupiter Ascending
Cast: Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman
Cast: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Action RATING: R RUNTIME: 120 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Indonesian subtitle
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Action RATING:PG-13 RUNTIME: 127 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Chinese subtitle
SYNOPSIS: After being kidnapped by two criminals during birth, Chappie becomes the adopted son in a strange and dysfunctional family. Chappie is preternaturally gifted, one of a kind, a prodigy. He also happens to be a robot.
SYNOPSIS: Jupiter Jones was born under a night sky, with signs predicting she was destined for great things. Only when Caine, an exmilitary hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along.
Rumah Ketujuh
Finding Fanny
Cast: Dewi Rezer, Indra Birowo
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Panka j Kapur
YEAR: 2003 GENRE: Comedy RUNTIME: 90 minutes LANGUAGES: Indonesian with English subtitle
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Comedy RUNTIME: 94 minutes LANGUAGES: Hindi with English subtitle
SYNOPSIS: Cakra and Lintang are childhood best friends with a dream to build an art house movie theater. Both are also romantics at heart who are looking to find their soulmate in the process.
SYNOPSIS: “Finding Fanny” is an off-the-wall, comical story about a bunch of oddballs, who venture out to find Stefanie Fernandes (Fanny). During the process, they discover a strange sense of solace and love amongst each other and end up finding meaning in their previously pointless lives.
Ummi Aminah
Anegan
Cast: Nani Wijaya, Rasyid Karim, Gatot Bra jamusti
Cast: Dhanush, Amyra Dastur, karthik Muthuraman
YEAR: 2012 GENRE: Drama RUNTIME: 104 minutes LANGUAGES: Indonesian with English subtitle
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Romance RUNTIME: 160 minutes LANGUAGES: Tamil with English subtitle
SYNOPSIS: Ummi has seven children from a failed marriage. With each member of her big family facing various life challenges, Ummi decides to quit her religious routine to help them get through it.
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SYNOPSIS A love story that travels through the eras and makes you question: Can we truly believe in recarnation and lost love or is it just our imagination?
FEATURES MALINDOMAG
Happy New Year
The Hobbit: Battle of The Five Armies
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan
Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Comedy RUNTIME: 160 minutes LANGUAGES: Hindi with English subtitle
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Adventure RATING:PG-13 RUNTIME: 144 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Chinese subtitle
SYNOPSIS: Charlie has been yearning for revenge from Charan Grover, the man responsible for his father’s downfall. To have his plan work, Charlie teams up with his friends to enter a dance Competition in Dubai with his own agenda of getting back at Charan.
SYNOPSIS: This last installment concludes the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, who joins the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.
Triumph in The Skies
Ip Man: The Final Fight
Cast: Francis Ng, Sammi Cheng, Louis Koo
Cast: Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Gillian Chung, Jordan Chan
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Drama RATING: PG-13 RUNTIME: 100 minutes LANGUAGES: Cantonese and Mandarin with English subtitle SYNOPSIS: “Triumph in the Skies” is a glossy and big-budget romantic feature loaded with star power. This aviation-themed tale follows the convoluted love lives of three couples as they navigate the rocky road to happiness.
YEAR: 2013 GENRE: Action RATING: PG-13 RUNTIME: 100 minutes LANGUAGES: Cantonese with English subtitle SYNOPSIS: In post-war Hong Kong, legendary Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man is reluctantly called into action once more, when simple challenges from rival kung fu styles soon draw him into the dark and dangerous underworld of the triads.
The Imitation Game
Home
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
Cast: Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Drama RATING: PG-13 RUNTIME: 115 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Indonesian subtitle SYNOPSIS: In “The Imitation Game,” Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, the genius British mathematician, logician, cryptologist and computer scientist who led the charge to crack the German Enigma Code and helped the Allies win WWII.
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Comedy RATING: PG RUNTIME: 94 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Chinese subtitle SYNOPSIS: Earth is taken over by the overly-confident Boov, an alien race in search of a new place to call home. All humans are promptly relocated, but one resourceful girl, Tip, manages to avoid capture and reclaims her home with a banished Boov named Oh.
2015 AUGUST / 37
INDULGE MALINDOMAG
38 / AUGUST 2015
INDULGE MALINDOMAG
An Asian Opium Seduction Dine and unwind over comfort food in a retro setting by Werner’s Group
Changkat Bukit Bintang’s latest addition to the Werner’s Group family, Opium KL has brought a breath of fresh air to the street of restaurants and bars. Opened in July 2014 and located at what used to be Werner’s on Changkat, this newly opened outlet inspired by age-old interior decors and art pieces entices its customers with an opium bed in the Rose Room, opium pipes and Chinese wine pots at the Communal area. In an exotic 20th century setting – between the 1930s to the 1960s – with its slogan ‘Eat Drink Man Woman’, the outlet focuses on Asian oriental delicacies with a twist. Some of the regular favourites are the Angus Beef Rendang, Fern Leaf Salad with Grilled Prawns (additional Hemp Oil dressing), Curry Spaghettini with Salmon, and Cod Fish in Curry Cream just to name a few. If you’re looking for something less filling, we offer traditional dim sum selections to satisfy your snack cravings. However, never leave the outlet without trying their desserts especially the Cheesy Banana Fritters (topped with strands of aged cheddar, coupled with banana ice cream). Not forgetting
our signature concept of delicious cocktails presented in their very own unique pot or vessel. Some signature and classic favourites are the Black Dragon, 50 Shades of Grey and Silk Road Martini. Beer and water on the other hand, are served in old school Chinese bowls. For something non-alcoholic which includes local blends, the Mango Asam Boi and Calamansi Apple Ginger are refreshing and full of flavour. You can expect old Shanghai classics playing in black and white on TV as well as music from the
era playing at the background to give you an overall opium-like environment. A trademark of the Changkat watering holes and restaurants run by Mr Werner Kuhn of El Cerdo, Black Forest, The Whisky Bar, The Steakhouse, Dining in The Dark and now, Opium KL, it is definitely a fabulous mix of flavours and fun!
Opium KL 50 Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur +6 03 2142 5670 http://opiumkl.com 2015 AUGUST / 39
SEEK MALINDOMAG
Mota Doi SMARTRING Constantly checking your smartphone can be considered rude and so is constantly looking at your wristwatch, whether you’re checking the time or just seeing who is liking your latest Instagram post. The Mota Smart Ring promises to move your notifications to somewhere even more discreet: your hand. Powered by Bluetooth LE, it uses an LED touchscreen to keep
you up to date, combined with subtle vibrations to let you know when you’ve received a notification. Now you just need an excuse for why you are staring at your palm all day. Pre-order is available at their official website at USD200.
Kairos Mechanical Smart Watch The Kairos Mechanical Smart Watch is one of the most interesting smart watch, instead of making a screen look like a watch or hiding smart functionality in a traditional face, this timepiece overlays a transparent OLED screen on top of a Japanese or Swiss movementpowered dial, giving you the best
The KitchenAid® Siphon Coffee Brewer Enjoy the complexity of siphonbrewed coffee at home without the hassle of making it by hand, thanks to the KitchenAid Siphon Coffee Brewer. Built from premium glass and stainless steel, it uses vapor pressure to create a vacuum, siphoning hot water up into the brew unit, fully immersing and evenly saturating the grounds. 40 / AUGUST 2015
Once the proper temperature is reached, the heat turns off, and the freshly brewed coffee steams back through a reusable filter and into the carafe. From there just unlock the top chamber, attach the dualpurpose lid to the top of the carafe, pour, and enjoy your cuppa coffee. KitchenAid Siphon Coffee Brewer is available at USD250.
of both worlds – fitness tracking, notifications, and more, with the precision, accuracy, and glanceability of a classic wristwatch. This is the smart watch that you would want apart from the others you have seen out there. Kairos Mechanical Smart Watch is available at https:// kairoswatches.com/
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LSTN Troubadour Headphones Great sound, a sophisticated look, and the support of a great cause. You get all that and more with the Troubadour Headphones from LSTN. Each pair is made using reclaimed, authentic wood casing, with your choice of zebra, ebony, beech wood, or cherry wood finishes. Throw in great looking triangular shaped plush earcups, an in-line microphone, and a metal adjustable band and you’d think sound might be an afterthought, but instead you get a fully balanced and distortion free listening experience. Each
pair of handcrafted headphones is as unique as the cause it helps to support, as LSTN helps restore hearing to people around the world that would otherwise live in silence, a gift given to over 20,000 people so far with a contribution to the Starkey Hearing Foundation for each pair sold. Troubadour Headphones is available in four colours; Beach Wood, Cherry Wood, Ebony Wood and Zebra Wood. You can purchase it from their official website at USD149.99.
Varia™ Rearview Radar When you’re on your bike or bicycle, your eyes are normally focused on the road in front of you. What the Garmin Varia™ Rearview Radar does is that it gives you another pair on the road behind you. It uses a rear-facing radar unit to detect oncoming vehicles up to 450 feet behind you, and flashes warnings to both you and the vehicle with increasing frequentness as they get closer.
It is not as good as a second set of eyes in the back of your head, but it is as close as you can come without really invasive, very likely illegal or fatal surgery especially when on public roads. Safety First! Varia Rearview Radar is available at USD199.99.
2015 AUGUST / 41
SEEK MALINDOMAG
The all-new
BMW 2 Series gran tourer
42 / AUGUST 2015
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P
remium automaker, BMW introduces the first premium compact vehicles capable of offering up to seven seats. The all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer carries BMW’s signature dynamic design, superior performance and exemplary fuel efficiency – an ideal car for families with an appreciation for the lifestyle appeal and the premium expression. The compact exterior dimensions of the all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer – 4,556mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,608mm in height – also makes for tremendous flexibility on the inside, allowing a high degree of everyday usability and versatility. Along with an extended wheelbase to 2,780mm, this all-new premium vehicle from BMW also offers tremendous leg room and seating space. Design: functionality fused with dynamic allure With a longer wheelbase and higher roofline, the all-new BMW
2 Series Gran Tourer is more spacious compared to the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer by 214mm in length, 53mm in height and 110mm in the length of the wheelbase. Its higher roofline also allows occupants to sit tall and upright, affording excellent allround vision, as well as comfortable ingress and egress of the car. The driver, meanwhile, benefits from an elevated seating position to further enhance his sense of control. Indeed, its generously-sized cabin for up to seven occupants boast a pioneering level of versatility to make it an ideal family, leisure and touring car. The rear seat bench supports 130mm fore/aft adjustment with a 40/60 split to both provide more legroom and comfort for the rear passenger or additional luggage space. Its 40/20/40 split rear seat backrests can also be folded down for maximum flexibility when transporting cargo. Beyond that, the backrest of the basic front
passenger seat can be folded down to allow drivers to transport items of up to 2.6m in length. The highlight of the vehicle’s spaciousness also comes in the form of an enlarged luggage compartment with a capacity of 645L to 805L, and opens up to a maximum space of 1,905 litres when the third row rear seats are folded down. The second seat row meanwhile offers space for three universal child seats, and a further two universal child seats can be fitted in the third row. Despite its spacious interior, the front aspect of the all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is sporty, with a low windscreen and high bonnet to reduce its perceived height. It also carries a trio of BMW icons – the twin kidney grille, twin round headlights and brand logo. Meanwhile, LED headlights with hallmark BMW daytime running light rings are available as an upgrade from the standard
2015 AUGUST / 43
SEEK MALINDOMAG
LED daytime running lights. At the rear, other features including L-shaped taillights with LED light strip and aerodynamically shaped “Aeroblades” behind the D-pillars help reduce drag and makes for a more sporting rear design. Engine: efficient and powerful fourcylinder petrol engine Hard at work under the bonnet of the all-new BMW 220i Gran Tourer is an all-aluminium core unit designed for ultra-low friction, with a thermally joined cylinder liner with twin-wire, arc-sprayed coating which helps to reduce weight, as well as friction. The makings of an engine with exceptional power curve and efficiency is not without the addition of the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, where together, the 2.0-litre fourcylinder petrol engine delivers an impressive power output of 192hp and teams up with an eight-speed automatic transmission featured as standard to deliver a peak torque of 280Nm and an acceleration from 0-100km/hr in just 7.7 seconds. For even smoother driving pleasure, the design of this engine 44 / AUGUST 2015
is supported with a two counterrotating balancer shaft, which ensures smooth running across the entire rev range. What makes for more agile response, however, is the exhaust gases which functions to warm-up the engine and reduce interior friction. The all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer also operates more efficiently with the closecoupled location of the catalytic converter and the electrically controlled boost pressure control valve, which enables to car to reach impressive efficiency levels, reading at 6.2/100km and CO2 emissions level of 144g/km. BMW ConnectedDrive: more safety and perfect connectivity The all-new BMW 220i Gran Tourer comes with a comprehensive range of driver assistance and connectivity features. As standard features in the interior infotainment system, the all-new BMW 220i Gran Tourer comes equipped with the iDrive operating system including the iDrive Controller, 6.5-inch colour display and Navigation System. Moreover, the BMW Apps and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones, as
well as Radio BMW Professional are added features that can be enjoyed through a stereo speaker system with four loudspeakers. The light, airy ambience conveyed in the cabin of the all-new BMW 220i Gran Tourer is further accentuated by LED ambient lighting where in the night, the interior trim on the instrument panel and doors are gently illuminated in various adjustable colours. Its exquisite upholstery meawhile is, available in Leather Dakota Black and Leather Dakota Oyster. Colours available for the all-new BMW 220i Gran Tourer include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, and Glacier Silver while the colours Imperial Blue and Platinum Silver are made exclusively for the Luxury Line, featured as standard. The estimated retail prices (on the road, without insurance with BMW Malaysia’s latest Five Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Free Scheduled Service Program) of the BMW 220i Gran Tourer is RM279,800.
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
MALINDO MOBILE Staying in touch at anytime, anywhere
Malindo Mobile unleashes the capability of GSM-enabled devices in flight. On flights equipped with Malindo Mobile, passengers can make voice calls, send Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages, and utilise other applications available on these devices much as they are able to do on the ground. Passengers’ devices can detect the Pico Cell just as they would when on the ground. The use of this service will require the passengers’ phone to have roaming enabled. Their cellular provider for their use of the service will bill passengers consistent with the established tariff, like they would
while roaming outside of their home territory. Malindo Mobile currently supports both GSM and Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) protocols, which represent the ma jority of devices available in the world today. Malindo Mobile is enabled by a GSM Pico Cell located inside the cabin. Our partner, AeroMobile handles data originating from and destined to passenger devices through this Pico Cell. Though AeroMobile manages and executes a significant portion of activity including services to the end user associated with Malindo Mobile, Panasonic is the exclusive provider of the system for in-flight services. The Pico Cell System enables passengers and crew the use of their mobile devices on the aircraft during flight. Personal GSM mobile devices can be used to make and receive voice calls and SMS messages or email, use data services and browse the web. The Pico Cell System can operate across either L-Band (Inmarsat Swift Broadband) or Ku Band satellite communications systems.
Aeromobile’s Roaming Partners
Malaysia - Maxis, Celcom, Digi
Indonesia - Telkomsel, Indosat, AXIS, XL Axiata
India - Airtel
Singapore - m1, SingTel, StarHub
Thailand - AIS, AWN, Dtac, Truemove
Bangladesh - Robi, Grameenphone, Banglalink, Airtel
Nepal - Ncell
2015 AUGUST / 45
PERSONALITY MALINDOMAG
A Jet-Setting Career To maintain a car you own is tough, let alone to watch over the entire fleet of aircraft for a rapidly growing airline. Malindo Air’s Director of Engineering Ismail Taib speaks to MalindoMAG about what keeps these engines running.
What brought you into this profession? I’ve always wanted to be an aircraft engineer. But that passion grew even more after the Tanjung Kupang crash in 1977. I was always very inquisitive as a child. The international and local news were all over the incident – trying to piece the events together, questioning the motive behind the hijacking, wondering what went wrong – these spurred my interest for aircraft engineering. So later 46 / AUGUST 2015
on I answered an advertisement in the newspaper looking for aspiring aircraft engineers to pursue studies in the UK. It was a five-year scholarship and I was fortunate enough to be chosen. I returned to Malaysia after the fourth year and did another year of practical training before I was ready for the real world. What does your engineering team do on a daily basis? The main objective for my
department is to maintain the aircraft fleet in airworthy state, and that they meet all safety and regulatory requirements. It takes a few teams under one department to achieve this – maintenance operations, back office support by the maintenance support team, effective solutions by the engineers and monitoring by quality assurance to make sure we comply to the Department of Civil Aviation’s regulatory requirements.
PERSONALITY MALINDOMAG
How often is the aircraft maintenance carried out? In general, there are two types – light maintenance, which we perform on a daily basis before every flight, and heavy maintenance, which takes place every 7,500 hours flown for each aircraft. One of the most common myths is that propeller planes such as the ATR lack the safety that a jet provides. How do you think the perception came about? It must be the retro image (laughs). Propeller planes were more common in the 1950s and 1960s and I guess people are just stuck to that. But being in the industry, I know that propeller planes are just as safe as the bigger jets, if not more. Even though they don’t fly as high or as fast, their lower speeds make the plane more fuel efficient. A man on the street would think that the propeller plane doesn’t offer a smooth ride because of how light it looks, or that the blades are exposed. That’s actually untrue. Our propeller aircraft at 23 tonnes with turbo propeller engines works just as well and as safe as our 85 tonne jetliner with jet turbine engines. Do both the turboprop and jet airplanes use the same engine type? They both use turbine engines. The differences lie in the way they produce propulsion. For propeller planes such as the ATR, the turbine output drives the propeller to provide propulsion to thrust the aircraft forward. Meanwhile for jets such as our Boeing 737, a large volume of air is sucked in by the turbine engines, compressed,
mixed with fuel and ignited, and the hot exhaust gases are channelled out through the back, creating a jet propulsion. What are the advantages of turboprop aircraft? The main advantage would be the fuel efficiency and the fact that they don’t need extremely long runways. Trust me, these planes could land in almost any airports in Malaysia, and the smaller turboprops can fly into the most remote airfields in East Malaysia. So what makes the propellers so loud? This is common query from people. When the engine is running, the high rotating speed of the propeller blades would cause the propeller tips to move at speeds just short of sonic, thus creating the very loud noise that you hear. The high pitch sound in the background is of the turbine engines. The sounds differ when the propeller, with its variable pitch capabilities, and the turbine engines, react to the pilot’s control in the cockpit. In our ATR, these control inputs are processed through a high tech digital system, which can relate to the various environment conditions throughout the flight. What are some safety features of the propeller plane that many people don’t know? There are many, but I will highlight two of the most important. In the extremely rare cases where a turboprop engine shuts down in flight, the propellers are ‘feathered’, meaning that the blade pitch would be automatically rotated to provide minimal resistance to the air, hence maintaining aircraft stability. The other working turboprop engine would be more than enough to enable the pilot to safely land the aircraft. Another safety feature is that the propeller blades can be heated to avoid them icing up in flight, a feature that is, although rare in the tropics, important when cruising at 20,000ft in the freezing clouds.
Do you travel often in your line of work? I’d say too often (laughs). There really aren’t many countries I haven’t been to. In my younger days I’ve flown to parts of Europe, Asia, the US and Africa for training, audits and various technical missions, among others, to ensure in advance that airports we plan to fly to is ready to support our operations. Any advice for aspiring aircraft engineers? They must understand that it’s a very challenging career path with massive amounts of knowledge to learn and practical skills to master. Needless to say, perseverance and determination are good traits that will pull you through. The best part though, the rewards at the end often more than make up for the effort.
biodata Name: Ismail Taib Age: 53 Position: Director of Maintenance & Engineering, Malindo Air Nationality: Malaysian Years of Experience: 35 years
2015 AUGUST / 47
TRAVEL HOROSCOPES 2015 MALINDOMAG
Aries (Mar 21 to Apr 20)
The stars say indulge Aries, so what are you waiting for? Eat something unhealthy. Buy something you don’t need. Saturn is in your house of romance so skip the bustle and snuggle the day away in a hammock. You deserve and need a self-centered break.
TRAVEL HOROSCOPES Source: Tripbase ®
Taurus (April 21 to May 20)
Pisces (Feb 20 to March 20)
Gemini (May 21 to Jun 21)
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself exhausted, hungry, lacking indoor plumbing – and happy about it ! Your stars align for adventure, sightseeing and exercise. Use your planning skills and get a group together and go, go, go. Think history, fresh air, good company, and things that don’t come in shopping bags.
Now’s the time to get focused on your ambitions, obsessed even. You should spend on lunches with the right people instead of sight-seeing, shopping or pointless meandering. Include role models as part of the itinerary decisions.
After months of same-old, same-old, you crave action and stimulation to make up for too much isolation. Grab a wingman and go for it, there’s always a party going on somewhere. Watch out for a needy female friend or relative who tries to insert herself in your travel plans.
Cancer (Jun 22 to Jul 23)
Slow down and digest the changes of the two summer eclipses that touched on Cancer. You will avoid burnout with spa, sleep, and being with close friends, not new ones. It’s time for sentimental bonding and decadent lingering. Your work can be done without OCD office contact.
Virgo (Aug 24 to Sept 23)
Take a vacation from being everyone’s therapist and have a thoughtful journey of your own. Don’t let trivia let you miss the moments – so instead of reading the placards - make eye contact with the locals and challenge your conservative Virgo nature.
48 / AUGUST 2015
You are celebration-starved and it’s time to change that. Think film and music festivals; Carnivale or a chili cook-off. You need more comfort and to treat yourself to a little more luxury than usual, see what you’ve been missing.
LEO (Jul 24 to Aug 23) Don’t just think outside the box; think outside of your comfort zone, you love the adrenaline. Grab some active pals and head for the hills to reclaim your fun-loving, free-spirited adventurous self. Take some alone time to refill your tanks and don’t spend frivolously on things like souvenirs for your whole network.
Libra (Sep 24 to Oct 23)
Less thinking, more doing, repeat. It’s harder to script the melodrama in your head when you are shooting down the slopes or face-to-snorkle with fish. Saturn just entered Libra on July 22 for two years, making it time for new adventures with an open mind.
Scorpio (Oct 24 to Nov 22)
You need a vacation that doesn’t interrupt your determined groove. Meet a prospective client or find a useful workshop in a faraway location. Steer clear of the barscene, it will mess with your original intentions. Take your laptop to a cool cafe and stay in your lane.
Capricorn (Dec 23 to Jan 2)
You aren’t just planning a trip. You’re plotting an escape. Go somewhere beautiful, remote, and most of all quiet. You don’t need those luxury accommodations you always go for to reflect on the mystical, emotional aspect of life and have an authentic experience.
Sagittarius (Nov 23 to Dec 22)
A vacation right now with the family is hardly a vacation. And that house you rent every year? You’re bored just thinking about it. This time, go off the grid, especially with the New Moon in the house of long distance travel and cross-cultural connections on August 9.
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
CURRENCY EXCHANGE So now that you are on your way to your destinations, have you exchanged enough currency to sustain your expenses there? To help you out, the following are exchange rates between Malaysia Ringgit to the official currencies of the dstinations that we fly to: 1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=26.6352 NPR
26.6352 NPR Nepalese Rupee 1 NPR=0.0375442 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=20.4117 BDT
20.4117 BDT Bangladesh Taka 1 BDT=0.0489915 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=3,522.31 IDR
3,522.31 IDR Indonesian Rupiah 1 IDR=0.000283905 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=16.7479 INR
16.7479 INR Indian Rupee 1 INR = 0.0597088 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=9. 15244 THB
9.15244 THB Thai Baht 1 THB = 0. 109260 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=0.359230 SGD
0.359230 SGD Singapore Dollar 1 SGD = 2.78373 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR= 0.262695 USD
0.262695 USD US dollar 1 USD = 3.80669 MYR
2015 AUGUST / 49
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
fly corporate the malindo way Welcome to Malindo Air Corporate Travel Program, designed to provide corporate customers with substantial value for their business trips. In today’s business environment, time and place is no longer a hindrance. The ever competitive business needs today requires corporate and executive clients to travel to any destinations on time. Our corporate program gives you the flexibility to make urgent travel plans and allows you to be in control of your company’s travel patterns and expenditure. Enjoy great savings in the long run and be rewarded constantly at the same time and much more. We are pleased to invite you to be part of Malaysia’s fastest growing airline and experience our brand new fleet of Boeing 737NG and ATR 72-600. You will be pleasantly surprised as we set new benchmarks in corporate air travel. Our corporate passengers can travel with a peace of mind and in superior comfort. It makes perfect business sense for our corporate clients to designate Malindo Air as their preferred choice of carrier for any business travel. Our team works round-the-clock to ensure 50 / AUGUST 2015
the comfort and convenience of modern day business travellers Experience our new Corporate Gold and Corporate Executive programmes. Corporate Gold Your unique personalised log In ID is used when logging in to your corporate portal by selecting it upon registration on your dashboard. Relax and dine in our new Executive Lounge at KLIA2 without any charges and have a peace of mind with 5 kg extra baggage allowance for free. Dedicated check-in counters await you in KLIA2 via our business class check in counters and be sure to be called for priority boarding at all departure gates for your flight. Be seated on our specially catered seats for our special guest (subject to availability) on all our ATR flights. At the same time, flexibilities in making last minute changes to your flight date and time without any penalty lets you postpone your flight even at the final hours without any hassle. Never worry if the most important meeting cannot be attended by your company’s Director or CEO since passenger change has never been made easier.
Corporate Executive Join us without any registration fee and be part of the fastest-growing airlines in Malaysia. With no booking commitments limit per annum to your company’s travellings, fly at your own frequency whenever you wish to. Make a smarter travel choice for your company and save cost at the same time by choosing from the lowest promo fares. Manage your bookings via your corporate portal like a boss by making bookings at any time you wish to and then be rewarded with our Malindo Miles Programme by earning miles points and redeem free flights every time you fly with Malindo Air. Always be updated on our latest offerings and promo updates via our e-newsletters so you never miss out on our best deals ever again. To register and for more enquiries, kindly contact: 03-2035 6699 ext 1323 or write to us at corporate@malindoair.com Corporate Sales Department, Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd, C-5-05, Block C, Oasis Ara Damansara, 2 Jalan PJU 1A/7A
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
Malaysia National Day and Malindo Holidays National Day in Malaysia is celebrated by Malaysians of all races and religions. It is one event that unites all Malaysians of all age groups. It was on this day in 1957 that Malaysia gained independence from the British colonial rule. The country is gripped with zeal and great enthusiasm. You can see this by the Jalur Germilang (Malaysian flag) hoisted on almost all buildings, whether private homes or offices. Throughout the day, Malaysians fly the flags, and enoy the spirit of Merdeka (Independence). National Day is marked with parades, air shows, fireworks and musical concerts. People leave their homes to join their family or friends for picnics or other outdoor events. The leaders of the country give speeches that showcase the development of the country.
Anyone would leap at the chance to join in with this combination of fervor and fun. If you are planning a holiday this August, then you simply can’t miss Malaysia National Day this year. Malindo Holidays bring you some of the best deals you can think of. They are offering a great discount on holiday packages. Suitable packages for all The packages suit everyone including office executives who are looking for corporate obligations to families with children. While you can spend your day in Kuala Lumpur on 31 August, you can explore other places on the following days. Beyond Kuala Lumpur Holidays in Malaysia are packed with places and things to do, like exploring the jungle to having a peaceful day on the white sandy beaches of Penang and Langkawi. There are many beautiful beach resorts that will cater to your every whim.
You can also explore the country’s tropical islands, which have a relaxed ambience. Right from serene Langkawi and livelier Penang, there is something for everyone. Delectable food Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures. Its diverse cultures have made a mark on the history of its cuisine. You will get delicious food whether you have bought it from a roadside stall or an exquisite restaurant. While most preparations are spicy, they are often immersed in coconut milk. Special offers If you are looking for special offers to stay during the festive National Day in Malaysia, then check out Malindoholidays.com. Don’t miss this great opportunity! Check out the deals at http://malindoholidays.com
2015 AUGUST / 51
FLEET MALINDOMAG
BOEING 737-900ER (6 units)
BOEING 737-800 (4 units)
ATR 72-600 (11 units)
Maximum passengers 180 (dual-class layout)
Maximum passengers 162 (dual-class layout)
Maximum passengers 72 (single-class layout)
Maximum take-off weight 83,914kg
Maximum take-off weight 73,708kg
Maximum take-off weight 23,000kg
Maximum range 5,990km
Maximum range 5,765km
Maximum range 1,648km
Typical cruising speed Mach 0.791
Typical cruising speed Mach 0.785
Typical cruising speed Mach 0.4173
Wing span 34.3m
Wing span 34.3m
Wing span 27.05m
Overall length 42.1m
Overall length 39.5m
Overall length 27.116m
52 / AUGUST 2015
ROUTES MALINDOMAG
More than 800 flights weekly. Over 30 routes and counting.
MALAYSIA Alor Setar Langkawi Penang Ipoh Johor Bahru Kuantan K.Terengganu Kertih
Kota Bharu Kuching Kota Kinabalu Subang Melaka Kuala Lumpur (klia2)
INDONESIA Bali Bandung Jakarta Batam Pekanbaru Medan
THAILAND Bangkok
SINGAPORE Singapore
BANGLADESH Chittagong Dhaka
INDIA Delhi Kochi Mumbai Trichy Visakhapatnam NEPAL Kathmandu 2015 AUGUST / 53
ON BOARD FACILITIES MALINDOMAG
LUXURIOUS FLYING EXPERIENCE
with our brand new BOEING 737
Business Class A great experience with us starts on the ground. Breeze through the dedicated Business Class check-in counters and then hop on over to our new Malindo Lounge at klia2 to enjoy free facilities such as WiFi, personal workstations, coffee and tea, buffet spread and other privileges. When you’re onboard, feel relaxed and pampered on full leather seats. Tune in to movies, documentaries, TV shows, songs and games using our in-flight entertainment system. We’ll keep you comfortable on your journey
like you never left home. What’s more – Business Class guests get a little bit more of everything! Get up to 40kg baggage allowance and full service meal to satiate every appetite. To add to that, if you’re in need of a charge for either your laptop or smartphone, utilise the power socket and USB port conveniently located at every seat. Oh did we mention you can also view your own files and documents on the screen? Simply connect your USB device to the dedicated port!
Fly
SHORT-HAUL CONVENIENTLY from major airports across Malaysia
Hungry for a foodie weekend to Ipoh or Penang? Thinking about a quick getaway to the jungles of Pahang? How about a short homestay overlooking the idyllic paddy fields 54 2015 54 // AUGUST JUNE 2015
in Kedah? With our frequent flights, all these places are easily within reach. Since the beginning of our turboprop operations in June 2013 at the Subang Skypark, we’ve grown our route network within Peninsular Malaysia and to three cities in Indonesia. As an added courtesy for our guests, enjoy a snack or two with free light refreshments. Also, bring more with you as each flight ticket comes with free 15kg baggage allowance.
ON BOARD FACILITIES MALINDOMAG
Economy Class We believe that value-added service is what keeps our passengers coming back for more. Economy Class guests are entitled to between 20 to 30kg free baggage allowance depending on destination. Our reclining leather seats onboard make for an easy and fuss-free journey, and to try to keep yourself occupied on a flight is now a thing of the past. With the variety of TV shows, movies, documentaries and games on the in-flight entertainment system, there’s something for everyone young
and old. The USB port on affixed on each seat can be used to access files and gives enough charge for all gadgets. Just plug in, access and that’s it! While only light refreshments are served for free onboard, fret not, because we have a range of delicacies and tidbits to purchase. Browse through our new and improved menu with popular brand items such as Krispy Kreme and Starbucks.
Taking Social To Another Level Ever felt disconnected when you’re travelling? You can leave your worries at the aircraft door – Malindo Air now offers paid access to WiFi and roaming network onboard selected flights*. Send a text message, chat online, update your status on Facebook, tweet your followers or call your loved ones that you’re coming home. Stay connected and updated
Malindo WiFi
like on ground. With 30-minute to 12hour packages to choose from, there’s one for every need. It’s as easy as logging into the WiFi network at a café or restaurant! Purchase any one of the four passes available and follow the login instructions. Voila! * Aircraft type Boeing 737-900ER only.
Malindo Mobile
2015JUNE AUGUST 2015 // 55 55
malindo directory MALINDOMAG
Call Centre Malaysia Malindo AIR Call Centre +603 - 7841 5388 Operating Hours: 9am - 9pm (GMT+8) Monday to Sunday Singapore Singapore Malindo AIR Call Centre (+65) 6339 1922 Operating Hours: 9am - 9pm Monday to Sunday Dedicated Corporate help Desk For further queries on Corporate Travel, please call us at
Our First City ticketing office was officially launch on March 2013, The KL City Office is located opposite the Lotus Restaurant at Lorong Medan Tuanku, The location of Malindo Air ticketing office is
+603- 7841 5353
open to cater tourist / travel agencies nearby.
General Enquiries Email: info@malindoair.com
KL City Sales Office Ground Floor, 2 Lorong Medan Tuanku 1, Off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100, Kuala Lumpur Business hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Sat - Sun 11.30 am to 4pm Closed On Public Holidays
Sales Ticketing
Airport Ticketing
KL City Sales Office Ground Floor, 2 Lorong Medan Tuanku 1, Off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100, Kuala Lumpur Business hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Sat - Sun 11.30 am to 4pm
STATION: Alor Setar ADDRESS: Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Halim Operating Hours: 8.30am - 10.30pm Station: Langkawi Address: Langkawi International Airport Operating Hours: 8.00am -8.00pm
STATION: Johor Bahru ADDRESS: Senai International Airport Operating Hours: 0630-2200 Daily STATION: Kuantan ADDRESS: Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport Operating Hours: 0700-1800 Daily
PJ Sales Office Ground Floor, Block C, Oasis Square Ara Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya Business hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm
STATION: Penang ADDRESS: Penang International Airport Operating Hours: 0500 -1000 Weekdays
STATION: Kota Bharu ADDRESS: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport Operating Hours: 06:00 - 23:00 Daily
STATION: Ipoh ADDRESS: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00 - 18:00 Saturday 08:00 - 18:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:00
STATION: Terengganu ADDRESS: Sultan Mahmud Airport Operating Hours: 0700-1900 Daily
NU Sentral LG Lot 46, NU Sentral Mall 201 Jalan Tun Sambanthan 50470 Kuala Lumpur Business hours: 10am to 10pm daily Penang Sales Office No 73, Penang Street, 10200, Pulau Pinang Business hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Sat - Sun 11.30am to 4pm
STATION: Subang Skypark ADDRESS: Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Operating Hours: 0500 - 2100 Daily STATION: klia2 ADDRESS: Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 Operating Hours: 0530-2200 Daily STATION: Melaka ADDRESS: Malacca International Airport Operating Hours: 0900-1800 Daily
56 / AUGUST 2015
STATION: Kertih ADDRESS: Kertih Airport Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00 - 18:00 Friday - Saturday (Station Close) Sunday 08:00 - 20:00 STATION: Kuching ADDRESS: Kuching International Airport Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00 - 18:00 STATION: Kota Kinabalu ADDRESS: Kota Kinabalu International Airport Operating Hours: 8.00AM - 8.00PM Daily
Boarding Pass Privileges
There’s always something on offer for you whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. Simply present your boarding pass at selected airports to enjoy up to 40% savings with the following partners. For more information, please visit malindoair.com/special-offers/boarding-pass
HOTEL Golden Sands Resort, Penang 15% savings on Best Available Rate 20% savings on food bill at Garden Cafe 40% savings on Adventure Zone Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang 15% savings on Best Available Rate 20% savings on food bill at Spice Market Cafe 40% savings on Adventure Zone The Club Saujana Resort 20% savings on Best Available Room Rates 20% savings on food bill The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur 20% savings on Best Available Room Rates 20% savings on food bill Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating Holiday Villa Alor Setar City Centre Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites Subang Wina Holiday Villa Kuta Bali Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites Kota Bharu 10% savings on Best Available Room Rates inclusive of buffet breakfast for 2 10% savings on F&B bill 10% savings on selected Spa treatment Eastern Pavilion Botique Resort & Spa Cherating 10% savings on Best Available Room Rates for 1-Bedroom Villa & 2-Bedroom Villa 10% savings on F&B bill 10% savings on selected Spa treatment Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral Kuala Lumpur 20% savings on Best Available Rates 20% savings on F&B bill 20% savings on Spa at Avana Spa Luxe
COLOUR GUIDE COLOUR GUIDE Pantone @382C
Pantone @130C
C40 M0 Y100 K0
C0 M40 Y100 K0
Dining Kenny Rogers Roasters, klia2 10% savings on total bill Starbucks 10% savings on F&B bill for selected outlets The Green Market, klia2 20% savings on total bill The BAR, klia2 20% savings on total bill The Green Market Express, Singapore Changi Airport 10% savings on total bill The Green Market, Singapore Changi Airport 20% savings on total bill El Cerdo KL 20% savings on total bill The Whisky Bar KL 20% savings on total bill The Steakhouse KL 20% savings on total bill Dining In The Dark KL 20% savings on total bill Black Forest KL 20% savings on total bill Opium KL 20% savings on total bill
Attractions Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park 30% savings on admission tickets for TWO (2) The Little Big Club, Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park 30% savings on admission tickets for TWO (2) Sunway Lagoon 10% savings on admission ticket SPA Wellness Spa, KLIA Wellness Salon, KLIA Wellness Spa, klia2 Wellness Spa, Singapore Changi Airport 20% savings on normal priced items Others 20% savings on Plaza Premium Lounge access • Kuala Lumpur International Airport • Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) • Kota Kinabalu International Airport • Kuching International Airport • Penang International Airport • Langkawi International Airport • Senai International Airport • Singapore Changi Airport