AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE TRAVEL 3SIXTY°
59 JUNE 2012
Philippines
STEPPING INTO MANILA AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE
Touchdown
YANGON
PP15075/07/2012(029856) www.airasia.com/travel360
EyeOn Indonesia
Penang
GEORGE TOWN MAKEOVER Laos
ROCKET FESTIVAL HELP SAVE THE EARTH. READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AND STOP STEALING ME! www.airasia.com/travel360
6 0 2012
CHECK-IN Contents June 2012 60
NAVIGATOR
70
STEPPING INTO MANILA The Heart of Philippines
80
ROCKET FOR LIFE Boun Bhang Fai Festival, Laos
90
THE GEORGE TOWN MAKEOVER Historical Grandeur of Penang
98
BACKWATER BOULEVARDS God’s Own Country, Kerala
106
IN PURSUIT OF BEAUTY Cosmetic Surgery in South Korea
114
PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE Knowledge is King
120
TRAVEL LOG Jaunt in Yogya
48
70
126
150
60 HIT LIST Eye On Indonesia
134 KIDS SPACE All About Ace
BOARDING CALL
STYLE FILE
06 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS
The Heat is On
It’s All About Love
08 INBOX
124 OFF THE RACK 126 VANITY FARE Fun In the Sun
The Buzz from our Guests
128 JETSETTER
10 RED FORT News from AirAsia
IN FLIGHT
152 MY AIRASIA
136 PLANE FUN
Somaly Mam
Who’s Your DADDY?
Puzzles & Games
FLIGHT PLAN
138 PICTURE PERFECT
18 SPOTLIGHT Stuff you’d Love to Know
98
Photos Taken by AirAsia Guests
140 GET COMFY Joy of Flying
24 HOT DATES June Events to Keep a Lookout for
28 COMPASS Pack & Go
32 QUICK BITES For the Love of Food
PORT OF CALL 142 ROUTE MAP 148 AIRASIA SALES OFFICES & STATIONS 150 TOUCHDOWN Yangon, Myanmar
36 PAGE TURNER Patriotic Literature
40 MONEY MAKER The Technology Train
42 PRESCRIPTION Powering Up for Health
44 SCORE BOARD High Tech Sport
48 HYPER TECH The Shrinking Future
52 SLEEP INNS KL Kaleidoscope
130
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PUBLISHER
Kathleen Tan
MANAGING EDITOR
R. Rajendra
ART DIRECTOR WRITERS PHOTOJOURNALIST EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER CONTRIBUTORS ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE
Kan Seak Hong Beverly Rodrigues Chitra S Philippines
Adam Lee
STEPPING INTO MANILA
Fazlina Bee Binti Abdul Rashid Fadillah Kamarudin Alice Yong, Carol West, Captain Lim Khoy Hing, Efi Hamzah, Nisary Mahesh, Pete King, Shantini Suntharajah Spencer Lee (AirAsia Berhad) spencerlee@airasia.com Indran Balavishnu (Malaysia) indran.balavishnu@pharpartnerships.com Senthuran Mohan (Malaysia) sen.mohan@pharpartnerships.com Mairianne Reardon (Singapore, UK and International Markets) m.reardon@pharpartnerships.com Paragorn Petchnaree (Thailand) paragorn.p@pharpartnerships.com Vikhram Radhakishnan (Indonesia) vikhram.r@pharpartnerships.com
Touchdown
YANGON
EyeOn Indonesia
Penang
GEORGE TOWN MAKEOVER Laos
ROCKET FESTIVAL HELP SAVE THE EARTH. READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AND STOP STEALING ME!
6 0 2012
www.airasia.com/travel360
ON THE COVER Balinese dancer, Indonesia Cover Image: Inmagine
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airasia.com/ask Have a question regarding travelling with AirAsia? Get your answers here at airasia.com/ask! We’ll help you out via chat, twitter.com/askairasia or E-mail if you need further assistance AirAsia on Twitter for information & assistance on simple requests: www.twitter.com/AskAirAsia For exciting news, bytes and tweets from AirAsia: www.twitter.com/airasia AirAsia on Facebook: www. facebook.com/AirAsia. For AirAsia promotional updates, travel stories & news: www.facebook.com/airasia AirAsia blog to share travel experiences and stories: http://blog.airasia.com Find us on Weibo at http://t.sina.com.cn/airasia Folow us on RenRen at http://page.renren.com/airasia
12 6 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS 0 2012 2011
www.airasia.com/travel360
IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE
We the AllStars at AirAsia Indonesia We, Indonesia, are passionate about what we do. The fun, dynamic and creative atmosphere in AirAsia has created a culture unmatched by any other company in the industry. There is no bureaucracy here; everyone has a voice and is empowered to make decisions. Everyday, we look forward to two things at work – fun moments with colleagues and the exchange of ideas to enhance AirAsia’s reputation as the world’s best low-cost airline. We do have our off days at work (who doesn’t?), but when you work alongside fun
Technical Service Engineer, Iasma Setiami
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an supportive colleagues like the AirAsia and AllStars, problems seem lighter and easier A to solve. AllStars are supportive to each other, and best of all, are ever ready to ot have a good time! At AirAsia, we live by ha the ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality. The th enthusiasm, team work and energy are en simply phenomenal. si Delivering an awesome travel experience to our guests is at the heart of everything w we do. We are proud to be AllStars. Afterall, it’ it’s not everyday that you get to work for the w world’s best and, be part of a company that de democratised air travel. To further enhance this ongoing co commitment, AirAsia Indonesia recently la launched our ‘100% Airbus, 100% Love’ ca campaign, which aims to spread the ‘AirAsia Lo Love’. We kick-started the campaign with an internal contest that encouraged AllStars to share their moments of pride and joy working with AirAsia. In just two weeks, we received many heartwarming, funny and interesting stories from our colleagues. Although the stories vary greatly, they had one common element: Love. Each story reflected AllStars’ love for their job, airline, guests and workplace. Picking a winner was difficult. We spent hours discussing the winning submission, but unanimously agreed on the story written by our Technical Service Engineer, Iasma
AllStars AirAsia Indonesia
Setiami. As a Technical Service Engineer, her job is to ensure the airworthiness of AirAsia’s aircraft so AirAsia guests can travel safely. Not only is she passionate about what she does, she is the only female Technical Service Engineer in AirAsia Indonesia. She concluded her story by telling us that her small 150cm x 90cm work cubicle doesn’t stop her from making a big contribution to the company’s success. For her inspiring story, Iasma Setiami won a week-long, all expenses paid trip to France, including an exclusive visit to the Airbus factory in Toulouse. AirAsia surely knows how to reward its hard working employees! But, Iasma is not the only AllStar with that kind of drive and enthusiasm. In reality, we have over 1,500 other equally passionate AllStars in Indonesia who work hand-in-hand to paint the sky red, and to make our guests’ travel experience with AirAsia memorable. Our '100% Airbus, 100% Love' campaign illustrates the superior services that AirAsia offers. Not only will our guests experience the joy of flying on brand new Airbus A320s, they can also expect to receive pleasant surprises from AirAsia in the form of affordable seats to exciting destinations, cutting-edge innovations and awesome customer services.
Andy Adrian IAA Marketing Manager
6 INBOX 0 2012
www.airasia.com/travel360
I particularly enjoyed reading the My AirAsia section of Travel3Sixty° as I could put a face to the people who run the airline. While most companies only feature senior management, this magazine dedicates a page for officers of all ranks. It is refreshing to know that the people who run the show in AirAsia are as important as the policymakers. More importantly, it brings attention to the people who run the show, providing the service on the ground and in the skies. Kudos for giving the common man a voice! ~ Daphne Leong, via email I hate TV programmes about air crashes, but I’m also addicted to them. When I travel, I vividly remember scenes from these programmes, especially turbulence or landing in bad weather. On my first flight on AirAsia and there it was – Safe & Sound (Feb 2012) in the Pilot’s Perspective section. I read it and thought it was a great story and most reassuring. I enjoyed it and… I actually took the magazine off the plane (Oops! Sorry AirAsia.) But I had a great flight and my attitude to this type of information has taken a 180° turnaround. ~ Robin Beiers, Australia
LETTER OF THE MONTH!
On a 12-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur to Paris, I was fortunate to have the Travel 3Sixty’s February issue to keep me company. The article Heritage Hunt was of particular interest to me. My family is from Semarang, but I was born and live in Bandung. When I was little, my parents often took me to Semarang to visit interesting places like the Sam Poo Kong temple. Growing up, I rarely visited the city and almost forgot the beauty of the historical places there. Reading the article on Semarang brought back beautiful memories of the city and its heritage.~ Amita, Bandung, Indonesia
LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS A RM918 VOUCHER TO BE REDEEMED AGAINST AN AIRWAYS ATC 0912 28” LUGGAGE* THE OTHER TWO PUBLISHED LETTERS WIN A RM100 VOUCHER EACH FROM LUGGAGE EMPIRE. *T&C apply. *Luggage shown here for illustration purpose only. Colours may vary.
HERE’S THE BUZZ ON AIRASIA’S FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND WEIBO PAGES I would like to compliment the AirAsia X team and also thank the flight crew for the wonderful experience and kind hospitality I experienced while travelling with AirAsia X recently. They did a great job, and I look forward to flying with AirAsia again soon! Simon Koh
Thank you to the Captain and flight team of AK 5365 that had to divert the flight from Penang to Subang Airport on April 8 to wait out a heavy storm over LCCT. The crew put safety above all, instead of risking the landing as per schedule. Keep up the good work and high standards.
@AirAsia had a very pleasant flight on AK 824 21/4/12 recently which featured super cute, fun & humourous captain! Loved this flight!
Kat you are my mentor to learn how to become a successful women entrepreneur with a balanced and healthy lifestyle. I want to learn from you.
@limyeepee Dreamy Piggie
Welcome to Sydney! @AirAsia! Congrats @tonyfernandes. As a Sydney based QPR fan, it's good to see the sponsors flying in. Come on U'Rsssss! @DoDarren
@AirAsia. In the 90's, flying to India, Japan or Australia seemed like flying to the moon. Today anyone can fly! Explore the world with AirAsia!
Reading your Weibo has become part of my daily routine. Your contents are inspiring and encouraging for to me to discover the world. Little Grass
I follow you Kat because you are different from other corporate leaders. You listen to us and that sets AirAsia apart from the others!
Rodney Ong @sasithedon
LeftEye
Like what you read in Travel 3Sixty°? Share your thoughts with us! To show you how much we appreciate your feedback, we’ll give the best letter of the month a fabulous prize and the other two letters will receive a RM100 gift voucher each from Luggage Empire. Email your feedback to travel3sixty@airasia.com. Travel 3Sixty° reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length, and only letters regarding articles published in Travel 3Sixty° will stand to win a prize.
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6 RED FORT 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
SOCIAL MEDIA CHAMPION
Not long ago, Kathleen Tan – AirAsia Group Commercial Head – pledged to organise an exclusive AirAsia sale for her Sina Weibo followers once her birthday wish for 100,000 fans was achieved. In April, this became a reality, and Tan made good on her word. AirAsia launched an incredible sale with 500,000 seats to destinations like Bali, Phuket, Australia and Singapore at unbelievably affordable prices. Tan, a great champion of Social Media, has been instrumental in building the funky AirAsia brand and setting up a dedicated Social Media unit. This foresight and determination has helped the airline garner the second highest number of fans among airlines on Facebook, and become one of the top five most-active-airlines on Twitter. Having started her Sina Weibo account in December 2010 as a platform for feedback on the airline’s products and services, Tan has an astounding 128,955 fans (at press time) on the Chinese micro-blogging site. Tan is well-respected as one of Asia’s top 10 most influential women leaders and a savvy, travel industry brand advocate. Her Sina Weibo account has been ranked the 2,510th most influential in a pool of 300 million Social Media users. This is hardly surprising, considering the engaging content that offers an insight into leadership and marketing sensibilities. Tan also shares her views on fashion, food and travel, offering a glimpse into her lifestyle and what makes her tick. www.weibo.com/kathleentan
COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES
BIG GIVES BACK
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In 2011, as part of its CSR programme ‘BIG Gives Back’, AirAsia BIG pledged RM1 for every BIG card signed up during its global launch promotion to charity. In April this year, BIG channelled RM10,000 to increase awareness of visual impairment and blindness. Jasmine Lee, AirAsia Head of Commercial and Peter Miller, Tune Money CEO handed over AirAsia BIG’s contribution to the Lions Club during the ‘Blind Leading the Blind’ Charity Walk. This year, 3,000 walkers participated in a blindfolded 3 kms walk led by either a trained blind person or sighted partner. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
Tune Money CEO Peter Miller leading Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat, MD of Trinity Group (blindfolded) during the ‘Blind Leading the Blind’ Charity Walk.
SPLASH & SNAP Ever the people’s airline, Thai AirAsia celebrated Songkran by setting up Splash Terminals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom and Hat Yai, and dousing guests with water. The airline also gave away cute AirAsia teddy bears to Facebook fans who sent in their craziest and most memorable Songkran snapshots. Commenting on Thai AirAsia’s participation, Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said the airline aimed at preserving the kingdom’s rich traditions and adding to the joy and festivities of the event.
Azran Osman Rani, CEO AirAsia X (centre) with AirAsia FAs at Sydney Opera House.
SYDNEY! In April, AirAsia X finally landed in Sydney, Australia, opening up greater travel, trade and tourism possibilities between Australia and Malaysia. AirAsia X currently operates daily flights into Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport from Kuala Lumpur’s LCC Terminal. Flythru options via Kuala Lumpur are also available from Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
“Asia is one of our strongest growth markets for inbound tourism, with Malaysian tourists growing by 9 per cent last year. AirAsia X’s arrival is a win for Sydney and a win for NSW!” ~ Kerrie Mather, CEO Sydney Airport
VIENTIANE, EVERYDAY! Starting from May, AirAsia will fly daily to Vientiane, Laos from Kuala Lumpur. Here are a few tips to make your visit to this exciting destination extra fun. That Luang Stupa
Patuxay
TRIPLE TRIUMPH For the second year in a row, AirAsia bagged three prestigious awards during the Asian Excellence Recognition Awards by Corporate Governance Asia, a regional, quarterly corporate governance journal. AirAsia took home awards for the ‘Best Investor Relations Company for Malaysia’, ‘Best CEO for Malaysia’ and ‘Best Investor Relations Officer’ for Malaysia. The awards, which celebrate achievers and recognise excellence in investor communications, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, environmental practices and financial performances, aim at boosting corporate governance practices throughout Asia.
Make a trip to the Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan, a sculpture park by the Mekong River that features a gigantic reclining Buddha, as well as depictions of Hindu gods. Savour Lao favourites like crispy, fried river weed, flavoursome Luang Prabang sausage that’s made with coriander, dried chili and galangal, as well as laap, a traditional dish of raw meat tossed with citronella leaves, spring onions, cucumber, spices and roasted rice. For panoramic city views, climb the Patuxay or Victory Arch, a war monument built between 1957 and 1968, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France. This attraction is open daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm. Make a pilgrimage to That Luang Stupa or the Great Sacred Stupa, which holds a relic of Lord Buddha.
CROSS COUNTRY CYCLING IN KINTAMANI AirAsia encourages a fun and fit lifestyle, and in March, 100 AllStars from Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia embarked on an exciting cycling adventure in Kintamani, Bali. With the support of United Bike, which provided new mountain bikes for the cross country ride, AirAsia’s AllStar Cycling Community covered 15 kms of jungle tracks, bamboo forest and rocky trails, and visited local villages and temples. They even planted trees in an ‘Adopt-a-Tree’ programme and presented local children with educational books, while sharing info about the aviation industry.
ABOVE: (L-R) Benyamin Ismail, Manager Investor Relations for Malaysia AirAsia, Azita Nazrene, Executive Investor Relations for Malaysia AirAsia and Ridyawan Amnar, Manager Investor Relations of Indonesia AirAsia
“In just 10 years, AirAsia has soared as a leader in the aviation industry with various outstanding efforts that buttress our position as a major player, the largest fleet in the region and of course, an impressive market capitalisation of RM9.42 billion. Our affi liates in Indonesia and Thailand have also posted strong financial performances, as they gear up for their respective IPOs this year. We look forward to more positive progress this year for AirAsia as a group, to keep us relevant and attractive to investors.” ~ Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO AirAsia
HOT TIP!
To enjoy up to 50% savings, book value-added services like Baggage Supersize, Hot Seats, Pick-A-Seat and AirAsia Insure online when you book your flight. Guests can even pre-book more than one in-flight meal per person, which means you’ll get delicious meals at affordable prices. www.airasia.com 12
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WIN AN AIRASIA FRIENDSY PLANE!
AirAsia Engineering Expedition Team with sponsors and partners.
CLIMBING FOR A CAUSE In April, AirAsia’s engineers organised a Charity Climbing Expedition to Mount Kinabalu to raise funds for disabled youths. 42 avid mountain climbers, comprising AirAsia AllStars and representatives from sponsors, took on the challenge and raised a whopping RM100, 000! The funds were channeled towards purchasing prosthetics for individuals who’d lost their limbs due to illness or traffic accidents. Recipients were selected based on criteria like household income and urgency of need. The expedition was the first of its kind initiated by AirAsia AllStars as part of a wider Corporate Social Responsibility campaign to encourage community engagement.
AWESOME CONTEST In April, AirAsia ran an exciting contest in conjunction with the airline’s new television commercial dubbed the ‘Awesome TVC’, which showcased AirAsia’s innovation, culture, passion and amazing flying experience. To be an AirAsia fan, visit facebook. com/AirAsia, and click ‘Like’. The ‘AirAsia Awesome’ tab allows fans to watch the Awesome TVC, which shows AirAsia’s ‘inside story’ and reveals the airline’s amazing history and achievements.
In an unprecedented move, AirAsia X is offering one lucky AirAsia Australia’s Facebook fan the opportunity to fill an entire aircraft with 302 of his or her Facebook friends for a special flight to Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia Australia Facebook fans may enter this unique competition via a specially-designed ‘Friendsy’ app on the AirAsia Australia Facebook. Participants are required to fill AirAsia X’s Airbus A330 aircraft with 302 friends using the Pick-A-Seat diagram, and make difficult choices like which 302 friends get to experience AirAsia X’s award winning service, and which 11 friends deserve to stretch out on AirAsia X’s comfy Premium Flat Beds! The closing date is June 5 (11.59pm AEST), and the winner will be decided on June 12. The AirAsia Friendsy plane departs Sydney on November 2 and returns on November 5, 2012. Full terms and conditions, and the AirAsia Friendsy app are available at www.facebook.com/AirAsiaAustralia
“Our bold move is part of our Social Media promotion drive, offering our awesome guests a little X-citement, while testing our Social Media strength and influence. We believe the idea would also enhance our brand further in Australia and surrounding regions. Also, none of our competitors would ever be this cool!”~ Azran Osman Rani, CEO AirAsia X
SAFETY MADE FUN On April 12, a video clip was posted on youtube.com showing an AirAsia flight attendant conducting an in-flight safety demonstration. What made the video an instant hit was the safety announcement by Senior Flight Attendant, Quinton Dinesh Thomas. Injecting fun and mischief into the usually serious announcement, Thomas grabbed the attention of AirAsia guests who appreciated the entertaining delivery. When a guest uploaded the video to youtube.com, it went viral. To date (at press time) the video clip has received over 613,000 hits! When asked why he spiced up the in-flight safety announcement, Thomas said, “I believe this is the way to get guests to understand safety. I share the same passion with my Flight Attendant Executive, Khuraizah Binti Ramlan. She is my motivator, inspiration, creative head and a great friend.” For a refreshing reminder on in-flight safety, check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zcqkZfqePQ
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BANGKOK TO MACAU In April, AirAsia launched the ‘Be Smart. Choose AirAsia’ campaign with incredibly affordable flights between the shopping mecca and cultural haven of Bangkok and Macau, also known for its many heritage sites. Allinclusive fares dipped as low as 1,650 THB one way! GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily from Bangkok to Macau. Go to www.airasia.com for details.
HELLO AIRBUS, BYE BYE BOEING
MOST TWEETED
In March, AirAsia Indonesia, which began operations in 2005 with just four Boeing Classic 737-300s, bade farewell to its Boeing aircraft and implemented a single fleet policy. As jet fuel is the single largest expense for the airline, this move to streamline the fleet with the more fuel-efficient Airbus A320, will save up to 15% on fuel. The initiative enables the airline to be more eco-friendly, as the Airbus A320 can reduce 3,600 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year, while the RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required) lowers noise and fuel burn. The implementation of a single fleet also translates to savings in spare parts and maintenance, as well as in the training of flight crew and technicians. AirAsia Indonesia currently operates the youngest fleet in Indonesia, and recorded an impressive 41.58% market share of international passengers in 2011. The airline currently owns 17 Airbus A320 aircraft, and plans to operate 34 Airbus A320 aircraft by 2015.
Twitterspace has spoken: AirAsia is the world’s most ‘tweeted’ airline! According to a report by web and mobile social network, Eezeer.com, which features travelrelated tweets and location-verified reviews, AirAsia’s tweet mentions jumped from 13,500 to almost 23,000 from January to February 2012. Statistics reveal that the airline topped the list for the ‘Best in Class’ category, having the most amount of tweets exchanged with consumers. AirAsia also took the lead in the ‘Airline Listening Champions’ category with the most tweets received from consumers, and placed third out of 192 airlines for the ‘Airline Talking Champions’ category, having sent out the third highest amount of tweets to consumers. Visit twitter.com/AirAsia to follow AirAsia on twitter today.
SWEET TWEETS TO FOLLOW @tonyfernandes to learn about the man with many hats, Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes: Group CEO AirAsia, Founder of Tune Group, Principal of Caterham F1 Team, savvy entrepreneur and proud dreamer.
@tassapon for updates from Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO Thai AirAsia, who is championing low cost travel in Thailand. The Boeing 737-300 and AllStars during the farewell celebration.
@azranosmanrani to keep up with Azran Osman Rani, CEO AirAsia X and self-professed ‘outdoor freak’.
@empressrox for tips on marketing and building brands, while keeping abreast with the jet setting Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial AirAsia @ratmanard to keep up with Soeratman Doerachman, an aviation veteran with 45 years of industry experience, who has been an indispensable advisor and member of the AirAsia Indonesia family. ABOVE: Dharmadi, CEO of AirAsia Indonesia (center; black suit), accompanied by Diding S. Anwar, President Director of PT Jasa Raharja, representing Director General of Indonesian Civil Aviaiton (on Pak Dhar’s right), Adi Kanrio Dayanun, Head of Soekarno Hatta International Airport Authority (on his left), Sulistyo Wijayadi, Commercial Director of Angkasa Pura II (brown batik), Pin Harris, President Commissioner of AirAsia Indonesia (3rd from right), Sendjaja Widjaja, Commissioner of AirAsia Indonesia (2nd from right), Capt. Imron Siregar, Director of Flight Operations of AirAsia Indonesia (3rd from left), and Capt. Erriza Muslim Effendie (2nd from left)
“The Boeing has played an important role in helping AirAsia Indonesia become stronger. However, as an innovative airline, we need to constantly upgrade our fleet. AirAsia’s high quality products and services continue to set new benchmarks in aviation with regards to efficiency, technology and quality.”~ Dharmadi, CEO AirAsia Indonesia 16
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GREATER PROTECTION Widening its scope, AirAsia has made AirAsia INSURE travel protection available to the Japanese market via an alliance with Japanese insurer Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. For guests who missed purchasing the insurance plan, this can be easily remedied by adding on the travel protection plan via the Manage My Booking feature on the AirAsia website. AirAsia plans to make AirAsia INSURE available in all other AirAsia and AirAsia X markets by the end of 2012. www.airasia.com
6 SPOTLIGHT 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
NI HAO BEIJING!
EVENTS JAYESSLEE LIVE IN KL
The Great Wall of China
JUNE 23 The Aussie-born Korean twins who became a Youtube sensation in 2008 and are renowned for their famous cover of Tamia’s song Officially Missing You, bring their youthful energy to Malaysia’s Menara PGRM in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
THE SUMMER MUSICAL The world’s best low-cost airline with the most connections to China is flying direct to the Imperial City! AirAsia has been flying guests to Tianjin, around a 2-hour drive from Beijing, but will now take you direct to Beijing on our inaugural flight that takes off on June 22, 2012. Rich in culture and heritage, Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, parks, hutong (alleyways), and of course, as the gateway to one of the Wonders of the World – the Great Wall of China. The capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing which literally means ‘northern capital’, remains the political, educational and cultural hub of the country.
BEIJING QUICK FACTS u It is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of approximately 19.6 million people. u Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, and was the imperial seat of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
u The city was the proud host of the 2008 Summer Olympics. u Beijing has hot, humid summers and cold, dry, winters. The average temperature in January (winter) is about −4°C, while July summer temperatures hover around 26°C. u Best time to visit is in September and October, during the ‘Golden Autumn’, although the city is just as charming all year round.
MUST SEE!
JUNE 1 – JULY 1 Three American air stewardesses rediscover their musical dreams when they fly across the Atlantic to London in this award winning West End production at the Amphitheatre, Sunway Lagoon in Malaysia.
JAZZ FESTIVAL 2012 JUNE 15 & 16 Sabah’s signature jazz event and a key component of the Kota Kinabalu Arts Festival brings together some of the world’s best jazz singers and bands at the Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club in Kota Kinabalu.
• The Great Wall of China • The Forbidden City • Summer Palace • Temple of Heaven • Hutong GETTING THERE AirAsia X commences flights to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur on June 22, 2012. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
Temple of Heaven
ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP – DESTINY OF WARRIORS COMPILED BY: CHITRA S
JUNE 23 Get ready for absolute mayhem as elite international fighters join Malaysia’s local heroes in the ONE FC cage for 10 fight nights at Kuala Lumpur’s Stadium Negara organised by Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organisation.
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BANDUNG: PARIS OF JAVA Beloved by Dutch colonialists who considered moving Indonesia’s capital there on account of its cooler climate and natural fortress of volcanic mountains, Bandung, with its art deco buildings and tree-lined streets, retains a nostalgic charm and continues to be a travellers’ favourite. Shoppers flock to the city that was once dubbed Parijs van Java for fantastic bargains at numerous factory outlets, while the Tangkuban Perahu volcano, nearby forests and hot springs lure visitors in search of the natural wonders of the land.
BANDUNG AT A GLANCE
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
u Bandung is the provincial capital of West Java. u It is located on a highland plateau, about 768 metres above sea level. u Best time to visit Bandung is between May to October during the dry season but all year round is still fine, although later months see frequent rains. u Average temperature is around 22°C, cooler than the rest of Indonesia.
Savour Sundanese cuisine here but be warned though, most dishes are served with fiery sambal (spicy chili paste).Try Nasi Timbel – boiled rice served with meat and vegetables, with the ubiquitous sambal on the side.
www.bandungtourism.com
TOP SHOPPING HAUNTS
TANGKUBAN PERAHU Literally meaning upturned boat, this stratovolcano, together with Mount Burangrang and Bukit Tunggul, are the remains of the ancient Mount Sunda.
SAUNG ANGKLUNG UDJO Sundanese arts and culture thrive at Udjo’s House of Angklung, where you can unwind to the soothing sounds of the angklung, a traditional bamboo instrument. www.angklung-udjo.co.id
KAWAH PUTIH Revel in the natural beauty of this crater lake at Mount Patuha.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP Bandung is famous for its factory outlet stores, and shops selling locally-made goods.
u Pasar Baru Bandung for clothes and accessories at wholesale prices. u Cibaduyut Shoe Shopping Centre for footwear. u Cihampelas or Jeans Street for shopping, dining and entertainment. www.cihampelaswalk.com u Alifa Mall for Moslem clothing and paraphernalia. u Bandung Indah Plaza for luxury goods. u Pasar Kota Kembang for clothes, belts, shoes or handbags. u Istana Bandung Electronic Centre for all things electronic. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Bandung from various destinations, with Penang being the latest addition. Go to www.airasia. com for flight details.
Bono surfing at Kampar River
PEKANBARU
FROM BANDUNG, EXPLORE PEKANBARU, THE CAPITAL OF RIAU PROVINCE ON THE ISLAND OF SUMATRA. Pekanbaru may seem off the beaten path for many a traveller, but the city’s location just several hours from Sumatra’s Eastern coast means it’s an appropriate base from which to discover the yet unspoilt beaches that look out onto the Straits of Malacca.
RUPAT ISLAND Famous for its white, sandy beaches, the island off the Riau coastline is a great place to chill out. SKA MAL The largest mall in Pekanbaru, this is the place to head to for your shopping needs.
BONO SURFING Catch a river wave (locally referred to as bono) at the Kampar River, which is accessible overland from Pekanbaru. Incoming tides form waves that travel upriver, against the direction of the river’s current, causing a tidal phenomenon.
PEKANBARU AT A GLANCE u Pekanbaru is located along the Siak River, and was once a busy trading port. In Indonesian, its name means ‘new town’. u Indonesia’s oil capital, it is rated among the cleanest cities in the country. u Has a population of approximately 903,902 people. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Pekanbaru from Kuala Lumpur and Bandung. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
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A NIGHT AT THE OPERA The Chinese Opera Festival featuring Kunqu, Peking, Cantonese and Yue operas, takes place in Hong Kong from June 15 to August 5, 2012. Watch captivating performances by troupes from various regions of mainland China and Hong Kong, and learn about this fascinating art form through exhibitions and talks at the festival. www.cof.gov.hk
SECRET GARDEN
IMAGE: SAKIKO NOMURA
IMAGE: MARK HIGASHINO
Garden City, an exhibition by photographer Deanna Ng is on at Objectifs Gallery, Singapore from June 7 to 30, 2012. The exhibition features black and white images of Singapore, which capture the city’s changing landscapes. www.objectifs.com.sg
NOTHING BUT JAZZ With over 300 performers and more than 100 events, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival from June 1 to 10, 2012, is a jazz spectacular not to be missed. This year’s festival features jazz greats Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, McCoy Tyner and Dr Lonnie Smith, as well as new generation powerhouses like Japan’s Hiromi and Eli Degibri from Israel. The event also includes free concerts, masterclasses and club sessions. www.melbournejazz.com
FESTIVAL OF TTHE ARTS
TEDDY TALES The latest additions to Royal Selangor’s oh-so-cute Teddy Bears’ Picnic collection include an n eggcup, photo frame, mug, tooth box, musical carousel rousel and coin box, all adorned with teddy bears. Beautifully designed and finely crafted in pewter, these ese items make excellent gifts for christenings and birthdays. www.royalselangor.com
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G George Town Festival is a month-long celebration of m aart, culture and heritage that ccommemorates the city’s lilisting as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Into its third H yyear, GTF 2012 is an eclectic mix of performances and m eexhibitions by highly-acclaimed local and international artists. lo Highlights include musical acts H M Manganiyar Seduction from India and The Philippine M Madrigal Singers, the world’s largest Short Film Festival – TROPFEST, and an athletic dance-drama performance by Lee Wushu Arts Theatre. The festival runs from June 15 to July 15, 2012 with shows at various venues in the city. www.georgetownfestival.com
6 HOT DATES 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
JUNE 2012
INDONESIA
LADY GAGA: THE BORN THIS WAY BALL JUNE 3 The inimitable five-time Grammy Award winner, Lady Gaga performs hits from her latest album, Born This Way, as well as The Fame and The Fame Monster albums at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. www.myticket.co.id
AUSTRALIA
ROCK THE BALLET
IMAGE: UNIVERSAL MUSIC SINGAPORE
JUNE 19 – 24 Pushing boundaries, Rasta Thomas’ sensational show, Rock the Ballet fuses ballet with musical theatre, hip hop, martial arts, tap dancing and gymnastics at Sydney’s State Theatre. www.rocktheballet.com.au
COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES
SINGAPORE
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CHARLIE AND LOLA’S BEST BESTEST PLAY JUNE 1 – 10 Based on books by Lauren Child, this theatrical production combines puppetry and music to bring to life the daily struggles and sweet sibling love between Charlie and Lola. www.sistic.com.sg TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
MALAYSIA
SHREK THE MUSICAL JUNE19 – 24 Sing along to the Shrek anthem I’m a Believer as the green ogre teams up with a jabbering donkey to rescue Princess Fiona and save the day at the Plenary Hall in Kuala Lumpur. www.ticketspeople.com
PHILIPPINES
PARADA NG LECHON
JUNE 24 Locals of Balayan and Batangas celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist with one of the country’s national delicacies – lechon or roast pork. In a playful twist, these crispy delights are put on parade dressed in wigs and costumes according to special themes! www.tourism.gov.ph
AUSTRALIA
NEW GROWTH JUNE 8 – JULY 8
JAPAN
MACAU
MACAU INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES JUNE 16 – 17 & 23 Get ready for some serious paddling action at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre when Macau’s spectacular dragon boat races take centre stage. www.sport.gov.mo
CHAGU CHAGU UMAKO HORSE FESTIVAL JUNE 9 In a custom that dates back some 200 years, the horse-breeding district of Iwate pays tribute to its hardworking horses with a merry parade that moves from the shrine of the deity of horses in Takizawa Village to Morioka City. www.jnto.go.jp
HONG KONG
ANNIE
31 MAY - 10 JUNE In this much-loved Broadway classic, the spirited orphan, Annie dreams of a better tomorrow, and charms her way out of a hard knock life and into the home of billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. www.hkticketing.com
Check out contemporary artworks by female textile and wood artists from two of Western Australia’s specialist art groups, FeltWEST and W4 (Women Working with Wood), at a collaborative exhibition at the Mundaring Arts Centre. www.mundaringartscentre.com
VIETNAM
PHU QUOC HALF MARATHON JUNE 17 Avid runners from around the world head to Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province, Vietnam for a marathon with amazing views of the Gulf of Thailand. www.pqmarathon.com
ELSEWHERE… SINGAPORE • JUNE 7 – 10 Beerfest Asia 2012 www.beerfestasia.com
SINGAPORE
IN THE MOOD FOR CHEONGSAM:: MEN MODERNITY & SINGAPORE WOMEN JUNE 1 - 27 The National Museum of Singaporee
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PHILIPPINES • JUNE 12 Independence Day www.tourism.gov.ph
INDONESIA • JUNE 12 – 30 Jakarta Anniversary Festival www. gedungkesenianjakarta.com
celebrates the evolution of the Singaporean woman an from the turn of the 20th century with an exhibition on of cheongsams – both conservative and chic.
MALAYSIA • JUNE 15 – SEPTEMBER 12 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival
www.nationalmuseum.sg
www.tourism.gov.my
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6 COMPASS 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
PACK & GO
From savouring cheap but fantastic street food to staying at hotels that won’t break your piggy bank, travel has not only become affordable, it has also o become a truly pleasurable activity that can be enjoyed by just about anyone. So... what are you waiting for?
GET THE GOODIES Travellers who value good bargains and freebies will love the AirAsia-Citibank card. Cardholders enjoy a world of exclusive privileges such as priority bookings and point conversion to BIG Points for free flight redemptions. Card members will also receive news about exciting AirAsia promotions days ahead of the public announcement, which means you get to grab the best deals before anyone else! AirAsiasiaCitibank Gold card holders can look forward to free travel protection insurance up to RM500,000 and a long list of other goodies. Logon to o www.airasia.com for more information.
ASIA’S MUST-TRY STREET EATS
CHINA’S STAR
One of the best things about Asia is the food and here’s the huge bonus: There’s no need to break the bank to savour must-try fare. For the best eats, just head to the streets!
MANILA
Balut
Magtataho or taho vendors carrying buckets on a pole balanced across their shoulders are a common sight in Manila. Taho is a sweet, custard-like concoction made from a yummy combination of silken tofu, caramelised brown sugar, vanilla and tofu pearls. It’s a favourite breakfast choice in Manila. And of course… the famed balut – a boiled, fertilised duck egg embryo.
SEOUL
Tteokbokki
Hard to pronounce but easy to eat, tteokbokki was once only served at Korea’s royal courts but can now be found all over Seoul. This savoury snack is a wonderful combination of glutinous rice cake slices cooked with spicy red pepper paste and fish cakes.
WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH
TAIPEI
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Da chang bao xiao chang
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Da chang bao xiao chang means ‘big sausage wrapped around small sausage’ in Taiwanese. This street food can be found at almost every night market in Taipei. It looks like a hot dog but the bun is a sausage casing stuffed with sticky rice wrapped around a pork sausage and finished off with garlic and basil or butter, chilli and black pepper sauce.
QUESTION What has twin-hulls, is 131-metres long, weighs 295 tonnes and moves as gracefully as an Olympic ice-skater? ANSWER The world’s only six-star cruise ship! Christened the China Star, the 12-deck ship set off on her first official voyage from her homeport in Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province in China to Kaohsiung and Keelung in Taiwan, recently. Chinese travellers have taken to cruising in a big way and the 172-cabin China Star is part of a larger plan to develop a fleet of top-notch Chineseowned cruise ships. www.cruises-china.com
BEATING JET LAG Jet lag might just be the worst side effect of travel. You’ll be overcome with sleep or fatigue during an exciting tour but end up wide awake in the middle of the night! Keep jet lag at bay with these effective tips.
TECHIE TRAVELLER STATS REVEALED We all know people who ‘Twitter’ their fingers to the bone or who have smartphones perpetually stuck to their ears. This addiction to technology remains strong even during vacation time! Check out these stats, compiled by research company Lab42, which reveals what really happens before, during and after diehard techies take a trip.
STAY AWAKE No matter how much you want to, resist sleep until night falls at your holiday destination. If you think you might doze off while standing up due to lack of sleep, take a short nap lasting not more than an hour. Waiting until nighttime to get some rest will help you acclimatise to the new time zone a lot quicker.
SMART ON THE FLIGHT It’s tempting to go crazy on the flight with excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks or, stay awake for hours watching in-flight movies. But, avoid these ‘fun’ activities if you want to have a good time on the ground. The more you take care of yourself in the air – by getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of water – the lesser the effects of jet lag when you land.
LET THERE BE LIGHT Natural light is your best friend when it comes to adapting to a new time zone. The cycle of light and dark has a huge impact on your body’s internal clock, so use it to your advantage when you’re holidaying. Try to get as much exposure to daylight as you possibly can at your destination by going out in the sunlight instead of staying indoors.
SWEET TUNE IN IPOH Tune Hotel opened its 11th hotel in Ipoh, Malaysia, with a totally new and exciting look. The new design is fun, sleek and funky, and will eventually be replicated in all Tune Hotels. Located on Horley Street in the heart of Ipoh, the hotel offers 121 rooms including 80 double rooms, 40 twin rooms and one wheelchair-friendly room. The hotel also houses commercial retail outlets including an AirAsia Travel & Service Centre. The Tune Hotel chain is an innovative product that offers frills-free hotel accommodation in key cities, providing guests the opportunity to stay in total comfort without having to pay for unnecessary services and add-ons. www.tunehotels.com 30
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76
percent post vacation photos to a social network site.
MALAYSIAN FAVOURITES According to the latest Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™, Malaysian travellers are finding regional destinations increasingly attractive, with 9 out of the top 10 overseas destinations for Malaysian travellers located in Asia. This probably has to do with the fact that hotel prices in the Asia Pacific region have fallen drastically over the past years. It could also mean that Malaysians are beginning to realise they don’t have to journey thousands of kilometres to enjoy a good holiday! Additionally, low cost carriers like AirAsia have made travelling tremendously affordable while offering flights to various cities in Asia. Here are the top overseas travel choices for Malaysians.
SINGAPORE
HONG KONG
BANGKOK
TOKYO
OSAKA
TAIPEI
SEOUL
LONDON
SHANGHAI
HO CHI MINH
70
percent update their Facebook status while on vacation.
85
percent of leisure travellers use their smartphones while abroad.
46
percent ‘check in’ to a holiday location via Foursquare.
52
percent ‘like’ a Facebook page specific to an upcoming vacation.
81
percent find online reviews posted by other travellers to be helpful.
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to all the above cities except London, Shanghai 0 from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details.
6 QUICK BITES 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD
Whether you're frolicking in the hot summer days of the Northern Hemisphere or all wrapped up against the cool wintry season in the Southern Hemisphere, our picks of good food will keep even the most intrepid travellers out there happily satisfied.
IMAGE : O'NGO FOOD COMMUNICATIONS
SEOUL FOOD For an authentic taste of Korean traditions, join a cooking class or food tour by O'ngo Food Communications in Seoul, South Korea. Conducted by Dr. Jia Choi, who trained at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, the hands-on classes in English or Japanese highlight local flavours and seasonal ingredients with visits to local food markets to buy the necessary ingredients. Beginners can start with homemade haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and sundubu (soft tofu stew) while more experienced foodies may opt for Vegan Temple and Royal Court Cuisine classes. www.ongofood.com GETTING THERE AirAsia X flies daily to Seoul from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.
“Gourmandism is an act of judgment, by which we prefer things which have a pleasant taste to those which lack this quality.” ~ Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
TOP EATS
WORDS: ALICE YONG
BEST TO BENTO Think out of the lunch box for your next picnic. Transform rice, meat, fish, vegetable and bread into edible works of art with author and blogger Crystal ‘Pikko’ Watanabe. From whimsical kiddy creations to festive themed masterpieces, there's a special bento (set meal box) for every occasion! Read about Crystal's bento-making adventures and learn useful tips, tricks and recipes to make your own culinary masterpiece at www.aibento.net
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Bali's most soughtafter restaurant, bar and lounge, Sarong, was voted by readers of the Miele Guide as one of Asia's top 20 restaurants last year. For the 2012/13 edition, Sarong and its sister outlet Mama San are currently in the running to be amongst the region's best in the restaurant guide that profiles Asia's best restaurants and top chefs across 18 countries. It is indeed a taste of sweet success for both restaurants that have been enticing visitors with their innovative Asian-inspired street food. www.sarongbali.com
DELICIOUS FORAYS If you relish the idea of going to a private Malaysian home for a traditional meal prepared by the family matriarch or, scouring for the best eats at cosy, offbeat family-run restaurants or old food stalls, check out Simply Enak's unique ‘Dine with a Local’ programme. Headed by Kuala Lumpur-born and bred Pauline Lee, Simply Enak specialises in private tailor-made food tours for visitors to the capital city of Malaysia. www.simplyenak.com
CHOCOLATE-Y GOODNESS Here are some good reasons to indulge in the finest quality chocolates. CHOCOLATE DECREASES THE RISKS OF STROKE
YUMMY IN HO CHI MINH CITY “The best home-style Vietnamese cuisine minus the fancy presentation I've tasted is at Cuc Gach Quan – The Brick Restaurant (10 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: +848 38480144). Sited in an old Vietnamese house, access to the restaurant is via a narrow bridge across a koi pond and a steep flight of stairs. Feast on crispy fried soft tofu with lemongrass, young watercress salad with beef, a mildly tangy soup of river fish paste with baby starfruit, tomato and dill, and caramelised fresh water fish in claypot. Complete your meal with pure pomelo juice or iced passionfruit with honey.” ~ Vincent Tan, executive chef, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
u A Swedish study indicates that eating more than 45g of chocolate (especially dark chocolate) per week decreases the risk of stroke among women by 20% due to the flavonoids and antioxidant properties found in chocolate. u Eating about 7g of dark chocolate daily can prevent blood inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain. CHOCOLATE MAKES YOU SMARTER u British psychologists found that flavanols in chocolate helped their study volunteers with mental math skills such as counting backwards from a randomly-generated number between 800 and 999 after drinking a cup of hot chocolate.
THE BEST OF INDONESIA
IMAGE : ADAM LEE
Packed with 200 tantalising recipes and colour photographs, The Best of Indonesian Cooking will have novice and seasoned cooks drooling with delight. Authored by four Indonesian ladies who are d eexperts in their own fields, this informative tome will eeducate you with its comprehensive step-by-step instructions and overview of typical spices, seasonings, key ingredients and kitchen utensils used in Indonesian cooking. www.marshallcavendish.com/genref
LAAP FROM LAOS
Chef Conny Andersson
Chef Jerome Carrouee
Chef Alexander Waschl
THREE TO THE FORE Renowned New Zealand winery, Craggy Range, teams up with The Club Saujana Resort for an exclusive Wine Maker Dinner on June 2 at The Restaurant. A sumptuous six-course dinner (RM210++ per person) will be whipped up by a team of three chefs: Austrian-born Chef Alexander Waschl from The Club Saujana Resort, Executive Chef Conny Andersson from The Datai Langkawi and Executive Chef Jerome Carrouee from the The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Here's your chance to sample the exclusive Te Muna, Kidnapper’s and Fletcher Family wines: top tipples that reflect the unique weather and cultural aspects of the vineyard and the distinct characteristics of the vintage, served alongside truly delicious dishes. www.theclubsaujanaresort.com 34
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This salad like dish is generally considered the national dish of Laos. Made from any kind of meat that is minced and marinated with a variety of spices and herbs, the meat can be eaten cooked or raw like a ceviche. It is often served with a side dish of sticky rice.
“I had a very fresh and delicious fish laap at The Lao Garden Pub & Restaurant (KM3, Thaduer Road, Vatnak Village, Sisattanak) in Vientiane. Though raw, the fish was so well marinated and seasoned, it tasted amazingly delicious! It’s a great way to get acquainted with Laotian cuisine” ~ Khairul Azhar Zahari, AirAsia guest.
6 PAGE TURNER 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
PATRIOTIC LITERATURE
As Philippines celebrates its Independence Day on June 12, Travel 3Sixty° pays tribute to patriots from around the world whose writings continue to stir the heart of their nations.
WORDS OF COURAGE
PASSIONATE POETS Political figure and prolific poet, Jose Rizal is considered Philippines’ most important patriot. Rizal advocated for reform during the Spanish colonial era, and his most famous works, the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, depicted corruption rife among the country’s Spanish government and clergy in the 19th century. Considered subversive, both novels were banned in parts of the Philippines, and in 1896, Rizal was executed by a Spanish firing squad. On the eve of his execution, Rizal penned his most enduring and rousing poem known as Mi Ultimo Adios or My Last Farewell. Today, Rizal is a national hero. Rizal’s execution, which played a part in sparking off the Philippine Revolution, is commemorated every December 30 on Rizal Day. Legendary Chinese poet Qu Yuan lived during ancient China’s Warring State Period, and contributed
to two of the country’s greatest poetry anthologies: Chu Ci and Shi Jing. He is considered the epitome of a patriot, and is famously known to have written the Lament for Ying before committing ritual suicide in the Milou River when his state capital was conquered by the state of Qin in 278 BC. Qu Yuan’s sacrifice was a protest to the corruption of the time, and is linked to the history of the dragonboat race. Indonesian poet and political activist Wiji Thukul, known for his criticism of corruption, as well as social conditions in Indonesia was awarded the ‘Encourage Award’ by Netherlands-based Wertheim Foundation for his poem, Mencari Tanah Lapang. In 1998, Wiji Thukul disappeared after an antiSuharto demonstration in Tangerang. He has not been seen since. Malaysian poet and national laureate, A. Samad Said, has been instrumental in calling for clean and fair elections. Following the recital of his poem Unggun Bersih at a rally for electoral reform in 2011, he was investigated for sedition. In an interview with independent media, Malaysiakini, the poet said “In my poem, I did say that we need to purify democracy, not muddle it or pollute it… and in poetry, those are suggestions that are very pure and should be appreciated, not viewed suspiciously.”
WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES
REVOLUTIONARY WRITINGS
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Aung San Suu Kyi’s book, Letters from Burma, published in 2010, celebrates the courage of people who risk their lives in pursuit of democracy. Also published in 2010, Freedom from Fear: And Other Writings is a collection of Aung San Suu Kyi’s most powerful speeches, letters and interviews, and reveals this patriot’s greatest hopes and fears for her people, and the need for international cooperation in the ongoing struggle to liberate Myanmar. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense published anonymously in 1776 during the American Revolution put forward an argument advocating the freedom of colonial America from British rule. His pamphlet was so influential that American founding father, John Adams TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
said “Without the pen of the author of Common Sense, the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain.” Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird was written in the late 50s, during the time of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, which campaigned to outlaw racial discrimination against African Americans. The novel deals with racial injustice in the American Deep South. In this book, an innocent black man accused of rape is defended by a courageous, unprejudiced lawyer. Lee’s novel had a powerful impact on a divided nation, and became an American classic.
“It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog.” ~ Mark Twain, American author and humorist.
“He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all.” ~ Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish novelist, poet and playwright “Facing it, always facing it, that's the way to get through. Face it.” ~ Joseph Conrad, writer “That's a valiant flea that dares eat his breakfast on the lip of a lion.” ~ King Henry V by William Shakespeare “Courage is grace under pressure.” ~ Ernest Hemingway, writer “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.”~ US President Thomas Jefferson
THE STRANGER’S CHILD Allan Hollinghurst Man Booker prize-winner, Hollinghurst, weaves a sweeping saga about a love triangle, a famous poem, and a dead poet whose legacy spans generations. When George Sawle brings his schoolmate and love interest – a poet named Cecil Valance – home one weekend, little does he know how besotted his sister will be, or that Valance will be killed READ during the first world war. Decades on, OF THE MONTH! Valance’s legacy lives on in myths and the remembrances of family and friends.
MARCH WAS MADE OF YARN Yoko Tawada, Kiyoshi Shigematsu et al. Here’s a collection of non-fiction, fiction and poetry focusing on the deep scars left by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that shook Japan and triggered a 50feet tsunami on March 11, 2011. Royalties from the sale of this book will be channeled towards the reconstruction of North-eastern Japan.
LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES Greg Bloom, Michael Grosberg et. al As AirAsia spreads its wings to even more destinations in the Philippines, discover this spectacular country’s hidden wonders, quirky festivals and delicious snacks with this comprehensive guide.
CELEBRATING CHILDHOOD Travel 3Sixty° talks to foam cup art sensation, Boey Chee Ming, about his comic strip style book: When I was a Kid. MY BOOK I started my blog to document my life and see how I’d changed as a person. I drew every night for two years and had only 25 to 40 readers daily. My blog following grew larger when my disposable cups wentt viral. Then, I decided to write a book about how my character on the blog, ‘Boey’ came to be. I started collecting short stories from my childhood, and soon had enough for a book. This book is to help you remember how much fun you had as a kid.
INFLUENCES & IDOLS Old Master Q, Ladybird books oks for children, Lat and Tin Tin. I still read these! When I came to the US, I read Doraemon. It helped me with my Chinese, and was one of the most creative comic books out there. Lat was one of my early idols. I was like, "Oh wow, we have a comic book artist from Malaysia." I also really love Fujio Fujiko.
MY FOAM CUP ART
FALLEN IN LOVE Lauren Kate Before tucking into Rapture, the final novel of the Fallen series, which is set to be released in June, follow the previously unexplored romances of other popular Fallen characters – Shelby, Miles, Arriane and Roland – as they intertwine with the epic love story of Daniel and Lucinda.
THE LAW OF ATTRACTION BOOK Meera Lester IMAGES: ADAM LEE
Learn how to attract the things you desire – be it prosperity or romance – into your life by mastering the techniques laid out in this book for harnessing the powers of positive thinking.
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It began one day in a coffee shop. I had no paper, so I picked up a coffee cup and started drawing. Over time, I collected the cups and put them in my work cubicle. I wanted to sell them one day. A co-worker said no one would buy that crap; I decided to prove him wrong. I went from gallery to gallery, and was rejected at every one until Marion Meyer Contemporary Art gave me a chance. My cups really picked up when I posted on craigslist. The next day, I had half a million views on my site, compared to 80 from the day before. Soon, I was on every major site: Digg, Metafilter and all sorts of design websites and newspapers.
MY GREATEST CHALLENGE As a person, it’s to help others understand the importance of studying what you’re passionate about. When you do something you’re not passionate about, chances are, you’re mediocre. My greatest challenge as an artist is to help people understand the importance of art. I love Malaysia, but we are still caught up with the idea that all artists are starving artists. www.iamboey.com
6 MONEY MAKER 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
THE TECHNOLOGY TRAIN IMAGE: INMAGINE
Technology permeates our lives and has reached a point where you simply can’t live without it. It drives businesses, offers fast access to communication and provides a platform to make lives easier. Young or old, the only way to stay afloat is to get on board the tech train.
TECHNOLOGY... Can’t live with ‘em, and can’t live without ‘em! u A recent study by 11mark found that 75% of Americans use their smartphones while on the toilet. Luckily, a device named PhoneSoap is being created, which will charge and sanitise your phone at the same time! Phones used in the toilet can carry nearly 500 times the bacteria of a toilet seat and 18 times that of a toilet handle. Worse yet, 1 in 6 phones have traces of E. coli bacteria from faecal matter. www.kickstarter.com u The latest in social network, Zurker, offers transparency in its accounting and while it’s currently owned by ‘custodians’, the site will eventually be owned by users. With lofty aims to beat Facebook and Twitter, it hopes the twist in ownership will be enough to spawn a new form of social networking. www.zurker.eu
LIFESTYLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP The word ‘entrepreneur’ has many interpretations. Often, you hear about Start-up Entrepreneurs who set up traditional businesses with traditional goals. But here’s a different take on it if you’re toying with the idea of having your own business: Lifestyle Entrepreneur. The business you start will pretty much determine your lifestyle and vice-versa. Here’s what you have to look at when embarking on becoming a Lifestyle Entrepreneur.
WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH
SELLING PHYSICAL GOODS
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PROS The value is in the product and as long as people want the product, you can keep selling it. You only have to worry about supply, delivery, marketing and your profit margins. CONS Logistics have to be perfect, especially with delivery. Unless you’re able to employ staff to assist, doing it on your own will translate into low returns. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
SELLING SERVICES PROS You may need to deliver only once but continue collecting returns i.e. selling a website service where you collect recurring hosting fees, or if you offer tutoring service, there are monthly fees to be collected for teaching stuff you already know. CONS Deadlines, timelines and logistics need to be adhered to. Be mindful of your competitors and ensure that you have a USP that gives you proprietary advantage as service-based businesses are usually easy to replicate.
SELLING INFORMATION PROS Information is the product and margins can be significant if you know something that is of great value to people. You can replicate your product as much as you want, or as required by the market. Establishing authority means you’ll enjoy competitive advantage.
CONS Finding the right niche is the challenge, and executing a strategy that nets you the necessary traffic takes a lot of work. You will eventually get there, but until you have built up some kind of traffic assets, it’ll be an uphill battle.
SOFTWARE BUSINESS PROS One good way to develop a competitive edge is to build something people can’t live without. Some of the most successful Internet companies today are based on their software success. CONS Cost is the biggest challenge in software development; it’s expensive just to get the basic features set-up. Outsourcing is an option but remember to have nondisclosure agreements at hand and be ready for hard work. If you can overcome the tough foundationbuilding period, the pay-off can be great. Source: www.entrepreneurs-journey.com
2
billion is the number of times that FourSquare users have checked in, establishing their location.
19.5 percent only of small-medium businesses in the USA have a link to a Facebook page, according to SMB DigitalScape as at April 2012.
175
million iPhones have been sold worldwide as at April 2012, since its launch in June 2007. Source: www.mashable.com
6 PRESCRIPTION 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
POWERING UP FOR HEALTH Polish the glow in you with healthy eating, and pore through these snippets for the latest on health that are both noteworthy and clone-worthy.
SARDINES Sardines are high in protein, stabilise blood sugars and stimulate metabolism. They’re also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen the cardiovascular system and assist in boosting moods.
WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH NOTE: ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON ANY ALTERNATIVE THERAPY OR EXERCISE REGIME.
EAT & SHED
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Yes! As shocking as it may sound, there are foods that are both delicious and can help you lose weight. Introduce these tasty options to your daily diet and watch the pounds disappear. However, do take note that weight loss varies in individuals and may take longer for some. Also, always check with your doctor before you embark on a new diet. GRAPEFRUIT Research by the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, found that eating half a grapefruit before a meal can help weight loss. While the studies done in 2004 showed weight loss effects from consuming grapefruit capsules and juice, added benefits can be had by eating the fruit
PUMPKIN This vegetable is high in fibre, which helps you lose weight. It’s best to cook the fresh variety, and it’s one of the most flexible vegetables around that makes for good savoury and sweet dishes. It’s also both filling and satisfying. GRASS-FED BEEF Meat is actually a great diet food if it doesn’t contain antibiotics, steroids and hormones. Grass-fed beef in particular is best, as it is high in Omega-3s and provides proteins that stimulate metabolism by helping you feel full for longer. GREEN TEA It’s high in antioxidants, promotes heart health, aids digestion and regulates blood sugars and body temperature. Not exactly a food, but a mere five cups a day can raise metabolic rates and speed up fat oxidation that makes you lose weight. Additionally, theanine in green tea is also a natural de-stressor.
MADE FOR MEDICS
It’s a fact that doctors make the worst patients, mostly because their profession makes it somewhat uncomfortable or even embarrassing for them to speak to another doctor about their problems. Doctors’ Health SA in Adelaide, Australia, is the first consultancy of its kind in the world that provides healthcare services for doctors only. South Australian doctors are bound by law that to report colleagues who are still working although ill. According to ABC News, many doctors have neglected their own health to continue working. Doctors’ Health SA hopes that it will be able to provide a confidential platform for medics to receive quality healthcare. www.doctorshealthsa.com.au
68
years is the average life expectancy of the global population in 2009.
215
million women (approx) worldwide suffer a major depressive episode yearly.
64
percent of deaths in children under the age of five is caused by infectious diseases, with pneumonia being the largest single cause of death in under-fives.
28
percent of total deaths in low, middle and high income countries worldwide in 2008 were caused by ischaemic (reduced blood supply) heart diseases.
FACTS ON IMMUNISATION u Immunisation prevents between 2 to 3 million deaths every year in all age groups, from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles. It is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
u Global measles mortality has declined by 78% from an estimated 733,000 deaths in 2000 to 164,000 deaths in 2008, thanks to intensified vaccination campaigns. u An estimated 109 million children below the age of 1
were vaccinated with three doses of diphtheria-tetanuspertussis (DTP3) vaccine in 2010, protecting them against infectious diseases. u More than 1 million infants and young children die annually from pneumococcal disease and
rotavirus diarrhoea, and a large number of these deaths can be prevented through vaccination. u Polio incidence has been reduced by 99% since 1988, from more than 350,000 cases to just 1,410 cases in 2010. Source: World Health Organization (April 2012)
Source: World Health Organization, 2012
whole, as grapefruit contains cancer-fighting compounds like liminoids and lycopene, and helps lower triglycerides.
6 SCORE BOARD 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
SPORTS BITS + BYTES
HIGH TECH SPORT There is no excuse for not participating in sporting activities with technology making everything easy these days.
An average of 30,000 people suffer injuries caused by sports equipment yearly.
TIME TO TRANSFORM Taking a page out of the animated TV series and later, the silver screen hit, Transformers, is the Bergmönch – a technologically superior mountain bike. Weighing just 9 kilogrammes, the Bergmönch is a rucksack-cum-mountain bike that folds into a small backpack. Upon reaching the top of your destination, simply unfold the bike and it converts into a spring-mounted downhill vehicle that is capable of handling rough terrain. www.bergmoench.com
The household wrench (or spanner) was invented by heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Johnson, in 1922.
Technology is being used as a form of motivation for consumers to participate in sporting activities, and none can be more effective than cold, hard cash. GymPact is a service that not only rewards users with money when they meet their exercise goals, it also extracts a financial penalty when they don’t. Register online with the service or via its free mobile app to create your ‘exercise pact’ i.e. how many visits to the gym you’re planning for the week and watch your rewards grow if you keep to the pact. Penalties are between US$5 to US$50, depending on your pact. secure.gym-pact.com
“Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake,” said Sylvester Stallone, circa 1990.
SNIGGERING @ SPORTS WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH
While sporting activities keep you physically healthy, you can’t beat the fact that laughter is a good medicine in supplementing your healthy exercise habits. Here’s where you should go for sports parody that gives a good laugh; courtesy of today’s technology – Twitter.
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@_Happy_Gilmore: Based on the hilarious Adam Sandler movie surrounding golf, the funny in this is at par with the actor himself.
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@TheFakeESPN: Offers up a bizarre version of the leading sports channel with 175,000 followers as testament to its humour.
The Duke of Beaufort learnt a game called poona in India in the late 19th century. He attempted to bring this game to England but found Englishmen reluctant to play a game called poona. So it was renamed ‘badminton’ after his estate in Somerset.
Source: www.allfunandgames.ca, www.funfactz.com, www.quotegarden.com, xfinity.comcast.net
MONEY MOTIVATES
Brad Pitt was an avid tennis player in high school and his soon-to-be fatherin-law Jon Voight played baseball at Catholic University.
THE AIRASIA WORLD OF SPORTS AIRASIA CONTINUES INVOLVEMENT WITH MOTOGP AirAsia and Dorna Sports, the rights holder of the MotoGP World Championship recently announced their continued partnership with the announcement of AirAsia as the title sponsor of the Japanese Grand Prix in 2012 and 2013, and the 2012 edition of Australian Grand Prix. AirAsia has been involved with MotoGP since 2009 with the AirAsia Malaysian Grand Prix Wildcard Program and was the title sponsor of the 2010 and 2011 edition of the British Grand Prix. Additionally, AirAsia is also one of the sponsors of Team AirAsiaSIC-Ajo, which is competing in the Moto3 category with Zulfahmi Khairuddin as the rider. Left to right : Viv Anderson, Kevin Gallen, Tony Fernandes and Rufus Brevett.
EPL MASTERS FOOTBALL CUP MALAYSIA 2012 AirAsia Allstars (staff) had a thrilling surprise when three legendary players from the English Premier League (EPL) – Viv Anderson, Rufus Brevett and Kevin Gallen visited Redfort at LCC Terminal recently. This visit was in conjunction with their trip to Malaysia for The EPL Masters Football Cup Malaysia 2012. The EPL Masters Football Cup Malaysia 2012 took place at Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam on April 22. Over 5,500 spectators witnessed Liverpool Masters team emerge as champions after beating the Manchester United Masters in a penalty shoot-out after both teams drew four all.
WORDS: ANITA HADI
BPL TROPHY TOUR AirAsia as the official partner of Queens Park Rangers (QPR) recently took part in the Barclays Premier League (BPL) Trophy Tour in 1Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The tour showcased the coveted BPL Trophy and gave visitors an insight to the world’s most watched football league in the world. The AirAsia and QPR booth was abuzz with activities. Visitors enjoyed playing foosball and had their photos taken while pretending to be QPR players with torso cutouts of the team’s players. In addition, visitors also got the chance to take home awesome prizes including AirAsia and AirAsia X air tickets, QPR-signed jerseys and other goodies through games such as the penalty kick, the Red Card Hour and lucky draws. There was also a meet-and-greet session with AirAsia Group CEO, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes where he signed and gave away AirAsia goodies.
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FAHMI’S BEST RESULT
Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo Motorsport rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin is on track to a great season in the MotoGP after crossing the finish line in sixth place at the season opening race in Losail, Qatar. Racing in the new Moto3 category, Fahmi aims to score his first podium finish this season. Watch out for Fahmi this June as he races in the Catalunya, British and Netherlands Grand Prix or find out what he’s up to by following him on his new Twitter account @Zulfahmi_63.
Football Updates:
QPR VS TOTTENHAM DATE: April 21, 2012 VENUE: Loftus Road Stadium
QPR 1 – TOTTENHAM 0 A brilliant free-kick from Adel Taarabt at the 24th minute of the match was enough for the team to beat fellow rivals Tottenham. The Moroccan import curled the ball over Tottenham's defence wall and shot it into the bottom right corner of the net.
02 6 HYPER TECH 0 2012 2012
www.airasia.com/travel360
THE SHRINKING FUTURE Advancement in technology is shrinking gadgets day by day. The HD TV can be shrunk down to a pair of spectacles. That tiny object that looks like a thumbdrive is really a PC. eBooks are getting thinner than paper and, the tiniest of devices are helping doctors map a patient’s DNA. And this is just the beginning!
JUST AS SWEET The FXI Cotton Candy looks like a pack of chewing gum, but in reality, it is a sleek little device that is a great companion to smartphones, tablets, notebook PCs and MACs. Apart from being used to store fi les, it connects the mouse and keyboard wirelessly using Bluetooth, and plugs in to your TV to enable you to watch movies, play games, surf the Internet or view photos. www.fxitech.com
SENSE OF TOUCH
LOOKING WAY AHEAD
MAPPED BY MINIONS
With this invention, the visually-impaired no longer need a stylus and slate or, a Braille typewriter. Instead, the iPhone user downloads the Brailletouch app, and with a simple touch of the display screen can compose in Braille. The app is also being considered for sighted people for texting without using an actual keyboard or the phone's screen. www.gatech.edu
In the near future, you need not sit to watch movies on the TV anymore. Simply put the Lumus OE-31 glasses over your own spectacles, ski goggles or sports glasses, and you’ll be able to watch TV, play games and surf the Internet – while walking about! www.lumus-optical.com
Called the MinION, this gadget helps doctors and lab assistants to swiftly read the DNA of a patient to check for cancerous cells. Even archaeologists can use it to identify DNA samples from bones. And it does this amazing feat in less than 2 hours! www.nanoporetech.com
BURPPLE
PAPER FROM FIFTYTHREE
INSTAGRAM FOR ANDROID
You can use Burpple to take pictures of the food you're eating and share them with friends or you can go to other users’ food pictures and read their short reviews. You can also follow other users or ‘reburp’ them.
Now you don’t have to use pens, pencils and paper to sketch. Instead, choose from various pens, pencils and brushes on the iPad. Select colours, draw or sketch in watercolour, or outline your ideas on it. You can easily flip from one sketched page to another by just swiping your finger left and right.
If you own an Android phone, you'll find Instagram fun to use. Take a picture, choose a filter to make it prettier and share it with friends on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr and even Foursquare.
WORDS: PETE KING
PLANET OF THE APPS
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OS: iOS • Price: Free • www.burpple.com
OS: iOS • Price: Free • www.fiftythree.com
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OS: Android • Price: Free • instagr.am/android
! R E V T S E E B E H T T E G ing in to LCCT
flights com able on ALL
Avail
except from
Singapore
D I A P E R MOBILE P . N W O T DEAL IN
Super IDD Rates:
Data:
5 sen/1MB
Australia RM0.16 China RM0.15 India RM0.14
Calls:
16 sen/min
SMS:
5 sen/sms Ask that nice looking flight attendant that you have been ‘admiring’ about our SIM cards. Definitely a valid reason (if you don’t already have one) to break the ice. Go ahead. Could be your lucky day. And if it is, you’d already have a mobile prepaid service you could use. Cheap rates to make those calls too. Best deal? Definitely. Also available at our kiosk at the International Arrival, LCCT.
/TuneTalk
@TuneTalk
www.tunetalk.com
HOT IN THE MARKET HELLO HOJOKI If you use Google Docs, Calendar and DropBox frequently, Hojoki can combine these cloud apps by letting you know who updated, created or worked on an online file. All these activities can be seen happening inside one newsfeed or search page. You can also use Hojoki to work with colleagues on a project and follow each other on the progress. Hojoki.com
3D CLARITY When you need to print a picture, why settle for 2D when you can have it in 3D? Simply send your flat 2D photos to Bumpyphoto.com and the programme will make 3D versions for you to frame.
7-INCH HEAVEN Smaller than its bigger 10-inch brother, the 7-inch tablet packs an equally powerful punch!
SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 7.0 PLUS With the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, you won’t need Bluetooth or even a headset when calling or getting calls. Additionally, this tablet enables viewing of Flash, unlike iPad, and can be even used as a remote for the TV. www.samsung.com
TOSHIBA THRIVE 7
Bumpyphoto.com
Vibrant colours come to life with the AutoBrite™ multi-touch LED backlit widescreen display. The Toshiba Thrive 7 also enables viewing of photos and videos on a separate HD TV screen. Videos play extra smooth due to a super chip inside.
TIME FOR SOME TIPS USE PINTEREST TO MARKET YOUR PRODUCTS • Go to Pinterest to reserve a name for your products. • Apply colour, style and brand value to your images. • Create the right theme. • Make sure each product image includes a pricing. • Allow other users to post their own ‘pins’. • Make sure the images you pin up to the board are your own. • Use tags so that people can easily search for your images. • Add a Pinterest ‘Pin It’ button to your other product site.
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us.toshiba.com
HOW TO GOOGLE SEARCH BETTER • Use quotation marks ("x") around the words for an exact search. • Use a minus sign (–) next to the word you don't want to include in the search. • Use site: and the site name to search only inside a website. • Use the tilde (~) to search for related words. • Use asterisk (*) as a wildcard to match a word. • Use “..” to search a time range, like “1990..2012”. • Use filetype: to search for a specific file type. • Use “OR” to find words that has one term or another. • Use define: to find the meaning of a word. • Use +, -, * and / to calculate inside Google search.
HTC FLYER This 7-inch tablet comes with a special pen to draw on the touch-sensitive screen, to paint, retouch, write and even sign documents. When you're reading an eBook, the pen can be used to highlight words. Also, users can watch videos, listen to music and surf the Internet on it. www.htc.com
BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK The Playbook from Blackberry comes with a host of in-built features that enable users to manage both emails and social media messages with a unified inbox. You can even talk face-to-face with your contacts using the Video Chat function. us.blackberry.com
6 SLEEP INNS 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
KL KALEIDOSCOPE
Kuala Lumpur, or popularly known as KL, is a big, bright and bustling city with endless cultural and tourist attractions. Here’s a quick round up of some of the city’s best accommodation options. by its size and luxury. The room was tastefully furnished, with an inviting king-sized bed, while the bathroom was spacious with a bath and separate shower enclosure – a definite plus point for a city hotel. Cocooned in the comfort of my room, I was oblivious to the traffic below; it was nothing but blue skies and a panoramic city skyline for me courtesy of the room’s floor-toceiling windows. As a guest on the Executive Floor, I had access to the Executive Club Lounge on the hotel’s 18th floor, where I enjoyed snacks and drinks out on the open terrace. The Lounge also houses an office and boardroom, ideal for travellers who need to get some work done in private. The best time to visit the Lounge is at dusk, when Bukit Bintang transforms into a magical fairyland of twinkling lights and colourful neon. The Grand Millennium has also become a household name of sorts for the dining options available in the hotel premises. For excellent Cantonese fare, head to Lai Ching Yuen, which offers delectable dim sum, Peking duck
WORDS: CHITRA S
EDITOR’S CHOICE!
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LE GRANDE DAME
It’s no surprise the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur stands tall amongst its neighbours along the popular Bukit Bintang strip in Kuala Lumpur’s CBD. Step into this 5-star property and you’ll see what makes it truly first class. The foyer is an impressive expanse of black marble and glass, accentuated with gold and brass trimmings, with a stunning 10-metre tall, crystal chandelier hanging from the lobby’s glass ceiling, adding to the hotel’s opulent air. On the left of the lobby, a sweeping staircase winds its way down from the first floor, reminiscent of grand staircases of antebellum houses à la Gone with the Wind. The open-concept lobby is expansive, elegant and welcoming, signalling the beginning of a perfect stay for each guest who steps into this grand hotel. There are 468 rooms in the hotel, ranging from deluxe to executive rooms, and executive, imperial and presidential suites. I checked into the Executive Club room on a recent visit and was pleasantly surprised TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
The all-day-dining outlet, Planters’ Inn, offers international buffets with quintessentially Malaysian favourites like satay, char kuey teow and roti canai, while barbequed seafood can be savoured at the Poolside. On weekdays, Club Bar, an atmospheric, wood-panelled lounge, serves an English carvery buffet lunch that includes pies, salads, soups, and the main highlight – succulent lamb, chicken and beef. But the best gastronomic indulgence to be had at Crowne Plaza has to be ISHq, a contemporary Asian restaurant that offers Thai, Northern Indian and Vietnamese cuisine in a tranquil setting. The menu includes such delicacies as Thai roast duck curry, Vietnamese spicy king river prawns and Northern Indian dishes like butter chicken, palak paneer, aloo gobi and even tandoori broccoli for vegetarians.
EDITOR’S CHOICE!
BUSINESS MADE PLEASURABLE
WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES
An elegant business hotel that prides itself on being ‘the place to meet’, Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur offers 25 function rooms with state-of-the-art technology, hotel-wide wireless connection and a well-equipped business centre. But that’s not all that makes it an ideal place for business travellers. It’s the hotel’s exciting facilities and amenities that lure the suits here. My first order of business at Crowne Plaza was to enjoy the Angsana Spa’s signature massage: Angsana. Having selected eucalyptus aromatherapy oil to perfume my room, my therapist led me to a quiet little nook to begin a 120-minute full body massage. Using the aromatic Euphoria oil concocted from ylang ylang, litsea cubeba (aromatics), lemon, sweet basil and the wild-growing plai, my therapist kneaded my body with long, firm strokes and just the right pressure to work out the kinks and lull me into a relaxed stupor. The oil promotes rejuvenation, while the massage is designed to work on key pressure points to strengthen inner energy or qi. Emerging from the heavenly massage, I definitely felt lighter and more energised to explore Crowne Plaza’s other offerings, starting with its F&B options.
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Every Sunday, Crowne Plaza’s I-Hop buffet promotion allows guests to hop between four eateries to sample an English carvery spread at Club Bar, Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine at Glass Lounge, Malaysian favourites at Planters’ Inn and barbequed delights by the pool, all for the ridiculously affordable price of RM85++. To work off the calories, the impressive Clark Hatch fitness centre offers yoga, spinning, pilates, power dance and kickboxing classes, and is equipped with every muscle-toning, fat-burning exercise machine conceivable, as well as tennis and squash courts! Taking advantage of the hotel’s perfect location in the heart of the city, I chose to work off the calories by dancing the night away at a nearby club while soaking up KL’s vibrant nightlife scene. At the end of a long night, there’s nothing like sinking into a plush bed, and at Crowne Plaza, comfort is taken to another level with a choice of seven different pillows including wool, microfiber and buckwheat. Simply heavenly!
CROWNE PLAZA MUTIARA KUALA LUMPUR Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
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AN APPLE A DAY If location is key to a great stay, Le Apple™ Boutique Hotel wins hands down. Situated mere metres from the main crossroad that defines the Bukit Bintang thoroughfare, this brand new hotel is strategically located within close proximity to all the main attractions of the area – shopping and dining options, entertainment and with easy access to the Bukit Bintang Monorail Station. Done up in a bold purple accents, the hotel offers various room categories ranging from Deluxe Single to Deluxe Zen with Jacuzzis, and even Japanese tatami-style rooms. These rooms feature unique layouts with frosted glass-door bathrooms with extra large mirrors. Each room comes equipped with flat-screen TVs and complimentary tea and coffee making facility. The hotel is also fully Wi-Fi enabled and guests get to enjoy the service for free!
SKY’S THE LIMIT Strategically located within Bukit Bintang, the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, Sky Hotel is a modern boutique hotel offering luxurious comfort at affordable prices. Within minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s major business, shopping and entertainment districts, Sky Hotel’s convenient location caters to tourists, families and business travellers alike. All rooms come equipped with 32-inch LCD TVs with satellite TV channels, coffee and tea making facility and mini refrigerators. A seven-foot bed in each room will ensure you enjoy a comfortable night’s rest. The hotel also offers complimentary daily newspaper, Wi-Fi, Broadband Internet and wake-up call services.
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LE APPLE™ BOUTIQUE HOTEL
SKY HOTEL BUKIT BINTANG
42-3, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
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CAPITOL GAINS Winner of numerous travel and hospitality awards, Hotel Capitol is a smart and chic hotel perfectly located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur’s finest shopping, dining and entertainment hub. The hotel offers guests a choice of 235 sleek and comfortable guestrooms with modern conveniences including spacious, corner rooms that offer dazzling views of the city’s skyline. For added luxury, check into one of the über chic ‘10Rooms’ that occupy the 19th and 20th floors of the hotel. The hotel also offers great dining options at Be Be’s Kitchen & Bar and Café Rasa. Be Be’s Kitchen & Bar offers local and innovative cuisine for breakfast, weekend Hi-Tea and dinner. Alternatively, Café Rasa, the hotel’s sidewalk café overlooking the boulevard of Plaza Low Yat Shopping Centre, is the spot to enjoy a glass of wine, sip cappuccino or latte, enjoy a delightful Executive Express lunch or savour a delicious BBQ buffet dinner spread.
A ROYAL AFFAIR PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur is a pleasing combination of comfort and contemporary living that caters for the needs of discerning business and leisure travellers. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur in the Bukit Bintang area, the hotel offers guests a choice of 426 well-appointed guestrooms, including 78 rooms and suites on the Orchid Club floors. The portfolio of rooms includes superior and deluxe rooms, suites, the Orchid Club executive rooms, and a Royal Suite. For added privacy, the Orchid Club guestrooms and suites on levels 3 to 5 provide the necessary facilities and services for business executives, with The Orchid Club lounge on the 6th floor. The hotel also offers a wide variety of in-house dining options such as contemporary all-day dining at Chatz Brasserie, authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines at Si Chuan Dou Hua, Northern Indian cuisine at Benares and sandwiches and pies, sweet and savoury pastries, chocolates, tea and ice cream at Hot Gossip. Alternatively, kick back and relax at Klix Lounge or at the Pool Bar. To help balance a busy lifestyle, get some rest and rejuvenation at the award-winning St. Gregory spa that features a foot massage room and five treatment rooms, each with attached shower and a fully integrated range of healing therapies, body and beauty treatments.
HOTEL CAPITOL Jalan Bulan off Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Kuala Lumpur from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details.
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PARKROYAL KUALA LUMPUR Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
6 HIT LIST 0 2012
www.airasia.com/travel360
WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH
EYE ON INDONESIA
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Indonesia is a place of limitless excitement. The country offers an environment as diverse as its people – a population of over 300 ethnic groups scattered over 17,500 islands across the equator between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is a shining gem with a skyline dominated by volcanoes, verdant hills and mountains, juxtaposed against bustling cities teeming with commercial activities. It is a treasure trove of history and ancient ruins filled with mysterious temples, shrines and mystical practices. The country is an adventure-seeker’s playground with expansive jungles, deep gorges and valleys, and swift flowing rivers. It is a water sports haven with over 54,000 kilometres of coastline boasting hundreds of pristine, deserted stretches. It’s one of the world’s most biodiverse regions for marine life with more fish, coral and mollusc species recorded than anywhere else on earth. It is a shoppers’ delight with endless malls, quaint stores and street bargains, and a hip and happening country with a vibrant nightlife scene. This is Indonesia. The Indonesian national motto: United in Diversity is but a hint of its many facets – from the laidback island vibe of Bali to the cosmopolitan milieu of Jakarta and, the almost untouched tribal landscape of Papua – this is a land filled with culture, traditions and adventure, inviting visitors to experience the best the country has to offer.
IMAGE: INMAGINE
LEFT: The sun rises over the ruins of Prambanan, near Yogyakarta.
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IMAGE: INMAGINE Deep sea diving in Raja Ampat.
DIVING INTO DIVERSITY RAJA AMPAT Located in the West Papua province of Indonesia, Raja Ampat is renowned as a deep sea diving paradise with unparallelled marine bio diversity. The group of islands concentrated in the north-western tip of the island is stunningly rich in marine life with over 1,606 species of reef fish recorded in the Bird’s Head Seascape area alone. Many of these creatures are endemic to this area, thriving in profusion due to the remote nature of the area that’s relatively untouched by commercial activities. This makes Raja Ampat one of the best places in the world to go deep sea diving! diverajaampat.org
NUSA TENGGARA Lying east of Bali, Nusa Tenggara consists of over 500 islands and runs from Lombok in the west to Timor in the east. Nusa Tenggara stretches 1,300 kilometres in length and lies just a few degrees south of the equator. The volcanic area along this corridor is home to around
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400 volcanoes, with half still active. The northern part of the islands include Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Lembata and Alor while the southern islands like Sumba, Savu, Roti and Timor are strengthened with uplifted coral limestone and sediment, making them superb dive sites. www.indonesiapromo.com, www.goseentt.com
BALI From the clear waters and steep walls in Menjangan Island on the north-western side of Bali to the strange marine creatures in Gilimanuk, the famous World War II wrecks in Tulamben and the fierce currents of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, these dive sites are some of the best in the world. The areas are easily accessible, and offer high visibility and a stunningly rich marine life, thanks to its location in Arus Lintas Indonesia (Indonesian Throughflow) where a massive flow of water passes through from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, depositing plankton larvae, which attracts a large diversity of marine species. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bali from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
GONE WILD There are over 20 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Indonesia that will fulfil any nature enthusiasts’ desire to experience challenging treks, climbs, flora and fauna.
SULAWESI Kakinauwe Nature Reserve, home to the Sulawesi black monkey, civet cat and hornbill. Lambusango Wildlife Reserve, home to the wild dwarf buffalo, wild cow, white and grey forest dove. Tanjung Amolengo Wildlife Reserve, home to the black stork, tree duck and yellow bird. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies 4 times weekly to Makassar, Sulawesi, from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
PAPUA The people of Papua entered mainstream society only in the recent past. So ancient and mysterious is the land and its inhabitants, tales of cannibalism and head-hunting practices are still rife in the deep interiors.
Spooky tales aside, the island of Papua has a world of wealth to offer with its natural wonders. The land remains mostly untouched with over 1,500 bird species and countless wildlife not found anywhere else. The variety of wildlife is matched only by the diverse flora with mangrove swamps, alpine heaths and wooded highlands that’s home to some of the most unique orchids, ferns and carnivorous pitcher plants. www.indonesia-tourism.com/east-papua
CENTRAL KALIMANTAN Sebangau National Park, home to the orang utan, rhinoceros hornbill and Borneo gibbon. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies three times weekly to Balikpapan, Kalimantan, from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
SUMATRA Kerinchi Seblat National Park, home to the Sumatran tiger, serow, rhinoceros, gibbons, macaques and Kerinchi rat. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Padang, Sumatra, from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
IMAGE: INMAGINE
The Sumatran tiger can be found in lowland forest and sub-mountain regions of Sumatra. An endangered species, it is estimated that there are only 500 tigers left in the wild.
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Given its topography and location, Indonesia is home to some of the hottest spots to surf in Asia. With over so many islands to choose from, surfers can pick from popular spots to totally hidden locations known only to serious wave-riders. Most of these lesser known places scattered around Indonesia are sparsely populated and offer challenging waves to tackle.
Located off the western coast of Sumatra, Nias is part of the Hinako archipelago and offers excellent surfing at the famous Lagundri Bay. Keen surfers deduce that the 2004 earthquake lifted the ocean floor, creating truly dramatic breaks and swells, making them both hollower and longer. The Nias famous 7-second wave tubes last up to nine seconds now! www.indonesia-tourism.com/north-sumatra, http://www.niasisland.com
BANDA ACEH Lhok Nga in Banda Aceh, northern Sumatra, is a popular surfers’ hangout with the sea offering waves suitable for higher levels of difficulty. Some of the best breaks can be experienced at Pantai Cemara, some 15 kms from Banda Aceh. The reef breaks here greet surfers all the way down the coast of Banda Aceh, Keudeunga, Babah Nipah and right up to Meulaboh – but be warned that these coastal areas are for serious surfers only as medical help is far in case of emergencies. www.wannasurf.com/spot/Asia/Indonesia GETTING THERE AirAsia flies 4 times a week to Banda Aceh, Sumatra, from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies Medan, Sumatra from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok, Phuket, Bandung and Surabaya. There are easy connecting flights to Nias Island from Medan. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
BALI Bali is an obvious choice, attracting thousands to its wavy waters in Uluwatu and Padang Padang. What makes Bali a surfer’s dream is that it offers locations where you can catch a wave all year round, both during dry (May to September) and wet seasons (October to April). Dry season hotspots are Medewi, Kuta Reef, Balangan, Bingin and Canggu while wet season hotspots are Sanur, Serangan, Nusa Dua, Green Balls and Keramas.www.baliwaves.com
IMAGE: INMAGINE
Surfing in Indonesia offers benign, gentle waves to downright dangerous ones more suited for seasoned surfers.
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IMAGE: ADAM LEE
Party-goers at Club X2 in Senayan, Jakarta.
NOTES ON NIGHTLIFE From the brash neon lights of the city to smooth, mellow mood of the islands, nightlife in Indonesia is a cut above the rest. Some of the biggest international acts always end up in Jakarta and Bali while the local clubbing scene throbs with some of the most talented DJs from around Asia.
BALI The partying in Bali merges seamlessly from sunset all the way to sunrise. But there are also quaint little theatre shows for families and those culturally inclined. There is also the beach nightlife with makeshift bars appearing along the shore after the sun goes down. Legian and Seminyak have some of the best nightspots on the island with all types of bars, clubs, restaurants
and watering holes. The Kuta stretch is ever popular but the night sizzles at Dhyanapura Street. Ku De Ta and Potato Head Beach Club rule the roost on the island. www.bali-indonesia.com/nightlife, http://nightlife.bali-paradise.com GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bali from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
JAKARTA The capital city of Indonesia beats to a rhythm like no other. Its nightlife, bars and clubs resonate with everything from classy and calm to wild and wayward. The choices are endless and you’ll always find something that rocks your boat. In the city, Kemang, Kuningan and Block M (Falatehan Street) areas are renowned as party central for the young and the hip. www.jakarta100bars.com, www.indonesiaclubbing.com
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IMAGE: ADAM LEE Multi-storey malls such as the Grand Indonesia on Jl MH Thamrin on CBD Jakarta caters for the affluent and well-heeled customers.
ITC Mangga Dua sells clothing, jewellery, accessories and practically everything you can think off. Plaza Senayan is a more upscale shopping complex that offers everything from Prada to Louis Vuitton goods. Plaza Indonesia is another high-end mall, but also offers some of the best local designers’ batik at Batik Keris and Sogo Seni Handicraft Centre. Pasar Baroe, located facing the Jakarta Arts Centre, near the Istiqlal Mosque, is a shopaholic’s haven. The best bargains here are shoes, fabrics and cameras.
SHOP LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW There is no other spree quite as good as a shopping spree, and Indonesia churns out every imaginable product to fulfil a shopper’s dream.
MEDAN The prices here are generally cheaper than Jakarta, but almost anything you find in Jakarta, you will find in Medan too. Pasar Batik Medan sells beautiful local batik but the trick is to bargain for your purchases no matter how cheap it sounds at first. Sun Plaza is an upscale mall that mainly caters to affluent Indonesians in Medan. Medan Mall Bazaar is a popular mall in the city. Pasar Ikan Lama is the place to shop for fabrics, curtains, batik and good quality sarong pelikat.
JAKARTA Be it bargain bins or luxury goods, the city has just about everything you could buy! Here’s where to go to spend your cash when in the Big Durian. 66
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Plaza Sarinah offers mid-range prices for batik and handicrafts. Menteng is the place for wedding goods, from invitation cards, gifts for guests, tailor-made bridal gowns and fabric stores. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Jakarta from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
BANDUNG The city of factory outlets, Bandung has over 40 such stores that offer a wide range of export overruns, last season’s leftovers and rejects. The goods are so cheap here, tourists come armed with empty bags just to fill them with clothes, handbags, shoes, watches, beddings and much, much more at bargain bin prices. Check out these stores when in the city: • Rumah Moda, Jl. Setiabudhi • Dago Stock Ekspor (DSE), Jl. Ir. H. Djuanda • Export Station, Jl. Sumatera • Heritage, Jl. Riau • Rivai, Jl. Dr. Abdul Rivai • Cargo, Jl. Diponegoro • Mooi, Jl. Cemara • Rich & Famous, Jl. Dago GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bandung from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
Pura Tanah Lot in Bali sits on top of a rocky outcrop that is accessible only during low tide.
INDONESIAN CULTURAL TREASURES SEMARANG LAWANG SEWU is an art deco building built in the 1900s by the Dutch East Indies as the headquarters for the national railway service. The building is set to receive UNESCO World Heritage site listing later this year. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Semarang from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
BALI PURA BESAKIH is known as the Mother Temple and is located on the slopes of Mt. Agung. This religious site of over a thousand years old is considered the holiest of Balinese temples. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, it consists of 22 separate structures that pay homage to the Hindu Trinity, Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.
PURA TANAH LOT is another famous temple that is said to be guarded by sea snakes. When the tides are low, you can walk over to the temple located on a rocky outcrop, off the southwest coast of Bali. There is a natural freshwater fountain that springs from the caves of the rocky temple. It’s said that if you drink from it (for a small fee), you will be blessed with love and longevity.
YOGYAKARTA BOROBUDUR AND PRAMBANAN TEMPLE COMPLEXES Borobudur and Prambanan are two very impressive temple complexes near Yogyakarta that are a must on all travel itineraries to the city. The 9th century Prambanan, about 11 kms north of Yogjakarta, is a Hindu temple while Borobudur is Buddhist. NGAYOGYAKARTA HADININGRAT PALACE When in Yogyakarta, spare some time to visit this palace that is the site of an elegant and grand Javanese palace founded by Prince Mangkubumi in 1755. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta and Singapore. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
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6 PHILIPPINES 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
STEPPING INTO MANILA Officially founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistadors but with a history that predates the arrival of the colonialists, the city of Manila is an amazing metropolis that’s home to more than 12 million people. The city grew along the banks of the Pasig River and is rich with cultural and historical attractions that jostle for space with modern structures and skyscrapers. Resplendent with history, this robust city is the jumping off point to many exotic locales within Philippines’ 7,107 islands and remains the repository for much of the country’s arts, culture and traditions as it attracts citizens from all over the country to make it big in Manila. PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM LEE
RIGHT: At Fort Santiago, the re-creation of Dr Jose Rizal’s (Philippine’s foremost patriot) footprints in brass traces his final walk as he was marched from prison to Luneta Park to be executed.
ABOVE: A pedicab transports a local girl along the old walled section of the city called Intramuros. Also known as Ciudad Murada (Walled City), construction began in the late 1500s on a series of walls and fortifications to protect the new capital on what used to be the former site of Maynilad. Intramuros was more or less completed in the 1700s but construction continued well into the next century with additions and newer fortifications. ABOVE, RIGHT: A predominantly Christian society, Filipinos are ardent Catholics and celebrate numerous feasts to honour saints. This boy was seen carrying a wooden cross while following thousands of fellow devotees during the Holy Week at Quiapo Church in Manila. TOP: The stately Rizal Monument in Rizal Park: The monument consists of the national hero’s mausoleum, an obelisk and a bronze statue of Rizal. The monument is guarded by soldiers known as Kabalyeros de Rizal or Knights of Rizal.
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LEFT: Hordes of Manila citizens walk silently behind a night procession accompanying a beautifully decorated float carrying an image of Jesus Christ during Holy Week celebrations in Makati, the commercial district of Manila. BELOW: Locals at Divisoria Market in the city centre with their motorised tricycles that are used to transport goods and passengers around the city. BOTTOM: Horse-drawn carriages or kalesa still continue to make their rounds around the old sections of the city such as Intramuros and Binondo. Touring these parts of the city on a kalesa is a wonderfully authentic way to experience the real pulse of the city.
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Manila Bay is considered to be one of Southeast Asia’s best natural harbours. Here, locals enjoy the balmy waters of Manila Bay on a sunny weekend.
RIGHT: A Filipino mother and her son near Pasay, Manila. BELOW: Divisoria Market is a haven for great bargains and is popular with locals who shop for just about anything here. BOTTOM: The jeepney has become one of the most iconic symbols of Philippines. Originally left over military jeeps from World War II, the vehicles were redecorated flamboyantly and put to good use to transport passengers in and around Greater Manila.
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ABOVE: A family enjoying an evening boating along the Pasig River. ABOVE, RIGHT: Local law enforcement officers dressed in uniform reminiscent of Spanish officers. These security guards represent the old militia: The Chamorro Compañia de Dotación. TOP: The Katipunan monument near the City Hall building in Manila. This was a secret revolutionary society founded by an anti Spanish movement in 1982 aimed at liberating the country from the oppressors.
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RIGHT: The city folks are modern and embrace the latest trends but their religious beliefs and cultural roots are firmly entrenched in tradition. ABOVE: Modern cityscape at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig, Metro Manila. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Clark (Manila) from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. Go to www.airasia.com for full flight details.
Tell us about your favourite spot in Manila and why one should visit the place. Post your stories at www.facebook.com/travel3sixty
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6 FEATURE • Laos 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
The president of the village construction committee pulled me over to the pole and gestured excitedly for me to flip the switch. I don’t speak Lao, so I was more than a little hesitant. After all, flipping it at the wrong moment could mean the crucial difference between a farmer keeping his arm or having a surprise amputation. But after repeated gestures of encouragement, I decided to go for it. A loud roar, like the powerful combustion of an aircraft engine erupted far out in the paddy field. I whipped around just in time to catch the rocket as it blasted off into the blue leaving a trail of puffy white plumes in its wake. As the crowd watched with bated breath, it climbed higher and higher into the sky till it disappeared from sight. What an adrenaline rush! I never imagined that the rocket would pack that much power, or travel that high. Some said it reached a good two kilometres, and I was pretty proud of my handiwork. OK, so I just flipped a switch with my finger, but really, how many people can say they’ve launched a rocket?
Children from Bhan Phone Mi village getting ready to ride along with the rocket to the launch site.
s t e k c o R ff last o b s t e ck ane ant, ro aos’ Vienti all. n e v o for in L nt c ancie ng village longevity n a g LEE i in ng ADAM APHY: Keep small farm e, promisi OTOGR H P UES a nc ODRIG from ERLY R provi S: BEV WORD
CALLING THE RAIN I was at the Boun Bhang Fai festival in Bhan Phone Mi village, about 90 kms from Vientiane city. This farming village, translated to mean ‘Mountain of the Bear’, holds the biggest and most dramatic rocket festival in Laos annually on April 15 – a date that coincides with the anniversary of the village’s establishment some 350 years ago. Having heard how Lao farmers launch rockets to implore Phraya Thaen, the God of Rain, to shower the earth with abundant rainfall for the planting season,
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for
e f i L
RIGHT: A resident of Bhan Phone Mi village dons a strange outfit to appease Ya Pho Ngay. BELOW: During Lao Pi Mai, Buddhists sprinkle statues and images of the Buddha with scented water to make merit. BOTTOM: During the rocket festival, you’ll see almost as many cross-dressers as rockets!
I eagerly waited for the deluge. With temperatures soaring to a scorching 38º Celsius, April and May are the country’s hottest months. Taking in the cracked earth of the paddy field, I could easily understand how fervently the farmers anticipate the life-affirming rains. The rocket festival is an integral part of pastoral life, and Lao farmers believe that should they fail in their rocket-launching exploits, the rains will not fall. This could undoubtedly lead to disastrous problems like drought and crop failure.
ANCIENT COVENANT Deeply connected to the forces of life, the Boun Bhang Fai is also a celebration of fertility, and I was looking forward to seeing merrymakers wielding phallic symbols, and singing humorous songs with sexual themes. I’d done my homework and read up on the festival’s association with procreation and abundance. However, the rocket festival I attended was entirely different. While there definitely were phallic symbols present in the form of powerful rockets, there didn’t seem to be any connection to rain at all. Instead, I
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learnt that Bhan Phone Mi has its own quirky little story. Over peanuts, sticky rice, smoky grilled chicken, and of course Beerlao, Lay Xaysanakhamkhoun, president of the village construction committee explained the festival’s unique history. It all began with a man named Khampa, who had the misfortune of contracting a severe case of diarrhea some 120 years ago. Khampa had come to Bhan Phone Mi to seek treatment, and the elders tried everything they could to cure him. Finally, at their wits end and fearing that Khampa’s illness would spread and wipe out the village, the elders visited the sacred Temple of the South to ask the chief spirit, Ya Pho Ngay, for advice. “That night, one of the elders received instructions from Ya Pho Ngay in a dream. The spirit asked that the villagers launch rockets into the sky, and offer gifts of fermented fish at the temple on the first day of the New Year.” Lay Xaysanakhamkhoun explained that people believed this would ensure the health of the village, and free them from all ailments. And so, the villagers of Bhan Phone Mi fashioned rockets of bamboo to be launched into the heavens as instructed. But, during the rocket procession, a
dancer fell to the ground and began writhing with fits. The shaman of the village returned to the Temple of the South to find out why this had happened, and was informed that the festival was not colourful enough. “The spirit likes funny things, colourful dances and more action!” explained Lay Xaysanakhamkhoun as he gestured to his merry villagers. I had noticed several groups of young men looking decidedly strange, and was wondering about the role their clownish cross-dressing played in this affair. Some had painted their bodies and faces and sported flowers in their hair, while others wore outlandish dresses. One particular man, whose body was painted a bright peach, wore a brassiere as he danced in the field with wild abandon, his movements fueled by beer and the euphoria of the day. His companions laughed and sang merrily, as a group of Viking helmet-wearing youngsters from a nearby village pranced around their very own rocket, awaiting their turn at the launch pad. The festive spirit was contagious, and everywhere I looked, there seemed to be smiley people, giddy with happiness. “No one has fallen ill for 120 years!” Lay Xaysanakhamkhoun revealed. I believed it; everyone
ABOVE: Villagers watch a rocket blast off into the blue. ABOVE, LEFT: A local plays a traditional Lao mouth organ called a khene to add to the festivities.
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ABOVE: Villagers hold a lively procession to the launch site, buoyed by folk music and dancing.
seemed to be in robust health! They had discovered the secret to longevity.
PRECEDING PAGES: Wat Inpeng is decorated lavishly with depictions of the Buddha’s life. Here, monks get ready to bless Buddhists on New Year’s day.
VERTICAL THRILL
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“Sahm, song, nueng!” the crowds counted down as rockets continued to fly overhead, eliciting whoops of joy, or good natured laughs when the debris of failed ones fell to earth prompting revellers to attempt a speedy escape. Luckily no one was hurt, and Lay Xaysanakhamkhoun assured me that in the long history of the rocket festival no one had ever been injured by falling debris. The safety of the people is attributed to the protection of Ya Pho Ngay. Every year, the villagers take their rockets to the Temple of the South on April 13 to show Ya Pho Ngay that they are ready for the festival. Here, they hold a procession, circling the temple three times. Then, on April 15, before making their way to the launch site, villagers stop by the temple once again, seeking Ya Pho Ngay’s protection. So far, I’d only seen the small and mediumsized rockets packing between 12 kgs to 70 kgs of
gunpowder, but I was eagerly awaiting the larger rockets packed with 120 kgs of gunpowder, and enhanced with charcoal, boiled sugarcane water and fertilizer for an even bigger bang! As the festival progressed with close to 50 rockets launched into the sky, a lady walked among the crowd with a bucket of ice water. “Sabaidee Pi Mai!” she called, as she gently doused revellers with shockingly cold water, careful to avoid the rockets. It was also Lao Pi Mai, the first day of the New Year – the year of the big snake, malouang – and everywhere in Laos, wet festivities were in full force with Lao people splashing family, friends and strangers with water. Finally, as the sun dipped lower, and all the smaller rockets had been fired, it was time to bring out the big guns. Two 120 kg rockets were carried to the 18-feet high rocket launch pads with much revelry. As the safety marshal gave the ‘all clear’ signal with a wave of a white flag, the rockets blasted off with a fierce explosion that seemed to rock the earth. Soaring further than any of the other rockets, they climbed higher and higher into the heavens, a final gift for Ya Pho Ngay. Disease had been diverted for yet another year.
THE LEGEND BEHIND LAO PI MAI According to legend, a god named Phayakabinlaphom once asked a wise scholar: “What is the most important part of the body in the morning, afternoon and evening?” The penalty for an incorrect answer was death. But, should the scholar answer correctly, he would then behead Phayakabinlaphom instead. Having overheard two vultures discussing the solution to the problem, the scholar repeated the answer: “The most important part of the body in the morning, afternoon and evening is the face, breast and feet respectively. Humans wash their face in the morning, sprinkle water on their breast to ease the midday heat, and wash their feet before going to bed in the evening.” Conceding defeat, Phayakabinlaphom summoned his seven daughters who represent the days of the week. He knew that if his blood were to spill, it would consume the world and dry up the rivers. He instructed his daughters to lay his head on a golden tray and place it in Khaosoumenkailath Cave. Not a drop of blood was to touch the earth. Phayakabinlaphom also instructed that on the last day of the year, the daughter that represents that day should travel to the cave, and retrieve his head to be sprinkled with clean water perfumed with frangipani, before returning the head on the first day of Lao Pi Mai. This is done to avert the destruction of the world, and the Lao people reenact this legend with a special parade every year. Lao people also sprinkle and splash each other with water for good luck, happiness and longevity.
Do you celebrate an unusual festival that not many people are aware of? Share your stories at www.facebook.com/travel3sixty
ABOVE: Sand stupas are erected along the banks of the Mekong River as a means of making merit. It is believed that each grain of sand is enough to exonerate a single sin. LEFT: During the 2012 Lao Pi Mai procession, the daughter that represented Friday rode her vehicle, the water buffalo from Wat Inpeng to Wat Simuang and back.
WHEN TO VISIT April and May are the
hottest months in Laos with temperatures surging to 38°C, but this is when you get to experience Lao Pi Mai and the rocket festival, which is held at the discretion of each village. From November to March, Laos enjoys cooler temperatures between 15°C and 19°C. www.tourismlaos.org
Travel 3Sixty’s tour of Vientiane was made possible by travel expert, Diethelm Travel. www.diethelmtravel.com/laos
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Vientiane, Laos from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for full flight details.
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6 FEATURE • Malaysia 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
THE GEORGE TOWN MAKEOVER Having been accorded the UNESCO World Heritage site award in 2008, Penang Island in Malaysia has embraced its historical grandeur with renewed passion, transforming the city into a world-class destination. WORDS: CAROL WEST PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT MUIR
The scent of sandalwood, smoke and tradition swirling around the forecourt of Kwan Yin Teng, the Goddess of Mercy Temple on George Town’s Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling is almost suffocating. It’s 10.00am and a fierce sun competes with an open fire where devotees are lighting joss sticks by the handsfull; the fiery heat adding fuel to an already intense scene. For the forgotten, the temple is a daily gathering place where benevolent Penangites come to hand out food, drinks and cash. To do so is said to bring good fortune.
REIMAGINING HERITAGE Rather like an unruly adolescent that’s growing too quickly, George Town is a city where 92
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dynamic change and heritage sensitivities saddle up against each other daily. Laid out on a simple grid system by English privateer and British East India Company employee Francis Light in the late 18th century, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling runs like a spine through historic George Town’s core heritage zone which, together with Melaka, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Early adopters of sustainable design – the airy central courtyards, shuttered windows, solid brick structures, handmade floor tiles and metalframed glass doors of the city’s shophouses – created atmospheric heritage buildings that are becoming sought-after boutique hotels, galleries, cafés and shops. Magical makeovers are taking place all over this city.
Tucked behind the Kwan Yin temple in Stewart Lane, seven dilapidated shophouses are being thoughtfully transformed into a brace of boutique hotels. Further along Stewart Lane, Coffee Atelier (www.coffeeatelier. com) occupies five interlinked, beautifully restored shophouses built almost a century ago. The original coffee merchant’s wood-fired coffee roasting equipment is still on show at the ‘55’ corner café and restaurant while accommodation suites and an art gallery fill the colourful buildings with vibrancy. “There were no B&Bs in Penang when we returned from working in architectural practices in America in 2004,” said Cedric Goh who together with wife Har Fong and business partner Cheow Sze Wei began
planning his first foray into hospitality over late night coffee drinking sessions. The result is Mango Tree Place, a group of 75-yearold shophouses whose essence fuses with modern graphic design. Black script declares ‘It’s the little things that make life wonderful’ and whimsical blackbirds and a cuckoo clock punctuate a cheerful yellow entrance wall. For these self-proclaimed monochromatic designers, their shop houses reflect the joyousness of colour that comes with being back on Penang island.
CAFÉ CULTURE Penangites are passionate about food and it seems that one half of the population
is cooking while the other half eats. Near Mango Tree Place (www.mangotreeplace.com), expats Louise and Tommes have just opened Irrawaddy Fine Foods, George Town’s first New York-style gourmet delicatessan that complements their first venture, That Little Wine Bar, on Jalan Chow Thye (www. thatlittlewinebar.com). In the historic zone, Zurichborn Urs Andreas Capol so missed his local cuisine that he opened the atmospheric Edelweiss Bar and Café on Armenian Street (www.edelweisscafe.com). Nearby, the shophouse entrance to the charming Amelie Café is hidden in a densely forested garden. The epitome of eco-chic, it’s furnished with salvaged finds and features a hand-drawn menu changing daily. Artwork is painted on
ABOVE: Bubur kacang or mung bean soup is a popular dessert in Penang. ABOVE, LEFT: A young boy emerges from a colourful doorway on George Town’s Bangkok Lane. PRECEDING PAGE, LEFT: Lee Beng Chuan, George Town’s living treasure and joss stick maker. PRECEDING PAGE, RIGHT: Street art, George Town-style.
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RIGHT: Along Chulia Street, half the population seems to be cooking while the other half is eating! OPPOSITE: Colourful depictions of deities fill the Chinese temple doors in George Town.
knotted recycled timber and plants dangle from jam jars strung from the ceiling on re-fashioned coat hangers. With just five tables, demand is high for Amelie’s single roast coffee, blended, chilled local fruit juices served in jam jars, fresh garden salads and fruits from Lebuh Pasar. Organic breads are collected each morning from Rainforest Bakery on nearby Jalan Chulia where London-trained baker Jesse Tan Soon Jin produces healthy wholegrain, organic ciabatta and buttery croissants for appreciative tourists and discerning locals. Eschewing Jalan Nagor’s traditional Nyonya Baba (Straits Chinese) restaurants, I head to China House (www.chinahouse.com.my) – a compound of shops, a café, restaurants, galleries and a theatre on Beach Street. The mod-Asian menu at BTB Restaurant changes fortnightly, offering a choice of four entrées, main dishes and scrumptious desserts, all served in a casually elegant dining room where Chris Stone’s vivid artwork adorns China blue walls. A hip addition to George Town’s growing reputation as a cosmopolitan city, I wander into Vine and Single to sip from its extensive menu of private selection wines and whiskies. In the café, three pastry chefs keep the freshly baked cakes and breads coming while out back, The Canteen serves-up Mexican food and Mojitos to an enthusiastic late night crew gathered around the riveted metal bar. When the roller door unfurls, the hip set gather at the alternatively inclined hangout at Behind Fifty tucked behind Love Lane in Muntri Street. Filled with youthful exuberance, this lively local diner serves beer, soft drinks and Western food, and the music is vintage Elvis and ‘60s classics. Across the street, Moon Tree 47 feels as though you’ve dropped in on a college friend for a coffee. A laid-back curio-filled café cum art gallery, its mission is to promote emerging artistic talent.
HAWKER CENTRAL As evening descends, Lee Beng Chuan, the 83-year-old joss stick maker who is a visible part of George Town’s living heritage, closes shop. Kerbside cuisine starts to transform Chulia Street as round tables and the ubiquitous plastic stools are set-up. People
fill narrow smoke-infused laneways hunched over steaming noodle pots, dishes of lor bak (fried soybean sheets stuffed with minced meat) and sotong kangkung (preserved squids with water spinach) while chicken satay line-up like tin soldiers on barbecue grills. Amongst the hissing of oil and clang of spatulas, bystanders quickly become cast members in the theatrical world of hawker food. Penang, after all, has always worn the crown of street eat paradise.
COLONIAL VIBE On the waterfront, colonial sensitivities are elegantly retained at the chalk white Eastern
& Oriental Hotel (www.eohotels.com). Universally known as the ‘E & O’ and built by Sir Stamford Raffles, its expansive suites and traditional service reflect a time when Europe’s privileged classes gravitated to this tropical trading port. Today, the pukka pith-helmeted, shortswearing doormen stand testament to a period when for 100 years, Penang was a vital British crown colony. A few steps away, Leong Eng Kean’s impressive colonial heritage home replete with original mosaics and walnut parquetry floors has been pressed into service as 32 at The Mansion, a premium gastronomic destination with modern international food, white linen service and seafront vistas. The romance of TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
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LEFT: An Indian snack trader and his customer taking a breather in Little India. LEFT, BELOW: This bungalow was once the home of an Arab pepper trader, but is now the Heritage Centre in Penang.
car alarm adds to the cacophony. Down the steep wooden stairs that link the bedroom to the living area, a blade of light slices through a chink in the wooden front door while shadowy footsteps glide silently past. Across the narrow street at number 120, just one year before the China Republican Revolution of 1911, revolutionary leader Dr Sun Yat Sen moved his HQ to Penang and organised the Penang Conference where he planned the second Guangzhou uprising. History was made right on my doorstep but it seems that history continues to evolve in George Town. Last December, to counteract the city’s narrow streets being constantly choked with traffic, car-free Sundays was launched, permitting only pedestrians, rickshaws and bikes into parts of the city. George Town was immediately transported to a quieter, less stressful time and allowed people to view its magical makeovers at a leisurely pace.
GEORGE TOWN FESTIVAL 2012
the past takes on yet another incarnation with these lovingly restored premises.
FOREBEAR FLOURISH George Town’s changing streetscapes easily defines the city’s migrant groups who’ve flocked to Penang since its establishment as a Straits settlement during the 19th century. In Little India, the sounds of Bollywood hits reverberate through streets lined with traders selling trays of gold chains and trinkets, embellished saris and glitter galore. In Little India, too much bling is never enough. Sandwiched alongside merchants oiling the wheels of commerce, temples are open, ready to save the soul. It’s 8.00pm and the 96
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air hangs heavily in a licorice velvet sky as the faithful flock to the Mariamman Temple in Queen Street for divine blessings. In this richly decorated temple, women clad in shimmering saris, their flower-draped glossy black hair tumbling to their waists, emerge like mythical goddesses through a smoky haze of incense and flickering clarified butter lamps. From my smartly renovated shophouse lodgings in Armenian Street, day breaks early with a pre-dawn azan (Moslem call to prayer) from the yellow domed Kapitan Keling mosque. The azan prayer penetrates the sultry darkness, floating sonorously above my semi-consciousness, which is finally shattered when a motorbike kick-starts another working day, a dog barks and somewhere out there, a
Into its third year, the George Town Festival is a month-long celebration of art, opera, music, dance, theatre, film, food, fashion, and more. Head over for this annual festival that is fast gaining worldwide reputation as one of the region’s best. The 2012 instalment includes Silat – Our Heritage for the World, a spectacular Malay martial arts performance specially commissioned for the event, and TROPFEST, the world’s largest short film festival. The festival runs from June 15 to July 15, 2012. georgetownfestival.com
HOTELS Penang has an
extensive selection of hotels from budget to 5-star accommodations. For great room deals on Penang hotels, go to www.airasiago.com
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Penang daily from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details.
6 FEATURE • India 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
BACKWATER
The coastal strip of land in the South western corner of India known as Kerala takes pride in its endless WORDS: NISARY MAHESH
IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES
BOULEVARDS
backwaters that welcome visitors into the heartland of the state that’s often called ‘God’s Own Country’.
Kerala in the South-western corner of India is often called ‘God’s Own Country’ for a very good reason. The land is lush and fertile, the local vibe is most appealing and the people charming and hospitable. It is also a land resplendent with traditions and age-old customs that have been carefully guarded for centuries. God surely paid more attention to this thin strip of land in India when He went about creating the earth. Hailing from Kerala, I often wax lyrical about many of the attractions that make my homeland a stunning piece of paradise: The verdant hills, emerald green jungles, dense coconut groves and the aquamarine ocean
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that runs the entire length of the state. And of course, the famed backwaters of Kerala.
WATERY WAYS The backwaters are renowned for their tranquil and pastoral landscape that has been attracting visitors to Kerala time and time again. Comprising over 40 lakes, rivers, canals and estuaries from the Western Ghats merging with the Arabian Sea, the waterways have been a vital mode of transport and communication, serving as a gateway to the spice trade of the past. They still continue to function as a lifeline to the people who
live along these watery highways but with an additional role now – as a tourist attraction. The labyrinthine backwater alleys put on a truly grandeur display in Alapuzha and Kumarakom, just an hour drive from Kochi. As visitors leave the city and head to the south, a sudden and decidedly dramatic change takes place with the landscape. Dusty, grey and modern cityscape gives way to cool, green vistas with glimpses of the waterways peeping through trees, coconut palms and humble homes. When you arrive at Alapuzha, the waterways finally reveal itself at the jetty where longboats and luxury floating boathouses silently bob in the water, waiting for passengers.
The village canoes or kothumbuvallom are the main mode of transportation for the locals and is the best way to truly experience life as it unfolds in the backwaters, as larger boats are generally unable to penetrate the narrow, serpentine canals.
THE ROWING REVERIES
customers made brisk business along the banks while women traders with their small canoes laden with local produce glided pass my boat, offering the freshest of fish, prawns and greens. Most houses here open straight into the canals and have small canoes tethered to their own private jetty. Womenfolk often do their laundry and wash their shiny pots and pans at the banks while keeping a watchful eye on their raucous children hurling themselves into the water or wading into the river to catch fish. The canals are not only a form of transportation; it is a vital element in the daily lives of the people as well.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad is home to many wild animals including the spotted deer; a small boathouse like this can easily accommodate six guests for sightseeing trips along the waterways; an early morning view of Punnamada Kayal with a villager rowing out to the canals. PRECEDING PAGES: Fishermen mending their nets along one of Kerala’s waterways.
IMAGES: HAKSAR R.K.
IMAGES: KERALA TOURISM
IMAGES: KERALA TOURISM
As the canoe cut the glassy surface of Punnamada Kayal languidly, I fondly remembered how this was my favourite way to travel to the interiors and witness up close and personal how the locals go about their daily lives. My reverie was suddenly broken by
the distant vanchipattu (boatman’s song) of a solitary fisherman echoing through the gentle hush of the waves. Surrounded by unending stretches of paddy fields fringed with coconut palms and riverine reeds, I was treated to vignettes of daily lives of the villagers who lived along the banks. The area is home to a wonderful array of residents who occupy the narrow strips of land between canals. Waddling ducks chattered noisily as groups of them dove into the water rich with marine life. Children made merry, swaying from trees and jumping into the canals from tree tops, trying to make the biggest splash. Tea-shops, filled with morning
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IMAGES: HAKSAR R.K.
IMAGES: KERALA TOURISM
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Kerala is renowned for kathakali, a dance-drama performance; a view of a palm fringed narrow canal near Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom; local boatsmen rowing through Lake Vembanad.
Getting friendly with the boatman paid off grandly as he frequently made unscheduled stops to point out interesting facts and facets of the waterway. He showed me a group of women hard at work turned out to be a coir (coconut fibre rope) village. At a different location, he pointed out a toddy tapper scampering up a palm tree to harvest the tree’s sap that will eventually be fermented into a local brew. Temples, churches and interesting homes along the canal were all expertly explained. As we made our way deeper into the interiors, my boatman sensed my hunger and suggested we stop at a waterway eatery. The 102
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banks were dotted with many small shops selling traditional Keralan food made with loads of spice and coconut cream. Fresh fish, prawns and mussels quickly arrived on my table, smelling delicious and tasting divine. To wash down the delectable food, I was offered local toddy; sweet, fresh and heady, a perfect accompaniment for the simple food.
HOUSEBOAT HOLIDAY The famous houseboats of the Keralan backwaters are a wonderfully romantic way to experience the beauty of the place.
Simply book in advance your stay at these refurbished barges for a day’s glide or longer cruises that traverse Vembanad Lake, Punnamada Kayal and Ashtamudi Kayal with sight-seeing options. These kettuvalloms (houseboats) were used to transport goods to the ports in the past. Some fishermen even used to live in these floating houses with their families. Today, these barges have been given a new lease on life by transforming them into luxury floating hotels. They are designed to resemble traditional Keralan houses and come with wooden floors, thatched roofs, bamboo panels
IMAGES: HAKSAR R.K.
and coir bindings. The spacious portico onboard is the perfect spot to while your time away with your loved one while the boat unhurriedly negotiates the canals and passes other boats on the waterway. These boats, although appointed with modern amenities, epitomise the wisdom of traditional boat-making using special woods, palm fibre and fish oil coatings. An average house boat measures 80 feet in length, 15 feet in width and can weigh up to six tonnes. Some of these boats are huge and house five bedrooms and can accommodate up to 100 passengers on the upper decks.
As I cosied myself on the upper deck, the boat glided almost silently, disturbing the emerald waters only ever so slightly. The wide expanse of Vembanad Lake appeared on the horizon while the dense mangrove forest glided past me with the occasional bird flying out of the bough with a tiny fish in its beak. The boat made a quick stopover for a visit to a local spice plantation along the banks of the lake. Even before getting to the grounds, the heady aroma of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air. Here, you get to see how these spices are grown and can buy produce of the highest quality at
ridiculously cheap prices. Some of the other attractions on these cruises include Chavara Church, a famous pilgrimage site and the 250-year-old light house on the banks of Pampa River, the amazing rock architecture of St. Sebastian Church in Arthungal, which is said to have been built by St. Thomas. Sree Krishna Temple of Ambalappuzha, Nagaraja Temple (Snake God) at Mannarsalai built in typical Keralan architectural style, the ancient Krishnapuram Palace and the 11th century Buddha statue near Ambalappuzha are other attractions worth visiting.
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LEFT: Giant Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach are believed to have been brought over by Chinese traders of the past and were quickly adopted by the local fishing communities. LEFT, BELOW: Kerala is a lush and fertile land. Here, farming communities near the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary start the paddy planting season by transplanting paddy seedlings into the fields.
QUINTESSENTIAL KOCHI IMAGES: HAKSAR R.K.
BEACHES
IMAGES: KERALA TOURISM
Kochi is the most vibrant city in Kerala and the state’s commercial capital. Despite embracing modernity, the city retains many of its charming cultural and heritage attractions.
MATTANCHERRY
Fort Kochi Beach is popular, but crowded with ships and yachts lining the horizon. There are other pristine beaches like Cherai, Vypeen and Munambam with ample venues for water sports.
Mattancherry is home to many antique shops and spice marts. Visit also the Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church, Dutch Palace and the Synagogue of Jew Town with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers dating back to the 15th century. Chinese fishing nets along the coastal area is a big attraction here.
PLACES OF CULTURAL INTEREST u Hill Palace Museum at Thrippunithara, the one-time residence of the Rajas of Kochi, is today the largest archaeological museum in the state. u Museum of Kerala at Edappally showcases the history of the state from the Neolithic age while the Lalit Kala Academy in the heart of the city showcases contemporary art. u Folk Lore Museum located in Thevara is a privately owned museum with a vast collection of cultural and historical artefacts.
The waterways are also a birdwatcher’s paradise. With kingfishers, herons, egrets, kites and snakebirds, this area, especially the Vembanad bird sanctuary in Kumarakom, is home to over 20,000 waterfowls.
MAGICAL TIME Early mornings and sundown are the best times on the backwaters as life just stirs or is about to bid adieu for the day. Mornings are busy and filled with the chatter of the
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creatures flying out from their nests to look for food, matched by the activity of human beings out on their everyday business. Evenings bring a different kind of calm when the sun casts a warm glow on the glittering waters as life comes to a gentle grind. For thousands of years, this is how life has unfolded, simple and commonplace to the locals but totally spellbinding to visitors who come for a taste of ‘God’s Own Country’. GETTING THERE AirAsia flies daily to Kochi, India, from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
CLIMATE
Kerala is moderately humid and warm throughout the year. Heavy showers can be expected from June to September due to the South-west monsoon while the North-west monsoon brings light rainfall from October to December. Summers (March to May) are hot with temperature soaring as high as 40°C. General temperature ranges from 20°C. degrees to 35°C. Best time to visit is August to February.
6 FEATURE 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
InPursuit
Beauty
of
Beauty is only skin deep. So goes the popular saying but for the average South Korean, there is nothing superficial about the quest for flawless, good looks. WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH IMAGES: INMAGINE
Venice has its fabled canals and Istanbul its amazing Grand Bazaar. Seoul, on the other hand, is known for its Beauty Belt. The city isn’t just the capital of South Korea, it is also swiftly gaining a reputation as the beauty and plastic surgery capital of the world.
PLASTIC SURGERY HEAVEN The Beauty Belt, which boasts hundreds of cosmetic clinics, is essentially a marketplace for plastic surgery. Procedures performed here range from a basic nip and tuck to far more invasive and serious surgeries like the double-jaw surgery, which involves rearranging the jaw line to create the coveted ‘V’ shaped face. Located in the posh Gangnangu district of Seoul’s southern region, the Beauty Belt is basically a one-stop zone for customers interested in artificial physical transformation. With over 400 beauty clinics, the Belt has increased medical tourism to South Korea over the last few years and sparked an influx of foreigners, especially Chinese from China, who are eager to enjoy the cutting edge technology, as well as the dexterous skills of South Korean ‘beauty’ surgeons. The existence of this remarkably thriving nucleus of cosmetic surgery in Seoul isn’t really surprising when you
consider how the local population places an inordinately high value on beauty and are willing to take drastic measures, like surgery, to look good. In a country that boasts one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it isn’t enough to look beautiful, one has to appear flawless. Beauty, in other words, is a national obsession.
THE CULTURE AND THE CRAZE In South Korea, beauty is believed to open many doors, especially for women. Young girls dream of the day when they can get their eyes and their nose done, and appear more attractive. Some of them admit that a pretty face is key to clinching a good job or landing the spouse of choice. While these ideas might seem strange to outsiders, it should not come as a surprise as many cultures around the world place a premium on external beauty. Venezuelans are equally famous for such attitudes and are said to visit beauty surgeons more often than they visit a dentist. Amongst Asian communities, South Koreans have taken matters into their hands and are more than willing to perfect their physical appearance. It is hard to imagine now but once upon a time, going under the knife would have been sacrilegious. Tampering with the
face and body that you were born with is something that goes against ancient Confucian teachings. But that was then, this is now. Today, an eye job – typically done to create a double fold eyelid – is so common that it is barely considered surgery among young South Koreans. It isn’t unusual to spot women, just out of the clinic, going shopping while wearing masks or sunglasses. It is also common for clinics in South Korea to admit patients who are in their teens. Parents too are more than happy to foot the bill. Many teenagers are even offered cosmetic surgery from their parents as a reward for doing well in their exams.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE STARS This sweeping change in viewpoint with relation to invasive cosmetic procedures is largely brought about by South Korea’s fixation with celebrityhood. The country’s young, rich and famous wield a potent influence on the masses and in the recent past, a wave of local actors, actresses and singers have openly admitted to improving their looks with the help of a surgeon’s scalpel. Celebrities who confess to having gained their good looks through surgery have motivated South
Koreans to free themselves from negative preconceptions and traditional beliefs about cosmetic procedures. Now, it is OK, even trendy, for everyone to go under the knife The tremendous interest in plastic surgery can also be traced back to the detailed definition of what constitutes beauty in South Korea. Small sharp features, large eyes with a double eyelid, a high nose, pale skin and full lips are considered ideal but this is essentially a Western idea of perfection. Few South Koreans are born with such features, which partly explains their willingness to attempt surgery.
BEAUTY IN A BOTTLE Although the numbers are small, there is still a percentage of the population that doesn’t believe the path to beauty and good looks begins at the door of a cosmetic clinic. For people like these, there is an abundance of other options to choose from – many of which are available in bottles, jars, tubs and tubes. Aside from its reputation as the place to go for a nip and tuck, South Korea is also quickly replacing France as the mecca of the world’s beauty industry. This is especially true when it comes to skincare. Pale skin is a treasured commodity because traditionally, TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
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FASCINATING FACTS & SURPRISING STATISTICS u South Korea is believed to have the world’s highest per capita rate of plastic surgery in pursuit of beauty. u A 2010 survey in Seoul revealed that 31.5% of residents who are 15 years or older agreed to undergo surgery to improve their looks. These results show a 10% increase compared to the same survey that was conducted in 2007. u Cosmetic surgery is not covered by national health insurance in South Korea but this has done little to diminish its popularity.
IMAGE: CORBIS
u A 2009 survey by a market research firm showed that one in every five women between 19 and 49 years of age has had plastic surgery. The numbers have significantly increased over the last 3 years.
people of noble blood were fair-skinned in South Korea. The upper class was not often out in the heat of the day as opposed to the working classes, who usually sported a tanned complexion from hours of toil in the sun. This led to a deep-rooted psychological belief relating pale skin to breeding. The passion for pale skin gave rise to a booming skincare sector that features the latest laser treatments, high-tech facials and over-the-counter formulas. These effective, often affordable, non-invasive options are highly respected among international beauty experts and specialists. 108
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THE PRICE OF BEAUTY The current boom in the cosmetic and beauty industry of South Korea shows no signs of stopping but there are costs and consequences. Unfortunately, many of these are not positive. For instance, more and more women are starting to look alike, having copied the features of a celebrity or a starlet. Despite a tendency to glorify the benefits of plastic surgery, it is becoming increasingly apparent to South Koreans that there is a dark side. At the end of 2011, news of a woman who had hung herself
after a surgery went wrong, swept across a horrified nation. The government has also stepped in by proposing a 10% tax on popular cosmetic procedures as a move towards ‘social justice’ and ‘higher ethical standards’ although this proved to be unpopular and elicited strong protests that cited discrimination against the poor. It may be impossible to predict the future but whatever happens, it can’t be denied that the South Korean obsession with perfect beauty is one of the key factors that has placed this once little-known Asian nation on the world map.
u The average South Korean woman’s daily beauty routine includes about 18 different creams, sprays and lotions. u Competition is fierce and some cosmetic clinics offer the ‘celebrity treatment.’ Patients enjoy free procedures and appear in the clinic’s advertisement campaigns. u The number of doctors training to becoming plastic surgeons in South Korea has doubled over the last 10 years. u Plastic surgery is the biggest and fastest-growing tourism sector in South Korea. About 150,000 medical tourists are expected this year, which is an increase from 120,000 in 2011 and 82,000 in 2010.
SOUTH KOREAN CELEBRITY UPDATES Actress KIM JUNG EUN is well-known for her role in the Korean drama, Lovers. Her parents paid to fix her chin because they were worried nobody would marry her.
KIM DONG WAN of boy band Shinhwa disliked his ‘flat nose’. He got a nose job to correct it after his debut in 1998.
GOO HA-RA from the all-girl pop sensation KARA has admitted to getting plastic surgery to improve her looks.
Actress CHAE RIM from All About Eve fame had her nose cosmetically enhanced.
HAN AE RI, who was from the girl band Babyvox Re.V, wanted bigger breasts and a sharper ‘V-line’ chin. She opted for two surgeries within three weeks and lost so much blood that she had to be hospitalised. 110
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BEHIND THE SCENES: WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS Dr. Nadzri Mokhtar is an experienced Aesthetic Physician at Nara MediSpa in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. He regularly administers treatments such as the popular Zerona Laser Slimming program and the Sublative RF by Emax, which combats sagging skin and acne scarring. His patients are usually successful, wealthy, women in their 40s and 50s. Dr. Nadzri, whose specialises in Botox and filler treatments, says that there is currently a strong preference for less invasive cosmetic techniques. “They incur less downtime,” he explains. “In the past, facelifts had an awfully long recovery process but nowadays there are options like the mini facelift or the thread lift which are minimally invasive.” As for the latest breakthroughs, Dr. Nadzri agrees that the key principles behind aesthetic treatment have largely remained unchanged aside from a few minor updates. “There are so many technologies available like lasers, ultrasounds and RF machines but they are all the same thing really with just a bit of tweaking here and there. A new machine is out in the market every month probably but it relies mainly on the same basic principle.” The aesthetic physician also adds that it’s important to choose the right medical expert. “I liken cosmetic enhancement to art. There are good artists and there are bad artists and then there’s just abstract art where you don’t understand it at all!” Dr. Nadzri believes beautification treatments can be addictive and he has this to say to the men and women who struggle with an endless desire for eternal youth and beauty: “It’s a very fine line between youthful restitution and youth itself. You don’t want to look unbecoming for your age; you just want to look great for your age.” www.naramedispa.com
ALL THE RAGE Just like in other parts of the world, beauty fads in South Korea don’t always last but there are a few that have stood the test of time.
UNUSUAL COSMETIC SURGERY HYMENOPLASTY Reconstruction of the hymen of the vagina to create a virginal-like state.
POPULAR BEAUTY PROCEDURES
VAGINOPLASTY For tightening and rejuvenation of vagina and amplification of G-spot
ABDOMINOPLASTY A surgical procedure, also known as a tummy tuck. It tightens and removes fat from the abdominal area.
INTRAOCULAR IMPLANTS A procedure to change the colours of the eyes.
BRACHIOPLASTY A surgical procedure to correct sagging upper arms.
LINGUAL FRENECTOMY A procedure to lengthen the tongue for better pronunciation of certain words.
BREAST AUGMENTATION Mammaplasty or breast enhancement surgery is performed to increase breast size.
UMBILICOPLASTY Turning an outie belly button into an innie.
CHEMICAL PEEL Chemical solution applied to the skin to correct texture and colour.
MALE COSMETIC GENITAL SURGERY Phallosplasty for correction of deformities, 112
lengthening, widening and thickening of the penis.
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COLLAGEN INJECTIONS A protein filler that’s injected into the skin to create a plump, youthful appearance. DERMABRASION The removal of the outer layers of skin to create a smoother look and texture. A rapidly revolving abrasive tool is used in the procedure. LIPOSUCTION Also called lipoplasty, this procedure sucks out fat from under the skin’s surface. CHEILOPLASTY Surgery for the lips for reductions and enhancements. RHINOPLASTY Commonly known as a nose job, it reshapes the nose, making it smaller, larger or more symmetrical. BLEPHAROPLASTY Eyelid surgery to correct dropping eyelids and eye bags by removing excessive fat, muscle and skin.
u Natural-looking lash extensions that subtly enhance the eye is an evergreen trend. South Korean beauty addicts are going for permanent extensions rather than stick-on lashes because they look more real. Many salons offer lash extensions made from real hair and clients are happy to shell out extra cash for them. u Another ongoing beauty trend is waxing to remove body hair. Although it has been around for years elsewhere, South Koreans have only recently embraced waxing as a ‘can’t-live-without’ beauty technique. Bikini waxing is especially popular during the summer months. u High-tech pore packs sold over the counter are also a big hit. The packs are not only designed to remove sebum on the nose and minimise pores to create smoother skin, they also prepare the skin with a heating gel that opens pores and allow easy maintenance with a pore tightening cream. GETTING THERE AirAsia X flies daily to Seoul from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia. com for flight details.
6 PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
KNOWLEDGE IS KING
Fear of flying or pteromerhanophobia is a very real and debilitating anxiety for many passengers, mostly exacerbated by lack of information. Not being in control is bad enough but ignorance and refusal to seek knowledge can lead to irrational fears that will forever haunt the victim. The good news is that passengers nowadays take the trouble to educate themselves by asking questions on many issues related to flying. Many have personally written to Captain Lim Khoy Hing with their worries and queries. Here are some of the commonly raised questions about flying.
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WORDS: CAPT. LIM KHOY HING
Q: ARE PILOTS AWARE OF OTHER PLANES AROUND THEM?
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A female passenger wrote asking whether a pilot knows how many planes are flying around him and at what heights? Her fear was that a plane might accidentally fly into another one from underneath or vice versa. To answer this question, I cannot stress enough that pilots are fully aware of the traffic around their planes. They get the relevant information from the TCAS (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System). The TCAS can even warn pilots if their planes are on a collision course and direct them to a different path in order to prevent a mishap. Recently, a new technology was introduced onto the Airbus A380 where traffic avoidance is automatically carried out by the autopilot. At present, on planes prior to the A380, if the crew receives a signal that another plane is on a collision course, they will disconnect the autopilot and manoeuvre the plane manually to avoid the crash. With this new technology, traffic avoidance will now be performed by machine rather than by man. With this technology, traffic avoidance will be performed automatically by machine rather than man. Additionally, planes fly above each other separated by 1,000 feet when flying below 29,000 feet and, 2,000 feet when flying above 29,000 feet.
IMAGES: INMAGINE
Q: DO PLANES HAVE EXTERNAL CAMERAS? The same passenger also asked if planes come with cameras attached to detect in advance if other planes are accidently approaching them. The fact is that planes do not require cameras to view surrounding traffic as the TCAS can do a much better job at keeping track of other nearby planes. However, the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 do have cameras positioned at strategic locations, mainly to view the plane’s exterior due to its size and for manoeuvring purposes on the ground.
Q: IF A PLANE LOSES ITS ENGINES ON A LONG HAUL FLIGHT SUCH AS VANCOUVER TO HONG KONG, ARE THERE ENOUGH AIRPORTS ENROUTE FOR IT TO LAND SAFELY? In an emergency whereby a plane is forced to land, there 116
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are enough airports between Vancouver and Hong Kong for the plane to divert to.
Q: WHAT ABOUT ROUTES OVER LARGE EXPANSE OF OCEAN SUCH AS TORONTO AND ENGLAND THAT IS SEPARATED BY THE ATLANTIC OCEAN? WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS IF THE PLANE LOSES ALL ENGINES? Losing all engines is a very remote possibility. Nevertheless, in the event that it does happen, a plane can glide for about 100 miles from around 40,000 feet. Where there are no airports within range in this very rare emergency, the plane may have to ditch onto water. However, there are sufficient airports between Toronto and England for a plane to divert to in case of a medical emergency or when one of its engines fails. The routes of the aircraft are meticulously planned by qualified dispatchers who base it on the shortest distance and, weather
conditions along the journey. These routes have to satisfy strict requirements such that they are always within a diversion airport at any given point.
Q: DO PILOTS SLEEP DURING FLIGHT? Another traveller wrote in to ask if a pilot can fly an airplane for 13 hours at one stretch without sleeping all night while sitting comfortably in his seat. It is interesting to note that pilots do not man a flight for such long durations. Strict regulations ensure that all flights exceeding 12 hours must be crewed by two captains and two co-pilots. As such, each set will be on duty in the cockpit for six and a half hours only, allowing the other set to rest.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ACCIDENT ARISES WHILST THE CAPTAIN IS ASLEEP? Pilots are not allowed to sleep whilst on duty. Even if they
accidently do fall asleep, as happened in one flight in the USA (where the plane overshot its destination), the auto pilot would still be in control and guide the plane in air.
Q: HOW DO SOME PILOTS LAND AND TAKE OFF SMOOTHLY THAN OTHERS? Whether takeoffs and landings are smooth or bumpy depends on external interferences such as turbulence, crosswinds or uneven runway surfaces. It is almost impossible to make a smooth landing every time due to aforementioned extenuating factors. There is this humorous story going around whereby after a rough landing, the flight attendant makes an announcement: “Ladies & Gentlemen, welcome to San Francisco International Airport. We apologise for the bumpy landing. It’s not the captain’s fault. It’s not the co-pilot’s fault! It’s the asphalt (runway surface)!
LEFT: Long-haul flights, such as those operated by AirAsia X traverse large bodies of water but are always within reach of airports along the route if the need to redirect crops up due to emergencies.
planes), you can select the gear to the ‘UP’ position on the ground. This is useful in some fighter planes when there is a loss of braking ability: The fastest way to stop the plane in an emergency is to retract the landing gears!
CONCLUSION
Q: HOW DO PILOTS HANDLE TURBULENCE EFFECTIVELY? Turbulence is normal and part and parcel of flying on most flights. I’ve mentioned in past articles that turbulence is not to be feared. It is an issue of discomfort rather than safety, as long as passengers are securely fastened to their seats. Normally, the plane flies on autopilot even in turbulence. Passengers are warned of impending turbulence, and the captain would try his best to avoid them. Prior to entering turbulence, seatbelt signs are switched on and the cruising speed is reduced; just like how you would approach a hump on the road in your car.
Q: IN TWIN MOTOR PLANES, IF ONE STOPS, ARE PILOTS ABLE TO LAND SAFELY? Modern aircraft have jet engines. Motor or piston engines are no longer used on most transport 118
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planes nowadays. Nevertheless, all pilots are trained to fly on one engine and land the plane safely should the other one fail during all phases of a flight. You should not worry about this as it is the most practised exercise (engine failure after take-off) during a pilot’s training!
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PILOT RAISES THE LANDING GEARS ACCIDENTLY ON THE GROUND? The design of commercial airplanes is such that as long as the plane is on the ground, it is not possible to raise the landing gears. This is because of the ‘weight switches’ on the gears. When the gear is compressed whilst on the ground, it disconnects an electrical circuit that prevents the switch from being activated. So, even if the pilot deliberately raises the lever to ‘UP’, it will not move and nothing will happen. Once airborne, the microswitch or ‘weight switch’
reconnects the electrical circuit, as the weight of the aircraft is lifted off the ground. Only then can the pilot retract the gears. However, on some planes or non-commercial jets (fighter
As mentioned, fear is conquered by knowledge, and knowledge comes from experience. Having flown around 10 million miles, I feel that flying is one of the safest modes of transportation, and hopefully, my answers here will go a certain distance in allaying your fears and anxiety.
Captain Lim Khoy Hing is a former AirAsia Airbus A320 and AirAsia X A330/A340 pilot who also used to fly the Boeing 777. He has logged a total of more than 25,500 flying hours and is now a Flight Simulator Instructor with Air Asia X. In his spare time, he shares his opinion on aviation issues with others. For more air travel and aviation stories, check out his website, ‘Just About Flying’ at www.askcaptainlim.com.
6 TRAVEL LOG 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
JAUNT IN YOGYA
Wanting to discover the treasures of Indonesia, Asrif Yusoff and his wife head over to Yogyakarta in Java to drink in the culture, traditions and warmth of the locals.
PHOTOGRAPHS: AZALIA SUHAIMI
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The famous Jogya becak; Borobudur under the blue skies; soto stall along Malioboro Street.
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Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote: “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller who is foreign.” I share the same philosophy in travelling. Indonesia, albeit the country I’ve visited the most, still felt somewhat distant. Yogyakarta seemed the perfect fit as I’d never been there before. It was a great opportunity for me to visit this city to experience the local traditions and immerse myself in its cultural richness and diversity. Plus AirAsia was blowing tickets for 200 bucks a pop, return! Yogja was just stretching out of bed when my wife and I arrived. The plan was to spend three days: A day in downtown Yogja, another at Borobudur, Prambanan and Merapi, and the final day for my wife to pack her bags with all her newly acquired belongings. TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
On the first leg of our trip to Yogya, we went from Prawirotaman, the backpackers’ enclave, to Malioboro area in the heart of the city. As we walked toward Malioboro, I noticed the huge crowd there. The traffic began to build as throngs of people swarmed Pasar Beringharjo. Here, rows of hawkers lined the streets, filling the air with calls requesting passersby to sample their wares. It was total pandemonium, and I could see the astonishment in my wife’s eyes. Among the many charms of the city, becak (rickshaw) drivers are not to be missed. As one of the main modes of transportation, the becak is everywhere with its drivers trudging through busy traffic and narrow streets. Known for their persistence in convincing customers to climb into their becak, it is best
to brush up on your Bahasa Indonesia if you plan on walking instead. The hours I’ve spent watching Indonesian sinetron (teleseries) finally paid off. Yogja is also famous for its arts. If you’re ever in the city, swing by Kedai Kebun Forum for a copy of the Yogyakarta Contemporary Art Map. Most of the galleries welcome visitors and do not charge for browsing. The curators and gallery owners are also more than happy to explain their artworks and installations. On our last day in Yogja, we decided to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, the remains of the volcanic eruption that rocked Indonesia recently. Borobudur is a Buddhist temple complex about an hour’s drive north of
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Langgeng Art Foundation; my wife Azalia in front of an installation at Cemeti Art House; all that remains of a village near Mount Merapi.
Yogya. The carvings on the complex walls recount the life story of the Buddha. Being over a thousand years old, parts of the reliefs have worn away. You’re better off hiring a guide than trying to understand the story on your own. I gave up after panel # 2 of the 2,760 there. Nearer to Yogya is Prambanan, an ancient Hindu temple complex. The candi buildings around the complex are a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist temples. Some parts of the complex currently lie in ruins in the aftermath of the 2006 earthquake. Restoration works are on-going at present. Our next stop though, was one we wish we never had to make. The solemn air surrounding Mount Merapi Ground Zero was pretty tangible as we reached the area that still bore the scars of the fury of the angry volcano. Our hike up Mount Merapi, however, was rewarded with spectacular views of the mountain peeking out of the clouds, still belching smoke. As majestic as it was, the destructive powers of the volcano sent shivers down my spine. Back to the city, we simply had to sample the local delicacies. The staple of Yogja cuisine is gudeg (pronounced ‘good-urk’). After numerous confusions and a muchneeded correction, as I kept asking where the best gundik (concubine) was, we finally made our way to a gudeg joint on Jl. Dagen. Served with chicken, telur pindang (spiced egg) and white rice, gudeg is a sweet curry-like dish made with young jackfruit. When we first flew into Yogja, the idea was to experience the soul of Indonesia. The country’s culture, traditions, history, people, music, food and art appeared to be easily accessible. The warmth of the people, however, spoke volumes as there was always a helping hand wherever we went, gladly guiding, helping and assisting us in discovering this amazing country. 122
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Got an interesting tale to share from your travels with AirAsia? Email it to us at travel3sixty@airasia.com along with your story (around 800 words) and images (high res minimum1MB in size and fully captioned). Published submissions will receive a RM250 voucher courtesy of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel. Travel 3Sixty˚ reserves the right to edit the article for clarity and length or change the value of the prize to another gift of similar value. Prize voucher cannot be exchanged for cash and the Editorial’s decision is final. Entries must include name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.
Take time out to treat your loved ones to a memorable dining experience at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, renowned for its delicious, value-for-money dining experience that is made even more special with true Malaysian hospitality. Savour Asian fusion buffets with a touch of Malaysian flavours at Temptations, dine on the freshest sashimi and sushi in town at Sagano, or enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine with the most succulent Peking Duck and BBQ dishes at Dynasty. After a scrumptious meal, simply book yourself into a modern LifeStyle room to enjoy the pleasures of life.
6 OFF THE RACK 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
THE HEAT IS ON Vivid colours and breezy fabrics can only mean one thing – SUMMER! Beat the heat and turn heads with our fashion picks this month.
TOTE-TERRIFIC! Made with natural materials such as hay, palm leaves and dried grass, Coach’s Hamptons Straw totes are the perfect holiday accessory. The collection features the Appliqué Tote with lady bug, dragonfly and butterfly designs, the Hangtag Tote with a fringe of colourful hangtags and the handdyed Weekend Stripe Straw Tote. www.coach.com
IF YOU DARE Who’d have thought of window locks and assorted hardware as accessories? For truly daring and fashionable gear, try these neck pieces from BOND Hardware. Fan favourites include the hitch ring and chain door lock. Available in Singapore at ActuallyActually. www.actually.com.sg
WORDS: CHITRA S
PRETTY WOMAN
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Salabianca’s dresses for special occasions take on pretty pastel colours in net and organza fabrics. Check out the tea dresses with appliqué and tailored summer frocks that exude femininity and sensuality. www.salabianca.com.my TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
COLOUR ME BOLD Summery hues of striking yellow, purple and blue feature prominently in Shanghai Tang’s men’s collection. For a casual but stylish look, pair a cotton blazer or check-trimmed shirt with short pants in a contrasting colour. www.shanghaitang.com
EYE-SPY
WATER BABES
Slip on a pair of über-cool tinted shades with a laseretched moiré pattern from MYKITA’s Kostas Murkudis Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The Elektra comes in silver and blue while the Phineas glitters in gold. www.mykita.com
JOG Swimwear offers mother-daughter swimsuits; identical pieces in different sizes for girls between 4 and 14, and their mums. Make a splash in funky swimwear in the season’s colour palette of lemon yellow, sunrise orange and royal blue. www.jogswimwear.com
COOL BRITANNIA
PANDORA’S BOX Pandora celebrates Mother Nature this season with a collection of hand-finished charms, rings, pendants and earrings with floral and dragonfly motifs. Star pieces include stacked birthstone rings, floral charms and a sterling silver dragonfly pendant. www.pandora.net
Philosophy Men’s In LoVe with London campaign celebrates all things British, with a collection that features the colours of the Union Jack. Channel British charm in cute tartan shorts paired with a long-sleeved LoVe London top. www.philosophy-men.com
6 VANITY FARE 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
FUN IN THE SUN There’s no hiding from the sun now that summer’s here! So, get out of the shade and embrace the warmth of the weather with our skincare, makeup and fragrance picks that will keep you looking and feeling great all season!
ANCHORS AWEIGH Whether lounging on a yacht or sunbathing at the beach, put your best face forward with Hey, Sailor! – the latest colour and bronzing collection from M.A.C. With its cute sailor-striped packaging, the range includes compact eye shadows, Pro Longwear lip pencils and bronzing powders, lipsticks, powder blushes, and nail lacquer in dazzling shades. www.maccosmetics.com
LA ISLA BONITA COOL TOUCH WORDS: CHITRA S
Aesop’s Hydrating Body Gel refreshes, cools and calms skin after sun exposure and can also be used post waxing or shaving. This non-greasy formula contains panthenol, aloe vera, witch hazel, and grapefruit and lemon peel oils. www.aesop.com
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Escada’s Island Kiss is inspired by sun-shiny Caribbean summers with top notes of orange, passion flower and mango. Heart notes of floral magnolia and juicy peach add warmth and depth to this alluring scent. www.escada.com
NIGHT REPAIR Wake up to younger looking skin with Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, an anti-ageing formula that helps repair skin while you sleep, simultaneously protecting it from future environmental assaults. www.esteelauder.com
THE ONE Fresh, invigorating, and light enough for everyday use, The One Sport by Dolce & Gabbana is the perfect summer fragrance for men, with a musk and patchouli base and notes of sequoia wood and cardamom. www.dolcegabbana.com
DEEP CLEAN Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Revitalising Pink Grapefruit Ultra Foam Cleanser is a foam cleanser with the antioxidant properties of pink grapefruit that reduces surface oil while retaining skin’s natural moisture balance for a youthful complexion. www.neutrogena.com
TEA TIME Origins A Perfect World™ BB SPF 15 Age-defence tinted moisturiser with White Tea is a lightweight formulation that packs a potent punch with antioxidant-rich Silver Tip White Tea to nourish and hydrate skin. Available in 6 shades. www.origins.com
FLAWLESS FINISH Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation provides natural coverage for up to 12 hours and keeps you looking fresh and flawless. www.bobbibrown.com
OUR FATHER’S DAY PICKS 1. The BodyShop® White Musk For Men www.thebodyshop.com 2. MAX LS Light Moisture Lotion www.labseries.com 3. The BodyShop® For Men Maca Root Face Wash www.thebodyshop.com
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6 JETSETTER 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
SOMALY MAM
She grew up in abject poverty under the Khmer Rouge regime, was sold into sexual slavery when she was just a child, and endured torture and rape in Phnom Penh brothels, until she escaped with the help of a foreign aid worker. Instead of distancing herself from the past, Somaly Mam set up AFESIP (Acting for Women in Distressing Situations), an organisation that helps victims of sexual slavery empower themselves and regain their dignity. Mam shares with us her hopes and dreams for the future, and tells us what keeps her going.
I am inspired by the strength of the brave girls and women whom I work with daily, who have managed to rise above some of the worst abuses of human rights. After so many years of being exposed to only the worst side of humanity, I am also inspired by those willing to share their kindness and generosity.
COMPILED BY: CHITRA S IMAGES: COURTESY OF AFESIP
YOU HAVE WON MANY AWARDS, AND BEEN RECOGNISED AS A CNN HERO. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES?
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The little girls at our shelter are my heroes; they are courageous despite having been through so much in their short lives. One of our young residents has been HIV+ since the age of seven, yet she has so much hope. She never misses school, takes her medication daily on schedule, and does everything by herself. When she smiles,
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she renews my energy to live, and to fight injustice.
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR? I am grateful for the work I am able to do each day. I’m also grateful for my team, and for those who give their time and effort to support our cause. We are lucky to have the support of many people, including Spain’s Queen Sofia and Hollywood star Susan Sarandon among others.
TELL US MORE ABOUT AFESIP? AFESIP programmes include outreach, rescue, recovery, education and skills training, and reintegration. We want victims to know we are here to help them and that they do have a choice. When a victim first comes to our centre, she receives medical treatment and counselling, and then we offer her a chance to pick up life skills. She can take
© ASA MATHAT
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
LEFT: One of AFESIP’s young residents having her lunch at the centre. All residents receive three meals a day, in addition to shelter. BELOW: Just like teenagers everywhere, this AFESIP resident has pictures of her idols plastered on her cupboard. BOTTOM: AFESIP offers basic education and skills training to residents. Here, a young woman practices her sewing.
“AirAsia has made it possible for many people to travel but we urge our guests to travel responsibly. We are 100% against human-trafficking and exploitation, and advise our guests to report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities.” ~ Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO AirAsia. basic English, Khmer and maths, and learn skills like weaving, hairdressing, computing and small business management. With new skills and a new sense of self, the survivor is ready to be independent and lead a dignified life.
THE WORK YOU DO... WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? After I was trafficked, my body was alive but I felt like I had died inside. The work I do brings me back to life, and I use my experiences for a good cause. It means so much to me and it makes me happy just to see the kids go to school. Recently, a resident from our children’s shelter graduated from high school and is now studying law. I cannot tell you what it means to me to see her achieve that.
HOW MANY GIRLS AND WOMEN HAVE COME THROUGH AFESIP’S DOORS? 130
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Since AFESIP began in 1996, we have assisted around 7,000 girls and women to exit situations of sexual exploitation in Southeast Asia.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE EXTENT OF SEX TRAFFICKING AND SLAVERY IN CAMBODIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES? Firstly, follow AFESIP and SMF (Somaly Mam Foundation) on Social Media and learn about what we do. Secondly, share our news articles and stories with your friends and family – educate people around you and help to change mindsets that these women and girls are victims and survivors of exploitation, not prostitutes. Lastly, support us. We’ve already laid the groundwork, but we need resources to run our shelters and programmes for survivors.
LEFT: Somaly Mam presenting the ‘Voices of Change Ambassador’ Award to US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Merlanne Verveer, at the SMF 2011 Gala in New York City.
WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE?
not stop to consider that these women have their own stories.
My dream is to have a world without violence, war, trafficking and slavery.
IF YOU COULD BE GRANTED THREE WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
WHAT SHOULD TRAVELLERS KNOW ABOUT SEX SLAVERY AND TRAFFICKING?
I would wish for every person on earth to have laughter, unconditional love and the ability to think positively.
Sex slavery and trafficking is everywhere, but people often don’t take notice. When you see a woman on the street, do not look down on her, and please do not abuse her further. Most of us do
WHAT PUTS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE? Hugs and kisses from my girls. It does not cost a cent, yet it brings me so much joy.
If you would like more information please visit www.afesip.org. If you or someone you know requires assistance, please call +855 (0) 23 884 123 www.facebook.com/somalymamfoundation, www.somaly.org
6 KIDS SPACE 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
ALL ABOUT ACE You are probably familiar with AirAsia’s SkyRider Club for junior flyers, but did you know the mascot Ace hails from a mysterious island? Read on to learn about Ace, find out how you can get SkyRider goodies for less, and check out what else is happening around the region.
SUPER HERO ACE Ace hails from the Isle of Many, a mysterious island in the tropics, and his mission is to guard a priceless red gem that enables his compatriots to fly. Here are some cool facts we’ll bet you didn’t know about our very own hero – Ace. Ace is a kung-fu exponent and can sure pack a punch! But he’ll only use his skills to fight off bad guys. He loves football, basketball, motorsports and Formula 1. Ace is athletic, agile and can perform some mean acrobatic flips and somersaults!
SKYRIDER LANDS IN INDONESIA AirAsia’s young guests in Indonesia can now enjoy SkyRider Club activities and rewards through the airline’s collaboration with KidZania Jakarta. Our travelling mascot Ace thrilled young fans in the Indonesian capital during the club’s recent launch at KidZania Jakarta. www.kidzania.com.id
GEAR UP WITH SKYRIDER
WORDS: CHITRA S
PETER AND BLUE GO AROUND THE WORLD
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Follow Peter, his dog Blue and his cat Calico, as they traverse continents on a magic boat that can take them anywhere around the world and back in no time! The hour-long children’s ballet production that combines dance and fairytale magic will be staged at the Esplanade Theatre Studio in Singapore from June 8 to 10. www.singaporedancetheatre.com TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
FARMING DOWN UNDER Paradise Country in Queensland is an Aussie farm, which offers kids a chance to experience bush culture and learn what life on a farm is all about. Kids can watch stockmen round up sheep, try their hand at milking a cow, throw a boomerang and enjoy a traditional Billy Tea around a campfire. The farm also houses a kangaroo and koala sanctuary. www.paradisecountry.myfun.com.au
Get your SkyRider merchandise now! Choose from cool caps, comfort kits, stationery and other fun stuff, and get a 10% discount on your purchases when you shop online at airasiamegatore.com. Members will enjoy an additional 5% off on all merchandise. Sign up at www.skyrider. airasia.com SkyRider merchandise are also available on board all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights.
6 PLANE FUN 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
RIDDLES 1. One colour offers right of way, one commands you to stay and another says to be prepared. What am I? 2. If ‘As C as a C’ is ‘As cool as a cucumber’ what might these be? i. As D as a D ii. As F as a F iii. As G as G iv. As P as a P 3. Can you decipher this expression? Observe attentively as I exert force to remove a leporid mammal from the milliner’s product.
QUICK QUIZ 1
Which maiden name is common to Marge Simpson and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy?
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Who calls her fans ‘Little Monsters’, a nod to her 2009 album The Fame Monster?
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Which story begins “All children, except one, grow up”?
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What gas is the most abundant in air, making up roughly 78% of the atmosphere?
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In which US state is Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes?
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The Ringling brothers are famous for helping to shape what industry?
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Which small flower shares its name with a string instrument?
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Who revealed that the title of her upcoming novel for adults will be The Casual Vacancy?
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Which one is real; the macaroni penguin, the spaghetti squid or the spiral shark?
10 In which recreational activity would you hear reference to barrels, bottom turns and carving?
PLAY ON WORDS
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5 9 6 7 8 4 2 3 1 8 1 4 2 9 3 7 5 6 3 2 7 5 1 6 8 9 4 9 6 3 4 2 8 1 7 5 2 7 5 9 3 1 4 6 8 4 8 1 6 5 7 3 2 9 1 4 2 3 6 9 5 8 7 6 5 8 1 7 2 9 4 3 7 3 9 8 4 5 6 1 2
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i. … Fairy ii. Big … Wolf iii. … Duckling 5. What am I? Put wear inside a sword to get a taboo expression.
SUDOKU
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: • Each of the nine vertical columns • Each of the nine horizontal rows • Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
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7 5 6 2 5 6 9 4 9 3 4 8 5 7 5 3 4 6 4 6 7 3 9 1 4 3 9 8 6 5 8 8
• QUICK QUIZ 1 Bouvier 2 Lady Gaga 3 Peter Pan 4 Nitrogen 5 Hawaii 6 Circus 7 Viola 8 JK Rowling 9 Macaroni penguin 10 Surfing • RIDDLES 1 Traffic lights 2 i.As dead as a dodo/doornail ii.As fit as a fiddle iii.As good as gold iv.As pretty as a picture. 3 Watch me pull a rabbit out of the hat! 4 Good Fairy, Big Bad Wolf, Ugly Duckling; 5 A swearword • PLAY ON WORDS 1 Under the Weather 2 Break the ice 3 Jump the Gun 4 Bringing home the bacon
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4. Complete the characters’ names and work out what Hollywood movie title is hidden here.
PUZZLES ARE COURTESY OF LOVATTS CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES
6 PICTURE PERFECT 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
PIX OF THE MONTH
Just snapped a cool picture? Send it to travel3sixty@ airasia.com with Snapshot in the subject line.
BEST PICTURE WINS A 3D/2N stay in a Executive Deluxe room at The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur for two, inclusive of breakfast worth RM1,300++! Nestled amidst 160 hectares of lush tropical gardens, The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur is an idyllic 210-room retreat. Adjoined to the Saujana Golf & Country Club that boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, the hotel is located 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, 35 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and just 5 minutes from Skypark (former Subang Airport), with a private jet aviation hub. Facilities here include extensive dining choices, function areas, numerous meeting room options, a 5-star spa and a host of delightful recreational activities to suit every traveller’s needs.
WINNER
The Red Canyon of Mui Ne, Vietnam. Khor Harn Sheng, Penang, Malaysia
SECOND PRIZE WINS A 3D/2N stay in a 1-bedroom apartment at Bintang Fairlane Residences inclusive of Continental breakfast for two worth RM1,200 nett! A lavish boutique entrance welcomes you to a world of excitement at Bintang Fairlane Residences. Located in the heart of the entertainment, shopping and business district in Kuala Lumpur, the hotel’s suites and apartments are well appointed to cocoon you in modern elegance and luxury. A rooftop swimming pool and garden take fine living to greater heights, allowing guests to totally immerse themselves in a modern and much coveted lifestyle. The hotel is also equipped with a spa, gym and children’s play area.
RUNNER-UP
Stay on the Line, South Korea Mohd Syamsyul bin Shuib, Selangor, Malaysia
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Readers may submit images that are 300dpi and 1MB in size (minimum half A4 paper size) • Each entry must include name, address, phone number and caption • Readers must own the rights to the picture submitted • Judges’ decision is final • Entries are automatically disqualified if they do not meet our criteria. • Winner will be notified via e-mail when the prize is ready to be sent out. • Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.
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6 GET COMFY 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
Joy of flying
Whether on a short or long-haul journey, flying can be a pleasant experience if you are well-prepared. Here are some steps to ensure you have a safe, smooth and comfortable flight.
h2o To The rescue
shoulDer lifTs
Knee lifTs
fooT pumps
Gently lift your right shoulder and lower the left one simultaneously. Repeat the movement five times by alternating both shoulders.
Lift knee up toward your chest and hold the position for 10 seconds. Gently lower knee and repeat with the other leg. Repeat the exercise as desired.
Keeping both heels on the floor, point feet upwards as high as you can. Return feet to earlier position. Then, lift heels while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Repeat the exercise as desired.
Keep yourself hydrated during your flight. Airplane cabins are extremely dry and dehydration can occur easily. Drink lots of water and continue drinking water once you reach your destination. Try to minimise consumption of alcohol or caffeine onboard; both are diuretics, which can further dehydrate.
beaT The lag
compiled by: chiTra s illustrations: Tim lai
To counter the effects of jetlag, get as much sleep as possible when flying west to east. When flying in the reverse direction, try and stay awake as much as you can. The AirAsia Comfort Kit comes complete with eye shade, neck pillow and blanket to help you sleep. If you need to stay awake, the neck pillow allows you to get comfy while reading a book or listening to music.
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Deep Vein Thrombosis
To preVenT DVT
DVT can occur when a blood clot forms in the large veins of the legs or arms, partially or completely blocking blood circulation. Sitting still and moving very little during long flights may lead to the occurrence of DVT. If you are flying long-distance, ensure you perform in-flight exercises such as those listed here as a precaution against developing DVT. When possible and permissible, stretch your legs and walk along the aisle. Be aware of early symptoms such as pain or swelling in the legs, which can happen even after you disembark. Seek medical treatment immediately if this occurs.
Anti-DVT socks are on sale on board all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights. Also called compression socks, they help blood circulation. The socks come in Small (USA 3-6/Europe 35-39), Medium (USA 6-9/Europe 39-43) and Large (USA 9-12/Europe 43-47).
travel 3sixty˚
popping ears Changes in air pressure or altitude cause our ears to ‘pop’ and sometimes ache during take-offs and landings. For a comfortable flying experience, suck on sweets or mimic the act of chewing and swallowing if you do not have any with you. This will relieve the discomfort and help stabilise the pressure in the ear canals. Pacifiers will work just as well for toddlers and, if you have a cold, use a nasal decongestant to clear your nasal passage and alleviate the ache.
6 Route Map • AirAsia Malaysia 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
Tehran Tehran
IRAN IRAN
INDIA INDIA
airasia malaysia DomesTic rouTes Langkawi
Alor Setar
Penang
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Bharu Kuala Terengganu
Sandakan
Labuan
MALAYSIA
Miri
Tawau
Chennai Chennai BangaloreBangalore Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli Kochi Kochi
ColomboColombo
Kuala Lumpur
Bintulu Sibu Kuching
Johor Bahru
ROuTE Map AirAsia Philippines
Clark
Clark International Airport
Kalibo Puerto Princesa
PHILIPPINES
Kota Kinabalu Kuala Lumpur
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MALAYSIA
SRI LANKA SRI LANKA
Davao
International Route Domestic Route
Beijing Beijing Tianjin Tianjin Seoul
Seoul
SOUTHSOUTH KOREAKOREA JAPANJAPAN Tokyo Osaka Osaka
Tokyo
ShanghaiShanghai HangzhouHangzhou
ChengduChengdu
CHINACHINA
Kolkata Kolkata Hanoi MYANMAR MYANMAR LAOS LAOS
Guilin Guilin Taipei Taipei Guangzhou Guangzhou TAIWAN TAIWAN ShenzhenShenzhen Macau Macau Hong Kong Hong Kong Hanoi Haikou Haikou
Chiang Mai Chiang Mai VientianeVientiane Yangon Yangon THAILAND THAILANDDa Nang Da Nang
Clark
WorlD’s besT loW-cosT airline 2009, 2010 & 2011
Clark
Bangkok Bangkok Siem Reap Siem Reap
CAMBODIA CAMBODIA VIETNAM VIETNAM
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh
PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES
Krabi Krabi Phuket Phuket Hat Yai Hat Yai LangkawiLangkawi Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Bandar Bandar Penang Penang Aceh Aceh BRUNEI BRUNEI Kuala MALAYSIA Medan Medan Kuala MALAYSIA Miri Miri Lumpur Lumpur Johor Bharu Johor Kuching Bharu Kuching Pekanbaru Pekanbaru SINGAPORE SINGAPORE Padang Padang Balikpapan Balikpapan
PACIFIC PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN
Palembang Palembang
INDONESIA INDONESIA MakassarMakassar Jakarta Jakarta Semarang Semarang BandungBandung SurabayaSurabaya Solo Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Solo Bali Bali
INDIAN INDIAN OCEAN OCEAN
AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA
airasia hubs in malaysia Kuala Lumpur International Airport Kota Kinabalu International Airport Penang International Airport Johor Bharu International Airport Kuching International Airport
Gold Coast Gold Coast Perth
Perth Sydney Sydney
SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEAN OCEAN
Melbourne Melbourne
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6 Route Map • AirAsia Thailand 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
CHINA Chongqing
INDIA
Guangzhou Macau
Kolkata
MYANMAR
Shenzhen Hong Kong
Hanoi
Chiang Rai Chiang Mai Yangon
Udon Thani Nakhon Phanom
THAILAND Bangkok
Chennai
Ubon Ratchathani
CAMBODIA
VIETNAM
Phnom Pehnh Ho Chi Minh Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat Krabi Phuket Trang Hat Yai Narathiwat Penang
Colombo
Medan
Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
INDIAN OCEAN
INDONESIA Jakarta
Surabaya Bali
airasia hubs in ThailanD Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Phuket Int. Airport Chiang Mai Int. Airport International Route Domestic Route
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Available at leading department stores in: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
6 Route Map • AirAsia Indonesia 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
PACIFIC OCEAN
THAILAND Bangkok
VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh Phuket Bandar Aceh Medan
Kota Kinabalu
Penang Kuala Lumpur
Pekanbaru
MALAYSIA SINGAPORE
Padang
Balikpapan
Palembang
INDONESIA
Makassar
Jakarta Semarang Bandung Surabaya Solo Yogyakarta Bali
INDIAN OCEAN
AUSTRALIA
airasia hubs in inDonesia Soekarno Hatta Int. Airport, Jakarta Ngurah Rai Int. Airport, Bali Husein Sastranegara Int. Airport, Bandung Juanda Int. Airport, Surabaya Polonia Int. Airport, Medan International Route Domestic Route
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Perth
6 SalES OFFiCES & STaTiOnS 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
camboDia PHNOM PENH Phnom Penh Airport Office, 17 Mezzanine Floor of Arrival Domestic Terminal, Phnom Penh Airport, Phnom Penh 179, Street Sisowath, Sangkat Phsar Kandal 1, Khan Daun Penh, 12204 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
china MACAU
MAKASSAR Departure Terminal, Sultan Hasanuddin, International Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi Mall Panakukang, Carrefour Panakukang, 3rd Floor, Jl. Adyaksa Baru No.1, Makassar, South Sulawesi MANADO Sam Ratulangi International Airport Jalan A.A. Maramis, Manado 95374 MEDAN Bandara PoloniaTerminal Keberangkatan Internasional, Medan 20157 Sumatra
Office 20, Mezzanine Level Passenger Terminal, Macau International Airport Taipa, Macau
Garuda Plaza Hotel, Jl. Sisingamangaraja, No.18 Medan-20213
GUANG DONG
PADANG
Century Holiday International Travel Service (Shenzhen) Co.Ltd., XY-10 Junting Hotel, 3085 Eastern Road, Luo Hu, Shenzhen
Minangkabau International Airport, Padang, West Sumatra PALEMBANG
No 7, Jalan Bestari 1/5, Taman Nusa Bestari, 79100, Bandar Nusajaya, Johor. No 75, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150, Johor Bharu, Johor No 20, Jalan Raya, 81000, Kulaijaya, Johor. No 97, Jalan Rahmat, 83000, Batu Pahat, Johor GK 01, Ground Floor, Kluang Mall, Jalan Rambutan, Bandar Kluang, 86000 Kluang, Johor. No 21,Jalan Dedap 21, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, Johor Bharu KEDAH Lot 20, Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Halim, 06200 Kepala Batas, Alor Star Langkawi International Airport 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Palembang, South Sumatra
No. 68-B Ground Floor, Jalan Ibrahim, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman
PEKANBARU
KUALA LUMPUR
Zhuhai Sun Star International Travel Agency Co Ltd., 1151, South of Yingbin Road, Zhuhai
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport, Jalan Perhubungan Udara Simpang Tiga, Pekanbaru, Sumatra
Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur, 50470
BEijiNG
SEMARANG
Lot G027B, Ground Floor, Podium Block, Plaza Berjaya,12 Jalan Imbi,55100 Kuala Lumpur
Century Holiday International Travel Service (Beijing) Co Ltd.,No 163A Floor Of Yi No 6, Chaowai Street Of Chao Yang District Beijing China, 100022 Beijing
Carrefour DP (Duta Pertiwi) MALL, Jl. Pemuda No. 150, 1st Floor, Semarang 50132
No 71 Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1 Taman Usahawan Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Komplek Pertokoan Simpang Lima, Blok C No. 1
inDonesia
SOLO
No. 4 Jalan 3/116B, Kuchai Lama Entrepreneur Park, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 582000 Kuala Lumpur.
BANDA ACEH
Adi Soemarmo International Airport, Solo, Central Java
No. 1, Jalan PJS 3/48, Taman Sri Manja, 46000 Petaling Jaya.
Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda, Blang Bintang, Aceh
SURABAYA
KELANTAN
Lobby International Terminal Juanda International Airport Jalan Raya Juanda Surabaya Jawa Timur
Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa Kota Bharu
Century Holiday International Travel Service (Guang Zhou) Co Ltd., First Floor, No 8 Zhong Shan 3 Road, Guang Zhou
DENPASAR, BALi Bandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Terminal Keberangkatan International Bali 80361 Jl. Legian Kaja no. 455 Kuta, Bali BANDUNG
Grand Circle Tunjungan Plaza 3 Lantai 1, (Lobby Condominium Regency), Jln. Basuki Rahmat 8-12, Surabaya
Ruangan Nombor 34 Bandara Husein Sastranegara Jalan Pajajaran No 156 Bandung Jawa Barat
YOGYAKARTA
Lobby Grand Serela Hotel Jl. L.L. R.E Martadinata (Riau) No 56 Telp. (022) 426 1636
Melia Purosani Hotel, Jl Suryotomo No.31, Yogyakarta
jAKARTA Terminal 3, Departure Hall Airlines Offices, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng Jl. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara Komp Rukan Dharmawangsa, Jl. Dharmawangsa VI No.43, Jakarta Selatan
Adisutjipto International Airport Jln. Solo km.9, Yogyakarta, 55282
malaysia jOHOR Tune Hotels.com Danga Bay, Lot PTB 22819, Jalan Skudai, Mukim Bandar, 80200 Johor Bahru GL 13 Senai International Airport 81250 Johor Bahru No. 26 Jalan Meriam, 84000 Muar, Johor
3183G, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim (Opp. KB Mall), 15050 Kota Bharu. PERAK Tune Hotel, No.2, Ground Floor, The Host, Jalan Veerasamy, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. TERENGGANU Level 1, Terminal Building, Sultan Mahmud Airport, 21300 Kuala Terengganu LABUAN Level 1, Labuan Airport Terminal 87008 Wilayah Persekutuan MELAKA No 32, Jalan Melaka Raya 23, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka PENANG Penang International Airport 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Ground Floor, Kim Mansion 332, Chulia Street, 10200 Penang No 723 L-G, Jln Sungai Dua 11700 Pulau Pinang A-G-07, Jalan Todak 4, Sunway Business Park, 13700 Seberang Perai Penang. SABAH Lot 1 & 2, 1st Floor, Terminal Building, Sandakan Airport, 90719 Sandakan FL4, 1st Floor, Tawau Airport Building, Jalan Apas-Balung, 91100 Tawau TB228, Lot 5, Ground Floor, Istana Monaco, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex 91000 Tawau Lot G24, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000, Kota Kinabalu TGround Floor, Terminal 2 Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Old Airport Road,Tanjung Aru 88100, Kota Kinabalu SARAWAK GL02, Ground Floor, Bintulu Airport, 97000 Bintulu Ground Floor, Miri Airport, 98000 Miri Lot 946, Jalan Parry, 98000 Miri Departure Level, Kuching International Airport, 93756 Kuching GFLO1, Departure Area, Ground Floor, Sibu Airport, 96000 Sibu Ground Floor, No. 36 Jalan Keranji, 96000 Sibu Grd Flr, Lot 4034, Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Parkcity Commercial Sq, Phase 5, 97000 Bintulu Ground Floor, 192H Al-Idrus Commercial Centre, Jalan Satok, 93400 Kuching SL11 Ground Floor, Lot 2541 Lee Ling Heights Phase 2, Mile 6.5 Jalan Penrissen, P.O. Box 2044, 93250 Kuching Lot 6813, Ground Floor Synergy Square, (Matang Jaya Commercial Centre), Jalan Matang Jaya, 93050 Kuching SELANGOR Ground Floor, Terminal 3, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport 47200 Subang, Selangor Jalan KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor Lot-35 Mydin Mall USJ 1 B-G-3A, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya 47170 Puchong Selangor
Lot S141, 2nd Floor, Plaza Metro Kajang, Section 7, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang
ThailanD
No 1, Jln PJS 3/48, Taman Sri Manja, 46000 Petaling Jaya
Suvarnabhumi International Airport Room A1-062 Ground Floor, Concourse A, Bangna-Trad Road, Racha Teva, Bang Pli, Samutprakarn 10540
No 10, Jalan Bandar Rawang 11, Bandar Baru Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor. Ground Floor, Curve NX, 18 Jalan PJU 7/5, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
myanmar YANGON Yangon International Airport Office Unit# 01-L, Parkroyal Yangon, Myanmar
philippines
KRABi
BANGKOK
127 Tanao Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport Clark Civil Aviation Complex Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines 2023 MANiLA Wintrex Travel Corporation, Unit 108 SM City North Edsa – The Block SM City Complex, North Edsa, Pag-Asa 1, Quezon City, Manila
Unit 9, Laflora Patong Area, No. 39, 39/1, Thaveewong Rd., Patong, Kratoo, Phuket
Tesco Lotus – Rangsit, 2nd Floor, 392/4, Moo2, Phaholyothin Road, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, 12130
Tesco Lotus – Phuket, 2nd Floor, 104, Chalermprakiat Road, Rasada Sub District, Muang District, Phuket, 83000
Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Floor, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, Bangkok, 1090 CHiANG MAi Chiangmai International Airport 60, 1st Floor, Tambol Sutep, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 416 Thaphae Road, Chiang Mai
singapore
CHiANG RAi
sri lanKa COLOMBO Setmil Aviation (Pvt) Ltd., Ground Floor, Setmil Maritime Centre, 256, Srimath Ramanathan Mawatha, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka
PHUKET
Tesco Lotus – Rama1, 3rd Floor, 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330
Tesco Lotus - Chiang Mai Kamtieng, 2nd Floor, 19, Kamtieng Road, Patan Sub District, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50340
111 North Bridge Road #0136/37, Peninsula Plaza 179098,
Narathiwat Airport 330 Moo 5 , Tambol Kok-Kian, Amphur Muang, Narathiwat 96000 Phuket International Airport 312, 3rd Floor, Tumbol Maikao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110
Wintrex Travel Corporation, Unit 126 South Parking Building, SM Mall of Asia Complex, J.W Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City
Row: 13 & 14, Departure level 2 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, Singapore
NARATHiWAT
Tesco Lotus – Bangkapi, 2nd Floor, 3109 Ladpro Road, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240
Tesco Lotus - Sukhumvit 50, 1st floor, 1710, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok, 10110
CLARK
133 Moo 5 Petchkasem Road, Tambol Nuakrong, Amphur Nuakrong, Krabi 81130
Chiang Rai International Airport 2305/2 404 Moo 10, Tambol Bandu, Amphur Muang, Chiang Rai 57100 HAT YAi Hat Yai International Airport 125 Hadyai International Airport, Moo 3 Klongla, Klonghoikong, Songkhla 90115 Tesco Lotus - Hat Yai, 1st Floor, 1142, Kanchanawit Road, Hat Yai, Songkla, 90115
SURAT THANi Surat Thani International Airport 73 Moo 3 Tambol Huatuey, Amphur Punpin, Suratthani UBON RATCHATHANi Ubon Ratchathani Airport 297 Ubon Ratchathani Airport, Thepyotee Road, Amphur Nai Muang, Ubon Ratchathani 34000 UDON THANi Udon Thani International Airport 224 Moo 1, Tambol Makkhang, Amphur Muang, Udon Thani 41000
VieTnam HANOi Noibai International Airport Lobby A, 3rd Floor, Hanoi 223, De Tham Pham Ngu Lao Ward District 1, Ho Chi Minh City No. 9, Hang Manh Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi 16, Nguyen Van Linh, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
Call Centre Numbers ausTralia china france inDia
1300 760 330 +86 20 2281 7666 +33(0)1 7048 0722 1860 500 8000 +91 44 4294 8300
inDonesia Japan hong Kong
+62 21 2927 0999 0120 963 516 +852 3112 3222
(calling from Mumbai and New Delhi only)
macau neW ZealanD paris philippines souTh Korea TaiWan ThailanD VieTnam The uK
0800912 0800 45 25 66 +33170480722 +63 2 588 9999 00798 1420 69940 008 0185 3031 +66 2 515 9999 +84 8 3838 9811/ 9812 0845 605 3333
6 TOUCHDOWN 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
was the capital city of Myanmar until the administration relocated to Naypyidaw in March 2006. Yangon is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and beautiful lakes, and remains the largest city and the main economic hub of Myanmar.
YANGON, MYANMAR
EAT Myanmarese food is influenced by its multiethnic society and its neighbouring countries such as India, China and Thailand. The use of bean curd, soy sauce and stir-frying techniques in local dishes showcase the Chinese influence in dishes such as we tha dote htoe (offal cooked in light soy sauce) and kat kyi hnyat (rice noodles with seafood, meat, bean sprouts and fried egg). Mohinga (rice vermicelli in fish broth) is a very popular noodle dish that is arguably the country’s national food. Other offerings include gyin thohk (ginger salad with sesame seeds) ohn-no khao swè (curried chicken and wheat noodles in a coconut milk broth), danpauk (Burmese biryani) and samusa (local samosa). Nonetheless, Chinese, Indian, Thai and European food are easily found everywhere in Yangon.
One of the least explored cities in Southeast Asia, Yangon is full of surprises at every turn. From golden temples to spectacular vistas mere minutes from the city, the capital of Myanmar is truly a gem waiting to be discovered.
MUST DO Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, a resplendent Buddhist temple on top of Singuttara Hill. The star attraction is a 100-metre high, gilded bell shaped dome. Its upper dome its studded with more than 5,000 diamonds and precious gems, with a single 76-carat diamond at the tip of the stupa. See the impressive 65-metre long reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda. The statue’s feet are decorated with 108 sacred Buddhist symbols. Catch spectacular sunrises and sunsets from atop the Golden Rock Pagoda in Mt. Kyaiktito (210 kms from Yangon) that hangs over a cliff edge, 1,100 metres above sea level.
WORDS: ADLI SYAHRIL
Golden Rock Pagoda in Mt. Kyaiktito.
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Yangon’s history can be traced back as early as the 6th century AD when the Mon people lay claim to an area named Dagon, a small fishing area that grew around the Shwedagon Pagoda. In 1755, King Alaungpaya conquered Lower Myanmar and renamed the area Yangon. The name Yangon is a combination of two words – yan (‘enemies’ in the local TRAVEL 3SIXTY˚
IMAGE: INMAGINE
See the majestic Karaweik Hall, a floating restaurant in the shape of a bird on the eastern side of Kandawgyi Lake. The structure is a replica of a royal barge built in 1972.
language) and koun (‘run out of’). It can also read as ‘end of strife’. Later, the British conquered Yangon during the First AngloBurmese War (1824-1826) but returned the city to the local administration after the war ended. Its alternative name, Rangoon, comes from the British pronunciation of Yangon in the local Rakhine dialect. Yangon
Hop on the three-hour Circular Train ride to witness city life in and around Yangon. Buy local merchandise at countless markets such as Theingyi Market, Bogyoke Market (Scott’s Market), Yuzana Plaza, Blazon Shopping Centre and many more. Learn the history of Myanmar at the National Museum, home to countless priceless artefacts, including the royal throne of Myanmar.
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Yangon daily from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.
6 MY AIRASIA 0 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
WHO’S YOUR DADDY? To celebrate Father’s Day, AllStars looked into AirAsia’s pool of great guys, and nominated fine, single specimens who’d make cool dads. ANGGIAT CHRISTO
JOHN JOEL F. ENCARNACION
Graphic Designer
Just look at those bright eyes and cute smile; that alone should qualify him! But, he’s also a good photographer. I bet his future house will be filled with pictures of him and his kids … and the lucky wife too, of course! ~ Ika Yanuarini, Corporate Comm Exec., AirAsia Indonesia
AARON GOMEZ
Legal & Compliance Manager
I can see that Aaron will be a cool dad because he’s a responsible, kind hearted and easy going dude. Definitely someone I look up to! This saying comes to mind “Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad.” ~ Azrin Razman, Legal & Compliance Exec., Malaysia AirAsia
COMPILED BY: BEVERLY RODRIGUES
ADE PUTRA
CGK Ramp Team Leader – Customer Experience
It’s great to watch this team leader issuing commands under the hot sun. He really has an amazing aura, and he’s a very nice person to talk to. He’d make a protective and caring dad! ~ Fathmah Oesman, Account Exec., Finance AirAsia Indonesia
Technical Support Exec.
Joel is a God fearing and family-oriented person. I think he’d make an awesome dad. We call him ‘The Incredible Joel’ as he can multi-task and withstand great pressure, as high as 3200psi – that’s more than what an oxygen bottle can handle! He’s also one of the key persons in PAA Engineering, perhaps because he has the keys to our cabinets. All in all, it’s fun to have him around. Ladies, look out for this candidate for super dad! Joel is as focussed as a sniper, and he’s on a hunt for the perfect woman to make him a daddy. ~ Lloyd Cristian P. de Vera, Inventory Control Officer, Philippines AirAsia
KHAIRUL NIZAM MAHYIDEN
Head of Industrial Relations and Compliance
Our ‘father figure’ takes on many roles. Here are just a few that show why he’ll make a super dad! THE NEGOTIATOR He solves conflicts between ‘kids’ and those of us who act like ‘kids’! THE IRONMAN He’s strong-willed even in an uphill battle. THE PRANKSTER He throws toys at his naughty ‘kids’. THE PACIFIER He always finds time to console his sulking or grumpy ‘kids’. THE EVENT MANAGER He loves to initiate activities for his ‘kids’, to balance work and play! THE PUNISHER He rewards and punishes all his ‘kids’ equally! THE CHEERLEADER He always motivates us, and he’d look great in a cheerleading costume too!
TONY BILAL IJAZ Senior Flight Attendant
He was chosen for obvious reasons; he’s warm and has a great personality. Not only is he a great listener, but he’s quick to take on responsibilities when required. He’s precise, decisive and disciplined yet flexible – all great qualities for a good dad! ~ Shafinaz Binti Shamsuri, Flight Attendant Exec. on behalf of Team 9/0, Malaysia AirAsia
THE ENTERTAINER He always has the right song playing on his computer. THE PHILOSOPHER He always quotes from the right movies or books. THE MAN We love him! ~ Nor Idham, Mohd Ezzami, T. Kuleswary and Ashwini T., The ‘Kids’, IRC Executives of People Department, Malaysia AirAsia
Kuleswary
Idham
Ashwini
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Ezzami