The Travel Times | Travel Fair Extra Aug 2016

AUG 2016

The by

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Yunnan’s Great 8

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Discover China’s most diverse province with its superlative sights and extraordinary ethnic groups

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Bintan Been there, done that, but have you BINTAN

Tasmania

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South Korea Food that feeds the Seoul

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Tasmania Spring turns to summer in Tasmania

Travel Fair Bonus Self-drive package bonus • 1 Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company gift pack (Per car)* • Innkeepers Petrol voucher up to A$50 (Per car)* • Welcome gift for stay at Curringa Farm, Strahan Village & Stanley Seaview Inn (Per room)*

Full or land package bonus (Excludes self-drive or group departures) • A$30 Fish Frenzy seafood voucher (Per room)* • Luggage scale (Per room)*

* Limited period and while stocks last. Valid for bookings received by 21 Aug 2016 and based on first come first serve basis. Conditions apply To enjoy the Travel Fair bonus, please contact any of the following preferred agents (Note: Different agents will offer different Tasmanian packages, from group, free-independent city packages to self-drive) Chan Brothers Travel (TA109) 6212 9684 CTC Travel (TA704) 6536 3345 Dynasty Travel (TA371) 6536 4966 Euro-Asia (TA610) 6339 9133 Farmosa Holiday (TA426) 6534 1133 Jetabout Holidays (TA754) 6734 1818 MISA Travel (TA920) 6538 0318 PriceBreaker (TA249) 6317 2888 SA Tours (TA 611) 6538 1933 Scenic Travel (TA 469) 6226 3611 UOB Travel (TA185) 6252 6822

discovertasmania.com

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// TRAVEL //

The glorious Golden Triangle An introduction to India’s three most popular destinations 3

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Beautiful, chaotic, daunting, exasperating and spiritual – these are words commonly used to describe India. This massive South Asian country has so much to offer in terms of diverse terrain, ancient history, majestic landmarks and a deliciously diverse repertoire of dishes. Where does one begin? Stick to the classics and it will not disappoint. Golden Triangle tours are so popular; almost every tour operator provides this route of journey.

The Golden Triangle is rightfully named for its triangular shaped formed by the locations of capital New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan on the map. Most people begin their trip in Delhi, the global hub of the country. This bustling metropolis draws people from over India and the world and is also home to some 25,000,000 residents and growing. Massive is an understatement and that is what makes it exciting every time you return for something new is sprawling up. Generally, Delhi can be divided into two main parts. Old Delhi is the city of the Mughals and dates back to the 17th century. Its greatest monuments are undoubtedly the robust Red Fort, a massive fort made of marble and sandstone monuments during the peak of the dynasty’s power, and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque that can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. To the south, encompassing a modern city centre is New Delhi. The Rajpath is a must see, a grand parade linking India Gate to the offices of the Indian government.

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Most people begin their trip in Delhi, the global hub of the country. This bustling metropolis draws people from over India and the world and is also home to some 25,000,000 residents and growing. //

Agra is next on the itinerary, south of Delhi. The magical allure of the Taj Mahal got tourist flocking in from all over the world. Annually, there are more than twice the numbers of tourist to locals’ ratio passing through the gates of one of the most beautiful building in the world. Few would leave disappointed. A designated world heritage site since 1983, it did not lose one bit of splendour overtime.

Restoration works help upkeep the grand imagery of this fine Taj which was built as a representation of love by Shah Jahan for his third wife, Mumtaz Mamhal who died in 1631. Do not forget to drop

by Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India, often overshadowed by Taj Mahal. Originally a military fort, it was later transformed into a palace

then a gilded prison after Shah Jahan’s son overthrew him in 1658.

Finally, head westward to Jaipur, the vibrant state city of Rajasthan. Here, you will find “pink city” as buildings have reddish paint coated over its ornate facades and palace, “blue city” where sky-blue mass of cubic houses are overlooked by India’s most imposing hilltop fort and a “golden city” – a magical desert city where buildings are made using local sandstone. Top sights include an impressive City Palace with a complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, Amber Fort made of pale yellow, pink sandstone and white marble where an elephant ride up is the norm and last but definitely not the least, Jantar Mantar. This observatory resembles a collection of giant bizarre sculptures and was added into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

For more information, please visit www.incredibleindia.org. Visit us at NATAS Booth 3H08.

1 Mountain of Marbel, Taj Mahal 2 Taj Mahal is the legacy of a man’s love for his wife 3 Shekhawati painted houses 4 A cow is a symbol of prosperity in India, it is said to bring health and wealth 5 A local schoolgirl heading out in Delhi 6 Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

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Spring turns to summer in Tasmania // travel //

Tasmania

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The Australian island state of Tasmania has four distinctive seasons each offering its own charm and unique qualities. Temperatures are tempered by Tasmania’s southern latitudes and while snow dusts the higher peaks in winter, everybody eagerly anticipates the warmer months of spring and summer when colour and life returns to the state’s abundant forests, gardens and pastures 1

Everyone knows that flowers bloom in spring and one of the best places to admire this kaleidoscopic palette is Tasmania’s remote northwest in the Waratah-Wynyard area where spring is celebrated with the Bloomin’ Tulip Festival. While the most colourful location is Table Cape, it extends over a wider area and the threeweek long festival includes the opportunity to witness the exuberant splashes of floral colours as well as enjoy music, arts, crafts, parties, a ball and the popular Foreshore Market on the mornings of the first and third Sundays of each month.

Head farther west beyond the quaint fishing village of Stanley and the service town of Smithton and join a fascinating Woolnorth Tour to Cape Grim on the tip of Tasmania’s remote northwest. Here, scientist monitor air quality and have recorded that this area has the world’s cleanest air so it isn’t surprising that fresh produce flourishes. The historic farm here is also home to the famous herds of Cape Grim beef and the surrounding waters, Southern Rock Lobster.

Nothing is really that far from anywhere else in Tasmania and anyone visiting the north of the island needs to detour to Cradle Mountain to admire its mountainous landscape. Protected as a national park, the jagged mountain peaks, picture-perfect glacial lakes and spring flowers of Cradle Mountain aren’t to be missed. There are several energetic walks as well as some easier ones for the family and cosy mountain accommodation makes this a place to stay and relax for a few days.

Back at sea level in Freycinet National Park on the East Coast, another natural area captures a lot of tourist attention with its powdery sand, turquoise waters and native flowers. The jewel in the crown is Wineglass Bay, a near perfect horseshoe-shaped beach that is ranked as one of the world’s best. Luxury accommodation like Saffire Freycinet and Freycinet Lodge make the experience all the more magical.

Abundant Fresh Produce Spring is also a growing season and with an abundance of flowering blossoms, swarms of bees get to work producing some of the finest honeys the world knows. One of the island’s unique contributions to the gourmet world is leatherwood honey.

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Produced from the aromatic nectar of a rainforest tree, leatherwood honey has therapeutic qualities and is considered one of the world’s finest gourmet honeys, recognised as such by the respected Slow Food Movement. Producers like Blue Hills Honey source their leatherwood honey from the pristine temperate Tarkine Forest in the state’s northwest.

As visitors drive around Tasmania they soon realise that honey is but one of many examples of the fine produce that is grown, harvested, reared or fished on and around the island. Many producers have made a lifestyle choice to move to and settle in Tasmania and they bring with them from around the globe the passion to offer the finest produce from this clean and green island.

Other unique places to seek out and sample locally-produced gourmet items include the House of Anvers, Ashgrove Cheese and 41 o South Tasmania.

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Premium chocolates are everybody’s favourite at the House of Anders in Latrobe where Belgium chocolate making rules and where visitors can see chocolates being made, sample them and of course, buy them.

At 41 o South Tasmania, ginseng and salmon are sold fresh from the farm near Deloraine.

Tasmania’s lush paddocks keep herds of cows very contented and many delicious cheeses are produced at Ashgrove Cheese, Pyengana Dairy and Bruny Island Cheese, while King Island Cheese is a gourmet product produced on the island just off the tip of Tasmania’s northwest. See cheeses being made, sample the products, and buy fresh cheeses and cheese platters at all locations.

The freshest seafood is sourced from the pristine waters surrounding the island as well as inland rivers and lakes. Make the most of the warm spring and summer weather and join a full-day gourmet Tasmania Seafood Seduction cruise from Hobart and eat fresh, diver-caught seafood within minutes of it being harvested. Freshly-shucked oysters, wild abalone, mussels, trout and salmon are just some of the seafood delights available in many restaurants and even fresh from seafood farms.

The list of Tasmanian produce is long and includes cherries, black truffles, peaches, nectarines, apples, saffron, wasabi, olive oil, berries (there are some pickyour-own fruit farms), mountain pepperberry, pears and much more.

Life moves slowly in Tasmania and produce is often sold from the farm gate with an honesty box for visitors to leave the money for what you take .

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Life moves slowly in Tasmania and produce is often sold from the farm gate with an honesty box for visitors to leave the money for what you take.

// Trails, Ales and Tales

Cool climate wines, whiskies, craft beers and ciders are also proudly produced in Tasmania and getting links and literature on wine, whisky and cider trails is easy. Most beverages are capturing international attention too with Sullivan’s Cove whisky having been awarded the world’s best whisky!

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Festive State Creative food, superb beverages and wonderful weather means it’s festival time in Tasmania’s spring and summer. Check out Tourism Tasmania’s website (www.discovertasmania.com) for details on the range of music, food, arts and sporting festivals.

Summer Sojourn As temperatures rise with the onset of summer, poppy and lavender blooms fully flourish with the fields at the Bridestowe Lavender Estate near Nabowla northeast of Launceston turning brilliant lilac from November through summer as the French lavender flowers. These fields of uniquely curving rows are very photogenic and visitors can join a tours, dine in the café (the lavender ice cream is a must order) and shop for unique Tasmanian gifts such as the famous Bobbie the Bridestowe Bear filled with a lavender heat pack.

1 Tasmania has an abundance of fresh produce available 2 Spring brings beautiful blooms to Tasmania 3 Pick-your-ownfruit farms are one of the best ways to taste Tasmania’s fresh produce 4 Lavender ice cream is a musthave treat in summer 5 Fresh, succulent seafood caught in the surrounding waters

Parks for FREE Visit Tasmania this year to celebrate 100 years of national parks in Tasmania and reconnect with nature! Enjoy free visit to any of the 19 national parks between 24 September and 9 October 2016

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Updated as of 5th August 2016

Hall 3 Singapore Expo

12-14 August 2016

NATAS Travel 2016

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Updated as of 5th August 2016

Halls D, E & F, Basement 2, Marina Bay Sands

19-21 August 2016

TRAVEL REVOLUTION 2016

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// TRAVEL //

New Zeal for New Zealand

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photos credit Flight Centre Singapore & Tourism New Zealand

Discover North Island like never before with some of the world’s best varied landscapes and eclectic Maori culture As the world debates over environmental and political issues, it is good to know that New Zealand exists. Its ethereal locations as ďŹ lm adaptation settings, worldclass adventure centres and remarkable culture, history and people serves as the best source of escapism for many. This island nation is geographically located within the southwestern PaciďŹ c Ocean, comprising two main landmasses – North and South Island together with numerous other smaller islands, covering more than 1,600 kilometres.

Because of its varied and rugged landscapes, road trips have become one of the top forms of exploration for travellers, especially so with young adults and adventure globetrotters. Most itineraries cover nine days so you know that is the ideal timeline for a sizeable journey. If Mother Nature had a home base on Earth, it will probably be here as you encounter grand glaciers, fascinating ďŹ ords, majestic mountains, prodigious plains, rolling hills, subtropical forests, active volcanoes and miles of coastline with ďŹ ne sandy beaches. Planning a kiwi road trip might seem daunting with so much information online so we have narrowed it down to a couple of less-travelled hidden gems for that unforgettable journey!

From Auckland, you may choose to take a road trip down to Rotorua via State Highway 27. This geothermal city is a magnet for travellers who wish to discover the volcanic phenomena and New Zealand’s revered MĆ—ori culture. Some top attractions include Rotorua Museum, an outstanding museum occupying a grand Tudor-style ediďŹ ce as it used to be an elegant spa retreat, Te Puia, a natural thermal reserve 3km south of the city centre that features more than 500 springs and Whakarewarewa Village, a thermal village where tangata whenua (locals) still reside in for centuries. Villagers will show you around and share inspiring stories of their way of life along with the signiďŹ cance of the steamy

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If Mother Nature had a home base on Earth, it will probably be here as you encounter grand JODFLHUV IDVFLQDWLQJ ÀRUGV majestic mountains, prodigious plains, rolling hills, subtropical forests, active volcanoes and PLOHV RI FRDVWOLQH ZLWK ÀQH sandy beaches. //

bubbling pools and silica terraces. On the ip side, this city is also an adrenaline pumping one that offers a raft of attractions such as Agroventures, Canopy Tours and Luge ride down Mt Ngongotaha for the thrill seekers. Remember to book them in packages to score the best discounts available.

A drive via Thermal Explorer Hwy will lead you to Hawke’s Bay – New Zealand’s leading food and wine destination that also cultivates and inspire world-class art pieces. Being the oldest and second largest wine region in New Zealand, it is no wonder you are able to get top notch Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shyrah and Chardonnays. Remember to drop by MTG Hawke’s Bay, the beating cultural heart of Napier that comes in a gleaming white museum theatre gallery space by the water, often offering live performances, ďŹ lm screenings and exhibitions. Te Mata Peak rises melodramatically 399m above Hawke’s Bay and the sealed road is a popular trekking spot. The summit road passes sheep trails, rickety fences and vertigo-inducing stone escarpments. If you want to take things at an even slower pace, just take a leisurely ride through the 4

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vineyards near your hotel or simply stroll down the beach to observe the elegant Gannet Colony.

For many travellers, Marlborough will often be referred to as “Mainland� by the South Islanders.

Beyond its warmer climate and constant sunshine, the region is renowned for its winemaking industry and an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands. A wonderful destination choice for the beach lovers and adventure seekers as they hike through Abel Tasman National Park or dive within Kaikoura to come up close with whales, dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, penguins and several species of albatross. An abundance of produce, fresh seafood and summer fruits paired with some of the best wine in the world, there is nothing more to do but to prepare your picnic set, an empty stomach and an open heart while travelling here.

If you still feel lost, fret not! Flight Centre Singapore offers various itineraries to cater to your dream holiday.

Exploring New Zealand often takes more than one trip to see it all so we highly recommend you start now! For more information, please reach us at 66929773, or visit us in-store at 137 Cecil Street, #B1-07 CityLink Mall or #06-14 Plaza Singapura. www.ightcentre.com.sg 1 Lake Taupo is the ultimate nature playground for adrenaline junkies, like skydiving over the caldera of Taupo Volcano

2 Cruise through the glorious Abel Tasman National Park in a kayak

4 The Coromandel is home to pristine beaches and native forests complete with a laid back vibe

3 Be a geologist for a day at White Island – Whakatane where the only live marine volcano in NZ exist

5 Have yourself a brewed apple cider or Beef and Ale pie after your movie magic moments here in Hobbiton