The Travel Times | for NATAS Fair Mar’2015

TRAVEL TIMES THE

THE TRAVEL TIMES • 06 - 08 MARCH 2015

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3 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 06 - 08 AUGUST 2015

Carpe diem!

The school holidays loom ahead, and for parents there is no better time than now to grab that holiday package. With your favourite travel agencies at the fair promoting deals that suit the needs and preferences of family members, a hard task lies ahead in making the right decisions.

Tasmania, a bounteous land of natural beauty and purity, is a feast for the senses, be it nature or food (p6). It is the ideal place for a self-drive holiday, as is Western Australia, with the ever-popular Perth and the scenic southwest region to appeal to travelling gourmands (p8). Its everchanging landscape is a kaleidoscope of wonders that will create lasting memories.

Looking for a classy experience? Consider discovering Switzerland by rail (p13), which allows you to go crosscountry from Schaffhausen to Lucerne and all the way to the slopes of St Moritz. A range of itineraries are available on this Grand Train tour. Independent travellers may want to discover exotic beauty in India’s Rajasthan Province, where romance awaits in Lake Pichola in Udaipur (p10).

Closer to home, Thailand is always a crowd-pleaser that throws up surprises at every turn and corner; Hua Hin is a little gem that leaves much to be discovered for the discerning traveller (p14).

Wherever you wish to go, wish upon your travel star and find it here. Happy trails!

Esther Faith Lew Senior Group Editor

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Tasmanian Food & Nature Trail

Cradle Mountain

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t 68,000km² the island of Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state and while no place is more than 115km from the centre of the island, it crams in a multitude of tourist attractions. Hobart is the capital and the second oldest city in Australia with many heritage sandstone buildings around the docks being part of Australia’s national heritage. Over 40% of Tasmania is protected as forest reserves and activities in nature attract many tourists. It’s also the best place in the world to see the legendary Tasmanian Devil in the wild.

Tasmania is the perfect place to drive a car as there are few cars on the road and with the many scenic spots in picturesque natural settings, it is convenient to stop and rest while taking in the views . Hobart has a small town feel to it and its historic dockside by the Derwent River is a focus for tourism. Fishing trawlers berth at the docks to provide the freshest seafood to the restaurants here. Coincide your Hobart visit with a Saturday for the fascinating Salamanca Market with fresh produce and unique handicrafts sourced from local materials such as rainforest timber. Mount Wellington at 1,270m rises above the outer limits of the city and in winter, it’s not unusual to see it covered in snow. Take a flight over the picturesque harbour on a Tasmanian Air Adventure seaplane that departs from the docks.

Hobart’s Museum of New and Old Art (MONA) is now one of the hottest galleries in the world. Its spectacular location and architecture are without equal. Being located in the Moorilla Estate Winery provides another important reason to visit MONA.

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Salamanca Market

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Wineglass Bay from Mt Amos

Succulent seafood

Drive south from Hobart to take in the many attractions of the Huon Valley. Enjoy the thrill of exploring the treetops via an elaborate canopy walkway near Geeveston. There is also an adventurous hang glide through the trees and across a river. Get the adrenalin pumping on a jet boat along the Huon River and taste the juiciest orchard-fresh fresh on the way back to Hobart.

Richmond and New Norfolk are historic villages near Hobart with many gracious and preserved historic sandstone buildings. In the Central Highlands traverse rainforest trails to the Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park.

There are several fishing villages on the east coast with one of the most important natural attractions being Freycinet National Park where Wineglass Bay is considered one of the world’s best beaches. Enjoying the spectacular scenery is a must as there are walks and cruises that provide access to the tranquil surrounds. Another famous walk on the east coast is the Bay of Fires Walk. Complement the experience with a luxurious stay in Saffire Freycinet, which recently won an award as the world’s best boutique hotel.

In Tasmania’s north, Launceston by the banks of the Tamar and Esk Rivers, is home to vineyards growing on the lower slopes adjoining the Tamar. Visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, the Seaport Precinct, Cataract Gorge, Bridestowe Lavender Farm at Nabowla (flowering from December and January). Many visitors fly into Hobart and out of Launceston (and vice versa) to save back tracking.

For more information, please visit our website at www.discovertasmania.com

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Tasmanian wining and dining at its best

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Driving It Home

From lush verdant forests, to stretches of sparkling beaches dotted by charming waterside towns, Western Australia offers a myriad of adventures

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iscover the extraordinary sights of Western Australia on a self-drive itinerary; with wellmaintained highways and rural roads that are well signed, driving in the region promises to be a breeze, and a guaranteed unforgettable experience. Western Australia also offers no shortage of accommodation options, ranging from boutique hotels and 5-star resorts, to rustic country inns and intimate farm stays.

Start off your self-drive holiday in Perth, where you can explore the very best that Australia’s sunniest capital city has to offer. Kings Park and Botanic Garden in the city centre is one of the world’s largest of its kind, and is a haven for over 3,000 species of unique native flora. If you happen to be in town from Fridays to Sundays, the Fremantle Markets are an eclectic collection of stalls hawking various street foods and fresh local produce in a festive atmosphere.

Indulgence in Margaret River Region The next morning, depart for the famous Margaret River wine region by driving approximately 3 hours southward along the West coast. Make a pit stop at Busselton Jetty, extending 1.8 kilometres across the Geographe Bay as the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hop onto the Jetty Train till you reach the Underwater Observatory, where you can descend eight metres to the ocean floor to discover some spectacular marine life.

Explore the cavernous gorges of the great Margaret River region – beneath the dense Karri forests that line the spine of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge lie over 150 caves, all belonging to a vast and ancient karst system that has been shaped by an underground network of rivers. The Jewel, Lake and Mammoth caves are all easily accessible, with guided tours that will help you explore their various unique and dazzling formations; purchase a family Grand Tour Pass to see all three at a discounted price. Adventure-seekers will love the 140-kilometre Cape to Cape Track from Cape Leeuwin (near Augusta) in the south to Cape Naturaliste in the north, which is carpeted in wildflowers from August to November, while

Fitzgerald River National Park

is one of the towns in the Southwest that are best known for their wines, marron, rainbow trout, and black truffle. If your schedule permits, consider booking a ‘glamping’ experience with Pemberton Discovery Tours.

Fremantle Market

the scenic waters of the Black and Margaret rivers are perfect for canoeing and stand-up paddling tours.

On Saturday mornings, except in winter, the Margaret River Farmers Market is a great place to pick up some regional produce – favourites include organic fruits and vegetables, olive oils, home-made cheeses, and artisanal bread and chocolates. Whale watching from May to December is also a unique experience, where you can spot various species including Southern Right, Humpback, and endangered Blue Whales as they migrate through the region in search of warmer waters.

Head South for More Natural Wonders Drive approximately 2 hours southward towards Pemberton for the Gloucester National Park, home of the spectacular 61-metre Gloucester Tree. Pemberton

The National Bridge at Albany

Quickly gaining popularity for its modern conveniences, ‘glamping’ is a term for ‘glamorous or luxury camping’, and accords you with all the attractions of the adventurous outdoors without the rough edges of traditional camping; arrive at your destination to find comfortable bedding, hot showers, toilets, and other amenities ready.

Travelling eastward from Pemberton to Albany will bring you en route to Walpole, where you can stretch your legs amongst some of the tallest timber giants on earth as you trek suspended through the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. Stop in Albany, where you can catch the sunset at Torndirrup National Park, which is home to some of the Rainbow Coast’s most extraordinary natural monuments, including The Gap and the Natural Bridge, the latter carved into being by the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean. Do note that both attractions are currently closed for renovations, but will reopen to the public in June 2015.

While in Albany, visit the flora and fauna park of Discovery Bay (formerly Whale World), go snorkelling in the sheltered waters of Green’s Pool or Elephant Rocks, or walk parts of the 1,000-kilometre Bibbulman Track that extends along the coast from Perth to Albany.

Walk the foot trails of Stirling Range National Park, home to some of the most staggering peaks in Western Australia including the Bluff Knoll, and scale the Granite Skywalk for a panoramic view of the Stirling Ranges. On Saturdays, the Albany Farmers Market is a cornucopia of fresh seasonal produce, straight from farm to table.

At the end of the trip, make your way back to Perth, the leisurely 5-hour drive bringing you through the country towns of Cranbrook, Katanning, Kojonup, and Kodja Place, the latter offering unique glimpses into the culture and history of the local indigenous people.

9D/8N Perth & South West Camping Adventure starts from S$1,288

Colourful stalls at the Margaret River Farmers Market

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Busselton Jetty holds the record as longest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere

For more information, visit westernaustralia.com and for self-drive packages, visit Bestperthdeals. com/Singapore

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LAKESIDE LIVING

Lake Pichola in Udaipur is to its citizens more than just a body of water, it is also at the centre whereby life happens - ever since its birth in 1559

Jagmandhir Ghat at Sunset

LAKESIDE LIVING, PALACE STYLE uilt in 1559, Udaipur, one of the three major towns in Rajasthan province – the others being Jodhpur and Jaipur – is famous for its lake, which was built at the behest of Maharana Udai Singh.

Naturally, with an azure lake in the middle of the desert, he literally created lake-front property, while he took the choicest real-estate for himself! Hence, the sprawling City Palace, Lake Palace and Jagmandir Ghat became royal property.

Today, a great part of the City Palace is a tourist attraction, the Lake Palace is now internationally known as the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, and the Jagmandir Ghat is a popular stop for picture-taking on the water. No wonder Udaipur has the sobriquet of the Venice of the East.

Our group took nearly the whole morning just going through the City Palace. It is labyrinthine, with deliberately narrow and low passages – all the more difficult for invaders to attack quickly. However, once inside, the opulence begins to sink in. The interior is huge, with subsidiary palaces to house the many members of the Maharana’s family. Ornate rooms are studded in Belgian mirrors, and doors are made of ivory. The artwork adorning the walls speak of the history of the city, and the exploits of royalty in their hunts and battles. There is even a room where carrier pigeons are kept, in order for the Maharana to keep in touch with his commanders on the battlefield. You might call it early SMS. One heart-warming, yet sad story is of Maharana Pratap Singh at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Fighting the Mughal forces, the Maharana was astride his steed, Chetak. Both rider and horse were injured in battle.

Despite his badly injured leg, Chetak bravely bore the Maharana to safety at the battle camp. There, with his master in the arms of safety, Chetak breathed his last.

At times, one may think that the horse has achieved a greater degree of immortality – memorials to him have been built, and even a motor-scooter bears his name

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The many steps to take to the Jagdish Temple, Udaipur

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Leela Palace Udaipur

today. Owners of horses now refer to their own loyal and brave horses as being ‘Chetak’.

Away from the battlefield, the royals had a grand time.

The massive garden courtyards evoke times when the family was at play, or when celebratory occasions were held. There were even elephant fights – not in gladiatorial style, but tug-of-war style over a wall. But the rulers had the welfare of the people at heart too. A marble basin was carved out of a solid block. At the ruler’s coronation, it was filled with 100,000 silver coins. A quarter was given to the crowd gathered below, while the rest was given as alms to the poor.

Nearby, is the Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu trinity of Gods. The artwork and carvings are jaw-dropping with its intricacy.

Legend has it that a stone at the base of the staircase leading to the inner sanctum has healing powers. Just rub the part of your body that hurts and the pain will be gone. Beats seeing the doctor, and you can satisfy your spiritual needs as well.

A leisurely ride on the lake is a must, for a closer view of the Taj Lake Palace, time on the Jagmandhir Ghat (the King’s playground), and enjoying a spectacular sunset.

Udaipur - City Palace Carrier Pigeon Cage

WHERE TO STAY: LEELA PALACE UDAIPUR Though the hotel is on the shore of Lake Pichola, the hotel does things with a sense of drama. From the airport, you are brought through the picturesque streets, with the occasional camel taking up a lane. Guests are then deposited at the shore of the lake – which is also the furthest point from the hotel. No mistake there, since this is the best way to hop on a boat ride and take in the lake’s gorgeous views before reaching the hotel. Arriving, you are then showered with rose petals at an outdoor gazebo before stepping in. And that’s just the beginning. Dining at the Leela Palace is an experience, with both alfresco and indoor dining. As we were there in the fall, it is great for an aperitif outdoors, before dining indoors. If the weather is nice and balmy, dine at Sheesh Mahal, an elevated outdoor spot at the lakeside. The view of the City Palace in the background is memorable. Every room in the hotel is guaranteed a view of the lake. At night or during the day, the view is always spectacular. Also spectacular is the fact that most of the floors here are paved with red Rajasthani marble (www.theleela.com; +91 294 670 1234).

For more information, visit us at booth no.8H35

Memorial of Hakim Khan Sur

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m o b i l e

a p p

At Dôme, we search the world for the finest Arabica coffee beans, and then roast them to perfection. But coffee is only part of the story – the menu runs the gamut of all-day breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, decadent de sserts and delicious full meals.

Each cuisine is a culinary delight crafted to please both the eye and palate .

Dempsey Hill │ Shaw House │ Singapore Art Museum │ Paragon │ Parkway Parade │ UOB Plaza 1 │ Scotts Square │ Plaza Singapura │ One Raffles Place │ University Cultural Centre

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12 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 06 - 08 MARCH 2015

m o b i l e

a p p

At Dôme, we search the world for the finest Arabica coffee beans, and then roast them to perfection. But coffee is only part of the story – the menu runs the gamut of all-day breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, decadent de sserts and delicious full meals.

Each cuisine is a culinary delight crafted to please both the eye and palate .

Dempsey Hill │ Shaw House │ Singapore Art Museum │ Paragon │ Parkway Parade │ UOB Plaza 1 │ Scotts Square │ Plaza Singapura │ One Raffles Place │ University Cultural Centre

p12 Dome&Mobile_Half Page.indd 12

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13 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 06 - 08 MARCH 2015

Ready for Rail Time

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland offers a brand new way to see the pristine peaks and fascinating history of this enchanting country

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raverse the legendary alpine peaks and plunge into the rich history of Switzerland in a scenic excursion that will take you cross-country with minimal fuss; with no prescribed direction or duration and with multiple starting points in the country, the Grand Train Tour is a truly unique travel experience that is infinitely flexible and can be customised depending on the length of your stay.

A single all-in-one ticket – the Swiss Travel Pass that can be applied for either 4 or 8 days – will take you by train, bus, and boat from the historic fortresses of Schaffhausen through the lakeside splendour of Lucerne to the staggering slopes of glamorous St. Moritz. With a plethora of suggested itineraries that you can tailor to your own interest, all you need to do is reserve your seat in advance, and sit back and enjoy the view.

Embark on your epic adventure in the country’s largest city of Zurich – with its charming architecture, glorious arts scene, and exciting nightlife, it’s no wonder that Zurich is a hot favourite for leisure and entertainment. Board the train towards St. Gallen; the route will take you through eastern Switzerland, including the historic 16th century Munot Fortress overlooking the city of Schaffhausen, before skimming Lake Constance on its way to St. Gallen.

In St. Gallen, take a short trip to the one-of-akind Appenzell village nestled in the rolling hills and beautiful landscapes of Liechtenstein. A stronghold of rural customs and folk traditions that never fail to fascinate, such as the ceremonial descent of cattle in autumn, Appenzell’s historic frescoes and Alpstein rock formations will be sure to thrill – especially

in winter when the slopes turn snowy-white.

Ride the Pre-Alpine Express from St. Gallen to the gateway city of Lucerne, which will see you travelling through the Toggenburg region and past the Rothenturm upland moor. The lakeside city is a great launching pad for you to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bern, Switzerland’s capital.

In addition to its medieval façade and towering cathedrals, the city’s 6-kilometre arcade has been recognised as one of the longest weatherprotected shopping promenades in Europe.

Visit the Top of Europe – the GoldenPass Line from Lucerne to Montreux passes through Interlaken, from which you can opt for a tour to the iconic Jungfraujoch, the highest point of the Alps. Sitting on the sheltered shores of the great Lake Geneva, Montreux is home to the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place during June/July, surrounded by bucolic vineyards and set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps.

From Montreux, board the train to Zermatt, where you can take a trip by cogwheel railway to scale the Gornergrat for some of the finest views of the majestic Matterhorn. The Gornergrat observation platform is elevated at an astounding 3,131 metres and offers spectacular views of the surrounding 29 4,000-metre summits. En route to Zermatt, the train will pass through Martigny, gateway to the Great Saint Bernard Pass that connects the Canton of Valais in the North to the Aosta Valley in the South, an optional stop if time permits.

Connect via the legendary Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur, where you can take the Arosa

Bernina Express - The Bernina Express crosses the famous Brusio Circular Viaduct

Bernina Express - View out of the Bernina Express

Bernina Express - A group of travellers on board the Bernina Express, with the train’s guard.

Railway to St. Moritz. The Arosa Railway is a scenic trip all on its own, as it tunnels through and over the Alps, climbing to nearly 1,800 metres for staggering panoramas of the region. Blessed with champagne-dry powder and sparkling sunshine almost year-round, the elegant and exclusive St. Moritz is the very quintessence of the Alps, glittering with breathtaking peaks, world-class hospitality, glamorous shopping, and glitzy social events.

Cross through the tip of northern Italy as you sit the train from St. Moritz to Lugano, which bursts into blooms during the sunny months of summer.

The largest town in the holiday region of Ticino, Lugano offers a mild Mediterranean climate and beautiful gardens and palazzos for leisurely strolls.

Round off your trip with a last leg from Lugano back to Lucerne – the Wilheim Tell Express combines a train trip along the old Gotthard route with a cruise on Lake Lucerne, so you get the best of both worlds. A highly recommended side tour is a visit to the Titlis, the only glacier in central Switzerland; take the Titlis Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car, to the peak for unobstructed views of the snowcapped summits of the Alps.

Switzerland. get natural. Bernina Express: Chur-Tirano. Alp Gruem, Poschiavo

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For more information, please call the following travel agency: • Dynasty Travel 6536 4966 • PriceBreaker 6317 2888 or visit MySwitzerland.com/rail

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14 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 06 - 08 MARCH 2015

Hua Hin’s Heritage

A classy hotspot for the well-travelled and a quick jaunt for regular fans of Thailand, Hua Hin is a favourite destination for gourmets, golfers, wine lovers and more

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fter the glitzy affair of wining and dining in vibrant Bangkok, perhaps a change in tempo and scenery would complete the Thai experience. There is no better place to experience another kind of luxury – one that I call Gaia luxury – than in Hua Hin. By association alone, Hua Hin has a royal heritage, being the preferred destination for a resort getaway by King Rama VII in the 1920s.

Thereafter, it was often visited by Siam’s nobility and upper-class Thais.

Today, to those in the know, Hua Hin is an exclusive destination to head to for private beaches, luxe resorts and superb seafood. It takes about three hours or more, depending on traffic, to drive up to Hua Hin, but once there, visitors may linger languorously over wine tasting sessions and spa treatments or get active on the golf greens.

Pop by the local Elephant Temple for the multitude of elephant statues and sculptures, taking in the sights and sounds as the locals sound their horns while driving past as a mark of respect. Keep a lookout enroute for hidden gems such as entire streets selling fresh bananas and banana-based products (sun-dried, chips, among many others), or roadside stalls that serve up fresh, chilled coconut and coconut jelly to keep you fresh behind the wheel.

Upon reaching Hua Hin, dive straight onto a deckchair and soak up the remaining daylight by the beach before visiting the multitude of hugely-popular night markets. Be spoilt for choice at the staggering amounts of activities at night - shop and eat to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content at the Grand Market in the middle of Hua Hin Town, or visit the Cicada Market on weekends for handmade art and local performances.

LUXURIES OF LIFE Built on a former elephant corral, Hua Hin Hills Vineyard’s lush terrain and constant ocean breeze are vital in growing its Shiraz, Colombard and Muscat grape varietals, which are used to produce awardwinning wines under the Monsoon Valley label.

There are several ways to explore the winery. Hop on the complimentary jeep tour that runs at 1pm and 4pm daily and lasts about 15 minutes each, rent a mountain bike (from THB100/S$4 for 30 minutes) to go around the designated trail, or ride on an elephant for a bird’s eye view of the vineyards (from THB300/S$12 for 15 minutes).

For the complete experience, reserve a table at The

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

Sala, the vineyard’s fine-dining restaurant that serves Thai-fusion dishes created specially to match Monsoon Valley wines. Address: 1 Moo 9, Baan Khork Chang Patana Nong Plup, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110. Tel: 66/8170-1022-2, www.huahinhills.com.

When in Hua Hin, go for an indulgent spa treatment.

With award-winning spa resorts in its midst, a myriad of luxurious options are at hand. At The Barai (91 Hua Hin – Khao Takiap Road, tel: +663 252 1234) you will be entering a temple of spa indulgence, spread across more than 1.8ha of beachfront land. It features eight spa suites for treatments and overnight stays, 18 treatment rooms, and a tranquility court and pool area where yoga and meditations are held. Having a spa treatment here is akin to a sacred ritual of holistic cleansing (refer to page 44 for more information).

Feeling light and refreshed may inspire one to hit the greens, and there is no better place to do it than at the award-winning Black Mountain Golf Course (565 Moo 7, Nong Hieng Road, Hin Lek Fai; tel: +663 261 866). Voted by Asian Tour players to be “The Host Venue of the Year” in 2010 as well as “Best New

Beach bliss in Prachuap Khiri Khan

SPECIAL FOR NATAS TRAVEL 2015.

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Course in Asia Pacific” in its first year since launching in 2007, Black Mountain features an 18-hole, par 72 championship course that caters to players of all levels. Its unique feature lies in the landscaping, which uses native red grass to present a visually interesting hazard for players.

Shopping in Prachuap Khiri Khan

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For more information, visit us at booth no.8H25

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Hua Hin Beach

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Booth 8H31

Booth 8H01

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Booth 8H26

Booth 8H25

Booth 8H55

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Visit our advertisers at these locations for exclusive travel deals and information.

(Updated as on 25-02-2015)

Booth 8H33

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Booth 8H35

Booth 8H52

Booth 8H38A

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Always Online, Always Going

Stay connected the cost-effective way while exploring the world

I

t was a mad dash yet again. I was my way to the airport, and I’ve managed to get hold of a cab. Lucky thing I packed light, so my luggage had more space for my gadgets. A journalist goes prepared with all her necessary tools: camera and lenses, voice recorder, laptop, iPad and all the requisite chargers and extra batteries. Just one more thing needed to be done. I had to pick up my mobile Wi-Fi router from the Changi Recommends booth. Can’t do without it; I need to be connected to do my research on the go and to always be on top of the game in knowing my whereabouts. And rather than pay for data roaming, I thought I’d try a new option this time around.

The router looks light, slim and compact, perfect for toting around without adding too much weight. It taps on the latest 4G network and connects up to 10 devices, depending on the countries. With a low daily rental rate of S$12 for Japan and other countries in Asia Pacific, I was excited to see how well it worked for me on this trip. I had already called to reserve a router before my departure, so I just promptly signed on the rental form and I was on my way to the check-in counter.

My destination? Kansai region in southern Japan. The first thing I did when I landed at Kansai International airport was to turn on my router and key in the password – and I’m online. I had a full itinerary ahead with four prefectures to cover: Tokushima, Osaka, Hyogo and Shiga. I started early the next day; by 8am I was exploring the heart of Tokushima City, an aqua metropolis blessed with a bounty of nature. I took the Bizan Ropeway at Sanroku Station to the top of Mt Bizan; from there I enjoyed a beautiful view of the Tokushima Plains. I quickly googled some facts and jotted down some notes for my story. It was noon, and the battery bar on my router was still full. The signal has been great so far, with no dips in connectivity.

The true test remained though as I was headed towards the Iya Valley area, which is presumably one of the most unexplored regions in Japan. The valley is part of the Mt Tsurugi Quasi National Park, and is nestled deep in the depths of Mt Tsurugi, the second tallest mountain in Shikoku. The surrounding terrain is the

gorgeous Shikoku Mountain Range, an endless expanse interrupted by the scenic Iya River. And the icing on the cake? A night at Hotel Iya Onsen.

Getting there involved a long journey along a narrow road that wended its way through mountainous terrain. My tour guide warned that we may not be able to receive Wi-fi signal and that we may have to do without connectivity that night at the onsen. I checked my handphone. So far, so good. I tired a while of gazing at the scenery and decided to do some research on my phone. It kept me busy for almost an hour.

Dusk had fallen by the time we arrived at the onsen. It was breathtaking, located on the edge of the mountain cliff with the Iya mountains and valley serving as the backdrop.

That night, I savoured a leisurely dip at the outdoor onsen bath. Feeling rejuvenated, I spent the rest of the night working on my iPad. I was online until almost midnight, and my router still had two bars of battery life left. It hasn’t let me down.

RENT RATE Rental charges is based on full day rates, fractional charges do not apply. The charges begins at the second day of collection until the return has been made to Changi Recommends. For example, the travel period is from 1 January (10pm) to 7January(8am)to Japan. The charges will begin on 2 Jan until 7 Jan, at $12 a day. That gives the total rent period of 6 days with the cost at $72.

WALK IN Locate Changi Recommends booths in the Changi Airport Departure Hall and approach the staff for assistance.

RESERVE ONLINE • Reserve the mobile travel Wi-Fi router online at least three working days prior to departure.

• Bring along the credit card and passport to pick up the router at the counter and make a deposit.

• Return and pay at the Changi Recommends counter upon arriving in Singapore, Changi Airport.

CHANGI RECOMMENDS Established in 2012, Changi Recommends enables visitors to indulge in an exceptional experience in Singapore by providing them with a host of exclusive shopping, dining, and entertainment deals and with effortless mobile connectivity.

Contact us at wifi@changirecommends.com.sg or for more information. www.changirec.com.sg

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Offbeat Travel Ideas

Planning a vacation with your family to an off the beaten path destination?

These travel operators under the Globus Family of Brands will satisfy your wanderlust and thirst for unique experiences.

I

f you are getting bored of the usual city trips and beach vacations that you and your family or close friends often take off to during the holidays, then it is high time to plan something completely out-of-the-world for your next vacation.

To make your off-the-beaten path holiday planning a hassle-free one, turn to Globus, one of the most comprehensive travel planning organisations in the world. These travel operators under the Globus Family of Brands will satisfy your wanderlust and thirst for unique experiences.

Whether you are planning an exotic vacation within the Middle East or in North America, Globus’ team of travel operators will be able to tailor an itinerary to meet specific needs and budgets. For those travelling on a limited budget, Cosmos offers an array of tour packages around Europe (up to nine countries) for less than S$1,000, and exciting trips to America and Canada for as low as S$123 a day.

For travellers seeking an unconventional travel experience, Avalon Waterways, one of the premier and most modern river cruise fleet operators, offers travellers the opportunity of experiencing some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations on water.

Weave through the romantic Rhine, drift your way down the scenic Seine or slice through Yangtze.

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Seville, Spain

Visit Scenic Travel at booth no.8H33 or your preferred agent to find out more about our tours and cruises, or contact us at 6226 3611 / scenic-sales@globaltravel.com.sg. Alternatively, visit Globus (www.globustours.com.sg), Cosmos (www.cosmostours.com.sg), Monograms (www.monograms.com.sg) and Avalon Waterways (www.avalonwaterways.com.sg) for more details!

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TRAVEL MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! 31 TRAVEL IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOU

MARCH/APRIL 2015 MARCH/APRIL 2015

Win!

A 2-Nights’ Stay at Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan, Myanmar

MAGAZINE ASIA

DISCOVER SERENITY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

GREAT ESCAPE

Make it perfect in the

CHARMS OF THE CARIBBEAN

Caribbean

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! GET INTENSE IN KYUSHU A PUBLICATION OF

6

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0 1 7

MCI (P) 011/04/2014, PPS 1747/12/2012(022909)

Mini Guides to SCINTILLATING SYDNEY ROMANTIC VERONA FASHIONABLE MILAN DRINKING HOT SPOTS IN PRAGUE DELICIOUS FOOD IN MUMBAI NATURAL WONDERS IN HAWAII

cover_Caribbean_FINAL._EL.indd 1

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02

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28 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 06-08 MARCH 2015

COUPON PROMOTIONS FREE

FREE

Marco Polo range of Travel Guides* when you subscribe to escape magazine at 20% discount

12 issues at $58 (usual price $72) * While stocks last

Hellolulu Camera Bags* worth $89 when you subscribe to Lonely Planet Asia Magazine at 15% discount

12 issues at $77

* While stocks last

Win

Crossing Luggage from The Planet Traveller in the SNAP! Vote & Win photo contest * Terms & conditions apply

(usual price $90)

BOOTH No. 8H38A

BOOTH No.8H38A

BOOTH No. 8H38A

Visit Tourism Authority of Thailand booth at 8H25 and receive a free souvenir*

Snap and *redeem a photo coaster at Changi Recommends booth – 8H52

Like our Facebook page at our booth and get an instant prize!

*While stocks last * Terms & conditions apply

BOOTH No. 8H25

FREE

Costa gift for every cabin booked on Costa Cruises • Limited to 1 coupon per cabin.

While stock last!

• Gift may be replaced with other item(s) without prior notice.

• Terms & Conditions apply

Limited to first 50 Likes per day Limited to 100 coasters a day (first come first serve) * Full day redemption on 7 March to 8 March * Redemption on Friday is from 6pm to 8pm

BOOTH No. 8H52

FREE

Gift for every cabin booked on Royal Caribbean Cruises!

• Limited to 1 coupon per cabin. While stock last!

• Gift may be replaced with other item(s) without prior notice.

• Terms & Conditions apply

• Present this coupon at Scenic booth • One prize per coupon

BOOTH No. 8H33

Name the 4 brands of Globus Family of Brands and receive a FREE gift • Present this coupon at our booth, while stocks last.

• One gift per coupon

Please refer page 24 for the answer

BOOTH No. 8H31

BOOTH No. 8H01

BOOTH No. 8H33

Please refer page 16-17 for floor plan • Each gift is restricted to one customer • Terms and conditions apply

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