Fireflyz July 2020

July 2020

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July 2020

read online at fireflyz.com.my

Future

Of Travel

THE NEW NORM OF SAFE FLYING

12 HOURS IN JOHOR BAHRU / TRACKER TOP STARGAZING SPOTS / INSIDE LOOK BHARATANATYAM INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE

Contents July 2020

4 Hello From Firefly CEO 5 Editor’s Note 5 Letters 6 Travel Trends

The Future Of Travel

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10 Firefly Checklist

Inside Look

Bharatanatyam classical dance

11 Firefly Safety Measures 12 Comfort Zone

34

Where to stay

16 Bites

Perspective

Where to eat

Malaysian documentary producers

38 Tracker Best stargazing spots

43 Tech’Up

46 Health & Beauty

Must-have gadgets

Natural Skincare

44 Pack Up

48 Reads

Statement Jewellery

Southeast Asian authors

50 MY List

5 Things and Facts about Malaysia

52 Viewfinder

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, Shah Alam

53 Firefly News 54 Network Map

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12 Hours

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

56 Fleet & Service Info 58 #FlyFirefly

Our Instagram Stars!

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Suite 430 – Lacoste Outlet Jalan Premium Outlets, Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor Darul Takzim.

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Hello From Firefly CEO

FIREFLY EDITORIAL COMMITTEE CEO, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd Philip See

Hello everyone, How are you doing?

Hope you’re adjusting well to the new norm.

We are happy to welcome back our frequent flyers, as well as new passengers.

The printed copy of Fireflyz in-flight magazine has been replaced by this new digital version, to avoid cross contamination, and to embrace a more sustainable practice. The content you desire, both on board and at the lounge, will be easily accessible via your own smartphone or tablet. Browse it with peace of mind as you fly with us.

Aligned with the government’s SOP, and together with Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad and Skypark, we have put in place safety and health standards, on ground and on board. New norm protocols and precautionary measures have been put in place, such as temperature checks, physical distancing and contactless check-in and boarding. Find out more in ‘The Future Of Travel’ article (page 8).

We are also conducting daily aircraft cabin disinfection, as well as sanitisation and thorough cleaning of the surfaces including seats, floors, armrests, tray tables, overhead luggage bins, walls and lavatories after each flight. We have made the hygiene kit available and prepared the ‘My Flying Checklist’ to help you plan your travel.

One of the important lessons that this pandemic has taught us is that we are part of a local and global community; our action as an individual and as a collective group contribute towards the wellbeing of not just ourselves but also everyone around us. The new norm is our current reality and although it might take a while to get used to it, adapting to the changes and finding a good balance will safeguard ourselves, our family and friends, and help to sustain our lifestyle and businesses in the long run.

I would also like to express my appreciation to all our passengers for staying engaged and connected with Firefly; providing feedback that help us to improve and serve you better. Thank you and bon voyage!•

Phil Chief Executive Officer, Firefly Airlines

Marketing & Communications Sheila Ibrahim Koo Kee Wai Saisundary Sundra Kumar Khoo Sian Chun PUBLISHED BY FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (346606-K) CITTA Mall, 3rd Floor, No.1, Jalan PJU 1A/48, Pusat Perdagangan Dana 1 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603 7845 4543 Web: www.fireflyz.com.my Email: customer_care@fireflyz.com.my EDITORIAL Editor Amy Van

Sub-Editor Anita Yee

Senior Writer Eris Choo

Senior Designer Mossy Chew

Graphic Designer Nurfarahin Kamarudin Junior Designer Quah Si Yu ADVERTISING & MEDIA SALES Media Sales Director Kaz Lim kaz.lim@spafax.com Sales Manager Vannes Ching vannes.ching@spafax.com OPERATIONS Editorial Account Manager Phoebe Kan

Operations & Production Manager Sandy Fong

SPAFAX Chief Executive Officer Niall McBain Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer Simon Ogden

Managing Director, Asia Pacific Jean-Marc Thomas

General Manager Agnes Law agnes.law@spafax.com

Fireflyz is published monthly by Spafax Networks Sdn Bhd for FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (346606-K). No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Firefly.

All rights reserved. Copyright @ 2019 by Firefly. Opinions expressed in Firelyz are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by Firefly and/or Spafax Networks. They are not responsible or liable in any way for the contents in any of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. Editorial inquiries and inquiries concerning advertising and circulation should be addressed to Spafax Networks. Firefly and Spafax Networks accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustrations and other editorial materials. The Editorial Team reserves the right to edit and/or re-write all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless they are accompanied by sufficient return postage.

T r a ve l T r e n d s

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Text Eris Choo Illustration Quah Si Yu

The Future Of Travel HOW FLYING AND TRAVELLING WILL BE LIKE IN THE NEW NORM

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n this unprecedented time, we’ve gone from FOMO (fear of missing out) to FOGO (fear of going out).

While holidays will no longer be the same, that doesn’t mean you have to stop travelling entirely. Here’s what you need to know about the new norm of flying and travelling.

Is It Safe to Fly Again?

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recently published a series of safety and health precautionary recommendations, which offers us a glimpse into the new normal in air travel.

Some of these guidelines include reduced baggage, the obligatory wearing of masks and face coverings within aircraft and terminals, physical distancing of at least one metre, as well as the use of contactless technology such as online check-in, mobile tickets, and facial scans.

Firefly, as well as most airlines, have adopted such protocols – implementing measures such as mandatory face masks for all passengers, crew and staff on board and on ground, as well as temperature checks via thermal imaging scanners, digital contact tracing, physical distancing when queueing and at the seating area, while encouraging web check-in.

Disinfection of the aircraft cabin is conducted daily, while thorough cleaning and sanitisation of surfaces in the cabin are done after every flight – these include seats, floors, arm and headrests, tray tables, overhead luggage bins, walls and lavatories.

Firefly’s ATR planes are also equipped with air filtration and ventilation systems that ensure a constant flow of fresh air in the cabin.

Scan this QR code or visit facebook.com/ Firefly/ to watch the video of Firefly aircraft cabin disinfection.

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Firefly Amenity Kit, which contains hygiene essentials like face mask, hand sanitiser, and disposable gloves, is also available: just refer to our cabin crew.

In addition, hard copy of the inflight magazine has been removed to avoid cross-contamination, and a digital version is now accessible via smartphones and tablets.

While airlines, hotels, and other travel operators may be taking steps to ensure the health and safety of its passengers, responsibility does not fall on them alone – we should play a part. Here are tips to make travelling a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Keep Yourself Updated

Since the situation is constantly changing, it’s important to get updated on a country’s travel restrictions before making a visit. A useful resource for the most updated travel info is IATA’s Travel Centre, which has an interactive map showing travel restrictions in each country. For Firefly passengers, please refer to our website, firefly.com.my, for the latest updates.

Plan Smart

When possible, book directly through the airline rather than through a third party. If something goes wrong or your travel plans change, it is easier to change or cancel your flight.

Use a credit card rather than a debit card, as this is the easiest way to get your money back.

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Maintain Good Hygiene

Remember to pack essentials such as face masks, hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes and travel-size handwash. Try not to share food, but if group meals cannot be avoided, bring your own cutlery or request for servings spoons, and ensure that everyone uses them. Wash your hands properly with soap and water regularly.

Keeping A Distance

It’s recommended as an effective way, coupled with the other measures, to control the spread of the virus. And avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of a cough or cold.

Be Prepared

Falling sick during your travels is never fun. In this current climate, it is even more important to seek medical attention immediately.

Travel insurance will ensure that you are properly covered and not stuck with a hefty bill if things go south. Keep a record of your travel history to share with your healthcare provider, so they know if you have visited a country with a large number of confirmed coronavirus cases.

Consider Domestic Travel

You can opt for a quiet excursion to commune with nature, such as an island getaway, caving, or jungle trekking, or other ecotourism option. By travelling locally, you will also be doing a part in reviving the country’s economy. Check out Firefly’s exciting promotions for domestic destinations at firefly.com.my.

Change Your Travel Habits

Rather than taking multiple ‘mini vacations’ in a year, consider going on one long trip, or opt for staycations. And instead of the usual tourist hotspots, give offthe-beaten path destinations or tailored experiences a go. You’ll never know how fun or enriching these could be until you try.

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How To Fly Safe And Maintain Good Hygiene While Travelling At The Airport & On The Plane

• Wear a face mask.

• Sanitise your hands or wash them properly with soap and water.

• Bring wipes to sanitise surfaces.

• Maintain physical distancing.

• Allow others to board or disembark first. In this way, you minimise contact with other travellers who are rushing to get off or onto the plane.

• Refer to the cabin crew for Firefly Hygiene Kit.

In Restaurants & Retail Outlets

• Avoid hotpots and buffets, where you might have to share food.

• Bring your own cutlery, or ask for serving spoons.

• Choose restaurants with good practices, e.g. they enable digital contact tracing or check-in, implement physical distancing when queuing, and their tables and seats are adequately spaced apart.

On Public Transport

• Wear a face mask and do not touch your face.

• Go for contactless payment.

• Practise physical distancing where possible.

• Avoid contact with high-touch surfaces. If you must, remember to use a hand sanitiser or wash your hands properly afterwards.

Firefly Checklist

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My Flying Checklist Before booking my flight I’m fit to travel.

MyKad or MyPR or valid passport and other documents are in order.

I’ve checked the travel updates, departure and arrival requirements based on my destination.

Before heading to the airport If I have any symptoms, I’ll go to the doctor immediately.

I’ve packed sufficient face mask, sanitiser, antibacterial wipes and my hygiene essentials. The Hygiene Kit is also available (just refer to the cabin crew on board).

I’ll bring my own pen to minimise contamination.

I’ll opt for web check-in and arrive at the airport at least 1 hour prior to departure. Manual check-in is also available.

I will also...

Practise physical distancing.

Frequently wash my hands properly with soap and water.

Sanitise my hands before putting on my face mask.

If I’m wearing a disposable face mask, I’ll change to a new one every 4 hours.

If i’m wearing a reusable mask, I’ll change the filters as advised.

Follow the etiquette when coughing and sneezing (cover my nose and mouth, cough/sneeze into my elbow and immediately wash/ sanitise my hands afterwards).

Avoid touching my eyes, nose and mouth.

Minimise contact with high-touch surfaces and items.

Before entering any premise/outlet, scan the QR code or opt for digital check in.

Fly safely and confidently with Firefly.

Download this checklist from Firefly’s website.

Firefly Safety Measures

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Fly Safely And Confidently With Firefly Download this guide from Firefly’s website

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Pre-flight

Travel update: Check the latest travel update from authorised sources and also on Firefly website : fireflyz.com.my

Booking flexibility for Fly Infinite and Corporate: For Fly Infinite or corporate programme passengers, you may enjoy unlimited changes to your booking.

Web check-in: Check-in online to minimise contact.

Domestic passengers with hand carry may proceed to security clearance and boarding area with a mobile boarding pass. *Terms & Conditions apply

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Airport facilities & check-in

Kiosks and check-in counters: Self-service check-in kiosks are regularly cleaned and sanitised.

Physical distancing: Floor and seat markings to guide a safe distance.

Other services: Special assistance, including wheelchair is managed according to safety and health SOP.

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Boarding

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Airport lounge

Entry protocols: Temperature checks and contactless registration will be carried out.

Safety and health protocols: Temperature checks and floor/ seat markings are part of the precautionary measures.

Boarding gate: Contactless security checks and temperature check are carried out before boarding.

Physical distancing: Admission into the boarding area might be staggered at a given time.

Document verification: Staff will verify your travel documents. Contactless boarding using mobile boarding pass is also possible for domestic flights.

Boarding process: Boarding will be done in small groups, with priority given to passengers requiring special assistance.

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In-flight cabin

Face mask and hygiene kit: Passengers should always wear face mask on board. Cabin crew will have their face mask on at all times. Hygiene Kit is available for passengers on board.

In-flight refreshments: Snacks are sealed in pre-packed packaging and beverages are served according to food hygiene standards.

Cabin cleanliness: Cleaning and sanitisation are done after every flight, while disinfection of the aircraft cabin is conducted daily, according to the SOP.

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Arrival

Physical distancing: From disembarkation to the walkway, arrival hall, baggage collection carousel and exit; safe distancing is highly advised.

C o m f o r t Z o n e : W h e r e To S t a y

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GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, MALAYSIA

Historic Suites

George Town’s iconic Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O) officially reopened its Heritage Wing at the end of 2019, after carrying out extensive refurbishment works for most of that year. The only seafront hotel within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, E&O offers 231 luxurious suites across both its Victory Annexe and Heritage Wing.

Guests of Corner Suites or any suite in the Heritage Wing have access to many exclusive privileges, including round-the-clock butler service and access to the Heritage Wing infinity pool. Dining options abound, from the local and international buffet at Sarkies, to continental breakfast and all-day dining at Planters Lounge, local and Western favourites at Palm Court, or the best of Nyonya and European cuisines at Java Tree. eohotels.com

C o m f o r t Z o n e : W h e r e To S t a y

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Where Old Meets New

Located within one of the most popular tourist enclaves in Malaysia, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, marries contemporary design with Eastern elements. Book a stay in one of the hotel’s 318 well-appointed rooms, each featuring customised wall art portraying stories of the livelihood, craft, and trade of the local community. Then, sink into a good night’s sleep on the signature Four Points by Sheraton Comfort Bed. Dining options include Peranakaninspired afternoon tea at Lady Yi's Tea House and traditional culinary specialities at Quan’s Kitchen. Or, head to Jann, the ideal after-hours destination for inventive cocktails.

Other facilities include a state-ofthe-art fitness centre and an outdoor splash pool, both located on the seventh floor where guests can recharge or unwind. marriott.com/hotels/travel/ kulfc-four-points-kuala-lumpurchinatown/

C o m f o r t Z o n e : W h e r e To S t a y

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DESARU COAST, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Seaside Escape

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas welcomes discerning travellers to the pristine shores of Desaru in Johor, Malaysia. The resort’s 108 luxury accommodations are modelled after traditional Malay kampung houses, while the 13 standalone pool villas and five expansive residences have their own infinity pools, contemporary living areas, and chef and butler services. Dining options include palate-pleasing dishes like grilled seafood and steaks at the resort’s alfresco beachfront restaurant Sea.Fire.Salt, as well as authentic local fare and delicious international cuisine at The Turmeric restaurant. Take a dip in the resort’s

two swimming pools, unwind at Anantara Spa, or work up a sweat at the health and fitness centre. The resort also offers diving and islandhopping activities, heritage and food tours in nearby Johor Bahru. Or, you can head to The Els Club Desaru Coast for a round of golf. anantara.com/en/desaru-coast

C o m f o r t Z o n e : W h e r e To S t a y

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PHUKET, THAILAND

Secluded Sanctuary

Hidden within a lush mountain forest along a secluded stretch of sand on Kamala Beach, the recently opened InterContinental Phuket Resort offers guests a tranquil retreat accompanied by top-notch service and lavish accommodations. The resort’s 221 luxurious rooms and villas offer spectacular views of either the ocean, mountains, a lagoon, or the resort’s beautiful garden. Guests staying in Club InterContinental rooms, suites, or villas have access to exclusive benefits such as personalised butler service, all-day light refreshments, access to the InterContinental Lounge and Pool, and more. Five other pools are available for guests, including an

infinity pool and a kids’ pool for the Planet Trekkers Kids Club. Hungry?

Choose to dine at the casual all-day restaurant Pinto, contemporary Thai fine-dining restaurant Jaras, or the Pine Beach Bar. phuket.intercontinental.com

B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t

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Asian Twists

Aphrodite herself might be charmed

by Apollo Dining, the latest buzzworthy restaurant in Kuala Lumpur’s Bangsar suburb. This self-described Asian fusion restaurant was started by a Malaysian who found inspiration in Milan, has a Serbian manager who runs the front of house while its kitchen is helmed by a Cuban-born chef who now calls Southeast Asia home. The modern menu revels in this region’s influences, like the duck confit and pickled vegetables wrapped in rice paper and paired with a lemon chilli dip, and squid ink linguine tossed with tempura soft-shell crab in a laksa-inspired crab sauce. facebook.com/apollodining

B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t

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From East To West

Superfine in Petaling Jaya draws inspiration from Ho Chi Minh City to Nashville. Vietnam’s banh mi is rebooted as the baguette-free Saigon Fling, with shredded chicken, liver pate, pickled carrots, coriander, and spicy hoisin mayo stuffed between toasted slices of sourdough bread. Tennessee is represented by the Hot Chicken Burger – buttermilk fried chicken brushed with hot, subtly spicy oil, sandwiched between a brioche bun and served with seasoned fries. Balance out these indulgences with a meat-free platter of charred broccoli, sautéed kale, baby spinach, and sweet peas on roasted pumpkin puree, crowned with a poached egg. instagram.com/superfine.kl

B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t

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PHOTO: WIZARDS

World On A Plate

Aside from its usual offerings, Kuala Lumpur’s Wizards At Tribeca has added new dishes to its menu. Baos abound, mainly with Asian-inflected stuffings such as deep-fried unagi with salted egg crumble, soyglazed beef with scallions, hoisin smoked duck breast, and kam heong (a Malaysian style of stirfrying) chicken with Japanese cucumber – savoury indulgences with the perfect coupling of carbs and protein. For the sweet tooth, the tarts are a must-try. Order the Assorted Selection, which showcases four types of tarts, each served in pairs: burnt egg tarts, matcha with strawberry, mango passion curd with coconut cream, and salted caramel with chocolate. facebook.com/wizardsattribeca

B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t

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Rocking Eats

Dig into delicious dishes and desserts at the Swee Lee Social Club café in Kuala Lumpur’s Lot 10 mall. The in-store café, which is part of Swee Lee Music’s national flagship store in Malaysia, shares space with retail sections featuring music instruments, a vinyl collection, and lifestyle products. Furnished with local teak, the café is a cosy spot to recharge one’s energy. Highlights from its menu include a pulled beef (from brisket that’s been cooked for eight hours) sandwich, wraps, smoothie bowls, and waffles. And of course, the coffee is a must! facebook.com/ SweeLeeMalaysiaLot10

PHOTO: SWEE LEE SOCIAL CLUB

12 H o u r s

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Text Ian Loh Photos Fairuz Rahim / Tourism Malaysia / Shutterstock Illustration Yion Lim

Crossing

Borders MORE THAN JUST A TRANSIT POINT FOR TRAVELLERS, JOHOR BAHRU (JB) IS A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR A DAY TRIP OR A WEEKEND GETAWAY.

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9.00 am

Fuel up at Restoran Kin Wah, a no-frills kopitiam (coffeeshop) on the corner of Jalan Trus and Jalan Tan Hiong Nee that serves up a hearty Malaysian breakfast. Pair their signature rich and aromatic Hainanesestyle kopi with lightly toasted bread sandwiched with kaya and butter, and silky-smooth half-boiled eggs (they only use eggs from kampung, or freeroaming, chickens). Do like the locals – break the eggs into the saucer that comes with your cup of kopi (or teh), drizzle over soy sauce, add a pinch of pepper, and slurp it all down.

If you prefer a bite-on-the-go, head to Salahuddin Bakery (on Jalan Dhoby), an old-school bakery that has been churning out coal-fired bread and pastries since 1937. Regulars come here as early as 8.30 am to buy its signature Bengali curry puffs, which come in three different fillings – potatoes, beef, or mutton. Eat them while they’re piping hot.

Salahuddin Bakery

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12.00 pm

Head back downtown for a sumptuous lunch at Kam Long Curry Fish Head.

This popular eatery is easy to spot as it usually has a long line of hungry patrons queuing outside. They only serve one dish here – red snapper fish head curry – although there is a choice of replacing the fish head with the tail if you prefer.

The cooked-to-order dish, which includes tomatoes, cabbage, long beans, and lady's fingers, is served in a claypot, and best eaten with a bowl of rice, or three.

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

10.00 am

JB is a melting pot of different cultures and religions, and its heritage buildings, which are clustered in the downtown area, are easily explored on foot. From Kin Wah, head north along Jalan Trus and you’ll find Gurdwara Sahib, built by the Sikhs; a little further up is the Old Chinese Temple, one of the oldest religious structures in JB; and just a 10-minute walk away is the town’s oldest Catholic church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Built in 1927, this church conducts mass services in four languages to cater to churchgoers of different races. From there, hop in a taxi to Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple — the world’s first and Malaysia’s only

glass Hindu temple.

If you’re an architecture enthusiast, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is a mustvisit. Perched on top of a hill, the state mosque boasts a mix of Islamic and English Victorian architectural styles, with beautiful whitewashed walls and blue-tiled roofs.

Then, pay a visit to the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum – just a 10-minute walk away – to learn about the settlement and history of Johor’s Chinese community. There’s a good number of artefacts and documentation displayed on each of its four floors, as well as music instruments, old photos, old coins and notes, porcelain ware, and much more, on exhibit.

Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple

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2.00 pm

Time for some refreshments! Head to JB’s (unofficial) café central, located around Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Dhoby. For good coffee, snacks, and Insta-worthy settings, check out Bev C’afe, which is part of a retail store, or Flowers in The Window, and The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen, which are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Don’t miss the century-old Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory, which is famous for their fluffy, pillowy, banana cakes that are baked in a vintage wood-fired oven.

3.00 pm

Burn off your calories with retail therapy at one of JB’s new shopping centres. Start with the biggest one, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey. Apart from shopping and dining, you can also catch a movie (if you have time) at Aurum Theatre, the luxurious boutique cinema outfitted with recliners, or treat yourself to a body massage or a head spa. Alternatively,

make a beeline for Johor Premium Outlets in Kulai, which is about a 30-minute car ride from JB town, to score some sweet discounted deals.

Take your pick from 150 outlets, from the likes of Bottega Veneta and Jimmy Choo, to The North Face and Samsonite (you might need a new piece of luggage to carry all the extra purchases, perhaps?).

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6.30 pm

You can’t leave JB without feasting on some fresh seafood. Ong Shun Seafood Restaurant (on Jalan Abdul Samad in Kampung Bahru) is a great choice for Chinese-style seafood dishes. Apart from the usual offerings like salted egg yolk crab and butter cream prawns, the must-try is their Indonesian curry prawns.

The best way to savour this delectable dish? Order some fried mantou to soak

up the tangy curry gravy and savour the juicy prawns together with it. If you’re willing to venture outside the city, Anjung Senibong (in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya) and Restoran Todak (in Kampung Teluk Jawa, Masai) are about a 15-minute and 25-minute car ride out of the city respectively; both come highly recommended for their super fresh seafood selections and rustic ambience.

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8.00 pm

When night falls, head to Skyscape, located on the 34th floor of Menara JLand, for a bird’s eye view of JB city. Standing at 149 metres tall, the glass-floored sky bridge is not for the faint-hearted, but those who are acrophobic need not worry as there are other activities such as VR (Virtual Reality) experiences, interactive floor games, and a super cool LED tunnel as well.

Before you leave, sample JB’s local delicacy kway teow kia at the decade-old, family-run Restoran Woon Kiang in Stulang Laut. The slurpy kway teow is submerged in a flavourful savoury soup made with dark braising broth, and is served with Teochew-style braised meat, pork innards, hard-boiled eggs, and salted vegetable — a simple, comforting dish you should not miss. You’ll find locals and tourists alike at this unassuming eatery, which opens till 3.30 am.• Menara JLand and Komtar JBCC Please check the websites and social media pages of the places you intend to visit as there may be changes to their opening hours during this period.

Permaisuri Zarith Opera House

Inside Look Text Eris Choo Photos courtesy of Tanjai Kamala Indira Dance School

Divine Art HOW THE CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE BHARATANATYAM FOUND A HOME IN MALAYSIA.

W

ith roots in Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is one of the most popular and enduring Indian classical dances of all time. Intricate footwork, colourful costumes, as well as emotive hand gestures and facial expressions make a Bharatanatyam performance a true spectacle to behold. While often based on Hindu spiritual and religious themes, it is, in essence, a cultural dance.

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Inside Look

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In Malaysia, especially during the 1960s, films played a pivotal role in boosting its popularity. Tamil movies often incorporated this Indian classical dance, which made it attractive among the masses. Skilled local teachers, however, were few.

Those who could afford it brought in teachers from India, while others sent their children overseas to learn the dance.

Coming from an artistic family, it was natural for sisters Kamala Govindaraju Ramachandran and Indira Manickam to delve into the art. Their grandfather, who was a dramatist, took them to Thanjavur, India – the birthplace of Bharatanatyam – where the duo learnt the dance from descendants of the renowned Tanjore Quartet.

Upon their return in 1966, the sisters established Tanjai Kamala Indira Dance School (TKI). Today, it is the longestoperating Indian classical dance school in Malaysia, and has trained thousands of students in the art of Bharatanatyam.

“In the early days, not many people understood the meaning and significance behind Bharatanatyam. Many parents wanted their children to pick it up within a few months because they wanted them to dance like how they see it in films,” says Indira, who runs TKI as its principal and has over 53 years of experience as a dance teacher. (top to bottom) Productions are based on mythological stories or draw inspiration from modern tales; Tanjai Kamala Indira Dance School principal, Indira Manickam; students learning the steps at a class

Inside Look

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How The Dance Is Taught

The school introduced a systematic approach to its classes, based on the syllabus the sisters learnt in India. “When it comes to traditional dance, there are steps that you have to follow in order to allow your body to adapt,” explains Indira. The aramandi, for example, is an essential posture in Bharatanatyam that requires a dancer to do a ‘half sit’, and can only be mastered with lots of practice.

At TKI, studenst start with adavu (basic footwork), which may take up to three years to master. They are also given theory lessons on Natya Shasthra – an ancient Sanskrit text on

Learning the dance requires intense concentration, because dancers have to move and listen to the beat at the same time, while not forgetting their facial expressions.

the performing arts – to produce students that are well-rounded in both dance and its literature.

Next comes the Salangai Poojai (primary graduation), which involves the dance teacher tying a pair of salangai (anklets) around a student’s feet, officially allowing them to give public performances. TKI was the first Bharatanatyam dance school in Malaysia to place an emphasis on the Salangai Poojai, in order to motivate and encourage more students to take up the art.

Inside Look

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The third stage is Arangetram, where students get an indepth understanding of bhava (expression), raga (melody) and thalam (rhythm). They are also given more exposure and opportunities to perform on stage. Only those who have successfully graduated from their Arangetram are allowed to teach – a process that may take up to 10 years to complete.

And while there are religious aspects to the dance, Indira says that it is not a religious art form. “It is often associated with religion because back in the days, the themes and songs used for Bharatanatyam were religious. Even if you gave me a Chinese song, I can still show the expressions and dance to it with the Bharatanatyam,” she explains.

A TKI dance production with a mythological and religious theme

Inside Look

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Everybody loves the dance, even people of other races, and there’s a pride [you feel] when you tell other people you’re an Indian classical dancer Becoming a Bharatanatyam teacher requires patience and sacrifice.

Lengthy training aside, teachers are also expected to sing, understand mythological stories, and possess good imagination to help them choreograph performances. “Dance is not something where you read a book and sit for an exam. It is physical and creative,” Indira points out.

The Benefits Of Learning This Dance

Beyond its physical benefits, Indira says that learning Bharatanatyam can help to train one’s mental capabilities.

“Learning the dance requires intense concentration, because dancers have to move and listen to the beat at the same time, while not forgetting their facial expressions,” she says. “In my experience, most of our dancers excel in their studies as well because they are activating both sides of the brain.”

“It’s best to learn from a young age as the progression will be gradual, but age is not a barrier for those who are interested in learning the art.

My youngest student is four, while the [oldest] is 65. I have daughters, mothers, and grandmothers coming together to learn the dance,” says Indira, who currently oversees six teachers and over 200 students at the school. “It’s also a form of exercise.

Having to sit at a certain level and utilise different muscle groups, your body gets stronger and your blood flow increases, which is good for health,” she adds.

TKI has trained thousands of students, some of whom have graduated and gone on to teach on their own and spread the dance throughout Malaysia. “These days, we have technology at our disposal.

Many of my students use their phones to record dance moves and use them as reference. Back when I was learning the dance, we didn’t even have cassette tapes to play the accompanying music, so we had to sing it ourselves!” recalls Indira.

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Keeping Tradition Alive Teachers play a crucial role in setting a good example for students. “The way we express ourselves, how respectful we are when we speak – these are things that students pick up and carry home,” says Indira. “We talk to them about mythological stories and the lessons behind them. We also tell them more about our cultural and religious festivals, and why it’s important to follow certain rituals, such as wearing traditional garments when you go to the temple,” she adds.

Aside from classes, dance dramas are another way to keep the tradition alive. Some TKI productions are based on Hindu mythological stories such as Ramayana; others draw inspiration from other cultures and modern tales.

“We did a production based on Cinderella, where instead of losing a shoe our heroine loses her salangai and the prince went around looking for its owner,” explains Indira. Her daughter Kamini Manickam, who also helps to run the school, produces dance dramas based on social themes or current issues.

(top to bottom) Dance dramas are a way to keep the art of Bharatanatyam alive; salangai are anklets worn around a dancer’s feet

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The challenges of learning the art in Malaysia include access to live music accompaniment, as well as getting costumes, jewellery, and accessories

Indira admits that there are challenges to learning the art here as opposed to in India, where there are more facilities. “In India, most dancers will have live music accompaniment. We also have traditional musicians here but services are limited, as many of them do it as a part-time job or hobby,” she explains. Costumes, jewellery and accessories – all part of a Bharatanatyam dancer’s repertoire – are also easier to purchase in India.

Despite the challenges, interest in Bharatanatyam has grown with the times and its future is bright, says Indira. “In the past, Bharatanatyam was often thought

to be exclusive to a certain community. It was not for everyone to learn to dance.

Now it’s different. Everybody loves the dance, even people of other races, and there’s a pride [you feel] when you tell other people that you’re an Indian classical dancer,” she quips.

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More Than A Dance Form

By learning the dance, students are also learning about Indian culture and heritage. Indira cites that some of her younger students attend classes with little to no knowledge of Tamil, but pick it up by mingling with other students and listening to the Tamil songs that are used for the dances.

TKI regularly organises dance dramas and performs at festivals, celebrations, and dance recitals throughout Malaysia. Last year’s musical, Thillana Mohanambal, held at the PJ Civic Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, was a critical

success, and they are looking to repeat the show in different states in Malaysia.

“You can’t just be learning the art – you have to showcase it. That’s how you develop both as an individual, and as an artist,” says Indira.

The dance school matriarch intends to carry on educating the younger generation and promoting the art for as long as she can. “I have been blessed with talent not only as a dancer, but also as an educator. I breathe dance; it’s in my blood. I can’t be separated from it,” she shares with quiet pride.•

It’s not just a dance school, as TKI students are also educated on Indian culture and heritage

P e r s p e c t i ve

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Text Hoe I Yune

Story

tellers

DOCUMENTARY PRODUCERS TENG POH SI AND CHEYENNE TAN HIT A HIGH NOTE IN THEIR CAREERS WHEN ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN – TRACING THE LIFE TRAJECTORY OF ACTIVIST AND RAPPER BRUCE FRANKS JR. – WAS NOMINATED AT THIS YEAR’S OSCARS FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT).

(main picture & inset) Teng Poh Si’s choice of outfit to the Oscar’s drew inspiration from the three main cultures in Malaysia; film poster of St. Louis Superman

“I

think a lot of it stems from the ability to see inequality,” says Teng Poh Si, 35, on what fuels her work. “When you find filmmakers who are sufficiently angry and upset about the systemic injustices in the world, they are going to look for subjects and stories that will teach themselves something, and in the process, teach others as well.”

The need to spotlight systematic injustice was something she realised when she moved from the more sheltered and homogenous Chinese community in Penang to Kuala Lumpur as a college student. There, she was able to form more meanigful relationships

with people of different races, religions, and sexual orientations.

This helped shape her understanding of inequality, not just within her community, but beyond as well.

It also propelled her to pursue storytelling as a career.

From racial tension to religious divide, she points out that there is a lot of animosity towards “the others” in the world, and within here lies the danger of the single perspective.

Documentaries can offer a different perspective, helping audiences to see beyond and grow from their biases and preconceptions.

This can open their eyes to issues worth fighting for collectively.

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It was a matter of looking for the right subject journey and the right directors whom we could commission to tell a story.

(from left to right) Teng Poh Si, Bruce Franks Jr., Smriti Mundhra, Sami Khan, Cheyenne Tan. “We knew for a long time that it was important to make a film about Black Lives Matter and whether it can translate into policy. It was a matter of looking for the right subject journey and the right directors whom we could commission to tell a story,” says Poh Si

A Story That Needed Telling As a former journalist at the New York Times, Poh Si previously covered the violent jihadist recruitment in Malaysia. Her documentary Flirting with the Islamic State, which was about an ISIS recruiter who tried to radicalise an American Sunday school teacher, received an Emmy nomination in 2016.

With 15 years of experience under her belt, she is now the commissioning editor and senior producer at Witness, a programme on Al Jazeera, where she commissions characterdriven verité documentaries in the US, Canada, and Latin America; documentaries that are relevant to themes important for the country as well as the rest of the world.

Her most recently recognised work is St. Louis Superman, which was nominated for an Oscar. This 25-minute documentary, directed

by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan, is a slice-oflife profile on Ferguson activist and battle rapper Bruce Franks Jr., which casts the spotlight on police brutality, racism and inequality. It follows Bruce, 34, as he enters politics and subsequently gets elected to the mainly white Republican Missouri House of Representatives, where he faces political obstacles to pass a bill critical for his community. He does all these while battling an inner demon that has burdened him for almost 30 years – his nine-year-old brother was shot and killed in front of him.

Fresh out of film school, fellow Malaysian Cheyenne Tan came onboard as coproducer when she answered the job advertisement for an assistant to help a journalist and filmmaker. The 25-year-old describes herself as naturally curious, and the chance to learn about the injustices and social issues around her piqued her interest.

Documentaries, in particular, intrigued her as a platform to record events in society.

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Representing Malaysia At The Oscars

Oscar nomination aside, St. Louis Superman won awards at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Indy Shorts International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, AFI Docs, and DOC NYC, among others.

(top) The Malaysian producers and the cast of St. Louis Superman on Oscars night (bottom) Bruce Franks Jr. flanked by Teng Poh Si (right) and Cheyenne Tan

“We realised that people were listening. Suddenly our words mattered and we could uplift communities that wouldn’t have had the chance to tell their stories otherwise,” says Cheyenne. Both ladies took the opportunity to ‘showcase’ their heritage by wearing Malaysian-inspired outfits to the Oscars. Cheyenne had a dress custom-made for her using sarong from her hometown of Kuching, while Poh Si wore a cheongsam made from songket material, paired with a selendang (a long scarf) worn sari-style. The latter was created by Malaysian designer Adila Long and paired with Indian jewellery from Poh Si’s mother-in-law. “Clothes matter because symbols matter and that’s why it’s important to wear something meaningful,” she adds.

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The Malaysian Film Industry Moving Forward “If there is anything to be learned from being nominated, it is knowing that we did not do it on our own,” says Poh Si, who refuses to take complete credit for the documentary’s success. “We did it with the support of so many people within our communities and the backing of Al Jazeera and MTV Documentary films.”

It is this support that she thinks is fundamental for the Malaysian film industry to thrive. “You see Parasite and what has come out of South Korea. There was so much governmental structural support that there was space to explore creative ideas,” she says. “You need people to feel they are in a safe environment to create.”

You need people to feel they are in a safe environment to create.

Based in Washington, DC, she admits that she is a little removed from the Malaysian scene but believes in supporting homegrown organisations for filmmakers such as Komas, of which she is an alumni.

“A lot of people [comment] on how we [are] Malaysians who went abroad, but we had no choice because the industry at home is not there yet,” says Poh Si. Cheyenne, who is based in Los Angeles, also acknowledges the strong support from her parents and relatives. “What matters to me now is what I do with that privilege and the best way is to give back,” says Cheyenne.

“There needs to be the freedom to tell stories without fear of censorship or being targeted afterwards,” says Poh Si

She has a dream, which is to introduce filmmaking to people living in rural communities in Sarawak. “It feels far-fetched right now but... I want to go into the rural areas and visit people living in longhouses, then put a camera in their hands, so they can learn how to use it and get inspired to tell their own stories. That way, hopefully more documentary films will come out from my part of the country. There are so many stories that haven’t been told yet.”•

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Text Hoe I Yune

Starry,

starry nights

FROM NEW ZEALAND TO SCOTLAND, ESCAPE THE CITY AND CHILL OUT UNDER A BLANKET OF GLITTERING CONSTELLATIONS AT THESE STARGAZING SPOTS AROUND THE WORLD.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

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Rhön Biosphere Reserve, Germany Tucked away in the Rhön hills, in the heart of Germany, lies a biosphere reserve, which is a nature lover’s paradise.

This UNESCO-established site, also known as “the land of endless horizons”, offers lots of opportunities for outdoor

PHOTO: WERNER KLUG, DARK SKY RESERVE RHÖN

activities such as walking trails, kayaking, and gliding, but not to be missed is the spectacular view of the skies at nightfall. From this tranquil spot, you can enjoy a clear view of the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy.

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Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, UK

Since 2009, Galloway Forest Park, in southwest Scotland, has been designated as UK’s first Dark Sky Park – all on account of its unique stargazing conditions. Located just under an hour and a half by car from Glasgow, the park stretches over 700sqkm of forests, lochs and hills. To top it off, as very few people live in the area, there is little to no light pollution.

It’s reported that you can see over 7,000 stars and planets with the naked eye from here, which

PHOTOS: VISITSCOTLAND

of course means that the Milky Way’s bright band is definitely visible to one and all. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, which occupies a hilltop site, is where you’d want to head to maximise your stargazing experience. It also features a presentation room, a planetarium, and an elevated observation deck from which to enjoy naked-eye viewing of the night sky – just make sure you book ahead as it’s a very popular destination.

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Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan

mid-June – among all the islands in this archipelago. Spend some time at the Hateruma Island Starry Sky Observation Tower, and you’ll have a stargazing experience you’ll remember for years to come. (Note: There are no night ferries back to Ishigaki so you’ll need to plan for an overnight stay on Hateruma.)

Aside from the preservation and promotion of dark skies, the national park is also a refuge for a number of plant and animal species under threat, like the critically endangered Iriomote cat, which was only “recently” discovered, in 1965.

PHOTO: OKINAWA CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU

The first location in Japan to be designated an International Dark Sky Park, this national park is located within the Yaeyama group of islands, which is part of Okinawa Prefecture. For stargazing enthusiasts, head to Hateruma Island. To get there, hop on a ferry (the ride lasts a little over an hour) from Ishigaki Island, the main transport hub of this archipelago.

Blessed with clear skies and the absence of light pollution, Hateruma is reported to be the closest to the Southern Cross – visible from this island from late April through

PHOTO: LEE COOK, CHRISTCHURCHNZ

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand Dark sky reserves are pockets around the globe where sources of artificial light are restricted. Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, in the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island, New Zealand, is the world’s largest one, offering a window to sights unique to the southern hemisphere. These include the kite-shaped Southern Cross, the Alpha Centauri (Earth’s closest star system), the Magellanic Clouds (two dwarf galaxies), and the

Milky Way (its core is at its brightest in June and July, which are midwinter months in New Zeland). It’s a star-studded experience even to the naked eye, but to capture the stunning star clusters in the darkest of skies, be sure to pair your camera with the right zoom lens and tripod. You might want to consider signing up for one of the few stargazing and astrophotography tours that are available.

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An overnight stay at Pic du Midi Observatory includes dinner at the on-site restaurant and a nighttime observation with professional astronomers. NASA’s scientists made a mark in history here when they visited the observatory to map the surface of the moon in preparation for the Apollo landing.

These days, the observatory is a spot where star chasing enthusiasts can immerse in the experience without compromising on comfort. Peek into telescopes, probe the professionals with questions, and watch the starry night slowly shapeshift overnight. It’s pretty stellar. Visit during the summer and you can look forward to catching constellation Sagittarius, which appears in the southern hemisphere during these months.

During the day, a cable car ride up to this mountain top observatory boasts breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. Pic du Midi. Set in the Southern French Pyrénées, it boasts an altitude of approximately 2,850m. This is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Pyrénées-Mont Perdu, which is located on the border between France and Spain.

As international travel is now restricted, why not check out the firefly (kelip kelip) right here in Malaysia. Just plan a trip to Kuala Selangor. Check out: visitselangor.com/ kuala-selangor-fireflies/

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

Pic Du Midi Observatory, France

Te c h U p : G a d g e t s

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Run Connected

Under Armour’s Hovr Machina is not your average running shoe. A Bluetooth chip connects to an app for users to conveniently track and analyse their workouts; real-time data transmission also offers instantaneous feedback while in use.

RRP: RM699 underarmour.com.my

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Up Your Game

Tag Heuer recently introduced the Tag Heuer Connected Golf Edition.

This smartwatch sports an OLED screen housed within a 45mm matte black titanium case, along with detailed golf data for roughly 40,000 courses around the world. Other features include a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and gyroscope.

RRP: US$2,550 (RM10,903). tagheuer.com

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Nothing But Music

Sony brings active noise cancellation to a snazzy looking pair of neckband in-ear headphones. The WI-1000XM2 has dual microphones to catch (and block out) ambient sounds – whether it is in-flight noise, city traffic, or office chatter. It is capable of continuous play for a total of 10 hours on a single charge.

RRP: RM1,299 sony.com.my

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One For All

For an action camera, the Insta360 One R is pretty nifty. An interchangeable lens design allows for swapping between different camera modules. From a 360-degree to 4K 60fps wide-angle shooter, it’s always ready to capture the action.

RRP: US$530 (RM2,195) insta360.com

Pack Up : For Her

July 2020

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Statement Jewellery

EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY AND ATTITUDE WITH YOUR JEWELLERY. A UNIQUE OR BOLD DESIGN SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT YOUR SENSE OF STYLE.

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Symbol Of Love

Designed by Louis Cartier in 1924, the Trinity ring by Cartier is a signature design of the luxury maison. The three interlaced bands in pink, yellow, and white gold symbolise love, fidelity, and friendship.

RRP: RM5,250 cartier.com

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Grit In Glamour

The delicate columns that form part of this necklace from The Straits Finery are said to denote feminine strength. Its adjustable length allows you to wear it at different lengths and it can also be layered with other chains to suit different styles of dressing.

RRP: RM384 thestraitsfinery.com

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Shine Bright

This pair of pierced earrings by Swarovski sports dazzling water dropshaped crystals held in pace by sleek rhodium-plated pin elements. Just the accessory to add that extra sparkle to your everyday look.

RRP: S$169 (RM507) swarovski.com

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Made To Order

Wanderlust + Co’s Nameplate pendant is a must-have customisable piece of jewellery. Choose from four chain styles, three font types, three emoji symbols, and up to nine characters in your name or perhaps a favourite mantra. Available in silver, gold vermeil, or 14k gold.

RRP: RM995 and above wanderlustandco.com

Pack Up : For Him

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*Some RRPs have been converted into Malaysian Ringgit and are correct at the time of conversion.

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Do Your Part

Louis Vuitton’s Silver Lockit pendant is fashioned for a good cause. For each sale, US$200 (RM861) will be donated to UNICEF to help children in emergencies and in vulnerable situations around the world.

RRP: RM2,750 louisvuitton.com 1 2

Wrist Factor

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The Hermès Jet bracelet is perfect for those who want something a little different. It features a horizontally placed H logo clasp (versus the more familiar upright H logo), as well as angular corners where the matte enamel detail joins the brushed gold hardware.

RRP: RM3,100 hermes.com

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Seize The World

Are you an intrepid world traveller?

Check out these polished silver finish cufflinks by Paul Smith. They feature a quirky multi-coloured globe – a nod to the spirit of adventure – that adds just the right amount of whimsy.

RRP: US$125 (RM524) paulsmith.com

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Fashionably Fierce

Thomas Sabo offers men a loud and proud ring. A sign of dignity and strength, the three-dimensional tiger motif is beautifully handcrafted in sterling silver and blackened sterling silver.

RRP: RM1,639 thomassabo.my

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Caring for your accessories

While it’s best to leave the rings and watches aside during this period of time, there’s a good reason for not wearing them. Too much hand washing and hand sanitisers, in particular, are harmful to your jewellery. Organic material like pearls, opals, coral, and turquoise can easily be damaged by harsh antiseptic hand wash and alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Check with your jeweller on the best way to clean your precious pieces before storing them away.

Luxury brands usually offer a cleaning service, and should be able to offer advice by email or over the phone.

Health & Beauty

July 2020

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Text Rachel Hon

Clean Is Beautiful

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SKINCARE AND COSMETIC BRANDS ARE JUMPING ON THE PURE AND NATURAL BANDWAGON TO CREATE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE FREE FROM SULFATES, PARABENS, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE AND COLOUR, AND OTHER HARMFUL INGREDIENTS.

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Eye To Eye

Uncompromisingly luxurious and efficacious, this eponymous organic skincare range was founded by Tata Harper in 2002. The Illuminating Eye Creme is formulated with diamond dust alongside Java fruit extract, safflower oleosomes, hyaluronic acid, and other active ingredients. Nontoxic and cruelty-free, the 100 percent natural cream leaves the eye area plump and moisturised, while reducing puffiness, dark circles and crow’s feet.

RRP: RM481 tataharperskincare.com

Natural Pout

Using organic and raw, food-grade ingredients in their natural state, RMS Beauty has forged a revolution by formulating makeup products that are non-toxic, with ingredients that soothe, heal, and reinvigorate the skin. The Lip Shine is a luscious lip gloss that contains nourishing oils and raw mineral pigments to provide optimum hydration while leaving a light wash of gorgeous colour.

RRP: RM115 rmsbeauty.com

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Beauty Sleep

Wake up to renewed, glowing skin courtesy of this overnight mask from Kora Organics, the clean beauty brand by Australian model and nutrition-enthusiast, Miranda Kerr.

The gel treatment is lightweight and consists of certified organic ingredients such as extracts of noni fruit, silver ear mushroom, caviar lime, and kakadu plum, which work to soften the skin while minimising redness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

RRP: RM194 koraorganics.com

Health and Beauty

July 2020

*Some RRPs have been converted into Malaysian Ringgit and are correct at the time of conversion.

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Tip: Make Your Own Sanitiser Wipes The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) has suggested that paper is better than cloth towels for disinfecting surfaces.

Try this: Spray a few sheets of paper towel, that have been cut into quarters, with a good quality antiseptic spray, till lightly soaked.

Store in a resealable plastic storage bag and carry that with you.

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Keep Calm

Photo Perfect

This day serum is driven by a potent antioxidant complex of 15 percent l-ascorbic acid, 0.5 percent ferulic acid, and 1 percent vitamin E to neutralise pollution, environmental stressors, and free radicals. In line with Drunk Elephant’s philosophy of using only skin-beneficial ingredients, pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme are enlisted in this serum to moisturise skin and reduce dark spots and wrinkles for radiance and luminosity.

RRP: RM345 drunkelephant.com

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From its first Covent Garden shop, which opened in 1981, British brand Neal’s Yard Remedies leads in using certified organic ingredients in their products that also serve to protect the planet. Transform your daily shower and bath sessions into a relaxing ritual for body and mind with this aromatic cleansing gel, infused with organically grown English lavender, soothing chamomile and oat extracts.

RRP: RM123 nealsyardremedies.com

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Tress Free

Get sultry waves sans chemicals. The product contains vitamins, minerals, and botanicals – just as Julia Wills and Alexander Kummerow intended with their brand Herbivore Botanicals, which they started in their Seattle kitchen in 2011. Made with natural ingredients like Pacific sea salt and aloe water to nourish and detoxify skin, this hair mist also contains the essential oils of coconut and vanilla to indulge your senses..

RRP: RM 90 herbivorebotanicals.com

Reads : Southeast Asian

July 2020

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Lake Like A Mirror

by Ho Sok Fong This book is a powerful exploration of the lives of Malaysian women buffeted by powers beyond their control; squeezed between the gaps of rapid urbanisation, patriarchal structures, and a theocratic government. Winner of the English PEN Award 2019, Lake Like a Mirror is sensitively translated from Mandarin

by Natasha Bruce whose sparkling prose draws readers into a richly detailed world of wayward Muslims, homophobic school administrators, amnesiac hotel guests, and gossipy customers in unlicensed hairdressers.

RRP: RM59.90

Welcome Home: Lessons In Saying Goodbye

by Julia Yeow As much as one would like to think that the decision to leave one’s home to start anew as a migrant in another country is a highly personal and private matter, author Julia Yeow recognises that it, too, is a form of speech.

Pigeonholed as dissidents and perhaps even traitors in the worst case scenarios, migration remains a sensitive topic for the over one million Malaysians who choose to venture abroad. Deeply personal and fiercely observant, Welcome Home is a book for an age of intolerance and new boundaries.

RRP: RM23

Reads : Southeast Asian

July 2020

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The Wandering

by Intan Paramaditha The Wandering is a second-person, choose-your-own-adventure novel

by Sydney-based Indonesian author Intan Paramaditha. In this story, you’ll encounter a demon who offers you a pair of red shoes that can take you wherever you so desire – a nod to global nomadism and the politics of travel – but beware: the ability to be everywhere also means that you belong nowhere and to no one. The choices you make in the book may mean you end up as a tourist, an undocumented migrant, a mother, or a murderer, but in each case, the choices you make thrust you in a new narrative that is not entirely your own. This book is a playful experiment and a test of the limits of the traditional structure of a novel. It will be difficult to find another book quite as unique as this one in 2020.

RRP: RM75.90

On Earth We ’ re Briefly Gorgeous

by Ocean Vuong This debut novel, pubished in 2019, and written as a letter from a son to his mother who is illiterate, takes inspiration from Vuong’s life who is himself a first generation immigrant to the US (despite having made that journey as a twomonth-old toddler when his mother was discriminated against because of her mixed-race parentage). The protagonist, Little Dog, is also the son of Vietnamese immigrants and comes of age in rough circumstances: he is lonely, the victim of bullying at school, and harassed for his visibly different complexion and his effeminate behaviour. He survives and comes into a young life that is visibly coloured and bruised by the choices he makes and those he doesn’t.

RRP: RM77.90

MY List

July 2020

Photos Tourism Malaysia / 123RF / Shutterstock

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Things & Facts About

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Amazing Malaysia

Luck And Strategy

Congkak is a traditional mancala game played in Malaysia. The game has two players, and uses seeds or marbles as counters that are placed within holes in a long wooden board.

The player with the most counters in their ‘rumah ‘rumah’’ (house) at the end of the game wins.

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Girl Power

At Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, women rule the roost. Most of the traders at this market are women, and visitors will find everything from fresh produce and spices to clothing, handicrafts, and Kelantanese snacks and dishes.

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MY List

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3

Asian Pancakes

Made from flour, eggs and sugar, apam balik is commonly sold on the streets all over Malaysia. They are either soft or crispy, with a peanut and creamed corn filling.

Modern variants have fillings such as chocolate or cheese.

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Silvered Leaf Monkeys

Also known as the silvery lutung, these agile monkeys are found in the forests of Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and parts of Sumatra. The name comes from their silver colouration, although infants sport golden fur and pale skin.

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Hub Of Knowledge

Perpustakaan Negara, or the National Library of Malaysia, is located in Kuala Lumpur. Opened in 1966, it has a vast collection of over four million books and media. Literary treasures such as the Malay Manuscripts – a collection of handwritten manuscripts dating back to the 16th century – are also kept in the library’s archives.

View finder

July 2020

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Text & Photo David Wu

Blue Beauty

T

he Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque, located in the state capital of Shah Alam, is the state mosque of Selangor. Also known as the Blue Mosque, it is the largest mosque in Malaysia.

Completed in 1988, it has the capacity to accommodate 24,000 worshippers at any one time. Truly a stunning structure to behold, the mosque’s distinguishing feature is its large silver-lattice blue dome, which also has the distinction of being the largest religious dome in the world,

measuring 51.2m in diameter and reaching 106.7m above ground level.

Elements of Malay and Islamic architecture are incorporated into the finishes of the building where fine decorative khat (Arabic calligraphy) adorns the inner curve of the dome and parts of the walls. This architecturally breathtaking mosque is well worth a visit when in Selangor.

It is located approximately 18km from Subang Skypark or 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. •

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Firef ly News 53

News & Happenings

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Firefly Network

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Firefly Fleet & Service Info

Hands-On Learning

In March, Firefly flew five lucky students and three teachers of Sekolah Kebangsaan Gong Nangka, Kuala Terengganu, to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang to experience the full motion Flight Simulator Experience (FSE) of Airbus 380 at MAB Academy.

These five extremely talented students from their school’s Aeronautical Club developed an aviation simulator using parts and equipment like car seats and old computers, which is placed at their school library. It also made history as they were the first group of primary school students in Malaysia to build such an equipment.

Firefly and Malaysia Airlines were delighted to enable them to get a sense of what it is like to pilot a commercial airplane. We hope they were inspired by this experience and motivated to keep pursuing their passion in aviation and mechanical engineering.

Net work Map

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*

Banda Aceh*

(Kuala Lumpur)

Stay safe and minimise contact by opting for online check-in: WEB CHECK-IN: At www.fireflyz.com.my.

Print out the boarding pass yourself.

Available for Malaysia domestic and Singapore flights only. For Indonesia and Thailand inbound/outbound flights, check in is through the counter at the airport only.

MOBILE APP CHECK-IN: Via the Firefly Mobile app. Download the app for free from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

KIOSK CHECK-IN: Check in and print your boarding pass at these kiosks in the airport.

This service is available for code share passengers as well.

*

(Seletar Airport)

*Currently not available due to border closure and travel restrictions. **Correct at the time of publishing. Please visit www.fireflyz.com.my for more information.

DIVERSE OFFERINGS Whether it’s culture, food, or entertainment, you’ll find it all in this vibrant city. Read our travel guide on pages 20 - 25.

FAIRUS RAHIM

Johor Bahru

Net work Map

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Firefly Sales Offices & Counters SUBANG JOHOR Subang Skypark Ground Floor, Aero Mall, Terminal Senai International Ground Floor, Departure Airport, 81250 Hall Terminal 3, Sultan Johor Bahru Abdul Aziz Shah Airport TEL: +607 598 7488 47200 Subang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: TEL: +603 7846 3622 Daily; 6 am to 10 pm OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5 am to 10 pm KEDAH Main Terminal, Sultan PENANG Abdul Halim Airport, Flight Operations Centre, 06550 Alor Setar Mezzanine Floor, TEL: +604 714 3911 Penang International OPERATING HOURS: Airport, 11900 Bayan Daily; 7 am to 8 pm Lepas TEL: +604 630 2489 LANGKAWI OPERATING HOURS: Langkawi International Daily; 5:30 am to 10 pm Airport, 07100 Padang Matsirat, Kedah KELANTAN TEL: +604 955 9622 Sultan Ismail Petra OPERATING HOURS: Airport, Daily; 9 am to 8 pm 16100 Kota Bharu TEL: +609 774 1377 PERAK OPERATING HOURS: Sultan Azlan Shah Daily; 5:30 am to Airport, 30350 Ipoh 9:30 pm OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 9 am to 5 pm TERENGGANU Sultan Mahmud Airport, SINGAPORE 21300 Kuala Terengganu 21, Seletar Aerospace TEL: +609 667 5377 Road 1 OPERATING HOURS: #01-03, Singapore 797405 Daily; 7 am to 9 pm TEL: +65 3158 8279 OPERATING HOURS: PAHANG Daily; 7 am to 7:30 pm Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, 25150 Kuantan INDONESIA TEL: +609 538 2911 International OPERATING HOURS: Sat to Departure Hall Mon, Wed & Thur; Sultan Iskandar Muda 9 am to 6 pm Airport Banda Aceh EMAIL: aceh@fireflyz. com.my OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 8:30 am to 5 pm

Airline’s Marketing Representative THAILAND Floor 3, Room 302, Phuket International Airport, Maikhao, Thalang, Phuket 83110 TEL: +66 76 351 477 FAX: +66 76 327 312 EMAIL: phuket@fireflyz.com. my City Ticketing Office SUBANG Lot R-01, 3rd Floor, CITTA Mall, No.1, Jalan PJU 1A/48 Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia OPERATING HOURS: Mon to Fri: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays – closed Selected Airport Ticket Offices KLIA Level 5, Departure Hall, Main Terminal Building Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 64000 Sepang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 12 am KL SENTRAL Lot L2.23, Level 2 Nu Sentral Shopping Centre 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 10 am to 10 pm (including public holidays); last queue number: 9:30 pm

Call Centre General Hotline: Malaysia +603 7845 4543 (Daily 8 am – 8 pm) Singapore +65 3158 8279 (Daily 8 am – 8 pm)

Our Fleet & Service Information

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Height

7.65 m Maximum Fuel Capacity

ATR 72-500

841 Gallons Manufacturer

Avions de transport régional (ATR) No. of aircrafts

12

Passenger Seating

72 (single class) Length

On-Time Performance

Our check-in counters close 30 minutes before departure. Please allow at least 45 minutes for immigration and security clearance.

Boarding gates will close 10 minutes prior to departure and late passengers will not be accepted.

No-Smoking Policy

Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on all flights.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium metal, lithium ion cells or batteries for portable electronic devices (PEDs), including medical devices must not exceed 2g for lithium metal batteries and 100Wh for lithium ion batteries. All spare batteries, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, for PEDs must be carried in passengers’ carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. For PEDs containing nonspillable batteries, they must be 12V or less or 100Wh or less. A maximum of two spare batteries may be carried.

These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

27.17 m Wingspan

27.05 m

Maximum Cruising Speed

510 km/h

Maximum range with full passenger load

890 nautical miles (1648.28 km) Operation Hubs

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang & Penang International Airport, Penang

Refusal To Carry Or Restraint Of Passenger Onboard

Firefly has the right to refuse to carry passengers that they consider to be a potential risk to the safety of its other passengers and crew. We value courteousness. Any form of threat, verbal abuse, or violence towards our staff will not be tolerated.

Fresh & Frozen Seafood

Fresh and frozen seafood are strictly not permitted in check-in baggage. They may be accepted in cabin baggage, subject to the destination’s quarantine regulations.

They must be properly packed and meet the cabin baggage weight and size requirements. A maximum of 2.5kg of dry ice per passenger is permissible if dry ice is used to carry these items. We reserve the right to refuse carriage if the items are not properly packed.

Our Fleet & Service Information

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Wheelchair Assistance

Manual self-propelled wheelchairs can be provided for a fee, subject to availability. Please enquire through our Call Centre upon booking.

Cabin Luggage Handling

Passenger and crew safety on board our flights is our highest priority. In compliance with the airline’s policy and in observing Occupational, Safety, and Health Regulations, cabin crew are no longer required to stow passengers’ hand luggages into the overhead stowage compartment.

This is to minimise occupational hazard and ergonomic risks faced by cabin crew in the aircraft. Cabin crew on duty will, however, assist passengers travelling with infants, young passengers travelling alone, the elderly, and passengers with reduced mobility. Passengers who are fit and in good health must carry, stow, and secure their own hand luggage on board. Hand luggage exceeding the 7kg weight limit is required to be checked in before boarding.

Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes must be carried on one’s person or in carryon baggage only. Recharging of the device in-flight is not permitted.

Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

For safety reasons and in line with the Regulatory Guidelines, mobile phones and all PEDs must be switched off once the aircraft door is closed. Whilst cruising, devices placed in flight mode may be used. The devices must again be switched off during the approach for landing until the aircraft is parked at the terminal building.

Devices transmitting strong signals must remain switched off throughout the flight, until disembarkation. The Captain may prohibit the use of devices that can interfere with the aircraft’s system.

# FlyFirefly

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Taga g us on Instagram @ fireflyairlines and get your photos featured.

jgtaro

izzhuznieidraqie

L i ke d b y h ira_v8 an d other s jgtaro Fire fly ATR72-5 00 landing in Phuket.

Liked by mohdadamahmad_89 and others izzhuznieidraqie Baling, Kedah Darul Aman

mingleeng

adr iant1000

treet s 7 1 d h y b d e Lik and other s dayy m is r u lo o C adr iant1000 r ment o t d n a y jo , n long obsessio et – Claude Mon

Liked by ah_ninn and others mingleeng All of us are now enjoying a new normal life and we can travel around domestically.

Have a great weekend ahead everyone...