Sports+Travel Hong Kong JUL AUG by Sports+Travel Sports+Travel

JUL - AUG 2015

ISSUE 43

Eco Issue

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New Zealand | India | Japan

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JULY - AUG 2015 ISSUE 43

©Christma

Picture Perfect Adventures

NEW ZEALAND'S SOUTH ISLAND

Seeing Green

ADVENTURE IN KERALA

Sport + Mountain Bike

Niseko

Liquid Formosa

Biking For Your Kicks

Eventful Penang PENANG'S ATTRACTIONS

JAPAN

OCEAN ACTIVITIES IN TAIWAN

CYCLING ON ROUTE 66

REGULARS 05 Publisher's Note

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08 Travel Tips

12 Short Breaks

30 Gear Guide

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OUR TEAM PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER FINANCE & ADMIN

Sports and Travel Limited publisher@sportsandtravel.com.hk Aaron K. Stewart astewart@sportsandtravel.com.hk Lynn Ooi

Marilyn Wong mwong@sportsandtravel.com.hk Hylda Low hlow@sportsandtravel.com.hk

ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES AUSTRALIA HONG KONG INDONESIA MALAYSIA PHILIPPINES THAILAND

advertise@sportsandtravel.com.hk Sabine Senne ssenne@sportsandtravel.com.hk Chris Ng cng@sportsandtravel.com.hk

Akram Razak arazak@sportsandtravel.com.hk Sukdev Gill sgill@sportsandtravel.com.hk

Jil North jnorth@sportsandtravel.com.hk Jesse Ting jting@sportsandtravel.com.hk

CONTRIBUTORS

SPECIAL THANKS

Gunther Deichmann Ken Berg Tamara Sanderson Wilson Low

10,000 Miles Panasonic US Library of Congress and many, many others!

Visit us at sportsandtravel.com.hk Like us at fb.com/SportsandTravelHongKong Sports + Travel is distributed at outlets across Hong Kong, including:

Sports + Travel Hong Kong is published by Sports and Travel Limited Hong Kong. All articles published are in good faith and based on bona ďŹ de information available to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law. The Publisher also accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies, or other material. The Publisher accepts no responsibility or liability in any way for the contents or any of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. Al rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the previous written permission of The Publisher. Neither can any part be stored or recorded by any means. The opinions expressed in the publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher. Sports + Travel Hong Kong is published bi-monthly and distributed throughout Hong Kong. Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos, and depictions contained herein are the properties of the respective trademark and copyright owners. All color separation and printing by FANTASY PRINTING LTD., Unit B, 1/F, Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong Tel: 2554 5000 Sports + Travel Limited, 1104 Crawford House, 70 Queens Road Central, Central Hong Kong. W: www.sportsandtravel.com.hk | E: enquiry@sportsandtravel.com.hk

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Publisher's Note

Dear Fellow Travellers, New Zealand is no stranger to outdoor adventure; this issue, we visit the South Island to look at some of its most scenic spots – ideal if you’re a photography enthusiast. We then head to India’s southern state of Kerala, home to a booming adventure tourism market. Cycling and hiking are great ways to see the state’s lush landscape, with the slow pace allowing you to the chance to spot a few elusive felines (if you’re lucky). Also, we’ve got our ﬁrst installment of ‘Sports +’, and we’re featuring a piece on Mountain Bikes, written by Wilson Low, who has taken part in the Yak Ru race in Nepal. Penang, with its upcoming Penang Bridge Marathon and drastically underrated mountain biking scene, is an ideal, adventurous city-

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break. Plus there’s its legendary food scene and UNESCO-listed Georgetown neighbourhood. We’ve also packed in a special feature on one of our favourite year-round destinations: Niseko. Already famous for its winter season, this time we explore what’s on oﬀer during the “green season”, ie. anytime there’s not 5m of fresh powder on the ground. There’s cycling, onsen, eating and more, all of which is blissfully uncrowded 6 months of the year. We close our issue with a feature on the iconic Route 66; this time, you can explore it on the saddle of a bicycle. The Bicycle Route 66 has recently been oﬃciated, and it’s a great (eco-friendly) way to explore a piece of Americana. Until then, Happy Trails! Sports+Travel Ltd

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New Zealand needs no introduction as ‘Middle Earth’, a land of stunning diverse natural scenery with its jagged mountains, rolling pastures, steep fjords, raging rivers and pristine lakes. While the North Island is the hub of Maori culture, the South Island is known for its outdoor activities, thanks to its sparsely-inhabited landscape that’s dominated by rugged mountains.

NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND

Located in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand experiences autumn from March to May, and winter from June to August. SOUTH ISLAND

Most would agree that the best way to explore New Zealand is on a self-drive. Christchurch, New Zealand’s third-largest city and the international gateway to the South Island, is the best starting point. Nestled between the Canterbury Plains and the Paciﬁc Ocean, it’s also an ideal place to go whale watching, rafting and visiting internationally-acclaimed wineries. Tekapo About 3-4 hours’ drive south from Christchurch is Lake Tekapo, situated in the Mackenzie Basin of the Southern Alps. With a backdrop of snowy mountains, the lake is famous for its intense milkyturquoise colour. On the lakeshore is the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 and features an altar window that frames the stunning views. By night, Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, an ideal spot for stargazing and astronomy tours. Autumn is the best time to visit the

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Mackenzie district for photographers, when the lakes are dotted with an explosion of yellow trees and the mountains have a dusting of snow. Come winter, you can ski at Roundhill, just a 20-30 minute drive from Tekapo Village. The wide, gentle slopes are ideal for beginners, but for those who can shred, the ski resort has the largest vertical drop in Australasia (783m). Aoraki Mt. Cook The dramatic landscape of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park is made up of massive glaciers and jagged mountains dotted with lakes and rivers. The snowcapped range is home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain – Aoraki/Mt. Cook (3,724m) – along with 27 other mountains. The alpine village of Aoraki is a great base for a host of activities, including horse treks, 4WD safaris, glacier lake boating, as well as numerous hikes, including the popular 4-hour Hooker Valley Track. The hike leads up to the Hooker Valley

towards Mt. Cook, passing the viewpoint at Alpine Memorial. The trail traverses a number of swing bridges, and ends at a glacier lake with amazing views of Mt. Cook, the Hooker Glacier and the Southern Alps. In winter, there are guided ski trips on the Tasman (NZ’s longest glacier), which is popular for heli-weddings. Wanaka Surrounded by mountains, the town of Wanaka is situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka. As a gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park, it is a popular tourist resort that’s generally less crowded than Queenstown. In autumn, golden hues accentuate the picturesque landscape – you can go horse trekking in Cardrona Valley, kayak on a tree-lined waterway, or tackle any of the walking trails. Photographers can appreciate the early morning light and mist on Lake Wanaka.

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In winter, Wanaka is the ideal base to access a number of premier ski resorts, including Treble Cone (known for its good snow), Cardrona Alpine Resort (popular with beginners), and Snow Park (known for its terrain park); Wanaka gets busy in high season (July to September). Mt. Aspiring National Park A hiker’s paradise, Mt. Aspiring National Park – with its mountains, glaciers, lakes, river valleys and rock formations – offers a large number of short walks and longdistance treks. From Wanaka, the Matukituki Valley (a photographer’s delight) offers a number of easy walks with alpine views from the valley floor, including the Aspiring Hut walk and the Rob Roy track (both 1.5 hours).

Popular long treks include the 3-day Routeburn Track (between Lake Wakatipu and the Te Anau-Milford Road) and the 5-day Rees-Dart track (following the Rees River and Dart River), both of which are best tackled in summer. Due to the high elevations, the majority of the walks are best undertaken between November and March; only trails in the Matukituki Valley can be safely walked at any time of the year. In winter, ice climbing and mountaineering trips can be arranged. Milford Sound Nestled within the Fjordland National Park, Milford Sound is a waterway dotted with cliﬀs that rise precariously from the dark waters.

Lush forests cling to these cliﬀs, some of which cascade with waterfalls as high as 1,000m. The most common way to explore this fjord is by a boat cruise, although kayaking gets you closer to the seals, penguins, dolphins and the occasional whale. Hiking in the area is also popular, with trails ranging from 3-6 hours. While most trails are accessible yearround, the Gertrude Valley Walk (with views of Milford Sound and the Darran Mountains) and the Grave Talbot Walk (which follows the thundering Fjorland River) are only open in summer and autumn.

Queenstown Billed as an adventure town, Queenstown is known for is outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, canyon swinging, river rafting and jet boating year round (with skiing in winter).

downhill mountain biking. While summer is a popular season, cycling in autumn has the added advantage of stunning foliage.

a winter festival is held in the last week of April to celebrate the town’s beauty and history.

Just 20 minutes away is Arrowtown, a living historic settlement with tree-lined

Located along the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a renowned biking destination, providing everything from easy scenic backcountry trails to heli-biking and gondola-accessed

streets dotted with restored cottages. Once a gold mining town, attractions include the Chinese settlement which dates from 1868. In April and May, the entire area comes alive with autumn foliage, and

Also along Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River is Glenorchy, which is popular for jet boating and kayaking. Some of NZ’s most famous hiking trails (like Routeburn) are accessible here. In addition, its spectacular landscape has been the backdrops of movies like The Lord of the Rings and Narnia.

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India

09 Situated on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala faces the Arabian Sea and is backed by the Western Ghats which tower up to 2,700m. From the highlands, the undulating hills and valleys merge into the unbroken coastline, spliced by an intricate network of canals and rivers. Thanks to its varied geography and location, Kerala’s history is closely linked with the spice trade of early merchants and travellers, with Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and British having left an imprint – from architecture to cuisine – on this coastal state. No stranger to travellers, Kerala has long been known as a cultural destination – images of houseboats cruising along the lazy backwaters, as well as cultural performances and Ayurvedic retreats often top a visitor’s itinerary. However, in recent years, Kerala has been introducing a number of adventure-oriented activities that allow you to see the state in a diﬀerent – and eco-friendly – way. CYCLING

There is nothing more eco-friendly than getting around on a bicycle. Cyclists have plenty of options to choose from: rustic country lanes, winding paths across lush paddy ﬁelds, dusty tracks in remote hamlets, and exotic trails in tea gardens, spice plantations and rubber estates. It’s a lot easier to meet friendly locals, break for chai, or stop by destinations not on tourist maps when you’re travelling at a leisurely pace. The Hill Trail The journey begins from the lowland forest of Thattekkad in Ernakulam, a globally

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ADVENTURE IN KERALA acclaimed bird sanctuary that’s home to over 300 bird species including drongos, bulbuls, parakeets, and hornbills. The route follows the banks of Periyar River and spice-scented mountain roads until it reaches the foothills of the Western Ghats in Adimali. Situated in an area called the Cardamom Hills, this region is famous for producing some of the world’s best pepper and cardamom, and is dotted with plenty of waterfalls and pretty valleys. The route winds its way uphill towards Munnar (1,600m), a hill station known for its undulating landscape of tea plantations, before bringing you to Chinnar

Wildlife Sanctuary, a habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Heading down to lower elevations, you’ll reach Kerala’s most famous waterfalls – Athirappalli and Vazhachal, situated at the edge of the Sholayar forest about 5km apart from each other. Numerous cycle outﬁtters provide tours to the hill region, with itineraries that include wildlife tours, nights on a houseboat, a river raft cruise or visits to coastal villages. Depending on the operator, trips can start either from Kochi or Munnar, and itineraries range from 3 to 12 days.

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Beach to Backwater Tour A fairly level ride, the route takes you past fishing villages, paddy fields and coconut plantations along the beaches of Alappuzha (or Alleppey), a backwater country with a vast network of lakes, lagoons and rivers. This ‘Venice of the East’ is famous for its boat races and coir industry, and you can see coconut husks being made into ropes and mats at small villages as you ride by. From the resort area of Marari Beach, you can cycle to Kuttanadu, the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, one of a few places in the world where traditional farming is done below sea level. The vast expanse of green paddy fields is dotted with coconut groves and canals, and flocks of parrots can be seen hovering above. Further along the coastal road is Kumarakom, a backwater resort area that’s also popular for birdwatching, particularly for migratory birds like darters, herons, cuckoos and storks. A variety of cycle tours are available, and accommodation options range from homestays to houseboats and eco lodges.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Kerala has also developed a number of other options for adventurous visitors – these include rock climbing (particularly at Eruthavoor and Thenmala) and paragliding in Vagamon (home Paragliding Festivals). Thanks to its network of rivers, watersports are popular. At Alappuzha, the palm-fringed backwaters can be explored on a kayak, while at Boothathankettu (Ernakulam), the rushing river and rapids along the Periyar River make it an ideal

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Wild Tracks Tucked in the hills of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is home to sub-tropical savannahs, picturesque hill stations, sprawling spice forests, and some of the oldest tribes in India. Here, you can ride along tea and spice plantations, quaint villages and thick jungle. Attractions along the way include spice town Vythiri (790m), and Sulthan Bathery (1,000m) which is known for its pre-historic caves, jungle trails, and lush undulating hills. The winding uphill roads can be quite challenging, although you can break the ride into 2 days and add the option to get oﬀ the saddle for a bit of hiking up to Chembra Peak, one of Wayanad’s tallest peaks. The 2,100m climb takes you up to Chembra Lake, with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations along the way.

MTB Kerala This April, MTB Kerala is back with its third bike race installment. The earlier 2 editions of this sporting event took riders – both local and international – on a tour of exploration through the forests of Thenmala and the beaches of Kovalam, and in 2014, the race route took them through the wilderness of Wayanad. This year, the course is set again at Wayanad, with a route that takes riders past its thick forests with demanding uphill rides. For more, visit www.mtbkerala.com.

For a bit of culture, you can ride to Thirunelli, site of a Vishnu temple that’s believed to be over 1,000 years old. Surrounded by mountains and hidden in dense woods, you can see the Brahmagiri range from here.

rafting destination (Paneli Poru is said to be the most exciting stretch). Along the coast at Kovalam, the large waves (up to 2m) and strong currents make it an ideal surﬁng destination. Kerala is also home to 16 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks, and safaris are a great way to see protected wildlife. You can follow a tiger trail at Periyar, come face to face with the rare Lion-tailed Macaque at Gavi, or spot herds of free-roaming elephants at Wayanad.

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TREKKING

Kerala’s mountains and forests are ideal for trekking, with a variety of trails to suit any level of hiker; a typical hiking trip takes you past spice- and tea plantations, rural villages and majestic valleys. From misty knolls to herb gardens and teak plantations, you may be able to spot elusive wildlife like gaurs, elephants and maybe even a tiger. Parambikulam, Palakkad Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (also a tiger reserve), is a land of challenging hills (ranging from 300m to 1,438m) boasting 9,000 hectares of teak plantation. Here, there are 2 interesting trekking options. The Parambikulam Tram Trek is a 40km, 2-day itinerary that follows the disused line of the Cochin State Forest Tramway (built in 1905 to transport teak from the area), taking hikers through the wildlife sanctuary that’s home to sambars, sloth bears, porcupines, deer and elusive tigers, in addition to wetland birdlife like hornbills, owls and eagles. Pieces of the tramway (like elevated teak bridges and rusted wagons) still remain, making it a unique heritage trail that passes thick jungle, scenic lakes and fantastic scenery.

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The 6km-long Kariyanshola (or Karian Shola) Trail is ideal for nature lovers. Starting from Anappady, the guided trek (with naturalists) will take you through forests that are rich in birdlife like woodpeckers and parakeets. Parambikulam also happens to be Kerala’s second Tiger Reserve, and is also home to leopards and black panthers. The trail visits a watch tower before returning via a teak plantation. Munnar, Idukki Popular with trekkers, the undulating lush terrain of Munnar offers a picturesque 6-hour trek through a butterfly forest before reaching the peak of Meesapulimala (2,624m), the second highest peak in South India. The trail undulates past high altitude grasslands (where elephants and rare Nilgiri tahrs can be spotted) and sholas (high altitude rainforests); at one point of the trail you can see the world’s highest tea estate – Kolukkumalai – in the hills just below. While the beginning of the hike ascends slowly via undulating hills, the final ascent to the top of Meesapulimala is steep. The

descent takes hikers through tea plantations onto scenic Rhodo Valley. Agasthyakoodam, Thiruvananthapuram Agasthyakoodam (1,868m) is the second highest peak in Kerala. The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (permits required) is home to colourful orchids, as well as an abundance of rare medicinal herbs and plants used for Ayurvedic treatments. The mountain is also a pilgrimage centre for devotees of Agastya, and there is a full-sized statue of Agathiyar at the top of the peak. Trekking to the peak is open to pilgrims from January to mid-March, with passes issued at Trivandrum. The route starts from Bonacaud, one of a few tea plantations established by Europeans.

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JUL - AUG 2015

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GETTING THERE

There are numerous direct ﬂights from Hong Kong to Penang daily (3.5hrs), via AirAsia and Malaysian Airlines. Those driving up can cross the Penang Bridge that links the mainland to Penang Island. The journey is estimated to be 10 to 12 hours long.

Balik Pulau

The best time to visit the city is between November and January, when the marathon is taking place and the city soaks in the festivity of the season. The weather is also at its coolest, making it ideal for sightseeing. For more on Penang and its activities, visit www.visitpenang.gov.my. PHOTOS BY Penang State Tourism

PENANG’S ATTRACTIONS

TEXT BY Samantha Lee The Blue Mansion

Situated on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is often raved about as the food capital of the country. Tourists and locals alike know the city boasts a great selection of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Peranakaninﬂuenced street food. More than just a foodie destination though, besides its bustling culinary scene and strong heritage, Penang also makes for an excellent urban adventure destination from Singapore.

PENANG BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON This year, the half marathon was held earlier, on 14th June 2015. For those of you who still want some action in the race, there’s still the 10km run and full marathon, both to be held on 22nd November 2015. More than 40,000 runners are expected to sign up for the event and 3,000 applications have already been received just one week since the opening of the online registrations.

First started in 1985, the Penang Bridge International Marathon is the largest sports event in Malaysia. Year to year, the race attracts huge crowds with runners from over 40 countries congregating in the city for this landmark race across the Penang Bridge – which at 13.5km long is one of the longest bridges in Southeast Asia.

The race is separated into three main categories to cater to participants of varying ﬁtness levels – 10km, half marathon (21km) and full marathon (42km). During the event, the bridge is closed to traﬃc for several hours. It is the only time each year when the public is able to throng the bridge on foot and admire it in all its glory. As the sun rises, temperatures start to climb, but despite the rising heat, runners can still enjoy the panoramic view of the “Pearl of the Orient” basked in warm orange hues.

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Visit www.penangmarathon.gov.my for more information.

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ATTRACTIONS

Kek Lok Si Temple A popular site with visitors, Kek Lok Si, (“Temple of Supreme Bliss”), is a Buddhist temple perched atop Crane Hill. The 7-storey pagoda is a mixture of Burmese, Chinese and Thai architecture. Regarded as the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, it has 10,000 statues of Buddha and became the new home to two of Buddha’s 2,500-year-old relics earlier this year. Snake Temple As its name suggests, the Snake Temple is ﬁlled with a variety of (devenomized) pit vipers that coil around the altars and other parts of the temple. In an adjacent building is a compound that houses other varieties of snakes in captivity. Floating Mosque En route to Batu Ferringhi, it is hard to miss this iconic building with its 7-storey

minaret. Built upon stilts over the sands of Tanjung Bungah beach, the best time to visit is during midday when visitors aren’t intruding on prayer times. Visitors are also advised to dress appropriately – no revealing clothing or tops with slogans. Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower While Italy may have its Leaning Tower of Pisa, Malaysia has its own Leaning (Clock) Tower of Penang. The Moorish-style tower is a testament to the city’s royal connection, erected in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. However, due to World War II bombings, the tower now leans slightly to one side, making it an iconic photo spot.

tive indigo-blue exterior. It was later bought over by the descendants of Cheong to save the building from demolition. Today, the beautifully restored mansion has been transformed into a boutique hotel and restaurant, with guided tours available.

Penang Hill

The Blue Mansion Named after the merchant who built it, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is better known as The Blue Mansion due to its distinc-

Floating Mosque

AREAS TO VISIT

Penang Hill Located just 6km from George Town, the city’s iconic summit – Penang Hill – is actually made up of a group of hills: Flagstaff Hill, Government Hill, Halliburton Hill, Strawberry Hill, Tiger Hill and Western Hill, with the highest point located at the peak of Western Hill (833m). The best time to visit the summit is at dusk, when you can capture George Town’s city lights while enjoying the cool temperatures that can go below 20ºC between June and October. The area boasts a rich diversity of flora, among which are species like the parasitic Exorhorpalia ruficeps which is unique to the area, in addition to carnivorous pitcher plants and cycads which existed since the Jurassic period. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, Penang Hill has about 7 mountain biking trails – some of which consist of drop-offs as high as 3m. The No.7 downhill trail is probably the most challenging one (not

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advisable for beginners). Riddled with huge rocks and protruding tree roots, the track is constantly evolving due to rain erosion. Those tackling this trail are recommended to go with a full suspension bike. To get uphill, you can hike for 2 hours with your bike, or drive up with a 4WD. Go during the weekdays to avoid the crowd. Most visitors opt to take the iconic Penang Hill Railway, which first opened in 1923, to the top. This daily ride starts at 6.30am and leaves the top station at 11.00pm. Balik Pulau While George Town is a must-visit, the less-visited Balik Pulau a tranquilising retreat from the city. Located in the southwest of the island, it’s a durian connoisseur’s paradise (between May and July). Fruit buffets offering a variety of tropical fruits are available throughout the year, with durian added when it’s in season. As it’s a traditional community, Balik

Pulau’s traditional Malay stilt houses along Jalan Bahru oﬀer homestays to visitors looking for village experience. Rooms are from RM30 a night (single), and bicycles can be hired at RM20 per day. Penang National Park To the north of the island is Penang National Park – a seemingly small, but extremely diverse forest reserve. Within the park there are 9 beaches, hiking trails and a range of ﬂora and fauna not commonly found in other parts of Malaysia, such as the rare Faunus ater snail, alongside dolphins, crab-eating macaque and hawksbill turtles. You can camp in the forest, with tents and basic camping facilities available for hire at a small fee in designated areas. The park is a turtle sanctuary; on Kerachut Beach, visitors can see recently hatched turtles that are kept under protection until they are old enough to be released into the sea. Throughout the year, turtles can be seen coming on shore to lay their eggs.

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JAPAN: NISEKO FEATURE

ARTICLE BY RoomBoss.com Niseko

MT. YOTEI Also known as Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to Mt. Fuji (Ezo is the traditional name for Hokkaido) Yotei is the centrepiece of Niseko’s landscape. Its distinct outline is visible from afar, and on approach reveals a different profile depending on the aspect. Rising abruptly from relatively low surroundings (100m-300m), the slopes of this 1,898m stratovolcano proceed through the four seasons somewhat of their own volition. Winter comes earlier and endures longer on its summit than its flanks, which in turn progress at their own pace in relation to the valleys below. Passage to Mt. Yotei’s rugged summit begins at one of the four established points in Hirafu, Makkari, Kyogoku, or Kimobetsu, allowing access to the crater rim hiking trail and a hut for overnight stay.

A place of natural beauty, outdoor excitement, the freshest food, and soothing hot springs, the Niseko area is renowned as a getaway where one can enjoy the best of Japan’s pristine northern territory. Well known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, Niseko continues to delight Japanese and international travellers during winter. It’s no coincidence that conditions for a great winter resort also make for a great summer destination. Long a popular destination for Japanese travellers, Niseko’s green season is becoming increasing popular globally for its comfortable summer climate and combination of scenery, activities, food and facilities.

TRAVELLERS WANTED!

What’s your perfect summer holiday destination?

bit.ly/NisekoSummer

KOYO Diverse flora throughout the Niseko Range offer some of the most impressive displays of autumn colour in Japan. A network of roads lead to pristine mountain forests where birch, maple, Japanese rowan and other deciduous vegetation cover the slopes and valleys. Beginning in late September, rich red and yellow leaves, bright white birch bark, and deep green sasa foliage layer the landscape to create unique and stunning views. A 30-40km section of Route 66 known as the Niseko Panorama Line is the main artery through the Niseko Range with smaller roads branching off into more remote areas. Roadside parking areas and a visitor center at Shinsen Numa offer options for getting out of the car to enjoy scenic vantage points.

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PONDS & WETLANDS Nature enthusiasts flock to the alpine ponds and wetlands within the Niseko Range. Shinsen Numa, Oyu Numa and Kagami Numa are among the most popular, with boardwalks that meander across the marshlands and along the edge of the ponds. Buried under metres of snow for half the year, fields of bright yellow lilies, wispy cottongrass and various wildflowers emerge in late spring, decorating the landscape and creating unique alpine nature viewing. Shinsen Numa In the 1920’s, boy scout leader Toyomatsu Shimoda bushwhacked his way to the network of ponds and declared it “a place where Gods and mountain spirits reside”. Shinsen Numa offers the full spectrum of the natural alpine environment including seasonal wildflowers, mirror ponds, and autumn colours. Oyu Numa A bubbling cauldron of hot spring water and mud, Oyu Numa provides an above ground view of the region’s mostly subterranean thermal riches. This pond is easily accessible via a 100m path from the parking area. Prime viewing is in autumn, when cooler temperatures create a striking juxtaposition of billowing steam clouds and bright autumn foliage. Kagami Numa The trail to Kagami Numa (“mirror pond”) can be rough in places, but it goes through beautiful forest and rewards you with picturesque views of the surroundings reflected in the pond’s still surface. The trail head is the closest to Hirafu, and can also be reached from the Tokyu Golf Course parking lot.

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JAPAN: NISEKO FEATURE

ARTICLE BY RoomBoss.com

Outdoor sports and adventure activities are central to Niseko’s green season. Niseko serves as a launch pad for rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and many other summer activities. The front desk at your accommodation, whether you’re staying at a luxury hotel such as The Vale Niseko (nisekoalpineaccommodation.com) or Ki Niseko (kiniseko.com), or a budget hostel such as Owashi Lodge (owashilodge.com), is a good source of information on things to do around Niseko.

LAND Hiking

Niseko offers hiking for all levels of fitness and experience. From short trails in the foothills such as the “Haru-no-Taki” (spring waterfall) course, to a 3-hour round trip hike from Goshiki Onsen to the peak of Annupuri, through to a full-day climb up Mt. Yotei and around its rocky crater. Be sure to consult a guide, or a local who knows the surroundings, before heading off. A good point of call is the Niseko Adventure Centre (nacadventures.jp).

Mountain Biking

Take part in a beginner-friendly oﬀ-road adventure around the base of the ski trails or experience the thrill of lift-accessed downhill mountain biking. Trails can be accessed independently or with a local guide. Locals and visitors alike gather at Rhythm Cycles (nisekocycles.com), which oﬀers rental bikes, tours, and advice on how to make the most of the area.

Road Biking

Hokkaido offers a road cyclist’s paradise: fastidiously well-maintained road surfaces, cool and clean mountain air, uncrowded roads and courteous Japanese drivers. Organised cycling events attract big crowds in the green season, such as the Niseko Classic (70kms and 140kms) and Nature Ride Niseko (variety of courses from 50kms to 200kms) in July. The Niseko Hanazono Hill Climb offers a 15.5km, 617m vertical climb race in in August. Road bike tours are offered by Hanazono Niseko (hanazononiseko.com) from the beginning of June through mid-October.

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WATER Rafting

Navigate the Shiribeshi river (immediate access from Niseko Hirafu) as a crew member on a raft, or at the helm of your own “ducky” inﬂatable kayak. Whitewater ranges from more challenging class 3.5 in peak snowmelt, to a more mellow class 2 during later summer months.

Canyoning

Experience the thrill of descending steep canyons, jumping from waterfalls into pools below, and sliding down natural water features. Tours run in July and August, and operate in places such as the Sakazuki river canyon, approximately 1 hour from Niseko. © Nihon Harmony Resorts

Sea Kayaking

Niseko’s proximity to the Sea of Japan is a contributing factor to its copious snowfall in the winter, and also allows for convenient day trips during summer. Sea kayaking provides close access to beautiful coastal areas where you’ll come across wildlife such as nesting birds, as well as sea creatures including urchins and starﬁsh in the shallows. Both Hanazono Niseko (hanazononiseko.com) and NAC (nacadventures.jp) offer information and tours on the water.

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JAPAN: NISEKO FEATURE © Niseko Milk-Kobo

ARTICLE BY RoomBoss.com

Hokkaido natives pride themselves on the island’s fresh, ﬂavourful and bountiful food, in particular seafood such as crab and sea urchin, and agricultural produce grown in winter-rested volcanic soils.

LOCAL PRODUCE

Though long a destination for Japanese chefs, Hokkaido has also attracted a number of top international chefs. The result is a foodie destination that entices travellers from over 50 countries each year with venues ranging from casual izakayas and ramen bars to ﬁne dining restaurants.

FINE DINING © Kamimura

䰀甀䈀攀

Niseko View Plaza

The produce from over sixty local farms is on sale at Niseko town View Plaza, about a 15-minute drive from the resort area. Visit during harvest months for truly exceptional quality and freshness. Including asparagus and strawberries in June and July, and melons and sweet corn during August and October (keep an eye out for the incredibly sweet white corn, which can be eaten raw).

Kamimura

A Michelin-star rated French restaurant, Kamimura combines exquisite dining with an elegant ambience. Located within the Shiki building in Niseko Hirafu, chef Yuichi Kamimura expresses his creative passion for food with Hokkaido’s ﬁnest seafoods, meats and produce. Open July 9 to Oct 11 for dinner (Thurs, Fri, Sat) and lunch (Fri, Sat, Sun). Reservation required (kamimura-niseko.com).

Milk Kobo

Located in Niseko Higashiyama and with stunning views of Mt. Yotei over green pastures, Milk Kobo’s irresistible ice cream, yogurt, and pastries might lead you to postpone your lunch. The Japanese “shu cream” (based on French Choux pastry) is a must. If you do have room for lunch, then walk across to Milk Kobo’s Prativo restaurant with its amazing array of local vegetables in combined à la carte and buﬀet style.

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An Dining

An Dining is positioned within the newly opened hotel Ki Niseko nearthe Hirafu gondola. Head chef Shinichi Maeda shapes a high-end, Japanese izakaya-style menu with an emphasis on local produce, and an impressive hand-selected range of ﬁne sake. Open year round, reservation required (kiniseko.com).

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REGIONAL FARE © William Jeﬀerson

Rakuichi

Niseko Ramen Kazahana

Tsubara Tsubara

Located in Niseko Annupuri, Rakuichi promises delicious handmade soba noodles served in a traditional Japanese wooden home. There are just 12 seats, so book in advance (0136-58-3170).

This signature hearty ramen combines miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaido, with potatoes, which are Niseko’s specialty. Open lunch hours.

Pick your ﬂavour of soup and level of spice, but beware, treat the latter with respect! Located in Niseko Hirafu (0136-23-1116).

Possibly Niseko’s most famous soba noodle restaurant, especially after it was featured in Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”.

Located in Hirafu, Niseko Ramen (www7.plala.or.jp/nisekoramenmount) is part of the local staple diet and home to a very original ﬂuﬀy creamy potato ramen.

Japanese soup curry at its ﬁnest. Toppings include “tsukune” chicken meatballs with garlic and ginger seasoning, “shio aburi buta” (sliced, salted, and roasted pork), and traditional Japanese root vegetables.

䰀甀砀甀爀礀 ☀ 䄀搀瘀攀渀琀甀爀攀㼀䈀攀漀甀爀最甀攀猀琀⸀

眀眀眀⸀渀椀猀愀搀攀⸀挀漀洀

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JAPAN: NISEKO FEATURE

ARTICLE BY RoomBoss.com

Niseko’s mountains are of volcanic origin, which is also the source of energy for local “onsen” hot springs. Aquifers supplied by snowmelt and precipitation are heated and fortiﬁed with minerals hundreds of metres underground.

In addition to bathing, onsen water has the potential to provide a natural source of energy for winter heating, and is used in this way by the luxury ryokan Zaborin (zaborin. com) located near Niseko Hanazono.

In a handful of locations spring water comes bubbling to the surface – these became Niseko’s ﬁrst onsen baths more than 100 years ago. Wells are sunk for the majority of modern onsen, often to a depth of over a kilometer in order to tap into the hot spring water.

The “Cow Parade” is touted as the largest public art event in the world, and has been hosted in 80 locations around the globe. This year Niseko plays host with a total of 47 decorated life-like sculptures displayed around the area from June to October.

The Cows are in Town!

Niseko Cow Parade

ONSEN © William Jeﬀerson

Goshiki Onsen

Nestled at the base of the Niseko Range’s youngest mountain, Mt. Iwao-Nuppuri, Goshiki (goshiki-onsen.com) is the quintessential remote mountain onsen. About 30 minutes drive from Niseko Hirafu, it’s certainly worth a visit. Plug the telephone number into your car navigation and enjoy the winding mountain roads.

D Niseko Sake Brewery

Japanese sake rice wine is produced by a brewing process more akin to beer than to grape wine, where rice starch is converted into sugars prior to being converted into alcohol. Since early last century Niseko Shuzo Sake Cellars has produced an “undiluted unprocessed” variety of sake. The high quality sake is made with Hokkaido grown rice, and pure snowmelt and mountain spring water.

Goshiki Onsen Ryokan

Yugokoro-tei Onsen

Oﬀering large outdoor baths wonderfully ﬁnished in stone and wood, Yugokoro-tei onsen (www.niseko-annupurionsen.com) is located in Niseko Annupuri. It’s one of the few onsen where you can arrive early for a morning bath (“asa-buro”).

Yugokoro-tei Onsen

Sap

Call in advance (0136-22-1040) to organise a tasting where you can sample a variety of sake.

Onsen within Hirafu

Ki Niseko (kiniseko.com) and The Vale Niseko (nisekoalpineaccommodation.com) both feature onsen of modern construction and chic design. These onsen are only available to hotel guests at certain times of year.

Ki Niseko

Another Hirafu-based onsen is Yukoro (0136-23-3434) which is situated in the lower village area, and is frequently visited by locals.

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| 25 SUMMER/AUTUMN FESTIVALS Niseko Tanabata Fireworks Festival

“Matsuri” (local festivals) are a traditional and popular way to enjoy summer, and comprise a mix of cultural activities, games, and food. The Niseko area hosts three main festivals during summer.

As the name suggests, this festival boasts an impressive display of ﬁreworks in addition to other activities. Locals often visit the Kutchan festival by day, then relocate to Niseko in the evening to watch the ﬁreworks. [August 1, Niseko Town]

Kutchan Jyaga Festival

Hirafu Festival

This festival features “omikoshi” (portable ornately decorated Shinto shrine) which are carried/bounced on the shoulders of those who bear it, a show with one thousand “yukata” clad dancers, “nebuta” lantern ﬂoats pulled through the streets, and lots of food stalls. [August 1-2, Kutchan Town]

Starts from midday and features a fantastic selection of food, traditional games such as “mochi maki” (mochi hurled into the crowd who seek to grab it), live music and “bon odori” (traditional summer dance), taiko drumming and ﬁreworks. [August 22, Niseko Hirafu]

Hokkaido Resort Liner

Destinations

Obihiro Airport

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Berghaus Men's Vapourlight Hyper Smock 2

Exped Cloudburst 15

Waterproof lightweight pack with roll-top closure. The cloudburst 15 is the perfect combination of a waterproof packsack and a versatile lightweight pack. Ideal for summiting Himalayan peaks, walking through jungles or as a backup day pack or shopping bag. The 15L volume holds plenty of gear and keeps contents dry under all conditions. Available at Re:echo shops at HK$420. Exped

Cloudburst 15

Salomon Agile Tee

Berghaus Men's Vapourlight Hyper Smock 2

The Men's VapourLight Hyper Smock 2.0 is designed specifically with trail runners in mind. The updated VapourLight Hyper smock sets a new level as the world's lightest waterproof jacket weighing just 75g (Size Large). Driven by improvements from our athletes, every aspect of design is considered from using exclusive ultra-lightweight seam tape to a closer fitting hood with a tab down feature to reduce weight and eliminate flapping. Not to mention this innovative piece now comes with a chest pocket making it even more useful for every adventure. Whether you're racing ultra-marathons or just after that extremely lightweight trail piece this smock has everything that you need and nothing that you don't. Weight (approx.): 75g, available at RC Outfitters at HK$1,490.

Lightweight tech tee with mesh pits, gel pocket and 360ยก reflective details for day or night time running. The lightweight waffle advanced skin technical fabric keeps perspiration away from your skin and dry quickly. The mesh underarm panels add refreshing ventilation right where you need it, and the semi-fitted design gives you performance functionality without feeling restrictive. Available at Overlander shops at HK$320.

Salomon Agile Tee

Panasonic Wearable Camera HX-A1

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Combined with the (IR) and Glasscover feature, the new Panasonic Wearable Camera HX-A1 has a new night shooting function which enables you to capture images in a dark environment. With this function, you can even capture the image of wild animals through a dark forest. The HX-A1 camera is lightweight and only 45gms. The cylindrical shape of the camera can be worn in many positions allowing you to shoot in a variety of shooting environment and conditions. The camera is also waterproof up to 1.5m, shockproof, -10c freeze proof and dustproof. This camera is especially suitable for shooting motion images in outdoor adventure activities such as white-water rafting, skiing, or rowing. Available at Sogo showroom Causeway Bay, Panasonic showroom and Pana shops at HK$2,290.

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ManfrottoÕs

Tri Back pack M

The lightest-weight menÕ s Race Vest in the award winning Vapor Series, brings an ideal balance of weight, storage capacity, and durability to even the most weight-conscious distance runners. Over-the-shoulder load lifters keep water and gear close to the body for maximum no-bounce comfort. Body-mapped, super-breathable materials for maximum comfort. Equipped with a 2L bladder with quick-release valve. Rear external shock cord for increased capacity. Reflective hits for runs that last from dusk to dawn. The store capacity is 7 Liters without bladder / 5 Liters with bladder. The weight is 264 g (weight includes bladder). Available at PROTREK shops at HK$1,349.

31 Nathan VaporAir (2L)

Columbia Cool ª Short Sleeve Top

MenÕs CoolestÕs Cool ª Sho

r t Sleeve Top

The ultimate performance layer for high-octane activities in the heat, this sun-shading short sleeve employs strategically placed Omni-Freeze¨ ZERO sweat-activated cooling technology lowers the materialÕ s temperature and Omni-Wick¨ inserts pinhole mesh at upper back, under arms, and at side torso transmits sweat away from your body to keep you dry and comfortable. Omni-Shade UPF 50 provides premium protection from the sun. Antimicrobial treatment protects this product from bacterial growth. Available at all Columbia shops at HK$539.

Hell y Hansen Loke Jacket

The essential Helly Hansen Loke jacket is a light weight shell jacket. With full water and windproof yet breathable construction and with front storm flap to keep out wind and rain, and with vents to prevent overheating, the jacket is suitable to be worn under a variety of weather conditions. Smart and compact design packs into its own pocket when not in use, fully featured for any kind of outdoor adventures. Available at the Outdoor Shop at HK$860.

Helly Hansen Loke Jacket

Salomon X-Scream 3D

The Salomon X-Scream 3D running shoes provide superior foothold and grip for greater agility on multiple surfaces. The 3D fit comfortably holds your foot in place, even dynamic directional changes. The 3D grip ensures confidence on wet or dry, soft or hard surfaces. The 3D ride feels smooth and cushioned on consistent or uneven surfaces. The Quicklace one-pull lacing system ensures a secure and customized fit. Easy-on, Easy Ðoff. An internal fit sleeve designed to hug the foot in exactly the right places and improve feedback and footwrapping. Suitable for urban runs and trail runs. Available at Overlander shops at HK$1,220.

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The legendary Historic Route 66 – or the “Mother Road” – has been travelled by motorists for over 50 years. Decommissioned since the 80s, the 4,000km route – from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) through 8 states – can now be experienced by cyclists along the new Bicycle Route 66. Bicycle Route 66 follows the famous corridor via bike paths, country roads, as well as highways appropriate for cyclists, deviating from the original historic route in parts for safety. Cyclists can explore at their own pace, taking in some iconic architecture, ghost towns, and historic communities from the route’s golden era. There is a diversity of landscapes, from ﬂat prairie grasslands in Illinois to the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains, and the open deserts of the Southwest. While camping is possible, there are plenty of kitschy motels and diners where you can experience the true charm of Route 66. THE ROUTE

Bicycle Route 66 can be done from eastto-west (from Lake Michigan in Chicago) or in reverse (from Santa Monica Pier in California). Illinois: From Lake Michigan, the trail joins with Historic Route 66 and hits many small communities and historic roads along the way. At Litchﬁeld, break for lunch at the Ariston Cafe, which is one of the oldest restaurants on Route 66. Much of the route is characterised by prairie landscape and rolling hills, before crossing the Mississippi River across the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge into Missouri. Missouri: From St. Louis, the Bicycle Route 66 takes cyclists past the rolling hills of the northern reaches of the Ozark Mountains, and heads into quiet roads before joining Historic Route 66 at Joplin.

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CYCLING ON ROUTE 66 For old school fun, pop in at Carthage’s restored 66 Drive-In movie theatre (there are weekend screenings), or have a rootbeer ﬂoat at Carl’s Drive-In in Brentwood. Kansas: The shortest portion of the route runs through this state, and attractions include the historic mining town of East Galenda and the well-preserved William’s Store. Oklahoma: The ride here is a gradual uphill climb, encompassing rolling landscapes with a variety of prairies until it reaches the Great Plains of the Texas Panhandle. Tulsa makes a good base; it’s a historic town with many Art Deco structures – including Campbell Hotel – that were built during the Oil Boom in the 1920s and 1930s. Texas: With dirt farm roads, grain eleva-

tors and windmills, this portion of the route hits historic Shamrock (home to the Art Deco-style Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café), and Amarillo with its U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District that contains a collection of architecture from the Spanish Revival, Art Deco, and Art Moderne era. New Mexico: The cycle route is dotted with traditional pueblos (at Santo Domingo and Laguna) and passes Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Parts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are Native American lands, including Nations and Reservations, where permission must be granted to photograph some sites. Iconic overnight options include Blue Swallow Motel and El Rancho Hotel. Cyclists will cross the Continental Divide as they pedal through the El Malpais

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National Monument. At Gallup is the Brickyard Bike Park, boasting 2 major networks of professionally-designed, curvy singletracks, including the ﬂagship High Desert Trail.

At the California border, cyclists will cross the Sitgreaves Pass in the rugged Black Mountains (with extremely tight switchbacks and steep drop-oﬀs).

Arizona: The Cycle Route passes the Petriﬁed Forest National Park, with its haunting beauty, archaeological sites, historic structures (like the Painted Desert Inn) and unique geological formations, including petriﬁed trees. Many towns in this region boast a collection of railroad and auto-related commercial architecture. For a bit of nostalgia, you can stay at the Wigwam Village Motel, where vintage automobiles are permanently on display.

California: The initial route traverses a hot, desert stretch (subject to violent thunderstorms), followed by peaks, mountain passes and steep road segments before reaching the outskirts of the city. At Pasadena is the picturesque multi-arched Colorado Street Bridge, the highest concrete bridge in the world upon completion in 1913. The Bicycle Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier where the road meets the ocean.

PREPARATION

Riders do not need to be expert bikers to enjoy the route, and a standard touring bike (with ﬂat-resistant and cushy wheels) would suit most folks. While it takes about 32 days to cycle the entire route, give yourself 2 months to enjoy all the route has to oﬀer. The best departure times are spring (mid April) and autumn (September), before the desert heats up, and the mountains start snowing. The Bicycle Route 66 is covered in a 6-map set, allowing cyclists to tour the whole thing or in sections. For more, visit www.adventurecycling.org.

The Outfitters Section is created especially for those of you who have unique travel products, but have no place to get them noticed. Our ready-made templates and smaller sizes mean you donÕ t need huge budgets. Contact us today to find out more!

Call +(852) 2861 8746 or email outfitters@sportsandtravel.com.hk

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Events Calendar

HONG KONG

If you have an event that you feel should be included on this page, please email us on events@sportsandtravel.com.hk

34 9 Aug

Southern District Cross Country Run www.hkrunners.com Run 9km

14-16 Aug

Panasonic 17th Asia PaciďŹ c Water Polo Tournament www.hkasa.org.hk Swimming

16 Aug

2015 Aquathon Series - Race 3 www.triathlon.com.hk Aquathon

23 Aug

SOGO Hong Kong Aquathlon Series Race 2 www.aquawiz2000.com Aquathlon

27-30 Aug

Panasonic 11th Hong Kong Synchronized Swimming Open Competition 2015

www.hkasa.org.hk

Swimming

28-30 Aug

Hong Kong International Open Swimming Championships www.hkasa.org.hk Swimming

6 Sep

RunOurCity Streetathon 5K @ Central www.hkrunners.com Run 5km

12-13 Sep

Hong Kong Age Group Diving Championships www.hkasa.org.hk Swimming

13 Sep

2015 Aquathon Series - Race 4 www.triathlon.com.hk

20 Sep

Hong Kong Water Polo Championship www.hkasa.org.hk

26 Sep

Mid-Autumn Festival Race 2015 www.xterace.com

4 Oct

Lantau 2 Peaks 15k & 21k www.actionasiaevents.com

10-11 Oct

Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon www.register.hongkongcyclothon.com Cycling

11 Oct

2015 Aquathon Series - Race 5

17 Oct

FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup- Hong Kong www.hkasa.org.hk Swimming

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Aquathon Swimming

Trail Run 7km & 15km

www.triathlon.com.hk

Trail Run 15km & 21km

Aquathon

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