Weekender #132 by Weekender Singapore

ISSUE 132 • jULY 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

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star of the week K-POP’s SISTAR secrets to staying sexy

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barclays asia trophy, premier league transfers & LOCAL Stars

We begin our new series of premier league & s-LEAGUE stories by espn fc WK132A/MCI(P)119/08/2014

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get ready to stand together & celebrate singapore

sg50 celebrations

Community Chest Heartstrings Walk 2015 – SG50 Community Heartbeats

7 Aug, 7.30am-11am, $10 Make the jubilee celebration a meaningful one for all including the disadvantaged groups by supporting this charity fun walk. Activities include a special drumming activity, vertical marathon and a fun-filled carnival. Every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the government under the Care & Share Movement, led by the Community Chest. Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, www.comchestheartstrings.sg

music

Free! SG50 Carnival & Concerts @ Botanic Gardens

7-10 Aug As part of NParks’ SG50 Concert Series in the Park, be prepared for a three day carnival that will feature nostalgic activities which celebrate shared memories as well as the rich cultural and botanical heritage of the Gardens. Reminisce the “Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat” or “People’s Variety Show” that was held in the Gardens in 1959 as well as bandstand performances and outdoor movie screenings, and the NDP Live Telecast on 9 Aug together with fellow Singaporeans. Singapore Botanic Gardens

DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition JOLIN TSAI 2015 PLAY WORLD TOUR 25 Jul, 8pm, $108-238 Known for her impressive dance choreography, Taiwan pop star Jolin Tsai has, for the first time, assembled a team of internationally-renowned talents to collaborate in her concert. Apart from Hollywood talents and 12 dancers from around the world, she has also roped in a prominent Hong Kong stage dresser and other top costume designers to be part of this world tour. Singapore Indoor Stadium, www.sportshubtix.sg

free! Block Party @ Esplanade

6-10 Aug Don’t have a ticket to the National Day Parade but still want to soak in the atmosphere of Singapore’s Jubilee’s celebration? Head down to the to Esplanade, known as Singapore’s ‘Durian’, and enjoy a free range of programmes and activities. Enjoy plenty of free performances by our very talented Singaporeans as well as the National Day Parade that will be broadcast live on a big screen at the Outdoor Theatre, so you will get the best of both worlds. Esplanade Estate

on canvas. See how he experiments with unconventional materials and techniques - from torched metal to rough craquelure, thin staples or rice grains - to create unique textural surfaces. Ode to Art Platform @ 4th Floor Raffles City Convention Centre (Foyer Area)

family Free! Aquarist for a day 25 Jul, 10am-4pm Go behind the scenes of S.E.A. Aquarium and discover the secrets of caring for marine animals such as manta rays, moray eels and sea jellies. Spend a day of handson learning from professional Aquarists and experience firsthand the various aspects of animal healthcare, food preparation, tank cleaning and feeding of the animals. S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa, www.sciencefest.sg

Free! Mass Dance for SG50

8 Aug, 6.30pm Looking for something unique and fun to do on the eve of National Day? First, enjoy a flash mob under the Supertrees, and then join us in a delightful mass dance set to your favourite Singapore tunes! Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay

Until 27 Sep DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition will feature 31 films and more than 400 displays allowing visitors to experience how these animation works make the leap from initial sketches to their big screen debuts. It features exclusive concept drawings and behind-the-scenes footage of the creative process and remarkable character sculptures. ArtScience Museum, www.marinabaysands.com

theatre The LKY Musical Until 2 Aug, from $58 Starring Adrian Pang as Lee Kuan Yew and Sharon Au as Kwa Geok Choo, The LKY Musical encompasses great emotional depth and covers the struggle in tumultuous pre-independence Singapore. In a tale of love, loyalty and betrayal, witness the great Singapore Story and the endeavours of Singapore’s most iconic founding father. Mastercard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, www.sistic.com.sg

From Tales to Legends: Discover Singapore Stories 31 Jul-13 Sep, 9am-9pm Discover the story of Singapore through tales and legends, and a walk back in time, as we celebrate our nation’s 50th birthday amidst a sea of orchids. Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

exhibition Unofficial Official Party of SG50

Photo: Lucy Liu / Shutterstock.com

5 Aug, 6.30pm-10.30pm, Limited Tickets Singapore’s own Tiger Beer will present a fresh take on how National Day is celebrated, by throwing its own epic National Day party, replete with surprising and remarkable unusual party elements. Imagine trishaw massage chairs, giant “chope” tissue packets, or even a chili-crab fountain. It will be a true Singaporean Party for this SG50. Capitol Theatre, www.tigerbeer.com.sg/ unofficialofficial

Free! Face to Peace Exhibition 24-30 Jul, 11am-9pm Featuring 25 pieces of Indonesian artist Stefan Buana’s most recent works in these two years, Stefan cleverly forms lines of faces with threads and wires, exploring boldly the elements of textures and lines

My Nine Lives with Steve Winter 25 Aug, 7.30pm, from $39 Behind every great National Geographic story, there is a storyteller who travels to the wildest places on earth to bring home epic tales of adventure and discovery. Big Cat legend Steve Winter will share his intense encounters and astonishing images of the big cats of India, Brazil and Hollywood. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Concert Hall

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f e at u r e d e ven t

See how your favourite DreamWorks animations come to life

Kung Fu Panda (2008) by artist Richie Sacilioc

Do you love Kungfu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar or How to Train Your Dragon? Don’t miss out on the fun and intriguing DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition If you love Shrek, Kungfu Panda or any of the DreamWorks animations, I’m sure you’d love to see more of your favourite characters, or even find out how they’re brought to life in your favourite animation films. Running at ArtScience Museum until Sep 27, DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition whisks you away into the magical worlds of DreamWorks, as well as behind the scenes of these highlyentertaining productions.

Play with Iconic DreamWorks Characters DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition consists of three main galleries: Character, Story and World. The amusing features of the interactive exhibition include the opportunity for you to make lovable characters such the adorable Po from Kung Fu Panda gasp and grimace (in the Character gallery), using a simplified version of DreamWorks’ animation software. In World, you can ride on the back of Toothless the dragon (from How to Train Your Dragon) as the Isle of Berk appears before you on a giant screen. The whole exhibition is a mesmerising and immersive experience and the halls are lined with collections of 3-D models and artefacts. I wish I could bring some of these home as collectibles! These are just some of the 400 displays and 31 films featured in the exhibition, many of which are exclusive material being showcased in Asia for the very first time.

See the Magic Behind the Scenes You’ll also get to witness how story creators (or, as I prefer to call them, geniuses) produce these blockbuster works of art, from what their workspaces are like to their original sketches and how they pitch their stories to the producers. One highlight is the giant screen showcasing filmmaker Conrad Vernon performing an entertaining and gripping pitch of a scene in Shrek. It is every bit as exciting and hilarious as the final scene in the movie.

Create Your Own Animation Magic Scattered around the halls are D-I-Y tables where you can try your hand at basic animation techniques. Design and craft out a flipbook – the most basic framework of animation – and even use authentic DreamWorks applications to draw out your own short animated film. And – here’s my favourite part of all – the DreamWorks store has brought in exclusive merchandise, including an adorable Toothless mug and valuable wall art going at affordable prices, starting from $20. Now you can bring a piece of DreamWorks home! By Pamela Chow

Photo: Mark Ashkanasy

For more information and tickets to DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, visit www.marinabaysands.com/ArtScienceMuseum.

Experience how different expressions are created for your favourite DreamWorks animation characters

Photo: Mark Ashkanasy

Step into a reconstruction of DreamWorks’ real-life workspaces

Photo: 2014 DreamWorks Animation LLC

fo ot ba ll fever

Arsenal and Singapore combine to create a memorable Barclays Asia Trophy Football fans in Singapore were elated to see the Barclays Premier League stars of Arsenal, Everton and Stoke, who were in town for the Barclays Asia Trophy – ESPN FC brings you highlights of the competition

Crouch went to nursery school in Singapore and spoke Mandarin before he’d mastered English. By the age of four, he was back in England. In a parallel universe, the unusually tall, blonde-haired lad might have stayed in Asia to proudly wear the red shirt of Singapore alongside foreign-born talents such as Aleksandar Duric, Daniel Bennett and John Wilkinson. The 34-year-old took little time to make his mark in the third-place playoff against the Singapore Select XI, flicking the Marco van Ginkel corner from the right into the path of Steve Sidwell, who slotted the ball home for a 1-0 Stoke lead in the seventh minute. Just past the half hour, Crouch rose high to head the cross from Phil Bardsley at close range, only to see the ball sail over the bar. The fans at the National Stadium let out a collective groan when Crouch was substituted for Mame Biram Diouf at the start of the second half as the Potters coasted to a 2-0 victory. It may have been because of his connection to the ever-popular Liverpool, but perhaps some supporters were aware of his Singapore roots.

All eyes were on Petr Cech, Arsenal’s big-name signing, though he needs more time to prove himself

The last time Arsenal played in Singapore 24 years ago, they were reigning English champions (in the days of short shorts) just before the Premier League era. George Graham was the Gunners’ manager then, and their lineup featured the likes of Tony Adams, Paul Merson and Alan Smith. Arsene Wenger was a little-known 41-yearold in charge of French League side Monaco. The 2015 Barclays Asia Trophy brought Arsenal back to Singapore and the team that finished third last season and won the FA Cup for a second straight year didn’t disappoint. After defeating the Singapore Select XI 4-0 in their first game, they beat Everton 3-1 in the final. Here are three thoughts on the biennial tournament that was held for the first time in the Lion City.

2. Crouching Peter returns to his roots It’s one of football’s best trivia questions: Where did Stoke and former England striker Peter Crouch spend three of the first four years of his life? The answer is Singapore, where his father Bruce was posted as an advertising copywriter in the early 1980s when his son was just one year old.

3. The spirit of Sundram

the FA Cup champions mesmerised the 52,107 fans in attendance with intricate, one-touch passing and smooth flowing movements, orchestrated by midfield magicians Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil...

Photo: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

How Arsenal would be wishing that it started its 2015-16 Premier League campaign against West Ham two days earlier instead of Aug 9. The number seven is considered by some to be the mystical numeral that denotes the realms of the spiritual universe. The three-time Premier League winners appropriately decided to commemorate the 7th edition of the Barclays Asia Trophy with some ‘other-worldly’ stuff against a decent Everton side in the final. For 30 glorious second-half minutes – until England hope Ross Barkley scored Everton’s spectacular consolation goal in the 75th minute – the FA Cup champions mesmerised the 52,107 fans in attendance with intricate, one-touch passing and smooth flowing movements, orchestrated by midfield magicians Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil, and ably assisted by Aaron Ramsey. The Cazorla-Ozil duo scored in the 58th and 63rd minutes with one being set up by the other. In the beauty of it all, the crowd almost forgot about Theo Walcott’s goal after 22 minutes, against the run of play, when the England forward was set up by Cazorla. Even Petr Cech, who got a rousing reception on his Arsenal debut, took a back seat until Barkley’s left-footed thunderbolt after an Arsenal defensive error gave him no chance. At full time, the Singapore crowd rose to its feet to salute Wenger’s men, who hinted that they could be destined for bigger things this coming Premier League season than the customary UEFA Champions League spot.

Photo: photoplanet.am / Shutterstock.com

1. Arsenal’s ‘other-worLdly’ performance

Stoke’s veteran striker Peter Crouch was a crowd favourite, and many wished the former Singapore resident had played for our nation

Photo: Sam Aronov / Shutterstock.com

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Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla was the star of the Barclays Asia Trophy, scoring one and creating two in the final against Everton

Having faced visiting Manchester United and Bayern Munich as a player during the 1980s, V Sundramoorthy was determined to oversee a good performance in this tournament just before the island nation celebrates its 50th birthday. The now Tampines Rovers head coach reunited with many of the players with whom he won the 2013 Malaysia Super League crown with LionsXII. After falling behind to Sidwell’s early goal, the character of the Singapore Select XI side was tested. But they responded well, with the experienced Khairul Amri dropping deeper to pull the strings and ease the nerves. Marko Arnautovic scored Stoke’s second goal to kill off the game midway through the second half when he cut in from the left before unleashing a right-footed shot. Last ditch defending from Baihakki Khaizan and Madhu Mohana, backed by another solid performance from keeper Izwan Mahbud (with hints of his June heroics in Japan) kept the Premier League side at bay for large periods of the match. Izwan saved Baihakki’s blushes in the 74th minute after the big defender’s error – by making a desperate save with his feet from the Peter Odemwingie shot. Three minutes later, he denied the Nigerian again with his hands. It wasn’t to be an upset result, such as on the night when Sundram inspired a Singapore XI to a famous 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in 1983, but the man they called “The Dazzler” could be satisfied with his side’s efforts.

By Jason Dasey

About Jason dasey Jason Dasey is Senior Editor for ESPN FC in Singapore, Southeast Asia’s No. 1 football website.

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S ing a po re fo otball

LionsXII must continue Jalan Besar dominance to win Cup double With six wins, five draws and a historic Malaysia FA Cup trophy in the bag, the LionsXII head into the final part of the season with the Malaysia Cup as priority. Here are two reasons why Fandi Ahmad’s second season with the LionsXII has been an enthralling one so far.

1. Izzdin and Safuwan’s DYNAMIC midfield partnership After Hariss Harun’s departure to join Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), the LionsXII have struggled to find another midfielder who can attack and defend. To plug this gap, Fandi signed Izzdin Shafiq from Home United. Not only has Izzdin filled the gap capably, he’s been the team’s main catalyst in the middle of the park, with most of the LionsXII’s moves passing through his majestic right foot. Having played all 22 matches this season, Izzdin has been the epitome of consistency. In the last five matches, he also found relief when Safuwan Baharudin returned after his stint in Australia’s A-League. The duo work in perfect tandem and can spray the passes across the field while tracking back to do the dirty work when their team is under siege.

Photo: FAS

Will coach Fandi Ahmad’s strategies work?

the 2013 MSL title, he did it with a brilliant home record. Ten wins and a draw saw them clock a Chelsea-like performance that year to remain unbeaten on the artificial turf. They are, once again, on the way to repeating the feat under Fandi’s guidance this season. Last year, home supremacy vanished into thin air. But Fandi’s team has risen from the ashes with another unbeaten streak. They seem to have reclaimed their dominance on home soil with eight victories and two draws in all competitions. When the Malaysia Cup comes in October, this impressive home record must be kept intact. The LionsXII’s next game will be against Felda United at Jalan Besar, on Sun, Aug 2.

2. Jalan Besar IS a fortress ONCE again When V Sundramoorthy led the LionsXII to

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About kelvin leong Kelvin Leong is Associate Editor for ESPN FC, and a former media officer for the Singapore national football team.

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m ov ie p revie w

ALS O I N T HE AT R E S

Suspense & drama in Singapore 1965

Dramatic Singapore film 1965 may not be solely about the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, but LIM KAY TONG’s riveting portrayal is REASON enough to catch it

hen 1965 filmmakers Randy Ang and Daniel Yun spoke to us, they were quick to establish that their film is not one of political persuasion. “It is not a biopic of Lee Kuan Yew, it’s not a propaganda film, it is not a documentary or a political film,” said Yun, Co-Director and Executive Producer for 1965. “It’s a dramatic thriller based on historical events, and touches on something fragile — racial harmony and some of the peace that we experience right now,” he said. Nonetheless, the scenes depicting Mr Lee are enough reason to pull you into the theatre. Here’s why.

Thrills and Suspense in the Streets Lim’s portrayal of Mr Lee may be the most hyped focal point of 1965, but it will by no means steal the show. The tension between races in the film is stretched uncomfortably thin, culminating in aggressive conflicts and riots that affect the everyday citizen on a personal level.

Ethan Hunt and his team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an international rogue organisation as highly skilled as they are. The Syndicate is dedicated to destroying the IMF (Impossible Missions Force). Will Ethan and his team be able to gain the upper hand? STARRING: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg & Rebecca Ferguson GENRE: Action, Adventure RELEASE: 30 Jul

PAPER TOWNS [PG13]

From shophouses to Chinese and Malay cultural elements, the set was so convincing that the actors forgot it was all staged

A Twist to a Historical Scene Although Mr Lee only appears in several scenes, his portrayal by veteran thespian Lim Kay Tong makes for some of the most riveting moments of the film. One of them recalls the historic press conference during which Mr Lee tearfully announced Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, and addressed Singapore citizens directly through the camera. In the film, Lim channels the same raw emotions and expressions that bear uncanny resemblance to that of the late Prime Minister. But Lim made it a point not to totally mimic Mr Lee’s mannerisms. “If you watch it, it’s not an impersonation – it’s more of an interpretation,” Lim told Weekender. “I didn’t go with every gesture or tick. It’s just getting the emotional essence of him in that moment. [He] was more jumpy during the press conference, but I didn’t want to do that too much... So I made it a little still,” he explained. And Lim worked very hard to deliver that. He said, “I went nearly every day to the archives for three to four weeks. I watched him to see how he was speaking, and I let it sit inside.”

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE ROUGE NATION [TBA]

Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green (“The Fault in Our Stars”), Paper Towns is a coming-of-age story centred on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbour Margo, who loves mysteries so much that she became one. Before her disappearing act, Margo left behind cryptic clues for Quentin to find her. But to find her, he must find deeper understanding of true friendship and love. STARRING: Nat Wolff & Cara Delevingne GENRE: Comedy, Romance RELEASE: 23 Jul

SOUTH PAW [NC16]

1965 shows how the racial riots and changing socio-political landscape of Singapore then affected all, from families to authority figures Veteran actor Lim Kay Tong delivers his own interpretation of Mr Lee Kuan Yew in several scenes of 1965

One of the most thrilling moments of the film features Chinese immigrant Zhou Jun (played by Joanne Peh) and her ageing father feebly fending off a wave of looters who are shoving their way into a coffee shop. It gets even more gripping when you learn that Peh was pregnant when filming that intense scene. “When I didn’t know I was pregnant yet, I ran extra hard, and I had to cry and get all worked up for the film. Those were the most poignant filming moments for me,” Peh told Weekender. Meanwhile, the entire kampong community is torn asunder, and people –

4 Titbits to Note When Watching 1965

from soldiers to children – are thrown into a world of chaos.

Be Transported Back in Time Filmed in sunny Batam, Indonesia, 1965 boasts a detailed and vivid set that will immerse you in the time before Singapore’s independence. From authentic shophouses to curious mixtures of Chinese and Malay cultural elements, the props and backdrop were so convincing that even the actors forgot that they were in a set, said Peh. You’ll be able to “almost taste and smell the 1960s” mere “minutes into the film”, said Yun. To commemorate the launch of 1965, Soup Restaurant, a local brand, is rolling out a special 1965 meal during the movie’s run. This will help you to taste and experience the film and era in a closer way. I’d say it’s a lovely way to celebrate Singapore’s story.

1. In the intense chase scene where Joanne Peh runs through the streets, she didn’t know she was pregnant yet. 2. Lim Kay Tong’s wife “prodded” him to take the role of Lee Kuan Yew – he would have declined the role otherwise. 3. Some shop fronts recreate places that really existed, such as old F&N product signs and the Oriental Theatre on Sago Lane. 4. The movie features songs from local singers Sezairi Sezali and Gentle Bones. 5. Get ‘live’ Twitter updates from characters in the movie @realtime1965.

By Pamela Chow

1965 [pg13] Director: Starring:

Randy Ang Qi Yuwu, Deanna Yusoff, Joanne Peh, Lim Kay Tong & Sezairi Sezali Genre: Drama, Thriller Run length: 130 min Release: 30 Jul

From acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) comes a story of tragedy, loss and the painful road to redemption. Billy (Jake Gyllenhaal) is the reigning Junior Middleweight Champion whose unorthodox stance, the so-called “Southpaw,” consists of an ineloquent, though brutal, display of offensive fighting. With a beautiful family, home and financial security, Billy is on top both in and out of the ring until a tragic accident leaves his wife dead and sends him into a downward spiral. STARRING: Forest Whitaker, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams & Rita Ora GENRE: Drama RELEASE: 23 Jul

THE VATICAN TAPES [NC16] The Vatican Tapes follows the ultimate battle between good and evil – God versus Satan. Angela Holmes is an ordinary 27-yearold until she begins to have a devastating effect on anyone close, causing serious injury and even death. She is examined and possession is suspected but when the Vatican is called upon to exorcise the demon, the possession proves to be an ancient force more powerful than ever imagined. STARRING: Dougray Scott, Djimon Hounsou, Michael Peña & Olivia Taylor Dudley GENRE: Horror RELEASE: 23 Jul

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

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star o f t he w eek

If you could switch roles with another member, whose would it be and why?

SISTAR working it out in their campaign for Skechers’ new collection

SISTAR’s secret to sexy summer bods

Dasom: I would like to be Hyolyn and have her schedule. Hyolyn: [gasps] Why? Dasom: She’s the most experienced member. She gets to do a lot of things: song collaborations, drama soundtracks and solo projects. I’d like to experience those too.

From left: Soyu, Hyolyn, Bora and Dasom

If you were going on a vacation, where would you choose?

K-pop fan or otherwise, you’ll want to read South Korean girl group SISTAR’s secrets to getting a sexy and lean body After watching them shake it on stage, with their toned bodies and sexy dance moves, almost anyone would want another piece of K-pop girl group SISTAR. These K-pop idols treated fans in Singapore to a short but sultry showcase earlier this month, belting out their latest songs with their signature dance steps and megawatt smiles. Since SISTAR’s debut in 2010, the fourmember group has produced dance numbers such as “Loving U”, “Touch My Body”, “My Boy” and “Shake It”. For those unfamiliar with the group’s star status, SISTAR is ranked 10th on Forbes Korea’s most powerful celebrities list. SISTAR’s Dasom, Bora, Soyu and leader Hyolyn are the newest ambassadors of American footwear brand Skechers. These sexy sirens let Weekender in on the secrets behind their success and their sexy summer bods.

Which Skechers range is your personal favourite? Bora: D’Lite! The designs on the sneakers are very detailed – I like to wear them to work out. I like the many colours in this range.

Photo: SKECHERS Singapore

What is your secret to getting your sexy bodies?

How about your favourite summer song?

Hyolyn: We all work out very regularly but we have different workout styles. Some of us do Pilates and lift weights to get toned. We also watch what we eat and control our diets. Soyu: We predict that the hips are going to be [the focus of] the new exercise trend. So we’re working out our hips, which will help show off our legs too. Bora: For toning our legs, it’s most important to stretch the legs properly to maintain a good leg shape. Always wearing heels on stage also helps us to keep our legs toned.

Soyu: [loudly] “Loving U” by SISTAR!

What’s on your personal workout playlist? Soyu: I listen to hip-hop music when I exercise. Hyolyn & Dasom: We listen to hip-hop too! It’s our favourite genre.

What are some tips you have for beating the summer heat? Soyu: It’s very important to choose the right sunblock for your skin. Every sunblock has different ingredients and strengths, so you need to choose one that really suits your skin type.

How would you describe your off-stage personal styles? Soyu: Of all the members, I like wearing the most different kinds of styles. I can have a girly style, or whatever’s trending. I think Bora and Hyolyn just like wearing what’s comfortable for them. Hyolyn: And Dasom’s style is simplicity.

k ay po h ko r n er

Photo: alantankenghoe / flickr

5 Cool & unusual things to do in Singapore From theatrical-themed dining to wild outdoor adventures, these experiences present you with unusual weekend ideas It can be hard to find things to do in Singapore that don’t involve the usual shopping and eating spiel. But there are in fact many hidden experiences in the corners of our island; some mysterious, some thrilling, but all fun. We dish out five of the coolest ones for you to plan your next weekend around.

Experience & Dine in a Cyberpunk Wonderland

Location: Secret In 2070, humans have stripped Earth of its natural resources. The masses have been forced underground, where mechanical aids in cold, metallic fringe cities permeate human existence. One man has had enough. He finds a way to go back in time – to our present year of 2015 – and brings his futuristic influences to us. This sounds more like a movie plot than dinner, but The Karl Experience is in fact a theatrical dining instalment by popup restaurant Andsoforth. If you’re still unsure about what’s going

to happen – or what you’ll be eating, for that matter – that’s the point. The mystery just makes this experience all the more titillating. I know my curiosity has been piqued. The Karl Experience premieres Aug 19. Visit www.andsoforth.com.sg for more information (but not too much).

Watch Classic Films in a VINTAGE Theatre

Location: Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd “Old theatre” doesn’t mean any cinema without an IMAX screen. Think even older – an authentic old-timey one from the ‘70s. Golden Theatre was the biggest cinema in Singapore and Malaysia then, popular for its quality Mandarin movies, art films and Bollywood hits. Now called The Projector, the theatre’s charming stalls and circles have been revitalised. Flip-up seats have been reupholstered, the halls been given an overhaul and a new projection system has been installed. Catch classic foreign flicks, cult favourites or local films here. And with draft beer and comfy bean bags? Where do I sign up?

The Projector is open on weekday evenings and all day on weekends, but closed on Monday. Visit theprojector.sg for film schedules and tickets.

Stay a Night in a Fancy Stable Wagon

Go on an Indiana Jones Adventure

Location: Punggol Ranch, 900 Punggol Rd – Track 24 Punggol is hiding a cool staycation spot. At Punggol Ranch, you can take a pretty little pony or a majestic steed out for a ride at the Gallop Stables. Feeling like Legolas from the Lord of the Rings? Try your hand at horseback archery! Complete your stay in one of the novelty Gallop Wagons. You’ll be comforted to know that they are clean and fully air-conditioned. Visit www.gallopstable.com for more information.

Location: MegaZip Adventure Park, Imbiah Hill Rd, Sentosa Zip through the trees or navigate tricky rope courses much like Indiana Jones, or fly with a fantastic view of Sentosa’s beach. At the MegaZip Adventure Park, most of

Bora: It doesn’t matter – just give me a holiday! I don’t have a lot of experience with travelling but if I could, I’d like to go to a place like Boracay in the Philippines, or Los Angeles. Dasom: I actually got a five-day holiday last year, and I went around many places in Singapore. If I got to tour again, I’d love to go to the United States. Or Mexico! Hyolyn: I love the sea. I’d like to go somewhere with water, so I can do water sports. Soyu: Anywhere. Just anywhere I can chill out.

I can tell your eagerness for a holiday. What will SISTAR be busy with from now on? Bora: We’ll be promoting our comeback songs, so do support us! Hyolyn: With our comeback, we’re hoping to get first place at all the music awards so we can treat our fans to more live performances – that’s our goal now.

By Pamela Chow SISTAR was in town for the opening of Skechers’ new flagship store at Ngee Ann City, #B2-04.

its attractions offer different difficulty and thrill levels, just in case the fun gets a little too wild for your kids (or yourself). MegaZip Adventure Park has multiple ongoing promotions for its various attractions, so look out for the discounts and bundles online. Visit www.megazip.com.sg for more information.

Dine in Total Darkness

Location: NOX – Dine in the Dark, 269 Beach Rd Very few people believe that when this restaurant says “in total darkness”, it really means in total darkness. At NOX – Dine in the Dark, you won’t be able to see where you’re going or what you’re eating. But that’s the point – this novel culinary experience will heighten your other senses of taste, smell, touch and sound, letting you fully appreciate and enjoy the food being served to you. The specially-trained guides are blind or visually impaired, yet they will now become your eyes. Poetic, isn’t it? The menu remains a mystery, but you can state your dietary restrictions in advance. Children from seven years old and above are welcome. NOX is open on weekdays from 6pm to late and Saturdays from 5pm to late. Visit www. noxdineinthedark.com for more information.

By Pamela Chow

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

Foodmania W

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

Fo o d F e atu r e

sg50 Pastries

for you to indulge & celebrate

JIANG-NAN CHUN SG50 Singapore Sangria MOONCAKE The pièce de résistance of Four Seasons Hotel’s Jiang-Nan Chun restaurant this year is the SG50 Singapore Sangria mooncake. The striking limited edition snowskin mooncake, in red and white and with “SG50” embossed on its skin, is infused with the signature “Singapore Sangria” from the hotel’s bar.

Make our nation’s jubileE a sweet affair with these unique SG50 creations One of the strong characteristics of Singapore is its food culture. Not surprisingly, one of the best ways to express our love for Singapore is through food. Here are a few specially-designed SG50 cakes and pastries, from unique creations to twists on traditional favourites. Add more fun and flavour to your celebration of our nation’s golden jubilee this year.

With flavours of the tropical twist on the Spanish cocktail encapsulated within, mooncake lovers will be in for a treat. $63, available from 28 Aug until 27 Sep Jiang-Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Boulevard

Lime Patisserie HeartSG Red Velvet SG50 celebrations just got sweeter with the launch of Lime patisserie, just in time for our golden jubilee. Relish the wide assortment of cakes, pralines, macarons and more. Especially of note is the limited edition Singapore-shaped HeartSG Red Velvet Cake that is specially-conceived to celebrate 50 years of our nation building. $50, available until 30 Sep Park Royal on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street

Antoinette Queen’s Kaya Toast Most of us have grown up eating kaya toast, but Antoinette’s new Queen’s Kaya Toast takes our humble breakfast food to a new level. The ‘toast’ is a house-made baguette with a layer of kaya made with coconut cream and pure pandan juice. It is then topped with Echire, an artisanal butter known for its rich flavour and sprinkled with fleur de sel salt. It truly seems fit for royalty. $10, available from 1 Aug Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, #02-33/34

Goodwood Park Durian Mousse Cake What better way to celebrate Singapore’s golden jubilee than with the “King of Fruits”? Inspired by the colours of the Singapore flag, Goodwood Park Hotel’s limited edition Durian Mousse Cake features layers of white and crimson sponge that alternate with creamy D24 durian mousse. Mm… The Durian Mousse Cake is crowned with an icing sheet adorned with bold red and white patterns and the iconic SG50 logo. $55, available from 1 to 10 Aug Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road

Les Délices SG 50 Tribute Collection To be part of the celebrations, Les Délices has launched the SG50 Tribute Choux Collection, a trio of new choux puff flavours. The choux puff is a signature offering at Les Délices, but these have a distinct local touch. The SG50 Tribute collection will cast the spotlight on local flavours such as Milo, Horlicks and Gula Melaka in the special choux puffs with local character. $5.90 each, available until 31 Aug Les Delices, 333 Kreta Ayer Road, #01-14

PAGE 11

NEW PA STRY

Bread Talk celebrates 15 years & SG50 For its 15th anniversary and SG50, Bread Talk now has a new line of buns inspired by our local Singaporean food Popular bakery and pastry shop Bread Talk has unveiled the Singapore Roti Collection, a tasty line-up of 15 buns inspired by popular local dishes and snacks. The new selection, to celebrate its 15th anniversary as well as our nation’s golden jubilee, includes the specially-created limited edition SG50 Flosss bun. The SG50 Flosss bun unveiled was earlier chosen by vote by Bread Talk customers. The chosen SG50 Flosss bun features sambal chicken floss, and will be sold at all Bread Talk outlets until Aug 31.

The stars and esteemed guests made the official opening even more dazzling

n e w Caf e

Gorgeous desserts that will dazzle you

Different Fillings for Different Folks

Dazzling Cafe is known for its beautiful desserts

Try the famed honey toast at the local offshoot of famed Taiwanese dessert chain, Dazzling Café If we ever start a café, we hope we’ll be able to do it like how Dazzling Cafe did. The Taiwanese café, which officially opened its first South-east Asia branch at the newlybuilt Capitol Piazza last month, wowed with its star-studded opening. Celebrities, mostly friends of the cafe owners, turned up in full force, much to the delight of fans who had thronged to Capitol Piazza to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. The guest list included Farenheit member Aaron Yan, Singapore’s up-and-coming actress Julie Tan and other Taiwanese artistes, like Chris Lee, Allen Chen and Xavier Ong.

What’s in It for Your Tummy? The food at Dazzling Café includes appetisers such as Truffle Fries and mains such as the famous Black Truffle & Wild Mushroom Spaghetti and Mentaiko Spaghetti in Cream Sauce. Its famed honey toast is a must-try and a wide selection of flavours is available. From the sweet Banana Chocolate Honey Toast and Dazzling Classic Honey Toast to the savoury Cheddar Cheese Honey Toast, and even Valrhona Chocolate Waffles, your sweet tooth will surely be satisfied. If you are having a hard time choosing from the long list, try the Matcha with Azuki Beans ($19.90) Honey Toast. The bittersweet matcha sauce and the tall cream tower perfectly complemented the crisp, buttery toast. Be prepared for long wait times at the café though — we hear that an hour’s wait is the norm.

($2.50), Satay Chicken ($1.90), with chicken satay pieces in peanut sauce, and Otah Oleh ($1.70), stuffed with homemade otah.

Buns on Uniqlo TEES Bread Talk has also launched a collaboration with Japanese clothing label Uniqlo, presenting an exclusive graphic T-shirt based on the signature Flosss bun. Drawn by award-winning artist Juliana Ong, the design, entitled “Every Bread Wants to Be Flosss”, portrays 15 pieces of bread in a queue to walk through a wall of floss. Using UTme!, a new customised printing service, located in Uniqlo Bugis+, customers can select and print the designs that they like. A limited edition Flosss tote bag ($5) is also available at Bread Talk. Every tote sold will see $0.50 donated to the Community Chest. The Singapore Roti Collection is available until Aug 3. The limited edition SG50 Flosss bun, with sambal chicken floss, celebrates our nation’s jubilee

Food Bl ogg e r R e c i p e The chairs and decoration call to mind Alice in Wonderland

Onigirazu – Japanese Rice Sandwich Honey Bee Sweets

A Fancy Dining Experience Apart from its celebrity diners, the twostory Dazzling Café is a pretty cosy space. The Victorian-inspired furnishings, together with the adorable bunny-eared chairs, warm chandelier lights and Tiffany blue surroundings made us feel like we were Alices in our own wonderlands. Attendants dressed up in French maid uniforms added an elegant touch to the otherwise whimsical atmosphere.

The others include Mt Kaya Swirl ($1.50), a dome-shaped bun with homemade Hainanese kaya centre, the fragrant Kopi-O ($1.50) bun, with the fragrance and taste of Nanyang coffee, and Coconut Ball ($1.70), a reinvention of a popular snack with gula Melaka and grated coconut in the bun, sprinkled with desiccated coconut. The Ikan Bilis ($1.90) has a filling of spicy dried anchovies while Orh Nee ($2.30) is filled with smooth Teochew-style yam paste. Other creations inspired by Singaporean specialities include the Chilli Crab King

Some buns from the Singapore Roti Collection, inspired by local food

Up-and-coming local actress Julie Tan and Taiwanese star Aaron Yan were among those who graced the red carpet opening

Dazzling Café’s cocktail bar promises that the experience is not just limited to the food. If you like sweet cocktails without overpowering alcohol, try the “Snowy Rose”, ($13.90) made with raspberry-infused Chambord, apple juice and cream.

Renowned in East Asia

Popular blogger Honey Bee Sweets shares with Weekender her fourth recipe "Onigiri" means Japanese rice ball. Onigirazu is in the shape of a flat rectangle, like a rice sandwich wrapped in seaweed.

INGREDIENTS Serves 2-3 people

With such a big name in countries such as China and Taiwan, Dazzling Café Singapore has some pretty big shoes to fill. The food served during the opening certainly hit the mark. We may have to revisit to try more dishes, or to see if it is still as good.

By Rydell Tan

Dazzling Café, Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Road, #01-85, Singapore 178906

Bee Bee, better known as Honey Bee Sweets, is a stay-at-home parent and a popular food blogger – on Instagram alone, @honeybeesweets.sg has over 37,200 followers.

• 3 sheets • 500g • 200g • 1 • 5 • 1

METHOD

Seaweed Cooked sushi rice, from 1 cup raw rice – once cooked, add 1 tsp Japanese rice vinegar and 1tsp mirin (rice wine condiment) Fresh salmon, washed Japanese cucumber, peeled Crab sticks, shredded & mixed with 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise Large egg, beaten – mixed with ½ tsp soy sauce & ½ tsp mirin; cooked at low fire on non-stick pan; dish out and fold into square

1.Place a sheet of cling wrap on your clean work area. The sheet must be at least 4cm longer

Onigirazu

(length & breadth) than the seaweed sheets. 2. Place the seaweed sheet over the cling wrap sheet and centralise it. 3.Scoop about 100g of cooked sushi rice and place it in the middle of the seaweed sheet. 4. Using your rice scoop, arrange the rice in a squarish shape. Make sure to give some space allowance, especially along the corners. 5. Add in the ingredients you want. I used salmon mayo – sautéed salmon, flaked and with 1 tbsp Japanese mayo, ¼ tsp salt, a dash of pepper and ½ tsp sugar. Mix well. You can also use avocado, egg mayo or teriyaki pork belly. 6. Arrange the cucumber strips over salmon mayo and pile on about 70g of sushi rice over the cucumber. Try not to pack too much ingredients in, or you might not be able to wrap it. 7. Press gently so the rice is packed down upon the other ingredients. Wrap it by folding in the corners, one by one. 8. Let the moisture from the sushi rice stick the seaweed together. You can dab a bit of water but the seaweed may wrinkle. 9. Use the cling wrap to wrap up the whole onigirazu. Make sure it’s tight so that the sushi will hold its shape when cut. 10. Let the sushi sandwich sit for 5-10 min before slicing it, with the cling wrap still on. 11.Repeat the process until all your ingredients are used up. By Honey Bee Sweets Honeybeesweets.sg

PAGE 12

Foodmania W

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

new Menu

This decadent dessert, the Salted Caramel & Chocolate stole the hearts of those at the tasting session – rich, luxurious and with a nice dark chocolate crunch, it was a very good way to end the meal

Lighting the way Lighthouse Bistro has been revamped with a sophisticated new look and a new stripped-down but focused menu – a change that makes it the latest must-try

the least. The ginger, chilli and scallions resounded well with the rest of the dish and complemented its heartening flavours. Apart from the seafood, the Black Onyx Angus Steak was another star on the menu. I’m not a big fan of steak but the sweetness of the meat burst through to tantalise and enchant my taste buds. Its red wine sauce adds another dimension to the sweetness, and enticed me to take bite after bite. At this rate, I might soon become a fan.

Those who visited Lighthouse Bistro before its revamp in April will undoubtedly remember the loud and gaudy orange furnishings that emblazoned the restaurant. If you visit again, you’ll be surprised by the revamp. Taking on subtler hues, Lighthouse Bistro now also boasts a bar and a private room (complete with a flat-screen TV for presentations over a business meal), making it the perfect dining venue for corporate lunches or even winding down after a long day of work.

By far the spiciest dish on the menu, Lighthouse Bistro succeeded tremendously in this fusion dish – the spicy sambal sauce complemented the al-dente angel hair pasta surprisingly well

Fresh Seafood Galore & More A dining establishment supported by the Singapore Maritime Officer’s Union, it is no surprise that this establishment specialises in seafood. The seafood at Lighthouse Bistro was so fresh that every single dish that was served was devoured without any hesitation. Some of my favourite dishes include the Salmon Milk Bath and the Malaysian Angel Hair, both of which are original creations by the chefs at Lighthouse Bistro. The former was a slightly peculiar sight and thus understandable if you might have some hesitation about ordering it. Nonetheless, the dish proved my impression wrong in many ways. The tender, gently-poached salmon amid a milky, light broth was warm and comforting, to say

Beer lovers are now able to enjoy more fresh quality beer, including top German ones, with a new beer growler and filling station from Amber Nectar

The beer growlers are filled in special Pegas filling stations, using a similar method to how breweries tap beer into barrels

Quality Draft Beer with Unique Character Beer aficionados and anyone who loves good, tasty beers will be happy to know that patrons can take away fantastic German beers

Amber Nectar, 11 Unity Street, #01-10/11, Singapore 237995, Tel: 6737 3774

First Growler Filling Station in Singapore What’s new and unique is that these growlers are filled in special Pegas filling stations, using a similar method to how breweries tap beer into barrels. Once the bottle is affixed to the airtight tap, the filling station pressurises the bottle with carbon dioxide as it is filled. This prevents oxidisation and loss of carbonation in the beer, keeping the beer fresh and frothy. As soon as the bottle is full, it is immediately capped and handed to the patron. This process is green too. Customers can bring the old bottle back for a refill, and receive a new bottle when they do so. These filling stations ensure that beer growlers are properly-filled and the beer can be properly stored. Capped, the beer in the growler can be stored fresh for up to seven days in the fridge.

Whether you have a sweet (or salty) tooth, the Salted Caramel & Chocolate was the best dessert on the menu. The rich chocolate and caramel mousse atop a bed of cookie crumble was so pleasurable. This sinful delight had my table lusting for more! I would say Lighthouse Bistro is definitely worth another visit.

By Samantha Phey

HERE ARE

in the growler. The Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen ($48 per growler, 5.1% ABV) is a unique “smokebeer”. This dark variety is from Bamberg, Germany. The beer’s malt is first smoked with beechwood. This is followed by the addition of premium hops in copper kettles before the beer is matured in 700-year-old cellars beneath the Bamberg hills. This beer is reddish-brown and possesses the aroma of smoked sausage and bacon, with a finish reminiscent of smoky cheese. It certainly has unique character. The Hofbräu Dunkel ($44 per growler, 5.5% ABV) is undoubtedly the best. From the famous Hofbrauhaus (where Hitler gave his first speech), it is the quintessential Munich-style dark beer. The Dunkel is rich in both flavour and texture, yet highly-refreshing. Others include the Hofbrau Original ($36 per growler, 5.1% ABV) and the Münchner Weisse – Hefe Weizen ($44 per growler, 5.1% ABV), a wheat beer with strong fruity flavour. Amber Nectar carries a range of 20 styles of beers and a decent selection of bar food. It also serves heavier dishes such as the traditional German schweinshaxe (pork knuckle). Apart from Amber Nectar, customers can also purchase and refill growlers at other locations. Visit www.ambernectar.com.sg for more information.

Amber Nectar, a bar and beer specialist at Robertson Walk, has introduced 1.89L beer growlers to enable patrons to take away freshly-tapped quality draft beers.

A Sweet Finish

Lighthouse Bistro, Wavelink Building, 75 Jellicoe Road, #01-00, Singapore 208738, Tel: 6390 1699

S avo u r t he Sip

More bite with beer growlers

An unusual but hearty and comforting dish, oriental ingredients such as ginger and chilli certainly heightened and delighted our taste buds.

THE

presents

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OF THE PRIZES 2N Superstar Gemini Cruise for two

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Congratulations to the winners! Winners will be contacted directly on the collection.

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

presents

Congratulations to the winners of the

weekender Foodmania awards

Our panel of judges has reviewed and decided the Top Favourite restaurants! All shortlisted restaurants are voted by Weekender readers. To find out if you are a lucky draw winner, please refer to page 12.

Top Favourites Buffet

Chinese

Thai

Italian

japanese casual Dining

Japanese Fine Dining

Western

Indian

One-Ninety Woodfired Steaks and Seafood

Putien

Patara Fine Thai Cusine

Pontini

Standing Sushi Bar

Nadaman

Brewerkz Restaurants & Microbreweries

Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Terrace Bar

Tandoor

Hot Favourites

The Line

Paradise Dynasty

Siam Kitchen

Mad for Garlic

Irodori Japanese Restaurant

Tajimaya

Hot Stones Steak and Seafood

The Buffet at M Hotel

Paradise Inn

Bangkok Jam

Palio

Suki-Ya

Mikawa Japanese Sake Bar & Restaurant

District 10 Bar & Restaurant

Our Distinguished Judging Panel:

Wenhui Yang

Charmaine Phua

General Manager, Radio DJ and Host UnionPay International, Power 98 FM Southeast Asia

Main Sponsor:

Official Media Partners:

Jia Ming

Radio DJ and Host 88.3Jia FM

Sarah Benjamin

Host Must Try! Asia on Asian Food Channel

Seth Lui

Food Writer Sethlui.com

Nicole Poi

Food Blogger PinkyPiggu.com

David Phey COO Weekender

Karin Ng

Senior Director, Head of Marketing Solutions Weekender

Tim Ong

Chef and Blogger Tim-ong.com

Co-Sponsors:

Look out for reviews of the restaurants in our next issue! For dining promotions, visit weekender.com.sg/foodmaniaawards

SHOPsavvy W

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

Fa s h i o n New s

With American Eagle Outfitters, it’s all about having a great time, and we must say that these folks really know how to throw a party, based on the media preview party announcing the official opening. Though it’s been a few weeks since the boutique opened, party tips never go out of style. Here’s a sneak peek on how you can re-create your own jammin’ party.

as inspired by American Eagle Outfitters The casualwear brand threw a bash celebrating its official opening in Singapore, to partygoers’ delight

Have booze, have a great time

No party is complete without booze and finger food so having a bottle of Desperados along with bite-size Krispy Kreme doughnuts were good ways to kick-start the evening. Even though we couldn’t have the classic Beer Pong party game to accompany the booze, AEO did a great job of replacing it with some great entertainment – foosball and ice air hockey. Now what’s a party without taking some selfies? Throughout the night there were models dressed in trendy outfits carrying AEO props and taking selfies with the guests using a selfie stick so, of course, who could resist a selfie?

Have a celeb guest... or ten

It was an absolutely star-studded evening with various notable fashion influencers and celebrities, together with members of the fashion, lifestyle and entertainment media who turned up in full force. The hype around the Ah Boys to Men cast is not dying down and we definitely understand why. So it came

The star of the party was undoubtedly the brand’s extensive selection of jeans

as no surprise that two of the Ah Boys, Joshua Tan and Tosh Zhang, had been named as AEO Singapore ambassadors. With their vibrant and dynamic spirits, it was no wonder why these two actors were chosen. Celebrities such as DJs Joakim Gomez and Tabitha Nauser, model Fiona Fussi, singer Jonathan Chua from the Sam Willows, and actors Keagan Kang and Paul Foster also graced the event.

Don’t cramp your style

Spanning 4,000 sq ft, the flagship boutique at Vivocity featured rugged and natural building material, like the wooden racks, which reflected the AEO concepts of “be yourself’ and “live freely”. With the sprawling space, there was enough room for guests to walk and mingle instead of squeezing their way through the crowd, like in a club. Who can say ‘no’ to a party like that? With such space, expect no less than an extensive selection of jeans. From cuts such as Slim Straight and

AEO’s models were on hand to take selfies with guests

Original Taper for men to Skinny and Boy Jean for women, the AEO Jeans line was definitely the star of the show. Apart from jeans for the ladies, the range also features flirty dresses, fun crop tops and sandals while the men’s range features graphic tees and tanks with that beach boy vibe. By Rydell Tan

American Eagle Outfitters is located at VivoCity, #B1-06/07, and is open from 10.30am to 9.30pm daily.

B e aut y i n B r ief

Beauty for the summer sun These products will have you looking hot all season

For more of the latest fashion launches and beauty & lifestyle tips, like & follow us at

www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray When you’re outdoors or chilling at an al fresco café under the sun, the Vaseline Intensive Care Spray ($13.90) is for you. The moisturiser contains aloe that acts as a skin-conditioning agent to soothe and hydrate the skin as well as a skin rescuer for sun-drenched days. Just spray and go. Available at pharmacies

Asience Leave On Treatment It’s summer and the sun is blazing no matter where you are. If you go to the beach regularly, you may have frizzy or damaged hair from the seawater and intense heat. The Asience beauty serum leave-on treatment ($16.90), is easy to apply and provides intense hydration to nourish your hair’s dry ends for that gorgeous, healthy and frizz-free hair. Available at pharmacies

Etude House Loving Days Fragrance Line It’s always great to have a fresh fragrance when going out. The new Loving Days Fragrance line is scented with natural and subtle hints of fruits, flowers and citrus that’s perfect for summer. The line comes in three girly ranges – Blooming Love, Sweet Sparkling and Cool Sugar ($28). Available at Etude House

PAGE 15

Ho me Makeover Ideas Marble Two-Tier Server

Trend Alert! Marvellous Marble

$89.95, from CB2

The beautiful vein patterns of marble used to only be found in expensive floor tiles but, recently, the natural stone pattern has been popping up all over the place! Here are some of our favourite finds that proudly showcase the beauty of marble.

F EAT U RED P ROD U CT s

Music on the go Italo Dining Table

Music aficionados are in for a treat with Elysium’s Porto series of wireless hi-fi systems

$4998, from OM

Homegrown music tech company Elysium’s design philosophy is simple: Marry advanced technology, developed by a team of engineers and specialists across Asia, with ergonomic functionality and aesthetics. The result? Sleek stereo amplifiers that elevate musical enjoyment with energetic performances and full sounds. Maysa Vases

Completely cable-free The Porto V ($299), for example, brings together two full-range drivers to ensure great-sounding music sound even without a subwoofer. Even better, it comes without cables or separate speakers, making it great for bringing your music wherever you go. Design-wise, the exterior is wrapped with a luxurious leather finishing — black, brown or white — and quality stitching. The system also comes equipped with the latest Bluetooth 4.0 wireless capabilities with NFC for lossless audio, a built-in 5V USB power port that lets you play your music from a flash drive and illuminated touch panel control keys.

Dirac HD sound

$119 each, from Galanga Living Hirsch Marble Pendant Light $259, from Crate and Barrel

Eagle End Table $190, from Star Living

Those looking for a richer sound experience can consider the Porto VII ($379), which comes with Dirac HD sound. Dirac HD Sound is an advanced patented software technology that analyses and corrects for audio colouration. The result is not just a psychoacoustic sound effect. Loudspeaker and earphone characteristics are genuinely improved, as the software ensures that the speakers are performing at their best. The Porto VII is also able to stream audio wirelessly from any bluetooth source device and is great for music, movies, Internet video entertainment and other audio uses. As with the Porto V, you can also stream music wirelessly on the go.

Cassina 194 9 tables by Piero Lissoni from $2816, from Dream Interiors

Superior audio quality The most powerful system in the Porto series, the Porto XI ($479) brings the audio experience to a new level. In line with its superior audio performance, the Porto XI will pump out punchy bass with just the right amount of reverb, while carrying a perfectly balanced mid-high section. With this hi-fi system, you’ll be able to bring the sounds of a ‘live’ rock concert sound right into your bedroom. The system comes equipped with the latest Bluetooth 4.0 wireless capabilities with NFC for lossless audio; an auxiliary (aux-in) 3.5mm audio jack for wired usage; two full-range drivers; and one bass driver for a powerful, full-spectrum audio experience. Brought to you by Elysium. For more information, visit www.elysiumlab.com.

Article first published in Lookbox Living #39 May/Jun 2014

Lookbox Living #41 is out now! Available at major bookstores and news stands! For more interior projects, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg

SHOPsavvy W

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

Tech f e at ure

Beat the crowds with these on-demand services

1. LET The Sunday Crew do your cleaning

With food delivery and grocery shopping easily done online, you’ll never have to leave home again

From keeping us connected to our personal social circle with social media applications like Facebook and Instagram, to even applying for a job, the Internet brings endless possibilities. So why bother squeezing or battling with the crowd over the weekend to get your errands done, when you have the almighty Internet? Here are six ideas to help you spend the weekend in the comfort of your own home.

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Enjoy your favourite tunes wirelessly with the Elysium Libretto hi-fi headsets that allow you to roam around up to 12m away from your playback source while streaming crystal-clear audio. The Libretto’s high-quality, built-in rechargeable battery supports 100 hours of standby and eight continuous hours of music playback. One lucky winner will also walk away with the Elysium Porto V speaker, a portable wireless hi-fi that allows you to bring your music wherever you go without the need for wires or cables. Audio aficionados will love its full-range drivers, which ensure a full sound even without a subwoofer.

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Why bother with the back-breaking chore of cleaning after a long week of work when you can get some help with it? At a simple flat rate of $20 an hour, the team at The Sunday Crew can help you mop, wipe and tidy your home. All you have to do is visit www. thesundaycrew.com to pay and to book a cleaning slot.

2. EASILY SHOP FOR YOUr GrocerIES ON Redmart Have you ever tried to drag ten bags of groceries home from the supermarket, and felt like your arms were about to be dislocated anytime? Well, here comes Redmart, a onestop shop for all your grocery needs, at competitive prices. This online supermarket, which has been growing in popularity since its 2011 launch, has an arsenal of products that range from fresh produce such as meat, seafood and vegetables to household products like laundry detergent and dishwashing liquids. Visit www.redmart.com to shop.

3. Customise clothes & HAVE THEM DELIVERED WITH Tate & Tonic Men, if you want to take the hassle out of shopping at a physical store, or hate having to head to the fitting room, and would like a stylist to help you with your look, turn to Tate & Tonic. All you have to do is visit www.tatetonic. com. Then fill in a form describing your personal style, like the colours you would wear, clothing preferences, clothing size and budget [Packages start from $20]. Then simply wait for Tate & Tonic’s stylist to mail you a nice box. In it you will find a hand-picked selection of clothing, shoes and accessories catered to your personal style. All that is left to do is to try it in the comfort of your home and keep what you like. For the pieces that you don’t quite fancy, simply return them, unwashed and undamaged, for a refund. Terms and conditions apply.

4. USE Foodpanda for a hasslefree dinner Enjoy a culinary feast right in the comfort of your own home with Foodpanda (www.foodpanda.sg). This is an online site as well as a mobile application, built to make take-out in Singapore convenient and stress-free. Choose from over 20 different cuisines for your next meal. Aside from just food delivery from your favourite restaurant, Foodpanda also provides special delivery options ranging from “Romantic Dinner” to “Alcohol and Refreshment” deliveries.

To top it all off, there is a 24-hour delivery option. Supper party anyone?

5. Too much stuff lying around? Just Vault Dragon it Calling all hoarders! If you just have too many things lying around the house and deem them too precious to give away, simply Vault Dragon it. Like its name suggests, Vault Dragon is a storage solution company that helps you to keep your belongings safe, or until you need them again. The process is simple. First, pack your items into storage boxes provided by the company. The boxes will be collected within a week and safely stored in Vault Dragon’s warehouse. When you decide to retrieve them, Vault Dragon returns them on demand. If you are wondering how large Vault Dragon’s storage boxes are, they can fit an approximate 20 pairs of shoes, or 90 books! Rates start from $13.50 per storage box per month and pickups of storage boxes are always free. Getting your boxes back costs $18.50 for the first box and an additional $1 per extra box. Visit www.vaultdragon for more information.

6. Call for a beer run with Alcohol Delivery You’re throwing a really big party on a Saturday evening and you realise that your alcohol stash is running dry. You can’t leave the party because you are the host and, well, you can’t exactly send your guests out to make a quick beer run either. So what can you do? You head to Alcohol Delivery’s online site or give them a call. Be it gin, vodka, champagne, wine or mixers, Alcohol Delivery has quite the arsenal to help with weekend benders. It even offers chips and light snacks to help with the munchies. To top it all off, delivery time is capped at one hour. Visit www.alcoholdelivery.com.sg for more information.

By Geralyne Kaye Ong

Tech Storm is a brand new avenue for you to get plugged in to addictive tech trends, reviews on gadgets, apps and be inspired by the coolest start-up stories. Check us out at: www.techstorm.tv

PAGE 17

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July 24 - August 6, 2015

A train speeding away from the railway station in Shanghai

Seeing China by rail TRAV E L T IPS

On a train, you never have to turn off your mobile devices and can use them for work or for leisure

Punctuality

Most trains in China arrive and leave on time. This is a welcome change from delayed or cancelled flights — typically a consequence of weather conditions and competition for airspace. In fact, during peak travel periods, up to 80 per cent of flights are rescheduled or delayed. Trains in China have a reputation for punctuality, with only bad weather at times delaying departures.

Most trains in China arrive and leave on time

Forget standing in long check-in lines or flight delays; travelling by train is the way to go when in China – here’s why Shanghai and Beijing are often the first cities that come to mind when people think of China. However, in a country with dozens of regions — each with their own unique cuisine, culture and dialect — it is clear that China has much more to offer to visitors. With the second largest train network and the longest high-speed rail network in the world, train travel is a great way to see China. Here are six reasons why you should consider traveling by train during your visit to the country.

Scan to download Ctrip Mobile App now

Hassle-free travel

Train stations are generally located near city centres, saving time and reducing arrival and departure hassles. Take flying from Beijing to Shanghai, for example. Though the flight time is only two hours, you will also need to travel from the Beijing city centre to the airport and go through check-in and immigration processes. Not to mention waiting for your suitcases when you arrive and travelling to your hotel in Shanghai.

More leg room

Airplane seating is sometimes uncomfortably cramped, especially on budget airlines. You might spend a good deal of the flight passively fighting for the armrest, repeatedly brushing arms and legs with a stranger or awkwardly waking the person next to you so that you can go to use the restroom. Train travel has few of these hang-ups. High-speed trains have comfortable seats and are clean and safe.

You’re always online

The chance to create memories

In China’s trains, you can keep your devices on at all times — that means not having to turn off your mobile phones or electronic devices, such as during the takeoff or landing of a plane. Being online gives you a chance to catch up on some work, get the latest gossip from your friends or post a picture from your trip on social media. If you are going on Facebook or other social media that are blocked in mainland China, remember to use a reliable VPN (virtual private network).

You’ll travel at speeds of up to 300 km/hour, catch glimpses of towns and villages that lie in between major cities and meet people from all over the country along the way. If you’re traveling with friends, highspeed trains often have four-seat rooms that make it easy to enjoy the ride together. Many travelers find that a train journey becomes a memorable part of their trip.

You’ll stretch your dollar

Train tickets are often half the price of economy airfares. What you save on transport you can put towards shopping and dining at your destination, for starters. With everything else that train travel has going for it, the reduced impact on your wallet is just icing on the cake.

Ctrip.com, one of the world’s largest online travel portals, has just launched in Singapore. Along with purchasing China train tickets, Singapore-based travellers can log on to www.ctrip.sg to easily book flights and hotels anywhere in the world.

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PAGE 19 the experience of rafting on sheepskin. On this tour, you’ll be treated to unforgettable interactions with other natural wonders, including the Flaming Mountain, Grape Valley and a boat ride on Tianshan Heavenly Lake. Or take the 11D Amazing Northern Xinjiang tour and visit Hemu Village, a winter wonderland where you can take in the arresting views of snow-capped mountains and icy lakes — including Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, Sayram Lake. China is known for its sprawling bays but did you know of its colourful Wucai Bay or the calming Sleeping Dragon Bay? You will also get to take a dreamy carriage ride at Swan Lake Nature Reserve, and visit the dark yet stunning Wuerhe Devil’s City in Northern Xinjiang. All these incredible experiences await in Konsortium’s Northern Xinjiang tour.

Trav e l pac k ag e

The scenery is so beautiful, it looks like a masterpiece that belongs in an art gallery

China’s enigmatic beauty Konsortium brings you to the astounding sides of China that many travellers don’t get to discover Imagine sailing on a sheepskin raft, saddling up with camels on sandy dunes and riding a princely horse carriage past a romantic Swan Lake. You don’t have to fly halfway across the world for these unique experiences. Discover the magic hiding in the mountains and villages of China with the thrilling packages that Konsortium has to offer.

Legendary Sightings and Silk Road Adventures Unknown to many, China is home to many natural sanctuaries that will sweep you off your feet. With Konsortium’s 12D Splendid Silk Road tour, cross the incredible slopes of Echoing-Sand Hill on camel-back to visit the heavenly Crescent Moon Spring. Don’t worry, this pretty oasis not a mirage! Be treated also to the wonderfully rainbowcoloured mountains at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, a result of mineral deposits that have been accumulating over 24 million years. The Yellow River Hoodoo National Geopark will also give you

culture, architecture, commerce and entertainment. The Northern Xinjiang tour will also take you to a number of communities, including Kazhanqi Folk Custom Village and Luoburen Village, where you will get to experience the simple farm life. Book the 12D Splendid Silk Road tour now to enjoy a $300* discount per couple, or the 11D Amazing Northern Xinjiang tour for a $200* discount per couple. You’ll also get to travel with 88.3 Jia FM DJ Jiaming. Deposit must be made by Sep 15 and 10 respectively. This feature was brought to you by Konsortium Express & Tours. *Outstanding taxes and other fees still apply.

Step into a Lost Dynasty On the Silk Road route, you can also rediscover China’s intriguing past. Enter the Mogao Caves, which form a breathtaking stretch of 492 temples over 25km, and the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, where over 7,000 Buddhist sculptures were carved 1,500 years ago in the Later Qin era. Be taken by the immensity of the Ancient Ruins of Jiaohe, a natural fortress that served humankind from as long ago as 1800 BC. You’ll also get up close to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the Terracotta Army Museum that are so iconic of Chinese history.

See wonders of nature in the Middle Kingdom

Discover the Hidden Cultures of China On Konsortium’s Silk Road tour, you’ll be able to connect with China’s minority ethnic groups and interact with the local Turkic ethnic culture at the Uygur Ethnic Village. You’ll also be given time to enjoy the International Grand Bazaar – the largest bazaar in the world that celebrates Islamic

Encounter the world-famous Terracotta warriors

July 24 - August 6, 2015

TRAVELation W

Entry into Travel Revolution is free, so head on down and grab these steals for your next big getaway! The 2nd Travel Revolution fair is on from Jul 24 to 26, from 10am to 9pm, at Marina Bay Sands B2 Expo Halls D-F.

Navigate your way around the Travel Revolution fair with this floor plan

T r av e l fair

Top bargains at Travel Revolution The second Travel Revolution fair of 2015 is running this whole weekend – here are the top deals to snag when you head down If you’re heading to the Travel Revolution fair, which starts on Jul 24, you might need some help finding your way around. After all, with more than 70 exhibitors – 20 per cent more than the last fair – spanning three expo halls at Marina Bay Sands, where should you begin? Here are some bargains to look out for.

Free Flights, 1-For-1 Deals and More Expect offers from free flights, cruises and accommodation to one-for-one deals from travel agencies, like Dynasty Travel and CTC Travel. Many of them are also rolling out additional bonuses to celebrate SG50. Look out for massive discounts from Chan Brothers’ various brands — Express, Travel and WWC — such as half-price packages. Our favourite pick is the heavily-discounted four-day trip to the Maldives with Club Med, which includes return flights on Singapore

Airlines (SIA) and free flow of beer and wine, from $1,699. Or if you’re looking out for a quick holiday fix, check out Konsortium Express & Tours’ cheap itineraries, starting from $129, to Malaysia’s hotspots. Packages include premiums like five-star hotel stays, private coach services and complimentary snorkelling trips. This is your chance to catch 37 outbound travel agencies that will be participating exclusively in this travel fair, organised by the Singapore Outbound Travel Agents Association (SOTAA). The group was formed in May this year to offer an alternative to the biannual National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) fair.

There will be more than 70 exhibitors spanning three expo halls offering deals and bargains

Freebies Up for Grabs What’s a travel fair without plenty of free goodies to walk home with? Travel Revolution is bringing back its grand draw with impressive prizes. You’ll stand a chance to win tickets or vouchers worth up to $19,000, with a purchase from any travel exhibitor. Prizes we’re eyeing include a return trip to New Zealand via Air New Zealand (worth $4,300), a return trip to Mauritius on Air Mauritius ($5,450) and return business class tickets to Zurich on SIA ($19,000). You can also enjoy up to 40 per cent off your trip insurance with AIG and freebies when you charge your purchase to Visa.

Expect offers from free flights to accommodation at this year’s fair

Visitors can stand a chance to win vouchers or Business Class tickets worth up to $19,000

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Can’t choose between Travel Revolution and NATAS? Here’s what you can expect at the latter fair Some may disapprove of this split between travel giants but one thing’s for sure: the buyers are walking away as the winners, with each fair hoping to offer better bargains than the other. For those heading down to the new Travel Revolution, don’t discard the idea of heading down to the NATAS Holidays 2015 fair as well. Organised by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, admission has been made free this year — for the first time since 1988 — and you can browse through more than 70 exhibitors, including cruise lines and insurance options. Popular tour packages being offered include Phuket from $85 (land package),

Maldives from $699 and Europe from $1300. Visitors will also get to try international cuisine, enjoy stage performances and take part in the usual bonanza of cash prizes and a grand draw. The previous NATAS fair, held from Mar 6 to 8 at the Singapore Expo, reportedly drew 55,200 visitors over its three-day run.

By Pamela Chow

The NATAS Holidays 2015 fair will be held from Jul 31 to Aug 2, 10am – 9.30pm at Singapore Expo Halls 3B & 4.

PAGE 21

N E W H OT E L

Chic and classy stay Looking for a hotel for your Penang trip? Check out the G Kelawai along the city’s happening hotspot, Gurney Drive At first glance, G Hotel Kelawai’s chic and elegant design scores. With its lobby’s bespoke Italian armchairs and sleek minimalist lines, the second and latest Penang addition to the Malaysianowned G hotel group is a must-stay if you like your hotels cutting edge and stylish. All 208 rooms are elegant yet casual, without forgetting little luxuries like 300-threadcount linen.

ELEGANT DINING OPTIONS & TRENDY FACILITIES Dining options are also plentiful. Reminiscent of a French bistro and overlooking the Penang mountain sprawl, Spoon Café is the perfect place to enjoy a casual brunch, quiet dinner or business discussion. Or turn it up a notch at the breathtaking Gravity rooftop bar over bubbly, and gastronomic fare. In line with the trendiest in travel, G Hotel Kelawai also sports an infinity pool on the 24th floor, where guests can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the island, including a vista of the iconic Penang Bridge.

strategically located near UNESCO sites The cutting-edge hotel building stands on the prominent Jalan Kelawai, famous for its diversity of Penang’s hottest attractions. Explore its traditional temples, feast on local delights at the spread of coffee shops and browse jewellers and boutiques. The street is strategically located near several UNESCO heritage sites for a quick excursion during your stay. For trips a little further, G Hotel Kelawai provides 24-hour buggy services – whether you’ve got a business engagement at Penang Industrial and Trade Zone, or plans for souvenir scouting at Batu Ferringhi night market. Bicycles are also available for free rental. You can even eat, drink and use the gym at another hotel. Guests at G Hotel Kelawai are entitled to use the facilities of the adjacent G Hotel Gurney, located on the bustling food hub of Gurney Drive. By Pamela Chow For more information and bookings, visit www.ghotel.com.my.

The cutting-edge Hotel G Kelawi is located in one of Penang’s hottest districts All 208 rooms are elegant, yet casual

Editor Lester J Wan

CEO David Phey

lester@weekender.sg

david@weekender.sg

Editor (Digital) Geraldine Ling

Head of Sales Karin Ng

geraldine@weekender.sg

karin@weekender.sg

Art Director Sabrina Cao

Team Leads Erwin Lim

Designer Zoe Lai Writers Pamela Chow pamela@weekender.sg

Samantha Francis sam.francis@weekender.sg

Intern Rydell Tan

erwin@weekender.sg

Team Members Anabel Ang Lionel Wee

Advisor James Yip Distribution Lawrence Tan Coordinator Riki Zou Contributors Geralyne K Ong Shareen Wong Andy Penders

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PAGE 22

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July 24 - August 6, 2015 Traditional circular Hainanese dwellings are juxtaposed against modern amenities

Getting your Hainan Experience Started For the first timer, it’s probably best to get the full spectrum of the Hainan experience from its food to culture. ASA Holidays has a great eight-day package with chartered flights on SilkAir. Here are some highlights that you can experience with ASA Holidays:

A wealth of local flavours •Get the opportunity to try Hainan’s four most famous dishes, including Wenchang Chicken and Jiaji Duck. •Sample Qionghai and Chengmai local cuisine, and possibly dine in one of the local villages. •Try Hainan ethnic minority cuisines from the Li or Miao people •Enjoy the iconic coconut dishes and fisherman’s meal •Partake in a vegetarian meal

traditional

Taoist

memorable activities in Hainan

s h o rt h au l tr avel

Hainan: The Asian Hawaii When one mentions Hainan, not many would think about white sandy beaches and golf resorts – Weekender made the trip to tell you why it’s worth discovering Like a pearl earring, Hainan Island dangles, unattached from the mainland, from the lowest lobe off Guangdong, China. A mere three-hour flight away from Singapore, Hainan shares the same latitude as Hawaii, along with the American state’s tropical weather, palm trees, white sandy beaches and pristine, blue waters. Hainan’s main cities are Haikou, in the North, closer to the mainland, and Sanya, in the South. The former is Hainan’s oldest city, dating back centuries, and is where most of the trade between the mainland and the island happens. Sanya, however, is relatively modern and is a resort haven for domestic and international travellers.

The beauty of the island’s courses is definitely world class

Movie Town Glamour

Hainan has balmy beaches reminiscent of Hawaii

Clean, fresh air Hainan is very different from the stereotype of a noisy, polluted and overcrowded China. With a population of 8 million but a land area 46 times the size of Singapore, Hainan has plenty of room for everyone. Its relative isolation could be a reason why Hainan evolved differently — its only connection to the rest of the world is by flights and ferries. Hainan is surprisingly clean. The streets are virtually litter-free, the air is clean, and the roads are flanked by tropical trees and colourful, wild flowers.

A Golfer’s Heaven Nonetheless, it is hot in Hainan. Some of my fellow Singaporean travellers felt that it was hotter than Singapore, but a quick check online suggested that, on average, Hainan is generally a few degrees cooler. It is also less humid here. In winter, the island’s temperature drops to a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. Perfect for golfing! Hainan may not have as many golf courses as Hawaii but the beauty of the island’s courses is definitely world class.

swings. One night’s stay at a local resort, inclusive of a golf game, is about $350 per person. For a more upscale experience, the Mission Hills’ Golf Course and Resort in Haikou is spectacular, with ten golf courses housed in one resort. In fact, this massive area used to be a bed of ancient lava before it was transformed into golf courses, water parks, shopping centres, volcanic spa facilities, hotels and resorts, upscale housing developments, and even a simulated movie town. The view from the 15th floor of the hotel, where I stayed, was magnificent. On one side was the lush golf courses, on the other, sections with European, Middle Eastern and traditional Chinese roundhouse villas.

Opened in June 2014, the 1,400-acre Movie Town — tickets are about $8 per person — features settings from acclaimed Chinese director Feng Xiaogang’s historical films, including “Back to 1942” and “Tangshan Earthquake”. The replicas evoke the charm and dignity of the 1940s through the wonderful montage of traditional and European architectural influences including banks, shops, a belfry and town square. Most of the replicas were inspired by notable buildings in cities such as Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Since this town was designed for movie making, every conceivable angle is photogenic. So prepare for lots of selfies, and come dressed for the period.

Beautiful Beaches – Manicured or Au Naturel

Mobile street vendors add to the character of the island

Take for instance, The Dunes At Shenzhou Peninsula at Wanning City. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this 36-hole course lies by the beach and faces the South China Sea and a sweeping mountain range. Though the scenery is superb from any direction, the upwind from the sea may be quite a challenge for those with weak

As in southern Thailand, the beautiful blue water beaches in Sanya stretch as far as the eye can see. Unlike Thailand, however, where every section of the beach is maintained by a beachfront resort, much of Hainan’s beige sand beaches are scattered with bits of seaweed, seashells and sea life left from the last high tide. It is disturbing at first, until you realise that this is nature’s pristine state, untouched by commerce. There are plenty of seaside resorts, such as the Westin Sanya Haitang Bay Resort or the Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula Resort, where the beachfront is immaculate. You can enjoy lounging on the smooth sand in stylish wicker chaise chairs under colourful umbrellas while watching puffy white clouds drift lazily across the deep blue sky. Here’s an additional tip: Try to visit Sanya on weekdays, especially during the

•Catch crabs with Hainan’s “Dan” fishermen •Stroll along beautiful Qingshui Bay and enjoy the morning sun •Pick fresh vegetables at the Green Farm Garden •Frolic with the Li ethnic tribesmen in song and dance and try your hand at weaving Li cotton the traditional way

Enjoy fascinating scenery and attractions •The replica of a 1940s city in Movie Town Haikou is must-see •Tour the scenic Ganza Ridge Areca Valley, the home of Hainan’s ethnic people •Check out the volcanic rock coast in Nanbo Bay Marine Park •Visit the mangrove wetlands in Chengmai’s Nature Reserve •While in Chengmai, check out the famous Hainan Yongqing Temple •Stroll through Hainan’s largest rose gardens in Yalong Bay Rose Village •Visit Hainan’s coffee plantation at Fushan Coffee Cultural town Be sure to dip your toes in the blue waters off Hainan’s famous and wonderful beaches during your freeand-easy time. Cheers! For more information about ASA Holidays’ tour package to Hainan, please call 6303 5333.

summer off-peak season. You can avoid the droves of tourists from the mainland and have the whole beach to yourself. Isn’t that luxurious? By Frank Young ASA Holidays has chartered flights to Sanya on SilkAir weekly, and can help to organise golfing holidays. If you have more enquiries or would like to book a travel package, come down to ASA Holidays’ Pre-NATAS Travel Fair at Suntec Mall, West Atrium, Level 1, from 24-26 Jul, 10am-9.30pm. Attractive destination gifts available. Weekender would like to thank SilkAir for providing Business Class tickets to Sanya, as well as Mangrove Tree Resort, Ramada Wanning Resort, Ramada Plaza Sanya, and Mission Hills Resort for their hospitality.

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

PAGE 24

TRAVELation W

July 24 - August 6, 2015

t rav e l F e at ure

Osaka Castle with the cherry blossoms in bloom is a captivating sight

From popular tourist attractions to the lesstrodden paths, Japan’s Kansai region offers the best of both worlds Accessible by a direct flight from Singapore, Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, is a familiar name to many. But beyond its modern architecture, colourful neighbourhoods and famous street snacks, Osaka is also the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding Kansai region. Urbanites will love Osaka’s vibrancy and zest, and there is no better place to soak in the vibe than at Universal Studios Japan (¥7,200 (S$79) for a one-day pass). The star highlight here is perhaps The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an attraction so popular it still attracts daily long queues even after having been open for a year. I found myself spellbound by the magic of the signature Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 3D ride, where I soared through a Quidditch match, dodged the Whomping Willow and screamed in the face of the Dementors. It was the ride of my life. If theme parks aren’t your cup of tea, hop over to the Rinku Premium Outlet, Western Japan’s largest outlet mall, a 20-minute shuttle bus ride from Kansai International Airport (¥200 each way). Housing over 210 shops, you can find designer brands such as Anna Sui, Burberry and Bally, along with mid-range ones like GAP and Nike. Don’t forget to stop by the customer service counter, where tourists can get a booklet of discount coupons.

yoto: Osaka’s cultural counterpart

If Osaka is an epitome of a modern Japanese city, then Kyoto — a short 30-minute train ride from Osaka station via special rapid trains — must be its cultural counterpart. Kyoto alone houses over 2,000 shrines and temples. Shinto shrines are places of worship and the locals typically visit to pay respect to the kami (Shinto gods) for good fortune or during special festivals. You can recognise a shrine by its Torii gate at the entrance. One must also follow a ritual of cleaning hands and mouth at a water fountain before entering the shrine.

1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the star highlights at Universal Studios Japan 2. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve travelled back in time at Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo 3. The Tottori Sand Dune Museum features sculptures by international artists

Photo: Katherine Goh

We visited the Motoise Kono Shrine, located in Amanohashidate in Miyazu city, Kyoto Prefecture, about a two-hour ride from Kyoto station. The Motoise Kono shrine is one of only two highest-ranked shrines in the whole of Japan. This prestigious ranking is marked by the decoration of five coloured balls called suedama — in red, black, white, green and yellow — on the shrine’s balustrade. At Amanohashidate, loosely translated as “bridge to heaven”, visit Kasamatsu Park. There, in an observatory shaped like the Chinese character for ‘one’, you can have a bird’s eye view of the area via chairlift or cable car. At the park, visitors usually try the traditional “Matanozoki” position — with one’s back to Amanohashidate, bend down to look at the view between the legs. Amanohashidate will then look like a bridge to heaven.

Photo: twoKim / Shutterstock.com

ottori: Where manga lovers unite

Tottori, a 2½-hour train ride from Osaka, may be small but many manga lovers flock to this prefecture for one reason — it is the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, author of the best-selling Japanese manga series, Detective Conan. In central Tottori, visit the Gosho Aoyama Factory, a museum where you can find a showcase of Aoyama’s life and original works. Tottori is also home to a wonderful masterpiece of Mother Nature – the Tottori Sand Dunes. Possibly the most famed attraction of the prefecture, the sand dunes are a beautiful natural formation made up of sand and volcanic ash, and created over a period of 100,000 years. Spanning 16km long and 2km wide, the 50m hills of the sand dunes change shape every day. It was a tough climb up the hills, with hot sand burning my feet as I wasn’t wearing covered shoes. However, ascend to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of boundless sand and sea. Visitors to the Tottori Sand Dunes should

also visit the nearby Tottori Sand Museum, which features intricate sand sculptures by international artists. Don’t forget to also visit the Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum, the only pearthemed museum in Japan. Located in Kurayoshi city, you’ll get to learn the history of the Nijisseiki Pear, sample pear varieties and marvel at Japan’s biggest pear tree.

yogo: A step back in time

A sense of tranquillity sets the stage for the onsen (hot spring) town of Kinosaki Onsen in Toyooka city of Hyogo Prefecture. Accessible by a 2½-hour train ride from Osaka, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve travelled back in time. Quaint classic Japanese architecture and willow trees line the two sides of the river at the heart of the town. Old Japanese couples clothed in yukatas (casual kimonos) stroll in their wooden geta (Japanese clogs) with great ease. Said to be one of the best onsen towns in Japan, Kinosaki exudes the tradition and culture of old Japan. There are many ryokan (Japanese-style inns) in Kinosaki to fit any budget, ranging from basic no-frills establishments to luxurious hotel-like ones. We stayed at Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei (around ¥29,000 per person), a high-end ryokan surrounded by beautiful mountain greenery. A stay comes with breakfast and a kaiseki (traditional multicourse) dinner that features fresh local ingredients and the renowned Tajima beef — from the stock cattle of the world-famous Kobe beef. I was swept away by the charming little town and the unsurpassed Japanese hospitality. My time at Kinosaki Onsen turned out to be the highlight of my trip. By Katherine Goh

Singapore Airlines flies direct to Kansai International Airport. To travel between the cities, you can buy the Kansai Thru Pass at the airport or the JR-West Rail Pass online at www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/.

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

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PAGE 26

TRAVELation W

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

trav e l p ro m otio n

Bucket List

Exceptional ideas to experience in your lifetime

Get Changi Airport’s Kinetic Rain droplet with a travel package EU Holidays is offering this limitededition gift with a holiday package purchase at Travel Revolution 2015 Many have seen the mesmerising “Kinetic Rain” installation at Changi Airport Terminal 1, an impressive work of art made out of 1,216 synchronised rain droplets. Each droplet weights 180g and is made from lightweight aluminium, specially coated with polished copper. Now, for a limited time, you can receive a “Kinetic Rain” droplet when you book a package from EU Holidays at the upcoming Travel Revolution fair. There are 500 to be given away. This year, EU Holidays highlights include destinations such as Finland, Iceland, and Norway, where Singaporeans may get to see the rare Northern Lights.

dESTINATION Choices galore To assist you in your upcoming travel plans, Travel Revolution 2015 will also feature many national tourism organisations including Tourism Australia, Japan National

If you have been to Changi Airport Terminal 1, you would find the “Kinetic Rain” droplet familiar

Tourism Organisation, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Tourism New Zealand. Major tour agencies, including SA Tours, EU Holidays, and CTC Holidays will also have booths to present their best travel packages to attendees. Choose your preferred destination with EU Holidays, and stand to walk away with a “Kinetic Rain” droplet. Terms and conditions apply for the gift with purchase. Contact EU Holidays at 6535 8535 for more information. Travel Revolution 2015 is held from Jul 24 to 26 at Marina Bay Sands Expo Halls D, E and F, from 10am to 9pm. Admission is free.

Hiking in a lost city amidst llamas Built at the peak of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu was abandoned as a result of the Spanish Conquest yet was never plundered as the Spanish failed to find the breathtaking city More than 100 years after American history lecturer Hiram Bingham III discovered Machu Picchu during an archaeological trip, the Peruvian city remains as one of the world’s most enigmatic sites today. Built in classic Inca style, with polished, dry stone walls, the city offers a glimpse into some of the world’s most intricate stone structures set stop a lush mountain ridge. Reaching the city, which is flanked by two mountains, Machu Picchu (the mountain and city bear the same name) and Huayna Picchu, is no mean feat — if you go on foot. The four-day Inca trail, said to be the most famous trek in South America, starts from Cusco, once the historical capital of the Incan empire. From there, accompanied by guides and porters, trekkers climb to altitudes of 4,200m, setting up camp along the way until they arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site to witness sunrise on the fourth day. Those used to creature comforts can opt for train trips from Cusco into Machu Picchu. You can opt for a day trip or overnight at Aguas Calientes, before travelling to the city. Either way, head to the site early before the crowd arrives, or stay late when the fog rolls in, in order to fully appreciate the city in peace. In addition, it is advisable to book your trip to the Inca trails well in advance as there is a limit on the number of people entering the trail every day.

Take a hike, find the llamas At Machu Picchu, some of the must-sees include the Sun Gate, which is the first sight you see if you came via the Inca Trail. You’ll be able to see down the valleys from the gate and take in the stunning views. At the Temple Of The Sun, you’ll find Incan technology at its best. The stones are so seamlessly fitted that if you stand on the ledge that sits above the temple, you can observe the aligned window that was meant to signal the June winter solstice, reported Destination 360. Don’t forget to say hello to the llamas, who have made Machu Picchu home. Llamas were domesticated and used as pack animals by the local Andean inhabitants for centuries, so approaching them and taking photographs should not be a problem

A llama overlooks the ruins of Machu Picchu – if you’re lucky you might spot one of these fuzzy creatures roaming about!

A gem within the dense forest, it is remarkable the ruins evaded discovery by the Spaniards, remaining well preserved through the years

Don’t belittle these adorable llamas – some researchers believe that llama dung was responsible for the Incan’s agricultural success, fuelling the growing empire

at all. They are even known to pose for a few seconds to indulge the curious photographer! Something interesting to note about these fluffy creatures – some researchers believe that llama dung was responsible for the Incan’s agricultural success, fuelling the growing empire. Apparently, llamas defecate communally, making it easy for the Incans to gather up their dung as maize fertilizer.

Travel tips Due to heavy use and recent strict regulation, it is no longer possible to trek on the Inca trail independently. Do get in contact with a tour group or guide; the more popular ones include Wayki Trek (www.waykitrek.net) and Tucan Travel (www.tucantravel.com/ country/overview/peru). While you stay groovy like Kuzco from The Emperor’s New Groove, do be careful while hiking amongst the citadel and surrounding trails as certain slopes and ridges can be rather steep. Tourism undeniably takes a toll upon this heritage site so do also take care of the citadel and refrain from removing anything from it. Machu Picchu is located within modern day Peru and is geographically closest to the city of Cusco. Some possible trail routes can be found at www.travel.nationalgeographic. com/travel/peru/machu-picchu/alternatetrails. By Samantha Phey

July 24 - AUGUST 6, 2015

Neighbourhood finds

Dear Readers, Welcome to Neighbourhood Finds, our new page featuring interesting products and services offered by local businesses. Each week, we’ll scour the heartlands to find businesses ranging from cafes and hawker stalls to opticians or hair salons. This will be the beginning of a regular series, so be on the lookout as some of these places may offer exclusive coupons and deals for you. This week, we highlight Toa Payoh’s Teochew handmade pau and a traditional Chinese medicine specialist in Ang Mo Kio, among others. If you’d like to put the spotlight on any interesting store or business in your neighbourhood, write to us at general@ weekender.sg! We’ll give you a Weekender umbrella if your suggestion is featured.

Happy exploring!

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