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D E S I G N E R Imaya I L L U S T R A T O R S Nasuha I brahim & Mohd Nor Adli Ahmad Jaffar C O N T R I B U T O R S Tourism Malaysia P H O T O G R A P H E R S Photography Unit, Gaya Travel | Corporate Communications Unit, Ministr y of Tourism & Culture Malaysia | Photography Unit, Tourism Malaysia
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Contents
Issue 12.3
Cover Illustration by Nasuha Ibrahim
Departments
Destinations
14. Editorial Jottings 16. Bulletin
23. Taiwan, where Muslims can Travel with Peace of Mind
42. Exploring #WonderfulIndonesia: East Java and Bali 48. To Travel Under the K-Drama Spell 58. More than Pandas and Spicy Hot Pot 66. Uncover Wuhan’s Hidden Gems with AirAsia X 70. Grooving the Traditional Way, the Second Time: Rentak Selangor 2.0 76. Jumping Into The Snow Wonderland in Eastern Hokkaido! 82. The Second Edition of In Case You Didn’t Know (#ICYDK) Melaka 88. Tanjung Lesung: A Novel Getaway No More 94. Enthralling Tanjong Malim 102. Keningau, Hinterland Gem of Borneo
Gaya Dine
Hotels & Resorts
30.
108. Le Meridien Putrajaya: Unlocking the Destination, Elevating the Experience 112. Princely Charm - The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho 116. Club Med Sahoro: The Winter Haven 120. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: Microcosm of Japan under one roof 126. Relishing Al Meroz, Thailand’s first halal-certified hotel
Gaya Special Feature 36. Keningau, Sabah: Official Visit by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia to Keningau, Sabah from 30 April to 2 May 2017 131. Dusit Thani Bangkok
G a y a T r a v e ll e r 012
Cover Illustration by Mohd Nor Adli Ahmad Jaffar
From Palestine with Love
Gaya Stay 34.
10 Best Hotel Swimming Pools in Malaysia
Gaya Out & About 38.
H130: A Versatile Flying Machine
Travel Anecdotes 132. Deanna Yusoff
Editorial Jottings
w w w.is s u u .co m/gayat rave l
In this issue, we focus on East Asia through our coverage of destinations in China, Japan and South Korea, including Indonesia and Malaysia. It is indeed a privilege to be able to work with various organisations in helping to promote destinations that are just being opened up (Tanjung Lesung, page 88; Tanjung Malim, page 94; Keningau, page 102; and Wuhan, page 66) as well as those that are already established (Taiwan, page 23; Bali & East Java, page 42; K-Drama film locations, page 48; Sichuan, page 58; Selangor traditional music and dance, page 70; Hokkaido, page 76; and Melaka, page 82). However, we hope travellers will also check out Perak (tourismperakmalaysia.com), Terengganu (beautifulterengganu. com/) and Labuan (www.pl.gov.my/home), which are all represented on this issue’s cover.
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We also feature several accommodations for travellers to experience unique stays such as the landmark Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (page 120); Thailand’s first halal hotel (page 126) and Le Meridien’s third property in Malaysia (page 109). Talking about accommodations, Gaya Travel Magazine congratulates Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson (also represented on this issue’s cover) for bagging the World Guinness Book of Records as the resort with the most swimming pools and overwater villas, thus making Port Dickson and Negeri Sembilan well known internationally. May readers find this issue useful and enriching. See you in the next issue and safe travels! JUHAN KAMARUDDIN@JEREMY KHALIL Email your comments to jeremy@gayatravel.com.my
O F F I C I A L W E B S I T E www.gayatravel.com.my SUBSCRIPTION, EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES A D V E R T I S I N G E N Q U I R I E S advertising@gayatravel.com.my | +6 03 7972 0952 E D I T O R I A L E N Q U I R I E S editor@gayatravel.com.my E D I T O R I A L O F F I C E 3-57, The Scott Garden, Jalan Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | +6 03 7972 0952
Bulletin
World-Class Achievements by Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson is now the official proud record holder of Guinness World Records for achieving “The most swimming pools in a resort at 643” and “The most overwater villas in single resort at 522”. These records were determined by a research verified on 14 October 2016.
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In a ceremony witnessed by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture YB Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and amongst other high-profile guests, the event saw Mr Swapnil Dangarikar, representative from Guinness World Records handing over the two plaques to YBhg Dato’ Low Tak Fatt, managing director of Kuala Lumpur Metro Group, owner of Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson. In her speech, Mas Ermieyati said it was a proud achievement for the country to have obtained the accolades from a prestigious institution, known for its documentation of record breaking feats. “A rather lengthy process had to take place whereby an accredited consultant had to be engaged to study the attempt and comparison made with other such similar developments around the world. Not many people can boast of such achievements and I therefore encourage more Malaysians, whether as individuals or corporate
companies, to emulate Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson. This will definitely help to put Malaysia in a positive spotlight and at par with the rest of the world.” The triumphs by Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson further strengthen its commitment to promote tourism in Port Dickson, which continues to see increased demand for luxurious accommodation from discerning travellers, covering business and leisure segments from both local and overseas. With plenty of job opportunities being offered to the locals, the resort has contributed positively towards the Malaysia tourism industry. As of to date, the properties within Lexis Hotel Group have attracted more than 3.2 million tourists from across 119 countries. It has also brought in tourism dollars to the state. Assuming a conservative expenditure figure of just RM1,000 per guest, Lexis have already contributed more than RM3.2 billion in tourism receipts. >>>
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In addition to the Guinness World Records achievements, Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson has also won other prestigious awards, such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards for the Luxury Water Villa Resort for Southeast Asia Category in 2016 and more recently, the BrandLaureate SMEs Signature Awards for the Best Brand in Hospitality for Hotels and Resorts. Nestled along Pasir Panjang beach, the iconic Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson resembles the national flower of Malaysia and is the largest water homes development in the world, at 639 villas. Each of its spacious pool villa is tastefully decorated and comes with its own private dip pool and steam room for luxury and privacy – an unassailable achievement by any standard. Complementing the villas are a host of exciting dining
options, while Lexis Hibiscus’ range of function spaces are specially tailored for MICE needs. A diverse choice of recreational activities are available, from spa providing rejuvenating treatments to a kids’ club well as karaoke centre. Sun and thrill seekers will have fun with a range of beech, water and team building activities, all focused around the tallest seawater fountain in Malaysia at 400 feet. The Hibiscus Walk, located at the beachside, provides guests a sampling of Malaysian cuisine as well as a wellness centre providing therapeutic massages. For more information on the resort, please visit www. lexishibiscuspd.com
Smart-i Go Malaysia and Flexiroam in Strategic Partnership to provide Mobile Data Roaming Facility for Travellers Smart-i Go Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flexiroam to formalise the partnership of both parties in bringing the best internet roaming facility to 1.5 million Smart-i Go app users.
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Smart-i Go is an app aimed at providing information for the benefit of all tourists when exploring Malaysia, whilst Flexiroam is a telecommunications company offering globally unified voice and data service through 580 network operators. The MoU was signed by Ryan Loh, Chief Operation Officer of Smart-i Go Malaysia and Elfrida Ong, Vice President (Operations) of Flexiroam. By combining the strength of Smart-i Go Malaysia’s tourist mobile application and Flexiroam’s mobile expertise, this partnership offers both of their users the best in terms of access and content through an allinclusive digital communication package. This collaboration is tailored to meet the needs of the tourism industry. Smart-i Go Malaysia’s app users are able to purchase the Flexiroam Starter Pack and get 500MB of free data via the ap, allowing users to access a range of attractive online domestic travel packages and social media tools. This digital communication package is essentially well adapted for travellers who have high data usage since mobile usage is an essential element of travel technology.
According to TripBarometer Connected Travel Report, 53% of users in Malaysia make travel reservations via smartphones. “Through digital promotion campaign via social media, users will be offered pointers to better understand the benefits and direct value of this partnership. Important information will be made accessible, for example finding new interesting spots in Malaysia, places to eat, travel packages and transportation bookings,” said Loh. “The partnership between Smart-i Go Malaysia and Flexiroam will enhance tourist experiences in Malaysia. Tourists will be able to stay connected online with friends and families when exploring the country. By using Flexiroam, tourists will have data access to use the Smart-i Go Malaysia app to plan for their trips,” added Jeffrey Ong, Managing Director of Flexiroam. Smart-i Go Malaysia was launched in February 2015 and has been downloaded over 1.5 million times ever since. The app can be downloaded for free on both Play Store and App Store. For more info, visit https://www. facebook.com/smartimalaysia and https://www.flexiroam. com .
Melaka Successfully Hosted the Inaugural AUYA Sources: runawaybella.com, www.philstar.com, www.tv14.my
The Asia Urban Youth Assembly (AUYA) was held in March 2017 for the first time at Hatten Hotel, Melaka, chaired by Melaka’s own Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ir Hj Idris bin Hj Haron.
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Asia Urban Youth Assembly (AUYA) is an international conference that works as a platform to assist Asia’s youth and provide them opportunity to deliberate and discuss significant issues regarding urban life and world concerns. The AUYA is intended to change young people’s perceptions towards creating sustainable development, explore opportunities for them to play meaningful roles in the implementation, and follow-up and review the New Urban Agenda of the United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Melaka hosted AUYA – in conjunction with the 17th International Convention on Melaka Twin Cities – because the state shares the goals laid out during the conference. YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ir Haji Idris noted that Melaka city looks into improving technology, making adjustments in urban development practices and targeting to become a Green City or at least more environment-centric by 2020. AUYA’s opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi and representatives of UN-
Habitat, including delegates from 34 countries. In his speech, Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Ahmad Zahid mentioned that AUYA is instrumental not only in mentoring them on how to resolve matters and guiding them to become innovative but also to prepare them today to become better leaders of tomorrow and capable in meeting the world challenges head on. AUYA was hosted by the Melaka State Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, UN-Habitat, Melaka Historic City Council, UN-Youth and World Assembly of Youth (WAY), whose chairman is also YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ir Haji Idris. The delegations and participants involved with AUYA 2017 hailed from Bangladesh, Belize, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Macedonia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malaysia.
ESCAPE + EXPLORE + EXPERIENCE
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In early April 2017, we received an invitation from Taiwan Tourism Bureau, and this time is to experience halal tourism in this fascinating island nation. We had a wonderful time in Taiwan last year, and of course we are looking forward to another interesting experience. Taiwan never cease to amaze, and we are impressed by how proactive Taiwan’s tourism industry players are with regard to making halal tourism work. Gaya Traveller’s Tip to enjoy Taiwan » Download the halal app (Halal.Taiwan) for easy navigation to discover everything halal in Taiwan. » Get Easycard for your travelling convenience; it can be used for the Taipei Metro, bus services, stores and
more. Just look out for the Easycard logo. You can buy Easycard at the Metro Station.
your New Taiwan Dollars at good rates.
still possible.
» There are not many money changers in Taiwan, so the airport might be the last place where you could get » English is not widely spoken, but the Taiwanese are friendly and helpful, so getting around on your own is
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Malaysians, especially the Chinese, love to go Taiwan. Interestingly, Malaysians are the highest number of visitors to Taiwan coming from South East Asia. Taiwan is merely four hours and a half flight away from Kuala Lumpur, and falls in the same time zone. What makes Taiwan appealing to us is that it has something for everyone: the vibrant and modern big cities; the serene and refreshing nature; the enchanting and enlightening history; and of course… the scrumptious and glorious food! Taiwan is all set to woo Muslim visitors, with hundreds of hotels and restaurants certified halal and halalfriendly by the Chinese Muslim Association. There are around 60,000 Muslim Taiwanese. According to Halal Specialist Mr. Majid Tsai, Taiwan is also home to approximately 250,000 Indonesians and 20,000 Malaysians. This further encourages business owners to seriously consider halal certification. In fact, it was the big hotels that first enquired about the possibility of getting a halal certification from the Chinese Muslim Association after seeing the Halal Restaurants in Taiwan Directory. The Halal certification is now entering its 6th year. Our guide for this trip, Ms. Ivy, is one of the hundreds of tourist guides who have attended the basic Islamic understanding training by the Chinese Muslim Association. The purpose of the training is to equip the tour guides with better understanding of their Muslim guests’ needs. The course is being conducted every quarter involving 20 to 30 guides at any one time. Our five-day trip brought us many opportunities to experience the halal Taiwan hospitality. We stayed at four Muslim-Friendly Tourism (MFT) certified accommodation, visited one out of six mosques in the country (Taipei Grand Mosque), dined at halal certified eateries for every meal, and most importantly, had the time of our lives! The highlight of our trip would be the farm visits and farm stay, which we strongly recommend to our readers. Taiwan is a clean and organised country, and these traits are not only evident in the big cities, but also in the rural areas, even in the way they run the farms. Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association has nearly 200 member farms to date. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to help its members become good and attractive tourism products. There are 7 farms that are Muslim-friendly certified so far, with more to come, hopefully. Fellow city dwellers may find this change of scenery pleasing. The fruits in Taiwan are sweet and delicious – it is indeed a fruit lovers haven!
Chinese Muslim Association (CMA) The Chinese Muslim Association (CMA) was established by General Omar Pai in HanKou city, mainland China, in 1938. CMA was then the highest Muslim authority in China. Beginning in 1949, Muslim leaders moved to Taiwan. CMA resumed its function in Taipei in 1958, and since then it represents the Taiwan Muslim community domestically and internationally. It is responsible for promoting religious affairs, maintaining Islamic lifestyle and educating Muslim youths. All registered Muslim citizens of the Republic of China are its individual members, and the six mosques are its group members. CMA Functions: 1. Developing & establishing the new mosques and Muslim cemeteries in different cities around Taiwan. 2. Nominating the students for Islamic study in Islamic countries. 3. Organising annual Hajj Mission. 4. Sponsoring International Islamic symposium, Islamic Study courses, conferences and Asia Regional Muslim youth summer camps. 5. Publishing religious books and publication periodicals. 6. Setting up Halal Food Standard and issuing Halal Certification for food manufacturers & exporters. 7. Issuing Muslim Restaurant, Muslim-Friendly Restaurant, Muslim-Friendly Tourism Certification.
Offering Muslim friendly tour guide training courses. 8. Conducting “International Muslim Tourist-Friendly Receiving Programme”. Halal Certification Categories by Chinese Muslim Association 1. MR - Halal Muslim Restaurants The restaurant operator and the chefs are all Muslims Everything is Halal in the Restaurant. 2. MFR – Muslims-Friendly restaurant The restaurant operator is non-Muslim but they offer special menu for Muslims. The food served to Muslims is prepared in a dedicated kitchen or area with designated equipment and utensils. The meat and all ingredients used are all halal. The plates for Muslims and non-Muslims, including the dining area, are separated. appropriately. 3. MFT – Muslim-Friendly Tourism The operators are hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast (B&B) or leisure farm. The rooms are equipped with praying facilities, including bidets in the toilets. Halal meals are prepared and served in a dedicated area. 4. HK - Halal Kitchen Central kitchen operators who supply halal food to airlines.
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01 Strawberry Farm at Tai Yi Ecological Leisure Farm, Nantou County 02. Fresh loquat fruits from Xin Feng Farm, Taichung City 03. Sun Moon Lake magnifiecent view 04. Tablewares for Muslim guests at Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Taichung
How to experience halal tourism in Taiwan Tai Yi Ecological Leisure Farm (MFR Certified) Do like what we did: pick strawberries picking and harvest honey! Located in the centre of Taiwan, this farm is surrounded by Sun Moon Lake and He Huan Mountain. We stayed overnight here to have a full farm stay experience. www.taiifarm.com Address: No 176, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Road, Puli Township, Nantou County 54560, Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake Taiwan’s largest body of freshwater, Sun Moon Lake took on its current size and shape in the early 1930’s when the Japanese colonial government flooded this basin for a hydroelectricity project. Covering 827 hectares and being 30 metres deep, the lake is one of Taiwan’s compelling tourist destinations, and rightfully so. Travellers can take a boat ride like we did, or you could rent a bicycle to get around the lake. CNN names the cycling path here as one of the best in the world. There are plenty of hotels surrounding the lake. This is a nice area to stay if you’re looking for a serene and calming getaway. Be sure to taste Sun Moon Lake’s tea eggs since Sun Moon Lake is a famous tea planting region. Address: Sun Moon Lake, Yuchi Township, Nantou County 555, Taiwan. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village We boarded the ropeway cable car just next to Sun Moon Lake to get to this cultural village. The cable car climbs over two mountain ridges, covering the distance of 1.88 kilometres. The view from the cable car is spectacular! Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village showcases the various aboriginal tribes of Taiwan. This living museum is an eye opener for us. It is interesting to see some similarities between the Taiwanese aboriginals and the Borneo tribes in Sabah and Sarawak, especially when it comes to the traditional motifs and dressing. This park is also home to several adrenaline pumping rides, including thousands of cherry blossom trees (best to come in March). Travellers need a full day to truly enjoy the place for a good family fun. www.nine.com.tw Address: No. 45 Ching Tien Lane, Da Lin Village, Yu-chih Township, Nantou County 55544, Taiwan. Xin Feng Farm This is the place where we learned about loquat and
tasted the fruit for the first time. It is delicious! We were a bit disappointed because during our visit, it was not yet grape season, and we could only see the fruit buds developing. Come in June to enjoy Taiwanese grapes. Address: No. 265, Sect. 2, Zhonghe St., Xinshe Dist., Taichung City 426, Taiwan. Ximending A shopping and entertainment oasis of Taipei, Ximending is the equivalent to Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang, only larger. There are pedestrian-only streets, and many interesting shops that appeal to the younger crowds. Vigor Kobo Pineapple Dream Factory We made Taiwan’s most popular edible souvenir: the pineapple cake! Best of all the pineapple cakes here are halal certified. Taiwanese pineapples are sweet and juicy, and the cakes are remarkably delicious! www.vigorkobo.com Address: No. 87, Sect. 1, Chengtai Rd., Wugu District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Where We Ate 1. Hsin Tung Yang – Middle East Halal Kitchen (MFR) Address: B1, Terminal 1, Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan. 2. Maya Restaurant (MFR) Located inside Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village. Address: No. 45 Ching Tien Lane, Da Lin Village, Yu-chih Township, Nantou County 55544, Taiwan. 3. Little India Muslim Restaurant (MR) Address: No. 60, Boguan 3rd St., W. Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan. 4. Yunus Halal Restaurant (MR) Address: No. 36, Beining Road, Songshan Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan. 5. Amba Taipei Ximending-Chiba (MFR) Address: No. 36, Beining Road, Songshan Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan. 6. Safranbolu Turkish Restaurant (MR) Address: 1-2F, No. 60, Sect. 2, Nanjing E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Where We Stayed 1. Red Maple Boutique (MFR / MFT) www.taii.com.tw Address: No 176, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Road, Puli Township, Nantou County 54560, Taiwan
3. Palais de Chine (MFR / MFT) www.palaisdechinehotel.com Address: No. 3, Section 1, Chengde Road, Taipei 103, Taiwan
2. Evergreen Laurel Hotel Taichung (MFR / MFT)) www.evergreen-hotels.com Address: No. 666, Sec. 2, Taiwan Boulevard Xitun Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan
4. Ambassador Taipei (MFR / MFT) www.ambassador-hotels.com Address: No. 62, Sect. 2, Zhongshan N. Road, Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan
Gaya Dine
From Palestine with Love TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI
“This is not a hipster cafe; never have and never will be.” And I couldn’t be more than glad to hear that.
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Located in Section 3, Shah Alam, there is no doubt that Spiced Pumpkin Cafe & Bakery faces strong competition in the local gastronomic scene, especially amongst the plethora of eateries within the area that mostly project ‘hipster’ vibe (read: Instagram-worthy décor but mediocre food). Spiced Pumpkin Cafe & Bakery, on the contrary, indulges its customers with remarkably satiating menu that makes the best dining experience, minus the hype or Instagrammable decor. This didn’t come as a surprise considering the owners – Mas Zuhairin Zubir (Mas) and Nurazizarin Kusyair (Nur) who fondly dubbed themselves ‘pumpkins’ – have years of practice in hospitality and catering services respectively before opening the restaurant in October 2016 so that more people can enjoy food rather than fad. The dishes are definitely the reason to go to Spiced Pumpkin Cafe & Bakery. Its interior, which is bright and spacious with quirky pieces adorning its white walls, feels casual and comfortable. There is also a children’s corner where ‘little diners’ can appreciate the dining experience, further enhancing the friendly feel of the space. The menu mainly consists of Palestine-inspired dishes, with some interesting local and Mexican exceptions. During a recent visit, my dining partner and I tried the Pita Nachos
with Cheese (RM15), Pumpkin Soup served in French bread bowl (RM15) and Couscous Salad with Roasted Chicken (RM12.90) for appetisers. They were all delicious: strong, hearty and comforting flavours. But I particularly loved the silky textured soup, which was mildly spiced and contained pumpkin flavour that shone above the rest – a meal so comforting that having it on the menu truly does the cafe’s name justice. But since Spiced Pumpkin Cafe & Bakery prides itself as the go-to place for Palestine-inspired cuisine, I reckoned the Maqlubah is another must-try. It’s a traditional one-pot Palestinian meal based on Nur’s late husband’s recipe, who was an actual Palestinian. If you ever heard of how food can be a symbol of love, then this would be a great example because it is made with the best attention and care that every mouthful is a loving glory. When Maqlubah is fully cooked, the pot will be turned upside-down over a big pan resulting in a beautifully presented layered dish of tender lamb (or chicken if you like), light and fluffy basmati Pulsa rice (Grade A), vegetables and crowned with generous toasted nuts. It goes well with Daqqus and the restaurant’s signature Raed’s hot sauce; so when all of these are cleverly combined, they stroke our pleasure receptors with waves of spicy-thensweet flavours and soft-then-crunchy
textures. But be mindful that Maqlubah is a gala meal that can feed at least three or more people, so choose your portion wisely. At Spiced Pumpkin Cafe & Bakery, there are four portions available (mini, small, medium, and large) with prices starting from RM50 per pot for chicken, and RM70 per pot for lamb. But if I were to tell you, honestly, on the one food that has kept me pining for weeks, it would be their Kunafa (RM8.90): a multi-textured happy ending treat of shredded pastry and Qishta cheese, all soaked in orange blossom syrup and top with crushed pistachio, served warm, soft and with the right amount of sweetness – I swear I could be salivating just by remembering the taste of it. This, my friend, is a showstopper. Other desserts like Tres Leches Cake (RM15), Muhallabia (RM7) and Bubur Sum Sum (RM5) are also delicious, but probably won’t keep you awake at night remembering them. And of course, if you prefer to go light and healthy on your meals, opt for the salads in jars (RM15) that can last up to five days if stored properly in the refrigerator; or homemade cold pressed juices (RM11) made from the freshest organic ingredients with no added sugar.
So come here and bring the whole family with you, because after all the things I’ve said, the unique aromas, flavours and spices of the dishes, in the end, are truly something that you will need to experience yourself. By the way, the ‘pumpkins’ still take catering orders if you were thinking of having Middle Eastern meals for your next party. Spiced Pumpkin Cafe & Bakery opens Monday-Friday (10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.) and Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.). Closed on Sundays. 2.0 Kompleks KPPMS, Lot 291 Jalan Ru, 3/9A, Seksyen 3, Shah Alam 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor T: +6 019 272 8317 IG: spiced_pumpkincafe
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Gaya Stay
10 Best Hotel Swimming Pools in Malaysia COMPILED by ELVI SURAYA SAID|IMAGES by RESPECTIVE HOTELS & RESORTS
Care for a splash? With Malaysia’s hot weather, it almost feels like it’s summer all year long and nothing beats the heat better than taking a dip in a pool with views of verdant upland hillsides, tropical beaches or towering cityscapes. The pools themselves could become destinations in their own right where travellers can bring their families to. Here’s a list of hotels and resorts with best swimming pools and mesmerising surroundings.
1. St. Regis Langkawi, Kedah www.stregislangkawi.com Location | Close to Kuah Jetty, Langkawi Kristal, Sungai Kilim Nature Park and Langkawi Bird Paradise. Why we like it | The swimming pool at St. Regis Langkawi makes a grand impression, being a tropical paradise with gilded onyx tropical fruit sculptures flanking it. There is also a children’s wading pool adjacent to the hotel’s main swimming pool. Price | From MYR1,464 per night 2. Philea Resort, Melaka www.phileahotel.com.my Location | Close to Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, and Melaka Night Zoo. Why we like it | Man-made waterfall setting that forms into flowing river ideal for water activities, and pool surrounded by river stones that make the scenery bucolic. Travellers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing by the poolside, or just listening to the sound of the waterfall. Price | From MYR638 per night
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3. Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur Location | A short 10-minute drive from Bukit Bintang, Suria KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers. Why we like it | Located in an exclusive residential area that offers total privacy, the property’s pool will surely leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated as you take a dip or slide into the pool. The place is likened to a secret hideout for urban-weary folks. Price | MYR1,051 for two persons per night
4. Suria Hot Spring Resort, Pahang Location | Bentong, Pahang, which is an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Why we like it | There are two types of swimming pool that you can choose: cool or hot water. You can either choose to enjoy a public cool water spring and hot water spring, or private pool for total privacy. Price | From MYR170 per night
5. Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai, Sabah Location | Karambunai, Kota Kinabalu. Why we like it | The resort has both swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi, therefore twice the fun! Take a dip, relax and enjoy being treated like a VIP with a drink in hand and snacks from the Splashes Pool Bar. Price | MYR665 per night
6. Eastern Oriental Hotel, Penang Location | A short walk away from Fort Cornwallis, the City Hall and the Penang State Museum. Why we like it | Who doesn’t love an infinity pool facing the sea? This hotel’s infinity swimming pool, which faces the Andaman Sea, gives you a hip vibes and upscale relaxation, suitable for recharging inner souls. Price | Starts from MYR860 per night.
7. Hotel Jen, Johor Location | Puteri Harbour, which is about 35 minutes’ drive from Senai Airport. Why we like it | Infinity pool, again! The pool faces the view of Puteri Harbour and during the night, you can dine at the Skybar Bar & Restaurant by the poolside. Price | From MYR327 per night 035
8. The Ocean Residence, Langkawi theoceanresidence.com
Location | Only 20 minutes from Tengah and Cenang beaches. Why we like it | A long house with a long-stretched pool attached, yes please! You can have easy access to the pool since it is only a few steps away from your room. Besides the Long House pool, there are also an infinity pool and a natural ocean pool that fills up during high tide. Price | From MYR300 per night
9. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Perak www.thebanjaran.com Location | Only 15 minutes away from the city of Ipoh. Why we like it | Self-retreat time! The Banjaran offers you a wide range of swimming pools, from fish pool to hot spring and freeform swimming pool. Oh, the resort also has meditation cave – how cool is that? Price | MYR2,144 per night 10. The Haven Resort Hotel, Perak www.thehavenresorts.com Location | Close to Ipoh Parade. Why we like it | The Haven takes swimming pool to another level, by going all out! It caters to so many different groups with its trademarked 5-level 60-metre seahorse-shaped swimming pool, that consists a jacuzzi, leisure pool, lap pool, children’s pool and wading pool. Price | From RM380 per night
Gaya Special Feature: Keningau, Sabah
Official Visit by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia to Keningau, Sabah from 30 April to 2 May 2017
As preparation for Visit Keningau Year 2018, the delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) led by the Minister of Tourism and Culture YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz, including tourism players from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Sabah Tourist Association, visited Keningau from 30 April until 2 May 2017. This visit was part of the effort to boost tourism arrivals to Keningau since the district possesses various tourism products in the form of agrotourism, history, nature, lifestyle and handicrafts, especially the district’s high quality woven bamboo crafts that have entered the Asian and European markets. 036
During the visit, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri launched the Visit MyKampung Programme, MOTAC’s first project in partnership with the Keningau District Office; and 1M Voluntourism Plant A Tree programme, which is an extension of MOTAC’s 1Malaysia Voluntourism initiative to promote environmental conservation. Both programmes are part of MOTAC’s National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) initiatives that require outof-the-box thinking by partnering with various external parties such as other government ministries, departments, institutions and private organisations to successfully implement tourism projects at optimal cost. Visit MyKampung is a continuation from the NBOS Tourists First programme held earlier on 3 and 4 April 2017 in preparation for Visit Keningau Year 2018, which provided exposure to tourism players in Keningau on how to further enhance their products and services, especially to those who pro-
vide guest accommodations registered under MOTAC. “The Visit MyKampung programme aims to promote local villages as main tourism products to boost the economy of the rural community,” said YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri during the programme launch at Kampung Kota Ayangan, Keningau, on 1 May 2017. “The main concept of this product is geared towards a lifestyle and cultural tourism where tourists can stay and interact with the homestay operators and obtain first-hand experience living like locals and learning their culture. This concept is suitable for Keningau, especially Kampung Kota Ayangan since it has plenty of ecotourism activities,” he explained. In 2016, homestay operators in Sabah generated income totalling MYR2.7 million on the back of 29,842 tourist arrivals that included from the European countries, Korea, Japan and Austra-
lia. “It is about time that Keningau, too, to grab this golden opportunity,” urged YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri. Also present during the Visit MyKampung launch were MOTAC Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) Puan Nor Yahati Awang; District Officer Haji Yusop Haji Osman; Kampung Kota Ayangan Visit MyKampung Programme Director cum Keningau Youth Leader Rafie Robert; District Chief OKK Mohd Amir Arif; Liawan Community Development Leader Sahanip Jamil; Kampung Kota Ayangan Village Chief Kahar Alif and over 500 local residents. On 2 May 2017, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri officiated the NBOS 1M Voluntourism Plant a Tree programme, which involved the planting of 15 cinnamon trees within the grounds of the Keningau Heritage Museum. Cinnamon trees – locally known as koningau – were aptly chosen because the destination’s name was derived from them.
Furthermore, cinnamon has been part of the local community’s socio-economy since time immemorial. In his speech, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri stated that besides implementing voluntourism initiatives, MOTAC will also launch ‘Ask Kenny Ngow’ portal to encourage Keningau residents to promote Keningau district as a tourism destination through social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri also launched MATTA tourism packages that allow tourists to experience the best of Keningau, including activities offered by the Keningau District Council, in conjunction with Visit Keningau Year 2018. YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri also announced the allocation of MYR1.025 million by the federal government for the relocation of the iconic Keningau Oath Stone, which is significant not only to the Keningau District and the Sabah state, but also the history of the formation of Malaysia since the monument spells out the agreement between Sabah and Malaysia. The monument is currently standing within the confines of the Keningau District Office. It was officially unveiled on 31 August 1964 by V. Manickavasagam, the Federal Minister of Labour of that time. “The project, categorised under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (RMKe-11), includes Oath Stone relocating work, construction of new roads, plaza, historical wall, softscape, plaque and parking space,” he said. The new site would make the Oath Stone more accessible for the public and tourists to visit. The Visit Keningau Year 2018 campaign, which applies the NBOS approach, sees MOTAC partnering with Keningau District Council; MATTA; Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS); Keningau Heritage Department; Sabah Tourist Association; Sabah Backpacker Operators Association; Social Media Chambers Malaysia; GushCloud and Gaya Travel Magazine.
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Gaya Out & About
H130: A Versatile Flying Machine TEXTby SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by FURQAAN HOD
How about touring around Kuala Lumpur’s iconic wonders on a helicopter?
After making its first appearance in Malaysia at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2017, Airbus Helicopters invited Gaya Travel Magazine team and other fellow media members to get a first look at the Airbus H130 at Malaysia International Aerospace Centre, Subang. The Airbus H130 is a lightweight single-engine helicopter tailored for a range of services including passenger transportation, sightseeing, VIP duties, medical airlift, law enforcement and surveillance missions. It is equipped with Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine, resulting in 10 percent more average power, lower fuel consumption and greater speed. In fact, the Airbus Helicopters Malaysia Vice President of Sales Mr. Guillaume Dubreuil and his team flew back from the LIMA exhibition in Langkawi to Subang without the need to stop along the way. By the time it arrived in Subang, it still had enough fuel to spare. So, a 30-minute ride around Klang Valley shouldn’t be a problem, right? As we climbed up the helicopter’s passenger seats and put on the Bose noise cancelling headset, our pilot Captain Athayuth Khaosaard prepped us on the route that we were about to take that day ,covering the busy area of Klang Valley from Batu Caves and Bukit Lanjan to the iconic KLCC. He then ignited the engine, which was relatively quiet. Apparently, Airbus H130 prides itself as the quietest (7 decibels below ICAO requirement) helicopter in the market in its category thanks to its Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, making it ideal for a less noisy experience up in the air. We learned that Airbus H130 is the only rotorcraft allowed to fly over the National Parks in the United States of America, including the Grand Canyon. On top of that, the H130 ultimately gives a comfortable ride from the start until the end of a journey. Its spacious flat-floor cabin is reported to be the largest cabin in its category (130.7 cubic feet), giving space for one pilot and up to seven passengers through customisable forward-facing seats with individual air conditioning. Our ride was noticeably vibration-free due to the energy-absorbing seats for maximum comfort. These seats, moreover, are installed on a raised ‘theatre-style’ platform, enabling passengers seated behind to enjoy the scenery through large wrap-around windscreen and wide windows. At one point during the ride, Captain Athayuth playfully tilted the helicopter sideways for better view of the cityscape below – an experience that had me praying more for my life yet making me feel the more exhilarated at the same time! The Airbus H130 flies as far as 617 kilometres on a tank of fuel and has the maximum endurance (with no reserves) of up to four hours. Its maximum altitude ceiling (HOGE) is 9,675 feet, while top speed is recorded at 237 kilometres per hour. For longer journeys, passengers can take advantage of the helicopter’s spacious well adapted luggage compartment (45.7 cubic feet) that can impressively fit each passenger’s suitcase. Overall, the Airbus H130 is quite a catch, especially for the tourism industry players and tour operators who can generate significant profits from this roomier, more versatile, smoother and of course, quieter flying machine. Besides, this rotorcraft is three to four times cheaper than buying and operating a twin-engine helicopter. It is without doubt that Airbus H130 is poised to become a front runner in helicopter tourism. www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/H130_25.html
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Destinations
Exploring #WonderfulIndonesia: East Java and Bali TEXT|IMAGES by ELVI SURAYA SAID
It all happened so fast – from the moment I got the text from my editor asking me whether I possess an international passport to the moment when I was in flight to Surabaya for a familiarisation trip called ‘The Most Unforgettable Experience Fam Trip’ organised by The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia, in conjunction with Visit ASEAN@50 campaign.
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There were a total of five media members who joined the trip: two from Malaysia, including myself; and three from Singapore. Our journey to discover #WonderfulIndonesia began at Surabaya, followed by the festive city of Banyuwangi, and ending at Bali, the island of the gods. Being a newbie to travelling, I was enthusiastic to discover Indonesia, a country known for its natural wonders and secluded paradises. It was fun to experience what Indonesia has to offer, from culture and heritage to of course food! Follow this article to found out more about the journey to discover this phase of #WonderfulIndonesia!
Banyuwangi Unearth #MajesticBanyuwangi, a destination on the up Deriving from Javanese that means ‘aromatic water’, Banyuwangi is associated with local legend. Located in East Java facing the ever-famous Bali, Banyuwangi is two hours and a half flight from Surabaya. This newly developed place – once full of pesantren (Islamic religious schools) – is now becoming a landmark tourist attraction with yearround festivals of different themes that promote Banyuwangi’s unique culture and heritage. Whenever travellers visit the place, they are bound to greeted by
some form of festival! Interestingly, Banyuwangi is also home to the best of tropical nature. Here, travellers can explore amazing wildlife and unveil the hidden treasures with large doses of vitamin sea on its secluded and pristine beaches. People in Banyuwangi are mostly Muslims, therefore locals tend to incorporate Islamic elements into the destination’s tourism such as designating a Shariah-compliant beach that segregates males and females, and visiting selected Islamic schools to learn more about local life. I noticed that the city’s roads, recreational parks and even the toilets are clean and well kept. According to M.Y. Bramuda, Head of Banyuwangi Culture & Service Acknowledgement, there is one festival called clean toilet festival, organised to educate locals on how to take care of their toilets, including offices, government buildings, schools and even public toilets, whereby they will be rewarded for doing so. Personally, I think it’s a wonderful way to encourage people to maintain their toilets clean and tourists-friendly. Visit the majestic building of Pendopo Sabha Swagata Blambangan During my journey to discover #MajesticBanyuwangi, I get the chance to visit the official residence of Pendopo Sabha
Swagata Blambangan, the Banyuwangi regent. The place has several buildings, including private quarters, custom house of the Using community (Banyuwangi natives), and green house that is overgrown with grass planted on a 60-degree slope, making it look like the mount in the Teletubbies television show! Interestingly, the green house is a guesthouse that requires no electricity during the day and has seven rooms in total, equipped with toilet, and small kitchen. This building is open daily; travellers only need to register their names in a guestbook before entering. Conquering the west of Mount Merapi to witness the blue fire at Ijen Crater Recommended for mountain buff and hikers, hiking along the trails to the west of Mount Merapi to witness the blue flames and Ijen Crater is a must. What’s special about Ijen Crater – a quiet but active volcano – is the fact that it is a beautiful turquoise coloured crater lake, which is also the most acidic lake in the world! Being a site of labour-intensive sulphur mining operation, travellers might also see traditional miners manually gathering yellow sulphurous rocks and breaking it into smaller pieces. Being a hiking enthusiast myself, the magnificent view along the hiking trail is one of my favourites.
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Don’t forget to visit Local Government of Banyuwangi as they will help you in giving information about Banyuwangi. Local labourers separating and breaking the sulphur rocks into smaller pieces before carrying them in baskets Magnificient view of Ijen Crater, the world’s largest acidic lake. JagirWaterfall also known as the ‘Triple Waterfall’
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Worshippers walking out of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, located at the centre of Bali Barong, a mythological animal that represents good spirit in Barong and Kris Dance. #WhenInBali, travellers should savour delicious seafood at Warung Pantai Jembrana, Pantai Soka Tabanan.
To climb up, travellers will start from the base camp and hike for about 3.7 kilometres to the top, taking two to three hours depending on travellers’ stamina. Should travellers experience respiratory illness or couldn’t endure further, there is ojek, a trolley taxi service provided by local people, to get you up there! The price varies, depending on one’s body weight. Entrance fee: IDR 100,000 on weekdays, IDR 150,000 on weekends Tour guide: +62 853 3359 5321 (Mr Yanto) Tips: » »
Travellers are advised to wear proper hiking gear or at least wear sports shoes and bring flash light because the hike can be a little dangerous at night. Proper gas mask is crucial as the sulphur gets thicker when you go down to the crater. Since the temperature can drop to 5° Celsius, it is advisable that travellers bring warm jumpers and jackets that can easily put on and taken off. Best time to go is between July and August. When hiking, travellers should give way to traditional miners who often carry loads of sulphur chunks up to 80 kilograms in the basket on their shoulder along a steep trail down the mountain to Paltuding.
Jagir waterfall After a long hike, travellers can refresh themselves at Jagir waterfall to wash away the smell of sulphur. Known as the ‘Triple Waterfall’, it is situated in Kampung Anyar, 21 kilometres from Ijen Crater. Being secluded in a rural area, Jagir Waterfall is truly magical and surrounded by forest-green plants. As travellers walk down about five to eight minutes from the parking area, they can hear the unusual humming sound reverberating in the air, topped by sounds of people giggling and having fun. When I first arrived at the waterfall, I swear that it seemed like time stood still so that we can enjoy mother nature as long as we wanted. Price: IDR5,000 per person
Where to Eat Bik Atik Restaurant Located at the centre of the regency, Bik Atik Restaurant is perfect for experiencing traditional local dishes. My personal favourite is bebek betutu (steamed duck cooked in spice mixture), a Balinese dish with hot flavour due to its spicy sambal (sauce) made from sliced raw onions mixed with red chilis and coconut oil. To prepare the dish, it takes about 24 hours because it has to be cooked in leaf wrapping. Travellers should then wash down the dish with the rich and creamy avocado juice, known as apokat amongst Indonesians. The juice is usually served with dashes
of chocolate syrup, making it all the more sinful. Bik Atik Restaurant T: +62 333 423165 GPS: -8.221854, 114.368484
Bali Balinese retreat Our local guide said that once a tourist asked him, “I’m in Bali, but where is Indonesia?” He laughed. We all laughed, because there is some truth to it actually: Bali is more famous among travellers around the world than Indonesia itself. Well, I can’t blame them because Bali is the centre of attraction filled with nature and heritage. Being a newbie to Bali, I found Bali astonishingly beautiful and given nicknames like ‘the island of heaven’, ‘the island of temples’ and even ‘the island of the gods’. With Hindu as the main religion, Bali is indeed rich with culture and heritage, making it unique. The first time I sat my foot in Bali, I instantly understood why it is called the island of temples: it seems like temples fill up every corner of the island! From that moment, I knew that I want to explore every part of Bali and experience the culture as much as I can.
What to visit #WhenInBali Ulun Danu Bratan Temple Bali seems to have thousands of temples, and travellers should visit at least a few. I was lucky to get the chance to visit one of the most beautiful temples, which is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Surrounded by the smooth reflective Lake Bratan near the mountains, this temple is also known as the Lake of Holy Mountain because the area around Lake Bratan is fertile and becomes one of the main sources for irrigation in central Bali. The temple complex has five compounds and one Buddhist Stupa built in 1633. There’s a spiritual feel as you walk into the complex there, as you will hear their prayer and quickly learn that you have to behave yourself and lower you voice. This temple is also famous because it is depicted on the IDR50,000 note. So, next time you go to Bali, be sure to take a picture of the temple juxtaposed with you holding the picture on IDR50,000 note. Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Entrance fee: IDR50,000 (adult) T: +62 36 8203 3050 Tips: Travellers are advised to wear modest cloth when visit the temple.
Tanah Lot Another temple that receives many visitors to admire its scenery is Tanah Lot, famed for its unique offshore setting and perfect for watching sunset.
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Located in Tabanan, Bali, the temple is placed on a large offshore rock that has been shaped continuously by the ocean tide. Legend has it that there are sea snakes guarding the temple from evil spirits. Usually, Kecak Dance will be performed here while other travellers came to watch sunset. I was unlucky because when we got there, it was raining and we missed the chance to watch the performance and sunset. But, the view from offshore was still amazing nonetheless because where else could you hear and marvel an ancient temple if not in Bali, right? I will definitely return to Bali one day to see Tanah Lot during a clear sunset. Entrance fee: IDR60,000 per adult; IDR30,000 per child
#WhenInBali, one should experience:
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Barong and Kris Dance Travelling to Bali is not complete without watching the Barong and Kris dance, both an amalgamation of theatrical dance performance accompanied by traditional music. The performance represents an eternal fight between good and evil. There are two main characters: Barong, a mythological animal representing a good spirit; and Rangda, a mythological monster that represents evil. Before the show begins, travellers are given a handout that explains the story depicted in each act. Interestingly, the show not only focusses on the fight between the main characters, but also includes lessons and jokes that entertain the audience. The one hour show is performed daily, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 am. After the show ends, travellers should not forget to take selfies with the main characters. Personally, I liked how their performers portrayed their characteristics during the whole show. Price: IDR 100,000 per adult and IDR 50,000 per child The Barong & Kris Dance CV. Catur Eka Budhi Jalan Waribang, Kesiman, Denpasar T: +62 361 224596
#WhenInBali, one should not forget to:
Tip: Be sure to arrive early to get front row seats because the show is usually packed with international travellers. Also, bring along handheld fan since the place can get warm and humid.
Rejuvenate the tired mind and soul by treating yourself to a spa treatment Take a break and treat yourself with a spa treatment at Aroma Spa Retreat located on the beach front in Sanur, Bali. With so many packages ranging from anti-ageing treatment to three days’ full package, Aroma Spa Retreat can transform travellers anew. After all, everyone needs to be pampered after an entire day of travelling from place to place. Here, you will get to be treated like royalty. The massage session starts off with pedicure and manicure, followed by massage session for half an hour and finished with tea to reenergise your body. Since this was my first spa treatment, I felt a little awkward but my masseuse was very professional and she made sure that I got the best treatment by asking if I had any injury and whether the pressure was acceptable. After the spa treatment, I felt like a whole new person; the massage session literally untangled my knots and I must credit the masseuse for her magic touch. Aroma Spa Retreat Prama Sanur Beach Hotel, Jalan Cemara Sanur Bali T: +62 818 0538 0854
Where to Eat #WhenInBali Made’s Warung in Seminyak Enjoy Balinese cuisine here at Made’s Warung in Seminyak, one of the most established restaurants on the island since 1969. The restaurant offers a huge selection of food from local cuisine to Thailand, Malaysia and even western! The best part is they have dedicated chefs for each cuisine served. Not just a restaurant, it also has boutiques, gelato parlour, and spa. The restaurant also has a live band performance at night that travellers get to enjoy while dining. The
price here is reasonable and value for money. On top of that, they also offer a good service! I ordered Balinese cuisine which was rice porridge chicken. It’s so delicious and the portion was big enough for two persons. Made’s Warung, Seminyak T: +62 361 732130 W: www.madeswarung.com
Warung Pantai, Jembrana #WhenInBali, one should eat their seafood! At Warung Pantai located at the beach front of Pantai Jembrana. It takes about one and a half hour from Gilimanuk or Denpasar. This eatery serves you a huge selection of seafood like grilled fish, fish satay and more. It is best enjoying your seafood with coconut water. Warung Pantai, Jembrana Jalan Raya Denpasar, Gilimanuk, Kabupaten Tabanan
Where to Stay Rimba Jimbaran Bali by Ayana Inspired by nature, Rimba is derived from the Indonesian language meaning ‘forest’. A heavenly place for travellers to unwind and renew, Rimba Jimbaran offers 283 stylish and modern suites. Travellers can enjoy exclusive and luxury amenities such as rimba pools, the ever-famous Rock Bar, and private beach at Kubu Beach Club. When I first sat foot here, I was awed by the bar’s innovatively cutting edge design that is Balinese in essence and the bar’s surrounding views. I thought to myself, “Wow, I can’t believe that I’m going to stay here for two days.” I instantly fell in love with the hotel as I walked to the west lobby with Instagram-worthy spaces for travellers to hang around such as the sitting area facing the infinity pool with the forest as the background. Being a hopeless romantic myself, I thought to myself that I’m definitely coming here for my honeymoon. RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA T: +62 361 846 8468 W: www.ayana.com/bali/rimba-jimbaran/
The intricate dancheong design on the Huijeongdang Hall at Changdeokgung Palace
Destinations
To Travel Under the K-Drama Spell TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by KTOKL & SHAHIDA SAKERI
“ You should go (to Seoul), too. In Seoul, there are so many things that you’d like. For example, really delicious specialty restaurants since you love eating so much. Also, there is a place called Han River. In the fall, they have fireworks there. I watch it from a good spot in 63 Building. It’s incredibly beautiful.” - Excerpt from the ‘Legend of the Blue Sea’, Episode 3 South Korea, to me, is pretty. But it also has a lot of stories, ones that evoke curiosity should you take time to explore them. Take for example of ‘The Three Kingdoms’ period in the Korean history, which I found riveting and has completely turned me into an avid fan of its interesting culture. Korean dramas (or K-Dramas as they often called) are also good stories; typically made up of gripping plotlines, stellar cast with enviable wardrobe and incredible settings. They also make the audience want to be part of the stories; to feel, to see or to taste all the things they’ve seen in the series. Believe me when I say that even my ever lovely grandmother could now proudly name some of the film locations for the K-Dramas after countless hours of watching her favourite shows. Speaking of film locations, I recently participated in a familarisation trip to South Korea by the invitation of Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Malaysia & Brunei Office, to explore various places that have been featured in some of the top K-Dramas in 2016. Below are the locations that I have visited, which I strongly recommend to all travellers...
Drama – Love in the Moonlight There is a girl named Hong Ra-on masquerading as a eunuch. And then there is a Crown Prince Lee Yeong who faces challenges to become a king during the Joseon Dynasty. The story unfolds as these two characters develop an unlikely friendship that eventually leads to the revelation of Ra-on’s true identity; starring Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung. Jeonju Hanok Village Many foreign travellers that come to South Korea don’t make it further than Seoul, which is a shame because the country has so much to offer. For instance, the slower and quieter Jeonju located in the western side of the country brims with many allures that should not be missed such as the Hanok Village, which has the largest collection of hanok (traditional Korean houses) in the entire country. While some of these hanok are private homes, travellers may experience the charm of living in these houses since some of them are now transformed into guesthouses. Sleeping in a hanok means sleeping on mats on the floor (which is heated with ondol, a unique sub-floor heating system), and doors and windows typically papered with hanji, a traditional tough, fibrous Korean paper.
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Clockwise from left: Bamboo grove featured in ‘Love in the Moonlight’; the courtyard where Ra-on danced; a gate at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and Ojakgyo Bridge at Gwanghalluwon Garden
During daytime, I suggest that travellers spend a few hours exploring the area that is full of mini museums, workshops and historical sites, including Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School. The former – originally built in 1410 and then rebuilt in 1614 after the Imjin War – holds a significant value in Korean heritage preservation since it stores a portrait of King Taejo, the founder of Joseon dynasty, while the latter was the national education centre during the Joseon era. Also, some of the pivotal moments in ‘Love in the Moonlight’ were shot near to these two notable sites, especially the lush bamboo grove where the Crown Prince meets Ra-on for the first time. But in between these historical sites and drama’s memorable locations, I recommend that travellers try the local food too. Many Koreans swear that the food in Jeonju generally tastes the best; in fact, the city was designated as
a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2012. My personal picks are the popular homemade chocolate pies at PNB Bakery, bibimbap (said to have originated in Jeonju) or anything with mung bean sprout, really. Jeonju city is easily accessible by public transit, but I suggest that travellers take the train to save time and travel in better comfort. In this trip, I travelled on the Korean Train Express (KTX) for roughly two and a half hours before reaching Jeonju, and it was undoubtedly smooth. Visit www.letskorail.com to book your tickets. Buan Cine Theme Park As I tried to recall some of the memorable moments in ‘Love in the Moonlight’, there was one that stood out from the rest: a traditional dancing routine by Ra-on as she disguises as a gisaeng (Korean equivalent of a geisha) that took Kim Yoo-jung two months to practice. Well, I thought the result was
marvellous, full of mesmerising poises and grace. This particular scene was shot at Buan Cine Theme Park, a large film production complex in Gyeokpo-ri that receives its its biggest investment from Korea Broadcasting System (KBS), hence many KBS’ dramas were shot here. It excellently replicates Joseon Dynasty’s impeccable style, seen through its landscape and architecture including the folk village, village schools, fortress and the replica of Gyeongbokgung Palace (first royal palace built by the Joseon Dynasty). Travellers should take advantage of the various workshops available at this theme park like wood craft and soap-making. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Unlike Buan Cine Theme Park, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is an actual remnant of the Joseon Dynasty. Translated as ‘temporary shelter’, a haenggung is where a king rests or takes cover from the enemy during a
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war – and Hwaseong Haenggung was outstandingly the best of all in its scale and purpose that some claim it was an extension of Joseon’s main palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace. When the king was not around, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was used as the administrative office for the governor. In the drama, however, this haenggung served as the palace for the Crown Prince Lee Yeong. Today, travellers can witness the Jangyongyeong guard ceremony and martial arts performance from the Joseon era, among other traditional performances, when they visit between March and November. The Garden of Morning Calm The garden is the oldest private garden in Korea, conceptualised by Professor Han Sang-kyung who intended to show the world the beauty of Korea’s meticulous landscaping though beautifully manicured grass, colourful flower beds and lovely walkways. I’d say this would
be an ideal place to have a romantic stroll with a partner; hence, it comes to no surprise that this was selected as the Crown Prince’s a favourite spot in the drama. The garden is busy all year round with various festivals taking place in each season: Spring Garden Festival in spring; Festival of Roses, Hydrangeas and Roses of Sharon in summer; Festival of Chrysanthemums and Autumnal Tints in autumn; and Lighting Festival in winter. Gwanghalluwon Garden Known as the City of Love, Namwon is home to a beautiful garden called Gwanghalluwon, which I feel, is basically the epitome of romance. It was originally built by Hwanghee Jeongseung in 1419 during the reign of Joseon Dynasty’s King Sejong, said to be the location where Lee Mong-ryong and Chunhyang (two lovers from another well-known Korean literary classic, Chunhyangjeon) met and fell in love at
first sight. The garden has a lot of attractions but the most significant feature would be the Ojakgyo Bridge where the Crown Prince jumps into the river to save Ra-on. And it also represents the love of a couple from another Korean folk story, Chilseok, in which the couple is forced to live on either side of the Milky Way, only to be reunited when magpies form a bridge, hence its name. Legend has it that if real-life couples cross this bridge together once a year, they will love each other until eternity. Moreover, in the month of May every year, the garden becomes the venue of Chunhyangjae Festival, one of the ten most celebrated festivals in Korea, to rejoice the deep and lasting love of this famous couple. There is also a beauty pageant during the festival, which has produced some of Korea’s most famous actresses such as Lee Da-hey and Yoon So-na.
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Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon Now, these are the places that I would consider must-visit when you are in South Korea, specifically in Seoul. I can boldly say that Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon gave me an entirely new appreciation towards architecture and landscape. Exquisite in its intense detail and extravagant in its scope, these two sites easily become some of Seoul’s most photographed sights. The palace was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung in 1405. It comprises a number of official and residential buildings and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1997. To visit Changdeokgung is to walk in wonder between structures styled with vibrant dancheong (Korean traditional patterns) and then get lost in the stories behind each cobblestone walls. Nevertheless, Huwon is truly where my heart fell hard. It is one of those historical sites from an era that you wish you were a part of; I wish I could see the garden during its heyday. Despite the harsh cold wintry weather when I visited the place, Huwon – also known as the ‘Secret Garden’ – looked nothing short of paradise. It was the place where the kings came to rest and be inspired, and it was not hard to see that those kings made the right choice. Huwon’s graceful use of space complements the uneven topography of this 58-hectare site. I reckon the garden would look at its best during spring and fall, when it comes alive with colourful flowers or golden foliage. Do take note, however, that visiting Huwon is permitted only at specific times during the day and must be chaperoned by official guides.
Drama – Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo This popular sageuk (Korean historical period drama) begins when a 21st century woman, Hae Soo, is transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty due to a solar eclipse and meets Wang So, a prince whose character is based on the real-life fourth king of the same era. But this is not just a romantic story, as its dramatic plot also reveals the political battle between the King’s princes to reach the throne – starring Lee Joon-gi and IU. Baekje Cultural Centre Some may raise their eyebrows when knowing that major parts of ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (for instance, that iconic Wan So-covering-Hae Soo-under-his-cloakduring-rainy-day scene) were shot in a complex from the Baekje Dynasty, when it is supposed to set in Goryeo era. This was the time when I learned that the capital city of Goryeo Dynasty was in Kaesong, which is a city in the southern part of North Korea where Manwoldae Palace (official royal palace of Goryeo Dynasty) used to be. This palace, however, was destroyed during the Red Turban Rebellion in 1361 and was never restored. In 1392, a new
kingdom called Joseon (1392-1910) was founded and its capital was moved to Hanyang (today’s Seoul). Thus, there aren’t many remnants of Goryeo era that remain intact. Baekje Cultural Centre was chosen due to its high aesthetic value. The complex was built over a period of 17 years at the cost of $600 million using exceptional relevant intangible cultural assets such as woodwork, dancheong and calligraphy. The complex features the replica of the Sabigung Palace (Baekje’s Royal Palace), the Neungsa Temple, the Wuiryeseong Fortress, a living cultural village and an ancient royal tombs park - all important to Baekje culture. My personal favourite is the gorgeous five-storey stupa that houses small crystals of Buddha. Hantaek Botanical Garden This is South Korea’s largest botanical garden and is a favourite spot for Hae Soo and Wang So to meet. But unlike in the drama where all flowers bloom beautifully, I was instead greeted by white snowy beds and frozen river. The timing might seemed off, but there is something about the snow that always brings out the child in me. So my friends and I made snow balls, and threw them towards each other while we explored the rest of this winter playground. But should visitors come in spring, they will be treated to 2,400 species of wild plants and 7,300 species of foreign plants. Expect to spend an hour or so at the garden by wandering deep into the various thematic sections and greenhouses or join in some of the hands-on educational programmes. Wolhuawon “Can you sing for us?” In episode seven when the princes celebrate Wang Eun’s birthday, IU (Hae Soo) shows her artistic side by singing an original sweet melodious song that the singer composed specially for the drama. This comedic yet endearing scene was shot at Wolhuawon, a Chinese garden inspired from the late Ming Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty with soothing colours like grey, blue and white as its main theme. It is small, but beautiful nonetheless.
Drama – Legend of the Blue Sea This romantic comedy drama was arguably the most anticipated drama in 2016 with two South Korean megastars – Lee Min Ho and Jun Jin-hyun – joined forces as the main cast. Their story begins when the son of Joseon noble family (Kim Dam-ryung) is saved from drowning by a beautiful mermaid (Sae Hwa) but ends tragically when they are both are killed in midseason. Interestingly, their fated love continues to the modern day when Dae Ryung incarnates as a charming con-man, Heo Jon Jae, while Sae Hwa as a quirky mermaid, Shim Cheong.
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For a more immersive experience, visitors could always don a hanbok that they can rent from nearby boutiques around the Changdeokgung Palace The gorgeous five-storey stupa at Baekje Cultural Land that houses small crystals of Buddha The writer having a good long walk at Hantaek Botanical Garden The floating pavilion where Hae Soo sings to the princes in ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ Some of the specialty food in South Korea: gejang (raw crabs marinated in soy sauce) and jang uh gui (grilled eel)
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06. The mesmerising mermaid show at Aqua Planet, 63 Building 07. The Seogang Bridge near Hangang Park 08. The reenactment of Goblin scene at Yun So Beon Stonewall Street
Aqua Planet, 63 Building Many, if not all, ‘Legend of the Blue Sea’ fans might know that 63 Building is a significant place in the story besides the Namsan Tower. This is where Heo Joon Jae spends his birthdays every year and also the place where he reunites with Shim Cheong after their separation in Spain. But the iconic scene in front of the huge acrylic glass panel aquarium was actually shot in a different Aqua Planet branch, which is in Yeosu at the southern coast of South Korea. The production team combined the footages filmed in two different locations as if they were all in 63 Building because it would be more natural for Heo Joon Jae to visit there since he is based in Seoul. Nevertheless, there is a stellar mermaid show at 63 Building that is accompanied by dreamlike music and gleaming lights happening every hour, which is bound to remind them of Shim Cheong. Besides the show, the aquarium also features fantastic underwater coral plants and cute sea creatures like penguins and seals. Hangang Park Hangang Park is a public recreation area that stretches up to 12 districts along the Han River (Hangang). But out of the 12 spots, Yeouido, Jamsil, and Ttukseom districts are the most popu-
lar. The Ttukseom area is known as the windsurfing and water-skiing mecca, while Jamsil for its ferry services. Yeouido area is where all the major TV Studios are located; hence travellers will notice that plenty of dramas use this park for their shoots. I suggest visiting this area in October to witness the annual extravagant fireworks, like Heo Joon Jae and Shim Cheong did in the drama.
1999. It is a nice change of scenery from the usual bustling streets you may find in the city, one that even allows you to be closer to your own thoughts. When you walk further along the road, you will encounter the Seoul Museum of Art; and Samcheongdong area, a hip trendy neighbourhood with a hybrid of modern and traditional comprising quirky cafes, flea markets, boutiques and skincare outlets.
Drama – Goblin: The Lonely & The Great God
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Goblin is yet another successful fantasy K-Drama in 2016, revolving around a goblin who is cursed with immortality. He could only put an end to his 900 years of misery in this world by finding a bride that is destined to return him to ashes. But when he finally meets her, they fall in love, thus he no longer wants to leave this world. This drama is starred by Gong Yoo ang Kim Go-eun.
However, after all that I have written, what if you haven’t even watched the K-Dramas mentioned earlier? Would these places still be interesting for you to visit? YES, of course! And it’s not just because they look absolutely gorgeous in pictures, but they will also give you good insights on what makes South Korea the country it is today: vibrant, progressive yet staying true to its roots.
Yun So Beon Stonewall Street First appeared in the pilot episode of the series when goblin meets his bride for the first time, Yun Bo Seon, also known as Jeongdong-gil road, is a popular street designated as the first “Beautiful Street for Walking” by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in
Gaya Travel Magazine would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Malaysia & Brunei office, for making the writer’s journey to South Korea such an unforgettable and eye opening experience. For information on K-Drama tour packages, please browse www.visitkorea.com.my.
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Destinations
More than Pandas and Spicy Hot Pot TEXT|IMAGES by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN
In early 2017, Gaya Travel Magazine team members discovered Sichuan for the first time in our lives. Made internationally famous because of the Kung Fu Panda movie animation, Sichuan – a province located in the South West of China, north of Yunnan – is more than just pandas and spicy cuisine.
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Loosely translated as ‘Four Rivers and Gorges’, Sichuan (global.tsichuan.com) lies in China’s south west where a quarter of the country’s water is sourced. In Sichuan alone, there are 1,380 rivers, with Min Jiang River as the main. The soil is fertile, and Sichuan has been known as the land of abundance since time immemorial. Modern Sichuan, as the rest of China, enjoys the legacy of a highly advanced civilisation, wisdom and knowledge. Considered as one of the more ‘genteel’ provinces, Sichuan is a region that has been prosperous since ancient times. The province was once part of the Shu Kingdom of the ‘Three Kingdoms’ fame that followed after the fall of Qin and Han dynasties. It was also the first place in China (and the world) where tea-drinking began and became popularised, all recorded with vivid description on tortoise shells and turtle plastrons (under shells) once used for plastromancy during the era of Shu Kingdom. Tea has always been part of Sichuan culture, therefore tea houses are important social centres where the Sichuanese drink for hours while chatting away and play mah-jong. In the olden days, these tea houses also served as temporary courts to settle social disputes. Though hit by devastating earthquake in 2008, Sichuan doesn’t seem to bear any scar from the calamity after massive reconstruction efforts. Instead, the province seems to be more resolved in becoming one of the most liveable provinces
in China, so much so that it is now in the middle of building a bullet train service that connects Chengdu to Lanzhou, the capital of the neighbouring Gansu province, while stopping at cities within Sichuan along the way, including Jiuzhaigou county, famous for its breathtaking national park that draws many from near and far. The service might probably begin in 2019, so travellers need to keep an eye on this development because it will be such a blessing to be able to reach Jiuzhaigou – Sichuan’s major tourism attraction – from Chengdu in a matter of hours compared to having to endure eight- to ten-hour bus ride one way. No doubt, Sichuan is indeed a superb destination for lovers of nature, landscapes and wildlife ( Jiuzhaigou, pandas and yaks); heritage and ancient civilisation (Sichuan Opera face-changing performance, Jin Li Street, Kuan-Zhai Xiangzi Alley, Wuhouci, Dujiangyan, Qing Cheng Mountain and Songpan); and culture (Han Chinese, Qiangs, Tibetans and Muslims). It is definitely one destination that travellers should visit to experience a unique facet of China, which we found to be far more agreeable, gentler and laidback. We look forward to return to Sichuan, hopefully this time in autumn…
Good to Know Sichuan’s time zone is the same as Malaysia and Singapore.
The surface of the Panda Lake in Jiuzhaigou freezes during winter
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Wistful and atmospheric Jinli Street in Chengdu Formidable entranceway that conserves the traditional look that can be witnessed at Kwan-Zhai Xiangzi Alley in Chengdu The Couple Bridge that connects the inner and outer rivers of the Dujiangyan irrigation project Tying the wishing ribbon onto one of the locks at the entrance of the Couple Bridge at Dujiangyan
Fast Facts » China has 56 ethnic groups » Han Chinese make up 95% of the population » The Chinese imperial dynasties started 4,000 years ago along the Yellow River
What to do in Sichuan Appreciate Chengdu leisure lifestyle www.gochengdu.cn Chengdu, which is Sichuan’s capital, is economically important to China’s South West region since it lies in a fertile basin. The city of Chengdu has world class infrastructure such as 18 subway lines and five ring roads to accommodate burgeoning vehicles, indicating the city’s prosperity. When visiting the city, travellers should not be alarmed when they are welcomed by overcast and fog, which are part of Chengdu’s normal weather. Interestingly, the residents’ mood is not at all affected by this. Chengdu residents tend to start later in the day than the rest of China and they stay late into the night. We were told that the people in Chengdu have the lowest savings rate than the whole of China because they enjoy life and they tend to spend more. It is theorised that this habit had formed over generations because people in Chengdu generally had been spared from calamity like floods or droughts and hardly experienced food shortage, thus lessening their propensity to save. It might also be the reason why the people in Chengdu tend to be gentler and have more time to be accommodating towards others, unlike in the other major Chinese cities. To understand the local lifestyle and culture of Chengdu, visit: » Jinli Ancient Street – Travellers will surely fall in love with the area’s romantic step-back-in-time atmosphere that have the retail outlets housed in huddled buildings that sport period architecture close to the Wuhouci memorial. It is believed that the street has been in existence since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.) and was also the busiest commercial centre during the Shu Kingdom (221 A.D.-263 A.D.). » Kuan-Zhai (Wide-Narrow) Xiangzi Alley – This is another heritage-conserved area but more organised than Jinli, with narrow and wide lanes that follow the street layout design used since the Manchu period. Interestingly, this area was part of the housing area for the imperial officials and soldiers during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). » The Face-Changing Mask Show by Sichuan Opera at Fu Rong Guo Cui (Sichuan Opera House) – Considered as the province’s own artistic heritage, the art and mastery of bian lian (face-changing) is a
well-guarded secret that is specific only to Sichuan Opera House, therefore travellers should take the opportunity to witness this performance when being in Chengdu. Immerse in Chinese civilisational history at Wuhouci memorial Located right next to Jinli Street, Wuhouci is a historic memorial built for the legendary and intelligent Premier Zhuge Niang and the wise Emperor Liu Bei, both leaders of the Shu Kingdom based in Sichuan during the era of The Three Kingdoms, which lasted 80 years (220 A.D.-280 A.D.). Zhuge Niang was a military strategist who also introduced innovative military weapons. References to The Three Kingdoms are made by the popular book written by Sichuan writer during the Shu Kingdom that flourished after the fall of the Han dynasty. The other two kingdoms were Wei and Wu. Shu was the smallest of the three but competently administered and well defended because of capable administrators, making it hard to conquer by its neighbours. Shu finally succumbed to Wei after the death of Zhuge Niang, made worse by the succeeding Emperor’s weak leadership. Wei Kingdom eventually conquered Wu as well. Regale over pandas’ cute antics at the Panda Research Base and Breeding Centre (www.panda.org.cn/english) Since 30% of pandas found in China are in Sichuan, it is only natural for the government to open this facility in Chengdu. It first began in 1987 as a panda hospital. It was then expanded to include conservation and breeding. Starting with only six, the facility now is home to 160 pandas. This centre is a must visit, especially for travellers who adore cute creatures. Pandas may live up to 30 years (similar to 90 human years) and start to mate when they are five years old. Adult pandas lead solitary lives and require large territory, thus chances of meeting another panda for mating is slim. Breeding pandas is challenging because they don’t easily get pregnant and the female panda normally delivers only one baby in their lifetime. The baby is extremely fragile when born, therefore the risk of survival in the wild is low. Since panda reproduction is rare, the centre resorts to artificial insemination to breed pandas. Pandas can eat bamboo non-stop for five hours amounting to 25 kilograms per day, and Sichuan’s soil is suitable for bamboo to grow. Out of the 800 types of bamboo available in Sichuan, the pandas eat only 20 of them. Pandas also drink a lot and prefer to remain in the mountains where it is cool. Admire ancient engineering of Dujiangyan or Du River Irrigation Project www.djy517.com/channel-djy_e_index.do Formerly called Guan Xian (irrigation city), Dujiangyan is 40 kilometres from Chengdu with the population of 360,000. The city sprang up over 2,000 years ago simply because of this project, which help to irrigate the entire Chengdu plain, ensuring the soil to remain fertile and flood controlled.
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This irrigation project – completed back in 256 B.C. during the War Period and took only 18 years to complete – was led by Li Bing, the governor of Shu for the state of Qin at that time. It was crucial for Emperor Qin (the first unifier of China) to tame the Min Jiang River to control flood and irrigate the Chengdu plains because the area supplied huge amount of food for the Emperor’s troops in pursuit of unification through conquests. The project intelligently uses natural physics by diverting and channelling water without the need to create dams to irrigate over 5,300 square kilometres of land. The project primarily consists of the fish mouth water levee that divides water into two streams: the inner that is narrow and deep, and the outer that is wide and shallow. This feature helps to stop the build-up of sediments that could result in flooding, while at the same time channels water towards farmlands. Since its inception, the project has been instrumental in mitigating flood, reducing disaster and guaranteeing bountiful harvest. Due to this, the Sichuanese have more free time for leisure pursuits, giving rise to Sichuan’s genteel culture. This irrigation system is an impressive engineering feat that is still in use today. It does not only irrigate the Chengdu plains for over two millennia but also the Chinese civilisation because it embodies all of the civilisation’s technological advancements and achievements since ancient times. Tip: Be sure to take selfie on the swaying 261-metre Bridge (Couple Bridge). Travellers may also write their love wishes on the wishing ribbon, then tie it on the locks located close to the bridge entrance
Enhance your energy flow at Qing Cheng Mountain Also within Dujiangyan is the Qing Cheng Shan (Qing Cheng Mountain), the birthplace of Taoism and tai chi. The mountain has a temple at the top, including a lake. The peak is 2,000 metres
high, which can be reached using cable car if travellers have time. The root of Chinese culture lies in the worship of nature (all natural objects are believed to possess spirit) and worshipping ancestors, therefore Taoism is a belief system that propagates humans to work with nature. Tao means ‘the way’, the philosophy to explain the nature of the world and the pursuit to find balance and harmony with nature and universe, which is the ‘yin and yang’ (state of balance and harmony). Conversely, tai chi (health maintenance) has its roots from Taoism, which means to enhance qi (the flow of energy). Travellers should try tai chi for a good non-rigorous workout that is effective in making their bodies . Take in the rugged mountainous landscape between Dujiangyan and Jiuzhaigou county The eight-hour journey between Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou by bus takes travellers through mountainous areas, requiring the vehicle to negotiate many bends. Travellers should therefore bring motion sickness pills if they are prone to such ailment. Tips: » During the toilet stop at the Daishihaitze (Daishi Lake), travellers should admire the vantage view of the lake, take pictures with yaks if they happen to be there, and buy crunchy roasted walnuts and local snacks. » Outside city centres, travellers need to contend with traditional Chinese toilets, which are rudimentary and sometimes without doors and flowing water. Travellers are recommended to bring along their own dry and wet tissues, including used water bottle or canister for cleansing.
Along the way, travellers would pass the city of Songpan, a major city within the autonomous Aba region that is home to 3.5% of China’s Muslims. Interestingly, 50% of the Muslims in Aba region live in Songpan, therefore the city has many Muslim restaurants and retailers, making it a nice stop for travellers to savour local halal cuisine. Songpan – which was called Suzhou in ancient times – is significant because the city has always been an important trading post for Qiangs, Han Chinese, Tibetans and Muslims to trade with one another. Between the 7th and 9th Century A.D., the city stood at the border of the Tibetan and Chinese empires of that time. To ensure that the Tibetans did not attack the Chinese territories, the Tang Dynasty Emperor Taizong married off a member of the Tang royal household Princess Wencheng to the founder of Tibetan empire himself, the Qiang King Songtsen Gampo, in 641 A.D. The marriage was believed to have brought prosperity to the Tibetan empire because the alliance guaranteed peace, allowing trade to be conducted safely and flourish along the Silk Route. Princess Wencheng was also credited for bringing in positive aspects of the Han Chinese culture into Tibet such as Buddhism, precious goods and refinements, including knowledge on metallurgy and advanced agricultural methods. Travellers will also get to learn about the Qiang minority, a traditionally nomadic ethnic group known for their fierceness and hardiness who lived by the water, worshipping white stone and placing head of ram in front of their abodes for good luck. Interestingly, Sichuan is the only place in China for travellers to currently witness the Qiang’s way of life. Take your breath away at Jiuzhaigou National Park www.jiuzhai.com/language/english/ Visiting the exceedingly beautiful Jiuzhaigou National Park is a MUST when you are in Sichuan. It has 108 wondrous and colourful lakes and waterfalls like the Five-Flower Lake, Rhinoceros Lake and Tiger Lake, besides being home to wild pandas.
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A romantic scenery at the foot of Qing Cheng Mountain The mesmerising Pearl Shoal in Jiuzhaigou, definitely a must visit Yaks waiting to be photographed at Daishihaitze
The word Jiuzhaigou means ‘Nine Villages’, referring to the nine Tibetan villages within the area, identified by the lines of colourful Buddhist scripture flags called ching fa erected in front of the villages and stupas. The presence of Tibetans in this area (practice distinct Tibetan Buddhism) is due to Sichuan’s geographical location in being the corridor that links Tibet to Central China. Autumn is the best time to visit to witness the changing colours of the foliage, including the mesmerising reflection on the still surfaces of the lake, making the view all the more surreal. Tip: The buses that ferry travellers from one scenic spot to another within Jiuzhaigou also negotiates sharp hairpin bends, therefore travellers should take motion sickness pill if they have such ailment.
We suggest that travellers should visit: » Mirror Lake, which must be visited early morning when the water is still; » The frozen-in-winter Panda Lake, where pandas are seen to come down from the forest and drink; » Nuorilang Waterfall, made famous as one of the locations for the extremely popular local television series “Journey to the West”; and » The remarkably breathtaking Pearl Shoal. Good to know: If travellers have time, also explore the majestic Zhaga Waterfall – the largest (104-metre high) waterfall in China that is remarkably picturesque and Instagram-worthy – at Aba Mounigou Valley, two hours and a half drive away from Jiuzhaigou county.
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AirAsiaX flies to Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital, from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2). Visit www.airasia. com to book a flight to Chengdu today. For bookings or info on tour packages, browse www.sutra. my/tours/asia/China/Chengdu/. 08
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Breathtaking scenery at the Mirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou
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Witnessing the panoramic view of East Lake from top of the hill located at the scenic area Quaint pond filled with lotus flowers and koi fish situated on the Snake Hill
World’s largest musical instrument called bianzhong owned by Marquis Yi Of Zeng and displayed in Hubei Provincial Museum Yellow Crane Tower, stands majestically as Wuhan’s iconic landmark
Destinations
Uncover Wuhan’s Hidden Gems with AirAsia X TEXT by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY|IMAGES by AIRASIA X
Famed as the ‘Chicago of Asia’ due to its role as central China’s major transportation hub and communication centre, Wuhan stands as the capital city of Hubei Province and blessed with abundance of cultural elements, ancient tales and natural wonders. Recently, Gaya Travel team, together with several selected Malaysian media members, were privileged to experience AirAsia X’s inaugural flight to Wuhan on 22 March 2017 to discover what this sprawling city has to offer. The journey made us realise that Wuhan is undoubtedly a destination that deserves more attention from travellers. The introduction of AirAsia X’s seventh destination in China, after Changsha, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Chongqing, clearly indicates that the airline has achieved another milestone. According to AirAsia X’s CEO, Benyamin Ismail, the country holds strong market demands and this new connection could potentially enhance the airline’s presence in China and boost tourists’ arrivals in both Malaysia and China.
Wuhan Quick Facts » » » » » »
Currency: Chinese Renminbi (RMB) Language: Mostly speak Mandarin Chinese in Wuhan dialect Time Zone: UTC+8 (No time difference between Malaysia and Wuhan) Electricity: 220 V 50Hz (Power sockets using a two-pole plug) Best time to visit: Spring season (March – May) to enjoy a pleasant weather temperature and colourful trees with blooming flowers Wuhan is only a five-hour flight away from Kuala Lumpur
Good to Know Wuhan is also dubbed as “The City of a Hundred Lakes” since it does have more than 100 lakes. The city is also where China’s two famous rivers, Yangtze and Hanjiang, meet. AirAsia X flies daily between Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) and Wuhan (Wuhan Tianhe International Airport). The schedule is as below: Flight No.
From
To
Departure
Arrival
D7 878
KUL
WUH
18:10 hrs
23:20 hrs
D7 879
WUH
KUL
00:35 hrs
05:35 hrs
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What to experience in Wuhan
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East Lake Scenic Area (East Lake Sakura Garden) Located between the inner and middle rings of Wuhan, East Lake Scenic Area is the city’s famous lake, covering an area of 88 square kilometres, making it the largest lake within a city in China. The scenic area itself consists of various scenic sub-spots including Ting Tao (where travellers should check out the Xingyinge Pavilion and Qu Yuan Memorial Hall), Mo Shan (the botanic gardens to see stunning cherry and lotus flowers), Luo Yan (popular site for romantic photoshoots) and Chui Di (ideal for mountaineering or picnicking). If time permits, travellers may opt to explore all four areas as each one of them has unique offerings and highlights. On top of that, there is also Botanical Viewing Garden where 360 kinds of plants are nursed with flowers blooming all year-round. Tip: Visit this area during spring (between March and April) to witness the area’s beautiful landscape and colourful trees. Be sure to also catch the festivals held around the lake scenic area such as the Lantern Show, Cherry Blossom Festival, Lotus Flowers Festival and Chu Cultural Festival. To save time, travellers should opt for a paid buggy service or rent a bike to explore more of the area. GPS: 30.544158, 114.425012 (Wuhan Botanical Garden)
Hubei Provincial Museum Some say that travelling is even more valuable when we learn and understand the history of the destination – visiting museums is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the destination’s past. Travellers may immerse themselves in
some of China’s ancient tales at Hubei Provincial Museum, a historical spot located in the Wuchang District. It is the only provincial museum that comprehensively exhibits huge amount of remarkable historic and cultural relics and artefacts. Travellers will get the opportunity to feast their eyes on over 200,000 cultural relics that were discovered in the province, which 16 of those are considered as national treasures. The centrepiece of this museum is the exhibition of the Sword of Goujian, which was found back in 1965 in Hubei and become famous due to its unusual sharpness. The legendary sword marks the tomb of one of China’s notable figures, Marquis Yi of Zeng together with his personal items, including the world’s largest musical instrument called bianzhong, a set of 65 double-tone bronze bells. Opening hours: Opens from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m (Tuesday to Sunday and closed every Monday except) GPS: 30.561626, 114.365620
Yellow Crane Tower Perched atop Snake Hill and standing as Wuhan’s iconic landmark, Yellow Crane Tower attracts local and foreign travellers as one of the four great towers in China due to its cultural significance. Based on historical records, this tower was originally built in 223 A.D. for military purposes and underwent various rebuilding processes after being ruined many times during different dynasties. The present tower was completed in 1985. With the development of the city, Yellow Crane Tower has become the city’s main tourist attraction. Every floor in the tower exhibits different themes and stories such as local legends on the first floor and poems praising the tower in different dynasties on the third floor. Meanwhile, the top floor offers stunning panorama of the Yangtze River and Wuhan city.
Opening hours: 7.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (April 1st to October 31st) and 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (November 1st to March 31st). Tip: Best time to visit is in spring and autumn, whereby visitors will be treated to a colourful and vibrant landscape views from the top floor. GPS: 30.544882, 114.302503
Night Cruise along Yang Tze River Night cruise is a relaxing activity to do after spending your day exploring Wuhan. This night cruise grants travellers the opportunity to sit on the luxurious boat while enjoying the cool river breeze and be awed by the city’s pulsating view along Asia’s longest river, Yangtze. The most popular time to do this cruise is during spring and summer due to the more pleasant weather and breathtaking view. This activity can be booked from trusted local tour operators in Wuhan through walk-in or online. Tip: If you come during end of March, it is advisable to wear warm attire because it can get pretty cold during the night.
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Where to Eat in Wuhan Wuhan has more than just ancient histories and wonderful sceneries. Travellers should also jump into a gastronomic adventure when being in the city since it offers various local cuisine that represent China’s diverse collection of flavours. As a matter of fact, Wuhan is a haven for spicy food lovers. When visiting the East Lake Scenic Area, be sure to dine at Zui Xiang Long (GPS: 30.543281, 114.413690). This restaurant has a wonderful setting where diners are able to enjoy meals in a dining pavilion positioned above water filled with koi (brocade carp) and lotus flowers. Must-try: Shrimp and lotus cooked in creamy sauce, noodle cracker served with local vegetable and salty sauce, and grilled Mandarin fish cooked with chili and chickpeas. To satisfy your craving over spicy treats, head to Yuan Lao Si Hot Pot and try their hot pot menu and eat like a local. Must-try: The delectable green tea pancake and sizzling hot pot that consists of ingredients such as seafood, meats, local sauces and herbs. For dinner, travellers are recommended to try Bali Lobster (GPS: 30.592392, 114.267277). It is one of the famous dining venues along the bustling XueSong Road. This restaurant normally receives large number of diners. Travellers must understand that they might need to wait at least 15 minutes to be seated, especially during summer, which is the peak season. Must-try: Spicy crayfish (definitely the best) and re gan mian (Wuhan hot-dry noodle served with tasty sesame sauce).
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Gaya Travel Magazine expresses its heartfelt gratitude to AirAsia X for the opportunity to experience Wuhan. Browse www.airasia.com to find out more about their destinations and latest offers. 06
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A view of the illuminating Wuhan First Yangtze Bridge during the night cruise tour along Yangtze River Spicy hot pot is a must-try dish when in Wuhan
Originated from Java, the mystical kuda kepang dance is also alive and well in Selangor, performed during auspicious occasions
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Destinations
Grooving the Traditional Way, the Second Time: Rentak Selangor 2.0 TEXT by ELVI SURAYA SAID|IMAGES by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY & ELVI SURAYA SAID
Growing up in Selangor, I thought the state has always been about buildings and industrial parks, and anywhere in between. You can’t blame me because Selangor is the most industrialised and developed state in Malaysia that contributes significantly to the country’s annual national GDP. However, I am now more impressed with Selangor because it turns out that the state has so much more to offer besides the tangible and the physical. Selangor is rich in history, heritage and ethnic culture, which I learned when I participated in the recent cultural familiarisation programme called ‘Rentak Selangor: The Breathing Pulse of Our Land’ that was held from 9 until 12 March 2017. After the successful inaugural Rentak Selangor programme held last December 2016, the Selangor Executive Councillor (Exco) Office for Youth Generation Development, Sports, Culture and Entrepreneurship Development decided to collaborate with the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), PUSAKA (non-profit organisation that works towards the continuity of traditional performance arts in Malaysia) and Gaya Travel Magazine again to introduce the second Rentak Selangor, this time with different traditional music and dance performances from the previous. A total of 30 people comprising local and South East Asian members of media, social media influencers and bloggers participated in this four-day and three-night journey to experience the best traditional beats and moves available in Selangor. These participants promote Selangor’s vibrant cultural and musical heritage through various media channels and platforms to ensure that the contents of this programme reach to wider arrays of audiences.
What to learn: Kuda Kepang & Barongan Kuda kepang (flat horse) is a traditional dance originated from Java. Kuda kepang performance depicts a group of horsemen, whereby the dancers straddles a flat horse. The kuda kepang was made from braided strips of woven bamboo, generally colourful and decorated with bead and sequins. Predominantly, kuda kepang performance portrays troops riding horses, but it also incorporates trances. When dancers are in trance, they display extraordinary abilities as he was possessed by animal spirits such as monkey, snake, elephant and bird. Amazingly, these dancers could also chew on glass, climb trees or walk on hot coals. Persatuan Seni Budaya Warisan Kuda Kepang T: +6 013 6077025 (Wak Rahman)
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Tip: Those who are viewing the kuda kepang performance are advised not to wear red clothing as it could attract the dancers’ attention when they are in a trance.
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Kompang Kompang is a traditional shallow frame drum that is beaten with the palm of the hand and played in a group, usually performed during formal and informal opening ceremonies such as weddings, circumcision ceremonies and completion of Quran recitals. Kompang performance include songs and composition based on the contents of Kitab Berzanji (Book of proses in praise of Prophet Muhammad pbuh). The kompang comes in two types: Kompang Kadaro and Kompang Tiga (also known as Kompang Jawa). Even though both originated from Java, Kompang Kadaro and Kompang Jawa differ in terms of sound, size and the material used for the drum head, which is normally made from hide. The name Kompang Kadaro is derived from the Arabic word ‘Qadrah’ or ‘Qudrah’, which means ability to do things. In the olden days, Kompang Kadaro was played by farmers at night to rest their mind from work, therefore the sound is more calming and soothing. Kompang Kadaro has four kinds of rhythm: telon, banggen, babon and salahan. This kompang is usually made from cow hide. Kompang Tiga (Three Kompangs) has three sets of rhythm: telon, babon and salahan. The combination of the three rhythms makes a harmonious sound. Usually, Kompang Tiga being played during wedding ceremony to celebrate the bride and groom since the sound produced by Kompang Tiga is louder than the usual kompang. Kompang Tiga is made from lamb skin. Persatuan Seni Budaya Warisan T: +6 013 6150252 (Haji Daiman)
Lion Dance Lion dance is usually performed during
Chinese New Year, whereby the performers mimick a lion’s movement. The dance consists of two dancers dancing in lion costume while each of the other three persons plays the cymbal, the gong and drum. According to Master Shiow, who has been in the industry for over 40 years, lion dance is originated from China, but now is performed internationally. In the past, the lion dance moves did not synchronise with the tune and looked rather scattered. This style is now followed by lion dance practitioners in China. This performance art has evolved and now becomes part of the Malaysian culture. Interestingly, lion dance in Malaysia has been locally improvised to synchronise the dance moves with the song. Master Shiow T: +6 012 2293926
Gamelan and Wayang Kulit Wayang kulit (shadow play) is an ancient form of traditional Malay theatre using of light and shadow, entertaining the audience through story-telling. It is believed that it originated from Java since pre-Islamic times. A wayang kulit performance is led by Tok Dalang (main puppeteer), who expertly manoeuvre the puppets to nod, speak, laugh, walk, dance and fight. The story behind the play are often based on specific characters, commonly revolve around tales of Ramayana. Every story behind the play has its own lesson, making it a popular form of entertainment for both children and adults.The performance of wayang kulit is accompanied by gamelan, which also originated from Java. The word ‘gamelan’ itself means pounded upon, referring to the way this collection of musical instruments is played. Persatuan Seni Budaya Warisan T: +6 013 6092625 (Wak Kusnan)
What to eat: Nasi Ambeng and Soto Nasi Ambeng is a traditional Javanese cuisine that consists of white rice alongside chicken, vegetable, fried sambal, coconut floss and fried noodle, all served in a tray that is meant to be shared among two to five persons. The variety of the dishes that
come with the rice usually vary according to districts or places – some would also include fish. Traditionally, nasi ambeng is directly eaten from the tray by diners all at the same time using the right hand, a practice that is known to foster closeness and camaraderie. On the other hand, travellers can also savour soto, which is a soup dish comprising broth, meat, vegetables and cubes of compacted rice. Warong Ibu Lot 216, Batu 6, 45500 Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia T: +6 012 361 1987
What to visit: Bukit Melawati If you’re a history buff, then this place is just for you! Bukit Melawati is full of history regarding the Selangor Sultanate. There are a few vestiges to be visited on Bukit Melawati such as Batu Hampar (execution rock), cannons, The Royal Mausoleum, Poisoned Well and museum. Apart from being a historical site, Bukit Melawati also offers travellers an amazing view of Selangor coastline – just be careful with the mischievous local macaques. Sasaran, Kuala Selangor: Sky Mirror Escapade When the sky is beautifully reflected on the ground like a mirror, it seems that both earth and sky become one, making it an Instagram-worthy scenery. This is what travellers can expect from a newly discovered travel spot, especially travellers who love photography. The spot, for obvious reason, is called Sky Mirror, located on a mystery island. During the half hour boat ride from the Sungai Buloh Jetty in Jeram to get to the island, travellers can feast on natural scenes like birds flying in a flock along the mangrove.Uniquely, the sky mirror reflection only emerges several days per month, so travellers are advised to check with the tour operator before visiting this place. Sky Mirror Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd T: +6 019 266 6665 (Mr Lim) Price: RM 80 (adult), RM 60 (kids)
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01. The kompang is traditionally played at night to entertain farmers after a long day in the farm or paddy field 02. Painting the lion head requires great patience and attention to detail 03. The wayang kulit performances comes alive when combined with gamelan music 04. Nasi ambeng kahwin - suitable for couples to enjoy the dish together to strengrhen the bond between them
lers. There are different packages for travellers to choose from when staying here that offers the opportunity to take part in activities like batik-drawing, paddy-planting and harvesting, watching fireflies and witnessing the enchantingly mystical kuda kepang performance.
Tips: » Don’t forget to bring motion sickness pills if travellers are prone to such ailment during boat ride. » Travellers need to make reservation with the tour operator.
T: +6 013 607 7025 (Abd Rahman Daud) W: doranihomestay.com
Where to sleep:
Concorde Hotel Shah Alam Concorde Hotel Shah Alam is undeniably one of the most established hotels in the capital of Selangor due to its location, efficient services, reliable facilities and excellent food and beverage outlets, making it a good choice among business and leisure travellers. Located in Section 9, Shah Alam, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam is a stone’s throw from the iconic Sultan Salahudin Mosque, which is also known as the Blue Mosque of Shah Alam.
The Kabin Jeram Situated in a strategic location, The Kabin is situated in Pantai Remis, which is an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur to get here. This place is a great weekend getaway because it offers unique container type lodgings in the form of dormitory that accommodates up to 6 persons and guestrooms. With facilities such as swimming pool, barbeque area and karaoke sets, The Kabin is the perfect place for travellers to relax and unwind with family and friends!
T: +6 03 5512 2200 W: shahalam.concordehotelsresorts.com
T: +6 017 258 5227 (Firdaus Sany) W: thekabin.com.my Homestay Kampung Haji Dorani
05. Instagram-worthy ‘Skymirror’ in Sasaran,Kuala Selangor 06. Unique container-type lodging suitable for weekend getaway in Kuala Selangor
IMAGE 06 by AVEN FAUZI RAHIM
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Imagine waking up in a kampong house serenely surrounded by greening paddy fields and birds happily chirping way – that’s what Homestay Kampung Haji Dorani offers to travel-
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Destinations
Jumping Into The Snow Wonderland in Eastern Hokkaido! TEXT|IMAGES by MOHD SHAHRIL FAWZY
Throughout my journey exploring the world, I have visited various countries, including the land of the rising sun, Japan. One interesting quality that this country has – besides genuine politeness and strong cultural preservation – is the vast tourism offerings in different regions and prefectures for travellers to garner unique experiences. So, when Gaya Travel received a cordial invitation from Hokkaido Tourism Organization to unearth the gems of Japan’s northernmost island, I happily jumped onto this opportunity and got one of the items on my bucket list checked.
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After undergoing this exciting trip, I learned that this magnificent and under-the-radar Japanese island is a place worth visiting due to its delightfully dry and powdery snow, high-quality fresh food and drink, slowpaced lifestyle and stunning natural wonders.
Hokkaido at Glance: 1. Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture in Japan and its capital city is Sapporo. 2. Most people in Hokkaido speak Japanese (Nihongo) language. Take note that English isn’t widely spoken here. 3. Hokkaido’s weather can get pretty harsh in winter with heavy snowfall, while the climate during summer is not as hot and humid as the rest of the country.
Reasons to travel to Hokkaido: 1. This region has many ski resorts, making it the most ideal ski destination in Japan. 2. It is the perfect destination for travellers from tropical countries because Hokkaido enjoys a longer winter season compared to the other parts of Japan. 3. Hokkaido is home to Japan’s finest dairy,
fruit, cattle and vegetable farms, including best cheese producers too.
Getting to Hokkaido from Kuala Lumpur: 1. Air Asia X flies directly between Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) and Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) four times weekly. 2. Travellers may fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo via various airlines and take a domestic flight or train ( Japan Rail) to Sapporo or Hakodate. Transportation in Hokkaido: Public transport widely connects popular places like Sapporo and Hakodate. However, lesser-known places are difficult to access by public transport. I highly recommend that travellers rent a car for a more fun and flexible journey. Car rental services are available near most train stations and airports. Approximate rental fees are ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 per day for regular-sized cars and ¥8,000 to ¥10,000 per day for vans. Travel Companion: I was able to get connected to the internet with #SamuraiWiFi by Visondata Malaysia. Enjoy an unlimited Internet data in Hokkaido with just RM20/day. Browse www.visondata.com.my to find out more.
IMAGE 02 by WAKU WAKU SKY PARK
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The beautifully-shaped frost flowers developed on Lake Akan that can be seen during the early morning tour Doraemon characters and interactive games at Doraemon Wakuwaku Skypark Chewy and sweet sakuramochi made of glutinous rice, filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf
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Tancho or red-crowned cranes spotted at Akan International Crane Centre observation area An Ainu dance performance for worshipping and giving thanks for nature Braving the frosty morning at Lake Akan to search for frost flowers Witnessing the breathtaking white winter’s view while taking the ski lift up to Akan Hotspring Ski Gelande
Day 1 New Chitose Airport Terminal and Garden Spa at Tokachigawa Onsen After arriving at New Chitose Airport Terminal (GPS: 42.800414, 141.780428), I was brought on a tour around the airport. At first impression, I was pretty amazed after learning that there is a cinema, museum, onsen ( Japanese traditional hot spring), various shops and mini theme parks in the airport. If you are travelling with children, bring them to Doraemon Wakuwaku Skypark or Hello Kitty Happy Flight (Entrance fee: ¥800 for adult and ¥400 for kids) for fun and interactive activities. For adults, it is an ideal place to unleash your inner child. The journey continues to Tokachigawa Onsen to learn how to make Sakura Mochi at Garden Spa (GPS: 42.933126, 143.301179), located about two hours’ drive from the airport. The hotspring allows visitors to wear a swimsuit locally known as Yuamigi when getting into the public bath. Other facilities include four restaurants, a marché and a kitchen where visitors could try various hands-on activities such as cooking workshop. I get to learn how to make a Japanese sweet called sakura mochi (rice cake wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf ) with the help of an experienced food advisor. Sakura mochi is usually eaten on a special day in Japan called Girl’s Day or Hinamatsuri, celebrated on the 3rd of March every year to bless the growth of these female children and ensure their happiness.
Day 2 Akan International Crane Center, Kushiro Shitsugen Art Museum, Lake Mashu and Ainu Village I started off my second day in Eastern Hokkaido with a visit to Akan International Crane Center (Entrance Fee: ¥470 for adult and ¥240 for kids) to see the Japanese crane called tancho, claimed to be the rarest crane in the world. According to the local guide, one of the best places to see this red-crowned crane is Akan, located in Kushiro subprefecture. A walk into this centre was nothing short of insightful. I was able
to learn and understand tancho’s ecology and behaviour. The entrance fee includes a complimentary tour, hence be sure to join the tour so that you will be able to understand the history of this Japanese crane even more. Due to its significance, tancho is protected as a Special National Monument. The experience seeing this crane up close from the observation area is indeed surreal. Tip: It is best for travellers to visit Akan International Crane Centre between November and March to see the wild cranes at the feeding station.
If you are into art and history, a visit to Kushiro Shitsugen Art Museum (Entrance Fee: ¥500 for adult and ¥300 for university student) is a must. This museum is located just a few steps from Akan International Crane Centre and it attracts visitors with its permanent exhibition of artworks and personal belongings of the famous Hokkaido painter, Eisho Sasaki, also known as “the painter of marsh”. He was honoured for his contribution in promoting three Hokkaido’s national parks: Shiretoko, Akan and Kushiro Shitsugen. Some of my favourite masterpieces by the artistes are Carnival of the Wetland (1974), Flora of Sunset (1978), and The Marshland in Kushiro (1987). The exhibition is a compelling study of the locals’ life, and the flora and fauna. Later, I continued my journey to one of the stunning lakes in Japan, Lake Mashu (GPS: 43.583655, 144.532694). Located in Akan National Park, Lake Mashu is 211 metres deep and considered by many as the clearest lake in the world with the visibility of 41.6 metres. Though going down the lake is not possible, there are two observation decks (Observation Deck Number 3 and Observation Deck Number 1) positioned around the rim for visitors to enjoy the sweeping lake view. Those that wish to enjoy the view from a different angle may take the hiking trail that leads to the summit of Mount Mashudake from Observation Deck
Number 1. The hike approximately takes three hours one way. To see the striking contrast of white snow and the blue colour of Lake Mashu, travellers should visit during winter. However, travellers are advised to check on the weather forecast before going there because the lake is also frequently blanketed in heavy fog. At night, I was taken to the settlement of the Ainu people called Ainu Kotan or Village (GPS: 43.433869, 144.089144), located few metres away from Lake Akan. Ainu is an indigenous community that mostly lived in Hokkaido and some parts of bordering Russia. When wandering around the village, travellers get the chance to visit several shops that sell various traditional Ainu crafts such as woodcarvings and embroidered items. Not only that, travellers could also sample Ainu cuisine at the restaurants within the village. A small museum exhibiting traditional Ainu crafts, daily life utensils and clothes is located at the end of the street, which is recommended so that you can get better acquainted with Ainu history and artefacts. 079
Tip: During winter, travellers are recommended to visit Lake Akan Winter Festival that is held on Lake Akan. The festival stages various activities such as snowman and igloo-making, games and hands-on ice cutting that travellers can see or even participate. One of the highlights of this festival is the Winter Fireworks show that takes place every day during the festival.
Day 3 Lake Akan and Hot Spring Ski Gelande On the third day of the trip, I woke up early at about 5.30 a.m. to participate in the early morning walk tour on Lake Akan (GPS: 43.460556, 144.104631) organised by Akan Tourist Association. Lake Akan is known for more than just its marimo (Moss Ball) and winter festival. This lake receives a high number of visitors due to its fascinating natural phenomenon called frost flower (delicate ice sculptures formed by nature that looks like flower). According to the guide Yamazaki Masato, the frost flower can only be seen during early morning in winter when the temperature hits -15°C and below due to the agglomeration of small ice crystals due to wind, creating beautifully formed natural sculptures. It becomes even more exciting when these frost flowers cover a huge field, turning the scene magical. This experience in a must when travellers are in Kushiro. The rate is ¥2,000 (adult) and ¥1,400 (children) for a one-hour tour. Visit www.lake-akan.com to book explore the tours on around Lake Akan. Tip: If you plan to participate in the morning walk on Lake Akan, wear a comfortable thermal clothing to keep yourself warm during the tour. The temperature can hit as low as -20°C and could get more challenging when it is windy. 080
For ski lovers or those who wish to obtain ski experience, do visit Lake Akan Hot Spring Ski Gelande to try some skiing activities. This ski resort offers a wide variety of facilities for beginner to advanced skiers. There are different ski slopes to choose from, including Left Wing with the distance of 900 metres and the maximum slope of 20 degrees, suitable for beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers may try the Right Wing, with its 1,200-metre distance and maximum slope up to 26 degrees. For children, there is a Kids Park, situated in front of the rest house, for them to play with the adorable snow statues, including Chibi’s soldiers. However, for those who are not into skiing, just take the ski lift to admire the stunning view of Lake Akan. Browse www. akan-ski.com to explore more of Lake Akan Hot Spring Ski Gelande services and facilities.
travellers flock to Eastern Hokkaido. Located just outside of central Asahikawa City, Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan that has become popular for offering travellers the possibility of observing the behaviour of each animal from various angles. Tip: You are recommended to come early if you wish to have a pleasant viewing experience because the zoo receives huge crowds, especially during peak season.
Though I assert that animals should live in the wild, our local guide mentioned that Asahiyama Zoo is the better place for animals such as fox, wolf and leopard because it helps to conserve them from threats. I spent nearly three hours exploring the lovable animals at this zoo. If you plan to visit Asahiyama Zoo, look out for unique moments like seeing penguins swimming in the underwater glass tunnel, seal passing through a glass pipe and encountering polar bear at a close range. Also, don’s miss the Penguin Parade, which takes place during winter. Gaya Travel Magazine expresses our heartfelt gratitude to Hokkaido Tourism Organization for turning our writer’s dream of visiting Hokkaido into reality. Travellers may browse en.visiteastern-hokkaido.jp or www.easthokkaido.com for more info on what Eastern Hokkaido has to offer.
Tip: Rental service is provided at this ski resort for visitors to loan basic essentials such as ski, snowboard, warp and wear. Do visit their official website to get the current rental rates.
Day 4 Asahiyama Zoo This was the day when I left Eastern Hokkaido and headed back to Sapporo city. Along the way, I visited Asahiyama Zoo (GPS: 43.768673, 142.480080), said to be one of the reasons
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The Penguin Parade at Asahiyama Zoo enthrals spectators of all ages
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Visitors to Kampung Balik Bukit enjoying bullock cart ride that is now rarely seen in Malaysia Media members looking good in traditional Malay attire The Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Haji Idris bin Haji Haron (in black cap and sunglasses) getting ready to lead a convoy of 20 Vespas
Destinations
The Second Edition of In Case You Didn’t Know (#ICYDK) Melaka TEXT|IMAGES by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI
Because of its uniqueness, rich and complex heritage, multiracial people with warm hospitality, and exquisite dishes, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with Melaka over and over. The city – despite being small in size – is righteously proud of what it has to offer. Regarded by Malaysia as the city where it all began, the historic city now showcases a harmonious existence between the past and the present.
Tourism Melaka and Gaya Travel, recently organised the second edition of In Case You Didn’t Know (#ICYDK) Melaka in conjunction with the Asia Urban Youth Assembly (AUYA) 2017. AUYA is an international event where 34 youth representatives from Asian countries are given the chance to voice out their opinions and significant concerns that contribute to the formulation of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) urban agenda. Follow me as I uncover places and activities that add to Melaka’s allure, which travellers should not overlook.
What to Experience Strolling around the village on a bullock cart Kampung Balik Bukit may not be famous among international travellers yet but this beautiful village deserves some attention. When other parts in Malaysia decide to ditch traditional modes of transport, Kampung Balik Bukit did the opposite by continuing to maintain offer rides on bullock carts, which was quite common in Melaka decades ago. Nowadays, these bullock carts are mainly used to ferry tourists around the village, or for special demonstrations and exhibitions. As such, travellers to Melaka must experience the authentic, traditional bullock cart ride, which
is as quintessential as riding the colourful Melaka beca (trishaw). It offers a 45-minute unforgettable ride with the sceneries of a typical contemporary Malay village. You may opt to try riding on the bullock cart with a well-carved roof or an openair carriage for more unobstructed view. Warisan Kereta Melayu Tambak Bugis KM 10, Jalan Tambak Bugis, Telok Mas, 75460 Melaka Tel: +6 019 756 3341 / +6 012 765 3341
Trying out traditional Malay costumes Malay traditional costume is modest yet elegant. Generally, the costume for the men is called baju Melayu while for the women is called baju kurung. Baju means clothing. Today, the traditional Malay costume is worn during special occasions such as official events, weddings and celebrations like Eid ul Fitr. Malay men usually wear baju Melayu on Fridays to perform the Friday prayer. Travellers, especially foreigners, must try out the Malay costumes to get the real sense of living like the locals, including learning some Malay words, ethics, tradition and savouring authentic local food like asam pedas (spicy sour dish), popiah (spicy spring rolls) and seri muka (sweet layered snack with pandan-flavoured jelly on top and glutinous rice at the bottom).
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Scooting around the village on a Vespa The Vespa motorcycles are undoubtedly famous back then and now, they are considered exclusive and fashionable due to its nostalgic and vintage value. We managed to experience the ride not only with the locals, but also with the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Haji Idris Haji Haron, who was present when we visited Kampung Balik Bukit for a casual, high-tea session with the villagers and media representatives. In a convoy of 20 Vespas, we experienced riding amidst muddy paddy fields to reach to the venue for the high tea, where even more exciting activities awaited us.
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Getting muddy for paddy field games What is more fun than playing to our hearts content in the mud? Travellers are recommended to join the village locals in exciting traditional games like tarik tali (tug war), tarik upeh (pulling palm fronds race) and catching ducks. Those who are brave enough can play and sit at the back of the enormous, horned buffalos too. Do not afraid to get dirty as these classic, exhilarating games will surely leave travellers memorably delighted. Attending a traditional Malay mockwedding and trying folk games To immerse yourself even more in Malay culture, head to Balai Adat (Cultural Centre), close to the Hang Tuah Settlement at Kampung Duyong, Melaka. The centre offers interesting activities to teach travellers about Malay culture; one of them is to attend a traditional Malay mock-wedding. Travellers are invited to participate not just as guests but also the bride and groom, which means that travellers get to dress up in stylish traditional Malay costumes. The feast continues with makan beradat where the bride and groom, including the guests, are served with toothsome Malay dishes and cakes while being entertained by graceful Malay dance performances such as zapin and dondang sayang. Travellers can also learn and play Malay folk games such as chap teh, congkak, batu
seremban, lompat getah and more. Entrance Fee: MYR3 (adult), MYR2 (senior citizen) and MYR1 (children) Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) Rest Hours: (Friday – 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday – 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) Balai Adat Perkampungan Hang Tuah, Kampung Duyong, 75450 Melaka T: +6 06 292 6340 / +6 06 286 0453
Visiting traditional Malay house A settlement that carries the name of a Malay legendary warrior, Hang Tuah, would never be complete without possessing authentic Malay houses. One such example is the private abode belonging to Patimah Mat and family, located close to Balai Adat and Perigi Hang Tuah (Hang Tuah’s Well). This Malay house is open to the public. The house’s main feature, which is synonymous to Melaka, is the tangga Melaka (entrance staircase), constructed using cement and bricks, then embellished with colourful glazed tiles. This style is different than the other traditional houses across Malaysia that normally use wood for its entrance staircase. Symbolically, the steps of Melaka’s staircase is built in odd numbers to denote indivisibility in faith and belief in one God. Entrance Fee: MYR2 (adult) and MYR1 (children) Rumah Tradisional Melayu Melaka Perigi Hang Tuah Perkampungan Hang Tuah, Kampung Duyong, 75450 Melaka T: +6 012 285 0446 / +6 016 613 0776
Play around with butterflies and reptiles at Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary For those who do not know, here is a fun fact: a butterfly only has a 10-day lifespan! This is among many other surprising facts that I learned during my visit to this fantasy-like attraction. It is the home of over 20 species of
butterfly such as Black and White Helen, Malayan Birdwing, and the protected species Rajah Brooke, the national butterfly of Malaysia. It is truly fascinating to watch these lovely little pilots dancing and flying freely – some are even downright friendly, landing on our head and arm. Although butterflies are the main attraction, travellers are also able to mingle face-to-face with other insects, birds and reptiles like moving leaf insect, iguanas and cockatoos, which are all harmless. To add to the excitement, there are a total of 14 different parts in the sanctuary such as Kampung Buaya (Crocodile Village), Snake Garden, Bird Aviary, Lizard Territory, Emu Ranch, Bugs Kingdom, Tarantula Cave, Larva Centre, Pupae House, Giant Snapping Turtle, Koi Garden and three Butterfly Aviaries. Spending an hour at this attraction is definitely not enough! Business Hour: Open Daily (8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.) Entrance Fee: MYR22 (adult) and MYR16 (child 3-12 years old) Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka T: +6 06 232 0033 W: www.butterflyreptile.com
Witnessing sunset from the top of Equatorial Hotel Melaka There are a few spots where travellers get to enjoy sunset in Melaka. One of them is on the 26th floor of Equatorial Hotel Melaka. From there, travellers will not only get the stunning view of the setting sun but also the panoramic view of the historic Melaka city that includes landmarks like A Famosa, Taming Sari Tower, Malay Sultanate Palace and Dataran Pahlawan Megamall. The experience felt even better with a glass of refreshing asam boi (preserved or sour plum) drink with lime and lemon grass. Equatorial Hotel Melaka Bandar Hilir 75000 Melaka T: +6 06 282 8333
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A group of men having fun playing tarik tali (tug-of-war) in the mud at Kampung Balik Bukit Filipino blogger Kenneth Surat donning the Malay wedding costume during the traditional Malay mock wedding at Balai Adat A kaleidoscope of butterflies sucking the juice out of the cut pineapples at Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary A visitor getting ready to shoot the sunset over Melaka from the rooftop of Hotel Equatorial Melaka
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Also, consider: Riding the Melaka River Cruise (melakarivercruise.my) This is a brilliant way to get to know Melaka at a leisurely pace. During the ride, passengers will pass by historic buildings, old warehouses, mangrove strands, the traditional Morten village and cafes. It is recommended that travellers take the river cruise during sunset as the lights are about to be switched on. Entrance Fee: MYR10 (adult) and MYR5 (child)
What to Eat Spicy Mutton Curry and Asam Pedas Claypot We never had enough of the flavourful, fresh and tender mutton in thick spiced gravy in Melaka that we savoured during the first ICYDK Melaka. So, during this second edition of ICYDK Melaka, we visited the place again! The taste remains authentic and delicious like the first time we ate there. The spicy mutton curry can also be eaten with nasi impit (cubes of compacted rice). If mutton is not your preference, then opt for the stingray cooked in asam pedas claypot, which is sure to gratify travellers’ taste buds. Since this shop is popular, be sure to come early to avoid disappointment.
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Warung Kari Kambing Power & Asam Pedas Claypot KM42, Jalan Tambak Merlang 1, Kampung Simpang Bekoh, 77100 Asahan Melaka T: +6 012 777 5006 / +6 013 682 2800
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Durian Cendol at San Shu Gong, Jonker Street Need a good dessert to beat the heat? Then try out cendol, a dessert with ingredients like shaved ice, Gula Melaka (palm sugar), coconut milk and green, jelly-like noodles. This dessert is also what Melaka is well known for. Although it can be easily found almost everywhere in the state, travellers may visit San Shu Gong on the famous Jonker Street that offers a little more than what most cendol shops offer: durian cendol! The addition of the king of fruit to the cendol racks up the flavour a few notches, making it another ‘must-taste’ when being in Melaka. There is also a shop on the first floor that sells Baba Nyonya delicacies. San Shu Gong 33, Jalan Hang Jebat ( Jonker Street), 75200 Melaka T: +6 06 282 8381
Nyonya Cuisine at The Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant In the modern, deluxe Equatorial Hotel in the heart of Melaka city, there is a Nyonya-styled restaurant notably one of the best of its kind. This gorgeously decorated restaurant is famous for its home-cooked meals, among them are Hee Peow Soup, Ayam Pongteh, Nyonya Chap Chye and Nyonya Pie Tie. However, one should never give the Nyonya Cendol a miss. This icy treat tastes exceptionally wonderful with the intense flavour of gula Melaka and satiating taste of coconut milk. The Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant Level 3, Hotel Equatorial Melaka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka T: +6 06 282 8333
Where We Slept Hatten Hotel Located in the heart of Melaka city, Hatten Hotel offers 704 modern deluxe suites for travellers who long for a relaxing and comfortable accommodation. It is also convenient for travellers to experience many attractions in Melaka since they are in close proximity to the hotel. Hatten Hotel also has interesting dining venues such as Chatterz and Alto Sky Lounge, each with its own uniqueness and specialties to suit travellers’ palates.
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Hatten Square Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka T: +6 06 286 9696
Delightdful spicy mutton curry, asam pedas claypot and nasi impit at Warung Kari Kambing Power & Asam Pedas Claypot Mouth-watering durian cendol at San Shu Gong with Jonker Street at the background Nyonya Pie Tie and Otak-Otak (grilled spicy mackerel fish with spices) are among the food served at The Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant A visitor posing next to the spacious pool at Hatten Hotel
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Coconut Island Carita, a beachside water theme park suitable for family Cikoneng lighthouse was established again in 1885 to replace the earlier lighthouse that was completely destroyed during the 1883 eruption of Krakatau The pristine landscape of Tanjung Lesung, Banten
Destinations
Tanjung Lesung: A Novel Getaway No More TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by SHAHIDA SAKERI & TANJUNG LESUNG
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a familiarisation trip organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Johor Bahru, in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, to promote an up-and-coming destination called Tanjung Lesung – an area 170 kilometres west of Jakarta in Banten Province – that is downright amazing and holds so much promise. Tanjung Lesung is a low-key place that still holds little recognition among foreign travellers, but has been an absolute favourite among the Jakartans for many years as weekend getaway destination where they can chase sunsets and sip cool drinks underneath swaying palm trees. It is also blessed with picturesque beaches and stunning views of the mighty Krakatau volcanic mountain rising from the plains and dominates the skyline. The place is imbued with soul and romance that just by looking at it, you’ll understand why locals want to keep this dreamy paradise all to themselves. However, I guess Jakartans now have to learn to share their hideaway with the world, especially since the government has announced that Tanjung Lesung is designated as one of the country’s ‘Special Economic Zones’ for tourism with various major projects in tow, including the development of new access toll road, a marina, an oceanarium, golf courses and more state-ofthe-art hospitality to increase Tanjung Lesung’s international appeal. To get to Tanjung Lesung that is on the west coast of Java, travellers can take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2, Senai International Airport Johor Bahru, Penang International Airport or Kuching International Airport to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, then embark on another four to five hours’ drive passing by sleepy and quaint villages, an exciting water park called
Coconut Island Carita (Instagram: coconutislandcarita) and a stunning 75.5 metres Dutch lighthouse in Anyer (Cikoneng) before reaching Tanjung Lesung.
Relaxing, unpretentious accommodation Upon arrival, as we were being checked in at Tanjung Lesung Hotel and Resort and in the middle of gulping down refreshing coconut water handed to us at the lobby, a group of men dressed in colourful hula skirts and contagious cheery mood approached us and persuaded us to dance along to some happy tunes. Some of us hesitated at first, but eventually gave in to the pleasant atmosphere that filled the air. Before we knew it, it was time to retreat to our own room. My accommodation was at one of the 61 cottages built within the property: decorated in wood, rattan and off-white walls with warm and welcoming feel. It also comes with both private and open air shower (I skipped the latter in fear of showering under the gaze of curious birds). There is a small living room in each cottage that I reckoned would be advantageous for families or small groups staying together. Should travellers feel like going all out, then they can opt for one of the 50 villas available that comes with a private pool and a kitchen each. Rates of these cottages and villas start from IDR700,000 and IDR2,500,000 per night respectively.
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This resort, despite being built in the mid 90s, offers facilities that are still among the best in Tanjung Lesung. It dominates the area between the woods and water that includes a 15-kilometre private beach, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a three-hole golf-course (with a plan to transform it to 18-hole underway), a Beach Club and an Activity Centre, altogether covering only five percent of the 1,500 hectares of land slated to be developed under the SEZ plan. During the night of my visit, we had dinner at the Pangrango Restaurant that serves delicious traditional Sundanese dishes and fresh seafood including my top pick, the tender grilled squid. In some ways, the restaurant takes on a beach resort clichéd look with an open-air concept and teak furnishing, which nonetheless creates a relaxing atmosphere. But the highlight of that dinnertime was the cultural showcase by a group of local children from the school funded by the resort. Performances include an eerie yet extraordinary super-human art called debus that requires its performers to pierce their body parts like tongues and cheeks with sharp instruments, similar to what Malaysians see during the Thaipusam celebration at the Batu Caves Temple. There were also the dramatic ‘Sendera Tari Dewi Tanjung Lesung’ that depicts the legend of Tanjung Lesung’s sea goddess, and a breathtaking fire show. Guests who come to Tanjung Lesung Hotel and Resort tend to congregate by the swimming pool and the Beach Club, besides having fun under the sun while playing water sports such as snorkelling, banana boat rides, wake boarding, water polo, volley polo and jet skiing. There are also at least five attractive diving sports in the area’s waters that include a Dutch shipwreck drowned during the colonial era. But if land activities are more of your thing, the resort provides facilities for cycling, ATV adventure, badminton and table tennis.
Rich in Nature and Culture In the next morning, I ventured out to the unspoilt Peucang Island that is part of the Ujong Kulon National Park, the country’s first national park and protected by
UNESCO since 1992. This is also home to the endangered species of one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Sondaicos), famously known as the Javan rhino, which is unique to Banten. However, being shy as they are, I couldn’t spot a single one during my trip but instead saw a surprisingly tame deer, peacocks and boars roaming around freely and undisturbed by our presence at their natural habitat. Since travellers are actually entering the wild domain, they are reminded to keep a respectful distance from these animals to give them space. Agriculture was rife in Ujong Kulon until the industry was destroyed when Mount Krakatau erupted on 27 August 1883 and killed its inhabitants, eventually turning the area into forest like it is today. If you like jungle trekking, there are plenty of tracks that you can explore, one of them leads you to a century-old Kiara tree that survived the eruption. Should you prefer to spend a night here, there is decent accommodation available here for IDR700,000 per night. The fact that the former Indonesian President, Soeharto, used to have his own space here gives an idea of how wonderful this place is. The boat ride to this island takes around two hours and the fare (IDR10,750,000) includes a lunch box and an English-speaking guide. My time in Tanjung Lesung was rather limited, I must say, or else I’d be keen to visit a village belonging to the members of the Baduy community in the district of Lebak who still adhere to their ancestors’ traditional customs and rules due to their limited contact with ‘outsiders’ and modern world. The Baduys, who called themselves
‘the people of Kanekes’, neither travel by car (mostly still walk barefoot) nor do they use electronic gadgets. Every year, this community celebrates Seba Baduy, a festival that involves the Baduy men numbering in hundreds and even over a thousand walking over a hundred kilometres to present their offerings to the Governor of Banten in Kota Serang, a tradition kept alive since the days of the Banten sultanate. In 2017, Seba Baduy is held from 28 until 30 April. Thus, if travellers have time, they are recommended to take an excursion to the village organised by the resort and learn a thing or two about this unique culture.
Conclusion Tanjung Lesung is indeed a tropical haven that is relatively still isolated and distinctive in culture. It’s calm shimmering blue sea and coconut palms that dot the coast stretching out towards the sea are truly beckoning. On top of that, it’s people are as unique and sweet as the area’s cuisine. High seasons are between June-August and November-December, but if I were you, I’d book my ticket early and come here now before the crowd starts to swell and rooms are all fully booked throughout the year. Tip: Since travelling to Tanjung Lesung takes quite time, I’d suggest that travellers stay overnight in Jakarta prior and post-journey for proper rest. While in Jakarta, why not explore some of the city’s interesting attractions such as Dufan Amusement Park, which is a great place to bring your families and friends. Or, if you are into shopping, head to Mangga Dua where you’ll find many products ranging from apparel and food to gadgets – just remember to bring much cash since most retailers here do not take credit or debit cards.
Gaya Travel Magazine team members express our heartfelt gratitude to the Consulate General of Republic Indonesia Johor Bahru and Indonesian Ministry of Tourism for the opportunity to experience the memorable Tanjung Lesung.
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Travel Agents that could arrange travellers’ trip to Tanjung Lesung: PT. Travesia Indonesia www.travesia-indonesia.id
Overseas Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd. www.overseas.com.my
BT Tune Holidays & Services Sdn. Bhd. www.bttuneholidays.com Dialta Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. www.dialtatravel.com
Syarikat Masrina Travel Sdn. Bhd. Email: masrina_world@yahoo.com
Sri America Travel Corp. ( J) Sdn. Bhd. www.satours.my 04. 05. 06. 07.
The mighty Krakatau mountain dominating the view of Tanjung Lesung The century-old Kiara tree that survived the Mount Krakatau eruption in 1883 A friendly deer wandering freely throughout the grounds of Peucang Island Holidaymakers doing quad biking, one of the activities offered by Tanjung Lesung Hotel and Resort
Coral Tours & Limousine Services Sdn. Bhd. Email: carol_coral288@yahoo.com
East Coast Adventure Travel and Tours Sdn. Bhd www.eastcoasttour.com.my
Destinations: In Brief
Enthralling Tanjong Malim TEXT|IMAGES by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD. JELANI
Believe it or not, Tanjong Malim – a town situated in the Muallim District in Perak – is actually enthralling. Designated as one of the four youth towns in Malaysia, I always look forward to visiting this destination, which offers various youth-friendly attractions and activities. Together with other representatives from the media organisations and travel agencies, I obtained my first-hand experience discovering brilliant Tanjong Malim’s hot spots that are ideal for youths due to their educational, adventurous and memorable quality.
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For History and Art Aficionados National Education Museum Strategically located in the historic Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI), this museum has 21 permanent galleries and one themed gallery showcasing significant history, revolution and prominent figures of education in Malaysia. The building, which was built in 1919, is also known as Suluh Budiman Building. It was inspired by the Notre Dame Church in France and Salisbury in England. Hence, the Dutch-Gothic architecture can be traced in both its interior and exterior. In 2009, the building was gazetted as Cultural Heritage Building in recognition of its importance as a national heritage. The museum is also surrounded by other heritage buildings that travellers can visit for free such as Anjung Tun Perak (Tun Perak’s Porch), Anjung Bendahara Seri Maharaja (Bendahara Seri Maharaja’s Porch), and Rumah Za’ba (Za’ba’s House), which is said to be the house belonging to one of Malaysia’s greatest laureates, Za’ba.
Entrance Fees: Free Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. daily National Education Museum, Sultan Idris University of Education, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak GPS Coordinate: 3.685632, 101.525248 T: +6 05 450 6680 W: www.upsi.edu.my
Tanjong Malim Street Art Street art is flourishing across Malaysia. Many states, including cities like Tanjong Malim, are already embracing street art as part of urban embellishment, especially on old buildings where travellers can take awe-inspiring photos. These works of art are easy to find because they are located right in the heart of Tanjong Malim city. Though the Tanjong Malim street art project is expected to be entirely completed by June 2017, I can still enjoy beautiful paintings along the back alleys of old shophouses. Taking photos with these artworks are a must. My media friends and I enjoyed strolling around the streets for educational paintings of Malaysian sceneries and prominent figures besides cartoon characters like Monsters, Inc., Mickey Mouse, BoboiBoy and others. There are also pasar malam (night market) and a rink dedicated for roller blade enthusiasts close to the area. Tip: Ask the friendly locals to show you the area.
For Nature Lovers Environment Natural Element (ENE) Ginger Farm, Tanjong Malim Bentong ginger is popular not only because it is bigger in size, but also deemed more valuable in terms of nutritional quality compared to the other more conventional types of ginger. It can treat digestive issues, nausea, relieve menstrual discomfort, and reduce inflammation, among others. Originally planted on the hill slope near Janda Baik and Bentong, Pah-
ang, the plant however has become a high-demand commercial product. Visitors can learn on how the ginger is planted and processed until it is packed either in raw or powder form. Besides, travellers can even taste the salubrious ginger tea when you buy it fresh directly from the farm. ENE Ginger Farm (TM1), Lot 12097, Rizal Jalan Kawasaki, Industri Behrang 2020, Peti Surat 59, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak T: +6 012 370 3082 FB: Environment Natural Element
Ulu Slim Hotspring In Kampung Ulu Slim, there is a hot spring that records high water temperature – 104°C to be exact. Hence, the natural hot spring is said to be the hottest in Peninsular Malaysia and the third in Asia. Because the water is that hot, it has become a tradition for visitors to boil eggs here. And so we did! The eggs were soaked in the pond of hot water for about five minutes to become hard boiled eggs. Those who prefer half-boiled eggs may soak them in the water in lesser time. Nevertheless, hard-boiled or half-boiled, it tasted delicious. Savouring the eggs is one thing, but the view is quite scenic and enjoyable too. The smoke produced by the hot spring adds dramatic effect if you intend to take photos here. Public facilities such as covered resting area, pedestrian walkways and places to boil eggs are also provided. Kolam Air Panas Ulu Slim, 35800 Slim River Perak GPS Coordinate: 3.898818, 101.497906 Tip: Don’t forget to bring seasonings such as soy sauce and black pepper powder; you may also buy them from the nearby stores!
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For Valorous Adventurers Go Kart and Archery Desire for daring sports? Go all out and drive like a pro on a go-kart circuit or give your best shot in archery at Tanjong Malim Go Kart and Archery Academy. The place is strategically and uniquely located opposite Tanjong Malim KTM Station and right under the Tanjong Malim flyover. The academy provides complete equipment and gear for the sports, including food stalls and open karaoke for visitors to chill out after enjoying their adrenaline rush. The circuit is famous among youths since many tournaments have been regularly held here. Opening hours: 10.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. daily (except Thursday) Tanjong Malim Go Kart and Archery Academy, Lot 1770, Mukim Ulu Bernam, Tanjong Malim, Perak T: +6 017 450 9488
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White Water Rafting Seeking a thrilling, exciting and wet activity? Then challenge yourself by participating in a white water rafting that cascades down the spectacular Ulu Slim river that is located about an hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur. However the journey to the Put-In Point to launch the raft requires another hour of bumpy ride on a four-wheel drive. Slim River has more than 30 rapids with levels of difficulty that range between 1 to 3. Depending on the weather, rainy days could bring the range up to level 4. Do not feel intimidated because this is something that all travellers should experience. As a first timer who managed to successfully finish this exhilarating ride, I found that the higher the level of difficulty, the more fun it becomes! Above all, safety is the utmost important, thus travellers should take heed of all advice given by the white water rafting guides for an exhilarating yet safe experience. Chili Rafter Resources, No 2A, Jalan Makmur 7, Taman Slim Makmur, 35800 Slim River, Perak T: +6 012 397 8796
Water Tubing, Abseiling and Flying Fox For those who are afraid of suspenseful activities like white water rafting, they can consider doing water tubing, abseiling and flying fox instead, which are must-do activities when being in Tanjong Malim. The best place to experience these is at Teratak River View because these activities are all included in the package together with accommodation and meals. Water tubing and abseiling offer you more control when doing these activities, hence many travellers enjoy them because they can do it at your own pace. But my favourite would be the flying fox because this exciting experience let travellers fly across the iconic Bernam River that separates the states of Selangor and Perak, which can only be experienced at Teratak River View.
Teratak River View, Lot 1301, Lubuk Nibung, Mukim Hulu Bernam Timur, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Batang Padang, Perak T: +6 013 533 5033 / 019-511 5033 / 017-343 1346 W: teratakriverview.blogspot.my GPS Coordinate: 3.685326, 101.529692
For Foodies Pau Sedili UPSI Tanjong Malim is often regarded as the town of pau (steamed, filled and fluffy bun). Among the famous pau is called Pau Sedili. Though travellers may find pau shops everywhere in Tanjong Malim, travellers should try out the pau sold at UPSI, started in 2014 by Dr. Suriani Mohamed, a lecturer from UPSI who set up a Pau Sedili small business. Knowing that the business has high potential, UPSI built a building specially dedicated for the making of Pau Sedili. Today, the lecturer, together with two workers, can produce up to 500 paus in a day. It offers seven fillings such as sardine, red bean, chicken, chocolate and kaya (a type of jam made from coconut and egg). However, one should taste Pau Sedili’s hot item, which is the delicious pumpkin filling.
Besides savouring the famous pau, I also got the chance to learn, produce and eat my own Pau Sedili. Though the pau that I made may not look as good as the one did by the lecturer, I managed to have it taste almost similar to the real thing. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak T: +6 019 364 2060 / +6 019 303 5580
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Garden Seafood Restaurant This restaurant is famous not only among locals but also tourists because many tour operators send their guests here. It is no surprise that the Chinese restaurant also has many Malay, Indian and even international customers because it is a halal-certified restaurant. It offers a wide array of seafood-based menus like sizzling talapia, butter prawns, honey sotong (Squid) and steamed turbot fish. Opening Hours: 12.00 p.m. – 10.30 p.m. daily Garden Seafood Cuisine Sdn. Bhd., 7 & 8, Jalan Wangsa Utama, Taman Wangsa, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak T/F: +6 05 458 3398 / +6 017-870 3398 GPS Coordinate: 3.698414, 101.513422
Hitz Café This café is famous for its delicious fusion food and pastries. Second to that is the café’s attractive interior that makes customers want to take photos of themselves and the place while enjoying their food! I was also delighted by the warm hospitality demonstrated by the staff. Beside consistently welcoming walk-in diners, the café also provides the place for events such as birthdays, corporate functions and dinner parties. Opening Hours: 11.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m. (Monday-Friday) & 11.00 a.m.-7.00 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday) 10, Jalan Chong Ah Peng, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak T: +6 05 458 1888 GPS Coordinate: 3.681254, 101.520141
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Sarang Art Hub If art is your interest, then you might like this place. Sarang Art Hub is a unique restaurant established in 2015 by a popular Malaysian film director, Mamat Khalid. ‘Sarang’ means nest. Functioning as a hub for art, this previously-unused guesthouse is a hub for everyone to engage themselves in creative and artful ways while enjoying scrumptious food. Unlike other restaurants, Sarang Art Hub serves to educate the community to appreciate the arts, as well as providing a space where youngsters can showcase their artistic talents. Opening Hours: 2.30 p.m. – 12.00 a.m. (Monday-Sunday, closed on Thursday) Sarang Art Hub, Jalan Rumah Rehat, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak T: +6 012 525 8798 E: sarangarthub@gmail.com GPS Coordinate: 3.680466, 101.522028
Sri Angsana Restaurant, UPSI This is actually a mock restaurant managed by a lecturer, Nor Azizah Ahmad and her students from the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, UPSI. It is where students who are studying the relevant courses can learn and practice how to serve and prepare food, therefore it does not operate like any other restaurant. Based on my own experience, the food served is agreeable and the students provide good service like in any fine dining
restaurant. Depending on the work force and students’ availability, the restaurant may also be able to receive bookings. Restoran Sri Angsana, Bangunan Yusof Ahmad, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak T: +6 012-345 3426
For Eco-Resort Seekers Teratak River View Operating since 2008, Teratak River View is located opposite of the Bernam River that separates the state of Perak and Selangor. Besides offering many exciting outdoor activities such as camping, abseiling, flying fox and water tubing, this modest yet comfortable resort also provides chalets, dormitories, a multipurpose hall, a dining hall and various facilities. The area is quite secluded. It requires about 15 minutes’ ride on a truck to get to the place from Tanjong Malim town. The signal for phone coverage is zero, most of the time – not to mention Wi-Fi – making it perfect for travellers to truly indulge themselves with the tranquil lush green natural environment. This is definitely an ideal camping place for small or large groups of travellers. Teratak River View, Lot 1301, Lubuk Nibung, Mukim Hulu Bernam Timur, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Batang Padang, Perak T: +6 013 533 5033 / +6 019 511 5033 / +6 017 343 1346 W: teratakriverview.blogspot.my GPS Coordinate: 3.685326, 101.529692
Akademi ESPEK Uniquely surrounded by palm oil plantation, Akademi ESPEK offers the new type accommodation in Tanjong Malim in the form of 20 cottages. The best part is, Akademi ESPEK is located near a cascade called Lubuk Timah. This eco-resort also offers many outdoor activities such as flying fox, motor cross, all-terrain vehicles, river-rafting, kayaking, jungle-trekking and fishing that are sure to enrich travellers’ experience in Tanjong Malim. Akademi ESPEK, Kampung Ulu Slim, 35800 Slim River, Perak. T: +6 03 4270 4021 / +6 013 398 4028 W: www.espek.com.my/akademiespek GPS Coordinate: 3.895579, 101.499485
Destinations
Keningau, Hinterland Gem of Borneo IMAGES by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN
It is said that to fully experience Sabah, travellers should not skip Keningau, a town located around 70 kilometres from Sabah capital Kota Kinabalu and named after the Javanese cinnamon tree in local dialect. It is situated in a valley enclosed by the Crocker Range to the west and The Trus Madi Range to the east and south. Keningau is surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air, perfect for travellers to escape hectic urban life and learn about life in the Borneo hinterlands. Greenhouse Restaurant & Catering and Sebrang Livestock Breeding Station
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Travellers simply must try Keningau’s special delicacy, payau penyet (fried pressed venison) at Greenhouse Restaurant & Catering next to Sebrang Livestock Breeding Station. The meat is known to have among the lowest cholesterol level, but people prefer it more for its sweeter flavour. There are over 500 deer currently reared at the adjacent breeding station, which supply meat for local consumption. Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, closed on public holidays. Admission Fee for Sebrang Livestock Farm: Free, but require permission T: +6 087 331 546 (Sebrang Livestock Breeding Station)
Crocker Range Park Travellers, why not leave all your gadgets at home but bring only camera to experience nature on your own at the Crocker Range Park? This is the largest national park in Sabah with facilities that make it ideal for camping, jungle-trekking, bird-watching and various outdoor educational activities. Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission Fee: Malaysia MYR3, non-Malaysians MYR10 T: +6 019 862 0404 (Crocker Range Park Head Station Keningau)
Mount Trus Madi Suitable for adrenaline-seekers, Mount Trus Madi, the second highest peak in Malaysia, after Mount Kinabalu, awaits you! However, to scale Mount Trus Madi, travellers are recommended to keep up their fitness level because the trek can be challenging. Along the way, travellers will encounter wide range of unique flora and fauna, including the emblematic pitcher plant.
Keningau Night Market To experience local culture, travellers should head to the Keningau Night Market. There are two night markets in the town: one is held in Bingkor on Thursdays, and another in Pekan on Sundays. Like any other Malaysian local markets, the night market in Keningau offers wide range of offerings, from fresh vegetables to variety of handicrafts, mostly crafted by Kadazandusun people, including tasty local delicacies, local honey and Tenom coffee.
Keningau Oath Stone To understand Keningau’s past that shapes its present, it is recommended that travellers visit the Keningau Oath Stone, which is the sole historical attraction located on the grounds of the Federal Office Complex. This prominent oath stone stands as a monument of promise between the Sabahans and Malaysian Government prior to the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. The monument reminds Sabahans of the events leading to independence with their rights over religion, land and customs guaranteed without interference.
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Oh Deer! You simply can’t say no to this cute Bambi Payau penyet, Keningau’s special delicacy- a mixture of sweet taste of deer meat and spicy from the sambal Jungle-trekking along the trail in Crocker Range Park to admire the amazing view Visit Keningau Oath Stone to understand Keningau’s history
We are the largest local hotel chain in Malaysia and you can find us everywhere. What makes life so incredibly fascinating is there is so much to discover, in the world around us, and within ourselves. Feel the experience at Hotel Seri Malaysia where you will enjoy comfortable accommodation and meeting facilities at remarkably affordable rates. We have presence in 21 locations (over 2,000 rooms in total) strategically located in all states in Malaysia except Kelantan and Sabah. Our facilities include WIFI, ASTRO (satellite TV), meeting rooms, business centres and swimming pools.
“Selesalah bersama kami…”
HOTEL SERI MALAYSIA
KANGAR Lot 8101 Mukim Utan Aji, Persiaran Wawasan, 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
GPS : Latitude: 6.414173 | Longitude: 100.19476 Tel: +6 04 977 1777 E-mel: rsvn.kgr@serimalaysia.com.my The hotel is located in Kangar, the capital of Malaysia’s northernmost state in Perlis, and only 10 minutes’ drive from the Royal Town of Arau. Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar offers many facilities and services to enrich guests’ stay. When being in Perlis, guests should not miss savouring local specialities such as Laksa Perlis and grilled fish served with special hot source. Tourist attractions: • Gua Kelam – Limestone cave and old tin mine • Bukit Keteri limestone hill • Snake Park • Mempelam Harummanis Farm
HOTEL SERI MALAYSIA
KEPALA BATAS
No 2, Jalan Usahawan 5, Pusat Perniagaan Dato’ Kailan, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia GPS : Latitude: 5.515586 | Longitude: 100.431489 Tel: +6 04 575 6700 E-mel: info@hsmkbt.serimalaysia.com.my
This hotel is housed within a high-rise building with six floors, strategically located in the middle of Komplek Kailan, Kepala Batas, which is the home town of Malaysia’s 5th Prime Minister. It is minutes away from the Bertam exit along the PLUS highway where Penang Golf Resort is located. This formerly unknown little town consisting only a stretch of wooden shop houses is now buzzling with development and has since evolved into a spanking new township.The hotel also has multi-functional rooms ideal for conferences, meetings and other events. Guests should not miss the famous Bertam Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) with its heavenly hot and spicy gravy when being in town.
Places of attraction:
Clean Beach, Bagan • Vision Park • Penang Bird Park • Island Cruise • Sports Complex •
HOTEL SERI MALAYSIA
LAWAS
Jalan Gaya, 98850 Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysia
GPS : Latitude: 4.857509 | Longitude: 115.407128 Tel: +6 085 283 200 E-mel: info@hsmlawas.serimalaysia.com.my
HOTEL SERI MALAYSIA
MELAKA
Lot PT 12332, Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75760 Ayer Keroh, Melaka, Malaysia GPS : Latitude: 2.287005 | Longitude: 102.305524 Tel: +6 06 232 8460 E-Mel: rsvn.mkz@serimalaysia.com.my Hotel Seri Malaysia is about a kilometre away from Ayer Keroh Highway exit, located within the vicinity of Melaka’s major tourist attraction sites, such as Zoo Melaka, Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, Taman Mini Asean, Crocodile Farm, Honey Bee, Museum and for nature lovers, the Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest. It takes less than two hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur and two hours from Johor Bahru. On 7 July 2008, Melaka was proclaimed and added into UNESCO’s World Heritage List. There are so many things to do and experience in Melaka.
Tourist attractions are:
• Al-Quran Museum • Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum • Governor’s Museum • Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum • A Famosa • Dutch Graveyard • Malacca Light • Portuguese Well • Proclamation of Independence Memorial • Ruins of Saint Paul’s Church • Saint John’s Fort • Stadthuys
Hotel Seri Malaysia Lawas is located in the small frontier town at the northeastern corner Sarawak. Lawas is actually the starting point for the logging road to Ba’Kelalan, a popular highland area. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the area are Tamu Lawas (Produce Market) held every Saturday. Fresh local produce such as vegetables, fruits and sea products are sold in this market that is frequented by locals and even visitors from the neighbouring Temburong district of Brunei. Hotel Seri Malaysia Lawas faces the Lawas river, the site for the annual Lawas Regatta.
Places of attractions:
Tamu Lawas • Punang Beach • Sungai Bangat Beach • Murut Mount • Awat–Awat Water Village •
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Hotels & Resorts
Le Meridien Putrajaya: Unlocking the Destination, Elevating the Experience TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA
Le Meridien Putrajaya is a premier lifestyle hotel that is of international standing. Professional and business-like, the hotel is hardly stuffy and instead found to be pragmatic and sensible. Ideally situated close to Putrajaya’s key commercial and retail districts, the hotel is accessible via various points of entry that include the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and the Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA). Being Le Meridien’s third location after Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Le Meridien Putrajaya is designed to resonate with travellers who seek enriching experiences through its passion for art, cuisine and locale. According to Le Meridien Putrajaya General Manager Kumar Renoo, the hotel intends to “expose the creative-minded traveller to the most unexpected and engaging experiences, inside and outside the hotel.” “The existence of Le Meridien Putrajaya is to help unlock Putrajaya, Sepang and their surroundings as a veritable destination among Starwood Preferred Guests (SPG) members and other sophisticated travellers,” adds Le Meridien Putrajaya Director of Sales & Marketing Tan Lee Fong. The hotel’s biggest plus is its 353 stylish, smoke-free and spacious guestrooms, with the smallest starting at 42 square metres. They all sport Europeaninspired contemporary look that come with the ultra-comfortable signature Le Meridien Bed. Most rooms face the golf course, and their efficient layout and business-friendly facilities easily meet corporate and leisure travellers’ expectations. The rooms’ sizes also make them family-friendly too because the beds could fit two adults and two toddlers. Each room has at least five built-in international adapter plug points to meet the demands of tech-savvy gadget-lugging guests. Free Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the hotel’s premises is provided as well.
In terms of facilities, Le Meridien Putrajaya has an open-air infinity pool located next to the dedicated children’s pool overlooking the golf course, offering guests the chance to cover a few laps and then take in the soothing green scenery. It also has a 24-hour gym with sufficient equipment for a good workout. For those who are still uninitiated about Putrajaya, the hotel’s transport department also offers a two-hour Putrajaya tour for guests at MYR84.20 per hour.
Gastronomically Excellent Le Meridien Putrajaya has two full-fledged dining outlets, Latest Recipe and Le Mei, which offer excellent and distinctive “curated fare” (as Mr. Kumar Renoo puts it), topped with quality service. For more dining options, guests can simply head to the swanky IOI City Mall attached to the hotel, making their stay experience more convenient and urbane. When having breakfast at Latest Recipe, guests should try out the outlet’s unique Signature Breakfast menu comprising cutting edge creations such as duck tartine and egg benedict on Chinese buns to be ordered separately because they are not served at the buffet. During weekends, the breakfast buffet served at Latest Recipe and the Club Lounge on Level 20 are open until 11:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. respectively, understanding that guests prefer to sleep in and have the pleasure of waking up later than usual.
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For quick bites, guests can head to Latitude 02, a bar-like corner that serves refreshing beverages and homemade pastries, particularly chocolate and vanilla eclairs, which are Le Meridien’s signature. The eclairs also come in flavours such as mango and roselle to suit local palate. For a more elevated dining experience, guests must dine at the exclusive Chinese fusion dining outlet Le Mei, which is Muslim-friendly because it serves innovative cuisine using halal ingredients, allowing both Muslims and non-Muslims to dine with peace of mind. This restaurant is headed by award-winning Chef Michael Wong, who brings authentic ChineseCantonese cuisine to the next level of present-day gastronomy by infusing herbs and spices into his creations for stronger contrast of flavours that please even the most jaded epicureans. The restaurant places top priority in the quality and freshness of its food, hence the many repeat customers. Each dish is exquisitely presented, embellished with seasoning made in-house and using no monosodium glutamate.
first property outside China to carry the Le Mei brand, making the outlet – and the hotel – all the more special and serendipitous. On top of that, Le Mei Outlet Manager, Mr. Ammar Shahril, is the only non-Chinese manager in Malaysia who runs a Chinese restaurant.
Guests will definitely be impressed by the restaurant’s elaborately crafted wooden panels at its entrance, similar to those found in the Malaysia-China Friendship Garden in Putrajaya. The restaurant’s interior employs design that is creative and traditional yet elegantly current. Being able to accommodate up to 90 diners at one time, Le Mei has five individual dining rooms for guests to dine and entertain in privacy. The restaurant is also ideal as a venue for dinner functions, wedding receptions, social events, product launches and even fashion shows. Big names, especially the Who’s Who in Malaysian business and politics, including those associated with them, pass through Le Mei’s doors on regular basis since the hotel is within the radius of Putrajaya, Malaysia’s seat of administration. Prior to the existence of Le Mei in Putrajaya, the name is used as a brand by Le Meridien for its Chinese restaurants only in mainland China. Le Meridien Putrajaya receives the honour as the
Haven for Golfers and Their Company
Le Mei is popular for traditional dim sum during lunch and modern Cantonese-inspired cuisine for dinner. Some of the restaurant’s must-try dishes are lamb chop with dried chili, and cod fish with egg white. But the one dish sybaritic diners should never miss is the almost orgasmic dessert confection that combines vanilla ice cream with salted egg yolk topped with red beans, which could make diners wake up all night just remembering it. In short, dining at Le Mei is an unforgettable experience because it offers great food and great ambience. Diners interested to experience Le Mei at Le Meridien Putrajaya should take note that the restaurant is open daily for lunch from 12:00 noon until 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Le Meridien Putrajaya offers stay-andplay golf package by working closely with the premium and professional Palm Garden Golf Club where guests do not need to be a member to play and has an 18-hole golf course situated within the IOI Resort City. Designed by an Australian architect who also designed a few reputable courses in Malaysia, Ted Parslow, the golf course is divided into two sections: Eugenia, comprising the first nine holes deemed easy; and Bismarck, the remaining nine holes that offer more challenge. An average golfer may take up to around four hours to complete the entire course. Though the five-year old Palm Garden Golf Club has a short course, golfers find it enjoyable because it is the number one public golf course in Malaysia due its outstandingly well maintained facilities and service. The leading golf publication ParGolf also ranks the course as one of the
top three greens in Malaysia in 2017. The golf course is popular so much so that besides locals, it also attracts many Japanese, Koreans and mainland Chinese vacationers throughout the year, especially during the northern hemisphere winter season. According to Le Meridien Putrajaya Assistant PR Manager Rima Malini Theyuanboo, Le Meridien Putrajaya is popular among Korean golfers who take up the Golf Package because they find it irresistibly attractive due to the value they get compared to if they were to play golf back home. Gaya Travel Magazine was further informed that the amount the South Koreans and the Japanese spend on golfing and holidaying at Le Meridien Putrajaya for three days and two nights is almost equivalent to one round of golf in their respective countries. Since the course receives around 3,000 rounds per month, the grounds are maintained on daily basis so that golfers’ experience when playing at the course can be fully optimised. The club also has a two-tier driving range. Though Palm Garden Golf Club charges more than the average golf session (MYR400 per person on weekdays and MYR600 during weekends), guests are not required to pay the initial hefty membership fee, thus offering peace of mind to those who want to play without strings attached. “No doubt, the price is slightly higher to play at the course. However, golfers receive more value in the form of better and professionally maintained facilities and well manicured greens so that golfers will be able to ‘feel’ the game. We provide flexibility in terms of time for golfers to play, besides allowing golf buggies to go directly onto the greens so that golfers can access the holes more conveniently. After all things considered, this is a truly accommodating golf course and touristfriendly,” notes Palm Garden Golf Club Sales & Marketing Manager KC Yum. Those who do not golf are still welcome to use the club’s other facilities like the swimming pool, gymnasium and tennis court (at a fee), including lounging at the
club’s all-day dining outlet R5ve Cafe, which is popular for its comfort food such as Cantonese kway teow, Vietnamese bean curd and fish head mee hoon noodle. Besides, family members or travel companions of golfers who play at the Palm Garden Golf Course can opt for other activities like shopping, dining, ice skating and discovering District 21 at the IOI City mall, besides relishing their stay at Le Meridien Putrajaya.
MICE Destination Le Meridien Putrajaya also offers meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) package comprising one-night stay plus one adventure park entry per person by partnering with District 21, a 70,000 square-foot adventure park with post-apocalyptic theme located within IOI City Mall opened to the public since December 2014. The place does not only offer family fun but also team-building programmes for public and private organisations, including corporations. The theme park also offers individual rooms for organisations or individuals to hold functions like learning and development seminars, including private events like birthdays. Five of District 21’s ten attractions are specifically designed for adults to foster confidence, determination and inculcate esprit de corps together with teammates. The other five attractions are dedicated for children who are at least five years old. Due to the complexity of the attractions that can be physically demanding, most of them require the players to be at least 90 centimetres tall. There are also weight restrictions imposed on certain attractions, hence players need to check with the marshals on duty. “District 21 emphasises on safety and health of the players. All staff are certified in safety and knowledgeable in administering
first aid. Activities are supervised by experienced marshals to ensure that the players remain safe. Safety checks are done every day and thorough safety inspection is done every month,” claims District 21 Senior Sales & Marketing Executive Shahrul Nizar. He added that what makes District 21 more unique is the presence of the vertiginous attraction called the roller glider, which is one of the only two in the world and a must for adrenaline junkies. The other one is in Bulgaria, the origin of the attraction. Besides District 21, Le Meridien Putrajaya also provides MICE facilities within the hotel’s premises such as the 15 meeting rooms that include the nearly 2,500 square metres grand ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and supported by a creative event planning team.
Conclusion With its top-notch accommodation, gastronomy and facilities, including staff who are dynamic, passionate and bent towards making guests’ stay memorable and exceptional, Le Meridien Putrajaya helps to unlock the destination not just among the SPG members but also travellers who are inquisitive and have good taste. Perhaps it is safe to say that the hotel, being ideal for MICE and staycation, helps to place Putrajaya and the surrounding areas on the discerning travellers’ map, giving more reasons for such travellers to explore this side of the world and unlock its delights. Le Meridien Putrajaya Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City 62502 Putrajaya Sepang, Selangor T: +6 03 8689 6888 www.lemeridienputrajaya.com
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Hotels & Resorts
Princely Charm - The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by THE PRINCE GALLERY TOKYO KIOCHI & JUHAN KAMARUDDIN
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is a distinguished property set in the upscale Kioicho neighbourhood that is part of the Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, a mixed-use development comprising commercial, residential, retail and entertainment spaces. With interiors by Rockwell Group Madrid, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is the second Luxury Collection property to open in Japan, following the Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which debuted in Kyoto back in 2015.
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Being part of the central Chiyoda municipality, the hotel resides in the geographic centre of Tokyo, seamlessly aligning with the city’s historic marvels and ultra-modern infrastructure. The hotel’s surrounding area is home to the National Diet and apartments for its elected representatives, the official residence of the Prime Minister, and the Akasaka estate where Japan’s crown prince and princess, including other members of the imperial family, reside. It is also a good 25-minute walk to the Imperial Garden, offering the chance for guests to stretch their legs and feast their eyes on the meticulously manicured landscape afterwards. The location affords convenient access to diverse attractions, including Shimizudani Park and Benkei Canal. Nearby, Akasaka Mitsuke metro station connects to the popular districts of Ginza, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Shibuya. Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) are 45 and 90 minutes away by road, respectively. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho features striking contemporary aesthetic inspired by the sprawling sky and kaleidoscopic colours of the surrounding city. Located between levels 30 and 36 of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, the hotel features 250 guestrooms, including 11 opulent suites. The lobby is situated on Level 36, while the Club Lounge is on Level 34, and the Kioi Spa and fitness centre on Level 30. As guests step into the hotel, they will realise that the hotel is a state-of-the-art, swanky, luxurious bolthole, suited for guests who choose to stay amidst global sophistication characterised by Japanese accents and finesse when being in Tokyo. The creation of the hotel revolves around capturing and celebrating the surrounding views by framing them using oversized floor-to-ceiling windows that let in generous amount of natural light, turning the views into framed artworks that are as magnificent as paintings. Walking pass the hotel’s windows after windows is likened to walking in an art gallery where you pass by one artwork after another. Those who enjoy prying upon landscapes like the Gaya Travel Magazine Editor would have a field day when they put up at the hotel. To further stimulate guests’ senses, the hotel also embellishes its guestrooms, restaurant, lobby and elevators with curated works of art that enrich guests’ experience.
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Inside the hotel’s exquisite rooms, guests have total control of the room’s ambience – as well as accessing various information about the hotel – at the touch of an iPad, making the experience current and futuristic at the same time. Gaya Travel Magazine team falls in love with the room’s Bose compact audio player that is Bluetoothenabled, providing us quality sound direct from our own playlist while we luxuriate in the confines of our room. The toilet comes with control panel for efficient use, while the transparent shower glass panels turn opaque at the touch of the “Bathroom Screen” button for privacy. At the bathroom, bodycare amenities by the luxury label Laboratoire Remede developed by a team French and Swiss chemists await guests. The rooms come with oversized windows that frame the unobstructed panorama of Tokyo’s expansive and dense skyline that extends all the way into the horizon, anchored by an obliging and spacious daybed for guests to frolic on while taking in the view. As a matter of fact, guests even can see the view while showering when they switch off the mentioned “Bathroom Screen” if privacy is not an issue.
Tip: When travellers decide to stay at The Prince Gallery
Tokyo Kioicho, they are highly recommended to opt for the Club Rooms since guests staying there are given free access to the Club Lounge (opens from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.), fitness centre and rejuvenating Japanese bath, sauna and pool. We must say that the Club Lounge’s breakfast spread is sufficiently hearty and satisfying, enriching the experience of those who prefer to avoid the morning breakfast crowd.
Besides accommodation, the hotel also means business when it comes to taking care of guests’ well-being as demanded by the affluent and urbane travellers. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho offers an impressive fitness centre that possesses all necessary equipment and accessories, including the Kioi Spa that dispenses treatments, operated by Montreuxbased Swiss Perfection, a leader in cellular therapy. A large indoor 20-metre pool with Olympic lane markers, sauna and personal training service come together with the fitness centre, including a Japanese bath that guests should utilise as part of their Japanese cultural immersion.
For unrivalled dining experience, the hotel features four unique restaurants and bars, including the all-day dining venue called Oasis Garden with a sky garden setting; the Japanese restaurant Washouku Souten with dining room, sake bar, teppanyaki area, sushi counter and private dining room; Levita Sky Gallery Lounge that serves tea, light snacks and cocktails; and the hotel’s signature bar sexily christened as illumiid THE BAR on Level 35 with floor-to-ceiling windows that captures the mesmerising cityscape. Adjacent to the hotel, the neighbouring Akasaka Prince Classic House on Level 4 of the Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho was the former residence of the last crown prince of Korea, Yi Un, completed in 1930 with glorious western-style and French-inspired ambience. The building now offers 3,000 square feet of elegant banquet hall that accommodates up to 140 guests. It is also home to La Maison Kioi, an elegant French bistro that now occupies the space where Prince Yi used to have his sunroom, replete with Jacobean-style wall panelling and parquet wood floors, just as it was in 1930. For stylish imbibing, the cosy Bar Napoleon at the building’s annex brings back the snazzy atmosphere and legendary cocktails the bar is known for since 1955. Guests who prefer a more sedate experience at the Akasaka Prince Classic House can try out the café (open from 11:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.) that serves delectable macarons, chocolate and coffee eclairs, including the afternoon tea set (at JPY3,000 per person) consisting of sandwiches, apple pie, assorted desserts, coffee and tea. In conclusion, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho hotel is indeed a bulwark of enveloping neoteric opulence that is artful, promising its guests the veritable princelyto-the-hilt experience full of freshness and vigour minus the stuffiness and stodginess that might be associated with prestige. Without doubt, the hotel is a cutting edge property composed of refinements that fuses sharp Japanese minimalism with global style and outlook, in line with the expectations of the internationally trendy and sophisticated. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, A Luxury Collection 1-2, Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 102 8585 T: +81 3 3234 1111 www.luxurycollection.com/princegallerytokyokioicho
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Hotels & Resorts
Club Med Sahoro: The Winter Haven TEXT by SHAHIDA SAKERI|IMAGES by CLUB MED & SHAHIDA SAKERI
For as long as I can remember, it has been my dream to ski. Just the idea of gracefully swishing down a beautiful snow-covered mountain while breathing in crisp cool air makes skiing sounds like the coolest sport – imagine the confidence, the adrenaline rush and sensation that you would feel as you jump, turn and flip like an acrobat in the air. Well, that’s what I thought before finding out that “bend your ankles, turn your toes and push your heels” are not as easy as they sound... The Anticipation My Hokkaido winter odyssey began as I touched down at the New Chitose Airport on a direct AirAsia X night flight from KLIA2, which took roughly around eight hours to reach this northernmost island in Japan, where its winter lasts a good six months (November to April) and brings postcard-perfect powdery snow landscape. Since I had a couple of hours to spare before my Sahoro Express Ski Shuttle Bus ride to Club Med Sahoro, I quickly toured the airport that seemed like a specialty haven overflowing with local seafood products, confections and crafts – truthfully, you could easily lose half a day and your yen just by shopping here. At 10.30am, I made way to the bus meeting point where I finally saw a big, big crowd of skiers – young and old – waiting in line with skis in tow and an excited grin on their face. “This is it,” I said to myself, couldn’t believe for a minute that for the next few days, I’d be doing the one sport that I’ve been wishing to experience for so long. Located two hours and 10 minutes from the airport and the site
where Sapporo Olympic Games was staged back in 1972, Club Med Sahoro nestles a little way up the almost deserted Mount Sahoro, fashioned in the style of a massive complex comprising both modern and traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats, an indoor swimming pool, an indoor ofuro bath and sauna, an outdoor Canadian tub, a gym, a spa and three food and beverage outlets all under one roof – in other words, you don’t even need to leave the resort except for some outdoor activities in the snow. On top of that, feel free to leave behind your wallet (in your room, stored in the safe that is) when you are here; Club Med’s trademark all-inclusive packages will get you covered from three gourmet meals daily, open bar and snacking service, ski lift tickets, ski lessons to kids club. The only things that guests need to pay extra are the ski-hire, ski wear, spa service and additional excursions. My room had a mountain lodge feel to it, well-styled but not excessively decorated and thoroughly comfortable, totally suitable for families with small children. Even the bathroom and the toilet (with heated toilet seat) are separated as per
common Japanese configuration for guests’ convenience. It’s worth noting, moreover, that Club Med Sahoro is a Green Globe-certified property, hence it implements sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, including limiting bottled drinking water in the rooms. Once guests have finished drinking them, they are urged to refill their bottles at various refill stations throughout the resort.
To Ski or Not To Ski The long tiresome journey and drastic climate change must have exhausted my body so bad. After settling in, I thought of hitting the slopes right away but the body just resisted against my will. Perhaps a good long massage at Club Med Spa Pirka would help. And boy, I was right. I particularly enjoyed the 60-minute Body Aromatherapy massage ( JPY12,960), which successfully reduced my fatigue because my lovely soft-spoken masseuse focussed on the areas I requested with their best-selling soothing oil – no first-night effect on me that night, for sure.
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Afterwards, I went to the resort’s Ski Service Centre to get fitted for ski boots, skis and poles. The whole fitting process was a breeze with the ever helpful G.O.s (Gentil Organisateur) assisting me in finding the right pairs according to my height, weight (gasp!) and ability. It is highly recommended that guests find the equipment and gear that fit them the best to reduce the risk of unnecessary pains. For example, in finding the right fit for your ski boots, your toes should meet the end of the boot, but leaves enough space for you to wiggle them. Ignore this tip and you might end up with painful black toenails on your feet after skiing. Guests need to take note that renting out the equipment and gear is not inclusive in the Club Med Sahoro package, so be prepared to fork out around JPY4,320 to JPY6,650 per day, depending on your preferences. Once all the equipment and gear are sorted out, guests can store them at the locker according to their room number. Additionally, guests of Club Med Sahoro can rent ski clothes (jacket and waterproof pants by Rosignol) as well at JPY3,500 per day from the boutique if they do not possess any. When it comes to food, Club Med Sahoro shines beyond expectations. This can be seen at Daichi, the resort’s main restaurant, where a vast feast is laid out in buffet style three times each day, ranging from Hokkaido specialties like crab and dairy products (especially my favourite, which is the soft ice cream) to international fare like western, Italian, Chinese and even Indonesian on some lucky days, cooked and prepared fresh in front of the guests. The resort brings in fresh seafood and produce every day, and sources local products whenever possible. But for those who like to try something different, guests should make reservation and head to Mina Mina (which means “happy smile” in indigenous Ainu language) to try out the outlet’s nabe (hot pot meals).
The Judgement Day Sahoro’s gentle pistes and many intermediate slopes fit in with Club Med’s long-standing emphasis on ski education amidst family-friendly atmosphere, without compromising advanced skiers’
and snowboarders’ expectations. Club Med Sahoro’s guests can access the 21 ski runs, nine of them for beginners, five for intermediate skiers and seven for advanced ski junkies. But I learned that the more advanced skiers and snowboarders actually prefer to go off-piste since it is more exciting, especially when having to ski between trees. One more advantage of skiing/snowboarding here, besides the ski-in ski-out access, is the low ski traffic, meaning guests’ time on the slopes is maximised. A group lesson, moreover, is complimentary for all ages. Should guests prefer one-on-one session, extra charge is applied. Club Med Sahoro has a group of talented instructors including a former Olympic ski athlete, Matjaz Kladnik. Our instructor, Oki, was a patient and accommodating man. He instructed us beginners on the basics such as attaching skis to our feet, walking forwards and backwards like a penguin, walking sideward like a crab, braking our skiing using the ‘snow plough’ or ‘pizza’ technique, and shifting our own weight to turn. But at this point, I realised I must have born with two left feet. The giddying tingle of excitement was slowly evaporating as I struggled with having to adjust my speed and mastering the snow plough technique. For some reason, I couldn’t spread my legs as I was going down the slope and instead I fell over, time and again. Trust me, if not for that soft powdery snow, I think my bum would have been terribly hurt. At the same time, my confidence was shattered and before I knew it, our two-hour session in the morning ended. During the lunch that followed, I was feeling frustrated with myself until I ran into Oki again in the food hall, when he kindly said “Don’t worry. No one did great on their first day. Keep practicing!” Somehow, that became a mantra for me to hit the slopes again and perhaps with just a few more lessons, I think I might be able to finally conquer the slopes. Unfortunately, that would have to be on my next visit. So even though you might face such a hard time during the ski lessons like I did, you’re still most likely end up having fun here at Club Med Sahoro. There are
so many things you can do besides skiing such as the après ski (social activities after ski), great for guests to unwind and mingle with fellow patrons, like having a hot chocolate in the afternoon from the Wakka Bar and perhaps a pancake or two along with it. At night time, go to the theatre and witness the spectacular themed shows performed by the talented G.O.s. During my visit, the G.O. who prepared our pancakes in the bar happened to be a phenomenal acrobat; his stunts on the stage were simply incredible! There are also excursions that guests can join at an additional cost such as horse-riding, air-boarding, tree-climbing, ice-fishing, Kasumi Waterfall trekking and Tomuraushi hot spring.
A New Kid on the Block It is interesting to note that Club Med is also introducing another property also in Hokkaido called Club Med Tomamu that is currently under intensive construction, set to officially open in December 2017. Located only 30 minutes away from Club Med Sahoro, this new village promises a more refined Trident Luxury Space that offers dedicated concierge and personalised services. “We are also collaborating with Hoshino Resorts Tomamu to jointly enhance the attractiveness of Tomamu as a premium resort destination,” shared Vincent Ong, Vice President for Marketing, Club Med East and South Asia & Pacific. Both Club Med Sahoro and Club Med Tomamu are ideal for those who want a taste of skiing in Japan with no
hassle, all-inclusive resort style environment. The one in Sahoro fits best for families, particularly those with younger children and/or first-timers, while the one in Tomamu is where the millennials would prefer. One thing is for sure: I wouldn’t hesitate to give skiing in Club Med Sahoro another shot. Tips for beginners: » Wear good waterproof trousers, jacket, and gloves. » Wear warm thermals underneath. » Wear sunglasses or skiing goggles to avoid bright light. » Take lip balm and sun cream with you to avoid chapped lips and sunburn.
Club Med Sahoro Occupancy: 95% occupancy and top in the region – Decembers seem to always full with holidays-makers and beginners, while January till March are when the experts from Japan and Europe arrive. *Download the Club Med app to remain updated with latest information about your stay, including the theme nights so that you can pack accordingly. Gaya Travel Magazine team members extend our heartfelt gratitude to Club Med and AirAsia for making the writer’s trip to Hokkaido an unforgettable experience.
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Hotels & Resorts
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: Microcosm of Japan under one roof TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO & JUHAN KAMARUDDIN
Being 45 storeys high, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo was the first skyscraper hotel in Japan. Though the hotel is already 46 years old (it first opened on 5 June 1971), it is still excellently maintained and remain strongly relevant, with 75% of its guests international. Out of that number, 50% to 60% of them are Asians, mostly from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Keio Plaza Hotel’s size and economies of scale also allow it to be strong in international MICE since it can accommodate large groups. Gaya Travel Magazine finds the hotel ideal for those who travel on corporate / business / official purposes – and not just leisure – because the hotel proves to be efficient, guest-friendly and well thought out with reliable facilities that match the needs of even the most seasoned travellers. Accessibility Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is only a five-minute walk to Shinjuku transport hub (the best hub station and the busiest in the world) and adjacent to the landmark Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It is situated on the west side of Shinjuku that brims with corporations, businesses and government offices. It is also not far from Shinjuku’s after-hours grass-root hot spots where the Japanese workforce let their hair down after a hard day’s work such as Omoide Yokocho (old school restaurant lane) that is replete with izakaya (casual Japanese style bars) and eateries serving teppanyaki (food grilled on iron plate), and Kabukicho for adultoriented entertainment and shopping centres. Being close to the Shinjuku station also means that the hotel is just two train stops away from the famous Meiji shrine in Shibuya for travellers to witness typical Japanese scene and the kawaii street in Harajuku to immerse in Tokyo subculture. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo also have many maps prepared for the convenience of guests for example maps of halal and vegetarian restaurants, izakaya, noodle shops and even convenience stores.
Bastion of Japanese culture and art Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is a huge hotel that offers various activities and exhibitions, so much so that it could even be a destination in its own right. The hotel conscientiously introduces Japanese culture to guests and does its best to uphold its promise in providing guests the chance to “experience the beauty of Japan from within the hotel”. Guests need not travel far to learn about Japanese culture because it is already offered within the hotel’s premises such as participating in tea ceremony, getting photographed in resplendent traditional Japanese wedding kimono, savouring keiseki ( Japanese traditional fine dining), learning about Japanese festivals (the hotel was displaying the Hina Matsuri or Dolls Festival for Girls exhibition), and admiring Japanese arts and crafts.
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Travellers who are hard-pressed for time to discover Tokyo – and Japan for that matter – will find staying at the hotel enriching because they will be exposed to Japanese arts and crafts through regular exhibitions held within the hotel such as larger-than-life ikebana (floral arrangement) display and workshop every season; Japanese bonsai until end of March 2017; majestic and complex artworks depicting Mount Fuji applied on enormous kimonos using tsujigahana (dye-and-tie pattern colouring technique) by legendary artiste Itchiku Kubota in April 2017; traditional Ogi fans that inspired European fans since the 18th through 20th century in May 2017; bewildering art of Noh theatre in June 2017; and displays of exquisite traditional Arita porcelain in July 2017.
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“Since its inception, the hotel prides itself for taking the initiative to bring the beauty of Japanese culture directly to its guests so that those who stay at the hotel will truly feel the strong sense of place,” said Junko Saito, Deputy Director of Marketing PR for Keio Plaza Hotel. The hotel, through Junko and her team, works closely with Japanese artistes, organisations and foundations relating to art and culture such as the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Saitama, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and the National Noh Theatre to be showcased within the hotel. Such laudable effort is what makes Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo truly unique, besides possessing high hospitality standards.
Impressive Rooms and Lounge The hotel boasts 1,437 rooms, with eight of them designed in Hello Kitty theme that are in line with the hotel’s intention to introduce Japanese elements to its guests because Hello Kitty is part of the kawaii (quality of cuteness) aspect of popular Japanese culture that has caught on internationally. At the same time, a travelling group comprising family or companions of four are encouraged to opt for the familyfriendly four bedded rooms called “Luxury Fourth” if they are located in the Main Tower and “Fourth the South” if they are in the South Tower. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo’s Imperial Suite is iconic - it still maintains the original Japanese modern design look since the hotel first opened in 1971. The suite is a prime example of the 70’s mod chic living that is now highly prized due to its vintage style and value. Guests of this suite get the opportunity to relive the 70’s glamour when being surrounded by elegant furnishing and artefacts that transport them to that period. The hotel purposely maintains the suite for posterity to ensure that successive generations realise how far the hotel has come. Another suite that is distinct to the hotel is the Japanese tatami suite that makes guests feel like staying in a quaint ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).
Speaking of rooms, Gaya Travel Magazine team recommends that guests stay at the Premier Grand Rooms designed by UK-based GA Design that sport east-meets-west elements (western-style hospitality accentuated by eastern sensibilities and aesthetics). The rooms feel smart and sharp yet homely with soothing colour scheme comprising light coloured wood, white and medium grey, including minimal dashes of bright and pastel colours for understated panache. The rooms’ amenities are all well stocked with everything that travellers require, from hair brush to body scrub towels and facial cleanser. Staying at the Premier Grand Rooms also grants guests access to the arguably one of the best club lounges in the city. We must say that we were privileged to use the smart, airy and bright Premier Grand Club Lounge on the 45th Floor, completed last December 2016. The design and layout of the Club Lounge draws inspiration from the gorgeously landscaped Japanese garden where everything falls right into place, with blue-coloured furnishings representing water and the red ones representing rocks or boulders. The space pays tribute to the soothing Japanese landscape that help create the sense of serenity, besides showcasing elegant artworks by up-and-coming Japanese young artists. Club Lounge is also the place where guests can get the glimpse of some parts of the majestic Mount Fuji when they sit at the extreme ends of the lounge’s expansive windows facing the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. We decided to have our breakfast at the Club Lounge throughout our stay at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo. Though the breakfast spread is not large, there seems to be a calm, almost Zen feel to the space - the design of the Club Lounge is clean, uncluttered, well balanced and in harmony. The Club Lounge is also staffed by efficient, well trained, and eagerto-serve employees. As such, the Club Lounge becomes our favourite place not just for breakfast (with live cooking station) and snacks (it offers free-flowing hot and cold beverages throughout its opening hours including sweets), but also for business discussions and brainstorming. Crisp and fresh during the day, the space becomes elegant and tony at night. The Club Lounge opens daily from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
7 Must-Do’s when Staying at Keio Plaza Hotel: 1. Participate in Japanese Tea Ceremony Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo has a dedicated Tea Ceremony Room where staying and outside guests can witness how a proper Japanese tea ceremony is conducted by a tea master who started practising this art since she was four years old and was taught by her mother who learned it from her grandmother.
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The tea master now has accumulated 35 years of experience in this art. Guests will get to witness Japanese meticulousness and courtesy when participating during the ceremony. This activity costs JPY2,000 per person. All travellers who are either staying at the hotel or not are welcome can join this ceremony. Check out Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo’s website for more information. 2. Dress up in Wedding Kimonos During weekdays, guests are recommended to experience wearing and taking photographs in marvellous wedding kimonos that make them look impressive and regal, which might be one of the highlights when staying at the hotel. Once donning the kimonos, guests are ushered to vantage spots within the hotel to take memorable photo shots. This experience costs JPY32,400 per person and JPY54,000 per couple. Interested guests should ask the hotel concierge on how to arrange for this activity. 3. Dine and chill out at the swanky Aurora Sky Lounge Located on the 45th Floor across Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo’s Premier Grand Club Lounge, this exclusive outlet proves popular for unwinding and entertaining. Besides alcoholic beverages, it also serves non-alcoholic options such as zesty mocktails and hot drinks. As a matter of fact, Aurora Sky Lounge is popular as the place to enjoy afternoon tea served on prestigious Arita porcelain from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. costing JPY4,300 per person inclusive of service charge and tax. Diners are bound to fall in love with the fantastic view of the Shinjuku skyline and beyond, stretching as far as the Tokyo Skytree and the Tokyo Tower. This outlet is ideal for bonding with friends and family over drinks and Japanese or international comfort food. 4. Embark on Japanese fine culinary journey by experiencing keiseki ( Japanese traditional multi-course dinner) Keiseki is meant to evoke diners’ multiple senses since it is not only enjoyed through smell and taste but also sight (via remarkable food presentation), and touch
(referring to the food’s varied textures and layers). This exquisite Japanese cuisine served at Keio Plaza Hotel’s keiseki restaurant called Soujuan follows the menu according to the seasons and availability of ingredients, meaning that guests are sure to experience differing multi-sensory experiences when they dine at the restaurant during different seasons. 5. Visit Mount Takao and savour the fantastic shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that costs JPY2,800 per person) at Yakuo-in Temple (www. takaosan.or.jp) To get to Mount Takao, travellers need to take the 20-minute train ride from Shinjuku station using the Keio Line to get to the end of the line called Takaosanguchi (‘Entranceway to Mount Takao’) station that was designed by one of Japan’s leading architects Kengo Kuma. Travellers should then ascend Mount Takao by taking the steepest funicular railway in Japan. Lovers of architecture are sure to fall in love with the Japanese Buddhist vernacular buildings erected within the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple that has been established since 744 A.D, besides the cutting edge train station. Mount Takao’s surroundings are also haven for nature and outdoor lovers. On the way down, travellers should descend using the chairlift, which offers unimpeded views of the area and Tokyo city beyond. Guests can seek help from the hotel’s concierge on how to get to Mount Takao and Yakuo-in Temple. 6. Arrange a private sightseeing tour to Omiya Bonsai Art Museum (www. bonsai-art-museum.jp) in Saitama Guests should visit this museum to learn about the history and art of bonsai cultivation, which is strongly rooted in Japanese culture. The trip to the museum is sure to open guests’ eyes towards the beauty of bonsai and the effort required to cultivate it. Afterwards, walk around the Omiya village to admire the bonsai plants grown in the residents’ front gardens, including bonsai nurseries, if they are open to public. 7. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum (www.itchiku-museum.com) at
Kawaguchiko, and then appreciate the view of Mount Fuji Located two hours’ bus ride away from the south exit of the Shinjuku station, this is the place where guests should go to admire the works of the pattern tiedyeing art master Itchiku Kubota (19172003) that depict sceneries of Mount Fuji on enormous kimonos. Travellers are also able to admire the view of Mount Fuji from the museum’s own café, or from the lovingly quaint traditional farming and silk cocoon cultivation village comprising 20 thatched houses called Saiko Iyashino Sato Nenba (www.fujisan.ne.jp/iyashi/) that is now converted into museum. Travellers could also enjoy clearer view of Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre. Guests can seek help from the hotel’s concierge on how to get to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and Kawaguchiko. From the tea ceremony to the painstakingly detailed and delicate craftsmanship exhibited at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, guests are bound appreciate the beauty of Japanese culture that emphasises on orderliness and the need to provide meticulous care on everything in a gentle, methodical and precise manner – staying at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo means guests are continuously surrounded by the beauty of Japanese culture all under one roof! Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo T: +81 3 3344 0111 F: +81 3 3345 8269 www.keioplaza.com
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Hotels & Resorts
Relishing Al Meroz, Thailand’s first halal-certified hotel TEXT by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN|IMAGES by AL MEROZ HOTEL
Gaya Travel Magazine team recently stayed at Thailand’s first ever Shariah-compliant property named Al Meroz Hotel in an area called Khlong Tan, located between Suwarnabhumi Airport and the city centre, where many Thai Muslims have been residing for generations. The Thai government, which upholds tourism as one of the country’s main economic drivers, has demonstrated great support towards the creation of this hotel.
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Catering to the market The four-star Al Meroz Hotel – which has 242 rooms – is the brainchild of a prominent Thai-Muslim businessman Mr. Rausak Mulsap, President and Chief Executive Officer of the hotel. Together with his business partners and family members, Mr. Rausak has invested over THB1 billion into this property that stands in an area full of potential waiting to be tapped. Though Al Meroz (which means ‘heritage’ in Arabic) has only begun operating just over a year, it already attracts affluent domestic and foreign travellers, especially Muslims from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The number of guests from other parts of the Islamic world such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Middle East and Central Asia, including mainland China, is also growing. According to Mr. Sanya Saengboon, the hotel’s Managing Director and General Manager, the hotel’s target occupancy for 2017 is 82%, which is 22% increase from the year before, in line with the increasing number of Muslims who travel internationally. “From the day we opened until today, the hotel has been receiving around 98,000 guests, of which 60% of them are Muslims. If you
dissect that number differently by looking at the guests’ country of origin, 60% of the said number are foreigners and the remaining are domestic,” Mr. Sanya added. Al Meroz Hotel comes about from Mr. Rausak’s own dream, imagination and determination to create a halal hotel that efficiently and professionally provides accommodation, food and beverages to fellow Muslim brethren when they stay in Bangkok. Due to the city’s popularity in luring travellers from around the globe, especially those from the Islamic world, Mr. Rausak realises that there is an opportunity for a halal hotel to be built to meet the demands of Muslim travellers in Thailand. It has already made its mark among Thai Muslims as the desired location to hold wedding receptions. Besides the leisure market, Al Meroz Hotel also attracts business travellers, including international guests for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) in Bangkok. Besides bringing benefit to Muslim travellers, the hotel also helps in improving the local economy by providing employment opportunity to local youths, including Thai Muslims who represent 60% of the hotel’s staff.
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Good to know Those who enjoy taking the mass transit system can take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) train at Ramkhamhaeng station, located 450 metres away from the hotel. The ARL takes travellers to either the city centre (Phaya Thai station, which interfaces with the Bangkok Transit System) on one end, or the international airport station on the other.
Shariah-compliant offerings Muslim travellers staying at Al Meroz Hotel enjoy peace of mind because the hotel adheres to the Islamic principles by providing three fully halal-certified food and beverage outlets namely Papyrus that serves hearty breakfast spread; Diwan for all day dining that serves ala carte signature Muslim/Arabic/Indian dishes and Thai Muslim buffet spread with menu that changes regularly; and Barakat for fine-dining Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with menu changed every three months. It is evident that the hotel’s greatest contribution comes in the form of its food and beverage offerings – Muslim travellers do not need to worry about getting mixed up with non-halal options when looking at the menu or lining up at the buffet, especially during breakfast, when they
Good to know In keeping with the Islamic principles, guests should take note that Al Meroz Hotel is a dry hotel (no alcohol served or allowed in its premises). It also does not serve pork.
stay at the hotel. The other facilities and services that the hotel provides include Muslim prayer rooms; rooftop swimming pool that allocates different timing for different sexes; fitness centre; ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,200 guests; and multi-purpose spaces for functions or events for 30 to 500 persons, including an open-air rooftop space called Bustan that can fit up to 200. The guest rooms – which are divided into Superior, Deluxe and Suite categories – come with praying mats, Qibla direction, Holy Quran and prayer times throughout the entire month, printed out for easy reference. The toilets also come with a hose next to the commode for washing down afterwards, which is part of Muslim and South East Asian practice.
Chic design Al Meroz Hotel employs Middle Eastern-inspired opulent chic that combines gilded and delicious chocolate colour
Mr. Rausak Mulsap, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Al Meroz Hotel (right); and Mr. Sanya Saengboon, Al Meroz’s Managing Director and General Manager
scheme with Islamic geometric motifs. As travellers step into its impressive lobby, they will definitely notice the luxurious wooden panels with Islamic geometric design gracing the area - this look is also applied throughout the rest of the property. In the middle of the lobby stands a grand pillar similar to the trunk of a great tree with strong foundation and umbrella-like branches, which the owner claims to represent his family because without their support, it wouldn’t be possible for him to build the hotel. “Mr. Rausak went through four different interior designers to eventually meet the one that shares his vision: a local designer by the name of Kitikorn Boonchom who has experience designing hotels in Abu Dhabi,” reveals Mr. Sanya. Mr. Rausak purposely selected such level of sophistication as a way to reflect Islam’s elegance, besides convincing the public that today’s Muslims are also capable in developing something extraordinary. The hotel signifies the characteristics of the Thai Muslim community in Bangkok: prosperous, welcoming and refined. As such, Al Meroz Hotel is set to become a successful halal-certified sanctuary of choice for Muslim travellers, and an enrichingly sobering option for non-Muslim travellers who seek different travelling experiences when being in Bangkok. Check out almerozhotel.com for bookings, special rates and seasonal offers.
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Gaya Special Feature: Dusit Thani Bangkok
Built in 1970, Dusit Thani Bangkok was the first iconic landmark of Bangkok. It has remained a prominent feature of Bangkok’s skyline ever since and recognised as one of the symbols of the city’s progress into becoming one of the world’s greatest metropolises. As a leading hotel in Thailand for 48 years, Dusit Thani Bangkok is the flagship property of the renowned hospitality group called Dusit International, which is internationally recognised for over 65 years since the founder Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui opened the hotel group’s first property, The Princess, in 1949. Ideally located in the heart of the city, Dusit Thani Bangkok sits at the opposite of Lumpini Park. The hotel is also adjacent to the skytrain (Bangkok Mass Transit System or BTS) and subway (Metropolitan Rapid Transit or MRT) that allow easy access to major business, shopping and entertainment centres. Dusit Thani’s 517 rooms and suites are all sumptuously appointed with distinctive Thai inspiration and well thought out amenities expressed using Thai silk and teakwood. The 60-metre square Dusit Room comes with separate bedroom, living area and larger bathroom, while the Thai Heritage Suites are inspired from the characters and touches of ancient Thai cities. Complementing the excellent accommodation is the choice of seven signature dining outlets: all-day dining The Pavilion that serves Thai and international menu, including halal options; 22 Kitchen & Bar that offers panoramic rooftop view besides Pacific Seafood cuisine; Benjarong that serves Contemporary Thai cuisine; The Mayflower that serves Cantonese cuisine and considered among the best Chinese restaurants in Bangkok; Hamilton’s Steak House that serves premium cut meats; and Thien Duong that serves up authentic
Vietnamese menu and Shogun, Japanese Restaurant, offers an original culinary experience. Besides dining, guests are also able to experience the hotel’s other facilities such as the Devarana Spa with its potent rituals dispensed at 14 treatments rooms for guests to rejuvenate and recharge; including the spacious and state-of-the-art DFiT Fitness Studio for guests to maintain health and fitness. But Gaya Travel Magazine’s favourite spot in the hotel – besides the elegantly classic rooms – is the hotel’s internal open air green courtyard with the cascading man-made waterfall at the centre. Lounging at the courtyard while taking in the sound of falling water and sipping refreshing beverage is remarkably relaxing, especially after a whole day of exploring the city or attending business meetings. Without doubt, Dusit Thani Bangkok is the hotel that truly immerses guests with genuine Thai hospitality and flair bolstered by modern and upscale conveniences that make guests’ travelling and staying experience more enriching and uplifting. What’s more, its unrivalled and strategic location simply makes it among the best properties ever to stay when guests put up in Bangkok. This year, Dusit Thani Bangkok celebrates its 48th anniversary by launching a series of special discounts on its dining and accommodation offerings throughout 2017. Please visit www.dusit.com/48anniversary for more info.
946 Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500, THAILAND | +66 (0) 2200 9000 | +66 (0) 2236 6400 www.dusit.com/dtbk
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Travel Anecdotes
Deanna Yusoff IMAGE by Deanna Yusoff
Deanna Yusoff in her own words: I am an internationally acclaimed actress. I have been around in the industry for 25 years. Besides acting, I am also an emcee, voiceover talent, TV Presenter and singer. I am of Malay and Swiss descent, having been brought up and educated in Switzerland. For the last three years, I have been passionately promoting a Travel Club, which I am also part of. Being a part of this club has given me the opportunity to travel to exciting places, such as Peru, Prague and explored more of the neighbouring Asian countries. This club allows people to travel affordably and in style. 132
Whilst pursuing financial freedom, I very much enjoy educating and inspiring people through sharing my lifestyle choices and personal experiences. I plan to travel a lot more. And to know more on my travels, please follow me on my Instagram : deannayusoff_official
Deanna Yusoff on Travels . My favourite destination(s):
Early riser
Northern Lights, either in Norway or Finland
Back to nature
. My must-have(s) in the carry-on: Essential oils . My worst nightmare during travel: Sitting next to somebody who snores or smells.
To be stranded somewhere with no hotel/place to stay
. My favourite Malaysian spot(s): Pangkor Laut, Malaysia
. My best meal taken in Malaysia: Curry noodles in a little quaint shop in Jonker Street, Malacca . Malaysia is special because… Malaysia is very affordable compared to other places I have been to. Food is great Malaysians are friendly
. Solo or group travel? Prefer solo travel, unless with friends or a fun bunch. Not an “organised trip” person. . Aisle or window seat? Aisle seat . See it all or take it easy?
. Night owl or early-riser?
Peru
. My dream destination(s):
Deanna in 30seconds
I like to see as much as possible but also like to take it easy and let things happen, and be able to explore
. I travel for… Education, broadening my horizons, getting new experiences and learning about new cultures. Also, to eat and try different foods, especially desserts.
. Back to nature or city slicker? . One book everyone should read Perfume by Patrick Suskind Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
. What is the last thing you Googled? How to Make a Gluten Free Carrot Cake
. What’s on your playlist right now? Various versions of Rainbow connection
. What is the moment you’re most proud?
When I won Best Actress for Selubung
. What’s your biggest pet peeve? Abuse of power
. Whose brain would you like to have had? Nobody’s
. Life is too short to... ...pass the opportunity to travel