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TERENGGANU WO ODCARVINGS Te x t b y A Z M I A B D U LL A H

Among the oldest professions practiced by the people of Terengganu are woodcarving and carpentry. Terengganu wood artisans are known for their skills not only in making beautiful wood carvings but also in the building of boats and traditional houses without using nails. In traditional homes, woodcarved ventilation panels are placed above doors and windows, adding aesthetic value. Such technology enables the interior of the homes to remain cool when it is hot outside and thermally comfortable during inclement tropical weather. From the entire house down to its beams, hallways, ornate doors, window shutters and furniture, the exquisite and brilliant wood craftsmanship can even be found on beds, jewelry boxes, mirror frames, and sofas. The wood carvers today draw inspirations from Islamic designs, plants and nature, and interpret their work by carving intricate flowery motifs, Quranic verses and Islamic geometrical designs, shunning depictions of animals or humans. However, some of these motifs have existed for hundreds of years, even before the pre-Islamic era and served as visual interpretations of legends and myths. Originally, each motif was derived from a legend or folklore, but with the advent of Islam, the interpretation of the motifs has been changed to suit the faith. An excellent destination for cultural enthusiasts to witness Terengganu woodcarving is Desa Ukiran Kayu (Woodcarving Village) in Kampung Raja, Besut (http://mdb.terengganu.gov.my/en/visitors/places-interest/desaukiran-kayu), which holds workshops and classes for budding woodcarvers, thus become a centre for vocational excellence. Not only are travellers able to see woodcarvers at work, they can appreciate the wooden structures found throughout the Village too, all built in traditional Terengganu Malay architecture. Today, there is an increasing awareness among the people, especially the elites, to preserve this heritage and adorn their homes, including corporate offices, government departments, universities, hotels and resorts, with traditional Malay woodcrafts as part of cultural revival.

Gaya Special Feature: Terengganu

The History of Woodcarving There are not many early historical records relating to woodcarving. But the archeological remains from the Neolithic age show evidence of carvings on potteries, bracelets, pitchers and crockeries. In the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Kedah, there are generations of carvers’ who are still influenced by Langkasuka motifs and designs that grace the mosques, gazebos, and palaces, especially in the Pattani region of Southern Thailand. The Malay traditional woodcarving is one of the oldest works of art. But because wood is a material with short lifespan, it is rare to find wood-based artefacts that last for thousands of years. There are however a few archaelogical remains of woodcarving that can be traced, for instance an old keris, antique crockery, ancient palaces, and mosques that withstood the test of time. The Philosophy The philosophy behind traditional woodcarving revolves around the motifs that possess priceless aesthetic value conveyed in intricate artforms. The design motifs created are not only meant to be appreciated as beautiful showpieces, but they resonate with symbolic meanings as well to connote the Malay community’s reverence towards virtues such as being gracious, cultured and upright. Traditional wood carving motifs are often associated with the carvers, their fine workmanship, the purpose of the carving, creativity and symbolic underpinnings. The merits of woodcarving go beyond the surface. Beneath the layers of purpose, workmanship, skills, creativity and symbols, lies the identity of the Malay carver. The motifs on a woodcarving signify the attributes of the Malay character

through tangible forms, normally based upon visual expressions, sosiocultural background and community’s beliefs. The meanings, when unravelled, uphold the philosophy behind the carvings. An example of the philosophy that refers to the qualities of the Malay character can be found in statements such as ‘A Sprouting Attribute’, ‘An Attribute Full Of Secrecy’, ‘Sharp Enough But Not Thrusting The Enemy’, and ‘The Circumference That Collaborates Friendship’. 1. An Expression of Devotion The philosophical meaning of ‘A Sprouting Attribute’ symbolises the Malay community’s devotion in accepting Islam as the way of life. Visually, the motifs on the carvings are sourced based on the carver’s own perception and expression, depicted by sprouting motifs like seedlings or flowers to mean that all humans are related and come from a single source created by Allah. Similarly, the philosophy ‘An Attribute Full of Secrecy’ refers to the fact that all motifs on the woodcarving starts from a hidden base point, implying that the might of Allah is always shrouded in secrecy from humans because their minds will never be able to fathom the greatness of the Creator. 2. An Expression of Peace The philosophical meaning of ‘Sharp Enough But Not Thrusting The Enemy’ relates to the Malays’ inclination towards peace. The sharp woodcarving motifs tend to avoid touching or colliding with each other, reflecting the Malays’ desire for peace and diplomacy, yet at the same time always have their weapons sharp and ready. 3. An Expression of Togetherness The philosophical meaning behind ‘The Circumference That Collaborates Friendship’ is the manifestation of togetherness. The woodcarving motifs are designed in a circumference and in stacks to reflect harmony and consensus. It reflects a way of life that is always collaborative and supportive towards each other, resulting in peace and togetherness, strengthening the bond within members of the

community. 4. An Expression of Loyalty The patrons to the woodcarvers in a traditional Malay community were usually monarchs and aristrocrats. In most cases, the woodcarvings found at the palaces were commissioned by royalty. The woodcarvers appointed by the royal palace generally hold higher status and demonstrated their loyalty, commitment, dedication and appreciation through their vocation, done to the best of their abilities. 5. An Expression of Tenderness The expression of tenderness of the Malay character is revealed through rhythmic motifs; the contortions and flows depicted in the curves of the leaves and motifs mean graciousness and endearment, considered part of the Malay character. 6. An Expression of Refinement Besides functionality, the best woodcarving products lie in their aesthetics. But achieving the highest aesthetic standards requires creativity, knowledge, skills and acumen. The woodcarver should be able to elegantly portray his emotions through every design and motif. Conclusion One can learn about the Malay character from the motifs of the traditional woodcarving, especially in terms of kinship, unity and togetherness, all expressed through the motifs. Carvers whose works contain philosophies representing the attributes of the Malay character through intricate motifs tend to produce woodcarvings that are high in aesthetic value and deep in meaning. Text is based from the book ‘The Expression of Malay Identity Behind Traditional Wood Carving’ (‘Ekspresi Keperibadian Melayu Di Sebalik Ukiran Kayu Tradisional’) by Izani bin Mat Il, Faculty of Art, Computing & Creative Industry, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI).

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Contents

ISSUE 15.1

CLICK HE RE

W E AR E N OW AVAI L AB L E

ONLINE

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Departments

014. Editorial Jottings

Gaya Special Feature

006. The Philosophy Behind Terengganu Woodcarvings 042. What’s The Latest In Terengganu 044. Muar, The Royal Town Of Johor 048. Sarawak More To Discover

Gaya Traveller 012

023. The Halal Taipei Directory

Gaya Dine & Café

032. Blonde: A Devotion to Dining Pleasure

Gaya Shop

074. Shopping Guide in ASEAN

Gaya Spa

076. Banyan Tree Spa KL: The Sophisticated Sanctuary

Gaya Interview

090. Datuk Musa Yusof, Director-General, Tourism Malaysia Helping the Tourism Sector to Weather the Storm

098. 104. 110.

Dr Fary Akmal Osman, CEO, Labuan Corporation Polishing Up Labuan as a Pearl of Borneo Tuan Badrul Hassan Mohamed Kassim, Chairman, Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Giving Back Value to the Government and the People of Malaysia Tuan Haji Ramli Mohd Tahir, Managing Director, KDEB Waste Management Bringing Selangor’s Waste Management Services to New Heights

Destinations 036. What’s Fun in Kuala Lumpur? 050. Discovering Japan during Tokyo Games in 2021 Part I 058. Kuala Lumpur by Traits 064. Road Tripping in Northern Thailand 080. 3 Days across Peninsular Malaysia’s Northern Region 084. Top 6 Best Jogging Spots With Spectacular View

Hotels & Resorts 116. 122. 128.

Nestling in the Bosom of Penang’s Grande Dame Chinatown’s Newest Gem: Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring

Congratulations

Yang Mulia Tengku Shamsulbhari AlHaj Ibni Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Azman Shah AlHaj S.MK, J.P

on your appointment as

The Patron & Chairman of Gaya Travel Magazine

Our team looks forward to working closely with you in all of our upcoming endeavours. We also wish you success in all of your present and future undertakings.

Editorial Jottings

As I am writing this, Malaysia is in the midst of easing its Movement Control Order (MCO), a decree that forces the entire nation to be on partial lockdown since 18 March 2020, except those who work in essential services. The MCO restricts the mobility of people in halting the spread of the novel coronavirus, labelled as COVID-19, which infected more than 6,000 people and claimed over 100 lives in Malaysia alone. At least, during the MCO, those in Malaysia who remain healthy and located within less risky zones are allowed to shop for groceries from stores that sell essential items or obtain medicines from pharmacies, including doing quick banking.

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Malaysia, along with the whole world, has never experienced anything similar to this in its modern history. The COVID-19 pandemic, which had the world undergo lockdown in some form or another, consequently decimates the travel and tourism industry, particularly the hospitality, aviation and retail sectors, resulting in closure of businesses, loss of employment and income. While Malaysia hopes to fully end the MCO by June, many parts of the world might still be reeling until December. As such, 2020 could just be a lost year. Let’s pray that 2021 will treat us better... Honestly, for travellers like us, lockdowns make us feel like our wings have been clipped and our wanderlust spirits trapped. We feel like we are not just being caged up physically, but also mentally because we draw so much inspiration from unrestrained travelling and exploring. This whole ordeal answers the question “how does it feel to be under house arrest?”, despite being surrounded by creature comforts like the internet, refrigerator stocked with food, home amenities, and entertainment options within a thermally comfortable space. However, at the end of the day, it is still a small price to pay because we don’t want to unknowingly risk our lives and the people around us if we were infected, and eventually overwhelm the nation’s health care system. Though we are pining for the chance to travel far and wide, the MCO and the pandemic also teach us to never again take the smaller things for granted: having an early morning walk around the neighbourhood and park to re-energise the body; reading

an engrossing publication under the trees while admiring the clear sky and listening to the birds chirping; personally visiting and connecting with family and friends (minus technological interfaces and distractions) over meals; and escaping to naturally lush environments to remain centred. From the constant barrage of news surfacing on the channels regarding those who neither have a place to call home nor the means to buy food during lockdown, we also become more sensitive to the fact that not everybody is lucky. Such news should move us to become more grateful, and possibly nudge us to help in some way, at least donate to legitimate charities online. On top of that, with less movement and activities taking place, humans emit less carbon into the atmosphere and produce less industrial waste, making the air cleaner and the oceans less polluted. Seems that mother earth is taking this time to heal and regenerate when humans are hunkered down. On the other hand, I am sure that many are already plotting their next getaway after being cooped up for weeks or even months. Travellers should seize this opportunity to learn more about what has been going on in their backyards and under their noses, which might have been ignored all this while. Since we are based in Kuala Lumpur, Gaya Travel Magazine team members encourage travellers to first travel domestically to get the country’s economy going, as long as they can avoid huge crowds and practice good hygiene. We are also anticipating Tourism Malaysia to launch irresistible domestic travel packages once the MCO is entirely lifted, despite the cancellation of Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign. I for one have been itching to hit the highlands to escape the tropical heat of the lowlands; perhaps Janda Baik in Pahang is a good start. It is also foreseen that as the pandemic abates, international travel will begin with regional proximity tourism, for example travellers from Peninsular Malaysia might choose destinations in Sumatera and southern Thailand, while travellers from Sabah and Sarawak might flock to Brunei and Kalimantan. As I scan the regional map, I become curious about Takengon in Sumatera and Koh Lipe in Satun. I guess I have to wait until later in the year since experts predict the number of infection peaks in July 2020 for Indonesia, while Thailand has just started reopening on gradual basis. Perhaps COVID-19 is a blessing in disguise because it forces travellers to consider destinations closer to home. But of course, if the situation were to considerably improve and you have the means to travel further, by all means, go ahead, as long as you stay alert, safe and healthy. See you in the next issue. Happy reading! JUHAN KAMARUDDIN@JEREMY KHALIL

Email your comments to jeremy@gayatravel.com.my

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The Halal Taipei Directory

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei, makes for a good quick getaway destination since it offers various things for travellers to experience on their own. Tour packages to Taiwan are aplenty, but for independent travellers like us, the best kind of travel are the ones we plan ourselves, and Taipei is easy for us to explore according to our own time and pace! Thanks to the Taipei City Government, we would like to share with you our halal travel experience in Taipei.

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Like every city of the world, Taipei has many places of interest that appeal to the differing interests of visitors. The Taipei Government is aware of Muslim travellers’ predicament when it is time to pray. By working closely with the Chinese Muslim Association, many places of interests have agreed to provide musolla (prayer room) at their premises for Muslim visitors.

Images by : Taipei 101

VISIT

» Taipei 101 Observatory & its latest attraction Skyline 460 (https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/) The icon of Taipei in our opinion is Taipei 101. Towering above the city resembling a massive bamboo stalk, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. Standing 508 metres in height, this engineering marvel is a must-visit when one is in Taipei. Taipei 101 consists of a food court at the basement, and the first five floors are occupied by one of Taipei’s swankiest malls. Tickets to the observation deck can be purchased or collected on the fifth floor. Riding the pressure-controlled lift to the observation deck is a special experience on its own. Moving at the speed of 1,010 metres per minute, it takes merely 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th floor. Indoor observation decks are located on 88th and 89th floors, while the outdoor decks are on 91st and 101st floors. Don’t forget to say hello to the hardworking massive gold-coloured iron wind damper, the one that keeps the tower stable through strong winds, typhoons and earthquakes. Since its opening in year 2004, Taipei 101 Observatory has received over 27 million foreign tourists and its facilities have been updated. New attractions such us Skyline 460 are also introduced, and service floors have been expanded vertically to accommodate more visitors.

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So what’s Skyline 460, you may ask, and what’s with the digits 460? The number refers to 460 metres, which is the height from ground where you will be standing on as you trail the outdoor observation deck. For the first time in its 15-year history, the 101st floor is now open to the public, which was previously reserved for only high-profile personalities. Enjoy the wind kissing your cheeks while observing panoramic 360° views of Taipei as far as the eye can see. The Skyline 460 package (Priced at NT$2,700) is inclusive of Taipei 101 Observatory Priority Pass Ticket, insurance, guiding service, Taipei 101 limited edition pocket water bottle, souvenir photo of yourself that comes with a folder certificate, and a cup of Cloud Coffee for you to enjoy once you have completed the walk. Since the top observation deck is a small space, it can only accommodate 12 people at any one time. We recommend that you climb up to Skyline 460 for the truly magical feeling of standing at the top of the world! Opens daily 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Admission fee: NT$600 (Adult), NT$1200 (Priority Pass), NT$2700 (Skyline 460) Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan Tel: +886 28101 8898

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» Discovery Centre of Taipei (https://discovery.gov.taipei/en/) Housed within the Taipei City Hall Building from the first until the fourth floors, we had fun learning all about Taipei’s history, its progress throughout the years and its future plans. The interactive multimedia displays were engaging and entertaining at the same time. Opens daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. except Mondays Admission fee: None Address: No. 1, Shifu Road, Sect. 5, Xinyi District, Taipei City 11008, Taiwan Tel: +886 22725 8630 » Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (https://www.cksmh.gov.tw/en/) The love and respect for the late President Chiang Kai-Shek can certainly be felt when we were walking around the building and the park grounds. He led China for 46 years, making him the longest serving non-royal ruler of China. Up on display are historical relics of the man himself from his early years until his death. There is changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the start of every hour from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Memorial park opens daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, so an early morning or a latenight stroll can be done here. Opens daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Admission fee: None Address: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng Districy, Taipei City 100, Taiwan Tel: +886 22343 1100 » National Palace Museum (https://www.npm.gov.tw/en/) If we had the time, we would spend the whole day exploring this fantastic museum, which houses the largest collection of Chinese artefacts in the world! Thousands of ancient artefacts and artworks beautifully preserved are up on display, spread out over three floors. The museum’s jewel in the crown that is similar in stature to The Monalisa at The Louvre in Paris would be the Jadeite Cabbage, that would blow your mind away. Opens daily 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Admission fee: NT$350, Audio Handheld Device Rental NT$150 Address: No. 221, Section 2, Zhi Shan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City 111, Taiwan Tel: +886 26610 3600 » Taipei’s Children Amusement Park (https://english.tcap.taipei/) This is probably the cheapest theme park we have ever visited. This theme park has 13 rides, a free playground and a children’s theatre for visitors. Rides include roller coaster, Ferris Wheel, bumper cars and Drop Tower. There are plenty of food

outlets as well, which makes it a perfect day out for young families. Opens daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., extended hours on weekends Admission fee: NT$30, rides are charged separately Address: No. 55, Section 5, Changde Road, Shilin Distict, Taipei City 11169, Taiwan Tel: +886 22833 3823 » Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden (www.zcegarden.gov.tw) Nature lovers may want to head to this 10-hectare park, located around 20 minutes away from the city centre. It was refreshing for us to see so much greenery, with butterflies and birds flying. Members of the Wild Bird Society of Taipei serve as volunteers here. There is a special area where injured birds are nursed back to health. We were lucky to meet and stroke an owl which is on its road to recovery. This park is an archaeological site too where human remains and other artefacts were excavated and put on display at the exhibition hall. Opens daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., except Mondays Admission fee: NT$50 Address: No. 120, Yusheng Street, Shilin District, Taipei City 111, Taiwan Tel: +886 228866 6258 Night Markets Taiwanese streetfood culture is not to be missed, and the best way to sample them is by going to one of the city’s many night markets. You are bound to stumble into one while walking around randomly like we did. Soak up the bustling atmosphere of the markets that are bound to tantalise your five senses. Foodies are surely in for a treat! Besides food, night markets are somewhat the smaller scale versions of fun fairs with plenty of game stalls for you to test your motor skills and win prizes. We found out that even Will Smith had a go at some of these stalls when he was in Taipei to promote Gemini Man. You simply cannot go to a market without buying anything. From fresh fruits to bags to household items to the latest fashion, there are many things available for sale at these night markets. Taiwan-made things are of high quality and durable, so shop away! We managed to visit four night markets during our short trip; our most memorable one was Huaxi Street Night Market, popularly known as Snake Alley. Little did we know the shop we stepped into was not a pet shop, but an exotic food restaurant! Foodies may want to head to Shilin Night Market, the biggest and most popular among tourists.

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EAT Taipei is a gastronomic haven! Muslim travellers would be thrilled to know that there are plenty of halal food to savour in this city, and they would never go hungry here. We had the chance to eat at halal places that are totally commendable.

Kunming Islamic Restaurant Located close to the MRT Nanjing-Fuxin Station, this restaurant is Muslim-owned and has been in business for over 20 years. Food on offer are familiar to us. Light-styled curry, sambal (stir-fried chilli paste), and various stir-fried dishes should please diners. There are also Middle Eastern and Indian dishes like biryani, tandoori chicken, and samosas. We had steamed rice with chicken curry, sweet and sour fish, ginger beef, prawn sambal, stir-fried water convolvulus and omelette. Address: No. 26, Lane 81, Fuxing North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City 105, Taiwan Tel: +886 22751 6776 Chang’s Beef Noodles Shop A trip to Taipei is not complete if you were to miss savouring a steamy bowl of beef noodles! This comforting dish of Taiwan basically consists of noodles

in flavourful clear broth topped with tender slices of stewed beef. Chang’s is a halal-certified restaurant and operated by Muslims. It is situated in Zhongsheng district and the nearest MRT is Ximen Station, which is five minutes’ walk away. This restaurant offers a variety of beef noodles, dumplings and potstickers. Address: No. 21, Yanping S. Road, Zhongsheng District, Taipei City 100, Taiwan. Tel: +886 22331 2791 Delhi X Press, Taipei Main Station In any city of the world, avid independent travellers like us would definitely step into the main train station. To have a halal-certified eatery inside the main station is a big plus for Muslim travellers. Delhi X Press serves Indian and Moroccan food. It is one of the many international cuisine food stalls inside the Main Station’s food court. We had the beef kadai (thick spicy beef

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curry) with rice and flat bread. Address: Second floor, Food Plaza, Breeze Centre, Taipei Main Station Tel: +886 93594 3961 Silks Palace, National Palace Museum Do come to Silks Palace whenever you have the National Palace Museum in your itinerary because this restaurant is right next to the museum. Silks has a Muslim-friendly certified kitchen and dining area on Level B2. Please note that if you wish to dine the Muslimfriendly menu, arrangements need to be made prior to your visit. Do call a few days ahead to ask. We had a wonderful lunch comprising noodle soup, tea eggs, braised tofu and deep-fried cod fish. Address: No. 221, Section 2, Zhi Shan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City 111, Taiwan Tel: +886 22882 9393 #101

Safranbolu Restaurant Safranbolu Restaurant offers Turkish food and popular among locals. Fans of Turkish food would be pleased with the authentic and delicious taste of the dishes they serve. This restaurant is just a short walk from MRT Songjiang Nanjing Station. The portions here are huge, so be mindful when placing your order! We had the Safranbolu Special Kebab, which is a platter of barbecued chicken, lamb, beef, eggplant, tomato and green chilli. We also had pide, Iskender kebab, salad and flatbreads. It was too bad that we were too full for desserts. Address: No. 60, Section 2, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 104, Taiwan Tel: +886 22522 2939

Taiwan Halal Hui Restaurant If you love spicy Chinese food, this restaurant should not be missed! It is a halal-certified restaurant and operated by a Muslim family. The dishes served here are unique and delicious, which are the food of the Hui people, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group from Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Among the unique dishes we had was cumin lamb (served with bread) and steamed beef. Address: No. 9, Alley 51, Lane 12, Section 3, Bade Road, Songshan Distriact, Taipei City 10559, Taiwan Tel: +886 22577 9851

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STAY Taiwan probably has the most number of Muslim-friendly rooms in a nonMuslim country in the world! We have never encountered a country so serious and committed in welcoming Muslim travellers. The certified accommodations ranges from youth hostels to business hotels to luxurious resorts to even farm stays.

It was a comfortable stay for us and the halal breakfast (sandwich and salad) was delicious. There is a self-service laundry room, which is always appreciated by light, independent travellers.

to have a hot meal to start the day.

Address: 4th floor, No. 246, Section 2, Chang An E. Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 10492, Taiwan Tel: +886 22711 0102

For your information, Muslim-friendly rooms in these hotels are equipped with prayer mat, Qibla direction, washlets in the bathroom, and no alcohol or non-halal food. Halal breakfast options are available too. Food are prepared in a designated halal kitchen and presented on specific tableware. Do remember to request Muslim-friendly rooms whenever you make your reservations. We have shared the list of certified Muslim-friendly hotels in Issue 14.4.

Caesar Metro Taipei Hotel (https://www.caesarmetro.com/zh-tw) This five-star hotel has MRT Station adjacent to it, rendering it convenient. It offers everything that one would expect from any five-star hotel so that your stay is memorable. We love the hotel’s modern chic and minimalist décor. Our halal breakfast (sandwich and salad) is served in a designated dining room.

Green World Song Shan (https://songshan.greenworldhotels.com/ en/green-world-songshan/) This hotel is built within a residential area, so it is quite nice to walk around the neighbourhood and have a closer look on how the locals live. There is a sizeable supermarket nearby and we took the opportunity to buy local food items as souvenirs. MRT station is just a stone’s throw from the hotel. Though the room may be small, it comes with plush King-sized bed and balcony.

As for the following hotels stated below, we enjoyed good hospitality when staying in all of them. The staff are also friendly and attentive. Horizon Inn (http://www.hihorizon.com/en) We love how passionate this threestar hotel is when it comes to social responsibilities. Its lobby is filled with photos and information of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility activities.

Address: 167 Bangka Boulevard, Wanhua Dirstrict, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: +886 22306 6777 Uinn Business Hotel (https://uinn-business-hotel.mydirectstay.com/)

Do not let the name deceive you. Uinn is as much a family hotel as it is a business hotel. There is even a pool filled with balls in the children’s playground for your little ones to have a good time. Self-service laundry is available too. For breakfast, halal food options are placed at the buffet spread – it is indeed nice

Address: No. 318, Section 4, Chengde Road, Taipei City 111, Taiwan Tel: +886 22888 1758

Our halal breakfast made us feel like we were having a picnic with many variety of snacks on top of the usual sandwich and salad! We were also allowed to take the food from the normal buffet line. Address: No. 149, Yucheng Road, Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan Tel: +886 22783 7088 GayaTraveller team would like to thank the Taipei City Government and Taiwan Learning Trip Ltd (Ms. Tammy) for making the team’s trip to Taiwan possible and smooth-sailing.

Gaya Dine & Café

Blonde: A Devotion to Dining Pleasure Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A K E R I Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI

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It’s a tough time for businesses right now, particularly those in the food and beverage industry globally. Closer to home, local restaurants are badly affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) that enforced since 18 March 2020, restaurateurs are expecting darker and dismal clouds ahead.

So, if there ever was a time for us to support local businesses, it is now. Of course, there are plenty of options to choose, but one of my current favourite homegrown eateries is Blonde, brought by the same folks behind the well-loved Serai Group. The restaurant has been a hit from the first day it opened back in September 2019, serving its wellgroomed clienteles with carefully curated selection of flavoursome food. I have fond memories of this restrained-yetaesthetically-beautiful, well-lit corner at the foot of a boutique development called The Republik in posh Damansara Heights. The restaurant’s enormous windows add light and warmth to the main dining space. For a more private and intimate dining experience, Blonde provides another dimlylit space hidden further inside. Every fine detail is meticulously thought after from its gorgeous

entrance, pastel pink along with white scheme tones, and lush potted plants to sophisticated tableware. You see, Blonde is loyally sticking to its concept through and through. Perhaps, this is the result of individuals with years under their belt, exceptional sense of taste and one shared vision to galvanise them all. These people also invested some serious talent in the kitchen, led by the Group Chef of Serai Group, Najib Hamid, and backed by Sous Chef, Sakhawi, who possesses experience and acumen spanning over a decade in the Malaysian food & beverage industry. The level of service delivered by the restaurant’s team of friendly and well-drilled staff earns praises. In fact, during my last visit a couple of days before the MCO kicked in, I noticed that regulars were already addressed by their names, a hallmark of incredible hospitality.

The menu, on the other hand, doesn’t shy away from interesting East-meets-West fusion, or more specifically, “progressive Australian cuisine, with a refined local twist.” The food is true to the palate and beautiful on the plate, as in the case of the spring-felt Portobello salad (MYR35) that is piled up together with shimeji, Swiss Brown, king oyster, abundant greens and edible flowers dressed in hazelnut basil pesto. This is surely a clever vegetable dish that is impossible to stop eating, which might even convert lachanophobes into fans. Next, the oh-so-comforting squid ink spaghetti (MYR39) is another elegant option, served with Hokkaido scallop, Blue Swimmer crabmeat, heirloom tomatoes, ikura and seaweed. However, for the ultimate show-stopper, do go for Blonde’s mouth-wateringly orgasmic barbecued chilli lamb kebab (MYR55), which I chewed on so slowly to make sure that each bite lasted forever. The plump and tender meat, bathed in sweet and spicy marinade then grilled to perfection, goes well with the accompanying fluffy Royal Persian Jewelled rice, chilled cucumbers, pomegranates and spiced yogurt. The lamb kebab is a complete, homely dish that highlights the interplay of texture – genius! Dessert-wise, options are kept simple. One should consider ordering Blonde’s deconstructed Pavlova for two (MYR45), served tableside by staff from a trolley of ingredients. On lucky days, you might even be served by the chef himself.

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It’s a fun experience, and the sweet treat comes in generous portion of soft, pillowy meringue, colourful fruits and edible flowers. Top it off with a summery signature drink such as the sweet, sour-ish Assementa (MYR25), and you’re good to go. I hope you’re making notes, because after the end of MCO, we should all realise never to take simple pleasures like the act of dining out for granted any more. The joyful camaraderie, the warm chats, the deliberate thought process of deciding on a meal from a menu, and that excitement when it finally arrives on the table, all add up to what makes life more enriching. So, when the time is right, do go out and enjoy good food to make you feel whole again, and Blonde KL is the ideal place to start. Vegetarian-friendly: Yes, with a scattering of choices. Cost: Roughly around MYR70 per head. Address: G.03A, The Republik, Jalan Medan Setia, Bukit Damansara. Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Website: seraigroup.com.my/blonde/

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland Switzerland’s most beautiful panoramic lines Discover and explore the highlights, sights, landmarks and diversity that Switzerland has to offer simply from the comfort of the train by embarking on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, which merges the most beautiful panoramic lines into one unique route of 1,280 kilometres! Whether at Zermatt or St. Moritz, in the Canton of Ticino or the Lavaux, at the Rhine Falls or Lake Lucerne, travellers can hop on and off wherever they please. The big train adventure is arranged in several route sections offering different focuses. Each section promises thrilling railway adventures, magnificent scenery and numerous opportunities for discovery. And best of all: The entire tour can be explored with one single ticket – the Swiss Travel Pass.

In a nutshell, the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland… • Merges all premium panoramic lines into one route (Luzern–Interlaken Express, GoldenPass MOB Panoramic, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express) • Includes further railway highlights (Voralpen-Express, Lötschberger, Centovalli-Bahn) • Permits numerous mountain excursions (Rigi, Pilatus, Stanserhorn, Titlis, Brienzer Rothorn, Jungfraujoch, Schynige Platte, Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, Niesen, Glacier 3000, Rochers-de- Naye, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Säntis) • Combines Swiss cities and Alpine resorts into one round trip (Zurich, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne, St.Gallen, Schaffhausen) • Offers an opportunity to visit sights, landmarks and natural wonders (Chapel Bridge, Chillon Castle, Matterhorn, Rhine Falls); leads to UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Swiss Alps/ Jungfrau/ Aletsch, terraced vineyards of the Lavaux, Rhaetian Railways Albula/Bernina, Castles of Bellinzona, Abbey District St. Gallen) • Offers immersion in the diverse world of Swiss museums (such as FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Olympic Museum in Lausanne or Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva) • Runs along the eleven largest lakes (Lake Zurich, Lake Zug, Lake Lucerne, Lake Sarnersee, Lake Lungernsee, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, Lake Geneva, Lago di Como, Lago di Lugano, Lake Constance) • Traverses 3 Alpine passes (Brünig Pass, Oberalp Pass, Bernina Pass) • Leads through all 4 language regions of Switzerland

Good to know: » Swiss Family Card For families, Swiss public transport is tops The Swiss Travel System is family-friendly. Thanks to the Swiss Family Card, children under 16 years of age travel free of charge on the entire Swiss public transport network as long as they are accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System ticket. The Swiss Family Card can be obtained free of charge. Ask your Rail specialists for details. » Luggage Services Relaxed travel through Switzerland – without bulky luggage or long waiting times

Swiss Travel Pass

Thanks to the innovative and efficient public transport system operating in Switzerland, international visitors can have their luggage transported by train direct to their holiday destination immediately after landing at Zurich Airport. There is no need to waste time waiting for their luggage.

The Swiss Travel Pass is the key to hassle-free travel by public transport throughout Switzerland and the only ticket needed to travel on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. With a single ticket, visitors can travel 3, 4, 8 or 15 days throughout the entire country by train, bus and boat. The ticket includes popular panoramic routes such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Line and Gotthard Panorama Express, as well as trams and buses in no fewer than 90 towns and cities. In addition, Swiss Travel Pass holders are entitled to free admission to more than 500 museums nationwide and 50% reduction off most mountain railways.

Tonight in St. Moritz, tomorrow at lunchtime in Berne and arriving at Interlaken in the evening? While travelling within Switzerland, guests’ suitcases can be picked up at the guest’s hotel on the evening before checkout and dropped off at the destination hotel the next day. This is particularly advantageous for round trips such as the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. There are a wide range of options available that offer simple solutions for travellers’ maximum comfort and convenience. Ask your Rail specialists for details.

The all-in-one ticket

Swiss Travel Guide App

(Free download in the App Store and Google Play Store) The first public transportation app for tourists in Switzerland The Swiss Travel Guide is the ideal public transport app for tourists and the essential companion for travelling by train, bus and boat throughout Switzerland. Thanks to this app, any journey through Switzerland can now be planned to perfection, and the visitor never misses a highlight. A relaxing boat cruise on Lake Zurich? Or a cultural afternoon at the Matterhorn Museum? The digital travel guide readily inspires tourists during the planning phase of their Switzerland tour. Once arrived, the Swiss Travel Guide indicates local highlights that can be added to the individualised travel cockpit, on an integrated map. The cockpit and help area are accessible at any time, even during offline. On top of that, the Swiss Travel Guide continuously provides relevant facts and important information regarding the Swiss Travel Pass and its additional benefits. Thanks to the Swiss Travel Guide and direct access to the SBB timetable, guests can maximise the benefits of their journey and never miss a highlight.

Visit grandtraintour.swisstravelsystem.com or myswitzerland.com/ grandtraintour for more information. Also, check out @swisstravelsystem on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

For bookings and enquiries, please contact any of the following Rail Specialists: » Apple Vacations & Convention Sdn Bhd Tel: +6 03 2143 8877 https://applevacations.my/fit/packages/switzerland-swisstravel-pass/ » Boustead Travel Services Sdn Bhd Tel: +6 03 2912 9788 http://bousteadtravel.com/raileurope/ » Pacific World Travel Sdn Bhd Tel: +6 03 2141 3040 http://pacificworld.travel/about/swiss-travel-pass/

Destinations

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun in Kuala Lumpur? 036

Te x t b y M U H A M M A D H A S I F M O H D J E L A N I Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI, NUAR MD DIAH & CHONG WOON SONG FROM KUALA LUMPUR CIT Y COUNCIL (DBKL) & VISIT KL

Seems that Kuala Lumpur always has something new up its sleeve. Therefore, to truly understand more about the city, we personally think playing tourist is always a good idea. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Gaya Travel Magazine organised a three-day-two-night familiarisation trip in February 2020 by bringing a group of bloggers and social media influencers to discover several fun-filled family-friendly attractions in Kuala Lumpur for an enriching city experience.

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Travellers getting the best shot at the Skybox, KL Tower

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WHERE WE VISITED KL Tower: Skybox & Atmosphere 360 (http://www.menarakl.com.my) Standing 421 metres tall, KL Tower is actually a communication tower that now functions as one of Kuala Lumpur’s proud icons. Located within the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve right at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, KL Tower promises visitors a stunning 360-degree view of the city from its SkyDeck. To make travellers’ visit even more memorable, there are two glassbottomed ledges called Skybox, where travellers can take selfies with Kuala Lumpur’s breath-taking skyline as the backdrop. After admiring the view, travellers are recommended to savour local and international cuisines 282 metres above ground at Atmosphere 360. Since this is a revolving restaurant, diners can simply take in the 360-degree view of the city without having to leave their table! Also worth visiting at KL Tower: - Blue Coral Aquarium, featuring sea creatures including blacktip reef shark, grouper, sergeant major fish, percula clownfish, moray eel, red garra, freshwater stingray, and more. - Upside-Down House, which is literally a house with its interior and exterior, including a classic Morris 1974 at the entrance, turned upside down for visitors’ photography pleasure!

Saloma Link This pedestrian bridge has been opened to the public since early February 2020 connecting Kampung Baru to Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The bridge spans 370 metres in total length but the main highlight is the 69-metre stretch across the AKLEH Highway and Klang River, covered by 4,100 LED lighting system that showcases kaleidoscopic illumination as the day turns dark. Interestingly, the design of the bridge was inspired by sirih junjung (betel leaf set used as part of dowry in Malay weddings). The Rift (https://therift.com.my/) Located within Mid Valley Megamall, The Rift is Malaysia’s largest virtualreality (VR)/augmented-reality (AR) theme park where travellers can enjoy exciting physical games while being immersed in up-to-theminute technology. Among the games available here are Hurricane VR, Run The River, Hado Monster Battle, Holowall, Terminator X, and more. Our personal favourite is the freeroaming Zero Latency, a VR game powered by wireless technology and housed within a full-sized area where gamers can move freely while hunting or being hunted!

family members of all ages and fitness levels. Among the highlights are pedal car, flying fox, superball, super pinball, skate and scoot world, ice-skating, and trampoline. National Craft Day (https://hkk.kraftangan.gov.my/) Taking place at Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, the National Craft Day, which was in its 18th edition in 2020, celebrated the contributions made by Malaysian artisan towards preserving local arts and culture. The National Craft Day ran for 13 consecutive days, from 26 February until 9 March 2020. During the period, travellers were able to buy artisanal products ranging from textiles, wood crafts, metal crafts, and various other handicraft products from local entrepreneurs. Other activities that visitors did include admiring local crafts on display, following food and craft demonstrations, and appreciating cultural performances.

SuperPark Malaysia (https://www.superpark.com.my/) Serving as a one-stop-centre for indoor activities, this Finland-originated park is located at a 40,000 square foot site inside Avenue K Shopping Mall. It has three main areas namely Adventure, Game, and Freestyle, all suitable for

Clockwise from Left: Hurricane VR, one of the installations that can be experienced at The Rift; SuperPark Malaysia also has a 2,500 square feet indoor skating rink; The glorious view of Saloma Link during night and one of the booths showcasing creative artworks at National Craft Day 2020

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WHERE WE ATE & DRANK Santan Restaurant and T&CO Café (http://www.santan.com.my/) Santan and T&CO are synonymous with AirAsia since they are the airline’s official inflight-menu brands. Santan provides a selection of ASEAN favourite dishes and some of them have become household names in Malaysia such as Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak and Uncle Chin Chicken Rice. With the opening of this restaurant in December 2019, travellers can finally relish Santan’s offerings on the ground. Oh, have we mentioned that Santan incorporates digital technology in its ordering system? Customers can avoid the queue at Santan Restaurant by ordering their choices directly from the website and T&CO mobile app prior to arrival. By the time they arrive at the restaurant, they can straight away pick up the order and enjoy the food without much hassle!

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Congkak KL (http://www.instagram.com/congkakkl/) Finding the much-loved nasi ambeng in the heart of Kuala Lumpur was a struggle, until we finally stumbled upon this lovely eatery on Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang. Nasi ambeng is popular among the Malay community and throughout the years, this dish – presented in a round tray filled with various delicacies at the same time for instance ikan goreng berlada (spicy fried fish), sambal jawa (spicy condiment made from fermented soy beans), serunding kelapa (coconut floss), bergedil (fried potato patty), and kerabu (spicy salad) to name a few – had undergone many versions. But one thing for sure, nasi ambeng is more than just a delicious meal; it promulgates the idea that sharing your food with others from the same tray, sometimes it could be up to eight people, fosters camaraderie and strengthens bond! If that is too many a people, fret not, because Congkak KL also serves nasi ambeng in smaller trays, each fits for two diners. Other recommended dishes are tauhu telur with sos rojak, and ikan wayang with homemade condiments. Crust KL (http://www.instagram.com/crustkl/) Started as a restaurant specialising in pizzas and burgers, Crust KL that is based at 163 Retail Park in Mont Kiara has been operating since January 2019. But to cater to an even wider customer base, the bright and cosy restaurant suitable for couples, friends, and families (it even has a mini playground for young patrons) has now incorporated many other international fares in its menu. Our recommendation must be the Eggs Benedict, Middle Eastern Platter, Reuben, Carbonara, and of course a selection of their signature pizzas and burgers like Frutti di Mare Pizza and Swiss Mushroom Burger.

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Top from Left: The three-tiered Rose Milk Tea, one of the signatures at Don’t Yell At Me and Swimming pool at E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur. Previous page from Top to Bottom : Nasi Lemak Pak Nasser, one of the best-selling menus at Santan Restaurant; some of the menus that are available at Crust KL and Nasi ambeng that can be savoured at Congkak KL.

Don’t Yell At Me (http://www.instagram.com/dont.yell.at.me/) This brand hails from Taiwan and has two outlets in Malaysia: one in Kepong and another one at 163 Retail Park, Mont Kiara. It might appear like any other mini tea shops from the outside, but when customers step in, they will find an Instagram-worthy ‘mystic forest’ for them to relax while sipping their beverages. Though this outlet dispenses up the ever-popular brown sugar pearl milk tea, travellers should also try other signature beverages like winter melon honey chrysanthemum tea with sweet potato and taro bubble; peach mint sparkling drink with kanten (China grass) jelly; and the three-tiered rose milk tea. WHERE WE STAYED E&O Residences (https://www.eoresidences.com/) For travellers seeking an accommodation that feels like home in Kuala Lumpur, E&O Residences might fit the bill. It has 200 well-appointed suites, each with generous living space for ultra-comfort. The residence comes with faultless services, including a fully-equipped gymnasium, swimming pool, children’s playground, and 24-hour reception and concierge services. Considering this property is strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s central business district (CBD), travellers are bound to rate it as accessible and convenient, be it for business or casual trip.

Gaya Special Feature: Terengganu

What’s the latest in Terengganu Te x t b y A Z M I A B D U LL A H

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Terengganu is a must-visit Peninsular Malaysia East Coast state that encapsulates all treasures of nature, tradition and heritage, truly reflecting its tagline ‘Beautiful Terengganu, Malaysia’. Terengganu’s Tourism, Cultural and Information Technology Chairman, The Honourable Ariffin Deraman, strongly believes that visitors to Terengganu will be enchanted by the state’s unforgettable charms that range from emerald islands with crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and cooling splashes of waterfalls, to exquisitely-designed batik, songket, wood carvings, and various handicrafts that signify the state’s rich cultural heritage. Although there are other destinations in Malaysia that offer their own uniqueness, visitors will never get tired of Terengganu due to its bucolic, laidback, fishing village vibe, making it incomparable elsewhere. Time and again, the state never fails to lure travellers to its destinations and engage in its unique activities. Read on to find out about Terengganu’s latest attractions.

1. Terengganu Drawbridge – Kuala Terengganu’s Latest Icon The latest attraction in Terengganu is the majestic Terengganu Drawbridge that has quickly become one of the state’s iconic landmarks and a major attraction in Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC). This alternate route crossing the estuary provides a strategic land connection and reduces travelling time between the charming Kuala Terengganu city in the south and the booming Kuala Nerus district in the north, thus boosting the state’s economy. Built at a cost of MYR248 million, this 638-metre bascule bridge with its 16-storey towers and two connecting sky bridges is the first of its kind in South East Asia, designated as a component of KTCC that includes boat docking facilities, 30-storey Kuala Terengganu City Council tower, and the Kuala Terengganu City Centre Mall containing 200 shops, a 10-screen cineplex and a 48-lane bowling centre. Taman Tamadun Islam (+6 09 627 8888) and Cas Ligas (+6 09 727 8000) offer Payang water taxi services and river cruise packages, including tours to the drawbridge. Alternatively, contact Emraz Travel (+6 010 862 2700) for special group tour packages. 2. Grape Vines at The English Countryside of Marang, Terengganu What began as a hobby by an owner of a holiday home, Pine Hill’s Garden exudes the aura of an English countryside that is fast becoming an attraction in the district of Marang. Located 61 meters above sea level in Kg Bukit Kemas, Kelulut, it offers a scenic view of the surroundings, including Pulau Kapas and the South China Sea. What began as a hobby, the owner of Pine Hill’s Garden established a unique grape-farming concept within the grounds. The owner also grows strawberries, figs and passion fruit, including plans to diversify into other grape species and four-season fruits. Pine Hill’s Garden is definitely a unique agro-tourism attraction not to be missed in Marang. Contact: +6 014 500 9315 (Muhammad Salleh Anggulia Isa) 3. Turtles are making a comeback All turtle lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit Rantau Abang Turtle Sanctuary in Dungun, Terengganu because the sanctuary has been recording one of the highest number of turtles coming in to lay eggs. As such, the Turtle Conservation Program has been set up to make sure that every egg laid has higher chance of survival. Turtles could lay up to 100 eggs at any one time and once they have completed laying their eggs on the beach, workers of the Conservation Program will record the number of those eggs

and transfer them to a special hatching area for safety. This is also to minimise the risk of those eggs being eaten by predators. The green turtle recorded up to 44 nests with 3,695 eggs in 2019 compared to 20 nests with 1,522 eggs in 2018. At Rantau Abang or any other secluded beaches in Terengganu, travellers can join in the release of baby turtles into the sea or even watch turtles come to shore at night to lay eggs. However, prior arrangements need to be done with certified nature guides. Call Mohd Khairul of Terengganu Nature Guides Association (+6 013 939 7837) to arrange for a guided tour to the hatchery sites and turtle watching at secluded beaches within the vicinity. 4. Bukit Maras – Urban Dwellers’ Outdoor Retreat

by the late Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah on 31 August 1968, who was the fourth Yang diPertuan Agong (Malaysia’s King). The name Kedai Payang is retained to preserve the history of the market’s original site, which was once filled with traditional local boats called perahu payang as the main mode of transport to carry goods and produce along the Terengganu River. The present Pasar Payang will be upgraded to make it more modern, comfortable, cleaner, neater and visitor-friendly. While the upgrading works take place, the traders currently operating at Pasar Payang will be housed at Pasar Payang 2, located 80 metres away. For Kuala Terengganu City Tour packages, contact the following local travel agents: • Go Nature Travel (+6 019 925 1511) • Addeen Travel (+6 016 326 7940) • Hedaco Travel (+6 019 953 9144)

Considered a hidden gem, Bukit Maras started gaining attention lately by the locals for hiking and camping activities. It is situated around 20 kilometres north of Kuala Terengganu, peaking at 329 metres above sea level overlooking the state’s airport, paddy fields, rivers and durian estates.

When to go:

Bukit Maras is a growing tourist destination with interesting activities such as paragliding, camping, exploring bat cave, hiking, night trekking in the forest and picnicking. There are plans to develop an orchard homestay at the nearby farms and plantations too.

Please check on Terengganu weather before going. The state experiences heavier rainfall and flooding in certain areas during monsoon season when the north-east winds blow between November and January. Although it is assumed that Terengganu receives rain every day during this period, in between the wet spells, there are perfectly sunny days too, as in most places in the Peninsular Malaysia. However, trips to the islands are not advised during monsoon season due to uncertain sea conditions; most resorts on the islands are also closed at this time of year. On the bright side, the monsoon season is the low season, thus travellers get better deals on accommodations.

From the foothill at Maras Village, it takes about 20 minutes of hike to reach the peak of Bukit Maras, a popular sunrise spot for locals to catch the breathtaking sight. The large clearing at the peak has ample space for setting up camps and outdoor recreational activities. Interestingly, there are no mosquitoes at the peak and at night, you’ll get to enjoy cool fresh air and lights illuminating from the city! If you travel without your camping equipment, camping facilities and hammocks are available for rent at RM10 per person. For further enquiries and bookings of any recreational activities, email to hikingmaras@ gmail.com or call Bukit Maras Paragliding & Recreational Park at +6 012 295 6302 or +6 016 621 7227. 5. Pasar Payang Refurbished The iconic central market of Terengganu, locally known as Pasar Payang, is located by the Terengganu River and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. It is basically a wet market selling fresh sea products combined with open-air shop lots within offering visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade, textiles, brassware and jewellery, including fresh produce, spices, dried seafood and groceries. It was in 1968 that Pasar Payang was officiated

Sundays to Thursdays are the working days for Terengganu, while Friday and Saturday are public holidays. Banks, government offices and most businesses in Terengganu operate from Sunday to Thursday.

Driving tips: • Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu (approximately 455 km): Take the Karak Highway, then proceed via the new East Coast Expressway. Those who prefer a drive along the scenic coastal road could exit at Jabor toll. Continue towards Kuala Terengganu on Federal Route 3 via Chukai town in Kemaman. • Singapore/Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu (approx. 562 km): Take Federal Route 3 to Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Kuala Rompin, Pekan, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu. • Penang to Kuala Terengganu (approx. 460 km): Take Federal Route 4 via Grik to Jertih, then turn into Federal Route 3 to Kuala Terengganu. Flights: Fly to Kuala Terengganu Airport from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) by Malaysia Airlines, from KLIA2 by AirAsia; or from Subang Skypark (Kuala Lumpur) by Firefly and Malindo Air.

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Gaya Special Feature: Muar

MUAR,

The Royal Town of

JOHOR

Te x t b y A I NA NA B I H A H

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Images by LENSA MUAR

Known as one of the best culinary destinations in Johor, this humble town is comparable to a diamond in a rough due to its underrated reputation among locals. In fact, it seems that Muar is home to various attractions for city dwellers and tourists to enjoy a more quaint and laidback atmosphere. Formally called Bandar Maharani Bandar Diraja, it was declared as Johor’s Royal Town by the current ruler of Johor His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Baginda Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj back on 5 February 2012. When we talk about Muar, we are not only talking about the town because it also actually a district within the state of Johor that possesses ancient Malay heritage comparable to the golden age of Melaka Sultanate with legends such as Hikayat Malim Deman (Malim Deman’s Tale) and Lembing Awang Pulang ke Dayang (The Return of Awang’s Spear to Dayang). These days, the district - especially around town area - beams with updated charm in the form of hipster cafes and children parks. Let’s discover Muar’s own surprises, shall we?

WHERE TO GO… Nasuha Herbs & Spice Farm (https://www.facebook.com/pg/HerbaMalaysia) Awarded as the biggest Herbs and Spice Plantation by the Malaysian Book of Records, Nasuha Herbal and Spices farm is a 1,500-hectare cultivated paradise that does not just supply abundant spices and herbs, but also multiple activities for travellers. The farm has chalets, a dormitory, and other accommodation of its own, a spa and a recreational park where travellers can burn that extra calories off after dining at Nasuha Herbal Restaurant. Although the restaurant accepts walk-in customers, the farm doesn’t, so call ahead and plan big, as they have tour packages (lunch included) for groups larger than 20 persons at MYR37 per head. Located only 45 minutes from Melaka, travellers can take Lebuh AMJ (Alor Gajah-Central Melaka-Jasin route) to reach Muar for an interesting road trip. Muar River Cruise (https://www.facebook.com/pg/rivercruiseinmuar) The Muar River Cruise is the perfect choice for those who love being on boats or ships. Although this is is not a fancy cruise, this 40-minute tour allows travellers to take in the scenery of the town from Muar River and soak in its beauty without having to contend with traffic or brace through the hot sun. There is narration about the history and facts about Muar during the cruise, so keep your ears open for interesting and educational info about the Royal Town of Johor. The fares are MYR12 per adult for MYkad holders and MYR15 for non-Malaysians, while children are charged MYR6 each. The cruise operates every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Muar Cultural Walk committee and have an educational spin around town. There are also other attractions such as performances from local buskers and cultural shows, including street vendors that peddling home-made items in the evening from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight every Friday to Sunday. There are other murals scattered around Muar too, so be mindful whenever you pass by. One of the well-known murals is the ‘Loving Sisters’ by Russian mural artist Julia Volchkova, who drew the iconic Indian Boatman mural in Penang. Admirers of her work can now see a piece of her enchanting touches in Johor. Call Mr. James @ Teo Peng Heng at +6 017 8895899 for more information. Muar Walking Tour (https://www.malaysia-traveller.com/muar-walking-tour. html) While Muar Cultural Walk is an activity that celebrates the current and past-time of Muar that is arranged and showcased, Muar Walking Tour on the other hand is a self-initiated discovery leading to historical remains of the colonial and pre-war age, including Muar’s longstanding heritage. As written by the Malaysian Traveller (https:// www.malaysia-traveller.com/muar-walking-tour.html), this seven-kilometre trail through Peter Street shows you the best historical gems of Muar that you can discover by foot, so lace up and prepare to step back in time.

Muar Cultural Walk (https://www.facebook.com/pg/laluanbudayamuar) For those seeking selfie opportunities should follow the Muar Cultural Walk, arguably the most Instagram-worthy route in Muar. Rows and rows of murals are painted at the back of the commercial buildings, making the back alley bursting with creativity and urban zest. Aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional artworks such as the old Muar cinema and satay stall beautifully complement the pre-war architecture that exude nostalgia. Contact the

The “Satay Stall ” 3D art mural in Muar Cultural Walk is known to be a local hotspot.

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#ICYDK Jalan Peteri

» Tanjung Emas Recreational Park

Have a stroll at this park for some peace and quiet, or stare out to the majestic river that stretches out to the Straits of Malacca. Try out Muar River Cruise for a different but memorable perspective of the town. » Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim and Masjid Sultan Ismail Initially a wooden madrasa built in 1888, it was eventually converted into the iconic blue-hued Western-meetsMiddle Eastern-influenced Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim in 1925 to commemorate Sultan Sir Ibrahim’s then 35-year rule. Seven decades later, the sister mosque that replicates the architecture of the original was built across the river in Tanjung Agas and named Masjid Sultan Ismail as a tribute to Sultan Ismail who succeeded Sultan Ibrahim. From afar, these two mosques look grand as they stand opposite of each other, separated by Muar River. » Royal Resting Place This well-maintained edifice looks like a flashback from the 60’s with early modernist architecture that emphasised boxy structures and rigid symmetrical lines. » Sultan Abu Bakar Building This marvelous-looking blue building that sports colonial architecture houses local government offices.

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Top:‘Loving Sisters’ by Russian mural artist Julia Volchkova; Middle: Masjid Sultan Ismail in Tangkak, right across Muar is said to be an indentical mosque that mirrors Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim; Bottom left: Cafe 434 fragrant coffee that is served in their own iconic cups; Bottom right: Mee Bandung Central has been a longstanding local favourite for years. Aiming to push Muar as a UNESCO World Heritage Site similar to Malaysia’s Melaka and George Town, Lensa Muar passionately documents Muar’s residents, history, food, scenery and buildings. Find out more about Lensa Muar by checking out https://www. facebook.com/LensaMuar/ or call +6 017 785 0265 or email to lensamuar@gmail.com.

Jalan Maharani » Muar Royal Customs and Excise Building Built in 1909, this building has a steeple to indicate Victorian influence over its architecture. » Old shophouses Make a quick detour at the old shophouses along the street and bring home local produce such as dried seafood as you turn back time when exploring the row of century-old commercial buildings. Jalan Yahya

» Muar Clock Tower

The still-functioning clock tower in the middle of the street is Muar’s most prominent landmarks, embellished with white and neutral paint, complementing the sunny blue sky.

WHAT TO EAT… Mee Bandung Central Muar (https://www.facebook.com/FuadBandungCentral) Although the location is slightly out of the town centre, Mee Bandung Central enjoys a huge number of footfalls due to its reputation as one of Muar’s culinary holy grails. The store operates from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., but it only serves Mee Bandung in the afternoon, so travellers are advised to visit around that time. Patience is also needed when visiting this stall because the queue could be long. However, the wait is guaranteed to be worth it! Sai Kee Coffee 434 (https://www.facebook.com/pg/muar434) Founded in the 1950s, Sai Kee’s 434 coffee is now a household name in Malaysia. Fans of this brand can have a taste of 434 coffee right at the source by visiting Cafe 434 located along Jalan Maharani. Painted in bright yellow, travellers are bound to be smitten by this cafe with its unique and rustic Norwegian-inspired interior. The cafe’s specialties include the Elephant Coffee, Original 434 Coffee and the Monalisa Coffee. The prices are reasonable and the aromatic coffees are deep with flavours, which is why patrons could never get enough of them. Gluttony Street Muar One of the oldest culinary attractions in Muar is the Gluttony Street. Called in many names and terms, this street’s charming atmosphere remains the same throughout the years. The one in Muar dates back from 1952 and since has been the go-to food spot for local Chinese society. Located along Jalan Haji Abu, the highlights are fried oysters, pork satay, chwee kueh (water rice cakes) and the ever classic herbal tea to knock off the midday heat. The selling of food begins in late afternoon and ends by 8:00 p.m., perfect for those seeking early dinner.

it operates every day except Tuesday. With the price tag of MYR0.70 per skewer, travellers may indulge as many as their tummies could fill. WHERE TO STAY… Pop Chuco Art Gallery Homestay (https://www.facebook.com/POPChucoHomestay-661500280531731/) One of the most intriguing lodging options in Muar would have to be PopChuco Art Gallery Homestay. This art gallery cum cafe also provides accommodation, with the concept of shared space experience. Even its exterior oozes with hip, local artistic charms with bright paints and abstract murals. Charges are applied per head, starting from MYR85 for two persons to MYR210 for six persons. Located near the town centre on Jalan Othman, sightseeing by foot would be a breeze. PPT Muar Hotel (http://pptmuarhotel.gbs2u.com/bd/index3. asp?userid=80938593&idno=1) As one of the few container hotels in Johor, PPT Muar strikes the most attention with contrasting coloured containers and block-red roof, unlike any other hotels that travellers have seen. All rooms, are equipped with modern amenities and flat screen television sets. The rates are affordable, starting from MYR98 for a Single Room, MYR128 for Standard Master and all the way to MYR231 for Executive Suites. Guests are invited to bask in its picturesque interior at the centre of the hotel.

Breakfast Satay in Muar (https://www.facebook.com/ZZ-SatayWarisan-334600226686838) ZZ Satay Warisan Muar is one of the most popular spots in Muar to have breakfast. Unlike in other places that serve this smoky and juicy delicacy only in the evenings, satay is served as a breakfast staple along with other iconic dishes like nasi lemak and roti canai. Located on Majidi Street, the stall opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 2:45 p.m.;

PPT Container Hotel’s facade is strikingly unique and hip, perfect for trendy guests and curious visitors.

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Gaya Special Feature: Sarawak

Sarawak, M o re t o D i s c o ve r Te x t b y T O U R I S M M A L AY S I A I m a g e s b y S A R AWA K T O U R I S M B O A R D

Sarawak continues its “Sarawak, More to Discover” campaign to underscore the destination as a plethora of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals not found anywhere else in the world. Sarawak is always the preferred choice among travellers because it is a destination that is home to 37 national parks, 14 nature reserves, 5 wildlife sanctuaries, including dozens of attractions and activities, along with a rich history of culture and heritage. So, what does Sarawak offer? Below are five great reasons to visit Sarawak. 048

DISCOVER UNIQUE CULTURES Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, is home to 27 ethnic groups, each with their own dialects, stories, beliefs, traditions and festivals. You can meet people from the Iban tribe, known for their legendary headhunting customs from days of old. They have long since ceased this practice, of course, but their festivals, art, language and culture remain an integral part of their life even as they assimilate with the modern world. The Orang Ulu, or ‘people from upriver,’ comprise of various tribes such as the Kayan, Kenyah, Lun Bawang and Kelabit.Their exotic art and music have spread internationally, as seen in the growing popularity of the boat lute or sape. The sape has become the symbol of the Rainforest World Music Festival, an event that has garnered international interest year after year. Entrenched in Sarawak’s history are the remnants of the reign of the White Rajahs, the Brooke family monarchy that ruled the Kingdom of Sarawak from 1841 to 1946.Traces of this era can be found throughout the state, from physical reminders such as colonial buildings, preserved relics that populate today’s museums, and events such as the Sarawak Regatta, to the more intangible traces within the law and culture of the people. Sarawak’s ever-expanding world-class museums, authentic hospitality, and a diverse religious and cultural trade, all form part of the cultural attraction.

EXPLORE NEW ADVENTURES Land, water, sky…take your pick of an adrenaline-pumping adventure! On land, there is everything from jungle trekking, mountain climbing to adventure caving and rock climbing. In the water, you can choose from river activities like scuba diving in Miri and Kuching, water sports, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and yachting. Looking for some airborne adventure? You can jump from Sarawak’s tallest building…safely. Or you can peer down from the treetops on your canopy walk in Mulu! Urban explorers can visit Kuching, which has one of the most interesting architecture mixes in Malaysia, with colonial buildings amongst religious, cultural and modern architecture. Don’t forget to take home the arts and crafts created by local artisans, or better yet, learn how to make them from the local skilled craftspeople.The Orang Ulu are genius at beadwork, while the Iban are deft weavers. Both the Melanau and Bidayuh are associated with basketry making and weaving of hats and artefacts using natural resources like bamboo, palm, rattan and tree bark.

ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD So much to eat, so little time! Sarawak definitely has a long list of unique culinary offerings, i.e. the delectable “manok pansuh” which is chicken cooked in bamboo; the savoury “Sarawak laksa;” the delicious “kolo mee;” the mouth-watering jungle fern “midin” dish; the herby broth known as “kueh chap;” the rich “manok kacangma” made from motherwort and rice wine; the seasonal “dabai” fruit; the Melanau “umai” delicacy with thin slivers of fish and rich sago pearls, and more The late Anthony Bourdain had popularised the “laksa Sarawak” as a breakfast option where he referred it as “breakfast of the gods” and had featured the delectable dish in his globally-acclaimed series, “No Reservations” and CNN’s “Parts Unknown.” The month-long Kuching Food Fair isn’t all about local cuisine. The dazzling array of street food is inspired by cuisines from the world over. It’s a great way to mingle with the locals while sampling some of the best dishes from around the world.The festival typically stretches over the July/August period. For those interested in learning the art behind the dishes, there are even traditional cooking classes available. You can bring a taste of Sarawak back to your own home. 049

CELEBRATE VIBRANT FESTIVALS BE ONE WITH NATURE Sarawak has a whopping 56 totally protected areas, 37 gazetted national parks, five wildlife sanctuaries and 14 nature reserves. Its rainforests are the size of Austria. Sarawak’s rainforests house one of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. It is home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia (that can grow to the size of a coffee table), squirrels and snakes that fly, deer the size of cats, plants that eat insects (and small animals). The orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbill, the Rajah Brooke butterfly and the silverleaf monkey all call Sarawak home. Experts believe that there are some species of flora and fauna yet to be discovered. Sarawak also has the most number of Important Birding Areas (IBAs) in Malaysia, with a great portion of Borneo’s 650 bird species having been recorded here. Mulu National Park is a priceless UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a league of its own as it qualifies for all four of the World Heritage criteria. Fewer than twenty World Heritage areas have managed this feat. Meanwhile, Bako National Park traces its first visitors’ footprint to 1957, making it one of Malaysia’s oldest National Parks. Niah National Park is famed for Sarawak’s genesis, with evidence of human presence from 40,000 years ago discovered in the form of Palaeolithic and Neolithic burial sites.

Sarawak is home to the most unique festivals in Malaysia throughout the year, thanks to the diverse demographic found here. From the Gawai harvest festival of thanksgiving, to the Kaul which is celebrated by the Melanau fishing communities to mark the beginning of the fishing season, Sarawak offers a plethora of festivals for tourists to participate in. The world-renowned three-day Rainforest World Music Festival has been running for 21 consecutive years and continues to attract up to 20,000 festival-goers a year. The festival sees world music performers come together to perform and host workshops in the heart of a rainforest which has attracted ardent followers worldwide and has been voted among the top 25 festivals in the world by London-based Songline magazine. Other spectacular festivals include Borneo Jazz, Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival, Tidal Bore Festival, Borneo Cultural Festival and Sarawak Regatta.

Destinations

Discovering Japan during Tokyo Games in 2021 PART 1 Te x t b y J U H A N K A M A R U D D I N Images by JUHAN KAMARUDDIN & J A PA N N AT I O N A L T O U R I S M O R G A N I S AT I O N

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The grand eaves of the new National Stadium can be seen from the outside, giving the stadium its signature character.

Tokyo gears up for Olympics & Paralympics in 2021 From 23 July 2021 until 5 September 2021, the world’s attention diverts to Tokyo, Japan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will increase Tokyo’s – including Japan’s – appeal as one of the world’s leading destination cities. Tokyo, home to 35 million residents, aims to welcome 10 million international visitors annually, and the Games is an excellent platform to help Tokyo in reaching that target. The Tokyo Olympics showcases 33 different sports that include baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing. On the other hand, the Tokyo Paralympics features 22 sports, with taekwondo and badminton making their debut. Remaining true to its commitment as the most sustainable Games ever held, one of the initiatives undertaken by the Japanese government is in creating the Games’ medals from gold and silver salvaged from discarded or obsolete electronic devices donated by Japanese citizens like smartphones, digital cameras, handheld games and laptops. On the same note, 30% of the Olympic and Paralympic torches are made from recycled aluminium; the podiums used during the Games are made from recycled plastic; and the bedframes for the Athletes’ Village are made from sustainable timber-strength cardboard that later can be recycled into paper products – interestingly, each bed can support up to 200 kilograms! Venues for the Games Instead of building a singularly concentrated Olympic Park to specifically cater for the Games, the Japanese government spreads out the Games out two central zones within Tokyo. Travelling to the venues and other areas around Tokyo is a breeze because public transport in the city is super-efficient and exemplary, thus all visitors should fully take advantage of it. The Tokyo Games utilises 43 venues in total, consisting of eight new permanent ones, 25 existing and 10 temporary sites. 42 of the 43 venues are used for the Olympics, while 21 of them are used for the Paralympics.

The main venue for Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics is the new National Stadium in Shinjuku, right on the same site as the old National Stadium that was demolished back in 2015, yet larger in terms of capacity. The architect for the new stadium, Kengo Kuma, stated that its design was inspired by traditional Japanese architecture such as Tokyo’s Edo-period temples, while simultaneously stands in harmony with the gingko tree-lined Jingu Gaien outer gardens of the Meiji Shrine. The new National Stadium’s signature character is defined by the grand eaves made from cedar that is sourced from Japan’s 46 prefectures, combined with pine from sub-tropical Okinawa since cedar does not grow there. At full capacity, the stadium accommodates up to 68,000 spectators using typical stadium seats at any one time; 8,000 of these seats can be removed to make way for 250 wheelchair seats when necessary. The stadium’s roof – which is mounted with 1,500 lights, including supplementary lighting systems – is angled in such a way that shelters spectators from direct sunlight. During summer, the temperature within the stadium is controlled by fans that are used to ventilate the air. The new stadium’s track uses synthetic rubber, while its field is grown with natural grass and kept at 25 millimetres long. On the new stadium’s Level 5, public can explore the Sora no Mori (Grove in the Sky) with 850-metre long walkway that can be accessed by wheelchair and open to the neighbouring urban surroundings, including the greenery that surrounds Meiji-jingu Shrine and Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery.

Some of the venues utilised during the Tokyo 1964 Games have been upgraded and reused for the Tokyo Games. As a matter of fact, up to 60% of the Tokyo Games’ venues employ existing facilities to minimise construction costs and footprint. All venues utilised during the Games are situated in two separately themed zones: one demonstrates a vision for the future, while the other respects heritage. The latter, aptly named Heritage Zone, is shaped by the legacy of Tokyo 1964 Olympics, while the former, Tokyo Bay Zone, showcases a model of future urban development.

Miraitowa (left) and Someity, cute mascots for the respective Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games

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Accommodating the athletes and officials To house the athletes and officials involved in the Games, Tokyo Metropolitan Government has facilitated the creation of the Olympic and Paralympic Athletes’ Village in Toyosu, strategically located 30 minutes’ bus ride away from the new National Stadium, nestling between the Heritage Zone and Tokyo Bay Zone. Fully completed by end of 2019, the Athletes’ Village was constructed on reclaimed land formerly used as the site for trade fairs. Consisting of 21 apartment-type buildings, each building is 14 to 18 storeys high. These apartments are eventually sold to the public as private homes at the starting price of ¥100,000,000 per unit. Due to high demand, the apartments are expected to sell out quickly, probably even before the Tokyo Olympic Games begin. All units are fully furnished before the beginning of the Games. 18,000 beds are provided to the athletes and officials during the Olympics, while the Paralympics requires 8,000 beds. Once the Games are over, the furniture are taken out from the units.

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Tokyo welcomes the world Due to the Japanese engrained tradition called omotenashi, which means ‘caring towards guests by anticipating and fulfilling their needs in advance’, international travellers and visitors are bound to feel welcomed wherever they go in Tokyo and anywhere else in Japan. While receiving guests from all corners of the globe, the city anticipates more visitors from the United States and China to be flying in for the Tokyo Games in particular because both countries always show strong interest in the Games since their national teams are among the most competitive. According to Japan National Tourism Organisation ( JNTO), Tokyo has raised the number of hotel rooms for the Games to 19,000 to prepare for the influx of visitors. More accommodation options that lie in neighbouring prefectures outside Tokyo such as Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama are available too, which offer the chance for visitors to see more of Japan. On top of that, Tokyo is working on many projects; one example is in increasing the number of foreign-language signs along streets, stations, restaurants, and on passenger ships, which are expected to be important to ferry visitors to areas close to the Games’ venues. Non-Japanese speakers to Tokyo would be glad to know that nowadays, there are more signboards in English to help them get around. Tokyo works hard in making the city barrier-free as

possible for the convenience of people with disabilities, for instance the installation of platform gates and elevators at railway stations, the propagation of more Westernised toilets, and providing accommodations that take into consideration the usage of wheelchairs. The government promotes the usage of smartphonebased payment systems at more shops too for visitors’ convenience, and tighter restrictions on indoor smoking is under way in preparation for the Games. For more information on Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, check out https://tokyo2020.org/en/. Enjoying Tokyo Since you are already in Tokyo, why not: » Go up the Tokyo Skytree (http://www.tokyo-skytree. jp/en/) to appreciate this megacity’s landscape from above! Opened on 22 May 2012 with the total height of 634 metres, this tower is the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world! Its primary role is to transmit radio waves for television and radio broadcasting, besides serving as an observation and scientific research facility to measure air quality and greenhouses gases, among others. You can take in the view of Tokyo either from Tembo Deck that is 350 metres above ground, or from the 450-metre high Tembo Galleria. » Drop by at teamLab Borderless (https://borderless. teamlab.art/) digital art museum in Odaiba to be immersed in surreal and out-of-this-world digital art, leaving you entirely in awe! Don’t forget to savour a spot of tea at En Tea House (https://en-tea-house.teamlab.art/odaiba/) inside the museum, which allows you to magically interact with digital art cleverly projected onto your cup of tea or bowl of green tea ice cream! » Book a table at the Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musee (https://www.hiramatsurestaurant.jp/eng/paulbocuse-musee/) to experience Michelin-star-inspired fine dining on the third floor of the sharp-looking Kisho Kurokawa-designed National Art Centre in Roppongi, which is a museum that displays only temporary exhibitions and has no permanent collections. » Walk around Omotesando area to visit cosy cafes and fashion stores, including interesting museums. This is an area where traditional and cutting-edge architectural styles meld together, which are bound to inspire travellers, particularly architecture and urban planning enthusiasts! » Arrange a private sightseeing tour to Omiya Bonsai Art Museum (https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/en/) 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.

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Top : Inside the new National Stadium in Shinjuku, which is the venue for the opening of Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Bottom: Members of the media recording and photographing the new National Stadium during its opening on 15 September 2019 from the outside.

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Clockwise from top left: The completed apartment buildings at the Athletes’ Village for the Tokyo Games; the zelkova tree-lined Omotesando avenue (photo by Japan National Tourism Organisation); Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (syojin ryori) served at Yukuo-in Temple; the view of Tokyo Skytree’s Main Pod from the base supported by steel structure all the way up.

» Visit Mt. Takao by first taking the 20-minute train ride from Shinjuku station using the Keio Line (https:// www.keio.co.jp/english/index.html) to get to Takaosanguchi (‘Entranceway to Mount Takao’) station, designed by none other than Kengo Kuma, the architect for the New National Stadium himself. Travellers should then ride the funicular railway up to Mount Takao, where they can visit the temple called Takao-san Yukuo-in that has been established since 744 A.D., built in Japanese Buddhist vernacular style. The temple also serves unbelievably satisfying and delicious Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (syojin ryori) for lunch (https:// www.takaosan.or.jp/english/syojin-ryori.html), which travellers should try after exploring Mount Takao’s natural enviroments. To dine, make sure that you book in advance by calling +81 42 661 1115. On the way down, travellers should descend using chairlift, which offers unimpeded views of the surrounding area and Tokyo city in the distance.

Tip: To obtain up-to-date information on where to go throughout Japan, travellers are recommended to download Japan Official Travel App (https://www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/ eng/about.html) onto their mobile devices, which prove remarkably handy since it delivers latest information about travelling in Japan, including emergency information about medical assistance and embassy contact list.

Part 2 of this article continues in the next issue. Gaya Travel Magazine management team members express our heartfelt gratitude to Japan National Tourism Organisation for making the writer’s trip to Japan possible.

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Destinations

Kuala Lumpur by Traits 038 058

Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A K E R I Images by AMIRUL ADZIM AND RESPECTIVE PRODUCT OWNERS

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is home to a little bit of everything, from awe-inspiring heritage and cuisine to exhilarating treats for friends and family. There seems to be a fair chance that any traveller would find something that they love about KL. We’ve assembled some of the city’s best attractions below – according to your traits – for your touring convenience.

For Heritage Lovers Petaling Street Heritage House (www.facebook.com/petalingstreet.heritagehouse) Do you know that Petaling Street was once a flourishing hub for Chinese entertainment in the city? Neither did we. Before the quarter becomes famous for its cheap retail offerings, and way, way before Youtube becomes a thing, the Cantonese community used to go to many teahouses at Petaling Street to listen to singers performing ballads. Others went to opera houses to watch actors perform engaging plots based on popular Chinese history, classics and myths. 1920s were the peak time of such activities, but sadly, time and technology changed this. Discover more of this intriguing past by visiting the Petaling Street Heritage House, a two-storey pre-War shophouse that aims to revive the musical heritage that once defined the area. Follow along the guided tour to learn about the development of theatre in Petaling Street through welldescribed explanations and exhibits ranging from age-old song lyric books, elaborate costumes, intricate stage and antiques. There is also a restaurant at the lower ground of the house. Royal Museum (www.jmm.gov.my/en/visit-royal-museum) Are you always curious on how the modern Malaysian royal palace looks like from the inside? Well, wonder no more because the former National Palace at Jalan Istana is giving the public access to some of the most private chambers and hallways. For over 80 years, the National Palace served as

the official residence of Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supreme Head of State or King) until it was closed in November 2011. Take time to explore the palace on your own or with the guide and marvel at the grandeur of each of the space within the palace such as cinema, bedrooms, and even a royal clinic. We personally love the glamourous His and Her Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bathrooms that exude Great Gatsby vibe, making us inexorably envious. Entrance fee is MYR5 for adults with MyKad (MYR10 for non-myKad holders) and MYR2 for children with MyKid (MYR5 for non-MyKid holders). Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman (https://badanwarisanmalaysia.org) Between the skyscrapers and other concrete modern buildings of Kuala Lumpur, it can be hard to find any trace of Malay vernacular architecture that once dominated the landscape. But thanks to the award-winning restoration and conservation initiative by Badan Warisan Malaysia, travellers can find the beautifully-preserved gem sitting at the corner of Jalan Stonor, in the form of a Malay Kedah style structure raised on stilts high above ground. The elaborate woodcarvings and the enormous size reflect the high status of the family, in this case the reputation of Abu Seman as a penghulu (local headman). The house comprises three parts namely Rumah Ibu, Selang and the Balai that were built in stages respectively. Visitors may roam around the house freely, but access into the building requires a guided tour that takes place twice daily (11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) except on Sundays.

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Telekom Museum (www.muziumtelekom.com.my) A gorgeous architectural wonder at Jalan Raja Chulan was about to be torn down when it caught Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attention as he was passing by the road some time in 1985. He then stalled the plan and urged for the building to be conserved as a national heritage instead. Today, it houses the Telekom Museum, specialising in the evolution of telecommunications in Malaysia. Students can also take the chance to experience a ‘Night at the Museum’ through an educational package offered by the museum, which includes activities, meals, sleeping bags and access to KL Tower. 060

Jadi Batek Gallery (http://jadibatek.com/index.php/en) A popular handicraft centre selling a wide range of ready-towear batik, this gallery offers the opportunity for visitors to pick up a new skill: batik-painting. The price of the class starts at MYR60 per person, and rather easy and fun to follow: pick a design, choose the colours and then paint. A group of experts will also be around during the class to give guidance. For Thrill Seekers Laser Battle, Berjaya Times Square (www.laserbattle.com.my) Let’s be honest, paintball is painful; in fact, make a misstep, an unexpected shot at a close range could leave you bruised for days. But don’t let that diminish your inner ‘secret agent’ spirit by going for the next best thing: laser tag game. It is equally fun, challenging and not to mention a lot safer too. Step into the battle ground equipped with combat gear and a high-tech laser gun, where your tactical and aiming skills are put to the test as you go head to head against your opponents to gain points. Entrance fee is MYR45 per person. Escape Room, Berjaya Times Square (www.escaperoom.com.my/kl) If mystery intrigues you and mind challenges excite you, then head no further than to the Escape Room, where participants will be locked in a room until they find and decode a series of clues to complete the assigned mission and find the key to escape, all while managing the pressure against the clock. Each game requires two to six participants and varies in

terms of difficulties and themes. We personally tried the ‘The Insidious Art Thief ’ theme, whereby the mission was to steal a priceless painting – and needless to say the whole experience was absolutely nerve-racking yet enjoyable! Entrance fee is MYR32 per person on weekdays, and MYR36 per person on weekends and public holidays. For Instagram Royalties Museum of Illusions (https://museumofillusions.my/) Hailing from Zagreb, Croatia, the Museum of Illusions boasts over 70 exhibits of mind-blowing optical illusions for visitors’ visual feast. Try your hand at interactive puzzles, use the camera to create trick-eye images, or walk through the dizzying Vortex Tunnel that seems like it constantly rotates when it actually doesn’t. In fact, whatever fascinating exhibits that you stumble upon, each will definitely tease your mind! The Instagram-worthy illusions also make a photographic dream, so get your camera or smartphone ready and shoot away! Entrance fee is MYR35 for adults with MyKad (MYR45 for non-myKad holders) and MYR25 for children with MyKid (MYR35 for non-MyKid holders). Mural at Jalan Alor Feast your eyes with vibrant three-dimensional artworks gracing one of the capital’s popular strips, Jalan Alor, where local talents do not only leave signature marks on the city’s canvas, but also paid tribute to the area’s history. There used to be a lush vegetation with a flowing stream in the area in the 1920s, but a lot has changed since then due to progress. In recapturing the area’s sylvan origins, Kuala Lumpur City Hall commissioned a group of young talents to create colourful murals that reflect the olden days, when a waterfall, a river, flora and fauna dominated the landscape. Lost in ChinaTown (www.lostinchinatownkl.com) Fans of pop culture should not miss the opportunity to pose in front of colourful pop art backdrops made up of 200 iconic celebrities from around the world. Spot your favourite and be moved by their inspiring quotes. Other than that, the gallery also educates visitors on what makes the Malaysian identity,

from local Manglish slangs to the best local food in the country. Entry is free! Malayan Railways Limited Building With its grand whitewashed façade, distinctive arches and domes, the Malayan Railways Limited Building is one of the most beautiful heritage buildings that one could find in the capital. It features ‘Neo-Moorish/Mughal/Indo-Saracenic/ Neo-Saracenic’ style, conceptualised by Arthur Benison Hubback who was also behind various iconic architectural gems in British Malaya. For Always-hungry Gourmands Merchant’s Lane (www.facebook.com/merchantslane) Dubbed as one of the best in town, consider yourself lucky if you managed to get a seat less than 10 minutes after arriving. Merchant’s Lane is always busy, and the well-executed dishes explain why. The baristas and chefs are excellent in bringing out so much flavours and varieties, but in case you need a suggestion, our favourite is the ‘South China Sea’: grilled salmon served with 63°C eggs, salsa and home-made mash. Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock Kopitiam (www.facebook.com/alimuthuandahhock) If you’re looking for a fuss-free café that delivers quality quintessential Malaysian favourites like nasi lemak, toast, lontong and assam laksa, then look no further than Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock Kopitiam. Their emphasis on quality ingredients in each of their offering results in seductive flavours that ceaselessly satiate the taste buds. We also love the humble yet intimate ambience, reminding us Malaysians of the good-old kopitiams that we used to visit when growing up. Urban Artisan (www.facebook.com/urbanartisankualalumpur) On a hot sunny day, there’s nothing like a soft-serve to quench the heat. The brand originates from Penang, offering colourful unicorn soft-serves that are light, less sweet and absolutely yummy! There are over 50 inventive flavours available that the owner, Joe, rotates weekly, but the most-beloved hits are Oceanic Sea Salt, lychee, French Valrhona Cocoa and Coal

Black Thai Coconut. Nasi Lemak Saleha (www.facebook.com/NasiLemakSaleha) We love a hearty and satisfying meal as much as the next person, so nasi lemak would be that one dish that we Malaysians hold dearly. One nasi lemak joint that is known for its consistency is Nasi Lemak Saleha that serves the rice cooked in coconut milk that is always light and fluffy, accompanied by spot-on sambal. However, to us, the star on the plate would definitely be the crispy chicken that is deep fried to perfection and not allowed to remain on the serving counter for more than 10 minutes. Banana Bro (www.bananabro.com.my) Banana Bro is set to be a strong contender in serving the tastiest banana leaf rice in Klang Valley. The spread includes steamy white or brown rice with rasam (sweet and spicy soup), tairu (fresh yoghurt), papadom (crisp snack made of dried lentil and spices), and four types of curry (chicken, dhal, fish and mung bean) that are rich and full of spices, guaranteed for finger licking goodness. To amp it up a notch, take a pick between spicy dry mutton curry, fried tenggiri (mackerel) or fried boneless chicken - trust us when we say that one single serving will never feel like enough. And oh, the fried bitter gourd is also equally addictive! Sunway Putra Hotel (https://putra.sunwayhotels.com/dining/coffee-house) The fish head curry at Coffee House, Sunway Putra Hotel, will satisfy any foodie at heart. The curry is fragrant, thick and rich in flavour, while the portion is undeniably generous. The ambient here is pleasant and the service is excellent! Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant KL Tower (http://atmosphere360.com.my/) The view of KL from above is stunning, but the food spread here is equally glorious. The restaurant’s culinary team comprises some of the country’s finest chefs, so customers may expect nothing but a plethora of scrumptious seasonal spread. The restaurant slowly rotates 282 metres above ground a few times a day, creating a unique dining experience, especially ideal for special occasions.

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A birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye view of Su Tong Pae Bridge in the morning (Image by Mae Hong Son Tourism Board)

Destinations

Road Tripping in Nor thern Thailand Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A KERI Images by SHAHIDA SAKERI, UNSPLASH AND RESPECTIVE PRODUCT OWNERS

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Mae Hong Son province in the northern part of Thailand is not yet a mainstream destination among Malaysians, yet it seems to have worked its spell on the gap year backpackers for a while now, especially those who seek thrills and natural wonders. The region is sparsely populated, but well-connected to the main city of Chiang Mai via the 600-kilometre circular route that makes up the infamous Mae Hong Son Loop. Travellers should visit this province during Northern Hemisphere winter to enjoy its delight, especially when sunflowers bloom beautifully on the hillsides, and the cool air means pleasant weather for sightseeing. Adventurous travellers head to Mae Hong Son province to tackle more than the 4,000 road curves by meandering along the misty green hills using motorbikes. Those with less courage can instead visit the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many attractions and still have an equally fun-filled experience. My round-trip from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is an example of a four-day itinerary that one can choose to do when visiting the region.

From Left to Right: The lake in Mae Hong Son town, where the market takes place during winter; The Tha Pai Memorial Bridge (image by Dong Zheng from Pixabay) and the facade of the Silver Temple.

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DAY 1 The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai – my first stop within Mae Hong Son province – took around three dizzying hours to complete, and boy, how foolish I was for underestimating the long winding journey! I thought I was not the type who gets motion sickness easily, especially after having the experience traversing one of the most dangerous roads in the world: the narrow, snakelike Skippers Canyon in Queenstown. Turned out that Route 1095 with its 762 vomitinducing curves between Chiang Mai and Pai finally took the best of me. I remembered the locals said, “If you survive Route 1095, you can survive any other road in the world”, and I don’t think they were lying. Nevertheless, it was hard to remain perturbed from the experience after being rewarded with some of the most picturesque landscapes that Thailand could offer. Pai is photogenic and surrounded by glossy green plantations. It has a relaxed, hipsterish feel to it, where travellers are tempted to do nothing but wander around and philosophise about life. And it is incredibly affordable too. Many come here every year, and some

even extended their stay longer than intended. To get me into the right mood, after checking into the hotel in Pai, my tour guide arranged a much-appreciated spa session at Sapaiya Spa (sapaiya. com), the only premium spa in town that offers a variety of pampering options such as sublime Thai massage, Swedish deep tissue massage, facials, and acupunctures. The employees are attentive and professionally trained. There was no single moment throughout the treatment that I felt uncomfortable – a welcoming and classic Thai hospitality indeed. Once I have adjusted into Pai’s blissful milieu, I visited the historical Tha Pai Memorial Bridge for a quick glimpse into the town’s heritage. This bridge, though no longer in its original form, was initially constructed by the Japanese during Wold War II to connect Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. At the time, the Japanese were attacking Burma, which was part of the British colonies. However, when the Japanese surrendered, the bridge was burnt down. The locals decided to rebuild the bridge to ease accessibility and even reinforced it with steel from

the decommissioned Nawarat Bridge in mid-1970s. I then stopped at Fine Leaf, which is an artisanal shop that has been supplying the nation with eco-friendly dinnerware made only from unbleached fallen leaves. The team at Fine Leaf sources these leaves from the wild all year round, especially in January and February when the trees shed their leaves in dry winter weather. Their products are cut-resistant, microwavefriendly, strong and completely pesticide-free, which make ideal souvenirs. The prices for these products start from THB1.80 each. And since I was already in the area, I visited the night bazaar on the nearby Pai Walking Street. The town does not offer pulsating nightlife like Thailand’s larger cities, but this bazaar is bustling, nonetheless. I was treated to a vibrant scene full of stalls selling wide range of products, from artisanal handicrafts, t-shirts, cute quirky socks, to mouthwatering local food; in fact, halal food is abundant on this street. There’s even a local mosque on site. My personal favourite part of the street, however, would be the postcard shop that not only sells beautiful postcards, but comes together with cool stationeries for travellers to decorate their cards. Once the postcards are beautified, simply pop them into the post box located right in front of the shop.

surrounded by tranquil rainforest, turning it into an ideal oasis to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. The entry fee is THB300 per person. This is also where I concluded my visit in Pai.

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DAY 2 My second day began at 4.30 a.m. with a drive to Yun Lai Viewpoint where I was swooned by the mystical sea of fog floating atop the mountain range, despite being a little bleary-eyed from getting up so early. The place was packed with tourists when I was there, but as sunlight bathed the valley with golden hue, everybody seemed to understand the cue and absorbed the magical atmosphere in total quietness and peace, which was wonderful. There is also a cafe on site serving hot drinks to keep warm in the chilly morning weather. Nearby is a Yunnan Chinese Village that seems to belong in a Chinese period drama. The population is small, mainly comprising Thai hill tribes’ people and descendants of Chinese immigrants who fled from Yunnan during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Today, the village offers visitors an opportunity to experience Yunnan lifestyle, be it tea-tasting session, partaking in folk games or dressing up in traditional attire. This is also the place to see a rare traditional wooden Ferris wheel, which is open for public to play at merely THB20 per person. On my way back to the hotel, I swung by Tha Pai Hot Springs, which are part of the Huai Nam Dang National Park, roughly a 20-minute drive away from Pai town centre. There are several pools of different heat intensities, all

From the hippie town of Pai, I moved to the Mae Hong Son town which involved another 800 sharp road curves. The journey takes two hours and a half. This time however, I readily took a motion sickness pill for the journey. Mae Hong Son’s lakeside provincial capital is often dubbed as ‘The City of Three Mists’ by the locals, partly because it hides in a narrow valley protected by mountains that are shrouded by mists every day. Thanks to its proximity to the Myanmar border, the town brims with Burmese influence as one can see in the architectural style of the temples here, for example the whitewashed Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu on top of a hill. For travellers who prefer a quicker way to get to this town, Bangkok Airways flies directly from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son daily. Mae Hong Son is enormously rich in nature. Expect diverse geographical wonders, including one of the best mud hot springs in the world at Phu Klon Country Club Health Mud Spa (phuklon.co.th). The mud here is high in minerals and said to be on par with the Dead Sea mud in Jordan and the Romanian dormant volcano. Plenty of beauty-related options can be done at this spa, including Thai massage, foot massage and the open-air Jacuzzi facing a vast paddy field. I personally loved the mud facial treatment, which rewarded me with soft, glowing skin at the end of the session. Prices of the treatments are also affordable. The curfew in Mae Hong Son town is early, but if you visit it between October and February, be sure to have a jaunt at the town’s night market that surrounds a local lake. This is where you get to add more unique hill tribe handicrafts to your souvenir collection. There are also foot massage services and street food stalls for travellers to enjoy after a full day of sightseeing.

DAY 3 Out of the many things to explore in Mae Hong Son, perhaps my most favourite place to visit is the Su Tong Pae Bridge. Come early in the morning, around 6.30 a.m., to witness or even join in the daily almsgiving ritual. Since I arrived slightly later, I missed out on the opportunity. But the serenity of the place prevailed and completely won me over. Imagine walking on this bamboo bridge, which was built by the villagers of Pang Moo district for them to access the temple on the hill from the surrounding villages, with no noise except for chirping birds and the sound of your own thoughts. My rapture dissipated when I realised it was time to bid Mae Hong Son goodbye. My guide then took me to a museum dedicated to the special friendship between the Imperial Japanese Army and locals during World War II called Khun Yuam War Museum in Khun Yuam district. To me, this museum is essentially eyeopening because like many citizens who grew up in countries that have been occupied by foreign forces during the war, invaders and colonisers tend to be deemed as cruel. But here, one couldn’t help but see a different side of the war. Khun Yuam became the base for the Japanese army when they were battling with Burma, and while they were there, a special bond formed between the troops and the locals. The Japanese were treated as part of the community, and some even married to the locals. This union is celebrated and represents the key theme in the museum, where old artefacts and documentations from the period are exhibited. The journey from Khun Yuam to Chiang Mai normally takes around four hours and a half. But to avoid feeling stiff throughout the journey, my guide and I dropped by Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden for a quick rest. This place is a man-made forest filled with rows and rows of towering pine trees. Nearby, there are coffee shops lining up

the road, each offering quick bites and pick-me-up drinks for weary travellers heading to their respective destinations. DAY 4 My final day on this part of Thailand started with a visit to Chiang Mai’s Wat Sri Suphan, widely known as the Silver Temple, which has been rebuilt and renovated ever since its construction in the 16th century during Mangrai Dynasty. The design pays homage to Lanna influence, featuring impressive silver handiworks on the walls, roofs and even Buddha statues. However, it’s important to note that women are not permitted to enter the temple following the traditional Lanna belief. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, there will be an open session where visitors get to chat with the monks and meditate with them. There’s no charge for both entry and chat session, but donations are welcomed. A trip to Chiang Mai wouldn’t also be complete without exploring the city’s vibrant night market, where

travellers usually stock up souvenirs for their loved ones at home. Wide range of products are sold here, mostly are competitively priced. However, I personally feel that the handicrafts found in the markets in Pai and Mae Hong Son towns are more unique. For halal hunters, the bazaar also boasts several halal-certified eateries like the Rumit Restaurant.

Top: The Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden. Previous Page from Top to Bottom: The sunrise view at Yun Lai Viewpoint (image by aiworldexplore from Pixabay); The Yunnan Chinese Village and a misty morning at Tha Pai hot springs.

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ARRIVING AND LEAVING CHIANG MAI There are various airlines offering connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai. As such, Thai Airways connects the two cities daily via Bangkok. I travelled in the economy class for this trip, and personally found the seats absolutely comfortable. The legroom is decent, the in-flight entertainment is diverse and the best thing of all, they serve halal-certified meal for all flights operating out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. The halal meals are also available in the airline’s business class lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport. WHERE TO STAY Puri Pai, Pai (puripaivilla.com) Set on a sprawling space surrounded by verdant landscaped gardens, Puri Pai is a sophisticated hotel that seamlessly blends the outdoor with the indoor. The open-air lobby overlooks jaw-dropping views of the valley, while the handsomely appointed villas and deluxe rooms offer utmost comfort. Excursion options are abundant, but one activity that tempts me the most is barbecuing under the twinkling stars right in the property’s grounds. Puri Pai is just a fiveminute drive away from town and provides complimentary transfers to the airport and the town.

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Reverie Siam Resort, Pai (reveriesiam.com) I wouldn’t mind revisiting Pai again to just be at Reverie Siam Resort the whole time. It feels like a home that I’ve loved in a former life. It screams old-world elegance, resulting from the winning combination of Thai culture and Western influence manifested throughout the property in the use of neutral hues and timeless antique furnishings. The resort also takes pride in its fantastic culinary offerings deriving from Lanna, Akha and Thai Yai tribal recipes, an unsurprising fact given that the resort’s co-founder Pira Laohacharoensombat is a food connoisseur and certified sommelier. Pai Island Resort, Pai (paiislandresort.com) This resort is a heavenly honeymoon hideaway, as guests shy away from the world while enjoying a luxurious, slower pace of living. There are only ten beautiful villas here altogether, all perfectly juxtapositioned following a traditional village-like concept to give guests peace and privacy. For an immersive cultural experience, the resort invites guests to join in the almsgiving session to the monks that happens every morning in front of the dining room. Kirina Retro House, Pai (kirinaretrohouse.com) Kirina means ‘paddy field in the mountain’ in Thai language, which aptly represents the natural setting surrounding the resort. Come in between September and November when the paddies look glorious and lush. The resort co-owner, Poole, gives yoga classes to guests every day while her husband, Kookai, takes care of the management. The cosy rooms here carry out the quirky teddy bear theme, making them also ideal for families.

Clockwise from Top: Kirina Retro Guesthouse’s co-owner, Poole, gives yoga classes to guests every day; The villa at Puri Pai; Silhouette By Reverie Siam and a guest experiencing facial mud treatment at Phu Klon Country Club Health Mud Spa.

The Imperial Mae Hong Son Resort, Mae Hong Son (www.imperialmaehongson.com) Nestled in a private patch of teak woodland, this place is a quiet oasis of relaxation. The 104 guest rooms are well designed and replete with little touches of Thai elements that make them even more cosy and comfortable. It also has an open-air terrace that hosts the all-day dining restaurant, Golden Teak, which serves both authentic northern Thai and international cuisines. Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai (www.duangtawanhotelchiangmai.com) A great central location means this hotel is always busy, proven to be the ideal base to set the bag down for a few nights. The famous night market is just within walking distance, while plenty of tourist attractions and MICE venues are only short drive away. On top of these, the hotel will appeal to guests looking for comfortable rooms and professional hospitality. Arranging a trip to Northern Thailand region is easy as there are many local tour operators in Chiang Mai that can help visitors decide on the best package to suit their needs. My trip was guided by Mr. North, who can be contacted via Whatsapp at +66 9185 68899 for travel enquiries. Gaya Travel team would like to extend our gratitude to Tourism Authority Thailand and Thai Airways for making our trip to the northern region of Thailand such a breeze.

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asik Villa International Resort is strategically located in the heart of Port Dickson. The resort offers 220 units of spacious suites complete with kitchenette appliances and essential amenities that serve as an ideal setting for business, family and leisure travellers. All 220 units are built surrounding our man-made lake, which features the Water Chalet, Clubhouse Deluxe with Jacuzzi, Clubhouse Superior, Family Villa Private Pool, 2-Room Villa with Private Pool, and VIP Villa. Safety is our priority, therefore, all our floors are well-equipped with closedcircuit TV surveillance cameras (CCTV), computerized room key card access and 24-hours security. As for ease and convenience of our guests, we offer daily housekeeping services, convenience store and spacious parking spaces. Our recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool, bike and Harley Bike rental, outdoor volleyball courts, gymnasium, sauna and indoor games centre. Tasik Villa International Resort Port Dickson has all it takes when it comes to organising corporate functions and events. Our conference halls, ballroom and meeting rooms make the perfect venue for the exclusive events and business functions. Our experienced staff will render you the most memorable service to meet your expectations. On the other hand, our VIP Lounge provides a comfortable private space for business meeting or any other functions. We offer two well-appointed F&B outlets to gratify our guest’s preferences – either the elegant Tasik Restaurant & Café, or the unique De Tasik Italian Restaurant on the cruise at our lakeside. Dine and satisfy your taste buds at Tasik Restaurant & Café as it offers a selection of local and international cuisine at a reasonable price. Contact us for booking or more information: Tel: 06-644 8888 Email: reservation@tasikvilla.com.my / sales@tasikvilla.com.my Website: www.tasikvilla.com.my Instagram: @ tasikvilla Facebook: @ tasikvillaintl

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Gaya Shop

Shopping Guide in ASEAN Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A KERI I m a g e s b y RES P E C T I V E P RO D U C T OW N ERS

Buy local, support local – this is one of the basic principles that every traveller should embrace whenever visiting foreign countries. The purchases made do not only support the economy of home-grown artisans and businesses, but also help to maintain local traditions and craftsmanship. Below are Gaya Travel’s picks as wonderful souvenirs – fashion pieces to be exact – that travellers can hunt when being in the ASEAN region.

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1. Woven sedge bag in Malaysia Since weaving is one of Malaysia’s important heritage, travellers can discover arrays of highly crafted hand woven products across the nation, including songket in Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast, pua kumbu in Malaysian Borneo, and those made from local plant fibres such as mengkuang leaves and rattan. But our current obsessions are ‘Berkela Bakul’ and ‘Teman Tote’ by Mowgli (mowglistore.com) that make perfect beach holiday accessories. They are practical, minimal but oh so stylish and they are even waterproof !

2. Batik in Indonesia Being the country’s most highly developed art form, it would be hard to find a person who will not be captivated by exquisite and intricate designs of the Indonesian batik, perfect as gifts for loved ones or for yourself. Java is where batik is at its zenith, but you can also find a variety of designs elsewhere throughout Indonesia. Bateeq (www. bateeqshop.com) and Parang Kencana (www.parangkencana.com) are among our favourite brands.

3. Silkscreen craft in Singapore Being a global fashion capital on the rise, Singapore is home to fabulous outlets, offering plenty of trendy items that make the county a shopping haven. You can buy a traditional costume like a nyonya kebaya or opt for experimental modern pieces like silkscreen crafts made from traditional stencilling. Fictive Fingers (www. fictivefingers.com) creates beautiful collections, ranging from apparel to stationery.

4. Jong Sarat in Brunei Similar to the songket, jong sarat is an intricate hand-woven textile made from gold and silver thread using the finest cotton or silk fabric. It is mostly worn during royal and formal occasions, including weddings. These days, jong sarat has been given a modern twist by having it applied onto various casual wear that can be worn on daily basis, which Koleksi Husna (IG: koleksi.husnaa) specialises in.

5. Lanna-inspired craft in Thailand Lanna refers to an ancient kingdom that once covered Northern Thailand. It gave birth to a wonderful artistic and cultural style specific to the region. Lanna-inspired crafts can be found abundantly in Northern Thailand especially at community schools in local hill tribe villages; however, if you’re looking for collections that excel in both aesthetics and function, opt for Pancharee Brand (IG: pancharee_brand) or Upcycled Styles (upcycledstyles.com), which strive to bridge the gap between the hill tribes and fashionistas through fair trade.

6. Piña fabric in Philippines Piña is a natural fibre made from the leaves of pineapples, commonly hand loomed by skilled weavers to become a sheer, lustrous textile often used to make traditional Filipino clothing such as the Barong Tagalog. But these days, it has become fashionably mainstream as more brands like Kultura (www.kulturafilipino.com) ready to experiment with this fine fabric in creating timeless and elegant pieces. In Aklan, there’s even a festival dedicated to Piña alone.

7. Ao Dai in Vietnam The ao dai is a Vietnamese traditional long gown with slits on the sides that is worn with pants. Travellers can purchase it at Ben Thanh Market at arguably low prices. But you can also go to the tailors to have it custom-made at an extra cost. The Vietnamese tailors work fast, taking between one to two days to complete each order. We suggest Heaven Ao Dai (heavenaodai. com) on To Hien Thanh Street in Ho Chi Minh City for affordable stylish designs.

8. Lotus silk scarf in Myanmar Myanmar has a tradition of weaving lotus silk scarves and shawls from lotus fibres. The fabric is associated with a traditional legend a hundred years ago when a girl at Inle Lake wove a robe out of lotus fibres for her favourite monk. The tradition of weaving from lotus silk is still alive in the area, which also happens to be the place to buy the fabric.

9. Woven Silk in Laos Lao Silk is another highly valued craft due to its breathability and comfortable linen-like texture, making it suitable to turn it into practical pieces like skirts, wraps and scarves. The motifs and feels are deeply symbolic and dependent on the provinces where they are made: Sam Neua’s silk is thick and extremely solid while the silk from Xieng Kouang is finer, lighter and softer. Consider visiting Ock Pop Tok (ockpoptok.com), a fair trade and weaving centre in Luang Prabang, where travellers can participate in half-day courses and shop for genuine artisanal products at competitive prices.

10. Krama scarf in Cambodia Krama is a national symbol of the Khmer people that is multi-functional because it can be turned into turbans, wraps, bandanas, belts, hammocks and more. It is also hugely popular among youths who see it as an appealing fashion statement. Get your own krama from Give Krama (kramascarf.com) or Krama Krama (www.kramakrama.com) since they donate part of the proceeds to various charities that help Cambodians in need.

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Gaya Spa

Banyan Tree Spa KL: The Sophisticated Sanctuar y Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A K ER I | I m a g e s b y B A N YA N T R E E S PA K L

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On one busy afternoon in the middle of the city centre, I found myself a tranquil oasis tucked away behind the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, in the form of Banyan Tree Spa, located on level 53 of the highly anticipated Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur hotel that promises “sensorial treats ideal for the urban souls” to its patrons. Well, since I wasn’t sure whether I would fall into the urban soul category, one thing for sure: my body was aching, and it would thank me after some pampering ASAP. I made my way from the hotel’s gorgeous lobby to the spa reception area, where I was greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable staff who offered me a refreshing welcome drink and a lovely-scented cold towel, which I learned was soaked in real jasmine flowers. I took time to browse through some of the many enticing treatments available, and realised how easily it was to be overwhelmed by the choices. If you were to find yourself in a similar situation and couldn’t decide whether to treat yourself to a facial or a massage, then I suggest that you go for the treatment that I had called the ‘Sense of Place – Malaysian Bliss’, which is a signature wonderment that combines turmeric honey cleansing scrub, Nusantara (Malay archipelago) massage, a goat milk facial, a scalp massage and a jasmine green tea bath. Yes, told you I was off to a serious pampering session. Once I decided on the treatment, I filled out a form, followed by a brief consultation with my masseuse, the sweet Nui. She then brought me to my treatment suite, the Kasturi, in which to my surprise is a

delightfully spacious inner sanctum, richly furnished and softly lighted with unobstructed views of the city’s skyline, including the majestic KLCC towers in all their glory. This is easily one of the best spa treatment spaces I have even been to in Klang Valley. The suite comprises a therapy room with two massage beds, a room with the city view where the foot soak takes place, a natural-lit bathtub room, and private en-suite steam room, toilet, lockers and large rain shower. Nui suggested that I sit in the steam room for 10 minutes to prep me for the following treatments, in which I gladly obeyed – after just a few minutes in the room, my muscles relaxed and my mind started to slip into a state of respite. She then guided me to a plush massage bed and got to work by starting off with a gentle body scrub on my skin using the fresh in-house blend of ingredients such as turmeric powder, honey, tamarind juice and white sesame seed. Turmeric is said to be efficacious in bringing out the skin’s natural glow, and the honey scent smelled

amazing too. She allowed the scrub to sink in for a few minutes before instructing me to wash it off in the shower, leaving my skin as about as clean and smooth as it can be. Next, Nui began applying luxurious oil on me, rubbing with a warm, feather light touch. Her expert hands then carried on to work on my leg muscles and along my spine, with slightly increased pressure when she reached my incredibly tight shoulders and neck. “Ooh hard-working lady, the muscles here are so tight!”, she commented, referring to my upper back that made me smiled on my bed. Well, truthfully, it could be due to two things: being hard-working or spending too much time slouching while binge-watching on Netflix series – but to feed my ego, I went with ‘hard-working’, hah! I then turned over onto my back, and she repeated the same kneading and thumb pressure techniques again on my front. My therapeutic journey continued with a facial, whereby Nui began lathering up my face with fresh yogurt. She then scrubbed and exfoliated my face lightly with milk and sugar, leaving my facial skin clean and soft. Honey was then layered onto my exfoliated face, followed by gentle massage. It felt surprisingly refreshing, as I was initially sceptical about how sticky honey might feel on the skin. Nui took the heaven-like feeling a notch further by giving me the ever-so-appreciated scalp massage with coconut oil thereafter. I must have drifted in my daydream when Nui finally woke me up with a quiet whisper, inviting me to proceed with a therapeutic herbal bath made from green tea and dry jasmine. A serving of Greek yogurt, fresh fruit and a pot of hot lemongrass tea was placed on the side of the glamorous bath tub, all for me to savour while slipping further into the depths of relaxation. After being enveloped in such blissful experience, to say that I left the spa relaxed would be an understatement – rather, I felt like a brand-new person, boosted with a genuinely renewed confidence and sense of wellbeing that I felt good enough to re-join the outside world make-up free. Perhaps, that’s what a wonderfully genuine pampering experience and self-care would do to you. As such, I must say that Banyan Tree Spa Kuala Lumpur is now inked in my good books; I would absolutely recommend it to my mother and all my friends. It is perfect for those who are hunting for an excellent spa with fantastic facilities and a tasteful atmosphere – definitely fitting for special occasions, or even when you just want to reward yourself. www.banyantree.com.

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Peninsular Malaysia’s Northern Region Te x t & I m a g e s b y S H A H I DA S A KERI

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Always wondering on how to spend your long weekends? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Read on to find out how you can spend three days in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, while ticking off the must-visits along the way.

DAY 1 - PENANG Penang is, arguably, the most popular destination in the north. It is home to one of Malaysia’s UNESCO world heritage sites and is famous for its gastronomic offerings. Touring with Link Bike (www.gayatravel.com.my) Grab a set of wheels and explore the city with a bike sharing system (BSS) offered by Link Bike, which allows travellers to pick up or drop a bike at any of the 25 stations across the city. The sharing system is easy to be used and extremely cheap too; the pass costs merely MRY2 per person for a day. All interested travellers need to do is to download the app, register and then use the QR code to release the bicycle from the station. Cycling makes your exploration speedier and more convenient, and you could even follow the popular Penang Heritage

Trail, which includes a long list of heritage sites such as the magnificent Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi and the century old Chew Jetty. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm (www.entopia.com) Lose yourself in an urban sanctuary filled with beautiful butterflies, that flutter freely in a well-manicured indoor garden complete with artificial caves and waterfalls. The farm comprises two sections, the first being ‘Natureland’, a shared ecological space where visitors get to get close to more than 15,000 species of butterflies and common garden residents. The second section, ‘Cocoon’, is a stateof-the-art indoor facility where visitors get to learn about the invertebrates through various engaging edu-stations.

The Top at KOMTAR (thetop.com.my) Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) has been one of Penang’s major landmarks since its inception in 1985. In 2015, a revitalisation plan gave the building a facelift and added three more storeys on top of it, making it the 10th tallest building in Malaysia. It now houses various offerings ranging from shopping, wellness, dining and amusement parks fit for visitors of all ages. The open-air Rainbow Skywalk on Level 68 is the highest glass skywalk in Malaysia that boasts unobstructed views of the city. For all Will Sawyers out there, experience the world’s highest rope course at The Gravityz, where visitors take part in a series of obstacle challenges at the exterior of the skyscraper 65 floors from the ground! Nasi Kandar Hameediyah Restaurant A trip to Penang without trying nasi kandar would be the ultimate letdown to your gastronomic experience. This dish is synonymous with the state that plenty outlets have been mushrooming around the city and its outskirts. For authentic flavours endorsed by the locals, do eat at Hameediyah Restaurant, located on Campbell Street, which also happens to be the oldest nasi kandar restaurant in Penang. The menu is extensive, the portion is generous, and prices are generally reasonable. Kick the whole dining experience up a notch by ordering murtabak, a decadent fluffy meaty pancake that goes absolutely perfect with hot ginger milk tea – oh so heavenly! Kedai Mamu Roti Canai Terbang Feast your tummy as well as eyes at this restaurant, where patrons are treated to delicious light and fluffy roti canai together with fascinating ‘flying roti’ demonstration as the staff prepares the said dish, from kneading, rolling, flipping to folding the dough – instead of flipping the dough like usual, two employees take turn to flip and pass

between each other, making the whole process spectacular to see. Vouk Hotel Suites Penang (www.voukhotelsuites.com.my) Modern and comfortable, this hotel takes advantage of its prime location in the heart of George Town where plenty of tourist attractions are merely short walk away. All 231 rooms are spacious, and equipped with the necessary amenities that one expected from a 4-star hotel. Those who prefer airconditioned spaces can take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus to Gurney Plaza and M Mall. DAY 2 - KEDAH Apart from being a convenient stopover between Penang and Langkawi, Kedah abounds with old-world charm, particularly Malay legacies, which grant visitors a more laidback experience far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Zahir Mosque A major landmark in the state, the mosque has been around for over a century and is dubbed as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. This magnificent beauty was designed by the then state engineer, James Gorman, who drew inspiration from Azizi Mosque in North Sumatera. It boasts five striking black domes and magnificent Moorish-inspired facade. Today, the mosque is still used by the public, and the ‘State Quran Recitation’ programme is held here every year. Balai Besar (Great Hall) This state heritage asset that is replete with traditional Malay craftmanship was built in 1735 by the founder of Alor Setar (the state’s capital), Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Abidin. The building experienced multiple damages due to enemy invasions over the years, yet it survived until now and designated as the venue for state coronation. There is also a royal gallery that displays the history and heritage of the Kedah Sultanate.

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Pekan Rabu Started as a weekly open-air market since 1920s that only opened on Wednesdays, Pekan Rabu or ‘Wednesday Market’ was the brainchild of the late Tunku Yaacob Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid, who wanted to encourage more Malays to take part in commerce. In fact, Malaysia’s fourth and seventh Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir was one of the merchants that used to trade here when his studies were disrupted due to the Japanese Occupation. Over the years, the market has expanded into a multi-storey complex and now opens from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, offering visitors a wide range of traditional delicacies such as bahulu and pekasam, handicrafts and apparel like ‘Tun’s songkok style’, made popular by none other than Tun Mahathir. Tun Mahathir Mural Paying homage to the birthplace of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad with the support of the state government, a

group of local artists namely Mustakim Ismail, Abdul Qoyyum Mohd Nadzri and Mohd Zulfadli Ahmad Nawawi created an eye-catching 30.48-metre wide mural of Malaysia’s ‘Father of Modernisation’ along Jalan Pekan Melayu. Along with his portrait, these young artistes also depicted Petronas Twin Towers and Malaysia’s first car called Proton Saga onto the mural, both being Tun’s brainchild. The mural was created based on true life images by Malaysiakini photographer, Lim Huey Teng, and took a month to complete. Grand Alora Hotel (www.grandalorahotel.com) The hotel sits right smack in the centre of the city, offering quick access to multiple points of interest. There are 235 comfortable rooms, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and the popular Dao Sheng Chinese Restaurant that offers halal-certified Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines. Day 2 - PERLIS Perlis is meant for those who enjoy roads less travelled, complete with picturesque sceneries, endless serenity and way fewer crowds. Perlis Herb Garden (www.perlis.gov.my/forestry) Functioning as an open-air ‘herb museum’, the garden features over 1,000 species of herbs and spices such as mengkudu, tongkat ali, cekor and selasih across its vast land. Most species are grown in the wild (in-situ) and some even brought from other countries to diversify the types of herbaceous plants grown for potential future benefits. Besides touring the garden, visitors can also have their feet massaged and soaked in herbal foot bath for MYR30 per person. For those preferring little more adventurous experience, there are also wild cycling tracks that travellers can traverse at the price of RM150 per person. The garden opens every day except Mondays. DAY 3 - LANGKAWI With beautiful stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, Langkawi

is a renowned tropical paradise, ideal destination for memorable outdoor activities.

garden within the premises should travellers decide to walk around before or after their meals.

Kilim Geoforest Park Listed as UNESCO’s geopark since 2017, the first in Southeast Asia, this is one of the three geoforest parks located within the Langkawi archipelago – the other two being the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park and the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park. Expect to see pristine mangrove and limestone forests, including dramatic karstic landscapes formed hundreds of million years ago. The best way to explore the park is by taking a day tour that costs MYR250-MYR300 per boat, bringing travellers along the mangrove’s river system with few stops along the way such as the Bat Cave and the Crocodile Cave. On top of these, travellers can also witness majestic eagles swooping down to catch food at one point along the cruise!

The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa (www.frangipanilangkawi.com) With sustainability at it its core, The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa offers more than just a secluded sanctuary for wary souls. Guests may join in the award-winning Eco-Walk at the resort, where they can learn about various green initiatives such as waste management and energy conservation.

Panorama Langkawi (www.panoramalangkawi.com) By taking the casual ride on a cable car called SkyCab up to the peak of Langkawi’s second highest mountain in Langkawi named Mount Machinchang, enjoying the experience of being on a mountaintop while taking in the breath-taking surrounding scenery has never been easier. Travellers can alight at the Top Station too and walk along SkyBridge, the world’s longest curve suspension bridge. But if riding cable car sounds too easy, test your stamina by trekking along the SkyTrail between the Middle Station and the Top Station to admire the wondrous Mt. Machinchang forest reserve. The Seashells @ Laman Padi Try traditional dining amidst verdant paddy fields, which are synonymous to Kedah. A fusion of Malay and Western delicacies are served here; highlights include nasi kukus ikan siakap (steamed rice with fried sea bass) and nasi kukus itik (steamed rice with fried duck) that go well with ulam-ulaman (raw salad). There is also paddy museum and herb

Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Initiative Gaya Travel Magazine’s trip to the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia was in conjunction with the IMT-GT Tourism Forum, hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The forum was attended by more than 170 participants ranging from officials and industry players from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. This initiative was first established in 1993, as part of the involved governments’ effort to accelerate economic and social transformation in less developed provinces in these three member countries. To reach such goal, the Malaysian government, which chaired this initiative from 2017 until 2019, developed the ‘IMT-GT Tourism Packages’ offering unique tourism experiences in the sub-region along the themes of culture, eco-adventure, heritage and gastronomy. The information on these packages will then be distributed through various marketing channels, including IMTGT and ASEAN websites and social media platforms. Gaya Travel Magazine would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and Penang Global Tourism for hosting and making our trip smooth.

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TOP 6 BEST JOGGING SPOTS WITH SPECTACULAR VIEW Te x t b y H U S N A AY U M I S H A H R I L H A M K A Images by JAMIE, MDKS, LOKALOCAL, LIFE, FOLLOW THE F L O W, T R I P C O M & A Z H A M S H A A R I .

Being as fit as a fiddle is everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major priority and to achieve that, it is obvious that we need to exercise. The simplest way of exercising is jogging, as it can improve cardiovascular fitness and also maintain a healthy body weight. However, not everyone is diligent enough to stay committed to jogging. Perhaps, a jogging spot with a spectacular view can motivate you to jog regularly. Listed are the top 6 best jogging spots with a breathtaking view in Selangor.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) This tin-mined-turned-to-forest-reserve is a suitable spot for jogging. Instead of jogging in parks, jog along the 6 jogging tracks provided by FRIM and enjoy the scenic view of nature! The tracks are run-able and have gentle uphill slopes that suits all types of runners. This is definitely a peaceful jogging spot as the surrounding area is very quiet and calming. The only sound you will ever hear is the sound of nature. After you are done with your jog, you can do other activities here such as bird watching, swimming at the river, jungle-trekking and other nature activities. There is an entrance fee of RM 1 per person and RM 5 per car.

Kuala Selangor Nature Park Kuala Selangor Nature Park is indeed a wonderful park that has yet to be discovered by joggers. This park comprises mainly of mangrove swamps as it is built on a 200-hectares of coastal land. There are many types of jogging tracks that you can choose from depending on the view that you would want to enjoy, of which would be a lake, a secondary forest or a mangrove forest. Besides, you can also watch the beautiful lush greenery while you jog at this park as there many types of floras and fauna present in the park. Other activities you can do at the park besides jogging is birdwatching as there are approximately 156 species of birds in the park and there are several observation towers for visitors to watch the birds from. However, be reminded that you are at one with nature, therefore, do bring along a mosquitoes repellent with you.

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the evening. Jogging is said to help improve oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mood, so if you cannot find the time after a stressful day at work, this park is very much suitable for night jogs. This is because there are bright and colourful lights that lit up the surrounding buildings and bridge. The view is indeed spectacular during sunset and at night. You will definitely feel much better at work the next day! Taman Tasik Shah Alam Located at the centre of Shah Alam city, this lake garden is designed by a wonderful landscape architect named Fumiaki Takano in 1985. Back then, it was the first public park to open in Selangor. The jogging track is a common flat jogging track, but the view of the lake is just so mesmerizing to look at. With just one look at the lake, you will feel as at ease motivating you to jog even more. Explore the interconnected lake by renting paddle boats or kayak at a reasonable price. Moreover, be sure to check out the animals such as geese, storks, peacocks and forest chickens that are being reared at the park. Do not sweat, there are no entrance fee charged, so feel free to enjoy the view and the jog!

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Taman Botani Negara, Shah Alam Built on an 817-hectares of land in Shah Alam, Taman Botani Negara is the biggest agriculture park in the world. To jog in a place that is surrounded with Mother Nature especially the killer hills is such a bliss for joggers and runners! In case if do not want to jog, you can do other fitness activities here such as cycling. Besides, you can also visit the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Four Seasons Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; where you can feel and experience the change in weather and seasons that are not present here in Malaysia. The best time to jog here is in the morning as it can get quite crowded later in the day apart from the scorching hot sun. Taman Botani Negara is such an exciting place to jog! Jugra Hill Jogging on a flat jogging track may be easy for extreme workout junkies. Fret not, we have the perfect place for you adventurers to take your jogging to the next level! Jog uphill at Jugra Hill, a well-known hiking trail. Jogging uphill will enhance and build muscles at other parts of your body aside from having it toned. There is no exact jogging track on ground but there is a pave way where people commonly used for jogging. Breathe in the cool and fresh air as you jog your way up to the peak. As a reward, you get to enjoy the eyecatching view of the Langat River and the surrounding areas. Perdana Lake, Jogging Track, Sunrise Point The Perdana Lake is a very attractive jogging spot where you can jog along while enjoying the beautiful view of Putrajaya. This lake garden also has the biggest playground in Selangor so you can bring your children along when you jog during

There are many other interesting places that you can jog and watch spectacular views at, but these are definitely our top picks. If you have never started, this should motivate you and you can even start with breeze walking. Remember readers, it is important to stay fit and healthy! Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you. For more information, please log on to the official website of Tourism Selangor at Selangor.Travel.

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Travellers’ exploration of Selangor is not complete if they do not visit the museums within the state that are run by Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor (Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation), simply known as PADAT, a statutory body under the Selangor state government that is responsible in developing, conserving and disseminating knowledge regarding Malay customs, Islamic civilisation and Selangor state heritage since 18 June 2009. Prior to that, PADAT used to be called Selangor Museums Board formed since 1975, which focused on exhibitions, research, publications and gathering collections for all museums in Selangor. Check out the following museums managed by PADAT to learn more about Selangor’s rich and colourful past that shaped it into Malaysia’s most developed state as it is known today and leave enriched and enlightened!

» Sultan Alam Shah Museum, Shah Alam Located in the heart of Shah Alam City, Sultan Alam Shah Museum is a state museum of Selangor that has opened since 1989. The museum was inaugurated by Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj and was named after the 6th Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Alhaj. The 135,000 square feet museum is the centre of the heritage of the state of Selangor and has almost 6,000 units of artefacts housed in four exhibition galleries: the historical gallery; the custom and heritage gallery; the natural heritage gallery; and the Islamic gallery. Besides, this museum is equipped with outstanding facilities such as conservation laboratories, auditorium, multipurpose hall and temporary exhibition gallery. The variety of interesting artefacts and exhibits found in this museum allows visitors to explore more about the history and development of the state of Selangor, and at the same time appreciate the beauty of its culture practiced among local communities.

Sultan Alam Shah Museum, Shah Alam Phone: +6 03 5519 0050 / 7604/ 2961 Fax: +6 03 5510 1799 Email: info@padat.gov.my Web: www.padat.gov.my Facebook: Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor

» Kuala Selangor Historical Museum Kuala Selangor Historical Museum is located at the top of Bukit Malawati, Kuala Selangor. The building was formerly an official residence of Kuala Selangor District Officer before it was converted into a museum in 2006. The museum compiles the history of Kuala Selangor, which used to be the state’s centre of administration because it was the place where the Sultanate of Selangor was first founded by Raja Lumu (Sultan Salehuddin) in 1766. The museum’s exhibits are divided into seven sections to chronologically explain the history of Kuala Selangor. Built on the site of Malawati Fort, visitors can also learn about the history of this site when it was still serving as the ancient capital of Selangor by studying certain spots scattered around the museum’s surroundings such as batu hampar (stone slab), seven wells, poisonous well, meriam penggawa (old cannon), lighthouse, tangga seratus (one hundred steps) and more.

Kuala Selangor District Historical Museum Phone: +6 03 3289 6115 / 7167 Fax: +6 03 3289 6115 Email: info@padat.gov.my Web: www.padat.gov.my Facebook: Muzium Daerah Kuala Selangor

» Sabak Bernam Agricultural and Fisheries Museum Sabak Bernam Agricultural and Fisheries Museum is located along Jalan Pasar Pekan, Sabak Bernam and has been operating since 2006.The museum aims at preserving the heritage and documenting information relating to the advent of agriculture and fishery in Sabak Bernam, which are the residents’ sources of livelihood. The museum comprises the main building and a replica of Rumah Warisan. Exhibitions at Rumah Warisan focus on the history of Sabak Bernam district such as its founding, notable leaders, old mosques and schools, including archaeological findings from Lembah Bernam’s excavation site. Visitors can also appreciate the district’s old way of life by analysing the architecture of the house, which follows the traditional local vernacular.

» Insitu Jugra Museum Insitu Jugra Museum situated at the foot of Bukit Jugra, Kuala Langat, is housed within an adaptive reuse building that once served as Jugra Old Police Station. The building underwent conservation process since 2002 and opened to the public beginning 2012. The museum has three exhibition galleries that display information concerning Kuala Langat, the history of Selangor Sultanate and the hidden gems found after excavating the area such as prison, courtroom, old wells and more.

Sabak Bernam Agricultural and Fisheries Museum Phone: +6 03 3216 5586 / 1225 Fax: +6 03 6216 5658 Email: info@padat.gov.my Web: www.padat.gov.my Facebook: Muzium Daerah Sabak Bernam

Insitu Jugra Museum Phone: +603-3103 0048 Fax: +603-3103 0048 Email: info@padat.gov.my Web: www.padat.gov.my Facebook: Istana Bandar & Muzium Insitu Jugra

» Istana Bandar, Kuala Langat Istana Bandar that was built in 1899 is a palace for the fifth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah Ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Musa. Located in Kampung Bandar, Kuala Langat, the palace is also known as Istana 40 Bilik that once was the seat of Selangor administration after the capital was moved from Kuala Selangor to Jugra. The uniqueness of this palace lies in its architecture based on Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman’s own ideas by following the Islamic architectural influences from India, Middle East and China. The main materials for the building structure consisted of brick and lime mortar, while the windows and doors are made from chengal wood. This two-storey palace has 40 chambers, each determined for a specific purpose for example dining hall, royal guest room, and the royal family room, among others. The palace’s beauty remains until today even after the capital of Selangor was transferred to Kuala Lumpur and eventually to Shah Alam.

Istana Bandar, Kuala Langat Phone: +603-3120 1288 Email: info@padat.gov.my Web: www.padat.gov.my Facebook: Istana Bandar & Muzium Insitu Jugra

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Gaya Interview

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Helping the Tourism Sector to Weather the Storm Datuk Musa Yusof, Director-General,Tourism Malaysia As the Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Musa Yusof is resolved in facing the challenges head on to help ensure Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism industry remain robust.

Background Being a government scholar, Datuk Musa Yusof was part of the last batch of students whom the government directly sent to the United States of America to study after obtaining their Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM). Initially worked in the private sector, Datuk Musa’s actual background was in Economics, with emphasis on International Business. “But to me, it doesn’t matter because we can learn new things and increase our knowledge in different areas. I feel indebted to the government because it helped me turn into who I am today. The demands of the tourism industry allow me to make use of my talent to the fullest,” he admits, magnanimously.

involving consumers are held during weekends,” confesses Datuk Musa. “When I started working at Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia was a touristreceiving country; but today, Malaysia has become a tourist-generating country or source market for neighbouring ASEAN nations, including mediumand long-haul destinations. We have become one of the biggest contributors to China, Japan, and South Korea in terms of tourist arrivals. From this, we can see that tourism is not a one-way traffic, and should flow both ways,” views Datuk Musa.

the captain of the ship who guides the team to wherever it is going. In 2019, my team and I worked together to chart Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VM2020) after obtaining the approval from the seventh Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad,” he recalls. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VM2020 has been called off.

Datuk Musa joined Tourism Malaysia – when it was still referred to as Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) – in 17 July 1990, the year when Malaysia organised its first Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) campaign. “TDC that time required around 100 to 200 young personnel to assist with VMY. 25 of us who came in studied overseas; perhaps the government was looking for candidates who think unconventionally and exposed to different ideas,” he reminisces.

Back in 1990, the major destinations within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region were mainly Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Nowadays, competition within ASEAN becomes more intense as other nations like Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines are rising to become tourism destinations in their own right, with growing populations that have the propensity to travel due to rising income. After having said that, all countries within ASEAN do assist one another, attempting to answer the call of promoting the entire region as a single destination.

For the first time in the history of tourism in Malaysia, a facility to assist tourism industry players to promote Malaysia domestically and internationally called the Matching Grant is introduced by the government. “The tourism player puts in 50%, we put in 50%. We propose that each travel and tourism company be eligible to receive up to the maximum of MYR200,000. As for the travel and tourism events that the company participates locally, it is entitled to receive between MYR10,000 and MYR15,000. Tourism Malaysia helps Malaysian tourism industry players to cover accommodations, airline fares, and other relevant costs when they follow Tourism Malaysia overseas for promotional campaigns. For the first round, the government has allocated MYR15 million for the grant, and so far, MYR3 million of that amount has been disbursed,” declares Datuk Musa.

“Tourism is something that we have to enjoy, we need to have passion to work in this industry because working in tourism is similar to working eight days a week and 25 hours a day. You are required to sacrifice your Saturday and Sunday because many travel fairs

Achievements Datuk Musa assumes the position as Director General since December 2018. “The achievements received over the past year is not my effort alone, but attributed to the teamwork shown by all of Tourism Malaysia staff. I am merely

In 2019, Malaysia recorded 26.1 million international tourist arrivals (1% increase) compared to the the previous year, while tourist expenditure grew by 2.4% from 2018. During the first half of 2019, Malaysia managed to reach 94% of the targets set.

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from Singapore into Malaysia decreased in 2019, the number of Singaporeans flying out from Singapore to Malaysian destinations increased, triggering Tourism Malaysia to change its strategy. “We are encouraging more Singaporeans to fly into Malaysia, because those who fly tend to stay longer, especially when they go to places like Sarawak and Sabah, contributing more to the local economy,” he iterates.

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Readying the industry post COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic hit the tourism industry hard. Malaysia enforces the Movement Control Order (MCO) beginning mid-March 2020 to contain the spread of the virus, yielding positive results since the approach lowers rate of infections over the successive weeks. Throughout MCO, Tourism Malaysia carries on showcasing Malaysian destinations accompanied by UNWTO’s hashtag #traveltomorrow through social media platforms to remain at the top of future tourists’ minds. The travel and tourism industry is expected to hit the ground running once the COVID-19 is over. As such, the first thing that Tourism Malaysia does is to organise public relations activities and social media promotions with local media to boost domestic tourism, launch domestic travel packages, and kick-off special programmes like Jelajah CutiCuti Malaysia Travel Media Buddy and New Edge Media Publicity to uncover new destinations in the country. For the past 20 years, Tourism Malaysia has been promoting Cuti-Cuti Malaysia campaign to encourage Malaysians to

travel domestically. After the Asian financial crisis, Tourism Malaysia realised that the tourism industry needs Malaysians to spur its growth since they readily represent a captured market. As such, domestic tourism generated MYR72 billion receipts in 2018. After COVID-19, Tourism Malaysia pushes for companies in Malaysia to organise their meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) within the country to induce multiplier effect. Tourism Malaysia also invites media representatives from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Brunei to highlight tourism products that are easily accessible via Express Rail Link, Mass Rapid Transit and Light Rapid Transit systems. Datuk Musa notifies that ASEAN and shorthaul markets are top contributors to the Malaysian tourism industry for the past three years. “We realised that we want to increase ASEAN tourists to come to Malaysia since 68% of tourist arrivals are from ASEAN countries. We want to enhance cross-border tourism between Malaysia and Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia,” he says. Datuk Musa further elaborates that even though overland tourist arrivals

The reason why Tourism Malaysia encourages tourists from neighbouring ASEAN countries to fly into Malaysia is due to the availability of airline seat capacity, especially on Malaysiabased airlines. Tourism Malaysia also works with hotels on campaigns encouraging tourists who stay for two nights in Malaysia stand to receive an additional night free. “After speaking to hoteliers, we learned that vacant rooms are perishable products. Empty or vacant rooms today can’t be kept until tomorrow because it is an inventory that needs to be sold today, so we work with hotels to offer tourists ‘stay-for-two-nights-and-get-onenight-free’. We top it with provide shopping vouchers to sweeten the deal,” continues Datuk Musa. Brunei is another excellent example. “When Brunei government revised its salary system from monthly to fortnightly payment, the Bruneian spending habits changed accordingly and affected Bruneians’ propensity to travel to Malaysia. In turn, Tourism Malaysia courts Bruneians by allowing many coaches from Brunei to enter Malaysia, for example Miri,” notes Datuk Musa. Then, why all the fuss about China pre-COVID-19? Though this populous East Asian nation contributes just 11% of tourist arrivals to Malaysia, China is important because it churns out 120 million outbound travellers per year, with 30% (around 40 million) of them heading to South East Asia, making tourism players within the region salivate to get a slice of that huge pie.

“Moreover, Chinese tourists are good spenders. If you look at Europe and the Americas, even the tourism players there welcome Chinese outbound tourists, let alone Malaysia since we are located closer to China and enjoy good relations with the nation since the 1970s. Outbound Chinese travellers feel at ease when being in Malaysia because some Malaysians can speak their language. This market, including India, represents the low hanging fruit to the Malaysian tourism industry because China and India represent the biggest source markets in the world,” answers Datuk Musa.

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When Datuk Musa first started working in Tourism Malaysia back in 1990, Japan was the biggest source market in Asia because the Japanese government asked their citizens to travel overseas and circulate their currency internationally through spending. However, China has taken over the leading role. By 2030, it is forecasted that India will become the second biggest outbound market after China. “Earlier, we had difficulty with China due to the visa requirement. After discussing and convincing the Malaysian government, Malaysia eventually

introduces e-visa to mainland Chinese and Indian citizens. That is why we saw many of them coming to Malaysia because we eased the multiple entry visa facilitation. As a result, the number of tourist arrivals from India increased 22% in 2019,” he clarifies. Datuk Musa mentions that Malaysian carriers have already used up all of their rights to fly to India; they could not get additional seats and have exhausted their approved number of flight frequencies. None of the India-based airlines flew into Malaysia except Indigo, which flies to various Indian cities and controls 42% of the market share in India. Since Indigo flies to various parts of India, Malaysia may be able to capture tourists from India’s second- and third-tier cities via Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. Apart from ASEAN and South Asia, once the COVID-19 threat is over, Tourism Malaysia will resume targeting the Middle East market because the top five per capita tourism expenditure in Malaysia are mostly dominated by Middle Eastern tourists. Many Middle Eastern airlines such as Etihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, and Air Arabia

British-Inspired Giant Well at Kampung Jalan Baru, Selama, Perak. Image by: www.hanshanis.com

fly to Malaysia, making them ideal partners for collaboration. “If you were to survey the Middle Eastern market, its favourite destination is still Malaysia. Tourists from this market feel at ease coming to Malaysia because halal food is abundant and facilities for prayers are easily available. Malaysia has moved much earlier into educational tourism, whereby many Middle Eastern students choose Malaysia as the place for study, and these students’ families come over to visit them,” Datuk Musa says. Another possible market is Central Asia, which is progressing economically since the region has opened up and is rich in resources. Air Astana from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Airways have been flying to Malaysia, allowing wider access. Despites its small base, Tourism Malaysia realises that tourist arrivals from this region jumped up to 83% in 2019 compared to the previous year. It makes sense for Tourism Malaysia to continuously participate in Kazakhstan International Travel Fair, Tashkent Travel Fair, and promotional activities in Tajikistan. To travellers in these countries, Malaysia is still considered new. Datuk Musa foresees that if there are not enough capacity to bring Central Asian tourists to Malaysia, charter flights can be arranged. “We are also preparing to bring in 6,000 Russian travellers to Malaysia in 2020. If there are not enough aircrafts, Malaysia-based carriers can lease their planes as charter flights,” he adds. One more region in focus is Eastern Europe, which Tourism Malaysia has been penetrating for the past 30 years by participating in travel fairs like TT Warsaw in Poland and Holiday World in Prague. “When we first explored the region, it was more of creating awareness considering Eastern Europe was just emerging from the fall of the Iron Curtain. Due to economic progress, Eastern Europeans of today have higher income, hence the propensity to travel is there. It is time for Malaysia to tap into this region. After studying it, we find that we should start with the region’s business travellers. Since

we have established close ties with Middle Eastern carriers that fly all over the world, Eastern Europeans can use them to fly to Malaysia,” Datuk Musa ruminates.

What we currently do is to work closely with destination management companies in creating market demand for Malaysia through advertising, digital technology, and email blasts, among others. Our marketing approach is now better targeted because I can tell you how many travellers exactly come to Malaysia,” Datuk Musa expounds in detail.

Promoting Malaysia “I have been involved in all Visit Malaysia campaigns, but if you were to ask any Tourism Malaysia official, every year is actually Visit Malaysia Year,” laughs Datuk Musa, as he urges Malaysian citizens to actively promote the country to fellow friends and family. “Imagine if each of Malaysia’s 32 million population promotes Malaysia and invites one person from overseas, we are bound to easily reach our arrivals target,” he calculates. Of late, Tourism Malaysia promotes the campaign differently. “In the past, we managed to get the kind of budget we want, but this time we have to think about how to raise our own promotional budget. Beginning 2015, Tourism Malaysia’s budget allocation has been slashed up to 70% compared to before, requiring us to change the way we do things. Prior to 2015, Tourism Malaysia used to pay for everything when going abroad to do promotions. These days, we need all industry players to rally together to chip in a fund so that they can join us whenever we are involved in travel fairs overseas. In other countries, for example Thailand, the private sector and the government work in tandem by putting in a fund,” asserts Datuk Musa. “When we advertise, as marketers, the products are not ours but belong to the private sector and other parties. From 2015 onwards, the private sector in Malaysia has accepted the fact that it has to fork out some money to be with us for overseas promotions. We work on strategic or smart partnership basis with various parties for win-win situation – the parties get what they want, Tourism Malaysia gets the number of arrivals – which we did with the airlines,” Datuk Musa justifies. To sell Malaysia, Datuk Musa discloses that the way to go is through pricing.

Tourism Malaysia needs to create the demand, but not directly involved in coming up with tourism products and packages, which by right should be done by the private sector. “Tourism Malaysia comes in to assist industry players in determining whether the products are for domestic or international; packaging the products closely with them; and cataloguing the products properly so that it is easy for consumers to see and purchase the packages,” he explains. “We have changed the way we do things by going tactical, which means being price-driven. We partner with airlines or outbound tour operators from source markets, for example TUI UK, which sell to its customers at £880 per person to experience Malaysia. As a result, TUI gets the profit, we get the arrivals. Of course, once the travellers are in Malaysia and start spending, we get the tourism receipts. That is why in 2019, Malaysia welcomed 7,900 TUI UK customers. We foster business and strategic partnerships with other parties as well, for example Spainand Portugal-based TUI Iberia after returning from FITUR in early 2020.

Considering 90% of Tourism Malaysia’s promotion is done outside Malaysia, it does appear as if not much promotion is being done within Malaysia’s borders. “Due to our limited budget, we are reducing our traditional approach to marketing but increasing the use of digital, which is why you don’t see many advertisements through traditional mediums anymore. As we move deeper into digital by being present on social media platforms, including review sites like Tripadvisor, we need to get ready,” advises Datuk Musa. Tourism Malaysia leverages on technology to allow the Malaysian tourism industry players upload their packages directly onto its website. The organisation embarks on strategic partnership with Malaysia Airlines through the carrier’s virtual CutiCuti Malaysia site, managed by MHholidays. Since travellers can book Malaysia Airlines flights and hotel packages directly, the results and effectiveness of this campaign can be clearly measured. Datuk Musa insists that the Malaysian tourism industry needs to strike a balance between leisure, which makes up to 60% of arrivals, and MICE or business travel, including niche tourism, which makes up the rest. Tourism Malaysia’s areas of focus are ecotourism, represented by rainforests, highlands, mountains, sun and sea, including marine life. Travellers of today prefer to go to destinations that preserve the environment, as can be seen in Boracay, which was closed temporarily for cleaning up and regeneration. “We learned our

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lesson way earlier by demolishing the resorts on Sipadan island, moved them to Mabul so that Sipadan can revive, and determined the island’s carrying capacity. Travellers need permit to enter Sipadan and register with the marine park ranger so that the number of divers to Sipadan can be capped at 127 per day. Only then marine life can regenerate,” he contends.

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Beyond 2020 “Beyond 2020, we need to continue protecting the environment and our valuable products, making sure that all of us ‘Think Tourism, Act Tourism’ and understand that tourism isn’t simply about making quick money. If we go ahead with that, we can prosper. I am advising the supply side of the tourism industry to look into new products, either tangible or intangible, so that we remain relevant and competitive,” remarks Datuk Musa. Tourism Malaysia is seriously looking into new forms of tourism because travellers are increasingly sophisticated and prefer experiential tourism compared to typical package tours when exploring destinations. “Travellers do not want to simply be herded around on tour buses like before. They prefer enriching experiences that they can bring back home for them to cherish,” Datuk Musa attests. One form of experiential tourism is the Malaysian homestay programme, introduced 30 years ago. When travellers choose to stay at one of the homestay programmes, they are not only getting accommodation but exposure to local culture too. Some homestays, for example the one in Bongawan area in Sabah, receives MYR2.2 million income per year. On the same note, Taman Sedia Homestay in Cameron Highlands receives at least MYR2 million per

Sunrise at Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Pahang. Image by: Photo Unit, Tourism Malaysia.

year. All 217 homestay programmes in Malaysia encompassing 4,152 homestay operators cash in a total of MYR23 million per year. “In the future, I love to see the Malaysian local governments and authorities to be directly involved in tourism. I remember five years ago that I challenged Negeri Sembilan to form its own tourism association and tourist guide association, despite the state having its own unique products. The state now has formed both associations that offer packages. Even Seremban City Council claims that it has come up with city’s tourism products. Other councils that are active in developing tourism are Selama District Council in Perak, which successfully created a product called Kota Raja Bersiung (Fort of the Fanged King), Sik in Kedah and Taiping in Perak. These councils understand that tourism is 25% product and 75% storytelling, so local councils can market their products by building on stories or legends surrounding them. Besides, local councils have the authority to issue business licences and conduct enforcement within their jurisdiction,” cites Datuk Musa.

“To me, based on my experience, we should emulate Paris, where tourism is decentralised, broken down into several levels: federal, provincial and local authority. Local district councils in Malaysia should not wait for the federal government to develop products for them, but instead be proactive by working in tandem with other councils within the same state, determine each of the councils’ unique selling points, find ways to complement each other, and integrate under the state. Travellers who come to the state would then be able to experience what each district offers, making them stay longer because they can simply move on to the next district for a different experience. Once all of the districts and state have developed their products, Tourism Malaysia can come in to promote them as part of the Malaysian experience,” Datuk Musa concludes. With Datuk Musa Yusof at the helm, Tourism Malaysia is sure to successfully weather the storm, helping the Malaysian tourism industry to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

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Gaya Interview

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Dr Fary Akmal Osman CEO, Labuan Corporation

Polishing Up Labuan as the Pearl of Borneo Gaya Travel team talks to the Chief Executive Officer of Labuan Corporation, Dr. Fary Akmal Osman, on what the island is doing to stay relevant and competitive.

Prior to her role as the CEO of Labuan Corporation – the body that administers Labuan island – beginning from July 2019, Dr Fary Akmal Osman was attached to Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, where she was more involved in formulating policies. “Being posted to Labuan allows me to see whether all policies developed at the high levels of government can be applied at ground level. I am now in a position where I can see whether those policies work on the ground and if we need to make necessary adjustments.

housing. I sometimes feel like a city mayor since I need to look into the island’s public administration. In a month, I could be attending up to 74 meetings. I even held a coordination meeting involving 81 government departments at once, almost similar to administering a small state – all these departments are present in Labuan due to the island’s status as a federal territory in Borneo. I am chairing the disaster preparedness and management committee for Labuan too,” Dr Fary elaborates.

Labuan Corporation is pro-investment and pro-business, responsible in hooking up investors with relevant Malaysian government agencies to set up business on the island. As a matter of fact, Labuan as a Federal Territory has the second highest GDP per capita in Malaysia with economic value of MYR7.2 billion, right after Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya. Labuan even hosts PETRONAS Chemicals Methanol Sdn Bhd, a major economic contributor to the island. To protect the methanol production facility, including other assets like ships, ports, and infrastructure, maintaining the island’s safety and security is crucial. “I honestly did not expect all this to be on my shoulder,” laughs Dr Fary.

Labuan Corporation proactively collaborates with all of the 81 government departments by asking each one of them to hold at least three meetings or functions in Labuan per year. “When the meetings are held in Labuan, they help the local economy. It is not necessary for them to come to Labuan in large numbers at one go; instead these officials can spread out their visit to Labuan throughout the year,” she adds.

When Dr Fary first entered the Malaysian public sector, she served at the Ministry of International Trade and Industries under the demanding leadership of Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, who was the minister from 1987 to 2008. Dr Fary was then posted to Bangkok to join United Nations, followed by the completion of her studies in Japan after receiving scholarship from the International Monetary Fund. Over the years, Dr Fary has been able to build her network locally and internationally, which she intends to leverage to promote Labuan. “Labuan Corporation plans to conduct a business and investment seminar in August 2020, first targeting Japanese companies in Malaysia to visit Labuan to discover business and investment opportunities available on the island, while boosting tourism at the same time,” she reveals. Being the CEO of Labuan Corporation requires Dr Fary to deal with a set of new challenges. Her current job scope increases exponentially compared to her previous post in the Ministry of Finance because it now includes other areas namely tourism and local government, apart from financial matters. However, she welcomes them as opportunities for her to learn new things. “When I first came to Labuan, I thought my role would be more of attracting investments and development into Labuan, but turns out I am required to oversee issues related to local government and authority as well such as waste management, drainage, community safety and even

The communities in Labuan have been supportive towards Labuan Corporation’s initiatives. “I receive strong support from the people of Labuan since they notice how aggressively I try to promote the island, especially from the Village Heads. We empower the local communities to nurture communal spirit by holding competitions, for instance ‘The Most Beautiful Village’ and ‘Most Beautiful Community Lighting’, including the Labuan Pearl Awards to recognise the contributions and support shown by the media, industry players and nongovernmental organisations. Such initiatives help to make the island livelier,” states Dr Fary. Labuan Corporation’s main emphasis is in improving the locals’ living standards. “Enhancing the locals’ economic standing is crucial because they are the ones who remain in the place, while high-paying expatriates who work on the island tend to spend more outside by flying to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur at every chance they get. Moreover, expatriates leave the island once their tenure is over,” she explains. The majority population in Labuan comprises civil servants and those classified under B40 (bottom 40%) group, so it is crucial for Labuan Corporation to help raise their income level. Plans are afoot to help them form small and medium enterprises (SMEs), assist them in training and packaging, improve the quality of their products, and teach them how to sell their products and services online by working together with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. Labuan Corporation has secured funding for those plans and waiting for the moment to execute them, especially after the Malaysian government lifts the Movement Control Order, which restricted everyone’s movement to halt the spread of COVID-19.

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Labuan Corporation envisages the island to have a more diverse population, while ensuring locals are cared for. To that end, Labuan Corporation proposes for the setting up of more academic institutions on the island, with Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Labuan International Campus as the catalyst. However, buy-in and support are still required from the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for the project to get off ground. “I want to turn Labuan into a centre where the oil and gas industry, including shipbuilding, can apply Internet-of-Things (IoT) and robotics. Since Labuan is small and easy to monitor, it can be used as a technology-testing hub, perhaps for drones and underwater robotics related to shipping, oil and gas. Once businesses have done their testing in Labuan, they can use their findings to develop their own standard operating procedures and implement them. Conversely, Singapore is testing the use of drones to deliver parcels; maybe Labuan can be a base for conducting such test. There is no need to build new infrastructure for this project but the concept of creating a science and technology-based testing centre requires support from the government,” Dr Fary proposes.

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Several SMEs in Labuan have come up with popular products like virgin coconut oil, tuna satay, and anchovies, which locals catch using bagang, a platform constructed above water equipped with hoistable nets. The anchovies caught are then cleaned, processed, dried, packaged and sold, consequently boosting the locals’ income. Labuan Corporation has identified 13 bagang operators in Labuan to be given opportunity to enhance their business and earn between MYR3,000 to MYR10,000 per month. Dr Fary is keen in raising Labuan’s profile internationally by urging the locals to improve their skills and standards. “We are late in the game when it comes to developing the people of Labuan, who need to upskill themselves so as to take advantage of the presence of the oil and gas industry on the island, for example professionals who are involved in drilling underwater can command up to MYR18,000 per month. People should focus on specialised and niche skills to obtain high income. Once the locals gain better education and exposure, obtain higher income and purchasing power, resulting in better living standards, they would be ready to move towards Industrial Revolution 4.0 and embrace technology in daily life,” she deduces. Another strategy is to attract more people to reside in Labuan.

Labuan Corporation has developed a blueprint and guideline to switch Labuan into a smart island city encompassing the implementation of e-mobility, e-wallet, drone-monitoring and low-carbon schemes. “What could work for the island are smart parking, closed-circuit television system, and e-payment. As a matter of fact, we have implemented e-payment for the ferry service,” she continues. For the island to advance technology-wise, the locals need to change their mindset and be comfortable with technology as means to improve their living standards. “Otherwise, how would we be able to progress and adopt new technologies such as e-payment and e-wallet? Last time when I was in Geneva, I noticed its residents pay for public transport access directly from their smartphones. Hopefully, we can somehow implement such facility in Labuan,” notes Dr Fary. Tourism as an economic driver Tourism is important to Labuan because it generates high multiplier effect. Since tourism can spin off various businesses, Labuan Corporation decides to diversify its economy for the benefit of the locals. “I arrive at a critical point when Labuan needs to make that transition,” observes Dr Fary. Labuan used to do well as an offshore oil and gas hub, alongside shipping, finance and insurance. During the oil and gas boom, all types of lodging were dominated by the players and professionals from those industries, so facilities were just enough to meet their needs but not tourist-friendly. Only a

small number of repeat tourists came to Labuan for two to three months to enjoy the island’s peaceful atmosphere lifestyle. However, the slowdown of the oil and gas industry results in excess of accommodation supply, hence the need to encourage more tourists to come to Labuan. Labuan has all the potential to be one of Malaysia’s leading tourism destinations. The island has its own strengths that can be carved into niches, for example World War II tourism and historical sites, including wreck-diving. Labuan Corporation initially intended to bring in charter flights to come to Labuan during weekends and increase the number thereafter. “We are targeting charter flights from Jakarta, Singapore and Bangkok because these three capital cities have large expat population, who might be interested in scuba diving, especially shipwreck diving. After talking to divers, there could be more than five shipwreck diving spots around Labuan,” claims Dr Fary. “We are applying for Labuan to be listed as a UNESCO Geopark since the island is home to six ancient geological sites. Four of those sites possess rock formations as old as 15 million years, located on the main island. The other two, believed to be 45 million years old, can be found on neighbouring Rusukan Besar and Kuraman islands, which are part of Labuan,” she beams. As preparation for Labuan to be certified as a Geopark, it is important for Labuan Corporation to develop succinct information panels, educate the locals and instil the feeling of ownership among them to care for the island’s geological heritage. To further promote Labuan, Labuan Corporation plans to do engage with the media and key opinion leaders by inviting them to take part in familiarisation trips to the island. There is even a plan to bring diplomats from 40 countries to Labuan to promote the island for trade, oil and gas, financial services and tourism, but postponed at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 threat dies down, Labuan will rebuild its tourism industry, starting with domestic tourists. “Labuan is a beautiful island with heritage but underpromoted even to Malaysians residing in Peninsular Malaysia, therefore it would be wise to focus on the domestic market first. We can sell more of Labuan now because we have developed the necessary tourism packages, including the upcoming Geopark sites in Labuan. We have signed up with KLIA TV to broadcast our promotional messages through its 380 screens throughout KLIA and KLIA 2 for one year, which will be reactivated once the MCO is over,” shares Dr Fary.

Regarding visitors from Peninsular Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (The King) Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah had also visited Labuan in 2019. As a matter of fact, His Majesty might revisit the island in 2020 together with Raja Permaisuri Agong (The Queen) Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum AlMutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj. Since my team and I are experienced in handling protocol for VVIPs, Istana Negara (The National Palace) has confidence in Labuan Corporation to take care of The King and The Queen, whose visit will surely boost the people’s morale and happiness,” she assures. Travellers from Sabah and Sarawak, including neighbouring Brunei, are willing to come to the island, especially to join sporting events such as duathlon, cycling, marathon and Labuan Sea Challenge. As such, Labuan is ideal as a sports and wellness destination because many sporting events can conveniently be held on the island due to its manageable size. “In 2019, we used to have 60 tourism-related events. For 2020, we have outlined 130 events. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are forced to cut back on the number of events in Labuan for the remaining of the year,” sighs Dr Fary.

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To make Labuan more attractive as a tourism destination, a MYR100 million theme park together with hotel and resort in Tanjung Aru will open in later part of 2020, expected to benefit the locals in terms of employment and spin-offs. Besides, in two years’ time, Malaysia’s first duty-free premium outlet will be inaugurated in Labuan. Located behind Labuan International Golf Club, earthworks and construction on the premium outlet have already begun. “Once the project is completed and the international brands are brought in, tourism in Labuan is bound to climb another notch,” she foresees. Finding peace in Labuan “Though my work in Labuan keeps me busy, everywhere I go in Labuan, I get to see the beach, which gives me the peace of mind. The island also boasts places to view amazing sunset. Even the view at night is pleasing due to the lights coming from the nearby rigs,” says Dr Fary. 102

Dr Fary’s favourite spot in Labuan is Tanjung Kubung, close to Labuan’s icon The Chimney. The place has rock formations and a cave, surrounded by water replete with sea urchins and sea cucumber. There is even a coal mine near The Chimney that has been in existence since 1847. “When you go to the smaller islands surrounding Labuan, you get to see turtles and stingrays, including other marine life, due to the clear water, even at the depth of 20 metres. You could even see marine life from the jetty on Rusukan Besar, whereas the only 1.2-kilometre long sand bar known in Malaysia lies on Rusukan Kecil. If you were to stand on the sandbar during low tide, on any clear day, you will see Labuan main island on one side and Brunei on the other, a lovely spot for selfie,” she smiles. Not only has Dr Fary demonstrated her savviness in administering Labuan, she has now converted into its staunch advocate, which bodes well for the island in the long run. Under her watch, Labuan is set reclaim its position as one of the rising pearls of the orient in the digital age that travellers and investors should keep their eyes on…

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Gaya Interview

Giving Back Value to the Government and the People of Malaysia Badrul Hassan Mohamed Kassim, Chairman, Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

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Gaya Travel team sits down with the Chairman of Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Badrul Hassan Mohamed Kassim, on his company’s plans to move to the next level. Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (popularly known as Seri Malaysia) started back in 1994 during the time when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was serving as Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister to provide affordable choice of accommodation for Malaysians and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to participate in the growing hospitality industry. Beginning as a franchise, over the years, Seri Malaysia has expanded to 21 hotels. Its shareholders comprise Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) and eight state governments; the latter provided the land, while the former pumped in the money. According to Badrul Hassan Mohamed Kassim, Chairman of Seri Malaysia, the company has taken back 19 of the hotels from the franchisees and now run them directly, except for two that are still under franchise agreement. Once the agreement ends in late 2021, the company will take back the entire Seri Malaysia chain. The purpose of Seri Malaysia taking back the hotels is to rebrand and reposition them. “This is part of our

bigger agenda, which is to encourage more entrepreneurs to participate along the tourism value chain. Of late, we have been placed under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), which we are closely working together to enhance the tourism industry in Malaysia,” mentions Badrul. As part of the branding and repositioning effort, Seri Malaysia intends to work on a bigger business model. The basis will still be the same – hospitality – but the products and services will be enhanced. “As a start, we are looking at ways to scale up the hospitality business along the tourism value chain, which means we are talking about charter flights, hotels, restaurants and events – these four areas within the tourism value chain intertwine with one another, which we can fully maximise to enhance participation among entrepreneurs and leverage on the synergy within the tourism business community and the states where our hotels are located. The fact that we have eight Malaysian states as shareholders, and all of these states have airports, is pivotal to receiving the charter flights,” Badrul elucidates.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has beleaguered the travel and tourism industry, including the hospitality sector, Seri Malaysia’s branding and repositioning effort is becoming more crucial as the organisation takes a holistic approach to combat against the dwindling outlook. “As a catalyst to the tourism industry, Seri Malaysia offers its brand and resources to budget hotels, resthouses and homestays. We have recently completed a post-COVID-19 business plan for the hospitality and tourism players covering various products and services under the tourism value chain. We shall present our plans to various ministries such as MOF, MOTAC, Rural Development, Transport, and Health to ensure that we are synergising in the right direction with the needs of the country, in line with our motto ‘Sentiasa Bersama Rakyat Malaysia’ (‘Seri Malaysia Always Together with the People of Malaysia’),” he says. Reaching out to target markets As an accommodation provider, Seri Malaysia hotels receive both Malaysians and non-Malaysians, whereby the proportion of the latter group is increasing. Seri Malaysia is interested to tap and link up with these foreign tourists who go around the country to travel. “We can develop destination programme for them to explore the destinations where our hotels are based,” proposes Badrul. Seri Malaysia caters to both business and leisure travellers

since its hotels are mostly located in major towns like Bayan Baru, Kepala Batas, Alor Setar, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, and Rompin. All of these locations are in proximity to various districts and villages, which all possess their own distinct charms. Seri Malaysia is experimenting on a new approach, which is to partner with local communities wherever its hotels are located, as part of its rebranding exercise. “It is a new way of work, requiring us to change our paradigm. We plan to have tie-ups with rural communities wherever Seri Malaysia is present in by developing destination programmes to entice travellers to explore these communities,” Badrul explains. To reach out to more audiences, especially the younger and up-and-coming generation, Hotel Seri Malaysia plans to work with Malaysia’s national broadcasting corporation Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) on a television programme highlighting the local markets available around the country that are close to Seri Malaysia hotels as a way to sell the destinations. Through this way, viewers will be introduced to many parts of Malaysia, which even Malaysians themselves might not know. By watching the programme, Seri Malaysia hopes to inspire travellers to pack their bags, travel to the destinations of their choice and stay at Seri Malaysia hotels, which are known for their convenience, safety, and sufficient car parks.

He adds that Seri Malaysia might incorporate the internationally renowned Hash House run into the carnival, considering it first originated in Malaysia in 1938 by a group of British and colonial officers, a heritage that could draw international interest and shore up the number of foreign tourists. To promote Seri Malaysia internationally, the group will promote gastronomy because Malaysian food can easily be marketed overseas. The company has identified a few dishes that can be sold to the international market to create interest towards Malaysia. Delivering value In 2019, Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia performed well after it has taken back most of the hotels. “We did creditably well in 2019 better than in 2018. The improvement is attributed to the increase in occupancy and sales of food and beverages, while maintaining costs to reduce the prices,” beams Badrul.

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“On the same note, Seri Malaysia is tying up with a big organisation to launch Karnival Seri Malaysia 2020 at all of our hotels. The carnival will showcase futsal and community games to be participated by Malaysians, including football tournament called Piala Seri Malaysia (Seri Malaysia Cup), inspired from the Malayan Estates Football Cup introduced by Sir Donald Macgillivray in 1955, an inter-estate football competition organised by the British planters who owned the rubber estates throughout Peninsular Malaysia, known that time as Malaya. We will work with MOTAC and our partners, Malaysian plantation companies such as FELDA, Tabung Haji Plantations and FELCRA, to participate in Piala Seri Malaysia and Karnival Seri Malaysia, which will run throughout 2020. We plan to work with the Football Association of Malaysia too since we are organising Piala Seri Malaysia. The football crowd is huge, so we can give them Seri Malaysia discount vouchers together with the tickets to watch football matches. Football fans can stay at our hotels every time they travel to catch those matches,” clarifies Badrul.

Though refurbishing the properties is not yet in the pipeline, Seri Malaysia ensures that all of its properties remain clean. “Refurbishment requires a lot of money. We have to be fair to our shareholders by not demanding that from them at the moment. Instead, we intend to give value to our shareholders by returning the money they have invested in Seri Malaysia. We as the caretaker and operator should maximise the value of the company so that we can give back to the government and to the people of Malaysia. It is high time that we as a group repay the government of Malaysia because it has never charged us a single sen, including rental. By giving back to the shareholders, we are also giving back to the government and people of Malaysia. As a result, both the people and government of Malaysia stand to gain,” Badrul asserts. When it comes to finances, Badrul reveals that for Seri Malaysia, the largest cost is payroll. The company pays competitive salaries and put the staff through training programmes. In fact, Seri Malaysia is working with a group to offer complete on-the-job training to Malaysian citizens who fall under the B40 (bottom 40% household income) category at its hotels. “The bigger plan is that we are looking into ways for the B40 group to undergo in situ training in Langkawi and work with Langkawi Development Authority because we deem the island as a centre of excellence and a good training ground for learning the tourism business,” Badrul reveals. He further stresses that costs need to be properly managed. As such, Seri Malaysia’s hotel managers are empowered to make decisions as part of the company’s decentralisation efforts. “These hotel managers are crucial. We want the hotels to be champions because they are the ones who are on the frontline,” admits Badrul.

Rebranding and repositioning Seri Malaysia There is huge potential in terms of branding Seri Malaysia because the group carries the name ‘Malaysia’. “Seri Malaysia represents the quintessential Malaysian style, nature, personality, humility, and way of treating guests. It is indeed an honour to carry this Malaysian brand and we have to live up to it and sell it to the world. Seri Malaysia is indeed Malaysian in heart, mind and soul,” Badrul advocates.

Besides, Seri Malaysia’s staff visits local hospitals to give out Seri Malaysia discount vouchers to all patients, who can extend those vouchers to their visiting friends and relatives. When visitors visit the hospitalised patients and receive these vouchers, they can stay at any Seri Malaysia hotel close to the hospital because it is understood that many visitors might face difficulties in securing inexpensive accommodation, particularly if they were from out of town.

“Malaysians are hospitable; that is our nature. Therefore, hospitality is one business that Malaysians should be confident of doing because we are humble, kind and want to please. Such characteristics are applied in Seri Malaysia hotels. That is why we have a new tagline: Seri Malaysia Sentiasa Bersama Rakyat Malaysia, Selesalah Bersama Kami (‘Seri Malaysia Always Together with the People of Malaysia, Stay Comfortable with Us’).

On top of that, Seri Malaysia is also offering Seri Malaysia Privilege Cards, including discounts and special privileges, to the frontliners from the Ministry of Health, the police, the army and all parties involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic to help propel the industry in a winwin manner with fellow Malaysians.

“To get the buy-in from our own people about rebranding and repositioning Seri Malaysia, it is easy to convince them when you deliver results. Initially, when I first presented to Seri Malaysia board of directors on the tourism value chain, the members were excited but they were also concerned on how to implement the plans because the results need to speak for themselves. I did what I think is right as long as it is within the laws, rules and regulations of the country and the company,” recalls Badrul. So far, things are going to plan, but Badrul feels that there’s more that can be done. “When I spoke with the corporate team and the people at the hotels, we realise that the opportunity to grow is huge, therefore we can do more. Everybody in Seri Malaysia has taken up the challenge to think outside the box and think big. Success is a moving target – though we can say that we have done well, we can’t sit on our laurels. We aspire to continue delivering value, nurture more entrepreneurs, and work together with Malaysians, so that they will feel Seri Malaysia as theirs. “We want Seri Malaysia to become the hotel for the people. We want every Malaysian to feel that Seri Malaysia is their hotel. Our rates are reasonable too. We want people to think that whenever it comes to weddings, parties, functions or seminars, they will have Seri Malaysia on top of their minds because we have the location, and we have the food. Seri Malaysia’s three-star hotels make their guests comfortable and fit to the Malaysian way of life,” Badrul enthuses. In reaching out to the public, Seri Malaysia has been distributing discount vouchers to the Malaysian public. “We started the first phase of our rebranding and repositioning efforts by offering vouchers that offer discount at MYR68 each for those staying at Seri Malaysia hotels, plus another 20% discount on food. This is to tell Malaysians that we are here to offer affordable rates, inviting them to stay with us,” claims Badrul.

The second phase of rebranding and repositioning is to select entrepreneurs for Seri Malaysia to partner with. The company finds that the pool of local entrepreneurs can be enlarged by extending to the communities within the areas or districts where Seri Malaysia hotels are located. One way of implementing this is to invite those who can cook local specialties and signature dishes to utilise Seri Malaysia’s kitchens and sell their food to diners at the hotels. In identifying those entrepreneurs, Seri Malaysia has signed up agreements with the Malaysian Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Dewan Usahawan Malaysia (Malaysia Entrepreneur’s Chamber) for their members to team up with or ride on Seri Malaysia’s network. Apart from that, Seri Malaysia is working with Yayasan Islam Pulau Pinang (Penang Islamic Foundation), which is currently building a shariah-compliant hospital, to offer food and beverages, including services like housekeeping, once the hospital is completed. “After taking back the hotels, we are confident that we are on the right track. Hence, it is time to give back to the people of Malaysia and the entrepreneurs. Though we currently have 21 hotels, Seri Malaysia would like to increase the number by associating with 200 or 300 entrepreneurs. That is why we sign up with the Malaysian Muslim Chamber of Commerce, which have members who can sell their products and services through our hotels. We give them discount vouchers; when they sell their products, they can use our vouchers as incentive, which is a win-win situation. We also have come up with Elite Card to be given to all Malaysians. We are talking to various organisations, Malaysia Airlines included, so that we can extend the usage of Seri Malaysia card for other products and services,” claims Badrul. To expand its business, Seri Malaysia plans to manage government resthouses, smaller inns, lodgings, and budget hotels that are being badly hit from intense competition, economic slowdown and COVID-19 fears. The company

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welcomes members of the Malaysian Budget Hotels Association to work on a deal with Seri Malaysia and find ways to help them make money, use the Seri Malaysia brand, and leverage on the company’s strength in information technology to market their properties. Considering many budget hotels do not provide food, they may source the food for their guests from Seri Malaysia’s kitchens. The company might even engage local unemployed youths who own motorbikes to deliver food and beverages prepared at Seri Malaysia’s kitchens to be sent to the partner budget hotels.

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“Although the industry was down in 2019, Seri Malaysia went against all odds, which means we must have been doing something right. That is why we want to tie up with budget hotels because we know they are facing competition from Airbnb, Oyo and the likes. We welcome budget hotels to work with Seri Malaysia because we want to groom more Malaysians and grow from 21 hotels to 200 easily within a few months by opening up to Malaysian budget hotels, resthouses and smaller guesthouses. There is a lot that can be done to invigorate the

tourism sector,” foresees Badrul. Interestingly, Seri Malaysia has also been talking to a few groups that run the Malaysian homestay programmes. “Seri Malaysia can inject a new lease of life to the homestay programmes, if any of them agrees to become a Seri Malaysia homestay. We are confident that we can make the homestays better by providing food and creating traditional wedding packages because we find that urban settlers who originate from the kampung miss its hygge and want to experience it again, especially when holding weddings and private functions. Ideally, the homestay that promotes weddings should not be far from a Seri Malaysia hotel – we can provide food, transport, and accommodation, on top of organising a beautiful Malay kampung wedding at the homestay, complete with marhaban, kompang and community participating; to us, this is what Malaysia represents,” Badrul fervently states. He concurs that the homestay programme is ingenious and Malaysian in spirit, hence appropriate for Seri Malaysia to sell to the world. “We have spoken to organisations like PERDA, FELCRA, and the homestay association in Langkawi to implement the idea. We

do welcome any homestay to work with us. The creation of the Seri Malaysia homestay is again part of the rebranding and repositioning exercise because it is in line with the Seri Malaysia brand,” chimes Badrul. Hope for the future Despite the challenging business environment, especially after the onslaught of COVID-19, Badrul Hassan hopes that in the next few years, Seri Malaysia is able to grow into a conglomerate, perhaps becoming Kumpulan Seri Malaysia (Seri Malaysia Group), and not simply remain as a network of hotels. “Some activities that we find capable in boosting the Seri Malaysia brand include organising art and cultural events for locals to showcase their talents; working with media and broadcasters to increase brand visibility; developing rural destination tourism; supplying food to Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malayan Railways Limited) while ensuring that the cafes and restaurants along the railway routes are revived and converted into Kafe Seri Malaysia; setting up bakeries and catering services; and recognising unsung Malaysian heroes or people who have contributed greatly to the Malaysian society for example teachers, administrators, village heads, imams, pastors and so forth. To that end, the blueprint and papers have been done, the agenda has been set, businesses have been identified, and all entrepreneurs are welcome to work with us,” assures Badrul. Badrul strongly believes that Seri Malaysia has what it takes to become an iconic Malaysian brand. “Seri means beautiful and adding value, therefore we all have to live up to the word, which is part of the brand. It is my hope that Seri Malaysia hotels become lifestyle hubs where Malaysians converge, feel at home and express their talents. By doing so, Seri Malaysia is sure to achieve its national agenda, which is ultimately to benefit Malaysians,” he sums up at the end of the interview.

E sc ape Re alit y, E nter F ant a sy The distance to Resorts World Genting is not very great – after all, it takes less than an hour to get from central Kuala Lumpur to the City of Entertainment 6,000 feet above sea level. But the distance that can be covered within the Resort itself is far greater, offering the opportunity to teleport into whole new kingdoms and brave new worlds through the Skytropolis, SkyVR and The VOID. Begin with the new Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, a physical representation of a magical illusion. Spanning 400,000 square feet and connecting the sparkling SkyAvenue complex with the massive First World Plaza, Skytropolis pays homage to the dramatic amusement parks that ruled entertainment in the 19th century. With almost 20 rides already installed, Skytropolis offers something for everyone. From kid-friendly playgrounds to fun-for-the-whole-family experiences and adrenaline pumping thrill-seeking rides, one can soar to great heights and spin around like they just don’t care. Skytropolis is also the home of the Genting Highland Heroes – the Resort’s animal mascots who have each set up their own food kiosks there. Choose from durianflavoured treats at Joe the Orangutan’s Durian-licious Flavours, hop over to Bennie the Bear’s tray of pastries or select pink treats from Callie the Dragon’s Think Pink, to fuel yourself up for the next ride! For something a little less physical, the BigTop Video Games Park in First World Plaza offers arcade games like Pac-man Battle Royale and Danz-Base for whole families to enjoy in a bright circus-themed environment. Ready to go further? SkyVR is the answer. Opened in November 2019 as a portal to a whole suite of virtual reality experiences, SkyVR is incredible and immersive. With five experiences on offer – ranging

from family-friendly exploration and intrepid adventuring to intergalactic quests – each one of SkyVR’s escapades is a whole new world unto its own. Start gently with the XD Theatre, a multi-sensory simulator ride that seats up to 32 guests and transports them on a virtual roller-coaster ride into pirate lairs and sunken empires. Soar up high in the sky like a majestic eagle in SkyGlider or step into the VirtuGlobe simulacrum, a free-moving VR environment that is incredible and immersive. Level up by trying the Robocoaster, a rollicky ride through an undiscovered robotic realm, and finish off with Vortex, a state-of-the-art motion platform where your job is to defend the universe from evil forces with nothing by a VR laser gun and your friends beside you. Ready to go even further? Explore the furthest reaches of the imagination through The VOID, the pinnacle of hyperreality. A combination of cutting-edge VR technology, realistic haptic feedback and comprehensive physical effects, The VOID is the closest thing humanity has come to the Matrix – creating a virtual world so convincing and elaborate, it is indistinguishable from the real thing. As the first place in Asia that The VOID is available, Resorts World Genting has a stellar line-up of blockbuster franchises to transport you to a new dimension, where you don’t just play the main character; you are the main character. Defend the Earth as a member of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers: Damage Control, wield a lightsaber in Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, stun the supernatural in Ghostbusters: Dimension and jump into the world of pixels in Ralph Breaks VR. The choice – and the challenges – belong to you. So come. Come up to Resorts World Genting, and start with a party in a funland, get transported into amazing worlds and finish off by saving the universe. With the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, SkyVR and The VOID, Resorts World Genting is more than just a Resort; it is now a gateway to greatness.

www.rwgenting.com

ResortsWorldGenting

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Gaya Interview

Bringing Selangor’s Waste Management Services to New Heights Tuan Haji Ramli Mohd Tahir, 110

Managing Director, KDEB Waste Management

Managing waste and maintaining cleanliness of public spaces, including landmarks and tourist attractions, are often overlooked and taken for granted. Those who are involved in such services are unsung heroes and deserve respect because they enhance society’s quality of life. As a tribute to such professionals, Gaya Travel Magazine catches up with the Managing Director of KDEB Waste Management, Tuan Haji Ramli Mohd Tahir, to understand more about waste management in Selangor and how his company keeps the state clean. Approachable, charismatic, far-sighted, and financially astute, Tuan Haji Ramli Mohd Tahir joined the Selangor state government-linked investment company Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB) back in 2006 as Corporate Planning Manager. He has been the chief of KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) since 2014. Under Tuan Haji Ramli’s leadership, KDEBWM makes its mark as the top-of-mind company when it comes to managing waste in Selangor. It is even voted by Frost & Sullivan as the best smart waste management company in Malaysia for three consecutive years: 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Managing waste for Selangor KDEB first involved in the waste management business since 2008 when it held 21% stake in Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire for waste collecting and public cleansing. “When we put out a proposal to acquire the stake in 2008, we had the long-term vision of involving directly in the collection and cleansing business for the whole of Selangor,” reveals Tuan Haji Ramli. KDEB was the second largest shareholder in Alam Flora until 2013 when it sold its stake to the conglomerate DRB-HICOM and decided to do waste collection and public cleansing on its own.

After Alam Flora Sdn Bhd exited the business is Selangor, the state government gave the mandate to all 12 local councils within the state to manage their own waste according to their own capacity and style. “When you have 12 different budgets, procedures and key performance indicators (KPIs), the service standards vary from one local council to another. Shah Alam or Petaling Jaya for instance can collect large amount of funds through quit rent assessment, taxes, compounds and advertising, while smaller local councils like Sabak Bernam, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor collect far less, thus have limited funds for waste management,” he recalls. There was obvious difference between councils that have larger financial capacity and those with limited financial capacity because they need to pay the contractors who render the services. The difference in the level of income between one local council to another created discrepancies in service standards. Due to the glaring financial gap among the councils, Selangor state government realised it would be better for the services to be standardised as recommended by KDEB, which proposed to take over waste management for the entire state back in 2016 by pooling money into one big fund for investment and cross subsidisation. KDEB guaranteed to offer the same service level to all parts of Selangor irrespective of their locations, whether Hulu Selangor in the north east, Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor in north west, Kajang and Ampang Jaya in south east, Sepang and Kuala Langat in south west, Gombak and Hulu Langat in the east, or Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, and Klang in the centre. Subsequently, KDEBWM was formed to run the state’s waste collection and public cleansing business. Selangor, being the most developed state in Malaysia and contributing 23% to the national GDP, has 6.3 million population, including one million foreign workers employed in the ports, airports, industrial and commercial areas within its borders. Selangor’s population and development level commensurate with the amount of waste it generates, which is approximately 7,000 tonnes of domestic waste and 3,000 tonnes of bulky and cleansing waste per day. Considering Malaysia produces 36,000 tonnes of waste per day, 28% of waste is contributed by Selangor alone. There are two types of costs involved when managing waste in Selangor: collection and public cleansing, which is KDEBWM’s business; and disposal. KDEBWM collects domestic waste (for example kitchen waste from shops and houses), and conducts public cleansing like cutting grass, road-sweeping, cleaning drains, and collecting bulky waste (old furniture, for example). On the other hand, disposal – which is not done by KDEBWM – is managed by Selangor State Development Corporation’s Worldwide Holding Berhad through its landfills in Jeram and Tanjung Dua Belas, including Berjaya Landfills in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.

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Getting to the root of the problem Waste management business requires new trucks because old ones were high in maintenance and repair costs. “We invested in 500 brand new compactors, also known as garbage trucks, to collect domestic waste like kitchen or food waste, and another 500 brand new open tipper or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) to collect public cleansing waste like cut grass, garden waste, and bulky waste. It is mandatory for our operators to use these new trucks,” he elaborates. KDEBWM now has the largest fleet of trucks in Malaysia to deal with Selangor’s waste. Another reason why none of the past concessionaires invested in new assets was because the concession lasted only one to two years, so he proposed for the state government to give KDEBWM a seven-year concession. “You can’t take a loan if you were given a concession or contract for a short period,” he asserts. In return, the company would borrow from the bank, buy new machines as assets, create new standard operating procedures (SOPs), form new KPIs, and implement what was proposed. The state agreed to the proposal due to the significant outlay required.

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Selangor state government’s budget for 2020 is MYR2.3 billion. Almost 25% to 30% of that amount (around MYR460 million) is allocated for waste collection and public cleansing, which is KDEBWM’s income. By adding another MYR100 million for disposal service, the cost becomes substantial. Tuan Haji Ramli considers waste management business as recession proof because it is in demand every day throughout the year. KDEBWM’s trucks are deployed even during weekends to pick garbage from commercial areas, thereby increasing the tonnage of collected waste as recorded by the landfills in Jeram and Tanjung Dua Belas. “Whether we talk about domestic, private, commercial, or industrial, all of them produce waste 365 days in a year that needs to be cleared. If you manage to clean up the street, residential areas, villages, and downtown, nobody complains when trash is collected, grass is cut, and drains are cleaned according to schedule,” he observes. Waste management is gazetted as part of essential services alongside water management and road maintenance, hence treated as a state government’s imperative. “If the state government fails to manage its waste, this could lead to public outcry, causing citizens to vote the government out. Just imagine if 7,000 tonnes of domestic waste are not collected throughout the state in one, two or three days – it spells disaster! If collections were to be missed, waste will rot and cause pollution like putrefaction and leachate,” stresses Tuan Haji Ramli.

“I am thankful to the state government for lending us MYR48 million as a start to do the investment, but the money was not enough, so we borrowed MYR110 million from Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, RHB MYR55 million and Malayan Banking Berhad MYR50 million, bringing the amount to more than MYR260 million. It was money well spent,” beams Tuan Haji Ramli. Once green light was obtained, KDEBWM straightaway took the loan, did the investment, opened offices in each zone, identified the right number of staff to supervise the work, selected the best subcontractors as operators for each zone, and persuaded local councils to pass all waste management responsibilities to KDEBWM. By doing so, local councils could instead focus their energy on enforcement and cracking down illegal dumping. Ever since KDEBWM takes over the services for the whole state, the number of illegal dumping has reduced because the trucks are tracked from the command centre using closed-circuit cameras and tracking device. “Public should alert the authorities whenever they see illegal dumping taking place,” he advises. Win-win business model Selangor needs a vibrant economy that offers ample employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for its residents. To support this objective, after being appointed as the main contractor, KDEBWM chose the best 1,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as subcontractors via open tender to collect waste and do public cleansing as stated in the contract. Each subcontractor received a brand-new compactor or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), which belongs to the subcontractor after five years. KDEBWM’s monthly income of around MYR37 million is shared among these 1,000 subcontractors, whereby each of them employs an average of 30 staff, creating

employment within the state. Tuan Haji Ramli explains that if KDEBWM were to monopolyse the public cleansing and waste collection business by operating on its own without appointing subcontractors and instead bring in foreign manual labourers to do the work, the company would still thrive at the same cost, but the state would be worse off because it could not gain from the multiplier effect brought about by the creation of 1,000 local entrepreneurs and enterprises. Moreover, employing foreign labourers causes money to flow out from the state and country through remittances. Operating prudently According to Tuan Haji Ramli, KDEBWM’s KPI is not the topline (sales) or bottomline (profits) since the state government owns 100% of the company. “To us, our main KPI is to keep Selangor clean. We try our best to comply with the KPIs set by the local councils at the lowest cost possible, for instance collecting trash three times a week at residential areas and every day at commercial areas, cutting grass twice a month, and cleaning the commercial and protocol roads daily. Though different local councils in Selangor impose different tax rates on its residents, they will still get the same standard of service,” he pledges. KDEBWM charges the average rate of MYR7 per household to collect waste 12 times per month in Selangor. “If you subscribe to Act 672 (Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007) signed between the federal government, the state government and the concessionaire, the set cost per household is higher than KDEBWM’s rate,” claims Tuan Haji Ramli. By charging low rate, KDEBWM learns to manage its business carefully by keeping its overheads low through effective cost saving measures and not spending lavishly on offices and remuneration packages. With only 300 staff throughout Selangor, Tuan Haji Ramli runs a tight ship. Meanwhile, Selangor state government does not need to spend more than what is necessary and instead use larger portion of the budget on other critical areas like building and maintaining infrastructure, including extending help to the needy. “It would not be appropriate for KDEBWM as a wholly state-owned company to charge local councils at premium rates because we all belong to Selangor. Of course, if we were allowed to minimally raise the rate, we would invest in more new assets such as water jetters and roadsweepers to boost operational capability,” continues Tuan Haji Ramli. “We charge the same rate to the local councils as what was charged eight years ago. So just imagine what else KDEBWM could provide to the state if we were to charge higher rates. However, the company has no plan to do that since times are hard,” he assures.

If KDEBWM were allowed to hike up the rate, Tuan Haji Ramli is confident that the company can diversify its waste management business to encompass the construction of material recovery facility at each local council where recycling projects can be done, including initiatives like designing vehicles to specifically collect cooking oil, and building wasteto-energy plant that produces and sells electricity. “There is money to be made by converting waste into energy. It is more about investing back to the company and manning it correctly using latest technology and smart ways,” he foresees. Striving for efficiency KDEBWM’s main achievement lies in its ability to prove to the state government that it can run productively by focussing on service level, tonnage collected, and reduction of complaints. “We have achieved 50% cost savings, increased landfill tonnage, and decreased complaints. To us, it is important that the residents of Selangor are pleased to have their streets and surrounding environments become conducive for living,” states Tuan Haji Ramli. “Ever since KDEBWM takes over the waste collection and cleansing job from the local councils, the tonnage at the landfill increased tremendously, meaning the company has been collecting more waste. Before we took over, the level was around 80%; under KDEBWM, the rate has increased to between 90% and 95% – the numbers speak for themselves,” he adds. Eight years ago, when waste management was done by another concessionaire and local councils, the cost for waste collection and public cleansing in Selangor – without new investments in assets – was MYR420 million per year to serve 5.5 million population. Today, KDEBWM covers more residences in Selangor due to larger inventory, especially after the existence of new townships that boost population number like Setia Alam, Alam Impian and Denai Alam. The current cost hovers around MYR440 to MYR450 million per year, not far from the value eight years ago; however, with that amount, KDEBWM also managed to invest in 1,000 units of new trucks worth over MYR260 million, proving that KDEBWM is remarkably efficient. KDEBWM puts in place a satellite command centre to monitor and control its trucks so that they stick to the planned routes. In the past, there were instances when garbage trucks veer off course to engage in unacceptable activities such as illegal dumping because some businesses wanted to avoid paying for landfill services. The trucks are equipped with live closed-circuit camera for 24-hour monitoring. When KDEBWM receives complaint from the public, the command centre picks it up, identify the complainant’s location, and solve the problem.

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In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers involved in collecting waste and cleansing wear personal protection equipment provided by the company to mitigate risk of infection, besides having their body temperatures checked daily before starting work. KDEBWM encourages them to constantly apply hand sanitiser and maintain higher level of hygiene. Each worker needs to be responsible in taking care of their health and not infect other people.

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Changing the public’s mindset In Malaysia, littering remains a problem. Though the state government manages waste efficiently, public must be held responsible for their own waste. For this to happen, education should begin at home: Malaysian children must be taught that the waste they produce is their own responsibility. They should not look at waste as something disgusting, especially after it is thrown into the bin, because that waste originates from their own selves. “Malaysians want cleanliness only within their own territory. When we create waste, we want to dump it elsewhere, so we throw it in other people’s or public spaces. By right, if it is your waste, you should be responsible for it – why should you dispose it in other people’s territory?” chides Tuan Haji Ramli. Malaysians have this attitude that other people should take care of their waste, hence they leave it at public areas. This also applies to the drains in commercial and residential neighbourhoods, which are often clogged with waste, causing drain water to overflow. Some businesses even try to cut cost and evade paying landfill services by dumping their residue illegally, discharging waste into drains and rivers. Waste needs to be disposed at specific places to prevent pollution. Malaysians generally do not recycle too. “I am a strong believer in recycling, and unfortunately the recycling rate in Malaysia is too low. You shouldn’t simply dispose or send the waste directly to the landfill. Instead, you can extract items like batteries, rubber, and aluminium for processing. You could even recycle plastic, papers, high density polyethylene, and steel to recoup money. Citizens should segregate their waste at the source and do their part. We need to educate the public to recycle, reduce waste and reuse more,” urges Tuan Haji Ramli.

In fact, KDEBWM has built a small material recovery plant on Jalan Korporat in Meru, Klang to process items up to 20 tonnes per day. Before the trucks dump their collection at the landfill, these trucks drop off recycled items at the plant so that the landfill does not fill up quickly. If a similar plant can be set up at each local council to process items up to 50 tonnes per day, Selangor can save more land from becoming landfills. Otherwise, Selangor is compelled to allocate 100 to 150 acres of land every five to six years just for that purpose. Looking ahead In the future, KDEBWM intends to expand into disposal. “Hopefully, we can propose to the state government that there are alternative ways in dealing with the waste collected. There are more activities that can be done to increase the value of this business, reduce cost, establish new income streams, and implement new methodologies rather than resorting to landfills. We want the state government to give us the chance. “We also want to clean Selangor better than what we are doing now, and continue working with the state government, especially since KDEBWM does not get a single sen from the federal government,” declares Tuan Haji Ramli. Based on KDEBWM’s outstanding track record, Gaya Travel Magazine has no reason to doubt the company’s ability to succeed in many years to come.

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Hotels & Resorts

Nestling in the Bosom of Penang’s Grande Dame 116

Te x t b y J U H A N K A M A R U D D I N I m a g e s b y E A S T E R N & O R I E N TA L H O T E L , P E N A N G

Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel is one of Penang’s prestigious institutions that puts the island on the international travellers’ map. Definitively British colonial with Malaysian accents, this beacon of classic luxury has been in existence since 1885, the brainchild of the famed Iranian-born and Armenian-descent Sarkies brothers who founded a string of hotels around Southeast Asia that included The Raffles Hotel in Singapore and The Strand in Yangon. Interestingly, E&O Hotel – initially Eastern Hotel, then merged with Oriental Hotel – was the starting point of the brothers’ foray into the hotel business.

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For the uninitiated, E&O Hotel, Penang composed of two wings: Heritage Wing, the original and historical part of the hotel; and Victory Annexe, the extension of the hotel completed back in 2013. To ensure E&O Hotel’s leading position as Penang’s most desirable hotel, the Heritage Wing underwent an extensive nine-month refurbishment on all of its 100 suites, public areas, and food and beverage outlets in 2019. The underlying intention behind the exercise is to restore the Heritage Wing back to its former glory whilst retaining its timeless essence and historic integrity so that guests can be transported back to the Sarkies brothers’ heyday. Now reinvigorated and upgraded, the Heritage Wing, with its British colonial elegance, promises an ultimate staycation defined by more pronounced exclusivity and privacy. The property seems to spare no expense in capturing the romance of a bygone era for the enjoyment of today’s discerning travellers who walk through its doors. On managing the public’s expectation from the revamped Heritage Wing, guests strolling along the walkway would feel themselves transported back to the olden days. Lovers of period designs and interiors should take note of the wrought iron grills that grace the hotel’s façade, including the hotel doormen’s two-piece khaki uniform complete with knee-high

socks and pith helmets, known as Wolsely pattern helmets, alluding to the times when the British ruled Malaya. Despite being luxurious, the hotel does not feel unnecessarily ostentatious or stuffily gilded, but instead comes off as tastefully relaxed, pragmatic, bright and airy with generously clever amount of space to move and breathe. With additional tropical touches, the hotel’s interiors now boast selectively muted, earthen tones that are typical in many world-class resorts. The renovation is also extended to the Grand Ballroom, which comfortably fits 80 10-seater round dining tables, and more if the foyers on the upper floor were to be occupied as well. The facelift wonderfully accentuates the ballroom’s original elements. This pillarless space is one of the most popular on the island because it offers unobstructed views for the members of the audience, wherever they might be sitting.

Tip: Allow yourself to absorb the hotel’s dignified atmosphere and reflect upon its look and feel. Imagine how it was like when wealthy guests sashayed through the hotel’s doors and stayed at the hotel over a hundred years ago!

Suites & Facilities For guests who stay at E&O Hotel’s Heritage Wing, they will be pleased to know that check-in is done within the comfort of their suites. Depending on availability, guests may check in earlier. Each Heritage Wing suite is sumptuously treated with softer furnishings and lighter-coloured wallpaper, including doublepaned windows to ensure proper soundproofing. Old-school designed light and doorbell switches, including the greenshaded Banker’s Lamp with brass finish on the work desk, are fixed alongside more technologically-advanced features like smart flat-screen television sets, additional plug points and stronger Wi-Fi connection, allowing guests to appreciate the hotel’s past while discovering the delights of its refreshed minted appearance. Tipplers will be happy to know that each of these suites come with gin, vodka and whiskey, apart from Harney & Sons teas, as new additions. Remember to take a swig of the refreshing homemade nutmeg juice from the bottle in the minibar too. Just so you know, everything in the minibar is free. Heritage Wing guests are eligible for complimentary laundry up to three pieces of garment each time they check in. Speaking of garments, inside the wardrobe in each Heritage Wing suite, Malay-styled sarongs are hanged alongside the bathrobes to remind guests of the destination they are currently billeted. Efficacious toiletries that carry the Panpuri brand are made available through refillable dispensers mounted on the shower wall to reduce plastic wastage. Customary turndown service provided in the evening make the suites more restful and slumber-ready. Once guests are done relishing their stylish suites, they can easily head down to the open-air saltwater pool within the grounds of Heritage Wing facing the sea. Alternatively, in case the weather is not agreeable, Heritage Wing guests are permitted to use the sheltered L-shaped infinity pool on the sixth floor of Victory Annexe, the same level where they can find Eastern & Oriental Hotel’s well-equipped gym. A caveat: guests who stay at Victory Annexe do not have reciprocal access to the pool and lounge at Heritage Wing. Food and beverage outlets Gaya Travel team adores the intimacy and homeliness of The Cornwallis, an inviting space bedecked with plump Victorian-inspired sofas that cleverly match the tropical Asian teak accessories and cupboards, including assiduously plastered walls interspersed with woven pandanus embellishments to reflect Old Malaya chic. The Cornwallis is actually an all-day, library-styled, intimate lounge where Heritage Wing guests get to enjoy complimentary breakfast, evening canapes and cocktails.

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Breakfast at The Cornwallis is a low-key yet exquisite affair, which is a combination of buffet selections comprising homemade juices, yoghurt and pastries that accompany a la carte options, especially the perfectly cooked and comforting eggs benedict, which Gaya Travel team members never fail to order when was staying at the Heritage Wing. Palm Court, located adjacent to the lobby, is ideal for diners to have tête-à-tête with business colleagues, friends or family over a delectable assortment of finger sandwiches, pastries and scones paired with a choice of beverage from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., the period when the outlet serves up its legendary three-tiered afternoon tea service. Due to its popularity, reservation is required to avoid disappointment. For a remarkably unforgettable fine dining experience, guests should head to the handsomely furnished Java Tree, which dishes out classic European menu that includes gratifying favourites like beef Wellington, Dover sole, beef tartare, and French onion soup, on top of mouth-watering Nyonya culinary delights that hail from the former Straits Settlements (Penang, Melaka and Singapore) such as pais buah keluak (grilled snapper cooked with Asian truffle and Nyonya spices), pineapple prawn curry, and otak-otak (grilled mackerel cake) with a twist, among others.

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Note: Palm Court, Java Tree and Farquhar Bar require guests to wear smart casual dress code to enter, especially after 6:00 p.m.

CMY

Conclusion Without doubt, Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang significantly encapsulates the island’s success as a maritime trading hub shaped by Western influences that sits between South Asia and South East Asia. Well-poised, refined, and quietly efficient, E&O Hotel’s newly refurbished Heritage Wing radiates with splendour and finesse, living up to its stature as an ageless grande dame whose main intent is to cradle astute travellers in its bosom, assuring them that genteel travel is still alive and well, even in this individualistic, post-modern age… https://www.eohotels.com/

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Hotels & Resorts

Chinatown’s Newest Gem:

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A K E R I Images by SHAHIDA SAKERI AND F O U R P O I N T S B Y S H E R AT O N K U A L A L U M P U R

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown seems to hit all the right notes in the hospitality industry: it has fantastic location, wonderful amenities and superb service. Besides, it helps that the hotel is beautifully-designed; a few seconds in its lift and I am already impressed by the taste of the individuals who were responsible in designing this property. 122

As the lift door opens on the seventh floor where the lobby is situated, I am taken in by the sheer attention to details put into the interior by the design team. Imagine a bright airy space with sunny hues, dark wood reception desk, comfy sofa seating, decorative floor-to-ceiling metal lattice, matching traditional tiles, and richly-coloured walls. At the far end, there are exposed walls of burnt bricks that feature paintings of the neighbourhood’s glorious trading past. I love sitting here in the afternoon as the sun casts shadows into the room. At the same time, peer through the massive windows to spot some of the city’s famous landmarks. The lobby is an understated opulence altogether, a huge departure from those ghastly, characterless spaces travellers might encounter upon check-in. To me personally, the best rooms at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, are those facing downtown, with the KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers complementing the glorious view. If you were to ever get such rooms, do yourself a favour by drawing back the curtains during sunset to soak up the lively cityscape that spreads out in front of you while basking in the lovely golden light. The moment is truly uplifting, and more peaceful too, since you are conveniently removed from the

thronging crowd and cacophony, yet still be part of the action. The hotel’s 318 rooms and suites are among the most spacious and well-equipped in Chinatown. Mine, the Premier Downtown room, is decorated in the traditional combination of white, brown and black colour scheme with the much-appreciated splash of refreshing olive green from the suitcase rack. The room’s heritage theme is manifested through a customised wall art by Malaysian creative brand Loka Made, depicting the stories of the local community’s livelihood, craft and trade. Furnishings include the signature Four Points by Sheraton Comfort Bed topped with crisp cotton linens, a 49-inch TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a mini fridge, a strategically positioned full-length mirror, iron and board, and plenty of power outlets. In case you have some work to do, there is a workstation in the room. On top of these, I appreciate the hotel’s thoughtful gesture in providing a pamphlet (a beautiful and tasteful one, I might add) in the room that highlights insider’s recommendations on the surrounding attractions and restaurants for guests to discover when staying at the hotel.

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Breakfast at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Quan’s Kitchen, is full of local prides, and the menu is rotated every day. Forget the usual morning staple, nasi lemak, for one morning, and instead dive into nasi dagang, a Kelantanese and Terengganu specialty rarely served by hotels in Klang Valley; it tastes absolutely divine. Kick your breakfast up a notch by ordering a cup of kopitiam-style teh tarik or kopi o, and you are all set for a good day ahead. Of course, for a more international palate, this bright and spacious restaurant also serves Western classics including cereals, eggs cooked to order, and fresh pastries too. Quan’s Kitchen – named after one of the hotel owner’s daughters – dishes out the sumptuous Joy Lok Club Sunday Brunch, a buffet spread that boasts generous amount of high quality hot and cold options, from artisanal cheese, local specialities like Portuguese grilled fish and traditional kuehs, to even dim sum and lok lok. My personal favourites are the chunky satays, braised boeuf de Bourguignon and salt-andpepper squid in Cantonese box. Bring your children along as this is definitely a family affair, where young guests are provided their own menu, along with colouring and facepainting stations. Live soulful performance sets the scene for a more memorable meal. 124

Jann, on the other hand, is Quan’s Kitchen’s little sister (aptly so since it is also named after the owner’s other daughter) where things get a little bit more playful. It’s a gorgeous chinoiserie-styled bar offering inventive locally-inspired cocktails and mocktails to pay homage to the traditional trades of the neighbourhood. Ask for Assam Laksa or Rojak if you’re feeling brave, which are absolute game changers. Even if you were not staying at the hotel, it is still worth to dine here for meals or after-hours fun. Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown has enough comfortable amenities that a stay here works well for everyone, from couples, families to business travellers. There’re a 24-hour gym and an outdoor splash pool on the seventh floor to keep your body fit, while the 2,623 square feet of meeting and banquet spaces are equipped to deliver efficient business and social functions. After having said all of the above, I should add that a memorable stay is as good as the hospitality showered onto the guests. As for the hotel, its driving force is in the employees’ superb service. The members of staff are attentive, cheery, extensively trained and well-intentioned that you couldn’t help but value their presence. In fact, I still remember some of the team members’ names until today despite my short stay. Another plus point for the hotel is its location, a stone’s throw

to Petaling Street, deemed as the heart of Chinatown, one of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural treasure trove. Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is ideal for those with a thirst for exploration because the neighbourhood brims to the edge with endless options of hip art galleries, old and new eateries, shopping and other tourism attractions. But most importantly, the place boasts a glorious history. Back in the 1800s, Chinatown was home to the early settlers – mainly Hakka and Cantonese – who worked in mining and trade. Chinatown initially gravitated towards Market Square and High Street (now known as Jalan Tun H.S. Lee) due to the ground’s higher elevation; hence, many wealthier families built their shophouses here to avoid the floods that used to inundate the city. Interestingly, despite being predominantly Chinese, Chinatown also hosts Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Malaysia’s oldest functioning Hindu temple. Today, there is an ongoing effort to revive and rebrand Chinatown as one of Kuala Lumpur’s tourism hubs. For instance, a once-neglected alley on Lorong Panggung called Kwai Chai Hong is now restored with eye-catching murals complete with QR codes, to showcase the community’s vibrancy and sense of place. Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is now gradually becoming a lively food haven with the mushrooming of more trendy bars, cafes and restaurants for the past couple of years like PS150, a speakeasy bar that hides behind a vintage toy store, and Chocha Foodstore, which highlights Asian flavours with modern touch. Travellers with a penchant for hawker-food offerings should consider stepping into ‘Penjaja Gallery Jalan Tun H.S. Lee’ market where they can also find a massage parlour offering a quick reflexology service for free! The Hainanese family-run cafe Ho Kow Kopitiam, founded since 1956 and sitting exactly the opposite of the hotel’s entrance, proves to be locals’ favourite too. I obtained eye-opening insights about the area when I joined the Chinatown Cultural Walk with Stevie, who grew up in the area and has amazing personal local stories with the many generations of Chinese families who live and trade in the neighbourhood. This free walking tour (tip-based) is offered to the guests of Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown every Saturday by Going Places Tour Sdn. Bhd. (contact person: Ms. Jane Rai, +60 19 641 4200 / info@kualalumpurheritagewalks.com / Facebook: Free Walk Kuala Lumpur Unscripted). Guest are encouraged to follow this tour, which is often led by passionate and licensed tourist guides like Stevie, who use engaging storytelling method to connect the participants with the places they visited. Apart from the route featured in the Chinatown Cultural Walk, there is also the East-West route that brings travellers around the historic locations of Kuala Lumpur.

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But should you prefer to explore Chinatown on your own, it would be better to use the in-room insider pamphlet as reference. And while you are at it, why not join a fun social media scavenger hunt programme entitled #TheRevivalChinatownReward? All you need to do is explore five places indicated on the Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-house map, snap pictures of them, follow and tag @fourpointskualalumpurchinatown, then have two drinks at Jann. In return, you will be rewarded with a voucher for a two-day and one-night staycation. The offer is open to all stay-in guests. In conclusion, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is perfect for both visiting travellers and locals who seek staycations that please the eyes, palate, mind and soul. There are plenty of parking spaces on site, but automobiles are not exactly necessary because everything you need is right at your doorstep. To roam further, the nearby Pasar Seni MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) stations connect Chinatown to the rest of Klang Valley. W: www.fourpointskualalumpurchinatown.com T: +6 03 2035-7333 SocMed: @FourPointsKualaLumpurChinatown #FourPointsChinatown #TheRevivalChinatown

Hotels & Resorts

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring Te x t b y M U H A M M A D H A S I F M O H D J E L A N I Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI & ED JUNAIDI

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Occupying the verdant spot just a few minutes’ walk to the famous Poring Hot Spring in Ranau, Sabah, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring complements the area’s natural offerings as a family-friendly accommodation with choices of rooms that easily meet travellers’ needs and comfort.

This property has 34 accommodation units that can be categorised into five types namely Palm Villa, River Lodge, Jungle Lodge, Kelicap Twinshare and Serindit. We experienced staying at River Lodge, which is recommended for families. It has two bedrooms, one with king-sized bed and another with twin beds. Each bedroom comes with spacious en suite bathroom fully equipped with heated rain shower, bathtub and basic amenities. Extra beds are provided at additional cost. The River Lodge is also outfitted with LCD television set with cable channel, coffee- and tea-making facilities, iron and board, among others. We adore our unit due to its spaciousness and semblance to a comfortable, private home. On top of that, since this type of unit is located next to Mamut River, the soothing sounds of the flowing water tranquilly lulls us to a deep and restful sleep. The room package includes breakfast, which is served at the Rainforest Restaurant. Led by the affable and well-versed Chef Minin, the restaurant prepares local and international fare for lunch and dinner. Some of the memorable culinary options that guests should try here are from the Kadazandusun menu for such as ikan masak pinarasakan (fish stew), ayam masak halia (ginger chicken) and sotong masak cili kering (fried chilli squid). Dining here is definitely gratifying!

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Why do we love the property? A staycation at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring gives the added value of turning your vacation not just rejuvenating but enriching too. What’s more, Poring, which is around three hours’ drive from Kota Kinabalu, is a family-friendly destination that offer multiple activities. The highlight of Poring is surely the hot spring area where people can actually douse themselves with hot sulphur water. For hygienic purposes, travellers can find plenty of outdoor, gazebo-like sheltered bathtubs where they can enjoy dipping into the water. Good to know: Hot sulphur water is believed to possess health benefits such as healing skin diseases, improving blood circulation and soothing muscles.

Next to the hot spring area is an unusually large swimming pool that is tiered into different depths, making it friendly for all ages – it even has a water slide for the little ones to have fun! Other recreational activities include visiting the butterfly farm, traversing the 43-metre canopy walkway, trekking to Kipungit and Langanan Waterfall, including jungle-trekking to find the world’s largest bloom, the Rafflesia. To make it easy for travellers, every time there is a Rafflesia in sight, Sabah Parks announces it by putting up a banner at the entrance. Note: Most activities require minimal fees and not included in the room package.

Travellers who stay at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring may request a guide from the reception to accompany them into the park at no extra cost. Though it is much more comfortable to explore the area on your own, we highly recommend travellers to hire the guide, whom are referred to as naturalists. They will explain in detail about the interesting aspects about the local ecosystem and biodiversity that guests might overlook when exploring the park. Don’t worry, the naturalists are not only informative, but accommodative as well, so that travellers can walk in their own pace. Conclusion Besides staying close to the oxygen-rich nature reserve, travellers can do many activities be it with their partners, friends or family when staying Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring. Friendly staff and comfortable space to relax are just a few factors that make this place an impeccable bolthole of choice! For bookings and enquiries, feel free to contact Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring at +6 017 833 5799 or info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my. To find out more about the property, log on to www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my.

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Kuta Mandalika Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok

View from top: Kuta Lombok Mandalika

Mandalika: The Ultimate Paradise in the Heart of Lombok Mandalika Beach, also known as Kuta Beach due to itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location near the Kuta Village, is one of the popular beaches in the Central Lombok Regency. This name comes from a folklore about a legend of Princess Mandalika, who threw herself into the sea and transformed into a sea worm called Nyale. The allures of this beach include its clear water with calm, unthreatening waves. At low tide, it will be easy to spot marine life such as algae, starfish and sea cucumbers that live on the beach. This is also where visitors may find active corals that expands seawards. Another attraction of Mandalika Beach is its white pepperseed-like sand that fits perfectly with the background of green hills, especially during the rainy season. Naturally, this also makes it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts who love to capture stunning landscape shots of the coastline,

Scenery from the top of Merese Hill, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

the sea and the hills. Merese Hill near the beach is one of the popular spots to achieve this. Mandalika Beach is set to be a new beach icon in Lombok after Senggigi Beach in West Lombok. It sits within the Mandalika area, which has been recognised as the Special Economic Zone (KEK) or place of natural protection in Indonesia. The development of the Mandalika Resort is also in progress, along with an integrated tourism centre for Central Lombok equipped with world class tourism infrastructure and facilities. #WonderfulIndonesia. Enjoying Kuta Beach at Mandalika, Lombok, Indonesia

Admiring the beautiful seascape view of Tanjung Aan Beach and Mandalika area, Lombok, Indonesia

Find the best packages and deals about Mandalika only on www.indonesia.travel, discover now!

Gaya Travel Magazine 15.1

Articles inside

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot Spring

Chinatown’s Newest Gem: Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

Nestling in the Bosom of Penang’s Grande Dame

Bringing Selangor’s Waste Management Services to New Heights

Giving Back Value to the Government and the People of Malaysia

Polishing Up Labuan as the Pearl of Borneo

Helping the Tourism Sector to Weather the Storm

Top 6 Best Jogging Spots with Spectacular View

3 Days across Peninsular Malaysia’s Northern Region

Banyan Tree Spa KL: The Sophisticated Sanctuary

Shopping Guide in ASEAN

Road Tripping in Northern Thailand

Kuala Lumpur by Traits

Discovering Japan during Tokyo Games in 2021 (Part 1)

What’s Fun in Kuala Lumpur?

Blonde: A Devotion to Dining Pleasure

The Halal Taipei Directory