D-Brief Edition 22 - City Breaks

D-Brief

Edition 22

City Breaks

D-Brief Bangkok, 28 June 2012

Dear Partner, Flying to Asia for a beach or touring holiday? Then you are almost certain to travel or choose to travel via Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

There are plenty of reasons to stop-over in one of Asiaâ€&#x;s fascinating cities; whether it is to break up a long journey, provide a contrast during your holiday, or for sightseeing or shopping. Whether you have just 24 hrs to experience a city, have a desire to see it as a local does, or are desperate to go on a shopping or gourmet frenzy, our Asian cities have it all. We would like to show you our cities as we show our visiting friends and family.

Ask us for our fact sheets and details on the best dining and shopping experiences, not only in these cities, but in other cities throughout the region.

We hope that this edition of D-Brief inspires you to come and stop-over in one of our vibrant cities.

Sincerely,

Your Diethelm Travel Team

City Breaks Teeming with noise, urban chaos and unending delights, Asia‟s vibrant cities await you! Alive at all hours of the day and night, the sheer diversity and excitement of these cities will mesmerize you.

If you are ready for a once in a lifetime experience, yet only have 24 hours to spend in a city, then follow our special „speed sightseeing‟ programme to maximize your time both day and night.

If you prefer to get “under the skin” of these cities and not only marvel at their sophistication, but delve into the past and the gritty side, then check out some of our ideas on how to see the city as a local.

For many, the highpoint of a visit to any of these cities will be the delicious Asian cuisine, whether found alfesco on the streets or in one of the innumerable world class restaurants.

We reveal some of the latest shopping and dining experiences these cities are renowned for.

Finally if you wish to escape the concrete, the crowds and the condos, in each of our selected cities, we have ideas on how to head out to the islands, peaks, parks, fresh air and greenery.

Click on the city below to find out more.

Hong Kong Bangkok

Singapore Kuala Lumpur

HONG KONG

24 hours Speed Sightseeing Perhaps no city in the world is better suited to 24 hours of „speed sightseeing‟ than Hong Kong.

Start the day on Hong Kong Island, with a visit to Man Mo Temple, built in 1847 and dedicated to the gods, Man (Literature) and Mo (Martial Arts), and alive with incense burning worshippers.

Afterwards, head up to Victoria Peak taking the 373 metre journey aboard the old Peak Tram; it's so steep that the buildings appear to lean at a 45° angle!

Looking down from the Peak, you'll be amazed by the spectacular view of the towering skyscrapers, world-famous Victoria Harbour and the lush green hills beyond. Descend to Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, an historical and traditional fishing community, to take a sampan ride and observe the lifestyle of local fishing families.

Relax over a sumptuous “Dim Sum” lunch at the celebrated Jumbo Floating Restaurant.

Continue to Stanley Market, considered a popular “Shoppers' Paradise”, and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront.

As the sun goes down, cross Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry to visit Kowloon‟s Temple Street Night Market; a great place not only for bargain hunting but to watch impromptu Chinese street opera performers and fortune-tellers.

Afterwards hop on an open-top bus along vibrant Nathan Road‟s “Golden Mile”, gliding under a galaxy of neon lights and glittering skyscrapers.

The day ends with a leisurely sunset dinner cruise enjoying the spectacular laser show - “A Symphony of Lights”.

See the City as a local Why not take a walking tour by yourself or with a local guide and for those with a keen interest in architecture, view Hong Kongâ€&#x;s past through its buildings. Given Hong Kongâ€&#x;s long and fascinating history, there are still several historical monuments or landmarks to be appreciated, especially those built during the Colonial period.

Start the tour in Central District, which, with its proximity to Victoria Harbour, has served as the centre of trade and financial activities from the earliest days of the British colonial era, and continues to flourish and serve as the administrative centre since the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997.

View the former Legislative Council Building, home of the Supreme Court until 1985, when it was renamed. The building was designed by the British architect responsible for the eastern façade of Buckingham Palace and the Cromwell Road frontage of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Built on reclaimed land, and opened on 15 January 1912, the two-storey granite building is neo-classical in style.

Across the road stands the Cenotaph, constructed in 1923 and located between Statue Square and City Hall, which commemorates the Armed Forces who served in Hong Kong and died during the First and Second World Wars.

Continue to St. Johnâ€&#x;s Cathedral, the second oldest building in Hong Kong and the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East, which opened on Sunday, 11th March, 1849.

Walk across the road to the former Flagstaff House, one of the oldest British-style architectural buildings remaining in Hong Kong. It had been a longtime residence of the Commander of the British forces in Hong Kong during colonial times. Today Flagstaff House contains the Museum of Tea Ware.

Leaving the bustle of downtown, take the peak tram to enjoy the wonderfully tranquil Peak Circle Walk through the wooded summit. This easy and flat 3.5 kilometre walk from Lugard Road to Harlech Road, built in 1913, is a favourite of locals with its spectacular views of the old and new buildings of Hong Kong.

Shopping Frenzy For sheer variety of products and brands in all price ranges, Hong Kong is a unique shopping experience.

From glitzy malls to funky street markets, and trendy boutiques to traditional Chinese product stores and themed shopping districts, you can find everything from the latest designer fashions and electronic gadgets to best-value antiques and collectibles.

However, itâ€&#x;s the street markets that are always full of excitement and colour. Market stalls are where Hong Kong's dedicated shoppers hone their bargaining skills; each of these markets has its own charm and contains hidden treasures just waiting to be uncovered. Even better, you can haggle!

Stanley Market is the perfect place to buy something special for friends or relatives. The historic lanes in this old fishing village are jampacked with vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk collectibles and curios, as well as larger-sized clothing. Plan to stay for a few hours and sample the fine restaurants in the restored Murray House or along the main street on the waterfront.

Take bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Exchange Square Bus terminus, Central. Open 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Temple Street Night Market takes place from 4 p.m. to midnight. Rows of brightly lit stalls hawk an astonishing variety of clothing, pens, watches, CDs, cassettes, electronic gadgets, hardware and luggage. The busy food stalls offer a range of delicacies including fresh seafood and hotpot dishes to tempt your appetite. Fortune-tellers cluster at the Yau Ma Tei end of the street, and so do Chinese opera enthusiasts seeking kindred spirits for impromptu performances.

Take the MTR to Jordan Station Exit A, turn right into Jordan Road, then right into Temple Street Ladies Market. Located at Tung Choi Street, this is the place for bags, accessories and inexpensive women's clothing. Men's and children's clothing and toys are also on sale. Take the MRT to Mongkok Station Exit E2. Open noon – 11.30 p.m.

Getting out of the concrete jungle Feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of the city?

Hong Kong has some breathtaking natural scenery and offers some wonderful hiking trails in the rugged hills of its New Territories National Parks, past golden beaches or along dramatic cliff strewn coastlines.

The outlying islands of Lamma and Cheung Chau, with their clean air, delicious seafood and slower pace of life, are also an attraction for walking or leisurely exploration and easily reached by a short ferry journey from Central Pier. Here, it is still possible to see glimpses of the old Hong Kong lifestyle and also find some great swimming coves.

Hong Kongâ€&#x;s Wetland Park located in the New Territories is a world-class ecotourism facility, home to an amazing array of wildlife including birds, dragonflies, butterflies, amphibians, mammals, reptiles and fish. Entertaining and educational, the park is not only great for bird lovers but also fun for the entire family. Depending on the weather, choose to discover the Wetland Interactive World or the outdoor Wetland Reserve.

Restaurants Hong Kong boasts more than 11,000 restaurants, many of them clustered in defined food districts.

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without trying dim sum and fresh seafood.

Dim sum are delightful, mouth-watering Chinese snacks served in steaming bamboo baskets and eaten with pots of Chinese tea for breakfast or lunch. Steamed pork buns, shrimp dumplings, beef balls and pan-fried squid with spicy salt are just some of the local favourites.

Preparing fresh, live seafood is a culinary art in Hong Kong, where skilled Cantonese chefs will have you salivating over the distinctive flavours and textures of their fishy dishes. Huge tanks of live fish and bubbling containers of prawns, crabs, scallops, clams, oysters and other seafood vie for attention.

The prime seafood locations for waterfront dining are Sai Kung, Lei Yue Mun, and the island of Lamma. So don't miss the great opportunity to join the lively atmosphere of alfresco dining Hong Kong style, and savour a gourmet meal.

BANGKOK

24 hours speed sightseeing Bangkok is increasingly gaining popularity as a competitively-priced stop-over city.

Make the most of your time in the “Big Mango” using our local expertise to make the most of your experience in the limited time.

Make sure to stay in a riverside hotel as the city‟s highlights are mainly concentrated in the Ratanakosin Island area next to the Chaopraya River and 45 minutes drive from the airport.

Begin the day with a tour of the Grand Palace and it‟s Wat Prae Khae containing the Emerald Buddha statue, followed by a one and a half hour canal trip. This takes you to neighboring Thonburi on the other side of the river as well as to the world famous Temple complex of Wat Arun.

Scenic lunch locations can be found next to the river with our favorite one located in the boutique hotel, Arun Residence.

Next take a tuk tuk to nearby Chinatown and dive headlong into its colourful street market stalls, temples, sights and smells.

By now a relaxing one-hour foot massage, or for ladies a manicure or pedicure, is surely called for.

As late afternoon approaches, head to Asiatique for some souvenir hunting for friends and family back home. This waterfront boardwalk is lined with international fine-dining restaurants, sophisticated wine bars and great shops.

If you wish to enjoy the best sunset view then head to the nearby State Tower, where at a level of almost 200 meters, you have a stunningly impressive view of the city and river.

Alternatively, enjoy a dinner cruise, taking you along the majestic Chaopraya with a gentle breeze blowing while tasting Royal Thai cuisine dishes and reflecting on a day full of impressions.

See the city as a local If you really want to experience the city in all its colours, then we suggest the following programme based on using almost every form of transportation available. This is how we show our friends the city!

Since life starts early in the city and you do not want to miss out on all the action, we walk to the nearest skytrain station and travel to the Chaopraya River.

Embark on a public taxi boat to Tha Tien pier. Take a ferry boat across the river to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Then continue to Bangkokâ€&#x;s oldest temple (founded in the 17th century), Wat Pho with its Reclining Buddha. King Rama III turned the temple into a center of learning, making it in essence Thailand's first university. Walk back to the pier and depart by taxi boat towards Memorial Bridge and the largest flower and wet market of Paklong Talad.

Here you find a dazzling display of orchids and flowers grown in the cooler northern regions of the country, as well as vegetables and fruit on sale.

A short tuk tuk ride brings you to Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown district. Ready yourself for a unique experience at a typical Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant.

Take in the atmosphere of Chinatown and try some of the local delicacies as well as praying at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, the most important Chinese Buddhist temple.

Explore Pahurat Market, located in the heart of “Little India”. This is the place to shop for fabrics, clothing and wedding keepsakes. In Thailand, it is customary that guests invited to a wedding reception receive some small memento of the occasion. Along Pahurat road you will see numerous shops selling these articles in hundreds of varieties. Continue on foot to visit Sri Gurusingh Sabha Temple, where local Sikhs come to worship, and walk through Sampang Lane, a labyrinth of small alleys with stalls selling cheap clothing and household goods. Walk along Yaowarat Road located in “The Heart of Chinatown”. The street is lined with gold shops, Chinese herbalists, food stalls selling a large variety of snacks, household goods, incense and just about everything else.

Continue to Ratchawong pier and return by taxi boat to Taksin Bridge and by skytrain back to your hotel. The night is young and so time to head out!

Shopping Frenzy Bangkok has been competing with its rivals Singapore and Hong Kong and is gaining popularity amongst high-end shoppers, because of the opening of new malls housing the worlds top designer stores.

For youngsters, we know they like to head-out to various night markets, of which Khao San Road is famous for its backpacker scene. For those looking for great bargains but are not willing to wait until the sun sets, make your way to the many shopping malls in the Pratunam area.

Platinum is especially well-known to be good value for buying clothes. The newly opened Paladium, previously the Pratunam Centre, located just across the street, is another great place for finding discounted clothes, shoes and apparel.

MBK, short for Mahboonkrong, was the first and perhaps is the most well-known and affordable shopping mall and is easy to reach by sky train. Over its 6 levels, you will not only find every conceivable model of every electronic item, but also souvenirs from the northern and southern provinces.

A slightly more expensive but great new shopping experience can be found at Terminal 21. This 6 storey mall has the shape and size of an airport terminal and connects with both the Skytrain and underground MRT. Every floor has a different theme where you can find yourself shopping in downtown London, high-tech Tokyo or at the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. A top attraction is the abundance of young Thai designers who have reasonably-priced fashion for all shapes and sizes. It also a great place to buy the latest gadgets.

During weekends head out by Skytrain to the JJ Weekend Market where everything is available.

This semi-open air market is not only popular amongst tourists but Bangkokians alike. Bargaining at most shops is the name of the game and is a large part of the shopping fun.

The newest opening is Asiatique, an old warehouse area by the river, which has been stylishly transformed into an atmospheric and easily accessible dining and shopping experience.

Getting out of the concrete jungle If Bangkok feels overwhelming, escape the city to the watery world of nearby Amphawa on the Maeklong River, where life continues at a slower pace and foreign tourists rarely visit.

An early start allows you to see the unique fresh market along the railway tracks in Mae Klong. When the train approaches the station, watch the vendors dismantle their stalls, so that the train can pass through. Continue to Tha Kha, where at weekends it is possible to see a traditional floating market; the exotic fruit, vegetables and local delicacies are sold mostly by elderly women in small rowing boats. A tour of the canals is followed by a visit to Amphawaâ€&#x;s Benjarong (the local china) House and Museum.

After lunch at Baan Ampawa Resort, embark on a boat trip in a motorized long-tail boat to explore the numerous canals and observe the traditional Thai way of living along Thailandâ€&#x;s waterways. Take a stroll along Amphawa's main canal, where on weekends a lively market selling mostly home-made food and pastries takes place.

Restaurants Na Aroon @ Ariyasom Villa. Hidden down Sukhumvit Soi 1 inside our favourite boutique hotel, the philosophy of Na Aroon is tasty organic and mainly vegetarian food with some fish and seafood. Friendly atmosphere and service and desserts to die for!

Breeze. Located in the State Tower on the 51st and 52nd floors, it offers a stunning birdâ€&#x;s eye view of Bangkok and the river. Choose your table from an open-air terrace or a spectacular glass sky-bridge suspended mid-air, whilst enjoying gourmet Asian cuisine.

Curries & More. Looking for the most authentic and delicious Thai cuisine in town? At reasonable prices and in a charming setting? Then look no further than Curries & More by Baan Khanitha. Set in a colonial house on Sukhumvit Soi 53, Curries & More is a favourite with expats and visitors alike for its tasty Thai and International food.

The Deck. Popular for both lunch and dinner, The Deck has a unique location opposite Wat Arun as well as serving delicious Asian and Western food.

SINGAPORE

24 hours speed sightseeing To explore the cosmopolitan city of Singapore is to experience a contrast between old and new and a blend of East and West.

Head to Underwater World for a unique encounter with marine animals and to the award-winning Images of Singapore museum showcasing Singapore‟s history.

Start the day with an introduction to Singapore, by taking a trip on board the Singapore Flyer, the world‟s largest observation wheel, for some fantastic views. Next, dig under the surface of this sophisticated city to observe the cultural heritage of its major ethnic groups. A trip to Little India and Kampong Glam, also known as Arab Street, reveal the wonderful textiles, handicrafts and cuisine of the subcontinent before heading to Sri Mariamman Temple and Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown.

Nighttime in Singapore is when the city comes alive. From the Fountain of Wealth and Bugis, our tour continues by trishaw to the Singapore River, where you alight and take a bumboat ride. Travel along the Colonial district for a view of The Padang, The Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay and the Merlion – a mythical beast. The boat ride also takes you along Boat Quay, the Central Business District and past the iconic Fullerton Hotel.

After lunch at Vineyard@Hortpark, visit Mount Faber before hopping onto a cable car to the famed island of Sentosa.

Along the waterfront at Clarke Quay, stop by the „Singapore Sling‟ bar and try the well-known Singapore drink with the same name. End the day with a fabulous dining experience at Quayside Seafood Restaurant at Clarke Quay, overlooking the historic Singapore River.

See the city as a local Walk along the streets of Chinatown in the early morning, when the stalls have just opened.

Approach a temple, and you are likely to see a group of elderly people doing their usual morning exercises and hanging out their bird-cages. Some have gathered to play chess or practice tai chi and others are just sitting around for a chat.

Enjoy a morning cup of coffee – not a Starbucks, but a local coffee-shop style breakfast, consisting of 2 slices of Kaya (egg and butter) toast, 2 half-boiled eggs and a piping hot coffee.

Continue on foot to the Buddha‟s Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and view the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic. If you like, pray for a few wishes and hopes, or be blessed by the monks.

Lunch will be at the Maxwell Hawker Centre, popular among those working nearby. Enjoy local delicacies such as Bak Kut Teh (Spiced Pork Soup) and if you are adventurous, go for the frog leg‟s porridge with fresh raw fish.

Shopping frenzy Marina Bay Sands is not just about shopping. It is a feat of architecture, a luxury hotel, a skypark, and a world-class convention centre all in one. However, for those who covet branded goods, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is the place to be with its mass of designer labels all under one roof.

Bugis Street is newly renovated to house 3 stories full of clothes, accessories, souvenirs, knick-knacks and snack outlets. This is where the bargaining begins. The first storey consists of shops selling mostly food and souvenirs whereas the 2nd and 3rd stories are air-conditioned and ooze shops full of clothes and accessories at fantastic prices! It is not just a teenagerâ€&#x;s haven!

Little India – Even if you are not buying, this is the place to soak up the culture and daily life of the Indian community with fresh herbs and flower garlands, spices, textiles, and Bollywood music blaring from CD shops. As you walk down, you will reach Mustafa Centre, a 24 hour local provisionshop-turned-department-mall, which sells anything under the sun for great prices.

Getting out of the concrete jungle Looking for somewhere away from the hustle and bustle? Make a trip to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, a 200-acre reserve situated north of the island and home to over 150 species of rare and exotic birds. This is a fantastic experience of sights and sounds of the tropical wetlands and if lucky, you will spot the estuarine crocodiles and mudskippers in the mangroves.

Alternatively, take a trip back in time to circa 1960â€&#x;s by visiting Pulau Ubin, the last kampong village in Singapore and the second largest offshore island.

Board the bumboat at Changi to reach the island, and once there, cycle or walk on rustic roads under swaying coconut palms, exploring shady trails in overgrown rubber plantations or checking out secluded beaches and flourishing mangroves. When you get tired, take a break at Ubin CafĂŠ and enjoy fresh chilled coconut. On Pulau Ubin, the food tastes better, the air fresher and a visit here reveals the pleasures of the simpler things in life. As evening approaches, if you wish to remain on Ubin, retreat to your simple accommodation for the night, away from the city noise, and gaze at the clear starry skies.

Restaurants Gluttonâ€&#x;s Bay at the Esplanade. Want to taste some local delicacies but are not that adventurous?

In that case, venture to this open air, street food cart concept of a restaurant renowned for its authentic and tasty food and laid-back, no-frills and friendly atmosphere. Boasting a view of the Marina Bay Sands from a distance, the food here is inexpensive.

Some must-try dishes include sambal chilli grilled stingray, oyster omelette, Gado Gado salad and satay, washed down by cold glass of sugar cane juice.

Level 33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre If good food, good beer and an exceptional view is sufficient to make your day, visit LeVeL33 for the epitome of urban penthouse dining. The world's highest urban craft-brewery is a new concept and relaxation revolves around the copper brew house kettles and freshly brewed signature and seasonal beers, all made using state-of-the-art technology and authentic recipes. Contemporary European food is served, enhanced by one of the best views of Singapore's Marina Bay and city skyline.

Ku De Ta Looking to impress? Arguably one of the most coveted dining spots, Ku De Ta brings wining and dining to a new level. Taking the elevator up to the 57th Floor, a stunning panoramic city view awaits.

Try the signature dishes of baby squid and the Ohmi-gyu (Salt-grilled Tenderloin), priced at SGD 336 for 300 grams; every bite is worth it. At night, the place becomes a watering hole for the rich and famous with local and overseas celebrities not an uncommon sight.

Chinatown Club Street In the evening, head to Chinatownâ€&#x;s Club Street where Chinese shop-houses have been converted into trendy bars with rooftop terraces. Make sure you drop into the Screening Room and Ying Yang Rooftop Bar, favourites of Singaporeâ€&#x;s younger crowd.

KUALA LUMPUR

24 hours speed sightseeing Only 24 hours to see the city so make the most of your precious time with our whistle stop “Groovy KL tour”.

Start at Subang Airport, for an exciting journey aboard a legendary Cessna aircraft. Our pilot will introduce you to the plane; this is your chance to see how to fly a Cessna. This unique and thrilling experience will allow you a bird‟s eye view of the city, including its enormous 400m high Petronas Towers, and fly over the limestone Batu Caves, while enjoying the mountain views across to the north of Malaysia.

After that splendid experience, head to town in style. Our experienced Harley Davidson rider will be waiting for you.

Put on your leather jacket and hop on the „Harley‟, to cruise around the city and attract some attention. The first stop downtown will be for a splendid lunch at Shook! Restaurant.

Boasting an adventurous fusion of East and West, the restaurant is located at the Feast Village in StarHill. Our groovy city tour continues after lunch, giving you a closer look at the highlights of Kuala Lumpur including photo stops at the Petronas Twin Towers, King‟s Palace, National Monument, National Mosque, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Tudor-styled Cricket Club. And for a great city view, stop at the Thien Hou Temple.

When the sun sets, the bikers will drop you at the famous but small strip of Changkat Bukit Bintang, where fabulous restaurants and bars are located. Sip an aperitif at one of the swanky bars and choose from the wide range of culinary options for dinner. End the evening at the Sky-Bar located on top of the Traders Hotel to enjoy a last drink (or a few more) gazing at the bright Twin Towers, while reminiscing on the day‟s amazing memories.

See the city as a local Experience Kuala Lumpur the local way. At dawn head up to Tien Haw Temple for a panoramic view of the KL-skyline before moving on to Chinatown.

Here, test your bargaining skills and escape from the bustling streets by going inside the old Hindu temple Sri Mahamariamman. A short walk away is Jalan Alor, famous for its endless rows of food stalls.

Mingle with the city dwellers and taste the local delicacies. Continue by public transportation to the Petronas Twin Towers for a visit to the observation deck and famous sky-bridge.

From here look behind the modern curtains and visit Kampung Baru, one of the oldest suburbs of KL. Enjoy a typical Malaysian lunch on the sidewalk and marvel at the contrasting picture of traditional small Malay houses fronting this busy street, against the backdrop of skyscrapers.

Stop by the wet Chow Kit market before continuing to Little India to Masjid Jamek, the oldest mosque. The day ends strolling along the historical Merdeka Square, surrounded by historical buildings and leading to the Central Market for some retail therapy as this is the centre for Malaysian cultural goods, arts and handicrafts.

Shopping frenzy Bukit Bintang is not only the most famous night entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur, but also home to glamorous top end shopping malls such as Pavilion, Fahrenheit, Lot 10 and Starhill Gallery.

Sungai Wang Plaza offers a wide range of far cheaper fashion items. Low Yat Plaza is the best place for electronics and on its 4 floors almost every imaginable IT gadget can be found. Just one monorail station away (Imbi station), is Berjaya Times Square. This mall offers a range of fashion items at low prices and impresses with its rollercoaster inside the shopping complex.

If you prefer the more traditional style of shopping, take a taxi to Central Market (or LRT station Pasar Seni), where you will find a wide range of local souvenirs, traditional fashion, accessories and all kinds of handicraft. Just a walk away from the Central Market is Petaling Street, which is the main street of Chinatown. This bustling street, full of hawker stalls in the evening, is great for a stroll and the perfect place to find cheap fabrics, handbags, accessories and local souvenirs to bring home. Use your bargaining skills.

Getting out of the concrete jungle An easy option for those wishing to experience some culture and history, as well as quieter pace of life, is to drive south for 2 hours to the charming UNESCO heritage site of Melaka.

With an historical past dating back over a period of 400 years, a leisurely exploration reveals the historic influences of former Portuguese, Dutch and lastly British occupations. The Dutch legacy is seen in the pink-coloured Stadhuys, the Portuguese in the Fortress Porta the Santiago, built in 1511, and the British from St. Paulâ€&#x;s Church where the famous catholic missionary St. Francis Xavier was once buried.

Relax on a boat ride on the Malacca River, passing the old buildings along the river as well as fishing villages. Continue on a walking tour to Cheng Hoon Teng, the oldest Chinese Temple in Peninsula Malaysia, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is reserved for a leisurely stroll along Malaccaâ€&#x;s antique row, known as Jonker Street, with its stalls and flea market atmosphere.

Restaurants Bijan specialises in fine Malay cuisine and offers a unique dining experience, where traditional and regional Malay cuisine is taken out of hawker stalls and home cooking, and served in a stylish setting.

The menu includes Kampung dishes such as masak lemak ikan or ikan panggang, everyday favourites like rendang daging, as well as the popular homemade ice cream.

Atmosphere 360 is a contemporary revolving restaurant situated at 282m inside the tallest tower in Southeast Asia, Menara Kuala Lumpur, serving modern authentic Malay and international cuisine.

The restaurantâ€&#x;s dĂŠcor gives it a spaceship-like atmosphere and with its magnificent view and starry fiber optic ceiling lights, offers a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Skybar – Traders. Relax at this open-air rooftop SkyBar with its contemporary setting, cosmopolitan atmosphere and fantastic view over the illuminated towering twin Petronas Towers, whilst listening to 'straight chill' and upbeat music. SkyBar was named 'Best Malaysian Bar' by Malaysia Tatler.

Wonton Soup Ingredients (serves 8) •1/2 pound boneless pork loin, coarsely chopped •2 ounces peeled shrimp, finely chopped •1 teaspoon brown sugar •1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine •1 tablespoon light soy sauce •1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion •1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root •24 (3.5 inch square) wonton wrappers •3 cups chicken stock •1/8 cup finely chopped green onion

Preparation Method Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes 1.

In a large bowl, combine pork, shrimp, sugar, wine, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon chopped green onion and ginger. Blend well, and let stand for 25 to 30 minutes.

2.

Place about one teaspoon of the filling at the center of each wonton skin. Moisten all 4 edges of wonton wrapper with water, then pull the top corner down to the bottom, folding the wrapper over the filling to make a triangle. Press edges firmly to make a seal.

Bring left and right corners together above the filling. Overlap the tips of these corners, moisten with water and press together.

Continue until all wrappers are used.

3.

FOR SOUP: Bring the chicken stock to a rolling boil. Drop wontons in, and cook for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onion, and serve.

Uncooked wontons will keep in the freezer for a good 2 months if well wrapped. Thaw before frying, but they can be boiled straight from frozen and cooked 2 minutes longer.

TO FRY: Heat 2 to 3 cups of oil in a wok until hot.

Deep-fry wontons in batches until golden, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Drain. Serve with dipping sauce or duck sauce, also called plum sauce.

Recipe source: http://allrecipes.com

Recipe

Monthly Festival: Raksha Bandhan – 02 August 2012 Raksha Bandhan is a festival mainly observed in India and Nepal amongst Hindus and Jains.

Celebrating the relationship between brothers and sisters, the festival is marked by a sister tying a colourful rakhi or holy thread on her brother‟s wrist, after performing the traditional aarti. This action symbolizes the sisters love and prayers for her brothers‟ well-being. The brother in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after and protect her.

The gift, often money placed in an envelope, although other presents such as saris can be given, is accompanied by a traditional feeding of one another of sweets.

Women can tie a rakhi on their male cousins or unrelated boys and men, who are considered to be so-called “adopted brothers”, can be tied with rakhis, provided they commit to a lifelong obligation to provide protection to the woman or girl. Nowadays even rakhis come in designer styles.

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