The Travel Times - 2014 March - MATTA Fair

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE, MALAYSIA On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia, I would like to congratulate MATTA for organizing the MATTA Fair March 2014. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome all travel and trade professionals and visitors, and trust that you will have a beneficial time throughout this Fair.

TRAVELTIMES THE

THE TRAVEL TIMES •

Over the past 23 years, MATTA Fair has built its reputation as the leading travel fair in Malaysia. This travel fair has stood out amongst its regional peers and gained regional recognition and branding. The Travel Fair showcases quality tourism products and services at 14-16competitive MARCHprices 2014 A Publication of Fair has also become a recognized platform to and enhances development of the tourism industry.

Indeed, the MATTA secure value for money and great deals for the tourism industry players and consumers.

In conjunction with our Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign, aptly themed, “Celebrating 1Malaysia, Truly Asia” I look forward to your TM continuous support and contribution in working together towards achieving the target of 28 million tourists and RM76 billion tourist receipts for 2014.

I wish the MATTA Fair March 2014 great success and applaud the organizers for the hard work to position Malaysia as the regional travel hub for Southeast Asia.

Thank you.

DATUK DR. ONG HONG PENG

® MESSAGE FROM FOR MATTA MESSAGE CHAIRMAN FAIRFROM 2014 PRESIDENT OF MATTA MATTA FAIR MARCH 2014

TM

BY

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The branding we have achieved throughout these years is a sign of our achievement and we will continue to build on it as our commitment towards quality and excellence in services to all stakeholders for the MATTA Fairs. Through our partnership with the various sectors, private and public, we hope to achieve another new milestone in MATTA Fair. Let us carry on in this daylight of hope and renewal, as we strengthen our brand name and services, and sustain our distinction in the travel www.escapeonline.my exposition in the country and regionally.

The travel and tourism industry has long been one the most important pillars and contributors to the economic growth of the country. The dynamism of our tourism industry fuels our collective aspirations of progress, economic wellbeing and competitive edge in the travel and tourism industry.

This year is the Visit Malaysia Year. Malaysia is blessed with so many exotic and interesting places, hence promoting Malaysian hospitality to sophisticated markets and emerging markets are our common vision and task. We should also promote Malaysia through MATTA Fair as it is the largest travel fair and to bring the Travel Fair to a new and matured level.

p18

p14 Colourful

Inside!

I would like to welcome all exhibitors, business partners, sponsors, supporters and visitors of the MATTA Fair March 2014 - The longest running, largest and most successful Consumer Travel Fair in Malaysia.

May this Travel Fair further advance the travel and tourism industry by providing industry players to establish closer ties with the consumers.

Hong Kong

My heartiest congratulations to the MATTA Fair Organizing Committee and the MATTA Secretariat for their continuous good work in putting together this Travel Fair.

Have a great time at the MATTA Fair.

Warm regards,

There is no doubt that the MATTA Fair March 2014 is now firmly entrenched as a premier consumer travel fair in Malaysia. In fact, the Malaysia Book of Records affirms that the MATTA Fair is recognised as the Largest Consumer Travel Fair in the country.

Welcome Message We have 1,058 exhibitor booths and 14 National JUDYOrganisations CHEAH, (NTOs) participating in this year’s Tourism fair with itsOrganising theme tagged as It’s All About Quality, Not Chairman, Quantity. Here, I like to stress on the QUALITY aspect of ® Committee, MATTA Fair the MATTA Fair March 2014.

March 2014

With the spectre of rising costs of goods in general this year, we do realise that consumers may place less priority on travel expenses. But this has spurred the MATTA Fair’s Organising Committee to focus more than ever on making available quality products at affordable prices for the visitors.

MCI (P) 109/01/2014

This is being reflected through interesting and value-for-money tour and travel packages which are endorsed by the NTOs; and more added values from great prizes to be given away in the various contests we have lined up for the fair.

This is made possible through the joint efforts of all our sponsors - the NTOs, airlines, hoteliers and other tourism suppliers who have come out in full support in forging a strong partnership with the exhibitors.

Further, our exhibitors are ready to provide the consumers on how to shop wisely and understand what they are buying. This will greatly enhance the quality of the consumers’ holiday experiences and ensure that their money are well-spent. In addition, we will station about 200 staff to man the halls to ensure visitors have a hassle-free shopping spree.

The Organising Committee would like to record its appreciation to all the sponsors and partners for their great support in making this MATTA Fair March 2014 a Quality Fair for all.

Through this partnership, the MATTA Fair which debuted in 1991 has grown into a “must-visit” event now being held for the 37th time.

In a way, I have grown with the fair - I was the fair’s chairman for 1999, 2000 and 2001 (then known as the MITF). That coincided with the years when I was the Deputy President of MATTA (1999 to 2003). Now as the first-elected Chairman of the newly-formed MATTA Kuala Lumpur Chapter, and taking over the “reins” of the MATTA Fair March 2014 chairmanship again this year, I am glad to see how the MATTA Fair has evolved over the years. Those were the days when we had to plead with exhibitors to participate; now we have exhibitors knocking on our doors.

My committee and I are confident that with the enthusiastic interest and support from all our partners, exhibitors and consumers, the MATTA Fair March 2014 will again be a Success.

HAMZAH RAHMAT

Have a Quality Time at MATTA Fair March 2014!

Thank you.

p20 Korea Blossoms JUDY CHEAH CHAIRMAN, ORGANISING COMMITTEE MATTA FAIR MARCH 2014 CHAIRMAN MATTA KUALA LUMPUR CHAPTER

Tantalising Taiwan

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Explore Taiwan by bicycle and see the country in full bloom

Travel Fair Bonus Self-drive package bonus

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• 1 Tas Gourmet Sauce gift pack* OR 1 meal voucher at Ross (adult only) • National Holiday Park Pass # • A$50 petrol voucher*

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To enjoy the Travel Fair bonus, please contact any of the following preferred agents (Note: Different agent will offer different Tasmania packages, from group, free-independent city packages to self-drive) Airlink Travel (5925) (621128-X) 03-8060 1199 • Golden Deluxe (2017) (153905-W) 03-2144 6888 • Holiday Tours (0424) (23070-H) 03-6286 6288 Malaysian Harmony (0197) (118155-V) 03-2142 5227 • Parlo Tours (0218) (24106-H) 03-2274 7877 • PNL Travel (0908) (143718-V) 03-9284 4859

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PPS MCI (P) 004/04/2013,

weather San Francisco’s With its foggy micro-climate, cherry blossoms April and May bring can be variable. and October are Carnival. September and the mid-May July and of the year, while the warmest months for rolling fog.

August are known

require London run to2013 May/Jun services return; mInI GuIdE hours; US$24

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Gate Bridge.

LEFT The Golden in muddy RIGHT Oysters thrive San Francisco Bay

6 narrow Hidden down Turf Tavern Fold 1 the tiny medieval best-loved the city’s is one of fish and chips, includes pubs. Food the like (01865 drafted The 7 Bath Francis Ford Coppola lasagne and Trieste 6 theturftavern.co.uk; Godfather at Caffe 243235; Street; daily; 1 Hollywell Poet Laureate Lawrence BEST FOR VIEWS and local Italian Place, off right: 7 rustic was Sonnets US$4.60-US$12).

Branca for Ferlinghetti still drops in.

Film buffs say Hitchcock dishes Head to surroundings thein tiny Edamamé walls, Fort Point, at in modern seen from below Grab a spot cooking decorate the bathroom home-style and Gate Bridge Japanese plays on the jukebox 1,280-metre Golden divine opera fortry the Mains include stir-fried 9 , a slick Italian sessions on vertigo. Also, beside induces Branca there are accordion Garden cooking.

Vistapork cutlet curry, at Marin’sand scene at 392 6739; district. The sushi north-end lookout noodles Jericho Sundays (00 1 415 as the accordion of fog evening is in the artsy from stone-baked 601 Vallejo St; Sip your coffee Thursday Point and watch gusts caffetrieste.com; while is rustic, cables like 246916; edamame. plays at Caffe Trieste bridge meats (01865 dinner; coffee £2).

Street; food billow through 4 of Modern night (01865 7 to hearty lunch and Hollywell 15 San Francisco Museumpizzas La Taquería serves BROWSING ice (goldengatebridge.org; drybutchers, Mexican Fri-Sat; West Coast rivalbranca-restaurants.com; BEST FOR dinner £4).

Art – New York's organic and dinner; perfectly grilled 556111; car tollfreeserve.co.uk; southbound dinner Dine on scallops, of traditional St; lunch fantastic burritos: lunch Wed-Sun, and caviar A haven beans and 111 Walton US$8-US$14, cobblers meats, flavourful melon and Tsar NicoulaiChef Traci 2 mains lunch tortilla, fishmongers, Oxford Covered 9 conservatory, ART 4 mains US$11-US$24).

FOR HISTORY 8 , on salsa inside a flour dishes US$4.60-US$12).

BEST for BEST FOR classic the at Jardinière , where winner where in a Victorian spicy of AlcatrazMai Kitchen barbers, SetModern to go1963, the islandsharing Museum of restaurant optional homemade San Francisco the place Untiltraditional Des Jardins is a multiple off High the world’s 10 is a topwith Chiang prison, include Market is leading Foundation Gee’s dishes maximum-security vegetables and crème was a and chocolates, Art has arguably pickled of the James Beard (at a tiny alleywaytimber-framed are local, handmade 285 7117; 2889 modern European brogues famous crime bosses photography The collection, holding is in a leading fraîche (00 1 415 Award. All ingredients and sage-wrapped Diane Street,leave the 1630s.Ansel Adams, deer and (00 1 Ferries pies, expensive Farm beefand dinner; pancetta such as Al Capone. building dating from Thai with works by freshly hung Mission St; lunch sustainable and seasonal and Rofford 300 and fare includes serves elaborate Christmas) (01865 from Pier 33. The Arbus, Edward Westonmonkfish, potatoes burritos from £2.50).

415 861 5555; jardiniere.com; (oxford-covered-market.

61 restaurant Bar 8 (day only) creamed wild boar (00 1 415 mains from £12). with357 Lange 9am-5.30pm).

High entrance to the park At Hog Island Oyster are Dorothea130a (01865 202233; Grove St; dinner; prison gees-restaurant.co.uk; cuisine 3rd Street; of the 151553540; given a co.uk; Mon-Sat Bay oysters and dinner; and an5audio tour 4000; sfmoma.org; Don't expect to be lunchTomales mains Road; local and chiangmaikitchen.co.uk; Jai Yun ahead (alcatrazcruises.

Sun evening; Mon, TueBanbury with superb condiments cells. Book servedthreeGARDENS menu at reservation-only to £11). cost oldest Street; closed 11am-5.45pm Thurs; in 12BEST FOR Garden is the of bubbly. Oysters US$38). mains US$21-US$35, day/night £16/£20).

10 . Instead, indulge com; Fri-Sun, 11am-8.45pm and a glass menu feasts in US$10-US$22). glass, dark the The Botanic in 1621, with course dinner 65p on Monday and Thursday 16-course Shanghai-style1 415 981 founded 3 Floor-to-ceiling 5 lighting set (00 5pm to 7pm in Britain, glasshouses FOR WHALES and BEST BEST FOR PARKS happy hours, from the mirrored interior and moody season 680 From woods Franciscans hogisland to May is peak walled gardens Cherwell.

Everything that San (00 1 415 391 7117; 7438; menuscan.com/jaiyun; river December LOcATIONS The Oceanic through Bldg; lunch dinner Fri-Wed; be found at Golden along the south whale-watching. hold dear can oysters.com; 1 Ferry Clay St; lunch and AND NumBER a strollfor (01865 mAPfree from £28). lunch Sat and thinkers, free FOR Park: there, take leads whale-watching OvER Gate Meadow Society 107 and dinner Mon-Fri, multicourse banquets Church TuRN from £10).

Yacht Harbor.

Frisbees and leafy Christ expeditions from music, redwoods, 2013 Sun; oyster samplers is Mason MAY/JUNE 286690; botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk; depart from Fort US$4.60). fine art. Park information daily;Trips Lodge (00 1 hours LOcATIOnS High Street; and last about six available at McLaren mAP And numBER Fort Mason TuRn OVER FOR (oceanicsociety.org; Mon-Fri; 415 831 2700; golden-gate-park.

Mon-Fri; free).

109 Quarters 35; 9am-5pm com; Stanyan St; MAY/JUNE 2013 tours from £55).

Eat & drink

the Botanic Wander Cherwell the river

DISCOVER, 2

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EXPLORERS BEST FOR Gothic Victorian A glorious two attractions Museum building houses University – the Oxford History (oum.ox.ac.uk) of Natural Rivers Museum (prm. and the Pitt explorer’s treasure an from totem ox.ac.uk), everything trove with heads (Parks poles to shrunken free).

Road; daily;

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ART BEST FOR Oxford is one of the Modern Art art museums best contemporary The rotating outside London. not be further could exhibitions ancient stoneis from the the café removed outside, and modern buildings 722733; popular (01865 30 Pembroke free). artoxford.org.uk; for hours; Street; check

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to San flies from direct Singapore Airlines Kuala Singapore. From Francisco from Airlines, Emirates, Lumpur, Malaysia one San Francisco with and KLM fly to BART the airport, the stopover. From to the city centre train shuttle runs A taxi costs US$30.

(US$15; bart.gov).

Fold 1

spires.

Eat & drink alleyways,

See

HISTORY BEST FOR of Oxford’s colleges, The grandest also has its own Christ Church a modest collection and cathedral art. The college of Renaissance13 British prime by has produced it was founded since ministers in 1525 (chch.

Mon-Sat Cardinal Wolsey St Aldate’s; ox.ac.uk; 2pm; US$9).

Sun from 9am-5pm,

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OF

USA

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HOW TO GO

(1½ oxfordbus.co.uk, oxfordtube.com).

San Francisco,

England See

WHEn TO GO

Oxford has (one Paddington London Birmingham hour; US$34), Services and Hereford. Bristol and from Bath Bus a change.

May/Jun 2013

Oxford,

KEEP

Francisco MINI GUIDES TO l Prague l San l Mumbai l Oxford l Lake District

GO from HOW TO direct train services

mINI GuIDE

Japan’s

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 17 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0

5

and museums golden stone one of built from make Oxford colleges impressive Ancient collections with an with encyclopaedictreasure houses, a city of its size. for historical and cafés Britain’s with gold, WHY GO? restaurants streets aren’t paved variety of murals and Even if San Francisco’s although with rainbow-coloured GO they are splashed by trash-talking year-round, WHEN TO attractions are summer. In July and the skies over North Beach are ruled zigzag up and in Oxford’s groups.

Victorian rooflines Most of is better for tour parades are parrots. Whimsical on the river make way 43 hills, while year-round punting students down the city’s on a boa. need to throw August university all the excuse you

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WHy GO?

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between white Rio de Janeiro stretches with colonial and mountains, styles sandy beaches modernist architectural neighbourhoods, tying it all sound of samba of the city. and the addictive still covers swathes together. Rainforest

WHEn TO GO

summer lasts from New Year’s Rio’s humid, southern-hemisphere and sees spectacular December to March Carnival. Outside and the February are best, Eve celebrations and October (spring) of summer, September and warm temperatures. with low humidity

HOW TO GO

2013 MInI GuIdE Nov/Dec

fly from and Lufthansa Emirates, KLM, from Singapore and Rio via Kuala Kumpur to and Dubai, Amsterdam, Real Auto Frankfurt respectively. miles from Aeroporto Bus runs the nine A and Ipanema (US$4).

Galeão to the city the and pre-paid at radio taxi booked US$49 to Ipanema. airport will cost

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LEFT Sugarloaf Mountain.

RIGHT The giant

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where the city Ipanema beach, Atlantic of Rio meets the

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TROPICS BEST FOR THE Botânico has The exotic Jardim plant varieties more than 5,500 by order of and was designed João in 1808.

Prince Regent Dom and It’s serene on weekdaysand live blossoms with families 55 21 (00 music on weekends Rua Jardim 3874 1808; jbrj.gov.br; US$3).

Botânico 920; 8am-5pm;

BEST FOR ATMOSPHERE the city, the On a hill overlooking Santa Teresa, ageing mansions of address, once a prime 19th-century Ride days. are a vision of bygone (station at up the historic streetcar Centro; every Rua Lélio Gama 65, 30 minutes; US$0.30).

1

5

3

BEST FOR VIEWS of Pão de Seen from the peak Mountain), Rio Açúcar (Sugarloaf beautiful city is arguably the most many are in the world. There the ascent, good times to make cars, but by taking two cable day is the most sunset on a clear General rewarding (Praça US$21).

Tibúrcio, Urca; 8am-8pm;

new kiosks In recent years flashy Copacabana have appeared on to get Beach, allowing punters snack gourmet a decent meal or sand. Recanto without leaving the end do Sol 6 at the northeast of sardines and serves small plates cocktails fresh fish, plus caipirinha Noronha, (near Praça Julio de and dinner; Copacabana; lunch mains US$10). brick Within the exposed ceiling of and old hardwood 7 queues form for Sobrenatural seafood grilled fish and moqueca, Rua 1003; stew (00 55 21 2224 432, Santa Almirante Alexandrino Mon-Sat; dinner Teresa; lunch and mains US$28-US$34).8 features Candlelit Yorubá northern dishes typical of the such as shrimp province of Bahia, blended to and coconut milk de camarão, perfection in bobó – Bahian and excellent moqueca 9387; Rua 2541 fish stew (00 55 21 94, Botafogo; Arnaldo Quintela Sat-Sun; dinner Wed-Fri, lunch mains US$24-US$32).

BEST FOR PILGRIMAGE the Cristo Redentor (Christ out over Rio. Redeemer) gazes on which Corcovado mountain, 710m and at he stands, rises to statue is night the 38m-high way up brightly lit. A memorable2558 1329; 55 21 is by cog train (00 Cog station: Rua corcovado.org.br; Cosme Velho; Cosme Velho 513, US$21).

8.30am-6.30pm;

TuRn OVER FOR

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 17 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0 PPS MCI (P) 004/04/2013,

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06

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l Singapore

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AM 10/28/13 10:38

Fold 1

Eat & drink

See BEST FOR BEACHES Ipanema gained international 1960s with the fame in the early The Girl from bossa nova song the hangout Ipanema. It became and of artists, intellectuals who gathered at wealthy liberals, You’ll find the the sidewalk cafés.

Cariocas, same mix of wealthy the fine beach. young and old, at

MINI GUIDES TO

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EXPERIENCE EXPLORE &

Rio’s most Dine on some of Zuka in Leblon creative food at 9 is a Rio Casa da Feijoada feijoada: institution. Try a complexpork dish salted a black bean and slices and served with the orange flour (00 55 farofa, toasted manioc Prudente de 21 2247 2776; Rua lunch and Morais 10B, Ipanema; dinner; feijoada US$32).

One of Rio’s best restaurants, inventive dishes Zuka 10 prepares and rack of such as zingy ceviche fruit. Decor is lamb with passion grey with classic Rio – dove (00 55 21 floor-to-ceiling windows Ferreira 233B, 3205 7154; Rua Dias lunch and Leblon; dinner Mon, US$28-S$49). dinner Tue-Sun; mains

DISCOVER,

LP Cover_MADRID.indd

MAP And nuMBER

119

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GLORY IN ROME Relive past grandeur in present monuments

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dusk A view at and the capital over Tallinn, city of Estonia largest

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museums KöK KieK in De most formidable One of Tallinn’s its name is into the cannon towers, for ‘Peep Low German upper floors – from the kitchen’ could peer voyeurs medieval below. Built barely into the houses the tower around 1475, 16th-century the survived today houses War, and city’s Livonian tracing the a museum (linnamuuseum. military history 2; closed Mon; ee; Komandandi £3.90).

6

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Lonely Planet magazine SNAP! WIN Contest.

Refer to p89

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Town wallsof the original a mile More than showcasing remains, and 26 city wall fortifications Patkul medieval towers. The views, defensive fairytale you’ll see lookout offers while at Suur-Kloostri section of Take the the best-preserved Town walls. Tour, the Lower Town Walking Tallinn Old you can an audioguidepick up from the or download (audioguide.ee; tourist office £3).

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around tea leaves wrapped lime ginger, shallots, peanuts, (56 Th and shredded coconut mains Phra Athit; 4pm-12am; from £1.40).

influences CHurCH minorities. clock Chinese and Muslim Holy spiriT Fold 1 blue-and-gold The luminous of this striking the on the façadeGothic church is from 14th-century NahM Tallinn, datingexquisite David oldest in Australian chef-author there are what is quite Pa aew 1684. Inside and painted Thompson is behind open-air curry Thai restaurant It’s a bare bones woodcarvings possibly the best an altarpiece by ancient dishes on show, including stall with trays of panels, in Bangkok. Inspired has a 17th-century Aew taste, Pato 1483 and Thompson but if we’re talking dating cookbooks, the The church hosts Church was such as smoked to eat in pulpit.

Dome 1561 is our favourite placeBaroque revived Lutheran untildishes musical concerts Pull up a plastic Catholic curry with prawns, chicken historical centre. originally fish regular classicalVaimu Kirik; closed black pepper Püha stool for rich, seafood-heavy livers, cockles and look chin (eelk.ee; chah 90p).

Metropolitan dishes such as pat (comohotels.com; for worship; dumplings Dome CHurCH was Tai; lunch from (freshwater fish Sun church 27 Th Sathon blah the Hotel, Bo.lan takes inspiration Church It’s Market is out of Estonia’s oldest CHurCH daily; set lunch Or Tor Kor dinnerby of St Olaf’sfried with fresh herbs). or earlier the Slow Food movement variety Mon–Fri, walls Soi The tower the town in 1233 onfrom £40). sT CaTHerine’s way but offers great corner with dinner stands founded located near the from £25,It set soars above Rat; was MahaCloisTer Danish conquerors. its fine views Pratu Nokyung (Th & 50p).

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY & Aug closed only plats; Jul 113 opportunities by appointment 2014 entrance £3.40).

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PPS MCI (P) 004/04/2013,

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SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 17 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0

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it serves some CHurCH and sT niCHolas’richest kow mok gai (chicken Various daily specials biryani). museum one of Bangkok’s Gothic church Chote Chitr is in masala and Art chicken This 13th-century include low-rise neighbourhoods Estonian korma (24/9 Soi 45, CiTy museum is split mutton of medieval houses the Museum Krung; closed Sun; collection Th Charoen Tallinn’s City and its main branch famous Museum’s equate with art. Its most mains from 80p). heMlocK Plastic chairs don’t over 10 sites religious of its in Bangkok Notke’s 15th14th-century retains low-quality eating Taking full advantage is set in a DancechiTr work is Berndt location in house that features, choTeinclude cosy shophouse merchant’s shophouse century masterpiece perennial medieval This third-generation Other artefacts Banglamphu, this portal. and a Tanao with just some typically Macabre. tombstones skimp on restaurant off Th favourite doesn’t The withis a Bangkok food altarpieces, six tables flavour or presentation. an overflowing can be are first like chamber landmark. The kitchen eclectic menu reads developmentwell laid The acoustics reviving old the city’s are held and the service silverware. and are inconsistent ancient literary work organ recitals kitchens but when earliest years of information rate and consistently grumpy, as the dishes from aristocraticthe plenty Try presents dishes such out, with Niguliste most weekendsthey’re on, across the country.

The top floor royal palace kam – wild in English. portrait of life under £3). (a former mee (nigulistemuuseum.ee; flavourful mee-ang Tue;grorp

Jan/Feb 2014

Medieval Tallinn

OF

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2 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH -16 MARCH 2014

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3 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE, MALAYSIA On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia, I would like to congratulate MATTA for organizing the MATTA Fair March 2014. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome all travel and trade professionals and visitors, and trust that you will have a beneficial time throughout this Fair.

Over the past 23 years, MATTA Fair has built its reputation as the leading travel fair in Malaysia. This travel fair has stood out amongst its regional peers and gained regional recognition and branding. The Travel Fair showcases quality tourism products and services at competitive prices and enhances development of the tourism industry. Indeed, the MATTA Fair has also become a recognized platform to secure value for money and great deals for the tourism industry players and consumers.

In conjunction with our Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign, aptly themed, “Celebrating 1Malaysia, Truly Asia” I look forward to your continuous support and contribution in working together towards achieving the target of 28 million tourists and RM76 billion tourist receipts for 2014.

I wish the MATTA Fair March 2014 great success and applaud the organizers for the hard work to position Malaysia as the regional travel hub for Southeast Asia.

Thank you.

DATUK DR. ONG HONG PENG

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OF MATTA

MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN MATTA FAIR MARCH 2014

I would like to welcome all exhibitors, business partners, sponsors, supporters and visitors of the MATTA Fair March 2014 - The longest running, largest and most successful Consumer Travel Fair in Malaysia.

The branding we have achieved throughout these years is a sign of our achievement and we will continue to build on it as our commitment towards quality and excellence in services to all stakeholders for the MATTA Fairs. Through our partnership with the various sectors, private and public, we hope to achieve another new milestone in MATTA Fair. Let us carry on in this daylight of hope and renewal, as we strengthen our brand name and services, and sustain our distinction in the travel exposition in the country and regionally.

The travel and tourism industry has long been one the most important pillars and contributors to the economic growth of the country. The dynamism of our tourism industry fuels our collective aspirations of progress, economic wellbeing and competitive edge in the travel and tourism industry.

This year is the Visit Malaysia Year. Malaysia is blessed with so many exotic and interesting places, hence promoting Malaysian hospitality to sophisticated markets and emerging markets are our common vision and task. We should also promote Malaysia through MATTA Fair as it is the largest travel fair and to bring the Travel Fair to a new and matured level.

May this Travel Fair further advance the travel and tourism industry by providing industry players to establish closer ties with the consumers.

My heartiest congratulations to the MATTA Fair Organizing Committee and the MATTA Secretariat for their continuous good work in putting together this Travel Fair.

Have a great time at the MATTA Fair.

Warm regards,

There is no doubt that the MATTA Fair March 2014 is now firmly entrenched as a premier consumer travel fair in Malaysia. In fact, the Malaysia Book of Records affirms that the MATTA Fair is recognised as the Largest Consumer Travel Fair in the country.

We have 1,058 exhibitor booths and 14 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) participating in this year’s fair with its theme tagged as It’s All About Quality, Not Quantity. Here, I like to stress on the QUALITY aspect of the MATTA Fair March 2014.

With the spectre of rising costs of goods in general this year, we do realise that consumers may place less priority on travel expenses. But this has spurred the MATTA Fair’s Organising Committee to focus more than ever on making available quality products at affordable prices for the visitors.

This is being reflected through interesting and value-for-money tour and travel packages which are endorsed by the NTOs; and more added values from great prizes to be given away in the various contests we have lined up for the fair.

This is made possible through the joint efforts of all our sponsors - the NTOs, airlines, hoteliers and other tourism suppliers who have come out in full support in forging a strong partnership with the exhibitors.

Further, our exhibitors are ready to provide the consumers on how to shop wisely and understand what they are buying. This will greatly enhance the quality of the consumers’ holiday experiences and ensure that their money are well-spent. In addition, we will station about 200 staff to man the halls to ensure visitors have a hassle-free shopping spree.

The Organising Committee would like to record its appreciation to all the sponsors and partners for their great support in making this MATTA Fair March 2014 a Quality Fair for all.

Through this partnership, the MATTA Fair which debuted in 1991 has grown into a “must-visit” event now being held for the 37th time.

In a way, I have grown with the fair - I was the fair’s chairman for 1999, 2000 and 2001 (then known as the MITF). That coincided with the years when I was the Deputy President of MATTA (1999 to 2003). Now as the first-elected Chairman of the newly-formed MATTA Kuala Lumpur Chapter, and taking over the “reins” of the MATTA Fair March 2014 chairmanship again this year, I am glad to see how the MATTA Fair has evolved over the years. Those were the days when we had to plead with exhibitors to participate; now we have exhibitors knocking on our doors.

My committee and I are confident that with the enthusiastic interest and support from all our partners, exhibitors and consumers, the MATTA Fair March 2014 will again be a Success.

HAMZAH RAHMAT

Have a Quality Time at MATTA Fair March 2014!

Thank you.

JUDY CHEAH CHAIRMAN, ORGANISING COMMITTEE MATTA FAIR MARCH 2014 CHAIRMAN MATTA KUALA LUMPUR CHAPTER

4 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

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5 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

6 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Top End Dares

Throwing caution to the wind, we dive into the stunning scenery that is Australia’s rugged Northern Territory and belt up for some of the wildest expeditions ever.

Katherine Gorge

Katherine’s Sunrise Song

The plan was to wake at 5am, strap up in trekking gear, swallow a quick sandwich, pull the umbrellas out as makeshift walking sticks, and take the climb towards Baruwei Lookout, the highest accessible point overlooking Katherine Gorge. Widely known by its aboriginal name, Nitmiluk, the 292,800 hectare National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory presents a strong case on how spectacular dissected sandstone countrysides and broad valleys really can be, its deep winding gorge telling a history that dates back 23 million years in time.

Walking out from our very comfortable accommodation at Cicada Lodge, my torchlight meets the headlights of an incoming vehicle, the lodge’s chef who has come – before the crack of dawn – to prepare our meals for the day. He points us to a shortcut sidelining Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, where our group of three continues the 2.8km walk through forest floors, dusting away cobwebs, climbing well-lined stairs and sticking close to trail markers. In just 20 minutes we stand that much closer to heaven, the sky a patchwork of grey-blues, pockets of morning light just beginning to slice through. Silence coats the perfectly still, fresh air, when suddenly our ears detect whirring noises above, steadily getting louder, and realise packs of bats are zipping across the slowly brightening earth, our pre-mounted cameras eagerly capturing the full beauty of Katherine Gorge unraveling before our eyes. Katherine’s sunrise song manages to keep this trio of ubran-dwellers longer than planned, before we take the return route towards Cicada Lodge, our home within the wilderness.

swimming in our backyard – nothing quite prepared me for the majesty, and sheer magnitude that is Florence Falls. Walking past the lookout area (perfect for photo opportunities), I make my way down a flight of 135 steps and past flowing creeks, the forested woodlands finally opening up to roaring claps of rushing waters into the plunge pool, waters a dizzying clear. It is possible to swim to the base of the waterfall, however it gets progressively deeper the further you swim, I choose to sit on a large smooth rock at the water’s edge, admiring the Fall’s mighty yet genteel strength, a perfect place to reflect and recharge.

Cage Of Death

Crocosaurus Cove lies right in the heart of the city.

Activities are harmless, really, such as holding a baby crocodile, surface fish feeding, big croc feeding, and of course, swimming with the crocs. Here, thrill-seekers step into a cage either alone or in pairs, suspended above Chopper, a 80-year-old croc who lost his two front feet while battling for territory west of Darwin.

Lowering into the pen, a staff dangles a slab of raw meat before the cage in anticipation for a cameraworthy shot, the huge croc eventually jumping out of

Nature’s Nests

A short drive past the nearby little town of Batchelor takes us to Litchfield Park Road and its entrance, where we first reach Buley Rockhole. Originating from freshwater springs upstream which get replenished when wet season rolls around, the waters of Buley are some of the cleanest around, flowing towards its eventual destination – Florence Falls. Walking in, delightful squeals bounce off the park’s premises, where I find couples, friends and strangers ‘claiming’ various rock pools for refreshing swims, a particular daring teen even displaying a double back-flip into the waters!

However, dipping our toes into the waters here is like

Crocosaurus Cove

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

the waters to get his bait, thus ending a nerve-wrecking (or exhilarating) 15 minute session. If that’s not your thing, the cove also contains a 200,000 litre freshwater aquarium, home to fascinating Barramundi, Sawfish and Whiprays.

7 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Explore Darwin Now

Bamurru Plains Mary River Floodplains Fishing

Golden Deluxe Travel Agency Sdn Bhd Tel: 03 2144 6888 4D3N Darwin Escapade from A$408 - Includes 3 nights’ accommodation, Darwin city tour and return airport transfer Add On from A$238 3D2N Alice Springs - Includes 2 nights’ accommodation at Chifley Alice Springs Resort (with continental breakfast) and return airport transfer

Holiday Tours & Travel sdn bhd Tel: 03 6286 6288 / 6286 6019 4D3N Darwin Citipac from A$429 per person twin sharing - Includes 3 nights hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, return seat-in-coach airport transfer, choice of one tour option – Litchfield National Park waterfall or Darwin city sights + Big Croc Feed Experience at Crocosaurus Cove 5D4N Kakadu & Katherine Gorge Short Break from A$1099 per person twin sharing - Includes 2 nights stay in Darwin, 1 night in Kakadu, 1 night in Katherine Gorge, return seat-in-coach airport transfers, Jumping Crocodile Cruise Tour, Yellow Water Billabong Tour, Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls Tour, 3 breakfast and 2 lunches.

4D3N Unforgettable Ayers Rock from A$549 per person - Includes 3 nights’ accommodation, return seat-incoach airport transfers, choice of 1 unique experience - Sound of Silence Dinner or Harley 30km Quick Spin Ride + Camel Express

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

4D3N Red Centre Way Discovery Self Drive from A$519 per person - Includes 1 night in Ayers Rock, 1 night in Alice Springs, 1 night in Kings Canyon, 3 days car rental based on all inclusive with unlimited KMs and NIL Excess, free GPS rental Booking period: March 2– 21, 2014 Travel period: April 1 – Sept 30, 2014

Malaysian Harmony Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd TollFree: 1800 88 0787 Tel: 03 2142 5227 4D3N Darwin & Beyond from A$565 per adult on twin share basis - Includes choice of 3 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (selected hotel only), round trip international airport / hotel transfer by airport shuttle bus (seat-in-coach) and two full day tours on seat-in-coach.

5D4N Experience Darwin from A$695 per adult on twin share basis - Includes choice of 3 nights hotel in Darwin with daily breakfast (selected hotel only), round trip international airport / hotel transfer by airport shuttle bus (seat-incoach) and 2D1N Kakadu National Park, Nourlangie Rock & Ubirr, Yellow River Billabong & Guluyambi Cultural Cruise Tour on seat-in-coach with 2 lunches.

2) Kakadu National Park, Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, Nourlangie Rock + Lunch * Exclude all taxes & YQ tax ** Terms and conditions apply

Sedunia Travel Services Sdn Bhd Tel: 03 2148 4566 4D3N Uniquely Darwin from RM1648 per adult - Includes 3 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast, Jumping Crocodile Cruise & Darwin City Tour and return airport / hotel transfers 5D4N Top End Adventure Experience from RM2398 per adult - Includes 4 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast, Katherine Gorge Adventure & Jumping Crocodile Cruise and return airport / hotel transfers Optional: Kakadu National Park RM660 per adult

3D2N Top End Adventure Self Drive from A$535 per adult on twin share basis - Includes 3 day’s car rental, 1 night accommodation in Kakadu, 1 night accommodation in Katherine, Yellow Water Cruise and Katherine Gorge Cruise.

Parlo Tours Sdn Bhd Tel: 03 2274 7896 / 2274 7877 4D3N Explore Darwin from RM2298 - Includes return economy airfare to Darwin by Malaysia Airlines, return airport transfer, 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and Darwin City Tour, Museum and Art Gallery 5D4N Darwin – Kakadu Adventure from RM3348 - Includes return economy airfare to Darwin by Malaysia Airlines, return airport transfer, 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and 2 days sightseeing tour – 1) Darwin City Tour, Museum and Art Gallery;

Wallabies in Bamurru Plains

Jumping Crocodile Cruise Crocodile Feeding

8 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Out of the Blue

From bushland to beach, from lake to spa, we delve into the magic of Tasmania’s splendiferous landscapes and its many surprises.

Freycinet National Park

“I

must be in a painting,” I thought to myself. As I alighted from my Melbourne to Launceston flight and stepped onto the tarmac, I looked up at the bright blue Tasmanian sky and swore; it looked like someone had amplified the contrast, saturation and sharpness with deft brushstrokes to present the landscape in full dramatic glory.

Tasmania may not be part of mainland Australia, but this little sister has a lot to offer – and the vastness of it all is quite awe-inspiring. The beauty of its natural landscape is so sublime yet so intense that it literally hit me out of the blue like a bolting Tasmanian Devil.

food, of which ample servings were doled out by Tim as he kept the grill full with chicken, pork and bacon, lathered with his best-selling Cumberland Sauce, a savoury sauce with notes of red currant, port wine, lemon, orange and spices. It was the perfect setting to enjoy the sunshine and great conversation.

After lunch, we went to a lookout point at Freycinet National Park (Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay; +61 3 6256 7000). The panoramic view was spectacular. We could see Cape Forester, Mt Graham, Mt Freycinet, Wineglass Bay, Sleepy Bay and The Hazards (Mt Mayson, Mt Amos, Mt Dove, Mt Baudin and Mt Parsons). One of the

highlights not to be missed here is the Wineglass Bay. On a good day with great weather, the view is postcardpicture-perfect. Must-do activities include a gorgeous cruise and a leisurely picnic to take in the beauty of the bay, or if time permits and you are physically inclined, take a walk up to Wineglass Bay lookout, which takes under two hours, or indulge in longer half day or overnight circuits.

Final stop for the day: Saffire Freycinet (2352 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay; tel: +61 3 6256 7888), an awardwinning luxury boutique hotel that has added buzz to Tasmania’s hospitality scene. This iconic hotel overlooks

Nature’s Best The folks at Gourmet Sauce Company (174 Leighlands Rd, Evandale; tel: +61 3 6391 8437), Julie and Tim Barbour, are pretty serious about their sauces, relishes, chutney, mustards and even jams. What makes them special is their personal touch. Arriving at their shop, tasting centre, cooking studio and garden, I felt like I was being welcomed into their home.

There was Tim, standing over the barbecue pit in the backyard with thongs in his hand and a ready smile as he gestured for us to enter. The savory aroma of chicken wings was in the air. On the table behind him was a big bowl of vibrant greens, plucked fresh from his beautiful potager (a traditional kitchen garden). We sat in the garden and enjoyed the simple but hearty

Tasmania Gourmet Sauce company

Wineglass Bay

9 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Great Oyster Bay and The Hazards, and was designed to make every waking moment within the hotel a vivid extension of the great outdoor experience. The view is the star; from the lobby and the lounge to the restaurant Palate at the end, the curving glass facade running parallel to the length of the interior affords uninterrupted viewing. Likewise for its suites, which also run parallel to the bay; the wildness of the Australian bushland is right in front of the suite’s glass wall while the wildness of the mountains beckons in the horizon.

With a glass of Tasmanian Moorilla Cabernet Merlot in hand and the exquisite bejewelled night view before me, I settled into my Signature Suite’s plush sofa and pondered the nightscape. The next morning at Freycinet Marine Farm (1784 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay; tel: +61 3 6257 0140), I put on rubber overalls with attached boots and waded out to the estuary where my guide picked out fresh oysters for me. There, out in the open and waist deep in the water, he laid out a white tablecloth with a flourish and set the wooden “table” that was perched on stilts. He poured out a glass of champagne and shucked the oysters. They were fresh, briny and clean with the taste of pure Tasmanian waters. There was no better way to enjoy oysters than with The Hazards before me and the wind in my face.

The Saffire Freycinet experience is incomplete without a session at Spa Saffire, which unfortunately

Saffire Freycinet

A luxury suite at Saffire Freycinet

Freycinet Marine Farm

that ranges from enchanting short walks to challenging overnight walks; the fit and aspirational may want to try the world-famous six-day 65km Overland Track that takes you through the heart of the national park .

We were to stay at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (4038 Cradle Mountain Road; +61 3 6492 2103), which has a range of luxurious yet rustic suites and cabins, including posh spa suites at Waldheim Alpine Spa. The spa has earned repute as one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness spas; guests are able to indulge in luxury treatments while taking in the beauty of towering King Billy pines and Pencil Pine River running through the

Cradle Mountain

wilderness. We checked into our traditional Spa Suite, which was outfitted with handmade Tasmanian wood furnishings that gave a rich, warm ambience, while soft goosedown duvets and a plush sofa in front of the log combustion fire awaited my indulgence come bedtime.

Dusk had fallen by the time we reached the lodge and it was getting really chilly; the complimentary carafe of port in my suite was a welcome touch. Dinner at the lodge’s Highland Restaurant was a rustic affair with a big crackling fireplace in the middle, while a tranquil view of the lake awaited diners who were prepared to linger and bask in the magical forest nightscape. A stay up on Cradle Mountain deserves leisurely exploration and contemplation as its mythical landscape warrants due attention. In the process, we walk away with a trimmer body – if you’ve been walking – and a firmer conviction on the need to detox on all levels. This has been more than just a road trip. It has been spiritual – the landscape is intense, you just have to pay attention and listen to the drumbeats of life resonating from her.

Visit us at booth no. 2207-2216 or www.discovertasmania.com for more information

Travel Fair Bonus

View of The Hazards from Saffire Freycinet

Book your Tasmanian holiday and enjoy the following Self-drive package bonus 1. 1 Tas Gourmet Sauce gift pack* OR 1 meal voucher at Ross* 2. National Holiday Park Pass # (Min of 5 nights stay & per car basis) 3. A $50 petrol voucher* (Min of 5 nights stay at Innkeepers Hotel / Apartment, valid for stay 1 May-24 Dec14)

has an order book that is filled back to back. One of its highlights is the Jewel Collection of deluxe facials, which harnesses the benefits of priceless ingredients such as sapphire, gold and diamonds with advanced technology to leave the skin radiant. The bodyshaping DL Dioriti Volcanic Magma treatment and Natura Bisse’s anti-aging Diamond Collection with pure diamond dust are signature treatments as well, and have been popular choices with its guests.

Book Singapore Airlines-Virgin Australia trip to Hobart Redeem A$20 Seafood voucher^

The Ascension Rising 1,545m above sea levels, Cradle Mountains is a natural wonderland of diverse flora, with the feel of a wild landscape encompassing an ancient rainforest and alpine heathlands, buttongrass and colourful deciduous beech. Ensconced within are beautiful glacial lakes such as the serene Dove Lake and a variety of walking trails

The tranquil setting of Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

*Per room only / # Per car only / ^1st 100 tickets Applicable to bookings at the MATTA fair ground by 16 Mar 14 and first 100 only, terms and conditions apply

10 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

The Hidden Gem of Queensland, Australia Discover the hidden gem of Southern Queensland on a road trip that takes you from outdoor adventures to beachfront living. Begin your journey from Brisbane. Be awed by the magnificent coastlines of Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, swim with giant manta rays at the Southern Great Barrier Reef, tuck into fresh produce at Noosa restaurants or chill out at quaint B&Bs in the tranquil hinterland.

Top 8 Must Dos: 1. Brisbane City Sights

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• Adrenaline junkies can have a blast at the theme parks or hop on an action-packed high

speed boat ride with Paradise Jetboating • Feel on top of the world Hot Air’s sunrise balloon flight complete with sumptuous Champagne breakfast.

• Explore Gold Coast’s lush hinterland with

Southern Cross 4WD Tour. Go on a guided hike

to see waterfalls and wildlife, learn to whip crack and throw boomerangs.

• Cuddle a koala or feed the kangaroos and

colourful lorikeet birds at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

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2. Gold Coast

• Get up close with adorable Sumatran tiger cubs,

the first tiger cubs to be born at Australia Zoo in

its 43-year history.

• You may also catch Bindi & Bob Irwin in action

with the animals!

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• Visit South Bank Parklands and Mount Coo-tha

for spectacular city and river views. Hop on a

CityCat Cruise to explore Brisbane river.

• Get cosy with warm and fuzzy koalas at Lone

Pine Koala Sanctuary • Visit Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton

Island to hand feed wild bottlenose dolphins

or go sand tobogganing on a 4WD Desert

Safari Tour.

3. Australia Zoo

4. Noosa Markets & Food Trails • Dine at the award winning restaurants at the

chic seaside town of Noosa, 2 hours’ drive from

Brisbane.

• Every May, Noosa plays host to the Noosa

International Food & Wine Festival. So mark

your diaries for 15 - 18 May 2014.

• Spend a morning at the colourful Eumundi

Markets (Wed and Sat mornings), one of Australia’s largest where you’ll find original

artworks, handmade jewellery etc.

• The Noosa Farmers Market (voted #1 market

in Australia by Tripadvisor) opens every Sunday from 7am to midday.

• Go on the Sunshine Coast food trail: Maleny Cheese for Australia’s only Water Buffalo Quark, Buderim Ginger Factory for all things

ginger, and Australian Nougat Company for that “melt-in-your-mouth” delight.

Fraser Coast

Sunshine Coast

Brisbane

Gold Coast Southern Queensland Country

queensland.com.sg

11 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Mon Repos, Bundaberg

Whale watching, Hervey Bay

Noosa Markets

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

7. Mon Repos at Bundaberg

• Explore the quaint mountain villages of Maleny and

Montville, with tearooms and craft shops housed in

log and stone cottages.

• Go on walks amidst the beautiful heritage listed national parks of Glasshouse Mountains and the Mary Cairncross Reserve • Stay at beautiful B&Bs where you can soak in the charming mountain ambience and enjoy spectacular views of the hinterland and the coast afar.

6. Fraser Island • Go on a four-wheel drive tour or camel safari on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island • Get up close with majestic migrating humpback whales on a whale watching cruise in Hervey Bay between mid-July and October.

Montville, Sunshine Coast

• Between November and March, witness the loggerhead, green, leatherback and flatback turtles nest and hatch at Mon Repos, 14km from Bundaberg, is home to Australia’s most accessible

sea turtle rookery.

• Visit the world famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery and also sample Bundaberg Ginger Beer at The Bundaberg Barrel

8. Lady Elliot Island • Catch a scenic coastal flight to Lady Elliot Island, located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef.

One of the best diving and snorkeling locations, you can swim with giant manta rays, turtles and big colourful fish. Or stay overnight at Lady Elliot Island’s only eco-resort.

For more information, please visit www.queensland.com.sg

Visit our Aussie Specialist to book your self drive package From

AUD 850 p/person

7D/6N Great Sunshine Way, Self drive Package (based on Twin share) inclusive: • 2 nights at O’Reilly’s Rainforest

Retreat, Gold Coast • 2 nights at Sebel Resort Noosa • 2 nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort,

Fraser Island • Round trip Catamaran transfer River Heads / Fraser Island • Fraser Island Full Day guided Beauty Spot Tour with lunch

From

AUD 865

6D/5N Queensland Self-Drive Package (based on Twin share) inclusive: • 1 night in Mercure Brisbane • 2 nights in Mantra Mooloolaba,

Sunshine Coast • 2 nights Comfort Inn Fraser Getaway • 1 I-venture Attraction Pass (3 ticket) • 5 days car rental

From

AUD 879 p/person

5D/4N Southern Queensland Self-Drive Journey Package (based on Triple share) inclusive: • 2 nights Comfort Inn Hervey Bay • 1 night Noosa International Resort, Noosa • 1 night Metro Hotel Bisbane • Full Day tour to Lady Elliot Island (include scenic flight) • 5 days car rental

From

AUD 1,168 p/person

7D/6N Southern Queensland Self-Drive Journey (based on Twin share) inclusive: • 2 nights at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast • 2 nights at Sebel Resort Noosa • 2 nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island • Round trip Catamaran transfer

River Heads / Fraser Island • Fraser Island Full Day guided Beauty Spot Tour with lunch • 5 days car rental

Visit us at Booth No. 2211-2212 at the MATTA Travel Fair from 14 to 16 March 2014 at Hall 2

TM

Tel : 03-2142 0222

12 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Modernity In Antiquity

Immerse yourself in the unique blend of modernity and antiquity of Hunan Province in South-Central China

Juzi Island

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pread across the province, Changsha, Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang County offer their own interpretations of the province’s long-held custom of providing entertainment for the people in the forms of food, scenery and culture.

Enjoy the best of the natural, ancient and modern worlds and experience Hunan hospitality as you take a journey through time and space.

Changsha The capital city of Hunan, Changsha played a major role in China’s history as a major commercial location within the country and as the recorded location of Mao Zedong’s conversion to communism. Over hundreds of years, its inhabitants developed a taste for cuisine focusing on the elements of fragrance and spiciness; a preference which later spread to the rest of the province.

Tianxin Pavilion

Juzi Island Developed into a scenic park, the island serves as a recreational destination for locals and also features several attractions including pavilions, sightseeing towers overlooking the city’s central business district, and a recently completed statue of a young Mao Zedong. Hailed as one of the few monuments depicting Mao in his younger days, the 32-metre tall statue was designed by Xie Liwen, a professor at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts who chose to display a broad-shouldered Mao looking into the distance over the shore of Juzi Island, which he hopes will inspire Chinese youth to “look into the future, on the Chairman’s shoulders”.

Tianxin Pavilion Rebuilt a total of two times following devastation by fires in 1938 and 1983, the pavilion has been converted into a scenic area, with several structures largely commemorating wartime events especially with regards to the Japanese Occupation.

The wall surrounding the pavilion was built during the early Ming period (1368-1644AD) and retains much of the original

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

13 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

brickwork, evidenced by the stamps present on some bricks – indicating their location and date of manufacture. In 1850, Buddha statues were melted down in order to create the two cannons – the larger one christened the “Red Robed General” – embedded in the ancient wall as part of the city’s defence against the Taiping Army during the Taiping Rebellion.

Embroidery With influences from Chinese calligraphy and painting, modern Xiang embroidery is still painstakingly handcrafted where skilled artisans layer thread in a seemingly haphazard fashion, but generate elements of shade, reflection and texture that are able to produce almost photo-realistic imagery when viewed from a moderate distance. Artworks are available for viewing at the Hunan Embroidery Museum, or for purchase from speciality stores around the city.

Qindao Performance Art Center Changsha’s Qindao Performance Art Center is a cornerstone of the night entertainment that Hunan is known for. Opened in 2009, it is the largest indoor theatre in Southern China and seats up to 3,000 people with nightly cabaret performances featuring celebrities from across the country as well as some foreign acts. Each show at the centre is typically a two to three-hour long collection of entertainment performances.

Zhangjiajie A veritable treasure trove of natural wonders, Zhangjiajie is located a 4.5-hour drive, or 50-minute domestic flight west of Changsha. Rich in ancient history and pre-history, archaeologists have recently determined through ancient artefacts that human settlement of the region began about 100,000 years ago.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Undoubtedly the crown jewel of Hunan province, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was China’s first national park and was recently thrust into the global spotlight as a result of director James Cameron’s use of one of its uniquely shaped peaks in the international blockbuster, Avatar – the one kilometre tall peak has since been renamed ‘Avatar Hallelujah Mountain’.

Baofeng Lake A pristine freshwater lake in the midst of the Suoxiyu Natural Reserve, Baofeng lake is situated halfway up the Baofeng Mountain Range and was formed during the 1970s by locals who needed a reservoir to serve their water needs. Now a scenic spot, the lake offers visitors views of the surrounding mountains which resemble an assortment of creatures, such as the “Golden Toad” or the “Peacock”.

Baofeng Lake

Tianmen Mountain At 1,519 metres high, Tianmen Mountain is the tallest peak in the Wulingyuan area and is accessible via a 7,455-metre long cable car ride from the city’s Zhangjiajie Railway Station, followed by a bus journey on the range’s undulating roadway with 99 bends – the number being a symbolic remnant of the location’s strong Taoist past. The mountain is part of the larger Wuling Mountain Range and is drastically different in appearance from the protruding, eroded peaks at the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with its key feature being a natural arch near its peak.

Tianmen Fox Spirit At a scale that is characteristic of the country, the Tianmen Fox Spirit musical is performed by a massive cast of over 500 performers on a grand theatre cradled in the foothills of Tianmen Mountain. From the grandstand, audience members will be able to see most of the mountain range, which ends with the arch on the peak of Tianmen mountain – the entire mountain range is used as part of the set, lighting up during dramatic sequences of the musical by hundreds of spotlights located in strategic positions on the mountains.

Fenghuang County Located in the southern area of Hunan, Fenghuang County possesses one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the country. Home to a large population of Miao and

Nanhua At Night

Tujia minorities, the Fenghuang Ancient Town is located on both banks of the Tuojiang River, which still serves multiple important purposes for much of the local population, from washing clothes to generating income.

Ancient Town Located near the boundary of Hunan province, the ancient town by day merges ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties with natural beauty, featuring enveloping mountain ranges and flowing green-hued waters of the Tuojiang River running through it. Visiting the town in the early morning will yield the most picturesque views as fine morning mists provide a veil of mystery and evokes memories of scenes akin to those depicted in traditional Chinese watercolour paintings. Visit at nightfall and be amazed by the extraordinary transformation the town undergoes and morphs into the heart of a sprawling nightlife and entertainment complex. Strategically placed lasers and neon signs will dazzle as each establishment competes with one another visually and aurally in an attempt to draw in patrons.

Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park The ancient town is situated at the foot of Nanhua Mountain, a relatively low natural formation with its surface covered by an abundance of tall, ancient trees. The mountain’s National Forest Park is easily accessible by foot from the ancient town, and is a popular destination for the local populace on their morning workouts.

Phoenix Cultural Scenic Spot After a further 99 steps – Jiujiu Heaven Steps – visitors will arrive at the peak of Nanhua Mountain and the Phoenix Cultural Scenic Spot, an area dedicated to the phoenixes of legend from whom the town derived its name. Retaining most of its ancient construction in the form of its pavilions, terraces and palaces, the more recent additions to the area were designed by Huang Yongyu, a renowned artist originally from the ancient town.

Fenghuang Ancient City

Visit us at booth no. 1122-1131 for more information.

14 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Asia’s World City

Book your tickets to the hottest town this summer! Festivals, sports, entertainment, shopping and dining – Hong Kong offers a line-up of sizzling activities and events to celebrate summer fun.

Summer Satiation There’s something about Hong Kong that stirs the senses. The uninterrupted pulse of its heartbeat sets yours racing; its smells and tastes leave you craving for more; and its unique culture begs you to be a part of it. One of the best times to immerse yourself in all that Hong Kong has to offer is during the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular. Spanning from June to August 2014, a buzz descends upon Hong Kong within this period as the city indulges itself with sports, parties, shopping, beer, food and music.

At the iconic Victoria Harbour, muscled athletes from around the world gather to duke it out to claim the top prize in the Dragon Boat Carnival. In between the intensity of the races, cool off at the BeerFest, where athletes and spectators mingle and enjoy live music and ice-cold beer around the clock.

The shopping mecca of the world braces up for its best season too as stores and malls slash their prices and offer a dizzying array of shopping privileges. From international labels to local goods, Hong Kong has it all! Prepare to maximise your dollar and practise your negotiation skills as you hunt for the best bargains in the many malls and shopping belts of this tax free city.

Famed for its world class food scene, Hong Kong’s culinary offerings are guaranteed to whet your appetite, no matter how fussy your palates are. The city’s colourful background and diverse population are mirrored in the stunning range of dietary options. From Western to Asian food and anything in between; and from world renowned Michelin-starred restaurants to budget street stalls – Hong Kong’s food is bound to thrill. It gets even better during the summer promotion period as dining outlets tempt customers to stretch their waistlines with exclusive dining offers.

Muslim-Friendly City The diversity of cultures in Kong Kong includes a strong Muslim presence in the city. Hong Kong’s growing Muslim community currently numbers around 220,000.

This translates into a destination that is extremely easy for Muslim travellers to navigate. Halal food is not just delicious, but easy to locate as well with 55 halal certified dining establishments spread throughout the city. In addition, there are four mosques conveniently located in Hong Kong and Kowloon island for prayers.

Getting To Know You The wealth of Kong Kong’s experiences means that getting acquainted with all its different aspects is almost impossible. Experience Hong Kong on a deeper level with specially crafted thematic tours that allow you to gain an invaluable insight to the local culture.

The ‘Wing Chun’ Kung Fu Experience Tour is tailor made for fans of Bruce Lee. This guided tour includes a wing chun class conducted by Master Sam Lau, a first generation student of Grandmaster Yip Man, and a tour of the Bruce Lee: Kung Fu – Art – Life exhibition.

The Tai O Eco Tour takes visitors to the Tai O Village in Lantau island where they will learn how to make local snacks such as the signature salted egg yolks and tofu puddings, in a serene and tranquil setting.

The Sham Shui Po Foodie Tour combines the taste of food with the discovery of local culture. This walking tour takes you through the charming Sham Shui Po district and stops at a family run establishments like a cha chan teng (Hong Kong-style cafes), pudding shop, bakery, and homemade noodle stall.

MATTA Fair Special Offers Visitors will enjoy the following offers when they book Hong Kong packages. Simply visit the HKTB booth at the MATTA Fair from March 14-16 to redeem.

• Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM card worth HK$69 to be used in Hong Kong. Conditions apply

for eligibility: - Any Hong Kong package or hotel booking with at

least 2 nights stay in Hong Kong - Purchase of Cathay Pacific tickets (includes online purchase too). Whilst stocks last • Like our ‘DiscoverHongKong’ Facebook page and get souvenirs from HK Attractions including

Big Bus Tours, Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong

Kong Wetland Park, Madame Tussauds Hong

Kong, Ngong Ping 360, Noah’s Ark Hong Kong,

Ocean Park Hong Kong, sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck and The Peak.

Whilst stocks last.

Don’t miss out on these special offers by visiting the Hong Kong Tourism Board booth at Booth 1M72 & 1M73, Hall 1M at PWTC. You can also visit www. discoverhongkong.com/seasia/ for more information.

15 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

16 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Exploring Nagoya And Its Surroundings

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agoya is located in the centre between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka and is also the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage Site of ShirakawaGo, Chubu’s snowy mountains, the largest wasabi farm in the world, traditional Japanese castles and also traditional old towns of Takayama. For first timers to this part of Japan, you will be surprised with the things that you can see and do around Nagoya as it is also home to one of the famous Japanese castles, The Nagoya Castle, which was home to the Tokugawa family better known as Shoguns.

One of the outstanding landmarks in the city is the 180 metre tall Nagoya TV Tower which is also the oldest in Japan. Take a lift up the tower balcony which is 100 metres high where you can have a panoramic view of the city. Nearby the tower is Oasis 21 – a very unique oval glass structure which houses restaurants, stores, a bus terminal and a tourist information centre and is also one of the most photographed places in Nagoya.

Exploring As you may not have known, Nagoya is also the birthplace of Toyota and home to the very interesting Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. This museum tells the story of the Toyota Corporation, from its beginnings as an industrial loom manufacturer to the world’s largest car manufacturers.

Inside the museum, you will see large loom machinery and car display halls as well as a hands-on “Technoland” with interactive science exhibits. The Port of Nagoya Aquarium is also a must-visit for those who love undersea life.

For art lovers; there are a number of museums including the Nagoya Art Museum, Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Tokugawa Art Museum which displays treasures from the Tokugawa family. A Railway Museum known as SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is located 25 minutes from downtown. Here you will see a collection of Japanese trains including express trains, high speed trains and the world famous shinkansen or bullet train.

Eating Nagoya is also well known for their local Kani or Crabs; visitors can easily experience this at the many Sapporo Kani-Honke restaurants found around the city. You can order the famous Japanese Snow Crab, Hairy Crab or King Crab in various styles like boiled, sushi, porridge, shabu-shabu, baked and even sashimi. These restaurants are easily identified as they have a giant crab moving its claws in the front of the restaurant which is hard to miss. A must-try if you are a seafood lover.

Other popular local dishes include the Misokatsu, a fried pork cutlet served with a rich red miso sauce over it, the classic shrimp tempura and Kishimen, a broad and flat noodle speciality here served with deep-fried bean curd, green napa and shavings of dried bonito.

For eel lovers, you have to try the Hitsumabushi which is served with rice in a small box or bowl and is one of the most outstanding Japanese dishes here in Nagoya.

Shopping For the shoppers, the Osu Shopping District is one of the top places where you can find a bit of everything in one street. Among some of the unique things that you can find here are the Japanese Cos-Play costumes.

The district is also home to the Osu Summer Festival in August, the Osu Daido-chonin Festival in October and the Osu Setsubun Takarabune Gyoretsu (treasure

ship parade). Another popular shopping area is Sakae which is one of the busiest areas in Nagoya downtown.

Here you will find many of the popular shopping malls, entertainment spots, dining opportunities and various Japanese department stores.

Going out of Nagoya Shirakawa-Go

Venturing out of Nagoya is highly recommended as there are many natural and cultural sights which await the curious traveller. One of the must-visit places is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-Go in the Gifu Prefecture. Sitting in a valley, this majestic mountain village features traditional ‘Gassho-zukuri’ style farmhouses with triangle roofs made entirely without any nails. Gassho-zukuri also means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.

17 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Known also as Grassho-zukuri Village, the place is best visited throughout the year as one can experience the many different seasons here. There are many traditional homes in the village but only one farmhouse is open to the public which is the ‘Wada House’ where you can visit inside to see how the farm house is made and also to view the traditional items in there. For photographers, Shiroyama Viewpoint is where you can take beautiful scenic photographs of the entire village. Visiting here is best done with a tour company as one needs a minimum of half a day to visit Shirakawa-Go.

Takayama Takayama is located about one hour from Shirakawa-Go and sits in a basin surrounded by beautiful mountains.

This area is very well known for the famous Hida Beef, Old Quarter of Takayama and the Morning Market. One of the notable places to visit here is the Takayama Jinya which is an interesting government house museum that showcases the old Japanese government style of living.

Exploring the Old Quarter of Takayama on foot is highly recommended as there are many things to see and do around here. One of the highlights is to sample the local Japanese snacks and food located throughout the old quarter area.

For souvenir hunters, a must-get item is the traditional Japanese good luck charm called Sarubobo, which is found throughout Takayama. A dialect of Hida, Sarubobo means baby monkey - which is to protect one from evil and provide good luck. It is also used for good luck in matchmaking, marriage as well as safe childbirth while different colours of the Sarubobo depict the different types of luck.

For food lovers, try the popular ‘Mitarashi Dango’ which is skewered rice balls painted with sweet soy sauce and found all over Takayama. However, the must-try dish when you are here is no doubt the famous Hida Beef which is available in ‘Gyukushi’ – grilled skewers, ‘Gyuman’ – beef filled steamed rice buns and raw Hida beef sushi. Hida Beef comes from black cattle raised in rich natural surroundings and the finest quality called ‘Hida-Gyu’ can only be found at restaurants and hotels in Takayama.

The morning market at the old quarter is another exciting place to visit as the vendors sell home grown products like freshly picked fruit, homemade pickles, Japanese sweets and traditional handicraft. This place is also best visited in the spring and summer. Other interesting things found around Takayama are craft like Japanese pottery, ‘Ichii Ittobori’ wood carvings, Hida furniture and famous sake breweries.

Shinhotaka Ropeway Located at the mountains of Takayama in the Gifu Prefecture is the Shinhotaka Ropeway which takes visitors up to the Northern Japan Alps. A unique double decker gondola or cable car takes visitors up 2,156 meters above sea level to Mount Hotaka which is also the third tallest mountain in Japan.

From the top of the mountain, there is an observation deck at Nishihotakaguchi Station where visitors can see the beautiful panoramic view of the Northern Japan Alps.

During a designated period in autumn, the Shinhotaka Ropeway operating hours is extended for visitors to catch the beautiful sunset scenery. During the winter, the Sengokuenchi Nature Park at the top of the mountain becomes a white wonderland with paths surrounded on both sides by 3 meter-high giant snow walls that create a beautiful snow corridor.

The journey here form Nagoya takes about three hours by car while from Takayama, it takes about 70 minutes by car. The place is also best visited with a tour company and recommended for those who love the outdoors.

Gamagori This beautiful coastal town located about 40 minutes from Nagoya is well known for their ‘Onsen’ or Japanese hot spring resorts. Apart from the ‘Onsen’, you can also visit Takeshima Island via a 387 meter bridge which is home to a Japanese National Treasure, the Yaotomi Shrine. There is also the Takeshima Aquarium and Lagunasia – an amusement park which showcases MagiQuest, the first live role playing attraction out of the USA.

Gamagori Orange Park is also another must-visit place where visitors can enjoy fruit picking throughout the year at this 2.5 hectare park. Among the fruits are strawberries (January to beginning of May), melons (June to September), grapes (end of June to mid-September), and mandarin oranges (October to December). The park also offers barbecue meals, traditional Japanese meals and the special ‘all-you-can-eat’ fruits package. This is recommended for couples and families and best visited with the services of a tour company.

18 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Daio Wasabi Farm This is the world’s largest wasabi farm and if you ever wanted to know how wasabi is made, this is the place to visit. Located in the Nagano Prefecture, the entire farm sits on a beautiful landscaped area where rows of wasabi plants are grown. Visitors can have a hands-on experience making wasabi here and then taking it back as a souvenir.

At the Daio wasabi farm, there is a restaurant where you can sample wasabi flavoured ice cream and other wasabi products including traditional Japanese dishes.

Before you leave, stop by the souvenir shop to pick up some interesting wasabi products. Definitely a mustvisit for Japanese food lovers and the wasabi farm is about two and a half hours from Nagoya. It is also recommended to use a tour company to visit the farm.

and it is recommended you spend around half a day here to explore the entire place.

Among the other things that can be done around Inuyama are visiting the Little World theme park, white water rafting along the Kiso River, famous Inuyama Hot Springs, Uraku-en Garden and Jo-An – a national treasure and one of three best tea ceremony buildings in Japan and also attending the Inuyama Festival which takes place on the 1st Saturday and Sunday of April.

Inuyama Inuyama is located very close to Nagoya and is home to a Japanese National Treasure – The Inuyama Castle, which is one of three national treasure castles in Japan.

Nicknamed Hakutei Castle or the White Emperor Castle, it was built about 470 years ago by the Oda clan and overlooks the Kiso River. The castle is also one of twelve original castle towers in existence today and is the only privately owned castle in Japan. It has remained unchanged since it was built, making it the oldest original wooden castle in Japan.

Not far away is Inuyama Castle Town which is an old quarter where you will find temples, shrines, restaurants and cafes located throughout here. Travellers can explore this area on foot discovering the many local handicraft shops or even trying the local snacks like Japanese grilled tofu and rice dumplings.

One of the must-visit places in Inuyama is the Meiji-Mura Museum, which is an open air architectural museum that houses 68 unique buildings spread over 1,000,000 square meters. An important part of

the Meiji era in Japan from 1868-1912, the objective is to preserve the historic early examples of western architecture mixed with Japanese construction techniques and materials. Churches, theatres, butcher shops, hotels and the very interesting post office building are some of the notable structures found here.

At the post office, you can send a post card to anyone in the world, but the unique surprise is that it will take 10 years for it to be delivered! The MeijiMura is best visited in the spring, summer and autumn where one can easily walk around or even jump on the classic village bus or old tram service. Several Japanese restaurants, cafes and coffee shops are available here

Climate Nagoya’s climate varies greatly throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 4°C (39.2°F) in January to a high of 35°C (95°F) in August therefore it is best visited throughout the year for the different season experiences. For those who dislike the cold, it is recommended to visit Nagoya and its surroundings from spring to autumn.

Going to Nagoya Getting to Nagoya is relatively easy as there are many options via air and rail. Those flying directly to Nagoya will land at the Chubu Centrair International Airport where your journey into Nagoya city will take roughly about 30 minutes via train.

For those who land in Japan at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, Nagoya can be reached in about two hours by taking the Haruka limited express train to Shin-Osaka station, then changing to the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya.

For those coming from Tokyo city, Nagoya is located along the Tokaido Shinkansen route between Tokyo and Osaka where the journey is about one and a half hours. If you are coming from Kyoto, it takes about 30 mins by train. Note that the trains in mention are usually the express trains where the local trains take double the time. There are a number of airlines that fly into Nagoya from Kuala Lumpur and one of the new routes is via AirAsia X where they start a direct flight to Nagoya on the 17th March 2014. A recommended time to visit Nagoya would be around five days where you can visit many of the unique places around here.

For more information, please visit: http://www.jnto.go.jp/ http://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/

19 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

20 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Romance Blooms

Cherish the sweet aroma of flower in spring

the Silla Kingdom, left numerous fascinating relics in Gyeong-ju. Among the major historical sites found here are the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both desig-nated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.

Home to the Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas in front of Daeungjeon (main hall), Bulguksa’s detailed craftsmanship and art of the 8th century are reminders of the Silla Dynasty’s rich spiritual heritage. Similarly, the dome-shaped, 1,200 year-old guram Grotto is a testament to the dynasty’s expertise in architecture, science, geometry and art.

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Busan Moontan Road, Damalji Hill

BUSAN IN FULL BLOOM Busan, Korea’s second largest city is blossoming into a tourist destination that’s capable of holding its own especially during the spring season With Seoul currently riding high on the hallyu (Korean wave), Busan – the second largest metropolis in Korea and the world’s fifth busiest seaport – looks set to follow suit and is ready to grab a bigger share of the country’s tourism pie. Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan has 15 autonomous regions, one county and 215 ‘dong’ (neighbourhoods) with a population of 3.6 million.

The well-connected Gimhae International Airport coupled with extensive inter-city bus and railway services make Busan the perfect gateway to the wonders of Korea’s southern region. Popular domestic destinations such as Jeju and Gyeongju are merely a hop, skip and jump away. Similar to a flawless diamond, Busan’s very own four C’s – cherry blossoms, café society, culture arts and culinary delights are quickly gaining widespread interest amongst intrepid travellers.

AN AUTHENTICALLY BLOSSOMING KOREAN ROMANCE

Visitors must hike up 365 steps for an encompassing view of the town blanketed with cherry blossoms, but for those who rather not to sweat it, hitch a ride on the monorail that goes right up to the summit. The profusion of delicate pink blooms can also be admired around Gyeongju in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province – once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC – AD 935) – which is about an hour away from Busan by car, bus or train.

Marathon lovers can enjoy fresh air and lovely scenery, whilst participating in the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon 2014, which will be held on April 5, 2014 at the Gyeongju Culture Expo Square. It really doesn’t get any better than this!

Bomun Lake, an integrated tourist resort surrounded by deluxe hotels, hot springs, golf club and the Shilla Millennium Park is another hot cherry blossom viewing spot. The long, cherry tree lined walkway along the serene Bomun Lake becomes pretty in pink each April, paved with a flurry of delicate cherry blossom petals.

The Jagalchi Market is a multi-storey complex where the day’s freshest catch and a wide selection of dried marine products unfailingly reel in hordes of home cooks and passionate seafood lovers. Besides the ubiquitous kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi and galbi, Busan’s best delicacies include sashimi (check out the Millak raw fish street in Gwangalli), gukbap (boiled rice with pork, innards and Korean pork sausage in rich beef stock), milmyeon (chewy wheat noodles in broth with sliced cucumber and other garnishes, seasoned with red pepper sauce, vinegar and mustard) , and haemultang.

Further afield in Gyeongju, the most out-standing offering is ssambap, a lavish feast where spoonfuls of rice are eaten wrapped in fresh greens such as lettuce, Chinese cabbage, kelp sea-weed and dried laver with soybean paste accompanied by 20-30 types of robustly flavoured Korean ban chan (pickles and appetisers), namul (wild greens), gui (grilled), jijim (pan-fried) dishes.

Gyeongju Bumun Lake Night View

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL CACHET For culture, arts and history buffs, Busan and its surrounds have plenty of interesting sights, landmarks and attractions to keep them fully occupied. For instance, Buddhism, adopted in the 6th century by

Busan literally bursts into full bloom each spring with thousands of cherry trees flowering in every nook and corner. Some of the prime sites for breathtaking cherry blossom views include Dalmaji Hill, Jinhae and the neighbouring Gyeongju. Easily accessible by foot from the famous Haeundae Beach, Dalmaji Hill offers numerous vantage points featuring stunning springtime vistas.

Just a 40-minute drive away from Busan is Jinhae which is world famous for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival which began in 1952. Held annually, this charming town’s lively parade with its spectacular floral display attracts over two million visitors annually from late March to early April.

Another vantage point is the park on Busan Haeundae Nurima Cruise Mount Jaehwangsan in the centre of Jinhae.

Busan Jalgachi Market

For more information on Korea Tourism, visit www.visitkorea.or.kr. Details on exclusive promotions for Malaysians are available on www.visitkorea.com.my.

“Visit Korea Plaza” by Korea Tourism Organization Ground Floor, Menara Hap Seng, Jalan P.Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-2072 2515 Fax: 03-2142 2515 Email: klkoreaplaza@gmail.com Facebook: Korea Plaza KL

21 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

22 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Macau Has A Story To Tell

A visit to Macau reveals a place where history, culture, and cuisine have informed and enriched one another.

Guia Fortress

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acau presents itself as a workaday museum, a collection of tightly packed ferret warrens home to some of the world’s best preserved colonial history. In the 16th century Macau became the eastern world’s first European colony, and remained under Portuguese administration until 1999; the old city has a distinct European charm, an obvious Cantonese flavor, and a verve that is wholly Macanese.

The Old City Colcada da Barra, Rua Padrea Antonio, Ruínas de São Paulo and Santa Casa da Misericórdia each owe something of their heritage and nomenclature to Portugal, though all are located in the historic centre of Macau’s old city. It takes more effort than I thought it might to surmount the sixtysix steps leading to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Macau’s most famous cultural treasure.

Macanese Food

I was supposed to meet my travel Street of Senado Square partner Megan at the base of St. Paul’s, but she’s nowhere to be found. I suspect she got caught up hunting for antiques or dusty old curios at the Rua de S. Paulo piazza, when she was only supposed to be off looking for a savory cup of milk tea before reconvening with me. Megan had heard good things about a coffee house called Single Origin, proponents of the V60 brewing method, but she may have gone off to compare Single Origin to Wang Gei Cha Chaan Teng, a local haunt that does old fashioned cha chaan teng, or milk tea, and sample six different varieties of cured meat from the shops a mean bowl of egg noodles and spam. I had lost myself around Senado Square, a bowl of crab congee from Cheng in the atmospheric Red Market in an effort to hunt down Ji Congee, and two servings of serradura (procured from a a Macanese pork chop sandwich, and still had time to passing pushcart), a cocoa-dusted coconut pudding that make our meeting before I ambled into the Ah Zhi Noodle is as rich and satisfying as any dessert I’ve ever had. But House off of Senado Square, where a wall decorated in Megan doesn’t question my guilty expression; curiously, incomprehensible Mandarin menus completely befuddled she is led up the hill by the hand of young Macanese sprite me. I somehow managed to order a bowl of hand-pulled of no more than eight years old. The girl takes Megan past noodles and beef strips, and got away with spending a me and up the stairs to the second story at the rear of the handful of loose change. ruins. There the girl cups her hands, and Megan drops two I’m sure I’ll be able to find Megan at Estabelecimento patacas, Macanese coins, into her palms. The girl closes De Comidas San Veng Kei – locals have been singing the her eyes, mutters a prayer, kisses the coins and tosses praises of this tiny noodle factory since we arrived, and the them out the ancient window. The girl has Megan do the shrimp roe is something of a revelation – but suddenly I same, and when they are finished they smile at one another. catch a glimpse of blonde hair bounding toward St. Paul’s.

I wonder what they’ve just wished for, but I know that It’s then that my conscience strikes; maybe Megan has neither one is ever going to tell me. been looking for me this entire time, while I’ve managed to

23 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

26th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest 8, 13, 20, 27 September & 1 October 2014

Magic Of Macau

MGTO brings you the best of Macau to visitors of the MATTA Fair and offers some exclusive promotions to customers.

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acau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is set to take this year’s MATTA Fair by storm! Leading with the theme ‘Vibrant Moments’, visitors will be able to discover Macau as a unique destination that boasts a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures and gourmet, as well as the entertainment and shows being celebrated in Macau. During the three-day event, the public can also view the specially produced ‘Vibrant Moments Experience Macau’ video at the Macau booth.

MGTO is presenting an all new booth design which showcases the best of what Macau has to offer – from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to year round festivals and events. In addition, MGTO has invited Portuguese dance troupe Papa Joe to perform at the booth.

As a show of support towards the MATTA Travel Fair, MGTO is sponsoring a 3-day 2-night Macau holiday package to the winner of the Buyers’ Contest. On top of that, visitors who purchase Macau and the Pearl River Delta packages with at least a one night stay in Macau, are entitled to redeem mystery gifts from MGTO.

All New Products Macau continues to develop interesting tourism products to boost the tourism industry. Visitors can now experience and explore the local communities by referring to the newly introduced walking tours – “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities”. Four walking routes bring visitors to other tourist attractions which are less known by most

61st Macau Grand Prix 13-16 November 2014

14th Macau Food Festival 7-23 November 2014

of the foreign tourists, and along the walk, visitors are able to explore the local communities. To allow visitors with easy access information of the walking tours, a mobile application has been created named “Step Out, Macau”.

The mobile application is now available for iOS users, Android version will be launched in the near future.

Visit the MGTO booth at MATTA Fair KL at Hall 1M, 1M01-1M04.

For further details, kindly contact us with details as below: Macau Government Tourist Office, Representative in Malaysia Level 6, Office Tower No 1, Jalan Nagasari (Off Jalan Raja Chulan) 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: +603 2144 2500 Fax: +603 2148 1357 Email: mgto@pacificworld.travel Website: www.macautourism.gov.mo FB: www.facebook.com/MY.Macau

2014 Macau International Dragon Boat Races 31 May - 2 June 2014

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Celebrate With Macau

Plan your trip to coincide with one of the many vibrant events and festivals in Macau.

May 31 May – 2 June 2014 2014 Macau International Dragon Boat Races The Macau International Dragon Boat Races have been jointly organised by the Sport Development Board and Macau China Dragon Boat Association. While dragon boating is a widely popular festive activity in Macao during the Dragon Boat Festival, the Macau International Dragon Boat Races have grown to become an important sports event in the territory. Year by year, the event has become larger in scale and attracts an increasing number of participants. Thousands of skilled athletes from home and abroad gather annually in Macao to participate in this significant event. In 2001, the International University Student Dragon Boat races for men and women were included in the programme.

some of Macau’s enchanting and atmospheric UNESCOlisted World Heritage sites.

September 8, 13, 20, 27 September & 1 October 2014 26th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest Stretching across five weeks in the months of September and October, the 2014 installment of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest is one of the biggest tourism events not just in Macau, but in the whole of Asia. Every year, the events attracts teams from all over the world – last year’s line up included Australia, Canada, China, France, Italy, Korea, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain – and culminates on October 1, the National Day of China.

May

November

25th Macau Arts Festival The Macau Arts Festival dramatically lights up the city every early summer, bringing together theatre, dance, music, circus, multimedia and visual arts in an artistic panorama of events. A mix of local, regional and international performers from various regions and countries around the world present a diversity of programmes, including Cantonese Opera, Western classical and modern music, Chinese music and drama, Macanese drama, and a host of exciting artistic experiences enjoyed by enthusiastic multicultural audiences for an entire month. The icing on the cake is that several performances are hosted by

13 – 16 November 2014 61st Macau Grand Prix Taking place on the third weekend of November is the highlight of the Formula 3 season, the Macau Grand Prix. The schedule begins with three days of practising and qualifying before the actual race on Sunday. The junior partner of Formula 1, Formula 3 has seen world stars such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button grace its driver lists. The excitement and buzz continues off the track as spectators descend upon the bars and restaurants in the city.

Macau MattaFair 2014 Newspaper Ad (theStar) Size: 261mm(w) x 180mm(h)

Your Personal Tour Guide Launched late last year, Macau Government Tourist Office’s (MGTO) iPhone app, ‘Step Out, Macau’ grants users with instant and convenient access to detailed information about the four walking tour routes of the ‘Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities’ project. By using this app, visitors will be able to experience the walking tours independently and with ease.

The ‘Step Out, Macau’ app provides maps and videos of the four routes and suggests points of interest along the routes as well as transportation tips. The app is available in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English and Portuguese. Citizens and visitors are welcome to download the app for use from the iTunes store.

Unveiled in September 2013 under the theme ‘Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities’, the four walking tours are: ‘A Tour of Historical Trails’, which sets off from Avenida da Praia Grande and ends at Praça de Ponte e Horta; ‘A Tour of Nature and Creativity’, a walk from Kun Iam Temple to St Lazarus Church; ‘A Tour of East Meets West’, which starts from Senado Square and ends at Maritime Museum; and ‘A Tour of Arts and Culture’ which takes visitors from Macau Fisherman’s Wharf to A-Ma Temple.

Come and visit us at MATTA Fair KL March 2014!

Hall 1M, 1M01 – 1M04

www.macautourism.gov.mo mgto@pacificworld.travel Level 6, Office Tower, No. 1 Jalan Nagasari (Off Jalan Raja Chulan), 50200 Kuala Lumpur. +603 – 2144 2500

www.facebook.com/MY.Macau

25 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

26 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Fascinating Reasons To Visit Negeri Sembilan

From historic sites to natural wonders and shopping havens, Negeri Sembilan has it all!

1. Seri Menanti Royal Museum, Kuala Pilah

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Built in 1902, this former palace is a classic showcase of traditional architecture and design and has been recognised as one of Kuala Pilah’s National Heritage monuments. Inside, exhibits such as costumes, ceremonial weaponry, bed chambers and documents of the royal lineage highlight the important royal historical institutions of Negeri Sembilan. The wooden structure is an architectural wonder as the concept of the development was made fully without the need of nails and screws to support the structure. The museum is also the highest wooden palace located in Southeast Asia and boasts a 360 degree view from the highest peak of the old palace.

2. Za’ba’s Cottage, Bahau Also known as Teratak Za’ba, this historic house is based on the literature of the legendary Za’Ba, also known as Tan Sri Zainal Abidin bin Ahmad. Za’ba is hailed as a famous Malaysian writer that made many contributions in fields of literature, economy, politics and social studies. The architecture of the house id distinctively local with raised stilts, a long roof, and the structure of the building made solidly from ‘cengal’ wood.

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3. Port Dickson Beach

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Malaysia’s National Beach Resort Town has a beautiful public beach that stretches 18km and is located within close range of Kuala Lumpur and major highways.

There are eight beaches designated with their own uniqueness; each provides variety of leisure activities for tourists to explore such as swimming, picnicking (day and night), camping, water-skiing, canoeing, snorkelling and wind surfing. Port Dickson beach provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding breeze and the blue open sea.

4. Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest, Kuala Pilah Considered the most popular recreational forest destination in Malaysia, it offers variety of spots for camping, jungle trekking, and swimming, ideal for the perfect tropical jungle adventure. This nature expedition around the recreational forest brings you to crystal clear rivers, cascading waterfalls, various strange and vibrant tropical plants.

5. Army Museum Port Dickson A property of the Malaysian Royal Armed Forces,

the museum traces its achievements through history, combining dramatised aspects with romantic storytelling. In addition to the museum buildings, the spacious grounds showcases canons, tanks, planes, artillery guns, and the Malaysia Army Monument dedicated to soldiers who served through Malaysia’s war history.

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27 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

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6. Gunung Datuk,Rembau Gunung Datuk is a mountain located in Rembau Negeri Sembilan. It is one of the favourite places for nature lovers and the most challenging climbing track for adventure seekers. With its highest point at more than 2,900 feet, this mountain is famous for its panoramic views of the Straits of Malacca and perfect sunrise. At the peak of this mountain there is foot print believe to be of the legendary Malay Warrior “Hang Tuah”.

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7. Baitul-Hilal Astronomy Complex, Port Dickson The Baitul-Hilal Observatory at Port Dickson has been equipped with the biggest and most advance telescope in Malaysia. It is an astronomy research centre where people can explore unique objects across space.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the telescope operates from 0-180 degrees. This is also the perfect place to experience a unique sunset view.

8. Sungai Menyala Edu Ecotourism, Port Dickson Sungai Menyala Edu – Ecotourism is the only Lowland Forest Reserve that is available in Negeri Sembilan.

Situated within the urban area of Port Dickson, it holds the oldest and largest Jelutong tree which is nearly 200 years old. Recognising the potential of Sungai Menyala as a nature-tourism education site, it also offers tours to the Gallery of Negeri Sembilan Aboriginal and Gallery of Forest.

9. Nilai 3, Seremban Nilai 3 Wholesale Centre has been recognised as the ‘Largest Wholesale Centre in Malaysia’ by the Malaysia Book Of Records. This is a shopping paradise for those who set their sights on wedding accessories, carpets, furniture, clothing, gifts, handicrafts, home furnishings, decorative lighting, car accessories, textile and many others at competitive prices. Statistics shows the amount of visitors to Nilai 3 can reach up to 10,000 per day, though this number swells on weekends and public holidays.

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28 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

PLEASE COME AND VISIT US AT Negeri Sembilan Tourism Board’s booth at Hall 3 (No.3200-3203, 3216-3219) to get your holiday package and for more information

29 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

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30 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Two-Wheeled Tours

Through a multitude of cycling events, visitors to Taiwan can experience the scenic beauty of the country.

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parked by a local movie, Island Etude, a cycling craze spread throughout Taiwan and entered the bucket list of many men and women in the country. Aware of this burgeoning interest in two-wheeled travel, the Tourism Bureau conceptualised a whole series of events under the ‘Taiwan Cycling Festival’, inviting the public to get on their saddles and take to the roads.

The event takes advantage of Taiwan’s excellent highway system and superb topography; cyclists will be able to appreciate Taiwan’s magnificent landscape as they travel along their route. Each year, the ‘Taiwan Cycling Festival’ attracts an ever-increasing crowd of local as well as overseas participants who experience the beauty of Taiwan’s mountains and lakes while on their bicycles.

Last year’s event was held from November 9-17, 2013. In the Taiwan KOM Challenge, participants climbed from zero altitude at Qixingtan in Hualien all the way to 3,275 metres at Hehuan Mountain, with an average altitude gain of 31 metres per kilometre. Taking part were well-known cyclists from Asia and Taiwan, as well as established mountain-climbing specialists from Le Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana, and Girod’Italia.

Special Groups Accompanying the competitive event are special biking tours.

These include biking itineraries like the Formosa 900 which is organised for specific groups such as females, disabled persons, and senior citizens. The purpose of this event is to enable everyone to experience the beauty of Taiwan’s mountainous areas via cycling. The route brought participants

on a round-the-island tour passing by local attractions such as Bitan, Yingge Ceramics Museum, Daxi Old Street, Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple, Hsinchu Coast, Taiyen Museum, Giant Global Headquarters, Lugang Old Street, Xilo Bridge, Chiayi Performing Arts Center, Tropic of Cancer, and Chiayi Industry Innovation and Research Center.

The Sun Moon Lake “Come! Bikeday” challenge is another one which serves to promote tourism in Taiwan through cycling. International names are invited to traverse the Sun Moon Lake Round-the-Lake-Highway, which is touted as one of the world’s best biking routes. Besides the professional race, thematic races like the Parent and Child Leisure Ride can be signed up for.

Combining Interests Also during the festival, biking tours are organised by Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County and Taichung County, as well as the Tourism Bureau National Scenic Area Administrations of Sun Moon Lake, North coast and

Guanyinshan, Northeast Coast, Tri-mountain, East Rift Valley, Siraya, and East Coast. These exciting tours include Dapu Creative Bike Festival, Biking the Northeast Coast Yilan Cycling Excursion, Biking Tour of Tribal Villages and Xiuguluan River Rafting, and East Rift Valley Biking Carnival.

Many of these tours combine cycling with different interest groups. The Scenic Riding North Coast for one, is a tour guided by volunteers who lead eager participants along the north coast of Taiwan, cleaning the beaches and doing charity along the way. Another,the Scenic Riding Taitung event, brings participants along the east coast. In between, they can experience a tribal village tour and river rafting in the Xiuguluan River.

Taipei’s YouBike: A New Way To See The City Aiming to encourage citizens to use bikes as shortdistance transport measures, the Department of Transportation, Taipei City Government launched a bike sharing system that includes a network of urban bike lanes and bike service stations. The goal of this initiative was to ease traffic congestion and minimise environmental pollution in the city. This initiative is the Taipei Bike Sharing System Service Plan, also known as ‘YouBike’.

The bike service stations are placed at various points in the city, including MRT stations. The YouBike is thus a sub-system of the MRT service, providing commuters with a healthy alternative mode of transportation between locations. Renting a bike from a YouBike station is extremely easy; EasyCard, major credit cards, and cell phones are all accepted as payment methods. It is also possible to rent from one station and return at another one. The YouBike has also improved the city aesthetically. Old and unsightly motorcycles and bicycles have been replaced by the stylish YouBike.

The introduction of the YouBike is in line with the government’s plan to cultivate a trend of cycling in the country. This will raise the quality of life of the citizens by improving the air quality and lessen congestion.

Tourism has also benefitted as Taipei has emerged as a fine example of a city that can be easily navigated solely on two wheels.

31 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Flourishing Taiwan

Taiwan’s seasons are marked by the different colours of its iconic blooms.

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aiwan’s geographical location has endowed it with a pleasing climate throughout the year. This, together with its range of altitudes, has enabled it to sustain a gorgeous abundance of flora and fauna. From the blossoming of different species of flowers through the course of its four seasons, Taiwan’s landscape changes, with each possessing its own individual beauty and uniqueness.

During spring, the blossoming of flowers pepper green fields with a kaleidoscope of colours like the pink of cherry blossoms, the scarlet of rhododendron, and the white of calla lily. When the warmth of summer arrives, it is accompanied by the tung oil flower and the lotus. Autumn then paints the land with tungsten shades of yellow and orange. Finally, in winter, plum blossoms brave the cold and come out in full bloom, encouraging its human counterparts to do likewise.

Cherry Blossoms Cherry blossom season hits its peak from February to April.

The number of tourist rise accordingly, with many coming to view cherry blossoms at locations such as Taipei City’s Yangmingshan National Park. In addition, all over the country, local festivals and events are integrated with the blooming of these beautiful flowers. For example, the hot springs in Wulai become all the more enjoyable with cherry blossoms adorning the scenery, while in Alishan, travellers can savour delicious cherry blossom cuisine.

Calla Lily Originating from South Africa, the Calla Lily blooms from March till May. It’s most abundant in Yangmingshan Zhuzihu in Taipei City, with an impressive 13 hectares covered in fields of calla lilies. This makes up 80 percent of the total amount of calla lilies the country produces.

The blooming of the calla lilies happens in three distinct stages: the first begins in December till January; in February, Chinese New Year introduces the flower buds; and finally in March, they burst into life, welcoming the start of spring.

Calla lilies can be separated into two main groups: wetland and terrestrial. The wetland calla lilies are white and are the most common. The other species of calla lilies display a variety of colours including green, yellow and red.

Rhododendron Widely distributed throughout Taiwan, the rhododendron blooms from March till May and at altitudes from 200-3,400 metres. The two main species of rhododendron are the redhairy rhododendron and the alpine rhododendron. The redhairy rhododendron displays the same tenacity of Taiwan’s people, retaining its ability to flourish whether it is born in the open bamboo grassland on Yushan or in the cold and damp mountain forests.

Tung Flowers The tung flower is a significant one in Taiwan’s history books. During the Japanese colonial period, the tung flower was brought in from China’s Changjiang River for various purposes. Tung oil extracted from the tung nut was used for waterproofing and tung wood was utilised in the production of wood goods such as furniture, paper, toothpicks, and matchsticks. Although its usefulness has not translated into the present day, it is still celebrated by the Hakka Tung Bloom Festival. Tung flowers can be seen from April to July and are concentrated in Taochumiao where the Hakka settlement was based. It can also be seen at Taipei’s Tucheng, Shenkeng, Shiding, Daxi and Longtan Township of Taoyuan County, Qionglin and Emei Township of Hsinchu County, Nanzhuang and Sanyi Township of Miaoli County, Taichung, Changhua, Nantou and Yunlin.

Lotus Lotus is an aquatic plant that blooms in the summer months of June and July. With a history that dates back over 200 years ago, it was brought over from the Fujian Province of China and admired as a valuable royal food and used as medication. This beautiful flower has a lifespan of only four days but is amazing to watch. Much like us, it wakes up (opens) in the morning and goes to sleep (closes) at night, gradually increasing in size during these four days. This fascinating routine can be witnessed at locations such as the Taipei Botanical Garden, the Guanyin Township of Taoyuan County, and the Baihe Township of Tainan County.

Plum Blossom Plum blossom viewing has become a huge tourist event in the winter months of December and January. The areas of Shuili, Xinyi Fenggui-Dou and Wusonglun of Nantou County, as well as Chiayi Mei Mountain, Tainan Meiling, Alishan Meiyuan, Taichung’s Dongshih Timberland, and Taipei’s Wulai and Yangmingshan are washed with the chatter of tourists during these months. In March till May, tourists arrive with a different reason, to pick and taste the delicious fruits of the plum trees. Plum trees usually grow at altitude of 400-1,200 metres.

32 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

I’m Going On An Adventure!

Put on your backpacks, cast your worries aside, and embark on a spellbinding journey to New Zealand’s North Island.

N

ew Zealand’s North Island is a land of staggering beauty. White-capped mountains, reflective lakes, fresh air and a cool climate have provided the inspiration for nicknames such as ‘God’s own country’. However, its appeal goes beyond its natural artistry; its true allure lies in the accessibility and diversity. Where else can you find a cosmopolitan and dynamic city with half an hour of scenic, idyllic beaches, sprawling vineyards, majestic volcanoes, lush rainforests and enchanted holiday islands. Every which way you turn, you’ll discover something different, exciting, and incredibly accessible.

Explore the Hobbiton movie set

Food Trail With fresh seafood and produce so readily available, it is no wonder that New Zealand is a gastronomic paradise. Whether you opt for a tender lamb or steak, or freshly caught seafood like salmon, cod, whitebait, lobster, mussels and oysters, make sure you pair it with one of New Zealand’s famous wines. A great way to immerse yourself in local cuisine is to head down to a farmers’ market. These atmospheric food hubs are usually open in the morning and are scattered around the island in cities including Whangerei, Kerikeri (Bay of Islands), Matakana, Oratia, Parnell and Porirua.

Family fun in the snow

Winter Wonderland

Auckland is New Zealand’s City of Sails

In June, the winter season announces itself with generous snowfall on New Zealand’s alpine slopes, marking the beginning of winter sports season as well. Lasting up to October, this period is the ideal time for the family to head down together for some fun in the snow. Gentle slopes cater to the novice skier while off-piste skiing and heli-skiing are the options for the brave of heart. Apart from the gorgeous scenery, the ease of acquiring gear and uncrowded slopes contribute to New Zealand’s reputation as a top skiing destination.

Visit us at booth no. 1M57-1M58 for more information.

Getting There

Wine, food and breathtaking views is all you need

Mudbrick vineyard on Island Waiheke

Hobbit hole, Matamata

Auckland Airport is the largest and busiest in the country. Direct flights from Singapore are available through either Singapore Airlines or Jetstar Asia Airways. Other airlines that ply routes to cities in Southeast Asia include Thai Airways (Bangkok) and Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur).

Fantasy World

Getting Around

If you think New Zealand’s landscape looks like something out of a fantasy novel, you aren’t the only one. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit director Peter Jackson thought the same when he identified New Zealand as the perfect setting of the magical Middle Earth.

Sign up for a guided tour of Frodo and Bilbo’s home Hobbiton and walk around the 44 Hobbit Holes that make up the Shire. The movie tours that depart from Wellington also provide a rare glimpse into Tolkien’s world. The full-day tours bring you to over 30 Lord of the Rings related locations and give participants an insight to what happens behind the scenes.

Renting your own car is the best way to traverse the beautiful country. Leading car rental companies such as Hertz have counters in Auckland airport.

From the airport, the city centre is a 30-45 minute drive away, depending on the traffic. With wellmaintained highways, legible signs, and a solid tourism infrastructure, it is extremely easy even for first time visitors to find their way around, especially with the help of a GPS. For more information, visit www.newzealand.com/sg

33 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

DISCOVER

PURE MIDDLE EARTH

Like the 100% Pure New Zealand Facebook page and WIN a limited edition The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Monopoly Set from Tourism New Zealand during the MATTA Fair (booth #1417).

Scan the QR code or go to https://www.facebook.com/purenewzealand

34 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

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35• •THE THETRAVEL TRAVELTIMES TIMES• •6-8 14-16 MARCH 2014 45 SEPTEMBER 2013

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36 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

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RM4,230

* Fares are from Kuala Lumpur to USA/Canada via Manila.

For more information, please contact your preferred travel agents or us at +603 2141 0767 or email: kulsmpr@pacificworld.travel GSA: Pacific World Travel Sdn Bhd Level 6, Office Tower, No 1 Jalan Nagasari (Off Jalan Raja Chulan), 50200 Kuala Lumpur http://www.philippineairlines.com

facebook.com/flyPAL

RM4,280

RM4,950

Guam From

RM5,000

* Terms & Conditions apply

twitter.com/flyPAL

37 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

Travelling by rail Travelling by train is a unique experience. With Rail Europe, you can choose from a wide range of trains to suit all your travel needs.

From high speed day trains operating at 320km/h, night trains - authentic hotels-on-wheels or scenic train offering incredible vistas, every train offers something special for you. With Rail Europe, you can enjoy the ease, comfort and freedom of train travel at attractive prices.

A Truly Unique Experience

Rail Europe is the world's leading rail distribution organization, offering wide range of rail products for a complete European and Non-European Experience in more than 45 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia, North America and Africa/Middle East.

A little bit of planning can mean a lot more creative travelling. The trains offer an efficient and rapid connection between two cities. You avoid transfers, endless queues at airport as major train stations are located in the heart of the cities, reach the destinations fresh and relaxed. Whatever train you ride, you get to meet the locals, learn more about their country and get tips on the best secret destinations besides just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There's always something unique and unforgettable experience about travelling by train.

Best travel times on rail journey Brussels - Amsterdam 1 hour 53 minutes

Helsinki - St. Petersburg

3 hours 30 minutes

Paris - Amsterdam

3 hours 18 minutes 1 hour 22 minutes

Firenze - Roma

1 hour 33 minutes

Madrid - Barcelona

2 hours 38 minutes

Paris - Brussels

Firenze - Venice

2 hours 03 minutes

Moscow - St. Petersburg

4 hours 10 minutes

Paris - Geneva

3 hours 05 minutes

Frankfurt - Paris

3 hours 59 minutes

Milan - Venice

2 hours 23 minutes

Paris - Strasbourg

2 hours 20 minutes

Geneva - Avignon

2 hours 53 minutes

Stockholm - Copenhagen 5 hours

Paris - Torino

5 hours 30 minutes

London - Edinburgh

4 hours 15 minutes

Paris - Bordeaux

Paris - Zurich

4 hours 03 minutes

3 hours

PRODUCT OFFER Point to Point Ticket

Rail Pass

If you have only a few trips in mind, go for Point to Point ticket.

Valid on a specific route, between 2 stations. Available in 1st and 2nd class, book in advance and enjoy up to 60% discount.

A Rail pass allows you to travel unlimitedly on the rail networks in 24 European countries. A large choice of passes is available, more flexibility as you choose when you travel, offer best value for money with great discount for Children, Youths, Seniors and Saver.

Available in 1st and 2nd class.

Swiss Packages

Travelling on the most renowned scenic trains, a truly unforgettable experience to views the beautiful Swiss panoramas with the exciting tailor-made packages.

Eurail Global Pass

High Speed Train

Perfect pass to explore most of Europe Ideal for visit more than 5 European countries.

Eurail Select Pass  Ideal for travelers planning to focus on the national rail networks of any 3 to 5 bordering countries.

Regional Pass  Unlimited travel on the national rail networks of the countries covered by the Regional pass One Country Pass  Unlimited travel on the chosen country’s national rail network of the 24 European countries. 

TGV France The high-speed rail network in France connects over 200 French cities and the neighboring countries of Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland & Germany.



AVE Spain All main cities are now accessible by high speed trains.

Make the most of your time between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia with AVE trains.

EUROSTAR Britain-France-Belgium Travel between London and Paris in 2h15m or London and Brussels in 2h01m up to 10-18 daily returns, to Disneyland® in 2h40m with 5 weekly services.

From

€ 383

5D4N Top of Switzerland

From

€ 585

6D5N 3 White Peaks

From

€ 759

6D5N Golden Pass Tour

From

€ 670

5D4N Peaks of the World

From

€ 645

5D4N Top of Europe and Titlis

From

€ 614



ICE Germany The World famous Deutsche Bahn’s high speed trains serve most German cities as well as international routes between Germany and Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium and The Netherlands.

3D2N Glacier Express Tour

Night Trains For routes of over 6 hours, night trains are a smart travel option. Travelling while sleeping to optimize your time and save on hotel costs. Arrive early the next morning, well-rested, fresh and ready to visit. Available on sleepers, couchettes & reclining seats, most European countries are covered by night trains including France, Spain, Sweden, Germany and Italy.





Based on double occupancy, include 3 star hotel accommodation with breakfast and 2nd class rail ticket.

Free and easy, non-accompanied tour and no represent guide will be waiting for travelers at train station.

Others terms & conditions may apply and prices & itinerary are subject to change without prior notice.

FRECCIAROSSA/FRANCCIARGENTO Italy A great way to travel across Italy, from the major cities to its romantic countryside, frequent connections, short travel durations. Travel from Rome to Milan in 2h40m, Florence to Rome in 1h18m, Rome-Venice 3h12m.

For more information, please contact your preferred travel agents or us at 03-2141 3080 or email raileurope@pacificworld.travel GSA : PACIFIC WORLD TRAVEL SDN BHD Address: Level 6, Office Tower, No 1, Jalan Nagasari (Off Jalan Raja Chulan), 50200 Kuala Lumpur.

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flies WITH US to HAWAII Economy Class via Taipei Lowest All-in fare from

RM 3,544 Return / per person

Economy Class via Incheon Lowest All-in fare from

RM 4,196 Return / per person

* Terms & Conditions apply

Aloha from Hawaii

Hawaii, like no other place on earth, home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of modern surfing, the hula and Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

Perhaps the most unique Hawaii’s feature is its aloha spirit: the warmth of Hawaii’s people that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures.

Six unique islands to discover in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities and sights. Explore the Islands of Aloha to enjoy your own heavenly Hawaii experiences.

Kauai—Island of Discovery Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Isle,” which is an entirely accurate description.

From the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon, Kauai embraces the senses like no other destination. Explore the island via land, sea or air to experience settings you’ve only dreamed about. Discover 50-miles of heavenly beaches from Poipu Beach to Hanalei Bay. Explore charming and historic small towns like Hanapepe and Koloa where no building is taller than a coconut tree. With so much to experience, “Hawaii’s Island of Discovery,” is begging to be explored.

Lanai — Hawaii’s Most Enticing Island Away from the crowds and hustle of everyday life, Lanai is a destination of untouched tranquility. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lanai can feel like two places.

From the stunning views atop the pine-lined Munro Trail to watching the acrobatic spinner dolphins from romantic Hulopoe Bay, Lanai is a special place where you’re sure to find serenity, adventure and intimacy.

Wrap yourself in the elegance and amenities of exquisite resorts. For golfers, two high-caliber golf courses make Lanai a mandatory stop. And for explorers, enthralling sights like the lunar landscapes of Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) and the iconic Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) are distinctly unique to Lanai.

Oahu—The Heart of Hawaii On Oahu, Hawaii’s timeless beauty blends with the modern luxuries of today. Swim in the warm waters of world-famous Waikiki one moment, then enjoy the dramatic mountain views of the Nuuanu Pali Lookout another. Watch the surfers on the legendary North Shore by day, then dance the night away in vibrant nightlife spots around Honolulu. Get a taste of local flavors in Kapahulu one night, then dine at a Five Diamond Hawaii Regional Cuisine restaurant the next.

From indulging in urban comforts to escaping to natural wonders, Oahu’s “town and country” experiences are unrivaled. With so much to see and do, you’re never far away from just what you’re looking for on Oahu. Visit the Heart of Hawaii and find the island paradise you’ve been searching for.

Molokai—Hawaiian by Nature Serene seascapes. Unspoiled coastlines. Untamed wilderness. Visit Molokai and travel back to a timeless place. This is an island that stays true to its Hawaiian traditions, tucked away from the hustle of the outside world. Where no building is taller than a coconut tree.

Where there’s no traffic and no traffic lights. Where you can feel the mana (power) of Hawaiian culture from an area near Maunaloa, said to be the birthplace of hula, to the natural wonders of Halawa Valley.

Whether you’ve come to Molokai for a quiet escape or for outdoor adventures ranging from sports fishing to a memorable mule ride, you’ll fall in love with this undiscovered island. Experience for yourself why Molokai is “Hawaiian by Nature.”

Maui—The Valley Isle From its heavenly beaches to its scenic natural wonders, there are plenty of reasons why Maui has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for nineteen years.

Discover your own reasons to love Maui as you stroll the seaside streets of Lahaina and the lovely beaches of Kaanapali. Feel the mana (power) of Haleakala National Park or discover the arts and culture of Kahului and Upcountry Maui. From championship golf courses to the scenic road to Hana, your vacation on the “Valley Isle” promises to be unforgettable. It’s no wonder why thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters year after year. One visit to Maui and you just might join them.

Hawaii—The Big Island Hawaii Island isn’t just big, it’s still growing. The Island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the biggest, providing a vast canvas of environments to discover a variety of unrivaled natural wonders. This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a journey off the beaten path, you’ll discover it all on Hawaii, the Big Island.

With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii Island for your return.

For more information, visit the official website: www.gohawaii.com

For more information, please contact your preferred travel agents or us at 03-2143 1533 or email to hawaiianair@pacificworld.travel GSA: Pacific World Travel Sdn Bhd Level 6, Office Tower, No.1, Jalan Nagasari (Off Jalan Raja Chulan), 50200 Kuala Lumpur.

Fax: 603-2148 1357 www.hawaiianairlines.com

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overseeing the running of ten (10) hotels and resorts throughout the country.

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BANGKOK I EGYPT I MIDDLE EAST/GULF I EUROPE I

AFRICA I

ASIA I USA

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND BEYOND FLYING DAILY FROM KLIA TO OVER 84 MAJOR DESTINATIONS

THE MATTA SALE!

Up to 25% off on all destinations and up to 53KGs in Baggage Allowance Terms and conditions apply.

WIN 1 FREE RETURN TICKETS to BANGKOK VIA EGYPTAIR

Answer the following question and stand a chance to win! Besides Cairo, name another destination that Egyptair flies to?

Name Email Contact Number

Lucky Winners will be notified by Email or SMS. Submission of voucher is only valid if submitted at our Egyptair booth at the March 2014 Matta Fair. This voucher is strictly not exchangeable with cash. Excludes Fuel Surcharge and Taxes. Terms and conditions apply.

For reservations and enquiries: Pelancungan Etonic Sdn Bhd (GSA) P2-01, 2nd Floor, Podium Block, Menara Keck Seng, 203, Jalan Bukit Bintang,55100, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: +603-21456867 I Fax: +603-21456873 Email: Etonic@egyptairkul.com

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MATTA FAIR 2014 ®

14-16 March 2014 Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia HALL 1 Booth 1016-1021 & 1269-1280

Booth 1221-1256

Booth 1345-1364

Booth 1161-1208

Booth 1113-1120 Booth 1122-1131

Booth 1136 & 1409-1411

Booth 1137-1160

Booth 1305-1324

Booth 1417 (Eden Tours) Booth 1365-1374

Booth 1419-1420

Booth 1418

Booth 1413-1416

HALL 1 MEZZANINE

Booth 1M31-1M32

Booth 1M57-1M58 Booth 1M01-1M04

Booth 1395-1404

Booth 1M49-1M51

Booth 1M37-1M38

Booth 1M72-1M73

Visit our advertisers at these locations for exclusive travel deals and information.

(Update as at 03-03-2014)

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MATTA FAIR 2014 ®

14-16 March 2014 Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

HALL 2 & LINKWAY

Booth L19-L21

Booth 2074

Booth 2069-2071

Booth (Golden Tropics) Booth 2007-2008 2009-2010

Booth 2075

Booth 2061-2064 & 2167-2186

Booth 2211-2212

Booth 2059-2060 Booth 2065-2068

(Golden Tourworld) Booth 2127-2146

Booth 2207-2216

(Sedunia Travel) Booth 2187-2206 Booth 2037-2040

HALL 3 Booth 3090-3093

(AF Travel) Booth 3222-3224

Booth 3046-3051

Booth 3074-3079

Booth 3240-3243

(Holiday Asia) Booth 3040-3042

Booth 3099-3101 & 3120-3122

Booth 3200-3203 & 3216-3219

Booth 3001-3004

Booth 3032-3035

Booth 3007-3012

Visit our advertisers at these locations for exclusive travel deals and information.

(Update as at 03-03-2014)

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Haneda International Airport to Tokyo Central Narita International Airport to Tokyo Central Itami Airport to Tokyo Central Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Central Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport to City Central Shin Chitose Sapporo Airport to City Central Hiroshima Airport to City Central Okinawa Airport to Naha City or Ginowan City

GV 2 / GV4 GV4 GV3 GV4 GV4 GV3 GV3 GV3

120 220 120 220 220 180 250 110

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Prime Selection

Prime Plaza Hotels & Resorts is the top choice amongst holidaymakers and business travellers who are heading to Bali and Java.

S

ince its conception in 2003, Prime Plaza Hotels & Resorts has grown from strength to strength, and is now considered one of the foremost hotel brands in Indonesia. The Jakarta-headquartered group consists of the Plaza and Resort brands and offers a wide range of accommodation options in convenient locations around the country.

As with all hotels and resorts, the true measure of its calibre lies in its quality of service and it is in this regard that it really shines. In fact, the group prides itself as ‘The Signature of Indonesian Hospitality’. This might as well be a mission statement as all guests of Prime Plaza Hotels & Resorts find themselves absolutely pampered by genuine hospitality and service.

Presently, the group comprises eight properties in Bali and Java, namely Bali Dynasty Resort, Amadea Resort and Villas, Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel, Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites, PrimeBiz Kuta, Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel, Kota Bukit Indah Plaza Hotel, and Surabaya Plaza Hotel.

Plaza Hotels

PrimeBiz

The Plaza Hotels are catered specifically for the business traveller and offer extensive meeting and banquet facilities, as well as an efficient support structure. These 4-star properties are located at strategic locations that also provide a convenient base for leisure travellers to explore the local attractions from.

The PrimeBiz brand offers the best blend of functionality and value for money. This 3-star business hotel maintains a comprehensive list of services and facilities that are usually found in more upmarket accommodations.

Dynasty Resort

Amadea Resort

The Dynasty Resort property is perfect for leisure travellers and families who are searching for excitement and variety. This lovely resort offers a whole host of leisure, dining, and entertainment options for every member of the family regardless of age.

For an intimate setting, look no further than the Amadea Resort brand. A stay here is sure to ignite new passions and revitalise old relationships. This intimate boutique resort caters to adults who crave for modern amenities and an ideal central location.

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So Much To See & Do!

Let FLEXI Indonesia take you on an Indonesian adventure you will never forget.

with the ultimate romantic holiday. It sets the benchmark for luxurious holidays in Bali and offers individualised exclusive package deals with special privileges presented by selected villas resorts. Two nights accommodation in a private pool villa, private return airport transfers and selection of one half day tour with local cuisine are included in the package deal. On top of these, some of the villa properties offer privileges like complimentary dining or 60 minutes massage treatment.

Free time has also been factored into the itinerary so you get to explore on your own.

Learning the Angklung

Balinese Dance Lesson Tanah lot

For more information, contact the company through its preferred partners

F

LEXI Indonesia celebrates its ninth year of bringing clients on their dream holidays this year.

Specialising in Indonesian destinations such as Bali, Jakarta, Bandung, Jogjakarta, Surabaya, Malang and Lombok, the company leverages on its extensive network of contacts around the country to ensure its customers are left wholly satisfied.

Every aspect of the organised trips – from the knowledgeable tour guides to the meticulously selected hotels – are handpicked with careful consideration.

FLEXI Indonesia’s offerings will meet the needs of all kinds of travellers. Whether you are in search of the country’s famed natural beauty, its exotic wildlife or its colourful and lively festivals, FLEXI Indonesia guarantees you an unforgettable experience.

AF Travel Sdn Bhd A3-G2, Level G2 Block A3, Solaris Dutamas, No. 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 6207 9398, www.lccaftravel.com, www.aftravel.travel, Booth no. 3222-3224 Eden Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd No. 290 1st Floor Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 2148 3880, www.edenvacation.com, Booth no.

1365-1374

Borobudur

Do It Like The Locals FLEXI Indonesia regularly updates its itineraries, making sure customers are treated to the latest attractions the country has to offer. Its latest itineraries provides travellers with a firsthand look at local life and allows them to familiarise themselves with the city by going on guided walking tours in which they will have the chance to meet locals in their traditional homes.

Travellers to Bali will even be hosted as a guest at the Royal Palace Pengliatan in Ubud, where they will have a cup of coffee or tea with homemade Balinese cake and learn how to dance with children. In Jogjakarta, travellers can try the traditional Javanese

Drinking tea with gula cokot

way of having tea with gula cokot (drinking tea while biting brown coconut sugar) in a traditional house with local villagers. Other cultural highlights include learning to play the Sundanese traditional music Angklung from a Master of Angklung.

Package Sweeteners Further setting itself apart from its competitors, FLEXI Indonesia adds an entire list of value-added options to its itineraries.

In Bali, the Relaxing me packages provides true value. Preferred hotels listed with their programme provide either one free meal or a 60 minutes massage, valued at up to US$75 per person. In addition, all your basic needs are taken care of, including a three to five star hotel, return airport transfers and choice of one full day touring and journey with meal. Valued at up to US$20 per person, a Hard Rock Cafe meal voucher, redeemable for selection of one main course and one glass soft drink are included as well.

For those who wish to experience an exclusive stay in a private villa resort, or are on a honeymoon trip, there is the Indulging me packages deal that provides couples

Golden Tourworld Travel (M) Sdn Bhd No. 72, Wisma GTT, Cangkat Bukit Bintang (Next to Imperial Hotel), 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 2188 7288, www.gtt.com.my, Booth no. 2127-2146 Golden Tropics Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd 30G Jalan Danau Lumayan 1, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 9174 6888, www. goldentropics.com.my, Booth no. 2007-2008 Holiday Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd A-0-1, Block A, No. 1 Jalan Seri Utara 1, Sri Utara, Off Jalan Ipoh, 68100 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 6286 6288, www.holidaytours.com.my, Booth no. 1305-1324 Holiday Asia Network Sdn Bhd A: 78G Jalan Pandan Indah 4/68, Pandan Indah, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 4291 2163, www.holidayasia.net, Booth no. 3040-3042 Sedunia Travel Services Sdn Bhd Level 12 & 13, Menara Genesis, 33 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 2142 5889, www.sedunia. com.my, Booth no. 2187-2206 Taikar Holidays (Travel Group) 25-29, Jalan Belia off Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 603 2691 5555, www.taikarholidays.com. my, Booth no. 2009-2010

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The Magic Of India

Count on Star Travel to compose a tale of romance and adventure for your India chapter.

T

he Golden Triangle is top of the destinations list for most maiden India voyages. This famous tourist circuit takes visitors to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, the sites of some of the most spectacular architectural gems in India including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, and the gorgeous lakes and landscapes of Jaipur.

Star Travel’s 5D4N Golden Triangle packages are priced at just RM2,980 and present the choice of either heading on a Rajasthan Wildlife Safari adventure of a lifetime, or an unforgettable cultural journey of Khajuraho and Varanasi.

Golden Triangle With Rajasthan Wildlife Safari This itinerary combines a tour of the famous Golden Triangle sites with a visit to the top national parks of Sariska and Ranthambore. Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest in northern India and is wellknown for its good population of tigers. Located about 160km southeast of Jaipur, other exotic animals you can spot here include leopards, wild boars, hyenas, sloth bears, and nilgai. Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan and was the first of its kind in the world where the relocation of tigers was successfully carried out. Other animals you can see here are leopards, jackals, antelopes, the ubiquitous langur (monkey), marsh crocodiles, and a variety of birds including owlets.

Tour Highlights • Delhi: India Gate/Raspati Bhawan/ Parliament House/Qutab Minar • Jaipur: Amber Fort (with elephant ride)/ Hawa Mahal/Jantar Mantar/Laxmi Narayan Temple • Agra: Taj Mahal/Agra Fort/Fatehpur Sikri • Sariska: Jeep or canter safari to view the bird sanctuary • Ranthambore: Morning and evening tour of the wildlife sanctuary

Golden Triangle With Khajuraho & Varanasi Immerse yourself in history and culture when you travel to Khajuraho and Varanasi. Located

in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho might not be a huge city but possess a big reputation for its Hindu and Jain temples which have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sandstone temples were built in the 10th and 11th century and have carvings that are extremely detailed. These intricate carvings depict Kamasutra – men and women in passionate postures.

Together with the backdrop of majestic mountains, this is an experience not to be missed. Varanasi, also known at various times in history as Kashi (City of Life) and Benares, is considered one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities. It is also a major destination for pilgrims who arrive at the ghats lining the River Ganges to wash off their sins in the sacred waters.

Tour Highlights • Delhi: India Gate/Raspati Bhawan/Parliament House/

Qutab Minar • Jaipur: Amber Fort/Hawa Mahal/Jantar Mantar • Agra: Taj Mahal/Agra Fort/Fatehpur Sikri Agra to Jhansi by Shatabdi Express • Orcha: medieval city with temples and palaces built

by Bundela rulers • Khajuraho: Eastern and western group of temples/ Kandariya Mahadeo Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva • Varanasi: Boat cruise to River Ganges/Half day tour

of Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon about Buddhism Another popular package is the Skikkim package, which provides a respite from the heat and bustle of urban living. Other than fresh mountain air, you can find Buddhist monasteries, go on a world class trek, and view Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world.

About Star Travel Based in Kuala Lumpur, and with a branch office in Penang, Star Travel Agencies is a full service travel and tour agency that manages to combine high quality tour packages with competitive prices.

The company offers travel services such as airline ticketing, local and international tour packages, local and international hotel reservations, passport documentation, visa assistance, travel insurance and more.

Corporate Travel Star Travel’s commitment to service excellence extends to its dedication to fast response times!

The company has invested in a 24-hour automated response system backed by an experienced and dedicated team. Star Travel takes note of customers’ individual needs and is even able to negotiate corporate deals with airlines on their behalf.

Also, the interactive self-booking travel tool enables clients to receive travel updates through their smart mobile devices. In short, Star Travel, with their dynamic and integrated business travel solutions, is the perfect business travel partner that meets all customers’ requirements, whatever their businesses are.

Star Packages Star Travel’s Star Packages make holidays to Asia’s leading destinations much more affordable and enjoyable. With 40 years of experience acquired in understanding the Indian subcontinent, Star Travel offers customers unique packages with the best of both prices as well as experiences. As a specialist of this part of the world, Star Travel has crafted interesting packages that allow travellers to get to know India on a more intimate level, taking them to tours of heritage sites, forts, beaches, backwaters, lakes, mountains, adventure, wildlife, culture, festivals, wellness, religion as well as shopping. In addition, its years of operation have enabled the company to establish long term relationships with Indian partners and airlines to create high-value propositions and obtain competitive airfares which is carried forward to customers.

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m o b i l e

a p p

Earthly Paradise Go on a whirlwind tour of New Zealand’s North and South Islands with PNL Travel.

Northern Dreams Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, is often ranked among the best and one of the most liveable cities in the world. Beyond the boundaries of the city, one can easily drive or join a daily tour to Matamata, the location of the original Hobbiton Movie Set from the acclaimed Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and The Hobbit films. After a breathtaking experience, you can continue your journey southeast. The moment you detect the distinct aroma of sulphur in the air, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Rotorua, one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity.

At the southern tip of the North Island is Wellington, the culinary capital of New Zealand.

Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, this city is known for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty.

Southern Sojourn The Interislander Ferry takes you from Wellington to Picton on the South Island. Blessed with stunning beauty, the South Island is perhaps best represented by gorgeous Queenstown. Tucked among surrounding mountains and adorned by Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is also known to be an adventure capital.

Best made as a day trip, Milford Sound is arguably the most beautiful spot on earth. A fjord that has been regularly acclaimed as a top tourist destination, Milford Sound is even more spectacular when it rains, as hundreds of waterfalls cascade over the craggy rocks.

For more details on the tour package visit us on Matta Fair @ PWTC, Hall 2, Booth No: 2037-2040 or call PNL Travel at (03-9284 4859) or go to www.pnltravel.com.my

Useful Features • Discover fascinating travel destinations and incredible places of interest • Restaurants, hotels and shopping locations are categorized for ease of use • Use our calendar to find out about upcoming festivals in your destination country • Check out the latest travel, dining and lodging promotions

Visit us at Hall 1, Booth No.1417 Scan this code for a FREE download!

For Android Devices also available in the samsung apps store!

78 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Reverent Journey

A tour of Jordan and Jerusalem with Cuti-Cuti Muslim tour agent PNL Travel is the perfect opportunity to discover famous religious sites

A

popular destination for pilgrimages, Jordan is a fascinating country with tonnes of significant religious monuments. The friendly locals and solid tourism infrastructure make Jordan an extremely conducive country for foreigners to visit. Its capital city Amman contains most of the country’s famous sites, though you will want to venture outside the capital in order to view some of the more spectacular ones.

Capital City Amman One of the must-see sites in this modern city is Ashab Al Kahf (The Cave of Seven Sleepers), where a group of young believers were said to have taken refuge from persecution. Following this, continue to the Karak Shrines and visit the tombs of the martyrs of the Battle of Mu’tah – Zayd ibn Haritha, Jafar ibn Abi Talib and Abdullah ibn Rawahah.

If you have more time to spare, do visit the Amman Citadel and the Roman Amphitheatre. Get up close to key attractions such as Temple Hercules, Byzantine Church, Omayyad Palace, Archaeological Museum, and Jordan Folklore Museum. For souvenir shopping, there is no better place than the Souq.

Famous for its restorative powers, a tour of the Dead

Sea is possible as a day trip from Amman. The water body possess a very high salt content that works as an inhibitor against marine life, which explains how its name is derived.

Astonishing Petra The ancient city of Petra is one of the new ‘7 Wonders of the World’ as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you are here, hop onto your horse and giddyap to Al-Khazneh, also known as The Treasury, and marvel at its jaw-dropping grandeur. Other nearby sites you should not miss are the grand Royal Tombs and the Monastery (el Deir), the most spectacular carved monument in the area.

Historic Jerusalem In the historical centre of Jerusalem, see Al-Aqsa Mosque, the place where Prophet Mohammad is believed to have ascended into heaven. Opposite Al-Aqsa Mosque is a sanctuary in which you will discover the Dome of the Rock, perhaps the most recognisable landmark in the country. Ascend the Mount of Olives for an unbeatable view of the Old City. Visit the memorial tombs of Salman AlFarisi and Rabiatul Adawiyah.

Take a break at the Old Market and take the chance to do some shopping here. Then, continue to Khalifah Umar al Khattab Mosque and then to Hebron to see the tomb of Prophet Ibrahim.

For more details on the tour package visit us on Matta Fair @ PWTC, Hall 2, Booth No : 2037-2040 or call PNL Travel at (03-9284 4859) or go to www.pnltravel.com.my

79 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

Coastal Cruising

PNL Travel’s selection of Australian self-drive holidays takes you through some of the country’s most scenic shorelines.

Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road (5 days driving) Melbourne – Lorne – Port Fairy – Robe – Victor Harbor – Adelaide Take a windswept journey along Australia’s famous southeast coast as you drive from cultural capital Melbourne to cosmopolitan Adelaide. The Great Ocean Road drive brings you through lovely little towns where you can stop for a breather and enjoy the view from. Seaside town Lorne possesses a vibrant art community; Port Fairy’s 19th century architecture will transport you back in time; and Torquay – the official start point of the Great Ocean Road – harbours an obsessive surfing culture.

Perhaps the most famous attraction along the way is the 12 Apostles, a collection of rock stacks formed by erosion.

East Coast Escape (5 days driving)

Pacific Coast Touring Route (7 days driving)

Hobart – Maria Island National Park - Orford Swansea - Freycinet National Park - St Helens Bay of Fires Traverse Tasmania’s gorgeous east coast as you drive from Hobart all the way to the Bay of Fires. A three hours’ drive from Hobart brings you to Freycinet National Park, home of Wineglass Bay which has been consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world. Plenty of other adventures await along the way; kayak your way around Maria Island, hop onto a motorised trike in Bicheno, take a trek through the bush in the rainforest of Douglas-Apsley National Park, and engage in water activities from the port of St Helens Park.

Sydney - Central Coast - Hunter Valley - Port Stephens - Coffs Harbour - Byron Bay - Gold Coast Just beyond the metropolis that is Sydney lie a variety of different sights and attractions. The vast network of wineries in Hunter Valley boasts some of the top wine producers in the country. And if you choose to put up at a farm in the area, be ready to wake up to unbeatably cool and fresh air. Head to picturesque Port Stephens where whale watching is popular during the period of May to November. Work your way to Byron Bay for even more stunning coastal scenery before reaching the great theme parks of Gold Coast.

Visit PNL booth at 2033, Hall 2 at Matta Fair PWTC. For more information, please visit www.australia.com

80 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

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84 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14 MARCH - 16 MARCH 2014

APRIL

N

N

3

Taste of Cape Town

Naghol

Singapore: Survey over 80 Batak wood, bronze, and stone carvings and be enlightened on this particular Indonesian culture, religion, and architecture, among many others, at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Majority of the artefacts are on loan from the Mandala Foundation, and must-sees include a sandstone figurine from the 17th century and Chinese porcelain medicine container. acm.org.sg

Singapore: Wend your way through 600 million years back in time and see how these dignified reptiles of prehistoric periods had lived and evolved. The exhibition features hundreds of fossils, specimens, and illustrations and will hold various programmes, workshops, and special guided tours to keep your imagination ignited at the ArtScience Museum. marinabaysands.com

Cape Town: Coddle the taste buds of loved ones with an extensive array of flavours from a select range of restaurants, pop-up eateries, and producers of wine, beer, and dessert at Green Point Cricket Club as you pick up impressive tricks from the cooking demonstrations and learn about certain canapé-wine pairings together with likeminded gourmet hunters. tasteofcapetown.com

Pentecost Island: Hold your breath as you witness local men of the Sa tribe plummet down a 30-metre tall wooden tower with only two tree vines bound to their ankles. An annual event, the renowned land diving ritual that is performed every Saturday during this period is executed to both ensure a rich yam harvest and to demonstrate the men’s masculinity and fearlessness.

13

19

Roppongi Art Night

22

Tin Hau festival

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King’s day

Yangon: Celebrate the Burmese equivalent of the spring festival with its showcase of cultural performances and dazzling parades and participate in a dynamic water festival for bucketloads of fun. Everyone is fair game during this period, so come prepared to get fully soaked.

Tokyo: In its sixth edition, the 32-hour extravaganza that welcomed some 830,000 visitors last year returns to feature an electrifying lineup of films, exhibitions, nighttime experiences, dialogue sessions, musical and theatrical performances, and a street parade at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, and the National Art Centre Tokyo. roppongiartnight.com

Hong Kong: The annual event that celebrates the Goddess of the Sea and that takes place on the 23rd of every lunar month will allow visitors to experience the rich culture of the country and to witness exciting festive sights such as a parade of floral wreathes, exciting lion dances, and the lighting of firecrackers, among many others.

Amsterdam: Princess Beatrix’s abdication from the throne last year will allow the city to honour the new king, WillemAlexander, with the country’s first King’s Day. The annual national celebration sees approximately a million people taking to the streets to behold the dances, parades, street acts, and many other types of festive performances and to pick up buys of sorts from the legendary flea market.

Beginning of the Becoming: Batak Sculpture from Northern Sumatra

th to 16th

Maha Thingyan

ow to 27th Jul

Dinosaurs: Dawn to Extinction

th to 20th

rd to 6th

nd

5

th to 28th Jun

th

Images: Marina Bay Sands; Asian Civilisations Museum; Taste of Cape Town; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Roppongi Art Night Executive Committee; Wikipedia; Amsterdam Marketing

ow to 1st Jun

85 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

86 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

Japanese Hospitality *455 worldwide outlets* HALL 1: 1409-1411&1136

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5D South Hokkaido 4N ★with 5-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass

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RM548

5D Central Hokkaido 4N ★with 5-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass

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3D Tokyo 2N ★with SIC Haneda Airport transfers1

5D South Hokkaido RM6180 4N ★Noboribetsu, Hakodate, Otaru & Sapporo.

RM568

5D Central Hokkaido RM6180 4N ★Noboribetsu, Otaru, Furano, Sounkyo & Sapporo.

4D Fun West Kansai 3N ★with 4-Day Kansai Area Pass ★with USJ 1-Day Pass

RM1178

4D Explore West Kansai 3N ★with 4-Day Kansai WIDE Area Pass

RM1388

5D Fun Fukuoka+Huis Ten Bosch 4N ★with 3-Day Northern Kyushu Pass ★with Huis Ten Bosch (HTB) 2-Day Passport

3D Osaka 2N ★with 2-Day Kansai Surutto Pass 3D Nagoya 2N ★with SIC airport transfers1 3D Fukuoka 2N ★with SIC airport transfers1 1

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product voucher* Terms & Conditions:*All the special offers are appplcable to adults only. *RM400 off per couple” is limited to Japan Group Packages & Premium Land Package. *RM50 product voucher will be issued for any JR Rail Pass purchase (used on Japan Land Package only). *Special Offers are not valid on promotional products or in conjunction with any other offers. *Free Giveaways (with JR / USJ purchase) and Mystery Gift are while stocks last. *H.I.S. Travel reserved the right to update the offer information at any time without prior notice.

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Water Bottle Get a free water bottle when you sign up for any travel package with us on the event days.

87 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

603-2148-8000

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￥15,000*

3-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass

￥2,000*

1-Day Kansai Area Pass

￥7,000*

4-Day Kansai WIDE Area Pass

￥7,000*

3-Day Northern Kyushu Pass

Narita Airport Limousine Bus Ticket, RM100

Various SIC Airport Transfers, RM100 **

*Fares are valid until 31Mar14. Subject to change without prior notice 2ONE(1) per each USJ Pass purchase(adult only) *While stocks last. 1st come 1st served *Terms & Conditions apply

Ex-Tokyo *Robot Restaurant *Tokyo AM / PM Tour *Tea Ceremony *Mt. Fuji & Hakone 1-Day Tour *Ninja Experience

RM147~** RM184~** RM220~** RM476~** RM509~**

Ex-Sapporo

RM100~** *Mt Okura & Hitsujigaoka View Point RM100~** *Otaru Bay Tour RM230~** *Hokkaido Panorama Road Tour RM280~** *Lake Shikotsu & Lake Toya RM250~** *Shiroi Koibito Park & Central Wholesale Market

**Fares are subject to change without prior notice based on currency exchange rate.

Ex-Osaka / Kyoto Prices might vary based on the departure point (Osaka/Kyoto) RM360~** *Osaka Bay Area 1/2 Day Tour *Kyoto AM Tour RM320~** *Kyoto 1-Day Tour RM540~** *Kyoto Maiko Dinner RM420~** *Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Tour RM480~** Ex-Fukuoka *Bayside Place Tour *Dazaifu & Yanagawa *Hakata Style Hot Pot *Fukuoka Dinner Cruise *Huis Ten Bosch 1-Day Tour

RM74~** RM103~** RM110~** RM330~** RM253~**

Please refer to us for more tour options

88 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

DISCOVER, EXPLORE & EXPERIENCE THE WORLD VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2

WIN!

2 nights’ stay at Pan Pacific Singapore worth US$790

ASIA

Islands of

MARCH/APRIL 2014 MARCH/APRIL 2014

Temptation

DIVE INTO MAURITIUS & THE MALDIVES  PANAMA’S PAST  GO WILD IN BORNEO  RESORTS IN THAILAND

HATS OFF TO PANAMA

Where to stay

andaman coast

A PUBLICATION OF

A long-tail boat on the beach at Hat Farang on Ko Muk

2014 Mini Guide Mar/Apr

Thailand’s Islands

CAUSES FOR CELEBRATION Goa plays host to religious and cultural events all year round: Reis Magos Festival The journey of the three wise men to Bethlehem is re-enacted every 6 January.

Shigmotsav (Shigmo) Spring is ushered in around March with parades and revellers flinging huge quantities of water and coloured tikka powder at one another (pictured below).

Feast of St Anthony On 13 June, if the monsoon has yet to appear, Goan families will lower a statue of the saint into their well to bring it about.

Easter Churches fill up statewide for High Mass and family feasting.

MINI GUIDE Mar/Apr 2014

Coastal Goa

KO taO off the A scuba-diving honeypot Ko Tao is crystalline Gulf Coast, cheapest also the easiest and dive basics. spot around to learn to the The Japanese Gardens, is an ideal island’s northwest, with dive site for beginners, stingrays plenty of coral, turtles, Diving is a and pufferfish. Big Blue local recommended mid-sized m; diving school (bigbluediving.co beginner Hat Sai Ri; four-day courses US$301.90).

TOP TIPKO SaMui multi-faceted in In non-Western restaurants Fairly large and fit in luxury yoga enough Goa, eat onlytowith your right retreats as well as backpacker is particularly hand; the left Ko is Samui considered shanties, places to eat, not blessed unclean and with for the purposes gaang (rice of least the many kow The to ablution only. If you’restalls. invited and curry) roadside meanwhile Hat Chaweng dine with aoffamily, always takeof town the Samui Institute home toand off youris shoes wash your has Thai Culinary Arts, which courses and hands before eating. daily cooking fruit

Tear out page here

then fold along the

cover_EL.indd 1

carving classes in the arts of intricate and vegetables into Hat floral designs (sitca.net; courses Chaweng; three-hour

US$62.30).

FURTHER READING Lonely Planet’s Goa & Mumbai (US$22.90) contains everything you could possibly wish to know about the state.

Individual chapters from the guide are available to download (US$4.90) from lonelyplanet.com. The official state tourism website is at goa-tourism.com. Goan TV chef and cookery writer Odette Mascarenhas can be found blogging about Goa’s distinctive cuisine at odettemascarenhas.com.

6

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0 1 7

Best for relaxing BENAULIM Much of the accommodation is in family guesthouses in this

the palest ofvillage in southern Goa, Jewel-blue sea and peaceful on Ko Lipe sand at Sunrise Beachwhich gives on to a long stretch

of largely empty beach. Benaulim is the location for the very plush

KO lanta Tajof Exotica hotel, set in 56 acres Ko Lanta is a crucible of tranquil gardens, with a Jiva cultures, mixing Buddhist spa offering and traditional Indian temples, slender minarets holistic treatments by qualified villages. chow lair (sea gypsy) Ayurveda doctors and therapists are busy but Northern beaches (tajhotels.com; ones to rooms from US$294). of fun, with more mellow complex the south. The cave conceals a Tham Khao Maikaeo POLEM and subterranean poolGoa’s southernmost beach is set as cathedralsbay by the village chambers as largearound a small treks arrange – local guides can of Polem. It’s a wonderfully resort isolated and distraction-free area (around US$6.50), and and that’s escaped development – so transport hotels can arrangethere’s little else to do but stroll motorcycle hire (lantainfo.com,

northeast Gulf

state justifiably draw plenty of visitors, but on its less-beaten paths you’ll discover an altogether different side to Goan life.

KO SaMet distance of Within weekending Ko Samet is popular

but Best for Bangkok, food Thais and visitors alike, with

is surprisingly underdeveloped footpath PANAJI all the same. A coastal of this Slung along the banks of the the four-mile length runs Mandovi River, the easy-going island, skirting one skinny state capital is the base for cove after another. lovely Holiday on the Menu, which at the northern end Sunset offers a range of Goan cooking late-night parties and brings holidays. Try a morning session things get karaokea sessions; and learn in the art of creating offerings south you Typical market stall sofiani biryani and a quieter Goan fishthe further Samui Ban Bo Phut on Ko (kosamet.net). curry, or sign up for ago full-week

West-facing beaches such as Arambol enjoy beautiful sunsets

ARAMBOL This former 1960s hangout still has a laid-back traveller vibe, with a curved beach that’s great for swimming. Best of all is the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre by the sand dunes. In the winter months it’s the base of the Iyengar yoga school, offering five-day courses in hatha vida as well as shorter courses combining yoga with ayurvedic treatments (hiyogacentre.com; Arambol Beach; open mid-Nov– mid-Mar; five-day courses US$57.20).

PANAMA

PIRATES OF THE

CARIBBEAN

Panama isn’t just about tropical headgear and the world’s greatest shortcut – its jungles and crumbling colonial ports conceal a history of gold and plunder on the Spanish Main WORDS ROFF SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHS MARK READ

02

MCI (P) 011/04/2014, PPS 1747/12/2012(022909)

MINI GUIDES TO KEEP

l Thailand l Goa l New Orleans l Amalfi Coast l Mauritius l Canary Islands

the seashore, have a picnic on the sand and enjoy the sound of the waves. Fishermen return to shore at the northern end of the beach; enjoy their catches for lunch Fold 1 among the palms at the Kamaxi shack bar (00 91 934 136 7429; Nov–May; fish curry US$2.90).

Best for local culture

The modern metropolis of Panama City rises across the bay from Casco Viejo – the old colonial quarter of this one-time Spanish stronghold

Fold 1

OLD GOA On the banks of the Mandovi River in northern Goa lies the old ‘Rome of the East’ – the former principal city of Portugal’s eastern empire.

ChangA handful of its on Ko Take a jungle trek imposing churches Camp and convents to the Ban Kwan Elephant

remain from its glory days, the highlight of which is the Sé KO Kut Cathedral – Asia’s biggest church. programme, with a trip to a spice Visitoutnumber on a weekday morning, Coconut palms the plantation (holidayonthemenu. you can join locals in the easternmost KO cHanG Fresh ingredients laid out inbuildings onwhen market in Goa’s capital Panaji An Arabian touch in the golden 20 miles fromsteep, jungle-covered attending Mass and explore the just KO PHa-nGancom; morning coursesWith island in Thailand, landscape of Maspalomas on Ko the sea, Ko where US$98) cathedral.

Things are changing peaks erupting from by sea from Cambodia, take place SIOLIMspirit Pha-ngan. Parties still unhurried Chang retains a rugged a secluded, Rin every full This village is often overlooked by ANJUNA DIVAR ISLAND on the beach at Hat CALANGUTE pervades despite its package-holiday atmosphereWednesday’s whole as ahippy down travellers, due to its riverside Former hangout Calangute This flea market is as Ferries leave from Old Goa to is largely moon, but the island There’s not much everything.much The provides the reputation. location some way from the arguably greatest a part of but the Goan this beautiful riverine island, wilderness: is creeping upmarket. even dining, its accessible or experience nightlife nearest beach.

It makes for a concentration as a day on a which feels like a land that time and east of diningtooptions in allow to you western treks beaches of the north of the beach. island the beaches pleasantwith stay birds, if you’re seeking a Goa, with everything from stalls deserted The market forgot. Piedade is the largest (Hat above filled are still relatively secluded explore forests Hat Khlong break from the sea and sand, and selling is bhelpuri sprawlsChao on and on, hawking so settlement, filled with old side, a top – a Mumbai and beautiful Khuat, or Bottle Beach, monkeys, is home to aoffers daily fish market snack of puffed rice and mango lizards manyThailand’s mirrored bedspreads and Portuguese palaces and ladies all, are among interior Tours waterfalls Evolution choice), and the jungle inland near the ferry landing on the – to with restaurants up bhindi Indian-cotton dresses gossiping at the roadside. In finest. Twofloaty four, dishingflowers. a that include rewards exploration of the Chapora River.are Tours jaipuri (crispy fried okra).

Try the tripsbanks that’ll hiking you never want to see one January, the men who have left one-day good short Change out at an coolfor people a stopare with year-round waterfalls. of and the market available destinations, as main beach strip, whichwaterfall is thick swim again.

It’s pools a greattoplace the island to work elsewhere one of to visit (evolutiontour. camp part of classes operated by the vendors serving breakfast watching, and if you trawl return for the Festa das of beach clotheswith elephant off in (kohkood.com).

Pho, – Wat US$45.70).

Siolim Cooking School, which favourite pav bhaji (a buttery carefully you can find some Bandeiras, or Flag Festival, the 20 wat (temples) com; treks from a herbal offer an insight and into Goan culturelOcatiOnS bread roll dipped in curry). The interesting one-offs. Bargain hard taking to the streets for singing, near Ban Tai, offers nuMber MaP US$1.60 turn Over andfOr faith (cookingclassesgoa. area is filled with local and take plenty of stamina and dancing and, bizarrely, firing sauna for about market ). and thali joints that do veg com; Siolim-Assagao Rd; classes chai patience. peashooters at one another.

99 (kohphangan.com US$32.70). lunches (thalis around US$0.70).

MARCH/APRIL 2014TURN OVER fOR MAP AND NUMBER LOCATIONS MARCH/APRIL 2014

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MARCH/APRIL 2014

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3/3/14 6:25 PM

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10 EASY TRIPS Dancers representing Asia’s first and only Tantrists with wildlife river-themed supernatural powers park opens in Singapore will purify the grounds with their hypnotic footwork during the Dance of the Black Hats

MARCH/APRIL 2014

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Paro, Bhutan WHY GO NOW?

If entering the last Shangri-La with a visual appetite and a heart of wonder, you are in for a grand feast – Paro Tsechu, a Drukpa Buddhism festival that is a star event of the Bhutanese calendar, will sweep the area of Rinpung Dzong, a Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist monastery and fortress, with sacred rituals, masked acts and dances, and celebrants in their finest clothes and costumes. To take place from 11 to 15 April, the fete will be held as homage to the master who had fleshed out 32

PANAMA

I

T’S KIND OF SPOOKY IN THE jungle, sweaty and dank, with deep growls of thunder adding a theatrical touch of menace to a shadowy old mule path. Howler monkeys are hooting in the treetops and brightly coloured parrots flit through the branches above, restive ahead of the downpour the whole rainforest knows is brewing. Down at bootlace level, a young fer-de-lance slithers over a knot of tree roots and conceals its deadly self beneath a mass of rotting leaves.

Somewhere above the forest canopy the thunderheads shift and for a brief moment a shaft of sunlight filters down through the tangle of vines and creepers, casting an antique silver glow on the path’s mouldy cobbles. Framed by palm fronds and the trunk of a gigantic cuipo tree, the scene could be an engraving in an old, old book.

All you’d need is for one of those grand turn-of-the-century illustrators such as Howard Pyle or NC Wyeth to paint in a few of their trademark pirates or some haughty conquistadors in peaked helmets and shiny cuirasses, and you’d have yourself a swell cover illustration for a Boy’s Own tale of snakes, jungles and lost Incan treasure.

And well you might. After all, this is the real deal: a seven-mile stretch of the old Camino de Cruces, the legendary Spanish treasure trail across the Isthmus of MARCH/APRIL 2014

I

ABOVE A freighter off Panama’s Caribbean coast waits to enter the 50-mile-long Panama Canal

ABOVE FROM LEFT White-faced capuchin monkeys are a common sight along the Camino de Cruces; the jungle reclaims the old treasure trail. OPPOSITE A Hoffman’s two-toed sloth moves through the canopy

Panama, and a setting for one of the Golden Age of Piracy’s most swashbuckling tales: the sack of Panama City by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.

Morgan had told them all he was going to do it, but no-one had believed him. It didn’t seem possible for even the toughest pirate captain to lead his band of cutthroats through seventy miles of pestilential jungle and launch a successful

attack on one of Spain’s wealthiest New World treasure ports.

But then Panama’s colonial governor had to go and make it personal. After Morgan sacked Portobelo in 1668, the captain sent a note across to His Excellency the governor demanding a ransom of 340,000 pesos for the town and its citizens, or he would burn the place to the ground. The aristocratic Spaniard

F YOU’VE EVER READ A PIRATE book and wondered just what they meant by the ‘Spanish Main’, you need look no further.

Geographically speaking, the Spanish Main meant the entire continental coastline around the Caribbean, but from the point of view of pirates and swashbuckling fiction it generally meant one of three principal treasure ports, Veracruz in Mexico, Cartagena in Colombia, and Panama’s very own Portobelo.

It was to Portobelo that the treasure from Panama City was brought during the dry season, by heavily guarded mule train along the Camino de Cruces and down the Chagres River, for shipment on to Seville on the mighty galleons of the treasure fleet which called in here once a year.

These same vessels also brought out rich stores of silks and luxury goods for Spain’s expatriate aristocracy. For several weeks each year, while the fleet was in, Portobelo came alive, with the cream of Panama City’s elite making the trip across the 3/3/14 6:25 PM

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Tibetan Buddhism in the country centuries ago, Guru Rinpoche, and as a signifier of the triumph of good over evil.

Tsechus are religious Bhutanese festivals that differ in month and location, and Paro Tsechu is among the most popular of tsechus in terms of the audience and their participation.

It is believed that one should attend a tsechu and witness a mask dance, each of which narrate a unique legend, at least once in this lifetime to be bestowed blessings and to have

wrongdoings redeemed. Catch a glimpse of either a thongdrel (large tapestry) or a thangka (silk appliqué) of Guru Riponche to HOW DO I MAKE IT HAPPEN?

M Drukair only departs from a small selection of countries; fly from Singapore to Paro Airport via the airline with a refuel stop in Kolkata, India, in-between.

M Five star-service places this three-star boutique a cut above the rest as owner Tshering Tobgay and his Malaysian wife

attain some soul cleansing before placating the throat with flavourful festival staples such as butter tea and barley alcohol.

Sharine ensure that homesick travellers are treated to a taste of home with a variety of Thai, Chinese, and Indian cuisines available. Mr. Tshering donates a portion of his earnings to certain causes every year, so in a way you will be giving back to the local community (from US$70; bhutanmetta.com.bt).

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Visit us at Hall 1, Booth No.1418

WORDS: ADORA WONG PHOTOGRAPH: WIKIPEDIA

p101-102_Goa_EL.indd 102

Arambol’s Kalacha Beach is backed by a sweetwater lake

KO tarutaO Marine natiOnal ParK One of the most unspoiledthis regions in all of Thailand, 51 islands, park encompasses itself, including Ko Tarutao jungle. covered in old-growth take in Long-tail boat tours islands home to hornbills, fishing langur monkeys and most cats. Ko Lipe is the also has developed island, but the widest choice of beautiful and accommodation serve, beaches (dnp.go.th/parkre kohlipethailand.com).

Tear out PHOTOGRAPHS: page here then fold along the dotted linesPAUL COMPILED BY JASON RILEY, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AMELIA THOMAS. YOKO AZIZ/SUPERSTOCK, BIGLAND/GETTY IMAGES, FRANCO COGOLI/SIME/4CORNERS, DENNIS COX/ALAMY, SIMON REDDY/ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK

The know-how

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Canary Islands essentials

102

KO MuK karst The impressive limestone shelters coast of Trang Province The isle several sublime islands. spectacular of Ko Muk is home to Sai Yao) – a Hat Farang (aka Hat where calming stretch of sand perfect jade water kisses a Tham beach. Further north, is a rock Morakot (Emerald Cave) tide – to a tunnel leading – at low by cliffs small beach surrounded rg) (tourismthailand.o on all sides

up dreamy – the very word conjures ‘Ko’ means island in Thai palm, fantastic rock kolanta.net). shade of a coconut boat and beaches, huts in the gardens. Hop in a long-tail formations and undersea cast off the moorings.

The swaying palms, white sands and warm waters of this Indian

TRANSPORT Transit at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and then arrive at Goa International Airport via Air India from Singapore (flights to Mumbai from US$181; airindia. com). Goa is ideal for cycling: rent or buy a good-quality bike (rentals from US$1.50, second-hand cycles US$20). It also has a bus network serving most towns and villages (singles from US$0.40).

tubs, and lots of antiques. There’s also a luxury tent and selfcontained cottage (from US$196; Panaji; panjiminn.com).

Noi Varo is an understated, luxurious Portuguese mansion.

Hang out in its river-view treehouse, consult its gourmet chef and float the afternoon away in the water lounge (villa rental US$490, two-night minimum; Siolim; shunyachi.com).

10

resort stays in Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket

Borneo beckons to the bold

Southern Gulf

Panjim Peoples is typical of Goa’s Portuguese colonial architecture

SIAM

WONDERS OF THE WILD

Eating

WHERE TO STAY Palolem Beach was largely undiscovered 15 years ago, and although that’s no longer the case, it is still a good base for exploring southern Goa, including Polem.

Sevas is one of the better beach hut hotels here, with wellmaintained cottages set in pretty gardens, and it also offers daily yoga classes (sevaspalolemgoa. com; Palolem; huts from US$16.30).

Within an atmospheric 19thcentury mansion, Panjim Peoples has elegant rooms with mosaiccovered bathrooms, deep bath

SEEKING

Unearth historical gems and natural treasures

MAPP ILLUSTRATION: ALEXANDRE VERHILLE

MINI GUIDE Coastal Goa

More than just blue beauty in Mauritius and the Maldives

isthmus to party and buy nice things. At the same time, tonnes of plundered Incan silver and gold were loaded aboard the Spanish treasure fleet, beneath the watchful gaze of soldiers manning the town’s three massive fortresses, bristling with cannon, that overlooked the bay.

The thought of all that lovely loot made this place the apple of many a pirate’s eye.

Long John Silver speaks wistfully of Portobelo in Treasure Island, but Henry Morgan did something about it. Rather than risk a frontal assault from the sea, he borrowed 23 native canoes, long sleek war vessels called pirogues, and crept up the coast towards the unsuspecting town in the dead of night in 1668.

They made landfall a few miles west of town and came in on the road, much to the surprise of the sentries. Before anyone could raise the alarm, Morgan and his men were rampaging through the streets, having taken the seemingly impregnable port with ease. And so began a fortnight of terror, with the entire town held to ransom and an exchange of letters between the

haughty privateer, who arrogantly datelined his letters ‘the English town of Portobello’, and the even haughtier governor in Panama City, 60 miles away, who disdained to correspond with a mere corsair, setting the stage for greater things to come.

The scenic coastal road from Colón follows the line of the pirate’s approach, past the crumbling coral walls of Santiago Fort, Portobelo now just a sleepy backwater mouldering in the tropical heat.

Although Morgan did a first-class job of wrecking the place, he wasn’t the one to put Portobelo out of business; that distinction went to a buccaneering English naval hero named Edward Vernon – also known as Old Grog – who captured the town in 1739 after a hearty bombardment in the now-little-remembered War of Jenkins’ Ear – so called because a Spanish sea captain severed an ear off a British sailor named Jenkins, thereby incurring the wrath of the Royal Navy.

It was a popular war and in celebration of Vernon’s triumph, the name ‘Portobello’

MARCH/APRIL 2014

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WHy GO?

A PUBLICATION OF

between white Rio de Janeiro stretches with colonial sandy beaches and mountains, architectural styles neighbourhoods, modernist of samba tying it all and the addictive sound covers swathes of the city. together. Rainforest still

MINI GUIDES TO KEEP

WHEn TO GO

summer lasts from Rio’s humid, southern-hemisphere sees spectacular New Year’s December to March and February Carnival. Outside Eve celebrations and the October (spring) are best, of summer, September and temperatures. with low humidity and warm

MInI GuIdE Nov/Dec 2013

HOW TO GO

fly from Emirates, KLM, and Lufthansa Singapore and from Kuala Kumpur to Rio via Dubai, Amsterdam, and Auto Frankfurt respectively. Real from Aeroporto Bus runs the nine miles (US$4). A Galeão to the city and Ipanema at the radio taxi booked and pre-paid Ipanema. airport will cost US$49 to

l East Sussex l Manchester

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

LEFT Sugarloaf Mountain.

De Janeiro l Singapore

Fold 1

BEST FOR BEACHES Ipanema gained international the fame in the early 1960s with bossa nova song The Girl from Ipanema. It became the hangout of artists, intellectuals and at wealthy liberals, who gathered the the sidewalk cafés. You’ll find same mix of wealthy Cariocas, young and old, at the fine beach.

city Ipanema beach, where the of Rio meets the Atlantic

along the dotted lines

2

1

3

BEST FOR VIEWS de Seen from the peak of Pão Rio Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), city is arguably the most beautiful in the world. There are many good times to make the ascent, by taking two cable cars, but most sunset on a clear day is the rewarding (Praça General Tibúrcio, Urca; 8am-8pm; US$21).

4

BEST FOR ATMOSPHERE the On a hill overlooking the city, ageing mansions of Santa Teresa, once a prime 19th-century address, Ride are a vision of bygone days. at the historic streetcar up (station Rua Lélio Gama 65, Centro; every 30 minutes; US$0.30).

mains US$10).

Within the exposed brick and old hardwood ceiling of for Sobrenatural 7 queues form grilled fish and moqueca, seafood stew (00 55 21 2224 1003; Rua Almirante Alexandrino 432, Santa Teresa; lunch and dinner Mon-Sat;

5

BEST FOR PILGRIMAGE Cristo Redentor (Christ the Rio. Redeemer) gazes out over Corcovado mountain, on which at he stands, rises to 710m and night the 38m-high statue is up brightly lit. A memorable way 1329; is by cog train (00 55 21 2558 Rua corcovado.org.br; Cog station: Cosme Velho 513, Cosme Velho; 8.30am-6.30pm; US$21).

mains US$28-US$34).

8 Candlelit Yorubá features dishes typical of the northern province of Bahia, such as shrimp and coconut milk blended to perfection in bobó de camarão, and excellent moqueca – Bahian Rua fish stew (00 55 21 2541 9387; Arnaldo Quintela 94, Botafogo; dinner Wed-Fri, lunch Sat-Sun; mains US$24-US$32).

TuRn OVER FOR MAP And

10/28/13 10:38 AM

Dine on some of Rio’s most creative food at Zuka in Leblon

9 Casa da Feijoada is a Rio institution. Try a complex feijoada: dish a black bean and salted pork and served with the orange slices (00 55 farofa, toasted manioc flour de 21 2247 2776; Rua Prudente and Morais 10B, Ipanema; lunch dinner; feijoada US$32).

One of Rio’s best restaurants, Zuka 10 prepares inventive dishes of such as zingy ceviche and rack is lamb with passion fruit. Decor classic Rio – dove grey with 21 floor-to-ceiling windows (00 55 233B, 3205 7154; Rua Dias Ferreira Leblon; dinner Mon, lunch and dinner Tue-Sun; mains US$28-S$49).

WIN!

nuMBER LOCATIOnS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

119

2 nights’ stay at Studio M Hotel Singapore worth US$860

From epics and monuments to nature and city buzz

A view at dusk and the capital over Tallinn, of Estonia largest city

A PUBLICATION OF

mini GuiDe

museums KöK KieK in De most formidable One of Tallinn’s its name is cannon towers, ‘Peep into the for Low German the upper floors kitchen’ – from could peer medieval voyeurs below. Built into the houses tower barely the around 1475, 16th-century survived the and today houses Livonian War, city’s tracing the a museum (linnamuuseum. military history 2; closed Mon; ee; Komandandi £3.90).

2014 including Jan/Feb displays chart MiNi Guide The engrossing from its

Eating in Bangkok

6

Naaz the Shophouse restaurants are in most common type you’ll find

Churches

daily specials

lines along the dotted

here then fold Tear out page

Street food

Chote Chitr is in one of Bangkok’s low-rise neighbourhoods

York l Bangkok l Miami

See

LP Cover_MADRID 12/26/13 11:39 AM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

BEST FOR THE TROPICS 2 The exotic Jardim Botânico has more than 5,500 plant varieties and was designed by Prince Regent Dom order of João It’s serene on weekdays in 1808. blossoms with families and and live music on weekends (00 3874 1808; jbrj.gov.br; 55 21 Rua Jardim Botânico 920; 8am-5pm; US$3).

.indd 1

Fold 1

Bo.lan takes inspiration from the Slow Food movement

stands dinner from Rat; from £25,It set was & CloisTer Pratu Nokyung (Th Maha Danish conquerors.its fine views 50p). ruined St Catherine’s CasTle The with 9am–3pm; mains from Sra Bua monastery Toompea The Toompea hill, Bo.laN is Estonia’s and harbour. monks part of a Dominican MarKeT Helmed by a Thai and a Dane, or Tor Kor the town up by Bo and Toompea Castleof power and the the Scandinavian started over was from Bo.lan Jay So fruit mainly founded by a mob seat Sra Bua takes a correspondingly byhighest-quality Bangkok’s traditional living later torched two former chefs at the exterior dates Dylan, Pikk crumbling shack is This from in 1246, international approach to Thai with the tower agricultural Partiallymarket brings Nahm, which of was Thai 1524. state flag flies inand 15th century, the where authentic London branch of that, proof is finest food. Putting Thai ingredients as toddler-sized The building of Lutherans sights complex star before it thesuch Michelin which ambience in 1954, Hermann, the gained a the added in 1779. is concerned, rich and scholarly food towers, and dishes through the wringer and pots full of curries. for restored mangoes take a carved closed. The chefs castle’s surviving comes with burial ground second 18th to taste. Fittingly, with of molecular gastronomy, the goods are takeaway aonly, 1371. In the today strewn Most decorated to Thai cuisine, such includes the approach walls are dates from and a few Jay So has no menu as such, chefs have created dishes but a small food court andthe building underwent arms ofinEstonia’s full-flavoured dishes spicy resulting ballistically tombstones coats of Head century, the but serves of the barren exist. the at the as frozen red curry with lobster beef curry. makeover gloomy salad),shell informal restaurants cloister as Korat-stylefree). such(toomkirik.ee; (green papaya som-dam an extreme a peaceful and lychee. Reservations are Det for stir-fries andnoble families closed Mon;(bolan.co.th; 42 empress church and to Rot16; 6; in advance Book open herb-stuffed grilled just hands of Russiansublime recommended (kempinski.com; Vene Toom-Kooli converting curries, and Sat Jai Kai Yaang, Great, Th Soi Phichai Ronnarong catfish and other Isan (kloostri.ee; south £1.70).

Siam Kempinski Hotel, 991/9 Catherine the Baroque-style of the market, which does Look specialities.

Songkhram, Soi 26, Th Sukhumvit; mid-May–Aug; the Rama I; lunch and dinner; lunch it into the pink, (northeastern) spicy northeastern food. Take Estonia’s decorated with dinner Tue–Sun; à la carte dishes is now for the shack mains from £17, set meals palace that can’t gohalfway down MRT to Kamphaeng Phet station from £8; set menu £45). logos about building.

PepsiYou side from loCaTions other number from £45). the anD the and exit on parliament around in Thanon Silom district for map Soi Phipat a wander (Th Kamphaeng Phet; Chatuchak photo2; 11am–4pm; inside, but Turn over 109 decent Soi Phipat (146/1 8am–6pm; mains from 70p). grounds provides 2014 NuMBer locaTioNS mains from 50p). (riigikogu.ee).

TurN over for MaP aNd JANUARY/FEBRUARY opportunities 113

BEST FOR VIEWS 3 Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), Rio is arguably the most beautiful city in the world. There are good times to make many the ascent, by taking two cable cars, but sunset on a clear day is the most rewarding (Praça General Tibúrcio, Urca; 8am-8pm; US$21).

Mountain. RIGHT

The giant Cristo

Eat & drink

Ipanema beach, where the city of Rio meets the Atlantic

BEST FOR ATMOSPHERE 4 On a hill overlooking the city, the ageing mansions of Santa once a prime 19th-centuryTeresa, address, are a vision of bygone days. Ride the historic streetcar up (station at Rua Lélio Gama 65, Centro; every 30 minutes; US$0.30).

BEST FOR PILGRIMAGE 5 Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) gazes out Corcovado mountain, over Rio. on which he stands, rises to 710m and at night the 38m-high statue brightly lit. A memorable is way up is by cog train (00 55 21 2558 1329; corcovado.org.br; Cog station: Rua Cosme Velho 513, Cosme Velho; 8.30am-6.30pm; US$21).

In recent years flashy new kiosks have appeared on Copacabana Beach, allowing punters to get a decent meal or gourmet snack without leaving the sand. Recanto do Sol 6 at the northeast end serves small plates of sardines and fresh fish, plus caipirinha cocktails (near Praça Julio de Noronha, Copacabana; lunch and dinner; Dine on some of mains US$10).

Rio’s most creative food at Zuka in Leblon Within the exposed brick and old hardwood ceiling of Sobrenatural 7 Casa da Feijoada 9 queues grilled fish and moqueca, form for institution. Try a complex is a Rio seafood feijoada: stew (00 55 21 2224 a black bean and salted 1003; Rua Almirante Alexandrino served with the orange pork dish 432, Santa Teresa; lunch and farofa, toasted manioc slices and dinner Mon-Sat; flour (00 55 mains US$28-US$34).

21 2247 2776; Rua Prudente de Morais 10B, Ipanema; Candlelit Yorubá 8 lunch and features dishes typical of dinner; feijoada US$32). the northern province of Bahia, One of Rio’s best such as shrimp restaurants, and coconut milk Zuka 10 prepares blended to inventive dishes perfection in bobó such as zingy ceviche de camarão, and rack of and excellent moqueca lamb with passion fruit. Decor is – Bahian fish stew (00 55 21 classic Rio – dove grey 2541 9387; Rua Arnaldo Quintela floor-to-ceiling windowswith 94, Botafogo; (00 55 21 dinner Wed-Fri, lunch 3205 7154; Rua Dias Ferreira 233B, Sat-Sun; mains US$24-US$32).

Leblon; dinner Mon, lunch and dinner Tue-Sun; mains US$28-S$49).

TuRn OVER FOR MAP And nuMBER LOCATIOnS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2013

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Rediscover

10

Madrid HOT SP OT

PHILIPP S IN

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Jan/Feb 2014

Medieval Tallinn

CiTy museum Tallinn’s City Museum is split over 10 sites and its main is set in a 14th-century branch merchant’s Plastic chairs house

6

Shophouse Naaz Shophouse

a tiny Thai-Muslim hidden

Nat),

Eating in l Milan l Naples Bangk

Town Hall Rising over the main square, Old Town’s this surviving Gothic is the only northern Europe.town hall in 1371 and 1404, Built between it was the seat of power in the medieval Lower Town.

Old Tallinn’s symbolicThomas, has been keeping guardsman, watch from his perch atop 1530. You can Town Hall since find views by climbing similar (tallinn.ee/raekoda;the tower Raekoja plats; Jul & Aug closed Sun, entrance by appointment between Sep–Jun; only £3.40).

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restaurants

restaurants St Nicholas’ most common Church was are rebuilt after Soviet type you’ll the the city. bombings Naaz (pronounced in find in is 1944

place sT niCHolas’ in a nondescript and CHurCH it serves museum alleyway, some richest kow mok of the city’s This 13th-century biryani). gai (chicken Gothic church Various houses the include Estonian Art chicken daily specials Museum’s

that retains masala mutton collection low-quality don’t equate some typically and korma of medieval MiNi Guide with religious medieval features, eating art. Its Th Charoen (24/9 Soi 45, in Bangkok including a Krung; lancet-arched work is Berndt most mainsfamous Jan/Feb from 80p). closed Sun; portal.

The engrossing Notke’s 15thcentury masterpiece 2014 displays chart the city’s

Despite a recent fairytale charms building boom, Tallinn remains loyal of its Old Town, to the walled cities, one of Europe’s complete most beguiling brooding battlements. with cobbled streets, looming spires and

Historic buildings

Street

ok

food

90p).

herbs). located It’s near the Pratu corner

upscale

Phet; 70p).

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

mains from

from £8;

à la set menu carte dishes £45).

2014 TurN over

109

for MaP

mains

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are Siam Kempinski (kempinski.com; Hotel, 991/9 Rama I; lunch Th mains from and dinner; from £45). £17, set meals lunch

aNd NuMBer

1747/12/2012(022909 )

MI l Rio DeNI Janeiro GU

restaurants

NahM Australian Thompson chef-author David possibly is behind what the is quite in Bangkok. best Thai restaurant

Lutheran Dome cookbooks, Inspired by Church Thompson ancient originally Catholic revived was has untildishes

Toompea Nokyung with Soi fish curry 1561 such as smoked (Th Maha sT CaTHerine’s Or Tor Toompea CastleCasTle 9am–3pm; with prawns, Kor CHurCH Rat; livers, cockles is Estonia’s mains from& CloisTer way but Market is out chicken traditional of the Dome CHurCH offers 50p). and black seat The (comohotels.com; ruined St Catherine’s great varietyEstonia’s pepper Jay So and the state flag flies of power oldest Hotel, part of a Dominican was church from 27 Th Sathon This Pikk was Metropolitan founded in Mon–Fri, Hermann, the crumbling monastery 1233 or earlier founded by Tai; lunch finest of the shack is dinnerby Danish conquerors.

Scandinavian castle’s surviving proof that, where or Tor monks daily; set from £25, in living 1246, food Itset towers, stands Bangkok’s Kor MarKeT is concerned, Toompea hill, dinner dates from which authentic Thailater torched onfrom lunch byhighest-quality a mob with its fine 1371. comes of Lutherans and Bo.lan £40).

In the second takes inspiration views 18th to ambience in 1524. century, the agricultural the Slow Partiallymarket over fruit the town Bo.laN Jay So has and harbour. building from sights such Food movement underwent taste.restored Fittingly, in 1954, exterior dates Bo.lan was The an extreme brings the but serves no menu astoday as toddler-sized makeover mainly started mangoescomplex is at the Dylan, two from 15th century, the ballistically such, strewn with hands of Russiansom-dam up by and pots Sra Bua with theformer tombstones Most carved spicy full of curries. empress(green tower chefs Bo and London goods added in 1779. and includes Catherine the sublime Helmed papaya at but a small are thetakeaway Thebranch by a Thai Great, converting herb-stuffed gloomy salad), shell of building of Nahm, the gained aonly, burial ground it into the pink, catfish Sra Bua the barren and a Dane, food court Michelin was which grilled church and informal takes and other fora the Baroque-style closed. andthe star before rich and a to international a correspondingly a walls are palace that peacefulrestaurants (northeastern) The chefs Isan (kloostri.ee; it decorated Rot Det cloister exist. few is now Estonia’s specialities. approach withtake a scholarly food. Putting approach to Head for stir-fries the Vene for the parliament coats of arms to Thai 16; open curries, shack decoratedmid-May–Aug; Thai building. resultingof Estonia’s Look cuisine, andnoble and dishes Thai ingredients PepsiYou can’t go inside, but in full-flavoured £1.70).and Sat Jai Kai south families logos with such(toomkirik.ee; a wander of the market, Yaang, about halfway of molecularthrough the as Korat-style Soi Phipat around just dishes grounds provides spicy northeastern wringer the which Toom-Kooli Book down in Thanon 6; closed beef curry. chefs have gastronomy, in advance does decent Mon; free).

MRT to opportunities (146/1 Soi photo Silom district Soi Phichai (bolan.co.th; Kamphaeng food. Take the as frozen created dishes the (riigikogu.ee). mains fromPhipat 2; 11am–4pm; and exit 42 Turn over Songkhram,Ronnarong 50p). on the otherPhet station and lychee.red curry with such for map Chatuchak Soi 26, anD number dinner Tue–Sun; side from Reservations lobster Th Sukhumvit; recommended (Th Kamphaeng loCaTions 8am–6pm;

From ep ics to natu and monume re and city bu nts zz

06

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Gothic church Pa aew oldest in Tallinn, is the It’s a bare dating from 1684. Inside stall with bones open-air there are exquisite trays of woodcarvings curry but if we’re dishes on show, and painted talking panels, is our favourite taste, Pa including an altarpiece Aew placedating historical 1483 to eatto in the and a 17th-century stool for centre. PullBaroque up a pulpit. The church rich, seafood-heavy dishes regularplastic hosts classical

such as The tower musical concerts pat chah of St Olaf’sblah (freshwater (eelk.ee; Church look chin Püha Vaimu soars above the townfried Kirik; closed dumplings with fresh fish Sun walls for worship;

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 THB 195 9

Chote Chitr is in one low-rise of Bangkok’s neighbourhoods

Dance development Macabre. Other choTe from its earliest years chiTr artefacts This third-generation include altarpieces, and heMlocK tombstones out, with plenty are well laid restaurantand a chamber overflowing Taking shophouse full advantage in English. The of information six tables with off Th Tanao cosy shophouse silverware. top floor presents of its The landmark. is a Bangkok with just an insightful Banglamphu, location are rate and organ acoustics portrait of life food The first in kitchen Soviet rule under inconsistent this perennial favourite are held can (linnamuuseum.ee; most weekendsrecitals consistently and the servicebe Vene 17; closed flavour doesn’t skimp (nigulistemuuseum.ee; or on Tue; £2.80). grumpy, they’re eclectic presentation. but when Niguliste Whatever 3; closed Mon mee on, dishes The menu reads such as the time ancient & Tue;grorp like an £3). market literary of day, you recipe of (a former royal the or top restaurant work reviving dishes can feast crispy fried palace from aristocratic influences with a sweet old at a street across noodles in Bangkok. the kitchens stall, and sour Chinese from Thailand’s and yam flavourful country. Try the flavour) geography, The local cuisine open-air and Muslim tooa ploo salad) are gets its (winged tea leaves mee-ang kam the royal minorities. in a class bean Holy spiriT – wild kitchens wrapped (146 Th of their ginger, CHurCH and the Phraeng around shallots, The luminous 11am–10pm; Phuton;Foldown and shredded peanuts, blue-and-gold 1 on the façade mains from clock coconut lime Phra Athit; of this striking 70p).

14th-century 4pm-12am; (56 Th

Churches

Town walls More than a mile city wall remains, of the original showcasing medieval fortifications and 26 defensive towers.

The Patkul lookout offers fairytale views, while at Suur-Kloostri the best-preserved you’ll see section of the Lower Town walls. Take Tallinn Old the Town an audioguide Walking Tour, download or you can pick up from tourist office the (audioguide.ee; £3).

Cover_

museums

KieK in De One of Tallinn’s KöK cannon towers, most formidable its name is Low German for kitchen’ – from ‘Peep into the the upper floors medieval voyeurs into the houses could peer around 1475, below. Built the tower barely survived the 16th-century Livonian War, and today houses a museum tracing the city’s military history ee; Komandandi(linnamuuseum.

2; closed Mon; £3.90).

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Experience PERF city the best of the T like a local PARI EC

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MINI GUIDES TO

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INES Lush res nature orts for lovers

over Tallinn,

Rio’s humid, southern-hemisphere summer lasts December to March from and sees spectacular Eve celebrations New Year’s and the of summer, September February Carnival. Outside and October (spring) with low humidity and warm temperatures. are best,

HOW TO GO

Emirates, KLM, and Lufthansa fly from Singapore and from Kuala Kumpur to Rio via Dubai, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt respectively.

Real Auto Bus runs the nine miles from Aeroporto Galeão to the city and Ipanema (US$4). A radio taxi booked and pre-paid at the airport will cost US$49 to Ipanema.

LEFT Sugarloaf

BEST FOR BEACHES 1 Ipanema gained international fame in the early 1960s with the bossa nova song The Ipanema. It became Girl from the of artists, intellectuals hangout and wealthy liberals, who the sidewalk cafés. gathered at You’ll find the same mix of wealthy Cariocas, young and old, at the fine beach.

l St Petersburg

from £1.40).

upscale restaurants

blah Dome Church was Tai; lunch church 27 Th Sathon of St Olaf’sfried with fresh herbs). It’s Hotel, Market is out of the CHurCH Or Tor Kor The tower by Estonia’s oldest or earlier Soi the town walls near the corner with sT CaTHerine’s Mon–Fri, dinner daily; set lunch way but offers great variety 1233 located soars above on £40). founded in along the dotted lines

Town Hall Town’s the Old Rising over this is the only main square, town hall in surviving Gothic Built between northern Europe.it was the seat 1371 and 1404, medieval the of power in Old Thomas, Lower Town. guardsman, Tallinn’s symbolic watch from has been keeping Town Hall since his perch atop find similar 1530. You can the tower views by climbing Raekoja (tallinn.ee/raekoda; Sun, Aug closed only plats; Jul & appointment entrance by £3.40). between Sep–Jun;

Tear out page here then fold

Town walls the original a mile of More than showcasing city wall remains, and 26 medieval fortifications The Patkul defensive towers. fairytale views, lookout offers you’ll see while at Suur-Kloostri section of the the best-preserved walls. Take the Lower Town Walking Tour, Town Tallinn Old you can the an audioguide pick up from download or (audioguide.ee; tourist office £3).

heMlocK Taking full advantage of its cosy shophouse location in Banglamphu, this perennial favourite doesn’t skimp on flavour or presentation. The eclectic menu reads like an old ancient literary work reviving dishes from aristocratic kitchens across the country. Try the flavourful mee-ang kam – wild tea leaves wrapped around ginger, shallots, peanuts, lime Th and shredded coconut (56 Phra Athit; 4pm-12am; mains

l Tuscany l Tallinn l New

market or the royal kitchens and the influences from Thailand’s geography, CHurCH Chinese and Muslim minorities.

Holy spiriT clock blue-and-gold The luminous of this striking the is on the façade Gothic church 14th-century dating from NahM oldest in Tallinn, are exquisite there Australian chef-author David Pa aew 1684. Inside quite curry and painted Thompson is behind what is It’s a bare bones open-air woodcarvings altarpiece on show, possibly the best Thai restaurant including an stall with trays of dishes panels, Pa Aew and a 17th-century in Bangkok. Inspired by ancient but if we’re talking taste, hosts dating toin 1483 the Thompson has cookbooks, is our favourite place to eat pulpit. The church Church was Baroque Lutheran Dome revived 1561 such as smoked musical concerts untildishes historical centre. Pull up a plastic closed regular classical originally Catholic fish curry with prawns, chicken stool for rich, seafood-heavy Püha Vaimu Kirik; (eelk.ee; look chin livers, cockles and black pepper 90p). dishes such as pat chah for worship; dumplings (comohotels.com; Metropolitan CHurCH (freshwater fish Sun

Historic buildings

MINI GUIDES TO KEEP

hidden in a nondescript alleyway,

it serves some of the city’s CHurCH and sT niCHolas’richest kow mok gai (chicken

palace portrait (nigulistemuuseum.ee; £3). (a former royal Tue;grorp &mee an insightful loyal to the 3; closed Mon recipe of crispy fried noodles (linnamuuseum.ee; Tallinn remains most beguiling Soviet rule building boom, Tue; £2.80).

Europe’s with a sweet and sour flavour) and Vene 17; closed Despite a recent of its Old Town, one of bean looming spires and yam tooa ploo (winged own cobbled streets, fairytale charms salad) are in a class of their complete with Fold 1 can feast at a street stall, open-air walled cities, (146 Th Phraeng Phuton; Whatever the time of day, you local cuisine gets its 11am–10pm; mains from 70p). brooding battlements. top restaurant in Bangkok. The

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

01

1747/12/2012(022909) MCI (P) 004/04/2013, PPS

rebuilt Church was Naaz (pronounced Nat), theincity.

1944 St Nicholas’ bombings is a tiny Thai-Muslim place after Soviet

Various museum biryani).

Gothic church and This 13th-century include Art chicken masala 45, CiTy museum is split Estonian korma (24/9 Soi Museum mutton houses the of medieval branch Tallinn’s City collection Krung; closed Sun; Th Charoen and its main Museum’s famous with over 10 sites Plastic chairs don’t equate art. Its most mains from 80p). religious Notke’s 15thlow-quality eating in Bangkok is set in a 14th-century retains work is Berndt house that DancechiTr merchant’s choTeinclude medieval features, century masterpiece shophouse artefacts some typically portal. third-generation Macabre. Other This and a a lancet-arched just tombstones restaurant off Th Tanao with altarpieces, withis a Bangkok food six tables chamber overflowing be are first landmark. The kitchen can laid the city’s development The acoustics and are well silverware. are held and the service inconsistent recitals earliest years of information rate and organ consistently grumpy, but when out, with plenty top floor presents most weekendsthey’re on, dishes such as the Niguliste in English. The of life under

Jan/Feb 2014

Medieval Tallinn

Cover_EL.indd 1

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0 1 7

Shophouse restaurants

6

WHy GO?

Rio de Janeiro stretches between white sandy beaches and mountains, with colonial neighbourhoods,

modernist architectural and the addictive styles sound of samba tying it all together. Rainforest still covers swathes of the city.

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LP Cover-2.indd 1

lines

LEFT The Golden Gate Bridge.

RIGHT Oysters thrive in muddy Bay

Eat & drink

lines

from direct to San Singapore Airlines flies From Kuala Francisco from Singapore.

Emirates, Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines, with one and KLM fly to San Francisco the BART stopover. From the airport, city centre train shuttle runs to the costs US$30.

(US$15; bart.gov). A taxi Fold 1

along the dotted

HOW TO GO

dotted

San Francisco’s weather With its foggy micro-climate, May bring cherry blossoms can be variable. April and are September and October and the mid-May Carnival. the year, while July and the warmest months of fog.

August are known for rolling

spires.

Eat & drink

along the

dreaming Left: Oxford’s Right: a gargoyle

San Francisco narrow alleyways,6 Hidden down Turf Tavern the tiny medieval best-loved city’s is one of the Fold 1 and chips, includes fish pubs. Food the like (01865 7 Bath lasagne and The Francis Ford Coppola drafted6 theturftavern.co.uk; daily; 243235; 1 Godfather at Caffe Trieste Hollywell Street; BEST FOR VIEWS Place, off right: was and local Poet Laureate Lawrence 7 Film buffs say Hitchcock US$4.60-US$12). for rustic Italian dishesPoint, thein tiny Edamamé Head to Branca Ferlinghetti still drops in. Sonnets seen from below at Fort Grab a spot modern surroundings bathroom walls, home-style cooking in Gate Bridge decorate the 1,280-metre Golden for divine Japanese stir-fried on the jukebox and opera playsItalian beside vertigo. Also, try the Mains include induces 9 , a slick cooking.

Botanic Garden curry, Vista Marin’sand are accordion sessions on Wander the pork cutlet north-end lookout at scene at Branca there district. The noodles is sushi of fog Jericho the river Cherwell Sundays (00 1 415 392 6739; Point and watch gusts in the artsy Thursday evening stone-baked 601 Vallejo St; while cables like 246916; edamame. bridge Sip your coffee as the accordion caffetrieste.com; is rustic, from billow through 4 (01865 Street; food night (01865 plays at Caffe Trieste of Modern 15 Hollywell lunch and dinner; coffee £2).

BROWSING to hearty meats Francisco Museumpizzas dry ice (goldengatebridge.org; 7 BEST FOR butchers, freeserve.co.uk; San– Fri-Sat; rival Mexican La Taquería serves traditional Art New York's West Coast southbound car toll £4). Wed-Sun, dinner 556111; branca-restaurants.com; A haven of and dinner; dinner lunch burritos: perfectly grilled St; lunch cobblers and fantastic US$8-US$14, Dine on scallops, organic 111 Walton fishmongers, 2 mains lunch Covered meats, flavourful beans and Oxford BEST FOR HISTORY dishes US$4.60-US$12). melon and Tsar Nicoulai caviar ART 4 mains US$11-US$24). barbers, the 8 , on for BEST FOR conservatory, to go1963, of AlcatrazMai Kitchen salsa inside a flour tortilla, Traci classic place Until the islandsharing in a Victorian SetModern Museum of where at Jardinière 9 , where Chef Market is the San Francisco Chiang traditional prison, restaurant off High optional homemade spicy a topwith maximum-security chocolates, was a and Des Jardins is a multiple winner (at Gee’s 10 is include and crème alleyway leading handmade Art has arguably the world’s a tiny dishes bosses vegetables crime brogues pickled holding famous collection,European a timber-framed of the James Beard Foundation pies, expensive leading photography deer and 285 7117; 2889 Street, is in 1630s. The modern fraîche (00 1 415 and sage-wrapped Diane freshly hung from the such as Al Capone. Ferries leave Ansel Adams, Award. All ingredients are local, beef pancetta works by Christmas) Thai building dating with St; lunch and dinner; 1 MissionFarm elaborate and Rofford from Pier 33. The fare includes servesArbus, and sustainable and seasonal (00 Edward Westonmonkfish, (01865 wild boar (oxford-covered-market. £2.50). (day only) 300 burritos from 9am-5.30pm). entrance to the park restaurant 61 (00 1 415 8 creamed potatoes 415 861 5555; jardiniere.com; Lange (01865 202233; with357 Dorothea130a co.uk; Mon-Sat High cuisine prison £12).

At Hog Island Oyster Bar and an5audio tour of the gees-restaurant.co.uk; 3rd Street; 151553540; Grove St; dinner; mains from 4000; sfmoma.org; and dinner; mains Bay oysters are chiangmaikitchen.co.uk; lunchTomales cells. Book ahead (alcatrazcruises.

GARDENS Road; local and Sun evening; Mon, TueBanbury Don't expect to be given a oldest BEST FOR Street; closed 11am-5.45pm with superb condiments is the Yun servedthreeday/night £16/£20). £11). com; Garden menu at reservation-only Jai 11am-8.45pm Thurs; mains US$21-US$35, The Botanic US$38). of bubbly. Oysters cost US$10-US$22). Fri-Sun, in 1621, with and a glass menu glass, dark 10 . Instead, indulge in 12- to 3 the 5 course dinner 65p on Monday and Thursday in Britain, founded in glasshouses FOR WHALES Floor-to-ceiling and lighting set BEST 16-course Shanghai-style feasts BEST FOR PARKS and moody walled gardens Cherwell. From season woods 981 happy hours, from 5pm to 7pm December to May is peak the mirrored interior (00 1 415 Everything that San Franciscans along the river through The Oceanic 680 (00 1 415 391 7117; hogisland south whale-watching.

LOcATIONS a strollfor be found at Golden 7438; menuscan.com/jaiyun; hold dear can there, take AND NumBER whale-watching oysters.com; 1 Ferry Bldg; lunch Meadow leads(01865 Society FOR mAP Church thinkers, free Clay St; lunch and dinner Fri-Wed; Sat and leafy Christ TuRN OvER Gate Park: free £28). and dinner Mon-Fri, 107lunch and expeditions from Yacht Harbor. multicourse banquets from music, redwoods, Frisbees 286690; botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk; 2013 Sun; oyster samplers from £10). depart from Fort Mason US$4.60). is daily;Trips MAY/JUNE fine art. Park information High Street; (00 1 and last about six hours available at McLaren Lodge numBER LOcATIOnS (oceanicsociety.org; Fort Mason TuRn OVER FOR mAP And 415 831 2700; golden-gate-park.

Quarters 35; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; com; Stanyan St; Mon-Fri; free). tours from £55).

109 2013

See

2

ART 3 BEST FOR of the Oxford is one Modern Art art museums best contemporary The rotating outside London. not be further could stone exhibitions the ancient is removed from and the café buildings outside, 722733; modern popular (01865 30 Pembroke artoxford.org.uk; hours; free). for Street; check

here then fold

WHEn TO GO

(1½ hours; oxfordbus.co.uk, oxfordtube.com).

USA

1

HE WORLD E & EXPERIENCE T DISCOVER, EXPLOR

EXPLORERS BEST FOR Gothic A glorious Victorian two attractions building houses University Museum – the Oxford (oum.ox.ac.uk) of Natural History Museum (prm.

Rivers and the Pitt explorer’s treasure ox.ac.uk), an from totem trove with everything heads (Parks poles to shrunken free).

Road; daily;

the dotted lines

A PUBLICATION OF

services from direct train Oxford has (one London Paddington Birmingham hour; US$34), Services and Hereford. and Bristol from Bath Bus require a change. to London

San Francisco,

See HISTORY BEST FOR colleges, of Oxford’s own The grandest also has its Christ Church modest collection a cathedral and art. The college of Renaissance British prime 13 has produced it was founded by ministers since in 1525 (chch.

Cardinal Wolsey Aldate’s; Mon-Sat ox.ac.uk; St from 2pm; US$9).

9am-5pm, Sun

GUIDES TO KEEP

MINI San Francisco l Oxford l Prague l l Lake District l Mumbai

HOW TO GO

run 2013 May/Jun services mInI GuIdE US$24 return;

England

03

1747/12/2012(022909) MCI (P) 004/04/2013, PPS

GO? aren’t paved with gold, Even if San Francisco’s streets and although GO rainbow-coloured murals they are splashed with are year-round, attractions are ruled by trash-talking In July and the skies over North Beach Most of Oxford’s better in summer. tour groups. rooflines zigzag up and the river is way for parrots. Whimsical Victorian punting on are students make while year-round parades down the city’s 43 hills, August university to throw on a boa. all the excuse you need

WHEN TO

May/Jun 2013

Oxford,

LP Cover JAPAN.indd 1

then fold

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0 1 7

5

and museums golden stone one of built from make Oxford Ancient colleges collections an impressive with encyclopaedictreasure houses, with its size. for a city of Britain’s historical and cafés restaurants WHY variety of

WHY GO?

mINI GuIDE

along the dotted lines

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IN JAPAN  WORLD’S GREATEST

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linn l

New Yor

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10/28/13 10:38 AM

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 RP 75.000 THB 195 MCI (P)

ngkok

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3 11:39 AM

DIS C OV ER , E XP LO RE & E XP ERIE NCE THE WOR LD Sponsored by:

90 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

STAGE PERFORMANCE (HALL 1M) PROGRAMME (FRIDAY) 14 MARCH 2014 10.00 - 12.00 NOON

OPENING CEREMONY (BY INVITATION) - SARAWAK CULTURE DANCE - INDONESIAN CULTURAL PERFORMANCE - ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

12.00 - 12.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

12.05 - 12.25 PM

INDONESIAN CULTURAL PERFORMANCE

12.30 - 1.00 PM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

1.00 - 1.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

4.00 - 4.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

2.00 - 2.05PM

HOURLY DRAW

5.00 - 5.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

2.05 - 2.45PM

HYPER DRIVE LIVE BAND BY PHILIPPINES TOURISM

5.05 - 5.25 PM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

3.00 - 3.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

6.00 - 6:05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

3.05 - 3.25 PM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

7.00 - 7.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

3.30 - 3.50 PM

INDONESIAN CULTURAL PERFORMANCE

(SATURDAY) 15 MARCH 2014 11.00 - 11.05 AM

HOURLY DRAW

2.00 - 2.05PM

HOURLY DRAW

5.00 - 5.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

12.00 - 12.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

2.05 - 2.45PM

5.30 - 5.50 PM

12.30 - 1.00 PM

LEISURE TRAVEL

HYPER DRIVE LIVE BAND BY PHILIPPINES TOURISM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

1.00 - 1.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

3.00 - 3.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

6.00 - 6:05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

1.05 - 1.30 PM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

3.05 - 3.25 PM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

7.00 - 7.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

3.30 - 3.50 PM

TSUGARU-SHAMISEN BY JNTO

4.00 - 4.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

2.05 - 2.45PM

HYPER DRIVE LIVE BAND BY PHILIPPINES TOURISM

3.00 - 3.05 PM

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3.05 - 3.25 PM

1.30 - 1.50 PM

TSUGARU-SHAMISEN BY JNTO

(SUNDAY) 16 MARCH 2014 11.00 - 11.05 AM

HOURLY DRAW

12.00 - 12.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

1.00 - 1.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

1.05 - 1.30 PM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

5.00 - 5.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

5.05 - 5.25 PM

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

ATAYAL RESORT CULTURAL TEAM BY TAIWAN

5.30 - 5.50 PM

RYUJIN MABUYER & RYUJIN JUWARA SHOW BY OKINAWA

3.30 - 3.50 PM

RYUJIN MABUYER & RYUJIN JUWARA SHOW BY OKINAWA

6.00 - 6:05 PM

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7.00 - 7.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

1.30 - 1.50 PM

TSUGARU-SHAMISEN BY JNTO

4.00 - 4.05 PM

HOURLY DRAW

2.00 - 2.05PM

HOURLY DRAW

4.30 - 4.50 PM

TSUGARU-SHAMISEN BY JNTO

MATTA FAIR MARCH 2014 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Organizing Committee is grateful to the following organisations for their contributions

Standing: Boris Chang (OC), Goh Hock Gin (OC), Adi Din Hussain (OC), Seated: Cora Siah (OC), Judy Cheah (MATTA Fair MARCH 2014 Chairman), Vimala Devi Sinnadurai (OC) * OC : Organizing Committee

MATTA SECRETARIAT 2014

...and to those who assisted us in one way or another in making the event a success. We apologise to those whose names do not appear above due to unforseen circumstances.

91 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 14-16 MARCH 2014

92 • THE TRAVEL TIMES • 16-18 MARCH 2014

COUPON PROMOTIONS Relive past grandeur in present monuments

10

PeRFecT PARIS

A view at dusk and over Tallinn, the capital largest city of Estonia

A PUBLICATION OF

2014 mini GuiDe Jan/Feb

Medieval Tallinn

dotted lines then fold along the Tear out page here

HALL 1, BOOTH 1418

Taiwan Tour Package in MATTA Travel Fair, while stocks last!

• T&C apply

£3).

Town Hall Town’s Rising over the Old the only main square, this is hall in surviving Gothic town between northern Europe. Built the seat 1371 and 1404, it was of power in the medieval Lower Town. Old Thomas, Tallinn’s symbolic guardsman, from has been keeping watch since Hall his perch atop Town similar 1530. You can find the tower views by climbing Raekoja (tallinn.ee/raekoda; Sun, plats; Jul & Aug closed only entrance by appointment £3.40). between Sep–Jun;

SGD 7.50 RM 15 NT 270 Rp 75.000 THB 195 9 7 7 2 0 1 0 0 8 2 0 1 7

Shophouse restaurants Naaz Shophouse restaurants are the most common type you’ll find in

was rebuilt St Nicholas’ Church the city. Naaz (pronounced Nat), in 1944 after Soviet bombings is a tiny Thai-Muslim place

hidden in a nondescript alleyway,

and it serves some of the city’s CHurCH sT niCHolas’ museum richest kow mok gai (chicken

biryani).

Various daily specials Gothic church CiTy museum This 13th-century include is split Art chicken masala and Tallinn’s City Museum houses the Estonian mutton korma (24/9 Soi 45, main branch of medieval over 10 sites and its Museum’s collection Th Charoen chairs don’t equate with Its most famousKrung; closed Sun; art. is set in a 14th-century Plastic religious mains from low-quality eating in Bangkok retains 15th-80p). merchant’s house that work is Berndt Notke’s features, Dance some typically medieval choTe chiTr century masterpiece portal. include This third-generation shophouse Macabre. Other artefacts a and restaurant off Th Tanao with just The altarpieces, tombstones from its withis a Bangkok food six tables the city’s development chamber overflowing well laid landmark. are The first kitchen can be earliest years and are silverware. The acoustics are held inconsistent and the service out, with plenty of information rate and organ recitals presents consistently grumpy, but when in English. The top floor most weekends of life under they’re on, dishes such as the Niguliste an insightful portrait (nigulistemuuseum.ee; mee £3). (a former royal palace Tue;grorp Soviet rule (linnamuuseum.ee; 3; closed Mon &recipe of crispy fried noodles £2.80).

Vene 17; closed Tue; with a sweet and sour flavour)

a lancet-arched including MiNi Guide Jan/Feb 2014 chart engrossing displays

Eating in Bangkok

loyal to the boom, Tallinn remains Despite a recent building Europe’s most beguiling its Old Town, one of fairytale charms of looming spires and with cobbled streets, walled cities, complete

Town walls the original More than a mile of city wall remains, showcasing and 26 medieval fortifications Patkul defensive towers. The views, lookout offers fairytale you’ll see while at Suur-Kloostri section of the best-preserved Take the the Lower Town walls.

Tour, Tallinn Old Town Walking can an audioguide you from the download or pick up tourist office (audioguide.ee;

6

museums KieK in De KöK formidable One of Tallinn’s most name is cannon towers, its into the Low German for ‘Peep upper floors kitchen’ – from the peer medieval voyeurs could Built into the houses below. barely around 1475, the tower survived the 16th-century houses Livonian War, and today the city’s a museum tracing military history (linnamuuseum. closed Mon; ee; Komandandi 2; £3.90).

Chote Chitr is in one of Bangkok’s low-rise neighbourhoods

heMlocK Taking full advantage of its cosy shophouse location in Banglamphu, this perennial favourite doesn’t skimp on flavour or presentation. The eclectic menu reads like an ancient literary work reviving old dishes from aristocratic kitchens across the country. Try the flavourful mee-ang kam – wild tea leaves wrapped around ginger, shallots, peanuts, lime and shredded coconut (56 Th Phra Athit; 4pm-12am; mains from £1.40).

mINI GuIDeS TO KeeP

01

MCI (P) 004/04/2013, PPS 1747/12/2012(022909)

l Tuscany l Tallinn l New York l Bangkok l miami l St Petersburg

and yam tooa ploo (winged bean

salad) are in a class of their own Whatever the time of day, you can feast at a street stall, open-air (146 Th Phraeng Phuton;Fold 1 market or top restaurant in Bangkok. The local cuisine gets its 11am–10pm; mains from 70p). influences from Thailand’s geography, the royal kitchens and the Chinese and Muslim minorities.

Holy spiriT CHurCH clock The luminous blue-and-gold striking on the façade of this church is the 14th-century Gothic from oldest in Tallinn, dating exquisite Pa aew NahM 1684. Inside there are It’s a bare bones open-air curry Australian chef-author David painted woodcarvings and stall with trays of dishes on show, Thompson is behind what is quite including an altarpiece panels, but if we’re talking taste, Pa Aew and a 17th-century possibly the best Thai restaurant to 1483 dating is our favourite place to eat in the The church hosts in Bangkok. Inspired by ancient pulpit. historical centre. PullBaroque up a plastic cookbooks, Thompson has concerts Church was Lutheran Dome regular classical musical closed stool for rich, seafood-heavy revived 1561 such as smoked untildishes originally Catholic Püha Vaimu Kirik; (eelk.ee; dishes such as pat chah look chin fish curry with prawns, chicken for worship; 90p). blah (freshwater fish Sun dumplings livers, cockles and black pepper Church The tower of St Olaf’sfried with fresh herbs). It’s (comohotels.com; Metropolitan Dome CHurCH walls CHurCH Or Tor Kor Market is out of the soars above the town was Tai; lunch church located near the corner with Soi Hotel, 27 Th Sathon sT CaTHerine’s oldest way but offers great varietyEstonia’s or earlier Pratu Nokyung (Th Maha Rat; Mon–Fri, dinnerby daily; set lunch & CloisTer founded in 1233 was onfrom £40). stands 9am–3pm; mains from 50p). from £25,It set dinner Toompea CasTle ruined St Catherine’s The Danish conquerors.

Estonia’s monastery fine views Toompea Castle is part of a Dominican Toompea hill, with its and the monks The Jay So or Tor Kor MarKeT Bo.laN traditional seat of power founded by Scandinavian mob the town and harbour. over Pikk a byhighest-quality This crumbling shack is living later torched Bangkok’s fruit Bo.lan was from started up by Bo and the mainly state flag flies from in 1246, exterior dates the where authentic of that, proof Thai and agricultural Dylan, two Partiallymarket brings 1524. tower chefs at the Hermann, the finest with theformer of Lutherans insights 15th century, which ambience is food is concerned, such as toddler-sized London branch of Nahm, which in 1954, the complex The building was castle’s surviving towers, added in 1779. comes Fittingly, mangoes and pots full of curries. gained a Michelin star before it 18th to taste.restored In the second carved with for the rich and dates from 1371. Jay burial ground So has no menu astoday such, strewn Most goods are takeaway aonly, closed. The chefs take a scholarly underwent with and includes the century, the building decorated walls are but serves ballistically tombstones spicy but a small food court andthe a few approach to Thai cuisine, at the barren an extreme makeover arms ofinEstonia’s gloomy shell of the restaurants exist. the som-dam Head resulting full-flavoured dishes coats of empress(green papaya salad),and a informal cloister peaceful hands of Russiansublime herb-stuffed grilled to Rot Det for stir-fries andnoble families such(toomkirik.ee; as Korat-style beef curry. church converting open free).

16;and Mon;(bolan.co.th; Catherine the Great, 6; closed catfish and other Isan (kloostri.ee; Vene curries, Sat Jai Kai Yaang, just Book in advance 42 Toom-Kooli £1.70). (northeastern) specialities.

Look south of the market, which does Soi Phichai Ronnarong it into the pink, Baroque-style mid-May–Aug; for Estonia’s the shack decorated with spicy northeastern food. Take the Songkhram, Soi 26, Th Sukhumvit; palace that is now can’t go PepsiYou logos about halfway down MRT to Kamphaeng Phet station dinner Tue–Sun; à la carte dishes parliament building. the around Soi Phipat in Thanon Silom district and exit on the anD other number side from loCaTions from £8; set menu £45). inside, but a wander for map photo2; 11am–4pm; decent Turn over (146/1 Soi Phipat Chatuchak (Th Kamphaeng Phet; grounds provides mains from 50p).

8am–6pm; mains from 70p).

109 opportunities (riigikogu.ee).

Churches

Street food

upscale restaurants

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Fold 1

Bo.lan takes inspiration from the Slow Food movement

Sra Bua Helmed by a Thai and a Dane, Sra Bua takes a correspondingly international approach to Thai food. Putting Thai ingredients and dishes through the wringer of molecular gastronomy, the chefs have created dishes such as frozen red curry with lobster and lychee. Reservations are recommended (kempinski.com; Siam Kempinski Hotel, 991/9 Th Rama I; lunch and dinner; lunch mains from £17, set meals from £45).

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

113

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