Sports+Travel Singapore | Issue 90

FR EE MCI (P) 020/05/2019

90 ISSUE

Dec-Jan 2 0 2 0

Culture Future

PHILIPPINES, JAPAN, BRAZIL VIETNAM MORE

CONTENTS DECEMBER - JANUARY ISSUE

39 Scaling Walls with Parkour ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF URBAN SPACES TODAY!

Photo: Aisha Preece

20

DECEMBER - JANUARY ISSUE

— FEATURES 14 The Great Glamping Experience Wake up to sounds of the natural rainforest and fresh crisp air.

20 Motorbiking through Vietnam The Essential Guide to a roaring experience 23 When East meets West A slice of Japan in the heart of Sao Paulo 24 Kalinga Tribe Discover the way of life of Philippines’ head-strong community 34 Tribes of the World Meet some of the world’s oldest tribes

Photo: Sandat Glamping

36 Humility from Wild Tribes Exploring wild landscapes and resilient tribes

08 — REGULARS 08 Hotels 10 Events 12 Gear Guide 16 Short Breaks 19 Travel News 27 Travel Tips 44 Distribution

Photo: Beckie Liu

46 Snapshot

38 — SPORTS+ 38 Q&A: Beckie Liu 39 Parkour 40 Paragliding 42 Mountain Biking

28 THE AINU PEOPLE The indigenous people of Japan’s Northern Prefecture

EDITOR’S NOTE

CULTURE OUTBURST

A

Photo: Nuno Gouveia Sousa

s 2019 comes to a close, we are ending off with a cultural trip around the globe - a compilation of some of the most fascinating cultural experiences at some of our favourite destinations. From the depths of Ubud to the dense forests of the Philippines, we bring to you stories to keep in mind when planning your next destination!

Before embarking on your journey, learn about some of the world’s oldest tribes who have maintained their traditions and way of life despite ongoing globalisation. Then, jet off to Lake Toba in Indonesia. The home of 7 valleys offers more than picturesque sights and breathtaking sunrises. Steeped in culture, history and traditions, a weekend at the lake offers you the chance to get acquainted with Indonesia like you have never experienced.

Sail across the seas to Hokkaido, every outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Beyond

the snowy perfection and promise of adventure, it is home to the enigmatic community of Japan’s indigenous population, The Ainu People. Learn about their lifestyles and how they coexist harmoniously with nature.

Find a slice of Japan in Brazil as you learn about the tight knit community of Japanese immigrants that call Brazil home.

With their own traditions, celebrations and cuisine, you are bound to be mesmerised.

When it comes to cultural explosion, there is no continent like Africa. In this issue, we bring you on a journey to Namibia to meet the native tribes and learn about what makes them truly unique.

Moving closer to home, get off the beaten path on your next trip to Vietnam and bike across the country on rocky roads. Vietnam welcomes you with open arms and a promise of adventure even in its smallest nooks and crannies. Elsewhere in Asia, get to know the Kalinga Tribe of the Philippines whose head-strong community and distinctive body art sets them apart.

Lastly, incorporate new and thrilling sports into your travels with Sports+ as we bring to you Parkour, Paragliding and Mountain Biking!

With that, we hope that you will have an exhilarating end to 2019 and a good start to your travels of 2020. We will be back with more stories to keep you inspired and until then, stay bold and adventurous!

Low Mei Fang Editor editor@sportsandtravelonline.com

VISIT US:

FR EE

www.sportsandtravel.com.sg FACEBOOK Sports+Travel Singapore

MCI (P) 020/05/2019

Cover: Apo Whang-Od of Kalinga Tribe, Philippines.

Photography by Bryan Giva.

90 ISSUE

Dec-Jan 2 0 2 0

Culture Future

PHILIPPINES, JAPAN, BRAZIL VIETNAM MORE

YOUTUBE Sports+Travel Singapore INSTAGRAM

@sportsandtravelsg

OUR TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Low Mei Fang CREATIVE DIRECTOR Orland Punzalan MEDIA MANAGER Eish Sandhu DIGITAL MEDIA & OPERATIONS MANAGER Adrian Rosario WRITING & DIGITAL Hannah Grey Julia Lachica Kajol Nar Singh Dave Poh

PUBLISHER NATIVIS PTE LTD 20 Maxwell Road #08-01Q Maxwell House, Singapore 069113 Tel +65 6909 5290 / +65 6429 0729 www.sportsandtravel.com.sg enquiry@sportsandtravelonline.com

ADVERTISING SALES GENERAL SALES ENQUIRY sales@sportsandtravelonline.com Hylda Low Joshua Ng Surbhi Tiwari

CONTRIBUTORS Jorge Gamboa Bryan Giva Beckie Liu Aisha Preece Caillin Rosario Nuno Sousa

SPECIAL THANKS Hokkaido Tourism Organisation Visit Maldives Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia Vasque Singapore Canoe Federation ...and many, many others!

DISCLAIMER Sports+Travel Singapore is a bi-monthly publication of Nativis Pte Ltd (Singapore) and distributed throughout Singapore. Articles published are in good faith and based on bona fide information to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law, nor for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of The Publisher.

Neither can any part be stored or recorded, by any means. Opinions expressed in The Publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

This publication and the name are owned solely by Nativis Pte Ltd, (enquiry@ sportsandtravelonline.com). Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos and depictions contained herein are the properties of their respective trademark and copyright owners.

Colour separation and printing by Times Printers Pte Ltd MCI (P) L007/08/2019

The Talus All-Terrain is loaded with features for on-the-move comfort wherever your travels might take you. Abrasion-resistant mesh panels create flexibility and breathability for miles of modern comfort and durability.

The upper’s nubuck leather is reinforced with a Vasque UltraDry™ membrane for a full waterproof seal to keep feet dry year-round. The Talus AT is anchored with a Vibram® Nuasi outsole that ensures solid footing across varying terrain with aggressive traction and toe protection, so that you can hike with confidence.

Hotels

Into the Wild Bask in the dreamlike beauty of nature with these hotels from across the globe.

Photo: Sanctuary Retreats

Kajol Nar Singh

t Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle THAILAND

Blending seamlessly into the bush of the Madikwe Game Reserve, the 8-suite luxury lodge was designed to have minimal impact on the environment. It boasts personalised services, an exquisite cuisine and glass-walled bedrooms for the truly indulgent holiday goer. The crowning moment of the stay goes to viewing Africa’s ‘Big 5’ from the comfort of private viewing decks. › www.sanctuaryretreats.com/luxurysafari-south-africa-makanyane

Situated on the border between Myanmar and Laos, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand is located on a vast landscape of snaking rivers and stellar hilltops. Each luxurious tent boasts rustic designs inspired by nature.

Walk alongside herds of elephants through bamboo jungles or hiking one of many mountain trails. For a unique experience, sail down the Ruak River to see Thailand on one bank and Myanmar on the other. › www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle/

Photo: Four Seasons

p Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge SOUTH AFRICA

The enchanting Keemala is nestled under a dense rainforest canopy, located in Phuket, Thailand on a private spot. Its 38 rustic villas encompass unique styles and opulent touches. Utilizing natural materials, villas are decorated to reflect the beauty of the surrounding rainforests. Soak in the sights and sounds of nature where water buffaloes roam free to the sound of twittering birds! › www.keemala.com

8

Photo: Keemala

Keemala u THAILAND

t Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort FINLAND Past Finland’s capital, Helsinki, Kakslauttanen is surrounded by Finland’s untouched wilderness. Set against the backdrop of glittering snow hanging off coniferous trees, the eye-catching Glass Igloos allow you to watch the Northern Lights dance across the night sky between August and April. From husky hiking to icefishing, Kakslauttanen is the perfect place to disengage from the stresses of everyday life. › www.kakslauttanen.fi

Disconnect from the hubbub of a fastpaced society at this spectacular retreat.

The tech-free environment is designed with transparent private sheds with basic amenities and a private balcony where you can relax to the harmonious sounds of nature. Marvel at the moss-covered trees while exploring jungle treks and chase waterfalls before plunging into natural pools for a day of absolute bliss. › www.sekeping.com/serendah/

pTempler Park Rainforest Retreat MALAYSIA

Photo: Oyado Tamaki

Perched on the hilltop of Kanching Rainforest Reserve, The Retreat is a tranquil slice of paradise sprawled over an area of 3 acres. Set against the backdrop of gargantuan mountains, the luxurious home stay is equipped with spa-like facilities and kitchen amenities that maximise comfort. Spend your nights under the iridescent moonlight as nature whisks you into a state of complete relaxation. › www.tprr.net

Photo: Terne di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort, Tuscany

History, tradition and cultural heritage comes together at Oyado Tamaki. The Japanese-styled inn celebrates the traditional 24 seasons of ancient Japan through handcrafted floral displays and dolls for each season. Enjoy views of the Joshin’etsu mountain in the spacious wood-floored rooms as you soak away in the warm spring waters. › www.oyado-tamaki.com

Sekeping Serendah MALAYSIA

Photo: The Springs Resort & Spa, Coloroda

 Oyado Tamaki JAPAN

Away from the touristy centres of Seminyak and Kuta beach, rediscover the magic of Bali at Sandat Glamping Tents!

Nestled deep within Ubud, Glamping offers visitors the chance to live in harmony with nature and get acquainted with the enriching cultural activities that the Island of Gods are known for - from cooking classes to meditation, spend your days enriching your soul. › www.glampingsandat.com

Photo: Sandat Glamping

Sandat Glamping Tents u INDONESIA

9

FEATURE

MONGOLIA

EVENTS SINGAPORE

FEBRUARY 9

DECEMBER

METASPRINT Series Singapore 2020 Venue: Sentosa Beach Category: 750M, 5KM

15

Marina Run 2020 Venue: Gardens by the Bay Category: 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, 30KM

7

Santa Run for Wishes Venue: Singapore Sports Hub Category: 2.5KM, 5KM & 10KM

19

Singapore Canoe Marathon Venue: The Water Sports Centre at Singapore Sports Hub Category: 60 Categories

15

Relay For Life 2020 Venue: National Stadium @ Singapore Sports Hub Category: 100KM Challenge

29

Mizuno MR25 Ultramarathon 2019 Venue: MacRitchie Reservoir Category: Ultramarathon

22

Run For Light 2020 Venue: Punggol Waterway Park Category: 5KM, 10KM

23

Run For Hope 2020 Venue: Marina Barrage Category: 3.5KM, 10KM

JANUARY 11

NUS Bizad Charity Run 2020 Venue: Mochtar Riady Building - NUS Business School Category: 5KM, 10KM

REGIONAL DECEMBER 8

13 17

22

10

Angkor Wat International Half Marathon 2019 Venue: Angkor Wat Temple, Siem Reap, Country: Cambodia Category: 3KM, 5KM, 10KM & 21.1KM The North Face Malaysia Mountain Trial Festival 2019 Venue: Spritzer EcoPark, Taiping, Perak, West Malaysia Country: Malaysia Category: 10KM, 25KM, 55KM & 84KM 14th Muang Thai Chiangmai Marathon 2019 Venue: Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai Country: Thailand Category: 3KM, 10KM, 21.1KM, 42.195KM

JANUARY 12

Cebu City Marathon 2020 Venue: Cebu City Country: Philippines Category: 5KM, Half & Full Marathon

12

Mega Run 2020 Venue: Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur Country: Malaysia Category: 12KM

18 19

Tahura Trail Running Race 2020 Venue: Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Juanda, Bandung Country: Indonesia Category: 10KM, 17KM, 21KM & 42KM

19

Yoma Yangon International Marathon 2020 Venue: Thuwunnabhumi Event Park, Yangon Country: Myanmar Category: 3KM, 10.5KM, Half & Full Marathon

26

Khon Kaen International Marathon 2020 Venue: Golden Jubilee Convention Hall, Khon Kaen Country: Thailand Category: 5KM, 10KM, Half & Full Marathon

26

Osaka International Ladies Marathon Venue: Yanmar Nagai Stadium, Osaka Country: Japan Category: Full Marathon

Early Bird Special 15 November 2019 to 8 December 2019

0800 to 1830hrs Water Sports Centre, Singapore Sports Hub

$10 off standard prices Each group registration enjoys 2 complimentary entries

Organiser

19 January 2020 (Sunday)

Registration closes on 31 December 2019 Please visit scf.org.sg for more information

In Support of Sport Promotion

*Terms & conditions apply. **Groups include associations/clubs/national federations/organisations/schools.

d e g g Ru g n i l i Tra

GEAR GUIDE

OSPREY ATMOS AG 50 BACKPACK WITH RAINCOVER

The Atmos AG 50 is the best-fitting, most ventilated and comfortable pack ever made for backpacking trips. AntiGravity suspension makes it feel like you’re carrying less weight and it seamlessly wraps around your body; meaning you’ll enjoy every mile more than ever. From easy to use stretch mesh side pockets, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachments, the Atmos AG 50 is still the top contender. Backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee, forever. › www.theplanettraveller.com › S$349.00

COLDSPARK ULTRADRY™ WATERPROOF BOOTS The Coldspark UltraDry™ is an insulated boot for hikers who don’t slow down when the temperature drops. The performance-driven boot delivers warmth, waterproofing, and winterized traction. A retain and reflective barrier locks warmth into the boot, cutting out the weight of traditional insulation. An UltraDry™ waterproof membrane keeps feet dry through slush and snow, while the outsole’s high-friction ColdHold rubber compound confidently grips in freezing temps. › Retailers: Outdoor Life, Adventure 21, X Boundaries › S$269

UNDER ARMOUR VALSETZ TREK PERFORMANCE APPAREL Introducing the accompanying apparel to the Valsetz Trek Boot, the latest Valsetz Trek Performance Apparel will adapt to any environment and deliver an outstanding performance. Its Polartec® Micro fleece is made from recycled content and is built to retain warmth and maximise breathability. These long-lasting and waterrepelling pieces will gear you up for the challenges ahead! › www.underarmour.com.sg › S$62- $165

12

NALGENE 32OZ WIDE-MOUTHED BOTTLE The original. The trailblazer. The Sir Edmund of water bottles.

Looking for a water bottle that will keep you well hydrated, hold-up against bangs, bumps and drops, and not leak a single drop ever? Then this iconic 32-ounce wide mouth is your water bottle. A design that’s not been changed in decades; simply because it works; extremely well. › www.theplanettraveller.com › S$23.90

EAGLE CREEK PACK-IT CUBE SET Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Original Cubes help you stay organised, while using every square inch of packing space.

This set includes 3 different sized Cubes for clothing compression, accessory organization, and quick TSA security checks. With more than 101 uses, everything is right where you need it to be. › www.theplanettraveller.com › S$45.90

KLEAN KANTEEN TKWIDE 160Z Klean Kanteen’s new vacuum insulated TKWide water bottles keep drinks piping hot or icy cold. With its TK Closure™ internal thread design paired with award-winning Climate Lock® doublewall vacuum insulation, the TKWide is on the leading-edge of thermal performance. Made with food grade 18/8 stainless steel construction and chip-resistant Klean Coat® finish. › www.theplanettraveller.com › S$56.00

CANYONLANDS ULTRADRY™ WATERPROOF BOOTS The Canyonlands UltraDry™ is a waterproof hiking boot that delivers rugged durability and all-weather versatility. From day hikes to backpacking, the Canyonlands is built to explore. Designed to deliver supreme confidence underfoot, the Canyonlands UD combines a Vibram® Lite Wolf outsole, Dual Density EVA midsole, and waterproof UltraDry™membrane to excel across a range of trails and conditions. › Retailers: Outdoor Life, Adventure 21, X Boundaries, Feder Sports, Sports Affinity, Leeden Classic, France Shoes › S$269

13

THE GREAT GLAMPING Wake up to sounds of the natural rainforest and fresh crisp air.

Eish Sandhu

Sang Giri Mountain

14

MOST PEOPLE have heard of the eye-catching terraced rice fields of Ubud in Bali, but there exists another; appointed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces picturesquely sit on the central part of Bali.

A mere 5-minute drive away from the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces lies a hidden secret, one that offers city dwellers a chance to get reconnected with nature. Elevated

INDONESIA

EXPERIENCE 850 meters above sea-level, lies Sang Giri Mountain Tent Resort.

Sprawled across 300 acres of lush rainforest, Sang Giri offers 8 African house styled tents fully equipped with modern comforts like hot showers, huge king-sized beds and deck chairs on the private terrace of each tent.

From the moment you arrive, you’re treated not as a guest, but like a family member. Run by second-generation siblings, Aaron

and Marina, and supported by over twenty staffs from neighboring villages around the clock, every guest is treated like a VVIP. Within close proximity of Sang Giri are waterfalls, hot springs and fishponds which allow visitors, and especially the young ones, to learn more about natural formations and at the same time, have some splendid fun. Daily rainforest treks are organized by the resort and guests are encouraged to join.

The key highlight of Sang Giri would without a doubt be their Mountain Deck. A safely perched viewing deck, your eyes feast upon eight different mountains, including Mount Agung, with their summits piercing the sky. Wake up early to enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun rising, whilst enjoying a hot cup of complimentary coffee/tea.

You’ll probably want to bring along a jacket as temperatures reach around 20 degrees at dawn.

The Sang Giri empowers their local community by engaging the services of locals only. They teach and train the English language to all their staffs. Eco sustainability plays a huge part in the ethos of the company; evident in the production of their own bio-soap. Made with 100% virgin coconut olive oil and cold pressed with citronella leaves, we’re guessing you’d want to buy a few of these for back home.

FEATURE

GETTING THERE A 2 hours’ drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, book a car ahead and get ready for a road-trip.

Do have the WhatsApp number of Sang Giri on hand for your driver to liaise with, as the track to get into the resort is obscured.

15

Short Breaks

Home of the 7 Valleys:

L ake Toba

The surreal experience of unearthing this gem is only unparalleled to the views it offers. Kajol Nar Singh FROM KOMODO National Park to the Island of the Gods, Indonesia is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful gems. Filled with magnificent natural formations, a rich history and incredible cultural diversity, a holiday-goer can expect nothing short of a mesmerising experience.

One of its best gems sits atop a volcanic crater - Lake Toba Emerging out of a super volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago, Lake Toba holds the title of the largest volcanic lake in the world. The invigorating journey through this slice of paradise is not complete without visiting some of its iconic landmarks and natural sites. From waterfalls to hot springs and sprawling plantations, Lake Toba promises an unforgettable journey for the adventurous

GETTING THERE Board a short flight from Kualanamu International Airport in the city of Medan to Silangit International Airport in the Siborong-Borong district. From there, head over to the Parapat town of Lake Toba via land transport!

16

FUN FACT

The perfect blend of volcanic soil and a tropical climate, Lake Toba is an ideal location to grow coffee. Spend your morning learning about where your cup of coffee comes from at Nagasaribu Lintong Coffee Plantation and how different varieties are produced! There is always more to what meets the eye.

Start your journey at the lush village of Oman Ruggu - home to stretches of pineapple, tomato and rice plantations.

There, you can spend your mornings picking your own syrupy pineapples with locals who will tell you about how the volcanic soil produces a mouth-watering sweetness!

Then, head up to the Salib Kasih, also known as the Cross of Love, perched atop a quaint hill.

The 1-km journey up to the open-air church is cloaked in coniferous trees and cobblestone pathways, flanked with flowers and moss-covered logs.

Overlooking Tarutung, Salib Kasih is a spiritual destination for Christians as it celebrates the missionary work of German pastor Ludwig Ingwer Nommensen.

“Perched on an elevation of 1,200 metres, you will catch yourself trying to capture photos of the vast lake and its surrounding hills from every angle.�

NATURAL FORMATIONS GALORE!

Sipoholon Hot Springs

Lake Toba does not disappoint the nature enthusiasts! Take a road trip down to the picturesque Huta Ginjang - AN ideal spot for photographers. Perched on an elevation of 1,200 metres, you will catch yourself trying to capture photos of the vast lake and its surrounding hills from every angle.

From there head over to Bakkara Valley where you can bask in the gargantuan beauty that is Janji Waterfall! Take a stroll through the small park and watch the water cascade down craggy cliffs into small pools, accessible to visitors who wish to swim. When the day starts winding down, combat the frigid evening winds with a dip at Sipoholon Hot Springs. There, you can ease the tension in your muscles as you soak in the mineral-rich pools and take away the soreness of your day spent walking through natural wonders.

17

TRAVEL NEWS Lord Howe Island announced in Lonely Planet’s Top 10

Battle of the Skies

Lonely Planet has announced Lord Howe Island as one of the world’s Top 10 regions in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020. The crescent-shaped island promises an array of activities from snorkelling on the coral reef, hand-feeding fish on Ned’s beach and many more. This World Heritage-Listed beauty is only less than 2 hours away by flight from Sydney or Brisbane

JAPAN

›

BRAZIL

›

Experience Japanese culture

Unravel the beauty of

by hopping on a flight starting

Brazil with flights to Rio de

from $722 with Cathay

Janeiro on British Airways

Pacific. Other airlines flying

from $3,000! Or fly to Sao

over include Malaysia

Paulo from $2,700 with

Airlines, starting at $500.

Qatar Airways.

MALDIVES

›

INDIA

›

Fly to the beautiful island

Explore the wonders of

nation of Malé on a direct

Chennai for as low as $286

flight from Singapore with

with Scoot. Or fly to Kerala

Singapore Airlines from

from $485 with AirAsia!

$730 onwards. SilkAir also

Etihad and Air Arabia Partner to Launch New Lost-Cost Carrier

offers direct flights to Malé.

THAILAND

›

KENYA

›

Low-cost Gulf Carrier, Air Arabia together with

Head over to Phuket for

Jet away on a flight to

Etihad Airways will be launching Abu Dhabi’s

an island getaway for as

Nairobi with Ethiopian

first low-cost carrier. As the capital’s first low-

low as $139 with Jetstar!

Airlines from $1,956 and

cost carrier, the new service will cater to the

Scoot and AirAsia also fly

experience the city’s natural

growing demand for more affordable travel in

directly to Phuket.

beauty!

the region.

19

The Essential Guide to

Did you know it’s entirely possible to motorbike through Vietnam.

It is a truly unique way of experiencing a country. Even Top Gear decided they couldn’t miss out on it! Before you begin your journey, you may have all sorts of questions such as, where to ride, what to pack, and most importantly, is it safe?

If you are looking for a shorter motorbike ride route in Asia, it’s worth checking out:

MoTorbiking Through Vietnam

WHAT TO RENT AND HOW? It is recommndable to rent from a motorbike rental shop that allows you to rent motorbikes long term and lets you pick it up and drop it off at different locations. Motorbikes can be rented in Hanoi and dropped off in Ho Chi Minh.

There are 3 main rental providers that specialize in long term rentals for motorcycle tours:

1. Style Motorbikes 2. Flamingo Travel 3. Tigit Travels A popular option amongst most travelers is Style Motorbikes, as they provide really useful maps and itineraries for the journey. It costs around $300 to rent a 250cc* manual motorbike for one month. It is important to note that you need to factor in the cost of buying a helmet ($30) and a pair of gloves ($15) into your budget.

NOTE: If you don’t know how to ride a motorbike, don’t worry, they will give you lessons before you begin your journey. *cc is the size of the bike engine. On a basic level, the higher the cc, the faster the bike.

20

VIETNAM

FEATURE

Ba Be Lake Cao Bang

Hai Van Pass

WHAT TO WEAR?

WHAT TO PACK? A motorbike is heavy, a motorbike with a backpack full of clothes is even heavier, so pack light if you want a speedy, comfortable journey. The essentials to pack are: Essentials:

2 shorts, 3 tops, 2 pairs of trousers (one to ride in, one to relax in), 2 shirts, a jacket, trainers, flip flops, 2 socks, a raincoat, 7 pairs of undergarments, a quick-dry towel, a scarf, a battery pack, deodorant, sun cream, antihistamines and painkillers.

Non- essentials

A light dinner outfit, you never know if there is an opportunity for a hot dinner date on your journey! A small blanket (similar to the ones you get on planes), body cream and makeup for females.

Gotta look good for the Gram ’J If you can’t lift your backup with one arm, then you have overpacked, as it should weigh no more than 15kg. Strap your bag to the back of the bike with bungee cords and buy extra bungee cords, as some of them will snap on the way.

Also, make sure you protect your belongings from the rain with a waterproof bag cover, although a black bin bag is equally effective, but less glamorous.

‘That girl in that motorbike accident was wearing a cute dress’, said no one ever.

Please wear clothes that protect you if you have an accident. At the very least, wear a helmet, shoes, and gloves.

Avoid flip flops as you will need to press the clutch and to have a proper grip on the floor when the bike slows to a stop.

Although not as good as proper boots, a pair of comfy slip-ons will do the job. The gloves will protect your hands from blisters during the ride and in an accident, your knuckles won’t be ground to a pulp.

Quang Ngai

Ho Chi Minh City

THE ROUTE Vietnam has a countless number of scenic routes, but a good route is to ride around the North and then to the South of Vietnam.

Your bike rental company will give you a map and recommend places to stop and explore. Decide on the number of days you want to ride, study the map in great detail and plan your route wisely.

Every evening plot the location you want to ride to and spots to stop at along the way, how many kilometers, and then how long it will take you. It is not recommendable to ride more than 6-7 hours and you should also ALWAYS arrive before sunset.

Tip 1 - Factor 2 extra hours as the

motorbike will always be slower than a car, especially since you will most likely ride nothing faster than a 250cc and if you intend to ride safely.

Tip 2 - Less scenic or more treacherous

parts of the journey can be done via train or bus. The motorbike can be brought on both. You can ask your bike rental company for more advice on this but it’s entirely possible and has been done many times before.

21

FEATURE

VIETNAM

If you are travelling solo, here are some top tips to keep you safe:

TOP TIPS FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR Floods

SAFETY When you travel you are responsible for your safety, so take it seriously. Before you commence your journey, ask the motorbike rental for numbers to call if and when your motorbike breaks down.

It’s important to get your bike serviced halfway through the trip to prevent it from breaking down (there will be plenty along the way, just google them).

You can book accommodation in advance on Booking.com or just walk up to the reception of most guesthouses.

Get a feel for the place and listen to your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, hop on your bike and stay at many of the other places that will be on offer.

It is important to have a phone signal and mobile data on your trip, so purchase a sim card and let your family and friends know your plans every day i.e. where you are going and the time you expect to arrive. It will be easier to raise an alarm promptly and help you if you keep people informed. Finally, it won’t hurt to carry an extra bottle of fuel but make sure its securely fastened.

22

If you ride during the rainy season (MayOctober), please be aware of the floods.

Riding with a 180kg piece of metal in the floods can be extremely challenging and your engine might cut out. Try and ride during the morning and plan your journey to accommodate for the rain.

Potholes

As you ride in and around the countryside, the quality of the roads will deteriorate, and you will start to encounter deep rubbly potholes. Beware. If you are not careful you can lose control and crash.

Ride slowly and keep an eye out for them.

Lack of streetlamps

It is recommendable to always arrive before sunset as there is a distinct lack of street lamps as you ride further into the countryside. It will be difficult to see any potholes or debris on the road.

Motorbiking through Vietnam is an exhilarating experience. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Vietnamese culture and experience all its Instagram worthy spots first hand, with a bit of planning and courage, you can too!

Author’s Bio: ‘Aisha Preece ditched her corporate job in search of a career that allowed her to work remotely. She now LOVES Mondays and is passionate about helping others make and save more money, so they can live life on their terms. www.outandbeyond.com / Instagram: aishapreece/

BRAZIL

FEATURE

Sau Paolo

Liberdade

WHEN EAST MEETS WEST The Fusion of Japanese and Brazilian Culture Hannah Grey

Zu Lai Temple

WITH JAPAN situated in East Asia and Brazil in South America, both countries seem like worlds apart. But did you know that Brazil has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan?

q SAU PAULO’S JAPANTOWN: LIBERDADE

Today, the harmonious blend of the two cultures can be seen through the streets of Liberdade. Known as the Japanese district of Sau Paulo, the streets will certainly make you feel like you’re in Tokyo, with oriental stores and traditional Japanese restaurants all around. Every weekend, the Liberdade Street Market takes place with a wide array of activities to enjoy such as arts, crafts, and of course, food. If you’re ever in Sau Paulo in July, don’t miss the chance to experience the Tanabata Matsuri Festival in Liberdade, also known as the Festival of Stars!

p HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The fusion of both cultures go as far back as the early 19th century. During that time, many agricultural workers in Japan suffered from poverty and unemployment. Meanwhile, Brazil had abolished slavery in the country and needed to employ workers to cater to Brazil’s thriving coffee trade, which led to both governments signing a treaty allowing Japanese migration to Brazil.

Today, the largest Japanese diaspora in Brazil, also known as nikkei, is in the city of Sau Paulo with 1.6 million Japanese in residency.

p IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ART & CULTURE

The Japanese culture is still alive and thriving in Sau Paulo till today. Remnants of its rich history in Brazil have been immortalised in the form of museums, architecture and temples. Experience what life was like for the earlier Japanese settlers at the Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil, where the exhibitions display an array of agricultural content and even weapons used in WWII by Japanese spies who operated from Brazil. For a more spiritual journey, visit the Zu Lai Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in South America - the intricate Chinese architecture and peaceful ambience is sure to draw you in.

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PROVINCE OF THE

Inked Women

From their distinctive body art to their head-strong community, discover the way of life of the Kalinga Tribe of the Philippines Julia Lachica Photography by Jorge Gamboa

THE PHILIPPINES is home to over 7,500 islands, being divided in three major groups, and is a melting pot of different cultural practices, traditions and groups.

Despite the country’s existing modern communities, some of the indigenous groups of the archipelago are still able to hold on to their cultural identity.

Amongst these indigenous tribes is the Kalinga Tribe that reside in the province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region of Luzon.

There are a number of sub-tribes that live KALINGA in the region, but the province of Kalinga is known for its head-strong people that uses body art to convey their pride for their tribe.

In the modern landscape of the 21st century, being a woman with tattoos seems to be taboo or carries a stereotypical stigma.

However, for the women of the Kalinga tribe, it carries the symbol of beauty, maturity and fertility.

Since the 16th century, it is said that this practice was seen as a rite of passage for young Kalinga women. Despite some of the younger Kalinga people choosing to opt out of this practice, some still choose to honour the practice by immortalising the intricate art on their skin.

While the men of the tribe usually get their tattoos as rewards for defeating the enemy or for bravery, a badge of honour of sorts to gain social status and/or respect from the tribe.

Many of the art used for the tattoos are inspired by everyday objects, such as ladders and rice terraces.

Sometimes, depending on the placement of the tattoo, it could also show the social status of the person.

In this day and age, tattoo artists have automated needles to apply the tattoo to the skin with ease. But the tribe chooses to stick to their roots. Depending on the tattoo artist (mambabatok), the tools used would be different.

Tools, also called the gisi, could be made out of the horn of a water buffalo, sharpened bamboo and sometimes lemon thrones as well.

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The traditional process is painful but is a rewarding experience for the tribe member getting the tattoo.

Carrying the honour of the celebrated traditional art and technique, Apo Whang-Od has become world renowned for being the last mambabatok in the entire region. Despite being well into her 90’s, Whang-Od is not going anywhere without passing the art on to the next generation.

Whang-Od is passing the long-established technique of hand tapping and the intricate designs of tribal patterns to her apprentice and her 13-year-old granddaughter.

These days, the Kalinga tribal tattoo has become popular amongst tourists. However, because of prejudice towards tattoos and traditional thoughts, many still frown upon this ancient body art that is highly respected by the tribe.

It is no stranger to everyone that with the changes of time, comes the changes of perception of people towards cultural practices and tradition.

What was once a time-honoured tradition and prided art form, has now become too bold and eccentric for others.

Concrete wanderers, such as ourselves, tend to be afraid of a body covering tattoo design—or any design in general—due to its unconventional nature. When in fact, it has become a norm in our urban jungle without anyone noticing.

This type of stigma towards body art is one of the reasons why the traditional Kalinga tattooing practice is drawing near extinction.

Though there are some elders, such as Whang-Od, who are trying to preserve the traditional body art. But it is not just about the technique and the pattern that needs to be preserved, it is the cultural identity.

The Kalinga tribe live to be passionate and unpretentious people, preserving their art and their way of living will be saving the tribe’s cultural identity.

PHILIPPINES

FEATURE

Whang-Od is passing the long-established technique of hand tapping and the intricate designs of tribal patterns to her apprentice and her 13-year-old granddaughter.

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TRAVEL TIPS ›› No matter where you are in the world whilst on your travels, respecting and understanding one’s culture is a definite must.

Here are some tips to become a more mindful traveller.

Hannah Grey

RESPECT THE LOCALS Just because you feel like royalty on vacation doesn’t mean you get to treat the people around you poorly. Always respect the locals while travelling - honour your role as a visitor visiting a foreign land and pay regard to those who call it ‘home’.

CLEAN UP AS YOU GO The world is your oyster, but definitely not your dumpster.

Whether you’re at a beautiful white-sand beach or visiting a famous landmark, avoid being careless with your rubbish. Let’s do our part in keeping these places of visit clean!

DRESS APPROPRIATELY While travelling may seem like the perfect opportunity to experiment with your wardrobe choices, we still need to be mindful about attire in certain places. Most places of worship require visitors to be covered up and dressed appropriately as a sign of respect. Make sure you to do your research before making the trip!

LEARN THE BASIC LANGUAGE While this isn’t mandatory, learning some of the local languages will definitely go a long way during your trip.

Picking up basic phrases will allow you to communicate better with the locals, which could perhaps lead to a meaningful conversation.

‘PICTURES OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!’ In today’s day and age, travelling has become all about pictures. We become more attached to our devices and more detached with the world around us.

Instead of being glued to your screens, take time out to put your phone down and soak in all the sights and sounds.

Respecting and Understanding Culture

27

The

Ainu People The enigmatic community of Japan’s indigenous population.

Kajol Nar Singh

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JAPAN

WHO ARE THE AINU PEOPLE?

Photo: Tamoto Kenzō

Japan is home to a multitude of minority groups and one of these groups is the Ainu. The Ainu people have an intricate history that traces back to pre-modern times and they have long resided in the Northern Island of Japan where Hokkaido is currently situated.

A hunter-gatherer society, the Ainu ethnic group has undergone many changes over the course of time, however this group has retained a distinct ethnicity from the Japanese people.

HISTORY, TRADITION AND CULTURE

They have their own language, culture and full-blooded Ainu people tend to stand out from the Japanese because of their physical traits. Men have full-bodied beards that are not shaved after a certain age while women have mouth tattoos to symbolise their coming of age. With their light skin, European physique and thick, wavy hair, the Mongoloid descendants are set apart from their Japanese counterparts. However, physical appearance is not their only distinguishing factor. Cultural traits vary quite significantly too!

While the origins of the Ainu culture and people have been a point of debate for decades, it was established by Dr Richard Saddle that around the 13th century, the Ainu culture became distinctive in Northern Japan and the population extended to as far as the East of Russia. Hokkaido’s indigenous culture is shaped by its relationship to the environment.

FEATURE

Men have fullbodied beards that are not shaved after a certain age while women have mouth tattoos to symbolise their coming of age.

Their nature-dependent lifestyle inculcates a profound respect for the natural environment and the spirits they believe are manifested in the natural world. Intricately-patterned garbs are part of their everyday lives and the patterns are symbolic in warding off spirits and/or representing special occasions. In celebrating traditional ceremonies, or otherwise, the Ainu incorporate song and dance into their lives. These are meant to embody the human condition and as such the traditional arts are indispensable. Furthermore, the arts are valuable resources in learning about the history and the language of the Ainu people, since there are no written resources available. The philosophical tales, enriched by the imagination and myths, have been passed through generations and resonates in today’s world.

A recent revival of the Ainu culture amongst its people means that visitors of Hokkaido can also enjoy an enriching journey through the history of Japan in the eyes of its indigenous population.

While you are in Hokkaido, take your time to visit some of its museums and settlements and get to know about the Ainu people intimately.

DID YOU KNOW? Abashiri

Contrary to the Japanese, the Ainu people

Asahikawa

do not eat raw meat!

Rather, they cook all their food prior to consumption.

Hokkaido Sapporo

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HOKKAIDO MUSEUM OF NORTHERN PEOPLES

Start on your journey of discovering the Ainu culture at the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples.

Burgeoning with information about the culture and everyday life of people inhabiting the northern region of the globe, it is the perfect place to view exhibits and learn about the Ainu people. Located in Abashiri, the intricately designed exhibits showcase the traditions, food, transport, clothing and spiritual world of Japan’s indigenous people. Moreover, you can learn about the Inuit, Sami and the Siberian peoples and the similarities or differences that they share with the Ainu people.

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traditional activities and viewing ancient ceremonies.

Located in Akankohan, the Ainu village is lined with shops that display traditional handicraft but that is not its main allure! Experience the Ainu culture and take part in wood carving and embroidery classes that teach you about centuries-old traditions. Attend music classes where you can learn how to play the traditional Ainu instrument, Mukkuri and understand how the music translates to everyday life and emotions! Walk through the small museum at the end of the village to admire artefacts of their daily life. Between April to November, celebrate Iomante Fire Festival and witness the stellar ancient ceremonial dance, performed by the natives.

Photo: 663highland

Attend music classes where you can LAKE AKAN AINU KOTAN learn how to play the traditional Ainu Inhabited by approximately 120 people, the Ainu is a cultural asset to Japan. The settlement instrument, Mukkuri and understand Kotan offers locals and tourists the opportunity to immerse how the music translates to everyday themselves the Ainu way of life and how they have life and emotions! harmoniously coexisted with nature by taking part in

Photo: Torbenbrinker

JAPAN FEATURE

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FEATURE

JAPAN

NIBUTANI AINU CULTURE MUSEUM

DID YOU KNOW? The community of Ainu people stretches over Japanese borders into Russian land. It has the second largest population of Ainu people with the first being Japan!

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Photos: Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum

Located in Nibutani area of Biratori-Cho, Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum takes you on a journey through centuries of Ainu Culture. Walk through rows of intricately-embroidered robes and Menoko Makiri, small knives chiseled into shape from the bark of cherry blossom trees. The museum lets you get up close and personal with the Ainu way of life with exhibit showcasing prayer ceremonies and the spiritual culturea culmination of myths and lore. From hunting and gathering to singing and weaving, the museum does not disappoint the curious!

TRIBES of the WORLD Meet some of the World’s oldest tribes that carry on and live by the traditional customs of their ancestors Julia Lachica

Our planet holds many secrets; some are not even discovered by man yet or they have yet to be understood. From the depths of the oceans to the depths of our cultural identity, some of these can sometimes be a mystery.

Part of these mysteries are the lives of some Southeast Asian tribes that hold on to their roots. Not much is known about them but they impose fascination and wonder thanks to their close connection to nature and tradition.

Meet the Southeast Asian tribes that live on their cultural identity through their heritage and customs from way before then.

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FEATURE

ORANG BATEK

In west Malaysia, deep within the Taman Negara National Park, lives the hunting and gathering people of Batek.

Currently facing the speedy effects of modern society, the natives are slowly integrating urban living into their daily lives.

The Batek people traditionally live their lives through the gathering of leaves, fruits and others alike, as well as hunting of fish and smaller land animals. Their hunting skills of Batek amplifies their ability to move about their jungles.

DAYAK KENYAH

Residing deep within the forests of East Kalimantan in Indonesia, the Dayak Kenyah has been living hand-in-hand with their forbidden forests, or Tana Olen, for centuries.

The Oma Lung tribe, a sub-tribe of the Dayaks, has been known to the world for their drastic efforts in conserving and protecting their precious forest.

The tribe uses knowledge from those that came before them to sustain their natural landscapes. In this modern era, the tribe practices organic farming to create a livelihood to help manage their forest.

SAMA BAJAU

Living their lives on the oceans of Southeast Asia and dwelling in boats and floating huts, the Sama Bajau are sometimes called ‘sea gypsies’ or ‘water nomads’ by many.

Evolving together with the sea, the Bajau people live disconnected with the modern evolutions of the 21st century. No clocks or calendars to mark birthdays or special occasions, they go with the flow.

As the Bajau people drift from one place to another, they also drift away from the materialistic world land-dwellers tend to get attached to.

As the people of this tribe get exposed to the elements of the sea at a very early age, the Bajau people have become masters of the oceans. This early exposure allowed them to become expert freedivers and fishers that is unmatched by any other.

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FEATURE

NAMIBIA

Humility from Wild Tribes Wild Landscapes and Resilient Tribes

Namibia

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One of the things I love the most about Namibia was the greatness of the landscapes. You can drive for days after days and not see a single person. Only incredible infinite landscapes and wilderness. The Centre-South of the country is more deserting, but as soon as you start exploring the Northern areas it becomes more and more greener. You have a lot more trees and bushes. This is mainly due to the increase of groundwater, which allows more life to flourish.

The good thing about travel in full-autonomy is that you can drive to very remote places. And on this remote place I was able to find native communities and tribes.While some of them enjoyed our visit, some just started to shoo us away. With the tribes that accepted our stay on their land, the experience was marvellous! This experience in itself made the entire expedition worth it.

It was just simply another humility- punch-in-the-face moment you get every time you dare to travel and get to know the world beyond your bubble. When you share, when you give, when you connect, you fully embrace the moment. This helps you broaden your perspectives of the world you live in. This makes you a better person. Makes you grow as humans.

So, isn’t this why you travel?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nuno Gouveia Sousa is an adventure junkie from Portugal and a self-taught freelance documentary photographer who is always looking forward to explore the remote reaches of the world. Through travelling and photography he wants to open new windows and allow others to see further, empowering self- awareness about our responsibility as humans and our footprint in the world. www.nunogouveiasousa.com / Instagram:@ nunogouveiasousa / Facebook: nunogouveiasousa

PRIVATE AND TAILOR MADE TRANS-SIBERIAN TOUR SPECIALISTS. The Trans-Siberian Travel Company is the leading specialist for the greatest train journey on earth - The Trans-Siberian Railway running across China, Mongolia and Russia. Whether beginning your journey in Beijing, Vladivostok, Moscow or St Petersburg we have a trip for you using both public trains and luxury private tourist services. Contact us now for planning advice to get your epic rail adventure started!

info@thetranssiberiantravelcompany.com www.thetranssiberiantravelcompany.com +44 (0) 20 8816 8925

Scan to start your journey!

Q&A with… Beckie Liu • Team Singapore Longboard Surfer • Founder of Ethical Swimwear Brand, Haikini In this issue, we sat down with Beckie Liu, Singapore’s only female longboard surfer as she shared about her journey, going from novice to competitive surfer and her humble beginnings.

Hannah Grey

ON HOW SHE STARTED SURFING I surfed for the first time in Bali when I was 16, but only really got into it when I was 19. I was naturally drawn to the ocean and just knew it’d be something I’d enjoy. When I started surfing, I did it purely out of passion and I couldn’t stop smiling when I first went into the ocean. It was like a calling for me.

ON SURFING COMPETITIVELY I only started joining competitions this year and my first one was RAST 2019 in Bali last June. It was nerve-wracking! Instead of just riding the waves, there’s more decision making that needs to be done at competitions. They have this thing called the ‘critical sections’ of a wave, which are the most powerful ones and where all the tricks should be done. Time is also a crucial factor.

My second one was a local surf competition in Phuket, Thailand in August 2019 and I won first place! I think local competitions help you build more confidence as the stage is not as grand. It gives you more time to navigate the ocean and think about what you want to do - then you translate those experiences to the bigger competitions.

To begin with, I was never a competitive surfer. But I wanted to challenge myself and thought these experiences would be valuable for my SEA Games training as well.

ON TRAINING FOR THE 2019 SEA GAMES Just surf. The more time you spend in the water, the better you’re going to get. You need to be more aware of reading and choosing your waves, and how to improve from your last wave. But when I’m not in the ocean, I do a lot of high-intensity interval training and yoga as well.

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Always take a coach! From the outside, surfing looks simple – you get on the board, your coach pushes you, and you stand up. But there are actually a lot of things to consider. Things such as a surf etiquette; where to paddle; how to catch a green wave as opposed to just whitewater - having a coach will definitely help you to improve!

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SPORTS Having originated from France, Parkour was popularised in the 1990s and early 2000s as a sport that could adapt to any complex environment and give freedom to motion. We call upon all adrenaline junkies to challenge your mental and physical strength as you navigate through seemingly mundane urban spaces in fresh and invigorating ways!

GETTING STARTED > While Parkour is suitable for most age groups, it incorporates endurance, strength and stamina to give your body a full workout.

Hence it is a rigorous sport that requires some form of basic training to ensure that you do not injure yourself while attempting to scale a wall or perform a speed vault.

Get into shape with basic calisthenics and develop your strength by starting out with basic bodyweight exercisessquats, planks, push-ups and pull-ups. From there, increase the intensity of the exercises until you are comfortable with balancing and moving around with your body’s weight.

ESSENTIALS > There are no hard and fast rules for Parkour. However, there are some fundamentals to be aware of. Practitioners usually dress in comfortable and non-restrictive clothes as it creates more fluid motion across obstacles. Also, shoes should be adequately padded to be able to soften the impact from large drops and have a good grip to scale walls. Shoes just as Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 are ideal because of their durability, flexibility and ability to absorb shock.

th i w s l l a W

R g U n i l O a c K S R A P y! da o t gh es ac r Sin p a ns lN ba Kajo r fu eo c n rie pe x re ou y te va e l E

SAFETY FIRST >

Be wary of the risk when jumping off high walls when you are a beginner. It is important to master the proper landing techniques to break falls and soften the impact. This will reduce the risk of injuries! Last but not least, try practising parkour with a friend. Not only will you be motivated to learn new tricks but there will be people who are on the lookout for you.

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SPORTS

G N I D I L G A PAR s the skie Take to y h Gre

Hanna

Have you ever dreamt of flying over the Swiss Alps or perhaps the Pokhara Valley in Nepal? Good news - that dream isn’t so far off from reality anymore. Most say paragliding is the closest thing we have to flying in this day and age. But how does it even work in the first place?

UNDERSTANDING PARAGLIDING > Paragliding is a foot-launched, non-motorised flying sport with the use of an inflatable wing. It is both an extreme and recreational sport, depending on one’s intent on taking up the activity. While it sounds rather complex, the technology of the equipment used is rather simple and straightforward as it is powered by

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kinetic and wind energy alone. But there are certain precautions to take note of before engaging in this exhilarating feat!

GETTING STARTED > For those who want to take the sport seriously, there are a few steps to adhere to. For starters, you’ll need to sign up for a course with certified professionals. In this way, you’ll learn everything there is to know about becoming a full-fledged paragliding pilot.

But for those who simply want to feel free and soar high, book a tandem flight where you’ll have a professional by your side to guide you as you fly with the birds and be one with the sky.

FOCUS Adventure is the leading company in the field of Adventure Learning. Established since 1996, we have over 23 years of experience and deliver over 600 programmes on a yearly basis. We are proud to share that our Adventure Learning sites are available not only in Singapore but also in the region, such as Malaysia, Indonesia as well as China.

Our site in Sentosa includes state-of-the-art facilities such as TEA CHALLENGE HOURGLASS, adrenaline-pumping Land TEAM and Sea Sports activities and a suite of function rooms for meetings, teambuilding activities, dinners and many more!

The TEAM CHALLENGE HOURGLASS (TCH) is one of FOCUS Adventure’s most significant innovation in our 23 years of history. It is a 24-metre high challenge tower that comprises of 16 different challenges. The TCH experience is ideal for learning experiences centred on leadership, teamwork, change management and personal development.

Tel: (65) 6278 6560 | Email: info@FOCUSAdventure.com | www.FOCUSAdventure.com

SPORTS

N I A T G N N I U K I O M B Photo: Unsplash

to ts r po s e s ght em ei tr h ey ex ent h Gr ng er a ki diff ann a T H

INTRODUCTION If taking a ride on your bike off-road onto rough terrains and challenging trails is your cup of tea, you’re going to want to give mountain biking a try. Mountain biking is a selfexplanatory sport - biking up, down and around a mountain or hill. But, it isn’t all that simple. It requires endurance, balance and a ton of other technical skills. Think you’re up for the challenge?

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PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

BIKING UP A MOUNTAIN?!

Before taking up a sport of any kind, it is always important to be prepared. The first thing you’ll need is the proper gear. Mountain bikes are slightly more different than regular ones as they are built and designed for lasting durability and enhanced performance.

Secondly, find somewhere to ride and practice. Mountain biking can be performed on any off-road surface, whether that’s a biking trail, bike parks or even a national park. Remember - practice makes perfect!

The idea of riding up a bike on a mountain may seem rather daunting to some. After all, it is still considered a competitive sport. Despite that, mountain biking can also be a leisure sport! It is a great way to build your strength, stamina as well as focus. Plus, you get to reconnect with nature while you’re at it.

Whether you decide to take up the sport professionally or for your own enjoyment, the thrill of it all will definitely remain.

TIP: LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO Target fixation is when your bike goes to where your eyes are looking at. Instead of staring at the rocks or path, look straight ahead!

DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS SINGAPORE WEST

Scan here for more distribution locations islandwide!

Anytime Fitness (Bukit Panjang) Anytime Fitness (Choa Chu Kang) Anytime Fitness (HillV2) Anytime Fitness (Jurong Gateway) Anytime Fitness (Jurong West, Nanyang) Anytime Fitness (Taman Jurong) Anytime Fitness (Upper Bukit Timah) DBS Treasures Centre (Bukit Timah) Fitness First (Junction 10) Fitness First (Westgate) Healthway Dental @ Westgate Healthway Medical (Bukit Batok) Healthway Medical Clinic (690 Jurong West) Healthway Medical Clinic (960 Jurong West) Healthway Medical Clinic (Fajar) Healthway Medical Clinic (Limbang) Healthway Medical Clinic (Sunshine Plaza) Healthway Medical Clinic (Westgate) Kindred Folk Leeden National Oxygen Ltd Ministry of Adventure

National Service Resort & Country Club (Kranji) OH MY MANGO Physioconnect@Lakeside Raffles Marina Club Raffles Medical Clinic (Hillion Mall) Raffles Medical Clinic (Jurong East) Raffles Medical Clinic (Jurong Point) Raffles Medical Clinic (Lot 1 Shopper’s Mall) Raffles Medical Clinic (Yew Tee Point) SAFRA Jurong Scissors Art Salon Silver Cross Family Clinic (Cheong Chin Nam) Silver Cross Family Clinic (Jurong West) Singapore Family Clinic & Surgery (Bukit Batok) Sony Electronics (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd The Garage

CENTRAL/SOUTH 1-Habit 2am Dessert Bar 6 oz Espresso Bar Adventure 21 AJ Hackett Sentosa American Association Of Singapore Ann Siang House Antoinette (Mandarin Gallery) Antoinette (Penhas Road) Anytime Fitness (Balestier) Anytime Fitness (Boon Keng) Anytime Fitness (Clementi City) Anytime Fitness (Jalan Besar) Anytime Fitness (MacPherson Community Club) Anytime Fitness (PoMo) Anytime Fitness (Potong Pasir) Anytime Fitness (Queensway) Anytime Fitness (Tanglin P.O) Anytime Fitness (Tanjong Pagar) Anytime Fitness (Telok Blangah) Anytime Fitness (Toa Payoh) Anytime Fitness (Upper Cross Street) Anytime Fitness (Valley Point) Anytime Fitness (West Coast) Arcteryx Artisan Boulengerie Co. Ascott Raffles Place Singapore Athlete’s Lab Atlas Coffeehouse B3 Beary Best Hostel Bike Haus Boarding Gate (Paragon) Boarding Gate (Raffles City) Bodacious Bar & Bistro BooksActually Brewerkz (Riverside Point)

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Brewerkz (Tanglin) Brunches Café (Good Old Days Bistro Pte Ltd) Butter Studio BYX (The Bicycle Shop) Caffe Vergnano Cali @Rochester Camper’s Corner Capella Singapore Hotel Catalan Tourism Board Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd China Club Climb Central (Novena) Club HDB, Leisure & Learning Centre Commonwealth Travcel Services Corporation Pte Ltd Conrad Hotel Centennial Singapore Core Collective Courtyard Café & Lounge Credit Suisse Singapore Branch DBS Treasures Centre (Holland V.) DBS Treasures Centre (MBFC) DBS Treasures Centre (Ngee Ann City) DBS Treasures Centre (Raffles Place) DBS Treasures Centre (Suntec City) Destination New South Wales DG Electronics Drips Bakery Café Emergencies First Aid & Rescue F45 Amoy F45 Holland Village F45 Novena F45 Orchard F45 River Valley F45 Tiong Bahru

NORTH Anytime Fitness (Admiralty) Anytime Fitness (Ang Mo Kio) Anytime Fitness (Greenwich) Anytime Fitness (Hougang) Anytime Fitness (Kovan) Anytime Fitness (NEX) Anytime Fitness (Punggol Oasis) Anytime Fitness (Sembawang) Anytime Fitness (Sengkang) Anytime Fitness (Serangoon Gardens) Anytime Fitness (Upper Thompson) Anytime Fitness (Wisteria) Anytime Fitness (Woodlands) Anytime Fitness (Yishun Northpoint City) Bakerzin Consulate of the Republic of Madagascar Crescendas Hospitality Management Pte Ltd DBS Treasures Centre (Serangoon Garden) DBS Treasures Centre (Thomson Plaza) Fitness First (AMK Hub) FotoHub.com Pte Ltd Gearaholic Gym Brigade Healthway Anchorvale Clinic Healthway Compassvale Clinic Healthway Dental @ Ang Mo Kio Healthway Dental @ Sun Plaza Healthway Dental @ Yishun Healthway Hougang Central Clinic Healthway Medical (Punggol) Healthway Medical Centre (417 Yishun) Healthway Medical Clinic (101 Yishun) Healthway Medical Clinic (748 Yishun) Healthway Medical Clinic (888 Plaza)

Healthway Medical Clinic (Ang Mo Kio) Healthway Medical Clinic (Rivervale) Healthway Medical Clinic (Sunplaza) Healthway Punggol Clinic HSBC - Serangoon Garden Branch Marina Country Club Mount Alvernia Medical Centre (Thomson) Mount Alvernia Medical Centre (Thomson) Mount Alvernia Medical Centre (Thomson) My Family Doctor Nobel Psychological & Wellness Clinic (Ang Mo Kio) Peace Family Clinic & Surgery (Ang Mo Kio) Peace Family Clinic & Surgery (Sembawang) Popular Dental @ 888 Plaza Raffles Medical Clinic (Ang Mo Kio) Raffles Medical Clinic (Bishan) Raffles Medical Clinic (Causeway Point) Raffles Medical Clinic (Compass One) Raffles Medical Clinic (Hougang Central) Raffles Medical Clinic (nex) Raffles Medical Clinic (Northpoint City) Raffles Medical Clinic (Rivervale Mall) Raffles Medical Clinic (Seletar Mall) Raffles Medical Clinic (Sembawang Way) Raffles Medical Clinic (Waterway Point) Real Food (Yishun) SAF Yacht Club

Fairmont Hotel Singapore Feder Sports Fitness First (100AM) Fitness First (321 Clementi) Fitness First (Bank of Singapore) Fitness First (Bugis Junction) Fitness First (Capital Tower) Fitness First (City Square) Fitness First (Connexis) Fitness First (Mapletree) Fitness First (MBFC) Fitness First (Metropolis) Fitness First (One George St) Fitness First (One Raffles Quay) Fitness First (Paragon) Fitness First (The Cathay) Flock Café Fort Canning Country Club Four Seasons Hotel Singapore France Shoes Co. Gentlebros Café Gleneagles Medical Centre Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore Grids & Circles Ground Up Climbing H.I.S. International Travel Pte Ltd Hairphilosophy Healthway Dental @ Downtown Healthway Medical (Serangoon) Healthway Medical Centre (Downtown) Healthway Medical Centre (Thomson) Healthway Medical Clinic (CentrePoint) Healthway Medical Clinic (Clementi) Healthway Medical Clinic (Towner)

Healthway Screening @ Downtown Healthway Screening & Wellness Centre Healthway Toa Payoh Clinic Healthway West Coast Clinic Helphealsg Highlander Coffee Espresso Bar HomeTeam NS Chinatown Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library Hotel Jen Tanglin HSBC - Collyer Quay Branch HSBC - Private Banking Huggs (AXA Building) Huggs (The Clift) INSEAD Intercontinental Hotel Singapore International Medical Clinic ISS International School (Paterson) ISS International School (Preston) Janice Wong JiBiru Japanese Bar Joe & Dough (Millenia Walk) Juggernaut Studio KARA Cafe and Dessert Bar Keppel Club KēSa House King Edward VII Hall Kith Café (Ascott Orchard) Kith Café (Bras Basah) Kith Café (Bukit Timah) Kith Café (Isetan) Kith Café (Marina Square) Kith Café (Millenia Walk) Kith Café (Robertson Quay) Kith Café (Spottiswoode) Kith Café (West Coast) Kith Café (Winsland House) Kizuki + LIM Leeden Classic

EAST SAFRA Yishun Salted Caramel Scenic Travel Pte Ltd Seager Inc Silver Cross Family Clinic (Woodlands) Silver Cross Family Clinic (Yishun) Singapore Family Clinic & Surgery (Hougang) Singapore Family Clinic & Surgery (Woodlands) Sync Cycle Indoor Cycling The Plain Jane The Singapore Island Country Club TLM Medical Brace Pte Ltd Tresbella Asia Pte Ltd

Lowercase Cafe M Social Hotel Management Development Institute of Singapore, MDIS Marina At Keppel Bay Marmot Marriott Café Molly Malone’s Mount Alvernia Medical Centre (Irrawady) Mount Alvernia Medical Centre (Mt. E) Mount Elizabeth Novena Centre Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Music Library My Awesome Cafe NeuGlow Dental Nobel Psychological & Wellness Clinic (Sinaran) Nu Photo Private Limited Nylon Coffee Roasters Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore Old Habits One Farrer Hotel One Wellness Pte Ltd One° 15 Marina Club Orangetheory Oriole Coffee + Bar Orpheus Dive Outdoor Life (Plaza Singapura) Outside Shop Owls Brew OYEYO Boulder Home Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre Park Regis Singapore Paulaner Brauhaus Perfect Attire Bespoke Tailors Picton Medical Centre

Adventure Gear Post Amazing Borneo Travel & Events Pte Ltd Anytime Fitness (Bedok Central) Anytime Fitness (Eastpoint mall) Anytime Fitness (Kallang Wave Mall) Anytime Fitness (Kembangan) Anytime Fitness (Kinex) Anytime Fitness (Marine Parade) Anytime Fitness (Tampines East) Anytime Fitness (Tampines West) Art of Yoga Bedok Family Clinic & Surgery Brewerkz (Singapore Indoor Stadium) Burp Kitchen & Bar BXG Boxing & Fitness Cali @ Changi Challenger TecHub Changi Beach Club Changi Sailing Club Civil Service Club @ Changi Climb Central (Sports Hub) Club Managers Association (Singapore) Dog & Bone Café F45 Siglap FAME Fitness First (SingPost Centre) Fitness First (Tampines CPF) Fitness First (UE Biz Hub) Genesis Gym Gymkraft Healthway Medical Clinic ( Lengkong Tiga) Healthway Medical Clinic (Elias) Healthway Medical Clinic (Tampines) Healthway Tampines Central Clinic Healthway Tampines Clinic Honorary Consulate of Monaco James Cook University Kate Porter Yoga Lennox & Ooi Media Pte Ltd

Little Island Brewing Co Marina Bay Golf Course National Library Board Onsight Climbing Gym Oompf Fitness Outdoor Sports Travel Outdoor Venture Papua New Guinean High Commission Plaza Premium Lounge RAD Station Raffles Medical Clinic (Bedok North) Raffles Medical Clinic (Changi Business Park) Raffles Medical Clinic (Changi City Point) Raffles Medical Clinic (Eastpoint Mall) Raffles Medical Clinic (I12 Katong) Raffles Medical Clinic (Loyang Point) Raffles Medical Clinic (Our Tampines Hub) Raffles Medical Clinic (Siglap Centre) Raffles Medical Clinic (Tampines 1) Raffles Medical Clinic (White Sands) SALON5@JooChiat Singapore Chinese Swimming Club Smokeys Sports Hub Library SportsHub Pte Ltd Stamping Ground Coffee SURFSET SUTD Singapore University of Technology and Design Tanah Merah Country Club Garden Course The Coastal Settlement The Communal The Flourist

The Moving Body (Tides Building) The Plant Story The Rock School (Bedok) The Rock School (Tampines) Tuck Shop UWCSEA East Campus

Polo Events International Pte Ltd Pounce Fit PsycHealth Practice Pure Fitness (Asia Square) Pure Fitness (Ngee Ann City) Pure Fitness (Ocean Financial Centre) Pure Yoga (Asia Square) Pure Yoga (Ngee Ann City) Pure Yoga (Republic Plaza) Pure Yoga (Suntec) Pte Ltd Raffles Medical @ Raffles Hospital Raffles Medical Clinic (Anchorpoint) Raffles Medical Clinic (Anson Centre) Raffles Medical Clinic (Asia Square) Raffles Medical Clinic (Capital Tower) Raffles Medical Clinic (Clementi) Raffles Medical Clinic (HarbourFront Centre) Raffles Medical Clinic (Marina Square) Raffles Medical Clinic (MBFC) Raffles Medical Clinic (Ngee Ann City) Raffles Medical Clinic (Raffles City) Raffles Medical Clinic (Raffles Holland V) Raffles Medical Clinic (Raffles Place) Raffles Medical Clinic (Robinson Road) Raffles Medical Clinic (Shaw Centre) Raffles Medical Clinic (Sixth Avenue) Raffles Medical Clinic (Toa Payoh

Central) Raw Active Real Food (Oasia Novena) Real Food (Orchard Central) Real Food (South Beach Tower) Regency House Service Apartments SAFRA Mt. Faber Science Library Segafreddo Sentosa Golf Club Shangri-La Hotel Singapore Silver Cross Family Clinic (Holland) Simply Bread Singapore Cricket Club Singapore Yacht Club Sports Affinity Sports Center Sports Solutions ST. Regis Hotel Singapore Swiss Club The American Club The Book Café Pte Ltd The British Association The British Club The Butcher’s Kitchen The Clueless Goat The Fabulous Baker Boy The Frosted Chick The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel The Lawn The Loft Gym The Moving Body (Guthrie House) The Moving Body (Robertson Walk) The Muffinry The PIT Singapore The Planet Traveller (Marina Sq)

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SNAPSHOT alaysia Sabah, M

Hannah Grey

Explore Nature’s Best in the Pearl of Borneo

Mount Kinabalu & Kinabalu Park

Danum Valley: Sabah’s Most Biodiverse Jungle

Home to hundreds of animals and an array of flora and fauna, it’s no question why Kinabalu Park was designated as Malaysia’s first Heritage Site. Stretching over 75,000 hectares, there are countless activities to enjoy such as splashing around Langanan Waterfall or embarking on a nature trail. But the highlight is definitely Malaysia’s highest mountain right in the middle of the Park – Mount Kinabalu.

While the peak is definitely not for the faint-hearted, the amazing views will definitely make the trip worth it.

Known as Sabah’s most biodiverse jungle, Danum Valley is an absolute haven for animal lovers. This untouched beauty has remained the way it has always been for millions of years. From jungle trails to the night safaris, expert guides provide enriching guided tours around the Valley.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for pygmy elephants and orangutans! Eco-friendly accommodations are also available for those who want to spend the night.

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Bohey Dulang Island Out of the hundreds of islands in Sabah, many say that this might be ‘Sabah’s most beautiful spot’. Nestled on Bodhgaya Island in the Celebes Sea is the stunning Bohey Dulang Island. While it may be smaller compared to its neighbouring islands, Bohey Dulang boasts the most remarkable views. What was once part of an extinct volcanic crater has become a beautiful sapphire-blue lagoon. Stroll along the whitesand beaches or hike to the peak at sunset and bask in all its beauty.

Getting There: From Singapore, there are direct flights to Kota Kinabalu via AirAsia and Silkair.

Travel Visa: Singaporeans do not require a travel visa to enter Malaysia for up to 30 days.

Currency: 100 SGD = 306 MYR Language: Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), English, Several Chinese Dialects

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park Home to some of the most stunning diving spots in Asia, you’ll surely be spoilt for choice here in Sabah. But here at Tungku Abdul Rahman National Park, you might go berserk from the variety of spots to choose from. The park consists of five islands, but one that truly stands out is the world-famous diving spot - Sipadan Island. Brimming with life at every corner from living corals and a plethora of marine life, it’s no wonder why Sipadan Island is a crowd favourite amongst novice and professional divers alike.

BALI 4D3N & 2 HOURS SPA PACKAGE PROMO S$99.00 PER PAX REGULAR PRICE S$169.000 Minimum: 2 Pax per Booking

BOOK NOW!

Buy & Reserve Package from 18 Jan to 18 Feb 2020 Stay anytime until 31 Jul 2020

INCLUSIONS: • 2-way Airport Transfers • Welcome Drinks • 3 Nights’ Accommodation in Superior Room with Daily Breakfast at D'Lima Hotel & Villas Kuta (Scan the QR Code to check out Hotel) • 1.5 hours Full Body Balinese Rejuvenating Massage + 30 mins Body Scrub

Terms & Conditions:

Cancellation Policy:

Rates quoted are in Singapore Dollars Within 7 days of Payment- 100% refund Children below 5 years old stay free. *No refunds will be made after this period Children above 5 years old need a extra bed; available at S$20.00 per stay Check-in from 2:00 pm onwards *Early check-in subject to availability Check-out at 12:00 pm *Late check-out subject to prevailing rates

OPTIONAL TOUR AVAILABLE Water Activities Tour at Lembongan Island

S$88.00 per Pax (Regular Price S$170.00) Get SOAKED enjoying ALL of these water activities; Snorkelling, Banana Boat, Donut Boat, Canoeing and Sea-tracking (1 x complimentary 4R photo). Enjoy breath-taking views of turquoise waters as you're brought on a tour of Lembongan Island. Over at Dream Beach and Devil's Tear, don't miss taking those perfect photos for your Instagram. Buffett lunch provided. Afternoon snack and coffee/tea provided. Hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Fastboat tickets included. @legroupelifestyle

legroupelifestyle

+65 6527 3989

+65 8144 2228

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