Sports+Travel Singapore | Issue 84

EE FR

SPORTS+

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HIIT | STRENGTH TRAINING | BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

MCI (P) 096/05/2018

WILDLIFE ISSUE JAPAN | BORNEO | CHILE SPAIN | SOUTH AFRICA & MORE 2

84 ISSUE NOV/DEC 2 0 1 8

" The new FUJIFILM X-T3 with its fast focusing is the perfect camera for me in Kenya."

About William Chua William Chua is an international award winning photographer based in Singapore. He does predominantly weddings, travel, landscapes and wildlife photography.

He has garnered awards from New York, Paris, and London, and most notably the PX3 Wildlife category GOLD Award in 2014.

His works have been published in various publications (including Singapore Airlines Silverkris magazine. Asian Geographic, Geographical Magazine (UK). His images are also represented by Modern Art Etc, based in Los Angeles, California for sale as Fine Art Prints.

Having led photography workshops to various countries, he hopes to be able to help photo enthusiasts take their photography to the next level.

This is his 10th year in Africa, and these series of photos were taken when he was leading his participants to Masia Mara, Kenya in 2018, during the Annual Great Migration.

William Chua Photography

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@william_chua_photography

will03@williamchua.com

Photo Credit: WILLIAM CHUA

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CONTENTS NOV-DEC ISSUE

10 JAPAN

The best of Hokuriku and Toyama Region

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MARINE SAFARI

Get acquainted with South Africa’s marine wildlife wonders

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EYE OF THE TIGER Journey to India’s national parks to catch a glimpse of the iconic beast

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FEATURES

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BACK TO NATURE

THE AWESOME ALTIPLANO

A place to call home for Hong Kong’s endangered animal

Chile’s wildlife will send you on a high

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KING OF SWINGERS

WILD IN THE VALLEY

Swing with the Orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra

Ordesa Valley is no walk in the park

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PICTURESQUE CHARMS

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Dive into Bohol’s Eco Treasures

Take a closer look of Galapagos’ rich in flora, fauna and sharp landscapes

REGULARS

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26

38

GEAR GUIDE

SHORT BREAKS

TRAVEL TIPS

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44

46

EVENTS

DISTRIBUTION

SNAPSHOT

BONUS

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SPORTS+ ; TRAINING STYLES

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EDITOR’S NOTE

OUR TEAM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Low Mei Fang CREATIVE DIRECTOR Terence Teh OPERATIONS Adrian Rosario WRITING & DIGITAL Cheryl Seet Julia Lachica

CALL OF THE WILD

F

or some, the best travel memories are the ones with animals in it. Witnessing these creatures big and small is best encountered in the wild - their natural habitat.

Our wild life issue is all about journeys and adventures tinged with animal encounters and purposeful sightseeing.

Borneo’s orangutans are a joy to behold. Their dire situation - deforestation and poaching - is grim, and both Sarawak and Sabah and racing to protect the extinction of these endangered animals.

Across the oceans, South African waters brim with sharks and whale, the perfect destination to view these giants of the seas. There is also the African Penguin and shoals of sardines, that make this a marvelous location to learn more about these creatures. Spain’s Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, a UNESCO site, is clearly no walk in the park! Its mountainous terrain is peppered with indigenous plants and unique wildlife, such as black vultures and Eleonora’s falcon. If you prefer a far different experience then head to The Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands - here sea lions, iguanas and giant tortoise roam the idyllic location.

Hong Kong’s Marine Parks are some of the best locations to discover Asian Marine life. These include, diverse brain corals, starfish, and anemones, amongst many others. India’s Corbett National Park is home to amazing wildlife as well. Wild boars, Sambar, Muntjac, deers, tigers and

leopards are there for the spotting. Even Manas National Park, another UNESCO designated site, is teeming with all sorts of wild animals.

Our Sports+ section introduces three different individuals who share their tips and insights in their area of specialty strength training, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boogie Bounce Revolution.

Finally our Qatar supplement will pique your interest about this sophisticated Middle Eastern country where city life can be enjoyed alongside a plethora of outdoor adrenalin-pumping activities. With so many stories to fuel your travel addictions, we hope you can plan your trip better, and start traipsing the globe with friends and loved ones. Safe travels.

NATIVIS PTE LTD 20 Maxwell Road #08-01Q Maxwell House, Singapore 069113 Tel +65 6909 5290 / +65 6429 0729 www.sportsandtravelonline.com enquiry@sportsandtravelonline.com SPORTS+TRAVEL LIMITED Rm. 1104 Crawford House 70 Queen’s Road Central Hong Kong Tel +852 2861 8746 enquiry@sportsandtravel.com.hk

ADVERTISING SALES GENERAL SALES ENQUIRY sales@sportsandtravelonline.com SINGAPORE JESSICA GOH jgoh@sportsandtravelonline.com HONG KONG HYLDA LOW hlow@sportsandtravel.com.hk

CONTRIBUTORS Yusuf Hamid Joseph Lim

SPECIAL THANKS Vasque Grand Circle Project GoPro Goal Zero ... and many, many others

Low Mei Fang Editor hlow@sportsandtravelonline.com

VISIT US:

www.sportsandtravelonline.com

FACEBOOK SportsandTravelSingapore YOUTUBE SportsandTravelMag INSTAGRAM SportsandTravelSG

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PUBLISHER

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 Stamford Press Pte Ltd. Singapore MCI (P) 142/07/2017

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FEATURE

JAPAN SPECIAL

HOKURIKU REGION Yusuf Abdol Hamid

Think Japan and a few classic images spring to mind – the flashing lights and hubbub of Tokyo’s infamous Shinjuku district, the soft powdery slopes of a Hokkaido ski resort, or a herd of speckled deer, supposedly the messengers of god, nuzzling a tourists’ hands in Kyoto’s Nara Park.

But consider that the archipelago has nearly 7,000 islands – and is bursting with fresh delights, you’ll miss it if your focus is Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido.

The New Golden Route through the Hokuriku region is an under-explored gem on Honshu’s west coast that, while geographically far from the urban centres of Tokyo and Osaka, is a mere five hours by train (from Tokyo to Osaka), and passes through the dragon-shaped collection of prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, Niigata, and Toyama.

A Hokuriku Arch pass (24,000Y Adults / 12,000Y Children; SGD 245 and SGD 290) allows for unlimited travel between Osaka and Tokyo along the Golden Route (http://

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shop.westjapanrail.com/). The trains are punctual, spotless, and comfortable to a fault – a perfect environment to admire the changing scenery through the region, from the coastline up to the rugged mountains of the Tateyama mountain range in Toyama.

Each prefecture is littered with remnants – physical or in the form of ancient traditions – of Japan’s hallowed Edo period, an era of unprecedented peace and innovation. Stone castles, unspoiled lush gardens, ancient wooden postal villages along old highway routes, and numerous hot springs resorts make this region perfect to gaze upon a slightly slower, older face of Japan – rich with songs and dances from an ancient time, and natural wonders.

What is travel without the luxury of tasting something new? Those who think they know sushi may have to think again – the Sea of Japan has many surprises, which fishermen and chefs along the coastline have been refining into gorgeous cuisine for centuries.

FUKUI PREFECTURE Awana-onsen, about two hours from Osaka by Thunderbird (all covered under the Arch Pass), is a quiet introduction to your Hokuriku experience. There’s none of the busy thrum of the major cities – instead the stop feels provincial and overwhelmingly underpopulated.

Locals have long admired the town for its collection of over a dozen hotels with natural onsen facilities – far more relaxing to dip in a pool in nature than within the confines of gymnasium-style walls of the public pools.

Mimatsu (Tel: 0776-77-2600) takes your comfort a step further – by piping the hot, mineral rich onsen water directly into large tubs in the balcony of your room. There are 28 of these luxurious balconies that face a Japanese garden – trickling water and wind sounds only – to complete your sense of a natural immersion.

Tojinbo – a kilometer-long stretch of scraggly, dramatic coastline draws locals by

the thousands during the summer months, who regardless of age, scramble up and down the dangerous cliffs to get a better view of their mortality – over 80 metres down to the sea.

It’s an interesting contrast – the severe, eroded cliffs, jutting out from the mainland where visitors meander up and down a road lined with restaurants and ice-cream shacks.

The legend holds that an evil monk called Tojinbo was summarily murdered – pushed off the edge while drunk – by other well-meaning monks. His spirit still causes some mysterious phenomena – none of which seem to happen while tourists are around, unless the legend refers to the squid ink ice-cream on offer at nearly every stall.

The cliffs themselves are a marvel – volcanic rock that hardened about half a million years ago – but the easily eroded sedimentary layers on top of the rocks give Tojinbo its distinctive, cathedral-like visage.

Embrace the relaxed, provincial spirit of Fukui and challenge yourself to a cliffside hike – starting closer to the wind turbines south of Tojinbo, passing Tojinbo itself, and then the end of the 4km route at a small island just off the coast.

The cliffs are best viewed from the sea itself – flash your Hokuriku Arch Pass for a 200Y (SGD 2.40) discount off the Tojinbo Excursion Ship – tickets sold right at the main entrance of Tojinbo.

If you’re planning a few days in the prefecture – the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (51-11 Terao, Muroko, Katsuyama City) is a vivid trip back in time – all housed in a massive silver dome perched on a hill like an observatory.

There are 44 full-scale replicas – including the 22m long Brachiosaurus, which somehow doesn’t seem so large in the cavernous hall of the museum.

More stunning are the exhibits that feature dinosaurs dug up right in Fukui (and 18 other prefectures) and bear the prefecture’s name like the Fukui Raptor. There are still live digs happening in and around the museum, and children especially will love to watch the researchers work at grinding away rock to get to the fossils underneath.

ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE Still on the Thunderbird, the Golden Route then bends towards Ishikawa Prefecture – and the capital Kanazawa City. Kanazawa thrived during the Edo period and historical sites are littered within the city, none of

which are further than a few bus-stops from each other.

Kanazawa City is just two and half hours from Tokyo – and the cities share a similar vibe, albeit with a fraction of the population crush. But when you peel away the modern face of Kanazawa, there are little pockets of history that balance out the soul of the city.

The Higashi Chaya district looks how historians imagine an Edo castle town was – and escaped most of the destructive air raids towards the end of World War II. Chaya is a teahouse, where traditionally, Geisha’s would entertain their clients with a song, dance, and sophisticated discussions that wives of the 18th century were unable to provide.

If you rub your eyes, it seems like nothing has changed. Geisha are still tottering down the street daintily, arm in arm with a sprightly young man dressed in kamishimo. But while the people are still Japanese, they are mostly tourists from other prefectures, doing a little cosplay of their own history.

For another dose of nostalgia for the Edo period, walk over to the Nagamachi Samurai District – a stunningly wellpreserved residential district at the foot of

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FEATURE

JAPAN SPECIAL the former Kanazawa Castle. The narrow lanes and water canals are accessible on foot – which bring you closer to the aged earthern walls blocking off these private museums from the rest of the world. But some houses remain open to the public – like the restored samurai residence of Nomura-Ke. The Samurai’s lost their power and fortune at the end of the Meiji-era, but a wealthy merchant called Takada bought the home at Nomura-Ke, and the home remains as it was hundreds of years ago – with expensive Koi placidly circling in the pond of the stunning garden of bonsai and ancient stone artefacts.

After a few hours of cultural immersion – a few bus-stops away is the Kenroku-en Gardens (1 Kenroku-machi, Admission:

Y310), designated as one of the three most beautiful in Japan. The former outer garden of the Kanazawa Castle, it somehow sits below a natural river system – which drives hydraulic pumps for non-mechanised fountains, and gentle waterfalls.

The grounds have been open to the public for the last 150 years and is the ideal garden to stroll in and get your bearings – whether you’re in a Meiji, Edo, or post-war frame of mind – since some of the trees are well into their 300th year. Some trees are weighed down with dramatic histories – like a cherry tree that was hauled over from a neighbouring city – but required the destruction of hundreds of homes in its path to Kenroku-en.

With an ice-cream in hand (and mouth),

ponder the true meaning of Kenroku-en, or “six attributes garden”. The attributes were held in high-regard by garden designers, and many aimed for all six – though perhaps only Kenroku-en managed to achieve them all. Spaciousness, seclusion, water courses, panoramas, artifices, and antiquity – the garden seems to challenge you not to find these attributes at every turn.

There’s 12 hectares of unique flora and fauna to explore, along with a large, contemplative statue called the Meiji Monument ringed by maple trees. Sit with your soft-serve and watch Japan go by – there’ll still be occasional young ladies in Geisha-wear strolling by to emphasise the timeless nature of Kenroku-en.

TOYAMA REGION Toyama prefecture is unique for its topography – miles of flat farmland stretching out to Toyama Bay, famous for bio-luminescent squid, and then a sudden ascent up the Japanese Alps to an altitude of 3,000m and heavy snowfall. This happy marriage of climates results in some of the freshest water, and subsequently some of the best rice and sake in Japan.

But there is a region, up in the mountains, that has for centuries been locked away due to its remote location and harsh environment – resulting in a unique and resilient culture that is now common amongst the people of Gokayama and Shirakawa-Go. These are centuries-old villages, some supposedly stretching back 800 years, that are still occupied by descendants of the original inhabitants. Tourists, both local and international, make the long drive up the winding mountain slopes for panoramic

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views of the villages – distinct because of their Gassho homes, inverted-V shaped structures that look like hands clasped in prayer The roofs are thatched with thick straw from their crops – the perfect insulation against the biting winter cold that can insulate residents of these valleys for up to half a year.

It has been possible for some time to stay in these villages at several of the guesthouses – run by families who still practice farming and other aspects of their traditional lifestyle.

Ainokura in Gokayama is a smaller collection of about 20 homes – far smaller than the village of Shirakawa-Go but affords a more intimate experience for a homestay.

The Yomoshirou home is run by Higashiyama Kunihiro, 62, and the 13th generation of residents in the original

structure – a two story Gassho house.

(9200Y (SGD 112)/person/night, dinner and breakfast included).

The rooms are spacious tatami chambers with warm comforters suitable all year round – at this altitude the night gets chilly even in summer. But the highlight is the personable treatment by Kunihiro-san and his family, including a painstakingly-made dinner of soft and chewy Iwana – a river fish cooked gently over coals gently for two hours until utterly soft and chewy right down to the bones.

Surrounding this savoury delight are bowls of various mountain vegetables and mushrooms that grow wild like bamboo shoots, young ferns, nameko mushrooms in miso soup – all of which have a bright, springy texture.

In broken, halting English, Kunihirosan explains the hunting and gathering techniques of his forefathers, and a brief

but lively exhibition of a local song and dance routine.

The mornings are ideal for a stroll up to the higher slopes where nearly the entire village of Ainokura is visible – a sleepy hamlet gently kissed by the early morning rays of the sun.

Some old industries are still running – like Washi (rice paper) making – and tourists are encouraged to make their own prints. It’s a surprisingly simple process, although the souvenir shop holds some beautiful and complicated prints – including an entire wedding dress.

In the Yusuke house, explore the second-floor gallery with exhibits on silk-worm growing and gunpowder manufacturing – typical industry for the Gassho villages from the 1800s onwards.

But the proprietor of Yusueke house, Ikehata San, adds a personal touch to the gallery with a priceless collection of his photographs of Ainokura spanning the last 50 years or so. It’s a unique window into life far away from regular civilisation – yet their appearance and mannerisms seem utterly similar to the Japanese you meet anywhere else.

Ainokura is about an hour-drive from Toyama City, or 50 minutes from the larger, more touristy Shirakawa-Go – so plan to arrive in the afternoon, stay the night and explore more in the sunlight the day after.

There are regulations against night-walks as a courtesy to the residents of the town.

TOKYO The Shinkansen on the Golden Route ends its curve at the heart of Japan’s largest city – and the contrast from the quieter regions of the last few days can make quite an impression.

The busy parts of central Tokyo are a whirlpool of people in gray suits and

cardigans, padding their feet from one office to another – while delicious aromas waft from any number of restaurants or snack stalls that seem to crowd any available retail space either underground or by the roadside.

Yet despite its overt modern face, the influential Edo period is named after the former name of Tokyo, Edo, a name and era that lasted for a momentous 260 years.

There’s no better authority on the subject than the Edo-Tokyo Museum (1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida), which celebrates the history and culture of Tokyo from the 1600s to the modern day.

The allure of the museum lies in its vast permanent exhibition on the fifth and sixth floors – which spans about 20 basketball courts worth of life-sized replicas of daily life across the different ages.

The trip back through time begins at the mouth of the Nihonbashi bridge replica on the sixth floor. The same bridge still stands today, though rebuilt countless times, in Ginza – which was historically a commercial district. There’s a helpful blend of physical and digital displays – like map overlays on screens that show the distribution of properties over time.

Amazingly most of metropolitan Tokyo was once owned by Samurai families – and 1:30 models show in intricate detail the Daimyo residences and former Edo Castle – the scale helps you understand that these residences would have been massive even by modern standards.

Don’t miss the original wooden prints – a process invented in the Edo era – which resulted in wonderfully detailed graphic novels, mass-produced as far back as 200 years ago.

Another joy of Tokyo is hopping into a simple, fuss-free ramen place for a bowl of steaming noodle done in a variety of similar

but complementary styles. The locals may chug this soupy concoction without much emotion – but since you won’t be in a rush to go back to work, have a leisurely meal at Kyushu Jangara (3 Chome-11-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda) in Akihabara.

This popular joint is mobbed on weekends and during meal times – with most customers crying out for their pork bone, Tonkotsu ramen. The mild soup is easy to drink – almost too easy – which is why they offer refills of both soup and noodles if you’re running low on energy and high on desire. The most luxurious combination includes chunks of marinated pork and seasoned cod roe, which leaves you with an entire bowl rich with umami flavor.

Also good for a quick and fuss-free meal is Memory Lane or known to locals by a less savoury nickname involving a lack of toilets. This narrow lane is just outside the west gate of Shinjuku station and is a packed collection of small bars, food stalls and yakitori grills which date back to its roots in the 1940s.

Come late, toss back some sake with a stranger and while the night away with some sticks of grilled chicken skin – and let the smell of Tokyo’s ancient and modern history wash over you at the end of your journey on the Golden Route.

Additional Information: This trip was supported by the GCP (Grand Circle Project) – comprised of the Tokyo, Saitama, Gunma, Niigata, Nagano, Gifu, Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui Prefectures.

Find out more at http://hokuriku-arch-pass. com/explore_japan

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FEATURE

HONG KONG

BACK TO NATURE Hong Kong’s lush country parks and eco-tours balance well with its frenetic concrete jungle.

Cheryl Seet Photo by: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)

Mai Po Marshes Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park

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UNDER THE SEA: HOI HA WAN MARINE PARK Translating to “Bay Beneath the Sea”, Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is designated as one of the first Marine Parks in Hong Kong in 1996. Home to 60 types of hard corals and 120 species of coral fish, the marine park is a sheltered bay located north of Sai Kung West Country Park in the northeast section of Hong Kong. Covering about 260 hectares, the bay is bordered with Flat Island (Ngan Chau) and Moon Island (Mo Chau) and is also a good spot for those interested in snorkelling or mangroves.

There are currently four other marine parks: Tung Ping Chau, Sha Chau & Lung Kwu Chau, Yan Chau Tong, The Brothers, and a marine reserve at Cape D’Aguilar.

However, Hoi Ha Wan is the only marine park in Hong Kong with direct road access, and visitor traffic is monitored to prevent uncontrolled tourism putting undue pressure on the fragile marine environment.

Hoi Ha Wan is well-known for its lush coral communities and is one of the best sea areas in Hong Kong for its clear waters, diverse marine life, and striking brain corals.

In the summer, you can snorkel in the

bay or hop onto a kayak to explore the surrounding islands. During low tide, you’ll be able to spot sea cucumbers, starfish and a variety of anemones trapped in the tidal pools along the shore.

FUN FACT Coral Communities 64 out of 88 stony coral species recorded in Hong Kong can be found in Hoi Ha Wan The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department provides free guided eco-tours in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park every Sunday and public holidays.

The 1.5-hour tours leave at 10.30am and at 2.15pm, bringing visitors around Hoi Ha Village, the public pier (for coral watching), GETTING THERE Hoi Ha Wan can be accessed 7 days a week from Sai Kung Town to Hoi Ha Village via the Green minibus No. 7, or via KMB No. 94 (where you’ll stop at Ko Tong and walk along Hoi Ha Road for an hour).

Photo by: Anthony Sun

DID YOU KNOW? 70% of Hong Kong’s land consists of farmland and countrysides 40% of the territory is designated for Country and Marine Parks

Photo by: WWF-Hong Kong

the lime kilns and the mangrove site. The tour is limited to 25 participants, on a first come first served basis and registration can be made at the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park Warden Post. For more information on Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, log on to www.afcd. gov.hk.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: MAI PO MARSHES

Photo by: Lai Nga Yee WWF Hong Kong

Located in the northwestern corner of Hong Kong, the Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay are known as a haven for migratory birds for many decades. The Mai Po Nature Reserve has a high diversity of wetland habitats which include shrimp ponds (gei wai), mangroves, intertidal mudflats and reedbeds. It is a popular spot

FUN FACT Mighty Mangroves The area of intertidal mangroves fringing Mai Po and Deep Bay is the sixth largest in China and the reedbed stands are one of the largest in Guangdong Province.

Photo by: WWF-Hong Kong

birds. These gei wai are the last remaining ponds of their kind in Hong Kong.

Approximately 90,000 migratory birds make their way to Mai Po in autumn and winter, between October and April.

Some 380 species of birds inhabit the reserve, including the globally endangered Saunder’s Gull and the Black-faced Spoonbill. Keep your eyes peeled for these birds during your trip. If you’re lucky, you might even find yourselves spotting some mongoose, otters and shews!

The three hours long “Exploring Mai Po” tour (available on weekends and public holidays) organised by WWF gives you the opportunity to see some of the 2000 species that form the unique biodiversity of the reserve. A nature interpreter will bring you on a 2 km nature trail that explores the gei wai, boardwalk, natural habitats of local wildlife and the bird watching hides.

Tickets are available at HK$150 (SGD26.50) for each adult and group sizes are limited to 20 participants. For more information on Mai Po Marshes, visit www.wwf.org.hk.

GETTING THERE A taxi ride from Yuen Long to the WWF HK car park takes about 20 minutes and costs around HK$60 (SGD11). Alternatively, take the MTR to Sheung Shui Station and take a 30-minute bus 76K to Mai Po Village, and from there it’s a 20-minute walk to the WWK HK car park.

for birdwatchers, eco-tourists and school groups alike. The heart of the reserve is made up of 24 traditionally operated gei wai which provides food for the migratory

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GEAR GUIDE

GEAR GUIDE Joseph Lim & Adrian Rosario

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In addition, it now integrates live streaming and with the GoPro app, you can share every amazing moment as you live it. The HERO7 Black takes GoPro performance — and your photos and videos — to a whole new level.

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GOAL ZERO Sleek and powerful, the Sherpa 100AC is your go-to source for versatile power while on the move. Airline approved and travel ready, the 94.72Wh power bank is equipped with innovative features like wireless charging, high-speed Power Delivery, and a variety of ports to power phones, tablets, DSLR cameras, and laptops—including power-hungry MacBooks.

Available at all major electronics stores

GOING MIRRORLESS Canon’s EOS R is one of the best mirrorless cameras out there in the market today.

Being Canon’s first full-frame 35mm CMOS sensor mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital camera that features an electronic viewfinder (EVF), it is no doubt a strong contender to its competitors. At 660g, this 30.3-megapixel, DIGIC 8-powered processor is definitely up the alley of many professional photographers. Its other impeccable features include: ISO speed: 100–12800 expandable to (L: 50), (H1: 51200), (H2: 102400), continuous shooting speeds of approximately 8fps (one-shot AF) and 5fps (Servo AF), you can also record 4K 30p-quality videos that will astound your eyes. In truth, the Ultra High-Definition 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) videos captured by this device is simply jaw-dropping. You can display 4K video via the rich 10-bit output through the HDMI terminal integrated into the device. With Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can synch and print photos via a wide range of printers out in the market today. The company recently unveiled four brand new RF lenses, two super telephoto EF lenses and one prime EF-M lens to complete this EOS’ ecosystem. This comprehensive suite of equipment can help photographers take their photographic creativity to the next level, ultimately, upping their ante.

Available at all major electronics stores

SHADOW 30+10— THE NORTH FACE

AMERICAN TOURISTER

Retail Price: S$316

American Tourister Technum Spinner comes in cool metallic colour and scratch resistant texture to ensure comfort and style. The luggage is packed with inner storage pockets, recessed TSA lock for extra security and is expandable for checkin sizes to provide additional storage.

Available at selected Samsonite stores, leading department stores and www.samsonite.com.sg at usual price $220 (55cm), $260 (68cm) and $290 (77cm).

Perfect for outdoor lovers, the Shadow 30+10 is a fast-and-light mountaineering pack for the minimalist or the day tripper.

The ultralight pack will allow you to go higher and faster, with 30-liter availability and an extra 10-liter for those times where orderly repacking isn’t on the agenda.

The pack is compatible for multi-day expeditions and is packed with features such as full-face compression system and easy access hip pockets.

Available in The North Face stores now.

GO DEEP The expert, military operative, counterterrorism dive instructor Scot Cassell swears by his Luminox. Indubitably, the Luminox Scott Cassell Deep Dive 1550 series is something you can wear and live vicariously like a true expert diver! Materialised into a sophisticated timepiece, its 46mm Carbonox case size offers a water resistance of 30 ATM, complemented by patented bezel locking system while the Ronda 715 Li movement powers it. This Swiss-made, quartz movement watch has an eight-year lithium battery lifespan and with four colour executions to choose from matched by the proprietary Luminox Lighting Technology, you enjoy unlimited night vision 24 hours a day for up to 25 years all thanks to tritium gas tubes.

Available at all authorised dealers

WIRELESS WONDER With its diminutive form and lightweight at 22g, the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3100 true wireless sport earbuds are your best companion for a jog. Technologies like Always Aware eartips allow you to keep yourself safe by permitting you to hear surrounding sounds for safer training or enjoyment. Battery life offers you up to five hours talk tie and five hours listening time. The product is made of high-quality plastics that provide soft, flexible and secure-fit earloops so you enjoy comfort and stability always. In addition, the new My Tap feature allows one to customise through the BackBeat app and it’s a cinch to toggle the features!

With its IP57-rated durable, sweatproof and waterproof design, you can run while its raining or if it accidentally falls into water, you’ll never have to fret.

Available at all major electronics stores

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FEATURE

SABAH

KING OF SWINGERS Viewing orangutans in their natural habitat is pure bliss Julia Lachica

Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, Orangutans can only be found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Known to be the largest tree-dwelling mammals in the world, Orangutans can grow up to 1.5m in height and 90 kg in weight. Despite their large built, these primates spend most of their time in canopies that are 6 to 30 metres above ground. They manage to do so with the means of their long arms, swinging themselves from one branch to another with ease and agility.

Orangutans are considered to be the most intelligent out of all primates, using tools to build elaborate nests out of leaves and branches and have also developed

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a distinct and complex feeding culture in which the adults would pass on their knowledge to the young on how to make tools and find food. The average lifeexpectancy of an orangutan is 30 years, with adult females only maturing at a late age of 10 and is only able to bear three to four offsprings in their entire lifetime.

Making them the lowest reproducing mammals in the world.

DID YOU KNOW? With the increase of negative human activities, orangutans are now declared as an endangered species, with less than 120,000 left in the world.

One of the most serious threat is the destruction of their rainforest habitats. In the last 30 years, these primates’ home has been under the the chainsaw to make way for oil palm plantations and other agricultural plantations. They also face the onslaught of poachers who will hunt for their meat, body parts, or simply as a trophy. Other than deforestation, fires that are a result from fire-fallow cultivation are other concerns that endanger the wellbeing of orangutans.

In addition, orangutans are thriving in the exotic pet trade in many Asian countries. Female orangutans are hunted the most, and when caught with their

Borneo

FIERY DEATH In 1997 alone, an estimated 2 million hectares of land was burned down, resulting in many hundreds of deaths of orangutans. offspring, the young will be sold as pets.

Regardless of the laws being implemented to help save the primates, the demand for orangutans as pets is still high in the black market.

FUTURE PROTECTION The bottom-line is this: a 1 percent increase in death rate could bring about the total extinction of the species in 3 decades.

Despite the challenges, a lot is being done to save the orangutans. Rehabilitation Centres have been set up in Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan and North Sumatra.

These centres take in orangutans that had been held in captivity, displaced, abused or raised as pets to help them re-adapt to the wild.

Photo by: Sabah_Tourism-Lim Sheng Haw

ORANGUTAN ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, just 25 kilometres west of Sandakan in the state of Sabah in Malaysia, is one of the largest and renowned centres in the region. The centre is surrounded by

43 sq km of protected land and is home to 60 to 80 rehabilitated apes that are living freely in the reserve.

In the rehabilitation centre, visitors can learn about the full rehabilitation process of the apes. Newly admitted apes are to go through a series of medical examinations and a quarantine period of three to six months before being assessed on which phase of the rehabilitation to be started on.

Visitors are welcome to see the orangutans during their feeding times, 10am and 3pm, at the main viewing platform in the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Feeding sessions can also be viewed in Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre situated in Sarawak. formerly a rehabilitation centre, The Bohorok Orangutan Centre at Bukit Lawang has been transformed into an ecotourism destination. In Gunung Leuser National Park, apart from the feeding sessions, the centre also provides exceptional environmental education programmes fitted for all ages.

Camp Leakey, located in Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Borneo, is a great place for orangutan viewing but is less accessible than the centres in Malaysia.

The closest airport would be the Iskandar airport at Pangkalan bun, which is only serving private domestic flights, and you would then have to take a boat to the centre.

GETTING THERE

By Air Sabah is pretty well connected, domestically and internationally.

The main airport will be the Kota Kinabalu international Airport about 20 minutes away from the city.

Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia provides direct flights daily from Kuala Lumpur.

Sabah is also directly accessible to majority of the asian countries. Such as Brunei, Singapore and South Korea.

By Sea Those who are coming from Labuan, Indonesia and Philippines could catch a ferry to Sabah. There are ferry terminals and immigration checkpoints in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. Those who wish to arrive in their own yachts and such may do so park in the Sutera Harbour Marina in Kota Kinabalu.

By Land If you wish drive your way to Sabah, you may do so via the Trans Borneo Highway which is accessible in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Brunei Darussalam.

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FEATURE

INDIA

EYE OF THE TIGER Conservation efforts help to raise awareness of India’s most iconic beast.

Cheryl Seet

Corbett National Park NEPAL BHUTAN

BANGLADESH

Manas National Park Ranthambore National Park SRI LANKA

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Founded in 1972, Project Tiger was launched to protect India’s most endangered great cat, the Royal Bengal Tiger via a series of geographically diverse “Tiger Reserves”. Project Tiger is one of the most successful ongoing conservation initiatives in the world today. Project Tiger only sanctions habitat “repair” without further developments of any kind, blocking out all ecological disturbances by eliminating all human activity within the reserves. This at the same time fulfills the programme’s goal of having the ability to observe, document and better understand what is essentially one of the 100 per cent interference-free ecosystems on the planet.

TIGER PRESERVATION The programme includes 28 reserves with a total area of 37,000 sq km under its management.

FUN FACT TIGER SIGHTING You can have a better chance of spotting a tiger during the dry season (April to mid-June).

VISITING CORBETT The national park is approximately 260 km away from Delhi and is open to tourists from the months of November to June, and temperatures range from 4°C in winter to 42°C during summer. You will be able to rent yourselves a jeep safari to drive in the park, but walking is permitted only in some areas with the company of a guide. Corbett tiger reserve park has been divided into six ecotourism zones (Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhela and Sonanadi), each having a separate gate for entry. You’ll have to obtain the different entry permits from the relevant authorities to gain entry to the reserve park. With each area’s unique flora and fauna, you will be able to have a different experience as you move across the zones.

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FEATURE

MANAS NATIONAL PARK Situated at the foot of the BhutanHimalayas in the state of Assam, Manas National Park is home to a variety of unique biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.

It is also one of the first reserves to be included in the network of tiger reserves under Project tiger in 1973. Subsequently, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. With the northern regions of the park receiving more than 500 cm of rain annually, large numbers of small mammals and large herbivores such as water buffalos thrive — providing a source of food for the tigers all year round, which resulted in the tigers making this area their permanent home.

Manas is very rich in the population of Royal Bengal Tigers (approximately 60), and the park has dedicated 2,480 sq km of reserve to Project Tiger. Tigers have been thriving in Manas since the mid1970s, concentrated in the 100 sq km of grasslands and dense evergreen forest just inside the park’s northern border with Bhutan. The park is also well known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog and the Himalayan Sloth Bear.

VISITING MANAS There are three protected areas in Manas: the Manas Sanctuary (391 sq km), Manas National Park (520 sq km) and Manas Tiger Reserve (2,600 sq km). Foreign tourists require a permit to visit the park and the can be obtained on the spot at the field office at Barpeta Road where the basic entrance fee to the park is Rs250 (SGD 4.70) per person per day, an extra Rs300

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(SGD 5.65) per jeep entry, and a further Rs500 (SGD 9.40) for cameras. Guwahati

is the nearest airport and it’ll be a 176 km (4 to 5 hour) ride to the park. As the park is closed during the monsoon season from mid-May to September, the ideal time to visit is from November to April. If you’re planning to stay overnight within the park, do remember that you must first obtain written permission. Alternatively, you can also opt for hotels in Barpeta Road (44 km away).

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, approximately 130 km from Jaipur. The national park was a former royal hunting ground and officially joined Project Tiger in 1974 before being declared a national park in 1981. Today, the Ranthambore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction that has

drawn the attention of scores of wildlife photographers and nature lovers. The park covers approximately 392 sq km and when combined with the neighbouring Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary Area, the two parks create a reserve for the area’s large population of tiger, elephant, rhino and other endangered species. The park has three major lakes which are great for wildlife sighting — Padam Talao, Rajbagh Talao, and Malik Talao. Unique to Ranthambore, tigers can regularly be seen hunting and stalking during daylight hours. It has been proven that there are no measurable effects on the tigers’ behaviour even with human presence in very close proximity (10 to 15m). This makes Ranthambore the premier park in the world for catching a glimpse of tigers in their natural state.

VISITING RANTHAMBORE While winter temperatures can drop to below 0°C at night, it is 12 to 15°C during the day, making it the ideal season to visit the park. In the summer (April to June), temperatures soar to between 37°C and 47°C in the daytime. The park is opened to visitors from 1st October to 30th June and remains closed to visitors the rest of the year. There are also fixed timings for safaris – one in the morning (7.30am to 10.30am) and one in the evening (3pm to 5.30pm), with earlier timings in the summer season.

You can choose to get around the park either through a private-hire six-person jeep or in the 20-person “canters” (opentop tour buses). If you’re travelling by air, the nearest airport is 40 minutes away in Jaipur (145 km). It’s also linked to Delhi via rail along the Delhi-Mumbai line (a 7-hour, 362 km ride). Trains in both directions serve Ranthambore via the Sawai Madhopur Station (11km from the park entrance).

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FEATURE

PHILIPPINES

PICTURESQUE CHARMS Bohol’s eco treasures feature scenic waterfalls and the bucolic charms of the Visayas region Julia Lachica

Located in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, Bohol consists of the island itself together with 75 other minor surrounding islands. For its relatively small size, Bohol has a lot to offer: white sand beaches with picturesque coves, fantastic dive sites teeming with marine life, dramatic mountainous landscapes and lush forests home to many unique creatures.

Bohol’s climate is generally dry, with a rainy season between June and October.

It is usually warm and dry along the coast while cold and humid in the interior. Bohol is mostly unaffected by the numerous typhoons that hit the country.

Bohol Panglao

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DIVE SITES Not only does Bohol have scenic mountains and beaches, the province is also teeming with marine and wildlife.

Bohol is a good place to explore the “Visayas Dive Triangle”, which is formed

by Cebu, Negros Oriental and Bohol.

Divers from far and wide come to Bohol to experience its laid back atmosphere and diverse marine life, from corals to pelagic’s, that spreads across the islands.

There are plenty of great dive sites within close reach of Bohol. The island

of Panglao, located south-west of Bohol, has a reef platform that is relatively narrow and shallow, covered with hard and soft corals with an edge that plunges down to 48m. Just 130 to 280m away from Alona Beach, the Alona House Reef can easily be observed with just snorkelling equipment.

If you aren’t up for scuba diving or snorkelling, you can observe blue starfishes that congregate by the hundreds close to the shores of some Bohol’s beaches.

About 60 km off Panglao lies Balicasag island, the island is only 25 hectares that is fringed with shells and coralline beach.

Balicasag has a number of dive sites such as the Resort Wall, a relatively flat and smooth fringe reef with a proliferation of sea fans and reef fish such as lionfish and scorpion fishes, and Cathedral Wall, a section of a wall fitted with caves and recesses housing corals, reef fish and schools of big jacks. If you want to spot a turtle, you can head to Turtle Point which is home to some large turtles.

A diver’s favourite, Cabilao island is renowned for hammerhead sharks, dolphins, tunas and groupers that shoal around its clear waters. Though sightings of these sea creatures can be rare, Cabilao island still has stunning reefs worth diving for. Those who want to discover more of the Visayas Dive Triangle and its rich marine life, dive sites in Cebu includes Moalboal, Malapascua and Mactan and Negros Oriental.

BUSHY TAIL, SAUCER EYES One of the rarest animals in the Philippines is the Philippine Tarsier. One of the

smallest known primates in the world and is indigenous to the island, the Philippine Tarsier measures about 10 to 12 cm and is no larger than a grown man’s hand.

Characterised for its huge eyes, grey fur

and very long tail, and just like an owl, the tarsier is capable of a 180-degree head rotation. Mainly active during the night time, tarsiers lives on a diet of insects, hunting amongst the trees. Over the years, the Philippine tarsier has been threatened due to deforestation, years of illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming, and tourism exploitation. This resulted to the Philippine Tarsier now being a protected species, and the best place to visit these small creatures will be at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, about 6 miles away from the capital of Bohol, Tagbilaran.

This research and development centre welcomes visitors from all around the world.

Visitors are allowed to walk through a spacious net enclosure that houses about 100 tarsiers, giving you a closer at these saucer-eyed creatures. The tarsiers in the sanctuary are kept for a period of time for

rehabilitation. Other forest wildlife that you will be able to spot in the vicinity include the flying lemur, Visayan hornbill, grass owl and the Philippine sailfin lizard.

The incredibly rare tarsier can sometimes be found in the surrounding forests of Corella and other forests in Bohol such as the ones near Antequera and the forests in Anda peninsula in the northeast of the island. Since the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is off the tourist path, some private individuals would display tarsiers in cages along tourist crowded locations.

Best to avoid these as they are shy animals normally don’t survive that long.

GETTING THERE Easiest way to travel to Bohol would be by plane. There are a number of domestic airlines that you can take such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines that would fly from Manila to the capital of Bohol, Tagbilaran City. You can also take a ferry to Tagbilaran City Pier. Apart from departing from Manila, you can take a ferry from Dumaguete and Cebu. If you are coming from Mindanao, there are boats from Cagayan De Oro and Dipolog.

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SHORT BREAKS

VERY VIETNAM This Asian destination is rife with history and culture, and offers a World Heritage Site for you to discover.

Cheryl Seet

Like many countries in Asia, Vietnam used to be ruled by dynasties of families, feudal lords and emperors with grand palaces.

Located along the banks of the picturesque Perfume River lies Hue, one of Vietnam’s historic sites and former capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, the city represents the fascinating history of the Vietnamese medieval empire — you’ll be able to find complex of monuments, tombs, collection of old pagodas, imperial buildings and temples. Widely known for preserving its rich historic values, Hue was subsequently recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1993.

BACH MA NATIONAL PARK The national park is well known for its natural landscape and refreshing atmosphere where the highest mountain, Bach Ma, towers at 1,450 m. The French had built hundreds of villas in the location during their reign and some of these classic villas have recently been restored and are now opened as hotels. Home to over 1,900 species of flora and fauna, Bach Ma attracts plenty of hikers and those who are looking for somewhere to get away from the heat.

Tip: Keep a lookout for the native Red-shanked Doucs, a species of oldworld monkey that is the most colourful among the primates. Also, two of the rarest mammals on the planet — the Saola

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and the Muntjac — have recently been discovered in the park. Other interesting species include the Asian Elephant, Whitecheeked Gibbon, Crested Argus, Annam Partridge, Edward’s Pheasant and Langur.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hai Vong Dai (Sea Observation Post): Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the lagoons and the East Sea • Silver Waterfall (Do Quyen): Be amazed by the magnificent waterfall that is over 300m high and 30m wide IMPERIAL CITADEL Hue’s prime attraction is the former seat of the imperial government. This walled city is a sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, walls, gates and museums which showcase the opulence of Vietnam’s days of imperialism.

ROYAL TOMBS This collection of elaborate tombs located along the Perfume River were built by Emperors in the 19th century during the French rule: • Tomb of Tu Duc: Emperor Tu Duc ruled the country of 35 years (the longest reign of all emperors in the Nguyen Dynasty). His tomb is set against a poetic scenery of vast pine forests, a pretty lake and a majestic pavilion complex.

• Tomb of Khai Dinh: Built in the Chau Chu Mountains, the royal tomb is influenced

by French architectural styles. As Emperor Khai Dinh incorporated a great deal of Western and Eastern elements of the tomb, it took 11 years to be completed. Keep a lookout for the two massive dragons that form the side rails of the 37 steps at the entrance gate of the tomb.

GO CYCLING! From Hue, you can cycle to another World Heritage site at Hoi An. From Hue’s back roads, the scenic ride takes you towards the picturesque Lang Co beach and the dramatic Hai Van pass before reaching the well-preserved ancient port town of Hoi An, meandering through small fishing villages, lagoons, rice paddies and forests.

You’ll be able to opt for either a one-day trip (82 km) or a two-day journey (112 km).

Getting there Hue is accessible from Hanoi by train (approximately 12 hours) and plane (approximately 1 hour). Alternatively, there are direct flights from Singapore to Danang, from where it will be a two-hour taxi ride to Hue via the scenic Hai Van pass.

A HIGHER LEVEL OF LUXURY IN PHUKET With striking, contemporary design, innovative seaside dining and an unwavering dedication to faultless service, The Nai Harn is taking luxury to new heights.

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The Nai Harn Phuket 23/3 Moo 1, Vises Road, Rawai Muang District, Phuket, 83130 Thailand T +66 7638 0200 www.thenaiharn.com

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SPORTS+ HIIT

ERNEST WONG

“Pounce your pounds away”

Cheryl Seet

With aims of educating, empowering and elevating the layman in terms of fitness and wellness, Ernest (founder of Pounce Fit) Wong shares more about Boogie Bounce Revolution and how it is beneficial for those looking for a good workout or for those who want to consider it for a crosstraining programme. Wong who has a diploma in Sport & Wellness Management is also a certified Boogie Bounce Instructor, certified Pound Instructor and certified Strong by Zumba instructor, and a qualified lifeguard.

do some jumping jacks on the trampoline and engage in kettlebell swings, dumbbell raises and planking exercises on the mat.

The trainer is able to adjust the exercises to tailor it to individual capabilities, thus the programme welcomes anyone and everyone regardless of your sporting background or age. In addition, a small class size of about four to 12 participants allows the trainer to pay more attention to each individual and correct their posture during the workout if necessary.

WHAT IS BOOGIE BOUNCE REVOLUTION ALL ABOUT? Boogie Bounce Revolution is a circuit class which incorporates the use of mini trampolines for the cardio element of the workout, combining it with floor-based stations designed to build up muscle strength and endurance.

Each session lasts for approximately 45 minutes and it’ll take you through six different stations. You’ll find yourselves working on two activities at each station, one on the trampoline and the other on a mat for one-minute each. For example, you might be instructed to run, stomp or

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HIGH INTENSITY, LOW-IMPACT CARDIO (HILI) Boogie Bounce Revolution incorporates the use of trampolines, making it a high

intensity and low-impact cardio workout friendly to joints but at the same time tough on fats. The trampolines absorb 85 per cent of the impact, making it less hard on your joints even though you’re doing some intense exercises. To put things into perspective, a 45-minute workout will burn an average of 400 to 800 kcal.

REAL BENEFITS You may find yourselves leaning a bit more to cardio or weights depending on individual preference and the benefit of a circuit training is that it offers the best of both worlds — combine intervals of high-intensity cardio with body weight as resistance.

As the activities in each station differ, you’ll be required to engage different muscles and will be able to work each major and minor muscle group by the end of the workout, eventually achieving total body toning and conditioning. With that, it prepares your body for other adventures that you might be signing up for in the future, from mountain biking to climbing and trail running.

SPORTS+ STRENGTH TRAINING Ju

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G N N E JE ISH L COACH JEN LISHENG Starting his weight training during his teens to avoid getting bullied, coach Jen Li Sheng of Genesis Gym has spent years motivating others and even competing in a number of Strongman competitions.

Jen won the title of Singapore’s Strongest man four times and is now continuing to be a role model to his clients and others around.

WHAT IS STRENGTH TRAINING? Strength training is the physical activity that specialises in the use of resistance to create muscular contraction that strengthens not only the body, but also the mind.

Most people often perceive strength training as a pointless activity in which you go to the gym to grunt and exhaust yourself. Strength training, when performed right, can have a significant functional benefits and help improve overall health and well-being. For coach Jen, strength training takes on a scientific approach.

Nutrition, rest and overall lifestyle are all the working factors that takes into account while training. Strength training doesn’t

only strengthen ones body, but it also sharpens the mind and emotions.

TRAINING WHILE TRAVELING When it comes to traveling, we often find no time to go to the gym and conduct a full out workout that we may be used to doing while we’re at home. One does not have to be brutally disciplined to fit in a short workout when traveling. It does help having to find accommodations that provide an in-house gym or a gym that is of walking distance from where you are staying. Though if you plan on trekking or doing something adventurous in your trip, best be properly trained beforehand!

Most adventure sports, it is required to have a pair of strong legs and strong core.

Of course, a person’s current fitness level, flexibility, prior or pre-existing injuries, other health issues should be considered. It is advised to get someone knowledgeable to assess these variables and put together a training program.

TRUE BENEFITS Strength training is not only for vanity, but it also holds numerous benefits. Not

only does strength training help you get stronger and fitter, but it also protects bone health and muscle mass. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and training twice a week of high intensity resistance and impact training can show improvement in bone density, structure and strength. Strength training also helps in boosting metabolism, but weight and/ or resistance training can also help boost calorie burn.

When asked about how to go about in starting strength training and conditioning, coach Jen’s advice is to take it slow and easy, and see what works for you. When you feel you are ready to take your training to the next level, approach a professional that can better guide and advise you, and help you reach your goals.

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SPORTS+ BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

LEANDRO BRODINHO Julia Lachica

LEANDRO “BRODINHO” ISSA With 20 years of experience in Brazilian JiuJitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Leandro “Brodinho” Issa is both a champion and instructor in EVOLVE MMA. Starting his training when he was just 10 years old, Leandro fell in love with martial arts and started competing for many disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Muay Thai and wrestling. Leandro is now a member of the Evolve Fight Team and is still competing in professional mixed martial arts in ONE Championship.

proper training and technique, BJJ is very effective in self-defence situations. BJJ is arguably one of the most useful martial art in real-time situations. BJJ teaches the how’s of addressing threats in multiple scenarios, such as getting attacked and taken to the ground. It emphasises on technique rather than strength and power.

Many perceive BJJ — martial arts in general — as a sport that promotes violence, when that is very far from the truth. Martial arts teaches discipline, integrity and pushes one to achieve greatness in all aspects of life, physically and mentally. Martial arts can be very empowering and does wonders for a person’s confidence and self-esteem. .

MARTIAL ARTS ON THE GO

WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. When performed with

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Some may think that martial arts are only useful for self-defence, but on the contrary, it is one of the best ways to keep your body in shape. Martial arts work the whole body simultaneously, keeping one’s body in shape and alert. Training in martial arts gives you an advantage in adventure sports because it trains you to improve your stamina through a number

of exercises, giving you the freedom to try just about any type of adventure sports without having to worry about running out of breath.

HEALTH BENEFITS BJJ is designed to allow a smaller person to be able to defend themselves from bigger opponents by using technique rather than strength. Subduing the opponent without using much force, making it a gentle art. BJJ not only helps in self-defence, but it also benefits one’s overall concentration and reduces stress.

The aggressive training of this sport allows one to blow off steam in a controlled environment, acting as some sort of therapy for many.

If you are eager to try out BJJ or any martial art discipline, Leandro’s advice is to go in with an open mind. Despite the looks of martial arts being difficult to perform, it actually caters to everyone from all walks of life. Not only does it train your body, but it also trains your mind and soul.

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Your first step out of the comfort zone gets you one step closer to raising the bar. It’s time to outdo yourself.

FEATURE

CHILE

THE AWESOME ALTIPLANO The vistas and wildlife will send you on a high here… Joseph Lim

GETTING THERE San Pedro de Atacama is located 106km southeast of Calama (the nearest airport; a city in the Antofagasta region of Chile) via the paved Chile 23. Regular buses ply this small town to the rest of Chile, as well as to Salta and Jujuy in Argentina.

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DID YOU KNOW? The driest non-polar desert in the world covering 1,000km of land sandwiched by the Pacific Coast and Andes mountains is the Atacama Desert in Chile.

NASA uses this area to test instruments for future Mars missions!

roads that meander through the plains as they constantly look out for roadkill.

Altiplano Laguna Colorado (Bolivia)

CAMELIDS They are known as Llamas, and the smaller-sized alpacas can often be spotted wandering as herds through the desert scrubland. If you’re a driver, you can also spot them crossing the road so be on the alert. These two animals have been domesticated by the Incas for thousands

“Altiplano” is simply “High Plain” in Spanish.

Perched at 4,000 metres above sea level, sits Altiplanic Lagoons (Lagunas Altiplanicas), and getting here is just a 90k drive from the tourist centre of San Perdo De Atacama. Spotting wildlife in the Chilean Altiplano is not hard because all you need is a sharp eye and a sense of curiosity.

of years. However, vicuna’s are the most prized of the camelids as their wool is of the highest quality and are revered by the textile industry. These timid creatures only produce about 0.5kg of wool per animal per year, and the wool can only be shorn once every three years.

CULPEO – ANDEAN FOX OR WOLF Don’t snub the flat, scrub-covered desert is devoid of life. In fact, it is home to the culpeo (Andean Fox or Wolf) which drinks water from the high-altitude lakes. These foxes sport a reddish brown coat, and long bushy tail. They are also spotted along

FANCY FLAMINGOS From San Pedro de Atacama and the Chilean Altiplano, the main transport route to Bolivia will require you to cross the Andes mountain range, taking you some 5,700 metres, therefore, it pays to keep warm with proper winter wear.

Many travellers come here to take in the sights of the Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flat where flamingo populations thrive. They are clearly the wildlife stars thanks to their bright pink plumage.

They can be found around the Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), and in fact, three of the six species of flamingos make their home here. Interestingly, Laguna Colorado is located within the Eduardo

This area attracts man astrologers who are keen to view the skies for astronomical wonders at night.

Nature lovers imbibe the desert’s beauty of fauna and flora.

Those who love scenery, check out Valle de la Luna, Valle de la Muerte, El Tatio Geysers, to name a few.

Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve and is a RAMSAR (i.e. The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources) wetland-listed lagoon. Obviously, flamingos outnumber humans and these birds are not afraid of the occasional wildlife photographer that comes up to photograph them.

CUTE AND CUDDLY They resemble bunnies but are in the family order of chinchillas – viscacha.

These cute rodents love to sun on the rock outcrops in the flat desert. If you have a guide, he or she will bring fresh vegetable leaves for the critters to feast so you can snap a photograph. If you happen to view them up close, you’ll notice their bushy brown coats and coiled tails. The build complex underground homes and most of the time they spend on the rocks sunbathing or the feed on moss and lichen which grow abundantly.

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FEATURE

SPAIN

WILD IN THE VALLEY Spain’s Ordesa National Park is no walk in the park!

Julia Lachica

With Spain’s national parks accounting for a total of more than 3250 sq km, helping conserve the country’s natural heritage. Of all the 15 official designated national park, the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park being the oldest Spanish national park in the system, situated in the Pyrenees region of Huesca, Aragón.

AN

Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

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ORDESA Y MONTE PERDIDO NATIONAL PARK Established as a National Park in 1918, being Spain’s first protected area and declared as a World Heritage site in 1997

by UNESCO, the park has progressively expanded to include over 156,08 sq km

of varied landscapes, such as lush valleys, forests and meadows, steep limestone slopes and alpine heights.

Spain is home to wide variety of wildlife, including some of the rarest species such as the spanish imperial eagle and the iberian lynx The Ordesa region comprises of several valleys that emanate from a series of three massifs called Las Tres Sorores (The Three Sisters), it encompasses Monte Perdido (3,355m), Cilindro de Marboré (3,328m) and Soum de Ramond (3,263m). Monte Perdido, meaning Lost Mountain, is the centerpiece of Ordesa y Monte Perdido and the tallest out of the three and the parks altitude ranges from 600m all the way to 3,355 metres above sea level.

Ordesa Valley, the park’s namesake, is a glacial valley in Aragon which is part of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. It is carved by glaciers, with massive vertical, jagged limestone cliffs composed of horizontal layers brilliantly marked with bands of grey, red and ochre that tower above the pine forests. The peaks beyond are snow-capped for most of the year, the valley gets of plenty of cool and moist air from the Atlantic, giving it a moderate climate and lush vegetation.

The valley floor is home to forests of firs and beeches, dwarf mountain pines that grow along the slopes and alpine shrubs and meadows—with seasonal wildflowers like edelweiss, orchids, violets and belladonnas—grow above the treelines.

The valley is also home to one of Europe’s largest populations of Pyrenean Chamois and is well known for its waterfalls and wildlife.

BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE Ordesa National Park was originally set up specifically to protect the Spanish or Iberian ibex, a wild goat. There are four subspecies of the Iberian ibex, two

subspecies still can still be found in Ordesa clinging to the high rocky mountainsides.

The other two—Including the Pyrenean species that once occurred in Ordesa — their numbers dwindled due to unknown reasons, eventually the last known ibex died in 2000.

Spain is also a haven for bird lovers, with about 70 per cent of European birds either visit or breed here, including black vultures and the Eleonora’s falcon.

Other forms of wildlife abound, including other notable ungulates like the Pyrenean chamois deer and the European roe deer, whose numbers are growing after being threatened with extinction.

The valley also shelters about 32 species of mammals, including wild boars, otters, foxes and the unusual Pyrenean Desman, a small semi-aquatic mammal that resides in rock crevices or burrow near water sources. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the park’s variety of giant birds of prey, including Lammergeiers or Bearded Vultures—adults have a wingspan of 235 to 280cm and weighs between 5 to 7kg.

Lammergeiers were in decline throughout Europe but breeding programs have boosted the number in the Pyrenees.

Spanish’s climate and its habitats being so varied, accommodates all manners of wildlife to keep it sustained.

These include exotic butterflies to birds like flamingos and eagles, to mammals like bears, lynx’s and wolves and even dolphins, seals and whales in the coastal areas.

Golden Eagles and Griffon Vultures can also be seen soaring on the thermals.

Other species include various reptiles and amphibians, as well as a huge variety of exotic butterflies. One of the best ways to explore Ordesa National Park is on foot. It offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities ranging from short and easy walks to challenging treks. The wellmarked GR11, a European long hiking trail, runs through Ordesa as it transverses the Pyrenees mountains.

Best to start from the picturesque village of Torla, frequented by tourists.

From the village, there are dozens of trailheads to choose from, getting you away from the crowds. The most popular walk is the dramatic Circa Sosa, which takes 5 to 8 hours, a glacial cirque that lies at the head of the valley. The dramatic high ledge offers spectacular views of the three summits as you walk through this famous limestone gorge. Climbers have many choices to climb in this limestone valley. Two noteworthy trails are the Petit Vignemale, which offers almost every technical challenge, and Acisclo Valley for every experienced climber.

GETTING THERE Vehicle access to the canyon is restricted, and those driving have to park at the village of Torla.

From here, a short bus ride takes you into the park and from this internal point there are a variety of walks. The town has a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from campsites to luxury digs. There are several refugi (alpine shelters) that are like youth hostels within the park, which are open to all comers.

Despite its popularity, Torla is not easy to get to without a car there are two buses a day to and from Sabaninago.

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FEATURE

GALAPAGOS ISLAND

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE The Darwin-inspired destination is rich with unique flora and fauna, and arresting landscapes.

Julia Lachica

The Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands are distributed on either sides of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, surrounding the centre of the western hemisphere, 906 km west of continental Ecuador. The islands can be reached by a short flight from Quito, Ecuador. The Galapagos Archipelago has a population of slightly over 25,000 and is part of Ecuador’s national park system, in which 97 percent of the settlement are protected land and the remaining 3 percent are specifically zoned rural and urban areas on five islands.

The fifth island only has an airport, tourism dock, fuel containment and military facilities. With 13 main islands, Galapagos is situated in a geological hotspot where the earth’s crust is melted by a mantle plume, creating a chain of volcanic islands.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE Due to the isolation of the islands and the late discovery by humans, along with

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FUN FACT RISE IN TOURISM According to statistics from Galápagos National Park, the number of visitors to the islands increased by 39 percent between 2007 and 2016 to 225,000 from 161,000.

the lack of predators, the Galapagos islands has created a unique ecosystem that showcases the beauty of evolution.

Galapagos’ wildlife is known for their diversity and their fearlessness to human visitors, allowing curious onlookers to get close to the animals. Galapagos is home to the islands’ most emblematic residents– the giant tortoise, which can grow up to 1.5m in length and weigh up to 417kg, as well as the world’s only oceanic lizard, the Marine Iguana.

Many of the islands’ birds are native to the Galapagos, such as the Galapagos Penguin, lava gull and the Flightless Cormorant, which simply stopped flying due to the lack of predators in the islands.

Blue-foot boobies and frigate birds also make the Galapagos islands their home.

There are currently over 400 species of fish and 12 species of shark, rays and morays.

With the vast ocean that surrounds the islands, marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions frequent the waters.

Galapagos Islands

BEAUTIFUL AND BOUNTIFUL Most flights operating in and out of Galapagos still fly to the island of Baltra, an official Ecuadorian military base. Just east of Santiago, Bartolomé island is one of the most photographed islands in all of the Galapagos islands. The island is an extinct volcano with a variety of formations including a tuff cone known as the Pinnacle Rock.

Española island is one of the oldest of the Galapagos islands, where its Marine Iguanas are the only ones that change colours during breeding season. The steep cliff on the island are perfect runaways for large marine birds and hideouts for reptiles. The island has two spots popular among visitors. Bahía Gardner, which has a lovely beach for swimming and snorkelling.

There’s also Punta Suárez for wildlife viewing.

Fernandina island, is the youngest and third largest island of the Galapagos islands.

Like the other islands, Fernandina formed by the Galapagos hotspot and is an active shield volcano that has been erupting since 2009. Due to the recent volcanic activity, the island doesn’t present much of plant life. Uniquely, the island is home to the Flightless Cormorant together with Galapagos penguins, pelicans and sea lions. At Punta Espinosa, the stretch of black lava rocks is home to hundreds of Marine Iguanas. Visitors of the Fernandina island can only be taken to see the outskirts of the crater, for safety reasons.

Similarly, to Fernandina, Genovesa is also an active shield volcano. Though there are no historical eruptions from the island, there are lava flows on the flanks of the volcano. Genovesa is also nicknamed “bird island” because of the large variety of bird

species that nests on the island. Some of the birds that makes Genovesa its home is the red-footed boobies, petrels, swallowtailed gulls and an abundance of frigate birds. If you want to view a colony of birds, you can hike up the steep path of Prince Philip’s Steps to view the plateau of bird life.

The largest island and one of the youngest in the Galapagos, Isabela island straddles the equator and happens to be one of the most volcanically active places in the world. Apart from its unique geology, Isabela also has an interesting flora and fauna. The island is home to more wild tortoises than all the other islands. Isabela’s notable topography has caused several sub-species of tortoises to develop as well.

FUN FACT VOLCANIC ACTIVITY There have been 13 volcanic eruptions among the islands over the last 100 years, and the most recent eruption in May of 2015.

A small island near the Baltra island, North Seymour is home to a rather large population of blue-foot boobies, swallowtailed gulls and is also the hosts of one of the largest populations of magnificent frigate birds. North Seymour also has a growing population of Galapagos land iguanas that was trans-located back in the 1930s.

San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and geologically the oldest. At the south-western tip of the island lies the capital of the Galapagos archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno,

and is home to the only freshwater lake in all of the islands, El Junco. This led the island to the early settlement of San Cristóbal and is the second most populated after Santa Cruz. There are two popular nearby dive sites: “Kicker Rock” is part of the remains of a lava cone, and “Isla Lobos” which is also a nesting site for bluefoot boobies.

Right in the middle of the archipelago, Santa Cruz island is the second largest island after Isabela and has the most populated urban area in the islands. The island’s points of interests include Black Turtle Cove and Cerro Dragón. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service are located here, both operating a tortoise breeding centre where young tortoises are hatched, reared, and prepared to be reintroduced to their natural habitat.

Many of the environmental issues that are being felt throughout the islands originate from humans, visitors can minimise any form of negative impact by adopting the “leave no trace” policy and by following the park rules. The park service does a remarkable job regulating licensing of guides and dealing with conservation problems, while receiving only 25 percent of the USD 100 (SGD 138) National Park entry fee. When you stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station, feel free to leave a donation to help them with efforts like the eradication programme, which serves to repopulate species to like the Giant Tortoise by eradicating human-introduced animals. For more information visit www.galapagos.org

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TRAVEL TIPS Some sane, wise tips collected by working adults and backpacking students who travel a lot. If you prep and sort your physical items and go with an open and prepared mind without setting high expectations of your trip, you’ll love your holiday or work trip even more. Never leave anything to chance and don’t let your guard down even when you’ve been to the destination before. Here are some pearls of wisdom from seasoned travellers who really know how to travel smart!

Joseph Lim

Get Activated

Speak the Lingo All the common phrases and minding your Ps and Qs in the local language can help you put a smile on a local person’s face. A simple “thank you” or “sorry” can go a long way!

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An overseas activated credit card can come in very handy when in dire need of an electronic transaction where cash is not accepted.

Money, People and Health Never stash all your money in one place; hide some cash in different bags as a backup.

If you love your travels, then you let some of your family members know of your whereabouts. As for health, it pays to prep a small first-aid kit filled with bandages, Panadol, creams for allergies, antihistamines and activated charcoal when the tummy rumbles.

Be Open Minded

Buy Insurance!

Never let baggage or plane delays ruin your holiday or work plans.

Buying proper insurance can also safeguard you against a medical emergency and many of today’s plans cover a wide range of protection for life’s disappointments!

Don’t judge other people’s customs, beliefs, and rituals.

Being a visitor in a foreign land is about being respectful. While it’s important to enjoy your trip with some spontaneity if some options are limited, don’t set yourself up for high expectations.

The best travel experiences are those that appear unplanned as these encapsulate the best memories.

Smart Carry-on Important items such as medication, toothbrush, extra pair of underwear or even critical electronics for medical reasons can be a good idea if you pack them in a separate carryon. Thus, if you main bag gets lost, you’ll still have the essentials.

Duplicate It It pays to make a duplicate copy of your passport and keep it in a separate bag. Not making a passport duplicate can force you to miss an expensive flight and rack up plenty of trouble for flouting immigration rules.

Be Wary Trying to kill time at the airport waiting for your transit flight? Then be wary about logging into free Wi-fi located at many airports. If you’re making a financial transaction, best to avoid free public Wi-fi as that could compromise your personal and confidential data.

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FEATURE

SOUTH AFRICA

MARINE SAFARI Get on a real wildlife cruise in South Africa!

Cheryl Seet

When people think of South Africa, their first thoughts would often be of game drives and the “Big Five”. Did you know that the country also provides the opportunity for you to experience some of the most amazing aquatic wildlife displays in the world? This is where you’ll be able to go on your very own “marine safari”.

The African Penguin is an endangered species and Stony Point is one of the only three land-based colonies in the whole of Africa. You’ll be able to have some excellent, up-close encounters of these wonderful flightless birds via the broadwalk that leads you through the colony without disturbing the habitat, observing as the penguins go about their daily activities.

The best times to see the penguins would either be in the early morning or late afternoon, when they return from their 20 km fishing expeditions.

DID YOU KNOW? African Penguins return to the same nesting sites for the entire 15 years of their breeding life. The female lays two eggs and the monogamous penguin partners take turns incubating them for up to 42 days.

PENGUINS Situated 115 km southeast of Cape Town, you can begin your marine safari adventure at Hermanus where you’ll be able to meet the Stony Point Penguin Colony that

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resides at Betty’s Bay. A pair of penguins arrived in the bay in 1982 and have made it their home ever since. Today, the colony has grown to include more than 150 nests, with hundreds of penguins living in the abandoned Betty’s Bay Whaling Station.

WHALE WATCHING Hermanus is South Africa’s premiere whale watching destination — it’s also one of the best places in the world to see these giant aquatic mammals up close. Each year, the whales make their way from the Antarctic to the relatively warmer waters of the South Atlantic to breed and calve.

During this time, hundreds of Southern

Cape Town SWAZILAND

LESOTHO

Kwazulu-Natal Coastline Hermanus

As the whales’ swim close to the shore, you can easily view them from either the beach or from one of the many seaside bars or restaurants. Alternatively, go on a clifftop walk along the coast and catch a bird’s eye view of the whales. If you’d like to go out to sea like most whale watching tours, there are several local operators offering boat tours with specialist guides on board. Expect a 1.5- to 3-hour (approximately S$70 to S$90) ride and get up close to these gentle giants and experience the occasional soaking from a whale tail or nearby breaching.

right whales find their way to Walker’s Bay in Hermanus from June to December.

Hunted almost to extinction, these whales are now a protected species and their

GREAT WHITE SHARKS Perfect for adrenaline junkies, you’ll be able to meet a fearsome Great White Shark up close in Gansbaai (160 km southeast of Cape Town). Known as the “great white capital of the world”, Gansbaai is home to the hundreds of sharks who are attracted to the large number of Cape Fur Seals that live on the islands off the coast.

You’ll be able to meet these amazing predators with just a 20-minute boat trip from shore. As Great Whites are surface feeders, tour operators will use bait to lure the sharks right up to the boat, allowing for an incredible view of them as they glide

numbers have been steadily increasing at growth rate of approximately 7 per cent per annum.

The whales are most active during this season and it is common to see whales “breaching” (jumping) clear out of the water and landing with a terrific splash. They’re also known to “sail” by sticking their tails up out of the water and raising their massive heads, allowing onlookers to get a good look at these magnificent creatures.

past. For visitors who want to get even closer to the sharks, you can choose to get lowered in an impenetrable floating cage — watch as the sharks swim nearby and catch a glimpse of their exploding rows of razor-sharp teeth.

You can look up Apex Shark Expeditions and White Shark Diving Company when planning your tours, trips usually depart seven days a week and last from three to five hours. Visit during the peak season

DID YOU KNOW? Most sharks only attack humans by accident as they mistake humans for seal, their favourite food. More people are killed by chairs or electric toasters than sharks each year.

from April to September for increased chances of spotting a shark.

SARDINE RUN Each year, between the months of June and July, South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal coastline plays host to one of the most amazing sights in the world: the Sardine Run. Over 700 million sardines make the journey from the colder waters of their spawning grounds in the Cape to the warmer tides up the coast. Travelling en masse, there are so many fish that the water turns silver as they swim through.

This is also when schools of sharks, seals, whales and hundreds of dolphins and birds can be found hot on the heels of the few kilometres long shoal of baitfish. Keep a lookout for the dolphins — you’ll see them “herd” sections of the shoal into densely packed groups called “bait balls” by working together, whirling and twisting around the sardines to get them into clusters, which are then easily fed upon. Although the peak season for penguins, whales, sharks and sardines don’t coincide perfectly, they do have overlaps between June and July each year. You’ll be able to experience all four activities within a week, with the Sardine Run offering the chance to see several animals at one go. Ideally, you should aim to base yourselves out of somewhere like Hermanus so as to access all the activities conveniently. Visit www.hermanus.co.za for more information.

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EVENTS SINGAPORE REGIONAL NOV

DEC

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2

Swissôtel Vertical Marathon 2018 Venue: Swissôtel The Stamford Category: 73 Storeys King of the Trails Leg 4: Trail Blazer Venue: Pulau Ubin Category: 25km

Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon Venue: Ho Chi Minh City Category: 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 42,195km, Kids Run Country: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

1920

Tahura Trail Running Race 2019 Venue: Forest Park Ir. H. Juanda Category: 10km, 17km, 21km, 42km Country: Bandung, Indonesia

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Khon Kaen International Marathon Venue: Golden Jubilee Convention Hall, Khon Kaen University Category: 11.55km, 21.1km, 42.195km Country: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Pune International Marathon Venue: Baburao Sanas Sports Ground Category: 5km, 10km, 21km, 42.195km Country: Pune, India Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon Venue: Olympic Sport Centre Stadium (Taipa) Category: 5.5km, 21.0975km, 42.195km Country: Macau

DEC 810

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2018 Venue: F1 Pit Building Category: 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 42.195km, Ekiden 42.195km

Shonan International Marathon Venue: Oiso Prince Hotel Category: 10km, 42.195km Country: Shonan, Japan

9

Taipei International Marathon Venue: Taipei City Hall Plaza Category: 21.0975km, 42.195km Country: Taipei, Taiwan

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Hainan Danzhou International Marathon Venue: Danzhou, China Category: 5.5km, 21.0975km, 42.195km Country: Hainan, China

JAN 20

Singapore Duathlon 2019 Venue: Angsana Green, East Coast Park Category: Standard, Sprint, Mini, Junior, Youth, Kids

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Spartan Stadion Venue: National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub Category: 5km, 20-obstacle race

FEB 17

6

Xiamen International Marathon Venue: Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center Category: 50 Mile, 50km, 50/50 Country: Xiamen, China

19

Vietnam Trail Marathon Venue: Muong Thanh Luxury Moc Chau Hotel Category: 10km, 21km, 42km, 70km Country: Moc Chau, Vietnam

Surf N Sweat Venue: Palawan Beach, Sentosa Category: Beach Sporting Event

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2

JAN

FEB 13

The 9 Dragons Ultra Venue: Kowloon Category: 50 Mile, 50km, 50/50 Country: Kowloon, Hong Kong

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Kyoto Marathon 2019 Venue: Nishikyogoku Athletic Park Category: 42.2km Marathon, Pair-Ekiden (24km, 18km) Country: Kyoto, Japan Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon Venue: Tsim Sha Tsui Category: 10km, 21.0975km, 42.195km Country: Hong Kong

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DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS SINGAPORE

N

Anytime Fitness (Bukit Panjang) Bodacious Bar & Bistro Cali @Rochester Fitness First (Connexis) Fitness First (Mapletree Business City) Fitness First (Westgate Mall) Fitness First (The Metropolis) Fitness First (321 Clementi) Fitness First (Junction 10) Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library (reading copies) INSEAD (reading copies) King Edward VII Hall Ministry of Adventure Music Library (reading copies) NewBase Singapore NUH Diagnostic Imaging NUH Rehabilitation Centre On The Table Physioconnect@Lakeside Registrar of Newspapers (reading copies) SAFRA Jurong Science Library Singapore Yacht Club UFIT (Galaxis Building) UFIT Clinic (Galaxis Building) University Scholars Club (reading copies) UWCSEA Dover Campus

S

WEST

W

CENTRAL/ SOUTH 1-Habit 5 Little Monkeys Café 6 oz Espresso Bar Adventure 21 Adventure Gear Post Air Mauritius (reading copies) American Club Library Anytime Fitness (Balestier) Anytime Fitness (Bukit Timah) Anytime Fitness (Paya Lebar) Arcteryx Atlas Eye Specialist Centre Pte Ltd B3 Beary Best Hostel Bike Haus Brewerkz (Tanglin) Brewerkz (Riverside Point) Brunches Café (Reading Copies) BYX (The Bicycle Shop) Caffe Vergnano Camper’s Corner Club HDB, Leisure & Learning Centre Core Collective Crescendas Hospitality Management Pte Ltd Drips Bakery Café

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Enbu F45 Amoy F45 Holland Village F45 Novena F45 Orchard F45 River Valley F45 Siglap F45 Tiong Bahru FAME Fisher BnB Fitness First (Robinson) Fitness First (Paragon) Fitness First (George St) Fitness First (The Cathay) Fitness First (One Raffles Quay) Fitness First (MBFC) Fitness First (Bank of Singapore Centre) Fitness First (100AM) Fitness First (Bugis Junction) Fitness First (City Square Mall) Fitness First (SingPost Centre) FRESH+ Garuda Airlines Ground Up Climbing Gymkraft H. I S. Travel (reading copies)

Helphealsg HomeTeam NS Chinatown Hotel Jen Tanglin (reading copies) Hounds of the Baskervilles Huggs (The Clift) Huggs (AXA Building) International Hotel & Resort Marketing International Medical Clinic ISS International School (21 Preston) ISS International School (25 Preston) James Cook University Jet Airways (reading copies) JiBiru Japanese Bar Joe & Dough (Millenia Walk) Juggernaut Studio Keppel Club Kith Café (Spottiswoode) Kith Café (Cairnhill) Kith Café (Millennia Walk) Kith Café (Watermark @ Robinson Quay) Kith Café (Winsland House II) Kizuki + LIM Leeden Classic Lennox & Ooi Media Pte Ltd Lowercase Cafe M Social Hotel

NORTH

EAST

Anytime Fitness (Hougang) Bakerzin Fitness First (AMK Hub) Gearaholic SAFRA Yishun Seager Inc Sync Cycle Indoor Cycling

Anytime Fitness (Marine Parade) Art of Yoga Athlete’s Lab Burp Kitchen & Bar (Bedok) Burp Kitchen & Bar (Tanjong Katong) BXG Boxing & Fitness Cali @ Changi Changi Sailing Club Civil Service Club Changi Dog & Bone Café Fitness First (Tampines Central) Fitness First (UE Biz Hub) Kate Porter Yoga Little Island Brewing Co Merchants National Library Board (reading copies) Oompf Fitness RAD Station Scissors Art Salon (Joo Chiat) Smokeys SURFSET SUTD Singapore University of Technology and Design The Coastal Settlement The Moving Body (Tides Building) The Planet Traveller (Changi Airport) The Plant Story The Rock School (Bedok Community Centre) The Rock School (Our Tampines Hub) The Strength Yard UWCSEA East Campus

E

Management Development Institute of Singapore, MDIS Molly Malone’s (reading copies) Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore Old Habits One Farrer Hotel Onsite Orpheus Dive Outdoor Life (Velocity @ Novena) Outdoor Life (Plaza Singapura) Outdoor Sports Travel Outdoor Venture Outside Shop Owls Brew OYEYO Boulder Home Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre Park Regis Singapore Platinum Fitness Pure Fitness (Ocean Financial Centre) (reading copies) Pure Fitness (Asia Square Towers) (reading copies) Pure Fitness (Ngee Ann City Podium Block) (reading copies) Pure Yoga (Chevron House) (reading copies)

Pure Yoga (Ngee Ann City Towers) Pure Yoga (Asia Square Towers) Raw Active Real Food (Orchard Central) Real Food (South Beach Tower) Regency House Service Apartments Scissors Art Salon (Binjai Park) Segafreddo Simply Sandwich Singapore Polo Club Sports Affinity Sports Centre Sports Hub Library Sports Solutions Stirling Highway (reading copies) Subway (Shaw Towers) Tanglin Club The Book Café Pte Ltd The Brave Shapes Co. The Butcher’s Kitchen The Clueless Goat The Garage The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel The Loft Gym The Moving Body (Robertson Walk) The Moving Body (Guthrie House)

The PIT Singapore The Planet Traveller (Paragon) The Planet Traveller (Marina Square) The Pod @ Beach Road The Quarters Hostels Tourism Australia Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office Treknology 3 Tuck Shop UFIT (OG Orchard Point) UFIT (Amoy) UFIT Clinic (Raffles Quay) UFIT Clinic (Orchard Central) UFIT Crossfit (Hoe Chiang Road) UFIT Crossfit (Turf Club Road) Upside Motion (reading copies) Warung M Nasir Wheeler’s Yard Woobbee X-Boundaries YMCA

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SNAPSHOTawi Langk

Made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast, Langkawi is a beautiful archipelago surrounded by turquoise sea, beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife.

Cheryl Seet

Pulau Payar Marine Park

SkyTrex Adventure

Langkawi Mangrove Forest

Pantai Cenang

Activity: Snorkelling and Diving

Activity: Outdoor Adventure

Activity: Spotting Wildlife

Activity: Water Sports

Situated 30 km south of the main island, Pulau Payar Marine Park is a 45-minute speed boat ride away from the Kuah jetty point.

Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will be able to explore Langkawi’s underwater marine life. The Coral Garden houses colourful coral that is beautifully protected and preserved due to its sheltered waters, making it a wonderful sight to behold.

Perfect for adrenaline junkies, SkyTrex adventure is an obstacle course filled with bridges, ropes, wings and ziplines at tree-top heights.

As you explore the immersive landscape, you’ll be able to peek at the rainforest canopy from above. This will be a perfect activity for families as you can enjoy different circuits of varying difficulty levels.

Mangroves serve as a habitat and refuge for a variety of fauna in Langkawi. Spanning almost 100 sq km, keep your eyes peeled for otters, monitor lizards, macaques and tree crabs while you’re there. During the migratory seasons from September to March, birdlife such as kingfishers, white-bellied fish eagles and kite eagles can be spotted.

Welcome to the busiest beach town on Langkawi Island!

Featuring white sands and pristine blue waters, Pantai Cenang’s beach is an excellent spot for sunbathing as well as various water activities from jet skiing and parasailing to wakeboarding and island hopping.

Pantai Cenang has a great nightlife scene as well, complete with plenty of beachfront bars and lounges with live music and cultural performances.

Tip: You will have to obtain permission from the authorities before exploring the waters.

Alternatively, you can do so by joining a tour group.

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Tip: The best way to explore the Langkawi Mangrove forest is by joining a riverboat cruise along Kilim River

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