Tropical vol.6 issue. 64 by Gaid Phitthayakornsilp

I N S P I RE D T RAV E L MAGAZINE

www.tropicalmagazine.info

2008

vol.6 issue 64 Brunei BND6.00 Hong Kong HKD25.00 Indonesia IDR45,000 Malaysia MYR8.00 Singapore SGD6.00 inc. GST Thailand THB120

NEW

EASTJAVA PASSAGE

To the Breath of God

Also in this issue:

River Wild: Khao Yai National Park Art of Sharpness Spain Tourism Village Farm: Wang Nam Kheaw Igorots: The Philippines

www.garuda-indonesia.com

EXPLORE

WONDERS OF INDONESIA WITH GARUDA

714 domestic flights per week 183 international flights per week Garuda Indonesia Call Center

In line with Garuda Indonesia's commitment to provide better customer service, we now provide a call center for reservation. Check for seating availability and make a reservations as well as get information about schedules, arrivals, departures, routing, wait list status, baggage tracing, delays and fares. The call center is open 24 hours a day and staffed by over 200 operators.

Thailand Office 1168/77 Lumpini Tower, 27th Floor, Rama IV Road, Thungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok Tel: (66-2) 6797369/71-2, (66-2) 2856473 Fax: (66-2) 2856474

tropicalguide

vol. 6 issue 64

MAINFEATURES

RIVERWILD

During the rainy season each year, many water extremists gather at Kaeng Hin Poeng Rapids on the Sai Yai River, Prachinburi province [..28..]

Igorots

The Philippines have a history of conquered land and converted people. Muslims populated the southern parts of the archipelago. Spanish conquered [..70..]

CSitting O Vprecariously E R F Eabove A TtheUPacific R E Ring of Fire on the Malay Archi-

pelago, Indonesia is home to numerous active volcanoes that can erupt unpredictably, making it a destination worthy of both awe and fear. This made my team’s escapades in East Java all the more exciting, providing us with stark reminders of the dangers these volcanoes pose. In fact, two Singaporean tourists were killed in 2004 at Mt Bromo when it suddenly erupted without warning, in the very same spot where I stood on the volcano’s crater. Yet the breathtaking scene that emerged in the morning mist drove away my fear, reinforcing my decision to experience the area’s stunning beauty. [..40..]

Aranyik’s Knife

In the past, Aranyik’s knives were made by the residents of Baan Phainong and Baan Ton Pho in Ayutthaya Province, who were originally [..60..] 4

tropicalguide

vol. 6 issue 64

LIFESTYLE & LIVING

Curries & More

A modern style Thai restaurant, Curries and More located on Soi Ruamrudee half a kilometer from Ploen Chit BTS station, beneath one of the [..64..]

The First Le Spa

This famous spa brand from France, Le Spa, has now opened up at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort to soothe the most pleasurable [..76..]

REGULARS t r o p i c a l P L A N E T [..12..] i n F O C U S [..14..] t r i p B U L L E T I N S [..18..] s k y B U L L E T I N S [..30..] g o u r m e t M O N T H L Y [..68..] h e a l t h B U L L E T I N S [..78..] t r a v e l G A D G E T S [..80..] a t L E I S U R E [..81..] a r t T R O P I C A L [..82..] t o p c i t y F A S T I N F O [..85..]

Village Farm

Another advantage of agro-tourism, apart from getting more knowledge on farming, is to experience the flavor of fresh agricultural products [..34..]

Discover the passion of art.

www.andalucia.org www.spain.info NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE OF SPAIN 541 Orchard Road Tel: 65 6 73 73 008 Fax: 65 6 73 73 173

# 09-04 Liat Tower SINGAPORE 238881 singapore@tourspain.es

Editor’s Page

Change… “Change We Need!” This is a familiar slogan we have heard repeatedly in the past few months, during the presidential election campaign in the U.S.A. By the time you are reading this, you will already know who is going to ride Air Force One and as world watchers, we expect to see the new leader of the ‘Big Brother’s’ home to change many things including turning around the struggling economy and recent financial collapse, caused by the on-going credit crisis. Let’s move to the region, China is making a big change on its standard of food quality control after it had unintentionally introduced a word “Melamine” to the world. It has become another familiar word that inspires us to turn over a page on a chemistry book, then, to find out how it is harmful to the human body.

Thailand’s big issue now is about a fight for political change. No matter how long it’s going to take, we would like to see some positives after this political dilemma is resolved. If you are not a first-time reader of this magazine, you will probably be a little bit surprised by Tropical’s new look. Actually, this is a big change for the magazine since its first launch back in 2003. Some people like changes while others prefer things to remain unchanged. But I believe most of the changes are for the better. Comments and suggestions are welcomed with thankfulness. Please enjoy every rejuvenated page now.

Gaid Phitthayakornsilp Editorial Director

UP TO

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Editorial PUBLISHER Tr o p i c o f C a n c e r C o . , L t d Chairman Manachai Inkaew E d i to r i a l D i re c to r G a i d P h i tt h a ya k o r n s i l p Executive Director Kanita Srewiphat Sub-editor Valerie Webb Suwanseree, K a r l a C r i p p s , B r e t t C a u l t o n , P a u l A x f o r d , J o h n P. S t r a n d R e p o r te r & Wr i te r s J i tt p at C h a n p e t c h , Att a p o n g A k k a r a s i r a k u l Sales & Marketing Director Manachai Inkaew Marketing Assistant Nanthana Inkaew D e s i g n e r s K i tt i p o n g Wo n g w a re e A c c o u n t i n g & A d m i n i s t r a t i v e S u p e r v i s o r K a n c h a n a Ye y a p h a n

CONTRIBUTORS

FLIGHTS

HOTELS

TOUR PACKAGES

Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore: Rangsan Srirat, V o r a l u k K l a s u k o n , N u t t a w e e To s s a r o d , S u p s i n C h i m p l e e Indonesia, The Philippines: Edy Siswanto M y a n m a r , L a o s P. D . R , C a m b o d i a a n d V i e t n a m : Duanratchada Chimpalee Japan & Korea: Kanokpong Muangsri Hong Kong, Macau & China: Siriporn Suparuchatakarn Australia & New Zealand: Timothy J. Black U n i te d K i n g d o m & E u ro p e : M u t j a r i n I tt i p h o n g

EDITORIAL & SALES OFFICE 80/23 Soi Ladprao 23, Ladprao Road, Chankasem, Jatujak, 10900 Thailand Te l e p h o n e : + 6 6 ( 0 ) 2 5 1 3 4 9 1 3 , + 6 6 ( 0 ) 2 5 1 3 4 9 9 6 Fax: +66 (0) 2513 4674 E m a i l : t r o p i c a l @ t r o p i c o f c a n c e r. i n f o Color Separated & Print Concept Print Ltd. Local Distributor K.K. Distributor R e g i o n a l D i s t r i b u t o r M a r k e t A s i a D i s t r i b u t o r s P T E , LT D S i n g a p o r e A d v e r t i s i n g E n q u i r i e s m a r k e t i n g @ t r o p i c o f c a n c e r. i n f o , s a l e s @ t r o p i c o f c a n c e r. i n f o

R E G I O N A L A uthorized A dvertising R epresentative C o n n e x M a r k e t i n g P T E . LT D . 1 0 1 U pper E ast C o ast R o ad . S ingap o re 4 5 5 2 3 9 . Te l e p h o n e : 6 5 - 6 7 4 6 5 0 4 2 F a x : 6 5 - 6 7 4 6 7 4 7 9 Co n t a c t Pe r s o n : G e o rg e S a h a r at S o m a p a g e o rg e @ co n n e x .co.t h Mobile: 65-9162-3848 (Sin) 668 1615 2277 (Thailand)

R egional D I S T R I B U T O R S Market Asia Distributors Singapore Te l e p h o n e : ( 6 5 ) 6 7 4 4 8 4 8 3 , ( 6 5 ) 6 7 4 4 8 4 8 6 Fax: (65) 6744 8497 email: direct@marketasia.com.sg Foreign Press Distributors Hong Kong Te l e p h o n e : ( 8 5 2 ) 2 7 5 6 8 1 9 3 Fax: (852) 2799 8840

www.vacationasia.info your online travel reservations 10

w w w.t ro p i c a l m a g a z i n e . i n fo

A Corner of Happiness in Koh Kood

927/141 Gaidnutichermine, Soi 2 Ladprao 87, Klongchan Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240 Tel : +66 (0) 2966 1800, 8 1826 1188 Fax : +66 (0) 2966 1803 Email : info@captianhookresort.com www.captianhookresirt.com

tropicalplanet Thailand

Thailand International Balloon Festival 2008 3–7 December 2008

thailandballoonfestival.com The Thailand International Balloon Festival builds international awareness of Thailand. Showcasing the wonderful weather conditions for balloon flying and the country’s unique and beautiful hinterland proving that Thailand is more than just a sunny beach! Events include Live Concerts, Farmers Fair, Fun Games/ Races, Fireworks, Wine Tasting, Food Tasting, Horse Shows, Dog Shows, Cowboy Shows, Archery, Marching Bands and the Musical Balloon Glow & Festival Of Light & Fire.

Singapore

Christmas In The Tropics 2008 15 November–2 January 2008 visitsingapore.com To be held on Orchard Road and Marina Bay, this Christmas will be the sweetest one yet as the Sweet Family welcomes you into their home of sumptuous candies and magical lights. Streets are transformed into a candy land dripping with gumdrops, liquorice, candy canes and jelly beans as Christmas carols fill the air with festive cheer. Expect bold colours, sweet smells and enchanting lights, all set to ignite your senses.

Japan

Laos

Chichibu Night Festival

That Luang Festival

www.jnto.go.jp

www.tourismlaos.gov.la

2-3 December 2008

Chichibu Yomatsuri is a festival at Chichibu Shrine which has a history stretching more than 2,000 years. It is one of Japan’s three greatest hikiyama (float) festivals. The main attraction of this festival takes place on the 3rd. Two kasaboko which are large parasol-like objects decorated on top with weapons such as spears, and artificial flowers together with four yatai floats shaped like small houses, are paraded through the city streets. In the afternoon, the floats are transformed into stages by pulling out wings on either side, where Kabuki plays are performed. 12

12 November 2008

This religious festival is held in Vientiane at That Luang Stupa, the National Symbol of Laos, where hundreds of monks gather to accept alms and floral votives from the people. The festival includes a grand fireworks display at night. During the day an international trade fair showcases tourism in Laos and other countries from ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Sub-region. During the same period a similar festival is also celebrated at Ching Tim Stupa in Luang Namtha Province.

infocus

photo courtesy of Atlantis, The Palm

Ambassador Lagoon

National Palace Museum Taipei – A Chinese housemaid cleaning the floor of Taiwan’s National Palace Museum while a group of tourists waiting to enter an exhibiting area, where a permanent collection of over 650,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks are displayed. The National Palace Museum in Taiwan claim to be one of the largest in the world.

photo: Gaid Phitthayakornsilp

Dubai – A girl is fascinated by over two hundred and fifty species of fish and marine creatures at the Ambassador Lagoon in Atlantis, The Palm Hotel is on the Palm Jumeirah Island in the United Arab Emirates. The mega resort with ocean-theme has 1,539 rooms and was completed in September 2008. Atlantis, The Palm utilizes the 46 hectares site with 17 hectares of water park amusements, further marine and entertainment attractions in worldclass, renowned surroundings. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with some 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

Phangan Bayshore Resort

141 Moo 6, Haad Rin, Bantai, Koh Phangan, Suratthani 84280 Thailand Tel: 66 77 375224 , 375227 Fax : 66 77 375226

Email : info@phanganbayshore.com

photo: Gaid Phitthayakornsilp

infocus

Vegetarian Festival

photo: Gaid Phitthayakornsilp

Bangkok â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mass of gigantic joss sticks decorated with paper dragons were lit up during the annual Vegetarian Festival recently held at Dalat Noi (Little Market) in China Town, Bangkok. The ritual marks the long practice and the belief in gods among the Chinese people who live in Thailand.

Before the End of Rain Nakhon Nayok â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Continuous flows of water at Haew Suwat Waterfall in the lush rainforest area of Khao Yai National Park marks the long period of the wet season in Thailand. Up until now, some areas in the country are still sprayed with drizzle. 16

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The roadshow aims to entice more visitors from the region to Spain by showcasing the diversity that the country has to offer its visitors through a series of events namely, the launch of its guidebook, a media briefing and a travel trade workshop, accumulating with a reception and Flamenco Show by the Rafael de Utrera Flamenco group, especially flown in from Spain. In Bangkok, the Spain NTO is also participating in the IT&CMA Trade Fair, which is being held at the CentralWorld Exhibition Center, during October 8-9, 2008.

Spain seeks to increase arrivals from Asia Pacific

n its efforts to further penetrate Asia-Pacific countries, the National Tourist Office of Spain is embarking on a 4-nation roadshow to Thailand, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore during the month of October. The roadshow, led by Mr. Enriwue Ruiz de Lera, Director for SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India, will also be attended by top executives from the Spanish NTO’s HQ, representatives from both the Barcelona and Madrid Convention Bureaus as well as from leading hotels, tours and ground service providers.

Spain Boasts… The World’s 2nd Tourism Destination in 2007 59.2 million people visited Spain in 2007 Spain had total revenue from tourism of 50 billion Euros in 2007 Tourism accounts for 11% of Spain’s GDP The World’s 3rd Destination in MICE in 2007 Spain ranked number 3 as a preferred country for international meetings while Barcelona posted the 5th ranking and Madrid posted the 10th ranking for preferred cities for international meetings. High-Speed Travel within Spain Madrid – Malaga 2..5 hrs by 22 AVE train daily Madrid – Barcelona in 2hrs 38mins with 17 daily services Madrid – Sevilla in 2.5hrs by AVE train Madrid – Valencia due to start in 2009

The World’s Leading Gastronomic Destination London based Restaurant Magazine puts Spanish restaurant El Bulli in the first ranking position for the best restaurant in the world for the third consecutive year while Mugaritz and Arzak were placed in the 7th and 10th ranking positions in the chart for 2007. Zaragoza hosted the International Exhibition “Water and Sustainable Development in 2008” Over 93 days visitors had discovered the culture and gastronomy of more than 100 countries, attended more than 3,400 shows, admired the unique architecture and enjoyed an unrepeatable party each evening.

The Global Sport Event Destination Spain is the only country in the world to host two F1 races every year – one in Barcelona and the other in Valencia. The Spanish football league, “La Liga”, is one of the most spectacular soccer competitions in the world and has Europe’s best supported clubs in terms of fans: Barcelona comes top with 50.3 million, followed by Real Madrid with 45.9 million. Spain is the winner of the European Championships 2008 Spain has 137 golf courses with major golf tournaments such as Madrid Open, Open de Espana and the Volvo Masters (30th Oct to 2nd Nov 2008)

The Nightlife Capital of the World Survey conducted by FutureBrand involved 2,600 respondents from seven countries and opinions of more than 50 international travel industry experts lists Spain as the number one country with the best nightlife in the world   Every Fashionista’s Dream Many world recognized fashion brands originated from Spain, such as MANGO, Massimo Dutti, etc.   The Current Muse for the Creative Woody Allen, Academy Award-winning writer and director, chose Barcelona and Oviedo as locations in his recent movie, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”

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KTC-Royal Orchid Plus KTC and Thai Airways International have introduced KTC-Royal Orchid Plus credit card together with 3 major networks VISA, MasterCard and JCB to great success. In order to satisfy the demand of card members, it has come up with a new campaign titled “Fly Faster No Matter How Far” to help holders of KTC - Royal Orchid Plus fly faster to their desired destination, from today - December 31st, 2008, new KTC - Royal Orchid Plus VISA Platinum, KTC - Royal Orchid Plus Titanium MasterCard and KTC - Royal Orchid Plus JCB members will be eligible for 5,000 mileage points immediately upon spending of 20,000 Baht or greater within 45 days of the approval. Plus extra 1,000 mileage points when transferring outstanding debt from another credit card of 20,000 Baht or greater to KTC - Royal Orchid Plus credit card. For more information, please call KTC Phone at 02-665-5000 or visit www.ktc.co.th.”

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard Tour and Dinner Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa has created an exclusive program specially designed to delight all guests with “Vineyard Tour and Thai Set Dinner” package. The weekly event consists of taking guests to view Hua Hin Hill vineyard and then dine at the hotel’s finest Thai restaurant, Sala Thai. Hua Hin Hills vineyard belongs to Siam Winery and is considered to be the most beautiful vineyard in Thailand. The “winery package” is available every Tuesday from 2 p.m. onwards and is inclusive of transportation, wine tasting, vineyard tour and an authentic Thai set menu with matching wine for dinner at Sala Thai restaurant upon returning to the hotel. Tour prices start from 1,999++ per person. For more information and reservations Tel: (66) 32 511 881.

German Technology Symposium & Exhibition 2008 and Germany: Lifestyle & Travel 2008 8-11 November 2008 Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld

being spent in Germany by Thai visitors each year. Thai tourists are the third largest group of visitors from Asia to Germany after the Japanese and Chinese.

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce presents for the first time an opportunity to experience ”Germany showcased at its best” through a presentation of trade shows and exhibitions highlighting technology, lifestyle & travel, and education in Bangkok.

At the exhibition, representatives from popular Germany cities such as Munich, Dusseldorf and the spectacularly scenic Lake Constance will be distributing travel information to the public, together with the German National Tourism Office. Aviation giants LTU Airlines/Air Berlin group and Lufthansa will also be on hand to present special holiday packages.

On display will be a whole spectrum of updates on the latest in the areas of German engineering, automotives, construction, energy (particularly renewable energy) and technology for packaging, environment and material science. To expand their target audience this year, the GTS organisers will hold back-to-back exhibitions titled “Germany: Lifestyle & Travel 2008” for the first time. This event looks set to attract travel enthusiasts and German cuisine fans from all walks of life. Thailand and Germany are enjoying an unprecedented increase in tourist arrivals, with approximately 750,000 room nights 20

Emphasis on luxury goods and food products at the event will also offer a good opportunity to savour Germany’s uniqueness. In the food and beverage segment, visitors will be able to taste an exquisite range of beers, meats, dairy and bakery goods. German wines, which have become increasingly popular with Thai wine lovers, will also be the toast of the day. In fact, 30 German wineries have confirmed their participation at the exhibition. To top off all this, Germany luxury carmakers Volkswagen and Mercedes will also be present.

Klongchao Resort

Hot Promotion throughout 2009!

KTC Card holders

are offered 0% installment plan for 3 months from total price of 3-day-2-night package For more information, contact Klongchao Resort & A-Na-Lay Resort, Koh Kood. Trat Office: 76/1-3 Moo 4, Trat-Laemngob Rd, Nongsamed, Muang, Trat 23000 Tel: +66 (0) 3952 0318, 08 1624 2592 (English Speaking) Fax: +66 (0) 3952 0337 Koh Kood Office Tel: +66 (0) 81 403 6174, Bangkok office: +66 (0) 2743 6361 E-mail: klongchaokohkood@yahoo.com, analaykohkood@yahoo.com Website: www.klongchao.com, www.analay.com

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LE MERIDIEN CHIANG MAI

A New Perspective in the Heart of Lann Capital

WORLDHOTELS Celebrates Award-Winning Year in Asia-Pacific

WORLDHOTELS and its affiliated hotels are celebrating an award-winning 2008 in Asia-Pacific, after earning a series of prestigious travel industry accolades. WORLDHOTELS was voted ‘Best Independent Hospitality Organization’ in the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008, which promote excellence, professionalism and best business practices. It was the first time the annual awards included an award for groups of independent hotels. In the same awards, WORLDHOTELS’ affiliated Lan Kwai Fong Hotel in Hong Kong was named ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Asia’. Other WORLDHOTELS affiliated properties also received accolades such as Indigo Pearl, a new Deluxe Collection hotel, being ranked in the ‘Top 25 Best Leisure Hotels & Resorts’ in Smart Travel Asia’s ‘Best in Travel Poll 2008’. Indigo Pearl is a chic multi-award winning 5-star resort in Phuket inspired by the paradise island’s historic tin mining heritage. Chiang Mai will witness the opening of a new urban icon; Le Méridien Chiang Mai. With first class accommodation poised in the city centre on Chang Klan Road, the hotel is perfectly situated in the downtown district where guests can sample local delicacies at the many eateries, explore ancient temples and hunt through shops and the nearby Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Le Méridien Chiang Mai presents a portal to a new perspective in accommodation. Set in the heart of Thailand’s northern capital, the hotel exudes an intriguing blend of European heritage and Lana era-style to deliver a contemporary cultural experience backed by a natural outdoor canvas. All 384 guestrooms of contemporary design await tech-savvy travellers, who can stay connected with broadband internet and enjoy a modern entertainment experience centred on a high-definition LCD television. Most rooms overlook majestic Doi Suthep Mountain while all rooms are outfitted with a signature Le Méridien Bed to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Favola is Le Méridien Chiang Mai’s authentic yet innovative Italian restaurant which offers affordable Italian cuisine; great food and efficient service. Rustic and wholesome in its flavours, the cuisine is honest and straightforward with an earthy feel. Latest Recipe serves a selection of signature dishes from Le Méridien hotels worldwide, and presents an intriguing a la carte menu along with breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. A multi-sensory experience awaits guests at The Spa, with its alluring selection of massages, body spas and holistic therapies including a traditional Lanna-style treatment. The hotel’s modern health club houses the latest Technogym cardiovascular equipment for a well-balanced workout, while the Lannastyle outdoor swimming pool displays a panoramic view of Chiang Mai in which to relax. Le Méridien Chiang Mai offers 1,800sqm of function space that can be configured for events ranging from meetings and seminars to 700-guest banquets and 1,000-delegate conventions. To assist in executing a successful business function, conference or social event, the hotel provides the latest presentation and communication technologies – including built-in LCD projectors, wireless internet and video conferencing, supported by a team of expert technicians. Le Méridien is recognised by global travelers for its style, originality and passion for art, food, fashion, music and film. Le Méridien Chiang Mai will offer worldly travelers culturally-rich and sophisticated accommodation in Chiang Mai. To make a reservation, please contact reservations.chiangmai@lemeridien.com or call +66 5325 3681-3 or visit lemeridien.com/chiangmai 22

Online hotel booking site Agoda meanwhile voted both The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei and Sokha Beach Resort, Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia among its ‘Top 10 Beach Resorts’ in Southeast Asia. The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences honoured both the StarWorld Hotel & Casino, Macau and Villa Lawana in Koh Samui, Thailand with Star Diamond Awards. Another member hotel, The Garden Hotel in Guangzhou, China also collected the prestigious Platinum Five-Star Award 2008. In the Australasian World Travel Awards 2008, regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry ‘down under’, WORLDHOTELS member Stamford Plaza Auckland was voted ‘Best Business Hotel in New Zealand’ and the brand also collected the award for ‘Australia’s Leading Airport Hotel’. Asia-Pacific is currently the fastest growing region for WORLDHOTELS, with year on year growth of 35 per cent, including significant growth in the luxury travel segment. Worldwide, the company represents almost 500 member properties in more than 300 destinations and 70 countries.

More than 50,000 hotel properties guarantee Best Available Rates to Amadeus Travel Agencies Amadeus, the leading provider of technology to the travel and tourism industry, announces hotels offering their Best Available Rates through Amadeus now account for 75.3% of Amadeus’ hotel bookings. Hotels which participate in Amadeus’ Best Available Rate programme guarantee to supply Amadeus with public rates that are the same or lower than those available through other distribution systems, branded websites or the hotel’s own call centre. 22,000 hotel properties in North America, 17,200 in Europe and 5,500 in Asia Pacific all guarantee their best rates are available through Amadeus.

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Official Federal Recognition Les Roches-Gruyère University of Applied Sciences has received official Swiss federal recognition from the Swiss government. This new institution is only the second private University of Applied Sciences ever approved in Switzerland, and is the first private UAS in the hotel management field.

Warming Winter Packages Available at The Fleming Hong Kong’s chic ‘urban lifestyle hotel’, The Fleming, is celebrating the festive season with the launch of a special “Winter Package”. Available from November 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009, the award-winning 66-room boutique hotel in Wan Chai is offering special rates from HK$1,088 for a Standard Room to HK$1,288 for Superior accommodation, HK$1,588 for Deluxe Room and HK$1,988 for an Executive Room. All rates are subject to 10% service charge. In addition to the complimentary extras that guests enjoy during every stay at The Fleming - continental breakfast, entry to nearby California Fitness, plus complimentary local calls, daily newspaper and wired and wireless broadband internet access – guests will also enjoy some winter warmers throughout the promotional period. Advance reservation is required for the winter package. Please contact the Reservation Department at (852) 3607 2225.

New ‘Archisculptural Icon’ Two visionary hotel concepts, Zendai Hotel Yin - an ultra luxury, boutique-style ‘city retreat’ and Zendai Art Hotel – a 5-star business hotel, will open in Shanghai’s latest architectural masterpiece, the ‘Himalayas Centre’ which is due to open in Pudong in spring 2010, in time for the Shanghai World Expo. The Zendai Group has invested over RMB 2.4 billion in the Himalayas Centre which is located opposite to Shanghai’s New International Expo Centre and just 15 minutes from the city’s main financial district in Pudong. Metro line no. 7 is accessed directly from the basement of the Himalayas Centre and the high speed Maglev train, for 7-minute transfers and from Pudong airport, is just 10 minutes away.

Les Roches-Gruyère University of Applied Sciences is launching a new Bachelor of Science degree in international hospitality management. Students can choose specializations focusing on either international hospitality management or food, beverage and operations management. These programmes will be taught in Bulle, in the canton of Fribourg, and Bluche, in the canton of Valais. The new Les Roches Gruyère UAS will conduct its first courses utilizing the full resources of the highly-reputed Swiss institutions of Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management. Both of these institutions were recently ranked in a worldwide industry survey to be among the top hospitality management schools for an international career. (TNS, U.K, Global Survey, September 2007) The Les Roches Gruyère UAS is uniquely positioned to begin immediately investing in research, faculty development, and collaborations with other institutions. Its mission includes contributing significantly to the Swiss and European academic communities through academic co-operations and leveraging alliances with the hospitality industry promote understanding of industry trends and needs. Globally, the hospitality sector is expected to continue growing at more than 5% each year, according to the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council). It is thought to contribute more than 10% of global GDP. Well-educated management personnel will be crucial for supporting the continued expansion of the hospitality and tourism sectors worldwide.

Designed by one of the world’s leading architects, Arata Isozaki who is renowned for his work on the Barcelona Olympics Stadium and the Los Angeles Museum of Modern Art, the Himalayas Centre is being hailed by developers, the Zendai Group, as an ‘archisculptural icon for 21st century China’. The Himalayas Centre will incorporate the Daguan Theatre with multi-functional auditorium seating 1,600, the Himalayas Mall and Himalayas Creative Complex / Museum Zone, as well as the two luxury hotels. For further information, visit: www.zendaihimalayas.com.

KOTAO Resort

Ko Tao Resort

19/1 Ao Chalok Ban Kao Bay, Koh Tao Suratthani 84280 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 7745 6133-4 Fax: +66 (0) 7745 6419 E-mail: info@kotaoresort.com Website: www.kotaoresort.com

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JIA Shanghai Celebrating Christmas & New Year in Style

Designer boutique hotel JIA Shanghai is celebrating Christmas and New Year in inimitable style, culminating in a chic countdown party with free-flowing bubbly. Festivities begin on Christmas Eve, with signature Italian restaurant Issimo serving a six-course menu priced at RMB588. Christmas Day lunch, priced at RMB378 and Welcoming 2009 on New Year’s Eve with a six-course menu priced at RMB688.

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel Sets A Guinness World Record!

Lobby Lounge’s selection of 102 rum varieties from different parts of the globe were individually checked and verified in an adjudication event led by Ms. Angela Wu, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records. Witnessed by members of the press, hotel guests, and loyal patrons of Lobby Lounge, the adjudication process culminated in the presentation of the Guinness World Record certificate to Mr. John Girard, General Manager and Area Director, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Throughout the adjudication event, guests were treated to an exciting selection of classic and signature rum cocktails, along with sampler shots of Lobby Lounge’s 102 rum varieties. To celebrate the New Year through the countdown, JIA Shanghai is serving free-flowing sparkling prosecco until 2am for a package price of just RMB288 per person -- both for dinner guests and for those who want to join the party without dinner. The price includes a traditional Italian treat at midnight, cotechino with lentils, a dish said to bring luck, warmth, peace and happiness. JIA Shanghai is also offering a special overnight rooms package on New Year’s Eve, priced at RMB1,988 for a chic Studio Plus room, with the rate including free-flowing prosecco for two at the countdown party, or RMB2,988 additionally including dinner-for-two. For ‘recovery’ on New Years Day from the night-before celebrations, Issimo is serving a brunch of eggs, bacon, sausages and pastas from 9am–3pm for RMB288, including a cocktail hangover cure. JIA Shanghai is located at 931 West Nanjing Road, Shanghai 200041, People’s Republic of China. For reservations call +(86-21) 6217 9000 or Email: rez@jiashanghai.com.

Ocean Getaway Break Package Enjoy the vacation of your dreams either in Hua Hin, a tropical hideaway overlooking the Gulf of Thailand or in a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of Pattaya with the “Ocean Getaway Break Package” just only Baht 8,000 net per room per two nights for Pattaya Marriott Resort includes a breakfast for two people plus Spa selection or Food and Beverage voucher worth Baht 550 and Baht 7,500 net per room per two nights for Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa includes a breakfast for two people plus one dinner for two people. Rates are valid from now until October 31, 2008. For special room rates, call Central Reservation Office at (66) 2 477 0755 or email: reservemarriott@minornet.com or visit our website: www.marriott.com.

Boasting premium and exotic brands from different parts of the globe, Lobby Lounge’s rum selection includes English Harbour Dark Rum from Antigua and Barbuda, Foursquare Spiced Rum from Barbados, Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum from Bermuda, Barcelo Imperial 10 Years from the Dominican Republic, Plantation Grenada 1998 from Grenada, Reserve du Domaine Barbancourt 15 Years from Haiti, J. Wray and Nephew Overproof White Rum from Jamaica, Trois Rivieres White from Martinique, Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Years from Guatemala, and Bacardi Solera 1873 from Mexico. Most expensive among the selection is the El Dorado Rum 25 Years, referred to as “liquid gold of Guyana” and one of the smoothest rums ever produced.

www.sakphuduen.com

A Touch of Nature and Class

SAK PHU DUEN KHAO YAI

Special New Year 2009 Package

"I-san Night" at Sak Phu Duen Celebrate your last day of the year 2008 and welcome New Year 2009 with "Pong Lang" show and special performances and various games with numerous lucky-draw prizes while enjoying specially selected international buffet, draft beer, and soft drinks. Rates: s Adult s Adult s Adult s Child (4-12 year-old)

Baht 5,500 (double) Baht 9,000 (single) Baht 3,800 (extra bed) Baht 1,000 (no extra bed)

All above rates are inclusive of followings: s 2-night stay at Superior Room or Cottage with daily breakfast s Complimentary souvenir for each room s Gala Dinner ticket on 31 December 2008 Conditions: s Check-in and check-out can be both between December 30 - January 1 or December 31 - January 2 s 50% deposit should be made within 7 days after reservation and total payment should be made 10 days prior to check in date s Additional 1 night stay costs 3,500 Baht/room/night inclusive of breakfast The hotel would like to invite you to join the merit ceremony giving food offerings to Buddhist monks on January 1, 2009 at 8.00 a.m. in front of the hotel (food offering set is available to buy at the hotel)

SAK PHU DUEN HOTEL & RESORT 119 Moo 6, Nongnamdang, Pak Chong, Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130 Thailand Tel & Fax: +66 4424 9353, 08 5810 4455, Bangkok Office: 1867/164 K.R. BLDG., Charoennakorn Rd., Banglampulang, Klongsan, Bangkok 10600 Tel: +66 2439 1530 to 1535 Fax: +66 2439 1536

DAY TRIP | THAILAND

story & photos: Warong Suwanchartkul

During the rainy season each year, many water extremists gather at Kaeng Hin Poeng Rapids on the Sai Yai River, Prachinburi province in Thailand, to exercise their adrenaline on the strong currents along this hazardous waterway.

he rubber rafts, which each contain 8-10 persons, require skilful oarsmen to control direction and to prevent the raft crashing on the rocks and capsizing. Rafting on Kaeng Hin Poeng rapids has become one of the most popular water activities among friends and needs good teamwork to gear up for the wild creek. The trip involves one hour through the rapids before running into smooth water towards the end of the journey.   For safety reasons, before proceeding to the rapids, extremists and tourists who join the adventurous trip will be provided with a briefing on basic skill to control the boat and some useful instructions by professionals if the boat capsizes.   From the headquarters of Khao Yai National Park Office 9, tourists have to walk on foot for about 2.5 km along a nature trail to the starting point of the rapids. Then ones adrenaline will start pumping along the whitewater trail which ranges from Class 3 to 5 or, from intermediate to expert level of white-water navigating skills and experience and which requires extreme caution.   The white-water rafting trip on the Sai Yai River starts a short distance above the Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids and continues past Greater Kaeng Hin Phoeng, a 100-metre stretch of the river with swirling waves forging their way through rocky crevices. The trip features six rapids – Kaeng Hin Phoeng, Kaeng Wang Nam Lom, Kaeng Wang Bon, Kaeng Luuk Seua, Kaeng Wang Sai and Kaeng Ngu Hao. There are lifeguard stations at all six rapids.   Beyond a wild white-water ride or an exhilarating river adventure, the breathtaking landscape that hugs the river is home to a great diversity of spectacular flora and fauna; river-rafting unveils some fascinating and rarely seen spectacles – butterflies hovering over a salt lick by the river or colourful birds seeking refuge in the forested canopy.

International Grading System Whitewater Classification Class 1 – Easy The easiest and safest level with fast moving water, ripples and small waves with few obstructions, all obvious. Easily rescued   Class 2 – Novice Straightforward rapids with wide clear channels evident without scouting. Rocks and medium-sized waves easily missed by trained paddlers. Easily rescued.   Class 3 – Intermediate Rapids with moderate and irregular waves. Strong eddies and powerful currents, particularly on large volume rivers. Good boat control is required in tight passages and around ledges. Scouting is advisable. Rescue is possible.   Class 4 – Advanced Intense and powerful but predictable rapids. Many feature large unavoidable waves, holes and constricted passages demanding fast manoeuvring under pressure. Scouting is necessary first time. Difficult rescue may be possible. Class 5 – Expert Extremely long, obstructed or violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average danger. Drops may contain large unavoidable waves or holes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, requiring a level of fitness. Scouting is essential but difficult. Difficult and painful rescue may be possible.

Getting to Kaeng Hin Phoeng From Bangkok, take Suwannasorn Road and Highway 33 and head for Kabin Buri district. Look out for the 201 km marker with a petrol station and Wat Sra Du School to the left. Continue along Sra Du-Sapan Hin Road for 16 kms then turn left and drive 17 kms to get to Ban Nong Haen School. Turn left and continue for another 7 kms to get to Khao Yai Ranger Station No. 9. From this point, continue for another 8 kms, then hike 2.5 kms along a forest trek.   Rafting Fees The trip is made in an inflatable rubber raft. 500 baht (US$15) per person or 3,500 baht (US$100) per rubber raft for 8 persons   Contact information TAT Central Region Office – Region 8 Tel: +66 3731 2282, +66 3731 2284. E-mail: tatnayok@tat.or.th

skybulletins

LAYOVER | THAILAND

story & photos: Gaid P.Kornsilp

{ Village Farm } Rustic Charm in a Farm Stay 34

nother advantage of agro-tourism, apart from getting more knowledge on farming, is to experience the flavor of fresh agricultural products right from the harvest. Such like in Wang Nam Kheaw District in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, where agro-tourism has boomed for several years because of its farm land setting in a beautiful mountainous landscape.

Set on an idyllic hill-slope area in Wang Nam Kheaw, Village Farm is a vineyard that also offers its visitors a fine farm stay in a green atmosphere with pure oxygen in the air. A simple way of living becomes the main concept for holidaymaking at Village Farm. It claims to be a country farm that provides guests comfortable accommodations where you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have luxurious amenities like in typical hotels and resorts. But anyone who stays at the farm will experience its rustic charm located on a rich natural setting with a hilltop view, covered with lush rainforest trees. The place is ideal for those who need an escape from a depressive daily life in the big city to somewhere less complicated and minimalist.

A very special activity when staying at the farm is a wine tasting session before dinner so guests can have an opportunity to savor every kind of wine made of grape, grown at the farm. At the corner of the farm’s restaurant, turn to a small classroom where a wine expert gives advices to beginners on the art of wine sipping before each kind of wine is served to differentiate tastes. So novices who have just begun to drink wine can learn to enjoy the aroma and body of each type of wine.

For beginners, they recommend trying the Village Cellar either Red with 85% Shiraz and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, or 100% Chenin Blanc (White). But for the expert, Chateau Des Brumes – La Fleur 2004, 2005 with 62% Shiraz and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon is worth a try. If you don’t fancy alcohol, the farm’s shop and bakery has a variety of different farm products to offer from grape juice and jam to herbal and cosmetics made out of grape. At Village Farm, guests always have many choices of activities to fulfill their holidays; from being relaxed at the country style Village Coffee House, or to be pampered with several treatment menus at Vino Spa. Also, many nearby attractions are easily accessible to visit.

For more information, visit www.villagefarm.co.th or call +66 4422 8407, +66 4422 8408, +66 81 8773711.

ADVERTORIAL

ood & Hotel Thailand (FHT) 2008 highly impressed the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Caterer) sector with the most comprehensive range ever of products and services, and achieving nearly 20% increase in the number of visitors from last year, according to the event organiser Bangkok Exhibition Services Co Ltd. By presenting the latest technology and innovations, holding seminars and providing numerous business networking opportunities, the 16th event has reinforced Thailand’s position as a regional hub for food & beverage and hospitality trade channels in Asia. More than 750 of the world’s leading brands participated in this four-day event, which attracted 22,595 visitors from 61 countries around the globe and generated significantly more selling and buying deals than the previous year. The phenomenal success suggests that current economic and political uncertainties do not have a destructive impact on business confidence. In Food & Hotel Thailand 2008, the 12,000 sqm space of the Royal Paragon Hall was transformed into the all-in-one centre for the food, hotel, retailing and hospitality industries. Business entrepreneurs

and associates were provided with the opportunity to experience a full range of top quality products, from bakeries and snacks, ready-made food, seasonings, wine and other beverage, to glassware, ceramics, and kitchenware. It was also the biggest ever showcase of advanced technology and innovations associated with hotel, restaurant and service businesses. “The show is a welcomed opportunity for Thai businesses to present themselves to international operators and expand into the global market” said David Aitken, Bangkok Exhibition Services’s General Manager, “It will help raise the awareness that Thailand is the centre of Asian hospitality business, especially in the restaurant and hotel segments.” Meetings, seminars and activities were also held to improve industry standard and professionalism. Executives and management from leading hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia gathered to discuss investment opportunities in the hotel industry. Others seminars included topics on Thailand as the world’s kitchen, retail law and regulations, the Thai wine industry development and lectures on nutrition and sanitization.

In the 14th Culinary Gathering of Cooks & Chefs, chefs from renowned restaurants and hotels in Thailand and abroad joined in cooking competitions to showoff their creative ideas and innovative cooking techniques. Other highlights included the Thailand Bartending Finals and the International Wine Contest organised by the Food and Beverage Association of Thailand, coupled with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest competition of wedding flower archway decorations organised by the Executive Housekeeper Club. Getting keen attention from international visitors means Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HoReCa sector still has high potential for growth, thanks to its reliable quality of product and service offered. As a world-class trade fair, Food & Hotel Thailand 2008 was impressively advantageous to exhibitors, entrepreneurs and potential investors alike particularly in terms of knowledge sharing and extending trade opportunities. In addition, Food & Hotel Thailand 2008 provided hotel and tourism students, and those studying in other related disciplines, with a hands-on experience and opportunities to broaden their future career perspectives.

COVER FEATURE | INDONESIA

story: Manachai Inkaew | photos: Gaid P. Kornsilp

EastJava

PASSAGE to the Breath of God

Sitting precariously above the Pacific Ring of Fire on the Malay Archipelago, Indonesia is home to numerous active volcanoes that can erupt unpredictably, making it a destination worthy of both awe and fear. This made my team’s escapades in East Java all the more exciting, providing us with stark reminders of the dangers these volcanoes pose. In fact, two Singaporean tourists were killed in 2004 at Mt Bromo when it suddenly erupted without warning, in the very same spot where I stood on the volcano’s crater. Yet the breathtaking scene that emerged in the morning mist drove away my fear, reinforcing my decision to experience the area’s stunning beauty. 41

nitially, I was met with many raised eyebrows when I told people I was planning to travel to Indonesia’s second largest city, Surabaya. ‘What inspired you to go there? Are you sure? Is it safe?’ I answered them all with confidence, saying the trip would be a new and unforgettable experience that would give me a chance to discover two awe-inspiring natural creations - the active volcanoes of Mt Ijen and Mt Bromo.

Previous page: picturesque scene of a group of volcanoes seen from the viewpoint on Mt Penanjakan - the first one in sight, Mt Batok is not active then Mt Bromo in the middle (with smoke) and Mt Sumeru, the highest, sets far behind.

Getting to Indonesia from Bangkok is an easy affair. There are several flights available through Indonesia’s national carrier Garuda and lowcost airline Air Asia, which offers two direct flights daily to the capital city of Jakarta. It was late evening when I departed Bangkok for the three-and-a-half hour flight to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, which arrived close to midnight. The following morning I caught a quick one-hour flight to Surabaya.

Clockwise from left: a waterfall situated in the lush rainforest area of Merapi-Maelang Reserve is not far from the home stay; the plain area of Ijen tourist center and the starting point for tourists to walk to the crater; a sign posted at the tourist center informs the distance to reach Ijen crater on foot.

As one would expect, the Surabaya airport was designed in the traditional Indonesian style, offering a sense of harmony between the terminal and the native way of life. The first impression we had of the Indonesian people was derived from the genuine smile on the face of the local tour guide who greeted us at the exit hall. 43

Hari tells us he has been driving for the tour company for a long time, and eventually became an English-speaking guide as well. After giving us our itinerary briefing, Hari drives us out of Surabaya to bring us to our first destination, Mount Ijen, which is a seven to eight hour drive. Fortunately the traffic is moving at a nice pace, allowing us to enjoy the scenery which includes the greenery of local plantations such as rice and sugar cane fields. We aren’t cruising for long before Hari stops at an interesting but odd attraction near the outskirts of Surabaya, dubbed ‘mud village’. Here, many deserted houses sit in a sea of mud, a surprisingly beautiful sight through the camera lens. Beauty aside, the village’s deserted state is actually a source of great bitterness for its former residents, given the flooding was caused by oil drilling. The controversial situation remains an unresolved issue between the villagers and the government, however the site itself is still included on many tour programs for foreigners to visit. As we near the mountainous Ijen area, the rain pours down to make the plantations appear even greener. The sun is

setting as we approach the Merapi-Maelang Reserve and although the rain continues to pour our van keeps right on rolling down the bumpy road. The front headlights of the van shine through the twilight, allowing us to view the white fog that covers the whole mountain. Eventually we arrive at the home stay where we will spend the night, and from the aromatic smell wafting around me it’s quite clear I will be sleeping in the middle of a coffee field. When we step into the home stay, there is indeed coffee brewed for us to enjoy. It is a setting as comfortable as an international resort, yet with the surrounding coffee field, nearby hot springs and the friendly smiles of the local hosts the home stay offers something even more special, a feeling of joy and contentedness. Early the following morning we set off on a short drive to the base of Mt Ijen, where a welcome board greets us before we begin our exciting two-hour trek up to the active volcano’s crater.

Clockwise from above: a male worker lights a cigarette after he has finished his arduous daily job; sulphur plates are being weighted at the mine station before he gets his carrying wage paid; the foot trail onto the crater of Ijen is always covered with moist and fertile flora.

The scenery along the path includes lush plantations covered in a floating white fog however the picture is continuously changing in line with the weather. After a short flirtation with the bright sky, a covering of thick fog or showering rain will emerge at the drop of a hat. Regardless, the forest here is still fertile and untouched, providing a serene setting for the trek. On my way up, apart from the fabulous view of different varieties of foliage covering the sloping valley and mountain I witness impish wild monkeys teasing one another on the top of a tree. Suddenly, the crater appears right in front of us, the fog floating over it increasing the already dramatic view. The vast caldera of the crater is stunning, with some parts of its floor spouting thick, white smoke up into the sky. In contrast, the huge turquoise-coloured lake sits right below the caldera. After a brief moment of enjoyment viewing the crater under the clear skies, the picturesque scene is once again hidden by the thick mist. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m told these sudden changes occur because the area is actually a microclimate, meaning it sits in its own atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area. Sure enough, before long the sky becomes clear once again to give me a direct view of the miners hard at work at the bottom of the crater. Tourists are advised to wear masks to filter the sulphurous gas when visiting the crater, however many of the local miners are not aware of this risk so without sufficient protection they are susceptible to numerous respiratory problems.

East Javaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural wonder of Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) sits at a height of 2,300 meters above sea level. Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of this marvel is its large turquoise lake. At the bottom of the crater beside the lake is a labour-intensive sulphur mining site near an active vent at the edge of the lake, which is a source of elemental sulphur. The escaping volcanic gasses are channelled through a network of ceramic pipes, resulting in the condensation of molten sulphur. When it is cooled it turns yellow and is broken into large pieces that are carried up around 200 metres to the crater rim before being carried down the hill. The first leg of the walk up to the crater is in good condition and offers enough space for a four-wheel drive car. No vehicles are allowed on this path, however, as it is the only route available for the miners to carry the heavy sulphur plates down the mountain. Every five minutes I have to press myself against the rock wall to give way to one of the many miners carrying the plates in baskets on their shoulders. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m told those plates weigh around 70-100 kilograms, yet the workers receive a wage of around just US$5 per day.

Clockwise from left: the lake of green water on the crater of Mt Ijen with sulphur excavation located next to it; the way up to Ijen crater sometimes is covered with thick mist and rains create a beautiful ambience along the route; remains of dead trees from the last eruption; a tourist is recommended to wear a face mask to prevent inhaling strong sulphur smoke from the unpredictable wind and climate.

Left: spectacular landscape created by lava from the last eruption of Mt Ijen which happened in 1999.

Mt Ijen last erupted in the year 1999 and I am told by the local guide that it is expected to explode once again this year, however nature is always unpredictable so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to determine exactly when. Fortunately, the great mountain decided to refrain from belching its fiery contents during our visit. Having been impressed by my first incident-free experience up close with an active volcano, I looked forward to the journey to Mt Bromo, which is said to be incredibly picturesque, especially at sunrise. The van took us down a road that passed through several Indonesian communities along the way. About five hours later we reached our resort, in late afternoon, opposite the great Mt Bromo. The evening atmosphere in the area was simply wonderful, with a cool wind forcing me to warm myself up with a sweater. After enjoying the ambiance for a while, I said goodnight to the sparkling stars in the Indonesian sky and readied myself to say hello to the gorgeous morning sun and the adventures the next day would bring. 49

he next day came exceptionally fast, as I had to get myself ready at around 4am if I was to witness the sunrise. The four-wheel drive adventure vehicle then took us to Mt Penanjakan, 2,700 metres above sea level, where we waited for the highlight of the morning. Mt Bromo, 2,382 meters above sea level, is one of the most actively promoted attractions in East Java, located some 145kms from Surabaya in Tengger-Semeru National Park. Within its huge caldera there are two peaks: Mt Bromo, which is still an active volcano, and the dormant Mt Batok.

Previous page: page: view from the foot of Mt Bromo late in the morning when the mist begins to fade away. Clockwise from above: a group of tourists riding ponies to Mt Bromo; tourists need to climb 250 steps up to the crater of Mt Bromo; a Hindu temple located in the desert of volcanic black sand near the foot of Mt Bromo.

Starting at around 5am tourists begin to gather at the observation post, getting their cameras ready for the first light of dawn. I survey the infinite compound of Mt Bromo with its vast caldera covered with white mist, through which I can see the peak of Mt Batok. Further in the distance is the apparent background of Mt Semeru, which creates an incredible scene every 30 minutes when it spits ashes out of its crater. After enjoying a cup of fresh coffee at the observation point on Mt Penanjakan, I visit other lookouts to enjoy unbelievably beautiful views of the mountain group. Late morning, the jeep takes me to have a closer look at Mt Bromo. As we drive, the mist disappears to reveal a vast sea of sand, with Mt Bromo lying in the distance. Somewhere in the middle of that sea the jeep stops, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m told it will take an hour of walking to reach Bromoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s base. Or, there is a better option for the less-energetic: visitors can ride a pony for 50,000 Rupiah. I chose to experience the latter, enjoying the ride through the sand from the top of a horse, passing a Hindu temple before reaching the foot of Mt Bromo. Still to go are about 250 steps all tourists must climb. Mt Bromo is considered a sacred place for the local people. Every year on the 14th day of full moon Kesodo (Tengger Calendar), the people of the Tengger mountain range gather at the rim of this active crater to make holy offerings of rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, livestock and other local products to the god of mountain.

Frighteningly, Mt Bromo really is a live volcano that erupts with disturbing regularity. As mentioned earlier, in 2004 two tourists were killed here so visitors are warned to keep their distance if the mountain is acting up. Tour guides must check with local geologists who can normally predict the state of the volcano and the associated danger level.

Clockwise from left: vendors selling food and drinks for tourists in the Bromo area; the owner of a pony earns 50,000 IDR for each roundtrip from the car park to the crater of Bromo; several types of transportation are available from a 4x4 jeep or a pony are required for a visit to Mt Bromo; a grassy plain of Savanna on the other side of Mt Bromo has some splendid scenery to gaze at.

Fortunately, Mt Bromo remained still during my visit and shortly after my pony takes me back to the jeep for another short drive through the sea of sand. In front of me lies a savannah surrounded by several small low-rise mountains. Looking behind me, I can see a clear view of the curvy and narrow road down from Mt Bromo. The general scene is a kaleidoscope of green. Hari, the local guide, says that almost all resorts and tour-related activities are owned and operated by local people so that they can preserve their way of life, unlike many popular tourist destinations that end up changing for the worst. My trip to Indonesia has changed many of my perceptions toward this Muslim country and its rich natural resources. The country’s unspoiled environment is at harmony with the land’s people, while the locals themselves spend their daily lives treating nature with respect. It gives me much to contemplate, leading me to conclude that we must stop abusing our natural surroundings and balance our lives with our environment, protecting what nature has given us for the generations to come. Special Thanks Indonesia Air Asia for providing flights to the ‘Breath of God’. For more information, please visit www.airasia.com. To reach our adventurous trip experts in Surabaya, please contact Global Adventure Indonesia at www.globaladventureindonesia.com.

OVERNIGHT | MT BROMO

Lava View Lodge Situated at the rim of the caldera facing Mt. Bromo, Lava View Lodge, as the name suggests is one of the accommodations available in Probolinggo, East Java and which provides the best eye-catching view of the nearby active volcano. The hotel is equipped with tourist standard facilities in various types of rooms: unique family, bungalow, superior and standard rooms. All have comfortable beds and hot showers. Although you will never be surprised by any extra services or hip-n-chic decorating items to enhance your pleasurable stay, Lava View Lodge is surprisingly overwhelmed by a simple charm of nature and the perfect view of one of the most scenic attractions on the island of East Java, Mt Bromo. When night falls, there is no other place to compare, with such a romantic atmosphere at the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant where you can have your dinner while enjoying the grand view of the volcano peaks and crater right in front of your table. Lava View Lodge is an ideal shelter for travelers to get a full rest after the long haul traveling from Surabaya (approximately a 5 hr drive) and a good place to recharge your batteries for an early-morning trip to the crater. It is also like home when you come back at the end of an exhausting day of adventure.

Contact & Reservations Indonesia

Head Office: Jln. Harinjing 102 Kepung - Kediri East Java - Indonesia Phone: +62 354 391163 Fax : +62 354 394312 Mobile: +62 81 334 684 918 , +62 87 858 551 199 Email1: globaladventure@indo.net.id Email2: globaladventureindonesia@yahoo.com Website1: www.globaladventureindonesia.com Website2: www.bromodiscovery.com

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Tropical Star Travel & Tropical Magazine invites you to feel the fantastic moment of Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s active volcano scenes, Mt. Bromo and Mt Ijen

Package 1: Bangkok-Surabaya-Mt. Ijen Mt. Bromo-Surabaya-Bangkok (3D2N) * Price: 19,800 THB/Person (Minimum 2) Fly Garuda * Price: 17,250 THB/Person (Minimum 4) Fly Garuda Package 2: Surabaya-Mt. Ijen-Mt. Bromo-Surabaya (3D2N) * Price: 5,200 THB/Person (Minimum 2) Own travel arrangement BKK-Surabaya * Price: 4,900 THB/Person (Minimum 4) Own travel arrangement BKK-Surabaya Package 3: Surabaya-Mt. Bromo-Surabaya (2D1N) * Price: 3,700 THB/Person (Minimum 6) Own travel arrangement BKK-Surabaya * Prices are subject to change without prior notice

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HERITAGE | THAILAND

story & photos: Pongganin Sasi-angkul

Aranyikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knife

The Art of Sharpness

In the past, Aranyikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knives were made by the residents of Baan Phainong and Baan Ton Pho in Ayutthaya Province, who were originally gold and iron craftsmen, moving from Vientiane in the early Rattanakosin era. However, after they settled in their new home, they stopped working with gold and concentrated only on iron works such as tools, weapons and knives.

aan Phainong and Baan Ton Pho have been recognized as making the finest knives for many, many years. With their location, near a bamboo forest and the Pasak River, they have plenty of natural resources to forge iron. Bamboo is a key material. It can generate high temperature fittings for making knives, and the trunk can be used as a knife’s and Pa-nern (hammer for beating the iron) handles. The perfect combination between resources in the villages and the craftsmanship of the residents brought Baan Phainong and Baan Ton Pho’s knives to the top of the industry. The outstanding features of Aranyik’s knives are the sharpness, durability, strength, flexibility and beautiful shape. After the knives were finished, the villagers had to go to sell them at Baan Aranyik, which is located nearby. The village was a lively harbor town on the banks of the Pasak River. It had a market, shops and a Bon Chon Kai (cockfighting arena), so many people visited this place at the time.

The knives were very popular, especially among those who came for gambling. When they brought the knives to home, they misunderstood that they were made by Aranyik’s people, so they called them “Aranyik’s knives”. The name of Aranyik’s knives became so famous, that King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) of Siam came to see the production process of the knives many times. During King Rama V’s rule, all Bon Chon Kai and casinos were closed down and Aranyik was faced with a financial crisis. The village became lifeless and the knives were hardly sold. Most of the villagers of Baan Phainong and Baan Ton Pho were forced to change their vocation, but some were still making Aranyik’s knives in order to preserve this ancient craft. It has been almost 200 years since then, and the Aranyik’s knives are still well-known in Thailand, but the traditional production methods are starting to be pushed aside by modern technology. Some craftsmen have been opted for more efficient and quicker production techniques. The ancient knowledge of how to make the knives is known by a dwindling number of people. If it continues this way, the original Aranyik’s knives will no longer exist. They will become just a legend to pass from generation to generation.

EAT EAST | THAILAND

story : Jittpat Chanpetch | photos : Pongganin Sasi-angkulâ&#x20AC;Ż

Curries

& More by Baan Khanitha

More than a Choice for Dining

urries and more is a modern style Thai restaurant, placed in Soi Ruamrudee just about half a kilometer from Ploen Chit BTS station, beneath one of the busiest areas of Bangkok. From outside, it looks like a house which was adapted to be a restaurant, standing under the shade of large trees. However, it is not only a mere Thai restaurant as its look, but a wonderful combination of cake shop, gallery, and eating place. When you take a step inside, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll notice the modish design all over the place. The wall at middle of the first floor was perforated to show the orange brick inside and the walls which are faced outside were replaced with wall-to-ceiling glass pane. It is not just for design, but it makes the room seems to be more spacious. Both first and second floor, were decorated with paintings and photographs from distinguished artist as a small art exhibition. You can enjoy these masterpieces while eating your dinner or buy them home if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested.

The seating arrangement is designed to fit all moods. You can choose to sit on outdoor seating, listen to the sound of water under a glass roof with water running over it, on a cozy small dark table dyed by orange ray of tungsten light or on fluffy sofas with a large glass table to enjoy with friends. For those who like a private parties or meeting, the restaurant served you with the private section on the second floor as well as a cigar room. The comfortable atmosphere along with the smooth music will make you relax. It is suitable for the relaxing after the long day of work. Curries and more offers wide selections of Thai and the Europe dishes as well as vegetarian food and the well decorate homemade dessert. With the “Bangkok’s Best Thai Restaurant” award from Baan Kanittha, the quality of the foods is guarantee that it will not disappoint you. The recommend menu from the chef starting from Deep-fried Oyster Mushroom Jerky, Grilled Tiger Prawn served with Papaya Salad, Steamed Snow Fish with Spicy Lime Sauce. Deep fried Trout with Red Curry Paste. The food is made not so spicy fitting both Thai and international guest, but if you love spicy food, you can tell the waiters to make them spicier. Not only the finest choice of Thai and international dishes, the restaurant is offer you an exclusive selection of burgundy red wine; 1998 Chateau Margaux, 1994 Chateau Latour, 1999 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 1999 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and 1994 Chateau Haut-Brion. After the big treat, a warm chocolate, a chocolate cake stuffed with Bitter-sweet warmth chocolate source and sweet and sour source with a scope of vanilla icecream, is the perfect choice. For those who are cake enthusiasts the restaurant also has a various choice of home made cakes varies from Black forest cake to Oreo and cherries cheese cake for you to enjoy and take home at a friendly price. Curries & More by Baan Khanitha 63/3 Soi Ruamrudee, Ploen Chit Rd. Lumphini, Patumwan, Bangkok Thailand. Tel. +66 (0) 2253 5408-9 www.curriesandmore.com 66

gourmetmonthly

Maison Chin

Maison Chin - Modern Asian Cuisine, the concept restaurant by world known celebrity chef Ken Hom has recently launched its grand opening, presided over by Suraphol Assakul, President of Siam Estate Company and Ken Hom along with Timothy Cooke, Group Director of Operations, Bandara Hotels and Resorts, and Naputt Assakul, Deputy Managing Director of Siam Estate Company. The exclusive event allowed guests and media to indulge in the real ambience of Maison Chin with combinations of Asian mixed with Western cuisines prepared over 5 delicious courses, Ken Hom style.

Nami

“Quick Business Lunch” JW Marriott Bangkok’s Nami Teppanyaki Japanese restaurant is offering a special set lunch “Quick Business Lunch” from 11.30 am to 14.30 pm. The weekdays (Mon - Fri) “Quick Business Lunch” promotion consists of three-course menus starting at 250 baht (price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT) comprises soups, salads, fried rice with your favorite fish, chicken, pork or beef Teppanyaki-style as a main dish, and fresh fruit or ice-cream for dessert. Meanwhile, the “Nami No Limit Lunch” Saturday/Sunday promotion will be continuing for an alternative on weekends. For further information or make a reservation, please call 66 26567700 ext 4811. 68

Hot New Destination

Dining Concept Launched in Beijing’s

Majestic Legation Quarter With a roaringly successful Olympic meeting under Beijing’s belt, the city continues to dominate the headlines with its influx of five-star brands, putting it firmly on the global map. As the latest hot off the press destination dining news, comes a super sleek four in one restaurant & bar concept at The Legation Quarter, Beijing. Beijing’s most glamorous new drinking and dining hotspot is now open - the latest creation from designer and restaurateur David Yeo whose Aqua Restaurant group is responsible for some of the most cutting edge restaurants and bars in Hong Kong. The multi-zoned complex at the majestic Legation Quarter comprises Shiro Matsu, a stunning contemporary Japanese restaurant, designed by David Yeo and Yukio Hashimoto, arguably Japan’s top restaurant designer. Featuring China’s longest and best stocked sushi bar and sumibiyaki (charcoal) grill room; Hex, a sultry, adjoining pre-dinner and late night lounge bar: Agua, a stylish upscale Spanish restaurant and tapas bar with a magnificent outdoor terrace; and Fez an expansive, chilled-out Marrakech style rooftop bar and lounge with deep sofas, Morrocan lamps and an Arabic fountain, nestled within private tents like a scene out of “The Tales from A Thousand and One Nights” . The result is 17,000 square feet of the most stylish and innovative bar and restaurant space in the Chinese capital, and as with all of David’s creations, the sophisticated design is matched with equally impressive culinary finesse, using the finest and freshest seasonal produce available. For further information or to make a reservation please call (86-10) 6559 6266

Party Time at Graze Gastronomic Festive Menu for November, December and New Year’s Eve Award-winning restaurant Graze is celebrating Christmas with a Festive Menu for parties of 10 persons or more for November, December and the ultimate party night, New Year’s Eve. Priced at $120 per person, the Festive Menu features gastronomic treats at the popular Rochester Park haven which is ranked among the world’s top new restaurants. Guests will be presented with a unique menu featuring a sumptuous tableside spread of canapés, salads, main courses and desserts. The Festive Menu is presented by Graze’s award-winning Australian Head Chef Matthew Lawdorn, whose forte is his use of spices, herbs and flavoursome ingredients of the highest quality. At Graze, Matthew brings a new concept in contemporary dining to Singapore, focused on simple yet creative and exceptionally fresh, home-made fare.

Graze’s a la carte menu and unique Home-style menu are also available throughout this period. Contact Graze for more information or reservations:

graze

Reservations: Fax: Address: Email: Website:

(65) 6775 9000 (65) 6775 9001 4 Rochester Park, Singapore info@graze.sg www.graze.sg 69

ON THE WAY | The Philippines story & photos: Pierre Ryckmans

Igorots Catholics and Roman Legionnaires

The Philippines have a history of conquered land and converted people. Muslims populated the southern parts of the archipelago. Spanish conquered the whole country and converted the rest of the population to Catholicism. Americans were next and imposed their language and their chewing-gum accent. Indigenous presidents and politicians in turn got hold of the land and deluged it with grand scale nepotism and corruption. But I would never have imagined that the Philippines had been conquered by Roman legionnaires. Until I visited Marinduque. The island of Marinduque is smaller than Bali or Majorca, and lies between Luzon, the main island of the Philippines, and Mindoro, the country’s fifth largest. I traveled to Marinduque at Easter, because a curious annual event, the Moriones Festival, is held here during that week. Moriones is the local language variant for ancient Roman, helmeted centurions. Centuries ago, during the Spanish reign, a story circulated on Marinduque about Longinus, the Roman centurion who stabbed the crucified Christ in the side with his spear. The story goes that Longinus, instead of being converted to Christianity, was chased after and captured, escaped, was recaptured, and finally tried and beheaded. The legend is so old that nobody remembers who invented it. But never tell a Marinduquese it has been invented. The total population fanatically believes in its authenticity. Every year a mock trial, followed by a beheading, is staged. Colourful, handmade masks are worn and Roman costumes are paraded as if a Hollywood movie was being shot.

I arrived on a Saturday, and had just missed the Good Friday bamboo flagellation. Boac, the island’s main town, was in festive mood and filled with young people. They wore big, self-made papier mâché or wooden masks with protruding eyes, heavy beards, rows of bare teeth, and nylon cock’s combs on top of globular helmets. Scarlet tunics were covered with cheap metal cuirasses. Mock swords or daggers hung on hips, or were branded in the air. Roman sandals were plaited knee-high. It was hilarious to see dark brown, smooth, Asian legs and arms sticking out of these Roman legionnaire’s costumes and almond eyes and high, bulging cheek-bones smiling through the mask holes. One centurion wore a huge, cabaret-like helmet but no mask. His ebony face was adorned with fashion sunglasses and an unlit cigarette. His companion had taken off his heavy mask, sweating abundantly in the tropical afternoon heat, and smoke one cigarette after the other, his helmet proudly held under his left arm. The winners of the yearly competition would be presented on Easter Sunday night with much coveted

A Filipino ‘legionnaire’ takes off his mask to take a rest from the scorching heat 70

5 72

money prizes. More and more Romans came from all directions to join the crowd, single-acting, in Indian files, or in jeepneys, the incredible, elongated jeeps which are the local public transport all over the Philippines and look like rolling Christmas trees, sporting dozens of huge lamps and funny decorations. In Marinduque, they were as colourful as the moriones they transported. After dinner, I followed a group of legionnaires to a stage set up on a football field. Crowds were massing and seemed very excited with the play that was being performed. A trial was taking place, and the hapless Longinus stood there in his tunic and Roman sandals, without helmet and mask, as the bad guy. The play was performed in Tagalog, the main indigenous language of the Philippines. A timber head-chopper was dressed in front of him, the outcome was certain. Dialogues, accusations, hopeless defenses and much shouting were flung around. The accused escaped twice, was chased with much tumult in the vicinity of the stage, the second time even into the town centre, and at every turn brought back by angry-looking Roman troops. After the third accusation and final verdict, he was forced to kneel in front of the scaffold. The crowd whispered and craned, the judge screamed with a commanding voice, the convict implored while putting his head on the chopper-cavity, and the headsman wielded an enormous wooden sword. Suddenly, among cries and shrieks from the audience, the head was cut of. At the last second, Longinus had retracted his head and the executioner had juggled an imitation head out of his cape. He raised it in triumph. Seconds later, the crowds slowly dissolved and went back home, silent and impressed. They all really seemed to believe in the story. The north of Luzon Island is called Mountain Province. It is famous for grand paddy field scenery and curious indigenous tribes, such as the Kalingas, the Ifugaos, and the Igorots. Landed in Bontoc after a neverending bus ride in dubious circumstances, I went for a long, oxygenating walk through the terraced rice fields. Whole mountain amphitheatres were dammed with low, semi-circular stone walls and carved in curly, Art Deco patterns of muddy or green surfaces, glittering against the sunshine. Seen from above and watched through the zoom lens, the farm yards looked like abstract paintings. The higher I walked on unstable, knife-narrow dam paths, the more curious the patterns became. The silence was evenly imposing, interrupted now and then by a ribbon of water murmuring down from a flooded patch, or by the voluminous voice of a farmer shouting to his neighbour on an opposite slope, half a kilometer away. I only saw very old and very young people, nobody in-between. They looked extremely poor. Mongoloid features were manifest in the faces of the elderly. They wore rags as weathered as their facial skin. I carefully strode over an old man sitting on a narrow path between two flooded patches. He was having a rest and smoking a tiny pipe bursting with rough, hand-crushed tobacco. A very little basket was attached to the back of his head and served as a sort of hat. I didn’t quite understand how he could keep it fixed in that labile position. His high front was as intensely ploughed as his fields. His ear lobs encircled enormous holes. The expression in this Igorot’s eyes, staring half at his paddies, half in the void, and the little, philosophical smile he produced when he shyly looked at me, was so gentle that it was hard to believe that his people were notorious for manslaughter and headhunting.

ter-long strip of uninterrupted, snowy sand. The low-rise resorts were exclusively made of simple huts and bungalows hidden behind coconut trees and perfectly matching with the environment. I splashed from the canoe in the warm ocean water, carried my shoes and bag to the shore, and hunted for a beach bungalow. From my upgraded hut, through rows of palm trees, the view was again paradisiacal. White, blue and red sails fluttered in big triangles above the double-flounced sea. A wide, light-turquoise and transparent strip of water turned abruptly in a deepblue, warm tinge, only interrupted by a lonely sail boat or a couple of wind surfers. Some coconut trees were bent and almost kissed the sea surface, their trunks horizontal as in soft-drink or cocktail commercials. Children were playing in the water, chased fishes, and looked like jumping, splashing dolphins. They ran ashore, rolled their dark chocolate bodies in the sand, and re-emerged like white sausages. Their besmeared and speckled faces reminded me of masks of some African tribe. Along with darkness, after a gorgeously beautiful sunset, the first disturbances were blown in, in the form of biting sand flies, beach pub drumming, and the screams of the first video movie. I had to write an advisory report on the co-financing of an NGO project on the island of Negros. On my way to the project site, I passed right through the sugar factory of Victorias and thought I was retrorocketed into the 19th century. Negros produces half of the Philippine’s cane-sugar, and is one of the wealthiest and thus politically most influential zones. Trucks overloaded with sugarcanes constantly drove up. Approaching the factory, I thought the road had become a ribbon of corrugated iron, but we were just jolting over countless fallen sugarcane fragments. There was a decrepit train station in the middle of the sugar factory. Old wagons and steam locomotives stood in a somber, sinister décor. Even in the open

Boracay was a small island-paradise. After the Cessna had landed in Kalibo on neighbouring Panay Island, I had to share a motorcycle-taxi to the moorage. It had a childishly coloured wooden side-boot that could contain four people. Then we all wobbled on a deep-blue sea in an outrigger-canoe towards Boracay. The approach was one of the most idyllic one can imagine. Schools of small, jail-striped fishes swam in the transparent, shallow, turquoise waters that softly rolled to a kilome-

1. Close-up of the actor representing Jesus Christ, at the start of the Way of the Cross. 2. A female Roman centurion with a fashioned leather helmet and hennaed hands 3. Two brightly-clad ‘moriones’ wait for the start of the parade 4. A ‘Ben Hur’-like morion proudly drives his chariot around the town 5. Cuirasses, sandals, tunics and swords, like in a movie set 6. The Bay of Balinacan on the northernmost tip of Marinduque 73

air the place stank of used diesel oil and black fumes. Large numbers of seasonal migrant workers were loafing up and down. Their greasy overalls had the same colour as their dark skin, blackened by soot and dirty lubricants. When they laughed their teeth looked like ivories on black pianos. The Catholic sisters who had asked the financing of the NGO project looked cleaner. They stood welcoming me in their virgin-white dresses and long, dangling head-cloths. They fed me, gave me a sugar cane as dessert, and took me to a hamlet where they planned to help the poor and start a poultry raising activity. I had rarely seen such poverty, but couldn’t quite imagine capped and cassocked beguines being involved in chicken farming.

7 & 8: Terraced, dammed and flooded paddies in Luzon’s Mountain Province 9. One quarter of a jeepney, the elongated and colourful Filipino (inter- ) city shuttle 10. Boys frolicking on the sandy beach of Boracay Island

The project target group I visited in Cebu city was of a different stock. They were slum dwellers, wives and daughters of fish factory workmen. I was taken to their quarter by a young, fatty Chinese, member of a rich family of merchants, who pretended having witnessed city poverty during his whole life and planned to earn his heaven by making side-efforts in helping the poor. He spoke fluently Chinese, English, Tagalog and Cebuano, the language of Cebu and the Visayas, the central island group of the Philippines. The project members, all clad in citron T-shirts, the favourite tint of their female president, held a meeting in my honour, gave me slices of cake and a lukewarm Pepsi, showered me with arguments and pleas to finance their desired income generating activities, and got a promise of a favourable advice in return. My Chinese interpreter then took me to his family’s mansion and to a new Taoist temple in ‘Beverly Hills’, the millionaires’ quarter of Cebu City.

Fort San Pedro, in Cebu’s city centre, is a robust Spanish fortress. Its construction was begun by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in person, the captain who landed here with his fleet in 1565, conquered Cebu and from there Manila and the whole archipelago - with the exception of strictly Muslim Mindanao and the Sulu islands -, and inaugurated Spanish rule that would last for more than three hundred years. With the religious zeal typical of conquistadores, they built more churches than palaces. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is one of these churches in Cebu. Its long name is related to a Lilliputian statue of a Jesus child, draped in a scarlet, gold-embroidered cape and displayed in the back of the basilica as a trophy. I had no binoculars with me, so I had to queue to get nearer and get a glimpse of the dwarf puppet. Outside the church, a woman was selling her many handmade little santo niños. She was enveloping her latest Jesus in a velvet cape. The dolled-up little saint came in all sizes, from key-hangers to bigger-than-life statues, but invariably draped in a goldembroidered, scarlet musketeer-cape. Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross after he set the first European foot on the Filipino shore in 1521. His second act consisted in baptizing the local chief ruler, Raja Humabon, together with his wife and eight hundred Cebuanos. Magellan’s Cross stands in a round, chapel-like building near the City Hall. It’s not his, though, but it is believed to contain fragments of the original one. The ceiling of the pavilion was painted al fresco with scenes of the Spanish Christianization. An old, silver-haired woman was selling joss sticks at the entrance, and some locals were praying inside. I couldn’t quite understand why locals prayed to honour a foreigner who laid the basis of three centuries of colonization. But Filipinos are so fervently Catholic that they easily forget about their past. Not so Lapu Lapu, the tribal chief of Mactan, a small island opposite Cebu, who killed Magellan and prevented him from completing the first circumnavigation of the world, leaving that honour to his assistant, the Basque Juan Sebastian del Cano. Magellan remained with only his name to the Strait of Chile’s terra australia, and the Philippines were left behind with the splinters of his cross. 75

The First

Le Spa

in the Asia Pacific Region

At Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

For body treatment, we have selected “Panburi,” a Thai product derived from pure extracts from nature that is gentle and soothing to every type of skin. We also offer a special treatment program for those who have sensitive skin.   For our most outstanding treatment program we would like to recommend “Aroma Tonic” which is very popular among both our male and female customers. The treatment is a combination of Thai massage and aroma oil massage suitable for guests who prefer an average to heavy massage.   If you prefer outdoor relaxation and next to the beach off the Andaman Sea, Le Spa also serves you at Sala Thai which is located in the middle of Krabi’s largest swimming pool only at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.   Turn your ordinary day into an impressive vacation at Le Spa where you will be soothed as a VIP guest from our professional therapists. It’s time for rejuvenation.

his famous spa brand from France, Le Spa, has now opened up at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort to soothe the most pleasurable moments of your vacation.   Le Spa serves you with 12 function rooms including 2 Thai massage rooms, 2 facial treatment rooms, 4 single rooms, and 4 double rooms. Every room contains a private jacuzzi and a steam room to ensure top level privacy for its guests.   As soon you arrive at Le Spa, you will be welcomed and served with cold herbal refreshments and feel relaxed by the healing aroma from oil and candles. After you have finished your treatment you will be served with a Pitachio cookie and hot green tea.   At our spa lobby, you can sit back and relax with our additional services such as foot massage and pedicure treatment while enjoy reading your favorite magazines among a natural environment.   “Decleor” is one of our well-selected facial-treatment products from France which soothes your skin with a special oil mixture but without fragrance that causes skin allergies. This product is suitable for every type of skin especially dry skin and allergy prone skin.

For additional information Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Tel: 66 (0) 75 627 800 Fax: 66 (0) 75 627 899 Email: lespa@sofitelphokeethrakrabi.com 77

healthbulletins

Art of Spa Cuisine Discover the path to serene wellbeing and a healthier lifestyle with the unique Mandara Academy of Spa Cuisine Package at the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa. With exclusive great-value packages, guests can enjoy fivestar comfort and enchanting treatment at the acclaimed Mandara Spa with a chance to learn the art of spa cuisine at a cookery school. The Academy of Spa Cuisine shows how, by using a combination of Asian and Western cuisines, a healthier way of life can be achieved. The package includes one night’s accommodation in a Deluxe or Deluxe River View room at Bangkok’s only true in-city resort and a delicious daily American buffet breakfast for two persons. One person will also be treated to a 60-minute Bali Floral Oil massage at Mandara Spa plus a truly enlightening session at the Mandara Academy of Spa Cuisine. A spa cuisine lunch is served afterwards.

Banyan Tree Introduces Innovative Spa Reward With ‘Best Available Rate’ Worldwide From 1 November 2008, guests who book a minimum of three consecutive nights’ stay at any Banyan Tree worldwide, at Best Available Rates (BAR) with breakfast, will receive a complimentary 90-min Banyan Tree Spa massage session worth USD100. The initiative increases consumer options available to a global audience, and is a well-timed festive reward for all fans and newcomers to the brand. As the award-winning pioneer of the tropical garden spa concept in Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand, Banyan Tree is synonymous with the luxury spa experience. Since 1994, Banyan Tree Spa has embodied its own signature blend of romance, rejuvenation and exotic sensuality designed to fit into its surroundings, using indigenous materials to showcase the culture and heritage of the destination. With the synergy of Banyan Tree resorts and spas working together to create deeply meaningful experiences worldwide, the Group expands to new shores, and the newly launched reward of a complimentary Spa experience will serve to complement each stay, making it even more memorable and special. For reservations, visit the award-winning website banyantree.com. One-stop reservations can also be made via one of 18 global toll free lines (please log on to banyantree.com for more information).

Deluxe rates start from Baht 8,200++ per room per night for a single room or double room, valid from now to March 31, 2009. Deluxe River View rates start from Baht 9,000++ per room per night for a single room or double room, valid from now to March 31, 2009. The course at Mandara Academy of Spa Cuisine which is included in the package rate is for one person per room per night but any additional courses qualify for a 20% discount. Moreover, if you book two nights for two people then you will get two cookery courses that can be used by two persons at the same time. For special room rate call Central Reservation Office at 66 2477 0755 or email us at reservemarriott@minornet.com

Yoga Class by Kathy France Increased physical fitness, relief from disease and diseases, and joy and contentment are all yours with a regular yoga practice. Kathy France can accommodate all different levels into her classes, from new-comers to the highly experienced practitioner. The structure and teaching style ensure that each student receives individual attention and challenges, just right for their own personal fitness levels.

DR.SUNIL DENTAL CLINIC Open everyday

9:00 am. - 9:00 pm.

INTERNATIONAL DENTAL COSMETIC CENTER WORLD CLASS DENTAL CARE

Kathy has trained in various yoga styles: Hatha, Raja, Inyengar, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Sivananda and energy-based yoga. She tailors her class to meet the needs of each of her students. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00am at Tower Park Condo, between Sukhumvit soi 3 and soi 11. Cost is 350 Baht per class. Please pre-register as space is limited. To register, contact: Kathy France on 02 691 2311, 089 689 3789 or kathyfrance@hotmail.com

ALL kind of Dental Treatment Laser Tooth Whitening Dental Implant Crown, Bridges And Veneers in 24 Hrs. Fluent English, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Arabic Speaking Doctors

PROMOTION

Free LIMO Pick up Service LASER WHITENING 8,000 Baht (240 US) IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENT

Kudos to Paradee Spa! Paradee Spa on Koh Samed was named the best Destination Spa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s recent Thailand Tourism Awards 2008 event. Seen receiving the TAT’s Award of Excellence Destination Spa from HE Weerasak Kowsurat (right), Minister of Tourism & Sports, was Paradee Spa’s Managing Director, Mr. Nawat Thongswang (left). The Paradee Spa is part of Samed Resorts’ luxurious Paradee resort, situated on Koh Samet, and is renowned for its special Four Elements spa treatments along with its Sunrise and Sunset massages on the beach.

Sukhumvit Soi 71, Soi Preedeeponomyoug 14 Phrakanong, Bangkok 10110 (BTS Phrakanong) Tel. 0-2314-6238, 0-2714-6441 Mobile: 08-1648-5780 E-mail: oberoibkk@yahoo.com

www.drsunildental.com

Travel Gadgets

Sparkling treasures that go beyond your imagination

Dazzling Dreams of London; a luxury British brand with a Thai touch has now opened its flagship showroom at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai. Bringing together local glitterati, industry leaders, paparazzi and including a masked dance serenade with a limited edition mascot that was exclusively designed for Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai.

Bluelounge Sanctuary With ‘The Sanctuary’, users can now charge their cell phone, iPod®, PDA and headset simultaneously in one compact location. It contains a universal cellphone charger compatible with over 1500 electronic devices covering over 35 brands and hundreds more via a USB port. The Sanctuary user can be confident that their personal electronics will be compatible without having to purchase additional tips and connectors. Fashionably

concealing these multi-functional electronic capabilities, the Bluelounge product is also a chic and accessible addition to any hotel room. The Sanctuary is offered in black or white, with a reversible black/tan inner tray. In addition, Bluelounge offers customization of ‘The Sanctuary’ for the hospitality industry. Wood finishes, PU leather inner trays and logo application are available for special orders. Minimums apply.   ‘The Sanctuary’ performs its functions with ease and elegance. It is designed for daily use at one’s kitchen counter, bedside table, or office desk. Bluelounge Design’s use of materials creates a substantial weight to the product, combining innovative technology with high quality craftsmanship. The Sanctuary is made from injection molded ABS, which is then coated for a high-end gloss finish. The inner tray is finished with flocking in black and tan (reversible) and the base is manufactured with a flat injection, molded rubber plate.

The World’s First ‘LIFE’ Retail Store Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong recently opened the World’s First ‘LIFE’ Retail Store and enables guests and locals alike to purchase their own piece of the Langham Place lifestyle. Everything from Langham Place branded flip flops to luxurious bedding will be available to take home. Customers will also be able to purchase products from like-minded companies that share the same playful, modern and fun personality of Langham Place. Music from Buddha Bar, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Luxe guides, Acme stationery and items from local designer G.O.D. will also be available. As more Langham Place properties appear around the world, customers can expect to see more LIFE retail stores as well. The design of LIFE is clean and uncluttered, reflecting the boutique style of the store. Items are available from just a few dollars to around $1200 for some of the bigger purchases. Address: Level L, Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong Telephone: (852) 3552 3523

Overnight Sensations: The World

Best-selling luxury travel book series, Overnight Sensations, is now available in a hardcover “boxed set”. Overnight Sensations: The World combines all three high-quality coffee table books together in a beautifully designed sleeve which makes a perfect gift for the discerning traveler or lovers of fine photography and luxurious destinations.   The definitive guide to the world’s most unique luxury experiences, Overnight Sensations: The World, is the single largest compilation of luxury accommodation of its kind, showcasing 828 of the best places to stay worldwide. For the first time, over 2,000 gallery-worthy images and contributions from award-winning photographers and writers included in The Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe Middle East Africa are available in one special limited edition.   The perfect gift for the person who has everything, Overnight Sensations: The World retails for $399 US and is exclusively available through Kiwi Collection’s website at www. kiwicollection.com.

FUN UMBRELLA Mandarina Duck, collaborated with Knirps the world-famous umbrella brand to create a special project “Fun Umbrella” for people who love design & modernity.   There are two versions for women and men for selection. The women’s version features a floral graphic in three colours (red, yellow and black), super small dimensions and a practical pouch so the umbrella can be folded up and carried, even when it’s wet. The men’s version, small and elegant in black with chromium-plated details, is classic and elegant. Price: THB3,700 – THB3,800   Tough fabrics, windproof structures and a touch of colour. The best way to shelter from the rain.

SANUK Awarded “Footwear of the year 2007 by Footwear Plus Magazine in America, Sanuk is now available in Thailand. Sanuk has popular footwear with unique and colorful designs made of EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) that gives the feeling of a light, soft and more flexible shoe. Sydewalk Surfer prices at THB2,390 – 2,790 and Sandal prices at THB690 – 1,890.

ARTropical

“Alternative Building Materials”

An Exhibition by Material Connexion® Bangkok TCDC Lobby 28 oct. – 23 nov. 2008

“Alternative Building Materials” showcases innovative materials that were conceived to enhance your living comfort. Developed from the utilisation of local materials and recycling of wastes, these alternative materials create value and benefit the environment, both directly and indirectly. Essentially, the exhibition reflects the significance of “alternative materials”, such as wood plastic composite, rice hull-clay composite block, and cellulose insulation, which is an integration of environmental concern and new technologies. These materials are low cost, energy saving and long lasting. Applicable with all construction works, everyone can use them to build, decorate, renovate or extend their buildings or houses. A smart choice of materials will help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and save energy. Start looking around and ask yourself – which local material can you explore and add value to? – the next great material innovation could come from you. Info: 66 2664 8448

STREAM OF THE ARTS … TO FOSTER THE ARTISTS Charity Art Exhibition The Peninsula Bangkok 28 oct. – 23 nov. 2008

Lalisa Chongbarami, President of the Fostering Artist Fund, a passionate supporter of Thai art, partnered with The Peninsula Bangkok has organised an art exhibition to raise fund for artists suffering from illness. National Thai artists, including Professor Prayat Pongdam, Anusak Arthakhan, Nab Sotthibandhu, Praphan Srisouta, Thawatchai Srisompetch and many more, have been invited to display a collection of approximately 150 magnificent sculptures and inspirational paintings around the hotel’s public areas to highlight Art on The River at The Peninsula Bangkok. The Peninsula Bangkok is home to the very diverse and distinctive collections of Asian contemporary art by 25 celebrated artists from eight South East Asian countries. Selected over a period of three years whilst the hotel was under construction, the art works throughout the hotel’s premises have enchanted guests and visitors alike. Info: 66 2861 2888

“You - I”

Installation by Pisitakun Kuntalang @ Fat Festival 8; Challenger Hall 2-3, Impact Mueng Thong Thani 8-9 nov. 2008 Nospace joins Fat Festival 8 with a huge installation by Pisitakun Kuntalang ‘You-I”, a room under the stairs which is 2 meters high with a cupboard filled of Pisitakun’s hand-made cartoons on the top of the stairs. Everyone is welcome to relax inside the room or climb the stairs and enjoy reading the many cartoons illustrated. Info: www.nospacebkk.com/pisitakunfat8.html

‘Love Connexion’

Varieties of Amazing Tai Textiles

A duo art exhibition by Chatchai Phorkurn & Sutipong Chang-aim Gossip Gallery on Sukhumvit 28 29 oct. – 7 dec. 2008

From personal collections of Chomporn & Keosiri Ayoraya Gallery at Soi Soon Vijai 8 nov. – 7 dec. 2008

The latest contemporary art exhibition by two of Thailand’s most prominent artists, Chatchai Phorkurn and Sutipong Chang-aim, ‘Love Connexion’ demonstrates the love and passion that they have for their art. For most people, the term ‘Love’ brings to mind the relationship between a man and a woman, or perhaps the bond between a parent and a child. However, for these two artists, ‘Love’ has a more profound connotation. The story of love is illustrated thorough Chatchai’s collection of 20 acrylic paintings and Sutipong’s 12 oil paintings.

Explore a joyful experience in historical traces of authentic culture through exotic textiles from Burma to Lao with special collections from AYORAYA Gallery. This fabric art exhibition narrates not only the personal passion across the borders but also the whole story of the neighboring countries. Also in the exhibition is a chance to meet with textile gurus who share their experiences through the tales of the textiles. Info: 66 81 640 6196, 66 2314 2726

Info: 66 2258 6247, 66 85 166 5678, 66 81 440-3896

Gallery Update

D Gallery now opened in Phuket Located in the Royal Phuket Marina on Thepkrasattri Road, D Gallery was established in 2007 to promote upcoming, as well as established, Southeast Asian artists principally from Thailand and Vietnam. D Gallery houses over 220 sqm. of contemporary works and will host six to eight exhibitions by leading and emerging artists throughout the year. While being committed to offering the finest quality artworks, the gallery also looks forward to becoming a cultural and an educational reference point for visitors to, and residents of, Phuket. Artworks at D Gallery use a range of different materials such as canvas, wood, paper, fabric, aluminum and lacquer as well as styles such as abstract, figurative and landscapes. The works are aesthetically inspired by all principle aspects of life, whether it be social or political. Modern contemporary art in the West has appreciated considerably in recent years placing it outside the reach of average collectors. Meanwhile works by leading Southeast Asian artists remain eminently affordable and are proving to be a sound investment for the future. With globalization being the mantra in the modern contemporary art world, these works are beginning to attract serious investment interest. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, The Rhythm of the Heart, will be held in December 2008 with outstanding work by emerging Thai artist Santi Thongsuk. The gallery open hours are 11:00 am. – 07:00 pm. for Tuesday - Saturday and from noon until 06:00 pm. on Sunday. For more information call 66 7636 0867, email jittiporn@dgallery.co.th or visit www. dgallery.co.th.

My Autumn

Art Exhibition by Trinh Tuan, Vietnam Thavibu Gallery at The Silom Galleria Building, 3rd Fl. 22 nov. – 14 dec. 2008 Trinh Tuan’s work is mostly figurative, using lacquer on board as a medium. He treats subjects such as feelings and emotions. At an obvious level, Trinh Tuan has selected his pictorial references carefully and at times resorting to his own bank of sources. His example indicates how he has grappled with the emotional dilemmas of the multiple roles that come with maturity and age. And with this realization he has found a balance between maturity and beauty. Modern lacquer paintings are unique to Vietnam. Other countries produce traditional lacquer ware, but only in Vietnam has the synthesis of traditional lacquer techniques and modern paintings been successful, and the art of lacquer painting is surely an important contribution from Vietnam to the global contemporary art scene. Info: 66 2266 5454, | www.thavibu.com | info@ thavibu.com

See what’s happening in Singapore today at: www.singaporesights.com

Tropical Top Cities FAST INFO Thailand

BANGKOK

Thailand

PHUKET

There’re zillions of street vendors, shops and shopping malls for tourists to shop in Bangkok. The most famous shopping places for tourists are Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Paragon, MBK Centre, Platinum Mall, Bangkok Night Bazaar, Khao San and Silom Roads.

Often dubbed as the “Pearl of the Andaman,” Phuket is Thailand’s largest, wealthiest, busiest, most popular and most visited island. This tourist’s paradise has over 20 white powdery beaches stretching along the Andaman Sea, the place where many of the world’s best diving sites are located, together with natural resources like a rocky peninsula, limestone cliffs, tropical inland forests, distinctive architecture, and fantastic food. In addition, it is a place that hosts spectacular annual events and festivals such as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, and the King’s Cup Regatta.

Nightlife

Best Time

Khao San, Silom, and Sukhumvit roads

November - February

November-February. April is quite warm and is only recommended for those who want to experience Songkran Festival (the Thai New Year celebration) which is held annually on April 13. If you visit in May-October expect more rain.

Travel Agencies

Getting There/Around

Diethelm Travel Thailand 140/1 Wireless Road, 12th Fl. Kian Gwan Building II +66 (0) 2660 7000

Since this “City of Angels” is welcoming and wide open to people from any country and culture, tourists will find that it’s very interesting, exciting and fun to stay in Bangkok. In fact, the city has a wide variety of attractions and activities to please all types of tourists. You can learn about Thai history, beliefs, architecture, and culture by wandering around temples, museums, and streets in the Rattanakosin Island area. Witness the lifestyle of Thai-Chinese and Thai-Indian generations in the vibrant area of Chinatown. Shop and enjoy the wild nightlife on famous Khao San, Silom, and Sukhumvit roads, or relax and let yourself be spoiled by service-minded staff in one of the many world-renowned hotels and spas.

Best Time

Bangkok is a major Southeast Asian travel hub, so there are plenty of direct flights from capital cities in Asia, Australia, Canada, continental Europe, the UK and USA. To get to the city from Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport, travelers can take airport taxis and conditioned buses and vans. Streets in Bangkok are packed most of the time, but, because the city has a variety of transportation, like sky-trains, subways, metered-taxis, 3-wheeled motorcycles (Tuk Tuk), boats, and public air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses, getting around is generally inexpensive, easy, and convenient for those who do their homework.

Top Attractions

* Rattanakosin Island, including Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), and Khao San Road

* Vimanmek Mansion, the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion * Jim Thompson’s House * Chinatown Area * Siam Niramit show, a world-class performance of Thailand’s arts and cultural heritage

Shopping Spots

Exotissimo 6th Floor, Zuellig House 1-7 Silom Road, Bangkok +66 (0) 2636 0360 www.exotissimo.com

Turismo Asia 511 Soi 6, Sri-Ayuthaya Rd., Bangkok +66 (0) 2245 1551 www.turismoasia.com

Tourist Information

Tourism Division: +66 (0) 2225 7612-4 Tourism Authority of Thailand (Hotline): 1672 Tourist Police: 1155 Immigration Division: +66 (0) 2287-3101-10

Currency

Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT/UTC + 7

The easiest way to get to Phuket is by air. Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Destination Air provides first class seaplane transfers to and from Phuket International Airport to resorts and hotels located in the Andaman Sea (www.destinationair. com). From abroad, there are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Sydney. From the airport, you can take taxis, minivans, or Phuket Limousine to town. For those who travel by land, there are air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (+66 (0) 2434 7192; www. transport.co.th) to Phuket. The trip takes about 13 hours.

Top Attractions

* The island’s renowned beaches such as Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach * Islands * Phuket’s Art and Cultural Center and old Sino-Portuguese style buildings found along the roads in the town center * Phromthep Cape at dusk

* Phuket Seashell Museum, one of the world’s best collections (Open daily from 8am-7pm).

Diving Information

The Andaman Sea offers dive sites considered to be among the top ten scuba destinations in the world. The most well-known and popular sites are Similan Islands. Tourists can find a number of dive operators in Phuket offering various diving courses, day-trips, and live-aboard diving in the vicinity of the Andaman Islands.

Shopping Spots

Patong Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket City

Nightlife

Phuket Fantasea, Patong Beach

Tourist Information

TAT Southern Office, Region 4: +66 (0) 76 212213, 211036 Tourist Police: +66 (0) 76 219878 Phuket International Airport: +66 (0) 76 327230 - 7 Immigration Office: +66 (0) 76 212108

Currency Baht (THB)

Time Zone GMT/UTC + 7

Thailand

Vietnam

SAMUI

HOI AN

In just over 10 years, Samui has developed dramatically from a small town surrounded with coconut plantations on an island off south-eastern Thailand to a lively city that is ranked as one of the world’s top seaside destinations. The island has something for everyone: beautiful, palm-fringed beaches lined with luxurious to budget accommodation, a laid-back atmosphere, interesting lifestyle of local islanders, wild and vivid nightlife, and many opportunities for adventure. Besides all the attractions on the island itself, Samui is also the perfect starting point to explore other nearby islands like Ang Thong Islands National Marine Park, Koh Pha-ngan, and Koh Tao.

Diving Information

Best Time

February - June

Chaweng and Lamai beaches, Bo Phut’s fisherman village

Getting There/Around

Travel Agencies

Traveling to this island of paradise is easy because Samui has its own airport. Regular flights come in from all the major cities of Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya) and from nearby countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong (check out www.bangkokair.com for flight schedule). To get to the island from the mainland of Thailand, you can also choose a comfortable ferry trip or a fast ride on a speed cruiser. To get around the island, you can simply take a taxi or rent a jeep or motorcycle.

Top Attractions

* Beaches around the island * Hin Ta-Hin Yai, natural rock sculptures in male and female genital shapes * The Big Buddha, a 15-meter high golden Buddha * Namuang Waterfalls * Wat Khanaram, a place that houses a mummified monk, Luang Pho Daend

There are several dive sites in Koh Samui. Most of them are suitable for beginners as they are in shallow waters of protected bays. You can find dive centers on Samui’s famous beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut. All of the centers provide modern amenities, professional facilities, and boats to the nearby dive sites in the Samui archipelago, including Ang Thong Islands National Marine Park.

Shopping Spots

Chaweng, Lamai, and Nathon beaches, Bo Phut’s fisherman village

Nightlife

Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd Mae Nam +66 (0) 77 427765-6 www.lomprayah.com Samui Air Travel (Head Office) Lamai Beach, Lamai +66 (0) 77 424265, 424259 Seamoon Travel Soi Buriraya, Lamai +66 (0) 77 458154-5

Tourist Information

Immigration Office, Nathon: +66 (0) 77 421069 TAT Co-operative Travel Center, Koh Samui: +66 (0) 77 283970 Tourist Police: 1155

Currency

Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT/UTC + 7

Probably the most romantic city in Vietnam, Hoi An has gained popularity and attracted a fair number of tourists in the past few years. This small city is located on the coast of the South China Sea, South of Danang in Central Vietnam. It is famous for wellpreserved buildings that represent a unique blend of local and foreign influences in the Old Town, cheap custom-made clothes, a good selection of Vietnamese arts, tasty Vietnamese food, beautiful beaches and islands, and impressive World Heritage Sites like My Son.

Best Time

January - September

Getting There/Around

The city of Hoi An has neither airport nor train station. The only way to get there is by road. Most tourists hire a cab or take a bus from the neighboring city of Danang, which has frequent connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and some flights to Bangkok, Singapore, and Siem Reap. Besides, to Danang, there are several trains a day from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, etc, as well as open-tour buses running daily up and down the coast from Hue (3 hours) and Natrang (9-10 hours). Hoi An is easily explored on foot. Other options to get around the town and its outskirts are bicycles, taxis, motorbike taxis ($US 5/day), and charter boats ($US 1/hour).

Top Attractions

* Japanese Covered Bridge (locally known as Chua Cau or the Pagoda Bridge), built by the Japanese community back in 1593. It is a unique structure which has a large Buddhist pagoda attached to it * The Old Town, the heart of the city, full of winding lanes, Chinese-style shophouses, and cultural sites. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. * Cua Dai Beach, a relatively nice beach, 4 km east of Hoi An * Cham Island, 15 km from the beach of Cua Dai * My Son, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the ruins of the ancient Cham Empire, 60 km south of Hoi An.

Shopping Spots

Central Market, Cloth Market, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Nightlife

The Town Centre

Travel Agencies

Hoi An Travel 10 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoi An Town Quang Nam Province +84 510 910444 www.hoiantravel.com Nam Phuong Travel Service, Co., Ltd. A1+A2 Pham Van Dong Street, Son Tra District, Danang City +84 511 936741 www.namphuong-travel.com

Tourist Information:

www.vietnamtourism.com www.hoiantourist.com

Currency

Dong (VND)

Time Code

GMT/UTC +7

Tropical Top Cities FAST INFO Singapore

Malaysia

Singapore CITY KUALA LUMPUR

Singapore is a leading destination for both business and pleasure. The city contains a number of business areas, mega shopping malls, fine restaurants, and enchanting tourist spots. Despite its compact size, the city seems to have things going on all the time. Its Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is one of the world’s busiest art centers where various kinds of performances and art exhibitions by both local and international artists are presented. Log on to www.visitsingapore.com for the schedule of events in Singapore.

Best Time

All year round

Getting There/Around

Often voted one of the best airports in the world, Singapore’s Changi International Airport has numerous flights from/to countries around the world. Tourists from Thailand and Malaysia can enter Singapore via train. There are 2 train services available: the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express and the KTM train (from Malaysia only). There are also many inexpensive buses operating between Malaysia and Singapore.

* Jurong Bird Park, a home to over 8,000 birds of 600 species from all over the world * Sentosa Island and Underwater World * Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

Shopping Spots

Orchard Road, City Hall Area, Sim Lim Square, Mustafa Centre, Chinatown, Little India

Nightlife

Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, Orchard Road, Mohamed Sultan Road, Holland Village, Tanglin Village

Travel Agencies

Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd 150 South Bridge Rd., Fook Hai Building +65 6438 8880, www.chanbrothers.com

Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is commonly known, is an affluent modern Asian capital situated midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. With a perfect blend of old cultures and modern lifestyles, the city offers an abundance of sites and attractions for tourists, ranging from offbeat skyscrapers, well-preserved historical and religious buildings, to wonderful nature. It is also a gateway to Genting Highlands, a self-proclaimed City of Entertainment, where the only legal casino in Malaysia is located.

Best Time

Year round (Check out special events at www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my)

Getting There/Around

Singapore has an efficient public transportation network of taxis, buses, and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system, making it very easy and convenient for tourists to travel to/around the city.

Singapore Visitors Centre @ Suntec City: 1800 332 5066 Police: 999 (toll-free) STB Touristline (24-hr automated tourist information system): 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only) City Search (operator-assisted Yellow Pages): +65 1900 777 7777

Kaula Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) takes all international flights to and from KL. Low-cost airline passengers will land at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), which is 20 km away from the main Terminal Building. From the airport to the city, travelers can take the non-stop KLIA Ekspres train (28 min, RM35/adult/trip), the KLIA Transit train (35 min, RM35/adult/trip), express coaches (1-1½ hours, RM20/adult/trip), public buses (2 hours, RM9/adult/trip), or taxis (rates vary according to the destination zones). To get around the city, travelers can take taxi, KTM Komuter service, LRT (Light Rail Transit), and KL Monorail.

Top Attractions

Currency

Top Attractions

* 45-Minute Bumboat Ride along the Singapore River * The Merlion, the symbol of Singapore, at the mouth of the Singapore River right across from the Esplanade

STA Travel Opposite the DHL Helium Balloon at Bugis Junction +65 6737 7188, www.statravel. com.sg

Tourist Information

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Time Zone

GMT/UTC+8

* Petronas Twin Towers (www.petronas. com.my/petronas), one of the world’s tallest buildings * KL Tower’s observation deck * The historic colonial district and Chinatown (walking trail brochures are available at Badan Warisan Malaysai, www.badan-

warisan.org.my) * Bird Park in the Lake Gardens * Islamic Arts Museum and National Art Gallery & Theatre

Shopping Spots

Suria KLCC Shopping Centre, Berjaya Times Square, Central Market, Chinatown, Kompleks Kraf (The National Craft Centre)

Nightlife

Bangsar, Bukit Bintang Street, Phileo Promenade

Travel Agencies

Mayflower Mayflower Building, 18, Jalan Segambut Pusat, KL +603-6253 1888 www.mayflower.com.my World Express Malaysia 2.8 Angkasa Raya Building Jalan Ampang, KL +603 2148 9601 www.worldexpress.travel

Tourist Information:

Malaysian Tourist Information Complex: +603 2164 3929 Tourism Malaysia: +603 2693 5188 www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my KL Train Station: +603 2274 6063

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (RM)

Time Code

GMT/UTC +8

Thailand

CHIANG MAI

Being one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, Chiang Mai has experienced explosive growth and has nearly become a metropolis. Nevertheless, what really attracts many tourists (both Thais and foreigners), to visit Chiang Mai are not its convenience and modern lifestyle, but the charm of local people, the traditional heritage, the unique culture, and the striking nature. For tourists, the city also has various kinds of activities to offer, ranging from soft activities like city tours and shopping to adventure activities like trekking, water rafting, and mountain biking.

Best Time

October - February

Getting There/Around

There are several daily flights, buses, and trains operating between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Express and rapid trains leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station (1690, +66 (0) 2223 7010). Ordinary, 2nd class and 1st class air-conditioned buses leave from the Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit Mai; +66 (0) 2936 3600). Song taew or red mini-bus is the most common means of transportation in town and the fare is negotiable. Other choices of transportation are metered taxis, rental cars, and bicycles.

Top Attractions

* Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep on top of Doi Suthep Mountain, overlooking the panoramic views of the city and Mae Ping River * Wat Phra Singh (Wat Lee Chiang Phra), Chiang Mai’s most visited Buddhist temple * Wat Chedi Luang, a huge temple complex, which includes a large Lanna style chedi that was partially destroyed * Doi Inthanon National Park, the 1,005square-km park covering Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565 metres above sea level) * Elephant Safari

Shopping Spots

Night Bazaar, Weekend Market, Baan Tawai (Chiang Mai’s Thai antique and wood carving centre), Wualai Walking Street, Bor Sang Village

Nightlife

Along Mae Ping River and Nimmanheimin Road

Tourist Information

Chiang Mai Municipal Tourist Information Center: +66 (0) 53 252557 Tourism Authority of Thailand: +66 (0) 53 248604, 248607 Immigration Office: +66 (0) 53 277510 Bus Station 1 (Chotana Rd.): +66 (0) 53 211584 Bus Station 2 (Super Highway Rd.): +66 (0) 53 242664 Tourist Police Office: +66 (0) 53 248974

Currency

Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT/UTC + 7

Tropical Top Cities FAST INFO Lao P.D.R.

Cambodia

LUANG PRABANG SIEMREAP

Luang Prabang is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and do-nothing lifestyle, yet the city itself is filled with cultural heritage sites that give visitors a glimpse of the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom and traditional Southeast Asian life. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, the city is unspeakably beautiful and peaceful. Its simple way of life, traditional costumes, and kind-hearted people leave all visitors spellbound.

Though the name of Angkor Wat in Angkor Archaeological Park is not listed on the New Seven Wonders of the World, the temple is still one of the places in the world that is most worth visiting. Apart from the Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has many other aesthetically built temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei, along with natural attractions and exotic culture that will amaze your eyes and bring you a truly unforgettable experience.

Best Time

November - February

Getting There/Around

Luang Prabang International Airport has flights from/to Vientiane, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi and Siem Reap. A taxi from the airport to town costs US$ 5. Ferries are a major form of transport between Luang Prabang and the Thai border at Huay Xai. Meanwhile, many passengers and cargo from Nong Khiaw prefer to travel by road. The city has 3 bus stations offering airconditioned buses and public mini buses to other cities such as Vang Viang and Vientiane. Luang Prabang is very compact so that tourists can easily explore the city by foot and bicycle (US$ 1-3/day).

Top Attractions

* Royal Palace Museum (also referred to as the National Museum). This former Royal Palace houses the royal throne of Lan Xang Kingdom in its original splendor, and many other regalia and religious treasures. * Wat Xieng Toung, the city’s leading monastery/temple representing the typical Laotian art style * That Chom Si, a gilded classic Lao stupa on Mt. Phousi * Pak Ou Caves, a popular religious site containing literally thousands of images of Buddha * Kouangsy (Kuang Si) Waterfall, a spectacular multi-stage fall located 29 km south of the city.

Shopping Spots

Day Market (Setthathirat Rd.), Night Market (Sisavangvong Rd.)

Best Time Nightlife

Night Market and Ban Wat That area (the old silversmith quarter near the Mekong on the east end of town)

Travel Agencies

Diethelm Travel Sakarin Rd., near the Villa Santi +856 (0) 71 212277 www.diethelm-travel.com Exotissimo (Ban Xieng Keo Office) +856 (0) 71 253851 www.exotissimo.com

December–January and the New Year celebration in mid-April.

Getting There/Around

Reaching Siem Reap is easy due to the availability of various international flights to the city. Visitors can get flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Phnom Penh and Kuala Lumpur. From Bangkok, Bangkok Airways (Tel: 1771 or www.bangkokair.com) operates direct flights to Siem Reap. From Phnom Penh, travelers can take a speed boat. The trip takes 4 to 5 hours and costs US$ 25/person/trip.

Police Office: +856 (0) 71 212453 Medical Emergency: +856 (0) 71 252049 www.visit-laos.com www.tourismlaos.gov.la

Once in the city, travelers can easily find transport on the street. The most popular vehicles for 2 or more people are cars and vans (US$ 20-25/day). Motos or threewheeled motorcycle (US$ 10-15/day) and motorbikes (US$ 8-10/day) are also popular, but it’s not quite convenient to take them in summer or the rainy season. The rates include a driver and gas. For a short trip within the city, it costs US$ 1 for motorbikes and US$ 2-3 for motos.

Currency

Top Attractions

Inter-Lao Tourism +856 (0) 71 212200 www.interlao.laopdr.com

Tourist Information:

Kip (LAK). USD and Thai Baht are widely accepted but the exchange rates vary.

Time Code

GMT/UTC +7

* Angkor Archeaological Park, including the distant temples like Banteay Srei and Roluos Group of Temples * Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia

* Kbal Spean and Phnom Kulen, sacred mountains where stones under rivers and waterfalls were carved in the shapes of Hindu Gods and thousands of lingas * Land Mine Museum and War Museum * Artisans d’Angkor, Cambodia’s fine art and craft school

Shopping Spots

The Old Market Area, Central Market, Artisans d’Angkor

Nightlife

Pub Street in the Old Market area, Zone One Disco Theque, Restaurants and bars in leading hotels

Travel Agencies

Angkor T.K. Travel & Tour 117, ST6 Salakanseng, Svay Dangkum (Head Office) +855 63 963320 (Bangkok Office) +66 (0) 8 96358654 info@angkortk.com Indochina Explorer (Thailand) Co., Ltd 104/269 Eakchai Rd., Bangbon, Bangkok (Bangkok Office) +66 (0) 2898 1817, 2898 2324 (Cambodia Office) 855 63 963881 indochina@hotmail.com

Tourist Information

www.tourismcambodia.com www.mot.gov.kh

Currency

Apart from Cambodia’s currency the Riel (KHR), US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap. Travelers from Thailand can use Thai currency (THB) at most restaurants and shops as well.

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +7

NEXTISSUE...

A Pleasant Cruise Thorough the Mekong Today people have more convenient ways to access the mountainous city of Luang Prabang maybe by direct flights or a comfortable air-conditioned bus. However, some tourists prefer to spend a two-day trip taking a relaxing boat ride along the Mekong River to enjoy both sides of the picturesque riverbank. Read a story of a two-day journey on the great river and the charming World Heritage capital city of Lan Xang Kingdom in the next issue of Tropical Inspired Travel Magazine.