june-2011

AARON 

YAN 

Taiwan’s 

boy-band 

heartthrob 

spreads 

his wings 

with solo 

projects 

URBAN 

REBIRTH 

Phuket’s old 

town sees 

new life 

YOUR FREE COPY 

EXPLORE! 

Culture and 

nature in Haikou 

Manila’s favourite 

weekend retreat 

Hong Kong for 

history buffs 

A new Mekong 

discovery trail 

GOOD 

TASTE 

COOK UP 

A STORM! 

Pick up new 

skills at three 

culinary classes 

FOOD /// STYLE /// GADGETS /// PLACES /// EVENTS /// PROFILES

THE ICONIC ATTRACTION 

THE ICONIC ATTRACTION 

Singapore Cable Car 

EXPERIENCE 5 ATTRACTIONS IN A SINGLE RIDE! 

SINGAPORE SI S NG N AP APOR ORE CABLE CA CABL BLE CAR CA CAR • SENTOSA SE S NT NTOS OSA ISLAND IS ISLA LAND N • ASIA’S AS ASIA IA’S FIRST FIR IRST CABLE CAR 

MUSEUM • MOUNT FABER PARK • THE JEWEL BOX AT MOUNT FABER 

THE JEWEL BOX 

Singapore’s Iconic Hilltop Destination 

at Mount Faber 

An iconic attraction in itself, the new Singapore Cable Car presents bird’s eye view of Singapore’s city, the harbour, 

and Sentosa Island. Photo opportunities are abundant with the cabin’s 360° panoramic windows. Equipped with a level 

walk-in for easy access for wheelchair and baby pram, the 8-seater cabin is also fi tted with a touch-screen multi-lingual 

infotainment system. 

Double the pleasure as your ticket gains you admission into Sentosa Island, as well as Asia’s First Cable Car Museum. 

Alight at Mount Faber Station, to visit Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest hilltop parks in Singapore and also a 

popular tourist destination. Take a stroll amidst this haven of greenery and drop by The Jewel Box, fondly known as 

Singapore’s Iconic Hilltop Destination, a scenic place with different dining options to choose from. 

5 ATTRACTIONS IN A SINGLE RIDE: 

Singapore Cable Car Sentosa Island Asia’s First Cable Car Museum 

Mount Faber Park The Jewel Box at Mount Faber 

Alight at HarbourFront MRT station, proceed to Exit B towards HarbourFront Centre. 

Cross the link bridge (beside KFC) to get to the Cable Car station at HarbourFront Tower Two. 

Cable car operating hours: 8.30am - 10pm daily • Museum operating hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm daily 

Call +65 6377 9688 or visit www.mountfaber.com.sg for more information. 

The Jewel Box, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203 

• Dining • Entertainment • Events • Sky DiningTM • Shopping • Museum • Attraction Rides • Tours • Transport • Attraction Management

PHOTOS (TOP–BOTTOM): SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL; HARYATI MAHMOOD; SUKSAN SAMRANRIT 

05 

Go on a culinary 

trail in Little India 

Mythological fi gures 

at Kwan Yum Shrine 

50 

38 

Classic façades in 

Phuket Town 

JUNE-JULY 2011 

CONTENTS 

TAKE OFF 

002 WELCOME NOTE 

005 EVENTS 

009 10 MINUTES WITH... 

Nicholas Papayoanou 

011 GOOD TASTE sign up 

for these cooking lessons 

014 GADGET FILE to put your game 

face on 

016 OUT & ABOUT on day trips 

from Perth 

019 WELL + GOOD psyches you up 

for the next marathon 

020 RETAIL THERAPY weekend 

bags to fl y away with 

023 ENSUITE channel an 

ambassador on check-in 

024 DISAPPEARING ASIA Taiwan’s 

last swordmaker 

IN THE AIR 

WITH JETSTAR 

063 JETSTAR ASIA NEWS 

064 JETSTAR ASIA FAN CLUB 

069 INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES 

090 WHEN WE FLY 

092 WHERE WE FLY 

094 TRANSFER DESK 

095 YOUR WELLBEING ONBOARD / 

DID YOU KNOW? 

COVER PHOTO: 

AARON YAN 

Photo courtesy of HIM 

International Music 

CRUISE 

CONTROL 

26 PEOPLE 

Fahrenheit boy-band member Aaron 

Yan shows us he has both style 

and substance 

32 HOT SPOT 

Away from the Sanya beach is where 

you’ll fi nd cultural gems 

38 CONSERVATION 

If the injection of new life into Phuket 

Town is any indication, they’re more 

than ready for Heritage Site status 

44 FLY/DRIVE 

Head for the new Mekong Discovery 

Trail for a slice of local action 

50 MY JOURNEY 

Hit the southern district of Hong Kong 

for a shot of history and tranquility 

57 HUB 

Follow the locals to their weekend 

getaway in Tagaytay when you’re 

in Manila 

001

WELCOME NOTE 

wind of change is blowing through Jetstar Asia and it’s all to the good for 

A 

consumers. Not only has the website been refreshed to make it more user-friendly, 

but the online ticketing process has also become more convenient and seamless. 

The fare names have also gone through an evolutionary change and now everyone 

gets to build their fl ight experience as they wish, by adding Plus and Max options onto a 

Starter Fare which includes a 10kg carry-on baggage allowance. 

It’s timely, then, that we’ve also updated the design of Jetstar Asia magazine, with more 

vibrant, zippy colours to give it a more modern and exuberant feel. But it still has the 

same fun, friendly, approachable stories about our 23 destinations, with insider tips from 

real people, that you’ve come to expect. 

On this month’s cover is Taiwanese heartthrob Aaron Yan from boy-band Fahrenheit. To 

prove that he’s not just a pretty face, Yan has stepped out of the safety net of his band to 

release his solo EP. Find out more on page 26. 

In this issue, we also urge travellers to Hong Kong to step out of the bustle of eating 

and shopping, and shopping and eating to take in the quieter southern district with its 

history and culture (page 50). And while we’re on the topic of history and culture, Phuket 

Town is waiting to hear about its application for Heritage Site status. It’s not just old hat, 

though — many dynamic personalities and businesses are using the historic façades to 

house vibrant retail and accommodation ventures that are bringing new life to the area 

(page 38). 

We like to step off the beaten path when we’re on holiday and the new Mekong 

Discovery Trail (page 44) has just made it that little bit easier. Discover the colourful life 

of the local communities, who will be just as curious about you. In addition, checking out 

where locals themselves get away can open up different experiences as we’ve discovered 

with Tagaytay in the Philippines (page 57). Culture vultures are always looking for side 

trips and Sanya, away from the sun-worshippers, is an eye-opener (page 32). 

Follow the magazine team on Twitter @JetstarAsiaMag and be our fan on Facebook 

to check out what we’re doing. Participate in our reader survey and stand a 

chance to win a pair of Jetstar Asia tickets. And visit jetstarmag.com for 

the online magazine’s tips when researching your next holiday. 

Also, be the fi rst to know about Jetstar’s extra special sale 

fares by signing up as a JetMail member on Jetstar.com. For your 

convenience, Jetstar departs from Changi Airport’s Terminal 1. 

Enjoy the fl ight and have a good trip. 

Anne Loh 

Editor 

002 

JUNE – JULY 2011 

EDITORIAL 

EDITOR 

Anne Loh 

ASSISTANT EDITOR 

Belinda Wan 

ART DIRECTOR 

Orland S. Punzalan 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR 

Haryati Mahmood 

EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Michael Keating 

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE) 

Liz Weselby 

DESIGN DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE) 

Peter Stephens 

ASSOCIATE DESIGN DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE) 

Terence Goh 

ADVERTISING 

GROUP PUBLISHER 

Shirley D’Souza 

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER 

Ribka Wiryanto 

CONTRIBUTING ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER 

Eveline Satyadi 

INFLIGHT MEDIA SPECIALIST 

Nerisse Mandigma 

PRODUCTION MANAGERS 

Sally Shee, Serene Wong 

MANAGING DIRECTOR 

Gerry Ricketts 

CEO 

Jeffrey O’Rourke 

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR 

Simon Leslie 

JETSTAR ASIA MAGAZINE is published for Jetstar Asia Airways 

by Ink, 89 Neil Road #03-01, Singapore 088849, 

tel: +65 6324 2386, fax: +65 6491 5261. 

Advertising: jetstarasia.ads@ink-global.com, 

Editorial: jetstarasia.ed@ink-global.com, 

www.ink-global.com, www.jetstar.com/magazine 

For a 24-hour reservation hotline, call Jetstar Asia Airways 

(please only call the number of the country you’re dialing from): 

Singapore 800 6161 977 

Australia 131 538 

China 4001 201 260 

Hong Kong 800 962 808 

Indonesia 001 8036 1691 

Japan 012 0934 787 

Malaysia 1800 813 090 

New Zealand 0800 800 995 

Philippines 1800 1611 0280 

Taiwan 008 0161 1467 

Thailand 001 800 611 2957 

Vietnam (Jetstar Pacifi c Airlines) +84 839 550 550 

All Other Countries +61 3 9347 0208 

©Ink. All material in JETSTAR ASIA magazine is 

strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. 

Reproduction without permission of the 

publisher is strictly forbidden. Every care has 

been taken in compiling the contents of this 

magazine, but we assume no responsibility 

for the effects arising therefrom. The views expressed in this 

magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or Jetstar 

Airways. All information is correct at press time. 

MICA (P) 154/10/2010 

Printed by Times Printers Private Limited. 

ILLUSTRATION: LUIS TINOCO www.luistinoco.com

WORDS: BELINDA WAN MAIN PHOTO: MICHAEL HALL INTERVIEW PHOTO: SINGAPORE HERITAGE FESTIVAL 

IMAGE (MIDDLE): EGON SCHIELE (AUSTRIA 1890–1918), SELF-PORTRAIT WITH HANDS ON CHEST 1910, KUNSTHAUS ZUG, STIFTUNG SAMMLUNG KAMM 

JUNE - JULY 

COOL 

SUMMER 

DO’S 

3–26 

JUNE 

AUCKLAND FESTIVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY 2011 

AUCKLAND 

Whether you’re an amateur hobbyist or a pro, you’ll fi nd 

something to capture your interest at this event taking place in 

Auckland’s major galleries, project spaces and public sites. With 

shows like Eyecatch: Jewellery & Photography and photography 

lessons at what is New Zealand’s biggest photographic event, 

there’s free public access for all. photographyfestival.org.nz 

4-5 JUN TOKYO AND 16-18 JUL OSAKA 

GREAT JAPAN BEER FESTIVAL 2011 

Taste more than 120 microbrews at this 

event organised by the Japan Craft Beer 

Association; at Tokyo’s Ebisu Garden Hall, 

and Osaka’s Kyocera Dome Sky Hall. ¥4,900 

(S$75; Tokyo) and ¥4,600 (S$70, Osaka). 

FOOD /// STYLE /// GADGETS /// PLACES /// EVENTS /// PROFILES 

18 JUN–9 OCT MELBOURNE 

VIENNA: ART & DESIGN 

Be dazzled more than 250 magnifi cent 

artworks by Viennese artists Gustav Klimt, 

Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka, plus 

other items. National Gallery of Victoria, 180 

St Kilda Rd, tel: +61 (3) 8620 2222 

HOME GROUND 

Thangamma Karthigesu, National Heritage 

Board’s director of education and outreach, 

tells us how the Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) 

is about home (cue Dick Lee’s song, Home). 

Tell us how you decided on the SHF’s theme. 

The SHF is an educational and interactive 

festival organised annually to celebrate 

Singapore’s diverse heritage, and to engage 

the public to think about our shared culture. 

This year’s theme, ‘Home — What We Love 

About It!’, aims to get audiences to explore 

what ‘home’ means to them — not just on a 

personal level, but also a national one. 

What do you hope participants will realise 

after their experience? 

SHF 2011 is encouraging Singaporeans and 

residents to probe deeper into the meaning 

of ‘home’, as this year’s festival will not just 

build stronger bonds between communities, 

but also enable participants to refl ect on what 

encompasses their idea of home. 

What are some of the highlights of the SHF? 

On 15 July, the festival will kick off at Ang 

Mo Kio with a large outdoor exhibition, 

children’s games, cooking demonstrations 

and a community project with themed areas: 

The Kampong Spirit, Heartland Groove, Food 

Haven and Portraits of Singapore, while Hilly 

Happenings (22-24 July) will feature kampong 

games, nature trails and craft demonstrations. 

The Singapore HeritageFest is on 15-31 

July at Fort Canning Green, Ang Mo Kio, 

Sengkang, Bedok, Novena, Marine Parade 

and Jurong. More details about events 

on heritagefest.sg 

005


21–24 

JULY 

BALI KITE FESTIVAL 2011 

BALI 

Make your way down to Sanur Beach in the Padang Galak area, 

where you’ll fi nd teams of 10 or more adult kitefl iers from 

neighbouring Denpasar villages in a contest to launch and 

keep their traditional giant kites in the air for the longest time. 

This seasonal religious festival is celebrated to request for 

abundant crops from the Hindu gods. 

1-31 JUL SINGAPORE 

SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL 2011 

Spices take centrestage this year at this 

well-loved festival. Feast on more than 25 

dishes like ayam buah keluak, chilli crab, 

Hainanese chicken rice and thosai. Don’t 

miss the Singapore Chinese Dialect Tingkat 

Cruise. singaporefoodfestival.com.sg 

006 

Parken & Nikolaïs 

Celebration 

8 JUL-14 AUG HONG KONG 

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ARTS CARNIVAL 

This summer arts festival’s Parken & 

Nikolaïs Celebration (14-15 July) at Hong 

Kong City Hall Concert Hall will delight the 

family, as will the young musicians with the 

City Chamber Orchestra in Prodigies From 

Around the World. hkiac.gov.hk 

UPSIZE 

ME 

Some kite shapes 

are: the Bebean 

(fi sh-shaped), 

Janggan (birdshaped) 

and 

Pecukan (leafshaped). 

These 

kites are 4m in 

width and almost 

10m in length! The 

Pecukan is the 

toughest to fl y. 

BOOK NOW 

12-14 AUG GUILIN 

ZIYUAN SONG FESTIVAL 

Celebrate the 15th day of July of the 

lunar calendar with the residents of 

Ziyuan County (107km from Guilin), who 

light lanterns and release them at night, 

as well as sing to ward off disasters. 

13-14 AUG OSAKA 

SUMMER SONIC 

This hot music fest returns to the 

Maishima Osaka Site with three different 

stages, and a line-up that includes Korn 

and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Don’t miss it! 

26 AUG-4 SEP MELBOURNE 

MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL 

Meet your fave authors: New York Times’ 

chart-topping Tess Gerritson and The 

Offi ce scriptwriter Steve Hely in this 

festival for bookworms. mwf.com.au 

MAIN PHOTO: AFP PHOTO (BOTTOM LEFT): SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL PHOTO (BOTTOM MIDDLE): HANS GERRITSEN PHOTO (RIGHT CENTRE): GETTY IMAGES PHOTO (RIGHT BOTTOM): MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL

khaki utc 

automatic - swiss made 

www.hamiltonwatch.com

INTERVIEW: BELINDA WAN 

10 MINUTES 

WITH… 

NICHOLAS 

PAPAYOANOU 

The 11-year-old Singaporean has been 

winning hearts as Young Simba in The 

Lion King, part of an international cast 

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU 

DISCOVERED YOU’D WON THE ROLE? 

I was really excited. So excited that I 

couldn’t feel anything, I was numb… I was 

‘scream-less’. But I was totally psyched out! 

HAVE YOU ALWAYS LOVED SINGING 

AND PERFORMING? 

Yes, I have always loved singing and music 

for as long as I can remember. Ever since 

the time I did the musical adaptation of The 

Little Prince, I’ve loved performing, and have 

aspired to be a performer. 

TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOURSELF. 

I love sports like tennis, badminton, 

basketball and soccer. I’m a big fan of 


Michael Jackson – I really like his music 

and dance moves, and he is one of my 

musical inspirations. My favourite cartoon is 

Spongebob Squarepants. One of my dreams 

is to become an actor or singer, a dream 

that I hope to pursue by studying hard. 

I also hope to get into a performing arts 

school, like Singapore’s SOTA (School of the 

Arts), or a performing arts school overseas, 

like maybe in New York. 

DO YOU EVER GET STAGE FRIGHT? 

The only time I did was when I was in 

nursery school, but now I don’t really get it, 

although I do feel a bit nervous before I go 

on stage. However, since this production is 

running for quite a while, I get less and less 

nervous, because I know what and how to 

do things better when I’m performing. 

WHAT DID YOUR CLASSMATES AND 

TEACHERS SAY OR DO AFTER YOU 

GOT THE ROLE? 

The fi rst reaction was “Gosh, you’re gonna 

be famous in Singapore!”, and then they 

also started asking me if there were any 

tickets for my fi rst performance. 

WITH TWO OTHER ACTORS PLAYING 

YOUNG SIMBA, HOW DO YOU ENSURE 

THE ROLE’S UNIFORMITY? 

We usually discuss with one other. We all 

have our own style of how we interpret 

the role, but we also try to maintain Young 

Simba’s fun-loving and active personality. 

We also watch one another to see how 

each person performs the role. 

YOU’RE A TRUE-BLUE SINGAPOREAN 

BECAUSE… Singapore is my home. I was 

born here, and have grown up here. I love 

the food (my favourite dish is chicken rice), 

most of my friends are Singaporean and I 

can speak Singlish! 

The Lion King is on from 1 June-31 July 

at Sands Theater at Marina Bay Sands, 10 

Bayfront Ave. Tickets from sistic.com.sg 

009

WORDS & PICTURES (MAIN IMAGE & TOP RIGHT): FRANCOISE OHAYON 

“YOUR BEST KITCHEN 

UTENSIL IS A GOOD, 

SHARP KNIFE” 

GOOD 

TASTE 

LET’S GET 

COOKING! 

BAYAN INDAH 

FOOD /// STYLE /// GADGETS /// EVENTS /// PLACES /// PROFILES 

Taking cooking classes while on holiday 

allows you to bring back techniques 

that you can call upon time and again to 

recreate your favourite meals 

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA 

A mere half hour’s drive from Kuala 

Lumpur’s city centre, in leafy suburbs 

inhabited by squirrels and monkeys, is 

Bayan Indah, a culinary retreat where city 

dwellers and visitors congregate for cookery 

classes led by food writer and stylist Rohani 

Jelani. Groups may choose to extend their 

stay in the stylish four-bedroom guesthouse 

that was named Malaysia’s House of the 

Year 2008. 

Rohani encourages learning by doing, 

Classes at Bayan 

Indah are based on a 

theme and you learn 

up to three distinctive 

dishes each time 

ROHANI JELANI 

“Malaysian 

food is not 

one national 

cuisine; 

because the 

country is 

formed from 

many 

different 

races, we 

have 

Chinese, 

Malay, 

Indian, 

Nyonya that 

give people 

choices. You 

never get 

bored!” 

and so we’re handed written recipes and 

challenged to jump right in — just ask 

for help if needed. Ingredients are premeasured 

and the kitchen is equipped 

with modern appliances, as well as good 

knives: “Your best kitchen utensil is a good, 

sharp knife,” says Rohani. “You should be 

confi dent when using a knife instead of 

buying sophisticated gadgets!” 

We cook in pairs and each group 

prepares two or three recipes following 

themes such as ‘Rice is Nice’ and ‘Use Your 

Noodles’. My nasi lemak (coconut rice) turns 

out well and my sambal tumis (fried chilli 

paste), made with fresh instead of dried 

chillies, is mild enough for my sensitive 

taste buds. Rohani’s mini cookbooks, 

Malaysian Hawker Favourites, Homestyle 

Malay and Malaysian Cakes & Desserts 

are for sale. Kampung Palimbayan Indah, 

Sungei Pencala, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 

tel: +6 (03) 7729 0122, bayanindah.com 

011


CASA LUNA 

BALI, INDONESIA 

“As far as the Balinese are concerned, you 

have not eaten until you’ve had rice,” says 

Janet De Neefe in her bestselling memoir 

Fragrant Rice to explain the importance of 

the “essence of life” that provides spiritual 

as well as physical nourishment. Together 

with her team, she introduces visitors to 

Balinese food culture amid rice paddies 

and moss-covered statues in Ubud. Onsite 

accommodation at the Honeymoon 

Guesthouses includes meals catered by 

nearby Casa Luna Restaurant and restful 

nights under the canopy of a four-poster bed. 

Some classes begin with a morning 

market visit with market guide and cookery 

teacher I Nengah Sudira while others include 

presentations in an open-air classroom, 

where ingredient lessons are taught while 

students sample appetisers and sweets. 

Cooking is demonstration-style with teachers 

preparing Balinese classics such as nasi 

goreng (fried rice) or nasi campur (mixed 

rice) and we’re invited to try our hand at wok 

frying or spice grinding in a stone mortar. 

Tasting rujak (sweet and sour fruit salad) 

before and after the addition of roasted 

shrimp paste is a revelation. 

Coffee plantation tours to the Kintamani 

Highlands and more hands-on cooking 

lessons will be launched this year. Janet 

also has a new, large-format illustrated 

cookbook out later in the year. Jl Bisma, 

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, tel: +62 (361) 973 282, 

casalunabali.com 

012 

I NENGAH SUDIRA 

“Always buy 

your 

produce 

between 

6am and 

10am; 

morning 

prices are 

cheap as 

they’re for 

locals!” 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP 

LEFT: At Casa Luna, 

demonstrationstyle 

classes teach 

dishes such as kare 

ayam and plecing 

kangkung; prepare 

your own meal from 

scratch at Cambodia 

Cooking Class 

CAMBODIA COOKING CLASS 

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA 

Cambodia Cooking Class teaches Khmer 

cuisine on a shaded rooftop terrace perched 

near the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda 

complex. The day starts with a visit to Phnom 

Penh’s Kandal fresh produce market, after 

which we prepare our own meal at individual 

cooking stations. 

We learn to use the herbs and spices 

that are the cornerstone of Khmer food. Our 

banana blossom salad is fragrant with sweet 

basil, coriander, fi shwort and mint. Our main 

course is fi sh amok, Cambodia’s national 

dish, steamed in a banana leaf cup with 

kroeung (curry paste) solidifi ed by adding a 

beaten egg to the coconut milk. 

At the end of the day, it becomes clear 

why school founder Frits Mulder gets so 

peeved when asked: “Cambodian food, 

that’s like Thai food, right?” “No!” he 

counters, “it’s the other way around!” 

The Khmer Kingdom ruled an empire that 

encompassed most of South-East Asia before 

the fi rst Thai Kingdom was established 

and before chilli was introduced by the 

Portuguese. Khmer recipes are therefore 

milder than most Asian foods. 

The school was taken over in 2010 by 

long-time employee Seng Kear; it was 

extended in March this year to accommodate 

up to 16 participants and is now open seven 

days a week. 67, Street 240, Phnom Penh, 

Cambodia, tel: +855 (12) 524 801, cambodiacooking-class.com


Don’t let your travels stop your fun. Here 

are the best gaming gizmos on the go 

When the Apple iPhone fi rst found its way into 

users’ palms in 2007, it heralded not just a 

new way to make calls and surf the web but 

also to play games. With its high-resolution 

screen, great touch features and a handy 

shape, it made sense for folks who wanted 

to play a casual game or two on the go. More 

importantly, these games are delivered via 

downloads, making it easy for people to buy 

games instantly and at attractive prices. 

1 MOTOROLA XOOM WI-FI 

The Xoom is a large, 10.1-inch tablet sporting 

the more feature-rich 3.0 Honeycomb Android 

system made for tablets. The big screen 

means you get a more immersive experience 

when it comes to games that can scale up. The 

dual-core chip in this gadget also helps the 

Xoom chug along smoothly. This Wi-Fi version 

is likely to be followed by a 3G version that 

lets people download games anywhere they 

go. S$888, motorola.com 

2 HTC INCREDIBLE S 

Also running on Android, the smartphone 

comes with a sharp 480 x 800 screen and will 

appeal to casual gamers who want to fi re up 

a game, say, while waiting for their fl ight or 

in transit. The ample 1GHz chip in the device 

should let you easily download games as well 

as answer calls when they come in. It is also 

relatively light at just 135.5g. So, no worries 

about bringing it along on holidays. 

S$758, htc.com 

014 

GADGET 

FILE 

GET YOUR 

GAME ON 

1 

3 LG OPTIMUS 2X 

The 2X in the name refers to the two cores, 

or ‘brains’ in its CPU. It’s among the fi rst 

of a wave of similar phones expected this 

year that promise zippier performance and 

multi-tasking because of the more powerful 

CPUs. This Android phone will let you enjoy 

your games without slowdown, even when 

you have lots of applications running in the 

background. A great touch-screen phone and 

gaming gizmo. S$888, lg.com/sg 

2 

4 SONY ERICSSON XPERIA PLAY 

The Xperia Play is a nice hybrid between 

a traditional portable game console and a 

smartphone. It runs the popular Android 

operating system and has two game 

controllers that will be familiar to seasoned 

PlayStation gamers as well as newbies 

looking to play their games better on the go. 

Of course, PlayStation games are available to 

it, making it a much-favoured device. S$888, 

sonyericsson.com 

3 

4 

WORDS: ALFRED SIEW PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLAN TAN/3THREESTUDIO DIGITAL ART: DIMAS SALANG


016 

OUT & 

ABOUT 

WEST SIDE 

STORY 

Perth may be in Australia’s largest state, 

but never fear, some of its most striking 

sights are an easy drive away 

1 LANCELIN – 120 minutes’ drive 

If you’re a windsurfer there are 

few places more fantastic than Lancelin. 

Each January, the Lancelin Ocean Classic 

transforms this sleepy fi shing town into a 

hot spot for the world’s best wave jumpers. 

There’s also great surfi ng and a sweeping 

bay fringed by reefs with no fewer than 14 

shipwrecks, making this a mecca for the 

experienced diver to explore; gear for all 

this can be hired in Lancelin. Landlubbers 

will love careening down the town’s 

massive sand dunes, either by sand board 

or in Desert Storm 4WD Adventure Tours’ 

monster bus (tel: +61 (8) 9655 2550). If 

you’ve come this far, you should go the 

extra hour to see the fantastic Pinnacles 

at Nambung National Park. This desert 

of soaring rock formations is best 

viewed early or late in the day and the 

new Desert Discovery Centre provides a 

great introduction. 

YUMMY 

YORK 

Time your visit for 

25-26 June and the 

York Gourmet Food 

and Wine Festival 

will showcase 

produce from the 

region and wider 

Western Australia. 

Visitors can taste 

international 

fl avours as over 40 

gourmet food and 

wine stalls offer 

up their wares for 

tasting. There’ll also 

be interactive food 

demonstrations. 

AU$5 (S$6.60) entry 

for adults. 

2 MANDURAH – 50 minutes’ drive 

The new freeway makes zipping down to 

Mandurah even more of a breeze. What 

awaits are endless beaches, canals and 

waterways. Cruise around on a hired 

houseboat, hang out a fi shing line or try 

nabbing the local delicacy, blue manna 

crab. Dusk is the optimum time and the 

local tackle shop can point you in the right 

direction and gear you up. Or just lay back 

on the Mandurah Terrace’s idyllic foreshore 

spotting dolphins in the bay while feasting 

on succulent fi sh and chips. End your 

evening by catching a show at the stunning 

Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. 

3 YORK – 80 minutes’ drive 

Winter is the perfect season to step back 

in time in York, the fi rst inland settlement 

in Western Australia. Beautifully restored 

Victorian and Federation buildings line the 

streets, of which the regal Town Hall (now 

the Visitor Centre) should be your fi rst stop. 

Avon Terrace is also where you’ll fi nd the fab 

York Motor Museum, housing more than 200 

automotive treasures. Enjoy a traditional 

pub lunch in the leafy courtyard of Settlers 

House (there’s accommodation, too) then 

load up on goodies at Penny Farthing 

Sweets. Stretch your legs by walking across 

the Avon River’s pedestrian bridge to the 

charming Holy Trinity Church. 

WORDS & YORK PHOTO: RACHEL FARNAY JACQUES; MANDURAH PHOTO: CITY OF MANDURAH

WORDS: ABHISHEK MEHROTRA 

WELL + GOOD 

GOING THE 

DISTANCE 

People are taking to the streets to join a 

growing crowd that likes nothing better 

than to pound the gravel for glory 

Since the legendary Greek messenger 

Pheidippides looked into a mirror, mistook 

himself for a horse and ran all of 42 and a bit 

kilometres from Marathon to Athens, longdistance 

running has become a pastime for 

more ordinary mortals; and in recent years it 

has zoomed in popularity. 

Lim Baoying, a 29-year-old medical 

doctor, is one of those regularly clocking 

up the kilometres. Her desire to compete 

in marathons began in junior college, when 

“despite being relatively non-athletic” she 

decided to join the cross-country team. 

She was inspired both by the challenge 

of keeping up with her teammates and 

of emulating her coach, Leong Chee 

Mun, who indulged himself in a buffet of 

endurance sports ranging from triathlons to 

mountaineering. It was with those aims in 

mind that Baoying gradually worked her way 

up to running full marathons. 

Last year, she won the Sundown 

Marathon in Singapore, completing the race 

in three hours and 41 minutes. “I just felt 

incredulous — it was my fi rst attempt at 

Sundown Marathon,” said the Singaporean. 

“Just earlier in February last year, I had hit my 

fi rst sub-four hour marathon in Tokyo, but 

the conditions were not ideal — too cold and 

wet — and I was just not acclimatised; hence 

the Sundown was the follow-up marathon 

distance I attempted. I did not expect to better 

my timing, let alone win the open category.” 


Baoying’s motives are similar to those of 

us lesser mortals. “The thrill of competition 

and [desire for] fi tness keeps me going. I am 

still chasing for a better timing with each 

marathon I do,” she says. 

Despite its numerous physical and mental 

advantages, there are people who think the 

ability to run lost its evolutionary benefi ts 

when we stopped being chased by tigers, 

leopards and other homicidal fauna. More 

often than not though, it’s the relatively 

boredom of running [compared to watching a 

hilarious episode of Modern Family] that puts 

people off. 

“Do not be overly ambitious, and listen 

to your body,” cautions the doctor. “Train 

smart and reap more benefi ts with shorter, 

more intense sessions that allow your body to 

improve its strength and fi tness.” 

So there you have it, straight from 

the horse’s mouth. And since this one’s a 

thoroughbred, it would be prudent to listen 

to her. Who knows, you might be crossing the 

fi nishing line in triumph in the near future! 

KEEP IT 

LIVELY 

“Take different 

routes when you 

run, explore places 

that you have 

previously only 

cycled or driven 

along — this 

will change your 

perspective of the 

place. Or fi nd a 

training partner — 

having someone 

to talk to while the 

kilometres roll past 

certainly reduces 

the boredom” 

The Auckland Marathon 

is the most popular in 

New Zealand; BOTTOM: 

Lim Baoying wins the 

Sundown Marathon 

UPCOMING MARATHONS 

Laguna Phuket International Marathon 

12 June 2011 

Perth Marathon 


Sundown Ultramarathon, Singapore 


Standard Chartered KL Marathon 


Manila International Marathon 


St. George Melbourne Marathon 

9 October 2011 

Adidas Auckland Marathon 

30 October 2011 

Penang Bridge International Marathon 

20 November 2011 

019


020 

RETAIL 

THERAPY 

IT’S IN 

THE BAG 

Embark on your weekend getaway 

with a dash of urban chic 

WORLD 

TRAVELLER 

Satish Peerubandi, Samsonite’s 

director of marketing, South-East Asia, 

talks weekend bags and must-have 

travel items 

PURR-FECT GETAWAY 

Crossing Heritage TSA Upright, 

S$193 from The Planet 

Traveller, tel: +65 6337 0291, 

theplanettraveller.com 

GLOBETROTTER 

Veira Airmail Vacation suitcase, 

S$159 from Veira, tel: +65 9815 

7971, iloveveira.com 

JOURNEY EAST 

Eastpak Compact Royal 

Wave Duffel Bag, S$79 

from The Planet Traveller, 

tel: +65 6337 0291 

SALANG 

DIMAS ART: DIGITAL 

WHAT MAKES A PERFECT 

STUDIO 

WEEKEND VACATION BAG? 

ADVENTURE MAP 

Multi-storage compartments are essential, 

Accessorize Amalfi Map 

TAN/3THREE 

as they allow you to pack effi ciently and 

Weekend Bag, S$111.90 from 

all Accessorize stores, 

ALLAN 

separate your clothes and toiletries. For 

tel: +65 6509 4402, 

short-haul business trips, rolling totes are 

accessorize.com 

an ideal option. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: LEE 

WHAT ARE YOUR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ITEMS? 

BENITA 

I like to start my day with a rigorous 

workout at the gym, so sports attire 

SOURCING: 

and shoes are a must! My Blackberry is 

EXCITING ESCAPADES 

WAN 

essential, so I am always in touch with 

Dakine Girls EQ Medium 

work, family and friends when on the go. 

duffel bag, S$69 from all 

BELINDA 

Also, my iPad and a good book are great 

World of Sports stores, 

tel: +65 6273 1482, 

during long fl ights. worldofsports.com.sg 

INTERVIEW:

WORDS: TAN HEE HUI 

SPASSO MILANO BAR 

ENSUITE 

GOLDEN 

ROW 

Check into a home away from home 

that has access to these four attractions 

right on the doorstep 

Boasting a minimalist-style interior, this newly 

opened 2,500 square-foot bar offers both 

indoor and alfresco lounge areas. The relaxed 

ambience here is ideal for hanging out with 

friends or family. Order from an excellent drink 

list of spirits, Italian and French wines, and 

traditional Italian aperitifs. The limoncello — 

vodka infused with fresh lemon oil and juice 

— and grappa come highly recommended. 

Cheers! 347, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 

tel: +60 (3) 4252 7088. 

FOOD /// STYLE /// GADGETS /// PLACES /// EVENTS /// PROFILE 

GO SHOPPING 

At Great Eastern Mall, you’ll fi nd almost 

everything under one roof. From essentials 

such as imported foods, to fi ner things 

like hot fashion, gadgets and children’s 

toys, the range is mind-boggling. Families 

with young children can stake out the 

second fl oor of charming stores such as 

Cotton Picking, Toy City, Computertots and 

Kizsports & Gym – all brimming with cute 

stuff for young ’uns. 303 Jln Ampang, Kuala 

Lumpur, tel: +60 (3) 4259 8090. 

THE 

MALLET 

Usually there are 

six chukkas to a 

polo game and each 

chukka is seven 

minutes long. 

GO DINING 

Nestling in KL’s commercial and embassy 

area, the 5,000 square-foot Alexis Bistro 

attracts a regular clientele of diplomats 

and local hipsters. The yummy wood-fi red 

pizzas come highly recommended as does 

the tiramisu cake. The extensive, top-notch 

wine list has more than 300 labels to 

choose from. Every Friday and Saturday, 

jazz or Latin music is performed by both 

up-and-coming and established acts from 

Malaysia and abroad. 10 & 11 Grd Flr, Great 

Eastern Mall, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 

tel: +60 (3) 4260 2288. 

GO EQUESTRIAN 

Located just a fi ve-minute drive from 

Lanson Place Ambassador Row Residences, 

the prestigious Selangor Polo and Riding 

Club — established in 1902 — is touted as 

the most active polo and equestrian club in 

Malaysia. Open to the public from Tuesday 

to Thursday, it offers polo games four 

times every week, with up to 16 chukkas 

a day. For a fee, lessons for amateurs are 

also available as well as a full riding school 

programme that caters to young children. 

1314, off Jln Ampang Hilir, Kuala Lumpur, 

tel: +60 (3) 4256 4531, +60 (3) 4257 0508. 

Lanson Place Ambassador Row Residences, 

1 Jln Ampang Hilir, Kuala Lumpur, 

tel: +60 (3) 4253 2888, lansonplace.com/ 

klr_welcome 

023


DISAPPEARING 

ASIA 

THE FINAL CUT 

Meet Taiwan’s very last 

swordmaker, who is determined to 

work at his craft until his last breath 

In a dark, cramped room in the town of 

Cheding, a small, wizened Taiwanese man 

stands silhouetted by the fi re of his forge. 

He unsheathes a menacing looking sword 

nearly as long as he is tall. Firelight bounces 

off the ornate detailing on the weapon as he 

holds it upright. 

This feels like a scene out of the kung fu 

blockbuster Kill Bill. Except, of course, for 

the man’s wife pottering in the background. 

And his preference that I don’t use the 

sword for its traditional purpose. 

Plus, says swordmaker Kuo Chang Shi, 

the movie is wrong. His replica ancient 

‘Green Destiny Sword’ is the same as the 

one used in the internationally acclaimed 

fi lm Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon directed 

by fellow Taiwanese, Ang Lee, on which Kuo 

acted as a consultant. 

“Most Western media want to know 

only about the human bones,” he says 

mischievously. “But they always get the 

story wrong.” 

The use of human bone in swordmaking 

dates back thousands of years and is 

considered by some to purify the sword; 

others believe that the phosphates released 

024 

when the bones are burned help to bind the 

various layers of metal. Clients who want 

a sword made from bones usually provide 

those of an ancestor. 

“The saying is: ‘To make a good sword, 

you have to throw a man into the fi re’,” 

notes Kuo. But in the real legend, he says, a 

swordmaker was commissioned to craft the 

fi nest sword for the emperor, but no matter 

what method he tried, the sword was not 

pure enough. “Seeing his plight, the man’s 

THE USE OF HUMAN BONE IN 

SWORDMAKING DATES BACK 

THOUSANDS OF YEARS 

GREEN 

DESTINY 

SWORD 

The sword to rule all 

swords in Crouching 

Tiger, Hidden Dragon 

has been passed 

down through the 

generations and 

caused the downfall 

of many and much 

blood to be shed. 

wife threw herself into the fi re in the hope 

that the purity of her love for him would be 

the right ingredient.” And so it was. 

Kuo handcrafts every sword in a 

traditional blacksmith’s forge capable of 

heating the metal to more than 1,300oC. Most swords now are mass produced 

by machine; as Kuo is now 67 years old 

and with no heir to continue his trade, 

traditional swordmaking in Taiwan may very 

well die with its master. 

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTY BOYCE

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PEOPLE 

Baring his 

026 

As a member of Taiwanese boy 

band Fahrenheit, Aaron Yan is a 

seasoned music industry veteran at 

just 25 years old. But while working 

on his fi rst solo record The Next Me, Yan 

was thrown into pop idol boot camp. 

After its release in March, he embarked 

on a gruelling promotional tour across Asia, 

the fi rst he has done by himself. He had 

very little free time in between autographsigning 

sessions and media appearances; 

handlers even stood outside the toilet 

door, urging him to watch the clock. While 

making the video for his latest single, “I Can 

See Nothing But You”, he learned how to 

fence and spent 16 hours literally running 

through Taipei. 

Known for his work with Fahrenheit, 

Taiwanese pop singer Aaron Yan talks 

about his highly personal solo debut 

WORDS CATHERINE SHU 

He is betting on his hard work on The 

Next Me helping him to mature as an artist 

and earn him new respect among fans. 

“Singing has always been my passion,” 

says Yan. “Fahrenheit is known for 

youthful, passionate music. Recording 

a solo record gives me a chance to sing 

diff erent kinds of songs and discover new 

MUSIC 

things about myself.” 

Fahrenheit fans began buzzing about The 

INTERNATIONAL 

Next Me while it was still in the fi rst stages 

HIM 

of planning. The band became famous 

for its romantic pop ballads and Yan, the PHOTOS:

Dolphin watching 

Photo: Tourism Auckland 

Harbour night spot 

Photo: Tourism Auckland 

It’s winter (June – August) in New Zealand. Chill out in 

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Island, its blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and 

modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked 

amongst the best in the world. Its natural assets have made 

it a dream destination for all kinds of travellers, from 

families-on-a-budget to cost-is-no-issue super yacht owners. 

In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere – sailing to 

an island, picnicking on a volcano, meeting marine animals or 

digging into some delicious ice cream and food at a sidewalk 

café. The Auckland region has 22 conservation parks, 

providing endless scope for outdoor activities. 

Chill tips 

• Meet the local marine mammals. Auckland's Dolphin 

Explorer conducts daily marine mammal eco-safaris, finding 

common and bottlenose dolphins, Brydes whales and orca 

in Auckland's magnificent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park 

• Take a self-guided, self-drive tour of Auckland's 

award-winning wineries. Aim for Matakana, Kumeu, 

Henderson or Waiheke Island 

• Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World 

gets you up close and personal with sharks and penguins 

• SheepWorld Farm and Nature Park promises a close 

encounter with farm animals 

• Experience the thrill of sailing on a genuine America's Cup 

racing yacht - you can participate as much or as little as 

you desire 

• Ride the water slides at Waiwera Thermal Resort or Parakai 

hot springs 

New Zealand Chill Factor 

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• Have a thrilling day at Rainbows End Adventure Park in 

Manukau City. Plummet on the Fear Fall, spiral on the roller 

coaster and zoom down the log flume 

• Otara Market is the largest Maori and Polynesian market in the 

world. You'll find island-style floral print fabrics, Maori 

carvings and all kinds of tropical fruit and vegetables—an 

amazing experience 

• Explore the wild west coast beaches of Muriwai, Bethells, Piha 

and Karekare - black sand and soulful surf 

• Discover Clevedon valley, for country crafts, gardens and 

boutique wineries 

• Enjoy a cruise on a classic yacht or launch. Charter your own 

yacht if you have sailing skills 

• Take the ferry across to Devonport and enjoy a café lunch and 

a spot of shopping 

• Hire a kayak and join an evening paddle to Rangitoto Island 

• Shop till you drop. High Street and the shopping area known 

as Chancery are home to many fashion boutiques and 

designer stores. The area, which also encompasses Vulcan 

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spotting and street wear shopping 

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PEOPLE // 

youngest member, was known for his laidback 

demeanour and sweet smile. The Next 

Me, however, shows off a more intense, 

complex side of his personality. 

“I Can See Nothing But You” is a sultry 

R&B love song. While singing it, Yan 

says he thought of the female fans who 

sometimes camp outside of his apartment 

building to catch a glimpse of his face 

as he leaves in the morning. Instead of 

feeling alarmed, he says he is touched by 

their devotion. 

Songwriter Yao Ruo-long’s lyrics include 

lines like “about to collapse but still holding 

on through the night/whatever is given 

nothing is expected in return”. 

“He happens to live in the same 

neighbourhood as me. It made me wonder, 

‘Did Teacher Yao see the fans waiting 

outside my apartment? Is that why he wrote 

these lyrics for me?’” Yan jokes. 

Many of the songs on The Next Me are 

much more personal than the ones he 

performed with Fahrenheit. In the title 

track, Yan sings about reconciling the 

diff erent parts of his personality: “On one 

hand I love warmly, on one hand I hate 

fi ercely/How much can one heart hold?” 

“I am a forthcoming person. If 

there is something private then I 

just won’t talk about it” 

He says he does not mind baring himself 

for female fans. He literally did just that 

at the end of the video for The Next Me 

by stripping naked (though the fi nal edit 

showed just a few quick glimpses of his 

muscular torso and legs). 

“Honestly, I rarely hide anything,” says 

Yan. “I think I am a really forthcoming 

person. But if there is something that I 

want to keep private, then I just won’t talk 

about it.” 

He joined Fahrenheit as a teenager 

after the group’s manager discovered him 

online. While promoting records with his 

bandmates, Yan was more than happy to 

share the spotlight. 

“There were a lot of times when I didn’t 

even have to talk that much, because my 

band brothers answered the questions for 

029

PEOPLE 

me and they made the atmosphere lively,” 

says Yan. “I was so anxious about doing 

events on my own. I kept worrying about 

how to answer questions or how to interact 

with television hosts. 

“The fi rst time I appeared on a TV 

show, I was so nervous that I squeezed the 

microphone until my hand went numb,” 

he adds. 

Though they weren’t physically by his 

side, the three other members of Fahrenheit 

still gave Yan plenty of encouragement. 

“They know I am passionate about 

singing, so they were very supportive 

[of the solo record],” he says. “Wu Chun 

pre-ordered 50 copies, Calvin Chen said I 

was brave after he saw my fi rst video. Jiro 

Wang is a big rock fan, so he liked my rockinfl 

uenced tracks. They back me up just like 

a family.” 

Yan also got advice from SHE member 

Hebe Tian, whose 

own solo debut 

was released a few 

months before Yan’s. 

The two performed 

at a concert in 

front of 50,000 

fans and Yan, who 

was fi ghting an attack of stage fright, was 

impressed by how calm his friend appeared. 

“I asked her what she was thinking about 

when she was up there singing,” he says. 

“She said ‘I was thinking about the lyrics.’ 

That made me realise that all I need to 

do is focus on the song and I won’t be 

so nervous.” 

During the production of his new album, 

Yan worked closely with the songwriters. 

Each track was recorded in at least three 

diff erent musical genres before Yan and 

his producers selected which version 

they preferred. 

Yan also sang pop and rock versions of 

“I Can See Nothing But You”, but the team 

fi nally chose the R&B track because they felt 

it best brought forth the mood of the song. 

“I hope listeners can hear how I put my 

entire heart into interpreting the lyrics,” 

he says. 

030 

BOTTOM: Aaron Yan with 

Fahrenheit teammate 

Calvin Chen (on his right) 

and other singers at an 

award ceremony 

“The first time I appeared on a 

TV show, I was so nervous that 

I squeezed the microphone until 

my hand went numb” 

Although recording and promoting the 

new album has been hectic work, he says 

he is excited by the opportunities it has 

opened for him. Yan, who appeared in the 

Taiwanese television drama Love Buff et, 

is now considering a fl urry of acting off ers. 

Though he is a fan of action fi lms like the 

James Bond series, he is open to any kind 

of role. “As long as the script is good, I won’t 

turn it down,” he says. 

As soon as the promotional period for 

The Next Me winds down, he wants to learn 

to play the electronic drum set he has just 

purchased. But that may not happen for a 

while – he is already planning his next solo 

release with his record company. “I love 

singing and I listen to music and sing all 

the time, no matter where I am,” says Yan. 

“Singing is my stress release.” 

AARON YAN ON TRAVEL 

TAIWAN: Visitors to his home country of 

Taiwan must make time for shopping at 

the night markets and soaking in the hot 

springs, he says. 

FIJI: Although Yan has travelled around 

the world with Fahrenheit, he has never 

been to Fiji and would love to go there. 

“I’m very curious about what it’s like 

there,” he says. “The natural scenery 

must be gorgeous.”

032

PHOTO: CORBIS 

EVERYTHING 

Sanya may popularly be known as the 

‘Hawaii of the East’ because of its sunny 

reputation, but it has more than enough 

to keep culture vultures occupied 

Sand, sea and sunshine are not 

words naturally associated with 

China. But in Sanya, on Hainan 

Island’s south coast, what began 

as a small fi shing village is now 

the country’s holiday hub. Most visitors 

— who number some 10 million annually 

— come from Hong Kong and Taiwan. But 

like birds fl ying to the tropical warmth in 

the winter months, a large proportion also 

migrates from mainland China. 

WORDS GEMMA DEAVIN 

UNDER 

THE SUN 

To deal with the demand, up to 40 

hotels have been earmarked for 

construction over the next seven years. The 

fi rst emerged at the end of the 1990s. Most 

have been standing for fi ve years or less. But 

Hainan off ers more than a string of quality 

hotels: it combines tropical surrounds with 

opportunities for a rich cultural experience. 

Sanya is still more of a town than a 

city. Down the narrow streets are cool, 

dark markets, set up in grids, selling 

HOT SPOT // 

everything from fruit and vegetables to 

poultry, meat and seafood. A mother and 

daughter work nimbly on a pile of fresh 

dumplings; an older gentleman shows 

off a bunch of bok choy. The butchers, 

universally friendly, sport wide grins and 

two women sit inside a booth chopping 

glazed orange chickens. 

Outside, the streets are fi lled with the 

same industry as any buzzing city, but 

the pace is more relaxed. Crossing the 

033

PHOTOS: GEMMA DEAVIN 

road doesn’t require precision timing as 

motorbikes weave their way in and out 

of the fl ow languidly and other vehicles 

move less frenetically. A vendor with a 

collection of long bamboo is selling sweet 

chunks to passers-by. 

And when night falls, life on the streets 

of Sanya is no less vibrant. From the 

makeshift markets selling pearls and 

precious stones to the fl ashy neon lights 

in the shopping district, where the young, 

trendy and moneyed cruise the stalls, I 

get the feeling that, like its siblings Beijing 

and Shanghai across the South China Sea, 

it’s still a place that doesn’t sleep. 

Leaving the ocean behind, Hainan is 

much the same as it was before the luxury 

hotels and visitors arrived. Rice paddies 

cover the inland valley fl oors, bamboo 

grows wild and armoured-looking water 

buff alo graze among the greenery. It is 

in what a tourist brochure describes 

as the ‘arch-like’ hills framing the rice 

fi elds, covered with a canopy resembling 

tightly packed broccoli, that visitors can 

experience another unique aspect of 

Visit the markets to 

check out the local 

produce and meet 

the Li people 

(BOTTOM LEFT) 

Hainan — traditional Li culture. 

Li, or as they call themselves, ‘Sai’ 

people, have inhabited Hainan for 

3,000 years and are the island’s largest 

indigenous group. At the Binglanggu 

Ethnic Group Village, 28km from Sanya, 

tall, slim betal nut trees reach high into 

the sky. “If a man can’t climb a tree, he 

won’t get a wife,” says our guide Liv 

Hui. The seriousness of the ultimatum 

is apparent when a fi gure with arms and 

legs at right angles to the 15cm wide trunk 

drops 20m in a matter of seconds. 

Even this practice, like so many others, 

is fading in the presence of modern China. 

But some customs remain strong: silk 

weaving, for which the Li are famous, is 

one. Weaving technology dating from the 

fi fth century AD is still used today. 

Food is another. Inland, it is not 

unusual to be treated to a lazy susan 

spread of Li delicacies. A regular menu 

might include river eel, rainforest deer, 

surfi ng fi sh, ‘fi ve-legged pig’, smoked egg 

in hot spring and ‘horse’s hoof grass’. 

Food can easily become a central theme 

of any Hainan trip. Back at the coast, 

another popular Hainan lazy susan 

spread will see a table piled high with 

tuna, crab, mussels, king prawns, oysters, 

abalone, sea cucumber and squid. 

Hainan’s fresh air is a major draw but 

there is also a range of other attractions 

enticing local and international visitors 

to Sanya. Apart from the Li culture, 

highlights include the Nanshan 

Buddhism Cultural Zone, Yanoda 

Rainforest and Nanwan Monkey Island. 

Forty minutes from Sanya, Nanshan 

Buddhism Cultural Zone is one of the 

most important Buddhist sites in Asia. 

Of note is the soaring 108m statue of 

deity Kwan-yin rising from the South 

China Sea. She holds three diff erent 

items — scriptures, a lotus fl ower and 

beads representing wisdom, peace and 

mercy. But the 50 square kilometres of 

land covered in rainforest under Mount 

A regular menu might include river 

eel, rainforest deer, surfing fish, ‘fivelegged 

pig’, smoked egg in hot spring 

and ‘horse’s hoof grass’ 

HOT SPOT // 

035

HOT SPOT 

Nanshan also boasts temples, gardens, 

pavilions and restaurants. A highlight is 

the Brahma Bell Garden, with 42 ancient 

bells from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 

Nancy, our guide, tells us the melody of 

a ringing Brahman bell will help people 

to alleviate affl ictions and defi lement, 

broaden wisdom and enhance the state of 

bodhi (enlightenment). 

On a less spiritual note, a boat ride 

through a lively fi shing village leads to 

Nanwan Monkey Island, a 10.2 square 

kilometre sanctuary for 1,500 macaque 

monkeys. This haven is also home to one 

of the world’s most endangered species — 

the Hainan crested gibbon. “Remember 

three things,” you are told at the gates. 

“Do not look into a monkey’s eyes, do not 

feed them and do not open your bag.” 

Then they add: “If they jump on you, 

open your hands to show them you have 

nothing.” The worst off enders are sent to 

‘monkey jail’. 

After the beaches, mountain scenery, 

Sanya’s street life, Buddhist and Li 

experiences and a string of delicious 

meals, it comes down to this: the cut-outs 

of two monkeys wearing police hats and 

belts guarding one ‘inmate’, nicknamed 

‘teenage criminal’. He is coming to the end 

of his four-week sentence for stealing a 

mobile phone. 

There are plans to build the 

world’s largest duty free shop, a third 

international airport, a 30km bridge 

linking Hainan to mainland China, a 

racetrack and a giant wet-and-wild theme 

park. No wonder the Hawaiian shirt and 

shorts outfi ts popular with local tourists 

appear as play clothes for what is fast 

becoming China’s playground. 

036 

The imposing Goddess 

of Mercy statue seems 

to rise above the waves; 

BOTTOM: Visit the 

juvenile monkey jail 

“Do not look into a monkey’s eyes, do not 

feed them and do not open your bag. If they 

jump on you, show them you have nothing” 

FROM ONLY S$128 

Jetstar Asia fl ies direct from Singapore to 

Haikou four times weekly. 

Book online at 

TAKE ME THERE 

BINGLANGGU ETHNIC 

GROUP VILLAGE 

Ganzaling Natural Reserve, 

Baoting Autonomous 

County of the Li and 

Miao Minority, 

tel: + 86 (898) 8388 2608 

TIP: Hire a guide. 

NANSHAN BUDDHISM 

CULTURAL ZONE 

Yacheng Town, Sanya, 

tel: + 86 (898) 8883 7985 

TIP: Travel across the 

bridge to Kwan-yin and 

pay to go up to the level 

of her feet. 

YANODA RAINFOREST 

Sanado, Baoting County, 

tel: + 86 (898) 8388 3333 

NANWAN MONKEY 

ISLAND 

Nanwan town, Lingshui 

County, 

tel: + 86 (898) 8336 1465 

TO STAY 

THE HORIZON RESORT 

& SPA 

Yalong Bay, National 

Resort District, 

tel: +86 (898) 8856 7888, 

horizonsanya.com 

MANGROVE TREE 

RESORT 

Yalong Bay, National 

Resort District, 

tel: +86 (898) 8855 8888, 

mangrovetreeresort.com 

NARADA RESORT & SPA 

Sanya Bay West, Sanya, 

tel: 1800 230 4134 

(within China) 

PHOTO (LEFT): GEMMA DEAVIN

Local

NEW 

LEASE 

OF 

LIFE 

As UNESCO decides on 

Thailand’s application to 

list historic Phuket Town as 

a World Heritage site, the 

island’s entrepreneurs are 

already busily embracing 

their rich past 

WORDS SIMON OSTHEIMER 

PHOTOGRAPHY SUKSAN SAMRANRIT 

Have you ever been to Junk Ceylon? 

No, you say? We’ll wager you have. 

Once marked on maps under 

this exotic name by 19th-century 

European seafarers, Phuket continues to 

attract hordes of visitors to this day. Where 

once they were lured here by the promise 

of trade in tin mining, these days the main 

draw is its attractions. 

Over on the west coast, the dubious 

charms of Patong Beach lure the single male 

crowd, drawn nightly like moths to the

fl ame by the neon-lit bar signs, ever-fl owing 

cheap alcohol, and promise of hospitable 

company for the evening. However, Phuket 

off ers a wealth of attractions that are far 

away from the well-worn clichés; places 

where the island’s colourful history is not 

the distant, forgotten past, but instead a 

living, breathing part of the present. 

There is no better example of this than in 

the provincial capital, Phuket Town. With 

its lanes lined with Sino-Colonial style 

shophouses, the city’s architecture will 

seem familiar to travellers who have spent 

time in either Penang or Malacca. The link 

between the three goes beyond the mere 

structural, as the Chinese immigrants of 

all three settlements have a shared history, 

and are collectively known as the Baba 

Nyonya or Peranakan. Indeed, the children 

of many wealthy Phuket Chinese were sent 

to the Penang capital, George Town, for a 

British education, and even to this day links 

remain between their Thai and Malaysian 

descendants. While the fortunes of Phuket 

OPPOSITE (TOP/BOTTOM): Sino- 

Colonial buildings in Phuket 

Town; a China Inn welcome; 

THIS PAGE (TOP/BOTTOM): 

Casa 104 makes everyone 

feel at home; the façade of the 

Blue Elephant Cooking School 

receded over time, as the tin that had fuelled 

the 18th- and 19th-century boom lost its 

lustre, the splendid buildings remained, 

although many of them slowly fell into 

disrepair. However, in recent years Phuket 

Town has experienced a renaissance, with 

the appearance of Blue Elephant. 

The global culinary group recently 

opened its latest cooking school and 

restaurant in the ochre-hued Italianate 

Governor’s Mansion (known in Thai as 

the Phra Phitak Chyn Pracha), which has 

been described by Thai historian Ping 

Amranand as “the grandest angmor-lao 

[foreign mansion] in Phuket Town, and to 

many, the most distinguished”. Already a 

regular stop on the tourist route, it is just 

one of many restored heritage properties 

attracting new custom. On nearby Phang 

Nga Road is Siam Indigo, a French-run 

bistro and boutique that occupies two 

adjoining 80-year-old shophouses, with 

their distinctive ngon-kaa-kee, or fi ve-foot 

way, the covered archways that link one 

building to the next. However, perhaps the 

best examples of the town’s unique cultural 

heritage lie along the narrow Soi Romanee. 

CONSERVATION // 

039

Despite its small size, this picturesque 

one-way lane is home to a remarkable 

assortment of pastel-coloured, Sino- 

Colonial buildings, a fact that has been 

recognised by the provincial authorities, 

which recently undertook to bury the 

unsightly wires that are a blight on most 

Thai streets. Other landmarks include 

the Old Phuket Post Offi ce and now 

Philatelic Museum on Thalang Road 

(built in 1932, it’s the only remaining 

original government building left on the 

island); the historic Thavorn Hotel, which 

houses a fi ne collection of antiques and 

old vintage photographs; and the Shrine 

of the Serene Light, which is best accessed 

via a small lane off Phang Nga Road. It is 

undergoing constant restoration works; 

leave a donation towards these eff orts and 

then take the small passageway to the left 

of the temple. You’ll emerge in the back 

of Wilai Restaurant, which serves classic 

local dishes such as panang moo, a mild 

coconut milk pork curry, as well as one of 

the cheapest Western breakfasts this side of 

the island. 

If some of the buildings seem familiar as 

CLOCKWISE TOP: 

Have a glass 

of wine at Dibuk 

Place; a Sino- 

Colonial mansion 

you’re walking around town, it’s because 

several have starred on the silver screen. 

The Phuket Government Buildings 

complex, for example, substituted for 

the French Embassy of Cambodia in the 

Khmer-set 1984 fi lm The Killing Fields, 

while the nearby Luang Anuphart-Phuket- 

Karn mansion substituted for the Phnom 

Penh American Embassy in the same 

movie. The On On Hotel, meanwhile, 

featured in the opening scenes of Danny 

Boyle’s 2000 Thailand-set backpacker 

classic The Beach. 

Building on their town’s growing 

fame, an increasing number of new bars, 

restaurants, shops and art galleries are 

opening up in these heritage buildings. 

Prominent among these is Phuket 346, a 

unique combination of guesthouse, gallery 

and café on Soi Romanee owned by Jorge 

Carlos Smith, a Thai-based hotelier and 

sometime artist. Smith has converted a 

shophouse and former opium den into 

a multi-purpose, three-guestroom space 

CONSERVATION // 

041

CONSERVATION 

that, in his words, is “really an extension of 

me. It’s also a refl ection of my hope of what 

Phuket could and should become. The more 

Sino-Portuguese buildings that are restored 

and renovated could help Phuket Town put 

to shame anything ugly that is built.” 

It seems that other local entrepreneurs 

share his vision. For instance, in just one 

day you can pick up a unique, handmade 

souvenir at Ban Boran Textiles, purchase 

a beautiful piece of design from the 

Underwood Art Factory Showroom, sit 

down for a coff ee at The Circle, enjoy dinner 

at the small, yet globally famed Ka Jok 

See, check out the live music at Sanaeha, 

and soak up the atmosphere with a glass 

of wine at Dibuk Place. On Dibuk Road 

042 

itself, there is a weekly market that sells 

locally produced items such as paintings, 

handmade jewellery, fabrics and fashion, 

while an old printing factory, Chinese 

medicine shop, and excellent second-hand 

bookstore called Bookhemian add to the old 

area’s unique charm. 

It is hoped that if UNESCO adds Phuket 

Town to its list of World Heritage Sites 

— either in tandem with Malacca and 

Penang in Malaysia, or as part of a Thai site 

incorporating neighbouring Krabi — people 

will come to appreciate the city’s past, 

bringing global recognition and tourist 

dollars to this little slice of history. Already, 

in February every year, Thalang Road hosts 

the Phuket Old Town Festival. Attracting 

TOP-BOTTOM: Cool 

buys at Siam Indigo; 

coffee at The Circle; 

live music at Sanaeha 

visitors and locals alike, it features shops 

and stalls selling local goods, promotes local 

traditions and customs and showcases a 

series of exhibitions and academic seminars 

examining the area’s culture. 

In sum, it may be a lot of old Junk, but 

Phuket has much more to off er visitors than 

just cheap thrills. There’s an amazing story 

to be told here — you just have to scratch the 

surface to fi nd it. 


Jetstar Asia fl ies direct from Singapore to 

Phuket up to twice daily. 


TAKE ME THERE 

COOK 

BLUE ELEPHANT 

96 Krabi Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 354 355 

SHOP 

BAN BORAN TEXTILES 

51 Yaowarat Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 211 563 

BOOKHEMIAN 

61 Thalang Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 258 254 

SIAM INDIGO 

8 Phang Nga Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 256 697 

STAY 

CASA 104 

104 Yaowarat Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 221 268 

THE WESTIN SIRAY BAY 

RESORT & SPA 

Siray Bay, 

tel: +66 (76) 335 600 

PHUKET 346 

15 Soi Romanee, Thalang 

Rd, tel: +66 (76) 258 108 

EAT 

CHINA INN 

20 Thalang Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 356 239 

KA JOK SEE 

Takua Pa Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 217 903 

THE CIRCLE 

8 Rasada Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 221 458 

WILAI RESTAURANT 

Thalang Rd, 

no telephone 

DRINK 

DIBUK PLACE 

42 Dibuk Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 221 084 

GLASTNÖST 

14 Soi Romanee, 

tel: +66 (76) 258 332 

ROMANEE@9 

9 Soi Romanee, 

tel: +66 (86) 992 888 

SANAEHA 

83-85 Yaowarat Rd, 

tel: +66 (76) 218 514

“Join us for the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011 for great shopping deals!”

044 

The largest freshwater fi shery in 

the world, irrigating thousands 

of hectares of agricultural land 

and second only to the Amazon 

in the richness of its biodiversity, 

the Mekong quite simply 

drives life in Cambodia. The 

recently extended Mekong 

Discovery Trail off ers 

visitors a rare glimpse into 

the heart of this massive 

Asian river and allows them to explore its 

islands, riverbanks and local communities 

by boat, bike and even horse and cart. 

The southern gateway to the trail can 

be found at Kratie, some 160km upstream 

The mighty Mekong River is at the heart of all things 

Cambodian and has fascinated explorers and 

visitors for more than a century 

WORDS STUART HEAVER 

LIFE BY THE 

MEKONG 

from Phnom Penh. Kratie is a charming, 

if slightly shabby former French colonial 

outpost perched on the eastern bank of the 

river, which in the dry season runs a deep 

azure blue. 

The Mekong is the largest 

freshwater fishery in the world 

Maps and general details about the 

trail are posted in most hotels. Although 

the offi cial guidebooks have run out, Joe 

Frerichat, owner of the Red Sun Falling, the 

last bookshop on the Mekong, lets me study 

his copy while I enjoy a Khmer supper 

of chicken and noodles in the store’s 

riverside restaurant. 

The trail off ers several routing options 

but with Joe’s advice I decide to hire a 

bicycle and head north- 

east along the riverbank 

towards the deep-water 

pools at Kampi some 10km 

away, which are home to 

the critically endangered 

Irrawaddy dolphins. 

The ride along the road that hugs the 

riverbank is quite easy going as I pass 

through riverside villages shaded by 

tall coconut palms and return waves to

PHOTO: AFP 

FLY/DRIVE //

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN IMAGE): AGEFOTOSTOCK; NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STOCK; AFP 

children shouting greetings. To my left, I 

catch fl eeting glimpses of the Mekong as 

it winds past from the uplands of eastern 

Tibet 1,600km south and west to its fi nal 

destination in the South China Sea. 

Taking a brief rest in the shade of a 

pagoda, I meet Soda, a teacher at the local 

school, who lives with the monks at the 

temple. Their newly laundered orange 

robes fl ap on washing lines behind him as 

he tells me about the giant pirogues that are 

taken downstream to Phnom Penh every 

October for racing in the water festival. “The 

boat I race in is over 50 metres long,” he tells 

me proudly, running his hands along the 

side of the brightly painted riverboat. On 

the dusty riverside track behind the pagoda, 

I overtake a group of young monks and a 

mongrel dog that has stopped for a scratch 

in the shade of a stilted timber house. 

Despite the 

conservation 

efforts of the 

Cambodian Dolphin 

Commission, there 

are probably fewer 

than 100 of them 

left in the Mekong 

In Kampi, I head out onto the river 

itself in a traditional long-tail boat under a 

blazing sun, skippered by Pherom, a local 

fi sherman who re-trained as a guide and 

takes visitors out in search of dolphins. 

“The dolphins don’t mind the people 

visiting,” he tells me as he manoeuvres 

his boat around the deep-water pools in 

the river. Within a few minutes, we see a 

mother and her calf rolling gently in the 

water a few metres away. Ours is the only 

boat on the water and it’s a magical moment 

on the Mekong. 

Gordon Congdon of the World Wildlife 

Fund offi ce in Kratie tells me that despite 

the conservation eff orts of the Cambodian 

Dolphin Commission there are probably 

fewer than 100 of these creatures left. 

Pherom agrees to take me further upriver 

and the gently rolling river becomes 

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A 

fi sherman checks his nets 

at sundown; the rapids 

of the Mekong; the giant 

pirogues used for racing 

FLY/DRIVE // 

foaming rapids. A bumping and scraping of 

wood can be heard above the sound of the 

roaring water as the boat bruises itself on a 

large boulder. Pherom skilfully lands on a 

small sandy island in the middle of the river 

and our only observer is a white heron on 

a distant rock. A swim proves diffi cult as 

the current is running so fast, even in this 

sheltered backwater, that it takes all of my 

eff ort just to avoid being swept downstream. 

Bidding farewelling to Pherom, I head 

north again and arrive in the small town 

of Sombor to meet Khoun Tola of the 

Cambodian Rural Development Team. 

Tola arranges home-stay visits to simple 

fi shing villages on the nearby island of Koh 

Pdao. The river taxi that transports me 8km 

across the river to the island is packed with 

people, boxes and baskets of supplies. On 

arrival at Koh Pdao, my fellow homestay 

047

048 

// FLY/DRIVE FL FLY/ Y/ Y/DR DR DRIV IV IVE 

Koh Phdau 

Vodthonak 

Sambour 

Koh Trong 

MEKONG RIVER 

Sandan 

Phnom 

Sambok 

Preaek 

Prolung 

Thum Kakot 

Kampi 

KRATIE 

guests are invited to prepare food with their 

host families before meeting the village elders. 

It’s time to return at sunset to the shore by 

boat — water buff alo drink, men mend their 

nets, children play. 

Tola tells me that a hydro-electric dam 

and power station are being proposed for the 

Mekong at Sombor to supply much-needed 

electricity. This could mean the end for the Koh 

Pdao villagers, whose modest houses would be 

submerged under a 600km reservoir. It might 

also spell the end for the Irrawaddy dolphins. 

After the French Mekong Exploration 

Commission of 1866, its senior surveyor 

Francis Garnier admitted in his memoirs that 

he had become “mad about the Mekong”. Some 

145 years later, having spent just a few days on 

the Mekong Discovery Trail, I think I know 

what he meant. 


Jetstar Asia fl ies direct to Phnom Penh and 

via Siem Reap three times a week. 


Cambodia 

Siem Reap 

Phnom 

Penh 

Mekong River 

MEKONG 

DISCOVERY 

TRAIL 

Stung Treng 

Kratie 

MAP: DIMAS SALANG

FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 

International@zell-v.com

SOUTHERN 

CHARM Hong 

Look beyond the usual 

hotspots on Hong Kong Island 

— there’s plenty to discover in 

the old-meets-new, laid-back 

Southern District, and with 

fewer crowds too 

WORDS BELINDA WAN 

PHOTOGRAPHY HARYATI MAHMOOD 

Kong is a place that I’ve 

always wanted to visit, but it had 

somehow ended up falling by the 

wayside in the scheme of my travel 

plans (although its drama serials were a 

big part of my TV diet). Now, I’ve decided 

to explore the Southern District of Hong 

Kong Island to see how it compares with 

the busier north. 

For the fi rst night, we book into Novotel 

Century Hong Kong (formerly Century 

Hong Kong Hotel) in Wanchai for one last 

dose of conviviality before heading for the 

quieter south. Its minimalistic ambience 

provides a welcome retreat after a night’s 

revelry in the bustling neighbourhood, 

which has been given a booster shot with 

the opening of bars and boutiques. 

BEACHES, MOVIES AND A THEME PARK 

The next morning, we head off to Repulse 

Bay, site of the former 1920s Repulse Bay 

MY JOURNEY // 

Hotel, and the choice residence of the 

rich and famous. Some say the bay was 

once used by pirates, who were repulsed 

by the British fl eet; others say the area 

was named after the HMS Repulse, 

stationed there in the 1840s. Whatever it 

is, this area has been the inspiration for 

writers and fi lmmakers: Eileen Chang’s 

Love in a Fallen City is set in the historic 

Repulse Bay Hotel, which also featured 

in the Hollywood movies Love is a Many 

Splendored Thing and Coming Home. 

Don’t miss the Chinese deities and 

mythological fi gures like the East Sea 

Dragon King at Kwun Yam Shrine — the 

most notable statues being two enormous 

fi gures of Kwun Yam and Tin Hau (or 

Mazu), which grace the left and right of the 

shrine respectively — as well as Longevity 

Pavilion and Longevity Bridge. 

The Ocean Park Hong Kong provides 

plenty to see and do, whatever your age. 

Seek peaceful respite at 

Longevity Pavilion and the 

nearby Longevity Bridge 

051

Main Offi ce 

70 Eu Tong Sen Street Singapore 059805 

Tel: 65389233 65384222 

Fax: 65384233 

E-mail: info@yuehwa.com.sg 

Website: www.yuehwa.com.sg 

Jurong Point Branch 

63 Jurong West Central 3, 

Jurong Point Shopping Centre 

#03-05/06/07, Singapore 648331 

Tel: 68611857 68611865 

Fax: 68611860

PHOTO (RIGHT): BELINDA WAN 

This colourful oceanarium is a marine 

mammal park and animal theme park 

rolled into one. We take the cable car, an 

eight-minute trip which gives us fantastic 

views from the waterfront to the summit, 

205m above sea level. One of Ocean 

Park’s greatest draws is the Giant Panda 

Adventure, an air-conditioned enclosure 

which houses giant pandas Le Le and Ying 

Ying, as well as a red panda (which are 

currently classifi ed as ‘vulnerable’ by the 

International Union for Conservation of 

Nature). And you can gaze at rare goldfi sh 

at Goldfi sh Treasures, part of the Amazing 

Asian Animals section. We are amazed 

by the Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium, and 

manage to catch ‘Emperors of the Sky’ at the 

Bird Theatre , an educational bird show that 

features falcons, owls, parrots and vultures. 

Our friendly cab driver recommends a 

cha chan teng (Chinese tea diner) chain at 

Causeway Bay called Tsui Wah Restaurant 

for dinner, where the Kagoshima soft pork 

noodles is a must-try dish. Our night ends 

with an exploration of the ever-buzzing, 

Sightseers and devotees at Longevity 

Pavilion; RIGHT: Historic 

Bethanie chapel 

trendy hotspot, Times Square, the heart of 

Causeway Bay. The energy here leaves us 

feeling breathless. 

MUSEUMS, MISSIONARIES 

AND MARKETS 

Moving to Traders Hotel in the quaint 

Shek Tong Tsui in the Western District 

puts us in an area of great historical 

signifi cance. Queen’s Road was the fi rst 

road built in Hong Kong between 1841 

and 1843, shares Kanson Yeung, one of 

the hotel’s helpful bell service staff . 

We decide to devote a day to Hong Kong’s 

history. On the top of the list has to be the 

BNP Paribas Museum of Bethanie, where 

the hourly guided tour comes highly 

recommended. Bethanie House, as it was 

known in 1875, was built by Missions 

Étrangères de Paris (French Mission) as a 

sanatorium. After the mission’s departure 

in the 1940s, and many changes of hands 

later, the building now belongs to the Hong 

Kong Academy for Performing Arts and is 

the new campus for the Academy’s School 

of Film and Television. After restoration, 

stained-glass windows, an altar and the 

statues of the 12 apostles were recovered 

for the Neo-Gothic chapel; while old wine 

bottles, church artefacts and old sinks are 

displayed throughout the museum. 

Stanley is an area rich in history — 

and it’s where you’ll fi nd the Hong Kong 

Maritime Museum, the Old Stanley Police 

Station, Stanley Post Offi ce and the Stanley 

Military Cemetery. The Maritime Museum, 

located at Murray House, was moved here 

stone by stone, from its original site in 

Central in the 2000s, and is one of the area’s 

oldest surviving buildings. The museum, 

divided into two galleries — ancient and 

modern — has more than 500 fascinating 

exhibits detailing the development of 

ancient and modern ships, artefacts, 

paintings and trade goods; and how China, 

Asia and the West developed their boats, 

ships and naval technology. 

The Old Stanley Police Station, built 

in 1859, has now morphed into a cosy 

Wellcome supermarket with antique 

wooden fl ooring, old photographs — and 

even a fi replace upstairs. The Post Offi ce, 

MY EPIPHANY 

My fi rst trip to Hong Kong was made all the 

more fruitful because I made a conscious 

effort to step out of my comfort zone, and take 

less-trodden paths to unearth stories about the 

island’s rich history and culture. While shopping 

and eating are still must-dos, they are far from 

being the only activities in this multi-faceted, 

restless cosmopolitan city. While not an oftmentioned, 

must-visit part of Hong Kong, the 

south is a unique area steeped in history just 

waiting to be uncovered — and I’m glad I did. 

MY JOURNEY // 

053

MY JOURNEY 

054 

the oldest of Hong Kong’s 130 post offi ces, is 

charmingly old school. Check out the super 

rare, red cast-iron British post box engraved 

with George VI’s emblem, and the manual 

brass stamp dispensers on the wall. 

History buff s should not miss the 

Military Cemetery, which is a sobering but 

peaceful sight on a weekday. The cemetery 

holds members of the British garrison and 

their families stationed in Hong Kong from 

1841 to 1866, as well as almost 600 World 

War II burials, including unidentifi ed 

graves and the graves of prisoners who 

perished after the British surrender at 

Stanley Camp. 

Take time to admire Stanley Beach and 

the nearby Blake Pier. And a shopping trip 

to the famous Stanley Market is a must. 

While touristy, this extensive network of 

small stalls set along the waterfront selling 

everything — from T-shirts and trinkets to 

toys and stamps — is a perfect pick-me-up 

for the spirits. You can bargain as much as 

you like here! 


Jetstar fl ies direct to Hong Kong from 

Singapore up to 18 times a week. 


CLOCKWISE: Stanley Beach is popular 

with families and beach lovers; do some 

serious shopping at Stanley Market; an 

underwater suit on display at Hong Kong 

Maritime Museum’s modern gallery 

TAKE ME THERE 

NOVOTEL CENTURY HONG KONG 

238 Jaffe Rd, Wanchai, 

tel: +852 2598 8888 

THE REPULSE BAY 

109 Repulse Bay Rd, 

Hong Kong Island, 

tel: +852 2292 2883, 

therepulsebay.com 

OCEAN PARK HONG KONG 

Aberdeen, Hong Kong Island, 

tel: +852 3923 2323, 

oceanpark.com.hk 

TSUI WAH RESTAURANT 

G/F, 20-22 Cannon St, Causeway 

Bay, tel: +852 2573 4338, 

tsuiwahrestaurant.com 

TRADERS HOTEL, HONG KONG 

508 Queen’s Rd West, 

Western District, 

tel: +852 2974 1234 

BNP PARIBAS MUSEUM 

OF BETHANIE 

139 Pokfulam Rd (next to Chinese 

Cuisine Training Institute), 

tel: +852 2584 8918 

HONG KONG MARITIME MUSEUM 

G/F, Murray House, Stanley, tel: +852 

2813 2322, hkmaritimemuseum.org 

OLD STANLEY POLICE STATION 

88 Stanley Village Rd 

STANLEY POST OFFICE 

2 Wong Ma Kok Rd 

STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY 

31 Wong Ma Kok Rd (walk 10 minutes 

along Wong Ma Kok Rd towards 

Stanley Fort) 

STANLEY MARKET 

Stanley New St 

PHOTO (BOTTOM): BELINDA WAN

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HUB // 

TAAL A TALE 

If you need respite from the 

busy Manila capital, follow 

the locals to Tagaytay 

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY LESTER LEDESMA 

The highway stretches before you, its 

concrete curves meandering past an 

idyllic backdrop of pine trees and 

rolling hills. You are traversing a ridgeline 

600m above the sea. Up here, thin fog 

cavorts with afternoon sunlight, casting 

a warm, orange glow on the surrounding 

landscape. To your right is a carpet of green; 

on your left is that postcard-perfect view 

of Lake Taal, its volcanic island spewing a 

feathery smoke trail, far down below. Here, 

the air is fresh and the winds are cool; this is 

The simple life 

nothing like hot, dusty, noisy Manila. 

Its hard to believe you’ve travelled a mere 

50km south of the Philippines’ bustling 

capital. For decades, the Lake Taal area 

has off ered Manileños a quick and easy 

getaway from the big city. It lies right at the 

heart of Batangas province, its 234 sq km 

surface area taking up a huge chunk of the 

Southern Tagalog region. 

This is no ordinary lake — Lawa ng Taal 

is, in fact, the mouth of a vast caldera that 

was formed in ancient times. Throughout 

057

HUB 

the centuries, it has fi gured prominently in 

local history and folklore. Credit that to its 

moody resident volcano, which has erupted 

more than 30 times in the last 400 years. 

Some of these eruptions have been quite 

catastrophic, burying coastal towns and 

sending clouds of ash as far as the country’s 

northern provinces some 500 km away. 

Despite the area making recent headlines 

with its minor earthquakes, Taal has 

thankfully stayed quiet and remains a 

popular weekend destination. Proof of 

this comes every Saturday morning, when 

Manila’s highways get a familiar upsurge in 

southbound traffi c. Visitors troop to these 

parts for a variety of reasons; some wish 

to take in the local culture of the lakeside 

towns, while others go for more outdoorsy 

pursuits. The rest are content to just hang 

around and get comfy in this incredibly 

scenic setting. Here are our favourite ways 

to enjoy a weekend by the lake. 

THE VIEW FROM ON HIGH 

Your fi rst-ever glimpse of these legendary 

waters will be from the city on the ridge. 

Located high above the northern shores 

of Taal, Tagaytay enjoys the best aerial 

view of the lake, which can be seen plainly 

throughout the city’s entire length – you 

can’t miss it after you’ve entered the main 

highway that runs parallel to the ridge. Feel 

free to stop by the roadside to take in that 

awesome vista, or savour it from a table 

at one of the many restaurants lining the 

highway. Tagaytay’s popularity with the 

Manila folk has resulted in a cosmopolitan 

dining scene, with food places ranging from 

simple nipa hut eateries serving traditional 

Filipino fare — think piping hot, beef 

bulalo stew, or crispy, deep-fried crablets 

on steamed rice — to decidedly swankier 

aff airs serving anything from Indian 

to Italian. 

There’s even a handful of restaurants 

that have become attractions in themselves. 

One of these is the long-running 

Mushroomburger — a humble fastfood 

joint that has cooked up its unique, 

mushroom-infused burgers for more than 

25 years now. On a grander (and much 

058 

classier) scale is Sonya’s Garden, with its 

verdant countryside environs that see 

diners coming back time and again. Owner 

Sonya Garcia remembers the time over a 

decade ago when her private home-turnedresto 

merely entertained friends. “I used 

to have only one building for my guests”, 

she recalls. “Tagaytay has gotten busier 

since then and we’ve had to keep up with 

the times.” She’s not complaining, of course 

— her establishment now has an attached 

day spa, bed-and-breakfast cottages and a 

souvenir shop. 

TAAL IS WHERE SOME 

OF THE BATANGAS 

PROVINCE’S OLDEST 

SETTLEMENTS 

WERE STARTED 

TOP-BOTTOM: Hire boats 

are widely available for an 

upclose encounter with the 

volcano; jeepney around; 

fresh, locally grown produce 

A TOWN BY THE LAKE 

An hour’s drive south from Tagaytay 

brings you back to the lowlands and onto 

the southern coast of Taal. You know 

you’ve reached it when you start hearing 

the locals speak Filipino in their distinctive 

Batangueño accent. This is the heartland of 

the Batangas province, where some of its 

oldest settlements were started. When the 

Spanish conquistadors fi rst arrived here in 

1570, they found the area to be a bustling 

centre of commerce, with the natives 

already trading with merchants from other 

islands. Many of these early settlements 

survive to this day. Modern cities like Lipa 

and Tanauan retain their original names 

despite centuries of colonisation and 

development.

060 

The lifestyle 

of a bygone 

era remains 

evident in the 

town of Taal 

The lifestyle of a bygone era, however, 

remains evident in the town of Taal. Located 

close to the lakeside, this community proudly 

bears its heritage in the countless Spanish-era 

structures that line its streets. Classic bahay na 

bato houses still stand along the main avenue, 

their delicate wooden façades looking largely 

unchanged for 200 years. Some of these 

were home to revolutionary heroes, as Taal 

in its 1800s heyday was a stronghold of the 

independence movement against Spain. Head 

on down to the main plaza to see Taal’s most 

impressive landmark, the massive, circa-1800’s 

Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours — said to be 

the biggest church in Asia — before raiding 

the nearby market for local handicrafts and 

souvenirs. A hearty Batangueño meal awaits 

at Taal Bistro, which serves the delectable 

ensaladang Taal — a salad of fresh eggplant, 

tomatoes and onions topped with salted egg 

and traditional shrimp paste. Pair this with a 

plateful of deep-fried local tawilis fi sh, before 

topping it off with a cup of strong, steaming 

barako coff ee. 

THE VOLCANO UP CLOSE 

The best way to get to know this lake is to visit 

its smouldering resident. A steep drive from 

Tagaytay leads you to the shores of Talisay, 

where hired boats can take you on a 30-minute 

ride to the volcano island. Bulkang Taal off ers 

trekkers a fairly challenging hour-long climb.

The island vegetation thrives on fertile volcanic 

soil, covering the lava scars with a layer of 

greenery. Large boulders abound, composed 

of the dark, igneous rock expelled from within 

Taal. And on its mountain trails, exposed 

layers of scorched earth bear witness to the 

constant cycle of destruction and rebirth. 

Unusual as these features may be, the real 

lure of the volcano lies inland, at its highest 

peak. Among red, oxidised soil and smoking 

vapour vents is the main crater, housing a 

lake of sulphur and water: a lovely sight, 

but be advised that you’re looking at one of 

the world’s smallest, prettiest — and 

deadliest — volcanoes. 


Jetstar Asia fl ies direct to Manila up to three 

times daily. Book online at 

TAKE ME THERE 

HUB // 

MUSHROOMBURGER 

Km. 60 Aguinaldo Hwy, 

Tagaytay City, 

tel: +63 (0) 46 413 1330, 

mushroomburger.com.ph 

SONYA’S GARDEN 

Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, 

tel: +63 (0) 917 532 9097, 

sonyasgarden.com 

TAAL BISTRO 

Calle A. De las Alas, Poblacion, 

Taal, Batangas 

TAAL LAKE YACHT CLUB 

Offers boat rentals and guide 

services to volcano island 

Talisay, Batangas, tel: +63 (0) 43 

773 0192, sailing.org.ph/tlyc 

CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN: 

The locals still use 

traditional transport; the 

local produce beckons ; 

the mysterious volcano 

lures visitors to Taal 

061

IN THE AIR WITH 

Jetstar introduces 

web check-in 

JETSTAR NEWS 

Passengers on Jetstar Asia fl ights can now 

check-in online at Jetstar.com – up to two 

days before their travel date! 

Jetstar has launched web check-in for 

travel on selected Jetstar Asia routes – 

including fl ights from Singapore to Bali, 

Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala 

Lumpur, Penang and Taipei. 

For fl ights with a web check-in service, 

passengers can check-in at Jetstar.com 

between 48 and two hours prior to their fl ight 

departure. If the return fl ight is within seven 

days of the fi rst departure, passengers can 

also check in online for both sectors. 

After web check-in, passengers simply 

proceed to the Jetstar check-in counter to 

verify documents, and will receive boarding 

passes on the spot. 

Web check-in services for other Jetstar 

Asia destinations will be rolled out in the 

near future. 

For more information, visit Jetstar.com. 

63 Jetstar Asia News 

64 Jetstar Asia Fan Club 

69 international destinations 

90 when we fl y 

92 where we fl y 

94 transfer desk 

95 your wellbeing / did you know? 

063

FAN CLUB 

Fly away with 

Jetstar Asia 

KEANE WANG 

Guilin 

With the introduction of Jetstar’s fl ight to 

Guilin, my wife and I fi nally got to travel 

there within our budget. In Guilin, we 

visited the Seven Star Cave, which is truly 

magnifi cent. The lighting within further 

beautifi es the entire cave interior, and we 

were very impressed. From Guilin, we took 

a fi ve-hour Li River Cruise along Li Jiang to 

Yangshuo, south-west of Guilin city. The 

Li River Cruise allowed us to truly indulge 

in the beautiful waterway and enjoy the 

unique mountains, peaceful green fi elds, 

farms and villages, with water buffalos 

and cows wandering around on both 

sides of the river bank. In Yangshuo, we 

travelled around the town by bicycle. We 

064 

thought it was the best way to experience 

the culture of the town. We also tried 

bamboo rafting in Yulong River, which was 

a different experience compared to the Li 

River Cruise. For dinner, we had beer fi sh, 

a local speciality, and defi nitely worth 

trying. We had that for dinner every night! 

After dinner, the locals recommended we 

watch the Liu Sanjie Impression. It’s a 

large-scale performance with about 3,000 

performers by the riverside. Through the 

show, we experienced the culture of the 

ethnic minorities, the beautiful scenery of 

the Li River and astonishing performing 

arts. Thank you, Jetstar for a unique and 

wonderful trip! 

MELISSA SIM 

Cambodia 

Our group of fi ve friends fl ew to Cambodia 

on the fi rst fl ight out to Phnom Penh. We 

were going to take part in an Ultimate 

Frisbee competition. The weekend was 

non-stop action, running and throwing 

and catching, with lots of good food and 

soothing massages at night. We decided to 

tour the area and we thoroughly enjoyed 

the sights by the river. We shopped at the 

Russian Market and indulged in local food 

like mee cha and lok cha [noodle dishes]. 

Of course, we did not forget to treat 

the birthday boy among us to a yummy 

chocolate cake. Later on, we went to a 

home for underprivileged children, where 

we spent a few hours playing volleyball 

and chatting with more than 40 kids. We 

left just before nightfall to catch our plane 

back to Singapore, but needless to say 

it was a fun-fi lled weekend packed with 

activity and a lot of heart. The birthday 

boy told me it was the best present ever 

— spending his birthday afternoon putting 

smiles on the faces of kids. Perhaps a new 

birthday tradition is in order! 

About the competition 

Every issue, up to 20 lucky passengers with winning travel stories will be 

rewarded with a S$500 travel voucher in $100 denominations (suitable for 

use on all 3K/VF coded fl ights). 

If you would like to have a shot at this opportunity, tell us about a 

recent Jetstar Asia trip. Stories are not to exceed 300 words and must be 

accompanied by three photos (300dpi minimum). Send in your entries to 

us at fanclub@jetstarasia.com. 

Winners will be required to pay all airport taxes, administrative and 

handling fees for each fl ight. Jetstar Asia will absorb base airfares incurred. 

Jetstar Asia magazine reserves the right to use all submitted entries 

in its promotional material and to edit text for clarity. Other terms and 

conditions apply. 

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SINGAPORE: ORLAND PUNZALAN; PHNOM PENH: LESTER LEDESMA 

Lau Pa Sat 

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE 

Cynthia Yee 

Marketing and communication 

manager, Paradise Group 

Holdings, paradisegroup.com.sg 

BEST BREAKFAST: Any local coffee shop 

that serves great local coffee, kaya butter 

toast and half-boiled eggs. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Paradise 

Dynasty at ION Orchard serves affordable 

Chinese cuisine in a gorgeous imperial, designer 

setting – don’t miss the eight types of xiao long 

bao (soup dumplings) in unique fl avours like 

black truffl e, foie gras, ginseng and cheese. 

BEST PLACES TO PARTY WITH THE GANG: 

Zouk is a nightlife institution in Singapore, 

or there’s always Boat Quay and Clarke Quay for 

a tour of bars and pubs. The Butter Factory has a 

great crowd mix and music as well. 

MUST-BUY GIFT: Bengawan Solo’s kueh 

lapis cakes. They are easy to bring with 

you, and best represent multi-layered Singapore! 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: Take 

the MRT (metro) and skip taxis to avoid 

jams. It’s a great way to travel around to tourist 

attractions, and is very affordable too. 

FROM THE AIRPORT 

CBD 20km 

Travel time 20-30 

mins by car 

Taxi Approx S$20 

with a surcharge 

of S$3-5 

Airport shuttle 

services Go to most 

hotels for S$9 adult, 

S$6 child, one way 

MRT The city is 27 

mins away by train 

for less than S$3 

ON THE GO 

MRT An effi cient, 

air-conditioned and 

clean subway across 

the island. 

Independence 

Monument 

PHNOM PENH CAMBODIA 

Alain Brun 

CEO, Artisans d’Angkor 

BEST BREAKFAST: At the FCC Phnom Penh, you can 

choose to enjoy your large breakfast while 

facing either the windy riverfront or the national 

museum. Either of the sights is great and relaxing, 

and will set the right mood for a late weekend or 

holiday breakfast. 

BEST PLACE TO PARTY WITH THE GANG: Certainly 

Studio 182 for jazz lovers, but also for 

people who appreciate a cosy atmosphere to drink 

their perfect cocktails in. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: You can fi nd a 

unique range of arts and crafts and silk 

products in Artisans d’Angkor boutique (in front of 

the Central Post Offi ce), all made by hand and in 

Cambodia. Out of these, I recommend buying silk 

purses, scarves and soapstone animals. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): Poly 

statues in wood at Artisans d’Angkor. 

FAVOURITE LOCAL FESTIVAL: The Water 

Festival in November, which is not only a 

boat-racing event, but an annual occasion. 

INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES 


CBD 7km from Phnom 

Penh International 

Airport 

Travel time City 

centre is around 30 

mins by car 

Taxi Approx US$7 

(S$8.68) 

Moto US$2 (S$2.48) 

for a ride on the back 

of a motorcycle 

Tuk-tuk About US$4 

(S$4.96) 

ON THE GO 

Moto Trips in the city 

are usually a mere 

US$1 (S$1.24). It’s 

probably the cheapest 

way to travel. 

069


SIEM REAP CAMBODIA 

070 

Tiani Chillemi 

General manager, 

The Siem Reap Hostel 

LOCAL DELICACIES: Spiders! That’s right 

— big, fat, hairy giant spiders that are 

deep-fried whole. The locals love to eat them as 

a snack, usually served by local women in the 

marketplaces and at street-side stalls on large 

platters. If you’re still hungry, try the crickets, 

beetles, larvae, snails, frogs, silk worms or 

embryo eggs. Yes, no kidding. 

LOCAL RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY TO 

WATCH: A great way to see the heart 

and soul of Siem Reap is by hiring a bicycle, and 

slowly making your way along the river towards 

the temples. You’ll see local stalls, traditional 

Cambodian houses, people trading, eating, 

sleeping and just going about their lives. Stick to 

the river and you can’t get lost. 

FAVOURITE LOCAL FESTIVAL: Bon Om 

Tuk takes place over three days and is the 

largest festival on the Cambodian calendar. It 

celebrates the changing of directional fl ow of the 

Tonle Sap River as well as the start of fi shing. 

See parts of Angkor Wat 

on elephant 


CBD 7km from Siem 

Reap International 

Airport 

Travel time About 15 

mins by car to the 

centre of town 

Taxi US$5 (S$6.20) 

Moto US$1.50 

(S$1.86) for a ride 

on the back of a 

motorcycle. 

ON THE GO 

Tuk-tuk Pay US$4 

(S$4.96) for a ride 

in a remorque-moto 

(a trailer pulled by a 

motorbike) to most 

of the hotels. 

Yangshuo at sunset 

GUILIN CHINA 

Thorstan Fries 

General manager assistant, 

Hotel of Modern 

Art (HOMA), guilinhoma.com 

INSIDER’S TIP: Most tourists who come 

to Guilin seek out restaurants selling 

Western food. Step out of your comfort zone, and 

take a chance at one of the many delicious local 

spots serving Chinese fare. Close your eyes and 

point to something on the menu — it’ll be good. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: When 

buying street merchandise, always 

remember to haggle. 

UNUSUAL FACT: I was told by some locals 

that Guilin was once ruled by warlords. 

Although I’ve been unable to confi rm that, I still 

tell everyone it’s true. 

MUST-EAT: Don’t miss the baozi (steamed 

buns). They’re a great breakfast, tea-time, 

or any-time-of-day snack. 

LOCAL DELICACIES: Guilin mifen (Guilin 

rice noodles) are world-famous, and 

they’ve been a staple in the Guilin diet since the 

Qin dynasty. Have a cup of osmanthus tea on the 

side, and I promise you’ll practically be a local. 


CBD About 

28km from 

Guilin Liangjiang 

International Airport 

Travel time Around 

35mins by car to 

the CBD 

Taxi About CNY80 

(S$15.27) 

Shuttle bus Airport 

Bus services to the 

city from 6.30am to 

9pm. About CNY20 

(S$3.82) 

ON THE GO 

Boat A great way 

to see the stunning 

mountain views. 

Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Royal Bay Inn 

Angkor resort 

Tel: +855 (0)63 760 500/502 

Fax: +855 (0)63 760 503 

Email: sales@royalbayinnangkor.com 

Website: www.royalbayinnangkor.com

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HAIKOU CHINA 

Duncan Yu 

Director of sales and marketing, 

Sheraton Haikou Resort 

LOCAL RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY TO 

WATCH: The Impression Hainan show 

directed by Zhang Yimou, and his team Wang 

Chaoge and Fan Yue. Zhang Yimou was the 

director of the opening and closing ceremonies 

of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The venue 

is only three minutes’ drive from Sheraton 

Haikou Resort. 

FAVOURITE LOCAL FESTIVAL: The Hainan 

Happy Festival is the grandest local 

festival, and is held at different places every year. 

Not only can you enjoy the various cultures, but 

you can also taste the characteristic cuisines. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Hao Bai Nian 

Seafood Restaurant located on the west 

coast is a short eight-minute drive from Sheraton 

Haikou Resort. It’s a beachfront restaurant 

with great views and a relaxed environment for 

seafood fi ne dining. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Seaview Lounge to 

enjoy the Philippine band on the terrace. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: Hainan 

coffee is a special local product. It’s more 

smooth and mellow than other coffees. 

I LOVE HAIKOU BECAUSE: Of its weather, 

sea, sand, seafood and hot springs. 


CBD 25km from 

Haikou Meilan 


Travel time City 

centre is around 30 

mins by car 

Taxi Approx CNY50 

(S$9.55) 

Airport express 

CNY15 (S$2.86); fi rst 

shuttle is at 5.30am; 

takes about 30 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. Tourist buses No. 

1, 2 and New Meilai 

link attractions like 

Wugong Temple and 

Hai Rui Park for just 

CNY1 (S$0.19). 

2. Pedicab Threewheeled 

bicycle 

available from CNY2 

(S$0.38). 

HANGZHOU CHINA 

Alleen Wu 

Public relations manager, Four 

Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at 

West Lake 

BEST BREAKFAST: Rice congee with fried 

dough sticks, noodles with soy sauce and 

shallot pieces and soya milk. It’s a very traditional 

food for locals at breakfast. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Jin Sha 

Chinese restaurant features traditional 

Jiang Nan architecture and is nestled on the 

shore of West Lake, wrapped in gardens and 

willow trees, fl oating on a serene lagoon. It’s like 

dining in a Chinese dream. The cuisine comprises 

authentic Hangzhounese, Shanghainese and 

Cantonese dishes that have been reinvented. Jin 

Sha’s cuisine is lighter and healthier — and uses 

the fi nest local ingredients in its dishes. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Hefang Street. It’s 

viewed as a valuable historical relic in 

Hangzhou. There are the touristy highlights: 

swords, masks, paintings, stamps, and tea. There 

are also occasional Chinese traditional parades in 

this street. 

BEST PLACE TO PARTY WITH THE GANG: 

I would certainly recommend heading to 

Nanshan Road, which takes on a fashionable, 

exquisite and casual look in the evening light 

— especially with about 10 cafés, more than 10 

pubs, and six eye-catching teahouses. 


Nansan temple in Sanya Cruise the West lake 


CBD 30km from 

Hangzhou Xiaoshan 


Travel time CBD is 

around 30-60 mins 

by car 

Taxi About CNY90 

(S$17.18) Shuttle 

bus Airport Bus 

services to the city 

every 15-20mins; 

CNY20 (S$3.82) 

ON THE GO 

1. Bus Any with a Y 

before the number 

will take you to a 

tourist site for CNY3- 

5 (less than S$1). 

2. Bike Rentals are 

CNY300 (S$57.24) 

with two-thirds 

deposit paid fi rst. 

3. Taxi CNY10 

(S$1.91) under 3km. 

073


HONG KONG CHINA 

074 

Jo-Anne Dooner 

Co-founder/director, 

Get Reading Right 

GREAT PLACE FOR LUNCH: Hometown 

Dumpling on Wellington Street in Central 

serves the best, and probably the cheapest, 

dumplings in Hong Kong. Try the cold soy milk 

drink — it’s probably an acquired taste, but once 

you’re hooked, you’re truly hooked. 

BEST PLACE TO HANG OUT WITH THE 

LOCALS: Go to a dai pai dong, those 

street-side restaurants you’ll fi nd in Hong Kong 

Island’s Central district or Causeway Bay. 


The bar street at Lan Kwai Fong is Hong 

Kong’s party central. Think beer, booming hits 

from the last few decades and loads of vodka jelly 

shots. Not the classiest place on earth, but fun. 

INSIDER’S TIP: Shops open late (around 

10am) and close late (after 10pm) — which 

gives you time to take a leisurely breakfast before 

getting serious with your shopping. 

MOST UNUSUAL THING TO DO: Go for 

a foot massage. Traditional Chinese 

refl exology does wonders for tired feet, and is 

supposed to have all sorts of health benefi ts. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: Buy an 

Octopus Card. It is so useful that it can be 

used for anything! 

The Peak Tower Night view of Macau and 

the Penha Hill 


CBD 30km from 

Hong Kong 


Travel time CBD 

is around 20 mins 

by car 

Taxi About HK$300 

(S$47.87) and 45 

mins to the CBD 

Shuttle bus The 

Airport Express 

services Central, 

Kowloon, Jordan 

and Tsing Yi Island. 

www.mtr.com.hk 

ON THE GO 

1. Ferry These are 

cheap and scenic. 

2. Bus Go around 

the entire territory 

with coins or the 

handy Octopus Card. 

3. Train Runs ’til 

after midnight. 

MACAU CHINA 

Michel Molliet 

Vice president, 

Sofi tel Greater China 

BEST BREAKFAST: Located right in the 

centre of the city, Caravela provides a 

traditional Portuguese breakfast. Enjoy a glass 

of Portuguese galão (coffee with milk) and 

the traditional tosta mista (toast with cheese 

and ham). 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Casino-hopping for top 

night entertainment and bars. Or you can 

choose a world-class performance at the Macau 

Cultural Central followed by drinks. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: A tasty 

Macau Portuguese egg tart. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): An 

item from the antique shops near the 

Ruins of St. Paul’s. Don’t forget to bargain for a 

good price! 

MUST-BUY GIFT: A traditional Chinesestyle 

antique box. 

INSIDER’S TIP: You have to lose yourself 

in the small lanes and alleys that are full 

of the characteristic architecture that’s a mix of 

Chinese and Portuguese infl uences. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: Credit 

cards are not accepted in taxis. 

MUST-EATS: Defi nitely the Portuguese egg 

tarts and dim sum. 


CBD 9km from 

Macau International 

Airport 

Travel time Central 

Macau is around 20 

mins by car 

Taxi Approx MOP40 

(S$6.20) 

Bus These operate 

all day from the bus 

station outside the 

arrival hall to the 

border and Coloane 

ON THE GO 

Walking Macau’s 

back alleys and 

charming streets are 

best explored on 

foot — so you can 

discover unexpected 

nooks and crannies, 

or holes-in-the-wall. 

Tourists can refer to 

maps from tourist 

offi ce branches.

Maybe y it’s time to outsource…your dating life 

Navigating tod today’s complex dating scene can be daunting, and 

busy professionals often wonder who to turn to for advice. We sat down with Anisa 

Hassan, author annd 

Managing Director of It’s Just Lunch Asia, to discuss the difficulties 

of dating for singgles 

on the go. Here’s some of the savvy advice she gives to her clients. 

What typically gets between singles and a rewarding 

dating life? 

The top three challenges are making the time, knowing where to find like minded people 

and protecting personal privacy. The problem is hardly about getting a date. Rather, 

connecting with someone interesting whom you’re also attracted to. We also work with 

people who have recently moved or who have ended a long term relationship – these are 

the people who don’t know where to start looking. The online scene seems to be the 

last thing for many of them because security, authenticity and privacy are never 

guaranteed. 

What really sets IJL apart from other dating 

options out there? 

Our personal touch has made our service distinct and unique. We spend 

time understanding our clients’ preferences and apply our instincts to 

find a good match. We listen attentively to our clients’ needs and we 

provide options and recommendations that we see fit. We have an open 

communication with our clients and refine our search throughout their 

dating process. Most importantly, we value our clients’ confidentiality 

and will do everything to keep their private lives, private. 

Real People. Real Dates.

SHANTOU: JANA TAN 

Lotus Peak 

stone engravings 

SHANTOU CHINA 

Tide Lin 

Mechanical engineer, translator/ 

interpreter 

BEST BREAKFAST: Rice noodles or rice 

soup, which you can get anywhere. The 

simple fl avour of either dish is a good way to start 

the day. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Anywhere in 

Shantou’s Xiaogongyuan region, where 

the city originated. It has now become one of the 

best places to fi nd delicious speciality food. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Visit a teahouse to 

spend the evening snacking and soaking 

in the convival atmosphere. 


Queshi Scenic Spot, where you can fi sh, 

climb and barbecue. It is also a good place to 

take in the surrounding mountains, caves and still 

have a view of the sea. 

MUST-BUY GIFT: Tea and teapots produced 

locally in Shantou. Tea-drinking is a big 

thing here, particularly the specially brewed Gongfu 

Tea, which is best savoured slowly. 

INSIDER’S TIP: Bargaining is a handy skill 

to have when browsing in the smaller 

shops, as you can reduce up to 30-70 per cent off 

the original asking price. 

MUST-EATS: Rice noodles served in a soup 

with meatballs. 


CBD 13km from 

Shantou 

Waisha Airport 

Travel time About 

20 mins 

Taxi Approx CNY30 

(S$5.72) 

Shuttle bus Departs 

for the city and 

costs CNY10 (S$1.91) 

per person 

ON THE GO 

1. Citybus Many 

city buses will take 

you to every corner 

of the city, as well 

as nearby tourist 

destinations. 

2. Taxi These 

start from CNY7-9 

(S$1.34-1.72). Opt 

for cheaper motortricycles 

for as low 

at CNY5 (S$0.95). 

BALI INDONESIA 

Bruno Vaillant 

Director, 

Alfa International 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Sip Wine Bar, 

located in the centre of Seminyak next to 

Bintang Market. This is a great place for people 

watching and to enjoy fantastic food, wine and 

service. I recommend trying the beef tartare 

and cassoulet with a glass of Dominique Portet 

Fontaine Cab/Shiraz. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Go for a walk along 

Jalan Petitenget, where you will fi nd tons 

of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that are open 

’til the wee hours. If you’re looking for something 

slightly more upscale, check out the Living Room, 

Metis, Hu’u or Ku De Ta. All these places have 

great atmospheres, and exceptional wine and 

drink lists. 


Almost anywhere along Jalan Legian is 

fun. I enjoy Double Six, as it’s located right on 

the beach and has live DJs spinning most days of 

the week. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): Treat 

yourself to a couple of nights at the Legian 

Bali, with a few days at their world-class spa. 

Trust me, you will never want to leave. 

MUST-BUY GIFTS: Check out the local 

markets, especially those in Ubud. 


Making offerings 

to the gods 


CBD 15km from 

Denpasar’s Ngurah 

Rai Airport 

Travel time Kuta 

Beach is around 10 

mins by car 

Taxi About 

IDR30,000 (S$4.35) 

Shuttle bus 

Most hotels offer 

complimentary 

pick-up 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi Get your 

hotel to order one 

for you and try your 

best to arrange a 

return trip. 

2. Hired car The only 

way to go beyond 

the city and into the 

villages. Hiring a 

driver only costs 

a little more. 

077


Kota Tua 

JAKARTA INDONESIA 

078 

Leif Cocks 

Founder/president, 

Australian Orangutan Project, 

www.orangutan.org.au 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: The best Italian 

meals that I have ever had have been at 

Bruschetta Restaurant, located on the second 

fl oor of the Borobudur Hotel. It has great food and 

service, and the breads and soups that they serve 

are the best. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: Mobile 

roaming can be expensive here. Buy yourself 

a cheap mobile phone, SIM card and a pre-paid 

voucher. Get the phone shop to set up the SIM card 

and help you do the registering with the service 

provider before you leave the shop, so you won’t 

need to fi gure it all out later. 

INSIDER’S TIP: Buy yourself a good batik 

shirt. These are easy to pack, and a good 

way to look formal when you need to — without 

doing the entire suit-and-tie thing. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: Always get 

yourself a Blue Bird Group taxi. You will get 

great service and no hassle. But do watch out for 

imitations, as not all blue taxis are Blue Birds. 


CBD 20km from 

Soekarno-Hatta 


Travel time Allow at 

least 40 mins by car 

(depending on the 

traffi c conditions) 

Taxi IDR120,000 

(S$17.40) to the 

CBD, including the 

charges 

DAMRI bus 

IDR15,000 (S$2.18) 

ON THE GO 

Taxi One of the 

most reliable taxi 

companies in Jakarta 

is Blue Bird. 

Masjid Raya 

MEDAN INDONESIA 

Idawati Onggo 

Public relations manager, 

Grand Angkasa 

International Hotel 

BEST BREAKFAST: Lontong sayur (rice 

dumplings with vegetables), nasi lemak 

and much more. Medanese are used to having 

a heavy breakfast to start the day, so just a few 

slices of bread isn’t enough for us. 

BEST PLACES FOR DINNER: Cemara Asri, 

Selat Panjang or Jalan Semarang. These 

are the few places where local food is only served 

at night. 

MOST UNUSUAL THING TO DO: Eat 

durians by the roadside. You may ask for 

an exchange directly if the durian fl avour doesn’t 

suit your taste without being charged for the 

unsuitable one. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): Kopi 

luwak. This coffee has become the mostwanted 

item for coffee lovers now. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: Try to 

bargain if you are buying things, except for 

food or when in shopping centres. Getting a local 

to accompany you is generally better. 


CBD 15km from 

Polonia International 

Airport 


around 20 mins by car 

Taxi Abt IDR40,000 

(S$5.80) 

Bus Ask about 

unscheduled local 

buses when you arrive 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi Many taxis 

don’t use meters. 

Express Taxis is one 

reputable company. 

2. Bus Minibuses cost 

for about IDR3,000 

(S$0.44) to board. 

JAKARTA: ORLAND PUNZALAN; MEDAN: LESTER LEDESMA

SURABAYA INDONESIA 

Clara Wibisono 

Online distribution executive, 

Sheraton Surabaya 

Hotel & Towers 

BEST BREAKFAST: Kafe Bromo at Sheraton 

Surabaya Hotel & Towers offers a tasty, 

hot buffet breakfast with Indonesian and 

continental menus. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Lung Yuan 

Chinese Restaurant is one of the best 

choices to enjoy your dinner, with its authentic 

Cantonese cuisine. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Seeing the longest 

bridge in Indonesia, Suramadu, that 

connects Surabaya and Madura Island directly. 


Surabaya Town Square, also known 

as SUTOS. It’s one of the biggest food malls 

in town. It is a popular night hangout where 

people, especially youngsters, come for a relaxed 

atmosphere in one of the many outdoor cafés. 

MUST-BUY GIFTS: Shrimp crackers and 

paste, and lapis Surabaya are some of the 

gifts that you can buy at Pasar Genteng. 

SURVIVAL TIPS FOR TOURISTS: Bring 

your lightest and most comfortable 

clothes, and don’t forget to put on sunblock. 

MUST-EAT: Try gado-gado (vegetables, 

eggs, potatoes, rice cake and tofu with 

peanut sauce, complete with crackers). 

At the top of Mt Bromo 


CBD 20km from 

Juanda International 

Airport 

Travel time CBD 

is around 30 mins 

by car 

Taxi Abt IDR50,000 

(S$7.25) 

Bus IDR10,000 

(S$1.45) 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi Blue Bird 

is one of the most 

reputable taxi 

companies around. 

Book at +66 (31) 

372 1234. 

2. Bus There are 

many to take at 

varying low tariffs, 

but they are largely 

unscheduled and 

unregulated, so 

keep that in mind. 

OSAKA JAPAN 

Koichi Ota 

Head chef, Nadaman, Shangri-La 

Hotel, Singapore 

MUST-BUY GIFT: Buy a replica of Osaka-jo 

from the many souvenir shops near the 

castle. Osaka-jo is one of Japan’s most famous 

castles, and played a major role in the unifi cation 

of Japan during the 16th century. 

FAVOURITE LOCAL FESTIVALS: Osaka 

Tenjin sai — a series of Shinto rituals that 

take place at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and other 

locations in the city. It’s known as one of the 

greatest festivals of Japan. Another favourite local 

festival is the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, one 

of the most beloved fi reworks festivals in Osaka. 

It’s been held along the Shin-Yodogawa River 

every year since 1989. 

MOST ROMANTIC SPOT: The Kaiyukan 

Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums 

in the world. The aquarium exhibits numerous 

living things including fi sh, plants, invertebrate 

animals, batrachians, reptiles, birds and 

mammals. The interior makes you feel like 

you’re walking in an underwater world, which 

is very romantic. 

I LOVE OSAKA BECAUSE: The people of 

Osaka are very friendly and warm. In fact, 

they’ll often go out of their way to make friends 

with strangers and tourists. 


Osaka Castle 


Osaka CBD 38km 

from Kansai 


Travel time 50 mins 

by car 

Taxi Approx ¥17,000 

(S$261.31) 

Limousine bus Every 

45 mins at ¥880 

(S$13.52), takes 

50 mins 

Nankai Express Train 

Every 30 mins from 

¥1,390 (S$21.36), 

takes 30 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. The subway 

Effi cient and takes 

you everywhere you 

want to go. 

2. Bicycle Most 

hotels offer bicycle 

hire, as the terrain is 

easy to navigate. 

081


KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA 

082 

Adam Johari Miekha 

Businessman 

BEST BREAKFAST: The spread at Gardens 

Hotel & Residences. It’s a buffetconcept 

restaurant that serves an extensive 

and sumptuous buffet breakfast of local and 

international cuisine. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Sage 

Restaurant & Wine Bar at The Gardens 

Residences. Voted the best restaurant in 

Malaysia, this fi ne-dining establishment serves 

French cuisine with a Japanese twist. It has 

elegant surroundings and great food, and you 

can dine on chef’s degustation menu at the chef’s 

table and watch Chef Daniel K prepare his food 

and surprise you with his creativity. 


Head out to G6, a club at The Gardens 

Mall, or hop to Bangsar, a popular stretch fi lled 

with an endless choice of pubs and restaurants. 

It’s currently very trendy with the beautiful 

people of Kuala Lumpur. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: Head to 

Petaling Street. The choice is endless. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): Kuala 

Lumpur has an extensive list of high-end 

boutiques. Head to The Gardens Mall if you want 

to burn some serious cash. 

A rattan store 


CBD 57km from Kuala 

Lumpur International 

Airport 

Travel time 50 mins 

by car 

Taxi Rates depend on 

your destination and 

are set in advance at 

the counter inside the 

terminal itself 

KLIA Ekspres Train 

Leaves every 15 mins 

and costs MYR35 

(S$14.46) to the city 

ON THE GO 

1. Monorail The best 

way to go to the CBD to 

avoid getting caught 

in the peak hour jams, 

which can get really 

quite crazy. 

2. Taxi Insist on using 

the meter taxis. 

Cheong Fatt 

Tze Mansion 

PENANG MALAYSIA 

Elisa Saw 

Marketing communications 

manager, Hard Rock 

Hotel Penang 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: New Lane, 

Georgetown. When it comes to street food, 

this is one place I would not miss out on. 


It has to be the Hard Rock Café! You 

can get live-band music nightly from 10.30pm 

onwards. For a full-force party on a weekend, 

head over to the Hard Rock Hotel, as the live 

band starts performing at the Lobby Lounge from 

8pm, and then proceed to the Hard Rock Café for 

a nightcap afterwards. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: Cool 

souvenirs for fi ve friends from Batu 

Ferringhi night market. 

MUST-BUY GIFTS: An item from the 

Rock Shop located at Hard Rock Penang 

— where you can get into the Hard Rock 

merchandise-and-pin frenzy. Also, tau sar pheah 

(fl aky pastry stuffed with mung bean mash) — if 

you are not familiar with it, go to the Chowrasta 

market, where you can select from a great variety. 

There, you can also get other locally made food 

items, which make perfect gifts. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: You just 

need to wear shorts and T-shirts to combat 

the hot weather. 


CBD 16km from Penang 


Travel time Around 30 

mins by car to the CBD 

Taxi Approx MYR28 

(S$11.57). Confi rm the 

price before you get in 

the cab 

ON THE GO 

1. Walking Explore 

Penang on foot so 

you can enjoy the 

town’s quiet charm 

and discover secret 

dining spots. 

2. Taxi No meters so 

agree on the fare in 

advance. Fares within 

the city are usually 

under MYR20 (S$8.26). 

3. Trishaws Touristy 

and slightly pricey, 

they are found in front 

of the Cititel Hotel. 

KUALA LUMPUR: ORLAND PUNZALAN

TIRTHA 

BRIDAL 

A magical combination of 

ideal locations , stunning 

architecture and impeccable 

service, experience 

the luxury of a marriage 

match-made in heaven 

with Tirtha Bridal. 

I 

nternationally lauded for 

visionary design and unique 

concept, Tirtha Bridal’s architectural 

masterpieces and their 

inspiring views will leave you 

breathless. 

They offer endless options for 

customising your wedding, allowing 

you to express your unique 

style and personality through décor, 

colour schemes, fl owers, bespoke 

cake creations, stationery 

and bonbonniere. They focus on 

ensuring your wedding is a personal 

affair, refl ecting your story, 

passion and love. Their wedding 

ADVERTORIAL 

assistants offer dedicated service 

designed to customise your wedding 

celebration. They offer Religious 

Ceremonies, as well as Civil 

Registry and commitment or vow 

renewal ceremony options. 

For a gourmet dining experience, 

your reception feast can be prepared 

on-site by Japanese Chef 

de Cuisine Koichiro Hashimoto who 

specialises in world-class French 

cuisine. 

They can also organise a photo 

tour and pre-wedding pictures at 

local destinations to immortalise 

your journey together.A beautifully 

crafted album will be delivered to 

your home following the wedding. 

During your stay they can arrange 

for you to enjoy a range of activities 

like diving, horseback riding, shopping 

and indulgent spa treatments. 

Simply speak to your dedicated 

Tirtha Bridal wedding coordinator. 

Prices start at US$3300.00. 

Email: info@tirthabridal.com 

www.tirthabridal.com

The temples of Bagan 

at sunrise 

YANGON MYANMAR 

Ei Thwe Aung 

Freelance travel consultant, 

www.thenatureactive.com 

BEST IDEA FOR A FAMILY OUTING: 

Kandawgyi Garden, a popular recreation 

centre in Yangon. There are a variety of shady 

trees, beautiful fl ower gardens, playgrounds and 

walkways. Buy souvenirs or eat at the restaurants 

with magnifi cent views of Shwedagon Pagoda 

across the lake. 

INSIDER’S TIP: To break the ice and 

start a conversation, simply ask any 

Burmese man about his preferred tea. He will 

recommend a good teashop and in the process, 

become your friend. Mine is ‘Pop Saint’ from Sate 

Tine Kya Teashop. 

BEST BREAKFAST: Tawwin Hninsi 

Restaurant on Shwegondine Road will give 

you the best choice of local food in town. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: The Mingalar 

Hall in Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, where you 

can witness folk dances and a variety of cultural 

shows during your dinner. 

MUST-EATS: Mohinga — one of the most 

essential all-day meals in Myanmar. It’s 

made of fi sh soup, lemongrass, rice powder, 

ginger and onion and served with thin rice 

noodles. You can fi nd it almost everywhere 

in Yangon. 


CBD 15km from 

Yangon International 

Airport 


30 mins by car to the 

centre of town 

Taxi Approx US$6- 

8 (S$7.44-9.92). 

Confi rm the price 

before you get in 

the cab 

ON THE GO 

1. Walking If you 

are keen to explore 

Yangon’s downtown 

area, it’s best to do 

it on foot so you 

can fully soak up the 

city’s quiet charm 

and unhurried pace. 

2. Taxi No meters, 

but the drivers will 

quote you a usually 

modest going rate. 

Sailing in Auckland 

AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND 

Angela Stone 

Stylist, 

www.angelastone.co.nz 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Harbourside 

Seafood Bar and Grill. It’s a must for all 

those visiting Auckland. It’s simply New Zealand 

seafood at its best with wines from around the 

country — delish! 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Chambers Bar, in the 

CBD. You really need to visit; it’s fi lled 

with panache and when it’s buzzing, you’ll love it. 


SPQR — it’s fi lled with colourful people 

who love to have fun. Whether you dine there or 

just have a yummy glass of wine, it’s so fun. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): 

Something from one of New Zealand’s 

well-known designers, Trelise Cooper. Ladies, 

go buy yourself a garment or two from Trelise — 

you’ll love it forever. 

MUST-BUY GIFT: I would defi nitely say: a 

Boh Runga necklace. 

UNUSUAL FACT: Auckland is the breeding 

ground for the New Zealand sea lion, 

which is the most endangered of the fi ve sea lion 

species in the world. 

BEST IDEA FOR A FAMILY OUTING: 

Butterfl y Creek houses a tropical butterfl y 

house, giant crocodiles, alligators, and more. 



CBD 20km 

from Auckland 



around 45 mins 

by car 

Taxi From NZ$60 

(S$58.99) 

Shuttle bus NZ$30 

(S$29.50), taking 

45–60 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. Jafa cabs This 

is a bicycle with 

bench seats for 

two. It is free if 

you board it within 

the Auckland central 

business district. 

2. Ferry Interislander 

is the main operator 

between Wellington 

(North Island) and 

Picton (South Island). 

085


MANILA PHILIPPINES 

086 

Olivelle Marie P. Pimentel 

Legislative staff offi cer, 

Congressional Oversight Committee 

on Labor and Employment 

BEST BREAKFAST: A buffet breakfast at 

Something Fishy in Libis, Quezon City for 

less than PHP150 (S$4.31). You’ll be surprised by 

the quality of food they offer. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Seaside 

Macapagal Boulevard, where there’s a 

selection of restaurants to choose from. There’s 

also a wet market where you can buy seafood and 

have it cooked at the restaurant of your choice. 

The restaurant will just charge you for 

the cooking. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Greenbelt in Makati for 

restaurants, clubs and malls. 


Manor Superclub in Libis, Quezon City, 

which houses three clubbing rooms, a basement, 

penthouse and terrace. Each area has its distinct 

brand of music. There are also various restaurants 

where you can eat after all-night partying. 

MOST ROMANTIC SPOT: My offi ce is 

situated on Roxas Boulevard, and I have 

the best sunset view every day over Manila Bay. I 

highly recommend that you go to Mall of Asia and 

watch the beautiful sunset there. 

I LOVE MANILA BECAUSE: It never sleeps, 

and has ample restaurants and new malls. 

Calesa in 

Intramuros 


CBD 7km from Ninoy 

Aquino International 

Airport 


around 30 mins by car 

Taxi Approx PHP450 

(S$12.94). Prepaid 

taxis are available 

inside the airport 

terminal and save you 

the hassle of haggling 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi You can usually 

fl ag one down at most 

malls. Be sure to 

always insist on using 

the meter. If the driver 

refuses, just say no 

politely and get out 

from the cab. 

2. Jeepney These 

lorries ply most major 

city roads, and can 

take you anywhere 

along their route. 

TAIPEI TAIWAN 

Wendy Lin 

Regional sales manager for 

Asia Pacifi c, Crystal Cruises, 

crystalcruises.com 

BEST BREAKFAST: Fu Hang Soya Milk. Go 

at 5am – you can forget about getting any 

after 9am. It is located on the 2nd fl oor of Hua 

Shan Market, turn right at the exit of the station. 

Since the menu is only in Chinese, you may need 

to ask for help from a Chinese friend. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): Mr 

Cai Xiao Fang’s china. His work is very 

sophisticated and loved by the Taiwanese. 

MUST-BUY GIFT: Pineapple cake. It is one 

of the few traditional cakes that can truly 

be described as native to Taiwan. The pineapple 

fi lling is inside the pastry. It’s available in most 

tourist shops. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: Don’t 

read the signs in the MRT; you’ll get very 

confused. I’ll give you a hint here – fi nd some nice 

girls and ask them for directions. They will give 

very nice smiles as well. 

MUST-EATS: The small, delicate steamed 

dumplings at Din Tai Fung, which is known 

internationally for its xiao long bao. The black 

truffl e dumpling is a must-try. It is very delicious! 

FAVOURITE LOCAL FESTIVALS: Flower 

Expo. Over 90 per cent of the fl owers and 

vegetation are from fl ower farms around Taiwan. 

Taipei 101 


CBD 40km from 

Taiwan Taoyuan 


Travel time Around 50 

mins by car to get to 

the city centre 

Taxi Approx TW$1,100 

(S$47.63) 

Buses Seven buses 

leave from the airport, 

with some making 

hotel stops. Costs 

TW$110-140 (S$4.76- 

6.06) for an adult and 

TW$43-65 (S$1.86- 

2.81) for a child; takes 

40 to 90 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. Taipei Rapid 

Transit System This 

is defi nitely the most 

effi cient, fuss-free way 

of getting around the 

city, as well as that of 

Greater Taipei.

GUARANTEED 

5 YEARS 

For Porcelain, 

Crowning and 

Implant Treatment 

Rehabilitating from EDENTULOUS (no TEETH at all) to have 

FIXED 12 to 24 PORCELAIN CROWN / IMPLANTS in A WEEK 

Implants Dental: We are doing implants for almost 20 years with mostly Immediate Loading results. 

One implant + one crown fi nished in one day and you can eat directly 

Rehabilitate the whole mouth (8 to 12 implants) plus 12 to 14 porcelain crown + bridgework 

fi nished in one week implant + crown WITH CERAMIL MULTI-X TECHNIQUE FROM GERMANY 

For Lesser price: Crown 350 AUD included root canal treatment if needed. Dental Implant 1200 AUD (+Crown) / each. 

For Quick Result: Teeth in a Day. Porcelain crown/Bridgework fi nished in one day, 14 units Bridgework in one week (Full 

mouth rehabilitation) whether from your broken teeth or no teeth at all. 

For No Stress Procedure: Just sit down in one place and fi nished! No referrals to other specialist because we are the specialist. 

We Do Cosmetic Dentistry: Laser bleaching, laminating for Discoloured teeth, Soft Tissue Grafting, Gum Plastic Surgery for 

Gummy Smile, Bone Grafting. 

 

CEREC Technique from Germany. We make Porcelain Crown, Inlay, Laminating, Bridgework without metal for front teeth 

and posterior teeth for 14 unit bridgework 

No Waiting List just walk-in and get the treatment done on the day you come to the offi ce 

MALL BALI GALERIA 

2nd fl oor No. 2c-58/59 Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai Simpang Dewa Ruci Kuta 

Phone: 766255, 766254 E-mail: rudysald@yahoo.com 

Speak to the dentist (0361-7449911) 

OPEN ON SUNDAY 

Via Mar 

@ Singapore Art Museum 

With its contemporary ambience, 

Via Mar @ SAM serves as the 

perfect place for the most 

satisfying meal. 

JAKARTA OFFICE 

Dharmawangsa Square 

Ground Floor Unit 65, Jakarta 

Phone: (021) 727 88284, Hp. 081 113 7241 

E-mail: mguzt@mac.com 

Come and indulge in our signature 

paellas – seafood paella, squid ink 

paella-and an array of delectable 

tapas including jamon, crispy 

calamares, gambas, with other main 

courses and a ne range of wines. 

Address: 71 Bras Basah Road, #01-03 Singapore Art Museum, 

Singapore 189555, (Entry from Waterloo St or SAM’s lobby entrance) 

Tel: 65 6423 0900 Fax: 65 6423 0400 

Email: viamar@wellborn.com.sg Website: www.viamar-at-sam.com 

INHOUSE DENTAL LAB/CEREC 

GALiLEOS 3D X-RAY (SIRONA) 

BALI 911 DENTAL CLINIC IMPLANT CENTER 

Jl. Patimura No. 9-11 Denpasar, Bali – Indonesia 

Telp. (0361) 249 749, 222 445 • Speak to the Dentist: (0361) 744 0911, 0812 3800911, 0812 3826055 

e-mail: iguizot@indosat.net.id, bali.dentalclinic@yahoo.com 

website: www.ivodent.com, www.bali911dentalclinic.com 

 

 

 

 

Motto: oot 

Viet Lang 

@ The Arts House 

At Viet Lang, savour the joy of truly 

authentic Vietnamese specialities 

that are specially crafted by our 

Vietnamese chefs. We serve a 

repertoire of authentic Northern, 

Central and Southern Vietnamese 

dishes with ingredients and 

condiments imported directly from 

Vietnam to give you a genuine taste 

of local Vietnamese avour. 

Address: 1 Old Parliament Lane, #01-03 Annex building, 

Old Parliament House, Singapore 179429 

Tel: 65 6337 3379 Fax: 65 6337 0969 

Email: vietlang@wellborn.com.sg Website: www.vietlang-artshouse.com


Floating markets 

BANGKOK THAILAND 

088 

Pakin Ployphicha 

CEO, 

Destiny Enterprise 

BEST BREAKFAST: Hundred Children Café 

& Tea House, accessible from BTS Asoke 

Station. It’s conveniently located at the beginning 

of Sukhumvit Soi 14. It offers good choices of 

fresh coffee and tea with hearty breakfasts. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: The Deck 

Riverside Restaurant, which serves nice 

Thai and Italian food. Just ask for an outdoor 

table overlooking Chao Phraya River, with Wat 

Arun (Temple of the Dawn) opposite the river. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Sky Bar, 63 fl oors above 

Bangkok on the rooftop of The Dome, 

Lebua State Tower on Silom Road. This is to get 

the sense of Bangkok coming at you from all 

directions. The beautiful 360-degree view of the 

city, the Chao Phraya River and beyond will take 

your breath away. 


Have a good-time party in bed at Bed 

Supperclub on Sukhumvit 11. These guys have a 

fantastic mix of international deejays. Every visit 

is different. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: Bangkok 

has everything for fashion — from 

clothing, jewellery and accessories to shoes and 

handicrafts. The prices are reasonable. 


CBD 30km from 

Suvarnabhumi 



40 mins by car 

Taxi Abt THB300 

(S$12.30) 

Airport Express Costs 

THB150 (S$6.15) and 

takes about an hour 

ON THE GO 

1. BTS Skytrain and 

underground MRT Will 

let you get safely to 

all the major points 

in Bangkok. 

2. Tuk-tuk 

Exhilarating but 

best used for short 

distances only. 

3. Taxi Always ask 

politely to have the 

meter switched on. 

Phuket Town 

PHUKET THAILAND 

Toby Allen 

CEO, 

TAP Technology 

BEST BREAKFAST: Dim sum in Phuket 

Town. Enjoy a variety of Chinese food 

made in small individual portions and served in 

bamboo steamer baskets. 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Blue Elephant 

at Governor Mansion on Krabi Road, 

Phuket Town. It’s an authentic Thai fi ne dining 

experience in an elegant Sino-Portuguese 

style house. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Sea kayaking by 

the moonlight on Phang Nga Bay. Try it, 

it’s awesome! 


StereoLab & IndoChine Surin Beach Club, 

on Surin Beach. The party starts at sunset and 

ends late. Enjoy the ambience and good music. 

BEST BUY FOR UNDER S$50: Beachwear 

by Phuket Mermaid and Thai Brand fl ipfl 

ops, they’re so comfortable. 

MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!): A 

private boat trip to Koh Similan. 

MUST-BUY GIFT: A pearl necklace from a 

local pearl farm. 

INSIDER’S TIP: Find a gem, the Oasis 

Secret Garden spa, near Laguna Phuket 

Resort Complex entrance in Cherngtalay. 


Patong Beach 

32km from Phuket 


Travel time Patong 

Beach is around 45 

mins by car 

Taxi Abt THB400 

(S$16.41). 

Shuttle bus Every 

30 mins at THB52 

(S$2.13) and takes 

about an hour 

ON THE GO 

1. Motorbikes A 

cheap and convenient 

way to explore all 

the tiny lanes around 

the beach – but drive 

with care! 

2. Tuk-tuk 

Exhilarating but 

best used for short 

distances only. 

PHUKET: SUKSAN SAMRANRIT

Statue of Ho Chi Minh 

outside Saigon City Hall 

HO CHI MINH CITY VIETNAM 

Scott Coates 

Co-founder, 

Smiling Albino, 

smilingalbino.com 

GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Ngon 

Restaurant located at 160 Pasteur Street is 

one of the city’s tastiest eateries, and the tables 

on the upstairs balcony provide great views of the 

hustle and bustle below. 

BEST NIGHT OUT: Hire a Vespa and driver 

to take you around the city’s key sites, and 

to hit lots of pubs along the way. Vietnam Vespa 

Adventures (vietnamvespaadventures.com) will 

take good care of you and send you home in one 

piece at the end of the night. 

MUST-BUY GIFT: Corny but functional, the 

Vietnamese conical hat is a must, and is 

seen almost everywhere. It shields you from the 

sun while travelling, and then looks great on your 

wall at home. 

INSIDER’S TIP: Watching traffi c rush by 

is truly one of the best activities in Ho Chi 

Minh City. Find a busy corner, grab a seat, drink a 

Vietnamese coffee and watch it all go by. 

SURVIVAL TIP FOR TOURISTS: Look both 

ways many times before crossing the road; 

there are millions of motorcycles here — watch out! 

MUST-EATS: Try durian ice cream (yes, it 

stinks a bit) at Fanny (29-31 D Ton That 

Thiep), makers of the best homemade ice cream. 


CBD 7km from 

Tan Son Nhat 



20 mins by car 

Taxi Get a taxi 

voucher from Visitor 

Information for US$12 

(S$14.88) 

Shuttle bus Most 

hotels offer 

complimentary 

pick-up 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi Most taxi 

drivers will turn on 

their meter when you 

jump in; always carry 

your hotel card for an 

easy return. 

2. Walking The best 

way to explore alleys 

and one-way streets 

in District One. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

089

WHEN WE FLY 

Jetstar Asia, together with Jetstar and Valuair, operates more than 400 fl ights per week throughout Asia. 

Schedule is valid till 29 October 2011 

JETSTAR ASIA SCHEDULE 

SINGAPORE – BANGKOK / BANGKOK – SINGAPORE 2 hours 30 minutes (GMT+7) 

Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S 

SIN 07:15 BKK 08:45 

SIN* 11:00 BKK 12:40 

SIN 19:10 BKK 20:40 

BKK 09:25 SIN 12:45 

BKK* 13:20 SIN 16:40 

BKK 21:20 SIN 00:40 

* Valid till 31 July 2011 

SINGAPORE – PHUKET / PHUKET – SINGAPORE 1 hour 45 minutes (GMT+7) 


SIN 08:20 HKT 09:10 

SIN 20:40 HKT 21:25 

HKT 09:45 SIN 12:30 

HKT 22:05 SIN 00:50 

SINGAPORE – MACAU / MACAU – SINGAPORE 3 hours 45 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 13:45 MFM 17:25 

MFM 18:05 SIN 21:45 

SINGAPORE – YANGON / YANGON – SINGAPORE 2 hours 55 minutes (GMT+6.5) 


SIN 09:10 RGN 10:35 

RGN 11:25 SIN 15:50 

SINGAPORE – PHNOM PENH / PHNOM PENH – SINGAPORE 2 hours (GMT+7) 


SIN 11:05 PNH 12:05 

PNH 12:50 SIN 15:40 

SINGAPORE – SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH – SINGAPORE 

2 hours 10 minutes (from SIN to REP); 45 minutes (from REP to PNH) (GMT+7) 


SIN 14:50 REP 16:00 

REP 16:45 PNH 17:30 

PNH 18:15 SIN 21:05 

SINGAPORE – HONG KONG / HONG KONG – SINGAPORE 3 hours 55 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 06:30 HKG 10:25 

SIN 10:50 HKG 14:45 

SIN 15:50 HKG 19:45 

HKG 11:10 SIN 14:50 

HKG 15:25 SIN 19:05 

HKG 20:30 SIN 00:10 

SINGAPORE – PERTH / PERTH – SINGAPORE 6 hours 20 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 17:45 PER 23:10 

PER 00:05 SIN 05:30 

SINGAPORE – GUILIN / GUILIN – SINGAPORE 3 hours 55 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 10:00 KWL 13:55 

KWL 14:35 SIN 18:30 

SINGAPORE – HAIKOU / HAIKOU – SINGAPORE 3 hours 25 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 13:45 HAK 17:10 

HAK 17:50 SIN 21:15 

090 

SINGAPORE – HANGZHOU / HANGZHOU – SINGAPORE 5 hours 5 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 18:30 HGH 23:35 

HGH 00:15 SIN 05:20 

SINGAPORE – PENANG / PENANG – SINGAPORE 1 hour 20 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 15:10 PEN 16:30 

PEN 17:10 SIN 18:30 

SINGAPORE – SHANTOU / SHANTOU – SINGAPORE 4 hours 5 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 13:45 SWA 17:50 

SWA 18:30 SIN 22:30 

SINGAPORE – HO CHI MINH / HO CHI MINH – SINGAPORE 2 hours 5 minutes (GMT+7) 


SIN 07:20 SGN 08:25 

SIN 19:55 SGN 21:00 

SGN 09:05 SIN 12:05 

SGN 21:40 SIN 00:35 

SINGAPORE – MANILA / MANILA – SINGAPORE 3 hours 35 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 00:15 MNL 03:55 

SIN 06:20 MNL 09:55 

SIN 16:55 MNL 20:30 

MNL 04:35 SIN 08:10 

MNL 10:35 SIN 14:10 

MNL 21:10 SIN 00:40 

SINGAPORE – KUALA LUMPUR / KUALA LUMPUR – SINGAPORE 1 hour 5 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 07:10 KUL 08:10 

SIN 12:50 KUL 13:55 

SIN* 19:35 KUL 20:40 

SIN* 21:55 KUL 23:00 

SIN^ 19:35 KUL 20:40 

SIN^ 21:55 KUL 23:00 

KUL 08:40 SIN 09:45 

KUL 14:35 SIN 15:35 

KUL* 21:20 SIN 22:25 

KUL* 23:40 SIN 00:40 

KUL^ 21:20 SIN 22:25 

KUL^ 23:40 SIN 00:40 

* Valid till 31 July 2011 

^ Valid from 1 August - 29 October 2011 

SINGAPORE – AUCKLAND / AUCKLAND – SINGAPORE 9 hours 5 minutes (GMT+12) 


SIN 19:50 AKL 09:55 

SIN* 19:50 AKL 10:55 

AKL 11:25 SIN 18:00 

AKL* 12:25 SIN 18:00 

* Valid from 2 – 29 October 2011 

SINGAPORE – TAIPEI – OSAKA / OSAKA – TAIPEI – SINGAPORE 

4 hours 45 minutes (from SIN to TPE); 2 hours 40 minutes (from TPE to KIX) (GMT+8/GMT+9) 


SIN 07:10 TPE 11:55 

TPE 12:45 KIX 16:25 

KIX 17:15 TPE 18:55 

TPE 19:45 SIN 00:15

JETSTAR SCHEDULE 

SINGAPORE – MELBOURNE / MELBOURNE – SINGAPORE 7 hours 45 minutes (GMT+10) 


SIN 11:00 MEL 16:50 

SIN* 12:00 MEL 16:50 

MEL 21:00 SIN 06:45 

MEL* 20:50 SIN 06:55 

* Valid from 2 – 29 October 2011 

SINGAPORE – JAKARTA – PERTH / PERTH – JAKARTA – SINGAPORE 

40 minutes (from SIN to CGK); 5 hours 5 minutes (from CGK to PER) (GMT+7/GMT+8) 


SIN 18:50 CGK 19:30 

CGK 20:25 PER 01:30 

PER 02:20 CGK 05:45 

CGK 06:45 SIN 09:20 

SINGAPORE – DARWIN – CAIRNS / CAIRNS – DARWIN – SINGAPORE 

2 hours (from SIN to CNS); 3 hours (from CNS to DRW) (GMT+10/GMT+9:30) 


CNS 12:45 DRW 14:45 

DRW 18:20 SIN 21:20 

SIN 22:10 DRW 04:20 

DRW 06:20 CNS 09:20 

SINGAPORE – BALI – PERTH / PERTH – BALI – SINGAPORE 

2 hours 35 minutes (from SIN to DPS); 3 hours 45 minutes (from DPS to PER) (GMT+8/GMT+8) 


PER 09:30 DPS 13:15 

DPS 14:15 SIN 16:50 

SIN 18:35 DPS 21:15 

DPS 22:25 PER 02:00 

VALUAIR SCHEDULE 

SINGAPORE – BALI / BALI – SINGAPORE 2 hours 35 minutes (GMT+8) 


SIN 10:35 DPS 13:10 

DPS 13:50 SIN 16:25 

SINGAPORE – JAKARTA / JAKARTA – SINGAPORE 1 hour 45 minutes (GMT+7) 


SIN 08:20 CGK 09:05 

SIN 13:25 CGK 14:05 

SIN 20:10 CGK 20:55 

CGK 10:00 SIN 12:45 

CGK 15:05 SIN 17:50 

CGK 21:35 SIN 00:20 

SINGAPORE – MEDAN / MEDAN – SINGAPORE 1 hour 25 minutes (GMT+7) 


SIN 09:25 MES 10:00 

SIN 16:50 MES 17:15 

MES 10:50 SIN 13:10 

MES 18:00 SIN 20:20 

SINGAPORE – SURABAYA / SURABAYA – SINGAPORE 2 hours 15 minutes (GMT+7) 


SIN 13:10 SUB 14:25 

SUB 15:05 SIN 18:20 

Flight durations are estimates only, departing from Singapore. 

Information correct at press time. 

Operated by Jetstar Asia Airways 

Operated by Jetstar Airways 

Operated by Valuair 

091

WHERE WE FLY 

092 

YANGON 

JETSTAR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES 

OPERATED BY JETSTAR 

JETSTAR DOMESTIC SERVICES OPERATED 

BY JETSTAR 

JETSTAR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES 

OPERATED BY JETSTAR ASIA OR VALUAIR 

JETSTAR OPERATES FLIGHTS THROUGHOUT 

VIETNAM WITH JETSTAR PACIFIC 

JETSTAR OPERATES FLIGHTS 

THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND 

QANTAS CONNECTIONS TO LONDON AND 

FRANKFURT 

JETSTAR VIETNAM DOMESTIC 

CONNECTIONS TO SINGAPORE AND DARWIN 

JETSTAR AUSTRALIAN SERVICES: 

AUCKLAND TO DUNEDIN COMMENCE 14 JULY 

2011* 

*SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL 

PHUKET 

GUILIN 

BANGKOK 

JAKARTA 

HANGZHOU 

SIEM REAP 

PHNOM PENH 

HO CHI MINH CITY 

PENANG 

KUALA LUMPUR 

MEDAN 

SINGAPORE 

TAIPEI 

SHANTOU 

HONG KONG 

MACAU 

HAIKOU 

SURABAYA 

PERTH 

BALI 

MANILA 

OSAKA 

DARWIN 

TOKYO 

FLY JETSTAR TO MORE 

THAN 50 DESTINATIONS 

THROUGH ASIA, NEW 

ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA AND 

THE SOUTH PACIFIC 

MELBOURNE 

SYDNEY 

CAIRNS 

BRISBANE 

GOLD COAST 

QUEENSTOWN 

DUNEDIN 

CHRISTCHURCH 

HONOLULU 

FIJI 

AUCKLAND

PERTH 

AUSTRALIA 

NEW ZEALAND 

VIETNAM 

DARWIN 

ADELAIDE 

QUEENSTOWN 

DUNEDIN 

HA NOI 

MELBOURNE 

(AVALON) 

CHRISTCHURCH 

TOWNSVILLE 

LAUNCESTON 

HAI 

PHONG 

VINH 

HUE 

AUCKLAND 

WELLINGTON 

DA NANG 

HO CHI MINH CITY 

CAIRNS 

MELBOURNE 

(TULLAMARINE) 

HOBART 

NHA 

TRANG 

WHITSUNDAY COAST 

(PROSERPINE) 

HAMILTON ISLAND 

MACKAY 

SUNSHINE 

COAST 

BRISBANE 

GOLD 

COAST 

BALLINA 

BYRON 

NEWCASTLE 

SYDNEY 

093

Transfer C 

C1 

1 2 min min 

IMMIGRATION 

6 mins 

C20 

C11 

D30 

4 4 mins 

C22C 23 C24 

C13C 15 C16 

1 min 

4 mins 4 min 

D42D 44 D46 

D40D 41 

C25 

1 min 

3 mins 

Changi Airport, 

Singapore 

TERMINAL 1 

3 mins 

C26 

C17 C18 C19 

D32D 34 D35 D36 D37 D38 

3 min 

D47 D48 D49

DID YOU KNOW? 

JETSTAR OPERATES LONG-HAUL 

SERVICES FROM SINGAPORE TO 

MELBOURNE AND AUCKLAND ON THE 

AIRBUS A330 

WHAT’S AN AIRBUS A330, YOU ASK? 

The Airbus A330 is a twin-aisle, widebodied 

aircraft that can seat up to 

310 passengers. 

If you’re travelling within Asia on Jetstar, 

you’re sitting on an A320 aircraft. This 

has a single-aisle seat confi guration, and 

takes up to 180 passengers. 

The A330 is almost twice the size of 

the A320. 

YOU GET MORE WHEN FLYING 

JETSTAR’S LONG-HAUL SERVICES 

ON THE AIRBUS A330 

Jetstar’s long-haul economy seats have 

a seat pitch of 78cm. This is comparable 

SAFETY, SECURITY & COMFORT 

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE 

Liquids, aerosols or gels (LAGs) 

must be in containers with a maximum 

capacity of 100ml each. Containers 

must be placed in a transparent 

resealable plastic bag with a maximum 

capacity not exceeding one litre. 

SAFETY FIRST 

Please ask the cabin crew for 

an infant seatbelt if your child 

is under two years old. Return the 

infant seatbelt to our cabin crew 

upon disembarkation. 

Sleeping on the aircraft fl oor is 

not permitted. 

Please read the safety instruction card 

in your seat pocket, noting emergency 

exits and location of life jackets. Please 

watch the safety demonstration prior 

to take-off. 

to the economy seats on full service 

carriers fl ying the same type of aircraft, 

such as Qantas and Singapore Airlines 

— which means you’re getting equal 

comfort, but at a fraction of 

the price! 

Besides our signature low fares, 

passengers can choose to enjoy a variety 

of products onboard the aircraft: 

• Infl ight hot meals and beverages 

In an emergency, the crew will give 

specifi c instructions. They may 

speak assertively and will require 

your cooperation. 

SMOKING 

Government regulations 

prohibit smoking on all fl ights. There 

are smoke detectors in all toilets and 

penalties for regulation breaches. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD 

CIRCULATION AND MUSCLE 

RELAXATION DURING FLIGHTS 

Compression stockings can assist in 

preventing swelling of the ankles and 

feet and they may improve the blood 

return to the body from the lower legs. 

During your fl ight, move your legs and 

feet three or four minutes per hour, 

and move about. 

CABIN PRESSURE 

To “clear” your ears, try 

swallowing and/or yawning 

When you are fl ying with an infant, 

give them a dummy or feed them 

during the aircraft’s descent. Sucking 

and swallowing will help the infant 

equalise the pressure in their ears 

CABIN HUMIDITY / 

DEHYDRATION 

Low humidity in the aircraft cabin can 

cause drying of the nose, throat and 

eyes and can irritate wearers of contact 

lenses. Do: 

• Drink water frequently. 

• Drink coffee, tea and alcohol only 

in moderation. 

• Remove contact lenses if your eyes 

are irritated. 

• Use a moisturiser to refresh skin. 

WELLBEING 

• Comfort kits (SG$9) — complete with 

blanket, eye mask, neck pillow and 

many other amenities that are yours 

to keep 

• Infl ight entertainment units (SG$15), 

with an extensive list of the latest 

movies, TV shows and music videos 

With all these extras to provide a great 

level of comfort, you’ll arrive at your 

destination in no time at all! 

JETSTAR SECURITY 

POLICY 

Jetstar has a strict policy on denying 

boarding to any passengers who are 

inappropriate in fl ight or on ground in 

comments or behavior. Jetstar does not 

accept any inappropriate comments 

as “jokes”. All matters are referred to 

relevant authorities for prosecution. 

Jetstar will seek to recover all costs 

incurred as a result of infl ight incidents 

from those involved. 

095

june-2011

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