february-2011

AUCKLAND
AHOY!
Push the boat
out in the
City of Sails
THRILLS,
SPILLS & BILLS
Ostrich-riding and
other adventures in
Ho Chi Minh City
Peek-a-Boh
Why the eldest Runga
sister is a jewel in
New Zealand’s
creative crown
HEAVEN
ON EARTH
Be inspired by
Guilin’s pictureperfect
landscapes
FEB - MAR 2011
YOUR FREE COPY

Main Photo: Stephen Langdon; Top Right: Peter Stuckings; Inset: Illustration by Chris McKenzie for Illustrationroom.com.au
features
24 people
Boh Runga talks career, life and living in
two countries
30 hot spot
Soak up the harbour living in Auckland as
we show you the best sights
36 heritage
Time-travel to Penang’s colonial trading
days by staying in a restored shophouse
40 go guide
Poetic scenery, colourful minority tribes
and a light spectacular conspire to make
you fall in love with Guilin
46 adrenaline
There’s more heart-pumping action to Ho
Chi Minh City than meets the eye
contents.
52 hub
It’s possible to have a quiet holiday in
party town Phuket — we start you on the
right track
58 in focus
You don’t have to be travelling for
business to enjoy these hotel club fl oors
in the air with jetstar
63 jetstar asia news
65 jetstar asia starclass
68 jetstar asia fan club
71 when we fl y
77 international adventures
99 your wellbeing onboard
104 where we fl y
24
Boh Runga is
in a good place
right now in
her career and
personal life
Cover & Main Picture
LOCATION: Murawai Beach, Auckland;
Photography: STEPHEN LANGDON @ RELOAD AGENCY;
Stylist: TAMZYN ELLIOTT @ RELOAD AGENCY;
Hair & Make-Up: AIMIE FIEBIG @ RELOAD AGENCY;
Cover Outfi t: DRESS BY TRELISE COOPER;
Main Picture Outfi t: DRESS BY LARA PARKER;
Jewellery: BOH RUNGA STERLING SILVER MONARCH
NECKPIECE WITH TURQUOISE &
MONARCH CUFF WITH PAVE DIAMONDS
46
Hold on tight in
thrilling HCMC
regulars
36
Visit temples and
other historical
buildings in Penang
06 events
Hop on a plane for these art exhibitions,
festivals and performances
08 10 minutes with…Ivan Heng
Singapore’s favourite Emily of Emerald
Hill reprises the role 10 years on
11 gadget fi le
It’s a fl at-out fi ght among these tablets
12 good taste
Our favourite new Bali sundowner bars
14 fi ve ways to...
Explore Cairns’ quieter side
17 well + good
Put up a good fi ght with these martial arts
18 retail therapy
Make an eco-fashion statement
21 ensuite
Book into the Pacifc Regency Hotel Suites
22 disappearing asia
Meet one of the last ukiyo-e masters
before they vanish off the streets
Log on to Jetstarmag.com
when planning your next holiday
CONTENTS
FEB-MAR 2011
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 1

EDITOR’S
WELCOME NOTE
welcome.
Jetstar
Asia welcomes you to a whole new world
when direct fl ights to Auckland start on 17
March 2011. Jetstar Asia makes history yet again being the only
low-cost carrier to fl y direct from Singapore to New Zealand,
after Changi Airport welcomed the fi rst long-haul low-cost
Jetstar fl ight from Melbourne on 16 December 2010. We were
able to see for ourselves what StarClass treatment is all about,
the Jetstar cabin crew tells you more on page 65.
Here at the magazine, we’ve been waiting for this moment
a long time — and are proud to present our fi rst New Zealand
personality on our cover. Boh Runga is a singer-songwriter and
jewellery designer of mixed Maori-Asian parentage who grew up
in a musically inclined family and started Stellar in the late 90s
which became Sony’s best-selling Kiwi band. Read about her
musical aspirations and creative direction on page 24.
In this issue, we have stories to appeal to all types of travellers.
Our fi rst Guilin story (page 40) is bound to intoxicate culture
vultures and scenery lovers while history buff s might feel
inclined to check into a restored shophouse in Penang (page 36)
for a bit of time travel. Families with energetic children will fi nd
lots to occupy their time with in Ho Chi Minh City (page 36) and
those who really go on holiday for peace and quiet will be glad to
know Phuket’s other face (page 52). We’ve always loved staying
on hotel club fl oors, especially on holiday, so fi nd out our latest
picks of the region (page 58).
Follow the magazine team on Twitter @JetstarAsiaMag and be
our fan on Facebook to check out what we’re doing. Also, go to
jetstarmag.com for the online magazine’s tips when researching
your next holiday.
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.
We’ll like to wish everyone a Happy
Chinese New Year and a prosperous year
ahead with lots of travel! Enjoy the fl ight and
have a good trip.
Anne Loh
Editor
2 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
FEB – MAR 2011
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Anne Loh
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Belinda Wan
ART DIRECTOR
Orland S. Punzalan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR
Haryati Mahmood
SUB-EDITORS
Sally Wilson, Becky Morris
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Keating
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE)
Liz Weselby
DESIGN DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE)
Peter Stephens
ASSOCIATE DESIGN DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE)
Terence Goh
ADVERTISING
PUBLISHER
Shirley D’Souza
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Ribka Wiryanto
INFLIGHT MEDIA SPECIALISTS
Haslindar Haslir, Valetia Tian
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Serene Wong
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Gerry Ricketts
CEO
Jeff rey O’Rourke
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
Simon Leslie
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Printed by Times Printers Private Limited.
Illustration: Meneer Marcello for illustrationroom.com.au

ience Centre Singapore.
galleries and more than 1,000 amazing exhibits.
s the Playground for Your Mind.
Science Centre Road (near Jurong East MRT)
oline: (+65) 6425 2500
w.science.edu.sg
Best Enrichment
Experience
(Winner)
Leisure Event
of the Year
(Finalist)

Home Ground
Th e renowned resident playwright of Th e
Necessary Stage, Haresh Sharma, is back to
provoke thought with his new play, Balek
Kampong. He elaborates on the idea of home.
What issues does Balek Kampong address?
I wanted to look at what ‘home’ means. Today,
there is much talk about new citizens, people
who want to leave the country, and a yearning
for a simpler kampong lifestyle. I wanted to
write a play that looks at diff erent perspectives
of what home means to each of us.
What’s your analogy for writing a play?
I’d like to say cooking, but cooking is more of a
solitary aff air — whereas playwriting (at least
the way I do it) is much more collaborative. I
savour the moments when I am alone, writing
in uninterrupted fashion. However, I also
cherish the times we are in the rehearsal room,
with the director, actors and production staff ,
making this 2-D play into a 3-D performance.
What have you stuck your neck out for?
In 1993, I wrote, and Th e Necessary Stage
presented, a play called Off Centre, about the
friendship between two ex-mental patients.
Th e team did a lot of research — interviewing
patients, ex-patients and psychiatrists. But
we had some diffi culty with funding, and
almost couldn’t stage the play. But we felt so
strongly for the issue that we went ahead with
the play. It was one of the most memorable
experiences in theatre. Th e audience response
was unbelievable. In 2006, the Ministry of
Education selected Off Centre as the fi rst
Singapore play for the GCE ‘O’ Levels.
How have your playwriting beliefs
changed during your 20-year career?
Th e kinds of plays that I write, and that I’m
drawn towards, remain the same. I like funny
and sad, I like good stories and complex
characters. I also tend to under-write these
days. No need to go on and on; people get it.
Truth and freedom can be obtained…
but not always together.
Balek Kampong is on from 2-13 March at
Th e Necessary Stage Black Box, 278 Marine
Parade Rd. Tickets from sistic.com.sg. Details on
necessary.org ry.org
6 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
Much To Do
Make February and March
months to remember by
catching this slew of can’tmiss
highlights
WORDS BELINDA WAN
’TIL 28 FEB BANGKOK
Thai Beer Festival
Get ready for this annual drinkfest, as Bangkok
prepares for its warm winter with a huge beer
festival. Department stores and beer gardens will be
setting up stalls and promotions as the beer fl ows —
along with plenty of food. So come along, drink your
fi ll, have fun and celebrate with a nation of devoted
beer lovers! Tel: +66 (0) 20 2225 7612 4.
8-28 FEB OSAKA
Tenma Tenjin Plum Festival
At Osaka’s Temmangu Shrine during this period,
visitors and tourists will be feted with the sight of
a sacred tree that’s over 200 years old, more than
50 pots of renowned trees and many treasures of
the shrine being displayed in Sanshuden. Don’t
miss the intriguing Noh performance that is
slated to be held on 20 Feb at 6pm.
Chap Goh Meh
Celebration 2011
17 FEB PENANG
Chap Goh Meh Celebration 2011
Th e Lunar New Year month is a great time to see
Penang’s Chap Goh Meh festival. Taking place at
Esplanade in George Town, this festival is celebrated
on the 15th night of the Lunar New Year, and is
splendidly commemorated with a great number of
cultural performances, including a colourful Baba
Nyonya production in the heart of Penang’s capital.
25-26 FEB PHUKET
Phuket International Blues
Rock Festival
Th is fab fest, held at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia
Resort and Spa, is back for the sixth time. Seven top
blues bands from diff erent parts of the country will
be giving spectators a blast from 6pm ’til midnight.
It’s a must for fans of blues rock. Tel: +66 86 682
2639. Details on phuketbluesfestival.com
Photo: Getty Images (top)

Photos: Photolibrary (Thai Beer & Songkran festival)
Thai Beer Festival
1-31 MAR GUILIN
Gongcheng Peach Blossom
Festival 2011
Guilin will be a fantastic place to visit in March,
with the sight of peach blossoms blooming around
Gongcheng. See this beautiful vista for yourself,
sample the tasty local wine and snacks, try the
Yao-nationality dance and sing peach-blossom songs
with the locals during this splendid season.
4-6 MAR JAKARTA
AXIS Jakarta International Java
Jazz Festival
Jazz afi cionados will be marking these dates
to ensure they get into the seventh edition of
the world’s biggest jazz festival at the JIExpo
Kemayoran. Sondre Lerche, Michael Paulo and Maria
Schneider are just some of the fab acts that will be
serenading you. web.javajazzfestival.com/2011
Gulsun Karamustafa
(Singapore Biennale
2011: Open House)
11-20 MAR SINGAPORE
Mosaic Music Festival
Don’t miss this eclectic music extravaganza at Th e
Esplanade, with something for everyone, from
concerts and theatre performances to master classes
and workshops. Look forward to acts as varied as
Charlie Haden and Quartet West, Angélique Kidjo,
Th e National, Tortoise, Ed Harcourt and Joanna
Newsom. sistic.com.sg
13 MAR-15 MAY SINGAPORE
Singapore Biennale 2011: Open House
Th is large-scale, contemporary art exhibition returns
after its previous outing in 2008. Locations include
the Singapore Art Museum, National Museum of
Singapore, 8Q, Old Kallang Airport and Marina Bay.
Expect over 150 drawings, paintings, sculptures,
installations, media showcases and performances by
63 artists from 30 countries. singaporebiennale.org
Ed Harcourt (Mosaic
Music Festival) Book Now
8-10 Apr PHUKET
17th Annual Phuket Bike Week 2011
Th ailand’s (and Asia’s) biggest motorcycle
event is promoted by 200,000 members from
Harley-Davidson owner groups — plus 300
bike clubs in Th ailand and 500 worldwide bike
clubs. Expect to meet bikers from Vietnam,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore,
Brunei, Canada, Sweden, US, UK, Australia
and Norway.
Songkran
13-15 Apr THAILAND
Songkran
If you’re out on 13 April, be prepared to be
soaked, as the Th ais go splashing everyone
with water for the Th ai New Year, during the
hottest time of the year. 13 April will mark
the end of the old year, 14 April (Wan Nao)
is the day after, after which the new year,
known as Wan Th aloeng Sok, will begin on
15 April. Th at’s when prayers are made,
houses cleaned and alms off ered to monks.
13-16 Apr CAMBODIA
Khmer New Year
Th e Khmer New Year is the most popular
and widely celebrated national holiday in
Cambodia, with major cities bursting into
festivities. It’s a good time for families and
friends to get together, celebrate and relax
before the rainy season returns.
14-23 Apr SINGAPORE
Th e Singapore International Film
Festival (SIFF)
Th is yearly event promises a visual feast
for fi lm buff s with about 300 fi lms from 45
countries being screened. Th e focus will be
on Asian cinema, with a variety of world
cinema and documentaries. It also serves as
a platform for new fi lms from Singapore, and
an exploration of South-East Asian cinema.
30 Apr HO CHI MINH CITY
Liberation Day
Th is public holiday, also known as
Reunifi cation Day, commemorates when
Vietnam attained freedom and Ho Chi Minh
City got its name. Th is meaningful day is
celebrated with festivals, fi lm screenings and
concerts around the city.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 7
EVENTS

10 MINUTES WITH...
Ivan Heng
Theatre thespian Ivan Heng dons familiar makeup
to reprise his eponymous role as a Peranakan
matriarch in Emily of Emerald Hill — marking a fab
decade in W!LD RICE’s history
INTERVIEW BELINDA WAN
You’ve played Emily countless times since 1999. How
do you maintain a fresh take every time?
I try to perform each show as if it were the fi rst. There is a two-hour ritual before
every show for me to get into the part — where I put on Emily’s make-up and get
her ready to meet her guests — the audience — who are diff erent every night.
You said that you’d like to revisit the role every 10 years. Why 10 years?
Stella Kon has written a Singaporean classic that is at once personal and
universal. For me, it is much more than a play about an overbearing Peranakan
matriarch, and goodness knows we’ve seen enough of that as a cultural
stereotype. Emily is a story about everyone’s mother, daughter, wife, sister and
grandmother. It’s a story about an individual’s strength and courage, and the
choices one makes in life. It’s also about the rise and fall of a culture, an era.
These themes resonate across time, race and nationality. I feel that in the shared
experience of this play, in the laughter, the tears and the silences, there will be
something we can learn about ourselves, and the society we live in. I believe that
an actor’s experience of life and the world around him informs his performance.
Since we see Emily age from the age of 14 to 84 through the course of the play, I
was interested to understand what this meant.
Tell us how this production of Emily of Emerald Hill will be diff erent.
Theatre, at its best, is a collaborative art form. This production is being directed
by Glen Goei, one of Singapore’s most accomplished theatre directors, at
the palatial Esplanade Theatre, and will be operatic in scale, but hopefully no
less intimate. We also have new sets, costumes, music, sound, lighting and
multimedia projections created by a wonderful team of creative artists. The
two things that are not new — and in fact 10 years older — are Stella Kon’s
script and myself.
What aspect of Emily can you most identify with?
Bette Davis said, “Growing old ain’t for sissies.” Emily and I concur.
How have you changed in the past 10 years, and how will that
impact your portrayal of Emily?
In the last 10 years, I have grown older and younger, wiser and
more foolish, more cynical and more of a dreamer, harder and
softer, more ambitious and more laid back. I trust this will
somehow enrich my performance of Emily.
You were a lawyer until you pursued acting. If you
weren’t an actor, what else would you do?
I studied law to fulfi ll my parents’ wishes, but
never practised as a lawyer. Instead, I seized
every opportunity I had to train and work as an
actor in Singapore, and internationally. A life in
theatre is a calling. I can’t quite imagine doing
anything else.
What’s next on your plate this year?
W!LD RICE’s production of George Orwell’s
Animal Farm, which I’m directing, will be
having its Australian premiere at “Ten Days
on the Island” in Tasmania in March. We’re also
putting together a really exciting programme for the
Singapore Theatre Festival in August.
Emily of Emerald Hill, the fi nale in the W!LD RICE “10 W!LD YEARS”
season, is on from 3-13 March at the Esplanade Theatre. sistic.com.sg
8 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Apple’s
iPad started
it all with a
10-in touch-screen gizmo that wowed
the crowds in 2010. Not only did
it let users “fl ip” through magazines
and surf the web, it opened up a
new way of consuming content on the
couch, at cafés and in the air. But the
iPad lacked several features, such
as a slot to pop in a tiny memory
card to view pictures and videos
you have downloaded. The iPad
also did not support Adobe Flash, a
popular multimedia format used by
many websites.
So it did not take long for rivals to
unveil tablets that came with these
missing features: a camera, a phone
function and smaller, more portable
sizes. As this article goes to print, a
new wave of such iPad alternatives
may have already been unveiled at the
yearly CES show in the United States.
But those new gizmos will still take
time to manufacture, so meanwhile,
here are four iPad alternatives that
have caught the attention of many
users and are well worth checking out.
Huawei Ideos S7
The Chinese-made Ideos S7 uses
the Android system like many other
tablets, albeit an older version, so
it’s less zippy and does not fully
support the Flash animation you
see commonly on websites. What
this 7-in tablet has going for it is
a nice, neat design that eschews
unnecessary bling for functionality,
while a handy kick-stand fl ips open
to support the device on the tray
table when you want to fi re up a
movie on the plane. RRP S$548,
huaweidevice.com
Tablet
Wars
A cross cross between between a laptop laptop and and a
smartphone, these new touch-screen
wonders look set to be a common
infl ight sight this year
Dell Streak
Opinion is split on Dell’s 5-in
gizmo as it’s slightly bigger than
a smartphone, yet smaller than
the typical tablet. Yet, there’s
no denying the Streak is a great
product by the PC maker. The
screen is bright and sharp, and
runs to the edge of the device,
giving it a neat fi nish. Plus, the
Android interface here is really
quick with a 1Ghz processor. A
micro SD memory card slot allows
you to swap in thousands of songs
and photos. RRP S$938, dell.com
WORDS ALFRED SIEW
PHOTOGRAPHY ALLAN TAN / 3THREE STUDIO
Samsung Galaxy Tab
The Korean Galaxy Tab easily slips
into most bags (try doing that with
an iPad!) and works smoothly as
the Android software is powered
by a 1GHz engine. A memory card
slot lets you pop in micro SD cards
loaded with your movies and
songs for a long fl ight. It’s the most
serious contender for the iPad
because it does more, doubling
up as a phone, a camera and lets
you surf most web pages with
Flash without a glitch. RRP S$998,
galaxytab.samsungmobile.com
Having covered the technology scene for more than a decade for newspapers,
Alfred Siew is now a writer and lecturer who runs the popular blog Techgoondu.com
Archos 101
One of the lightest and slimmest
tablets around, this French-made
10.1-incher is a sleeper hit with
techies. Weighing just 480g
(against 680g of a similar iPad), the
101 runs on the Android operating
system, which lets you in on
thousands of applications, while
a 1Ghz processor under the hood
keeps things running smoothly.
What sets the Archos 101 apart
are HDMI and USB ports. It relies
on Wi-Fi rather than 3G. RRP
S$499/599 (8/16GB), archos.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 11
GADGET FILE

GOOD TASTE
As Dusk
Falls
Here are our new favourites for sundowners
with sweeping ocean views in Bali WORDS IMA DEVILLE
Cocoon Beach Bar
Cocoon is the place to see and be seen in a relaxed but stylish
atmosphere. The outside lounge area around the pool off ers
cosy daybeds, lounges or VIP cabanas with a view towards
Double Six Beach and the bungy jumping tower. To refresh
your senses, your hostess might recommend the Twilight
cocktail, a blend of fresh mango and vodka. Graze on a
selection of Mediterranean tapas with a classic mojito to put
you in the mood for the intoxicating music.
66 Jl. Double Six, Seminyak, tel: +62 361 731 266
Envy
Envy off ers divine sunset drinks facing the beach. From
3-5pm, indulge in the special Martini-T experience: taste three
mini martinis of your choice and enjoy a selection of canapés.
By sunset, be tempted by an Envy Foam, a simple but radical
mix of vanilla-infused vodka, butterscotch schnapps topped
up with a heavenly foam. Listen to the DJ music or watch
Brazilian capoeira as the sun goes down. Holiday Inn Baruna
Bali, Jl Wana Segara 33, Tuban, tel: +62 (361) 752 527
Jetstar Asia fl ies to Bali four times weekly, book online at Jetstar.com
12 FEBRUARY /MARCH 2011
Rock Bar
By far the most dramatic and glamorous bar for a sundowner, Rock Bar
takes you to the cliff edge for a breathtaking ocean view. Descend by
cable car and discover this cutting edge open bar with a million-dollar
view. Perched 14m above the Indian Ocean, sit back on a comfortable
sofa, listen to the crashing waves below and gaze at the changing colour
sky above. Sip a Rockito or a Rock My World cocktail and nibble divine
rock lobster spring rolls or chicken popcorns. Rock to the DJ’s funky
music and relax in the company of your friends. Feeling hungry now?
Walk along to the Kisik Grill for a seafood meal with your feet in the sand,
or a tête-à-tête dinner on the pier for romantic luxury. Ayana Resort,
Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, tel: +62 (361) 702 222
SOS Rooftop Lounge & Bar
In the heart of cosmopolitan Seminyak, SOS rooftop bar is
the perfect place to watch dazzling sunsets over the Indian
Ocean. The house mixologists serve innovative tropical
cocktails, designer margaritas and daiquiris while you lounge
on plush daybeds and absorb the laid-back island vibes. SOS
hosts international star DJs, live music and salsa lessons.
Perfect service and atmosphere make it an experience you’ll
want to repeat. Anantara Resort, Jl Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura),
Seminyak, tel: +62 (361) 737 773

FIVE WAYS
TO ENJOY CAIRNS
Citizen
Cairns
These activities in and around
Cairns are perfect for those with
an adventurous spirit WORDS ANDY PHILLIPS
Step Back
Check out classic
Australiana in an entire
village made up of preserved
buildings, some stretching
back to the 1800s, at
Herberton Historic Village
on the banks of the Wild
River. Visit a blacksmith,
jail, 100-year-old farmhouse
and the Tin Pannikin pub,
which features a 1926 ute
built into the roofl ine. 6 Broadway, Herberton, tel: +61 (7) 4096 2002,
herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au
Tour
Explore the house and grounds
of a Mediterranean-style castle
built in the 1930s by eccentric
Spaniard Jose Paronella,
complete with elaborate
fountains, bridges and tunnels.
Restored and preserved by
new owners, the property is
powered by a hydro-electric
generator — as it was in
1933. Paronella Park, 1671
Japoonvale Rd, Mena Creek, tel: +61 (7) 4065 0000, paronellapark.com.au
14 FEBRUARY /MARCH 2011
Create
Immerse yourself in some of
the oldest cultural practices
in the world with a stay at
Echo Creek Cultural and
Adventure Camp. Set in
a preserved rainforest 90
minutes south of Cairns,
this camp is owned and run
by the Aboriginal Jirrbal
tribe. Stay and learn skills
including basket weaving,
boomerang painting and traditional medicine. Euramo, tel: +61 (7)
4068 9161, echocreek.com.au
Indulge
Enjoy a taste of the tropical
north’s diverse food and
drink by heading to nearby
Innisfail for the 2011 Feast of
the Senses (18-27 March).
The festival features food
trails to award-winning
producers including Mungalli
Creek Dairy, Lizzio’s Banana
Farm and Murdering Point
Winery. Feast of the Senses,
Innisfail, tel: +61 (7) 4061 9938, feastofthesenses.com.au
Jetstar fl ies to Cairns via Darwin, book online at Jetstar.com
Learn
The Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a purpose-built complex on the
city’s western edge dedicated to the story of Cairns’ fi rst inhabitants, the
Tjapukai people, through showcase theatre and interactive workshops.
The attraction was established in the mid-1990s with the help of
didgeridoo virtuoso David Hudson. Performance is still central, with the
Dreamtime belief system explained through a theatre show and regular
displays by the Tjapukai Dance troupe in the Rainforest Amphitheatre.
Then venture outside for activities ranging from bush medicine to
didgeridoo playing — and the chance to learn how to throw a boomerang.
Stay for the evening and you can enjoy Tjapukai by Night, involving a
lakeside ceremony and traditional fi re sticks. David Hudson, returning as
general manager, plans a “rebirth” of the park. “Cultural tourism means
expressing our living culture every day to guests from all over the world,”
he said. “It’s a responsibility we take very seriously.”Tjapukai Cultural
Park, Cairns Western Arterial Rd, tel: +61 (7) 4042 9900, tjapukai.com.au
Photos: TjapukaiAbo Cultural Park (main image); Tourism Queensland (middle left); GemmaPhillips (bottom left)

Many travellers may wish to bring back items such as
food, animals and plants when they travel overseas, but
do you know that there are restrictions on what you can
bring in from overseas?
As the national authority responsible for ensuring food
safety and safeguarding animal and plant health for
our nation’s well-being, the Agri-Food and Veterinary
Authority (AVA) has put in place restrictions on the types,
quantities and sources of food, animals, sh and plants
that travellers can bring into Singapore.
What can I bring into Singapore?
Food and Pet Food
Only small quantities of food and pet food from
approved sources are allowed. Food must be strictly
for personal consumption or use and not for sale.
Travellers must be aware of the risks associated
with consuming or using such items, which have not
undergone checks by AVA.
Animals, Fish, Seeds and Plants
An import permit from AVA is required for all animals,
sh, seeds, plants and their potting medium (e.g. soils).
If these animals, sh and plants are listed under CITES
(www.cites.org), a CITES export or re-export permit from
the exporting country is also needed. Other conditions
like AVA’s veterinary and plant health requirements will
also need to be complied with.
For more details on approved sources, quantities and
permits, please refer to www.ava.gov.sg or call
6325 7625.

Kicking up
a Storm
They may not be as popular as karate or tae kwon do
yet, but zen do ka and krav maga are gradually making
their presence felt WORDS ABHISHEK MEHROTRA
Most
of us (admit it!) have fantasised
about how it would be to rain n
blows upon a particularly unsavoury character ter
à la Bruce Lee. In fact, when they think no one’s e’s
looking — people tend to practise lethal air-kicks kicks
quite often — usually in the direction of their
bosses’ offi ces.
But Peter Robertson is one of the few
individuals who has actually translated his love ove
for Bruce Lee into a vocation, as the founder
of Zen Do Ka (ZDK) Elite Freestyle Karate &
Kickboxing Singapore.
“The Zen Do Ka Kickboxing class is based
on, but not restricted to, muay Thai kickboxing ng
techniques,” explains Robertson. “It’s a great t
cardio workout, relying heavily on repetitious s
drills with pads or a punching bag.”
ZDK also does away with what is a common on
gripe amongst students of the more popular r
arts. “While traditional styles tend to keep
the best ’til last, only teaching the good stuff
to their black belts, I teach my students black k
belt techniques straightaway so they learn
realistic self-defence and fi ghting skills,”
reveals Robertson.
Most importantly perhaps, ZDK is dynamic c
— with constantly evolving techniques. “ZDK K
is designed to be totally eff ective, constantly
adapting to changes, where anything that works orks
is embraced.”
Sascha Soliano, the director and chief
instructor of Krav Maga Singapore, shares
similar sentiments about his chosen style.
“Krav Maga is not a sport, and there are no
competitions. All the techniques focus on
maximum effi ciency in real-life conditions,”
he emphasises.
Developed in Israel in the 1930s, it’s used by
numerous law enforcement groups including g
Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency. Krav
Take Me There
● Zen Do Ka Elite Freestyle Karate &
Kickboxing Singapore (ZDK Elite)
Budo Academy, 340 King Georges Ave,
tel: +65 9681 1927 (Peter Robertson),
zendokai-karate-kickboxing.com
● Krav Maga Singapore
38 Carpenter Rd, #03-00 Hui Seng Bldg,
tel: +65 6227 7259, kravmaga.com.sg
Maga exponents draw their repertoire from a
variety of sources ranging from muay Thai to
wrestling, but Sascha explains that the training
is quite diff erent.
“It’s a mixed aerobic and anaerobic workout,
and relies heavily on pads. This is important
because it allows the student to practice the
technique at full strength, and the student
holding the pad learns of the impact they’d feel
when they get hit.”
Both ZDK and Krav Maga do away with the
frills that have accompanied the mass popularity
of the traditional arts. And while you may not
fi nd yourself in a combat situation, the obvious
health benefi tts
as well as the self-confi dence
that results results from fr rom taking either of these styles up,
make particip participation pation worthwhile.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 17
WELL + GOOD

RETAIL THERAPY
Green
with
Envy
Stay on trend this season
with guilt-free eco fashion
WORDS CHOY SENG JOE, PEACE CHIU
PHOTOGRAPHY ALLAN TAN / 3THREE STUDIO
ILLUSTRATION LIM YI XIANG
Stockists
• Echo, #02-12 Wheelock Place,
tel: +65 6235 2946
• Choose by Olive Ventures,
26A Sago St, tel: +65 6323 0651
• Cumulus, #02-14 Wheelock Place,
tel: +65 6733 3486
• Ocean Minded Concept Store,
#02-62 VivoCity, tel: +65 6222 5262
• Timberland, #01-30 Raffl es City
Shopping Centre,
tel: +65 6333 3528
(and all Timberland outlets)
• Earthling (for ExOffi cio), #03-300
Marina Square, tel: +65 6841 7466
6 Elvis & Kresse West
End belt, S$95,
echo-brands.com
5 Timberland
Earthkeepers
Ellsworth straight
cotton linen
jeans, S$159,
timberland.com.sg
18 FEBRUARY /MARCH 2011
Recycled Fashion
Local eco entrepreneur Foong Wai Harng will change the way you see eco with Recyclofashion. He tells us more.
What’s W Recyclofashion about?
It’s an online community for the younger generation
to t understand eco fashion in a more “designed”
and a concise manner. We also help people who lack
design d
skills in coming up with events, campaigns
and branding etc.
1 ExOffi cio
BugsAway Hoodie
(in Aloe), S$69.90,
ecosports.com.sg
2 RE:MAKE
Melting Peaks
tee, S$42,
oliveventures.com.sg
3 CÔTE et CIEL Grey
Melange Messenger,
S$280, cumulus.sg
4 Ocean Minded Lua
footwear, S$74.95,
oceanminded.com.sg
What materials do you all use in the production of
your line?
Unwanted fabrics, milk cartons, plastic bags, clothing, and bolts
and nuts — in short, almost everything under the sun. We believe
that every material has its own special story, thus we should look
beyond its primary usage.

Available March 2011
Regional Distributor:
StreamCast Asia Pte Ltd
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines,
Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei
www.streamcastasia.com
Tel: +65 6272 1151
Available at:
SINGAPORE: The GoPro Centre ( 102E Pasir Panjang Road, #02-03 Citilink Complex) Tel +65 62721151 – Lifestyle Electronics (Changi International Airport) Tel +65
65434830 – Harvey Norman (Funan Digitalife Mall) Tel +65 63345432 - Harvey Norman (Suntec City Mall) Tel +65 63322312 – Talk & Play (VivoCity) Tel +65 63769303 Sea
Land Sports Tel +65 62353377 MALAYSIA: KSH Bicycles (KL) +60 3 77275173 – Mecinda Motorcycle Gear (KL) Tel +60 3 26913251 – Element Cycle (JB) Tel +60 7 3533979
– KSH Bicycles (Penang) Tel +60 4 2299117 PHILIPPINES: Aquamundo (Manila) Tel +63 02 8172782 – Sabak Sports & Adventure (Manila) Tel +63 02 8191733 – R.O.X.
(Manila) Tel +63 02 8564369 INDONESIA: Dive Sport (Bali) Tel +62 361 766888 – RipCurl Legian (Bali) Tel +62 361 765889 – Sea Pearl DC (Jakarta) Tel +62 21 506074 – CK
Motorsport (Jakarta) Tel +62 21 5818532 – Andre Handmade Spearguns (Bali) Tel +62 361 722384 – Positive Prosport Offi ce (Surabaya) Tel +62 031 8499237 THAILAND:
Sports Bicycle ( Bangkok) Tel +66 2 6375487 - TS Motorsport (Bangkok) Tel +66 2 7202630 - HD solution (Bangkok) Tel +66 2 5150908 - Foto File Group (Bangkok) Tel +66
2 62009200 - Kiteboarding Asia (Hua Hin) Tel +66 0815914592 - Photo Bug (Chiangmai) Tel +66 53 287148 - Pitman Info (Yala) Tel +66 073212792 - Pitman Info (Phuket) Tel
+66 076355955 VIETNAM: Vietcyclosport (HCMC) Tel +84 0908447801
Authorised Dealers :
West Malaysia – Funsportz tel: +60 67626995; East Malaysia – Funsportz tel: +60 128689449; Thailand – Kratos Co. Ltd tel: +66 8 99111001;
Indonesia – Sea Pearl tel: +62 21 5606074; Philippines – Aquamundo Sports tel: +63 2 813 2782

SPECIAL
RATES
FOR JETSTAR
PASSENGERS
LIMITED OFFER AT THE BUDGET COUNTER NOW
Jetstar passengers receive a special rate when renting with Budget in Bangkok
or Manila before 31 March 2011 simply by mentioning this ad. Visit the Budget
counter for details when you land and quote discount number BCD D115402.
BUDGET DRIVES YOUR DOLLAR FURTHER
Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion (including contracted, corporate, pre-booked or tour rates). BUDG905

The Height
of Living
Pacifi c Regency Hotel
Suites off er city centre
convenience in a calming
green setting. Make
the most of your stay
by checking out these
local attractions
WORDS SIMON OSTHEIMER
Pacifi c Regency Hotel Suites, Menara PanGlobal, Jl Punchak, off Jl P.Ramlee,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tel: +60 (3) 2332 7740, pacifi c-regency.com
Get to Drink
Enjoy drinks by moonlight at Luna, one
of Kuala Lumpur’s fi nest rooftop bars.
With spectacular 360-degree views of
the city, this is the place to mix it up with
a sophisticated clientele of socialites and
celebrities. Shoot for the stars with the Apollo
13, a champagnebased
mix of rum,
peach liqueur, Midori
melon, and mango
juice. Pacifi c Regency
Hotel Suites, Menara
PanGlobal, Jl
Punchak, tel: +60 (3)
2332 7740, luna.my
Get to Eat
One of KL’s top tables, Hakka Republic is pop
culture Chinoiserie: think birdcage lanterns,
backlit Chinese scrolls, and Mao-esque
fi gures. The food is mostly Western with an
oriental twist, such as a Black Angus burger
with Asian tomato
salsa. Wines by the
glass are courtesy
of the Enomatic
machine. Lot 2.05,
Lvl 2, Menara Hap
Seng, Jl P.Ramlee, tel:
+60 (3) 2078 9908,
hakkarepublic.com
Get to Play
The 421m-high Menara KL (KL Tower) is
the world’s sixth tallest. The best attraction
though doesn’t cost a cent. The Bukit Nanas
Forest Reserve surrounding the tower is the
remaining rainforest
in the city, housing
a remarkable array
of insects, birds, and
even the odd monkey
or two. Menara
Kuala Lumpur, 2
Jl Punchak, off Jl
P.Ramlee, tel: +60
(3) 2020 5444,
menarakl.com.my
Get to Shop
Just fi ve minutes from the Pacifi c Regency Hotel
Suites, The Weld off ers shoppers an intimate,
personal shopping experience. Over six fl oors,
the centre’s tenants include a branch of cult
local boutique Femme Fatale, with its discounted
designer handbags. Try
Mark’s Asam Laksa for
a bowl of spicy noodle
goodness, or sip on
Malaysia’s national
drink, teh tarik, at the
Daily Kopitiam.
76 Jl Raja Chulan,
tel: +60 (3) 2162 3580,
theweld.com.my
Jetstar Asia fl ies direct to Kuala Lumpur three
times daily, book online at Jetstar.com
ENSUITE
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 21

DISAPPEARING ASIA
The triumvirate art of
ukiyo-e provides a diff erent
perspective of reality
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR MOGG
Colour
My World
In
a quiet Kyoto backstreet, just around the
corner from Kennin-ji Temple, you’ll fi nd
what master printer Mamoru Ichimura calls
“the smallest ukiyo-e museum in the world”.
Ukiyo-e, translated literally as “pictures
of the fl oating world”, is an art form that
fi rst came to prominence in 17th-century
Japan. The “fl oating world” refers to passing
moments in time, fl eeting beauty and
transient pleasures. The infl uence of these
charming woodblock prints spread far and
wide, with the likes of van Gogh and Monet
drawing inspiration from their unique style.
The creation process is collaborative,
comprising an artist, carver and printer.
Ichimura-san learned how to create ukiyo-e
prints by observing his grandfather. “I took
over from him more than 50 years ago.
I opened the museum a decade ago as
22 FEBRUARY /MARCH 2011
I wanted to spread the word about this
wonderful art which sadly is dying out.”
Ichimura-san’s workshop is a chaotic clutter
of paint pots, brushes, carved wood blocks
and paper, but when he settles down on the
tatami fl oor to work, a sense of order prevails.
It quickly becomes apparent that extreme
precision and deftness of touch is essential.
After wetting the carved woodblock he
carefully inks its entire surface using a
horsehair brush. Next, he takes a sheet of
lightly dampened paper, specially prepared
so that it absorbs the ideal amount of ink, and
gently lays it over the woodblock, ensuring it
lines up exactly with the carved marks at the
bottom of the block. Using a baren, a circular
pad, he presses hard but evenly on the paper
to ensure the ink is properly transferred. Once
satisfi ed, Ichimura-san slowly peels the freshly
Jetstar Asia fl ies to Osaka via Taipei daily, book online at Jetstar.com
inked paper from the block. A diff erent block is
used for each colour added, with diff erent parts
of the carving raised for each individual colour.
The master printer takes great pride in
demonstrating his skills to visitors. “It’s a
pleasure to share my passion for this art, and
it allows me to meet people from all over the
world. I’ve never been out of Japan, but through
my visitors I’ve been all over the world.”
Now 67, Ichimura-san has no plans to retire.
“There are less than 50 printers like me left in
the whole of Japan. I enjoy it so much that I’ll
continue for as long as I can.”
Ichimura-san has a large collection of prints
on show at his museum. Visitors can watch
him at work, and even have a go themselves.
151 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto,
tel: +81 (0)75 561 7355

It’s like
having
your very
own wingwoman
Book includes a special section on
.
“Full of great ideas...A true
treasure for singles.”
— Gregory J.P. Godek, author of
1001 Ways to be Romanced
but with this guide book, it doesn’t have to be...it will help anyone too busy to grapple with
the dating scene be they time-starved
outside their usual social circle,”
Real People. Real Dates.

24 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
Free
Spırıt
New Zealander Boh Runga is
a multi-talented star in her
country — not just for being
a rock musician but also for
collaborations that range from
songwriting to the creation of a
successful jewellery range
Boh
Runga has to be the most laidback
of rock ‘n’ rollers you can
imagine. Also the nicest. We meet at her local
cafe in Auckland’s trendy suburb of Grey Lynn.
She purrs apologies for being two minutes late.
She had to wash her hair, she explains, which
as a result fl ows luxuriantly down her back.
Her face is void of make-up; her exotic beauty
— her mother is Chinese, her father Maori
— needs no extra adornment on this sunny
Wednesday morning.
Having coff ee with Boh is like hanging with
one of your best friends. There’s no trace of
ego or the fact that she’s one of New Zealand’s
most recognisable musicians, renowned for
being the lead singer and guitarist of the awardwinning
rock band Stellar, while also carving
out a respected solo career as a singer and
songwriter, and being a regular face on the live
music scene where she collaborates with other
top artists.
A free spirit, she divides her time between
Auckland and Los Angeles, where she worked
on her most recent album Right Here.
Recorded over six months in a Hollywood
studio, the album was met with critical acclaim
with the New Zealand Herald describing
her “unashamed blockbuster urges and
tunepower” as irresistible, and performances
in the States being described as “musical soup
for the soul”.
LOCATION: Murawai Beach, Auckland;
Outfi t: DRESS BY LARA PARKER;
Jewellery: BOH RUNGA STERLING SILVER MONARCH
NECKPIECE WITH TURQUOISE & MONARCH CUFF
WITH PAVE DIAMONDS

PEOPLE
BOH RUNGA
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 25

Right now, Boh is spending the summer
months in Auckland hanging out with family
and friends, working on a range of creative
projects and, this morning, being particularly
excited about fi nding a new microphone for the
studio she is setting up at home back in Los
Angeles (LA). “I live in Silverlake which is a bit
of bohemian enclave, east of Hollywood. It’s
quite an artistic neighbourhood. I used to live
in West Hollywood; it’s much more glamorous
and chi chi, but I prefer the ‘dirty underbelly’,’’
she laughs.
“I can’t wait to get back to LA and start
writing. There’s a lot on the last album I am
now not happy with. For the next one,” she adds
dreamily, “I have a specifi c project in mind; a
blend of genres with the likes of Roxy Music. I
love that whole seventies rock vibe.” To prove
it, the top she’s wearing is a reissue vintage
T-shirt identical to one worn by Rod Stewart
back in the day. “I bought it online,” she laughs.
“I actually worked with one of his writers,
Kevin Savigar, when I fi rst moved to LA and he
had such amazing stories. One of the joys of
collaborating with people there is they have all
worked with other stars. I’m not interested in
writing music with them,” she laughs again, “I
just want to hear their stories.”
Boh enjoys the ‘get up and go’ and
enthusiastic nature of LA locals, compared to
the more low-key, almost shy approach back
in New Zealand. Thanks to being signed to
leading music publishers Chrysalis, she has
become part of a talented pool of songwriters
in LA, being paid to create songs which are then
put out for selection by diff erent artists. So far,
none of Boh’s songs has been picked up, but
the work means she can aff ord to maintain
the creative life she leads. “Ï’d love someone
like Britney Spears to pick one of my songs.
I really admire her. After having such a diffi cult
personal life, I love that music helped lift her
out of that.”
Growing up in the seventies in the
conservative New Zealand city of Christchurch,
music was a big part of her family life. Her
mother, who was born in Malaysia, gave up
her own singing career to be with the man
she loved. Instead, she encouraged her three
daughters to follow their musical dreams.
All of them went on to play in bands, with
sister Bic, in particular, topping the charts as a
singer-songwriter.
“Mum also encouraged us to be accepting
of all people and cultures, and kept us in touch
with our heritage through the delicious Asian
food she created and teaching us Chinese
when we were little.”
Boh loves spending time in New Zealand. It
gives her the opportunity to hang out with her
two young nephews and work on the numerous
collaborations and projects she has on the go.
MUM ENCOURAGED
US TO BE ACCEPTING
OF ALL PEOPLE AND
CULTURES
Outfi t: DRESS BY TRELISE COOPER;
Jewellery: BOH RUNGA BIRDLAND ROBIN BRACELET
IN ROSE GOLD
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 27

For this multi-talented woman, music makes
up just part of her full life. The last few years
has also seen Boh grow into a respected
jewellery designer. Collaborating with NZ
Mint Jewellery, her stylised silver pieces are
favourites among the local fashion cognoscenti.
“I’m not trained in design so it’s been an
amazing learning curve and chance to explore
a diff erent side of my creativity.”
From stylised delicate New Zealand birds
in sterling silver, to the rock’n’roll vibe of
pendants and earrings inspired by Cupid, to
a collection based on the Chinese zodiac and
another based on a fairy tale she wrote about
friendship, love and a desire for adventure,
her jewellery, like her music, draws on her life
experiences and the people that she meets
along the way.
“I love collaborating with people. It’s fun. It’s
nice if you have an idea which you see one way
and then if you’re with people who you trust
and respect and believe they can improve on
your idea, then it’s better, isn’t it? For everyone.
“I’m a conceptualiser,” she laughs. “I’m not
that disciplined enough to do things right
through to the end, because by then I’m usually
off doing something else...”
...Like the web project that she’s devising
with a friend. “I can’t tell you about it yet, but
28 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
Outfi t: DRESS BY TRELISE COOPER;
Jewellery: BOH RUNGA STERLING SILVER MONARCH
CUFF WITH PAVE DIAMONDS
it’s so exciting. I don’t think there’s anyone else
doing anything like it.” Or the designer fl oor rug
she’s created as part of a collection by a group
of leading New Zealand artists, which will be
launched in March. Or the handmade jewellery
based on Monarch butterfl ies she’s creating
with a friend and designer from New York. And
there’s the Kiwi metal rock musician she is
helping out on a project — “I love coming up
with melodies for someone else to sing — and
another jewellery collection for Mint, which she
aims to launch at New Zealand Fashion Week
later in the year.
“It’s diffi cult sometimes juggling all these
projects, because it’s important to have
creative space and freedom... Yes, it’s about
having freedom,” she muses, “but then not
having discipline. I can get stuck on an idea and
then spend hours, days researching it. I forget
to stop for lunch, get lost in it and then I have
to crawl my way out of it... Yes, that happens to
me a lot.”
With this insatiable curiosity for life and
having new experiences, and with her warm,
easy-going nature and sensitive creativity, it’s
little wonder Boh Runga is a shining star.
To fi nd out more about Boh Runga and to buy
her jewellery, go to www.bohrunga.com.
Favourite
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur: “The last time I visited
Kuala Lumpur was with my mother 10 years
ago. I had only been before a handful of
times as a baby and toddler to visit family.
Coming back as an adult was very different.
The shopping was phenomenal. My mother
and Aunty were exhausted as I pretty much
dragged them around for a whole day at the
famous KLCC, home to high-end fashion
labels and fun and affordable boutiques.
Eating played a major role in catching up
with our relatives — it was thrilling to be
taken to out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall
places for extraordinary giant crabs flown in
from Thailand and real Malaysian-Chinese
comfort food.”
Manila: “I had a wonderful opportunity to
play at a function held by The New Zealand
Consulate in Manila to promote New
Zealand/ Philippine relations. My fantastic
band was made up of Filipino musicians
who were incredibly talented and learnt
my Stellar songs faultlessly. I stayed with
the New Zealand Ambassador at the time,
David Pine and his lovely wife Arti — who
really looked after my friend Stacey and I.
Before leaving the Philippines, we had a wee
holiday at Badian Island Resort and Spa on
Cebu — a week of massages, mani-pedis
and serious relaxing with glorious cocktails
and gracious hospitality. One of the best
holidays I have ever had.”
Auckland: “Whenever I come home
to Auckland, I love nothing better
than meandering around my local
neighbourhoods of Ponsonby and Grey
Lynn. There’s an eclectic mix of cafés
where you can find great coffee. Favourites
include Occam and Dizengoff. I also love
New Zealand fashion and always include
visits to boutiques such as Miss Crabb, Kate
Sylvester and Jaimie.”

ON THE WA
Explore Auckland’s bays, islands and beaches
for their vibrant dining and outdoor pursuits
WORDS BRETT ATKINSON
Most
emerging international cities
would be happy with just one
sparkling harbour, but the lucky people of
Auckland enjoy life between two expansive
natural anchorages. Aucklanders have the
world’s highest per capita ownership of boats,
and when they’re not out and about on the
water, the residents of New Zealand’s biggest
and most cosmopolitan city are never far
from the shimmering Waitemata and
Manukau Harbours.
30 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
Photos: Explore NZ (bottom & top)

CLOCKWISE FROM
LEFT: Great sailing
in the City of Sails;
take your own time
to explore the nooks
and crannies; no need
to slow down after
dark; see dolphins in
the clear waters of
Auckland
TER’S EDGE
Photos: Tourism Auckland (bottom); Photolibrary (top)
commences direct
flights from Singapore
to Auckland weekly
on 17 March 2011
visit Jetstar.com
HOT SPOT
AUCKLAND
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 31

32 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
MAIN & INSET RIGHT:
Stroll along the Viaduct
Harbour waterfront for
the best water views;
INSET LEFT: Winetasting
on Waiheke Island
A vibrant shortcut to understanding
Aucklanders’ affi nity for the waters
surrounding their city is to visit Viaduct
Harbour. Less than two decades ago, the area
was a scruff y collection of rustic fi shing boats
and warehouses. Following New Zealand’s
victory in the America’s Cup yachting regatta
in 1995, the precinct has been transformed
with waterfront apartments, buzzing cafés
and restaurants, and some of Auckland’s most
popular bars and nightclubs.
With expansive decks perfect for peoplewatching,
Soul Bar & Bistro is one of New
Zealand’s most awarded eateries. Only
recently the restaurant hosted music’s most
Photo: Ananda Tours (Left)

Photos: Agefotostock (top right); Tourism Auckland (main photo & inset)
dazzling couple, Jay Z and Beyoncé, and
guest chefs from Europe, Australia and Asia
often add their touches to Soul’s menu, which
showcases New Zealand produce with a
contemporary spin. Next door, Kermadec’s
three diff erent dining rooms all present
the freshest of local seafood. On a warm
summer’s evening, sampling oysters and a
chilled glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc
at the alfresco Tasting Room tapas bar is a
quintessential Auckland experience.
Small plates perfect for sharing are also the
focus at the recently opened Snapdragon,
easily the Viaduct’s hottest eating and drinking
ticket for the summer of 2011. After diners
devour tapas including Turkish fl atbread
with cedar-smoked snapper, Snapdragon
eff ortlessly morphs into a stylish bar later at
night. Don’t miss discovering the bookcase
that revolves to reveal a secret games room.
All this eating and drinking needs the
balance of active adventures Kiwi-style. From
Viaduct Harbour, travellers can join Explore
NZ trips to go whale and dolphin watching,
and the legacy of New Zealand’s adventures
in the America’s Cup also lingers, with Sail
NZ off ering the opportunity to take part in a
head-to-head yachting “match race” on boats
actually used in the successful 1995 regatta.
East of Viaduct Harbour, Auckland’s central
Score a hat-trick
of adventures
Take to the
water to
discover three
great Auckland
daytrips.
Catch a Fuller’s
Quick Cat (fullers.
co.nz) to Waiheke
Island (waiheke.co.nz). Just 40 minutes from
downtown Auckland, the island is developing a
reputation for excellent wine, and is also home
to many artists. Have lunch at the Mudbrick
Vineyard (mudbrick.co.nz) — with spectacular
views back to Auckland CBD — and explore
the island on a vineyard and art gallery tour
with Ananda Tours (ananda.co.nz). Don’t miss
trying the microbrew beers from the Waiheke
Island Brewery (waihekebrewery.co.nz).
A short Fullers ferry hop across the harbour,
the seaside suburb of Devonport (devonport.
co.nz) has a main street lined with elegant
Victorian buildings from the late 19th century.
Choose from seafood at Catch 22 (19 Victoria
Rd), or terrifi c coff ee and cake at the Stove
Oven Bakery (5 Clarence St). Downtown
Auckland is just 12 minutes away, but
Devonport remains a sleepy slice of the city’s
heritage. Travellers with a sweet tooth should
proceed directly to Devonport Chocolates
(devonportchocolates.co.nz).
Th e graceful volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island
is an essential Auckland landmark. Catch a
Fullers ferry from Auckland’s waterfront and
explore the rugged island either on foot or
on the quirky 4WD road train. Rangitoto’s
unique volcanic landscape is only 600 years
old and includes explorer-ready lava caves,
old shipwrecks and a spectacular crater rim.
Ferg’s Kayaks on Auckland’s Tamaki Drive
(fergskayaks.co.nz) off ers guided kayaking trips
to Devonport and Rangitoto Island.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 33

usiness district segues to Tamaki Drive, a
meandering tree-lined esplanade prescribing
the inner Waitemata Harbour. In mid-March,
the annual Round the Bays event sees up to
70,000 participants of diff erent shapes, sizes
and fi tness levels, run, shuffl e or walk around
the 8.4km waterfront course from downtown
Auckland. One of Auckland’s biggest barbecue
parties is waiting for them at St Heliers Bay,
and legendary New Zealand hospitality usually
means any visiting runners are welcomed
with a cold beer. It’s a brilliant way to see
Auckland’s waterfront and meet lots of
friendly locals at the same time.
At all times of the year, Tamaki Drive
is a popular destination for cycling and
rollerblading. A dedicated cycling track hugs
the seawall, winding past east Auckland’s
popular inner bays and the iconic, volcanic
profi le of Rangitoto Island. During summer,
colourful caravans selling fresh strawberries
and stone fruit are crowded with local families
stocking up for spontaneous seaside picnics.
Buses along Tamaki Drive to St Heliers
depart regularly from downtown Auckland’s
Britomart Transport Centre (routes 746 to
769). Stop in at Fergs Kayaks in Okahu Bay
to hire rollerblades or bicycles, including
tandems. Owned and operated by a multiple
Olympic kayaking champion, Fergs also runs
kayaking trips across the harbour to Rangitoto
Island or to the seaside suburb of Devonport.
With a background of the city’s lights, the
night excursions are extra special.
An alternative to local bus transport is to
34 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
CLOCKWISE FROM
LEFT: Med-style
on Waiheke Island;
under the sea at Kelly
Tarlton’s; what harbour
living is about
catch the Auckland Explorer tourist bus,
stopping at key attractions along Tamaki Drive
and elsewhere in the city. At Kelly Tarlton’s
Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World,
a giant walk through the aquarium shows off
New Zealand’s marine life, many unique to the
cooler southern waters surrounding the island
nation. Stingrays mingle with sea turtles and
sand tiger sharks — a new attraction since
December 2010 — and an 80-strong colony
of king and gentoo penguins bob and waddle
through an icy facsimile of their traditional
home on New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands.
Brave travellers can even submerge to spy on
sharks in Kelly Tarlton’s Shark Cage.
A few graceful curves later, Tamaki Drive
leads to Mission Bay, a popular weekend
getaway for local families fl ying kites, playing
touch rugby, or reading the Sunday papers
over a lingering brunch in a cosy café. Mission
Bay is crowded with good restaurants and
bars, including the Spanish-style Bar Comida,
but on a sunny day the best option is to buy a
newspaper-wrapped bundle of fi sh and chips
from the Fish Pot Café, or a gourmet burger
from Burger Fuel.
Take-out food always tastes better with
sand between your toes and the sun on your
back. A chilled bottle of zingy organic Phoenix
Honey Cola or New Zealand’s own L & P soft
drink are both ideal additions for a thoroughly
Auckland experience. It may not be the fl ash
restaurants of Viaduct Harbour, but don’t be
surprised if it’s the meal you tell everyone
about when you get back home.
Take Me There
● SOUL BAR & BISTRO
Viaduct Harbour, tel: +64 (9) 356 7429,
soulbar.co.nz
● KERMADEC
Viaduct Harbour, tel: +64 (9) 304 0454,
kermadec.co.nz
● SNAPDRAGON
Viaduct Harbour, tel: +64 (9) 357 6147,
snapdragonbar.co.nz
● EXPLORE NZ
Viaduct Harbour, tel: 0800 397 567 (NZ
only), explorenz.co.nz
● SAIL NZ
Viaduct Harbour, tel: 0800 724 569 (NZ
only), sailnz.co.nz
● ROUND THE BAYS
roundthebays.co.nz
● BRITOMART TRANSPORT CENTRE
8-10 Queen St, britomart.co.nz
● FERGS KAYAKS
12 Tamaki Dr, Okahu Bay, tel: +64 (09) 529
2230, fergskayaks.co.nz
● AUCKLAND EXPLORER
Tel: 0800 439 756 (NZ only),
explorerbus.co.nz
● KELLY TARLTON’S ANTARCTIC
ENCOUNTER AND UNDERWATER WORLD
23 Tamaki Dr, Orakei, tel: 0800 805 050 (NZ
only), kellytarltons.co.nz
● BAR COMIDA
81 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay,
tel: +64 (9) 521 7000
● FISH POT CAFÉ
99 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay,
tel: +64 (9) 528 4097
● BURGER FUEL
61 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay, tel: +64 (9) 521
0400, burgerfuel.com
Photos: Photolibrary (top right); Canvass (top left); Tourism Auckland (inset)

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AMC

STEP BACK
36 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
flies direct to
Penang from
Singapore twice
daily, visit
Jetstar.com

IN TIME
Experience a bygone era
in the heart of Penang’s
George Town
WORDS MARIA VISCONTI
ILLUSTRATION CHRIS MACKENZIE FOR
ILLUSTRATIONROOM.COM.AU HERITAGE
I
had often wondered what it would be like to
live in a traditional Chinese shophouse like
the ones barely surviving in Singapore, Phuket
and the other old trading ports of South-East
Asia. Finally, my dream is realised on the
island of Penang, the aptly called Pearl of the
Orient on the northwest coast of Malaysia.
The Straits Collection, as the name implies,
is a group of old Chinese shophouses,
painstakingly chosen for their architectural
appeal and position within the UNESCO
Heritage area of George Town. Built in 1927
in the straits eclectic style (characterised
by arched windows with louvered wooden
shutters and butterfl y-shaped ventilation
windows), the whole building is redolent of
Raffl es, who introduced the rule of covered
walkways — 5 to 8-ft wide from front door
to curb — to protect pedestrians from
monsoonal rains and tropical sunshine.
When I take possession of number 47
Stewart Lane, a hall decorated with Chinese
antiques greets me as I open my front door.
Upstairs, there are two bedrooms plus an
indoor/outdoor bathroom. Every night when
I lean out the windows to close my shutters
over the quiet street, I really feel like a local.
The confl uence of cultures and peoples to
this island began when Captain Francis Light
— who was searching for a suitable port in the
Straits of Malacca within easy reach of India —
took over the island in 1786. He paid the Sultan
of Kedah 600 Spanish dollars for it and, more
importantly, pledged British protection against
any of the Sultan’s enemies. The British had
a long history in the area, playing sultan
against sultan to gain land concessions for
their rubber tree plantations and the mining
of tin, essential commodities to the European
Industrial Revolution.
Traders from all over the world came to
settle and Penang became a thriving free port,
placed ideally between the changing of the
monsoon winds, a place were crews plying the
India-to-China sea routes could stop and get a
few weeks’ calm while waiting for the winds to
change. Malays from the mainland moved in,
traders from Aceh and other parts of Sumatra
came to establish businesses, as did Arab
merchants and men from India and China.
European adventurers joined in: Sufi s
from the mainland, Catholics from Siam
and Portuguese-Eurasians from Dutchadministered
Melaka also fl owed into Penang.
George Town refl ects these immigration
patterns in its street names. By the early 19th
century, the Kuan Yin Temple, Kapitan Keling
Mosque, Acheen Street Mosque, Nagore
Shrine, Mahamariamman Hindu Temple and
St George’s Church were already built in their
present locations, a stone’s throw away from
the Straits Collection properties.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 37
PENANG

In Penang you can go into any temple of
any denomination and you will be welcomed.
People try to explain the meaning of things.
Incense clouds pour out of Indian temples and
joss sticks burn forever in highly decorated
Chinese temples. If you show up at a Sikh
temple on a Sunday, the community there
will not let you leave without feeding you
fi rst. There is always a parade going on, a
celebration or a festivity.
At Stewart Lane, three of the fi ve houses are
used for accommodation and the other two
are public spaces: in the very corner, Kopi Cine
is a café with the best-ever chocolate chip
cheesecake. Breakfasts, lunches and tapas are
excellent and undoubtedly it’s an Australian
connoisseur who has chosen the wine list.
Adjacent to Kopi Cine is the Reading Room,
a tastefully decorated space lined with dark
wood shelves full of interesting books. The
back courtyard is used as an open-air cinema
where vintage Asian movies can be watched
from 9pm while sipping a glass of good wine
and tasting a few tapas.
On Armenian Street, at the start of the
heritage trail, the Straits Collection has four
other properties, two of which are full houses
with living areas and courtyard downstairs
and bedrooms upstairs. These houses are
older (circa 1850) and of a simpler style. The
other two houses have been transformed into
gorgeous boutiques: Bon Ton The Shop and
China Joes.
While you’re living in the heart of the
historical quarter, do as the locals do and go
makan angin, literally “eating the breeze”.
38 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
Take Me There
● STRAITS COLLECTION
47-55 Stewart Ln and 89-95
Armenian St, George Town,
straitscollection.com.my
From 420MYR ($100.70) per
night per house
RESTAURANTS
DINNER
● 32 AT THE MANSION
32 Jl Sultan Ahmad Shah,
tel: +60 (4) 262 2232
● MAMA’S NVONYA
3l-D Abu Siti Ln, tel: +60 (4)
229 1318
● MIRAKU JAPANESE
RESTAURANT
G Hotel, 168A Persiaran
Gurney, tel: +60 (4) 238 0000
● SONG RIVER CAFE
Gurney Dr
● KASHMIR
Oriental Hotel, 105 Penang Rd,
tel: +60 (4) 263 4211
● BALI HAI
Persiaran Gurney, tel: +60 (4)
228 8272
LUNCH
● NYONYA BREEZE
50 Alu Siti Ln
● EDELWEISS
38 Armenian St, tel: +60 (4)
261 8935
● RAINFOREST BAKERY
300 Chulia St
● SRI ANANDA BAHWAN
Cnr Penang and China St
● STALLS (BEST AT NIGHT)
● NEW LANE, OFF
MACALISTER RD
(EVENINGS ONLY)
● NEW WORLD PARK
102 Jl Burma
● KUAY TEOW NOODLE SOUP
Cnr Armenian and Pitt St
SUNSET DRINKS
● QE2
Church Street Pier
● EASTERN & ORIENTAL
HOTEL
10 Lebuh Farquhar, tel: +60 (4)
222 2000
● BEACH BLANKET
BABYLON
16 Lebuh Bishop, tel: +60 (4)
263 8101
DRINKS AFTER DINNER
● BAGAN BAR &
RESTAURANT
18 Jl Bagan Jermal, tel: +60
(4) 226 4977
● G SPOT
168A Persiaran Gurney,
tel: +60 (4) 238 0000
(jazz session fi rst Sunday of
the month)
SHOPPING
● GURNEY PLAZA
Persiawan Gurney, tel: +60 (4)
222 8111
● FUAN WONG GALLERY
Armenian St
● SAM’S BATIK HOUSE
183 Penang St
● NAM LOONG JEWELLERS
5 Campbell St
● UPPER PENANG ROAD
MARKET

FEELS LIKE
HEAVEN
From the splendour of its natural
landscapes to the allure of its
historical and cultural relics,
Guilin is full of wonders just
waiting to be discovered
40 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ARMAN SHAH
One
deep breath is all it takes to affi rm
that you really are in the “Forest of
Sweet Osmanthus”. More commonly known as
Guilin, this charming city in the north-eastern
corner of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous
Region is where sweet osmanthus trees grow
in abundance, emitting an invigorating scent
across south-east China.
Even more arresting to the senses is the
scenery. Just ask any friendly resident —
he will assure you it’s home to the “fi nest
mountains and rivers under heaven”. While
it may be easy to accuse him of biased
exaggeration, you will be hard-pressed to deny
his poetic words one day later.
flies direct from
Singapore to Guilin
twice weekly,
visit Jetstar.com

The dreamy Li River
has inspired poets
and painters through
the centuries
THE LI RIVER
The beauty of the Guilin landscape,
characterised by mountains, caves and
underground streams, is unlike any other. The
Lijiang river, however, is the most prevalent
aspect of this karst topography.
While the whole river measures 437km in
length, it is that stretch between Guilin and
Yangshuo County that has captivated many. To
understand why, a four-hour cruise along this
famous route is mandatory.
All you need for this cruise, other than a
jacket for chilly winds, is an appreciation for
the art of doing nothing. Just relax as your
boat takes you from one spectacular view to
the next. The refl ection of the blue skies and
towering hillsides in the limpid river is sure
to enchant. The tour guide will tease your
imagination, pointing out rock formations
that resemble everything from horses to
singing goddesses.
At lunchtime, fi shermen from nearby
villages row their bamboo rafts to your boat,
hoping to sell off their latest catch for the day.
The in-house chefs buy what they need, then
proceed to prepare a meal of the freshest
seafood for you and every other famished
passenger onboard.
GO GUIDE
GUILIN
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 41

YANGSHUO
Alight at Yangshuo County where a short walk
away from the wharf is West End Street, a
shopping hub with handcrafted artworks and
traditional costumes at the best prices. Or a
fun alternative is renting a bicycle or even an
electronic motorbike to get around on.
The main reason many visitors come to
Yangshuo is to catch world-famous Chinese
director Zhang Yimou’s Impression, Liu
Sanjie musical production at the Li River
Mountain-Water Theatre. With the starry night
and mountain peaks serving as backdrop,
a 600-strong cast and masterful light
engineering, the show transcends language
barriers and promises to blow your socks off .
Up the
Culural Dose
Two hours out of Guilin city is Longsheng,
home to the Chinese aborigines. Immerse
yourself in a completely diff erent culture with a
visit to these minority groups.
As you head deeper into the countryside,
bustling roads are replaced by sweeping views
of the terraced rice fi elds. Th is change in
landscape indicates that you are nearing the
Zhuang villages, which are accessible only
on foot.
Although the hike might be physically
taxing, the sights are instantly rewarding. You’ll
be amazed at how the Zhuang villagers created
a safe living environment on such dangerous
terrain. Horse paddocks, dainty tea houses and
tent booths selling everything from freshly
grown chillies to handmade jewellery, line the
winding path up to the summit.
When you fi nally reach the top, you can
clearly see how the rice terraces look like
dragon scales. Th is resemblance inspired
the name Longji, which means “Dragon’s
Backbone”. Th ey have been in existence for
more than 500 years, since the Yuan Dynasty
(1271-1368).
You can spend the night up in the mountains
by booking a room in the Leader Guest House
Longji Branch. When you wake up in the
morning, just step onto the platform outside
and take in the full view of rice terraced fi elds
that seem to stretch on forever.
Unlike the Zhuang aborigines, the Yao
people are more earth-bound. Th ey built their
homes at the foot of a mountain, along the
river. While no climbing is required, you would
still need sturdy leg muscles for this side trip.
Th e magnetic appeal of the tribe lies in the Red
Yao women. With only two haircuts in their
lives, one at 18 and the other during marriage,
they collectively set the record for having the
longest hair in the world. Meticulously tied
up in an elegant bun., you can tell by her hair
whether a woman is single, married or married
with kids.
42 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

CLOCKWISE
FROM FAR LEFT:
the spectacular
Impression, Liu Sanjie
musical; enter the
princedom (AND
INSET); in Zhuang
County you can see
rice terraces like a
dragon’s spine and get
your chilli chopped;
a Yao women’s
performance
THE JINGJIANG PRINCE CITY
Apart from the myths that were passed down
through the generations, a certain manmade
structure also withstood the test of time. The
Jingjiang Prince City, which was erected in
1368, still stands today. Back then, it was the
home of a Chinese prince named Jingjiang. He
was the grandson of the great Zhu Yuanzhang,
the founder and fi rst emperor of the Ming
Dynasty. Today, however, the site stands
as a fraction of the campus in Guangxi
Normal University.
When you walk across the grounds of this
former city, there’s a distinct sense of peace
and tranquility. Perhaps it has something
to do with its setting around the Solitary
Beauty Peak. Apparently, the placement of
the city was in accordance to the positions
of the mountain and river. Such detail was
incorporated into the architectural blueprint to
promote good feng shui.
Historical scenarios are also acted
out in authentic settings. Engaging
presentations off er a glimpse into the life
of the royal members whom once walked
along those halls.
A fun activity to participate in is sitting in for
a mock exam. During the Qing Dynasty, the
mansion served as the imperial examination
hall. Those small cubicles that acted as the
exam rooms have been preserved to this very
day. All you have to do is pick up the feather
quill, dip it in black ink and write away to
become an offi cial. Now who wouldn’t want to
be a prince for a day?
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 43

ELEPHANT TRUNK HILL
The magnetic appeal of Guilin does not just lie
in its scenery. Its allure can also be explained
by the strong local belief in mythology. You
cannot help but be fascinated by those stories
of fantastical creatures and divine deities.
A prime example of a venerated myth is the
Elephant Trunk Hill. Located on the western
bank of the Li River, the hill stands proud as a
symbol of the city. If you’re pondering about
its peculiar name, just look at the hill from
afar for insight. You will see the unmistakable
outline of an elephant with its trunk
submerged in the water.
“According to the legend, this elephant
was once a god who refused to return to the
heavens. One day, while it was drinking from
the river, the other gods decided to plunge a
sword down the top of its head. That was its
punishment for its non-compliance,” explains
Wei Xiang, a tour guide and director from the
Guilin Municipal Tourism Bureau.
For a closer look of the hill, take a boat
through the Water Moon Cave. The semiround
cave opening, which is penetrated by
water, can be found between the trunk and
legs of the elephant. When this opening is
viewed along with the inverted refl ection of the
cave in the water, the shape of a full moon can
be seen. To experience this phenomenon that
inspired the cave’s name, stay past sunset
on a moonlit night. The sight is nothing short
of magical.
Take Me There
● Li River Cruise
Choose from three diff erent cruises to take you
from the city of Guilin to Yangshuo County. All
cruises off er a free pick-up from your hotel to
Zhujiang Wharf, where the cruise begins. This
pier is a 40-minute drive away from Guilin.
All online bookings can be made through
lirivercruise.net. All phone bookings can be
made via the Guilin Tourist Information Centre,
tel: +86 (773) 280 0318
▶ Luxury Cruise
Cruise Duration: 4h
Audio Guide (Language): Chinese and English
Meal(s): Lunch
Ticket Price: CNY 460 (S$91)/person
▶ Ordinary Cruise
Cruise Duration: 4h
Audio Guide (Language): Chinese
Meal(s): Fast food
Ticket Price: CNY 380 (S$75)/person
44 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
TOP–BOTTOM: Find
out your fate here;
a master painter at
work; hop on a boat
to explore the Water
Moon Cave
▶ Bamboo Boat
Cruise Duration: 2.5h
Audio Guide (Language): None
Meal(s): None
Ticket Price: CNY 180 (S$36)/person
*Max 4 people/boat
● Elephant Trunk Hill
Xiangbishan Park, Xiangshan District, tel: +86
(773) 292 5660
Admission fee: CNY40 (S$8)
● Leader Guest House
The Ping’an Terraced Fields scenic area,
Longsheng, Guilin, Guangxi,
tel: +86 (773) 758 3368, leaderguesthouse.com
● Jingjiang Prince City
1 Wangcheng, tel: +86 (773) 280 3149
Admission fee: CNY 70 (S$14)
Longji rice terraces

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

46 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
From white-knuckle rides to close
encounters with native animals in their
jungle habitat, there are plenty of highenergy
days out sure to keep kids — big
and small — entertained in my home city
WORDS GEMMA PRICE
PHOTOGRAPHY PETER STUCKINGS
ACTION
STATIONS
MAIN: Feel the rush...
on an ostrich in full
gallop; INSET (L/R):
get competitive on box
carts; try your hand
at paddling a
traditional boat
Vibrant,
fast-growing metropolis
Ho Chi Minh City
might be best known for its wealth of fashion
boutiques, international dining experiences and
buzzing nightlife, but this southern commercial
hub also has plenty of action-packed
experiences to off er the whole family.
Close to town is ecotourism entertainment
centre Vuon Xoai where we take turns to ride
wheeled box carts down grassy slopes and
strap on odd purpose-built “rollers” for a spot
of competitive grass skiing with a gang of
kids. The park also has a lagoon-like pool and
tennis courts, but the highlight of the day for
me is riding an ostrich. About 1000 ostriches
are farmed here, mainly for their meat, but
a handful have been “tamed” for visitors. My
advice? Make sure you wear a motorbike
helmet and ask for the oldest, nicest ostrich
they have. The “riding” itself doesn’t usually last
that long, but it does make for great photos!
For an exhilarating rush while beating
the heat on a typical sun-drenched day, Dam
Sen Park is one of my favourite places to
hang out. Although the park incorporates
fairground rides, bowling, gardens, tennis
courts and a kid’s play area, I always head
straight for the luridly colourful water slides,
chutes and wave pools.
Another spot to splash out at is Suoi Tien.
The park’s skyward-pointing two-horned
gateway is a familiar highway landmark, and
the entire setting borders on the fantastic. “I
ran through the bat cave without stopping,”
laughs advertising executive Nguyen Bao Tranh.
“I thought a bat was going to land in my hair!”
VUON XOAI
RESORT

flies direct from
Singapore to Ho Chi
Minh City twice daily,
visit Jetstar.com
ADRENALINE
HO CHI MINH CITY
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 47

Photos: Photolibrary (right and top right)
DAM SEN
WATER
X ROCK
PARK
TOP /BOTTOM: Tranquil or
exhilarating — take your pick;
INSET: don’t look down at
X-Rock; RIGHT/TOP RIGHT:
Face to face (sort of) with
mythological creatures in a
fantasy setting
Other attractions include cycling through
the air over a crocodile pit containing 15,000
snap-happy reptiles, hoop-jumping dolphins
and ball-bouncing sea lions, and the park’s “Mill
of Holy Wind” — a 60m high Ferris wheel with
great views over the city’s outer limits.
Although Suoi Tien is also home to many of
Vietnam’s indigenous and endangered species,
the best zoo is about an hour’s drive outside
the city at Dai Nam Theme Park — Vietnam’s
largest all-inclusive entertainment complex.
My favourite part of the day is watching white
lions and tigers pass by mere inches from me,
and watching one tiger “scent mark” a friend
through the railings. (She wasn’t happy.)
Other Dai Nam locals include rhinos,
antelopes and squirrel monkeys and plenty of
two-legged animals. Most visitors prefer the
park’s white-knuckle rides over the golden
gilded temples and reproduction of central
Vietnam’s Marble Mountains.
I’ve never been a massive fan of heights,
but b I decide to man up and challenge my
vertical ve limit with a day at X-Rock, a climbing
centre ce with a 26m purpose-built wall with nine
routes, rou including one beginner route (4m), two
beginner begi to intermediate routes (6-10m), and
three intermediate routes (20-22m). “There’s
even eventtwo
advanced routes with natural features
only — no hand holds — ensuring that even the
most experienced climbers have to rise to the
challenge!” says X-Rock regular Eileen Fosnight.
X-Rock off ers belay and safety courses (a
must for fi rst-timers), beginners and advanced
training, and even an adventure abseiling
course, all of which are taught by experienced,
certifi ed instructors. I opt for the day pass with
unlimited climbing and bouldering for VND180,
000 (S$12) and although the undulating
craggy “rock” face seems pretty daunting
standing on the ground gazing up, once you get
going, your inner primate shines.
Next we pack into a hire car and head 160km
north of the city to visit the inhabitants of Cat
Tien National Park. The ranger says Cat Tien
SUOI TIEN
PARK
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 49

50 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
MUINE
Whether sand-toboganning
or windsurfi ng, Muine has
dry and wet options galore;
OPPOSITE TOP/BOTTOM:
Put yourself through the
loops and gawk at all that
gold-gilding; INSET: Meet
the lions
Make Muine Mine
In recent years, former sleepy fi shing town
Muine has earned a reputation as one of only
two beach destinations in Asia to off er yearround
kite and windsurfi ng — a must-do if you
choose to visit. Th e area’s consistent crossonshore
winds and pleasant climate — Muine
is statistically the driest part of Vietnam — is
largely thanks to its second big attraction, the
vast Saharan-like sand dunes that melt from
warm reds and golds to pure white as they
meander through the landscape. You can make
the 65km jaunt from nearby city Phan Th iet by
motorbike, but hiring a jeep is a better option
as it gives you the option of stopping off for a
swim at the local lakes and to test your mettle
with 4WD off -roading on the red dunes.
Getting there and away
Muine Beach and Phan Th iet town are located
between Nha Trang and southern hub Ho Chi
Minh City, about a four- to fi ve-hour drive from
each. Hire a car or take one of twice-daily northsouth
buses from either direction for around
US$6 (S$7.80).
is well known for its small and rarely-seen
population of Javan rhinoceros, but the park is
also home to less camera-shy Asian elephants,
honey-loving sun bears, and many types of
primates and deer.
We don boots and oodles of bug spray to
make the 6km trek to Bau Sau Lake (crocodile
lake) where critically endangered Siamese
crocodiles were re-introduced successfully
by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in the early
1990s, and book an excursion with rangers to
Dao Tien, or Gibbon Island — a conservation
project operated by the East-Asian Species
Trust (EAST).
It’s home to some of Vietnam’s most
endangered primates, including gibbons, loris
and Duoc langurs. “Wildlife At Risk (WAR) in
partnership with Free The Bears (FTB) also
operate a Bear and Wild Cat Rescue Station
within the park, home to 19 moon and sun
bears and an Asiatic leopard, all of which
were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in
Vietnam,” adds WAR’s senior advisor Simon
Faithfull. Here visitors can go “behind the
scenes” to watch bears in their semi-natural
wild habitat — chilling out, climbing trees,
foraging for snacks — but you have to arrange
a visit with WAR staff (wildlifeatrisk.org) prior
to arrival.
Photos: Corbis (top); Photolibrary (top inset)

DAI NAM
PARK
One of my more recent discoveries is
Madagui Forest Park. Locals say caves cut
deep into the landscape were created by the
rock gods themselves, and you can spend your
day here being as active or lazy as you like.
Relax with a spa treatment overlooking the
Elephant Spring and mirror-like waters of the
lake, or saddle up for a horseback ride beneath
rainforest canopies; play shoot ’em up on
Vietnam’s premier paintballing course; or work
as a team to conquer the swift fl owing Dai Hoai
River’s white water rapids. Madagui, in its ethnic
minority language, means “The Gui river of the
Ma people” and we decide to stay overnight to
catch the Goong Ching performance of tribal
songs and dances around a fl ickering fi re. Not a
bad way to round off a high-octane day.
Take Me There
● VUON XOAI
114 Tân Cang village, Xã Phuoc Tân, Thanh
Pho, Biên Hòa, Dong Nai, tel: +84 (612) 6215
006, vuonxoai.vn
● DAM SEN PARK
3 Hoa Binh St, Q11, tel: +84 (8) 3858 8418,
damsenwaterpark.com.vn
● SUOI TIEN
120 Hanoi Hwy, Ward Tan Phu, District 9,
tel: +84 (8) 8350 420, suoitien.com
● DAI NAM THEME PARK
Binh Duong Hwy, Phuong Hiep Anh, Thu Dau
Mot, Binh Duong, tel: +84 (650) 512 660,
laccanhdainamvanhien.vn
● X-ROCK
503A Nguyen Duy Trinh, Q2,
tel: +84 (8) 6278 5794, xrockclimbing.com
● CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK
Tel: +84 (61) 3669 228, namcattien.org
● MADAGUI FOREST PARK
Km 152, Hwy 20, Ward 1, Madagouil Town,
Da Huoai District, Lâm Dong Province,
tel: +84 (63) 3946 999, madagui.com.vn
“ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!”
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 51

52 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
PEACEFUL
PHUKET
Escape the hustle and bustle for a holiday of
understated romance and seclusion
WORDS TIANA TEMPLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR TEMPLEMAN
It’s possible to fi nd
your own slice of
beach paradise in
Phuket — you just
have to know where
to look; OPPOSITE
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT: fresh street
food; inside and
outside China Inn
flies direct to
Phuket from
Singapore twice
daily, visit
Jetstar.com

Photo: Great Lakes Tourism; Map illustration: Bill Wood
Photo: Photolibrary
There’s
much more to Phuket
than the party vibe of
Patong. While this popular tourist area is
perhaps the best known part of the island, it
can be like that one loud, zany guest you seem
to fi nd at every party. While it’s impossible not
to laugh at their outrageous comments, after
spending a night in their company you fi nd
yourself craving something more meaningful.
Fortunately, Phuket also has more subtle
charms for those who seek them out, creating
a long-term love aff air with this beautiful island
for many travellers. Discovering Phuket’s
hidden gems can be an adventure in itself.
It’s a scorching afternoon when a local
woman fi nds me wandering the back streets
of Phuket Town, clutching my map like a
talisman and looking hopelessly lost. “You
want old Phuket?” she asks, smiling as she
leads me down a series of narrow alleys and
points me in the right direction.
European-style mansions which were once
home to Chinese tin miners soon surround
me and atmospheric cafés and art galleries
beckon. Many of the 19th-century buildings
are being restored while others remain
dilapidated, lending an authenticity to the
streetscape which prevents it feeling like
a tourist-trap.
HUB
PHUKET
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 53

Geothermal action, Rotorua
Photo: Chris McLennan
New Zealand Chill Factor
Riveting Rotorua
Rotorua (www.rotoruaNZ.com) in the North Island promises to keep you captivated
with its geothermal wonders and unique cultural experiences – from geysers and
boiling mud pools to marae stays, hangi feasts, an authentic pre-European Maori
village and indulgent spa therapies. It has a well-developed adventure culture, from
sky diving to zorbing.
• Plunge into a white-water rafting experience where you enjoy the scenery,
culture, history and beautiful environment including wonderful nature and
wildlife with friendly, professionally trained guides.
• Hop on off-road vehicles for some screaming fun adventures designed for thrill
seekers, couples, families and corporate groups large and small: over an
extreme 4WD trail, Sprint Car Racing in a purpose built track and Monster 4X4.
• At Te Puia, you can experience authentic Maori marae welcome and learn a great
deal about well-preserved Maori customs – plus a chance to taste traditionally
prepared hangi dinner.
• For an unforgettable Maori culinary experience, follow the Indigenous Food Trail.
The trail is aimed at educating guests on native Maori cuisine and the indigenous
herbs and plants used, and is headed up by local expert Charles Royal, who
created the tour exclusively for Treetops Lodge and Wilderness Estate.
• Zorbing is another crazy Kiwi adventure experience. "Zorbonauts" spin down a
steep hillside in a large air-filled rubber ball.
• Jet Boat down the Waikato River through the spectacular Tutukau gorge.
Experience the native flora and fauna and one of New Zealand's most popular
geothermal attractions.
• Agrodome’s award-winning stage show features 19 breeds of sheep, sheep
shearing demo, sheep auction and working dogs. Explore organic farm tours and
other great adventures. The tour departs after each sheep show.
For more exhilarating holiday options, visit www.newzealand.com
Mud bath
Inside a zorb
The highest fall
Photo: Chris McLennan
Become a fan.
Join us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/purenewzealand
New Zealand has four seasons: Autumn (March - May), Winter (June - Aug), Spring (Sept - Nov) and Summer (Dec - Feb)

Photos: Photolibrary (above left); Lonely Planet Images (above right)
Local artists such as Thanat
Sompongphanich have embraced the area,
creating eclectic spaces such as Romanee@9,
an art gallery doubling as a cosy bar with a
guesthouse upstairs. Across the way you’ll
fi nd Glastnöst, an eclectic tea house and bar
which appears to have been furnished with the
contents of an eccentric explorer’s trunk.
Bookhemian serves icy-cold fruit frappés in
an art space where the items for sale resemble
a funky art installation. Keen photographers
will appreciate the collection of vintage
cameras and associated memorabilia; it’s also
a good spot to stock up on arty postcards.
When hunger strikes, head to China Inn and
dine on authentic Thai cuisine surrounded
by antiquities.
Old Phuket is still evolving which makes it
an especially exciting place to visit. “Upstairs
bars in the shophouses are the latest thing,”
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT: Have
Pansea Beach to
yourself; wander in
old Phuket; braiding
on Kamala Beach;
mementos from
Bookhemian
explains Li Ann Loo, who works at the nearby
Westin and lives in Old Phuket near Soi
Romanee. Late in the evening, soft lights
and cool jazz add a touch of romance to this
historic area, where the mood changes yet
again after the sun goes down.
Many local favourites around Phuket
remain relatively unknown to visitors, such
as laid-back Nai Han Beach, where you’ll
generally fi nd more Thais than tourists.
During winter, the calm waters are ideal for
swimming, particularly for children, although
it’s a diff erent story during the monsoon when
monster waves pound the shore. It’s wise
to pre-book a room as accommodation in
this area is limited and top spots such as the
cheerful, well-priced All Seasons fi ll up fast.
Ten minutes from Nai Han is Rawai Beach,
another local haunt where people fl ock to eat
rather than swim. Surrounded by Thai fi shing
Three Times
the Romance
ANANTARA
PHUKET
VILLAS
Located on
the untouched
northwest coast
near Sirinath
National Park, each
villa comes with
a plunge pool and
massive outdoor
tub sprinkled
with orchids
and fragrant frangipani. King-sized daybeds
surround the main pool, and peaceful Mai
Khao Beach, the longest stretch of sand in
Phuket, is just a few steps away. Check in on
a Friday to experience Bond on the Beach, an
intimate movie experience which comes with
complimentary popcorn and a soundtrack
enhanced by the sound of crashing waves.
OUT ON THE WATER
Charter a private yacht or longtail and head
south, far away from the popular day-trip
destinations. Anchor in one of the secluded
bays off a tiny island like rugged Racha Noi
and you’ll likely have the place to yourself for
most of the day (and night if you want to stay
and watch the sun rise).
PANSEA BEACH
Hard to fi nd and even harder to leave, Pansea
Beach is right next to bustling Surin Beach,
but few people know it exists. Pansea looks
like something from a picture postcard, a
white sandy crescent bookended by boulderstrewn
headlands with water so clear you
can see the fi sh. Th is exquisite spot feels like
yours alone and most of the time it is as the
only access is via a private road belonging to a
couple of resorts: the pricey Amanpuri and far
more aff ordable Surin Phuket. Do whatever
it takes to treat yourself to a night here, book
the cheapest room if you have to. Trust me,
you’ll spend all your time at the beach.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 55

56 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT: Cocktails
off a combi van;
sightsee from the
back of a bike; a happy
Phuket boy; shopping
for quirky souvenirs
boats, this spot is renowned for fresh seafood
which is hauled off the fl eet of local boats each
afternoon. Smoky aromas from the grills that
spring up along the pier fi ll the air, making your
mouth water long before it’s time for dinner.
Go for a stroll before pulling up a seat beside
the locals and feasting on succulent lobster as
the sun goes down.
Even popular destinations such as Kamala,
15 minutes north of Patong, provide peaceful
respite from the tourist trappings of other
areas. Its single main street has a village-like
atmosphere and, aside from a persistent tailor
or two, tourists are left alone to enjoy it.
Two minutes south along nearby Layi-
Nakalay Road, or “Millionaires’ Mile” as
it’s become known, are a handful of hotels
perched high above the sweeping curve of
Kamala bay. “It’s a diff erent world up here,”
says Andrew Whitaker, general manager of
Andara Resort, one of the newest properties,
and he’s right.
Each morning a gentle breeze rustling the
trees is the only sound as tiny hummingbirds
(above)
fl it around the fl owers outside my window;
at night the beach is lit by twinkling lights
Images
from local restaurants and the glow of paper
lanterns. It’s a magical place that’s a world
Planet
away from the bright lights of Patong.
Lonely
The peaceful side of Phuket reveals itself
slowly, in the patient smile of a shopkeeper Photos:

Photos: Photolibrary (above and opposite left)
who helps with my Thai, walking on a deserted
beach at sunrise and at night when distant
waves lull me to sleep. People say good things
come to those who wait, this charming island
proves them right.
Take Me There
● ROMANEE@9
9 Soi Romanee,
tel: +66 (86) 992 888
● GLASTNÖST
14 Soi Romanee,
tel: +66 (76) 258 332
● BOOKHEMIAN
61 Thalang Rd,
tel: +66 (76) 258 254
● CHINA INN
20 Thalang Rd,
tel: +66 (76) 356 239
● THE WESTIN SIRAY BAY
RESORT & SPA PHUKET
21/4 Moo 1, T. Rasada,
tel: +66 (76) 335 600
● ALL SEASONS
NAIHARN PHUKET
14/53 Moo 1, T. Rawai,
tel: +66 (76) 289 327
● RAWAI SEAFOOD GRILLS
Th Viset, Hat Rawai
● ANDARA RESORT
15 Moo 6, Kamala Beach,
tel: +66 (76) 338 777
● ANANTARA PHUKET VILLAS
888 Moo 3, Mai Khao,
tel: +66 (76) 336 100
● THE SURIN PHUKET
118 Moo 3, Choeng Talay,
tel: +66 (76) 621 580
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 57

JOIN
Step it up with these hotel
club fl oors off ering VIP
service, extra privileges
and the best views in town
WORDS NELLIE HUANG
THE CLUB
Photo: Jupiter Images

Although
long the province of
business travellers,
many leisure travellers are discovering
that hotel club fl oors are a good deal with
extras like all-day beverages, complimentary
cocktails, pre-dinner canapés and private
check-in services. And when they also come
with panoramic views and top-end privacy —
who can resist? Here are our top seven picks
of the region.
The newest addition to Singapore’s hotel
scene, Marina Bay Sands has broken one
record after another, claiming fame as the
largest hotel in Singapore, home to the
grandest suites in Asia and the world’s highest
swimming pool at 200m above ground level.
Opening up to a 360-degree panorama of the
city, The Club — an exclusive club fl oor guests’
lounge — is poised on the hotel’s plush openroof
Sands SkyPark. By night, The Club takes
dining to a whole new level with Singapore’s
fi rst chocolate bar, at 57 storeys above ground.
The decadent spread of chocolate-themed
buff et seduces with more than 57 items,
crafted by hand with Valrhona chocolate and
created by executive pastry chef Alejandro
Luna and his team. It is also available to the
general public at S$38++ per person.
In Jetstar Asia’s latest Chinese destination,
Guilin, the Shangri-la Guilin boasts impressive
views of the poetic Li River, but pushes it
up a notch by off ering the biggest club fl oor
rooms in Guilin (average size of 42m2 ) with
LEFT: Superb views
from Horizon Club
rooms; INSET: the
Club at Marina Bay
Sands gives a
new high
HOTEL CLUB FLOORS ARE A GOOD
DEAL WITH EXTRAS LIKE ALL-DAY
BEVERAGES, COMPLIMENTARY
COCKTAILS, PRE-DINNER CANAPÉS
AND PRIVATE CHECK-IN SERVICES
IN FOCUS
HOTEL CLUB FLOORS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 59

CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT: Breakfast
and (INSET)
cocktails at The Club
at Marina Bay Sands;
the pool at the Grand
Borneo; the Club
lounge at Grand
Millenium KL
During a vacation in Kuala Lumpur, Australian
writer Lara Dunston decided to check into the
Grand Millenium KL club fl oor. She describes
the experience: “I remember thinking the
high-speed internet and business facilities
would have been super had I have been
working, but what we appreciated most was
the generous spread of delish hors d’oeuvres.
With complimentary
breakfasts, all-day snacks
and cocktails, they can
actually prove to be
great value for
holidaymakers, too.”
60 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
its Horizon Cl Club. b MMarrying i
eclectic oriental
designs with mod cons, the 74 club rooms
epitomise Chinese opulence. At the Horizon
Club Lounge, guests can hold private
meetings, sip a tipple, or sample Guilin local
snacks such as osmanthus cakes — all while
surrounded by Guilin’s landscapes, some of
the most beautiful scenery in China. “Since
our opening in March, the demand for our
Horizon Club facilities has been overwhelming,
and more guests have the opportunity to
experience our acclaimed personalised
service, special privileges and amenities,”
says Sigi Bierbaumer, general manager of
the Shangri-La Hotel Guilin.
In Vietnam, ParkRoyal Saigon burnishes
its reputation as Ho Chi Minh City’s fi rst
atrium-design hotel with the opening of its
Orchid Club Floor. The verdant garden milieu,
housed in a Nouveau-inspired building, has
fast become a favourite for both business and
leisure travellers thanks to its oasis setting.
Don’t be fooled by the hotel’s laid-back
atmosphere: its facilities are the fi nest in the
country. In addition to standard privileges,
guests in club fl oor suites enjoy discounts
off massage services from the in-house spa,
hotel restaurants and complimentary airport
transfers. The Orchid Club Lounge, led by sous
chef Nguyen Trung Tam, serves up authentic,
mouth-watering bites.
Kuala Lumpur’s glitzy fi ve-star Grand
Millennium KL packs a punch with its
phenomenal location right in the heart of the
city and inches away from the stately Twin
Towers. Thanks to the impeccable service and
show-stopping design, the hotel is the proud
owner of the Hospitality Asia Platinum Award
for Best Executive Club Lounge. Designed
specifi cally for the business traveller, the
hotel’s glorifi ed club lounge is one of the
biggest in the region with an outdoor dining
area, meeting and boardroom sprawling
across three exclusive levels. Executive
travellers will be happy to fi nd slick individual
workstations and complimentary usage of
iPads and laptops at the lounge. Poised on
the 18th fl oor of the building, the lounge sets
the perfect scene for after-work lounging.
Experience Penang with a modern twist
at the Cititel Penang: the jazzy Pinnacle
Lounge on its 18th fl oor is a standout among
the city’s many luxury hotel clubs. The plush
canvas-laden lounge pays tribute to eclectic
Penang fusion fare — sample hors d’oeuvres
that blend Malaysian and European fl avours

MORE GUESTS HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE OUR
PERSONAL SERVICE AND AMENITIES
and wash them down with French wine. The
Pinnacle Lounge is helmed by veteran chef
Hisham bin Harun, who has clocked up more
than 14 years experience cooking Penang
cuisine. Keeping the number of club fl oor
rooms to an intimate 27, the club lounge
retains calm tranquillity throughout the day.
Back in the top-fl oor Pinnacle rooms, guests
are treated to either an unparalleled sea view
or a heritage view — pieced together by the
vintage oriental shophouses of George Town.
Chic, stylish and trendy, the Grand Borneo
Kota Kinabalu presents a diff erent approach
to luxury travel. Part-business hotel, partboutique
design pad, the hotel has earned
a following among urbanites who feed on
creativity. The hotel’s show-stopping design
fl ourishes come courtesy of a local leading
design agency, giving Grand Borneo touches
of Sabah fl avours and cutting-edge furnishing.
From the top-fl oor club rooms, drink in a
view of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in
South-East Asia. The Borneo Privilege Lounge
is fl anked by glass panels that look out onto
bamboo-strewn greenery.
Earning accolades for its cultish cuisine
and unimpeachable decor, The Langham
Auckland sets the gold standard for the
hospitality industry in New Zealand. Tastefully
appointed in a regal, vintage design, the
Langham gives a taste of old-world country
living. After checking into the hotel’s club
rooms, Langham Club members are treated
like royalty. “Our concept is to give the highest
standard of luxury to guests who rightfully
deserve it.” This raison d’etre imbues the
Langham Club, frequented by politicians and
celebrities. For a culinary experience, don’t
miss out on the Langham Signature Afternoon
Tea (priced at NZ$36;S$35.30 per person) at
the club lounge for its delectable selection of
pastries, cakes and truffl es.
CLOCKWISE: Modern Cititel
Penang in heritage George
Town; serenity of a Horizon
Club premier room; the
Langham Club lounge
Take Me There
● Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore,
tel: +65 6688 8868, marinabaysands.com
● Shangri-la Guilin
111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Lu, Guilin,
tel: +86 (773) 269 8888, shangri-la.com
● ParkRoyal Saigon
309B-311 Nguyen Van Troi, Tan Binh District,
Ho Chi Minh City, tel: +84 (8) 3842 1111,
parkroyalhotels.com
● Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
160 Jl Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60
(3) 2117 4888, millenniumhotels.com
● Cititel Penang
66 Jl Penang, Penang, tel: +60 (4) 370 1188,
cititelpenang.com
● Grand Borneo Kota Kinabalu
1 Borneo Hypermall, Jl UMS, Kota
Kinabalu, Sabah, tel: +60 (88) 526 888,
grandborneohotel.com
● The Langham Auckland
83 Symonds St, Auckland, tel: +64 (9) 379
5132, auckland.langhamhotels.co.nz
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 61

All Day, Every Day, Low Fares
There’s
no better way to celebrate the New Year than to travel with Jetstar’s
guaranteed, hard-to-beat low fares.
Jetstar understands the importance of comparing airfares to get the most out of your
budget. That’s why we have decided to extend Jetstar’s Price Beat Guarantee ’til 31 December,
2011, providing an excellent opportunity to travel to more places, more often, for less.
With Price Beat Guarantee, you can call to book with Jetstar if you fi nd a published internet
airfare on another airline that is lower than the lowest available comparable Jetstar fare on
Jetstar.com. Jetstar will beat the other airline’s fare by 10% (provided we can verify the lower
fare when you book).
The comparable fare must be for a one-way direct fl ight on the same route at a comparable
time. Another airline’s fare which has less than 20kg checked baggage allowance or excludes
checked baggage allowance is comparable to Jetstar’s JetSaver Light fare, and a fare which
includes at least 20kg checked baggage allowance is comparable to Jetstar’s JetSaver fare.
So, why wait? Visit Jetstar.com now to check out our fl ights and fares!
IN THE AIR
WITH
63 Jetstar Asia News
65 Jetstar Asia StarClass
68 Jetstar Asia Fan Club
71 when we fl y
77 international adventures
99 your wellbeing onboard
104 where we fl y
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 63

Star Treatment.
We were there when Jetstar’s inaugural longhaul
fl ight from Melbourne to Singapore
touched down at Changi Airport on 16
December 2010. The cabin crew members
share their StarClass experience with us
INTERVIEWS BELINDA WAN PHOTOGRAPHY ANNE LOH
LYNN POLLAND (RIGHT) AND AMELIA PARKER (LEFT)
You’ve just fl own on Jetstar’s
inaugural A330 aircraft on a fl ight
from Melbourne. How do you feel?
Lynn: It’s really exciting! It’s nice to be
part of the initial team that fl ies here.
It was a long-haul, value-based fl ight.
Were you comfortable working during
the fl ight, and do you think the
passengers felt the same?
Amelia: Certainly! There was much hype
and excitement during the fl ight. The
passengers enjoyed the same exceptional
service from us like they always
have. It’s like a typical day in our job,
made more special because we are
launching this new valued-based,
long-haul fl ight.
What will you tell anyone who’s
thinking of fl ying long-haul to
Melbourne and Auckland (on 17
March) on Jetstar’s A330 twin-aisle
aircraft [with two classes]?
Lynn: Come and see us, you’ll
defi nitely be impressed!
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 65

ALVIN AUGUSTINE
Do you think the
passengers in StarClass
had a good time?
Yes! Because they get a lot
of snacks and drinks, all
included in the StarClass
package. We even have
pre-mixed Jim Beam
drinks that come with
nice glasses, plus a breadwarmer,
so the bread won’t
get cold. The crew also attended coff ee training,
so we do know how to make good coff ee! We
even have special dessert plates, and salt-andpepper
shakers.
What are some of the available meal and
entertainment options in StarClass?
There’s Video on Demand (VOD), with movies
that can be viewed on small TV screens. There
are usually about seven to eight movies, which
are updated monthly. The StarClass headsets
are also diff erent from those in economy class.
They cover your ears completely, and cancels
up to 80% of external noise. The StarClass
passengers also get special blanket kits and
even kid packs.
66 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
What will you tell anyone who’s
thinking of fl ying long-haul to
Melbourne and Auckland on
Jetstar’s A330 twin-aisle aircraft?
Come and fl y with us! We have
special screens to control the lighting
and audio in the plane at a touch,
and super-comfy leather seats in
StarClass. There are also many
diff erent menus, with items as varied
as cheesecakes and Japanese curry. I
totally love fl ying on the A330, it’s my
favourite — and with such ease, comfort and
special features, I am pretty sure it will be yours
too in no time at all!
CHERENE QUEK
Do you think the passengers
in the two classes — economy
class and StarClass — had a
good time and why?
Defi nitely. This is a low-cost
fl ight, and planes for budget
airlines are supposed to be
smaller — but this long-haul
fl ight is more spacious, and the
fl ight is much more comfortable,
because it’s an A330.
To book, visit Jetstar.com or call 800 6161 977 (24hr TOLL FREE)
Do you feel comfortable working during
the long-haul fl ight, and do you think the
passengers felt the same?
Yes, fl ying on an A330 is really comfortable.
There are wider aisles and two classes to better
cater to everyone’s needs.
What are some of the available meal and
entertainment options in StarClass?
In StarClass, everything is included in the fare.
The passengers get drinks, meals and alcohol,
and updated videos and movies monthly. In
the economy class, passengers would have to
pay for these amenities. But we do give one
free bottle of water. They can
also pre-purchase their food
and drinks prior to their fl ight,
which is very convenient.
What will you tell anyone
who’s thinking of fl ying
long-haul to Melbourne and
Auckland on Jetstar’s A330
twin-aisle aircraft?
I’d say it’s a great choice, as
it’s a direct fl ight that is safe,
aff ordable and hassle-free.
Plus, we always strive to give great service.

jetstar asia fan club
Fly away with
Jetstar Asia.
Chung Chun Wang
HONG KONG
For my first anniversary of my wedding,
I wanted to make
the day truly
memorable and
Jetstar helped us
a lot. I managed
to get a pair of
affordable tickets
for a weekend
getaway to Hong
Kong. In Hong Kong,
my wife and I met
the internationally
famous and eminent
couple, Mickey and
Minnie. We also
sampled Cantonese,
Shanghainese and
Szechuan cuisines.
We found Hong Kong to be a unique city,
as we could experience both traditional
and modern aspects of life — think a
panoramic view of soaring skyscrapers
68 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
Jerry and his cousins in a family shot at
their late grandfather’s villa
BOTTOM: Chun Wang and his wife have a
happy wedding anniversary with Mickey
and Minnie in Hong Kong’s Disneyland
from beautiful Kowloon harbour and on the
other hand, ancient Buddhist temples full of
worshippers with incense sticks. It was such
a marvellous weekend.
Jerry Lim
HAIKOU
Our last extended family trip back to
Hainan Island was 13 years ago. Back
then, there was no direct flight to Haikou
from Singapore, and we had to transit
in Guangzhou or Hong Kong. Now, with
Jetstar’s direct flight, we managed to enjoy
greater convenience and cash savings. In
addition, this Hainan trip greatly met our
expectations. Both flights departed and
arrived on time. The flight was smooth,
in-flight service was prompt and the crew
members were efficient. We were flying
to Haikou to commemorate the first
anniversary of our grandfather’s death. This
picture was taken in front of his coconut
villa in Wen Chang, a one-and-a-half hour
drive from Haikou. What makes our “star
jumping” picture more memorable is that
for the first time, all 11 of my grandfather’s
grandchildren were congregated at his
beloved coconut villa. We believe that it
meant something special to him with all of
us present. Thank you, Jetstar.
About The
Competition
Every issue, up to 20 lucky passengers with
winning travel stories will be awarded with a
S$500 travel voucher in $100 denominations
(suitable for use in all destinations, except for
Australian destinations).
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.

Singapore, having one
of the most competitive
I economies in the
Asia Pacific region,
constantly desires an increasing pool
of both domestic and foreign talent.
The announcement to launch the
Arcadia University International M.B.A.
program in Singapore, the hub of South
East Asia, aligns perfectly with Aventis
mission to provide business leaders,
managers and other professionals with
a high-quality Accredited American
M.B.A. program in their quest for
personal development, career
growth and increased managerial
responsibilities.”
Question: Why Arcadia MBA?
The Arcadia Accelerated MBA offers a
potent combination of key ingredients
which we believe will make it a top
draw for working professionals. These
factors includes
12 months Accelerated Program
In today’s rapidly evolving global
Is an MBA
really worth it?
environment and shortened
economical cycles; time is money. Most
MBAs are structured over a 18 to 24
months period. Arcadia Accelerated
one year MBA, with classes conducted
over weekend blocks while demanding,
allows our students to recoup their
MBA investment quicker than any other
program and more importantly meets
the need of busy professionals and
expatriates seeking to complete their
graduate education in the shortest
time frame.
Critical Business Network Arcadia
University’s International M.B.A.
offers concentrations in Finance,
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
attracts professionals from across
all sectors. Successfully launched
in August 2010,its inaugural cohort
attracted 29 professionals, more than
half of whom are senior managers and
directors of multinational corporations
such as Apple Inc., Honeywell, IBM,
Panasonic, Hyatt International and Visa
International, which set the foundation
for a potent network of lifelong
business relationship.
Reasonably priced at S$28,000,
while not compromising on the
Academic quality, international
prestige of an Accredited US MBA
program makes Arcadia MBA a smart
investment choice for professionals.
This fact is well recognized in US with
Arcadia rated as a “Best Buy” by
Barron’s for the 12th straight year.
Arcadia’s rich industrial heritage
also sets it distinctively apart from
other business schools through its
unwavering commitment towards
delivering practical driven curriculum.
Instead of a traditional 20,000 words
dissertation, Arcadia Global Capstone
project incorporates industry visits,
CEO sessions and business case
reviews to fulfil its promise of a truly
distinctively global, integrative, and
personal learning experience.
International perspectives, Arcadia
What makes Aventis the No.1 Graduate
School in Singapore?
At Aventis, we pride ourselves in
our ability to feel the pulse of the
industry and we are not afraid to
break new grounds in keeping with
the needs of the market by offering
industry specific courses and
services. One of which is the Aventis
Professional Career Coaching
services which aims to help
individuals discover what they really
want to do with their lives and then
build upon a strategy to achieve it.
Aventis commitment to the
development of PMETs and our
unique ability to integrate academic
education with professional
ADVERTISING FEATURE
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE DEAN OF AVENTIS SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, PROFESSOR
DAN LEVIN (PHD, WHARTON)
development and career success
ensures that we build a lifelong
relationship with our students, alumni
and corporate clients, offering infinite
networking, upgrading and career
opportunities under one seamless
platform which we believe is the one of
the first in Asia.
The modules of my Arcadia
International M.B.A. course which I
have completed in Aventis have far
exceeded the learning expectations
I’ve experienced in other institution’s
courses. I must say that Aventis has
opened the door to my dream; it has
paved the road which I am currently
on. I have had the opportunity to
experience and learn from the
most instrumental lecturers. The
teaching will propel anyone to
a journey of successful career.
The value of the course offering
has changed my life and built my
confidence in the business world.
I highly recommend the Arcadia
International M.B.A. to anyone
who wishes to experience a tour
to a great learning, knowledge
sharing and ultimate wisdom,”
Ms Kris Kwek, Assistant Vice
President, Software Solutions
Division, ECS Computers (Asia).
is ranked #1 in the nation (US) for
study abroad, and Arcadia’s graduate
Business students don’t just talk about
the global marketplace—they travel to
developed and emerging economies
through their International Business
Experiences. Arcadia MBA faculty are
also drawn from US, Europe and Asia to
offer a truly global perspective for our
students.
At Aventis, we offer our students
the best of both worlds, students
considering an MBA are recommended
to enrolled into the ACBSP accredited
Arcadia University MBA which focuses
on teaching quality and graduate
outcome whilst students who are keen
to specialize in professional disciplines
such as Finance, Organizational
Psychology or Marketing are
recommended to read the Baruch
College, City University of New York
specialized Master of Science degree.
Baruch College is America’s Largest
AACSB Accredited Business School.
EXECUTIVE
MASTERS
Executive MBA
Executive MSc Finance
Executive MSc Marketing
Executive MSc HR & Leadership
Executive MSc Psychology (I/O)
Executive MSc Bus Info System
GRADUATE
DIPLOMA
Social Psychology & Counselling
Organisational Psychology
Human Capital Development
Talent Management
Training & Development
Marketing
Finance & Investment
Accounting & Finance
Digital Forensic
Counter Terrorism & Security
Graduate Admission Department, 100 Orchard Road #04-100, Concorde Hotel, Singapore 238840
Tel: +65 6720 3333 Fax: +65 6720 2222. Email: admissions@aventis.edu.sg. Website: www.aventis.edu.sg

Jetstar Asia, together with Valuair, operates more than 400 fl ights per
week throughout Asia.
Schedule is valid till 26 March 2011
BOOK NOW ON JETSTAR.COM
Singapore – Bangkok / Bangkok – Singapore
2 hour 20 minutes (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 07:15 BKK 08:35
SIN 11:30 BKK 12:50
SIN 19:20 BKK 20:35
BKK 09:15 SIN 12:40
BKK 13:45 SIN 17:00
BKK 21:15 SIN 00:30
Singapore – Phuket / Phuket – Singapore
1 hour 45 minutes (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 08:35 HKT 09:20
SIN 08:00 HKT 08:45
SIN 08:25 HKT 09:10
SIN 20:35 HKT 21:20
HKT 10:00 SIN 12:45
HKT 09:30 SIN 12:10
HKT 09:40 SIN 12:45
HKT 22:00 SIN 00:40
Singapore – Macau / Macau – Singapore
3 hours 45 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 13:45 MFM 17:25
SIN 22:05 MFM 01:45
MFM 18:05 SIN 21:45
MFM 02:25 SIN 06:05
Singapore – Yangon / Yangon – Singapore
2 hours 55 minutes (GMT+6.5)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 12:05 RGN 13:30
RGN 14:15 SIN 18:40
Singapore – Phnom Penh / Phnom Penh – Singapore
1 hour 55 minutes (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 06:45 PNH 07:40
SIN 19:25 PNH 20:30
PNH 08:25 SIN 11:20
PNH 21:15 SIN 00:10
Singapore – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Singapore
2 hours 10 minutes (from SIN to REP); 50 minutes (from REP to PNH) (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 06:00 REP 07:05
REP 07:50 PNH 08:35
PNH 09:15 SIN 12:10
Singapore – Hong Kong / Hong Kong – Singapore
3 hours 40 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 06:40 HKG 10:25
SIN 09:00 HKG 12:45
SIN 15:45 HKG 19:30
HKG 11:05 SIN 14:50
HKG 13:45 SIN 17:30
HKG 20:10 SIN 23:55
when we fly
Singapore – Penang / Penang – Singapore
1 hour 20 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN* 07:25 PEN 08:45
SIN^ 07:25 PEN 08:45
SIN 15:05 PEN 16:25
PEN* 09:25 SIN 10:45
PEN^ 09:25 SIN 10:45
PEN 17:05 SIN 18:25
* Valid from 1 January - 16 February 2011
^ Valid from 17 February - 26 March 2011
Singapore – Kota Kinabalu / Kota Kinabalu – Singapore
2 hours 20 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN* 07:40 BKI 10:00
SIN* 10:35 BKI 12:55
BKI* 10:40 SIN 13:00
BKI* 13:35 SIN 15:55
* Valid till 15 February 2011
Singapore – Haikou / Haikou – Singapore
3 hours 30 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 13:45 HAK 17:05
HAK 17:45 SIN 21:10
Singapore – Ho Chi Minh / Ho Chi Minh – Singapore
2 hours (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 07:15 SGN 08:15
SIN 13:20 SGN 14:20
SIN 19:55 SGN 20:55
SGN 08:55 SIN 11:55
SGN 15:00 SIN 18:00
SGN 21:35 SIN 00:35
Singapore – Kuala Lumpur / Kuala Lumpur – Singapore
55 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 07:25 KUL 08:20
SIN 12:45 KUL 13:40
SIN 16:45 KUL 17:40
SIN 19:30 KUL 20:25
KUL 08:50 SIN 09:45
KUL 14:25 SIN 15:20
KUL 18:20 SIN 19:15
KUL 21:05 SIN 22:00
Singapore – Taipei – Osaka / Osaka – Taipei – Singapore
4 hours 40 minutes (from SIN to TPE);
2 hours 40 minutes (from TPE to KIX) (GMT+8/GMT+9)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 07:10 TPE 11:50
TPE 12:40 KIX 16:20
KIX 17:10 TPE 18:50
TPE 19:40 SIN 00:15
Singapore – Shantou / Shantou – Singapore
4 hours (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 13:50 SWA 17:40
SWA 18:20 SIN 22:30
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 71

w
72 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
when we fly
Singapore – Guilin / Guilin – Singapore
3 hours 55 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 10:00 KWL 13:55
KWL 14:35 SIN 18:30
Singapore – Manila / Manila – Singapore
3 hours 30 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 06:30 MNL 10:00
SIN 00:05 MNL 03:35
SIN 16:25 MNL 19:55
MNL 10:40 SIN 14:10
MNL 04:15 SIN 07:45
MNL 20:35 SIN 00:05
Singapore – Bali / Bali – Singapore
2 hours 35 minutes (GMT+8)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 13:35 DPS 16:10
DPS 16:50 SIN 19:25
Singapore – Jakarta / Jakarta – Singapore
1 hour 40 minutes (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 07:45 CGK 08:20
SIN 10:50 CGK 11:35
SIN 15:45 CGK 16:25
SIN 20:45 CGK 21:25
CGK 09:10 SIN 12:00
CGK 12:15 SIN 14:55
CGK 17:15 SIN 19:55
CGK 22:00 SIN 00:40
Singapore – Medan / Medan – Singapore
1 hour 20 minutes (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 07:00 MES 07:15
SIN 19:35 MES 20:00
MES 07:55 SIN 10:10
MES 20:45 SIN 23:05
Singapore – Surabaya / Surabaya – Singapore
2 hours 15 minutes (GMT+7)
Departure Time Arrival Time M T W T F S S
SIN 13:00 SUB 14:15
SIN 13:40 SUB 14:55
SUB 14:55 SIN 18:10
SUB 15:35 SIN 18:50
Flight durations are estimates only, departing from Singapore.
Information correct at press time.
Operated by Jetstar Asia Airways
Operated by Valuair

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A Little Closer To You

Special Advertising Section

Special Advertising Section

Photo: STB (top left)
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
An island nation with a
multicultural society,
Singapore is a sophisticated
microcosm of Asia. The Lion
City buzzes 24 hours a day
with varied dining, nightlife
and shopping options.
Johor Strait
SINGAPORE
MALAYSIA
Singapore
Singapore Strait
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
1. MRT An air-conditioned, effi cient
and clean subway across the island.
2. Buses A concise network with
maps at every stop.
Singapore’s
stunning skyline
CORINA TEO
Marketing manager,
Peninsula.Excelsior
Hotel
Must-eat: Chilli crab at Palm
Beach Seafood Restaurant at
One Fullerton, with its alfresco
dining facing Marina Bay. Do
order a side of the fried buns to
dip into the crab gravy.
Local delicacies: Handmade
Nonya kueh (sweet and savoury
snacks) with diff erent shapes,
colours and tastes made from
ingredients such as coconut
milk, sweet potato, tapioca and
pandan leaves. They are usually
bite-sized, and are best enjoyed
during teatime and on festive
occasions as desserts.
Great place for dinner: Sky
Lounge on the 22nd fl oor of
Peninsula.Excelsior Hotel is
a good place to dine with the
chef’s special four-course set
dinner. After dinner, while the
night away on the open balcony,
sipping wine or champagne
with the panoramic view of the
Marina Bay and city skyline right
in front of you.
Best place to hang out with
the locals: Neighbourhood
coff ee shops, which the locals
patronise daily to eat local
delights such as char kway teow
(stir-fried fl at rice noodles),
chicken rice and roti prata (fl at
pancake) with curry.
Survival tip for tourists: It’s
very easy to travel in Singapore
with a prepaid ez-link card.
There are many ticketing
schemes, even a tourist pass.
international adventures
The Royal Palace
PHNOM PENH
CAMBODIA
French colonial infl uences can
be seen everywhere in this
amazing capital city, which
boasts excellent nightlife and
dining. It’s a city that is both
culturally appealing as well as
historically fascinating.
THAILAND
CAMBODIA
Phnom Penh
LAOS
VIETNAM
South China Sea
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 7km from Phnom Penh
International Airport
Travel time City centre is around 30
mins by car
Taxi Approx US$7 (S$9.02)
Moto US$2 (S$2.58) for a ride on
the back of a motorcycle
Tuk-tuk About US$4 (S$5.16)
ON THE GO
1. Moto The cheapest way to get
around. Trips in the city are usually
US$1 (S$1.29).
2. Tuk-tuk Costs about US$20
(S$25.78) to hire one for the day.
MONICA NAUGHTIN
Virologist
Great place for dinner:
Lunchbox is a small garden
café behind Wat Langka run
by an Aussie that makes great
sandwiches, which are perfect
for dinner or lunch. Don’t miss
the amazing mango smoothie.
Best night out: Start the night
at Dodo Rhum House (on Street
178) with a few homemade
fl avoured rums, followed by
some cheesy karaoke at the tiny
Carole King (on Street 228) —
and fi nish the night with Phnom
Penh’s best live band and
tastiest B52s at Memphis Bar.
Best buys for under S$50:
Buy souvenirs from one of the
NGO shops that sell goods
made by poor or disadvantaged
people. Check out the Rajana
shop (rajanacrafts.org) near the
Russian market for souvenirs,
or Keokjay on Street 240 for
some unique designer clothes
(keokjay.org).
Best place to hang out with
the locals: Take a wander
around the park on Sothearos
Boulevard at around 6pm. Join
in with hundreds of Khmers
doing aerobics to blaring pop
music, or just grab some hot
corn on a cob.
Survival tip for tourists: Don’t
fall for the trick of saying yes
to the question “Maybe later?”
from street sellers. It only buys
you a temporary reprieve. You
can bet you’ll be found later!
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 77

international adventures
A traditional
Cambodian dance
SIEM REAP
CAMBODIA
The gateway to Angkor Wat,
one of Asia’s grandest temple
relics, this charming town also
off ers lots of hip restaurants
and bars. The adventurous will
fi nd many dining and shopping
options as well.
THAILAND
Siem Reap
CAMBODIA
LAOS
VIETNAM
South China Sea
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 7km from Siem Reap
International Airport
Travel time About 15 mins by car to
the centre of town
Taxi US$5 (S$6.44)
Moto US$1.50 (S$1.93) for a ride on
the back of a motorcycle into town.
Be careful with your belongings
Tuk-tuk Pay US$4 (S$5.16) for a
ride in a remorque-moto (a trailer
pulled by a motorbike) to most of
the hotels
ON THE GO
Moto Trips within the city rarely go
above US$0.50 (S$0.64).
78 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
TIANI CHILLEMI
General manager,
The Siem Reap Hostel
Must-eats: At the end of the
aptly named Pub Street, you’ll
fi nd a corner teeming with streetside
food stalls. Pull up a plastic
chair, and try the famous Khmer
barbecue, or locally made Khmer
yellow noodles. Everything is
made fresh for you on the street,
and is terrifi cally cheap.
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. They are usually served
by local women in the market
places 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 as well.
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 won’t
get lost.
Favourite local festival: Bon Om
Tuk is the annual water festival
every November to celebrate
the changed direction of the
Tonle Sap River — a giant inland
sea connected to the waters of
the Mekong Delta. The festival
involves colourful hand-carved
boat races along the main river
that runs through town.
Reed Flute Cave,
Crystal Palace
GUILIN
CHINA
This beautiful city in the
Guangxi province is renowned
for its picturesque and
charming landscapes. It’s
a popular destination spot
among tourists, who fl ock
there for sight-seeing.
Guilin
CHINA
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD About 28km from
Guilin Liangjiang
International Airport
Travel time Around 35mins by car
to the CBD
Taxi About CNY80 (S$15.61)
Shuttle bus Airport Bus services to
the city from 6.30am to 9pm. About
CNY20 (S$3.90)
ON THE GO
1. Boat A great way to see the
stunning mountain views.
2. Bus An ideal way to see many city
parks and scenic spots.
THORSTAN FRIES
General manager
assistant,
Hotel of Modern
Art (HOMA),
guilinhoma.com
Best breakfast: There’s a
McDonald’s downtown. As an
American, I proudly endorse this.
Best place to party with
the gang: Guilin has a lot of
interesting bars and clubs along
Buxing Jie (or “walking street”)
in the downtown area, and
along West Street in Yangshuo.
For lovers of late nights, there’s
much to discover.
Best buy for under S$50: Waxdyed
tablecloths with intricate
and vibrant hand-dyed patterns
make awesome purchases.
Great place for dinner: HOMA
Chateau’s Lotus Restaurant
is Guilin’s best place for
dinner. It’s a bit of a trek to
get there from downtown,
but the fi ne-dining menu and
stunning surroundings are
simply unparalleled.
Must-buy (money no object!):
Make a reservation with Lotus
Restaurant at Yuzi Paradise for
the alfresco dinner of a lifetime.
The staff will set up a private
table for you in one of their
magical outdoor locations, and
you’ll have a night to remember.
Survival tip for tourists: When
people think of China, they often
think of jade, and while it’s easy
to fi nd street vendors selling jade
jewellery in downtown Guilin,
it can be a tricky. You might
be buying green glass; you’ve
been warned.

A N G G K O OOR
O
R
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C A F É B A
R
Restaurant Re Resst
tau ur n t of
ft f t tthe
hhe
he
Y Ye YYear
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Hong Kong photo: HKTA
Fishing boats
in Hainan
HAIKOU
CHINA
The capital of Hainan enjoys
a long coastline with many
seaside resorts, and is best
known for its food and
historical sites. It’s also
widely known as the Hawaii
of the East.
Haikou
CHINA
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 25km from Haikou Meilan
International Airport
Travel time City centre is around
30 mins by car
Taxi Approx CNY50 (S$9.75)
Airport express CNY15 (S$2.93);
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$0.20).
2. Pedicab Three-wheeled bicycle
available from CNY2 (S$0.39).
DUNCAN YU
Director of sales
and marketing,
Sheraton Haikou
Resort
Great place for dinner: Hao
Bai Nian Seafood Restaurant
located on the west coast is a
short eight minutes’ 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, where you can enjoy the
Philippine band on the terrace
and the refreshing ocean breeze.
Best buy for under S$50:
Hainan coff ee is a special local
product. It’s smoother and
mellower than other coff ees.
Best breakfast: Breeze, in
Sheraton Haikou Resort,
overlooks the pool areas and
ocean through large open French
doors. It’s the best place to enjoy
breakfast with the variety of
delicious dishes.
Must-buy gift: Coconut. You
can drink the sweet coconut
juice and have fun eating the
delicious coconut meat.
Must-eat: Wenchang chicken
is the dish you must defi nitely
try, out of Hainan’s four most
famous traditional dishes.
Must-watch local production:
The Impression Hainan show
directed by Zhang Yimou and
his team. Zhang Yimou was also
the director of the opening and
closing ceremonies of the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games.
international adventures
HONG KONG
CHINA
This throbbing metropolis
combines its breathtaking
harbour along with elements
of Old China and emeraldgreen
outlying islands.
Tourists will be spoiled for
dining and nightlife hotspots.
CHINA
Hong Kong
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 30km from Hong Kong
International Airport
Travel time CBD is around
20 mins by car
Taxi About HK$300 (S$49.72) 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 Cheap and scenic.
2. Bus Go around the entire
territory with coins or the handy
Octopus Card.
3. Train Run ’til after midnight.
The neon-lit
Hong Kong
by night
JO-ANNE DOONER
Co-founder/director,
Get Reading Right
Favourite local festival: The
Dragon Boat festival during
early summer is great fun —
loud, exciting and an excellent
opportunity to try yummy
banana leaf-wrapped dumplings.
Best idea for a family outing:
Hong Kong Disneyland has
something for everyone — it’s
pram-friendly, the food is not
overly priced like many theme
parks are, and there are lots
of fun rides. The whole place
has been designed so that it is
stress-free for parents.
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 — go with a
friend, sip tea and chat as your
feet are taken care of.
Survival tip for tourists: Buy
an Octopus Card — you can
use them for the MTR (trains),
for buses and even in 7-Eleven
convenience stores. The HK$50
(S$8.29) deposit is refundable.
Local recreational activity
to watch: Get up early in the
morning to watch elderly locals
doing qigong in Victoria Park in
Causeway Bay.
Best place to hang out with
the locals: You have to go visit
a dai pai dong (street-side
restaurant) at Central district or
Causeway Bay.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 81

international adventures
Sao Paulo Church
MACAU
CHINA
This tiny territory is the Las
Vegas and the Lisbon of the
East. Try your luck gambling,
sample the famous Portuguese
egg tarts, or make a visit to the
UNESCO World Heritage-listed
Historic Centre.
CHINA
Macau
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 9km from Macau
International Airport
Travel time Central Macau
is around 20 mins by car
Taxi Approx MOP40 (S$6.44)
Bus These operate all day from the
bus station outside the arrival hall to
the border and Coloane
ON THE GO
1. Walking Macau’s back alleys and
charming streets are best explored
on foot. Tourists can refer to maps
from any tourist offi ce branch.
2. Taxi This is a cheaper option for
longer journeys.
82 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
CALVIN SOH
Executive sous
chef,
City of Dreams
Best breakfast: Get a dim sum
breakfast at Treasure Palace,
which is located at level one of
City of Dreams.
Great place for dinner:
Fernando’s at Hac Sa Beach is
famous for its food.
Best night out: I recommend
checking out Moonwalker,
located on Macau’s Bar Street
near the waterfront, for its live
band and tasty light snacks.
Must-buy gift: Almond cookies
from Koi Kei Bakery, the most
popular bakery in Macau.
Must-eats: Yo! Noodles at the
City of Dreams, the pork chop
with pineapple buns at Tai Lei Loi
Kei in Taipa, and the Macanese
egg tarts at Margaret’s Café e
Nata, behind Gum Loi Building.
Local recreational activity to
watch: The Macau dragon boat
races at Nam Van Lakes in May,
where 20 paddlers in each 10m
boat will be putting their backs
to the sole aim of crossing the
fi nishing line fi rst.
For history: The symbol of
Macau, St. Paul’s Church, was
built in 1602, and is a must-visit
for a great photo opportunity.
Most romantic spot: The
Coloane Village during sunset,
where you can imagine yourself
in a fi shing village, has remained
unchanged for decades.
The Queshi
scenic spot
SHANTOU
CHINA
A city of historical and cultural
importance on the eastern
seaboard of Guangdong
province, Shantou boasts many
natural attractions. There is
always much to see, do and
experience here.
CHINA
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 13km from Shantou
Waisha Airport
Travel time About 20 mins
Taxi Approx CNY30 (S$5.85)
Shuttle bus Departs for the
city and costs CNY10 (S$1.95)
per person
Shantou
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 Taxis have various starting
prices from CNY7-9 (S$1.37-1.76).
Opt for cheaper motor-tricycles for
as low at CNY5 (S$0.98).
FELIX GIRON
Anthropologist
Best breakfast: Fresh soy milk
and doughnut-type sticks.
Great place for dinner: Fen Fa
Yuan on the side street behind
McDonald’s on Jinsha Road. It’s
an outdoor restaurant where
you can enjoy a selection of
fresh vegetables and seafood
that are made on demand to
accompany your rice porridge.
Best place to party with the
gang: LA Cafe on Rong Jiang Lu
has live music on the weekends,
and an excellent selection of
beers on tap with snacks.
Must-buy (money no object!):
Some traditional handembroidered
textiles at Chou
Sha Daxia on Haibin Lu.
Must-buy gift: Tea or tea
sets for gungfu tea, which are
available almost anywhere
in the city. Yuan Xiang tea
store in the Longhu district
near the Zhongshan Dong Lu
and Jinhuan Lu intersection,
opposite Times Square (Shi Dai
Guang Chang) is a good one.
Insider’s tip: Wake up before
7am and join people doing tai
chi at the waterfront.
Survival tip for tourists:
“Hello” in local Chaoshan dialect
is“Le ho”.
For history: The Cultural
Revolution Museum is 45
minutes from town on Ta Shan.
Photo: Jana Tan

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A farmer working
the rice terraces
BALI
INDONESIA
One of Asia’s best holiday
islands, Indonesia’s Bali has the
irresistible allure of sun, sea,
surf and mountains, along with
a rich cultural heritage. Top it
all off with excellent shopping
and eating.
INDONESIA
Java
Borneo
Bali
(Denpasar)
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 15km from Denpasar’s Ngurah
Rai Airport
Travel time Kuta Beach is around
10 mins by car
Taxi About IDR30,000 (S$4.28)
Shuttle bus Most hotels off er
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.
STYLIANOS
KOUREAS
General manager,
Harris Resort
Batam Indonesia
Best breakfast: Bali bakery,
located at Jalan Raya Kuta, for
the best freshly baked breads
that go well with hot coff ee.
Great place for dinner: Getting
fresh grilled seafood along
Jimbaran Beach. Enjoy the catch
of the day while watching the
legendary sunset.
Best night out: Hard Rock Café,
right at the beginning of Kuta’s
beach, with live local bands and
a mixed crowd of all ages.
Must-buy (money no object!):
Try the traditional Indonesian
massage at Cozy Spa, located at
Jalan Sunset in Kuta. It gives the
best value for money massage
on the whole island.
Must-buy gift: Defi nitely a
beach sarong from Sukawati
market in Gianyar.
Insider’s tip: Use your
negotiation skills to the
maximum for when you
purchase items from the locals
like car rentals, massages on the
beach, etc.
Must-eats: Bebek betutu, which
is Balinese duck, and sate lilit
Bali, which is Balinese minced
seafood satay.
Must-watch local production:
The legong dance, a diffi cult,
stylised dance by young Balinese
girls. It can be watched in Puri
Peliatan in Ubud.
international adventures
The famous
Jakarta fountain
JAKARTA
INDONESIA
Indonesia’s capital is the 11th
biggest city in the world, with
the hustle and bustle to match.
This exciting hub combines
a fascinating history with a
vibrant energy and a unique
island culture.
Jakarta
INDONESIA
Java
Borneo
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 20km from Soekarno-Hatta
International Airport
Travel time Allow at least 40 mins
by car (depending on traffi c)
Taxi IDR120,000 (S$17.11) to the
CBD, including charges
DAMRI Bus IDR15,000 (S$2.14) to
a city bus station
ON THE GO
Taxi The most reliable taxi company
is Blue Bird. You can call +62 (21)
7917 1234 and book one in advance.
Make sure you ignore any informal
taxi agents who approach you on
the street.
KOMANG ANI
Product manager,
Wotif Group,
Indonesia
Favourite local festival: The
Jakarta Fair, held in June to
celebrate Jakarta’s anniversary,
is a shopping festival with
displays of furniture, electronics,
clothes, handicrafts and more.
The Jakarta Great Sale is held at
the same time, with malls around
the city off ering their wares at
great discounts.
Best idea for a family outing:
At the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
(Ancol Dreamland), you can
swim at the beach, enjoy water
sports or play games at Fantasy
World. There’s also an art
market there selling paintings,
sculptures and handicrafts.
Best buys for under S$50:
Shop at Tanah Abang Trade
Centre, a famous clothing
wholesale centre. Buy multiple
items, and you can get them
for under S$10 per piece. It’s
popular with locals, and tourists
from Singapore and Malaysia.
Survival tips for tourists:
Always use taxis from
recommended companies
such as Blue Bird, Express and
Gamya, and make sure the driver
uses the fare meter. Keep your
bags close to yourself in public
areas, and always bargain at
markets or trade centres.
I love Jakarta because: It has
everything, from great food,
fashion and spas to golf and
nightlife. Many hotels have resort
facilities for a getaway too.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 85

international adventures
MEDAN
INDONESIA
Medan is a thriving business
centre. It draws on the
traditions of its multicultural
population and is bursting
with colourful food choices.
There’s always something
interesting around the corner.
Medan
MALAYSIA
INDONESIA
South China
Sea
SINGAPORE
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 15km from Polonia
International Airport
Travel time CBD is around
20 mins by car
Taxi Abt IDR40,000 (S$5.70)
Bus Ask about unscheduled local
buses when you arrive
ON THE GO
1. Taxi Many taxis don’t use
their meter and you’ll have to
bargain. Express Taxis is one
reputable company.
2. Bus A cheap but challenging
alternative is to use the plentiful
minibuses for about IDR3,000
(S$0.43), which is a cheap option.
86 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
ANDI FILCON
Photographer
Sipisopiso
waterfall
For natural history: Hang out at
the Rahmat International Wildlife
Museum and Gallery, a wildlife
museum with more than 1,000
international wildlife species.
Most unusual thing to do:
Rent a motor-pedicab and do a
city tour. Go to Maimoon Palace,
Grand Mosque and Tjong a Fie
Mansion in the Kesawan area.
Best breakfasts: Soto medan
(chicken soup) at Sinar Pagi on
Jalan Sei Deli. Even though this
place is traditional and simple,
the food here is really delicious
and relatively cheap. Another
one to try is Dim Sum Ayong
— well known because of its
homemade dim sum.
Great places for dinner:
The Traders on Jalan Kapten
Pattimura is a nice and elegant
place to have dinner with
your family or other half. It
serves Western, Japanese and
Indonesian food. Behind the
restaurant is Shoot, where you
can play pool and listen to live
music. Or try Nelayan, a Chinese
restaurant that serves modern
dim sum.
Best nights out: Retrospective
pub, with DJ performances and
live music by local and foreign
bands. Or try Entrance The
Music Temple, a brand-new pub
at Grand Aston Hotel Medan.
Best place to party with the
gang: K2 Karaoke, which has
KTV rooms for four to 20 people.
I love Medan because: It’s a
food paradise. We also have the
biggest lake in Indonesia, the
lovely Lake Toba, just four hours
away from Medan.
SURABAYA
INDONESIA
Indonesia’s second-largest
city may not come to tourists’
minds instantly, yet it is a
veritable hotbed of commerce,
industry and food — and
the gateway to East Java’s
charming attractions.
INDONESIA
Java
Surabaya
Borneo
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 20km from Juanda
International Airport
Travel time CBD is around
30 mins by car
Taxi Abt IDR50,000 (S$7.13)
Bus IDR10,000 (S$1.43)
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 bus
services available to take at
varying low tariff s, but they
are largely unscheduled and
essentially unregulated, so keep
that in mind.
Surabaya’s
becak
MICHAEL CANDRA
Assistant lecturer,
SAGES Institute
Great place for dinner:
Beatus at Loop Graha Family
area, in West Surabaya. There’s
a nice atmosphere, and it
serves luscious Western food.
Best night out: Foreplay, in
Surabaya Town Square. This
place is so happening that top
DJs play here.
Insider’s tip: If you buy
things from a street vendor,
you should ask the price
in advance. Don’t forget to
bargain in traditional markets.
Usually, half of the initial price
is a safe bet.
Must-eats: Rujak cingur (fruits
and vegetables with beef
snout) and petis (chilli shrimp
sauce). I like the one on Jalan
A. Jaiz. It’s rather expensive,
but defi nitely worth it. Next, the
shrimp rice of Bu Rudy on Jalan
Dharmahusada. The fi ve-yearold
restaurant has gained much
popularity among foodies.
Favourite local festival: The
food festival in May. Many
traditional foods are presented,
such as rujak cingur, lontong
kupang, lontong balap, nasi
rawon — to name a few.
For history: Kampung Arab,
Ampel, or China Town in
Jepun. Tanjung Perak is also
worth a visit if you want to see
traditional boats, called phinisi.
Most unusual thing to do:
Rafting on River Pekalen,
Probolinggo, four to fi ve hours
from Surabaya.
I love Surabaya because:
Of its many friendly, helpful and
open people.
Photos: Lester Ledesma

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Osaka photo: JNTO
OSAKA
JAPAN
Known widely as “the kitchen
of Japan”, Osaka is also home
to modern architectural
wonders, wild fashion and
a prolifi c creative scene.
From here, discover the
breathtaking beauty of Kyoto.
SOUTH
KOREA
Sea of Japan
(East Sea)
Osaka
JAPAN
Pacifi c
Ocean
FROM THE AIRPORT
Osaka CBD 38km from
Kansai International Airport
Travel time 50 mins by car
Taxi Approx ¥17,000 (S$263.79)
Limousine bus Every 45 mins at
¥880 (S$13.65), takes 50 mins
Nankai Express Train
Every 30 mins from ¥1,390
(S$21.57), takes 30 mins
ON THE GO
1. The subway Effi cient and takes
you everywhere you want to go.
2. Bicycle Many hotels off er
bicycle hire in Osaka, as the terrain
is easy to navigate.
Dotonbori’s famous
neon signs
JACQUI LAING
English teacher
Great place for dinner:
Check out Chibo or any of the
okonomiyaki (savoury pancake)
restaurants in Dotonbori.
Best night out: Anywhere in
Dotonbori near the Don Quixote
(donkihoote) shop with the
Ferris wheel out front. Good
food, bright lights, great bars
and friendly Osaka people.
Best place to party with the
gang: At any bar that has big
black Mercedes-Benzes parked
right outside.
Best buy for under S$50: Don
Quixote comprises fi ve fl oors
of wacky Japanese items, from
strange foods to funny gifts for
your friends at home. There’s
something for every budget,
and you’re guaranteed to fi nd
something you will like.
Must-buy (money no object!):
The latest digital SLR camera
made in Japan, of course!
Must-buy gift: Check out 100yen
shops (hyakuen shops)
like Daiso. They’re great value,
and you can buy souvenirs and
quirky gifts for your friends for
just a dollar!
Insider’s tip: ATMs in Japan
are closed at night and public
holidays. Few places accept
credit cards, so make sure you
have some spare cash on you
before these days hit you, and
you end up with no money.
international adventures
KOTA KINABALU
MALAYSIA
The capital of Sabah off ers
white beaches, national parks
and Mount Kinabalu, one of
the region’s tallest mountains.
High-energy tourists looking
for an adrenaline rush will
defi nitely fi nd something to do.
VIETNAM
BRUNEI
MALAYSIA
INDONESIA
PHILIPPINES
Kota
Kinabalu
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 7km from Kota Kinabalu
International Airport
Travel time CBD is around
10 mins by car
Taxi Approx MYR20 (S$8.43)
Bus Buses leave regularly and
service the route between
the airport and downtown
Kota Kinabalu
ON THE GO
1. Taxi Insist on the meter. Walk
away if they disagree. Look and act
like a savvy, informed tourist.
2. Bus Fares start cheaply at
around MYR1 (S$0.42).
Mount Kinabalu
as seen from the
Highway Bridge
SAMANTHA SIOW
Communications
manager, Shangri-La’s
Tanjung Aru Resort
& Spa
Best breakfast: Hearty beef
broth noodles at Hill Top,
which goes superbly with the
restaurant’s killer chilli paste
that is made from a homemade
family recipe.
Best night out: It’s defi nitely
got to be at WhiteRoom, Times
Square. Make sure you come
dressed to impress.
Survival tip for tourists:
Always slap on sunblock if you’re
heading to the beach to get
some sunshine.
Must-eat: Seafood. Kota
Kinabalu has a good variety of
fresh seafood, and you can have
it cooked in your favourite style.
Local delicacy: Hinava, which is
marinated seafood (usually raw
fi sh) with lime, chilli and ginger. It
makes an excellent appetiser.
Favourite local festival: The
famous Pesta Keaamatan
(Harvest Festival).
Best idea for a family outing:
A day trip to Mari-Mari Cultural
Village for a glimpse of the local
culture is a fun experience.
Most romantic spot: The
Sunset Bar at the Shangri-La.
It’s the best place to catch the
famed Kota Kinabalu sunset.
I love Kota Kinabalu because:
Of the great outdoors, sun, sea,
sand and quality of life here.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 89

international adventures
The Petronas Towers
look majestic in the
background
KUALA LUMPUR
MALAYSIA
Malaysia’s multicultural
capital is popular among
young urbanites for its
excellent shopping, diverse
dining and exciting nightlife.
The pace is always fast and
furious in this teeming city.
THAILAND
Kuala Lumpur
INDONESIA
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
FROM THE AIRPORT
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
KLIA Ekspres Train Leaves every
15 mins and costs MYR35 (S$14.75)
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
quite crazy.
2. Taxi Insist on using the meter
taxis to avoid haggling. Do not board
the taxi if they disagree. Walk away if
you feel uncomfortable.
3. Bus It’s a cheap, fast way to travel
and get around.
90 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
SIMON RICHMOND
Author of Lonely
Planet Malaysia,
Singapore & Brunei
(Sabah, Sarawak and
Brunei chapters)
Best place to hang out with
the locals: Nestling in the
shadow of the shiny Petronas
Towers is Kampung Baru, the
most Malay part of the city.
The area bursts into life for
Saturday’s night market, the
Pasar Minggu, meaning Sunday
market, because it runs into the
early hours of Sunday morning.
The main action is focused at
the end of Jalan Raja Alang,
not far from the LRT station
— where you’ll fi nd the stall
Warong Perasan serving a good
selection of Malay dishes.
Best idea for a family outing:
Kuala Lumpur can thank its
colonial planners for the lush
central park known as the Lake
Gardens. Inside this perfect
place for parents to entertain
their kids is the Kuala Lumpur
Bird Park, the world’s largest
walk-in aviary with 200 (mostly
South-East Asian) species of all
sorts of birds, including hornbills
and fl amingos.
For history: A major renovation
and creation of an entirely
new gallery has breathed new
life into the National Museum
— which is literally packed
with interesting displays on
Malaysia’s history, economy,
arts, crafts and various cultures.
It’s worth timing your visit to
coincide with one of the free
guided tours.
Most unusual thing to do:
Head to a fi sh spa, where tiny
fi sh nibble away at the dead skin
on your feet. It’s all the rage in
Kuala Lumpur, and brings a new
meaning to the term “feeding
the fi sh”. It’s a ticklish, but not
wholly unpleasant experience
that lasts 30 minutes.
PENANG
MALAYSIA
Widely regarded as the
eating capital of Malaysia,
this foodie haven is also
steeped in the country’s
rich, multicultural history.
Tradition manages to co-exist
with modernity here.
THAILAND
Penang
INDONESIA
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 16km from Penang
International Airport
Travel time Around
30 mins by car to the CBD
Taxi Approx MYR28 (S$11.80).
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$8.43).
3. Trishaws A little touristy and
slightly pricey, they are found in
front of the Cititel Hotel.
Shophouses in
George Town
ADAM KARLIN
Author,
Lonely Planet
Malaysia, Singapore &
Brunei guide
Great places for dinner:
Malaysian street food is some
of the best in the world, and
a great variety is served in
immaculately clean conditions
in New World Park, on Jalan
Burma, in George Town. Nyonya
Baba Cuisine on Jalan Nagore
serves wonderful Nyonya
(Straits-born Chinese) cuisine
in a gorgeously restored
Chinese villa.
Must-buy (money no object!):
A night in the Cheong Fatt
Tze Mansion, one of the most
evocative boutique hotels in
Asia. The building, an incredible
blend of Chinese architecture
and international objets d’art,
is named after its former
owner, a 19th-century Hakka
Chinese merchant known as the
“Rockefeller of the East”.
Survival tip for tourists: Many
people assume that because
Penang is an island, it’s a
tropical paradise. While there
is nice sand in Batu Ferringhi,
northwest of George Town,
Penang should be visited for its
culture, food and history — and
not its beaches.
Local delicacies: Go to Sky
Hotel on Lebuh Chulia in George
Town, and have the char siew
(barbecued pork), siew bak
(pork belly) and siew cheong
(honey-sweetened pork). Make
sure you have the meat cooked
pun fei sau (half fat, half lean).
Best place to hang out with
the locals: When in George
Town, sink a pit or ten with the
guys in Pitt Street Corner. It’s a
bit of a dive for the local Tamil
community, but in a good way
— there are no pretensions.

Auckland photo: Tourism Auckland
YANGON
MYANMAR
This intriguing capital is the
ultimate starting point from
which to explore Myanmar’s
many natural and cultural
treasures. Don’t miss the
many architectural and
historical monuments here.
FROM THE AIRPORT
CHINA
MYANMAR LAOS
Yangon
THAILAND
CBD 15km from Yangon
International Airport
Travel time Around
30 mins by car to the centre of town
Taxi Approx US$6-8 (S$7.73-10.31).
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 don’t worry,
the drivers will quote you the going
rate which is usually modest.
3. Cyclo These are trishaws for
short journeys.
The Royal
Barge
SCOTT COATES
Co-founder/cultural
travel enthusiast,
Smiling Albino,
smilingalbino.com
Best idea for a family outing:
A walk on the elevated wooden
walkway around Kandawgyi
Lake, where great views abound.
Most unusual thing to do: Get
your fortune told from one of
the many soothsayers around
Mahabandoola Garden.
Great place for dinner: Le
Planteur, a gorgeous colonial
house, is home to a scrumptious
restaurant, bar and teahouse.
It’s a must for an evening treat.
Must-buy gift: A Burmese
parasol — they’re handmade,
extremely intricate, make great
decorations and cost about
US$5 (S$6.45).
Insider’s tip: Burmese hip-hop
is catching on, and contains a lot
of hidden messages. Artists like
MC J-Me are well worth a listen.
Survival tip for tourists:
Have more than enough local
currency on hand before leaving
for Yangon — there are few to no
ATMs around.
Must-eats: A bowl of Shan
noodles is a must. Think tasty
broth, lots of egg noodles and
interesting spices — 999 Shan
Noodle Shop is a solid bet.
Local delicacy: Paan — a betel
leaf wrapped around a mixture
of Areca nut, tobacco, lime paste
and other goodies that you can
chew. Stands are everywhere
and the fun is that you can spit it
out like a local.
Local recreational activity to
watch: Board the Yangon Circle
Train, which takes about two
hours to go around the city.
international adventures
AUCKLAND
NEW ZEALAND
Billed as New Zealand’s “most
English” city with its fabulous
gardens, Christchurch is the
oldest established city in the
country. It’s also the gateway
to the fantastic skiing of
Queenstown.
Tasman
Sea
South Island
Queenstown
North Island
Cook
Strait
FROM THE AIRPORT
Great Barrier I.
Auckland
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Pacific
Ocean
CBD 20km from Auckland
International Airport
Travel timeCBD is around
45 mins by car
Taxi From NZ$60 (S$59.28)
Shuttle bus NZ$30 (S$29.64),
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
ferry operator between Wellington,
in the North Island, and Picton, in
the South Island.
3. The city circuit bus Two bus
circuits that will take you safely and
easily to the city’s attractions.
4. The train A good one is KiwiRail.
Auckland’s
busy harbour
RACHEL
BROADMORE
Marketing
communications
manager, The
Langham Auckland
Best breakfast: Dizengoff
Café on Ponsonby Road. They
have the most delicious eggs
Florentine and coff ee, making
this a great way to start a day.
Insider’s tip: The luxurious
and newly opened Chuan Spa
at The Langham is designed
to create an ambience
of tranquillity for both
contemplation and inspiration,
and off ers an opulent retreat
away from the outside world.
Insider’s tip: The Link bus is
the best. It does a circuit of
the city and stops at all the
good spots.
Best place to hang out with
the locals: Le Cigale French
Farmers’ Market in Parnell on a
Saturday and Sunday.
Best ideas for a family
outing: Exploring the rugged
and dramatic black-sand west
coast beaches and tramping in
the Waitakere Ranges.
For history: The iconic
Auckland Museum. The
museum tells the story of New
Zealand, its place in the Pacifi c
and its people. It’s a war
memorial for the province of
Auckland, and a focus for the
ANZAC Day activities that take
place each year.
Most romantic spot: My
personal favourite is the
Onetangi Beach on the
stunning Waiheke Island.
Beautiful beaches and
vineyards make Waiheke
Island truly memorable, and
the best thing is, it’s only a
short 35-minute ferry ride
from central Auckland.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 93

international adventures
Manila’s
night scene
MANILA
PHILIPPINES
This capital city on the
western side of Luzon island
showcases skyscrapers mixed
with historic Spanish colonial
architecture. This is also
evident in the country’s food,
which is anything but boring.
South
China
Sea
PHILIPPINES
Manila
Sulu Sea
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 7km from Ninoy Aquino
International Airport
Travel time CBD is around
30 mins by car
Taxi Approx PHP450 (S$13.12).
Prepaid taxis are available inside the
airport terminal and save you the
hassle of haggling
ON THE GO
1. Taxi You can fl ag one down at
most malls. Always insist on using
the meter.
2. Jeepney These lorries ply most
major city roads and can take you
anywhere along their route.
3. Train The Light Rail Transit takes
an east-west route across the city,
while the Metro Rail Transit goes
north-south.
94 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
HEIDE ONG
CABUCOS
Businesswoman
Local delicacy: If you want
to go into Fear Factor mode, a
defi nite must-try is our balut — a
hard-boiled chicken or duck egg.
Sounds easy? Bite into this then,
because once you crack that
shell open, you’ll see a nearly
developed embryo and a solid
yolk inside.
Survival tips for tourists: Do
not count your money in public.
Be careful of your belongings
so as not to invite unwanted
attention. In public markets, it is
okay to haggle. Prepare for the
heat — wear light clothing, bring
a bottle of water, an umbrella
and extra shirts or clothes
whenever you go out.
Local recreational activities to
watch: I can easily think of two:
basketball and karaoke. Catch
the PBA (Philippine Basketball
Association) live three times a
week at the Araneta Coliseum,
or release your inner diva and
storm the numerous KTV bars
that are lining the metro.
Most romantic spot: White
Moon Bar over at Hotel H 2 0 is
an alfresco bar by the bay. It’s a
great place for lounging around
while catching a glimpse of the
sunset with a glass of wine to
toast the night ahead.
Must-buy gifts: Almost every
mall off ers proudly Philippinemade,
handcrafted products like
shoes, bags and apparel.
Insider’s tip: Filipinos are
generally friendly, polite and
approachable, so always wear a
smile and you’ll surely get one in
return. A good majority of them
not only understand, but also
speak coherent English.
TAIPEI
TAIWAN
This capital city is noisy and
busy. The centre of Taiwan’s
commerce and entertainment,
it’s great for those who love
the buzz of an Asian city. The
food here is a big draw in the
land of pearl milk tea.
Taipei
TAIWAN
East China Sea
FROM THE AIRPORT
Philippine Sea
PACIFIC OCEAN
CBD 40km from Taiwan Taoyuan
International Airport
Travel time Around 50 mins by car
to the city centre
Taxi Approx TW$1,100 (S$48.86)
Buses Seven buses leave from the
airport, with some making hotel
stops. Costs TW$110-140 (S$4.89-
6.22) for an adult and TW$43-65
(S$1.91-2.89) for a child; takes 40 to
90 mins
ON THE GO
1. Taipei Rapid Transit System The
most effi cient way of getting around
the city, and Greater Taipei.
2. Taxi Always carry the address of
your destination written in Mandarin
if you do not speak the language.
The Taipei 101 is a
splendid sight
TODD ALPEROVITZ
ESL teacher and
photographer
Best breakfast: Yonghe Dou
Jiang serves an excellent
traditional Taiwanese breakfast.
If you never liked soy milk or
Taiwanese crullers, chances are
you just might after trying them
in Taipei.
Must-eats: Eat your way
through Taipei’s largest night
market — Shilin Night Market,
where you can snack on oyster
omelettes, stinky tofu, and fried
chicken fi llets.
Best place to hang out
with the locals: Thousands
of Taipei citizens seek daily
spiritual guidance at the
historic Longshan Temple. The
temple absolutely radiates with
energy. This is the place to go to
experience a mix of Buddhism
and Taiwanese folk religion.
Favourite local festival: If
you’re visiting during mid-June,
be sure to watch the dragon
boat races. This international
competition commemorates
the race to save poet Qu Yuan’s
body from being eaten by fi sh
after he drowned himself.
Best idea for a family
outing: The Taipei Zoo is a
wonderful and inexpensive
place to take the whole family
to. Among its attractions, the
zoo boasts an insectarium
where you can surround
yourself with butterfl ies, a pair
of controversial pandas, and a
nocturnal animal house. If you
don’t like walking uphill, take
the shuttle near the entrance to
the top and then walk your way
back down.
For history: Take the MRT to
Danshui to explore the area.

Email: info@daraphuket.com Website: www.daraphuket.com
Tel: +66 76 612 846 - 48
Address: 14/18 Moo 4, Chaofa Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000

international adventures
The famous
Giant Swing
BANGKOK
THAILAND
Bangkok is intense. It’s
addictive as a travel
destination and has enough
shopping, food, nightlife and
culture to bring you back. The
huge variety it always off ers
cheaply is a great draw.
MYANMAR
Andaman Sea
Phuket
LAOS
THAILAND
Bangkok
FROM THE AIRPORT
CAMBODIA
VIETNAM
MALAYSIA
CBD 30km from Suvarnabhumi
International Airport
Travel time Around 40 mins by car
Taxi Abt THB300 (S$12.70)
Airport Express Costs THB150
(S$6.35) and takes about an hour
ON THE GO
1. BTS Skytrain and underground
MRT Will get you to all the major
points in Bangkok.
2. Tuk-tuk Exhilarating but best for
short distances only.
3. Taxi Readily available. Always ask
politely to have the meter switched
on and a small tip will always be
greatly appreciated.
96 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
NICOLA CHILTON
Regional director
of public relations,
Thailand,
Four Seasons
Hotel Bangkok
Great place for dinner: Don’t
miss drinks or dinner at Sirocco
— an open-air restaurant and
bar located on the 63rd fl oor of
one of the city’s tallest buildings,
with spectacular views across
the entire city and the Chao
Phraya River. I guarantee you’ll
be feeling as if you’re on top of
the world.
Best breakfast: Sunday Brunch
at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.
What could be better than
sitting out in the courtyard and
dining at all four of the Four
Seasons’ restaurants at once?
Thai, Italian, Japanese, seafood,
breakfast items, foie gras, freefl
ow sparkling wine — the list
goes on. Reservations are a
must — try and book at least a
week in advance.
Best buy for under S$50: A
foot massage. It’s not something
you can take with you, but it’s
defi nitely something you’ll
enjoy. It’s cheap and available on
practically every street corner
— perfect for when you’ve been
sightseeing or shopping all day.
Urban Retreat is a chain of good,
clean spas that off ers a range
of treatments, with a 60-minute
foot massage costing around
THB350 (S$14.82).
Insider’s tip: Try getting off the
beaten track and out onto the
water — hire a longtail boat to
take you on a tour of the khlongs
(canals) on the Thonburi side of
the river, the opposite bank to
the Grand Palace. You’ll be able
to see children playing in the
water, women selling noodles
from tiny boats, and coconut
palms. It’s a really great way
to catch a glimpse of a very
diff erent Bangkok.
PHUKET
THAILAND
Providing a nice contrast to
the capital Bangkok, Phuket is
a beach-lover’s paradise, and
defi nitely a great place to slow
down and lap up the island life
of the locals — with stunning
scenery to boot.
MYANMAR
Andaman Sea
Phuket
LAOS
THAILAND
Bangkok
CAMBODIA
VIETNAM
MALAYSIA
FROM THE AIRPORT
Patong Beach 32km from Phuket
International Airport
Travel time Patong Beach is around
45 mins by car
Taxi Abt THB400 (S$16.93).
Shuttle Bus Every 30 mins at
THB52 (S$2.20) 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 for
short distances only.
3. Hired car Really the only way
to go beyond the city. If you want
to enjoy the scenery while on the
move, hiring a driver too only costs
a little more.
A lovely
Phuket sunset
KASIDEJ
PREECHANOND
Resident manager, La
Flora Resort & Spa
For history: Visit a rubber tree
farm. Rubber trees cover 33% of
Phuket’s land area. The fi rst tree
was planted in 1889 in Trang.
The method of tapping the
rubber trees, where an incision
is made on the tree’s trunk and
a small cup is used to collect the
sap, has remained unchanged
to this day.
Must-eat: Before you leave
Phuket, you have to try the
original fried noodles, called pad
mee phuket thaley, which are
yellow noodles stir-fried with
prawns, calamari, egg, beans
and lastly, roasted chilli paste.
Best idea for a family outing:
A fun thing to try is visiting the
Khao Lak Elephant Camp, near
the Khao Lak National Park,
for trekking trips on elephants
through the rainforest.
Insider’s tip: If you don’t like
crowds, get away from the
them and make your way to
Poseidon Beach, a wonderful
and secluded beach in southern
Khao Lak. You’ll be able to enjoy
great swimming, intriguing
rocky outcrops and stunning
sunsets — all of which make this
a special treat in the area. There
are a couple of local restaurants
on the beach that will provide
you with things like a chair,
umbrella and refreshments.
Most unusual thing to do:
You can try hiring a local guide
to take you to Moken Village, at
the north of Khao Lak, which
is where sea gypsies live from
June to October when they are
land-bound. This fascinating
group of people have their own
culture, and even speak their
own language too.

The People’s
Committee
Building, or
Hotel de Ville
HO CHI MINH CITY
VIETNAM
Vietnam’s largest city and
its economic capital, this
vibrant cultural hotspot has
a population of active people
who eff ortlessly meld the
traditional along with the new
and contemporary.
BURMA
MALAYSIA
LAOS
THAILAND
Gulf of
Thailand
VIETNAM
CAMBODIA
CHINA
Ho Chi Minh City
FROM THE AIRPORT
CBD 7km from Tan Son Nhat
International Airport
Travel time Around 20 mins by car
Taxi Get a taxi voucher from Visitor
Information for US$12 (S$15.46)
Shuttle Bus Most hotels off er
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 dash up
alleys and down one-way streets in
District One.
3. Cyclos A one-person seat
powered by a cyclist; sit back
and try to enjoy the ducking and
weaving through traffi c from your
vantage point.
NATHAN RAYNER
MBA student,
RMIT University,
Vietnam campus
Best breakfast: You can’t beat
a bowl of pho from a street
vendor. For a few dollars you
can get a steaming bowl of
traditional Vietnamese beef
noodle soup.
Great place for dinner: Pho
2000 at the Ben Thanh Market,
where former US president Bill
Clinton enjoyed a bowl of pho
when he visited the city in 2000.
Best night out: Join the
backpackers, English teachers
and locals at the bars on Bui
Vien Street. Go2 Bar is popular
later in the night.
Best place to party with the
gang: If you want to visit Ho
Chi Minh City’s most notorious
nightclub, then you can’t go
past Apocalypse Now. It’s a
guaranteed party every night of
the week.
Must-buy gifts: Vietnam is
famous for its lacquerware.
Lacquerware photo albums and
boxes also make ideal souvenirs
and gifts.
Insider’s tip: The travel agents
around Pham Ngu Lao Street
off er great day trips around and
outside Ho Chi Minh City. Do
visit a few of them in order to
fi nd the best deal.
Survival tip for tourists:
Haggle, haggle, haggle. When
buying souvenirs, you have to
bargain hard to get a good deal.
Unusual fact: There are
a staggering 20 million
motorbikes in Vietnam.
Must-eat: Ho Chi Minh’s street
food is a must-try.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 97

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your wellbeing onboard
SAFETY, SECURITY & COMFORT
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
Rules are needed to protect you from the
threat of liquid explosives. Liquids, aerosols
or gels (LAGs) must be in containers with a
maximum capacity of not more than 100ml
each. LAGs in containers larger than 100ml
will not be accepted, even if the container is
partially filled. Containers must be placed in
a transparent resealable plastic bag with a
maximum capacity not exceeding one litre.
You are only allowed one plastic bag. You may
still carry on board prescription medicines.
Baby products and non-prescription
medicines that you need for the flight are
also allowed. Proof of need may be required.
Please note: These restrictions do not apply to
checked-in baggage.
SAFETY FIRST
Use of mobile phones and electronic devices
are allowed up until aircraft’s doors are
closed. However, if aircraft is parked at a
remote bay, mobile phones and electronic
devices must be switched off as soon
as passengers board the aircraft. If your
mobile phone has a flight mode capability,
switch it to flight mode before turning if
off. Please ask the cabin crew for an infant
seatbelt if your child is under two years of
age. Return the infant seatbelt to our cabin
crew on disembarkation. Seatbelts must
be fastened during take-off, landing and
when you are seated in case your aircraft
encounters turbulence. Luggage must be
stored in the overhead locker or under the
seat in front of you. The back of your seat
must be upright and the tray table fastened
when the aircraft is taking off and landing.
Please remain seated after landing until the
aircraft has come to a complete stop and
the Fasten Seat Belt sign is switched off.
Sleeping on the aircraft floor 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.
In an emergency, the crew will give specific
instructions. They may speak assertively and
will require your cooperation.
SMOKING
Government regulations prohibit smoking on
100 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
all flights. There are smoke detectors in all
toilets and penalties for regulation breaches.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD
CIRCULATION AND MUSCLE
RELAXATION DURING FLIGHTS
If you have concerns about your health and
flying, Jetstar Asia recommends you seek
medical advice before flying. When you’re
sitting upright and are inactive for a long
period, several things can happen:
• The central blood vessels in your legs can be
compressed, making it harder for your heart
to pump.
• Muscles can become tense, resulting in
backaches and a feeling of excessive fatigue
during and even after the flight.
• The normal body mechanism for returning
fluid to the heart can be inhibited and
gravity can cause fluid to collect in your feet,
resulting in swollen feet after a long flight.
• Some studies have concluded that prolonged
immobility may be a risk factor in the
formation of blood clots in the legs – Deep
Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Particular medical
conditions may increase the risk of formation
of blood clots if associated with prolonged
immobility. Medical research indicates that
factors which may give you an increased risk
of DVT include:
• Personal or family history of DVT
• Recent surgery or injury, especially to the
lower limbs or abdomen
• Blood disorders leading to increased
clotting tendency
• If you are older than 40
• Oestrogen hormone therapy, including oral
contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Tobacco smoking
• Former or current malignant
disease
• Obesity
• Dehydration
• Heart problems
• Varicose veins
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. These
stockings can be purchased from medical
and surgical supply companies and need
to be individually fitted to you. During your
flight, move your legs and feet three or four
minutes per hour, and move about.
CABIN PRESSURE
If you are suffering nasal congestion, an
ear infection or allergies, Jetstar Asia
recommends seeking medical advice before
flying. A cold, flu or hay fever can impair your
sinuses. Swollen membranes in your nose
could block the Eustachian tubes between
your nasal passages and your middle ear
chamber. This can cause discomfort during
changes in cabin pressure, particularly during
the aircraft’s descent.
• To “clear” your ears, try swallowing and/or
yawning. This helps open your Eustachian
tubes, equalising the pressure between your
middle ear chamber and throat.
• When you are flying 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
Humidity levels of less than 25 percent are
common in the aircraft cabin. This is due
to the low humidity levels of the outside air
supplied to the cabin. Low humidity can cause
drying of the nose, throat and eyes and it can
irritate wearers of contact lenses. Try these:
• Drink water frequently.
• Drink coffee, tea and alcohol only
in moderation.
• Remove contact lenses and wear glasses if
your eyes are irritated.
• Use a moisturiser to refresh skin.
MOTION SICKNESS
This is caused by a conflict between the
body’s senses of vision and equilibrium. Air
turbulence increases its likelihood because it
can cause movement of fluid in the vestibular
apparatus of the inner ear. If you have good
visual cues (keeping your eyes fixed on a
non-moving object), motion sickness is less
likely to occur.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Complimentary meals/refreshments are
served on all Yangon (3K coded) and Indonesia
(VF coded) flights.

where we fly
104 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
Operated by Valuair
Operated by Jetstar: Australian services
Operated by Jetstar Asia
Operated by Jetstar: International services
Operated by Jetstar: Domestic NZ services
Jetstar Australian services:
Darwin to Manila commence 9 February 2011*
Perth to Gold Coast commence 4 April 2011*
Auckland to Cairns commence 12 April 2011*
Jetstar Asia services:
Auckland to Singapore commence 17 March 2011*
*Subject to regulatory approval