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The temples of Bagan<br />
at sunrise<br />
YANGON MYANMAR<br />
Ei Thwe Aung<br />
Freelance travel consultant,<br />
www.thenatureactive.com<br />
BEST IDEA FOR A FAMILY OUTING:<br />
Kandawgyi Garden, a popular recreation<br />
centre in Yangon. There are a variety of shady<br />
trees, beautiful fl ower gardens, playgrounds and<br />
walkways. Buy souvenirs or eat at the restaurants<br />
with magnifi cent views of Shwedagon Pagoda<br />
across the lake.<br />
INSIDER’S TIP: To break the ice and<br />
start a conversation, simply ask any<br />
Burmese man about his preferred tea. He will<br />
recommend a good teashop and in the process,<br />
become your friend. Mine is ‘Pop Saint’ from Sate<br />
Tine Kya Teashop.<br />
BEST BREAKFAST: Tawwin Hninsi<br />
Restaurant on Shwegondine Road will give<br />
you the best choice of local food in town.<br />
GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: The Mingalar<br />
Hall in Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, where you<br />
can witness folk dances and a variety of cultural<br />
shows during your dinner.<br />
MUST-EATS: Mohinga — one of the most<br />
essential all-day meals in Myanmar. It’s<br />
made of fi sh soup, lemongrass, rice powder,<br />
ginger and onion and served with thin rice<br />
noodles. You can fi nd it almost everywhere<br />
in Yangon.<br />
FROM THE AIRPORT<br />
CBD 15km from<br />
Yangon International<br />
Airport<br />
Travel time Around<br />
30 mins by car to the<br />
centre of town<br />
Taxi Approx US$6-<br />
8 (S$7.44-9.92).<br />
Confi rm the price<br />
before you get in<br />
the cab<br />
ON THE GO<br />
1. Walking If you<br />
are keen to explore<br />
Yangon’s downtown<br />
area, it’s best to do<br />
it on foot so you<br />
can fully soak up the<br />
city’s quiet charm<br />
and unhurried pace.<br />
2. Taxi No meters,<br />
but the drivers will<br />
quote you a usually<br />
modest going rate.<br />
Sailing in Auckland<br />
AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND<br />
Angela Stone<br />
Stylist,<br />
www.angelastone.co.nz<br />
GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER: Harbourside<br />
Seafood Bar and Grill. It’s a must for all<br />
those visiting Auckland. It’s simply New Zealand<br />
seafood at its best with wines from around the<br />
country — delish!<br />
BEST NIGHT OUT: Chambers Bar, in the<br />
CBD. You really need to visit; it’s fi lled<br />
with panache and when it’s buzzing, you’ll love it.<br />
BEST PLACE TO PARTY WITH THE GANG:<br />
SPQR — it’s fi lled with colourful people<br />
who love to have fun. Whether you dine there or<br />
just have a yummy glass of wine, it’s so fun.<br />
MUST-BUY (MONEY NO OBJECT!):<br />
Something from one of New Zealand’s<br />
well-known designers, Trelise Cooper. Ladies,<br />
go buy yourself a garment or two from Trelise —<br />
you’ll love it forever.<br />
MUST-BUY GIFT: I would defi nitely say: a<br />
Boh Runga necklace.<br />
UNUSUAL FACT: Auckland is the breeding<br />
ground for the New Zealand sea lion,<br />
which is the most endangered of the fi ve sea lion<br />
species in the world.<br />
BEST IDEA FOR A FAMILY OUTING:<br />
Butterfl y Creek houses a tropical butterfl y<br />
house, giant crocodiles, alligators, and more.<br />
INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES<br />
FROM THE AIRPORT<br />
CBD 20km<br />
from Auckland<br />
International Airport<br />
Travel time CBD is<br />
around 45 mins<br />
by car<br />
Taxi From NZ$60<br />
(S$58.99)<br />
Shuttle bus NZ$30<br />
(S$29.50), taking<br />
45–60 mins<br />
ON THE GO<br />
1. Jafa cabs This<br />
is a bicycle with<br />
bench seats for<br />
two. It is free if<br />
you board it within<br />
the Auckland central<br />
business district.<br />
2. Ferry Interislander<br />
is the main operator<br />
between Wellington<br />
(North Island) and<br />
Picton (South Island).<br />
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