february-2011

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