january-2011

Explore South-East Asia
without fear! Tips from
Matt Kepnes, founder of
travel site, Nomadic Matt
“I think getting off the beaten path is safer in this
region than in others. While you need to watch
yourself everywhere, tourist places in Asia tend to
be where the scams, rip-offs and robberies mostly
happen. Tiny villages or deserted islands are the
least of your worries!” Follow Matt online at
www.nomadicmatt.com
hear
say
Soundbites
you can use
chikka buzz
Value-for-money
deals in Brunei
Get fab discounts at the Radisson Hotel in
Bandar Seri Begawan (it’s walking distance
from the capital’s best attractions). It offers as
much as 25% off when you book two to four
weeks in advance. They promise the best
online rate on their website, www.radisson.
com/offers/. But if you find another site that
quotes a lower price than their best rate,
the Radisson people will honor the lower
rate and give you an additional 25% off
your bill. Now, that’s fantastic value!
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Traveling solo
tips for women
from travel author Beth Whitman of
Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential
Guide for Women Traveling Solo
“The most important thing? Be confident.
Taking a self-defense course will help.
Would-be thieves are on the lookout for
easy targets, and looking smart helps
you avoid a bad situation. Next, carry a
rubber doorstop. Most hotel room doors
open inward and, sometimes, there
are no deadbolts or chain locks. By
wedging a rubber door stop beneath
the door, you can guard yourself
against intruders.” Follow Beth on
wanderlustandlipstick.com
Tell a tourist:
Where’s the best place
to go for drinks?
“In Shanghai, it’s Xintiandi. There are bars and
restaurants in restored old Shanghai-style apartments. I
also enjoy the irony of it all: right within Xintiandi is the
school building where the Chinese Communist Party
held its fi rst congress. Mao Ze Dong could be rolling in
his grave because of the bourgeois happenings!”
Ed Medina, information systems analyst
“Lan Kwai Fong at D’Aguilar Street in Central, Hong
Kong is ideal for drinks and dining. It isn’t far from
the Central Station of the Island Line of MTR.”
Billy Tse, business consultant
TEXT MABEL DAVID-PILAR