Tropicana Magazine Jan-Feb 2016 #105: The Passion Issue

pg 62 

The Heart's 

DESIRE 

Ms Idora Wan Rabe'al follows her true 

love and gains a new appreciation for life 

THE 

PASSION 

ISSUE 

Making Dreams Come True 

TROPICANA PROPERTY NEWS 

Tropicana posts a fourfold increase 

KDN No. 1505 (7892) 

Vol. #105 January - February 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE 

HAPPY 

NEW 

YEAR! 

GONG 

HEY FAT 

CHOY! 

As January is the first month of 2016, we will then enter the Chinese New 

Year in February. May this year be filled with joy and success! 

We have put together a fantastic issue to enter this New Year, and what 

a better way to do so than by talking about Passion. Our cover story, 

featuring Idora Wan Rabe’al, is all about combining her passion for her 

business with her love of life. She embraces both enthusiastically and will 

be an inspiration for all of us. 

But February will also be a time to celebrate your Valentine. Take her, 

or him, to the best city in the world to celebrate your love: Paris. We’ve 

the perfect nest for you to indulge in luxury and passion: The Peninsula. 

Have a read through our feature, and it will certainly strike a romantic 

chord in you. 

If you don’t have time to travel so far, how about you make the perfect 

romantic drink to impress your date? Check our suggestions. They sure 

will put you in the mood. After this, take him or her for dinner. Thirty8 at 

Grand Hyatt is the destination of choice. We spoke to their chef about the 

special atmosphere and menu for that special day. 

But if Cupid hasn’t struck you yet, do not despair. We take a look at how 

the dating scene has changed thanks to OKCupid, Match.com or Tinder. 

Everyone is bound to find his/her better half somewhere. Why not give it 

a try online? 

We truly hope you enjoy this issue. Last but not least, TROPICANA is 

having a preview screening for the movie THE REVENANT, supported by 

20th Century Fox Malaysia. There will be more than 100 preview passes 

to give away exclusively to TROPICANA readers for you to be the first to 

watch it! 

All the best, with love… 

10 TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

TROPICANA MAGAZINE IS 

EXCLUSIVELY CIRCULATED TO 

Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Berhad 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

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Group Chief Executive Officer 

DATO’ DICKSON TAN YONG LOONG 

Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer 

DILLON TAN YONG CHIN 

DIANA TAN SHEIK NI 

DION TAN YONG CHIEN 

Directors 

TAN KAR ENG 

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• Tropicana Privilege Cardmembers 

• Residents of all Tropicana’s developed properties 

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and Tropicana Corporation Berhad. All 

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EDITORIAL 

DATO’ DICKSON TAN YONG LOONG 

Editor-In-Chief 

SERENA LIM 

Deputy Editor-In-Chief 

JOSHUA CHAN 

Sub Editor 

EVELYN WAN 

Editorial Assistant 

GROUP CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS 

THONG POH WAH 

General Manager 

SERENA LIM 

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ANDY LIM 

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46 

62 

Volume 

#105 

22 

70 

18 THE SCENE 

• Fun2Sea Voyage 

24 THE LATEST 

• New Opening 

• Fashion 

• Beauty 

• Gadgets & 

Home Living 

• Time Pieces 

• Golf Equipment 

• Books 

• Music 

• Movies 

44 THE DIARY 

46 THE HOME 

A Piece Of History In 

Your Home 

52 PROPERTY NEWS 

pg18 

pg20 

pg22 

pg26 

pg30 

pg34 

pg36 

pg38 

pg40 

pg42 

• Tropicana Posts A Fourfold 

Increase 

pg52 

• Honours From The Edge 

Property Excellence 

Awards 2015 

pg56 

• Building Unity 

Through Sports pg57 

• Tropicana Website Is Asia 

Pacific’s Best 

pg58 

• Tropicana Receives 

Praise At NACRA 2015 pg58 

62 AN INTERVIEW WITH 

MS IDORA WAN 

RABE'AL 

Love To Live 

70 THE VACATION 

Romance In Paris 

76 THE GAME CHANGER 

It's A Date... Online 


128 

118 

80 

86 

80 THE DRIVE 

Fashionably Late To The Party 

86 THE SWING 

You Don't Have To Wait 

To Exhale In Anguilla 

92 HEALTH 

8 Chinese New Year Healthy 

Eating Tips 

104 THE LOOK 

• Lady Of The Orient 

• Style Wave 

• Tales Of A Geisha 

116 THE COOKBOOK 

The Humble Chef 

118 THE DISHES 

pg94 

pg104 

pg106 

123 THE RECIPE 

An Appetisingly Auspicious Dish 

124 THE DRINK 

Stir Up Your Feelings 

126 THE LIST 

128 THE TREND 


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THE SCENE 

1 

There are a lot of happenings 

going on around town if you 

know where to look. From 

launches to charity dinners to 

grand openings, strap on your 

fancy dresses and suits and be 

ready to brush shoulders with 

high society as we bring you the 

latest events that everyone 

is buzzing about. 

2 

3 

FUN2SEA 

VOYAGE 

KUALA LUMPUR 

7 DECEMBER 2015 

Aquaria KLCC provided a uniquely educational Christmas 

event for families and kids alike with their Christmas 

Fun2Sea Voyage, which featured a truly extensive array 

of activities for underwater fun such as the Giant Pacific 

Octopus enrichment activity, mermaid performances, Scuba 

Santa, Christmas tree and aquarium tank decoration sessions. 

Also unveiled in conjunction with the event was the newly 

launched Holodeck @ MoonLab in Station Aquarius, where 

visitors could travel through time in an augmented reality 

journey to watch creatures of the past and present blend into 

the world around them. Finally, everyone received gifts from 

Santa’s Elves as they spread the holiday cheer. 

1 — Beautiful mermaids swimming among the creatures of the ocean 2 — 

Aquaria KLCC CEO Dato’ Simon Foong admiring the marine wildlife through 

the underwater tunnel with guests 3 — Dato’ Simon welcoming guests to 

the launch of the Fun2Sea exhibition 


NEW OPENINGS 

EMPOWERING WOMEN AT FACE IMAGE ACADEMY 

From hairline and eyebrow embroidery services to 

makeup services, Face Image Academy has it all. 

In conjunction with their newly relocated outlet, a 

special makeup workshop aptly titled ‘No Worries, 

Single Mums’ was organised to teach single mums 

and divorced women makeup skills that empowers 

them to work from home and be able to generate 

income for the family. 

www.makeupacademymalaysia.com 

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM 

Fans of Diane von Furstenberg can now visit their 

third outlet in Malaysia at The Gardens Mall. 

The modern yet sexy 900 square foot interior 

with iconic graphic patterns covering the walls 

is inspired by the brand’s core equities. The shop 

offers the full collection of Diane von Furstenberg 

items and iconic patterns. 

world.dvf.com 

FAMILY FUN 

Recently launched, The Parenthood London Street 

Family Park is already a hit among kids and their 

families. Listed in The Malaysian Book of Records as 

the first family park in the country with retail outlets, 

this fun zone is suitable for both parent and children as 

it is a winning mixture of learning and leisure all in one. 

theparenthood.com.my 


#PaintAllSurfaces 

with 

Asia’s Leading 

Coatings Expert 

ARCHITECTURAL INDUSTRIAL PROTECTIVE AUTOMOTIVE MARINE 

NIPPON PAINT (M) SDN. BHD. (7516-H) 

THE 

COATINGS 

 

EXPERT 

1-800-88-2663 www.nipponpaint.com.my 

Scan me. It will 

make your day.

FASHION 

1. 

MINI MELISSA 

We find matching your outfit with your children 

an adorable idea and if cute footwear is your thing, 

you’ll be delighted to hear that Melissa Shoes has 

just introduced the Mini Melissa line for your kids. 

These adorable ballet flats adorned with bows 

and ribbons are mini versions of the Ultragirl and 

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania collection and 

they each come with a Velcro strap, blending easy 

wear with colourful style. 

www.melissa.com.br/en 

2.QUIRKY CROSSBODY 

Crossbody bags are all the rage for casual days 

out without the need to tote around a big bag, 

and though many come in rich leather or exotic 

prints, Anya Hindmarch is putting a little spin on 

the classic favourite. Quirky embellishments of 

cartoon eyes and vibrant rainbows are plastered 

on traditional tasselled bags that turn Anya’s 

accessories into lush yet fun pieces. 

www.anyahindmarch.com 

3. 

THE COLOUR OF LOVE 

Triumph is adding some spice to their latest 

lingerie collection as they infuse the many 

shades of red into their beloved bra designs. 

Choose between the many underwear favourites 

in lush crimson shades and sumptuous fabrics 

like the two-cup, cleavage-boosting Aqua bra, 

Butterfly bra and plunging Deep-V bra. Get 

flirty with the new RED collection peeping 

out from under your clothes, leading up to a 

seductive reveal this Valentine’s Day. 

www.triumph.com.my 


FASHION 

4. 

MAMA KNOWS BEST 

The duo from Dolce & Gabbana pay homage to their 

mother by designing a stunning eyewear piece that 

evokes a Sicilian vibe with baroque furnishings. The 

Mama’s Brocade sunglasses is decorated with red roses 

and grey pearls set in floral motifs that are a testament 

to the creativity of the fashion brand. There are only 500 

of these sunglasses made and they all come wrapped in a 

sophisticated bow with similar design aesthetic. 

www.dolcegabbana.com/eyewear 

6. 

FRINGE FACTOR 

A little bit of fringe can add a lot of character 

to an outfit which is clearly presented in 

Emilio Pucci’s pre-spring 2016 collection. 

Taking the reins of Pucci after the departure 

of Peter Dundas, Massimo Giorgetti brings his 

eclectic, colourful and crazy style to the fashion 

house and fringe is an accent that we cannot 

ignore. Coats and skirts get a taste of fringe in 

a slimming and slinky form while dresses get a 

heavy dose of it in thick multicoloured patches. 

Definitely a nod to the bold. 

www.emiliopucci.com 

5. 

CASHMERE CASE 

A Burberry trench coat is already considered a luxurious 

statement piece, and now you can appreciate the British 

fashion brand even more as they employ skilled artisans 

to spin a cashmere version for your wintery needs. 

The Burberry cashmere trench coats come in two new 

colours: Navy and Parade Red, the first introduction 

of new colours since its inception to join cool hues like 

plum, teal and cherry pink to name a few. 

my.burberry.com 


BEAUTY 

1. 

RED IS THE NEW BLACK 

Exuberating confidence and sexiness, 

the latest fragrance from Estee 

Lauder is a fruity floral oriental 

that will turn heads with every 

whiff. The Modern Muse Le Rouge 

is for the daring lady that flaunts 

her signature colour of red with 

timeless elegance. Ripened roses 

blended with raspberry and pink 

peppers give that punch of freshness 

while the seductive side comes from 

the bouquet of Madagascar vanilla 

and patchouli. 

www.esteelauder.com 

3. 

THE 

FUTURE OF HANDSOME 

Take control of your skin’s health for today as 

well as tomorrow with the FUTURE RESCUE 

Repair Serum by the LAB SERIES skincare 

for men. This ultra-potent formula employs 

the ‘quad focus’ approach for younger-looking 

skin, which includes environmental defence, 

purifying surface detox, barrier fortification 

and damage repair. After four weeks, see the 

change as the serum repairs and protects any 

environmental damage on the face of today’s 

urban man. 

www.labseries.com.my 

2. 

PARIS AFTER THE RAIN 

For eye makeup that dazzles under the light, 

Laura Mercier’s limited edition ‘Paris After 

The Rain’ eye colour collection features duochromatic 

shades to give your peepers some 

edginess. The eight eye colours consist of four 

neutral matte shades and four multi-chrome 

pearl toppers; a combination of the two on 

your eyes will create a satin reflective finish for 

a most dramatic effect. 

www.lauramercier.com 


BEAUTY 

4. 

NO MORE LINES 

With the ever-expanding technology that 

is applied in beauty, in 2016 we can say that 

dermal fillers have turned non-invasive thanks 

to Beaubelle’s Doctor Perfector. Blending the 

nourishing powers of 100% pure Swiss milk 

and Hyaluronic Acid, Doctor Perfector acts 

to smoothen the skin while protecting from 

moisture loss. Witness your surface wrinkles 

diminish and experience visible reduction just 

15 minutes after application! 

www.beaubelle.com 

5. 

LONDON CALLING 

The London Oud by Fragrance Du Bois was originally 

created for the former World Heavyweight Boxing 

Champion, David Haye, and was inspired by his 

hometown of London. Now, Fragrance Du Bois is 

sharing this intoxicating perfume with the world so 

users can bathe in the scent of spring morning in 

London as you walk along the Thames. With a blend of 

notes like bergamot, lavender and cardamom, what is 

not to love about this fragrance? 

www.fragrancedubois.com 

6. 

FRUITFUL RESULTS 

Imagine if you could manage your rate of aging 

with a face serum. B&B Labs from Beaubelle 

Group has a new skincare range called Science 

Series that features Asian ingredients to treat 

a variety of skin types. Some of the serums 

include the Advanced Durian Hydration Serum 

to eliminate dehydration while pigmentation 

can be fixed with the Mangosteen Brightening 

Detox Serum. 

www.beaubelle.com 


GADGETS & HOME LIVING 

1. 

AWESOME ACOUSTICS 

Bringing a complete and powerful digital 

loudspeaker to your home, Bang & Olufsen is 

taking home entertainment to a futuristic level. The 

BeoLab 90 has technologies up its sleeve like Active 

Room Compensation, which makes up for the 

impact of soundwaves reflecting off items in your 

room to ensure optimum sound quality. Or, change 

the width of your sound beams with the Beam 

Width Control to achieve sound clarity in different 

listening conditions. 

www.bang-olufsen.com 

2. 

OFFICE COMFORT 

For office workers that require a comfortable 

workspace, the Quickstand by Humanscale is a 

smart platform that you can use at your office table. 

The platform is lightweight and is height-adjustable 

so users can change its height according to their 

comfort whether for a sitting or standing position. 

The Quickstand is also portable, which is great if 

you ever have to change tables or workplaces. 

www.humanscale.com 

3. 

THIN IS IN 

The world’s thinnest ultra HD TV is now available to 

take pride of place in your living room for a superior 

television-watching experience. The X9000C series 

by Sony features a stunning 4.9mm thinness which 

gives the television the illusion of floating when 

placed. It is powered by a powerful 4K Processor X1 

for greater clarity and colour while watching Blu-ray 

discs, Internet videos and TV broadcasts. 

www.sony.com.my 


GADGETS & HOME LIVING 

5. 

VIOLETS & ROSES 

Bring in the scents of love and sweetness into 

your home with Diptyque’s latest Rosaviola 

candle collection, a collaboration with Franco- 

British designer Olympia Le-Tan. The Rosaviola 

gets a touch of embroidery from Olympia in 

vibrant hues of pink plastered with kisses. Be 

enamoured with the scent of roses and violets in 

the quirkiest of packaging. 

www.diptyqueparis.com 

4. 

TURKISH DELIGHTS 

This is not the gelatine-like candy you know, but 

hand-loomed towels from Turkey. The soft and 

intricate peshmetals are loomed using natural 

cotton, bamboo and linen for comfortable and soft 

towels that were widely used by Ottoman Empire 

blue bloods. Homegrown company Real.m has come 

out with the Lagoona collection of hand-woven 

peshmetals in eye-catching chevron designs, which 

can be used as a blanket or a throw. 

www.facebook.com/realmtowels 

6.MONKEY BUSINESS 

To commemorate the year of the Monkey, Royal Selangor 

has sculpted a gorgeous figurine inspired by a Chinese 

literary classic. The monkey holding a peach represents 

the Monkey King, who gained eternal life by stealing the 

heavenly peaches of the Mother Queen of the West - a 

famous scene from Journey to the West. A great gift for 

Chinese New Year, spread the love and prosperity this 

2016 with this Royal Selangor collectible. 

www.royalselangor.com 


TIME PIECES 

1. 

HIDDEN SECRET 

A stunning timepiece on the outside with hidden 

treasures on the inside, the Velvet Secret Heart by 

Roger Dubuis is a masterpiece upon the wrist. This 

creation conceals its inner technicalities beneath 

a gorgeous exterior, which features two rows of 

sparkling diamonds rimming the bezel. Even the face 

has a curved layout of slanting Roman numerals that 

look like a precious vase. 

www.rogerdubuis.com 

3. 

THE INSIDE JOB 

It’s what’s on the inside that truly matters with the 

Ladies’ Millenary collection by Audemars Piguet. 

Exposing the mechanics of the watch through its dial, 

the timepiece is made for no ordinary woman. The 

watches also come in an oval case shape which make 

up the overall look of the Millenary. Available in 

pink gold and white gold, the designs come in pearly 

alligator straps. 

www.audemarspiguet.com 

2. 

LESS IS MORE 

The Slim d’Hermes timepiece presents understated 

and demure watches with its simple and clean 

design, which directs the eye to the elegant 

typeface. A closer look at the dial and one will 

notice a different typography from the previous 

watches of the same line. The watch comes with 

lush, soft Hermes leather straps that in various 

colours suitable for both sexes. Made to fit 

any occasion at any time, the Slim d’Hermes is 

available in 32mm rose gold. 

www.hermes.com 


GOLF EQUIPMENT 

1. 

GROUND-BREAKING FOOTWEAR 

Living up to the reputation of the groundbreaking 

TOUR360, the new TOUR360 BOOST 

features new innovation for best performance. 

Get the comfort from the full-length BOOST 

cushioning and improved adjustability with 

the re-engineered 360WRAP saddle, while the 

s-curve heel shape is a new design which adapts to 

the natural contour of your foot for an improved 

fit. Rest assured that this improved TOUR360 

BOOST blends technology and comfort for the 

ultimate golf shoe. 

www.adidasgolf.com 


BOOKS 

1. 

LOVE X STYLE X LIFE 

GARANCE DORÉ 

[RM161.40] 

This blogger, fashionista and ambassador of French 

taste and fashion pens down her candid thoughts about 

the world of fashion. It is part visual diary, part style 

guide and part insider’s tips about the fashion world 

through the eyes of a major influencer. Get ready to be 

amazed by the unique illustrations, personal photos and 

witty storytelling skills of a trendsetter. 

2. EATING 

PURELY 

ELIZABETH STEIN 

[RM95.90] 

The brainchild behind the natural foods company, Purely 

Natural, Elizabeth is educating foodies on how to create 

the healthiest food without sacrificing taste. After a stint 

at The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Elizabeth is now 

making healthy eating a lifestyle as she shares over 100 

of her favourite recipes that are nutrient-rich and gluten 

free. 

3. 

NOT IF I SEE YOU FIRST 

ERIC LINDSTROM 

[RM56.60] 

Parker Grant might be blind, but she does not need 

any sympathy from anyone. That’s why she has 

set down some rules for others, which include to 

never take advantage of her and to not treat her any 

differently than others. But when a boy who broke 

her heart returns after years of absence, Parker must 

confront the truth that spills out and face her hidden 

emotions about her former lover and family. 

4. ASHLEY 

BELL 

DEAN KOONTZ 

[RM130.80] 

Twenty-two year old Bibi Blair dives into the world 

of crime and conspiracy in order to find a girl named 

Ashley Bell, who she believes is the girl she is meant 

to save. After being told that she was dying from a 

disease, Bibi experienced a miracle when she was 

instantly cured. Now believing her miracle happened 

for a reason, she follows a trail of sinister mysteries in 

order to find Ashley Bell. 


Developer: Tropicana Development Sdn Bhd • Developer’s License No.: 11888-1/12-2015/02384(L) • Validity Period:18/12/2014 – 17/12/2015 • Advertising & Sales Permit 

No.:11888-1/12-2014/02384(P) • Validity Period: 18/12/2014 – 17/12/2015 • Approving Authority: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur • Building Plan Reference Number: DBKL BP T3 OSC 2013 

1571 • Expected Completion Date: Nov 2018 •Land Tenure: Freehold • Land Encumbrance: Affin Bank Berhad • Total No. of Units: 353 • Type of Property: Serviced Residences • Selling Price: 

RM2,011,800(Min) – RM7,934,800(Max) • Built Up Area: 710sqft (Min) - 2,973sqft (Max) • Bumi Discount : 5%

MUSIC 

1. 

THIS IS ACTING 

SIA 

With frequent reports of Sia shying away from the 

limelight, her latest album release early this year - This 

Is Acting - came as quite a surprise. The album features 

rejected songs that were written for other artists, in which 

she wrote lyrics she imagined someone else would say but 

not something she would - hence the name of the album. 

Sia also released the first single from the album, ‘Alive’, 

late last year, which was said to be written with Adele in 

mind. 

2. 

DEATH OF A BACHELOR 

PANIC! AT THE DISCO 

The name of the album is actually the least intriguing fact 

about Panic! At the Disco’s latest record, given that lead singer 

Brendon Urie admits half of the album was made naked! It’s 

now obvious where the inspiration for the single ‘Emperor’s 

New Clothes’ came from. Additionally, title single ‘Death of a 

Bachelor’ is an electronic and jazz track inspired by the tunes 

of Sinatra. 

3. 

WONDERFUL CRAZY NIGHT 

ELTON JOHN 

After a hiatus of 30 years, Elton John will soon be 

releasing his 33rd studio album as he reunites with 

drummer Nigel Olsson and guitarist Davey Johnstone. 

Tracks released prior to the album such as ‘Wonderful 

Crazy Night’ and ‘Looking Up’ suggests a more upbeat 

and rock ‘n’ roll vibe compared to his much-celebrated 

ballads back in the day. The deluxe version offers two 

additional songs, ‘Free and Easy’ and ‘England and 

America’ whilst the “super deluxe” version offers four 

bonus tracks and a 20-page book with photographs 

and lyrics. 

4. 

A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS 

COLDPLAY 

It’s been a wild ride for Coldplay since 1996 as they 

finally came to an end with their latest and final album. 

Tracks that stood out the most include a piano ballad, 

‘Everglow’, an electro upbeat tune from ‘Birds’ and a 

Beyonce-assisted RnB track of ‘Hymn For the Weekend’. 

Coldplay successfully manages to combine a variety of 

different genres into one final album without sounding too 

scattered. 


MOVIES 

1. 

STEVE JOBS 

Directed by Academy Award winner 

Danny Boyle of Slumdog Millionaire 

fame, this movie gives people a glimpse 

into Steve Jobs as a person via three ‘acts’; 

each based on an Apple product launch 

event that he headed. The screenplay 

by Aaron Sorkin is a mix of adaptations 

from Walter Isaacson’s best-selling 

biography “Steve Jobs” and interviews 

that Sorkin conducted. 

Release date: 28 January 2016 

Genre: Biography 

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Seth Rogen, 

Kate Winslet, Jeff Daniels 

2. 

THE REVENANT 

Based on an epic true story, renowned explorer 

Hugh Glass is left to die by his own confidant 

and hunting allies after being mauled by a wild 

bear. Motivated by his love of his family and 

sheer willpower, Glass struggles through the 

unforgiving wild and rough weather to survive. 

Brace yourselves, for winter is coming. 

3. 

HOW TO BE SINGLE 

Getting back into the dating game proves to be 

a challenge for Alice, a newly single and lonely 

girl in the Big Apple. Out comes Robin, played 

by Rebel Wilson, to the rescue to teach her about 

the perks of singlehood with a series of alcoholic 

nights out and one night stands. How to be Single 

is the ultimate single girl’s movie, particularly 

during the month of love, as it proves that a girl 

can create great memories even (just) with your 

girlfriends by your side. 

Release date: 11 February 2016 

Genre: Comedy/Romance 

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie, 

Leslie Mann 

Release date: 28 January 2016 

Genre: Adventure/Drama 

Cast: Tom Hardy, Leonardo Dicaprio, Will Poulter, 

Domhnall Gleeson 

4. 

JOY 

Based on real events, Joy is at once an upbeat yet intensely 

emotional story of a single mother who becomes a millionaire 

after selling her Miracle Mop invention. Played by Oscar awardwinning 

actress Jennifer Lawrence, Joy has to juggle taking 

control of her family, enterprise, and her relationships all at the 

same time. 

Release date: 11 February 2016 

Genre: Comedy/Drama 

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, 

Bradley Cooper 


THE REVENANT 

free movie screening 

A battle of man versus beast. A soul left for dead. And a 

shell of a man, abandoned by those he trusted, returning to 

claim his vengeance. 

Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is a tale of survival 

and revenge. Hugh Glass, American fur trapper and explorer, 

is fuelled by a burning desire for vengeance upon the socalled 

‘friends’ who left him to die from a bear mauling. But 

first, can he survive and recover from his injuries in the wild? 

Be one of the first to follow Glass’s tale with TROPICANA 

giving away 100 tickets to a PREVIEW SCREENING of THE 

REVENANT, supported by 20th CENTURY FOX MALAYSIA, 

exclusively for TROPICANA readers! 

Date : 2 February 2016 (Tuesday) 

Venue: GSC 1 Utama 

Time: 9:00pm 

Tickets redemption: 

◊ Email your full name, NRIC number, home address and 

mobile contact number to winnie.ooi@tropicanacorp.com.my 

before 22 January 2016, subject: The Revenant 

◊ Each NRIC number is entitled to TWO complimentary 

preview passes 

◊ Movie passes are on a first-come, first-serve basis 

◊ You will be then be notified via phone for 

tickets collection.

THE DIARY 

8 – 17 January 2016 

BALLET FESTIVAL 

The Stars of the Moscow Ballet will recreate two beautiful 

ballet classics – Adam’s ‘Giselle’ and Prokofiev’s ‘Romeo & 

Juliet’ – as the MPO provides musical accompaniment. Ciaran 

McAuley and Stanislav Kochanovsky conduct. 

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur 

Tel: 03–2331 7008 

mpo.com.my 

15 – 17 January 2016 

EURASIA CUP 2016 

Captains Jeev Milkha Singh and Darren Clarke lead Team 

Asia and Team Europe respectively as they go head to 

head for a share of US$3.6 million in this second EurAsia 

Cup tournament. 

Glenmarie Golf and Country Club, Selangor 

Tel: 03–7803 9090 

www.eurasiacup.com 

18 January 2016 

CHICAGO LIVE IN 

MALAYSIA 2016 

Don’t miss out on the ultra-successful rock group’s 

classic hits as they perform here for the second time 

with tracks such as ‘You’re The Inspiration’, ‘Make Me 

Smile’ and ‘If You Leave Me Now’. 

Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur 

Tel: 03–9101 5857 

www.chicagotheband.com 

44 TM | JANUARYFEBRAURY 2016

THE DIARY 

30 January 2016 

STAND UP FOR EDUCATION 2.0 

Show your support for education in this comedy show for 

a cause, featuring international stars such as Paul Ogata and 

Vivek Mahbubani joining local stand up comedians Harith 

Iskander, Rizal Van Geyzel to raise funds for education 

programmes by the AMMA Foundation. 

HGH Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur 

Tel: 03–7725 8001 

www.facebook.com/stand4edu 

15 February 2016 

DIANA KRALL 

With her deep enchanting vocals, Grammy-Award winning 

jazz vocalist and pianist Diana Krall graces Kuala Lumpur with 

her one-night-only showcase as part of her Wallflower World 

Tour with her own renditions of The Eagles’ ‘Desperado’ and 

Bob Dylan’s ‘Wallflower’. 

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur 

Tel: 03–2331 7008 

mpo.com.my 

26 – 28 February 2016 

TASTE OF TIFFIN 

A food festival like no other, Taste of Tiffin is a series of 

free and ticketed events such as Chowdown – weekend food 

market, Brunch Sessions, and Heart of the Run – featuring 

a pop-up bar of mixology and crafted spirits and a culinary 

contest, Tiffin Throwdown. 

Publika Shopping Gallery, Kuala Lumpur 

www.facebook.com/tiffinevent 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | TM 45

HOME & INTERIOR 

A PIECE OF HISTORY 

IN YOUR HOME 

WORDS AUDREY TEOH 

PHOTOGRAPHS LASTING IMPRESSIONS AND ISTOCKPHOTO 

AN ANTIQUE IS MORE THAN JUST A PIECE OF FURNITURE 

AS IT CAN ALSO BE A GREAT STATEMENT PIECE AND A 

REMINDER OF CULTURAL HISTORY. 



No New Year is complete without contemplating what 

is past, and Chinese New Year is no different. During 

this time, traditions are revived and we gain a renewed 

interest and appreciation for antiques that bring us back 

to the time of our ancestors. 

The idea of owning a piece of one’s cultural heritage has 

always been popular, with the result that many retailers 

now offer antiques as well as reproductions, catering to a 

larger demand for antiques to be more affordable. 

Today, it’s easy to find household furniture which has been 

lacquered or even features a mother-of-pearl inlay, but it is 

often difficult to be able to tell accurately how old they are. 

Bearing this in mind, even when you acquire an authentic 

piece, it will probably have been restored or refurbished 

and may even include newer materials to make the 

antique practical, with most retailers carrying a mixed 

stock of originals and reproductions - the reproductions 

normally being favoured for their safety as it means you 

can have all the beauty of an antique without the fear of 

damaging a priceless relic. 

so where do you begin? 

To start, you should take the first step by speaking to 

established suppliers and asking them about the pieces 

they have for sale. This is so you look like you know your 

stuff and learn about your pieces in the process by asking 

questions like where the piece comes from, how old it is 

and whether it has been extensively refurbished, which 

will give you a good basis to go on. A knowledgeable 

supplier is a good sign, and the more you can find out 

about the piece, the better. 

There are also a few things that even an amateur 

antique buyer can look out for, such as the method of 

construction. Antique Oriental furniture has usually 

been put together using pegs and joints instead of nails 

and screws, so this should be the first thing you check 

yourself to ensure authenticity and serviceable condition. 

In addition, a refurbished piece has to be taken apart for 

cleaning, and it’s important that you check the piece has 

been reassembled properly before going to the counter. 

Another important marker is the irregularity or 

imperfections in the piece – rather than being defects, 

these are the result of handcrafted work using local 

materials and methods that were in common practice at 

the time and prove its authenticity. In contrast, modern 

furniture is more uniform, with perfectly angled edges 

and precision which are the hallmark of machine-made 

pieces; this uniformity is also due to the material used, 

which is sourced in bulk to be more economical. 

why buy antiques? 

After all this, you might start to wonder if it is really 

worth your while investing in an antique if there are so 

many obstacles to overcome in just buying one. However, 

consider what you are purchasing – a unique, handcrafted 

“The idea of 

owning a piece 

of one’s cultural 

heritage has 

always been 

popular” 


piece that represents a piece of cultural history, which 

will stand out as a feature in your own home. 

In addition, antique pieces can be incredibly versatile, 

being made during a time where furniture often had 

a dual purpose. Regardless of their original function, 

they remain relevant when given a new purpose – try a 

storage trunk as a coffee table, a large cabinet to conceal 

a television set or stools as side tables. 

proper care 

Considering the age of an authentic antique, most pieces 

have survived the ravages of time because of the proper care 

shown to them, so it is important to maintain that care and 

maintenance. Here are just a few things you can do to keep 

your Oriental antique in good shape for the future: 

• Environment 

Humidity is important; in our tropical climate, this 

shouldn’t be a problem unless the item is kept in an 

air-conditioned room all the time. Dry air can cause 

wood to deteriorate by turning brittle, splitting or 

cracking. 

• Location 

Avoid placing antiques in direct sunlight as UV light 

will lead to discolouration over time, while the heat 

may cause the wood to warp. 

• Protect 

Ceramic or metal ornaments placed on antique pieces 

can easily scratch the surface; prevent this by placing 

a thin layer of protective material such as flannel 

between the surface of the antique and any object 

placed on it. Avoid using plastic, nylon or rubber 

lining as the chemical components of these materials 

may damage the finish. 

• Clean 

Avoid the use of chemical or abrasive cleaners as these 

will severely damage the finish. Instead, use only a 

soft, non-abrasive cloth or brush to remove dust. The 

cloth may be gently dampened but it’s best to avoid 

excess moisture, hence washing is out of the question. 

Any spills should be wiped up immediately. 

• Condition 

Use beeswax or furniture wax (not spray) once or twice 

a year to nourish and preserve the lustre of wood. 

With the right care, your antique piece can last for many 

more years to come. 

Ask the Expert 

There’s no substitute for knowledge 

so make sure you do some research 

and look for the professionals, such as 

Lasting Impressions 

(www.lasting-impressions.com.my) 

which has branches in Kuala Lumpur 

and Petaling Jaya, or take a trip to 

Malacca or Penang where antiques 

(and the experts who acquire and sell 

them) are plentiful. 


PR 

OP 

ER 

T 

Y 

N E W S 

TROPICANA POSTS A FOURFOLD INCREASE 

HONOURS FROM THE EDGE PROPERTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015 

Prestigious. Award-winning. Quality. Innovative. High capital appreciation. These are just some of the 

signatures of the property projects undertaken by Tropicana Corporation Berhad. The following pages 

showcase some novel and stunning residential and commercial developments as further testament to the 

organisation’s flair in this industry. Tropicana Corporation hopes to create a more compassionate and 

supportive community, especially within its circles of influence. As a responsible developer, Tropicana 

Corporation continues to deliver on its responsibility to give back to society by supporting various 

charitable causes and participating in celebrations and community events. 

51 TA | JAN/FEB 2015 


Tropicana posts a 

FOURFOLD INCREASE 

WITH A NINE-MONTH TOTAL SALES SPIKE AT RM1.26 BILLION AND 

UNBILLED SALES AT A RECORD LEVEL OF RM3.1 BILLION, TROPICANA POSTS 

A FOURFOLD INCREASE IN THE THIRD QUARTER. 


“Tropicana has achieved a 

significantly higher profit before 

tax of RM175.4 million for the 

quarter ended 30 September 2015, up 

334 per cent from RM40.4 million in 

the previous corresponding period a 

year ago” 

Tropicana’s de-gearing initiatives are bearing fruit as 

the financial position of the company has strengthened 

considerably, with net gearing at the end of September 2015 

registering a marked improvement to 0.28x from 0.68x 

as at the end of December 2014. Year-to-date, Tropicana 

has received cash proceeds totalling RM1.07 billion 

arising from the strategic disposal of non-core assets and 

investment properties undertaken over the past year. 

Despite a slower property market, Tropicana delivered 

commendable sales performance in the first nine months 

of its current financial year, chalking up new sales of RM1.3 

billion with unbilled sales at a record of RM3.1 billion as of 

end-September 2015. 

After the third quarter review, Tropicana was proud to 

announce a recorded revenue of RM244.6 million or a 

fourfold increase on the previous quarter despite a 18.7 per 

cent decrease from RM300.7 million in the same period in 

2014. 

Tropicana has achieved a significantly higher profit 

before tax (“PBT”) of RM175.4 million for the quarter 

ended 30 September 2015, up 334 per cent from RM40.4 

million in the previous corresponding period a year ago. 

This resulted in the net profit attributable to shareholders 

jumping fivefold or 414 per cent to RM151.8 million in 

the quarter under review, up from RM29.5 million in 


the same period last year. 

For the nine months ended 30 September 2015, Tropicana’s 

revenue increased by 10.9 per cent to RM947.8 million 

from RM854.9 million in 2014. For the nine-month period, 

Group PBT rose 43.7 per cent to RM242.4 million from 

RM168.7 million a year ago, while net profit attributable to 

shareholders was 53.2 per cent higher at RM194.2 million 

from RM126.8 million previously. 

The Group’s integrated mix township developments 

projects in the Central Region continue to draw healthy 

interest, especially for landed properties in Tropicana 

Aman, Shah Alam, and Tropicana Heights, Kajang, where 

new launches in the year to date attracted good take-up 

rates from buyers. Overall, the Group is on track to exceed 

the previous financial year’s total sales of RM1.5 billion in 

the current year to 31 December 2015. 

Tropicana intends to continue its market-driven strategy 

for 2016 as it strives to unlock the value of its Klang Valley 

and Northern region land banks. Currently, the Group 

possesses a land bank of over 1,600 acres across the country 

with future GDV of over RM50 billion. 

— 

From top: Beautiful sunsets set the sky ablaze over the lake at Tropicana Aman; The mini park in the Tropicana Aman township 

is a picture of serenity; The glow of the glass-walled Tropicana Aman new Sales Gallery is reflected by night upon the lake 



— 

A proud moment: YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan (centre), Founder & Advisor of Tropicana receiving the award from Ho Kay Tat (right), 

CEO of The Edge Media Group; witnessed by Au Foong Yee (left), Managing Director of The Edge Communications 

HONOURS FROM THE EDGE PROPERTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015 

Recently Tropicana’s Founder, Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan Chee Sing, was honoured 

with The Edge Malaysia Outstanding Property Entrepreneur Award 2015 at The 

Edge Property Excellence Awards 2015 gala dinner held recently at Mandarin 

Oriental, Kuala Lumpur. Presenting the award to Tan Sri Dato' Danny Tan was 

Ho Kay Tat (right), CEO of The Edge Media Group, highlighting Tropicana’s 

significant contributions to the industry. 

Under the leadership of Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan, Tropicana has grown over 

the last two decades into one of the leading property developers in the country. 

Known for his keen understanding and visionary outlook of the property market, 

Tan Sri has guided the Company from its pioneer development, to developing 

thriving integrated developments and townships nationwide. 


BUILDING UNITY THROUGH SPORTS 

Sport is a good vehicle to promote camaraderie among 

people, which is why sporting events such as the recent 

Tropicana Futsal Frenzy and the Tropicana Badminton 

Tournament were well-received as they foster closer ties 

and better relationships between employees. 

The second edition of the Tropicana Futsal Frenzy 

tournament saw 40 staff members donning unique team 

kits and taking to the pitch for some friendly, adrenalinecharged 

rivalry through football. 

With badminton being one of the most popular sports 

in the country, it was no surprise that the Badminton 

Tournament saw an equally warm reception. Colleagues 

paired up in doubles teams to put their racquet skills to 

the test, hoping to smash their way through the various 

stages to victory. 


TROPICANA WEBSITE IS ASIA PACIFIC’S BEST 

On 7 December, Tropicana was honoured with the 'Best 

Developer Website Asia Pacific' award at the prestigious 

International Property Awards Summit finale at London's 

Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. 

With over 2,000 entries from more than 110 countries 

received for the 2015 International Property Awards, it 

was truly an honour for Tropicana to compete against 

some of the best property professionals in the world and 

emerge victorious. 

The ceremony was the culmination of regional finals held 

across various continents, with the independent judging 

panel of 70 industry experts chaired by Lord Caithness 

and Lord Best, both members of the House of Lords in the 

UK Parliament. 

TROPICANA RECEIVES PRAISE AT NACRA 2015 

Tropicana was awarded the Certificate of Merit in 

recognition of the Company’s Annual Report having 

qualified for the finals at the National Annual Corporate 

Report Awards (NACRA) 2015, held at the Intercontinental 

Kuala Lumpur on 26 November. 

Present to receive the award was Thong Poh Wah, 

General Manager, Group Corporate Communications of 

Tropicana. The Certificate was presented by YB Datuk 

Chua Tee Yong, Deputy Minister of Finance. 

An organisation with the key objective of promoting 

excellence in corporate reporting, as well as greater 

transparency, and accountability by respective parties in 

their financial reporting, Tropicana was praised for their 

exemplary practice. 

— 

Top: Tropicana’s website tropicanacorp.com.my was recognised as the best Asia 

Pacific property website at the International Property Awards Summit 2015 

Bottom: Thong Poh Wah, General Manager, Group Corporate Communications of 

Tropicana receiving the merit from YB Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Deputy Minister of 

Finance; Puan Selvarany Rasiah, Chief Regulatory Officer of Bursa Malaysia Berhad 

and Mr Stephen Oong, Chairman of NACRA Organising Committee 


Inter 

GROUP GOLF 

1 - Herman Tan (Executive Director of TGCR) with individual winner Jannie Lai 

2 - Team Champion LCLY 3 - Team Captain's group photo from left Eric Lim, CW 

Lee, Allen Teh, A Nadaraju, Jimmy Soo, Eh Lim, Tan Joo Yeok, 

Arthur Ang, Allan Fong and Colin Chen 

1 

31 OCTOBER 2015 

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT 

On behalf of the management of Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, we 

would like to thank you and your teammates for participating in the 

2nd Inter-group match held on 31 October 2015. We would also like 

to take this opportunity to thank you for the support you have given to 

the club over the years and hopefully the management can continue to 

strive to bigger and better events for the members. 

The management hoped all members had a great day at the event as 

that is the main reason the club hosts this event. But unfortunately, 

there can be only one winner and we would like to congratulate team 

LCLY on their great effort and congratulations to Jannie Lai on her 

great performance on her individual score. 

2 

3 


1 

2 

Thai Odyssey 

ANNUAL DINNER 

8 DECEMBER 2015 


3 

About 650 people were treated to a night of food and fun as Thai 

Odyssey held its 2015 annual dinner at Tropicana Golf & Country 

Resort to celebrate all the hard work of the employees over 11 years 

of success and to start off the New Year on the right foot. 

Participants, including honoured guests YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Danny 

Tan, Founder & Advisor of Tropicana Corporation Berhad as well 

as Ms Sirintra Chantapan, Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy, 

enjoyed a special opening dance that was performed by Leon Chuah, 

Managing Director of Thai Odyssey and Anthony Thuan, Executive 

Director of Thai Odyssey with a team of HQ staff. 

Lucky draws, Thai song performances and a 'We Are The World' 

video with the employees as the stars livened up the night. Many 

awards were distributed which recognised employees in various 

categories, including the first-ever Best Employee Award. 

The dinner served to foster good interpersonal relationships in line 

with the Thai Odyssey core values of Responsibility, Efficiency, 

Appreciation and Love. 

1 - Celebrating the 11 Fantastic Years of Thai Odyssey – Leon Chuah, 

Managing Director (second left) and Anthony Thuan (third right), 

Executive Director of Thai Odyssey Group 2 - The event is even merrier 

with the presence of the honorable guests – YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny 

Tan (second right), Founder & Advisor of Tropicana Corporation Berhad, 

Puan Sri Datin Ivy Tan (right), Dato’ Tenku Idris (third right), 

Group Executive Chairman of Dataran Segar, Anthony Thuan (left), 

Executive Director and Leon Chuah (second left), 

Managing Director of Thai Odyssey Group 3 - Achievements and 

recognitions – The best outlet and top performing employees for 2015 

were recognised and awarded with trophies and certificates during the 

night through the Best Spa Ambassador Award 



AN INTERVIEW WITH MS. IDORA WAN RABE’AL 

Love to Live 

FOLLOWING YOUR PASSIONS MUST BE TEMPERED WITH FINDING BALANCE IN 

LIFE, AS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DEL SURIA, MS IDORA WAN RABE’AL, 

KNOWS VERY WELL. HERE, SHE TELLS US ALL ABOUT WHAT SHE’S 

LEARNT FROM CHASING HER DREAMS. 

AN INTERVIEW BY KAVITHA SEHERAN PHOTOGRAPHS BRIAN FANG/M8 STUDIO 

ART DIRECTION NOR HAMIMAH ABDULLAH MAKE-UP LANCÔME 

Even before I met Ms Idora in the flesh, I knew she was an upbeat person just from 

speaking to her on the phone – her enthusiasm and down-to-earth charm made her easy 

to talk to, and that positive energy was only amplified when I saw her in person. She 

radiated happiness and confidence, and her independent nature shone through in our 

interview. Clearly, this was a woman who is happy with where she is in life. 

How did you get where you are (career-wise)? 

I was an accounting student and then moved to design due to my love for design. I can’t say 

this is something I stumbled upon as I had always planned to go into this line. This is my 

passion – design and advertising. Since I was 23, I’ve been running my own business. I’ve 

only worked for people for about one and a half years. 

What made you switch from accounting to design? 

I was a Science student, and when I got an offer to do accounting, I realised it was not my cup 

of tea. I wanted to do something that gave me much more freedom to express myself creatively. 

Did you start out alone or did you have partners? 

I started out alone and became partners with two other guys, but since then I’ve taken 

over and I have been running the business on my own. It is easier when you’re the sole 

owner as you can make decisions on your own without getting other people’s approval 

and you have the freedom of deciding how you want to move forward with your business. 

But this is purely passion-driven, so I do what is best for the client and for my own 

business’ success. With design, whether it’s graphic, ambience, interior, or fashion, it is a 

lot of hard work. We have to work really, really hard in this line of work. 


“I am very lucky 

because I’ve always had 

a really good team and 

they helped us get to 

where we are now’’ 

So how long has it been since you first started off? 

I’d be telling you my age by answering this! (laughs) It’s 

been 18 to 19 years, so it’s been a long time, a long journey. 

Are you still hands-on with the design process or do 

you have a team working for you? 

I’m very much involved in the process. I do have a couple 

of people helping me and a key member of personnel 

who’s the head of design, but I still get involved. Our 

recent project was the World Economic Forum, where we 

transformed a hotel into a Malaysian pavilion to host the 

Prime Ministers’ meetings at Davos, Switzerland. That’s a 

good example of both graphic and ambience design. 

How’s business like in this economy? 

I’m sorry to say this, but not all clients pay up. So I’m quite 

choosy and only do work for people who truly want to 

engage in business with me. Some people like to window 

shop and I don’t like my ideas being used as part of their 

parade. At the end of the day, it is still a lot of work; 

whether it’s a small job or a big one, there are a lot of 

details involved. It’s not that I can’t afford to do that, but I 

think time is of the essence. I have two growing kids and 

I recently remarried, so I think I need to divide my time 

equally. I want to use my energy in a way that is beneficial 

for all parties. Throughout the years, I’ve met all kinds of 

clients – those who don’t pay, those who just want to steal 

your ideas, and those who like to window shop. So yes, I 

pick and choose now. (smiles) 


Any advice for people who would like to launch a 

start-up or own small firms? 

What you need is perseverance – whether your company is big 

or small, regardless of your age, as long as you have the energy 

to strive and persevere, you’ll find success. So at the end of the 

day, whether your company is a multi-million dollar company 

or a start-up, if you don’t have the energy to persevere, I think 

you will just end up doing things halfway or even lose out. The 

challenges are of course always there; year after year it’s always 

a different ball game altogether. For instance, our economy is 

not doing so well now. So what do you do? You still have to 

strive at least to stay afloat, even if you don’t make huge profits. 

Sometimes you get ambitious and you want to do everything 

but what’s the return? It is not the right time to do better, so 

do it just to sustain your business. To me, if you don’t have the 

energy, you cannot keep going. 

On a lighter note, what do you do with your free 

time when you’re not a business woman? 

I play golf in Tropicana, I do yoga, and I also hit the 

gym. I think at this age, you need to do that. I try to 

play golf at least once a week. I go night golfing on 

either Tuesdays or Wednesdays and play golf with my 

husband and even with my son too. 

Speaking of Tropicana, any thoughts on their properties? 

They are very good actually! I currently reside at Villa 

Green which is sandwiched between two golf courses. The 

security is really good and as with all Tropicana properties, 

the purchase comes with quality fittings, not to mention 

the club facilities which are a sure bonus for golfers like 

me. I like both the areas I’ve lived in. They are secluded 

although you’re still within the city. You don’t feel like 

you’re in the city when you come home. It’s peaceful and 

quiet with lots of green, making it perfect location-wise. 

On life achievements... 

I hate to say this, but I’m a very independent woman. 

(laughs) In a small way, I’m happy to say I can do things on 

my own. Being a woman, I don’t depend so much on men, 

I do things on my own – managing the business, raising 

the kids, getting married, then becoming single and 

remarrying. But my biggest achievement is giving birth to 

my two kids and raising them. You can’t assume that every 

woman will have the opportunity to say that. It’s hard to 

find respectable and good people; I can’t speak too soon, 

but I think I’ve raised two pleasant kids. (laughs) 

On passion... 

I think the most important thing in life is being passionate 

about your own life – how you take care of your own life. 

I’m particular when it comes to life. It does not have to 

be regimented but you must have some kind of plan. You 

don’t want your life to be all about work or focused on a 

single thing. It’s all about balance. Even if you have a bank 

full of cash, with bad health you can throw it all away. If 

anything disturbs my serenity and sanity, I will quickly 

correct that. I live a very challenging life; like I said, I’ve 

been recently remarried; from two kids now I have seven. 

So, we both make sure that we have enough time for 

our own kids without neglecting our parents and other 

people in our lives. Connection between humans is just as 

important as taking care of your health and having passion 

for what you do. So I would say I’m passionate about life 

itself. I don’t want my life to be haphazard. Having said 

that, having gone through one divorce, I always look for 

happiness and that’s the direction I want to go in. 

“I always look for 

happiness and 

that’s the direction 

I want to go in’’ 



‘‘I think the most 

important thing in 

life is being passionate 

about your own life’’ 

Speaking of happiness, I’ve read this saying recently 

along the lines of “Happiness is not a destination. 

People always think that they will find happiness 

at a new job or a new place, but unless you’re happy 

with who you are and where you are, you won’t find 

happiness.” What is your take on that? 

Even in golf, it’s not about the destination, it’s about how 

you arrive – it’s the name of the game. So yes, it is where 

you are today. Always ask yourself “Are you happy?” 

Frankly, you should be thankful. If you’re not thankful for 

where you are today, you will never be happy. Happiness 

is a state of mind. You’re right; it’s not a destination, it’s 

always the journey. (smiles) 

On New Years and starting over... 

Every day is a new opportunity to do better. You don’t have 

to wait for the New Year to do something new in your life. 

But every year there’s a new hope. Everyone is saying next 

year will be bad, the economy is going to be really bad. 

But if you look at it from your perspective, just because 

the whole world is saying it’s going to be bad, it does not 

mean it is going to be bad for you too. It’s just how you 

take it. It might seem bad worldwide, but I think in your 

own little world, there must be something for you. I don’t 

think God is that cruel to reprimand or punish all of us. 

So you must have that hope and my hope for 2016 is that 

things will get better for everybody. No doubt it’s going to 

be really, really tough, but I still have a lot of hope. I have 

two growing kids plus five stepkids who are going to face 

life, so if we don’t have hope for ourselves, what do we 

have for our children? No doubt business is going to be 

very tough, but I still have hope. (smiles) 


THE VACATION 

Romance In Paris 

WORDS JUSTIN HEYES 

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO, LES JULES VERNE & THE PENINSULAR HOTEL 

AS VALENTINE’S DAY APPROACHES AND LOVE FILLS THE AIR, 

TREAT YOUR PARTNER TO A ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN PARIS, 

COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE ‘CITY OF LOVE’. 

A cultural haven filled with stunning scenery, superb cuisine and romantic settings, 

it is little wonder that Paris is most commonly referred to as the ‘city of love’. A 

trip to the capital of France is the perfect opportunity to reignite the sparks of a 

relationship by treating your partner to the sights and sounds of one of Europe’s 

most popular honeymoon destinations. To help you plan your lover’s getaway, 

here are some of the more amorous things to do. 


w h e r e the magic happens 

One of the key ingredients to a romantic getaway is finding 

the best place to stay. The Peninsula Hotel in Paris is ideally 

situated in the heart of the capital, within walking distance 

of the Seine River and Eiffel Tower as well as the Metro 

station, allowing you to make the most of your trip with ease. 

A truly luxurious affair, the Peninsula Hotel Paris exudes 

elegance; a meticulously restored 19th century Haussmanian 

building offering 21st century conveniences with a gorgeous 

classic façade. 

With beautifully designed rooms artfully combining distinct 

Parisian influences with modern aesthetics, such as the iPadcontrolled 

room settings, this impressive hotel is guaranteed to 

set the mood. The Peninsula Hotel Paris also has its own luxury 

spa that offers a range of sensual massages and treatments for 

those days when you simply want to relax and pamper yourselves. 

Remarkably, the Peninsula Hotel Paris is also famed to be where 

George Gershwin penned parts of An American in Paris in 1928. 

Peninsula Hotel Paris is highly regarded as one of the best 

hotels for additional services that will make your stay there 

even more memorable. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant is 

flexible enough to accommodate last-minute reservations 

for a meal with a beautiful view of the Paris nightline and 

the glimmering Eiffel Tower. Pre-arranged pick-ups from 

the airport involve a luxurious trip in a Rolls-Royce and the 

staff spare no effort in providing you with the best service 

possible, coming up with solutions that include the option of 

a dozen red roses being ordered by room service. 


p a r i s i a n classics 

‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’; well in Paris, it is an 

absolute must to take the time to sample the Parisian lifestyle. 

In the mornings, head down to one of the local cafes to 

enjoy a hot coffee and freshly made croissants al fresco on 

the cobblestone streets. Plan a lunchtime picnic by visiting a 

boulangerie (bakers) and delicatessen for perfectly baked breads, 

mouth-watering meats and cheeses, as well as a good French 

wine; then pick a spot at one of the local parks or gardens 

such as the Bois de Bologne or Jardins du Trocadero to enjoy 

your hand-picked banquet the Parisian way. 

The Louvre has more to offer than just galleries though. In 

recent years, they have introduced a tactile gallery where 

some of the most iconic displays in the museum have been 

replicated, allowing you to get up close and personal with the 

works touching them and getting a better understanding of 

how they were made. If you time your visit well, The Louvre 

also offers one of the best nighttime photo opportunities in 

Paris, as the Pyramide de Louvre lights up the entire building 

as soon as the sun sets. 

a loving gesture 

While you are in the ‘city of love’, take the opportunity to 

surprise your partner with a gesture to signify your feelings 

for them. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean running around 

Paris to locate a gift shop as there are plenty of far more 

meaningful things you can do. One popular idea is to visit the 

Le Mur Des Je T’aime, or Wall Of ‘I Love You’s’; a stunning 

art piece located in a scenic part of the city where artists 

Fredric Baron and Claire Kito have written ‘I Love You’ in 

250 different languages. 

Alternatively, you can choose to take your loved one to 

the Pont Des Arts, a pedestrian bridge where couples buy 

a padlock, write their names on it, lock it to the bridge and 

throw the keys into the river in a gesture of everlasting love. 

Pont Des Arts has become so popular now that you may have 

trouble finding a spot to hook your lock onto! 

t a k e a romantic stroll 

The Museum Of Romantics is a private townhouse that hosts 

some of France’s most celebrated Romantics’ works, including 

pieces by Delacroix, Chopin and Rossini. What makes this 

such a popular destination for holidaying couples is the garden 

on the property’s grounds, which is aptly named ‘The Garden 

Of Hopeless Romantics’. A beautifully maintained garden, 

bursting with colour from the incredible array of flowers on 

display, the garden even has a ‘Lovers Walkway’ which leads 

to a quiet spot where you can enjoy freshly made lemonade by 

the garden’s glasshouse. 

a dabble into french culture 

Of all the museums in France, The Louvre is the one to go 

to. One of the world’s largest museums and an architectural 

masterpiece, this incredible cultural icon is on almost 

everyone’s checklist when visiting Paris. Home to the Mona 

Lisa and a large number of instantly recognisable cultural and 

historical artefacts, a day at The Louvre is a chance for you 

and your loved one to not only gain an insight into France’s 

rich and colourful history, but also to engage yourselves in a 

moment of comparison. Learn about culture and your loved 

one by picking out your favourite displays and pieces and 

making conversation - you will leave feeling more connected, 

having been exposed to a new side of the one that you love. 


Clockwise from left — The Pont Des Arts covered in ‘love locks’; the Louvre, Pyramide de Louvre and Le Mur Des Je T’aime 


m u s i c for the soul 

Take your partner off the beaten track for our next suggestion 

and treat them to a special ‘holiday date’ in the form of an 

evening of live music. Le Caveau des Oubliettes is a wonderful 

live-band pub which has famous local artists gracing its stage 

almost every night of the week. The highlight, however, has 

to be the Sunday night shows, where the pub puts on a night 

of raunchy blues and evocative jazz. What better way to wind 

down the evening than with a conversation over wine while 

enjoying the sensual sounds of a saxophone solo in one of the 

little alcoves of this French pub? 

d i n i n g with a view 

For a truly romantic dining experience, Le Jules Verne is in 

a league of its own. Located on the second floor of the Eiffel 

Tower (125 metres up in the air), impress your loved one 

with a breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful cities 

in the world. A modern and stylish restaurant with a slight 

mechanical theme in keeping with the style of the tower 

itself, the setting provides a suitably special backdrop for a 

perfect evening. 

From top to bottom — A stunning view inside Le Jules Verne; their statement 

entrance; a beautiful asparagus appetiser and impressively presented scallop 

Indulge yourselves in delicious Haute Cuisine served straight 

from a kitchen under the expert guidance of Alain Ducasse. 

The dinner menu is a sumptuous six-course experience menu 

complemented beautifully by exceptional wine pairings. 

Service here is impeccable and as the evening draws on, 

reminisce in comfort about your Parisian adventures and the 

wonderful meal you’ve just shared. 




THE GAME CHANGER 

It’s A Date…Online 

TRANSFORMING THE DATING GAME 

WORDS KARIN CHAN 

PHOTOGRAPH ISTOCKPHOTO 

EVER SINCE THE FIRST ‘HI’ WAS SENT OVER THE INTERNET, INTERPERSONAL 

INTERACTION WAS TRANSFORMED FOREVER – PARTICULARLY IN THE 

DATING REALM. WE TAKE A LOOK AT HOW THE INTERNET HAS 

CHANGED THE COURTSHIP GAME, FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE. 

“Conversations create the 

illusion of privacy as only the 

involved parties have access 

to the content, which entices 

people to share stories more 

personal than they might 

in person” 

The Internet has transformed the way we communicate 

and the search for romance is not immune to its ubiquitous 

reach. Traditionally, asking someone on a date used to be a 

nerve-wracking experience as it was all done in person; you 

had to find someone that you liked enough to ask out, then 

you had to find a way to introduce yourself, and finally try 

to get them to agree to exchange contact numbers. All that 

work before the actual date even begins! 

Then, online dating came along. Sites and applications 

like Match.com, eHarmony, OkCupid and Tinder greatly 

improved the accessibility of the dating scene by removing 

physical barriers and reducing social stigma behind the veil 

of anonymity – all you need is a computer or phone (for 

Tinder) and an Internet connection. Through them, people 

can now ‘meet’ more potential mates and achieve emotional 

closeness quicker than ever before. 

Sometimes, that translates into love. 


Lots Of Fish 

In an increasingly fast-paced world, not everyone has the time 

to ‘put yourself out there’ at clubs, parties and events, sizing up 

every potential partner and hoping that a) they are single and 

b) interested. Thus, dating sites do some preliminary filtering 

for you by gathering all the interested individuals in one place 

and sorting them for you based on your listed preferences – 

think of them as your personal wingman/wingwoman. 

You create a profile, fill in basic details about yourself, 

upload a picture if you like (eHarmony says profiles 

with photos are nine times more likely to attract 

communication), answer any quiz or personality 

questions and hit upload. Now, you sit back and wait for 

the messages to roll in – or take a proactive approach and 

start browsing for matches. 

Where you might meet 10, 20 new people of interest if you 

went out every day of the week, now you can meet hundreds, 

possibly even thousands – without leaving the comfort of 

your armchair. If you live in a small town, you generally run 

out of dating options fairly quickly, but the possibilities are 

limitless on the World Wide Web. 

Time Is Precious 

When considering someone as a potential romantic interest, you 

want to know as much about them as you can possibly find in 

order to judge if you two will be a good fit for each other – else 

you are just wasting each other’s time. Dating sites shine some light 

into the unknown by allowing you to browse profiles of people 

that meet your basic criteria (age/location), giving you a glimpse 

into their mind and personality even before you meet them and 

answering questions you might not have thought to ask. 

The success of Tinder’s ‘judge a book by its cover’ premise 

proves that saving time and effort in the dating scene is valuable. 

Here, you swipe through profiles like you would flip through a 

catalogue; left sends them out of sight and out of mind, while 

right is reserved for those that you do find attractive. If they 

also swipe right on your profile, you are both notified of the 

match. Now you can strike up a conversation with confidence, 

because you already know of each other’s interest. 


I Just Wanna Be…Close To You 

For those who tend to be shy and/or introverted, the 

anonymity of the Internet is a godsend when it comes to 

interpersonal interactions. They feel more secure in sharing 

details and stories because online conversations do not 

have the immediacy of face-to-face conversations, meaning 

that there is less pressure to think of and compose an 

appropriate response. 

In the absence of physical interaction, text (and in rare 

instances, voice chat) is the only avenue of interaction that 

you have, which means that emotional intimacy can be 

achieved much more quickly as you grow comfortable with 

each other’s online personalities. Conversations create the 

illusion of privacy as only the involved parties have access 

to the content, which entices people to share stories more 

personal than they might in person. In turn, this builds trust 

and establishes closeness more quickly. 

Rejected…So What? 

Medium aside, dating itself is still the same. You might hit it 

off with someone, but you may also fall flat on your face – so 

to speak – and be rejected. However, a simple click on the ‘X’ 

at the top right of the conversation solves that problem, and 

there are hundreds of other potential matches waiting for you 

out there. If you are doing the rejecting, you do not need to 

come up with dozens of excuses to avoid saying ‘no’ – you can 

just ignore the conversation, and your silence will say it all. 

Being turned down by a stranger on the Internet hurts much 

less than being rejected by someone in real life, because 

chances are the latter has some presence in your daily life or 

travels in similar social circles for you to have been attracted 

to them, while the former is far more fleeting because you 

only have a surface impression of who they are and they 

are less likely to have an impact in your everyday business. 

The same is true of turning someone down – you feel less 

obligated to spare their feelings. 

While it cannot be denied tha t the emergence of the Internet 

and online dating sites has changed some of the ways that we 

approach the dating game, it will never replace ‘traditional’ 

dating as the physical aspect of a person is just as important 

as their mind and personality. However, online connectivity 

is still a great boon to helping establish connections between 

people and there is certainly no harm in leveraging upon 

that advantage in the world of romance. Who knows what 

the future will bring? 


Fashionably Late 

TO THE PARTY 

THE BENTAYGA MAY NOT BE CREATING 

A SEGMENT OF ITS OWN, BUT BENTLEY IS POSITIONING IT AS 

THE BEST OF THE BEST. 

WORDS ASWAN YAP 

PHOTOGRAPHS GETTY IMAGES 


JANUARY/FBRUARY 2016 | TM 81

Top — One look at the Bentley Bentayga conveys an impression of class and power 

You can have any luxury SUV you like, as long as it is built 

on Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform. With so many 

companies under the umbrella that is Volkswagen Group, 

it’s only natural that they share platforms (or backbones, if 

you will) for class-specific models. 

"Bentley says that 80 per cent of the 

components in the Bentayga are 

unique to it" 

Just as Bentley is the most luxurious of these companies, 

the Bentayga has to be the cream of the crop – so while it 

shares a platform with the new Audi Q7 and the upcoming 

Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, it receives only 

the best components to set it apart. Bentley says that 80 per 

cent of the components in the Bentayga are unique to it, 

which reinforces the bespoke image that Bentley portrays. 

Getting the statistics out of the way: for the foreseeable 

future, the Bentayga only comes with a turbocharged 

6.0-litre W12 motor with a relentless 600bhp and 900Nm 

on tap. It will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.1 

seconds, continuing on to a quoted top speed of 301km/h. 

For a 2.5-tonne car, that is some truly frightening speed with 

an equally frightening rate of fuel consumption. The fuel 

tank for the Bentayga can take up to 85 litres, quite nearly 

double that of your average passenger car. In a somewhat 

admirable attempt to improve fuel efficiency, the Bentayga 

can shut half of its engine down during high-speed cruising. 


"Chances are there will never be two 

Bentaygas that are exactly alike" 

Put lightly, the design of the Bentayga can be somewhat 

polarising. The front end is as Bentley as you would expect, 

with blocky lines and an extremely prominent front grille. 

At some point around the A pillar is where things become 

somewhat unorthodox for this luxury manufacturer. The 

sharp edges begin to soften and taper towards a rearward 

raked roofline. The rearward half of the front wheel arches 

are formed to seem extremely muscular, again in heavy 

contrast to the conventional Bentley fascia. At the back end, 

there are hints of what would be a regular Bentley boot, 

albeit encased and adapted for the purposes of an SUV. 

But in true luxury SUV fashion, much of the Bentayga’s 

appeal is on the inside. SUVs are meant to be rugged and 

indestructible from a mechanical and exterior design 

standpoint; the only distinction between a regular SUV 

and a luxury model is how plush and opulent the interior 

is. Once again, in an effort to maintain their place at the 

top of the luxury market, Bentley is pushing their Mulliner 

coachbuilding specialist to provide that true sense of 

individuality for your Bentayga. There is a huge range of 

exterior colours, along with 15 leather colours and seven 

veneer options. Chances are there will never be two 

Bentaygas that are exactly alike. 

Bentley says the interior architecture is based on the Bentley 

wings, which provide balance and symmetry. The only 

immediately obvious reference to this is the leather trim 

piece that winds its way across the dashboard, sweeping 

under the centre console and back up along the way. 

Symmetry can be an issue when dealing with a driver’s 

car – and unfortunately the Bentayga is at odds with itself. 

Traditionally, the vast majority of Bentleys are not driven 

by their owners, save for the odd two-door models. With 

the luxury SUV market, owners are likely to either drive 

themselves or to employ a driver, which means that neither 

driver-oriented nor symmetric design will function well in 

every situation. 

In a similar sense, because of its utilitarian nature and more 

conventional target market, the Bentayga cannot adopt more 

JANUARY/FBRUARY 2016 | TM 83

adical Bentley styling from models such as the Mulsanne. 

This in itself means that it is not as distinctly luxurious and 

unique as how Bentley is attempting to position it when 

it is tied down by consumer expectations and established 

standards. The individual components employed in the 

Bentayga’s suite of features are all top-notch from the audio 

to the entertainment, but this is one situation where the 

whole is not more than the sum of its parts. Technically 

excellent, but not a cohesive package. 

But despite this, the Bentayga has proved to be a hit with 

the automotive world. Since its reveal at the Frankfurt 

Motorshow back in September, Bentley has received 

enough orders for the Bentayga to stretch the waiting list 

into 2017. Even though production figures for the luxury 

SUV are between 3,000 to 4,500 units a year, these models 

are already snapped up by willing buyers across the world 

– and this is with a pricetag that is significantly higher than 

the established Range Rover models. 

Just as the X5 was for BMW and the Cayenne was for 

Porsche, the Bentayga represents an entirely different 

direction for the British-based, German-owned company. 

The success of the Bentayga can be attributed not just to 

its superiority in terms of specifications, but the equally 

important consumer demand for the latest and greatest 

thing on the market. Bentley has yet to say what other 

variants of the Bentayga they will begin to offer, but for the 

foreseeable future, they will be tied up with production of 

this ultra-luxury SUV. 

Top — Golden Bentley luxury gleams under the spotlight 


Advertorial 

CITROËN SPECIAL 

The Striking 

CITROËN DS4 1.6 TURBO 

Style is the name of the game for the dashing DS4 

Torn between the convenience of a hatchback, the sex appeal 

of a coupe or the power of an SUV? Then the Citroën DS4 

1.6 Turbo is made for you. This crossover vehicle combines 

all the finer points of each distinct car type into one appealing 

automobile that makes it one of the most intriguing additions to 

the Citroën DS model line in recent times. 

From the front, the sleek lines of the sloping roof and longer 

bonnet are reminiscent of the streamlined appearance of a 

coupe, yet it has the hatchback’s signature rounded rear. The 

slightly raised suspension results in an SUV-style higher driver’s 

seat for better driving control. Plus, the hidden rear door handles 

give it a sportier two-door aesthetic for some ‘wow’ factor. 

Another feature that satisfies both form and function is the 

panoramic windscreen, which gives the driver a wider field 

of vision. Add to that plush seating 

upholstered in luxurious Habana Club 

Leather and electric massaging options 

with lumbar adjustment for the front 

seats, and you’ll want to be cradled 

forever in the comfort of the Citroën 

while enjoying the clarity of its sound 

system with spatialisation for a truly 

three-dimensional audio experience. 

petrol engine beating at the heart of its performance, dynamic 

suspension for better road handling and intelligent traction 

control so you can drive with confidence even in bad weather or 

slippery surfaces. You can even program the smart cruise control 

with different speeds for various road traffic conditions for an 

efficient journey. 

Finally, it’s the little things that matter and features like an LED 

strip along the bottom of the windscreen, colour-changeable 

instrument backlights, dual-zone air-conditioning flow rate control 

and a sliding front armrest with storage space are all geared 

towards creating a driving experience tailored for your comfort 

and convenience. 

If you’re looking for a brand new car to start off the New Year in 

the right gear, the ultra-sophisticated Citroën DS4 1.6 should be 

one of your top choices. Available in 

four luxurious hues of Blanc Nacre, 

Brun Hickory, Rouge Babylone and 

Noir Perla Nera, it is simply the 

epitome of automobile style. 

Rides don’t get any smoother than with 

the DS4, especially with a THP 160

THE SWING 

You Don’t Have to Wait 

TO EXHALE IN 

ANGUILLA 

WORDS CARLA NEWMAN 

PHOTOGRAPHS CUISINART GOLF RESORT & SPA 

ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL GAME OF GOLF AT ITS BEST BY PLAYING A ROUND AT CUISINART GOLF RESORT 

& SPA, WHICH IS ONE OF ONLY THREE ‘GREAT GOLF RESORTS OF THE WORLD’. 



Azure waters, immaculate beaches, cottony clouds and 

gentle ocean breezes. And the golf: a Greg Norman links 

course so beautiful, it’s tempting to pass on a round just to 

enjoy the spectacular views. Known as a discreet destination 

yet still run by single owners or mom-and-pops, Anguilla 

offers luxury, exclusivity and a relaxed vibe all in one. A 

favourite for many Hollywood, sports and literary stars, 

anonymity is the name of the game. 

Despite the wealth of many guests, the $50 million Greg 

Norman Signature Design Championship course remains 

the only one on the island. It is only one of three golf resorts 

in the Caribbean to be selected as a ‘Great Golf Resort of 

the World’. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, 

challenging holes and unique water features, CuisinArt Golf 

Resort & Spa bills itself as ‘the ultimate Caribbean escape’. 

Although only 12 square miles long, it offers 30 beaches – 

on and off the resort. 

a special island, a special course 

The CuisinArt Head Golf Professional, Scott DeLong, was 

himself seduced by the location and the sheer size of the 

course. “What sets us apart is we are a full championship 

golf course. A lot of other courses might be very short as 

land on small islands is hard to come by.” 

Scott cautions not to be fooled by the intimidating visuals of 

so many bunkers – a Greg Norman hallmark. “Greg Norman 

likes bunkers, but a lot are situated for visual effect. His goes 

to the playability of the golf course. Norman wanted people 


to come and enjoy themselves and come back, not just to 

play and check it off the bucket list.” 

The bunkers are more to break up the greens, he says. 

“There’s a lot of sand, but that ties into the natural terrain 

of the island itself. We have our own irrigation on the golf 

course, and we don’t depend on rainwater to rain our grass.” 

The effect, he says, is an unusually green course year-round. 

“The way Greg Norman designed it is to use the natural 

terrain with bushes and palm trees. You don’t get holes side 

by side - you can look across and not see the other fairway. 

DeLong says many golfers decide to walk the course the 

first day, and use the cart the next, given the long distances 

between the tee and the green. 

“A favourite for many 

Hollywood, sports and 

literary stars, anonymity is 

the name of the game” 

From left: Bright azure waters lap against white sand; rolling green hills of 

the Greg Norman Signature Design Championship course sweep towards 

the sea 


“The way we are set up is so everyone can enjoy the golf 

course,” he says. The back championshp tee is shy of 7,100 

yards, whereas the shortest tee is 5,300 yards. 

For the casual golfer as well as women, “it is a very fair 

course. There is only one forced carry over on the water.” 

This is in contrast, he says, to many newer courses, which 

seem designed to “make it as hard as possible”. 

DeLong said Norman deliberately “moved the championship 

tees to the back. The mens’ tees are teeing off at an easier 

angle, rather than making them grind through it. He moved 

some of the angles you tee off from, which make it tougher 

as far as landing the ball and makes you hit your shots rather 

than just drive hard.” 

The effect, he says, is “a lot of the great views. In fact, 13 

holes have some sort of water feature – it is a very unique 

experience in that aspect.” As a par 72 golf course, it is 

accessible to all golfers and is as difficult as they want to 

make it. 

The other misconception, says DeLong, is that the Caribbean 

is unbearably hot. Compared to Malaysia, it’s actually more 

temperate given the trade winds which keep a steady stream 

of cooling air flowing across the greens. Most golfers tend 

to golf mid-morning and mid-afternoon, when the sun is 

not at its peak and the winds are favourable. 

r e s o r t 

With no gaudy casinos or raucous major cities, Anguilla has 

a laid-back, casual feel that promotes complete relaxation 

as well as opulence. This member of the Leading Hotels of 

the World provides spacious and gracious accommodation, 

with no room being less than 1,000 sq ft, while cooling 

ocean breezes pervade the resort night and day through 

open terraces. 

The resort prides itself on its five-star service from the 

dining room to the beach. Each guest has their own 

beach attendant who brings drinks and food as well as 

cooling towels to those who want the ultimate pampering 

experience. 

The bistro, Italian and Japanese restaurants at the resort 

boast one unique feature: their own hydroponic garden. 

For a relaxing day off, the resort offers sailing, hiking, 

wine tastings, cooking classes, a gym, personal training and 

spa facilities. For those looking for an off-the-beaten path 

experience, cliff jumping and horseback riding on the beach 

are additional options. 

Anguilla has been likened to how most of the Caribbean used 

to be 30 years ago. CuisinArt, likewise, strives to be the best 

of both words: modern and classic at the same time. 


92 TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 2015

HEALTH 

8 Chinese New Year 

HEALTHY EATING TIPS 

WORDS SHEREEN KHOO PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO 

WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF TASTY DISHES AND TEMPTING TREATS ON OFFER FOR THE 

FESTIVE SEASON, KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN A BALANCED DIET. 

Already the string of festive seasons like Christmas and 

New Year feasts have left your clothes tighter. Is it possible 

to brave the upcoming Chinese New Year house visits and 

eight-course reunion dinners without having to purchase 

a whole new wardrobe? Here are eight simple tips that will 

help you minimise the festive season health damage. 

REHYDRATE YOURSELF OFTEN 

When the weather is hot and humid, your risk of 

dehydration and heat illness increases. That is because high 

humidity prevents sweat from evaporation, resulting in a 

raised body temperature, weakness and dizziness. Drinking 

water regularly keeps you from being dehydrated when 

you do home visitations and flushes off the toxins from 

your vital organs. If you are producing colourless or slightly 

yellow urine, your fluid intake is probably adequate. 

DRINK LESS SWEET BEVERAGES 

Make a conscious decision to drink Chinese tea or 

plain water to quench your thirst instead of sweetened 

beverages. During home visits, it is common to be served 

carbonated or packet drinks. To reduce your sugar intake, 

politely request water instead. It may also be a good idea 

to carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. 

LIMIT INTAKE OF FOODS HIGH IN SALT 

Eating too much salt over time is associated with high 

blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease or stroke. 

The salt we add during cooking and at the table makes up 

only a small amount of salt in our diets; 75 per cent comes 

from ready-made and processed foods, including chips and 

crackers, which are commonly served as snacks during 

Chinese New Year. Adults should eat no more than six 

grams of table salt a day - around one teaspoon. 

CHOOSE HIGH-FIBRE FOODS TO PREVENT 

CONSTIPATION 

Fibre cleanses the digestive system and helps to prevent 

constipation over the festive season, so serve a variety 

of vegetables during mealtimes. Vegetables contain a lot 

of vitamins and minerals needed by the body and adding 

veggies also adds bulk to a meal, which helps make us 

fuller and prevents us from overeating. To boost your fibre 

intake, serve fresh fruits as a better choice for dessert. 

LIMIT INTAKE OF COOKIES 

It is never a good idea to gobble 10 pineapple tarts and skip 

your main meals. It will leave you miserably deprived and 

want more in the end. Instead, have two and a light lunch. 

During house visitations, it may not be polite to refuse 

food served by the host, but you can opt for a mandarin 

orange instead of cookies. As most cookies average around 

40-60 calories per piece, keep it to five cookies a day and 

indulge your sweet tooth with fruits instead. 

SELECT LEAN PROTEIN 

Choose fish over red meat such as beef and pork because 

fish has less fat and cholesterol. When serving poultry, 

prepare lean meat or remove the visible fat or the skin. 

Limit your consumption of bak kwa, a Chinese salty-sweet 

dried meat product, as it is high in saturated fat and sugar. 

One piece of 90g pork bak kwa consists of 370 calories, 

which is more than one cheeseburger! 

EAT AND CHEW SLOWLY 

It’s the holiday season, so sit back, relax and take time 

to enjoy your meals. The quicker we eat, the less time 

the brain has to register that you are already full. So take 

your time to slowly savour your meal while avoiding 

over-eating. 

DON’T OVERSTUFF YOURSELVES 

The Okinawans, one of the longest living people on earth, 

have been practising the principle of calorie restriction 

where they typically do not eat until they are completely 

full. Make it a practice to eat up to two-thirds fullness. 

If your goal is not to put on weight during Chinese New 

Year, you should aim to eat a total of not more than 2,000 

calories a day for male adults and 1,500 calories a day for 

female adults. 



Lady Lady of of the the 

ORIENT ORIENT 

The madam of the house is a strong yet seductive lady that invites 

you into her charming oriental abode 

Photographs by Felina Hung/Lenswork Studio 

Styling by Jayen Chow assisted by Syaza Farhana 

Art Direction by Nor Hamimah Abdullah Coordination by Aishah Azali 

Make-up by Edward Liau @ Artists At Work Hair by Ckay Liow 

Models Maccy/Icon Model Management, Adrian/Attitude Models 

Location La Maison de l’Escargot (The Snail House), Melaka 

ON MACCY Salvatore Ferragamo cape, 

turtleneck sweater, pencil skirt & heels 



ON MACCY Salvatore Ferragamo 

turtleneck sweater & pencil skirt 

RIGHT: ON MACCY Diane von 

Furstenberg dress 



ON ADRIAN Salvatore Ferragamo cardigan 

ON MACCY Salvatore Ferragamo peplum top, 

pencil skirt & cuff bracelet 



ON ADRIAN Gucci sweater & shorts; 

Salvatore Ferragamo shoes 

ON MACCY Gucci dress 

RIGHT: ON MACCY Diane von 

Furstenberg wrap dress & Gucci bag 


ON MACCY Salvatore Ferragamo 

wool coat & leather belt 

ON ADRIAN Salvatore Ferragamo 

leather jacket 



STYLE WAVE 

by Aishah Azali 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

ANIMAL KINGDOM – Take a walk on the wild side with jungle-inspired prints, fur and exotic skins to elevate your wardrobe. 

1. Céline, Moschino 2. Emilio Pucci 3. Emilio Pucci 4. Diane von Furstenberg 5. Hérmes 6. BCBG 7. Burberry 8. Balenciaga 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

LUXE LEATHER – Leather goes luxurious as this durable material gets some meticulous craftsmanship in a variety of hues for our everyday wear. 

1. Coach 2. Ray-Ban 3. Ermenegildo Zegna 4. Jaeger-LeCoultre 5. Tods 6. Ermenegildo Zegna 7. Tiger of Sweden 8. Versace 









THE Humble CHEF 

TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH LOVE AND DELICIOUS FOOD, 

WE SAW CHEF MICHEL IN ACTION AS HE LEAVENED THIRTY8’S 

VALENTINE’S MENU WITH HIS MEANING OF LOVE. 

WORDS AISHAH AZALI 

PHOTOGRAPHS SOO PHYE 

“You share 

your time, your 

home, your 

responsibilities 

and in this case, 

your delectable 

plate of food’’ 

There is a saying that the fastest way to 

someone’s heart is through his or her 

stomach. Though sharing love through 

food should be an everyday thing, it 

doesn’t stop people from bringing out 

the big guns during that one special 

day of love that falls on February 14. If 

you are thinking of chocolate covered 

strawberries and oysters, we dare 

you to open your mind and redefine 

sexy food. 

The man with a different take on 

romantic food happens to work in a 

kitchen in the sky. So after a speedy 

elevator ride up and passing soaring loft 

windows on the 38th floor of Grand 

Hyatt, I met the man holding the fort at 

one of KL’s best sky dining restaurants: 

Chef Michel Eschmann. 

With Chef Michel hailing from 

Switzerland, the land of chocolate and 

cheese, I was intrigued to find out that 

his idea of romantic food consists of 

raw vegetables. Unpretentious, easy 

and simple. 

What kind of love spell has Chef 

Michel cast upon the crudité, a French 

appetiser? In truth, most of the magic 

comes from the story behind the dish. 

“Because it’s for Valentine’s, we want 

to make it look like a garden. Like the 

Garden of Eden, maybe?” said Chef 

Michel, giving us the first taste of his 

witty personality. 

He then explains that the love comes 

from the sharing of the dish - which 

makes sense because you share your 

time, your home, your responsibilities 


and in this case, your delectable plate of 

food with someone you love. From the 

words of Charlotte Brontë: “Happiness 

quite unshared can scarcely be called 

happiness; it has no taste.” 

The crudité itself was plated to look 

like a mini garden with raw vegetables 

sitting on a bowl of breadcrumb ‘earth’ 

and scattered with edible pickled roses. 

At first glance, it does not scream sexy 

or romantic. But it does remind you of 

warm summer weekends and the being 

safe at home - because love reminds 

you of coming home. 

The simple garden platter is served 

with three choices of dips to cater to 

every palette. The Olive Mayonnaise 

is mixed with some earthy chopped 

Kalamata olives while the Chives 

Cream is seasoned with the best salt: 

the fleur de sel. But the showstopper 

is the Saffron Rouille, which is 

sprinkled with saffron and mixed with 

potato puree. 

This is coming from a chef who finds 

happiness in the simplest of food: cold 

cuts, cheese, bread and yogurt. No filet 

mignons or Italian truffles but plain 

old bread and cheese. 

Its simplicity reminds him of home 

- an admirable cooking philosophy 

that shows food is not just about how 

it tastes and how it looks, but how it 

makes you feel. 

RECIPE 

CRUDITÉ 

(2 SERVINGS) 

Ingredients 

1pc Fennel 

4pcs Baby carrots 

4pcs Sugar snap peas 

2pcs Small red radish 

3pcs Cherry tomatoes 

60g Celery 

2pcs Green asparagus 

40g Cauliflower 

15g Pea tendrils 

15g Edible flowers 

15g Pickled rose petals 

The method 

Crudité 

1. Clean and wash all vegetables before cutting 

or slicing them into your desired shape 

2. Fill a large bowl with pumpernickel soil to 

serve as the base 

3. Divide and attractively arrange the vegetables 

into the bowl to create a garden-like setting 

4. Garnish with pea tendrils and edible flowers 

5. Serve with olive mayonnaise, chives cream 

and saffron rouille dips 

6. Tip: For additional colouring, marinate the 

cauliflower in beetroot juice 

Olive Mayonnaise 

1. Mix homemade mayonnaise with extra virgin 

olive oil, mustard, egg yolk, lemon juice and 

chopped kalamata olives 

Chives Cream 

1. Season sour cream with fleur de sel, white 

pepper and freshly sliced chives 

Saffron Rouille 

1. Whisk some olive oil, egg yolk, garlic and 

saffron into a mayonnaise 

2. Add warm potato puree to the mix 



47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor 

MYEONG DEONG 

Glass Noodles - A simple 

dish made for those looking 

for a light bite, these glass 

noodles are cooked with 

mustard greens, shredded 

carrots and strips of fried 

egg topped with sesame 

seeds and served with fresh 

lettuce on the side. The 

Jap Chae or stir-fried glass 

noodles also serve as an 

excellent vegetarian dish 

for those looking to avoid 

eating meat. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7805 3935 - Business hours: 11.30am to 3.00pm and 5.00pm to 10.30pm 

Operating hours - Monday to Sunday - Lunch - 11.30am to 3.00pm 

- Dinner - 5.00pm to 10.00pm 




J ITALIAN 

RESTAURANT 

Sauteed Prawn and Button 

Mushrooms - Made for 

the seafood lover, this dish 

marries all its ingredients 

perfectly together. The 

lightly sautéed prawns are 

served with chewy button 

mushrooms and topped with 

shredded cheese, slices of 

lemon and fresh pieces of 

rocket salad. Once again, J 

Italian Restaurant manages 

to create a flavourful seafood 

dish with utmost simplicity. 

Tip: Make sure you’ve got a 

little bit of everything on your 

spoon to experience all the 

flavours together. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7805 3935 - www.jojoitalianrestaurant.com 

Operating hours - Monday to Thursday - 11.00am to 11.00pm 

- Friday to Sunday - 11.00am to 1.00pm 




THE PALM 

COFFEE HOUSE 

Grilled Prawn with 

Hollandaise Sauce - This 

gravity-defying grilled prawn 

isn’t just for decoration. 

As you work your way 

through its skin, the fresh 

meat is an absolute delight 

complemented by the buttery 

taste of the Hollandaise sauce. 

The best meat in this dish 

lies in the head of the prawn 

where the briny flavours 

of the sea are most intense. 

According to the chef, the 

dish is best paired with a glass 

of red wine. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7804 8888 (ext 306/309) - www.tropicanagolf.com 

Operating hours - Monday to Friday - 7.00am to 12.00am 

- Saturday to Sunday - 7.00am to 8.00pm 




GIN SHUI TEI 

Soft Shell Crab Sarada - 

The Soft Shell Crab Sarada 

is a salad dish disguised as a 

seafood platter that any child 

would happily devour. A mix 

of fresh cherry tomatoes, 

cucumbers, purple and green 

lettuce, topped with fish eggs 

to go with the crunchy soft 

shell crab, make the platter a 

well-balanced meal to follow 

a bread basket starter. Switch 

up this dish with a drizzle of 

mayonnaise if you’re craving 

a condiment to appease your 

tastebuds. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7804 8888 - www.facebook.com /ginshuitei 

Operating hours - Monday to Sunday - Lunch - 12.00pm to 3.00pm 

- Dinner - 6.30pm to 10.30pm 


SURIA KLCC 

50088 Kuala Lumpur 

SPRING GARDEN 

Chilled ‘Nian Gao’ With 

Osmanthus and Sakura 

- These jelly desserts are 

not just pretty to look at 

- they taste as delicious as 

their tempting looks. The 

translucent jelly encases 

a piece of ‘nian gao’ and a 

Sakura flower. All these have 

a different texture, with the 

‘nian gao’ having the thickest 

texture and sweetest taste. 

However, the Sakura flower 

is a pleasant surprise as it 

adds a slightly salty touch 

to the dessert. This clever 

arrangement and combination 

of different ingredients is 

nothing but good news for 

those with a sweet tooth. 

Lot 413, 4th floor, Suria KLCC , 50088 Kuala Lumpur 

T. 03-2166 9881- www.taithong.com.my 

Operating hours - Monday to Saturday: 11.30am to 10.30pm 

- Sunday and Public Holidays: 10.30am to 10.30pm 


THE RECIPE 

An Appetisingly 

AUSPICIOUS DISH 

NO SINGLE DISH IS MORE EVOCATIVE OF CHINESE NEW YEAR’S FESTIVE 

SPIRIT OF TOGETHERNESS THAN THE FAMOUS ‘YEE SANG’. 

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO 

There are many legends surrounding ‘Yee Sang’, which is a raw fish dish that, these days, is synonymous with prosperity 

and auspiciousness on Chinese New Year. While most people choose to go to restaurants to indulge in this dish, you can 

actually make it in the comfort of your own home. 

• 5g Five-Spice Powder 

• 5g White Pepper Powder 

RECIPE 

HOMEMADE YEE SANG RECIPE 

(SERVES 10) 

Ingredients 

For the Base: 

• 150g Carrot (shredded) 

• 150g Radish (shredded) 

• 100g Jellyfish 

• 50g Pomelo Sacs 

• 40 Papaya Pickles 

• 40g Young Ginger Pickles (red) 

• 40g Young Ginger Pickles (white) 

• 40g Leek Pickles 

• 40g Cucumber Pickles 

• 30g Red Crispy Yam (shredded) 

• 30g Green Crispy Yam (shredded) 

• 20g Dried Preserved Lime (sliced) 

For the Toppings: 

• 2 pkt Deep-Fried Flour Crisps 

• 50g Peanut (finely ground) 

• 30g Sesame Seeds 

For the Fish: 

• 200g Raw Salmon (sliced) 

• 1 Lime 

For the Garnish: 

• 2 stalks Spring Onion (shredded) 

• 1 Lime Leaf (shredded) 

• ½ Red Chilli (shredded) 

For the Sauce: 

• 300g Plum Sauce 

• 50g Olive Oil 

Preparation Method 

1. Arrange all base ingredients into little mounds that sit side by side upon a 

large round plate with the carrot and radish in the centre. 

2. Scatter all the toppings over the mounds any way you like. 

3. Squeeze the lime over the raw salmon slices and lay them in the centre of 

the plate. 

4. Pour all the plum sauce and olive oil over all the vegetables. 

5. Take up your chopsticks and toss to serve. 


THE DRINK 

Stir Up 

YOUR FEELINGS 

WITH VALENTINE'S DAY FAST APPROACHING, WHY NOT BRUSH UP ON YOUR 

BARTENDING SKILLS AND IMPRESS THEM WITH A DRINK THAT NOT ONLY 

TASTES GREAT BUT EXPRESSES YOUR FEELINGS TOO. 

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO 

Drinks have always had their role to play in the story of love, ranging from traditions such as the Chinese 

tea pouring to the contemporary offer to buy someone a drink at the bar. So we thought we would knock 

up some delicious romantic mixers for you to enjoy and serve to your special someone. 

Bésame (Kiss Me) Cocktail 

Bésame, which translates to 

'kiss me' in Spanish, is perfect for 

romantic occasions, with the ultrasmooth 

Agavero tequila liqueur key to 

setting the mood. Known in Mexico for 

centuries as a potent aphrodisiac, the 

essence of the Damiana flower is also 

infused into the tequila. 

Ingredients 

• 2 lime wedges 

• 5-6 raspberries 

• 1 ½ ounces Agavero 

• Passion fruit juice 

• Dash of Chambord 

Method 

Muddle limes and raspberries in a 

highball glass, then add the Agavero. 

Top off with passion fruit juice and add a 

splash of Chambord. Pour this mix into 

a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. 

Strain back into the highball glass. 


Floating On 

Cloud 9 Cocktail 

This blended strawberry 

cocktail has a creamier side 

than most and is another great 

romantic drink. Whipped cream and 

strawberries are the perfect flavour 

combination, which creates a silky 

texture for your loved ones to enjoy. 

Ingredients 

• 2 parts Pinnacle® Whipped® 

Vodka 

• 1 part DeKuyper Wild Strawberry 

Liqueur 

• 2 parts half & half 

• 1 cup ice 

• Crushed strawberry candy for 

garnish 

Method 

Blend all ingredients in a blender 

until smooth. Pour into a cocktail 

glass. Garnish rim with crushed 

strawberry candy. 

Blushing Geisha Cocktail 

Here is a sensuous drink with a 

beautiful mix of flowers that is 

perfect for Valentine's Day or any 

romantic occasion. The Blushing 

Geisha is light on the alcohol, but 

the bouquet is intoxicating. A mix of 

complex flavours including TY KU 

sake liqueur, luscious pomegranate 

juice, and rose nectar will have them 

head over heels for this drink. 

Ingredients 

• 2 ounces TyKu Liqueur 

• 1 ounce pomegranate juice 

• 2 ounces Sence rose nectar 

• Lime wedge for garnish 

Method 

Pour the ingredients into a mixing 

glass filled with ice and stir well. 

Strain into a stemmed glass or 

over ice in an old-fashioned glass. 

Garnish with a lime wedge. 


FACILITIES AND TENANTS AT 

TROPICANA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT 

TROPICANA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT 

SITE LAYOUT PLAN 

N 

Buggy Track 

DRIVING RANGE 

WESTERN COURSE 

Practice Green 

Children’s 

Playground 

Landscape 

Lands 

18th Green 

18 

14 

Tai Thong 

13 

17 

33 

32 

Landscape 

30 

31 

Children’s 

Playground 

29 

21 

Administration 

Office 

48 

19 

20 

Banquet 

Office 

26 

22 

25 

17 

24 23 

15 

16 

Main 

Lobby 

8 

MAIN WIN 

Car Porc 

34 

35 

36 

Landscape 

28 

27 

Fount 

Poolside 

Cafe 

38 

37 

39 

SPORTS WING 

41 42 

43 

44 

40 

Carpark 

Lake 

45 

LEGEND 

Lower Ground 

Ground 

46 

47 

Carpark 

Level 1 

With a gross built-up area of over 380,000 

square feet (35,303 square metres), Malaysia’s 

largest and award-winning Clubhouse 

at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort is 

truly impressive. This is a listing of all the 

facilities and amenities that are built for 

the convenience of all Tropicana members, 

residents and their guests 

Golf / Sports Membership 03-7804 To Basement 8888 Carpark 

Vivian ext 208 

Membership Email membership1@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Golf Email 

golf@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Sports Department 03-7804 2087 

Operating Hours 9.00 am – 6.00 pm (Monday to Friday) 

Email 

gm@tropicanagolf.com 

Website 

www.tropicanagolf.com 


ANGE 

7 

Practice Green 

Buggy Track 

9th Green 

EASTERN COURSE 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE 

Main Wing 

7 Golfers’ Terrace 03-7804 8888 

(Ext 326) 

15 Gin Shui Tei Japanese Restaurant 03-7886 9168 

36 Poolside Café 03-7804 8888 

(Ext 327) 

9 Spring Garden Tropicana 

Chinese Restaurant 03-7880 7226 

11 The Palms Coffee House 03-7804 8888 

(Ext 306) 

The Palms Wing 

8 Royce 017-322 3668 

26 J Italian Restaurant 03-7805 3925/3935 

25 Myeung Dong Korean BBQ 016-3684500 

Landscape 

ain 

obby 

8 

Car Porch 

12 

IN WING 

11 

10 

9 

asd 

Main Kitchen 

6 

GOLF WING 

1 

2 

5 

Golf 

Counter 

4 

3 

Buggy Station 

1st Tee 

SPORTS AND RECREATION 

Sports Wing 

46 Outdoor tennis court 

43 2 indoor tennis courts 

45 4 indoor badminton courts 

31 12-lane computerised bowling alley 

33-34 2 play pools with water slides and waterfall 

42 3 squash courts 

23 Multipurpose studio 

38 Japanese bath and Jacuzzi 

3-4 Male changing rooms with 

360 private lockers 

35 Resort-style larger-than-Olympic-size 

swimming pool 

41 Sauna and steam bath 

24 Snooker room 

39 2 table tennis courts 

40 Well-equipped gymnasium 

44 1 VIP badminton hall 

47 1 futsal court 

Fountain 

Buggy Pick-up Area 

LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT 

24 Havana Lounge 017-885 4188 

27 Thai Odyssey Spa & Massage 03-7803 1233/ 

03-7804 1129 

29 Trocadero Bowling & Café 03-7804 8888 

16 Gaming room 

37 Library 

22 Spine & Joint Tropicana 03-78042072 

Carpark 

Carpark 

FUNCTION AREAS 

6 Greens I 

10 Greens II 

30 Greens III 

32 Poolside Terrace 

28 Spanish Courtyard 

12-14 The Grand Ballroom (First floor) 

arpark 

Carpark 

Sales & Marketing (Banquet Function) 03-7804 8888 

Liza ext 141 

Shah ext 517 

Sandy ext 142 

Siti Fairuz ext 155 

Lian Yan Wai ext 162 

Mas Suria ext 517 

Email 

salesmarketing@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Toll Free 1800 88 8128 

Lake 

GOLFING FACILITIES 

Golf at Tropicana 03-7804 8888 

(Ext 211/212/200) 

Tropicana Driving Range 016-243 4801/ 

012-278 3172 

Buggies and turf mates 

56-bay driving range 

27-hole championship golf course 

18-hole putting greens 

5 Female changing rooms 

with 60 private lockers 

AMENITIES 

20 Alam Convenience Store 03-7804 3095 

1 De Manshop Tailoring 03-7880 4063 

21 Eco Hair Saloon 03-7804 9316 

2 Pro-Shop Golf Shop 03-7804 6348 

17 Kain 017-200 8142 

18 Kindyland Tropicana 017-314 6754 

48 Klinik Tropicana 03-7805 5461 

19 The Green House Florist 03-7880 1388 

3-4 Prayer room 


THE TREND 

WORDS AISHAH AZALI 

NATURE TRAVELS 

IN ICELAND 

Forget the beach and the 

nightlife because nature 

travels are becoming a hit. 

With green landscapes, 

quaint towns, hot springs 

and the stunning Northern 

Lights, Iceland is for 

the minimalistic person 

that enjoys raw nature. 

Luxury hotels like the Ion 

Luxury Adventure Hotel in 

Reykjavik welcome the high 

class to its green and white 

splendour. 

SET OF BLING RINGS 

Bring out the bling as engagement and wedding 

rings are now custom designed together in a set 

for a more streamlined aesthetic. New Zealand’s 

Meadowlark Jewellery gives some character to 

traditional rings by creating a seamless design 

transition between your engagement and 

wedding ring, making it look like they belong 

together - much like how you and your spouse 

are supposed to be. 

GHOST PEPPERS: 

THE NEW SRIRACHA 

The Sriracha effect came 

about when the Western 

discovered the wonders 

of this spicy sauce. Now, 

other alternatives of spicy 

condiments are popping 

up, including the hottest 

chilli in the world: the 

bhut jolokia. Commercially 

known as the ghost pepper, 

it’s 10 times hotter than a 

habaῆero and the culinary 

world is eating it up, even 

creating a gourmet ice 

cream with this spicy chilli. 

THE RETURN OF ADELE 

Our favourite songstress 

has returned to grace our 

ears with her mellifluous 

voice and witty attitude. 

Her songs of longing love 

and heartbreak have seen 

her third album, ‘25’, selling 

more than five million 

copies in the United States 

alone. With a hit single 

in ‘Hello’ and a recordbreaking 

album, 2016 looks 

set to be Adele’s year as she 

conquers the music industry 

once more. 


A 

STYLISH 

WAY 

TO 

LIVE 

Corporate Branding 

category for 

Consumer Hardwood Flooring 

2013-2014

Tropicana Magazine Jan-Feb 2016 #105: The Passion Issue

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