GOASIAPLUS February 2017

FEBRUARY 2017 | ISSUE 9 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

Historical Treasures At 

PHITSANULOK, 

THAILAND 

• 

CRAZY FOR 

ARTISANAL 

CHOCOLATES 

• 

FLIP INSIDE FOR DETAILS ON 

24-26 February 2017 

EXPLORE 

Perak’s Northern 

Rainforest 

10am till 9pm 

MIECC @ The Mines

Contents 

21 

10 

On The Radar 

16 

Now Boarding 

32 

28 

18 

FYI: Travelling 

with Kids 

20 

Out & About 

21 

Perak 

26 

Bucket List: 

Beach Weddings 

27 

Road Less Taken: 

Phitsanulok 

28 

Leather Artisans 

32 

Chocolates 

16 

26 

4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

EDITOR’s note 

This issue I trekked through a 130 millionyear-old 

rainforest to get a picture of a 

waterfall. Yes, it was spectacular, surreal and 

otherworldly but I still am not a fan of hiking. My 

mantra in the forest during the whole trek up was 

‘I love my job’. It is obvious that I am a beach girl by 

heart. At least I got a good article out of it which you 

can read on page 21 titled The Untouched Backyard 

of Perak. 

Couples still searching for a location to get 

married should read our Bucket List article (page 

26) for some ideas. I have yet to be invited to a 

destination wedding. Maybe it’s because as a Malay, 

you can’t squeeze 2000 relatives on a secluded 

beach off the coast of Thailand. But hey, a girl can 

dream. 

Since it’s the month of love, don’t forget to 

spread it around. Not just to your significant other 

but to everyone that has made an impact in your life. 

For me, it’s my cat Bizet. 

Aishah Azali 

Editor 

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WHERE IS YOUR 

FAVOURITE 

PLACE TO EAT 

WAN TAN MEE? 

Be Our Food Ranger with #GAPeats & Your 

Photo Can Be Featured In Our Magazine! 

1. Look out for our food question of the month. 

2. Post a picture on Instagram of your favourite eating place based on our 

monthly question. 

3. Tag @goasiaplus and #GAPeats. 

4. Top posts will be featured on our magazine in our new column #GAPeats. 

PHOTO OF THE 

MONTH WINNER 

YOUR.MEAL 


COVER PHOTO BY AISHAH AZALI 

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The views expressed in the articles published are not necessarily those of Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). While every reasonable care is taken in compiling the magazine, the publisher shall 

not be held liable for any omission, error or inaccuracy. Please notify the publisher in writing of any such omission, error or inaccuracy. Editorial contributions are welcome, but unsolicited materials 

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Rantings 

bird man ranting 

A SENIOR NEWSMAN BY TRADE AND A CONNOISSEUR OF TRAVEL BY PASSION, EUGENE WONG COMES WITH 

AN EXCEPTIONALLY KEEN SENSE TO HELP UNRAVEL THE COLOURFUL AND COMPLICATED WORLD WE LIVE IN 

TODAY. OPINIONATED HE MAY BE BUT EUGENE’S RARE COMBINATION OF A NEWSMAKER’S MIND AND BEING 

A NATURAL BON VIVANT DOES INDEED MAKE SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD FOR THOUGHT. ENJOY! 

ON PLANNED TRAVELLING… 

I used to cover all the iconic and food places within the shortest 

possible timeframe. It was more like an assignment rather than a 

journey, in order to accomplish the must-see to-do list. That was me 

15 years ago. Today I do everything impromptu. I only determine 

where to go when I wake up Or do I really need to wake up 

ON HIS SENSE OF EXPLORATION… 

When I travel, I just walk and wander around. Or randomly browse 

through the map for a place that I haven’t discovered and just go. 

Usually it’s a place that never even heard before. Life is all about 

non-stop exploring. 

ON BUDGET TRAVELLER… 

Go cuti-cuti Malaysia, why think of Bali or Phuket How dare you 

love your neighbour more than your wife When was your last trip 

to Batu Caves Are you aware the Scandinavians travel thousands 

of miles just to take a selfie with Lord Murugan, the second tallest 

statue in this planet Besides, it’s who you travel with aer all. 

ON SAVING FOR YOUR FUTURE TRAVELS… 

Those days, your grandpa say you shouldn’t spend your saving 

on travel. When you come back you get nothing more than some 

useless souvenirs and photos. 

They say save for rainy days instead. So work hard and wait for the 

rainy days to come, and I swear you’ll end up using your savings for 

the medical bills. The worst thing is that it’s not your medical bills, 

but your in-laws’. 

A NEW monthly feature on 

GOASIAPLUS where we enter into the 

mind of Eugene Wong for some funny 

rants about the randomness of things. 

ON HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS… 

Hotels are the same everywhere. When you close the 

door, it’s still four walls. Unless you can afford a room with a view. 

Pull the curtains and you’ll want to see KLCC or at least Sungai 

ombak. Why should you pay a lot for Marriott Putrajaya Keep the 

money for Satay Kajang instead. 


On The Radar 

ON THE RADAR 

indoor miniature train 

exhibition Opens in Malaysia 

Located at The Summit USJ, Subang Jaya, MinNature is the largest 

indoor miniature show in Asia. Come and see shrunken down 

landmarks such as KL Tower, Menara Maybank and Sultan Abdul 

Samad building as well as a scaled down countryside featuring 

a kampung, a sea port and even a Cameron Highlands inspired 

tea estate with miniaturised trains zipping through the exhibit. A 

special amount of detail and lighting has been put into the exhibits 

making them appear more lifelike. 

www.facebook.com/MinNatureMalaysia 

Pocotee & Friends at 

Paradigm Mall 

This Chinese New Year, shoppers at 

Paradigm Mall get to immerse themselves 

into the world of Pocotee & Friends which are characters created by renowned 

Malaysian artist, Pocotee Loh. isit the 1.2 metre tall sculpture of Pocotee at 

the mall’s Upper Atrium alongside her friends Dino Dino, Jiu and Hapichick. 

Shoppers can also get their own caricature drawn by Pocotee Loh herself on 

certain dates (limited slots are available). 

www.facebook.com/ParadigmMall 

Celebrate Malaysian-ness 

with the Lepak Game 

A party game that embraces the colourful multiethnicity 

of Malaysia? Well, The Lepak Game is just 

that thanks to the folks at Rojak Culture. This simple 

matching word game feature cards with Malaysian 

slang favourites like bojio, kantoi and thangachi for a 

game seeped in humour. So the next time you go for 

a hangout or lepak session with your friends, bring 

along the Lepak ame for a fun time. 

www.rojakculture.com 

LIKE US! 

facebook.com/ 

goasiaplus 


On The Radar 

The Scent of 

Frosted Spring 

Valentine’s Day feast at 

Le Meridien, Kota Kinabalu 

Treat your loved ones at Le Mridien Kota Kinabalu hotel as their restaurants offer a 

alentine’s Day feast to tantalize the taste buds. The Latest Recipe is doing a buffet 

spread or try the 5-course menu of Italian favourites inspired by the avours of 

Tuscany. For a more romantic seng, the 3-course menu at Azure is perfect with its 

al-fresco seng and magnificent views of the South China Sea priced at RM398 nett 

per couple inclusive of cocktails. 

www.lemeridienkotakinabalu.com/diningoffers 

Chilled, water notes make 

its debut in the latest limited 

edition Clinique perfume 

called Happy in Bloom. The 

scent epitomises a sense of 

freshness with the blending 

of orals like white freesia 

and mimosa. The ‘frosty’ 

scent comes from a cocktail 

of frozen fruit to bring out 

the smell of a frosted spring 

morning in a bottle. Price 

starts from RM155 for 30ml. 

www.clinique.com.my 

Duddha, a unique 

kl eatery 

The latest unique eatery to hit the KL 

food scene in 201 is the playful yet 

tantalizing, Duddha. It is helmed by Chef 

Jet Lo serving a signature style of modern 

Southeast Asian cuisine located at the alfresco 

dining strip of KLCC. It showcases 

comic-inspired characters and a dcor 

that has a playful twist on tradition with 

a creative menu that includes Crispy 

Chicken Bone with Nan Ru (fermented 

bean curd) and Cempedak Brownie. 

www.duddha.com.my 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 11

On The Radar 

Marseille-Inspired Collection from UNIQLO 

The popular collection by Ines de la Fressange is back this 201 with the latest 

line, inspired by the port city of Merseille in France. Patterns like orals and elegant 

dots blend with Ines’ signature indigo colour on staple pieces like shirts, jackets and 

dresses. New additions to the range include apron wrap dresses, tricolour espadrilles 

and loungewear that encapsulate Parisian chic. 

www.uniqlo.com 

The Year of the Ayam Rangup Berapi 

The Chicken Rice Shop is spicing things up this coming Lunar New Year, quite literally. 

Introducing their Ayam Rangup Berapi, a collaboration between The Chicken Rice Shop 

and Mamee-Double Decker, this delectable dish is seasoned well with Mister Potato 

Crisps Fiery Fried Chicken Flavour and deep fried to perfection. 

Savour this dish alongside their Prosperity Rice for an additional RM1.80 for any combo 

meal complemented by a Prosperity Chiller for RM4.80 with any Ayam Rangup Berapi 

meal. This menu is available only for a limited time from now until 31 March 201, so 

head on down to your nearest The Chicken Rice Shop to feast on this festive dish. 

www.thechickenriceshop.com 


24 th - 26 th Feb 2017 

MIECC @ The Mines 10am - 9pm 

MITA Travel Fair +603 4251 0351 

Supported by : Media Partner :

ADVERTORIAL 

A Talk with MITA President 

Uzaidi Udanis 

We talk to Uzaidi Udanis, the president of 

the Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association 

(MITA) on what we can expect during the fair 

and how they can better serve local tourists 

to travel domestically. 

Can you explain how the Malaysia Inbound Tourism 

Association (MITA) came about and what is its aim? 

MITA is an NGO and we are 12 years old this year. This 

association was built to protect and to make sure the 

inbound tourism industry is in the know while improving 

it as well. Inbound tourism is a very important industry. 

Everywhere in the world it’s considered as one of the 

components in the economy. Our members are not only 

travel agents; they are from restaurants, chalets, product 

operators, adventurist and many more. So we are proud to 

be one happy family. 

So what role does Tourism Malaysia play in this event? 

We are partners with Tourism Malaysia; they support us to 

make sure that this event focuses on domestic and inbound 

promotion. They are big supporters of this event. 

What is different about MITA Travel Fair compared to 

others? 

We encourage all the small operators to promote inbound 

travel at MITA Travel Fair. Of course there are so many travel 

fairs, but MITA Travel Fair is focusing mainly on inbound 

and domestic travel, that’s why we bring in 100 buyers from 

overseas market to come here to engage with the exhibitors. 

We have about 50 agents from China, Japan, Korea that are 

coming. That’s something different about our travel fair. 

From last year’s fair, what have you learned about 

Malaysian travellers and what would you like to further 

educate them? 

The society is heading towards matured holiday planning. 

They plan their vacation to get the best bargain prices. If 

they want to travel on an ad hoc basis, they would have to 

pay the peak season prices. They can save a lot and here in 

MITA Travel Fair, our package prices are up to 60% off. With 

that in mind, we would like to educate them further on the 

advantages of the domestic market as Malaysia has a lot 

to offer. Malaysia is a tourism country where we are blessed 

with tropical rainforests and all the festivals. Everyone travels, 

like during festivals, people travel back to their kampung for 

family dinner which makes them domestic tourists. 

60% off deals? Can you elaborate on that? 

The deals are up to 60% if you check on our packages, hotels 

and many more. We are also happy to announce that AirAsia 

is our official airline and they are offering exclusive deals for 

visitors that buy at the fair which you can’t get online. So you 

have to be at MITA Travel Fair physically to get the bargain. 

What do you want visitors to experience when they are at 

MITA Travel Fair? 

We want them to enjoy themselves. We have a food festival 

and a handicraft section where they show how to make 

traditional kites like the wau bulan. For our food festival, we’re 

inviting the states to take part and visitors will be able to 

taste and buy authentic Malaysian dishes. We want them to 

experience it all. 

This year’s fair sees the support of many state 

governments, can you tell me how you all work together? 

The state government is the authority and we want them 

to identify the players, the kampung people, the villagers 

and bring them here. It’s important that they have their own 

platform and if MITA and the state government join forces, I 

think we can grow bigger. 


The Guide to 

ADMISSION 

IS FREE!! 

MITA TRAVEL FAIR 

ADVERTORIAL 

(MTF2017) 

• What is MITA Travel Fair? 

Looking for local holiday packages at a good deal? 

Eager to explore Malaysia but have no idea where to 

go? Want to discover new local destinations? Well, 

MTF2017 is a one-stop travel fair promoting domestic 

travelling that will feature more than 500 tour companies 

and state tourism bodies, making it the largest local 

Domestic Travel Fair in Malaysia. 

• What kind of deals or packages will 

be featured? 

Get local travel packages, hotels and theme park tickets 

with discounts up to 60%. Also get great deals on ight 

tickets to domestic locations! 

• Who are the ideal travellers that can benefit 

from this travel fair? 

Holiday goers, honeymooners, family vacationers, 

sports travellers and even people travelling for business. 

24-26 February 2017 | 10am till 9pm 

Mines International Exhibition & 

Convention Centre (MIECC) @ The Mines 

– Event Highlights – 

MALAYSIAN FOOD FESTIVAL 

Get a chance to buy and taste delicious 

Malaysian cuisine from respective Malaysian 

states as they bring to you authentic delicacies 

of their states like keropok lekor from 

Terengganu and nasi dagang from Kelantan. 

LUCKY DRAW 

Visitors that register at the entrance will 

automatically enter a lucky draw to stand a 

chance to win attractive prizes. 

CONTEST FOR PACKAGE BUYERS 

Visitors that purchase or sign up for a package 

at the MITA travel fair are entitled to enter a 

‘buyer’s contest’ to win lucrative gifts. 

ARTS & CRAFTS SECTION 

Discover the wonders of Malaysian crafts 

from various states as they feature stunning 

products of the upmost quality. 

Check out the 

MITA TRAVEL 

FAIR 2017 

FACEBOOK 

for FREE hotel and 

TOUR PACKAGE 

GIVEAWAYS 

MITA TRAVEL FAIR 

(MTF2017) 

FLOOR PLAN 

MITATravelFair 

www.mitatourismfair.com 

mitratravelfair@mita.my 

+603 4251 0351 


Now Boarding 

NOW BOARDING 

with 

joanne kam 

“If I do find 

jewellery 

hidden in 

my chendol 

dessert, 

I am not 

going to 

complain.” 


Now Boarding 

CATCH SERIOUSLY KAM 

ON AFORADIO EERY 

THURSDAY AT 4PM 

www.aforadio.com 

Malaysia’s premier female stand-up comedian is a force to be 

reckoned with. Her on-stage persona has got people laughing 

for 20 years and she has no plans to stop. Now her comedy 

teonmnpomeonmneent 

on online radio with her show called Seriously Kam. Here we 

nteeonnemtonotothetenht 

ntheetennepeentonehe 

INTERIEWED BY AISHAH AZALI PHOTOS BY JOANNE KAM 

What is the best trait a good travel 

companion should have? 

A sense of adventure and the ability to 

follow GPS maps on TripAdvisor. Oh 

and someone who is not calculative and 

picky on food and other stuff. 

What is your rule when travelling 

with your significant other? 

Know what you like and what you do 

not like and ensure you don’t over 

compromise on what you prefer to do. 

My rule when travelling is you don’t 

have to do everything with each other. 

Example I wanted to go to a spa and he 

wanted to go to a hipster barber shop 

so we spend a whole day at different 

areas of the island. We are not 10 year 

olds so it’s ok out of 10 days you take 1 

day to just do your thing. 

Would you rather travel to a 

romantic destination or do 

romantic activities at any 

destination? 

Do romantic activities at any 

destination, I believe that you don’t 

need a romantic place to bring out the 

romantic in you. Sometimes simple 

gestures at the most unexpected place 

or situation can turn a dull moment into 

something quite magical. 

What is the best present to give 

Joanne Kam for Valentine’s Day? 

24 hours in a heavenly bed with 

small sincere presents every hour 

throughout the day. It doesn’t have to 

be expensive or extravagant and can 

start as simple as my favourite dessert 

to my favourite hawker food. The best 

present to give Joanne Kam would be 

your attentiveness. However if I do find 

jewellery hidden in my chendol dessert, 

I am not going to complain. 

Where is the last place you went 

that you would highly recommend 

to your friends? 

Potato Head Beach Club in Bali 

especially during sunset. A sure winner 

for any visiting friends. 

How do you keep yourself fresh 

and beautiful during your travels? 

Any beauty tips? 

A good set of SPF makeup, nothing 

too cakey and a base to keep the skin 

moisturised and Instagram-ready. Also 

do bring a good deodorant… travelling 

around sightseeing can take a toll on 

your body odour. 

Have you any travel plans for 

2017? 

Yes, I am aiming for countries like apan, 

New York, Las egas and L.A for this 

year’s itinerary. 

What is one thing you cannot leave 

behind when you travel abroad? 

My special shorts that keep my tummy 

looking trim to keep all that food baby 

strapped down. 

You have a radio show with AFO 

Radio called Seriously Kam, how 

has the show been? 

It’s going pretty amazing and I can get 

away with more freedom in content 

cause its online radio. I can get a little 

bit more risqué. 

Do you have anything exciting 

coming up for the show in 2017? 

Yes we will be teaming up with LOL 

Comedy Festival and also loads of 

travelling comics coming into Malaysia 

so we can prepare to get down with the 

funny business. 


FYI 

A D 

TRAVELLING 

WITH KIDS 

WORDS BY S. SHAMALA PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES 

Dragging a reluctant toddler along with his restless, diva 

sister to someplace foreign may sound intimidating for 

most people. It is. 

While holiday time is definitely a period to make family 

memories and get closer to each other, most people wish 

travelling does not need to happen; whether via plane, train or 

personal vehicles such as cars. 

Being stuck in a confined space with a bunch of kids with pent 

up energy (and anger) is like travelling with a time bomb you just 

don’t know when it is going to explode. 

As a mother-of-two myself, I’ve had my share of nightmare 

trips to totally arm myself with some preparation to thwart as 

many unwanted episodes as possible. In fact, the mental process 

begins way before the actual day itself by forecasting as many 

worst case scenarios and prepping the young ones on the trip. 

When you have kids who are slightly older (above five), 

communication works wonders to an almost foolproof and 

enjoyable vacation. 

Fire their imagination 

My eight-year-old daughter and toddler son are always eager 

and excited to explore new places and cities. It is a break from 

the usual routine that they do. Therefore, before going on a 

getaway, I try to share interesting facts about the destination. It 

could be historical, fun or plain descriptive about the place. For 

example, when I first brought my daughter to the Borneo Island 

for a holiday a few years back, I told her about the Raesia, the 

biggest ower in the world which is found in Sabah. We actually 

got to see the big wonder during our trip to Kundasang. It was 


FYI 

the same when we planned 

a trip to Pulau Redang, 

Terengganu. The prospect 

of crossing the sea on a 

boat and seeing crystalclear 

waters with visible 

corals and fish got her 

giddy with anticipation. 

Rules and safety 

If you are ying 

somewhere, especially 

for the first time with 

kids, brief them about 

the plane environment. While most kids get exhilarated about 

watching the clouds, once aboard the burst of endorphin will 

only last a while. The moment they find out they are stuck 

inside for over an hour or two, tantrums will be high. Therefore, 

it is vital to go through the dos and don’ts on the plane. Even 

though the lesson may fall on deaf ears, they will benefit from 

the familiarisation effort. 

Many may find the in-ight entertainment system a 

blessing, but in some cases (i.e on long-haul ights), they are 

not reliable. So, plan some activities to fill the void during 

the journey. Try not to depend on electronic gadgets as it 

could adversely affect their eyes (as well as mood) due to the 

electronic vibrations. Cards can be a good bet. 

Packing for the trip 

Once you have foreseen the worst case scenarios, it is easier 

to handle packing. I’d advise parents to take the en approach 

be a minimalist. My husband and I made enough mistakes to 

realise that over packing can murder a trip. Imagine lugging 

EERYTHIN, WITH YOUR KIDS throughout your trip. 

Only pack the necessities medical supplies (if your kids have 

allergies or acute illnesses) and comfortable outfits. 

Keep important travel documents, if you are crossing 

borders, within reach (in your hand carry), to avoid the hassle 

of looking for them while at the airport. My husband and I opt 

for a thin plastic folder that can be zipped shut to keep our 

e-tickets, passports and boarding pass. Also print out hotel 

reservations just for reference. 

When we are roaming the streets of, say, Malacca’s onker’s 

Street, I always opt for light sling bags as it is easier to reach for 

things like wet tissues, sun block, sunglasses and gummy bears 

while having both hands free to handle them. 

Apart from preventing dehydration and cranky moods, this 

arrangement also prevents untoward incidents. You are more 

able to stop them from crossing the road unsupervised or 

jumping into the nearest lake. 

Destination 

When you pick your 

destination, it is important 

for parents to note the 

current political and social 

climate of the location. 

While some may have been 

distracted by affordable 

ticket prices, some fail 

to research the current 

situation of their travel 

destinations which may 

affect the safety and health of 

your children. Never compromise safety for fun when you plan 

your travel spots. 

Highlands can be very peaceful but make sure the kids are 

well-clothed and hydrated. Pick places that offers a variety of 

attractions within the range. Batu City, Malang in Indonesia can 

be a wonderful one-stop, family-oriented travel spot. Thanks 

to the cold weather, you can go apple-picking at Kusuma Agro 

Wisata, as well as visit ATIM animal park that house exotic 

animals from penguins to white tigers. 

Proper planning is key to a great family getaway. Make your 

vacation an unforgettable experience for you and your kids. 


Out & About 

OUT & ABOUT 

THE HOTTEST & MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF 

THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND 

4-5 FEB | Penang Hot Air 

Balloon Fiesta 

Watch and get up close to these vividly coloured 

balloons where there will be as many as 15 on 

display. Enjoy land activities for children like 

water orbs, hamster orbs, paddle boat and even 

a trampoline. Stay till the night for their Night 

low display of lit hot air balloons oating in 

the night sky. Admission is free. 

Padang Polo, Penang 

www.penanghotairballoonfiesta.com 

25-26 FEB | Miri Country Music Fest 

Come on down with your best cowboy hats and boots to join in 

the fun of good old country music for the weekend. The festival 

features a line-up of local and international country bands like 

Shane Smith and the Saints as well as Russell Curtis. 

Parkcity Everly Hotel, Miri, Sarawak 

miricountrymusic.com 

25-26 FEB | Pasir Gudang World 

Kite Festival 

The annual World Kite Festival gathers kite yers from all around 

the world to paint the skies with kites of every shape and size. 

A great day out with family and friends, come join in the fun and 

let your kite soar with the wind or join a kite making workshop 

to enlighten yourself on this beloved, age old pastime. The event 

will run throughout the whole month of February. 

Bukit Layang - Layang, Pasir udang, ohor 

www.mppg.gov.my 

Across The Pond 

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17-18 FEB | Maya Music Festival 

4-5 FEB | Chingay Parade 

Cross over to Singapore to experience the national dazzling 

annual parade festival. Set to thrill spectators as they enchant 

them with vibrant, ashy oats, water, fire and snow effects, 

pyrotechnics and an array of performances celebrating the 

ethnic diversity of Singapore. 

Aer the success in Bangkok, the Maya Music Festival is making 

its way to the beaches of Pattaya. Featuring electronic dance 

music (EDM) from a lineup 

of international Ds 

like Tiesto, Dash Berlin, 

Far East Movement and 

many more to entertain 

the crowd. Minimum age 

of entry is 18 years. 

Bang Lamun, 

Pattaya, Thailand 

www.mayamusicfestival.com 

F1 Pit Building, Republic Blvd, Singapore 

chingay.org.sg 


Perak 

FROM TOP The Ko’oi 

waterfall, one of 

the many waterfalls 

in the park; Fern, 

mushrooms and 

moss that can 

be found in the 

rainforest. 

The Untouched Backyard of 

Perak 

LITTLE DO PEOPLE KNOW THAT THE STATE OF PERAK 

IS HOME TO ONE OF THE OLDEST RAINFOREST IN 

THE WORLD. WITH AST LAKES, DENSE REENERY 

AND A PLETHORA OF UNIUE WILDLIFE, WE TAKE A 

RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE TO DISCOER PERAK’S LUSH 

NORTHERN LANDSCAPE. 

WORDS PHOTOS BY AISHAH AZALI 

The northern part of Perak, past its capital Ipoh features a quiet 

district anked with lush hills, small villages or kampungs and a 

sprinkle of history. That district is called erik. Though people 

only head north of Perak to visit its royal town of Kuala Kangsar with 

its gleaming palaces, there is a lot more to see if you drive further 

north. We highly recommend discovering this area via car for a better 

view of the mountain ranges of Perak that feature sloping green hills 

with uffy clouds grazing its peak. It’s a sight to behold. 

erik lies in the northern edges of Perak and are bordered by the 

state of Kedah and Kelantan and little do people know that it connects 

to the Betong district of Thailand. The most prominent part of erik 

is the Belum-Temenggor Rainforest that is older than the Amazon 

rainforest at 130 million years old and is also home to the Royal Belum 

State Park. While the emerald waters are known as Temenggor Lake. 

Banding Island sits majestically on the man-made lake and 

even acts as a highway connector to the other side of park that will 

eventually lead to the town of eli in Kelantan. 


Perak 

Unique Flora and Fauna 

The island and the park itself is home to a diverse set of wildlife 

that roam free in their natural environment with tour guides 

having spotted wild boars and even a tiger from time to time. 

It is also common to see a herd of elephants by the highway 

roadside, feeding off vegetation or simply crossing the street. 

Fishing is a big deal in these parts of Perak as the lake swims 

a variety of freshwater fish like Kelah, Toman and Sebarau, 

making it an angler’s playground. The Raesia ower known 

as the largest ower in the world can also be found in the park. 

The Raesia fully blooms for only a couple of days so hikers that 

catch a glimpse are considered lucky. 


Perak 

CLOCKWISE FROM 

LEFT The boat house 

on the lake Timbers 

on the lake The view 

of the lake from the 

top of the resort; The 

trail to Ko’oi waterfall 

The Ruok waterfall A 

massive Merang tree 

on the hiking trail. 

Trekking and Waterfalls 

Activities around the park usually start at the jetty where you 

can go on a boat house tour which is a gigantic two-storey water 

vehicle. They will take you around the park to stop at various 

hiking trails and waterfalls. You can even rent the whole boat 

house for an overnight trip where you can fill it up with your 

family and friends. 

If you are a waterfall junkie, this is an area worth visiting. 

There are several waterfalls in the park like the steep shower-like 

Ko’oi Waterfall that requires a 30 minute hike. A medium size 

waterfall is the Ruok Waterfall that is popular for picnics and 

doubles as a freshwater fish sanctuary. Once in the cool waters, 

you can feel little fishes nibble on your feet like you are in a spa. 


Perak 

FROM TOP Houses 

made from forest 

plants; The children 

of the aboriginal 

village The view 

from the islet and 

its humble jetty. 

These villages are 

located on the many 

islets on the lake 

where they built their 

houses from plants like 

bamboo and rattan. 


Perak 

FROM TOP The 

courtyard next to the 

restaurant The welldecorated 

Chengal 

rooms The Pill Box 

museum that use to 

be a military bunker. 

Visit Aboriginal Villages 

Another great thing about Royal Belum are the aboriginal villages 

that are home to the nomadic ahai tribe. These villages are 

located on the many islets on the lake where they built their 

houses from plants like bamboo and rattan. The boat tours can 

include a stop to these villages where you can meet the villagers 

and especially the kids. It is polite to offer some food to the little 

ones like biscuits or chips as a token of appreciation. 

Luxury Eco Accomodations 

ust because you are exploring in jungle terrain, does not mean 

your accommodation should be a humble one. The Belum 

Rainforest Resort is your guide to the ultimate luxury eco-living 

thanks to the airy villas and chalets that even host some swanky 

facilities. Aer undergoing a face-li in the past couple of years, 

the Belum Rainforest Resort host an infinity pool overlooking the 

lake, a spa that features traditional Malay treatments and two 

restaurants to cater to every palate. 

The lodging has rooms for small families and even villas 

for couples with an outdoor bath tub and industrial decor. If 

you want something close to waters, families can stay in the 

traditionally-designed chalets that pay homage to classic Malays 

homes. Note that their packages include three daily meals with 

some inclusive of the many jungle and lake tours. 

The lush lands of northern Perak is a nature lover’s haven that 

doubles as an escape from the bustling cityscapes. Once you are 

there, you will feel a sort of relaxing stillness. It is like you can 

hear the sounds of Mother Nature through the chirping birds and 

the swaying branches, calling you into the wild. 

#facts 

• The Royal Belum State Park is home to 10 out of the 12 species of 

hornbills in the world 

• a cs a aa cas ai i tis 

the size of Singapore 

• Before Gerik is the district of Lenggong where the ‘Perak Man’, a 

11,000 year old skeletal remain was found in Gunung Runtuh Cave 

• There is a R&R with small shops to eat, 40 minutes north of the 

s i scacula is itiasa uai a 

• Visit the Pill Box opposite the resort which use to be a military 

bunker during the communist invasion but has now transformed into 

a museum 

For more info and seasonal packages on Belum Rainforest Resort, visit their website at www.belumrainforestresort.com 

For more info on the Belum-Temenggor Rainforest, visit www.belum.com.my 


Bucket List 

YOUR BEACH 

Wedding 

Fantasy 

Dream of a sea side nuptial against a sunset 

backdrop? Well in commemoration with the 

month of love, we highlight some romantic and 

secluded destinations to say ‘I Do’ around Asia. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI PHOTOS BY THE NAKA ISLAND RESORT & SPA 

& TANJONG JARA RESORT 

TANJONG JARA RESORT | Terengganu, Malaysia 

If a wedding ceremony seeped in Malay tradition set on grounds that 

emulate the grandeur of 1th century Malay palaces is your wedding 

fantasy, then there is no better destination than Tanjong ara Resort. 

The resort offers four types of unique wedding packages, all of which 

include a complimentary honeymoon stay. The Malay tradition does not 

stop at the architecture but extends to the wedding ceremony where 

the couple partake in a procession led by colourful bunga manggar and 

accompanied by a group of kompang (Malay drum) players. The grandest 

package is the aptly named Royal Wedding which sees the whole resort 

and its rooms reserved for the couple and their guests. 

www.tanjongjararesort.com 

THE NAKA ISLAND RESORT & SPA | Phuket, Thailand 

Naka Island is a postcard picture of what a wedding destination 

should look like. The turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay, lush gardens, 

tropical-inspired grounds that give foundation to the luxurious villas are 

everything you need for that picture-perfect nuptial. 

The wedding package features the choice of two locations, their 

lawn and beach area that can accommodate 80 guests for a dinner by 

the beach. Take it up a notch with the exclusive hilltop Royal Horizon 

Pool illa that can host up to 60 guests while you say your vows on a 

deck on top of an infinity pool overlooking the Andaman sea. One can 

choose to get married in the traditional Western style or opt for a Thai 

wedding ceremony complete with a Buddha set up and a Holy water 

pouring ceremony. 

www.nakaislandphuket.com/weddings 


Road Less Taken is a collaboration with AirAsiaGo. 

Check out airasiago.com.my for flight & hotel deals! 

Road Less Taken 

ROAD LESS TAKEN: 

Phitsanulok, 

Thailand 

ALTHOUGH THAILAND HOSTS A PLETHORA OF TOURIST-FRIENDLY 

DESTINATIONS, PHITSANULOK (OR P’LOK FOR SHORT) SHOULD BE 

ON YOUR RADAR THANKS TO ITS RICH HISTORY. IT IS EXPECTED 

BEING ONE OF THAILAND’S OLDEST CITIES. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI PHOTOS BY AIRASIAGO 

HOW TO GET THERE 

Halfway between Chiang Mai and Bangkok, 

Phitsanulok is accessible via bus from those 

two towns. Busses from Bangkok will take you 

six hours while it’s only five hours from Chiang 

Mai. If time is crucial, there are many domestic 

ights to Phitsanulok airport from Bangkok 

that only take 50 minutes. 

WHAT TO DO 

Catch a glimpse of the most beautiful and 

revered bronze Buddha figure in Thailand at 

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat or Wat Yai for 

short. The Buddhist temple was constructed 

in the mid-1300s with the temple grounds 

featuring Khmer-style prangs (carved spires). 

Nature lovers can opt for Phu Hin Rong 

Kla National Park that spans 30km of 

mountainous terrain. The park is excellent 

for its scenic viewpoints such as Lan Hin Pun 

and Lan Hin Taek, iconic for their unique rock 

formation along with beautiful waterfalls. Entry 

fee is 200 baht for foreigners. 

Living up to the rich history, the King 

Naresuan Shrine is the birthplace and former 

residence of one of Thailand’s revered kings. 

The white structure and terracotta roof is a 

majestic attraction to visit and is even popular 

among locals. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Yodia Heritage Hotel (www.yodiaheritage.com) 

is a centrally located accommodation along the 

Nan River that is close to Wat Yai. The rooms 

are trimmed in dark wood and accessorised with 

Thai-inspired trinkets. You can have breakfast at 

the charming Amore Restaurant before taking 

jaunts around the historical attractions nearby. 

A tropical accommodation can be found 

at Taman Spa Resort (www.tamansparesort. 

com) that is known to be the only hotel in 

Phitsanulok that is set among gardens of lush 

vegetation. The spacious living quarters are 

filled with natural light while the Taman Tropical 

Tree arden Restaurant serves some mean 

seafood, Thai-style. 

#goodtoknow 

• Phitsanulok was the capital of Thailand 

yas ui yuaya a 

(1463-1487 A.D.) 

• King Naresuan The Great was known for 

his military accomplishments that lead 

liati aila 

us ccuati 

• Head over to the riverside to dine at 

ati sauas a autic ai 

ati ic 



LUSTING 

FOR 

LEATHER 

THE MOST DURABLE OF FABRICS, LEATHER PRODUCTS ARE AN 

INVESTMENT REGARDLESS OF ITS FORM. PART OF IT IS DUE TO THE 

ART OF CRAFTING LEATHER, A SKILLSET THAT REQUIRES PRECISION 

AND METICULOUSNESS. READ ON THROUGH AS AISHAH AZALI 

HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF THE BEST LEATHER ARTISANS IN ASIA. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI PHOTOS BY 31THANWA, STONE FOR GOLD & VOJEY 

FROM TOP LEFT A light-coloured 

wallet from Voyej; the many 

accessories under Stone For Gold; 

the Curios bag in red by 31Thanwa. 



CLOCKWISE Model 

with the Junior 

Commander and 

Missile Bag in khaki 

the Curios Python 

in grey; A clutch 

inspired by bullet 

holes named the 

Bullet The designer 

of 31Thanwa, 

Boonyanuch. 

31Thanwa 

Thailand 

A first look into the 31Thanwa brand and you’ll 

understand why every It-irl in Thailand is tong 

these luxury handbags. They scream high fashion 

but with a punch of rock and roll, reminiscent of 

brands like Balmain and Saint Laurent. 

The woman behind the designs is Boonyanuch 

ittayasamrit who hails from a line of artisans 

that began making leather shoes in 1952. She is a 

proud 3rd generation artisan that took her family’s 

attention to detail and used it for her edgy bag 

designs. Understand that her bags go through 

similar processes as an artisan would make a leather 

shoe. Everything is handmade, handstitched and 

hand glued to make sure that there is no thread out 

of place. Plus their fine quality leather are sourced 

from Thailand as well as Italy. 

Their signature bag is no doubt the Curios, a 

square tote with immaculate stitching and a zip on 

the front to unveil a patch of snake leather. The 

variety of colours make it easy to match with any 

outfit thanks to colours like black, grey, khaki and 

even army green. 

GET IT AT > 

W Bangkok Hotel & The Emporium, 

Bangkok, Thailand 

www.31Thanwa.com 



Stone For Gold 

Singapore 

FROM TOP Tanned 

leather card 

holder A bucket 

bag that you can 

learn to make at 

their workshops 

Customised leather 

watch straps that 

are a bestseller of 

the company. 

What’s a step above leather products That 

would be customisable leather products. The 

team at Stone For Gold can create wonders with 

leather from laptop sleeves to wallets and even 

replace your worn out watch straps with their 

polished tanned leather. They even have unique 

requests for things like a leather dog collar and 

leather stools. The creation of these products are 

immaculate so it is no surprise that most of their 

clientele come for a bespoke experience. 

Stone For old was initially inuenced by 

tribal punk and steam punk designs but have 

grown to incorporate bolder designs and lately 

have been taking in Native American inuences. 

Their goods also feature a mix of the traditional 

cow leather and a variety of leather types like 

alligator and ostrich. 

They even spread the knowledge of craing 

by hosting workshops for beginners, all the way 

up to advanced artisans. Learn basic leather 

cung, saddle stitching and burnishing using 

leather carving tools to create accessories like a 

bucket bag. 

GET IT AT > www.stoneforgold.com.sg 

The creation 

of these 

products are 

immaculate 

so it is no 

surprise that 

most of their 

clientele come 

for a bespoke 

experience. 



FROM TOP 

A wallet with metal 

detailing; Camera 

straps for travel 

cameras The essel 

wallet with cool 

stitching. 

Voyej 

Indonesia 

oyej started off making products from ‘dry 

denim’ which is denim that does not go through 

a final washing process aer dyeing. Their use 

of vegetable tanned leather goods started off as 

complimentary items for the jeans but now has 

become a prominent part of their product line-up. 

Vegetable tanned leather is a special type of 

leather with an artisanal method of processing 

using natural tanners from plants. The result is 

leather that is highly durable and has remarkable 

aging qualities where they go through a sort of 

‘caramelisation’ to form a so sheen over time 

called patina. 

The essel is their first and best selling product, 

an iconic short wallet where the USA imported 

leather is hand-stitched for optimum quality. It’s a 

compact yet sturdy accessory with a good amount 

of card slots and a coin pouch. Other accessories 

include card cases, belts and even a rustic looking 

camera strap to spice up your camera. 

GET IT AT > www.voyejstore.com 


Variety of cacao pods 

before being processed 

into chocolate. 

Crazy For 

Artisanal 

Chocolates 

• 

LET’S BE HONEST, VALENTINE’S DAY WOULD NEVER BE 

COMPLETE WITHOUT CHOCOLATES. FROM BARS TO BITES, 

THEY ARE SIMPLY DELICIOUS AND NO ONE WANTS TO 

SETTLE FOR LESS. SINCE IT’S A SPECIAL DAY, YOUR BEST BET 

HAS GOT TO BE ARTISANAL CHOCOLATES, METICULOUSLY 

MADE TO DETAIL TO TUG ONE’S HEARTSTRING RIGHT AWAY. 

HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST AROUND ASIA. 

WRITTEN BY YUKESHWARAN DEVADAS · PHOTOS BY MAROU CHOCOLATES, 

SENIMAN KAKAO & BEANS TO BAR 


Chocolates 

FROM TOP The 

different beans 

inuencing different 

chocolates; Chocolate 

connoisseurs, Samuel 

and incent A view of 

the cocoa plantation 

Cocoa beans and how 

they are processed. 

• 

Marou Chocolates 

Vietnam 

Chocolates may not be the first thing that pops up in your mind 

when you think of ietnam but Marou Chocolates are dispelling 

that notion. Being the first artisan bean to bar chocolate maker 

in the country, they are now making waves at the global stage. 

It’s the brainchild of two Frenchmen, Samuel Maruta and 

incent Mourou. They ditched their jobs and plunged headlong 

into the chocolate adventure in 2011 and never looked back. 

The names of the single-origin bars come from the provinces 

where the kaleidoscopic cacao pods are sourced from. Each 

province’s chocolate has its own distinctive avour profile which 

is further enhanced with ietnamese sugar cane and spices once 

it’s fermented at the factory. 

If you have an anity for aertastes, check out Ba Ria. 

Beyond the intense chocolate experience, the bar is punched 

up with strong fruitiness. If that’s not up your alley, the Heart 

of Darkness is a salacious combination of gingerbread and 

cinnamon with a hint of tobacco. Tien iang is for those who 

seeks an interplay of woody and earthy avour amidst subtle 

sweetness. 

It’s available in numerous stores worldwide and online. But 

if you’re heading to the heart of Saigon, do visit their latest cafe 

Maison Marou. Besides the chocolate bars, patrons can also 

grace up their tables with delectable chocolate bon-bon and 

assorted pastries and wash it all down with a cup of java. 

www.marouchocolate.com 


Chocolates 

• 

Seniman Kakao 

Malaysia 

Aer the success of Artisan Roast in the evolving coffee scene in 

Kuala Lumpur, Amirah and Michael gradually spread their wings into 

chocolates. Once there was enough money in the coffer, the ambitious 

duo opened a chocolate factory. 

Currently, the beans are not only sourced from Pahang, Malaysia as 

ietnam and Papua New uinea are in the mix too. However, they are 

working with local farmers to improve the cacao quality for the future. 

The chocolate bars exude all qualities one would look for in 

an artisanal chocolate. The welcome note of sleek creaminess also 

resonates earthy, woody and slightly spicy avours. While those who 

prefer mild orchard essences, the ones made from Pahang cacao beans 

are a must try. 

The chocolates are said to have more theobromine than other bars 

in the market which is known to cause severe addiction. Moreover, 

weight-watchers will be delighted to know that less amount of sugar 

is used, giving them additional reasons to walk out with armloads of 

chocolate. Seeking a shi from their 3 different 0 dark chocolates 

Their single milk chocolate is reaping up positive reviews too 

The need for a gi paper or box is nullified thanks to their welldesigned 

wrappers. If you think the faade is fabulous, wait till you 

unwrap them, as the astute designs are craed by Malaysian artists 

on the chocolates themselves. The bars are sold at Artisan Roast, the 

Three Little Birds Coffee cafes in Sentul and DPC, and Rubberduck. 

To complete the equation of a chocolate obsessed date, do try their 

chocolate drink too, which is available at Yellow Brick Road, Standing 

Theory, Soul Sacrifice in KL, and Awesome Canteen in Penang. 

www.senimankakao.com 

• 

Beans to Bars 

Singapore 

With a name that says it all, Beans to Bars would surge 

into any chocolate devotees’ good books. The Singaporean 

owned company started up with simple goals, to let 

everyone indulge chocolates without the need to pierce 

through the wallet due to spirit-sapping shipping charges. 

They bring over award-winning chocolates directly from 

makers in US, Australia and Europe. To further amp up your 

expectations, they have bagged a number of awards. 

From milk to dark and organic chocolates, one would 

certainly be spoilt with choices. Think avours infused with 

handmade honeycomb, Porcini mushrooms, golden berries, 

salted caramel, beer hops, Pinot Noir red wine, Tahini 

sesame paste and Matcha - even the pickiest eater will be 

pleased with the waves of avour profiles that come in 

various shades and sizes. 

Their personalised pinewood gi box and photo frame 

are part of their winning formula. What better joy than 

surprising your partner at their doorstep with a gorgeously 

designed box, filled with addictive bites and bars. 

If you’re not in the mood to curl up on the couch with 

delectable chocolates, swing by the Dean Deluca where 

you can nibble them along a curated selection of wine aer 

a hey meal. 

www.beanstobars.sg 

FROM TOP The 

process of making 

the chocoaltes by 

Seniman Kakao with 

an artistic designed 

bar The popular 

chocolate avour 

from Beans to Bars. 


Is Your Company’s 

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GOASIAPLUS February 2017

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