GOASIAPLUS July 2017

JULY 2017 | ISSUE 14 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

THE 

Fine 

Dining 

Scene 

OF PHNOM PENH 

5 EXTREME 

SPORTS 

to try in South 

East Asia 

Myanmar’s Not-So- 

Secret Seaside Heaven: 

Ngapali Beach 

REDEEM RM50* 

travel credit when 

you register at 

www.mayflower.com.my 

Details inside! 

*Exclusive for GAP readers

Contents 

18 

25 

16 

22 

24 

10 

On the Radar 

13 

Out & About 

14 

Now Boarding 

16 

FYI: Travel Gadgets 

18 

Extreme Sports 

22 

Road Less Taken 

24 

Bucket List: Art Hotels 

25 

Pearls 

29 

Lost & Found 

30 

Cambodia Fine Dining 

4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

COVER PHOTO BY THALIAS HOSPITALITY 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

GROUP HEAD & BRANDS 

JOHN SO 

EDITOR’s note 

Note that I am still in the Raya mood. I ate too much 

and I don’t feel guilty because it is such a waste to 

limit yourself to good rendang especially when you 

only get to eat it once a year. Hari Raya saw me enjoying 

the company of my family and the quiet streets of KL 

where I would rebel my role as a maiden in the afternoon 

to quickly sneak out for a cup of coffee, in my brocade 

lemon coloured Raya ensemble like it’s the most casual 

outfit in the world #teamrayaKL 

Our July issue does continue my love for food, but the 

classier kind. For the food feature, I went to Phnom Penh 

in sunny Cambodia to sample all the delectable dishes 

at some of the best fine dining restaurants in town. Fine 

dining in Cambodia? It’s a growing trend and Khmer food is 

something you must try once in your life. 

Beach bummers can read our Road Less Taken section 

to get some ideas on a stunning patch of sand off the 

coast of Myanmar that is known to be one of the cleanest 

beaches in Asia, called Ngapali Beach. 

Once again, Selamat Hari Raya to all. Have fun 

munching on them Raya cookies and make sure to share 

them with your non-Muslim friends. They secretly want 

some too. 

EDITOR 

AISHAH AZALI 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

JAMIE SOO-HOO 

CONTRIBUTORS 

KATHLEEN POON & MELISSA DUIS 

DIGITAL TEAM 

WEB CONTENT 

AISHAH AZALI 

DIGITAL & WEB DESIGNER 

AYUMI SWEED 

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES 

AISHAH@PCOMASIA.COM 

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER 

& ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 

ZOE GOH 

ZOE@PCOMASIA.COM 

COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP 

JOHN SO 

JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM 

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Aishah Azali 

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Rantings 

bird man ranting 

A CONNOISSEUR OF TRAVEL BY PASSION, THE BIRD MAN COMES WITH 

AN EXCEPTIONALLY KEEN SENSE TO HELP UNRAVEL THE COLOURFUL AND 

COMPLICATED WORLD WE LIVE IN TODAY. OPINIONATED HE MAY BE BUT HIS RARE 

COMBINATION OF A NEWSMAKER’S MIND AND BEING A NATURAL BON VIVANT 

DOES INDEED MAKE SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD FOR THOUGHT. ENJOY! 

HARI RAYA JUST PASSED AND KIDS ARE GETTING ‘DUIT 

RAYA’. WHAT’S THE BEST THING THESE KIDS SHOULD INVEST 

IN WITH THEIR MONEY? 

Indulge and buy whatever they like. Never save your money 

in a savings account or fixed deposit. Have you ever heard of 

any billionaires getting rich by his deposits in the bank? I bet 

billionaires don’t have fixed deposit accounts. The basis of making 

money is to spend it first. 

A LOT OF TRAVELERS ARE DOING EXTREME SPORTS 

WHEN THEY VISIT A COUNTRY, WHAT SHOULD THEY BE 

CONCERNED WITH BEFORE ATTEMPTING THESE STUNTS? 

Why concern yourself? Just do it. Not many people have the 

opportunity to marry a few times or rob a bank. So you need 

a good story to tell your grandchildren 50 years later, or boast 

around the pub with new friends to earn free drinks. 

WHAT SORT OF MOTIVATION DO PEOPLE NEED TO SLOW 

DOWN ON THE FESTIVE EATING? 

People turn into gluttons during the festive season, especially in 

this era of high poverty. During pre-Merdeka, our people couldn’t 

afford protein and Ubi was the staple food. They could only afford 

meat in the festive season because food and other resources were 

so scarce. Today, food is no longer a problem for those who are 

able to read this magazine. Your problem is more on your excessive 

fat deposits and cholesterol. The rich and famous never only 

indulge themselves during festive season, they can do it every day. 

So why behave like a refugee when you can eat like a celebrity. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVED A RM3000 BONUS? 

SHOULD I INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET TO GROW MY 

MONEY OR TRAVEL FOR EXPERIENCE? 

Of course go travel. Investing RM3000 in stock won’t change 

your life. Meet someone special along the journey. Top up another 

RM3000 from your savings to invest in business class seats for a 

fast track to find the one. 


On The Radar 

ON THE RADAR 

Kowloon Bay’s First Hotel 

One of Hong Kong’s fast-developing business district, Kowloon 

Bay is getting its first hotel named Camlux Hotel. The structure 

was initially a factory that has been converted to a 6-storey 

185-room accommodation that takes design inspiration from its 

factory past. Choose between four types of rooms that include 

family and studio rooms with amenities like free WIFI internet 

access and smart TV. Get the best available rates on their website. 

www.camluxhotel.com 

LIKE US! 

facebook.com/ 

goasiaplus 

Compact Sound 

Bar from Sony 

The solution for your audio may 

it be your MP3 player, music 

streaming app or even your 

television is here. This Sony slim 

compact bar can emit superior 

sound clarity as it improves 

the sound of whatever you are 

watching or listening thanks 

to the S-Force PRO Front 

Surround. It connects using 

Bluetooth and NFC and you can 

even listen to music via your 

USB devices for easy playback 

wherever you are. 

www.mysony.sony.com.my 

Visit 

Seoul 

Free RM50 Travel Credit from Mayflower 

If you are planning a getaway then you should book your perfect vacation 

with hot deals from Mayflower. Exclusive to GOASIAPLUS readers this 

month under the ‘Visit Seoul’ promotion, register at www.mayflower.com. 

my with the code GoAsia0717 to instantly redeem RM50 travel credit on 

your membership account. Now you can save a bit when you are booking 

your flights or hotels at Mayflower. Hurry as the voucher redemption is only 

applicable when you register from 1-31 July 2017. The RM50 credit is valid 

until 31 August 2017. 

www.mayflower.com.my 


On The Radar 

O Bag Opens First Store in South East Asia 

Accessory lovers can now customise their own bags as Italian brand, O 

bag opened its first ever store in South East Asia at 1Utama Shopping 

Centre. Their accessories are mainly made from ethylene vinyl acetate 

(EVA) rubber in a variety of designs and colours to mix and match 

according to the customer’s taste. Build your own bags, wallets, 

sunglasses, watches that also include a range for men. 

www.facebook.com/pg/ObagMalaysia 

Solid Colognes from The 

Apothecary Malaysia 

Smell good all day long with the ingenious solid 

colognes from The Apothecary Malaysia for the 

modern man. The solid colognes are crafted using 

an assortment of naturally-sourced ingredients of 

herbs, spices and plant extract and stored in sleek 

copper tins that fit in your pocket. Scents include 

the Admiral featuring magnolia and spicy pepper 

and Cornerstone that uses sandalwood and 

patchouli for a scent fit for an alpha male. 

www.theapothecarymalaysia.com 

Bintan Resorts Launches 

Muslim Visitor Guide 

Good news to our Muslim brothers and sisters that 

are keen to travel to the Bintan Islands in Indonesia, 

a new initiative called the Muslim Visitor Guide is 

here to help search and highlight Muslim-friendly 

attractions on the island. Find Muslim-friendly resorts 

and Halal restaurants with ease around the island to 

give travellers the highest level of assurance. You can 

download a copy of the visitor guide at www.halaltrip. 

com/downloadable-halal-travel-guides or visit the 

halaltrip website for more information. 

www.halaltrip.com/bintan-resorts 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 11

On The Radar 

Travel-Size Mask by Erborian 

Flights can be dehydrating to the skin and sometimes too big for 

your carry all thanks to strict airline rules. Fear no more as Erborian 

introduces their Bamboo Waterlock Mask in a convenient travel 

size of 30ml. This mask made from the forest bamboo of Damyang, 

South Korea aims to hydrate and instantly plump your skin while 

reducing signs of fatigue. Just apply a thin layer on the skin and 

enjoy the soothing effects without the need to rinse it off. 

www.sephora.my 

KitKat Chocolatory Introduces 

Ice Cream Potong Flavour 

The favoured ice cream potong is now available in KitKat form 

thanks to KitKat Chocolatory as they continue to customise 

unique flavours for KitKat lovers. To add to the sweetness, it is 

created by local celebrity chef Anis Nabilah. This ice cream potong 

creation comes in flavours that are synonymous with Malaysia 

like Rose Sirap Bandung and Mango Harum Manis to name a few. 

Customise your KitKat today at Mid Valley Megamall. 

www.Facebook.com/KitKatMalaysia 

L’OCCITANE Opens 

in KL SOGO 

Famed French beauty brand 

L’OCCITANE recently opened 

their newest store in the 

revamped KL SOGO mall. This 

is their 26th store in Malaysia 

featuring a wide variety 

of skincare and body care 

products. The 667 square feet 

boutique features a decor that 

displays their merchandise in 

a fun and colourful way with 

an added private consultation 

area. Located at GF Beauty 

Arcade at KL SOGO. 

my.loccitane.com 


Out & About 

OUT & ABOUT 

LIKE US! 

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THE HOTTEST & MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF 

THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND 

15-16 JULY | Harry Potter & The 

Philosopher’s Stone in Concert 

Die hard Potter heads need not wait any longer as for 

the first time in Malaysia, a symphony orchestra will 

perform music from the entire film of the first Harry 

Potter movie. Relive the magic as a 40-foot screen will 

show the movie scenes accompanied by the beloved 

score by John Williams. 

Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 

www.harrypotterinconcert.com 

14-22 JULY | 

Fame the Musical 

This popular film turned 

musical chronicles the 4 year 

journey of students that attend 

a performing arts college. In 

the competitive environment, 

the students come to term 

with life and relationships. 

Follow the students through 

their tribulations and 

realization that the road to 

fame comes at a cost. 

Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts 

Centre (KLpac) 

www.klpac.org 

15 JULY 2017 | 

K Fun Stage – So Fresh 

K-pop superstars like Jay Park and 

Hyuna will make their way to Sunway 

Lagoon for a pumped up concert that 

will keep the crowd on their feet. This 

will also be the debut performance for 

the band Triple H who are known for 

their song 365 Fresh. 

Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon 

www.airasiaredtix.com 

Across The Pond 

28-29 JULY | Voices of the Amazon 

Embrace the spirit of the Amazon forest and the 

Brazilian people in the Asian premiere of the dance 

musical, Voices of Amazon. The show will feature 

dance styles like ballet, contemporary and capoeira 

accompanied by a sensational score. 

Mastercard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 

www.marinabaysands.com/ticketing 

28-30 JULY | Fuji Rock Festival 2017 

The annual rock festival held in Japan is back featuring a slew of international artists like 

Gorillaz, The XX and Rag’N’Bone Man. The festival is split between more than five stages 

and feature more than just rock artists but a variety of genres like EDM and R&B. 

Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Perfecture, Japan 

www.fujirock-eng.com 


Now Boarding 

NOW BOARDING 

with 

dato bernard 

chandran 

Creative, stylish and well-travelled, we caught 

up with Malaysia’s leading man in fashion 

design, Dato Bernard Chandran on the best way 

to take a travel photo and his favourite cities 

that inspire his fashion designs. 

INTERVIEWED BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY DATO BERNARD CHANDRAN 


Now Boarding 

Has a specific country or city ever influence your fashion collection? 

Paris and London because of the people and their way of life. Plus both cities have 

tremendous culture and love for luxury. 

How does a fashion designer pack his suitcase? 

I am very decisive, I know exactly what I want to wear for the destination or time. I would 

usually have one coat and a leather jacket. I also always make sure to have space in my 

luggage to bring back clothes/items that I buy when I travel. 

How much of your travel destinations are chosen or influenced by 

your children? 

We make decisions as a family. It is not my decision alone. Each of us will list a place that 

we wish to visit and why. Then we would take a vote as a family to make the decision. 

What do you do to pass the time during long-haul flights? 

Sketch or watch movies. 

What is a fashion accessory that every traveller should have in their arsenal? 

A watch and a ring. 

What do you find fascinating about Paris, France? 

Paris is where I studied fashion. They take pride of their city and are constantly updating 

it with ways to educate the people anyway they can like through exhibitions, etc. 

If you could design a collection using only one colour, what colour would 

that be? 

Black – everyone loves it and everyone looks good in black. Black is a colour that is 

practical yet not egoistic. 

Where is a country or city that you have yet to visit but are keen to go? 

South America – I believe it’s an exotic place and has a different vibe that I believe would 

inspire me. 

What is the secret to taking a cool travel photo for Instagram? 

A contrast between me and the environment. 

Your latest AW 17/18 and Nouveau Petang Raya collections sees the many 

creative uses of texture. As a designer, what is the power of textured details 

compared to cut or colour? 

I think all are important. It really depends on the season or time of each collection and 

what I would like to focus on more at the time and season. Which element I feel at that 

time as a designer that I want to give importance to. For example, if this season I choose 

to highlight texture, it is what I want them to observed therefore won’t make the colour 

overpowering and let the texture stand out. 


FYI 

PLANNED THAT HOLIDAY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR? WELL HERE 

ARE SOME NIFTY TRAVEL GADGETS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP JUST A LITTLE 

EASIER AND EXCITING WHETHER YOU ARE MAKING MEMORIES THROUGH 

PHOTOS OR JUST NEED A FRESH CUP OF COFFEE WHEREVER YOU ARE. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY AIRSELFIE, HP, MICRO & WACACO 

WHEN A SELFIE STICK IS JUST NOT THAT COOL ANYMORE 

Embarrassed to use a selfie stick and to heavy to carry a 

drone for those travel photos? Look no further than the first 

pocket-sized flying camera to snap your group pictures and 

scenic landscape called the AirSelfie. 

This gadget is basically a 5-megapixel video camera that 

is connected to four propellers and can fly up vertically to 66 

feet. The camera connects to your smartphone via its built-in 

WIFI and is compatible with many popular phone brands like 

iPhone and Samsung. You control the device by downloading 

a free app that features three different flight modes. 

When you are snapping your picture, the burst feature 

allows up to eight consecutive shots which are stored 

in a 4GB micro SD memory card. Light, portable and 

rechargeable, this travel gadget is a must have for those 

photography enthusiast that never want to miss a shot. 

Approx price: RM1190 with additional cover 

www.airselfiecamera.com 

WHEN YOU WANT TO SHARE PHYSICAL PHOTOS INSTANTLY 

Say you made a new friend while travelling and you snap 

a photo together. Why not share the picture instantly by 

printing it on a handy mini printer by HP? The HP Sprocket 

Photo Printer is the size of a cell phone or the palm of your 

hand and weighs a mere 6 ounces, making it easy to slip into 

your bag. No ink is required as the photos print on Zinkcompatible 

photo paper, though the tray can only store 1 

paper at a time. 

The app is downloaded through the app store where 

Bluetooth technology is used to connect the device to your 

smartphone or tablet. The HP Sprocket app even allows you 

to customize your photos with filters and fonts before print 

and can also hook up with your social media accounts to 

print your existing online photos. 

Approx price: RM553 

www.store.hp.com 


FYI 

WHEN YOU GET FRUSTRATED THAT WALL PLUGS ARE 

DIFFERENT AROUND THE WORLD 

Keeping your gadgets juiced up for everyday consumption 

is crucial but when you are travelling abroad, you may get 

into a fickle with the different shapes of electrical plugs. 

Micro is your charger’s best friend, a space-saving universal 

adaptor that is compatible in more than 150 countries. 

It is 2.5 times smaller than your average market 

adaptor, equipped with an adjustable built-in casing to 

cover the third of any three-prong plug for safety. The 

double pins are spring loaded with an easy button to push 

for release. Storing only requires you to push it back in 

and lock it for security and easy storage. Plus avoid any 

electrical surges as the Micro has a changeable built-in fuse 

to keep your gadgets safe. 


www.kickstarter.com/projects/1249002224/micro-theworlds-smallest-universal-travel-adapter 

WHEN YOU NEED A COFFEE FIX IN THE MOST REMOTE 

OF PLACES 

Let me introduce to you a hand-powered portable espresso 

machine that looks like your average beverage tumbler. 

Compact and portable, the Minipresso requires no plugs 

as the gadget has a semi-automatic piston that creates 

enough pressure to make you a fresh cup of joe with just a 

few pumps. 

It comes with a 70ml water tank but you can purchase 

the extension pack for a bigger water tank that can hold 

another 120ml. Besides extracting coffee from standard 

coffee grounds, the Minipresso also comes in an option 

using Nespresso and Caffitaly coffee capsules for a more 

variety of flavours wherever you go. 


www.wacaco.com 






IN SOUTH EAST ASIA 

THAT WILL GET YOUR 

Wanderlust 

Pumping 

THERE’S A WHOLE OTHER SIDE OF SOUTH-EAST ASIA, AN ARENA OF EXTREME 

SPORTS FOR ADVENTURE TRAVELLERS AND THRILL-SEEKERS. WOULD YOU DARE 

TO EXPLORE SOME OF THESE SPORTS TO GET YOUR ADRENALINE RUNNING AND 

YOUR HEART PUMPING? 

WORDS BY KATHLEEN POON • PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES 

outh-East Asia is renowned for its ancient ruins 

Sand temples, warm weather and low prices. But 

there is another side to this region – extreme 

sports – travel activities that will get your heart 

pumping and make you feel alive. 

We are talking about adventure activities where 

daredevils jump from cliffs as high as 40 feet, leap 

from one of the tallest free-standing towers in the 

world, skydiving to canyoning and abseiling. 

Move aside, New Zealand because South-East 

Asia is now the ultimate travel destination for 

adrenaline junkies. Here are five extreme sports that 

will get your wanderlust pumping! 

CLIFF JUMPING 

One of the most popular extreme sports is cliff 

jumping. Many people are cliff jumping because this 

activity does not require any equipment or special 

gear, just your body sailing through the air from 

towering heights and plunging into the deep waters 

below. Just make sure you know how to swim. 

Thrill-seekers can jump from giant cliffs found 

on islands or coastal areas. Ariel’s Point in Boracay, 

Philippines has five platforms for cliff jumpers to 

choose from with the highest being 13 metres. 

Canyons and waterfalls are also a great spot to 

cliff jump. Situated just north of Nha Trang in Vietnam 

is Ba Ho Waterfalls where cliff jumpers have to climb 

on to a number of huge boulders from which, prior to 

jumping, they are treated to a huge valley surrounded 

by clear waters. The jumping spot is apparently high 

enough for cliff jumpers to scream all the way down 

to the waters. 



BASE JUMPING 

If cliff jumping was extreme, base jumping takes the 

cake. Base jumping off KL Tower in Malaysia is where 

daredevils risk their lives jumping off this tower of 

300 metres (984.2 feet) high! 

KL Tower is renowned as the World’s Base Jump 

Centre since 1999 and is one of the largest and most 

adrenaline-pumping competitions in the world. Base 

jumpers stand at the edge of a platform where they 

would see breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur city, 

and when they jump, only have a few seconds to pull 

the cord and open their parachutes. 

It is a new sport among other extreme sports 

with only a handful of places in South East Asia that 

host it. Besides Kuala Lumpur, another city with 

magnificent highrises that can accomodate base 

jumps is Shanghai in China. 

SKYDIVING 

One of the well-established extreme sports is 

skydiving and when one mentions skydiving in 

South East Asia, the one in Pattaya, Thailand rushes 

to an expert skydiver’s mind. Skydiving at 13,000 

feet above the ground offers exceptional scenery of 

Pattaya’s lush greenery and turquoise blue waters. 

However, skydiving is not only available for the 

experts but for first-time skydivers as well who 

will have to take a short course and the tandem 

skydiving option. 

One of the drop zones which is getting 

increasing “air traffic” from novice and experienced 

skydivers than any other country in the region is 

Lido Lakes in Java, Indonesia. Skydivers get the 

chance to enjoy 360-degree stunning vistas of lush 

valleys and volcanoes from the above. 



CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT The view 

of KL city from the KL Tower 

base jump; Cave diving in the 

depths of the ocean; Rapelling 

down a waterfall as part of 

canyoning; Sky diving in tandem 

while strapped to a professional. 

CAVE DIVING 

From heart-pumping activities that make jumpers scream when 

descending, we move on to an activity that requires the person to stay 

calm though no less exciting, and that is, cave diving. 

Cave diving is a whole new world compared to scuba diving. This is 

because cave diving involves diving deep into the underground world 

which has narrow caves of stalactites and stalagmites, shafts and tunnels 

opening into huge chambers, and has elements of complete darkness. As 

such, different equipment and techniques are used for cave diving. 

The most crucial thing required among cave divers is to remain 

calm when something goes wrong deep in the ocean for it is difficult to 

navigate among the caves and tunnels, and is not possible for a panicking 

driver to ascend to the surface immediately. 

South East Asia has some of the best places for cave diving, and 

one of them is the Similan Islands in Thailand, a protected national park 

comprising of nine islands. The best dive site is the Elephant Head Rock 

in which there are granite boulders resembling an elephant, and a maze 

of swim troughs and spin-cycle currents. 

Another diving site which is relatively new is the Western Rocky 

Island in the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar. On the eastern tip of the 

island is a large tunnel running through the island where divers will find 

an abundance of corals crabs, snappers, sharks and stingrays. Please DO 

NOT attempt cave diving without proper training and certification. 

The best dive site is Elephant 

Head Rock with granite boulders 

resembling an elephant. 

CANYONING 

Canyoning typically involves action-filled activities that combine 

rappelling, abseiling and waterfall jumping. Imagine a full day 

of hiking through jungles and canyons to find a 25m waterfall 

waiting for you to rappel in it, fast flowing water and slippery 

rocks that are perfect for water-sliding and cliffs as high as 11 

metres for cliff jumping. Many adventure-seekers vouch for Dalat 

in Vietnam as the best place in South East Asia to experience 

canyoning. Another hot spot with river water so blue is Kawasan 

Falls near Cebu in the Philippines. 

Before participating in any extreme sports, always remember 

to carefully check the credentials and experience of the tour 

operator, for instance, how long have they been in operation, 

their safety record, insurance cover, et cetera. Once you are 

satisfied with their track record, go ahead with your adventure, 

get your wanderlust pumping and have loads of fun! 


Road Less Taken 

Road Less Taken is a collaboration with AirAsiaGo. 

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

ROAD LESS TAKEN: 

Ngapali Beach, Myanmar 

THE WEST COAST OF MYANMAR IS HOME 

TO ONE OF THE CLEANEST BEACHES IN ASIA 

AS VOTED BY TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS FOR 

BEACH BUMS TO GET THEIR TAN ON AND 

SAMPLE SOME OF THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY AIRASIAGO & 

GO-MYANMAR.COM 

HOW TO GET THERE 

Ngapali beach is located in the western 

state of Rakhine where the inland town 

is called Thandwe. Thandwe Airport is a 

mere hour away by air from the capital 

of Yangon. From Thandwe town, Ngapali 

beach is just 7 kilometers south which can 

be reached via local taxis. Best time to 

visit is from November to March. 

WHAT TO DO 

Besides beach bumming along the stretch 

of white sand, water sports enthusiasts can 

indulge in the many water activities like 

kayaking, diving and snorkeling. Some hotels 

offer gear rentals but if you are looking for 

snorkeling and diving day trips, check out 

the Ngapali Water Sport Center (www. 

ngapaliwatersport.com) for many options. 

Many fishing villages dot the Bay of 

Bengal where locals live simple lives by 

catching seafood. One could rent a bicycle 

or motorbike to get down there yourself and 

experience the Myanmar countryside. An 

hour by boat will lead you to the village of 

Maung Shwe Lay where tours by companies 

WHERE TO eat 

like Thahara (www.thahara.com) can take 

you through the daily life and culture of this Since you are by the sea surrounded by 

quaint fishing community. 

fishing villages, rest assured the seafood 

is going to be top notch. A restaurant with 

a picturesque view located on an islet just 

off the beach is the Pleasant View Islet 

Restaurant or PVI. The freshest of seafood 

is cooked the Burmese way, to enjoy 

while watching the sunset. For a mean 

bowl of seafood curry, there is the Ngapali 

Restaurant that also has an array of fresh 

salad options. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Cottages just steps away from the sand 

and waters can be found on the grounds 

of Amata Resort & Spa (www.amataresort. 

com) where their teak cabanas and rooms 

invoke luxury coastal living. To further 

relax, season therapists can massage the 

stress away using natural products at the 

Amata Spa. 

Another beachfront accommodation 

is The Bayview (www.bayview-myanmar. 

com) that has a swimming pavilion flanked 

with swaying palm trees overlooking the 

sea. Hardwood floors throughout their 

spacious rooms and suites go well with 

their island-inspired decor while the 

bigger suites feature terraces just a couple 

of feet from the shore. 


Bucket List 

The Inns of 

INGENUITY 

Decor that is quirky, sophisticated, artsy or 

all round unique can be a factor of attraction 

for travellers that appreciate art in their place 

of lodging. Now in the age of boutique hotels 

where interior design reigns supreme, we are 

spoiled with an array of accommodations where 

their style speak louder than words. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY HOTEL VAGABOND & 

J PLUS HOTEL BY YOO 

HOTEL VAGABOND | Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 

Bringing quirky French flair to Singapore, the hyped about Hotel 

Vagabond has been on the accommodation radar since its opening 

in early 2016. It brings a sense of heritage to the plate as the hotel is 

housed in an Art Deco building next to Ranchor Canal. 

The hotel’s interior is dripping with French sophistication with 

a sprinkle of sensuality and a dash of eccentricity, evident in their 

ostentatious display of a golden elephant elevator in the salon. It is 

designed by award-winning French designer Jacques Garcia. Modernity 

is injected in the Parisian salon which is the perfect place to enjoy and 

mingle with resident artists over signature cocktails. 

There is an obvious love for the colour red throughout the hotel like 

their 41-rooms, adorned with window shutters, flowered feature walls 

and bathrooms tiles in this crimson shade. Choose between three types 

of rooms and three types of suites with amenities like Egyptian cotton 

sheets, Turkish towels and coffee making facilities thanks to your very 

own in-room Nespresso coffee machine. 

www.hotelvagabondsingapore.com 

J PLUS HOTEL BY YOO | Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 

No one can say style and ingenuity and not mentioned designer Phillipe 

Starck. Well, the J Plus Hotel was originally designed by him but on its 

10th year anniversary, was revamped by his proteges from the world 

renowned YOO Hotels. 

Odd-shaped furniture and unique light fixtures adorn the lobby and 

are subtly infused in the hotel's 32 luxurious studios and 24 spacious 

suites. Graffitis are splashed on the exterior walls while the rooms get 

unique ceiling graffitis to fall asleep to. They do not scrimp on the 

technology as each room is equipped with a state-of-the-art home theater 

unit with a free DVD library as well as an audio-visual music system. 

www.jplushongkong.com 


Pearls 

Pearls 

Making Sense of a String of Mysterious Lustre 

WITH A BEAUTY SO IRIDESCENT, IRREGULAR AND AGLEAM WITH 

A LIGHT LIKENED TO ONE OF THE SUN ITSELF, PEARLS HAVE 

DAZZLED MANY THROUGHOUT THE AGES BUT THE REASONING 

BEHIND ITS TRUE ALLURE OFTEN ESCAPES THE ENTHRALLED. 

PERHAPS GETTING INTIMATE WITH THE WHENS AND HOWS 

MIGHT KICKSTART A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WHYS 

AND, ULTIMATELY, A DEEPER APPRECIATION FOR THE PEARLS. 

WORDS BY MELISSA DUIS • PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES 


Pearls 

“Freshwater pearls are the most 

affordable pearls and the most 

fashion forward for their unique 

combinations of shapes and colours” 

True blue pearl aficionados would quickly perk up at the sound 

of freshwater and saltwater pearls, but less so at the mention of 

gemstones. So recognisable is the pearl as being in a class of its 

own, many forget that it is, in fact, a type of gemstone; this is just one of 

the many ways that a pearl is not as well understood as many would think. 

Off the bat, pearl enthusiasts would answer with a resounding “Akoya, 

Tahitian, Freshwater and South Sea,” for a question on “the different types 

of cultivated pearls”. Well, the aforementioned are just four of the most 

common types. 

Types Of Pearls 

For about 100 years, the Akoya have grown off the coast of Japan, 

cultivated for their natural colours and almost always perfectly round 

shape; otherwise they are baroque (irregular or non-spherical) in shape. 

They may very well be fancied for the natural colours they come in, 

however, they do come in gold, silver and blue too. Akoya pearls bring to 

mind the emblematic strand of white round pearls and are most popular 

with gemophiles who prize the idea of a classic pearl. Akoya generally 

ranges in size between 4 to 10 millimetres. 

Across the sea to French Polynesia, Tahitian pearl farms bedeck its 

waters. The only naturally dark pearls and often described as black in 

colour, these pearls still do come in an exotic rainbow of colours. Hardly 

ever round they instead come baroque, drop and oval shaped. Ranging 

from 8 to 15 millimetres Tahitians are a safe bet for accessorizing with 

most styles thanks to these pearls darker shades; as the cliché goes: black 

goes well with most styles. 

Freshwater pearls are the most affordable pearls out there and the 

most fashion forward for their unique combinations of shapes and colours 

and higher availability. They are mostly baroque shaped but also can be 

found anywhere from round to free-form baroque. For those who prefer 

softer shades and a milder touch, these pearls are the way to go for their 

pastel and white colours, as well as, a softer lustre especially in comparison 

to the Akoya. 

Freshwater pearls are commonly 5 to 12 millimetres large but with 

the advent of new technology, Freshwaters have been known to grow up 

to 20 millimetres and round; despite earlier claims of them coming mostly 

baroque shaped. These pearls are produced in Japan, The United States 

and China – especially man-made lakes and reservoirs in China. 

Last but not least, is the South Sea. These pearls are the largest 

saltwater pearls cultivated today and are considered the crème de la crème 

of pearls, even earning a recognition as the Rolls Royce of pearls and aptly 

so for its large size and expensive price tag. 

Cultivated mainly in Philippines, Indonesia and Australia these pearls 

range in colour from white to gold. Noted for their incredible size these 

range from 8 to 18 millimetres and are hardly round for their large size. 


Pearls 

CLOCKWISE The popular 

Japanese light coloured 

pearls in different hues; 

A tahitian pearl fresh 

from the shell; A lady 

with the South Sea pearl 


Pearls 

Although round seems to be the flagship shape for a high-quality pearl, South Seas are still 

considered highly valuable despite their characteristic shapes of drops, baroques and ovals. 

And for those who like to wear them like they mean it, it might be useful to note that South 

Seas are indeed the statement piece of jewellery. 

Pearl Vendors & Brands 

TOP Divers checking 

on the cultivated pearl 

shell; A fully developed 

Tahitian pearl still in 

the shell 

Malaysia has no lack of these beautiful pieces. East Malaysia pinpoints its homemade 

cache of pearls to Sabah where Borneo pearls are locally grown and harvested. More known 

locales for Sabah’s pearl farms are in Darvel Bay and Tabawan Island of Lahad Datu. It’s no 

surprise then that Darvel Bay was a traditional haunt for pirates right up to the 19th century 

where Japanese pearls can be found. As for the latter, Tabawan has only recently started 

welcoming the public where it was once heavily safeguarded from steadfast jewel thieves. 

In Sabah, one can find reasonably priced authentic pearls from local joints like Gaya Street, 

Sinsuran Complex and the Filipino market. Elsewhere in Malaysia, pearls of all variations can 

also be purchased in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur. 

However, for those who place emphasis on brand recognition and assurance; Borneo 

Pearl, Edward Kong South Sea Pearl and Shinju Pearls are the local pearl brands to look out 

for. The first two have made their mark in championing South Sea pearls and local designs 

(especially Borneo Pearl) and with Edward Kong taking pride in being Malaysia’s pioneer in 

pearl farming. Founder of Shinju Pearls, Christina Toh’s foray into the jewellery line happened 

by sheer luck, but also through her love for it. Outlets and boutiques of these brands can be 

found in major shopping malls, airports and hotels. 

Pearls of all origins, cultured or wild, hold a beauty that is subjective. With an array of 

choices perhaps only their bearers could truly justify with words how special these delicate 

gemstones truly are. Rather than seeking for the reason behind an undefinable appreciation, 

we could all treat ourselves by indulging in ownership of a set or two. 


Lost & Found 

lost& Found 

Francis Yip always loses himself but somehow, finds his way back with 

lots of juicy stories to share. Forgive him if he sparks a debate. Love him 

if he unlocks hidden jewels. So heavenly, so travelicious with him! 

WORDS & PHOTOS BY FRANCIS YIP 

Savouring the 

Good Old Way 

Pitcher Plant Glutinous Rice, Bee Larvae 

Porridge, Cattle Brain Curry and Clay 

Baked Fish. They may not sound 

appetizing but in the good old days, a taste of 

these old Malaysian delights is saught after. 

While these foods have perished over 

time, others still preserve its authenticity. From 

charcoal-fried koay teow to clay pot chicken 

rice, the flame war between charcoal purists and 

gas hotheads continues. Which tastes better? 

And do they taste as good as the original? 

GOOD OLD COOKING 

Call me old school when it comes to food. 

Grandma’s cooking is still the best. Charcoalfried, 

wood-baked, clay pot-stewed. Why bother 

much about smoke when the wood makes it 

good or the charcoal whips up the flavour? 

Take for instance, a bakery shop like Hiap 

Joo Bakery in Johor Bahru that has been around 

since 1919. Customers flock there for a hearty 

taste of the wood-baked Coconut Bun and 

Banana Cake. Heat from wood is warm and 

dry that bakes the perfect bread, crispy golden 

brown with a soft interior. Bread and pizza 

baked in a wood oven always give the best 

quality of artisan bread that you can’t get from a 

conventional oven. 

Apart from wood, cooking with clay can be 

just as good. Clay-baked fish uses freshwater 

fish wrapped in clay found in wells and paddy 

fields to cook. It will only be served when the 

clay cracks. 

Believe it or not, the clay is alkaline in nature 

and helps to neutralize the pH balance of acidic 

foods. If you are lucky, you may find clay-baked 

fish in Kampung Ujung Batu in Bintong, Perlis. 

Chicken rice and tandoori chicken cooked 

in clay pot is equally hot. The food inside the 

pot loses little to no moisture because the pot 

walls prevent the loss of heat. 

Now if you want a truly authentic charcoal 

clay pot experience, head over to Kedai Kopi 

Pudu Satu Enam Lapan in Pudu Road, KL. It is 

one of the few stalls that still exists today 

where clay pot chicken rice is cooked with 

charcoal. The cooking are still done by the 

boss himself, retaining its popularity even 

after 35 years. 

FLAMING HOT 

Charcoal turns the heat on meat. It is 

hotter than standard gas grills ranging 

from 5000F to 7000F. Searing meat on 

charcoal makes the meat crisp on the 

outside while keeping them juicy on 

the inside. 

For some local street foods like 

satay and char koay teow, the use of 

charcoal helps enhance the smell and taste of 

the food. If you want a good char koay teow, 

I recommend Siam Road Char Koay Teow in 

Penang. The old uncle dubbed as “Penang’s 

Char Koay Teow King” operates in a pushcart 

that attracts a line of customers daily. 

Now get your grandma’s wok, mortar and 

pestle and claypot up and running again for a 

more intense flavor in your dishes. 



THE 

Fine Dining 

Scene 

IN PHNOM PENH 



DISPEL THE MYTH THAT THE CITY OF PHNOM PENH IN CAMBODIA LACKS THE RESOURCES 

TO BRING IN QUALITY LUXURY INGREDIENTS AND HAVE THE SKILL SET TO TRANSFORM THEM 

INTO GASTRONOMICAL WONDERS ON A PLATE. AISHAH AZALI TOOK A TRIP TO DISCOVER 

THE TREMENDOUS GROWTH OF THE F&B SCENE AND FEEL THE LOVE THEY POUR INTO THEIR 

FOOD FOR A DINING EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN SOUTH EAST ASIA. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY THALIAS HOSPITALITY 



T 

he capital of Cambodia is undeniably a busy town. Hectic 

traffic brought by the zipping of motorcycles and tuk-tuks 

alike that stand small against giant SUVs and four wheel 

drives on the road. Bungalows in the city are slowly being inhabited by 

popular fast food chains and restaurants which I question where the 

parking spaces are. Though food chains and cafés are a plenty, Phnom 

Penh has its fair share of fine dining restaurants and here we discover 

some of the best in the city 

THE INSIDE GUIDE 

In order to get a better insight into the culinary scene of Phnom Penh, 

I spent a day interviewing a man who was crucial in its growth in 

Cambodia. For a person that is dubbed as a masterchef by the people 

and owning various top notch restaurants across Cambodia, Chef Luu 

Meng is a down to earth man whose passion for food and his country 

makes no surprise why he is loved by many. 

He came from humble beginnings and is familiar with the food 

business since two of his grandmothers and his mother used to own 

restaurants. He spoke of the times when he would help his mother prep 

the noodle restaurant before heading to school, a responsibility that 

eventually turned into a passion. 

After working in various hotel kitchens and restaurants, he is now 

the owner of a slew of exciting eateries across Cambodia with his 

partner, Arnaud Darc. These include restaurants that honour Khmer 

cuisine using his family recipes and some French dining for those that 

want a taste of the high class. Don’t be surprised as Phnom Penh has 

its very own fancy French food restaurant called Topaz, more on that 

later in the article. 

SERVING UP AUTHENTIC 

CAMBODIAN CUISINE 

When he teamed up with Arnaud some 15 years ago, they noticed 

that many eateries in Cambodia at the time focused on fusion Khmer 

cuisine. So they worked together to create a restaurant that respects 

the flavours of traditional Cambodian food while building it around an 

inviting ambiance and setting. 

Malis Restaurant was born in 2005, introducing foodies to the 

complex flavours of Cambodia’s comfort food. They went further by 



CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT The exterior of Malis Restaurant; 

Rack of lamb from Topaz Restaurant; The front entrance 

of Arunreas Hotel where Khema is located ; Chef Alain 

Darc & assistant; Bamboo shoot soup with smoked fish; 

Amok Trey, a popular Cambodian dish 

making sure customers enjoyed their meal in a comfortable and stylish 

setting, designed in well thought out spaces for optimum positive 

ambiance. The cooking from Malis even saw the ban of monosodium 

glutamate (MSG) and relied solely on the freshest of spices and 

ingredients. The result is a restaurant serving traditional Cambodia 

dishes while taking some liberties of ingenuity under the careful eye 

of Chef Luu Meng, who does experiment in cooking methods but still 

retaining the authentic Cambodia flavours. 

Enjoy the freshest of seafood cooked with love and precision like 

their Bang Kang Malis Fried Rice with succulent lobster or their seafood 

red curry that is slow cooked with spices for a punch of deliciousness. 

After the main course, do try their take on some of Cambodia’s beloved 

desserts using common Asian ingredients like coconut milk, taro and 

durian. For something out of the box, savour the taste of their Kampot 

pepper crème brulee that will introduce you to a spicy sweetness 

brought by the best peppers in the world. 

BONJOUR TO 

FRENCH CUISINE 

The influence of the French in Cambodia extends beyond the buildings 

they left behind but have spilled over to the cuisine. A fine dining 

restaurant that encapsulates French sophistication with its dishes and 

décor is Topaz in Phnom Penh. Under the umbrella of Chef Luu Meng 

and his partner Arnaud, Topaz is a gem in the city that serves a feast of 

French fare. 

Tall ceilings and unique light fixtures surround the interior creating 

a cosy yet romantic setting as one of Phnom Penh’s exclusive French 

restaurants. The meat menu will entice any carnivore, as everything 

from Angus to their prime ribs are cooked flawlessly. Some cuts 

are even imported from places as far as Australia for the people of 

Cambodia to enjoy. 

Though their protein and seafood like lobster and scallop shine 

on the menu, Chef Luu Meng did divulge that a popular food item 

that keeps customers coming back is humbly their bread. The bread 

you nibble while browsing the menu, dipped in the dark concoction 

of vinegar and oil is a pretty spectacular appetizer in Topaz. It is made 

from flour flown in from France and trust me when I say that you can 

taste the calming windy French countryside in every bite. 

Another French affair tucked in the Arunreas Hotel that features 

and exciting brunch menu and the prettiest of pastries is Khema 

Restaurant. Brunch lovers can indulge in the restaurant’s popular 

weekend brunch if they fancy a ‘Sex in the City’ post weekend meet-up 

featuring free flow of cold cuts, cheese and pastries. 



CLOCKWISE The grilled 

chicken with sides; 

small French pastries; 

freshly baked bread; 

cold cuts served 

during brunch, all 

from the Khema 

Restaurant menu 

THE GROWTH OF 

FINE DINING 

One may ask, why the need to open fine dining institutions in 

Phnom Penh? Well Chef Luu Meng explained that the chain of 

demand in high quality food escalated quickly. It is also a great 

environment to entertain family and guests as Chef Luu Meng 

estimates through his observation that the locals are happily 

embracing this change in the food scene by sharing it with their 

love ones. 

A trend that Chef Luu Meng has scene picking up is foodies 

from neighbouring countries like China, Malaysia and Singapore 

are willing to hop on a plane for a few hours to do a food tour in 

Cambodia. It has even grown in the business society to dine in 

Phnom Penh while conducting business meetings and negotiations. 

Interesting, right? That a country where Europeans choose to 

soul search is now evolving into a city for South East Asian food 

enthusiasts. 

Another factor is the affordability. To get these quality 

ingredients shipped and flown from other continents and served 

in your neighbourhood with a price that is roughly 30-60 dollars a 

head can cost you hundreds in Europe and that does not include 

your airfare to get there. 

So if you are planning a trip to Phnom Penh or Cambodia in 

general to visit the temples and museums, make sure to bring a 

nice dress shirt or LBD just in case. Savour the wonders of Khmer 

cuisine and experience the different approach they have in fine 

dining, where the food and the space that it is served in is given 

the respect it deserves. 

TOPAZ RESTAURANT 

162 Preah Norodom Boulevard (41), Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

www.topaz-restaurant.com 

KHEMA RESTAURANT 

163 Pasteur Street (51), Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

www.khema-restaurant.com 

MALIS RESTAURANT 

136 Preah Norodom (41) , Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

www.malis-restaurant.com

GOASIAPLUS July 2017

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