GOASIAPLUS April 2018

APRIL 2018 | ISSUE 23 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

JIMBARAN 

THE QUIET SIDE OF BALI 

WINE IN KL 

RISHIKESH, INDIA 

Voucher worth 

RM5 inside 

*Airport copies only 

GAP-APR2018-COVER.indd 1 

16/03/2018 4:19 PM

Contents 

14 

24 

8On The Radar 

12 

Out & About 

14 

The Face Off 

22 

Jimbaran 

The Quiet Side of Bali 

24 

Road Less Traveled: 

Rishikesh 

26 

Beauty Kit: 

Local Travel Edition 

30 

Wine in KL 

34 

Lost & Found 

8 

4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

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MAM0000 030 National geographic traveller mag ad A4.pdf 1 12/19/16 6:45 PM 

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COVER PHOTO BY 

AISHAH AZALI 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

EDITOR’s 

Want to hear a funny story about my first trip to Bali for an 

article inside? I went to this place called Balangan beach 

where the stretch of sand was vast and pristine. The waves 

were high and there was a surfing school nearby with surfers 

in the water. I spent approximately 5 minutes evaluating my 

surroundings to take as many pictures as I can before my guide 

called me back to the van. 

Don’t get me wrong, I had fun on my first trip to Bali but I am 

kind of sad that I didn’t even get to take a dip in their famous blue 

waters. However, I was amazed by many other things in Jimbaran, 

Bali that made me see a different perspective of the island and its 

people. Take a read on page 18. 

Beauty junkies that want to try out homegrown brands can 

check out our Beauty Kit: Local Travel Edition article on page 26 

where we reviewed and shot products from serums to body scrubs 

that are easy to travel with and are locally-made. #golocal 

If you are aiming for a beach holiday, now is the time as the 

monsoon season has passed, giving way to sunny weather for the 

next couple of months. This applies to destinations like Bali and 

the east coast of Malaysia. Redang Island anyone? 

GROUP HEAD & BRANDS 

JOHN SO 

EDITOR 

AISHAH AZALI 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

JAMIE SOO-HOO 

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT 

JESSY WONG 

CONTRIBUTORS 

FRANCIS YIP, SAMANTHA LIM, SHAFFIQ FARHAN 

DIGITAL TEAM 

WEB CONTENT 

AISHAH AZALI & JESSY WONG 

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES 

AISHAH@PCOMASIA.COM 

SENIOR MANAGER 

SALES & MARKETING 

YONG WANG CHING 

YONG@PCOMASIA.COM 

COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP 

JOHN SO 

JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM 

PUBLISHED BY 

PUBLISHCOM ASIA SDN. BHD. 

NO. 83–1, JALAN MEDANG SERAI, BUKIT BANDARAYA, 

59100 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. 

+603–20118983 

WWW.PCOMASIA.COM 

PRINTED BY 

PERCETAKAN TURBO SDN. BHD. 

NO. 8, JALAN SEKINCAN 26/9, SECTION 26, 

SHAH ALAM 40000, MALAYSIA. 

Aishah Azali 

Editor 

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 are submitted at the 

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rights reserved by Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). No part of this publication 

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KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482) 


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On The Radar 

THE 

RADAR 

Sakura Cherry Blossom Tea Feast 

Inspired by ‘hanami’, a Japanese flower viewing custom, 

InterContinental Hong Kong blooms their Lobby Lounge 

with cherry blossoms fitting to the spring season. The 

afternoon tea session is served with floral pastries designed 

by Executive Pastry Chef Cyril Dupuis as you drink with an 

astounding harbour view while sipping Spring Floral cocktails. 

www.ihg.com 

A Handy Hospitality 

Handy Smartphone is the latest hotelier’s technology. 

Powered by OS, guests can instantly call or message 

hotels at anytime and anywhere with the ‘Concierge Chat’ 

feature. Handy also has a built-in chip for room door 

access and works as a remote for in-room entertainment. 

Find handy in Malaysia at Sunway hotels in Klang Valley. 

www.handy.travel 

Dream Cruises to Okinawa 

Summer sailing on the 18-deck World Dream ship 

promises a splendour of relaxing journey to the island 

gem of Japan. The 5-night holiday set sail from Hong 

Kong to port in Naha and Miyakojima in Okinawa 

before a grand fireworks finale at sea. Deployment 

starts from 1 April till 30 November 2018. 

www.dreamcruiseline.com 


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On The Radar 

Penang Welcomes 

DoubleTree Resort 

The brand’s 50th opening in Asia Pacific 

explores the UNESCO World Heritage City 

of Penang island. The Batu Ferringhi beach 

resort serves up to 316 contemporary 

guestrooms as well as a Kid’s Club, spa, 

fitness center and outdoor pool. Guests can 

also venture into local Peranakan dishes at 

the Makan Kitchen restaurant. 

www.doubletree.com 

Ubud Food Festival 

The annual food festival in Bali gathers a group of globally 

renowned chefs across Asia in bringing Indonesian food 

and culture to the limelight. The theme of the 3-day festival 

‘Generasi Inovasi’ will observe the innovations of traditional 

cuisines by youths besides empowering foodies through 

film screenings, cooking demos and workshops. Happening 

from 13 to 15 April 2018. 

www.ubudfoodfestival.com 

Cathay Pacific 

Designer Lounge 

Styled to fit a ‘contemporary living room’, 

Cathay Pacific’s new lounge in Hong Kong 

International Airport is finally open. The 

Deck is built with a relaxation zone for 

comfort, decked with designer furniture 

and a range of drinks and cuisines for a 

pampered pre-flight indulgence. 

www.cathaypacific.com 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 9 



On The Radar 

WOOBAR Cocktail 

Culture 

The newly refurbished cocktail 

bar at W Taipei takes on the 

‘Electrified Nature’ motif with 

woodcraft floors, green ceramic 

walls and an ‘urban campsite’ 

employee designer wear for a 

complete inspired transformation. 

WOOBAR also introduces herbs 

and smoked fragrances in the 

‘What The Four’ themed forest 

cocktails for a refreshing taste. 

www.wtaipei.com/woobar 

LIKE US! 

facebook.com/ 

goasiaplus 

Penang International 

Food Festival 

The ever-growing food scene in Penang welcomes 

the annual food festival for 16 days. A mishmash 

of local hawker street food to café and restaurant 

offerings are staged for the crowd’s cravings. Feed on 

a feast of senses with over 100 food trucks to choose 

from. Festivals begins on 14 till 29 April 2018. 

www.piff.com.my 

AirAsia Wins Big at Mob-Ex Awards 2018 

The ‘Adventure Live’ travel series by AirAsia bagged four awards in the 

Singapore Mob-Ex event by winning gold for Best Campaign in Original 

Content and three other silver trophies. ‘Adventure Live’ explores six 

destinations in Southeast Asia to inspire travellers in the interactive 

broadcast episodes. 

www.airasia.com 




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Out & About 

The hottest & most anticipated events of the month in Malaysia and beyond 

OUT ABOUT 

5-11 APR | Mystic India: 

The World Tour 

A globally acclaimed Bollywood Broadway Musical 

has found its debut stage for the Asian tour. The burst 

of colours on stage with their professional musicians, 

dancers and acrobats promises transcendence in their 

fusion of classical dance and award-winning Bollywood 

hits after more than 500 shows worldwide. 

Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur 

www.mysticindiatheshow.com 

25 APR | OneRepublic Live in Malaysia 

After 5 years, the American pop rock band is 

returning to Malaysia upon the release of their fourthstudio 

album ‘Oh My My’. Concert-goers are definitely 

anticipating the award-winning quintuple to perform 

their new hit singles like ‘No Vacancy’ and ‘Rich Love’ 

that have topped the US charts. 

Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur 

www.ticketcharge.com.my 

Across The Pond 

6-8 APR | Sing Jazz 

The Singapore International Jazz Festival returns 

for their 5th anniversary with huge international stars like 

Grammy Award winners Soul II Soul and Estelle gracing the 

iconic event on Friday night. MAS1A, The TENG Ensemble 

and weish are among homegrown Singapore artists that are 

also performing in the waterfront festival. 

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 

www.sing-jazz.com 

30 APR | Fall Out Boy MANIA Tour 

Debuting number 1 on the Billboard 200 is 

Fall Out Boy’s seventh album ‘M A N I A’ with their 

pop rock music singles ‘The Last of the Real Ones’ and 

‘Champion’. Catch this veteran band from Chicago as 

their last sold-out concert in Singapore was 5 years ago. 

ZEPP @ BigBox Singapore, Singapore 

www.sistic.com.sg 


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GoAsia-Mar2018FA.pdf 1 1/23/18 9:41 AM 

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The Face Off 

THE 

We battle out popular destinations and foods, pitting a popular 

option with a less commercial one to give a wider view for your 

travels. Which one is better or worth it? Well, that choice is yours. 

FACE 

BANGKOK 

HO CHI 

VS 

MINH CITY 

OUR FIRST EDITION OF THE FACE-OFF, WE BATTLED 

IT OUT TO DETERMINE WHICH OF THESE TWO IS THE 

PREFERRED SHOPPING HAVEN OF SOUTH EAST ASIA. WE 

PAIRED OUR BELOVED SHOPPING CAPITAL BANGKOK 

WITH THE LAND OF PHO, HO CHI MINH CITY WHERE THE 

SHOPS AND BARGAINS MAY SURPRISE YOU. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI & JESSY WONG • PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK & 

AISHAH AZALI 

BANGKOK, THAILAND 

MARKETS 

Down-to-earth local glamour, 

Chatuchak weekend market 

is a shoppers' haven with 

27 sections and more than 

10,000 booths to boast. Its 

vast selection include clothes, 

books, antiques and even pets. 

This open market is open on 

Fridays from 6pm - 12am and 

weekends from 9am - 6pm. 

NIGHT MARKETS 

When Chatuchak closes at 

6pm, one can head over next 

door to the JJ Green market 

for a taste of street food and 

unique vintage finds. 

The newer hipster-like 

market is the Artbox Market 

where pop-up stores and 

eateries are hosted in recycled 

shipping containers. Young hip 

locals frequent here for the 

spoilt-for-choice of streetwear 

brands and accessories. 

MALLS 

Siam Central Station is a 

supreme shopping district for 

department store buffs with 

some of Thailand’s biggest 

malls. It is a gateway to 

stunningly designed malls Siam 

Paragon and Siam Discovery 

for people with hefty purses. 

Budget shopping can be 

done in an indoor market 

like MBK Center with over 

2000 shops for fashion, IT 

gadgets and food. The largest 

wholesale mall in Bangkok is 

Platinum Fashion Mall where 

you can get tops and skirts for 

as low as RM20. 


14-15-The Face Off.indd 14 


The Face Off 

FROM LEFT The 

designs from 

Bangkok brand, 

Pedz; The 

vintage clothing 

at Bangkok’s 

weekend 

market; 

Souvenirs sold 

at Chatuchak 

market; One of 

Ho Chi Minh’s 

streetwear 

brand; The 

42 building 

transformed 

into a a row 

of local shops; 

The 2nd floor 

hallway of 

building 42 in 

Ho Chi Minh. 

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM 

LOCAL BRANDS 

Shopping for local brands is 

made easy at Siam Centre 

that hosts various homegrown 

labels. Pedz is a one-of-a-kind 

artistic fashion label which 

prints hand-painted art on 

their street clothes. Also, 

there is the La jewelry brand 

with their trademark raindrop 

inspiration that has real water 

inside the accessory. 

STREETS 

Pak Khlong Talat is an 

escapade from worldly things 

as the place flourishes with 

thousands of colourful flowers 

and farm harvests. It is open 

for 24 hours if you want to 

purchase a bouquet or take 

some photos. 

MARKETS 

The most notable market has 

to be Ben Thanh in the heart 

of District 1. Walk through 

the narrow pathways to 

find everything under one 

roof from bags to shoes to 

Vietnamese souvenirs. 

Fabrics of all patterns and 

colours are the attraction once 

you enter the main entrance. 

The ladies selling them also 

offer express tailoring services 

that can be done within 24 

hours. 

NIGHT MARKETS 

On the weekends, the road 

outside of Ben Thanh is 

transformed into a lively night 

market with a mix of clothes 

and food. Souvenirs from the 

inside vendors of Ben Thanh 

and some independent ones 

sell knick knacks to remind 

you of the lovely country. 

MALLS 

For the mall rats that are 

looking for fast fashion brands 

and designer wear can enter 

the biggest shopping mall 

in the city, Vincom Center. 

Vincom Center A (or Union 

Square) is a French colonial 

building with top luxury 

brands while Vincom Center 

B across the street is a glass 

skyscraper that features more 

popular fashion brands. 

Saigon Square is a 

wholesale mall selling mainly 

clothes, jackets and bags, a 

great place to buy good quality 

Vietnamese made garments. 

LOCAL BRANDS 

Dressing like the locals is easy 

and Ho Chi Minh City has an 

impressive and passionate 

streetwear culture. Old 

decaying flats have been 

transformed into Insta-worthy 

shops filled with local street 

brands like Play Dirty and Lider 

located at the old building of 

42, Ton That Thiep road. 

STREETS 

Soai Kinh Lam Fabric Street 

is the place for fabric that are 

on the cheaper side compared 

to the commercial Ben Thanh 

market. Many shops sell it 

wholesale so getting a cheaper 

price is better if you are buying 

more than just a couple of 

meters or yards. 


14-15-The Face Off.indd 15 


A Different Kind of Souvenir with 

BRAND’S ® Bird’s Nest 

GIFT YOUR LOVED ONES WITH A MALAYSIAN 

MADE SOUVENIR THAT CAN BENEFIT THEIR 

HEALTH IN THE FORM OF BRAND’S ® BIRD’S NEST, 

WRAPPED CONVENIENTLY IN A TOURIST PACK 

SO YOU CAN EASILY TAKE HOME. 

Put aside the fridge magnets and t-shirts as Malaysian 

souvenirs for your loved ones and get your hands on premium 

edible bird’s nest from BRAND’S ® . The BRAND’S ® Bird’s Nest 

with Rock Sugar now comes in a tourist pack of 12 bottles 

that can be consumed daily either chilled or warm. These 

bottled gems are known as the best selling bottled bird’s nest 

in Asia with international accreditation and best of all, the 

bird’s nest is 100% sourced and manufactured in Malaysia. 

Benefits of Edible Bird’s Nest 

Nourishes the lungs which is believed to benefit the respiratory system 

as well as governs good skin health 

------ 

Fosters the body’s “qi” or vital energy to relieve fatigue and re-energise the body 

------ 

Improves the function of spleen which in turn boosts appetite 

------ 

Nourishes “yin”, an aspect of human body that cools, nourishes and moistens 

Brands-BirdsNest.indd 2 


Jimbaran, Bali 

FROM LEFT The infinity 

pool in the common area 

of The Longhouse; The 

fish market on Jimbaran 

Beach; The morning 

Jimbaran market selling 

fruits and spices 


18-22-TRAVEL-Jimbaran.indd 18 



Jimbaran 

The Quiet Side of Bali 

A HOLIDAY DESTINATION THAT IS ETCHED IN THE MINDS OF 

PEOPLE FOR THE SUN AND SURF, BALI HAS BEEN WRITTEN 

ABOUT IN MANY VARIATIONS. BUT THIS INDONESIAN 

ISLAND IS MORE THAN JUST KUTA AND SEMINYAK, WITH 

NEIGHBOURING TOWNS GIVING ALTERNATIVE INSIGHT 

INTO THIS CULTURAL LAND. AISHAH AZALI WENT JAUNTING 

THROUGH THE SOUTHERN PARTS OF JIMBARAN WHERE 

THE CULTURE IS STRONG AND THE SEAFOOD IS FRESH. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY AISHAH AZALI & THE LONGHOUSE 

Best of the Sea 

Google Jimbaran in Bali and you will 

find that this quaint neighbourhood is 

known for its fresh seafood and less 

crowded beaches. Many who stay in 

the more popular areas like Kuta and 

Seminyak take day trips to Jimbaran 

to indulge in fresh seafood by the sea. 

While there I had the chance to 

visit the busy marketplace that sells 

all this glorious seafood, accompanied 

by my guide Chef Ngurah of The 

Longhouse. Chef Ngurah explained 

that as early as 5am, locals and chefs 

come to bargain and buy seafood 

that come in batches fresh from the 

ocean. We arrived at around 8.30am 

where there were still good catches 

of tuna and mahi-mahi alongside 

small lobsters and king prawns. 

Right next to the market, 

restaurants and stalls dotted along 

the public beach, beachside eateries 

and stalls mushroom on the sand 

for foodies to indulge in the best 

Jimbaran has to offer. You can order 

seafood by weight and choose your 

style of cooking as you nosh while 

enjoying the sunset. 





CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT 

Balinese pancakes served at The 

Longhouse; The clear waters of 

Balangan Beach: The intricate 

carvings of a Balinese house; The 

traditional 'Puri' dance; The West 

Java room at The Longhouse 

Room With a View 

Having spent many beach holidays in rooms by 

the sand, it was a refreshing change of scene to 

be settled in a villa on a hill. Jimbaran is known as 

the hilly side of Bali that allows for breathtaking 

views of the sea and mountains. Stone, wood 

and Balinese art come together in the luxury 

accommodation of The Longhouse where Linda 

Nederkoon and her husband have built their serene 

oasis on a hill. 

Enter the carved wooden doors to be greeted 

with four-poster beds adorned with locally-sourced 

accent linens and a bathroom that resembles a spa. 

Make full use of the beautiful outdoors as rooms 

like the Bali room have its very own plunge pool 

while the Sumatra has an outdoor bathtub. 

More than just design, what makes The 

Longhouse special is the service you will receive. 

The staff headed by lead butler Hepy made me 

feel like I was part of their family. I joked around 

with Chef Ngurah on my chili tolerance and talk 

about drinks with the bartender Gede. It is vastly 

different from the service of a big hotel as you get 

more personal interaction with these lovely people. 

Beauty of the Balinese 

What sets Bali apart from other beach destinations 

is that the land is steep in culture. This culture 

trickles down to their art and architecture which is 

a huge part of their identity. 

When I first stepped into a Balinese house, I 

realise how wrong was my initial perspective. A 

traditional Balinese house is not just one structure 

but a compound consisting of a courtyard and 

separate buildings for various family members. This 

was told to me by the butler of The Longhouse, 

Hepy who graciously invited me to her truly 

Balinese home for tea. She showed me the temples 

in her courtyard, each strategically placed to face 

a certain direction and used for different kinds 

of prayers. 

I drank black tea while noshing on a Balinese tea 

time snack called ‘jaje lak lak’ made from rice and 

coconut. The best part was the entertainment as 

Hepy’s nieces gyrated to a traditional Balinese art 

called the 'Puri' dance. I was fortunate to be given a 

brief lesson but I did not move as gracefully as the 

young ones who started learning when they were as 

young as 4 years old. 





THE LONGHOUSE 

Tiara Nusa Estate, Jalan Goa Gong, Jimbaran, Bali 

+62 812 389 7623 

www.thelonghousebali.com 

The Longhouse can be rented in its entirety or can also 

be booked by room similar to a boutique hotel concept. 





The Maluka 

Purification 

Ceremony 

MUST 

TRY! 

During my travel to Bali, I came across a 

bathing purification ceremony conducted 

near the boutique hotel where I stayed. 

This unique blessing ritual was set in a 

traditional Balinese house called Banjar 

Anggaswara which is home to the 

‘pemangku’ or Balinese shaman who 

performs the ceremony. 

Wrapped in a white sarong, the 

ceremony began with me standing in 

front of the pemangku, who was holding a 

coconut shell filled with water and flowers 

in the middle of his Balinese courtyard. He 

recited some words before I drank some 

of the water and washed my face with it. 

Finally he poured the blessed water onto 

my head and back. 

The Maluka bathing ceremony is 

common in Balinese temples though the 

procedure may differ from place to place. 

It is thought to cleanse the soul and bring 

forth good aura. Try it out when in Bali if 

you get the chance! 

Good to know 

CANANG 

A cluster of flowers 

on a folded bamboo 

leaf. You can find it 

everywhere in Bali 

like in front of shops 

and by the temples. 

The Balinese people 

place them in places 

where they want 

to bring in luck and 

good fortune. 

CABE 

The spicy chili 

peppers or 'cabe' 

are prominent in 

Balinese cuisine and 

known to be hotter 

than your average 

South East Asia 

favourite, the bird's 

eye chili which tops 

at 50,000–100,000 

Scoville heat units. 

CUCA 

RESTAURANT 

This eatery is widely 

known to be one 

of the best casual 

dining restaurants 

in Bali. It prides 

in sourcing their 

ingredients locally 

and are plated in a 

way that is definitely 

Insta-worthy. 

BEACHES 

The movie Eat, Pray, 

Love starring Julia 

Roberts was shot 

in Padang-Padang 

Beach. Though the 

beach is lovely, it is 

rather small. For a 

bigger stretch, head 

over to Balangan 

Beach where the 

surfers go. 




Road Less Traveled 

Road Less Taken is a collaboration with AirAsiaGo. 

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

ROAD 

TRAVELED 

Rishikesh, 

India 

A HOLY CITY FOR PILGRIMAGE AND 

MEDITATION IS ALSO THE WORLD CAPITAL 

FOR YOGA, STANDS HIGH AT THE FOOT OF 

THE HIMALAYAS IN UTTARAKHAND. 

WORDS BY JESSY WONG 

PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK & AIRASIAGO 

HOW TO GET THERe 

From New Delhi, take a domestic flight to 

Dehradun Airport with any local airline for an 

hour journey while busses from Delhi will take 5-6 

hours. Railway lovers can ride a train from most 

major cities to Haridwar then take a quick bus or 

taxi trip to Rishikesh. 

WHAT TO DO 

Most ashrams and temples are built along the 

magnificent Holy Ganges riverbank. Plenty of craft 

shops, restaurants, fresh produce and sweets are 

nearby in Rishikesh Town. 

Chaurasi Kutia, best known as The Beatles 

Ashram, was where the famous four resided in 

their spiritual getaway in 1968. Sightseeing aside, 

rafting and bungee-jumping at the Ganges river are 

great for thrill-seekers besides various hiking trails. 

The biggest ashram, Parmath Niketan, is 

another beautiful place with thousands of rooms 

for pilgirms to rejuvenate. At night time, join 

the daily devotional ritual - ganga aarti - held at 

the ashram where the crowd gather for prayer 

ceremonies and singing. 

i 

GOOD TO KNOW 

Rajaji National Park in 

Rishikesh is home to many 

wild animals like elephants 

and leopards besides 

having a tiger reserve 

Alcohol and nonvegetarian 

food are not 

allowed in the 

spiritual town 

The Lakshman Jhula 

suspended bridge over 

Ganges river is legendary 

as deity Lakshmana is 

believed to crossed 

the exact place on 

jute ropes 

The rapid river of Ganges 

makes water rafting 

venturous from March till 

July every year 

WHERE TO eat 

Food heals the soul too when there’s an abundance 

of vegetarian choices to explore for a complete 

restorative holiday. Local restaurant Chotiwala 

produces diverse North and South Indian cuisines 

besides Gujarat and Chinese dishes for an 

authentic feast. Find hot pizzas at Little Buddha 

Café that offers an international menu or Madras 

Café known for dosa, an Indian pancake. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Find craft and comfort in your stay at EllBee Ganga 

View. The boutique art hotel is accented with 

ornate mythology murals besides a bathtub in each 

room. Otherwise, spa hotel Ganga Kinare radiates 

modern meets tradition themed guestrooms with 

free yoga sessions and bikes for exploration. 


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Local Beauty Kit 

LOOK YOUR BEST AT ALL TIMES WITH 

THESE HOMEGROWN BEAUTY FAVOURITES 

FROM MALAYSIA. PLUS, THEY ARE FIT 

FOR TRAVEL WITHOUT BUSTING YOUR 

SUITCASE OR YOUR PAYCHECK. 

Beauty Kit: 

Local Travel Edition 

WORDS & COORDINATION BY JESSY WONG 

PHOTOS BY AISHAH AZALI 

Keeping Wrinkles 

At Bay 

The collagen and bird 

Jessy 

Says 

nest extract in both 

cleanser and serum 

truly helps with my 

pigmentation and 

uneven skin tone 

BEEPROVEN 

Malaysia’s first bee venom skincare brand is founded 

by Sharifah Nurafia who realised the local beauty 

market’s lack of anti-aging products. BeeProven 

stepped in as a call for natural botox to infuse the 

best organic collagen using bee venom in our 

beauty regime. 

Bee venom is famously known to increase blood 

circulation and could revitalise our skin’s elasticity by 

firming and tightening it. Sting-free and affordable, 

BeeProven Anti-aging and Whitening Face Serum 

activates and boosts our natural production of 

collagen and elastin besides offering lavish hydration. 

PRICE 

BeeProven Face Serum (30ml) RM225 

Facial Foam (60ml) RM175 

WHERE TO BUY 

www.hellondadek.wixsite.com/beeproven 


26-29-SHOP-Local Skincare.indd 26 



Making Charms 

With Underarms 

PRICE 

Deodorant Cream (30g) RM49.90 

WHERE TO BUY 

www.facebook.com/verieverything 

Jessy 

Says 

These vegan 

deodorants are 100% 

natural with no harsh 

chemicals and is safe 

to use daily 

VERI NATURAL 

It all began when four fitness enthusiasts faced a similar 

lifestyle challenge in combating body odour with synthetic 

deodorant. Veri Natural is a brainchild of these men who 

wanted an organic deodorant that would actually last in the 

humid Malaysian weather. 

Veri Natural is a plant-based product and every 

ingredient are carefully selected and tested to ensure 

endurance from sweat and labour. Plus, it only requires a thin 

layer of application for a boost of self-confidence. 

Rose Vanilla and Tea Tree Lemon scents are among my 

top-choices. The sweet mix of rose and vanilla essential oils 

contains natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties that 

can promote skin health while the refreshing lemon-scented 

tea tree oil can brighten the underarms. 





NITA COSMETICS 

A childhood hobby that turned into one of 

Malaysia’s most sought-after beauty brand is 

a dream job for the passionate Aznita Azman. 

Nicknamed as Nita, her cosmetic business debut is 

exciting as she shares her experiences and heritage 

in her make up line. 

Vastly known for the Traditional Matte Liquid 

Lipsticks, NITA Turkish Eyeshadow set is also 

inspired from Nita’s own experience. Her travel to 

Turkey is showcased in the names of the palettes. 

Grand Palace has a cold-grey tone suitable 

for a fun night out, Turkish Delights are sweet in 

warm pink shades while Spice Bazaar edges to a 

burnished earthly tone. 

Jessy 

Says 

The 2-in-1 liquid tint 

naturally gives off a 

dewy look with just 

a little dab on my 

cheeks and lips 

PRICE: 

Liquid Matte Lipstick (6ml) RM59 

Glo with the Flo (15ml) RM45 

WHERE TO BUY 

www.shopvelvetvanity.com 

Casting Eyes 

That Entice 

Jessy 

Says 

The shades are highly 

pigmented that I also 

use it for contouring, 

highlighting and blush 

on my face 

PRICE 

Eyeshadow Palette RM25 

WHERE TO BUY 

www.nitacosmetics.com 





Transfixed 

On The Lips 

VELVET VANITY 

Taking the country by storm since its launch in 2016 is 

their liquid matte lipsticks. Young brand maker Adlina 

Nadirah introduced her vegan cosmetics company to 

advocate for a healthier consumer society. 

Forgetting your lipstick at home is not an issue 

because the Velvet Vanity liquid lipstick is long-lasting 

and not easily transferable. Catering to all skin tones, 

the cruelty-free liquid lipstick is notably lightweight on 

the lips and moisturising with vitamin E and C infused 

in the formula. 

Kill two birds with one stone with their new 

collection, Glo with the Flo, a sheer cheek and lip tint 

suitable for on-the-go occasions. 

All Right 

Scrubbing Rites 

My dry skin benefits 

from both scrubs 

that help to lock in 

moisture with its 

pure ingredients 

Jessy 

Says 

MERMAID BODY 

PRICE 

Coconut Body Scrub (200g) RM65 

Bunga Mask + Scrub (45g) RM45 

WHERE TO BUY 

www.my.mermaidbod.com 

Based in Langkawi, Elliz Azhar and Jules McMillan are two 

besties who started Mermaid Body to create a brand that 

is endlessly inspired by pristine white sands and the bright 

turquoise ocean. 

Truly local, Mermaid Body products incorporate the natural 

harvests of Malaysia. Coconut Body Scrub is made of pure 

virgin coconut oil that is anti-inflammatory, coconut shells as 

well as algae extracts for vitamins. The Bunga Mask + Scrub 

is an ideal mask for travel as it contains hibiscus that is high in 

antioxidants and kaolin clay for extracting impurities. 




Wine in KL 

Time to 

‘Unwine’ 

A VAST AND DAUNTING SUBJECT TO APPROACH, WINE IS AS VARIED 

AS ITS AUDIENCE, BUT REVEALS ITS SECRETS WITH EACH TASTING 

OVER TIME. SAMANTHA LIM GIVES YOU THE 101 ON WHAT IS 

ESSENTIALLY FERMENTED GRAPE JUICE. 

WORDS BY SAMANTHA LIM • PHOTOS BY SHAFFIQ FARHAN & ADOBE STOCK 


30-33-FOOD-KL Wine-4pg.indd 30 


Wine in KL 

La Cave KL 

Though not a large venue by any means, this wine bar in 

the perenially busy Bangsar Baru feels inviting with its 

warm wooden accents and attractive prices. Owner and 

fourth-generation winemaker Florian stocks his space 

with wines by small producers, meaning that you’re 

highly likely to sample something less commercial. 

Smooth Operator by Sade was playing in the background 

when we stopped by, and we spotted a bottle of sherry 

going for a pittance (just RM50). 

Best For 

Adventurous wine 

enthusiasts willing to 

sample something new 

Address 

7, Jalan Telawi 5, 

Bangsar Baru, 

Kuala Lumpur 

Promotions 

- Happy Hour from 

4-8pm daily 

- Ladies Night from 

7-10pm every Wednesday 

- LGBT Night from 5-8pm 

every Tuesday 

Three To Try 

- Fiesta Tannat Madiran 

- Domaine Bailly Reverdy 

Sancerre Pinot Noir 

- Sauvignon Blanc 

(organic) 




Wine in KL 

Sitka Restaurant + Studio 

Helmed by Scottish chef Christian Recomio, Sitka is split 

into two sections: an all-day restaurant on the ground floor 

and an experimental studio upstairs. While the restaurant 

proudly displays an alphabetically arranged selection of 

New World wines, the studio is something of a shrine to 

Natural Wines. What are Natural Wines, you may ask? In 

a nutshell, they are organic or biodynamic wines with little 

or no sulfites, and neither yeast nor additives. Staunch 

advocates preach that hangovers can be avoided by 

drinking only Natural Wines! 

Best For 

New Age epicures who 

champion sustainable 

food and wine practices 

Address 

8-5, Jalan Batai, Plaza 

Batai, Bukit Damansara, 

Kuala Lumpur 

Promotions 

Buy one free one on 

selected bottles of wine 

from 4-8pm 

Three To Try 

- 2012 Pét-Nat from G.D. 

Vajra Albe 

- 2017 Lucy Margaux 

Rosé de Noir Fizzante 

- Unico Zelo Truffle 

Hound 2016 

Staunch 

advocates preach 

that hangovers 

can be avoided by 

drinking only 

Natural Wines 




Wine in KL 

Regale Lounge 

Hidden in plain sight, this wine lounge in Desa Sri 

Hartamas is worth hunting down if only for the 

gracious hospitality. Co-owner Trina, who also 

founded Wine Tasting Malaysia, genuinely enjoys 

sharing her knowledge of and zeal for wine via 

informal wine tasting workshops. Teal sofas and 

ornate embellishments give Regale a Venetian 

feel, and a private room is available via advanced 

bookings. Old World wines take centre stage at 

Regale with up to twelve different whites and reds 

on constant rotation for tastings by the glass. 

Best For 

Catching up with 

girlfriends in a quiet, 

clandestine environment 

Address 

36-1, Jalan 25/70a, 

Desa Sri Hartamas, 

Kuala Lumpur 

Promotions 

- Gal’s Night all night 

every Wednesday 

- High Wine (akin to 

high tea) except that 

your finger food is paired 

with bottomless winebased 

cocktails from 

3-5pm every Sunday 

(reservations required) 

Three To Try 

- Chateau de Lafont 2007 

- Liebfraumilch from 

Rheinhessen 

- Bobal & Cabernet 

Sauvignon by Castillo 

de Liria 

Wine 101 

Origins 

General consensus states that wine was an 

accidental discovery: forsaken vats of wild 

grape juice, which took on a heady quality, 

grew on those who discovered it. The 

earliest evidence of wine (8000 BC) was 

unearthed in Georgia. 

Religious Roots 

Monks are credited for early wine 

cultivation. The Greeks and Romans even 

created and venerated a personification of 

the beverage dubbed Dionysus or Bacchus. 

Old versus New 

Old World and New World are two terms 

that often crop up in wine talk, with the 

former encompassing France, Italy, Spain, 

Portugal, Germany and Greece, and the 

latter entailing America, Australia, South 

Africa, Argentina, Chile, India and Japan. 

What’s in a name? 

Most Old World wines are named after 

their geographic regions whereas New 

World wines are named for their 

grape varietals. 

Debunked 

The perception that ‘old is gold’ only applies 

to a small percentage of wines, usually 

reds. Whites rarely prosper from the aging 

process. 

The 5 S 

These five prompts in the said order will 

help you get more out of your wine drinking 

experience: 

SEE: hold your glass up to the light and 

observe the wine’s colour 

SWIRL: carefully swishing the wine around 

the inside of your glass will help oxidize it 

SNIFF: don’t be shy to stick your nose right 

in the glass to get the full gist of its aromas 

SIP: finally have a taste but hold that 

mouthful for a few seconds 

SAVOUR: swallow the wine but stay aware 

of any aftertaste 




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! 

www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd 

THE 

Good Old Trades 

WORDS & PHOTOS BY FRANCIS YIP 

I 

grew up in Penang Street and lived next to 

a rattan furniture shop. Tourists loved to 

visit the shop and many were fond of the 

rattan balls displayed in the front. Today, the 

shop has been taken over by an Indian tailor. 

Rattan-making like any other old trades are 

struggling due to the declining demands from 

consumers today. 

EVOLUTION 

Time has changed. Some old trades no longer 

exist while some have evolved such as the 

traditional laundry shop or dhoby shop. As 

my grandmother used to own a dhoby shop, 

I still remember vividly how the clothes were 

hand-washed using long bars of soap rather 

than detergent, and charcoal irons were used 

to press the clothes. Today we see the coinoperated 

laundry service taking over these 

traditional laundry shops. 

I also miss those hawkers with yoke on 

their shoulder. It was a common scene to see 

Indian hawkers selling foods like “kuih talam” 

and “laksa” plying regularly along the streets 

of George Town when I was young. 


We don’t see hawker in yoke anymore and 

it is hard for me to find such authentic taste of 

those foods elsewhere. 

In fact, “nasi kandar”, a popular Indian 

Muslim specialty started this way before “nasi 

kandar” shops were set up nationwide. 

Another food trader is the “roti man” in his 

tricycle selling breads especially the famous 

kaya and butter buns. We can still see this 

today and of course, I still love a savoury bite 

of those buns. 

On a metal trade, who could ever think 

sharpening blunt knives could earn a living 

in the past? This trade is usually seen in the 

market, using traditional grinders over the 

electric-powered ones. However, you won’t 

find this trade in the city anymore because 

people can now sharpen their knives at home. 

OLD CHARM 

Some old trades like the making of wooden 

signboards, joss sticks, ancestral tablets, batik, 

songkok, traditional costumes and calligraphy 

are considered our rich cultural heritage. 

They help boost tourism because tourists 

love to see their elaborate and meticulous 

craftsmanship, and their work of art is still 

much needed today. 

For the ladies in their 40’s onwards, they 

may remember a cosmetic, “bedak sejuk” or 

“cooling powder” made from broken rice. My 

mother still pampers her face with the powder 

because like all ladies in her age, she believes 

this cooling powder can make the skin smooth 

and fair. 

The making of this powder is tedious. Bare 

hands are used to wash the rice and dry them 

under the sun. But today, machines are used 

and surprisingly, there is still demand for this 

cooling powder in the market. 

Another trade that never seems to be out 

of sight is paper oblation craft. This trade is 

seen mostly during Chinese cultural festivals, 

such as Ching Beng (prayer day to ancestors) 

and the Hungry Ghost Festival. In the past, we 

only see limited paper items like bungalows, 

cars, shirts and shoes. But today, you can see 

paper iPads, iPhones and more. 

All in all, some old trades are lost or dying 

while others continue to thrive and evolve to 

keep up with the times. 

34-LOSTnFOUND.indd 34 


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