GOASIAPLUS November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018 | ISSUE 30 

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CONTENTS 

EDITOR’S 

NOTE 

3 INSIGHT 

Why Travel is Good for You 

6 OUT & ABOUT 

8 INSIGHT 

Street Puppetry in Kuala Lumpur 

10 LOST & FOUND 

Malaysian Culinary Adventure 

12 TRAVEL 

Gem in the Depth of Surabaya 

20 TRAVEL 

Nong Khai, Thailand 

22 THE FACE OFF 

Dim Sum vs Tapas 

25 FOOD 

A Hawking Romance 

28 INSIGHT 

D’s for Defence 

30 SNAPSHOT STORY 

So often I hear my friends, and even myself, 

say: “I need a break, I need to get away for 

a while.” 

Whether it is to catch our breath, away from 

the pressure cooker of work life, or journey 

on the soul searching need to find ourselves, 

travelling seems a feasible remedy. 

There is a certain magic about going on 

trips, apart from taking you away to unfamiliar 

surroundings, it almost always presents some 

excitement of the unexpected. And because of 

this, we are given the opportunity to redefine the 

perception of life around us. 

However, this only happens if we travel 

with an open mind ever ready to experience 

differences in food and culture of a new place. 

Just as how American Nobel Prize winner author 

John Steinbeck suggested: “People don’t take 

trips… trips take people.” 

When people take trips, they have somehow 

predetermined what they would like to 

experience. People should just let trips take them 

on their journey and let the trips determine what 

you will experience in the end. 

Seasoned traveller Cheng Chee Chung travels 

overseas several times a year and revisited some 

places 7 to 8 times. Each time he would find new 

experiences to excite him. 

In his chat with us (page 3), Chee Chung 

attests to how travels help him to build tolerance 

and acceptance towards diversity. 

To go on trip of this nature, I believe we need 

to travel light and simple, also as a symbol of 

physically leaving behind baggages of stress and 

preconceived notions. 

The year is drawing to a close, take this 

opportunity to spend time with family and loved 

ones to catch up and discover each other again on 

different platforms. 

Happy Holidays! 

John So 

Publisher 

15 TRAVEL 

The Solo Sensation 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

GROUP HEAD & BRANDS 

JOHN SO 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

JAMIE SOO-HOO 

WRITER 

JESSY WONG 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

RICK CHEAH 

CONTRIBUTORS 

FRANCIS YIP, YY CHEN, CANY 

LOKE & MICHELLE LIM 

COVER PHOTO BY 

CANY LOKE 

32 ON THE RADAR 

DIGITAL TEAM 

WEB CONTENT 

JESSY WONG 

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES 

EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM 

SENIOR MANAGER 

SALES & MARKETING 

YONG WANG CHING 

YONG@PCOMASIA.COM 

COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP 

JOHN SO 

JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM 

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INSIGHT 

WHY TRAVEL IS 

GOOD FOR YOU 

VAST TRAVEL EXPERIENCE HAS PUT PANASONIC MALAYSIA MANAGING 

DIRECTOR CHENG CHEE CHUNG IN GOOD STEAD AS A CORPORATE 

FIGURE. HE ATTESTS TO SOME LIFE LESSONS THAT ONE CAN ONLY 

ACQUIRE THROUGH EXPERIENCING DIFFERENT CULTURES. 

Text YY CHEN • Photos CANY LOKE & CHENG CHEE CHUNG 

Before the advent of “everybody can fly”, the 

farthest that Cheng Chee Chung has been away 

from home is to Hong Kong. It was on a student 

exchange program as an undergrad at University of 

Malaya. Subsequently, his frequent travels meant 

commuting the North-South expressway from his home 

in KL to work in Seremban every weekend. 

Today, Chee Chung, the Managing Director for 

Panasonic Malaysia counts his miles from around the 

globe. If travels make a man, then Chee Chung can 

attribute some of his corporate success to his vast 

travel experience. 

“I don’t know how many countries are there 

altogether in Europe but here’s the list of countries 

I have been to,” this seasoned traveller ran his finger 

down 21 names and stopping intermittently to say how 

many times he’s had repeated visits in that country. 

“I love London,” he continues, “I have been there 

more than 10 times.” After those numerous visits you 

wonder what draws him there over and again besides 

visiting a daughter who was studying there. 

“The diversity–mixture of old and new–the history 

and languages! I love Borough market and it’s a must 

stop for me.” Borough market is located in the heart 

of Central London which is a colourful trading square 

that showcases food stuff from cultures all over the 

world, gastro events to keep visitors entertained and it’s 

opened every day except Sunday. 


INSIGHT 

2 

1 

1 A seasoned 

work traveller 

2 An admirable 

weapon with 

Panasonic Double 

Mineral nanoe 

Hair Dryer 3 Chee 

Chung in Norway 

4 A casual day at 

Hallstatt, Austria 

“When you have repeated destinations, you tend 

to stretch your curiosity to look for different things 

of interest. To see how each culture maintain its 

heritage. And everywhere I go I would wake up early 

in the morning, go for a jog, then off to visit the local 

markets for the fruits and good food. That is where 

you get to mingle with the locals and get to know the 

real culture.” 

Chee Chung’s work requires him to travel 

overseas 3 to 4 times a year. With more than 1000 

dealers in their portfolio, the incentive trips are a real 

challenge to organise as many of them are seasoned 

travellers themselves. 

“You need to better yourself every year. If you 

think taking them to Paris is an attraction, some of 

them would have been there several times on their 

own. So, how do we make our incentive trips an 

attraction?” he questions. 

“To select an attractive destination is to create a 

wow factor. We need to introduce an activity to get 

them to learn something on the trip. Last year we 

took a group of dealers who sell cooking equipment 

to Europe and we let them attend a hands-on Cordon 

Bleu cooking class! 

“We also encourage them to try local food even 

though sometimes they are not so keen. Usually on 

the third day the Maggi Mee culture would start,” he 

laughed but quick to add this is now less frequent 

and travellers are more open to try new food. 

TRAVELS MAKE A MAN 

This open-mindedness, Chee Chung advocates, is 

certainly a result of having travelled to experience 

and understand other cultures. 

The memory of his visit to Bhutan is still vivid 

and Chee Chung marvels at how the Paro Takstang 

Tiger Nest monastery was constructed 300 years ago. 

It is nearly 7 hours hike up to the monastery, “and 

the day we were going up it was raining. The group, 

which include a 70-year-old man was encouraging 

each other to go on. The aim was to reach the Tiger 

Nest Monastry!” 

“Bhutan impresses me because it is so different 

from the rest of the world. They don’t kill animals 

for meat there, so meat are scarce because all are 

imported. This country is measured by the happiness 

the residents experience,” Chee Chung said. 

Bhutan is ranked 97 in the UN World Happiness 

report. The measure is defined by an index of 

measurable and attainable life goals–Gross National 

Happiness (GNH). 

It is a destination that intrigued him so much 

4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

INSIGHT 

that he contemplates bringing his family to Bhutan 

for a revisit. This could be a mutual place of interest 

for his family. 

“Accommodating diverse interests is important 

when travelling in group. Sometimes the incentive 

group can range from 40 to more than 100. My 

children prefer ‘free and easy’ trips and stay in 

Airbnb which is a little different from how I would 

travel,” he shares. 

He advises against letting language barrier to 

hamper one from being adventurous during travels. 

“There is technology these days to overcome this 

problem. You can use the phone (app) to translate. 

Also I find that people are generally friendly towards 

us (Malaysians). 

“However, we must always be mindful of personal 

safety, watch out for pickpockets and physical injury. 

When we travel in a group of 70-100 people, all it 

takes is one bad incident to spoil it for everyone.” 

TRAVEL VS 10,000 BOOKS 

‘Better to travel 10,000 miles than to read 10,000 books!’ 

Chee Chung quotes a Chinese proverb to reiterate 

the importance of travel for personal development. 

“When we travel and see how people are different 

outside, we become more tolerant of diversity. It is 

the same at home or at our workplace,” as he relates 

how he uses different and more accepting approach 

when dealing with his wife, his children, his staff in 

the office, his business partners or even his domestic 

help at home. He declares that his travels have helped 

him develop a mindset that everyone is different and 

as individuals they have different expectations too. 

His journey started when he was posted to train 

and work in Panasonic’s air-conditioner factory in 

Osaka, Japan from 1991-1993. He was able to pick up 

some conversational Japanese there as he was alien 

to a work culture where people worked in the office 

for long hours and speaks mostly in Japanese. 

Being able to accept and adapt to that has led 

him to rise from his first position as HR Executive 

to his latest promotion to Managing Director 3 and 

a half years ago. This month Chee Chung would 

have logged 29 years in this company. Chee Chung 

is probably one of the longest serving non-Japanese 

management staff in Panasonic. 

This ManU fan used the analogy of a football 

team to relate how he applies open-mindedness and 

acceptance of diversity helped him run his team. 

“When I was younger I was very strict with 

how people worked even though the objective for 

them was the same–to score goal la! But today, I do 

it differently. 

“I make clear the rules and boundaries and how 

they want to run or score the goal is up to them. 

So long as they score it before 90-minute and won 

the game!” 

3 

4 


EVENTS 

OUT & ABOUT 

LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF 

THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND 

ARTBOX MALAYSIA 

9-11 NOV & 16-18 NOV 

Bangkok’s popular container market is debuting in 

Malaysia for the first time after receiving positive 

success in both Thailand and Singapore in the 

creative retail installments. The market features a 

wide range of delights with over 300 vendors selling 

food and beverages, fashion offering and artworks 

with local performers enlivening the surroundings. 

Sunway City Outdoor Open Air Carpark, Selangor 

www.artbox.my 

MALAYSIAN FESTIVAL 

OF REMEMBRANCE 

11 NOV 

The British Academy of 

Performing Arts is presenting 

a concert in commemorating 

the centenary of the end of 

World War 1 with music by The 

Festival Symphony Orchestra, 

Combined International 

Schools’ Choir and The 

Academy Singers. Hear songs 

from Saving Private Ryan, Les 

Miserables and The Planet 

Suite in the festival. 

Taylor’s University, 

Subang Jaya, Selangor 

www.ticket2u.com 

DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! SEARCH FOR 

THE CITY OF LOST TOYS 

24 NOV 2018-1 JAN 2019 

Nickelodeon’s loveable Latina girl have been bringing 

children around the world on her exciting adventures 

on live stage since 2010. Now, Dora embarks on 

another musical quest to Malaysia in search for the 

her lost teddy bear Osito and needs help from her 

friends to solve the riddles. 

Resorts World Genting, Pahang 

www.rwgenting.com 

GUNS N’ ROSES NOT IN 

THIS LIFETIME TOUR 

20-21 NOV 

America’s hard rock, heavy metal 

band with the best-selling debut 

album ‘Appetite for Destruction’ 

has been captivating the rock 

scene since 1985. With their 

spirited rock fans, Guns N’ Roses 

band members celebrate the 

ongoing Not In This Lifetime 

tour as the 4th highest grossing 

concert tour of all time. 

AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong 

www.livenation.asia 

PINOT PALOOZA 

24 NOV 

This is the biggest year for Pinot Palooza to be touring 

across 11 cities in 5 countries to introduce some of the finest 

wines on earth. While you drink up on music and unlimited 

artisanal wines at Pinot Noir festival, each ticket also comes 

complimentary wine glass for you to take home. 

Theatreworks, Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 

www.revel.global 


INSIGHT 

PUPPETRY PERFORMERS UNEARTH 

ON THE STREETS IN THE ACT OF 

PERSEVERING THE TRADITIONAL ART 

AND INTRODUCING CONTEMPORARY 

PUPPETRY THROUGH MALAYSIA’S 

CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL IN 

URBANSCAPES 2018. 

STREET PUPPETRY 

IN KUALA LUMPUR 

Text JESSY WONG 

Photos MALAYSIAN PUPPETRY ASSOCIATION 

& HORNG YIH WONG 

Malaysian Puppetry Association (MPA) is 

ready to shine under the streetlight by 

debuting in Malaysia’s longest-running 

creative arts festival for their first time. Dating back 

the country’s history, puppetry is an ancient art 

performance founded prior to the colonial times in 

Malaysia. Founding members of MPA, Prof. Dr. Loy 

Chee Luen and Easee Gan, prepare themselves to 

reestablish the crafts and mastery of puppetry to 

the public. 

PUPPETS IN MALAYSIA 

Puppets come to life in many forms and the common 

ones in this country are glove puppet, rod puppet 

and shadow puppet. Glove puppet and rod puppet 

originated in China while shadow puppet–known 

as wayang kulit here–came from either Thailand or 

Indonesia. These shadow figures are made of animal 

hide, mostly cow skin to be molded and painted to 

their desired outcome. 

Malaysia’s contemporary puppetry has started 

to develop since 1980s. While traditional puppetry 

is preciously paired with traditional music, 

contemporary puppetry uses modern musical 

instruments and various innovative styles. “Puppet 

theatre used to only feature puppets and figures but 

now we even have performers who are dressed in 

costumes as puppets on stage.” said Easee. 

Prof. Dr. Loy shares that they source their 

puppets from everywhere like Kelantan to China. He 

continued, “Puppet costumes are all self-made. For 

handmade glove puppets, it would take around 6 to 8 

hours to complete.” 

A NEW ART APPROACH 

Taking contemporary puppetry to another level, 

MPA is promoting this cultural art by using a 

transformative mobile cart as the stage. Easee 

explains that “we want to make art accessible to 

everyone so by having a mobile stage, we could move 

around in the city easily.” 

In line with Urbanscapes’ theme of 

#REIMAGINEKL, MPA is presenting a puppetry 

story of Yap Ah Loy, the developer of Kuala Lumpur 

city in 19th century. Written and directed by Easee, 

‘The Story of Ah Loy’, incorporates a time-travelling 

Ah Loy who appears in 21st Kuala Lumpur and 

searches for ways to save the modern city from 

crumbling. 

This street performance on cart would transcend 

language barriers and generation gaps as it uses 

no dialogue, only modern music and audience 

interaction in the street theatre. MPA also aims 

to foster unity through the representation of a 

Malaysian society through puppetry. “We want to 

make people to connect with our puppets. They are 

dressed from baju melayu to the traditional outfits 

of the Borneo indigenous tribes,” Prof. Dr. Loy 

points out. 

This year’s Urbanscapes will be held from 3 

till 18 November all around Kuala Lumpur from 

Chin Woo Stadium to Medan Pasar and Petaling 

Street. Urbanscapes introduces their 2018 theme of 

#REIMAGINEKL with a diverse international music 

lineup, audio-visual installations, art exhibitions, 

talks and performances. For more details on lineup 

and programs, visit www.urbanscapes.com.my. 


LOST & FOUND 

Text and photos 

FRANCIS YIP 

MALAYSIAN 

CULINARY 

ADVENTURE 

Malaysians love to eat. Just look at the endless 

array of foods and places to eat. You can 

easily come across street food stalls or 

kopitiam (coffee shop) almost everywhere. In fact, 

foods have become so deep-rooted in our culture that 

we even greet one another with “Sudah makan tak?” 

(Have you eaten?) to mean “How are you?”. 

As Malaysia is a melting pot of many cultures and 

races, our foods are truly unique and mostly a fusion 

of our diverse cultures. 

ORIGIN OF FOODS 

Malaysian foods are as rich as the country’s history. 

The flavours are vibrant, diverse and eclectic. In the 

15th century, the Malay kingdom was famed for spice 

trade and soon, the influx of traders from China, India 

and the Middle East countries had created an exciting 

food gastronomy, blending a variety of spices, flavours 

and cooking techniques. 

And when the British brought in Chinese 

and Indian immigrants in the 19th century, these 

communities brought along their foods and soon, 

they assimilated with the local cultures and created a 

fusion of local cuisines. 

Fusion had sparked debates of the food origin. 

One such example is bah kut teh (meat bone tea). 

Malaysians claimed it is from Port Klang while 

Singaporeans claimed the food is from Clarke Quay 

and River Valley. Likewise, Malaysia and Indonesia 

claimed satay, a Malay barbecued meat and nasi 

lemak, a Malay fragrant rice dish as theirs. 

Nasi lemak was initially a farmer’s meal. It is 

conveniently a on-the-go filling dish for a long 

field day. Traditionally, it is served with anchovies, 

eggs, beef and chicken. Today, nasi lemak has more 

variants such as Nasi Lemak Tujuh Benua (Seven 

Continents Nasi Lemak) with seven coloured rice. 

A MODERN VARIETY 

The term “mamak” is used to describe the Indian- 

Muslim community. These mamak stalls normally 

open until the wee hours of the morning and is a 

popular place for Malaysians to gather and enjoy 

watching soccer on the TV there. 

Foods served at mamak stalls vary from roti 

canai, nasi kandar, nasi goreng to mee goreng and 

murtabak. Roti canai or roti prata is a flatbread with 

Indian origin and often served with dhal and fish 

or chicken curry. It has evolved so much that a stall 

in Wangsa Maju was found serving 30 types of roti 

canai, including Roti Hawaii, Roti Jepun, Roti Salad, 

and Roti Saga. 

The same has happened to mooncakes. It has 

more varieties now such as durian, chocolate, 

pineapple, green tea and others compared to only 

lotus paste and red bean paste in the past. 

I was also taken by surprise recently at the 

Ramadan Bazaar when I saw Malaysian Chinese pau 

or dumpling now comes in all shapes and sizes, from 

chili-shaped, pineapple-shaped to peanut-shaped pau 

and more. 

Next, Nyonya cookings by the Straits Chinese 

or Peranakan community blend Chinese ingredients 

with various distinct spices and cooking techniques 

employed by the Malay community. Hence, Nyonya 

foods are unique and their interpretations of Malay 

foods are tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal. 

It is believed that assam laksa is originated from 

this community. It is a sweet, sour and spicy rice 

noodles dish with shredded fish, sliced pineapples, 

cucumbers, onions, lettuce and red chillies. In fact, 

Penang Assam Laksa is ranked number 7 on the 

World’s 50 Best Foods by CNN. Now I am hungry! 

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 franciswriter 


TRAVEL 

2 

1 

GEM IN THE 

DEPTH OF 

SURABAYA 

THIS LUXURIOUS HIDEAWAY STARTED WITH 

NOBLE INTENTIONS OF IMPROVING THE 

LIVELIHOOD OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES 

WITH PROFITS FROM IT'S ORGANIC FARM, ECO 

RESORT AND WELLNESS RETREAT. BUT ALL THAT 

ASIDE, THERE IS SOMETHING MYSTERIOUSLY 

CHARMING ABOUT THIS SANCTUARY-LIKE 

RESORT THAT'S WORTH DISCOVERING. 

Text and photos YY CHEN 

3 

Walking around Kaliandra Sejati after the 

rain is like spooning ais batu campur (ice 

dessert with mixed jelly condiments) into 

your mouth on a hot day. There's always something 

different tasting that pops to tantalise your taste 

buds as you savour every spoonful. 

The Kaliandra Sejati eco resort and farm is 

charming even in the pouring rain. And more so when 

the rain has stopped as the mist blanketed paths lead 

you to surprises that seem mysteriously hidden. 

As the car drove through the gates, after the 1 

hour 45 minutes journey from Juanda Airport in 

Surabaya Indonesia, it went across a wide expanse 

of open land before it parked under an enormous 

banyan tree. 

The architectural intention of building around 

its natural environment was significantly evident in 

details of how structures, no matter how prominent, 

did not stand out jarringly against the backdrop. At 

a glance it looked like a regular Javanese resort. But 

standing on the porch of one of the basic chalets, 

while waiting for the rain to stop, my mind captured 

the mesmerising downpour falling from one level of 

foliage onto another and eventually cascading down 

stone steps into a pond. 


TRAVEL 

“In the fenced up grounds of the villa, deers 

and peacocks roamed freely.” 

4 

It was almost a poetic moment. I knew then it 

was the beginning of an adventure. Kaliandra Sejati 

is named after the flowering plant that is native to 

tropical America, Calliandra Haematocephala or 

commonly known as the red powder puff that is rich 

in antioxidant properties. 

This resort and eco farm is run by the Kaliandra 

Foundation that was set up to better the lives 

of the community via jobs and produce. A quick 

explanation by the communication officer revealed 

a heartwarming story of the owner Pak Atmadja 

whose birthplace was the nearby village in Pasuruan. 

An architect by profession, he decided to build this 

resort so that the villagers would have jobs and land 

to grow organic vegetables for sale. 

“Pak Admatja’s heart is always with the people. 

When he heard that the community wanted a football 

field, he built one for them near the resort,” one of 

the staff remarked. 

The rain had stopped and it was time to take 

a walk to our accommodation a short distance 

away. We heard it was really luxurious but we could 

not imagine until we came face to face with this 

sprawling French inspired villa, the Villa Leduk. It 

made me feel like the kids in the movie, ‘The Lion, 

the Witch and the Wardrobe’ when they came to the 

other side of the fantasy through the wardrobe. 

Peacocks of various colours, white and turquoise, 

roamed freely and coming close to walk alongside 

us and paths were well laid out with much of the 

foliage on the sides intact. The interior decor were a 

little ornate but befits the design of the building in 

all its luxurious splendour. Despite its lush natural 

environment and the great outdoor, accommodations 

were kept spotlessly clean. This feeling one gets in 

this part of the resort is evidently very different from 

the traditional Javanese part when we first entered. 

You can help but be constantly curious and 

surprised at how this building that seemed like it had 

been transported from the other side of the world 

could blend so well in this environment. As curiosity 

took us deeper into the well-manicured gardens, we 

were greeted by a similar villa nearby. We were told 

that was Pak Atmadja’s home. 

In the fenced up grounds of the villa, deers and 

peacocks roamed freely. The walkways were clear 

and free from undergrowth which make a stroll after 

the rain pleasant and cool. Near the organic garden, 

tresses of long roots hang like a curtain over the path 

to the organic farm. 

Plots of the land are allocated to individuals 

from the community to cultivate with support of the 

foundation. Caretakers of the plots will share the 

produce with the Kaliandra Foundation which will 

take to packing and sending them to retailers 

in town. 

This treasure find of a destination which is 

almost 20 years old is immaculately maintained. 

It also has accommodation for large groups as well 

as backpackers. 

1 The garden 

landscape at Kaliandra 

Sejati 2 A clear pool in 

the midst of greenery 

3 A peacock casually 

perched at the 

compound 4 The eco 

resort let its animals to 

roam freely 


TRAVEL 

THE SOLO SENSATION 

IT’S THE TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN FOR SELF-LOVE IN ASIA. MAKE NOVEMBER 

11 EVEN MORE MEMORABLE BY TRAVELLING TO THESE 11 PLACES THAT ARE 

PERFECT FOR A REFRESHING SOLO TRIP ON THIS SINGLES’ DAY. 

Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & JESSY WONG 

First started in China, November 11 is observed as a 

pride day for single people to be proud of themselves 

and to overthrow the “being single” stigma. This 

singlehood festival is celebrated on the eleventh month due 

to its date that consists of 4 symbolic “ones”. 

Presently, Singles’ Day is popularized all across Asia 

so try kick it up a notch by going on a solo retreat. The 

many wonders of Asia gather places that are good for 

group travelling as well as gems that are enjoyable by an 

individual. Be it in a museum or cruising down a river, you 

will be undeterred by having no companions in doing these 

activities that are ideal for a happy single traveller. 


TRAVEL 

HUALIEN, TAIWAN 

The calm coastal city lies as a district in the east of 

Taiwan. Located 2 hours away from Taipei, the serene 

town is packed with wondrous sights of nature at 

Taroko Gorge, national park. It is landscaped with 

cliffs, canyons, jungle and a gushing green river. Sign 

up for tours to join the whale watching activity or 

scenic journey around the east coast that will bring 

you around to Fanshuliao Valley and see the Pacific 

coastline. At night, visit Dongdamen Night Market for 

lip-smacking Taiwan food and souvenir shopping. 

2 

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA 

GUILIN, CHINA 

As the locals claim, Guilin has the finest landscape under heaven. 

Catch the beauty of China down at the southern state at the Li River 

waterway that runs from Guilin to Yangshuo. Embark on the scenic 

cruise in motorised bamboo rafts to enjoy the decorated river with 

karst mountains, mist and incredible caves. The ride takes 4 to 5 

hours to Yangshuo and there, cycling is the perfect mode to get 

around the laidback countryside. Ride to Liugong village alongside 

rice paddies and water buffalos. A must-try is their local rice in 

bamboo tube. The aromatic sticky rice is cooked with peanuts and 

herbs in an open fire in the tube. 

This bustling capital tops the solo traveller’s list with 

its historical relations to the Khmer Empire and French 

colonialists. A day trip to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum 

will stir emotions and enlighten visitors on Asia’s most 

atrocious regime. Most will continue the journey to 

Choeung Ek Killing Fields. At both destinations, there are 

personal audio earphone tours in various languages for 

visitors. One may also go for an architectural tour around 

the city to see iconic buildings of French influences. 

16 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

3

TRAVEL 

SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES 

4 

Known as the surfing capital of Philippines, Siargao 

attracts major surfers from August till November for 

their good waves at Cloud 9. However, non-surfers 

can opt for an island hopping trip that charges by 

head and not by boat. The tour will take you to other 

small islands surrounding Siargao and the Sugba 

Lagoon. Visitors would stand-up paddle, jump on 

the diving board, snorkel in the clear waters at Sugba 

Lagoon. On the next day, take a boat ride to Sohoton 

Cove in Bucas Grande, navigate the turquoise 

waterways and caves while swimming with stingless 

jellyfishes. To dine, you may even buy raw seafood 

from their marketplace and request the chefs at 

restaurants or resorts to cook it for you. 

HONG KONG 

Hong Kong is always described as a unique East Asia 

country with Chinese values instilled in Western 

lifestyle. Therefore, this safe country has many to offer 

for all kinds of budget and activities from oriental 

dining to high-end retail. One of the reasons to love 

Hong Kong is their fast-paced lifestyle that doesn’t 

dawdle so travelling alone let you to act on your own 

heed. November is one of the best months to visit the 

country for one to stop at Victoria Peak, discovering 

Causeway Bay and hike at Hong Kong’s hilly landscapes 

for picturesque views. Stay over at Victoria Harbour at 

night to catch the Symphony of Lights skyscraper show 

at the waterfront. 

5 

GILI AIR, INDONESIA 

YUFUIN, JAPAN 

6 

If taking baths with someone you know makes you 

anxious, you may do so in ease while travelling solo on 

the southern island of Kyushu. Tucked at the foot of 

Mount Yufu, the small quaint town in the valley is known 

their hot spring. You may go for onsen hopping from 

indoor to outdoor baths and ryokan (traditional Japanese 

inn) to bath houses. Unlike other traditional onsen 

resorts, the dashing town has more to offer with art 

galleries, museums, themed cafes and boutiques. Find 

a string of shops surrounding Lake Kinrinko, a natural 

attraction in Yufuin. Also close to Beppu, you may get to 

Yufuin via trains from other major cities. 

Out in the Indian Ocean are Gili Islands for one 

to take an incredibly peaceful island getaway in 

Indonesia. Also a part of Lombok, Gili Islands are 

made up of three smaller islands and are accessible 

via boat from Lombok or Bali. Gili Air is one to 

look out for as the absence of motor vehicles and 

big parties in the island creates a quiet and calm 

beach life. Get around with rental bicycles and 

one may set out on their own to see fishes and 

corals that are close to the coastline by renting 

snorkelling gears. For a self-improvement retreat, 

diving classes are popular here as well as a yoga 

and meditation center. 

7 


TRAVEL 

9 

KO PHA-NGAN, THAILAND 

Although labeled as Thailand’s party 

island, Koh Pha-ngan has an ideal 

balance of festivity and serenity. Main 

beach Haad Rin is a jolly spot for crowds 

but there are plenty of other beaches to 

be explored by beach-bums. For other 

rejuvenative activities, try your hand in 

Muay Thai martial art, yoga by the sea 

or body detox in their herbal sauna. Be 

spoilt for choice at Thong Sala night 

market that sells food at a good value. 

JAIPUR, INDIA 

India’s Pink City is a definite stop for 

a traveller to navigate the shopping 

streets and historic centers. This entire 

city is a candy to eyes with the hues of 

pastel pink and architectural symmetry 

in town. Be amazed with the honeycomb 

structure of Hawa Mahal, the elegant 

Jaipur City Palace and climb the 

centurion old Amer Fort. The unending 

alleys of bazaars, shops and savoury 

local food is a maze worth exploring. 

MALACCA, MALAYSIA 

Known for its historical landmarks like 

A’Famosa by Portugese and Stadthuys 

from Dutch, this UNESCO World 

Heritage Site is a diversely rich cultural 

town. Rent a bicycle for sightseeing 

around town and visit the Malacca 

riverfront. Besides, Malacca is a budgetfriendly 

option for single travellers with 

an abundance of yummy local fare and 

budget hotels. Take a stroll at Jonker 

Walk’s night market to find local gems. 

MEDAN, INDONESIA 

Food is the best companion when you’re 

travelling alone and Medan is a place 

known for their manifold of heritage 

cuisines. Medan is the melting pot for 

various ethnicities in Indonesia. Some 

fares to consider are bihun bebek (duck 

noodles) and sate padang (skewered 

meat and gravy). Besides the food coma, 

visit the deepest lake in the world at 

Lake Toba and sightsee their royal 

residence at Maimoon Palace. 

0 


TRAVEL 

Road Less Travelled is a collaboration with AirAsiaGo. 

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

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED 

NONG KHAI, 

THAILAND 

ACROSS THE GREAT MEKONG RIVER FROM 

VIENTIANE IS NAGA CITY–A CHARMING 

TOWN GUARDED BY MEKONG GIANT 

SERPENTS. NONG KHAI IS LOCATED AT 

THE FARTHEST NORTHEAST OF THAILAND, 

SHARING HISTORY AND BORDERS WITH 

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRY, LAOS WITH 

PLENTY OF CULTURAL FESTIVALS. 

GOOD 

to 

KNOW 

Text JESSY WONG Photos ADOBE STOCK & AIRASIAGO 

HOW TO GET THERE 

The closest airport to the area is Udon Thani 

International Airport; accessible via direct 

international flight with AirAsia or Thailand’s 

domestic airlines from major airports in the country. 

Upon landing, take a 1-hour ride in buses or minivan 

to Nong Khai. For train enthusiasts, you can consider 

riding from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway 

Station to Nong Khai for 10-12 hours. 

WHAT TO DO 

The exceptional site in Nong Khai is a sculptural 

park. Sala Kaew Ku houses massive concrete 

statues of Buddhist and Hindu motifs besides other 

mythological creation with over 20 metres tall. Go to 

Wat Po Chai temple to see one of Thailand’s most 

famous Buddha image in the city. 

Away from town is Issan Rum Distillery, a 

quaint lovely place to explore the production of rum 

and you’ll find yourself purchasing a few bottles after 

tasting the drink. Make sure to walk at Tha Sadet 

Market, a Thai-Lao Indochina day market that sells 

an assortment of goods and foods. 

20 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

WHERE TO STAY 

Panlaan Boutique Resort is a 3-star establishment 

suited for big family and couple travellers. The hotel 

is also close to the iconic Thai-Laos Friendship 

Bridge and Nong Thin Public Park. Otherwise, Vana 

Wellness Resort has spa amenities, bicycle rentals 

on site and is located near other attractions. 

WHERE TO EAT 

You’ll be spoilt with choice at Tha Sadet Market 

and make sure to try the barbecued seafood there. 

Another top dining scene in Nong Khai is Nagarina 

Restaurant serving Thai-Isaan cuisine and fresh 

seafood on a floating dock. For a change of taste 

buds, try Vietnamese food at Daeng Namnuang 

restaurant known for their spring rolls and skewers. 

Loy Kratong, a 

harvest festival, will 

be celebrated on 23 

November this year 

by offering flower 

shrines and candles 

to Mekong river. 

Rocket Festival is 

celebrated in May 

every year to give 

thanks to the God of 

Rain by launching 

rockets to the sky. 

Nong Khai has a 

distinctive Isaan 

culture that 

originates from 

Thai and Lao roots. 

Locals are able to 

speak both Thai 

language and the 

Isaan dialect which 

has similarities to 

Lao language.

THE FACE OFF 

FACE OFF: 

DIM SUM VS TAPAS 

EVERYONE ENJOY THE OCCASIONAL SMALL BITES. IN THE EAST, WE ARE ALL 

FAMILIAR WITH THE DELICIOUS FARE OF DIM SUM. WHEREAS IN THE WEST, 

THEY HAVE TAPAS. BOTH ARE ESSENTIALLY SMALL PLATES OF FOOD STEEPED 

DEEP IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CULTURAL ORIGINS AND OCCASIONALLY, 

FUSIONED. LET’S SEE HOW THE LITTLE BITES DIFFERS FROM EAST TO WEST. 

DIM SUM 

Text MICHELLE LIM • Photos GETTY IMAGES & ADOBE STOCK 

ORIGINS 

Dim sum has a 2,500 year old origin. 

From being an exclusive luxury food 

to the Emperor of China to later being 

served in teahouses along Silk Road, 

dim sum as we know today is the typical 

‘Chinese brunch’. The word dim sum 

means ‘touch the heart’ in Chinese. The 

small portions were designed to merely 

touch the heart, not sate the appetite – 

which is why dim sum is taken as a snack 

in olden days, not a meal. Times have 

changed and now there are usually over 

50 varieties of dishes you can choose 

to order from an extensive menu. Each 

plate of food is traditionally served in 

a steamer basket of bamboo material, 

usually with three of a dish arranged 

neatly in a circle. It has been inextricably 

linked with yum cha–the act of drinking 

tea–so much so that tea is a main 

complement to a dim sum meal. 

INGREDIENTS 

The most common ingredients used 

in every dim sum outlet are pork and 

prawns. Most of these delicious bits of 

meat are neatly ensconced in a semitranslucent 

wheat starch skin. They 

are expertly pleated and wrapped into 

delectable, bite-sized pieces–giving you 

popular menu items such as har gou and 

siu mai. Other popular food items are 

braised chicken feet, fried yam balls, char 

siew pao, golden (yolk) custard buns, 

congee, lo mai kai (steamed glutinous 

rice) and not forgetting the super 

popular egg tarts to end the meal with. 

POPULARITY 

Dim sum is easily found in almost 

every country in South East Asia, 

predominantly in Hong Kong where the 

‘best dim sum eateries in the world’ hail 

from. However, it has definitely gained 

popularity in the West in recent years, 

where dim sum is served in almost every 

Chinese restaurant. It is so popular that 

even ‘halal’ or pork-free versions of dim 

sum are being introduced to Muslim 

dominant countries. The dish has also 

been experimented with fusion cooking 

(much to the horror of the Chinese) 

to include Western touches that would 

appeal to their own local tastes. 


THE FACE OFF 

TAPAS 

ORIGINS 

Tapas originated from Spain where it is 

believed to be first conceived by King 

Alfonso X of Castille, who had been 

stricken with a serious illness which only 

allowed him to take in small portions 

of food with small amounts of wine. 

The word ‘tapa’ literally means ‘a cover 

or lid’–as the Spanish bars back then 

were standing-only affairs, people who 

ordered a snack had nowhere to put 

their plate but on top of their glasses, so 

much so that they act as lids. Today, the 

world have taken tapas to new heights, 

incorporating them into full-blown 

meals in Spanish and fusion restaurants, 

something that you can now find in both 

the West and certain parts of Asia. Top 

chefs of the world have even elevated 

tapas from a simple bite to Michelinstarred 

dining. 

INGREDIENTS 

There are literally hundreds of tapas 

varieties, but the main staples usually 

consist of shrimp, cured meat, minced 

meat and lots of herbs. Iberian ham 

served as a cold cut with cheese makes 

one of the firm favourites, along with 

spicy chorizo. Gambas al ajillo (shrimp 

cooked with garlic in olive oil) is another 

popular staple; and deep-fried items like 

croquetas and patatas bravas. You can’t 

enjoy tapas without some carbs (to soak 

up some of the alcohol), so tortillas 

and montaditos (small sandwiches) are 

served with various types of meat or 

vegetarian stuffing, usually accompanied 

by cheese. Most Spanish tapas are spicy, 

so you can definitely expect a good kick 

out of them. 

POPULARITY 

Tapas are especially popular in the 

United States where the food scene is 

a huge melting pot of culture. Some 

establishments in Asia have also 

introduced tapas into their menus, but 

its popularity has yet to soar to greater 

heights in this region. The tradition 

of eating tapas has still maintained 

itself as an appetizer or snack found 

in bodegas, bars or restaurants. Unlike 

dim sum, it has not turned into a 

full-blown mealtime affair–which is 

understandable, seeing as how tapas 

consist of very rich (and possibly 

fattening) fare that would be far better 

suited to be paired with alcohol and 

good company. 


FOOD 

A HAWKING 

ROMANCE 

FOOD IS A DEEPLY ROOTED AFFAIR FOR 

MALAYSIANS. STRIPPING GLAM AND 

MODERNISM AWAY, JESSY WONG DIGS 

INTO THE NOVELTY OF STREET FOOD IN 

THE COUNTRY BEFORE IT MAPS INTO THE 

FOOTPRINT OF FAME IN THE PRESENT. 

Text JESSY WONG 

Photos ADOBE STOCK, JESSY WONG & SOULED OUT 

Today, local fares do not only transcend our 

culinary indulgence into bliss; it resonates 

as a significant cultural identity for 

Malaysians. If we are away from our motherland 

for too long, there are two things that we will 

definitely miss–our families and of course, 

local food. Not only homemade cuisine, but the 

‘outside’ food cooked by one particular uncle that 

hangs a towel over his shoulder or from that aunty 

who loves to add chillies in everything she makes. 

Hawkers make up an essential part of the food 

scene in this country that could not be replaced. 

However, this authentic offering is a precious 

trade dwindling in number over the years. The 

change of generation, hawker health hazards, 

government intervention and modernisation have 

altered this nostalgic gem. Additionally, most of 

the young ones are guilty of seeking fast-paced 

ostentatious food to feed not only their stomachs 

but the unseen digital world. 

The laborious task of peddling the cart, 

hovering over the hot stove for long hours in the 

shade of an upcycled banner to cook up some of 

world’s best cuisines, should be nominated as our 

national treasure. Birth out of necessity, glorified 

with sentimentality and now endangered against 

time, the romance of hawkers in Malaysia is 

certainly something out of the ordinary. 


FOOD 

EVOLUTION 

OF HAWKERS 

 

ARRIVAL OF 

SETTLERS 

For the Chinese labourers 

that migrated to the Straits of 

Malacca in the 19th century, 

many of these immigrants 

are single men who took the 

golden ticket to change the 

course of their lives. 

 

LIMITED FACILITIES 

Migrant families and 

single occupants live 

cramped quarters with 

inadequate facilities to 

prepare meals so eating 

home cooked food was 

a matter of luxury in 

former times. 

 

EATING OUT 

Since dining in is not a 

choice, street food are 

created on demand. The 

home-style dishes are 

made in the simplest 

means possible and 

sold on the streets in 

affordable prices. 


FOOD 

CHECK 

OUT 

2 

Even though the sight of hawkers operating 

by the roadside has decreased over the years, 

their food prevailed and can be found in malls 

and restaurants. Check out these places that 

serves street food in style: 

3 

MALAYSIA BOLEH! 

A food court in Shoppes, Four Seasons Place 

Kuala Lumpur features a variety of famous 

hawkers across the peninsular like Yong 

Peng Xi Dao fishball, Bukit Mertajam’s rojak, 

Yong Kee char kway teow and Penang Road 

Teochew cendol. 

4 

SOULed OUT 

Pair delicious local street food with tropical 

mocktails and mojitos at this Desa Sri 

Hartamas restaurant. Worth-mentioning are 

their made-to-perfection nasi lemak, curry 

laksa and fusion Asiana pizza made with 

anchovies, nuts and coriander. 

1 

1 Curry mee at 

SOULed Out 2 

Malaysia Boleh! 

foodcourt at Shoppes, 

Four Seasons Place 

3 Klang bah kut teh 

at Malaysia Boleh! 4 

SOULed Out at Desa 

Sri Hartamas 

 

FOOT TO WHEELS 

With more resources, 

baskets turn into carts 

where sellers could move 

from one place to another in 

ease. This change is slowly 

realised with charcoal stove 

and cooking utensils to 

cook on request. 

 

MODERNITY ENSUES 

Many hawkers move to food 

courts/centers to sell food due 

to government intervention, 

ease of cooking facilities and 

hygiene purposes. Hawking 

by the street starts to pose 

danger due to the increase of 

cars on the road. 

 

FOOD AT CALL 

Town people 

start selling food 

sold in baskets 

hanging on a single 

pole balanced on 

shoulders, roaming 

the streets for 

potential patrons. 

 

AGE OF HAWKERS 

For decades, the reception 

for warm fast food is so 

terrific that streets were 

occupied by hawkers from 

one end to the other. Food 

and desserts like char kway 

teow, laksa and cendol 

became popular street food. 

 

INDOOR STREET FOOD 

By appeasing the food 

popularity and demand, 

vendors have significantly 

increased their accessibility 

everywhere. Presently, 

street food can be tasted 

even in high-end airconditioned 

places. 


INSIGHT 

D’S FOR DEFENCE 

SELF-DEFENCE IS OFTEN TAKEN FOR GRANTED AND 

REGARDED AS A SPORT. THESE VIOLATIONS USUALLY COME 

WHEN WE ARE DISTRACTED SUCH AS DURING TRAVELS. 

YOSHINKAN AIKIDO MALAYSIA ANNUAL SELF-DEFENCE 

WORKSHOP TEACHES A FEW MOVES OF PROTECTION. 

Text YY CHEN • Photos YOSHINKAN AIKIDO MALAYSIA 

Avoidance is the best form of self-defence. 

But that’s just a general rule. What happens 

when the inevitable happens? And there’s no 

chance to whip out the pepper spray, kubotan (the 

pocket stick), the compact ‘McGyver’ penknife or 

even to press the emergency dial on your mobile? 

“Die!” You tell yourself. Let’s just pause for 

a moment and wiki into this serious matter; “... 

countermeasure that involves defending the health and 

well-being of oneself from harm.” 

“Self-defence is about survival,” Aikido exponent, 

Malaysia chief instructor 7th Dan Black Belt Sonny 

Loke defines it succinctly. “It is about getting away 

from a hazardous situation and having to apply a 

physical technique should be of the last resort.” 

At the numerous self-defence workshops that he has 

conducted for staff of corporations and individuals, 

Sonny and his team have designed an easy to 

remember 3 steps as self-defence moves: 'Distract', 

'Disengage' and 'Depart'. 

He however cautioned that “these responses 

to an attack should happen within few seconds, 

anything longer than that, there would eliminate the 

element of surprise to the attacker.” 

The first lesson at the workshop was participants 

to be alert and avoid being a target for professionals. 

He cited a few situations where travellers put 

themselves in vulnerable positions. 

Over-shopped with expensive branded stuffs in 

eye-catching designers shopping bags. Too busy 

with carrying shopping bags with no freehand to 

do anything else let alone protect themselves. Or 

pay attention to your purse. 

Being oblivious on your surroundings coming 

away from a money changer or ATM, and placing 

the whole stack of money in one place. 

Over-trusting other diners in restaurant by 

placing your belongings carelessly while dining. 

Busy talking on the phone or looking down while 

texting in a crowded place. 

Your preliminary move to keep personal safety 

in check is a good posture. “It is a manifestation of a 

person’s mental state. Always maintain head up, neck 

straight and chest up. 

“Profile your surroundings especially in public 

transport and where we dine too. Think ahead of 

scenarios and it helps to be a bit paranoid to keep us 

alert and not being careless.” 

In Yoshinkan Aikido Malaysia, participants are 

taught 4 simplified routine moves that cover moving 

forward to both sides of the attacker, opening body 

sideways to receive the attacker and stepping back. 

These 4 movements allow the body to be 

positioned at angles close but away from direction of 

the attacker and allow the victim to execute effective 

self-defence techniques. 

“The first thing that Aikido teaches is never to 

go head on, instead we avoid the attack by getting 

off the line of attack. Allow the attacker's force to 

project forward thus unbalancing the attacker. We 

then neutralize the situation by a lock, pin or throw 

on the attacker,” Sonny explains. 

Even though the moves taught at the workshop 

seem simple enough but it needs practice to allow the 

participants to execute on reflex when the situation 

arise. And this would mean repetitive execution of 

the techniques. 

“As in all martial arts, to be able to master 

and applies what you have learned in unavoidable 

situations requires years of dedicated training. Aikido 

is no exception. Finally, adding to a traveler’s ‘Dos 

and Don’t’s’ list, he said: “Trust your intuition.” 


Debunking Food Fables 

GET DOWN TO THE SIMPLEST MEANS OF NOURISHING OUR HEALTH WITH DR LIM SOO SAN, 

PHYSICIAN AND ENDOCRINOLOGIST FROM PANTAI HOSPITAL CHERAS IN UNDERSTANDING 

THE TRUTH BEHIND A PROPER NUTRITIONAL THERAPY FOR OUR BODIES. 

ALL CARBS ARE GOOD BECAUSE IT’S AT THE 

BOTTOM OF THE FOOD PYRAMID 

This is the biggest misconception for all. There’s a 

difference between wholegrain and refined carbs. 

Wholegrain food is high in fiber which makes it the 

healthiest to consume daily. Instead of white rice, opt 

for brown rice, quinoa and millet for a wholesome meal. 

EATING HEALTHY IS SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT 

ILLNESSES 

Nutritional therapy extends from just abiding the 

food pyramid consumption. Without daily exercises, 

our bodies are susceptible to breakdown and ailing. A 

constant workout, adequate hydration and sleep are 

also recommended to keep our weight in control. 

ALCOHOL IS DETRIMENTAL TO OUR BODIES 

The worst kind of alcohol is definitely beer but not all 

of it is bad. However, red wine has antioxidants that 

can promote our heart health and is good for blood 

circulation. Nonetheless, do drink it in moderation. 

TRAVELLERS’ DIARRHEA IS UNPREVENTABLE 

You can be saved from the stomach agony that will ruin 

your trip. Take precaution and be protected with an 

oral or injectable vaccine if you are travelling to places 

that have high chances of cholera and other traveller’s 

diseases. Also, choose your food wisely as this does not 

give you a free pass from the sickness. 

MEAL REPLACEMENT IS NOT REAL FOOD 

Although meal shakes, drink sachets and energy bars 

are not all tasty, it does pack a good amount of essential 

protein, fiber and nutrients like a real meal. Meal 

replacement is convenient especially for on-the-go people 

and travellers. One is advised to consume the calories 

adequately depending on their individual body weight. 

SNACKING CONTRIBUTES TO WEIGHT GAIN 

Don’t suffer from poor snack choices! Snacking can boost 

your mood and prevent overeating during main meal time. 

Just make sure to pick your snacks from the lower food 

pyramid like nuts, fruits serving and veggies. 

BROUGHT TO YOU BY 

SCAN FOR SPECIAL 

HEALTH PACKAGE 

(KKLIU 2142/2018) 

Dr Lim Soo San 

Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist 

MBBS (HONS) (AUST), B Sc (Med) (Hons) 

(AUST), FRCP (UK), AM (MAL) 

1, Jalan 1/96A, Taman Cheras Makmur, 56100 Kuala Lumpur 

03-9145 2888 | www.pantai.com.my/cheras

PHOTO CONTEST 

SNAPSHOT STORY 

DON’T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. SHARE YOUR FOND MEMORIES 

AND TRAVEL STORIES TO EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM 

WINNER 

Spectacular view up at Franz Josef Glacier 

during our honeymoon in New Zealand 

Vyvette Hong Wan Ping 

1 ST PRIZE 

2D/1N stay inclusive of breakfast for two in 

The Pearl Premier Kuala Lumpur worth RM780+ 

THE PEARL KUALA LUMPUR 

Batu 5, Jalan Klang Lama, 

58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

RUNNER UP 

A Princess waiting for her Prince 

Iazubari’u binti Ibrahim 

TERMS & CONDITIONS 

Open for people residing in Malaysia only • Images must be no less than 1MB in size • Each entry sent must include name, contact number and 

caption with subject headline ‘Snapshot Story’ • Senders must own complete rights to their photographs and give permission to publication 

GOASIAPLUS reserves the right to edit captions for clarity and reject entries that did not follows our T&C. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. Selected 

submissions would be used on GOASIAPLUS website and social platforms for content illustration purposes. 


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NEWS 

ON THE RADAR 

GET UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HAPPENINGS ON 

TRAVEL, HOTEL OPENINGS, FOOD OFFERS AND 

TRENDING FASHION AROUND SOUTH EAST ASIA 

TASTING THE KING OF FRUITS 

Malaysian ALOR Durian Creamy Wafers let durian 

lovers to savour the crunchiness in every bite and 

taste the aromatic durian cream that easily melts in 

the mouth. Now, ALOR makes it possible to bring 

durians on-the-go and even eat it high up in the sky. 

Exclusively available in vending machine copies at 

level 3, gateway@klia2 

HIT, HEAL AND HEAT IN 

THE SLATE 

Kickstart a masculine weekend 

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resort. Hit to relieve stress 

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Heal the post-workout pains 

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The 3D2N package starts from 

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JAPAN’S INNOVATIVE 

INTERACTIVE KIOSK 

Japan’s leading travel agency, Japan 

Travel Bureau has introduced their 

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in collaboration with Panasonic. 

Customers can chat directly with 

a remote operator from Japan in 

the modern kiosk that also has a 

connecting touchscreen table for 

an on-screen interactive purchase. 

Receive RM40 AEON voucher for 

every purchase made via the kiosk 

till the end of November 2018. 

Located at JTB Travel Saloon in 

AEON Mall Shah Alam 

www.jtbmalaysia.com 

4FINGERS EXPANDS TO 

AIRPORT MALL 

Singapore’s popular fingerlicking 

fried chicken launches in 

gateway@klia2 mall for travellers 

and tourists to get their cravings 

fixed. Priding themselves by using 

no artificial flavouring and MSG, 

the Asian style deep fried goodness 

is known for its spiciness and 

hand-brushed seasoned soy sauce 

on the chickens. 

Located at Level 3, gateway@klia2 

AMOUAGE FIGMENT 

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Wrapped in luxurious turquoise 

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floral scent restore softness to the skin with main 

sichuan pepper, saffron and gardenia accents. 

Available in all Amouage 

stores in Malaysia

GOASIAPLUS November 2018

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