GOASIAPLUS February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 | ISSUE 33
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CONTENTS
6 ON THE RADAR
26
8 OUT & ABOUT
10 INSIGHT
Flying High with
GOFAY Airways
12 TRAVEL
Spotted in Asia: Song
Doong Cave, Vietnam
14 FOOD
Reunion in Oriental Style
18 INSIGHT
Paintings of a Father
21 TRAVEL
Edge of the Wonderland
24 TRAVEL
Dalat, Vietnam
26 TRAVEL
Saying “I Do” Abroad
38 TALES ON TRACK
Lost & Found
21
COVER BY
GATEWAY@KLIA2
EDITORIAL TEAM
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS
JOHN SO
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JAMIE SOO-HOO
SENIOR WRITER
JESSY WONG
PHOTOGRAPHER
RICK CHEAH
CONTRIBUTORS
FRANCIS YIP, ANGELA HAN & NG SHEN LEE
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
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.
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
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cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage. All rights reserved by
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reproduced in any form without the publisher’s permission in writing.
KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482)
2 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

EDITOR’S NOTE
John So
Publisher
This year of Boar is a special one for me as it
would mark my first Chinese New Year as a
married man and celebrating it with members
from my wife’s family!
It definitely feels strange after being on the other
side of receiving ang pows for so many years, now it
is my turn to bestow joy to others. Also according to
tradition, newly married couple have to give double
ang pow for their first Chinese New Year.
Well, nothing stays the same forever and the only
constant thing is change. Albeit the challenge, we
have to learn on how to be flexible and know how to
adapt to fit in to the ever evolving world.
Due to innovation and technology, without a
doubt, what worked 1 year ago may not work so well
today. So, it is best to not fear change, instead we
embrace it. With dedication and the right mindset,
life can bring us to our dream destinations.
I wish everyone a safe travel back to your
hometown and happy holidays!
PUFF AND PASS
Photo ADOBE STOCK
PICK-UP
POINTS
Read our magazine exclusively in Aerobus airport shuttles
or bring home a copy of GOASIAPLUS with you at these
pick-up points below:
GATEWAY@KLIA2
AIRPORT SHOPPING MALL
KLIA
INFORMATION COUNTER AT
DEPARTURE MAIN TERMINAL
& SATELLITE BUILDING
KLIA EKSPRES
KL SENTRAL
KLIA2
INFORMATION COUNTER,
SATELLITE BUILDING &
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL
In this day and age, I have so many sly attackers
that are at constant war with my well-being.
These ‘bandits’ are not natural but they have
claimed an immutable presence, a growing thorn
in my side and everyone else’s.
Major investors of the game belong to vehicle
emissions, solid fuel combustion and industrial
emissions. Slowly built up, these attackers take
a long-term and require multiple efforts to be
reduced. However, the pollutant that could be
halted with an individual’s attempt is no other
than nicotine.
The everyday’s environment is covered with
nicotine lingering in the air and surfaces, which
you are all familiar with and would instantly
know that people have been smoking there. It
only takes 5 minutes for nicotine to penetrate
human skin and stiffens the aorta when a nonsmoker
is exposed to it.
Skin absorbs as much nicotine as inhalation
so Malaysia’s no smoking in premises policy
may be of help to mitigate the health impacts to
secondhand smokers. Think of me like a sponge
that had to unwillingly absorb these pollutants
and carry it to the innocents. Enough of taking
me for granted and try to make this world a
better place.
Always dense,
The air we breath
4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

NEWS
ON THE RADAR
GET UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HAPPENINGS ON
TRAVEL, HOTEL OPENINGS, FOOD OFFERS AND
TRENDING FASHION AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA
BEARY LOVELY VALENTINE’S DAY
Look no further for an adorable cake to celebrate
with your lover this Valentine’s Day. Topped with a
little cute bear, Swensen’s Beary Lovely Cake is in
the sweetest shade of pink made with Cookies ‘N’
Cream and Strawberry ice-cream flavours. The cake
is available for purchase till 28 February 2019 only.
Available at all Swensen’s and Earle Swensen’s
Singapore outlets
A SEASON OF NEW
BEGINNINGS WITH
SK-II
SK-II is celebrating
Chinese New Year
with the brand’s most
awarded best-seller,
presented in bold
and modern graphic.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is wrapped in vibrant red and a
playful swirl as a subtle representation of a Chinese character for
“spring”, also an allusion to new beginnings. This limited-edition
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is sold at RM716.
Available at SK-II counters nationwide
PRINTING MEMORIES
ON THE GO
The smallest and lightest photo printer
is introduced by Canon to bring back
the joy of sharing printed photo in the
moment with style. Canon Mini Photo
Printer has a superior image quality that
are both scratch-resistant and smudgeproof,
using colour dry-printing without
the use of ink cartridges.
Pair the photo printer via Bluetooth
for immediate photo printing from your
smartphone. Each Canon Mini Photo
Printer (Model number: PV-123) comes
with a starter pack of ten sheets of photo
paper and a charging cable. Available in
Slate Grey, Rose Gold and Mint Green,
the unit is priced at RM499.
Available for purchase on Lazada
http://bit.ly/CanonMini
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EVENTS
OUT & ABOUT
LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND
NICKELBACK FEED THE MACHINE TOUR
20 FEB
Formed since 1995, this Canadian multi-platinum
rock band will be holding their first concert in
Southeast Asia through this tour in promotion
of their ninth studio album ‘Feed The Machine’
released in June 2017. Nickelback’s success has
been considered the second best-selling foreign
act in the United States only behind The Beatles.
Zepp@Bigbox, Singapore
www.sistic.com.sg
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR MY LOVE
LIVE IN GENTING 2019
9 FEB
The local singing sensation Nick Chung will
be joined onstage by his celebrity sister,
Stella Chung to welcome this year’s Chinese
New Year. The brother-sister duo made it an
annual event to release Chinese New Year
album every year so do expect new rendition
of classic festive songs from the duo.
Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting
www.rwgenting.com
#JAMNIGHT LIVE! WITH HONNE
& FRIENDS
20 FEB
Britain’s well-known electronic duo James
Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck are returning to
Bangkok for jam night after their sold-out shows
in Europe and worldwide festival tours. Their
latest studio album ‘Love Me / Love Me Not’ is a
sophomore set released for summer of 2018.
Thunder Dome, Bangkok, Thailand
www.ticketmelon.com
BLACKPINK 2019
WORLD TOUR
23-24 FEB
One of South Korea’s
most successful idol
group slowly makes their
way across Asia for their
first world tour. Debuted
under YG Entertainment,
Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and
Lisa are the first K-pop
girl group to have 4
number-one singles on
Billboard’s World Digital
Song Sales chart and
making waves with every
single released.
Malawati Indoor
Stadium,
Shah Alam, Selangor
www.macpiepro.com
NATIONAL CRAFT DAY
29 FEB-10 MARCH
Malaysia has wonderful variety of handicrafts
in forms of traditional arts and trades that
identifies with different cultures in the country.
The National Craft Day is a celebration for
local craft entrepreneurs in recognition of
their dedication and efforts in preserving and
expanding the craft industry.
Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
www.kraftangan.gov.my
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INSIGHT
1
1 Airline partner of Gofay
Airways is Sriwijaya Air
2 Manager of YOU Wings
Holidays, Mr. Leong Yong Jian
3 The interior of Boeing B738-
800 aircraft
FLYING HIGH
WITH GOFAY
AIRWAYS
A COMPANY PIONEERING IN PAVING THE
WAY FOR THE COUNTRY’S SECONDARY
AIRPORTS IS EARNEST IN DIVERSIFYING
MALAYSIA’S TRAVEL INDUSTRY THROUGH
CHARTERED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS AND
TRENDSETTING MOBILE TRAVEL APP.
Text JESSY WONG
Photos RICK CHEAH & GOFAY AIRWAYS
Gofay Airways breaks the ground in air travelling since their
establishment in 2016. Forming close ties with one of Indonesia’s
biggest airlines, Sriwijaya Air, Gofay Airways is the only Malaysia
representative that links traditional demands with personalised services on
board with global chartered flights.
EASY CONNECTIVITY
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Gofay Airways is the only international operator of
Sriwijaya Air for an air network that extends beyond Indonesia. Prizing on
shorter travelling hours and cheaper ticketing options, the chartered airway
routes includes flying to smaller, secondary airports.
Gofay Airways hopes to drive more travellers to Malaysia and Indonesia
by flying to less-in-demand provinces in the countries. Depending on
destinations and distance, Gofay Airways plans flights from cargo to
passengers and stock to travel.
Among their many flight avenues, the most preferred and in demand
route is definitely PEN-KNO, a direct connectivity between Penang,
Malaysia to Medan, Indonesia.
“Penang is a growing state for medical tourism for people and tourists
2
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INSIGHT
3
“When there is a chartered demand,
there are travel demands too.”
in Indonesia. To cater these popular requests, we
even have connectivity between hospitals in Penang
and Medan to arrange air ambulance. The seats have
a flatbed for patients if needed,” as shared by Leong
Yong Jian, Sales and Operation Manager for YOU
Wings Holidays.
MORE THAN CHARTERED FLIGHTS
“When there is a chartered demand, there are travel
demands too. We have our sister company–YOU Wings
Holidays–to manage those travel and tours for custommade
packages,” Yong Jian explains the company links.
Among plenty other locations, YOU Wings
Holidays majorly hosts inbound travellers from China,
Taiwan and Hong Kong and outbound travellers to
South Korea, Japan and even to Europe.
“Our charter flights and tour company compliment
each other as we provide a full-service from flying to
your destination till you return home. YOU Wings
Holidays have a variety of budget options, locations,
travel style and many participating international
hotel brands.”
With YOU Wings Holidays destinations, Yong Jian
is confident to curate travel packages that best fit the
customers down to their choice of meals.
“We believe there is more to come in future.
Gofay Airways will get more exciting routes for all our
supporting passengers. At the same time, we will be
bringing new services in travel and tours and even an
online travel portal”.
By second quarter of this year, Gofay Airways is
hoping to introduce a new route from Balik Papan,
Indonesia to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
GOFAY TRAVEL APP
While YOU Wings Holidays is designed for traditional
detailed customer service, Gofay Airways is aiming
to launch Gofay Travel–Malaysia’s most extensive
travel app with online self-booking for flights,
accomodation, tour packages, site tickets and
transportation in travels.
Armed with more than 20 software engineers,
Gofay Travel mobile app is set to hit the millenials’
market later this February. The all-in-one mobile
booking platform will have multiple functions for
planning a thorough travel itinerary with a secure
payment system.
All said, Gofay Travel is resolved in reshaping
Malaysia’s e-commerce travel industry with its mobile
app launch.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 11

TRAVEL
SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS
SON DOONG CAVE,
Text NG SHEN LEE
VIETNAM Photos ADOBE STOCK
Picture cavernous
depths so immense
an aircraft could fit
right through with ease,
stalagmites as tall as an
apartment building and
an entire self-sustaining
ecosystem of primitive
forests and a rapid
flowing river, all these
inside the passages of a
mammoth cavern known
to be the largest cave in
the world.
This exact scene,
akin to a prehistoric
untouched landscape
was what drew the crew
of Kong: Skull Island to
choose Vietnam’s Son
Doong Cave as one of
the filming locations for
the 2017 movie starring
Brie Larson, Tom
Hiddleston and Samuel
L. Jackson.
Son Doong Cave in
Quang Binh Province,
Central Vietnam is
estimated to be up to 5
million years old, though
its official discovery was
made by British Cave
Research Association in
2009, helped by a local
logger named Ho Khahn,
who found it in 1991
when seeking shelter
from rain.
In the film, Son
Doong is featured
as Kong’s place of
residence, its colossal
dimensions only fitting
to Kong’s supposed size.
With its magnificent
structures, remote
and pristine scenery,
Son Doong and its
surrounding areas like
Ha Long Bay proved
to be exactly what
director Vogt-Roberts
was looking for in terms
of an other-worldly
backdrop “yet untouched
by civilization”.
The film’s global
success has led Vietnam
Tourism Board to name
Vogt-Roberts, director of
the film as the country’s
tourism ambassador for
a 3-year term and set
its sights on promoting
Vietnam as a film
destination.
Good news aside,
developers are planning
to construct a cablecar
system in the area.
Although it has yet
to be confirmed, an
organization called
#savesondoong has
started in an effort to
preserve this place, a
movement backed even
by Barack Obama.
To date, adventure
caving company Oxalis is
the only tour operator of
treks to Son Doong.
FUN
FACTS
While usually only
around 1 centimetre
in size, cave pearls
in Son Doong Cave
have been found to
reach up to the size
of baseballs.
Other filming
locations chosen for
Kong: Skull Island
include Australia
and Hawaii.
Actor Samuel L.
Jackson had told
the Southeast
Asia Global in an
interview that
Vietnam is his
favorite filming
location out of
his entire 40-year
career.
12 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

FOOD
REUNION IN
ORIENTAL STYLE
LIVE THE NIGHT ON ONE OF THE BIGGEST
CELEBRATION IN THE WORLD WHERE
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS REUNITE OVER
TIMELESS SPREADS OF TRADITIONAL CUISINE
AND CAROUSING ON CHINESE NEW YEAR AT
THESE ORIENTAL DWELLINGS IN TOWN.
Text JESSY WONG Photos SIX SENSES, SUZIE WONG,
FU LUCK BAR & HILTON KUALA LUMPUR
Splashes of red decorations and wall hangings
are what you can expect to greet you in most
Chinese household during the festive month.
Yet, some gatherings are held away from home to
be free from the busy kitchen preparations and the
tricky taboo that restricts house cleaning on the
celebratory days.
In a house where no cleaning is allowed after
hosting a party only leaves the group to assemble
elsewhere festive. So take your drinks and holiday
episode to the east where tradition is upheld from
the mixing of classic and contemporary Chinese
culture in food, ambience and drinks that fit an
absolute Chinese New Year celebration.
Night of festal frolic
SUZIE WONG
Step into Suzie Wong and find yourself in the milieu
of the old prosperous Shanghai. There’s nothing
more seductive than a fictional reality of classic
glamour from the background and cheongsam-clad
hosts with strings of extravagant performances.
While birdcage light fixtures make the inner scene
sultry, the masculine lounge outside let you sink in
their Cheshire tufted seats and take unassuming sips
of beer from a Chinese teacup.
Mood
Best for friends or business
gathering with grandeur and
partying with cabaret shows.
Cuisine
More on drinks from dine, relish
wanton noodles or steamy shumai
at the noodles place at Suzie Wong
for a post-drink session. The
vintage Hong Kong themed stall
is a notable entrance point to the
exclusive club of Suzie Wong.
Liquor to try
Smoked Old Fashioned (Single malt
whiskey, orange zest and bitters)
Suzie Wong, Wisma Lim Foo Yong,
Jalan Tengah, Kuala Lumpur
+6017 226 6480
www.facebook.com/suziewongasia
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FOOD
“Find yourself in the milieu of
the old prosperous Shanghai..”
Chinese philosophy of culinary
YELLOW POT
Well-located at Six Senses Duxton, Yellow Pot
strikes the scene in Singapore with its bold
accents of black, gold and yellow–turning
old-age traditional recipe trendy again within
the old Chinese shophouse facade. Dining
in the restaurant may satiate your mood and
appetency in the nicely decorated crossover
of Chinese designs and 18th century English
indentures, selected from British designer
Anouska Hempel’s personal collection. Under
the large golden fan, Chinese screens and
abundance of yellow pots, the dining enclave
takes pride in a sustainably driven timetested
recipes, headed by Chef Sebastian Goh,
to present a classic and innovative authentic
Chinese cuisine that are organic and free of
unhealthy additives.
Yellow Pot, 88 Duxton Road, Singapore
+65 6914 1420
www.sixsenses.com/hotes/duxton/dining
Mood
Family dining and large
groups for healthy and
hearty meal in luxe
surroundings.
Cuisine
Seafood and meat
dishes at Yellow Pot are
portioned for sharing.
Crispy Sichuan Chicken,
Wok-Seared Organic
Grass-fed Beef Tenderloin
and Sesame-coated
Braised Duck Spring Roll
are some of the authentic
flavours to complement an
oriental dining experience.
Liquor to try
Escape to Kaifeng
(Tanqueray London dry
gin infused with housemade
chrysanthemum
cordial)
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 15

FOOD
Back to the 80s
FU LUCK BAR
Propped above a Chinese roof with hanging red
lanterns, the glowing signage of Fu Luck make heads
turn to the vintage dining scene. The recurring
picture of the most iconic red rooster from classic
Chinese tableware–colourfully parroted on the
ceiling and tables–is a friendly reminder that dredge
up the good old days. Upon entering the restaurant,
an instant throwback to the 80s is only possible
when most of its furnishings and decorations are
reconstructed, custom-made and handcrafted to
match the originals. Equally tasteful is their series of
cocktails that uses tropical flavours to make one feel
like home.
Fu Luck Bar, TREC KL,
438 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
+603 2110 6938
www.facebook.com/fuluckbar
Mood
Channeling nostalgia over
dinner with company in
oriental antiquity.
Cuisine
Comfort food is served
in oriental tapas concept
for sharing. The freshest
dimsum take shapes
in steamed or crispy
deep-fried served with
Chinese-inspired salads
and ‘baowich sliders’, a
merge of mantou bao and
sandwich.
Liquor to try
Ice Kacang Cocktails–Full
of Luck (Bacardi Carta
Blanca, mango syrup, lime
juice, mint leaves and jelly)
ALSO
CHECK
OUT
CHYNNA AT HILTON
KUALA LUMPUR
wows the palate with
contemporary Cantonese and
Shanghainese cuisine and an
interactive dimsum kitchen.
Closely resembling an old palace’s
abode, another sight to catch
is their dexterous tea-master
that pours a specially brewed
8-Treasure Welcome Tea through
a metre-long spout from his kettle.
16 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

INSIGHT
PAINTINGS
OF A FATHER
BEN CHONG, A MALAYSIAN
CONTEMPORARY ARTIST FOUND
HIS WAY IN CREATING A BRAND
OF LOVE AND COMPASSION
THROUGH HIS AUTISM SERIES
INSPIRED BY HIS SPECIAL CHILD.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos BEN CHONG
1 Ben Chong with
“Purity”, one of his
favourite painting from
his autism series
2 “Selfharm” from
Ben’s autism series 3
“Obsession” from Ben’s
autism series
10 years is a short period of time for Ben
Chong to polish his skills and get recognised
internationally. Previously worked in an
advertising agency, it has always been his hobby to
paint since he was little. Gratefully, Ben reunites
with his passion after decades and is proud to be a
fully committed artist.
“The media industry is not doing well so 5 years
ago I diversified into interior design.” Ben owns an
interior design company and with more time on his
hands, Ben started picking up his paint brushes too.
When he first started, Ben admits that he is
painting to please people. “I didn’t find my calling.
Most of the subjects I painted are to delight others.”
And he admits, it wasn’t selling well too.
1
HIS ULTIMATE INSPIRATION
Yet with perseverance and good intention, the right
direction will presents itself. Ben is now known as
18 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

INSIGHT
2
one of the few artists globally that paints about autism.
Besides his talent as an artist, Ben confesses that his
autism series is inspired by his 15 year-old autistic son,
Owen Chong.
“Owen learns to paint with guidance from a France
art teacher. Surprisingly, his work was amazing, full of
energy, and all from his heart. One year goes by and he
was invited by UNESCO of Paris to showcase his art
pieces in there.
“We [my wife and I] felt so proud of our son, who
as a autistic kid has the power to show something to
the world.” From that day onwards, Ben dedicates
to make people understand more about the complex
disorder, mainly inspired by his son.
Owen has mild autism. He shares that his autistic
child doesn’t know where to fit in and he always eats
alone in school. Speech limitation and communication
are the daily challenges of autistic people.
Ben shares that he would think of Owen whenever
he starts painting, and sometimes, he would carefully
observe his son’s behaviour and sparks of ideas would
come to him.
AN ARTIST’S OBLIGATION
As a father of a child with special needs, Ben feels the
need to deliver messages of autism to the public to
educate the society. “Autistic people are so unique.
They experience the world in a very different manner.
But most ordinary people don’t understand them.”
It was a memorable moment for Ben when
parents, mostly professionals, with similar autistic
children are able to relate from the autism series
at his exhibition. The fulfillment he gained is
irreplaceable.
“Your life is not about you. Your life is about all
the people around you, it is about all the people you
can touch, impact, influence, love and all the people
that love you.”
“Selfharm”, an acrylic on canvas is his first piece
of the autism series. The painting sees a young man
curled up in the lengths of robe, wearing a headgear
with his eyes closed.
“One of my son’s classmate wore a helmet to
class, I was curious so I asked their teacher. He
replied that because when the kid feels frustrated and
unhappy, he is unable to express himself. As a result,
he starts to bang his head against the wall so his
mother put a helmet on him.
“I hope that through my paintings, the audience
can view those affected by autism through a lens of
awareness, compassion, love and acceptance.”
Ben has had his first overseas solo exhibition after
receiving the Asia Art Award (Grand Prize) by Asia
Invitation Art Exhibition in Seoul, South Korea. He
has also been hailed as one of the most promising
young figurative painters.
Until now, Ben has also sold eighty percent of his
autism series. To view or buy his paintings, visit Ben
Chong Art Studio at Block A-10-02, Tropicana Avenue
at Petaling Jaya or call Ms Leong, art gallery manager
at +6012-6800783.
3
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 19

TRAVEL
EXHIBITION
PERIOD
NOW UNTIL
28 FEB 2019
EDGE OF THE
WONDERLAND
THAILAND BIENNALE MAKES ITS DEBUT IN
A MYRIAD OF SITES AT THAILAND’S WEST
COAST. FEATURING 70 UNCONVENTIONAL
GLOBAL ARTISTS, JESSY WONG WENT ON A
CREATIVE JOURNEY TO THESE SITE-SPECIFIC
ART INSTALLATIONS ALL OVER KRABI.
Text & photos JESSY WONG
As one of world’s most famous coastline, Krabi
is an absolute wonderland in the Andaman.
The natural sights of nature and the warm
townspeople have made it an ultimate spot for
innovative outdoor installations against the beautiful
surroundings.
Thailand’s first Biennale in Krabi takes on the
versions of fantasy and wonderland from many
cultures. Lead curator, Professor Jiang Jiehong from
Birmingham City University addresses the theme
‘Edge of the Wonderland’ for the art installations.
The ubiquitous theme simply bridges the concept
between nature and art to engage viewers in both
tangible and intangible resources.
You will not find traditional art forms and
paintings in the exhibition but sculptures and
installations that are seamed with the natural forces
of the world. Curated with nature in mind, the
unconventional exhibition art may vary from time to
time depending on weather and location.
Here, I have highlighted some of my favourite
installations of Thailand Biennale in Krabi on a map.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 21

TRAVEL
Than Bok Khorani National Park
Letter F By Rikuo Ueda
The wings uses the force of wind and
quantum mechanics to draw on the
surface. The letter is believed by the
artist to deliver the messages from his
late wife from the afterworld.
KRABI
Sites Map
Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam
Through the bones FBy Jana Winderen
Collaborating with local fishermen of Tha Pom, one can hear
the sound of waves made by underwater creatures simply by
placing their heads on a wooden oar. The sound vibration is a
hearing mechanism which humans share with marine mammals.
Poda Island
pulse - Formations
F By Camille Norment
The structure creates
a surrealistic wonder
to the power of nature.
Likened to fallen trees,
the broken drumsticks
amplifies its connection
to power structures
to resonate with the
planet’s volatile and
vulnerable state.
Khlong Muang
Rumors from the Sea F By Félix Blume
This orchestral installation can slow down
the current from eroding the shore. Created
with hundreds of flutes attached to bamboo,
the flutes will play when the waves hit
through the movements of air.
22 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
Krabi Town
Story of Love F By Vichoke Mukdamanee
The story of love between Naga, a mythical
creature and a local human is the folk tale
inspiration for this Thai national artist.
The coastal artwork imitate a matrimonial
ceremony that connects water and land, the
imaginative world and reality.
Ao Nang Beach
No Sunrise No Sunset F By Kamin Lertchaiprasert & Suriya Umpansiriratana
“The sun doesn’t move, but the world is spinning by itself”, says the artist to see
the world in a perspective. Yai Sa, the sculpture of an elderly is a symbol of love
and awaiting, who is waiting for her partner to return.
Koh Klang
Football Field for Buffalo
F By Takafumi Fukasawa
Incorporating the local
community’s love for sports
and agriculture, the artist
created an amphitheater
and football field on an
abandoned ground where
communal buffaloes are the
key player of the game.
Railay Beach
Gilding the Border F By Vong Phaophanit & Claire Oboussier
Connecting the sacred and the earthly, the rock surface is gilded
with gold leaf and aluminium in gradient to create a threshold
between land and sea. When the water touches the gold, the small
island is perceived to be floating.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 23

TRAVEL
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
DALAT,
VIETNAM
THE CITY OF ETERNAL SPRING IS A
LITTLE FRENCH TOWN ENGULFED IN A
HIGHLAND CLIMATE ALL YEAR ROUND
WITH SIGHTS OF PINE TREES AND TREE
MARIGOLD IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK, ANA
MANDARA VILLAS DALAT & GETTY IMAGES
HOW TO GET THERE
There are local airline flights from Ho Chi Minh City
(HCMC), Hanoi or Da Nang to Lien Khuong Airport
daily. Other than Vietjet Air flying from Bangkok,
there are no other direct international flights to Dalat
from Asia. A cheaper alternative would be taking a 8
hours bus ride from HCMC.
WHERE TO STAY
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat is housed in a quaint
French villa in the midst of pine forest. The romantic
resort has exclusive cooking classes for guests, a
tour around town, travelling to rural villages or go
canyoning at Datanla waterfall.
Hang Nga Guesthouse or Crazy House is a quirky
hotel in Dalat with psychedelic environment and
architecture. The guesthouse explores the freedom
of art and may make one feel like they are Alice in
Wonderland. Otherwise, there are plenty of other
inexpensive options around town.
24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
WHERE TO EAT
A Dalat specialty is definitely bánh tráng, grilled
rice paper with egg and minced meat, commonly
sold by the streets. The piping hot bánh tráng
makes it the best snack to eat in cold climate.
Another one is nem nuong, Vietnam’s best spring
rolls with grilled pork patties. For more local
street foods, find it at Dalat Night Market which
opens from 6pm till 4am daily.
WHAT TO DO
Bao Dai Palace is one of the must-visit attractions
in Dalat to see the past-dwelling of Nguyen
Dynasty’s last emperor, King Bao Dai and its
events of history. Otherwise, Lam Dong Musuem
is also a cultural center that houses artifacts of
history and local traditions.
Catch the sunrise at Xuan Huong Lake and
stroll around the beautiful lakeside to see the
blooming of cherry flowers at this time of the
year. Next to the lake is Dalat Flower Garden
with hundreds of flowers species around the
world. Beyond the city center, one can take a jeep
up Langbiang Mountain and visit an ethnic village
on the way down.
GOOD
to
KNOW
Dalat is one of
Vietnam’s chief
agricultural
producers due to its
climate, high altitude
and fertile landscape
as compared to other
areas in Vietnam.
Traveling on
motorcycle is one of
the immersive ways
to fully enjoy Dalat
to see the countryside
and waterfalls.
Find various Dalat
specialty jam
products at their
market like plum jam,
yam jam, persimmon
jam and etc.

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TRAVEL
SAYING
“I DO”
ABROAD
WEARING ONLY THE IDEAL WHITE
DRESS DOES NOT CUT THE CAKE.
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Text JESSY WONG • Photos AVISTA HIDEAWAY PHUKET
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Located at Phuket, Thailand.
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EXCLUSIVE ESTATE
The Sanchaya
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crossover furnishings twined with touches of European
refinements. Surrounded by tropical rainforest and
mangroves, The Sanchaya is designed to feel like a personal
estate. The wedding is best orchestrated at the vast private
beachfront overlooking the oasis accompanied by live
Indonesian traditional gamelan welcome music.
Located at Bintan Island, Indonesia.
www.thesanchaya.com
26 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
COAST OF CULTURE
Tanjong Jara Resort
A visit to Tanjong Jara Resort will put you in the sanctuary and
grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces. The shimmering clear view
of the South China Sea and serene tropical garden easily capture
warmth and romance in the air. Known for their cultural charm,
expect an age-old classic wedding at the resort.
Located at Terengganu, Malaysia.
www.tanjongjararesort.com
WONDERS OF WILDERNESS
Amanoi
Set apart from the crowd is Amanoi. Dramatically built on the
mountainous landscape in Núi Chúa National Park, the natural
conservation site carves a romantic retreat for couples. From
granite cliffs, bays, rolling hills to ocean, the traditional Vietnamese
pavilions and villas offers spectacular views and off-the-grid
tranquility for your magical day.
Located at Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam.
www.aman.com
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 27

TALES ON TRACK
LOST & FOUND
WAU-DERFUL
CRAFT
Text FRANCIS YIP • Photos ANGELA HAN
Did you know that the kite or wau in Malay
language originated from China? In ancient
times, the Chinese kite was made from simple
materials such as wood and cloth.
Back then, the Chinese kites were used by the
military to measure distances so that they can move
their armies across tough terrains. Since then, people
from other nations have adapted and assimilated
kites into their cultures.
WAU IN MALAYSIA
The Malaysian kite is known as Wau and it
is uniquely designed like the shape of wings.
Etymologically, the word wau is derived from the
Arabic letter “wau” which has the wing-shaped letter
outline. However, some claimed “wau” came from
exclamation of “wow” by the West people in the early
days after they were amazed by these kites.
Which is the truth? It doesn’t matter. But one
thing is certain. Wau is one of the traditional pastime
games that is still being played in the East Coast of
Malaysia, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu and
the rural areas in Kedah and Perlis.
But how did wau flying start? There were a few
beliefs. The local people claimed farmers used wau to
act like flying scarecrows in the field and the sound
of the wau flying made good lullaby for children. The
coastal people, on the other hand, said wau was used
as fishing kites to catch fish.
Above all, wau flying has become increasingly
popular as competitions in villages during harvest
festivals. Judging will be based on the height of the
wau flown, the skills of the players and the quality
and length of the humming of wau in the sky.
Wau flying is normally launched by two people.
One person will hold it against the wind and the
other will handle the wau using the string that tied
to the wau. The players will try to bring down their
rivals’ wau by cutting the string of their waus. Most
of these strings are made from ground glass, making it
easy to cut.
MAKING OF WAU
I remember I used to enjoy making wau. It was very
simple using only rice paper, bamboo splits as frames
and strings. The best part was paper cutting of intricate
motifs like flower shapes and then glued onto the paper
layer by layer.
But today, try ask any children if they have made
a wau. Chances are, they may give you a blank stare.
Nevertheless, wau-making still remains as a cottage
industry and it takes a lot of skills and patience to create
them, from selection of materials to the final decoration.
Currently, wau comes in all shapes and sizes and
some even use LED lights to give it a contemporary look.
The most popular wau is Wau Bulan (Moon Kite). It is
shaped like a crescent and is considered as a symbol or
icon of Malaysia. In fact, Wau Bulan is incorporated as
part of Malaysia Airlines logo design. Other waus include
Wau Kucing (Cat Kite), Wau Merak (Peacock Kite) and
Wau Daun (Leaf Kite).
Believe it or not, I still keep my wau although the
colour has faded.
28 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
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