GOASIAPLUS July 2019
Hong Kong star, Jacquelin Ch'ng gets frank with her roles as movie and TVB actress. The beauty also shares the details of her life and travel for this issue If you're looking to travel down south, Malaysian comedian Joanne Kam Poh Poh takes it up a notch and lists her 3-day itinerary highlights in Perth, Western Australia! Also, look out for our new Food For Talk section, bucket list for spas in KL and Asia's filming site of Avengers: Endgame
Hong Kong star, Jacquelin Ch'ng gets frank with her roles as movie and TVB actress. The beauty also shares the details of her life and travel for this issue
If you're looking to travel down south, Malaysian comedian Joanne Kam Poh Poh takes it up a notch and lists her 3-day itinerary highlights in Perth, Western Australia!
Also, look out for our new Food For Talk section, bucket list for spas in KL and Asia's filming site of Avengers: Endgame
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JULY 2019 | ISSUE 38
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
Jacquelin
Ch’ng
ON ACTING AND TRAVEL
MANADO, INDONESIA
SENSATIONAL SPAS
CONTENTS
20
6 ON THE RADAR
8 OUT & ABOUT
12 INSIGHT
Made for the Spotlight
16 TRAVEL
Manado, Indonesia
18 TRAVEL
Capturing Perth with
Joanne Kam
20 TRAVEL
Spotted in Asia:
Banaue Rice Terraces,
Philippines
22 BUCKET LIST
Vacation on a Table
24 FOOD FOR TALK
Warming Up with Breakfast
6
16
PICK-UP POINTS
22
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 EKSPRES
KL SENTRAL
KLIA
INFORMATION COUNTER AT
DEPARTURE MAIN TERMINAL
& SATELLITE BUILDING
KLIA2
INFORMATION COUNTER,
SATELLITE BUILDING &
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 1
EDITOR’S NOTE
Does anyone realise that we are already halfway into 2019 in a
heartbeat? If this reminds you of the resolutions left to dust
on the shelf, let me just say, July can be the new January for
you to begin working on them again.
To start, having a good breakfast is undoubtedly the best
method to set things in motion. From the viewpoint of healthcare,
breakfast may be the key meal but for Malaysians, breakfast is
an occasion to feast. See our new column “Food For Talk” on
Malaysian breakfast on page 24.
Albeit the truly appetising options, to me, a good breakfast
matters more with the people you dine with. Spending time with
the right people can energise you as quickly as breakfast!
Gracing our July cover, the beautiful and talented Hong Kong
actress–Jacquelin Ch’ng–will definitely agree with me; seeing how
much she values her family and friends and frequently travel from
Hong Kong back to Malaysia to be with her loved ones (page 12).
Since the festive and holiday season has come to an end, you
can still sneak in a quick soulcation for the body and mind. Check
out our “Bucket List” on the up-and-coming spa and massage
places in Kuala Lumpur on page 22.
Knead your stress away!
John So
Publisher
COVER BY
RICK CHEAH
EDITORIAL TEAM
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS
JOHN SO
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JAMIE SOO-HOO
SENIOR WRITER
JESSY WONG
PHOTOGRAPHER
RICK CHEAH
CONTRIBUTORS
FRANCIS YIP & NG SHEN LEE
DIGITAL TEAM
WEB CONTENT
JESSY WONG
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM
FOLLOW US ON
@goasiaplus
COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP
JOHN SO
JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM
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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
FIRST CLASS AVIATION
EXPERIENCE
The award-winning Qsuite
Business Class in Qatar
Airways will be added to its
Kuala Lumpur route from 15
July onwards. The patented
Business Class seat is the
industry’s first-ever double
bed in Business Class with
interactive privacy panels to
create a personal private space
for families, business partners
and group socialisation.
www.qatarairways.com
QUEENSLAND GRAIN-FED BEEF IN HILTON
Hilton’s established steak and beef restaurant is
bringing in Queensland’s premium grain-fed beef
to serve in two house-styles. The braised meat is
paired with homemade Memphis mustard sauce and
crunchy slaw or Chamber Grill’s homemade smoked
chilli barbeque sauce. Starting from RM280 nett, the
exquisite dish is available from now to 31 July 2019.
Chamber Grill, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+063-22642596
KEEPING TIME WITH CRYSTALS
Swarovski’s new bold timepieces bring
a touch of sparkle and glamour beyond
functionality to the wrist. The highlight
of the collection, Crystalline Glam, is
a testament to the exclusive Swarovski
Crystalline technique featuring around 800
Swarovski crystals with a leather strap or
urban metal bracelet for different occasions.
Available in Swarovski stores nationwide
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL IN BANGKOK
ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada takes its inspiration
from the Thailand city with a trendy and playful
ambience across 266 guestrooms, meeting
rooms, fitness, spa and lobby bar. Located in
proximity to the Huai Khwang subway station
and Ratchada Train Night Market, the hotel is an
economical rescue for family travellers.
www.accorhotels.com
6 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
EVENTS
OUT & ABOUT
LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND
JAM HSIAO WORLD TOUR
6 JULY
Taiwanese Mandopop singer Jam
Hsiao has kicked off his new “Mr.
Entertainment” themed tour
with an overwhelming response
on the concert’s extravagant
production. Returning to
Malaysia after four years, the
“King of Golden Melody” is
anticipated to deliver his list of
popular hits like “Collection”
and “New Endless Love”.
Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.myticket.asia
43RD BON ODORI FESTIVAL
20 JULY
The single largest Japanese cultural event in Malaysia
is back on a big scale. This Japanese festival is held
in honour of ancestral spirits and visitors are always
encouraged to wear yukata or cotton kimonos to the
carnival-like event. Besides the main cultural dance,
there are also games and drum performances to catch.
Kompleks Sukan Negara
Shah Alam (Panasonic), Malaysia
www.facebook.com/bonodorimalaysia/
THE WORKING DEAD
18 JULY - 4 AUG
KULT Productions is presenting a “Back To
Work” musical on how black magic transforms the
reality of a married couple. A hardworking man
called Edwin has died tragically on the job and
by using black magic, his employer resurrected
Edwin to be a “corporate zombie”. Now, Edwin’s
wife and colleagues must find ways to save him.
KLPAC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.klpac.org
ALADDIN
21 JULY - 1 SEPT
Aladdin becomes larger than life
in this musical reintroducing
Disney’s 1992 animated hit with
an explosion of sensory from
the beloved musical numbers,
breathtaking set, lavish costumes
and special effects. Brought by
the producer of The Lion King,
Aladdin musical will bring you to
“A Whole New World” under the
spell of theatrical magic.
Sands Theatre,
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.sistic.com.sg
SWAN LAKE
14 JUNE
The internationally known St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is debuting in
Kuala Lumpur with the worldwide acclaimed ballet production–Swan
Lake. The deeply moving story of young Prince Siegfried falling in
love with Swan Princess Odette is a true love’s tale told in the most
spell-binding and dramatic ballet masterpiece.
Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.myticket.asia
8 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
2019
TRAVEL
EXPO
5 – 7 September 2019
Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC)
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
TRAVEL
ASIA
GATEWAY TO
Ho Chi Minh City
BOOK YOUR BOOTH
TODAY!
Contact our sales team at
ite.sales@informa.com for exhibition
space and sponsorship opportunities
www.itehcmc.com
International.Travel.Expo ITE.HCMC
Organised by
• Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
• Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism
• VINEXAD Trade Fair & Advertising JSC
• Informa Exhibitions
Supported by
• Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia
• Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR
• Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, Myanmar
• Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Kingdom of Thailand
Endorsed by
• Ministry of Culture, Sports &
Tourism, Vietnam
• People’s Committee of
Ho Chi Minh City
ADVERTORIAL
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and Pre-book
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Primarily, a long haul travel requires only flight
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Users can even earn an instant cash discount for
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GET COVERED WITH TRAVEL
INSURANCE
The unavoidable grievances of travel can
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Mayflower.com.my collaborates with
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10 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
STAY CONNECTED IN OVERSEAS
Internet is indispensable when travelling to
stay in touch, use digital travel map and get
ride-hailing services in the city. More often
than not, roaming from your local home
network may incur a high surcharge while overseas.
Roaming Man Wifi is a portable wireless device
for unlimited internet usage in up to 130 destinations
worldwide. It uses Cloudsim technology that connects
to the fastest 4G local network in the area and could
support up to 5 users at the same time. The device is
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regions in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia,
Roaming Man Wifi retails at RM12 per day* at
Mayflower.com.my.
FLEXIBLE JOURNEY ON ROAD
Promptly stick to your itinerary with a private
transport to go around town. Mayflower
has one of the largest fleets for ground
transportation in the country. Perfect for both
leisure or business travel, Mayflower car rental has large
options of sedan cars, MPVs and vans to choose from.
The affordable rental rate, convenient pick-up points
and well-maintained vehicles will make
travelling seamless.
SKIP THE QUEUE AT THEME PARK
Travelling during the peak holiday season is
expected to be met with large crowds and long
queues in every attraction venue and tourist
destination. Get your admission tickets early
at Mayflower.com.my when you make bookings at their
website. Skip the queue at popular theme parks such as
Legoland in Malaysia, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean
Park Hong Kong with your electronic ticket and simply
redeem at the counter on the day of your visit.
*Please refer to Mayflower.com.my for more details. Terms and
conditions apply.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 11
INSIGHT
Made for the Spotlight
WHEN SHE’S NOT ON THE ROAD, MALAYSIAN-BORN JACQUELIN CH’NG
MAKES A LABOUR OF LOVE ON SET IN HONG KONG AND IS FREQUENTLY
FOUND IN COLLOQUIAL ONLINE BROADCASTS ON HER CHANNELS.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos RICK CHEAH & JACQUELIN CH'NG
Jacquelin Ch’ng is the right cut out for stardom.
The natural appeal of this celebrity stands at
a height of 177cm, candidly drawing attention
to her slender figure and friendly beauty. More
thanks to basketball and high jump in her schooling
days. Although she’s born in Malaysia, Jacquelin
found heels fitting to her size in Hong Kong, the
city where she grew up in. As an urban city-dweller,
her favourite place in Malaysia is none other than
the Pearl of the Orient. “I love to go to Penang. The
place is just beautiful and especially the food, it is
delicious.” However, the iconic city with lofty twintowers
is the place she would call home.
Count yourself lucky if you manage to spot
Jacquelin in any of her recurring returns to the
country over the calls of festivities, holidays
and most importantly, filial piety as her parents,
Malaysian property tycoons Datuk Bill Ch’ng Poh and
Datin Kong Yuk Chu, are based in Kuala Lumpur.
Leading the Ch’ng sister-pack, Jacquelin, as the
eldest of her siblings dramatically paid her dues in
Hong Kong as a TVB actress and movie star together
with her sister, Lisa, who is also in the entertainment
industry of Hong Kong.
Jacquelin is no newcomer to the scene having
starred in the big screen of Hong Kong’s milliondollar
box office movies like “S for Sex, S for Secret”
and “Return of the Cuckoo” otherwise commercially
successful TVB dramas such as “Two Steps from
Heaven” and “Heart and Greed 3”.
“There are no other jobs out there for you to
explore different characters and roles. I have the
most fun in acting; being able to play a different
person, do things that you ordinarily won’t and
wear your emotions on your sleeve–be it of anger or
sadness–in front of many people.”
While she talks about her multifarious roles, it is
revealed that Jacquelin’s pursuit of new experiences
is also well-satiated in her career. “I get to visit plenty
of places and understand various cultures. There was
once we even filmed in a prison.
12 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
INSIGHT
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 13
INSIGHT
CONNECT
with
Jacquelin
Ch'ng
@jacquelin501
@jacquelinchng
@Jacquelin Ch'ng
“As an actress, I get to cross-path with a number
of interesting people too, simply from researching my
characters and of course, having the chance to shoot
with a group of veteran actor and actresses whom I
look up to since I was little.” But it’s not all splendid
and glamorous.
The entertainment business holds an unknown
future in Hong Kong as new trends and new faces
drive opportunities for growth in the media. While
she reminiscences on spending her first payroll on
her driving license, she is aware that a career in a
fast-moving industry is indefinite but that doesn’t
thwart her as she will only thrive in every project in
her decades-long career.
HER KIND OF HOLIDAY
The perks of an actress? She is a verified globetrotter;
be it for business or leisure, Jacquelin loves to
breathe in a new environment. Although it has mostly
been for business, she would never pause to extend
her stay whenever possible, according to her.
“Bangkok is my top destination for a foodie trip.
The city has so much to offer from shopping and of
course, the nightlife.” Curious as to how a socialite
picks her playground, I took a shot in asking her for
some inside dope.
“When I’m in a foreign country, the first criteria
is always a bar with views. Places like a rooftop bar
let you drink more than liquor, you can also drink in
the breathtaking night view. Secondly, bars with a
specific theme–and good interior–is an added perk.”
Be in the know of nightlife around town, it was
Jacquelin who suggested us–the Malaysians– to
meet her at Miss Daisy, a new 4D bar in Jalan Yap
Kwan Seng. The flower-scented club (yes, you
heard that right) is laden with wall to ceiling flower
arrangement inspired by a story about a brokenhearted
girl who longs for beautiful carnivalesque
space. Needless to say, Jacquelin has a good eye in
locating up-and-coming places in the city.
Her next adventure will take her to Vietnam,
along the beaches of Phu Quoc and tour of Ho
Chi Minh City. And the three things she definitely
can’t travel without–her handphone, sunglasses and
range of skincare!
14 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
TRAVEL
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
Manado, Indonesia
THE CAPITAL CITY OF NORTH SULAWESI IS AN UNTOUCHED
BEAUTY WITH NATURAL SPLENDORS FOR TRAVELLERS TO
DISCOVER AN AUTHENTICALLY FRAMED DESTINATION.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & S LOFT MANADO
HOW TO GET THERE
International flight to Manado is at hand if you’re
coming from Singapore. Silk Air has direct flights
to Sam Ratulangi International Airport. Else, most
air routes has connecting flights from Jakarta to
Manado. The place is easily accessible via plenty
of other domestic flights from major airports like
Surabaya, Balikpapan, Makassar and Denpasar.
WHERE TO EAT
Manado is home to Minahasa people whose local
palate is seasoned with hot and spicy food. Their
local sambal, rica-rica, is definitely one to look out
for; normally served and cooked with seafood or
meat. Tinutuan, the Manado-style vegetable porridge
and cakalang fufu, smoked skipjack tuna are other
popular Minahasan dishes.
WHERE TO STAY
The bustling capital is not short of accommodations
with a number of renowned hotel chains dotted
around town. For casual and comfortable stay, S
Loft Manado is a loft-style accommodation with free
shuttle bus to Manado Town Square. Siladen Resort
& Spa is the place to go if you’re planning a vacation
at Bunaken National Marine Park.
WHAT TO DO
The largest lake in North Sulawesi makes a fine
travelling spot at 600 metres high above sea level.
Take a boat ride on the lake to appreciate the scenic
Tondano Lake encircled with lush mountains and
clear waters. With a proper guide, trekking into
Tangkoko Nature Reserve can uncover black macaque
monkeys, endangered Tarsius and Maleo birds.
For a touch into Manado’s history, visit Waruga,
the stone sacrophagi collection dating back to 9th
century found exclusively at Airmadidi district. If
budget permits, Bunaken is the best place to end
your trip in Manado. Afterall, the corals in this
northern island is claimed to be even more diverse
than Hawaii. The phenomenal underwater scene in
Bunaken makes it a premier scuba diving destination.
GOOD
to
KNOW
The wet seasons
of this region
is timed from
October till April
every year.
“Jesus Blesses”
in Manado is one
of Asia’s largest
flying statues of
Jesus at 50
metres tall.
Contact local
travel agencies to
arrange a trekking
trip if you want to
catch glimpses of
active volcanoes
and hot springs
in Manado.
16 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
TRAVEL
Capturing Perth
with Joanne Kam
MALAYSIA’S QUEEN OF COMEDY SHARES
HER WESTERN AUSTRALIA TRIP WITH
US THROUGH HER ADVENTURES IN THE
EXTRAORDINARY CITY, MEETING LOCAL
WILDLIFE AND EXPERIENCING THE DIVERSITY
OF FOOD AND HERITAGE IN PERTH.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos JOANNE KAM & ADOBE STOCK
DAY
1
1
1 CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK
A short drive away from Perth is where tourists can
actively interact with native Australian animals in
their natural habitat. Joanne was in absolute glee
when she patted a wombat for the first time and fed
kangaroos from her palm.
2 THE CHEESE MAKER
Joanne met Tanya Barretto, the owner and skilled
cheese maker who specialises in teaching the art of
home cheese making. In her class, Joanne picked up
the steps in making Halloumi cheese from scratch
and she is certain one could easily pull this off for
any dinner party for their guests.
3 DINING AT FERAL BREWING COMPANY
The popular microbrewery and restaurant in Swan
Valley makes Joanne spoilt for choice with their
extensive menu and choices. The family-owned
brewery are known for their handcraft traditional
brewing methods. Joanne recommends ordering a
tasting board to find out which beer pairs with
your mains.
3
Contact Explore Tours Perth at info@
exploretoursperth.com for small group day tours
to these places.
2
18 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
TRAVEL
4
4 CHOPPER TO ROTTNEST ISLAND
Take a fun and scenic flight with Rotorvation
Helicopters to Rottnest Island, a place where
Quokka, the native wildlife, thrives. Arriving with a
helicopter, Joanne says, shows breathtaking views of
the island and its surroundings.
DAY
2
5 SEGWAY TOUR AT ROTTNEST ISLAND
Getting around the island is conveniently peaceful.
The car-free island let tourists cycle or ride Segways
to breathe in the picturesque scenery. Joanne rode
her Segway all around the island meeting roaming
wild quokkas and visited the historic Bathusrt
Lighthouse and the Quod, an aboriginal prison.
6 DINING AT YING RESTAURANT
Malaysians may find flavours familiar to their
tastebuds at Ying Restaurant, an authentic Chinese
restaurant in Perth. While Joanne has had her share
of Chinese food all her life, she still dreams of the
restaurant’s “Eight Treasure Duck” till this day.
5
6
7 8
DAY
3
Contact Rotorvation Helicopter Services at info@
rotorvation.com.au and Segway Tours WA at info@
segwaytourswa.com.au for bookings and more info.
9
7 SWIMMING WITH WILD DOLPHINS
After years of familiarisation, the local bottlenose dolphins at
Rockingham let tourists see them in their natural environment.
Within a small group with professional guides, Joanne manage to spot
dolphin mothers and nursing calves in the waters.
8 FREMANTLE MARKETS
Housed in the grand old Victorian building, the market is a lively
place to shop for fresh produce, unique foods and souvenirs among
buskers and live music. Among the eclectic finds, Joanne found dried
kangaroo meat to try and raspberry coffee at the market.
9 DINING AT BATHERS BEACH HOUSE FREMANTLE
The mouth-watering “Seafood Platter” is served with whole reef fish,
crab, mussels, octopus and garlic prawns. Also according to Joanne,
this beachfront restaurant is the only place you can watch the sunset
with an alcoholic drink in hand.
Reach out to Rockingham Wild Encounters at info@dolphins.com.au
for a special swim with dolphins. Find everything you need to know to plan
for your Western Australia holiday at www.westernaustralia.com
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 19
TRAVEL
SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS
Banaue Rice
Terraces,
Philippines
Text NG SHEN LEE • Photo ADOBE STOCK
Avengers: Endgame has surpassed all other
films to become the highest-grossing film of
all time in Philippine history. The finale of
the Avengers universe marks the end of an era for
Marvel, and certainly an emotional one for millions
of fans worldwide.
The film picked up where its predecessor
“Avengers: Infinity War” left off. Previously, Thanos
as played by Josh Brolin is seen walking out of a small
hut to view an emerald rice paddy terrain. The same
landscape is seen in “Avengers: Endgame”, where
aerial and ground shots feature Thanos making his
way to what seems to be the same hut.
The location of the scene is none other than the
infamous Banaue rice terraces in the Cordilleras
Mountain Range of Luzon! Otherwise also known as
“The Eighth Wonder of the World”.
From the base of the mountains to the peak, the
Banaue rice terraces resemble rugged steps leading to
the heavens. A breathtaking glance from above would
see layers upon layers of paddy crops, moulded to
fit the contours of the mountain’s steep sides and
dotted with nipa huts. These nipa huts are known as
bahay kubo in Tagalog, akin to the little hut in the film
Thanos was residing in!
The Banaue rice terraces, along with many other
rice terraces in the region are key to Philippines’
tourism. But they’re also key to Philippine’s past
as well. The complex of stone and mud walls built
from hand 2000 years ago represent a testimony of
agricultural and engineering knowledge far beyond
their times.
One mix-up most tourists are apt to make is
mistaking the Banaue rice terraces for a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, a title the terraces do not hold
due to the presence of modern structures in the area.
It certainly doesn’t help that the Banaue rice terraces
appear on the twenty-peso banknote either.
“Avengers: Endgame” may be the crème de la
crème when it comes to Banaue’s film portfolio, but
the terraces also boast a vast history of appearances
in other cinematic ventures. Among them Australian
romance “The Year of Living Dangerously”, and even
multiple award-winning British film “Metro Manila”.
These appearances signify a shift in Banaue’s role in
the Philippine economy–from what was once yam, to
rice, and now tourism. Now with its cameo in both
the Avengers films, things are likely to only look up
for the Banaue rice terraces.
FUN
FACT
It is said that if
all the terraces
were put end to
end, it would be
as long as half the
circumference of
the earth!
20 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
BUCKET LIST
Vacation on a Table
THE SECRET TO KEEPING UP WITH THE SPIRITED
AND RESTLESS CITY OF KUALA LUMPUR IS AT THE
COST OF A MUCH-NEEDED THERAPEUTIC AND
REJUVENATING MASSAGE. THE THING IS, WHAT
WOULD BE YOUR PREFERRED PAMPERING SESSION?
Text JESSY WONG • Photos THE RUB BAR & BANYAN TREE KUALA LUMPUR
BANYAN TREE SPA
KUALA LUMPUR
Drawing inspiration from the sacred
tropical tree of Banyan, the spa’s
widespread acclaim as a “Sanctuary
for the Senses” hits the hotspot of the
metropolitan city recently. Banyan Tree
Spa Kuala Lumpur brings along its truly
immersive wellness experience from other
distinguished centers in Asia.
Spa-goers are on the road to a holistic
lore, staged to encourage physical, mental
and spiritual transformation in the center.
Employing traditional Asian healing
therapies, natural ingredients such as
local herbs, spices and aromatic oils
are used in their tailored signature
treatments from both eastern and
western massage techniques.
Level 53, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur,
2 Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur
Opens daily from 10am to 10pm
www.banyantreespa.com
THE RUB BAR
Taking a leap from the conventional
dimly lit parlours, this massage center
is a testament to the change of time and
needs. The Rub Bar is a clever play on
the Malay word “raba” which defines to
rub, touch or feel something. This speaks
for the massage boutique that offers a
list of comprehensive head to toe body
treatment including an eye and face
massage session; all in a value-conscious
healing getaway.
The signature kneading and rubdown
are the aromatherapy full body massage,
sole-soothing foot reflexology and the
triple combo 3-in-1 massage. Staffed
with experienced therapists, The Rub
Bar specialises in traditional Malaysian
massage, one which principally dote on
kneading to expel wind and improving the
flow of blood vessels.
22 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
RED by Sirocco Kuala Lumpur,
No.3, Jalan Kamunting, Kuala Lumpur
Opens daily from 10am to 10pm and every
Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12am
www.therubbar.com
TALES ON TRACK
FOOD FOR TALK
Warming Up with Breakfast
Text FRANCIS YIP • Illustration JAMIE SOO-HOO
FORGET ABOUT BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S FOR A WHILE. BREAKFAST IN
MALAYSIA SERVES UP QUITE A GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE.
TOASTED BREAD
Let us start with my favourite toasted
bread spread with kaya and butter plus
two half-boiled eggs. As a kid, this was my
staple breakfast before going to school.
To enjoy the ultimate taste, try taking a
slice of fresh cold butter from the fridge
and spread it on the toasted bread. Here
is the result: it tastes like ice cream
toast! The traditional toasted
bread with kaya and butter can
be found in old kopitiams and
cafe today.
NASI LEMAK
Breakfast without mentioning nasi lemak is as
bad as having no breakfast at all. This traditional
meal with fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk
is often wrapped in banana leaves with sambal,
fried anchovies, egg and cucumber. You can also
add chicken, beef, mutton or squid to the meal.
Go get a packet or two from the street stall.
ROTI CANAI
The making of this Indian
flat bread is quite a feat
and tourists often find it
mesmerising. It is eaten
plain or paired with curry
or jam. Among the many
variation of roti canai, my
favourite is roti banjir in
which the curry and halfboiled
eggs are splashed on
top of the shredded roti.
APOM
The Indian apom is
made from rice flour
and has crispy edges
while the apom balik is
served with cream corn
as its fillings. I love the
authentic apom cooked
from a charcoal stove
because the aroma is
simply heavenly.
DIM SUM
The local Chinese love dim sum for breakfast especially
during the weekends. Dim sum has lots of varieties, from
prawn and meat dumplings to barbecued pork buns. Today,
dim sum is not all Hong Kong style as it is served with a
fusion of Japanese and French styles too. My favourite
dim sum moment is when a gravy-filled bite of lau sar pau
(pumpkin custard dumpling) melts in my mouth!
Special thanks to David Kan Yew Weng, owner of Choon Guan
1956 F&B Sdn Bhd and the World Top Gourmet Awards Team.
BAH KUT TEH
Literally known as “pork bone tea”, bah kut teh is a popular herbal
pork soup dish. If you think the meal is too heavy for breakfast,
you are wrong. Check out the long queue of people in the bah kut
teh restaurants in Klang. In fact, the dish is so popular that even
some places serve it from morning to late nights. The fragrant of
the soup often makes me yearn for more after one serving!
24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
FRANCIS YIP loves to eat and will always go find the best food in every nook and cranny. He is passionate to share his food journey and
may spark a storm in the teacup too. After all, no food, no life.
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