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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 <strong>2019</strong> | ISSUE 38<br />

WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />

Jacquelin<br />

Ch’ng<br />

ON ACTING AND TRAVEL<br />

MANADO, INDONESIA<br />

SENSATIONAL SPAS


CONTENTS<br />

20<br />

6 ON THE RADAR<br />

8 OUT & ABOUT<br />

12 INSIGHT<br />

Made for the Spotlight<br />

16 TRAVEL<br />

Manado, Indonesia<br />

18 TRAVEL<br />

Capturing Perth with<br />

Joanne Kam<br />

20 TRAVEL<br />

Spotted in Asia:<br />

Banaue Rice Terraces,<br />

Philippines<br />

22 BUCKET LIST<br />

Vacation on a Table<br />

24 FOOD FOR TALK<br />

Warming Up with Breakfast<br />

6<br />

16<br />

PICK-UP POINTS<br />

22<br />

Read our magazine exclusively in Aerobus airport shuttles or bring home a copy of <strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong> with<br />

you at these pick-up points below:<br />

GATEWAY@KLIA2<br />

AIRPORT SHOPPING MALL<br />

KLIA EKSPRES<br />

KL SENTRAL<br />

KLIA<br />

INFORMATION COUNTER AT<br />

DEPARTURE MAIN TERMINAL<br />

& SATELLITE BUILDING<br />

KLIA2<br />

INFORMATION COUNTER,<br />

SATELLITE BUILDING &<br />

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL<br />

WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 1


EDITOR’S NOTE<br />

Does anyone realise that we are already halfway into <strong>2019</strong> in a<br />

heartbeat? If this reminds you of the resolutions left to dust<br />

on the shelf, let me just say, <strong>July</strong> can be the new January for<br />

you to begin working on them again.<br />

To start, having a good breakfast is undoubtedly the best<br />

method to set things in motion. From the viewpoint of healthcare,<br />

breakfast may be the key meal but for Malaysians, breakfast is<br />

an occasion to feast. See our new column “Food For Talk” on<br />

Malaysian breakfast on page 24.<br />

Albeit the truly appetising options, to me, a good breakfast<br />

matters more with the people you dine with. Spending time with<br />

the right people can energise you as quickly as breakfast!<br />

Gracing our <strong>July</strong> cover, the beautiful and talented Hong Kong<br />

actress–Jacquelin Ch’ng–will definitely agree with me; seeing how<br />

much she values her family and friends and frequently travel from<br />

Hong Kong back to Malaysia to be with her loved ones (page 12).<br />

Since the festive and holiday season has come to an end, you<br />

can still sneak in a quick soulcation for the body and mind. Check<br />

out our “Bucket List” on the up-and-coming spa and massage<br />

places in Kuala Lumpur on page 22.<br />

Knead your stress away!<br />

John So<br />

Publisher<br />

COVER BY<br />

RICK CHEAH<br />

EDITORIAL TEAM<br />

GROUP HEAD & BRANDS<br />

JOHN SO<br />

GRAPHIC DESIGNER<br />

JAMIE SOO-HOO<br />

SENIOR WRITER<br />

JESSY WONG<br />

PHOTOGRAPHER<br />

RICK CHEAH<br />

CONTRIBUTORS<br />

FRANCIS YIP & NG SHEN LEE<br />

DIGITAL TEAM<br />

WEB CONTENT<br />

JESSY WONG<br />

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES<br />

EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM<br />

FOLLOW US ON<br />

@goasiaplus<br />

COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP<br />

JOHN SO<br />

JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM<br />

PUBLISHED BY<br />

PUBLISHCOM ASIA SDN. BHD.<br />

NO. 83–1, JALAN MEDANG SERAI, BUKIT BANDARAYA,<br />

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The views expressed in the articles published are not<br />

necessarily those of Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P).<br />

While every reasonable care is taken in compiling the<br />

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contributions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are<br />

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by Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). No part of this<br />

publication may be reproduced in any form without the<br />

publisher’s permission in writing.<br />

KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482)<br />

4 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


NEWS<br />

ON THE RADAR<br />

GET UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HAPPENINGS ON<br />

TRAVEL, HOTEL OPENINGS, FOOD OFFERS AND<br />

TRENDING FASHION AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA<br />

FIRST CLASS AVIATION<br />

EXPERIENCE<br />

The award-winning Qsuite<br />

Business Class in Qatar<br />

Airways will be added to its<br />

Kuala Lumpur route from 15<br />

<strong>July</strong> onwards. The patented<br />

Business Class seat is the<br />

industry’s first-ever double<br />

bed in Business Class with<br />

interactive privacy panels to<br />

create a personal private space<br />

for families, business partners<br />

and group socialisation.<br />

www.qatarairways.com<br />

QUEENSLAND GRAIN-FED BEEF IN HILTON<br />

Hilton’s established steak and beef restaurant is<br />

bringing in Queensland’s premium grain-fed beef<br />

to serve in two house-styles. The braised meat is<br />

paired with homemade Memphis mustard sauce and<br />

crunchy slaw or Chamber Grill’s homemade smoked<br />

chilli barbeque sauce. Starting from RM280 nett, the<br />

exquisite dish is available from now to 31 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

Chamber Grill, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />

+063-22642596<br />

KEEPING TIME WITH CRYSTALS<br />

Swarovski’s new bold timepieces bring<br />

a touch of sparkle and glamour beyond<br />

functionality to the wrist. The highlight<br />

of the collection, Crystalline Glam, is<br />

a testament to the exclusive Swarovski<br />

Crystalline technique featuring around 800<br />

Swarovski crystals with a leather strap or<br />

urban metal bracelet for different occasions.<br />

Available in Swarovski stores nationwide<br />

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL IN BANGKOK<br />

ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada takes its inspiration<br />

from the Thailand city with a trendy and playful<br />

ambience across 266 guestrooms, meeting<br />

rooms, fitness, spa and lobby bar. Located in<br />

proximity to the Huai Khwang subway station<br />

and Ratchada Train Night Market, the hotel is an<br />

economical rescue for family travellers.<br />

www.accorhotels.com<br />

6 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


EVENTS<br />

OUT & ABOUT<br />

LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF<br />

THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND<br />

JAM HSIAO WORLD TOUR<br />

6 JULY<br />

Taiwanese Mandopop singer Jam<br />

Hsiao has kicked off his new “Mr.<br />

Entertainment” themed tour<br />

with an overwhelming response<br />

on the concert’s extravagant<br />

production. Returning to<br />

Malaysia after four years, the<br />

“King of Golden Melody” is<br />

anticipated to deliver his list of<br />

popular hits like “Collection”<br />

and “New Endless Love”.<br />

Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil<br />

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />

www.myticket.asia<br />

43RD BON ODORI FESTIVAL<br />

20 JULY<br />

The single largest Japanese cultural event in Malaysia<br />

is back on a big scale. This Japanese festival is held<br />

in honour of ancestral spirits and visitors are always<br />

encouraged to wear yukata or cotton kimonos to the<br />

carnival-like event. Besides the main cultural dance,<br />

there are also games and drum performances to catch.<br />

Kompleks Sukan Negara<br />

Shah Alam (Panasonic), Malaysia<br />

www.facebook.com/bonodorimalaysia/<br />

THE WORKING DEAD<br />

18 JULY - 4 AUG<br />

KULT Productions is presenting a “Back To<br />

Work” musical on how black magic transforms the<br />

reality of a married couple. A hardworking man<br />

called Edwin has died tragically on the job and<br />

by using black magic, his employer resurrected<br />

Edwin to be a “corporate zombie”. Now, Edwin’s<br />

wife and colleagues must find ways to save him.<br />

KLPAC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />

www.klpac.org<br />

ALADDIN<br />

21 JULY - 1 SEPT<br />

Aladdin becomes larger than life<br />

in this musical reintroducing<br />

Disney’s 1992 animated hit with<br />

an explosion of sensory from<br />

the beloved musical numbers,<br />

breathtaking set, lavish costumes<br />

and special effects. Brought by<br />

the producer of The Lion King,<br />

Aladdin musical will bring you to<br />

“A Whole New World” under the<br />

spell of theatrical magic.<br />

Sands Theatre,<br />

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore<br />

www.sistic.com.sg<br />

SWAN LAKE<br />

14 JUNE<br />

The internationally known St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is debuting in<br />

Kuala Lumpur with the worldwide acclaimed ballet production–Swan<br />

Lake. The deeply moving story of young Prince Siegfried falling in<br />

love with Swan Princess Odette is a true love’s tale told in the most<br />

spell-binding and dramatic ballet masterpiece.<br />

Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />

www.myticket.asia<br />

8 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


<strong>2019</strong><br />

TRAVEL<br />

EXPO<br />

5 – 7 September <strong>2019</strong><br />

Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC)<br />

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam<br />

TRAVEL<br />

ASIA<br />

GATEWAY TO<br />

Ho Chi Minh City<br />

BOOK YOUR BOOTH<br />

TODAY!<br />

Contact our sales team at<br />

ite.sales@informa.com for exhibition<br />

space and sponsorship opportunities<br />

www.itehcmc.com<br />

International.Travel.Expo ITE.HCMC<br />

Organised by<br />

• Vietnam National Administration of Tourism<br />

• Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism<br />

• VINEXAD Trade Fair & Advertising JSC<br />

• Informa Exhibitions<br />

Supported by<br />

• Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia<br />

• Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR<br />

• Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, Myanmar<br />

• Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Kingdom of Thailand<br />

Endorsed by<br />

• Ministry of Culture, Sports &<br />

Tourism, Vietnam<br />

• People’s Committee of<br />

Ho Chi Minh City


ADVERTORIAL<br />

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Everything becomes seamless with the advent<br />

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like Mayflower.com.my makes it easy for<br />

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Primarily, a long haul travel requires only flight<br />

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Users can even earn an instant cash discount for<br />

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GET COVERED WITH TRAVEL<br />

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The unavoidable grievances of travel can<br />

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10 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


STAY CONNECTED IN OVERSEAS<br />

Internet is indispensable when travelling to<br />

stay in touch, use digital travel map and get<br />

ride-hailing services in the city. More often<br />

than not, roaming from your local home<br />

network may incur a high surcharge while overseas.<br />

Roaming Man Wifi is a portable wireless device<br />

for unlimited internet usage in up to 130 destinations<br />

worldwide. It uses Cloudsim technology that connects<br />

to the fastest 4G local network in the area and could<br />

support up to 5 users at the same time. The device is<br />

available for collection at Malaysian airports and for<br />

regions in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia,<br />

Roaming Man Wifi retails at RM12 per day* at<br />

Mayflower.com.my.<br />

FLEXIBLE JOURNEY ON ROAD<br />

Promptly stick to your itinerary with a private<br />

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transportation in the country. Perfect for both<br />

leisure or business travel, Mayflower car rental has large<br />

options of sedan cars, MPVs and vans to choose from.<br />

The affordable rental rate, convenient pick-up points<br />

and well-maintained vehicles will make<br />

travelling seamless.<br />

SKIP THE QUEUE AT THEME PARK<br />

Travelling during the peak holiday season is<br />

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queues in every attraction venue and tourist<br />

destination. Get your admission tickets early<br />

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*Please refer to Mayflower.com.my for more details. Terms and<br />

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WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 11


INSIGHT<br />

Made for the Spotlight<br />

WHEN SHE’S NOT ON THE ROAD, MALAYSIAN-BORN JACQUELIN CH’NG<br />

MAKES A LABOUR OF LOVE ON SET IN HONG KONG AND IS FREQUENTLY<br />

FOUND IN COLLOQUIAL ONLINE BROADCASTS ON HER CHANNELS.<br />

Text JESSY WONG • Photos RICK CHEAH & JACQUELIN CH'NG<br />

Jacquelin Ch’ng is the right cut out for stardom.<br />

The natural appeal of this celebrity stands at<br />

a height of 177cm, candidly drawing attention<br />

to her slender figure and friendly beauty. More<br />

thanks to basketball and high jump in her schooling<br />

days. Although she’s born in Malaysia, Jacquelin<br />

found heels fitting to her size in Hong Kong, the<br />

city where she grew up in. As an urban city-dweller,<br />

her favourite place in Malaysia is none other than<br />

the Pearl of the Orient. “I love to go to Penang. The<br />

place is just beautiful and especially the food, it is<br />

delicious.” However, the iconic city with lofty twintowers<br />

is the place she would call home.<br />

Count yourself lucky if you manage to spot<br />

Jacquelin in any of her recurring returns to the<br />

country over the calls of festivities, holidays<br />

and most importantly, filial piety as her parents,<br />

Malaysian property tycoons Datuk Bill Ch’ng Poh and<br />

Datin Kong Yuk Chu, are based in Kuala Lumpur.<br />

Leading the Ch’ng sister-pack, Jacquelin, as the<br />

eldest of her siblings dramatically paid her dues in<br />

Hong Kong as a TVB actress and movie star together<br />

with her sister, Lisa, who is also in the entertainment<br />

industry of Hong Kong.<br />

Jacquelin is no newcomer to the scene having<br />

starred in the big screen of Hong Kong’s milliondollar<br />

box office movies like “S for Sex, S for Secret”<br />

and “Return of the Cuckoo” otherwise commercially<br />

successful TVB dramas such as “Two Steps from<br />

Heaven” and “Heart and Greed 3”.<br />

“There are no other jobs out there for you to<br />

explore different characters and roles. I have the<br />

most fun in acting; being able to play a different<br />

person, do things that you ordinarily won’t and<br />

wear your emotions on your sleeve–be it of anger or<br />

sadness–in front of many people.”<br />

While she talks about her multifarious roles, it is<br />

revealed that Jacquelin’s pursuit of new experiences<br />

is also well-satiated in her career. “I get to visit plenty<br />

of places and understand various cultures. There was<br />

once we even filmed in a prison.<br />

12 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


INSIGHT<br />

WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 13


INSIGHT<br />

CONNECT<br />

with<br />

Jacquelin<br />

Ch'ng<br />

@jacquelin501<br />

@jacquelinchng<br />

@Jacquelin Ch'ng<br />

“As an actress, I get to cross-path with a number<br />

of interesting people too, simply from researching my<br />

characters and of course, having the chance to shoot<br />

with a group of veteran actor and actresses whom I<br />

look up to since I was little.” But it’s not all splendid<br />

and glamorous.<br />

The entertainment business holds an unknown<br />

future in Hong Kong as new trends and new faces<br />

drive opportunities for growth in the media. While<br />

she reminiscences on spending her first payroll on<br />

her driving license, she is aware that a career in a<br />

fast-moving industry is indefinite but that doesn’t<br />

thwart her as she will only thrive in every project in<br />

her decades-long career.<br />

HER KIND OF HOLIDAY<br />

The perks of an actress? She is a verified globetrotter;<br />

be it for business or leisure, Jacquelin loves to<br />

breathe in a new environment. Although it has mostly<br />

been for business, she would never pause to extend<br />

her stay whenever possible, according to her.<br />

“Bangkok is my top destination for a foodie trip.<br />

The city has so much to offer from shopping and of<br />

course, the nightlife.” Curious as to how a socialite<br />

picks her playground, I took a shot in asking her for<br />

some inside dope.<br />

“When I’m in a foreign country, the first criteria<br />

is always a bar with views. Places like a rooftop bar<br />

let you drink more than liquor, you can also drink in<br />

the breathtaking night view. Secondly, bars with a<br />

specific theme–and good interior–is an added perk.”<br />

Be in the know of nightlife around town, it was<br />

Jacquelin who suggested us–the Malaysians– to<br />

meet her at Miss Daisy, a new 4D bar in Jalan Yap<br />

Kwan Seng. The flower-scented club (yes, you<br />

heard that right) is laden with wall to ceiling flower<br />

arrangement inspired by a story about a brokenhearted<br />

girl who longs for beautiful carnivalesque<br />

space. Needless to say, Jacquelin has a good eye in<br />

locating up-and-coming places in the city.<br />

Her next adventure will take her to Vietnam,<br />

along the beaches of Phu Quoc and tour of Ho<br />

Chi Minh City. And the three things she definitely<br />

can’t travel without–her handphone, sunglasses and<br />

range of skincare!<br />

14 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


TRAVEL<br />

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED<br />

Manado, Indonesia<br />

THE CAPITAL CITY OF NORTH SULAWESI IS AN UNTOUCHED<br />

BEAUTY WITH NATURAL SPLENDORS FOR TRAVELLERS TO<br />

DISCOVER AN AUTHENTICALLY FRAMED DESTINATION.<br />

Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & S LOFT MANADO<br />

HOW TO GET THERE<br />

International flight to Manado is at hand if you’re<br />

coming from Singapore. Silk Air has direct flights<br />

to Sam Ratulangi International Airport. Else, most<br />

air routes has connecting flights from Jakarta to<br />

Manado. The place is easily accessible via plenty<br />

of other domestic flights from major airports like<br />

Surabaya, Balikpapan, Makassar and Denpasar.<br />

WHERE TO EAT<br />

Manado is home to Minahasa people whose local<br />

palate is seasoned with hot and spicy food. Their<br />

local sambal, rica-rica, is definitely one to look out<br />

for; normally served and cooked with seafood or<br />

meat. Tinutuan, the Manado-style vegetable porridge<br />

and cakalang fufu, smoked skipjack tuna are other<br />

popular Minahasan dishes.<br />

WHERE TO STAY<br />

The bustling capital is not short of accommodations<br />

with a number of renowned hotel chains dotted<br />

around town. For casual and comfortable stay, S<br />

Loft Manado is a loft-style accommodation with free<br />

shuttle bus to Manado Town Square. Siladen Resort<br />

& Spa is the place to go if you’re planning a vacation<br />

at Bunaken National Marine Park.<br />

WHAT TO DO<br />

The largest lake in North Sulawesi makes a fine<br />

travelling spot at 600 metres high above sea level.<br />

Take a boat ride on the lake to appreciate the scenic<br />

Tondano Lake encircled with lush mountains and<br />

clear waters. With a proper guide, trekking into<br />

Tangkoko Nature Reserve can uncover black macaque<br />

monkeys, endangered Tarsius and Maleo birds.<br />

For a touch into Manado’s history, visit Waruga,<br />

the stone sacrophagi collection dating back to 9th<br />

century found exclusively at Airmadidi district. If<br />

budget permits, Bunaken is the best place to end<br />

your trip in Manado. Afterall, the corals in this<br />

northern island is claimed to be even more diverse<br />

than Hawaii. The phenomenal underwater scene in<br />

Bunaken makes it a premier scuba diving destination.<br />

GOOD<br />

to<br />

KNOW<br />

The wet seasons<br />

of this region<br />

is timed from<br />

October till April<br />

every year.<br />

“Jesus Blesses”<br />

in Manado is one<br />

of Asia’s largest<br />

flying statues of<br />

Jesus at 50<br />

metres tall.<br />

Contact local<br />

travel agencies to<br />

arrange a trekking<br />

trip if you want to<br />

catch glimpses of<br />

active volcanoes<br />

and hot springs<br />

in Manado.<br />

16 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


TRAVEL<br />

Capturing Perth<br />

with Joanne Kam<br />

MALAYSIA’S QUEEN OF COMEDY SHARES<br />

HER WESTERN AUSTRALIA TRIP WITH<br />

US THROUGH HER ADVENTURES IN THE<br />

EXTRAORDINARY CITY, MEETING LOCAL<br />

WILDLIFE AND EXPERIENCING THE DIVERSITY<br />

OF FOOD AND HERITAGE IN PERTH.<br />

Text JESSY WONG • Photos JOANNE KAM & ADOBE STOCK<br />

DAY<br />

1<br />

1<br />

1 CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK<br />

A short drive away from Perth is where tourists can<br />

actively interact with native Australian animals in<br />

their natural habitat. Joanne was in absolute glee<br />

when she patted a wombat for the first time and fed<br />

kangaroos from her palm.<br />

2 THE CHEESE MAKER<br />

Joanne met Tanya Barretto, the owner and skilled<br />

cheese maker who specialises in teaching the art of<br />

home cheese making. In her class, Joanne picked up<br />

the steps in making Halloumi cheese from scratch<br />

and she is certain one could easily pull this off for<br />

any dinner party for their guests.<br />

3 DINING AT FERAL BREWING COMPANY<br />

The popular microbrewery and restaurant in Swan<br />

Valley makes Joanne spoilt for choice with their<br />

extensive menu and choices. The family-owned<br />

brewery are known for their handcraft traditional<br />

brewing methods. Joanne recommends ordering a<br />

tasting board to find out which beer pairs with<br />

your mains.<br />

3<br />

Contact Explore Tours Perth at info@<br />

exploretoursperth.com for small group day tours<br />

to these places.<br />

2<br />

18 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


TRAVEL<br />

4<br />

4 CHOPPER TO ROTTNEST ISLAND<br />

Take a fun and scenic flight with Rotorvation<br />

Helicopters to Rottnest Island, a place where<br />

Quokka, the native wildlife, thrives. Arriving with a<br />

helicopter, Joanne says, shows breathtaking views of<br />

the island and its surroundings.<br />

DAY<br />

2<br />

5 SEGWAY TOUR AT ROTTNEST ISLAND<br />

Getting around the island is conveniently peaceful.<br />

The car-free island let tourists cycle or ride Segways<br />

to breathe in the picturesque scenery. Joanne rode<br />

her Segway all around the island meeting roaming<br />

wild quokkas and visited the historic Bathusrt<br />

Lighthouse and the Quod, an aboriginal prison.<br />

6 DINING AT YING RESTAURANT<br />

Malaysians may find flavours familiar to their<br />

tastebuds at Ying Restaurant, an authentic Chinese<br />

restaurant in Perth. While Joanne has had her share<br />

of Chinese food all her life, she still dreams of the<br />

restaurant’s “Eight Treasure Duck” till this day.<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7 8<br />

DAY<br />

3<br />

Contact Rotorvation Helicopter Services at info@<br />

rotorvation.com.au and Segway Tours WA at info@<br />

segwaytourswa.com.au for bookings and more info.<br />

9<br />

7 SWIMMING WITH WILD DOLPHINS<br />

After years of familiarisation, the local bottlenose dolphins at<br />

Rockingham let tourists see them in their natural environment.<br />

Within a small group with professional guides, Joanne manage to spot<br />

dolphin mothers and nursing calves in the waters.<br />

8 FREMANTLE MARKETS<br />

Housed in the grand old Victorian building, the market is a lively<br />

place to shop for fresh produce, unique foods and souvenirs among<br />

buskers and live music. Among the eclectic finds, Joanne found dried<br />

kangaroo meat to try and raspberry coffee at the market.<br />

9 DINING AT BATHERS BEACH HOUSE FREMANTLE<br />

The mouth-watering “Seafood Platter” is served with whole reef fish,<br />

crab, mussels, octopus and garlic prawns. Also according to Joanne,<br />

this beachfront restaurant is the only place you can watch the sunset<br />

with an alcoholic drink in hand.<br />

Reach out to Rockingham Wild Encounters at info@dolphins.com.au<br />

for a special swim with dolphins. Find everything you need to know to plan<br />

for your Western Australia holiday at www.westernaustralia.com<br />

WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 19


TRAVEL<br />

SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS<br />

Banaue Rice<br />

Terraces,<br />

Philippines<br />

Text NG SHEN LEE • Photo ADOBE STOCK<br />

Avengers: Endgame has surpassed all other<br />

films to become the highest-grossing film of<br />

all time in Philippine history. The finale of<br />

the Avengers universe marks the end of an era for<br />

Marvel, and certainly an emotional one for millions<br />

of fans worldwide.<br />

The film picked up where its predecessor<br />

“Avengers: Infinity War” left off. Previously, Thanos<br />

as played by Josh Brolin is seen walking out of a small<br />

hut to view an emerald rice paddy terrain. The same<br />

landscape is seen in “Avengers: Endgame”, where<br />

aerial and ground shots feature Thanos making his<br />

way to what seems to be the same hut.<br />

The location of the scene is none other than the<br />

infamous Banaue rice terraces in the Cordilleras<br />

Mountain Range of Luzon! Otherwise also known as<br />

“The Eighth Wonder of the World”.<br />

From the base of the mountains to the peak, the<br />

Banaue rice terraces resemble rugged steps leading to<br />

the heavens. A breathtaking glance from above would<br />

see layers upon layers of paddy crops, moulded to<br />

fit the contours of the mountain’s steep sides and<br />

dotted with nipa huts. These nipa huts are known as<br />

bahay kubo in Tagalog, akin to the little hut in the film<br />

Thanos was residing in!<br />

The Banaue rice terraces, along with many other<br />

rice terraces in the region are key to Philippines’<br />

tourism. But they’re also key to Philippine’s past<br />

as well. The complex of stone and mud walls built<br />

from hand 2000 years ago represent a testimony of<br />

agricultural and engineering knowledge far beyond<br />

their times.<br />

One mix-up most tourists are apt to make is<br />

mistaking the Banaue rice terraces for a UNESCO<br />

World Heritage Site, a title the terraces do not hold<br />

due to the presence of modern structures in the area.<br />

It certainly doesn’t help that the Banaue rice terraces<br />

appear on the twenty-peso banknote either.<br />

“Avengers: Endgame” may be the crème de la<br />

crème when it comes to Banaue’s film portfolio, but<br />

the terraces also boast a vast history of appearances<br />

in other cinematic ventures. Among them Australian<br />

romance “The Year of Living Dangerously”, and even<br />

multiple award-winning British film “Metro Manila”.<br />

These appearances signify a shift in Banaue’s role in<br />

the Philippine economy–from what was once yam, to<br />

rice, and now tourism. Now with its cameo in both<br />

the Avengers films, things are likely to only look up<br />

for the Banaue rice terraces.<br />

FUN<br />

FACT<br />

It is said that if<br />

all the terraces<br />

were put end to<br />

end, it would be<br />

as long as half the<br />

circumference of<br />

the earth!<br />

20 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM


BUCKET LIST<br />

Vacation on a Table<br />

THE SECRET TO KEEPING UP WITH THE SPIRITED<br />

AND RESTLESS CITY OF KUALA LUMPUR IS AT THE<br />

COST OF A MUCH-NEEDED THERAPEUTIC AND<br />

REJUVENATING MASSAGE. THE THING IS, WHAT<br />

WOULD BE YOUR PREFERRED PAMPERING SESSION?<br />

Text JESSY WONG • Photos THE RUB BAR & BANYAN TREE KUALA LUMPUR<br />

BANYAN TREE SPA<br />

KUALA LUMPUR<br />

Drawing inspiration from the sacred<br />

tropical tree of Banyan, the spa’s<br />

widespread acclaim as a “Sanctuary<br />

for the Senses” hits the hotspot of the<br />

metropolitan city recently. Banyan Tree<br />

Spa Kuala Lumpur brings along its truly<br />

immersive wellness experience from other<br />

distinguished centers in Asia.<br />

Spa-goers are on the road to a holistic<br />

lore, staged to encourage physical, mental<br />

and spiritual transformation in the center.<br />

Employing traditional Asian healing<br />

therapies, natural ingredients such as<br />

local herbs, spices and aromatic oils<br />

are used in their tailored signature<br />

treatments from both eastern and<br />

western massage techniques.<br />

Level 53, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur,<br />

2 Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur<br />

Opens daily from 10am to 10pm<br />

www.banyantreespa.com<br />

THE RUB BAR<br />

Taking a leap from the conventional<br />

dimly lit parlours, this massage center<br />

is a testament to the change of time and<br />

needs. The Rub Bar is a clever play on<br />

the Malay word “raba” which defines to<br />

rub, touch or feel something. This speaks<br />

for the massage boutique that offers a<br />

list of comprehensive head to toe body<br />

treatment including an eye and face<br />

massage session; all in a value-conscious<br />

healing getaway.<br />

The signature kneading and rubdown<br />

are the aromatherapy full body massage,<br />

sole-soothing foot reflexology and the<br />

triple combo 3-in-1 massage. Staffed<br />

with experienced therapists, The Rub<br />

Bar specialises in traditional Malaysian<br />

massage, one which principally dote on<br />

kneading to expel wind and improving the<br />

flow of blood vessels.<br />

22 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />

RED by Sirocco Kuala Lumpur,<br />

No.3, Jalan Kamunting, Kuala Lumpur<br />

Opens daily from 10am to 10pm and every<br />

Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12am<br />

www.therubbar.com


TALES ON TRACK<br />

FOOD FOR TALK<br />

Warming Up with Breakfast<br />

Text FRANCIS YIP • Illustration JAMIE SOO-HOO<br />

FORGET ABOUT BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S FOR A WHILE. BREAKFAST IN<br />

MALAYSIA SERVES UP QUITE A GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE.<br />

TOASTED BREAD<br />

Let us start with my favourite toasted<br />

bread spread with kaya and butter plus<br />

two half-boiled eggs. As a kid, this was my<br />

staple breakfast before going to school.<br />

To enjoy the ultimate taste, try taking a<br />

slice of fresh cold butter from the fridge<br />

and spread it on the toasted bread. Here<br />

is the result: it tastes like ice cream<br />

toast! The traditional toasted<br />

bread with kaya and butter can<br />

be found in old kopitiams and<br />

cafe today.<br />

NASI LEMAK<br />

Breakfast without mentioning nasi lemak is as<br />

bad as having no breakfast at all. This traditional<br />

meal with fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk<br />

is often wrapped in banana leaves with sambal,<br />

fried anchovies, egg and cucumber. You can also<br />

add chicken, beef, mutton or squid to the meal.<br />

Go get a packet or two from the street stall.<br />

ROTI CANAI<br />

The making of this Indian<br />

flat bread is quite a feat<br />

and tourists often find it<br />

mesmerising. It is eaten<br />

plain or paired with curry<br />

or jam. Among the many<br />

variation of roti canai, my<br />

favourite is roti banjir in<br />

which the curry and halfboiled<br />

eggs are splashed on<br />

top of the shredded roti.<br />

APOM<br />

The Indian apom is<br />

made from rice flour<br />

and has crispy edges<br />

while the apom balik is<br />

served with cream corn<br />

as its fillings. I love the<br />

authentic apom cooked<br />

from a charcoal stove<br />

because the aroma is<br />

simply heavenly.<br />

DIM SUM<br />

The local Chinese love dim sum for breakfast especially<br />

during the weekends. Dim sum has lots of varieties, from<br />

prawn and meat dumplings to barbecued pork buns. Today,<br />

dim sum is not all Hong Kong style as it is served with a<br />

fusion of Japanese and French styles too. My favourite<br />

dim sum moment is when a gravy-filled bite of lau sar pau<br />

(pumpkin custard dumpling) melts in my mouth!<br />

Special thanks to David Kan Yew Weng, owner of Choon Guan<br />

1956 F&B Sdn Bhd and the World Top Gourmet Awards Team.<br />

BAH KUT TEH<br />

Literally known as “pork bone tea”, bah kut teh is a popular herbal<br />

pork soup dish. If you think the meal is too heavy for breakfast,<br />

you are wrong. Check out the long queue of people in the bah kut<br />

teh restaurants in Klang. In fact, the dish is so popular that even<br />

some places serve it from morning to late nights. The fragrant of<br />

the soup often makes me yearn for more after one serving!<br />

24 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />

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<br />

may spark a storm in the teacup too. After all, no food, no life.<br />

www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd franciswriter

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