GOASIAPLUS August 2019

AUG 2019 | ISSUE 39
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
Rise of
Sustainable Fashion
NORTHBOUND TO KEDAH
ALL ABOUT SATAY

CONTENTS
18
4 ON THE RADAR
6 OUT & ABOUT
8 TRAVEL
Spotted in Asia:
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
10 FYI
Secure Your Smartphone Abroad
11 SHOP
Fashion with a Heart
14 TRAVEL
Balik Pulau, Penang
16 BUCKET LIST
London is in Town
18 TRAVEL
The Northern Muses of Kedah
22 TALES ON TRACK
Caution on Apples
24 FOOD FOR TALK
Grilling Malaysian Flavours
14
16
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 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
It is a unanimous understanding that we are only 100%
responsible for climate change and the toxic environment we
are living in today. Each of our lifestyle decisions today can
make a huge difference for tomorrow.
Hope is not gone. Recycle, upcycle, you name it, you do it in
style. See page 12 on the growing sustainable fashion industry
in Southeast Asia and how it becomes the new in-demand–for
making the world a better place and keeping your style in check.
In high-spirits of nationalism, we showcase only the best of
Malaysia in this issue from a long trip in Kedah–where to hike and
go oyster farming–to Balik Pulau in Penang for this durian season.
There’s also some serious satay talk (page 24) in our pages.
As an avid traveller, I definitely can’t live without my passport
and–wait for it–smartphone. Personally, I regard it as one of the
most important things to have after oxygen when I’m travelling
at this age and time. The agony of losing one’s smartphone
when travelling abroad is unfathomable so we shared a few ways
to secure your information when you’re spending the August
holidays on the road (page 10).
Happy Independence Day to all Malaysians!
John So
Publisher
COVER BY
SAYANG
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,
REBECCA PH LEE & KYO HOOI
DIGITAL TEAM
WEB CONTENT
JESSY WONG
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
EDITORIAL@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,
SEKSYEN 26, SHAH ALAM 40000, MALAYSIA
FOLLOW US ON
@goasiaplus
The views expressed in the articles published are not
necessarily those of Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P).
While every reasonable care is taken in compiling the
magazine, the publisher shall not be held liable for any
omission, error or inaccuracy. Please notify the publisher in
writing of any such omission, error or inaccuracy. Editorial
contributions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are
submitted at the sender’s risk. The publisher cannot accept
any responsibility for loss or damage. All rights reserved
by Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). No part of this
publication may be reproduced in any form without the
publisher’s permission in writing.
KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482)
2 · 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
THE BEE REINVENTED
Known to host indie music and concerts at the
social venue, The Bee’s upgrade in floor space
is welcoming more genres to their megadeck
stage from pop, techno to punk rock. The bar
introduces new locally-inspired drinks like
“Grown-Up Cincau” and The Bee’s kitchen will
now be open for breakfast and bringing back
lunch, happy hour and dinner.
The Bee, Level G2, Publika,
Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur
www.thebee.com.my
CANON 2-IN-1
CAMERA PRINTER
The new iNSPiC [S] series
by Canon double the fun
of capturing photos while
travelling. The compact and
ultra-portable camera has a
built-in printer for instant
printing, fill light for the perfect
mirror selfie and bluetooth
pairing to smartphone to
personalise images.
The instant printing on
ZINK technology is smudgeproof
and the ZINK ink-paper
also has a sticky back for onthe-go
journal keeping. Connect
to the Canon Mini Print app
to personalise the photos with
doodles, filters, photo frames
and edits before printing from
your smartphone.
my.canon
RAGE TO BE DIFFERENT
The new retail and foodie platform in
Bangsar can feed your cravings and caffeine
fix–but in a totally unconventional way.
Forget queuing at the counter, one order
refreshments through smartphone app in
RAGE. Besides finding a newfound love in
their localised coffee and beverages, take a
turn to RAGE in their boxing room and ping
pong table.
RAGE Bangsar, Menara UOA Bangsar,
LGF-3A, 5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1,
Kuala Lumpur
drinkrage.com
4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

EVENTS
OUT & ABOUT
LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND
THE TWENTY TOUR
8 - 9 AUG
Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan are returning to
Malaysia for the first time after their much-awaited reunion. This tour
will also be in celebration of Westlife’s 20 th anniversary since their debut
in 1998 and fans can sing-along to nostalgic hits like “My Love”, “If I Let
You Go” and “Uptown Girl”.
Malawati Indoor Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia
www.ticket2u.com.my
WALKING WITH
DINOSAURS - THE
LIVE EXPERIENCE
23 - 25 AUG
Based on the awardwinning
BBC Television
series, this live arena
experience will keep
everyone on their toes
as the extinct dinosaurs
came back to life in this
extravagant $20 million
production. The biggest
and best dinosaur show
in the world would be
featuring 18 life-sized
pre-historic creatures in
the arena.
Axiata Arena,
Bukit Jalil,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.myticket.asia
TREVOR NOAH LOUD
& CLEAR TOUR 2019
19 AUG
Known as the host of an award-winning program “The Daily Show”,
Trevor Noah roots actually lies in stand-up comedy. Trevor’s intelligent
commentary, sharp wit and charismatic charm shine beyond the TV screen
in the US to sold out arenas around the world, making him one of the most
accomplished comedians in the word.
The Star Theatre, Singapore
www.sistic.com.sg
TWICE WORLD TOUR 2019
17 AUG
First rose to fame in 2016, the nine-member girl
group has won the hearts of many with popular hits
like “Cheer Up”, “TT”, “Likey” and “Yes or Yes”
topping music charts and high sales record with every
release. As one of South Korea’s biggest group artists,
TWICE’s worldwide fans are known as “Once”.
Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.ticket2u.com.my
SUNNY SIDE UP TROPICAL FESTIVAL
24 AUG
Against the backdrop of the beautiful island of
Bali, the 6 th edition of the tropical music and
culture festival returns with multiple international
headliners among many other cutting-edge artists
and DJs from various genres. Grammy Awardwinning
producer, Flume, will be performing live
at the beachfront festival along with London-based
singer Grace Carter.
Manarai Beach House, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
www.sunnysideupfest.com
6 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Text NG SHEN LEE • Photo ADOBE STOCK
FUN
FACT
A slinky rooftop
lounge in Quarry
Bay is aptly
named Sugar–an
ode to the area’s
sugar refinery
background
perhaps?
Today, a bird’s eye view of Quarry Bay would
grant you a quintessential view of Hong Kong’s
Eastern District–an endless concrete jungle of
urban developments.
But Quarry Bay was at one point home to the
world’s largest sugar refinery, and stands as a symbol
of Hong Kong’s industrial past. Though sugar refining
in the region has long ceased, the bay has in recent
years garnered a sweet, sweet place on the itineraries
of tourists and filmmakers alike thanks to the
staggering beauty of a certain residential building.
That iconic building is the “Monster Building”–a
conglomeration of five public housing complexes
conjoined to form one behemoth structure.
When standing in the narrow inner courtyard, the
surrounding apartments seem to loom over the
viewer, with each densely-packed unit resembling a
piece within a vibrant checkerboard.
As seen in the 2014 “Transformers: Age of
Extinction”, the sheer size of the Monster Building
also makes for the ideal action movie scene! From
evil drones scurrying up the building’s exterior, to
protagonist Cade Yeager as played by Mark Walherg
falling through canopies with the antagonist on his
heels, a good portion of the final battle in the film
takes place in and around the building.
After all, there’s nothing Hollywood loves
more than manic chase scenes in packed everyday
Asian settings; and where else in Hong Kong oozes
“packed” as good as the Monster Building?
The building made another feature on the big
screens in 2017 too. This time in Rupert Sanders’
“Ghost in the Shell”. Through the magic of CGI,
the centre courtyard was transformed into a
dramatically gloomy battleground befitting its role
in a water fight scene.
More recently, the Monster Building’s
colourful facade has made it the subject of many
photographers and highly sought after by tourists
as a photo backdrop. While this may act positively
on the area’s tourism, one concern remains–the
building was never meant to be a tourist attraction
to begin with.
See, while the building may see flocks of
tourists snapping away, it’s also where locals eat
their dinners, hang their laundry, and go by their
everyday lives. Exasperated residents have taken
things into their own hands by hanging signs which
forbid photography, though if you were to visit the
building today, you probably won’t be the only one
still trying to get that perfect shot.
8 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

FYI
Secure Your Smartphone Abroad
PREPARE AHEAD TO PROTECT AND PREVENT ADDITIONAL
RISKS TO YOUR DEVICE WHEN YOU ARE OVERSEAS.
Text JESSY WONG • Illustration ADOBE STOCK
Smartphone is
essential to us as
though it is an
extension of ourselves.
Especially when we
travel, we count on
our phones to capture
the memories on road
and remember all our
important contact
information and private
personal details.
The consequences
of losing one’s phone or
facing data hack poses
a higher threat when
we are vacationing
in a foreign country
so here’s a summary
of security tips to go
by for your travelling
smartphone.
TURN ON FIND MY PHONE
Be sure to keep the “Find My Phone” feature
running so you can locate your lost phone’s
location with another device. Current Android and
iPhone have a built-in service in Phone Settings
and it needs to be manually turned on.
PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR DEVICE
The worst thing to do is not setting a password
to your phone. Once it is lost, people with illintentions
can take advantage of your phone
details and accounts that you are logged in.
Prevent information theft by securing it with
unique PIN or passcode.
WIRELESS NETWORK AND
PUBLIC WIFI
You are not the only one who is attracted to free
public wifi when you travel. Hackers can get
into your device through the unsecured network
and steal information like your passwords and
credit card details that you saved in your mobile
browser. Subscription-based networks are more
secure to use.
UPDATE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM
Always keep your mobile operating system up-todate
when a new version is out. This is important
as the operating system often include revised
security bug fixes. Outdated operating system poses
higher vulnerability of exploitation in your phone’s
network security.
AUTOMATICALLY UPDATE YOUR APPS
Surely, you would enthusiatically share of your
travel highlights on social media so make sure all
apps are updated. Hackers can access your details
through apps that have bugs or security holes. It
is best to set your apps to automatic update and
delete any unused apps as it is most probably to be
out-of-date.
BACKUP PHONE DATA AND MEDIA
Save all your smartphone media and contacts
by backing it up in an online storage or home
computer before your trip. If anything bad should
happen to your phone when travelling, you can
recover your lost data and media with ease.
10 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

SHOP
Fashion with
a Heart
CHASING BEYOND LATEST TRENDS
TO SOMETHING MUCH GREATER,
THESE ETHICAL FASHION BRANDS
IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ARE HOPEFUL
TOWARDS A WHOLESOME BETTERMENT
THROUGH THEIR LOVE FOR FASHION.
Text JESSY WONG
Photos SAYANG, BIJI-BIJI ETHICAL FASHION,
ALIGN SWIM & SMATERIA
Move aside, fast fashion. Ethical
brands and greener productions
are expectantly to become the
front-runner of the fashion industry. Calling
out unfavourable practices in the mass
apparel trade, more creative fashion-slashsocial
enterprises are inspired in creating a
difference. Beginning from upcycling wastes,
use of organic material to the employment
of underprivileged folks, everyone can be in
vogue among the ethical fashion community.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 11

SHOP
SAYANG
A Timeless Womanswear
Founded in Kuala Lumpur, SAYANG is brand
of passion that buds from the home of Dianna
Yong. As the Creative Director, she first
envisioned a fashion label that is committed
in only using natural fibres for the garments.
Then, working closely with beneficiaries and
underprivileged women, SAYANG presents a
timeless craftsmanship of love. The Spring/
Summer 2019 collection will be the brand’s
biggest collection to date with 14 new styles.
All made out of wood fibre, each design is
created for every woman’s summer dream. To
reduce post-consumer waste, their labels and
tags are even printed on soy ink!
@shopsayang
shopsayang.com
BIJI-BIJI ETHICAL FASHION
Classic Style Collection
As the pioneer of sustainable consumer trade
in Malaysia, Biji-biji Ethical Fashion creates an
alternative to fast fashion by directly reusing
and upcycling waste materials in their fashion
line. Popularly discarded materials such as seat
belts and advertising banners together with
underutilised fabrics like felt and vintage kimonos
are used to create the iconic Biji-biji custom
collection. Furthermore, the Biji-biji X Nakakoma
Orimono line will add a flair of brocade and
kimono pattern to your everyday bag. Most of their
items are also water-resistant as it is made from
seat belt and PVC banners.
@bijibijiethicalfashion
bijibijidesign.com
12 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

SHOP
ALIGN SWIM
Perfect Minimalist Swimwear
Singapore’s first sustainable swimwear label is all
the buzz when it first launched last year as the
figure-accentuating pieces are handcrafted to fit
every curve in their timeless cuts. Vera, founder
of Align Swim, find it a mission to introduce
good quality and nature-friendly swimwear at a
reasonable value. Made from an Italian fabric called
econyl, Align swimwear material offers excellent
UV protection and is more chlorine resistant. If you
don’t know, econyl is made from recycled materials
from landfills and the ocean. Down to their ecofriendly
packaging pouch, Align Swim goes through
a long process in producing the perfect swimwear
that aligns to our bodies and the environment.
@align.swim
alignswim.com
“A timeless
craftsmanship
of love.”
SMATERIA
Universal Lifestyle Trend
It all began when Jennifer Morellato and Elisa
Lion joined hands in transforming their vision
for a sustainable business into reality. Based in
Cambodia, Smateria has an eye in turning any
material into a chic accessory. Mostly using
waste products such as fishing nets, plastic bags
and recycled leather, Smateria employs locals,
-primarily women-as staff with an additional
free childcare center on site as a support to
working mothers. Both in-store and online, this
ethical brand has something for everyone from
kids’ lunch bag, school bag, men’s backpack and
of course, an assorted fashionable bags for the
ladies. Look out, they even have a Monopoly set
made with waste materials!
@smateriacambodia
smateria.com
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 13

TRAVEL
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
Balik Pulau, Penang
THE SLOW-PACED TOWN TUCKED AWAY IN
THE SOUTHWEST OF THE PENANG ISLAND
IS MORE THAN A PROMISED LAND FOR
DURIAN; IT IS A COUNTRYSIDE RETREAT FOR
FOOD AND UNIQUE LOCAL GEMS.
Text JESSY WONG
Photos ADOBE STOCK, REBECCA PH LEE &
MALIHOM PRIVATE ESTATE
HOW TO GET THERE
Penang International Airport has extensive and
frequent connectivity from other major cities in
Asia. Rent a car to get there as the uphill route to
Balik Pulau can be tricky and dangerous for firsttimers
so be advised to not travel by motorcycle. For
a budgeted trip, Rapid Penang bus 401E has a route
from the city center to airport and Balik Pulau.
WHERE TO EAT
Kim Laksa at Nan Guang Coffeeshop is the place
that puts Balik Pulau assam laksa in the spotlight of
Penang’s famous foods. A must-try is their assam
laksa and siam laksa (coconut milk broth). Jia Siang
Cafe in Pulau Betong is known for their diverse
seafood preparation styles. The fresh sea produce
from the adjacent fishing village can be bought in the
restaurant and directly cooked and tasted here.
14 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
WHAT TO DO
Explore the main town center for an understanding
of the local lifestyle. While you are around, spot
monumental murals at the antique shophouses which
depict the local culture and society. Worth visiting is
The Church of The Holy Name of Jesus in town; built
in 1954, it is one of the oldest churches in Penang.
Join a bicycle tour that goes around plantations
and village houses. The calm countryside atmosphere
will reveal a fresh sight of Penang. Also, a little
further from town is Countryside Stables Penang for
a fun family time among horses and ponies.
WHERE TO STAY
Be surrounded by nature at Malihom Private Estate,
a 4-star traditional resort where Thailand’s heritage
teak barns are turned into villas. Seekers of more
cost-effective lodging can check out Titi Teras Village
House, a homestyle bed and breakfast. The simple
quarters have bicycle rental on site as well as bike
tours on request.
GOOD
to
KNOW
The absence of a
mall makes the
town center in
Balik Pulau a hub
for everything
from shopping,
healthcare and
education.
Durian, nutmeg
and cloves are
famous local
produce to get
from Balik Pulau.
It is believed that
the best durian in
Malaysia comes
from here!
The town’s “The
Silversmith”
portrait mural by
Ernest Zacharevic
is based on a
local heritage
craftsman who is
skilled in making
silver miniatures
and pieces.

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

BUCKET LIST
London is in Town
KEEP YOUR PASSPORT AT HOME BECAUSE YOU WON’T BE NEEDING IT TO
VISIT THESE EUROPEAN HOTSPOTS THAT HIT THE SHORES OF MALAYSIA.
Text JESSY WONG
Photos WING WING &
RESORTS WORLD GENTING
WING WING
Londoners love their cult fried chicken
brand. Founded by the ‘London Chicken
Elite’ in 2017, Wing Wing transformed the
foodie’s know-how of fried chicken and its
Asian fusion choices.
Carefully employing a hand-brushing
technique, Wing Wing’s sensational hot
birds fly above the thin layer of coating
over the basic marination using natural
spices; bringing about the crackly, crispy,
transparent crust that it is famous for.
Although soy garlic and spicy flavours
may be winning Malaysian votes, liquorice
flavouring boasts a sweet touch to the
savoury drumette–presenting a taste of the
ancient Mediterranean herb through birds.
Chicken aside, another favourite choice
is the Asian fusion “Chicken Katsu Bao”; a
lightly-fried Chinese mantou bao (steamed
bun) stuffed with crispy tender chicken
and a dollop of kimchi coleslaw. End your
meal with some “Hot Bao Nuts” sweet
tooth dessert. The lightly fried hot bao is
filled with pineapple orange crème and
meringue, peanut butter or banana caramel
as preference.
Wing Wing, Level 6, Pavilion KL,
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Opens daily from 10am to 10pm
@wearewingwing.my
THE LAUGHING FISH
BY HARRY RAMSDEN
The last name of Britain’s fish and chips should belong
to Harry Ramsden. The secret to the fish and chips
special batter was long developed by Harry Ramsden
back in 1928 when he opened his first “chippie”.
As Britain’s longest established restaurant chain,
Harry Ramsden introduces the real English pub
experience to Malaysia. Fish and chips is one of the
most iconic pub dishes often served with gravy and
mushy peas–at the Laughing Fish, curry sauce appears
as a surprise option. The fish is also available either as
light and flaky Cod or flavourful and tasty Haddock.
Diners are also able to take a bite of the traditional
Britain hospitality and order from a traditional British
pub menu. The seafood-oriented grubs display a classic
list of “Cod Burger” to “Seafood Pie” and some “Sticky
Toffee Pudding” for desserts.
Level 4, SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting,
Genting Highlands, Pahang
Opens daily from 12pm to 11pm or
till 1am on every Friday to Sunday.
www.rwgenting.com
16 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
The Northern Muses of Kedah
A TRIP TO THE QUAINT AGRICULTURAL STATE UNVEILS AN ABYSMAL DISCOVERY OF THE
WONDERS IN KEDAH FROM AN EXTENSIVE CULTURAL FIELDS OF LOCALLY-CURATED
EXPERIENCES TO MAJOR HISTORICAL REMAINS OF AN ANCIENT KINGDOM.
Text and photos JESSY WONG
1
Things are about to change. When one speaks of
travelling to the northern state, most people
would undoubtedly think of the world-famous
Langkawi retreat–it is time to draw some focus back
to the untrodden mainland.
Kedah has a guileless knack of making a born
and bred city girl like me picturing a tough work–
yet extremely peaceful and scenic–living days in
the fields and farms. The breathtaking countryside
environment is not the only takeaway from the
endless stretch of paddy fields; the slow-moving
villages and little town can make you soak in the
beauty of ordinary things in the country.
2
18 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
3
4
1 The view of Mount Jerai
across a paddy field 2 Palmfringed
coast at Dataran
Tsunami 3 Sungai Batu
Archeological Site 4 A relic
from the ancient kingdom in
Kedah 5 Mouth-watering satay
in Semeling
5
ROAD TO AN ANCIENT KINGDOM
As the richest archeological site in Malaysia, catch
glimpses of the prehistoric era when the earliest
man-made structure of Southeast Asia is unearthed
at Bujang Valley in Kedah. Today, Bujang Valley is
undergoing a process of being nominated into the
UNESCO World Heritage List.
Discover a great deal of amazing artefacts in
Lembah Bujang Archeological Museum in the town
of Merbok. The relics of an ancient kingdom dating
since the 3 rd century till 14 th century civilisation are
carefully displayed in the center showcasing a strong
Hindu-Buddha civilisation influence from the candi
(a temple of worship), inscribed stone caskets and
tablets, ornaments, ceramics and worship icons.
Furthermore, the Sungai Batu Archeological
Site in Bujang Valley offers a guided tour around the
monument site to see the oldest human civilisation
in Southeast Asia with sights of a complete town
structure and seaport on grounds. With their
guided tour, you can also catch an ongoing handson
excavation and ancient brick making and iron
smelting techniques.
Stop for Food AT Satay Semeling
The best satay in the district is only 5 minutes drive
away from Sungai Batu Complex; suggesting a perfect
tea break from the heat with lip-smacking grilled
satay and marinated chicken. If you dare, take a go
to try the exotic satay meats from the usual chicken
and beef to chevon, mutton, venison and rabbit at AT
Satay Semeling.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 19

TRAVEL
UPHILL TO FARM GRILL
Among the diverse tourism spots in Kedah, hiking
in Mount Jerai is one of the elevated travel activities
to explore for outdoor or photography enthusiasts.
Set at the height of 1,217 metres above sea level, the
misty cool air in Mount Jerai adds a teaser of foreign
climate seconded to the broad view of Kedah’s
villages and paddy fields below. Appreciate the vast
colony of orchids as you stroll in The Gunung Jerai
Botanical Park and meet with peacocks and African
wild cat up-close.
After the morning hike have energised your day,
look out for Batas Ubi DEER Farm at the foot of
Mount Jerai. The private enclosure welcomes visitors
to interact closely with the animals and learn about
deer breeding and their habitat lifestyle. If you’re
lucky, you may even witness the birth of a fawn–the
farm has a number of 62 does!
Stop For Food Batas Ubi Steamboat and Grill
The deer farm is more than a petting zoo; it has an alfresco
steamboat and grill restaurant overlooking the
vast greenery. The DIY grill dining options evidently
includes venison that is harvested from the farm and
the extended list presents chicken, lamb or beef to
go with your grilling. Their packaged dining set for
4 people provides a feast of mushroom soup, garlic
bread, fragrant herbs rice, a jug of freshly squeezed
lemon juice and multiple types of meat for grilling.
6-9 Orchid sightings in Mount Jerai botanical
park 10 A family of curious deers in Batas Ubi
11 DIY grilling at Batas Ubi Steamboat and
Grill 12 Local man on a small boat as seen
from Merbok River cruise 13 Pak Su's oyster
farm in Pulau Bidan 14 A delicious serving of
prawn noodles at Selera Dataran Tsunami
6
8
9
7
10
11
20 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
12
RIVER VOYAGE AROUND TOWN
Sungai Petani is a major town in Kedah; historically thanks to the main
Merbok River which drew the early civilisation of Lembah Bujang.
Presently, the river runs across several towns and villages. The rich
biodiversity of Merbok River attracts a tide of river cruise that sails along
the mangrove and fisherman’s village–putting a spotlight on the local’s
traditional fishing techniques.
The tour made a special stop in an oyster farm in Pulau Bidan. The
farming project is a partnership between Pak Su, a local villager and
University of Science Malaysia to promote sustainable travel and improve
the community’s livelihood through oysters. Not forgetting, you also get to
slurp on fresh oysters with homemade dips at the farm.
14
13
THE
PICNIC
SPOT
From 4pm till 11pm everyday, Selera Dataran Tsunami serves the most succulent mee udang (prawn
noodles) with a priceless view of the sea and the neighbouring island of Penang. The sweet gravy is
heavenly match to the freshly caught prawns and you can even order prawns up to four times larger.
Across the warm picnic spot is a Tsunami Gallery and monument erected in remembrance of the deadly
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that has affected this very coast in Kedah.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 21

TALES ON TRACK
Caution on Apples
THE MOST RECOGNISABLE FRUIT IN THE WORLD
MAY PACK A GREAT DEAL OF HEALTH BENEFITS
BUT IS IT REALLY A WONDER APPLE?
Text JESSY WONG • Photo ADOBE STOCK
The old aphorism says, “An apple a day
keeps the doctor away”. It is generally
believed that apples are more than just a
fruit; it is applauded as the “miracle food”.
Apples are rich in many beneficial nutrients
and are thought to improve health. It can regulate
blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health
and lower the risk of cancer with its antioxidant
properties. Except that the fruit which keeps you
from falling ill if you take it everyday might be
causing you harm if you’re not cautious!
Apple is a naturally acidic fruit. According to
a study published, some apples may be even more
acidic than soda. The low pH value of apples may
variete between 3.3 and 4.0 according to specific
types of apples. With that said, high acid content
in apples can cause dental erosion and weakening
of our tooth enamel.
One of the ways to prevent negative effects
of acidity from apples is to eat it with another
snack. Other foods like milk and dips can assist
to neutralize the acid found in apples.
Apart from that, it is advisable to not snack
on apples throughout the day. An apple a day is
good, but spending an entire day eating apples
may potentially cost you your dental health.
Never forget to use a straw to drink apple
fruit juice to avoid direct contact with your nice
set of teeth.
Red apples are sweet whereas green apples
are known to be both sour and sweet. This
is because green apples are more acidic; you
may experience an uncomfortable acid reflux
(heartburn) when taken in excess.
After eating the fruit, some may even find the
lingering acidity in the mouth to be bothersome.
To prevent erosion, simply rinse with water to
dilute the acids in your mouth. If you brush your
teeth within the first half hour after eating an
apple, you may damage your tooth enamel and it
will eventually decay over time.
Despite all that, apples remain as a good
provider of micronutrients to our bodies. Just
exercise caution when you consume acidic foods
and especially, a wonder fruit like apple. To be
healthy, always consume a balance of colours in
fruits and vegetables.
22 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TALES ON TRACK
FOOD FOR TALK
Grilling
Malaysian
Flavours
Text FRANCIS YIP • Photo ADOBE STOCK
Ask any tourist; what is their favourite
Malaysian food? Chances are, satay is
their answer. Not surprising. After all,
Malaysian satay was ranked 14 th in CNNGo’s list
of the World’s 50 Best Food in 2011.
ORIGIN OF SATAY
Satay is made of delicious marinated meat,
skewered and grilled on sticks before it is
served with authentic peanut sauce. Due to its
popularity, it has even sparked a debate of its
origin and ownership; Malaysia, Indonesia and
even Thailand claimed satay to be theirs. Well, to
each its own but history shows satay originated
in Java and spreaded to Sumatra, Sulawesi,
Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand at the end of
19 th century. It also reached as far as South Africa
and known as sosatie.
KAJANG SATAY
When we talk about satay, we can’t miss talking
about Kajang satay. Kajang is famed as the satay
town. It has a special place in my heart as I
stayed here during my varsity years. I remember
when I took my first bite of satay in Kajang, I
immediately proclaimed, “This is the best satay I
have ever eaten”. Not just in one stall but almost
every stall I visited! The famous ones are Satay
Kajang Hj Samuri, Nyok Lan Kajang Satay, Satay
Awe and Willy Satay.
AUTHENTIC TASTE
The best satay is charcoal-grilled. Although there
is some electric-grilled satay today, it is the
charcoal-grilled ones that bring out the aroma and
it uses less oil. The goodness of satay lies in the
peanut gravy.
“Many stalls add flour and biscuits to make
the gravy thick but the authentic satay outlets
stay true to using only peanuts,” says Aishah bt
Salehuddin, Managing Director of Satey Kajang
1917.
The original satay uses chicken, mutton
and beef but it has also evolved so much and
currently, we can see rabbit, fish, ostrich, dove,
cockle and pork satay. There are even “Satay lok
lok” in Penang and “Satay celup” in Melaka. This
hotpot-style satay is popular among the Chinese
community here. Raw meat, quail eggs, vegetables,
soya bean curds, fish cakes and mushroom are
skewered on bamboo sticks, dipped into the
hot soup of herbs and spices for a quick boil.
GOING PLACES
The Malaysian satay has made its presence felt
abroad, such as Satay Ria Malaysian Chinese
Restaurant in Australia. For Aishah, she says,
“There isn’t a truly specialised satay house yet
and Satey Kajang 1917 intends to build it. Right
now, we have 21 satay outlets nationwide and
we aim to expand to Indonesia and Brunei.”
Now I am hungry for satay. Come, join me for
a bite.
Special thanks to Aishah bt Salehuddin, Managing Director of
Satey Kajang 1917 and the World Top Gourmet Awards Team.
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.
www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd franciswriter
24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM