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AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

SIMPLY THE BEST!


WORLDS BEST LOW-COST AIRLINE FIVE YEARS IN A ROW

2009-2013

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL BUT YOU CANT TAKE ME HOME! :-p READ ME ONLINE.
www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

8 0 2013

CHECK-IN
Contents August 2013

NAVIGATOR

78 86 92

TOAST THE MASTERS


Rice wine makers, China

98

LANNA LIGHT
Chiang Mai, Thailand

104 110 116

FOR LITTLE TO NO YEN


Exploring Tokyo on a budget

WISH YOU WERE HERE!


Travel 3Sixty Photoblog Submissions

MAN VS WILD
Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia

PILOTS PERSPECTIVE
The Glass Cockpit

TRAVEL LOG
Korean Kindness

86 7 78

92

54

BOARDING CALL
06 CAPTAINS ADDRESS
5 Time Champ!

STYLE FILE
120 OFF THE RACK
Style Essence

124 VANITY FARE


Cool, Cool Summer

08 INBOX
The Buzz from our Guests

128 JETSETTER
Rajan Datar

10 RED FORT
News from AirAsia

IN FLIGHT
134 PICTURE PERFECT
Photos Taken by AirAsia Guests

68 98

160 MY AIRASIA
Force of the Future

FLIGHT PLAN
18 SPOTLIGHT
Stuff youd Love to Know

136 GET COMFY


Joy of Flying

28 HOT DATES
August Events to Keep a Lookout for

PORT OF CALL
138 ROUTE MAP 146 DESTINATIONS 156 AIRASIA SALES OFFICES & STATIONS 158 TOUCHDOWN
Kunming, China

32 ASEAN COMPASS
Cool Ideas, Fun Times

36 QUICK BITES
Festive Feasting

42 PAGE TURNER
Whats your Story?

120

46 MONEY MAKER
The Money Wheel

48 PRESCRIPTION
The Right Boost

50 SCORE BOARD
Man vs. Beast

54 HYPER TECH
Savvy & Smooth

124

60 SLEEP INNS
KL Condential

68 HIT LIST
Dening Moments

132 KIDS SPACE


Are You Game?

PUBLISHER GROUP HEAD, ANCILLARY INCOME MANAGING EDITOR DEPUTY EDITOR ART DIRECTOR WRITERS PHOTOJOURNALIST EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER CONTRIBUTORS TRAVEL 3SIXTY DIGITAL TEAM CONTENT WEBMASTER WEB DEVELOPERS WEB DESIGNER ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Dato Kamarudin Meranun Al-Ishsal Ishak R. Rajendra Beverly Rodrigues Kan Seak Hong Chitra S Adli Syahril Adam Lee Fazlina Bee Binti Abdul Rashid Fadillah Kamarudin Captain Lim Khoy Hing, Carol West, E Hamzah, Jasmine Phull, Pete King, Timothy Tam Wae Yih, Wang Yuanchang Matthew Mok, Ellyse Ng, Irvin Hanni, Haze Jalalludin, Abby Yao, Ari Fajar, Seow Swee Har, Shaqah Shae Iyan Yudhiana Mohd Suan, Zulasyraf Razak Angie Lew Indran Balavishnu (Malaysia) indran.balavishnu@pharpartnerships.com Senthuran Mohan (Malaysia) sen.mohan@pharpartnerships.com May Aung (Singapore) may.aung@pharpartnerships.com Paragorn Petchnaree (Thailand) paragorn.p@pharpartnerships.com Vikhram Radhakishnan (Indonesia) vikhram.r@pharpartnerships.com Ivan Riyansah (Indonesia) ivan.riyansah@pharpartnerships.com Frances Barsana (Philippines) frances.barsana@pharpartnerships.com Mairianne Reardon (Singapore, UK and International Markets) m.reardon@pharpartnerships.com Tel: +6 03-7966 8655 (Phar Partnerships Malaysia)

AIRASIA INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

SIMPLY THE BEST!


WORLDS BEST LOW-COST AIRLINE FIVE YEARS IN A ROW

2009-2013

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL BUT YOU CANT TAKE ME HOME! :-p READ ME ONLINE.
www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

8 0 2013

ON THE COVER
AirAsia wins Skytrax worlds best low-cost airline ve years in a row.
Cover image: iStock Photo

FOR QUERIES, ASSISTANCE AND FEEDBACK, YOU CAN REACH US HERE:


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Travel 3Sixty wishes to thank Lovatts Crosswords & Puzzles, MPH, Pansing Marketing, Quikmark Media EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PUBLISHED BY travel3sixty@airasia.com
LCC Terminal, Jalan KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel: 603-8660 4333 No. 16, Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.Tel: 603-5623 9393 No 1A Jalan SS25/34, Mayang Light Industrial Park, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Have a question regarding travelling with AirAsia? Get your answers here at airasia.com/ask! Well help you out via chat, twitter.com/askairasia or E-mail if you need further assistance AirAsia on Twitter for information & assistance on simple requests: www.twitter.com/AskAirAsia For exciting news, bytes and tweets from AirAsia: www.twitter.com/airasia AirAsia on Facebook: www. facebook.com/AirAsia. For AirAsia promotional updates, travel stories & news: www.facebook.com/airasia AirAsia blog to share travel experiences and stories: http://blog.airasia.com Find us on Weibo at http://t.sina.com.cn/airasia Folow us on RenRen at http://page.renren.com/airasia

Travel 3Sixty c/o AirAsia Berhad

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All rights reserved. The opinions and statements of contributors in Travel 3Sixty do not necessarily reect those of the publisher or AirAsia Berhad. Travel 3Sixty and AirAsia Berhad are not responsible or liable in anyway for the contents of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. We reasonably assume that all articles are factual and not plagiarised or intentionally libellous. The editorial team reserves the right to edit and / or re-write all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. Reproduction of material from Travel 3Sixty in any form is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by sufcient return postage. All information correct at the time of printing.

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8 CAPTAINS ADDRESS 4 0 2013


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People used to tell me I was crazy for having big dreams, for believing that I would be able to start a low-cost carrier. It has been nearly 12 years since, and I could never have imagined the success AirAsia has found, being named the Worlds Best Low Cost Carrier by Skytrax for ve consecutive years. I still remember the day we were first recognised as the Worlds Best Low Cost Carrier back in 2009. The recognition humbled us and reinvigorated our belief in the no-frills concept. Keep fares low, give our guests options and make ying as affordable as possible. It motivated us to keep our standards high in every aspect of our operations from our guests booking experience right up till they disembark from our ights. This motivation has kept our passion burning to constantly innovate and add value to everything we deliver to you, our cherished guests. Thank YOU for making us Asias and the Worlds Best Low Cost Carrier ve years in a row. We could not have done it without your support and belief in us. In 2008, we celebrated our 50 millionth guest Ms Wendy Ng, who was ying Kuching to Kuala Lumpur awarding her 50 free ights. Two years later in October 2010, our 100 millionth guest Ms Irma Dewi, a 23-year-old housewife from Indonesia who frequently ies 6
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with AirAsia to visit her husband in Trichy, India won 100 free ights! It is humbling to know that starting this low-cost carrier has touched and changed millions of lives throughout the region. People who never had the opportunity to fly in an aircraft can now y easily with our everyday low fares and wide route network. People who couldnt afford to visit their loved ones working or studying far away can now do so frequently. We are also drawing closer to ying our 200 millionth guest; we are really looking forward to this. From two old aircraft back in 2001 to over 137 Airbus A320s operating today across the AirAsia group in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and soon to come, India, we have thoroughly enjoyed on this journey with all of you. You continue to inspire us to challenge our own status quo and to provide the best travel experience possible, and hopefully to win the Worlds Best title again next year. AirAsia has not just fulfilled my own dreams and the dreams of my business partners but also the dreams of many guests who have travelled with us. All of this has been made possible by the 11,000 devoted staff of AirAsia whom I proudly call AirAsia AllStars. Every day, each and every one of them strive to give their best to propel this airline

forward and to provide our guests with the best possible products and services. I take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Hats off to you, AllStars! The perseverance and passion you display make us who we are, and you should all be proud of yourselves. After nearly 12 years, 137 operating aircraft and counting, over 11,000 AllStars and almost 200 million guests do people still say I am crazy? Sometimes they do, but I just have to remind them: Believe the Unbelievable, Dream the Impossible and Never Take No for an Answer! Have a great ight everyone, and thank you for ying AirAsia!

Tony Fernandes Group CEO of AirAsia

8 INBOX 0 2013

www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

I was delighted that my favourite chef Bobby Chinn appeared in the June 2013 edition of Travel 3Sixty. Not to gush, but his food and looks do make a tantalising combination to watch on TV! I never knew that he had started his career in a non-food related industry. I admire his courage in leaving his Wall Street job to follow his heart and pave his own future. It is never easy and it is never simple, as explained by Bobby. Even in his current profession, there are times whenthings dont turn out well andunexpected challenges surface.The key is to learn from our mistakes and never give up. When you do what you love, happiness will follow. ~ Joanne Teh Yit Choo, Malaysia

HERES THE BUZZ ON AIRASIAS SOCIAL MEDIA


Seriously, I love AirAsia! Yes, there have been a few cancelled flights here and there and Ive had to wait for refunds but I have factored this cost in every time I make a booking with AA. I have booked another 7 flights with AA and I thank the airline for making flying affordable. Keep up the great work, AirAsia.
Jamie Hall

LETTER OF THE MONTH!

Whats so fascinating about the food scene in KL? (KL Consumed, June 2013) Well, I am grateful that my partner and I dont have to travel to Melaka for assam pedas, Johor for mee rebus Muar, Perak for Ipoh mee kicap or Penang for char kuey teow. To our utter delight, these delicious dishes from all over the country are easily available in the capital city too. KL is often called the City of Lights but now it can also be called a Food Paradise, serving food that can rival originals. Kudos to your team for this great effort in compiling some of the best eating outlets in KL. ~ Agus Purwa Ahmad I was delighted when I came across the fascinating article titled Powerful Phenomena (June 2013) that showcased Mother Natures natural phenomena. Accompanied by amazing photographs that illustrated the phenomena, I was impressed by the editorial teams effort to scour for great photos and collate information carefully written and edited to elicit a response of awe and wonder. Thank you for this engaging article. The next time I fly AirAsia, I will surely book a window seat and look out the window. Who knows? I might be lucky enough to chance upon one of the natural phenomena highlighted in the article. ~ Paula Khoo, Penang
INTERCONTINENTAL KUALA LUMPUR is the ideal urban retreat for business and leisure travellers with a taste for style and substance. The 31-storey hotel has spared no expense in upgrading its facilities and services for a refreshingly luxurious feel in ensuring top-ofthe-line amenities and comfortable stays for all its guests. The hotel boasts 473 elegantly designed rooms and eight meeting rooms with multifunctional capabilities along with two ballrooms. Recreation facilities include a swimming pool, Fitness Centre and the Sompoton Spa. Offering guests only its best, InterContinental Kuala Lumpur is a true jewel in the heart of Malaysia. www.intercontinental-kl.com.my LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS: A 2D/1N stay at the Grand Premier Room for 2 inclusive of breakfast valued at MYR1,200++! OTHER PUBLISHED LETTERS EACH WIN: A MYR100 voucher redeemable at any F&B outlets at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur.

Already booked 4 tickets to Busan! Thanks, AirAsia!


Che Akmal Che Sembilan

Booked Melbourne KL return flights including baggage and meals at a fantastic price! AirAsia, you made my day!
Sally Graham

AirAsia awarded Skytrax Best Low Cost Carrier for the 5th time. Congratulations Dato Tony Fernandes. Please fly to Maldives too!
@Sharaff

Long day but boy did we have a good trip! Thank you, AirAsia.
@PriveenRaj

Thanks for a safe flight from Jogjakarta to Kuala Lumpur.


@sirvincentph

The fares for Xian Bangkok flights on AirAsia are so reasonable. I managed to get a return, all-in-fare for just RMB911 only. Id also strongly recommend those who like island holidays to quickly book flights with AirAsia, as the airline flies to many choice destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui and many more!
LittleBear

Thanks Miss Red of AirAsia. You helped me solve my problems with my booking real fast!
Fish

Like what you read in Travel 3Sixty? Share your thoughts with us in English! To show you how much we appreciate your feedback, well give the best Letter of the Month a hotel stay worth MYR1,200++ at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur and the other two letters will receive a F&B voucher worth MYR100 each from InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. Email your feedback to travel3sixty@airasia.com. Travel 3Sixty reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length, and only letters regarding articles published in Travel 3Sixty will stand to win a prize.

Thumbs up AirAsia for your On Time Performance! AirAsias strict compliance to rules helps many travellers who have transit flights to catch at LCCT.
SmallBean

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8 RED FORT 0 2013


www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Dato Fam Lee Ee, member of board of director of AirAsia Berhad (third from left); Dato Aziz Bakar, Chairman of AirAsia Berhad; Aireen Omar, CEO of Malaysia AirAsia and Dato Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia flanked by flight attendants at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2013 in Paris, France.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!


For the fth consecutive year, AirAsia soared over the competition to clinch the Worlds Best and Asias Best Low Cost Airline titles at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2013. Adding to the honour roll, AirAsia X, the low cost, long haul afliate carrier of the AirAsia Group also received the Worlds Best Low Cost Airline Premium Class and Worlds Best Low Cost Airline Premium Class Seat titles. Dato Aziz Bakar, Chairman of AirAsia, received the awards from CNN presenter Richard Quest during a ceremony at the Paris Air Show in France recently. Also present were Dato Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia; Aireen Omar, CEO of Malaysia AirAsia; and Dato Fam Lee Ee, Director of AirAsia Berhad. The Skytrax World Airline Awards is a global benchmark of airline excellence and one of the most prestigious accolades in the airline industry. This annual global survey is conducted over a 10-month period, covering over 200 airlines from the largest international airlines to smaller domestic carriers. Travellers from over 160 countries participated in the survey, ranking quality standards across more than 40 areas of airline front-line products and services. The airlines continued success would not have been possible without the dedication, determination and passion of AirAsias dynamic workforce known as the AirAsia AllStars. To honour the teamwork and commitment of these hardworking AllStars, celebrations were held across AirAsia ofces in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines.

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It is an honour to be ranked as Asia and the Worlds Best Low Cost Airline for the fifth time in a row, and we would like to thank all of our guests for their support. It is also a proud moment to be receiving both the Worlds Best Low Cost Airline in Premium Class and Premium Class Seat awards for AirAsia X, as it is a testament of our continuous effort to deliver one of the best in-flight comforts. Our journey does not end here, as we strive to make flying even more enjoyable and affordable for our guests in the years to come. ~ Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia

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AIRASIA X LAUNCHES IPO


On June 10, AirAsia X launched its prospectus for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) pursuant to its listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad in July 2013. The airline offered up to 790.1 million Ordinary Shares of MYR0.15 consisting of Institutional Offering of up to 538 million Shares and Retail Offering of 252.1 million Shares. The listing marks the fourth IPO in the Tune Group.

The listing of AirAsia X would enable easier access to funding from the capital market and propel the Companys expansion plans and growth strategies. Apart from leveraging on the strong brand of the AirAsia Group, this exercise will enable us to enhance our stature in the aviation industry and expand our market position in the Asia Pacific Region. ~ Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Independent Non-Executive Chairman of AirAsia X

(Left to right): Lim Kian Onn, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director; Dato Yusli Bin Mohamed Yusoff, Independent Non-Executive Director; Dato Sri Nazir Razak, Group CEO of CIMB; Dato Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia and Co-founder and Director of AirAsia X Berhad; Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Independent Non-Executive Chairman of AirAsia X Berhad; Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X Berhad; Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia and Co-founder and Director of AirAsia X Berhad; Tan Sri Asmat Bin Kamaludin, Independent Non-Executive Director; Dato Seri Kalimullah Bin Masheerul Hassan, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director; Dato Fam Lee Ee, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director at the launch of the AirAsia X Prospectus.

WPUA TOURS MALAYSIA


Since March 2013, AirAsia has been hosting a series of road shows on its special Waran Perjalanan Udara Awam (WPUA) or Government Warrant Duty Travellers programme throughout Malaysia. During these road shows, attendees were introduced to this service and its benets through dialogues and panel discussions. Benets include free seat assignments and meals, as well as free changes of ight date and time up to 24 hours before departure for greater exibility. In total, more than 8,000 people attended the road shows throughout Malaysia.
(Left to right): Noor Azira Abd Rashid, Asistant Director of Accountant Generals Department Federal Territory; Mohamad Azmi Ali, Director Management of Accounting Office, Accountant Generals Department Malaysia; and Shahrudin Kassim, Head of Government Business Development & Charter of AirAsia.

TRAVEL ASSURED
On June 17, AirAsia INSURE rolled out two new promotions for guests travelling with Thai AirAsia up to August 31. Guests will receive a free beverage worth THB60 when they purchase a round-trip insurance plan and receive coverage of up to THB15,000 for personal belongings. Redeem your beverage by presenting your AirAsia INSURE policy to the ight attendant on board. Insurance plans can be purchased starting from THB94.50 when booking your ight online at www.airasia.com

Natthawach Siriwongsal, Thai AirAsias Head of Ancillary (centre) with cabin crew at Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport.

In the July 2013 issue of Travel 3Sixty, the editorial team unintentionally misspelled the family name of AirAsia Indias new and dynamic CEO, Mittu Chandilya, in the Red Fort column on page 18. This error is much regretted. Mittu Chandilya, who assumed ofce on June 1 this year, is a passionate aviation buff, and the editorial team is really looking forward to working very closely with this spirited leader/hunk.

ERRATA

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NURTURING FIRST OFFICERS


In 2012, AirAsia signed a ve-year Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) training contract with CAE to provide the airline with highly trained and qualied First Ofcers. On April 24, Manmeer Singh, an AirAsia First Ofcer and a former graduate from CAEs Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) program, accompanied Dominic Lazarus, Senior Regulatory Specialist of CAE Kuala Lumpur, to present at the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) symposium in Denpasar, Indonesia. Lazarus spoke about the programs offered at CAE and future plans for its MPL programme, while Singh gave a testimonial about his training experiences in Moncton and Toronto in Canada, and Dallas, USA. Currently, there are 24 AirAsia cadets with 22 more ready to graduate by next year.

KL KATHMANDU ROUTE TURNS ONE


From July 3 to 7, AirAsia X commemorated its rst year of connectivity between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur with incredible deals from as low as MYR329 for normal seats, MYR999 for premium atbeds and MYR449 for guests utilising the Fly-Thru service from other cities. So far, AirAsia X has carried some 100,000 guests to the capital city of Nepal, and increased its ights from three to four times weekly since May this year.

We are thrilled to celebrate our first year anniversary with 100,000 passengers carried from Kuala Lumpur to/from Kathmandu, Nepal. To commemorate the event, we are delighted to extend our promotional fares to our passengers. ~ Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X

TUNE IN AUSTRALIA
On June 17, Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels announced the opening of Tune Hotels rst Australian property during a press conference at Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia attended by Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia and Co-Founder of Tune Group and the Honourable Dr Denis Napthine, Premier of Victoria. Tune Hotels is set to open in Melbourne on November 1, 2013 and it will be located along Swanston Street, Carlton. The 225-room hotel is conveniently situated next to the University of Melbourne and nearby to the famous Lygon Street and Melbournes Central Business District (CBD). To promote its latest property, Tune Hotels is offering an attractive launch rate from just AUD49 per night. To book your stay at Tune Hotel Melbourne, log on to www.tunehotels.com

Manmeer Singh, AirAsia First Officer (left) and Dominic Lazarus, Senior Regulatory Specialist of CAE Kuala Lumpur at the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) symposium in Denpasar, Indonesia

DEDICATED TO DAD
On June 16, AirAsia surprised guests with a special Fathers Day celebration in the air. The initiative, which was spearheaded by the AirAsia FUN team, led by Khuraizah Ramlan from the Operations Department, involved guests on 10 ights including one from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong. On this particular ight, guests were treated to fun games involving a safety demo performance and catwalk fashion show, and were rewarded with cool goodie bags. To wrap up the festivities, Senior Flight Attendant, Dzul and Flight Attendant, Shairul performed their rendition of Ronan Keatings When You Say Nothing At All to the delight of all on board. This fun initiative was sponsored by AirAsia Branding and AirAsia INSURE.

(Left to right): Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels; Hon. Dr Denis Napthine, Premier of Victoria; Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder of Tune Group; and Stuart Myerscough, Commercial Manager Australia of AirAsia X unveiling the opening price of Tune Hotel Melbourne.

Happy fathers with their goodie bags.

Melbourne will be the location for our HQ overseeing Australia and New Zealand operations. Given our long term plans for the region, it will be staffed relevantly to oversee and provide central support to Tune Hotels properties in Australia and New Zealand. ~ Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels.

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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
On May 25, the AirAsia Foundation handed over a MYR58,000 grant to Tobpinai Ningkokoton Koburuon Kampong (Tonibung) or Friends for Village Development in Penampang, Sabah. The grant was awarded in support of the organisations work in developing a micro hydro project to provide 22 households in Kampung Tiku, Sabah with access to cheap, clean and renewable hydro energy. With this project, the villagers will be able to reduce their monthly expenses on kerosene and diesel-based power generators. The Sabah-based organisation will be guided by the Foundations management team and Council of Trustees, including Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia and Dato Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia.

We are very pleased to fund Tonibungs micro hydro scheme as it finds ways to sustainably support underprivileged communities. By leveraging on community structures, we hope to empower communities to make their own decisions in managing available natural resources, ~ Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia.

(Left to right): Yup Mun Ching, Executive Director of AirAsia Foundation; Gabriel Wynn, Programme Coordinator of Green Empowerment; and Adrian Lasimbang, Executive Director of Tonibung at the grant handover ceremony.

AIRASIA IN KIDZANIA BANGKOK


On June 26, the newly-opened KidZania Bangkok in Siam Paragon unveiled its latest attraction: an AirAsia aircraft. The learning and entertainment centre allows children to role play adult occupations, and nowhere is this more exciting than at the AirAsia section where kids learn how to check-in guests, don mini aircrew uniforms and sit in a cockpit to feel what its like to be a pilot. Guests who book ights to Bangkok between July 1 and September 30 will receive 50 percent off the original entrance fee (THB2,100) for a group of two adults and two children. Guests ying on ights originating from Malaysia, Indonesia and India are not eligible for the discount.

FESTIVALS IN BANGKOK
Beginning August 16, AirAsia increases ights to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur to 10 times daily. Heres a list of festivals that you should check out while in the city.

Songkran Festival

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL (APR 13 15) Get ready for one of the biggest water ghts in the world! Songkran is Thailands traditional New Years Day celebration and splashing water on people is a form of blessing that is believed to wash away bad luck. Water guns? Check! LOI KRATHONG (NOV 17) Loi Krathong reects the close relationship between the Thai way of life and water. On the night of the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually in November) people oat lotus vessels called krathong on lakes, rivers, canals and other waterways symbolising the letting go of hatred and anger. TROOPING OF THE COLOURS (DEC 2) This celebration marks
HM the King of Thailands birthday; members of the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Air Force declare the oath of allegiance and march in unison at the Royal Plaza in full regalia.
Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia (fourth from left) and Anna Kamenskaya, Marketing Director of Kidzania Bangkok (third from left) in front of an AirAsia aircraft at KidZania Bangkok GETTING THERE AirAsia ies to Don Mueang-Bangkok 10 times daily from Kuala Lumpur. Log on to www.airasia.com for details.

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IMAGE: NET-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM

8 SPOTLIGHT 0 2013
www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

HIGHFLYING FA
HOW IT BEGAN EGAN N
MN: I started my airline career with another local airline before deciding to y with AirAsias chartered ights for Haj operations in 1999. In 2002, I became a permanent Flight Attendant (FA) with AirAsia. BGS: I am from Philippines, more specically, Zamboanga City. I became part of the AirAsia family when I joined as a FA in May 2011. Relocating to Malaysia was a big challenge at rst, but soon, I came to realise that living away from my immediate family gave me the opportunity to be part of a bigger family. AirAsia challenged me to become independent and helped me become a better person.

MOHD NOOR ABD RAHMAN (MN) & BERNAL GIENET SANTIAGO (BGS)
me throughout my journey and helped me grow personally and professionally.

THE PAYOFF
MN: Satisfaction comes from a competitive remuneration and opportunity to grow with this company. The work can be tough but I dare say the salary we earn is pretty good. Additionally, I get to travel to AirAsia destinations as well! BGS: Seeing AirAsia guests having a good time with us and looking forward to being with us again is a big pat on the back for me! One touching experience I had was when a female guest handed me a piece of paper during a ight. On it was an illustration of a smiling lady with curly hair, wearing the AirAsia uniform. The guest said: My daughter wanted you to have this. She drew you a couple of times as she remembered you from our memorable trip. It was truly a beautiful moment for me.

MY MOTIVATION
MN: I am inspired by Tony and the culture at AirAsia. Tony is down to earth and approachable. He even makes an effort to memorise the names of all his staff during meetings. He makes me feel appreciated by the way he honours us by remembering our names. The way AirAsia has grown within a short span of time too makes me feel proud to be part of this company. This is great motivation on a daily basis. BGS: The idea of meeting people from different walks of life, and with diverse personalities excites me to go to work every day. There are others too who motivate me: My family because they give me strength and encourage me to do better as well as the AllStars who have stood by
Mohd Noor Abd Rahman Bernal Gienet Santiago

MY ADVICE
MN: Ive been here for more than 11 years but Im still enjoying my career as an AirAsia FA. My desire is to also retire as a FA with AirAsia. If I can enjoy my job for such a long time, that alone tells you what a great employer AirAsia is. This is for the long run! BGS: Since joining AirAsia, Ive learned a lot about dreaming big and turning these visions into reality. Your dreams too can take ght. If you do what you love and work hard, success will follow.

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MAIN IMAGE: ADAM LEE

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Stanley Clarke

Ying-ying Shih

BIG 10, BIG GIVEAWAYS


From now until September 28, Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Big Ten-ric Bash, by rewarding shoppers with exciting goodies and treats. The mall is giving away more than MYR500,000 worth of prizes through activities such as lucky draws, Facebook contests and daily prize redemptions. One of its attractions is the 30-foot tall Capsule Vending Machine that dispenses prizes for the rst 150 shoppers who spend a minimum of RM50 in a receipt each day. These shoppers stand a chance to win a 42-inch LED TV, iPad Mini, digital camera and more. The malls birthday celebrations culminate in a fun day at Berjaya Times Square Indoor Theme Park on September 29; on this day, admission to the theme Park will only be MYR10, while 10-year-old children and those born on September 29 will enjoy complimentary admission. www.timessquarekl.com

ALL THAT JAZZ


If jazz music is your cup of tea, check out the 2013 Summer Jazz Party at Taipeis National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Centre in Taiwan. The concert series will run from August 16 until September 14. In its 11th year, it will feature three Grammy award-winning musicians including Stanley Clarke, David Sanchez and Gonzalo Rubalcaba along with other renowned musicians. The event series will open with a two-day free concert on August 16 and 17 at the buildings Outdoor Plaza featuring the drum king of Taiwan Rich Huang, Taiwanese jazz singer Ying-ying Shih and Malaysian pop star Gary Chaw with his band Sensation. www.ntch.edu.tw

DANCE IN FOCUS
The Australian Dance Theatre returns to Melbourne after 10 years with their brand new work Proximity. The show features dance, videography and optical illusions by nine phenomenal dancers. Throughout the performance, the dancers movements are recorded live with real-time video manipulation, resulting in an exciting theatrical show on massive screens. Proximity will be staged from August 15 to 18 at Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne in Australia. www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

PLAY AND LEARN


From August 1 to 31, children and teenagers who are staying at Angsana Laguna Phuket with their families can take part in art classes conducted by the famous Australian artist, Christopher Hogan for free. Hogan will conduct classes on visual arts including sketching, painting and drawing every morning for children visiting the family-friendly resorts Tree House Kids Club. His art class was a huge success when the kids club was launched in December 2011. www.angsana.com 20
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HACKEN LEE E IN SINGAPORE E


This August 3, catch Hong Kong Canto pop star Hacken ken Lee performing his first ever solo lo concert in Singapore at The Max Pavilion avilion @ Singapore Expo. The veteran teran singer is known for his inimitable table vocals and incomparable music usic productions. Expect to hear ar famous hits such as Red Sun un and Gao Mei at the concert. ert. Get your tickets today for SGD148, SGD128, SGD98 and SGD68 at SISTIC ticketing. g.
www.sistic.com.sg

PLAN YOUR ISLAND GETAWAY


AirAsias Awesome Islands & Beaches guidebook is now available in English, simplied Chinese, traditional Chinese, Japanese and the Korean language. It has all the information you need to plan the perfect getaway including cool travel tips, events calendar and info on more than 100 island and beach attractions across over 40 AirAsia destinations like Bali, Lombok, Phuket, Langkawi and more. Download the informative guidebook today at www.airasia.com/ awesomeislands or scan the QR code here.

MONSTERS IN DISNEYLAND
From now till September 1, the Art of Animation building in Hong Kong Disneyland will serve as the new Monsters University Administration Building and Animation Academy for the theme parks Art Club. Visitors can have their photo taken to make their personalised Monsters University student card. At the Animation Academy, you can participate in Art Clubs Mike drawing lessons and meet the characters, Mike and Sulley. Besides that, children can learn to make cupcakes at Monster Chef Training Lectures that are held at the Hollywood Hotel in HK Disneyland. www.hongkongdisneyland.com

EXPERIENCE WATER THRILL


The worlds largest water ride, the Vuvuzela, at Sunway Lagoon in Selangor, Malaysia is now open to the public. The latest attraction at the theme park is designed to give guests the feeling of riding rapids on a rough river. From the launch deck, visitors slide down a 30-metre-high waterslide and glide through an exciting maze of watery pipes with a rubber raft that accommodates up to six people. The 152-metre-long ride ends in the worlds largest funnel, which is 22 metres in diameter and four metres above the ground. www.sunwaylagoon.com.my

AUDIO THERAPY
Audio specialist Sennheiser has teamed up with sports brand adidas to develop ve new sports earphone series: the PX685i, PMX685i, MX685, OCX68i and CX685. These earphones deliver top-quality sound with high resistance against external inuences such as water, sweat and cold. Its ergonomic design provides better comfort, which allows you to move freely a must-have item for music buffs who enjoy jogging. After a sweaty workout, you just rinse the earphones with water. Prices range from MYR199 to MYR329.
www.sennheiser.com

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
On May 22, Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group won a bet during his interview with Red FMs The Red Breakfast WTF, hosted by JJ and Lil Kev. The radio personalities dared Fernandes to call up Tune Hotels Penang and request a free night stay simply by introducing himself as Tony Fernandes. Tony accepted the challenge and received a free night stay at the hotel; anyone whos ever heard Tony Fernandes speak would know how distinctive and easily recognisable his voice is! Having lost the bet, JJ and LilKev will be undergoing a crash course on ight attendant duties at the AirAsia Academy, and serving on board dressed as female ight attendants. 22
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LISTEN TO THE WORLD


Kyo (left) and Ai Ling chatting with Chong, who established Love Without Borders, an organisation that helps the local village people in Chiang Mais mountainous area.

AirAsia and ntv7 join hands to promote important social issues and spread the love.
AirAsia, the Worlds Best Low Cost Airline for the fth time and, ntv7, a popular Malaysian terrestrial TV channel recently teamed up to create awareness on social issues affecting mankind. To do this, a group of 10 Chinese celebrities were own around the region to meet local people and lm a special travel programme called Listen to the World. This programme shows the celebrities moving out of their comfort zones and exploring various destinations where they live with the locals, learn about their culture and bring their plight to light. The celebrities, Debbie Goh, Frederick Lee, Adrian Tan, Karena Teo, Leslie Chai, Aenie Wong, Lawrence Wong, Ong Ai Leng, Kyo Chen and Jan Chin, host the show, and travel to beautiful places rich in history and culture like Thailand, Cambodia, China, Nepal and Malaysia. In this programme, the celebrities live as the locals do and experience the toils and troubles the locals endure on a daily basis. Translating their personal experiences for the greater good, these celebrities promote goodwill, empathy and human compassion for the communities they visit. Kyo Chen and Ong Ai Leng were the rst duo to travel to Thailand, where they met up with representatives from NGO Warm Heart. Here, they were introduced to the natural wilderness in an area called Phrao Mountain, met local communities and trailed clinic workers to the village of Mae Sariang. While at the village, Kyo and Ai Leng embraced the simple life where basic necessities like water and electricity are luxuries. Karena Teo and Jan Chin visited exotic Cambodia to get a better

Jan and the Listen to the World team brought joy and gifts to the children in Battambang, Cambodia.

Jan holds on to the lunch boxes she would be distributing as she catches a motorbike ride to the fishing village in Battambang.

Karena bonds with Srey Mom, a local from the village, who has shown great tenacity in times of hardship.

Kyo and Ai Ling spend time with the children of Warm Heart Children Centre, Phrao.

Karena and Jan offer hugs of encouragement as the locals talk about their trials and tribulations.

Ai Ling gets a kiss from an impoverished child from the Sim Lang mountain area in Thailand.

The artistes listening to the sad story of how local boy, Sorn Kimsey, was forced to stop schooling to earn a living to help his family.

understanding of the issues involved in the ght against human trafcking and child labour. They also spoke to victims who managed to escape the nightmares of sexual abuse. Lawrence Wong and Leslie Chai travelled to China to meet with survivors of natural disasters, while Adrian Tan and Aenie Wong explored Nepal to deepen their understanding of local issues related to street children and education. To round it up, Frederick Lee and Debbie Goh journeyed to Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia to experience rudimentary living conditions in a village that has yet to be developed. As the ofcial airline for this programme, AirAsia ew the celebrities to all the destinations featured.

This 13-episode TV show will air every Friday night from 10.00pm to 10.30pm on ntv7 beginning August 2, 2013. For more information, visit www.ntv7.com.my

FORM LEFT TO RIGHT: Leslie, Karena, Lawrence, Ai Leng, Frederick, Jan, Kyo, Aenie, Adrian and Debbie.

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AUGUST 2013
JAPAN

AKITA KANTO MATSURI EID-UL-FITR


AUGUST 8 OR 9 * Muslims around the AU
world celebrate the end of the fasting wo month of Ramadan with joyous feasting. mo Malaysia, where Eid is known as Hari In M Raya Aidilfitri, Muslims open their homes Ray family and friends, and serve festive to f delicacies like ketupat (boiled rice in del coconut leaf cases), rendang (spicy coc meat dish) and lemang (rice cooked in me bamboo). In Indonesia, Eid is known as bam Idul Fitri or Lebaran, and it is common to Idu serve ketupat with opor ayam (chicken ser cooked in coconut milk) and sambal coo goreng hati (spicy beef liver). www.tourism. gor
gov.my, www.indonesia.travel, www.bruneitourism.com, gov.m www.yoursingapore.com www date to be conrmed based on moon sighting. * dat

AUGUST 3 - 6 During this unique

festival, men take turns to hoist eightmetre high bamboo poles called kanto using their hands, foreheads and shoulders while chanting dokkoisho meaning heave through the streets of Akita City. The festival is a traditional ceremony to pray for a bountiful harvest as well as protection from evil spirits. www.jnto.go.jp

IMAGE: INMAGINE

AUSTRALIA

BOTANICA
AUGUST 7 - 11 Mother Natures four seasons are brought to life on stage in a spectacular dance performance by award-winning dance company Momix at Arts Centre Melbournes State Theatre in Melbourne.
www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

SINGAPORE

METALLICA LIVE IN SINGAPORE


MALAYSIA AUGUST 24 After 20 years, the legendary rock band Metallica returns to Singapore to perform hits like Master of Puppets, Enter Sandman and Nothing g Else Matters at the Changi g Exhibition Centre. www.sistic.com.sg

GOOD VIBES FESTIVAL


AUGUST 17 This music festival at the Sepang International Kart Circuit showcases iconic international musicians like Smashing Pumpkins, Modest Mouse, Ash and Japandroids, and includes art installations and a food village.
www.goodvibesfestival.com

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COMPILED BY: ADLI SYAHRIL

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HONG KONG

DISNEYLIVE! MICKEYS MAGIC SHOW


AUGUST 21 - 25
Disney magic comes to Hong Kong with Mickey, Minnie and friends performing special tricks at Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong.
www.hkticketing.com

CNBLUE BLUE MOON TOUR AUGUST 24 CNBLUE


fans in Malaysia will nally get the chance to catch their favourite South Korean band performing live at Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur!

CULTURE JAPAN CONVENTION AUGUST

PHILIPPINES

GISELLE
AUGUST 16 - 18 One of ballets
greatest tales about love, loss and forgiveness will be restaged by Filipino danseur Nonoy Froilan at the CCP Main Theatre, Cultural Centre of the Philippines in Manila. www.ballet.ph

17 - 18 For a dose of Japanese pop culture, head to the Straits Quay Convention Centre in Penang, Malaysia where fun activities such as cosplay (costume play), comic illustration demos and card game tournaments await.

INDONESIA

VIPER CHALLENGE

UBUD VILLAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL


AUGUST 9 - 10 Enjoy jazz under the stars in
the grounds of Balis Arma Museum with local and international musicians like Peter Beets, David Ades and Dian Pratiwi.
www.ubudvillagejazzfest.com

AUGUST 17 - 18 Catch amazing


car racing action with tricky man-made obstacles at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. BE OUR FAN ON FACEBOOK. COM/AIRASIAREDTIX, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.COM/REDTIX AND PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR THE ABOVEMENTIONED EVENTS AT AIRASIAREDTIX.COM

Join us at twitter om/RedTix


twitter.c

SOUTH KOREA

Join us at Facebook edTix


facebook.com/R

BUSAN SEA FESTIVAL


AUGUST 1-9 Busans biggest
IMAGE: bowloblau.wordpress.com

ELSEWHERE
MALAYSIA George Benson Inspiration Tour AUGUST 28 www.ticketpro.com.my INDONESIA KLa Project The Glamorous Electronic Journey AUGUST 23 www.rajakarcis.com PHILIPPINES Venthrilla in Manila AUGUST 16 - 17 www.ticketworld. com.ph THAILAND Sonic Bang Festival AUGUST 24 www.sonicbang.net SINGAPORE Films at the Fort AUGUST 22 - 25 www.lmsatthefort.com.sg

weeklong summer celebration takes place at various locations in the city like Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach and Songdo Beach with cool performances, experiential events and marine sports competitions.
www.seafestival.co.kr

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

COOL IDEAS, FUN TIMES

You dont need a lot of dough to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. All you need are great ideas and useful information. Read on; we have plenty of both!

GEORGETOWN GEMS
On July 7, 2008, Georgetown, the capital of Penang, Malaysia was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with good reason. Georgetown embodies the true heart and soul of Penang, offering captivating cultural sights. Among the must-see attractions in Georgetown is the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple, which is home to the magnificent 120-ft high (over 36 meters) bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, also known as Kuan Yin. If youre in the mood for a touch of fl amboyance, drop by the Penang Peranakan Mansion, once the abode of a wealthy 19th century Peranakan merchant. The Peranakans, also known as the Baba-Nyonya, are a community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world. Another worthy attraction and one of Penangs most important historical landmarks is Fort Cornwallis. Some of the original structures of this star-shaped fortress still stand despite having been built over two centuries ago. Dont miss checking out the statue of Sir Francis Light, the British captain who landed in Penang in 1786 and took possession of the island.
Kek Lok Si Temple

ECONOMICAL AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION


Youve nally landed at your holiday destination and you cant wait to get started on your well-planned getaway, but how do you get to the city centre from the airport without spending half your holiday money? Consider these cheap alternatives to cabs. The fare for the public bus is about THB35 per trip (about USD1) and most buses head to Bangkok city. Find out the correct bus number from the airport information counter, and then head to the main road. Simple, safe and cheap! www.donmuangairportonline.com convenient transportation services available at Haneda Airport, the most affordable one is probably the Keihin Kyuko Railway. Keihin Kyuko, also known as Keikyu, is one of the major private railway companies in Tokyo. Expect to pay about JPY400 per adult (about USD2) and JPY200 (about USD1) per child.
www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp

HANEDA AIRPORT, TOKYO Of the many

DAMRI bus service. Buses operate at 15 to 20 minute intervals and the fare is only about IDR20,000 (about USD2). Services are available from 4.00am to 7.00pm.
www.jakartaairportonline.com

DON MUEANG AIRPORT, BANGKOK

way to head to Jakarta from the terminal at Soekarno Hatta International is by the

SOEKARNO HATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, JAKARTA The cheapest

CLARK AIRPORT, MANILA Ever heard of a jeepney? This vehicle looks like a stretch SUV, and is even cheaper than airport buses at Clark Airport, which are already pretty cheap! Some are even air-conditioned, and will take you from Clark Airport to the Dau Bus terminal in Pampanga for about PHP50 (about USD1). www.dmia.ph

TULLAMARINE AIRPORT, MELBOURNE At AUD17 (about USD16) for


WORDS: SHANTINI SUNTHARAJAH

a one-way trip from Tullamarine, the Skybus is your most reliable transportation option at a reasonable price. The service is prompt and buses arrive frequently so you wont have to worry about a long, exhausting wait.

melbourneairport.com.au

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HOLIDAY RETAIL HAVENS


Here are cool holiday retail therapy destinations that are low on cost but high on fun.

THAILAND

SQUABBLE-PROOF VACATIONS
This may come as a surprise but going on a trip with your beloved can be pretty taxing on your relationship. Nerves are easily rattled and tempers tend to are when navigating a foreign city. Additionally, making yourself understood in an unfamiliar language, recovering from jetlag and adjusting to strange weather can add to potential are-ups. Here are three tips to steer your trip away from Splitsville.

TAKE IT SLOW Savour each moment and enjoy

each others company. When your focus is on nding enjoyment, youll see the humour in dealing with inevitable travel inconveniences.

the two of you to unwind will go a long way toward keeping the romance alive. sleeping patterns and travel habits. You may love to jump out of bed at the crack of dawn but your partner may be more of a sleep in till noon because Im on holiday kind of person. Take turns in getting what you both want.

Youll be spoiled for choice at countless budget shopping malls like MBK Shopping Mall in Bangkok or Central Mall in Chiang Mai. For local flavour, visit Bangkoks Chatuchak Weekend Market one of the largest markets in the world!

BE THOUGHTFUL Be considerate of each others

TAIWAN
Whether youre looking for electronics, handicrafts, clothes or furniture, youre bound to get a good deal, especially in Taipei, which has a seemingly endless string of malls and thousands of stalls at various night markets. Must visit hotspots include Taipeis Shilin Night Market and NOVA Electronics Centre.

SPLURGE A LITTLE You might be on a tight budget but it certainly doesnt hurt to go out for a special meal with the love of your life or indulge in a couples spa treatment. Any activity that helps
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah

WATERFRONT VISTAS
Waterfront vistas evoke a sense of peace during a hectic holiday.

Huangpu River, Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA Cruise along Huangpu River for an extraordinary view of Shanghai, a city with a harmonious blend of old and new. Youll see the historical Bund area against the futuristic backdrop of the financial district of Pudong. With lights dancing against the calm waters of Huangpu, its almost impossible not to fall in love with Shanghai. KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
When it comes to a tranquil treat, Kota Kinabalu is the regions best-kept secret. Head over to Tunku Abdul Rahman

Park, a marine park paradise comprising the islands of Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug. The park is just 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu by speedboat.

CHINA
Popular budget shopping haunts include Beijings Xiushui (Silk Street Market) that sells toys, clothes, shoes and bags at unbelievably low price and Shanghais Yuyuan Market where you can find everything from silk umbrellas to goldfish at a fraction of the price youd pay elsewhere.

CHENGDU, CHINA Chengdu

owes its fertile land to the beautiful rivers that run through it among them the Jin, Fu and Sha Rivers. In ancient times, Chengdu was the start of the bustling Silk Road, and it is believed that it is also where tea drinking and trading originated. In honour of Chengdus ancient tea drinking tradition, enjoy the citys spectacular waterfront views at one of the many riverside cafes.

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FESTIVE FEASTING
With the festive season kicking into full gear in various parts of the world, nows the time to enjoy celebratory food with family and friends.

RAYA IN THE AIR


What better way to usher in Eid-ul-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidiltri) festivities than to feast on traditional Malay delicacies! This specially-crafted meal comprises Nasi Hujan Panas (fragrant rice), beef rendang (spicy dried meat dish) with a side dish of pickled vegetables and wajik (glutinous rice and palm sugar cake). The meal is available for sale on board AirAsia AK ights (MYR19 with a choice of orange juice, coffee or tea) and for pre-booking online (MYR15 with 100ml mineral water).www.airasia.com

Chilli Crab

MUST-TRY DELICACIES
You can literally eat your way around the world but when visiting these countries itd be a travesty to miss these delicious dishes. Ask around, follow your nose or look for the longest queue for the best eateries in town. X Peking Duck (crispy roasted duck) in Beijing X Masala Dosa (rice and lentil pancakes with savoury potato lling) in Chennai, South India X Assam Laksa (rice noodles in tangy and spicy broth) in Penang, Malaysia X Pho (noodles in beef broth) in Hanoi, Vietnam X Green Curry in Bangkok, Thailand X Chilli Crab in Singapore X Nasi Padang (assortment of meats and vegetables served with rice) in Sumatra, Indonesia X Egg Tarts in Macau

TEATIME DELIGHTS
The Arts & Cultural Centre of INDOCAFE along Scotts Road in Singapore invites you to savour teatime favourites inspired by the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) at its Peranakan High Tea. Enjoy a selection of teas or even exotic kopi luwak (civet coffee) in an environment that is resplendent with Peranakan history and artefacts while savouring cakes, sweetmeats and pastries such as Mini Steamed Penang Otah with Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Buah Keluak on Crispy Man Tou, Mini Grilled Seafood Nasi Lemak and Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang on Crunchy Rice Cracker. High tea is served daily between 3.00pm to 5.30pm and prices start from SGD34 per person according to beverage of choice. http://thehouseondocafe.com
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WORDS: R. RAJENDRA

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TIME FOR RAMEN


Ippudo one of Japans most renowned ramen houses with 65 domestic outlets and branches in New York, Singapore, Australia and South Korea has come to Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur. Describing its noodle specialty as a cosmos in a bowl, Ippudo serves up the Shiromaru Classic, Akamaru Modern and Karaka ramen. The ramen house has also introduced a list of pre-meal appetisers to be paired with fruit wine and shoyu-based cocktails. The waiters here advise patrons on suggested pairings for maximum enjoyment while explaining the tastes, textures and flavours of the appetisers such as Buta Karage (deepfriend pork loin) or Ishiyaki Chicken (grilled chicken with leek served in a hot stone bowl).
Connection Level 4, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur www.ippudo.com.my 603 2110 6233

MOONCAKE MAGIC
The Mid-autumn festival is celebrated amongst Chinese communities worldwide in September but mooncakes begin to appear as early as July. Dragon-i recently launched a series of frosty-skin mooncakes with six new avours: Durian Musang King, Coffee Cheese, Green Tea with Chestnut and Red Bean, Cacao Berry with Macadamia and Marshmallow, Premium Birds Nest and Sesame with Macadamia Nuts. The Frosty Durian Musang King is probably the most special as this durian species is known as the King of Durians. Quite a rare durian to come by, the esh is smooth and creamy, and has a sweet yet slightly bitter taste. The frosty skin mooncakes from Dragon-I are presented in a metal box; each box contains eight pieces of twin-packed mooncakes with four different llings. www.dragon-i.com.my

DONT CRY FOR ONIONS


Cleaning or chopping onions will inadvertently make your eyes sting and tear. This is caused by a naturally-occurring sulphur compound, which is released when the cells of the onion are damaged by the blade of the knife. Cooks have devised many ways to stop the sting including:
X Chilling onions

before chopping.

X Soaking onions in salt

water before chopping. or bubble gum while chopping an onion. in water.

X Placing a lit candle

nearby when chopping onions. The gas from the onion is drawn to the flame. on knife before cutting onions.

X Chewing on bread

X Cleaning onions

GIVING RICE THE FINGER


Most Asian cooks use the nger or palm method when measuring water to cook rice for the absorption method. Heres how it is done. X FINGER METHOD Measure rice and pour into pot. Give the pot a few shakes so the rice grains settle evenly. Place index nger into pot so that it touches the surface of the rice. Gently pour water in until it reaches the rst knuckle crease of your nger. Increase or decrease water accordingly. Cook over heat or in rice cooker. X PALM METHOD Follow method above but instead of nger, gently rest palm facing downwards on top of rice. Pour water till knuckles are fully immersed and water comes just to the wrist.

X Wiping lemon juice

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WHATS YOUR STORY?


From serious autobiographies to scandalous unauthorised bios and fake memoirs, this month, we take a look at life accounts in their many intriguing forms.

MUCH ADO ABOUT BIOS


Bios come in many forms. Theres the autobiography from the Greek word auto meaning self and bio for life, which infers a self-written account of a persons life. The authorised biography, is written with the permission and cooperation of the subject, while the memoir focuses on a specic story within a persons life. The rst western autobiography ever written is often attributed to St Augustine. In his book, Confessions, St Augustine details his sinful past and subsequent conversion to Christianity. This work inuenced many writers during the Middle Ages, but by the late Middle Ages, European bios drifted from churchrelated topics to stories of kings, knights and tyrants. A famous example is Sir Thomas Malorys Le Morte dArthur, which chronicles the life of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Over the years, many writers have won awards for biographies; some interesting award-winning bios to check out include John Mattesons 2008 Pulitzer Prizewinning biography Edens Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father, which suggests that the author

of Little Women and her father both suffered from a form of bipolar disorder; Frank McCourts memoir Angelas Ashes, which chronicles his impoverished childhood and took the Pulitzer Prize in 1997; as well as Mary Talbots Dotter of Her Fathers Eyes, a graphic novel that won the prestigious 2012 Costa book awards in the biography section.

Other great bios to sink your teeth into are Maya Angelous Mom & Me & Mom, Charlene Smiths Mandela: In Celebration of a Great Life, and the harrowing novel Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, in which thirteen-year-old Anne Frank talks about her years in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

MUST READ!
MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT THE SINGING SISTER by Dr Nesamalar Chitravelu chronicles the journey of Sister Enda Ryan, a lifelong educator most famous as the founder of Malaysias Assunta primary and secondary schools. FALLING LEAVES THE MEMOIR OF AN UNWANTED CHINESE DAUGHTER by Adeline Yen Mah portrays the abuse faced by the author as she grows up in 20th century China where girls are kept in emotional shackles.
WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

SENSATIONAL BIOS
Oprah: A Biography by Kitty Kelley published in 2011 reveals the truth about Oprah with testimonies from family members who say certain controversial tales told by the Queen of Talk are mere hype or myth. Funnily, six years prior to the release of this unauthorised bio, Oprah confronted James Frey for his less than truthful memoir A Million Little Pieces, which had originally been selected for Oprahs Book Club! Over the years, quite a few fake memoirs s s have been published by big publishing houses and received critical acclaim before being exposed as partial or complete fabrications. This includes The Greatest: My Own Story by Muhammad Ali and Richard Durham. The heavyweight champs best friend later said that the story had been concocted.

SICKENED THE MEMOIR OF A MUNCHAUSEN BY PROXY CHILDHOOD by Julie Gregory details how her dangerous mother invented and induced symptoms in her to gain attention from medical professionals. THE COOKED SEED A MEMOIR by Anchee Min is an immigrant tale that picks up where Red Azalea left off, moving from China to America.
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THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL


Soman Chainani
In this book for young readers, two best friends, who are as different as night and day, nd themselves at the fabled School for Good and Evil, and on paths completely contrary to their expectations.

FOLLOW THE LEADER


Dr Yvonne Sum believes that the skills needed to lead a family are similar to the leadership skills used in the workplace.

GOOD PARENTING & LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES When I became a parent, I needed


to look at the leadership principles Id been using at work to see how to lead my family. It goes back to the work of Seth Gordon, a management expert who talks about the fact that in our day and age, its no longer a person of authority that will lead due to knowledge or position of power. Good leadership principles say that no longer will we follow a leader out of fear of being punished or excommunicated. We follow willingly because the leader speaks to our values.

DISCOVER MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE LONELY PLANET GUIDE

Simon Richmond, Cristian Bonetto, Celeste Brash et al.

Plan an amazing holiday to Malaysia and neighbouring Singapore with this informative guide complete with cool highlights, suggested itineraries, tips from local experts and a pull-out map.

INFERNO
Dan Brown
On the run in Florence, Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon teams up with Dr Sienna Brooks to solve a mystery centered on Inferno, a work by the legendary Italian poet Dante Alighieri. Drawn into a world of classical art, ancient secrets and advanced science, they race against time and across the old city to find the answers that first brought Langdon to the READ birthplace of the Renaissance, OF THE and uncover the truth about two MONTH! opposing forces that are bent on pursuing their personal agendas.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE If you impose your leadership with the reasoning that youre older and therefore your child must be compliant, as soon as your child can leave your clutches and be independent, he or she will never be committed to your leadership. Commit to them as a leader to understand their values and needs, and you can inspire them to come on board. We might think of good nutrition in the long term, but a child does not have long term vision. Children want instant gratication and enjoy getting attention from parents by playing games. So, why not make eating vegetables fun? Ask them, How ow quickly can we eat our vegetables so we can get to o dessert? BIGGEST MISTAKE One of f the biggest mistakes is to believe that parents ents should have all the answers and that children are a blank canvas on which we can an paint their bright future. The best way ay to deal with them is to listen, ask questions stions and be partners with them to learn about their world. DEALING WITH CHILDREN EN WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN N
How do you deal with parents who refuse to listen to you as a child? One of the greatest things you can do as a parent is to be a role model. When children refuse to listen, n, they are probably modeling behavior that you might have been doing in terms of not listening to them. Observe their world so you can guide them and get them hungry to o come over to your side of the fence. Seek to understand and not to be understood.

THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE


Neil Gaiman
When a middle-aged man returns to his childhood home, strange memories come ooding back, intimating a past far too dark and disturbing for a little boy to have endured.

HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE LEAD


John C Maxwell
IMAGES: ADAM LEE

Heres a compact book that reveals the secrets of true leadership, and helps you not only to inspire people but to nurture a team of future leaders.
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THE MONEY WHEEL

Money talks and bulls*** walks! they say. But what exactly does this mean? Here, we look at how people view money and success.

THE MEANING OF MONEY


If the many market crashes and economic crises of the past decades have not taught us anything, then we are doomed. This is what Professor Jacob Needleman of the Philosophy Faculty at the San Francisco State University infers in his book, Money and the Meaning of Life. This book talks about the secrets to true wealth and the direct relationship between man and money. Here are insights on how to view, use and make money work for you to full your goals. MONEY AND RELATIONSHIPS It can bring people together or tear them apart. Consider the repercussions of decisions you make that involve money; when you leave this earth, you cant take your money with you. YOU CANT ESCAPE MONEY Whether you make it or lose it, you need to understand what money means to you. While important, its value is ultimately given by man. MONEY GIVES MEANING Knowing and understanding your relationship with money helps you know yourself. With small money, you worry about monthly bills; with big money, you worry about your mansions and luxury cars thats because youre essentially a worrier. THERES NO ACCOUNTING FOR INTELLIGENCE Being rich doesnt make you smart. Intelligence is part of your inner self and the difference is only external. Accept how people act around you when you have money, but be smart to not let it get to you; so you dont bulls*** yourself and forget your limitations. MONEY VS. SUCCESS Money builds businesses and wealth, but success builds character and understanding of that wealth. You attain this by embracing your challenges.
For more excerpts from Money and the Meaning of Life, go to www.gurdjieff.org/ needleman4.htm

million hours worth of video watching a month is done in the UK alone, while the Middle East is one of the largest markets in the world on YouTube playbacks on mobile proof of the importance of selling products and services on video.
(www.qumu.com)

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% of micro business owners didnt have to sack anyone during the worst of the global recession in 2010. In fact, 70% of these micro business owners believe that micro businesses around the world will be the ones to lead the economy in decades to come.
(Vistaprint Global Survey of 750 micro businesses worldwide)

IMAGE: INMAGINE

in 4 university graduates have been predicted to work online as solopreneurs in 2013. As it turns out, online work is the new secret weapon for businesses of all sizes to contain their overheads.
(www.elance.com)

THE COLOUR OF BUSINESS


Believe it or not, your choice of colours for your business logo, ads and even office environment affects your business. Here are some simple basics to help you understand the colour psychology of business. TURQUOISE: Creative and expressive, turquoise is about open communication. It implies balance and recharges emotions. RED: Energetic and strong, red draws attention. It implies the need for immediate action.
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YELLOW: Illuminating and uplifting, yellow stimulates analytical processes. It implies mental clarity. ORANGE: Adventurous and enthusiastic, orange inspires optimism. It implies friendliness and affordability. : Open and fair, white means that youre open to creative stimulation. It implies efficiency, simplicity and order. GREY: Neutral and conservative, gray is about reliability. It implies security.

SILVER: Modern and sophisticated, silver is mysterious. It implies steely calmness yet is uplifting. GREEN: Healing, green is one with nature. It implies balance and compassion. BLUE: Safe and honest, blue is used in most applications. It implies trust and dependability. PINK: Nurturing and compassionate, pink is non-threatening. It implies femininity and softness.

PURPLE: Denoting wealth and quality, purple is about fulfilling desire. It implies fantasy and creativity. GOLD: Valuable and luxurious, gold is premium. It implies prestige, wisdom, beauty and generosity. BLACK: Powerful and authoritative, black reflects strength. It implies steadfastness, but too much can appear unfriendly.
www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology. com/color-meanings-in-business.html

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WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

8 PRESCRIPTION 0 2013
www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

THE RIGHT BOOST


The discipline of healthcare has grown by leaps and bounds with the help of science and technology, as well as new discoveries in nutrition.
While the human body is a true alchemist and can do wonders on its own, upon reaching a certain age, it could use a boost to maintain optimum health. AMAZING AMINO ACIDS Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They can help repair tissue. While our body makes amino acids through the nutrients we ingest, some amino acids must come from outside sources. These essential amino acids include lysine, carnitine, arginine and glutamine. BEST SOURCES High protein foods like meat, poultry and sh, as well as nuts and legumes. WHO BENEFITS BEST? Athletes, vegetarians, those who lead physically demanding lifestyles, people in convalescence, those with Parkinsons or Alzheimers disease, HIV/ Aids patients, and those with chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal fatigue and liver disease. VITAMIN C FOR ALL Vitamin C is the most essential water-soluble nutrient for us humans. It boosts the bodys immunity and prevents various ailments from heart disease to asthma, while supporting healthy blood sugar levels in diabetics and controlling cholesterol levels. BEST SOURCES Oranges, papaya, red bell peppers, kale, strawberries, kiwi, cauliower, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe.
IMAGE: INMAGINE

% of gall bladder surgery is related to obesity.


(Source: TermLifeInsurance.org )

30 18 78

billion USD is the estimated annual cost of asthma to healthcare systems worldwide.
(Source: TermLifeInsurance.org)

% of consumers worldwide agree that the only way they can lose weight is by changing their diet, while 69% agree that doing physical exercise is as important as eating right.
(Source: hufngtonpost.com)

WHO BENEFITS BEST? People with a family history of heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol problems. Past the age of 25, when the bodys natural regenerative abilities slow down, everyone needs a Vitamin C supplement. BEST OF VITAMIN B12 Our bodies need Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) to make blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B deciency increases the risk of anaemia, dementia and gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms include weakness, tiredness, tingling in legs and arms, rapid heartbeat and breathing, pale skin, sore tongue, easy bruising and bleeding gums. BEST SOURCES Beef, lamb, eggs, milk, oysters, sh, crab and cheese. WHO BENEFITS BEST? Vegans, pregnant mothers, those recovering from surgery, people aged 50 and above and people with autoimmune disorders.
Sources: webmd.com, www.healthaliciousness.com, www.lef.org

FOODS FOR YOUTH


Even the best supplements cannot outdo natural sources of nutrition. These are foods packed with a youth-promoting punch to help make you look good from the inside out. TOMATOES The lycopene in this fruit is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage. To boost its efficacy, have your tomatoes cooked with olive oil, which has healthy fatty acids. SWEET POTATOES The high beta-carotene content in this root vegetable helps balance skins pH and prevent skin dryness while promoting cell renewal, making your skin smoother. WILD SALMON Astaxanthin, the pigment that makes salmon pink, is a powerful free radical buster. It prevents damage to cell membranes, which causes skin to age. A portion of salmon every five days can prevent rough patches on skin that may be precancerous.

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NOTE: ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON ANY ALTERNATIVE THERAPY OR EXERCISE REGIME.

8 SCORE BOARD 0 2013


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MAN VS. BEAST


Animals have long been part of our sporting history, and these creatures have both natural instinct and inbuilt agility.
IMAGE: CORBIS

km/h is the top speed that zorbing has reached worldwide, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Zorbing is an extreme sport where someone stands inside a huge transparent ball as it rolls downhill or floats across a body of water.

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Opinions are greatly divided on the subject of animals in sports some say its cruel, others say its keeping with tradition. Today, animals are still a large part of various sports and games, and many have helped man become triumphant, famous and even rich. Here are some interesting moments in the history of sports involving man and animals. DOMINIC MENALDI TAKES ON DAKOTA THE BEAR In 1999, 131-kg benchpressing bodyguard, Dominic Menaldi, trained hard to wrestle Dakota, a 362-kg grizzly bear. Just moments before the ght, Menaldi, who takes bear-wrestling seriously, had second thoughts. But his steely determination saw him man up to face the bear. Unfortunately for Menaldi, he lost, leaving the ring with several deep cuts and scratches from

Dakotas claws, while the bored bear walked back to his cage after just a few minutes. SHAWN CRAWFORDS SAFARI RUN The 2004 Olympic gold medal sprinter Shawn Crawford raced against two animals in the Man vs. Beast TV series by Fox Television Network in 2003, which was scrapped due to heavy lobbying by animal rights groups. The 100-metre race saw Crawford beat a giraffe but lose to a zebra. Crawford nished at 10.86 seconds, but the zebra took the race at 9.957 seconds. PRINCE CHARLES GIVES UP POLO Polo was the Princes choice sport for over 40 years. He was even quoted saying: I will carry on playing polo for as long as I bounce when I fall off. Years of falling have seen the Prince rushed to emergency rooms

to treat broken limbs, numerous concussions and other injuries. He broke his arm in a charity game in England in 2005, and nally put his saddle to rest at age 57. PICKLES THE DOG SNIFFS THE PRIZE Although Pickles the dog did not participate in any sport, he is best known for having sniffed out a stolen World Cup trophy back in 1966 while on a walk. The trophy, which was displayed at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, disappeared a few weeks before the game. Pickles, who was four years old at that time, became a hero for having saved the nation from great embarrassment. In fact, the luck went on to see England taking home the rst ever World Cup trophy in British history.
Source: www.letsrun.com, www.guardian.co.uk, www.kidzworld.com

individuals play Fantasy Sports (online sports via their computers, smartphones and other gadgets) as of 2011; 13% of which are American.
Source: www.stats.com

32, 809, 564

million GBP is 2008 Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamiltons average annual salary, based on his published salaries and contracts. This would make his hourly rate (based on a 40-hour working week) a staggering GBP6, 540!
Source: leaderboardgolf. co.uk

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SPORTING SUPERSTITIONS

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

BASEBALL If a dog walks across the diamond before the first pitch, its bad luck.
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BOWLING Wear the same clothes youve worn in a winning game to continue a winning streak.

FISHING If a barefoot woman passes you on the way to the dock, the fish wont bite.

FOOTBALL Its bad luck for a player to take a new number when he is traded to a new team.

GOLF Start the game only with an odd-numbered golf club for luck.

BASKETBALL Wipe the soles of your sneakers for good luck.

TENNIS Avoid wearing yellow because it brings bad luck.


Source: www.factmonster.com

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AIRASIA WORLD OF SPORTS


FAHMIS TOP 5 TRAVEL TIPS

Professional motor riders lead a hectic lifestyle with lots of long distance travel. Constantly being on the road and on the go comes with the territory. Here, AirAsia Moto3 Rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin shares his top travelling tips.

PACK EXTRA CLOTHING IN YOUR HAND CARRY LUGGAGE Always remember


to pack compression socks to improve blood circulation and avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis. A tee-shirt, pair of shorts and underwear would also be good just in case your baggage gets rerouted elsewhere. It happens! Dont forget a hooded jacket; the air-conditioning in the plane is on steroids, which means its almost the same temperature as the North Pole! Ok, I may be exaggerating!

DROP AN EMAIL LIKE ITS HOT You never know what will
happen, so make sure your family or close friends know your travel itinerary. Drop them an email to let them know youve arrived safely or where you will be heading to next!

ight, and avoid caffeine and alcohol to reduce the risk of dehydration.

R&R When travelling between


time zones, catch as much rest and relaxation as you can. A travel head rest is my best friend. Consuming lots of water and vitamin A helps your body and mind get accustomed to the time difference faster.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! This is so important


that I said it three times! Sip water continuously throughout your

RESEARCH I wouldnt race without proper planning and strategy. Same goes for travelling. Research the destination youre visiting, and get to know the climate, customs, food and language. Your country embassys location and contact number are vital info during any emergency, and itll be great to list down the nearest hospital and police station as well.

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN DREAM DESTINATION, AIRASIA 2013 ABL CHAMPIONS


On June 12, 2013, the San Miguel Beermen team was crowned the AirAsia 2013 ASEAN Basketball League Champions following their 3-0 series win over Indonesia Warriors. Head coach Leo Austria dedicated the win to his predecessor, the late Bobby Parks. The AirAsia 2013 ABL Finals saw a rematch between 2012 ABL nalists Indonesia Warriors (defending champions) and the San Miguel Beermen. The Warriors came into their second nal series in a row after they swept their playoff series with the Westports Malaysia Dragons 3-0. The San Miguel Beermen rode into the Finals on a 20-1 game streak. The San Miguel Beermen team continued to build their 2-0 lead at home, and break through Game 3 with a 70-55 win to steal the ultimate Dream Destination, Champion.
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WORDS: CHENG YIK HOONG

8 HYPER TECH 0 2013


www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SAVVY & SMOOTH


EASY LOCK
You no longer need keys or have to remember complicated codes to unlock your door. Just touch the Kevo lock on your door with your iPhone, and the Kevo app will recognise the iPhone, and unlock the door. If someone needs to open your door while youre away, just send your electronic key to his or her phone. www.kwikset.com

From smart pyjamas to telemedicine robots, technology changes the way the world works for a more sophisticated tomorrow.

SMART PJS
When its time for bed, get your kid into these smart pyjamas, and help him or her scan the dots on it with a phone or tablet. Different dots unlock different stories, so every night is an opportunity for your family to hear a new one. Listen to the story with your kid, and make it a bedtime ritual. www.smartpjs.com

ROBODOC TO THE RESCUE


If a doctor is unable to attend to a patient, RP-VITATM the rst FDAcleared telemedicine robot is able to pay a visit by reading from its map, which is integrated with hospital records. The doctor controls this ve-foot robot from his iPad, and projects his or her face and voice onto the robots display to speak to the patient, nurses and other doctors. http://goo.gl/spj7K

PHOTO MOBILE APP FOR THE BLIND WORLDS SIMPLEST PHONE FOR KIDS
Dont mistake the light credit card-size 1stFone for a toy. The child, carrying it in his pocket or wearing it around her neck, just has to press a button with the name of his parents or carers to call any of the 12 numbers stored on the phone or contact emergency services. http://1stfone.myownfone.com
PhD student Dustin Adams and his team from the University of California in Sta. Cruz have designed a phone app for the blind or visually-impaired to take pictures using audio recordings and instructions. This app also uses facial recognition to focus, telling the blind photographer how many faces are in focus. No need for a shutter button, the person snapping the photo just needs to swipe upwards to shoot. This may come as a surprise, but many visually-impaired and blind people do appreciate a photographic memento of a place or an event. http://goo.gl/W9MCx

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WORDS: PETE KING

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TIMELY TIPS

Heres how to reduce the risk of mobile phone radiation structures or near a cell tower. X Power off your phone when not using it. X Use a corded landline phone instead of a wireless phone when possible. X Dont let children sleep with a mobile phone beneath their pillow or by their bedside. X Dont let children under 18 years use a mobile phone if its not an emergency.

X Use a wired or Bluetooth headset or speakerphone. When doing this, move the mobile phone away from your body or use a belt holster. X While waiting for your call to be answered, keep the phone away from your ear until the person on the other side picks up. X Dont use a mobile phone in a moving car, train or bus, inside buildings with steel

New products keep life fun and fresh.

GREAT GADGETS
ACER ASPIRE R7
The Acer Aspire R7 has a special hinge that can move the display back and forth, turning it into a notebook or a tablet for drawing with a stylus. Flipping the screen over, you can hide the keyboard and have only the screen for watching movies with Dolby Home Theatre audio from four speakers.
www.acer.com

PLANET OF THE APPS


Apps for your feline pet take playtime to a whole new level.

JABRA TAG
Worn around your neck or clipped to your clothing, the Jabra Tag can make and take calls by tapping on it. When listening to music from your wirelessly-connected smartphone using noise isolating ear buds, you can change tracks and adjust the volume using the tag. If not connected to your phone, you can still listen to FM radio stations. www.jabra.com

CAT FISHING 2
Besides making cat food, Friskies has also created a phone and tablet app for cats to play at catching sh. The game begins with one sh and adds on more as your cat catches its prey. This also means that more than one cat can play this game. The cats owner can the score via Facebook.
OS: iOS Price: Free

XBOX ONE
Due for sale before the end of the year, the Xbox One will not only play next-generation games that utilise Kinects facial recognition and heart-rate sensors, it will be able to record shows from TV, as well as play them and any other movies, even those on Blu-ray discs. Meant for the living room, this gaming device can make Skype calls too. www.xbox.com

EVIL MOUSE GAME FOR CATS


This app is created by a realtor in Texas, Perry Henderson, who loves cats. Itll keep your cat busy for hours if you are too busy to play with him or her. Just let your cat chase and pounce over a mouse running around on your phone or tablets screen.
OS: Android Price: USD1.88

CRAZY CAT
Like most cat games, this one also has animals running round the phone or tablet screen for your cat to chase and catch. The animals run faster as the game progresses, and every time your cat catches its prey, it will get a high score. You can play as well by using your Bluetoothconnected phone to control how fast the animals run.
OS: Android Price: Free

NOKIA LUMIA 925


The latest Windows Phone 8 agship smartphone from Nokia and, an upgrade from the 920 model, the Nokia Lumia 925 is lighter and thinner with an AMOLED display and aluminium sides that double as an antenna. Its 8.7 megapixel PureView camera with six Carl Zeiss lenses takes great pictures using Smart Camera function, and shoots steady videos by eliminating hand shakes. www.nokia.com

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KL CONFIDENTIAL

With the currency exchange favourable to many nations, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is the perfect choice for a quick weekend getaway for shopping and relaxation or, extended stays that enable you to make quick excursions to attractions within a few hours from the capital city. We recommend you stay here when in KL.

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WORDS: CHITRA S

Cool doesnt even begin to describe Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral. Part of the Starwood Hotels family, the Aloft brand follows in the footsteps of the W, its trendsetting sister property. Billed as A Vision of W Hotels, Aloft is cool at a steal an affordably priced version of the W. Pared down as it may be (in comparison to the W), Aloft lacks nothing when it comes to service and style. Opened in March this year, the 482-room hotel is currently the largest Aloft property in the world and poised to be the envy of other city hotels in its class. The hotel also boasts an enviable location in the vibrant Sentral business district, mere steps away from the Kuala Lumpur Sentral transportation hub and colourful enclave of Little India. The interior of the hotel is a work of art in itself. A warehouse chicinspired lobby gives visitors a taste of the Aloft brand. Guests may be surprised to see exposed air-conditioning ducts, but fret not; the stark ttings are not a work in progress but the signature style of Aloft lobbies.
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LIVE LIFE ALOFT

At the reception area or Aloha Desk, the talent (staff) greet guests behind a circular table inspired by a deejays console. The ber cool vibe of the hotel had me hooked right from the get go and I found myself exploring the lobby area instead of heading to my room after checking in. At the re:mix lounge, modular furniture can be positioned to suit the comfort of guests and, a pool table adds to the laidback vibe. The easylike-Sunday-morning design sense carries on to the brands signature w xyz bar. Quirky works of art are displayed on the wall leading to the bar, functioning as a gallery space for artists to exhibit their masterpieces. The bar itself is a cozy space that serves creative beverages and hosts indie acts. I sampled the recommended techy-tini an innocuous sounding but absolutely divine concoction of Croc vodka, citrus spritzer, muddled red grapes and chardonnay that gave me a mid-afternoon buzz! More art greeted me on my way up to the rst oor, this time in the form of an eco-friendly wall covering beside the escalators. Vaguely reminiscent of an extra-large egg carton, the 3D wall art made of Viro

all-weather wicker bres offers a space-age feel! Heading up to my room, I passed even more artwork vivid elephant-inspired prints by Malaysian artist Yusof Gajah lined the hallway. Inside the cool confines of my spacious Urban Room, a caricature of a local scene above my bed put a smile on my face as I entered. Every room in the hotel features these comical interpretations of local culture by cartoonist Kit Antares Leee, making guests feel right at home.

EXPEDIA FLIP FLOP REPORT 2013


Expedias Flip Flop Report is an online study of the habits and attitudes of over 8,000 travellers from North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific towards beach holidays. Ever wondered why Malaysians and Singaporeans love jetting away for a beach vacation? Here are some interesting beach-worthy statistics of the Malaysian and Singaporean beachgoer.

Casa Del Mar

Casa Del Mar

# Topping the global list, 48% of Singaporeans would go to a spa during their beach vacation!
Rooms at Aloft may appear sparse, but I appreciated the clean and uncluttered feel of the space. Furniture is kept to a minimum though every room has the requisite work desk, and a comfy chaise. Soaring 11foot ceilings give the rooms a loft-like impression and add to the sense of spaciousness. The bathroom space was cleverly designed with a spacious shower, huge vanity and glass-mirrored closet. No bathtubs here but I didnt miss that. The hotel also offers entry-level Loft rooms and, at the other end of the price spectrum, Sweet and Breezy suites that are 49sqm and 69sqm each. Dont be suprised to find your mini-bar empty. At Aloft, you are encouraged to stock your mini-bar with your very own selection of food and beverages from the hotels re:fuel outlet in the lobby. Re:fuels grab and go concept is also popular with guests. Simply pick from the pre-packaged meals available 24-hours a day, reheat in a microwave thats provided and youre good to go. If you dont like your food pre-packaged, head to Nook, the hotels all-day dining outlet. Its refreshing dcor of white with apple green accents invigorates the senses while the extensive menu of local and Western favourites caters to varied taste buds. I had the pleasure of dining alfresco by the pool on the hotels rooftop, just outside its Polynesian-themed Mai Bar. Situated on the 30th oor, Mai Bar is a great place to unwind and party the night away amid Polynesian beauties (Im referring to the Paul Gauguin-esque prints on the walls, of course). On a clear day, Id recommend lounging by the pool under the stars still within earshot of the pulsating beats churned out by the DJ. With drink in hand, Tiki totems watching over me, the bright lights of the city skyline twinkling in the distance and the company of my better half, I could not ask for anything more to cap a perfect day at an outstanding hotel. To me, Aloft is hardly a hotel its an EXPERIENCE. Just a short ight away from Singapore, Langkawi is ideal for a quick beach getaway with a variety of rejuvenating spa choices. Hotels on Langkawis famous Cenang Beach offering rejuvenating spa services include Casa Del Mar and Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa.

The Residence Resort & Spa Retreat

The Residence Resort & Spa Retreat

# 37% of Malaysians love to drink and party!


Phukets Bliss Beach Club takes partying to a whole new level with its expansive space and innovative design. Unwind by day with views of the Andaman Sea and party the night away with popular DJs and live music. Hotels close to Bliss Beach Club include The Residence Resort & Spa Retreat and Angsana Laguna Phuket. For more information on Expedias Flip Flop Report, check online at Expedia.com.

ALOFT KUALA LUMPUR SENTRAL


No 5 Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

www.expedia.com.sg
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BUBBLE OF BLISS

KL is a beautiful, bustling city with rush hour trafc that can drive the sanest person manic. Fortunately for me, once Id navigated the afternoon gauntlet, I pulled up at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, an oasis of rejuvenation in the middle of a busy city. This luxurious hotel offers a fabulous location just beside the Medan Tuanku Monorail station and minutes from swanky shopping centres and popular nightlife spots, but step inside, and the ambience transports you to a world of sweeping staircases and dramatic oil paintings. The frantic world outside disappears. Once Id checked-in, I was shown to my weekend abode: A Twin Tower Deluxe with views of the iconic structures set against an impressive skyline. My brightly-lit room, done up in elegant earthy tones with splashes of red, was spacious, and offered a walk-in wardrobe, sitting area and large desk. Like all the accommodation here, my room also came equipped with WiFi connectivity, and a hospitality port, which allows

Here, you can expect to savour spicy Szechuan crabmeat dumplings in chili vinegar sauce; squid ink scallop dumplings topped with mini abalone and salmon roe; and banana and prawn rolls with wasabi mayo. There are also delicious a la carte dishes like the XO fried rice with scallops and prawns and the signature black cod, which comes with a soup spoon so you can savour its wholesome rice broth sprinkled with sweet wolfberries and caviar. For dessert, sample the refreshing avocado cream and walnut ice cream. But by far the jewel in Sheraton Imperials crown is Villa Danieli, its award-winning Italian restaurant with a wood-red pizza oven and a cute mural that depicts scenes within a restaurant from a failed wedding proposal to a waiter covertly sneaking sips of wine behind a potted plant. This clever mural makes for a great conversation piece over must-try dishes like spicy cod ceviche, luscious Boston lobster egg fettuccine, ravioli in cheesy walnut sauce, Piemontese pizza with mascarpone cheese, toma piemontese cheese, parmesan cheese shavings, fresh

guests to connect their laptops, iPods and other entertainment gadgets to the huge 40-inch LCD TV for easy viewing. On my coffee table, I found not just the requisite basket of fruits but a pretty platter of strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates sitting beside a shot glass of chocolate fondue. At Sheraton Imperial, they really know how to spoil their guests, and you can expect minty chocolates on your pillow each night, as well as afternoon treats that include local kuih or cakes. While KL has many great city hotels, Sheraton Imperial stands out for its F&B offerings: Essence with its fantastic buffet spreads; Pavilions Lounge with its live music, bubbly and ne wines; and Toastina Caf and Bar, which serves up sinful pastries by day and a variety of whiskeys and Cuban cigars by night. Then, theres Celestial Court, an authentic Cantonese restaurant thats best known for its decadent dim sum menu.
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WORDS: BEVERLY RODRIGUES

black uncinato trufe and white trufe oil, as well as Villa Danielis signature tiramisu. To complete your rejuvenating weekend, enjoy a workout at Sheraton Fitness gym, relax at the freeform outdoor pool with a Villa Mojito in hand, and indulge in a Balinese massage at the award-winning Mandara Spa. I opted for the ginger, clove and nutmeg-infused Island Spice massage oil specially-formulated to relieve sore muscles, and as my therapist worked her magic, I drifted off to sleep in a bubble of bliss.

SHERATON IMPERIAL KL
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

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It may come as a surprise to even KLites that the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) brand has a property in downtown Kuala Lumpur. City folks may wonder which standing heritage building in the city the E&O Group has purchased and renovated to recreate a property similar to its eponymous hotel in Penang. I too walked into the street sandwiched by two main thoroughfares in the KL CBD Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Sultan Ismail picking my brains, trying to remember if there were any stately mansions left in that area that had survived the onslaught of development. Only upon arriving at the entrance of the complex did it dawn on me that the location of E&O Residences and its sister property, St Mary Residences, used to be the former site of St Marys Girls School, which has since relocated to the outskirts of the city. In its place stands four massive towers that seem to choral its guests and residents from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle and cocoon them in a serene, almost Eden-esque environment within its compound.

CITY CHIC

complete kitchenette with full cooking facilities that included top-range kitchen equipment such as oven, microwave oven, induction cooker, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. A full set of crockery, stemware and utensils allow you to cook your own meals. The bedroom was done up in masculine shades of grey and beige with distressed wood providing the nishing touches, complete with super luxurious linens. The highlight of the room was the bath, an unusually large space that housed an oblong tub, a glass enclosed shower and a His & Hers vanity table. I believe the bulk of my time was spent here, enjoying the space and calm that it accorded. The E&O Residences is strategically located with easy reach to many attractions in the city. The Bukit Bintang shopping district and Changkat Bukit Bintang are literally a hop and skip away while the KLCC with the Petronas Twin Towers is a mere 10-minute walk away. The KL Tower is literally at your doorstep and Raja Chulan Monorail Station is just 200 metres away. This makes the property an excellent place that connects

WORDS: R. RAJENDRA

The rst thing guests will notice at the E&O Residences is that it is super swanky with very little allusion to history or heritage think of city chic, elegance wrought from concrete and steel, and ber cool greys, blacks and browns. The greens of the garden and the blue of the pool are the only distractions to the almost industrial beauty of the property. The E&O Residences consists of two towers that house 200 units of one- and two-bedroom units. Each oor houses only four units, thus ensuring you ample amounts of space and privacy. Oversized doors open to reveal a spacious, bright and airy space that is most welcoming. I walked into the one-bedroom unit and immediately fell in love with its ample space and oor-to-ceiling glass windows that let in copious amounts of sunlight from almost all directions. Minimalism being the order of the day, the living area featured bespoke furniture that was modern yet comfortable to catch up on ofce work or simply lounge around. The adjoining section housed a
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you to all parts of the city. But you may not want to venture out far as I noticed a quiet calm that enveloped the central courtyard of the property. Although less than a year old, the landscaping here has produced a green oasis with tall palm trees and creeping vines that convince you to stay in. The swimming pool is the main attraction here while large swingbeds strung under pergolas covered with creepers lull you into deep sleep, only to be awakened by the joyous shrieks of children playing in the pool. For dining options within the property, the retail annexe building houses Delicious Caf that serves Western and local favourites. Other F&B outlets include a Japanese restaurant and a Spanish wine bar.

E&O RESIDENCES KUALA LUMPUR


1, Jalan Tengah off Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

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IMPIANA KLCC HOTEL


Nestled in the heart of the city, Impiana KLCC Hotel shares prime location with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the ultra-modern Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. With exciting entertainment and shopping areas just steps away from the hotel, the 25-storey 4-star business class deluxe hotel is an ideal venue for seminars, conferences, private functions and events. The hotels elegant interior echoes the hotels warm hospitality while its meticulouslycrafted nishing reects Impiana KLCC Hotels attention to detail. With a total of 519 rooms, guests can choose to stay in the elegantlyappointed Superior, Deluxe (King and Twin) or Junior Suites ranging in size from 30sqm to 60sqm at the current block, and Club rooms and suites in the new Club Tower. With high-speed Internet access and rst class amenities at your disposal in every room, your stay at this hotel is bound to be a memorable one!

GRAND SEASONS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

Ofcially certied as the tallest hotel in Malaysia, Grand Seasons Hotel offers magnicent views of Kuala Lumpurs skyline. The 800 rooms and suites here are furnished with guests comfort and practicality in mind. Families and larger groups need not worry as most of the guestrooms are available as connecting rooms. The hotels four food and beverage outlets offer a wholesome dining experience, while events and conventions are handled with air. Guests can also relax at the free-form swimming pool or work up a sweat at the well-equipped tness centre. Getting around the city is hassle-free as the hotel is just a ve-minute walk from the nearest monorail station.

IMPIANA KLCC HOTEL

13, Jln Pinang, Kuala Lumpur

GRAND SEASONS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

72, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur

THE ROYALE CHULAN KUALA LUMPUR


Located in the heart of downtown KL, this luxuriously appointed 5-star property fuses traditional Malay architecture with the comfort of modern amenities, and takes hospitality to a whole new level with contemporary services and facilities. Often described as the jewel in the crown of the Royale Bintang Group of Hotels & Resorts, this property is located in Kuala Lumpurs downtown business district and offers 300 beautifully-appointed guestrooms and suites. For long staying guests, there are 102 apartment or studio suites tted with kitchenettes. Each room is tastefully furnished with dcor that showcases Malaysian culture while modern comforts that include at-screen plasma TVs, broadband connections, IDD telephones, mini bars, spacious bathrooms, as well as tea and coffee making facilities make your stay at the Royale Chulan absolutely delightful. The Royale Club Lounge @ Level 5 is another great offering where privileged guests are invited to enjoy plush facilities and distinctive amenities that bet their status as exclusive guests of the hotel.

ARENAA STAR HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

Located along one of the citys heritage trails, Arenaa Star Hotel Kuala Lumpur sits at the corner of Jalan Hang Lekiu and Jalan Gereja, right next to the historical Telekom Museum. Boasting a prime location within the citys Iconic Places project, the 11-storey hotel is a 5-minute walk to the Masjid Jamek LRT Station, Pudu Sentral UTC Terminal, Chinatown and Merdeka Square. The shopping district of Bukit Bintang is also just a ve-minute drive away and easily accessible via the free GoKL shuttle bus that stops at the hotels doorstep. The hotel features 167 rooms ranging from Junior Star room to Idol Suite. Free Wi-Fi access, a deli and bar, spa and wading pool and meeting facilities are all available. Guests can also expect an exciting stay full of surprises at this hotel that is done up in modern baroque style where traditional and avant garde elements come together in a fun and funky way.

ARENAA HOTELS GROUP THE ROYALE CHULAN KUALA LUMPUR


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No 5, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur 49, Level 8, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Kuala Lumpur.

8 HIT LIST 0 2013

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DEFINING MOMENTS
The National Monument in Kuala Lumpur.

While time may be measured in minutes, life is measured in moments. Here are some that define the birth and growth of a nation. Four of these countries Malaysia, India, Singapore and Indonesia celebrate their Independence Day this month, and like other countries, these nations have worked hard to redress the past for a promising future.

WORDS: EFI HAFIZAH HAMZAH

IMAGE: INMAGINE

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj led the nation Tunku Abdul Rahman to independence when he and the fight for took over as the President independence. of UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) from Datuk Onn Jaafar in 1951. UMNO was the rst political party to be registered in Malaya in 1946, while still under British rule. There were two fundamental events that led to Tunkus move to call for National Elections in 1955: The decline in Communist threat during the Malayan Emergency and the need to prove that Malaya could survive without British rule. The elections proved a great success. The UMNO-MCA (Malayan Chinese Association) Alliance led by Tunku saw a win of 51 out of 52 seats at the Federal Legislative Council; Tunku became the rst Prime Minister. Securing majority support earned him the mandate to negotiate for independence. The winning coalition was also proof of an inter-ethnic cooperation a condition required for the granting of independence. On February 8, 1956, an agreement was reached for Malaya to be free of British rule. However, due to the need to resolve administrative and logistical issues, the proclamation was only made the following year. On August 31, 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman led the nation in a triumphant cry, proclaiming Merdeka! seven times at the newly-built Merdeka Stadium in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Until today, Tunku is regarded as the Father of Independence of the country.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia celebrates its Independence Day on August 31.


Source: tunkuabdulrahman.com; www.malaysianhistory.net

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An Australian Aboriginal man in the Outback.

AUSTRALIA

During Australias colonial period, the indigenous people of Australia endured Kevin Rudd and the neglect and pauperisation. Their national apology to traditional way of life was frowned upon; Aboriginal Australians. being semi-nomadic, they had no desire for material gains. British colonisation began in 1791 and by 1810 had escalated with Governor Macquarie deeming it best to civilise the Aboriginals by turning them into an agrarian society, creating a hostile relationship between the colonisers and the original people of the land. Although New South Wales established the Aboriginal Protection Board in 1883, the Western Australian Aborigines Act 1905 marked the start of lawful oppression of the Aboriginals with legal forcible removal of their children to assimilate into the Caucasian life. The Native

Administration Act 1936 inicted even greater damage by giving the state absolute rights over the Aboriginal people. It would be 31 years before Aboriginals were granted full citizenship rights in Australia with the placement of the 1967 Commonwealth Referendum. In 2008, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a national apology to the stolen generations of Aboriginal Australians with a heartfelt apology to all Aboriginals for laws and policies that inicted profound grief, suffering and loss. Only then did the healing process start taking place between the Aboriginal people and the Australian government. The apology denes the beginnings of genuine efforts to usher in a new era of reconciliation in Australia.
Source: researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au; en.wikipedia.org; www.infoplease.com; world.time.com; www.survivalinternational.org; bovination.com

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

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INDIA

British rule in India began in 1858. Subsequently, the British imposed the Salt Mohandas Ghandi Act that prohibited natives from collecting, and the Salt March producing or selling salt. Indians were forced to (Satyagraha). buy salt from the British; besides monopolising the salt market, the British also exerted heavy salt taxes, which further burdened Indias already suffering masses. Mohandas Ghandi returned to India in 1915, after having spent two decades in South Africa ghting for civil rights there. He wrote to the Viceroy forewarning of his plan to initiate an act of civil disobedience; the British salt policies were to be the unifying theme for his campaign called Satyagraha (activism of truth and resolution), which was to be carried out with no acts of violence. On March 12, 1930, Gandhi set out from his ashram (retreat) at Sabermanti near Ahmedabad with 78 followers, and began his march some 386 kilometres to the coastal town of Dandi off the Arabian Sea. It took 23 days, and as he passed through villages,

more and more locals joined him. Upon reaching Dandi, Gandhi and his followers discovered that the police who had been sent there to stop him had destroyed the salt deposits by crushing it into the mud. Unperturbed, Ghandi picked up a handful of the mineral from the mud, and with this one simple act, challenged British law. On May 5, 1930, Ghandi was arrested, but the Salt March broke out all across India, and saw millions participating in the Satyagraha with the British authorities arresting more than 60,000 deant Indians. The Salt March ended on March 4, 1931, and culminated in the signing of the Ghandi-Irwin pact with an invitation for him to attend Round Table talks in London to discuss the possibility of Indian Independence. Indias independence was nally granted in August 1947.

India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15.


Source: www.history.com/topics/salt-march; www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/885370/Salt-March

The Gyarah Murti monument in New Delhi that depicts Gandhi leading the Salt March.

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

MONAS, or the National Monument, in Jakarta.

Dr Sutono of Surabaja founded the Indonesia Study Club in 1924 to help Sutono, Hatta, Sutan educate Indonesias youth on how to & Sukarno and the address social problems through the 1928 Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge). practice of self-help (nationalism). At the time when the country was still under Dutch rule, Indonesian intellectuals who returned from Europe preferred such study clubs to local schools. Meanwhile, other nationalists like Mohammed Hatta and Sutan Sharir were building smaller educational organisations to train an elite set of young minds that would spread the concept of nationalism among the masses. In 1926, the rst youth congress was held and efforts were made to unite the various study clubs, Indonesian Assembly and the Bond van Intellectuelen (Association of Intellectuals) into a federation called the Indonesian Association. However, the vast differences in social classes, cultural disparity and attitudes towards the colonial regime only hastened the collapse of the newly set up body. In 1927, Sukarno founded the Indonesian National Party (PNI) in Bandung, which was a window into an all-Indonesia secular party devoted primarily to independence. In 1928, a second attempt was made and the Indonesian Youth Congress was once again held; this time in three different locations all of which saw speakers express how the congress should inspire the feeling of unity and nationalism. The event closed with a reading of the 1928 Youth Pledge that holds three ideals: One motherland, one nation and one language all of which are embodied in the Indonesian national ideology known as Pancasila.

INDONESIA

Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17.


Source: http://panjikecenk.blogspot.com/2012/12/sejarah-lahirnya-sumpah-pemuda.html; www.kumpulansejarah.com; organisasi.org

Hong Kong was once described as a barren rock with nary a house on it by The Pearl of the Orients unimpressed British foreign secretary, Lord return to China on its Palmerston in 1842, when the island was own terms. made a British crown colony after the rst Opium War. He also said that it will never be a mart for trade. How wrong he was, for by the time the British handed Hong Kong back to become a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, it was a modern metropolis with over six million people and a thriving economy, free press and the rule of law. The agreement made between Britain and China stipulated that Hong Kong would govern itself, choose its own leaders, control its economy and maintain its own legal system for at least 50 years, even after its return to China. The handover has strengthened trade ties, and Hong Kong is now Chinas biggest source of foreign investment, as reported by Xinhua, quoting Chinas Ministry of Commerce. The island is also the top destination for investment from the mainland. In the days leading to the 15th anniversary of the handover last year, China announced a package of policies to further bond the mainland and the island covering trade, nance, education, science and technology, and tourism. As daunting as it may seem to have one country with two ruling systems for another 34 years, the fact remains that Hong Kongs economy has grown intensely and Chinas reputation has spread further through the handover a symbiotic existence that could certainly lead the world economy.
Source: www.nytimes.com; thomsonreuters.com

HONG KONG

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Source: factsanddetails.com; web-jpn.org; www.rieti.go.jp; web-japan.org; www.nap.edu; www.frost.com

SINGAPORE

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

In less than 50 years, Singapore has made its mark as one of Asias economic Lee Kwan Yew and the powerhouses. When Singapore broke away drive for economic from Malaya on August 9, 1965, everyone, excellence. including then Prime Minister, Lee Kwan Yew, thought the worst would ensue. Singapore took hit after hit the rst major blow was with Indonesias burgeoning imperialistic ambitions through its Konfrontasi (Confrontation) Policy with Malaysia and Singapore, which resulted in substantial decline in the entrept trade for the two countries; and the second was when the British withdrew, taking with it over 38,000 jobs, which amounted to 20 percent of the workforce at a time when it was facing rising unemployment and rapid population growth. Lee Kwan Yew ramped up the nations Economic Development Board (set up in 1961) activities to promote industrial development. The architecture of this plan reaped massive economic growth with an average annual growth of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 12.7 percent between 1965 and 1973. Lee Kwan Yews recipe was simple: Increase industrial growth, tackle domestic unemployment, control population growth and manage the housing shortage, and do these by concertedly attracting foreign direct investments. At the turn of the century, Singapore shifted its focus to knowledge and innovation-intensive activities while research and development became the cornerstone of the countrys economic development. Over the years, this foundation built has established the island nation as a strong contender in the international arena with a vast network of R&D centres, all working together to commercialise new technologies, processes and products, making Singapore an economic giant.

The Shinkasen or Bullet Train speeding through Tokyo.

Singapore celebrates its National Day on August 9.


Source: www.edb.gov.sg; www.thomaswhite.com/world-markets/singapore/; www.tradingeconomics.com/singapore/gdp-growth

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IMAGE: INMAGINE

The 1980s was a glorious decade for Japan. The country was ahead of its neighbouring Koziumi Junichiro nations in wealth, health and prosperity spearheads economic recovery. thanks to its technological advancements and massive industrial growth since the 1960s. The Japanese government was viewed as a master practitioner of industrial policy back then, spearheading one industry after another including electronics, automobiles and computers. However, economists were quick to point out the causal effects that lay ahead if proper regulating practices were not imposed on the over-inated values of Japanese industries, real estate, equities and stock markets, part of which contributed to the nations reckless lending practices domestically and internationally. It became known as the country that cant say No, generously giving nancial aid to the developing world, increasing its global clout. True enough, by the 1990s, the Japanese economy went bust; its unregulated economic practices and policies created what is known today as the bubble economy, and just short of a decade, it rapidly unravelled. The implosion came to a head in 1993, from which point it was called The Lost Decade. In 2001, a new Prime Minister was sworn in, Koziumi Junichiro; he began reconstructing the nations economy with a series of market-oriented reforms designed to break the stilted hierarchies of Japanese commerce, nance and government regulations. These modications began bearing fruit in 2003 with the rise of Chinas global industrial expansion. But while Japan has steadily emerged victorious from the economic battles it has been facing over the past two decades, economists say that there is a war it cannot conquer: the decline of traditional values. However, such social polarisation and problems, although serious, are no more severe than those faced by other nations with mature industrial democracies.

JAPAN

A child holding up Singapore flags at a National Day celebration.

THAILAND

No king of Thailand has been more loved or revered than the A much-loved monarch and his people-centric present King Bhumibol Adulyadej whose reign has lasted for 67 initiatives. years, since June 9, 1946. He is the worlds longest reigning monarch! His Majesty King Bhumibol is the only Thai king to have visited every single province in his kingdom as an average man would, travelling in discomfort to outlying areas to appraise local conditions. By talking to his people and listening to their needs, he has initiated various actions through government agencies and occasionally funding these initiatives himself. These trips have been a fundamental part of his kingly duties. Since the 1950s, more than 4,000 royalty-initiated projects have been launched, covering agriculture, water resources, conservation of the environment and its natural resources, occupational promotion, public health and welfare, and communication to raise the standards of living in rural areas. Through a royal initiative in agriculture, the King created a project known as the Royal Rain using cloud-seeding to encourage rainfall, which drummed up nothing but praise and gratitude from long suffering farmers. His lifelong dedication to his people has earned him various honours, including the rst World Intellectual Property Organisations (WIPO) Global Leaders Award, in recognition of his contribution to intellectual property, both as an inventor and as an active proponent of intellectual property. He leads by example, and the ripple effect can be seen in the work of other members of the monarchy in public service. For example, Queen Sirikit Kittiyakara works relentlessly in promoting traditional Thai arts and culture.
Source: www.thailandtoday.org; news.bbc.co.uk; www.economist.com; www.historytoday.com; gothailand.about.com

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

A monument erected in honour of their Majesties, the King and Queen of Thailand.

8 FEATURE China 0 2013


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Toast the Masters


Produced using artisanal techniques, Shaoxing rice wine not only remains true to its roots, which date back to Chinas dynastic times, it also pays tribute to the master artists who brew the drink and craft the jars they are stored in.
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: WANG YUANCHANG A worker manually transporting a vat of steamed glutinous rice to the fermentation plant, not unlike how it would have been done thousands of years ago.

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Rice wine was Chinas earliest wine, produced from the fermentation of glutinous rice grains. Also called yellow wine and laojiu or huangjiu in Chinese, rice wine is widely produced in the regions around the Yangtze River, as well as coastal areas such as Shanghai, Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan. Of the many varieties available, theres one name that goes back to Chinas dynastic period: Shaoxing rice wine, which is approximately 6,500 years old. In 2006, Shaoxing rice wines traditional handmade brewing technology was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. Its makers still rely on traditional artisanal techniques to make this wine, retaining its distinctive character. Aromatic and full-bodied

are two words that are often used to describe Shaoxing rice wine. According to craftsmen, the secret is in the water specically, Jianhu Lake water.

A JOURNEY IN TIME
After substantial preparation, I visited Shaoxing, the home of the rice wine. Despite its fame, Shaoxing is a tiny town in Zhejiang Province, located in the region south of the Yangtze River, and watered year round by the streams zigzagging through it. To learn about Shaoxing rice wine, I headed to Guyue Longshan Wine Factory, Shaoxings oldest and biggest factory, which is famous for its traditional brewing technique.

Before even reaching the factory, I could practically taste the wine; the aroma tickled my nostrils and the air felt a little stickier, wetter and warmer. I was eager to get in but a guard stopped me at the gate. It took some careful explanation on my part along with my editors letter to get me through, and even then, I had to don a uniform and mask. The reason for the strictness soon became apparent. Rice wine, I was told, is like a new-born baby, especially during the brewing process. Its environment should be as germ-free as possible, as contaminants will inuence the avour, turning it just a bit acrid, or perhaps a touch too sweet. This is why brewery workers take a full body shower before coming into the workshop.

RIGHT: A Huadiao artist painting the wine jars: To create a fine finish, the jars are painted meticulously to create an almost 3-dimension effect on the surface. BELOW: More than four million jars wait for their final finishing touches before they can be used to store the rice wine at the Guyue Longshan Wine factory.

The factory was lled with dense vapours from the steaming rice, and it was bustling with activity. Tian Jiaben, the wine craftsman with whom I spoke on the phone many times before coming out, explained the buzz. This is the brewing season. The coming of winter is our busiest time of the year, generally lasting until March or April, depending on the weather and temperatures. Tian pointed out the workshop where rice is steamed; nearby, other workers were busy with fermented rice called kaipa. The fermented rice is stirred thoroughly with a wooden harrow to aerate and cool it, and then covered once again to continue fermentation. The whole process is laborious and intense, and three or four strong men are required to execute this task. From choosing rice grains right up to lling the jars, over 20 processes are involved. First of all, the rice grains are selected, polished and washed, and then, the grains are separated to cool. Next, the main mash is prepared and readied for saccharication (the process of breaking a complex carbohydrate into its monosaccharide components) where

starch is converted into sugar. Partiallyfermented rice is stirred and aerated, and then comes more fermentation, ltration and purication and the colouration of wine using natural ingredients. Lastly, pasteurisation occurs till February or March, and then the wine is stored and packaged. In general, the fermentation process lasts 90 days. I noticed a worker covering jars with lotus and Indicalamus leaves before putting the lids on. Li Gao, a highly-skilled wine master at the factory, explained that it was to increase the fragrance. The entire cycle lasts about three months. In Shaoxing, there are only about 10 wine craftsmen who are experts at traditional winemaking. All these experts work at the Guyue Longshan Wine factory and are in their 60s. The factory is doing its best to cultivate more talent, but it takes over 10 to 20 years experience to be a good winemaker. Enquiring on why the waters of Jianhu Lake make for the best-crafted wines, I was told that this is a natural wonder. The miracle lies in the ingredients of the lake, said Li Gao.
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ABOVE: A worker mixing in dried yeast into the glutinous rice. LEFT: The glazed jars are manually transported from the holding area to be filled with rice wine.

Jianhu Lake is said to contain a lot of microelements and minerals, providing favourable conditions for fermentation. Another key element is the brewing season; the best wine must come out of the winter solstice that occurs annually between December 21st and 23rd. The coldest days follow, water ows and slows down, the peat bed absorbs impurities and water stays at the most balanced degree of turbidity and limpidity. After dozens of years of aging, the wine develops a moderate acridity and sweetness, with a silky and slippery feel, and it appears lustrous amber in colour. explained Li Gao.

THE WINE MASTERS TALE


To watch wine maker Tian Jiaben at work is to watch a master at his craft. There have been professional winemakers in his family

for many generations. In fact, Tian Jiabens grandfather opened a winery of his own, and he and his brothers have kept the family business going and preserved traditional winemaking techniques. The business later merged with Guyue Longshan Wine Factory. Without any special instruments, Tian can appraise the quality of the wine and tell how long its been stored just by observing its colour and aroma. By dipping a nger into it, he can gauge the temperature precisely, and with a quick taste, he can tell you how much fermentation has taken place. Tian considers rice wine his work and his passion. He continues the Chinese tradition of keeping big jars of rice wine at home for family consumption and to present as gifts. Rice wine helps dispel moisture in the system and encourages probiotics (the good bacteria in our intestines) to thrive. This keeps our digestive and immune systems healthy.

Explaining what is needed for winemakers to produce good wine, he said, Just good emotions! In fact, wine and winemakers are connected. We have to stay healthy and clean physically at all times. A good emotional state is a must, as it can inuence the quality and avour of wine. If we remain high spirited and emotionally balanced, the molecules around us become vibrant, so the rice ferments more fully. Tian went on to tell me that he drinks every day.I touch wine and drink wine, but just a little. Just to keep healthy. He might be enjoying life, but theres one thing that weighs heavily on his mind. I need to have more followers who can carry on the knowledge that I have accrued over the past 50 years. Although there are dozens of rice wine factories in Shaoxing, large and small, only Guyue Longshan still follows the traditional technology and culture of wine.
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ZHUJI JARS, THE BEST PAIR OF RICE WINE.


It is believed that the best way to store Shaoxing rice wine is in Zhuji pottery jars. Stacks of these jars have become an iconic scene in Shaoxing and Zhuji. Some jars have been used for decades and are imbued with the scent of wine. In the Central Wine Cellar, which is owned by the Guyue Longshan Rice Wine factory, and located about 44kms northeast of Shaoxing, I was shown these enormous jars. The keeper told me So far, there are about 26 million jars of wine stored here, of 10 years, 20 years, 50 years and even more. Zhou Shun, a craftsman from Zhuji who works at the Central Wine Cellar explained the uniqueness of Zhuji jars. Every jar has life and eyes; with its oxygen-permeable and sensitive characteristics, it can breathe

and keep wine liquid alive though buried underground for hundreds of years. The wine and jars are impartible. In Chinese history, pottery, white and blue porcelain as well as bamboo ceramic jars were used as rice wine containers. Shaoxing rice wine however has traditionally been stored and aged only in Zhuji jars, which are said to preserve the natural fragrance of the wine like no other containers can. These jars are produced in Zhuji Prefecture, hence the name. Zhuji pottery jars date back 2,500 years, and have become the favoured container for rice wine due to the materials particularly argil and kaolin, which are known for their proong properties. Zhuji jars can enhance the fragrance of wine during storage by allowing the alcoholic beverage to breathe and come in contact with a little air from outside, which intensies the aroma.

HUADIAO JARS
Wine jars are considered artworks. In the past, artists drew or painted patterns on jars to symbolise happiness and luck. Shaoxing people experimented with different motifs such as owers, fairies and sh in red, gold and black. Of all the jars, the Huadiao jar, which originated during the Ming and Qing dynasties, best represents the tradition of jar making, and it is noted for its intricate carvings and drawings. It is said that in the Song Dynasty, a ministry councillor brewed 20 big jars of rice wine to prepare for his childs birth. He buried the jars under an osmanthus shrub in the garden, and dug them out for his daughters wedding feast. At once, all his guests were enveloped by a sweet aroma. Since then, it has become a custom to bury rice wine upon the birth of a daughter, to be opened on her

RIGHT: Good quality glutinous rice is selected to ensure a fine batch of rice wine. BELOW: A worker applying glaze to the earthenware jars.

wedding day. For blessings, happiness and good fortune, parents invite folk artists to draw and carve colourful patterns on each jar. The exterior design of Huadiao jars typically featured colourful paintings until 20th century craftsmen started changing things. Huang Ayuan and Cai Abao were among those who combined traditional Huadiao decorations with relief work, turning drawings into three-dimensional scenes. Today, the Huadiao jar has eight different shapes, 11 sizes and 150 patterns. Days after my rice wine factory visit, I met 51-years-old Wang Yuelong, the best disciple of Cai Abao and Xu Fufei, the director of the Huadiao factory. Sitting amid a pile of jars within the Huadiao factory, Wang Yuelong was working on an image of Shouxing, the god of longevity. Since he apprenticed with Xu Fufei at the age of 23, Wang Yuelong has created about 50 gures and patterns, and has been recognised as the representative inheritor and developer of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of this Huadiao folk craft in Shaoxing. I waited outside Wangs workshop for two hours before he invited me in. I noticed you, but I had to nish outlining in one go, or the picture would not come out right, he said apologetically. Every process is of great importance and determines the

next step. I have worked non-stop for nearly 10 hours. My eyes ew to the colourful jars, brushes, knives and drawing tools. Every Huadiao jar should pass through more than 20 courses and six major processes polishing, tinting, adding powder, piling and moulding, refined carving, drawing and painting. Therefore, every craftsman should be a master of Chinese literature, history, art, drawing, carving, customs, calligraphy, wine history and some other related knowledge. Wangs focus is to design new figures and patterns, and he hopes to attract more young people to join him in enriching Huadiao patterns. His factory Huadiao factory, the exclusive workshop of Guyue Longshan Wine Factory churns out 60,000 fully-decorated jars a year. Holding a nished jar, he explained Before I start carving and painting, I think of what pattern would suit it as well as the materials. I mix and match colours because although the pattern may be traditional, the colours and emotions are always different depending on my own physical and psychological state. It is impossible to nd another Huadiao jar like this in the world.
GETTING THERE AirAsia ies to numerous cities in China from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

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8 FEATURE Japan 0 2013


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Little to no en
Exploring Tokyo on a budget is not as difficult as one might imagine if you know where to look for cheap and tasty food, cool accommodation and fun activities that dont break the bank.
WORDS: JASMINE PHULL

for

A shopping mecca, Tokyo is a city gleaming with retail strips and department stores. It may surprise some, but this destination is easily embraced on a budget. There are an abundance of cheap fuel-stops all over town with pokey little izakayas selling yummy Japanese food for no more than the pocket change hastily wrapped in that last receipt! For those considering a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, heres a list of the top activities that afford the budget-conscious traveller much to do for very little Japanese yen.

LEAVE THE WALLET AT HOME


It is easy to soak up the culture of this former shing village without a single yen as Tokyo boasts an eclectic range of weirdly wonderful attractions. Choose your own adventure with museums showcasing sumo wrestlers, parasites, Yebisu beer and even ancient advertising. For Hayao Miyazaki fans, a trip to the acclaimed directors Ghibli Studios (1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013) offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the best anime, all for just a USD10

OPPOSITE PAGE: Shibuya ticket! Once youre done, tip your hat neighbourhood in Tokyo. to some of the biggest names in lm photography with a visit to Fuji Film Square (7-3 Akasaka, 9-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052), Canon (3-9-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061) and Kodak (1-3-3F Ginza,Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061) to view their free and ever-changing photo exhibitions. Most shrines and temples in Tokyo including the famous Yasukuni Shrine (3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8246) and the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa offer free admission. On a sunny day, wander the grounds of the Imperial Palace (1 Chiyoda Tokyo 100-8111); as the home of the Emperor, the royal palace dates back to the Edo periodand is a truly stunning site surrounded by a large park, moats and stones walls. Its said that when it was built in 1457 before the erection of the citys spread of high-rises it was possible to see Mt Fuji. A tour of the palace is free but must be reserved in advance.

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IMAGE: INMAGINE

If your legs are aching for a rest, relax with a stunning birds eye view of the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Ofce (2-8-1 NishiShinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture 160-0023, Japan). Take the elevator to the 45th oor. Admission is free! Another great insight into Japanese culture is the traditional Kabuki Theatre (4-12-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo); its male-only cast has been capturing the hearts and minds of audiences since its 17th century beginnings. With a ve-hour running time, I suggest purchasing a single act Makumi ticket available for USD8 to USD20 per person a fraction of what you would pay to watch the entire show (USD40 to USD230). Be warned; you will have to line up at least two to three hours before show time in order to nab one of the 250 seats!

a taxi; opt for the more affordable, and sometimes faster, Narita Express train, which leaves from most major stations.

PARKS & MARKETS


Despite its clusters of high-rises, Tokyo boasts some beautiful parks with large lakes and gorgeous seasonal blooms. After browsing around Shibuyas shopping precinct, take a short stroll to Yoyogi Park and meet Harajuku girls showing off their Sunday bests while perusing the bricka-brac market for kitsch trinkets. Some of the better antique markets include Azabu-juban Antique Market (Ikebukuro), Nogi-jinja Flea Market (8-11-27 Akasaka Minato-ku, Tokyo) and Roppongi Antique Fair (Rapiros Roppongi Oribe Hall 8F, 1F, 6-1-24 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) . If youre looking for one-off treasures, a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo to Kichijoji station and a short walk will take you to Inokashira Koen Parks (1-1831 Gotenyama, Musashino-shi) Sunday market. When youre done, hire a bike and cruise along the river or enjoy a swan boat ride with friends.

CHEAP EATS
It may be surprising to hear but eating out in Tokyo is a ve-star affair at a fraction of the price! With so many 7-Elevens around town youre never far from a freshly-made USD1.20 onigiri or USD4.50 katsu curry, but for something pre-packaged, I recommend hunting down a depachika, or department store food hall. These are places where mouth-watering free samples are just enough to hush a rumbling tummy. Good ones to target include I s e t a n i n S h i n j u k u (3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjukuku), Mitsukoshi in Ginza (4-6ABOVE: The Imperial Palace 16 Ginza) and Takashimaya in in Tokyo. Nihombashi (2-4-1 Nihonbash). OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: A series of sketches for animated For dinner, try the novel films on display at Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. The museum approach of ordering your food offers exhibits and films from a vending machine before associated with Studio Ghibli, Japans leading animation studio. handing the receipt to the waiter. OPPOSITE PAGE, BELOW: At Menya Musashi (7-2-6 A sumo wrestler holding an Nishishinjuku; 03-3363-4634) umbrella as he cycles through the Ryogoku district of Tokyo. a bowl of noodles and green tea will set you back USD8. To really immerse yourself in the dining culture of Tokyo, the littleknown-to-tourists yet popular-with-the-locals Izakaya Imanari (3-20-1 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku) serves up thirst-quenching beers (USD1.80) and a bevy of dishes for less than USD10! Be warned; this is a nonEnglish restaurant so if youre stuck with the all-Japanese menu, point to the pictures or to other peoples meals!
IMAGE: INMAGINE

AFFORDABLE TRAVEL
With Tokyos extensive metro system, its not hard to get around the city; but why ride the rails when you can walk or take a bus? If you really want to see the Big Sushi the way the locals do, walk; the slow route will highlight things a moving train would not. As most streets dont have names, navigating the numbered blocks could see you walking around in circles. Fortunately, friendly locals are always happy to point you in the right direction. But if you really want to get the wind behind you, jump on a bike the most common mode of transport here. Early Sunday risers can secure one of the 250 free bikes on offer at the Imperial Palace Cycling Course (1 Chiyoda Tokyo 100-8111), but if youre looking to veer off course and explore the winding streets, a two-wheeler from Tokyo Bikes, costs USD20 per hour or USD40 for the day. These sturdy bikes are available at the concierge desk of Westin Hotel Tokyo (1-41 Mita, Ebisu Garden Place, Meguro, Tokyo Prefecture 153-8580). When going long distances, such as to and from the airport, do not take

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IMAGE: CORBIS

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DISCOUNT CITY
As a tourist in a foreign country, its very easy to hand over more money than necessary. But the good news is most museums, galleries and theme parks offer student and senior citizen rates! Those over 60 years of age are entitled to Tokyo Disneyland admission discounts but if youre a museum fan, its best to buy the Grutt Pass (USD20), which allows you two months of free or discounted entry to more than 60 museums, zoos and aquariums. For the traveller on a schedule, head to Ueno Park for a cluster of great museums, including the impressive Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art , the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Science Museum and Ueno Zoo. Dont forget that most museums and galleries are closed on Mondays. For those on a strict budget, visiting during the low-season (late January through midMarch, late August through mid-October and late November to early December) can save you a bundle. Often off-peak is ruled by unruly weather so do your research before booking a ight.

RETAIL THERAPY
A prominent landmark of Shibuya is the epic intersection in front of Shibuya stations Hachiko Exit. Stand here on a weekday evening or weekend and youll easily be able to imagine a population of 13.2 million. With 10 stores to satisfy a single urge youll need a couple of days to explore the towering fashion epicentre. A great place to start is Shibuya 109 (2-2 9-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043), a trend-setting fashion complex and an icon of the Shibuya district with more than one hundred boutiques on 10 oors. Heavily decorated,

A PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD


The great thing about Tokyo is that nothing is predictable and youre never too far from your next experience. Accommodation is no exception. Originally conceived to provide couples a private space for sexual activities, Love Hotels have since been embraced as a novelty for local and international visitors. ABOVE: Young women choosing drinks from a The short-stay rooms range from vending machine. standard to wacky and outlandish OPPOSITE PAGE: Girls in street fashion at meaning your desire to sleep Shibuya Shopping District. under the sea or in Hello Kitty Land can quite easily be fullled. A wide variety can be found on Shibuyas Love Hotel Hill with Hotel Casanova (www.chapelhotel.co.jp/hotel/h08/) offering a safe, fun environment with affordable prices. Couples can book a private room for two to three hours of rest during the day (approximately USD50) or an overnight stay (around USD80). Reservations dont exist so be prepared to look around before paying through a one-way window. If youd rather steer clear of the kinky craze, book at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn complete withtatami-matted oors, futonbeds and slidingpaper walls. For a more affordable option theres scarcely a better bedroom bargain than Japans capsule hotels. Usually located next to major train hubs, sleeping pods are stacked atop each other - similar to bunk-beds complete with mini TVs, lights, air vents and a privacy curtain. You probably wont want to do this more than a night or two. Claustrophobes need not apply. Asakusa Hotel Wasou offers a selection of ryokans, a twin room costs USD72 and single pod is a mere USD22.
IMAGE: INMAGINE

neon advertisements and giant LED screens beam down on crossing pedestrians while blaring tunes and over-the-top shop girls offer a spectacular sight complete with crazy outts and even crazier hair. For more bows, frills, garters, sideways caps and sky-high heels, a must-visit is the infamous Takeshita Mall in Harajuku. Battle congested crowds and youll add to your collection of frilly accessories, separate-toed socks and glitzy iPhone paraphernalia. Proving that Tokyo truly does have everything you never knew you needed, eight-oor department store Tokyu Hands offers do-it-yourself products, crafts, travel goods, stationery and lots more. For the geek within, head to Akihabara Electronics (Akihabara station), the gizmo suburb of the world; its thousands of shops stretch from department stores to tiny booths. Stocked with every DVD player, mobile phone, laptop, model train and general electronic product conceivable and in every price-bracket, even the least technologically savvy will nd something they need. Perhaps an electronic toilet seat or USB memory stick shaped like sushi? Shops here generally operate between midday and 8.00pm. Tokyo certainly lifts the curtain on a surprising world; with quirky attractions and some of the most polite people on earth, its easy to stay a while when a citys as cheap as this!
GETTING THERE AirAsia X ies to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia Japan ies to Tokyo from Taipei, Busan, Seoul, Okinawa, Fukuoka and Sapporo. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

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8 FEATURE Malaysia 0 2013


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MAN
THIS PAGE: At dawn, boats quietly cruise along the Kinabatangan like ghostly spectres. OPPOSITE PAGE: A riverine bird takes flight.

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V S

WILD V S
WORDS: CAROL WEST PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT MUIR

As booming tourism and palm oil industries infi ltrate the heart of the Kinabatangan River a sanctuary for some of Sabahs most iconic wildlife the need for responsible tourism grows ever more urgent.

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ABOVE: Exploring a quiet tributary of the Kinabatangan River. LEFT: Always vigilant, a female proboscis monkey and its young. FAR RIGHT: Sabahs brilliantly hued Heliconia rostrata or, the lobster claw flower.

Mist shrouds the Kinabatangan River that runs like liquid toffee through 560kms of Sabahs lowland rainforest, past small villages and palm oil plantations. Fortied by coffee and toast, I stand on the verandah of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge overlooking the river, awaiting the boat that departs at 6.00am. Nearby, long-tailed macaques play exuberantly as wooden boats travel to the lodges that dot the riverbank to ferry the days tourists. Its going to be a busy morning along this quiet waterway. As the sun slowly singes the edge of the mist, a clear sky is revealed and the river becomes a mirror reecting the rainforests verdant beauty.

Powered by an electric motor, my boat drifts along the dreamy waterway and I am captivated by the sounds of an awakening rainforest. Entering a small channel, I see a pair of kingshers perched on sticks and a shy egret pecking the recesses of the riverbank as two sun-lit proboscis monkeys endemic primates with distinctively pendulous noses pause their grooming to stare at us. On a riverbank, a monitor lizard breaks into a shnet to breakfast on small silver sh while on the opposite bank, dexterous baby macaques peel nuts and scrounge for treats. Storm storks circle overhead as my boat glides silently under monkey bridges; these

ropes strung across the narrow tributary allows orang utans and monkeys to cross from one fragmented habitat to another, as their home has been sliced apart by encroaching palm oil plantations.

WILD & VULNERABLE


Tourists journey to the Kinabatangan oodplain to experience a unique soft adventure and view wildlife in their natural habitat; for this, theyre richly rewarded. Its been eight years since I visited and since then, even though the trafc on the river has become heavier, there are still quiet tributaries

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GREEN LODGE
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an awardwinning eco-tourism lodge built along the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Among its many accolades are a top-50 ranking by National Geographic Adventure magazine (2009) and first prize in the World Travel Awards as Asias Leading Green Hotel (2010). Committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, this lodge offers guests close and safe encounters with Malaysias diverse wildlife through river boat cruises using electric motors to reduce oil and noise pollution, guided nature walks and bird watching expeditions.

SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE


+60 88 438300 www.sukaurainforestlodge.com

to be explored; you just have to ask the skilled guides at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Its estimated that 50 percent of Borneos mammals can be found along the oodplain here. But the delicate balance between vulnerable wildlife, booming tourism and rapid agriculture along the river leaves me feeling unsettled. While abundant sightings of Borneo pygmy elephants, hornbills, macaques and orang utans along the Kinabatangan oodplain are good for tourism, its a clear signal that these animals are being pushed to the edge due to habitat loss.

ADVANCING ECO-TOURISM
While more lodges and tourists bring new challenges to Kinabatangans wildlife sanctuary, contentious land acquisition and clearing to meet growing global demands for palm oil is also a factor. Its from the air that the scale of this development is revealed as neat rows of palm oil estates stretch east to west, north to south. Malaysia is the worlds second largest palm oil producer after Indonesia with more than 1.2 million hectares under cultivation, and Sabah is the countrys

largest palm oil producing state accounting for an estimated 35 percent of the countrys palm oil output. Going green in the rainforest isnt easy but Sabahan business leader and wildlife conservationist Albert Teo is one of a clutch of private eco-tourism operators whose philosophies and policies reect the conservation values needed to preserve this natural wonderland. Harnessing the positive powers of tourism, this green crusader has pioneered a fully-sustainable, eco-friendly tourist lodge that stands as a model for sustainable accommodation in Malaysia.

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DONT FORGET!
Hat, raincoat or poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, absorbent body powder, leech socks, torch light, binoculars, camera & complete medical information.
Visit www.sabahtourism.com for more info.

GETTING THERE
The Kinabatangan River is in the east Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo, and is a 2.5 hour boat ride from Sandakan on the east coast. AirAsia flies to Sandakan daily from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Teos business model for Sukau Rainforest Lodge has been ne-tuned from growth to sustainability. By forming community partnerships and offering employment opportunities, local people are being lifted out of poverty, community living standards enriched and environmental awareness raised through initiatives such as tree planting and recycling. Local craftsmen are employed to make repairs to the lodge, paint timbers with recycled engine oil to deter termites and x damaged roofs with eco-friendly asphalt shingles.

Leaving my shoes near the jetty, I pad softly along the boardwalk to my room, passing room number 17 where Sir David Attenborough resided whilst lming along the Kinabatangan in October 2011. This area was pretty remote 18 years ago, but Teo pioneered self-sufciency by capturing rainwater and harnessing solar energy. Today, 20 revitalised guest rooms simply furnished in rainforest retreat style feature solar-powered overhead fans and hot water showers that blend green technology with comfort. In the blackness of a Borneo night, the soft glow of lamp lights illuminate boardwalks and the Melapi restaurant is lit by recycled cooking oil lamps.

ROLLING ON THE RIVER


At 5.00pm, senior guide Abdul Saat Walli, known to everyone as Saat, is ready to roll on the river one more time. A breeze sighs before the heat descends like a moist duvet and sunset applies its nal blush. Theres a light splash and a sparkle in the water when a villager casts his net. On the riverbank, clusters of plastic drink bottles mark traditional traps covered in bark and baited with tapioca to lure passing freshwater prawns and grouper. As we glide past a sleek yellow-ringed cat snake coiled in a tree, the quiet is punctuated by the raucous cry of an Asian Black Hornbill.

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ABOVE: Enjoying the opportunity to get up close to exotic species in their habitat. RIGHT: Exotic richness of Sabahs flora and fauna. FAR LEFT: The imposing wreathed hornbill.

In the trees, a honking family of proboscis monkeys emerges to forage and leap between branches with acrobatic agility. I glance up to see a female and her baby watching us through dispassionate eyes as we drift down the river to the whoop and chatter of unseen things and the mufed drilling of a woodpecker. As the wildlife corridor linking lowland rainforests has become long and narrow, wildlife sightings along the Kinabatangan River have become more commonplace. Scanning the rivers caf au lait-tinged water on the return journey to Sandakan, I ask one guide whether he has seen changes to Sukau over the past decade.

Many, but we do what we can, comes his cautious reply. Suddenly, a small family of Bornean pygmy elephants appears on the riverbank, surveying the scene before taking a tentative afternoon dip. Formally identied as pygmy elephants in 2003 as opposed to their previous classication as Asian elephants, its estimated that only 200 of these gentle giants remain in this area, travelling in groups of three or four. Their increased visibility is a clear sign of habitat loss great for tourism, but not so good for the elephants. American writer Henry Miller once said: Ones destination is never a place

but a new way of seeing things. Having journeyed down parts of the Kinabatangan like a bit player in a wildlife documentary observing the delicate balance between wildlife preservation, the environment and burgeoning commercial interests, its clear that this is a paradise worth saving, not just for the wildlife but for humankind. Even if youve never thought much about the environment, its confronting to come face-to-face with something that encapsulates one of the global dilemmas of our time.
GETTING THERE AirAsia ies to Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu daily. There are ights from various destinations to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

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8 FEATURE Thailand 0 2013


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Chiang Mai, the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is home to one of Thailands most dramatic lantern festivals, and offers up a cultural and culinary escape to remember.
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY : TIMOTHY TAM WAE YIH

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Releasing khom loi (sky lanterns) during the Loi Krathong festival.

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When one mentions Thailand, thoughts of bustling Bangkok with its endless canals and market alleys or idyllic Phuket embraced by sandy beaches and blue water, come to mind. Recently however, Chiang Mai (which means new city in Thai, as it was the new capital of the Lanna kingdom in 1296) has been garnering significant attention, not only as a tourist destination but also as an expatriate hub. It is common to see foreigners traversing the streets, many with large haversacks but also clutching MacBook Airs and donning knock-off Ray-Bans. The abundance of Western-style highspeed Internet cafs serving impeccable coffees, the welcoming nature of the locals,

the closely-knit expatriate community and relatively cheap cost of living make it an especially attractive base for digital nomads to run their virtual companies. Despite the high number of foreigners living here, dont cross out Chiang Mai as a place to immerse yourself in authentic Thai culture. Thanks to infrastructural developments prompted by the inux of foreign visitors, Chiang Mais charming cultural attractions are even more accessible to the rest of the world.

CAFFEINE CONTENTMENT
Hopping off my early morning flight from Kuala Lumpur and in dire need of a caffeine

ABOVE: Pad thai is one of the many delicacies available at Wat Phan Tao, a must-go place for food on Sunday nights right along the night bazaar. TOP : A Buddha statue is placed in each of the four niches of Phra Dhatu Chedi Luang of Wat Chedi Luang.

x, I met up with my buddy Ming Yan, who took me to Doppio Ristr8to one of Chiang Mais most prominent cafs. Located along trendy Nimmanhaemin Road (or Nimman to the locals), the cafs name comes from its specialty, ristretto, a short shot of espresso. The caf claims theirs has superb body and elegant aroma, delivering delicate acidity and caramel rich on the palate. I ordered a cup of muggaccino two shots of ristretto from their special blend of Brazilian Mocha Java with steamed milk and a ne layer of foam to top it off. Im no coffee connoisseur but I can appreciate the difference between freshbrewed and instant coffee, and this was one of the best coffees Id ever tasted. It was just so well-balanced and smooth, the synergy of coffee and milk giving the right taste, texture and aroma. The coffee looks as good as it

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LEFT : The glimmering spire of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. BELOW: The winding drive up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in a songthaew (red pickup trucks).

tastes; the barista here recently nabbed sixth place in the World Latte Art Championship. All this for a very reasonable THB98 (USD3)!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Thereafter, it was on to the Tae Phae Gate for my tour with Thai life to experience the Yi Peng Festival thats held on the second month of the Lanna calendar, usually around the end of November. Coinciding with Loi Krathong, this festival, is celebrated most elaborately in Chiang Mai due to its history as the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. During this festival, sky lanterns called khom loi are released with wishes for the future. The tour by Thailife included coach transportation to and from Mae Jo University, where the largest release of lanterns is held. I usually dont join tour groups, preferring

to challenge my geographical instincts and move at my own leisure, but Id definitely recommend taking this tour. After a 90-minute drive through the picturesque Thai countryside, we arrived at Mae Jo University. Tantalising aromas of freshly-cooked delicacies led us to food stalls serving hot-from-the-wok delicacies like pad thai, spicy minced chicken with rice and lots more, for free! After stuffing ourselves, we headed to the main eld where the event was to be held. As the sun set, monks began to pray and meditate. Lanterns were released into the sky dotting the heavens like stars. Lying on the grass and looking up at this amazing view with the subtle chanting in the background gave me a sense of serenity. When the chanting stopped, smoke began to rise from the centre of the eld, cueing the moment we had been waiting for. The candles

lined up throughout the area were lit and the entire eld was soon aglow with a ery hue. We held more lanterns above the fire to ignite the fuel cell at the bottom, which would ll the lantern with hot air and pull it skywards. We were told beforehand to wait for a cue before releasing the lantern, so we continued to hold on, admiring the sight of the thousands around us, faces aglow from excitement amidst the lanterns. A couple of minutes later, a short burst of reworks erupted into the sky and everyone released their lanterns. Seeing the lanterns slowly rise and blanket the jet black sky, left me utterly overwhelmed. The sky was ablaze, and as the lanterns kept rising, the breeze gently pulled them westward, stretching the lanterns into an arc across the sky. The lanterns rose so high that they blended with the stars, and with thousands of them in the air, it looked as if the Milky Way had just formed before us.

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It began to pour right after the event, as it did last year causing traffic to come to a standstill. This is the main reason Id recommend going with a tour group. A bunch of people we spoke to said it took almost an hour to find a songthaew (red pickup trucks with covered bench seats in the back that are Chiang Mais main form of public transportation). So, the THB200 price tag for the tour was denitely worth it!

SACRED SETTINGS
We spent the next day covering two of Chiang Mais most famous temples: Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang. Over 1,600 metres above Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep offers an amazing panoramic view of the city, surrounded by greenery, the Ping River and scattered towns. Legend has it that a monk discovered a relic of the Buddha and was invited by King Kuena of the Lanna Kingdom to enshrine it. Upon completion of the shrine, the relic

magically replicated, so the king decided to place one on the back of a sacred white elephant and set it free. The elephant climbed all the way up to Doi Suthep, trumpeted and dropped dead, inspiring the king to build Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep at that spot in 1383. Covered extensively in copper and gold, the central chedi shimmers blindingly in the sunlight. The temple has also expanded signicantly over the past 600 years, and is surrounded by endless shrines, large bells, golden umbrellas and statues of Buddha. The best way to get to Doi Suthep is to catch a songthaew from Chiang Mai Zoo, at a regulated price of THB80 for a round-trip. Our next stop was Wat Chedi Luang, located right in the center of the old city on Prapokklao Road. Initially built in the late 1300s by King Saenmuangma to store his fathers ashes, it was completed by King Tilokarat and once towered majestically above the entire Lanna region, standing about 86 metres tall at that time.

Age however, has taken its toll on the temple. Today, it remains semi-restored with most of its main spire missing due to an earthquake in 1545. Personally, I can appreciate unrestored structures in their original state. Knowing that part of the wall I was looking at once embraced the famous Emerald Buddha in the 15th century and witnessed the territorial battles between the Burmese and Thai people in the 17th and 18th centuries added to the overall cultural and historical atmosphere.

REST & RELAXATION


No trip to Thailand would be complete without a Thai massage, so we headed to the highly-recommended C&R Spa to relieve our internal knots and strains. It is located on Ratchadamnoen Road, home to the famous walking street, and we were disappointed to nd that there was a two-hour wait, but also slightly excited since it meant that the spa was really popular.

ABOVE : One of the many food stalls within Wat Muen Larn along Rachadmnoen Road. RIGHT: A devotee praying to the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

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It was worth the wait! It was one of the best massages Id ever had. Id had surgery on my left collarbone, and when Id told other masseuses about it, they would stay clear of it, leaving me feeling relieved on one side but with an even more accentuated strain on the other. But my masseuse, being an expert, knew exactly which areas to avoid and the right amount of pressure to apply. I dont remember ever feeling that revitalised after a massage, and two weeks later, the usual cracks from stretching my neck had still not returned! 90 minutes of pure bliss and long-lasting relief for a mere THB200!

BELOW: Large bells at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep that are rung by pilgrims for good luck. BOTTOM: The excellent coffee at Doppio Ristr8to one of Chiang Mais most prominent cafs

TASTES & TUNES


Feeling rejuvenated, we dived straight into the Sunday walking night market that stretches the entire length of Ratchadamnoen Road. This is a shoppers paradise, and you can nd almost anything you need from hand-carved wooden statues and silk ties to fried quail eggs.

If youre a foodie, its best to come here on an empty stomach. Along the street, temple courtyards are packed with food stalls, serving everything imaginable from jellyfish-topped sushi to glutinous rice with mangoes and even freshly-ground Arabica coffee. Khao soi, crispy egg noodles in a creamy coconut-based curry with slices of pickled cabbage is a local must-try. After treading the entire 1.2km stretch of the walking market, we headed to North Gate Jazz Co-op. Located on the old city side of the north gate, this place is a favourite for both locals and foreigners, serving up lively contemporary jazz. Popular throughout the

week, its common for crowds to spill out onto the streets so its best to get there by 10.00pm. If youre daring enough to rock out on stage, theres even an open jam session on Tuesday nights. Whether youre looking for a weekend getaway, or a temporary relocation, Chiang Mai should definitely be high up on your list. With warm locals, delectable cuisine and picturesque festivals, its denitely worth checking out.
GETTING THERE AirAsia ies to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, Hat Yai, Phuket, Ubon Ratchathani, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Go to www. airasia.com for details.

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Wish You Were Here!


From powder white beaches and rugged mountain scapes to modern metropolises, Asia is a land of colour, culture and contrasts. This August, in conjunction with the Independence Day celebrations of Singapore, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, Travel 3Sixty presents a collage of images submitted by our readers for the photoblog section of www.airasia.com/travel3sixty. Dont you wish you were here too?
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Indonesia

Malaysia

Borneo

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China Indochina Islands and Beaches

Check out the best of Malaysia, Indonesia and the rest of Asia in these travel guides available online for FREE. Find out what to see and eat, where to shop and much more. Scan the above QR codes to download the guides onto your tablet or smartphone now and have the best holiday ever!
www.airasia.com/awesomemalaysia; www.airasia.com/awesomeindonesia; www.airasia.com/ awesomeislands; www.airasia.com/discoverchina; www.airasia.com/discoverindochina; www.airasia.com/discoverborneo

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Indonesia
1: Braving flood waters at Mount Bromo, Surabaya by Hubert Lam Soon Loon. 2: Carnival time in Jember, East Java by R Okke Tjandra Z. 3: Borobudur temple complex at sunset in Yogyakarta by Charles Halim. 4: Holy water flowing at Pura Tirtha Empul temple in Bali by Donnie Sinongco. 5: Lake campsite at Mt. Rinjani in Lombok by Johan Firmansyah. 6: Dressed in her traditional best, a local lass poses for the camera in Padang by Yuanda Satria. 7: A crater filled with water in East Java by Ng Lg. 8: A fruit stall in Ambarawa, Central Java by Paramita Christina. 9: Boatman returning for the day at Carita Beach, West Java by Dadan. 10: Horseman at Mt Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, by Clive Loke. 11: Children splashing about in water in Bogor by Anna L.

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India
1: Admiring the beauty of Moghul architecture by Elvin Loh. 2: The Howrah Bridge over the Hooghly river in Kolkata by Vaish Thoguluva. 3: Fishing in the rain at Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala by Ankit Agarwal. 4: Victoria Memorial in Kolkata by Wong Mun Heng. 5: Street scene in New Delhi by Vanessa Lee. 6: Paddling in the Keralan backwaters in Alappuzha by Dashuki Mohd. 7: Jantar Mantar astronomy observatory in Jaipur by Gilroy.

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Malaysia
1: Baby orang utan at a wildlife sanctuary in Sarawak by Kip Patrick. 2: Climbers celebrating their ascent to the peak of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah by Abdul Hamydy Abdul Hamid. 3: The amazing underwater world at Sipadan Island, Sabah by Harijadi Witaria. 4: Prayer ribbons at Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang by Paul Basuki 5: Street scene at Jalan Burma, Penang by Kanwal Sandhu. 6: Urban murals in Penang by Benjamin Daniel. 7: Islander children at Mabul Island in Sabah by Laney Gan. 8: Mount Kinabalu, Sabah by Azli Wahab.

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2 3 4

Singapore
1: The Singapore Flyer by Kathiravan. 2: Universal Studios Singapore by Deepthi Bharadwaj. 3: Marina Bay Sands by John Liew Vui Li. 4: Rare white tiger at Singapore Zoo by Slkwok. 5: Antique shop in Geylang by Nattachai T. 6: Buildings at Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa by Jackson Pang 7: Marina Bay at dusk by Leong Sai Pink. 8: Supertree Grove, Garden by the Bay by Cynthia Soegiharto.

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8 PILOTS PERSPECTIVE 0 2013


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THE GLASS COCKPIT


On a recent trip to Nepal, Capt. Lim Khoy Hing chanced upon misleading information touting a flight in a glass cockpit. Here, he dispels misconceptions about what a glass cockpit really is.

require more room to manoeuvre in the event of an engine failure. Hence, the stringent procedures imposed for safety reasons by certain airlines. To y in, initially, pilots must approach the runway from the south, staying high then dipping steeply to perform a challenging landing into the bowl-shaped city of Kathmandu. Not only must the pilot stay high, he or she must also maintain the runway approach centre line. On any given cloudy day, isolated thunderstorms sit smack in the centre path. A deviation at this point would put the plane very close to mountainous terrain. Hence, the approach to land is often a rather rough ride on such days as the pilot has very little choice but to charge through the stormy cloud for a short while.

VIEWS OF EVEREST
A traveller to this city would often be harassed by travel agents, promoting y-bys to Mount Everest. Not surprisingly, I was instantly approached by an agent and handed a leaet promoting a spectacular Everest ight that offers tourists, who are unable to climb the mountain, a breathtaking view of its peak. Of course, being an aviator myself, I knew that at the time of my visit, the peak would likely be shrouded in clouds. There were three airlines offering the Everest ight experience and something that may have easily been missed by non-pilots caught my eye. One airline proudly extolled a British Aerospace-built Jetstream plane that could make a travellers Everest experience as reliable as possible with its full glass cockpit and Enhanced Ground Proximity System, amongst others. This may be misleading information, as it implies that you will be own in a transparent ying device to fully experience the magnicent marvels of Mt Everest. Unfortunately, this is not quite true. A glass cockpit is not really a space enclosed by glass that allows a pilot to see through

Recently, I visited Nepal to experience the land with the highest mountain on Earth. In one of my previous articles, which discussed some of the most exciting airports in the world, Tribhuvan in Kathmandu was listed as one of them. Flying an approach into the valley 110
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and onto the runway at 4,400 feet above sea level in cloudy weather is certainly an exciting experience. Only dedicated airline pilots who are trained and competent are permitted to y into this destination due to its difcult approach, especially during bad weather.

A UNIQUE APPROACH
So, why is the approach into Tribhuvan unique for big airliners? Well, it is a one-wayin, one-way-out airport due to the high terrain to the north of the aireld. Bigger planes

IMAGE: INMAGINE

MODERN AIRCRAFT FEATURE ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS WITH DIGITAL DISPLAYS. THIS ENABLES DATA DRIVEN BY COMPUTERS (FLIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) TO BE DISPLAYED ON LCD (LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY) SCREENS. SUCH SCREENS AND THE EARLIER CATHODE RAY TUBE DISPLAYS ARE BASICALLY MADE OF GLASS. HENCE, THE TERM GLASS IS ADDED TO DESCRIBE THE COCKPIT.

all around him. It isnt like looking out of a bottle from the inside.

THE GLASS COCKPIT


In the past, one would see mechanical gauges and traditional analogue dials on the instrument panels of cockpits. Today, modern aircraft feature electronic instruments with digital displays. This enables data driven by computers (ight management system) to be displayed on LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens. Such screens and the earlier cathode ray tube displays are 112
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basically made of glass. Hence, the term glass is added to describe the cockpit. By using computers to manage the ight in a glass cockpit, pilots are able to call up what they want to see, when they want to see it. The advancement in this technology has effectively reduced the need for ight engineers. Planes that used to have three crew members in the cockpit now require only two a captain and a rst ofcer, which translates to huge savings. However, on the ip side, these technological

advancements place a greater burden on pilots inside the glass cockpit. For instance, the glass cockpit concept may have confused the pilots of a British Midland Boeing 737-400 on January 8, 1988 in the UK. A fan blade in one of the engines had failed but the crew, guided by the display in the glass cockpit, proceeded to shut down the remaining good engine as well. It was basically the confusing display of the earlier systems, which were often misread, that had caused the error in identifying the

proper engine. Fortunately, pilot information has been improved with a better display system, thus minimising erroneous readings. On January 20, 1992, Air Inters Airbus A320 with this glass cockpit technology ew into a mountain on a night approach to Strasbourg in France all because the pilot operated a knob erroneously. This knob would have commanded the plane to descend either in degrees or a rate of descent. Where the pilots thought they had commanded the plane to descend at an angle of 3.2 degrees, they had actually instructed the plane to begin a 3,200 feet per minute descent in the display system a far steeper descent rate. After this, Airbus redesigned the descent mode display in its glass cockpit.

EGPWS SAVES LIVES


EGPWS stands for Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System. This is an improvement over the traditional GPWS that had some limitations. The traditional GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) works off an aircrafts

IMAGE: INMAGINE

If an EGPWS was available then, it would have alerted the crew with this warning, Terrain! Terrain! Pull Up! That would have saved the day.

Up! That would have saved the day; alas, this technology was not available then.

IMAGE: INMAGINE

BEST TIME FOR KATHMANDU


In the event that you nd yourself planning a trip to this mountainous country, it would be useful to note that the best time of the year would be from December to April. These months denote

radar altimeter a very accurate sensor of how high the plane is above the ground but only up to 2,500 feet as opposed to a normal barometric altimeter, which is accurate to above 50,000 feet. When the GPWS senses that the aircraft is getting dangerously close to the ground, it alerts the crew. However, since the altimeter is looking straight down and not in front of the aircraft, it would give no warning when encountering very steep terrain such as a vertical rock face.

THE PERILS OF WHITEOUT


The EGPWS addresses this shortcoming. It can look ahead of the aircraft and see if the potential for a collision with terrain exists. This system, sadly, was not available in 1979 when a DC 10 belonging to Air New Zealand crashed into Mount Erebus in the South Pole. Investigations revealed that the main cause of the Erebus 114
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disaster was the crews inability to see rising terrain ahead, namely Mount Erebus, and not having sufcient visual warning. The crew had suffered a whiteout, a condition in which visibility and contrast ahead of the pilot are severely reduced by snow as in the case above. The horizon disappears completely and there are no reference points at all. This causes the pilots to have a distorted orientation because of the continuous white cloud layer appearing to merge with the white snow surface. Hence, theres no visible horizon to the extent that a pilot may not even know he or she is ying inverted unless he or she looks at the instruments. So, how come the crew of the DC-10 did not see the mountain ahead? Well, they were unable to distinguish between the cloud base and the rising terrain until it was too late. If an EGPWS was available then, it would have alerted the crew with this warning, Terrain! Terrain! Pull

the drier season when the skies are clearer, which will give you a better view of the amazing peaks. Flying over the mountainous terrain in a glass cockpit would be a great experience, as long as you dont expect the plane to be fully transparent! However, having read this article, you now know that the glass cockpit merely houses modern technology that allows pilots to y even more safely in tricky environments.

Captain Lim Khoy Hing is a former AirAsia Airbus A320 and AirAsia X A330/A340 pilot who also used to fly the Boeing 777. He has logged a total of more than 25,500 flying hours and is now a Simulator Flight Instructor with Air Asia X. In his spare time, he shares his opinion on aviation issues with others. For more air travel and aviation stories, check out his website, Just About Flying at www.askcaptainlim.com. w.askcaptainlim.com.

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KOREAN KINDNESS

Erin Lim and her hubby discover true Korean hospitality in the people they meet.

As I write this, it is with a sense of nostalgia that my husband, Winston, and I are leaving South Korea after two weeks. We bought our AirAsia tickets during the zero fare promotion more than a year ago for the rock-bottom price of MYR500 per person, and had been looking forward to this trip ever since. In the two week there, we have experienced so much in terms of culture, geography and history, as we travelled through Seoul, Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu and back to Seoul again. The South Koreans have truly inspired and impressed me with their attention to detail, from their revolving toilet seat covers and free scooter shuttle at the airport to the well-oiled public transport system. Their level of efciency is such that their service counters hardly ever have a build-up of lines. In terms of cleanliness, they actually mop. Yes, they mop their oors at all public places. Everyday! Id incredulously run my ngers on their riverside railings, park benches and the tops of signages to conrm this! Even the slits between their oor tiles are white. But what Ive most been moved by is their hospitality. There were countless incidents where South Koreans actually showed us the way to our destinations when we were merely asking for directions. 116
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ABOVE: Everland Theme Park in Yongin. RIGHT: Erin and Winston in front of Buchon Hanok traditional Korean houses in Seoul.

Language barriers couldve been a reason for this, but still their kindness shone through. One guy brought us halfway around a market and made numerous calls to a porridge shop we were looking for to ascertain its location in Jeju. At a herbal medicine market in Daegu, a customer at the ginseng shop we were in bought a box of ginseng costing MYR200 and offered us a taste as we were indecisive. The chunks of ginseng we ate couldve easily cost MYR10 each, and she was a complete stranger. This lady even convinced the boss into giving us a discount! At the Seodaemun prison, a lady jogger escorted us for about 10 minutes right up to the

ticket booth. Another lady made an about-turn to show us the location of the Hello Kitty shop even though she was in high heels and had to climb up the stairs of the subway station. Most of all, we were so very touched by a mother-daughter team who were running a restaurant in Seoul where we had dinner on our last night. We could not read their menu as everything was in Korean, so the daughter brought out several slabs of frozen meat to illustrate each item on the menu, and they gave us huge portions for the very reasonable price we paid. The mother even came out of the kitchen to demonstrate the ritual of using wet napkins to clean our hands and tongs, and showed us how to wrap the meats in a lettuce

KUALA LUMPUR : PENANG : KOTA KINABALU : ASSOCIATES : LONDON NEW YORK YANGON : PANGKOR : MANILA :

Yonggungsa Temple during Wesak season in Busan.

Gwangjang market, South Koreas first traditional market.

Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju.

leaf with some pickled sauce and vegetables using our sanitised hands. We were so overcome by their warmth and generosity that Winston went to the kitchen to express his thanks to the mother. We will certainly never forget that restaurant. Though the chill of the night was apparent, the warmth of their service reverberated in our hearts. I had the impression that South Koreans were a restrained group with a stiff upper lip but this trip dispelled that misconception. In their public displays of affection right down

to their willingness to help foreigners, a deep sense of humanity prevailed. Wed accumulated so many memories of South Korea: The grandeur of their palaces and temples, the Nanta show in Myeongding, the exhilarating T Express, a deadly roller coaster with a 77 degree incline at Everland, sheep feeding at Wind Village; the beauty of Nami Island, baking bread on the Han Kang river cruise, visiting lava caves in Jeju, fashion in Gwangbokro and Ewha, joining the tour of the demilitarised zone and standing on North

Korean soil, going through the Third Tunnel and traipsing through the historical Seodamun prison that recounts the period of Japanese occupation in Korea for three decades; and checking out their convenience stores at least two to three times a day for goodies. But, the humility and kindness of the South Koreans would be what we hold most dear. South Korea, we will see you again and a big thanks to AirAsia for making our trip possible so that indeed, everyone can y!

Got an interesting tale about your travels with AirAsia? Email your story (around 800 words) and images (high res min 1MB in size and clearly captioned) to us at travel3sixty@ airasia.com. Published submissions will receive a 2D/1N stay at the Executive Deluxe Room inclusive of breakfast for two worth MYR1046++ and a MYR100 F&B voucher redeemable at any F&B outlet at One World Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Travel 3Sixty reserves the right to edit the article for clarity and length or change the value of the prize to another gift of similar value. Prize vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash and the Editorials decision is final. Entries must include name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.

ONE WORLD HOTEL, located in the heart of Petaling Jayas business and commercial district and just a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (or a 15-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur), One World Hotel is adjoined to the award winning 1 Utama Shopping Centre one of Malaysias biggest shopping centres. The hotel offers excellent th services, amenities and facilities in an atmosphere that spells urban comfort with welcoming public areas, innovative se A HOTEL STAY WORTH OVER restaurants and well-appointed guestrooms. The rooms come in six categories and are all furnished WITH BREAKFAST FOR TWO AND with beautifully-crafted wood furniture. Decorated in A MYR100 F&B VOUCHER! earthy and beige tones, the rooms provide a restful environment that is suitable for both work and leisure. A large writing desk and an ergonomic high back leather chair add comfort and suit the needs of discerning business travellers. After a days work or shopping, guests will certainly appreciate the long bath or the soothing rain shower that transforms every shower into a natural rain fall experience. The hotel also offers a variety of F&B options that include Cinnamon Coffee House, Zuan Yuan Chinese Restaurant that specialises in Cantonese cuisine and Teo Chew dishes, Kura Japanese Restaurant and The Sphere Lounge, amongst others. www.oneworldhotel-petalingjaya.com

MYR1,046

WIN

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8 OFF THE RACK 0 2013


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STYLE ESSENCE
Tailored fashions, clever designs and unique accessories never fail to impress no matter what the season.

FASHIONISTA ALERT
Attention fashionistas! Known for its unique cowhide accessories, Aussie brand Art Hide recently launched the Vamos edition of its popular Cortes clutch. Its signature premium grade sustainable cowhide is given the black and white treatment and a geometric spin. The fashion forward clutch can be iPad case. www.arthide.com.au used as an evening bag or iPa

LET IT RAIN INTO THE DEEP BLUE E


This season, JOG Swimwear dips into the deep blue for another winning collection that is trendy and d elegant. Conceptualised by former synchronised swimming champ Jessica Othnin-Girard, the swimwear ar collection is inspired by the grace of aquatic ballet. Star pieces include one-piece suits and bikinis with stylish leather accents, ruching and d embroidery patterns. A menswear line ine is also available. www.jogswimwear.com
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WORDS: CHITRA S

Weve all had an umbrella break, blow inside out or even poke someone in the eye. Avoid accidents with umbrellas by getting one from Blunt Umbrella a New Zealand based company that has revolutionised umbrella design. Its collapsible Blunt XS Metro is ideal for travellers strong and sturdy but minus the pointy bits. These umbrellas also come with UV protection and unique eDry technology for quick drying.
www.bluntumbrellas.com.au

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ALL IN THE FRAME


London-based label SPITFIRE pushes the limits of design with creative avant-garde products. Designed with focus on urban aesthetic, the labels eyewear range is fashion-forward and bold. Check out the cool designs available at Actually+ in Singapore.
www.actuallyshop.com

A CLASS ABOVE
From travel jackets to black tie three-pieces, menswear brand Durban has something suitable for every occasion.Think nely-crafted Italian-made suits tailored to follow the bodys contours, allowing for a perfect t every time. Key looks this season include the travel jacket for frequent yers and casual corporate suits for the modern workplace. www.d-urban.com

WINTER IN AUSTRALIA
It may be warm and sunny in the Northern Hemisphere, but Down Under, its the thick of winter. These winter fashion tips from fashion experts at brand direct outlet shopping centre Harbour Town Gold Coast will have you looking chic despite the chill.

Samsonite forties its position osition as the market leader in polypropylene suitcases s with the lightest addition to its ts already extensive luggage ge collection. The Belgian-made -made SCure is crafted with h Flowlite, a polypropylene ene mix that allows for luggage age thats lightweight yet durable. urable. Practical features include de a fully lined divider in the he top and double wheels for easy manoeuvrability. The SCure is available in vibrant summer hues of f Crimson Red and Cool Violet, as well as Classic Black. k.
www.samsonite.com

Coach

BAG THAT BAG AG

This season is all about refined femininity. Structured silhouettes and textured leathers create a desk to dinner collection for a smooth transition from day to night. ~ Coach publicist Steph Hanham Rock head-to-toe colour by mixing both feminine and edgy pieces. Choose a sexy mini skirt in a standout hue and top off the look with statement accessories and signature heels.~ Nine West store representative Amy Hamilton A favourite winter trend, the popular preppy-chic look is characterised by pretty prints, colourful coats, feminine blouses and dainty accessories. ~ Jessica Buckley, Harbour Town Gold Coast marketing manager

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Alannah Hill

Nine West

www.harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au

Get these looks at Harbour Town Gold Coast, home to over 220 stores. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and great discounts at selected stores when you visit Harbour Towns exclusive Tourism Lounge.

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BRIGHT EYES M.A.C Pressed Pigments adds nine


sophisticated new shades to its popular line of eye colour. The new line of shimmery hues is designed for dramatic eyes. Highlights from the collection include Pink Pepper a frosted deep coral with gold pearl, and Black Grape a rich aubergine with a pearl nish. www.maccosmetics.com

COOL, COOL SUMMER


Beat the heat with our cool travel essentials designed to keep you looking and feeling your best throughout the season.

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK


Give cheeks a lift with a sweep of summery colour courtesy of Kanebo Lunasols Modelling Cheeks range. The latest addition to the collection features a palette of soft beige to coral shades that can be blended for a natural blush. The compact case comes with a little brush for easy application. www.lunasol-net.com

YOUTH IN A BOTTLE
A leader in innovative antiageing skincare, SK-II introduces its revolutionary Stempower technology in the new SK-II Stempower Essence. Combining the restorative power of ingredients such as Stem-Acanax, Pitera and artichoke extract, the new product promotes cell density and resilience resulting in smoother and more bouncy skin after just two weeks of usage. www.sk-ii.com

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FUSS-FREE SHAMPOO
A home-grown natural hair care collection, SHAiR London products contain a blend of tropical owers enriched with brown seaweed extract. This chemicalfree range features the best-selling Hair Perfume & Dry Shampoo, a cleansing shampoo that cleans without water, conditions and promotes hair growth. A fragrance-free version of the winning formula is also available. http://shairelondon.com

WARM UP TO THE BOSS


The latest variation to the Boss Orange Woman n fragrance range, this newly-launched Eau de Parfum is truly a show stealer. A burst of sweet apples and a heart of cinnamon lift the spirit while warm amber notes add sensuality. Passionate and sensual, the new scent embodies ies the free-spirited woman. www.hugoboss.com

SUMMER SCENT
Hints of peppery basil and aromatic white thyme combine with fresh citrus notes in Jo Malone Londons signature Lime Basil and Mandarin collection. With top notes of mandarin, a heart of basil and a delicate amber wood base, the fragrance evokes a Caribbean breeze. The range includes hand and body wash, lotion, bath oil, candles, a diffuser and a room spray. www.jomalone.com

JET SET
Travelling light does not mean you have to neglect your skincare regime. Simply invest in travel-friendly beauty essentials that can refresh skin on the go. Sothys makes this easy with its Jet Setters Kit that includes best-selling products like Morning Cleanser, Hydradvance Light Cream, Cherry Blossom & Lotus Escape Shower Cream, Hydra-Nourishing Body Lotion and Conditioning Shampoo. www.sothys.com 126
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www.airasia.com/travel3sixty Datar (centre) on location in the south of Qatar.

IMAGE: OMAR CHATRIWALA

RAJAN DATAR
WHAT GETS YOU EXCITED BEFORE A TRIP?
Even though its become a way of life, Im still excited at the prospect of ying off to a new experience. I have a young family and its harder now but I still feel a shiver as I anticipate a new country and new people that will almost inevitably boost my faith in mankind. the world for a spell of two or three years I feel very fortunate!

In the course of presenting the travel show fast:track on BBC World News, Rajan Datar has abseiled with garbage collectors in the favelas of Rio, done loop the loops in a WWII biplane and bathed a grown tiger! The award-winning journalist talks travel and adrenaline.

HOW DO YOU GET A FEEL FOR A PLACE?


I think you really feel you are in a new destination when you wake up there in a new bed with new breakfast rituals and then go out into the daylight. I obsessively unpack as soon as I arrive and make the room feel cosy and homely. I like to go out in the evening and soak up the social atmosphere of a place. Im also one of those irritating people who think theres an even better party around the corner (guratively speaking of course!). Also, take public transport and go to the markets early on to get a strong measure of a place.

IMAGE: BBC WORLD NEWS

in Jamaica, Brazil and Sri Lanka with the band. Professionally, I love working in any Latin American country and Im always happy on islands. The theme that unites all my favourites are the people I just get so much good energy from positive, generous and welcoming people; they can transform even the greyest of destinations.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO TRAVEL THE WORLD?


Its in my genes I think! My parents were immigrants to the UK, and we travelled quite a lot in my youth. I loved exploring different countries as an independent traveller, and on top of that, I am in a band that toured
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TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST EXTREME ENCOUNTER


The fast:track crew like to get me to do some wild things! Ive abseiled down the side of a hilltop favela in Rio de Janeiro to help refuse collectors clear rubbish, and that was pretty extraordinary. I went to a funeral in the Philippines once and that

COMPILED BY: CHITRA S

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE DESTINATION FOR YOU?


My rst visit to China, Beijing in particular, blew my mind. We had some cracking experiences

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the locals frequent. In many countries, street food is better and more authentic than food in posh restaurants. Take your favourite book (and maybe music on an MP3 player) and just sit in a caf and soak up the vibes.

IMAGE: OMAR CHATRIWALA

NAME THREE PLACES EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME
Mumbai, Beijing and Barcelona Im a city kid at heart. But now Im thinking of three coastal and rural idylls: Vancouver, rural Jamaica and Marrakesh. So, Id better move on to the next question!

Datar explore the singing sand dunes of the Qatari desert while shooting a special in the country.

was strange. Then there was the time I played bass with a klezmer band in Krakow, Poland. I think they were pleased I only did one song!

Datar during a visit to an old mosque, Dhakira, Qatar.

TOP PICKS FOR SUPER METROPOLISES THAT RETAIN THEIR CHARM?


Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Colombo and Istanbul.

HOW IMPORTANT IS ETHICAL TOURISM?


It is vital; it is a duty. You cant have the pleasure of tourism without being conscious of what youre doing as a guest in a new country. Luckily, its also becoming the norm although of course a lot of lip service is paid to sustainable tourism. I believe were going to have to monitor the growth of new eco-tourist resorts to make sure ALL members of the local communities and cultural environment benet.

AN IDEAL VACATION WOULD MEAN


Im appalling at holidays that are supposed to be relaxing. I get itchy feet. But once I do de-stress, I cant deny the allure of a beach holiday with the family and an addictive novel or two to recharge.

A SMART TRAVELLER DOESNT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT


ones passport! Also, Earl Grey teabags, comfy clothes to y in, a stack of blogs and articles about your destination, a head torch (that you will probably never use) and running shoes (likewise, but the intention makes you feel good!).

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IMAGE: OMAR CHATRIWALA

HOW CAN YOU ENJOY THE BEST OF A DESTINATION ON A BUDGET?

fast:track is broadcast on BBC World News, Astro Channel 512 in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

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ARE YOU GAME?

Practise your gaming skills today and challenge your friends to fun casual games and awesome classics.

Play Zone

RIDDLES
1. Can you unscramble the idiom hidden here? A non-specied individual ambled across my place of burial. 2. If you throw away the outside before cooking the inside, then eat the outside and throw away the inside, what did you cook? 3. Can you work out the nursery rhyme characters? i. He went to bed with one shoe on and one shoe off. ii. He was wearing silver buckles and went to sea. iii. He ran away when the boys emerged for some games. iv. She lost her pocket, which had a ribbon tied to it. 4. When travelling abroad, you cannot take a photo of a man with a wooden leg? Why not? 5. Which is correct? The yolks of the eggs is white or The yolks of the eggs are white?

PLAY ON WORDS
1 2

CANDY CRUSH SAGA Match candies to get points. Each level has
different objectives such as to eliminate the jellies and earn points within the time allocated. Levels must be completed before you run out of moves. Match more than three candies to get a special power candy. Play the game on Facebook or on your Android and iOS devices.

SUBWAY SURFERS WORLD TOUR In this game, players must run


from an angry inspector and his brutal dog, and dodge oncoming trains. Grab coins to purchase upgrades, new characters and more. Every update to this running game features a new city as a backdrop. Download Subway Surfers to your iOS and Android devices.
Lovatts Puzzles

4 PICS 1 WORD The objective of this game is to guess the word that ties
four seemingly unrelated pictures together. Using a selection of letters, ll in the blanks provided to gure out the word. To proceed to the next level, you have to answer correctly. Youll be rewarded with virtual coins to unlock letters. The game is available for free on Android and iOS.

QUICK QUIZ
1. Beirut is the capital of which country? 2. At which Olympic Games did South African-born runner Zola Budd rst compete? 3. Which was the last movie that starred Grace Kelly before she married Prince Rainier of Monaco? 4. What does VSOP on a brandy bottle stand for? 5. What takes place in the German village of Oberammergau every 10 years? 6. In which year did the Titanic sink? 7. What was the stage name of the English comics with the rst names of Eric and Ernie?

BACK TO BASICS
If your gadget is out of juice, try pen-and-paper games. In Tic-tac-toe, you and your opponent take turns to place three marks, either X or O, in a row. The rst to get all three in a row, wins! For Hangman, think of a word or a short phrase, and let your friends guess letters to ll in the blanks. If the letter guessed is wrong, draw part of the hangman. The game ends once the hangman is complete.
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FUN BOARD GAMES


Chess is a strategy game where you checkmate your opponents king to win. In Snakes and Ladders, you race against multiple opponents to reach the top square. Just roll the dice to move; landing on a snakes head will see you slide down while landing on a ladder will move you up. In Monopoly, the ultimate goal is to own as many properties as possible, become the richest player and bankrupt the other players!

8. In which state of America would you nd Mt McKinley? 9. Who did Rafael Nadal beat in the nal to win his eighth French Open singles title? 10. If music be the food of love, play on is the opening line of which Shakespearean play?

PUZZLES ARE COURTESY OF LOVATTS CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

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RIDDLES 1 Someone walked over my grave 2 Corn on the cob 3 i.My Son John (from Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling) ii. Bobby Shafto iii. Georgie Porgie iv. Lucy Locket 4 You cant take a photo of anything using a wooden leg 5 Neither yolks are yellow PLAY ON WORDS 1 Burn the candle at both ends 2 Bags under the eyes 3 Sitting ducks 4 The wall have ears QUICK QUIZ 1 Lebanon 2 Los Angeles, 1984 3 High Society 4 Very Superior (or Special) Old Pale 5 A Passion Play 6 1912 7 Morecambe and Wise 8 Alaska 9 David Ferrer 10 Twelfth Night

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PIX OF THE MONTH

Just snapped a cool picture? Send it to travel3sixty@ airasia.com with Snapshot in the subject line.

SECOND PRIZE WINS


A 3D/2N stay in a newly-rejuvenated Superior Room at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa inclusive of buffet breakfast for two at Seasonal Tastes worth USD1,000!
Nestled amongst 104 acres of lush tropical gardens, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa recently unveiled its rejuvenated guestrooms. The refreshed Superior Room exudes modern charm amidst a tropical setting while the Superior Patio Room, located on the ground oor, offers a stylish retreat with a spacious patio. As the name suggests, the Premium Ocean View Room offers glistening views of the Andaman Sea. Rooms are designed with private balconies for relaxation and include at screen TVs with Internet connectivity so guests can work and stay connected effortlessly. With an array of wellness amenities by Westin, these freshly-rejuvenated rooms exude a sense of calm and sophistication. The spacious bathroom houses an invigorating Heavenly Rain Shower and the Signature White Tea by Westin bath amenities that add bliss to your bath time ritual. The room features a king-size or two double Westin Heavenly Beds with sumptuous pillow-top mattress, billowy down blankets and soft pillows a combination so divine, youll never want to get out of bed.

BONUS PRIZE
WINNER
Sri Lankan family
Neil Bennett, Malaysia

BEST PICTURE WINS

A 3D/2N stay in a Deluxe Garden View Room at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali inclusive of breakfast for two at SuperFoodRX worth USD1,052!

This winning picture also wins a stunning image by landscape photographer Ken Duncan reproduced on canvas worth AUD200. To purchase prints of other images in Duncans series of exclusive Australian landscape photographs, go to the new print-on -demand website,
ArtWorldPod.com

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is part of an exclusive enclave located just 10kms from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It enjoys direct access to white sandy beaches and offers sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. With 334 rooms that incorporate thoughtfully-designed, ergonomic furnishings and the signature Heavenly Bed, this property is a destination resort quite unlike any other. Its exciting dining venues offer delicious cuisines and healthy options to satisfy all appetites. Regular themed dinners and entertainment inspired by local culture allow guests to socialise while embracing Balis tropical vibe. At the Westin Kids Club, children get to play fun games all day and participate in supervised activities while the adults indulge in a little R&R. The resort boasts a freshwater, as well as a salt water swimming pool with slides and a waterfall, while Westin Spa offers personal rejuvenation through its extensive menu of soothing rituals and healing therapies. To help guests stay in shape, the resort also offers the WestinWORKOUT, which features state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

THE WESTIN LANGKAWI RESORT & SPA

Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, 07000 Langkawi, MALAYSIA www.westinlangkawi.com

THE WESTIN RESORT NUSA DUA BALI

Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, BTDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua 80363, Bali, Indonesia www.westin.com/bali

RUNNER-UP

Thailand Canyon, Samphanbok-Ubonratchathani.


Suwan Aramwatanapong, Thailand

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Readers may submit images that are 300dpi and 1MB in size (minimum half A4 paper size) Each entry must include name, address, phone number and caption Readers must own the rights to the picture submitted Judges decision is nal Entries are automatically disqualied if they do not meet our criteria and stated T&C. Winners will be notied via e-mail when the prize is ready to be sent out. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.

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8 GET COMFY 0 2013


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Joy of flyiNg

Whether on a short or long-haul journey, flying can be a pleasant experience if you are well-prepared. Here are some steps to ensure you have a safe, smooth and comfortable flight.

Nick Harris, Human Performance Specialist and HPE (Human Performance Engineering) founder has worked with a broad range of clients from Formula 1 World Champions, London 2012 Olympic medalists and Grand Slam-winning tennis players to rock legends AC/DC during their world tour. Here, Harris shares tips on how to stay fit and healthy whilst travelling:

DriNk WAter
sHoulDer lifts
Gently lift your right shoulder and lower the left one simultaneously. Repeat the movement five times by alternating both shoulders.

kNee lifts Lift knee up toward your chest and hold the position for 10 seconds. Gently lower knee and repeat with the other leg. Repeat the exercise as desired.

foot PumPs Keeping


both heels on the floor, point feet upwards as high as you can. Return feet to earlier position.Then, lift heels while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor.Repeat the exercise as desired.

Drink lots of water throughout the flight and continue keeping your body hydrated even upon reaching your destination. Airplane cabins are extremely dry and dehydration can occur easily. Drink at regular intervals but do not attempt to drink too much water at one sitting, as the sudden increase of fluids will act as a diuretic and the body will try to expel the water with frequent trips to the toilet. Also, keep the consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol to a minimum.

A NAturAl HigH
If you are looking for an energy drink that is packed with natural goodness, try the new EQ8 Orange & Passion Fruit! Made from natural ingredients such as green tea, guarana and just a nip of natural caffeine from green coffee beans, EQ8 is lightly sparkling and is best enjoyed chilled. Grab one today and put that spring back in your step. Priced at only MYR6, EQ8 is available on board Malaysia AirAsia flights.

ComPressioN ClotHiNg
Wearing compression clothing alleviates fatigue and muscle soreness because the fabric increases oxygenation, resulting in improved and regulated blood flow to the muscles. It also decreases muscle oscillation that helps reduce the severity of fatigue and normalises pressure. Made from climate control FRESHFIT fabric, HPE compression wear helps to keep you cool and dry, as the specially constructed yarn reacts as skin temperature rises, drawing heat away from the body to cool you down. Additionally, the silver technology protects you against harmful bacteria, enabling you to arrive at your destination feeling fresh and in good health. The compression outfits are worn by AirAsia Flight Attendants and are now available for purchase to AirAsia guests via www.airasiamegastore.com and onboard AirAsia flights.

BeAt tHe lAg


To counter the effects of jetlag, get as much sleep as possible when flying west to east. When flying in the reverse direction, try and stay awake as much as you can. The AirAsia Comfort Kit comes complete with eye shade, neck pillow and blanket to help you sleep. If you need to stay awake, the neck pillow allows you to get comfy while reading a book or listening to music. The AirAsia Comfort Kit can be purchased onboard or pre-booked online at www.airasia.com
travel 3sixty

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compiled by: CHitrA s

8 Route Map AirAsia Malaysia 0 2013


www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

SAUDI SAUDI ARABIA ARABIA


Jeddah Jeddah

INDIAINDIA

Chennai Chennai Bangalore Bangalore Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli Kochi Kochi

AirAsiA mAlAysiA DomestiC routes


Langkawi Penang Alor Setar Kota Bharu Kuala Terengganu Kota Kinabalu Labuan Sandakan

MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur Sibu Johor Bahru Kuching

Miri Bintulu

Tawau

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Beijing Beijing Seoul Seoul

SOUTH SOUTH KOREA KOREA JAPAN JAPAN


Busan Busan

Tokyo Tokyo Osaka Osaka

Chengdu Chengdu

NEPAL NEPAL

Shanghai Shanghai Hangzhou Hangzhou

Kathmandu Kathmandu

CHINA CHINA
Taipei Taipei Kunming Kunming Guilin Guilin Guangzhou Guangzhou TAIWAN TAIWAN Nanning Nanning Shenzhen Shenzhen Macau Macau Hong Kong Hong Kong Hanoi Hanoi

KolkataKolkata

Chiang Chiang Mai Mai Vientiane Vientiane Yangon Yangon

MYANMAR MYANMAR LAOSLAOS

THAILAND THAILAND

Siem Reap Bangkok Bangkok Siem Reap

Clark (Manila) Clark (Manila)

Phnom Phnom Penh Penh Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi City Minh City

CAMBODIA CAMBODIA VIETNAM VIETNAM

PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES

skytrAx WorlDs Best loW-Cost AirliNe 2009, 2010, 2011& 2012

Krabi Krabi Phuket Phuket Hat Yai Hat Yai Langkawi Langkawi Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Banda Banda PenangPenang Aceh Aceh BRUNEI BRUNEI MALAYSIA MALAYSIA Kuala Kuala Medan Medan Miri Miri Lumpur Lumpur Johor Bahru Johor Bahru Kuching Kuching Pekanbaru Pekanbaru SINGAPORE SINGAPORE PadangPadang Balikpapan Balikpapan Palembang Palembang

PACIFIC PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN

INDONESIA INDONESIA Makassar Makassar JakartaJakarta Semarang Semarang Bandung Bandung Surabaya Surabaya Solo Solo Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Lombok Lombok Bali Bali

INDIAN INDIAN OCEAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA

AirAsiA HuBs iN mAlAysiA


Kuala Lumpur International Airport Kota Kinabalu International Airport Penang International Airport Johor Bahru International Airport Kuching International Airport AirAsia Malaysia Route AirAsia X Route

Gold Coast Gold Coast Perth Perth Sydney Sydney

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEAN OCEAN

Melbourne Melbourne

travel 3sixty

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8 Route Map AirAsia Thailand 0 2013


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Xian

CHINA
Chongqing Wuhan

INDIA

Kolkata

MYANMAR

Mandalay Hanoi

Guangzhou Macau

Shenzhen Hong Kong

Chiang Rai Chiang Mai Yangon Udon Thani Nakhon Phanom

THAILAND
Bangkok

Ubon Ratchathani

Chennai

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat Krabi Phuket Trang Hat Yai Narathiwat Penang Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

INDIAN OCEAN

INDONESIA
Jakarta Surabaya Bali

AirAsiA HuBs iN tHAilAND


Don Mueang Int. Airport, Bangkok Phuket Int. Airport International Route Domestic Route

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8 Route Map AirAsia Indonesia 0 2013


www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

THAILAND
Bangkok

PACIFIC OCEAN

Phuket Banda Aceh Medan Kota Kinabalu

Penang Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE
Balikpapan

Johor Bharu Pekanbaru Padang

Palembang

INDONESIA
Jakarta Semarang Bandung Surabaya Yogyakarta Solo Bali

Makassar

INDIAN OCEAN

Darwin

AUSTRALIA

AirAsiA HuBs iN iNDoNesiA


Soekarno Hatta Int. Airport, Jakarta Ngurah Rai Int. Airport, Bali Husein Sastranegara Int. Airport, Bandung Juanda Int. Airport, Surabaya Polonia Int. Airport, Medan Sultan Hasanuddin Int. Airport, Makassar International Route Domestic Route

Perth

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8 ROuTE Map 0 2013


www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

Sapporo

JAPAN SOUTH KOREA


Busan Fukuoka Nagoya Seoul Narita, Tokyo

ROuTE Map AirAsia Japan


Taipei Okinawa

AirAsiA HuBs iN JAPAN


Narita Int. Airport, Tokyo Chubu Centrair Int. Airport, Nagoya International Route Domestic Route

TAIWAN

Seoul

SOUTH KOREA

Shanghai

CHINA

Hong Kong

TAIWAN

Taipei

ROuTE Map AirAsia Philippines


Ninoy Aquino International Airport International Routes Domestic Routes

PHILIPPINES
Manila & Clark

Kalibo Bacolod Tacloban Iloilo Cebu Puerto Princesa Tagbilaran Cagayan de Oro

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

Kota Kinabalu

Davao

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8 DEsTinaTiOns 0 2013
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kuAlA lumPur

Malaysia

kuCHiNg, sArAWAk
Indigenous woman

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur skyline

QuiCk fACts

Capital city of Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia Kuching means cat in the local language Around 980 kms from Kuala Lumpur by air Home to the longest river in Malaysia the Rajang River (563 kms) that originates from the interiors of Borneo The local ethnic groups are made up of Dayak and many other smaller tribes Kuching has fantastic museums that showcase its historical and tribal past along the Waterfront area.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building AirAsia flies to various destinations from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Johor Bahru, Penang and Singapore.

kotA kiNABAlu, sABAH

Malaysia

Mt. Kinabalu

QuiCk fACts Capital of Malaysia Popularly known as KL Home to the Petronas Twin Towers Local currency is Ringgit (MYR) English is widely spoken with Bahasa Malaysia being the official language Mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese ethnic groups Food paradise for cheap and delicious meals especially hawker fare Climate is hot and humid with temperatures around 32 Celcius on average.
AirAsia flies to various destinations from Kuala Lumpur. Refer to route map on page 138 for more info.

PeNANg

Malaysia

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

QuiCk fACts Capital city of Sabah in East Malaysia on Borneo island Popularly known as KK Around 1623 kms from Kuala Lumpur by air Local indigenous people include the Kadazandusun people apart from local Malay, Chinese and other ethnic groups Jumping off point to many of Sabahs attractions such as Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan Island and Danum Valley Tuanku Abdul Rahman marine park is located just opposite the city in the South China Sea.
AirAsia flies from KK to from Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Miri, Tawau, Sandakan, Johor Bahru, Penang, Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Manila and Hong Kong.

JoHor BAHru, JoHor


Legoland in Johor Bahru.

Malaysia

QuiCk fACts

QuiCk fACts Penang island is located up north on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia Around 369 kms from KL Popularly known as Pearl of the Orient Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage City Great beaches along Feringgi and Tanjung Bungah Also known as the food paradise of Malaysia for cheap and delicious eats.
AirAsia flies from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Johor Bahru, Bangkok, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya and Singapore.

Gateway to the south part of Peninsula Malaysia with easy access to Singapore via the Causeway around 368 kms from KL Lots of city shopping such as Johor Premium Outlets and theme parks such as Legoland and Puteri Harbour family theme park Nearby beaches on the east coast such as Desaru are good for surfing and seaside activities.
AirAsia flies from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Penang, Surabaya, Medan and Jakarta.

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BANgkok

Thailand

mANilA

Phillipines

Reclining Buddha statue in Bangkok.

Manila Cathedral

QuiCk fACts Capital city of Thailand Locally know as Krung Thep Shopping paradise with hundreds of malls and streets markets Local currency is baht (THB) Great dining, clubbing and shopping options at Sukhumvit and Silom streets Chatuchak Weekend market 18 kms outside the city is a must visit for a great shopping experience Take a riverboat ride down the Chao Phraya River Travel in the city is easy with the BTS and MRT Thai food is cheap and delicious in Bangkok!
AirAsia flies to various destinations from Bangkok. Refer to route map on page 140 for more info.

PHuket
Stunning islands in Phuket.

Thailand

QuiCk fACts The capital of Philippines is located on the Eastern shore of Manila Bay Also known as the Pearl of the Orient Home to more than 12 million people The business hubs of Makati and Taguig are also the citys restaurant and nightlife centres Visit the walled city Intramuros, a fortress erected by Spanish colonialist Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1571 Shop at the bargain haven Greenhills and the bayside Mall of Asia complex, both popular with tourists The most pleasant months to visit are from December to February Flights out of the citys Ninoy Aquino International Airport offers both domestic and international connectivity.
AirAsia (AK), Philippines AirAsia (PQ) and Zest Air (Z2) fly to various destinations from Manila and Clark. Refer to route map on page 144 for more info.

QuiCk fACts

Island paradise on the south-western part of Thailand Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and sunny tropical climate makes the island the perfect beach destination Many beaches on Phuket are literally deserted Patong Beach is the most popular but Karon, Bang Tao, Kamala, Kata and Surin are good alternatives The Andaman Sea off Phuket can be rough, so pay attention to warnings.
AirAsia flies from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Hong Kong and Jakarta.

tokyo

Japan

CHiANg mAi
Mulberry paper parasols

Thailand

The second largest city up north in Thailand Popularly known as the Rose of the North Climate is cool and very pleasant Local culture is called Lanna and is unique to the northern region of Thailand The Walking Market on Sundays in the Walled City is a wonderful market to explore and buy local goods Khantoke meals are popular in this city City is very popular for spas and wellness centres.
AirAsia flies from Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai and Macau.

QuiCk fACts

Mt. Fuji on Honshu Island.

QuiCk fACts Megalopolis of over 13mil people Local currency is Yen ( ) Home to the worlds largest fish market Tsukiji Fish Market Temperatures average 27.5 C in summer and 6 C in winter Has the most extensive urban railway network in the world Tokyo has around 88,000 restaurants and more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. Vending machines all over the city offer everything from soups to umbrellas. Check out the hip crowd at Harajukus Takeshita-Dori.
AirAsia X flies from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia Japan flies to Fukuoka, Okinawa, Sapporo, Nagoya, Taipei, Seoul and Busan from Tokyo.

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JAkArtA

Indonesia

meDAN
Traditional custom of Nias island.

Indonesia

Jakarta skyline

QuiCk fACts

The fourth largest city in Indonesia, Medan is located on the east coast of Sumatra Island The city is a lively place and the jumping off point to Lake Toba and Bukit Tinggi 2 of Sumatras natural attractions Nias and Mentawai Islands are accessible from Medan and are great surfing spots kek lapis or layered cake is a very popular food item from Medan.
AirAsia flies from Medan to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bharu, Bangkok, Surabaya, Pekanbaru and Bandung.

QuiCk fACts The capital city of Jakarta is a huge metropolis with a population of around 10 million people Local currency is Rupiah (IDR) Stay in the city centre to avoid the notorious Jakarta traffic Shopping and leisure activities abound at Kuningan and Kemang area Great shopping is available at Plaza Senayan and Plaza Indonesia Visit historical sites and museums at Kota Tua Ancol is a water theme park north of the city Pulau Seribu is another attraction with literally untouched islands just 45 kms away from Jakarta.
AirAsia flies to various destinations from Jakarta. Refer to route map on page 144 for more info.

surABAyA

Indonesia

Bullrace in Surabaya.

BAli

Indonesia

Island of the Gods

QuiCk fACts Dubbed the City of Heroes for the role the people of Surabaya played in the struggle for independence Surabaya means shark and crocodile, derived from a legend about a battle between a shark and crocodile It is the second largest city in Indonesia Mount Bromo is a stunning volcanic mountain and a place for many ritual practices
AirAsia flies from Surabaya to Kuala Lumpur, Medan, Bandung, Semarang, Jakarta, Bali, Makassar, Johor Bahru, Penang and Bangkok.

BANDuNg
Tangkuban Perahu crater

Indonesia

QuiCk fACts Known as the Island of Gods for the numerous


temples and shrines on the island Bali is predominantly Hindu while the rest of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches and highland retreats Kuta is famous for its beach culture Seminyak and Legian are hip leisure activity enclaves with great dining, clubbing and hotel options Go further inland to Ubud for cooler climate or to less visited areas like Padang Padang for great surfing opportunities You may spot dolphins at Lovina Make sure you visit Tanah Lot and Mount Besakih temples to experience the spiritual side of Bali.
AirAsia flies from Bali to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Bangkok, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bandung, Makassar, Surabaya, Perth and Darwin.

QuiCk fACts Located in West Java, Bandung is the third largest city in Indonesia and about 146 kms from Jakarta Bandung is known as the Paris of Java Bandung is famous for its shopping with numerous factory outlets all around the city Enjoy the distinctively Dutch colonial architecture here Visit the areas with volcanic activity such as the Tangkuban Perahu area The mountainous landscape offers a cool and wet climate, enabling some of the best tea and coffee to be grown in Bandung.
AirAsia flies from Bandung to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Medan, Pekanbaru, Surabaya and Bali.

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AIRASIA INDONESIA
ROUTES & NETWORK
FLY FROM JAKARTA DOMESTIC ROUTES Bali (6x Daily) Yogyakarta (3x Daily) Makassar (2x Daily) Surabaya (4x Daily) Medan (17x Weekly) FLY FROM BANDUNG DOMESTIC ROUTES Bali (2x Daily) Medan (11x Weekly) Pekanbaru (1x Daily) Surabaya (1x Daily) FLY FROM YOGYAKARTA DOMESTIC ROUTES Jakarta (3x Daily) Bali (1xDaily) FLY FROM SEMARANG DOMESTIC ROUTES Surabaya (6x Weekly) FLY FROM PEKANBARU DOMESTIC ROUTES Bandung (1x Daily) Medan (1x Daily) INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Kuala Lumpur (1x Daily) INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Kuala Lumpur (4x Weekly) Singapore (6x Weekly) INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Kuala Lumpur (2x Daily) Singapore (1x Daily) INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Kuala Lumpur (3x Daily) Singapore (2x Daily) INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Bangkok (2x Daily) Johor Bahru (4x Weekly) Kuala Lumpur (7x Daily) Penang (1x Daily) Phuket (3x Weekly) Singapore (6x Daily) FLY FROM SURABAYA DOMESTIC ROUTES Medan (3x Weekly) Bali (1x Daily) Bandung (1x Daily) Semarang (6x Weekly) Jakarta (4x Daily) FLY FROM BALI DOMESTIC ROUTES Jakarta (6x Daily) Surabaya (1x Daily) Yogyakarta (1x Daily) INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Bangkok (1x Daily) Kuala Lumpur (6x Daily) Penang (4x Weekly) Johor Bahru (1x Daily)

INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Kuala Lumpur (5x Daily) Perth (4x Daily) Singapore (4x Daily) Bangkok (1x Daily) Kota Kinabalu (3x Weekly) Darwin (4x Weekly) INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Kuala Lumpur (6x Daily) Penang (5x Daily) Bangkok (1x Daily) Johor Bahru (3x Weekly)

FLY FROM MEDAN DOMESTIC ROUTES Bandung (11x Weekly) Pekanbaru (1x Daily) Surabaya (3x Weekly) FLY FROM MAKASSAR DOMESTIC ROUTES Jakarta (2x Daily) Bali (1x Daily) Manado (1x Daily) Surabaya (2x Daily)

INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Kuala Lumpur (1x Daily) Singapore (4x Weekly)

FLY-THRU

SELF CONNECTING (via Kuala Lumpur)


FROM JAKARTA AUSTRALIA Melbourne Gold Coast Perth (via Bali) Sydney CHINA Guangzhou Chengdu Hangzhou Beijing Shanghai Shenzhen HONG KONG Hong Kong MACAU Macau JAPAN Tokyo-Haneda Osaka-Kansai SOUTH KOREA Seoul & Busan PHILIPPINES Clark TAIWAN Taipei BRUNEI Brunei FROM BANDUNG AUSTRALIA Melbourne Gold Coast Perth Sydney CHINA Guangzhou Chengdu Hangzhou Shenzhen HONG KONG Hong Kong MACAU Macau JAPAN Osaka-Kansai SOUTH KOREA Seoul TAIWAN Taipei BRUNEI Brunei FROM BALI AUSTRALIA Melbourne Gold Coast Perth Sydney CHINA Chengdu Hangzhou Beijing Shanghai MACAU Macau JAPAN Tokyo-Haneda Osaka-Kansai SOUTH KOREA Seoul & Busan PHILIPPINES Clark TAIWAN Taipei BRUNEI Brunei FROM MEDAN AUSTRALIA Melbourne Gold Coast Perth Sydney CHINA Guangzhou Chengdu Hangzhou Shanghai Shenzhen MACAU Macau JAPAN Tokyo-Haneda Osaka-Kansai SOUTH KOREA Seoul & Busan TAIWAN Taipei HONG KONG Hong Kong FROM SURABAYA AUSTRALIA Melbourne Gold Coast Perth Sydney CHINA Guangzhou Chengdu Hangzhou Beijing Shanghai HONG KONG Hong Kong MACAU Macau JAPAN Tokyo-Haneda Osaka-Kansai SOUTH KOREA Seoul Busan PHILIPPINES Clark TAIWAN Taipei
FROM YOGYAKARTA

AUSTRALIA Gold Coast CHINA Chengdu Hangzhou

For more information click www.airasia.com

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DISTRIBUTION & PAYMENT CHANNEL


Call Center
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Payment Channel

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BANDUNG SURABAYA YOGYAKARTA MEDAN BALI MAKASSAR

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JABODETABEK

BANDUNG
CIPAGANTI TRANSINDO, PT 022-2060140 CLASSIC HOLIDAY 022-7307199 GOLDEN RAMA BANDUNG, PT 022-4206457 INTERLINK TOURS & TRAVEL, PT 022-4235529 JAYA PRIMA UTAMA LESTARI, PT 022-2000999 PANGHEGAR TOUR 022-4224685 TASIK INDAH PRIANGAN EXPRESS 0265-324694 RATU EXPRESINDO, PT 022-4239742 REKATRANS SUTERA, PT 022-5221881 SETIABUDHI GRAHAMANDIRI,PT 022-2038800 SHILLA TOUR 022-4215168 TRI INTI MANUNGGAL T & T 022-218550 TX TRAVEL BRAGA 022-4202199

MATRIX 031-5015000 MURNI KALIANYAR 031-5486456 NIRWANA TOURS AND TRAVEL 031-8496911 NIRWANA WISATA 031-8075000 NOER TRANSPORT 031-8665670 PRIMA VIJAYA 031-5460000 RODEX 031-5662000 SAHABAT CAKRAWALA 031-5037212 SPIRIT SURYA SEMESTA 031-8069333 SURYANALENDRA 031-3556363 THERA BUANA 031-3727777 TOTAL PESONA NUSANTARA 031-8474333 TRANSNUSA HOLIDAY 031-3047599 TX SUNGKONO 031-5621199 WARNA INDONESIA 031-339739

BALI

ABBEY TRAVELINDO DPS, PT 0361-759736 SANTA BALI, PT 0361-286826 BUMI NATA WISATA T & T,PT 0361-229873 KASURI BALI TOUR & TRAVEL 0361-484389 PALMMAS HOLIDAY 0361-754794 PT HARUM INDAHSARI TOUR 0361-720620 PT KUTA CEMERLANG BALI JAYA 0361-751517 SAKA MELATI WISATA 0361-246561 TJENDANA MANDRA SAKTI T & T 0361-414252 TX TEUKU UMAR 0361-222799

PEKANBARU
BLESSING TOUR 0761-42226 HENSA WISATA 0761-8499866/081276097093 GABE TRAVEL 0761-7894225 GRAND HAWAII 0761-20988 INDO RAYA MULIA 0761-322622 MEGA SANEL LESTARI 0761-27736 NOVA TARUNA WISATA 0761-20268 MEGA MULIA LESTARI 0761-7070507/085365307777

SULAWESI
AGUS TOUR AND TRAVEL 0411-314476 ANTATOUR 0411-3618648 BERKAT TOUR 0411-332929 CAKRA WISATA TRAVEL 0411-3636666 CARAKA TRAVELINDO 0411-3618877 DEWI SARTIKA TOUR & TRAVEL 0411-457169 DEWI WISATA 0411-3615858 DUTA TOUR JUMANTARA 0411-3621838 FORTUNA TOUR & TRAVEL 0411-3651001 GEDE NUSA TRAVEL 0411-887311 KINGS EXPRESS TRAVEL 0431-843484 LIMBUNAN 0411-3633555 MANORIAN TRAVEL 0411-858858 MAPANGET MEGAH WISATA TRAVEL 0431-811119 MEKAR GLOBAL JAYA TRAVEL 0431-811119 METROPOLE TRAVEL 0431-851555 PATAPULO TOUR & TRAVEL 0411-442021 RAINBOW TRAVEL 0431-8880333 SANTANA TOUR 0411-312228 STAR EXPRESS TOUR & TRAVEL 0431-861888 SUITA TOUR 0411-3613164 SULFITA TOUR & TRAVEL 0411-5422773 TALENTA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 0411-437611 TIARA TRAVEL 0431-874808 TWOFIVE HOURS TOUR & TRAVEL 0411-8111000

MEDAN
ANGKASA TOUR 061-7321188 ELSHADAI 061-621542 ERIC DIRGANTARA 061-4578899 ERNA WORLD TOUR 061-77530731 EVE PRIMA TOUR 061-4156707 GOHO WISATA 061-7330022 GRAHA TRAVEL 061-4145555 GRAND HAWAII TOUR 061-4522288 GREAT WORLD WISATA 061-4557556 GREEN TRAVEL 061-4523625 HOLLYWOOD TOUR 061 -452652 HOLY HOLIDAYS 061-4518585 KINGS STAR 061-4515111 LOVELY HOLIDAYS 061-4528853 MAJU IKA JAYA 061-7321111 NEW BISON MANDIRI 061-4571333 RASA SAYANG 061-4558333 RAYA UTAMA 061-4570011 TIKET KITA BERSAMA 061-8210569 TROPHY TOUR 061 -4155777 TX TRAVEL KATAMSO 061-4566199 YUKI TOUR 061-4514455

SEMARANG

AGENI TOUR & TRAVEL 024-3580101 ABC VACATION, SOLO 0271-668380 CV MITRA UTAMA 024-3397001 DEWANGGA TRAVINDO 024-8451805 GIANTRA WISATA 024-8443333 KARUNA TOUR & TRAVEL 024-3521616/3521515 MEGA WISATA 024-3584141/3582468 NUSANTARA TOUR & TRAVEL 024-8442888/3554888 PESONA TOUR 024-8448918 NUSANTARA TOUR & TRAVEL, SOLO 0271-652888

YOGYAKARTA

SURABAYA
ANGKASA EXPRESS 031-3772222 ANTA UTAMA 0354-699401 ASIA HOLIDAY 031-5613458/5613486 CIPTA KARUNIA PRATAMA 031-5313253 CIPTA MUSLIM MANDIRI 031-8271190 DUTA TOUR JUMANTARA 031-8400125 DUTA WISATA LESTARI 031-8689941 FELIA TRAVEL 031-5319920 GLORIUS LINTAS NADA 031-5352020 GOSEPA 031-5318495 GRESIK GRAHA WISATA 031-3972838 HARYONO TRAVEL 031-5032606 JUANDA DELTA MANDIRI 031-8682222 KAHA TRAVEL 031-3536000 LINDA JAYA,PT 031-5047000

CITOS TRAVEL CONNECTION 0274-389529 GAMMA WISATA 0274-553934 GEMA HAROMAS 0274-549999 INTRASTOUR 0274-371217 MEDIA EKSTRANS JAYA 0274-412342 MITRA PERSADA TRAVELINDO 0274-511100 NUSA SANTANA PRIMA 0274-513873 NUSANTARA TOUR & TRAVEL 0274-560988 TOTAL NUSA INDONESIA 0274-561617 TREND CAHAYA ABADI 0274-377111 TURINDO TOUR & TRAVEL 0274-540000

KALIMANTAN
BINTANG MEGA WISATA T & T 0542-7112211 CAKRAWALA INDAH TOUR & TRAVEL 0542-871095 PUSAKA 78 TOUR & TRAVEL 0542-73500187 SUN JAYA ABADI 0541-206097 SUMBER MUTIARA ENAM DELAPAN 0541-737899

ACEH

AWA TRAVEL 0651-33360 CENDANA TOUR 0651-638733/734 KANA TOUR 0651-635700 NUANSA TOUR 0651-23480 NUSTRA AGUNG 0651-25665 SAM TRAVEL 0651-25665 TARA TOUR 0651-33541

8 salEs OFFiCEs & sTaTiOns 0 2013


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BruNei DArussAlAm
BANDAR SeRI BeGAwAN
Mezzanine Level of Terminal Complex, Brunei International Airport BSB, Brunei Darussalam

MAKASSAR
Hasanuddin, International Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi R28 Panakukkang Mas

Departure Terminal, Sultan

No 71 Jalan Metro Perdana Barat, 1 Taman Usahawan Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur Lot UG-003, UG-003A & UG0038, Upper Ground Floor , Plaza Low Yat, 7 Jalan 1/77 , 55100 Kuala Lumpur KeLANTAN Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu
(Opp. KB Mall),15050 Kota Bharu.

SL11 Ground Floor, Lot 2541 Lee Ling Heights Phase 2, Mile 6.5 Jalan Penrissen, P.O. Box 2044, 93250 Kuching Lot 6813, Ground Floor Synergy Square, (Matang Jaya Commercial Centre), Jalan Matang Jaya, 93050 Kuching International Arrival, Level 1, Kuching International Airport, Kuching, Sarawak SeLANGOR Ground Floor, Terminal 3, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, 47200 Subang, Selangor
Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor

DAvAO
Davao, J.P Laurel Avenue, Bajada Davao City, Philippines.

HAT YAI Hat Yai International Airport, 125 Hadyai International Airport, Moo 3 Klongla, Klonghoikong, Songkhla 90115 Tesco Lotus - Hat Yai, 1st Floor,
1142, Kanchanawit Road, Hat Yai, Songkla, 90115

4th Level, Gaisano Mall of

ULot 122, 2nd Floor,

Jl. Boulevard Ruko Ruby no. MANADO

siNgAPore
Row: 13 & 14, Departure level 2, Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 1, Singapore

CAmBoDiA
PHNOM PeNH Phnom Penh Airport Office, 17 Mezzanine Floor of Arrival Domestic Terminal, Phnom Penh Airport, Phnom Penh 179, Street Sisowath, Sangkat Phsar Kandal 1, Khan Daun Penh, 12204 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.

Sam Ratulangi International Airport Jalan A.A. Maramis, Manado 95374 MeDAN Bandara PoloniaTerminal, Keberangkatan Internasional, Medan 20157 Sumatra
Sisingamangaraja, No.18 Medan-20213

sri lANkA
COLOMBO Setmil Aviation (Pvt) Ltd., Ground Floor, Setmil Maritime Centre, 256, Srimath Ramanathan Mawatha, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka

KRABI 133 Moo 5 Petchkasem Road, Tambol Nuakrong, Amphur Nuakrong, Krabi 81130 NARATHIwAT Narathiwat Airport 330 Moo 5 , Tambol Kok-Kian, Amphur Muang, Narathiwat 96000 PHUKeT Phuket International Airport 312, 3rd Floor, Tumbol Maikao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110 Unit 9, Laflora Patong Area, No. 39, 39/1, Thaveewong Rd., Patong, Kratoo, Phuket Tesco Lotus Phuket, 2nd Floor, 104, Chalermprakiat Road, Rasada Sub District, Muang District, Phuket, 83000 SURAT THANI Surat Thani International Airport, 73 Moo 3 Tambol Huatuey, Amphur Punpin, Suratthani UBON RATCHATHANI Ubon Ratchathani Airport 297 Ubon Ratchathani Airport, Thepyotee Road, Amphur Nai Muang, Ubon Ratchathani 34000 UDON THANI Udon Thani International Airport, 224 Moo 1, Tambol Makkhang, Amphur Muang, Udon Thani 41000 PATTAYA Tesco Lotus South Pattaya, 2 Floor 408/2 Moo 12, South Pattaya, Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

PT639,Jalan Sultan Ibrahim, PeRAK

Garuda Plaza Hotel, Jl.

Tune Hotel, No.2, Ground Floor, The Host, Jalan Veerasamy, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. TeReNGGANU Level 1, Terminal Building, Sultan Mahmud Airport, 21300 Kuala Terengganu LABUAN Level 1, Labuan Airport Terminal, 87008 Wilayah Persekutuan MeLAKA
23, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka

Jalan KLIA S3, Southern

tHAilAND
BANGKOK 127 Tanao Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200 Suvarnabhumi Int. Airport Room A1-062 Ground Floor, Concourse A, Bangna-Trad Road, Racha Teva, Bang Pli, Samutprakarn 10540
2nd Floor, 3109 Ladpro Road, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240

PADANG
Airport, Padang, West Sumatra

CHiNA
MACAU
Passenger Terminal, Macau International Airport Taipa, Macau

Minangkabau International PALeMBANG

Lot-35 Mydin Mall USJ 1 B-G-3A, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya 47170 Puchong Selangor Lot S141, 2nd Floor, Plaza Metro Kajang, Section 7, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang No 10, Jalan Bandar Rawang No 2, Jalan Dagang SB 4/2,
11, Bandar Baru Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor.

Office 20, Mezzanine Level,

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Palembang, South Sumatra PeKANBARU


Airport, Jalan Perhubungan Udara Simpang, Tiga, Pekanbaru, Sumatra

GUANG DONG
Travel Service(Shenzhen), Co.Ltd, XY-10 Junting Hotel,2085 Eastern Road, Luo Hu, Shenzhen 518001 Travel Service(Guang Zhou), Co.Ltd, First Floor, No 8 Zhong Shan 3 Road,Guang Zhou 510000

Tesco Lotus Bangkapi,

Century Holiday International

Sultan Syarif Kasim II, Int.

No 32, Jalan Melaka Raya

Century Holiday International

SOLO Adi Soemarmo International Airport, Solo, Central Java SURABAYA


Juanda International Airport, Jalan Raya Juanda Surabaya, Jawa Timur

PeNANG Penang International Airport 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang Ground Floor, Kim Mansion 332, Chulia Street, 10200 Penang No 723 L-G, Jln Sungai Dua 11700 Pulau Pinang
Business Park, 13700 Seberang Perai Penang.

Taman Sungai Besi Indah, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

myANmAr
YANGON Yangon International Airport
Yangon, Myanmar

Tesco Lotus Rama1, 3rd Floor, 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330 Tesco Lotus Rangsit, 2nd Floor, 392/4, Moo2, Phaholyothin Road, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, 12130
1st floor, 1710, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok, 10110

1151,South Of YingBin Road Of Zhuhai,Zhuhai 519000 Guang Dong BeIJING


Travel Service (Beijing) Co Ltd.,No 163A Floor Of Yi No 6, Chaowai Street Of Chao Yang District Beijing China, 100022 Beijing

Lobby International Terminal,

Office Unit# 01-L, Parkroyal MANDALAY

Tesco Lotus - Sukhumvit 50,

Century Holiday International

Grand Circle Tunjungan Plaza 3 Lantai 1, (Lobby Condominium Regency), Jln. Basuki Rahmat 8-12, Surabaya YOGYAKARTA Adisutjipto Int. Airport, Jln. Solo km.9, Yogyakarta, 55282
Suryotomo No.31, Yogyakarta

A-G-07, Jalan Todak 4, Sunway

78th x 79th Street), Mandalay.

No.3, 26 (B), Road (between

SABAH
Building, Sandakan Airport, 90719 Sandakan

Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Floor, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, Bangkok, 1090 CHIANG MAI Chiangmai Int. Airport 416 Thaphae Road,
60, 1st Floor, Tambol Sutep, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200

CHeNGDU Century Holiday International Travel Service(ChengDu) Co.Ltd,No 172-5 Binjang East Road,Jinjang District, ChengDu

Lot 1 & 2, 1st Floor, Terminal

PHiliPPiNes
CLARK
International Airport Clark Civil Aviation Complex Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines 2023

Melia Purosani Hotel, Jl

iNDoNesiA
BANDA ACeH Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda, Blang Bintang, Aceh DeNPASAR, BALI Bandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Terminal Keberangkatan International Bali 80361 Jl. Legian Kaja no. 455 Kuta, Bali BANDUNG Ruangan Nombor 34, Bandara Husein Sastranegara, Jalan Pajajaran No 156 Bandung, Jawa Barat Lobby Grand Serela Hotel Jl. L.L. R.E Martadinata (Riau) No 56, Telp. (022) 426 1636 JAKARTA
Airlines Offices, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara Jl. Dharmawangsa VI No.43, Jakarta Selatan

mAlAysiA
JOHOR
Lot PTB 22819, Jalan Skudai, Mukim Bandar, 80200 Johor Bahru

FL4, 1st Floor, Tawau Airport Building, Jalan Apas-Balung, 91100 Tawau
Istana Monaco, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex 91000 Tawau Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000, Kota Kinabalu

Diosdado Macapagal

Chiang Mai

TB228, Lot 5, Ground Floor,

MANILA
Unit 108 SM City North Edsa The Block SM City Complex, North Edsa, Pag-Asa 1, Quezon City, Manila

Wintrex Travel Corporation,

Tune Hotels.com Danga Bay,

Lot G24, Ground Floor, Wisma

Tesco Lotus - Chiang Mai Kamtieng, 2nd Floor, 19, Kamtieng Road, Patan Sub District, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50340 CHIANG RAI
2305/2 404 Moo 10, Tambol Bandu, Amphur Muang, Chiang Rai 57100

VietNAm
HANOI Lobby A,3rd floor, Noi Bai International Airport. HO CHI MINH Room # 1.4.19,Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

GL 13 Senai International Airport, 81250 Johor Bahru


Muar, Johor

Chiang Rai Int. Airport

No. 26 Jalan Meriam, 84000

Ground Floor, Terminal 2, Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Old Airport Road,Tanjung Aru 88100, Kota Kinabalu Lot G67, Ground Floor, Oneplace Mall, Putatan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah SARAwAK GL02, Ground Floor, Bintulu Airport, 97000 Bintulu Ground Floor, Miri Airport, 98000 Miri
98000 Miri

Wintrex Travel Corporation, Unit 126 South Parking Building, SM Mall of Asia Complex, J.W Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City

No 7, Jalan Bestari 1/5, Taman Nusa Bestari, 79100, Bandar Nusajaya, Johor
Lot GK-01, Ground floor, Kluang Mall, Jalan Rambutan, 86000 Kluang, Johor

CAll CeNtre NumBers


AustrAliA 1300 760 330 CHiNA +86 20 2281 7666 iNDiA 1860 500 8000 iNDoNesiA +62 21 2927 0999 JAPAN 0120 963 516 JeDDAH +966 8008449458 +966 8008500001
(For Guests using Zain as their Telco service provider)

KeDAH
Sultan Abdul Halim, 06200, Kepala Batas, Alor Star

Lot 20, Lapangan Terbang, Langkawi International

Lot 946, Jalan Parry,

PHiliPPiNes +63 2 588 9999 siNgPore +65 6307 7688

Terminal 3, Departure Hall Jl. Boulevard Raya,

Airport 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi Ibrahim, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman

Departure Level, Kuching International Airport, 93756 Kuching Wisma Ho Ho Lim, 291 Sub Lot 4,Ground Floor, Jalan Abell, 93100 Kuching GFLO1, Departure Area, Ground
Floor, Sibu Airport, 96000 Sibu

No. 68-B Ground Floor, Jalan

HoNg koNg +852 3112 3222 mACAu 0800912 mAlAysiA 600 85 8888

(AirAsia X Premium Line)

soutH koreA 00798 1420 69940 tAiWAN 008 0185 3031 tHAilAND +66 2 515 9999

Komp Rukan Dharmawangsa, Sarinah Plaza Jl. Mh Thamrin,

KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur, 50470

Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral,

No. 11 (LG level) Jakarta Pusat

Lot G027B, Ground Floor, Podium Block, Plaza Berjaya,12 Jalan Imbi,55100 Kuala Lumpur

Ground Floor, No. 36 Jalan Keranji, 96000 Sibu Grd Flr, Lot 4034, Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Parkcity Commercial Sq, Phase 5, 97000 Bintulu

(AirAsia X Premium Line) chargeable at RM1.95 per minute

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8 TOUCHDOWN 0 2013
www.airasia.com/travel3sixty

surround the park. In December and January, thousands of Siberian red-beaked seagulls escaping the winter chill of the north descend on the park, attracting throngs of visitors.
www.chinahighlights.com

STONE FOREST Like its name suggests, Stone Forest or Shilin is known for its magnicent karst formations that reach as high as 30 metres. Part of the UNESCO World Heritagelisted South China Karst attraction, Shilin is situated approximately 120kms from Kunming, and popular with tour groups as well as day-trippers from the city. Steer clear of the crowds and opt for more secluded walks that offer privacy and a chance to view the remarkable stone pinnacles uninterrupted.
www.travelchinaguide.com

LIJIANG AND SHANGRI-LA The cityscape gives way to panoramic views of mountain ranges and lush valleys as you venture into the northwest reaches of Yunnan. Explore the cobbled streets and canals of Lijiang and from there, head to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. The northwestern region is also home to Zhongdian (renamed Shangri-La), which locals claim to be the mythical land described by author James Hilton in his novel Lost Horizon. Bordering Tibet and set against majestic ice-capped mountains, Shangri-La is certainly a wonder to behold. Lijiang and Shangri-La are accessible by air from Kunming.

EAT
CROSSING THE BRIDGE NOODLES Perhaps the most famous dish in Yunnan province, guoqiaomixian or crossing the bridge noodles is attributed to a woman who had to cross a bridge daily to transport noodle soup to her scholar husband. Stewed with chicken, duck and spare ribs, this wholesome soup is usually served with slices of raw pork, vegetables and rice noodles that diners cook by adding the ingredients into their piping hot bowls of soup. QIGUOJI Another Yunnan speciality, qiguoji is basically chicken gently steamed in a ceramic or earthenware pot with an inverted funnel-like centre. The chicken is slow-cooked till tender with herbs that provide a unique depth of avour.

KUNMING, CHINA
Once, a frontier town, Kunming rose to importance at the turn of the 20th century when British and French imperialists began to take note of the areas natural resources. During WWII, the city became the base from which the Allied Forces supplied aid to troops fighting the Japanese invasion. Since then, Kunming has quickly expanded into a bustling city and transportation hub. Known as the City of Eternal Spring due to its mild year-round temperatures, the capital of Chinas south western Yunnan province provides a pleasant respite from the buzz of Chinas larger cities. Located 1,890 metres above sea level, the city is also a pit stop for travellers keen on
TRAVEL 3SIXTY

One of Chinas more laidback cities, the City of Eternal Spring is also the gateway to the fabled Shangri-La.
exploring one of Chinas most geographically and ethnically diverse provinces. From massive limestone formations, scenic parks, lakes and old towns to its awe-inspiring Shangri-La, there is much to see and do in Kunming and its surrounds.

SLEEP
ANGSANA FUXIAN LAKE 8 Huanhu Beilu, Yuxi 652500 HOWARD JOHNSON TROPICAL GARDEN PLAZA KUNMING 888 Chunrong Street, Kunming 650500 KUNMING JIN JIANG HOTEL 98 Beijing Road South, Kunming 650011
For more hotel options, visit www.airasiago.com GETTING THERE AirAsia ies to Kunming four times weekly from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

MUST SEE/DO
GREEN LAKE PARK Located in the heart of Kunming, this park consists of several small lakes linked by footbridges, tree-lined paths and traditional pavilions. Join the locals as they practise their morning tai chi routines, stroll through the scenic grounds or visit one of the many trendy cafs and teahouses that

158

WORDS: CHITRA S

8 MY AIRASIA 0 2013
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FORCE OF THE FUTURE

AirAsia was named Worlds Best Low Cost Airline by Skytrax recently for the fifth consecutive year. This month, we chat with some of AirAsias youngest AllStars the future of the airline to find out what it means to them to be part of such a dynamic force. BODIN RATTANACHOL
AIRCRAFT MECHANIC, THAI AIRASIA AirAsia is the rst company I joined after graduating and I am proud to be part of this great airline. My dream is to be a Licensed Aircraft Engineer; the airline provides a great learning experience and huge career opportunities for AllStars. Cheers for the fth year, AirAsia!

FIDAH ASYIKIN MOHAMMAD SUKRI


Training Planning Executive, AirAsia X I love working with AirAsia because the airline listens and cares about our dreams. The working culture here is really amazing. We take our responsibilities seriously, but we are also fun people. Congrats, AirAsia!

FARAH ARAH ARINA MOHD NAIM


FLIGHT HT ATTENDANT, MALAYSIA AYSIA AIRASIA

IBNU SALAM
GUEST EST SERVICE ASSISTANT, INDONESIA AIRASIA nly are we friendly, fun and Not only ble but were also professional fashionable me time. Our guests can enjoy at the same ervice and hospitality at low great service s, and this is why we have fares, en the champion for ve been years in a row!

T moment nt I joined AirAsia, The uld achieve great I knew I would s success in my career. Being pa of this big p g family y is a real part joy. This is the best cos st airline in low cost th he world! the

COMPILED BY: ADLI SYAHRIL IMAGES: ADAM LEE

MATHAVAN BALAN
RAMP AGENT, MALAYSIA AIRASIA In AirAsia, it feels like home because we treat each other like family. We should give ourselves a big pat on our backs for being the champion ve times in a row!

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