GOASIAPLUS March 2017

MARCH 2017 | ISSUE 10 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

Seaside Colonial Town of 

Galle, Sri Lanka 

THE CRUISE LIFE: 

VOYAGE OF DREAMS 

THE CHAPATI FAMILY 

& lesser known Indian breads

Contents 

10 

18 

10 13 14 

On The Radar Out & About Now Boarding 

30 

4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

24 

14 

16 

FYI: Travel with 

Credit Cards 

18 

Travel: Cruise 

23 

Road Less Taken: 


24 

Bucket List: 

Glamping 

25 

Shopping: Outlet 

Malls in Malaysia 

29 

The Suitcase 

30 

Food: Indian Breads 

23 

25 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 5

COVER PHOTO BY AZUL ADNAN 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

GROUP HEAD & BRANDS 

JOHN SO 

EDITOR 

AISHAH AZALI 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

JAMIE SOO-HOO 

CONTRIBUTORS 

AZUL ADNAN, FATHIN SUHAIRA ABD RAHIM, LI-ANN LIM 

& LOLITA VILLA 

DIGITAL TEAM 

CONTENT 

AISHAH AZALI & AYUMI SWEED 

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AISHAH@PCOMASIA.COM 

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ZOE GOH 

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 

JAZLYN YAP 

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JAZLYN@PCOMASIA.COM 

COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP 

JOHN SO 

JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM 

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EDITOR’s note 

All that celebrating and eating at the end of 

January and throughout February is giving 

me the itch to travel. Though I’m prone to 

motion sickness, especially at sea, I feel a sense 

of calm when it’s onboard a bigger vessel. For our 

March issue, read all about a cruise holiday with 

some swanky amenities on the SuperStar Virgo. 

Sticking close to waters, my favourite section, 

the Road Less Taken is exploring the colonial seaside 

town of Galle in beautiful Sri Lanka. The buildings, 

the blue waters and the food there will make you 

put Galle on your bucket list. 

My favourite article to experience and write to 

date is in our Food Section where I met the Indian 

mother I never had, Madam Meeta from Ganga Cafe 

as we talked about the variety of chapatis and lesser 

known Indian bread. Check out our delicious spread 

and you’ll never look at chapati the same way again. 

Aishah Azali 

Editor 

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MONTH WINNER 

ZUZUPOLAND 

WHERE IS YOUR 

FAVOURITE 

PLACE TO EAT 

ROTI CANAI? 

Be Our Food Ranger with #GAPeats & Your 

Photo Can Be Featured In Our Magazine! 

1. Look out for our food question of the month. 

2. Post a picture on Instagram of your favourite eating place based on our 

monthly question. 

3. Tag @goasiaplus and #GAPeats. 

4. Top posts will be featured on our magazine in our new column #GAPeats. 


Rantings 

bird man ranting 

A CONNOISSEUR OF TRAVEL BY PASSION, THE BIRD MAN COMES WITH 

AN EXCEPTIONALLY KEEN SENSE TO HELP UNRAVEL THE COLOURFUL AND 

COMPLICATED WORLD WE LIVE IN TODAY. OPINIONATED HE MAY BE BUT HIS RARE 

COMBINATION OF A NEWSMAKER’S MIND AND BEING A NATURAL BON VIVANT 

DOES INDEED MAKE SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD FOR THOUGHT. ENJOY! 

ON BEING ADVENTUROUS WITH FOOD… 

Life is short, so be adventurous. I can’t imagine 

travelling with those who take only poultry and 

vegetables; they simply miss the best part of life. If 

you are so reluctant to try foods that look unsafe to 

you, stay at home. Any living creature in this planet 

are edible, trust me. Search “food chain” if you don’t 

believe. Forget about diarrhoea, we are entering the era 

of driverless cars and A.I., diarrhoea belongs to WW2. 

If you are uncertain about exotic foods, let your travel 

companion eat first. 

ON NATURE AND GREENERY… 

Always have sunshine in your heart and all you see will 

be great. As Malaysians, we are lucky. We live close to 

nature. Unless you were born in Mid Valley and never 

stepped out from that building throughout your life. We 

have enough rivers (Sungai Buloh, Sungai Way etc…) 

and hills (Bukit Bintang, Bukit Aman etc…) surrounding 

us. There is nothing wrong if you take a 1500 USD E&O 

train ride from Singapore to Thailand when you have 

deep pockets and have never seen any coconut tree or 

rubber plantation before. 

ON THE MYSTERY OF SOUTH AMERICA… 

I have not been to South America. That place is alien 

to me. It’s so mysterious yet so familiar, as I found that 

Ecuador is sharing the same latitude as our country. 

Imagine the feeling of spending 30 flight hours and 

see the very same bananas, buffalos and other habitats 

similar to our kampong. Flying to the other side of the 

globe to balik kampong is simply so cool. 

ON A SHOPPING OBJECTIVE... 

Everybody has different objectives when it comes to 

travelling. It’s always happy to travel with a shopcoholic, 

so long as you know each other for less than 4 weeks. 


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On The Radar 

ON THE RADAR 

Luxury Yacht Dining 

From the culinary masters that brought you some 

of Bali’s hottest restaurants, comes a healthy 

yet sophisticated menu on top of Indonesia’s 

new luxury yacht called the Rascal. The Good 

Food Brotherhood restaurant group, famous for 

eateries like Shmurger Burger and Watercress are 

continuing to serve nutritious food sourced from 

local organic farmers. Now you can sail across the 

Indonesian archipelago in style while being served 

only the best and unique of dishes. 

www.rascal-charters.com 

Blossoming Bags 

Enjoy the bright patterns of spring as the latest collection by Kipling 

features travel bags that are stylish yet functional. The Kipling Twist 

collection include bags like the City S Pack and the Nuria that is 

encased in a pastel lily quilt pattern for a vibrant punch. The City 

Pack S is the star of the series, an all-in-one backpack with multiple 

storage compartments to fit your travel essentials. 

www.facebook.com/KiplingMalaysia 

10 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

Hello Kitty Rooms at 

Hotel Jen, Puteri Harbour 

Fans of Hello Kitty can now lodge in style as Hotel Jen 

at Puteri Harbour, Johor introduces 12 unique themed 

Hello Kitty Rooms. Two categories of rooms, the deluxe 

and the premier get the Hello Kitty treatment with 

colourful illustration and even eye-catching Hello Kitty 

in-room amenities like towels and bathrobes. Room 

rates start at RM800++ per night. 

www.hoteljen.com/johor/puteriharbour/about

On The Radar 

weightless skincare 

That sense of weightlessness from being in 

the ocean is mimicked in LAB Series’ latest 

skin innovation for men in the form of the 

PRO LS All-In-One Face Cleansing Gel and the 

PRO LS All-In-One Face Hydrating Gel. It is 

designed to deliver multiple high-performance 

benefits without disturbing skin’s PH level. 

The cleansing gel deeply purifies pores and 

removes impurities before locking down the 

moisture with the hydrating gel. 

www.facebook.com/LABSERIESMalaysia 

A Sense of Wellness 

The Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary in 

Phuket has launched 6 exclusive 

Sense of Wellness packages for guest 

that are curated for the attainment of 

physical, mental and spiritual peace. 

The packages are based on Banyan 

Tree’s pillars of wellness: Nourishment, 

Healing Heart, Centering, Keeping Fit, 

Enlightenment and Traditional Healing. 

Choose between the two or four-night 

stay at the resort’s Spa Sanctuary Pool 

Villa that also includes a curated dining 

experience on top of the spa treatments. 

www.banyantree.com 

The KL Pass for Travellers 

Want to experience a glitzy part of KL nightlife without breaking the bank? Well 

the latest KL Pass called the KL Pass Night Out Deal allows you to discover 

the wonders of KL nightlife with dining and entertainment. The night out deal 

begins with a four-course dinner at one of KL’s oldest restaurants, The Coliseum 

Cafe. Then check out KL’s hottest musical about the birth of the city, MUD the 

Musical at the iconic Bandaraya Theatre followed by an entry into Zouk Club to 

dance and drink the night away. 

The KL Pass Night Out Deal is priced at RM99, on sale now till 31 March 

2017. The pass can be utilised till the end of April. Purchase 

them online and collect them at the Kuala 

Lumpur City Gallery beside Dataran 

Merdeka. 

www.klpass.com 

LIKE US! 

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On The Radar 

The Taste of the Orient at TREC 

KL’s hottest lifestyle and entertainment hub is adding more eateries 

to its list and the latest one is spreading the love of steamboat. DZH 

Seafood Saunaboat is serving healthy Chinese meals with no MSG. 

Expect fresh seafood, cooked in traditional Chinese ways and even a 

dim sum spread for those weekend lunch gatherings. 

www.facebook.com/Dazhonghwa 

The Golden Triangle 

Journey on Star Cruises 

Star Cruises newest itinerary for 2017 sees their 

Superstar Virgo cruise sailing to Manila, Laoag and 

Kaohsiung from their homeport in Hong Kong. 

The 6 days and 5 nights journey will see visitors 

experiencing the energetic city of Philippine’s 

capital, the wonderful colonial architecture of 

Laoag in the Philippines and finally to the port 

city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan with its towering 

skyscrapers. From 17 March till 26 May, enjoy 

promotions on this Golden Triangle Journey 

starting from HK$4,390 per person. 

www.starcruises.com 


Out & About 

OUT & ABOUT 

THE HOTTEST & MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF 

THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND 

LIKE US! 

facebook.com/ 

goasiaplus 

Check out our GOASIAPLUS 

Facebook to stand a chance to 

win EXO concert tickets. 

18 MAR | EXO PLANET #3 The EXO’rDIUM IN KL 

Calling all K-pop fans in Malaysia, one of the hottest Korean boybands 

EXO is returning to Malaysia for the second time for their third solo tour 

EXO PLANET #3 The EXO’rDIUM (exordium meaning “beginning” in Latin). Their 

2016 album Ex’Act became the fastest selling album in South Korea history 

panning hits like Lucky One and Monster so expect a concert of epic proportions. 

Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur 

www.starplanet.com.my 

Across The Pond 

10 MAR | 

The Temper 

Trap 

25-26 MAR | The Wonderful World of 

Disney on Ice (100 Years Celebration) 

Catch your favourite Disney characters on ice like Mickey and 

gang for a magical weekend packed with fun and whimsical 

wonder. Don’t forget about your Disney Princesses like 

Rapunzel, Jasmine and the Frozen sisters to take you on an 

adventure of friendship with Woody and Buzz that will sure to 

get you jumping out of your seat. 

Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam 

www.prworldwidelive.com 

The Aussie indie band 

that brought you the 

song ‘Sweet Disposition’ 

is heading to Singapore 

to introduce their 

third album ‘Thick As 

Thieves’. We’ve been 

waiting for over 4 years 

and now there are back 

with fresh music to fill 

our indie dreams. 

Hard Rock Hotel, 

Singapore 

www.sistic.com 

14 MAR | Shane Filan: Right Here Tour 

Shane Filan, the former front man of Ireland’s most 

popular boyband, Westlife has gone solo and is touring to 

promote his second solo album Right Here. He’ll bring his 

uplifting songs like ‘Everything To Me’ and the latest ‘Me 

and the Moon’ to melt hearts around. 

The Hall Senayan City, Jakarta 

www.indotix.com 


Now Boarding 

NOW BOARDING 

with 

carrie lee 


Now Boarding 

This pageant queen won her biggest title in 

2004 when she was crowned Miss Chinese 

Cosmos (Universe) International beating 

9000 participants from around the world. 

After her win, Carrie Lee never slowed 

down and continued to be part of the 

pageant world through organising and now 

is pursuing her dream of a skincare line. 

We talked to her about her busy life as a 

working mum of three and her favourite 

places to travel with her kids. 

INTERVIEWED BY AISHAH AZALI · PHOTOS BY CARRIE LEE 

Where is the place or country that 

you frequently visit for holidays? 

I travel to Japan every year. Next is 

Shirakawa. It’s a village where people from 

all over the world go to enjoy the scenery 

and the environment next to the snowy 

mountains. I’m bringing my three kids this 

time though. 

What kind of fun activities do you 

plan to do there with your kids? 

They all like to play in the snow and build 

their own snowman. 

Do you travel a lot with your kids? 

I always travel with my kids. We try to 

travel 3 to 4 times a year. It’s challenging 

sometimes for me because I’m bringing all 

of them one shot. It’s tougher than all of 

my projects. You have to think about all 

their needs like if need their milk or if they 

get cold. It can get tiring but their smiles 

and laughter are awesome and it makes 

me happy as well. I end up thinking about 

them when I travel alone for business. 

What is next on your travel list? 

Coming up, I’m planning to visit Iceland. 

My children and my family want to see 

the aurora lights. Another place in Iceland 

that I want to visit is the Blue Lagoon 

which is good for health because I love 

anything to do with water. 

Are you more of a beach person or a 

snow person? 

I’m more of a sea person. I prefer places 

with a hot climate as I feel fresher there. 

How do you keep yourself looking 

fresh and beautiful when you are 

travelling? 

Before going overseas, I prep by getting 

eyelash extensions. I don’t have to put 

a lot of makeup because I have my own 

skincare line where I use my serum. 

Maybe a little bit of eyeliner and lipgloss 

and I can go out already. I can get ready 

pretty fast. My friends tell me that I wear 

a lot of makeup for hangouts or yam 

cha but in reality, I can get it done in 6 

minutes. 

What kind of a packer are you? 

I’m not such a good packer as I’m very last 

minute. I don’t bother so much with my 

clothes but I do make sure that my kids 

are well dressed. For me, I don’t really 

mind so much. I just need my makeup and 

skincare and I’m good. 

What kind of projects are you 

working on right now? 

I just did a charity event this past Chinese 

New Year for an organization that 

helps disabled people. Coming up, I’m 

organising another one with an orphanage 

where they will do performances. We 

are creating a platform for them to 

showcase their skills on stage, happening 

at Paradigm Mall on 26 of March. 

The skincare line that I’m working on 

is La’C Skin which is a passion of mine. 

It’s a EE cream and a serum where the 

materials are imported from Switzerland. 

My sports centre called White Fairy 

Sports has been going for 6 years. I’m 

planning to build another one this year so 

stay tuned for the latest location. 

What kind of causes are dear to 

your heart? 

From time to time, I would go for blood 

donations at the National Blood Centre in 

KL. I believe even a little bit of our blood 

can save lives. 

What have you learned and gained 

from being in the pageant world? 

Beauty pageants really changed my life 

and it is why I continue to organise them 

after winning my international title back 

in 2004. I’ve been organising pageants 

for 13 years now as I feel it can help 

transform a woman’s confidence like how 

it transformed mine. Plus it has given 

me a lot of opportunities, not just in the 

entertainment industry but also behind 

the stage work as a producer 

and organiser. 


FYI 

SAY GOODBYE 

TO CREDIT 

CARD SCAMS: 

Tips on being smart with 

your card while on holiday 

WORDS BY LOLITA VILLA · PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES 


PLANNING TO USE YOUR CREDIT 

CARD IN ASIA? 

Some travellers feel iffy about the subject because you can 

fall victim to any variant of credit card fraud. Depending 

on how you use it, you can get entangled in phishing 

attacks (when perpetrators gain access to your credit card info 

by tricking you into divulging details via a spoofed website or 

e-mail), skimming (when a counterfeit card reader is used to 

harvest the data on your card’s pin stripe) stolen pin number or 

social engineering (when people are unsuspectingly manipulated 

into giving personal details). The pain doubles if the incident 

happens while you’re on holiday. 

Manila-based banker, Tonette Ramirez, admits that credit 

cards are not infallible. “Technology has its lapses,” she says. 

“But the difference between cash and a credit card is that stolen 

cash is lost forever. Meanwhile a good bank will cancel any 

unauthorized transactions.” 

Take the case of Sydney-based writer and photographer 

Michael Gebicki. He relates on Traveller.com.au how he almost 

lost USD 500 after using his Citibank Visa in Singapore. 

Gebicki used his card in a bar at the Marina Bay Sands and two 

merchants at the Singapore airport. Fraudulent transactions 

popped up in his account weeks later, hinting that his card 

was either skimmed, or the PIN number stolen. Citibank 

subsequently gave him a refund after Gebicki filed his complaint. 

Other travelers have more 

mundane issues over their 

cards. Malaysia-based Delisha 

Sofia Mohammad, who went 

to Japan for her honeymoon, 

feels that a credit card turns 

out to be more expensive 

in the end. Some Japanese 

merchants advised them to 

pay in cash, saying they’d be 

spending more on charges 

incurred per transaction. 

Despite the risks, people 

use it anyway to get rewards. 

Singapore-based English 

teacher Jem Si, who frequently 

uses her credit card while 

traveling, agrees. “We don’t 

just get the rewards and the 

miles, but we also get to 

manage our money better 

through zero interest, delayed 

payment schemes.” The trick 

is, she says, to reserve the 

card solely for hotel bookings, 

plane tickets and high-end 

establishments. 

This practice of isolating 

the card for transport and 

accommodation seem to 

be common among Asian 

travellers. Aries Contaoi, a 

Filipino solo backpacker based 

in Dubai, admits he doesn’t 

use the card for every little 

thing. “I use the card for bus 

and plane tickets. I use cash 

when I go out.” In Thailand for 

When you have to use 

a unique verification 

code from your credit 

card issuer for every 

transaction made, it’s 

almost impossible for 

fraudulent transactions 

to take place. 

instance, he kept his budget down to a certain amount. “Let’s 

say I decided on 500 baht a day. When that was used up, I don’t 

spend any more.” Putting everything on a credit card means your 

finances will be at the mercy of your credit limit and the extent 

of your self-control, he says. 

Then there’s emergencies. No one ever thinks of sickness 

and accidents while on holiday, but it does happen. Contaoi’s 

emergency had a slight twist to it. 

“After having a meal at a restaurant abroad, the waiter told 

me they had a non-cash policy,” he recalls. “I didn’t have a card 

on me so I had to fight for my right to pay cash up front.” Though 

the incident happened in Amsterdam, the chances of this 

scenario happening at a point of sales in Asia isn’t too far behind. 

Reports show that while many Asian merchants still use 

the magnetic stripe, the Asian banking sector is taking rapid 

measures to be more EMV chip compliant – the new standard 

created by Europay, Mastercard and Visa. The standard features 

a microprocessor chip that hinders card skimmers, and makes it 

possible to use the card without making physical contact with 

the merchant. However, some EMV cards retain the magnetic 

stripe to be compatible with older payment systems. When 

you swipe your EMV card, you benefit from none of the card’s 

upgraded security features. 

But the new developments are enough to do away with 

most forms of fraud. Contaoi says, “When you have to use a 

unique verification code from your credit card issuer for every 

transaction made, it’s almost 

FYI 

impossible for fraudulent 

transactions to take place.” The 

worst thing you can do now 

is to not read your credit card 

statements to check for any 

irregularities. 

The key then to safe credit 

card use is understanding the 

technology your credit card is 

based on and how that plays 

out among Asian merchants. 

In Malaysia and Singapore, 

where chip cards have 

been in use for some time, 

this contactless system is 

expanding to other handheld 

smart devices, like smart 

phones. 

But the risks remain. One 

possibility is that you end 

up paying for other people’s 

purchases within the perimeter. 

To keep that from happening, 

use an RFID blocking sleeve, a 

wallet that makes use of a layer 

of aluminium foil to block out 

electromagnetic signals. Sandy 

Dayao, a Malaysian project 

engineer, got an RFID blocking 

sleeve and was surprised by 

how it worked. 

“My cards are in my wallet. 

I tap my wallet to have my ID 

read and it didn’t work that one 

time. I realized it was the card 

sleeve that was blocking the 

signal. It really does work.” 


Cruise 


Cruise 

Voyage 

OF 

Dreams 

AHOY THERE! A VACATION ON THE HIGH SEAS WITH 

STAR CRUISES OFFERS AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE, 

WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT, OPTIMAL LUXURY AND 

STOPOVERS AT ASIA’S BEST DESTINATIONS. . 

WORDS BY LI-ANN LIM PHOTOS BY STAR CRUISES 


Cruise 

I 

remembered watching reruns of Titanic and had my eyes 

transfixed upon the extravagant interior fittings and 

glamorous lifestyle portrayed on a Western cruise ship. 

So here I was, aboard the 75,000-ton SuperStar Virgo (SSV) 

pinching myself to affirm it wasn’t a dream; that this would be 

my ‘resort’ for seven nights. I was pumped with excitement to 

discover a real taste of the Orient cruising along the South China 

Sea. The all-inclusive luxurious cruise set sail from Hong Kong, 

called at Nansha Guangzhou, Halong Bay, Danang in central 

Vietnam, Sanya (known as the Hawaii of China), returning to 

Hong Kong. 

ALL ABOARD 

My welcome party consisted of three gigantic, prancing golden 

horses, a jazzy duet and a host of warm smiles. The main lobby 

was a flurry of activity and colours and my eyes took awhile to 

get adjusted to the surrounding rich and bold tones that filled 

the flooring to the centrepieces and pretty stained-glass ceiling. 

The vessel was designed to appeal to Asians at large with strongcoloured 

decor in most common areas. 

My first taste of a luxury cruise started off with a priority 

check-in into an ocean stateroom. The attached balcony was a 

bonus with the sound of waves lapping by the hull, the cooling 

evening sea breeze on my face, perfected by a warm brew of 

coffee. 

EAT, RELAX, PLAY, REPEAT 

If you thought that a mall had the answers to every whim 

and fancy, the SSV did not disappoint. It was truly a selfcontained 

resort afloat where shopping, dining and a galore of 

entertainment could be enjoyed in style. 

A fabulous array of restaurants and bars served quality 

and succulent food that were nothing short of excellent. The 

inclusive restaurants highlighted three options; Chinese set 

meals at Genting Palace, Western fare at Pavilion or casual 

fusion buffet at Mediterranean. Foodies onboard could add 

on to their gastronomic adventure at the featured speciality 

IT WAS TRULY A SELF- 

CONTAINED RESORT 

AFLOAT WHERE SHOPPING, 

DINING AND A GALORE OF 

ENTERTAINMENT COULD BE 

ENJOYED IN STYLE. 


Cruise 

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT 

The vessel that is the 

SuperStar Virgo; The 

main floor lobby; One of 

the many sea-view rooms 

on the cruise; The luxury 

suites on the vessel. 

restaurants. What made a dining experience even sweeter was 

the fact that Balcony Class guests could pay with rewarded 

dining credits. 

Feast like a rajah at The Taj’s Indian buffet; Japanese cuisine 

or teppanyaki made before your eyes at Samurai; fine Italian 

cuisine served on classic Versace tableware at Palazzo. For round 

the clock hunger pangs, the nautical-themed Blue Lagoon dished 

out simple Asian and Western meals. A must-try for dessert 

lovers was Lab Made’s liquid nitrogen ice cream, made at an 

extremely cold temperature of -196ºC. 

TREATING YOURSELF 

Any form of pampering treats from head to toe could be found 

on the SSV. A visit to Apollo Spa should be on your to-do list, 

with such an interesting assortment of coddling treatments ideal 

for rejuvenating a tired soul. 

It was rather difficult not to look good all the time onboard. 

Oscar’s Hair & Beauty Salon had top solutions to limp tresses 

and grooming services that included manicures, pedicures and 

hair setting for that special occasion. Cruising on Balcony Class 

had its additional perks: access to the sauna, steam room and 

Aquaswim (jet pools) was complimentary at the spa. 

FUN FOR ALL AGES 

The Universal Gymnasium was an attraction by itself. The roomy 

space had large windows with exercise equipment oriented 

towards the infinite ocean views; without a doubt my kind of 

favourite place to unwind after a full day. The outdoor Parthenon 

Pool on the upper sun deck was ideal for swimming laps, 

surrounded by four inviting heated Jacuzzi pools. This classical 

Greek-style deck appeared less cluttered, so it was perfect for 

relaxation and family recreation. 

If those facilities created much excitement, children or the 

big kid at heart would have their adrenaline pumping as they 

whizz down the 100-metre mega waterslide. The open-air Sports 

Deck had a mini golf putting course, driving range and basketball 

court. Indoor fun for the family came in the form of board and 

deck games, kiddie arts and crafts, a video arcade and karaoke. 

Yes, a quiet zone did exist in the form of a well-stocked library 

cum writing room. 


Cruise 

ENTERTAINMENT ON THE SEAS 

Programs were lined up by the hour at different locations and 

hosted by the amiable crew. Morning exercise was held at 

the ocean-fronting promenade which then transformed into a 

twilight disco party hosted by ‘Beatship by Zouk’. Galaxy of the 

Stars was also a popular lounge as it offered 180-degree views 

from a large-windowed observatory area. I spent my nights here 

either catching a midnight movie, dance performance or soaking 

in the feel good vibes from the resident band. 

If there is one program not to be missed, it would have to 

be what unfolds behind the velvety drapes framing The Lido’s 

entrance. The double-deck show lounge came to live night 

after night with world-class stage productions; a visual feast of 

song, dance, illusion, gravity-defying acrobatics and remarkable 

choreography. 

With so much the Virgo had to offer, I didn’t want the cruise 

to end when the time came to bid adieu to the amazing crew. 

The week filled with non-stop exhilarating entertainment, 

relaxing recreation, shore excursions and gastronomic pleasures 

certainly elevated my idea of vacationing to a different level. I 

can agree no lesser that every journey on Star Cruises is a voyage 

of discovery and surprise. 

For holiday packages and seasonal offers by Star Cruises, please log 

on to www.starcruises.com. 

DISCLAIMER: The observations and comments are entirely based on the writer’s 

personal account on the SuperStar Virgo. 


Road Less Taken is a collaboration with AirAsiaGo. 

Check out airasiago.com.my for flight & hotel deals! 

Road Less Taken 

ROAD LESS TAKEN: 


THE ISLAND OF SRI LANKA IS 

HOME TO SCENIC BEACHES 

AND A DIVERSE HISTORY 

THAT RETAINS ITS OLD- 

WORLD CHARM. GALLE 

ON THE SOUTH SIDE IS A 

PERFECT EXAMPLE OF BOTH, 

EVIDENT IN ITS MANY FORTS 

FLANKING THE GORGEOUS 

COAST. IT IS A COLONIAL 

TOWNSHIP NOT TO BE MISSED! 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI · PHOTOS BY 

AIRASIAGO & ADOBE STOCK 

HOW TO GET THERE 

The only international airport in Sri Lanka is 

located in Colombo. Once you land there, you 

can either take the bus or the train. A more 

breath-taking coastal route is via train which 

takes roughly 2 and a half hours on the 

express train. While the bus takes anywhere 

from an hour and a half to four hours 

depending on traffic. 

WHAT TO DO 

Take in the history of Galle by visiting the 

Galle Fort which is a fortification built by the 

Portuguese in the 16th century. Walk along its 

ramparts and bastions where Flag Rock doubles 

as a stunning spot to watch the sunset. 

Check out Meera Jumma Mosque 

which has a Portuguese baroque design, an 

unconventional architecture for a mosque. 

Another holy site worth stopping over is the 

Dutch Reform Church built on the highest 

point inside the fort over 200 years ago. 

Water babies can head over to Unawatuna 

Bay, 5km south of Galle for its world-renowned 

beaches and various water activities. Wreck 

diving is a big thing in these parts where scuba 

divers can discover sunken ships of the Dutch 

and British just 30 minutes from the shore. 

WHat to eat 

Idiyappam or string hoppers are served 

everywhere in Sri Lanka, eaten with ambul 

thiyal which is a sour fish curry. Kottu roti is a 

favourite street food where bread is chopped 

up and fried with spices and vegetable. You 

know, like fried noodles but using bread. 

Taste a truly Sri Lankan breakfast of 

appa and potato curry at Bedspace Kitchen 

(bedspaceuna.com/fb/dining-and-drink) or 

get your crepe on with a side of shisha on the 

rooftop terrace of Crepe-ology (www.crepeology.lk). 

Food, architecture and good music come 

together at Fortaleza (www.fortaleza.lk) where 

the view is equally breathtaking. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Transport back into time as you lodge in the 

historic building that is the Galle Fort Hotel 

where its colonial architecture will leave you 

charmed. Their rooms of white walls and 

archways are accessorised with four poster 

beds and dark wooden furniture for a comfy 

colonial living (www.galleforthotel.com). 

A grand villa cannot be any more 

extravagant than the Thambili House (www. 

thefrangipanitree.com/thambili-house). It was 

formerly a spice merchant’s abode and one 

of the rare properties in the Galle Fort. The 

3-bedroom villa features a terrace overlooking 

the sea and an emerald swimming pool for 

those hot island days. 


Bucket List 

THE GLORY OF 

GLAMPING 

Want to go camping but do not want to 

sacrifice air-conditioning, a toilet and 

comfy sheets? Well, glamping was created 

for that reason. So, you could have the 

Tarzan and Jane experience but with 

added luxury amenities. This month we 

check out some of Asia’s coolest glamping 

resorts for a taste of the wild side. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI · PHOTOS BY 4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE 

& LA COCOTERAIE ECOLODGE 

4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE | Koh Kong, Cambodia 

Luxury tents with white canopies floating on the Tatai river is a 

sight to behold. The lodges are a step up from your regular jungle 

accommodations as they feature top-of-the-line luxury that is in 

harmony with Mother Nature. Embrace the view of the Cardamom 

Mountain Range from your lodge and indulge in dishes like freshwater 

fish cooked in the traditional Khmer way. Nature lovers will enjoy its 

proximity to virgin rainforests, waterfalls and coastal mangroves. 

www.ecolodges.asia 

24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

LA COCOTERAIE ECOLODGE | Gili Trawangan, 

Lombok, Indonesia 

Gili Trawangan is a peaceful island off the coast of Lombok that has been 

able to avoid tourist infestation. The ecolodge is on the north west of 

the island where their luxury tents are built on a coconut plantation. 

The eight tents have an African safari feel equipped with amenities like 

attached bathroom, air-conditioning and even Wifi. Take advantage 

of the free bicycles to explore the island and free snorkelling gear to 

explore the crystal clear waters. 

www.lacocoteraiegili.com

The Suitcase 

THE SUITCASE 

The Island Life 

SOAK UP THE SUN AND ENJOY THE BREEZE AS WE TAKE A LOOK 

AT SOME BEAUTY ESSENTIALS FOR THE ISLAND LIFE. SOME 

FEATURE INGREDIENTS FROM MARINE LIFE WHILE OTHERS ARE 

INSPIRED BY THE VIBRANCY OF THE SAND AND THE SEA. 

WRITTEN BY AISHAH AZALI 

Escada Fiesta Carioca 

Bask in the fresh scent of summer as Escada 

celebrates their latest bottle Escada Fiesta 

Carioca. It features Brazilian passion fruit 

accord with red raspberry and passionflower 

for a kiss of summer in a bottle. 

Price at RM233 

Crabtree & Evelyn 

Seaweed Shampoo and 

Conditioner 

The wonders of the sea give life to 

hair thanks to the antioxidant-rich 

green seaweed extract. The shampoo 

also contains brown algae extract for 

enhanced volume while the conditioner 

nourishes the hair with blue sea kale. 

Priced at SGD30 

Clinique Even Better 

Brightening BB Cream 

A bottle that offers protection like a sunscreen 

but with added coverage and a lightweight 

texture comes in the latest beauty essential 

from Clinique. The cream is also sweat proof 

for all day comfort in the sun. 

Price at RM150 

Bobbi Brown Extra 

Illuminating Moisture 

Balm 

We anticipate that sun-kissed glow 

during our beach visits. If you can’t 

wait, this illuminating balm that 

doubles as a moisturiser will highlight 

your best features for that overall 

radiance. Don’t stop there and use it 

on your neck and shoulders as well. 

Priced at RM275 

Mount Sapola Jet Lag 

Mini Massage Oils 

Never let a little thing like jet lag ruin 

your island holiday. So, refresh your 

senses with massage oils infused 

with rejuvenating herbs like lavender, 

eucalyptus and rosemary for that 

quick pick me up after a long flight. 

Priced at RM69.90 


Outlet Malls 

OUTLET MALLS 

IN MALAYSIA 

SHOPPING IS DEFINITELY A BIG PAST TIME 

IN MALAYSIA WHETHER YOU ARE A LOCAL 

OR A FOREIGNER. THE VAST SELECTION 

AND INCREASE OF LUXURY AND FAST 

FASHION BRANDS HAS SEEN THE RISE 

OF OUTLET MALLS THAT SELL EXCESS OR 

PAST SEASON GOODS FOR A FRACTION 

OF THE PRICE. HERE WE SHARE SOME OF 

THE BEST OUTLET MALLS IN MALAYSIA. 

WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY MITSUI OUTLET 

PARK, DESIGN VILLAGE, FATHIN SUHAIRA ABD RAHIM 

& SHIO CHEE PENG 

MITSUI OUTLET PARK 

Sepang, Selangor 

A stone’s throw away from Kuala Lumpur International 

Airport is a shopping haven featuring a mix of high and 

mid-range brands. Those searching for sweet deals 

on high end brands to post the perfect #OOTD on 

Instagram will squeal with pleasure with brands like 

Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss, Versace, Aigner 

and Polo Ralph Lauren to name a few. 

Mitsui is also a favourite for sneaker heads as sports brands like 

Nike, Adidas, Puma and New Balance feature crazy deals on popular 

shoes like Nike Air Max 1 and Adidas Superstars. Aside from 

footwear, getting your sturdy gym and swim gear for a cheaper 

price is always a sweet bargain. 

If you are travelling back and need an extra luggage to fit all 

the souvenirs you bought, look no further as Mitsui host travel 

bag brands like Samsonite, Delsey and Universal Traveller. 

Fast fashion brands like Mango, Esprit and Cotton On are also 

present on the ground floor for the tweens to catch up on the 

latest trends. 

Note that is you get hungry or just want to wait for your 

significant other to finish shopping, a plethora of eateries 

are available. Nosh on some pies and salads at Dome or 

get a taste of Thailand at Para Thai. Free shuttles buses are 

available from KLIA and klia2 and the place even has a Flight 

Information Display System to keep track of your flight 

timing with ease. 

OPENING HOURS: 10.00am to 10.00pm 

www.mitsuioutletparkklia.com.my 


Outlet Malls 

JOHOR PREMIUM OUTLETS 

Kulai, Johor 

The outlet mall that boosted the retail scene in South East Asia, Johor Premium 

Outlets or JPO is your gateway to designer goods for a fraction of the price. We 

are talking about an impressive selection of luxury fashion brands that cater to 

both men and women like BCBGMAXAZRIA, Armani Exchange, Versace, Burberry, 

DKNY and Salvatore Ferragamo. 

JPO is also the home to South East Asia’s first Gucci outlet where fashionistas 

can invest in those monogrammed totes from past seasons. Famous bag brands are 

scattered at JPO aside from Gucci as women flock to get their hands on totes from 

the likes of Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade which have churned out the It-Bags 

of the year. 

Leather goods are also a bargain at JPO with brands like Braun Buffel, Fossil 

and Bonia displaying everything from wallets to watches for purchase. The outlet 

also sports a cool selection of timepieces under Time Lab, Swiss Watch Gallery and 

Swatch if you are eyeing a Montblanc or Bell and Ross. 


www.premiumoutlets.com.my 


Outlet Malls 

Keen to get an extra hard case 

suitcase? Bag brands like 

Obermain, Kipling & Samsonite 

make for an extensive collection of 

bags of all shapes and sizes. 


Outlet Malls 

DESIGN VILLAGE 

Bandar Cassia, Penang 

The latest outlet to pop up, catering popular brands with 

marked down prices on the northern shores of Malaysia 

is the Design Village. Their outlet stores feature more 

mid-range brands for clothes and bags. Get shopping with 

brands like GAP, Guess, Superdry, Ed Hardy and Timberland. 

Sportier brands include Reebok, Skechers, Adidas and 

Rip Curl for sneakers and sportswear. Keen to get an extra 

hard case suitcase or a stylish duffel bag? Bag brands like 

Obermain, Kipling, Samsonite and Cosas United make for an 

extensive collection of bags of all shapes and sizes. 

Get more bang for your buck at Design Village thanks 

to the Design Village Traveller Privilege. Show your boarding 

pass at the Customer Service Information Centre to redeem a 

Traveller Privilege postcard which can be used in selected store 

for additional discounts. 


www.designvillage.today 

FREEPORT A’FAMOSA OUTLET 

Simpang Empat, Melaka 

While you are visiting the historical city of Melaka for its culture and 

food, make sure to pop over to the Freeport A’Famosa Outlet for 

some bargain shopping. It is not as big as the outlet malls mentioned 

above but they cater brands like Levi’s, Arnold Palmer, Hush Puppies 

and Puma. 


www.freeportafamosa.com 

UP & COMING 

GENTING HIGHLANDS PREMIUM OUTLETS 

Genting Highlands, Pahang 

Slated to open in mid-2017, this premium outlet will be bigger than its Johor 

counterpart. It will also be the first hilltop premium outlet centre in South East 

Asia featuring top brands like Calvin Klein Jeans, Furla, Coach and Michael Kors. 


Indian Breads 

More Than Just Roti Canai 

INDIAN BREAD: 


Indian Breads 

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE INDIANS KNOW 

HOW TO MAKE THEIR BREAD. SOFT, DELICIOUS AND 

COMPLIMENTARY TO ANY CONDIMENT UNDER THE 

SUN, INDIAN BREAD IS A DAILY FOOD STAPLE THAT IS 

CLOSE TO ANY MALAYSIANS’ HEART. THOUGH ROTI 

CANAI IS THE COMMONLY KNOWN ONE, AISHAH AZALI 

WENT OUT DISCOVER THE LESSER KNOWN BREADS OF 

INDIAN CUISINE THAT ARE EQUALLY AS DELECTABLE. 

WRITTEN BY AISHAH AZALI · PHOTOS BY AZUL ADNAN 


Indian Breads 

Bread in all its glorious 

form; circular, square, 

cone-like or even chopped 

up to be drenched in gravy 

is a cuisine that reigns 

supreme in Malaysia. 

1 

3 

2 

My love for bread stemmed during my younger years as I 

remember eating it more than eating rice. Take rice out of my 

daily menu and I’ll be fine but omitting bread is a different 

story. Malaysia’s variety of bread I noticed is mastered in Indian cuisine. 

It does not matter whether it’s northern or southern Indian, bread in 

all its glorious form; circular, square, cone-like or even chopped up to 

be drenched in gravy is a cuisine that reigns supreme in Malaysia. But 

what else is out there besides the common roti canai, tosai and roti 

boom? Well, chapati has always been my favourite and was I surprised 

that there are many types of chapati made from various ingredients and 

seasoned with a plethora of spices. I interviewed Meeta Sheth of Ganga 

Café at Bangsar to find out the lesser known breads in Indian cuisine. 

Boy was I in for a treat. 

1 Thepla 

Also known as the ‘traveller’s chapati’, this flatbread is pretty similar to 

a typical chapati but with some added goodness. Wheat flour is used 

for the dough but other spices like chilli powder and cumin are added 

to the mix for that punch of flavour. It is a traditional Gujarati dish that 

can be eaten on its own or even dipped in a variety of curries and even 

pickled mango. 

2 Rotala 

The rotala is something like your average chapati but instead is made 

from millet flour. Millet is a type of gluten-free grain that is widely 

grown in India that creates a denser chapati. It also varies in colour as 

the rotala has a slightly greyish tone similar to the colour of raw millet. 

Back in India, it was once considered a poor man’s food because millet 

was easy to grow and store. Nowadays it is known more for its health 

benefits that are packed with manganese and phosphorus. 

3 Ayurvedic chapati 

The super chapati of the lot, ayurvedic chapati is packed with more 

healthy grains in one flatbread. An ordinary chapati uses wheat flour 

but this one is mixed with corn, soy, wheat and a sprinkle of chickpeas 

to name a few. The taste is heartier, making you feel like you are eating 

a meal of superfoods like that bowl of quinoa and flax seed. 


4 Bhakari 

Indian Breads 

A light dinner staple eaten by the Gujaratis is the bhakari bread which 

is accompanied with side dishes made with vegetables like aubergine or 

squash. It is made from wheat flour but is kneaded a little thicker than 

your normal chapati. It is best eaten with ‘baingan bharta’ which are 

roasted aubergines cooked with spices. 

5 Puri 

The puri is different from the families of chapati due to its method of 

cooking. Its dough is still kneaded using wheat flour but after shaping 

them into circular portions, it is deep fried in hot oil. The result is this 

balloon-like bread, crispy, golden and ready to be dipped in curry or dal. 

When served, it is best eaten immediately while the bread is still filled 

with air because no one wants to eat a deflated puri. 

4 

5 

8 

DRINKS 

6 Detox Cooler 

The juice to wake you up in the morning featuring a hefty dose of mint 

leaves, some spices and even a version with added tea. 

7 Mango Lassi 

Fresh mangoes are blended with yoghurt for a glass of sour and 

sweetness that transcends your average smoothie. 

8 Masala Tea 

The Indian beverage staple, this milk tea is loaded with spices like 

cinnamon and cardamom. The one served at Ganga Café is the right 

balance of milky and spicy for a perfect cup of tea in the morning. 

6 7 


Indian Breads 

FROM TOP The 

exterior of Ganga 

Cafe with its 

cement interior and 

garden at the back; 

Meeta, the lady 

who runs the cafe. 

About Ganga Café 

Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Pantai 

Dalam in Bangsar, Meeta’s café was one of the 

first restaurants to pop up there before other 

trendy eateries came about. Her vegetarian 

restaurant is definitely the homey one of the 

block, serving simple popular Indian dishes that 

will make you feel like you are being served by 

the Indian mother you never had. 

For an authentic taste of Ganga Café’s 

hospitality and food, try the Sunday Family 

Buffet. It is quite an event as for RM25, you 

get a feast of five different types of chapati, 

a variety of dal gravy, masala tea and dessert. 

Bring your whole family as this Indian version 

of a Sunday roast will make you a fan of the 

restaurant and Meeta’s vegetarian dishes. 

THE GANGA CAFÉ 

19 Lorong Kurau, Taman Bukit Pantai, 

Bangsar 59100 Kuala Lumpur 

9am till 11pm (Monday to Saturday) 

10am till 3pm (Sunday) 

Other Indian restaurants that served a 

mean plate of chapati 

WTF 

98, Lorong Maarof, 

Bangsar 59000 KL 

Tasty Chapathi 

Viva Residensy, Suppiah Pillay off Jalan 

Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Ipoh 51200 KL 

Santa Restaurant Chapati House 

11, Jalan Tun HS Lee 50000 KL

GOASIAPLUS March 2017

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