GOASIAPLUS November 2017

NOV 2017 | ISSUE 18
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
The Natural Side of
BANDUNG
Turning Heads with
HOMEGROWN
JEWELLERY

Experience the country’s diverse cultural heritage, delicious local
cuisine, arts and crafts through Joyful Malaysia at KLIA and klia2.
Monthly promotions with state tourism organisations bring to life the
distinctive Malaysian experience to visitors of our country.

Nasi Ambeng Festival
Joyful Malaysia
with Tourism Melaka
Joyful Malaysia with
Tourism Perak
Merdeka
Food Promotion
Selangor
State Promotion
Joyful Malaysia with
Tourism Johor
Joyful Malaysia with
Tourism Terengganu
Joyful Malaysia with
Tourism Kedah
*Subject to change
Joyful Malaysia with
Tourism Kelantan
Joyful Malaysia with
Sarawak
Tourism Board
*Subject to change

Contents
32
12
16
20
12
On the Radar
16
Out & About
18
Now Boarding
20
The Natural Side
of Bandung
24
Road Less Taken
28
Homegrown
Jewellery Brands
32
Lost & Found
34
Elites of Meat-Centric
Singapore
8 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

I should invest in
real hiking shoes
COVER PHOTO BY
AISHAH AZALI
EDITORIAL TEAM
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS
JOHN SO
EDITOR
AISHAH AZALI
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JAMIE SOO-HOO
EDITOR’s note
It’s almost the end of the year already? Better start booking
those holiday flights and hotels before the price surge! If
you need some ideas, I travelled to Bandung to discover its
countryside and brought back a ton of good memories and bags
of tea. You can read all about my trip on page 20.
My love for visiting local markets has lead me to find some
impressive local jewelry brands that I have come to love. I
believe it can be a great Christmas present for your lady friends
or comrades overseas that appreciate homegrown products. See
the colourful spread on page 28.
And finally, I’m happy to announce that GOASIAPLUS
will be available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
starting in November. Grab a copy at the main information
counter as well as the one in the terminal.
Happy planning for the holidays :)
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
JESSY WONG
CONTRIBUTORS
SHAHRIL SAIFOL @ LIGHT SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY
DIGITAL TEAM
WEB CONTENT
AISHAH AZALI
DIGITAL & WEB DESIGNER
AYUMI SWEED
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
AISHAH@PCOMASIA.COM
SENIOR MANAGER
(SALES & MARKETING)
YONG WANG CHING
YONG@PCOMASIA.COM
COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP
JOHN SO
JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM
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PERCETAKAN TURBO SDN. BHD.
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SHAH ALAM 40000, MALAYSIA.
Aishah Azali
Editor
The views expressed in the articles published are not necessarily those of Publishcom
Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). While every reasonable care is taken in compiling the
magazine, the publisher shall not be held liable for any omission, error or inaccuracy.
Please notify the publisher in writing of any such omission, error or inaccuracy.
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10 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

On The Radar
ON THE RADAR
MAYFLOWER TRAVEL carnival
For 5 days starting from November 8, Malaysia’s
online travel portal, Mayflower is hosting an exciting
travel carnival at the south court of Mid Valley
Megamall. Get awesome travel package deals and
too good to be true promos for destinations inside
of Malaysia and beyond. Also come on down to take
part in lucrative lucky draws and the ‘Buy, Travel &
Win’ competition to stand a chance to win a Renault
CAPTUR. GOASIAPLUS is the official travel magazine
for the Mayflower Travel Carnival 2017.
www.mayflower.com.my
GIVENCHY FOR HIM AND HER
LIKE US!
facebook.com/
goasiaplus
Enhance your femininity with the new Dahlia Divin
Eau de Parfum Nude masked in a floral fruity scent
with a musky fragrance of apricot and jasmine for
a presence of incandescence while Gentleman
exudes a woody floral fragrance for an elegant
match. Price starts from RM329 for Dahlia Divin
and RM310 for Gentleman.
Available at Parkson and Sephora
outlets nationwide.
HANOI’S HIGHEST HOTEL:
INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI LANDMARK72
This new luxury hotel opens its doors at Hanoi’s Landmark
Tower from the 62nd to 70th floor with a total of 359 exquisite
rooms from classic guestrooms to opulent suites. Located at
the centre of the business district, Intercontinental Hotel offers
dining options from restaurants, bars and a steakhouse to
facilities in the sky. Room rates starts at USD156.
www.intercontinental.com
12 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

On The Radar
GROWING FOOD
SCENE IN BALI
A farm-to-table dining concept
is introduced in Seminyak by
Singapore’s renowned Chef
Ryan Clift in bringing classic
flavours to the urban scene.
GROW mainly features Balinese
cuisine with European touches
like Lombok Oysters and
Chocolate Quinoa Porridge
while GROW UP is a rooftop
cocktail bar in escort of the
fusion food.
www.growbali.com
THE FACE INC GOLD PRIMER MIST
Marking the brand’s 2nd anniversary sees a new version
of their award-winning product, the primer mist, popular
among women who seek instant hydration and skin
tightening in seconds. The limited edition gold cased
primer mist is lightweight and portable to bring it
everywhere. Product retails for RM178. Available at
selected SASA stores nationwide.
www.thefaceinc.com
WINTER WONDERLAND AT HONG KONG
A trip to Disneyland is more magical with the Christmas
celebration around the corner, that sees the park transformed into
a snowy fairytale ground for the enjoyment of all. There will be a
special Mickey and Friends Christmastime Ball besides a Holiday
Wish-Come-True Tree Lighting Ceremony to perk your Christmas
mood. Buy a 1-day Disneyland ticket today and get a HK$50
merchandise coupon, especially applicable to Malaysian visitors.
www.hongkongdisneyland.com
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 13

On The Radar
WORLD’S LARGEST LUXURY JET
LIKE US!
facebook.com/
goasiaplus
The Boeing 777 private tour jet that charters to
exclusive locations is finally departing from Hong Kong
to cater to the highly discerning travellers around the
world. Crystal Skye is customised to accommodate 88
guests on board with an added luxurious social space
featuring a bar and lounge. The inauguration of this air
cruise in Asia offers packages to travel to places like
Tahiti and Kenya.
www.crystalcruises.com
MRS MALAYSIA TOURISM
QUEEN 2017 FINALE
A pageant that has no contestant age limit proves their
mission to fulfil women’s dreams in all beauty shapes.
The two categories of this pageant; Mrs (25-40 years
old) and Classic (41 years old and above) houses 22
beautiful women guided by Jenet Foo, founder and
director of the pageant.
The finalists will compete by highlighting their abilities
and poise in representing their local culture and
heritage. Winner of the Mrs category will represent
Malaysia in the global arena at Mrs Tourism Queen
International in 2018. Watch the grand finale of this
pageant at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on the
24th of November. GOASIAPLUS is the official travel
magazine for Mrs Malaysia Tourism Queen 2017.
www.facebook.com/MrsTQI
14 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Out & About
17-18 NOV | Konsert Tanah Airku
A concert of talents by Malaysia Philharmonic
Youth Orchestra and Orchestra Traditional
Malaysia is delivering a modern meets contemporary
string of ensemble where local traditional instruments
match with a legion of Western music forms. Immerse in
the performance conducted by renowned veteran Mohd
Yazid Zakaria and Ahmad Muriz Che Rose.
Petronas Filharmonik Hall, KLCC
www.mpo.com.my
OUT & ABOUT
THE HOTTEST & MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND
24-26 NOV | Melaka Art and
Performance Festival 2017
Once again, the doors are open to
introduce MAPFEST on a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Expect exclusive programs to
be held on this site-specific art event from
exhibitions, dance installations, artist talks
and Cerita Pendek (short works) with music
performances by global artists. Entrance is
free for public.
St. Paul’s Hills, Bandar Hilir Melaka
www.melakafestival.com
23 NOV | Vir Das -
The Boarding Das
World Tour
Get a handkerchief ready for
the tears of laughter with
television star coming to life
through an international standup
tour in support of his Netflix
show “Abroad Understanding”.
Indian’s biggest rising
personality shows his comedic
side through witty politic and
globalism gags that cut the
mustard.
Galaxy Hall, HGH Convention
Center, Kuala Lumpur
www.ticketpro.com.my
Across The Pond
17-19 NOV | Clockenflap Festival
Hong Kong’s largest outdoor art and music festival is
returning with Grammy-nominated Feist, UK’s Massive Attack and
local indie legend Fan Hung A headlining the show set against the
city’s concrete jungle. Visitors are treated with art exhibitions and
film features besides from a wide array of music genre performances.
Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
www.clockenflap.com
10-12 NOV | Quest Festival Vietnam
The growing success of the sustainable
event will showcase photo-worthy art installations,
performances, craft workshops, yoga sessions and
more than 60 musical acts from local and international
talents. Attendees can get their costume inspiration
from this year’s festival mythology theme; “The Four
Holy Animals of Vietnam”.
Son Tinh Camp, Hanoi, Vietnam
www.questfestival.net
16 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Now Boarding
NOW BOARDING
with
AGNES WANG
Beauty queen turned actress and VJ, Agnes
Wang has made a smooth transition from
the stage to the screen. Here she talks to
us about her travels for work and how she
stays fit when travelling abroad.
INTERVIEWED BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY AGNES WANG
18 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Now Boarding
Do you remember your first trip aboard without your parents?
How was it like and what was the occasion?
Yes, I remember my first trip abroad without my parents as it was
a very memorable trip for me. Me and my sister went to Taiwan
when I was 20 years old. We spent 8 happy days from Taipei to
Kaohsiung and is all for sake of fun, fun and more fun.
Where was a place you travelled to that made a big impression
on you?
Berlin, it was my first trip to Europe and I was travelling solo. The
cultural difference made a big impression on me and it was an
eye-opener for me too.
Has acting ever taken you to travel outside of Malaysia? If yes,
where has your work taken you?
My work as an actress has brought me to many places like
Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and London.
How do you keep in shape when you are travelling? Do you
work out when you are abroad?
As part of my routine, I will make sure that I have time for cycling
or if not, a simple in-room workout that I love will do the trick.
It’s a series of workout that I do on a regular basis.
How did the gig of being a VJ at ONFM came about? Can you
tell us more about your role there?
Back when I was acting, I got invited to host a program at OnFM.
I fell in love being a Video Jockey (VJ) for this Chinese-based
online radio station and have been there since.
Do you often travel with your family or friends? Or do you
prefer to travel alone?
As part of my work requirement, I always travel alone. But I enjoy
travelling with family and friends whenever I have time.
You also do some acting, what kind of role would you love to
portray on the big screen?
I always get offered feminine roles. I had roles of a young lady,
a young parent or a mother. If I was given a chance to choose, I
would like to act in more action-based roles.
You were in pageantry back in 2010 when you placed 2nd
runner up in the Miss Chinese Cosmos Pageant. What have you
gained from dabbling in the beauty pageant world?
I had gained lots of fame but I also gathered even more
experience as a pageant winner growing into an actress and now
a host/video jockey (VJ).
How do you keep yourself occupied in long flights?
I love to fly long haul flights as I have my personal space and
time to read on personal enhancement books to improve myself.
This is something that I normally do not have time for on a
daily basis.
What are you planning for 2018? Any new gigs or roles?
I am really looking forward to 2018 as I want to make an impact
for myself in the coming years. I am achieving my personal goal
to balance my life between work and health. I will be more active
in my active lifestyle like sports and traveling. So, my role is to
blend sports into my work.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 19

Bandung
The Natural Side of
Bandung
The largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia is home to more
than 13,000 islands with the main ones being Java, Sumatra, Borneo,
Sulawesi and New Guinea. Jakarta on the island of Java is the capital
of the country with the largest population. The big population size is followed
closely by Surabaya and then Bandung which is located 150km from Jakarta in
West Java.
Cooler temperatures are felt in the city of Bandung due to its proximity to
the volcanic mountains with the temperature dropping even more when you
travel further out and up from the main town. If you ask any ‘Auntie’ this side
of Malaysia, they will mention that Bandung is a treasure trove when it comes
to shopping due to the many factory outlets selling everything from clothes to
accessories at a bargain.
That held true when I stepped foot in Bandung but I strapped on my hiking
shoes to discover its greener side. First, I have to explain that greater Bandung
offers a lot when it comes to nature attractions and they do take time to reach
there so proper planning is key. In this article, I am going to share the natural
wonders located in the South-Western part of Bandung which is Ciwidey that is
located in the municipality of Soreang. The trip to Ciwidey took approximately 3
hours from my hotel in Bandung town.
20 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Bandung
BANDUNG IN INDONESIA
IS WIDELY KNOWN AS A
SHOPPING DESTINATION
THANKS TO ITS MANY
FACTORY OUTLET STORES.
BUT LITTLE DO TRAVELLERS
KNOW THAT THE
SURROUNDING AREA OF
BANDUNG IS HOME TO LUSH
HILLS OF TEA PLANTATIONS,
PADDY FIELDS AND SOME
VOLCANIC ACTION. AISHAH
AZALI FLEW DOWN TO SEE
WHAT MOTHER NATURE
GIFTED THE CAPITAL OF
WEST JAVA.
WORDS & PHOTOS BY AISHAH AZALI
FROM TOP Tall trees
at the park leading to
Patenggang Lake; A
panoramic view of the
White Crater, a sulphur
lake in Ciwidey.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 21

Bandung
The Lady and the Lake
I visited two lakes in Ciwidey, one being your typical
green pool of gorgeousness and the other being a sulphur
lake with eerie smoke emitting from it. The sulphur lake is
called White Crater or ‘Kawah Putih’ in Indonesian and is
a body of water that looks as white as milk when I visited.
The White Crater is one of the two craters of Mount
Patuha, a stratovolcano. Due to its elevation, walking
around the smoky sulphur lake is colder than being in
town with temperatures ranging from 8°-22° Celsius. The
milky lake can turn into various shades of blue depending
on the amount of sunlight with the colour turquoise being
a unique colour that pops up and looks great in pictures.
Visiting the White Crater is interesting because when
are you ever going to come across a milky lake of sulphur
in your lifetime? Lifeless branches of once flourishing
trees surround the lake with many photographers,
equipped with impressive DSLR cameras on standby to
take shots of you for a fee.
A true lake of emerald green against a backdrop of
lush hills and soaring trees can be found at Patenggang
Lake, a mere 5km away from the White Crater.
Patenggang Lake is part of the gigantic tourist park which
consist of rolling hills, tea plantations and of course the
lake. There is a local myth that the lake was formed from
the tears of two lovers, a king’s nephew and a mountain
goddess who could not be together.
Take a boat ride across the lake, have a picnic by the
many gazebos dotting the lakeside or just walk around
to admire the heavenly natural wonders surrounding it.
Shops selling fruits, fried food, hats and knitted sweaters
are present along the pathway that leads to the lake if
you ever fall hungry or cold.
New glamping accommodations have mushroomed
by the lake as seen by the white canopies on the hills
called the Glamping Lakeside Rancabali. Also nearby the
glamping site is a restaurant called Pinisi Resto that is
in the shape of a ship overlooking the lake, great for a
midday snack of Sundanese fare.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
The hills of tea plants at
Rancabali Tea Plantation;
The gazebos by
Patenggang Lake; Boats
for rent by Patenggang
Lake; Quadrants of
vegetation by the
hillside of the Bandung
countryside.
22 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Bandung
FROM LEFT Strawberry picking
at the strawberry plantation;
Eating Sundanese rice and
chicken at Saung Gawir;
Gazebos overlooking the hills
at Saung Gawir; The view from
a cafe at the northern part of
Bandung in Lembang.
AirAsia flies to
15 destinations
across
INDONESIA
with over 300
weekly flights
Tea Plantation For Miles
Ciwidey is home to the largest tea plantation in Indonesia
measuring a total of 300,000 hectares of tea bushes to
satisfy any tea lover. The hilly landscape and cool weather
make it a prime location for growing this beloved tea
plant. It is a sight to behold as you pass the winding roads
to see miles and miles of sloping hills filled with rows of
tea bushes, an endless stretch of calming green scenery.
Rancabali Plantation stretches all the way till
Patenggang Lake where you can ask your driver to stop
at the roadside for you to bask in the beauty. You can
find small stalls by the roadside selling boxes of tea from
the plantation and believe me when I say, the tea from
Bandung is top notch.
The Picking at Strawberry Fields
To my surprise, the cool climate of Ciwidey is also
optimum for the growth of strawberries. Heading towards
The White Crater, you can see many of the locals owning
small plots of land to grow strawberries where tourist
can pick them to be weighed and sold. But if you want
to skip the picking, many roadside stalls sell prepacked
strawberries starting from IDR5000 a pack.
My strawberry picking adventure was done at the
restaurant that I was visiting to eat. Saung Gawir is a
restaurant by the hill offering authentic Sundanese food
in a traditional setting of bamboo gazebos overlooking
the fields. I sat on one of the hillside gazebos that looked
down to the strawberry fields and up onto a mountainous
backdrop.
Lunch was followed by a stroll on the strawberry
fields where the workers handed me a small basket for
picking fruit. I scanned to find the biggest and juiciest
strawberries on the farm which was surprisingly not
hard to find. The cooling weather made for an enjoyable
experience plus that kind of scenery of rolling hills
surrounding a valley is something I could never fully
describe in words.
So, if you are ever out in Bandung and need a break
from the bustling city, (Indonesia is known for its massive
traffic congestion and Bandung is no different) going
outside of town is something one should explore. Besides
Soerang, there is another option to drive up north to
Lembang to visit other volcanoes and more tea fields for a
countryside holiday to remember.
Trip
Expenses
Entry Fee to White
Crater:
IDR50,000 per
person (non-local)
Parking at White
Crater:
IDR150,000
Entry Fee to
Patenggang Lake:
IDR25,000
Entry Fee to the
strawberry fields
(varies between
places): IDR5,000
Full Day Tour to
Ciwidey (varies
between companies):
IDR600,000 –
IDR800,000
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 23

Road Less Taken
Road Less Taken is a collaboration with AirAsiaGo.
Check out airasiago.com.my for flight & hotel deals!
ROAD LESS TAKEN:
Vigan,
Philippines
A LITTLE SPANISH VILLAGE TUCKED AWAY
IN ILOCUS SUR IS PROUDLY A HISTORIC
CITY VERIFIED AS A UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
AS HAVING THE MOST INTACT HISPANIC
COLONIAL INFLUENCES IN ASIA.
WORDS BY JESSY WONG • PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES
& AIRASIAGO
HOW TO GET THERE
Take a 1 hour domestic flight from the
major city airport of Manila to Laoag
International Airport. Once arrived, you
will have to take a 2-hour bus ride to reach
Vigan. There are also van services for hire
in Laoag if you have a bigger budget.
WHAT TO DO
The 18th-century building of culture and
history is Vigan’s St. Paul Metropolitan
Cathedral situated in the heart of town.
The cathedral is intricately beautiful inside
and out to mark the conversion of St.
Paul. Take a stroll along Calle Crisologo,
a quaint street with Spanish houses for
souvenir shopping. Also, ride on the
popular two-wheeled horse carriage
called Calesa used during the colonial
time or a motorized tricycle to sight see
around town.
Travelers with children can go to
Baluarte Zoo (with no entrance fee!)
where animals roam freely with a butterfly
garden and even a petting zoo. At sunset,
travel to Mindoro Beach which is famous
for its shiny black sand contrasted
with clear waters stretching along the
coast. Plaza Salcedo is worth the trip
at nighttime to watch a light and sound
fountain show.
WHERE TO eat
Vigan’s cuisine is a mixture of inspiration
of native flavours as well as Hispanic
recipes. Empanada is a popular street
food in this part of Philippines. It is alike
to taco, fried to a crisp and filled with
meat and greens. You can find it at Plaza
Burgos. Try ukoy, a form of shrimp fritters
made with sticky rice and vegetables or
longaganisa, Vigan’s famous local sausage
similar to Mexican salami. This sausage
even has its own annual festival in Vigan.
Find more delectable dishes at Kusina
Felicitas, an authentic Ilocano restaurant
serving local food.
WHERE TO STAY
Ciudad Fernandina Hotel is loved by many
for its walking distance to most Vigan
landmarks such as Crisologo Museum
and cathedral. A few streets away from
Calle Crisologo is where you can get your
night rest in this similar looking Spanish
mansion set on the ancient road. For a
more exclusive stay, check out Vitalis
Villas built on mountain cliffs with a
breathtaking sea view. Dubbed as a mini
Santorini, guests can anticipate sports
activities in the Philippines water and
surrounding nature.
i LOCAL TIPS & FACTS
Vigan was a trading coast back in the 16th
century founded by Chinese settlers so the
city architecture has Oriental
and Spanish influences.
Although Ilocano is the local dialect in Vigan,
most of the natives are also fluent in
Tagalog and English.
Abel weaving is known as Vigan’s traditional
craft so make sure to check out their
handcrafted products for souvenirs.
24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

ADVERTORIAL
STRAIGHT
TO THE
POINT:
The Sleek
Straight Hair You
Always Wanted
Getting straight hair is
now easier and faster with
the help of the Panasonic
nanoe Hair Straightener
(EH-HS99S-K655) which
can give you lasting sleek
hair without damage.
Please scan
here for details
HYDRATION WITH NANOE
No need to worry about your hair
getting dry after straightening
thanks to the advance technology
of nanoe. Moisture from the air is
drawn into the gadget and creates
moisture-rich particles which
will penetrate the hair while you
straighten. This in turn will ensure
your hair stays moisturised and
smooth after usage.
TURN UP THE HEAT
Even heat distribution is important in a straightener. An evenly
heated surface allows the transfer of heat to the entire hair
section, eliminating the need to go back and straighten multiple
times. It comes in 5 temperature settings with a maximum
temperature of 230°C. Plus the universal voltage is convenient
for travellers to have good hair wherever they go.
THE SHAPE THAT FITS
Style your hair with comfort as the
Panasonic nanoe Hair Straightener
features an ergonomic design with a
unique grip shape. The oval shape is
designed with a dimpled slant cut on
the side that supports the fingers while
straightening and rotating the device.

THE TRAVEL EDITOR’S
guide to beauty:
EDITOR AISHAH AZALI, FREQUENT TRAVELLER FOR ALL OCCASIONS SHARES HER
GUIDE TO STAYING FRESH AND BEAUTIFUL WHILE ABROAD. HERE SHE SHARES
HER HAIR STYLING TIPS TO TURN HER NATURALLY WAVY HAIR STRAIGHT.
PHOTOS BY SHAHRIL SAIFOL @ LIGHT SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY
Straight Hair
Don’t Care
Final
Look
I sectioned off my hair in
half and secured it with a
headband. Taking a section,
I straighten my hair starting
from the roots down to my
ends. The new body design and
even heat distribution allow for
straighter hair in less time. The
heat setting that I used is the
medium 200º Celsius.
After fully straightening the
lower half of my hair, I take
the half ponytail down to
straighten the top parts. I make
sure to curl the iron inwards
at the ends of my hair for
some bounce. Don’t forget to
straighten the back of your hair
which I do upwards to give
some lift on the crown.
I smooth out my hair using a
couple of pumps of hair serum
that doubles as an added
moisturiser since I would be
spending long hours on a plane
and would not want my hair to
frizz out.
Zipping through the airport and catching a long-haul flight
requires me to worry less about my hair and more on my
luggage check-in. So, for times like these, I prefer to wear
my hair straight as it does not require much styling afterward and
gives me the opportunity to accessories. Straight hair that lasts
all day and throughout your flight is required for this and can be
achieved thanks to the Panasonic nanoe Hair Straightener.
To add some style and create
a jet-setter look, I wrapped a
silk scarf around my head like a
headband and secure it at the
nape of my neck.
AISHAH IS USING:
Panasonic nanoe
Hair Straightener
Model: EH-HS99S-K655
www.panasonic.com/my
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 27

Homegrown Jewellery Labels
homegrown
TURNING HEADS WITH
JEWELLERY
LABELS
JEWELLERY BRANDS ARE A DIME A DOZEN
BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT MALAYSIA HAS
RECENTLY SEEN A GROWTH OF LOCAL
JEWELLERY DESIGNERS THAT STARTED
THEIR OWN LINE? FROM DAINTY DANGLERS
TO CHUNKY STATEMENT PIECES, HERE ARE
SOME HOMEGROWN JEWELLERY BRANDS
TO DAZZLE YOURSELF IN.
WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY MEDEA TREASURES,
WANDERLUST + CO & STRAITS FINERY.
28 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Homegrown Jewellery Labels
CLOCKWISE Earrings
in pink and lime green;
statement necklace with
a jeweled centerpiece;
The silk and satin thread
Sousista earrings, studded
with jewels and beads in
many shades of blue.
medea treasures
Dazzling and vibrant, the jewellery pieces from Medea
Treasures will sure to get you attention even from miles
away. Founder and designer Adoravelle Tay turned her
hobby into a business after getting a surge of inspiration
from her worldly travels. “I don’t believe anything without
colours and I want to create things that will stand out
from afar,” said Adoravelle about her designs. Her love for
colour is a reflection of her creations that heavily feature
splashes of every shade on the rainbow.
The jewellery has a more bohemian taste using
materials like satin threads and silk to create voluminous
pom pom tassel earrings and statement ear pieces where
silk intertwine with crystal stones.
The new Sousista collection gives off major latin
feels in vibrant jewel tones of pinks, blues and purples.
The necklaces and earrings of this particular collection
are hand stitched with the aforementioned silk and satin
thread but with added crochet patches and tiny beads in
shocking colour combinations.
Buy online: www.medeatreasures.com
@medeatreasures
“The jewellery has a
more bohemian taste
using materials like
satin threads and silk”
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 29

Homegrown Jewellery Labels
the straits finery
Jewellery at its most delicate can be found in the stunning
collections of The Straits Finery. The brand is the brainchild of
founders Foo Chia Chern and Amira Yahaya who came to a point in
their lives where they wanted to challenge themselves in creating
something that they would be able to call the shots on. "We felt
that there was a huge gap in the Malaysian market for accessories
that are subtler in nature and of quality so that the wearer can
keep for generations,” says Amira in an interview with us. From
there, their dainty sophisticated jewellery line emerged in 2015.
At an instant, you would see that their signature design leans
towards minimalist jewellery that is versatile enough to be layered
and stacked. Their aim was to create something that will never
outshine the woman or man who wears it.
Early on, these lady bosses knew that they wanted to work
with 14 karat solid gold. “This is because of our love for the
durability of the material as well as the more subdued gold tone
that it takes - almost a champagne colour that flatters most skin
tones,” explained Amira further.
The latest offering from The Straits Finery is the Musim 2017
collection inspired by the seasons and landscapes of Malaysia,
‘Musim' meaning season in Malay. The theme of rain is emphasized
in the tiny droplets on their dangling earrings while elegant rings
with a triangular shape are part of the Matahari or sun theme.
FROM TOP The Matahari
necklace inspired by the
sun; The Malai small hoop
earrings; The Matahari
earrings; The Matahari
ring, All in 14 karat gold.
Buy online: www.thestraitsfinery.com
KL Stockists: Snackfood at Bangsar / Merchant & Sisters at Jalan Batai
@thestraitsfinery
30 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Homegrown Jewellery Labels
wanderlust + co.
Well, this brand humbly started out in Melbourne,
Australia by founder and all round jewellery
enthusiast, Jenn Low. But a year in, she moved
back to Kuala Lumpur, built a team and went on
an upwards trajectory of popularity and sales that
made the company what it is today.
Nowadays celebrities and social media
influencers are all part of the #WCOgirlgang which
include accessory queen Vanessa Hudgens, sultry
supermodel Emily Ratajkowski and social media
vixen Kylie Jenner just to name a few.
The collections from Wanderlust + Co. are
dainty with the ability to stack or layer your
pieces according to your style. Inspirational words
like ‘wanderlust' and ‘breathe' are engraved on
pendants and bangles that are sometimes adorned
with pearls and stones.
The latest collection named Falling Star sees the
use of the celestial theme with stars and the moon
molded into pendants, rings and earrings. Celestial
Charm Hoop Earrings dangle with a crescent and
star while the Eclipse Choker sees pendulous moon
transitions during an eclipse. The pieces come in 14
karat gold plating and silver plating options as well.
Buy online: wanderlustandco.com
@wanderlustandco
FROM TOP Model wearing
a selection of products
including the Eclipse choker &
Lunette earrings; The Wishing
Star ring; The Cosmic Dust
earrings; The Milky Way Lariat
silver necklace; Model wearing
a variety of producst including
the Celestial Charm earrings.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 31

Lost & Found
lost&Found
Francis
Yip always loses himself but somehow, finds his way back with lots
of juicy stories to share. Forgive him if he sparks a debate. Love him if he
unlocks hidden jewels. So heavenly, so travelicious with him!
www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd
MALAYSIA’S
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites:
EXPLORE THE IMPOSSIBLE
WORDS & PHOTOS BY FRANCIS YIP
China has Terracotta
Warriors. Egypt has
century-old Mummies.
Malaysia has its own wonder of
the world, the 11,000 year old
Perak Man, South East Asia’s oldest
skeleton. It is situated right in the
Lenggong Valley, one of Malaysia’s
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In spite of being a small
nation, isn’t it fascinating to
know Malaysia has a total of four
UNESCO World Heritage sites?
They are the Lenggong Valley
(2012), Mount Mulu National Park
(2000), Kinabalu Park (2000), and
Melaka and George Town (2008).
Both Melaka and George Town are
considered as one listing under the
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lenggong Valley
The Lenggong Valley is one of the
most important archeological sites
in Malaysia. It is dubbed as an
open-air museum with evidence of
cave drawings, skeletons and other
precious prehistoric findings like
stone tools, weapons and pottery.
Catch The Perak Man who
is considered one of the most
complete skeleton for this time
period in the region. Step back in
time to the civilization of that era
where the findings of stone tools
and artefacts reflect the country’s
oldest known human activity.
Mount Mulu National Park
& Kinabalu Park
When we talk of Malaysia’s
treasure trove of nature, Mount
Mulu National Park is the place to
go. Explore the Sarawak Chamber
which is huge, it can accommodate
40 Boeing 747 airplanes or five
times the size of London’s St. Paul
Cathedral.
Mount Mulu National Park
is also Sarawak’s largest national
park covering 544 sq km. Other
attractions include the world’s
largest cave passage (Deer Cave),
Asia’s longest cave (Clearwater
Cave) and a treasure trove of 2,000
varieties of plants and animals like
hornbills, orchids and pitcher plants.
It is also home to the world’s longest
rainforest canopy skywalk and the
spectacular razor-sharp limestone
called The Pinnacle.
On the other hand, Kinabalu
Park covers an area of 754 sq km
and is the key starting point for the
summit trail of Mount Kinabalu.
The park boasts colourful flora and
fauna with over 5,000 vascular
plant species and wildlife. For the
adventurous, explore the majestic
Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia’s
third highest mountain or defy the
odds of Mountain Torq, the world’s
highest and Asia’s first Via Ferrata or
‘iron road’.
George Town and Melaka
Next, from nature to culture.
George Town is a city with a fusion
of East and West. It marvels with
multiculturalism well reflected in
its intricate architecture of worship
places, pre-colonial buildings and
shophouses.
George Town has a special
place in my heart as I was born
here. I remember walking to
my alma mater, St. Xavier’s
Institution, passing by Jalan Kapitan
Keling, dubbed as the Street of
Harmony, where places of worship
representing the diverse world
religions are lined up along an axis.
Today, George Town is also a
city of murals. Discover beautiful
wall murals along the streetscapes,
especially “Little Children On The
Bicycle” which has become an iconic
tourist landmark and favourite
photography spot.
A visit to Malaysia will not be
complete without visiting Melaka,
a melting pot of cultures and many
civilisations. The legacy of the
colonial powers of the Portuguese,
Dutch and British can be seen in the
tourist landmarks like Stadthuys, A
Famosa, St John’s Port and more.
You can also enjoy and sharpen your
bargaining skills at the Jonker Walk,
a haven to load up antiques, art and
crafts and souvenirs.
With these sites recognized as
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is
time to plan your journey to explore
the wonders of your own country.
Malaysia, truly a heritage treasure.
32 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Singapore Steakhouses
TOP Decker Barbeque
Pulled Pork, smoky
Buffalo Wings, Spare
Ribs and Steak with
white bread, cheese
macaronies and
potatoes for sides.
34 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Singapore Steakhouses
Elites
of
Meat
-
COME TAKE A SNEAK PEEK,
YOUR GUIDE TO A DIET CHEAT,
PERFECT FOR EVERY WEEK,
HERE’S SINGAPORE’S BEST MEAT!
WORDS BY JESSY WONG • PHOTOS BY DECKER BBQ,
MEAT SMITH, FAT BELLY & WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE
centric
Singapore
ow much do you know about meat besides the bursting of flavours and
Hmelt-in-your-mouth kind of goodness? The growing of the Western
dining scene in global Singapore is changing the wave of Friday night
drinks with chips and wings but delicately with meat instead. From beef,
pork and chicken to grilling and sous vide, steak aficionados and BBQ
fans can indulge their favourite kind of sin. Also, you wouldn’t want to be
wiping that grease in front of your date so here are four places to go from
bros-night and craft beers to romantic dinner for lovers.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 35

Singapore Steakhouses
CLOCKWISE FROM
LEFT The perfect
table setting at
Wolfgang; Popular
Dry-Aged Rib Eye;
Texas Beef Brisket;
A chef preparing
marinated meat.
THE QUAYSIDE,
ROBERTSON QUAY
www.wolfgangssteakhouse.net
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
What started as a father-son duo’s love for
steak has expanded into a global business
spanning across 18 locations worldwide for
this New York-based steakhouse. Wolfgang
and Peter Zwiener opened their first classy
restaurant 13 years ago at Park Avenue
Manhattan and has since been distinctly
known for their USDA Black Angus meat,
aged to perfection in producing a sharp
concentrated flavour. Set in a classic posh
interior with mahogany tables, leather
dining chairs and floor-to-ceiling wine rack,
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse presents an allrounder
fine-dining dinner experience.
The tenderness of their steak comes
from a month long of dry-aging process in
a designated aging room to break down the
connective tissues before broiling it at 870
degrees Celsius, the all-American traditional
style. The gourmet dry-aged meat is served
from medium rare filled with a succulent
smack and crispy caramelised exterior paired
with greens on the side as well as a glass
of top-notch wine. For appetizers, go for
signature Wolfgang’s Salad that comes with
an abundance of crunchy bits of bacon.
Also with common celebrity sightings in the
Manhattan branch, you might chance upon
seeing famous people dining in this New
York restaurant look-alike.
36 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
Decker Barbecue
Priding itself as a genuine Texas common
place in Singapore, Decker Barbecue proves
why their all-wood cooking method wins our
hearts. Think about a campfire, barbequing
with wood can hike up the savouriness of
meat and produce an unprecedented smoke
flavour. This is achieved by using their custombuilt
smoker shipped all the way from Dallas,
Texas. Combined with their spices, Decker
Barbecue offers an authentic American meaty
meal that takes 16 hours to prepare.
Simple picnic tables and wooden seating
in the al-fresco restaurant will remind you of
a backyard/porch barbeque except with an
abundance of poultry meat served at your
choice. Star of the night would be their Texas
Beef Brisket that melts in your mouth with
a little crunchiness and a dose of juiciness.
Another piece of masculine delicacy is their
Spare Ribs that is amazingly glazed and
piquant with the selection of spice rub. Try
the Pulled Pork that is surprisingly tender and
a good choice to eat it with bread or some
smoky Buffalo Wings with blue cheese sauce.
The best thing is you can try all that in one
sitting as the food is ordered by the gram.
THE QUAYSIDE, ROBERTSON QUAY
www.deckerbarbecue.com
SERENE CENTRE, 10 JALAN SERENE
www.facebook.com/fatbellysg
Fat Belly
A newly opened speakeasy-style steakhouse
launches itself as a unique venture with
only 10 seaters. Local founder Stanley Seow
was inspired to offer a different outlook on
steakhouses in his attempt to invigorate the
contemporary concept of meat places. At
Fat Belly, you are able to see the chef grilling
and sculpting the dishes to perfection by the
counter-seats and enjoy a Teppanyaki-style
dinner in excitement.
The Flat Iron and Short Rib are top chef
recommendations on alternative cuts of
beef. The Flat Iron is a beef slice from cow's
shoulders that has more muscles than fat for
weight-watchers. The lean meat is tender
and cooked evenly to preserve the moisture
on the inside while Short Rib is greasier and
more flavourful with a little fat. Get optional
sides such as Guanciale Mac & Cheese or
Creamed Kale with the steaks. If you don’t
know, Guanciale is an Italian cured meat
made from pork and the cheesy macaroni
is sprinkled with the diced meat that will
rocket one’s palate. For desserts, get their
photo-worthy Jade made from meringue
and strawberry jelly or Foie Gras ice cream
served with brulee banana.

Singapore Steakhouses
167/169, TELOK AYER STREET
www.meatsmith.com.sg
Meat Smith
Southern American BBQ has never tasted so close
to home in Asia. Meat Smith is a smokehouse with
an industrialised blacksmith garage semblance with a
built-in bar for craft beers, cocktails and whiskey for
a complete night out. Chef Andrew Baldus took his
inspiration from the States in serving the meat platters
where hickory wood is used to grill ribs to produce
the perfect heat and flavour for a traditional barbecue
dinner. For 12 hours long, the ribs will be smoked until
the meat is tender and free from the bones.
Meat Smith BBQ Platter is a heavenly mix of Black
Angus beef ribs, Angus brisket, Memphis dry rub
pork ribs with BBQ sauce, smoked chicken and bone
marrow that could feed up to 4 people. For a premium
price, you can get a Mishima Ultra Wagyu Ribeye with
your platter. The reserve Black Wagyu smoked beef is
served with chimichurri rich with a tang of parsley and
garlic in an ala carte order. Treat your taste buds with
the American and Asian fusion of Chongqing Pork
Ribs that uses dried chillies and Szechuan peppers in
Western grilling.
FROM TOP The Flat
Iron with Creamed
Kale; A dashing
Foie Gras dessert;
Meat Smith Brisket
Sandwich; Chef’s
Selection of Meat
Smith BBQ Platter.
Think about a campfire, barbequing
with wood can hike up the savouriness
of meat and produce an unprecedented
smoke flavour.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 37