GOASIAPLUS May 2019
For May, we uncover the long-overlooked nature retreat in Malaysia's biggest man-made reservoir, Kenyir Lake in Terengganu and its never-ending surprise with its abundance of outdoor treasures! Check out a new Malaysian cuisine cooking class for travellers in Kuala Lumpur. Also, get travel inspirations to Laos and China and a shopping guide for Mother's Day.
For May, we uncover the long-overlooked nature retreat in Malaysia's biggest man-made reservoir, Kenyir Lake in Terengganu and its never-ending surprise with its abundance of outdoor treasures! Check out a new Malaysian cuisine cooking class for travellers in Kuala Lumpur. Also, get travel inspirations to Laos and China and a shopping guide for Mother's Day.
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MAY <strong>2019</strong> | ISSUE 36<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />
TREASURES OF<br />
KENYIR LAKE<br />
THAKHEK, LAOS<br />
MALAYSIAN COOKING CLASS
CONTENTS<br />
4 ON THE RADAR<br />
6 OUT & ABOUT<br />
8 TRAVEL<br />
Spotted in Asia:<br />
Zhangjiaijie, China<br />
12 TRAVEL<br />
The Lake is An Oyster<br />
16 TRAVEL<br />
Thakhek, Laos<br />
18 TRAVEL<br />
A Reflection of Modern<br />
Day Armenian<br />
20 SHOP<br />
The Tender Gifts of Love<br />
22 FOOD<br />
A Home Kitchen for<br />
Travellers<br />
24 TALES ON TRACK<br />
Lost & Found<br />
16<br />
12<br />
COVER BY<br />
JESSY WONG<br />
EDITORIAL TEAM<br />
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS<br />
JOHN SO<br />
GRAPHIC DESIGNER<br />
JAMIE SOO-HOO<br />
SENIOR WRITER<br />
JESSY WONG<br />
PHOTOGRAPHER<br />
RICK CHEAH<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
FRANCIS YIP, NG SHEN LEE,<br />
DISCOVERY TERENGGANU & CLIFF PEK TZE WEI<br />
DIGITAL TEAM<br />
22<br />
WEB CONTENT<br />
JESSY WONG<br />
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES<br />
EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM<br />
COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP<br />
JOHN SO<br />
JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM<br />
PUBLISHED BY<br />
PUBLISHCOM ASIA SDN. BHD.<br />
NO. 83–1, JALAN MEDANG SERAI, BUKIT BANDARAYA,<br />
59100 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.<br />
+603–20118983 WWW.PCOMASIA.COM<br />
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+603-51013355 WWW.ULTIMATE.COM.MY<br />
The views expressed in the articles published are not necessarily those<br />
of Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). While every reasonable care is<br />
taken in compiling the magazine, the publisher shall not be held liable for<br />
any omission, error or inaccuracy. Please notify the publisher in writing of<br />
any such omission, error or inaccuracy. Editorial contributions are welcome,<br />
but unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender’s risk. The publisher<br />
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reproduced in any form without the publisher’s permission in writing.<br />
KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482)<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 1
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
It is usual that<br />
as we get busy<br />
on a routine<br />
basis, we tend to overlook the blessings in<br />
our surroundings. Always looking afar for<br />
vacation places, getting tempted with foods<br />
on social media and socialising through<br />
phones than bonding with people around us.<br />
Because sometimes we don’t have to<br />
look far to seek for the finer things in life. If<br />
we pay close attention, we will notice that<br />
the good things are always nearer at hand.<br />
From awesome places to go, amazing food,<br />
and of course, people.<br />
For a change of scenery, Kenyir Lake<br />
by Malaysia’s east coast has been long set<br />
out of sight as a travel destination. It is by<br />
good chance that Tourism Malaysia engaged<br />
with <strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong> in the ‘Ekspresi Media’<br />
programme to uncover this hidden gem.<br />
Check out page 12 on how simple<br />
activities like living on a houseboat,<br />
trekking and swimming with fishes<br />
make Kenyir Lake a great relaxing travel<br />
destination without breaking the bank.<br />
Local food as never been a<br />
disappointment to Malaysians. Most of our<br />
first love is nasi lemak and it also never fail<br />
to amaze tourists who first try the icon of<br />
all Malaysian food. But, how many of us<br />
actually know how to make this iconic dish?<br />
Professional cook and author of four<br />
Malaysian cookbooks, Sara Khong, opens<br />
her kitchen for travellers to join “New<br />
Malaysian Kitchen”, a cooking class of local<br />
cuisine right at her home (page 22) for<br />
you to try your hand in making all of our<br />
delicious offerings.<br />
For every person’s best folk, we have<br />
our ever reliable and supportive mothers<br />
to take care of everything. It is a great day<br />
to celebrate all that they have done for us<br />
on <strong>May</strong> 12 so if you need a gift guide, see<br />
page 20. Lastly, to all great mothers, Happy<br />
Mother’s Day!<br />
John So<br />
Publisher<br />
MOUNTAINS<br />
MADE OF<br />
PLASTIC<br />
Photo ADOBE STOCK<br />
I have been making the news headlines lately.<br />
Here I am in a small country in Southeast Asia,<br />
an absolutely beautiful place called Malaysia, (not<br />
very surprisingly) made into the world’s rubbish<br />
dump of plastic wastes.<br />
Malaysia is already one of the world’s biggest<br />
single-use plastic consumers before the country<br />
became the plastic waste capital of the world.<br />
There are landfills filled with endless trash as<br />
the country import wastes at large from United<br />
States, Japan and Britain.<br />
With no proper faculties of disposing the<br />
plastics, these wastes are burnt in the open air<br />
releasing toxic chemicals. My surroundings parts<br />
from air, soil and waterways are polluted and<br />
when I’m sick, my ecosystem will cause health<br />
issues to people and other living species.<br />
Come on, it is not only our problem. It is a<br />
global problem. Enough of prostituting me for<br />
profit. Save the earth and stop single-use plastic.<br />
There is only so little of the plastic wastes are<br />
clean plastic that are recyclable.<br />
Stop purchasing drinks that comes in a<br />
plastic packaging on a whim. Doesn’t it make you<br />
feel better if knowing that the end product of the<br />
take-out food or drink you buy only goes down<br />
your stomach and nowhere else?<br />
Forever forsaken,<br />
The environment<br />
PICK-UP POINTS<br />
Read our magazine exclusively in Aerobus airport shuttles or bring home a copy of <strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong> with<br />
you at these pick-up points below:<br />
GATEWAY@KLIA2<br />
AIRPORT SHOPPING MALL<br />
KLIA EKSPRES<br />
KL SENTRAL<br />
KLIA<br />
INFORMATION COUNTER AT<br />
DEPARTURE MAIN TERMINAL<br />
& SATELLITE BUILDING<br />
KLIA2<br />
INFORMATION COUNTER,<br />
SATELLITE BUILDING &<br />
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL<br />
2 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
NEWS<br />
ON THE RADAR<br />
GET UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HAPPENINGS ON<br />
TRAVEL, HOTEL OPENINGS, FOOD OFFERS AND<br />
TRENDING FASHION AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA<br />
WINNER OF NEXT<br />
DESTINATION: FORTUNE<br />
The much-awaited winners announcement for<br />
‘Next Destination: Fortune’–<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong><br />
Chinese New Year contest–has seen Zahar<br />
Bin Amir landing on fortune when he walked<br />
away with RM10,000 cash prize while three<br />
other consolation winners are awarded with<br />
<strong>May</strong>flower Online RM1,000 travel credits each.<br />
Major sponsors of the event, gateway@klia2,<br />
<strong>May</strong>flower Online and Alor Tastiway jointly<br />
presented the awards during the ceremony.<br />
ANT-MAN IN HONG KONG<br />
DISNEYLAND<br />
As the second Marvel-themed<br />
attraction in Hong Kong Disneyland,<br />
the iconic Ant-Man turned into an<br />
explosive interactive adventure. Ant-<br />
Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! is<br />
a high-tech dimensional battle for<br />
players to shoot Swarmbots in helping<br />
Ant-Man to defeat Zola. Guests can<br />
also find exclusive items of the Marvel<br />
hero at S.H.I.E.L.D Pavilion.<br />
www.hongkongdisneyland.com<br />
FIRST HIDDEN COCKTAIL<br />
BAR IN MALACCA<br />
Adding to Malacca’s heritage<br />
charm, The Old Merchant bar<br />
enlivens the olden days with a line<br />
of specially concocted cocktails<br />
by recalling the flavours of a rich<br />
Malacca history. Upon entering the<br />
pre-war shop, the tastefully hidden<br />
speakeasy bar can transport one<br />
back to the early 20th century.<br />
88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200<br />
Malacca<br />
AIRASIA MAKING HISTORY IN VIETNAM<br />
Asia’s best low-cost airline became the first-ever international flight to<br />
touchdown at Can Tho, the largest city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta from<br />
Kuala Lumpur. Can Tho is AirAsia’s sixth destination in Vietnam. Following<br />
the new route, AirAsia is looking to launch the Bangkok–Can Tho flight<br />
service this month.<br />
www.airasia.com<br />
4 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
EVENTS<br />
OUT & ABOUT<br />
LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF<br />
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND<br />
JASON MRAZ GOOD<br />
VIBES TOUR<br />
13 MAY<br />
This two time Grammyaward<br />
winner is excited<br />
to return to Malaysia<br />
after his last visit in 2012<br />
for a “Good Vibes” tour<br />
following his sixth studio<br />
classic-pop album “Know”.<br />
Mraz gained international<br />
recognition with his 2002<br />
debut album and hits such<br />
as “I’m Yours” and most<br />
recently, “Have It All”.<br />
Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil<br />
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
www.myticket.asia<br />
BORNEO JAZZ FESTIVAL<br />
11-13 MAY<br />
The annual jazz festival takes on an intimate setting<br />
for their 13th year event to bring audiences closer to<br />
the performers. Festival-goers can enjoy the outdoor<br />
breeze by the coast with a line-up of local and<br />
international jazz musicians like Isao Miyoshi (Japan),<br />
Gaoyang Li (China) and Tony Lakatos (Germany).<br />
Coco Cabana, Marina Bay, Sarawak, Malaysia<br />
www.borneojazzfestival.com<br />
BAGAN FESTIVAL<br />
25 MAY<br />
The recurring Bagan Festival at Butterworth Art Walk aims to reduce the<br />
use of cars on the roads. The “Car Free” evening is hopeful in bringing<br />
the community closer to the local arts and culture as this Bagan Festival<br />
celebrates Ramadan with a showcase of festive food and cultural elements.<br />
Butterworth Art Walk, Lorong Bagan Luar 2, Penang, Malaysia<br />
www.mpsp.gov.my<br />
FUTURE<br />
9 MAY<br />
The prominent icon of hip-hop and rap<br />
from Atlanta brings his music to the<br />
Singapore shore in promotion of his<br />
seventh chart-topping album “Future<br />
Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD”. Future<br />
has platinum-certified albums under his<br />
belt with critically-acclaimed mixtape<br />
and tracks like “Mask Off”, “Super<br />
Slimey” and “Low Life”.<br />
ZEPP@BIGBOX, Singapore<br />
www.sistic.com.my<br />
LAUV ASIA TOUR <strong>2019</strong><br />
18 MAY<br />
Ari Staprans Leff is better known as Lauv is a growing<br />
alt-pop singer, songwriter and producer. Ranked first<br />
on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart in 2018, Lauv is<br />
embarking on his first headlining tour for fans to catch<br />
live performances of hit songs “I Like Me Better”, “I’m<br />
So Tired…” and “Superhero”.<br />
Moonstar Studio, Bangkok, Thailand<br />
www.ticketmelon.com<br />
6 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS<br />
ZHANGJIAJIE<br />
NATIONAL<br />
FOREST PARK,<br />
CHINA<br />
Text NG SHEN LEE<br />
Photos ADOBE STOCK & FREEVECTORMAPS.COM<br />
Rarely does China’s<br />
scenic wonders get to<br />
play a role in Hollywood<br />
blockbusters. Zhangjiajie<br />
National Forest Park however,<br />
proves that barriers are meant<br />
to be overcome by serving as<br />
the landscape inspiration for<br />
the biggest box office hit and<br />
highest-grossing film of all<br />
time–Avatar.<br />
In the 2009 sci-fi epic,<br />
much of the action takes place<br />
in the fictional Hallelujah<br />
Mountains of Pandora. If you’re<br />
unfamiliar with Avatar, picture<br />
the Hallelujah Mountains as<br />
floating islands of rock covered<br />
by dense foliage, with waterfalls<br />
streaming down their cliffs<br />
and hazy mist enveloping the<br />
mountain bases.<br />
As ethereal as this<br />
setting seems, the Hallelujah<br />
Mountains were originally based<br />
off a real location–Zhangjiajie<br />
National Forest Park! The<br />
first ever national forest<br />
park in the country, its most<br />
notable features are its 3000<br />
quartz-sandstone pinnacles,<br />
resembling a landscape much<br />
like those represented in<br />
Chinese calligraphy paintings.<br />
With pillars enshrouded<br />
in greenery and seemingly<br />
extending towards the heavens,<br />
it’s not hard to see how these<br />
natural formations attracted<br />
the attention of legendary<br />
filmmaker James Cameron.<br />
What really thrusted<br />
Zhangjiajie into the limelight<br />
was when word got out that<br />
a pillar named “Southern Sky<br />
Column” was used as reference<br />
for the Hallelujah Mountains–a<br />
discovery which led to the area<br />
seeing upwards of 61 million<br />
tourists in 2016 alone. Among<br />
them, domestic Chinese<br />
tourists make up the landslide<br />
majority at 99.99 percent.<br />
That same year, the<br />
infamous Zhangjiajie glass<br />
bridge was constructed and met<br />
with overwhelming response<br />
from the public. Over ten times<br />
the estimated amount!<br />
And to top it all off, the<br />
local government decided to<br />
pay homage by renaming the<br />
structure “Avatar Hallelujah<br />
Mountain”. All this thanks to<br />
the influence of a sci-fi film.<br />
But Avatar wasn’t always<br />
met with open arms. Only<br />
two weeks after it premiered<br />
in China, authorities ceased<br />
screening of the film in theatres<br />
nationwide, afraid that it might<br />
incite revolts from citizens<br />
battling over land rights with<br />
the government at the time–a<br />
situation similar to what the<br />
Na’vi in the film were facing.<br />
With four more film sequels<br />
destined to hit cinemas by 2021,<br />
it’s safe to say that Chinese<br />
filmgoers will be on the lookout<br />
for more representation in<br />
the films, a desire Cameron is<br />
looking to fulfill via Chinese<br />
Na’vi actors.<br />
FUN<br />
FACTS<br />
James Cameron got the idea<br />
for Avatar after watching<br />
Disney’s 1995 animated<br />
movie Pocahontas.<br />
Zhangjiajie is also home to<br />
the Bailong Elevator, the<br />
highest outdoor elevator in<br />
the world, made from glass!<br />
8 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
ADVERTORIAL<br />
MONEY-<br />
SAVING TIPS<br />
FOR BUDGET<br />
TRAVEL<br />
GET YOUR CALCULATOR READY<br />
BECAUSE EVEN WITH A THIN WALLET,<br />
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ANYONE TO HAVE<br />
A FULL-FLEDGED TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.<br />
These days, it is all about convenience<br />
and consistency. Also, not forgetting,<br />
bargain. There is no doubt that travelling<br />
has become an easy affair when everything is<br />
only within a click away. But, when the biggest<br />
challenge for travelling is the cost, people would<br />
find all means to find the cheapest deals even if<br />
they have to overlook all sorts of comfort and<br />
convenience for their travel. So, this can be the<br />
answer to all your travel odds at a lesser fee.<br />
FIND DEALS FROM A COMPREHENSIVE AND<br />
LEGITIMATE SOURCE<br />
You can always find more deals from a company that has<br />
a wide and long experience in the industry. Close to 60<br />
years in the travel market, <strong>May</strong>flower travel agency has a<br />
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more than 500,000 accommodations worldwide, there<br />
are something and somewhere for every budget needs.<br />
CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL SITE’S<br />
RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
Listen to suggestions. When there are two things offered<br />
at a value, always asses it because two is always better<br />
than one. On the top of <strong>May</strong>flower.com.my booking<br />
feature is their ‘Flight + Hotel’ bundle bookings. Users<br />
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website navigation on <strong>May</strong>flower.com.my also display<br />
price comparison between multiple airline fares if you<br />
are seeking to save every penny you can.<br />
BOOKING DIRECT ADD-ON SERVICES<br />
One-for-all travel booking platform like <strong>May</strong>flower.com.<br />
my have everything you’ll need for travel. The add-on<br />
services offered include car rental, entrance tickets,<br />
airport transfers, travel insurance, roaming wifi and SIM<br />
card. Extra tip to go by, you can earn an instant cash<br />
discount at <strong>May</strong>flower.com.my for add-on services if you<br />
buy it under ‘Flight + Hotel’ bundle booking.<br />
10 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVELLING TO BANGKOK WITH MAYFLOWER.COM.MY<br />
Bangkok is a destination with limitless experience of travel, nature, shopping and culture.<br />
A trip to Thailand is always packed with a myriad of things to do so for a fuller experience,<br />
people would commonly spend more than 3 days in the bustling city. For a comfortable<br />
budget stay, Bangkok Palace Hotel is a 3-star establishment in the city with strategic location<br />
and vicinity to other venues. Completed with AirAsia return flight for 2 people, deluxe<br />
accommodation, travel insurance and roaming wifi, check out the breakdown on how much<br />
you can save for a couple’s trip to Bangkok when you book with <strong>May</strong>flower.com.my.<br />
TRAVEL COSTS FOR 2 PAX ON MAYFLOWER.COM.MY*<br />
Independant Booking<br />
Bundle Booking<br />
FLIGHT<br />
AirAsia (KUL-DMK) = RM814.00<br />
HOTEL<br />
Bangkok Palace Hotel (4D3N) = RM585.84<br />
INSURANCE<br />
Chubb Travel Protection = RM82.80<br />
‘FLIGHT + HOTEL’ BUNDLE BOOKING<br />
AirAsia (KUL-DMK)<br />
&<br />
Bangkok Palace Hotel (4D3N)<br />
ADD ONS<br />
Insurance (Chubb Travel Protection)<br />
&<br />
Roaming Wifi (Roaming Man SEA)<br />
ROAMING WIFI<br />
Roaming Man SEA = RM100.00<br />
TOTAL SPENT = RM1582.60<br />
TOTAL SPENT= RM1496.64<br />
ADDITIONAL 6% SAVINGS<br />
*Price breakdown is for illustration purposes only and<br />
may differ on the availability of flight and hotel based<br />
on the selection of individual dates<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 11
TRAVEL<br />
1<br />
THE LAKE IS AN OYSTER<br />
THE OUTBACK OF TERENGGANU PACKS PLENTY OF PLEASANT SURPRISE<br />
IN MALAYSIA’S LARGEST MAN-MADE LAKE. BEYOND THE AMAZING<br />
LANDSCAPE, KENYIR LAKE IS A TREASURE CHEST OF NATURAL,<br />
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos DISCOVERY TERENGGANU, JESSY WONG & CLIFF PEK TZE WEI<br />
12 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
2<br />
1 A bright scenic day in<br />
Kenyir Lake 2 Buyong<br />
Houseboat and Pesona<br />
Houseboat 2 3 Kenyir<br />
Lake during high-tide in<br />
March 4 Jungle trekking in<br />
natural forest 5 Fun swim<br />
with Malaysian mahseer 6<br />
Beautiful flowers at Orchid<br />
Garden 7 An 18-year-old<br />
rescued elephant named<br />
Abong 8 Lasir Waterfall 9<br />
The ceiling of Gua Bewah<br />
10 Spotted crabs in the<br />
limestone cave<br />
3<br />
The creation of Kenyir Lake or Tasik Kenyir (in<br />
Malay language) is unintentional. This freshwater<br />
lake was formed circa 1980s when a dam was<br />
built to generate hydro-electric power and mitigate<br />
flooding in Terengganu. Water from the dam would flow<br />
to the valley and fertile land behind, filling the lowland<br />
and naturally forming around 340 smaller islands from<br />
remaining hilltops.<br />
Present day, exotic wildlife, fishes and various plants<br />
species beautifully endowed Kenyir Lake as it thrives<br />
on a landscape drawn with mountains, rivers, limestone<br />
caves and waterfalls. Without a doubt, Kenyir Lake is a<br />
dark horse running as one of Malaysia’s top eco-tourism.<br />
LIVING ON A HOUSEBOAT<br />
A houseboat is akin to a house on water; there are<br />
living room, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and even an<br />
entertainment space for karaoke session. At Kenyir Lake<br />
houseboats, you can choose to hire a houseboat chef for<br />
your stay or wear the chef’s hat yourself.<br />
During my time in Buyong Houseboat, the kind<br />
operator took us to different waterfalls on two evenings<br />
to make the most of Kenyir Lake’s attractions. On my<br />
second night, we even had a barbeque on the houseboat<br />
right in front of the waterfall! Even without a phone<br />
connection, nothing beats waking up to the sight of<br />
waterfall, sun rising on the waters and smell of the<br />
surrounding forests when you’re living with nature.<br />
There are many houseboat operators on the lake<br />
with different packages so when you’re choosing, see<br />
which activities are the best interest to you and your<br />
travelling friends. Fares for houseboat living are usually<br />
determined by the type of boat, activities covered in<br />
Kenyir Lake island hopping and your length of stay.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 13
TRAVEL<br />
4<br />
5<br />
9<br />
10<br />
Jungle Trekking<br />
The natural forests on the Kenyir Lake<br />
islands are worthy of an expedition. For this<br />
trip, I was blessed to have Mr Khairul Abu<br />
Bakar–a national award-winning tour guide–<br />
to lead the way to see the biggest Melunak<br />
tree in West Malaysia. It is an extremely<br />
valuable tree in the logging industry and<br />
the large tree is estimated to be 314 years<br />
old. Along the way, trekkers can also spot<br />
the trail of elephants, traces of tapir and<br />
excitingly, prints of a tiger cub in the forest.<br />
Discover other popular and challenging<br />
trails at Gagau Mountain or Lawit.<br />
Fishing<br />
Kenyir Lake is an angler’s heaven. The<br />
38,000 hectares of freshwater lake is<br />
estimated to be the home to 300 species<br />
of freshwater fishes. Popular ones are<br />
snakehead, friendly barb, green arowana<br />
and giant gourami. It is also said that during<br />
the rainy season, the fish can even be<br />
caught with only a pair of hands. Although<br />
you can fish from your houseboat's deck,<br />
anglers are encouraged to fish at designated<br />
spots on the lake like Cacing Island, Leban,<br />
Petuang, Saok and Terenggan.<br />
Cave Exploration<br />
There are two limestone caves to be<br />
explored in Kenyir Lake. Estimated to be<br />
around 300 million years old, Gua Bewah–<br />
Bewah is a Kelantan word for feast–is a<br />
known historic site with the findings of a<br />
skeleton and remains of a civilisation. There<br />
is an archeology gallery just outside the<br />
cave entrance with findings of prehistoric<br />
items at the area. Besides, find elephantshaped<br />
stalactite, crabs, tiger spider and<br />
bats in the limestone cave. Whereas for<br />
Gua Taat, the cave would be inaccessible<br />
at times due to high tides so make sure to<br />
catch the right timing for a visit.<br />
Mahseer Sanctuary<br />
The Malaysian mahseer is Malaysia’s most<br />
expensive gourmet fish and sought-after<br />
game fish for anglers. A living Malaysian<br />
red mahseer can cost between RM800 to<br />
RM1,000 per kg. Threatened and dwindling<br />
in numbers, a special rehabilitation and<br />
conservatory zone is set up for the species<br />
to naturally breed at Petang River.<br />
It takes a 40-minutes hike before you’ll<br />
reach the breeding point. You may also<br />
purchase some fish feed at the rest stop by<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
6<br />
8<br />
7<br />
the hiking route. These mahseer are familiar<br />
with human interactions and will playfully<br />
surround you as you enter the running<br />
stream. It is definitely prohibited to fish<br />
there and the sanctuary is only open from<br />
9am till 12pm daily from March till October.<br />
Island Hopping<br />
It is only natural to go island hopping<br />
among the hundreds of little islands<br />
on Kenyir Lake. The 3 notable stops for<br />
tourists are definitely Herbal Park, Orchid<br />
Garden and Butterfly Park. Herbal Park is<br />
located on Sah Kecil Island known for the<br />
cultivation of more than 200 traditional<br />
herbal plants. Visitors will be given a short<br />
introduction to these traditional herbs and<br />
enjoy a tasting session of the herbal drinks.<br />
For orchid lovers, be amazed with a<br />
large collection of orchid species including<br />
the rare types at Orchid Garden. Spanning<br />
across 3 smaller islands, the place is<br />
dedicated for cultivation and research<br />
of the flowers. Located at Lubuk Geras<br />
Island, the Butterfly Park houses thousands<br />
of butterfly species with an interactive<br />
museum for visitors to learn and see the<br />
breeding of unique butterflies.<br />
Kenyir Elephant Conservation<br />
Village (KECV)<br />
Opened in 2014, KECV is a sanctuary<br />
built by state authorities and the<br />
government to protect and reduce<br />
human-elephant conflict in Terengganu.<br />
Unknown to many, there are an average<br />
of 200 wild elephants roaming in the<br />
area and KECV is built in a community<br />
vision to educate the locals.<br />
Wild elephants that are rescued from<br />
conflict will be treated and healed in the<br />
center before being released back into<br />
the forest whereas for abandoned baby<br />
elephants, KECV will rescue and adopt<br />
the orphaned elephants before they are<br />
ready for the wild.<br />
There are currently 18 Asian<br />
elephants in the center, mostly rescued<br />
elephants from the wild and some<br />
born in conservation. Visitors can feed,<br />
interact and bath the elephants at KECV.<br />
Also, catch an educational show where<br />
the elephants perform with their trained<br />
caretakers, showcasing the creature’s<br />
level of intellect and playfulness. All<br />
proceeds at KECV are channelled into<br />
elephant’s conservation efforts.<br />
GOOD<br />
to<br />
KNOW<br />
It is recommended to hire a<br />
licensed local tour guide to get<br />
the most out of Kenyir Lake.<br />
There are plenty of Kenyir Lake’s<br />
historical and interesting local<br />
stories to know about.<br />
Kenyir Information Center is open<br />
from 8am till 5pm every day at<br />
Pengkalan Gawi, the main jetty<br />
entrance to Kenyir Lake.<br />
Extreme sports like waterfall<br />
abseiling and zip-line into water<br />
are also offered in Kenyir lake.<br />
Contact Go Nature Travel & Tour<br />
at my.gonature@gmail.com for<br />
more information.<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED<br />
THAKHEK, LAOS<br />
SHARING A FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE WITH THAILAND, THE CAPITAL OF<br />
KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE IS A CITY LOST-IN-TIME WITH COLONIAL-<br />
ERA BUILDINGS AND DECLINING FRENCH VILLAS BY THE BANKS OF<br />
THE GREAT MEKONG RIVER.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & LE BOUTON D’OR BOUTIQUE HOTEL<br />
HOW TO GET<br />
THERE<br />
As a center point<br />
between Vientiane in the<br />
north and Pakse in the<br />
south, Thakhek is highly<br />
accessible through buses<br />
departing from both<br />
major cities. If you’re<br />
coming from Nakhon<br />
Phanom in Thailand, the<br />
border is easy to cross<br />
through the third Thai-<br />
Lao Friendship Bridge<br />
which is just 13km north<br />
from Thakhek.<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
There are plenty of<br />
food stalls by the<br />
waterfront selling<br />
snacks and local<br />
cuisine. Thakhek<br />
Market has a large<br />
food section for<br />
sumptuous meals in<br />
the morning and find<br />
BBQ meats and sweet<br />
treats at the town<br />
square night market.<br />
Laos noodle soup,<br />
mini sandwiches and<br />
pork pasties are worth<br />
the bite in Thakhek.<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
Thakhek is a small<br />
commercial town with<br />
budding tourism for<br />
travellers. Go for an<br />
architectural tour around<br />
the tiny town square and<br />
live in the atmosphere.<br />
Also, one of Laos’ holiest<br />
pilgrimage sites, Wat Pha<br />
That Sikhottabong, can<br />
be easily reached by tuktuk<br />
from town.<br />
Thakhek’s best<br />
features lies in Phou<br />
Hin Poun National Park.<br />
There are many trekking<br />
routes to explore that<br />
leads to Khoun Kong<br />
Leng, known as the Blue<br />
Lagoon, for a cool dip.<br />
While you’re at the park,<br />
a trip to Konglor Cave is<br />
a must. The ride on the<br />
long boat will bring you<br />
to see caverns and huge<br />
limestone formations.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
Upon a sight, Le Bouton<br />
D’or Boutique Hotel<br />
has the best location by<br />
the Mekong riverfront<br />
offering a view for<br />
sunset from the French<br />
architecture building. It<br />
is also adjacent to the<br />
tourist center and night<br />
market. Meanwhile,<br />
Thakhek Travel Lodge is a<br />
popular backpacker place<br />
to crash for the night.<br />
GOOD<br />
to<br />
KNOW<br />
“Thakhek” means “Visitor’s Landing”, a<br />
reference to the town’s importance and<br />
relations to the Chenla and Funan empires<br />
since the 8th century.<br />
Tours around Thakhek can be booked<br />
directly at Khammouane Tourism<br />
Information Centre, located 2km away<br />
from the main town.<br />
Thakhek Loop in Central Alos has an<br />
adventurous route for a 3D2N motorcycle<br />
journey and be surrounded by mountain<br />
sights and farmlands.<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
1<br />
1 The heritage facade<br />
of 88 Armenian 2 A<br />
minimalist luxury<br />
3 Bathroom with lots of<br />
natural light 4 Private<br />
dining space at Copper<br />
Bar and Restaurant<br />
A REFLECTION<br />
OF MODERN<br />
DAY ARMENIAN<br />
THE MALAY SETTLEMENT TURNED<br />
COPPERSMITH STREET IS NOW A CULTURAL<br />
MECCA AND RECOGNISED AS A UNESCO<br />
WORLD HERITAGE SITE. 88 ARMENIAN PAYS<br />
SUCH TRIBUTE TO ITS COLOURFUL HISTORY.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos 88 ARMENIAN<br />
Rodin, Bartholdi, Dunand, Mackenzie, Pearson<br />
and Revere are the six luxurious rooms in<br />
88 Armenian. They are also the names of the<br />
world’s six most distinguished coppersmiths.<br />
The legacy continues in this heritage boutique<br />
hotel, built on “Pak Thang-Ah Kay” which the Chinese<br />
recognised as “Coppersmith’s Street” in Hokkien.<br />
Copper and brass industry flourished on this street in<br />
the mid-19th century but the residence of Armenian<br />
traders here made the lasting address.<br />
THE LAST HOTEL<br />
This part in Georgetown is inscribed on the World<br />
Heritage List. To preserve a place that is considered<br />
to have special cultural or historical importance to<br />
everyone, the state government has dictated that no<br />
more approvals will be given to hotel developments<br />
in the area.<br />
That said, 88 Armenian would be last and latest<br />
hotel to gain such significance and value within a<br />
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Owner and founder<br />
Dr. Angeline Yong is happy to share her vision for her<br />
third hotel in a UNESCO heritage town.<br />
“When you step into 88 Armenian you are still<br />
very much in Georgetown. Meticulously restored<br />
in line with heritage standards, and utilising only<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
2<br />
appropriate heritage council approved materials and<br />
methods, this project has truly been a labour of love<br />
on our part, with the entire process from background<br />
research, council approvals and finally painstaking<br />
restoration taking more than 5 years”.<br />
3<br />
4<br />
COPPER-MADE LUXURY<br />
88 Armenian will bring you into a different world<br />
of the heritage town. Within the Straits exterior of<br />
the shophouse, the restored building radiates with<br />
modern style and sophistication.<br />
Greeted with wooden flooring and mirrored<br />
stairwell, the accent wall serves a gentle<br />
remembrance of the building’s original identity<br />
through the exposed masculine brick wall while the<br />
prominent copper features and finishes add to the<br />
former glory of Pak Thang-Ah Kay.<br />
The minimalist rooms are splashed in muted<br />
palette with a synonymous balance of wood finishing<br />
and copper trimmings. Indulgence guaranteed, the<br />
natural stone bathtub and Italian spa shower in the<br />
airy bathroom puts me in awe of having a supreme<br />
spa in a private room.<br />
ALL ABOUT SERVICE<br />
As the hotel drips with history detailing, Copper<br />
Bar and Restaurant complements the modern<br />
interpretation of the Straits settlement with bold<br />
innovation of the Malaysian cuisine and exciting craft<br />
cocktails. They are also one of the unique bars in<br />
Penang that serves non-alcoholic “wine” and drinks<br />
as choice.<br />
Apart from the many surprise elements in 88<br />
Armenian, the stark distinction is the absence of<br />
reception desk in the hotel. Dr. Yong prizes on having<br />
personal touch with her hotel guests. To enable a<br />
smooth check-in, guests verification are done during<br />
airport transfer and other means.<br />
The luxury boutique hotel room rates per night<br />
starts at RM750. 88 Armenian are accepting early<br />
reservations and will be officially open for business<br />
on 18 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2019</strong>. Bookings and further enquiries can<br />
be made to 88@88armenian.com.<br />
88 Armenian<br />
88, Lebuh Armenian, Georgetown, Penang<br />
www.88armenian.com | +604-2637125<br />
SURROUNDING PLACES<br />
OF INTEREST<br />
Set in the heart of<br />
Georgetown, the UNESCO<br />
World Heritage Site, you can<br />
easily walk to these cultural,<br />
historical and heritage sites<br />
from 88 Armenian.<br />
79m<br />
190m<br />
190m<br />
Sun Yat Sen Museum<br />
Khoo Kongsi<br />
Cheah Kongsi<br />
220m<br />
400m<br />
450m<br />
Street of Harmony<br />
Clan Jetties<br />
Little India<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 19
SHOP<br />
SWAROVSKI<br />
SUNSHINE<br />
PENDANT<br />
Showcasing the<br />
radiant bond<br />
between mother and<br />
child, Swarovski’s<br />
celebratory campaign<br />
sees the eye-catching<br />
metaphorical<br />
collection–on how<br />
a child revolves<br />
around the mother<br />
who is the sun–by<br />
inviting people to<br />
#FollowYourSun.<br />
Price RM549<br />
THE TENDER<br />
GIFTS OF LOVE<br />
CELEBRATE THE WOMAN WHO FIRST INSPIRED YOU AND<br />
EVERYTHING SHE HAS DONE FOR US WITH THESE THOUGHTFUL<br />
MOTHER’S DAY PRESENTS FOR THE SPECIAL DAY.<br />
Text JESSY WONG<br />
SWENSEN’S OH MY LOVE<br />
There’s nothing like a lovely pastel pink and purple<br />
sweet treat just for Mother’s Day. Oh My Love is a<br />
combination of vanilla ice-cream with strawberry bits<br />
and roaster hazelnut ice-cream with crunchy Kit Kat.<br />
Price SGD 59.90<br />
THE FACE INC<br />
HYDRATION<br />
HERO<br />
This nourishing gift<br />
is perfect for both<br />
9-to-5 mum and glam<br />
mum to supercharge<br />
their skin. Using<br />
Green Tea extract,<br />
this Rejuvenate<br />
Moisturiser has<br />
anti-oxidant and<br />
anti-inflammatory<br />
properties in<br />
reducing lines and<br />
wrinkles.<br />
Price RM108<br />
WRISTLET CANDY<br />
FROM BONIA<br />
Part of BONIA’s Spring<br />
Summer EAT Collection,<br />
this elegant timepiece<br />
is framed with Sapphire<br />
encircled with bezel and<br />
a glossy matt dial. This<br />
stainless steel bracelet<br />
and case is perfect and<br />
straightforward for<br />
everyday wear. Code<br />
name: BNB10242-2312S.<br />
Price RM630<br />
SALON-INSPIRED OGX HAIRCARE<br />
Feel amazing with Renewing + Argan Oil<br />
of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner<br />
that protect, restore and strengthen hair.<br />
As a premium salon-inspired collection,<br />
this signature line leaves hair feeling<br />
lush, shiny and soft.<br />
Price RM47.48<br />
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FOOD<br />
A HOME<br />
KITCHEN FOR<br />
TRAVELLERS<br />
1<br />
THE AUTHOR MALAYSIAN<br />
COOKBOOKS, SARA KHONG, OPENS<br />
HER HOME KITCHEN TO TRAVELLERS<br />
FOR LOCAL CUISINE COOKING CLASSES<br />
AT NEW MALAYSIAN KITCHEN.<br />
Text JESSY WONG<br />
Photos JESSY WONG & SARA KHONG<br />
The lament of Malaysians living overseas is real<br />
when it comes to missing home-cooked food.<br />
Same goes with travellers that fell in love with<br />
our flavourful local offerings but have no idea on<br />
where and how to start.<br />
Sara Khong puts our worries to rest with “New<br />
Malaysian Kitchen” where we can learn to cook<br />
Malaysia’s hawker food and tour an edible garden in<br />
her cooking class. The excitement of taking home<br />
cooking course from a professional cook and famous<br />
culinary author definitely adds some kick to my<br />
amateur cooking ability.<br />
ORGANIC GARDEN TOUR<br />
The cooking class starts with a light appetizer and<br />
tea for refreshment. It is during this introduction<br />
session when I found out the canape salad I just had<br />
is a produce from her organic garden using wild betel<br />
leaf, pickled papaya and butterfly pea flower. Sara<br />
shares her accident in knocking the papaya fruit from<br />
the tree before it ripen so she had to find a way to<br />
serve the green papaya.<br />
Her quick save does make the accident<br />
worthwhile as the canape salad is well-prepared for.<br />
It only raised my anticipation for her edible garden<br />
tour. With our straw hats on, Sara takes us on a<br />
storytelling session in her garden.<br />
Plant by plant, it is clear that Sara has some<br />
serious gardening skills up her sleeves and would<br />
generously gave us plant seeds to bring home.<br />
REAL MALAYSIAN KITCHEN<br />
After harvesting spices and leaves necessary for<br />
cooking, we head straight to the kitchen to start my<br />
fledgling attempt of making the Malaysia’s National<br />
Dish menu for the class.<br />
Besides this, there are two other menus to choose<br />
from either hawker fares or Chinatown favourites,<br />
each with five recipes of our preferred local cuisines.<br />
MENU FOR CLASS<br />
Malaysia’s National Dish (USD60)<br />
• Nasi Lemak (Coconut Rice with Spicy Sauce)<br />
• Malaysian Spiced Fried Chicken<br />
• Four-Angled Beans Coconut Salad<br />
• Sago Pudding with Palm Sugar<br />
• Teh Tarik<br />
In the small cooking group, it is easy to follow<br />
the pace as Sara takes us through each step in her<br />
instructions and cooking tips. Sara is known for<br />
writing cooking books like “Malaysian Meals in 30<br />
Minutes”, “One-Pot Wonders” and “3 Ingredient<br />
Recipes” so it is an added perk to receive a<br />
personalised recipe booklet from a published chef.<br />
The classes are held on booking basis only so try to<br />
book a slot in advance. Overall, the contentment of<br />
learning how to “pull” tea, success in wrapping my<br />
own nasi lemak and grinding spices using a pestle<br />
and mortar are the unsuspecting ingredients that<br />
make the food taste even more amazing.<br />
HOW TO GET THERE<br />
Situated 20 minutes away from KL center, the<br />
“New Malaysian Kitchen” is easily accessible via<br />
MRT or car-hailing services at Cheras. For train<br />
takers, alight at Taman Connaught MRT Station<br />
and you will be privately chauffeured to the<br />
destination. Additional services like hotel pick-up<br />
are available upon request.<br />
New Malaysian Kitchen Cooking Class<br />
No.2, Jalan 11, Taman Len Seng,<br />
Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur<br />
www.newmalaysiankitchen.com<br />
1 Recipe booklet, kitchen<br />
supplies and ingredients<br />
are all ready for class<br />
2 Practising the art of<br />
wrapping nasi lemak<br />
3 Marinating Malaysian<br />
Spiced Fried Chicken<br />
4 Proud of a perfectly<br />
bubbled teh tarik 5 Sago<br />
pudding for desserts<br />
6 Malaysia's National<br />
Dish lunch spread<br />
GOOD<br />
to<br />
KNOW<br />
Classes can be<br />
conducted in<br />
English, Mandarin<br />
or Cantonese<br />
language<br />
The private cooking<br />
class can only<br />
accommodate up to<br />
5 people in a session<br />
Learners get to go<br />
home with Sara’s<br />
recipe booklet and<br />
extra cooking tips<br />
through her friendly<br />
follow-up email<br />
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FOOD<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5 6<br />
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TALES ON TRACK<br />
LOST & FOUND<br />
THOSE<br />
WERE THE<br />
METAL<br />
DAYS<br />
Text FRANCIS YIP<br />
Photo ADOBE STOCK<br />
As a little boy, I used to follow my<br />
mother to the Chowrasta Market<br />
in Penang. Sometimes, she would<br />
bring along her kitchen knives. Not as<br />
self-defense against snatch thieves but to<br />
visit the knife-sharpening uncle, to get her<br />
knives sharpened.<br />
THE LOST GLITTER<br />
Knife sharpening is a process of making<br />
the knife or similar tool sharp by grinding<br />
against a hard rough surface such as the<br />
stone or grinding wheel and then smoothen<br />
it further with a leather razor strop. This<br />
old trade was popular in the wet market<br />
especially in the butcher area.<br />
Today, modern machineries can easily<br />
sharpen the knives faster and easier<br />
compared to doing it manually. Hence,<br />
the trade is gradually dying. But for some<br />
people, nothing beats the good old manual<br />
way to a more precise and sharper tool.<br />
Apart from knife sharpening trade, I<br />
still remember tin smiths were very much<br />
sought-after in the past. People would seek<br />
their services to repair or fabricate light<br />
metal items like kitchen utensils, water<br />
pitchers, candle holders and other tinware.<br />
Most of this trade was handed down for<br />
generations. However, as plastic became<br />
more in demand, tin smiths found it tough<br />
to sustain their age-old trade and hence,<br />
many had ceased from their business.<br />
In fact, the popularity of tin and iron<br />
smiths have given birth to a street known<br />
as Ironsmith’s Street (Pak Theek Kay) in<br />
Georgetown, Penang.<br />
SURVIVING METAL TRADES<br />
While some metal trades are dying, the<br />
locksmith is still very much popular today.<br />
Long ago, locksmiths ran their businesses<br />
in push carts and would often move from<br />
places to places. Today, the locksmiths<br />
operate from their shops and keep up with<br />
the demand of modern locks, from cars to<br />
homes and offices.<br />
Moving on is the scrap metal trade. I<br />
remember I was taught in school to collect<br />
tin cans for recycling purposes. Well, scrap<br />
metal trade seems to be doing well as<br />
there are more recycling efforts now. Scrap<br />
metals such as copper, brass, aluminium,<br />
zinc, magnesium, tin, stainless steel and<br />
more have monetary value.<br />
Next, gold trading is one of the oldest<br />
trade and compared to the past, we saw the<br />
flourishing businesses of gold businesses<br />
like Habib Jewels, Wah Chan, Tomei and<br />
Poh Kong. As a matter of fact, Jalan Masjid<br />
Kapitan Keling in Penang is thriving with<br />
gold traders since colonial times.<br />
If there is one metal that put Malaysia<br />
on the world map, it is obviously pewter.<br />
Royal Selangor prides itself as the largest<br />
Malaysian pewter retailer and producer in<br />
the world. The company offers thousands<br />
of pewterware from tableware, tankards,<br />
tea sets, photo frames to desk and wine<br />
accessories.<br />
So here we are, the good old memories<br />
of metal trade can be considered worth its<br />
weight in gold.<br />
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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.<br />
Love him if he unlocks hidden jewels. So heavenly, so travelicious with him!<br />
www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd franciswriter