GOASIAPLUS May 2019

MAY 2019 | ISSUE 36
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
TREASURES OF
KENYIR LAKE
THAKHEK, LAOS
MALAYSIAN COOKING CLASS

CONTENTS
4 ON THE RADAR
6 OUT & ABOUT
8 TRAVEL
Spotted in Asia:
Zhangjiaijie, China
12 TRAVEL
The Lake is An Oyster
16 TRAVEL
Thakhek, Laos
18 TRAVEL
A Reflection of Modern
Day Armenian
20 SHOP
The Tender Gifts of Love
22 FOOD
A Home Kitchen for
Travellers
24 TALES ON TRACK
Lost & Found
16
12
COVER BY
JESSY WONG
EDITORIAL TEAM
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS
JOHN SO
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JAMIE SOO-HOO
SENIOR WRITER
JESSY WONG
PHOTOGRAPHER
RICK CHEAH
CONTRIBUTORS
FRANCIS YIP, NG SHEN LEE,
DISCOVERY TERENGGANU & CLIFF PEK TZE WEI
DIGITAL TEAM
22
WEB CONTENT
JESSY WONG
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM
COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP
JOHN SO
JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM
PUBLISHED BY
PUBLISHCOM ASIA SDN. BHD.
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59100 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.
+603–20118983 WWW.PCOMASIA.COM
18
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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
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reproduced in any form without the publisher’s permission in writing.
KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482)
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 1

EDITOR’S NOTE
It is usual that
as we get busy
on a routine
basis, we tend to overlook the blessings in
our surroundings. Always looking afar for
vacation places, getting tempted with foods
on social media and socialising through
phones than bonding with people around us.
Because sometimes we don’t have to
look far to seek for the finer things in life. If
we pay close attention, we will notice that
the good things are always nearer at hand.
From awesome places to go, amazing food,
and of course, people.
For a change of scenery, Kenyir Lake
by Malaysia’s east coast has been long set
out of sight as a travel destination. It is by
good chance that Tourism Malaysia engaged
with GOASIAPLUS in the ‘Ekspresi Media’
programme to uncover this hidden gem.
Check out page 12 on how simple
activities like living on a houseboat,
trekking and swimming with fishes
make Kenyir Lake a great relaxing travel
destination without breaking the bank.
Local food as never been a
disappointment to Malaysians. Most of our
first love is nasi lemak and it also never fail
to amaze tourists who first try the icon of
all Malaysian food. But, how many of us
actually know how to make this iconic dish?
Professional cook and author of four
Malaysian cookbooks, Sara Khong, opens
her kitchen for travellers to join “New
Malaysian Kitchen”, a cooking class of local
cuisine right at her home (page 22) for
you to try your hand in making all of our
delicious offerings.
For every person’s best folk, we have
our ever reliable and supportive mothers
to take care of everything. It is a great day
to celebrate all that they have done for us
on May 12 so if you need a gift guide, see
page 20. Lastly, to all great mothers, Happy
Mother’s Day!
John So
Publisher
MOUNTAINS
MADE OF
PLASTIC
Photo ADOBE STOCK
I have been making the news headlines lately.
Here I am in a small country in Southeast Asia,
an absolutely beautiful place called Malaysia, (not
very surprisingly) made into the world’s rubbish
dump of plastic wastes.
Malaysia is already one of the world’s biggest
single-use plastic consumers before the country
became the plastic waste capital of the world.
There are landfills filled with endless trash as
the country import wastes at large from United
States, Japan and Britain.
With no proper faculties of disposing the
plastics, these wastes are burnt in the open air
releasing toxic chemicals. My surroundings parts
from air, soil and waterways are polluted and
when I’m sick, my ecosystem will cause health
issues to people and other living species.
Come on, it is not only our problem. It is a
global problem. Enough of prostituting me for
profit. Save the earth and stop single-use plastic.
There is only so little of the plastic wastes are
clean plastic that are recyclable.
Stop purchasing drinks that comes in a
plastic packaging on a whim. Doesn’t it make you
feel better if knowing that the end product of the
take-out food or drink you buy only goes down
your stomach and nowhere else?
Forever forsaken,
The environment
PICK-UP POINTS
Read our magazine exclusively in Aerobus airport shuttles or bring home a copy of GOASIAPLUS with
you at these pick-up points below:
GATEWAY@KLIA2
AIRPORT SHOPPING MALL
KLIA EKSPRES
KL SENTRAL
KLIA
INFORMATION COUNTER AT
DEPARTURE MAIN TERMINAL
& SATELLITE BUILDING
KLIA2
INFORMATION COUNTER,
SATELLITE BUILDING &
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL
2 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

NEWS
ON THE RADAR
GET UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HAPPENINGS ON
TRAVEL, HOTEL OPENINGS, FOOD OFFERS AND
TRENDING FASHION AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA
WINNER OF NEXT
DESTINATION: FORTUNE
The much-awaited winners announcement for
‘Next Destination: Fortune’–GOASIAPLUS
Chinese New Year contest–has seen Zahar
Bin Amir landing on fortune when he walked
away with RM10,000 cash prize while three
other consolation winners are awarded with
Mayflower Online RM1,000 travel credits each.
Major sponsors of the event, gateway@klia2,
Mayflower Online and Alor Tastiway jointly
presented the awards during the ceremony.
ANT-MAN IN HONG KONG
DISNEYLAND
As the second Marvel-themed
attraction in Hong Kong Disneyland,
the iconic Ant-Man turned into an
explosive interactive adventure. Ant-
Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! is
a high-tech dimensional battle for
players to shoot Swarmbots in helping
Ant-Man to defeat Zola. Guests can
also find exclusive items of the Marvel
hero at S.H.I.E.L.D Pavilion.
www.hongkongdisneyland.com
FIRST HIDDEN COCKTAIL
BAR IN MALACCA
Adding to Malacca’s heritage
charm, The Old Merchant bar
enlivens the olden days with a line
of specially concocted cocktails
by recalling the flavours of a rich
Malacca history. Upon entering the
pre-war shop, the tastefully hidden
speakeasy bar can transport one
back to the early 20th century.
88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200
Malacca
AIRASIA MAKING HISTORY IN VIETNAM
Asia’s best low-cost airline became the first-ever international flight to
touchdown at Can Tho, the largest city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta from
Kuala Lumpur. Can Tho is AirAsia’s sixth destination in Vietnam. Following
the new route, AirAsia is looking to launch the Bangkok–Can Tho flight
service this month.
www.airasia.com
4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

EVENTS
OUT & ABOUT
LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND
JASON MRAZ GOOD
VIBES TOUR
13 MAY
This two time Grammyaward
winner is excited
to return to Malaysia
after his last visit in 2012
for a “Good Vibes” tour
following his sixth studio
classic-pop album “Know”.
Mraz gained international
recognition with his 2002
debut album and hits such
as “I’m Yours” and most
recently, “Have It All”.
Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.myticket.asia
BORNEO JAZZ FESTIVAL
11-13 MAY
The annual jazz festival takes on an intimate setting
for their 13th year event to bring audiences closer to
the performers. Festival-goers can enjoy the outdoor
breeze by the coast with a line-up of local and
international jazz musicians like Isao Miyoshi (Japan),
Gaoyang Li (China) and Tony Lakatos (Germany).
Coco Cabana, Marina Bay, Sarawak, Malaysia
www.borneojazzfestival.com
BAGAN FESTIVAL
25 MAY
The recurring Bagan Festival at Butterworth Art Walk aims to reduce the
use of cars on the roads. The “Car Free” evening is hopeful in bringing
the community closer to the local arts and culture as this Bagan Festival
celebrates Ramadan with a showcase of festive food and cultural elements.
Butterworth Art Walk, Lorong Bagan Luar 2, Penang, Malaysia
www.mpsp.gov.my
FUTURE
9 MAY
The prominent icon of hip-hop and rap
from Atlanta brings his music to the
Singapore shore in promotion of his
seventh chart-topping album “Future
Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD”. Future
has platinum-certified albums under his
belt with critically-acclaimed mixtape
and tracks like “Mask Off”, “Super
Slimey” and “Low Life”.
ZEPP@BIGBOX, Singapore
www.sistic.com.my
LAUV ASIA TOUR 2019
18 MAY
Ari Staprans Leff is better known as Lauv is a growing
alt-pop singer, songwriter and producer. Ranked first
on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart in 2018, Lauv is
embarking on his first headlining tour for fans to catch
live performances of hit songs “I Like Me Better”, “I’m
So Tired…” and “Superhero”.
Moonstar Studio, Bangkok, Thailand
www.ticketmelon.com
6 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS
ZHANGJIAJIE
NATIONAL
FOREST PARK,
CHINA
Text NG SHEN LEE
Photos ADOBE STOCK & FREEVECTORMAPS.COM
Rarely does China’s
scenic wonders get to
play a role in Hollywood
blockbusters. Zhangjiajie
National Forest Park however,
proves that barriers are meant
to be overcome by serving as
the landscape inspiration for
the biggest box office hit and
highest-grossing film of all
time–Avatar.
In the 2009 sci-fi epic,
much of the action takes place
in the fictional Hallelujah
Mountains of Pandora. If you’re
unfamiliar with Avatar, picture
the Hallelujah Mountains as
floating islands of rock covered
by dense foliage, with waterfalls
streaming down their cliffs
and hazy mist enveloping the
mountain bases.
As ethereal as this
setting seems, the Hallelujah
Mountains were originally based
off a real location–Zhangjiajie
National Forest Park! The
first ever national forest
park in the country, its most
notable features are its 3000
quartz-sandstone pinnacles,
resembling a landscape much
like those represented in
Chinese calligraphy paintings.
With pillars enshrouded
in greenery and seemingly
extending towards the heavens,
it’s not hard to see how these
natural formations attracted
the attention of legendary
filmmaker James Cameron.
What really thrusted
Zhangjiajie into the limelight
was when word got out that
a pillar named “Southern Sky
Column” was used as reference
for the Hallelujah Mountains–a
discovery which led to the area
seeing upwards of 61 million
tourists in 2016 alone. Among
them, domestic Chinese
tourists make up the landslide
majority at 99.99 percent.
That same year, the
infamous Zhangjiajie glass
bridge was constructed and met
with overwhelming response
from the public. Over ten times
the estimated amount!
And to top it all off, the
local government decided to
pay homage by renaming the
structure “Avatar Hallelujah
Mountain”. All this thanks to
the influence of a sci-fi film.
But Avatar wasn’t always
met with open arms. Only
two weeks after it premiered
in China, authorities ceased
screening of the film in theatres
nationwide, afraid that it might
incite revolts from citizens
battling over land rights with
the government at the time–a
situation similar to what the
Na’vi in the film were facing.
With four more film sequels
destined to hit cinemas by 2021,
it’s safe to say that Chinese
filmgoers will be on the lookout
for more representation in
the films, a desire Cameron is
looking to fulfill via Chinese
Na’vi actors.
FUN
FACTS
James Cameron got the idea
for Avatar after watching
Disney’s 1995 animated
movie Pocahontas.
Zhangjiajie is also home to
the Bailong Elevator, the
highest outdoor elevator in
the world, made from glass!
8 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

ADVERTORIAL
MONEY-
SAVING TIPS
FOR BUDGET
TRAVEL
GET YOUR CALCULATOR READY
BECAUSE EVEN WITH A THIN WALLET,
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ANYONE TO HAVE
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These days, it is all about convenience
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bargain. There is no doubt that travelling
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they have to overlook all sorts of comfort and
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answer to all your travel odds at a lesser fee.
FIND DEALS FROM A COMPREHENSIVE AND
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You can always find more deals from a company that has
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CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL SITE’S
RECOMMENDATIONS
Listen to suggestions. When there are two things offered
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BOOKING DIRECT ADD-ON SERVICES
One-for-all travel booking platform like Mayflower.com.
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10 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVELLING TO BANGKOK WITH MAYFLOWER.COM.MY
Bangkok is a destination with limitless experience of travel, nature, shopping and culture.
A trip to Thailand is always packed with a myriad of things to do so for a fuller experience,
people would commonly spend more than 3 days in the bustling city. For a comfortable
budget stay, Bangkok Palace Hotel is a 3-star establishment in the city with strategic location
and vicinity to other venues. Completed with AirAsia return flight for 2 people, deluxe
accommodation, travel insurance and roaming wifi, check out the breakdown on how much
you can save for a couple’s trip to Bangkok when you book with Mayflower.com.my.
TRAVEL COSTS FOR 2 PAX ON MAYFLOWER.COM.MY*
Independant Booking
Bundle Booking
FLIGHT
AirAsia (KUL-DMK) = RM814.00
HOTEL
Bangkok Palace Hotel (4D3N) = RM585.84
INSURANCE
Chubb Travel Protection = RM82.80
‘FLIGHT + HOTEL’ BUNDLE BOOKING
AirAsia (KUL-DMK)
&
Bangkok Palace Hotel (4D3N)
ADD ONS
Insurance (Chubb Travel Protection)
&
Roaming Wifi (Roaming Man SEA)
ROAMING WIFI
Roaming Man SEA = RM100.00
TOTAL SPENT = RM1582.60
TOTAL SPENT= RM1496.64
ADDITIONAL 6% SAVINGS
*Price breakdown is for illustration purposes only and
may differ on the availability of flight and hotel based
on the selection of individual dates
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 11

TRAVEL
1
THE LAKE IS AN OYSTER
THE OUTBACK OF TERENGGANU PACKS PLENTY OF PLEASANT SURPRISE
IN MALAYSIA’S LARGEST MAN-MADE LAKE. BEYOND THE AMAZING
LANDSCAPE, KENYIR LAKE IS A TREASURE CHEST OF NATURAL,
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos DISCOVERY TERENGGANU, JESSY WONG & CLIFF PEK TZE WEI
12 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
2
1 A bright scenic day in
Kenyir Lake 2 Buyong
Houseboat and Pesona
Houseboat 2 3 Kenyir
Lake during high-tide in
March 4 Jungle trekking in
natural forest 5 Fun swim
with Malaysian mahseer 6
Beautiful flowers at Orchid
Garden 7 An 18-year-old
rescued elephant named
Abong 8 Lasir Waterfall 9
The ceiling of Gua Bewah
10 Spotted crabs in the
limestone cave
3
The creation of Kenyir Lake or Tasik Kenyir (in
Malay language) is unintentional. This freshwater
lake was formed circa 1980s when a dam was
built to generate hydro-electric power and mitigate
flooding in Terengganu. Water from the dam would flow
to the valley and fertile land behind, filling the lowland
and naturally forming around 340 smaller islands from
remaining hilltops.
Present day, exotic wildlife, fishes and various plants
species beautifully endowed Kenyir Lake as it thrives
on a landscape drawn with mountains, rivers, limestone
caves and waterfalls. Without a doubt, Kenyir Lake is a
dark horse running as one of Malaysia’s top eco-tourism.
LIVING ON A HOUSEBOAT
A houseboat is akin to a house on water; there are
living room, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and even an
entertainment space for karaoke session. At Kenyir Lake
houseboats, you can choose to hire a houseboat chef for
your stay or wear the chef’s hat yourself.
During my time in Buyong Houseboat, the kind
operator took us to different waterfalls on two evenings
to make the most of Kenyir Lake’s attractions. On my
second night, we even had a barbeque on the houseboat
right in front of the waterfall! Even without a phone
connection, nothing beats waking up to the sight of
waterfall, sun rising on the waters and smell of the
surrounding forests when you’re living with nature.
There are many houseboat operators on the lake
with different packages so when you’re choosing, see
which activities are the best interest to you and your
travelling friends. Fares for houseboat living are usually
determined by the type of boat, activities covered in
Kenyir Lake island hopping and your length of stay.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 13

TRAVEL
4
5
9
10
Jungle Trekking
The natural forests on the Kenyir Lake
islands are worthy of an expedition. For this
trip, I was blessed to have Mr Khairul Abu
Bakar–a national award-winning tour guide–
to lead the way to see the biggest Melunak
tree in West Malaysia. It is an extremely
valuable tree in the logging industry and
the large tree is estimated to be 314 years
old. Along the way, trekkers can also spot
the trail of elephants, traces of tapir and
excitingly, prints of a tiger cub in the forest.
Discover other popular and challenging
trails at Gagau Mountain or Lawit.
Fishing
Kenyir Lake is an angler’s heaven. The
38,000 hectares of freshwater lake is
estimated to be the home to 300 species
of freshwater fishes. Popular ones are
snakehead, friendly barb, green arowana
and giant gourami. It is also said that during
the rainy season, the fish can even be
caught with only a pair of hands. Although
you can fish from your houseboat's deck,
anglers are encouraged to fish at designated
spots on the lake like Cacing Island, Leban,
Petuang, Saok and Terenggan.
Cave Exploration
There are two limestone caves to be
explored in Kenyir Lake. Estimated to be
around 300 million years old, Gua Bewah–
Bewah is a Kelantan word for feast–is a
known historic site with the findings of a
skeleton and remains of a civilisation. There
is an archeology gallery just outside the
cave entrance with findings of prehistoric
items at the area. Besides, find elephantshaped
stalactite, crabs, tiger spider and
bats in the limestone cave. Whereas for
Gua Taat, the cave would be inaccessible
at times due to high tides so make sure to
catch the right timing for a visit.
Mahseer Sanctuary
The Malaysian mahseer is Malaysia’s most
expensive gourmet fish and sought-after
game fish for anglers. A living Malaysian
red mahseer can cost between RM800 to
RM1,000 per kg. Threatened and dwindling
in numbers, a special rehabilitation and
conservatory zone is set up for the species
to naturally breed at Petang River.
It takes a 40-minutes hike before you’ll
reach the breeding point. You may also
purchase some fish feed at the rest stop by
14 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
6
8
7
the hiking route. These mahseer are familiar
with human interactions and will playfully
surround you as you enter the running
stream. It is definitely prohibited to fish
there and the sanctuary is only open from
9am till 12pm daily from March till October.
Island Hopping
It is only natural to go island hopping
among the hundreds of little islands
on Kenyir Lake. The 3 notable stops for
tourists are definitely Herbal Park, Orchid
Garden and Butterfly Park. Herbal Park is
located on Sah Kecil Island known for the
cultivation of more than 200 traditional
herbal plants. Visitors will be given a short
introduction to these traditional herbs and
enjoy a tasting session of the herbal drinks.
For orchid lovers, be amazed with a
large collection of orchid species including
the rare types at Orchid Garden. Spanning
across 3 smaller islands, the place is
dedicated for cultivation and research
of the flowers. Located at Lubuk Geras
Island, the Butterfly Park houses thousands
of butterfly species with an interactive
museum for visitors to learn and see the
breeding of unique butterflies.
Kenyir Elephant Conservation
Village (KECV)
Opened in 2014, KECV is a sanctuary
built by state authorities and the
government to protect and reduce
human-elephant conflict in Terengganu.
Unknown to many, there are an average
of 200 wild elephants roaming in the
area and KECV is built in a community
vision to educate the locals.
Wild elephants that are rescued from
conflict will be treated and healed in the
center before being released back into
the forest whereas for abandoned baby
elephants, KECV will rescue and adopt
the orphaned elephants before they are
ready for the wild.
There are currently 18 Asian
elephants in the center, mostly rescued
elephants from the wild and some
born in conservation. Visitors can feed,
interact and bath the elephants at KECV.
Also, catch an educational show where
the elephants perform with their trained
caretakers, showcasing the creature’s
level of intellect and playfulness. All
proceeds at KECV are channelled into
elephant’s conservation efforts.
GOOD
to
KNOW
It is recommended to hire a
licensed local tour guide to get
the most out of Kenyir Lake.
There are plenty of Kenyir Lake’s
historical and interesting local
stories to know about.
Kenyir Information Center is open
from 8am till 5pm every day at
Pengkalan Gawi, the main jetty
entrance to Kenyir Lake.
Extreme sports like waterfall
abseiling and zip-line into water
are also offered in Kenyir lake.
Contact Go Nature Travel & Tour
at my.gonature@gmail.com for
more information.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 15

TRAVEL
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
THAKHEK, LAOS
SHARING A FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE WITH THAILAND, THE CAPITAL OF
KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE IS A CITY LOST-IN-TIME WITH COLONIAL-
ERA BUILDINGS AND DECLINING FRENCH VILLAS BY THE BANKS OF
THE GREAT MEKONG RIVER.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & LE BOUTON D’OR BOUTIQUE HOTEL
HOW TO GET
THERE
As a center point
between Vientiane in the
north and Pakse in the
south, Thakhek is highly
accessible through buses
departing from both
major cities. If you’re
coming from Nakhon
Phanom in Thailand, the
border is easy to cross
through the third Thai-
Lao Friendship Bridge
which is just 13km north
from Thakhek.
WHERE TO EAT
There are plenty of
food stalls by the
waterfront selling
snacks and local
cuisine. Thakhek
Market has a large
food section for
sumptuous meals in
the morning and find
BBQ meats and sweet
treats at the town
square night market.
Laos noodle soup,
mini sandwiches and
pork pasties are worth
the bite in Thakhek.
WHAT TO DO
Thakhek is a small
commercial town with
budding tourism for
travellers. Go for an
architectural tour around
the tiny town square and
live in the atmosphere.
Also, one of Laos’ holiest
pilgrimage sites, Wat Pha
That Sikhottabong, can
be easily reached by tuktuk
from town.
Thakhek’s best
features lies in Phou
Hin Poun National Park.
There are many trekking
routes to explore that
leads to Khoun Kong
Leng, known as the Blue
Lagoon, for a cool dip.
While you’re at the park,
a trip to Konglor Cave is
a must. The ride on the
long boat will bring you
to see caverns and huge
limestone formations.
WHERE TO STAY
Upon a sight, Le Bouton
D’or Boutique Hotel
has the best location by
the Mekong riverfront
offering a view for
sunset from the French
architecture building. It
is also adjacent to the
tourist center and night
market. Meanwhile,
Thakhek Travel Lodge is a
popular backpacker place
to crash for the night.
GOOD
to
KNOW
“Thakhek” means “Visitor’s Landing”, a
reference to the town’s importance and
relations to the Chenla and Funan empires
since the 8th century.
Tours around Thakhek can be booked
directly at Khammouane Tourism
Information Centre, located 2km away
from the main town.
Thakhek Loop in Central Alos has an
adventurous route for a 3D2N motorcycle
journey and be surrounded by mountain
sights and farmlands.
16 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
1
1 The heritage facade
of 88 Armenian 2 A
minimalist luxury
3 Bathroom with lots of
natural light 4 Private
dining space at Copper
Bar and Restaurant
A REFLECTION
OF MODERN
DAY ARMENIAN
THE MALAY SETTLEMENT TURNED
COPPERSMITH STREET IS NOW A CULTURAL
MECCA AND RECOGNISED AS A UNESCO
WORLD HERITAGE SITE. 88 ARMENIAN PAYS
SUCH TRIBUTE TO ITS COLOURFUL HISTORY.
Text JESSY WONG • Photos 88 ARMENIAN
Rodin, Bartholdi, Dunand, Mackenzie, Pearson
and Revere are the six luxurious rooms in
88 Armenian. They are also the names of the
world’s six most distinguished coppersmiths.
The legacy continues in this heritage boutique
hotel, built on “Pak Thang-Ah Kay” which the Chinese
recognised as “Coppersmith’s Street” in Hokkien.
Copper and brass industry flourished on this street in
the mid-19th century but the residence of Armenian
traders here made the lasting address.
THE LAST HOTEL
This part in Georgetown is inscribed on the World
Heritage List. To preserve a place that is considered
to have special cultural or historical importance to
everyone, the state government has dictated that no
more approvals will be given to hotel developments
in the area.
That said, 88 Armenian would be last and latest
hotel to gain such significance and value within a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Owner and founder
Dr. Angeline Yong is happy to share her vision for her
third hotel in a UNESCO heritage town.
“When you step into 88 Armenian you are still
very much in Georgetown. Meticulously restored
in line with heritage standards, and utilising only
18 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

TRAVEL
2
appropriate heritage council approved materials and
methods, this project has truly been a labour of love
on our part, with the entire process from background
research, council approvals and finally painstaking
restoration taking more than 5 years”.
3
4
COPPER-MADE LUXURY
88 Armenian will bring you into a different world
of the heritage town. Within the Straits exterior of
the shophouse, the restored building radiates with
modern style and sophistication.
Greeted with wooden flooring and mirrored
stairwell, the accent wall serves a gentle
remembrance of the building’s original identity
through the exposed masculine brick wall while the
prominent copper features and finishes add to the
former glory of Pak Thang-Ah Kay.
The minimalist rooms are splashed in muted
palette with a synonymous balance of wood finishing
and copper trimmings. Indulgence guaranteed, the
natural stone bathtub and Italian spa shower in the
airy bathroom puts me in awe of having a supreme
spa in a private room.
ALL ABOUT SERVICE
As the hotel drips with history detailing, Copper
Bar and Restaurant complements the modern
interpretation of the Straits settlement with bold
innovation of the Malaysian cuisine and exciting craft
cocktails. They are also one of the unique bars in
Penang that serves non-alcoholic “wine” and drinks
as choice.
Apart from the many surprise elements in 88
Armenian, the stark distinction is the absence of
reception desk in the hotel. Dr. Yong prizes on having
personal touch with her hotel guests. To enable a
smooth check-in, guests verification are done during
airport transfer and other means.
The luxury boutique hotel room rates per night
starts at RM750. 88 Armenian are accepting early
reservations and will be officially open for business
on 18 May 2019. Bookings and further enquiries can
be made to 88@88armenian.com.
88 Armenian
88, Lebuh Armenian, Georgetown, Penang
www.88armenian.com | +604-2637125
SURROUNDING PLACES
OF INTEREST
Set in the heart of
Georgetown, the UNESCO
World Heritage Site, you can
easily walk to these cultural,
historical and heritage sites
from 88 Armenian.
79m
190m
190m
Sun Yat Sen Museum
Khoo Kongsi
Cheah Kongsi
220m
400m
450m
Street of Harmony
Clan Jetties
Little India
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 19

SHOP
SWAROVSKI
SUNSHINE
PENDANT
Showcasing the
radiant bond
between mother and
child, Swarovski’s
celebratory campaign
sees the eye-catching
metaphorical
collection–on how
a child revolves
around the mother
who is the sun–by
inviting people to
#FollowYourSun.
Price RM549
THE TENDER
GIFTS OF LOVE
CELEBRATE THE WOMAN WHO FIRST INSPIRED YOU AND
EVERYTHING SHE HAS DONE FOR US WITH THESE THOUGHTFUL
MOTHER’S DAY PRESENTS FOR THE SPECIAL DAY.
Text JESSY WONG
SWENSEN’S OH MY LOVE
There’s nothing like a lovely pastel pink and purple
sweet treat just for Mother’s Day. Oh My Love is a
combination of vanilla ice-cream with strawberry bits
and roaster hazelnut ice-cream with crunchy Kit Kat.
Price SGD 59.90
THE FACE INC
HYDRATION
HERO
This nourishing gift
is perfect for both
9-to-5 mum and glam
mum to supercharge
their skin. Using
Green Tea extract,
this Rejuvenate
Moisturiser has
anti-oxidant and
anti-inflammatory
properties in
reducing lines and
wrinkles.
Price RM108
WRISTLET CANDY
FROM BONIA
Part of BONIA’s Spring
Summer EAT Collection,
this elegant timepiece
is framed with Sapphire
encircled with bezel and
a glossy matt dial. This
stainless steel bracelet
and case is perfect and
straightforward for
everyday wear. Code
name: BNB10242-2312S.
Price RM630
SALON-INSPIRED OGX HAIRCARE
Feel amazing with Renewing + Argan Oil
of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner
that protect, restore and strengthen hair.
As a premium salon-inspired collection,
this signature line leaves hair feeling
lush, shiny and soft.
Price RM47.48
20 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

FOOD
A HOME
KITCHEN FOR
TRAVELLERS
1
THE AUTHOR MALAYSIAN
COOKBOOKS, SARA KHONG, OPENS
HER HOME KITCHEN TO TRAVELLERS
FOR LOCAL CUISINE COOKING CLASSES
AT NEW MALAYSIAN KITCHEN.
Text JESSY WONG
Photos JESSY WONG & SARA KHONG
The lament of Malaysians living overseas is real
when it comes to missing home-cooked food.
Same goes with travellers that fell in love with
our flavourful local offerings but have no idea on
where and how to start.
Sara Khong puts our worries to rest with “New
Malaysian Kitchen” where we can learn to cook
Malaysia’s hawker food and tour an edible garden in
her cooking class. The excitement of taking home
cooking course from a professional cook and famous
culinary author definitely adds some kick to my
amateur cooking ability.
ORGANIC GARDEN TOUR
The cooking class starts with a light appetizer and
tea for refreshment. It is during this introduction
session when I found out the canape salad I just had
is a produce from her organic garden using wild betel
leaf, pickled papaya and butterfly pea flower. Sara
shares her accident in knocking the papaya fruit from
the tree before it ripen so she had to find a way to
serve the green papaya.
Her quick save does make the accident
worthwhile as the canape salad is well-prepared for.
It only raised my anticipation for her edible garden
tour. With our straw hats on, Sara takes us on a
storytelling session in her garden.
Plant by plant, it is clear that Sara has some
serious gardening skills up her sleeves and would
generously gave us plant seeds to bring home.
REAL MALAYSIAN KITCHEN
After harvesting spices and leaves necessary for
cooking, we head straight to the kitchen to start my
fledgling attempt of making the Malaysia’s National
Dish menu for the class.
Besides this, there are two other menus to choose
from either hawker fares or Chinatown favourites,
each with five recipes of our preferred local cuisines.
MENU FOR CLASS
Malaysia’s National Dish (USD60)
• Nasi Lemak (Coconut Rice with Spicy Sauce)
• Malaysian Spiced Fried Chicken
• Four-Angled Beans Coconut Salad
• Sago Pudding with Palm Sugar
• Teh Tarik
In the small cooking group, it is easy to follow
the pace as Sara takes us through each step in her
instructions and cooking tips. Sara is known for
writing cooking books like “Malaysian Meals in 30
Minutes”, “One-Pot Wonders” and “3 Ingredient
Recipes” so it is an added perk to receive a
personalised recipe booklet from a published chef.
The classes are held on booking basis only so try to
book a slot in advance. Overall, the contentment of
learning how to “pull” tea, success in wrapping my
own nasi lemak and grinding spices using a pestle
and mortar are the unsuspecting ingredients that
make the food taste even more amazing.
HOW TO GET THERE
Situated 20 minutes away from KL center, the
“New Malaysian Kitchen” is easily accessible via
MRT or car-hailing services at Cheras. For train
takers, alight at Taman Connaught MRT Station
and you will be privately chauffeured to the
destination. Additional services like hotel pick-up
are available upon request.
New Malaysian Kitchen Cooking Class
No.2, Jalan 11, Taman Len Seng,
Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
www.newmalaysiankitchen.com
1 Recipe booklet, kitchen
supplies and ingredients
are all ready for class
2 Practising the art of
wrapping nasi lemak
3 Marinating Malaysian
Spiced Fried Chicken
4 Proud of a perfectly
bubbled teh tarik 5 Sago
pudding for desserts
6 Malaysia's National
Dish lunch spread
GOOD
to
KNOW
Classes can be
conducted in
English, Mandarin
or Cantonese
language
The private cooking
class can only
accommodate up to
5 people in a session
Learners get to go
home with Sara’s
recipe booklet and
extra cooking tips
through her friendly
follow-up email
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FOOD
2
3
4
5 6
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 23

TALES ON TRACK
LOST & FOUND
THOSE
WERE THE
METAL
DAYS
Text FRANCIS YIP
Photo ADOBE STOCK
As a little boy, I used to follow my
mother to the Chowrasta Market
in Penang. Sometimes, she would
bring along her kitchen knives. Not as
self-defense against snatch thieves but to
visit the knife-sharpening uncle, to get her
knives sharpened.
THE LOST GLITTER
Knife sharpening is a process of making
the knife or similar tool sharp by grinding
against a hard rough surface such as the
stone or grinding wheel and then smoothen
it further with a leather razor strop. This
old trade was popular in the wet market
especially in the butcher area.
Today, modern machineries can easily
sharpen the knives faster and easier
compared to doing it manually. Hence,
the trade is gradually dying. But for some
people, nothing beats the good old manual
way to a more precise and sharper tool.
Apart from knife sharpening trade, I
still remember tin smiths were very much
sought-after in the past. People would seek
their services to repair or fabricate light
metal items like kitchen utensils, water
pitchers, candle holders and other tinware.
Most of this trade was handed down for
generations. However, as plastic became
more in demand, tin smiths found it tough
to sustain their age-old trade and hence,
many had ceased from their business.
In fact, the popularity of tin and iron
smiths have given birth to a street known
as Ironsmith’s Street (Pak Theek Kay) in
Georgetown, Penang.
SURVIVING METAL TRADES
While some metal trades are dying, the
locksmith is still very much popular today.
Long ago, locksmiths ran their businesses
in push carts and would often move from
places to places. Today, the locksmiths
operate from their shops and keep up with
the demand of modern locks, from cars to
homes and offices.
Moving on is the scrap metal trade. I
remember I was taught in school to collect
tin cans for recycling purposes. Well, scrap
metal trade seems to be doing well as
there are more recycling efforts now. Scrap
metals such as copper, brass, aluminium,
zinc, magnesium, tin, stainless steel and
more have monetary value.
Next, gold trading is one of the oldest
trade and compared to the past, we saw the
flourishing businesses of gold businesses
like Habib Jewels, Wah Chan, Tomei and
Poh Kong. As a matter of fact, Jalan Masjid
Kapitan Keling in Penang is thriving with
gold traders since colonial times.
If there is one metal that put Malaysia
on the world map, it is obviously pewter.
Royal Selangor prides itself as the largest
Malaysian pewter retailer and producer in
the world. The company offers thousands
of pewterware from tableware, tankards,
tea sets, photo frames to desk and wine
accessories.
So here we are, the good old memories
of metal trade can be considered worth its
weight in gold.
24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
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!
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