GOASIAPLUS October 2019

OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 41 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

Eco-friendly Hotels 

HOMESTAY IN KAMPONG 

BELITUNG, INDONESIA

CONTENTS 

5 ON THE RADAR 

7 OUT & ABOUT 

8 TALES ON TRACK 

Art of Rangoli 

10 TRAVEL 

Spotted: Asia in Film 

Mehrangarh Fort, India 

11 TRAVEL 

For the Greener Good 

17 TRAVEL 

Home Away From Home 

20 TALES ON TRACK 

BuJo: Solution for Life Chaos 

21 FOOD 

Halal Food in New Zealand 

24 FOOD FOR TALK 

Sweet Colours of Deepavali 

16 TRAVEL 

Road Less Travelled: 

Belitung, Indonesia 

11 

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 

WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 1

ADVERTORIAL 

Malaysia's Gateway 

to the World 

As one of the largest airport 

operator groups globally, Malaysia 

Airports played no small role in 

cementing Malaysia across the world’s 

web of connectivity. Channeling on 

the country’s strategic location, Kuala 

Lumpur is now known among the key 

regional destination for tourism and trade 

with KL International Airport (KLIA) 

paving the way to more success. 

First started in 1991, Malaysia 

Airports is now a proud portfolio 

owner of 39 airports; comprising of 5 

international airports, 16 domestic ones 

and 18 STOLports in Malaysia and an 

international airport in Turkey. The 

well-anticipated opening of klia2 in 2014 

not only encouraged high passenger 

growth from the rise of budget travel, 

it has enabled KLIA to accommodate a 

combined capacity of 75 million passengers 

per annum. 

Time and again, Malaysia Airports’ 

efforts in strengthening Malaysia as 

a frontrunner in the global network 

connectivity has marked a growth of 

international airports in the country and 

boosted inbound tourism tremendously. Its 

Joint International Tourism Development 

Fund with Tourism Malaysia also hit 

a record with airlines, tour operators, 

charterers, travel management companies 

and travel agencies. 

Therefore it comes as no surprise 

that Malaysia Airports has garnered a line 

of international awards under its wings, 

including the Routes Asia 2018 Marketing 

Awards for outstanding marketing services 

of new air routes and development of 

existing services, Best in Customer 

Experience Engagement at the Social Media 

Excellence Award, National Energy Awards 

(NEGTA 2018) for Category I: Energy 

Efficiency (Large Building) for sustainable 

practices at Kota Kinabalu International 

Airport, and was named Best Malaysian 

Company for Investor Relations at the IR 

Magazine Awards and Conference South 

East Asia 2016 held in Bangkok, Thailand. 

KLIA International Airport bagged 

the World's Best Airport for Immigration 

Services Award at the 2017 Skytrax 

World Airports Awards in Amsterdam, 

Netherlands, and was named Platinum 

Winner for airports with 25 million 

passengers per annum and above category 

at Asia-Pacific Green Airports Recognition 

2017 by Airports Council International ACI. 

As for the business direction set for 

the year 2019, Malaysia Airports embarked 

2 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

ADVERTORIAL 

“Airport operator creates 

joyful experiences by 

connecting people 

and businesses. ” 

on "Happy Guests, Caring Hosts" service 

culture transformation programme where 

the airport community aims to make guests 

feel welcomed and happy whenever they 

travel and go through our airports. 

Apart from that, there is a strong 

culture of corporate social responsibility 

(CSR) within the company, with Malaysia 

Airports investing in CSR practices which 

are holistic, structured and measurable. 

These includes elevating community 

livelihoods, micro industry development, 

and environmental initiatives as a form 

of community enrichment. 

Malaysia Airports is not just all 

about flying. Besides the aeronautical 

industry, the group also has a strong 

hand in airport-related commercial 

activities that help create memorable 

experiences, offer lifestyle choices and 

support seamless journeys. Malaysia 

Airports directly engages in duty-free 

operations, rental and airport retail 

outlets as well as acquires non-airport 

related revenue from its hotels and oil 

palm plantation. 

Moving forward, Malaysia Airports 

is actively running optimisation works 

for all airports under its management– 

to maximise operational efficiency 

and improve customer experiences. 

In the face of digitalisation, the group 

is positive to host an ecosystem of 

intelligence to predict customers’ needs 

but does not compromise the security 

and privacy of its customers. 


EDITOR’S NOTE 

The past month has been tough to all Malaysians, 

Indonesians and the entire population who are affected 

by the haze in the region. Starting out a new day and 

a new month with blurred vision, polluted air and limited 

outdoor activities remind us how invaluable our environment 

is for good quality of life. 

Thus, being responsible and aware of the global state 

of our environment and climate can help to improve the 

circumstances that are drowning us. Environmentally friendly 

travel is among the essential ways to make sure our planet is 

sustainable in the long run. From page 11, we take you to the 

green hotels around Asia. 

Cultural wise, Malaysia is uniquely beautiful with the 

coexistence of multiple cultures and religions in this small 

country. For this month, we bring to you the art of rangoli for 

the festival of lights (page 8). 

Wishing Happy Deepavali to all our Hindu friends! 

John So 

Publisher 

COVER BY 

KEEMALA RESORT 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

GROUP HEAD & BRANDS 

JOHN SO 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

JAMIE SOO-HOO 

SENIOR WRITER 

JESSY WONG 

CONTRIBUTORS 

NG SHEN LEE, FRANCIS YIP, 

& KYO HOOI 

DIGITAL TEAM 

WEB CONTENT 

JESSY WONG 

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES 

EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM 

COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP 

JOHN SO 

JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM 

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59100 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. 

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PERCETAKAN TURBO SDN BHD 

NO. 8, JALAN SEKINCAN 26/9, 

SEKSYEN 26, SHAH ALAM 40000, MALAYSIA 

FOLLOW US ON 

@goasiaplus 

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. Editorial 

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publisher’s permission in writing. 

KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482) 


NEWS 

ON THE RADAR 

GET UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HAPPENINGS ON 

TRAVEL, HOTEL OPENINGS, FOOD OFFERS AND 

TRENDING FASHION AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA 

FIRST COOKIE-THEMED SUITE AT DOUBLETREE 

BY HILTON 

There’s no better way for DoubleTree by Hilton to celebrate 

the brand’s 50th anniversary by turning its iconically delicious 

DoubleTree Cookie into a first-of-its-kind Cookie Suite. 

Guests may book the “Cookie Suite Experiential Package” 

to stay in the King Deluxe Suite filled entirely with cookie 

goodness-from a bar with freshly baked cookies, special flat-lay 

corner for photo enthusiasts, cookie-scented candles and body 

scrub amenities in the bathroom, customised cookie bathrobes 

and plushies as well as an 

exclusive beach kit. 

The immersive package is 

only available in the brand’s 

newest resort destination 

in Phuket from now till 31 

December 2019. 

DoubleTree by Hilton 

Phuket Banthai Resort, 

Phuket, Thailand. 

DoubleTreePhuketBanthai. 

com/promotions 

FLY DIRECT FROM KUALA LUMPUR TO BELITUNG 

AirAsia would be the first airline that connects Kuala Lumpur 

to the idyllic island of Belitung, off the east coast of Sumatra, 

Indonesia. Belitung is an island getaway surrounded by more 

than 100 small islands with breathtaking beaches and clear 

waters. This new route will commence starting 2 October 

2019 and offer four times weekly direct flight. 

airasia.com 

BIJI BIJI X TSYAHMI KLFW 

COLLECTION 

Biji Biji, Tsyahmi and Nakakoma 

Orimono came together for KL 

Fashion Week 2019 Collection 

to transform the perspectives of 

the fashion industry. The main 

idea is to repurpose unwanted 

materials into a colourful line of 

androgynous wear. The designs 

of this collection shows a 

fusion of Nusantara Pahlawans 

and Japanese Samurais and 

Geishas in celebrating antique 

alternative materials into 

modern style and wear. 

www.bijibiji.co 


NEWS 

PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE WELCOMES TRAVELLERS TO CEBU 

Guests to the 24-hour lounge can find relaxation and comfort in their range of services and 

facilities offered in the Spanish-inspired lounge space. The lounge dining boasts of signature 

dishes like “When Adobo Met Patis” (Pork Adobo) and “The Filipino Affair” (Coconut Curry 

Chicken). Plaza Premium Lounge at Domestic Arrivals of Mactan Cebu International Airport 

can be experienced with an online opening offer of 25% discount with promo code PPLCEB25. 

Offer is valid from now until 31 October 2019. 

Plaza Premium Lounge, Domestic Arrivals, 

Terminal 1 of Mactan Cebu International Airport, Philippines 

www.plazapremiumlounge.com 

HYDE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS TO OPEN IN PERTH 

Set to be Perth’s hottest spot in town, HYDE Perth Kitchen + Cocktails is a laid-back jazz age 

inspired venue with onsite outdoor pool, sun loungers and DJ decks to look out for other than 

its pool bar and dining options. Familiar favourites like its pizzas and bottomless fries menu 

known from its celebrity-packed venues in LA, Las Vegas and Miami can now be tasted in The 

Adnate, Perth’s new hotel. 

HYDE Perth Kitchen + Cocktails, Level One, The Adnate, 900 Hay Street, Western Australia 

www.hydeperth.com 

HINTS OF LOCAL CULTURE 

IN ANDAZ SEOUL GANGNAM 

The vibrant Apgujeong 

neighborhood in Gangnam now 

welcomes the fifth Hyatt brand 

hotel in South Korea; Andaz Seoul 

Gangnam is a testament of fusing 

traditional local culture and 

creative modern living in its space. 

The 241 contemporary guestrooms 

is decorated with bojagi patchwork 

and artworks featured in the hotel 

is created by artists from Seoul to 

nurture local talents. Whereas for 

dining, guests will arrive at Jogakbo 

to explore a variety of creative 

locally inspired cuisine. 

www.andazseoulgangnam.com 

BEN & JERRY’S FIRST SCOOP SHOP IN MALAYSIA 

The Scoop Shop brings shoppers an exciting menu of sixteen ice cream 

flavours, including Ben & Jerry’s global best-sellers–Cherry Garcia, Chocolate 

Fudge Brownie, Chunky Monkey, New York Super Fudge Chunk, Triple 

Caramel Chunk and Tonight Dough, alongside new shakes, sundaes, ice 

cream cakes and other merchandises. The brand is popular for using only 

non-GMO and Fairtrade-certified ingredients to support values-led sourcing. 

Ben & Jerry’s, Sunway Pyramid (Central Avenue), Selangor, Malaysia 

www.benjerry.com.my 


OUT & ABOUT 

EVENTS 

LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF 

THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND 

SHAWN MENDES THE TOUR 

5 OCT 

This Canadian-born pop artist is on the rise with 

his world tour in support of his self-titled album. 

Mendes’ 3rd album debuted at the top of US Billboard 

200 and was nominated at the Grammys for “Best 

Pop Vocal Album”, led by top singles “In My Blood”, 

“Lost in Japan” and “Youth”. 

Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

www.myticket.asia 

STARLIGHT CARNIVAL 

11 OCT - 2 NOV 

Surrounded by the crisp cooling weather of Genting Highlight, join the open 

air festivities with movies under the stars, music, live performances, gourmet 

food trucks and carnival games for all ages on every Friday, Saturday and 

Halloween night. Special bands will be flown in for the carnival including an 

Ompahpah band. 

Century Lake Park, SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting, Pahang, Malaysia 

rwgenting.om 

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY BY 

ST. PETERSBURG THEATRE 

11 - 12 OCT 

World renowned St. Petersburg 

Theatre Russian Ballet presents 

the classic fairy tale of “Sleeping 

Beauty” in such distinguished 

choreography that the dance is 

referred to as the “encyclopedia 

of classical dance”. Composed 

by Peter Tchaikovsky and 

choreographed by Marius Petipa, 

the performance is a treasured 

work of hundreds-year-old 

Russian ballet. 

Plenary Hall, KLCC, 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

premier.ticketcharge.com.my 

ESCAPE: PSYCHO CIRCUS KOREA 2019 

25 - 26 OCT 

Taking the Halloween spirit to the next level is 

Southern California’s annual “Escape: Psycho Circus” 

electronic music festival. The twisted wonderland 

makes its way to South Korea for the first time with 

international headliners like Marshmello, Galantis, 

Jauz and Kungs. Freaks, geeks, contortionists and 

bizarre characters will haunt this place like no other. 

Seoul Grand Park, Seoul, South Korea 

kr.escapehalloween.com 

THE GOSPELLERS LIVE IN SINGAPORE 2019 

24 OCT 

Their big debut in 1994 with the single “Promise” has seen similar 

success over the years with hit albums like “Soul Serenade” and 

singles such as “Towa ni” and “Hoshikuzu no Machi”. Recognised 

as one of the pioneer vocal groups in Japan, The Gospellers are 

celebrating their 25th anniversary with fans in Japan and across Asia. 

Drama Centre Theatre, Singapore 

sistic.com.sg 


TALES ON TRACK 

Art of Rangoli 

POWDERED RICE, CHALK POWDER AND COLOURED SAND DREAM UP THE AUSPICIOUS 

ART OF THE RANGOLI IN SIGNIFICANT OCCASIONS FOR THE INDIAN COMMUNITY. 

Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK 



Kolam would be more familiar on 

the ears when used to describe the 

colourful intricate pattern as seen 

on the ground during religious festivals 

and ceremonies for the Hindus in Malaysia. 

Deemed as an artistic expression, this 

cultural art is customary at the time of 

Deepavali, Pongal, weddings, birth and 

milestones as it not only perks up the 

surroundings, rangoli designs are believed 

to signify luck, fortune and divine blessings. 

Many Hindu households look forward 

to the making of rangoli where the entire 

family can get together and take a role in 

preparing the folk art at home. But fret 

not as here in Malaysia, the traditional 

art form is skillfully rehearsed in major 

shopping malls, buildings and down to the 

streets to observe the festival of lights. 

If you are in Kuala Lumpur, talk a walk 

down to Brickfields and take delight in the 

merriment before Deepavali falls on 27 

October this year. October th 

is year. 

MATERIALS 

It is essential to note that materials used to 

make rangoli are accessible throughout the 

community and can be found in the homes 

of both the rich and the poor–rice flour, 

leaves crushed to powder, charcoal, dried 

soil and sawdust. Well-to-do households 

would also fashion fresh flowers, turmeric 

powder, fruits and nuts. 

Although coloured sand with synthetic 

paints is popularly most used, natural 

ingredients is still preferred because rangoli 

is made to not harm the insects, rodents 

and birds which feed on the designs after 

the occasion is over. 

DESIGN AND LEGACY 

Rangoli designs has its own personalisation 

in each household and the auspicious 

symbols are passed down through 

generations. Diversity in shape, design and 

materials in rangoli may be motivated by 

traditions in different regions. Nevertheless, 

the admiration remain unchanged when 

one notices the time-consuming task that 

perfected the symmetry, complexity and 

precision in rangoli. 

For Deepavali, practitioners are drawn 

to use symbols like diya (the clay-made oil 

lamp), deities Lakshmi and Ganesha and 

flowers in the craft; Lakshmi is the Goddess 

of wealth and prosperity while Lord 

Ganesha is God of intellect and wisdom. 

Lotus flowers, fish, parrots and peacocks 

are also commonly spotted. 

SIGNIFICANCE 

Rangoli is mostly created by the altar or 

outside the house. The traditional charm 

believes that the intricacy of a rangoli traps 

negative energies and keep evil spirits from 

entering the house while the colourful 

drawing is a welcoming sign for deities and 

guests to the house. 

MODERN DAY 

The beauty of this art form has inspired the 

evolution of the craft with introduction of 

stencils in shapes of lotus flowers, deities, 

footprints and sanskrit script in the market. 

Easily sprinkle the stencil with coloured 

sand or flour for an artistic result. 


TRAVEL 

SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS 

Mehrangarh Fort, India 

Text NG SHEN LEE • Photo ADOBE STOCK 

Jodhpur in Rajasthan is a city 

on the fringes of India’s Thar 

desert. Here in the “Sun 

City of India,” a city of faded 

blue buildings beckons travellers, 

while magnificent palaces and 

forts pepper the land. 

Against such an array 

of attractions, none would 

argue that Mehrangarh Fort 

is Jodhpur’s most distinctive 

landmark. Situated on a tall rocky 

outcrop in the heart of the city, 

the fort is one of the largest in 

the whole of India. It overlooks 

the famed “Blue City”, and stands 

imposingly as a monument of 

Jodhpur’s history. 

Mehrangarh Fort’s history is 

closely intertwined with that of 

the city it lies in. It was built in 

the 15 th century by Rao Jodha, the 

founder of Jodhpur city. 

Meant as a formidable fort 

that would withstand battles, 

within the fort’s walls lie 

expansive courtyards and 

ornate palaces open for 

viewing. These include the 

Pearl Palace (Moti Mahal) and 

Flower Palace (Phool Mahal). 

Today, these attractions 

serve to draw in tourists 

from across the globe, never 

failing to wow them with 

its exquisite architecture, 

palanquins and museums. 

Most hauntingly is a stone 

which features the imprints 

of women who died by sati–a 

now-banned funeral custom 

where wives would follow 

their husbands to the afterlife 

by burning themselves alive 

on their pyres. 

The fort is no stranger to 

media publicity either, with 

a portfolio more impressive 

than most other forts in India. 

Commercials by Sprite, Visa and 

Pepsi come to mind, along with a 

brief cameo in the 2012 blockbuster 

“The Dark Knight Rises”. 

In the film, Christian Bale 

as Bruce Wayne escapes an 

underground prison pit and 

emerges to find himself in a desert 

just outside Mehrangarh Fort. 

Though brief, this little cameo 

has since put Jodhpur on the map 

and propelled it onto the lists of 

many as a must-see shoot locale. 

Bale vividly recalls the 

experience filming under the 

relentless heat. “The locals thought 

we were nuts. We were out in 

120-degree heat.” 

The fort has also served 

director Stephen Sommers in his 

1994’s rendition of “The Jungle 

Book”. In the film, several scenes 

feature Mehrangarh, including 

one where a courtyard is 

transformed into a magnificent 

ballroom. 

Balancing conservation, 

flourishing as an attraction 

and thriving even as a filming 

location–Mehrangarh fort is a 

prime example of a historical 

landmark which manages to 

retain its glory instead of just 

crumbling into memory. 

FUN 

FACT 

Legend has it that a man 

named Meghwal is buried 

alive under the citadel’s 

foundations to deter a 

curse cast upon the fort. 


TRAVEL 

For the Greener Good 

AS THE GATEWAY TO ENJOY SOME OF THE MOST BREATHTAKING NATURE, IT 

IS LITTLE WONDER HOTELS AROUND ASIA ARE TAKING THE LEAD TO MERGE 

WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS AND LIVE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLIER. 

Text JESSY WONG • Photos ALL FEATURED HOTELS AND RESORTS 

The uptrend for green produce, 

upcycled and sustainable products 

have been a commercial hit lately. 

People are becoming more conscious 

and environmentally responsible for 

their choices and actions–authoring the 

new lifestyle cult for sustainable living. 

In tourism means, hotels are upping 

the ante for people who are actively 

seeking out authentic travel in unspoiled 

destinations, and adventures without 

compromising nature. Regardless of big 

or small efforts, every step makes up for 

a responsible holiday starting with these 

eco-retreats around Asia. 


TRAVEL 

THE TONGSAI BAY 

Koh Samui, Thailand 

Nature is left untouched on this beachfront 

resort since its opening 30 years ago. 

Lush greenery and tree tunnel await for 

afternoon walks along with sightings of 

wildlife around the resort. The founder, 

Khun Akorn Hoontrakrul, became 

the pioneer of sustainable tourism in 

Thailand when he see to it that no tree 

is compromised in the development of 

his resort. Till today, Tongsai safeguard 

its surroundings from pollution, and 

harmful emissions while managing efficient 

energy saving system and proper waste 

management on grounds. 

Recycling is a huge project to create 

compost for its onsite organic garden; 

it supplies vegetables and natural-based 

products for the resort. Among others, 

the home-grown supplies are made into 

fruit-extracts cleaning agent for the 

guestrooms. The slow wafting relaxing 

scent of citronella around the resort is also 

an organic product from the garden. Other 

than that, The Tongsai Bay keeps its reef 

and bay welcoming to marine creatures by 

ensuring only non-motorised water sports 

are allowed as well as restricting only 

electric-powered vehicles on its property. 

www.tongsaibay.com.th 


TRAVEL 

“...every step 

makes up for 

a responsible 

holiday.” 

ALILA HOTELS & RESORTS 

Bali, Indonesia 

Across four flagship properties in Bali, 

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Alila Ubud, Alila 

Manggis and Alila Seminyak are now fully 

self-sustainable for its waste management 

following its launch of “Zero Waste to 

Landfill” initiative in 2016. Guests to these 

Indonesian island resorts can be clear that 

their wastes are channeled into recycling 

through the resorts’ onsite laboratory. 

The “Integrated Sustainable Resource 

Recovery Facility” (iSuRRF) manages the 

waste to be reused as building materials 

and recycled. Using simple engineering 

systems, one of the wastes such as plastics 

are converted into light crude oil before 

it is distilled to produce diesel, kerosene 

and gasoline for usage in hotels while 

plastics, glass and ceramics are shredded 

and crushed to be upcycled into green 

building materials. 

The environmental effort see to it 

that each hotel also has a composting 

section and organic garden that grows 

food for the kitchen. For a larger zero 

waste effort, Alila works with local 

villagers for waste collection and hosts 

classes for guests in building their own 

permaculture garden at home. 

www.alilahotels.com 


TRAVEL 

PULLMAN LUANG PRABANG 

Luang Prabang, Laos 

It is perhaps the only hotel in Asia with 

a full-scale terraced paddy fields that 

produce rice harvests for the restaurant and 

distributed to the local community. For the 

last decade, Pullman Luang Prabang has 

steadily received multiple awards for its 

sustainable practices in the UNESCO World 

Heritage Site-occupying 16 hectares of 

greenery, lake and mountainous views. 

The recently opened onsite organic 

garden not only bountifully supplies the 

resort’s restaurant, it aimed to significantly 

lessen the carbon footprint in the formal 

royal capital. Indeed, this initiative is more 

than just a vegetable garden, the farmstead 

includes a fruit orchard, tropical garden, 

greenhouse nursery, a buffalo pasture, duck 

pond, and even an area housing chickens 

and goats. The all-rounded eco-tourism 

encourages guests learn about the rice 

cultivation process by helping to plant 

and harvest the rice, animal feeding, egg 

collecting, fruit picking and buffalo milking 

in the resort. 

www.pullman-luangprabang.com 


TRAVEL 

KEEMALA RESORT 

Phuket, Thailand 

Within Phuket’s tropical woodlands, 

Keemala is a garden of bliss inspired by 

nature and Buddhism at its best. The all 

pool villa resort is a concept of dharma 

(truth) in Buddhism and tammachart for 

nature, reflecting its commitment to nature 

and the local culture. The distinctive fish 

coop architecture of Keemala’s villa reflects 

its design to protect the existing ecosystem 

and reduce environmental impact. As 

part of its green initiative, the luxurious 

eco-friendly resort purposes textile and 

recycled paper for its toiletries packaging 

and pushes for a plastic-free venue with 

paper straw and glass-bottled water. 

Waste from the hotel is then turned into 

bioorganic fertilizer for the garden which 

grows various vegetables and fruits for the 

resorts’ farm-to-table project. Guests are 

assured to taste only sustainably-sourced 

produce and fresh ingredients from the 

local market and fishing village in Phuket. 

www.keemala.com 

EAST, HONG KONG 

Quarry Bay, Hong Kong 

As a voice of change in the concrete 

jungle, EAST has taken measures 

to give an environmentally-friendly 

experience to its guests to be one 

of its core values. The new in-room 

water filters encourage guests to drink 

purified local water from the tap in 

reducing bottled water. This effort 

could reduce up to 180,000 bottles of 

water per year. Down to the restaurant, 

FEAST, has introduced more plantbased 

menu to minimise carbon 

footprint from livestock and use cagefree 

eggs in support of animal rights. 

The change includes the use of paper 

wrapping to eliminate aluminium and 

plastic waste in the restaurant. 

east-hongkong.com 


TRAVEL 

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED 

Belitung, Indonesia 

TUCKED AWAY IN THE EAST COAST OF 

SUMATRA IS INDONESIA’S HIDDEN GEM. 

SIMILAR TO ITS SISTER ISLANDS LIKE BALI 

AND LOMBOK, BELITUNG PACKS A PUNCH 

WITH ITS PICTURESQUE BEACH AND 

GEOPARK EXPERIENCES. 

Text JESSY WONG 

Photo ADOBE STOCK 

HOW TO GET THERE 

Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta airport has several 

aircrafts to Tanjung Pandan in Belitung daily. Across 

international waters, AirAsia is the first flight to 

connect Kuala Lumpur to Belitung directly. You can 

also get there from the nearest port at Pangkalpinang 

in Bangka islands; it takes 4 hours on a speedboat. 

WHERE TO EAT 

Mie Belitung is a savoury gravy noodle dish topped 

with vegetables, potatoes, shrimp and keropok 

(chips). It is the island’s specialty dish and can be 

found in most eatery places. Coffee aficionados must 

try a cup of the local brew at Kong Djie–a famous 

coffee house on the island. 

16 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

WHAT TO DO 

Belitung makes up a splendid list of beach and island 

hopping destinations. Tanjung Tinggi beach is in the 

backdrop of one of Indonesia’s highest grossing film– 

Laskar Pelangi–recognisable for its extremely clear 

blue water and pristine sand. 

Lengkuas Island is a popular stop for its 19 th 

century antique lighthouse–visitors may climb the 

lighthouse to capture the perfect panoramic scene. 

Additionally, check out the conservation center at 

Kepayang Island and cave at Kelayang Island. 

As a previously abandoned white clay mine, 

Danau Kaolin has turned into a pictorial lake today. 

The gorgeous scenery is often likened to a volcanic 

crater minus the sulphuric air. Batu Baginde is worth 

the trip for hikers to trek and climb the giant granite 

rocks. Culturally, Museum Kata Andrea Hirata is a 

local rainbow-coloured literary museum for fans of 

Hirata’s book. 

WHERE TO STAY 

BW Suite Belitung is located in Tanjung Pandan 

town center with close proximity to attractions. 

A more secluded option would be Hotel Santika 

Premiere Beach Resort Belitung, a beachfront resort 

with convenient access to Tanjung Kelayang beach. 

GOOD 

to 

KNOW 

Renting a car 

or motorcycle is 

recommended 

for ease of travel. 

Otherwise, Street 

Taxi Belitung is the 

only licensed taxi 

service on the island 

operating on meter. 

Andrea Hirata’s 

book “Laskar 

Pelangi” pinned 

Belitung as a 

prominent tourism 

island after the story 

of his childhood 

experiences are 

adapted into a movie 

of the same name.

TRAVEL 

Home Away from Home 

1 

THE SERENE AND SCENIC KAMPONG WITHIN AN ORCHARD DRAWS 

CITY GUESTS TO BE ACQUAINTED WITH A HUMBLE VILLAGE LIFE 

AND BOUNTIFUL HARVESTS AT KAMPUNG RAGA IN KEDAH. 

Text JESSY WONG • Photos JESSY WONG & KYO HOOI 

Opting for a homestay in Kampung 

Raga will definitely etch a permanent 

smile on your face. 

While hotels provide various facilities and 

amenities for comfort, the often overlooked 

choice such as homestay promises intimacy 

between people and finding delight in simple 

yet genuine activities. Just minutes away from 

Mount Jerai, villagers of this small orchard 

colony in the Yan district of Kedah open 

their doors to guests and share bits of their 

everyday life. 

Kampung Raga has possibly the most 

welcoming entourage for their homestay 

guests–my travelling group was received with 

a traditional ceremonious parade into the 

village with flutes and drums. The village’s 

origin, which can be tracked since hundreds 

of years ago, is a typical Malay settlement in 

Malaysia with semi-traditional houses and rich 

orchards from the repeated findings of durian, 

rambutan, mangosteen, star fruit and coconuts 

in Kampung Raga. It can be easily noticed that 

locals here have a strong community bond 

after multiple generations and they take pride 

in showing guests their idyllic kampong life. 


TRAVEL 

2 

3 

4 

5 

“...from the 

sound of 

a rooster 

crowing in 

the morning 

to crickets 

chirping at 

night .” 

THINGS TO DO IN KAMPUNG RAGA 

Horse Stud Farm 

The “Ultimate Horse Training and Stud 

Farm” in the village is a horse breeding 

and training center. The farm also 

provides horse therapy session for health 

improvements–targeting back aches and 

core strengthening. You may watch their 

feeding or try riding polo horses. 

Making Kuih Karas 

Learn to make this traditional Kedah 

snack from one of the kampong local who 

uses a coconut husk to strain the rice 

flour mixture for deep-frying. The making 

of this tasty tea snack is carefully taught 

by Mak Norfishah who encouraged guests 

to take a turn in cooking. 

Crafting Bunga Telur 

Artful people can showcase their 

talent in making bunga telur–a cultural 

ornament popular in malay wedding. 

The materials of bunga telur is prepared 

by the villagers using leaves from rubber 

tree which are soaked for a month then 

sun dried before it is used for crafts. 

Visiting Honey Farm 

“Mukas Stingless Bee Farm” is a familyrun 

business that operates from their 

house. Visitors can interact with the 

swarm of stingless bees buzzing up close 

and taste honey directly from the hive 

box. The honey’s many health benefits 

may tempt you to buy several bottles of 

organic honey at the farm. 


TRAVEL 

6 

7 

8 

9 

Meal time was a feast in Kampung Raga as 

our visit were in time with the harvests of durian, 

rambutans and other local fruits. Orchard owners 

in the kampong gracefully laid out their yields to 

be shared with our lot. Their modest and charitable 

lifestyle extends to my lovely host, Mak Nor Fatimah, 

who kept herself busy during my stay by preparing 

handmade pisang cekodok (deep-fried doughball 

stuffed with banana) and karipap in the wee hours of 

morning for breakfast. 

To top things off, the setting is endlessly filled 

with nature's music from the sound of a rooster 

crowing in the morning to crickets chirping at night. 

When the surroundings are peacefully calm, the 

thuds of durian falling to the ground calls us for a 

fruit hunt. 

We return not only with pleasant memories but 

were surprised with a bag full of freshly plucked 

fruits; it goes to show the locals’ continuous candid 

generosity to us, from letting us into their houses to 

gifting their harvests to strangers without hesitation. 

If I could add, the homestay in Kampung Raga is 

perhaps the best unassuming reflection of a warm 

Malaysian hospitality in our tourism industry. 

1 A clear skyview to observe 

stars at Kampung Raga 2 

Horse-riding with a guide for 

beginners 3 Self-made kuih 

karas to enjoy after class 4 

Entrance to Mukas Stingless 

Bee Farm 5 Early steps in the 

making of "bunga telur" 6-7 

Harvests from the orchard is 

sold in the village 8 Hearty 

breakfast by Mak Nor Fatimah 

9 The cool running river in 

Kampung Raga 

HOW DOES HOMESTAY WORKS IN KAMPUNG RAGA? 

If you are travelling in a large group, you will be assigned in pairs to live in different houses for the duration of your stay. 

You will share the common space (eg. living area, dining room and kitchen) with your host family and occupy the guest 

room in the house. 

Although guests are free to walk around the kampong, avoid trespassing unfamiliar houses and reaping harvests in the 

orchard unless you are given permission to do so. 

For booking and enquiries, call +6013-4668191 or visit Homestay Kampung Raga on Facebook. 



BuJo: Solution for Life Chaos 

SHORT FOR “BULLET 

JOURNAL”, THE NOTEBOOK- 

ORGANISATION METHOD IS 

A TREND THAT IMPROVES 

DAILY PRODUCTIVITY AND 

FULFIL GOAL-SETTING 

AGENDAS. IN SHORT, 

A LIFE PLANNER SYSTEM. 

Text JESSY WONG 

Photos JESSY WONG & SUMMORIE 

Meal Plan 

Draft ahead in what to cook for the 

week and curate a wholesome grocery 

list. The functional list helps to save 

time in grocery trips and prevent 

overlooking items while shopping. 

I 

t is not just a diary; BuJo has the pages to 

reminiscence the past, plan for the future 

and all the while managing the present. 

To ease the chaos (that is life), people who 

keeps a BuJo have start to discover what 

they need and don’t need for optimal life 

efficiency. The New Yorker likened the 

result of bullet journaling to “Marie Kondo 

for the notebook”. To clear the confusion 

in the air, BuJo is not keeping multiple 

notebooks for organisation–it is lots of 

different planning occuring in one journal. 

Index 

The most important element in the journal 

will number the pages to track down the 

notes and tips you are looking for. Index 

can be colour coded or categorised and it is 

updated by degree as you progress. 

Time Logs 

Daily, weekly or monthly spread helps 

to plan your life in details for schedule, 

appointments, deadlines, goals and 

important information to remember. 

Future Log 

Clear outlook to exercise routine and 

overall direction in achieving goals. 

To-Do-List 

By listing things down, the ability of 

crossing it off the list upon completion– 

even the smallest matter–gives an 

indescribable sense of control and 

fulfillment in life. 

Money Management 

It enhances the focus in financial 

planning to travel, do the things you 

want in life and save money for bigtime 

purchases. The spread in money 

planning can help to visualise the 

process better. 

TO GET STARTED 

Finding the right journal is pivotal 

for one to enjoy the process of bullet 

journaling. Summorie–short for 

summarising memory–is a Malaysian 

start-up modern stationery brand. 

Summorie notebooks and planners are 

customisable from its covers, papers 

and made-to-order personalisation. The 

quality-grade notebooks ensure a lasting 

condition for day-to-day journaling. 

Besides, the minimalist and aesthetic 

design has unique text pages that 

inspire starters to begin the note-taking 

journey. Check out https://summorie.co 

for its practical notebooks and other 

miscellaneous products. 


FOOD 

Halal Food in New Zealand 

TUCK INTO THE LOCAL DELICACIES 

WHEN YOU TRAVEL AROUND THE 

SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND. 

THE ONLY DILEMMA IS DECIDING ON 

WHICH NATIVE CUISINE OR ETHNIC 

FOOD TO HAVE FOR DINNER. 

Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & 

TOURISM NEW ZEALAND 

Kiwi Muslims may just made up 1% 

of the population in the southern 

country but fret not, the diverse 

food offerings gives a big edge for 

Muslim travellers to taste the culture 

and authenticity at its finest. Food in 

this country is heavily dependant on 

locally-grown ingredients and through 

New Zealand’s history and roots, the 

south island colour the town with 

contemporary ethnic cuisines. 

Once settled in New Zealand, people 

from various backgrounds brought 

forth cuisines from their cultures and 

introduced a spin to their comfort food– 

with no shortage of halal eateries at all. 


FOOD 

DUX DINE 

The freshest sea produce can be found 

among the favourite staples of groper, 

gurnard, tarikihi at Dux Dine. As you pick 

from the long inventive food list, this 

seafood restaurant also prides itself for 

harvesting vegetables from their organic 

garden for the vegetarian dishes. That 

said, their menu is updated regularly based 

on the seasonal catch and ingredients 

availability so there might be something 

new on your each visit. 

Halal status: Not halal-certified as 

some dishes are prepared with alcohol. 

Recommended to consult before order and 

dine at your own discretion. 

Dux Dine, 28 Riccarton Rd, 

Riccarton, Christchurch 

duxdine.co.nz 

DUBBA DUBBA 

There’s an idea for rabid lovers of rice in 

New Zealand. Christchurch’s to-go place 

for Moroccan food serves up fresh and 

flavourful Moroccan dishes. The signature 

Morrito Bowl is served with an option of 

basmati steamed rice, couscous or brown 

rice for a change, completed with aioli, 

hummus and tzatziki on your choice 

of protein from grilled chicken, beef to 

Moroccan lamb. 

Halal status: Muslim-owned 

Dubba Dubba, 11B, Waimairi Road, 

Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 

dubbadubba.co.nz 


FOOD 

“Food in this country is 

heavily dependant on 

locally-grown ingredients. 

KOTANE HĀNGI DINNER 

Hang out and experience a traditional 

Māori dinner after the South Island’s 

only indigenous cultural performance 

at KoTane. Māori are the indigenous 

Polynesian people of New Zealand and 

“Hāngi” refers to the cooking method 

of Māori people using heated rocks in 

an underground pit oven. One-of-a-kind 

Hāngi dinner is part of KoTane Māori 

Experience package and advance booking 

is required for halal meat options. 

Halal status: Although the kitchen serves 

pork, halal meats are wrapped and cooked 

separately to prevent cross-contamination. 

Advised to dine at your own discretion. 

HIGH COUNTRY SALMON 

Framed by the mountains and a lake, 

this fish farm makes a perfect road stop 

between Christchurch and Queenstown 

to taste and purchase some fresh and 

high-quality salmon. The viewing station 

on farm let you see and feed the salmon 

up close before hitting their cafe and 

restaurant for some seafood chowder, 

salmon burger and sashimi. 

KoTane, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 

60 Hussey Road, Christchurch 

kotane.co.nz 

Halal status: Not halal certified but the 

food prepared here is mainly seafood and 

vegetarian except for pastries (which are 

made by various outside suppliers and not 

made in the kitchen) 

High Country Salmon, 

2602 Twizel-Omarama Rd, Twizel 

highcountrysalmon.co.nz 

This article is made possible by Tourism New Zealand. 



FOOD FOR TALK 

Sweet Colours 

of Deepavali 

3 

8 

2 

4 

Text & photo FRANCIS YIP 

D 

eepavali in Malaysia is 

celebrated by the Hindus with 

prayers, family reunion, cultural 

activities and of course, colourful 

sweets or “mithai”. The sweets come in 

all shapes and colours; most are rich in 

sugar, milk and coconut. These sweets 

are normally served before dinner. In 

fact, there is an Indian saying, “People 

will eat half of their foods and keep 

some space for desserts.” 

5 

2 

9 9 

6 

7 

1 MURUKKU (not pictured) 

Murukku in Tamil means twist. This 

crunchy dough made from rice flour 

and urad dhal flour, ghee, water, cumin 

and salt, is one of the most popular 

Deepavali delicacies. According to Rita 

Seetha Devi, “Hindus believe murukku 

when fried in deep oil helps prevent ill 

luck in the family.” 

2 LADDU 

I love laddu. It is a sphere-shaped sweet 

and made from flour, ghee, sugar and 

other ingredients. Laddu comes in all 

types. In fact, there are laddu recipes 

using Ayurvedic medicinal ingredients. 

3 ADHIRASAM 

Adhirasam is believed to be a Tamil, 

Karnataka and Telegu dessert. It 

is shaped like the typical Western 

doughnut but it is made of rice flour, 

jaggery, butter and pepper. This sweet 

is often made as an offering to the 

Hindu Gods. 

4 PALKOVA 

When I first saw palkova or milk kova, 

I thought it was a big butter cookie. 

Apparently, palkova is made of cow milk 

and lots of sugar and tastes fudgy. 

5 MYSORE PAK 

This is a sweet syrup dessert made from 

ghee, sugar, gram, flour and cardamom. It 

was first prepared by the head chef of the 

Mysore Palace to the Maharajah. He loved 

it. So do I! 

6 JALEBI 

This sweet dessert is made by deep-frying 

flour battered in pretzel or circular motion. 

Before served, it is soaked in sugar and 

syrup. Jalebi is served in many ways across 

South Asia and the Middle East. 

7 COCONUT CANDY 

Coconut candy comes in all kinds of colour 

although the one I took was pink. Made 

from condensed milk, this sweet candy with 

grated coconuts added on its surface makes 

the candy coconutlicious! 

8 HALWA 

Halwa is a sugary and sticky sweet. It was 

wrapped in a plastic by the seller before 

serving it to me. Halwa is made of custard 

powder, saffron strands and sugar. I find it 

extremely sweet and not used to the sticky 

surface. 

9 BARFI 

Coated with a thin layer of vark (edible 

metallic leaf), Barfi is a condensed milk 

dessert and often topped with fruits and 

nuts. It is not crunchy and melts perfectly 

in my mouth. 

24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM 

FRANCIS YIP loves to eat and will always go find the best food in every nook and cranny. He is passionate to share his food journey and 

may spark a storm in the teacup too. After all, no food, no life. 

www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd franciswriter

GOASIAPLUS October 2019

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