GOASIAPLUS October 2019
It is time we take environmental matters seriously. These hotels around Asia set an absolutely inspiring example for households and offer a solution for green travel. For new experiences, homestay in a Malaysian kampong would be fresh change to sightseeing and museum visits. We also hope that you may find something you'd like in the Halal food in New Zealand feature.
It is time we take environmental matters seriously. These hotels around Asia set an absolutely inspiring example for households and offer a solution for green travel. For new experiences, homestay in a Malaysian kampong would be fresh change to sightseeing and museum visits. We also hope that you may find something you'd like in the Halal food in New Zealand feature.
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OCTOBER <strong>2019</strong> | ISSUE 41<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />
Eco-friendly Hotels<br />
HOMESTAY IN KAMPONG<br />
BELITUNG, INDONESIA
CONTENTS<br />
5 ON THE RADAR<br />
7 OUT & ABOUT<br />
8 TALES ON TRACK<br />
Art of Rangoli<br />
10 TRAVEL<br />
Spotted: Asia in Film<br />
Mehrangarh Fort, India<br />
11 TRAVEL<br />
For the Greener Good<br />
17 TRAVEL<br />
Home Away From Home<br />
20 TALES ON TRACK<br />
BuJo: Solution for Life Chaos<br />
21 FOOD<br />
Halal Food in New Zealand<br />
24 FOOD FOR TALK<br />
Sweet Colours of Deepavali<br />
16 TRAVEL<br />
Road Less Travelled:<br />
Belitung, Indonesia<br />
11<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 />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 1
ADVERTORIAL<br />
Malaysia's Gateway<br />
to the World<br />
As one of the largest airport<br />
operator groups globally, Malaysia<br />
Airports played no small role in<br />
cementing Malaysia across the world’s<br />
web of connectivity. Channeling on<br />
the country’s strategic location, Kuala<br />
Lumpur is now known among the key<br />
regional destination for tourism and trade<br />
with KL International Airport (KLIA)<br />
paving the way to more success.<br />
First started in 1991, Malaysia<br />
Airports is now a proud portfolio<br />
owner of 39 airports; comprising of 5<br />
international airports, 16 domestic ones<br />
and 18 STOLports in Malaysia and an<br />
international airport in Turkey. The<br />
well-anticipated opening of klia2 in 2014<br />
not only encouraged high passenger<br />
growth from the rise of budget travel,<br />
it has enabled KLIA to accommodate a<br />
combined capacity of 75 million passengers<br />
per annum.<br />
Time and again, Malaysia Airports’<br />
efforts in strengthening Malaysia as<br />
a frontrunner in the global network<br />
connectivity has marked a growth of<br />
international airports in the country and<br />
boosted inbound tourism tremendously. Its<br />
Joint International Tourism Development<br />
Fund with Tourism Malaysia also hit<br />
a record with airlines, tour operators,<br />
charterers, travel management companies<br />
and travel agencies.<br />
Therefore it comes as no surprise<br />
that Malaysia Airports has garnered a line<br />
of international awards under its wings,<br />
including the Routes Asia 2018 Marketing<br />
Awards for outstanding marketing services<br />
of new air routes and development of<br />
existing services, Best in Customer<br />
Experience Engagement at the Social Media<br />
Excellence Award, National Energy Awards<br />
(NEGTA 2018) for Category I: Energy<br />
Efficiency (Large Building) for sustainable<br />
practices at Kota Kinabalu International<br />
Airport, and was named Best Malaysian<br />
Company for Investor Relations at the IR<br />
Magazine Awards and Conference South<br />
East Asia 2016 held in Bangkok, Thailand.<br />
KLIA International Airport bagged<br />
the World's Best Airport for Immigration<br />
Services Award at the 2017 Skytrax<br />
World Airports Awards in Amsterdam,<br />
Netherlands, and was named Platinum<br />
Winner for airports with 25 million<br />
passengers per annum and above category<br />
at Asia-Pacific Green Airports Recognition<br />
2017 by Airports Council International ACI.<br />
As for the business direction set for<br />
the year <strong>2019</strong>, Malaysia Airports embarked<br />
2 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
ADVERTORIAL<br />
“Airport operator creates<br />
joyful experiences by<br />
connecting people<br />
and businesses. ”<br />
on "Happy Guests, Caring Hosts" service<br />
culture transformation programme where<br />
the airport community aims to make guests<br />
feel welcomed and happy whenever they<br />
travel and go through our airports.<br />
Apart from that, there is a strong<br />
culture of corporate social responsibility<br />
(CSR) within the company, with Malaysia<br />
Airports investing in CSR practices which<br />
are holistic, structured and measurable.<br />
These includes elevating community<br />
livelihoods, micro industry development,<br />
and environmental initiatives as a form<br />
of community enrichment.<br />
Malaysia Airports is not just all<br />
about flying. Besides the aeronautical<br />
industry, the group also has a strong<br />
hand in airport-related commercial<br />
activities that help create memorable<br />
experiences, offer lifestyle choices and<br />
support seamless journeys. Malaysia<br />
Airports directly engages in duty-free<br />
operations, rental and airport retail<br />
outlets as well as acquires non-airport<br />
related revenue from its hotels and oil<br />
palm plantation.<br />
Moving forward, Malaysia Airports<br />
is actively running optimisation works<br />
for all airports under its management–<br />
to maximise operational efficiency<br />
and improve customer experiences.<br />
In the face of digitalisation, the group<br />
is positive to host an ecosystem of<br />
intelligence to predict customers’ needs<br />
but does not compromise the security<br />
and privacy of its customers.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 3
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
The past month has been tough to all Malaysians,<br />
Indonesians and the entire population who are affected<br />
by the haze in the region. Starting out a new day and<br />
a new month with blurred vision, polluted air and limited<br />
outdoor activities remind us how invaluable our environment<br />
is for good quality of life.<br />
Thus, being responsible and aware of the global state<br />
of our environment and climate can help to improve the<br />
circumstances that are drowning us. Environmentally friendly<br />
travel is among the essential ways to make sure our planet is<br />
sustainable in the long run. From page 11, we take you to the<br />
green hotels around Asia.<br />
Cultural wise, Malaysia is uniquely beautiful with the<br />
coexistence of multiple cultures and religions in this small<br />
country. For this month, we bring to you the art of rangoli for<br />
the festival of lights (page 8).<br />
Wishing Happy Deepavali to all our Hindu friends!<br />
John So<br />
Publisher<br />
COVER BY<br />
KEEMALA RESORT<br />
EDITORIAL TEAM<br />
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS<br />
JOHN SO<br />
GRAPHIC DESIGNER<br />
JAMIE SOO-HOO<br />
SENIOR WRITER<br />
JESSY WONG<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
NG SHEN LEE, FRANCIS YIP,<br />
& KYO HOOI<br />
DIGITAL TEAM<br />
WEB CONTENT<br />
JESSY WONG<br />
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES<br />
EDITORIAL@PCOMASIA.COM<br />
COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP<br />
JOHN SO<br />
JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM<br />
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4 · 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 />
FIRST COOKIE-THEMED SUITE AT DOUBLETREE<br />
BY HILTON<br />
There’s no better way for DoubleTree by Hilton to celebrate<br />
the brand’s 50th anniversary by turning its iconically delicious<br />
DoubleTree Cookie into a first-of-its-kind Cookie Suite.<br />
Guests may book the “Cookie Suite Experiential Package”<br />
to stay in the King Deluxe Suite filled entirely with cookie<br />
goodness-from a bar with freshly baked cookies, special flat-lay<br />
corner for photo enthusiasts, cookie-scented candles and body<br />
scrub amenities in the bathroom, customised cookie bathrobes<br />
and plushies as well as an<br />
exclusive beach kit.<br />
The immersive package is<br />
only available in the brand’s<br />
newest resort destination<br />
in Phuket from now till 31<br />
December <strong>2019</strong>.<br />
DoubleTree by Hilton<br />
Phuket Banthai Resort,<br />
Phuket, Thailand.<br />
DoubleTreePhuketBanthai.<br />
com/promotions<br />
FLY DIRECT FROM KUALA LUMPUR TO BELITUNG<br />
AirAsia would be the first airline that connects Kuala Lumpur<br />
to the idyllic island of Belitung, off the east coast of Sumatra,<br />
Indonesia. Belitung is an island getaway surrounded by more<br />
than 100 small islands with breathtaking beaches and clear<br />
waters. This new route will commence starting 2 <strong>October</strong><br />
<strong>2019</strong> and offer four times weekly direct flight.<br />
airasia.com<br />
BIJI BIJI X TSYAHMI KLFW<br />
COLLECTION<br />
Biji Biji, Tsyahmi and Nakakoma<br />
Orimono came together for KL<br />
Fashion Week <strong>2019</strong> Collection<br />
to transform the perspectives of<br />
the fashion industry. The main<br />
idea is to repurpose unwanted<br />
materials into a colourful line of<br />
androgynous wear. The designs<br />
of this collection shows a<br />
fusion of Nusantara Pahlawans<br />
and Japanese Samurais and<br />
Geishas in celebrating antique<br />
alternative materials into<br />
modern style and wear.<br />
www.bijibiji.co<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 5
NEWS<br />
PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE WELCOMES TRAVELLERS TO CEBU<br />
Guests to the 24-hour lounge can find relaxation and comfort in their range of services and<br />
facilities offered in the Spanish-inspired lounge space. The lounge dining boasts of signature<br />
dishes like “When Adobo Met Patis” (Pork Adobo) and “The Filipino Affair” (Coconut Curry<br />
Chicken). Plaza Premium Lounge at Domestic Arrivals of Mactan Cebu International Airport<br />
can be experienced with an online opening offer of 25% discount with promo code PPLCEB25.<br />
Offer is valid from now until 31 <strong>October</strong> <strong>2019</strong>.<br />
Plaza Premium Lounge, Domestic Arrivals,<br />
Terminal 1 of Mactan Cebu International Airport, Philippines<br />
www.plazapremiumlounge.com<br />
HYDE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS TO OPEN IN PERTH<br />
Set to be Perth’s hottest spot in town, HYDE Perth Kitchen + Cocktails is a laid-back jazz age<br />
inspired venue with onsite outdoor pool, sun loungers and DJ decks to look out for other than<br />
its pool bar and dining options. Familiar favourites like its pizzas and bottomless fries menu<br />
known from its celebrity-packed venues in LA, Las Vegas and Miami can now be tasted in The<br />
Adnate, Perth’s new hotel.<br />
HYDE Perth Kitchen + Cocktails, Level One, The Adnate, 900 Hay Street, Western Australia<br />
www.hydeperth.com<br />
HINTS OF LOCAL CULTURE<br />
IN ANDAZ SEOUL GANGNAM<br />
The vibrant Apgujeong<br />
neighborhood in Gangnam now<br />
welcomes the fifth Hyatt brand<br />
hotel in South Korea; Andaz Seoul<br />
Gangnam is a testament of fusing<br />
traditional local culture and<br />
creative modern living in its space.<br />
The 241 contemporary guestrooms<br />
is decorated with bojagi patchwork<br />
and artworks featured in the hotel<br />
is created by artists from Seoul to<br />
nurture local talents. Whereas for<br />
dining, guests will arrive at Jogakbo<br />
to explore a variety of creative<br />
locally inspired cuisine.<br />
www.andazseoulgangnam.com<br />
BEN & JERRY’S FIRST SCOOP SHOP IN MALAYSIA<br />
The Scoop Shop brings shoppers an exciting menu of sixteen ice cream<br />
flavours, including Ben & Jerry’s global best-sellers–Cherry Garcia, Chocolate<br />
Fudge Brownie, Chunky Monkey, New York Super Fudge Chunk, Triple<br />
Caramel Chunk and Tonight Dough, alongside new shakes, sundaes, ice<br />
cream cakes and other merchandises. The brand is popular for using only<br />
non-GMO and Fairtrade-certified ingredients to support values-led sourcing.<br />
Ben & Jerry’s, Sunway Pyramid (Central Avenue), Selangor, Malaysia<br />
www.benjerry.com.my<br />
6 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
OUT & ABOUT<br />
EVENTS<br />
LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF<br />
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND<br />
SHAWN MENDES THE TOUR<br />
5 OCT<br />
This Canadian-born pop artist is on the rise with<br />
his world tour in support of his self-titled album.<br />
Mendes’ 3rd album debuted at the top of US Billboard<br />
200 and was nominated at the Grammys for “Best<br />
Pop Vocal Album”, led by top singles “In My Blood”,<br />
“Lost in Japan” and “Youth”.<br />
Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
www.myticket.asia<br />
STARLIGHT CARNIVAL<br />
11 OCT - 2 NOV<br />
Surrounded by the crisp cooling weather of Genting Highlight, join the open<br />
air festivities with movies under the stars, music, live performances, gourmet<br />
food trucks and carnival games for all ages on every Friday, Saturday and<br />
Halloween night. Special bands will be flown in for the carnival including an<br />
Ompahpah band.<br />
Century Lake Park, SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting, Pahang, Malaysia<br />
rwgenting.om<br />
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY BY<br />
ST. PETERSBURG THEATRE<br />
11 - 12 OCT<br />
World renowned St. Petersburg<br />
Theatre Russian Ballet presents<br />
the classic fairy tale of “Sleeping<br />
Beauty” in such distinguished<br />
choreography that the dance is<br />
referred to as the “encyclopedia<br />
of classical dance”. Composed<br />
by Peter Tchaikovsky and<br />
choreographed by Marius Petipa,<br />
the performance is a treasured<br />
work of hundreds-year-old<br />
Russian ballet.<br />
Plenary Hall, KLCC,<br />
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
premier.ticketcharge.com.my<br />
ESCAPE: PSYCHO CIRCUS KOREA <strong>2019</strong><br />
25 - 26 OCT<br />
Taking the Halloween spirit to the next level is<br />
Southern California’s annual “Escape: Psycho Circus”<br />
electronic music festival. The twisted wonderland<br />
makes its way to South Korea for the first time with<br />
international headliners like Marshmello, Galantis,<br />
Jauz and Kungs. Freaks, geeks, contortionists and<br />
bizarre characters will haunt this place like no other.<br />
Seoul Grand Park, Seoul, South Korea<br />
kr.escapehalloween.com<br />
THE GOSPELLERS LIVE IN SINGAPORE <strong>2019</strong><br />
24 OCT<br />
Their big debut in 1994 with the single “Promise” has seen similar<br />
success over the years with hit albums like “Soul Serenade” and<br />
singles such as “Towa ni” and “Hoshikuzu no Machi”. Recognised<br />
as one of the pioneer vocal groups in Japan, The Gospellers are<br />
celebrating their 25th anniversary with fans in Japan and across Asia.<br />
Drama Centre Theatre, Singapore<br />
sistic.com.sg<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 7
TALES ON TRACK<br />
Art of Rangoli<br />
POWDERED RICE, CHALK POWDER AND COLOURED SAND DREAM UP THE AUSPICIOUS<br />
ART OF THE RANGOLI IN SIGNIFICANT OCCASIONS FOR THE INDIAN COMMUNITY.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK<br />
8 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TALES ON TRACK<br />
Kolam would be more familiar on<br />
the ears when used to describe the<br />
colourful intricate pattern as seen<br />
on the ground during religious festivals<br />
and ceremonies for the Hindus in Malaysia.<br />
Deemed as an artistic expression, this<br />
cultural art is customary at the time of<br />
Deepavali, Pongal, weddings, birth and<br />
milestones as it not only perks up the<br />
surroundings, rangoli designs are believed<br />
to signify luck, fortune and divine blessings.<br />
Many Hindu households look forward<br />
to the making of rangoli where the entire<br />
family can get together and take a role in<br />
preparing the folk art at home. But fret<br />
not as here in Malaysia, the traditional<br />
art form is skillfully rehearsed in major<br />
shopping malls, buildings and down to the<br />
streets to observe the festival of lights.<br />
If you are in Kuala Lumpur, talk a walk<br />
down to Brickfields and take delight in the<br />
merriment before Deepavali falls on 27<br />
<strong>October</strong> this year. <strong>October</strong> th<br />
is year.<br />
MATERIALS<br />
It is essential to note that materials used to<br />
make rangoli are accessible throughout the<br />
community and can be found in the homes<br />
of both the rich and the poor–rice flour,<br />
leaves crushed to powder, charcoal, dried<br />
soil and sawdust. Well-to-do households<br />
would also fashion fresh flowers, turmeric<br />
powder, fruits and nuts.<br />
Although coloured sand with synthetic<br />
paints is popularly most used, natural<br />
ingredients is still preferred because rangoli<br />
is made to not harm the insects, rodents<br />
and birds which feed on the designs after<br />
the occasion is over.<br />
DESIGN AND LEGACY<br />
Rangoli designs has its own personalisation<br />
in each household and the auspicious<br />
symbols are passed down through<br />
generations. Diversity in shape, design and<br />
materials in rangoli may be motivated by<br />
traditions in different regions. Nevertheless,<br />
the admiration remain unchanged when<br />
one notices the time-consuming task that<br />
perfected the symmetry, complexity and<br />
precision in rangoli.<br />
For Deepavali, practitioners are drawn<br />
to use symbols like diya (the clay-made oil<br />
lamp), deities Lakshmi and Ganesha and<br />
flowers in the craft; Lakshmi is the Goddess<br />
of wealth and prosperity while Lord<br />
Ganesha is God of intellect and wisdom.<br />
Lotus flowers, fish, parrots and peacocks<br />
are also commonly spotted.<br />
SIGNIFICANCE<br />
Rangoli is mostly created by the altar or<br />
outside the house. The traditional charm<br />
believes that the intricacy of a rangoli traps<br />
negative energies and keep evil spirits from<br />
entering the house while the colourful<br />
drawing is a welcoming sign for deities and<br />
guests to the house.<br />
MODERN DAY<br />
The beauty of this art form has inspired the<br />
evolution of the craft with introduction of<br />
stencils in shapes of lotus flowers, deities,<br />
footprints and sanskrit script in the market.<br />
Easily sprinkle the stencil with coloured<br />
sand or flour for an artistic result.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 9
TRAVEL<br />
SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS<br />
Mehrangarh Fort, India<br />
Text NG SHEN LEE • Photo ADOBE STOCK<br />
Jodhpur in Rajasthan is a city<br />
on the fringes of India’s Thar<br />
desert. Here in the “Sun<br />
City of India,” a city of faded<br />
blue buildings beckons travellers,<br />
while magnificent palaces and<br />
forts pepper the land.<br />
Against such an array<br />
of attractions, none would<br />
argue that Mehrangarh Fort<br />
is Jodhpur’s most distinctive<br />
landmark. Situated on a tall rocky<br />
outcrop in the heart of the city,<br />
the fort is one of the largest in<br />
the whole of India. It overlooks<br />
the famed “Blue City”, and stands<br />
imposingly as a monument of<br />
Jodhpur’s history.<br />
Mehrangarh Fort’s history is<br />
closely intertwined with that of<br />
the city it lies in. It was built in<br />
the 15 th century by Rao Jodha, the<br />
founder of Jodhpur city.<br />
Meant as a formidable fort<br />
that would withstand battles,<br />
within the fort’s walls lie<br />
expansive courtyards and<br />
ornate palaces open for<br />
viewing. These include the<br />
Pearl Palace (Moti Mahal) and<br />
Flower Palace (Phool Mahal).<br />
Today, these attractions<br />
serve to draw in tourists<br />
from across the globe, never<br />
failing to wow them with<br />
its exquisite architecture,<br />
palanquins and museums.<br />
Most hauntingly is a stone<br />
which features the imprints<br />
of women who died by sati–a<br />
now-banned funeral custom<br />
where wives would follow<br />
their husbands to the afterlife<br />
by burning themselves alive<br />
on their pyres.<br />
The fort is no stranger to<br />
media publicity either, with<br />
a portfolio more impressive<br />
than most other forts in India.<br />
Commercials by Sprite, Visa and<br />
Pepsi come to mind, along with a<br />
brief cameo in the 2012 blockbuster<br />
“The Dark Knight Rises”.<br />
In the film, Christian Bale<br />
as Bruce Wayne escapes an<br />
underground prison pit and<br />
emerges to find himself in a desert<br />
just outside Mehrangarh Fort.<br />
Though brief, this little cameo<br />
has since put Jodhpur on the map<br />
and propelled it onto the lists of<br />
many as a must-see shoot locale.<br />
Bale vividly recalls the<br />
experience filming under the<br />
relentless heat. “The locals thought<br />
we were nuts. We were out in<br />
120-degree heat.”<br />
The fort has also served<br />
director Stephen Sommers in his<br />
1994’s rendition of “The Jungle<br />
Book”. In the film, several scenes<br />
feature Mehrangarh, including<br />
one where a courtyard is<br />
transformed into a magnificent<br />
ballroom.<br />
Balancing conservation,<br />
flourishing as an attraction<br />
and thriving even as a filming<br />
location–Mehrangarh fort is a<br />
prime example of a historical<br />
landmark which manages to<br />
retain its glory instead of just<br />
crumbling into memory.<br />
FUN<br />
FACT<br />
Legend has it that a man<br />
named Meghwal is buried<br />
alive under the citadel’s<br />
foundations to deter a<br />
curse cast upon the fort.<br />
10 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
For the Greener Good<br />
AS THE GATEWAY TO ENJOY SOME OF THE MOST BREATHTAKING NATURE, IT<br />
IS LITTLE WONDER HOTELS AROUND ASIA ARE TAKING THE LEAD TO MERGE<br />
WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS AND LIVE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLIER.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ALL FEATURED HOTELS AND RESORTS<br />
The uptrend for green produce,<br />
upcycled and sustainable products<br />
have been a commercial hit lately.<br />
People are becoming more conscious<br />
and environmentally responsible for<br />
their choices and actions–authoring the<br />
new lifestyle cult for sustainable living.<br />
In tourism means, hotels are upping<br />
the ante for people who are actively<br />
seeking out authentic travel in unspoiled<br />
destinations, and adventures without<br />
compromising nature. Regardless of big<br />
or small efforts, every step makes up for<br />
a responsible holiday starting with these<br />
eco-retreats around Asia.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 11
TRAVEL<br />
THE TONGSAI BAY<br />
Koh Samui, Thailand<br />
Nature is left untouched on this beachfront<br />
resort since its opening 30 years ago.<br />
Lush greenery and tree tunnel await for<br />
afternoon walks along with sightings of<br />
wildlife around the resort. The founder,<br />
Khun Akorn Hoontrakrul, became<br />
the pioneer of sustainable tourism in<br />
Thailand when he see to it that no tree<br />
is compromised in the development of<br />
his resort. Till today, Tongsai safeguard<br />
its surroundings from pollution, and<br />
harmful emissions while managing efficient<br />
energy saving system and proper waste<br />
management on grounds.<br />
Recycling is a huge project to create<br />
compost for its onsite organic garden;<br />
it supplies vegetables and natural-based<br />
products for the resort. Among others,<br />
the home-grown supplies are made into<br />
fruit-extracts cleaning agent for the<br />
guestrooms. The slow wafting relaxing<br />
scent of citronella around the resort is also<br />
an organic product from the garden. Other<br />
than that, The Tongsai Bay keeps its reef<br />
and bay welcoming to marine creatures by<br />
ensuring only non-motorised water sports<br />
are allowed as well as restricting only<br />
electric-powered vehicles on its property.<br />
www.tongsaibay.com.th<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
“...every step<br />
makes up for<br />
a responsible<br />
holiday.”<br />
ALILA HOTELS & RESORTS<br />
Bali, Indonesia<br />
Across four flagship properties in Bali,<br />
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Alila Ubud, Alila<br />
Manggis and Alila Seminyak are now fully<br />
self-sustainable for its waste management<br />
following its launch of “Zero Waste to<br />
Landfill” initiative in 2016. Guests to these<br />
Indonesian island resorts can be clear that<br />
their wastes are channeled into recycling<br />
through the resorts’ onsite laboratory.<br />
The “Integrated Sustainable Resource<br />
Recovery Facility” (iSuRRF) manages the<br />
waste to be reused as building materials<br />
and recycled. Using simple engineering<br />
systems, one of the wastes such as plastics<br />
are converted into light crude oil before<br />
it is distilled to produce diesel, kerosene<br />
and gasoline for usage in hotels while<br />
plastics, glass and ceramics are shredded<br />
and crushed to be upcycled into green<br />
building materials.<br />
The environmental effort see to it<br />
that each hotel also has a composting<br />
section and organic garden that grows<br />
food for the kitchen. For a larger zero<br />
waste effort, Alila works with local<br />
villagers for waste collection and hosts<br />
classes for guests in building their own<br />
permaculture garden at home.<br />
www.alilahotels.com<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 13
TRAVEL<br />
PULLMAN LUANG PRABANG<br />
Luang Prabang, Laos<br />
It is perhaps the only hotel in Asia with<br />
a full-scale terraced paddy fields that<br />
produce rice harvests for the restaurant and<br />
distributed to the local community. For the<br />
last decade, Pullman Luang Prabang has<br />
steadily received multiple awards for its<br />
sustainable practices in the UNESCO World<br />
Heritage Site-occupying 16 hectares of<br />
greenery, lake and mountainous views.<br />
The recently opened onsite organic<br />
garden not only bountifully supplies the<br />
resort’s restaurant, it aimed to significantly<br />
lessen the carbon footprint in the formal<br />
royal capital. Indeed, this initiative is more<br />
than just a vegetable garden, the farmstead<br />
includes a fruit orchard, tropical garden,<br />
greenhouse nursery, a buffalo pasture, duck<br />
pond, and even an area housing chickens<br />
and goats. The all-rounded eco-tourism<br />
encourages guests learn about the rice<br />
cultivation process by helping to plant<br />
and harvest the rice, animal feeding, egg<br />
collecting, fruit picking and buffalo milking<br />
in the resort.<br />
www.pullman-luangprabang.com<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
KEEMALA RESORT<br />
Phuket, Thailand<br />
Within Phuket’s tropical woodlands,<br />
Keemala is a garden of bliss inspired by<br />
nature and Buddhism at its best. The all<br />
pool villa resort is a concept of dharma<br />
(truth) in Buddhism and tammachart for<br />
nature, reflecting its commitment to nature<br />
and the local culture. The distinctive fish<br />
coop architecture of Keemala’s villa reflects<br />
its design to protect the existing ecosystem<br />
and reduce environmental impact. As<br />
part of its green initiative, the luxurious<br />
eco-friendly resort purposes textile and<br />
recycled paper for its toiletries packaging<br />
and pushes for a plastic-free venue with<br />
paper straw and glass-bottled water.<br />
Waste from the hotel is then turned into<br />
bioorganic fertilizer for the garden which<br />
grows various vegetables and fruits for the<br />
resorts’ farm-to-table project. Guests are<br />
assured to taste only sustainably-sourced<br />
produce and fresh ingredients from the<br />
local market and fishing village in Phuket.<br />
www.keemala.com<br />
EAST, HONG KONG<br />
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong<br />
As a voice of change in the concrete<br />
jungle, EAST has taken measures<br />
to give an environmentally-friendly<br />
experience to its guests to be one<br />
of its core values. The new in-room<br />
water filters encourage guests to drink<br />
purified local water from the tap in<br />
reducing bottled water. This effort<br />
could reduce up to 180,000 bottles of<br />
water per year. Down to the restaurant,<br />
FEAST, has introduced more plantbased<br />
menu to minimise carbon<br />
footprint from livestock and use cagefree<br />
eggs in support of animal rights.<br />
The change includes the use of paper<br />
wrapping to eliminate aluminium and<br />
plastic waste in the restaurant.<br />
east-hongkong.com<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 15
TRAVEL<br />
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED<br />
Belitung, Indonesia<br />
TUCKED AWAY IN THE EAST COAST OF<br />
SUMATRA IS INDONESIA’S HIDDEN GEM.<br />
SIMILAR TO ITS SISTER ISLANDS LIKE BALI<br />
AND LOMBOK, BELITUNG PACKS A PUNCH<br />
WITH ITS PICTURESQUE BEACH AND<br />
GEOPARK EXPERIENCES.<br />
Text JESSY WONG<br />
Photo ADOBE STOCK<br />
HOW TO GET THERE<br />
Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta airport has several<br />
aircrafts to Tanjung Pandan in Belitung daily. Across<br />
international waters, AirAsia is the first flight to<br />
connect Kuala Lumpur to Belitung directly. You can<br />
also get there from the nearest port at Pangkalpinang<br />
in Bangka islands; it takes 4 hours on a speedboat.<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
Mie Belitung is a savoury gravy noodle dish topped<br />
with vegetables, potatoes, shrimp and keropok<br />
(chips). It is the island’s specialty dish and can be<br />
found in most eatery places. Coffee aficionados must<br />
try a cup of the local brew at Kong Djie–a famous<br />
coffee house on the island.<br />
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WHAT TO DO<br />
Belitung makes up a splendid list of beach and island<br />
hopping destinations. Tanjung Tinggi beach is in the<br />
backdrop of one of Indonesia’s highest grossing film–<br />
Laskar Pelangi–recognisable for its extremely clear<br />
blue water and pristine sand.<br />
Lengkuas Island is a popular stop for its 19 th<br />
century antique lighthouse–visitors may climb the<br />
lighthouse to capture the perfect panoramic scene.<br />
Additionally, check out the conservation center at<br />
Kepayang Island and cave at Kelayang Island.<br />
As a previously abandoned white clay mine,<br />
Danau Kaolin has turned into a pictorial lake today.<br />
The gorgeous scenery is often likened to a volcanic<br />
crater minus the sulphuric air. Batu Baginde is worth<br />
the trip for hikers to trek and climb the giant granite<br />
rocks. Culturally, Museum Kata Andrea Hirata is a<br />
local rainbow-coloured literary museum for fans of<br />
Hirata’s book.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
BW Suite Belitung is located in Tanjung Pandan<br />
town center with close proximity to attractions.<br />
A more secluded option would be Hotel Santika<br />
Premiere Beach Resort Belitung, a beachfront resort<br />
with convenient access to Tanjung Kelayang beach.<br />
GOOD<br />
to<br />
KNOW<br />
Renting a car<br />
or motorcycle is<br />
recommended<br />
for ease of travel.<br />
Otherwise, Street<br />
Taxi Belitung is the<br />
only licensed taxi<br />
service on the island<br />
operating on meter.<br />
Andrea Hirata’s<br />
book “Laskar<br />
Pelangi” pinned<br />
Belitung as a<br />
prominent tourism<br />
island after the story<br />
of his childhood<br />
experiences are<br />
adapted into a movie<br />
of the same name.
TRAVEL<br />
Home Away from Home<br />
1<br />
THE SERENE AND SCENIC KAMPONG WITHIN AN ORCHARD DRAWS<br />
CITY GUESTS TO BE ACQUAINTED WITH A HUMBLE VILLAGE LIFE<br />
AND BOUNTIFUL HARVESTS AT KAMPUNG RAGA IN KEDAH.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos JESSY WONG & KYO HOOI<br />
Opting for a homestay in Kampung<br />
Raga will definitely etch a permanent<br />
smile on your face.<br />
While hotels provide various facilities and<br />
amenities for comfort, the often overlooked<br />
choice such as homestay promises intimacy<br />
between people and finding delight in simple<br />
yet genuine activities. Just minutes away from<br />
Mount Jerai, villagers of this small orchard<br />
colony in the Yan district of Kedah open<br />
their doors to guests and share bits of their<br />
everyday life.<br />
Kampung Raga has possibly the most<br />
welcoming entourage for their homestay<br />
guests–my travelling group was received with<br />
a traditional ceremonious parade into the<br />
village with flutes and drums. The village’s<br />
origin, which can be tracked since hundreds<br />
of years ago, is a typical Malay settlement in<br />
Malaysia with semi-traditional houses and rich<br />
orchards from the repeated findings of durian,<br />
rambutan, mangosteen, star fruit and coconuts<br />
in Kampung Raga. It can be easily noticed that<br />
locals here have a strong community bond<br />
after multiple generations and they take pride<br />
in showing guests their idyllic kampong life.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 17
TRAVEL<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
“...from the<br />
sound of<br />
a rooster<br />
crowing in<br />
the morning<br />
to crickets<br />
chirping at<br />
night .”<br />
THINGS TO DO IN KAMPUNG RAGA<br />
Horse Stud Farm<br />
The “Ultimate Horse Training and Stud<br />
Farm” in the village is a horse breeding<br />
and training center. The farm also<br />
provides horse therapy session for health<br />
improvements–targeting back aches and<br />
core strengthening. You may watch their<br />
feeding or try riding polo horses.<br />
Making Kuih Karas<br />
Learn to make this traditional Kedah<br />
snack from one of the kampong local who<br />
uses a coconut husk to strain the rice<br />
flour mixture for deep-frying. The making<br />
of this tasty tea snack is carefully taught<br />
by Mak Norfishah who encouraged guests<br />
to take a turn in cooking.<br />
Crafting Bunga Telur<br />
Artful people can showcase their<br />
talent in making bunga telur–a cultural<br />
ornament popular in malay wedding.<br />
The materials of bunga telur is prepared<br />
by the villagers using leaves from rubber<br />
tree which are soaked for a month then<br />
sun dried before it is used for crafts.<br />
Visiting Honey Farm<br />
“Mukas Stingless Bee Farm” is a familyrun<br />
business that operates from their<br />
house. Visitors can interact with the<br />
swarm of stingless bees buzzing up close<br />
and taste honey directly from the hive<br />
box. The honey’s many health benefits<br />
may tempt you to buy several bottles of<br />
organic honey at the farm.<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
Meal time was a feast in Kampung Raga as<br />
our visit were in time with the harvests of durian,<br />
rambutans and other local fruits. Orchard owners<br />
in the kampong gracefully laid out their yields to<br />
be shared with our lot. Their modest and charitable<br />
lifestyle extends to my lovely host, Mak Nor Fatimah,<br />
who kept herself busy during my stay by preparing<br />
handmade pisang cekodok (deep-fried doughball<br />
stuffed with banana) and karipap in the wee hours of<br />
morning for breakfast.<br />
To top things off, the setting is endlessly filled<br />
with nature's music from the sound of a rooster<br />
crowing in the morning to crickets chirping at night.<br />
When the surroundings are peacefully calm, the<br />
thuds of durian falling to the ground calls us for a<br />
fruit hunt.<br />
We return not only with pleasant memories but<br />
were surprised with a bag full of freshly plucked<br />
fruits; it goes to show the locals’ continuous candid<br />
generosity to us, from letting us into their houses to<br />
gifting their harvests to strangers without hesitation.<br />
If I could add, the homestay in Kampung Raga is<br />
perhaps the best unassuming reflection of a warm<br />
Malaysian hospitality in our tourism industry.<br />
1 A clear skyview to observe<br />
stars at Kampung Raga 2<br />
Horse-riding with a guide for<br />
beginners 3 Self-made kuih<br />
karas to enjoy after class 4<br />
Entrance to Mukas Stingless<br />
Bee Farm 5 Early steps in the<br />
making of "bunga telur" 6-7<br />
Harvests from the orchard is<br />
sold in the village 8 Hearty<br />
breakfast by Mak Nor Fatimah<br />
9 The cool running river in<br />
Kampung Raga<br />
HOW DOES HOMESTAY WORKS IN KAMPUNG RAGA?<br />
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.<br />
You will share the common space (eg. living area, dining room and kitchen) with your host family and occupy the guest<br />
room in the house.<br />
Although guests are free to walk around the kampong, avoid trespassing unfamiliar houses and reaping harvests in the<br />
orchard unless you are given permission to do so.<br />
For booking and enquiries, call +6013-4668191 or visit Homestay Kampung Raga on Facebook.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 19
TALES ON TRACK<br />
BuJo: Solution for Life Chaos<br />
SHORT FOR “BULLET<br />
JOURNAL”, THE NOTEBOOK-<br />
ORGANISATION METHOD IS<br />
A TREND THAT IMPROVES<br />
DAILY PRODUCTIVITY AND<br />
FULFIL GOAL-SETTING<br />
AGENDAS. IN SHORT,<br />
A LIFE PLANNER SYSTEM.<br />
Text JESSY WONG<br />
Photos JESSY WONG & SUMMORIE<br />
Meal Plan<br />
Draft ahead in what to cook for the<br />
week and curate a wholesome grocery<br />
list. The functional list helps to save<br />
time in grocery trips and prevent<br />
overlooking items while shopping.<br />
I<br />
t is not just a diary; BuJo has the pages to<br />
reminiscence the past, plan for the future<br />
and all the while managing the present.<br />
To ease the chaos (that is life), people who<br />
keeps a BuJo have start to discover what<br />
they need and don’t need for optimal life<br />
efficiency. The New Yorker likened the<br />
result of bullet journaling to “Marie Kondo<br />
for the notebook”. To clear the confusion<br />
in the air, BuJo is not keeping multiple<br />
notebooks for organisation–it is lots of<br />
different planning occuring in one journal.<br />
Index<br />
The most important element in the journal<br />
will number the pages to track down the<br />
notes and tips you are looking for. Index<br />
can be colour coded or categorised and it is<br />
updated by degree as you progress.<br />
Time Logs<br />
Daily, weekly or monthly spread helps<br />
to plan your life in details for schedule,<br />
appointments, deadlines, goals and<br />
important information to remember.<br />
Future Log<br />
Clear outlook to exercise routine and<br />
overall direction in achieving goals.<br />
To-Do-List<br />
By listing things down, the ability of<br />
crossing it off the list upon completion–<br />
even the smallest matter–gives an<br />
indescribable sense of control and<br />
fulfillment in life.<br />
Money Management<br />
It enhances the focus in financial<br />
planning to travel, do the things you<br />
want in life and save money for bigtime<br />
purchases. The spread in money<br />
planning can help to visualise the<br />
process better.<br />
TO GET STARTED<br />
Finding the right journal is pivotal<br />
for one to enjoy the process of bullet<br />
journaling. Summorie–short for<br />
summarising memory–is a Malaysian<br />
start-up modern stationery brand.<br />
Summorie notebooks and planners are<br />
customisable from its covers, papers<br />
and made-to-order personalisation. The<br />
quality-grade notebooks ensure a lasting<br />
condition for day-to-day journaling.<br />
Besides, the minimalist and aesthetic<br />
design has unique text pages that<br />
inspire starters to begin the note-taking<br />
journey. Check out https://summorie.co<br />
for its practical notebooks and other<br />
miscellaneous products.<br />
20 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
FOOD<br />
Halal Food in New Zealand<br />
TUCK INTO THE LOCAL DELICACIES<br />
WHEN YOU TRAVEL AROUND THE<br />
SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND.<br />
THE ONLY DILEMMA IS DECIDING ON<br />
WHICH NATIVE CUISINE OR ETHNIC<br />
FOOD TO HAVE FOR DINNER.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK &<br />
TOURISM NEW ZEALAND<br />
Kiwi Muslims may just made up 1%<br />
of the population in the southern<br />
country but fret not, the diverse<br />
food offerings gives a big edge for<br />
Muslim travellers to taste the culture<br />
and authenticity at its finest. Food in<br />
this country is heavily dependant on<br />
locally-grown ingredients and through<br />
New Zealand’s history and roots, the<br />
south island colour the town with<br />
contemporary ethnic cuisines.<br />
Once settled in New Zealand, people<br />
from various backgrounds brought<br />
forth cuisines from their cultures and<br />
introduced a spin to their comfort food–<br />
with no shortage of halal eateries at all.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 21
FOOD<br />
DUX DINE<br />
The freshest sea produce can be found<br />
among the favourite staples of groper,<br />
gurnard, tarikihi at Dux Dine. As you pick<br />
from the long inventive food list, this<br />
seafood restaurant also prides itself for<br />
harvesting vegetables from their organic<br />
garden for the vegetarian dishes. That<br />
said, their menu is updated regularly based<br />
on the seasonal catch and ingredients<br />
availability so there might be something<br />
new on your each visit.<br />
Halal status: Not halal-certified as<br />
some dishes are prepared with alcohol.<br />
Recommended to consult before order and<br />
dine at your own discretion.<br />
Dux Dine, 28 Riccarton Rd,<br />
Riccarton, Christchurch<br />
duxdine.co.nz<br />
DUBBA DUBBA<br />
There’s an idea for rabid lovers of rice in<br />
New Zealand. Christchurch’s to-go place<br />
for Moroccan food serves up fresh and<br />
flavourful Moroccan dishes. The signature<br />
Morrito Bowl is served with an option of<br />
basmati steamed rice, couscous or brown<br />
rice for a change, completed with aioli,<br />
hummus and tzatziki on your choice<br />
of protein from grilled chicken, beef to<br />
Moroccan lamb.<br />
Halal status: Muslim-owned<br />
Dubba Dubba, 11B, Waimairi Road,<br />
Upper Riccarton, Christchurch<br />
dubbadubba.co.nz<br />
22 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
FOOD<br />
“Food in this country is<br />
heavily dependant on<br />
locally-grown ingredients.<br />
KOTANE HĀNGI DINNER<br />
Hang out and experience a traditional<br />
Māori dinner after the South Island’s<br />
only indigenous cultural performance<br />
at KoTane. Māori are the indigenous<br />
Polynesian people of New Zealand and<br />
“Hāngi” refers to the cooking method<br />
of Māori people using heated rocks in<br />
an underground pit oven. One-of-a-kind<br />
Hāngi dinner is part of KoTane Māori<br />
Experience package and advance booking<br />
is required for halal meat options.<br />
Halal status: Although the kitchen serves<br />
pork, halal meats are wrapped and cooked<br />
separately to prevent cross-contamination.<br />
Advised to dine at your own discretion.<br />
HIGH COUNTRY SALMON<br />
Framed by the mountains and a lake,<br />
this fish farm makes a perfect road stop<br />
between Christchurch and Queenstown<br />
to taste and purchase some fresh and<br />
high-quality salmon. The viewing station<br />
on farm let you see and feed the salmon<br />
up close before hitting their cafe and<br />
restaurant for some seafood chowder,<br />
salmon burger and sashimi.<br />
KoTane, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve,<br />
60 Hussey Road, Christchurch<br />
kotane.co.nz<br />
Halal status: Not halal certified but the<br />
food prepared here is mainly seafood and<br />
vegetarian except for pastries (which are<br />
made by various outside suppliers and not<br />
made in the kitchen)<br />
High Country Salmon,<br />
2602 Twizel-Omarama Rd, Twizel<br />
highcountrysalmon.co.nz<br />
This article is made possible by Tourism New Zealand.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 23
TALES ON TRACK<br />
FOOD FOR TALK<br />
Sweet Colours<br />
of Deepavali<br />
3<br />
8<br />
2<br />
4<br />
Text & photo FRANCIS YIP<br />
D<br />
eepavali in Malaysia is<br />
celebrated by the Hindus with<br />
prayers, family reunion, cultural<br />
activities and of course, colourful<br />
sweets or “mithai”. The sweets come in<br />
all shapes and colours; most are rich in<br />
sugar, milk and coconut. These sweets<br />
are normally served before dinner. In<br />
fact, there is an Indian saying, “People<br />
will eat half of their foods and keep<br />
some space for desserts.”<br />
5<br />
2<br />
9 9<br />
6<br />
7<br />
1 MURUKKU (not pictured)<br />
Murukku in Tamil means twist. This<br />
crunchy dough made from rice flour<br />
and urad dhal flour, ghee, water, cumin<br />
and salt, is one of the most popular<br />
Deepavali delicacies. According to Rita<br />
Seetha Devi, “Hindus believe murukku<br />
when fried in deep oil helps prevent ill<br />
luck in the family.”<br />
2 LADDU<br />
I love laddu. It is a sphere-shaped sweet<br />
and made from flour, ghee, sugar and<br />
other ingredients. Laddu comes in all<br />
types. In fact, there are laddu recipes<br />
using Ayurvedic medicinal ingredients.<br />
3 ADHIRASAM<br />
Adhirasam is believed to be a Tamil,<br />
Karnataka and Telegu dessert. It<br />
is shaped like the typical Western<br />
doughnut but it is made of rice flour,<br />
jaggery, butter and pepper. This sweet<br />
is often made as an offering to the<br />
Hindu Gods.<br />
4 PALKOVA<br />
When I first saw palkova or milk kova,<br />
I thought it was a big butter cookie.<br />
Apparently, palkova is made of cow milk<br />
and lots of sugar and tastes fudgy.<br />
5 MYSORE PAK<br />
This is a sweet syrup dessert made from<br />
ghee, sugar, gram, flour and cardamom. It<br />
was first prepared by the head chef of the<br />
Mysore Palace to the Maharajah. He loved<br />
it. So do I!<br />
6 JALEBI<br />
This sweet dessert is made by deep-frying<br />
flour battered in pretzel or circular motion.<br />
Before served, it is soaked in sugar and<br />
syrup. Jalebi is served in many ways across<br />
South Asia and the Middle East.<br />
7 COCONUT CANDY<br />
Coconut candy comes in all kinds of colour<br />
although the one I took was pink. Made<br />
from condensed milk, this sweet candy with<br />
grated coconuts added on its surface makes<br />
the candy coconutlicious!<br />
8 HALWA<br />
Halwa is a sugary and sticky sweet. It was<br />
wrapped in a plastic by the seller before<br />
serving it to me. Halwa is made of custard<br />
powder, saffron strands and sugar. I find it<br />
extremely sweet and not used to the sticky<br />
surface.<br />
9 BARFI<br />
Coated with a thin layer of vark (edible<br />
metallic leaf), Barfi is a condensed milk<br />
dessert and often topped with fruits and<br />
nuts. It is not crunchy and melts perfectly<br />
in my mouth.<br />
24 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />
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<br />
may spark a storm in the teacup too. After all, no food, no life.<br />
www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd franciswriter