GOASIAPLUS November 2019
As the year approaches an end, one can definitely look out for the second largest festival in Thailand! In this issue, we share 6 main places you can be part of the Loy Krathong festivities in Thailand. Further to the East, see how you can take a one-day trip from Tokyo to Kawasaki (the origin place for phallus festival) and travel to Green Island, a lesser-known gem in Taiwan. Other topics include dark tourism in Asia, sustainable dining and Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
As the year approaches an end, one can definitely look out for the second largest festival in Thailand! In this issue, we share 6 main places you can be part of the Loy Krathong festivities in Thailand.
Further to the East, see how you can take a one-day trip from Tokyo to Kawasaki (the origin place for phallus festival) and travel to Green Island, a lesser-known gem in Taiwan.
Other topics include dark tourism in Asia, sustainable dining and Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
NOVEMBER <strong>2019</strong> | ISSUE 42<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />
Legends of<br />
Loy Krathong<br />
DARK TOURISM IN ASIA<br />
KAWASAKI, JAPAN
CONTENTS<br />
4 ON THE RADAR<br />
6 OUT & ABOUT<br />
7 EVENTS<br />
Rasa Melaka The Musical<br />
8 TRAVEL<br />
Spotted: Asia in Film<br />
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal<br />
9 TRAVEL<br />
Day Trip to Kawasaki<br />
12 TRAVEL<br />
Loy Krathong<br />
Celebrating light, love and luck<br />
16 TRAVEL<br />
Road Less Travelled:<br />
Green Island, Taiwan<br />
17 TRAVEL<br />
Turning Tragedy into Tourism<br />
20 FYI<br />
Free Apps for Travel Distress<br />
21 FOOD<br />
A New World in Dining<br />
24 FOOD FOR TALK<br />
“Meat” up for Bah Kut Teh<br />
21<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
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
Time flies in a blink of an eye. Our day to day lives sees<br />
its approaching end of another year, which is mostly a<br />
welcoming term as it is another peak travel season for<br />
many. The end of year festivities, holidays and winter climate<br />
truly set the right kind of travel atmosphere.<br />
One thing to note is our takeaway from the journeys<br />
we have made. Besides getting strapped to gadgets when<br />
capturing photos and videos, it would be a good reminder of<br />
the importance to focus on the experience during our trip.<br />
I am also glad that the haze is over. However, like an<br />
annual affair, it may still come back so it is in the hopes that<br />
all closely related parties and affected countries to take proper<br />
measurements and steps to ensure there’s clean air to breathe.<br />
There are various parts of Asia in this issue from Malacca<br />
Town in Malaysia, Kawasaki in Japan, Thailand to Taiwan as<br />
exciting travel inspirations that we can plan for the coming<br />
months and next year.<br />
John So<br />
Publisher<br />
COVER BY<br />
ADOBE STOCK<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 />
ANGELA GOH, NG SHEN LEE<br />
& FRANCIS YIP<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 />
PUBLISHED BY<br />
PUBLISHCOM ASIA SDN. BHD.<br />
NO. 83–1, JALAN MEDANG SERAI, BUKIT BANDARAYA,<br />
59100 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.<br />
+603–20118983 WWW.PCOMASIA.COM<br />
PRINTED BY<br />
PERCETAKAN TURBO SDN BHD<br />
NO. 8, JALAN SEKINCAN 26/9,<br />
SEKSYEN 26, SHAH ALAM 40000, MALAYSIA<br />
FOLLOW US ON<br />
@goasiaplus<br />
The views expressed in the articles published are not<br />
necessarily those of Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P).<br />
While every reasonable care is taken in compiling the<br />
magazine, the publisher shall not be held liable for any<br />
omission, error or inaccuracy. Please notify the publisher in<br />
writing of any such omission, error or inaccuracy. Editorial<br />
contributions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are<br />
submitted at the sender’s risk. The publisher cannot accept<br />
any responsibility for loss or damage. All rights reserved<br />
by Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). No part of this<br />
publication may be reproduced in any form without the<br />
publisher’s permission in writing.<br />
KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482)<br />
2 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TW-Magazine Ad FAOL copy.pdf 1 30/09/<strong>2019</strong> 1:39 PM
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 />
COMPACT CANON CAMERA FOR TRAVEL<br />
The new Canon EOS M200 is user-friendly with mirrorless<br />
interchangeable lens, stylish design, and improved<br />
functions--all packed in 299g. The Creative Assist feature<br />
allows users to adjust the setting of the camera with voicecommand<br />
and with DIGIC 8 image processor, clear images<br />
can be captured even in dark surroundings.<br />
Available at all Canon authorised dealers nationwide<br />
SPECIAL PICK-UP SPOTS<br />
FOR E-HAILING AT<br />
MALAYSIA AIRPORTS<br />
Malaysia Airports announced<br />
new designated pick-up points<br />
for e-hailing services at airports<br />
to improve traffic flow and better<br />
amenities for waiting passengers.<br />
The pick-up spot at KL<br />
International Airport is at Level<br />
1 of Main Terminal Building by<br />
Door 3 and 4. klia2’s pick-up<br />
point is located at Door 5, Level 1<br />
of Transportation Hub.<br />
www.malaysiaairports.com.my<br />
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON BALI UNGASAN<br />
Overlooking Jimbaran Bay, Mount Batukaru and Mount<br />
Agung, the third Four Points hotel in Bali promises<br />
contemporary interiors with scenic outdoors. Four Points<br />
by Sheraton Bali Ungasan offers 270 modern rooms and<br />
suites, some with private terraces, garden and pool access for<br />
comfort. Also, taste local craft beers on tap at The Garden<br />
Pool Bar from the brand’s signature Best BrewsTM program.<br />
Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Banjar Giri Dharma Ungasan,<br />
Kuta Selatan, Indonesia<br />
www.marriot.com<br />
POP-CULTURE PARODY<br />
ART STUDIO<br />
Find the trendiest wall art for<br />
your space with Parody Parlour<br />
where jokes are non-exclusive<br />
and win laughs from everyone.<br />
Their first collection “LYAO”<br />
(stands for Laugh Your A**<br />
Off) features superheroes<br />
being something other than<br />
super while the “Just Kidding<br />
Collection” transform famous<br />
celebrities and classical<br />
paintings into a spoof.<br />
parodyparlour.com<br />
4 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
NEWS<br />
QATAR AIRWAYS OPENS NEW ROUTE TO<br />
LANGKAWI<br />
The national carrier for the State of Qatar launches<br />
a new route from their capital Doha to Langkawi,<br />
Malaysia–adding the idyllic island as the airline’s 8th<br />
new destination in <strong>2019</strong>. The 14-hour flight journey to<br />
Langkawi will operate five times weekly by the Boeing<br />
787 Dreamliner aircraft with a short transit in Penang.<br />
qatarairways.com<br />
TRAIN TO BUSAN HORROR HOUSE<br />
Korea’s blockbuster zombie movie “Train to Busan” becomes<br />
a reality in Resorts World Genting for fans across the region<br />
to experience the apocalyptic world–created using the<br />
latest digital and virtual reality technology, live actors and<br />
immersive soundscapes. The Train To Busan Horror House<br />
experience will be accepting passengers from 31 October <strong>2019</strong><br />
to 1 January 2020.<br />
www.rwgenting.com<br />
PULLMAN SUZHOU ZHONGHUI WELCOMES<br />
GUESTS<br />
As the only international premium hotel in the north of Suzhou,<br />
Pullman Suzhou Zhonghui debuts in a strategic location with<br />
convenient access to Shanghai, Wuxi and surrounding cities.<br />
It has 413 rooms and suites comfortably fitted with Pullman’s<br />
luxury duvet and pillowcases. The brand’s signature Junction<br />
Bar brings the hotel lobby to life with changing moods<br />
throughout the day.<br />
www.pullmanhotels.com<br />
A FROZEN WINTER WONDERLAND<br />
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort makes the magic of Arendelle<br />
come true this <strong>November</strong> where Elsa, Anna, and Olaf can<br />
embrace guests during the winter festive season. Fantasy Gardens<br />
in Fantasyland will be transformed into the “Frozen Fantasy<br />
Gardens Village” for Anna and Elsa’s meet-and-greet. Visitors can<br />
also enjoy a Frozen Christmas experience with “A Magical Frozen<br />
Snowfall” royal procession performance to spread the holiday joy.<br />
www.hongkongdisneyland.com<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 5
EVENTS<br />
OUT & ABOUT<br />
LOOK OUT FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF<br />
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND<br />
M. NASIR SATU HIKAYAT<br />
23 NOV<br />
The legendary singer and composer of Malaysia, M.<br />
Nasir, returned to the spotlight for his “One Story<br />
40 Years Journey” in remembrance of his colourful<br />
and award-winning career as a soloist. M. Nasir even<br />
prepared a session where he will perform songs<br />
which he wrote for other singers throughout his<br />
lifetime that the public is not aware of.<br />
Plenary Hall, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
myticket.asia<br />
DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (THE MAGIC FLUTE)<br />
21-24 NOV<br />
First premiered in 1791 at Vienna, Wolfgang Amadeus wrote this opera in<br />
two acts to a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder that tells the story<br />
of Prince Tamino who undergoes a series of tests to marry Princess Pamina.<br />
Escorted by his sidekick, Papageno, Tamino has to battle Pamina’s mother,<br />
the evil Queen of the Night.<br />
KLPAC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
klcityopera.com<br />
8 LETTERS TOUR<br />
14 NOV<br />
As one of pop music’s biggest<br />
breakout groups in the 21st<br />
century, the 5-member<br />
American boy band were<br />
previously soloists before<br />
forming the group in 2016. Why<br />
Don’t We has over 1 billion<br />
global audio streams for their<br />
hit songs like “8 Letters” and<br />
“What Am I”.<br />
Plenary Hall, KLCC,<br />
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
myticket.asia<br />
SWEENEY TODD<br />
28 NOV - 8 DEC<br />
Multiple Tony Awards winning Sweeney Todd<br />
musical is staging its thrilling theatrical tale in<br />
Singapore for a debut. Tony Award winner, Lea<br />
Salonga, is starring in this freaky musical of an<br />
infamous barber who returns from exile to seek<br />
vengeance against the judge who framed him,<br />
meanwhile he meets the owner of a meat-pie shop.<br />
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore<br />
srt.com.sg<br />
U2: THE JOSHUA TREE<br />
TOUR <strong>2019</strong><br />
30 NOV - 1 DEC<br />
Since its formation in 1976, they<br />
are known to host great live<br />
performances with top-charting<br />
songs like “With or Without<br />
You” and “I Still Haven’t Found<br />
What I’m Looking For”, holding<br />
the all-time record as the<br />
highest-grossing tour by a group<br />
till today. Debuting in Singapore for the first time ever, fans can finally meet<br />
Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. rocking it out on stage.<br />
National Stadium, Singapore<br />
www.u2.com<br />
6 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
EVENTS<br />
SHOW<br />
PERIOD<br />
Now until<br />
31 Oct 2020<br />
Rasa Melaka<br />
The Musical<br />
THE LONG-RUNNING THEATRICAL MUSICAL IN<br />
MALACCA CITY BECKONS TRAVELLERS TO THE<br />
HERITAGE TOWN FOR A DELIGHTFUL GLIMPSE<br />
FILLED WITH LAUGHTER INTO MALACCA’S<br />
RICH HISTORY, ARTS AND CULTURE.<br />
Text & photos JESSY WONG<br />
Just 2 hours drive away from Kuala Lumpur, the<br />
historic state of Malaysia needs no introduction<br />
when it comes to its long-list of worthy travel<br />
attractions, cultural sites, and foods. Malacca as a<br />
UNESCO World Heritage site is often regarded to be an<br />
introductory stop to learn about Malaysia.<br />
Rasa Melaka The Musical staged such a show;<br />
focusing on the country’s multicultural society, the<br />
musical ensemble sang, danced and acted through 50<br />
years of change from Tanah Melayu to present-day<br />
Malaysia.<br />
Directed by Beijing-based Malaysian Director, Dr.<br />
Deric Gan spared no expense in building the right kind<br />
of stage sets, good soundscapes and fitting costumes<br />
change for every era as he cleverly interlaces new<br />
original music in retelling the story of Malacca with<br />
surprising notes of local children rhymes.<br />
The comedic storytelling and flashback is an<br />
absolute treat given Dr. Deric Gan’s incorporation of<br />
Chinese custom dragon dance, the indigenous martial<br />
arts of Silat, and Joget, Malacca origin Malay traditional<br />
dance as preludes to Malaysia’s arts and cultural scene.<br />
“RASA Melaka The Musical” is the first production<br />
from the RASA-CITY Series for tourists to learn more<br />
about Malaysia’s culture. Hailing from all over the<br />
country, the 12-member talented acting cast portrayed<br />
an unforgettable tale of Malacca’s multiracial<br />
community through times of happiness and difficulty.<br />
Malay girl Melia, Hokkien boy Lak and Chetty<br />
girl Kashvi first appeared as school children in the<br />
historical city in the 60s, witnessing the independence<br />
of Malaysia, and over time, grew up before having<br />
their own families while seeing Malacca transformed<br />
into prominence.<br />
As the story unfolds between the three friends,<br />
audiences are entertained in an effortless mix of<br />
English, Malay and Chinese language dialogues–<br />
fitting the portrayal of a rojak Malaysian language.<br />
For universal enjoyment, timely subtitles in English<br />
and Mandarin ran along with the cast’s dialogues and<br />
catchy songs.<br />
SHOW INFORMATION<br />
Show Time<br />
Tuesday till Sunday (3pm & 8pm)*<br />
Duration<br />
60 minutes<br />
Ticket Price<br />
Starts at RM48*<br />
Venue<br />
Panggung Bangsawan,<br />
20, Jalan Munshi Abdullah,<br />
Malacca, Malaysia<br />
*For more information and ticket<br />
purchases, visit the show’s official<br />
website at www.rasamelaka.com<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 7
TRAVEL<br />
SPOTTED: ASIA IN FILMS<br />
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal<br />
Text NG SHEN LEE • Photo ADOBE STOCK<br />
Kathmandu Valley<br />
is Nepal’s tourism<br />
trifecta. Comprised of<br />
Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur)<br />
and Bhaktapur, the three cities<br />
put Nepal on the map for its<br />
compelling Hindu-Buddhist<br />
architecture, the ubiquity<br />
of magnificent temples and<br />
colourful festivities galore.<br />
Since late 2016 however,<br />
another force has been helping<br />
to drive tourism within the<br />
country–and perhaps most<br />
unexpectedly, a superhero film<br />
at that.<br />
With Nepal chosen as<br />
its principal filming location<br />
to portray the fictional<br />
Himalayan highland of Kamar-<br />
Taj, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange”<br />
which premiered October<br />
2016 sets itself apart. Viewers<br />
are treated to a refreshing<br />
setting, worlds apart from the<br />
usual concrete jungles of its<br />
other film counterparts under<br />
Marvels’ reach.<br />
Though much of Kamar-<br />
Taj’s streets were replicated in<br />
a production studio, two sites<br />
in Kathmandu Valley boast<br />
the title of filming locale–<br />
Pashupatinath Temple and<br />
Patan Durbar Square.<br />
Pashupatinath Temple<br />
is a Hindu temple complex<br />
situated in Kathmandu. A<br />
UNESCO World Heritage<br />
Site, it serves as the seat of<br />
the Hindu god Shiva and has<br />
temples and monuments<br />
beautifully embellished with<br />
gold-covered spires.<br />
But locals also associate<br />
the temple complex with<br />
death. Or rather, with the<br />
celebration of it. Here is where<br />
the devout is cremated, and<br />
whose ashes will run down the<br />
Bagmati river. Cremations are<br />
a daily occurrence here, as it<br />
is believed that those who die<br />
here will be reborn as a human<br />
and not an animal.<br />
In the film, sweeping<br />
shots from above also reveal<br />
Patan Durbar Square in Patan<br />
(Lalitpur) as a filming location.<br />
The city lies just across from<br />
Kathmandu, merely separated<br />
by the Bagmati river.<br />
Patan Durbar Square is one<br />
of the oldest Buddhist cities in<br />
the world. Red tiles span the<br />
entirety of its grounds, and the<br />
many temples and monuments<br />
crammed within its borders<br />
are an awe-inspiring display of<br />
indigenous Newari architecture.<br />
From hidden courtyards to<br />
ornate stepwells, there seems to<br />
be no end to exploration here.<br />
Pashupatinath Temple and<br />
Patan Durbar Squares might<br />
seem apt for the spiritual<br />
setting of Kamar-Taj in “Doctor<br />
Strange”, but they might not<br />
have been the film’s first choice.<br />
Many locations initially<br />
scouted by the production<br />
team were destroyed by the<br />
devastating earthquake which<br />
ravaged Nepal in April 2015.<br />
In the wake of the calamity<br />
just seven months prior, the<br />
production team was adamant<br />
that Nepal remains the primary<br />
filming location to help boost<br />
the country’s tourism.<br />
Considering the film’s<br />
success grossing at $677 million<br />
worldwide, it’s certainly proven<br />
to be the right choice.<br />
FUN<br />
FACT<br />
Pashupatinath Temple<br />
usually forbids non-Hindus<br />
from the main temple, but<br />
an exception was made<br />
for the film crew given its<br />
potential tourism benefits.<br />
8 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
Day Trip to Kawasaki<br />
ESCAPE THE CROWD IN TOKYO FOR A DAY AND SEE THE<br />
SIGHTS THAT THIS PORT CITY HAS TO OFFER WHETHER<br />
ITS A FOLK MUSEUM OR HISTORICAL TEMPLE.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos KANAGAWA JAPAN PREFECTURE & ADOBE STOCK<br />
1<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 9
TRAVEL<br />
2<br />
“...tranquil<br />
suburban<br />
town and<br />
sightly<br />
attractions<br />
in the<br />
midst.”<br />
4 5<br />
3<br />
The populous industrial city of Kawasaki is<br />
just south of metropolitan Tokyo. As you<br />
enter the Kanagawa prefecture, towering<br />
factories and steel plants will be the welcoming<br />
sight; Kawasaki may be an industrialised coastal city<br />
but venturing deeper inland will uncover its tranquil<br />
suburban town and sightly attractions in the midst.<br />
Kawasaki Station is conveniently connected to<br />
the JR Tokaido, JR Keihin-Tohoku and Keikyu and<br />
JR Nambu Lines from Tokyo. Furthermore, you can<br />
also get to Kawasaki via the Odakyu Odawara line<br />
from Shinjuku Station. Taking only 17 minutes by<br />
train, the short and commodious travel distance<br />
makes Kawasaki a perfect day trip destination to see<br />
more of Japan.<br />
NIHON MINKAEN OPEN-AIR FOLK<br />
HOUSE MUSEUM<br />
Remnants from the Edo Period in Japan are<br />
collected from all over the country and relocated<br />
within the hills here in the suburbs of Kawasaki.<br />
The authentic and rustic folk museum care for a<br />
collection of 25 traditional buildings of different<br />
structures and purposes between the years of 1603<br />
to 1867. Discover historical monuments like the<br />
Gasshozukuri farmhouses (traditional Japanese<br />
farmhouse from Shirakawago), exciting samurai<br />
houses, merchant houses, fishing villages homes, a<br />
religious shrine and a kabuki stage used for classical<br />
Japanese dance-drama.<br />
Fully live in the historical setting by joining<br />
the traditional Japanese handicraft workshops<br />
like cloth weaving and bamboo craft making at the<br />
folk museum. Depending on the season, the folk<br />
museum would also organise cultural events in line<br />
with the festivities. So before you go down, visit<br />
their website at http://english.nihonminkaen.jp/ to get<br />
the latest updates and event information.<br />
Getting there <br />
A 15-minute walk from Shukugawara Station (JR<br />
Nambu Line) or take a direct bus service from<br />
Noborito Station (Odakyu Odawara Line) to the<br />
museum. Bus frequency is at every 10 to 15 minutes.<br />
ANATA NO WAREHOUSE<br />
Beating Saitama’s arcade center, Anata No<br />
Warehouse is the amusement arcade to visit–even<br />
if you don’t like playing games. The 5-storey center<br />
is a dystopian themed complex with a dark interior<br />
and orchestral pipe music echoing through space.<br />
The haunting space somehow draws resemblance to<br />
a war-torn period of a battered Chinese town. After<br />
you get past the eerie setting, you will notice that<br />
the arcade houses a wide range of game machines<br />
from darts, shooting games, dance machines, table<br />
hockey and many more.<br />
Getting there <br />
From JR Kawasaki Station, the arcade center is a<br />
10-minute walk.<br />
10 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
6<br />
7 8<br />
KAWASAKI DAISHI TEMPLE<br />
Founded in 1128, this large temple in Kawasaki is<br />
alternatively known as Heiken-ji. The century-old<br />
temple is a prominent shrine for locals during the<br />
New Year where the community goes to worship and<br />
pray for good fortune. Kawasaki Daishi is currently<br />
the headquarters of the Chizan sect of Shingon<br />
Buddhism, one of the few surviving Vajrayana<br />
lineages in East Asia.<br />
What you see today are the reconstructions of<br />
the period’s architecture as the temple was destroyed<br />
in the war. Modern building materials like steel and<br />
concrete are used in the main hall (Dai-Hondo)<br />
when restoration took place in 1958. Other new<br />
monumental structures in the temple include the<br />
main Dai-Sanmom Gate and the octagonal fivestory<br />
pagoda. The temple’s vicinity has plenty of<br />
restaurants and souvenir stores for shopping.<br />
Getting there <br />
Ride the Keikyu Daishi Line to Kawasaki Daishi<br />
Station and the temple is an 8-minute walk away.<br />
FESTIVAL TO NOTE<br />
Kanamara Matsuri or known as the Festival of the Steel<br />
Phallus is held at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki,<br />
Japan each spring. Viralled as the “penis festival”,<br />
Kanamara Matsuri main emphasis is the enshrinement of<br />
the phallus, as mirrored in the candies, carved fruits, and<br />
vegetables, illustrations and decorations with the phallus<br />
palanquin parade. First began in 1969, the festival is<br />
based on a Japanese legend for the shrine but today, the<br />
festival is also used to raise funds for HIV research.<br />
This article is made possible by Kanagawa Japan Prefecture.<br />
1-3 Exhibits and scenic grounds of Nihon Minkaen Open-air Folk<br />
House Museum 4-5 Hong Kong inspired dark interior at Anata No<br />
Warehouse 6-7 Views and historical architecture of Heiken-ji 8 A<br />
festival parade on the streets of Japan<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 11
TRAVEL<br />
Loy Krathong<br />
Celebrating light, love and luck<br />
WHEN<br />
11 Nov <strong>2019</strong><br />
LOY KRATHONG IS THE SECOND LARGEST FESTIVAL IN THAILAND AFTER SONGKRAN,<br />
THE THAI NEW YEAR. KNOWN AS THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, IT MARKS AN OCCASION<br />
TO CELEBRATE HOPE AND LOVE, BANISH BAD LUCK AND WELCOME GOOD FORTUNE.<br />
Text ANGELA GOH • Photos ADOBE STOCK<br />
ABOUT<br />
The festival of light is celebrated annually<br />
on the evening of the 12 th lunar month of<br />
the Thai calendar.<br />
Loy means “to float” while Krathong<br />
means a “raft”. The krathong is a small<br />
lotus-shaped vessel fashioned out of a<br />
banana stem or bark and adorned by<br />
exquisitely woven banana leaves.<br />
The festival pays homage to the<br />
river goddess, Ganga, known as Pra Mae<br />
Khongkha. Celebrants ask for forgiveness<br />
for polluting the rivers and also to thank<br />
her for providing water which sustains life,<br />
agriculture and livestock farming. It is also<br />
a time to banish misfortune, unhappiness<br />
and ill health, and make wishes for the<br />
coming year.<br />
Also regarded as a Thai festival of love,<br />
it is said that if the krathong which is set<br />
adrift by a pair of lovers remains afloat<br />
together until they drift out of sight, their<br />
love will last forever. If the krathong floated<br />
by each of the lovers drifts apart, this is not<br />
regarded as a good omen.<br />
SYMBOLISM<br />
Thais believe that launching the krathong<br />
on a river symbolically releases all<br />
negativity by letting their troubles drift<br />
away. The four components of a krathong–a<br />
candle, joss sticks, flower and coin–<br />
symbolise aspects of Buddhism.<br />
The candle represents knowledge and<br />
wisdom; the joss sticks (usually three)<br />
symbolise purity and sympathy; the flower<br />
represents respect for Buddhist monks; and<br />
the coin signifies the making of merit to<br />
gain blessings and wealth.<br />
Some worshippers leave strands of<br />
hair or nail clippings in the krathong to<br />
rid themselves of bad luck. If the candle<br />
remains burning while the krathong drifts<br />
out of sight, this portends good fortune in<br />
the year ahead.<br />
1<br />
12 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 13
TRAVEL<br />
MAP OF<br />
THAILAND<br />
WHERE TO CELEBRATE<br />
Loy Krathong is commemorated all<br />
over Thailand but the main places<br />
where the festival is celebrated on<br />
an impressive scale are in Sukhothai,<br />
Chiang Mai and Bangkok.<br />
Bangkok<br />
Loy Krathong is a major event in<br />
Bangkok, involving ceremonies at<br />
Wat Arun, Wat Po, Wat Prayoon<br />
and Wat Kalayanamitra, and<br />
cultural events along the riverside.<br />
Top spots<br />
The Chao Phraya River is the top<br />
venue where fireworks light up<br />
the night sky while tiny candlelit<br />
vessels and brightly lit boats with<br />
technicolour lights sail up and<br />
down the waterway. To enjoy these<br />
sights and sounds, it is best to<br />
stay at one of the riverside hotels,<br />
dine at a riverfront restaurant or<br />
venture on a river cruise.<br />
Celebrations are a little less<br />
touristy along the downtown<br />
canals or klongs such as the Saen<br />
Saeb kong where you can float<br />
your krathong in a less crowded<br />
waterway. Commuter boat traffic is<br />
stopped on Loy Krathong night in<br />
favour of the annual festival.<br />
Others include public parks<br />
with ponds or lakes (Lumpini,<br />
Benjakiti, Benjasiri, King Rama<br />
IX), riverside malls (Asiatique, Tha<br />
Maharaj) and temples (Wat Arun,<br />
Wat Yannawa, Wat Saket).<br />
Ratchaburi<br />
Traditions and activities that are unique<br />
to the Mon people are celebrated along<br />
the Mae Klong River. There will be an<br />
Eight Ethnics Parade showcasing the<br />
costumes and cultures of the local<br />
ethnic groups. Krathong cups made<br />
from eco-friendly coloured paper can<br />
be spotted along the river. Religious<br />
ceremonies paying respect to the Lord<br />
Buddha will also be held and festive<br />
activities happen along the Mae Klong<br />
River and Ratphracha Pattana Dam.<br />
14 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
Chiang Mai<br />
The International Cultural Lantern Festival will be staged at<br />
Malin Park in Chiang Mai from 11-12 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2019</strong> where<br />
sky lanterns are released to coincide with the celebration<br />
of Yi Peng. This festival which coincides with Loy Krathong<br />
is commemorated in northern Thai Lanna culture, where<br />
Chiang Mai served as the capital of the ancient Lanna<br />
Kingdom. The hot air lanterns are a spectacular sight when<br />
they fill the night sky.<br />
Top spots<br />
Most of the activity takes place at the Ping River and at<br />
bridges, while a beautiful parade captivates onlookers along<br />
Thapae Road.<br />
Sukhothai<br />
As the birthplace of Loy Krathong, the festival is celebrated<br />
for 10 days here. In addition to magical floating lights, there<br />
are folk music and dance performances known as ram wong,<br />
beauty contests, krathong-making competitions, parades, and<br />
light and sound shows at Wat Mahathat.<br />
Top spot<br />
Nearly all the festivities are held at the Sukhothai Historical<br />
Park (the old city), a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the<br />
banks of the Yom River.<br />
Tak<br />
Famous for its Loi Krathong Sai or the floating of a line of<br />
krathongs made from coconut shells, a local tradition that<br />
has been passed through the ages. Catch it by the banks of<br />
the Ping River at the foot of the Rattanakosin Song Roi Pi<br />
Bridge where a thousand lighted coconut shell cups are left<br />
adrift. A parade will also be held from the Shrine of King<br />
Taksin the Great to the main venue at the town centre.<br />
Phuket<br />
Krathongs are set afloat with the outflowing tide by<br />
the beaches island-wide. Other places to celebrate the<br />
festivities include the Sapan Hin Park, Suan Luang Park,<br />
Nai Harn Lake and Karon Lake. A parade starts at Sanam<br />
Chai Park in Phuket town and continues around the island<br />
ending at Saphan Hin.<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 15
TRAVEL<br />
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED<br />
Green Island, Taiwan<br />
BY THE EASTERN COAST OF TAIWAN, THE SMALL<br />
VOLCANIC ISLAND IN THE PHILIPPINE SEA IS A SCENIC<br />
SPOT FOR TRAVELLERS TO SEEK PLEASURE IN HOT<br />
SPRINGS, SNORKELING, DIVING AND OTHER ADVENTURES.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & WAITING HERE B&B<br />
HOW TO GET THERE<br />
Fly domestically to Taitung County from Taipei<br />
International Airport. From there, catch a direct<br />
flight with Daily Air to Lyudao Airport for only 15<br />
minutes. For a more affordable option, a ferry ride<br />
from Fugang Fish Harbour in Taitung takes about an<br />
hour to reach Lyudao Nanliao Harbour.<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
Walk around the main village center like Nan Liao to<br />
find snacks, local Taiwan delicacies and restaurants<br />
to dine in. Green Island is also famous for its<br />
seaweed produce and seaweed flavoured food so<br />
don’t be surprised to see seaweed ice and seaweed<br />
omelette on this volcanic island.<br />
16 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
The Lyudao Lighthouse is worth visiting to see<br />
the bright tall lighthouse against the clear sky;<br />
the surrounding area is absolutely scenic. The<br />
Human Rights Memorial is a jail turned museum<br />
and memorial in Lyudao Culture Park as the<br />
infamous jail used to detain political prisoners.<br />
If you like exploring, the abandoned aboriginal<br />
village of Youzihu sits on the island’s eastern side.<br />
Snorkelers can go to Chai Kou, Shi Lang<br />
and Da Bai Sha to see some of Taiwan’s wellpreserved<br />
coral reefs. A deeper marine exploration<br />
will reveal an underwater paradise for divers.<br />
More scenic adventures await at Hai Sheng Ping<br />
bay where travellers can view the famous rock<br />
formations reminiscent of a Pekinese dog and<br />
Sleeping Beauty. Down south, catch the sunrise in<br />
the hot spring pool at Zhaori Hot Springs–one of<br />
the three saltwater hot springs in the world.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
Waiting Here B&B is a quaint beautifully<br />
decorated bed and breakfast on the island. The<br />
friendly staff can help arrange activities like<br />
snorkeling, diving and fishing other than a free<br />
airport shuttle for guests.<br />
GOOD<br />
to<br />
KNOW<br />
Green Island<br />
is also known<br />
as “Lyudao”;<br />
a Mandarin<br />
pronunciation for<br />
“green island”<br />
The Lyudao<br />
Lighthouse is<br />
constructed after<br />
a US luxury ocean<br />
liner gone ashore<br />
from a typhoon in<br />
1937.<br />
Rent electric<br />
scooters to go<br />
around the island<br />
as the attractions<br />
are not exactly<br />
within walking<br />
distance.
TRAVEL<br />
Turning Tragedy into Tourism<br />
1<br />
THE COMPELLING DRAW OF TRAGEDY, DESTRUCTION,<br />
AND DEATH BLURS THE LINE FOR TOURISM. MOST<br />
QUESTS TO UNDERSTAND HISTORY HAS TURNED INTO<br />
TERROR TRAVEL–WHICH INTRODUCES DARK TOURISM.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos ADOBE STOCK & JESSY WONG<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 17
TRAVEL<br />
2<br />
4<br />
5<br />
3<br />
6<br />
18 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
TRAVEL<br />
How do I enjoy the rest of the<br />
holidays after my first visit to a<br />
genocide detention camp? The<br />
chilling school-turned-prison camp for the<br />
Khmer Rouge is a popular place to visit<br />
in Phnom Penh. With a small admission<br />
fee, visitors to the Tuol Sleng Genocide<br />
Museum can walk around independently<br />
with individual audio guides.<br />
The prison has turned into a memorial<br />
site to preserve the tragic times of the<br />
Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The<br />
musty smell of its torture rooms, cramped<br />
dehumanised prisons, and a roomful<br />
of victims’ headshots may already be<br />
overwhelming, but having the audio guide<br />
recounting the terror directly to the ears<br />
put multiple stops to my tracks. My energy<br />
was completely drained, and I was deeply<br />
conflicted. Little did I know, it was the start<br />
of dark tourism for me.<br />
THE GRIM FASCINATION<br />
It is not a 21 st century trend that death<br />
and tragedy appeal to travellers. Across<br />
the globe, public beheading is a crowd<br />
attraction in the past. Town folks of the<br />
early 18 th century in England would wait<br />
out criminals to die in the gibbets hung in<br />
public crossroads. Visiting the morgue is a<br />
favourite pastime for Parisians to pore over<br />
dead bodies for free.<br />
Today, travelling to places related to<br />
violent mass killings and natural disaster<br />
sites is coined as dark tourism. As seen<br />
in the media, Netflix’s TV series “Dark<br />
Tourist” invites curious watchers to follow<br />
their travels to places with a dark history.<br />
Admittedly, I had limited knowledge of<br />
Cambodia’s history before my visit. Walking<br />
on the grounds of Choeung Ek–a mass<br />
grave and killing fields over one million<br />
people in the Khmer Rouge–gave me more<br />
than just insight to the history and the<br />
political regime of Cambodia, the harsh<br />
reality helped me to understand the bleak<br />
period of humanity in the country. It was<br />
sympathetically terrible to see thousands of<br />
victims’ skulls displayed in the glass stupa,<br />
arranged to precision.<br />
Despite that, my inquisitiveness brought<br />
me to the War Remnants Museum in Ho<br />
Chi Minh City where there are photographic<br />
entries of the horrific war crimes during<br />
the Vietnam War. The blatant gore of some<br />
captured moments brings tears to the eyes.<br />
And I can’t help but admire the courage of<br />
generational victims of Agent Orange.<br />
Man-made crimes are not the only kind<br />
of dark tourism. The remnant of a violent<br />
volcano eruption in 2010 is turned into<br />
a tourist attraction for visitors to see the<br />
dilapidated houses near Mount Merapi in<br />
Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Nearby, Bunker<br />
Kaliadem is a more popular stop for<br />
tourists to take scenic pictures with the<br />
volcanic mountain in the background. The<br />
bunker failed to prevent hot magma steam<br />
from seeping through and has ended the<br />
lives of people trapped inside; visitors can<br />
enter to take a look.<br />
Malaysia has its share of dark tourism<br />
too. Tsunami Gallery in Kota Kuala Muda<br />
in Kedah showcases houses destroyed<br />
by the 2004 Indian tsunami and pictures<br />
of the natural disaster. Outside, there’s<br />
a monument of stacked fishing boats in<br />
remembrance of the lives lost.<br />
APPROPRIATION OF TRAVEL<br />
Visiting dark sites has its constructive<br />
endings to the nightmare it contains.<br />
It brings a better understanding and<br />
awareness of the dark past that teaches<br />
us a lesson. Visitors to these galleries and<br />
sites also contribute financially to the<br />
community involved.<br />
Sometimes visitors can forget that the<br />
presence of an outsider may unintentionally<br />
cause affected people to relieve their grief.<br />
A place where so many people have met<br />
their deaths should deserve the right kind<br />
of visitor’s attitude. The ignorance of one<br />
American Youtuber in Japan is a warning for<br />
technology-driven society to adhere–filming<br />
a hanging man in the Aokigahara forest for<br />
gag and profits is among the examples of<br />
exploitation of tragedy.<br />
On a deeper level, we may also not be<br />
aware if corporations are selfishly profiting<br />
from tragedies-made tourism. Is the money<br />
collected channeled back to the victims or<br />
used to restore the sites? Some answers<br />
may be obscure. So before visiting these<br />
grave places, prepare yourself to travel with<br />
a conscience.<br />
If anyone asks, did I regret any of my<br />
trips there? Absolutely not.<br />
7<br />
MORE DARK TOURISM<br />
SITES AROUND ASIA<br />
<br />
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum,<br />
Hiroshima, Japan<br />
<br />
Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam<br />
<br />
War Museum, Penang, Malaysia<br />
<br />
Yingxiu Township, Sichuan, China<br />
<br />
Museum Tsunami Aceh,<br />
Kota Banda Aceh, Indonesia<br />
1 Stacked skulls of victims during the Khmer Rouge in 1975-1979 2 Stupa at Choeung Ek Killing Fields in<br />
Cambodia 3 An old guillotine is exhibited at War Remnants Musuem, Vietnam 4 Museum Mini SisaHartaku<br />
from 2010 volcano eruption in Yogyakarta, Indonesia 5 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh 6 Tsunami<br />
monument at Kota Kuala Muda in Kedah 7 Actual volcano bunker opened for visitors in Yogyakarta, Indonesia<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 19
FYI<br />
Free Apps for<br />
Travel Distress<br />
FOR LAST-MINUTE PLANS, BUDGET TRAVEL AND PRE-<br />
TRIP ORGANISING, THESE APPS DESERVE A SHOUT-<br />
OUT FOR MAKING LIFE EASIER FOR ALL NEWBIES,<br />
FREQUENT AND BUSY TRAVELLERS. ALL APPS ARE<br />
AVAILABLE ON THE APP STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY.<br />
Text JESSY WONG<br />
Photos ADOBE STOCK & ALL FEATURED APPS<br />
Best for <br />
OPTIMAL TRAVEL PACKING<br />
Best for <br />
ORGANISING PLANS<br />
TRIPIT<br />
TripIt keeps you on schedule whether<br />
it’s a business trip or leisure travel.<br />
Available on smartphones and computers, the app instantly creates<br />
a roster for your day and when you’re on the trip, the app supports<br />
you from navigation (ride options), airport maps (layout of airport<br />
and terminals), nearby places and neighbourhood safety (shows<br />
safety scores for security). Besides calendar sync, you can also easily<br />
share your plans with others through text or email. Additional<br />
features include real-time flight alerts and a currency converter.<br />
PACKPOINT<br />
Now, you don’t have to list<br />
everything you need for<br />
your trip because this app<br />
automatically builds a custom<br />
packing list based on your<br />
destination, date, length of<br />
stay and types of activities.<br />
The app checks the weather forecast for the day of your visit and<br />
recommends items like jacket, umbrella, shorts or sandals to your<br />
packing list. You can “hide” checked items as you pack and add<br />
quantities to items in the packing list for efficiency.<br />
Best for <br />
MANAGING EXPENDITURE<br />
TRABEE POCKET<br />
It is much like a diary, except<br />
that it helps to keep abreast<br />
of your travelling expenses so<br />
you won’t bust your budget.<br />
The customisable categories<br />
for expenses create an orderly<br />
daily report to track spending<br />
and receipts at a glance. Trabee Pocket also has multiple currencies<br />
support for instant conversion to the currency you’re familiar with.<br />
For a detailed record, add a note and image to the spending.<br />
Best for <br />
PREDICTING FARES<br />
HOPPER<br />
Plan your trip up to one year<br />
in advance with Hopper as this<br />
app predicts flights and hotel<br />
prices with high accuracy. The<br />
“watch” feature will send you<br />
notifications when the prices<br />
you’re following for your trip<br />
have dropped and it shows you the cheapest travel dates with price<br />
comparison over hundreds of global airlines. The price tracker can<br />
score you the best deals and save for more travels.<br />
20 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
FOOD<br />
1<br />
2<br />
A New World in Dining<br />
WHEN ENVIRONMENTAL PASSION MEETS DINING, IT IS A REVOLUTIONARY<br />
CONFLUENCE OF NATURE'S BEST GIFTS–WARMLY SERVED ON PLATES.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos NECTAR & OPEN FARM COMMUNITY<br />
3 4<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 21
FOOD<br />
5<br />
8<br />
6<br />
7<br />
NECTAR<br />
The high-end dining concept by<br />
award-winning chef and owner<br />
Peggy Chan tops our list with its<br />
plant-based gourmet cuisines.<br />
Setting the standard for overall<br />
wellness in dining, Nectar<br />
promises a tasting experience<br />
that focuses on holistic,<br />
nutrient-dense, and seasonal<br />
tasting menus in Hong Kong.<br />
Peggy is internationally<br />
recognised for her dedication<br />
to the environment and was<br />
awarded the title “Sustainability<br />
Champion” in 2018 at the<br />
T.Dining Awards. Also, Peggy<br />
actively involves in food<br />
biodiversity and sustainability<br />
movement that addresses<br />
undernutrition, food waste and<br />
soil degradation in the industry.<br />
Applauded to be raising<br />
awareness of plant-based<br />
cuisine, Nectar’s bold<br />
approach shows a promising<br />
future for sustainable dining<br />
and opened doors for Hong<br />
Kong’s food revolution.<br />
Peggy’s plant-based cooking is<br />
very much technique-driven<br />
that uncover textures and<br />
depth of flavour in vegetables<br />
and legumes.<br />
Nectar’s seasonal tasting<br />
menu is locally and regionally<br />
sourced with a wish to educate<br />
and empower diners on<br />
conscious eating and ethical<br />
sourcing. Guests are given the<br />
option to choose from a five,<br />
eight or twelve multi-course<br />
tasting menu.<br />
Shop D, G/F, CentreStage, 108 Hollywood Road,<br />
Central, Hong Kong<br />
hello@nectarexperience.co<br />
Nectarexperience.co<br />
22 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM
FOOD<br />
9<br />
1-4 Edible garden at Open Farm Community 5-6 Nectar's plant-based food<br />
presentation 7-8 A calming minimalist interior at Nectar 9 Open Farm Community<br />
outdoor deck dining area 10 Lip-smacking roasted Anxin chicken 11 Indonesian<br />
baby potatoes reinterpreted<br />
10<br />
OPEN FARM COMMUNITY<br />
As a restaurant, they are<br />
known to be more than<br />
just an eating place–they<br />
familiarise themselves as being<br />
a community food project<br />
in Singapore. Established in<br />
2015, the culinary team at<br />
Open Farm Community (OFC)<br />
takes the lead by encouraging<br />
diners to reconnect with their<br />
surroundings and nature<br />
through food.<br />
The creative menu approach<br />
is curated by both Head Chef<br />
Oliver Truesdale-Jutras and<br />
Sous Chef Phoebe Oviedo. The<br />
passionate duo has taken their<br />
turns in various cities across the<br />
globe, skillfully trying different<br />
approaches when cooking to<br />
bring in new flavours over<br />
familiar local palates.<br />
Naturally, the highly<br />
urbanised Singapore is a<br />
perfect choice for celebrating<br />
Asian delicacies. OFC aims<br />
to inspire people to learn<br />
about what they eat and<br />
how they eat with primarily<br />
locally-sourced ingredients in<br />
metropolitan surroundings.<br />
The support for local urban<br />
farming movement sees OFC<br />
harvesting fresh produce from<br />
the establishment’s own green<br />
garden–setting a farm to plate<br />
example in the city.<br />
Among the prolific cuisines,<br />
the “Crab & Prawn Laksa<br />
Pappardelle” distinguishes<br />
itself as a Southern Malay Laksa<br />
assimilated with homemade<br />
pasta, crispy soft-shell crab<br />
tempura, and herbs from the<br />
OFC’s garden. The environment<br />
in OFC definitely makes the<br />
grade for diners to easily<br />
reconnect with nature from its<br />
scenic surroundings, open-deck<br />
dining and greenhouse-themed<br />
atmosphere.<br />
11<br />
130E Minden Road, Singapore<br />
enquiries@ofcsingapore.com.sg<br />
www.openfarmcommunity.com<br />
WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM · 23
TALES ON TRACK<br />
FOOD FOR TALK<br />
“Meat ” up for<br />
Bah Kut Teh<br />
Text FRANCIS YIP<br />
Photo ADOBE STOCK<br />
Bah Kut Teh<br />
is probably<br />
the Malaysian<br />
dish that sparked the<br />
most conversation and<br />
controversy. Years ago, a<br />
pair of sex bloggers created<br />
a nationwide storm for their<br />
Bah Kut Teh photo posting as<br />
Ramadan greetings. Then, we also<br />
have netizens from Malaysia and<br />
Singapore fighting over the origin of Bah<br />
Kut Teh–each claiming the dish belongs to<br />
their country.<br />
MEAT BONE TEA<br />
Bah Kut Teh means “Meat Bone Tea”.<br />
However, it is not really tea as it references<br />
more to the drinking ritual which has<br />
become an integral part of eating Bah Kut<br />
Teh–to demulsify the fat of the pork.<br />
Bah Kut Teh is a pork rib dish cooked<br />
gently with a mix of herbs and spices in<br />
the soup for hours. There are Hokkien,<br />
Teowchew and Cantonese-styled Bah Kut<br />
Teh but in Malaysia, the most common<br />
is the Hokkien style which is darker and<br />
more fragrant soup. On the other hand, Bah<br />
Kut Teh in Singapore is lighter and more<br />
pepper-ish in taste.<br />
ORIGIN OF BAH KUT TEH<br />
There is a lot of argument about the<br />
origin of Bah Kut Teh. Klang is often<br />
well-known as the birthplace of Bah Kut<br />
Teh. It was introduced by the Chinese<br />
immigrants who were mostly Hokkien<br />
during the 19 th century.<br />
According to Ng Soon Tiong, owner of<br />
Samy and Min Bah Kut Teh, “Bah Kut Teh<br />
was created as a dish to help replenish the<br />
energy of the Chinese coolies who mostly<br />
carried heavy loads while barefooted.<br />
In those days, they boiled pig heads and<br />
knuckles with medicinal herbs and spices<br />
as a way to nourish and strengthen their<br />
bodies.”<br />
It is also<br />
believed that<br />
the word<br />
“teh” of “Bah<br />
Kut Teh” is<br />
derived from the<br />
name, Lee Boon<br />
Teh who brought<br />
the dish from Fujian<br />
and popularised the dish<br />
in the 1940s. But across the<br />
causeway, netizens claimed that<br />
Bah Kut Teh was created in Clarke<br />
Quay and River Valley. They said the dish<br />
was spotted even in the 1920s.<br />
FLAVOURS TODAY<br />
Whether it is Klang or Clarke Quay, it<br />
doesn’t matter. But one thing is certain.<br />
Some Bah Kut Teh shops attempted to<br />
be innovative by offering Seafood Bah<br />
Kut Teh, Cheese Bah Kut Teh, and even<br />
Durian Bah Kut Teh.<br />
Will you try it? For myself, I am<br />
still a die-hard fan of authentic Bah Kut<br />
Teh. In fact, I have mastered the art of<br />
boiling Bah Kut Teh from my mother and<br />
my herbs are mostly bought from the<br />
Chinese medical hall.<br />
Special thanks to Ng Soon Tiong, owner of Samy and Min Bah Kut Teh Malaysia and the World Top<br />
Gourmet Awards Team.<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