to read Goasiaplus June issue!

June 2016 Issue 1
the adventurer's
guide to
PAHANG
amber chia
the jet–set life of
a SuperModel
breaking fast
with the 6 must–try pasar
ramadan snacks
Please do not take me home.
If you miss me, read me online at
www.goasiaplus.com
2 • GOASIAPLUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor’s Note
6
On the Radar
10
Out & About
13
Now Boarding:
Amber Chia
14
FYI:
Suitcase Soulmate
16
Pahang
18
GOASIAPLUS • 3
4 • GOASIAPLUS
Bucket List:
Jungle Retreats
21
Road Less Taken:
Padang
22
Shopping Gems:
Vietnam
23
Songket
24
The Suitcase
26
The Food Files:
Hainanese Kopitiam
27
Pasar Ramadan
Favourites
28
Essential
Connections
30
EDITOR’S
note
M
y mother told me that my first ride
on a plane was when I flew to Mecca
when I was 2 years old. I want to
believe that it is on that journey to one of the
holiest city in the world that I got the travelling
bug. Since then I flew everywhere till the point
where the shaking and turbulence of a plane
take–off and landing did not sway me from my
slumber. True story.
But it was when I was 18 did I met a girl in
college who told me (in a thick northern accent)
that she had never been on a plane before in
her life. It was then that I looked back at all
my travels with a sense of gratitude because
not everyone has a chance to board a flight.
As I grew into adulthood, I discovered a group
of people who would save up for a trip abroad
for the once in a lifetime experience to swim
in the bluest of seas or trek in the oldest of
forest. Or you know, just shop till their heart’s
content. I have seen stunning pictures (on
social media, of course) of people reaching
mountain tops, diving with sea life and eating
the most exotic cuisines. It is evident that
travelling is turning into a lifestyle.
The reason why I am passionate about
GoAsiaPlus is because it allows travel–hungry
millennials like me to share the beauty of Asia
out there. Our team strives to feature the
places that you might not know (but should)
and reinvent the topics that you find familiar.
Plus I am an advocate for non–commercial
getaways, those little gems that are overlooked
but keep a secret worth discovering. We are
here to share that knowledge.
So start writing a bucket list because this
month, we give you the wilder side of Pahang
for all you nature lovers. Check out some of our
favourite street treats that we look forward to
in the fasting month and an insight on what
makes songket the textile worth investing
in. Plus if you plan to ride the waves but find
Hawaii too far, read our article on Padang,
Indonesia to discover some killer spots for
surfing.
Lastly, Happy Ramadan to all and may your
flight ticket purchase be an easy endeavour
this coming Raya holidays. Remember Flights
on Google is your best friend. For those taking
public transport, I recommend a travelling
pillow.
Must–have travel accessory
ofthemonth:Carrerasunglasses
Lots of love,
Editor
6 • GOASIAPLUS
Here is a picture
of Pulau Besar in
Johor. When I got
there, the boat boy
told me there were
only 3 other guests
at the resort.
I practically had
the whole
island to myself.
GOASIAPLUS • 7
COVER PHOTO BY FADZA ISHAK
EDITORIAL TEAM
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS
– JOHN SO
EDITOR
– AISHAH AZALI
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
– SAM LO
TEMPLATE DESIGNER
– PENNY CHEE (PENNCAKES)
CONTRIBUTORS
– ELISE LOW, VIVIAN TAN & AUDREY TEOH
PHOTOGRAPHERS
FAIZ JALAL, SHAHRIL BAHROM, FADZA ISHAK,
ASHEE ANUAR & ALI SHAMSUL BAHAR
DIGITAL TEAM
CONTENT
– AISHAH AZALI & JANICE ABIGAILLE
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
[email protected]
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
– ZOE GOH
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
JAZLYN YAP
+6017–9706080
[email protected]
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8 • GOASIAPLUS
On The Radar
NEWS
I ndustrial D orms
M ore F or M enswear
No longer designing collections exclusively for women, renowned Malaysia designer
Rizalman Ibrahim is branching out to the realm of menswear with his new Raya line
for Zalora called RizalMEN. Go colourful as shirts and kaftans come in psychedelic
prints for some freshness while the traditional jubah comes in cool hues with subtle
patterns for a dapper look this festive season.
www.zalora.com.my
Going on a budget for your travel
accommodation does not mean you
have to sacrifice style; even backpacker
dorms can have funky interiors.
Que DIY Dorms in central Kuching,
Sarawak. The newly renovated space
above the café called Wrong Place
features 10 bunk beds and a funky
common room with colourful murals
by local artists. Plus its location on
Carpenter Street is an ideal location for
travellers to discover the beauty and
heritage of Kuching.
www.facebook.com/DIYdorm
MUD W ins B ig
The musical about the humble beginnings of Kuala Lumpur won it big at the 13th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards including
awards for Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design and the Kakiseni Audience Choice Awards. Travellers can still catch the
spectacular show at Panggung Bandaraya located ironically near the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. The show mixes musical
styles of various Malaysian cultures for a production that embodies the struggles and triumphs to build this magnificent city.
www.mudkl.com
10 • GOASIAPLUS
On The Radar
N o M ore C ounter
C heck – in
Check–in counters for AirAsia and
AirAsia X will no longer be available
at klia2 effective 18 May 2016 as the
implementation of the self check–
in begins. Travellers will now have
to conduct self check–ins through
web, mobile or kiosks available at
the airport. Guests who have check–
in luggage will then proceed to the
Baggage Drop Counters to drop off
their bags. Printing bag tags at home or
at the kiosk as part of the Self Bag Tag
program is also available now at klia2.
www.airasia.com
S porty I n
H ong K ong
Giorgio Armani’s sportswear line called
EA7 continues to spread its fashion
influence in Asia by opening a new
store in Hong Kong. The store located
at the SOGO Causeway Bay is designed
using the ‘white concept’ for enhanced
product visibility. The brand EA7 caters
to the needs of sports enthusiasts and
professional athletes thanks to their
technical
garments
that
combine
performance and design.
www.armani.com
M odest W ear
F or F all
Fluid, graceful and best of all, modest,
UNIQLO has teamed up once again
with British–Japanese designer Hana
Tajima for a muslimah collection that
can even transcend to the everyday
wear of ladies who do not wear a hijab.
The collection also features UNIQLO’s
high quality winter wear material like
HEATTECH and fleece for those that
want to hit the slopes in style.
www.uniqlo.com.my
GOASIAPLUS • 11
On The Radar
D iverse D elicacies
F or R amadan
Diverse Asian delicacies served in
buffet pods that symbolise ships?
Well Hilton KL has a Ramadan buffet
experience that stays true to tradition
when it comes to the food. Executive
Sous Chef Mohammad Hashrul and
his team at Vasco’s have cooked up the
Tradisi Nusantara nightly buffet with
delectable delicacies like nasi briyani
buring puyuh, sup tulang rusuk sapu
malatop and kepala ikan jenahak
masak asam pedas Seri Mersing.
life.hiltonkl.com/Restaurants/Vascos
B ack T o B asics
Leica is expanding their M–Generation cameras to include
the Leica M–D, the first in the M series to be made without a
monitor screen. The omission of the screen is a plan to put the
most essential technical features and is replaced with an ISO
sensitivity setting dial. The 24–megapixel resolution ensures
exceptional imaging quality and extreme sensitivity to light that
is saved as RAW data in DNG format for the photography purist
of today.
www.leicastore.com.my
M ixing O ld
A nd N ew
Scattered
around
KL
town
are
charming colonial designed shophouses
that were built in the early 1900s
and these past couple of years see the
resurrection of these heritage buildings
into restaurants. Old Malaya at Jalan
Raja Chulan is a colonial building that
was brought back to life and turned into
a sophisticated space for some culinary
magic. Get the juiciest of steaks at their
Pampas steakhouse and afterwards,
grab a drink or two at the Kapitan Bar
with a stunning view of KL.
www.oldmalaya.com
12 • GOASIAPLUS
Out & About
OUT & ABOUT
Last Minute Buys
2 – 5 June
Potted Potter
An Olivier Award–
nominated Harry Potter
parody that is full of
laughs for Potterheads
everywhere.
www.pottedpotter.com
5 June
2 – 5 June
S hrek T he M usical
The
Oscar–winning
movie
turned
smashed musical is on an international
tour with Malaysia as one of their stops.
Expect a world class production with
moving lights and impressive stage
setups to captivate viewers as Shrek
and Princess Fiona sing their way across
a kingdom of fairy tale misfits like a
gingerbread man with an attitude and a
donkey that won’t shut up.
Istana Budaya
Get your tickets at
www.ticketcharge.com.my
25 June
B and of B rothers L ive
in G enting
Catch four C–Pop veterans from across
Asia come together to create the ultimate
musical group called the Band of Brothers.
We anticipate the return of Richie Jen,
Edmond Leung, William So and Steve
Wong to the stage after successful solo
careers of their own. The combined talent
itself will make it a musical event worth
going for.
G abriel I glesias :
#F luffy B reaks E ven
2016 W orld T our
Tickle your funny bone this June as
America’s
sought–after
comedian,
Gabriel Iglesias aka Fluffy will bring his
signature stand–up comedy featuring
sound effects, parodies and a bucket
load of laughter. The Californian–born
comedian’s success is an amazing one
as he already performed sold out shows
in Madison Square Garden in New
York and The Microsoft Theater in Los
Angeles.
Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre
8.30PM
Get your tickets at www.ticketpro.com.my
•
Across The Pond
3 June
Canoe & Kayak
Fiesta at the Bay
Singapore’s biggest water
sports festival is adding
the first ever Canoe &
Kayak Fiesta where
canoeist compete for
glory.
www.dbsbythebay.com
11 June – 9 July
Bali Arts Festival
Discover the best of
traditional Indonesian
dance and music among
other performances like
Bali modern theatre and
dance dramas called
Sendratari .
Arena of Stars
8.30PM
Get you tickets at www.ticketcharge.com.my
GOASIAPLUS • 13
Now Boarding
NOW BOARDING
with Amber Chia
No one jet sets fabulously for work better than a supermodel. So we had a chat with our very own
supermodel Amber Chia on her many travel adventures during her rise in the modelling industry
and how is she selecting her current travel destinations after starting a family.
Interviewed by Aishah Azali • Photos from Amber Chia & istockphoto
1. Where Was Your Last
Family Trip?
Last year we went to London for
Christmas. It was a good trip
because my son loved the weather.
After Christmas there was the
Boxing Day sale so I personally
enjoyed the shopping. Then we
visited the Winter Wonderland
theme park packed with all kinds
of kid games for my son to enjoy.
2. Before You Started A Family,
How Often Would You Travel?
I used to travel a lot. I’m very
lucky because after I won the
International Guess Model Search,
I got a chance to travel all around
the world for work. I won in 2003
and travelled non–stop till 2009. I
would go a few months in Taiwan,
then to Indonesia and basically all
around Asia.
I even worked a year in New York.
I do miss that because it felt like a
work trip and a holiday at the same
time.
14 • GOASIAPLUS
3.What Is A Place That
You Would Like To
Revisit?
I love many places but it would
probably be New York. I still have a
lot of friends who live there. At the
same time, my relationship with
my husband started in New York
so it is a good place to revisit those
memories.
Another country is New Zealand. I
have tried sky diving and bungee
jumping and it was such a fun and
daring experience. I want my son to
experience that once in his life.
4.Do You Prefer Cold Weather Or Hot?
I prefer autumn or spring though,
where it is not too cold yet not too
hot.
5.What’s The One Country You Have Not Been To But Are Dying To Visit?
Egypt is somewhere I have always
wanted to go. I once already booked
a trip there but something happened
and I ended up not going. That
experience made me want to visit
even more. I just love its culture and
the historical sites.
Now Boarding
7. What Is Your Favourite
Place To Go To In Malaysia?
6. In Your Opinion, Where Is
The Best Place To Shop?
If you are talk about shopping,
I would say Milan in Italy. I
remember one time, I wanted to
purchase something but my card
would not go through. It was 7 in
the evening in Milan but 4 in the
morning in Malaysia. I panicked
and called the bank in Malaysia to
extend my card limit. Thankfully
they helped me settle it. It was
worth it though because I got a
lot of good deals from big fashion
brands.
Well I grew up in Sekinchan and
moved to Tawau when I was eight.
Family is always a priority so when
I have time, I would go back to
Tawau. All of Malaysia is beautiful
to me but if I have one or two
days off, I like to go to one of the
beautiful cities like Penang, Ipoh
or Kota Kinabalu.
8.What Are Your
Travelling Essentials?
I’m the type of person that takes
care of how I look so it would have
to be good skincare products and my
make–up kit.
make–up kit?” Yes it is a holiday
but when I look good then I will feel
good. Apart from that, sneakers are
compulsory for me because I like to
stay comfortable when I’m walking
around. Plus it is such a stylish
accessory.
9. Are You Planning Any Trips
For The Future?
Due to YouTube influences, my
son is constantly asking “Mommy,
when can we go to New York?” So
hopefully we can go there soon. If
we do go there, I would like to visit
Miami and Las Vegas as well. I
mean if you fly that far, might as
well check out more than one city.
Even though I travel for a holiday,
my husband would ask “Why do you
pack so many clothes and bring your
GOASIAPLUS • 15
FYI
Find Your Suitcase Soulmate
If you really think about it, the most important travel companion is your luggage.
Therefore we advise to choose wisely.
Written by Vivian Tan • Photos by TUMI, Rimowa & istockphoto
Choosing a travel luggage is as crucial as
choosing the right travel buddy. There are
lots of things to consider such as size, weight,
design, durability and even colour! Luggage
often comes with a hefty price tag so you
would want to evaluate your travel style
before you purchase one. Here is a quick guide
to the three main types of luggage to help you
discover which one is for you.
•
Luggage Allowance
•
AirAsia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines
have an allowance of one cabin
baggage weighing a maximum of 7kg
per person
Managing the weight of your luggage
is important as exceeding the limit
will require you to purchase more
allowance and it can be very costly
If you are travelling with AirAsia and
decide to check–in your baggage, you
can now purchase a value pack when
you book your flight online
This is a good option as it allows
you to save a lot compared to buying
baggage separately. The value
pack consists of 20kg baggage
allowance, a standard seat selection
and a prebooked meal. Prices vary
depending on your flight destination
Most airlines including Malaysia
Airlines and Emirates are generous
with their checked baggage allowance,
usually starting from 30kg per person
for economy class
16 • GOASIAPLUS
Soft Case
Y ou N eed S pace
Soft luggages are for you if you need lots of space.
Planning to shop till you drop on your next trip? We
are not judging. However we do highly recommend
a canvas luggage as you can pack the most items
into this number – including bulky and awkward
shaped pieces! Its flexibility makes it easier to
squeeze into overhead compartments too.
Material wise, ballistic nylon is not the younger
sibling of Kevlar but its durability and thickness
make it a great fabric used in many high–end soft
cases. No need to worry about abrasions or worst,
any form of tearing as this thick nylon fabric is the
superhero cloth for bags. Downside? Ballistic nylon
is hard to dye therefore colour choices are limited
to dark tones.
We recommend: TUMI (pictured above from the
Tahoe Collection), The North Face & Pierre Cardin
FYI
Hard Case
Backpack
You ’ ve G ot V aluables
A ll A bout A ccessibility
Opt for a hard shell luggage if you need to protect
valuables such as electronics and fragile objects.
Wrap up your items and let the durable casing do its
job! It will keep everything inside safe from knocks
and any spillage. Maneuvering is a lot easier too as
most of the hard shells are built with four wheels, so
you will be stress–free at congested areas.
If you are after the raw, nitty gritty traveller’s
experience, chances are you’ll want to pack as light
as possible. It is all about the necessities now, so
go with for a backpack. They may look bulky and
uncomfortable but you will be surprised. Backpacks
are designed in a way to carry a load, without you
feeling like you actually are! Depending on the
size, they come with different compartments for
your items and are all easy accessible.
The best and most durable material for hard case
luggage is aluminium. It gives the 4–wheeler a
glossy finish and can withstand forceful heaves
into cargo compartments. But if you are not willing
to fork up the cash, try polycarbonate hard cases
that are impact resistant. This type of polymer can
absorb impact by flexing and then flexes back to its
original shape.
We recommend: Rimowa (pictured above from the
Bossa Nova Collection), Samsonite or Travelpro
For the nomads, rip–stop nylon is the way to go if
you are travelling through mountains and forests.
The cool thing about it is that it stops the rip if
the pack is punctured. So if you are deep in the
backcountry with a torn bag and no duct tape,
this material will buy you time. Also it is readily
waterproof and extremely lightweight.
We recommend: Deuter, Karrimor or Vaude
GOASIAPLUS • 17
Pahang
The spooky yet stunning caves in Merapoh, Pahang
THE PAHANG TO–DO LIST: ADVENTURERS EDITION
Being one with nature and admiring its beauty is a philosophy for any adventurer and Pahang is a
place of diverse environment that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.
Written by Aishah Azali • Photos by Ali Shamsul Bahar, Fadza Ishak, Ashee Anuar & istockphoto
C ave E xploration
T
he untouched nature of Pahang
includes dark yet intriguing
caves that have yielded findings
of human remains dating back 1500
years and wall carvings left by these
earlier inhabitants. Some caves have
been converted into show caves where
walkways and lightings are built for a
comfortable visit but if you want to walk
on the wild side, find an experienced tour
guide to take you into the undiscovered
depths of untouched caves like the caves
in Merapoh. Note that to reach some of
these non–commercial caves, climbing
to higher heights is part of the journey.
But that should not be a problem for
adventurers.
The most commercial cave is the Kota
Gelanggi cave complex that features
some 100 caves of various depths and
sizes. For first timers, eight caves are
open to the public which include Terang
Bulan Cave, Penyu Cave and Sanding
Cave. If you book accommodations at
Felda Residence Tekam, the resort
provide guided tours for their guests.
18 • GOASIAPLUS
T rekking T o T he
Waterfalls
Where there are forests and caves,
there is bound to be a stream that leads
to a vast and tall waterfall. Some of
these waterfalls are pretty deep in the
forest so after all that trekking, a nice
soak in nature’s very own water jet is
icing on the cake.
Thankfully there are many waterfalls
in Pahang to choose from with popular
ones
being
Chamang,
Thompson,
Sungai Pandan and Rainbow waterfall.
The mouth of Gua Hari Malaysia
Chamang waterfall has an interesting
structure as it is a descending bed
of rocks with water flowing down.
Therefore there are plenty of flat
surfaces to lie down on and feel the
currents. It is also a picnic and barbeque
hotspot for locals and tourists.
Real adventurers that do not mind
getting down and dirty can take the
trip to Rainbow waterfall where one
needs to drive through rocky terrain
and endure a 45 minute trek to witness
some colourful rainbows.
Pahang
A waterfall stop when trekking up to Mount Nuang
A red–backed shrike perched on a branch
B ird W atching
It is not just nature that attracts us
to Pahang but the diverse wildlife as
well. So after sipping tea and eating
strawberries at the chilly highlands like
Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands and
Bukit Tinggi, take out those binoculars
to catch a glimpse of the colourful flock
of feathered friends.
These parts of Pahang are home to
montane birds like the grey–chinned
minivet and hill blue flycatcher. For
fun, take any of the eight trails in
Fraser’s Hill through the rainforest to
find the rarer species.
In the lowlands, places like the Jerantut
National Park and the Krau Wildlife
Reserve have species of birds that are
native to Malaysia and can only be found
in Malaysia like the majestic Malayan
peacock pheasant recognisable for the
specks of rich blue on their feathers.
GOASIAPLUS • 19
Pahang
Good to know
•
Unique accommodations
can be found in Sungai
Lembing called Capsule
Retreat where guests
sleep in circular pods
right in the jungle
www.timecapsuleretreat.
wix.com
•
Bayu Dive Center at
Kampung Genting on
Tioman Island offers SDI
Open Water Scuba Diver
Course for adventurers
that want to learn
how to dive
www.bayudivecenter.com
•
Get an experienced bird
guide to take you around
all the bird watching
hotpots around Pahang
with Bird Malaysia
www.bird–malaysia.com
•
Interested to discover
the history and wilflife of
Pahang’s caves? Merapoh
Adventures has some
great group tours
www.merapohadventure.
wix.com/merapohadventure
20 • GOASIAPLUS
The interesting underwater terrains around Tioman Island
D iving A round
T ioman I sland
Tioman Island is the gem of Pahang
(the gem of Malaysia basically) that is
known for its crystal clear waters and
popular diving sites. After trekking
through the forest and walking through
caves, let us take a moment to tan on
the beaches of Tioman while enjoying
the sound of the currents, fresh coconut
water in hand.
After resting those muscles, we get
back to our Pahang adventure by
taking a dive into the azure waters to
discover a plethora of sea life and some
of the most colourful coral reefs. Take a
boat to the best dives sites like Labas
Island or Tiger Rock for a peek at an
underwater garden of corals. Jahat
Island is slightly further away but
worth the trip to see bigger marine life
like the barracudas and batfishes.
If you are up for it, skip the 5–star
resorts for humble chalets in the many
fishing villages like Kampung Genting
and Kampung Tekek. Get a closer look
at how the locals go through their daily
lives and they might even share with
you some of the more hidden diving
spots or share their daily catch. You
never know.
Bucket List
GETTING JIGGY
in the Jungle
Malaysia’s dense forests have seen the mushrooming of luxury resorts that allow travellers to live out their
Tarzan and Jane fantasies but with the added bonus of bathroom amenities.
Written by Aishah Azali • Photos by Fig Tree Hill Resort, The Shorea & Rain Forest Resort
F ig Tree R esort
Bayan Lepas, Penang
Hidden in the hills of Bayan Lepas, away from the bustling
town lies a forest retreat with architecture that closely
emulates the Asian design aesthetic. Located on top of a
hill and next to a stream, their traditional wooden villas are
the epitome of lush jungle living that blends romance and
comfort. Some villas are equipped with their own Jacuzzi
and have private balconies overlooking the tropical hills. For
a quick dip, dive deeper into nature thanks to the natural
mountain pool.
www.figtreehill–resort.com
T he S horea
Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Bring your whole family along for the luxurious jungle living
as resorts like The Shorea offer villas that can accommodate
large groups. The biggest double storey villa features
mountain views thanks to its all glass indoor living space that
can be transformed into an outdoor sun deck for memorable
gatherings among the greens. Enjoy the beauty of being next
to the Berembun Forest Reserve and listen closely to the
calming jungle stream that leads to a waterfall. For a wild
adventure, take the tour guided by the indigenous tribesman
of Temuan village.
www.theshorea.com
Beyond Malaysia
R ain F orest R esort
Phitsanulok, Thailand
Fall in love with the historical province of Phitsanulok and the lush
greenery that surrounds it when you plan your next trip to Thailand. The
discreet cottages scattered along the forested resort is tastefully design in
the contemporary style with the interior painted in a tropical palette. Take
advantage of the dense jungle surrounding with activities like white water
rafting or go trekking to the nearby Kangsong waterfall. Alternatively you can
always indulge yourself to a traditional Thai massage at the gazebo next to
the river.
www.rainforestthailand.com
GOASIAPLUS • 21
Road Less Taken
A Taste of
Padang
Hidden gems, found off the beaten path, are delightful experiences for any traveller,
offering a more authentic experience away from the crowds.
Written by Audrey Teoh • Photos by Getty Images
Where I t I s
Padang, capital of West Sumatra, fits
the bill perfectly – it’s a harbour town
featuring a colonial heritage that’s rich
in history such as the Dutch old town
and harbour with its old warehouses
that are still in use today. The old town
also features picturesque sites such as
Sitti Nurbaya Bridge, old Chinatown
shop houses and beautiful places of
worship such as the See Hien Kiong
Temple and the Muhammadan Mosque.
H ow T o G et A round
To get around, transportation is both
varied and colourful, ranging from
buses and angkots to metered taxis. You
can also rent a car, which comes with a
driver who also acts as a guide. If your
itinerary includes a visit to Padang
Beach, you can ride in a horse–drawn
carriage (known locally as the bendi);
while you’re there, refresh yourself
with naga (dragonfruit) juice!
W hat T o E at
For more local flavour, try authentic
nasi padang with dishes like spicy
coconut curry rendang, soto padang,
and much more, typically served by
waiters bearing a variety of plates. Just
pick whatever catches your fancy and
you’ll be charged accordingly. Do note
that internal organs like the heart,
lungs and brain are common, and that
Padang dishes are halal.
22 • GOASIAPLUS
W hat T o D o
Sumatra is the 6th largest island in the
world so there are a lot of water related
activities. Surfing is a big thing in
Sumatra with experienced wave riders
frequently visiting to ride the biggest
of waves. Air Manis beach which is 30
minutes away is a great place for first
time surfers as the waves only go up to
a height of 1.5 meters. If you are more
of a diver or snorkeler, Weh island and
Banyak island off the coast of Padang
are beautiful spots to check out the sea
life.
W here T o S hop
No holiday would be complete without
a few keepsakes so head to Jalan Imam
Bonjo for a range of souvenir stalls or
visit local markets for more authentic
mementos. There is also the Ramayana
shopping district for bargain hunting;
shopping malls in Padang are limited
to Minang Plaza, which supplies daily
necessities such as basic clothing and
household needs, and Plaza Andalas
which is larger and offers more variety.
W here T o S tay
When it’s time to put your feet up
at the end of the day, you can choose
from a wide variety of accommodation,
from homestay and budget inns to The
Mercure Padang, the city’s only 4–
star hotel which offers comprehensive
facilities such as a spa, swimming pool,
fitness centre and 24–hour business
centre.
Good to know
Slippers are essential as
frequent rains make flooded
streets a common occurrence
•
Padang is located on a fault
line; earthquakes of varying
intensity struck in 2007, 2009
and 2010
•
Batang Bayang River in south
Padang is home to a living
bridge called Jembatan Akar
that is formed by the roots of
two banyan trees
•
Catch local fishermen around
Bungus Beach engage in a
method of fishing called seine
fishing where nets are vertically
hanged in the water and held
down by weights
•
Surf season starts in February
and ends in October. Surfers
can check out Sumatran
Surfariis for the best surfing
hotspots in Padang
www.sumatransurfariis.com
Shopping Gems
Trinket Hunting in Vietnam
When you talk about shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, the first thing that come to mind are the markets, especially the big ones
like Ben Than Market. However, if you’re looking for unique and trendy locally produced trinkets, check out these three
shops I visited while roaming the streets of District 1.
Written & Photographed by Azul Sidek
S aigon K itsch
43 Ton That Thiep Street
Even though it is situated in the back
streets, Saigon Kitsch is pretty well
known for selling fun, quirky, retro
Vietnamese
products.
Propaganda
posters
are
printed
on
journals,
coasters, magnets and cards; colourful
bags and cushion covers featuring
working class Vietnamese girls jostle
for your attention from the shelves.
Plus you will adore the beautifully
crafted homeware that are neatly
arranged according to their shapes and
colours.
I found myself wanting to go through
every shelf and rack just to enjoy
the vibrant artistry being displayed
throughout the shop. Even though I
could have bought more, I managed
to control myself and walked out with
only some enameled coconut bowls,
journals and magnets.
N ha S ach P hu N u
46 Le Loi Street
I was walking along Le Loi Street
heading towards Ben Than Market
when I came across this quaint little
bookshop selling mostly books on local
themes like Vietnamese history, arts
and culture. But books are not the only
things you can find here. There are
stationery, cards, stuffed toys, bags and
lots of other cool knick–knacks.
However, for me the thing that stands
out the most is the large selection of
mini movie posters printed on recycled
paper. These posters are generally
not the official versions but artistic
variants produced in a retro style –
there’s everything from James Bond to
Star Wars to Harry Potter. There seems
to be a bit of a movie poster obsession
going on in this shop because similar
designs can also be found on things like
postcards, notebooks and coasters.
N ho S ai G on K ua
(SAIGON BOUTIQUE HANDICRAFTS)
58 Le Loi Street
A few doors away from Nha Sach Phu
Nu is a shop selling locally produced
kitchenware and homeware. There
are pastel coloured trays arranged
above matching bowls and beautifully
designed
ceramic
mugs
sitting
alongside homogeneous teapots. There
are also woven bags and baskets and a
whole range of cutlery made from wood
and shell.
I love the simple and rustic look of the
shop’s interior design. I wonder if it was
converted from some sort of warehouse.
Anyway, once you’re done with your
browsing and shopping, take a moment
to behold the shop itself. There is a
staircase at the back and if you walk
halfway up to the landing, there’s a
gorgeous wall covered with wooden
shutters in lovely shades of blue. It’s a
selfie op if ever I saw one.
GOASIAPLUS • 23
Songket
T
he western world has brocade but
for South East Asia, no textile
exudes luxury and sophistication
better than the songket. The songket
has long been synonymous with royalty
for hundreds of years as it was only
worn by the Malayan blue bloods and
its members of court back in the day.
Nowadays though, the common man
can adorn themselves in songket for
the weddings and festive occasions.
What makes a songket such an opulent
textile? Well first are the materials used
to weave it. Gold or silver silk threads
are hand–woven into supplementary
wefts of silk or cotton using a traditional
contraption called kek loom. Then
intricate patterns inspired by nature
like the ‘persimmons fruit’ or ‘bamboo
shoots’ pattern are additionally woven
to the silk ground weave.
The skill of making songket is mainly
an artistry that is passed down from
generation to generation. It is a
skill that requires a lot patience and
attention to detail. It can take months
to complete a whole piece of songket
with more complex designs taking even
longer.
24 • GOASIAPLUS
SONGKET: THE TEXTILE OF ROYALS
The textile of royals now available for the masses and a symbol of artistry in
Malaysia, songket is an investment worth having in your closet.
Written by Aishah Azali • Photos by Jovian Mandagie & istockphoto
Songket
a royal collection without a songket’s
touch in it is not complete,” explains
Jovian.
The Aminah ensemble with ruby
embellishments against a soft gray
songket is a standout ensemble in the
collection alongside the bright fuchsia
Safiya piece that mixes songket with a
modern Kedah–style baju kurung.
If you are planning to get married or
want to indulge yourself with a one–
of–a–kind songket ensemble, Jovian
advises,” You can go for a full songket
attire with simple embellishments or
you can mix and match it up with a
plain fabric as a top and pair it with a
songket skirt. I think these are the best
ways to style the songket and if you have
a songket selendang, do not hesitate to
complement your look with it.”
Fashion designer Jovian Mandagie
The songket technique made its way
to the east coast of Malaysia during
the early 1500s thanks to the arrival of
Pattani (now southern Thailand) brides.
These aristocratic women bought over
their weaver servants that create their
lavish court garments which helped
spread the weaving skill across the
east coast mainly to Terengganu and
Kelantan. Also frequent trade among
the Malay sultanate and Sumatrans
also expanded the love and skill of
weaving songket to Malaysia.
So you see, songket is a textile seeped
with tradition and an artistry that few
have mastered. The price range for a
songket starts at a couple of hundred
ringgit and go up to the thousands
making it a piece of material that is
more of an investment that symbolises
beauty and craftsmanship. Therefore
if you want to bring back a taste of
Malaysia, songket is the souvenir with
the wow factor the folks at home would
be eager to see.
•
So where does one purchase
such a luxurious item? Well
if you have the time and
money, we suggest going to
Terengganu or Kelantan which
is the motherland of
songket in Malaysia
•
Pasar Payang in Kuala
Terengganu is a textile haven
and a great place to start
•
For Kelantan, try the Haji
Idris Omar Songket and Batik
which is a family run textile
business that has been going
strong for four generations
www.facebook.com/
HajiIdrisOmar
•
In Kuala Lumpur, you can
get your songket fix and other
crafty knick knacks at the
Craft Complex located at
Jalan Conlay
The recent years see an invasion
of songket into modern day design,
incorporated in wedding attires and
Raya collections by many prominent
local designers. One of the designers
that is re–introducing the beauty of
songket in his designs is couturier
to the stars, Jovian Mandagie.
He
collaborated with a true Malayan
princess, Tunku Tun Aminah of Johor
royal descent for his exclusive collection
called Tunku Tun Aminah x Jovian.
In collaboration with royalty, it was
natural to incorporate the songket
material in their many designs. “The
reason why I incorporated songket
into the collection was because it is a
royal collection and songket is one of
the elements that represent a touch
of royalty. A complete royal outfit will
never miss out songket and in fact,
in a lot of coronation events, songket
has been the main fabric used for the
Sultan. Plus I personally think that
Good To Know
•
For more variety of songkets,
head on over to Jalan Tunku
Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR for
short) for rows of textile stalls.
A popular one among locals in
TEH Songket
tehsongket.com.my
The weaving process of songket
GOASIAPLUS • 25
The Suitcase
THE SUITCASE
DATE NIGHT BY THE SEA
Walking hand in hand by the waterfront after a romantic candlelight seafood dinner
at a restaurant by the jetty requires a serious standout outfit to go with it.
Written by Aishah Azali
The cutest of handbags with
floral applique that can be
worn in any season
Bonia handbag
Subtle prints in a flowy
cut exudes beachy
sophistication
Diane von Furstenberg maxi dress
A plunging neckline halter
for a sweet yet sexy look
Diane von Furstenberg dress
Stay warm from the sea
breeze with a light jacket
in a neutral shade
UNIQLO X Hana Tajima jacket
A seductive pout starts
with a pop of colour
Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy
Hi–Lustre lipstick
26 • GOASIAPLUS
If you are walking along
a jetty, skip the stiletto
for a pair of wedge
Melissa Queen wedge
Dainty & minimalistic jewelry
for that touch of glam
Piaget X Olivia Palermo jewelry
The Food Files
High for Hainanese Kopitiam
When the people of the Hainan province of China came to Malaysia in the late 1800s, they brought a culinary skill set
that was enhanced by working as cooks to British households. Eventually they opened up their own shops and that is how
kopitiam came to be. Bring on the toasted bread as we discover some of the best Hainan kopitiam places around Malaysia.
Written by Aishah Azali • Photos by Shahril Bahrom
Beyond Klang Valley
K afe O ld
M arket S quare
2, Medan Pasar, KL
None tops the historical kopitiam list like
the Kafe Old Market Square. Formerly
called Sin Seng Nam, this classic eatery
with its bright yellow shutters have been
around since the infant years of KL. Since
its revitalisation in 2014, expect to see not–
so–Hainanese hometown dishes like rojak
mamak alongside kopitiam favourites like
the chicken chop with baked beans and their
half–boiled eggs.
RESTORAN HUA MUI
The folks behind the
restaurant are keepers of
tradition, baking their bread
the old way and even sending
up their food to the 2nd floor
via pulley system.
No 131, Jalan Trus, JB
Must try: Hainanese chicken
chop and the coffee and
toast combo
H ometown H ainan
K opitiam
Gateway@klia2
For a modern take on the kopitiam experience,
this restaurant franchise is an accessible way
to get that last taste of kopitiam food before
take–off. It has an outlet branch in gateway@
klia2 for that quick nibble. It mixes traditional
Hainanese food like Hailam mee and steamed
bread with fusion dishes like pesto pasta to
satisfy even the most fickle of palates.
Y ut K ee R estaurant
1, Jalan Kamunting, KL
The kopitiam institution of Dang Wangi has
moved into a refurbished colonial shophouse
with high ceilings and exposed beams. Due
to its popularity, the owners even arrange
chairs outside for people to sit and wait.
Their deep fried bread stuffed with pork is
a popular choice for a light yam cha snack
or excite your palate with their homemade
kaya slathered on a thick piece of toasted
Hainanese bread.
LONG HIANG COFFEE SHOP
Four generations of family
have run this place, bringing
joy to eaters by spreading
their homemade kaya on
their steamed toast. It is a
go–to breakfast place for if
you are in Melaka.
93, Jalan Laksamana
Cheng Ho, Melaka
Must Try: Half–boiled egg &
duck noodles
GOASIAPLUS • 27
Pasar Ramadan Foods
SIX FOODS TO FIND AT A PASAR RAMADAN
During the holy month of Ramadan, food markets will appear all over the Klang
Valley, selling delicious snacks and meals for the breaking of fast. A visit to the local
pasar Ramadan is a must. Here are a few Malaysian favourites to find.
Written by Elise Low • Photos by Faiz Jalal
1) M urtabak
These savoury pancakes stuffed with
meat are a delicious staple of the pasar
Ramadan. Usually, minced chicken or
beef is mixed with onion, garlic and
egg, and fried inside a parcel of dough
that’s similar to roti canai. You can even
find special versions at certain bazaars
that include cheese. Eat your murtabak
while it is hot with a side of curry or
pickled sauce.
2) P utu P iring
If you see a steaming basket full of small
metal funnels, you’ll know you’ve found
the putu piring. These are small kuih
which look like flat white buns. The
texture is more crumbly than bread,
since these kuih are made with rice
flour and shredded coconut. Each kuih
is studded with golden gula melaka for
added sweetness, and usually steamed
on a square of banana leaf. It may not
be the most colourful kuih at the pasar
Ramadan, but it’s one of the most
unusual.
3) A pam B alik
Often people will be drawn to the apam
balik stall by the irresistible smell of
peanuts and sizzling butter. These fat,
round pancakes are cooked up fresh
on the spot on a hot metal plate, then
folded in half with sweet fillings such
as peanuts and creamed corn. Usually
you can find two different sizes –
large pancakes, for sharing, and mini
pancakes that will disappear in a few
bites.
Wangsa Maju Pasar Ramadan
Conveniently located across the LRT station, this long stretch of stalls includes a mixture of traditional food and newcomers.
In recent years, younger vendors such as Hang Donut have joined this pasar Ramadan to bring more unexpected food and
flavours to the fray. Past years have also seen the appearance of murtabak maggi – a hybrid dish where maggi noodles are
fried, omelette style, instead of a pancake.
Jalan 1/27a, Wangsa Maju Seksyen 1, 53300, KL
28 • GOASIAPLUS
Pasar Ramadan Foods
4) P opiah
A popular snack originating from the
Hokkien community, popiah has grown
to become a favourite of the pasar
Ramadan. Thin pancakes are brushed
with a plum sauce and rolled up with
filling of shredded radish, cucumber
and other varied ingredients such as
fried egg and dried shrimp. Popiah
makes for a light snack, much healthier
than a lot of food on sale at a pasar
Ramadan – although some stalls also
sell a version where the rolls are deep–
fried to a golden crisp.
5) A yam P ercik
No haul from a pasar Ramadan is
complete without ayam percik. Chicken
is marinated in a coconut sauce with
herbs and spices such as lemongrass,
garlic, ginger and chilli, and then either
barbecued or spit roasted for maximum
flavour and tenderness. You can buy
a whole chicken, or request a certain
portion. Ayam percik is delicious served
alongside nasi lemak or nasi kerabu,
and is often sold with its own kuah or
sauce.
6) R oti J ohn
This fast and furious snack has evolved
with the pasar Ramadan. It’s a baguette
sandwich, filled with fried egg mixed
with onion and minced meat – usually
mutton. But here’s the twist: the bread
itself is also fried after being filled, so
that every bite starts with a crunch
before giving way to the soft omelette
filling. You can also find variations of
Roti John that include cheese, sardines
and other ingredients. As for the
name, it’s thought to originate from
an Englishman who once requested a
hamburger – and instead got this local
creation.
TTDI Pasar Ramadan
One of the most anticipated Ramadan bazaars in the Klang Valley, TTDI’s stalls usually include the famous Pak Saiful’s
popiah basah and the popular Raja Murtabak. Both these stalls tend to draw long lines due to their reputations. But don’t
forget to look out for other delicious offerings such as satay, crème caramel, and ikan bakar.
Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, 60000 KL
GOASIAPLUS • 29
ESSENTIAL CONNECTIONS
KLIA
Malaysia Airlines
Tel Within Malaysia:
1 300 88 3000
Tel for Missing Luggage Office:
+603 8776 3733
www.malaysiaairlines.com
All Nippon Airways
Tel: +603 2032 1331
www.ana.co.jp
Air China
Tel: +603 2166 1999
www.airchina.com.cn
Air France
Tel: +603 7724 8181
Tel for Missing Luggage:
+603 8776 3733
www.airfrance.com
Air India Express
Tel: +603 2072 6066
www.airindiaexpress.com
Bangkok Airways
Tel: +603 2148 0829
www.bangkokair.com
Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Tel: +603 2164 6270
www.biman–airlines.com
British Airways
Tel: +603 7712 4747
www.britishairways.com
Cathay Pacific
Tel: +603 2035 2777
www.cathaypacific.com
China Airlines
Tel: +603 2142 2383
www.china–airlines.com
China Southern Airlines
Tel: +603 2163 9977
www.csair.com
Egypt Air
Tel: +603 2145 6867
www.egyptair.com
Emirates
Tel: +603 6207 4999
www.emirates.com
Ethiopian Airlines
Tel: +603 9212 1819
www.ethiopianairlines.com
Etihad Airways
Tel: +603 2687 2222
www.etihad.com
Eva Air
Tel: +60321622981
www.evaair.com
30 • GOASIAPLUS
Garuda Indonesia
Tel: 0 8041 807 804
www.garuda–indonesia.com
Silk Air
Tel: +603 2618 6333
www.silkair.com
Iran Air
Tel: +603 2161 1351
www.iranair.com
Singapore Airlines
Tel: +603 2618 6333
www.singaporeair.com
Iraqi Airways
Tel: +603 2053 1890
www.iraqiairways.com.iq
Sri Lankan Airlines
Tel: +603 2168 3615
www.srilankan.com
Japan Airlines
Tel: 1800 81 5609
www.my.jal.com
Thai Airways
Tel: +603 2034 6888
www.thaiairways.com
KLM
Tel: +603 7712 4555
www.klm.com
Turkish Airlines
Tel: +603 2162 0849
www.turkishairlines.com
Korean Air
Tel: +603 2030 0382
www.koreanair.com
United Airways
Tel: +603 2031 4050
www.uabdl.com
Lion Air
Tel: +603 7841 5333
www.lionair.co.id
Vietnam Airlines
Tel: +603 2031 1666
www.vietnamairlines.com
Mahan Air
Tel: +603 8778 8781
www.mahan.aero
Xiamen Air
Tel: +603 2166 8222
www.xiamenair.com
Malindo Air
Tel: +603 7841 5388
www.malindoair.com
klia2
Myanmar Airways International
Tel: +603 2142 1199 (Agent)
www.maiair.com
Nepal Airlines
Tel: +603 2698 7933
www.nepalairlines.com.np
Oman Air
Tel: +603 2145 6123
www.omanair.com
Pakistan International Airlines
Tel: 1800 80 8216
www.piac.com.pk
Qatar Airways
Tel: +603 2118 6100
www.qatarairways.com
Regent Airways
Tel: +603 2072 8255
www.flyregent.com
Royal Brunei Airlines
Tel: +603 2070 7166
www.flyroyalbrunei.com
Saudia
Tel: +603 2166 7778
www.sausiairlines.com
Shaheen Air
Tel: +603 2181 5786
www.shaheenair.com
Air Asia
www.airasia.com
Air Asia X
www.airasia.com
Cebu Pacific
www.cebupacificair.com
Jetstar Asia Airways
www.jetstar.com
TigerAir
www.tigerair.com
Vietjet Air
www.vietjetair.com
TERMINALS
KLIA
Tel: +603 8776 2000
klia 2
Tel: +603 8778 5500
www.klia.com.my
Subang Skypark
Tel: +603 7845 1717
www.subangskypark.com
Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Tel: +603 2786 8080
The publisher is not liable to any change of information
in this listing. If you spot any discrepancies, do email
to [email protected] for amendments.
GOASIAPLUS • 31
32 • GOASIAPLUS