Travel 3Sixty

Hello, Saigon!

Admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:59:46 +0000

Muslim Friendly Indochina Blog Contest Winner Noor Sham a.k.a. Ceklong treks through memory lane in Ho Chi Minh City with her family.

Images: AirAsia

For the last couple of years, AirAsia has been the airline of our choice. When planning our family holiday, we would check out AirAsia destinations first. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, seemed like a good choice since no one in the family has been there.

Now that the twins are a little older, they are quite good at hiding their excitement about the trip. We had lunch on the flight–the new improved menu is commendable and we finished our pre-booked meal in a few minutes.

It was still drizzling as we stepped out of Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. As soon as our taxi hit the road, we found the streets full of motorcycles. I have never seen so many motorcycles in any other cities. Most riders had large flapping plastic raincoats that covered the front of the motorcycle and the back piece was placed over any goods (if any).

Catina Hotel was a small 4-star hotel sharing the street with stores such as Gucci, Omega, Esprit, Louis Vuitton, Milano and Gloria Jeans. Most stores in the area put up Christmas decorations–lit-up trees and baubles hanging from the ceiling. There were many stores selling beautiful paintings in various styles. A few stores sold lovely lacquer wares and clothing items. There were many motorcycles crowding the street parallel to Dong Khoi. I couldn’t tell if there was some kind of celebration or procession, but it was apparent that the people were out on the streets for something. Some adults donned Santa’s red and white hats while little children put on Santa’s full costume, minus the white beard, of course.

District 1 is the heart beat of Ho Chi Minh City and the area surrounding Dong Khoi street is the happening part of town. Some of the more affluent hotels in this area are the Sheraton, Continental, Caravelle and the Rex. There are a few more like the Oscar Saigon and the Grand Hotel. The western influence in this country is clearly visible in its architecture, if not in the culture. The Notre Dame Church and National Theatre are examples of reminiscence of this past era.

Food and getting around

Our hotel was close to the mosque and also several halal restaurants namely the Halal@Saigon, D’Nyonya Delights, Bombay Restaurant (Indian) and Pasha Restaurant (Turkish).

Our favourite was the Turkish restaurant, Pasha. The mixed grill and sliced roasted lamb were full of flavour and the meat was extremely tender. The Halal@Saigon Restaurant was a few minutes’ walk from our hotel. The small place was crowded and thus service was rather slow, but the food was quite good and reasonably priced. The crunchy stir-fried flower was a new dining experience for us.

At D’Nyonya Delights, familiar dishes like fried koay teow was available. The Bombay Restaurant served typical Indian food such as curry, biryani and masala. All the mentioned restaurants were on the same street (Dong Du Street in District 1) and they served decent halal food. It’s a matter of preference and taste that we went to Pasha Restaurant and Halal@Saigon more than once.

Taxi fares may be paid in VND or USD, but be prepared to be grossly overcharged even if it’s metered. To be on the safe side, agree on the fare first before boarding the vehicle.

Mekong Delta: Down memory lane

The tour guide, Mr. Long arrived as agreed, at 8 am. Further along the street, another family of three from Tasmania joined the tour. The streets of Saigon depicted a familiar Asian setting with sidewalk food stalls and varieties of merchandise by the roadside.

We reached the highway after nearly half an hour going through the outskirts of the city. The highway was only a year old with a speed limit of 100 km/h. The scenery was a very familiar one–rice fields on both sides with patches of sugar cane plants and banana trees. Just before 9.30am, we made a 20-minute stop at a lovely, clean and well-kept rest area. It was landscaped with a tropical village setting, planted with coconut trees, frangipani plants and also present were two huge ducks posing for tourists.

The boat trip started from a jetty in My Tho. There were many blue boats of varying sizes eagerly waiting for tourists. The Mekong River, some 4800km long is very wide with murky water and muddy banks. The river stretches across five countries, namely China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and finally Vietnam, where it meets the sea. Our boat travelled upstream.

Our first stop was Unicorn Island where tea was served with honey (from the nectar of longan flowers) and calamansi or limau kasturi. Tidbits consisting of banana crisps, peanut brittle and crystallized ginger were also served and duly consumed. On a nearby table, bottles of several sizes containing snakes, geckos and scorpions were displayed. The liquid in which these creepy crawlies were preserved is taken as an aphrodisiac for men. The boys got the chance to snap photos with a python wrapped around their necks. I must admit that I am not very fond of reptiles even though they often turn up at our doorstep at home.

The area was more like an orchard, planted with fruit trees such as longan, mangosteen, water apples (jambu air), pomelo and dragon fruit cactus. We walked on to another shed to sample local fruits like ciku, banana, longan and pineapples. A group of four entertained us with folk music and songs. Another hut further along the route made coconut candies plus a few other types of fruit candies.

Dr. (Mrs) Pidmore, the twins and I got into a dingy boat (sampan) while the rest of the men went in another. A lady in the front and a man at the back of the sampan rowed the boat along the narrow river lined with nipah or sea coconut palms. It was low tide and the river was congested with similar sampans making their way back and forth ferrying tourists. Small mudskippers were spotted along the riverbanks.

The sampan ride brought back poignant memories of my childhood–the occasional little adventure I had with my neighbours Kak Nah and Kak Pah on the river in front of mum’s house. It was sure a long way to venture to re-live one’s younger days, but it was good for the two boys who had never been on an actual sampan.

Penang Beats As One with World Music

Admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:29:44 +0000

A music aficionado’s musical journey brings an unusual ‘worldly’ melodic traverse that opens up her horizons beyond the coastlines of Penang.

Words & Photography: Ellyse Ng

Diverse styles, richly talented and musically inclined – these are the things this writer sadly isn’t, but when one can’t beat them, one can definitely still enjoy them. The music lover in me refuses to succumb to the inexistence of bestowed musical talents, but armed with a fierce determination and an ear for great music, my curious musical explorations brought me to a weekend on “The Pearl” for the Penang World Music Festival 2012 to enjoy 18 amazing acts in the span of 3 nights.

An eye-opening weekend as the world came together for the love of music and Mother Earth (Earth Day happened during then too).

Beoga’s Songs of Ireland

According the Niamh Dunne, the only girl in the quintet, most of them grew up travelling with their musician family whilst spreading their brand of folk music across Ireland. Every song Beoga plays tells a story, mostly about the Irish’s immigration, lost love or political turmoil. Niamh’s echoing a capella voice singing “Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shores” transported me on an incredible journey with her as she boards the ship bound for New York, bidding goodbye to her beloved homeland while the ship takes off from the desolate port.

Though they are known for their drinking songs, the Irish are also known for their “Trooper and Maiden” songs, usually about a soldier or a sailor with their bonnie lass waiting for their return, only to end tragically. Instead of the usual dreary ending, the quintet performed “Mary and the Soldier”, a twist of the original genre where the bold-hearted Mary gave up everything she owned to protect her soldier and found her happy ending at last, much to the delight of the hopeless romantic in me.

Spinning tales of their beloved Ireland, Beoga charms the night with their brand of folk music.

Loyko’s Russian Roulette

Opening the doors to Russia’s tightly guarded musical kremlin is the exciting String Triplet Loyko. The good-natured trio entertained us with their soulful ensemble of a roller-coaster ride through exciting pizzicatos (art of plucking the strings) and their unique bow techniques. With talents and art passed down through classical education and family heritage, the trio proudly showed off their unique gypsy musical styles fused seamlessly with Latino American, Flamenco and Classical Jazz influences.

Amidst the fast-paced repertoire displayed by the trio was the song “Mato”, a love song with much Russian vigour which started as a soulful love call and progressed to a polka-styled rhythm with speed plucking, using volume and dynamics differently to produce woodwind reed sounds. Their speed and amazing skills really blew my mind!

The Russian maestros are pure artists on the stringed instruments.

The Exotic Gus Teja

Renowned flutist Agus Teja brought over from the exotic island of Bali, Indonesia his beautiful whimsical sounds with his smooth flute melodies that touched the very core of your soul. I closed my eyes and let his music take me to mystical lands with mesmerizing sunsets and magic in the air. Extremely complex and vibrant, the ethnic band showcased their rich heritage with heavy Hindu Javanese influence.

The highlight of Gus Teja’s session was the performance of the song “Feel With Love”, where the centuries-old music heritage and Bali’s art of wayang (theatre) were displayed through a beautiful dance-music performance with a dancer donning an Indonesian topeng (mask) and moving gracefully to the captivating music.

Balinese music is good for the soul – it opens up your mind, ignites your senses and piques childlike curiosity.

Will Crummer and the Rarotongans

He’s a living Pacific treasure – a master singer, musician and the father of New Zealand’s singing star Annie Crummer. As if the heat wasn’t enough, the lively band brought the height of summer in their indigenous New Zealand musical styling.

Will Crummer and the Rarotongans entertained the night with his catchy island beats complete with a very skilled ukulele player, with songs sung in his mother tongue. He even gave a mesmerizing rendition of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, his soulful voice tempted me to grab a random stranger for a slow romantic dance under the enchanting moonlight. If only my pride had not stood in the way.

The Rarotongans swayed and sashayed to friendly island beats, sweet harmonies and a sample of the Maori Haka dance.

Explore The World’s Music

Despite coming from the archipelagic nation of the volcanic origin, Kalja Riddim Klan from Vanuatu displayed a sunny disposition with distinct reggae style infused with traditional island music. Think Bob Marley, dreadlocks and flower power! Energetic drum beats and tropical rhythms had me sashaying and dancing to the band’s songs sung in their many native languages.

The positive note of the Kalja Riddim Klan was certainly infectious.

Dutch trumpet player Maite Hontele has travelled from Colombia with her salsa group and brought her brand of Bossa Nova music, with a little Big Band touch (unavoidable with her many brass players in the entourage). Imagine doing the salsa under magical fairy lights on a warm balmy Spanish night, straight from a scene of “Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights”

Maite Hontele and band had the crowd moving their hips! Let’s do the cha-cha-cha!

The small country in Southeast Asia Vietnam has much to offer musically, as its traditional trio Phong Nguyen Ensemble opened my eyes for the first time to the vast diverse styles of Vietnamese traditional music. Combining many native and foreign influences, including Chinese, Korea, Japanese and Korean, the troop came from the ancient town of Hội An in Da Nang, Vietnam.

A full traditional set list accompanied by traditional instruments from the ancient town of Hội An.

Forget K-pop, South Korea’s traditional music comes with much finesse and less elaborate costumes. The Tori Ensemble hailing from Kimchi-land wowed the crowd with their traditional instruments, infused with some modern touches. Piri is the oboe lookalike that provides the loudest sound in the Korean Orchestra, and Janggu is the traditional drum used during the King’s royal procession, along with a vocal performance of Shijo, a poetic form of art during the Joseon Period.

Hailing from South Korea, the Tori Ensemble enthralled the crowd with their serene yet majestic traditional music.

The island felt truly alive, and whilst it was once synonymous to gastronomical adventures, Penang is now an arena for World Music as the beckoning sounds of the music maestros from all over the world filled the air with resonating talents. This music lover is guaranteed to be back the next time the beautiful Pearl of the Orient is standing again in the eyes of the world.

It’s Play Time!

Admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:09:10 +0000

From retail therapy at the trendiest malls across Asia to some of the best sporting activities this side of the planet, AirAsia brings you the best of shopping and sports within its network of destinations. Here’s how you can indulge in some of the most exciting activities around while saving big on baggage and sporting equipment.

Words: Adli Syahril

SHOPPING

HONG KONG

One of the leading shopping destinations in Asia, Hong Kong has taken the art of shopping to amazingly lofty heights.

Shop Here!

CAUSEWAY BAY Great place to find independent retailers selling fashionable goods at low prices. Notable shopping malls here include Times Square and the 13-storey department store, SOGO.

MONGKOK Experience the best of Hong Kong’s open-air street bazaar with hawkers selling almost everything from fashion to electronics.

THE LANDMARK Home to prestigious international brands and designer labels with luxury being the catchphrase of the day!

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Hong Kong from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

BANGKOK

From high end department stores to warehouse buys, Bangkok makes your hard-earned cash work extra hard for you!

Shop Here!

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET Chatuchak Weekend Market is home to more than 8,000 booths in over 27 sections. It is one of the largest markets in the world selling almost everything from clothes to antiques and collectibles at ridiculously cheap prices.

SIAM A sprawling shopping hub teeming with international brands with flagship stores, almost every designer label can be found at Central Chidlom, Siam Paragon, Gaysorn Plaza, Siam Square and Discovery Centre. The surrounding area houses wholesale and cheaper shopping options that are equally exciting like MBK and Platinum Mall. Pratunam Market here is also a major street market selling fashion goods and souvenirs at wholesale prices.

SUKHUMVIT ROAD The longest street in Thailand with countless side lanes (soi), Sukhumvit is packed to the rafters with great shopping hotspots such as the Emporium, Terminal 21 and L’Arcadia. Stalls selling all kinds of things line the street at night.

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bangkok from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for flight details.

The Heart of Sichuan

Admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:59:36 +0000

China is a vast land and there remains pockets of the country that are largely unexplored and cut off from the rest of the world. Dege in Sichuan Province, Southwest China, is one such outpost and relects the true, untouched heart of the country.

Words & Photography: Maria Visconti

The internal courtyard at a monastery in Dege.

Our 4×4 vehicle negotiates the scary switchback bends fairly reasonably. The Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the highest and one of the most dangerous roads in the world. I am chasing a promising story: A photographer friend from Kuala Lumpur is keen to trace a pilgrim he photographed going around Mount Kailash in Tibet. The portrait made it to his coffee-table book The Path Less Travelled and he is keen to give the man a copy. He only has ‘Dege’ for an address. “Where is that?” I ask. “In the wilds of Sichuan,” he replies.

We are on our way to Ganzi (Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture within the Sichuan province) and I can’t avoid grizzling about the roadblocks, cold, altitude and bumps. The starting point is Kunming. The challenges are many but the highlights on the way are worth it, for instance, the mind-boggling town of Danba is a real treat as it contains mysterious 8th-century stone towers. To date, archaeologists haven’t agreed on why they were built.

Inch by inch

On a quiet road, we suddenly spot something odd. Two men are inching their way over the gravelly road, prostrating full length every two steps. Ahead of them, there is a sprightly older woman leading two donkeys hitched to miniature carts decked with prayer flags. We approach her. Through my Mandarin speaking friend, we learn one of the two prostrating men is her 41-year-old son, the other, a 27-year-old student. The three are making their way to Lhasa on a pilgrimage.

A local woman strings prayer flags at the summit of the highest pass (5,050m) in Sichuan on the way to Dege.

Mother is 72 years old and will be walking all the way. All their worldly possessions are in the little carts. If all goes well, it will take them approximately 18 months to reach Lhasa!

We rush back to the car and gather all the snacks we have and hand them to mother. She humbly accepts them but when we want to add a money donation, she declines with a smile. Within minutes the two prostrating pilgrims reach us with beaming smiles, rosy cheeks and just slightly out of breath although we are at about 4,000 metre altitude. They wear thick aprons to protect their clothes from the ground and have wooden paddles attached to their hands to keep the fl esh from getting shredded. They wear headbands to protect their foreheads, which they press to the gravelly road every time they are down on the ground.

I fall to my knees to be on the same level with the sitting men and tell them how moved we are by their devotion and strength. Just meeting them makes us feel blessed.

Province of the Good People

Admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:53:55 +0000

Given the name ‘Surat Thani’ by no less than King Rama VI himself, the natural beauty of this town and province is matched only by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the locals.

Words & Photography: Adam Lee

A local Thai Muslim in his Friday prayer garbs.

The moon turned full the night I took a cruise along the Tapi River. Surat Thani, with its colourful fluorescent-lit waterfront, glimmered under the lunar light like a classic Thai city. Temples, canals, coconuts trees, houses on stilts and long-tailed boats created a peculiar silhouette as my boat meandered along southern Thailand’s longest river.

The Tapi River is the main artery that connects the people of the province. By day, the locals travel along and across the river on long-tailed boats. Once the sun sets, the river becomes an eco-nightlife hotspot of sorts, where visitors come to watch fi refl ies put on a dazzling show in the mangrove forest.

The tiny insects flitted, buzzed and flickered around groves of lampoo trees in the wetlands, lighting up the evening with fairy-like sparkle that instantly reminded me of Christmas. But this was in the middle of March, and the insects were a stunning sight. It was a rare opportunity to view them before they totally disappeared from the area.

Glorious food

‘Surat Thani’ means ‘City of Good People’ and wherever there are good people, there are bound to be good food. Picture mouth-watering local staples such as tom yum (spicy soup), fried fishcake, som tam (green papaya salad), mango sticky rice and incredibly fresh seafood such as grilled tiger prawns, deep-fried white snapper, squid salad and green curry crab. The beauty of this great food is the big smile that accompanies them when being served. From the humblest hawker fare to highend dining, the locals are genuinely happy to see you stuff your face to glory with their lip smacking food.

Seafood is available in abundance and relatively inexpensive thanks to the province’s natural landscape and long coastlines. Surat Thani boasts 14 river basins, all of which flow east to the Gulf of Thailand. Here, you’ll also find the famed island gems of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao – holiday destinations that rival Phuket and Bali for their powder white beaches and azure waters.

The rock formation at the Rajjaprabha Lake that’s said to resemble Gui Lin in China.

Watery world

Water is aplenty in Khao Sok National Park too. The Rajjaprabha Dam here was built to manage the area’s water catchment effi ciently. This created a huge manmade reservoir named Chiao Lan Lake. What’s unusual about this body of water is that visitors are immediately reminded of Guilin in Southern China where towering limestone islets rise dramatically from the lake’s emerald waters.

“Rajjaprabha means the light of our King,” my guide explained. The hydroelectric facility at the dam produces up to 30,000 kW per day and is distributed to Surat Thani and Phang Nga provinces, providing the basis for much of the province’s economic growth.

The name of the lake – Chiao Lan, however, comes from the village that is now submerged some 300 feet below when the valley was flooded to build the dam. Some of the villagers who were relocated prior to the flooding have now returned to operate tours around the lake, thus continuing their link to the area.

The lake itself is an amazing place to lose oneself in its natural splendour, tranquil waters and majestic mountains. Accommodations at the National Park are in the form of wooden, raft houses on the lake, bringing guests extremely close to the water that is the source of energy, food and livelihood for the locals. Most lodgings here, though basic, are clean and come with three meals a day costing around THB600.

Landing on Water

Admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:41:08 +0000

You may be familiar with safety procedures demonstrated by the Flight Attendants who explain what to do in the event of a water landing. Now, read on to find out why a water landing takes place, and how safe you are in the hands of a skilled pilot who knows exactly what to do.

Words: Capt. Lim Khoy Hing

How long can a plane stay afloat after a successful water landing or ‘ditching’, as it is known amongst the pilot community? I was asked this question recently.

Well, it depends on how well the ditching was executed. A perfect landing would enable the plane to stay afloat like a boat for quite a while. A badly executed one would lead to tragic consequences. Let’s get to the bottom of this scenario so that, as aircraft passengers, you will be truly educated on the procedures in the event of a ditching.

What is ditching?

Ditching is the intentional and controlled water landing of an aircraft and the survival rate during this procedure is actually very high. However, ditching needs to be distinguished from water crashes. Where ditching is intentional, water crashes usually involve an uncontrolled aircraft at extremely high speeds.

Ditching survival rates would depend on the size of the aircraft, the condition of the water surface and, the speed the pilot eases the plane onto the water.

A successful ditching

On January 15, 2009, Flight 1549, an Airbus A320 operated by US Airways, ditched into the Hudson River in New York City after reports of multiple bird (flying geese) strikes. In this incident, the pilot, Captain Chesley Sullenberger (Sully) made a perfect water landing and all 155 lives were saved.

The Airbus A320 was able to stay afloat because the plane was not damaged above the waterline. However, below the floating wing, there was slight damage at the cargo compartment; the left engine was detached and sank about 65 feet into the river.

Most commercial airliners are well equipped to float for a reasonable length of time, enabling passengers and crew to exit safely. The evacuation slides around the exit doors are also designed to double up as flotation devices and life rafts.

When Flight 1549 landed on water, it remained on the surface for quite some time before slowly sinking, as it drifted down the river. This was because the cabin of the plane is designed to act like the hull of a boat and will stay afloat as long as there are no leaks.

Unfortunately, the impact with the water had ripped open a hole in the underside of the airplane and twisted the fuselage, causing the cargo door to pop open and slowly filling the plane with water from the rear.

Pilots are also able to shut off all intake and outlet valves on the entire plane (if the ‘Ditching’ switch is activated), thereby making the cabin fully water tight and more buoyant. The duration can easily last more than an hour. However, in the Hudson River case, it was aggravated by the damage in the rear cargo compartment.

Nevertheless, the plane stayed afloat long enough for everyone to get out safely. Fortunately, all passengers were rescued by a small armada of police boats, fireboats, tugboats and the Coast Guard. Some of these boats were even seen supporting the plane on its side to keep the jetliner afloat.

Ditching of commercial airliners

Besides the success of the Hudson case, there have been at least three other safe ditching incidents in recent times. In 2002, a Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737 successfully ditched onto a river near Yogyakarta, Indonesia, after experiencing a twin engine failure during heavy rain. The pilots tried to restart the engines several times before making the decision to ditch the aircraft.

In 1963, a Russian plane, Aeroflot Tupolev 124, ditched onto a river as it ran out of fuel. The aircraft floated and was towed to shore by a tugboat, which it nearly hit as it came down on the water. The tug rushed to the aircraft and towed it to shore. All the 52 passengers on board escaped without injuries.

In 1956, a Pan Am Flight ditched into the Pacific after losing two of its four engines. All 31 on board survived.

Eating Asia

Admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:20:34 +0000

In Asia, food is a big thing. In many cultures people ask if you’ve eaten instead of greeting you with a ‘Hello’. Food is also sacred in many of these cultures and is often offered in prayer before the community partakes in the feast. Street fare is common and you’ll always find a stall offering hot food in the wee hours of the morning. Here are some of the best foods from Asia that have left an indelible mark on the ‘edible’ world!

Words: Efi Hafizah Hamzah

Dim Sum

Origin: China, Hong Kong

The words dim and sum have gone through a variety of translations – ‘to touch your heart’, ‘a little bit of heart’ etc. as the literal translation in Mandarin of dim means ‘point’ and sum means ‘heart’. Together, they evoke images of dainty deliciousness. In reality, it couldn’t be simpler as the words in Cantonese mean ‘small snack’ or ‘small dishes of food’.

Dim sum has made its way to menus worldwide with ease because of its taste and simplicity. It began as a tradition that complements the yum cha (drink tea) tradition in olden day China, inadvertently turning the polite and staid tradition to a lively and often raucous event.

Since the 10th century, more than 2,000 varieties of dim sum dishes have been created, with up to 100 types of savouries and sweets offered by bigger restaurants today, including steamed, boiled, fried, baked and chilled varieties.

DIM SUM MUST-TRYS

• HAR KAU shrimp dumplings – steamed

• SHAO MAII dumplings with prawn and *meat, topped with crab roe – steamed

• LOH MAI GAII glutinous rice with *meat wrapped in lotus leaf – steamed

• FU PEI GUEN *meat wrapped in crispy beancurd skin – fried

• DAAN TAAT sweet egg tart – baked

• MAA TUAN sweet red bean paste wrapped in a crispy pancake – fried

* Meat used is usually pork, but chicken is used for the halal versions.

TRY IT HERE…

HONG KONG Islamic Centre Canteen, Wan Chai (halal) +852 2834 8211

KUALA LUMPUR Maju Palace, Maju Junction, Kuala Lumpur (Pork-free) +603 2691 8822

SINGAPORE Asia Grand Restaurant, North Bridge Road, Odeon Towers (non-halal) +65 6887 0010

BANGKOK China Place, 114 Setsiri Road +02 619 87013

JAKARTA May Star (halal) LG Central Park Mall +62 21 5698 5422

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Hong Kong from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com

for details.

Fugu

Origin: Tokyo

Fugu, which means ‘river pig’ in Japanese refers to the puffer fish that has become one of the deadliest things you can put into your mouth. The liver of the puffer fish is considered a delicacy but was banned in Japan in 1984 due to a high number of accidental deaths.

To be a fugu chef, junior cooks undergo rigorous training with their qualification strictly controlled by government authorities.

Fugu has been a highly sought after delicacy in Japan for centuries, from the Jõmon period that date back more than 2,300 years ago. In the early 1600’s right up to 1868, the Tokugawa shogunate prohibited fugu consumption in Edo and other areas, but as the shogunate weakened, fugu became common again. Despite fugu being more common nowadays, be prepared to pay top dollar for the fish.

FUGU MUST-TRYS

• SASHIMI The most popular dish is fugu sashimi. Knives with exceptionally thin blades are used for cutting the fish into translucent slices, a technique known as usuzukuri.

• FUGU NO SHIRAKO The soft roe (shirako) of the fish is a highly prized food item in Japan. One of the most popular kinds of soft roe, it is usually grilled and served with salt.

• FUGU KARAAGE Deep fried fugu.

• HIRE-ZAKE Fins of the fish are completely dried out, baked and served in hot sake.

• FUGU-CHIRI Fugu stewed with vegetables, also called tetchiri.

• YUBIKI The skin can be eaten too as long as the spikes are removed.

INTERESTING POINTS

• A fugu chef is given certifi cation only if he samples what he serves, before handing it over to a customer.

• Fugu is the only food that the Emperor of Japan is forbidden from eating for his own safety.

• Some professional fugu chefs leave behind a tiny bit of poison (as allowed) in the meat; leaving a prickly feeling and numbness on the tongue and lips.

• In Japan, lanterns can be made from preserved fugu, and hung outside restaurants.

• Its poison, tetrodotoxin, is 1,200 times more potent than cyanide.

TRY IT HERE…

TOKYO, JAPAN Tsukiji Yamamoto Restaurant, Chuo-ku; near the Tsukiji station +81 3 3541 7730

SINGAPORE Nogawa Restaurant, Concorde Hotel Orchard Road +65 6732 2911

PENANG, MALAYSIA Miraku Japanese Restaurant, G Hotel, Gurney Drive +604 229 8702

GETTING THERE AirAsia X flies to Tokyo and Osaka from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

May Days

Admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:08:44 +0000

Mamma mia! Brace yourself for some culinary mayhem this May – from marvellous Mother’s Day treats to exotic cooking classes, we’ve rustled up a smorgasbord of delights from around the region.

Words: Alice Yong

Food of the Gods

No visit to Bali is complete without a meal at the award-winning Bumbu Bali restaurant established by intrepid restaurateur cum cookbook author Heinz von Holzen in 1997. Highly acclaimed for its truly Balinese delights – roast duck in banana leaf, roast suckling pig, black rice pudding and Balinese cakes, Bumbu Bali also offers cookery classes on authentic Balinese dishes. www.balifoods.com

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bali from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

Thai-talising

Deepen your Thai cuisine cooking skills at the renowned Blue Elephant Cooking School in Bangkok, Thailand under the guidance of Master Chef and Blue Elephant restaurant founder, Nooror Somany Steppe. Located in Sathorn Road (BTS: Surasak), students learn how to shop for ingredients at the local market before being taught how to prepare a four-course Thai meal. Then it’s time to sample the fruits of your labour over lunch. Upon completion of the class, participants will receive a Blue Elephant Cooking School Certificate, a souvenir apron and a gift set containing Blue Elephant herbs, spices and curry paste. www.blueelephant.com

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bangkok from various destinations.Go to www.airasia.com for details.

Caffeine Rush

Just insert an illy Metodo Iperespresso capsule into the sleek and stylish Francis Francis X7.1 iperEspresso machine and you can enjoy a cup of freshly made illy espresso at a simple touch of a button! This advanced technology, feature rich model boasts a steel internal thermoblock, a panarello steam wand that froths milk for delicious cappuccinos and lattes, a cup-warming rail and an auto-off, power-saving switch. www.classicfinefoods.com.my

Tod Mun Pla

One of the tastiest savoury snacks in Thailand is tod mun pla or Thai fishcakes. Made from minced fish, red curry paste and chopped long beans, these fritter-like cakes are deep-fried and eaten dipped in a tangy chilli sauce. A popular street fare, the fishcakes are easily available at most restaurants but the best ones are normally sold piping hot from food carts.

“In Koh Samui, Sabeinglae Restaurant (438/82 Moo 1. T Maret) serves a mean tod mun pla! Fiery but with an unusual touch of sweetness, the cakes sold here are springy and full of fish meat. Highly recommended!” ~ Alongkorn Soontornpot, AirAsia guest

Khoo Swee Chiow

Admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:05:22 +0000

From Scotland’s Ben Nevis to Mt. Cook in New Zealand, Mt Damavand in Iran to the spectacular Mt. Everest, no mountain proved high enough for adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow, who scaled eight peaks in just as many months as part of the AirAsia Altitude-X Expedition. The father of two speaks to us about his love for majestic peaks and what sparked his passion for mountaineering.

Compiled by: Chitra S Images: Khoo Swee Chiow

Khoo on the summit of Mt. Cook, New Zealand.

Tell us how AirAsia Altitude-X came about.

While chatting online with Azran (Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X CEO), he asked me what I planned to do next. I suggested climbing mountains within or near AirAsia X destinations. Azran liked the idea and was all for it. Less than a month from that day, I was off to conquer Mt. Everest and seven other peaks in Asia, Oceania and Europe.

Have you always had an adventurous streak?

Growing up in Port Dickson, a coastal town in Malaysia, I was exposed to the outdoors at an early age. The sea was right opposite my house and all the neighbourhood kids knew how to swim. That carefree lifestyle inspired my love for the outdoors.

When did you decide to pursue mountain climbing?

The turning point was in 1989, when I was 25. I had travelled to Nepal on holiday and the sight of Mt. Everest was spellbinding, I knew I had to scale its peak. I attended mountaineering courses and trained hard. It took me nine years but I finally achieved my dream in 1998, as part of the first Singapore National team to scale Mt. Everest. After that life-changing moment, I couldn’t get enough and quit my job to become a full-time adventure consultant.

Khoo on the summit of Yushan (Jade Mountain) in Taiwan.

What was your most memorable experience during the AirAsia Altitude-X Expedition?

The expedition itself is something I’ll treasure forever. Though challenging, I’m glad to have delivered as Azran had put total faith in me. When it comes to my favourite journey, it is still Mt. Everest. AirAsia X flew me to Chengdu in China and I climbed the North Face of Everest via Tibet. The terrain was rough and challenging, and the surrounds still in pristine condition. It’s all the more special, as this was the same route taken by the British climbers in the 1920s to ascend Mt. Everest.

Which was the most challenging peak you scaled during the expedition?

The first, Mt. Everest, and the last peak, Mt. Cook, were equally challenging. My vision started to blur several hours before reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. When I reached the peak, I was cold and tired and could hardly see anything. As for Mt. Cook, which I had unsuccessfully attempted more than a decade ago, it took two tries before I finally made it to the top. This was mainly due to the changing weather conditions; it was snowing up there and visibility was almost zero. I had to abandon my first climb. By the time I reached the foot of the climb, I was totally exhausted, having climbed for more than 16 hours.

Great Shot! 10 Stunning Travel Photos of Photoblog

Admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:21:23 +0000

Nothing tells a travel story more succinctly than striking visuals. From Travel 3Sixty Photoblog’s growing collection of inspiring images from all over the world shared by our fans, here are 10 wonderful photos that we and our fans love. Take a look at how they captured the picture perfect moment.

Compiled by: Abby Yao

On paper, taking the right shot is highly complicated because of all the elements a photographer needs to consider. There’s colour and lighting, composition, and a subject that is changing by the millisecond; but with a good camera (not necessarily the most expensive) and an eye for a well framed picture, producing a masterpiece is only a matter of time, assuming you’re in the right place at the right time.

The light in the woods

Nature produces some of the most mind-blowing scenes on earth. Nothing comes close to the scale that miles of deserted landscape bring to an image.

Who expects drama in the forest if there’s no wildlife to be seen? Just add an unexpected twist, like the golden tones of this photo taken in the rugged highlands of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Cemoro Lawang, Mount Bromo, Surabaya, Indonesia by Hubert Lam Soon Loon

Zooming in closer to the trees, the observant traveller will find rich texture in the most subtle hues. A place literally called Hell Valley can look ethereal in the coldest of seasons.

Jikoku Dani, Japan by Mikael Wardhana

Of water and light

Sunsets are often a jaw-dropping kaleidoscope of rich hues and shades blended seamlessly into one amazing shot! On a lucky day, Kota Kinabalu’s famous sunset becomes truly fabulous.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia by Jeffrey Lee Jia Chang

Angkor Wat, Angkor, Cambodia by CW Lim

Water brings in the much-needed magic to structures ancient and new, highlighting many points of interest. The silhouette of Angkor Wat’s lotus bud-shaped towers (above) in Siem Reap gets double the exposure, while the misty reflections mountains cast on the water in Yangshuo, China (below) are almost surreal.

Yangshuo - Guilin Quangxi, China by Imam Fauzi

The big city excites, challenges and amazes even the most accomplished shutterbug, as in the modern skyline of Singapore’s Central Business District that captures the attention of this traveller, thanks to the chromatic electric lights reflected on the water.

Central Business District, Singapore by Nazarudin Wijee