Bridge Dream Come True

Fireworks light up the sky as the Premier officially opens the bridge.

THOUSANDS converged on Batu Maung town on Penang island to witness a historical moment — the opening of the iconic second Penang bridge.

The crowd cheered as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the bridge had been named Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge.

Fireworks lit up the island-bound side of the bridge all the way to its mid-span for a good five minutes after Najib conducted the launching.

He then boarded an open-top double-decker bus with his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the rest of his entourage and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to embark on a ‘historical journey’ to Batu Kawan on the mainland and back to the island.

Joining them were former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah and former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

The bridge was supposed to be opened to the public by 12.01am on Saturday but was delayed for an hour due to the cleaning up of fireworks debris.

Newly married couple Stanley Goh and Jann Kaw, both 29, from Nibong Tebal arrived at 8pm at the tollbooth.

“We were born in the year 1985 when the first bridge was built and as such we want to make sure we are the early birds to cross the second bridge and receive the certificate,” said Goh.

Dr G. P. Doraisamy, 58, a lawyer, and his wife Dr K. Sithra Devi, 53, both arrived at the tollbooth at about 10pm.

“We are really excited about the bridge being the longest in South-East Asia and wanted to cross on the first day itself after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opens it.”

He said the second bridge opening was appropriate as it co-incided with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and could attract more tourists to Penang.

“This is going to bring revenue to Penang and also Malaysia to further improve our nation’s economy,” added Doraisamy.

A Jom Riuh carnival took place in Batu Maung near the bridge from 10am earlier in the day to mark the significant milestone. It was officially opened in the afternoon by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.

The crowd began to swell in the evening with many visiting the booths set up at the site and watching the stage performances.

The 24km bridge, which spans 16.9km over the sea, is the longest bridge in South-East Asia. The bridge, which links Batu Kawan on the mainland to Batu Maung on the island, has two car lanes and a designated motorcycle lane on each side.

It will take about 30 minutes to cross the bridge at a speed of 80kph.

It was previously reported that the bridge can cater to 100,000 vehicles per hour and is expected to reduce traffic congestion on the current Penang Bridge by 25% to 30%. It is 10.5km longer than the first bridge.

The Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge is also an achiever of many firsts and accolades in the country.

It is the first bridge in Malaysia to conduct a load test and the first bridge to be installed with rubber absorbers. It was also presented the Green Apple Award in June 2013 and appointed Green World Ambassador by The Green Organisation, UK, for its green efforts.

Its 28-booth PLUS toll plaza in Bandar Cassia, the largest in the country, received the gold certification from the Green Building Index while the PB2X Toll Plaza complex in Batu Kawan has earned the platinum Green Building Index certification, being the first building in Penang to obtain the platinum certification.

Apart from using the Industrialised Building Systems, the building incorporates passive architecture to reduce energy requirements, a rain water harvesting system for internal use, application of renewable energy source such as the wind turbines and solar panels on top of its building to generate electricity.

Source: The Star

Top 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur

by kelly opgenoort

Hindu devotees carrying kavadi and paal kadum walking towards the Batu Caves temple to make offerings during the Thaipusam festival in Batu Caves. – Filepic

A Kuala Lumpur resident's guide to the top 10 sights and attractions in and around the Malaysian capital.

DISCOVER Kuala Lumpur and its environs on this tour of its top 10 sights and attractions, as recommended by a local in KL.

1. Petronas Twin Towers

The No. 1 building/attraction that will never cease to amaze me is the Petronas Twin Towers. This skyscraper is visited by millions, loved by all and is like no other building in KL.

No visit to the city is complete without a picture of you standing in front of the twin towers and afterwards enjoying the adjoining park and shopping centre. The sun sets around 7pm in KL, so be sure to visit during the afternoon.

For the traveller who wishes to see the view from up high, buy a ticket to the observation deck which is located on the 86th floor or walk from one tower to the other by using the world’s highest double-decked sky bridge. Make sure that you show up early as ticket sales will start at 8.30am and are quite limited; alternatively, book online.

It's impossible to mention Malaysia without bringing up the Petronas Twin Towers. – Filepic

2. The best food in town – Marini’s on 57

One of the hottest restaurants in KL, Marini’s is divided into a lounge/bar section on one side and restaurant on the other. The food is absolutely incredible and a reservation is needed as this venue is in high demand with the locals.

Marini’s has a spectacular view of the twin towers which can be enjoyed while sipping one of its signature cocktails. A dress code is required so do make sure that you are appropriately dressed for Malaysia’s highest roof-top bar.

Tip: Make dinner reservations at a time that ensures a sunset view from the restaurant.

3. Bazaars during Ramadhan

Ramadhan is one of my favourite times of the year as this country, although well known for its delicious food, offers even better food during the month. You will be able to taste amazing Malaysian dishes that can be found on the many bazaars on the side of the street.

Top bazaars are the ones in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kampung Baru and Subang’s SS18. All bazaars have their own popular dishes and you will notice which stand sells the best food by looking at the turnout.

Tip: Go around 3pm to 4pm when the bazaar is starting and you will be able to get the freshest bites. These bazaars are also a great time for you to get introduced to the locals and improve your Malay.

4. Batu Caves

This Hindu temple and shrine located about 10km north of KL is known for its giant golden statue, Lord Murugan, and the numerous steps that lead visitors up to the top. Batu Caves can be easily reached by train or bus from KL Central.

The busiest day is during the Thaipusam festival when around one million pilgrims visit the site for religious and festival purposes. The 272 steps provide you a great workout while enjoying the view. However, beware of the cheeky monkeys.

5. Petaling Street/China Town

Whenever you crave anything related to Chinese food, make sure you visit China Town, but please note that halal is not a standard word here. For anything pork-related, you can't go wrong in Petaling Street. Also, you can practise your bargaining skills here as there are many stalls that offer knock-off brands.

Many vendors will call out to you here so if you do not like to be pestered, bring your earplugs; for certain you will get a lot of attention! Any typical Chinese dish can be found here, from roasted duck to Hokkien mee and original claypot dishes. Don't leave home without your appetite as you can find delicious and filling food here 24/7.

6. Little India, Brickfields

Try on and customize your own saree or just come to enjoy the numerous curries, naans and other dishes that make the Indian kitchen a true favourite in Malaysia. Girls can also get their customised/traditional henna tattoos.

My suggestion is to visit Vaani’s beauty salon, which is frequented by my friends for occasions like Deepavali. If you want to get the full Brickfields experience then go to KL City Hall to enquire about the guided tour. It is free of charge and will be held every first and third Saturdays of the month.

7. Fraser’s Hill

Fraser’s Hill is located about two hours away from KL in the state of Selangor but is definitely worth the visit. At this beautiful nature reserve you can check out the stunning views, the waterfall and the traditional village.

A highly demanding road that requires maximum physical effort to negotiate awaits cycling enthusiasts.

The Clock Tower in Fraser's Hill is a popular landmark. – Filepic

8. Chocolate at Dip and Dip

Be prepared for a chocolate overdose when going to Dip and Dip. This dessert restaurant offers dishes that are packed with the most delicious chocolate you will ever taste. Abandon all thoughts of a diet as you savour the numerous calorie-laden desserts.

My favourite sweet delight is the chocolate waffle with fruits. Regardless of when you visit, this place will be busy as many have discovered this finger-licking-good restaurant.

9. The Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt is one of the newest hotels in KL and what a view it has! The panoramic 360-degree view is thanks to its giant windows. At the Thirty8 lounge, you can enjoy an amazing live band that plays on Tuesdays/Thursdays and Saturdays.

The reception is located on the top floor so you will first be greeted by a great view. Feel relaxed lounging here and if you are hungry, there is a great restaurant that has already bagged a number of awards.

10. KL Bird Park and Butterfly Park

Both parks offer plenty of fun, no matter what age you are. I come here to just relax and walk through the park as I work on my photography skills. The KL Bird Park and Butterfly Park are in the same vicinity and they offer a great experience for a day trip.

The birds are used to visitors so if you come with some food, they would love to sit on your shoulder and pose for a picture.

At the Butterfly Park, the resident insects will flutter about as you walk through the grounds.

These parks are a soothing escape in a bustling city. – Skyscanner

Lonely Planet picks Penang as top spot for foodies in 2014

Hawker stalls in Gurney Drive, Penang.

PETALING JAYA: Renowned travel guide publisher Lonely Planet has listed Penang as the top culinary spot for 2014, British dailyThe Independent reported.

The Pearl of Orient beat other top culinary spots like Victoria in Australia, North West Spain, the deep south in United States, Lake District in United Kingdom, Puglia in Italy, Georgia and Oaxaca in Mexico to bag the number one spot.

Lonely Planet's commissioning editor Robin Barton said Penang was known for its hawker fare and the "must tries" were char kway teow, Hokkien mee, and asam laksa, according to the report.

"Malaysian hawker food has spread worldwide via food trucks and pop-ups but nothing compares to hitting Penang.

Asam Laksa

"Its food reflects the intermingling of the many cultures that arrived after it was set up as a trading port in 1786, from Malays to Indians, Acehnese to Chinese, Burmese to Thais. The state capital Georgetown is its culinary epicentre," said Barton.

He encouraged foodies to explore the Esplanade Food Centre, where hawker food combined favourably with the seafront location. Barton also encouraged foodies to check out some of the night markets in Penang.

"A pasar malam is an open-air night market and in Penang, you can go to Jelutong on a Friday and Macallum Street market on a Monday.

Char Kway Teow

"The highlight is always the food. At 2am, a different world of stalls serves peppery pork-rib soups, skewered fish balls and sweets such as cendol," said Barton.

Barton also recommended air bandung, which goes well with Malay food.

He ended his review by asking readers to use these words Sudah makan? (Have you eaten yet?) when going to culinary spots.

Titanic Theme Park

Chinese firm all set to build replica of Titanic for a theme park in China.

A CHINESE firm plans to spend US$165mil (RM551.26mil) building a full-scale replica of the Titanic as the main attraction for a theme park.

The original and supposedly unsinkable luxury passenger liner struck an iceberg and went down in the North Atlantic in 1912, killing more than 1,500 people.

The famous ship is a subject of immense fascination for many in China, particularly after the 1997 release of James Cameron’s film on the liner’s doomed voyage.

Little known Chinese energy company Seven Star Energy Investment said the replica, which is expected to cost 1 billion yuan (US$165mil), will be the main attraction for a planned theme park located at Sichuan, a landlocked province famous for its spicy food.

The replica will be docked permanently on a river, the South China Morning Post reported.

“When the Titanic was about to sink, the greatest extent of human spirit and responsibility was shown and that spirit goes beyond borders and it is eternal,” Seven Star chief executive Su Shaojun said in an interview with the state-run Xinhua news agency.

“We chose to rebuild the Titanic in China so that such spirit can be promoted or inherited in the east,” he said.

The replica will also recreate the experience of what it felt like when the luxury liner collided with the iceberg, Xinhua reported, though it gave no details of how the deadly collision would be replicated.

Construction of the ship, which is 270m long, is expected to be completed in two years and will be based on designs of the Titanic’s sister ship, RMS Olympic, which was in service from 1911 to 1935, the SCMP reported.

Seven Star is not the only group with dreams of recreating the Titanic.

Flamboyant Australian tycoon Clive Palmer previously unveiled a plan last year to build a seaworthy replica of the Titanic which is scheduled to make its first Atlantic crossing in 2016.

Palmer’s Titanic II will feature modern modifications – including many more lifeboats than the original – but will try to remain as true as possible to the famous liner.

The violin played by the Titanic’s bandmaster as the ship sank beneath the waves sold at auction for £900,000 (RM4.9mil) last October, smashing the previous £220,000 (RM1.2mil) record for memorabilia from the doomed liner. – AFP Relaxnews

Maldives Tops Honeymoon List

by s.s. yoga

As a dream honeymoon spot, the Maldives is a clear favourite. – Photo from Agoda.com

Still feeling the love two days after Valentine's Day? It's never too late to plan a romantic getaway with your partner. This list of top honeymoon spots should help.

TO be in the throes of passion and love and needing a place to share it with that loved one, think Maldives. The Indian Ocean paradise is the hottest choice for honeymooners, not just to Malaysians but also to the rest of the world.

According to the results of a Global Honeymoon Survey conducted by Agoda.com – one of Asia’s leading hotel booking sites – Maldives is the No. 1 dream honeymoon location. The island nation received a little over 20% of the votes from around the world – an outcome that matched that of Malaysian voters.

“We know the Maldives is a popular destination for couples but we were surprised that its allure is so global. Among countries where we had more than 100 respondents, only three didn’t pick it as the most popular dream honeymoon destination – the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand,” said Errol Cooke, Global Hotels vice-president.

The survey, carried out online in January and February 2014, asked more than 15,000 Agoda.com travellers to pick their dream honeymoon location from among 20 destinations listed.

Greek Islands came a far second at 7.8% but was closely followed by Paris and Bali at No. 3 and 4 (7.6% and 7.1%) repectively.

Hawaii and Italy came next with 6.6% and 6.5% respectively.

For Malaysian travellers, Paris (14%) and Istanbul (10%) were the second and third choices. Bali, relatively close to Malaysia, was next, with New Zealand rounding out the top five.

The Maldives was a global choice among Agoda.com travellers from Asia, North America and Europe.

Outcome for the first runner-up wasn't as unanimous. To Europeans it was Bali while North Americans opted for the Greek Islands.

The survey also revealed that Europeans preferred far-flung places, with 89% picking destinations outside of their region.

Meanwhile, Cancun, Mexico, often touted as one of the world’s best honeymoon spots, didn’t fare as well among Agoda.com customers. Only 2.4% selected it as their No. 1 location.

Of the 20 choices available, Croatia and Montreal were the least popular, with 1% and 0.9% respectively.

Source: The Star

Italy's Cittaslow - Slow City

Orvieto, Italy, has become the Cittaslow’s international headquarters and its showcase town. – AFP

Italy’s Cittaslow movement gathers speed internationally.

EVEN as city living booms around the world, the Slow City movement directed by an intrepid Italian is gaining a global following with a back-to-basics campaign to make small towns the new place to be.

From his hometown of Orvieto – a hilltop medieval gem surrounded by castles and vineyards in central Umbria – Pier Giorgio Oliveti has helped expand Cittaslow to 28 countries including South Korea, Turkey and the United States.

”Cittaslow is about appreciating what we are and what we have, without being self-destructive and depleting values, money and resources,” Oliveti told AFP.

”It is an antidote against negative globalisation,” the bushy-bearded former journalist said.

Founded in 1999 by a Tuscan mayor eager to extend the healthy living philosophy of Italy’s Slow Food movement to urban life, Cittaslow currently boasts 183 members, with another dozen applications for membership pending.

The movement’s symbol – derived from that of the Slow Food movement – embodies their philosophy: a snail carrying a town built on its shell.

Would-be candidates must have fewer than 50,000 inhabitants and city halls have to respect strict criteria like promoting organic and urban farming and introducing food appreciation classes in schools.

Orvieto, one of the first towns to sign up 15 years ago, has become the movement’s international headquarters and its showcase town.

Small family-run trattorias dish out locally-sourced wine and delicacies – another requirement for Cittaslow towns – and farmers hawk their wares at the market, which also serves as the community’s lively social hub.

The town hosts a family-friendly jazz festival and locals such as fireman Luciano Sabottini pride themselves on offering such a relaxing atmosphere to tourists that “those who come from Rome or Milan leave again mellowed out”.

Pollution levels are low: visitors park in large underground carparks, masked from sight behind earthy walls which blend into the rockface, and take escalators installed in old aqueduct tunnels up to the pedestrianised centre.

Schoolchildren are walked to school every day in groups by parent volunteers in an initiative dubbed “PiediBus” (FootBus) in a procession through town streets.

Mayor Antonio Concina says running a Slow City is “neither difficult nor odd”.

”It’s not a matter of stopping progress to allow a town to respect the slow rules. They can go hand in hand.”

Challenging times

But Cittaslow’s message of environmentally-friendly, human-sized policies to improve urban life is being challenged by an economic crisis in Italy that has pushed unemployment to record-high levels.

Orvieto has not been spared: according to a report by town assembly members, “entire sectors have closed”, with 153 businesses shutting shop in the past four years and unemployment at 35.4% – far higher than the national average.

”We’re are fighting to keep our heads above water. Orvieto was once full of carpenter workshops, there was one on every street. I think we’re the only ones left,” said Gaia Ricetti, whose family has worked wood for seven generations.

The large, 18th-century Michelangeli workshop hidden down a cobbled street in the centre of Orvieto is abuzz with electronic saws – the sound of industry Concina says he would be keen to hear more of, slow city or not.

”Not having large-scale industries does hamper economic development,” and multinationals like coffee chain Starbucks “would mean work, a living economy”, although Concina said he would definitely prefer not to have any Starbucks around.

Oliveti believes the Cittaslow philosophy can be used to the same end, by “privileging a community’s qualities, such as craftmanship, technology or tourism, and using them as a key to overcome the economic crisis”.

Orvieto prides itself on its remaining traditional artisans, printers and potters, working in old laboratories dotted around the town centre.

”We have clients from Italy and abroad, but no plans to move away to expand the business. It’s not about money, it’s about living a tranquil life,” said ceramics maker Walter Ambrosini, as he put freshly-crafted cups into a kiln.

Despite the crisis, Ricetti agreed: “We would not be able to produce the same quality of product without the slow component. We weather our wood for five years before working it and Orvieto gives us the time and space to do so.”

While the movement is currently limited to small towns, Oliveti said he hopes to persuade larger cities from Barcelona to Seoul to adopt some of the movement’s ideas and generate “islands of Cittaslow culture” in the bustle. – AFP Relaxnews

Top 25 Most Visited Cities

by s.s. yoga

As in the year before, Hong Kong in 2012 hosted the most foreign visitors. – AFP

Have a look at the top 25 cities that received the most foreign visitors in 2012.

EVERYONE and their grandparents seemed to have headed to Asia in 2012. And Kuala Lumpur snagged a spot in the top 10 most visited cities by foreigners in that year – coming in at sixth.

The number of international tourist arrivals in 2012 was tracked by London-based market research firm Euromonitor, which released the report recently. According to AFP, Hong Kong maintained its top ranking with 23,770,200 foreigners visiting its shores in that year.

In fact, Asian cities tightened their stranglehold on the market, taking six of the top seven positions; the monopoly was broken only by London at fourth.

In addition, more than half of the top 25 cities that received the most foreign visitors were in Asia. China assumed four spots – two more if you include the SAR regions of Hong Kong (No. 1) and Macau (No. 5). Thailand has three with Bangkok at No. 3, tying overall with the United States but New York came in only at eighth.

AFP reported analysts as attributing Bangkok's high position to the wild popularity of the 2012 Chinese film Lost In Thailand. As a result, London was pushed a rung below its No. 3 perch achieved in 2011.

Here are the top 25 city destinations based on the number of international arrivals in 2012 as recorded by Euromonitor:

1. Hong Kong – 23,770,200 visitors

2. Singapore – 21,345,700

3. Bangkok, Thailand – 15,822,600

4. London, Britain – 15,461,000

5. Macau – 13,360,800

6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 13,339,500

7. Shenzhen, China – 12,100,400

8. New York City, USA – 11,618,000

9. Antalya, Turkey – 10,296,600

10. Paris, France – 9,780,800

11. Istanbul, Turkey – 8,820,100

12. Rome, Italy – 8,670,000

13. Dubai, UAE – 8,023,000

14. Guangzhou, China – 7,879,600

15. Phuket, Thailand – 7,217,000

16. Mecca, Saudi Arabia – 6,852,900

17. Pattaya, Thailand – 6,564,300

18. Taipei, Taiwan – 6,561,200

19. Prague, Czech Republic – 6,547,700

20. Shanghai, China – 6,539,700

21. Las Vegas, USA – 6,298,000

22. Miami, USA – 5,987,000

23. Barcelona, Spain – 5,459,100

24. Moscow, Russia – 5,036,200

25. Beijing, China – 5,035,400

Source: The Star

Australian Cities At A Glance

by jason godfrey

He made it! Jason grinning widely after climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge.

There’s so much that this vast continent has to offer, with each city having its own charm and attraction.

AUSTRALIA may be known for its unique wildlife and landscapes but the Merry Ol’ Land of Oz has got much more to offer if you’re craving an urban vacation. The hard part is picking just which city Down Under is going to float your boat. To make your work sourcing a city getaway much easier, I’m providing the Jason Down Under guide to Your Australian Urban Vacation!

The Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane is one of the premier art galleries in Australia.

Sydney, New South Wales

It seems like everyone and their cousins want to visit this place and, what can I say, it’s uber cool – from surfing in beautiful Bondi Beach to shopping at the Pitt Street Mall, to grabbing dinner at one of the awesome restaurants in Darling Harbour. The question is: Are you cool enough for Sydney?

Jason’s picks:

> Sydney Harbour Bridge: Climbing is a great way to get up this iconic structure! Matt Damon, Teri Hatcher and Will Smith are among the celebrities who have done so.

> Vivid Sydney: This light and art show, held at the end of May, transforms the city into a spectacular sight.

The Cascade Brewery in Hobart is reportedly the oldest brewery in Australia. Wonder if that fountain flows with beer?

Brisbane, Queensland

A river runs through it but I can’t guarantee hot blond men ala Brad Pitt will be there; still, it is Australia so there’s a pretty good chance. The meandering Brisbane River really sets the city apart; the relaxed, sub-tropical flair helps, too. Kayak along the river and see the skyline from a totally different perspective. If you don’t want to get in the way of the rivers’ dolphins and bull sharks (seriously, they’re in there), you can bike, run, or walk alongside the waterway to take in the sights.

Jason’s picks:

> Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA): Just when you thought the city was all about the river, Brisbane lets you get artsy at one of the premier art galleries on the continent.

> The Story Bridge: Abseil off it and create your own story.

Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art is an art gallery like no other.

Hobart, Tasmania

With a population of about 200,000, Tasmania is nowhere close to giving you a fear of crowds. Hobart has an 18th century feel about it, with many of its hippest hotels and eating spots occupying turn-of-the-century, factory-style buildings. And seafood doesn’t get any fresher than in Hobart, unless you’re in the water, eating it!

Jason’s picks:

> Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), an art gallery like no other. Provocative, shocking and unforgettable, it’s a must-see. Even their toilets are art exhibits; using one of their bathroom stalls literally gave me the shock of a lifetime.

> Cascade Brewery: It claims to be Australia’s oldest beer-manufacturing enterprise, at 175 years old. Go on a tour, taste the beer, or do both at the same time.

Part of the marvellous city skyline of Melbourne.

Melbourne, Victoria

Perhaps the most European city in Australia, Melbourne is a collection of quirky lanes with incredible food, great fashion, and so many alfresco cafés it gives Paris a run for its euros. The capital of Victoria has a chilled, cosmopolitan feel to it. This is a city where they’ve got a laneway for everything, be it outdoor eating, coffee or graffiti art.

Jason’s picks:

> Collins Street: Start at the Paris end of this street for luxury brands like Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton, then head to Little Collins Street for edgy boutiques that won’t stress your credit cards’ limit.

> The Australian Open. Enjoy the match (held in January), Aussie style, in a beer garden or grab tickets and watch tennis’ biggest stars grunting as they hammer a ball at each other.

Learn to ring the massive bells at Bell Tower in Barrack Square, Perth.

Perth, Western Australia

Built on the banks of the Swan River, the capital of Western Australia is known for its blue skies and stunning natural setting. Perth has all the trappings of a metropolis – great food, amazing sights, pristine waterways and the incredible Botanic Gardens at King’s Park.

Jason’s picks:

> The Bell Tower (or the Swan Bell Tower): Ringing bells in a tower doesn’t sound that hard to do until you do it yourself. Learn how to ring these massive bells without causing bodily harm to yourself. Seriously.

> Fremantle Prison, a former maximum-security jail. Each cell has an incredible story attached to it, and maybe even some artwork!

Adelaide’s Central Market is the place to go to for cheeses, among a host of other things.

Adelaide, South Australia

In Adelaide, the first place I went to was Montefiore Hill where the statue of Colonel William Light stands; he is perpetually pointing at the wide lanes and lush parks covering much of the city he planned. He looks quite proud, as he should be, as Adelaide has grown into a culturally diverse, relaxed city where most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Jason’s picks:

> The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery and the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

> Adelaide Central Market: It opened over a hundred years ago and has been going strong ever since. This is the place for getting fresh produce, meat and cheeses, and dipping strawberries in fondue.

So there you have it, the tip of the iceberg of figuring out which Australian city to check out. No matter what urban experience you seek, Australia has it – plus a whole lot more. 

Source: The Star

KL International Airport

Wonderland: Airports, when they are like the award-winning KL International Airport, can be much more than mere transit points, offering food, drink and lots of shopping.

Here’s a million reasons why you should spend some time in Malaysia’s international airports.

IMAGINE going on a buying spree in six of the world’s top shopping cities ... a crazy dream, you say? Perhaps not, thanks to a unique Malaysia Airports campaign designed to encourage people to enjoy shopping and dining at its six international airports in this country.

The company’s latest “Indulge Till You Fly” campaign offers the grand prize winner a RM1mil shopping spree and the shopping experience of a lifetime in Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, Dubai and, of course, Kuala Lumpur.

The winner and a partner will fly business class to all the seven cities where they will stay at top-class hotels and be taken shopping at each of the cities’ premier malls.

According to Malaysia Airports’ senior general manager (commercial division) Faizah Khairuddin, the prize is in line with the “Wonderland” theme of the 2013/2014 Indulge Till You Fly (ITUF) campaign. 

“We are all familiar with the various wonders of the world. With ITUF we are introducing our travellers to the wonders of the shopping world. It will be a most memorable experience for the winner – one that will be remembered for a long time.

The Indulge & Win automated machine at KLIA where shoppers can instantly redeem shopping vouchers and enter the contest that offers a worldwide shopping spree.

 

“The campaign is also very much in line with the idea that airports are places of wonder. To many travellers, airports are more than just transit or connection points. They are places of wonder, of respite, where one can get lost, even if it is for a little while, and indulge.

“Our airports are no different. They are indeed shopping and dining wonderlands to many travellers. Places where they can linger and explore and, with campaigns such as the ITUF, where they can win wondrous prizes by just spending RM250,” she explains in a press release.

Held for the fourth consecutive year, this year’s Indulge Till You Fly campaign continues till Feb 28 at all international airports in Malaysia – these are the KL International Airport/Low-Cost Carrier Terminal-KLIA, Langkawi International Airport, Penang International Airport, Kuching International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

To take part in the contest, participants have to spend a minimum of RM250 at any F&B or retail outlet at any of the six airports. This will make them eligible to take part in the campaign’s Indulge & Win contest that automatically issues instant shopping vouchers worth RM10. (MasterCard holders can double their shopping vouchers as well as double their entries and chances of winning the grand prize.)

Shoppers can redeem shopping vouchers on the spot at one of the 40 Indulge & Win e-kiosks located throughout the six airports. All you have to do is to scan the receipts of your purchases, provide personal details, answer a question related to the Indulge Till You Fly campaign – and you will be able to redeem the shopping vouchers on the spot.

Information captured at these e-kiosks will be uploaded to a computer that will randomly select a monthly “indulger” prize winner; seven indulger prizes are given out throughout this campaign period.

The grand prize winner of RM1mil and the opportunity to shop round the world will also be selected by the computer from the pool of participants.

According to Faizah, Malaysia Airports is moving ahead into the digital era with a “never-ending quest for technology enhancement”.

“This on-going employment of technology will continue to be an integral part of the lifestyle experiences that Malaysia Airports is striving to give. It is a fantastic way to engage our customers and to increase participation.”

Indeed, the six international airports in Malaysia are not solely geared to handling passengers and baggage, as Malaysia Airports is dedicated to continually expanding its non-aviation business, which includes shopping and dining, as a vital source of revenue. 

One of the challenges in this area is the fact that passengers spend an average of only two hours in airports, and of that time, a large percentage is spent in check-in and immigration, leaving only a short window of opportunity for shopping and browsing. Another obstacle is the perception that airport shopping lacks value and variety.

The Indulge Till You Fly campaign was the answer to these challenges and incorporates a strategy involving awareness, rewards and engagement.

Aiding the company’s efforts is its active use of technology, which began in 2012 and that saw a 57% increase in entries for the Indulge & Win contest during the previous ITUF campaign. Overall, there was a 134% hike in sales generated through the last campaign. The average amount spent by travellers in Malaysian airports also went up by 50%.

“The ITUF campaign is gaining recognition here and abroad. It is a key component of our drive to increase revenue from our non-aviation segment. Going forward, it will continue to be an important event in our annual calendar,” says Faizah.

Good To Live In KL

Many lists have been made about the “best of Kuala Lumpur,” mostly by journalists who fly in, experience this bustling city for a few days, write a travel log and then go off.

Those are just impressions. But sometimes they are exactly right.

However, to really experience a place, one has to go beyond the one-week holiday and really breathe in what makes a place what it is.

There are barely three weeks to go before 2013 comes to an end and 2014 begins.

It’s this time of year that we become reflective, and having lived in Kuala Lumpur and writing this column for the past two-and-a-half years, I thought about what I like about this city.

Obviously, food is on top of the heap.

Let your hair down: There are endless choices of roof-top bars with stunning views of KL.

When you’re entertaining and receiving many guests from abroad, some of them repeat and long-staying guests, it can be pretty challenging to find new dining spots to take them to, places and attractions for them to visit and new things to do. I’ve finally solved this dilemma by developing a personal directory.

It’s time to share my favourites on why it’s good to be living in Kuala Lumpur.

·Endless choices of roof-top bars and sky-dining with stunning views.

·Wide selection of fine-dining restaurants for Western cuisines, wine bars and even molecular gastronomy if you’re inclined.

·Sunday lunches are sometimes destined at dim sum places and it’s great to have all these wonderful choices to be able to enjoy it. Alternatively, there are places serving fast and easy Cantonese cuisine and delicious xiao long bao (meat dumplings that contain soup within).

·There is also no lack of divine Indian cuisine if you’re craving for tandoori, masalas and curries, whether chicken, seafood or vegetables.

·For the brunch crowd, there are Australian-inspired cafés that serve a mean eggs benedict, and other trendy cafes that dish out heavenly salads.

·There is no shortage of bakeries serving dense, nutty bread reminiscent of European breads, even the organic variety if your heart so desires.

·Kuala Lumpur (and Petaling Jaya) also has the best crab places.

·Changkat Bukit Bintang because it’s always alive and vibrant. Its rows of bars and restaurants make for a no-brainer destination to bring your guests from other countries.

·There there are the neighbourhood pubs with a cool band playing cool music. They are unpretentious and packed with an eclectic mix of all kinds of wonderful and weird people. You can even forgive the place for making your hair smell like an ashtray as you leave around past midnight.

Apart from the dining and nightlife, the other reasons that makes settling into Kuala Lumpur fairly easy for me at least is finding a service that delivers seasonal organic vegetables — Asian or European depending on your preference, free-range eggs and completely dressed organic chicken.

When you’ve had enough of the bright lights and the city and want to “get away”, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia or FRIM is located nearby. The tropical rainforest with a canopy walkway is a wonderful respite from the bustling traffic, and walking through the “jungle” atmosphere is relaxing and the fresh air calms down your senses.

World-class hospitals and a wide choice of international schools also make it easy for expatriates and foreigners alike to find the right kind of medical and educational services that match their needs.

And when you really just want to get away from it all, Kuala Lumpur has proximity to everywhere: an hour to Singapore and Phuket, one hour to Bali and three hours to Cebu in the Philippines.

KL International Airport is one of Asia’s major hubs and makes travelling really easy. Low cost or regular airfare flights going to anywhere abound, this makes for an ideal city to be based in.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Melinda is a marketing executive, entrepreneur and writer who moved from the Netherlands to KL. She loves scuba diving, good food and wine, and is happy to be back in the tropics.

-The Star