FEATURES FEATURES

MELAKA Often referred to as the historical capital Malay village. A must-visit for anyone rich, coconut-based broth) from Jonker 88, DESTINATION of Malaysia, Melaka is known for its rich visiting Melaka for the first time is Jonker cendol from Aunty Koh and Peranakan dishes culture, Nyonya cuisine and architecture Street, where you can shop for antiques and from restaurants such as Nancy’s Kitchen and Going Beyond inherited from centuries of Portuguese, Dutch souvenirs, as well as sample dishes from the Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant. and British rule. hawker stalls. For views of Melaka city, ride WORDS BY CRYSTAL CHONG the Taming Sari Revolving Tower, which goes REST AND RELAX PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOURISM MALAYSIA SEE AND DO up to 110 metres. From budget travellers to those looking for a Take in the sights and learn about the history luxurious stay, Melaka has it all. Situated on This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our beloved country, Malaysia. of the city’s iconic structures, including the When you’ve explored all of the city, drive the banks of Melaka River, Casa Del Rio is a Porta de Santiago, a fortress built in 1511 by to A’Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah for an five-star boutique hotel and only a 2 minute- Whether you’re visiting for the first time or call Malaysia home, here are four a Portuguese admiral, the Baba and Nyonya escape from the hustle and bustle, complete walk to Jonker Street. For a charming place to destinations to add to your wanderlust list this year. Heritage Museum, which gives a glimpse of with a golf course, water theme park, safari call home, the Gingerflower Boutique Hotel is the lives of wealthy Chinese families back in park and accommodations. in a Peranakan townhouse protected by the the 19th century, and the red-walled Christ UNESCO World Heritage. For those on a Church and The , believed to be the EAT AND SAVOUR tighter budget, the Ola Lavanderia Cafe also oldest Dutch building in the East. Besides the hawker stalls at Jonker Street, a has a hostel, with mixed dorm rooms and visit to Melaka isn’t complete without trying private rooms. For a quieter stay away from If you’re tired of walking in the heat, hop the Chicken Rice Ball from Chung Wah, Satay the city, Philea Resort & Spa in Ayer Keroh onto the Melaka River Cruise boat for a Celup (meat and vegetables on skewers is a piece of paradise with lush greenery, smooth journey along old shop houses, dipped in a simmering pot of peanut sauce) calming waters and comfortable rooms. bridges and Kampong Morten, a traditional from Capitol, Nyonya Laksa (noodles in a

Kek Lok Si Cendol

The Stadthuys and With rich heritage, a vibrant street food scene Outside of George Town, is where Park Food Court. Another must-try is Nasi and the beauty of nature blended into one you can find , the largest Buddhist Kandar (rice served with curries and side sun-kissed state, Penang is a popular holiday temple in Malaysia, and Penang Hill, which dishes), which originated in Penang itself. destination for many Malaysians. gives panoramic views of the island. Some of the most recommended restaurants for this beloved dish are Deens Maju and SEE AND DO Before the end of your trip, head down to Batu Hameediyah. Marvel at the old-world charm of the Ferringhi, where you can relax by the beach capital, George Town, which was declared and cool down with the water sports. Nature For dessert, the Penang Road Famous a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. lovers will also want to visit Penang National Teochew Chendul (shaved ice with creamy As you walk around, look out for the iconic Park, where unique flora and fauna flourish. coconut milk, pandan rice noodles and street murals and soak up centuries of history palm sugar) and the apom manis (paper-thin and culture with visits to EAT AND SAVOUR pancake) are musts. Mansion, built in the 1880’s, Little India, Home to Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nyonya where fragrant spices fill the air, and Pinang cuisines, Penang is never short of good food. REST AND RELAX Peranakan Mansion, a museum dedicated Head to the Chulia Street Night Market to Penang boasts a range of accommodations to Penang’s Peranakan heritage - Peranakan sample a bit of everything, try the Duck Kway to suit all lifestyles, from the beachfront Hard refers to descendants of two diverse cultures, Chap (noodles in a braised duck soup) at Rock Hotel and Lone Pine Hotel to boutique born from the marriages between Chinese Restoran Kimberly, indulge in Char Koay Teow hotels and hostels in George Town, such as immigrants and local Malay Muslim women. (flat rice noodles stir-fried in a soy sauce mix) , Areca Hotel and at Lorong Selamat and have a taste of the Mee the Peranakan-style Ryokan Muntri Boutique Sotong (spicy noodles with squid) at Esplanade Hostel.

Fly to Penang

AIRASIA BATIK AIR AIRLINES CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES CITILINK INDONESIA FIREFLY CATHAY DRAGON INDONESIA AIRASIA JETSTAR ASIA LION AIR Fly to Melaka AIRASIA MALINDO AIR LUCKY AIR MALAYSIA AIRLINES MALINDO AIR QATAR AIRWAYS QINGDAO AIRLINES SCOOT SHENZEN AIRLINES SILK AIR SRIWIJAYA THAI AIRASIA THAI SMILE FEATURES FEATURES

Cat Statue Waterfront

Sipadan Island Mount Kinabalu

SABAH A playground for nature lovers and trip to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, where you Not to forget, is also a treasure Mantanani adventurous souls, the picturesque state of can see and learn about rare plants, as trove of dive sites, with the Islands Sipadan Sabah, located on the island of , well as residents such as tigers, proboscis and boasting rich and is home to diving sites, lush rainforests, monkeys, orangutans and Borneo pygmy diverse marine life waiting for you to colourful cultures and the highest mountain elephants. discover. in Malaysia. If your idea of a good time involves hiking EAT AND SAVOUR SEE AND DO up to the clouds, one to cross off the list Beyond its natural beauty, Sabah is In the charming capital of , visit would be Mount Kinabalu, which at a height also home to a variety of local food that Gunung Mulu National Park Cultural Village the , the oldest structure of 4,095 metres is the highest mountain visitors must try. The state’s own version pork noodles in the city, shop for local arts and crafts at in the country. Offering a wonderland of of , for example, can be the Handicraft Market and go for a relaxing ecological treasures and views unlike any found at Kim Hing Lee Coffee Shop SARAWAK fresh seafood Also on the island of Borneo is Sarawak, the stroll in City Park. You could also consider a other, this is an experience you will never while can be savoured at Village, which gives visitors a fascinating (vermicelli in a shrimp-based broth with forget. restaurants around the state. Traditional largest state in Malaysia. With breathtaking glimpse into the lives of Sarawak’s indigenous tamarind and coconut milk), and it is said dishes to look for at the local restaurants national parks, mystical caves and traditional groups. Chong Choon Cafe is the place to go for and street stalls include Latok, a type of longhouses open to visitors, Sarawak offers it. Another dish to have is Kolo Mee (dry seaweed which resembles mini grapes, a host of new experiences. The state also boasts hundreds of caves, noodles tossed in a savoury pork and shallot and Hinava, a ceviche-like raw fish salad such as the Fairy Cave and Deer Cave, the mix) from Noodle Descendants. For the SEE AND DO famous Sarawak layer cake, head to the which originated from the Kadazan- largest cave passage in the world and home In the capital of Kuching (“cat” in Malay), to millions of bats. The Deer Cave is located stalls at the Main Bazaar. Dusun tribe. admire the architecture of the Floating in Gunung Mulu National Park, which is a Mosque, discover exhibits about cats from playground for adventurers with a wealth If you’d like a taste of indigenous cuisines in REST AND RELAX all over the world at the Cat Museum and of wildlife and challenging trails awaiting, Kuching, check out Lepau Restaurant for a Within the city, you can find a plethora of visit , built along Sarawak including the Pinnacles trek, named so wide range of Orang Ulu and Dayak dishes, hotels, such as the five-star Le Méridien, River to protect the city from pirates. In the because of the razor-sharp limestone spikes and Tribal Stove for authentic Kelabit food. the strategically located Hotel Sixty3 and evening, stroll along Kuching Waterfront, a that can be viewed. Hotel Grandis, located right next to the popular esplanade dotted with street food REST AND RELAX Suria Sabah shopping mall with views of hawkers and colonial-era buildings. Closer to Kuching city is Bako National Park, There’s a variety of accommodation catering the sea. A short speedboat ride from Kota with diverse ecosystems from mangrove to all visitors, from the mixed dorms at Sunset Kinabalu will take you to Gaya Island A 35-minute drive from Kuching will take swamps and rocky cliffs to rainforests and Homestay and the stylish suites at boutique Resort, a luxurious and tranquil sanctuary you to Santubong, with the South China Sea sandy beaches. hotel Ranee to the rooms with beautiful river on one side and popular hiking spot Mount tucked amidst protected mangroves and views at Grand Margherita Hotel. For a Santubong on the other. Santubong is also EAT AND SAVOUR quieter stay away from the bustling city, go sheltered coral reefs. where you can find the Sarawak Cultural A local dish to try is the Sarawak Laksa for the stylish seafront Cove 55 in Santubong. Mantanani Islands Fly to Kota Kinabalu,Sabah Fly to Kuching,Sarawak

AIRASIA AIR BUSAN AIR SEOUL CEBU PACIFIC AIR CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES EASTAR JET JEJU AIR JIN AIR LION AIRLINES

AIRASIA MALAYSIA AIRLINES MALINDO AIR ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES SCOOT

MALAYSIA AIRLINES MALINDO AIR AIRASIA ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES SCOOT SPRING AIRLINES XIAMEN AIRLINES