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Jeju-do is an island with beautiful natural settings and a unique traditional culture. It is the premier tourist destination in Korea because of its natural beauty and semi-tropical climate. The island – designated as one of the top ten resorts in the world by UNESCO – boasts lush gardens, bleached ocher beaches, hiking trails to the summit of Halla Mountain, mystifying cave systems and traditional villages. Jeju Island – A Jewel of Nature and a truly unforgettable experience! L D E S T I A N A N T I O I T O A N N E R X Discover Jeju, Seoul E P T O N I J 7 E J 0 0 and all of Korea at U K O R E A 2 ASTA’s International Destination Expo 2007 March 25-29, 2007 (800) TOUR KOR(EA) or 416-348-9056 www.Tour2Korea.com How to Register Online: www.ASTAnet.com/Expo Call: 703-739-2782 Fax: 703-739-3268 Mail: ASTA Meetings, Dept. 0624 Washington, DC 20073-0624 Asian Gems 4 Asian Gems A Trio Of Asian Destinations Makes Holiday Planning Easy 6 An Ancient Culture Rooted In The Past, Korea Boasts A Modern Culture 9 Visit Malaysia Year 2007 Golden Anniversary Celebrations 12 The Best Of All Worlds Singapore Is A Unique Mix Of Festivals, Cultures, Attractions & Cuisines Asian Gems – A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE NOVEMBER 2006 ISSUE OF CANADIAN TRAVELLER Published 12 times a year by 1104 Hornby Street, Suite 203 Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6Z 1V8 Tel: (604) 699-9990 THE DESTINATION SALES RESOURCE FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS Contents © 2006 by ACT Communications Inc. Fax: (604) 699-9993 Printed in Canada All Rights Reserved. ISBN 1207-1463 81 Canadian Traveller • November 2006 • ASIA 3 Asian Gems A Trio of Asian Destinations Makes Holiday Planning Easy KTO Korea world-class beaches of Penan, known as the Korea is an ancient country with religions, Pearl of the Orient; the spectacular marine arts, crafts, cuisine, dance and architecture that parks of Terengganu, where divers can view span millennia. And it’s easy to experience this a wealth of marine life; and the stunning special culture throughout the country. tropical forests of Sabah, home to clouded Start in Seoul, the modern capital city, and leopards and the world’s largest orangutan visit palaces, shrines and a boggling array of rehabilitation centre. museums that chronicle almost every aspect One of the growing hot destinations in of Korean life. Jongmyo Royal Shrine hosts Malaysia is Tioman Island. Blessed with the oldest complete memorial service in the white, sandy beaches, clear waters and lush world; Gyeongbokgung Palace is the oldest in greenery, the island attracts millions of visitors the country and Changdeokgung Palace is a every year. Tioman is fast gaining a reputation Korea’s Jeju-do is blessed with several fine perfect example of historic architecture. as a prime diving spot, with natural coral reefs, beaches. Beautiful Hamdeok Beach, on the The city of Gyeongju is considered a wrecks and artificial reefs housing incredibly island’s northeast shore, boasts fine sand museum without walls due to the concen- large fish populations. and surf and is a polar choice with both tration of historic sites including an obser- But 2007 is special in Malaysia, it’s the 50th locals and visitors. vatory built in 634 and religious sites that date anniversary of the country’s independence. from the 9th century. TOURISM MALAYSIA Immerse yourself in everyday life from Malaysia centuries ago in folk villages in Andong, Malaysia offers travellers a truly Asian Jeonju and Jeju City. experience. It is one of the world’s richest Jeju City is the main tourist centre on Jeju- cultural crossroads, an exciting fusion of do, Korea’s semi-tropical beach resort on the Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous Pacific. Visit museums devoted to teddy bears, cultures. Malaysia also blends modern and chocolate and tea. Further afield, climb ancient elements, from sleek city skyscrapers through the island’s volcanic history at to untouched natural environments, creating Sangumburi Crater and Sunrise Peak, and an irresistible destination for travellers. splash in several waterfalls, including one that Start your visit in Kuala Lumpur, the city of falls directly into the sea. And, of course, Gardens and Light. It is the perfect intro- there’s always the beach – miles and miles of duction to Malaysia’s unique cultural mix, white sand beach. where modern architectural wonders cozy up As in all Asian countries, food is an art form to historic cultural districts that evoke a more here. Dishes to try include galbi and bulgogi, traditional Asian atmosphere. Shopping both marinated meat grilled over charcoal; enthusiasts will revel in the bargains found at bibimbap, a mixture of rice, vegetables, egg the city’s busy Chinatown night market. and chili sauce; and samgyetang, chicken Mix up your Malaysian holiday with stewed with gingseng. And don’t forget the visits to more tranquil spaces, including the kimchi, a fermented cabbage that is the national dish. Shoppers visit mega-malls Malaysia is throwing a year-long birthday and local markets. Namdaemun party in 2007, celebrating the 50th Market in Seoul is the largest in anniversary of the country’s independence the country, selling everything and its successful fusion of Malay, Chinese, from clothes to folk art. Indian and indigenous cultures. 4 ASIA • November 2006 • Canadian Traveller 82 ASIAN GEMS SINGAPORE TOURIST BOARD Merdeka, or Independence, Day is August 31 and the entire month will serve as a build up to the big day. Plan your trip to coincide with Merdeka Eve and join the crowd in Kuala Lupur’s Merdeka Square for the countdown. Singapore Singapore is the smallest of our Asian Gems, but size isn’t everything. This tiny country is bursting with sights, sounds and tastes to experience. There is enough to see and do and taste to keep you busy for an entire holiday in Singapore; in fact, you can enjoy the best of all worlds here. Shoppers, history and architecture buffs, garden lovers and city slickers will revel in Singapore’s busy streets, where travellers can sample several Asian cultures within a small area. The city’s ethnic districts are a perfect place to explore Singapore’s unique cultural mix. Chinatown is divided into four districts, each with its own personality. Visit historic temples, discover museums and shop, shop, Singapore’s Christmas Light-Up is the to dried snakes! Little India boasts the Sultan shop. In the area around Trengganu/Smith most spectacular, and the longest, Mosque, part of the bargain when Stamford Streets, you can find everything from fine silks light-up in the world. And as a major Raffles leased “Singa-Pura” from the Sultan of shopping destination, Singapore Johore. Speaking of Raffles, his namesake offers up spectacular Christmas hotel, home of the Singapore Sling, has been shopping to match. completely restored to its former elegance. Singapore is a surprisingly green city. Stroll the soothing greenery in the Singapore Botanic Gardens or experience the rainforest at the Bukit traditions are celebrated in a collection of Timah Nature Reserve. Animal lovers head to signature events. Chinese New Year, the the Night Safari and the Jurong Bird Park. Or Thaipusam Hindu Festival, Hungry Ghosts hit the beach and relax on Sentos Island. Festival, Great Singapore Sale, the Singapore Above all, though, Singapore is a festival Food Festival and the amazing Christmas city. Chinese, Indian, Malay and Eurasian Light-Up highlight the calendar. 1212 0 3575 258 1495 2200 416-391-0334 OR 1-800-263-2995 Ext. 228 Email: [email protected] ASIAN GEMS 83 Canadian Traveller • November 2006 • ASIA 5 An Ancient Culture Rooted In The Past, Korea Boasts A Modern Culture Korea is an ancient land that has one foot in the past and one firmly planted in the present. Rooted in a refined culture that dates back through the millennia, today’s religions, art, crafts, architecture, dance and cuisine all trace their beginnings back through the mists of time and draw inspiration from long-ago influences. UNESCO Heritage In Seoul the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine is a Confucian shrine dedicated to the spirits of Joseon kings and queens and houses the ancestral tablets of the Joseon Dynasty monarchs. Jongmyo Royal Shrine memorial services, held every May, date from 500 years ago and are the oldest complete ceremonies of their kind in the world. The Changdeokgung Palace, another UNESCO site in Seoul, preserves the archi- tectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace served as the official royal residence between 1405 and 1868, and the site includes N official buildings, the king’s O The Jongmyo Royal Shrine memorial services, held every I T A Z residence and a backyard I May, date from 500 years ago and are the oldest complete N A G garden that used to be the king’s R ceremonies of their kind in the world. The Shrine, in Seoul, is O M S resting area. I a Confucian shrine dedicated to the spirits of Joseon R U O The city of Gyeongju is a T Dynasty kings and queens. A E R living museum holding the O Inset: Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, also known as Sunrise K Y S remnants of the Silla Dynasty. E Peak, is one of Jeju’s most photographed and visited T R U Bulguksa Temple, built in the 6th O attractions. Those who make the climb to the top are C S O century and rebuilt in the 8th century, has beautiful architecture and T rewarded with a spectacular view, particularly at sunrise. O H stonework and houses many national treasures and two famous P pagodas.