21 November 2018

Taiwan muslim friendly Hotel Valletta impressed Taiwan Tourism Bureau Singapore Office Middle East Trade buyers

Hotel Valletta in Jiaoxi, Taiwan is a stunning new luxury hotspring hotel featuring Sky garden spa suites, in-room hotspring bath and hotel spa pool, with muslim friendly hotel facilities, Halal certified meal selection, separate Halal kitchen and dining area for its muslim hotel guests.

Taiwan Tourism Bureau Middle East trade buyers from Dubai and Bahrain stayed at Hotel Valletta on the third day of the Taiwan Familiazation trip by Taiwan Tourism Bureau Singapore office, after visiting Taiwan famous landmarks like Taroko Gorge National Park and Sun Moon Lake.

 
They were very impressed that they could dine in a separate halal dining area with halal cutlery to enjoy the wide selection of tasty Halal certified food, prepared in a separate kitchen with Halal cutlery according to the Taipei Mosque Association stringent rules at Hotel Valleta.


The trade buyers were pleased to know that in Taiwan, besides the scenic city, coast and country attractions, delicious Halal food and muslim friendly hotels are available. The facilities like prayer room, mat, timetable, quora, compass and bidet in the comfortable guest room are very thoughtful and well appreciated.

 

Located just 45 minutes from Taipei city, Hotel Valletta offers 165 hotel guest rooms and suites and is located at 1 Jiankang 1st Street, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County 262.

For bookings and enquires, please contact reservations@hotel-valletta.com or telephone +886-3 910-0111.

22 October 2018

Betong Thailand Sea Clouds Skywalk 2018 | Airport Opening 2019 | Durian Festival

Betong in Yala, Southern Thailand bordering Malaysia is renowned for sea of clouds at Aiyoeweng/ I-Yerweng, Hala-Bala rainforest wildlife sanctuary - Amazon of ASEAN, Bang Lang dam, Piyamit tunnel, Betong hot springs, winter flower garden, fruit valleys of durians and Yala Fruit Festival.

The Yala Durian Fruits festival at Piyamit gardens is a showcase of Betong finest fruits float parade with Miss Fruity, biggest durian fruit float, fruits arrangement competition and fruits street buffet.

 
The Governor of Yala and Songkla, local Thai celebrities and distinguished guests officiated the launch.

Tourists and locals indulge in the creamy Thai durians like Chanee, Kop and  Nockyib, sweet mangosteens and rambutans.

 
Say a pray at Thai Four Face Buddha or Chinese Goddess of Mercy and enjoy a picnic at the scenic sculptures Piyamit Gardens.


 
Time Tunnels at Piyamit, Betong
Purchase ticket at the stonewall entrance, walk down the stairways and up the forest path and into the Piyamit tunnel to explore the stone cave passageways and war shelters which was the base of Malaya Communist Division 2 at Ban Piyamit 1.
 

Stopby at the end of Piyamit tunnel to admire the oldest millennium tree in Southern Thailand and souvenir shots.

Betong Sea of Clouds Talay Mok Aiyoeweng / I-Yerweng/Aiyerweng雲海

Watch Betong sunrise at Talay Mok Aiyoeweng mountain top as the sea of mysterious misty mists clouds weaves and wafts through the magnificent mountains, flora and fauna forests amist golden rays of warm morning sun.

Feel like you are above Aiyoeweng misty clouds, among the fluffy clouds and on white clouds breathtakingly sights for Instagramable snapshots depending on timings and wind directions.

Breathe in the morning mountain air and enjoy the cool breeze as you soak in the sublime sunlight with the phenomenon panaroma picturesque scenery at 330 feet above sea level.

 

Reach Aiyoeweng mountain top at 5am for the best spots at the view points to experience Betong Sea of cloud moments. The mesmerizing views starts from around 6am in the morning and the mist will disperse as the sun rises higher in the sky.

2019 Betong Skywalk Bridges
Feel like you are walking among the sea of clouds when you stroll on Betong skywalk Aiyoewang platforms above the mountains paths when it is completed in 2019.

Restaurants, souvenir shops, camping sites, more restrooms and parking bays along with widen roads leading to Airyerweng to facilitate the maximum of 4000 visitors per day together with a road extension to Hala-Bala forest is in the pipeline.

Take a river cruise on Bang Lang Dam known as Hala bala lake on a long tail boat and visit a temple in the middle of the lake.
 


Wat Phutthathiwat
The largest temple in Southern Thailand is Wat Phutthathiwat on Thanon Rattanakit road in Betong.


The golden temple features Mahathat Chedi Phra Phutthathamma Prakat - 13 storey high pagoda of Srivijaya architecture, lined with Buddha's relics, life size Luangpu Thuat and Thailand's largest bronze Buddha statue sits majestically on the hilltop overlooking Betong city.



Betong
Thailand's Largest Mail Box was built in Betong in 1924 with a radio on top to broadcast news to the community while doubling up as a Post box.

 
A new nine meters tall mail box was constructed in recent years and is located at the  Sala Prachakhom city convention hall on Sukkhayang road.
 

Betong Hot Springs

The Ban Charo Parai Village in Tambon Tano Mae offers Betong natural hot springs pools with outdoor gardens and childrens playground. Soak your tired legs in the hot mineral water which is believed to be beneficial for muscle pain, skin irritation and even stress.  You can cook eggs in the hot spring water well in a few minutes to enjoy after the theraptic mineral bath experience.



Betong Winter Flowers Garden
Situated in the hilly Ban Piyamitr 2 area, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn initiated the
temperate flowers planting project in this cool weather region in Betong. Enjoy the abundant flora like tulips, sunflowers, hydra  planted in the lush gardens with windmill, manicured landscape valleys and along the winding river, complete with resorts and chalet room accommodation.



Durians Durians, Bountiful in Betong
The Betong Durian Street is just across Betong Hot Spring. Surrounded by Durians plantations and fruit farms, durians, mangosteens, shogun mandarin oranges,  rambutans, soursops and bananas are collected and brought here for sorting, distribution and sales.


Durian Favourites are creme de la crème Ganyao/ Kanyao / Ganja at 100baht/kg. Durian variations like Puangmanee / Pongmanee / Phuong Manee , Monthong golden pillow, Chanee / Chani / Kani, Kop and  Nockyib are also popular.

Sleepless in Betong
Sleepless entertainment in the evening includes Thai massages, Karaoke lounges or chilling at bars, Roti Canai supper with milk tea and coffee or 7-11 snacks, food and drinks along the main street.

Betong Hotels, Resorts and Chalets
A good night sleep in Betong recommendations are Grand Mandarin Hotel, Suam Flower Garden resort. betong merlin,  cathay betong, river inn to name a few   and local budget hotels in the city are popular choices



Betong Airport & Accessibility
Thailand's Betong airport in Yala will open in 2019 for domestic flights from Bangkok, Hatyai, Pattani and Narathiwat on small aircraft with 50 to 70 passenger capacity.

 

Betong is accessible on land routes in Yala and usually tourists visit Betong from Hatyai, Thailand or Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The KL to Betong Thailand journey is around six hours drive and is popular for short weekend getways for drivers, motorists and cyclists. In fact, on Malaysia National Day 2018, 15,000 tourists visited Betong from the Malaysia border according to Thailand immigration news.

Visit Tourism Authority of Thailand for latest OK Betong attarctions, Thailand festivals and events listing.

*Photos taken using the new LG flagship smartphone model G7+ Thin Q

23 August 2018

Star Feasts Fun Taipei Michelin Guide 2018 Bib Gourmand Taiwan 星飨宴 玩台北 指南手册美食地图

Celebrate Taipei Michelin Guide 2018 and inaugural Taipei Bib Gourmand with Star Feasts - Fun Taipei guide book map 星飨宴 玩台北 指南手册美食地图. Discover and savour the finest culinary cuisine, deletable gourmet meals and yummy street food while you make pit stops on Taipei Metro MRT, Train, Double Decker Sight seeing bus and You-bike.

Taipei's 20 Michelin Star Restaurants crème de la
crème are 3 Michelin Stars Le Palais at Taipei’s Palais de Chine Hotel helmed by Chefs Ken Chan and Matt Chen and 2 Michelin Stars Shoun RyuGin with Chef Ryohei Hieda. 
  

Taiwan's Taipei One Michelin Star restaurants includes RAW: André Chiang | Ya Ge, Mandarin Oriental | The Guest House, Sheraton Grand Taipei | Tien Hsiang Lo, The Landis Taipei |Ken An Ho| Kitcho | Sushi Nomura | Sushi Ryun | L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon | MUME |Da-Wan |Danny's Steakhouse | Longtail | Taïrroir | Golden Formosa | Ming Fu | Three Coins and La Cocotte (closed indefinitely).
 
Taiwanese born Singapore based celebrity Lee Teng graced the official launch of Star Feasts Fun Taipei with Taipei’s Michelin One-starred restaurant Taïrroir (态芮) Head Chef Kai Ho, together with Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government (TPE-DOIT) Deputy Commissioner Ms. Chen Yu-Shin, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Singapore Director, Mr. Trust Lin, China Airlines General Manager Mr. James Chen with Taiwanese partners. 
 

Lee Teng's favourite food lists includes Michelin BIB Gourmand recommendations - Rao He Night Market Fuzhou Black pepper bun and Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup, Shilin Night Market Hai You Pork Ribs, soy-braised pork on rice, oyster vermicelli, tapioca-pearl shaved ice, “frog laying eggs”, papaya milk and iced aiyu jelly.
 
 
Taipei Michelin Star Feasts Taïrroir’s Head Chef Kai Ho displayed his culinary artistry of his signature dish 65°C silkie egg, taro “en Purée et Kueh,” Yilan “Ya Shang,” sakura shrimp (迷魂香芋泥鸭) during the live cooking demonstration, enticing the Singapore media and invited guests to make a trip to Taiwan for its delicate Michelin Star creations at the curated list of 20 Michelin Star restaurants in the heart of Taipei City.
 

Michelin Guide 2018 Taiwan Bib Gourmand Chinese, Japanese and Fusion food includes Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup | Dian Shui Lou (Songshan) | Mao Yuan | Meili | My Stove |My Sweet Home Small Kitchen | No. 1 Food Theater Cuisine | Peng Family |Serenity | Shuang Yue Food | Song Kitchen| Tao Luan Ting Roast Peking Duck Palace | Peng Family | Zui Feng Yuan | Hamamatsuya and Joseph Bistro.

Michelin Guide 2018 Bib Gourmand Taiwan Snacks are A Nan Sesame Chicken | Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road) | Fu Hang Soy Milk | Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun | Hai You Pork Ribs | Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao (Daan) | Hao Gong Dao Jin Ji Yuan | Liu Yu Zi | Liang Ji Lou Wei| Luo Ji Xiao Chao |Rong’s Pork Liver | Shi Boss Spicy Tofu and Stinky Tofu Boss.

Taiwanese Beef Noodles 2018 Michelin Bib Gourmand includes Halal Chinese Beef Noodles | Jian Hong Beef Noodles | Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles | Liao Beef Noodles |Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles |Liu Shandong Beef Noodles |Niu Dian Beef Noodles and Yongkang Beef Noodle.



Taiwan is a very popular travel destination for Asian travellers, renowned for its beautiful scenery, rich heritage and culture, diverse Taiwanese cuisine from fine dining to street food and warm hospitality.

Deputy Commissioner Ms. Chen recommendations includes Yangmingshan's splendid post-volcanic geological terrain, Taipei 101 Tower and mesmerizing Taipei City night views. Explore Xiangshan Hiking Trail, take a ride on Taipei MRT, cycle on YouBike bicycles along streets and through the city’s grid-like alleys and ride the Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus.

The
Taipei Fun Pass allows travellers to explore and experience Taiwan in the most fun and relaxing way. Enjoy unlimited rides on MRT, city buses, five Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, 12 top tourist attractions like Taipei 101 Observatory and the National Palace Museum, special discounts and electronic vouchers within the period of validity of the card.
 

China Airlines' Star Feasts - Fun Taipei holiday travel packages by TPE-DOIT at NATAS Holidays 2018 Travel Fair includes super-value premium gift packages with accommodation and meal vouchers provided by the Taipei Hot Springs Association, discount coupons for Al Sorriso, an Italian restaurant which has been commended by Italy’s Gambero Rosso International and Sanhoyan, Taiwanese-cuisine restaurant.

Taiwan Taipei 2018 Michelin-starred restaurants and BIB Gourmand destinations in Star Feasts - Fun Taipei guide with map of Taipei Metro culinary tours is your ultimate guide to discover and savour the best Taipei gourmet specialities tasting with
China Airlines Singapore in #TimeforTaiwan #StarFeastsFunTaipei #星飨宴 玩台北. Visit Travel.Taipei for the latest travel and dining offers, information plus promotions.

 

14 August 2018

Robinsons Kuala Lumpur Four Seasons Place Malaysia Shoppes Flagship Opening

The Four Seasons Place Hotel in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia connects to Robinsons KL Flagship store - The Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, offering a trendy luxury shopping experience. Mulberry, Issey Miyake Baobao, T by Alexander Wang, See by Chloe, Chiara Ferragni shoes, Kendall & Kylie, Kurt Geiger, Tara Jarmon, Dune London, Aspinal London, Needle & Thread, Whistles and Les Merveilleuses Ladurée beauty are some of the 500 brands at Robinsons Four Seasons Place.
 
Situated next to Kuala Lumpur famous landmark the Petronas Towers with Suria KLCC shopping mall  and minutes away from the new upcoming Kuala Lumpur hotels - The Rumah, Four Seasons Place Hotels and private residence,  Robinsons Four Seasons Place excites shoppers with eye catching store façade and 110 exclusive fashion and lifestyle brands of which 65 brands are new in Malaysia.


Get red carpet ready with Robinsons Four Seasons KL shops in a store with Gentlemen's Tonic from Mayfair in London, an award winning luxury spa, grooming and hair concept store and Leekaja Beauty Salon from South Korea, a leading Korean beauty grooming and café lifestyle brand.

Gentlemen's Tonic founded at the prestigious Mayfair in London, have expanded to Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Mexico, New Delhi, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Walk into the quintessentially British designed Gentlemen's Tonic shop on level 2 and be pampered with the signature barbershop service using babassu and bergamot range,  grooming, booster facial treatments or massages for the urban male.

At Leekaja beauty salon at level 1, ladies can indulge in LKJ Cinderella treatment or hair, nails, eyelash, eyebrow and spa treatments and look like a Hallyu Korean star.

Leekaja,  Korean beauty & hair salon brand makes its début in Malaysia at Robinsons Four Seasons KL, after opening the first flagship Southeast Asia store at Mandarin Gallery, Singapore.


Robinsons Four Seasons KL beauty counters include popular brands like Chanel, Dior, Elizabeth Arden, Lancome, IOMA, Sulwhasoo and fragrances by Maison Francis, Cartier, Ellie Saab and Davidoff.

Complete your 2018 Spring Summer wardrobe with curated international labels like Mulberry, See by Chloe, T by Alexander  Wang,  Blackbarrett, Hugo by Hugo Boss, PS by Paul Smith, Alain Figaret, Lord's Tailor, Billionaire Boys Club  G-Star Raw, Cheap Monday to local based creative designers Fiziwoo, Nala designs,  Nurita Harith and Fern.


Designer kid's wear stockists include Emilio Pucci Junior, Fendi Kids, Kenzo Kids, Young Versace and John Lewis Babywear.

Robinsons Four Seasons offers a good selection of  lifestyle gadget brands like Bose, Devialet sound systems, JBL, Leica cameras and Sevenfriday time pieces.

John Lewis, Smeg, LeCruset, Jamie Oliver, Bodum, Typhoon, Royal  Selangor pewter, Nespresso, Roberto Cavalli, Orla Kiely and Tom Dixon are some of the popular brands at Robinsons home household department.


Take a break and relax at La Bodega, Croisserie café or Starbucks Reserve, food and beverages options offered at Robinsons four levels of shoppers paradise.  

At the Personal Shopper Suites, Robinsons Style Consultant Service is offered exclusively for shoppers for assistance in choosing an outfit, suggest gift ideas or home makeover.

Robinsons, the Shoppes at Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur is located at 145 Jalan Ampang, open daily from 10am-10pm, visit 
www.robinsons.com.my for latest Spring Summer 2018 and Fall Winter collections.

05 June 2018

Topshop | Topman Spring Summer 2018 - Pavilion KL Malaysia stores + AR window display

Topshop and Topman Spring Summer 2018 collection takes you Into the wild with drama queen and culture clash trends with the hunted key statement pieces at Pavilion Bukit Bintang Mall, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia stores.
 
Experience Topshop collections through the first of a kind interactive virtual Augmented Reality technology and pat a wild leopard at Topman Summer culture clash window display or be a Drama Queen at Topshop with blooming blossoms and  butterflies taking flights alongside with summer dresses, studded cropped denims, coloured stripes and palazzo pants.

 
 
Beyoncé Ivy Park athleisure Spring Summer 2018 features utilitarian chic with oversized logos in sunny yellow, candy pink and flaming red colour pops, together with the signature monochrome and grey staples.

Topshop Summer 2018 Drama Queen collection and accessories are available at Pavilion KL mall, unit Lot.4.43.00, 4.44.00, Level 4 and Topman Culture clash collection at Lot.4.08.00, 4.09.00, Level 4 . #TSTMIntoTheWild #TopshopMalaysia #TopmanMalaysia

08 May 2018

Singapore Artisan Perfumery Six - New Fragrance Eclat Launch at Tangs Orchard Store

SIX, Singapore's Artisan Perfumery Eclat new fine fragrance debut, joins SIX's first fragrances -  123 Tribeca, 1724 Puka and 27FBiel travel destinations EDT trio editions at Tangs Orchard Department store, Singapore.

La parfumerie by Jason Lee and his Scent by SIX label fine fragrances scent journey was embarked after creating a duo scent for his bride. Eclat, the new fragrance celebrates another milestone with the loving gift of two children in the family.

Partnering with renown Swiss based fragrance house Givaudan, each SIX scent is crafted with the finest quality ingredients handpicked across the globe. The pure essences are extracted and perfected, creating unique scents for each SIX bespoke fragrance collection.


SIX Eclat EDT fragrances encompasses brilliance with miracles, hope, grace and gratitude in an elegant angular bottle with maple wooden cap contrast.

Eclat by SIX is a unisex scent that beckons with base notes of cocoa, vanilla and Tonka beans, Fuji Apple, lavender and mint for mid and neroli, grapefruit and orange flower for top notes.

Shop consciously with SIX fine fragrances that uses eco friendly and sustainable practices, plus all scents are free from ingredients of animal origin and not tested on animals.

 
International Halal perfume in Singapore ? SIX fragrances are produced in compliance with the Code of Practice of the International Fragrance Association conforming to Halal requirements.

SIX fine fragrances Eclat eau de toilette, 30ml at S$76 and   Eclat reed diffusers S$66 are available exclusively at Tangs Orchard Department store level 3, Tangs VivoCity level 1 and Tangs.com.

SIX travel destinations editions scents 123 Tribeca,  1724 Puka and 27FBiel in 20ml cabin friendly size at $66, vial size 3ml trio at S$26 and scented reed diffusers at S$66 are available at Takashimaya, Tangs Singapore, Robinsons and SIX fragrances online shop at www.scentbysix.com 

12 April 2018

Rimowa Supreme luggage 2018 Spring Summer collection + Prices

Travel with Supreme X Rimowa Topas aluminium suitcases to match Supreme X Louis Vuitton wallets and bags like true fashionistas ?

This Spring, take flight with Rimowa carry on Topas multiwheel 45L cabin luggage* in black or red with Supreme signature white print across the aluminium suitcase and check-in the Topas multiwheel 82L for your globetrotting Instagram and Facebook moments.
 
 
Supreme New York 2018 luggage features the made in Germany iconic Rimowa Topas multiwheel suitcase with double TSA combination locks and duo internal Flex-Divider systems.
 

Supreme X Rimowa Topas Multiwheel 45L cabin size are priced at USD1,600 / £1,050 while 82L check-in baggage size price is USD1,800 / £1,150 and for sale at selected Rimowa shops on April 14.

Rimowa X Supreme suitcase collection are available at Supreme New York, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, London UK, Paris France at 11 a.m. local time and online at 11 a.m. GMT and EST on April 12. Supreme Japan will stock Rimowa Topas on April 14.  
 
 *carry on cabin size depends on the Airlines. Check with the carriers before flight departures.

 

09 April 2018

Singapore Airlines World's Best Airline 2018 | TripAdvisor Traveller Awards

The best airline in the world is Singapore Airlines, as voted by TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines 2018.

SIA winning accolades includes Best Airline in the World, Best Airline – Asia, Best International First Class – World, Best Economy Class – World, Best International First Class – Asia, Best Economy Class – Asia, Travellers’ Choice Business Class – Asia and Travellers’ Choice Premium Economy Class – Asia in the popular TripAdvisor list.


Qatar Airways Business Class was voted best in the world while Air New Zealand premium economy - was ranked best. 

TripAdvisor, the international travel planning and booking site uses an algorithm that takes into account the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings by global travellers focusing on outstanding service, quality and value over a 12-month period to determine the award recipients.
 

The top ten airlines in the world according to TripAdvisor travellers are Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Emirates, Japan Airlines, EVA Air (Taiwan), Southwest Airlines (United States), Jet2.com  (United Kingdom), Qatar Airways, Azul (Brazil) and Korean Air (South Korea).

Lexus new LS 500 car launch 2018 at KL Malaysia St.Regis Hotel

The 2018 Lexus LS 500 luxury car sedan flagship model is the crème de le crème of Lexus, the Japanese luxury brand of Toyota. The supreme Lexus LS 500 series is unparalleled with its aesthetic designed infinite luxury craftsmanship, encasing extremely powerful performance with the world's first 10-speed automatic transmission in its class and most advanced Lexus dynamic control system with an all-new 3.5litre twin turbo V6 engine.

Living by its mantra in Omotenashi, Lexus brings true automobile luxury to life with Japanese luxurious interiors rich in Takumi craftsmanship with massage and heated functions, complete with Mark Levinson audio package, its grandeur unveiled at Lexus soirée, in St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

                          


Mr. Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia shared that the new Lexus LS 500, under the visionary leadership by chief engineer Toshio Asahi and chief designer Koichi Suga is the brand’s boldest move in design language and engaging on-road performance, blending a dynamic coupe-like exterior with the spaciousness of a prestige sedan.

Applying the Omotenashi, the Lexus way of hospitality means taking care of the driver and passengers, anticipating their needs, attending to their comfort and helping to protect them from risk.
                              
 
Every LS is produced at the Lexus factory in Tahara, Japan, by only the most skilled personnel. Since 1989, four generations of the LS have been introduced and since become a global model sold in 90 countries.
 

Lexus LS 500 Luxury, LS 500 Executive and LS 500h Executive with a Lexus Hybrid Drive is available for the Malaysia market. Customers have a choice of 2 new colours manganese luster and sonic agate to showcase the Lexus bodylines, with up to 11 exterior colours and 6 interior colours/trims (depending on variant).
 

 
Lexus Malaysia is a division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd and is the exclusive distributor of Lexus models with 7 3S centres located in Mutiara Damansara, Penang, Johor Bahru, Sungai Besi, Kuching, Ipoh, Melaka in Malaysia.

For new 2018 Lexus LS 500 luxury, LS Executive, LS 500h Executive car purchase priced from MYR800,000 and Lexus range of luxury vehicles, visit www.lexus.com.my or call Malaysia toll free line at 1800 88 53987 for more information.

28 March 2018

Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 arrival in Changi Airport | New business class economy cabin

Singapore Airlines (SIA) new Boeing Dreamliner 787-10 with first commercial SQ flight to Osaka and Perth in May 2018 arrived at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from Boeing production facility in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Singapore Airlines is the first in the world to take delivery of Boeing’s newest aircraft 787-10 which is fitted with 36 SIA all-new Business Class fully-flat bed seats and 301 economy seats cabin in the twin aisle aircraft. 
  
 
Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, SIA CEO Mr Goh Choon Phuong, beneficiaries from the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) Katong School, media and invited guests witnessed Singapore Airlines 787-10 plane arrival followed by the traditional water cannon salute celebration.
 
 
Singapore Airlines 787-10 new Business class cabin products feature comfortable 76” fully-flat beds,  personal 18” full high definition Panasonic touchscreen monitor for KrisWorld, SIA’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system, adjustable dividers at centre seats for privacy and forward-facing 1-2-1 staggered configuration for direct aisle access.
 
SIA business class passengers will enjoy ample stowage space for personal items, a business panel with in-seat power supply and USB ports and integrated reading light unit with adjustable lighting intensity.  
 
 
Singapore Airlines new Economy class  ergonomically-designed contour backrests with six-way adjustable headrests ensure comfort during in flight. A  personal storage space for small personal items, a coat hook, USB port and in-seat power supply completes the new SIA 787-10 economy class cabin experience.
 
 
All SIA passengers across cabin class can enjoy complimentary culinary meals, beverages and alcohol, in flight WiFi, GSM phone services and personalised in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience through a customized myKrisWorld with a selection of more than 1,000 movies, TV shows, audio programmes and games from Toca Boca and Sago Mini.
 
Singapore Airlines is the launch airline and largest customer for Boeing 787-10 with 49 aircraft and 20 Boeing 777-9s orders.

Scoot, SIA low cost subsidiary operates both 787-8s and 787-9s to Athens, Honolulu USA, Japan Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo,  Australia Gold Coast,  Perth, Seoul South Korea, Taiwan Taipei and soon Berlin Germany, making SIA the first airline group in the world to operate all three variants of Boeing’s Dreamliner aircraft.
 
 
The all new Boeing Dreamliner 787-10 features  quieter tranquil cabin experience with customisable lighting preferences large electronically dimmable windows and cleaner using exceptional operating efficiency and advanced technology.
 
SIA’s 787-10s will be used on flights up to eight hours and selected Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur flights for crew training purposes. 

Experience  Singapore Airlines 787-10 with new cabin features on SIA flights from Singapore to Osaka and Perth from May 2018. Make your reservations at www.SingaporeAirlines.com .
 

16 March 2018

Scoot Singapore Kuching Malaysia Review Flight Travel + Food tour & Nature itinerary

Scoot to Kuching, East Malaysia from Singapore on board award winning Asia Pacific’s Best Low Cost Airline. The inaugural Scoot flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Kuching International Airport (SIN-KCH)  last October marks Scoot's Airlines first-ever destination in East Malaysia. Scoot's Singapore flights to Malaysia includes Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Ipoh and Kuantan.    


Vinod Kannan, Chief Commercial Officer, Scoot on the inaugural Kuching flight with the passengers were welcomed by a traditional dance organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board.  Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah  and acting CEO, Mary Wan, acting CEO Sarawak Tourism shared that with the new Scoot Singapore flight to Kuching further affirmed  East Malaysia as a ultimate holiday destination for authentic Sarawak cuisine, heritage, culture, nature and adventure tourism.
 
Setting sights on Sarawak
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak located on the mythical island of Borneo, East Malaysia is reminiscent of a secluded paradise, just 85 minutes flight from Singapore.

Scoot Airlines Singapore Kuching Flight review

Scoot Airlines uses Airbus A320 for its short haul flights, 3 by 3 arrangement in the 180 economy seats in the single aisle aircraft. We were booked on Scoot stretch seats with at least 34inches seat pitch, located at front Row 1 bulkhead seats. Scoot super seats with extra legroom seat pitch of minimum 34 inches are located at row 1 to 4, 12 and 13.


Warmly welcomed by the cheerful Scootitude Scoot cabin crew, the flight journey from Singapore to Kuching and back was a smooth flight with no air turbulence.

Seated comfortably with ample legroom at row 1, we enjoyed our pre-ordered Scoot's Premium Selections in-flight deluxe meal with two deluxe sides and a drink.

Scoot’s Premium Selections menu include Singapore Signature Chicken Rice, Signature Nasi Goreng with Chicken  (Halal), Braised Beef Cheek with Penne, Sweet & Sour Fish with Steamed Rice and Teriyaki Chicken, depending on flight routes, available for purchase up to 72hrs before flight.

On Scoot TZ430 Singapore to Kuching flight, we tried Scoot deluxe hot meal - signature Singapore chicken rice, served with salad,  Haagen-Dazs Belgian chocolate ice cream and water. The tender chicken meat goes well with the chicken stock flavoured rice and special chilli sauce.

From Kuching to Singapore flight TZ431, the Nasi lemak hot meal set with chicken chunks, fish tofu, long beans and coconut rice was average and a bit too spicy.



Scoot inflight menu offers hot meals selection from popular Singapore local food like Signature Nasi Lemak, Beef and Mushroom Lasagne, Braised Chicken with Rice, Chicken Corn Curry, Makhani Chicken with Basmati Rice, Roasted Chicken Thigh with Honey Garlic Sauce, Stew Chicken with Rice, Teriyaki Chicken with rice, Tom Yam Fried Rice to vegetarian menu of Pomodoro Fusilli, Spiced Lentils with Basmati Rice and Spicy Oriental Vegetables with Steamed Rice. Light meals choices include Halal food choices like Chicken Ham & Cheese Croissants, Teriyaki Chicken Wrap with Shimeiji Mushrooms, Greek Salad Wrap and kids meal of Cheese hotdog, Snyder’s cheddar cheese pretzels with Ribena cheer pack.

Order Scoot hot meals set with Coca-Cola or Heaven and Earth Jasmine Green Tea + Ritter Sport Milk Chocolate with Cornflakes online and enjoy $4 OFF or $3 OFF Scoot light meal set with Coca-Cola or Heaven and Earth Jasmine Green Tea + Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate.

Walks in the Wild - Kuching Sarawak Malaysia

Soak in Sarawak's richly diverse tourists attractions like Bako National Park, Gunung Gading National Park, World’s first Cat Museum as well as the first Malaysia UNESCO World Heritage site, Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri, Sarawak are on tourists must do checklist.


Sarawak - the world's third largest island, is blessed with the world's oldest rainforests and a wealth of rare flora and fauna.

The perfect countryside to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, explore Sarawak vast mountains caves, spot endangered species and wildlife, extensive coast lines, pristine sandy beaches, exotic cultural festivals and ethnic groups, authentic Sarawak cuisine, a mix of old world charms, heritage and cultural amidst modernization.


Kuching National Parks, wildlife spotting, bird watching and eco-tourism
Bako National Park, Kuching, Sarawak - Board the 25 minutes boat ride from Kampung Bako village and enjoy the river boat ride to Baku National Park, the entrance fee to the park is 20 ringgit. Visit Bako National Park visitor centre for walking trails information and updates.

 
Picturesque and private, Bako National Park is bordered by limestone and sandstone cliffs with remarkable rock formations like the famous Sea Stack along the beautiful coastline.


Borneo's endangered species - proboscis monkey, long-tailed macaque monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, Bornean bearded pig or wild boars, squirrels, monitor lizards, green snakes, rare flora and fauna of Sarawak live in the oldest nature reserve in East Malaysia.


The mostly arboreal rare proboscis monkeys have reddish-brown fur, grey limbs and a white tail and can be spotted  in the forest or mangroves, feeding on young leaves, shoots, sour fruits and seeds. The male proboscis monkeys can be distinguished by its huge pendulous nose and a large pot-belly.

Bako National Park walking trail consists of 16 extensive colour-coded jungle routes walking and hiking options from relaxing forest walk to full-day jungle hikes or overnight camping expeditions.


Walking trails like Telok Paku, Telok Delima and  Telok Assam mangroves are popular for rare and unusual proboscis monkeys spotting. Follow the trails quietly, keep listening and look around to spot the wildlife. Telok Pandan Kecil will lead to one of Bako’s best beach by the coast.

Sarawak Rhinoceros Hornbill, Bornean Banded Kingfisher, Bornean Wren Babbler, and Blue-banded Pitta are some of the divese bird species spotted at Kubah National Park, minutes away from  Santubong National Park which is renown for its sandstone terrain and tall rainforest.


Kuching Wetlands National Park is a a popular place for spotting wildlife like  proboscis monkeys, long tailed macaque monkeys, silver-leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, estuarine crocodiles and birds watching for white-vast bellied sea eagles,  adjutant stork, kingfishers and shore birds.


On our way back to mainland, we met fishermen boats going home with the day's freshly caught seafood of lobsters, crabs, sea urchins, fishes and shell fish.  One fisherman showed us his prized catch happily.


Fresh lobsters, sea urchins and crabs for dinner ? Yes, you could buy from some of the local owner fishermen at extremely low prices like 5 ringgit for a sea urchin, from 20 ringgit for 1 kg of crabs or lobsters before they supply to hotels, seafood restaurants and food centres like Topspot food court. This is great if you have access to kitchen during your vacation, yearn for home cook food or love cooking.


Semenggoh Wildlife Nature Reserve Rehabilitation Centre, Kuching Sarawak East Malaysia

The Borneo Orangutan is an endangered primates of apes and semi wild Orangutans live in Semenggoh Wildlife Reserve Centre where orphaned and injured orangutans are nursed before returning to the wild.

In the natural habitat, the orangutans may visit the park rangers for bananas, fruits and milk during feeding times in the day between 9am to 10am and 3pm to 3.30 pm, offering visitors an opportunity to see them at a closer range.


Gather around the viewing area across the feeding platform and you may spot squirrels and orang-utans swinging from the forest canopy to the lower branches of trees and guided ropes once they hear the flute whistling by park wardens that its snack time.
 
Prince Charles of Wales visited Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and got up close and personal with the Borneo orang-utans as part of his tour in Southeast Asia and India.


Support orangutan conservation with adopt orangutan program where 100% of the funds will be used for Orangutan conservation projects, educational activities to support orangutan conservation and food medication for orangutans in rehabilitation centres.

Besides orangutans, squirrels, birds and other wildlife, there is an enclosed area where crocodiles can be seen sun bathing in the natural habitat.

 
If you like adventure sport, try the guided kayaking or water rafting down the Sungai Sarawak Kiri river (Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching) and explore hidden waterfalls, limestone formations and unspoilt nature or continue for lunch at the Bidayuh tribe.


Kuching City Tour, Sarawak Malaysia.

Kuching,  known affectionately as the City of Cats is unpretentious with quaint charms. Make a pitstop at Kuching city centre roundabout on Jalun Padungan for a souvenir shot.

If you are a feline fan, do visit Kuching Cat Museum in City Hall building, Petra Jaya, the first Cat Museum in the world for cat lovers housing cat photographs, paintings, art and craft and of course cat souvenirs.
 
Kuching is a compact city and easy to explore. Visit Chinatown or take stroll on the esplanade riverside on the south bank of Sarawak River, in the heart of the city.

 
Ride on the local Penambang boat on Kuching Waterfront scenic, jetty hoping to explore the rich heritage and cultural attractions like the Astana, Fort Marguerite, Sultan Iskandar Planetarium, Jalan Taman Budaya Civic Centre tower, Chinese History Museum, Sarawak Steamship Building, Square Tower and the Malay kampungs across the river.

Kuching Food recommendations


Sarawak is renown for springy Kolo mee, delicious Sarawak laksa and Sarawak fried rice. Carpenter street is lined with many local coffeeshops and food centre that served Sarawak kolo mee, Sarawak laksa, pork satay, fried kway teow, prawn mee and wonton noodles that are popular with both locals and tourists.

We visited the coffee shop in front of Lau Ya Keng Temple to satisfy our local food cravings. Walk around the vicinity and look out for crowded coffeeshops with queues at individual stalls for affordable tasty local food.

 
For true blue Sarawak cuisine, try Lepau restaurant with local live music performances, run by ethnic tribal orang ulu in a beautiful Sarawak house decorated with intricate wood carvings and native ornaments.
 
Sarawak orang ulu cuisine dishes we tried includes Ayam pansuh - tender chicken cooked in a bamboo with tapioca leaves, midin jungle fern, a vegetable that locals eat daily, Umai sliced raw fish with onions, chillies and lime juice, fried fish, nourishing chicken soup and calamari  served with Nasi Bungkus (banana leaves wrapped rice).

Homemade coconut ice cream drizzled with home brewed rice wine completes the meal as we unwind in the evening to the local music performances. 
 
 
Always dine where the locals go. For affordable fresh seafood dinners, visit Top Spot, the most popular Kuching food centre located at Kuching waterfront, Level 5, Taman Kereta, Jalan Padungan, 93100 with open air dining area patio serving halal and non halal seafood.


Rows and rows of freshly caught fishes, crabs and lobsters to freshly plucked local vegetables beckons from the bright neon lit stalls in the huge hawker centre with tightly packed seating areas. Take your pick from the selection or ask the chefs to chose for delicious local seafood.

Salted egg yolk egg crab, cereal prawns,  local sharks fin soup, steamed river fish, crispy oyster pancake, squids, bamboo clams, Midin vegetables were some of our selection from Bukit Matta seafood restaurant stall at Topspot food center.


Sarawak souvenirs shopping include Sarawak kolo mee, laska paste, pepper, crab crackers, dried fish fillet, cuttlefish, city café 3-in1 Sarawak coffee, rice crackers, layer cake to name a few.

Rainforest World Music Festival, Kuching Sarawak
Sarawak's Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique music festival that brings together renowned world musicians and ingenious artists from all continents to the extraodinaire island of Borneo, against the magnificient backdrop of the legendary Mt. Santubong.

Jamming sessions, mini concerts, interactive and educational workshops, ethno-musical lectures, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists, local food fair, arts and crafts market and amazing evening performances on the main stage is the winning formula where Sarawak celebrates its 21st anniversary Rainforest World Music Festival this year from 13 to 15 July 2018 at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching. Visit RWMF.net for more information.



Borneo Jazz in Miri, Sarawak is an annual two-day international festival on 11- 12 May, 2018 with eclectic bands and jazz repertoire.

Stay at Kuching luxurious 5-star properties or Hilton Kuching, a hotel located at Kuching waterfront, popular with both business and leisure travellers to clean budget accommodations like Abell hotel, located in the heart of the city centre or home stay with the locals.
 
 
Scoot airline currently fly to a total of 64 destinations in 17 countries including newly launched Scoot  flight destinations Honolulu in the United States of America, Harbin Northeast China, Kuantan Malaysia, Palembang Indonesia and soon, Pekanbaru  Indonesia on May 30 and Scoot to Berlin on 20 June 2018 on Scoot 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 24 young and modern Airbus A320 family aircraft, with four more Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 39 Airbus A320neo aircraft on order.

Book flight tickets at FlyScoot.com or contact Scoot Call Centre. For Scoot updates, visit FlyScoot.com, Facebook.com/FlyScoot, Instagram.com/FlyScoot, and Twitter.com/flyscoot.
 
*Thank you Scoot Airlines and Sarawak Tourism Board for the warm hospitality.

Next : Novotel Singapore On Stevens hotel review and opening launch


PINTEREST

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...