ROAM Magazine_ Issue10

DIVE INTO THE
GO "HOME"
TO TAIWAN
Hospitality
options that put
a new spin on
holidaymaking
THE MAGIC
OF MANILA
Explore the wonders
of a 'city within
a city' at Resorts
World Manila
Maldives!
23RD
MAR – AUG 2012
www.wtstravel.com.sg
5STAR DINING EXPERIENCES • SMARTPHONES • TOURING CHINA WITH BEN YEOOINSIDE
Y O U R T R A V E L E X P E R T
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Foreword
DEAR READERS,
Every passing year brings with it new
opportunities and challenges, and this year
of the Dragon is no exception. With the
coming school breaks and public holidays
on the horizon, competition in the tourism
industry will be fierce.
To stand out from the crowd, WTS Travel hopes
to cultivate an interest in the sector — in terms of
career prospects and professional advancement — among
the youth. With this in mind, we opened the ITE-WTS
Travel Resource Centre at ITE College West (Choa Chu
Kang) early last year. At this facility, youngsters who are
keen to work in the travel industry will be able to learn
important skills there that will bring them far, both professionally
and personally. These include skills such as ascertaining and exceeding
customers’ expectations, telephone etiquette and personal grooming.
WTS Travel has also presented scholarships to students who’ve
performed well and also provided attachment
programmes to give them an important taste of
a real-world working environment. Grooming
new blood also helps to ensure that our level of
customer service is unparalleled. We’re confident
that these fresh faces will quickly adapt to the
demands of this industry while also being able to
provide a wealth of knowledge on our packages
and destinations.
By tapping into the youth, we’re also looking to
reach out to a new generation of travellers. We’re
seeing more globetrotters turning to the Internet
instead of their travel agent for the latest deals and
to book their trips. To accommodate this rising demand, WTS Travel is
also moving into the social media realm. Expect to see more of us on
popular web communities like Facebook and Twitter, where you’ll see
exclusive promos and deals, as well as the latest news updates.
It looks to be a busy — but definitely exciting — year ahead, and
we can’t wait to embrace the changes that will come. You’ll find out
a little of what we have in store in this issue, and we hope that it’ll
inspire you to be a part of our journey as well. Here’s wishing everyone
a happy and prosperous 2012!
With best wishes,
MICKER SIA CHAO CONG
Managing Director
WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd
ENTER THE
亲爱的读者，
一元复始万象新，预示开启全新的机运与挑战，威
猛的龙年当然势头更强劲。随着学校假期及公共假
期的到来，旅游业必有一番激烈的龙争虎斗。
为了能够脱颖而出，WTS旅游积极发掘青少年对
这个领域的兴趣，使他们意识到旅游业的良好事业
前景及专业发展。抱持这项宗旨，我们去年年初已
在工艺教育西区学院（蔡厝港）开设ITE-WTS旅游资
源中心。透过该中心的卓越培育计划，有志投身旅
游业的青少年将能够学习到各种重要技能，从而提
升本身的专业度及品德，这些技能包括确定并超越
客户的期望、电话礼仪及个人仪表形象。
对于表现杰出的优秀生，WTS旅游将提供奖学
金，此外也会提供实习课程计划，为他们精心打造
一个真实的工作环境。透过持续为该领域注入新
血，将有助于确保我们的客户服务水平是无可比拟
的。我们坚信，这批新的生力军将迅速适应旅游行
业的各项需求，同时掌握有关我们的旅游配套及目
的地等丰富的知识。
积极培育新血之际，我们也期
盼能触及更多新一代的旅客。我
们看到更多的环球观光客已改变
传统的做法——咨询他们的旅游
代理，转而透过互联网来寻求最
新的旅游资讯，以及预定行程。
为了迎合急速增长的新时代需
求，WTS Travel也踊跃进军社交媒
体领域。请热烈期待我们在面子
书及Twitter等知名社交网上的活
络身影，那里有各种独家促销、
优惠活动以及最新的新闻信息呈献给您。
展望未来，预计将会是繁忙紧凑的一
年，但也绝对令人雀跃振奋。我们已迫不及
待要拥抱接踵而至的种种改变与突破。在本
期期刊里，您将会发现到我们目前所推介的
一些优质项目，但愿它能激发您美妙的灵感，进而
投入我们的丰盛之旅。谨此恭祝大家万事如意!
祝愿吉祥如意
MICKER SIA CHAO CONG
董事经理
贵宾旅运私人有限公司
龙年畅游
好运来DRAGON
WTS Travel’s Mr
Micker Sia (3rd
from left) and Mr
Voo Wei Keong (far
left) presenting the
scholarship to one
of the ITE students.
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Contents
EDITORIAL
SENIOR EDITOR
Agatha Koh Brazil
EDITOR
Ronald Rajan
WRITERS
Gene Khor, Fairoza Mansor
SENIOR DESIGNER
Neo Aik Sing
CONTRIBUTOR
Gwen Lin
DIVE INTO THE
GO "HOME"
TO TAIWAN
Hospitality
options that put
a new spin on
holidaymaking
THE MAGIC
OF MANILA
Explore the wonders
of a 'city within
a city' at Resorts
World Manila
Maldives!
23RD
MAR – AUG 2012
5STAR DINING EXPERIENCES • SMARTPHONES • TOURING CHINA WITH BEN YEOOINSIDE
Y O U R T R A V E L E X P E R T
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Michele Kho
WTS TRAVEL
EDITORIAL ADVISORS
Voo Wei Keong & Kenny Teoh
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lim Yi-Nyn
For adver sement enquiries, please
email adver sing@wtstravel.com.sg
or michelek@mediacorp.com.sg.
ROAM is published biannually by
MediaCorp Pte Ltd for WTS Travel.
Copyright is held by the Publishers.
All rights reserved.
Reproduc on in part or whole
without permission is prohibited.
Printed in Singapore by KHL Prin ng
MICA (P) 106/05/2010
36 VIEWPOINTS
Stand a chance to win a cool
prize by telling us about your
top travel experience
FEATURES
10 THE MAGIC OF MANILA
The Philippine capital covers
all bases for your holiday fix
18 HEARTWARMING
JOURNEYS
Let Taiwan’s natural beauty
rejuvenate your soul
LIFESTYLE
24 TOUR TALK
WTS Travel helped make
the Powen Group’s 30th
anniversary party a splash
ON THE COVER
14 DIVE INTO THE
MALDIVES!
It’s sun, sand, sea and more
in this tropical paradise
REGULARS
1 FOREWORD
WTS Travel’s Managing
Director Micker Sia gets
ready for the challenges of
the Dragon year
4 WTS TRAVEL NEWS
Check out the latest
WTS Travel news
22 HOT TRAVEL DEALS
Plan your escapes with these
hot destination deals
28 TASTEBUDS
Savour the delights at
Singapore’s most exquisite
fine dining spots
30 TOURTALK
A recent sensory feast in
southern China led by
MediaCorp artiste Ben Yeo
31 TRAVEL INFORMATION
Weather and embassy details
32 STYLISH TRAVELLER
Stay connected and
entertained wherever you are
with these smartphones
34 WHAT’S ON
The latest events happening
around Singapore and
Malaysia
HOT
TRAVEL
DEALS!
SEE P22
14
10
28
HOT
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTRAV
DEA
SE
MAR – AUG 2012
PHOTO:GETTYIMAGES
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4 ROAM
Faye Wong lights
up the stage during
her recent concert.
(Inset) concert
goers brandishing
their goodie bags
A STYLISH SALUTE
On a night characterised by the shimmer of sequins and an all
things colourful — from outfits to characters — WTS Travel’s
most dedicated staff were honoured at the Long Service Award
Dinner 2010/2011. Held on 7 January 2012 at WTS Travel’s
parent company Woodland Transport’s compound at Gul Link,
Tuas, the evening saw motivated employees who have been
with WTS Travel for as long as 20 years being awarded with a
commemorative plaque and prize for their contributions to
the company. The award winners also got to be ‘movie
stars’ for a day, as they were honoured in a special video
presentation that drew thunderous applause from their
peers and management. Everyone present proved
to be a ‘winner’ however, as they were treated to
entertaining performances by professional singers
and getai stars, while $15,000 worth of lucky
draw prizes were won.
THE QUEEN HOLDS COURT
Being the official supporting partner for the
Faye Wong Live 2011 concert in Singapore
Indoor Stadium (29 October 2011) was one of
the highlights of WTS Travel’s stellar year. The
event was billed as a highly-anticipated return
to the spotlight for the Queen of Mandarin pop,
who had not toured or released an album in
over half a decade. Also,the artiste’s take-no-
prisoner approach to the artistic direction and
production of each concert meant that there
were high expectations of this multi-million
dollar stage set up.
In its role for the event, WTS Travel provided
reliable, efficient and courteous service and
helped ensure that all the complex preparations
went ahead without a hitch. For its loyal
customers, the company organised contests
through SMS and Facebook, with close to 20
winners scoring concert tickets worth from $236
to $446 a pair. It also provided items inside the
goodie bags that every concert-goer received,
so that the fans could go home with more than
just memories of an amazing night.
This marks the first time that WTS Travel
has ventured into music event sponsorship.
“In a dynamic marketing landscape such as
Singapore, it is important to look beyond
just exposure from traditional media,”
says Micker Sia, Managing Director of
WTS Travel & Tours. “The WTS Travel brand
aims to stay relevant to its core market as well
as the outlying markets. And we are proud to be
part of this momentous music event”.
The pioneering spirit is not new to WTS
Travel. The company has enjoyed an online
presence on social media platforms such as Twitter
and Facebook for many years now and continues
to look to new media landscapes to interact with
the consumers and adapt to their needs.
WTS TRAVEL NEWS
WTS TRAVEL:
Bringing on
2012!
g
tributions to
be ‘movie
cial video
om their
proved
ed to
gers
ky
e
All dressed up and ready to
party through the night!
4-5 WTS Travel News.indd 44-5 WTS Travel News.indd 4 13/02/2012 5:25 PM13/02/2012 5:25 PM

www.wtstravel.com.sg 5
THE ‘ACE’ OF CLUBS!
WTS Travel has been a trusted name for travellers looking to book
Club Med holidays at destinations across the world for almost a
decade now, and its association with this celebrated purveyor of
‘all-inclusive’ holidays was recently recognised at a gala event.
On 1 December 2011, Club Med paid tribute to its travel agent
partners at the Club Med Night 2011 at Avalon, a club venue at
Marina Bay Sands’ Southern Crystal Pavilion. At the event, WTS
Travel was acknowledged as the No. 2 best performing agent for
Club Med holiday sales in Singapore and its Director Mr Voo Wei
Keong accepted the award on the company’s behalf. This also
marks WTS Travel’s second
year of being within the top
two positions. In Mr Voo’s
view, this achievement is a
milestone for WTS Travel and
is a testament to the dedication
of the company’s tour sales
consultants and Club Med
product team for their highly
effective communication and
product knowledge.
iWIN!
Going on a trip proved to be a very
rewarding experience to one lucky
WTS Travel customer recently.
When Mr Kwan Kok Seng booked
his family a Chinese New Year
vacation for 11 adults to Genting
Highlands at the Travel Malaysia
2012 event, he probably wouldn’t
have guessed he was on his way to
win big in the lucky draw. The iProsperity
lucky draw organised by the travel agency
had many goodies to give away, with the grand
prize of the coveted Apple iPad 2 — which went
to Mr Kwan.
Upon being being notified of the draw result,
the lucky winner immediately made his way to the
WTS Travel office. There, Mr Kwan shared his pleasant holiday
experiences with the staff, adding that he had been able to enjoy
a good Chinese New Year with his family (the one which won
him the prize) thanks to WTS Travel.
Mr Kwan won’t be alone in his win. The year ahead
holds great promise for the rest of WTS Travel’s
customers as well. Look out for more lucky draw
prizes and exciting ways to snag some free gifts at the
upcoming major travel fairs, as well as on WTS Travel’s
Facebook page www.facebook.com/WTStravel.
BONDING OVER BREAKFAST –
WTS TRAVEL’S 2012 AGM
There’s no better way to kickstart the new year than on a
satisfied stomach. With that in mind, the staff of WTS Travel
were treated to a hearty breakfast on 3 January 2012 as part of
the company’s Annual General Meeting at its Bukit Timah Plaza
head office. All the tour desk, operations and management staff
from WTS Travel’s eight Singapore outlets gathered at 9am on
the first Tuesday of the year to usher in a renewed spirit of
solidarity and motivation to achieve even greater success for 2012.
The event started off with a review of the company’s
performance, followed by a commendation of the staff and a brief
message by the various heads of departments. Managing Director
of WTS Travel Mr Micker Sia then gave an inspiring speech in
which he reviewed of the company’s performance in 2011 and
presented the outlook for 2012, which includes new initiatives,
improvements in various aspects of the company and new
incentive structures for those who achieve performance excellence.
The morning’s event also provided an excellent opportunity for
WTS Travel staff to bond and strike up friendships with their
colleagues from other outlets over a good meal.
A happy Mr Kwan
(right) receiving
his prize from WTS
Travel’s Assistant
Marketing Manager
Mr Kenny Teoh
WTS Travel’s Director
Mr Voo Wei Keong
accepting the award
Director Mr Voo and Managing Director Mr Micker Sia
recognising the outstanding outlet and sta award recipients
experienc
a good
him
NOW CRUISING
Marking an auspicious start to the new year, two new
WTS Travel coaches began plying the route between Singapore
and Genting Highlands on 1 February 2012. The two brand new
CEO Gold Cruisers are an impressive addition to the operator,
which is already one of the largest fleet-owners in Singapore’s
travel and tour industry. They each offer plush seating for 39
passengers spread out over two decks in order to achieve greater
privacy and an optimal ride experience. With wider leather seats
that cradle the passengers, and larger legroom, the coaches will
bring passengers to their destination in style, safety and comfort.
And on the subject of comfort, the CEO Gold Cruiser (as
per the majority of the WTS Travel fleet) boasts a hydraulic air
suspension that absorbs bumps and imperfections on the road
to make the passengers feel like they are being transported on
a cloud. No more jarring suspension squeaks and shuddering
cabin vibrations!
Along with these impressive additions, WTS Travel has
added several new pick-up locations for the convenience of
those traveling by coach to Genting Highlands. The new pick-
up locations at Punggol, Hougang, Bishan and Clementi add
to the already comprehensive boarding/alighting points all
over Singapore.
Be sure to also watch out for more WTS Travel outlets coming
to a neighbourhood near you in 2012 as the company has set
its sights on further expansion. This is in line with WTS Travel’s
dedication to progress, convenience and the provision of quality,
attractively-priced travel services.
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6 ROAM
A
lready well-known for its pristine
white beaches and all-inclusive
packages that offer access to
diverse activities and amenities,
Club Med Phuket is one of those places
you thought just couldn’t be made any
better. But not about to rest on its laurels,
the resort embarked on a huge renovation
project in April last year to offer greater
comfort and luxury to its guests.
WINE, DINE, UNWIND
Completed in December 2011, the
makeover infused a fresh vibe to the resort,
with a notable remodelling of its restaurant.
You’ll be spoilt for choice from selecting
between five pavilions to dine in. The names
of each of the dining areas represent the five
human senses — Saveurs (taste), Fragrances
(smell), Music (hearing), Colours (sight) and
Material (touch). Four are air-conditioned,
while the alfresco pavilion will be a sure-hit
for those who enjoy the refreshing Andaman
Sea breeze as they dine.
The international buffet has more
than 90 new dishes in line. Dinner buffet
themes have also been introduced, like
‘Red’, offering dishes based on the colour
of ingredients, and ‘Modern Classics’, which
feature all-time favourites such as Peking
Duck, braised lamb shanks and Tornedos
Rossini (a French steak dish).
Dining will prove an educational
experience for the kids too. Specially
coloured food tags next to the buffet dishes
list their ingredients to show what’s in their
food. This will help them pick a balanced
selection for their meals.
Adding to the dining experience is a new
specialty restaurant. Its decor is inspired by
the Loy Krathong, the Thai festival of lights.
The lights that adorn the ceiling resemble
the paper lanterns launched into the night
sky during the annual event.
You can grab an after-dinner drink
at the bar, a major new addition to the
resort. Oval-shaped and purple, it stands
out among the wooden furnishings and
lush armchairs and sofas that surround it.
However, what makes chilling out here a
true delight is the spectacular unobstructed
panoramic seafront view.
DO IT ALL!
Not sure if you can pry yourself away
from the kids for some private time with
your loved one? Don’t worry; at Petit Club
Med, children from 2 to 3 years old will be
brought on walks by the staff and get to
participate in outdoor activities with other
children. And 4 to 10 year-olds at Mini
Club Med get to participate in the Clean
Art Planet workshop. At this workshop,
children give items that have been washed
ashore a new lease of life by transforming
them into works of art.
At Club Med Phuket, the
best just got better with new
spaces and facilities designed
to give a relaxing holiday
experience like no other.
Advertorial
Senses
AWAKE THE
Take this opportunity to spend quality
time with your partner at the adults-only
Zen Pool overlooking Karon Bay. Lounge in
their comfortable long chairs while sipping
on a cool cocktail. If you prefer a pampering
experience, visit the Club Med Spa. Nestled
in a quiet Zen garden, it offers various Thai
massages and spa treatments.
Other signature Club Med Phuket
escapes are also still available. Grab a game
of golf at the championship nine-hole
course, snorkel and explore the clear blue
waters, or go deeper with their world-class
scuba diving facilities.
With so much in store, what are you
waiting for? Dive into a family experience
like no other. For more information, visit
www.clubmed.com.sg.
6 Advertorial ClubMed.indd 66 Advertorial ClubMed.indd 6 13/02/2012 5:26 PM13/02/2012 5:26 PM

more exclusive
more inclusive
Call 1800-CLUBMED (258 2633) or contact your Preferred Travel Agent to book your All-
Inclusive Package. Visit www.clubmed.com.sg or www.facebook.com/clubmed.sg
Club Med Yabuli-Heilongjiang, China
DISCOVER A WINTER WONDERLAND
AT CLUB MED SKI RESORTS

8 ROAM
E
ating out in Singapore is always exciting,
especially with a diverse assortment of cuisines
to pick from. But standing out — or in this
case, up — from the crowd is the Singapore
Flyer’s Sky Dining experience.
You’re in for more than a four-course dinner
of fine-dining fare at the world’s largest giant
observation wheel. From the moment you arrive,
it’s VIP treatment all the way. You’ll be personally
greeted and ushered by the staff into one of their
28 air-conditioned capsules — priority boarding
of course. The only thing you’ll need to worry
about is picking a main from the four delectable
dishes offered. Aside from the salad, soup and
dessert, dinner mains range from Grilled Snapper with
Mushroom Cream Sauce, Grilled Boneless Chicken with
Roasted Black Pepper Sauce, New Zealand Lamb Rack
with Fusion Mint Sauce and even a vegetarian option of
Potato Croquette.
But because all good things come in pairs, a three-
course lunch that includes a salad, main course and
dessert is also now available. Pick from mains such as
Seabass in Herbs and Bread Crumbs, Pan-fried Chicken
Steak, French Duck Confit served with Brown Sauce, and
a vegetarian option of Potato Croquette.
Throughout the hour-long dining affair, you’ll have
a dedicated in-capsule butler to serve you and attend
Set your tastebuds
soaring skywards
with mouth-
watering fare
to all your needs. As you tuck into your
main course at an altitude of 165m,
you’ll also get to drink in a breathtaking
panoramic view of the Central Business
District’s skyline.
But just because your meal is over
doesn’t mean that the experience is. Step out
of the capsule and into the Journey of Dreams, a
multimedia gallery that provides an interactive look
at the Singapore Flyer’s journey.
You can also end the night chatting about the
experience over a post-dinner cocktail at the Flyer
Lounge, which is managed by the Association of
Bartenders and Sommeliers Singapore. It’s only here that
you’ll get to savour different award-winning cocktails.
With such a wide array of experiences, the setting
accommodates any occasion, whether it’s an intimate
evening with a loved one or a unique meal with friends.
Whatever it is, Sky Dining at the Singapore Flyer truly is
a feast for the senses.
Advertorial
THE
The Sky Dining experience is available daily from
$249++ per couple. Slots are available at 12.30pm,
7.30pm and 8.30pm. Diners are expected to book at
least a day in advance and check in at least half an
hour earlier. For more information on Sky Dining at
the Singapore Flyer, visit www.singaporeﬂyer.com.
High LifeThe Singapore Flyer takes ﬁne dining to new heights –
literally – with their revamped Sky Dining experience.
8 Advertorial.indd 88 Advertorial.indd 8 13/02/2012 5:26 PM13/02/2012 5:26 PM

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Y
ou crave the lively buzz of integrated resorts,
but seek something outside of the familiar
choices in Macau. Look no further than
Manila. In recent years, the city has undergone
a renaissance that has moved it several notches up the
‘must-do’ list of any international traveller. Boasting three
of Asia’s 10-biggest shopping malls, splendid museums
and a dizzying nightlife scene, it’s easy to see the city’s lure
for travellers looking for a complete holiday experience.
There’s certainly much to see and do here. A
colony of Spain for more than three hundred years, the
From retail therapy and entertainment to gourmet indulgences and
cultural gems, the Philippine capital oﬀers you and your family more
than one way to rest and relax. Text GWEN LIN
MANILAGreat Escapes
Philippines then came under the rule of the Americans
and Japanese during the 19th and 20th centuries. As a
result, the country’s capital city has a rich multicultural
vibe that incorporates both Latin and Asian traditions.
And if the promise of historic architecture (see box),
exotic street food and cultural treasures is not enough,
the savvy traveller will be delighted to know that Manila
has a new jewel in its crown. Since its grand opening in
late November 2010, Resorts World Manila has become
a key attraction, with something for everyone in the
family, any day, any time.
Manila
10 ROAM
An aerial view
of Pasig City
Business Area
located in the
heart of Manila
PHOTO:CORBIS
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From a night
out at the club
(above) or
exploring its
many attractive
pavilions (left),
you can do it all
at Resorts World
Manila
IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
A range of accommodation choices awaits you at this
luxury casino resort. Situated in Newport City, Resorts
World Manila is only a stone’s throw away from Ninoy
Aquino International Airport, so you don’t have to travel
much further to fully relax after the flight.
While the resort’s 712-room
Remington Hotel offers serviced
apartments and plush rooms at
affordable rates, Marriott Hotel
Manila — also within the premises
— delivers its renowned brand of
hospitality for well-heeled business
and leisure travellers. Here, guests
can not only unwind in the comfort of
their well-appointed rooms and suites,
but also at Quan Spa and the Health
Club, which is equipped with hot
whirlpools, sauna and steam rooms.
Those who want a taste of
ultimate luxury will take delight in
the lavishly-furnished accommodation options of the all-
suite Maxims Tower. Of the 172 suites there are three royal
villas: each boasts 500 sqm of designer space, complete
with a private pool for a soak any time you like, kitchen
and dining room for intimate dinners, and your very own
massage room. These can be rivalled only by the 600 sqm
Presidential Suite. A sprawling urban sanctuary with a lush
private garden and swimming pool, a master bathroom
with Jacuzzi feature and other top-of-the-line features
and amenities, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
GLORIOUS GOURMET
OPTIONS
You don’t have to go far to sample
cuisines from all over the world. An
international array of flavours are
presented right here at the Resorts
World Manila. Slurp up a bowl of
ramen at the 24-hour Noodle Works.
At this noodle bar, you can also enjoy
Chinese comfort food such as dim
sum and congee. More fine Cantonese
dishes can be sampled at Xi Yan, while
Ginzadon offers inspiring Japanese-
Korean fusion creations. For those
who believe that variety is everything,
the Mecado international buffet
restaurant will whet your appetite with
The Philippines is the world’s third-largest
English-speaking nation, next to the United
States of America and the United Kingdom.
And while US only acquired the Philippines
— together with Puerto Rico and Guam —
from Spain in 1898, the English language had
been introduced to the archipelago much
earlier (1762) by the British. Today, most of the
people in Manila speak Tagalog and English.
Forty per cent of the Filipino language also
happens to be derived from Spanish, so you
would get by pretty well in Manila even if you
spoke only Spanish.

12 ROAM
sights, sounds and smells from the live cooking stations.
Have aperitifs at Pool Side bar, and nibble on grilled morsels
before heading to dinner. And after that, digestifs can be enjoyed
with live performances at the 24-hour Bar 360. There is also a 24-
hour sports bar for those who just want to watch a game of soccer
while downing some ice-cold beers.
For members, there are also exclusive venues such as a buffet
restaurant that boasts its very own cigar lounge. Members looking
for a light bite can also find sandwiches, pastries and desserts
offered round the clock at the International Bar.
THE ART OF FINE LIVING
With four levels of retail options, The Newport Mall is a shopping
haven. Here, those with a taste for the finer things in life will find
a dazzling line-up of the most sought-after merchandise from the
biggest names in fashion and jewellery.
Shop till you drop, then refuel at some of the best restaurants
in Manila. But your high-living experience doesn’t end here. The
Newport Performing Arts Theatre offers exhilaration of another
kind, from gripping musicals and elegant dance performances to
witty stage dramas.
So if an all-encompassing experience is what you’re seeking
on your next getaway, then look no further than this vibrant
‘city within a city’. When it comes to an unforgettable hospitality
experience, ‘Mabuhay (Tagalog for ‘Viva!’)’s the word!
Looking to unwind?
Immerse yourself in the
pool’s tranquil waters
Shop till you drop
along endless
corridors of stores
IF WALLS COULD TALK
Manila was also Spain’s colonial capital when it
ruled the Philippines, and its Intramuros district
was the exclusive enclave of the Spanish
ruling class. Founded in 1571 by
Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi, this 64-hectare site
held within it grand government
buildings, majestic churches and
convents and cobblestone streets.
At the height of Spanish
colonial supremacy,
Intramuros was a
fine demonstration
of European power.
Through the
years, the walled city
has withstood attacks by Chinese pirates
and Dutch forces, and has been taken over
by the British, Americans and Japanese
at different times. But it was the Battle
of Manila at the tail-end of World War 2
1945 that left almost all but the walls of
the city destroyed. Of the 28 magnificent
churches and chapels here, only the Church
of San Agustin, built in 1607, survived the
shelling directed at Japanese troops who
had retreated into the district.
Intramuros was declared a historical
monument in 1951, and plans for
restoration, reconstruction and urban
development were put in place. But it
was only in 1979 that the Intramuros
Administration was created by then-
President Ferdinand Marcos. Today, the
original gates of the city have been restored
and newer buildings are constructed
according to style of Spanish colonial
HISTORICALHIGHLIGHTS
While Resorts World Manila oﬀers all the spoils of a
modern city, just nearby are captivating sites that tell
colourful stories of the past.
The Minor Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception
in Intramuros

times. The walled city remains the place where old
Spanish-era influences are still visible in Manila.
THE EIFFEL CONNECTION
Haven’t got time to fly all the way to Paris to see
the magnificence of the Eiffel Tower? Fret not.
The brilliance of its designer, the French engineer
Gustave Eiffel, can be seen in Manila. Completed in
1891, The Basilica Minore de San Sebastián,
also known as San Sebastián Church, is noted as an
example of Gothic architecture, and also as the only
church in Asia to be completely made out of steel.
Historians have found reports of Eiffel’s involvement
in the early stages of its design, while architects have
confirmed that the overall structure and details are
in Eiffel’s style. Eiffel’s official catalogues also make
reference to the design of a church in Manila.
Then there is Puente de Convalecencia, or
the Ayala Bridge, that lies over the Pasig river. The
original bridge was completed in 1880 but suffered
major structural damage and collapsed only 10 years
later. A new metal structure was built over it and
this was the result of a collaboration between Ayala
y Compania (now Ayala Corporation, Philippines
oldest and largest conglomerate) and the Eiffel
company.
GET AN EDUCATION
One of the oldest universities in the world can be
found in Manila. The University of Santo Tomas
was founded by the city’s archbishop in 1611, and
the institution celebrated its 400th anniversary just
last year. This makes it the longest continuously-
operating university in Asia. While it is relatively
young in comparison to European institutions like
the University of Bologna (founded in 1088) and
University of Oxford (which has records dating
back to 1096), it is about a century older than most
Ivy League institutions in the United States.
你向往综合式度假村的活力，
却又已经玩遍澳门，想换换新
环境？你无需乘长途飞机到拉斯
维加斯：新的度假选择就在不远
处。2010年底隆重开幕的Resorts
World Manila将是你的全新乐园。
作为菲律宾首个24小时营业的综
艺城，Resorts World Manila全天候
热力呈献各种好吃好玩好看的休
闲选择，让你和家人无时无刻都
可以玩得乐翻天！
这个综合式度假村里提供的
是各式各样的住宿选择。Resorts
WorldManila就坐落于Newport
City，紧靠Ninoy Aquino国际机
场 ——在抵达马尼拉后，你无
需再经历长途车程便可以在舒适
的旅店房间内伸展腰身，完全
放松。
拥有1,000个房间的 Remington
Hotel提供的是物超所值的舒适
客房以及服务式公寓；Marriott
Hotel Manila 则为休闲以及商务
客人呈献驰名国际的专业服务。
作为其酒店集团在马尼拉的首家
酒店，Marriott Hotel Manila 带来
的不仅是国际水准的星级客房及
套房——你更可以在 Quan Spa
做保养护理，舒缓精神；或在备
有温泉池、桑拿房和蒸气浴房的
Health Club松懈身心。
如果你寻求的是非凡的奢华
享受，那全套方式住宿的Maxims
Tower是你的上选。172个套房当
中包括3个占地500平方米的Royal
Villa，别墅内的设备除了私人泳
池、厨房饭厅外，还包括一间专
属按摩房，让你寸步不离别墅也
能享受最好的按摩护理。但最奢
琳琅满目的购物选择、令人垂涎的美食诱惑、振奋人心
的艺术表演… 这一切尽在菲律宾马尼拉的名胜世界。
侈的还属 600 平方米的总统套
房：由私人花园、泳池、放映
室，至备有 Jacuzzi 浴缸的主人房
浴室，一切都保证你能享受无上
的豪华体验。
在这里，你无需环游世界
便可尝尽天下美味。24小时的
Noodle Works提供的是各式东方口
味的面食，而 Xi Yan呈献的则是
精致的粤式菜肴。Ginzadon 将以
独具一格的日韩 fusion 料理挑逗
你的味蕾，而喜欢多样化选择的
食客则可到 Mecado 国际自助餐
厅大快朵颐。
晚饭前，不如到 Pool Side酒
吧赏夕阳，喝杯开胃酒。饭后你
也可以到24小时开放的Bar 360 小
酌两杯，便同时欣赏现场表演。
不想错过最热衷的国际运动赛
事，度假村内的24小时 sports bar
则是你一边与志同道合的运动发
烧友观看赛事，一边享受冰啤酒
的好去处。
对于购物爱好者来说，有着
4层购物选择的 The Newport Mall
则是天堂。购物中心每一层呈
献的是皆然不同的商品风格，让
你由更多样化的选择。在这里，
对奢华商品情有独钟的你将能找
到一系列由时装及珠宝业内最具
名声的顶级品牌所呈献的热卖商
品。但The Newport Mall 所呈献的
高雅生活选择不仅于此。
The Newport Performing Arts
Theatre 为你带来的是全然不同的
高雅生活享受。独家呈献的舞台
制作、得奖的舞台剧、歌舞剧等
等表演艺术制作，将为你带来最
感动人的精神粮食！
玩转名胜世界
酒
的
套
做
有
H
享
T
中
V
池池
属属属
能
Manila Cathedral in Intramuros. This
church was rebuilt six times, most recently
after it was destroyed during WWII

14 ROAM
Great Escapes MALDIVES
Enjoy the absolute best of sun, sand,
sea and more at this much-celebrated
haven for holidaymakers. Text GWEN LIN
PHOTOS:ISTOCKPHOTOS
14-17 Great Escapes - Maldives.indd 1414-17 Great Escapes - Maldives.indd 14 14/02/2012 3:52 PM14/02/2012 3:52 PM

ocated in the middle of the Indian Ocean,
scattered like a broken strand of pearls, is a
cluster of islands or atolls. The beauty of their
lush tropical vegetation, powdery beaches
and the surrounding crystalline waters in
jewel hues of azure, turquoise and lapis lazuli
blue is beyond compare. The world knows this place as
the Maldives. A sultanate since the 12th century, this
Muslim country became a British protectorate in 1887.
The Maldives gained independence in 1965, and since
then has established itself as one of the planet’s premier
beachfront getaway spots. Visit it and you’ll quickly
see why.
The cluster of islands is really a series of ancient coral
reefs that were formed around the sides of prehistoric
volcanoes that had sunk into the ocean. The Maldivian
archipelago boasts astounding biodiversity. With over
2,000 species of marine life, sleek reef sharks and gliding
rays are common sights for divers. If you are lucky, you
A scuba diver gets up close and
personal with a shoal of ﬁsh and
a red fan coral in the waters o
the Maldivian coast
might even chance upon a gentle whale shark. Diving
— or even just snorkelling — in the waters off its coast
presents the promise of such colourful and wondrous
underwater sights that it is possible to simply do just that
for days on end and never once tire of it.
The Maldives also offers a smorgasbord of options
when it comes to luxury accommodation. Just about
every international resort group has a presence here,
and boutique establishments offering Maldivian-
style hospitality are aplenty. For the environmentally-
conscious, eco-friendly resorts are also growing in
numbers. Each occupying entire islands, these boast
plush accommodations that provide everything the
holidaymaker can ask for, from expansive dining options
to designer beachwear for satiating that shopping itch.
You will never have to go far for what you desire.
A paradise for divers and those looking for a sunny,
picturesque escape, the Maldives invites all its visitors
to relax. You will never find a Maldivian holiday with a
packed itinerary. But if you should ever wish to do a little
bit more, here are the best things to see and do, apart
from dive and snorkel.
Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque)
Medhuziyaarai Magu, Malé, Maldives
The oldest mosque in the country, the Hukuru
Miskiiy has a history that dates back to 1656.
The somewhat minimalist façade of the mosque
— which is situated in the capital Malé —
may not look promising, but once inside, you will be
charmed by the fine handiwork of craftsmen of a bygone
age. On coral-stone walls are examples of intricately-
carved Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns; and
the ornate woodcarvings and lacquer work have also
made this small mosque famous.
It is also interesting to note that the Hukuru Miskiiy
was built over an old temple that faced west to the
setting sun, rather than northwest towards Mecca.
Permission from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is
required for non-Muslim visitors, and all visitors should
observe the conservative dress code when visiting the
mosque.
See the Sights
L

16 ROAM
The Grand Friday Mosque
156 Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé,
Maldives
Another monument to visit is the Grand
Friday Mosque, also known as the Masjid-
al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu
Al Auzam. The biggest mosque in the
Maldives, it accommodates more than
5,000 worshippers at a time and presents a
magnificent sight with its imposing golden
dome and minaret tower. Situated near the
main jetty of Malé, it is a popular tourist
attraction and throngs of visitors stop by to
take in the impressive architectural structure.
Sultan Park | The National Museum |
National Art Gallery
Lily Magu, Machangolhi, Malé,
Maldives
The Sultan Park is definitely worth a visit — not solely by virtue of
the fact that it houses what remains of the original royal palace, but
also because the public garden is home to the Maldives’ National
Museum and National Art Gallery.
Opened in 1952, the National Museum is the only surviving
palace building. Artefacts such as royal antiquities and coral
sculptures from medieval times are displayed over three storeys,
but the interior of the historical building itself is an attraction. The
National Art Gallery is a space that promotes Maldivian artists and
the biennial Maldives Contemporary exhibition, which is held here,
is not to be missed.
Shop like a LocalMalé Fish Market | The Local Market
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, Maldives
Being a nation surrounded by an expanse that is the Indian Ocean,
it is no surprise that the Maldives’ most popular export is seafood.
And those who wish to catch a glimpse of the fishing action should
definitely head to the Malé Fish Market situated along the beach
front near the Republic Square.
The excitement starts when the fishing boats return around mid-
afternoon with fresh catch. What ensues is a frenzy of activity, with
the hauling of large tails of tuna into the market and negotiations
between sellers and buyers making for memorable sights indeed.
A stone’s throw away from the Malé Fish Market is The
Local Market where Maldivians from all walks of life congregate.
While the majority of the produce consumed in the Maldives is
imported, here you will stalls selling local vegetables, fruits, nuts,
and processed foods such as breadfruit chips, and homemade
sweets and pickles. And if you are looking for something uniquely
MONEY
The currency of the Maldives is the rufiyaa, which
is pegged to the US dollar. While the rufiyaa can
be used at local markets and eateries, the US
dollar is accepted and preferred all around Maldives.
TIPPING
A service charge of 10% service tax is added to
just about everything you pay for in the Maldives,
so tipping is not compulsory. However, a token of
appreciation (eg. Rf1 (US$1) per bag to porters and Rf10
per treatment for massage therapists) is always welcome
by service sta at hotels and restaurants.
ETIQUETTE
The island resorts may seem extremely
westernised, but the Maldivians are generally
conservative and Islam is the predominant religion
of the country. While bikinis are perfectly acceptable on
the private beaches, modest attire covering the shoulders
and thighs is required at restaurants, even within the
resorts. And while visiting Malé and its mosques, one
should pay attention to observe and respect local
customs.
CLIMATE
A tropical country, the Maldives enjoys a warm
climate throughout the year. While showers are
common, December to April is when humidity is
low. March to October are the best times for surfing, but
diving is good year-round.
So what are you waiting for? For more information, call
6466 8558 or email enquiries@wtstravel.com.sg for
travel packages or Club Med holidays to Maldives.
The Grand Friday
Mosque in Malé
BEFORE YOU GO
1
2
3
4
i h fi hi h

马尔代夫群岛，如断线的珍珠链
散落碧绿的印度洋中。各个热
带小岛给度假者带来的不仅是翠
绿的自然美，更是洁白的沙滩以
及无以伦比的清澈海水－就是
在岸边浅水处漫步，你也能看到
各种鱼只，甚至小鲨鱼在水中的
优雅姿态。
群岛围绕被海水淹没的史前
火山而形成，其实就是古老的
珊瑚礁岛屿。群岛周围的自然
生态特别多样化，单单鱼类便有
超过2,000种。色彩斑斓的珊瑚
鱼、体态如幽浮的蝶鱼、甚至世
界上体积最大的鲨鱼——温顺的
鲸鲨，都可以在马尔代夫水域中
看到。因此，浅水以及浮潜成为
来马尔代夫的度假人士最钟爱的
活动 —— 就是连续一个礼拜浅
水也能天天都有新体验。
马尔代夫呈献的更是多样化
的奢华住宿选择。近乎所有国际
度假村都在此占一席之位，而较
小型的精品酒店也不胜枚举。近
来，提倡环保意识的eco-resort也
进驻马尔代夫，为崇尚大自然的
旅客增添选择。度假村一般都各
自占据一整个小岛，因此设施特
别完善，让旅客可以寸步不离小
岛亦可享受各类休闲活动、美轮
美奂的三餐饮食选择等。
但想暂离度假村，你也可以
到马尔代夫首都马累岛观光。其
中不可错过的景点便包括建立于
1656年的 Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday
宝蓝的人间天堂
Mosque)。这是马尔代夫最古老的
清真寺，室内处处可见古代工匠
可比天工的雕刻手艺。The Grand
Friday Mosque则是另一个受欢迎
的景点。此回教堂也称Masjid-al-
Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al
Auzam，是马尔代夫规模最大的
回教堂。
对历史以及传统艺术有兴趣的
朋友也可以到位于 Sultan Park 的
National Museum 以及 National Art
Gallery。公园为皇室宫廷遗址，而
其国家博物馆更由皇宫仅存的一
栋3层楼建筑物改造而成。于1952
年开设的博物馆陈列不少皇族遗
物，但历史悠久的王庭建筑物也
是吸引游客前来的因素之一。同
样位于苏丹公园内的National Art
Gallery 则专注展出当地画家的作
品，重点在于提倡当地艺术。
马累街道上有不少贩卖纪念
品的小摊子。但想看看当地人
光顾的集市，那你就必须到码头
附近的Malé Fish Market 和 Local
Market。海鲜是马尔代夫销量最
高的出口货，当地的鱼市场自然
多姿多彩。虽然大不如东京筑地
拍卖市场，但也人潮汹涌。附近
的当地集市则售卖各式土产，如
蔬果、豆类以及各式加工食品。
其中，最具特色的便是当地人用
来配饭，名称rihaakuru的吞拿鱼
浓缩酱料。想购买有特色的食品
当手信带给亲友，不妨到这儿
逛逛。
代夫
马尔
Maldivian to take home, the rihaakuru is your answer.
A thick paste made from boiling tuna stock over several
hours, it is a local speciality which Maldivians enjoy with
rice or flatbread.
Go on an ExcursionThere are more ways to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives
and excursions by sea are popular. One of them is a
unique chance to go on a submarine ride. A 45-minute
dive brings you first to 25 metres under the water, and
then to a second stop 40 metres down. This allows
non-divers to go deeper underwater than they usually
can, and accords all the opportunity to observe sea
creatures at different depths — in dry comfort. Whale
Submarine expeditions can be arranged through your
hotel concierge or visit www.whalesubmarine.com.mv.
And if you are staying in the Maldives for more
than a week, you can even go on a seven-day luxury
cruise that will take you to the best dive sites, exclusive
resorts, untouched Maldivian villages and even
uninhabited islands. Visit www.atollexplorer.com for
more information.
A gallery of exotic marine life awaits explorers on
board the Whale Submarine tours
A fisherman carries a catch of skipjack tuna from his boat to
the fish market where they will be sold on the spot in Malé
Harbor, Maldives. Skipjack tuna and yellowfin tuna are the most
common species caught in the Maldives
PHOTOS:CORBIS&ISTOCKPHOTOS

18 ROAM
TAIWANGreat Escapes
逛台北士林夜市、吃
遍路边特色小吃、
到台北101尽情购物
这是许多人对台湾假期的印象。
但有高山岛屿之称的台湾，也拥
有许多特殊地形及奇特的地理景
观，为游人呈献的更是秀丽的国
家公园、森林游乐区、休闲农
场等让你进距离接触大自然的景
点。希望放慢脚步，重温简朴生
活的城市人也能在这里找回简单
的快乐。
自然自在
日月潭的优雅浪漫、阿里山那振
奋人心的壮丽日出、绿岛的海底
山好水好人更好。翠绿的自然美景和台湾人的真诚与热情，
必定让你不仅满载而归，更能满心欢喜。
温馨之旅
温泉、这些最壮观独特的自然界
美景，尽在台湾。其中，花莲太
鲁阁国家公园——即台湾第 4 座
国家公园——更以令人叹为观止
的悬崖峭壁称为国际著名地理景
观之一。太鲁阁峡谷包括名列台
湾百岳的高山 27 座，除了欣赏
雄伟的峡谷外，游客们亦可在公
园内的长春祠静赏山谷中飞泻而
下的澎湃瀑布；或是到怡人的温
泉松懈身心。丰富的天然资源构
成一个全面性的自然休闲天堂。
如果想泡温泉，你也可以到鹿野
溪游季温泉: 这个养生健康温泉与
红叶温泉同属碳酸温泉，水无味
清澈可饮，泡汤后甚至不需要淋
浴，擦干即可，是最优质的泡汤
泉之一。而南投县信义乡陈有兰
溪畔的东埔帝纶温泉，位于郡大
山及望乡山的山脚下，面向玉山
北峰尾棱。其位置为各方山谷汇
集地，因此气流季风皆为山壁所
挡，四季如春，冬暖夏凉。其温
泉属弱碱性碳酸氢钠泉，水温约
摄氏 45 度，即使第一次泡汤也非
常容易适应。东埔帝纶温泉也附
有露天及室内温泉 SPA 水疗馆，
备有各种设施供游客尽情享受泡
汤乐趣。
但这宝岛呈献的不仅是山区
的秀丽景色，更是独特的海湾生
态奇景。北起特殊海岸地形的东
阿里山奋
人心的壮
丽日出
台湾
HEARTWARMING JOURNEYS
18-21 Great Escapes - Taiwan.indd 1818-21 Great Escapes - Taiwan.indd 18 14/02/2012 4:01 PM14/02/2012 4:01 PM

北角暨宜兰海岸国家风景区、北海岸及
观音山国家风景区；东部海岸国家风景
区及花东纵谷国家风景区的绿色走廊；
再往南则是带热情南国风味的大鹏湾国
家风景区。这个由海洋环绕的岛屿，是
爱好大自然者享受碧海蓝天的美妙人间
仙境。其中，野柳地质公园更是不容错
过。在此，你可在主要地形景观及小地
形景观饱览大自然的鬼斧神工。其中著
名的景点包括及其形象的女王头、仙女
鞋等。但说到海湾美景，自然不忘提澎
湖。位置台湾海峡的澎湖群岛星由90
个岛屿组成，是台湾景色最为怡人的海
岛。在这里，游客可以缓慢的脚步享受
最惬意的假期：不论你选择划独木舟、
垂钓、到东海作珊瑚礁浮潜、到水鸟
保护区赏鸟，或体验澎湖最具特色的水
上活动——到海洋牧场饱尝最新鲜的海
鲜，澎湖总有属于你的活动。
多元化的自然环境，造就台湾多姿
多彩的自然生态。宝岛盛产高质量蔬菜
水果早已是众所皆知的事，但你可否知
道台湾也是各种奇妙生物的家乡？
在八卦山欣赏老鹰翱翔的优雅
英姿、闻名遐迩的蝴蝶王国
当然，饲有两百多只孔
雀及名贵禽鸟的环湖
公路孔雀园也能让
你接近台湾精彩
的动物世界。
想进一步与
小动物们近距
离接触？或是
多彩的自然生态宝岛盛产高质量蔬
水果早已是众所皆知的事，但你可否
道台湾也是各种奇妙生物的家乡
在八卦山欣赏老鹰翱翔的优
英姿、闻名遐迩的蝴蝶王
当然，饲有两百多只
雀及名贵禽鸟的环
公路孔雀园也能
你接近台湾精
的动物世界
想进一步
小动物们近
离接触？或
优雅浪漫
的日月潭
花莲太鲁
阁国家公
园山谷中
飞泻而下
的瀑布
野柳地质
公园的女
王头
PHOTOS:CORBIS&ISTOCKPHOTOS

20 ROAM
渴望感受田园生活的简单快乐？那
台湾各处的特色度假村必定能让你
有最非一般的假期体验。在苗栗的
飞牛牧场，你可参观收割牧草、喂
牛、挤牛奶等活动。同时，牧场内
设有蝴蝶生态区、可爱动物区、有机菜园、翠绿森
林等，让你可以更深层体验自然之旅。
人文台湾
造就台湾的不仅是奥妙的大自然，更是台湾纯朴热
情的人民以及他们丰富多姿的文化历史。当然，说
文化历史，第一个让人想起的便是驰名国际的国立
故宫博物院。陶瓷、铜器、翡翠、刺绣、字画中国
宫殿式建筑里收藏的70万件国宝，每一件都诉说著
中国五千年文化的菁粹，让人不禁感叹中华文化之
博大,是造访台湾旅客必游之处。
但台湾的文化不限于博物馆。大街上、小后巷
里、古朴的小区内，都满满地是台湾多姿多彩的人
文。在台东花莲的阿美文化村认识山胞从前的生活
型态、与原住民共舞尽情唱快乐的山歌；到高雄县
美浓镇的美浓客家村参观制作传统油纸伞及手工竹
艺术品这些都是唯独在台湾可体验的悠久文化。
华人说：“民以食为天”。台湾当地文化自然也
对吃特别讲究。美浓镇的客家美食如米反条、清冰及
擂茶；淡水老街的阿婆铁蛋、阿给、淡水鱼丸；九
份的草仔米果、蕃薯芋头丸、潮洲鱼丸等各式小吃这
些都造就了旅客们美味的台湾假日体验。
人情台湾
但有一种方式，让你不需要穿街走巷，便可感受浓
浓的台湾人情味。这就是民宿假期。民宿假期在台
湾已经是非常成熟的市场，选择琳琅满目。如何从
中挑选最优质的民宿，还需要有独到的眼光和一定
的旅游经验。
但台湾优质民
宿联盟却为不知从
何开始选择的游
客提供最全面的方
便。其联盟成立于
台湾中部的乡下，
理念很简单：通
过“多位用生活说
故事的主人，带您
一趟深刻的旅程”
。联盟的民宿主人
相信旅行是“一种渗入、一种参与、一种视野的扩
大”，而住民宿的精彩就在於体验真是的在地人民
生活，一种当地生活样貌的展现。
遍布台湾的34名民宿主人，所提供的住宿各有各
的特色。位于九分的八番坑及旧道口民宿呈献的是
九分古朴的建筑风格以及粗旷率真的山城性格；桃
源县的福缘山庄则位于台湾最有氧的拉拉山风景特
定区，民宿是颇有瑞士山庄情调的独栋木屋。苗栗
县南庄村山林中的栗田庄则由群山环保，春来可赏
樱花，秋季赏红枫，民宿建筑风格宛如美国小镇庄
园，让人感觉仿佛置身于西方国家。三义一带的卓
也小屋为游人呈献的则是古朴的水乡风情，是山林
中的现代桃花源；而附近的福轩养身馆则结合现周
围自然环境的优异及代设备的方便，为游客提供最
舒适最贴近自然的住宿选择。
各种不同风格情调的住宿，每一个背后都是台湾
当地主人的人生故事。想深入感受台湾，下榻民宿
必定是你最佳选择！

T
he beauty of the Sun Moon Lake, the awe-
inspiring sunrise at Alishan — these wondrous
natural sights and more are found in Taiwan.
Add to that the impressive valleys and cliffs
at the Taroko National Park — one of the country’s
four national parks which also boasts majestic waterfalls,
and hot springs — and it’s quickly apparent that Taiwan
is a perfect getaway for the traveller who is looking
to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If hot springs are your thing, you can also treat
yourself to a relaxing session at the Lu Yeh River
Travel Season Hot Spring: its acidic spring water is
said to be therapeutic, and even suitable for drinking.
In Nantou province, the Donpo Tilun Hot Spring is
another attraction. Surrounded by mountains, the hot
spring spa is well-sheltered from harsh winds and remains
pleasantly cool all year round.
But Taiwan is known not just for its mountain
scenery. An island surrounded by the ocean, it boasts
picturesque coastal regions. At Yehliu Geopark at the
the country’s northern tip, hauntingly beautiful rock
formations along the coast promise to intrigue, while at
the Penghu Islands, one can take in the beauty of coral
reefs. Here, you can also take part in a range of water
activities such as fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoy the
rustic lifestyle of the islands’ coastal towns.
Indeed, the simple life is what many holidaymakers
seek in Taiwan, and perhaps there is no better place
to experience this than in one of the many farm stays
around the country. The Flying Cow Leisure Farm in
Let the island’s refreshing natural beauty and heart-warming
hospitality rejuvenate your soul. Text GWEN LIN
Miaoli is one such example, and here you get first-hand
experience of life on a farm. Facilities such as a butterfly
sanctuary, an organic farm and a petting zoo also serve
to add fun to your stay.
Apart from farm stays, another form of accommo-
dation that is gaining popularity among travellers to
Taiwan is the homestay. For those who believe that a
holiday should be an interactive experience that allows
them to involve, engage and understand the people of
the country, homestays are an excellent option. After all,
what better way is there to learn about people than to
live with them?
For those new to homestays, choosing a suitable
place can be challenging as the choices are simply
overwhelming. To help tourists pick the best of the best,
a group of homestay owners have come together to
form the Taiwan Excellent Pension League. With
34 members who believe in delivering hospitality with a
lot of personality, the group offers homestay options all
across Taiwan.
Be it an outdoor adventure, a quiet village retreat, a
holiday by the sea or a luxurious vacation in a mountain
lodge that will have you feel like you are in Europe, there
is a unique home on the island for just about every kind
of holidaymaker.
A HOLIDAY
TAIWAN
Taroko
National Park
Sunrise at Alishan
Experience a di erent kind of holiday
in fascinating Taiwan. For more
information on Taiwan Minsu (Farmstay)
packages, call 6466 8558 or email
enquiries@wtstravel.com.sg.
PHOTO:CORBIS&ISTOCKPHOTOS

22 ROAM
Travel Deals
CAMBODIA (Land Tour Only)
3D2N Siem Reap F&E FROM S$78
3D2N Phnom Penh F&E FROM S$88
3D2N Phnom Penh Discovery FROM S$238
4D3N Angkor Wat Discovery FROM S$228
5D4N Cambodia Experience FROM S$338
VIETNAM (Land Tour Only)
3D2N Ho Chi Minh F&E FROM S$108
4D3N Saigon Discovery FROM S$238
3D2N Hanoi F&E FROM S$108
4D3N Hanoi Heritage FROM S$438
6D5N Mesmerizing Hanoi Sapa FROM S$738
KOREA
Include Korea Air / GV10
7D6N Korea Fun Snow Ski FROM S$1,108
8D7N Korea Ski Sensation FROM S$1,228
8D6N Korea Magical Winter + Jeju FROM S$1,298
JAPAN
ANA Packages (Include All Nippon Airways / GV20)
7D Honshu Experience FROM S$2,288
7D Kyushu FROM S$2,288
7D Hiroshima FROM S$2,388
7D Hokkaido Delights FROM S$2,288
TAIWAN (Land Tour Only)
Experience Taiwan Minsu Stay FROM S$99
4D3N Taiwan Shopping & Hot Spring FROM S$198
6D5N Taiwan Shangri-La Leisure Farm/Jiaushi
Hotspring
FROM S$378
7D6N Taiwan Super Value Tour FROM S$358
7D6N Hualien/Taitung Hotspring/
Hi-Speed Rail
FROM S$428
NEPAL (Land Tour Only)
6D Scenic Nepal FROM S$598
8D Scenic Nepal FROM S$788
10D Wonders Of Nepal FROM S$988
AUSTRALIA (Land Tour Only)
4D3N Adelaide F&E FROM S$448
4D3N Sydney F&E FROM S$398
4D3N Melbourne F&E FROM S$358
4D3N Perth F&E FROM S$368
3D2N Brisbane F&E FROM S$338
PHILIPPINES (GV2 With Philippines Airlines Ticket)
4D3N Manila F&E FROM S$338
4D3N Cebu F&E FROM S$448
4D3N Boracay F&E FROM S$458
INDIA (Land Tour Only)
5D4N Golden Triangle Tour FROM S$698
7D6N India Delights - Shilla/Kulla/Manali FROM S$998
8D7N India Winter Experience + Srinagar FROM S$1,098
9D8N Incredible India FROM S$1,198
MALAYSIA (Land Tour Only)
3D2N Penang F&E FROM S$138
3D2N Langkawi F&E FROM S$128
3D2N Kuching F&E FROM S$128
3D2N Kota Kinabalu F&E FROM S$118
4D3N Ipoh & Pangkor Island F&E By Firefly FROM S$250
THAILAND (Land Tour Only)
3D2N Bangkok F&E (3rd Night Free) FROM S$128
4D/5D Bangkok Pattaya FROM S$218
5D Chiangmai /Chiangrai /Bangkok
By Thai Airways
FROM S$468
3D2N Phuket F&E (3Rd Night Free) FROM S$118
3D2N Unseen Beauty Of Krabi Tour
(3rd Night Free)
FROM S$158
3D2N Koh Samui (3rd Night Free) By Silk Air FROM S$459
INDONESIA (Land Tour Only)
3D2N Relaxing Bali Tour (3rd Night Free) FROM S$148
3D2N WOW Bali Villas Lifestyle FROM S$298
4D3N Bali Share The Joy By Garuda Or
Qatar Airways
FROM S$388
4D3N Jakarta Bandung Tour
By Garuda Indonesia
FROM S$448
3D2N Lombok F&E (3rd Night Free) FROM S$218
MALDIVES (Land Tour Only)
5D3N Angsana Ihuru Maldives FROM S$1,398
5D3N Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Maldives FROM S$1,418
5D3N Adaaran Club Rannalhi FROM S$838
5D3N Sheraton Maldives Fullmoon Resort FROM S$858
CHINA TOUR (Included air tickt, excluded taxes )
3/4D Pearl River Delta Gourmet Tour FROM S$268
5D Cosmopolitan Shanghai & Beyond + 2N HKG FROM S$398
5/7/8/10D Fujian FROM S$398
6D Hainan High Speed Train Experience FROM S$498
7D Guangdong FROM S$598
5/6D Beijing + 2N HKG FROM S$458
8/9D Hunan-Zhangjiajie + Yangtze River Cruise FROM S$848
8D Shangdong Spring Flower
(or Picking Fruit in Summer )
FROM S$1,038
HONG KONG (Included air ticket, excluded taxes )
3D2N Hong Kong Free & Easy FROM S$338
4D3N Hong Kong Disneyland Stay FROM S$528
4D3N Hong Kong Macau Overnight FROM S$468
5D4N Hong Kong Disneyland + Ocean Park
Family Fun
FROM S$628
5D4N Hong Kong / Shenzhen Twin Cities FROM S$408
WTS Travel
TOUR PACKAGES
22-23 Travel Deals.indd 2222-23 Travel Deals.indd 22 13/02/2012 5:31 PM13/02/2012 5:31 PM

MACAU (Land Tour Only)
3D2N Macau Experience FROM S$195
Batam
1D Batam City Tour FROM S$30
1D Batam Barelang Tour FROM S$39
2D Harmoni One FROM S$66
Crown Vista FROM S$62
2D Golden View FROM S$62
2D Planet Holiday FROM S$75
2D Turi Beach FROM S$87
2D Harris Resort Waterfront/Batam Centre FROM S$75
2D Batam View FROM S$72
Bintan
2D Bintan Lagoon FROM S$113
2D Nirwana FROM S$125
2D Mayang Sari FROM S$128
Malaysia
3D Must go Genting Promotion FROM S$98
3D Furama KL Special Promotion FROM S$158
3D Royale Bintang KL FROM S$170
3D Berjaya Times Square KL FROM S$208
3D Sunway Lagoon KL FROM S$248
2D Malacca Free & Easy FROM S$98
2D Malacca with City Tour FROM S$128
2D Port Dickson FROM S$160
2D Cameron Highlands FROM S$168
2D Beraja Hills Bukti Tinggi FROM S$148
2D Desaru Lotus Resort FROM S$98
Note: All prices and details are subject to change with or without prior notice.
WTS Travel
Outlets
HOTEL GRAND CENTRAL
Phone: +65- 6735 8558
Fax: +65- 6735 7677
Address: #02-03 Hotel Grand Central (Orchard)
Singapore 229617
Email: tour.orchard@wtstravel.com.sg
Opening Hours: 7am-7pm (Mon-Fri),
7am-2pm (Sat),7am-11am (Sun)
TAMPINES 1
Phone: +65- 6587 8558
Fax: +65- 6782 8974
Address: 10, Tampines Central 1 #04-16,
Tampines 1 Singapore 529536
Email: tour.tpp@wtstravel.com.sg
Opening Hours: 10:30am-10pm (Daily)
ANG MO KIO
Phone: +65- 6452 2262
Fax: +65- 6452 3303
Address: No. 861,Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Teck
Ghee Community Club, #01-02
Singapore 569734
Email: tour.amk@wtstravel.com.sg
Opening Hours: 10am-7pm (Mon-Sat)
Closed on Sun & Public Holidays
BUKIT TIMAH PLAZA
Phone: +65- 6467 8558
Fax: +65- 6465 7677
Address: 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, #B1-59,
Bukit Timah Plaza, Singapore 588996
Email: tour.bt@wtstravel.com.sg
Opening Hours : 10am-8pm (Daily)
BUKIT PANJANG PLAZA
Phone: +65- 6764 8558
Fax: +65- 6764 7557
Address: 1 Jelebu Road,#04-06, Bukit Panjang
Plaza, Singapore 677743
Email: tour.bp@wtstravel.com.sg
Opening Hours : 10am-9:30pm (Daily)
CHOA CHU KANG LOT 1
Phone: +65- 6346 8558
Fax: +65- 6892-8151
Address: 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4 #04-14,
Lot One Singapore 689812
Email: tour.cck@wtstravel.com.sg
Opening Hours: 10am-9:30pm (Daily)
ITE COLLEGE WEST (CCK)
Phone: +65- 6512 4555
Fax: +65- 6760 7377
Address: ITE-WTS Travel Resource Centre
ITE College West, 1 Choa Chu Kang
Grove
#2202 Singapore 688236
Email: itewest@wtstravel.com.sg
Opening Hours: 10am-7pm (Mon-Sat)
Closed on Sun & Public Holidays
CAUSEWAY POINT
Currently undergoing an exciting
makeover and is due to resume operations
in August 2012.
SUPERSTAR VIRGO STRAITS OF
MALACCA & SOUTH CHINA SEA
Fares valid 1 April to 29 September 2012
1-NIGHT HIGH SEAS CRUISE (FRI/SAT)
Low Season From S$210 per person (Twin sharing)
Mid Season From S$245 per person (Twin Sharing)
2-Night Malacca/Kuala Lumpur or
Redang Cruise (WED)
Low Season From S$460 per person (Twin Sharing)
Mid Season From S$530 per person (Twin Sharing)
2-Night Redang Cruise (FRI)
Low Season From S$680 per person (Twin Sharing )
Mid Season From S$750 per person ( Twin Sharing )
3-Night Penang/Phuket or Phuket/
Langkawi Cruise
Low Season From S$790 per person (Twin Sharing )
Mid Season From S$895 per person (Twin Sharing )
TERMS & CONDITIONS
• All Fares are in Singapore dollars and do not include
passenger handling charge and optional land tours.
• The fares are applicable to Singaporeans, foreigners holding
employment passes, permanent residents (PR) or work
permit holder status in Singapore only (minimum 1 holder
per cabin).
• Single fare passengers pay 150% of the twin-sharing fare.
• Infants (above 6 months and below 24 months pay 25%
of twin-sharing fare (applicable only upon 2 full paying
passengers).
• Other terms and conditions apply.
22-23 Travel Deals.indd 2322-23 Travel Deals.indd 23 13/02/2012 5:31 PM13/02/2012 5:31 PM

24 ROAM
B
eing in business for three decades is quite an
achievement, so the Powen Group decided to
commemorate the event a little differently —
on a cruise ship! In September last year, the
building and M&E (mechanical & electrical) engineering service provider held
their 30th Anniversary Celebration & Appreciation Award 2011 onboard the
SuperStar Virgo.
With the help of WTS Travel, the Powen Group held an afternoon of
games and awards for management and staff, together with their families,
in the ship’s Galaxy of the Stars lounge. The company’s managing director
Mr Chia Han Pheow gave a rousing opening speech, followed by executive
director Ms Anna Seng, who kicked off the festivities.
A slide presentation detailed the Powen Group’s 30 years of growth,
before the occasion was marked with a cake-cutting and a champagne
toast ceremony. Keeping to the upbeat tone, managers came onstage to
announce the promotions of 12 staff from their respective departments. To
encourage the staff to mingle and get to know each other, games to break
the ice were played for the next half an hour.
The Appreciation Awards were next, recognising staff who had stuck
with the company for the last five, 10 and 15 years. The spotlight was then
MICE/Event Highlight
With WTS Travel’s help, the Powen
Group’s 30th cruise ship birthday
bash was a party that no one would
soon forget.
Ocean
MOTION
The SuperStar
Virgo, which set the
stage for some
unforgettable
revelry
If you want to throw a shindig that your
employers and colleagues won’t soon forget, look
no further than WTS Travel’s MICE department.
They’re a total solution provider, no matter what
the group or corporate travel requirement.
Among services on o er are:
• Organising corporate team building
programmes
• Creating customised themed events locally or
internationally
• Holding professional conferences and
meetings, as well as product launches
• Giving Pre and Post-incentive and conference
travel programmes
• Managing cruise ship movement and ground
handling services
• Providing destination management services
like arrivals, departures, transfers and
sightseeing tours
So what are you waiting for? For more
information, call 6314 8558 or email
mice@wtstravel.com.sg now!
PARTY PLANNER
thrown on Ms Ng Siok Hwee and Mr Wan Suen Foon,
who received Special Awards from Mr Chia personally
for their 30 years of service.
They weren’t the only ones who walked away with
something. 50 lucky staff were picked randomly in a
computerised lucky draw and won prizes ranging from
Apple iPad 2s to Internet TVs, with a Mitsubishi Starmax
System 3 Aircon as the top prize. In a separate bonus
draw, three travel packages to Malaysia by WTS Travel
were also thrown into the prize pool, which added a few
more smiles to the group.
The Powen Group family were then invited onto
the dance floor to let their hair down and party up,
while thumping beats blasted from the sound system.
However, as the day wound down, the group came
together for a photo to signal the end of the day.
However, the party was far from over, as they were led
to the SuperStarVirgo’s restaurant Bella Vista and served
sumptuous Western and Asian cuisine. It was a thankful
respite, especially to those who had built up an appetite
from dancing earlier.
ON THE
The Powen Group’s employees
were all smiles by the end
of the day
The Powen Group’s employees
24 MICE.indd 2424 MICE.indd 24 13/02/2012 5:32 PM13/02/2012 5:32 PM

C
entrally located in the heart of Silom — the main business,
banking, shopping and night-life district in Bangkok —
Furama Silom continues to be a favourite of business and
leisure travellers. This elegant hotel — which is a member
of the award-winning Furama hospitality group — is
conveniently located in the very heart of the bustling Thai capital. A
mere 10-minute walk from MRT Silom Station, Saladeng Sky Train
Station and Chong Nonsi Sky Train Station, all of Bangkok’s
most exciting stretches are within easy reach. And to top
it off, it’s just a 30-minute ride to Suvarnabhumi Airport,
making it perfect for business travellers hoping to cut down
their commute.
Convenience is balanced in equal measure by comfort as
well. The hotel features 251 expansive guestrooms in a wide
selection ranging from Superior Rooms to Executive Suite
Rooms, and complete with a cozy décor that blends
contemporary Thai style with the most modern
accents. There’s a fitness center, a sauna room,
two function rooms with well-equipped
facilities and a large outdoor rooftop
swimming pool as well. From the latter,
guests can also enjoy panoramic views
of the City of Angels while indulging
in a tropical drink on the breezy
pool deck.
Rama@Silom, located on the
2nd Floor, meanwhile offers a
diverse selection of cuisine ranging
from Traditional Thai to inventive
International fare. Decorated with
modern and trendy touches, Rama
Restaurant is a romantic haven
where guests can enjoy the warmth
of Thai hospitality. For all these
reasons and more, make Furama
Silom your choice on your next visit
to the Land of Smiles.
A PREMIER
FOR THE
Discerning
Advertorial
Oﬀering convenience and comfort in equal measure,
the Furama Silom is your best bet as a home away
from home when you’re in Bangkok.
Business Hotel
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28 ROAM
Taste Buds
TIPPLING CLUB
8D Dempsey Road
Tel: 6475 2217
Known for painter-
mixologist Matthew Bax’s
cheeky cocktails and the
rebellious cuisine of chef-
owner Ryan Clift, the four
year-old Tippling Club
offers an unconventional
experience.
The restaurant is set in a greenhouse-like
structure, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that
highlight the verdant foliage that surrounds it; and
the dining counter surrounding the open kitchen and
bar is the focal point of the room. Here, instead of a
showcase of ingredients, an expansive collection of
bottles hangs low from a grille over the work space.
Their mixes, like the Kopi-O — a sexy, inventive
rendition of the everyday drink of local black coffee
in a bag — bring a smile to the face with their clever
presentation and well-balanced flavours.
Equally innovative is the cuisine. Degustation
menus are the order of the day here. But while a
13-course spread — complete with cocktail pairings
for every course — may tempt, a more consistent
dining experience comes in the form of the compact
seven-course menu. The dishes executed using
molecular techniques tease with unexpected textures
and tastes. Highly commendable are Clift’s many
tributes to local food and classic Asian dishes. True
to authentic flavours yet completely original in form,
they showcase the chef’s vivid imagination.
JOEL ROBUCHON RESTAURANT
Hotel Michael Level 1– 101/103 & 104/105
Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: 6577 8888
The title of “The world’s most decorated Michelin-star chef” is a huge, heavy
hat that comes with the pressure of high expectations on whoever wears it.
Joel Robuchon makes it all look easy, however. Already with restaurants in
11 food capitals such as Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong doing extremely well in
the face of fierce competition, he then ventured into the Singaporean dining
scene, ready to set new standards.
OfhistworestaurantsatResortsWorldSentosa,JoelRobuchonRestaurant
is the more formal space. Designed to resemble a grand family dining hall
dressed in Art Déco style, the place is at once elegant and comfortable. A
meal here is a holistic experience in all aspects of hospitality. From the well
thought-out setting and the discreet and intuitive service to the selection of
the finest ingredients, the flawless execution and immaculate presentation,
every little detail comes together to form a sublime dining experience.
Joël Robuchon Restaurant will amaze guests with its repertoire of inventive
French classics. Executive chef Tomonori Danzaki helms the Singaporean
outpost and impresses with an inspired menu of reinterpreted French classics.
The piece de resistance is naturally, the 16-course degustation (sampling)
menu, but for
those who prefer
to have a lighter
meal, an a la
carte menu is also
available. Also not
to be missed is
a selection from
their extensive
collection of more
than 1,200 wine
labels.
StarBitesIn a city where Michelin
stars and budding talents
congregate, ﬁne dining comes in
myriad styles. ROAM checks out the
best on oﬀer. Text GWEN LIN
Sup on avant
garde creations
like this crispy
fried cabbage and
sprout vegetables
with Argan oil at
Joël Robuchon
Restaurant.
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IGGY’S
The Hilton Hotel
581 Orchard Road Level 3
Tel: 6732 2234
Consistently ranked as Singapore’s top restaurant
by the likes of the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best
Restaurants list and The Miele Guide, this eight
year-old establishment has become a institution in
its own right. Named after its proprietor Ignatius
Chan — one of the co-founders of fine dining chain
Les Amis — the charm of Iggy’s is very much like
that of the restaurateur himself: all grounded good-
naturedness but with an innate sophistication.
The degustation menus are an ever-changing
showcase of Chan’s taste inspirations gathered
from around the world. These ideas are distilled
with the help of his team of international culinary
talents and transformed into unique dishes. The
food here is also a reflection of Chan’s unique
palate. While he has a deep understanding of fine
French fare, the born-and-bred Singaporean also
has a fondness for Japanese cuisine and comforting,
home-style Chinese flavours. This unique sensibility
gives the food at Iggy’s an inimitable quality.
RESTAURANT
ANDRE
41 Bukit Pasoh Road
Tel: 6534 8880
When he first arrived to helm Jaan
par Ande at Swissotel the Stamford
in 2008, few had any idea what Andre
Chiang would bring to the local dining
scene. Since then, the Taiwan-born chef
has proven his worth not just to local
diners but an international audience as
SKY ON 57
10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: 6688 8868
One of the founding members of
Singapore pioneer French fine dining
restaurant Les Amis, and also the
brains behind French restaurants in
Taipei, Hong Kong and Shanghai,
chef Justin Quek chooses to take
the local route for Sky on 57 at
Marina Bay Sands. The food at
this restaurant opened in 2010
is called modern “Franco Asian
Cuisine”, and the offerings range
from Nordic crab vermicelli, Maine
lobster Hokkien mee to Wagyu beef
cheek rendang. Also in the mix are
more European dishes such as “Foie
Gras Three Ways” for those who
Voted as the
second best
restaurant
in Asia,
Restaurant
Andre’s
exclusive space
is a picture of
tranquility
At Sky on 57, diners are treated to 360˚
views of downtown Singapore while tucking
into modern Asian dishes like fried Maine
lobster Hokkien Noodles (right)
seek something out of the fusion
repertoire. Whichever the style, the
emphasis is always on the use of
prime, exquisite ingredients.
These delicacies with a distinctive
local flavour are served in fitting
setting. Located on the 57th
floor of
Marina Bay Sands Tower One, the
12,000 sq ft space offers not just a
taste of Quek’s cuisine, but also a
panoramic view of the Singapore
cityscape. If you haven’t got time for
dinner, visit their oyster bar on the
outdoor terrace for some aperitifs
and nibbles while enjoying the
sunset view.
well. Blessed with a Midas touch, he
put Jaan par Andre in the limelight of
the international food scene within
a year. More recently, Restaurant
Andre was voted as the second best
restaurant in Asia in The Miele Guide
2011/2012, just one year after the
restaurant’s opening.
Though it spans three storeys of
a 1920s-era shophouse, Restaurant
Andre is an exclusive space with only
30 seats. The chef’s table is on the
first level, and an intimate main dining
room on the second, while
the third floor is devoted
to the wine cellar which
houses an exclusive range
of biodynamic wines (made
by applying old-fashioned
principles of viticulture, taking
into account the circumstances of
the natural environment).
Some items here, such as
snacks of chicken skin and porcini
and mushroom wafer, may be
reminiscent of what Chiang served
at Jaan, but the cuisine on offer
here has certainly evolved. Each
exquisitely-plated course is an
exploration of a particular element
of Chiang’s cooking philosophy, and
a changing eight-course degustation
menu is the best way to experience
his cuisine.
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O
n WTS Travel’s 6D Luxury
Jiangnan Gourmet Tour which
took place in November last
year, a group of lucky travellers
indulged in spectacular sights and tastes.
After touching down in Shanghai,
MediaCorp artiste Ben Yeo kicked things
off at Suzhou’s Tianping Mountain’s Maple
Festival. Apart from opera and musical
performances, the real “stars” were the 158
maple trees shrouded in rich gold and red
leaves.
Ben then led the group on a buying blitz
at shopping mall Harmony Time Square,
where they were bathed by bright colourful
animations from its Sky Screen. At 350m
long and 16m wide, it’s the world’s largest.
Just as inviting was dinner, where group
members were treated to more of Ben’s wit
and banter as well as Yangcheng Lake hairy
crabs, a sought-after delicacy known for its
sweet, velvety-textured flesh .
ThefollowingdaystartedattheLingering
Garden, a 23,310sq m park that
is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The 1,400 year-old
Nanxun Old Town was
next. After a sumptuous
braised lamb in brown
sauce lunch, they headed
to Hangzhou’s Viewing
Fish at Flower Harbour
Park at West Lake. Dinner, which included
items such as juicy Beggar Chicken, also had
Ben entertaining the group as he gave an
animated explanation on this classic Chinese
dish’s origins. A West Lake cruise on the
third day offered views of the lush green hills
on its banks. For lunch, a nourishing duck
soup offered group members warm respite
from the chilly weather before they headed
to Yiwu Retails Shopping Mall for souvenirs.
A visit to Hengdian World Studios
the next day might have left some tour
members thinking they’d gone back in time.
It is Asia’s largest film studio, with full-scale
models of Ming and Qing Dynasty palaces
as well as recreations of 19th century
Guangzhou and Hong Kong. It’s
also been the backdrop for
movies like Hero and The
Forbidden Kingdom. Ben
tapped into his on-screen
experience to explain the
Tour Talk
Led by MediaCorp artiste Ben Yeo,
WTS Travel’s 6D Luxury Jiangnan
Gourmet Tour showcased the best
of China’s Southern region.
SensesA FEAST FOR THE
Ben Yeo
cheering for the
winner of the
cooking contest
organised
during the tour
Digging into some of the
delectable treats served up
during the trip
film-making process to the travellers.
Day Five saw everyone back in Shanghai
‘mingling’ with stars like actor Jackie Chan
and basketballer Yao Ming. No, they
weren’t at a gala event, but the Madame
Tussauds Wax Museum which housed wax
versions of these celebrities. The Bund, with
classical European-style buildings lining the
Huangpu River, was next. This Shanghai
icon also segues into the famous Nanjing
Road stretch, where our bargain hunters
shopped till they dropped.
The final leg saw our China explorers
stop by Chenghuang Miao street, a stretch
popular for its knick-knacks and souvenirs,
before visiting Shanghai Xintiandi, a dining,
retail and entertainment centre in historic
shophouses. Saving the best for last,
signature Shanghai soup dumplings stuffed
with crab roe were served for lunch. With
their thirst for travel satiated, the group
members then embarked on the return
journey to Singapore, complete with a store
of memories of an exciting trip.
30 ROAM
The chilly
weather did little
to dampen the
tour group’s high
spirits
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Travel Information
SINGAPORE EMBASSIES
AND CONSULATES
Vancouver, Canada: +1-604-6695115
California, USA: +1-310-3737622
London, UK: +44-20-72358315
Paris, France: +33-1-45003361
Berlin, Germany: +49-30-2263430
Rome, Italy: +39-06-48759510
Wellington, New Zealand: +64-4-4700850
Manila, Philippines: +63-2-7512345
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: +03-21616277
Jakarta, Indonesia: +62-21-29950400
Phnom Penh, Cambodia: +855-23-221875
Beijing, China: +86-10-6532 1115
Hong Kong, China: +852-2527 2212
Hanoi, Vietnam: + 84-4-38489168
MALAYSIAN EMBASSIES
AND CONSULATES
Vancouver, Canada: +1-604-6859550
California, USA: +1-213-8921238
London, UK: +44-20-72358033
Paris, France: +33-1-45531185
Berlin, Germany: +49-30-8857490
Rome, Italy: +39-06-8415764
Wellington, New Zealand: +64-4-3852439
Manila, Philippines: +63-2-8640761
Jakarta, Indonesia: +62-21-5224947
Phnom Penh, Cambodia: +855-23-216 176
Beijing, China: +86-10-65322531
Guangzhou, China: +86-20-38770763
Shanghai, China: +86-21-60900360
Hong Kong, China: +852-28210800
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:
+84-8-38225174
Bangkok, Thailand: +66-2-2862111
Seoul, South Korea: +82-2-7742464
Nepal (contact the Singapore embassy
in New Dehli, India): +91-11-46000915
Tokyo, Japan: +81-3-3586 9111
Canberra, Australia: +61-2-62712000
Hanoi, Vietnam: +84-4-37343849
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:
+84-8-3829 9023
Bangkok, Thailand: +66-2-6296800
Seoul, South Korea: +82-2-7959203
Kathmandu, Nepal: +977-1-5010004
Tokyo, Japan: +81-3-34763840
Canberra, Australia: +61-2-61200300
Source: www.weather.com Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C)
WEATHER
2012
MARCH - AUGUST
SouSouSouSourcercercerce: w: w: wwwwwwwwww weweweweaaaththehethett err cr cccccoomommmmmmmmmmm TTeTeTemTemmT pepeperperrratuatuatut rerereeee iiin ddeegegeggggreereerees Cs Cs CCeelselssiuiuuuuuusssi s ((°(°°°C)C)))
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug
Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Lowest
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Bali, Indonesia 31 26 31 26 30 26 29 25 28 24 28 24
Jakarta, Indonesia 30 24 31 24 31 24 31 24 31 23 31 23
Bangkok, Thailand 33 26 34 27 33 27 33 27 32 26 32 26
Phuket, Thailand 33 24 33 25 31 25 31 26 31 25 30 26
Hanoi, Vietnam 22 18 27 22 31 25 32 27 32 27 32 27
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 33 24 34 26 33 26 32 25 32 25 31 25
Manila, Philippines 32 23 34 24 34 25 32 25 31 24 31 24
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 33 23 32 24 32 24 32 23 32 23 32 23
Singapore 31 24 32 24 31 24 31 24 31 24 31 24
AUSTRALIA
Melbourne 24 14 21 12 17 9 14 7 13 6 15 7
Perth 29 16 25 13 21 10 18 9 17 8 18 8
Sydney 25 18 23 15 20 12 17 9 17 8 18 9
EAST ASIA
Beijing, China 11 -1 19 7 26 13 30 18 31 21 29 20
Shanghai, China 12 5 18 11 23 16 27 20 31 24 31 24
Hong Kong, China 27 11 29 15 32 20 33 23 33 23 33 24
Taipei, Taiwan 21 14 24 18 27 22 30 24 32 26 32 26
Osaka, Japan 13 4 19 10 24 14 27 19 31 23 33 24
Tokyo, Japan 12 4 18 10 23 14 25 18 28 22 31 24
Seoul, South Korea 9 2 17 8 22 13 26 18 28 22 29 22
EUROPE
Amsterdam, Netherlands 9 1 13 3 17 7 20 10 22 12 22 12
Berlin, Germany 8 1 13 4 18 8 22 11 23 13 23 12
London, United Kingdom 11 4 13 5 17 8 20 11 23 14 23 13
Paris, France 11 3 14 6 18 9 21 12 24 14 24 14
Rome, Italy 16 4 19 7 23 11 27 14 31 17 31 17
NORTH AMERICA
Los Angeles, USA 21 11 23 15 23 14 26 16 28 18 29 18
New York, USA 10 2 16 7 22 12 26 18 29 21 28 20
Toronto, Canada 3 -6 11 1 18 6 23 11 27 14 25 13
Vancouver, Canada 9 2 12 4 16 8 19 11 22 12 22 13
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32 ROAM
ShowdownSmartphones today are must-have
lifestyle products but they also make
for pretty useful travel companions as
well — with options for shooting,
gaming and working on the go.
SMARTPHONE
APPLE IPHONE 4S
Just when you thought it couldn’t
get any better, the latest iPhone
— the 4S — is packed with
incredible new features including
an all-new camera with advanced
optics and full HD resolution video
recording. It also features Siri, an
intelligent assistant that helps you
set a meeting, make a call, write an
email or even look for the nearest
Japanese restaurant around you
— all you have to do is talk into
the microphone. The iPhone 4S is
also more responsive when you’re
launching those travel apps or
browsing the web, so you’ll never
feel like a lost, clueless tourist.
$948, www.apple.com/sg
HTC RHYME
Specifically designed with sleek
curves so it fits just right in your
hand, the HTC Rhyme comes with
a bundle of accessories including
a sports armband, tangle-free
headphones, Bluetooth Headset
and Bluetooth Car Speaker. Aiming
to be the phone that’s integral to
your daily routine, it allows you
to silence an incoming call by just
flipping the phone. Reading on
the road or on the train as you’re
crossing boundaries has never been
so enriching when you can simply
tap a word or phrase and look it up
on Wikipedia, Google, YouTube or
the dictionary.
$699, www.htc.com/sea
NOKIA LUMIA 800
Available on our shores since
10 December 2011, this
touchscreen device is the result
of an eight-month collaboration
with Microsoft. A head-turner,
this stylish smartphone features
integrated communication threads
and Internet Explorer 9 and is ideal
for immortalising those precious
travel moments as you bask in
the beauty of the wonders of the
world. Enjoy instant-share camera,
video playback, 16GB of internal
user memory and 25GB of free
SkyDrive storage for your images
and music.
$775, www.nokia.com/sg-en
GALAXY NEXUS
Launched by Samsung and
Google in February 2012, the
GALAXY Nexus is the world’s first
smartphone running on Android
4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich — the
latest release of the Android
platform. It features a new
People app, that allows you
to keep in touch with friends,
family, and coworkers, see their
photos in high-resolution, and
check their latest status updates
from Google+ and other social
networks. Ice Cream Sandwich
also introduces Face Unlock
which uses facial recognition to
unlock the phone.
$948, www.samsung.com/sg
PRADA PHONE
BY LG 3.0
The third handset to
come from the Prada-
LG collaboration, this is a
combination of style and
function. It features a full
glossy touchscreen to the front
and Prada’s signature Saffiano
leather pattern to the back, all
finished in classic black. Running
on Android’s Gingerbread OS,
with a future scheduled upgrade
to Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich,
this smartphone boasts high-speed
performance, and dual-band Wi-Fi
for high-speed surfing on the go.
$1088, www.lg.com/sg
SONY ERICSSON
XPERIA ARC S
The Xperia arc S is a winner of
the “European Camera Phone
2011-2012” awarded by the
European Imaging and Sound
Association (EISA). With its 8.1
megapixel camera with HD
video capability that enhances
still images and videos even
in low-light conditions, this
smartphone makes the perfect
tool to document even your cave
exploration adventures. Comes
in pure white, midnight blue and
sakura pink.
$788, www.sonyericsson.com
*Prices quoted are retail prices without contract and may vary depending on
the data plans o ered by the various local telecommunication companies.
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Text FAIROZA MANSOR
Stylish Traveller
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34 ROAM
Hot Dates
What’s On
A gamut of exciting events for all the family is what you
can expect in Singapore and Malaysia in the coming
months. Here’s our pick of the must-dos.
SINGAPORE
2012 Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard
23 Mar − 6 May
Orchard Road
www.orchardroad.org
This six-week fashion extravaganza
will showcase the latest Spring/Summer
collections from around the globe. Get
up close with the models as they strut
their stuff on the longest catwalk stage in
Singapore and expect fabulous deals to
complete your shopping experience.
Singapore Arts Festival 2012
18 May – 2 June
Esplanade Park
www.singaporeartsfest.com
The Singapore Arts Festival is an
international showcase of ideas and
the arts with a distinctive Asian flavour.
The Festival will present more than 15
different ticketed productions in your
favourite dance, theatre, music and
cross-media genres. The Festival Village
will be back for its second edition to
host over 20 free performances and
activities for arts lovers and first-time
arts goers alike.
Official opening of Bay South at
Gardens by the Bay
June (TBC)
18 Marina Gardens Drive
www.gardensbythebay.org.sg
Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s iconic
waterfront gardens project in Marina
Bay. Come this June, visitors can look
forward to enjoying the Flower Dome, a
1.2-hectare cooled conservatory which
replicates the cool-dry climate of the
Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical
regions. It features an uncommon range of
flowers and plants such as baobabs, olive
trees and date palms. The Cloud Forest,
replicating the cool-moist climate of the
planet’s Tropical Montane region, will also
be opened.
SECRET & B.A.P 1st Singapore Fan
Meeting
23 March
IMM Level 3 Garden Plaza
www.launchentertainment.net
Catch cute and sexy South Korean
girl band, SECRET, whose popular song
‘Madonna’ won the Main Award at the
20th Seoul Music Awards in 2011. They
will team up with their brother group,
B.A.P (or Best, Absolute, Perfect) for this
Korean Pop-packed music party. This
follows the launch of B.A.P’s debut album
in January. Singapore will be the first stop
in their Asia tour.
Indulge in the nation’s biggest culinary
event of the year. With more than
60 participating food stalls and over
100 F&B outlets, you will be spoilt for
choice with an array of mouth-watering
local and international delights. Also,
get cooking tips from the live cooking
demonstrations by professional chefs.
Singapore Food Festival
13 -22 July
Various locations
www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sg
Text FAIROZA MANSOR
34-35 What's On.indd 3434-35 What's On.indd 34 14/02/2012 3:53 PM14/02/2012 3:53 PM

Take a tour around scenic Melaka, a
UNESCO World Heritage City
The red-bearded bee-eater is one of the many species
of birds visitors can spot at Fraser’s Hill
MALAYSIA
4th
Putrajaya International Hot Air
Balloon Fiesta
15 – 18 March
Monumen Alaf Baru, Precinct 2, Putrajaya
www.myballoonfiesta.com
Get carried away and be in awe by the
colourful display of hot air balloons as
they float in the skies above Putrajaya.
The event has drawn 23 balloonists from
around the world including
Belgium, USA, the
Netherlands, France,
Switzerland, Malaysia
and Japan — all
participating in this
exhibition of hot air
balloons and other
aviation sports.
Borneo Jazz 2012
10 – 12 May
Miri, Sarawak
www.jazzborneo.com
This annual event sees jazz groups
from around the world converging at the
Miri Resort City. Approximately 7,000
spectators and participants — comprised
of locals, expatriates and visitors — are
expected at this exciting musical galore.
UNESCO World Heritage City
Celebration
7 July
Bandar Hilir, Melaka
www.mbmb.gov.my
On 7 July 2008, Melaka was declared
a World Heritage City by UNESCO for
its heritage buildings, cultural enclaves
and places of worship. Participate in
the exciting anniversary celebrations to
commemorate the historic occasion.
Colours of 1Malaysia
26 May
Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
www.motour.gov.my
Malaysia’s annual cultural extravaganza,
organised by the country’s Ministry
of Tourism, is back to dazzle again.
Enjoy a grand spectacle of traditional
performances, colourful parades and
exhibitions that showcase the country’s
arts and crafts. The festivities will conclude
with a fireworks display.
Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race
23 – 24 June
Fraser’s Hill, Raub, Pahang
www.pkbf.org.my
This bird race is an excellent opportunity
for locals and tourists to view a variety
of migratory and montane birds. View
species from as far as Northern Siberia
and the islands north of Japan, at Fraser’s
Hill — often referred to as a first-class bird
watching destination in this region as it is
home to an impressive 247 species.
ding
34-35 What's On.indd 3534-35 What's On.indd 35 14/02/2012 3:56 PM14/02/2012 3:56 PM

36 ROAM
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Letters
YOUR
Got a story or photo to share?
Send them in — the best
letter wins a mystery gift!
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Season’s greetings from Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore! By way
of introduction, I am Manfred Weber, the hotel’s new General
Manager. Through our guest feedback channel, we are pleased
to say that good comments have been received with regards to
your employee, Mr Quah Law Pow.
On the evening of 16 December 2011, three guests waiting
at Newton MRT Station had difficulty obtaining public transport
to come to the hotel for their company dinner. They saw the staff
shuttle bus and approached Mr Quah to give them a ride to the
hotel, which he obliged. It was most considerate of Mr Quah
to go the extra mile in extending the courtesy to the guests. By
taking the right action, he has impressed upon the guests the
spirit of Shangri-La hospitality. Please convey my appreciation
to Mr Quah. I wish your team a Happy New Year.
Manfred Weber, General Manager
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
SHE MADE MY DAY!
I am writing in to commend your staff member, Colleen Pung, on
her excellent service during my recent visit to WTS Travel agency
at CCK Lot 1.
I don’t normally write letters on an unsolicited basis. However
I was so impressed by Colleen’s wonderful service I received that
I feel compelled to thank her for going out of her way to make
customers feel respected and welcomed.
No matter how busy the office was, Colleen never failed
to provide service with a smile. She was also prompt in her
responses and even went beyond the call of duty to make special
birthday requests to the resort on my behalf. I’d like to sincerely
congratulate WTS Travel for having such a dedicated staff
member. I believe that Colleen’s extraordinary commitment to
service excellence as well as her remarkable passion has motivated
her to exceed customers’expectations. I will certainly recommend
my friends to patronise WTS Travel.
Melissa Woo
SIX-STAR SERVICE
I am pleased to write in praise of the excellent service that I
received at the hands of your staff member Mandy Mah (Bukit
Panjang branch). She provided me with such a great experience
that I am compelled to let you know of her good work. Ms Mah’s
passion to serve and interact with customers is unlike what I had
previously encountered at other travel agencies. She responded
to my queries politely and graciously followed up on the details
of my Chinese visa application.
Ms Mah is a warm and capable professional who takes great
pride in her work. If you ask me, the current public sentiment
on the lack of excellent service staff in Singapore is misplaced
— they simply have not been travelling with WTS Travel!
James Wong
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
Through this letter, I wish to express my appreciation
to your staff Ms Diane Yak for her good service in
coordinating the Radin Mas Grassroots Organisations’
recent workplan and bonding retreat to Desaru on
17 and 18 December 2011. My grassroots leaders and
I enjoyed the arrangements for the retreat very much,
and I attribute this to Miss Yak’s attention to detail and
readiness to respond to participants’ needs.
Sam Tan Chin Siong
Adviser to Radin Mas Grassroots Organisations
StarStar
Letter
36 Letters.indd 3636 Letters.indd 36 13/02/2012 5:40 PM13/02/2012 5:40 PM

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