OUR TREASURES: Marina Bay Sands | Singapore

Singapore has a new iconic landmark to the tune of US$ 5.7 Billion!

The Marina Bay Sands opened last 23 June 2010 and boasts the Skypark cantileverd atop the 3 buildings. I don't know about you but this has got to one of the most spectacular architecture the world has ever seen.

The 3 towers has 55 floors each, total of 2,560 hotel rooms, casino halls, The Shoppes mall and all amenities of a mini-city.

The view from the snake bridge in Marina Bay.

This is the world's largest Infinity Pool; 650 ft above.

The top view of the casino.

How to get there: Get off Promenade MRT Station and follow the signs.

It's just a few minutes walk. Or just keep walking, this landmark can be seen

anywhere where the tourists ply.

Majulah!

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NATIONAL SPORTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

The 11 villages in Southeast Asia have their own national sports. Some are official as recognized by the government and some are not. Other villages pick their national sport by cultural tradition and others opt with popularity.


Silat is the official national sport of Brunei. It is traditional martial arts form that uses blades and stuff but mainly bare hand. This sport spans the whole Malay Archipelago.

The official national sport of Burma is Chinlone. It requires a ball that’s kicked around with your team mates. There is no opposing team meaning, this is a non-competitive game. The object of the game is how beautiful and skillfully pass the ball to your team mate. I have seen this once and I could strongly say; it is one of the world’s most beautiful games.


Cambodia’s Sey dates back to the 11th century. It is the official national sport of the Khmer Kingdom. It is played with a special kind of ball thingy that’s kicked back and forth like volleyball. Here’s the kicker – historians believe that ancient Sey of Cambodia is where the Sipa (Philippines) and Sepak Takraw (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) came from.

Indonesia seems not to have an official national sport although their Cultural Attaché in Bangkok told us that Pencak Silat is considered for cultural and traditional importance. Pencak Silat is the collective term of the countrywide game called Silat. I asked around and all I got is – Badminton and Football. Obviously noted by popularity.

Here’s a surprise: the official national sport of Laos is *drumroll* Rugby. The game was recently recognized by the Lao government as their national sport although Laos is a football playing nation. Go figure.

Sepak Takraw is one of the most popular sports in the whole of Southeast Asia and it is considered as the national sport of Malaysia although it is not official. It is called Kick Volleyball in English and played by opposing teams making sure the ball doesn’t hit the ground on their side.

The Philippines’ official national sport is Sipa which means kick in Filipino. It is played with a special shuttlecock-like ball (street) or rattan ball (court) and played like the Cambodian Sey and the Malaysian Sepak Takraw.

While writing this, I was with a Singaporean friend and asked her the country’s national sport. Guess what I got? – Shopping! Then it occurred to me why I asked a lady. I turned to a dude and he said Online Gaming like Killing Orc and others. Whoah! Hi-techie-techie!

Football is the national sport of Timor Leste and Vietnam, although it’s not officially recognized by both countries. The Timorese attaché in Bangkok didn’t have any idea and my Vietnamese friends say it’s football (but I seriously doubt it).

The official national sport of Thailand is Muay Thai. “Muay" means boxing and “Thai” means... isn't it obvious? It is our version of Muay Boran (ancient boxing). It is amorously called “The Art of 8 Limbs” and considered one of the deadliest martial arts in the world.

Our National Sports -- Our icons.

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*If this post needs correction, it is always welcome.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A FERRARI STATIONWAGON?

This is the Ferrari 456 Venice -- Custom made for Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei.


It started out as a 456 GT with a V12 442 HP engine. The Sultan specified to add 2 more doors and a hatchback to make it look like a "family car" -- and what do you know?...

He ordered 7 units for him and his family!



But intriguingly (and highly strange), the Sultan only purchased 6.
He reportedly paid $1.5 million for each in 1996.

What you see on the photo is the one the Sultan didn't want.


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**Special thanks to Wise Kwai for the email and link =) ขอบคุณครับ

MENARA KL: Southeast Asia’s Tallest Architectural Perfection

This imposing structure is the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night outside the window of my KL loft…

The region’s tallest structure has been reigning for 12 years since its opening in 1 October 1996. It is 1,381 ft (421m) tall and the world’s tallest single standing concrete structure and currently the world’s 5th tallest telecom tower. Eight years of planning and 5 years in the making… the Menara KL (KL Tower) was the symbol of Malaysia’s progress long before the Petronas Towers.

The Menara KL is evidence to Malaysia’s commitment to the environment – which, by the way, is the weakness of other countries in our region. The tower was erected atop a hill called Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill) next to an ancient rainforest in the center of Kuala Lumpur.

When the construction ran into a 100-year old Jelutong tree… the builders moved the tower instead of cutting it down. The re-planning cost them US$128,000 (RM450,000/ 450 million Baht)! Isn’t that admirable or what? Menara KL was designed by a local firm Kumpulan Senireka Sdn. Bhd. and constructed by Wayss & Freytag.

At the foot of the tower are the Entrance Mall and the Main Lobby. You can walk around, shop and admire what the Malaysian’s have done to this beautiful place. Pamphlet guides in many languages are available for free. Entrance fee is 20 Ringgit for adults and 10 Ringgit for kids. Open from 9am-10pm. There's BASE JUMPING/Free Fall too! Which we'll feature later on th blog.

While waiting for the lift in the Main Lobby…don’t forget to look up at the ceiling – the glass domes from Persia is breath talking. If you don’t fancy waiting for the lifts… you can take the stairs with 2,058 steps, for all I care.

The observation deck on top of the tower is indoors; it is the best way to see Kuala Lumpur at 360 – unlike the Petronas Skybridge where 2 gigantic buildings are blocking the view on both sides *smirk* There is also a revolving restaurant for romantic dinners.

Wanna visit? You betcha! – Menara KL is extremely recommended. Take the Monorail and get off Bukit Nanas Station then walk towards ING Bldg (that eye-sore orange building) on Jalan P. Ramlee. Keep walking past it and turn right on the first intersection. Get it? You need some serious leg power from here. It's gonna be uphill extravaganza...

Take a cab IF you have the talent to persuade the driver to press the “meter” button -- OR if you don’t mind having “stupid” written on your forehead while riding his cab without meter. Ha! Don't tell me didn't warn ya.

The Menara KL - Pride of Southeast Asia.


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-- Pisanu in Beijing

OUR ICONS: BeerLao

Aside from the fact that this is the only beer brewed in Laos; and its cultural significance to the Laotians (and backpackers, of course)… this liquid amber *that didn't sound right lol* is surprisingly very good! Clean taste, a hint of grass/wheat and a light finish. I just can’t pinpoint the other odd undertone is has but I’ll let you know soon.

BeerLao has been winning medals since 2003 in the international beer circuit. The most recent was in Paris. It is also named as the “Best Beer in Asia” by Time Magazine in 2004. Who would imagine a world-class beer coming out of Laos? Well, don’t bother…it’s already here.

Beerlao was first produce in 1995 by the only brewery in the country, the Lao Brewery Company in Vientiane. LBC has been producing other beer brands since 1971.

Beerlao is made from local jasmine rice, Pilsner malt imported from France, Hallertauer Magnum hops and dry yeast from Germany, and spring water. They are now taking beer-making seriously. It is now exported in Australia, America, Canada, Cambodia, France, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand, Vietnam, and the UK.

It comes in 3 variants: the Beerlao Original with 5% Alc./Vol., Beerlao Light with 2.9% and the divine Beerlao Dark with 6.5% party points. A regular bottle costs 5,500 Kip (US$0.50/ 21 Baht / 2 Ringgit).

When you come to Laos, try this beer. So when it’s time to leave, it would be your magic carpet. With just one bottle, you will be transported back to the streets of Vientiane or Luang Phrabang, enjoying on the banks of the Mekong River watching the sunset.

BeerLao – Treasure of Southeast Asia.

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*Photo courtesy of Peter Garnhum

LOMBOK ISLAND: Soothing Paradise on Earth

Sugary-sand beaches against lush forests… Sharp-vivid mornings and dramatic sunsets… And a looming active volcano right in the middle of it…it doesn’t get any better than this. Honeymooners… this is a great alternative to Bali.

Lombok is a paradise island just 30 mins away from Bali and an 1h55m away from Jakarta by flight. It has some of Indonesia’s most vivid and stunning landscape.

Others refer to it as Bali’s “baby sister”, well, maybe because it’s just nearby. Others call it as “the unspoiled Bali”, ha! And who says Bali is spoilt? Ha!

Although it looks almost exactly like Bali; the beaches, the sceneries, etc., etc., Lombok’s character is quite different. It’s quieter; more laid back, fewer tourists which add up to “less parties”. *good to some, not for me* This is mainly because Lombok has a predominant Muslim settlers as opposed to Bali’s Hindus – and this, again, adds up to “alcohol isn’t always available”. *Bugger!*

The most popular places here are:
Senggigi, an ultra-scenic and strikingly postcard-card-like beach area where coral reefs are just a few hundred meters from the shore. This is the most developed of all tourist areas in the island and most standard hotels are found. Kuta Beach (same name as the one in Bali) is known as one of Indonesia’s most scenic and picturesque beaches with surfing! Tanjung Aan is excellent for surfing beginners, it has strange colored sands! Batubolong Beach where you can bask in dramatic sunsets overlooking Mt. Agung in nearby Bali in the west.

Just like a proper paradise, Lombok is not just about beaches. There are lots of things to do here for the hardcore nature trippers. Trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, snorkeling, scuba diving… you can do it here as if you’re the only one in the island.

Lombok is home to the magnificent Rinjani Volcano (3,726m);Indonesia’s 2nd tallest volcano. The bad-ass Tambora Volcano can be seen in the east on Sumbawa.

Daily flights from Jakarta to Mataram (Lombok’s capital) and from Denpasar (Bali). Singapore’s SilkAir flies direct 3x weekly and Merpati Airlines from KL. Boat services from Bali are also available.

We suggest a fully-inclusive, all-arranged travel to Lombok Island to avoid inconveniences especially for first timers. Hotel suggestions? -- The Oberoi Hotel in Medan (US$300-1,000/night) for those who love themselves and/or Novotel Lombok in Mandalika (US$75-100) for those on a budget. Anything lower… head to the Gili Islands for backpackers hostels.

-- Pisanu in Lombok Island
07 Feb 2008

PARADISE ON EARTH: El Nido Island

We were taken by surprise when we landed here a few days ago. The island is so splendid we wanted to enjoy it to ourselves and also take the chance to have a little break from blogging.

El Nido is absoloutely the Philippines’ answer to the best islands in our region. THIS IS IT! – We found another paradise and no other island in this country (highly hoolaballooed or over-hyped) cannot compared to El Nido. *But I’m reserving a slot for Siargao, of course*

Think Phuket without the speedo-clad tourists walkin’ about. Think Halong Bay with white sand beaches, warm weather and crystal clear waters. Think Langkawi without the sterilized resorts – That’s El Nido. It is the one place in the Philippines that could ever come close to Bali. *violent appeals would be swiftly retaliated*

“I am so happy you chose to visit my hometown.” These are the first words of a total stranger. And these words, which we seldom hear from Southeast Asia’s prime island destinations, hit the nail. We knew instantly we found another paradise.

El Nido is an island in the Palawan group. The showcase of what the Philippines has to offer. Scuba diving, snorkeling, lots of water sports, hopping on its 45 islands and islets, meeting the locals are just the tip of the ice berg. If you’re into quiet and secluded existence, this is the place for you. Hiring a kayak to find hidden lagoons is the best thing we ever did.

We came in a cool month. Hot temperatures are in May and April but still, December is warm and sunny. No rains to spoil the day. Electricity goes off at 1am and won’t be back after 12 hours. Bring your plastic cards and traveler’s cheques, no ATMs here. Internet connections? Dream on! El Nido is so breath taking; you won’t have time for net surfing.

El Nido is 1hr10mins flight from Manila. The only direct flight from Manila to the island is served by only 2 local airlines – ITI (+632.8515674) and Southeast Asian Airlines (http://flyseair.com), both have daily flights. If you want a hassle-free transfer, then book through resorts here (high end) and here (budget).

We'll limit our description of El Nido here -- because we all want you to find time to visit this paradise. This island is about discovery. It's about detaching yourself from the rest of the world enjoying at your own pace, in your own sweet time. Everything here is waiting to be discovered.

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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OUR NATIONAL ANTHEMS

The oldest national anthem in our region is “Lupang Hinirang” of the Philippines composed in 1898. The newest is “Patria” of Timor Leste composed in 1975.

The longest anthem is “Indonesia Raya” of Indonesia with 32 lines from 3 verses and 2 choruses. And the shortest, on the other hand, are “Allah Peliharakan Sultan” of Brunei and “Negaraku” of Malaysia, both with only 6 lines.

The only anthem sung in a non-Southeast Asian language is “Patria” of Timor Leste which is in Portuguese. There are no Tetum version (the national language) written up to this day. The Philippine anthem is the only one written in 3 official versions – Spanish, English and Filipino.

A survey of 500 people reveals that 89% of them thought that the National Anthem of Singapore is sung in Chinese – it is in fact, sung in Malay.

The only Southeast Asian anthem written by a foreigner (a European) is -- with much irony -- "Phleng Chat" of Thailand. The only country in the region that didn’t fall to colonizers has a foreigner to compose its national anthem.


More info by country here...


BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Anthem Title: الله فليهاراكن سلطن (Allah Peliharakan Sultan)
English Translation: "God Bless the Sultan"
Composer: Awang Haji Besar bin Sagap
Lyricist: Pengiran Haji Mohamed Yusuf bin Abdul Rahim
Date of Composition: 1947
Date of Adaptation: 1951 & 1984

BURMA
Anthem Title: " Kaba Ma Kyei "
English Translation: "Till the End of the World, Burma"
Composer & Lyricist: Saya Tin
Date of Composition: n/a
Date of Adaptation: 1947

CAMBODIA
Anthem Title: "Nokoreach"
English Translation: “Royal Kingdom”
Composer: Cambodian folk tune
Lyricist: Chuon Nath
Date of Composition: n/a
Date of Adaptation: 1941 & 1947

TIMOR LESTE
Anthem Title: "Pátria"
English Translation: "Fatherland"
Composer: Afonso de Araujo
Lyricist: Francisco Borja da Costa
Date of Composition: 28 November 1975
Date of Adaptation: 20 May 2002

INDONESIA
Anthem Title: “Indonesia Raya”
English Translation: “Great Indonesia”
Composer & Lyricist: Wage Rudolf Supratman
Date of Composition: 1928
Date of Adaptation: 1949

LAOS
Anthem Title: "Pheng Xat Lao"
English Translation: “National Hymn of Lao”
Composer: Dr. Thongdy Sounthonevichit
Lyricist: Dr. Thongdy Sounthonevichit (original), Sisana Sisane (new)*
Date of Composition: 1941, *1975
Date of Adaptation: 1947

MALAYSIA
Anthem Title: "Negaraku"
English Translation: "My Country"
Composer: *The tune was originally used as the state anthem of Perak
Lyricist: n/a
Date of Composition: 1957
Date of Adaptation: 1957

PHILIPPINES
Anthem Title: “Lupang Hinirang”
English Translation: “Chosen Land”
Composer: Julian Felipe
Lyricist: Jose Palma
Date of Composition: 1898 (tune), 1899 (lyrics)
Date of Adaptation: 12 June 1898
*Sung in Spanish from 1899-1918, sung in English from 1919-1940s, sung in Filipino from 1966 to present.

SINGAPORE
Anthem Title: “Majulah Singapura”
English Translation: “Onward Singapore”
Composer & Lyricist: Zubir Said
Date of Composition: 1959
Date of Adaptation: 1959

THAILAND
Anthem Title: "เพลงชาติ" ("Phleng Chat")
English Translation: “National Song”
Composer: Peter Feit (Phra Jenduriyang)
Lyricist: Luang Saranupraphan
Date of Composition: 1932
Date of Adaptation: 10 December 1939
*The only anthem played at 8.00 and 18.00 by law.

VIETNAM
Anthem Title: “Tiến Quân Ca”
English Translation: "Army March"
Composer & Lyricist: Văn Cao
Date of Composition: 1944
Date of Adaptation: 1945

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WHERE ARE THE CHINATOWNS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA?

It is said that any city in the world without a Chinatown is not a city at all. Well, it could arguably be true. Because the Chinese are pioneers in almost any major city in our region and their contribution to our society is indispensable.

For those who’d like to find the best Chinese food, the best bargain, gold, traditional medicine and just about anything that we can't live without – here are the Chinatowns of Southeast Asia…

Thailand’s Chinatown is Yaowarat District of Bangkok. It came from the name of the major road that runs through it – Thanon Yaowarat. This road was built like a dragon’s curvy body by King Rama V in 1891. It is next to Bangkok’s Little India.

How to get there? Take the Subway to Hua Lamphong station, take exit to Wat Trimitr Road (location of the Golden Buddha) and it will lead you to the area. Bus routes 1, 4, 7, 25, 53, 501.

Phuket was founded by Chinese merchants. There is a Chinatown along Phang Nga Road.

The Cholon District of Saigon is Vietnam’s Chinatown established in the 1770s. Our Chinese brothers here speak Cantonese. It is a huge area consisting of Districts 5 and 6. Major roads like Nguyễn Trãi and Trần Hưng Đạo run through here. The main market is Bình Tây which is actually on District 6 but is only 1 block away from District 5. Get on a moto or a taxi to get there. This is their official website. Top that! Ha!

Tayote Tan in Yangon is Burma’s Chinatown. The words mean “Chinese Roads” or "residences” in Burmese. Tayote Tan’s area is 1/5th of the city center and it’s lay-out dates back to the British expansion of the city in the 1850s.

The Philippines’ Chinatown is Binondo District in Manila. It is one of the oldest Chinatowns in Asia. Binondo was established in the 1670s although records show that there are already a Chinese community living here before the Spanish came in the 1570s. Binondo was the center for commerce during the American colonial era mainly because the Chinese were known to be experts in trading and finance. Major roads like Escolta Avenue and Ongpin Street runs through here.

Street 136 in Phnom Penh is the center of Cambodia’s Chinatown area. Chinese settlers came here in the 1400s. A lot of mainland Chinese immigrated to Cambodia in the past decades and it it is said that some Cambodian cities started as Chinese settlements. Next to Phsar Thmei.

"Pecinan” means Chinatown in Indonesian. The Glodok District is considered to be Jakarta’s Chinatown along Pancoran Street. There are also a large number of Chinese population on Gajah Mada Street.

Other Indonesian Chinatowns are Gang Semawis and Jalan Pekojan in Semarang. There are also numerous Chinese Indonesians in Surabaya, Medan (Hokkien majority), Pontianak (TeoCheow majority), Singkawang (Hakka majority, almost 70% of city population).

Laos’ Chinatown is a small stretch of businesses along Samsenthai Road in Vientiane.

Petaling Street (Jalan Petaling) in Kuala Lumpur is the center of Malaysia’s Chinatown. KL Chinese community is predominantly Cantonese speaking. Petaling Street is mainly a night market – a long stretch of covered road with stalls selling bags, shoes, clothes and a lot more. How to get there? Take Star MRT and get off Pudu Station or Putra LRT get off Pasar Seni Station.

The biggest Chinatown in the world is in Penang. Chinese here mainly speaks Hokkien. There is also a Chinatown in Malacca along Jonker Street which is a great night market.

Although Singapore is predominantly Chinese, they also have a Chinatown called Niú chē shǔi (牛車水) by the locals (of course it is preferably called as Chinatown). This is one of the major tourist attraction of the Lion City. Main roads like Telok Ayer Street run through here. How to get there? Take MRT to Chinatown or Outram Park.

I can't imagine a city without a Chinatown.


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