Ayam Buah Keluak

Nonya Cuisine is also a must try in Malacca, where you can find mouthwatering food combining Chinese ingredients with Malay herbs and spices. The Malaccan version of Nonya Cuisine favor the use of coconut milk, and is therefore richer in taste. Ayam Buah Keluak is a popular Nonya dish, which is chicken stewed with black nuts. Don’t be put off by the murky, ink-like gravy! The sauce is rich and creamy, and mixes very well with the kepayang nuts and chicken meat.

Ikan Bakar

The aromatic grilled fish dish is another must-try – ikan bakar (literally, burnt fish in malay). The fish is marinated in a myriad of spices, then wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over charcoal fire. In Malacca, head towards Perkampungan Ikan Bakar Terapung, 11 km off Malacca Town, where you can get freshly barbequed fish along with a good selecion of seafood such as cockles, squids and oysters grilled on the spot.

Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar is a popular northern Malaysia dish that originated from the state of Penang, so its small wonder you’ll find so many stalls around the state offering this dish. This Malaysian staple comprises simply of plain or flavored rice accompanied by side dishes such as fried chicken, curried spleen, cubed beef, fish roe, fried prawns or fried squid.
A mixture of curry sauces is then poured on top, imparting
a diverse taste to the rice. Other than in Penang, Nasi Kandar is also a popular dish in Ipoh, Malacca and more.

Penang Char Kway Teow

Another popular dish is char kway teow, flat rice noodles fried with beansprouts, prawns, cockles, chives and eggs in a rich dark sauce. The Penang version of this popular South East Asian dish (you can also find local versions in Indonesia and Singapore), is smooth and smokey, with additional light and dark soy sauces, extra spices and the use of broader width variety of flat rice noodles.

Penang Laksa

No visit to Penang is complete without a bowl of its namesake laksa. The Penang laksa is a rice noodles dish served in a thick and tasty spicy broth, spiked with flaked mackerels and a generous serving of vegetables. In Penang, head towards Lorong Selamat, off Macalister Road to try out this renowned dish – there are two versions, the sour type, and the lemak type (with the addition of coconut milk).

Chicken Rice

One of the most popular dish in Ipoh is the humble chicken rice. In Ipoh, the chicken is poached Hainanese style, served with beansprouts and pork meatball soup. The famed Lou Wong Restaurant is a popular place specializing in chicken rice. Their chicken is perfectly done, cooked just enough to retain a juicy smoothness that is often absent from overcooked chicken. They come mixed with beansprouts and drizzled with a tasty combination of sesame oil and soy sauce mix.

Ipoh Hor Fun

When in Ipoh, be sure to try out their famed Ipoh Hor Fun. There are two variations of the dish itself. The soupy version comes served with a clear chicken and prawn browth, topped with shredded chicken meat and spring onions. The other version is a fried version, boldly flavored and enhanced with a splash of dark gravy.

Nasi Lemak

Perhaps the most popular and ubiquitous staple of Malaysian cuisine is nasi lemak, a simple dish comprising of rice cooked with coconut milk, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), roasted peanuts, some vegetables and a generous portion of a tasty sambal chilli. This is a popular dish that can be found all over Southeast Asia, each with their own local influences in the dish.

About the Author. Nikolas Tjhin. A graphic and web designer in its previous incarnation, Nik’s journeyman career has seen him do work for various creative studios in Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Singapore and Jakarta. Now, he’s settled down for the time being and focusing his efforts as the editor of an Asia travel zine, Unearthing Asia.

About the Author. Char Magalong. Char Magalong, freelance web designer and programmer, spent two years living, working and traveling in Singapore. Another two years stint right after that in Malaysia led to homesickness, after which she promptly returned to the Philippines. With her myriad of treasured experiences for apt comparison, she comments regularly on the beauty of Philippines and its surrounding country side.

About the Author. Andy Hayes. Andy Hayes is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. When not crossing the world to have his next Asian travel adventures, he is hitting the walking trails near home. To get in touch or see Andy’s other travelogues, visit his website, Sharing Travel Experiences.

Authentic Vietnamese

Vietnamese cuisine is taking off around the world, but there is still no better place to find it than in the country’s gourmet capital. Join the likes of Bill Clinton at Pho2000 near Ben Thanh Market, which proudly proclaimed “Pho for the President” along with various photos of the then President of the United States enjoying a bowl of pho at the iconic restaurant. The menu here is long and varied, and is packed with locals and tourists alike. Those looking for something a little more fusion should head to Xu Bar, which is not only one of the cornerstones of night life in the city, but is also the place where the celebrated Chef Nyuyen is attempting to revamp traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Coffee & Cafe

The Ho Chi Minh City is brighten up by various lights at night, giving it a laid-back atmosphere that give rise to the prevalence of cafes dotted along the streets. Vietnam is one of the world’s most renowned producers of coffee, and caffeine lovers will find themselves in aromatic heaven trying out the varied local brews here. For a sure-fire way to refresh and relax, pick a random cafe at a bustling street corner and order a local brew. Sit back and enjoy as you laze yourself and watch the various pedestrians passing by.

Hitting the Town

Other than a pick of bustling cafes to relax and sip your time away, the Ho Chi Minh City also plays host to numerous trendy bars that is a favorite of both locals and expats. The Q Bar, Saigon Saigon Bar, Xu Bar, Lush and Velvet are but a few in the long list of popular hangout spots for the party crowd, each with their own distinct trendiness and appeal.

Iconic Landmarks

It’s pretty easy to navigate the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City on foot, particularly since most of the places of interest is located in District One. Start with the Notre Dame Cathedral, an outstanding red-brick building adorned with staiend glass, then move on to Saigon Central Post office, a French colonial building with a classic interior. This also operates all postal services from the city and is the best place to buy a phone card. The Opera House typifies the city, showing both western operas and traditional Vietnamese performances. The Reunification Palace was the home of the former Viet Cong leader who the city is named after and is a grand colonial building overlooking the city centre.

Bikers Gang

After exploring the iconic landmarks of District One by foot, rent a motorbike and cruise along the streets for a way of transportation that has become ingrained into the fabric of society. Throngs of Vietnamese commuters travel by motorbike, and although it may not be one of the safest way to travel, it is certainly one of the most authentic.

War Remnants

One of Vietnam’s biggest tourist attractions, the Chu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground caverns built during the Vietnam War. About 121 kms long in total, visitors can take a tour of the tunnels and see for themselves the conditions in which the Vietcong waged a bloody war against the machineries of US. The War Remnant Museum, also known as the Museum of American Atrocities, is another tourist attraction worth visiting. It’s extremely biased and one sided, but still an important insight nevertheless into the Vietcong’s reaction to the war.

Shopping Seasons

Aside from eating most visitors to Vietnam’s number one city find themselves spending most of their time here shopping. Ben Thanh Market is a major market in Ho Chi Minh City and is the place to find souvenirs. There is a wide selection of t-shirts sporting the likes of “Good Morning Vietnam” and “Miss Saigon” to lacquerware and embroidery, and for those that love a good brew, some of the best coffee beans in the region. Ladies will want to try out the Ao Dai, the Vietnamese national dress, which is one of the most exquisite in the region, combining trousers and a dress.

About the Author. Trangh Nguyen. Come to Vietnam, enjoy a cup of bia hoi in the street restaurant, ride moto, cruise in the labirynth of Mekong Delta and Halong Bay. Come with us and share the delight of one of the most beautiful country in Asia. We welcome you with our heart, hospitality and excellent cuisine.

Excellent Beaches

Not all the good beaches are in southern Thailand. At Koh Chang, you can choose to sunbathe on the delicate white sand at the famed White Sand Beach, complete with shops, restaurants and a variety of accommodation. Or you can enjoy the less crowded Klong Prao Beach where many luxury beach hotels are situated. Kai Bae Beach is another popular place among travelers since its a safe place to swim, with many inexpensive bungalows situated nearby.

Historical Dive Sites

Koh Chang was a strategic place during the Indochina War, and it turned into a full battlefield between the French Navy and the Thai Navy. The Songkhla and Chonburi, two battleship wrecks in the sea near Ao Salak Phet, make for an attractive diving site. Those not so adventurous can simply opt to snorkel instead of dive, and the sea around Koh Chang boast abundant marine diversity. After reliving the historical clash between battleships of old, visit the Battle of Koh Chang Monument to get a complete sense of the island’s historical importance.

Explore the Sea

Hire a boat service and visit other small islands within the national park, many of which can compete with Koh Chang for beauty. If you have plenty of time, try a relaxing sailboat and absorb the cool, salty wind amidst the orange sunset sky. The main hubs for boats are the White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach and Bang Bao Beach.

Waterfalls

The tropical forest of Koh Chang plays host to numerous waterfalls. One of the must-see attractions is the Than Mayom Waterfall, a four-level waterfall that falls almost perpendicularly from a steep, black granite crag. Both King Rama V and King Rama VI of Thailand signed their initials at the top of the cliff. Nearby, the Klong Phlu Waterfall is another beautiful three-level waterfall that is famed for its beauty.

Elephant Trail

One of the easiest mode of transport that lets you go deep into the jungle to enjoy various mesmerizing sight is by way of riding an elephant. The aptly named Elephant’s Island is host to many charming elephants waiting to serve tourists. These adorable animals are friendly and strong, and can easily take you through the most exquisite spots in Koh Chang’s beautiful jungle.

Trekker’s Paradise

For those preferring the feel of the earth on your feet, Koh Chang is a veritable trekker’s paradise. With its undisturbed forest abundant with wild animals, hiking has never been more interesting, with routes ranging from simple to challenging. The best routes are in the southern half of the island, where you can see animals such as the stump-tailed macaque, silvered langur, and Javan mongoose, amongst many others!

Traditional Village Life

Because of its isolation, Koh Chang residents are able to maintain certain lifestyles that are sure to be of interest. You can experience the real fisherman’s life at Bang Bao fishermen’s village, where residents live in houses built on the sea connected to each other by bridges. At Salak Kok village, residents still keep their old way of life.

About the Author. Char Magalong. Char Magalong, freelance web designer and programmer, spent two years living, working and traveling in Singapore. Another two years stint right after that in Malaysia led to homesickness, after which she promptly returned to the Philippines. With her myriad of treasured experiences for apt comparison, she comments regularly on the beauty of Philippines and its surrounding country side.

Pictured above is the personal favorite I proudly proclaimed earlier on, Mango Sago with Pomelo. First timers would do well to try the original favorite before testing out other more creative creations, such as a combination of Mango Sago with Green Tea Ice Cream, or Mango Sago with Grass Jelly, amongst others. These tasty desserts make for a refreshing and much needed after lunch boost, to prep you up for the next half of the work-day ahead!

Tong Shui Desserts
People’s Park Centre
Another popular stall. During weekends, they would sell out by 6pm, a good 2 hours before closing time.

Summer Palace at the Regent Singapore. Hua Ting at the Orchard Hotel and Lei Garden at CHIJMES, are but a few high-end restaurants where you can also enjoy this traditional dessert.

Mei Heong Yuen Desserts
65-67 Temple Street, Chinatown
Come early or risk missing out. This stall is a popular with the office workers around the area, and are usually crowded out by 8pm, right after dinner time.

Ah Chew’s Dessert
At Liang Seah St, across Bugis Junction
A hidden jewel that has been discovered by working adults and teenagers alike.

About the Author. Nikolas Tjhin. A graphic and web designer in its previous incarnation, Nik’s journeyman career has seen him do work for various creative studios in Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Singapore and Jakarta. Now, he’s settled down for the time being and focusing his efforts as the editor of an Asia travel zine, Unearthing Asia.

Unlike some of Shanghai’s other urban districts, Xintiandi is compact and navigable. Narrow cobbled laneways meander among shined-up grey stone buildings that nod to the city’s ancient past, while the local businesses, which include international coffee shops, upscale bars and restaurants and ritzy boutiques, remind visitors that this is, indeed, the Shanghai of the future.

It’s entirely possible to spend the whole day in Xintiandi, though don’t expect to spend on the cheap – shopping and dining here gives the prices in London and New York a run for their money (literally). Ironically, the shikumen in Xindiandi that were once meeting houses for Mao Zedong and the founding leaders of China’s Communist Party have now become a beacon of capitalist prosperity, attracting international visitors with upscale commerce.

Shopping for the Fashionably Chic

Xintiandi is a truly charming place to stroll and, while it would be entirely possible to waste a day here (especially if you’ve got burning pockets), I like to start out by casually browsing the boutiques, many of which mix traditional Chinese designs with modern motifs to form a totally cutting edge, uniquely Shanghai style. The most famous of these is the venerable Shanghai Tang, one of China’s first luxury brand. Shanghai Tang’s clothing is a modern nod to ancient Chinese fashion, consisting mostly of tailored silk patterns and new takes on old Chinese clothing styles.

Just around the corner in the South Block, PH 7 is a local jewelry shop that specializes in unique bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The pieces are delicate silver decorated with traditional patterns. Chinese fashion designer Coco Ma is also cashing in on the avant-garde trends with Elements, an eco-friendly ladies clothing shop that carries women’s wear made from all-natural fabrics.

As a pedestrian-only walkway, Xintiandi is one of the few places in Shanghai that boasts no cars and, subsequently, a refreshing lack of exhaust fumes. Split into two, the North Block houses mostly traditional buildings, while in the South Block, the shikumen architecture is less obvious and has made way for a large shopping center. Inside, visitors can find gobs of Western delights, from the uber-British fashion giant United Colors of Benetton to Europe’s French Connection and Giordano, among many others. Though not light on your wallet, it’s hard to find anyplace more fashion friendly and chic in Shanghai. And that’s saying something.

Gourmet Fare – Fancy Fusion to Traditional Chinese

Xintiandi isn’t a difficult place to grab a bite. It is chock-a-block full of gourmet restaurants, bistros and eateries, everything from fancy fusion to traditional Chinese or straight-up Western food. Many of the restaurants offer outdoor seating, especially along the North Block, where the shikumen gates and tiled roofs create the ambiance of years gone by, and it is the ultimate place to people-watch, with a constant stream of Western tourists, rich Chinese, local gawkers and night crawlers passing through. Everyone is in a good mood in Xintiandi, simply enjoying Shanghai’s mix of old and new.

On my most recent meander through the district, my boyfriend and I, weary from a long day of Shanghai walking, plonked down onto one of the large wooden outdoor tables at Paulaner Bräuhaus for some reviving steins of fresh German lager. Paulaner Bräuhaus is actually a Chinese subsidy of the German Paulaner brand, and the Shanghai flagship restaurant is a not-too-kitschy Bavarian themed beer hall and microbrewery - a rare thing in China.

If you aren’t into brats and beer, Xintiandi has just about every type of tasty cuisine you can imagine. Munchies offers straight up American dishes like Cincinnati chili served by staff wearing tie dye, while Aniseed serves some of the best Vietnamese ph? in town. Several restaurants in Xintiandi are on the front lines of fusion, such as TMSK, which calls itself “new wave Shanghaiese cuisine”, with interesting combinations of French, Chinese and Italian cuisines, and new takes on old dishes. How very Shanghai.

Odds & Ends

If you’re not hungry or don’t feel like shopping, there are plenty of other nooks and crannies in Xintiandi to check out, including several art galleries, a good few cafes and the UME International Cineplex in the South Block. Try the creamy chai at the Japanese-inspired Afternoon Tea, get a free haircut from the student stylists at the Vidal Sasoon salon in the North Block or discover what life was like in 1920’s Shanghai at Wulixiang Shikumen Museum on Taikang Lu.

You should also take an hour to deepen your understanding of Xintiandi’s history by visiting the Site of the 1st National Congress of the CCP, a museum that traces the who, what and when of China’s Communist Party roots.

Getting There

Xintiandi couldn’t be easier to reach, and I’m sure the American architect who designed the district (Benjamin Wood) planned it that way. Just take the Metro Red Line 1 to South Huangpi Road Station and walk due south for about two block until Xintiandi’s charming atmosphere and quaint brick alleys unfold before you!

About the Author. Megan Eaves.Megan Eaves is a freelance travel writer and China junkie. She’s an English teacher in a small town in Zhejiang Province where her days are filled correcting grammatical mistakes, killing nuclear wasps and getting stared at by the locals. Megan has traveled everywhere from the Great Wall to the Gobi Desert and isn’t afraid to write about it. She’s also the author of a groovy book called “This is China: A Guidebook for Teachers, Backpackers and Other Lunatics”. She, of course, has a website: http://www.meganeaveswriting.com

According to the legends, Dasara is celebrated as a victory of Goddess Chamundeswari over the demon Mahishasura. The 10th day of the festival – the most auspicious day of the Dasara – is Vijayadashami, which is symbolically celebrated as the victory of good over evil. This final event of the festival usually falls in the month of September or October.

This historical festival started during the period of Vijayanagar Kingdom in 15th century. Later, the Mysore Wodeyars carried over the tradition of Vijayanagara rulers. After the fall of Tipu Sulthan, the Wodeyars shifted to Mysore and continued the tradition. The Dasara festivities are held at the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Kalamandira and the Town hall. Renowned artists in classical music, dance and folk perform during this festival. Apart from cultural events, sports and wrestling events are also there to entertain the viewers. However, the main attractions of Dasara are the colourful procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari on the decorated royal elephant, torchlight parade and the exotic fireworks at Bannimantap and exhibition.

Dasara (Navaratri) starts on the first day of Ashwija month, and it ends with the world famous Jambu Savari on the last day. Colourful tableaux, folk dancers, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession. Dolls are also arranged in the houses in an artistic way, and illuminated.

On Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession is held on the streets of Mysore city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a golden mantapa on the top of a decorated elephant. Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantap where the banni tree is worshipped. The Dasara festivities would culminate on the night of Vijayadashami with an event held in the grounds at Bannimantap called as Panjina Kavayatthu (torch-light parade).

Another major attraction during the festival is the Dasara exhibition which is held in the exhibition grounds opposite to the Mysore Palace. This exhibition starts during Dasara and goes on till December. Various stalls which sell items like clothes, plastic items, kitchenware, cosmetics and eatables are set up and they attract a significant number of people. A play area containing attractions like Ferris wheel is also present to provide entertainment to the people. Various Governmental agencies setup stalls to signify the achievements and projects that they have undertaken.

The Petronas Twin Towers

Start your itinerary at the Petronas Twin Towers, the futuristic structure which held the record as the tallest building in the world until 2004. The 170m-high, 58m-long Skybridge on the 41st floor is open to visitors. The first 1300 tickets are free on a first-come-first-served basis, valid only for the day of issue, so make sure you get in early as tickets are usually gone by 9am.

While waiting for your scheduled time you can wander around Suria KLCC’s six levels of retials stores at the base of the towers. It boasts international brand stores selling an enormous variety of men’s ladies’ and children’s fashion, footwear, accessories, and other beauty items. It also has an interactive science centre, and aquarium, art gallery, 12-screen cinema, and an outdoor park with playground and paddling pools.

Merdeka Square

For a whiff of history, venture over to Merdeka (independence) Square, which was once the cricket grounds at the Selangor Club. Around the square, the Victorian-Moorish Sultan Abdul Samad high court builing and the Gothic St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral offer a glimpse of what might be lurking beneath Malaysia’s 21st century exterior. The main shopping and business district is called the Golden Triangle, with sheer energy pulsing through the shopping malls sure to make an indelible impressions.

Art Masquerades

There’s an excellent Islamic Arts Museum, which is housed in a stunning building, with beautifully decorated domes and glazed tile work. The first of its kind in the region, you can find inside one of the world’s best collections of Islamic decorative art with textiles, carpets, jewelry, calligraphy inscribed pottery and an amazing reconstruction of an Ottoman room.

The National Art Gallery, located close to Lake Titiwangsa, is one of the oldest and most established of all the galleries within Kuala Lumpur, boasting fine Malay art and a very unusual modern structure, built with a combination of glass, metal and slate. There is also the Asian Art Museum, which is part of the University of Malaya campus. Dedicating to local Asian art of various mediums, the museum plays host to the world’s largest collection of “kendi” water vessels.

Awe Inspiring Angkor Wat

The Angkor Wat is the biggest, best preserved, most intricately designed and awe inspiring temple in Indochina, a jewel in the crown of ANgkor’s extensive palace complex. It is a source of national pride and international renown, covered with beautiful bas relief carvings depicting the Ramayana epic of Hinduism. Like most temples in Asia, it is best seen at the crack of dawn or during sunset, when the colorful sun-lit sky accentuates the five towers for an exquisite scene.

The Number Nine

To know Asia is to understand the continent’s superstitions, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the massive Angkor Thom, a temple fixated with the number nine. The pronouncement for “nine” is similar to the word for “development”, and almost everything on the temple can equate to this number – 54 carved towers, 216 faces on the towers, 54 gods on the left of the entrance, and 54 demons on the right – all those numbers adding up to 9.

Other Temples

One of Angkor’s best known temples is Ta Prohm, a picturesque temple boasting hundred-year-old giant roots that thread themselves around the temple. This made it a very photogenic subject, and one that is a big hit with the tourists. Bayon is known as the “Temple of Faces”, and once you’ve been there you’ll easily know why – as you climb the steep stone steps and make you way into the inner sanctum of the temple, looking up you are struck by the hundreds of large stone faces looking down upon you. There is also the Banteay Srei, a temple filled with awe-inspiring elaborate carvings covering every single inch of stone there. Even with today’s technology it is almost unbelievable that such precise and intricate patterns and sculpture can be made from stone.

River Revitalization

Around 50 km north east of Siem Reap is the River of Thousand Lingas, an impressive river streaming into the Siem Reap River along its riverbed, which had been carved with thousands of lingas – phallic symbols prevalent in Cambodia. They are estimated to have been carved between 1100 to 1300 as a form of fertility ritual, and made for a perfect place to enjoy Siem Reap’s tropical beauty.

Tonle Sap

Siem Reap boasts not only one of the world’s most famous archeological sites, but also one of Southeast Asia’s biggets and most colorful lake. Tonle Sap is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a marine wildlife reserve that has some of the world’s rarest birds and at the same time is the only river in the world whose flow of water changes twice a year.

Contemporary Art

The fine arts scene in Siem Reap is burgeoning, you can find anything from cheap souvenirs to luxurious fine-arts. Some of the highlights for the arts lovers include: The McDermott Gallery, where world-class photography of Angkor and its surrounding region are on display; The Red Gallery, where the most extensive collection of contemporary Cambodian art is hosted; and The Asia Craft Center, which stocks lots of unique Cambodian and Southeast Asian traditional handicrafts.

Colonial Architecture

Siem Reap has a whole host of colonial buildings left by the French which are now put to pretty good use. Set among lazy boulevards, the architecture is now home to some of the best hotels, restaurants and galleries, such as the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, the city’s first ever luxury hotels established in 1932. The proud hotel boasts an array of VIP guests, including King Norodom Sihanouk, Charlie Chaplin, the Sultan of Johor and even Jacqueline Kennedy.

Like this list? You may also enjoy our list of Things To Do in Hong Kong and Top Attractions in Hokkaido. On a final note, do check out as well our latest feature - the magazine. Check it out online or download a PDF copy!

About the Author. Trangh Nguyen. Come to Vietnam, enjoy a cup of bia hoi in the street restaurant, ride moto, cruise in the labirynth of Mekong Delta and Halong Bay. Come with us and share the delight of one of the most beautiful country in Asia. We welcome you with our heart, hospitality and excellent cuisine.