KajoMag, Author At KajoMag

Fancy designing a building in Kuching’s business district? ‘Langit’ is the limit

Published on February 8, 2021

KUCHING: Hock Seng Lee (HSL), Next Phase and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) are inviting registered architects to challenge their creativity in an architectural design competition called ‘Langit’.

Targeted for a prime piece of land in Kuching’s central business district, the plot measures about an acre along Jalan Tabuan and is within 1 km radius of Kuching Waterfront, Padungan, and tHe Spring Shopping Mall.

Fancy designing a building in Kuching's business district? 'Langit' is the limit — The architectural competition for #LangitKch — a commercial high-rise — is on a small but prime piece of land in Kuching’s CBD. It is a matured site with commercial developments including offices, condominiums, shopping malls, hotels and schools, all within a kilometre’s radius.

The competition is open to all PAM-registered corporate members with prize monies totalling RM200,000.

PAM members may collaborate with foreign architects and there is no limit to the number of entries submitted by an architect.

The first prize is RM100,000, second prize RM50,000, third prize RM25,000, and two honourable mentions. Registration opens Feb 8 and the competition closes on Apr 19.

Results will be announced in late May.

What to know about the design competition?

Hailed as the first of its kind in Sarawak, the design brief for HSL, Next Phase and PAM Sarawak Chapter’s competition calls for a commercial development for a max gross floor area of 30,000sqm. The design can be for a mixed-use commercial development, except for a hotel.

“This competition is an ‘ideas competition’. A great piece of land, in such a good location, should have a great building on it. Any commercial development is also an opportunity to do public spaces,” HSL properties development general manager Tay Chiok Kee said.

Judges will focus on community engagement to enhance both the public and users of the building, optimum building orientation and economic viability.

“We want the best ideas right from the start. Our judges will scrutinise all entries, and as the developer, we will build what is best for the location and for the people of Kuching.”

PAM Sarawak chairman Jong is thrilled with the design competition.

“This competition is forward-thinking and significant for property developers as well as architects. The industry I represent has long yearned for a competition. We want to be challenged and to be competitive,” Jong said.

“HSL will gain significantly from having the most innovative ideas and best designed plans. But, really, the ultimate beneficiary will be the public. The public stands to gain a new architectural icon, new business ventures, new job opportunities and a new public space — all at a location easily accessible to all.”

HSL’s marketing team has tentatively named the project “Langit”, which in Bahasa Malaysia is sky, while in Bahasa Sarawak, “lang” means door.

“This is an aspirational project,” said PAM Sarawak deputy chairman Chai Si Yong, who is director of PDC Design Group.

“We collaborate closely with HSL to make this skyscraper competition happen. It was over a year ago when HSL first spoke to us about a competition. As a developer, HSL is designer- and professional-led. We spoke a lot about challenges, goals and ideas. It only made sense for us to jointly organise a contest,” Chai said.

The judges include PAM Sarawak chairman Ar Ivy Jong, PAM Malaysia president Datuk Ar Ezumi Harzani Ismail, an eminent Sarawakian architect, an eminent Malaysian architect, and HSL representative.

Kuching is one of the best design cities in Malaysia. It is a city notable for many award-winning architects and unique buildings. Firms in Sarawak like Design Network Architects, Arkitek KDI, IDC Architects, Pu Architects and David Ong Architects have won national recognition for their designer mansions, hotels, convention centres and interior designs.

Kuching is also home to the iconic State Legislative building by Hijjas Kasturi, the restored Old Court House, Kuching Mosque, OCBC Building, Sarawak Syariah Court, Kuching South and North City Halls.

For the latest, visit langitkch.com and pamsc.org.my. Updates will also be available at hsl.com.my and @hslcn on social media.

Shop, ‘ngupi’ at La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan

Published on January 27, 2021

News & Features/Entertainment

When you hear about another shopping mall like La Promenade Mall opening up in Kota Samarahan, those living closer to central Kuching may feel undecided about crossing the Kuching-Samarahan line. It sounds ‘far’ and you might have to deal with the legendary Samarahan traffic.

Sited along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway comfortably between the established city centre and smart township of Samarahan, however, the newly-launched La Promenade Mall by Hock Seng Lee is neither too far nor out of the way.

It’s 20-25 minutes from Kuching’s golden triangle, and if you’re willing to head to Jalan Canna to wait in the drivethru for McDonald’s Prosperity Burger set, another 5 minutes’ drive to La Promenade Mall will be a cinch.

Shop, taste the difference

La Promenade Mall doesn’t aim to be just another retail-oriented shopping centre, but a neighbourhood community hub that supplies services to shoppers and residents working the daily commute that they can’t get online.

HSL’s ‘Support Local’ approach will see Sarawakian businesses like Black Bean Coffee and Tea, NOMS, Taka Patisserie, Hock King Authentic Chicken Rice, Rice King, and Mr Domus among the tenants livening up the four-storey commercial space, offering local foodies and coffee lovers a cosy retreat after the day’s work is done.

Shop, 'ngupi' at La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan — *Indulge your sweet tooth with Taka Patisserie’s selection of freshly baked goodies.*

For those who are looking to do some grocery shopping on their way home, browsing through the aisles of anchor tenant Choice Supermarket promises to provide shoppers a more enjoyable experience with their emphasis on fresh produce, leafy greens, imported meat, freshly baked bread and personal care section.

Designed by Australian firm BHO Interiors, Choice Supermarket’s contemporary layout will also include a food kiosk, as well as a combination of serviced cashiers and self-checkout aisles.

la promenade mall kuching — Fresh produce kiosks named after popular local wet markets give Choice Supermarket a homegrown feel.

What’s more, if you’re looking to work out while relishing the sunrise and sunset views over Kuching, you’ll be able to check in at the Sweat Factory gym and enjoy a more holistic approach to wellbeing and fitness in addition to the gym machine with the availability of instructor-focused group classes and personal training.

On top of that, La Promenade Mall has provided special leases and subsidised rental to local non-governmental organisations such as Hope Place, Intellectually Disabled Adults Society, Bodhi Counselling Centre and Helping Hands, thus providing them space for workshops, offices and storefronts, truly making it a shopping center with public service and community focus at its core.

Currently, HSL is one of Hope Place’s biggest donors, which also includes the sponsoring of an animated short. Hand drawn painstakingly over a period of 7 months by the Sarawakian creatives behind Pixbugs Studio, Hope Place aims to raise RM100,000 through the fundraising video.

La Promenade Mall and the environment

If, at first glance, you had taken in La Promenade’s glass curtain walls and just thought it was an office building… well okay, you wouldn’t be completely wrong. La Promenade Mall is just one of the components within the 10-storey HSL Tower, which also happens to be the first privately owned Green Building Index-certified building in East Malaysia, with La Promenade Mall being its second.

What does it mean? With energy-saving features like it’s 3,700 custom made triple glazed glass panels it means more natural light, less heat and less air-con, resulting in an approximate 25% reduction in energy consumption. Light shafts going down into the basement carpark also helps reduce the need for underground electric lighting.

Impatient to see what else is going to be moving in to La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan? Watch this space or visit hsl.com.my and lapromenademall.com.my!

Choices: Stories You Play Review — Is This Interactive Story App Worth It?

Published on January 26, 2021

Entertainment

For some light and interactive reading, Choices: Stories You Play by Pixelberry Studios offers up an addictive array of choose-your-adventure books.

At first glance, you may think that their book gallery features mostly Young Adult reading as there’s high school romances, and light fantasy stories like ‘The Elementalist’, but the steamy exclusive scenes in some of these stories are decidedly R-Rated.

Choices: Stories You Play Review — Is This Interactive Story App Worth It? — *Choices may come off at first glance like YA lit, but there’s a genre for every mood.*

If you’re more into mysteries or high-speed chases, you can opt for The Haunting of Braidwood Manor or The Heist: Monaco.

Meanwhile, if you’re missing some vampire fantasy, you can try out Blood Bound. For more more light adult reading that lean more towards Hallmark, you can try out Save the Date and Home for the Holidays. There’s something for every mood you’re in.

You can either play as a VIP member (you’ll get unlimited keys and 185 diamonds with your purchase) or you can play for free, and learn the art of patience and the true value of decision-making (especially when you use a bunch of diamonds you’ve been scrounging for on a dress which you could have saved for an exclusive scene instead).

VIP membership will also allow you access to books solely reserved for VIP members. On top of that, you will also get rewarded more diamonds at the end of the chapter compared to those who don’t opt for VIP membership.

How to play

You get to choose your character’s ethnicity, hair and outfit. Diamonds will help you purchase the more dynamic hairstyles and wardrobe, but you’ll still get by being a plain Jane.

You also get to choose your names, although I have been happy with the random names the game has provided. I personally liked the name Dr Casey Valentine for my character in ‘Open Heart’.

Some stories will also allow you to choose the appearance of the main love interest, making it even more interactive.

You need keys to open up chapters, and for those who are playing the games for free, your keys will typically regenerate after 2 or 3 hours, while diamonds help you open up exclusive scenes within those chapters which can help you deepen your relationship with that special someone or find out more of a character or event’s backstory.

You can Watch Ads or complete daily and one time challenges to score diamonds.

You can have several love interests going, and even though you have zoomed in one specific love interest or don’t choose the main love interest, the game will offer up an exclusive scene with another character. Sometimes there will be opportunities for threesomes, so spend your diamonds wisely.

So far there are no terrible fallouts from not spending diamonds on exclusive scenes, but there are some events where a friend needs some proper counseling and you don’t have the diamonds to spend on an exclusive shoulder-to-cry-on scene. In those cases, you would just look like a jerk in real life.

Purchases are not necessarily limited to outfits and exclusive scenes, you can even purchase a pet or opt to live in a swankier place.

In others, like the vampire Blood Bound series, your selected outfit could impress an opponent or help you in a life-and-death situation.

Meanwhile, some stories like ‘The Crown and the Flame’ will challenge your patience and make you think that it wouldn’t hurt if you just purchased a few keys to find out what happens in the next chapter.

To download or not to download?

What makes Choices addictive is that you feel the weight (and the satisfaction or regret) of your decisions. The artwork, from backdrops to character illustrations, are polished and immersive, allowing you a temporary getaway from the humdrum of daily life.

You will definitely feel the weight of your decisions and interaction with other characters in stories like ‘Courtesan of Rome’ where you play a Gallic princess bent on Julius Caesar’s downfall, making it a story that’s hard to put down.

Meanwhile, the cover for Open Heart may look cheesy at first glance, but if you like Grey’s Anatomy’s earlier seasons, you will enjoy the storyline.

The Nanny Affair and Save the Date’s steamy scenes were definitely worth a read-through. (Isn’t that why people download Choices in the first place?)

Blood Bound’s writing, especially the dialogue feels underdeveloped and cheesy by comparison, and your character will say things that make you look like a fly in a hurricane. But I still feel compelled to go through books 1 to 3.

What’s the verdict? Choices: Stories You Play is a definite download.

5 Easy YouTube Workouts for Beginners (Perfect If You Hate Exercise)

Published on January 19, 2021

Lifestyle

For those who hate working out, the YouTube channels listed below, ranked from easy to more intense (they might include high-knees!) may be your gateway to a more active lifestyle.

1. Pahla B Fitness

“Welcome to my home” is the name of one of Pahla Bowers’ warmup moves, which sums up the warmth you’ll be getting when you start following this Functional Fitness Specialist and Boston-qualifying marathon runner.

Always cheerful, never judgmental, Pahla gives out tons of advice during her workouts, and some that stand out to me are that consistence is key; gentle exercise is more important to achieving your fitness goals in the long-term; and (unfortunately) good nutrition still matters when it comes to weight loss.

Sounds common sense, but when you’ve been absorbing body-fitness magazines or beating yourself up for never being consistent with exercise, her advice feels like a gentle release. Like her exercises.

This lady is at the top of my list because her target audience is 50 year olds. For that reason, she will highlight during her videos that you won’t have to get down on the floor and that there will be no jumping. Her discussions throughout her workout will educate you a more about the importance of healthy habit-building and be comforting for women who are moving into their menopausal years.

Watch the channel here.

2. JessicaSmithTV

Only Jessica Smith of this fitness channel can entice sedentary, exercise-averse people to try out HIIT. You’ll hear her say “Do what works for you” a lot throughout her videos, because her emphasis is on getting viewers to enjoy exercise.

Another fitness instructor who emphasises on movement and consistency more than back-breaking intensity, she has more than 450 exercise videos across a wide range of exercise disciplines like pilates, yoga, cardio, kickboxing, dance, barre workouts, or (my favourite) knee-friendly exercises on her channel. You will have so many videos to choose from that will suit your mood or overall fitness.

If you’re feeling depressed or under the weather, her 1-Mile Walk and Talk series is just a walking workout video where she discusses certain themes and topics like stress-relieving tips and self-care. It’s like going on a walk with a friend within the comfort of your home.

Oh, and a mention of JessicaSmithTV isn’t complete without mentioning her French bulldog, Peanut. Think of him as your spirit animal as he occasionally takes naps or plays with a toy while he waits for Jessica to finish up her routine.

Watch the channel here.

3. HASfit (Heart and Soul Fitness)

When you join HASfit, you will be working out with Coach Kozak and his wife Claudia in a combination of bodyweight and dumbbell exercises. Coach Kozak performs the more advanced versions of the exercises while Claudia does the modified ones, perfect for noobs, beginners and everybody in between.

If you’re recovering from an injury, limited mobility or are an elderly person, they even have a playlist which incorporates chair exercises.

If you’re expecting a bun in the oven, you can try out Claudia’s Prenatal workouts (make sure you check with your doctor first).

Meanwhile, if you’re somebody who just can’t stand the repetition of exercise routines, they even have a playlist for beginners and people who get bored easily.

Whatever your level, if you’ve been consistent with exercise so far, you can redo these routines and challenge yourself by following Coach Kozak instead.

Watch the channel here.

4. Bodyfit by Amy

Speaking of buns in the oven, I first found Bodyfit by Amy while I was looking for postnatal workouts to help recover from the weakness, aches and pains you never expect if you’ve only learnt about pregnancy and childbirth from TV (hello lower back pains and diastasis recti). She even has videos to help strengthen muscles you’ll need as you cope with carrying around a newborn.

But if you’re getting ready for your wedding, you can follow her Wedding Workout series instead.

Outside of the pre- and postnatal workout videos, her pace in her other videos are still easy to follow and really focus on form. She has beginner and low-impact workouts, and for those who are looking for a step up, you can follow her kettlebell workouts and TRX workouts.

Watch the channel here.

5. Melissa Bender

Melissa Bender’s slogan on her website is ‘Fitness should be Free’ and she is totally generous with her workout programmes, starting with her #BFBODYFIT 6-month home workout programme.

If you want to start smaller, she has 30 day fitness challenges. If you’re still intimidated, she has a Low Impact Workout playlist which promises no jumping. (Check out where her grey and white cat Gambit makes appearances.)

For those recovering from childbirth and looking to get into fighting fit form, Melissa Bender has a 6-week Postnatal programme, which is still challenging for people who don’t jog or do interval training on a regular basis, so you might have to work up to this programme.

Watch the channel here.

Filem Tempatan “Aku Bukan Gila” Dibintangi Beto Kusyairy & Fasha Sandha Kini Disiarkan secara Eksklusif & Percuma menerusi Perkhidmatan Penstriman WeTV iflix!

Published on October 12, 2020

KAJOMAG MY/Entertainment

Sempena pelancaran “Aku Bukan Gila” yang mengujakan, tetamu media, selebriti dan tetamu kehormat berkumpul di Flamingo Hotel Ampang untuk menyaksikan pratonton filem eksklusif

Filem Tempatan “Aku Bukan Gila” Dibintangi Beto Kusyairy & Fasha Sandha Kini Disiarkan secara Eksklusif & Percuma menerusi Perkhidmatan Penstriman WeTV iflix! — (Kiri ke Kanan): Vijay Munisamy (Executive Producer of WeTV iflix Malaysia), Beto kusyairy, Rahila Ali, Dato’ Normashayu, Fasha Sandha, Wanna Ali, Sissy Imann, Heng Aik Kuang (Country Manager of WeTV iflix Malaysia) di pelancaran Aku Bukan Gila

Kuala Lumpur, 7 Oktober 2020 – Berita baik buat peminat filem tempatan! Filem terbaharu WeTV iflix, “Aku Bukan Gila” yang diterbitkan oleh Pencil Pictures and Records dan diarahkan oleh Rahila Ali, akan disiarkan bermula hari ini secara eksklusif dan percuma menerusi perkhidmatan penstriman WeTV iflix.

Pada majlis pelancaran media eksklusif di Flamingo Hotel Ampang, seramai ahli media dan pencetus pengaruh berpeluang menyaksikan pratonton “Aku Bukan Gila” buat julung kali, sekaligus meningkatkan lagi keterujaan sebelum tayangan perdananya hari ini.

Bersempena pelancaran filem ini, para tetamu media, selebriti dan tetamu kehormat juga berpeluang bertemu barisan pelakon filem yang sangat dinanti-nantikan ini. Turut hadir pada majlis berkenaan ialah Fasha Sandha, Beto Kusyairy, Wanna Ali dan Rahila Ali.

“Saya berbangga untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada filem ini dan menghidupkan watak Andra, seorang wanita dengan personaliti yang kompleks lagi kuat, yang bergelut dengan kesedihan serta cabaran kehidupan seperti kita semua,” kata Fasha Sandha, pelakon utama “Aku Bukan Gila”.

“Peluang keemasan untuk bekerjasama dengan pengarah filem wanita, Rahila Ali, dalam penerbitan ini turut memperkasakan saya. Saya bersyukur dapat bekerjasama dengan WeTV iflix untuk menyebarkan keterujaan serta mesej yang disampaikan filem ini, dan berharap dapat menyertai lebih banyak lagi kolaborasi sedemikian pada masa depan.”

“Kami sangat bersyukur untuk menjadi platform yang membawakan kisah menyentuh hati, ‘Aku Bukan Gila’ kepada rakyat Malaysia, yang pasti akan tersentuh oleh mesej cintakan diri sendiri daripada filem ini,” demikian kata Aik Kuang Heng, Pengurus Negara WeTV iflix Malaysia. “Memandangkan penstriman media telah menjadi pengaruh yang berkuasa dalam industri perfileman, serta penerapan media ini yang sangat tinggi di Malaysia, kami berharap untuk membawa pilihan kandungan premium yang lebih luas dari rantau Asia kepada penonton kami, di samping memperkasakan industri perfileman tempatan.”

Dibintangi artis tempatan yang berpengalaman, Beto Kusyairy dan Fasha Sandha, “Aku Bukan Gila” mengisahkan Andra (Sandha) yang merantau ke perkampungan Beddgelert di North Wales untuk melarikan diri daripada kekangan kekeluargaan dan mengubati hatinya selepas kematian ibu tersayang.

Tanpa diduga, takdir mempertemukannya dengan Andre (Kusyairy) dalam latar belakang yang menampilkan keindahan lanskap Wales. Walaupun pada awalnya, Andra banyak berselisih pendapat dengan Andre, mereka akhirnya berjaya mengatasi perbezaan yang wujud di antara mereka.

Namun, apabila Andra cuba masuk campur dalam kehidupan silam Andre, jejaka itu bukan sahaja mula berasa tidak selesa bahkan meragui kesihatan mental Andra.
Ciri kompleks kedua-dua pelakon utama filem ini akan membuka mata penonton kepada isu kesihatan mental, yang akan diterokai lagi dalam sebuah babak khas yang ditayangkan selepas penutup penghargaan. Ia pasti akan menyentuh perasaan penonton, dan meningkatkan penghayatan terhadap dua watak utama yang dihidupkan oleh Beto dan Fasha.

WeTV iflix akan terus berusaha menyokong bakat tempatan dan menjadi platform premium untuk mengedarkan kandungan tempatan yang bermutu tinggi. Tonton “Aku Bukan Gila” sekarang juga secara percuma menerusi penstriman eksklusif di WeTV iflix di iflix.com, atau aplikasinya yang boleh dimuat turun dari Apple Store dan Google Play Store.

Whip up Michelin-star dishes with these recipes from Jing Yaa Tang

Published on April 18, 2020

Lifestyle

With people staying homebound in the fight against Covid-19, social distancing measures have given rise to plenty of stay-at-home chefs who are utilising their time indoors to master new skills in the kitchen.

Located at The Opposite House – a striking hotel in the heart of Beijing, Jing Yaa Tang restaurant is ready to spill the beans on two of their recipes during this pandemic.

Renowned for its selection of dishes inspired by the famous Beijing roast duck, one-Michelin star restaurant Jing Yaa Tang uses only the finest ingredients to produce authentic Chinese cuisine at its best.

Now, the celebrated restaurant divulges two of its favourite recipes – the fragrant Kung Pao Chicken, and the saccharine Cherry Tomatoes marinated in plum sauce.

Since you cannot travel to Jing Yaa Tang in Beijing to try these Michelin-star dishes, why not make them on your own?

Kung Pao Chicken

Whip up Michelin-star dishes with these recipes from Jing Yaa Tang — Kung Pao Chicken by Jing Yaa Tang.

Main ingredients:

Chicken thigh (20g)
Diced green onion (50g)
Cooked peanuts (25g)
Cooked cashew nuts (25g)
Sliced garlic (5g)
Sliced ginger (5g)
Dried chilli (5g)

Ingredients:

A.Salt (2g), rice wine (5g), sugar (1g), egg (1/3), corn flour (6g)

B.B. Sugar (30g), salt (3g), rice vinegar (50g), corn flour (10g)

Method:

1.Mix and pickle the diced chicken thigh with seasoning (ingredients A).
2.Heat the oil in a heated wok first, and fry the pickled chicken and diced green onion until the chicken is cooked.
3.Cook the sliced garlic and ginger, dry the red chilli segment first, add the cooked chicken and onion, and then stir-fry the cooked peanuts, cashew nuts and ingredients B.

Tips:

1. Cook the fried chicken and diced onion for one minute to elevate the taste.
2.Turn off the fire when adding the peanuts and cashew nuts to keep them crispy.

Cherry tomatoes marinated in plum sauce

Main ingredients:

Water (300g)
Sugar (80g)
Preserved prune slice (1 pc)
Concentrated orange juice (10g)
White vinegar (50ml)
Cherry tomatoes (200g)

Method:

1.Remove the root of the cherry tomatoes and peel with boiling water.
2.Boil the preserved prune in water, and then add other seasonings after three minutes. Turn off the fire when sugar melts completely.
3.Soak the cherry tomatoes into the sauce for 8 hours after they have cooled.

Tips:

1.Keep frozen after soaking
2.The length of time soaked will influence the tasty

Rafflesia plant: 10 things you should know about this distinctive flower

Published on March 20, 2020

Travel

Rafflesia, a flowering plant with no leaves and almost no stem, can easily be identified by its five leathery, speckled petals.

There are about 28 species of Rafflesia in the world, the most renowned being Rafflesia arnoldii.

Many visitors are willing to fly in just to see this plant in its natural habitat.

Here are ten things you need to know about this unique plant.

Rafflesia tuan-mudae found in Gunung Gading National Park.

The ‘largest flower in the world?’

One particular species, Rafflesia arnoldii, holds the record as the largest single flower of any flowering plant in terms of weight.

The largest measurement is 105 centimeters found at Palupah Nature Reserve, Sumatera. R. arnoldii and can weigh up to 11 kg.

A parasitic plant

It lives as a parasite on several vines of the genus Tetrastigma which grow only in primary rainforests.

Almost like a fungi, an individual Rafflesia grows as thread-like strands of tissue completely embedded within its host cells in which nutrients and water are obtained.

Is it a real plant?

It basically challenges traditional definitions of what a plant is.

This is because it lacks chlorophyll and is then unable to photosynthesise.

A study revealed that one species found in the Philippines, Rafflesia lagascae has no chloroplast genome, presumably because of its parasitic lifestyle.

This earned it the title of first land plant without a chloroplast genome, which was thought to be impossible before.

It also lacks any noticeable leaves, stems, or even roots; nonetheless it is still considered a vascular plant.

Another corpse flower?

The unique plant has a piercing, repulsive smell, almost like rotting meat prompting many locals to call it the ‘corpse flower’.

The foul smell is to attract insects such as flies, which transport pollen from male to female flowers.

But another plant, titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium) has also taken the title as corpse flower or ‘bunga bangkai’ in Malay.

Like the Rafflesia, titan arums are also found in Indonesia and Malaysian Borneo.

Furthermore, its odour is described more like the smell of a rotting animal.

A view of the inside of a Rafflesia. — A view of the inside of the flower.

It takes a long time for it to bloom

Generally, the flowers can take up to ten months to develop from the first visible bud to its full bloom.

Once in full flower, the bloom may last no more than a few days.

Only found in certain regions of the world

All of the species can only be found in South East Asia.

These areas included peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, southern Thailand, Borneo and southern Philippines.

Some species can only be found in Borneo

Home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, Borneo also has its own several endemic Rafflesia species.

These species include Rafflesia keithii, Rafflesia pricei, Rafflesia tuan-mudae and Rafflesia tengku-adlinii.

Found along the slopes of Mount Kinabalu, Rafflesia keithii is endemic to Sabah.

It was named after Henry George Keith, former Conservator of Forests in Sabah.

Another Sabah native is Rafflesia pricei which was named after an amateur botanist William Price. Price discovered this species on Mount Kinabalu in 1960.

Mount Kinabalu was not the only mountain which Rafflesia called home in Sabah.

Rafflesia tengku-adlinii was discovered on Mount Trus Madi in 1987. This species was named after Sabahan conservationist Datuk Dr Tengku D.Z. Adlin.

It was believed first discovered by Louis Deschamps but named after somebody else

A French doctor and explorer, Louis Auguste Deschamps was believed to be the first foreigner to see the Rafflesia.

He collected specimens and found Rafflesia in 1797 on the island of Nusakambangan. While Deschamps was making his way home in 1798 with his collection, the ship was taken by the British when approaching the English Channel.

The British, with whom France was at war, confiscated all his notes and specimens. It was only until 1954 when his possessions were rediscovered in the Natural History Museum, London.

About 20 years after Deschamps made his discovery, British botanist Dr Joseph Arnold’s local guide found the flower in the Indonesian rainforest in Bengkulu in 1818.

Eventually, the flower was named after Sir Thomas Raffles, the leader of the expedition.

An official flower

Being one of a kind, it is not a surprise that this unique plant has been picked as an official flower.

In Indonesia, locally called the ‘padma raksasa’, the Rafflesia arnoldii is one of the three national flowers with the other two being the white jasmine and moon orchid.

It is also the official flower for Sabah, Malaysia and Surat Thani Province, Thailand.

Threats

All known species of this so-called corpse plant are threatened or endangered. Their habitats are highly localised making them even more vulnerable to extinction.

These threats included land clearing, logging and ethnobotanical collecting.

The flowers can take up to 10 months to develop from the first visible bud to its full bloom.

Top destinations Asia Pacific travelers will visit in 2020

Published on February 29, 2020

Travel

A recent study by Hilton Honors that surveyed 2,300 of the most avid travelers in Asia Pacific revealed a handful of top destinations these jetsetters are most looking forward to visiting in the next 12 months.

The study also revealed that elevated experiences, local culture and authenticity play an important role in attracting Asia Pacific travelers to visit a particular destination.

If money were no object, it’s no surprise that “traveling the world” tops bucket lists – however the desire to try new experiences and connect with local culture were cited most as the important factors in deciding which destinations to visit.

We take a look at some of the destinations and experiences Asia Pacific travelers will likely be booking in 2020.

1.Land of the Rising Sun

Top destinations Asia Pacific travelers will visit in 2020 — Japan remains one of the most popular countries to visit.

Long prized for its culture, stunning landscapes and way of life, Japan consistently tops destination lists for many travelers around the world.

For Asia Pacific travelers, Japan is the most popular country visited recently, and it is also the destination highest on their list to visit next.

One out of every five avid Asia Pacific travelers has plans to visit Japan in the coming year – and with the highly anticipated Tokyo Olympics happening from 24 July–9 August, this number is only set to rise.

Unsurprisingly, its capital Tokyo topped the list of Japanese cities Asia Pacific travelers are most excited about visiting, followed closely by Osaka.

In both cities, highly unique cultural activities appeal to travelers looking to engage in immersive experiences, such as joining a sake brewery tour to learn more about Japan’s most iconic drink, or training to become a ninja for a day, complete with traditional costume and learning basic sword strokes.

2.Adventures Down Under

Australia comes in as a close second-favorite destination for Asia Pacific travelers.

Indian travelers, in particular, see the continent as a bucket list destination – 31% of them want to visit Australia the most, and this far outstrips interest in any other country.

Australia is well known for its food and winery tours, adventure activities like skydiving and surfing, and wildlife, but it’s the beaches, landmarks and spectacular landscapes that have the most influence in travelers’ decision to visit Down Under in 2020.

The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland manages to combine all three elements. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a bucket list destination for scuba divers either.

Enjoy full-day reef snorkeling tours from Cairns, or see the magnificent coral reef system – stretching over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers – from above on a thrilling helicopter ride.

3.K-pop and cooking in South Korea

Another destination that Asia Pacific travelers are most excited to visit in the next 12 months is South Korea.

With the unabating popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, it’s not surprising that local experiences around culture and food are key aspects that generate the most excitement among Asia Pacific travelers looking to visit South Korea.

One survey respondent said: “When I watch a Korean drama, it makes me really want to go there… I’d eat the street food, ramyeon (Korean instant noodle dish) and drink soju!”

Seoul is by far the most popular city Asia Pacific travelers want to visit, followed by Jeju and Busan.

Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture with experiences like visiting a seawater sauna or hot spring “water house” – where locals often go to refresh body and spirit – or even indulge in cooking and tea classes, to cook delicious authentic Korean food or learn more about tea culture respectively.

One of the most iconic aspects of Korean culture can also be embraced first-hand through a “Hallyu Star Makeup Class”.

Learn about the makeup secrets, styles and beauty tips of Korean stars and celebrities during this session – which comes complete with a live makeup tutorial and interactive feedback.

To discover unique and memorable travel experiences like these and more, visit experiences.hiltonhonors.com.

13 New Zealand’s traditional ingredients you should know about

Published on February 22, 2020

Travel

Don’t know your pāua from your horopito? All you need to know about New Zealand’s traditional ingredients.

One of the biggest movements in New Zealand food is the enthusiastic embrace of Māori indigenous ingredients, known as kai.

The movement is spearheaded by Netflix’s Final Table star Monique Fiso, a chef of Māori and Samoan heritage who has conducted extensive research into traditional kai ingredients and cookery methods.

She incorporates many of these into the food she creates at her elegant new Wellington restaurant Hiakai.

If you’re keen to try kai, here’s a list of New Zealand’s traditional ingredients to look out for in restaurants, food trucks and at kai festivals.

1.Shellfish

Dig deep at low tide on sandy beaches for a range of delicious sweet shellfish such as pipi, tuatua, tuangi (cockle) and diamond shell clams.

Eat them freshly shucked straight from the shell; steamed and tossed with butter, herbs and lemon; or in pasta and fish dishes. Best place to try them? Depot Eatery in Auckland.

2. Green-lipped mussels/kuku

A unique and prized export to the world, the green-lipped mussel is served simmered in wine and herbs or baked on the half shell with a tasty topping of bacon, onion and buttery crumbs.

Taste their deliciousness at The Mussel Pot in Havelock in the Marlborough region.

3.Horopito

The dried leaves and seeds of this native bush have a slight peppery sensation and are prized by Māori for a wide range of traditional medicinal uses.

The spicy, earthy aromatic taste adds flavour to a wide variety of spice rubs, stuffings and chicken and other meat dishes. Look for Dovedale’s Horopito bread in good food stores.

4. Kawakawa

Another native bush whose leaves and berries are used for medicinal purposes but also for spicing up food.

Kawakawa tea is most refreshing, while the succulent leaves may be wrapped around foods or used as a base for soups and stocks. Find it flavouring the dressing for fish dishes at Hiakai.

5.Sweet potato/kumara

Sweet potato is one of the main kai ingredients; it’s an essential at hāngis and is served at all traditional feasts.
The three main sweet-potato varieties – purple, golden and red – are all deliciously sweet whether roasted or steamed. Pūhā & Pākehā cafe in Auckland serves stunning kumara and coconut bites.

6. NZ spinach/kōkihi

This very versatile native green (kōkihi or Tetragonia tetragonioides) is found in coastal areas.

The succulent leaves – when well washed and trimmed – can be used in salads and soups and are an excellent addition to stews and braised dishes.

7. Abalone/pāua

Pāua is a highly prized seafood gathered from the deep waters around rocky outcrops on the seashore.

The inky black meat found in the spectacularly colourful shell (which is often used in jewellery and as a decoration) is chewy and flavoursome. Find it in fritters, or in the famous pāua pie at Amisfield winery near Queenstown.

8. Pikopiko

These delicate, curled-up, bright green fern fronds are generally used as an attractive edible garnish, but can also be served steamed, boiled or added to a stir-fry. The risotto at Pūhā & Pākehā features this delicacy.

9.Puha

13 New Zealand's traditional ingredients you should know about — Puha is one of the most important New Zealand’s traditional ingredients.

It’s one of the most important ingredients in Māori kai: a wild small leafy plant with thistle-like leaves and milky juice that grows profusely and is easily foraged.

Puha is boiled with pork and eaten as the green vegetable component of a common delicious dish known as “boil-up”.

As Monique Fiso says, “You can find it absolutely everywhere you look – by the roadside, in the bush or at the bottom of your garden.”

10. Seafood/kai moana

Kai moana (food of the sea) is central to all Māori feasting.

Apart from treasured shellfish, the most desired fish are two oily/meaty species, kahawai and mullet, and the larger kingfish and hāpuku.

Try them smoked or fried whenever you see them on a menu.

11. Taewa

These savoury potatoes were a staple crop for both eating and trading, and can be found in several varieties, usually with a purple or coloured skin and a creamy or blue interior.

Moemoe and urenika are the most popular, but the brilliant blue tūtaekurī is also worth tracking down.

12.Tītī

Also known as mutton bird, this salty, savoury seabird is coveted by those who have acquired the taste for it.

It is gathered on islands in the extreme south of New Zealand in a traditional way by Māori iwi (tribes) who have lineal rights to the ancient ritual.

The birds and generally salted and preserved then roasted or boiled. Try this delicacy at Fleurs Place in Moeraki (Fleur herself says it tastes like “anchovy-flavoured duck”) or Fishbone in Queenstown.

13. Karengo and other seaweeds

High in nutrients, there are many delicious varieties of edible seaweed including rimurapa (bull kelp), karengo and sea lettuce.

Enjoy them in soups and salads or dried and used as flavourings.

This article is based on a press release by Tourism New Zealand.

Explore Unique Adventures for the Best of Western Australia

Published on February 18, 2020

Travel

It’s no secret that Western Australia is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including the incredible Ningaloo Reef, spectacular and isolated coastlines in the country, huge swathes of wilderness dotted with rugged gorges and dramatic mountain ranges, and of course, home to Australia’s whitest beach.

With all of this in mind, it may come to no one’s surprise that this state, which makes up a third of Australia’s landmass is an absolute goldmine of outdoor adventure opportunity.

Come and experience some of the world’s most thrilling and scenic adventures, for whether it’s on water, land or in the air, you’re bound to find an activity that appeals to your sense of adventure, all within the state.

The best thing is, Perth (the capital of Western Australia) is only a 5.5-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur and shares the same time zone as us!

To help plan your escapade, here’s a must-see list of unique and adventurous experiences to explore across the five diverse regions in Western Australia:

Go above and beyond

Explore Unique Adventures for the Best of Western Australia

If skydiving has been on your bucket list for a while, or you’ve just been waiting for your chance to leap from a plane at 15,000 ft all over again, Western Australia is the place to make it happen.

You can do it over the beach at Rockingham or admire the breath-taking scenery high up in the air with the Rottnest Island skydive and ferry pass combo. And once you’re back on solid ground, it’s time to whip up your camera and go selfie-hunting with an adorable Quokka on the same day! Seeing this island paradise with your own eyes is a real must-do in Perth.

For something a little more leisurely, you can always hop into a hot air balloon. The sensation of calmly floating up in the air is something you just have to try at least once. Drifting with the wind is quite unlike anything else – it’s a really smooth glide across the sky, with plenty of time to take it all in and snap some really amazing sunsets or aerial shots. If you’re planning to pop the question to your significant other, doing so will certainly make it all the more romantic and memorable. We’re not sure if there’s enough room to get down on one knee though…

An Instagrammable Playground

Another area that you may want to visit is Castle Rock, where you’ll be greeted by massive ancient granite domes that are 1,100 million years old. At 670 metres above sea level, take in a truly exhilarating view from the suspended Granite Skywalk or scale the last few metres to reach the summit.

This unique granite range of 12 peaks sits in the heart of Porongurup National Park and merely a 4.25-hours’ drive away from Perth. Allow at least 2 hours to complete the steep 3-kilometre return walk and stop to get a closer look at the incredible variety of plant and animal life that makes this region one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Another popular adventure spot is Collie, which is an outdoor adventure playground nestled in a scenic forested valley in the Darling Ranges. All the beauty, challenges and thrills of the South West bushland are right here. Think white water rafting, water skiing, canoeing, bush camping and fishing, plus bushwalking and mountain biking on some of the world’s greatest long-distance trails.

Visit in springtime (September to November) and you’ll see the valley come alive with blooms of colourful wildflowers. You can be here in just over two hours from the freeway south of Perth, making it an easy weekend getaway.

Ride along the waves

Your trip is not complete without heading over to rugged Kimberley in the north west region of Western Australia where you’ll find a variety of spectacular waterfalls, including some of the world’s biggest and most stunning. Experience jumping in the waterfall for an invigorating dip, tackle the rough waters or take to the skies in a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the action.

If bumpy waves and water sports don’t tickle your fancy, you can “surf” in one of Australia’s biggest waves at Hyden – it’s nowhere near the ocean, but uniquely enough home to the world famous Wave Rock. Over 2,700 million years in the making, the wave rises 15 metres over the outback plain, which becomes a sea of colourful wildflower blooms in spring.

Located near the Wheatbelt town of Hyden, it’s a pleasant drive (between 3 to 4 hours) from Perth, where you’ll see picturesque rolling farmlands to wide vistas of wheat and canola fields.

Free your spirit with natural wonders

Located just over 2 hours north of Perth, Pinnacles Desert is almost like an other-worldly landscape. Formed over millions of years, the lunar-like Pinnacles form one of Australia’s most unique and fascinating natural landscapes. Once darkness falls, get a rare chance to see an unpolluted and breath-taking view of the Milky Way.

Some people love getting up close with fascinating and diverse marine and if you’re one of them, you’ll be in awe of World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef. Being one of the largest fringing reefs on Earth, you’ll get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the largest fish in the sea, the gentle whale shark, as well as a huge variety of marine wildlife including sea turtles, humpback whales, orcas (killer whales) dugong, manta rays and reef sharks!

Journey back to “the land before time”

Last but not least, a land of breath-taking contrasts covering billions of years in history and over one million square kilometres, the North West is one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth. Find adventure in Karijini National Park, one of Western Australia’s most spectacular natural attractions offering amazing hiking trails through ancient gorges.

Explore tunnels of marbled rock, clamber over boulders, squeeze through narrow tunnels, paddle through waterways and descend deep into ancient chasms.

Ever tried riding a bike on sand or even better riding a fat bike? For anyone unaware, a fat bike is similar to a regular mountain bike but with huge oversized tyres and rims. And you can ride one of these against the sunset on Cable Beach, which is well known as one of the best spots to admire the setting sun.

If we were you, we’d save this for last, for then you can literally say that you spent your last few days in Western Australia riding into the sunset.

For more details and destination inspirations, head over to Tourism Western Australia’s website at https://www.westernaustralia.com.

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