The Rise and Rise of Phuket

Waterside living and the laid-back lifestyle are driving demand for Phuket property, discovers Kerrie Hall

Thailand’s property market has boomed since 2004, with price increases of up to 20% annually on islands like Phuket. Realtors now report that uncertainties of landed ownership structures in proposed amendments of the Foreign Business Act has contributed to investor focus leaning toward freehold condominium resort projects with quotas of 49% for sales to foreigner buyers.

According to Raimon Land’s March 2007 Condominium Report, Phuket accounted for 38% of condominiums sales in Thailand. Resort markets such as Phuket target mainly overseas investors, explains Asia Property Report publisher Duncan Worthington.

“A large percentage of buyers are lifestyle investors who want some kind of return on their purchase, but they are also looking to enjoy time in their unit in Phuket,” says Worthington.

Property industry executives expect a democratic government election will bring a return of foreign investor confidence to all market sectors by year end. Despite the market hiccup, director of Phuket One Real Estate Larry Cunningham (also CEO and developer of The Chava at Surin Beach on Phuket’s popular west coast) reports interest in managed luxury apartments in prime locations.

“We launched The Chava in May last year and have achieved sales of over 65% in 15 months,” says Cunningham. “Even though the property market in Phuket has experienced a recent slow-down, we have continued to receive interest and positive feedback from potential buyers and investors.”

Now under construction overlooking the magnificent Kamala Bay, also on the west coast of the island’s north, Kamala Falls is a residential resort of six leasehold villas and 102 freehold, sea-view apartments.

Due for completion at the end of 2008, the beachside estate will offer residents a clubhouse, restaurants and a host of nearby facilities.

New projects on Phuket’s east coast are favoured by a sophisticated boating crowd and are rapidly developing alongside waterfront lifestyle developments like Royal Phuket Marina’s Aquaminiums and seaside, island-view resort apartment projects such as Serenity Terraces at Rawai. Leasehold buyers at Serenity Terraces have share value in the developing company and access to the residential spa, speed boat, kayaks and a fully-crewed, 30m resident luxury yacht.

“It’s the ultimate lifestyle package,” says new condo owner Starr Farrish.

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES TWICE DAILY BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND PHUKET. BOOK FLIGHTS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

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ABOARD TIGER AIRWAYS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

’Tis the season to be jolly indeed! Christmas comes early this year for our passengers, and at Tiger Airways, we are in the mood for the festive season. What better way to spend the year-end break than relaxing at a host of brand-new Australian destinations that we are launching in the next few months?

These two months are historic for Tiger Airways. Amidst great excitement, Tiger Airways is planning to operate from Melbourne Airport Terminal 4 at Tullamarine, providing efficient, punctual and very affordable domestic flights in Australia. From this bustling centre, you can now fly to many cities such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Mackay and Launceston for work or for leisure, all at our friendly low, low fares.

It’s been a remarkable year for Tiger Airways – we’ve expanded our Asian operations to include India. We are working to launch our new airline operating domestic services within Australia. From just nine aircraft in January, we will be receiving three new planes by the end of the year, making ours a 12-strong fleet.

Even more satisfying is to have seen our third millionth passenger come on board earlier this year — and we expect our fourth millionth by the end of 2007!

This issue, discover best spots for your dream weekend getaway during the coming festive seasons, just a few hours away from our destinations.

Fancy spending a romantic Christmas in gorgeous Freycinet Peninsula, just two hours from Launceston? Or how about planning ahead for a fun road trip through Alice Springs?

We also feature Chennai, one of our two new Indian destinations, a city that will surprise and delight you with its unpredictable mix of tradition and modernity. Find out about two delightful coasts – the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast – which appear so similar and yet have totally different personalities and highlights.

If you’d like a more meaningful holiday, try volunteering. Our story on voluntourism will have you packing your bag, ready to save the world.

Between these pages you’ll also find a fresh Calendar with lots of events to plan for, the best new bars and restaurants to check out, and our sharper Hotspots to every city we fly to.

Enjoy your flight – and I’m sure we will be seeing you again on Tiger Airways very soon.

Happy holidays!

Tony Davis
CEO, Tiger Aviation Group

*Australia domestic flights are subject to regulatory approval

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Sara Schonhardt discovers the joy of volunteer tours which let travellers give back

Wherever a man turns, he can find someone who needs him,” said Nobel Peace Prize philosopher Albert Schweitzer.

In the 20th century he named that thought the “reverence for life” philosophy, but today, it could serve as the slogan for a trend that has taken in celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and former US president Jimmy Carter.

Jolie’s work with UNICEF and the impact of the 2004 tsunami have made volunteering a force in Asia, giving rise to a new form of travel based on altruism. Hundreds of companies now specialise in “meaningful” tourism, which creates customised volunteer tours or connects people with charity organisations that are benefiting local communities, helping them realise their volunteer options and move beyond standard sightseeing.

“Volunteering during a holiday serves a dual purpose,” explains Maryann Bylander, a board member of Pepy, a non-profit organisation that combines adventure travel with hands-on volunteer projects. “By integrating standard tourist activities with volunteer or charity activities, many people can fulfill their travel goals while giving something back to the country and people they meet.”

Pepy tries to offer educational tours so that people feel they are getting something out of their experience. In addition, the communities in which they volunteer also benefit.

“We try to make sure that whatever we give is supporting something sustainable, and ideally helping people change how they travel,” says executive director Daniela Papi.

Making Money, Changing Lives

One of the longest-running meaningful tour companies is i-to-i, which has sent more than 20,000 people to work on volunteer projects in 34 countries since opening in 1994.

According to Alexia Nestora, director of i-to-i’s North American division, the idea was to provide a more fulfilling travel experience by bringing travellers closer to local communities, an idea that appealed to the growing number of people who were bored with holidays that involved merely sitting around the pool sipping fruity cocktails.

As volunteer tourism expanded, the types of volunteer companies became more varied. They now include charities, non-profits and “ethical” businesses that give back to the communities through volunteer support and donations.

i-to-i is an example of a for-profit company that also has a charity arm. “The money paid by participants does not go into the project due to issues of dependence, but we do give money into the economy and we have a foundation that gives resources to the projects,” explains Nestora, who highlights that i-to-i recently bought an incubation unit for the panda conservation project in China.

Community Building

Organisations are also developing programmes which are run on a non-profit basis and are working with tour companies to bring in volunteers.

Voluntourists Without Borders based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for instance, is helping to create a nature trail network that will be owned and operated by rural and ethnic minority villagers, built with a combination of hands-on volunteer labour and donations, and aided by corporate sponsorship and the tourism industry.

The objective is to create an eco-tourism industry that will serve as a model for private sector community development and a recognised research centre for sustainable tourism, says founder Shane K Beary, who advocates keeping such projects in the hands of the villagers.

“Tour companies are an effective channel in helping projects secure the hands-on help and donor-funding assistance the voluntourist provides,” says Beary. “But the tour company should be responsible for ensuring that the projects are well managed, genuinely meeting the community’s long-term needs and have a viable role for voluntourists.”

Living and working with a community is a way to experience cultural exchange. But it takes mutual respect to break down the barriers and establish a relationship. According to Kelly May, director of Andaman Discoveries, a company focused on small-scale, community-led projects such as mangrove conservation, handicraft co-operatives, and teaching English to local kids, volunteers should check to see that villagers receive fair wages, projects don’t do things the authorities should be doing, and that locals are involved in the process.

“Our projects are done by the community for the community,” says May. “AD acts as a bridge for those communities wanting volunteers and people wanting to help out. Without access to telephones and the internet, villages with a real need for assistance rely on groups like Andaman Discoveries to fill the gap, and help volunteers and villagers meet and interact.”

Making a Difference

Countries such as India and Vietnam are now at the top of many travellers’ lists and those who visit often are eager to give. However, they don’t always know where to go to ensure that their money is going to the right place or to feel like they are making a positive impact, Papi says. That’s where groups like Andaman Discoveries come in.

“Sometimes, spending time with the villagers, for instance, to help them get used to being around Westerners, can be more useful than building a school,” explains May.

Often, volunteer tours open the doors to further volunteer travel. Many people who have participated in a tour continue to donate to the organisation and spread the word about its efforts. Many people also go on to do volunteer work in their home countries.

“My experience motivated me to learn more about orphanage care in China,” says Brianne Lewis, a biochemistry student at Queen’s University in Canada. Through i-to-i, Lewis spent a summer volunteering at the Xi’an Children’s Welfare Institute in China. When she returned to university in autumn, she signed up for a Mandarin class, and later volunteered at Beijing Normal University and did research on orphanages.

“I wanted to help care for the babies and alleviate the workload for the regular caretakers,” Lewis says. “The experience changed me forever. I had always wanted to pursue medicine, but now I will plan on returning to China in a medical capacity, perhaps as part of a medical mission.”

Pick Wisely

Lewis’s story is one of many happy ones. But not all volunteer travel experiences are so rosy.

In a recent report by the BBC, volunteer charity Voluntary Service Overseas warned that “voluntourism often cost students thousands of pounds and did nothing to help developing countries”. An article in the London Times described efforts by Tourism Concern, a development charity, to enforce a quality-mark scheme that will expose companies offering dubious charity work.

According to Beary and others, volunteer tours should cater to the communities they are working to benefit, not the needs of participants. Companies that do, particularly at the grassroots level, should include pre-trip information to manage expectations and cultural sensitivity.

So be wary, but don’t shy away. With a bit of investigation and education, one can find a whole range of ethical, responsible and inexpensive volunteer travel opportunities. Just take the advice of another great philosopher, Dr Seuss: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

For ideas on maximising your voluntourism trips, pick up Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide To Making A Difference Around The World by Lonely Planet, available at select bookstores for SGD34 (excl GST).

 

SAVE THE WORLD – TAKE YOUR PICK

There are many worthy projects in this region that you can travel to and become a volunteer:

■ China Shaanxi reserves near Xi’an introduces volunteers to panda conservation. www.i-to-i.com

■ India The Ladakh Farm Project allows volunteers to spend a month or longer working on a traditional farm during the summer harvest. www.isec. org.uk/pages/ladakh.html The Centre for Coordination of Voluntary Works and Research (CECOWOR) in India offers projects in that include self-help groups for women and health education. www.cecowor.org

■ Vietnam Hanoi-based Buffalo Tours offers a 16-day trip to a residential treatment centre for children and veterans affected by Agent Orange. Volunteers can assist an organic gardening project or join in activities such as embroidery classes, assisting with meal preparations and teaching English classes. www.buffalotours.com KOTO equips street kids with skills that allow them to find jobs through a restaurant training programme. www.koto.com.au/koto_hanoi.asp

■ Thailand Voluntourists Without Borders’ projects include, nature trail development, dam installation, eco-camp development, agro-forestry as well as biodiversity restoration. www.voluntourists-without-borders.com

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND INDIA (CHENNAI, KOCHI), CHINA (GUANGZHOU, XIAMEN, HAIKOU, SHENZHEN, MACAU), VIETNAM (HANOI AND HO CHI MINH CITY) AND THAILAND (CHIANG MAI, BANGKOK, KRABI, PHUKET).

FOR MORE DETAILS, GO TO www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

DOS AND DON’TS

from Maryann Bylander of non-profit org, Pepy

■ Do educate yourself about the country or region you’ll be visiting and learn basic phrases, greetings and customs.

■ Don’t assume your presence will be automatically wanted or needed.

■ Do respect cultural differences.

Groups like Andaman Discoveries have successfully created situations, such as soap-making or roof-weaving, that do not require language but offer opportunities for alternative communication.

■ Do learn all you can about the non-profit organisations (NGOs) or volunteer sites that you’ll be supporting.

■ Do ensure that you know how your fund-raised money is being used.

■ Don’t use organisations that exploit the spectacle of poverty.

■ Don’t try and change the way things are done. Examine why things are done a certain way before suggesting possible improvements for consideration.

Going Eco in Thailand

Kerrie Hall unearths the many eco-tourism treats in the Andaman Triangle, Thailand

World awareness of green issues has fuelled rapid growth in eco-tourism, making “responsible tourism” the new buzzword. Eco celebrities like Leonardo Di Caprio – producer of The 11th Hour – promote global ecological enlightenment and the need for individual and community connections. The fastest-growing market sector is the responsible tourist who’s keen to protect healthy environments and learn about local cultures while on holiday.

THAILAND’S “ANDAMAN TRIANGLE” Khao Lak, Krabi and Phuket make up a hotspot of developing eco-tourism and sustainable community tourism with villagers keen to share traditional lifestyles. Lush natural surrounds and pristine escapes means the region is overflowing in natural adventures and cultural experiences.

Khao Lak Renowned for emerald jungles, white sandy beaches and world-class reefs, the Khao Lak region (one hour north of Phuket) is a paradise for diving, rafting, elephant-trekking and wildlife-spotting.

Phang Nga Tourist Association organises trips and excursions around the natural wonders of Phang Nga province and nearby islands. Explore ancient mangroves by canoe, trek to waterfalls, or camp and dive in marine national parks at remote Similan and Surin Islands.

Andaman Discoveries, formerly a tsunami community programme, is a co-operative of locals now trained in sustainable tourism. Join the villagers for an educational jungle hike; learn to cook; make soap or batik; weave a roof; go fishing the traditional way; or roast cashews or harvest fruit. Programmes are also available for single female travellers, families and educational groups.

Phang Nga Tourist Association, tel: +66 (0)76 443443, www.khaolak-phangnga.com Andaman Discoveries, tel: +66 (0)87 917 7165, www.andamandiscoveries.com

Krabi Eco adventures abound in Krabi province. Andaman Camp and Cruise delights in showing off their natural playground. Sail to remote islands on a longtail boat, snorkel in secret bays, camp out under the stars or stay with a Muslim family, help milk the goats and harvest rubber crops.

Specialists of local history and ecology, Sea Land and Trek offer one-day self-kayak tours in coastal forests and sea caves. Naturalist guides share knowledge of wildlife, flora, mysterious cave paintings and even a mermaid. Be prepared to catch your own lunch for a seafood beach barbecue.

At 740sq km, Khao Sok National Park – an hour north of Krabi – is an eco-tourist’s dream. Soaring mountain peaks beg to be climbed and the guides from Paddle Asia are experts in this tropical terrain. Whether a two-hour climb or a two-day trek, the journey is just as fun. The team also specialises in mountain biking, bird-watching and paddling the islands of Trang.

Andaman Camp and Cruise, tel: +66 (0)87 885 1125, www.andamancampandcruise.com Sea Land and Trek Co, tel: +66 (0)75 637364, www.sealandandtrek.com Paddle Asia, tel: +66 (0)76 240952, www.paddleasia.com

Phuket Off the east coast of Phuket lies spectacular Phang Nga Bay with over a hundred islands to explore. A pioneer of sea canoeing in southern Thailand, John Gray has educated the world in eco-tourism for over two decades.

John Gray Sea Canoes explore the bay with an educative and entertaining programme led by eco-guides passionate in natural history. “Hong by Starlight” is a tour not to be missed – it features afternoon kayaking, bird-watching, kratong-making, night-paddling in the surreal beauty of sea caves and meditations in starlit hongs.

Midway across the bay, between Phuket and Krabi, the large islands of Koh Yao are inhabited by only a few thousand villagers who live in harmony with nature in a centuries-old culture. Koh Yao Noi Eco-tourism Club invites visitors to experience the beauty of the islands and local lifestyle. Homestays with local families can be arranged, allowing a peek into communities sustained by the sea.

John Gray Sea Canoes, tel: +66 (0)76 254505, www.johngray-seacanoe.com Koh Yao Noi Ecotourism Club, tel: +66 (0)76 597409, www.koh-yao-noi-eco-tourism-club.com

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES DAILY BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND PHUKET, AND SINGAPORE AND KRABI. TO GET TO KHAO LAK, FLY TIGER AIRWAYS TO PHUKET OR KRABI AND TAKE A TAXI FROM THERE. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

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If you think Chennai is just another boring industrial city, think again, says Vaishna Roy, who gives 10 (out of dozens!) of good reasons to love this gateway to the South of India

Old-fashioned, orthodox, slow, insular… these are just some of the words that people throw at Chennai.

Granted, it is the most low-profile of India’s metropolises, but dig a little deeper, and you will find that this southern Indian city oozes a charm of its own. It has tons of art and culture that go back thousands of years, an even pace of life, a size that’s small enough to make friends of strangers, and an easy lack of glamour that is at once amusing and reassuring.

If this is your first visit to the city, let us give you 10 reasons why you’re about to fall in love.

1 Kapaleeswarar Temple

Chennai has many old and beautiful temples, but you must begin with a visit to the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore. This 1,500-year-old temple dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu God of Destruction, has beautiful carvings and lots of history. Soak in the atmosphere, watch devotees light dozens of oil lamps as they go about their ancient rituals of worship, or feed the colourful fish in the tank at the back of the temple.

When you are done, wander down the narrow lanes to pick up quaint souvenirs ranging from elegant brass lamps and bells to techni-coloured gods in glitzy frames. Or buy sweet-smelling jasmine, basil and roses from the flower sellers. The temple has a dozen quaint legends attached to it, so ask some Chennaite to tell you the tales.

2 It Hub

Did you know that Chennai is India’s number two provider of software and other IT-related services? It is also India’s top stop for auto and auto component companies, commanding over 30% of both industries, and home to companies like Hyundai, Ford, BMW, Mitsubishi and Caterpillar.

Another industry that Chennai is homing in on is electronics manufacturing – Nokia, Motorola, Siemens, Samsung, Cisco and Sony-Ericsson are just a few companies that have set up base here. The city assures good business process continuity – an educated work force, no labour problems, reliable power supply, adequate terabit bandwidth, a cooperative administration, and a good quality of urban life.

The influx of so many multinational and BPO companies has seen a sudden increase in the number of “outsider” settlers, making Chennai a far more cosmopolitan city than it was five to seven years ago. Now, there are high-rises, fancy pubs, coffee bars, nightclubs, and the swankiest of shopping centres to cater to the rising population of young consumers with high spending power.

3 Movie-Mad Town

If you know anything about Chennai at all, you will know that the inhabitants are a little nutty about their movie stars. They admire them, worship them, emulate them – and when their “gods” die, they immolate themselves.

You can’t miss the fact that movies reign rampant over the public imagination – the Chennai skyline is dotted with colossal movie hoardings, often with special 3-D effects and a work of art in themselves. Although there’s never been a film festival here, movies and movie stars are always in your face in Chennai.

4 Crossroads of Two Eras

This is a city that easily spans two eras – one is the hi-tech world of modern business, and the second is a tradition-bound world that goes back thousands of years.

The same man who heads an aggressive multinational bank will faithfully appear at the temple in his white dhoti every dawn, making flower offerings to the gods.

You will hear temple bells and the chants of slokas at every turn. Every house will have a son or daughter learning classical music or dance while quite happily swaying to Shakira or Beyonce with friends at school.

On the fastest motorbikes, you will find not a punk but a Brahmin priest with a bald head. Take a walk down Mylapore lanes and discover old Tamil tiled houses, with women in nine-yard saris drawing rice flour kolams on the steps outside, while inside, their sons discuss the merits of JavaFX Script on Skype with business partners in New Jersey.

5 Chettinad Cuisine

Did you know that Chettinad is actually a district tucked away in the deep interiors of Tamil Nadu? It is a hot, dry place that is home to the powerful and rich trading community of

Chettiars, who at one time were the financial kingpins of the British Empire.

The cuisine of the hardy merchants of this region reflects both their history and geography – it’s rich, hot and most interesting.

It has only recently become part of the public domain. Be warned, though – if you don’t order wisely, the food can set your mouth on fire.

6 The Finest Saris

Chennai is famous for the gorgeous Kanjeevaram silk, named after Kanchipuram, a temple town that is about 70km from Chennai where the silk was born. Go shopping in one of the many sari shops in the city, and be bowled over by the sheer colours and richness.

Kanjeevaram silk is fine and strong, and comes in rich colours. The saris are embellished with fine zari work or gold thread, which is interwoven with the silk to create intricate patterns.

Some saris have fine silk thread embroidery. One sari can take 10 to 30 days of labour, depending on the complexity of the design.

The price could range from INR2,000 to 50,000 (SGD75 to 1,900) depending on the workmanship and the amount of gold thread used. Many Westerners often buy the saris to use as drapes, wall hangings or simply as dress material.

7 Chennai Museum

Possibly the world’s finest bronze collection is housed in the Chennai Museum on Pantheon Road. Built in 1857, the building itself is beautifully built in the imposing IndoGothic style and the fabulous bronze sculptures are worth lingering over for hours.

The museum is especially proud of its fantastic collection of Buddhist statues dating back to the second century, which were excavated at Amravathi, an important Buddhist centre.

The exquisite Chola bronzes (9th to 12th centuries) show clearly how far the art of metal casting had advanced in ancient India. The statue of the “Cosmic Nataraja” alone is worth a hundred visits. The museum is especially attractive after a recent makeover.

8 The Marina

The 4.5km-long Marina is Chennai’s long and beautiful urban beach, but if you’re expecting Copa, think again. This is a different story altogether. Take an evening walk to the beach, and you’ll find that it’s a daily carnival, with food stalls, flower sellers, ice-cream wagons and merry-go-rounds. Sit on the sand, paddle in the sea or just stroll endlessly and get acquainted with the friendly Chennaites.

People here are not interested in the Western worship of sun-bathing, and neither will they get into swimsuits for a dip in the sea; they come in the evenings to enjoy the breeze and the waves, and to sample beach food. Don’t miss the local salad, called sundal, with peanuts, cucumber, raw mango, carrots and cilantro all diced up – you can customise it to your taste if you wish.

The delicious corn on the cob is roasted on an open brazier as you wait, and dressed with chilli powder, salt and lime. Don’t miss the hot fried fish and vegetable fritters. A trip to the beach is actually just an excuse to pig out on street food.

9 St Thomas
Basilica

On a narrow street, crowded by buildings on both sides, look up and there, reaching straight up, white and pure towards the sky is the steeple of St Thomas Basilica.

There are only three churches in the world which are built on the remains of an apostle and this, first erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century, is one of them. St Thomas or Doubting Thomas is credited with having brought Christianity to India in 53AD, and he died in Chennai, lanced by a hostile chieftain.

Although the remains of the apostle have since been moved to Spain, the beautiful cathedral still hosts the lance and a piece of bone from his hand.

10 Mamallapuram

A short and pleasant drive south of Chennai along the Bay of Bengal will take you to what was once a thriving port city more than 2,000 years ago.

This place is Mamallapuram, a place famous for both its rich architectural heritage and its luxurious beach resorts. This town saw the ancient Tamil dynasty of the Pallavas take monolithic stone work to its pinnacle.

There are imposing stone chariots, intricately carved cave temples and pavilions, and an exquisite bas relief that is said to be the largest in the world. Entire hillsides have been carved into wondrous shapes, and historians suspect that this could once have been a sprawling school of sculpture.

Right at the water’s edge is the magnificent Shore Temple, whose elegant silhouette defines the town unmistakably.

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND CHENNAI FOUR TIMES WEEKLY. FOR MORE EXCITING WAYS TO ENJOY CHENNAI, SEE HOTSPOTS PAGE 106.

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Want to enjoy a quick holiday this festive season?

Tiger Tales shares five great weekend trips to take, beginning with Chris Canty’s introduction to the spectacular

Freycinet Peninsula in Launceston

Just two hours south-east of Launceston resides a sanctuary of world-class food and wine, set behind a stunning natural backdrop of unforgettable landscapes. Welcome to Freycinet Peninsula, and get ready to experience a weekend of daydreams.

The Freycinet National Park may be relatively unknown to those on Australia’s mainland, but for Tasmanians, it’s one of the many jewels of the state. With sandy beaches, stunning views from mountaintops, and local wildlife and fauna that pop up around every turn (curious wallabies may follow you), it makes the perfect Christmas break.

Wild Walk

Though romantics may want to slowly slip into the glorious scenery, the area has an assortment of attractions to enjoy, including food producers, wineries, rock-climbing, kayaking and fishing. Most come for the bushwalking, which is a great way to work off the great food you’ll undoubtedly sample.

The Isthmus Track Circuit Walk is the most popular and relatively gentle, taking around four to five hours, depending on how long you immerse yourself in the landscape. It starts by going around Mount Mayson to Hazards beach, where hundreds of old oyster shells are scattered over the shore.

Most come to see Wineglass Bay a further 30 minutes away, which has been regarded as one of the world’s most picturesque beaches. Sheltered from the wind, its pristine sand and intoxicating privacy offer a serenity which makes it almost impossible to leave. The cool water is also the perfect way to escape the December heat.

The walk ends in style as you are treated to the best seat in the house at the 216m lookout which offers a view to remember.

Luxurious Living

In such a beautiful place, it makes sense to stay somewhere that frames it perfectly. Situated within the Freycinet National Park, and lying at the edge of the water, Freycinet Lodge is one of country’s most picturesque hotels.

With its large open fireplace and nap-inducing couches facing huge bay windows, the Lodge is the perfect spot to forget about the outside world. The private pier nearby has played host to hundreds of marriage proposals, and you will see why when the sun starts to set.

Or you may wish to stay in your room, where the sea is so close to your private verandah and you’d be able to skim stones. The huge spa bath against the nearby window is a decadent spot for admiring the landscape.

The area’s award-winning produce can be best found at the lodge’s Bay Restaurant, including a seafood paella that would rival anything created in Spain. The incredibly fresh crayfish is another highlight. Make sure to book a table for their Christmas lunch menu which focuses solely on Tasmanian produce. For those who want to try a bit of everything, sample the “Taste of Tasmania” at 4.30pm daily, where local cuisine is matched by wines around the world.

If you are on a more modest budget, the Coles Bay YHA is only five minutes away in the tiny township that lies just before the National Park. It offers simple but clean dorms starting at AUD22 (SGD28.80) or doubles for AUD55 (SGD72.20) per room – a small price to pay to be on the doorstep to paradise.

They also organise a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. A friendly pub next to it offers pub meals and local beers on tap.

Wine and Dine

For incredible value and the chance to try the freshest oysters and mussels, visit the Freycinet Marine Farm.

For only AUD12 (SGD15.75) for a dozen oysters – a steal, considering they supply the best restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne. Sit in the beer garden and consume what was most likely brought in from the sea earlier that day.

For a great wine, visit the open cellar of the Freycinet Vineyard. They have a great selection of labels, including chardonnay and pinot noir which are ideally suited to the locally sourced seafood.

For beer lovers, try the Hazard Beer which is also made here – crisp and perfect for those January BBQs, for when you return back home.

Freycinet Peninsula’s glorious scenery is matched only by the food and wine it produces, so for a memorable Christmas break that includes the best of what Tasmania has to offer, finish the year off in style. You can’t go wrong here.

WHERE TO STAY

■ Freycinet Lodge Freycinet National Park tel: 1800 084620 website: www.puretasmania.com.au

■ Iluka Backpackers YHA Esplanade Coles Bay 7215 tel: +61 (0)3 6257 0115 website: www.yha.com.au

■ Freycinet Marine Farm Look for the sign on the road leading towards Freycinet tel: +61 (0)3 6257 0140 website: www.freycinetmarinefarm.com

■ Freycinet Vineyards Tasman Highway tel: +61 (0)3 6257 8384 website: www.freycinetvineyard.com.au

CAR HIRE

■ Hertz Launceston Airport, Evandale Ave, tel: +61 (0)3 6391 8388 website: www.hertz.com

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES DAILY BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND LAUNCESTON FROM 29 NOVEMBER 2007. AUSTRALIAN DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS TODAY AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

a clean Green Scene

If the hustle and bustle of Guangzhou is too much to cope with this Chinese New Year season, head to Zhuhai for the perfect seaside holiday. Hope Twyford takes a trip

Guangzhou may be known as the business centre of Southern China, but the laid-back seaside city of Zhuhai, two and a half hours from Guangzhou, is the place to come and recharge weary batteries.

A short hop over the border from Macau, Zhuhai was one of the first cities to be granted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status. While it has benefited from its close proximity to Hong Kong and Macau, Zhuhai has never enjoyed the same level of success as other SEZs such as Shenzhen, but this “underachievement” has its advantages: Zhuhai is known as China’s cleanest and greenest city, making it the ideal holiday spot for travellers who are looking for a new experience in China.

The best time to visit Zhuhai is during Chinese New Year (7-9 February 2008). The weather is cool but pleasant, and humidity levels are significantly lower than in summer.

Relaxed City

Living by the sea agrees with the folks here. They are visibly calmer and more relaxed than their Guangdong neighbours, and visitors are left with no choice but to follow suit and slow down!

Locals take advantage of Zhuhai’s picturesque surroundings and relax by walking, jogging or cycling along the esplanade.

While Zhuhai is not known for its abundant tourist attractions, there are a few worth visiting. The New Summer Palace (Yuan Ming Xin Yuan) is a partial reconstruction of the original Summer Palace (Yuan Ming Yuan) in Beijing. It is situated at the foot of Shilin Mountain and a hike (or a cable car ride) to the top offers breathtaking views of the entire city.

For some rest and reflection, head to the Buddhist temple on the small island in the middle of the lake. It is only accessible by boat and offers respite from the crowds. Early morning is the best time to see locals at play. Watch or join in the daily tai chi practice.

Zhuhai lives up to its green status – it is home to some very well-kept parks and gardens. Jingshan Park is the most popular with Chinese tourists who come to climb Paradise Hill. It takes about half an hour to climb to the top, and offers beautiful sea views. There is an amusement area where kids can go fishing and play on the rides.

Haibin Park faces the sea and has excellent walking paths and resting areas. You may “dress up” as a Chinese emperor or empress, complete with fake backdrops and props for a photo.

Beyond this, head to Zhuhai’s most visited attraction, Fish Girl (Yu Nu). This statue of a girl holding a pearl over her head is known as the symbol of Zhuhai and was inspired by a local legend about a girl who would wait by the waterfront daily for her long-lost love to return from sea. Most weekends, you will find couples posing for wedding portraits in front of Yu Nu.

Where to Dine

While you can still find restaurants serving more hearty meals such as hotpot and northern Chinese food (try Dong Bei Ren), most prefer to dine on lighter meals. Given Zhuhai’s location, seafood and yum cha are favourites. May Flower and Jin Yue Xuan are great places for yum cha. For delicious seafood, try May Flower and Shou Zhi Gong Dining Room.

WHERE TO STAY

Zhuhai has some excellent accommodation options, but as this is more of a business centre and not a tourist city, budget stays are hard to find.

Star City Hotel is a comfortable and reasonably-priced boutique hotel that is within walking distance to the esplanade and Bar Street area. 88 Jingshan Road, Jida, Zhuhai, tel: +86 (756) 3220 888

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES DAILY BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND GUANGZHOU, AND BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND MACAU. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS TODAY AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

Getting to Zhuhai from Guangzhou and Macau

Zhuhai’s climate is subtropical, and humid throughout the year. The cooler winter months allow for comfortable sightseeing with temperatures averaging 12 degrees Celsius.

The summer months are hot, with temperatures, usually hitting the 33 degrees in the summer; humidity at this time is particularly high.

FROM GUANGZHOU: The best way to get there is by bus. It is comfortable and clean, with buses departing for Zhuhai every 15 minutes. The Guangdong Long-Distance Bus Station on Huanshi Xi Road is the best bet. A one-way ticket costs RMB60 (SGD11.75) and the journey is two and a half hours long.

FROM MACAU: You can walk to Zhuhai from Macau! The two cities are linked by a narrow isthmus. You will cross the Border Gate. A short five-minute walk will literally take you from one city to another.

Alice Springs Rocks

The best way to enjoy the “Red Heart” is to rent a campervan for the weekend and go driving. Kerry Sharp shows you where to go

The desert capital of Alice Springs is the perfect launching pad for a weekend getaway. You can lose yourself for days in Aboriginal art galleries, heritage sites, wildlife features – like the renowned Alice Springs Desert Park – and other fascinating spots. But the world’s most famous outback town also sits in the middle of a desert landscape where astounding natural, cultural and historical attractions are less than an hour’s drive from town.

Let’s Party

Alice Springs is fun-loving yet sophisticated, and almost always in a party mood. Its calendar of famous annual festivals and madcap events involve everything from racing camels, a bottomless boat regatta on the dry Todd River bed, and racing bikes on a Finke Desert dash, to humble homemade “beanies” of every design and colour.

The annual festivals get under way in April and cram the calendar throughout the peak winter tourist months. Visit between 12 April and 5 May next year, and you’ll get swept up in the all glitz, glamour and horse-racing action of the Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival, staged in the surrounds of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges.

Happening around that same time is the week-long Alice Springs Heritage Festival, when the town applauds the pioneering events and characters that have inspired the spirit of Central Australia. Witness the Banktail Muster street parade when revellers use riotous antics to highlight the district’s early pastoral days when stockmen recorded the number of cattle mustered by lopping off the ends of their tails.

During the horse-racing carnival, Alice Springs is hyped to the hilt and a top place to be. But the best part for visitors is that the major events are spread over a month, leaving generous gaps for other pursuits, such as exploring breathtaking gorges, waterholes, Aboriginal art sites and historic man-made treasures just beyond the town.

Views on Wheels

Autumn is a glorious time to be outdoors in Australia’s red heart and nothing beats the freedom and flexibility of a “hotel-on-wheels” – a modern campervan. You can explore at your own pace, then rest for the night, drifting off to sleep to the sounds, smells and gentle breezes of the desert wafting through the windows. Drive as little or as far as you like in a day without demanding group travel schedules.

Central Australia’s habitually perfect weather means you can stop at any of the area’s bush campgrounds for the evening and rustle up a barbecue dinner.

More than 95% of all major Northern Territory tourist icons are accessible by safe sealed roads. This means you don’t have to take an organised group tour to experience places like the majestic East and West MacDonnell Ranges - and you can drive to the biggest visitor draw cards of them all: Ayers Rock and the Olgas at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Canyon at Watarrka National Park, in less than five hours.

Before packing up the camper for your foray out of town, it’s a great idea to explore Alice Springs itself. Highly recommended spots to visit are the Araluen cultural and heritage precinct, National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Royal Flying Doctor Service base, amazing Panorama Guth, Sounds of Starlight Theatre and Alice Springs Reptile Centre.

Road Tripping

For a priceless weekend getaway away from the crowds, explore the hauntingly beautiful East MacDonnell Ranges that meander 100km into the outback. Visit the East Macs’ Emily and Jessie Gaps and Corroboree Rock in a day. Walk the sheer quartzite clifftops and river red gum-lined creek bed of majestic Trephina Gorge, and explore the relics at Arltunga, Australia’s most remote gold rush town in the late 1800s.

Heading back west, drop into the old Ross River Homestead to browse the historic relics and tuck into sumptuous homemade beef pie. Ross River Resort has an excellent shady, grassed campground, with powered and unpowered sites.

Take in the many gorges, waterholes and wilderness walking trails dotted along the breathtaking West MacDonnell Ranges. Towering Standley Chasm at midday is a remarkable sight.

As you travel further west and spot the purple hues of majestic Mount Sonder ahead, you are on the doorstep of Glen Helen Lodge where you can camp for the night.

A five-hour drive north of Alice Springs lies the Barkly Tablelands town of Tennant Creek with its Battery Hill gold mining remnants and renowned Nyinkka Nyunyu Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre. The Barkly is also home to the famous Devils Marbles, where nature plays a remarkable balancing act with giant boulders; the old stone Barrow Creek Telegraph Station once used to transmit messages along the historic telegraph line.

Sealed road offshoots east and west of the highway open up even more treats – like Gemtree where you can camp and look for semi-precious stones; the Wycliffe Wells wayside inn and campground with its eerie history of UFO sightings and dramatic artworks to match, and the town of Ti Tree, home to an Aboriginal art centre, thriving tablegrape industry and small farm shop stocking local produce such as mango wines and relishes.

You can’t visit Central Australia without a trip to the most famous desert icons of them all, Ayers Rock and Olgas of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. With a few days to spare, you can easily spend time admiring these breathtaking masterpieces, exploring the nooks and crannies around their sheer rock faces, and taking a guided cultural tour with the local Aboriginal custodians of this land.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

HIRING CAMPERVANS IN ALICE SPRINGS Britz Campervan Rentals / Maui Campervan Rentals tel: +61 (0)8 8952 8814 website: www.britz.com

Apollo Motorhome Holidays tel: +61 (0)8 8977 7779 website: www.apollocamper.com

KEA Campers Australia tel: +61 (0)8 8955 5525 website: www.keacampers.com

BEST TIME TO GO
Between April and late September. Festival season is from mid April to early May. Alice Springs and its outlying attractions are busiest around June, July and August, so if you prefer to avoid crowd, plan to go earlier or later.

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND ALICE SPRINGS THREE TIMES WEEKLY FROM 1 DEC. AUSTRALIAN DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL. BOOK FLIGHTS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

HIRING CAMPERVANS IN ALICE SPRINGS Britz Campervan Rentals / Maui Campervan Rentals tel: +61 (0)8 8952 8814 website: www.britz.com

Apollo Motorhome Holidays tel: +61 (0)8 8977 7779 website: www.apollocamper.com

KEA Campers Australia tel: +61 (0)8 8955 5525 website: www.keacampers.com

BEST TIME TO GO Between April and late September. Festival season is from mid April to early May. Alice Springs and its outlying attractions are busiest around June, July and August, so if you prefer to avoid crowd, plan to go earlier or later.

a whole new world

Take a ferry from Singapore to the island of Bintan, Indonesia, for a relaxing break, says Bethany Ng

Being a stone’s throw from Singapore, those who are time-starved can get some R&R just 55 minutes away by ferry. Bintan Island, Indonesia, offers all the beachside appeal of Singapore without the stress.

Bintan is just 40km from Singapore and is the largest of the Riau Islands. Tanjung Pinang, the Riau capital, is located at the south-western tip of Bintan. While its sister island Batam has developed into an industrial town with substantial Singaporean investments, Bintan has become the resort playground of the Riau Islands and is a favourite among Singaporeans.

Bintan is blessed with beautiful white beaches and year-round tropical weather. Take a South Bintan tour that brings you to the heart of this island that is Tanjung Pinang, Senggarang and Pulau Penyengat. Explore Tanjung Pinang’s fish and fruit markets; seasoned Singaporeans often haul home snacks and condiments by the truckloads.

Architecturally, Bintan is rich with heritage sites, clustered in Pulau Penyengat, centre of the Malay Riau-Lingga empire. These include an old Dutch fort built in the 18th century and the Sultan of Riau Grand Mosque which is believed to have been built with egg white!

Although Bintan, being part of Indonesia, is a Muslim island, Senggarang is a Chinese fishing settlement and filled with centuries-old Buddhist temples, making it a popular pilgrimage site.

Visitors can even opt for trendy eco tours. Explore a traditional Indonesian kampung (village) and watch how they weave pandan leaves and tap trees for rubber.

The Big Bintan Outdoors

Bintan is built for the sporty traveller. Gunung Bintan is situated at 340m, the highest point in all of Riau. Once an active volcano, it’s now called a mountain and a must-trek for the outdoorsy visitor.

Lagoi Park and Reservoir is a large (14.7km sq) reservoir that supplies potable water to all the island’s resorts, and is open to kayak enthusiasts.

For company outings, Bintan offers a menu of corporate training activities. Paintball is a big favourite, with companies playing out scenarios of team rescue and hostage situations.

For a more edgy team-building exercise, there is the Adventure Training Centre. Teams climb up a tower using tight-ropes and rickety ladders. Fastest team to make it to the top (and the only way down is by flying fox) wins. It is unnerving stuff that is meant to emotionally glue you to your workmates.

That may or may not work, but the exercise is definitely fun.

All-In-One Holiday

On Bintan Island, there are plenty of hotels to stay at – Mana Mana Beach Club is the choice of backpackers and swinging singles; Angsana Resort and Spa Bintan for girlfriends who prioritise their spa treatments; and luxury hotel Banyan Tree for canoodling couples.

For the family (or families) with multiple kids and maybe even grandparents, nothing beats Bintan Lagoon Resort. This resort is also a favourite with corporations due to its sheer size.

Bintan Lagoon is the largest resort on Bintan Island, covering over 300 hectares of ground, much of which faces the tranquil South China Sea. There are 473 rooms, suites and villas, all tastefully done up in a modern Balinese style.

The Floral Suites are built for honeymooning couples, with a jacuzzi and private sundeck, while the Forest Suites offer separate living areas for parents and an adjoining suite for two children.

For VIPs, there are two huge suites – the Indraloka and Swargaloka, which come with separate living areas, sofa lounges and executive club access.

Private Villa

The best option for families is the villa. There are three types which vary in size and view, and all are equipped with a kitchen and BBQ facilities.

The largest of these, the Angsoka villa offers plenty of creature comforts. Watch DVDs indoors all day or dip in the private pool in the back garden. The villas are located a few minutes away from the main hotel, so every villa is equipped with a golf buggy so you can get to the big pool or restaurants for meals.

If you’d rather have your food come to you, full-service in-room BBQ dining is available. For SGD200, there is enough food for 10 adults. A professional “BBQer” will do the grilling for you.

At the resort, two grand pools, including one with a waterslide, are guaranteed to keep your kids busy for hours. The beach is just a minute away – relax with a book and gaze at the clear horizon.

The resort also offers activities in the unlikely event guests get bored: archery, all-terrain vehicles, beach volleyball, go-karting, petanque, elephant rides, Laserquest as well as sea sports such as snorkelling, scuba-diving and jet ski. Or just enjoy a massage in the privacy of your own villa or a sala by the beach.

Dinner at Nelayan, the beachside restaurant, is highly recommended. Take your pick from a huge spread of fresh seafood – snapper, prawn, lobster – or sirloin steaks for meat eaters. Your selection is freshly grilled and served with a buffet of salads, starches and dessert.

Work off all that food on the championship 18-hole golf courses. Both are designed by golf legends, Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch. Each offers different terrain, landscapes and water hazards to challenge golfers of all standards.

WHERE TO STAY

■ Bintan Lagoon Resort Jalan Indera Segara, Bintan Utara, Lagoi, Riau, Indonesia tel: +62 (0)770 691388 (Indonesia) or +65 6750 2280 (Singapore) website: www.bintanlagoon.com

THINGS TO DO

■ BRC Nature and Heritage Tours tel: +62 (0)770 692092 Daily tours by land or see Lagoi Park and Reservoir tel: +62 (0)770 692092 Entrance is SGD3 (adults)/SGD2 (kids)

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES TO SINGAPORE FROM AUSTRALIA, CHINA, INDONESIA, THE PHILIPPINES, THAILAND AND VIETNAM. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

the road to Monkey Mia

Whether it’s the year-end holidays or just a weekend away from harried city life, Emily Sharland recommends a two-day drive from Perth to Monkey Mia

There’s red dirt and magnificent rock to your right, while white sand and tranquil blue waters beckon to your left. A road trip through Western Australia is a journey through nature’s wonders.

Midway up the Western Australian coastline, Monkey Mia is a must-see destination for nature lovers. A peaceful getaway nestled in the midst of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and its friendly dolphins make for an enchanting experience.

It is only when visiting by road that you realise there is much culture, history, nature and adventure to discover along the way to the dolphins of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. The region is blessed with sunshine throughout most of the year, and springtime (September to end November) is the ideal time to make this road trip, offering diverse flora and fauna along the journey through a landscape brimming with breathtaking colours and surroundings.

If you live in a city, you are likely to be bowled over by such a vast area of untouched land and natural beauty. The trip is long, and at times you’ll feel like the only explorer in the world. However, go prepared. Driving directly from Perth to Monkey Mia will take about nine hours. Be sure to pack your car with plenty of fuel, a selection of clothes for all weather (it can get breezy at night), snacks, lots of water, some great music, and a camera.

Day One

The voyage from the modern city of Perth takes you northward through agricultural countryside – green pastures for miles set to the backdrop of the dense bushland of Western Australia.

About four hours up, take a detour to the Pinnacles, east of Cervantes. Set in the Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles make an astounding landscape of stark limestone statues. Breaking through the dense bushland is this golden expanse of striking statues that cast captivating shadows across the land. The formations embody over 30,000 years of history. These formations range from just a few centimetres to four metres tall.

Heading back to the main road, stop at Cervantes, a town famous for rock lobster. Experience a taste of the local catch of the day at this small fishing town. Take a walk by the sea and see if you might spot a sociable sea lion or two.

Back on the highway, get a first-hand experience of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Often forgotten is Dongara, a town filled with a rich community history and a spread of wildflowers that appear to literally dance with the soft breeze from June to October.

To fully enjoy your drive to Monkey Mia, set aside two days so you can stop off at the many attractions on the way. Geraldton is the halfway mark between Perth and Monkey Mia and the ideal place to stay for the night.

The town offers all the best elements of Australian culture like a good old ice-cold beer and some serious socialising. There are also great yet affordable accommodation options like Geraldton Foreshore Backpackers so you can save your money for attractions, tours and fabulous food in Monkey Mia. The place is clean, modern and with many on-site facilities, so a good night’s rest is guaranteed for a long day’s drive ahead.

Day Two

Rise up feeling bright and fresh the next morning and continue your journey to Monkey Mia. Don’t forget to refuel your car and stock up on snacks from any true Aussie roadhouses along the way.

Today’s drive will be long, winding and intensive but worth it as you arrive in Monkey Mia, a small resort at the northern tip of the Peron Peninsula.

The relaxed vibe of Monkey Mia is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced and you’ll get 100% of it at Monkey Mia Resort which is the only accommodation here and really the only “choice” you have. Not that you are likely to argue with the stunning blue skies, pure white beach and sparkling waters at Dolphin Beach.

This place has a community of its own, one so friendly you will feel like you have known these people your whole life. Get advice from any of the staff: tour guides, volunteer environment workers or shopkeepers – they are the experts of the land and location.

The obvious highlight of this trip are the dolphins. The best time to view these wonderful creatures is early in the morning, and the 7.30am walk to the jetty is more than worth the early rise. Schools of dolphins and their young greet you, waving their fins, smiling and dancing in the water. While you stand in ankle-deep water, these friendly creatures will swim right up to you.

The story has it that in 1964 a woman who camped at that spot began feeding the bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins enjoyed her contact so much they came back several times a day and have done so since! Today, these “greeters” include 300 dolphins, as well as stingrays and dugongs.

Monkey Mia is very much an all-inclusive holiday – you can chill out at your beachfront villa, toss some sausages on the BBQ, take a walk along the Monkey Mia trail before dinner. It’s a great getaway for a long weekend – one that you will come back to again and again.

WHERE TO STAY

■ MONKEY MIA Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Road tel: 1800 653 611 website: www.monkeymia.com.au

■ GERALDTON Geraldton Foreshore Backpackers 172 Marine Tce tel: +61 (0)8 9921 3275

WHERE TO STOP

■ Cervantes Pinnacles Drive, via Nambung National Park tel: +61 (0)8 9652 7043 Northampton (near Geraldton) Smiffy’s Shell Roadhouse (for food and fuel) tel: +61 (0)8 9934 1106

CAR HIRE

■ Shark Bay Car Hire tel: +61 (0)8 9948 3032 www.carhire.net.au

TRAVEL DISTANCES BY CAR

• Perth to Cervantes: 2 hours
• Cervantes to Dongara: 1.5 hours
• Dongara to Geraldton: 45 minutes
• Geraldton to Monkey Mia: 4.5 hours

5 MUST-DOS

■ Discover the delightful dolphins at a daily dolphin feed

■ Cruise through Shark Bay to see the mysterious dugong

■ Learn the heritage of the land in an Aboriginal cultural walk

■ Observe the sparkling constellations above in an astronomy tour

■ Relax, lap up the sun and make the most of the picturesque location!

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES DAILY BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND PERTH, AND BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND PERTH STARTING 1 DEC. AUSTRALIAN DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

Party Island

The Laanta Lanta Festival is the best time to take a weekend break to this idyllic island known as Koh Lanta Yai, just an hour from Phuket or Krabi, says Kerrie Hall. Photography by James Welch

The magic of Koh Lanta Yai, an island in southern Krabi province, lies in its unique, diverse and harmonious mix of Muslims, Buddhists, Chinese and Urak Lawoi or sea gypsies. The Urak Lawoi is considered to be one of Thailand’s few remaining hunter-gather groups. Despite the loss of traditional territory and the pressures of a modern world, Koh Lanta’s sea gypsies continue to maintain a cultural heritage with their own language – a Malayo-Polynesian dialect – and traditions unique to southern Thailand.

A Well-Protected Isle

Koh Lanta’s local cultures and stunning natural environment so impressed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who came to assist after the 2004 tsunami, that a plan was instigated the following year to develop the 30km-long and 6km-wide island in a sustainable, eco-friendly, tourism-smart, culturally-sensitive way.

A partnership of local organisations would focus on the preservation of Koh Lanta’s cultural heritage, to catalogue and study indigenous knowledge, including traditional ways of life, native arts, heritage, food and culture. Special attention was to be paid to knowledge that promotes livelihoods in harmony with nature.

Popular with tourists, Koh Lanta attracts growing numbers of global visitors and Thais from other regions of the country, some of whom never leave, adding further to the cultural mix.

The island is divided in two by a mountain range, with most tourism located on the sandy east coast beaches, blending with Lanta’s indigenous fishing communities who live on the fringe of a protected national park practicing sustainable crafts now five centuries old.

Festival Time

Once a merchant’s hub on the silk route between China and India, the historical port of Lanta Old Town is now home to the Chinese community, along with Muslim families and a sea gypsy village.

Host to the annual Laanta Lanta Festival to be held in March 2008, the old town on the west coast will come alive with festivities over three days, in celebration of the islands’ multicultural heritage and a lifestyle that has changed little in the last 100 years. The festival is known to move location around the island from one year to the next, but Old Town is a favoured, dramatic venue.

Laanta Lanta Festival is a melting pot of ethnic song, dance, food, art, fun and games. A sleepy dockside town of century-aged Chinese shop houses overlooking stunning Phang Nga Bay, antique-style lamp posts and a fusion of bright flower pots line the streets of Lanta Old Town. Yawning cats disappear with the heat of the day and late afternoon brings out the throngs who have travelled from afar for this yearly party.

Displays of muscle, camaderie, deftness and speed are put to the test with multi-ethnic games in the last of the day’s rays. Village men test their strength against their neighbours on tug-of-war rope teams. Veiled women compete with friends in rice-husking and coconut-shelling competitions. Sea gypsies share bows in ancient archery tournaments. At sundown, a starlit seaside explodes in a fusion of music, dancing and fireworks announcing the carnival to follow.

Comparable to world music festivals in major destinations, Lanta rocks with rong ngeng – gypsy folk music only performed at ceremonies and organised events. Violins, chanting, beating drums, song and ritual dance emanate from the main stage while contemporary jazz plays over on the beachfront and a reggae band draws dreadlocks over at the lighthouse stage. Other acts from around Thailand also perform here.

Meanwhile, down at Hammock House, Muay Thai boxing champions are at it in the street while foreign visitors sip cocktails at a sidewalk cafe.

A few doors along, DJs scratch vinyl at Mango Bar – in step with a ceremonial procession of costumed kids parading tinsel-trimmed umbrellas. Local resorts add to the occasion, serving chefs’ specials beside colourful stalls selling southern cuisine of traditional recipes.

The festival marketplace proffers handicraft wares of batik, beaded jewellery, paintings, funky clothes and basketry. Hammock House on the main street beckons with handwoven hammocks from the Mlabri tribe in northern Thailand. Cultural booths demonstrate traditional arts, including Pa-the, traditional Muslim cloth-weaving and Toi-pa-nun, a handicraft made from Toi leaves.

Protection for a safe and happy event is sought by the Urak Lawoi ritual of casting bad spirits out to sea at an ancient boat-floating ceremony. Attracting thousands of visitors a year, Lanta Festival welcomes all to this “United Nations” celebration of life. Daytime admission is free with a small charge at night to cover concert costs.

Laanta Lanta Festival 2008 will be held in March. For more information on Koh Lanta, visit www.lantainfo.net or www.kolanta.net.

Meanwhile, down at Hammock House, Muay Thai boxing champions are at it in the street while foreign visitors sip cocktails at a sidewalk cafe.

A few doors along, DJs scratch vinyl at Mango Bar – in step with a ceremonial procession of costumed kids parading tinsel-trimmed umbrellas. Local resorts add to the occasion, serving chefs’ specials beside colourful stalls selling southern cuisine of traditional recipes.

The festival marketplace proffers handicraft wares of batik, beaded jewellery, paintings, funky clothes and basketry. Hammock House on the main street beckons with handwoven hammocks from the Mlabri tribe in northern Thailand. Cultural booths demonstrate traditional arts, including Pa-the, traditional Muslim cloth-weaving and Toi-pa-nun, a handicraft made from Toi leaves.

Protection for a safe and happy event is sought by the Urak Lawoi ritual of casting bad spirits out to sea at an ancient boat-floating ceremony. Attracting thousands of visitors a year, Lanta Festival welcomes all to this “United Nations” celebration of life. Daytime admission is free with a small charge at night to cover concert costs.

Laanta Lanta Festival 2008 will be held in March. For more information on Koh Lanta, visit www.lantainfo.net or www.kolanta.net.

Getting There

You can get to Koh Lanta from either Krabi or Phuket by mini-van, or by ferry. Public passenger ferries run between November and May from Krabi Town’s Tharua Pier (8am and 1pm) and Phuket Town’s Rassada Pier at 1pm.

WHERE TO STAY

■ Pimalai Resort and Spa tel: +66 (0)75 607999 website: www.pimalai.com Located in the far south of Lanta near the national park, Pimalai villas are set beachside in superb native gardens. Sufficiently self-contained with spa, pool and fine dining, resort staff are also keen to share their knowledge of the area and arrange great day trips.

■ Costa Lanta tel: +66 (0)2 662 3550 website: www.costalanta.com Renowned for unique architectural design, Costa Lanta has a back-to-nature approach to the resort, and offers some of the island’s best cuisine and cocktails.

■ Moonlight Bay Resort tel: +66 (0)75 662590 website: www.moonlight-resort.com Set by a small river facing the sea, the contemporary cottage resort now boasts a boutique aroma spa.

■ Mango House tel: +66 (0)75 697181 website: www.kolanta.net/southerlantaresort.htm A unique guesthouse located on the east coast in Lanta Old Town, the studio villas are historic Thai fisherman’s homes built on stilts over the sea.

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND PHUKET DAILY, AND BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND KRABI FIVE TIMES WEEKLY. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

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STYLING VIETNAM

Thanks to its beautiful and varied landscape, delicious cuisine and friendly locals, Vietnam has established itself on the traveller’s “must-see” list. Its rich history and culture, most evident in its architecture, ranges from colonial buildings to ornate religious structures. Vietnam Style attempts to capture this melding of traditional with modern forms and features a varied array of homes, retail spaces and resorts that have been shaped by a kaleidoscope of cultural influences.

No book on Vietnam’s architectural style is complete without the super-private Evason Hideway in Nha Trang, Central Vietnam. Built with simplicity and sustainability in mind, the villas offer the perfect blend of modernity and Vietnamese charm.

Rooms start at USD667 (SGD983) a night. BY THIN LEI WIN ELKIN

Vietnam Style • Author: Bertrand de Hartingh and Anna Craven-Smith-Milnes • Photographer: Luca Invernizzi Tettoni
• Publisher: Periplus Editions • Price: USD44.95 (SGD68 before GST) • Available at all leading international bookstores

Off with a Bang Bang!

After a four-year stint in the West End, the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies into Singapore for a limited season, beginning 2 November.

The production promises to wow musical-theatre lovers with stunning effects to rival The Phantom Of The Opera, including a 1.5-tonne flying car.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s resident baddy is the pointed-eared Child Catcher played by Richard O’Brien (The Rocky Horror Show). Tickets are available through SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg).

NOT A PLANE FACE AT ALL Air travel does not do much good for delicate skin, but Shu Uemura does wonders. Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium is the first Shu Uemura purifier made for fragile skin conditions and acts like a veil of moisture. No more cabin skin! www.shuuemura.com

THE HOT LIST

Everyone’s favourite Christmas stocking filler is back – and is bigger and better than ever. The Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 answers all your travel questions.

“This year, we’ve seen the volume turned up as more and more travellers join in, contributing their Bluelists online, in print and on TV,” says Roz Hopkins, publisher of Lonely Planet.

Want to know which is the world’s friendliest country, and which are the hottest cities? You don’t have to wait all Christmas for the answers.

The third edition of Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 is available at all good bookstores. Price: USD22.99 (SGD42.27). www.lonelyplanet.com

The Sound Of Light

Engineer-turned-photographer Richard Koh is living proof that engineers can be creative. Koh is showcasing a collection of 20 photographs which depict his personal experiences.

“These harvests of light were done when during my journeys abroad and locally, I experienced something more than what meets the eye,” he says.

The Sound of Light runs from now until 7 January 2008 at Public Art Space, Level 2, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, tel: +65 6336 8111

Cool Khoo strikes again

In an effort to raise awareness about energy conservation, Singaporean adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow has embarked on the world’s longest journey on skates. Departing from Shenzhen, Khoo will travel through Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam before parking his skates in Singapore in January 2008. Khoo expects to break the current Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Journey on Skates. He’s already climbed Mount Everest and undertaken the world’s longest bike ride. www.daretodream.com.sg

EYES FOR
AN EYE

The iconic London Eye will soon face competitors on this side of the world. Singapore’s upcoming Singapore Flyer, standing at 165m above ground, is Asia’s first giant observation deck, offering 360-degree panoramic views, not just of the island but way beyond to neighbouring islands and countries.

The Flyer bears 28 glass passenger cabins and rides will last about 37 minutes.

Already, tickets are being sold for its first “flights” and bookings for weddings have commenced. The Flyer opens March 2008.

The 21-cabin Southern Star Observation Wheel, which is due for completion end 2008, features a unique star-like structure.

Rides will last 25 to 30 minutes, with views as far as Geelong in Melbourne’s far west.

The Amazing Race

Love it or hate it, The Amazing Race Asia is back for a second season and as always, promises to keep viewers hooked.

Watching 10 teams competing for USD100,000 (SGD146,850) has to be entertaining. Fans won’t be disappointed with this year’s contestants, which include models, actors, VJs and TV hosts.

Singaporean duo, Collin Low and Adrian Yap are gym buddies who met nine months ago, and both share a passion for travelling and adventure.

“We think alike in so many ways, usually in unanticipated situations. It’s amazing.”

The Amazing Race Asia 2 is set for broadcast exclusively on AXN towards the end of this year.

CARTING YOUR CARLTON Packing has never been so much fun. Carlton Travel Goods has three new choices for the savvy packer: Evos, with fuss-free compartments for business travellers; glamorous Eclipse (right), all finished in mirrored black or red; and Groove (far right), a series of lightweight backpacks and shoulder bags. Carlton Mono Brand Store, The Central, #01-28 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore, tel: +65 6534 9865

GET SMARTPHONE

Smart travellers need smartphones. Lead product manager for Microsoft Mobile Communications Business (Asia Pacific) Chris Sorensen tells you why

How does Windows Mobile 6 enhance smartphones?

The smartphone is becoming like an all-purpose, PC-like device, which means there is a growing list of things people want it to do. Users can receive email and synchronise their calendars and contacts to ensure that they are on top of their schedules.

In addition, Windows Mobile 6 provides mobile versions of the familiar Microsoft software (Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Windows Live and Windows Media Player). Users can also take their entertainment wherever they go

A Windows Mobile 6 smartphone is for you if you…

… like to have a single phone for work and play while on-the-go!

It doesn’t matter if you are tech-savvy or not – Windows Mobile brings out the most from your smartphone.

It is especially useful if you are a frequent traveller. WorldMate, a feature-packed travel application, is popular with our users. It provides instant access to global weather forecasts, world clocks, real-time flight status updates, currency converters and more.

What should people be aware of when buying a smartphone?

Bear in mind is that the software running the phone is just as important as how the phone looks.

If someone wants to use internet services like Windows Live, Yahoo!Go or Skype on their phone, a platform like Windows Mobile is ideal. In addition, they can do things like review and edit Word and Excel documents.

GET READY TO ZOUKOUT!

Once a year, party people the world over flock to Singapore, thanks to the huge dance party known as ZoukOut. Over 35% of the partygoers are tourists – hence the ZoukOut motto: One World One Music One Tribe One Dance.

Now in its seventh year, ZoukOut shows no signs of slowing down. This year, the UK’s godfather of techno, DJ Carl Cox headlines the festivities at Silosa Beach.

Other acts include international tastemaster Gilles Peterson (of BBC Radio One fame), three-time DMC World Championship winner and Miami boy, DJ Craze, freestyle champ MC Armanni, and we say goodbye to multi-platinum record-seller Osunlade, in his last DJ’ing gig.

Partygoers will have 56,000sq ft of beachfront space to play in, with four music arenas and a whole range of dance music: house, trance, minimal, electro, progressive, hip hop and the Zouk classic, Mambo Jambo.

Debuting at ZoukOut 2007 is the Euro-Slide, a three-story-high inflatable waterslide – the largest ever seen in Asia! Break out the bikinis and Red Bull, and get set to party all night to and beyond the break of dawn.

ZoukOut happens 8 December 2007 at Silosa Beach, from 8pm to 8am. Advance tickets at SGD38, or else SGD58 at the door.

www.zoukout.com

Decked Out

For fashionistas who find it a little difficult to carry a guidebook around in their Gucci Indy bag, the new Shopping Secrets (www.shoppingsecrets.com) is heaven-sent. No bigger than a card deck, the Shopping Secrets series features 52 of the hippest shops. Our favourite deck is Melbourne City. Each card contains shop details and a map, including public transport information.

AUD9.95 (SGD13.10).

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One of Australia’s most versatile and sought-after actors, Marcus Graham talks to James Tan about his favourite city to work and play in. Photography by Serge Thomann

Marcus Graham is a man on a mission. Having finished his national tour of Australia as Iago in Othello, Marcus is currently playing a mobster in Underbelly,
a mini-series about gang feuds.

Right after that, he’ll be jetting over to New Zealand to film Time Hackers, a children’s adventure series in which he plays a time-travelling robot. After that, it’s back to Melbourne in early 2008 for the Melbourne Theatre Company’s The 39 Steps.

Graham’s passion for acting has driven a career that has spanned roles in theatre, TV and film. Casting off his early heartthrob status as Wheels in the TV se ries E Street (for which he is still fondly remembered), Graham has played a gamut of roles from Brutus in Julius Caesar to Dr Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

After a few years of work in the United States ( Charmed, Josh Jarman, Mulholland Drive ), Graham is now based in Australia again and getting plum roles in projects like The Blue Room and Twelve Angry Men.

Much of Graham’s time is spent working in Melbourne. The city is known as Australia’s art and culture capital, playing host to numerous arts and music festivals, such as the Melbourne International Arts, International Comedy, Fringe, International Film and International Jazz Festivals. Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria has displayed the works of Picasso and the Dutch masters and most recently, the collection of the Guggenheim Museum. But it’s the the atre scene in Melbourne that’s seeing rapid growth and showing tremendous promise.

“There’s a real hunger for it – great support and a real appreciation for theatre. Musicals do very well here. There’s a Broadway feel to Melbourne,” says Graham.

Apart from large theatres like the Regent, the Princess, the Arts Centre and the Malthouse, there are dozens of shows staged each week in smaller theatres throughout the city.

However, it’s not just work alone that brings Perth-born Graham to Melbourne.

“Melbourne’s settled and it’s grounded. It has a constancy and soul to it, and there’s something in that,” he says. “Service is very good, and people are welcoming in a genuine way. While Sydney is fast-paced and ‘big-city-ish’, Melbourne is still a country town at heart. It has its charm, and the people are very warm.”

At the same time, he says that Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city. “It’s culturally very rich, with a lot of wonderful bars, restaurants, theatres and galleries,” he declares.

TIGER AIRWAYS AUSTRALIA IS BASED IN MELBOURNE. STARTING FROM 23 NOVEMBER 2007, AND WILL OPERATE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS TO NORTHERN TERRITORY, QUEENSLAND, TASMANIA AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIAN DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS TODAY AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

Marcus Graham shares the best of Melbourne with Tiger Tales

■ MIRKA AT TOLARNO HOTEL This place fuses food with art. Named after Mirka Mora, a highly accomplished French artist who has been made Officier des Arts et des Lettres, this restaurant serves a wide range of cuisine, from pasta to steak tartare to Russian eggs. Diners savour these dishes surrounded by Mirka’s artistic and creative murals.

Similarly, the Tolarno Boutique Hotel that houses Mirka’s is also covered with Mirka’s wall art. Mirka at Tolarno, 42 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, tel: +613 9525 3088, www.mirkatolarno.com

■ CICCIOLINA This is Graham’s favourite restaurant, situated in St Kilda.

“I’ve been going there for 17 years. There’s the same waiter who has been working there for that time, and I know I can always count on my favourite dish of linguini with salmon that’s on the menu all that time,” he says.

Cicciolina’s no-reservations policy often means spending a bit of time queueing for dinner, but their dishes and wine list make it all worthwhile. 130 Acland Street, St Kilda, tel: +61 (0)3 9525 3333

■ SOUTHBANK “Southbank is a great place to shop and eat, and of course, there’s the world-class Crown Casino. If you dine at Southbank, you’ll be looking across the Yarra River at the beautiful city skyline.”

Once an industrial area, Southbank has been transformed into Melbourne’s entertainment precinct, with the Melbourne Arts Centre and Crown Casino flanking rows of upmarket shops and outdoor restaurants and cafes.

Right in the centre of Southbank is Eureka Tower, the world’s tallest apartment building at 92 storeys tall. It has a public observation deck on the 88th floor featuring The Edge, a glass cube that projects three metres out the side of the building, making it the best spot to see all of Melbourne city.

You can look through the glass floor 300m past your feet to the ground! Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, www.eurekatower.com.au/main.cfm

■ MORNINGTON PENINSULA Graham recommends driving down on a weekend to the Mornington Peninsula, and staying in the beautiful countryside region of Red Hill with its vineyards and cheese factories.

“The thing about going to a region is that all the fish, local produce and wine goes together naturally – just buy the local stuff and have a cook-up,” he says. “You’ll need to book ahead in summer, but Melbourne’s good all year round.”

Further down the peninsula lies the seaside resort of Portsea; protruding out into the Port Phillip Bay, waves at the front beach are excellent for surfing and windsurfing, while the calm waters of the back beach are perfect for children.

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The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast may look alike, but each has a unique personality, and both offer the visitor a great time in different ways, says Christine Retschlag

At first glance, Queensland’s prized coasts – the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast – are like twins separated at birth. Both share the same core characteristics: golden beaches, lush green hinterlands, great shopping and dining experiences to intrigue every tastebud.

While the coasts (or “Goldie” and “Sunny” to locals) may come from the same Queensland gene pool, on closer inspection, there are plenty of differences to set these two dazzling destinations apart. What that means is more exciting choices for visitors.

The Gold Coast is the more flash and brash of the pair and the first to poke fun at its own sassiness, if the “Very GC” tourism marketing campaign is anything to go by.

The Sunshine Coast is a perennial favourite with families, and couples looking for a romantic vacation. It’s the dream mix of country and coast. Whatever your pick, holidaying on either coast will leave you satisfied and eager to book your next beach break.

Beaches

If the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast go head to head over anything, the coastline would be it.

Depending on the day, and the surfer you speak to, it’s debatable as to which coast has the better waves. But either way, water babies are definitely spoilt for choice here.

Boasting a coastline which stretches some 70km, the Gold Coast arches like a giant rainbow from its northern tip to the south. It is relatively flat, so it’s almost as though this region is one big suburb, rather than a series of small beach towns.

Surfers Paradise is the most well-known Gold Coast beach, with its landmark stretch of white sand, big surf and high-rise buildings. It’s where the beautiful people hang out. If you prefer to steer away from the crowds, Main, Duranbah and Currumbin beaches are great alternatives.

The Sunshine Coast is about 100km long and punctuated by rugged headlands. Its signature sand pit – Noosa Main Beach – is a protected, calm cove.

Visitors are privy to long stretches of sandy beaches, including Kawana, Maroochydore, Coolum and Sunshine Beach — whether you’re looking to surf or boogie-board, or just take a scenic walk. Kings Beach combines a surf beach with a salt water swimming pool. And for families, the peaceful waters of Mooloolaba Spit and Golden Beach are great, safe fun for kids.

Celebrities

Aussie tennis ace Pat Rafter calls the Sunshine Coast home, along with former Aussie Olympians Lisa Curry Kenny and Grant Kenny.

Sir Richard Branson is also a familiar face, with making regular visits to his Sunshine Coast home, Makepeace Island.

Australian TV travel show presenter Natalie Gruzlewski may spend a good part of the year globe-trekking, but it’s the Gold Coast she calls home, along with former Ironwoman Karla Gilbert and motor-racing champion Mick Doohan.

Wining and Dining

Diners won’t have any trouble looking for a place to dine; both destinations enjoy remarkable fresh water produce — you can’t go wrong with Australia’s luscious seafood.

In a recent coup for the Sunshine Coast, some of the country’s best chefs have taken up residence along Noosa’s Hasting Street overlooking Noosa Beach or nearby Noosaville which overlooks the Noosa River.

It is no surprise then, that the Sunshine Coast is also home to an array of cooking schools, including Spirit House at Yandina, Tamarind at Maleny, Kin Kin Manor at Kin Kin, and Amytis Gardens at Kiels Mountain.

When it comes to wine, the Sunshine Coast’s market is quite sophisticated and is considered one of the most diverse in Queensland.

The Gold Coast dining precinct is buzzing any night of the week. Try restaurants along the very trendy Tedder Avenue at Main Beach; Marina Mirage, including Vanitas at Palazzo Versace; Absynthe at Q1 in Surfers Paradise; the iconic Oskars at Burleigh; and the Broadbeach area.

The region is home to an endless array of restaurants serving international cuisines, which reflect the many cultures that flock to this coast.

Shopping

It’s pretty obvious why Donatella Versace picked the Gold Coast to open her first hotel. If a destination’s pulse can be measured by its shopping, then the Gold Coast is pumping.

The designer diva need look no further than Elkhorn Avenue and Marina Mirage, which is home to high-end designer boutiques like Prada, Hermes, Gucci, Cartier and Louis Vuitton.

On the other extreme end of the scale, the Gold Coast is also home to the kitschy souvenir store with its fake boomerangs and cuddly Australian animal toys, and the major shopping centres, such as Pacific Fair, Australia Fair and Harbour Town, which specifically target the tourist.

While the Sunshine Coast also has a spattering of designer stores, it’s the place to come if you’re looking for something uniquely Australian. Walk down notable precincts along Noosa’s Hasting Street and the Mooloolaba Esplanade for unusual buys. Eumundi Market (about 20 minutes’ drive inland from Noosa) is a must for shoppers seeking authentic Australian art and craft pieces.

Hinterland

Sea and sand isn’t all there is to the two coasts: both are home to some stunning national parks.

The Gold Coast Hinterland is home to 100,000 hectares of World Heritage Listed rainforest, with Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park’s steep and sensational assents from the coastline. The nearby village of Tamborine Mountain is also accessible via a steep drive from either side, while the charming Canungra resides in the valley below.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland sits among the shadow of the famed Glass House Mountains and runs parallel to the coast as far north as the Mary Valley. Once you have made the ascent, it’s more a ridge of rolling green hills through mountain villages such as Montville, Maleny and Mapleton to Kondalilla National Park. Still further north, at Cooloola, sits the Great Sandy National Park.

And Noosa National Park is one of Australia’s rare absolute beachfront parks.

Golf Courses

The Gold Coast has eight major golf courses, the most notable of which is the championship green, The Palms at Sanctuary Cove, home to world number seven Adam Scott.

While the Sunshine Coast has half the number of major golf courses, one of the leading events of the circuit is staged right here, with the Hyatt Regency Coolum hosting the annual Australian PGA Championship.

Nightlife and Entertainment

There are few ways better to get the vibe of a city than to check out its nightlife. Over on the Sunshine Coast, nights are spent relaxing and watching the sun set at a surf lifesaving club. For those who prefer something a little more active, there are some excellent bars and night clubs at Mooloolaba and Noosa.

The Gold Coast, on the other hand, is a serious party town. GC nightlife is not for the faint-hearted. Nightclubs are dotted along the coast, with Surfers Paradise being right in the centre of the action.

An interesting and sophisticated wine bar culture is also emerging at the newly developed Broadbeach precinct.

If you prefer to sit and be entertained, Conrad Jupiters Casino for colourful stage shows, and the comedic Draculas Cabaret Restaurant at Broadbeach is considered a Gold Coast institution.

Theme Parks and Attractions

The Gold Coast is the undisputed theme park capital of Australia. Seven theme parks are located in this region, including Warner Bros Movie World, Wet ’n’ Wild Water World, Sea World, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. Visitors can also get up close and personal with nature at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Attractions on the Sunshine Coast are much more traditional but no less fascinating. The famous Australia Zoo is situated here, along with Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub, Underwater World and the Ginger Factory.

Spa Retreats

When it comes to spas, there’s little to set these two coasts apart. The Gold Coast has two Golden Door spas – one at the Sheraton Mirage Resort and the other further south at Salt Village, plus the unique and innovative Ripple Massage at Mount Tamborine.

Other Gold Coast spas include Salus Per Aquum Spa at Palazzo Versace; Lattouf Hair Spa at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa; Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat; and Q1 Resort and Spa which offers ancient indigenous treatments.

On the Sunshine Coast, day spas are more likely to be found at hotels and resorts such as Sun Spa at the Hyatt Regency Coolum and Noosa Springs Spa at the Noosa Springs Resort. The Ikatan Spa and Balinese Gardens at Noosa is one of the more popular in the region for its unique Balinese-style treatments and massages.

Accommodation

Gold Coast stays are as diverse as this city’s shopping and dining. Over at Palazzo Versace, beautifully bronzed bods settle down by the pool and don’t move for the entire summer. The only thing that changes is the designer swimwear on parade. On the other hand, no backpacker will be disappointed with the wide choices of accommodation, from hostels to caravan parks. While the Sunshine Coast has its fair share of glitzy high-rise hotels, many travellers love the small boutique resorts and spa hotels sprinkled along the coast. And of course there’s always the comfort of a brand name: the Hyatt Regency Coolum and the Sheraton Noosa are safe bets every time.

For those who enjoy the wild outdoors, Sunshine Coast has excellent camp grounds, with many such as those at Coolum, Mooloolaba and the Noosa River snaffling the best real estate around the region.

TIGER AIRWAYS COMMENCES FLIGHTS BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND THE GOLD COAST ON 23 NOVEMBER 2007, AND BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND SUNSHINE COAST ON 1 DECEMBER 2007. FOR MORE DETAILS, GO TO www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

AUSTRALIAN DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL

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Tiger’s New Home

T4 at Melbourne Airport, the home of Australia’s true low-fare airline Tiger Airways, was opened on 8 October 2007 by Theo Theophanous, Minister of Industry and Trade, together with Tony Davis, CEO of the Tiger Airways Group and Chris Woodruff, CEO of Melbourne Airport.

True to Tiger Airways’ low-cost credentials, the terminal has been fitted out in a smart and functional way to ensure that passengers get to their destination with as little hassle as possible.

The terminal is designed to provide effective facilities specially tailored to enable efficient turnaround of aircraft and passengers. Costing AUD5 million in redevelopment, the terminal has three gates and five aircraft parking bays which can accommodate the 600 passengers expected at peak time. T4 is prepared to handle up to two million domestic passengers a year when Tiger Airways begins operations at the end of November (subject to regulatory approval).

The Tiger terminal includes straightforward check-in and boarding process with Tiger Airways’ aircraft parked right up front of the terminal. T4 is also conveniently located next to the other terminals, so that passengers can be off the plane and in their cars in minutes.

T4 may be more basic than Melbourne Airport’s other terminals, but passengers will still enjoy retail and convenience facilities. Costs are kept low but Tiger’s passengers get a safe and completely efficient service with consistently low fares.

To assist passengers in finding the Tiger’s den, the water tower adjacent to T4 has been painted in Tiger Airways’ livery – a striking orange with brown stripes – and is now a beacon for travellers hunting for the real deal in low fares.

NEW DESTIN-ASIANS

Tiger launched three new Asian routes in October – all the better to serve you. Now you can fly to the idyllic city of Xiamen, China, at a great low fare!

Set in the south-east coast of China, Xiamen is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its sub-tropical weather, fantastic array of seafood, breathtaking scenery and islands to visit. The name “Xiamen” has many meanings, but the most apt of these is “the Gate of China”. Xiamen was a thriving port that served as gateway to the Fujian Province, a veritable melting pot of cultures throughout China’s history.

Chennai is the Detroit of India, being home to an army of auto factories from Ford to Hyundai and soon, BMW. But more than that, it is a thriving and exciting city in which tradition meets cutting-edge. Kochi, hailed the Gateway to Kerala, is a beautiful seaside city that will surprise and delight any visitor. Kerala is rated one of the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council, and it has earned a place among National Geographic Traveler’s “50 greatest places of a lifetime”.

Wish ’n’ Win Winners

Tiger Airways turned three and many of our passengers joined in our online celebrations to wish Tiger a happy birthday. They won a total of SGD27,000 worth of Tiger Airways flights and prizes from our sponsors, which included Hertz Car Rentals, Octopus Travel Hotels, Centara Resorts (Thailand) and Novotel Clarke Quay (Singapore). Congratulations to the following winners:

To all who participated in our Wish ’n’ Win contest,
thank you for your support!

OUR 4,000,000TH
PASSENGER:

COULD IT BE YOU?

Barely four months since our 3,000,000th passenger flew with us, Tiger Airways is expecting our 4,000,000th passenger at the end of 2007 – and it might just be you! Just book your flight at www.tigerairways.com to travel this festive season and you could be the one lucky passenger to walk away with a host of prizes!

With so many destinations in our network, it’s easy to be rewarded for taking a holiday. Applicable to all Tiger passengers on international and domestic flights.

Tiger Airways is gearing up for long-term growth with a new group structure. The Tiger Aviation Group, consisting of Tiger Airways Singapore and Tiger Airways Australia are 100% owned by the Tiger Aviation Group. This will be the only company in the Asia-Pacific region that fully owns both its Asian and Australia-based airlines.

The Group’s newly appointed independent Chairman, Daniel Ee, a former investment banker and public servant, brings with him a wealth of experience, and will provide enhanced corporate governance in the group structure and support Tiger Airways’ board in creating greater opportunities for growth across the region.

“Daniel has extensive local and regional experience in varied fields of finance, aviation, service and manufacturing industries, as well as within Singapore government ministries. With his extensive knowledge of the region, the board and management team are confident that he will add value to the long-term growth of the Tiger Airways Group,” says CEO Tony Davis.

Ee’s appointment comes at a time when Tiger Airways is riding high, with an impressive year-on-year Q1 business result: passenger numbers grew by 46.3% and gross revenue by 84%. New routes are being added all the time, with the latest being Chennai and Kochi, India.

And with the addition of Xiamen in October, Tiger Airways now operates 41 weekly flights to China, reinforcing the airline’s position as the largest international low-cost carrier to serve China.

CHEERS

I recently had to go to the Philippines to bring my sick father back to Australia. He was unable to walk. All the Tiger staff in the Philippines and Singapore, whether at the airport or on the plane, were fantastic. They carried my father up and down the plane, and from and into his seat on the way back to Darwin. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped, and I will definitely be flying Tiger when I go overseas next time. Brian Jakobson, Moulden, NT

My husband, my 18-month-old toddler and I have enjoyed travelling with Tiger Airways. We have received friendly, efficient and professional service on all our flights. Travelling with a toddler is very difficult, thus the extra helping hand and friendliness were much appreciated. We also appreciate the cheaper airfares which allow us to travel as a family more frequently. Kudos to the crew: Suraini Jemain, Shaikh, Maslina and Weina. Darshee Kanagalingam, Atwell, WA

Great Offers For You

It pays to be a Tiger Airways passenger. Just show your Tiger Airways boarding pass at participating partner outlets across our many destinations and get a whole host of perks. For great offers, refer to Tiger Trails at www.tigerairways.com/destinations.php. Sign up for Tiger Singapore and Tiger Australia’s email updates and enjoy more great-value travel across Asia Pacific, across Australia, India, China and more!

Tiger Tips

DON’TS AND DON’TS

Don’t we all dread that inconsiderate passenger who does things that make a flight unpleasant for his fellow travellers? Here are three things NEVER to do on a Tiger Airways flight:

1 SMOKE

It’s no joke – smoking is hazardous to your health, full stop. More importantly, smokers who sneak a puff in the lavatories are endangering the aircraft and its passengers. Tiger Airways enforces a strictly no smoking policy – so don’t go overboard by lighting up!

2 BRINGING YOUR OWN FOOD

Particularly if it’s chicken rice chilli or durian puffs – such pungent smells stick to our aircraft and can offend other passengers. Tiger Airways disallows passengers from bringing food onboard – instead, we offer a wide range of snacks and drinks at extremely reasonable prices. Please don’t deprive our cabin crew of commissions too!

3 IGNORE YOUR SEAT BELT

Here’s a clue to the passengers who unbuckle their seat belts and stand up the minute the plane lands: Where do you think you’re going? There is a perfectly good reason why Tiger Airways crew tell everyone to remain seated – the plane is still moving and passengers who are not safely belted in risk falling down, bumping into things or people, getting hurt and hurting others.

And anyway, while the plane is still taxi-ing, you won’t be going anywhere quick, we promise. Don’t worry, customs will wait for you.

DVT: How To Avoid It

A deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg. DVT is a serious problem that can cause pain and lead to serious complications if a large clot partially or totally blocks blood flow. The incidence of DVT due to long flights is not high but it can be reduced even further by doing the following:

1. exercise your legs every half hour. Bend and straighten your legs to keep the blood circulating. Walk up and down the aisle.

2. keep hydrated by drinking water (at least one glass an hour) rather than alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

3. exercise your chest and upper body frequently. Do deep breathing exercises.

4. wear loose-fitting clothing exercises to improve circulation.

5. exercise the muscles of your lower legs while sitting – pull your toes towards your knees then relax, or press the balls of your feet down while raising your heel.

6. avoid sleeping pills because they cause you to be immobile for a long period. If you develop swelling or pain in your leg, or have breathing problems after travelling, you should seek medical advice urgently.

FLUID RULES

With new and tighter regulations governing international and domestic travel these days, knowing what you can and can’t bring onboard will help you to have a smoother and more pleasant journey.

■ Limit Your Liquids You can carry up to a maximum of 1 litre of fluids in your carry-on luggage. Each container cannot hold more than 100ml. These cover:
• all liquids, including beverages, soups and syrups
• pastes (including toothpaste)
• creams, lotions and oils
• contents of aerosol cans, including sprays, shaving foam and deodorants
• Mascara
• Liquid-solid mixtures and other items of similar consistency You must place all your fluids into a clear, resealable plastic bag. Only one bag per person is allowed.

■ What You Can Bring

1. Medication and special foodstuffs such as baby food which are needed during a flight might be transported outside the resealable plastic bag.

2. Dutyfree articles purchased inside the airports may be carried onboard in a resealable plastic bag and must be accompanied by a receipt bearing the date of the flight. If you are booked on a follow-on flight, you must check in all fluid-based duty-free items for the second leg.

For updates, visit www.tigerairways.com

HOW’S THE AMBIENCE?

Four hours on the plane x 180 passengers: now that’s what we call a captive audience! With Tiger Airways flying to a whole network of destinations in this region, ambient advertising on our aircraft is a great opportunity to speak to an international audience. Imagine your logo on the backs of seats, tray tables, overhead cabins. If this flies with you, contact Kingsmen Advertising at +65 6880 0088 to find out how to reach more customers.

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SINGAPORE Christmas in the Tropics Until 2 Jan 2008 A country does not need to be snowy to be Christmassy! Singapore’s shopping belt lights up yet again with thousands of glittering fairy lights, from Orchard Road all the way to Marina Bay for the season. All along the city streets, look out for happy carollers, street performances and festive stalls – and get into the Yuletide mood.

GOLD COAST New Year Fireworks 31 December On New Year’s Eve, Queensland’s Gold Coast is the place to be to usher in the new year in pomp and style. You’ll be privy to what is touted as Australia’s largest fireworks display – watch the sparks fly! Grab a spot on Surfers Paradise beach and be awed by the sensational pyrotechnics that are programmed to go off every hour from 7pm.

SINGAPORE The Nutcracker – Xmas Fairytale on Ice 13-16 December All the fairytale goodness you remember from The Nutcracker, but on ice. Enter Clara’s dream of dancing flowers, toys that come alive and a prince that takes her on a journey through enchanted lands of Snowflakes, Candy and Fantasy. Some girls truly have all the luck. At the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

CHENNAI Chennai Music and Dance Festival Through December In its 80th year this year, this month-long festival showcases the classical music and dancing arts of South India. Be charmed by stunning displays in vocal performance, instrumental music, solo and group dancing, at venues which include auditoriums, temple grounds and heritage bungalows.

TASMANIA The Falls Music and Arts Festival 30 December to 1 January 2008 Welcome 2008 with rocking hot music way down under in Tasmania! Kings of Leon, Groove Armada, the Whiskey Go Gos, the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Blackalicious are but some of the headliners who will rock your blues away in Marion Bay and Lorne. Be there or be square!

Perth Cheer on Australia’s finest sporting men and women as they compete for a place in the Ironman Western Australian Triathlon at Busselton Foreshore. 2 December

Kochi The 11th Kochi International Book Festival will take place at the Ernakulathappan Grounds, with over 250 exhibitors participating. 1-10 December

Shenzhen Appreciate art at the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Biennale. 1 December to 1 March 2008

Phuket Cheer on triathletes of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon as they swim 1,800m, cycle 55km and run 12km. 2 December

Macau Local and international runners will cover the peninsula and Taipa and Coloane Islands in the 2007 Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon. 2 December

Manila The Marian Procession is a religious tradition which features more than 60 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary from various parishes and provinces on parade. 8 December.

Perth Yachting fever hits town at the only Australian host port in the Clipper International Round The World Yacht Race. Mid-December to January 2008

Krabi On the full moon days of the 11th Lunar month, the Sea Gypsies or “Chao Le” will observe Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival on Koh Lanta beach. 10 and 24 December

Kochi Held at Fort Kochi, Kerala, the annual Cochin Carnival Festival features music, games, feasting and fireworks. 21-31 December

City of San Fernando Catch the annual Giant Lantern Festival Parade in the Philippines. Expect to see giant dogs and spaceships. 22 December

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