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ColoursLiving

CONTENTS

22Maldives…

F E B R U A RY - M A R C H I S S U E

A TASTE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

THE LARGEST & LONGEST–RUNNING DIVE EXPO IN ASIA

ASIA’S LEADING DIVE HUB

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ADEX OCEANVISION 2020

D E D I C AT E D T O A P L A S T I C – F R E E O C E A N

CONFERENCE/ EXHIBITION

OF THE YEAR 2015

EVENT/PARTY OF THE YEAR

2014(MERIT)

EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR

2018(SILVER)

EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR

2017(GOLD)

BESTEXHIBITIONORGANISER

2018

SINGAPORETOURISM AWARDS

SINGAPOREOCEAN WEEKAPRIL 17–19

SUNTEC SINGAPORE

www.adex.asia

BY AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD MARKETING ASSOCIATION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC WITH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

SUSTAINABLE OCEAN AMBASSADOR

ASIADIVEEXPO(ADEX)

+

In conjunction with

oceanpartnershipsummit asia

Organised by Official Media

— REGULARS

06 Hotels

08 Events

10 Gear Guide

12 Short Breaks

20 Travel News

21 Travel Tips

42 Snapshot

— FEATURES

14 Treasures of Honshu Where culture meets art

22 Maldives… The Sunny Side of Life A taste of Heaven on Earth

26 South Pacific Paradise Take a trip to the island paradise of Fiji

32 A Night Under The Stars Find yourselves at these amazing campsites

— SPORTS+

35 Q&A: Lyn Yeo

36 Golf

38 Expedition Canoeing

39 Bungee Jumping

42 (New) Health Zone

FEBRUARY - MARCH ISSUE

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14TREASURES OF

HONSHUDiscover the beauty of this year’s

Summer Olympics host

Love is on the Horizons we warm up to 2020,

there seems to be a

plethora of activities and

many international sporting

events happening this

year. From Golfing Championships in

Singapore to the Summer Olympics

in Tokyo, to bringing you up close to

some of the most exotic honeymoon

destinations or simply a romantic

camping trip.

Start your journey into this issue

with a selection of romantic hotels

to celebrate that honeymoon or

anniversary. Long for that holiday but

worry about annual leave? Whisk away

nearby to the culturally rich Indonesian

city of Surakarta, better known as Solo.

Got your tickets to the 2020 Summer

Olympics? Excellent, enrichen your

Japan experience by exploring the

main island, Honshu, before or after

the games. Some of the most beautiful

prefectures are found here.

Next, jet off to two of the most exotic

destinations on Earth. Always been told

that Maldives is only for the opulent?

Learn about the many sides of life this

island nation holds as well as explore

some of the world’s best diving spots.

Immerse yourself into deep rooted

Madivian cultural activities whether

alone or with friends.

Going from one paradise nation to

another, the adventure continues in

Fiji. Beneath its alluring beauty on the

surface, we dive deeper and discover

more about the beautiful Fijian culture.

Watching the Sun sink deeper into the

pacific as you sip on Kava with your

loved ones is definitely a feeling you will

not want to ever forget.

We then scour the Asian-Pacific

region for the most breath-taking

camping sites you would ever see. From

the peak of New Zealand’s Mount Aoraki

to the alluring forest of Cambodia’s

Phnom Kulen, there is definitely a spot

for everyone.

To stay true to our aim of providing

you with information and tips on leading

healthier lifestyles, we are excited to

introduce you to Sports+ Health Zone. In

this issue, we cover two diet trends that

have been proven to work surprisingly

well. We also invite you to keep

exploring the great outdoors through

Bungee Jumping, Expedition Canoeing

and Golf!

We wish you a prosperous new year

filled with adventures that will take you

across the globe. Till we meet again, stay

bold and adventurous!

A

EDITOR’SNOTE

DISCLAIMERSports+Travel Singapore is a bi-monthly publication of Nativis Pte Ltd (Singapore) and distributed throughout Singapore. Articles published are in good faith and based on bona fide information to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law, nor for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of The Publisher. Neither can any part be stored or recorded, by any means. Opinions expressed in The Publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

This publication and the name are owned solely by Nativis Pte Ltd, (enquiry@sportsandtravel.com.sg). Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos and depictions contained herein are the properties of their respective trademark and copyright owners.

Colour separation and printing by Times Printers Pte Ltd MCI (P) L007/08/2019

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Low Mei FangCREATIVE DIRECTOR Orland Punzalan MEDIA MANAGEREish Sandhu DIGITAL MEDIA & OPERATIONS MANAGERAdrian Rosario WRITING & DIGITAL Afiq NaqiuddinEish SandhuLivia Taslim

OUR TEAM

Caillin Rosario Julia LachicaLyn Yeo

CONTRIBUTORS

Visit MaldivesFiji AirwaysJapan National Tourism Organization, SingaporeVasqueStreamCast AsiaIMG SingaporeW CommunicationsADEX...and many, many others!

SPECIAL THANKS

GENERAL SALES ENQUIRY sales@sportsandtravel.com.sg

Hylda LowJoshua NgSurbhi Tiwari

ADVERTISING SALES

NATIVIS PTE LTD20 Maxwell Road #08-01QMaxwell House, Singapore 069113Tel +65 6909 5290 / +65 6429 0729www.sportsandtravel.com.sg enquiry@sportsandtravel.com.sg

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ColoursLivingCover: Feel Tokyo’s vibrant

night time energy leading to the summer Olympics

Low Mei FangEditoreditor@sportsandtravel.com.sg

FACEBOOK Sports+Travel Singapore

YOUTUBESports+Travel Singapore

INSTAGRAM@sportsandtravelsg

VISIT US: www.sportsandtravel.com.sg

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SETTING IT STRAIGHTIn Issue 90, we published a feature on Brazil titled ‘When East Meets West’. Due to typing errors, we

misspelled the city as Sau Paulo. The correct spelling should be São Paulo. We apologise for this error.

6 7

Cupid’s Outdoor Retreats

pShangri-La’s Boracay Resort & SpaPHILIPPINESLocated on the northern part of the famed

island of Boracay, this resort exudes tropical

island luxury. Surrounded by a beautiful

blend of lush greens and azure blues, it’s no

surprise that the natural beauty of Boracay

finds itself a home in every thoughtfully

designed room. As day turns into night,

soak in the radiance of the setting sun

amongst the treetops as you enjoy your

romantic dinner at the award-winning Rima

Mediterranean Treetop Dining.

› www.shangri-la.com/boracay/

boracayresort/

Royale Chulan Cherating Villa uMALAYSIASurrounded by lush greeneries, this

beachfront does not fall short on scenic

views. Fronting the South China Sea,

you’re treated to a sight to behold from

the comfort of your own beautifully

furnished villa. A buggy ride from your

villa is then merely a call away to take

you to the beach for your romantic

stroll as you watch the Sun sink slowly

into the horizon.

› www.royalechulan.com/cherating/

t Centara Ras FushiResort & SpaMALDIVESIn the name of romance, enjoy

the finer things in life at this

honeymooner’s paradise. Located

on an island in North Malé Atoll, this

adults-only resort is surrounded by

the pristine tropical beauty of Maldives.

From your overwater bungalow, take

a dip into the shimmering lagoon as

you take in unparallelled views of the

Indian Ocean.

› www.centarahotelsresorts.com/

centara/crf/

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Conti Di San Bonifacio uTUSCANYHidden away in the Tuscan countryside

is a resort whose rustic charm will entice

you. Relish in the beauty of the seemingly

never-ending planes of Maremma with a

drink in hand at The Vineyard Bar. Decked

in organic colours are the rooms, simply

designed to rejuvenate one’s body, soul and

mind. This wine paradise also invites you to

tour their vineyard and join them for artisan

food and wine pairing dinners.

› www.contidisanbonifacio.com

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve uAFRICASet on a rocky outcrop of the acclaimed

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, Leopard Hills

boasts a picturesque view of the plains

below. Equipped with private plunge pools

and an unbeatable view of the African

bush, the glass-fronted, air-conditioned

suites are a sight to behold on its own.

After spending a day exploring the game,

enjoy a traditional African dinner by the

crackling fire at the Boma.

› www.leopardhills.com

Hotels

The ANMON Resort BintanINDONESIATake a step into a space where you can

finally “begin being” at this desert-inspired

glamping site. At the ANMON, gaze at the

stars as you slowly drift to sleep from the

spacious teepee-styled tents. Whether

you choose to sip on cocktails prepared

by an acclaimed mixologist at the Tipi Bar

or to simply relax and mingle with others

at The Lawn, a retreat at this unique resort

promises to be unforgettable.

› www.theanmon.com

pBlanket Hotel & Spa

INDIALocated near the ethereal Attukad

Waterfalls of India, this gorgeous

hotel is renowned as the perfect

blend of nature and luxury. Rooms

are equipped with large windows

for you to soak in the beauty and

splendour of Munnar. Not enough

visual arousal? Treat yourselves

to a romantic meal at Falls View

Restaurant and rekindle the love

with the sight of the magnificent

mountains.

› www.blanketmunnar.com

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pYasawa Island Resort & SpaFIJIEnjoy the tropical warmth and cool

ocean breeze of Fiji on the only resort

located on Yasawa Island. Each of the

resort’s 18 luxurious beachfront bures

can be found nestled among palm trees

along the edge of Yasawa’s white sanded

beach. Bring your honeymoon to the

next level and allow the authenticity of

the Fijian culture to embrace you in every

sip of Kava you take as you romantically

stroll along the mesmerizing beach.

› www.yasawa.com

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Rekindle your spark outdoors in some of the most romantic

hotels around the world.

Afiq Naqiuddin

EVENTS

8

REGIONAL

SINGAPORE

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METASprint Series - Duathlon Singapore 2020Venue: F1 Pit BuildingCategory: 3KM, 18KM

Ride for Rainbows 2020Venue: Marina BarrageCategory: Cycling 20KM, 70KM

Safari Zoo Run 2020Venue: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River SafariCategory: 2KM, 4KM, 12KM

Volvic Forest Force 50 2020Venue: MacRitchie ReservoirCategory: 15KM, 25KM, 50KM

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

22XU Compression Run Singapore 2020Venue: F1 Pit BuildingCategory: 5KM, 10KM, Half Marathon

HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2020Venue: Singapore National StadiumCategory: Rugby Sporting Event

METASprint Series: Triathlon Singapore 2020Venue: East Coast ParkCategory: 750M, 5KM, 18KM

Income Eco Run 2020Venue: F1 Pit BuildingCategory: 5KM, 10KM, Half Marathon

OCBC Cycle 2020Venue: F1 Pit BuildingCategory: Cycling 23KM, 42KM

OSIM Sundown Marathon 2020 SingaporeVenue: F1 Pit BuildingCategory: 5KM, 10KM, Half & Full Marathon

Singapore The Green RaceVenue: Coney Island PunggolCategory: 10KM, Half & Full Marathon

5

11

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26

9

23

20

8

22

29

19

25

3

16

14

14

MARCH

APRIL

MAYJUNE

The 7th Yodogawa EcoMarathon 2020Venue: Yodogawa River Cycling Course, NishinakajimaCountry: Osaka, Japan Category: 10KM, Full Marathon

Seoul International Marathon 2020 Venue: Gwanghwamun SquareCountry: Seoul, KoreaCategory: 10KM, Full Marathon

TRat Marathon Memorable RunVenue: Mueang Trat District, Trat Country: Trat, ThailandCategory: 5KM, 10KM, Half & Full Marathon

Hôi An Discovery MarathonVenue: Old Town, Hôi AnCountry: Hôi An, VietnamCategory: 5KM, 10KM, Half & Full Marathon

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2020Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala LumpurCountry: Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCategory: 5KM, 10KM, Half & Full Marathon

Phnom Penh Half MarathonVenue: Royal Palace Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay (Throne Hall), Phnom PenhCountry: Phnom Penh, CambodiaCategory: 3KM, 10KM & Half Marathon

Kathmandu Urban MarathonVenue: KathmanduCountry: Kathmandu, NepalCategory: Half & Full Marathon

Pacemakers Anniversary Run 2020Venue: Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala LumpurCountry: Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCategory: 3KM Relay (3-5 members)

Great Wall MarathonVenue: Huangya Pass, Great Wall of ChinaCountry: Beijing, ChinaCategory: 8.5KM, Half & Full Marathon

Bedok Reservoir Ultramarathon 2020Venue: Reservoir Vista @ Bedok Reservoir ParkCategory: Ultramarathon

GEARGUIDE

UNDER ARMOUR HOVR SUMMIT FOOTWEARThe UA HOVR™ Summit combines the performance

technology of UA’s pinnacle running shoe, the HOVR

Infinite, with new styling and innovative features to

create a stylish, versatile footwear choice for urban

pioneers in any environment. A proprietary cushioning

platform engineered to provide the ideal combination of

cushioning and energy return.

The HOVR Summit strikes the perfect balance

between performance and style, so you can take your

run from the trails to the city streets. The shoe features a

unique split-lace design, paired with a Michelin® outsole

and protective heel cage for the most advanced versatile

run style ever. Ventilation plus protection means your

feet can breathe when you’re pushing hard, all while

staying protected from the elements.

› Available only at Under Armour Paragon Shopping

Centre, 290 Orchard Rd, #04-34 Paragon

› S$189.00

GOAL ZERO SHERPA 100AC POWER BANK Equipped with an additional AC inverter and a dedicated

charging port, the Sherpa 100AC Power Bank can charge

up a wide range of devices all at once, making it one of

the most versatile power banks in the market. Do yourself

a favour before booking your next trip and get one of the

best travelling companions in today’s market.

› S$459.00

GOAL ZERO YETI 200X PORTABLE POWERSTATIONWith the constant hustle and bustle of our

daily lives, the thoughts of planning an

escape from the urban jungle is not unheard

of. If you’re planning to spend a few nights

out under the stars, the Yeti 200X Portable

Power Station would be perfect to ensure

your phones, tablets and even laptops stay

powered throughout your trip. The best part,

it’s lightweight and noiseless.

› S$ 570.00

10 11

OutdoorQuintessentials

GOAL ZERO SHERPA 100PD POWER BANK In today’s era, leaving home with

anything less than a fully-charged

device is a scary thought. With the

sleekly designed Sherpa 100PD Power

Bank, you can fully recharge your

smartphones 8 times! This lightweight

power bank is equipped with two 2.4A

USB-A ports and one USB-C port,

making it a great must-have for your

next trip.

› S$273.00

GOAL ZERO YETI 1400 LITHIUM PORTABLE POWER STATIONStay powered throughout your trip with this award winning

power station. If you feel the urge to bring a mini-fridge on a

romantic glamping trip to score some extra brownie points,

you can trust that this power station is more than capable

of keeping it running well through the night (up to 23 hours)

while still keeping your other devices charged.

› S$3532.00

TALUS AT ULTRADRY™ The Talus All Terrain UltraDry™ combines durability and

versatility for any outdoor adventure. Construction stands

up to the rigors of rough trails with 1.8mm waterproof

nubuck leather. A flexible midsole enhances comfort and

lets you skip the break-in. Abrasion-resistant mesh panels

provide breathability to keep feet comfortable in warm

weather. The upper’s nubuck leather is reinforced with a

Vasque UltraDry™ membrane for a full waterproof seal. The

boot is anchored with a Vibram® Nuasi outsole that ensures

solid footing across varying terrain.

Men’s Style 7368 is available in dark earth and avocado

colour while the Women’s Style 7385 comes in a unique

rum raisin and green glow. If you prefer low-cuts, then

the Talus AT Low UltraDry™ would make perfect sense.

Equipped with the same glorious materials, only lower cut.

› Retailers: Leeden Classic@OrchardGateway, Sports

Affinity@Queensway Shopping Centre, Feder Sports@

Peninsula Plaza

› S$269.00

A TWO-HOUR drive away from the adventure ridden city of Yogyakarta, resides the quiet city of Surakarta— commonly known as Solo.

The hometown of the seventh president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, Solo offers an abundance of sights and culinary adventure.

Great for history buffs that are always seeking to unravel the mysteries the city holds, as well as foodies that want to try some local goodies to spice up the trip.

Since it’s just a short drive from

Yogyakarta, Solo has the makings of the perfect day trip. Though there are not much adventure sports in Solo, this quiet city charms visitors with its arts and culture.

Through the allure of batik, explore the art of crafting this specially made fabric in the various markets and shops that specialising in creating batik patterns by hand and discover the past of Indonesia through batik.

Speaking of the past, a trip to Surakarta is bound to give you a treat for your mind and soul. With its

well-preserved palaces from way back, Solo gives you a clear peek at how Indonesian royals lived their everyday lives.

From the royal stomping grounds of Mangkunegaran Palace to the former sugar factory of De Tjolomadoe, Solo really has their way of conserving these historical and cultural landmarks.

Solo’s quiet yet eccentric city has made it known to be the Spirit of Java. It’s locals as friendly and laid back as they can be, Solo is truly a trip worth taking and a city worth discovering.

12

History, arts, culture and food. Explore this hidden gem just beside Yogyakarta

Discover theSpirit of Java

Short Breaks

Julia Lachica

Java

INDONESIA GETTING THEREUnfortunately, there are no

direct flights to Surakarta from

Singapore. Travellers must

book their flights to Yogyakarta

and must then take a two-

hour drive from the Adisucipto

International Airport. Fly to

Yogyakarta with Airasia starting

at $174, Singapore Airlines at

$333 and/or Silkair from $503*.

*Flights and prices are subjected to

change accordingly

WHERE TO STAY Stay in Solo’s most luxurious

and tallest sky rise in the city,

Alila Solo. Catch stunning

views of sunsets and sunrises

at the top of the city and get a

glimpse of the neighbouring city

of Yogyakarta from the top of

the hotel.

1514

Caillin Rosario

Headed to Japan for 2020 Summer Olympics? Uncover these 6 hidden treasures for the ultimate experience in the Land of the Rising Sun.

FEATUREJAPAN

Treasures of Honshu

THE BIRTHPLACE OF SUSHI and home to more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites, Japan hosts the long awaited Olympic Games this year from 24 July to 9 August. With 206 nations expected to participate, there’s plenty of sporting action to be seen. It’s the perfect time to visit Japan and with 47 prefectures, here are some that should be at the top of your list.

Yamanashi Prefecture Only a short trip from Tokyo, the Yamanashi prefecture offers a plethora of both beautiful and exciting activities for everyone. The region is inundated in some of the greatest mountains in the country, including the iconic Mount Fuji. Here, visit the legendary village of Oshino Hakkai. The village can be found near the base of Mount Fuji and is famous for eight ponds created from intense volcanic activity which

Toyama

IshikawaTokyo

Yamanashi

Nagano

Gifu

are sprawled across the village. The water in these ponds come from melted snow which has been filtered through kilometers of porous rock over nearly a century, resulting in unbelievable clarity of the water. Shops in the town have local products on offer, from foods including fresh vegetables and pickles, to cute souvenirs.

Oshino Hakkai is 14km from Mount Fuji. The town is famous for its crystal-clear ponds.

17

FEATUREJAPAN

Nagano PrefectureThe city of Matsumoto is found within the Nagano Prefecture. Here, you can find glorious ancient castles, wasabi farms, museums, and easy access to side trips such as the Japanese Alpine Route and the mountain resort Kamikochi. The Matsumoto City Museum of Art offers strong appeal to anyone creative. Its exhibitions tend to push the boundaries of visual and auditory experiences, creating an unforgettable few hours.

Keen on a good view? The Shinhotaka ropeway is a massive cable car adventure climbing up the side of the Hotake Mountain. It is

unique as it takes passengers on a double decker gondola car on one of the steepest elevation gains in the country for a ropeway. The journey consists of two different ropeways, the initial one used solely to bring passengers from the bus stop to Nabedaira Kogen. Here, visitors have the option to enjoy a public bath, have a feast at the restaurant (which serves some of the best curry I have ever eaten) and stroll through the tranquil scenery. The final ropeway takes passengers to the upper station at an altitude of 2150 meters, where an observation deck provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.

1716

Gifu PrefectureTakayama is a city located west of Tokyo within the mountainous Gifu Prefecture. It is well known for its wooden houses and narrow streets found in the Sanmachi Suji district, making it a popular spot for photos. The city has a population of 88,000, yet it is so enveloped in culture, specifically the biannual Takayama Festival which has been a tradition for over 350 years. If you are not able to make the festival while at Takayama, fear not! The Matsuri-no-Mori Festival Museum displays the best aspects from the festival. Replicas of the beautiful Autumn festival floats are on show which is guaranteed to fascinate you. Not only that, but you will see other iconic components of the festival, such as ginormous taiko drums, said to be the largest in the world. The amalgamation of these is a phenomenal cultural experience for the whole family.

But one morning make it your mission to stop by the markets and witness the strong sense of

It is well known for its wooden houses and narrow streets found in the Sanmachi Suji district, making it a popular spot for photos.

community Takayama has for yourself. The markets sit along a clear river brimming with vibrant fish, which is bound to further relax you on your stroll. Browse through the local products which include vegetables, pickles, jewelry, kitchenware and more.

Whether you’re a fan or not of sake, visiting a traditional brewery is more than recommended. Learn about the entire process in which it takes to create this iconic Japanese beverage, and even better, drink it! If you’re travelling with kids, ask from some Amazake, which is a delicious fermented rice drink with zero alcohol made in a very similar process in which sake is created.

18 19

FEATUREJAPAN

TokyoThe New National Stadium, created by Kengo Kuma, is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo and will host both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2020 Olympic Games. Construction began in 2016 and took three years and roughly one billion dollars to complete. The stadium is equipped with a walkway on its upper level which boasts beautiful gardens and scenery of the city landscape, which will be open to the public upon the commencement of the games. Inside, the arena utilizes a variety of natural colours to depict a relationship with the environment. This is notably seen in the chairs, where every seat was randomly selected to be earthy colors such as red, green, brown or white. The rooftop adopts large wooden pillars,

resulting in an arena which flawlessly channels traditional Japan. Sports played in the stadium will include rugby, and a few of the soccer games, on top of the ceremonies, meaning it will be an extremely busy venue. Thus, officials strongly recommend public transport as the means to get to the stadium. The best

way to do this is to purchase a JR pass from the friendly staff at the train stations and take the train to either Sendagaya or Shinanomachi station.

In the upcoming Olympic Games, Tokyo will be switching up some things. Five new sports will be introduced to the mix. These include baseball/softball, karate, and ‘extreme’ sports like skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing. And in an effort to practice and promote environmental consciousness,

all medals (gold, silver and bronze) will contain recycled metals through discarded electronic devices such as phones and laptops. As of October 2018, the target collected for bronze had been reached while gold and silver had an astounding 85% collection completion.

Ishikawa PrefectureKanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, and was once in the second largest city in Japan. It is often referred to as “little Kyoto” as it harbors many amazing sights, such as a plethora of museums and gardens. These include the D.T. Suzuki Museum, which is a small museum to pay homage to artist Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro, and the 21st Century Museum, which displays amazing works of contemporary art from artists within Japan and all over the world. To do something a little out of the ordinary, maybe take up a class in Gold Leaf Embellishment. For around 600 yen, you may choose a design of your liking, and will be taught to apply the gold leaf onto it to your liking and finish it off with traditional brushes. Either keep your design to yourself as

a wonderful memento, or gift it to a friend or family member for something truly special.

Next, why not give the historical Higashi Chaya district a visit? The name translates to “Eastern Teahouse District” and was initially established two hundred years ago as an entertainment district for the wealthy, where geisha would entertain customers through music and hosting drinking games. Walk through the streets and enjoy a variety of sweets, such as ice cream wrapped in edible gold leaf, as well as marvel at the luxurious tea ware specialized shops sell.

Toyama PrefectureGokayama is a small area found in the city of Nanto in Toyama Prefecture. Famed for its traditional gasshō-zukuri houses, there is no place more inviting than this one. Enroll in a traditional washi (Japanese paper) making class and take up the challenge to create and design your own postcard from liquid to paper. If arts and crafts is not your cup of tea, a simple stroll to absorb the breathtaking atmosphere of Gokayama is more than worth the trip.

Shō river is a river which crosses through two prefectures and plays a massive part in Japan’s hydroelectricity production as it houses 16 major dams.

Gokayama, a city in the Toyama prefecture. The city is famous for its thatched houses and washi (paper) making.

It is often referred to as “little Kyoto” as it harbors many amazing sights, such as a plethora of museums and gardens.

21

TRAVEL NEWSNew Tools on Google TravelIf you’ve not heard, Google has an application aimed to assist

travellers all over the world in their preparations. In their newest

update, users can use the application to find out the best times

to visit a particular destination along with a forecast on the

temperatures and weather conditions based on the traveller’s

trip dates. Take a look for yourselves: www.google.com/travel

**All flight prices reflected are based on two-way fares found on www.google.com/flights

Have The Bushfires Singed Australian Tourism Altogether? Since its start in September 2019, the infamous fires have

scorched down over an estimated 15 million hectares of bush,

forests and parks. Not only have the flames reportedly claimed

the lives of 28 people and possibly over one billion animals,

they may also threaten the survival of Australian tourism. It has

been reported that the United States have recently increased

their travel advisory for travellers looking to head to Australia,

warning them to “exercise increased caution”.

Battle of the Skies

ETHIOPIA ›

Visit the cradle of humanity

and civilization on a direct

flight with Ethiopian

Airlines from $1196!

THAILAND ›

Fly directly to the beautiful

Samui International Airport

with SilkAir for as low as

$400. You can also find

flights into Bangkok starting

at $108 with Jetstar!

NEW ZEALAND ›

Make your way to

Christchurch with prices

starting at $650 with Scoot

and Jetstar! Or if you’d

prefer, Singapore Airlines

offers a direct flight from

$1107!

FIJI ›

Bula! Experience the beauty

of Fiji from the start of your

trip with Fiji Airways from

prices as low as $705!

INDONESIA ›

Indulge in the rich culture

of Surakarta (locally

recognised as Solo) from

$229 with Lion Air. Or

discover Surabaya with

Scoot for as low as $117!

MALDIVES ›

With flight prices to

Malé starting at $361

with AirAsia, this is an

opportunity you should not

miss to experience heaven

on Earth!

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TRAVEL TIPS ››When did you last decide to spend a bit of time to tune in with Nature? While your spirit absorbs Her beauty, here are some tips to help keep you grounded.

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Love Thyself, Love NatureLISTEN TO YOUR BODYIt’s easy for us to be fully taken in by

the allure of Nature’s beauty while

we’re spending time outside. But

while we immerse ourselves, don’t

ignore your body’s call to rest as well.

Whether you’re hiking mountains

or simply taking strolls around the

camping grounds, don’t be shy to take

a break and

breathe for a

moment.

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPAREHaven’t you heard? Chance favours the

prepared. Don’t count on your lucky

stars to ensure that you have a safe

and fulfilling trip exploring the great

outdoors! Diligently research to have

a good gauge of what you might be

experiencing on your trip. This will help

you figure out how to better prepare

beforehand.

DRINK UP!In the excitement of all the activities

you have lined up, don’t forget

to stay hydrated! Drink plenty of

water before you start on your next

adventure and keep a water bottle

handy at all times. It goes without

saying that it’d be much easier to

focus on the beauty of Nature when

you don’t have to worry about your

body dehydrating.

JUST KEEP SNAPPINGWorried that your device’s battery

lives just can’t keep up with all the

picture-taking? Then don’t leave

home without Goal Zero’s Sherpa

100 AC Portable Power Bank. It’s

sleekness might fool you, but it has

the capability to fully recharge your

smartphone 8 times! If that doesn’t

seem like enough, then the Yeti 400

Lithium Portable Power Station will

surely do the trick!

LEAVE YOUR FOOTPRINTS,

NOT YOUR LITTER

PROTECT MOTHER NATUREWhile we admire Mother Nature in

all her glory, remember that it’s on

us to keep it that way! A great way to

ensure this would be to pick up the

litter that may be laying around while

you pack up on your way home.

As the signboard says: “Leave your

footprints, not your litter!”

Snorkeling is perhaps the easiest way to explore the Maldives’ vibrant underwater world. Most islands feature a ‘house reef’ close to their shore, where the shallow lagoon precipitously drops off into the deeper ocean waters and striking reefs, populated by myriads of small and big sea creatures. Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with one thrilling dive opportunity after another.

A holiday in the Maldives is more than a date with Mother Nature. With a settlement that is said to date back to at least 1500 BC, the Maldives has a rich culture and heritage. A visit to the Maldives is a chance to gain an insight into this unique culture, by exploring island lifestyle, sourcing local handicrafts, visiting heritage sites, tasting the local cuisine and watching cultural performances.

Salute the sun. Meditate before the calming waves of the Indian Ocean. Indulge in soothing Ayurvedic rituals tailored to your needs or locally inspired therapies. Join in daily sunrise or sunset yoga classes. With resident wellness gurus, fitness boot camps, healthy menus, and many more world-class offerings, the Maldives offers the best in wellness holidays without compromise.

The Maldives is famous for its laid-back culture; its picturesque beaches, warm waters and the tropical vibe often remind you to slow down. However, it will be hard to not run when your spirit is freed. These islands are exhilarating and uplifting. You can find a range of indoor and outdoor sports and exciting cruises at resorts as well as guesthouses. Go ahead, hop on and enjoy excursions such as fishing and dolphin cruises as well as expeditions to neighbouring inhabited islands.

Propose underwater in an aquatic wonderland with tropical shoals and swaying corals as your witness. Have your fairy-tale wedding on a secluded beach, a remote and deserted sandbank, an enchanting glass pavilion overlooking the shimmering turquoise lagoon, or even an underwater exchange of vows. Celebrate with a dinner for two on a secluded sandbank. Indulge in a romantic moment with a private screening of your favorite movie under the stars, complete with Champagne, canapés, and popcorn. Set sail for the sunset on a traditional dhoni. Swim with manta rays and turtles. Surrender to spa bliss with couple’s treatments.

THE THRILLING SIDE OF LIFE

THE CULTURAL SIDE OF LIFE

THE FUN SIDE OF LIFETHE SPRITUAL SIDE

OF LIFE

THE COLORFUL SIDE OF LIFE

THE ROMANTIC SIDE OF LIFE

Imagine a surf break against a pure blue sky and clear visibility under the water. That’s Maldives. Small islands scattered through a vast clean blue sea. Each island surrounded by white sand beaches and gardens of coral. Maldives provides the perfect playing ground for all water sports enthusiasts. The absolute clarity of Maldivian waters makes it perfect for kayaking and canoeing in glass-bottom boats.

The warm sea breeze is perfect for windsurfing and catamaran rides or a thrilling ride on a jetski. Resorts that have their own or nearby wave surfing points offer it, while liveaboards take to travelers to some of the toughest surf points.

For snorkeling & diving

enthusiasts, Maldives is

undoubtedly an underwater

paradise!

“

”

TREASURED FOR ITS WHITE-SAND BEACHES, CRYSTALLINE LAGOONS, MAJESTIC CORAL REEFS AND AZURE SKIES, THE MALDIVES IS A LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE IN THE MIDST OF THE INDIAN OCEAN. THIS WONDROUS TROPICAL PLAYGROUND HAS A BIT OF EVERYTHING FOR EVERYONE.

2 nights stay in Lamai Suite Roomwith daily breakfast for 2Complimentary room upgrade (from Lamai Suite to Deluxe Lamai Suite)Complimentary two-way airport transferComplimentary welcome fruit platterBed decoration upon arrivalA bottle of sparkling wine upon arrivalRomantic floral bathOne time Thai Cooking class experienceComplimentary scheduled shuttle service toCentral Festival or Fisherman VillageGuaranteed early check in and late check out

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North & South Male’ Atoll

Ari Atoll

Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve

blue stripe snapper, red and midnight snapper, eagle ray, whitetip reef shark, leopard shark, batfish.

With feeding manta rays, graceful whale sharks and schooling hammerheads, Ari Atoll is home to some of the Maldives’ best dive sites such as Maaya Thila and Fish Head.

Designated by UNESCO in 2011, the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve supports one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. The reserve is home to a globally significant biodiversity, including some 250 species of corals and 1,200 reef and reef-associated fish species as well as a population of marine turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and seabirds.

Bodu Beru: dance song with African influences; starts with a slow beat and develops into a hyperactive, frenetic beat Dhandi Jehun: energetic synchronised live singing and dancing

Maafathi Neshun: festival dance for women

Bandiyaa Jehun: synchronised female group dance characterised by the idiophone percussions created by striking metal pots

Thaara: dance music with Arabic influences; 22 men seated in two lines facing each other, playing tambourines while singing live

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Hukuru Miskiiy (Friday Mosque): dates back to 1656; magnificent carvings of coral stone

Munnaaru: outside Friday Mosque; medieval looking minaret, used to call for prayer

Medhu Ziyaaraiy: a mausoleum to Moroccan scholar Abu Barakath Yoosuf Al-Barbari who converted the Maldives to Islam

Muleeage: old palace; now used as a presidential residence

National Museum: open from Sundays to Thursdays (except on public holidays) from 10.15 to 17.00hrs; Entrance fee, MVR100 for adults and MVR20 for children.

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FEATUREFIJI

27

UNTOUCHED WHITE SANDY beaches, sapphire blue clear waters, all-year-round tropical weather and warm fuzzy hospitality. The perfect base equation for a place to be considered paradise. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the island nation of Fiji is made up of over 330 islands and home of the world-renowned Flying Fijians rugby team.

Once known as Cannibal Isles, the last known act of cannibalism occurred in 1867. Fast forward today, some tours include visits to cannibal caves (Naihehe Caves) where visitors can learn first-hand about warring tribes and parts of Fijian history.

Lined along the shores of the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are

beautiful ocean facing resorts. Most of these resorts offer cultural experiences where visitors get to be part of ceremonies and learn about the Fijian way of life. If you wish to have an added sense of privacy and exclusivity, the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups are for you. Each an archipelago of islands, some of which are internationally acclaimed. Hollywood productions such as ‘Cast Away’ featuring Tom Hanks and reality TV giant ‘Survivor’ have routinely filmed on these islands.

CULTURE Modern-day Fiji’s mixed ethnicity contributes to a rich culture filled with ceremonies such as the drinking of Yaqona

Once known as Cannibal Isles, the last known act of cannibalism occurred in 1867.

Untouched white sandy beaches, sapphire blue clear Eish Sandhu

South Pacific

FIJIIslands

Mala Mala Island

Tivua Island

Yasawa Islands

Viti Levu

Pacific Harbor

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Eish SandhuParadise

FEATUREFIJI

(kava). Yaqona is the national drink of Fiji and is made from the pounded roots of the pepper plant (piper methysticum). Though it has an earthy, bitter taste and resembles mud water, an elaborate ceremony is performed each time it is drunk.

You might be surprised to find a large number of Indians in Fiji, who make up about 40% of the republic. Indo-Fijians are citizens of Fiji who descended from indentured laborers to work on sugar cane plantations. Traditional Hindu marriage ceremonies are practiced, as are customs such as fire walking and celebrating Diwali.

CUISINESince Fiji is part of the great Pacific Ocean, there is an abundance of fresh and healthy seafood. Enclaved in a tropical rainforest, root vegetables such as cassava and taro grow in many parts of the islands.

Filled with vitamins, antioxidants and a powerhouse of lean protein, Kokoda (pronounced as ‘ko-kohn-da’), is regarded as Fiji’s national dish. It’s cooked with Mahi-Mahi fillets, ten other ingredients and served with deliciously rich coconut milk.

ADVENTUREKnown as the adventure capital of Fiji, Pacific Harbour has some of the best adventure activities. Popular activities here include river rafting on the nearby Upper Navua River, zip-lining, jet skiing, surfing, 4WD adventures, and a heart-pumping dive with bull sharks in Beqa Lagoon. Pacific Harbour is also home to a popular arts village with restaurants, souvenir stalls, and cultural shows.

Some of the best dive spots in

the world are in Fiji. The Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, surrounds Fiji’s fourth largest island, Kadavu Island. Also famous for Manta Ray snorkeling, expect to find giant groupers, reef sharks and a maze-like system of tunnels, basins and archways, each as stunning as the next. Spot angelfish, parrot fish, silver perch, turtles, banded sea snakes and the occasional hammerhead shark whilst navigating around Seafan Alley.

If you’re a pro surfer, outwitting and conquering Cloudbreak is probably high

on your bucket list. Cloudbreak is a very challenging wave that’s

constantly been voted as the ‘Top 10 best/most

challenging waves in the World’. It forms just three miles south of Namotu Island.

In the northern Yasawa Islands, lies the esoteric Sawa-i-Lau Caves believed

to be sculpted by wind and waves over

thousands of years ago. Bathed in light, the first

limestone cavern is easy to access, and you can swim in the

cool, crystal-clear water of the deep pool and admire the interesting limestone formations. To access the inner cave, you have to swim through an underwater tunnel. Locals believe that this inner cavern is the heart of the Yasawas, and that the caves are the final resting place of the ten-headed Fijian God, Ulutini.

A short 30 minutes drive from the main town of Nadi and nestled in the lush tropical rainforest is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. A must visit for nature lovers, this stunning gardens is home to over 2,000 species of orchids, as well as a serene lily pond complete with tadpoles and frogs. Rest on swings and hammocks as you enjoy the peace this valley brings. Whilst

DID YOU KNOW?Fiji is one of

the few nations

to have three

official languages

which are

English, Fijian

and Fijian Hindi

and over 200

dialects are

spoken.

A must visit for nature lovers, this stunning gardens is

home to over 2,000 species of orchids, as well as a serene lily pond complete with tadpoles and frogs.

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a warM fijian welcome

beFore you Arrive

We are delighted to invite you to experience a taste of the Fijian high life when you book a business class seat with Fiji Airways. From premium check-in and complimentary access to our available business lounges before you board to an array of warm, friendly cabin crew who will make you feel right at home. Step on-board Fiji Airways and begin your trip with a selection of Fiji inspired cocktails, enjoy your personal entertainment system or browse through Fiji Time, our award winning inflight magazine. Indulge in our menu choice of South Pacific inspired cuisine and spoil yourself with our beverage selection of fine wine. Fiji Airways route network spans across 22 destinations in 13 countries providing unequalled access to the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and beyond.

Visit FIJIAIRWAYS.COM or call 800 852 3666

30

FEATURE FIJI

there, visit the nearby Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool and enjoy a therapeutic mud bath and a soothing soak in the thermal pools.

An intrepid traveller knows that the key to a great holiday lies in their interaction and bonding with the local community. Sigatoka River Safari understands just that and they bring you on a journey that leads to authentic Fijian villages. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of the “real-deal” and it’s almost as though time stands still for this part of the world. Pronounced ‘Singa-toka’, this tour company lets you choose between an off-road cave or river experience.

Once used as a railway for carts carrying sugar from the warehouse to towns, Ecotrax Fiji has come up with an ingenious way for tourists to discover a part of Fiji. Sitting on a modified electric bicycle carriage mounted onto the railway, all you’ll need to do is gently paddle. Your guide will take you on a cruise to an ‘untouched’ destination. As your entourage of carriages go through a

village, small children run out of their homes towards you. Jogging alongside, they’ll extend their little palms for a ‘low-five’; all the while greeting you with the now-all-to familiar ‘Bula!’

DAY TRIPSA unique aspect of Fijian tourism comes in the form of day trips. Some are aboard

a catamaran and bring you island hopping. Others include cruise day-trips to Tivua Islands and even sunset dinner cruises. Wherelse others bring you to an island where you could spend an entire day lazing by the beach or waddling in their infinity pool. One of these places is Malamala Beach Club. Located on Malamala Island which forms a perfect circle, the waters surrounding it are so clear that even crystals can be seen. Dubbed as the World’s first beach club on its very own island, visitors are able to enjoy unparalleled views of the ocean and complimentary water activities.

GETTING THEREFiji Airways

offers direct

flights between

Singapore

to Nadi, Fiji.

Departing thrice

weekly, you’re

merely 10 hours

away from

Utopia.

A unique aspect of Fijian tourism comes in the form of day trips. Some are aboard a catamaran and bring you island hopping.

33

FEATURE

MOUNT PULAGPhilippinesThis may be one of the more difficult camping trips to make, but it’s worth it. It’s common to see groups of tourists and locals led by tour guides on this trip to the playground of the Gods, all for the chance to catch a glimpse of the “Sea of Clouds” at sunrise.

PHNOM KULENCambodiaImmerse yourself in the deep heritage of Siem Reap as you discover the ruins of the Khmer Empire. If you can, hike your way up the mountain instead of driving up and be rewarded by the beautiful scenery of lush greens before reaching the famed waterfall of Phnom Kulen.

AORAKI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK New ZealandFind yourselves in a camping ground that grants you the perfect panoramic view of the alps and of the great eponymous mountain itself. Tip: Before making your way up to the camping village, be sure to stop by the town of Twizel to replenish your stocks!

ENDAU-ROMPIN NATIONAL PARKMalaysiaA hidden gem merely 3-hours drive from Singapore, this national park invites you to set up camp in their pristine jungle. You may learn the ways of the indigenous Jakun people or relax under one of the 4 waterfalls in the park. Tip: It’s not a bad idea to brush up on your Malay language skills!

RANU KUMBOLOIndonesiaThe allure of this mountainous lake has earned its fame as one of the top camping sites in the region. Re-energize under the star-filled skies after the 4-hour hike up before waking up to catch an unforgettable sunrise. As with every other site, remember to keep the grounds clean!

Strip yourselves of your daily comforts and be one with natureAfiq Naqiuddin

32

WHETHER WE’RE PITCHING a tent on the beach or settling down in the jungle, camping promises an experience that is simply impossible to find. An adventure of our own where we get to take in all the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer.

But in Singapore, there are only so many places you could set up camp. So if you’re at a loss in trying to figure out where to next pitch your tent, here are a few amazing sites near Singapore that promise an unforgettable journey into the great outdoors.

When we’re out in the wilderness, the fear of losing battery life is real. Nature simply wasn’t built with charging points around the corner. Which is why you should not leave home without Goal Zero’s powerful yet compact Sherpa 100PD and Yeti 200X Portable Power Station!

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FA_GZ - Sports + Travel Full Page.pdf 1 5/2/2020 11:10:50 AM

Q&A with…

• President of Singapore Ladies Golf Association• Vice President of Singapore Golf Association• Lady Captain of Sentosa Golf Club

We sat down with avid sportswoman, Lyn Yeo. Having years of competitive experience under her belt, she shared with us her fondest memories and even some tips on how to enjoy the game.

Afiq Naqiuddin

35

More recently, I won last year’s Singapore Ladies’

Amateur Open (Mid-Amateur Division) beating about

120 ladies from the region. I’m proud of that!

HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2020The annual tournament has always been a highlight

of the year, and not just for me! For all of us golfers,

this is the chance we get to see some of the best

players in the world compete.

Although my pick to win this year is Angel Yin, the

competition gets tougher every year. The Korean

ladies continue to play an amazing game and Brooke

Henderson always plays well when she’s here! It is

going to be exciting to see.

A MESSAGE FROM LYNGolf, like all sports, can play a crucial role in teaching

strong values like discipline, honesty and integrity.

While we have many junior programmes in local

clubs, I think it is never too late for anybody to pick

up the sport.

Contrary to what many believe, Golf isn’t a sport

just for the elite! Head to the range after work with

some friends and a few drinks, and I promise it is so

easy to get hooked on it!

WHY GOLF?When I was in school, I took part in athletics and even

represented Singapore for Softball when I was in Pre-

University. But these were not sports that I saw myself

doing after graduating. So Golf, due to its popularity

back then too, became a natural transition for me

after giving birth to my two sons.

I find that Golf is a sport that transcends age and a

great way to keep up a healthy lifestyle while having

fun with a few friends and widening my social circle.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTSI took up the game in my 20s, so when I dethroned

the undefeated Kee Bee Khim for the title of

Singapore Island Country Club (SICC)’s Ladies’

Champion, it felt surreal to me.

Lyn Yeo

36

SPORTS

Have a SWINGING good time!Afiq Naqiuddin

PERSONALLY, THE GAME of

golf has always exuded an aura

of class and sophistication.

With its deep historical origin

tracing back to the 15th

century, golf has proven to be

a game for the ages.

Today, you find people from

all walks of life enjoying the

recreational sport. We would

like to invite you to partake in

this timeless game and tee off

onto what could be your next

love.

GETTING STARTEDThe thought of playing your

first golf course may be as

tempting as it is intimidating.

To help you prepare for your

first day on the greens, here

are a few tips that may help!

Golf clubs may come pretty

pricey, with the most expensive

club costing USD 181,000. As a

start, we’d recommend looking

for second-hand sets online.

These sets generally come

cheaper and usually have all

the clubs necessary for the

game.

If you’re wondering what

to wear, most clubs have

their own dress code that you

should adhere to. The safest

and most common outfit for

golf would be a polo tee and

either long pants for men

or skirts for women. Finish

your ensemble with a pair of

comfortable covered shoes

and a hat and you’re good to

go!

Finally, you might want to

consider a visit to the golf

range. As golf is a game of skill,

a few practice shots before

heading out may be the best

way to get your game in full

swing.

DID YOU KNOW?It is no secret that the game of golf has lived through multiple centuries, but do we really know its origins? While it is most commonly believed to have started as a gentleman’s sport in Scotland, some studies show that golf may have originated from the Ancient Romans!

WHERE TO PLAY?In Singapore, there are many

options offered to golfers

of all skill levels. However if

you’re looking to play at one

of the World’s Best Golf Club,

you would probably want to

head on down to Sentosa Golf

Club. Located in the south of

Singapore, the golf club offers

scenic views of Singapore to

players from all over the world.

If you have a taste for

adventure and history, why

not visit the birthplace of

modern day golf? Yes, we’re

talking about arguably the

best golf course in the world,

the Old Course in St Andrews,

Scotland. Having survived

the test of time since the

15th century, this golf course

still challenges professional

players to their limits in Open

Championship tournaments.

Would you dare challenge this

legendary course?

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BUNGEE JUMPING

38 39

ExpeditionCanoeing

SPORTS SPORTS

KNOWING YOUR CANOECanoes have existed as a form of

water transportation for the longest

time. It is of no surprise that canoes

are now seen in the world of

competitive sports or on expeditions

all around the world.

Unlike Kayaks, Canoes typically have

a more open deck and are wider,

which allow for more stability. This

means that you get more space for

food and gear on longer trips. Be

sure to understand the weight limits

of your canoe before your trip or

you’d be in deep water!

GETTING STARTEDBefore going on your trip, there

are a few more things you’d have

to keep in mind! While you’re

most likely to start off on a guided

tour, understanding the effects of

distance, terrain and weather on

your trip would play a huge part in

helping you physically (and mentally)

prepare.

Knowing the distance you’re

about to row would allow you to

gauge how long the expedition

might take. This will be an indicator

of how much food and gear you

should be packing. As much as we

wouldn’t want to be left hungry,

lugging unnecessary weight at every

portage is not a fun idea either!

Understanding these factors

would also point you towards the

right training regime to condition

your body for the trip. If you

think you might need the right

Canoe training, Singapore Canoe

Federation would be a brilliant place

to get started.

Remember, proper preparation is

key to a great adventure!

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Row yourself into an adventure!

Afiq Naqiuddin

Take a leap of faithAfiq NaqiuddinTHE ADRENALINE FINALLY wears off

as your vessel starts to rest. You close

your eyes as you let the cool wind carry

your thoughts into the breeze. The soft

waves rock your vessel steadily, lacking

the aggression you had half-expected.

You finally open up your eyes, to slowly

take in the breath-taking beauty of your

surroundings.

Where were you? Did you let your mind

take you to the lush rainforests of Borneo?

Or did it bring you to the stunning

grandeur of the Scandinavian glaciers?

Wherever it went, we believe you should

follow and row!

ALL AROUND THE WORLD, it wouldn’t be

a surprise to find Bungee Jumping on a Tour

Guide’s list of packages. Attracting thrill-seeking

adrenaline junkies who dive into beautiful

sceneries like the Longqing Gorge in Beijing and

the Devil’s House itself, the Villarrica volcano

in Chile. No matter the place, one thing is for

certain; the adrenaline rush from your first jump,

will make you crave for another.

WHERE TO STARTAs people say, there is simply

no place like home. So why not

start here, on our little red dot?

Opened in late 2017, AJ Hackett

Sentosa is home to Singapore’s

first Bungee Jump. Plunge

yourself from a height of close

to 50 metres and enjoy a quick

refreshing dip in the pool on your

way back up.

If you are not up to the

challenge just yet, the facility

also features a Giant Swing that

you could brave with a group

of friends or even a Skybridge

Walkway to take in the panoramic

view of Sentosa Island.

FUN FACTBungee Vs BungyWhile both are correct, the original word was spelled “Bungee”. Upon reaching New Zealand, its spelling has been modified to “Bungy”

.Cable StrengthProfessional cables are generally able to withstand the weight of an adult elephant, a whopping 2.2 tonnes!

TRUST IS KEYForget looking fancy and dress very

comfortably for this trip. For peace

of mind while you plunge yourself

into the depths of Earth with nothing

more than an elastic cable around

your ankles, be sure to only book

from reputable companies. To fully

enjoy the sport, remember that you

have to fully trust the company,

equipment and Jump Master.

Most importantly, trust yourself to

jump without hesitation. The longer

you wait, the further down it is going

to seem. If you are still nervous, it

is not a bad idea to start off with a

tandem jump with a game faced

partner! How about it, ready to take

the ultimate trust fall?

4040 41

WHETHER YOU’RE LOSING

weight for aesthetics or for

health, it’s no secret that your

diet plays a large part in your

journey. To help, here are two

top-trending diet plans that

might help you achieve your

#bodygoals2020.

Foods you can eat or avoid to aid in your meal planning!

WHAT TO EAT

• Eggs

• Fish

• Fruits

• Healthy fats and oils

• Herbs and spices

• Meat

• Nuts and seeds

• Vegetables

WHAT TO AVOID

Grains •

Beans and legumes •

Dairy products •

Processed foods •

Unhealthy fats

and oils •

Are these two low-carb diets just fads or are they the real deal? Afiq Naqiuddin

Eating Trendy:KETO vs PALEO

PALEOLITHIC DIETAbout 35 years ago, a theory arguing that we

were genetically not made to adapt to the food

of today birthed the Paleo diet. Several studies

suggest that following this diet in eliminating

processed foods would lower the risk of obesity,

diabetes and heart disease.

New followers of this diet also risk seeing

similar symptoms to that of new Keto diet

followers due to the sudden absence of

carbohydrates in their food intake. Additionally,

the lack of dairy products generally means

lower levels of Calcium and Vitamin D.

KETOGENIC DIETThe Keto diet aims to reach a metabolic state of

Ketosis where burning fat is the main source of

energy by replacing your carbohydrate intake with

fats. Several studies show that this is an efficient

way to lose weight and lower risk factors for

diseases such as diabetes, cancer, epilepsy and

Alzheimer’s disease.

It is normal to struggle at the start with poor

energy and mental function, increased hunger,

digestive discomfort, nausea and sleep issues.

Mitigate the impact of these temporary symptoms

by starting off on a low-carb diet for the first few

weeks to help your body adjust. CONCLUSIONBefore you embark on this journey

to a leaner body, remember that

these dietary plans were not made

as a “one size fits all” solution. Do

your research and seek professional

help if necessary!

The results of following either of

the two diets also depend on your

lifestyle choices. Pairing your diets

with an active and healthy lifestyle

would be great in helping you burn

off some of that extra weight from

the recent onslaught of festivities.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?As the focus of the

Paleo diet is to simply

eliminate processed

foods, entering the

state of Ketosis is

only important to

followers of the

Keto diet. As such,

the Keto diet is

much higher in fat

and requires calorie

calculations.

SPORTS HEALTHZone

Foods you can eat or avoid to aid in your meal planning!

WHAT TO EAT

• Avocados

• Butter and cream

• Cheese

• Eggs

• Fatty fish

• Low-carb

vegetables

• Red meat

• Nuts and seeds

WHAT TO AVOID

Alcohol •

Beans and legumes •

Fruits (except small

portions of berries) •

Highly processed

foods •

Grains and starches •

Sugary foods •

Unhealthy fats •

42

Getting There: You may choose to fly directly to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport from Singapore with Ethiopian Airlines.

Travel Visa: An Ethiopian eVisa is required for Singaporeans regardless of the length of stay.

Currency: SGD 100 = 2374.24 Ethiopian Birr

Language: The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic, however you’ll find people speaking Omoro, Somali, Tigrinya and basic English.

SNAPSHOT

qDanakil DesertDanger alert! Known to be one

of the hottest and driest places

on the planet, the temperature

of Danakil Desert can reach up

to 55°C in the day. The desert

is also home to the Danakil

Depression. The drifting apart

of tectonic plates caused the

area to sink about 100 metres

below sea level, earning the

depression its title of being the

lowest place on Earth. Some

researchers believe that the

high concentration of sulfur

from the volcanic activities

nearby may risk the health of

visitors.

qBlue Nile FallsKnown locally as Tis Abay

(meaning Great Smoke), the

Blue Nile Falls is a sight to

behold. The four-streamed

waterfall proudly stands at 45

metres in height. Although

it may not be the tallest, this

natural beauty allures visitors

with its spray earning it its

name. Getting to the falls is

all part of the adventure as

you choose to either cross

the first stone bridge ever

built in Ethiopia that spans

the gorge or ride a motorboat

to the base of the majestic

falls itself.

p Simien MountainsNational ParkIf you’re an animal lover, this

national park is definitely one

you do not want to miss.

This park is home to many

endemic animals such as

the Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada

and Walia Ibex to name a

few. Besides the abundance

of wildlife, as the name

suggests, the park is also an

amazing hiking spot. Hire

a guide and trek the routes

to the various camps in the

escarpment, each route

offering its own unique

scenery.

Ethiopia

p LalibelaLocated in the Northern

region of Ethiopia, is the

small history-soaked town of

Lalibela. Home to incredible

monolithic churches, Lalibela

was declared a UNESCO World

Heritage site in 1978. Legend

has it, these beautiful churches

were actually chiseled down

from pink volcanic rock under

the instruction of King Gebre

Mesqel Lalibela with the aid of

angels. Today, the grandeur

of the monoliths have been

slightly marred by a protective

screen set up by UNESCO, but

one - Bet Giyorgis, the church

dedicated to Saint George.

Return to the cradle of mankind and civilization

Ala

stai

r R

ae

Ch

arle

s J

Shar

p

1,000distribution

points across Singapore

Singapore

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