Traffic jams, snaking taxi queues, trains that break down, and buses that travel at snail’s pace. Do you feel trapped in the daily grind with no means of escape? Have you ever wished you could just get into your car – a cute Volkswagen bus, perhaps – and go away to the most remote corners of the world?
We do.
Once in a while, we want to get away from Life, smell the flowers and, STOP to breathe.
There is time and space to dream dangerously and make mistakes.
Visitor Highlights
Live Life in the slow lane.
Let’s go away together.
5 Utterances You Will Inevitably Make When You Visit Dallas Restaurant & Bar at Suntec City Sky Garden
Unpretentious food in a cosy environment … Denise Li can’t wait to go back.
While I first knew about Views Rooftop Restaurant & Bar because of the numerous times I’ve walked by its first outlet at Boat Quay, I’ve never actually tried the food till now. I’m not sure why … I think it’s the outlet’s close proximity to what I call the “bloke bars” at the beginning of the Boat Quay stretch that never compelled me to walk in. Well shame on me for judging a book by its cover, because the food served here is pretty damn good. The restaurant has opened its second outlet at Suntec City Sky Garden, and if you would like to enjoy your meal without raucous shouts and cheers whenever a BPL or rugby match is playing, this is the outlet you should visit.
I stopped by for a tasting a few weeks ago, and found myself so impressed that I couldn’t help but say the following things out loud …
1. When you first walk into the restaurant … “Wah, damn chio!”
High ceilings, polished hardwood floors, leather upholstered chairs … This place looks classy but still has an accessible, welcoming vibe. With daylight streaming in through its wall-to-ceiling windows, grab a seat by the window during the day if you want to take the best possible pics of your food – because we all know a meal didn’t happen unless you post droolworthy pics on Instagram ;). At night, the restaurant has an intimate ambience that makes it perfect for a date. There’s also a small area that can be closed off for small celebrations such as wedding solemnisations.
2. When you peruse the extensive alcohol menu … “Lim ah, lim!”
There is a good enough selection of beers – both on tap and in bottles – to satisfy any beer fan, and you can choose one in eight wines to enjoy by the glass, with prices starting from $13. Most of the wines you’ll find here are from some very good vineyards in Australia and New Zealand, including Vasse Felix and Oyster Bay. The cocktail list is small, but well-curated, with old-time favourites such as Margarita, White Russian, and Dark ‘n’ Stormy. During happy hour from 11am – 8pm, house wines and spirits go for $12++, while you can enjoy Stella Artois on San Miguel on tap for $14++.
3. When these starters arrive at your table … “Mpfwugh”
(Cos you’re too busy stuffing your face, obviously)
Both varieties of tacos at Dallas are a must-try. The Snapper Fish Tacos ($22 for 3; $8 for every additional piece) contains a fresh piece of snapper coated in a light batter and then deep-fried. It’s accompanied by a delish homemade pineapple chutney, then drizzled with Chipotle mayo and garnished with strips of baby radish. So many flavours that it’s definitely a party in your mouth!
For a more sinful option, try the Crispy Pork Belly Tacos ($14 for 3; $5 for every additional piece). Served with guacamole and aioli, we also liked how pickled Spanish onions and fresh jalapeno helped alleviate the heaviness of this dish.
4. When you finally see this amazing platter for yourself … “Wah lau eh!”
Carnivores will find Dallas to be heaven on earth. The Dallas meat platter – $70 for two pax or $130 for four – comes with four succulent meats, including: Grilled Australian lamb cutlets; Pork ribs either marinated in a tangy sweet berry glaze or fiery BBQ sauce before being slow-cooked for two hours; Rotisserie chicken that’s been marinated in a special sauce overnight before being finished off with a dry chilli rub, then roasted for three hours; and prime rib steak (cooked to medium-rare, of course). All that, plus a generous serving of roasted potatoes.
The meats were faultlessly prepared, and we liked that the lamb cutlets didn’t taste or smell gamey at all.
7 Signs You Desperately Need A Vacation
Need a break? You’re not alone.
In our insanely-paced society, it seems impossible to ever get away. You badly want a holiday but you also feel a deep sense of guilt about leaving your work behind. It seems like every time you plan for a vacation, yet another big project comes up and you have to scrap your plans. However, with careful planning and open communication with your co-workers, going on that much-needed vacation is not impossible.
But first, how do you tell if you’re due for a break?
1. You find yourself spacing out in your office cubicle every, oh, 20 minutes or so.
What To Expect
2. You hit “Refresh” on airline booking pages more times than you care to admit.
3. You spend hours looking through old vacation photos on Facebook and Instagram.
4. You email tour operators in a variety of exotic locations, dreaming of the day when you can finally up and leave.
Planning Notes
5. Whenever friends or co-workers talk about their recent vacations, it takes every ounce of self-restraint not to burst into a flood of tears.
6. Right now, the only consolation you have is Happy Hour.
Local Details
7. You’ve found yourself nodding along to every single point on this post.
Seriously though, if you find yourself identifying with more than three of these points, you’re due for a vacation. It doesn’t even have to be a long trip to somewhere exotic. Even a short break in a neighbouring country could be all you need to clear your head and recharge your batteries.
Go on, you deserve it!
This Scandinavian Destination Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List
And there’s more to it than the Northern Lights.
Mention “Scandinavia” and the first attraction you’d probably think of is the Northern Lights. But the region has so much more to offer besides the Aurora Borealis, and definitely still worth visiting even after the Aurora Borealis dims.
You might not have heard of Narvik in Northern Norway, but it’s been hailed as the next big Arctic travel destination. Polar Park, home to a pack of Arctic wolves, has just opened up a new lodge within its enclosure, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with these majestic creatures.
Dances with wolves
Useful Tips
Designed in the style of a modern Norwegian farmhouse, the lodge can accommodate up to 10 guests. Wolves freely roam outside of the lodge, and there will be a guide accompanying guests throughout their stay to teach them more about these animals.
The Polar Park is the most northerly wildlife park, lying 72km from the harbour town of Narvik. Besides wolves, the park is home to other native Arctic animals such as wolverines, Arctic foxes, bears, lynx, and reindeer.
Besides observing the animals in their natural habitats, the Wolf Kiss experience will let get up close and personal with the animals. And if thoughts of Leonardo DiCaprio’s mangled body after being mauled by a bear in The Revenant are now running through your mind – don’t worry. These wolves have been socialised and have grown up around humans, and if you’re lucky, they may even greet you by licking your face.
Light up your world
Visitor Highlights
Combine this unforgettable experience with another – Lights at the Lodge. This will take you from Narvik town on a gondola ride high into Narvikfjellet (Narvik Mountain) to another lodge, where you can watch the Northern Lights overlooking the port town of Narvik and the fjord beyond. Going high up into the mountain takes you to the darker skies away from light pollution to better view the Aurora.
The newly renovated lodge itself is far from basic. Split into two floors, the top floor has a refreshments bar and space for the guide to tell visitors more about the Aurora, while the downstairs area is designed specially for viewing the Aurora. There are also platforms outside to allow visitors to better take pictures.
If the weather does not allow for the gondola ride, you’ll be taken to another lodge halfway up the mountain to search for the Aurora.
A four day, three night itinerary to Narvik, northern Norway, with Off the Map Travel costs from £2299, based on 4 travelling, excluding flights. This includes all transfers, a night at the new Wolf Lodge with dinner and a guide, a Wolf Kiss to meet the wolves face-to-face, B&B accommodation for two nights in a 4* hotel with Northern Lights hunting from its sky bar, a fjord boat trip to search for local wildlife and experience the region from the water, and a new Lights at The Lodge Aurora hunt up the Narvik Mountain (Narvikfjellet). Visit the website for more information about visiting Narvik.
Authors and Bloggers of Goaway
Deborah Tan
She can’t sit still. Doesn’t sleep well either. But, Debs has found the one thing that’ll help her mind switch off – baking. There’s nothing she likes better than just focusing her energy on getting a cake or a pie to turn out right. With this newfound passion, she has made it a point to bring back interesting ingredients whenever she travels, so she can use them in her desserts. She names Tokachi of Hokkaido in Japan as one of her favourite places.
Ask Terry anything to do with sports, and he will likely have an answer. A loyal Chelsea F.C. supporter, it’s no wonder his No. 1 dream is to set foot in Stamford Bridge, home ground of the football club, in Fulham, London. Few things get this optimist down, but when they do, he goes for a long run to clear his mind. To Terry, running serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how tough the journey is, you have to keep on going – and you will make it.
Drew Graham
Drew is a geek – about work, about music, about coffee and beer and about travel. His skinny frame is due to a bout of amoebic dysentery he caught during a holiday in India – he’s never regained the weight lost although he eats like a teenager. He currently splits his time between Indonesia and Singapore – while maintaining a gigantic beard.
What To Expect
Tan Lili
With wanderlust flowing in her veins, Lili has always had grand dreams of travelling the world, escaping to exotic locales and experiencing different cultures. Whenever Life gets too much for her, she reaches straight for her earphones to tune out the world. More than just a temporary distraction, music has a profound way of taking her to places that stir the soul.
Vanessa Tai
For as long as she can remember, Vanessa has always wanted to escape to a place where no one knows her. But because that’s not always possible, she often retreats into the world of books and pop culture. When she does get to travel, she prefers going off the beaten track and back to nature. Some of her best memories include napping in a treehouse in Laos and cycling across padi fields in Bali.
Eat And Drink Like A Pro: A Guide To Tasting Trails In Perth’s Swan Valley
Perth is home to some of the best tasting trails and you won’t have to travel far to find them. By Rachael De Foe
Beyond the better known Margaret River trail, Swan Valley is fast becoming the region’s destination for drink and food lovers everywhere. Just 25 minutes away from the city centre and lined with 40 world-class wineries, six breweries, two distilleries, a cidery, meadery and countless gourmet artisan foods, it’s hard to know where to even begin!
If you’re thinking of taking your taste buds on holiday, here’s a few tips to help you max out your visit to F&B paradise.
Look out for the local highlights
Planning Notes
Wines from the area are absolutely a must-try and with good reason too. Swan Valley fields experience little rain and plenty of sun, making it the ideal place to host exceptional wines such as Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Cabernet varieties.
For fans of sweeter alcohols, long and hot summers mean grapes are treated to extra ripening time, creating the ultra-high sugar levels needed to make rare liqueurs and fortifieds. From bigger vineyards such as Sandalford Winery, to cosier family-run estates like Pinelli Wines, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Ask for tasting notes
Local Details
To appreciate certain drinks, such as wines, craft beers and ciders, it helps to know which flavours to take note of. And while tasting will always have a subjective element to it (our sense of smell and taste is often tied to what our palate is used to), having a description in front of you can be a good way to guide your experience.
Thankfully, many of the stops in Swan Valley will have a set of tasting notes to accommodate both new and practised palates, so it doesn’t hurt to ask! If you’re looking for more of a verbal walk-through, have a chat to the person hosting your session, they’ll be more than happy to share a thing or two!
“What you taste in Swan Valley, stays in Swan Valley”
When it comes to some local gems, this really is the case! Although most craft breweries and cideries do have bottles you can take home, there are some specials that won’t last the plane ride.
Useful Tips
This is because craft beer and cider specialists like Feral Brewing Co and Funk Cider take pride in making beverages that are either unpasteurised or without preservatives for a healthier and tastier alternative. What often results is a one-of-a-kind drink which takes surprising twists on traditional flavour profiles. Other breweries may also have seasonal one-off batches so do keep an eye out.
Stop over for some delicious bites
Another great thing about Swan Valley is that you can find some of the freshest produce in the backyard of many wineries. So when planning your trip, make sure to consider where you might like to grab a bite too. As a bonus, eateries like Houghton Wines’ restaurant have outdoor tables so you can enjoy a lovely view of the vineyard as you tuck into your lunch.
If you’re out till dinner time, it’s also worth visiting Fillaudeau’s Café Restaurant. Trained to cook classical French cuisine, Head Chef Manu Fillaudeau runs a homely kitchen with an emphasis on making everything from scratch and showcasing local produce – whether it’s locally grown vegetables, Rottnest Island scallops or Western Australian Steak – in his recipes. On a warm night, ask for a table outdoors to dine under a sky full of stars.
Visitor Highlights
Join a masterclass and pick up a few skills of your own
Want to bring back a souvenir that’ll last? Why not try a masterclass! Many of the Valley’s viniculture, chocolate making and artisanal experts hold interactive classes to give you a chance to hone in on their craft, hear the stories behind their passion and most importantly, pick up some tricks of the trade.
For a unique experience, check out The Cheese Barrel at Olive Farm for a hands-on workshop with The Cheese Maker, Tanya Baretto, who’ll teach you a thing or two about making your own delicious dairy treat and how to pair it with a glass of wine or bubbly.
Want to put your taste buds to the test? Jetstar flies up to three times daily between Singapore and Perth with one way promotional fares starting from S$109, all inclusive. Visit www.jetstar.com for more details.
What To Expect
Muse Amuse Is Your Oasis From The Blistering Heat
The multi-concept establishment is filled with innovative twists on Asian cuisine. Look out for their snazzy cocktails too!
If you’re seeking shelter from the unforgiving heat this past week, take refuge in Muse Amuse. Consisting of a restaurant, bar, lounge-cum-event space, and even a roof garden, this integrated establishment is a tranquil refuge from the torpid weather. Not far off from Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown MRT stations, you’ll be right at home once you step into this two-month old collective.
Multi-Concept Dining
Planning Notes
The minimalist-designed establishment has a chic, yet homely feel.
Its front section – Muse – is a minimalist styled restaurant serving up Mod-Asian sharing plates. With its space available for hire, the restaurant also accommodates event launches, work events, and private parties.
Walker further in, and you’ll find Amuse. Here, you can grab a tipple or two!
Order a coffee and head upstairs to the cool lounge that’s available to all patrons.
Local Details
As you walk further inside – and through an old-school shophouse airwell – you’ll find yourself in Amuse, the establishment’s bar, which leads out to the Ann Siang Hill and Club Street area. Open from 3pm onwards, the bar is a haunt among white-collar ‘Shentonites’ aplenty. Upstairs, you’ll find a tranquil lounge that’s available for all patrons to use. Just order a cup of coffee, and the staff will serve it as you work or read!
Experimental, Yet Recognisable Dishes @ Muse
Asian fusion was the name of the game, as we tucked into some of the most prettily plated wares for the afternoon. They are served in sharing plates, so take that special someone or your best friends out on this epicurean journey.
Fancy steak tartare with a twist? Try some Tartaro, $18, to savour the freshness of its grain-fed Wagyu. The dish is tossed in sesame oil and layered with chopped Korean honey pears and red chilli. We thought its raw egg yolk balanced really well with the grit of finely diced pears. If you’re someone who only eats beef that’s thoroughly cooked, fret not. You’ll surprise yourself when you chew on this delicate mince which blends effortlessly with the medley of ingredients. It’s even garnished with herbs that are grown in Muse Amuse’s very own roof garden!
Useful Tips
‘A’ for aesthetics, is what we say for the Royal Ratchaphruek, $12. Shaped like a bloom, this ratatoullie-inspired creation is steeped in tom yum broth. The ultra-thin flaps of lotus root, sweet potato, zucchini, eggplant, carrot and potato are baked to bring out its natural sweetness without drying it to a crisp. It gorgeously unfurls into the shallow pool of broth like a river lotus. It’s high on visuals and high on taste- that’s for sure.For desserts, we tried the curiously delectable Gula Melaka Panna Cotta with Umami Sea Urchin, $12. Now, this might initially seem like an odd combination, but we were surprised by how well the briny sea urchin matched with creamy, lush pudding. To best enjoy this, consume both the sea urchin and pudding in a single spoonful at the same time.
Asian-Inspired Cocktails @ Amuse
Need some respite from the heart? Savour in these cool glasses of cocktail from Amuse. And we’re not just talking about any ol’ cocktail. Created by resident mixologist Isz Valentino, these happy juices make use of Asian ingredients and cooking techniques for a one-of-a-kind flavour profile.
The Tom Yum Bloody Mary, $25, gets a special shout-out from us. Arguably, this is Bloody Mary’s secret sister of another Asian mother. The family resemblance is there – its salt-covered rim, spicy flavours, and the comforting dashes of vodka.
Visitor Highlights
What sets this creation apart, however, is its tom yum broth base that replaces tomato juice. It’s also stirred with lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilli padi to give it a real kick. Spicy without being overpowering, we recommend pairing this cocktail with the Royal Ratchaphruek.
Muse Amuse, 289 South Bridge Road. Muse open Mon – Sat, 12pm – 12mn. Amuse open Mon – Sat, 3pm till late. Both closed on Sundays. Tel: 8500 0588.
5 Local Experiences To Liven Up Your Perth Vacay
There’s a lot more to Perth than you think! By Rachael De Foe
Before heading to Perth, I had no idea just how much there was to do. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a convert. For those wondering what I’m talking about, here are five recommendations to really max out your trip down under.
1. Experience history in the present
You won’t have to look far to experience the past. In Perth’s historic heart, you’ll find the iconic State Buildings – formerly known as the Lands, Titles and Treasury – which have been restored to retain its mid 19th century architecture and repurposed to breathe new life into the city’s past.
What To Expect
Today, the hub houses an urban space for the public with an array of dining, retail, arts, lounging and entertainment experiences. If you’re planning to make a stay of it, check out the Container hotel, COMO The Treasury, that’s home to 48 elegant rooms featuring the original high ceilings, cornices and balconies of the former building.
2. Bike around Rottnest Island and snap that famous quokka selfie
If you’re looking for a fun day trip, Rottnest Island or “Rotto” as locals call it, makes for an incredible city escape. It’s a short ferry ride from Perth with the Rottnest Express and if you’re lucky, you’ll even spot dolphins in the water.
Once you’ve reached the island, make sure to rent a bike because cycling around Rotto is one of the best ways to see its picturesque coastline! Along the way, you’ll discover jaw-dropping sights like the crystal blue beaches, famous pink lake, lighthouses and much, much more. For those who are keen for a dip in the ocean make sure to wear your swimmers. And while you’re at it, why not rent a snorkel too!
Planning Notes
Also, don’t forget to say hi to the locals… the quokkas that is! These little fur-friends can only be found in Western Australia and are all over the island. About the size of a rabbit, quokkas are muppet-like marsupials with a hop like a kangaroo. They’re known for their cheery temperament and being photogenic so if you were thinking of grabbing a snap, they won’t be bothered if you bend down for a selfie. Just make sure not to touch or feed them and of course, to respect their personal space.
3. Instead of your usual meal, head out for a progressive dinner experience
Unlike your typical sit-down meal, progressive dinners involve having your entrées, mains and desserts in different locations and eateries. That’s right – finally a way to try the city’s most mouth-watering dishes all in one night! It’s a perfect way to eat while seeing the city on foot, and is most suited for groups of friends or families.
One of my favourite dinners was with Megan Yazdani who founded the Fremantle Food Tours after a spark of inspiration during her travels. Our evening began just 30 minutes out of Perth in the famous port city of Fremantle with nibbles from a local deli, followed by a trek to taste the many eclectic dishes mapped out for dinner and finally with dessert overlooking a nearby pier.
Local Details
4. Visit the beach, even if you don’t have your swimmersAsk any Perth-sider and they’ll be quick to tell you that a beach visit is a must. Even when the weather gets a little chilly, there are lots of reasons to visit the seaside. Whether it be for a Sunday laze, a sunset jog with your pup, or a picnic with friends, it’s worth setting aside some time for a visit to the coast.
Cottesloe and City Beach are both close to the CBD and a favourite with locals. Once you’re done, I also recommend checking out the boutique stores and seafront cafes which are usually a quick stroll away.
5. Try local produce in a different way
It’s no secret that some of the freshest ingredients can be found Australia. But what’s the best way to try it? Well, lately in Perth, what’s popular among locals is integrating homegrown produce into recipes from other cultures.
Useful Tips
One dining space doing this in a special way is The Hummus Club. Founded by Australian-Lebanese couple, Ziad and Kaitlin Zammar, this restaurant places a big emphasis on supporting local. Dishes like its namesake are cooked by using homegrown ingredients – such as Western Australian chickpeas, lemon juice from the Swan Valley and locally grown herbs and veggies – in traditionally Middle Eastern recipes.
But perhaps what’s most impressive, is that The Hummus Club is the result of a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign to transform a market stall into a brick and mortar establishment. Inside, the walls have been decorated by Tunisian calligraphy artist Karim Jabbari to feature the names of all their campaign backers in Arabic on one side, and on the other, a beautiful Middle Eastern poem!
Social Media Is Ruining How We Travel
If Instagram did not show people that we have travelled, have we really travelled?
Now that everyone is realising the power of Facebook’s echo chamber, it seems like the right time to bring up this topic: Is social media an accurate reflection of the content you should consume OR is social media simply feeding you only what you want to read and see?
I believe more and more people are leaning towards the latter and, I’m glad this is happening. For one, I hope more of us will start to get away from Facebook for our daily news and opinion editorials. Second, I hope this ushers a new age of what it means to be a “social media influencer”. Finally, I hope brands and advertisers will understand that success on Facebook doesn’t necessarily translate into success in the bigger scheme of things; you are hitting out at the same crowd over and over, and failing to see that the world is so much more than Facebook (and Instagram).
Instagram is the culprit
Moving on from politics, I would like to, today, talk about how social media and the “stars” that shine so brightly on it are ruining travel from everyone else.
Our idea of what a vacation should be like has been warped. And this is no thanks to social media platforms like Instagram.
How is it that suddenly everyone’s idea of taking a holiday snap is them looking away, looking contemplative, DESPITE knowing that a camera is pointing in their face exactly 2 feet away? How is it that it’s become more important to take a picture of you lounging in your new bikini by your hotel’s swimming pool than visiting the museum or checking out the local market?
Instagram has redefined how we should be telling our travel stories. And the quality is deplorable.
Visitor Highlights
It is less about going somewhere and more about showing people that you are, again, going somewhere. Cue shots of aeroplane wings and boarding passes (additional points if you are flying Business or First).
It is less about the place and more about how your clothes look against a certain wall.
It is less about the people and more about how they fit in as “props” in your Instagram shot.
It is less about enriching your mind and more about triggering envy in your followers.
What To Expect
In short, social media has made us shallow, superficial, and selfish travellers.
