AWE '14 Conference is here in KK!

Are you a woman passionate about changing your world? 

Do you want to meet other passionate women? 

Now this might be a good chance that you must not miss!

Asian Women's Empowerment - AWE is an organisation that aims to inspire and empower Asian women. Last year it was held in Kuala Lumpur, in the month of November 2013 and eventually I have planned to go to the conference but I am tied up. The AWE ‘13 conference had a great lineup of talks, on conservation, solo travel tips and  workshops on improving your writing skills, travelling stylishly or becoming a freelancer. Interesting right?

If you have been looking for inspiration, here’s where you can find it, with motivating speakers and a schedule packed with creativity, leaving you fired up and ready to take on the world. AWE is now open for the registration to participate the AWE ‘14 conference in Kota Kinabalu, from 31 October to 2 November 2014.

Purpose of AWE conference 
Like AWE ’13, AWE ’14 wants to empower modern Asian women to follow their dreams and thrive in an independent lifestyle. Breaking the mould, and standing out is tougher for Asian women in a male-dominated society. We are restricted by culture, religion, and social convention. 

Many ambitious women have even gone abroad, where it’s easier to follow their passions on an unconventional path. The world is changing, and Asia is slowly participating in the movement. While it is still difficult to choose your own path in Asian society, there are inspirational Asian women who have made an impact in our global world. 

The AWE ’14 conference will showcase and celebrate successful Asian women, as well as giving you an opportunity to discuss your life goals through workshops and plenty of time for networking.


Who this conference is for
The AWE Conference is designed for Asian women and expatriates in Asia who want to:
✦ Thrive with unconventional life choices
✦ Celebrate and discuss just what ‘success’ means to different women
✦ Belong to a community of inspiring women
✦ Seek more opportunities in life
✦ Be inspired to achieve their dreams

How to join
1. Save your seat at this link: Online Registration
2. Early Bird Registration: US$50  (Student discounts are available)
✦ Sabahan discount 20%: US$40 | RM130
✦ PayPal: proceed through http://conference.aweasia.org/register/
✦ Bank Transfer: email info@aweasia.org for information 

#Early Bird registration ends June 30th, 2014
#Please visit http://conference.aweasia.org/register/ for more information


What your ticket includes?
1. Official meals
2. Pre-AWE Events
3. Attend All Sessions
4. Keynote Addresses
5. Access to AWE profiles
6. Networking opportunities
7. AWE '14 goodie bag
8. Discount for local hotels

So my dear passionate women out there, especially in Sabah. 

What are you waiting for when the opportunity to attend an amazing conference like this is here in Kota Kinabalu?

All you can eat - Duck Delights in June at The Silk Garden

Another scrumptious menu, The Silk Garden at The Pacific Sutera offers Duck Delights this month of June. Are you a duck lover? Why not take the time to try something new in town?

Look at how Michael cut the fine duck skin. It was thin, and crispy.

As they placed the whole duck behind us, setting up and going to cut them in pieces, immediately I can smell the roasted duck. It's like you can know you are going to be served soon! No kidding.

I like to eat Peking Duck and my family will go to the Chinese restaurant in Tanjung Aru. Or else, we will just tapau from Petaling Street whenever we travel to Kuala Lumpur. Boxes of boxes of duck will be shipped back to Kota Kinabalu. Hehe.

Now let us see the Menu in The Silk Garden.

1. Peking Duck DUO Flavour & Duck Bone Broth - RM100++ Per Duck (5/5)
Now this is tricky. The Peking Duck DUO Flavour will be the Duck Skin, and the Peking Duck Wraps + Duck Bone Broth. So, three dishes in one order! Yums. Definitely I will come back for this as it is worth the price and experience!

Now, let's talk about the first thing - Duck Skin. Don't tell me nobody like to eat this. Even for a person who doesn't really like to eat normal poultry skin, I like this. A LOT. Thin and crispy duck skin - don't just allow your eyes to see, but let your mouth to taste the crispy duck skin. Frankly speaking, this is one crispy duck skin that certainly gets you in the mood and wanted more.

Now, the second - Peking Duck Wrap. All time favourite dish, this is one delicious duck wrap that I have not tasted for so long. But, well, normally we don't get this often. I mean, the service of being served when it comes to this dish. Usually the fun way of indulging this dish is to warp the duck on your own. Firstly, take a piece of the pancake and put it onto your plate, spread the special prepared sause, and then add the cucumber and spring onions. Lastly, wrap it all together. If you have no idea how to do it, no worries, it's all prepared as it is a fine dining restaurant. :P

Here comes the Duck Bone Broth. Unexpected, this is an interesting soup. A little bit taste of sourly, spicy, and sweet. This is because the soup should look a bit like white in colour but this is a clear soup. Now this is one dish that I do recommend you to order when you are dining in The Silk Garden. 

2. Pan-Seared Crispy Skin Duck Breast with Onion Marmalade Dip and Semi-Dried Roasted Plum - RM40.00 Per Portion
Something different about this dish as I first took a peek, I thought it was bruchetta! Funny me. Tomato topped with pan-seared duck breast and onion, it is tender and juicy. I am a meat eater, so this is one interesting dish that I have never tried before. There's a strong taste of the onion marmalade dip, but I like the meat. Serious. Please note that the second picture shows the actual serving.

3. Duck Leg Confit with Citrus Reduction - RM45.00++ Per Portion
Everyone likes Chicken Drumstick. What about Duck Leg? It certainly looks like a Lamb Shank here right?

4. Unique Duck Ravioli with Double Boiled Superior Golden Broth - RM35.00++ Per Portion

5. Chef Louie's Smoked Duck Passion Fruit & Lemon Grass Compote - RM35.00++ Per Portion

Taylor Swift arrives in Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia’s A320 aircraft for THE RED TOUR!

It's Taylor FEVER in Kuala Lumpur right now! 

Seven-time GRAMMY winner and international sensation, Taylor Swift arrived into Kuala Lumpur this afternoon at 2.00PM on the special Taylor Swift Airbus A320 which was launched by AirAsia recently for her Malaysian-leg of The RED Tour Presented by Cornetto in South East Asia.

Taylor Swift, her band and crew arrived today in Kuala Lumpur on this special Airbus A320 Taylor Swift livery, after which they will then return to Singapore for the final concert of The RED Tour in South East Asia.

AirAsia is also offering die-hard Taylor Swift fans the exclusive opportunity to own the AirAsia Taylor Swift aircraft model. The exclusive aircraft models come in two sizes: 1:100 at RM130 per unit, and 1:400 at RM107 per unit (not inclusive of delivery charges). Fans as well as avid aircraft model collectors can pre-order these exclusive aircraft models by emailing AirAsia their details (Name, Contact Number, Email, Mailing Address & Preferred Aircraft Model) at redhot@airasia.com.

The AirAsia Taylor Swift aircraft livery adds to the airline’s extensive list of unique aircraft liveries. Swifties and the public can continue to spot the Taylor Swift plane across the various cities in the region, as itwill be serving AirAsia’s extensive route networkspanning 88 destinations across 22 countries after the RED ASEAN TOUR Presented by Cornetto in South East Asia is over.

There is also a chance to win exclusive Taylor Swift & AirAsia merchandise, just by spotting the Taylor Swift plane and hashtag #redhotairasia on Twitter or Instagram from now until 22nd June 2014.

First in Sabah - Zip across the South China Sea with Coral Flyer!

Borneo’s longest Zipline and the longest island to island Zipline in the world is ready for you to ride!

Mind you, not the whole South China Sea. Hehe. Look at the picture!

Many of you could have tried Ziplines in the jungle, but zipping from an island to another island is another exciting activity that you can now experience it in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah! The Coral Flyer at Gaya Island is a new tourism product here in Sabah. Fly across two islands – from Gaya Island to Sapi Island, you may need to take a short hike up to the platform. But before that, of course, there will be a safety procedure and briefing. 

Buy your tickets at Sapi Island Jetty! Where is that? It’s the smallest island compared to the rest of the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. You can either travel to the islands from Jesselton Point, or Sutera Marina Jetty. The current rate for the Coral Flyer is MYR50. The package includes boat transfers from Sapi Island to Padang Point at Gaya Island, Zipping equipment, (not including boat transfers from KKCity), Harnesses, and the awesome experience.

Question: Why must be at Sapi Island? Can we buy tickets straight from Padang Point?
Yes you may. You can purchase Coral Flyer ticket straight from their staffs who are always ready to serve you.

Open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm, it is built and operated by Ropeskills Rigging Sdn Bhd - www.ropeskills.com.my. The Coral Flyer is built for the thrill. Visitors are able to experience 250 metres long Zipline, and it’s up to average 60 km/h.

Now let us go in detail.

We have 15 bloggers (sponsored) and friends tried out the Coral Flyer for the first time. I have tired the Ziplines at Kiulu but this is definitely my first time ever. All of us gathered at Jesselton Point and we sailed off around 9.30am. Thanks to Beverly who had our tickets discounted!

Before stepping onto the jetty at Sapi Island, we saw some visitors zipping away from Gaya Island and it certainly excite us all. Listening to the guest’s scream, it even thrills us more! As the boat set at the jetty, most of us can't wait to try out the Coral Flyer. While you have reached the Sabah Park counter on the left, besides paying for the Conservation Fees, you'll see the registration for Coral Flyer at the small corner of the counter. Simon Amos, the owner greeted us and helped us with the registrations and he gave us a short brief too. Thanks to the good service, Simon!

“With a fifteen year history of building Ziplines in Asia, Ropeskills Rigging have an impressive pedigree in the world of high ropes courses. The Coral Flyer is going to be our own facility right from the start, the first facility that we have built to operate and own so it was designed without a pre-determined budget.” - www.coralflyer.com

Walked ourselves to the most furthest table that we can see the cables, we had our perfect spot to keep all our belongings and a great open space to swim. As we take turns in groups, we (Bev, Derrick, Faisal, and I) was in the last group. While the others are trying to shout their life out at the platform, we took a good swim at the sea. How can we miss out a good outdoor workout right? Especially with the beautiful sunny day at KK City.

Alright, now is our turn and here's how we spent the MYR50.

The four of us gather and waited *while munching junk food* for our boat at the Jetty in Sapi Island. We were supposed to be transferred to Padang Point, where the main base of Coral Flyer is. But, we then follow the boat to one of the platform to get the equipments first. While fetching the equipments, here come the screaming of my sister.

Faisal was telling me that most of the divers gather at this place as we were walking into the main base from the Padang Point Jetty at Gaya Island. All helmets, harnesses, and zipline equipment are ready for us get onto our hands. Once we are ready, we took a short jungle trek to the platform.

FYI. It's like someone helping you to wear a pants. I'm so shy so I pull it up myself after snapping this picture!

And here we are. Trying to keep calm. We looked calm but actually we are not.

And, OFF YOU GO!

Beverly and I actually waited for another team to go first because we were like stunted for a while after the boys left us all alone at the platform. Creepy, not. Sometimes it’s better to be the last so that we know how we are going to pose for the camera at the end point. Funny! Smiles. Well, even though both Beverly and I were adventurous monkeys, but still our hearts was like pumping fast as if it almost jumped out from our mouth.

*Special thanks to this guy who make sure that I am safe*

Thanks to this guy who make me feel calm. I was holding my camera and was planning to take a video shoot while I’m doing the Zipline. As usual, I questioned a lot before my foot was the last to leave the platform. Holding the handle and my DSLR with another hand, it was not an easy task. If you planned to bring along your camera, make sure it is secured, and make sure you have the strength to hold the handle with one hand.

Oh. What about sandals? They will have a safe place to hang it. No worries because you need the sandals for trekking. 

Couldn’t take a picture of myself while zipping. This might be a perfect view for you to have a good look while you're actually "flying". See, how beautiful is the islands in Sabah? Even it is just 15 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu.

*Yeps, that's me in white T-shirt, green shorts, and a camera. While Bev is actually screaming hehe.

After all, who doesn't like adventure?

Give a try, or regret afterwards.

The Official Opening Ceremony this Friday for the Coral Flyer! Dato' Seri Tengku Dr. Zainal Adlin bin Tengku Mahmood will be the VIP to come along and be the 'first' rider and who better in Sabah to showcase adrenaline tourism in Sabah! Why not come along and join us on Sapi Island on Friday morning? There will be free rides all day for journalists and people working in the tourism sector, and I WILL BE THERE! So, see you later aligator! 

I'm gonna upload the video soon! So, bear with me.

For more info, Coral Flyer Island to Island Zipline :-

Operated by Ropeskills Rigging Sdn. Bhd.

Facebook : Coral Flyer Island to Island

Operating Hours : 10.00am to 4.00pm DAILY

Contact No. : +6011 298 42023

Fax No. : +6088 484 934

Email : simon@coralflyer.com or yong@coralflyer.com

Celebrate Harvest Festival with GUINNESS®

Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB) celebrates Ka’amatan with a special series of Harvest Nights held across Sabah. Six (6) outlets across Sabah will also be having special promotions during the celebration period, including Seri Selera Kampung Air, Kota Kinabalu; Restoran Fortuna, Taman Fortuna; Food City, Kolombong; Restoran 126, Penampang; Misompuru Café, Tamparuli; and SS2 Prima,Sandakan.

Fans can look out for a fun filled night hosted by Saliparjipun and filled with live cultural dances, a fire dance and music performances by artists such as Linda Hanif, Malvin, Ridah Annie Malanjang. Plus, they can participate in activities such as the Lucky Draw and Wheel of Fortune, while enjoying their favourite brew.

According to GAB, Harvest Nights is organized with the aim to bring together the brand and the local people during this festive season, plus as a way of thanking all their customers for their support. GUINNESS® is the world’s leading stout with over 250 years of legacy since 1759 and was introduced in Malaysia over a 100 years ago. Brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 100 countries worldwide, GUINNESS® takes its name from its creator, Arthur Guinness. GUINNESS® began brewing at the St. James’ Gate Brewery in Dublin in 1759.

Over two centuries later, the beer is still known for its characteristic dark colour and rich flavour, features that work very well when paired with good food. This is the precise path that GAB intends to take in Sabah: to present its signature GUINNESS® Draught as a premium to be enjoyed during Ka’amatan.

For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/guinnessmalaysia.