Destination Asia 2014

Destination

6 MUST SEE SIGHTS

FERRY DISASTER

ASIA

EDITION

MAY 2014

CITY PROFILESFOR EVERYKIND OF TRAVELER

PLUS MORE ON FLIGHT 370

Ferry Disaster Leaves 300 or More Dead or Missing

CONTENTSASIA NEWS

6By Hackett Cummins

Trouble in Thailand: PM Facing Impeachment and Criminal Charges

8By Arabella Peters

Missing Malaysian Plane Arises Controversy, as Well as Curiosity

10By Christy Charbonnet

Two Women Kidnapped by Gunmen in Malaysia 11By Elizabeth Ruckman

Asia Through The Years 14By Hackett Cummins

Six Destinations to See Now

By Elizabeth Ruckman27

The Ultimate Guide to Must Do’s in AsiaBy Arabella Peters

30

A Chance to Make a Change in Asia

By Christy Charbonnet32

Memorable Souvenirs Necessary for Every Traveler

By Elizabeth Ruckman36

From Thrillers to Romance, Here’s a List of Must-See Movies Set in Asia


Travel Etiquette: AsiaBy Arabella Peters

42

Hungry?By Hackett Cummins

40

ASIA TravelExperience the Ultimate Spiritual Journey

By Hackett Cummins18

Savoring Romance in PhuketBy Elizabeth Ruckman

20

Batken, Kyrgyzstan: Danger Throughout This Province


Extreme Adventuring in Himachal Pradesh

By Arabella Peters22

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By

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ASIA NEWS

Three people holding candles as a tribute to those who died in the Sewol disaster.

regulated amount of cargo as well. This company

made a risky decision to take the opportunity to

make more money. Loading extra cargo onto the

ferries has gained the company almost three million

dollars extra in annual income. This overload of

cargo has been dangerous and very risky. The CEO

of the company, Kim Han-sik, was arrested on

allegations that he knew the ferry was overloaded

and did nothing to stop it from leaving the port. Four

employees of Chonghaejin Marine were also

arrested.

Most of the employees working on the

ferry escaped to live before helping passengers. A

recorded 15 people have been arrested for negligence

and failing to protect passengers. The captain has

been indicted on charges of manslaughter. There is a

recorded phone call of the passengers being told to

stay down in the cabin, although the ship was

sinking. The families of the lost passengers are

devastated by the loss.

Kim Han-sik may have seen this as an

opportunity to make more money, but he has now

cost his company the expenses of an entire ferry and

By Hackett Cummins

"Please help! The boat is sinking," a

boy said through the phone to emergency

services. On April 16, 2014, a South Korean

ferry, named the Sewol, sank killing over 270

passengers. Over 25 people are still missing, and

bodies continue to be found by the day. More

than 80 percent of the passengers were high

school students on a fieldtrip.

Many text messages have been

recorded of people saying their final words to

their loved ones. It is yet to be determined what

exactly caused the sinking of the ship, but it was

most likely caused by overloading cargo.

Chonghaejin Marine, the company that

owns the ferries, had a history of carrying

significantly more cargo than they are supposed

to prior to this incident. It was reported that the

ferry that sank had at least two times the

Ferry Disaster Leaves 300 or More Dead or Missing

SEE: FERRY, PG. 12

On Wednesday, May 7, Prime Minister

Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand, was forced to step

down and is now facing impeachment. She was

accused of abusing her power through improperly

transferring Thawil Pliensri, her national security

chief, who was appointed by an opposition-led

administration in 2012. The court ruling ousted nine

cabinet members along with Yingluck. She is now

facing impeachment because Thailand’s National

Anti-Corruption Commission found Yingluck guilty

of botching a multibillion-dollar effort to direct

global rice prices higher. Yingluck’s supporters of

the Pheu Thai party, or “red shirts,” are preparing to

protest her removal and support her ally and

successor, Pr ime Minis ter Niwat tumrong

Boonsongpaisan. The “yellow shirts,” or groups

against Yingluck, are the urban elite who will not

stand to have the Pheu Thai party perpetuating their

power and will likely protest to stop them. The


By Arabella Peters

Anti-government protesters carry signs against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra while marching in central Bangkok.

NEWS PG. 8

conflict between these two groups will likely cause

more unrest in Thailand and could lead to a civil war.

Yingluck’s failed attempt to increase the

prices globally affected the economy of Thailand and

its farmers. Farmers expanded their farms and the

government received their rice in exchange for

payment as a part of the rice program. Unfortunately,

many farmers are still waiting for payment on crops

they gave to the government. The rice program is

also affecting the fragile environment in northern

Thailand. The rice program’s purpose was to buy rice

from local farmers at above market prices and then

warehouse the grain in an effort to drive up global

prices and boost spending and income at home. As a

result, many farmers expanded their farms to gain

more from the program. Subsequently, the total

amount of rice under cultivation expanded 3 to 4

times the normal

level and is now

s t r a i n i n g

reservoirs and

i r r i g a t i o n

s y s t e m s . O n

paper, the rice

p r o g r a m w a s

p r e d i c t e d t o

boost Thailand’s

economy but the

outcome of the

rice program was

q u i t e t h e o p p o s i t e .

On Thursday, May 8, the day following

Yingluck’s ouster and removal from office, when

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission

found Yingluck guilty of bungling a multibillion-

dollar attempt to increase global rice prices. The

commission stated that Yingluck had ignored flaws in

the rice-price program. The rice-program was

introduced in 2011 and led to more than $9.2 billion

in paper losses. In 2011, Thailand was the world's

largest exporter of rice. The policy was very popular

with farmers, who began planting more grain to get

the most out of the program. Mr. Jaroen, a rice

farmer, stated "I wanted to get more money. Many

other farmers in this district decided to do the same

thing by expanding the amount of land used to grow

rice. The government was offering such a good price.

Yingluck’s supporters are still behind her despite her recent impeachment.

NEWS

SEE: THAILAND, PG. 12

PG. 9

Missing Malaysian Plane Arises Controversy, as Well as Curiosity By Christy Charbonnet

On March 8, 2014, a Malaysian aircraft vanished en

route to China, and traces are yet

to be found. Malaysian Flight 370

was flying from Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia to Beijing, China. The

plane held 239 people, and

nobody has heard from anyone on

board since March 8. The missing

aircraft has gained international

attention because many are

curious about what happened and are wondering

how to prevent a similar accident. Also, many

family members are demanding answers about what

happened to their missing loved-ones.

Malaysian Flight 370 has confused

everyone because of the unusual clues that were

found. The airplane took off at 1:41 a.m. and was

scheduled to land in Beijing at 6:30 a.m. The radar

lost its connection while it was in the middle of the

Gulf of Thailand, almost to Vietnam, which was at

2:22 a.m. It turned west, back over Malaysia, and

then turned down south. Officials said this had to be

intentional. The plane dropped altitude while flying

over Indonesia and Thailand, probably the reason

the plane wasn’t on radar. It was not until 5:37 a.m.,

that Malaysian Air Control officers pronounced the

plane, missing.

Many countries are helping in the search.

Airplanes and ships scoured 2.96 million square

miles in the southern Indian Ocean. Satellite images

have been helpful in locating debris, although the

debris wasn’t related to the missing jet. The Ocean

Shield, an Australian defense vessel, towed a black

box ping locator until last month. Four pings have

been picked up, supposedly relating to the plane.

The Ocean Shield also holds the Bluefin-21, the only

unmanned submarine that scours the ocean floor

looking for debris or wreckage. However, new

Search teams scour the Indian Ocean hoping to come across any evidence or debris.

NEWS

SEE: MALAYSIAN, PG. 13

PG. 10

On April 2, 2014, two women were

kidnapped by seven men at Singamata Adventures

Reef and Resort in the eastern Malaysian state of

Sabah. Sabah has has been known as a popular

vacation spot for Chinese tourists in the past years,

but has encountered security issues. One of the

women who was kidnapped was a Chinese tourist

and the other woman was a Filipino hotel employee

at the resort. This event created more tension

between China and Malaysia. The two countries

have already had a feud over the missing flight that

contained mostly Chinese nationals.

This could affect the U.S. because if the

U.S. becomes involved by helping, they need to

decide between China or Malaysia. Whichever

country they chose, the other country will not be

happy with the U.S. for choosing the other country’s

side. If the U.S. choses to help fund for searching or

finding the two women the U.S., by doing so, will

help Malaysia. This will make China and the U.S.’s

relationship more tense. No country has spoken

about paying the kidnappers to release the Chinese

tourist yet.

Malaysia is working with the Philippine

authorities to find the victims and kidnappers. The

Chinese tourist was identified as Gao Hua Yuan, a

29-year-old student from Shanghai. Malaysian media

reports that she was in her room when the

gunmen forced her out and then guided her to

a boat. The Filipino hotel worker was

i d e n t i f i e d a s 4 0 - y e a r - o l d M a r c y

Dayawan.The reports of the Filipino women

are still unclear of how she was kidnapped. It

is believed that she was abducted. Other

sources state that the two women were on a

jetty, a small pier, at the time they were

kidnapped. The kidnapper’s intention was to

earn a profit by kidnapping the women. Mr.

Zahid said their goal “was to obtain financial profit.”

The kidnappers were asking for 500 million

Philippine pesos or 11.2 million dollars for the

release of the Chinese woman only. The kidnappers

have not asked for money to release the Filipino

woman yet. Witnesses near the incident said they

heard gunshots and saw a group of

Two Women Kidnapped by Gunmen in Malaysia

Malaysian police search for any gunmen after the kidnapping.

By Elizabeth Ruckman

NEWS

SEE: WOMEN, PG. 13

PG. 11

NEWS

the compensation of the families of the

people who were lost in the disaster. Due to Kim

Han-sik’s and the other authorities of the

company’s hopes to make more money, they

caused the death of more than 270 people, most of

them being high school students. Also this resulted

in the arrest of 15 workers who loaded cargo.

They now also have all the lost cargo that was on

that ferry to pay for.

Although the company has exceeded the

cargo limit many times, it only takes one ship to

sink and it will cost the entire company huge

amounts of money, and also the lives of innocent

people, and thats exactly what happened. The

company has overloaded their cargo more than

125 times. The extra cargo was a choice that the

company made, in doing so, they were risking

people's lives for an increase in annual income.

The search continues to find the missing

victims of the incident. Rescue and search teams

have been sent out. After almost 300 people have

lost their lives just for a company to make more

money, you may want to ask the Chonghaejin

Marine company “Was it worth it?”

Ferry Disaster Leaves 300 or More Dead or MissingFERRY, CONTINUED FROM PG. 6

PG. 12

It was much better than selling to rice

mills." Sadly, the program quickly took a turn for

the worst. Global rice prices fell when India

returned to the market and Thailand began to run

low on funds to support the rice program. Due to

Yingluck’s mismanagement, the rice program

failed.

Yingluck is strongly opposed by the

“yellow shirts” and they will not stand to have the

Pheu Thai party remain in power. The “yellow

shirts” are likely to protest against the Pheu Thai

Party, causing more unrest in Thailand and

possibly leading to a civil war. Although Yingluck

will no longer be in power and may be facing

criminal charges, the Pheu Thai party will still be

represented in the Thai government. Yingluck’s

supporters are likely to vote again for a member of

the Pheu Thai party on July 20, 2014.

THAILAND, CONTINUED FROM PG. 8


“The ‘yellow shirts’ are likely to protest against the Pheu Thai Party, causing more unrest in Thailand and possibly leading to a civil war.”

NEWS

information and clues are found every day as the

search progresses.

is a controversial subject

because of the costly search and a confirmed

explanation of the incident which upset many.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak, told

the public that the plane crashed in the Indian

Ocean and there were no survivors. The families

and friends were upset with this conclusion

because there wasn’t hard evidence to prove his

theory. "If you find something: OK, we accept,

but nothing just from the data, just from analysis,”

a frustrated family member told BBC news. The

search will continue no matter what the cost is,

the Malaysian government said. However, the

cost of the search is escalating. The new budget is

ninety million dollars, and new technology is

being developed in order to help locate the plane.

Many believe the search should stop, in order to

save money, however, the Malaysian government

wants to help calm the families worries about

their missing relatives.

The missing plane

Missing Malaysian Plane Arises Controversy, as Well as Curiosity

gunmen flocking the resort. The

gunmen were then seen leaving the resort on

steamboats with the women.

Hong Lei , a Foreign Minis t ry

spokesman told a Beijing news provider, "that

local police fully put into effect rescue work on

the basis of guaranteeing safety and to ensure the

safety of Chinese tourists there." "The Chinese

foreign ministry will pay close attention to how

the situation develops.” Malaysian reporters

stated that the kidnappers may have had “inside

help” to enter the hotel. Even though China and

Malaysia have had tension recently because the

of the missing plane, this eventually could

interfere with their diplomatic ties. Currently

there is no one held responsible for the

kidnapping. Security experts suspect a violent

group, Abu Sayyaf, that is linked to Al Qaueda is

involved in this situation. One of the seven

kidnappers was believed to be involved in the

Pom-Pom case that occurred last year. The Pom-

Pom case involved a Taiwanese tourist who was

shot and his wife was kidnapped in Pulau Pom

Pom, Semporna. The remaining kidnappers were

involved in a kidnapping of foreign tourists on

the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan in 2000.

Two Women Kidnapped by Gunmen in Malaysia

MALAYSIAN, CONTINUED FROM PG. 10

WOMEN, CONTINUED FROM PG. 11

PG. 13

221 B.C. 206 B.C. 1511 A.D. c.1875 A.D. 1911 A.D. 1945 A.D.

Construction of the Great Wall of China begins under Emperor Qin Shihuang.

Construction of the Great Wall of China ends.

Portugal becomes the first Western power to establish any kind of fortification in Southeast Asia.

Shintoism becomes the official religion of Japan.

Qing Dynasty ends, becoming the last dynasty of China.

Japan surrenders from WWII.

Asia�� Through

1954 A.D. 1967 A.D.1974 A.D. 1997 A.D.1950 A.D. 1953 A.D.

The Korean War begins.

Edmund Hillary becomes the first person to reach the peak of Mount Everest.

The Vietnam War begins.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is founded by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Terracotta Army discovered in China.

Great Britain returns Hong Kong back to Chinese power, therefore ending European colonization in China.

The�� Years

By Hackett Cummins

ASIA TRAVEL

Himachal Pradesh, INDIA

Phuket, Thailand

CITY PROFILES

FOR THE EXTREME ADVENTURER, PG. 22

FOR THE ROMANTIC COUPLE, PG. 20

FOR ONE SEEKING A CONTROVERSIAL OR DANGEROUS CITY, PG. 21

Batken, Kyrgyzstan

FOR ONE SEEKING TO VISIT MAJOR RELIGIOUS SITES, PG. 18

Angkor, CAMBODIA

Want to go on the most amazing,

incredible, and sacred trip of your lifetime? After a

short 2 hour drive from the city of Siem Reap,

Cambodia, you can find yourself in one of the most

amazing, beautiful, and spiritual sites you will ever

encounter, the Phnom Kulen National Park. This

park features incredible views and a variety of

wildlife. Throughout the entire park you can find

breathtaking waterfalls and ponds.

The whole park is in the Phnom Kulen

mountain massif, which is considered the most

sacred mountains by the native people. At the top of

one of these mountains stands Preah Ang Thom, or

Big Buddha. Big Buddha is a huge statue carved

from sandstone that was built in the 16th century.

The Khmers, or natives, have religious festivals at

Preah Ang Thom. At the top of the mountain, where

Preah Ang Thom is, there is one of the most

spectacular views you will ever see.

Once you have seen waterfall after

waterfall, enjoyed the peaceful sound of birds

singing, and stood in awe of the Big Buddha, take a

short 20 minute drive south-west. You can find

yourself at Angkor Wat, Angkor Wat is a humongous

temple. This breathtaking temple is considered a

By Hackett CumminsExperience The Ultimate Spiritual Journey

Preah Ang Thom (Big Buddha) reaching nirvana.

world wonder due its massive size and outstanding

architecture. It is believed to have been built in the

early 12th century under the rule of King

Suryavarman II to be used for the Hindu religion.

Later in the 16th century the temple was used by

Buddhist monks. The temple is compared with the

Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids because of its

breathtaking architecture for what time period it was

built in. The entire temple has been preserved

amazingly well by the Buddhist monks who have

been there for centuries. You can take guided bike

tours through the ancient temple, or make your own

adventures on foot.

After going to see the beautiful waterfall,

a sacred Buddha statue, and one of the oldest places

in Cambodia, you will have had a completely

unforgettable experience and one of the best trips

you will ever go on.

The temple of Angkor Wat at night.

A honeymoon in Phuket can only be

described as a luxurious romantic island getaway.

This island in Thailand is surrounded by

shimmering blue water and white sand beaches.

Phuket is a trendy hot spot that is stunning and

romantic due to the picture perfect sunsets, sparkling

blue water, legendary nightlife, and more. Phuket

has a wide variety of activities beginning from deep-

sea diving to wandering up a tortuous road to see the

Big Buddha. Beginning with aquatic recreations,

Phuket has snorkeling, scuba diving, high-end

diving, water skiing, and more. These activities

without a doubt will be one of the highlights of your

idealistic honeymoon getaway. For an extravagant

adventure with your loved one, try elephant riding at

the Kok Chang Elephant Safari Trekking. You and

your loved one can feed bananas to elephants, and

The Big Buddha sits atop Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata. This unbelievable site is still being constructed but is still available for visits.

360 Restaurant at Phuket Pavilions is a trendy hot spot for couples to enjoy delectable food with a view.

TRAVEL PG. 20

SEE: ROMANTIC, PG. 23

Savoring Romance in PhuketBy Elizabeth Ruckman

Batken, Kyrgyzstan: Dangers Throughout This ProvinceBy Christy Charbonnet

Exercising caution before traveling to

Batken, Kyrgyzstan is strongly advised for multiple

reasons. This province is known for civil violence,

risks of terrorism, and very high levels of crime.

When traveling there, avoid street allies, and large

public gatherings. Most of the time, they turn

violent and dangerous. Pick pocketing is common,

especially in markets, restaurants, or buses. The

natives specifically target any travelers, expecting

they have the most for money.

Driving is also a risk in Batken. The city

lacks lighting, doesn’t enforce driving regulations,

has old, undependable roads, and unknown

livestock crossings. Some cars drive without any

lights. This can cause danger. The Kyrgyzstan

drivers are often careless and aggressive toward

tourists. Turning without signaling the person behind

you, is very common, as well as drunk driving.

Landmines and earthquakes are a hazard for unaware

foreigners. The houses in Kyrgyzstan do not meet

the U.S. Seismic standards, which means they are

not sturdy or reliable.

Racial and religious tensions break out

among the Kyrgyzstan population. Hundreds and

thousands of people are killed because of these

fights. Looting occurs often in Batken because of the

ethnic disagreements. Cars are lit on fire, flipped

over, and broken into. The locals do this to one

another when they are not agreeable on certain

subjects.

Batken, Kyrgyzstan is very dangerous,

especially for Americans. The United States

Embassy advises all United States citizens to be

cautious in the urban areas of Batken. This is where

the highest number of violent crimes against

foreigners occur. Americans are recognized as

having more money than most locals. This causes

TRAVEL PG. 21

SEE: DANGERS, PG. 23

The roads in Batken are unpaved and dark.

Batken natives watch as this house burns to the ground.

Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern

India situated in the Himalayas. Famous for its

natural beauty, Himachal Pradesh teems with deep

valleys, fish filled streams, snow peaks, and

mountains ideal for rock climbing; Himachal

Pradesh is the quintessential adventurer’s paradise.

It’s touted as “Sedentary or strenuous, for the

experts or beginners, Himachal has a niche of

adventure for everyone.” Just a bus trip from Delhi

with no special training required for most

activities, you will wonder why not add Himachal

Pradesh to your extreme adventure repertoire?

The Himalayas are world renowned for

the trekking opportunities it provides. Trekking is

available in the Dhauladhar ranges, the Pir Panjal

ranges, and the trans-Himalayan tract of Lahaul,

Spiti, and Kinnaur. The trails vary from very

gentle to rugged and tough. There are about 270

trails that are all between 1500 to 6000 meters.

Several agencies conduct treks and guides,

equipment, porters, pack animals, and maps are

available at major starting points.

The whole of Himachal is ideal for

mountain cycling because of its location.

Specifically, Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur

are more gentler routes that are better for an

amateur biker. While the rest of Himachal Pradesh

is best suited to a more experienced biker. If you

would like to spend more time in the great

outdoors, a mountain biking tour can be coupled

with camping for a deeper exploration of

Himachal Pradesh.

Mountaineering and rock climbing is very popular in the area around Manali, Manali forms the core of mountaineering in Himachal Pradesh. The Manali and Shitidar peaks, around the source of Beas, are suggested for amateurs. Chandrabhaga, Pir Panjal, and Dhalaukjujdhar ranges are deemed suitable for the experienced climbers. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation at Manali and its branch at Dharamsala conduct mountaineering tours.

Trekkers in Himachal Pradesh.Paragliding launch at bald peak of Billing.

Extreme Adventuring in Himachal Pradesh By Arabella Peters

SEE: EXTREME PG.24

TRAVEL PG. 22

then ride on top of them to get an out of this world view of the sunset. Phuket has been known for it’s active

nightlife with limitless bars, night clubs, discos, and legendary full moon parties. A necessary activity in

Phuket is hiking to see the 45-meter high statue, the Big Buddha. You can see this statue from the majority

of Phuket. Traveling to this statue calls for wandering up a

tortuous country road bordered by terrace banana groves. A must

see picturesque beach in Phuket is Laem Singh Beach. This

beach is located on a small bay at the bottom of forested cliffs.

Laem Singh is known for having a private feel because it is

sheltered by cliffs. Which makes it an excellent chill out spot for

newlyweds. Lovers visiting the area would be foolish to miss out

on the opportunity of dining at the 360 Restaurant at Phuket Pavilions overlooking the bay. Besides the

delectable food this restaurant provides, you can enjoy a nice breeze and a view of the sunset over the bay,

while you dine with your spouse. After enjoying a bunch of recreational activities, make sure to stop by a

spa to unwind and enjoy a couple Thai massage. Phuket is a more than suitable destination for newlyweds

to getaway for a romantic yet memorable honeymoon.

ROMANTIC, CONTINUED FROM PG. 20 Romantic Bonding in Phuket

TRAVEL PG. 23

DANGERS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 21Batken, Kyrgyzstan: Dangers Throughout This Province

them to be targeted more than locals. The United States Embassy does not allow their employees to travel

through Batken because its employees are at risk of terrorist

attacks. Batken is also easy to access from Pakistan,

Afghanistan, Tajikistan, andUzbekistan. These countries are

threatening to Americans.

Despite the instability of the country and inhabitants,

Batken can be a pleasure to visit for most people. The

accommodations and food are not expensive. Kyrgyzstan is

also one of the few Asian countries that has not been

alternated by the western world. The variety of food is extreme, serving most foods from Russia, Turkey,

and Asia. Hiking and horseback riding through the mountains is a common getaway for many tourists.

Issyk-Kul is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and the second largest alpine lake in the world.

South-west Phuket is known for its shimmery blue water.

http://goatsontheroad.com/lake-issyk-kul-came-saw-food-poisoning/

http://goatsontheroad.com/lake-issyk-kul-came-saw-food-poisoning/

In Kufri, one of the oldest ski destinations in

India, skiing, ski courses, instructors and equipment

are available. Palasu is one of the only slopes where

you can ski in summer and Solang Nallah hosts a

national level ski competition. Heli-skiing, a unique

form of skiing in which you are carried by a helicopter

to a snow peak, is offered at Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang

Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near the resort

town of Manali. Heli-skiing is very popular in Himachal Pradesh because of the compactness of area. In

ten minutes, skiers can be carried to the top of a 14,000 feet high slope.

The Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir is perfect for water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing,

canoeing, sailing, and swimming. River-rafting and whitewater rafting are also very popular.

Himachal Pradesh is known for Kangra valley, the venue for five national and three

international hang gliding competitions. Kangra valley is considered one of finest sites in world for

paragliding and hang gliding. The bald peak of Billing, above the Buddhist Monastery of Bir, is the

jumping off point for paragliding and hang gliding over Kangra valley.

Himachal Pradesh welcomes tourists, especially those interested in enjoying the entirety of its

environment. Don’t wait! Make Himachal Pradesh your next extreme adventure destination!

Extreme Adventuring in Himachal Pradesh EXTREME , CONTINUED FROM PG. 22

TRAVEL PG. 24

“Sedentary or strenuous, for the experts or beginners, Himachal has a niche of adventure for everyone.”

Sponsoring and Leading Expeditions Since 1957

INDIAN MOUNTAINEERING FOUNDATION

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SIX DESTINATIONS TO SEE NOW

FROM CHINA TO INDIA, HERE IS WHAT YOU

CANNOT MISS!

The Great Wall of China, a landmark that stretches over 13,000 miles in China.


1. The Great Wall of China: The

Great Wall of China is an iconic

monument in China that stretches

over 13,000 miles of China. This is

one of the seven wonders of the

world. Travelers in Beijing are

fortunate because they have easy

access to the wall. Try to refrain from

visiting the wall in the winter months

and make sure to wear comfortable

shoes to your visit.

2. The Golden Pavillion: The

Golden Pavillion, or also known as

the Kinkaku-ji is one of the most

important places in Japan. The

Pavillion belongs to UNESCO’s

world heritage site. Each floor of the

Golden Pavillion has a different

architectural style.

3. Ang Thong Marine Park: The

Ang Thong Marine Park in Thailand is

an aquatic preserve near Koh Samui.

This was an inspiration for Alex

Garland’s novel, “The Beach.” This

marine park offers daytripper ferries.

TRAVEL PG. 28

4. The Golden Temple in

Amritsar: The Golden

Temple in Amritsar in India

is the most holy place for

the Sikh religion. This

peaceful temple looks like it

is floating in the

surrounding water. The

temple has a vibrant and

influential atmosphere.

5. Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal in

India is one of the main highlights of

India. People recommend to visit the

Taj Mahal at dawn. After you visit

this landmark, be sure to go across the

river to see the “Baby Taj.”

6. Victoria Harbour Cruise: The

Victoria Harbour Cruise in Hong Kong

is a wooden ship called the Acqua

Luna. Enjoy scenic sky views over the

water and drink an Asian-Style

cocktail while you are on the cruise.

TRAVEL PG. 29

The Ultimate Guide to Must Do’s in Asia Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain. Mount Fuji is known for its popularity among artists for its near-perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone and among trekkers for its 12,388 ft peak. Mount Fuji can even be seen from Tokyo on a clear day. Rail tours by the bullet train, from Tokyo, are available for those seeking to enjoy Mount Fuji’s beauty from a distance.

The Elephant Nature Park is located in beautiful jungles of Northern Thailand. Its mission is “to protect and care for mistreated elephants rescued from tourism and logging industries.” The park cares for 36 elephants on 250 acres of wilderness. Visitors are able to feed elephants fruit out of the palm of their hand, watch elephants play in the mud, and get into the river to help give them a bath. The Elephant Nature Park is a non-profit foundation created by Lek Chailert, a native of the area who has dedicated her life to help care for the elephants. The Elephant Nature Park provides day trips and week-long volunteer opportunities as well, giving you the opportunity to help the elephants, while enjoying a rare experience.

Visit Mount Fuji

Spend Quality Time With The Elephants at The Elephant Nature Park

Jungle Beach is a tiny, secluded bay, surrounded by jungle. It is only a 30-minute walking distance from Unawatuna, Sri Lanka. Boats are also available, however walking will give you many opportunities to see various types of wildlife, such as monkeys, on the way. A coral reef begins 30 feet away from the beach ideal for snorkeling. Schools of fish, crabs, moray eels, trigger fish, barracudas, parrot fish, and even a turtle can be seen roaming the crystal waters of Jungle Beach. Snorkel gear can be rented in many shops along the beach and in Unawatuna. After a day of relaxing on the white sand and cooling off in the calm waters, amble up to Sunset Point. Sunset Point, located directly above Jungle Beach, is the perfect spot to watch the sun slowly fade on the horizon.

Spend a Day at Jungle Beach

The Forbidden City was named one of China’s UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in 1987. It is known as China’s most famous museum, and is located in the heart of Beijing. The Forbidden City housed the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years. Covering 720,000 square meters and containing 800 buildings with over 8,000 rooms, The Forbidden City is a necessary destination for history buffs and tourists alike.

Wander Around the Forbidden City

Halong Bay is a 580 square mile natural cove, containing 2,000 limestone islands. Trees, ferns, birds, and monkeys inhabit the islands. Its peaks inspired centuries of Vietnamese poetry and paintings.

Sail Halong Bay

By Arabella Peters

Be Blessed by Holy Monkeys at Swayambhunath Stupa Swayambhunath Stupa is a fifth-century temple in Kathmandu, Nepal with sweeping views over the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath Stupa, meaning “sublime trees”, is a variety of temples and shrines that make up a Tibetan monastery. Swayambhunath Stupa is also known as the Monkey Temple because primates live on the grounds. The monkeys are very friendly and constantly on the prowl for food.

An American woman helps teach girls in Asia through the Friends for Asia Organization.

Volunteering Asia places volunteers with projects all over the continent such as this young woman working with small children in India.

A volunteer helps this handicapped raccoon try to gain back the strength in its legs.

Friends for AsiaFriends for Asia is an organization which specializes in placing

volunteers throughout Bali, Nepal, Vietnam, and Thailand. In

Thailand and Bali, volunteers mostly focus on women and

children. Volunteers help in these countries by building homes

for single women, teaching basic English and Math skills to

children, giving love and affection to kids at the orphanages, and

helping with children suffering from HIV. Friends for Asia

volunteers support children in Vietnam by helping build schools,

hospitals, and orphanages. Volunteers help out in Nepal by

caring for women on the streets, as well as taking care of

children at a Buddhist temple.

Volunteering Asia

Caring for children and helping feed the

children is the most common volunteer

job in India. Teaching English to

children and uneducated women is a

f requent act iv i ty , as wel l , and

Volunteering Asia is a company through

which you part ic ipate in these

activities.

GVI USALaos is home to rare animals, such as

elephants and gibbons. Through the

V o l u n t e e r i n L a o s m a n a g e m e n t ,

opportunities such as: helping with

animals, helping street-children, and

helping build schools are just a few of the

projects available.

A Chance to Make a Change in Asia

TRAVEL PG. 32

I-To-I Java, Indonesia hosts m u l t i p l e o r a n g u t a n rescue centers. Assisting with the animals and helping the staff is one option available with the I-to-I organization. The a n i m a l s a t t h e establishment are usually close to being extinct or a r e n o t a b l e t o b e released back into the wild for health issues.

Panda conservations are p reva l en t i n Ch i na . Th rough t he I - t o- I organization, helping the almost-extinct panda bears is common, as well as being involved with the Golden Monkeys, Red Pandas, and sheep. A volunteer helps calm a baby panda with its mother in Beijing, China.

Go EcoSri Lanka is an island south of India and is home to many sea turtles and organizations. Fishing is popular in Sri Lanka, and sea turtles are often caught in the fishing nets. Many loose limbs which means they cannot live in the wild. Through this project, sea turtles will be helped in different ways. Feeding the turtles, cleaning the tanks, spending time with the turtles on the beach, collecting turtle eggs, releasing baby sea turtles, and rehabilitating the injured turtles are all options for this project.

Two volunteers prepare to release this healed turtle back into the wild.

By Christy Charbonnet

TRAVEL PG. 33

BEFORE YOU GO:HELPFUL INFORMATION TO KNOW WHILE

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP TO ASIA

What to Wear:

Current CurrencyExchange Rates:

Climate:

NEW SHANGHAI STYLE BEEF NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL GROCERY

IGNITE THE NIGHT

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Want a local bite to eat? These are some of the best chow down

places in all of Asia. The Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan is the

largest fish market in the entire world. In order to gain entry into

the market, you will need to get up as early as 4:30 A.M. You can also

find some of the best sushi stands near this market. Visiting the Tsukiji

Fish Market is considered one of the top activities to do while in Tokyo.

After visiting Tokyo, you can make your way down to Hanoi, Vietnam.

All across this huge capital city, are Pho restaurants. Pho is a traditional

Vietnamese soup. Pho eateries such as: The Drive-by, Pho Tau Bay, Pho

Gia Truyen and Pho Lê are all hot spots for locals and tourists.

Another amazing place to find local

food is Penang, Malaysia. All over P e n a n g y o u c a n f i n d s m a l l

restaurants and food stands. Many of these places serve traditional

Malaysian noodles and meats. Some of the best restaurants are on small

side-alleys and back streets. If you visit and are looking for a good place

to eat, it is advised to look for the restaurants where locals are eating.

Donghuamen Night Market in Beijing, China is a very common

food destination. This is a huge food market with over 60 snack stalls.

From spiders to seahorses, you can find almost any type of food at the

market. If you are ever near any of these places, then you definitely

don’t need to worry about where you are going to eat.

By Hackett Cummins

Hungry?

The Donghuamen Night Market in Beijing, China.

Memorable Souvenirs Necessary for EveryTraveler

1. Cambodian Silk Scarf: A Cambodian silk scarf is an inexpensive and beautiful item to buy on your vacation. This

scarf is made from silk or fine cotton covered with unique and vibrant patterns. Cambodians originally wore scarves such as

these to not only keep warm, but to keep away dust. This memento would be an ideal item for the fashionable traveler.

Price Range: $1.50 - $15.00

Where to Buy: Siem Reap

2. Buddhas: Wood, metal, painted, or antiqued Buddhas are a perfect, quirky keepsake to grab during your stay in Thailand. The buddhas range from laughing, smiling, and meditating to big or small. This souvenir is labor-saving if you chose to buy a small buddha.

Price Range: The price on the buddhas vary depending on the material and size.

Where to Buy: Your best spot to buy a buddha figurine would be at a market place or a small local shop in Thailand.

3. Maneki Neko: A Maneki Neko is a Japanese welcoming statue. You may have

recognized these beckoning cat statues at restaurants, shops, banks, or offices. This cat figure is known as a good luck charm because it attracts good luck in business or property. Maneki Nekos come in many different sizes.

Price Range: Maneki Nekos are inexpensive so make sure to buy one!


Where to Buy: Maneki Nekos are available at many gift shops, usually in Japan. The well known street, Nakamise Street, which is near the Senso-ji Temple has the best Maneki Nekos. If you are looking for the “real thing,” stop by the Gotokup-ji temple, which is also where the figure originates from.

4. Yukata: A Yukata is a casual, lightweight, cotton summer kimono. These kimonos are usually worn at festivals or at the Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn. In order to buy a good quality Yukata, stop by at a regular clothing shop.

Where to buy: These kimonos are available for purchase at any major tourist destination in Japan.

Price Range: $40

5. Beijing Lord Rabbit Figurine: A Beijing Lord Rabbit Figurine is a symbol of local Beijing culture that was used for worship on the mid-autumn day. These figurines surfaced in the late Ming dynasty when locals at that time had a tradition of making clay rabbits for worship. This unique artwork represents a lovely rabbit in a powerful prose. These rabbit figurines are now popular children’s toys.

Where to Buy: You can find these figurines in the local stores of Beijing. Make sure to try at Nan Luo Gu Xiang 80, Dong Cheng District, which is where locals recommend to purchase these.

Price Range: Vary from stores.

TRAVEL PG. 39

Anna and the King Anna and the King was shot in Penang, Malaysia. Anna and the King starred Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat. Jodie Foster is a 1999 Academy award winner, and

Chow Yun-Fat is a Hong Kong Star in kung-fu. Anna and the King was nominated for two Oscar Awards in 1999. Anna and the King is about a romance between the King of

Siam and a widowed British school teacher. Anna and the King set in the 1860’s.

Memoirs of GeishaMemoirs of Geisha is set in Kyoto,

Japan. Kyoto is considered to be one of the most

beautiful filming spots in Asia. It stars Zhang

Ziyi, an award-winning actor, and Michelle Yeoh,

Gong Li, and Ken Watanabe. Memoirs of Geisha

is about a girl who opened up about her heritage,

such as her old village fishing roots. She then

become the most famous woman in Japan. This

movie won three Oscars and was nominated for over thirty awards.

Bangkok Harbour, where most scenes in Anna and the King were filmed.

Chow Yun-Fat shooting a scene in Penang for Anna and the King.

Michelle Yeoh shooting a scene in Kyoto while wearing traditional Japanese clothing.

By Christy Charbonnet

From Thrillers to Romance, Here’s a List of Must-See Movies Set in Asia

Alan enters a monastery with his friends, while looking for the owner of a retired monk.

Transformers 4 is set in Hong Kong

and Chongqing. It was the most

anticipated movie to see in 2014. A father

and daughter make a discovery, and

brought down the Autobots and a crazy

government official.

Transformers 4, “Age of Extinction,” comes out summer 2014.

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis stroll the streets of Thailand while filming.

Transformers 4

This movie was budgeted at 40 million

dollars. It is about Dre, who was almost the most

popular kid in Detroit, but his mother took a job in

China. Dre starts seeing this girl named Mei Ying

begins to like her. However, they are both living in

very different cultures. Dre turns to the

maintenance guy for karate lessons, so he can

attempt to beat up a school bully.

The Hangover Part II The Hangover Part II is set in Bangkok, Thailand. This 80 million dollar movie is about

a bachelor party. The men wake up in a sketchy apartment with tattoos, shaved heads, and

missing friends. Eventually, everyone is found, and the wedding goes on.

Dre practices on the Great Wall of China with the maintenance man from his school

The Karate Kid

GENERAL TIPS:

◦ Paying respect to your elders is expected by young people. Especially in the Philippines,

where your age determines your social structure. So, when meeting someone older than

you be sure to bow to show respect.

◦ Maintaining face is absolutely crucial, especially in China. Never shame or humiliate

anyone in public. When you are asking for something and receive a smile it may not

mean “yes,” it could mean one is nervous and embarrassed because they cannot give

you what you are asking them for.

◦ Haggling is allowed in markets everywhere and is usually expected, except in Japan,

where all prices are fixed and non-negotiable.

Japan

Malaysia •It is considered rude to wear shoes inside someone’s house.

•In public, it is improper to show affection. Women are also expected to dress modestly.

•Eat with your right hand. When handing something to someone, use your right hand or both of your hands.

•Blowing your nose in public is considered faux pas.

•Interestingly, pouring soy sauce onto rice is considered unusual.

•It is very bad manners to be late and

tipping is, in fact, rude.

•Do not eat or drink while walking, as this is considered very disrespectful.

South Korea

•It’s all about numbers in Korea, where the number four is unlucky while seven of any item is very lucky.

•It is mildly offensive to blow your nose at a table. So, make a dash for the nearest restroom if a sneeze is imminent.

India•Men, but especially women, should

keep their shoulders covered at all times.

•Haggling is expected, within reason, at outdoor markets.

•If you are meeting someone worthy of respect, say “Namaste.”

•Many tourists seem guarded, so keep your body language open and the natives will be much more welcoming.

•There are set hours for lunch (at noon) and dinner (at six), dine at times close to these.

•Do not clean your plate, this means your host did not supply enough food and is considered a deep insult.

•When having a conversation, avoid sensitive topics, such as the One Child Policy, which is still in effect.

•Handshaking can be lengthy and is likely to continue throughout a conversation.

China

By Arabella Peters

Interesting

Information

Monsoon Season Weather Map

By Hackett Cummins

FOR THE CLUTCH.

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“Where the Brightest Gather”

SINGAPOREMALAYSIATHAILANDINDONESIACHINAHONG KONGTAIWANKOREAAUSTRALIA

Destination Asia 2014

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Transcript of Destination Asia 2014