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Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
waterc��rs
 ISSUE 14 I MARCH 2018                          KDN: PP15600/01/2013(031621)

RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY   Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity

                                 Feel on top of the world at The Habitat

                                 5 of Johor Bahru’s most trendy cafés
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
CONTENTS                                                                         ISSUE 14 I March 2018

                                                                                 04           Top of the world

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Top of the world
                                                                                 08           4 ways to pamper yourself at E&O
                                                                                                                                                                                                             The Habitat is proof that
                                                                                                                                                                                                             humans and nature can
                                                                                                                                                                                                             co-exist in harmony.

   waterc��rs
   ISSUE 14 I MARCH 2018                          KDN: PP15600/01/2013(031621)
                                                                                 11           Fusing Art and Nature

                                                                                 14           Run like clockwork

                                                                                 18           Live life to the fullest at Johor’s second city
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Fusing Art and Nature
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Glass artist Fuan Wong’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Art & Garden brings together
  RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY   Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity

                                   Feel on top of the world at The Habitat

                                   5 of Johor Bahru’s most trendy cafés

                                                                                                                                                                                                             two of his great passions.

THE COVER
                                                                                 20           5 cafés to check out in Johor Bahru
Bring home a slice of

                                                                                 23
E&O Hotel’s old-world
enchantment through
its exclusive merchandise                                                                     For serious shopping when in Johor
at Emporium

All materials published remain
                                                                                 25           On the Balik Pulau laksa trail                                                                                 5 cafés to check out
                                                                                                                                                                                                             in Johor Bahru
the property of E&O Berhad.
No part of this publication may                                                                                                                                                                              Grab a bite or a breather at

                                                                                 26
be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted                                                                                                                                                                             these trendy spots.
in any form nor by any
means - graphic, electronics,                                                                 Straits Quay Updates
mechanical,      photocopying,
recording - without prior written
permission of the publisher.

                                                                                 28
Every effort has been made to
ensure the credits accurately
comply with the information
supplied.                                                                                     STP Community News

                                                                                 PUBLISHER                              PRINTER                                   KUALA LUMPUR                           PENANG                           JOHOR                             LONDON
                                                                                 Eastern & Oriental Bhd (555-K)         CLASSIC OFFSET PRINT SDN BHD (729079-M)   Head Office & Sales Gallery            The Sales Gallery & Show Units   Avira Sales Gallery               Eastern & Oriental PLC
                                                                                 Level 3A (Annexe), Menara Milenium     11 Jalan Alfa Impian 2                    Level 3A (Annexe), Menara Milenium     Seri Tanjung Pinang              No.1 Jalan Medini Timur 15        13th floor, Landmark House
                                                                                 8 Jalan Damanlela, Damansara Heights   Taman Perindustrian Alfa Impian           8 Jalan Damanlela, Damansara Heights   Tanjung Tokong                   Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia   Hammersmith Bridge Road
                                                                                 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia           43300 Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia        50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia           10470 Penang, Malaysia           79250 Iskandar Puteri             London, W6 9DP
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia

                                                                                 T 603 2095 6868 F 603 2095 0231        T 603 8964 5661   F 603 8964 5669         T 603 2095 6868                        T 604 891 8000                   T 607 509 6868                    T 44 (0)203 837 0000
                                                                                 E corp.comm@easternandoriental.com                                               F 603 2095 9898                        F 604 891 2525                   F 607 509 7878
                                                                                 www.easternandoriental.com
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
FEATURE                                                                                                                                                                     FEATURE

TOP OF
                                                                                        Walk across tree tops, stroll through            These include earth-rammed walls built
                                                                                        colour-coded forest paths, spot spiders          from raw materials, solar and water-
                                           SHOWCASE THE RICH                            inside burrowed holes and if you’re              harvesting technologies, and a “no

THE WORLD                                  BIODIVERSITY OF A
                                           130-MILLION-YEAR-OLD
                                                                                        really lucky, catch a forest crab in the
                                                                                        midst of shedding its shell. The air is
                                                                                        clean and crisp, and it’s usually a few
                                                                                                                                         single-use plastic water bottle” policy.
                                                                                                                                         Visitors are encouraged to purchase
                                                                                                                                         reusable stainless steel water bottles,
                                           VIRGIN RAINFOREST                            degrees cooler than other parts of the           which you can refill at water stations
Nature’s abundance                                                                      island. Sounds like utopia? It’s a pretty
                                                                                        apt description for The Habitat, an
                                                                                                                                         found around the park.

awaits at The Habitat,                                                                  ecotourism park on the peak of Penang            Getting to this sanctuary is easy—it’s a
                                                                                        Hill that’s proof of how humans and              quick ride up on the Funicular Railway
an ecotourism park                                                                      nature can co-exist beautifully.                 to the Top Station at Penang Hill. From
on the peak of                                                                          Opened since January 2016, the 10-acre
                                                                                                                                         there, a few minutes’ walk will lead you
                                                                                                                                         to the starting point of a 1.6km-long
Penang Hill.                                                                            park was designed to encourage better            nature trail, an easy and scenic trek
                                                                                        eco awareness and showcase the rich              across the entire park that passes three
                                                                                        biodiversity of a 130-million-year-old           historic colonial bungalows and covers
                                           CLOCKWISE FROM FACING PAGE, TOP:             virgin rainforest, letting you see, touch,       strategic vantage points where you can
                                           Curtis Crest tree top walk; a forest crab    smell, and hear its natural splendour,           feast on inspiring views of Penang and
                                           shedding its shell; dusky leaf langur; the   besides basking in lush greenery and             the Andaman Sea.
                                           ticketing office briefing area               soaking in its serenity.
                                                                                                                                         Along the way, explore a wide variety
                                                                                        The Habitat practises many green                 of tropical flora and fauna, planted in
                                                                                        initiatives   that      maximise     energy      sectioned gardens according to species
                                                                                        efficiency at its buildings while minimising     and colour themes. Savour the flitting
                                                                                        the carbon footprint of its operations.          sensations at Butterfly Bank, populated

4     Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                               Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018         5
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
FEATURE                                                                                                                                                                       FEATURE

                                         REST YOUR FEET AND SOAR
                                         UNDER NATURAL SHADE

                                         by plants that are attractive to butterflies   When you need a breather, look for the             of Penang’s mansion. On a clear day,
                                         and moths, and keep your noses peeled          two giant swings where you can rest your           you can even spot the peaks of Kedah’s
                                         upon entering the Fragrant Garden—             feet and soar under natural shade. Put             Gunung Jerai as well as the island of
                                         everything that grows here emits its own       your legs to work again as you saunter             Langkawi.
                                         unique scent. At the Ginger Grove, you         across Langur Way Canopy Walk, a
                                         will be greeted by several varieties of        suspension bridge-like structure that’s            Set aside at least two hours to explore
                                         the popular spice, including ornamental        also known as a Stressed Ribbon Bridge.            The Habitat and indulge in what the
                                         ones bearing large, exotic-looking             Standing at 700 metres above sea level,            Japanese term forest bathing. Your
                                         blooms. More vibrant hues can be               it is, in fact, the world’s highest! The first     body, mind and soul will thank you.
                                         spotted at the colour-coded gardens,           half of the 230-metre-long walk opened
                                         namely Red, Yellow and Purple. These           this January, with the remaining portion
                                         shades are commonly found in nature            expected to be operational later in the
                                         but when grown in clusters, are even           year.
                                         more spectacular and make for great
                                         eye candy.                                     Meantime, the best vantage point
                                                                                        remains the Tree Top Walk, an oval
                                         Informative signs are posted everywhere        walkway that rises 13 metres above a
                                         so you know what you’re looking at.            plateau that served as one of the first            THE HABITAT, BUKIT BENDERA, PENANG
                                         Alternatively, join their guided walks         tennis courts in Malaya, in the 1890s.             Opens: 9am - 7pm daily
                                         (there’s one every 30 minutes and              About 120 people are allowed on what               Admission: from RM30 for children aged
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Join the guided      it’s free) for an even more enjoyable          is Penang’s highest public viewing                 3-12 and students, to RM130 for the
walks; the new Langur Way Canopy         excursion, as their knowledgeable              platform at any one time, affording                Family Package (two adults plus two
Walk; browse the gift shop; one of two   naturalists can point out things you may       360-degree vistas of the island and a              children)
giant swings at The Habitat              not notice.                                    clear view of Bel Retiro, the Governor             T +604 826 7677    www.thehabitat.my

                                                                                                                                         Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018         7
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
FEATURE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         FEATURE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             EMPORIUM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             E&O Hotel’s souvenir outlet carries an
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             exciting array of gifts and collectibles,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             including    one-of-a-kind     products
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             handcrafted by local artisans as well
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             as a small but exquisite range featuring
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             E&O’s trademark. Jewellery, bags,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             apparel, pewterware, shoes, whimsical
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             toys, and Malaysian-themed designs
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             make up the rest of the merchandise.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Ground Floor, Unit No. 1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Opens: 9am - 9pm daily

                                              4 ways to pamper
                                              yourself at E&O
                                              Whether it’s a unique gift for that special
                                              someone, a smart outfit for an important
                                              occasion or a top-to-toe treat for yourself,
                                              you can find them all at the E&O Hotel’s
                                              Victory Annexe.

                                                                                                                             MONICA QUEN                                     VIRINCHI TAILOR                                 PAÑPURI ORGANIC SPA
                                                                                                                             From delicate lace to stretchy netting,         Established in 1986, Virinchi Tailor            Time-tested      therapies,    traditional
                                                                                                                             knee-length pieces to ankle-length              specialises in bespoke men’s wear               techniques and the finest organic
                                                                                                                             dresses, Monica Quen is a treasure trove        for the discerning gentleman. Their             oils mean that every guest at Pañpuri
                                                                                                                             of exquisite qipaos in a myriad designs.        highly experienced tailors will help you        Organic Spa is assured of utmost
                                                                                                                             You may lament you don’t have the               determine the ideal fabric and cut, and         relaxation. Their skilled masseuses can
                                                                                                                             hourglass figure to pull off this traditional   customise it to the last detail to fit your     administer a wide range of massages—
                                                                                                                             Chinese garment but they’ll tell you            build. A fine suit that’s made well is a        Thai, Indian (ayurvedic), Balinese and
                                                                                                                             otherwise and help you find one that            sartorial investment worth making.              Japanese      (shiatsu)—using     premier
                                                                                                                             flatters you.                                                                                   products crafted from natural and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             organic ingredients.

                                                                                                                             Ground Floor, Unit No. 5                        Ground Floor, Unit No. 4                        6th Floor
                                                                                                                             T +604 261 8368                                 T +604 264 4669                                 T +604 222 2000

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Stackable mugs, RM93.30; E&O pen, RM93.30; twin mugs, RM160; chopsticks with E&O logo, RM127.20;
wine opener, RM50.90; ceramic coasters (set of 2), RM31.80; electric wind tower oil burner, RM864.95; all from Emporium at
E&O Hotel, Victory Annexe

8       Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                                                                                                                 Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018         9
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
PENANG PERSONALITY

  FUSING ART
  and NATURE
  Glass artist
  Fuan Wong’s
  Art & Garden is a
  feast for the senses,
  an Eden where nature
  thrives in various forms.

  FROM TOP: Fuan’s glass works are in
  their element here; the entrance to
  Art & Garden

Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018   11
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
PENANG PERSONALITY                                                                                                                                                                                       PENANG PERSONALITY

IT’S SOMETIMES DIFFICULT
TO TELL ART AND NATURE
APART.

                                          “I’m the happiest person I know!” Fuan        his bromeliads, a flowering plant that       mooted by Fuan’s own creations that he            His foray into glass art was jumpstarted
                                          Wong exclaims with a hearty laugh as          belongs to the same family as the            had worked into the landscaping. Made             by a client who challenged him to come
                                          we sat surrounded by his glass sculptures     pineapple. Its foliage can take on           from layers of glass fused together, the          up with a design, which Fuan gamely
                                          that depict flora and fauna blooming          various forms and patterns but is usually    oversized leaves and stalks have a                took on. He envisioned a stained glass
                                          in vivid colours. “I wake up at 4am and       a rosette, with leaves in autumnal           mesmerising translucent quality. Here,            piece and went to an artist to get it
                                          I can’t wait to do what I enjoy. This is      shades. His collection is impressive, to     they are in their element, blending so            made, learning from him in the process.
                                          the secret to real happiness—do what          say the least, featuring countless hybrids   seamlessly into the surrounds that it’s           “It was an epiphany … I knew that was
                                          you love and you won’t need to go on          of different sizes and boasting striking     sometimes difficult to tell art and nature        what I wanted to do.” He started with
                                          holiday. You save money too!”                 details. “As an artist, the colours and      apart.                                            stained glass panels and bought a kiln,
                                                                                        patterns are very interesting to me,”                                                          sharpening his skills as he went along.
                                          And what the jolly Penang native loves        Fuan explains.                               There are artworks of other mediums               What attracted him was the inherent
                                          is tending to his Art & Garden, a stunning                                                 too, contributed by a diverse group of            beauty of glass, which immortalises
                                          showcase of myriad plants growing lushly      Besides bromeliads, there are air plants,    artists, each with a distinct message that        nature as if in frozen form.
                                          over hilly terrains that were once a durian   gingers, pitchers and orchids, among         beggars thought. Art & Garden is thus
                                          orchard. Sitting on elevated grounds in       others. They sprawl on the ground, spill     as much a creative space and gallery              “What I do now is an extension of that,”
                                          Teluk Bahang and overlooking Penang           out of pots, hang from trellises, form       for art lovers as it is for plant aficionados     Fuan explains. “A friend also pointed out
                                          Hill, the temperature is perceptibly          arches, and flank pathways.                  and urban gardeners.                              that I’m essentially still doing floristry, but
                                          lower and it’s often clouded by rolling                                                                                                      in glass form!”
                                          mists, lending an ethereal quality to the     “Everything happened organically,” he        Fuan may not have planned it that way
                                          landscaped sanctuary that the famed           says. “When I started, friends told me       but he embodies both passions to the
                                          glass artist lovingly created over the last   that the soil or land will speak to me. I    hilt. As an artist, he has always been            ART & GARDEN
                                          six years. Initially conceived as a private   thought they were pulling my leg but         known for his flora-inspired masterpieces         Jalan Telok Bahang, Penang
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Fuan Wong; art        garden, interest spread through word of       they’re right. You can plan it, but nature   while growing plants is something he’d            Opens: 9.30am - 6.30pm daily
and nature merge into each other; one     mouth and Fuan has since opened it to         will take its own course.”                   been doing since young, as his father             T +6012 485 5074
of many varieties of bromeliads; plants   the public.                                                                                was an avid orchid grower. Fuan, in               Admission: RM15 for children, RM30 for
grow in all manners and forms here;                                                     Even the art pieces that nestle among        fact, had his start in floristry and later,       adults, RM24 for MyKad holders
autumn-themed mosaic steps; more of       When Fuan started, he had just one            the plants came about unplanned,             landscaping.                                      Note: Repeat visitors need not pay
Fuan’s glass works                        aim in mind—to find a new home for

                                                                                                                                                                                     Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018            13
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
E&O PROPERTY SHOWCASE                                                                                                                              E&O PROPERTY SHOWCASE

                                           CLOCKWISE FROM FACING PAGE:                  Comprising seven towers of 28                  resort. But what does it take to keep
                                           Quayside is famed for its inspiring views;   storeys each and standing tall at the          all these facilities running and on
                                           the beach pool is among its most             northernmost cape of Seri Tanjung              such a scale? Anita Pater, Senior
                                           popular facilities; Anita (in black shirt)   Pinang, Quayside Seafront Resort               Resident Manager of Quayside and
                                           and her team                                 Condominiums is today known as the             the key person overseeing day-to-day
                                                                                        lowest density exclusive condominium           operations, shares some insights with us.
                                                                                        in Penang as well as one of its most
                                                                                        coveted addresses. Its final towers, the       You have been with the property since
                                                                                        Andaman Series, is so named as 75              the very beginning. What’s kept you

RUN LIKE                                                                                percent of the units boast of seafront
                                                                                        views or face the marina at Straits Quay,
                                                                                                                                       going all these years?
                                                                                                                                       I treat it like my own home, I set things up

CLOCKWORK
                                                                                        the waterpark or Gurney Drive.                 and make sure they run properly. It’s my
                                                                                                                                       passion. Some people say I have very
                                                                                        Quayside      is  currently   home    to       high standards, but that’s necessary
                                                                                        approximately 3,000 residents, who             for Quayside. I am also blessed with a
                                                                                        enjoy various conveniences, all of             very good team, a happy bunch of
Managing a world-                                                                       which were designed to deliver                 people who are always in good spirits
class property such                                                                     optimum quality of life within a pet-
                                                                                        friendly community. There’s buggy
                                                                                                                                       and whom I consider my family. We
                                                                                                                                       share everything. Without them, I’d be
as Quayside Seafront                                                                    service to help the elderly or disabled        nowhere.
                                                                                        get around and ferry residents carrying
Resort Condominium                                                                      heavy groceries; a dedicated customer          What’s a typical day like for you?
                                                                                        service hotline; concierge services such       I have a daily checklist—it’s always full!
is no easy task. Senior
                                           __________________________                   as arranging for taxis, receiving parcels      —and a daily briefing for the team. No
Manager Anita Pater                                                                     on owners’ behalf and booking services         one’s ever sitting around doing nothing.
                                                                                        for the home; assistance with restaurant       We have a routine going and everyone
clues us in on how                         KNOWN AS THE LOWEST                          reservations, paying utility bills, even       is familiar with the SOPs, but there will

she and her team                           DENSITY EXCLUSIVE                            purchasing groceries. Residents can also       always be problems that need to be
                                                                                        make use of the Business Centre and            resolved. I’m always on call, whether
                                           CONDOMINIUM
keep things in tip-top                                                                  enjoy access to free WiFi and bicycles.        it’s after-office hours or even if I’m
                                           IN PENANG                                                                                   travelling … I’m constantly checking my
condition.                                 __________________________                   It’s the epitome of world-class urban          messages and emails. Some days I don’t
                                                                                        living, against the settings of a tropical     sleep!

14    Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                             Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018         15
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
E&O PROPERTY SHOWCASE                                                                                                                                                                                                                              E&O PROPERTY SHOWCASE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          QUAYSIDE IN NUMBERS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Total build-up area of 21 acres
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            (914,800 sq ft)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.5 acres of recreational space
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Over 5 acres of tropical greenery
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 4.5 acres waterpark
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            & recreational space
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 1.4km jogging & cycling path
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 1,699 car park bays
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 1,556 owners’ car park
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 143 visitors’ car park
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6 open lobbies
                                                                                         __________________________                                                                                                                       • 1 private lobby with concierge
Is all the maintenance carried out by an     security purposes, and help maintain the                                                What’s your focus when it comes to               collection drive for charity. Our security
in-house team?                               property and make things run smoothly.                                                  managing Quayside?                               guards help guide students to cross                   & business service centre
We work with various service providers; at   Some people feel that as it’s their home,   WE HAVE TO REMIND THEM                      My job is to manage the common                   the road, we are now painting the                   • 146 refuse chambers
present, we have about 90 outsourced         they can do whatever they want. We          THAT THIS IS A SHARED                       property and as part of our customer             pedestrian walk and are implementing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 1 refuse depot with rubbish
staff who take care of the landscaping,      have to remind them that this is a shared                                               service, we want to ensure that                  a photo ID card for residents.
swimming pools, security and general         property.                                   PROPERTY                                    residents are happy here. We introduce
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            compactor machine
cleanliness. We have established a good                                                  __________________________                  various initiatives to foster camaraderie        Every year, we organise a Christmas                 • 146 electrical risers
working relationship with them and as a      There are some things I have to say no to                                               between residents and continuously               party just for the residents. The whole             • 146 water metre rooms
gesture of our appreciation, we organise     … we can’t please everyone, although                                                    improve the standard of living.                  team works on the decorations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 146 SMATV / ELB Room
parties for them twice a year. This year,    we try. We also have to be careful when                                                                                                  enthusiastically, putting our creative
we had a gathering at my house and           helping because it’s important not to set                                               In line with the resort lifestyle at Quayside,   ideas together to make the place look               • 15 water tanks riser with pump
made sure everyone got a gift. It’s our      bad precedents. Hence, it’s important                                                   we organise free weekly activities such          festive. They will dress up as Santa Claus          • 330 hose reels
way of thanking them … people don’t          to stick to the rules.                                                                  as Zumba, yoga, and cooking classes to           and Santarinas, plus we’d have a live
realise how much work and effort go                                                                                                  cultivate the community spirit.                  band and catered food. We also have a
into running this place.                     How do you deal with them?                                                                                                               Chinese New Year gathering, complete
                                             I calm them down, invite them into my                                                   Tell us about these initiatives.                 with God of Prosperity and a lion dance.
You must have encountered many               office for a drink, talk to them … like I   CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Buggy service           One of it is a quarterly newsletter              This year, we did our first Easter Egg Hunt.
unhappy residents in the course of your      always tell my team, even if people are     is available; the guards help school        that contains news, announcements …
work …                                       shouting at us, we have to be respectful    children cross the roads; residents enjoy   anything that may be useful or relevant          How have residents responded?
I have had people shouting at me and         and professional. We must match our         a good quality of life here; the pools      to life at Quayside. It started as a print       They like the newsletter, it helps them
threatening to sue me. Some people           thinking with those who stay here; if one   are cleaned regularly FACING PAGE:          copy but we went green last year and             stay informed. And our Christmas and
don’t understand the rules or why they       person does something wrong or bad, it      Compost plots, e-waste recycling and        now send it out as an email.                     Chinese New Year parties grow bigger
exist. We don’t create them to make          reflects on all of us.                      the spice garden are all part of the                                                         each year. When we started the former
things difficult, they are for safety and                                                management’s green initiatives              We installed recycle bins for e-wastes,          in 2014, only 350 residents turned up. Last
                                                                                                                                     created compost plots and a spice                year, 850 of them attended!
                                                                                                                                     garden, and started a used eyewear

16      Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                                                                                                                           Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018         17
Waterc rs - RECREATION & RETAIL AS THERAPY Art & Garden fuses nature and creativity - Eastern & Oriental Berhad
E&O PROPERTY SHOWCASE                                                                                                                                                                                                          E&O PROPERTY SHOWCASE

LIVE LIFE TO
THE FULLEST
AT JOHOR’S
SECOND CITY
Iskandar Puteri’s
dynamic growth
is revitalising the
landscape of Johor.

                                           Its rapid development and vibrant               a handful of landed properties at MIM.                                  institutions from the UK and Netherlands        are also invited to get on the mat at a
                                           revitalising of Johor’s landscape has           A paean to lush tropical living, Avira’s                                have campuses here: University of               complimentary yoga class, held at the
THE STATE’S SECOND CITY                    earned Iskandar Puteri the honour of            maiden launch, Avira Garden Terraces,                                   Nottingham        Malaysia,   Newcastle         clubhouse rooftop deck. Start the day
AND THE COUNTRY’S 14TH                     being the state’s second city and the           boasts generous frontage and private                                    University Medicine Malaysia, University        bright and early with sun salutations, and
                                           country’s 14th, as proclaimed by the            courtyards, designed for seamless flow                                  of Southampton, University of Reading,          you can even bring a friend along.
                                           Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan          of space, optimal natural light and ideal                               Raffles University Iskandar, Multimedia
                                           Iskandar, last November. In fact, it was        air circulation.                                                        University and Netherland Maritime              Fulfill your shopping needs
                                           His Majesty who chose the name, which                                                                                   Institute of Technology.                        Whether it’s a need or a want, when
                                           was the original moniker for Johor Bahru        After all, Avira was inspired by the                                                                                    it comes to shopping, Avira’s location
                                           prior to 1866. In naming it such, Johor         Aramaic word for ‘air, atmosphere                                       A wealth of health                              stands in good stead, providing
                                           brings its history full circle as the current   and spirit’ and presents as a calm,                                     There’s nothing more important than             convenient access to multiple stores.
                                           administrative capital of Kota Iskandar is      quiet residential sanctuary. Make Avira                                 your well-being and here, you can enjoy         Pick up your weekly groceries at Jaya
                                           located at the newly-minted city.               your home and you’ll enjoy a host of                                    peace of mind knowing that two world-           Grocer supermarket; luxury designs and
                                                                                           advantages that lets you make the most                                  class hospitals are within easy reach—          street brands galore await at Johor
                                           Within Iskandar Puteri, all eyes are now        of life.                                                                Gleneagles Medini and Columbia Asia             Premium Outlet; furnish your home at
                                           on Medini Iskandar Malaysia (MIM), a                                                                                    Hospital. Both are established names in         Ikea Tebrau; stock up on other lifestyle
                                           prestigious township that aims to provide       Nurturing the next generation                                           the field, known for their highly-qualified     goods at Johor Bahru’s many malls.
                                           a harmonious balance of work, play,             Just 7km from Avira is EduCity Iskandar                                 medical personnel and state-of-the-art
                                           learn, and live, in its bid to become the       Malaysia, an education hub with                                         equipment and facilities. Whether it’s          For fun times
                                           ‘Icon of Future City Living’. Supporting        three    international   schools     and                                an emergency or routine check-up, you           If you have little ones or when entertaining
                                           this vision is the 207-acre Avira               seven universities. For early to tertiary   AVIRA WAS INSPIRED BY THE   know you’ll be in good hands.                   young guests, spend the day at Sanrio
                                           masterplanned development, a joint              schooling, there’s Sunway International                                                                                 Hello Kitty Town or Legoland Malaysia.
                                           venture between E&O Berhad and the              School, Marlborough College Malaysia,       ARAMAIC WORD FOR ‘AIR,      Get your ‘ohm’ on                               They’ll have a whale of a time on various
                                           wholly-owned subsidiaries of Khazanah           and Raffles American School, each with      ATMOSPHERE AND SPIRIT’      Avira’s open spaces and well-paved              rides and games—adults can join in the
                                           Nasional Berhad and Temasek Holdings            its unique syllabus and education style.                                roads provide plenty of venues for              fun too!
                                           Pte Ltd that has manifested as one of just      For college-going students, the following                               active pursuits. Once a month, residents

18    Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                                                                                                         Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018         19
FEATURE                                                                                                                                                                                                                  FEATURE

5 CAFÉS TO
CHECK OUT IN
JOHOR BAHRU
Malaysia’s
southernmost state
capital has no
shortage of trendy
hotspots and these
five will get your
café-hopping sojourn
off to a great start.

                                           FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW                      ROOST CAFÉ                                   SORELLA CAFÉ                                       THE ICE-CREAM PROJECT
                                           There may be more potted plants            One of the first cafes to open in the        About 20 minutes’ drive from Bandar                Take one tiny bite of their pistachio and
                                           than flowering shrubs (except for their    area, Roost has gone through several         Medini Iskandar, home to E&O’s Avira               sea salt ice-cream and we promise
                                           cakes, which are prettily garnished        transformations but remains popular          Garden Terraces, this unassuming café              you’ll be a fan for life! Pair it with sips
                                           with edible petals) but everything else    among the city’s café-goers. It’s a          barely registers on the hipster radar              of long black and enjoy another level
                                           about this charming café complements       bit of a squeeze downstairs, with just       but their cakes and cookies are worth              of satisfaction. That’s just one of many
                                           its whimsical moniker. The main seating    a few tables and a retail corner that        making time for. They’ve even managed              flavours available, and each portion
                                           area resembles an indoor garden            stocks edgy apparel and accessories.         to make the Black Forest exciting again,           is made-to-order using liquid nitrogen
                                           dripping with lush greens and sunlight     The upper floor sports a different vibe      with an ideal level of sweetness and fresh         to capture pure, intense flavours and
                                           dappling through the airwell, while the    —homey yet hipster, with an irregular        cream that’s naturally coloured using              smooth textures. Their creations are also
                                           rest of its two-storey space is a mixed    bookcase running across the main wall        cherries. Their churros are interesting; soft,     lacto-vegan friendly, including their
                                           bag that ranges from retro and rustic to   that supports some interesting objet         eggy and moist like sa yung (traditional           cookies, which are made without eggs.
                                           Scandinavian chic. Food-wise, there’s a    d’art. The coffee is reliable while the      Hong Kong sugared ‘doughnut’) rather
                                           good selection of hearty dishes, served    food offerings are focused on bowls with     than the choux-based Spanish snack
                                           from breakfast till dinner.                a variety of bases: cauliflower rice, mash   they’re meant to be.
                                                                                      potatoes, vegetables, and noodles.
                                                                                                                                                                                      31 Jalan Dhoby
                                                                                                                                   48, Jalan Indah 28/1                               Opens: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 10pm;
                                           9 Jalan Dhoby                                                                           Taman Bukit Indah, Iskandar Puteri                 Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 1pm - 12am;
                                           Opens: 10am - 8pm, closed on Tue           9 Jalan Dhoby                                Opens: 8am - 10.30pm, closed on Mon                Sun: 1pm - 10pm
                                           T +607 222 7489                            Opens: 10am - 12am                           T +607 231 7104                                    T +607 221 0039

20    Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                                                                            Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018        21
FEATURE                                                                                                                                                                   FEATURE

                                             FOR SERIOUS
                                             SHOPPING
                                             WHEN IN JOHOR
                                             For luxury labels
                                             at great savings,
                                             make your way to
                                             Johor Premium Outlets.

                                             Malaysians truly are spoilt for choice     wholly-owned subsidiaries of Temasek           Food and beverage outlets are just
                                             when it comes to retail enjoyment,         Holdings (Private) Limited and Khazanah        as varied, with restaurants serving
                                             with countless shopping malls providing    Nasional Berhad.                               international cuisines, cafes where
THE REPLACEMENT – LODGE & KITCHEN            every manner of lifestyle products and                                                    you can catch a break over coffee
Its pristine all-white façade lets           services. Besides the everyday bazaars,    Part of the global Premium Outlets             and cakes, and a food court with stalls
The Replacement stand out among a            the last few years has also seen the       chain, JPO was the first of its megastores     serving local favourites and light bites.
row of painted shophouses, with the          rise of outlet shopping, where you can     in Southeast Asia and the 70th in the
same Kinfolk-inspired minimalist flair       get your hands on international luxury     world. When it opened seven years              For a fulfilling trip to JPO, set aside three
extending from the ground floor café         brands and popular street labels at a      ago, JPO presented 80 designer and             to four hours and don’t forget to have
all the way through its quaint 6-room        fraction of the original prices.           name-brand stores. That number has             an empty luggage on standby to fit your
hostel upstairs. Staying guests take their                                              since grown to 130, and run the gamut          new purchases!
breakfast at the pork-free café, which       The first of such malls to open here was   from designer fashion and sportswear—
specialises in coffee, churros (with         Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), which         Lululemon and Nike are among the
salted egg sauce, no less!) and all-day      welcomed its first shoppers in December    newest brands found here—to children’s
brunches the likes of eggs Benedict,         2011 and continues to draw crowds          apparel, shoes, leather, luggage,
croque madame and French toast.              made up of both locals and tourists.       jewellery, housewares, home furnishings,
                                             Located in Kulai, it’s about 30 minutes’   gifts and specialty items. Popular brands      JOHOR PREMIUM OUTLETS
33-34 Jalan Dhoby                            drive from Avira Garden Terraces, the      include Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore           Jalan Premium Outlets, Indahpura,
Opens: Mon - Thu: 10am - 6pm;                first landed property within Bandar        Ferragamo, Swatch, Tumi, Aigner,               81000 Kulai, Johor Darul Takzim
Fri - Sun: 10am - 6pm & 7pm - 12am,          Medini Iskandar that’s jointly developed   Coach, Ermenegildo Zegna, Furla, Guy           Opens: 10am - 10pm daily
T +6012 547 7885                             by Eastern & Oriental Berhad and the       Laroche, and Michael Kors.                     T +607 661 8888

22      Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                           Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018          23
FOOD TRAIL

ON THE
BALIK PULAU
LAKSA TRAIL
Like the rest of the
island, the other side
of Penang also dishes
up great laksa offerings.
Here are three spots to
get your fix.

KIM LAKSA                                 KIM SENG KOPITIAM                             LAKSA TEMPURUNG OMBAK DAMAI
This poster child of Balik Pulau laksa    This stall is said to be by the original      While Chinese-style laksa is all about
has been in operation for some four       proprietor of Kim Laksa, who has              the tang and pungent shrimp paste,
decades and has never wavered from        maintained the two styles of laksa and        Malay laksa forgoes that for a milder
the recipes that were first cooked up     expanded the menu to include popiah           taste profile but is no less satisfying. This
by its now-octogenarian founder. The      and pasembur, while another stall within      stall’s version hits all the right notes: the
simple stall sits within an atmospheric   the same premise woks up decent char          noodles are fairly thick and chewy, the
wooden shophouse and serves two           kuay teow and fried rice. Their laksa         fish-rich broth is sharp and spicy, and
types of laksa: Assam and Siam. The       soups are comparable with that of Kim         you get a whole hard-boiled egg in
former is what you can expect of a good   Laksa’s, but their rice noodles give them     every bowl. Living up to its name, the
Penang laksa—appetisingly savoury and     an edge over the other—thick with a           laksa is served in halved coconut shells,
tangy—while the latter comes swimming     springy texture, lending a good bite to       which complement the stall’s bucolic
in a creamy, spicy broth. Can’t decide    every satisfying mouthful.                    beachfront setting.
between the two? You can have a mix
of both in one bowl.

Nan Guang Coffeeshop
67 Jalan Balik Pulau                      20 Sungai Jalan Air Putih,                    Teluk Kumbar
Opens: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm;             Bandar Baru Air Putih (Botanica CT)           Opens: Mon - Thu: 3pm-7.30pm;
closed on Mon and Tue except              Opens: Wed - Sun: 11am-5pm;                   Sat & Sun: 12.30pm - 8.30pm;
public holidays                           closed on alternate Mondays                   closed on Fridays

                                                                                      Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018          25
STRAITS QUAY UPDATES                                                                                                                                                                                                                         STRAITS QUAY UPDATES

                     new tenants

                                                                                      UPCOMING                                                                      1                                             2                                               3

                                                                                      EVENTS
                                                                                      STRAITS QUAY TALENT SEARCH
                                                                                      7, 8, 14, 15 & 29 APRIL 2018

                                                                                      Sing like a rock star, dance like
                                                                                      nobody’s watching—whatever your
                                                                                      talent may be, let it shine on stage
                                                                                      at Straits Quay Talent Search. If you
                                                                                      wow the judges, you stand to win
                                                                                      attractive cash prizes. This contest is
                                                                                                                                                                    4
                                            FRUUZE FROZEN YOGURT                      open to both individuals and groups.
                                            Made fresh daily using top quality
                                            natural yoghurt, Fruuze promises a
                                            delightfully frosty treat! Choose from
                                            at least four flavours and 24 different
                                            toppings. You can also enjoy the          THE PENANG RENDEZVOUS 2018
                                            yoghurt with a crispy waffle, as a        10 -13 MAY 2018
                                            parfait, smoothie or in an ice-blended
                                            drink.                                    Southeast Asia’s first luxury lifestyle
                                                                                      festival is a “must-attend” event for
                                            3A-G-22    I   T +604 890 2620            those who embrace the finer things
                                                                                      in life. The four-day extravaganza will
                                                                                      showcase a comprehensive range
                                                                                      of yachts, classic cars, supercars,
                                                                                      sea planes, helicopters, watches,                                             5                                                                                             4
                                                                                      properties, and art.

                                                                                      ORGANIC FARMERS MARKET                    an end &
                                                                                      EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

                                                                                      Once a month, Straits Quay plays
                                                                                                                                a beginning                                  1
                                                                                                                                                                                  STRAITS QUAY LANTERN WALK
                                                                                                                                                                                  1 OCTOBER 2017
                                                                                                                                                                            Every year during the Mid-Autumn
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   JUNIOR KOLAM MAKING
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   COMPETITION
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   7 OCTOBER 2017
                                                                                      host to this exciting market where you
                                                                                                                                                                            Festival, Straits Quay turns into a glowing     What’s Deepavali without kolam?
                                                                                      get to meet and speak with farmers,
                                                                                      get tips on gardening and organic
                                                                                                                                The last quarter of 2017                    park of colourful lights as Penangites join     Straits Quay turned it into the Junior
                                                                                      diets from those in the know, and         and the first of 2018                       in the annual lantern walk. Last year, the
                                                                                                                                                                            500-strong crowd were also entertained
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Kolam Making competition, with 60
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            young artists interpreting their creativity
                                                                                      take home farm-fresh produce and
                                                                                      handmade goodies.                         were marked by many                         with dragon and Southern lion dances,           and imagination into colourful creations
                                                                                                                                                                            ‘Chang Er’ performances, and lantern            along the retail marina’s Market Street.
                                                                                                                                festive celebrations.                       riddles.

                                            PENINSULA COLLEGE
                                                                                                                                      STRAITS QUAY                                NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN                         CHINESE NEW YEAR
                                                                                                                                 3                                           4                                                5
                                            Peninsula College offers Diploma                                                          CHRISTMAS CHARITY BAZAAR                    BY-THE-SEA®                                      CELEBRATIONS
                                            programmes in Logistics, Accounting                                                       25 & 26 NOVEMBER 2017                       31 DEC 2017                                      3 & 11 FEB 2018
                                            and Business Studies. Students learn                                                The sky dazzled with fireworks while        Electrifying performances and stunning          Regular visitors to Straits Quay know that
                                            within a conducive environment,                                                     shoppers filled up Christmas stockings      pyrotechnics reigned on stage and               Chinese New Year is always celebrated
                                            supported by advanced technology                                                    with unique gifts and merchandise           over the night sky during the New Year’s        with much fanfare and this year was no
                                            and modern facilities.                                                              they bought from more than 80 stalls at     Eve countdown at Straits Quay. The              different. Besides lively performances,
                                                                                                                                Straits Quay’s annual Christmas Charity     enthusiastic crowd converged at the             there was a kuih kapit workshop for
                                            3H-3-1    I T +604 893 1024                                                         Bazaar. It was all for a very good cause,   waterfront mall to bid farewell to 2017         shoppers to try their hand at making the
                                                                                                                                as proceeds from sales were donated to      and ring in the new year with much              popular snack.
                                                                                                                                selected charity organisations.             anticipation and excitement.

26     Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                                                                                                                 Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018          27
STP COMMUNITY NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                                         STP COMMUNITY NEWS

                                                                                                                                      TAKING
                                                                                                                                      CARE OF THE
                                                                                                                                      ESSENTIALS
                                                                                                                                      Final batch of
                                                                                                                                      school provisions for
                                                                                                                                      2017 presented to
                                                                                                                                      fishermen’s children.

LEARNING
                                           They flit, they flew, they fluttered … the   and enjoyed the sensation of having                                   Throughout 2017, E&O gifted a total of       which was held at Dewan Surau Desiran
                                           beautiful butterflies that make their        butterflies and dragonflies fly freely                                161 sets of school supplies to children      Tanjung in Tanjung Tokong. Guests
                                           home at Entopia both enthralled and          around them. They picked up interesting                               of fishermen, with the last batch of the     included Ismail Bin Din, Chairman of

FROM NATURE                                enlightened a group of 115 students who
                                           were on an exploration trip organised by
                                           E&O. More than 150 species of tropical
                                                                                        information on insects, invertebrates,
                                                                                        small reptiles, and famous bugs such as
                                                                                        the ‘choo choo train’ millipede. Some of
                                                                                                                                                              year handed out in a special ceremony
                                                                                                                                                              last November. Each set consisted of
                                                                                                                                                              bags, shoes, uniforms, shoes, and socks
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Tanjong Bunga Fisherman Association
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Unit; Mohamed Adnan Khan Bin
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Ha Mashook Khan, Chairman Persiaran
                                           flora and fauna thrive here, housed          them pit their new-found knowledge in                                 totalling RM155.                             Gurney Fisherman Association Unit;
E&O led                                    in two separate areas, namely The
                                           Natureland outdoor gardens and The
                                                                                        fun activities and went home with prizes.
                                                                                                                                                              E&O development and construction
                                                                                                                                                                                                           representatives from the Tanjung Tokong
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Fisherman Association Unit and Surau
schoolchildren on an                       Cocoon indoor discovery centre.              The educational trip was part of E&O’s                                management general manager Datuk             Desiran Tanjung.
                                                                                        Think Green programme that was                                        Zawawi Yusop officiated the event,
educational excursion                      The students, aged from 10 to 12 and         launched four years ago to nurture
to Entopia.                                hailing from three schools—SK Tanjong
                                           Tokong, SJK (C) Hun Bin and SJK (T) Azad
                                                                                        and inculcate eco-consciousness, and
                                                                                        involves several schools in the vicinity of
                                           —were guided on a walk through both          Seri Tanjung Pinang.

28    Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                                                                                                 Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018    29
STP COMMUNITY NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       STRAITS QUAY PROMOTIONS

USHERING
IN A BRAND
NEW YEAR
Seri Tanjung Pinang
residents thronged
E&O’s annual Chinese
                                           Prosperity and abundance were the
                                           order of the day at E&O’s Chinese New
                                           Year Open House that was held on 25
                                           February at Straits Green public park.
                                                                                       In between feasting on local delights
                                                                                       such as fried kuay teow, satay, and
                                                                                       kambing golek, revellers were treated
                                                                                       to a lion dance, drum performance,
                                                                                                                                                                                             FREE
New Year Open House.
                                           The multi-ethnic guests, comprising
                                           Seri Tanjung Pinang residents, Tanjung
                                                                                       and cultural dance by students of
                                                                                       SJK (C) Hun Bin. The excitement
                                                                                                                                                                            A POT OF HERBAL TEA
                                           Tokong community, community leaders         culminated in the tossing of yee sang,       Terms & Conditions:                                          (SPENDING ABOVE RM30)
                                           and students from neighbouring schools,     an integral part of Malaysia’s Chinese       1. Free a pot of Herbal Tea with spending above RM30.      Validation Date: 1 Mar 2018 - 31 Aug 2018
                                           were greeted by E&O management              New Year celebrations. It was, indeed, a     2. Voucher must be presented to staff upon ordering.
                                           and staff who were resplendent in           wang-derful start to the Year of the Earth   3. Voucher is not applicable to others promotion.
                                           traditional red Chinese costumes. Also      Dog.                                         4. Voucher is non-transferable and cannot be exchange for cash.
                                                                                                                                    5. Voucher is not applicable on public holiday.
                                           present were Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir                                                6. This voucher only applicable at Winter Warmers Straits Quay outlet.
                                           Johari, MBPP councillors Chris Lee and                                                   7. Management reserves the rights to change or amend the terms & conditions without any prior notice.
                                           Syerleena Abdul Rashid.

30    Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                    Watercolours issue 14 I March 2018   31
www.seritanjungpinang.com
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