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Marco Ferrarese is a journalist and travel writer specializing on Malaysia, Southeast Asia and India. He earned a PhD in Anthropology with a focus on Malaysia from Monash University. Ferrarese has written about travel, culture and extreme music in Asia for a variety of international publications such as Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, CNN Travel, BBC Travel, South China Morning Post, NIKKEI Asian Review, Roads & Kingdoms, Southeast Asia Globe, Perceptive Travel and Time Out. He is co-author of the 5th edition of "The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget", having researched chapters on West Malaysia, Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah. He is also the author of two fiction and non-fiction books - one, "Nazi Goreng" (2013) currently banned by the Malaysian government - and several academic essays published by Routledge, Rowman & Littlefield and Marshall-Cavendish. Know more at www.marcoferrarese.com
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From market to table in Penang
The article recounts the author's experience attending a cooking class in Penang, Malaysia, led by Chef Samuel. The class offers a deep dive into Malaysian cuisine, including dishes like char koay teow, roti canai, satay, nasi lemak, and Nyonya specialties. Participants visit a local market to source fresh ingredients and learn to cook authentic Malaysian recipes. The author describes the process of making dishes such as Chicken Curry Kapitan and Babi Chilli Garam, emphasizing the flavors and techniques learned. The class concludes with the enjoyment of the prepared dishes, leaving the author with no complaints and a desire to share the experience with others.
What the Sony/Zee merger tells us about the Indian market
India's $10bn merger between Sony Corporation and Zee Entertainment highlights the potential of the Indian market, which is expected to become the world's third-largest SVOD market by 2027. The merger, still pending formal closure, could transform India's linear broadcast industry in favor of SVOD and OTT services. Sony aims to leverage India's growing TV market, while Zee faces regulatory hurdles. The merger's success is uncertain in a competitive landscape with players like Disney+ Hotstar, which recently lost a significant number of subscribers, and Viacom18, which secured cricket rights. The industry is transitioning from traditional film to OTT services, with increased demand for scripted TV content. Despite challenges, India's diverse content and growing economy suggest a promising future for original local content.
Kuala Lumpur’s home of Chinese food
The author expresses a passion for authentic Chinese food and shares a personal discovery of CWZJ Cuisine in Kuala Lumpur, which provided a satisfying dining experience comparable to that found in Penang. Located in Kuchai Lama, CWZJ Cuisine is recommended for its good food, and the author advises booking ahead due to its popularity, especially on weekends.
Grab Your Popcorn
Southeast Asia's cinematic traditions, while often overshadowed by other cultural attractions, have produced internationally acclaimed works. The article highlights recent successes and notable films from the region available on Netflix, including the feminist body horror 'Tiger Stripes' by Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu, the culinary drama 'Hunger' by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri, the Indonesian action film 'The Big Four' by Timo Tjahjanto, 'Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash' directed by Edwin, 'Dear David' by Lucky Kuswandi, the dark comedy 'Spilt Gravy On Rice' by Zahim Albakri, and the demonic horror 'Roh' by Emir Ezwan. These films touch on various themes and genres, reflecting the rich seam of filmmaking creativity in Southeast Asia.
Coffee farmers in Malaysia hope to plant the seeds of tourism in a remote corner of Sarawak, Borneo
In Long Banga, Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, coffee farmers are cultivating Malaysian liberica coffee as a signature product to attract tourists and improve their livelihoods. The liberica variety, known for its smoky flavor and floral aroma, is less common than arabica and robusta but well-suited to Southeast Asia's lowlands. The region's history with coffee dates back to the 19th century, but recent international recognition and local initiatives are renewing interest in its production. Anthropologist Alasdair Clayre and Earthlings Coffee co-founder Dr Kenny Lee Wee Ting are working with the community to develop a sustainable coffee economy. The Department of Agriculture Sarawak has supported the effort by donating seedlings to farmers. Beyond coffee, Long Banga offers cultural experiences and natural attractions, with potential for tourism development.
The best places to experience Singapore’s artistic side
Singapore, often not recognized for its liberal arts, has hidden gems that offer a fresh perspective on the city-state's arts and cultural scene. Historically, the People's Action Party has closely monitored local arts since the 1970s, with a focus on shielding Singapore from Western 'yellow culture' influences, including long hair and hippie culture, which led to bands like Led Zeppelin being barred from performing in the country.
Try Joo Chiat Food & Cafes in 2023
Joo Chiat, known for its Peranakan shophouses, offers a variety of attractions including Retrocrates for vinyl enthusiasts, The Intan for a glimpse into Peranakan culture, and the Eurasian Heritage Gallery for historical artefacts. For accommodations, Hotel 81 Sakura, Ibis Budget Joo Chiat, and Venue Hotel The Lily provide budget-friendly options with cultural themes and convenient access to local amenities.
Secondary Benefits
Busan, South Korea's second city, is often overshadowed by Seoul but offers a wealth of attractions beyond its cinematic fame from 'Train to Busan' and the Busan International Film Festival. The city boasts the famous Haeundae Beach, the Sea Life Busan Aquarium, the Jagalchi fish market, BIFF Square, the Busan Museum of Movies, Gukje Market, the Busan Modern History Museum, the colorful Gamcheon village, the scenic Igidae Coastal Walk, and Gwangalli Beach with its unique view of the Gwangnam Bridge and drone shows. Busan's rich heritage as a fishing port and its vibrant cultural scene make it a worthy destination for travelers.
MYAirline Review: Is It the Right Choice for Your Next Trip?
MYAirline, a new Malaysian low-cost carrier, has been positively reviewed for its cheap fares, punctuality, and hassle-free check-in process. The airline, which started operations at the end of 2022, has already carried over a million passengers and is expanding its reach with international flights starting June 28, 2023. Despite some concerns over seat comfort due to fuel-saving measures, MYAirline is considered a strong competitor to AirAsia, offering more legroom and reasonable luggage upgrade prices. The airline is expected to grow its fleet and destinations, becoming a significant player for Southeast Asia-bound travelers.
Screen Grabs
South Korean cinema and TV series have gained international acclaim, particularly after the movie 'Parasite' won four Oscars. Netflix offers a variety of South Korean shows that have been successful globally, such as 'Squid Game', 'Hellbound', 'Kingdom', 'The Glory', 'All of Us Are Dead', and 'Money Heist Korea'. These series cover themes from class disparity and capitalism to historical fiction and school bullying, often blending genres like horror, drama, and thriller. 'Squid Game' and 'Hellbound' broke viewership records, while 'The Glory' became the top show worldwide on Netflix in early 2023.
Motorbike odyssey started Doo-Baki, Gyeongju’s best budget hotel
Sunghmin Han, a former salaryman from Korea, left his corporate life to travel the world on a Royal Enfield motorbike. His journeys took him from Russia to South America, where he learned valuable life lessons and experienced the kindness of strangers. Sunghmin channeled his experiences into creating Doo-Baki Guesthouse in Gyeongju, South Korea, a budget-friendly haven for travelers that reflects the joy and community he found on the road. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunghmin remains committed to his vision of a communal space where knowledge and skills can be exchanged for accommodation.
Lucky 13 tips for travelling through South Korea on the cheap
Traveling through South Korea can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Utilize the metro from the airport, purchase a T Money Card for public transportation, check roaming data plans before buying a SIM card, and consider a Korea Rail Pass for train travel. Opt for lower-class train tickets or buses for cheaper fares, stay in pensions with kitchens, eat at convenience stores, and look for kimbap for affordable meals. Experience a jjimjilbang for an inexpensive overnight stay, take advantage of Culture Day for free or discounted cultural activities, rent hiking gear at no cost, and remember to get a tax refund on purchases.
Not Ready For Everest? Try These 5 Nepal Hiking Routes Instead
For travelers to Nepal not ready for the challenging Everest Base Camp trek, there are five alternative hiking routes offering stunning views and varying levels of difficulty. These include a city hike from Boudnath to Kopan Monastery, a Himalayan view trek to Nagarkot, a climb to Pulchowki Hill's summit, the reopened Langtang Trek in Langtang National Park, and the culturally rich Indigenous People's Trail through the Ramechhap district. Accommodations along these routes range from local guest houses to the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, enhancing the trekking experience.
Penang’s Six Best Beaches, Our Choice
Penang is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, but also offers beautiful beaches and islands. The article recommends six beaches: Batu Ferringhi, known for its long stretch of beach; Gertak Sanggul, a less known beach with local seafood; Monkey Beach and Pantai Kerachut in Penang National Park, known for white sands and a turtle sanctuary; Pantai Pasir Panjang, an unspoiled beach; Pantai Malindo, known for sunset views; and Pulau Aman, famous for seafood and its historical Golden Well.
Penang’s Six Best Beaches, Our Choice
Penang is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, but also offers beautiful beaches and islands. Batu Ferringhi, once a hippie hangout, now features upscale resorts but retains a public beach. Gertak Sanggul is a less-known beach with local seafood restaurants. Monkey Beach and Pantai Kerachut are located in Penang National Park and offer natural beauty and camping opportunities. Pantai Pasir Panjang is praised as Penang's best beach despite the littering issue. Pantai Malindo is known for its sunset views, and Pulau Aman is celebrated for its seafood and historical sites.
Cycling to Borneo’s indigenous heart
The article recounts a cycling tour in Marudi, a small settlement on the Baram River in northeastern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, aimed at cultural immersion with the indigenous Orang Ulu and Dayak people. Organized by 1StopBorneo Wildlife, the tour supports reforestation and wildlife welfare programs. The journey includes experiencing local hospitality, traditional longhouses, and the historical significance of Marudi, including Fort Hose and the Baram Regatta. The tour also offers a taste of local cuisine, such as ayam pansuh, and ends with a traditional Iban dance performance.
The handmade paper that lasts 800 years
The article discusses the Zó project, a social enterprise founded by Tran Hong Nhung in Hanoi, Vietnam, aimed at reviving the ancient art of making Dó paper. This handmade, chemical-free paper, which can last up to 800 years, was once a staple for Vietnamese folk art but has been threatened by industrialization. The Zó project supports local villagers in Suoi Co by providing them with employment and preserving the traditional papermaking technique. The paper is made from the bark of rhamnoneuron balansae trees, requiring abundant water, space, and time. Despite challenges such as urbanization and pollution, the project has found success in training villagers and creating a sustainable business model, with plans to expand into an artist retreat. The article highlights the importance of cultural heritage and the difficulties faced by social enterprises in Vietnam.
Michelle Yeoh’s success masks struggle of Malaysian film industry
Michelle Yeoh's historic win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards has sparked a debate on inclusion in Malaysia's film industry, which faces challenges due to its ethnic diversity and fragmented market. The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) was established to support local films, but box office success is often influenced by ethnic majority preferences. Minority filmmakers have found success abroad, and streaming services like Netflix are helping local films reach wider audiences. Censorship remains an issue, with some films facing bans. Industry insiders call for more support and inclusivity to help Malaysian cinema thrive without the need for talent to go overseas.
Elephant safaris in a plantation? In Sabah, Malaysia, new project lets tourists and pygmy elephants interact at a distance
In Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia, a unique conservation project within a softwood plantation is allowing tourists to ethically observe endangered pygmy elephants from a distance. The Plant4BorneoElephants initiative, a collaboration between 1StopBorneo Wildlife and Sabah Softwoods Berhad, aims to raise funds for reforesting a wildlife corridor to the Danum Valley Conservation Area. The project, which includes elephant safaris and overnight stays, is designed with animal sustainability in mind, requiring a minimum observation distance and controlled interactions by rangers. Profits from the safaris support the planting of native trees and fruit species, providing safe passage for elephants and other wildlife. The initiative also serves as an educational and economic boost for the local community, creating jobs and adding value to the presence of elephants.
How Indonesia’s Komodo dragons found themselves at the centre of a livelihood vs conservation debate
Labuan Bajo, a town near Komodo National Park in Indonesia, is experiencing rapid development due to tourism, which is both a boon and a challenge for the local community. The Indonesian government's attempt to increase the park's entry fee to enhance conservation efforts has led to protests from locals who rely on tourism for their livelihood. The fee hike was postponed to January 2023 after peaceful demonstrations. President Joko Widodo has suggested focusing on conservation on Komodo and Padar islands while promoting more affordable tourism on Rinca Island. The debate continues on finding a balance between conservation and tourism, with concerns about the impact on the broader region of Flores.
Malaysian Unesco World Heritage site has oldest relics of human settlement outside Africa but is largely unknown and severely neglected – why?
Lenggong Valley in Malaysia, a UNESCO World Heritage site with the oldest human settlement relics outside Africa, remains underdeveloped and neglected. Despite efforts by locals like Ng Hock Sen and Adrian Abu Bakar, initiatives have been ineffective, with empty kiosks and unused bus stops. The valley's archaeological significance, including the Perak Man, the oldest human skeleton in Southeast Asia, is not fully leveraged due to limited funding, lack of public transport, and poor maintenance. Jurisdictional issues and a lack of local appreciation contribute to the problem. Nasir Jalaludin's boutique accommodation, Rumah Tiang 16, and Think City's Cultural Economy Catalytic Grants Programme offer some hope for revitalizing tourism and heritage appreciation in Lenggong.
Indonesia’s first IMAX movie, Satan’s Slaves: Communion, sequel to director Joko Anwar’s 2017 horror hit, adds depth to his ‘cinematic universe’
Indonesia's first IMAX movie, 'Satan’s Slaves: Communion', is a sequel to Joko Anwar's 2017 horror hit, which itself was a remake of a 1980 Indonesian cult horror film. The sequel continues the story of the Suwono family and their encounters with supernatural forces, set a few years after the first film in a city apartment building. The film features the same lead actors and explores Islamic undercurrents, with Joko Anwar emphasizing the strength of female characters in Indonesian genre movies. Despite a modest budget, the production faced challenges such as finding a suitable filming location and completing unfinished building floors for the set.
On Malaysia’s toughest trek, through Malayan tiger’s last refuge
Angie Ng, the only female professional mountain guide in Taman Negara, leads a group of adventurers on a 71km trek through one of Southeast Asia's last remaining wildernesses. The trek, which spans seven days and crosses the 130-million-year-old rainforest, is considered Malaysia's toughest and a significant achievement within the Malaysian hiking community. The journey offers encounters with diverse wildlife, including the endangered Malayan tiger, and challenges such as multiple river fordings and steep, muddy trails. Despite the physical demands, the trek provides unique and remote natural vistas, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for the region's threatened species.
Malaysian Oscar hope Prebet Sapu explores race relations and shattered dreams in Kuala Lumpur’s dark underbelly
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has selected Muzzamer Rahman's film Prebet Sapu to represent Malaysia at the 94th Academy Awards in the Best International Film Category. The film, which has been recognized at various international film festivals, tells the story of Aman, a Malay man who faces challenges in Kuala Lumpur after moving from the countryside. Prebet Sapu, which also stars Lim Mei Fen and features established Malaysian actors, explores themes of race relations and urbanization. It continues the legacy of Malaysia's cinematic New Wave and is set to open in Malaysian cinemas as the industry recovers from Covid-19 lockdowns.
How planting fig trees could make Sabah, in Malaysian Borneo, Asia’s top wildlife tourism destination and help restore its forests
Planting fig trees in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is proposed as a solution to fight deforestation and create wildlife corridors, potentially making the region Asia’s top wildlife tourism destination. Fig trees attract a diverse range of wildlife and fruit more regularly than other trees, offering a consistent food source. Efforts by organizations like the Borneo Rhino Alliance and 1StopBorneo Wildlife, as well as initiatives like the Bukit Piton Orangutan Project, are underway to plant fig trees to support wildlife and develop sustainable tourism. The Sabah Forestry Department supports these activities, which could serve as a model for reforestation strategies elsewhere.
Meet the Malaysian skinheads who are fighting off the subculture’s fascist stereotypes and striving to laud the 1960s scene’s original anti-racist ideals
See Up To 120 Meteors Per Hour, A Planet Parade, And More In December's Night Sky
The article highlights astronomical events expected to occur in December, including meteor showers that could result in up to 120 meteors per hour being visible. Additionally, the article mentions a planetary alignment where four planets and the moon will align almost perfectly above the southern horizon. These events are of interest to stargazers and astronomers alike, offering a spectacular display in the night sky.
Paper tigers
The article is a travelogue that traces the locations featured in Anthony Burgess' first novel, 'Time for a Tiger', set in the Malaysian town of Kuala Kangsar. The author visits the Malay College where Burgess taught English, the Pavilion of the Iskandar Polo Club, and the Idris Club, which Burgess fictionalized as the Iblis Club. The writer also explores the town's colonial architecture, including a golden-domed clock tower and a post office, and notes the multi-ethnic character of the town, with Chinese shophouses and a variety of local cuisine. The article reflects on the changes since Burgess' time, particularly the increased prominence of Islam, as seen at the Ubudiah mosque. The author's journey is interspersed with references to characters and scenes from Burgess' novel, creating a blend of literary pilgrimage and travel narrative.
Spiritual dawn: Sunrise on Adam's Peak
The article describes the spiritual journey and experience of climbing Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka, a sacred mountain for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Standing at 2,243 meters, the mountain is a popular pilgrimage site, especially from December to May, when thousands of pilgrims ascend to see the sacred footprint at the summit. The author details the challenging hike, which starts from Dalhousie and can take between two and a half to four hours, aiming to reach the top by dawn. The journey is not just a physical challenge but also a spiritual experience, with pilgrims engaging in rituals and prayers. The article also provides practical information on how to get to Adam's Peak, suggesting the scenic train route across the Hill Country for its beauty.
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