Royal Albatross anchors at Resorts World Sentosa

A four-mast luxury tall ship will now feature prominently on the skyline of Singapore’s southern harbour precinct, as the Royal Albatross berthed at its new home at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). A 47-metre long tall ship and the first based in Singapore, the Royal Albatross will be the only luxury tall ship for charter in Asia and is expected to begin service by the middle of 2014.

While tall ships worldwide are largely used for cruising or cadet training, the Royal Albatross is specially designed for luxury corporate and private charter, as well as dockside events. With its distinct large, traditionally-rigged sails and 60,000 LED lights for night illumination, the vessel will add to the integrated resort’s skyline.

Welcoming the luxury tall ship, Mr Roger Lienhard, Senior Vice President of Attractions & Resort Sales at RWS, said: “Anchored at the prime waterfront location of RWS, the Royal Albatross will not only bolster Singapore’s leisure and maritime offerings, it will also augment the diverse range of event spaces at our integrated resort. We look forward to this partnership with Tall Ship Adventure in creating memorable moments for all our guests.”

Tailored guest experiences on board the Royal Albatross 

Mr Peter L. Pela, Tall Ship Adventure’s owner and managing director, said: “The Royal Albatross combines the romance of a magnificent tall ship with four masts, 22 sails, state-of-the-art safety, navigation, communications and full audio visual support while maintaining her historical and traditional elegance. Guests will be amazed when they step on board the ship. It’s an exhilarating and unforgettable experience sailing on a luxury tall ship.” 

The Royal Albatross is designed for event planners, MICE organisers or even high net worth individuals the opportunity to create experiences on a scale unlike any other, giving their guests something to remember and talk about after they disembark. 

“We couldn’t have found a better partner and prominent location to showcase our luxury tall ship, the Royal Albatross. The management and the operations team of RWS has made it possible for everyone in Singapore and its millions of visitors to view the Royal Albatross up close. This is particularly exciting, given Asia’s influence in the MICE event space. We’ve taken our time to find a great partner that understands Asia and most importantly, one that matches our drive, passion and aspiration.” added Mr Pela.

Built in 2001, Barquentine (Class-A) type Royal Albatross started her life in Chicago, cruising the Great Lakes prior to the beginning of an epic journey that brought her over 15,000 kilometres from the moderate climes of North America to the tropical waters of South East Asia. 

More than 360,000 man hours were invested in redesigning and refitting the ship. With spacious cabins below deck for overnight charters and customisable layouts on deck, a myriad of events can be tailored to meet the needs of clients. 

The man at the helm of the ship, Captain Mark Rothwell, is thrilled at her new home, saying: “The Royal Albatross is a true beauty and a perfect addition to the waterfront location, set against the Maritime Experiential Museum at RWS. We are glad to come onboard and look forward serving clients who seek the finer things in life. We are also planning training programmes to groom local talents, as well as creating special dockside activities for guests later this year.” 

Royal Albatross Cruising in Singapore

Guests may emberk or disembark at Resorts Worls Sentosa or Singapore Cruise Center. Above, you can see updated route for Royal Albatross. Sailing routes can be adapted to suit client needs. For example, Royal Albatross can sail to Lazarus Island along the southern shores of Sentosa Island, drop anchore in the sheltered waters of Lazarus surrounded by golden beach and enjoy dining in tropical tranquality.

A longer journey would be from Resorts World Sentosa to Bedok Jetty, sailing parallel to Singapore's south eastern shores.

Restore Hair Loss by ARTAS® Robotic hair transplantation and Revage 670 laser therapy

The Sloane Clinic, a leading chain of medical aesthetic clinics in Singapore and Malaysia providing advanced aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic solutionsnow now offers patients effective surgical and non-surgical hair restoration procedures specially designed to regain a full head of natural looking hair.

ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System
The effects of full or partial hair loss due to the typical genetic “pattern baldness” or other factors can not only greatly affect a person’s physical attractiveness but also his self-esteem. Hair transplantation has long been an option to restore receding hair lines. However, the invasiveness of traditional hair transplantation procedures and the lower success rates associated with manual methods have been deterrent factors for many. Now, these concerns are a thing of the past with the ARTAS® Robotic System, the first and only FDA-cleared, physician-controlled, computer-assisted technology that is able to safely and effectively extract hair follicles for transplantation during the hair restoration process.

Using advanced digital imagery technology, the ARTAS® Robotic system is capable to map and analyse the density, angle and growth direction of each natural grouping of hair, known as follicular units which typically contain one to four hair follicles. The system uses this information in conjunction with algorithms to identify which follicular unit is the best to extract. With the doctor’s guidance, the selected permanent follicular units are then precisely removed using the ARTAS® Robotic System’s image-guided robotics in a random fashion within the existing hair from the back or side of the head, called the “donor site”, so that those areas of the scalp maintain their natural appearance. The hair is then meticulously transplanted into the thinning areas by the doctor, based on the patient’s treatment goals, while leaving a natural-looking donor area behind.

The system’s robotic precision offers hair restoration doctors and patients unprecedented levels of safety, efficacy and patient comfort. With the ARTAS® Robotic System, the doctor is able to harvest follicles using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) in half the surgery time and with significantly lower transection rates (hairs that have been unintentionally damaged in the process of the hair transplantation procedure) than with manual FUE. This minimally invasive solution offers patients permanent results with no linear scar after the procedure, allowing patients to return to their normal activities in one to two days and wearing their hair in any style just like they once could. As a result of its unparalleled innovation in the field of hair science, the ARTAS system was honoured with a gold medal in the 26th Edison Awards Ceremony held in Chicago. The award celebrates creativity and excellence in achievement.

ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System

Revage 670 Laser for Hair Rejuvenation 
Those who desire a non-surgical hair restoration procedure that does not involve any prescription medications now have a new alternative – Revage 670 Laser. This FDA-approved low-level laser therapy is one of the newest breakthroughs in non-surgical hair restoration that utilizes Rotational PhotoTherapy (RPT) to rejuvenate thinning hair on both men and women.

The Revage 670 Laser contains thirty laser diodes that rotate 180 degrees around the scalp emitting painless cool laser energy to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles just beneath areas of thinning or balding scalp. The enhanced blood flow stimulates dormant hair follicles into the active growth phase, while encouraging cellular and tissue regeneration for thicker, suppler and more durable hair shafts.

Revage 670 Laser is tailored for both male and female hair loss and is suitable for all skin types, skin and hair colour. It is especially effective for women with diffuse pattern thinning (scattered hair loss) and general weakening of hair as the laser light works to thicken fine, miniaturized hair. Men who are starting to witness hair thinning, Revage 670 Laser can help to make their hair fuller and prevent more severe thinning and baldness. Clinical studies have shown that the Revage 670 Laser can increase hair density by 40% and an impressive 85% success rate in halting the progression of hair loss.

The Revage 670 hair rejuvenation treatment is easy to work into a busy schedule as treatments take as little as 30 minutes per session without any downtime. The recommended treatment protocol typically begins with a twice weekly treatment for the first six weeks, thereafter once weekly for the next sixteen weeks. Once hair growth has been observed, periodic maintenance treatments as advised by the doctor may be required to maintain the benefits of the treatment.

“We are excited to be one of the first few clinics in Asia to offer the revolutionary ARTAS® Robotic procedure and the Revage 670 laser. It is our aim to offer both male and female patients of all ages the most advanced hair restoration options that are precise, effective and comfortable in a convenient one-stop locale,” says Dr Low Chai Ling, Medical Director of The Sloane Clinic.

“We believe that true beauty transformation requires a holistic approach that needs to be nurtured from head to toe and providing holistic beauty treatments is key. With the introduction of ARTAS® Robotic hair transplant system and Revage 670 Laser, it completes our vision of offering a comprehensive menu of services from top to toe in a single stop,” Dr Low adds.

Hair restoration services including the ARTAS® Robotic hair transplant and Revage 670 laser therapy procedures are available at The Sloane Clinic™ ION branch, #03-08 ION Orchard, Tel: +65 6509 8108.
About The Sloane Clinic™

The Sloane Clinic™ is a chain of medical clinics, addressing aesthetic concerns for the skin, face and body. Its doctors constantly seek out and fuse the latest non-invasive cosmetic dermatology and cutting-edge plastic surgery techniques to help patients enhance their appearance, freeing them from the boundaries set by age and society. Whether it is a subtle enhancement or a dazzling makeover, The Sloane Clinic™, can answer them all with its comprehensive armamentarium of beauty innovations, dedicated medical aesthetic team, fully-trained plastic surgery team and wide range of skincare by Sloane Inc.

New Star Class Yachts of Windstar Cruises

Luxury small ship cruising company Windstar Cruises announced its new plans for its Star Class yachts – a collection of three all suite ships joining the fleet over the next two years. Windstar takes delivery of Star Pride on April 17, 2014, the first yacht of Windstar’s 2013 purchase of the three luxury cruise ships.

Star Legend & Star Breeze Introduction 
Windstar introduced Star Breeze and Star Legend, scheduled to join the Windstar fleet in May 2015. The yachts will spend their inaugural seasons in Europe, cruising new regions in Northern Europe, such as Iceland, as well as the Mediterranean.

“With only a maximum of 212 guests on board, these new Star Class yachts are the perfect fit for Windstar’s style of small ship cruising,” said Hans Birkholz, chief executive officer of Windstar Cruises. “All three of the new yachts will receive significant style changes and stem-to-stern upgrades to align with Windstar’s yacht style cruising.”

Star Pride Inaugural 
Star Pride will debut this year with its inaugural voyage and christening ceremony on May 5, 2014, in Barcelona, Spain, following a three-week transformation period. Mrs. Nancy Anschutz, wife of Mr. Phillip Anschutz, owner of Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, Windstar’s parent company, will be honored as Godmother of the yacht. Captain Alan MacAry, 15-year Windstar veteran will serve as master of Star Pride. The six-day inaugural voyage will sail from Barcelona, Spain to Rome, Italy with media, trade, and Windstar’s Yacht Club members on board.

“Star Pride is the first of the Star Class yachts, and we can’t wait to introduce a new era of Windstar Cruises,” said Birkholz. “We are honored to have Mrs. Anschutz serve in the prestigious role of Godmother. It’s fitting to have her christen Windstar’s first yacht in sixteen years as the Anschutz family has been an integral part of Windstar’s transformation the last few years.”

Windstar Cruises introduced Star Legend and Star Breeze 

Star Class Transformation 
The three power yachts are identical, with a guest capacity of 212 in 106 suites. At 10,000 gross tons, each yacht is 440 feet long with a breadth of 63 feet and six passenger decks. Windstar will take delivery of Star Breeze on April 15, 2015, followed by Star Legend on May 4, 2015, in Genoa, Italy. Both yachts will undergo a major transformation to public spaces, suites, and dining venues to fit Windstar’s style of small ship cruising. Windstar’s signature experiences, including the line’s famous deck barbecue gala, the Open Bridge experience, and the celebrated Sail Away party will be showcased on board.

Additionally, the Star Class yachts will introduce Windstar’s new Destination Suites. Each of the previous Owner Suites will be transformed into a signature Windstar destination. The suite will highlight cultural décor and local art work. For example, the Mykonos Suite on Star Pride will feature paintings showcasing scenic Mykonos views and Greek touches throughout the suite. Destination suites will eventually be implemented fleet-wide.

New Destinations 
The fleet expansion provides Windstar access to new destinations including Asia, in addition to the fifty countries the company already sails to. The 2015 Voyage Collection will open for sale on March 24, 2014. Star Pride will cruise the exotic wonders of Asia and Arabia with a unique five-voyage collection. Star Legend, sailing its inaugural voyage from Rome, Italy, on May 25, 2015 will cruise new itineraries in Northern Europe. One of the voyages, Land of the Midnight Sun, will originate in Reykjavík, Iceland, a first for Windstar. Star Breeze will begin its maiden voyage from Nice, France, on May 6, 2015. The yacht will spend the summer season in the Mediterranean.

“Doubling the size of our fleet gives us the freedom and the flexibility to expand our voyage collection to new destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Arabia, and Iceland among others; which is something our guests are asking for,” said Birkholz. “Additionally, these ships also allow us to visit beautiful new places in the Mediterranean, such as a scenic cruise down the Corinth Canal, something that was limited before due to the height of our sailing yachts.

For more information about Windstar’s new Star Class yachts, please visit Windstar’s website. To download renderings, please visit Windstar’s image library. To book a Windstar voyage, contact a travel professional, or call Windstar at 800-258-7245.

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships known for their intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three recently renovated sailing yachts carry just 148 to 310 guests and cruise to 50 nations, calling at 150 ports throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Central America. In May of 2014, Windstar will launch Star Pride, the first of three all suite yachts. The power yachts, with a capacity of 212 guests each, will double the size of Windstar’s fleet, making the company the market leader in small ship cruising with 300 or fewer passengers, with a total of 1,230 berths. The additional capacity will open up new itineraries such as voyages to Southeast Asia, Arabia, and beyond. Windstar was recently listed on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, coming in as the #3 cruise line in the world. For more information including rates and itineraries, contact a travel professional or call Windstar at 800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at WindstarCruises.com or Blog.WindstarCruises.com. Windstar Cruises can also be followed on Windstar’s Facebook and Twitter fan pages. Windstar Cruises is part of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, a diversified global travel and hospitality company.

Where to shop in Penang?

Antiques are popular must-buy items on most trips to the Penang island but with shopping podiums scattered all over and an abundance of street markets, Penang’s retail landscape is almost as comprehensive as Kuala Lumpur’s. Be sure to wander through the nooks and crannies along the narrow alleyways off Penang Road, Jalan Burmah and Lebuh Campbell – you’ll be surprised at the amazing finds you’ll encounter.

Here is a list of places to go for shopping in Penang. If you are planning to head to Penang, you may also want to check our where to stay in Penang post.

100 Cintra Street

A lovingly-restored late-1800s Chinese mansion that houses a tiny Peranakan museum with furniture and costumes depicting the Baba Nyonya heritage, 100 Cintra Street is a unique venture that doubles as a backpacker hostel. There’s an antiques bazaar on the ground floor – a collection of stalls retailing a variety of merchandise ranging from porcelain pieces and novelty drinking glasses to funky, assorted bric-a-brac.

Chowrasta Bazaar

In operation since the late 1800s, Chowrasta Bazaar is one of Penang’s most popular markets. It’s divided into a number of sections: the wet portion of the market (selling fresh meats including fish and vegetables) is the most popular amongst locals. Additionally, Penang food products such as traditional sweets and pickles can be bought at bargain prices here. On the second floor you’ll find second-hand books, wooden furniture and inexpensive sarees (traditional Indian costumes). You don’t have to shop to enjoy this strip: take a walk to soak in the lively ambiance.

Gurney Plaza

Gurney Plaza may not be the largest shopping mall in Georgetown, but it’s certainly the most flamboyant. There are a number of high end designer stores and shops selling the latest gadgets and gizmos but it’s the vast stretch of alfresco cafés and eateries in the courtyard between the mall and G Hotel that are so wildly popular. Entertainment offerings include the 12-screen Golden Screen Cinemas on the top floor – the north’s largest multiplex.

Him Heang Biscuit

Penang’s known for its local food products – and its most popular one happens to be the tau sar peah (ground green bean) biscuits. Located along Jalan Burmah, locals will tell you that Him Heang Biscuits makes the best ones and you should trust them; a large number of these famous Penang bakery-desserts are made to cater to the large droves of tourists who flock to the store. Besides tau sar peah (also known as tambun biscuits), there’s pnong pneah (pastry filled with caramel or molasses) and brown sugar tau sar peah (a Penang-only specialty).

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) and Prangin Mall JMB

The view from the observation deck at the top of Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) makes a trip here worthwhile. Penang’s tallest building has two department stores, hundreds of boutiques and some fast food restaurants; KOMTAR Walk (on the ground floor) recently experienced a facelift and now houses a collection of upmarket F&B outlets, a performance stage. It links Upper Penang Road with Prangin Mall – the only place in Georgetown with an ice rink.

Little Penang Street Market

Taking place every last Sunday of the month, the Little Penang Street Market is a small community project that was started in 2006. Clean and well-organized, it’s become an indispensable part of every local’s itinerary and a popular tourist must-visit. Stalls sell crafts and food but it’s the live music performances, cultural shows, visual art displays and book readings that really draws in the crowd. Vendors are all smiles, the atmosphere is vibrant and the street buzzes with activity throughout the day.

Penang Batik Factory

The place to head to if you’re looking for batik prints, beach sarongs as well as Indian fabrics and costumes, the Penang Batik Factory displays a vast collection of batik paintings and creations. Entrance is free and the batik works definitely merit a visit to the factory; demonstrations on how batik is made can be seen to the rear of the showroom.

Queensbay Mall

Featuring the same assortment of brands as Gurney Plaza (though there are more of them and they boast a wider selection) Queensbay Mall is Penang’s latest and largest shopping podium. Located on Persiaran Bayan Baru, it’s conveniently located near the airport (from Georgetown it’s roughly a short drive down the island’s eastern side) and there’s also a good selection of eateries and electronics stores plus Golden Screen Cinemas has an outlet within the mall.

What to see in Phuket? What to do in Phuket?

If Phuket shines in only one particular area (which is of course not the case) it would have to be in the ‘What to See’ category. The island is teeming with fascinating sights, attractions and curiosities that may seem perfectly normal to locals but are riveting to the western mindset. Some, like Phang Nga Bay are wonders of Nature while others, such as Phuket FantaSea are most definitely contrived by man. Either way, they’re out there waiting for you.

If you are planning to go to Phuket, you may also want to check our where to stay in Phuket post.

Phang Nga Bay
The first impression airplane passengers have of the island when they look down during the descent to Phuket Airport is that it is a wonderland. Yet, strictly speaking what they’re seeing isn’t Phuket: It’s the fantastic world of Phang Nga Bay. With limestone karsts rising vertically out of the waters of the bay like petrified cathedrals and a plethora of wildlife it’s no wonder that visitors are wowed by Mother Nature. Day tours operate from Phuket allowing visitors to kayak in and out of the caves.

Phuket FantaSea
An intoxicating blend of legend, myth, imagination and pure show business with a twist of history thrown in to make the final result even spicier, Phuket FantaSea is a heady brew that fascinates visitors to Phuket. Flying elephants wisecracking Siamese twins, jaw-dropping airborne spectacles performed by acrobats and mock battles are just a few elements of this extravaganza. FantaSea is also a theme park and contains a bazaar, one of the largest buffets in Asia and a ‘Palace of Elephants’. Wheelchair friendly.

Bangla Road Nightlife
To some, it’s depraved, others claim they can take it or leave it, but to others Bangla Road’s nightlife is the height of sensual pleasure. Every night starting about nine o’clock, someone takes a figurative firework, lights it and steps quickly away as the whole place ‘burns’ fast and bright with sexy girls beckoning passersby into their ‘bar beers’ while music – live or otherwise – pounds out of doorways and mingles with other sounds of the night creating a chaotic and exhilarating atmosphere in which anything goes.

Old Phuket Town
Once the hub of island life, nowadays visiting the old quarter of Phuket Town is akin to touring a real-life museum. With its distinctive Sino-Colonial architecture, the quarter displays what life was like over 100 years ago when tin was king in Phuket and immigrant Chinese families threw their all into the tin mining industry. Slowly but surely old Phuket Town is being restored and a stroll down Thalang, Phang Nga and Dibuk roads as well as Soi Romani is time well spent if you are interested in history.

Simon Cabaret
This is a spectacular display of originality and fun by an all-transvestite cast. Patong’s Simon Cabaret is one of Southeast Asia’s outstanding entertainment attractions. A single show runs the entire range of musical theatre from cultures around the world. Okay, so it’s not Las Vegas but for many it’s the first time they’ve been up close and personal with a ‘ladyboy’ or katoey as they’re known locally. Please note that performers are renowned for collaring members of the audience after the show, posing for a photo with them and demanding money for it.

Big Buddha
Phuket's Big Buddha is one of the island's most important and revered landmarks. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and at 45 metres high it is easily seen from far away. The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island (think sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon beaches, Chalong Bay, and more.) Easily reachable via a six-kilometre road leading from Phuket's main artery, it's a must-visit island destination.

Thai Boxing
Often exhilarating and always riveting, Muay Thai - or Thai Boxing - is the most intensive body contact sport in the world, Muay Thai has taken on a new twist in that a number of foreign fighters have come to train and compete in Thailand. Patong has two Thai boxing venues, one on Soi Sai Namyen that has shows every Monday and Thursday - showtime 21:00 to 23:30 and at Bangla Boxing Stadium behind the Millennium Hotel at Jungceylon on Sai Kor Road which features fights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 21:00 - 23:00.

Wat Chalong 
Wat Chalong has been extending a warm welcome to visitors for over a century. Locals come to pray and Westerners come to learn something about Buddhism. The most revered and impressive of Phuket’s 29 temples, it is dedicated to two highly venerated monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang who helped heal many miners with their knowledge of herbal medicine during a tin miners’ rebellion in 1876. When visiting please dress respectfully with no revealing garments.

Best Activities in Phuket

Well of course most of your Phuket holiday will be revolving around doing nothing in the beach other than swimming and sunbathing. But Phuket also has a wide range of activities: as a tropical island it has all sorts of possibilities when it comes to land and at sea activities. The Top 10 below has been composed according to the tastes and choices of most people visiting the island and whether it’s snorkelling, mini-golf or cable waterskiing you are sure to find an activity according to your taste. If not, there’s always sunbathing...

Scuba Diving

Diving in Phuket and liveaboards in Thailand, the Andaman Sea offers dive sites considered to be among the top ten scuba destinations in the world. It boasts crystal clear water, spectacular reefs and rock formations, plus a colourful selection of marine life.

Spa/Massage

In Asia, spa has evolved into a concept focussing on the spiritual and natural, drawing from traditions of meditation, respect for nature and the desire to achieve physical and mental well being, the key to maintaining health and beauty. Phuket's spa scene will surely meets your need for relaxation. This especially one of the best activities in Phuket when it is raining.

Phuket Golf Courses

Golf instructors tell students to hit the ball in the sweet spot, and that's sensible advice. For golfers of every standard, Phuket is probably the sweetest spot of all for hitting a golf ball. While other destinations in Thailand are also home to good courses, only in Phuket is it possible to enjoy first-rate golf, plus sun-drenched beaches and coral-reef diving, all close to fine cuisine and a varied nightlife.

Snorkelling

The tropical waters of the Andaman Sea are ideal for snorkelling - clear, calm, balmy and bursting with brilliant marine life. Snorkelling can be done year-round in Phuket, but the best time of year is November-April. At some beaches it is possible to rent snorkelling gear for the day, and many shops around the island sell a range of masks, snorkels and fins.

Surfing

In case you didn't know it, Phuket's West Coast is gaining a reputation as a surf destination. Okay, so this is no Waikiki, and surfers here would be the first to admit that, but the island's West Coast is the best place for surfing in Thailand. There are three main annual surf contests in Phuket. 

Phuket snorkeling

Thai Boxing

One of the most popular spectator sports in Thailand is the martial art of Muay Thai. Exciting enough on TV - the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks and artful feints are even more riveting when seen live. Phuket has a lot of training camps open to all ages and genders. The training programmes cater for those who simply desire to improve their health and boxing skills.

Dino Park

Dino Park is a mini-golf course and restaurant located right in between Karon and Kata beaches on the Beach Road itself. The 18-hole course is themed on dinosaurs and has many large and life-like cement dino statues, along with an erupting ‘volcano’ as well as a Flintstones-themed restaurant.

Splash Jungle

Unmatched in southern Thailand, Splash Jungle Waterpark at Mai Kao Beach offers a great day out on exciting water slides, rides and more all in one themed water park. If you’re looking for a place to take the kids for an exciting and invigorating day out, Splash Jungle is the perfect destination. 

Twitter user @nikhezrin posted ticket for flight MH370

Twitter user @nikhezrin shared a photo showing a photo of a ticket for flight MH370 with title "Relax je aku miss flight #MH370". The photo went viral on Twitter and shared by many without questioning whether it was a ticket to the unfortunate flight of today (there was no date and time on the photo).

1 hour later, he has posted another tweet saying "appreciate your concern. But please investigate before you believe in something you read/ see/ share. It obvious that there is no date in the picture but you simply assume. Disappointed with you guys".

Well Mr. Nikhezrin something. You are the dissapointing creature here, using a gross tragedy like this to "joke" (Relax je aku miss flight #MH370) and draw attention to your pityful self  (and your twitter account).

In the internet, you can see some people who seem to really miss the flight. Tweeter user Kaiden IV, wrote "@Cylithria can't reach you by phone. We missed the flight. Rory and I are OKAY Ria. I'm NOT ON THE FLIGHT RIA. IM OK."

"I was very angry at Ria, because she'd gotten sick and I had to cover her. I was working on that, missed my flight to China. Grew angrier." he wrote.

Twitter user nikhezrin, showing his ticket for MH 0370.

Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight went missing

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 carrying 239 people from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing went missing early Saturday according to Malaysia Airlines. MH370 had lost contact with Subang Air Traffic Control at 2.40 am today. There has been speculation that the aircraft has landed at Nanming and as of the writing of this post, Malaysia Airlines is still working to verify the authenticity of the report and others.

Flight MH370 was operated on a Boeing 777-200 aircraft. It departed Kuala Lumpur at 12.41 am earlier this morning bound for Beijing. The aircraft was scheduled to land at Beijing International Airport at 6.30am local Beijing time. The flight was carrying a total number of 239 passengers and crew – comprising 227 passengers (including 2 infants), 12 crew members. The passengers were of 14 different nationalities, majority of them Chinese Nationals (153 people). The flight was a code share with China Southern Airlines.

The flight was piloted by Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah, a Malaysian aged 53. He has a total flying hours of 18,365 hours. He joined Malaysia Airlines in 1981. First officer, Fariq Ab.Hamid, a Malaysian, is aged 27. He has a total flying hours of 2,763 hours. He joined Malaysia Airlines in 2007.

The flight information board in Beijing showing MH370 in red.

"The fact that there was absolutely no distress signal is very disturbing,” a former United Airlines pilot, Ross Aimer said in Al-Jazeera. “This is almost unprecedented that we lose an aircraft in such a way … In that area of the world, over Vietnam, there is sporadic radar coverage to begin with,” he said. “It is disturbing that there was absolutely no communication from the aircraft.”

A statement posted on the official Vietnamese government website said the flight disappeared in Vietnamese airspace. [1] Unfortunately, Tuoi Tre, a leading daily in Vietnam, reports that the Vietnamese Navy has confirmed the plane crashed into the ocean.  According to Navy Admiral Ngo Van Phat, Commander of the Region 5, military radar recorded that the plane crashed into the sea at a location 153 miles South of Phu Quoc island.[2]

Although financially troubled, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has suffered only a few accidents in its history and holds a good record for safety. The latest major accident MAS had was in 1977 when one of its jets crashed in southern Malaysia, killing all 93 passengers and seven crew.[3] Aviation experts have expressed surprise at the sudden loss of contact with the missing Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which has an almost flawless safety record. [4]

[1] - Malaysia Airlines hunts for missing plane carrying 239
[2] - #PrayForMH370: Navy has confirmed plane crashed into sea, says Vietnam media
[3] - Malaysian Airlines missing flight: Live Report
[4] - Malaysia Airlines: experts surprised at disappearance of 'very safe' Boeing 777

Where to shop in Phuket?

Phuket is not a shopping destination. When the first shopping mall opened in Phuket not long time ago, locals asked “Where is it all leading to?” Nowadays, with Phuket more developed, malls are ubiquitous but happily have not smothered the Thai traditional market life on the island. Thai people like to ‘group’ their shops so that if you are looking for a particular item there will be several shops selling on the same street.

If you are planning to go to Phuket, you may also want to check our where to stay in Phuket post.

Central Festival Phuket
Located just outside the western perimeter of Phuket Town, Central Festival Phuket with its 120,000sqm is a state-of-the-art shopping mall with hundreds of outlets, a multi-screen SFX cinema, franchise restaurants and of course the eponymous Central Department Stall. If you take the time to compare prices here with western ones you’ll see that there are bargains to be had in name-brand goods plus you can claim 7% VAT back at the airport if you request for and fill out the correct papers.

Jungceylon
Jungceylon in Patong has more than 300 shops in it and uses 200,000 sqm of space. At its core is the two-storey Carrefour with household, food and fashion items. Carrefour also features many massage and beauty centres with reasonable prices as well as a Robinson’s department store with a good range of beauty and scented products as well as a colourful children’s section. Jungceylon often features fashion shows and has daily fountain displays.

Weekend Market (Talad Tairod) 
‘Talad Tairod’ translates as ‘car boot sale’ but nowadays this busy market has moved on from cars lined up selling dodgy goods. Thai markets are as much a social event as a commercial one so be prepared for lots of smiles and bartering. For sale are jeans, T-shirts, custom jewelry, artificial flowers, DVDs, sports shoes and a lot of secondhand goods. And of course a Thai market would not be complete without lots of delicious snacks.

Talad Tairod

Jim Thompson
Jim Thompson was an American businessman who, in the 1950s and 60s helped revitalise the Thai silk industry. He mysteriously disappeared from Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967 but his business momentum has carried on and nowadays the name Jim Thompson is synonymous with high-quality silk items as diverse as shirts to bed sheets to toys. There are currently six Jim Thompson outlets in Phuket: Canal Village Laguna, Katathani Beach Resort, Central Festival Phuket, Le Meridien Phuket, Turtle Village (Mai Khao Beach) and at Phuket Airport.

Phuket Indy Market
The Indy Phuket Market is on a small lane off Dibuk Road, just next to the well-known Lemongrass Restaurant, down what locals call Limelight Avenue. Items for sale here include handcrafted fashion jewelry, flowers, and customised towels as well as key rings and figurines. It’s all very creative and is undeniably a lot of fun, with live music and a laid back feel to it.

Phuket Old Town Handicraft Shops
Phuket’s Old Town is not only a picturesque and fascinating place to explore; it also features atmospheric handicraft stores as well as textile shops where bargains are to be had. Locally made handicrafts alongside Tibetan items are found along these streets and along Phang Nga and Yaowarat roads several artists have set up studios that sell classic as well as more modern-themed works.

Banzaan Market
Many visitors will enjoy exploring Banzaan Market in Patong, a modern-looking Thai fresh market on Nanai Road, right behind the megamall Jungceylon. Basically, you can get anything that one would expect from a local market here but in a much more pleasant environment. Prices are reasonable. The large building was designed by Chinese and Western architects and it features contemporary décor and style.

Premium Outlet Phuket
The shops at Premium Outlet Phuket on the Bypass Road deal in guaranteed brand-name clothing and sports accessories at bargain prices. Apart from Thai brands, other articles on sale include Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Hush Puppies, Warner Bros, Pierre Cardin, Van Heusen, Levi’s, Lee, Nautica, Adidas and Nike and feature discounts of up to 70%. It’s an attractive, open-plan designed shop kept at a constant cool temperature.

What to eat in Bangkok? Where to eat in Bangkok?

Thai food needs little introduction. Blending elements of several Southeast Asian traditions, Thai Cuisine is one of the most robust and flavorsome of all Asian cuisines. A true delight to the senses, traditional Thai cuisine is characterized by its blend of hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors - and its abundant use of fresh vegetables, grains, fruits, legumes, nuts and fish.

Although there are literally countless dishes to try in Bangkok, there are some must-try ones while you visit Thailand. The below list spans everything from staple backpacker favourites to Thai classics. Although some of them may sound familiar, don’t be surprised if they taste nothing like what you usually find back home.

If you are planning to visit Bangkok, you may also want to check our where to stay in Bangkok post.

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) 
A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce. Tom Yam is a versatile dish that can fit within virtually any meal – its invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams 'Thailand'!

Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)
From Cape Town to Khao San Road, the default international Thai dish. Dropped in a searing hot wok, fistfuls of small, thin noodles do a steamy minute-long dance alongside crunchy bean sprouts, spring onions and egg, before disembarking for the nearest plate.

Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling.

Thai Green Curry Chicken
Aromatic and beautiful, this is an absolutely delicious Thai dish and a must try.

Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry) 
Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling.

Som Tam – (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) 
Hailing from the Northeast (Isan), this outlandish dish is both great divider - some can't get enough of its bite, some can't handle it – and greatly distinctive. Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry tomatoes and shredded raw papaya get dramatically pulverized in a pestle and mortar, so releasing a rounded sweet-sour-spicy flavour that's not easily forgotten.

Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)
A mild, tamer twist on Tom Yam, this iconic soup infuses fiery chilies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. Topped off with fresh lime leaves, it's a sweet-smelling concoction, both creamy and compelling.

Pak Boong Fai Daeng (Stir-fried Morning Glory) 
The leafy plant with hollow green stems and thin fragile leaves forms the main component of this super easy favourite. Cloves of garlic and birds eye chilies join it in a wok alongside oyster sauce, fish sauce and fermented bean. A few lazy stirs, and it's done!

What to eat in Bangkok? Where to eat in Bangkok?

While taking about the food in Bangkok, we also should talk about where to eat in Bangkok. With so many possibilities just outside your hotel’s doorstep, you might wonder how best to experience it all. Whether you are looking for style, ambience, flavour that defies any adjectives you know, or a brush with world-recognised celebrity chefs, Bangkok has got a whole lot to offer. So what are Bangkok Best restaurants? We tried many and it took a while but so far here are our favourites.

Eat Me - Between Silom and Sathorn

Eat Me - The name is less of a suggestion and more a promise of something irresistible. This gallery and restaurant on Soi Convent in Silom lives up to its name by serving mouth-watering modern international food, good drinks and some very tasty desserts. The restaurant has been wowing the crowds for years which is no mean feat given Bangkok’s fickle dining scene and even fickler diners. Things are kept things fresh with ever-changing art exhibitions, an inventive menu and a smart casual dress code. Tel: +66 (0)2 260 2962 Location: 1/6 Pipat Soi 2, Convent Rd, Silom BTS: Sala Daeng MRT: Silom

Soul Food - Thai 

It might seem controversial, but one of the best Thai restaurants in the city is run by an American. Soul Food

Mahanakorn serves up popular regional dishes in the cosy wood-lined restaurant on Thong Lor, only five minutes’ walk from the BTS. If you are looking for a great evening with delicious food and no pretentions then this is the place to go. Open: Sunday – Thursday from 17:30 to 23:00 and Friday and Saturday from 17:30 to 00:00 Tel: +66 (0)2 7147708 Location: 56/10 Sukhumvit Soi Thonglor BTS: Thong Lor

Issaya Siamese Club - Thai 

Standing proudly in the middle of a luscious green garden, this 100-years-old house with its wooden verandah and old fashioned staircase instantly sets a romantic mood, making it a perfect place for duo dining. This is not another pretty tourist place: Thais, expats and the few travelers who make the effort to discover it are unanimous - the combined charm of a heritage house, exceptional service and the renowned culinary flair of Chef Ian Kittichai makes Issaya Siamese Club an outstanding restaurant. Open: 11:30-15:00 Sundays Tel: +66 (0)2 126 8866 Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS: Ratchadamri 

Le Beaulieu at Plaza Athenee - French

For many years, Le Beaulieu has been a name synonymous of great French Cuisine in the busy Sukhumvit. After being closed for a while, Chef Herve Frerard comes back with a more stylish venue at the Le Meridien Plaza Athenee on Chidlom, the perfect match for an elegant and sophisticated restaurant addressing to the ever demanding Bangkok young gourmets. Open: 11.30 - 2.30 pm , 6.30 pm - 11.30 pm, Closed on Sunday Tel: +66 (0)2 168 8220 Location: Athénée Tower (Lobby), 3 Wireless Road (ask for Plaza Athénée Hotel

Bo Lan - Thai 

Recognised for many years as one of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok, Bo Lan is not your everyday local eatery. This is the kind of place to invite your discerning friends or when you want to impress visitors who think they tried it all before. The name 'Bo.Lan' comes from the two chefs 'Bo' (Duangporn Songvisava) and 'Dylan Jones' who were both inspired and worked under the supervision of Michelin stared chef David Thompson at Nahm London. Open: 11:00-02:00 Tel: +66 (0)2 628 8382-3 Location: Samsen Soi 3, near Rama VIII Bridge, Old City

D'Sens at Dusit Thani - French 

D'Sens at the well known Dusit Thani Hotel is an exceptional French Restaurant in Silom, perfect for a special occasion, a birthday or an anniversary. The restaurant offers beautiful views on Lumpini Park and Rama IV road from the 21st floor and the food is an unforgettable experience. Another reason for our going there is that the Dusit Thani is home of the famous Cordon Bleu Cooking School, so it's a truly special place and our expectations were rather high. Open: Monday to Friday 11:30 - 14:00, 18:00 - 22:00 - Closed Saturday Lunch Closed on Sunday Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9000 ext. 2499 Location: Dusit Thani Bangkok BTS: Sala Daeng

Nahm - Thai

Consistently ranked among the finest restaurants in the world, and with a Michelin star chef at the helm, Nahm serves Thai cuisine prepared according to ancient recipes with a focus on how the flavours and textures of premium quality ingredients interact together. Whether you are a longstanding visitor to Bangkok or it is your first time eating traditional Thai food, Nahm will both surprise and delight you with fantastic dishes. Open: Lunch - 12:00 – 14:00, Dinner 19:00 – 22:30 Tel: +66 (0) 625 3333 Location: Ground Floor, The Metropolitan Hotel, 27 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok

Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin at Siam Kempinski - Thai

Sra Bua a fine-dining restaurant that serves cutting edge Thai cuisine unlike any you will have ever seen before. Well-known Thai favourites have been turned inside out, and every dish is a treat for the eyes – as well as the taste buds. Located on the ground floor of the Siam Kempinski Hotel, Sra Bua restaurant has high ceilings and Thai antique embellishments. Open: 12:00 – 15:00 amd 18:00 – 23:00 Daily Tel: +66 (0) 2 162 9000 Location: 991 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Thailand BTS: Siam