IMMERSIVE "ONE DAY IN TAIWAN" EXPERIENCE

A fun hands-on afternoon featuring DIY Xiao Long Bao (Taiwanese dumpling) making and oil-paper umbrella painting gave us media folks and some Malaysian artists, YouTubers, and travel trade attendees an immersive “One Day in Taiwan” experience.

Taiwan Visitors Association hosted the workshop together with Taiwan’s related tourism organisations, to promote the island’s diverse tourism attractions including Taiwanese cuisine, popular destinations and diverse culture activities.

Taiwan Visitors Association Kuala Lumpur Office Director, Abe Chou urged Malaysians to visit and discover Taiwan before those present dived into making chocolate-filled Xiao Long Bao.

 

 

 

A master of traditional oiled-paper umbrella painting then guided us on how to paint our own oiled-paper brolly – an interactive way to educate us on the Hakka craftsmanship from Meinong District in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.

A form of customary wedding gift, the Hakka words of “oiled paper” and “have son” are auspicious homonyms. Also, the Chinese character of “umbrella” also represents a blessing for newlyweds to have children and grandchildren.

 Refreshments include Taiwan’s famed Bubble Tea, baked mini pineapple cakes and taro pastries. Adding to the afternoon’s lively pace are informative and fast-paced online quiz and bingo games incorporating interesting facts and different attractions in Taiwan.

 

I nearly won one of the return KL-Taipei flight tickets but sadly, Lady Luck wasn’t on my side that day. A case of so near yet so far. Still, it was an afternoon well spent and credit must go to the organisers for upping the ante in making it such a memorable event.

 

Packed with a myriad of travel resources, Taiwan is listed eighth in 2019 Top 10 Travel Destinations by Globe Spots. Booking.com also ranked Taiwan as the world’s friendliest country in 2018 while Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) cited Taiwan as the 3^rd most attractive country for international Muslim travellers.

 

FESTIVE OFFERINGS AT PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE

Merry Cuisine and Christmas Delicacies menus showcasing new mouth-watering turkey specialities will be available at The Green Market and Flight Club, two outlets under the Plaza Premium Group Airport Dining at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2). 

 

The array of festive delights will warm the hearts and tummies of travellers from now until 26 December. Conceived by the in-house chefs, the Japanese-style Turkey Katsu Bento (RM28) and Turkey Meatball Don (RM28) are tasty takes and a nice departure from regular roast turkey. 

Gossamer-light katsuobushi shavings and shimeiji mushroom add some textural interest in the rice bowl with turkey meatballs, lightly topped with savoury sauce. The former includes a wedge of soft beancurd in roasted black sesame dressing and salad, making it a complete meal.

 

Simple but delicious mod-European Turkey Confit Fettuccine (RM28) should hit the sweet spot for pasta lovers. Another signature go-to is Lamb Ragout Pappardelle (RM28), stimulating the appetite with hearty, soulful flavours.

In a hurry to catch your flight yet hankering for something easy to eat? The Flight Club’s Festive Grab ‘n’ Go of Turkey Sandwich (RM18) and Turkey Wrap (RM20) are convenient and tasty options to bank on. We like the shredded vege filling which gives the sandwich and wrap moist freshness.

 

 

Craving to satisfy your sweet tooth? We recommend the Mango Yogurt Mousse which is light, creamy and fruity on the palate. The tempting Strawberry Trifle and Chilled Oreo Cheesecake are richer but no less irresistible to tickle your fancy.

 

Patrons can enjoy a boost to the Yuletide spirit with Razman’s Mixology cocktail concoctions (RM30 per order). Pop into Flight Club to parch your thirst with Absolut Punch, Citrus Punch or Strawberry Punch. 

Over at The Bar, the cool selection of Chi Chi Daiquiri, Strawberry Daiquiri and Lime Daiquiri (RM28 per order) is bound to make waiting for your flight so much merrier to bear. Teetotallers can look forward to cheering up with Virgin Pina Colada, Sea Breeze, Coffeeholic and Very Berry Smoothie mocktails at RM14 per order.

I like the look and feel of the Plaza Premium Lounge at Level 2, klia2 especially the comfortable lounge seating with charging ports for mobile devices. It’s a relaxing space to chill out as there are TVs screening the latest news, Wi-Fi access, complimentary reading materials, and business centre services amongst others.

Also available are made-to-order hot food selections, beverage options, and brewed coffee; all competitively priced to ensure more value for your money.

 

Across from the Plaza Premium Lounge is Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel which offers all the comforts of home at the airport. Whether you’re on transit, arriving or departing, Aerotel and its flexible hourly bookings make it a viable and comfy place to catch a nap and rest, refresh with a quick shower or relax and prepare for your onward journey.

 

 

Aerotel has different types of rooms available, catering to single travellers to couples and families. The interior boasts ambient lighting, practical yet tasteful designs and complementary traveller-friendly facilities.

 

For more information, visit Plaza Premium Lounge: https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/en-uk/find/asia/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/kuala-lumpur-international-airport?stype=All