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Featuring the most interesting architecture from around Asia. In many ways, local beliefs and traditions are reflected in the design of numerous buildings, which form an integral part of the Country's identity. The architectural treasures of Singapore, Bhutan and India, all come with a unique story and or heritage. Whether it is the contemporary style of Singapores' chrome and glass skyscrapers, to the spiritual influence of Bhutan, to India's colonial charm, harking back to a bygone era, each has a unique and interesting story.
Citation preview
D - B r i e f
Bangkok, 31 January 2011
Dear Partner,
Let us be the first to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year and welcome you to the Year of
the Rabbit with our latest edition of D-Brief!
As promised in December‟s preview, we start off 2011 showcasing some of the most
interesting architecture from around Asia. In many ways, local beliefs and traditions are
reflected in the design of numerous buildings, which form an integral part of the Country‟s
identity.
The architectural treasures of Singapore, Bhutan and India, all come with a unique story
and or heritage. Whether it is the contemporary style of Singapore‟s chrome and glass
skyscrapers, to the spiritual influence of Bhutan, to India‟s colonial charm, harking back to
a bygone era, each has a unique and interesting story.
Explore these fascinating facts with us over the coming pages.
Sincerely yours,
Victoria Sertic
Chief Sales Officer
Diethelm Travel Group
The Nomads of BhutanArchitecture
Nowhere in the world will you be able to
explore greater architectural diversity than
in Asia. With so many different cultures,
values and traditions, the region holds a
vast array of beautiful treasures for every
architecture fan.
Join us on an aesthetic journey through
three countries which could not be more
different: India, Bhutan and Singapore.
Many of India‟s old palaces and beautiful
mansions, which were built during the
British Raj‟s time, have been preserved for
today‟s visitors. An unparalleled choice of
colonial manors and palaces, converted
into luxury hotels, makes India‟s
architecture rich and unique. Discover the
magic of Falaknuma Palace and Umaid
Bhawan Palace in the India section:
For those who appreciate contemporary
architecture, you can‟t go wrong with
Singapore‟s newest developments: The
Marina Bay Sands, The Singapore Flyer,
Esplanade Theatres; just to mention a few.
Read more about these spectacular
highlights by clicking on the below link:
For all culture lovers, you will be
architecturally inspired by Bhutan‟s
colourful monasteries and fortresses;
dating back to the 14th century. The
country‟s architecture ensures each
building is in perfect harmony with its
harsh environment and at the same time,
remains a unique creation:
Modern Architecture of Singapore
India’s Palaces Traditional Bhutanese Architecture
The Nomads of BhutanARCHITECTUREModern Architecture of Singapore
Home to some of the world‟s most iconic
and cutting edge design, Singapore‟s big
corporations and government are actively
developing landmark buildings, to attract
business and tourism.
Since the country‟s independence in 1965,
Singaporeans have used architecture to
build a unique skyline. In 1986, the city‟s
280 metre Overseas Union Bank Centre,
was the highest building outside North
America and with this project Singapore
started a trend of building high-quality
skyscrapers all over Asia. Nowadays,
Southeast Asia is home to the Petronas
Towers in Kuala Lumpur and Taipei 101,
which are among the world‟s tallest
structures. Petronas Towers was only
recently topped by Dubai‟s Burj Khalifa,
boasting a remarkable 828 metres height.
Unfortunately, due to Singapore‟s close
proximity to Changi International Airport,
strict building height restrictions are
enforced. Nevertheless, or maybe exactly
because of these restrictions, Singapore
strives to find other ways to promote the
City to the world through its architecture.
During the last 10 years, internationally
famous architects have created award-
winning buildings for the City, including
the Esplanade Theatre, the National
Library of Singapore as well as Norman
Foster‟s Supreme Law Court. Recent
additions such as the Singapore Flyer and
the Marina Bay Sands complex complete
Singapore‟s first class attractions and
entertainment facilities.
While other cities can only dream of such
an array of architectural delights,
Singapore‟s city landscape also boasts
traditional Malay shop houses, Chinese
temples and restored heritage sights. A
true architectural treasure!
Marina Bay Sands
With a cost of 6.2 Billion USD, Marina Bay Sands is
home to a 2,560 room hotel, a 120,000 square
metre exhibition centre, a shopping mall, a museum,
two theatres, six „celebrity chef‟ restaurants and a
casino with 500 tables including 1,600 slot machines.
The three cascading hotel towers are topped by a
340-metre-long and 38-metre-wide rooftop structure
called the SkyPark. Being the equivalent in size to
four and a half A380 aircrafts, the park features a
colossal 150 metre swimming pool, restaurants and
a public observatory with a total capacity of 3,900
people.
Arup, the company who headed the engineering for
this mega project describes the construction as one
of the most difficult undertakings to date. The
infinity pool holds 1,424 cubic metres of water and
had to be built with four joints to help withstand the
natural motion of the towers. In addition to wind,
the Hotel tower‟s settlement in the earth had to be
taken into consideration. In order for the infinity
pool‟s overflowing system to function properly, the
pool stands on custom-made jack legs which allow
for future height adjustments to be made. Clearly a
fantastic piece of engineering!
Singapore Tourism Board
Esplanade Theatres
Designed by Michael Wilford and DP Architects from
Singapore, Esplanade Theatres On The Bay,
affectionately nicknamed „The Durian‟ by many
Singaporeans, brings Singapore to the forefront of
the international arts scene. State-of-the-art
mechanisms, such as reverberation chambers and an
acoustic canopy make sure that the Concert Hall is a
premier venue for performing all kinds of music.
The most eye catching feature of Esplanade, is the
cladding and sunshade system, making up the outer
shells. The designers studied nature‟s elements such
as sunflowers and fish scales before coming up with
a repetitive pattern of sunshades. The distribution of
the panels allow a great view from the inside, but at
the same time provide protection from the sun and
control the internal temperature of the building.
Esplanade Theatres is aimed to be Asian in style,
without being traditional: Architecture in Asia is
often based on a solid floor with a roof that seems
to be much lighter. This balance between solid and
delicate is reflected in the two very light shells
presenting a soft and organic looking form.
Singapore Tourism Board
Singapore Flyer
A ride on the Singapore Flyer is not for those afraid
of heights. If you can brave it, you will be rewarded
with breathtaking views over the city and harbour.
Here are a couple of fun facts to wet your appetite:
• The Flyer is the world‟s largest observation wheel
at 165 meters and 150 meters in diameter. Each
capsule is about the size of a city bus and can
hold up to 28 visitors.
• Officially opened to the public on the 1st of March
2008, the flyer rotates in an anti-clockwise
direction. Four months later, its rotation direction
was changed under the advice of Feng Shui
masters and now runs clockwise.
• Due to space limitations, a pioneering vertical
assembly method was used in construction: The
wheel was erected piece by piece, with each
section being rotated until all parts had been
installed and the observation wheel was complete.
• Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Full Butler
Sky Dining and private capsules, holding 2 up to
10 people are available for rent, if you are looking
for privacy breathtaking views. Contact your
Diethelm Travel team to find out more and to book
this incredible experience.
Singapore Tourism Board
Having a rich heritage, five blocks of restored
warehouses along Clark Quay are nowadays home to
various restaurants and nightclubs. During the
colonial era, Clark Quay and the river of Singapore
was a busy centre of trade, full of barges and boats
transporting cargo. By the second half of the
twentieth century, the river became so polluted that
the government relocated its cargo services and
made efforts to clean up the area.
Today, the riverfront district is easily recognised by
the umbrella-like canopies that provide shade and
transform the area into a pleasant leisure location.
While these canopies cover the main streets and
internal courtyard of Clark Quay, Alsop, the British
architecture company responsible for the
redevelopment, created an elevated dining area
along the river. Dining platforms are illuminated at
night and create colourful reflections on the river,
making for an exciting and fun dining experience.
Clark Quay MRT Station is conveniently located, if
you wish to explore this futuristically looking
entertainment area on the riverside.
Clark Quay
Singapore Tourism Board
Traditional Bhutanese Architecture
The Land of the Thunder Dragon has for
a long time been isolated and is thus one
of the last places in the world, where
ancient traditions are still the way of life.
The Bhutanese government has made
efforts to promote traditional architecture
and building construction methods, and
hence preserve an important part of the
country‟s unique culture and heritage.
Bhutan‟s architecture is without
reservation, one of the finest expressions
of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom‟s
distinctive character.
Its main roots date back to neighbouring
Tibet, which itself was influenced by
Chinese styles and faraway Persia, thanks
to the merchants travelling the Silk Road.
The main characteristics of Bhutan‟s
architecture is first and foremost the
consequence of the region‟s natural
positioning, especially the climate. In the
countries to the north of the Himalayan
mountains, namely Tibet, long harsh
winters and frosty continental winds have
produced a dry landscape, consisting of
only sparse vegetation. In contrast, those
in the south, such as Nepal and Bhutan,
have a much milder climate with plentiful
rain, particularly during the summer rainy
season. This typical weather has
produced alpine-type fauna, with forests
containing many species of trees.
Naturally, this rich supply of timber was
the basis for an architectural style, where
wood plays a key role. In addition to the
weather considerations, the kindness and
peaceful mentality of the Bhutanese
people has led to a brighter and more
graceful architecture than in Tibet. As you
will discover in the following pages, each
building is designed in harmony with its
environment, while fulfilling specific
functions, religious or worldly, all are true
masterpieces.
Bhutanese Monasteries & Fortresses
Among Bhutan‟s vast array of buildings, temples,
monasteries and fortresses (dzongs) are the country‟s
finest expressions of Bhutanese architecture. With
their colossal stone walls and striking floral, animal
and religious motifs, an unparalleled blend of artistic
beauty and engineering talent is displayed in all
structures.
• Local building materials are used and traditionally
include timer and bamboo from the forest, stone,
brick and rammed earth which are then
whitewashed for the full effect.
• Traditional buildings in Bhutan are usually built
without a formal architectural plan or schedule.
Instead, a high Lama leads the construction and
establishes the correct location of the building
elements by means of spiritual insight.
• Even though the names of most founders of dzongs
and monasteries have been written down, it is
unknown which architects or artists have built them.
Artistic creations in Bhutan are not considered to be
a form of personal expression, but reflect a
communal achievement.
Tashichho Dzong
Built in 1216, on the western bank of the Wang Chu
River, in the capital city of Thimphuu, Tashichho
Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress. In 1952
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck completely restored
and enlarged it in the traditional style; using neither
nails nor written plans. Since this time, the building
has been the seat of Bhutan‟s government housing
the Throne Room and offices of the King, the
secretariat and the Ministries of Home Affairs and
Finance. This is also where His Majesty King Jigme
Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was crowned as the
fifth Dragon King of Bhutan on 6th November 2008.
Characteristics of Bhutanese dzongs are:
• Massive inward sloping stone walls painted in
white with only few windows in the lower parts of
the wall surrounding a complex of temples and
administrative offices.
• Chinese-style flared roofs constructed in hardwood
or bamboo without the use of nails.
• Temples and buildings in the inside are decorated
with vibrant art motifs and elaborately carved
ornaments and often feature a red ochre band
running around the top of the walls.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
The Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger‟s Nest Monastery,
is best known for its breathtaking visual appeal.
Located near the town of Paro on top of a steep cliff
at 3,120 metres high, this architectural wonder is a
must-visit for all travellers to Bhutan.
Built in 1692, Tiger‟s Nest is one of the most sacred
religious sites in Bhutan. The monastery consists of
six temples and a residential area, which was
designed to perfectly fit on the granite ledge and
give access to the eight meditation caves, located
behind the buildings. All structures are
interconnected through steep stairways, carved in
stone and small wooden bridges. The beautiful and
elaborate wall paintings and statues, inside the
various temples, offer a deep insight into early
Buddhist philosophy and practices.
A peaceful hike through pine forest, which are
colourfully decorated with moss and prayer flags
brings you to Taktsang Monastry. However, visitors
who are not used to hike uphill on steep,
mountainous paths might do best to take a horse or
mule up. Special permission to visit the monastery is
needed and will be organized, should you wish to
book this breathtaking experience with us.
The Legends of Tiger’s Nest
Taktsang Monastery‟s roots date back to the 8th
century and the existence of the historical figure
Guru Rinpoche. Legend has it that a former wife of
the well-known emperor Yeshe Tsogyal joined Guru
Rinpoche‟s company and willingly transformed into a
flying tigress, so that she could fly the guru on top
of the cliff. Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to be the
second reincarnation of Buddha and was responsible
for the spread of Buddhism across the region,
meditated and developed his eight manifestations in
one of the caves. Later, when the monastery was
built at this exact holy spot, it was given the name
Taktsang, translated means „Tiger‟s Nest‟.
Construction workers faced the steep cliffs and
precipitous path, which lead up to the rock‟s ledge.
It is said that flying Dakinis, (female deities of
enlightened energy who travel in the sky), where
transporting construction material to the mountain
top to facilitate the building process. For centuries
the temple remained in its original state, until
unfortunately in 1998 a fire destroyed a big part of
it. The Bhutanese government immediately started
renovations and since 2005, the Monastery can be
visited again in its full glory.
India’s Palaces
India is a country of diverse history. Overtime India has been influenced bydifferent religions, rulers and empires; allof which have left their mark, in the formof stunning and captivating palaces.During the colonial area, the Europeaninvolvement in India brought Edwardianarchitecture and later, in the 1920s, theArt Deco movement to the Country.
Having been the centres of power fornumerous dynasties of Indian leaders,India‟s palaces have a rich history worthexploring. Many of the forts and palacesstill stand proud all over India. They areexamples of the Maharajas‟ great wealthat the time and display precious artcollected from all over the world.Nowadays, the grandeur and magicbehind these places can be experiencedfirst hand by visitors, as many of thepalaces have been turned into luxuryhotels.
We are highlighting two of these palaces,
that might not be as well known as the
Taj Mahal or the Udaipur Lake Palace, but
in no way lack history or a great blend of
Eastern and Western architecture. While
Umaid Bhawan Palace‟s sandstone
structure perfectly blends into the desert
landscape of Rajastan, Falaknuma Palace
is entirely built out of Italian marble and
shines brightly over Hyderabad‟s lush city.
As different as the two buildings might
seem from the outside and even though
they were constructed in different
centuries, both palaces are exemplary
illustrations of the great architectural
achievements of their time. Not only
honeymooners in search for a romantic,
royal experience, stay at the palaces, but
also thousands of heritage lovers come to
India‟s palaces to experience the
grandeur.
Falaknuma Palace – Hyderabad
Falaknuma Palace is one of Hyderabad‟s, if not
India‟s, finest palaces. A nobleman from the Paigah
family, who later became Prime Minister of the
Hyderabad State, built it from 1884 to 1893.
Falaknuma, which translates to „The Mirror of the
Sky‟, has hosted many great public figures such as
the King and Queen of England, King George V, the
Governor General of India, and Nicholas II, the last
Tsar of Russia.
Originally, Falaknuma Palace was designed to have
the shape of a scorpion: The palace consists of two
wings spread out towards the north, while the main
building is in the middle section and the kitchen and
harem quarters are in the south. However, over time
the building lost, due to too many additions and
alternations, its original shape. William Ward Marret,
an Italian architect, designed the palace in a rare
blend of Tudor and Italian style: a staggering 32
different kinds of marble were used. Stained glass
windows allow a bright spectrum of colours to
lighten up the total of 60 rooms and 15 spacious
halls. The last Nizam of Hyderabad changed the
exterior decor of the building by adding unique
themed gardens to the palace.
Taj Falaknuma Palace – The Hotel
After over a decade of extensive and very detailed
restoration of 45 rooms and 15 suites, the Taj Hotel
Group has opened the five-star Falaknuma Palace
Hotel, within parts of the elaborate palace.
Overlooking the city of Hyderabad and covering over
32 acres of parks, the palace offers the perfect
setting for historic tours, romantic getaways and
weddings. Indulge in state-of-the-art facilities and
take advantage of the palace butler, while
discovering priceless art and artefacts, treasures and
paintings collected by the Nizam while travelling the
world. Some of the extraordinary features of the
house include Venetian chandeliers, tableware of
crystal and gold, hand-crafted French tapestries and
ornate inlaid furniture from Kashmir. The Imperial
Library is a replica of the one at Windsor Castle and
boasts, next to its walnut carved ceiling, a collection
of 6,000 rare books and manuscripts. This, beyond
doubt, is the setting to travel back in time and
discover India‟s most colourful past.
Diethelm Travel India will be happy to provide you
with rates and help you design an itinerary around
this wonderful palace. Do not hesitate to contact
your Diethelm Travel team for more information.
Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur
With a total of 347 rooms, Umaid Bhawan Palacewas the world‟s most extensive private residencewhen completed in 1944. The construction of thisunique palace took place from 1929 to 1944 and wasinitiated as a drought relief measure to provide workfor over 3,000 people. Jodphur, the location ofUmaid Bhawan, is also known as the „Desert City‟and experienced consecutive years of drought at thetime. The palace was named after the late MaharajaUmaid Singhji and, today, remains the residence ofthe Maharaja of Jodhpur. Due to its location onChittar Hill, high above the city, many locals also callit the „Chittar Palace‟.The palace is made up of carved, interlocking yellowsandstone pieces; slotting together a bit like a jigsawpuzzle. In order to transport these large stones to itsfinal location a train line had to be created. Aconstant temperature of 23 degrees Celsius ismaintained in the palace, which is a blend ofwestern and eastern architecture. The interiors,originally designed by Maples of London, was sunkby the Germans in 1942 on the way to India. As aresult, Polish interior designer, Stefan Norblin,created the lavish interiors in elegant Art Decofashion.
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace – The Hotel
In 1972 Umaid Bhawan Palace was opened to thepublic and parts of it were converted into a 64 roomhotel. Since then, it has been associated with one ofIndia‟s premier hotel chains – the Taj Group.Guests can stay in the Historical or Royal Suites,which were the residences of visiting royalty, theMaharaja and his queen. Each suite has its ownunique style, embellished with Art Deco interiors andmodern conveniences. The Central Dome soars 32metres overhead and provides a focal point for allvisitors to the property. Views from the various foodand beverage outlets at sunset, especially the Pillarsrestaurant, are spectacular. Landscaped gardenscreate an ambiance which is serene and restful, yetspectacularly royal. Located indoors, tucked away inthe basement lies the Zodiac Swimming Pool, a coolblue and private retreat. The hotel also has a largeoutdoor swimming pool, which was subsequentlyadded.
If you wish to feel like royalty and enjoy purerelaxation amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, rooms atTaj Umaid Bhawan Palace as well as ground services,can be booked through Diethelm Travel India.Contact us for reservations and more information.
Source: Taste, www.taste.com.au
Recipe of the Month: Sung Choi Bao
How to Make Fresh Prawn Spring Rolls:
1. To make the peanut sauce, heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic andchilli and cook, stirring for 1 minute, or until aromatic. Add the peanuts, water, coconut milk, limejuice, fish sauce and sugar and cook, stirring for 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly. Removefrom heat and set aside to cool.
2. Place the noodles in a small heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 5 minutes tosoften. Drain well.
3. Soak 1 rice paper sheet in warm water for 30 seconds or until soft. Drain on paper towel. Place on aclean work surface. Place 2 prawn halves along the centre of the rice paper sheet. Add a little of thenoodles, bean sprouts, carrot, peanuts, a mint leaf and coriander leaf. Fold in ends and roll up firmlyto enclose filling. Repeat to make 20 spring rolls.
4. Place on a platter and serve with peanut sauce.
Recipe of the Month: Fresh Prawn Spring Rolls
Ingredients50g rice vermicelli noodles 20 round (20cm diameter) rice paper sheets 20 cooked king prawns, peeled, deveined, halved lengthways 1 cup (55g) bean sprouts, trimmed 1 carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped peanuts 20 mint leaves 20 coriander leaves
Peanut Sauce 1 tbs peanut oil 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 2 fresh red birds eye chillies, seeded, finely chopped 1/2 cup (80g) unsalted peanuts, finely chopped 1/2 cup (125ml) water 1/3 cup (80ml) coconut milk 1 tbs lime juice 1 tbs fish sauce 1 tbs brown sugar
Visa & Borders
CAMBODIA
for e-Visa holders are: Phnom PenhInternational Airport, Siem Reap InternationalAirport, Bavet-Moc Bai, Koh Kong-Trat, Poipet-Aranyaprathet.
A scanned copy of the passport and US$ 25paid by credit card will get you an e-mailed visawhich you have to print and bring with you. Theabove mentioned ports are equipped with aspecial terminal system and dedicated lane fore-Visa holders. For more information and toapply for an e-Visa, please log on towww.mfaic.gov.kh (be aware of fake visa sites).
In general, immigration formalities are quickerwhen visitors already possess a visa prior toarrival. However, Cambodia has very liberal visaregulations and for US$ 20 all travellers canobtain a 30 day Single Entry Tourist Visa uponarrival.A passport valid for at least six months beyondthe end of the visit and one passport photo areneeded. For travellers joining a Diethelm TravelCambodia tour departing from Bangkok, visascan be arranged in Thailand within two workingdays. Every visitor has to complete animmigration and a customs form during thearrival flight or upon arrival. Cambodian touristvisas can be extended one time for 30 days.
Please note that the following 9 nationalitiescannot get a visa upon arrival: Pakistan,Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Sudan,Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran.
Visitors can also apply for a tourist visa on theMinistry‟s website. Valid ports of entry and exit
Good to know:
Every passenger departing from Phnom
Penh International Airport or Siem Reap
International Airport has to pay an Airport
Tax of US$ 25.
Domestic Airport Taxes no longer have to be
paid.
Unbeatable Special offers – „PASSPORT‟
"Passport" provides you with exclusive value-
added offers, negotiated on your behalf.
Go to www.diethelmtravel.com to read, down-
load or print a copy.
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D - B r i e f
Diethelm Travel GroupKian Gwan II Bldg, 14/F140/1 Wireless Road,
Bangkok 10330, ThailandPhone: +66 2 660 7000 / Fax: +66 2 660 7027
E-mail: [email protected]
www.diethelmtravel.com