The region’s leading attractions describe their most unusual requests in 2013 and the ways they overcame the challenges
Flight of the Gibbon, Chonburi, Thailand
Ian Leonard, COO
The most unusual request this year was from a Malaysian gentleman who asked if there was anywhere on our zip line course where he could propose to his girlfriend. It was our pleasure to ensure the first request of this nature succeeds, so we planned his proposal spot at the finish of the course, which lies at a 45m abseil down from a 350-year old banyan tree.
On the day, we spoke with the gentleman’s brother-in-law to abseil down first to the bottom in order to get his video recorder ready, followed by the nervous gentleman who was about to propose to his girlfriend. Then came the bride-to-be, who came down the abseil totally unaware of what was about to happen.
When she reached the bottom, the gentleman fell to his knees and asked his girlfriend if she would marry him. The look of shock on her face was worth a thousand words; she said yes and burst into tears as he put the ring on her finger.
The brother-in-law then gave her a bouquet of flowers specially prepared by us, and there was much happiness at Flight of the Gibbon that day. – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Ong Chui Leng, director, programming
Gardens by the Bay was the venue for the Mid-Autumn Festival @ The Gardens 2013 between September 13-22, marking the Garden’s first partnership with Singapore Press Holdings’ Chinese newspapers division and the People’s Association to organise the event.
While we had hosted many evening programmes at the Gardens before, this was the first time that we have been involved in organising a night festival of such scale. The 10-day event featured 54 huge lantern sets spread across the Gardens’ grounds and numerous activities, from stage performances and food stalls at The Meadow to handicrafts at the Supertree Grove.
As the lanterns had to be crafted on-site, a temporary workshop for the craftsmen was set up at one end of the Gardens. Even though we had pre-determined the locations of the lantern sets, we still had to move the displays several times to find the perfect spot to maximise visibility to facilitate movement around the Gardens and encourage visitors to explore our extensive grounds while taking in the colourful sights.
To complement the festivities taking place outdoors, Gardens by the Bay put up a special Mid-Autumn-themed floral display in our Flower Dome. Opening hours of our cooled conservatories, information counters, retail and F&B establishments were also extended during the 10-day period. The Gardens further extended support to the event by mobilising staff to assist with traffic and crowd control. – Hannah Koh
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Martin Leung, business solutions & events director
Earlier this year, a client approached us looking for a venue for their bi-annual town hall meeting cum company outing for over 1,000 staff. While the venue had to be well-suited for a corporate presentation, it also had to be inspiring and fun for that wow factor.
We leveraged our circular, concert hall setting of the Theater in the Wild in Adventureland, as a non-traditional platform. Gobo plate projections on the theatre floor were utilised instead of using the usual screen-and-projector-type presentation. This ultra-creative approach and unique environment made for a more interactive and unforgettable experience. – Lee Pei Qi
Mutiara Taman Negara, Pahang, Malaysia
Nathan Vaithi, general manager
The most unusual request we had recently was from a Dutch couple who wanted to do a Malay traditional wedding in our resort amid the rainforest. They asked if we could organise the event for them. This was the first time we received such a request to hold a wedding ceremony in our property.
We sent them details of the facilities available here and the pricing for organising a traditional Malay wedding ceremony for 60 pax. We are awaiting their reply. – S Puvaneswary
What’s in your travel bag?
With their firm understanding of the local destinations, these travel experts dispense advice on what to pack or take away if they were visitors to their own countries
Laurent Granier
Co-founder & general manager,
Laos Mood Travel
A bottle of lao-lao (rice liquor): make ‘Laogria’, the Lao version of the Spanish sangria, to wow guests at a home party. Otherwise, get a big, well-wrapped bottle of Beer Lao as you may find only smaller versions in cans outside Laos. Add some ice into your glass and recall the lovely sunset on the Mekong River.
A rattan kator ball (sepak takraw), which is light and can be played anytime, anywhere. Impress your friends with your juggling skills or organise a game.
A Lao cookbook: after you have participated in a Lao cooking class, show off your newly acquired techniques of mixing herbs and ingredients to make unusual appetisers and dishes during BYOD (bring your own dishes) parties.
Traveling can be educational, so be engaged and buy responsibly such as a T-shirt from the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise and spread the word on the ban of cluster munitions or recycled and fair-traded scrap items like spoons and bracelets made by communities affected by unexploded ordnances. – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
Joey del Rosario
Director of operations,
Annset Holidays Philippines
Pack a hygiene pouch with a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving set and other personal items. With the exception of luxury properties, hotels outside Manila generally will have only basic amenities like soap, shampoo and towel in the room, so other personal items will come in handy.
An emergency kit with personal utilities will be useful in case of delays or transfers, especially since the geographical set-up of the Philippines often require travellers to hop from one destination to the other by car, boat and/or a short flight.
Casual wear like T-shirts, shorts and a pair of good walking shoes will be ideal for exploring the Philippines, which is home to a lot of destinations with natural beauty. Cameras and the latest gadgets will enable you to capture the unforgettable moments and share them with your loved ones, friends and all. – Rosa Ocampo
Eimi Miwa
Sales manager, international sales for Asia & Oceania, international travel division, Nippon Travel Agency Japan
First, a camera to capture pictures of both the traditional and modern sides of Japan, whether it’s the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka or the countryside.
Second, a portable Wi-Fi device as there are not many free Wi-Fi spots in Japan and tourists will have to pay US$10 a day for Internet access. Hotels receive a lot of complaints about this.
Third, a travel guidebook and translator app on my phone, as most Japanese cannot speak English and I would have to explain what I want in Japanese. – Hannah Koh
Leonardus Nyoman
Managing director, Flores Exotic Tours Indonesia
Whenever I travel in Indonesia, I bring along my camera and support accessories. I love taking pictures and there are just so many interesting things to capture in Indonesia. I always post the pictures on social media and share them among my photography club friends. This also serves the purpose of promoting Indonesia.
I always carry my laptop wherever I go in order to check emails and the latest news. A first aid kit with medicine for small injuries, mosquito repellent and vitamins are always in my bag, not only useful for myself but also for travel companions or even people we meet during a trip. – Mimi Hudoyo
Manish Poddar
Vice president – sales & marketing, Orient Express Travels & Tours India
A mobile phone to stay in touch with family, colleagues and work partners, a compact camera with a rechargeable battery as India has many interesting sights and monuments, and a comfortable pair of shoes for sightseeing. – S Puvaneswary
