News
Change Region...

Discovery Press Web Asia-Pacific

TLC

Choose Network...
TLC » Programs » Fun Asia 3
  • Print

Fun Asia 3

Premieres: Southeast Asia on Dec 3 at 8:00 pm; North Asia on Oct 3 at 8:00 pm; Australasia on Nov 6 at 8:30 pm

GET THE MOST OUT OF ASIA WITH JANET HSIEH ON THE BRAND NEW SEASON OF FUN ASIA

The largest and most populous continent in the world, Asia is home to more than half of the Earth's population, as well as myriad species of fauna and flora. Asia is also a favourite destination for thrill-seekers, nature lovers and gastrophiles. Join vivacious travel host Janet Hsieh on the third season of FUN ASIA as she travels around the region to bring you the best of what it has to offer and reveals gems that even most locals aren't aware of.

Think you've seen and done everything that Asia has to offer? Put aside your preconceived notions and prepare to be surprised as Janet Hsieh returns on a new season of FUN ASIA to show you how to make the most of your travels, and to give locals a brand new perspective on their own backyards! Revisit places that you thought you'd explored, travel down familiar paths, and uncover new experiences with Janet as she travels to some of Asia's favourite destinations.
In each episode, adventure seeker Janet meets with her friends who act as her local tour guides, sharing the best that each city has to offer and revealing gems that most locals don't even know about. From picking up Wing Chun kungfu in Hong Kong to partaking in a game of elephant polo in Northern Thailand to catching the sunrise in a hot air balloon in Queensland, Australia, Janet dives headlong into each destination for unique and unforgettable experiences.

Join Janet on her journey as she unearths a treasure trove of fun, adventure and excitement - the local way - on the following episodes of FUN ASIA 3:

Hong Kong
Janet sets out to experience the culture and nature of Hong Kong, one of the world's leading financial centers. No journey begins with an empty stomach, so Janet goes food-hunting and bumps into a food critique, Walter, who takes her to a well-known yum cha restaurant. Janet then meets with a local friend, Alan, and hops onto an old-school tram to Sheung Wan to check out the transformation of heritage buildings before going "villain-hitting," a ceremony that curses one's enemy. Janet also attempts to pick up Wing Chun with her new friend, Marsha, and learns more about the origins of martial arts cinema. Douglas, an antique collector and a contemporary artist, is Janet's guide into Hong Kong's creative scene; and the pair meets Carrie Chau, a popular illustrator and Barney Cheng, a couture evening gown designer. From culture to nature, Janet meets with ecologist Ken at the Sai Kung Harbour and sails out to Sai Kung Country Park where she discovers Hong Kong's underwater bounty.

Southern Thailand
Janet arrives at the holiday paradise and visits the Chao Lay people based around Ko Lanta, where she picks up a few fishing tips from the sea gypsies. Then, it is time to squeeze through the tiny getaway of Khao Mai Kaeo Cave and into a hidden stalactite world. But it is not all cocktails on the beach as the active host decides to work her way up the world-class rock-climbing site in Krabi. It isn't long before Janet picks up her snorkeling gear in Phuket and enjoys a feast at a local floating seafood restaurant. Janet then also goes into the jungle for a glimpse of its protected gibbons, before celebrating her couch-surfing friend's birthday.

Northern Thailand
Janet arrives at one of the most popular holiday destinations but she is taking the route less travelled. First up, Janet goes to a sports game for royals that involves a wooden ball, a few rackets and many elephants. Then it is time to meet the Akha people in their village for some local delicacies. Later, Janet heads to Chiang Mai for a historical journey of Lanna Thai and learns the significance of Buddhism in the locals' daily life. Thai food is popular and available all around the world, but nothing is more authentic than a weekend market trip with a local chef, follow by a private cooking session.

Queensland Part 1 
Janet is all geared up for extreme sports, cultural enlightenment, tropical cuisine, and an adventure Down Under in the sunshine state of Queensland. Cairns is best known as the base for outdoor activity lovers and the gateway to the colourful, natural treasure of Australia - the Great Barrier Reef. Janet keeps herself busy with a diving and skydiving trip, before witnessing a hot air balloon sunrise above the Atherton Tablelands. Janet then meets with a cheese-making family and lends a hand to milk close to 8,000 cows in their dairy farm.

Queensland Part 2  
Janet continues her adventure Down Under in Queensland with an ocean trail. Janet puts on the captain's hat and island-hops across the Whitsunday Islands, including Dent Island, where the entire island is a golf course with breathtaking 360-degree views. Janet also heads south to the famous Northcliffe Beach of Gold Coast to train with the surf life savers. Later, Janet visits the award-winning distillery nestled in the hippie town of Mount Tamborine, followed by a luxurious stay at a 5-star lodge that boasts a stunning view of the coast before flying off on a seaplane to catch the distinctive Gold Coast from up above.

Fiji
Comprising 333 islands, the picture-perfect Fiji welcomes Janet with a warm "Bula." Janet turns into a wedding planner and witnesses an "I Do" moment on the Treasure Island. After a beach spa pampering and candlelight dinner, it isn't hard to understand why Fiji spells romance. Later, Janet plays the game of survivor on the island where the blockbuster Castaway was filmed, before heading to Taveuni to decide whether she wants to be in the "today" or "yesterday" side of the island as it is separated by the International Date Line. Janet also takes diving to a whole new level as she jumps into the ocean to feed Bull Sharks. To end the journey (reluctantly), Janet arrives at Beqa Island to witness a fire-walking ceremony by an indigenous tribe, and toasts to her trip with a local drink Kave. 

Malaysia 
Janet checks out the exotic wildlife, mouthwatering street snacks and the multiculturalism of East Malaysia. She first sets out to visit Borneo, where she heads into the mangrove to meet the Pinocchio of monkeys - the Proboscis monkey - and take in the majestic Mount Kinabalu in Sabah. She also learns more about the traditional techniques of weaving and the influence of natural-dying in modern fashion design. No trip is complete without a visit to the local eateries and Janet tries to whip up her version of the "kek lapis", the famous layered cake in Sarawak.

Future episodes TBC