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Good news for those planning domestic travels in Malaysia. Between now and 31 December 2020, you can now pre-purchase your accommodation at selected OYO Hotels across Malaysia at only RM199 for 5 nights with the OYO Ultimate Pass. OYO Ultimate Pass is valid for stays from now until 31 December 2020. Currently, OYO Ultimate Pass is applicable at more than 50 participating hotels throughout Malaysia but this number may increase as more hotels join in the program. How to purchase and use the OYO Ultimate Pass Step 1: To purchase the OYO Ultimate Pass, Go to the OYO app or contact OYO Careline +60 12-296 8682, +60 19 328 7204 , +60 13 413 6276 & +60 14 6799 778, or find the pass on the Boost app. Once your purchase is complete, you will receive 5 unique voucher codes through email for your use to book your stays. Each code entitles the user to a 1-night stay redemption. Step 2: To make a booking , choose your preferred hotel and date of your stay. Do note that the voucher code can only be redeemed for Standard and Deluxe rooms and cannot be used for stays that coincide with national public holidays, such as Hari Raya Haji, Awal Muharram, National Day, Malaysia Day, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, Deepavali and Christmas. Guests are only allowed to use 1 voucher code per booking and must make the booking at least 2 days before the check-in date. Step 3: Next, contact OYO’s 24 hour Call Centre at 010-401 1393 and provide one of your unique voucher codes from the OYO Ultimate Pass. You will receive a Booking ID once your booking is confirmed. Use the Booking ID to check in to your hotel. Do note that booking cancellations are not allowed. "Small and medium-sized businesses like those run by our partners are the mainstay of the community and this effort would help kick-start efforts to reinvigorate the tourism eco-system in Malaysia. As a key stakeholder in the tourism and hospitality industry in Malaysia , OYO fully supports the Cuti Cuti Malaysia campaign and other initiatives by Tourism Malaysia and the various state tourism bodies to spur the tourism and travel industry in the country. We are confident our new and returning guests will find the OYO Ultimate Pass of great value for affordable clean, living spaces around Malaysia.” said Tan Ming Luk, Country Head, Malaysia & Singapore, OYO Hotels & Homes. Hotels under OYO have also taken preventive measures to ensure a clean and safe staying experience for guests amidst this pandemic as part of its Sanitized Stay campaign. Find out more about the OYO Ultimate Pass and see the latest list of participating OYO hotels at https://www.oyorooms.com/my/ . Terms and conditions apply.

5 Nights Stay for only RM199 at OYO Hotels in Malaysia, thanks to OYO Ultimate Pass

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Sunway’s “Ke Sana Ke Sini Ke Sunway” domestic tourism package has recorded sales of more than 10,000 room night stays, with 5,000 room night stays sold within the first 72 hours alone after the campaign’s launch. Sunway Group had launched the “Ke Sana Ke Sini Ke Sunway” campaign on July 6, 2020 in tandem with the government’s reopening of tourism sectors and interstate travel. The campaign will end on July 20. The package is currently being offered at a 70% discounted price of RM499 from the normal price of RM1,599 for a two-night stay at Sunway Pyramid Hotel for two adults and two children, entrance tickets to Sunway Lagoon for two adults and two children, and welcome treats and Family Fun Activity vouchers worth RM200 from Sunway Pyramid. The package for locals is also in line with the government’s efforts to boost tourism, especially with a tax relief of RM1,000 for domestic tourism that was announced earlier. Sunway Malls and Theme Parks chief executive officer HC Chan said Sunway is forecasting a healthy growth in momentum as domestic travellers are taking the advantage to rediscover Malaysia after the movement control order (MCO) and conditional movement control order (CMCO) were lifted. “Domestic tourism is a sizeable market. The domestic tourism expenditure grew 11.5% to RM103.2 billion in 2019, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth before the Covid-19 outbreak. We look forward to shift a portion of outbound tourism expenditure to domestic tourism expenditure. “Certainly, there is an enormous upside for domestic tourism when one looks at both numbers. Domestically, you see a healthy growth and for the outbound segment, potential conversions as international borders are still largely closed.” “Since the campaign’s launch, Sunway Pyramid Hotel has registered a booking occupancy of 80%,” Chan added. Chan attributes the success of the campaign to the confidence of the travellers in Sunway Group’s stringent health and safety protocols. “We have invested RM 30 million in health and safety training, fittings, and other SOPs. In addition, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is an integrated development with malls, theme parks, hotels and other businesses; and it makes good sense to leverage and deliver a better value proposition as far as tourism is concerned”. “The syngergistic tourism components work seamlessly together to provide an attractive value-for-money domestic tourism package,” he added. This is in line with national trends. In the latest figures presented by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the tourism sector has seen an upsurge, with hotel reservations nationwide rising up to 30.74% until June 2020. For more information on the “ Ke Sana Ke Sini Ke Sunway ” package, visit https://www.sunway.city/kesanakesini .

Domestic Tourism on the road to recovery as Sunway Records 10,000 Room Nights

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As soon as domestic travel was permitted, my mum and I immediately got to planning a weekend trip back to her hometown of Taiping, Perak. It has been a while since I visited Taiping (two years to be exact) and it was one of those towns off the beaten road from Ipoh that has so much undiscovered history. The former capital of Perak is also the wettest town in Peninsular Malaysia, earning it the title of Rain Town. Fun fact 1: Taiping was ranked Top 3 Sustainable Cities in the world. We headed down on Thursday afternoon, the traffic blissfully smooth and as soon as we got into town, it was off to the oldest coffee mill in Malaysia, Antong Coffee Mill. By using the most primitive methods roasted coffee beans, the signature charcoal grilled coffee in this 89 years old factory gives wonderful aroma that will make your morning an even better one. They have samples for you to try at their shop, giving you a taste of their caffeinated goodness before buying them. Insider tip: It's easy to miss the turning to Antong Coffee Mill 安东咖啡厂 as it's right next to a flyover near Taiping train station (KTM). I recommend using Waze to navigate your way to it. For a quick grab for the cheap local food, Panorama food court in town is the hot spot to go to. You will find many locals dining there, often navigating between two out of three coffee shops that take turns opening. The crowd was a little of the quieter side when i was there but the char kuey teow was as good as I remembered it to be. Of course, what is a trip to Taiping without taking a stroll through Taiping Lake Gardens. The site used be an abandoned tin mine and was converted into a garden in 1880, making it the first public garden in Malaya. The park is well-loved by its residents for its 64 hectares of wide space, 10 serene lakes that are home to many animals and plants and its huge ancient rain trees. Fun Fact 2: The average annual rainfall is about 4,000mm in Taiping while the peninsula's average is 2,000mm – 2,500mm. Its unusual rainfall has also led to a fertile collection of flora and century-old rain trees in the Taiping Lake Gardens. The trees are so iconic that the authorities has opted to close off the road and redirected traffic onto another road. Now park goers, runners and visitors can enjoy walking and take photos under the decades-old trees. Be warned though that it can get very crowded in the mornings and evenings with family and friends. Social distancing was near impossible. Insider tip: Go in the morning to enjoy the angsana trees and their hovering branches that dip into the lakes. The crowd is relatively smaller and the weather kinder. Another must-visit in Taiping, especially for families and animal lovers, is Taiping Zoo and Night Safari. Taiping Zoo hit the news during MCO for the birth of its three tiger cubs and was offering 20% discount to celebrate its reopening after MCO. The zoo is one of the best zoos in Malaysia for its well-maintained space with conversation in mind. It's also the first to offer a night experience through its Night Safari. During this time, you would be able to see the nocturnal animals like the porcupine and big cats moving about. I even caught a glimpse of the resident black panthers trying to mate. Insider tip: If you had to chose between both session, go for the Night Safari for a more cooling experience, fewer crowd and an experience you can't find anywhere else. There are many things to see in Taiping town itself such as the tourist center set in the historical Clock Tower, near the old wet market which has a history of its own. The clock tower was built in 1881 in wood and rebuilt with bricks in 1890. Between 1908 and 1950, the Taiping Clock Tower building was used as the town police station as well as the fire brigade. After that, it was left abandoned until recently, when it was converted into the Taiping Visitor Information Centre. Then just a stone's throwaway from the Clock Tower is the new wet market convenient located behind Novotel Hotel. Visitors can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the local morning market here and enjoy Malaysian street food cheaply. Then for a real truly kopitiam breakfast, head on over to Uncle Chuan Kopitam for two hidden gems, their salted coffee and the famous Aunt Mary's Siam Laksa. They also have nasi lemak with fried chicken or fish at only RM3.50! Insider tip: Aunt Mary's Siam Laksa sells out fast so go before 12noon to sate your cravings. Taiping is easily an hour's drive after Ipoh and about three hours from Penang. While often bypassed by many heading between Kuala Lumpur and Penang , it's for this reason exactly why Taiping is perfect for a quick weekend getaway. This small town rich with many of Malaysia's firsts, historical landmarks and vibrant natural attractions including Maxwell Hill, can be explored in two to three days and is ready to welcome tourists once more along its lazy, sleepy grid-like streets of yesteryear.

A Nostalgic Stroll Through Taiping, Perak #CutiCutiMalaysia

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Spring fever is over and summer is almost here, finding the perfect summer travel destination can be very stressfu . We at Sedunia Travel understand and have done our research and come up with a list of summer destinations; from charming towns of culture to sun-kissed Mediterranean coast, scenic road journeys to a vibrant purple sea in the Provence. Read on to get some inspiration . THE FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE The French Riviera or d'Azur coast is one of the most alluring regions in France, it’s the best destination for those who seek unique gourmet experience s mixed with charming history and culture. Situated between the Southern Alps of France and the Mediterranean, it is known for some of the world’s most famous beaches and destinations, including Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Saint Tropez. During summer, the weather is just perfect for unwinding along the sandy beaches, getting lost in the picturesque village surrounded by lush vineyards. Strolling along the famous boulevards of Cannes, hunting for a Brocante bargain or spend a day shopping the food markets THE AMALFI COAST, ITALY Italy’s Amalfi Coast boasts a classic Mediterranean landscape, a gorgeous blend of natural, culinary and cultural wonders. Get lost in Italy’s most charming sun-kissed Mediterranean coastal towns. It all starts with pizza. The region’s capital is the culinary delights of Almafi Coast. Naples is a mecca known for its of Italian pizza, homegrown fresh tangy San Marzano tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella and rustic wines run it all down. Cetara is a hidden gem to be discovered in Amalfi Coast, this picturesque little town filled with pastel-coloured mansions, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves. Immerse in the scent of lemons, savour tasty Mediterranean pasta and irresistible pastries. ARIZONA, THE USA The Grand Canyon of Arizona has plenty to offer for nature-lovers and adventure seekers. The state is full of natural wonders and towns that you can embark on a road trip adventure for a summer getaway. One of the best value destinations making it quite affordable in its many arts and food scenes. Take in the mind-blowing landscape as you pass along the famous Route 66, Saguaro National Park, the majestic Lake Powell and explore the picturesque town of Sedona. Boasting as one of the most staggering settings in the state where red rocks line the area. THE COUNTRYSIDE OF IRELAND Located to the west of Great Britain, Ireland is an island rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Enjoy the best of the Emerald Isle when it’s at its greenest and sunniest. Ireland has an abundance of beaches to offer, as well as prominent music, art, and food festivals throughout the summer. There are plenty of magical spots in Ireland, which are known for its rolling hills, green landscapes, and picturesque waterfalls, and summertime is the best time for a drive, hike, or a bike ride through the Irish countryside. KOMODO ISLAND, INDONESIA Indonesia’s Komodo islands are ideal for adventurous families and travellers who would rather have the experience all to themselves, away from heavy crowds. Best explored via traditional wooden sailboat, these remote islands offer the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You can hike volcanoes, enjoy diving lessons in coral atolls, unwind on the pink beach, try paddleboard yoga, swim with whale sharks, visit villages to witness traditional weaving and even get up close to mighty Komodo dragons. PROVENCE, FRANCE Provence has always been identified as a scenic charm and French fairy tale like region . All flourishing rolling vineyards, stunning sunflowers fields, hand-whipped cheeses and fertile earth, framed by dramatic cliff-top drives, lavender blooms, Roman ruins and idyllic seaside towns. Think baskets full of fresh olives, tomatoes, garlic, orchard fruits and fresh lavender products, chowing down on an elevated French cuisine. Lavender is a huge part of Provençal culture. It’s been used for hundreds of years in the cuisine for making honey, sorbets, ice cream and cosmetics products. Unwind along the hilly, cobbled streets in Provence when the markets are at their finest. Provence’s bloom abundance in July, where the hills are covered with the sweet scent of lavender. Immerse yourself in the vibrant purple seas of lavender blooms on the famed High Plateau de Valensole, the hilltop villages of Sault, and the Abbaye de Sénanque in Vaucluse. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY A summer holiday to Budapest will be easy on your bank balance, with a beer or a glass of wine in a bar or restaurant costing less than €1 and a meal costing around €4. Not only is Hungary’s capital one of the prettiest in Europe, but it’s also one of the least expensive. There’s plenty to do for the curious traveller, soak under the stars in the Széchenyi Baths, the biggest natural thermal spring complex in Europe. When you’re on the Buda side of the river, do not forget about the neo-Gothic Fisherman’s Bastions. While on the Pest side you’ll find upscale restaurants and captivating street sculptures along the Danube river (look out for the Little Princess), The Danube Promenade remains one of the best strolls in the city. Alongside runs yellow trams, you’ll pass the ornate Vigadó theatre, Buda Castle with its turquoise dome towering over the Buda bank and the neo-classical Széchenyi chain bridge which rises out of the Danube linking Buda and Pest. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to pack your sunglasses, summer outfits along with your best camera and start working your way through our list of summer destinations. Glance through the itineraries we have and book now at https://seduniatravel.com for Asian, Oceania destinations and Western destinations.

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Capella Ubud, Bali Voted No.1 Hotel in the World in Travel + Leisure 2020 World’s Best Awards

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5G speed with realme X50 Pro 5G

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What inspires you to journey for that once in a lifetime adventure ? Embark on a luxury train journey that holds a special experience that is second to none, that no other mode of transport can defeat . Some of the highlights include the excellent service, breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounter and the indulgence of the whole journey. When it comes to life-changing train adventures, Rocky Mountaineer truly is the best of all . What is Rocky Mountaineer? Rocky Mountaineer is the largest passenger train service in North America. It’s a luxury train experience made up of various scenic routes through the Canadian Rockies. Regarded as one of the best train adventures, you will indulge in world-class cuisine and a panoramic view of frosty pines forests and turquoise glacier-fed lakes, all from the comfort of reclining plush seats. With four unique itineraries to choose from, the unforgettable all-daylight journeys offer one-of-a-kind experience reminding you that travelling is all about the journey, not the destination. Discover the sights and sounds, amazed by the natural treasure of the Canadian Rockies on one of the world’s most awe-inspiring rail journey. While scenic backdrops unfold out the windows, will give you a sense of serene. Unwind with a glass of fine wine in the comfort of the domed car, or enjoy the crisp mountain air on the outdoor viewing platform. Rocky Mountaineer gives you a chance to fully immerse into the breath-taking countryside as you take in this unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. The life-changing train adventure Rocky Mountaineer offers an unparalleled experience onboard while taking you to some of the awe-inspiring destinations in the world. From Vancouver, Seattle , and Jasper to the mountain town of Banff, not forgetting the stunning Lake Louise. The Rocky Mountaineer passes through vibrant metropolises, small picturesque villages , and incredible landscapes. Vancouver The dazzling gem in Canada’s crown, Vancouver is a stop on every Rocky Mountaineer route. With everything you expect from a vibrant city plus the bonus of mountain top hikes and stretches of beautiful beaches; f rom Stanley Park, Punjabi Market, Granville Island and abundant of museums waiting to be explore d . There are oh-so-many things to do in Vancouver. Seattle A quintessential Pacific seaport city, Seattle combines a unique mix of metropolitan flair ocean, mountains and evergreen forests with a culture abiding in music and technology. Often called the Emerald City, it is a lively city with something for everyone ; from food, histor y , music, art , and nature to outdoor activities and plenty to do that will leave you spoilt for choice ! Kamloops An overnight stop on many of Rocky Mountaineer’s routes, Kamloops is a four-season adventure playground for the nature lover. Summers are long in Kamloops, embark on an epic hike along the green trails, paddling lakes and rivers. Spend an afternoon in Kamloops Courthouse Gallery or listen to live musicians and immerse in the local culture. Banff Towering Rocky Mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, a picture-perfect mountain town and abundant wildlife come together in Banff National Park. Discover the power of nature on the Columbia Icefield Adventure, the must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll travel on a massive Ice Explorer to the Athabasca glacier, and you can walk on the glacier and taste the glacier water. Lake Louise Touted as Lake of the Little Fishes by the Stoney Nakota, Lake Louise is world-famous for the vivid turquoise of its water. The Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain backdrop, stunning skiing playground make this a must-see location when visiting the Rockies. The Fairmont H otel is overlooking Lake Louise with dramatic lake and mountain vista. You’ll find plenty of options from scenic drives to beautiful hikes and from canoeing to skiing. Jasper The Alberta Park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies , is wild in every sense of the word. Home to grizzly bears, moose, and elk, Jasper National Park is an ideal location for those seeking extraordinary wilderness. For adventure seekers, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-platformed Columbia Icefield Skywalk to have a spectacular view of the surrounding glaciers. Whistler Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is a premier ski resort offers snowshoeing, tobogganing, skis jumping and thrilling winter sport. Whistler has boomed into a cultural capital of outdoor activities, art galleries, top-rated restaurants, and luxurious spas all at your doorstep. The hub of Whistler is a compact, chalet-style village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Quesnel Formerly a historic mining town, Quesnel has kept its old-time charm as it has grown into a captivating city in the north. An overnight stop on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, you can go white water rafting, gold panning, hiking, fishing and cross-country skiing. The Riverfront Trail system in Quesnel provides a scenic, peaceful circle tour where you find serenity along the journey. Classes of Service Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of services, Gold Leaf and Silver Leaf. Both services packed with the impeccable service, engaging hosts, delectable food , and is all about the sumptuous journey. Gold Leaf Service Stepping onto the bi-level, glass-domed coaches of Gold Leaf Service is a palatial experience. With sprawling windows on the upper level, you can feast your eyes on the Canadian Rockies from every turn. An elegant dining room awaits in the lower level where you have the opportunity to meet other travellers as you enjoy delicious a-la-carte culinary. Silver Leaf Service The custom-designed, single-level, glass dome Silver Leaf Service coaches put guests right in the heart of the dramatic landscape of the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies. Capture the panoramic views through oversized windows as you enjoy heavenly gourmet cuisine and storytelling told by our engaging hosts. It’s simply mesmerising! Culinary Enjoy delicious gourmet food in a luxury train journey while you wind through the heart of the Canadian Rockies where the luxury meets wild. Treat yourself in the first-class with delectable culinary meals such as maple-cured coho salmon drizzled with sweet-tangy red cedar emulsion; summertime baked apricot tart and pairing your meals with award-winning wines. Alaska Cruise Combine Gold Leaf Service with an Alaska cruise for a seamless luxury experience, enriched by à la carte gourmet food, superior beverages , and mind-blowing views. Choose from a selection of rail and cruise itineraries designed by Rocky Mountaineer or add a rail package to an Alaska cruise. From the tremendous vista of Canadian Rockies to the wild fjords of Alaska, a magical journey to a paradise on earth. The Rocky Mountaineer adventure should be on top of the bucket list for every avid traveller and adventure seeker. Immerse in the jaw-dropping nature on a wonderful train journey, it’s a spectacle you will remember for your lifetime! Booking is now open for 2020, find out more here .

An Unforgettable Canadian Rockies Adventure

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What This Cruise Company Is Doing Now To Welcome Guests Once It’s Safe To Sail Once More

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Malaysia will soon be opening its doors to its neighbour Singapore for essential business and official purposes and vice versa. Since locking down its borders in effort to curb the Covid19 spread, international travel has been banned until further notice with interstate travel only just permitted recently with the RMCO announcement. If arrangements between both countries works out, Singapore will be the first country Malaysia is gradually opening its doors to since the lockdown. The announcement came after Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke last Friday with Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to discuss the gradual and phased resumption of cross-border travel between the two countries. Both countries will establish a Reciprocal Green Lane and a Periodic Commuting Arrangement to address the needs of different groups of cross-border travellers, according to the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). "The Periodic Commuting Arrangement will allow Singapore and Malaysia residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country to periodically return to their home countries for short-term home leave," the Singapore MFA said in a statement. "They will be able to return home for leave after spending at least three consecutive months in their country of work, and they will be allowed to re-enter their country of work after their home leave." MFA said both leaders agreed that any bilateral arrangement would have to include mutually agreed public health protocols, to preserve the public health and safety of citizens on both sides, while taking into account the medical resources available in both countries. Source: Travel Asia Weekly

Malaysia - Singapore to set up 'green lane' for cross-border travel

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With the recent ease of lockdown across New Zealand, three remarkable Kiwis recount their stay-in days doing what they love. New Zealand is one of the first countries to report no known cases since the virus emerged late last year, thanks to the remarkable effort of all Kiwis nationwide. The Rakiura photographer Nature used to be photographer Laire Purik’s muse. For four years she found it all around her, living at the bottom of Aotearoa on Rakiura, Stewart Island. In her mind, the island is New Zealand like it used to be – unspoiled and extreme. Laire, who is originally from Estonia, had never really taken photos of people, but the four-week lockdown in New Zealand changed her perspective. Laire Purik with her dog Carlos She recalls saying goodbye to a friend whom she knew she wouldn’t see for a while. There was something about the way that friend was lit by the afternoon sun and framed by striped glass, so she took a photo – the first in what would soon become a recurring photoseries shot with her iPhone. She didn’t have big plans, but that first photo soon evolved into a project documenting the lives of Stewart Island during lockdown. She called it “ Copeisolation ”. Jules, Matt and dog Nonu (image: Laire Purik) Stewart Islanders started sharing them all around their community. On an island where tourism and fishing are the main industries, where there is only one shop and a pub, Copeisolation became a historical project capturing a remote part of the world during unprecedented times. The project helped get her out the door and appreciate the island even more. She wasn’t used to going up to strangers and asking to take their picture. “It changed my attitude to people,” she says. “Everyone had a story with how they were coping. That tiny island opened up even more to me.” Bonnie and Fluff with their dog (image: Laire Purik) At night, she often sees kiwi birds running free through the bush and can’t sleep because the stars are so bright above her head. She has fallen in love with the remoteness and that fact they don’t need anything there. Most of all, she has found a new muse. “Every person I photographed was individual, like their own storylines,” she says. “It made me feel even more connected.” The Christchurch choirmaster Choirmaster Nikki Berry spent two weeks before lockdown began getting her elderly students to come into rehearsals with their electronic devices. Many had computers or smartphones but had never used them to video call, let alone join a singing practice. So, Nikki and her partner Gary Easterbrook went methodically through each one, showing them what they needed to do. The Rockers of Ages choir brought together dozens of older Christchurch residents to join in song over Zoom during the lockdown. The choirs started after the Christchurch earthquakes, as a way to foster community in uncertain times. “We noticed that, in general, older people are really in danger of being socially isolated,” Nikki says. With no intention of doing “old fashioned music”, Nikki got her students, the average of whom is aged in their 70s, to work on their “rock voices”. Now the Rockers of Ages, as the choir call themselves, belt everything from David Bowie to the Rolling Stones, and even songs in other languages. The choir members were hesitant at first, but quickly warmed up to it. Nikki thinks that creating a place where they are focused on belonging and connecting with each other helped create an optimal learning and collaborative environment. “We do the hard stuff and aim high, but we don’t blame or attack. We are all learning.” Delays in rendering the conference call made actually singing together impossible, so instead, Nikki and Gary pre-recorded all the parts themselves. Then they told the students to mute their microphones, and then the teachers just played the track. So while, to the student, it felt like they were signing with a choir, really they were just singing with themselves, alongside a gallery view of their peers all doing the same thing. “It’s an amazing illusion.” And because the students had muted their microphones, it also meant that Nikki and Gary had no idea what they sounded like. “That wasn’t really the point though,” she says. “It was about the process rather than the product.” Nikki says that the experiment also offered a chance for each member to see inside other people’s homes. They would share tours of their living rooms via video and do ‘show and tells’. “Normally, people would be too shy but there was something about the situation that made us feel less intimidated,” Nikki says. “It developed an intimacy we didn’t have before,” That is something that has stayed, even when they went back to physical practices last week. “Just that connection we felt has remained. We all feel that.” The Waiheke volunteer vet Over his 40-year career as a vet, Bryan Gartrell has helped rehabilitate everything from Siberian tigers to snow leopards. He has worked in government departments, zoos, and circuses. But over lockdown he found himself on his deck on Waiheke Island, as a volunteer, tending to a kāruhiruhi, or native shag, with a hole in its beak – nicknamed ‘Holey’. Bryan Gartrell, his neighbour Lorraine and son Sam, help stitch up ‘Holey’ the kāruhiruhi, or native shag, with a hole in its beak. Holey arrived via Native Bird Rescue , a volunteer-run centre on the island, but the organisation’s centre itself was closed during lockdown, so Bryan, his neighbour Lorraine, and his son Sam, set about turning that deck into a makeshift clinic. “There was virtually no stress there. In a real clinic, there can be noises but there it was just us and the bird. During lockdown, the work does not stop. We can’t just say ‘we aren’t working’.” So, they carried on through, helping everything from shags, like Holey, to kererū which had run into windows. The role is a culmination of a passion that still runs deep today. “We have a duty of care to look after our native species that are vital for our whole biosphere.” During lockdown Bryan would sit on his deck with a cup of coffee and look out at the bush surrounding his home. In one day, he saw 17 different types of native species. It was a vision of a future he has long hoped for. “It was almost this Galapagos-type scene,” he says. “We have to look after these species because if we don’t, they will disappear.” It’s that risk which drives Bryan’s passion for education. “You have to consider beyond our lifetime. What is going to happen when I am not around anymore? Someone else has to be there with the same passion. So, by educating, you fill that void.” Bryan Gartrell has worked on thousands of animals throughout his career. Bryan says he was buoyed by the number of people who started seeing native birds all around them during lockdown. He says those four weeks gave people time to slow down and observe. “It’s a starting point. I hope that appreciation remains.” If you're ready to visit New Zealand and meet their friendly locals, visit https://seduniatravel.com/category/holidays/new-zealand/ for travel packages!

How a nation-wide lockdown helped isolated Kiwis come together

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Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines (SIA), is resuming flights to three destinations in Malaysia, namely Kuching, Ipoh and Penang. The first flight to Kuching since 20 March 2020 took to the skies on 5 June 2020, with flights to Ipoh and Penang scheduled on 12 and 14 June 2020 respectively. In line with the announcement, Scoot has also implemented several measures to safeguard the health of its customers and crew. As Scoot resumes more flights in June 2020 and Singapore Changi Airport prepares to resume passenger transit operations in the same month [1] , Scoot will be further enhancing its operational procedures and introducing additional precautionary measures to allow customers to travel with even greater confidence. Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson said: “In response to customer feedback, we have decided to resume some flights to Malaysia this month. As travel starts to resume, we are working closely with regulators and health experts to implement a comprehensive suite of enhanced measures to ensure the highest possible standards of hygiene, and to give our customers peace of mind that they can fly with Scoot safely. Scoot has been at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 from the start, with our highest priority always being the health and safety of our customers and crew.” These enhanced precautions include: 1. When Booking Flights a) Temporary suspension of products and services Scoot will be suspending certain products and services to minimize contact between crew and customers, and to facilitate effective contact tracing. These are: · FlyBagEat and ScootPlus · Board Me First (priority boarding) · Extra Cabin Bag · Online Seat Selection · Inflight seat upgrade · Meals and beverages will not be available for purchase online and onboard, food packs will be pre-placed on seats where applicable · Inflight duty-free shopping will also not be available · Snooze Kit 2. Pre-Flight a) Submission of health declaration forms Customers are required to complete a health declaration form prior to check-in. Forms may be completed at Scoot check-in kiosks or via an online form accessible through an SMS notification 24 hours prior to flight departure. b) Bring a mask All customers are required to bring and wear a mask to board their flight, which must be worn throughout the flight. c) Temperature screening Temperature screening will be conducted prior to boarding [2] and any customers with a temperature of 37.5 degrees and above (or as otherwise stipulated by local regulation) will not be allowed to board. These customers can re-book to travel at a later date when they are well, or they can call Scoot’s call centre to obtain a refund. d) Limit on cabin baggage Previously, Scoot permitted up to 10kg cabin baggage in Economy Class. With effect from 1 June 2020, Scoot will allow each customer one small piece of carry-on baggage of up to 3kg that must fit under the seat in front of them, so as to facilitate safe distancing for passengers during security clearance, boarding and disembarkation. The remaining cabin baggage (up to 7kg) will be checked in at no cost. e) Self-service check-in To minimize physical interactions, Scoot strongly encourages customers to check in online on FlyScoot.com or via our mobile app. Alternatively, they can use the self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag-drop facilities at Changi Airport. f) Implementation of safe distancing measures Safe distancing measures will be put in place at gate-hold rooms and queuing areas including check-in kiosks, gate-hold rooms and before boarding. Scoot strongly encourages all customers to arrive at the airport early to ensure there is sufficient time for the additional pre-flight procedures. 3. In-Flight a) Seat assignment for contact tracing and safe distancing To facilitate contact tracing and safe distancing, customers will be assigned seats when they check in. Where possible, Scoot will endeavour to seat customers travelling with family, or customers in the same booking, together. Customers should not change seats in-flight. b) Inflight service changes All Scoot flights will operate with limited in-flight service with no sale of food and beverage items or duty-free shopping products. Instead, refreshments that have been packaged following strict food safety standards will be pre-placed on seats to limit physical interactions between customers and crew. c) Always wear a mask Customers are required to keep their masks on throughout the flight, except in specified circumstances (e.g. eating, drinking or taking oral medication). d) Observe safe distancing measures Customers are required to observe safe distancing measures when not seated, including during boarding and disembarkation, and when queueing to use a lavatory. e) Cabin hygiene Scoot will be making hand sanitisers available on board our flights for use by customers and crew. Lavatories will also be regularly cleaned and disinfected, at least three times in an hour. f) Provision of passenger care kit for hygiene Care kits consisting of items like anti-bacterial wipes, sanitizer and a surgical mask will be pre-placed on each seat for our customers’ personal use. g) Removal of seatback literature Seatback literature such as the Scoot Café Menu, the Scoot in-flight magazine and Scootalogue duty-free shopping catalogue have been removed from seat pockets to reduce surface contact. The safety card and airsick bag will remain. h) HEPA air filtration systems Scoot’s aircraft are equipped with cabin air filtration systems that have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are up to 99.98% effective at trapping microscopic particles such as small as bacteria and viruses. These air filters have a similar performance to those used in hospital operating rooms and are replaced at regular intervals in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance. Air flows into and out of the cabin on a continuous basis, from top to bottom, with cabin air refreshed every two to three minutes (or 20-30 times hourly). i) Infectious disease handling protocol Scoot has in place a set of standard operating procedures for crew to handle inflight medical emergencies, including managing and segregating customers who may develop symptoms of potentially infectious diseases during flights. This includes a designated seating area for passengers who become unwell. j) Precautionary measures for cabin crew and pilots All Scoot crew undergo pre-flight temperature taking, are required to monitor and report their health, and must wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) while on duty. For Scoot crew, these comprise a mask, gloves and face shield. The crew are also aware that if they are unwell, they should see a doctor immediately and not report for work. Crew members reporting for duty must not have any symptoms or physical contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The crew will also be seated at a designated section of the aircraft, at least 2m away from customers and will be using a separate lavatory. 4. Post-Flight a) Enhanced aircraft cleaning procedures Scoot has enhanced operating procedures for cleaning our aircraft, which include thorough cleaning of the aircraft’s interiors including surface wipe-downs, deep cleaning of the aircraft’s lavatory systems with the appropriate disinfectants, and fogging of the aircraft to ensure disinfectant mist is evenly spread across all surfaces in the interior of the aircraft. Aerosol spray disinfectants are also uplifted as a backup should the standard disinfection procedures be unavailable. To give customers added confidence, in case they need to amend their travel plans after booking, Scoot has extended its offer of a one-time free date change to all bookings made from now till the end of June 2020. Additionally, all customers with bookings made on or before 15 March 2020 for flights departing between 23 January and 31 July 2020 which were cancelled are eligible for two refund options – a 100% refund via the original method of payment or a 120% refund in Scoot vouchers with a validity period of 12 months. Customers are also advised to check with the relevant authorities to ensure that they have the necessary documentation and are eligible to travel to and enter their destination country. Travellers entering Malaysia (including Malaysian citizens, non-Malaysian citizens and Permanent Residents) are also reminded to take note of the updated policy regarding quarantine being imposed by the Malaysian Government starting 10 June 2020. Scoot will continue to monitor the situation, as well as evolving regulatory guidance, and will review the procedures required to ensure the safety of its customers so they can fly with Scoot with a peace of mind.
[1] Refer to https://www.flyscoot.com/en/announcements/scoot-flight-schedules for June’s flight schedule.

[2] Temperature screening will be conducted at check-in counters in Singapore, this may differ for other destinations, depending on the airport layout.

Scoot Resumes Flights to Kuching, Ipoh and Penang

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Despite the continuing closure of the Sanrio Puroland theme park, Hello Kitty creator Sanrio has managed to keep fans excited by offering exclusive video chats with characters and opening a new Sanrio Cafe in Ikebukuro. Around this time every year, Sanrio hosts its annual character ranking, asking fans to vote for their favourite Sanrio characters. This year, a total of 14,556,939 votes were collected from April 10 to June 9 from around the world, and the unexpected results may surprise you. Photo: Sanrio
While last year’s poll put Sanrio’s best known character, Hello Kitty, firmly in first place, this year the cute white cat slipped to fifth position. Instead, with total of 1,387,152 vote, Cinnamoroll charmed people with its long ears, blue eyes, pink cheeks and curly tail, officially being crowned as everyone’s favourite Sanrio character in 2020. He is followed by – in order – Pompompurin, Pochacco and My Melody. Photo: Sanrio Here's the top 10 favourite Sanrio characters in Japan for 2020:
1. Cinnamoroll
2. Pompompurin
3. Pochacco
4. My Melody
5. Hello Kitty
6. Yoshikitty
7. Kuromi
8. ShowByRock!
9. Little Twin Stars
10. Tuxedosam
The official website has a list of all the Sanrio characters, where you’ll be able to see them ranked from one to 80. You'll also find the top three characters in different regions, like the United States, Brazil, Hong Kong, Italy, France and more. In the US, Hello Kitty tops the list of fan favourites.

Ranked by fans, Sanrio Japan's most popular character isn't Hello Kitty!

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Contributed by Liyana Salleh All wanderlusts are feeling the itch to travel again. The uncertainties are mindboggling; “Will I be able to tick off destinations in my bucket list?” “Is it safe to travel?” However, as all responsible wanderlusts and travellers, we all know that being responsible and safe is of the utmost importance for our own wellbeing. The current COVID-19 pandemic makes it difficult, if not near impossible to travel. “Why near impossible? Isn’t it clearly impossible to be travelling again?” Not quite. There are still ways you can travel during this uncertain time. First and foremost, always be alert of your government’s directives on whether you are allowed to move during this time. Secondly, take the utmost care of your personal hygiene. Thirdly, research on the places that you would like to go and the organizations you can support. It is now time for a new normal. That also means changing the way we travel and how we support tourism. Your best bet, for now, is to travel domestically and to explore your own backyard. For Malaysians, most of us opt to travel abroad while we have yet to experience the beauty in our own country. What can I do? 1. Go on Eco Trips In the spirit of the new normal, consider going on eco trips. Eco trips mean going on holidays while lessening our negative impact on the environment. This means planning your trip to ensure that you understand and make careful and informed choices in the places that you stay and visit, the activities that you participate in and the organizations that you support. For example, choose to stay at locally owned accommodations and to eat at local restaurants. This ensures that the money that you spend goes directly to the locals and will aid the growth of their economy and not only benefit a huge conglomerate. Next, other than sightseeing and shopping, consider spending your time to support a cause for the local community or environment. Through this way, you can create a positive impact with your presence. We have seen how the massive lockdown has helped heal Mother Nature. It is now our responsibility to help her in further healing. Where can I go on an eco-trip? If you are a Malaysian, you can go on a 2D 1N Eco Diver trip at the Perhentian Islands where you can help to assess the health of coral and contribute to their research to conserve the marine environment. Moreover, if you want to plan your eco-trip but don’t know where to start, you can ask Fuze Ecoteer to plan your eco-trip for you. Fuze Ecoteer is a Malaysian-based social enterprise that focuses on conservation and the community. Therefore, the money that you pay by engaging their services will go to their marine conservation work at the Perhentian Islands. 2. Go on a Volunteering Trip Time is the most valuable thing you can give to someone. Hence, spend your time travelling with volunteering for a good cause. There are various causes that you can volunteer for according to your skills and interest. For example, you can volunteer for conservation work, community work or even indirectly by doing administration or technical work to support the organizations. Why should I volunteer? Going on a volunteering trip is not only beneficial for the organization that you choose to support, but it is also good for you too. Volunteering trips help you to widen your circle of connection, help you to make a positive impact with your time and skills and are added experience you can use for you to advance in your career too. Other than that, it is a great way to explore a place as you will, more often than, not be among people who have a better understanding of the place. Volunteering at the Perhentian Turtle Project (PTP) is one of the projects where you can enjoy being in a beautiful island while working on a great cause. The PTP collects data and photo ID of turtles nesting and feeding in the Perhentian Islands. This data will then be used to map areas where authorities can focus on conservation efforts. 3. Virtual Field Trips For students who have had to cancel their field trips during this pandemic season fear not. You can have a virtual field trip instead. Virtual field trips give you the opportunity to ‘meet’ experts and have a session with them in the comfort of your own home. All that is needed is your computer, internet connection and your time. These trips can be tailored made to suit your educational needs. For example, some tour agencies can make it a biology field trip, coral conservation trip and more. Discuss with the organisation that is conducting your field trip to make this happen. In a nutshell, there are so many things that you can do and places that you can explore right where you are. It is time we experience our own backyard and help move our own economy that has suffered due to the pandemic. Let’s travel within and keep our travel spirit alive.

Reviving Travel: Exploring Your Own Backyard

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Following the announcement that domestic travel in Malaysia will resume today, AirAsia will launch an Unlimited Pass to stimulate and revitalise Malaysia’s domestic tourism in support of the Government’s effort. The AirAsia Unlimited Pass Cuti-Cuti Malaysia, priced at RM399 nett, is available to all Malaysia-based AirAsia BIG Members to purchase on airasia.com/deals or AirAsia mobile app (under the Deals Tab) from 11 June 2020 (1000h GMT +8) to 13 June 2020 (2359h GMT+8). Buy now and travel later where flights can be redeemed for travel from 25 June 2020 up to 31 March 2021 . The offer will cover 16 amazing destinations namely, Alor Setar, Langkawi, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau and Labuan. AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said, “We are all in this together. Reviving the travel and tourism industry will need to be a collective effort, and we look forward to working together with all tourism stakeholders from hoteliers to travel agents to achieve this objective. For AirAsia, the Unlimited Pass is our key offering for guests to redeem unlimited flights within our domestic network across 16 destinations. “By travelling domestically, we can all support the local communities and contribute to rebuilding our economy. As travel reopens we ask for the cooperation and understanding of our valued guests - please remember to practise high personal hygiene and wear a mask.” For more information on how to purchase and plan your trip with the AirAsia Unlimited Pass please refer to this guide. Flights redeemed with the Unlimited Pass are subject to government taxes and fees, add ons and other applicable charges. Flight bookings must be made at least 14 days before departure, embargo period and other terms and conditions apply. Besides complying with the advice and regulations from government and health authorities, AirAsia has also implemented end-to-end contactless procedures and a series of new safety measures , as well as taking care of those most at risk to ensure the safety of all travelling guests. For the latest AirAsia news, activities and promotions, follow AirAsia on Twitter ( twitter.com/AirAsia ), Facebook ( facebook.com/AirAsia ) and Instagram ( instagram.com/AirAsia ). * Terms and conditions apply, read the Frequently Asked Questions to find out more.

AirAsia Launched Domestic Unlimited Pass for Cuti-Cuti Malaysia #supportlokal

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