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All Our Travel Tales & Tips

Contributed by Ruo Ying The country that brings Anime to reality - Japan is definitely my dream destination to visit after Covid-19! And why not? It's a destination that is suitable to visit all year around: Cherry Blossom for spring, Matsuri for summer, autumn leaves for autumn and snow festival for winter. As a big fan of Anime and Manga, visiting Japan is my dream to let myself become the character in my story in which I can experience its unique culture, taste its delicious food, visit its many temples and shrines, enjoy an anime-themed cafe and sightseeing at those places that I have only seen anime and manga. Of course, meeting Monkey D. Ruffy and other characters from One Piece will be the first and the most important highlight in my itinerary. In my opinion, Japan is a super unique country that can somehow fit travellers of all ages and interests. No matter how old or how young you are, you can enjoy its many vibrant theme parks, shopping streets, temples and overall sightseeing. There are just many things to do for different interests across the nation: Skiing at Hokkaido, eating sushi and ramen at Tokyo's Michelin restaurants, visiting Shirakawago and traditional village showcasing to name a few. There is no other country like Japan that can accommodate advancements in technology and maintain tradition at the same time! And hence why... 日本に行きたいです ! (I want to go to Japan!) Indeed Japan is a beautiful country all year around with different attractions in all 46 different prefectures. To help you jumpstart your plans to Nihon, Sedunia Travel has a plethora of tours and travel packages around and about Japan. For the uninitiated, they recommend starting in Tokyo before making your way across the region. To find out more about Japan, check out https://seduniatravel.com/holidays/japan .

日本に行きたいです ! (I want to go to Japan!)

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Lockdown may be restoring the world to its natural order but we, its inhabitants have a role to play too in protecting our planet. In conjunction with Earth Day, Starbucks has partnered up with Herschel Supply Co to launch a new limited-edition designer merchandise collection, available exclusively at Starbucks® stores in Asia. Combining timeless fashion and premium quality, the Starbucks® X Herschel Supply designer collection proves quality and self-expression does not need to come at the cost of a sustainable lifestyle. The collection’s unique designs gives recycled materials a second life while embodying style and authenticity. In this case, their new range is made entirely of recycled plastic bottles (PET)! L-R: Classic XL bag pack (RM335) and Long tote bag (RM168) “Starbucks has always been an avid supporter of sustainability and plans to spend the next year continuing to test and learn before formalizing these sustainability targets as part of the company’s 50th anniversary in 2021,” said Erin Silvoy, vice president, Category and Marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “As part of these efforts, this exclusive collection diverts plastic from landfills and oceans, effectively giving these materials a second life as a stylish and convenient accessory for a sustainable lifestyle.” “In venturing beyond coffee moments, this collection puts the spotlight on eco-friendly material innovation alongside with evergreen designs, set to inspire others to be thoughtfully well-travelled with their faithful companion throughout their journey and adventures anywhere,” says Mikey Scott , Global Marketing Director of Herschel Supply. L-R: Carry bag (RM148) and Fifteen Hip pack (RM148) L-R: 16oz stainless steel tumbler (RM195) and12oz stainless steel traveler mug (RM158) Starting 27 April 2020 onwards, this exciting collaboration will be available at selected Starbucks® designer series stores in Malaysia from RM148 onwards, while stocks last. The Starbucks® X Herschel Supply collection will also be available at selected Starbucks® stores in Asia Pacific, including Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, while supplies last. For more details, visit www.starbucks.com.my .

Exclusive in Starbucks Asia only: Starbucks® X Herschel Supply Designer Collection

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Being able to dream about what to do and where to go is now more important than ever - and you can now take a virtual trip to Sydney and regions of NSW without leaving home. Destination NSW’s consumer travel website, VisitNSW.com, has a new suite of still and video Zoom-ready assets available for consumers to download to make their conferencing calls a little more fun. The Zoom background collection was curated to inspire wanderlust in the dreaming phase of the travel planning cycle, with NSW backgrounds curated around three key themes - native animals, sunrise and sunset, and spectacular scenery. The NSW destinations and experiences include stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere’s first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungles, sea life frolicking underwater along the NSW Coast from Tweed Heads to Narooma, aerial shots of regional NSW including Stockton Beach and Broken Hill, breakfast with Coffs Harbour kangaroos, and a timelapse of the world-famous Sydney Harbour. “ Travel might be postponed, but dreaming about travelling is definitely encouraged via our Zoom-ready assets,” said Stephen Mahoney, Acting CEO, Destination NSW. With a number of virtual wonderlands and three themes to choose from, join the revolution and take your pick of one of the following Zoom backgrounds to immerse yourself in NSW like never before. Talk with the animals ● Wombats at Symbio Wildlife Park, Central Coast ● Meerkats at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo ● Kangaroos in Mungo National Park ● Fur seals near Montague Island off the coast of Narooma ● A mob of emus in Sturt National Park, Tibooburra Sunrises & Sunsets ● Sydney Harbour featuring both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House ● Broken Hill featuring the Living Desert Sculptures ● Blue Mountains National Park featuring panoramic views of the Three Sisters ● Bondi Beach featuring the very instagrammable Icebergs ● Killcare Beach on NSW’s Central Coast ● Warrumbungle National Park featuring the iconic Breadknife and Grand High Top Walks Spectacular Scenery ● Lord Howe Island ● Walls of China, Mungo National Park ● Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens ● Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly ● Kosciuszko National Park ● Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains For more information go to www.visitnsw.com/love-nsw/zoom Share your favourite Sydney and NSW holidays on social media by using the hashtag #LoveNSW or #NewSouthWales.

Zoom Your Way to New South Wales

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To celebrate World Book Day on 23 April 2020, you can travel in the time of quarantine and social distancing – through the delights of storytelling. So whether you are on a couch, window seat or at the kitchen table, get ready to go on an adventure through books and technology as Agoda introduces five book trails to inspire readers to kick off their (virtual) journey. 1. Murder on the Orient Express (Harper Collins) Author: Agatha Christie Destination: Turkey “It would be a pity to pass through (Istanbul), — comme ça.” He snapped his fingers descriptively. “Nothing presses—I shall remain there as a tourist for a few days.” After solving his latest case, detective Hercule Poirot planned to spend a few days in Istanbul as a tourist. With its East meets West location, visitors can immerse themselves in its long history dating back to the Roman empire. Istanbul is undoubtedly rich with culture, unique arts, and remarkable architectural sites. If the book inspired you to get to know more about Istanbul, take a look at the Hagia Sophia, once an Orthodox Church and Ottoman Mosque. For art enthusiasts, museums in Istanbul are now offering digital exhibitions including Pera Museum which includes “Istanbul: The City of Dreams” and ““Language of the Wall,” one of the most comprehensive exhibitions on graffiti in the world. If you are looking for modern art, “Artists in Their Time” at Istanbul Modern is just a few clicks away. The exhibition suggests a conceptual field for examining and reconciling the links between an artist’s time and societal, cultural, natural and universal time. 2. The Witches (Penguin Random House) Author: Roald Dahl Destination: Norway “The Norwegians know all about witches, for Norway, with its black forests and icy mountains, is where the first witches come from.” Roald Dahl’s children fantasy, The Witches, will take you all the way to Norway in your imagination to explore where witches and witch hunters originated. With its mountain and fjords, long summer days and dark winter nights, Norway would cast a spell on you. While you can only dream about skiing through the forests and toboggan runs in the winter, a sunny trip to visit museums historical sites isn’t so far away. Reignite your adventurous spirit, come aboard the Polar Exploration Museum and view its centerpiece – the world´s strongest wooden ship – the polar ship Fram, which you can now explore online. Recognizing the healing power of art in a time like this, Henie Onstad Art Center opens its digital door to carefully curated artistic programs. Henie Onstad Art Channel will stream hidden gems from the archive, showcase world class art pieces, as well as concerts and music performances. 3. Little Women (Penguin Classics) Author: Louisa May Alcott Destination: France “Rainy days I spend in the Louvre, reveling in pictures. …. Then the Bois and Champs Elysees are tres magnifique…. We often walk in the Tuileries Gardens, for they are lovely, though the antique Luxembourg Gardens suit me better” As the March sisters set off on their journeys, follow Amy on her European tour to Paris. Paris evokes a sense of glamour, sophisticated art, high fashion, and romance. It promises exciting sightseeing opportunities and plenty of activities for travelers – without even having to leave home. This city of art and culture is living up to its reputation, providing a chance to step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Parisian parties and world-class opera as Paris Opera screens its performances online for free. Moreover, Le Louvre , home to thousands of masterpieces, now grants virtual visits to its exhibition rooms and galleries to take time contemplating the arts along the beautiful façades of the Louvre. Spice up your virtual experience by visiting the Paris Catacombs . This underground tunnel in Paris holds the remains of more than six million people since the eighteenth century. 4. China Rich Girlfriend (Penguin Random House) Author: Kevin Kwan Destination: China “Shanghai was a vast, sprawling megalopolis on the banks of the Huangpu River, the “Paris of the East,” where hyperbole-defying skyscrapers vied for attention with stately early-twentieth-century European façades.” Set in the iconic city of Shanghai, the sequel of Crazy Rich Asians will inspire an ultimate luxury trip. This metropolis city is filled with modern infrastructures, array of shops, nightlife, and decadence against the backdrop of art deco and old Chinese buildings. If escaping to Shanghai through the pages of China Rich Girlfriend isn’t enough, take a virtual stroll along the Bund where skyscrapers and majestic heritage buildings stand proud on each side of the river. Nanjing, the main pedestrian shopping street stretches for five kilometers. If you want to learn more about China, Harvard University and Tsinghua University are offering free online courses from language to culture and history. In addition, you can get a virtual experience at the grand Palace Museum in Beijing, where you can browse through various areas and exhibitions including Palace of Longevity and Health, and Garden of Compassion and Tranquility. Each area comes with its own soundtrack to transport you to the long history of China. 5. Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony (Penguin Group) Author: Eoin Colfer Destination: Taiwan “The Lexus entered the Xinyi district, and Taipei 101 rose from the cityscape like a giant bamboo shoot. The buildings around it seemed to shrink back in awe” A teenage genius and criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl II and his friends set off on a journey to Taiwan to discover the secret of demons, fairies, and the fantasy world. If Artemis Fowl gives you an appetite for all things Taiwan, check out the National Palace Museum with its VR experience allowing you to visit the museum anytime and anywhere. Observe and learn about the national artifacts by following the curated routes such as Treasure Hunting. Chimei Museum in Tainan also offers virtual tours of wide collections of Western art, musical instruments, weaponry and natural history. And in case, you want to check out itineraries to these locations, you can always head on over to this link .

5 Books that Will Stir Your Wanderlust

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Contributed by Hazian We are living in unusual conditions where an global pandemic has broken out across the world. Most borders are closed, flights grounded, tours cancelled, hotels closed and we are all home bound. A situation that no one has ever imagined. While most of us has had to put our travels on hold for a while due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must remain hopeful and stay positive, keeping our dream destination at the forefront. Once this is over, I dream and would love to travel to Finland, a place that I have always been fascinated with, especially Lapland. I would like to visit during winter, for a chance to see the Northern Lights and also to experience winter activities. Although summer is also good season to experience the Midnight Sun, for a 24-hours of sun light when the sun never sets. The northern most part of Finland, Lapland, is the magical arctic region full of contrasts. With its snowy landscapes, it is the home of reindeer, Santa Claus and the Northern Lights. I would love to experience reindeer sleigh ride, dog sledding, snowmobiling and of course, watch the Northern Lights dance – everyone’s bucket list! Finland is the place to meet Santa Claus and Rovaniemi is the Official Hometown of Santa Claus in Lapland. So, I would love to meet him at Santa’s official office, situated on the mysterious Arctic Circle, which is open to each and everyone. Other than that, I would also love to experience the unique culture of the Sámi – the only indigenous people of the European Union. Now with us stuck at home, this is the best time to research up and plan for that dream trip as we wait for the borders to open up once more. The world is waiting. Let's be ready for it. Swing by https://seduniatravel.com to start planning. Sedunia Travel is always ready to help you plan out that perfect itinerary :)

Finland: A Land of Magical Wonder

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Contributed by Tan Ming Luk, Country Head, Malaysia & Singapore, OYO Hotels & Homes The increasing accessibility of international travel to a wider percentage of the population and the subsequent importance of inbound tourism to more and more countries has amplified vulnerabilities to global events beyond our control. The COVID-19 pandemic upending the world today is turning out to be the biggest economic disruptor in decades, threatening 75 million jobs in the global travel and tourism industry, and slashing approximately USD2.1 trillion in earnings in the same sector this year [1] . In the wider economy, a total of 195 million jobs are expected to be lost just in the second quarter of the year [2] . Malaysia too is not spared, with a best case scenario estimating a loss of 951,000 jobs and RM41 billion in household income due to the pandemic [3] . These include an estimated revenue loss of RM3.37 billion in the travel and tourism sector between January and February 2020 alone [4] . While staying hopeful, we nevertheless must recognise that the impact of COVID-19 will not dissipate within a short period. It will take time for things to settle, with some estimating that it could take up to 10 months for the tourism sector to return to its normal levels once the pandemic is over [5] . Government aid provides much-needed relief to tide us over at this critical juncture, but we can still make good use of this slow period to look for the silver lining in the dark clouds, as we make our way on the path to recovery. It is true that many past crises were smaller in geographical scale. From natural disasters to terrorist attacks to disease outbreaks, international travel was often redirected from the affected region to a non-impacted one. For a large pandemic, while the timeline for recovery may need to stretch over a wider period of time, well-proven methods still have their place. Learning from the world Tourism is a business of seeing and experiencing, so when its tourism industry was hit by a MERS outbreak in 2015, South Korea invited foreign media and industry decision makers to visit key tourism destinations to rebuild confidence, as part of its recovery process [6] . Likewise, Malaysia can replicate this tried and true method during our own recovery from COVID-19. With popular attractions largely closed, we can also optimise the lack of crowds to continue improvement works on tourism assets, so they will be ready to welcome tourists at their full glory once the market improves. Keeping in mind the Director-General of Health’s advice that mass gatherings should be avoided for six months to a year after the Movement Control Order is lifted [7] , we can learn from other markets on how to spread out the crowds. We know that families travel more during school holidays and festive seasons, while budget-hunting independent travellers can be enticed to travel during low or shoulder seasons, reducing surge and keeping income stable for businesses. Those new to a destination tend to make a beeline for the Top 10 highlights while repeat visitors may opt for quieter attractions. Residents of smaller towns head to big cities for shopping or to enjoy cultural performances, while urbanites head towards nature for R&R during long weekends. All these behaviours and more can be used to guide travel promotions aimed at aggregating the travel crowds. In many countries, there are also different prices for international and domestic tourists, or lower prices during the off-season [8] . These efforts to offer varied pricing targeted at domestic tourists makes tourism more accessible to locals with different income levels, besides creating all-year-round tourism and helping to alleviate pressure from overcrowding. Incentives for locals are also used, in line with the personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for domestic tourism expenditure and the RM100 digital voucher for domestic flights, rails and hotel accommodations announced by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a stimulus measure [9] . Recovery starts at home For those of us complying with the MCO at home, it would not be unusual to fantasise about our future holidays. With the trajectory of the disease surge differing from country to country, domestic travel is the place for recovery to start. We can already see this domestic focus in China, as it cautiously restarts non-essential sectors like tourism. Research shows as many as 90% of those ready to travel wanting to start domestically, as experts point to safety fears and the desire to be near the security of home as driving forces in consumer decisions. At the same time, independent travel is preferred, with travellers avoiding large tour groups and cruises and opting for hotels offering flexibility to amend bookings [10] . Besides, domestic tourism will remain accessible to many in Malaysia, if we consider that it is most popular among those with monthly household incomes of RM1,001 to RM3,000 per month (43.3%). With young adults forming the majority of domestic travellers (39.6% were aged 25 to 39 years), this may be yet another bright point, looking at global trends [11] . Research has found that young travellers may consider travelling a meaningful way to spend their time when the economy is poor, even using their severance pay to fund their travels [12] . For Malaysia, like our Southeast Asian neighbours, while domestic tourism may not contribute as much in total tourism revenue compared to inbound tourism (a 41.8% contribution [13] [14] compared to the global average of 71.2% in 2018 [15] ), the value has been growing every year (11.4% growth in 2018 compared to 11.1% in 2017) [16] . Indeed, domestic travellers in Malaysia made up 86% of hotel guests in 2019, spending more than RM70 billion for shopping, entertainment, accommodation and sporting activities in repeat trips (302.4 million trips in 2018) [17] . To continue generating more domestic trips, more effort is required to draw out and refine the unique propositions of each destination. For example, Malaysians already love the concept of Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan, heading to Penang and Melaka for the local fare, visiting Pahang during durian season or Sekinchan for the seafood. We can step up efforts to enhance the uniqueness of each locale, learning from countries like Japan and its One Village One Product movement that encourages local communities to identify products that are locally specific, concentrate resources on its production, establish it as a local brand, and market it to the entire country or beyond [18] . Certainly, the importance of domestic tourism in Japan at 82% of overall tourism earnings makes the country a source of inspiration [19] . With the cancellation of Visit Malaysia Year 2020, the RM1.1 billion previously allocated to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the campaign, including the RM960 million earmarked for driving awareness, promotions and programmes can be channelled towards promoting domestic tourism [20] . Once the Movement Control Order is lifted, Malaysians will still want to travel, and spending their money at home is the right choice for many reasons. For a start, it is a way to show solidarity with our fellow Malaysians by keeping money within the local economy. Besides, postponed events are likely to be rescheduled, so parents will want to attend their children’s convocations, and business travellers are likely to start attending trade events and professional conferences again. Malaysians may be choosing domestic travel for down to earth reasons like visiting relatives and friends (40.6%), shopping (34.7%) or relaxation (10.4%)3, but their spending will nevertheless help businesses in the travel and tourism sector achieve their income goals. We certainly hope all Malaysians will have the opportunity to enjoy the remaining long weekends in Malaysia [21] . About Tan Ming Luk Tan Ming Luk (Ming) joined OYO Hotel & Homes as its Country Head, Malaysia & Singapore in November 2018. In the short time that he’s been with the company, he has led the home and hotel business in Malaysia to become one of the best and consistent performers within the OYO-network, globally. [1] World Travel & Tourism Council, 26 March 2020, WTTC implores G20 leaders to save the Travel & Tourism sector and recognizes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leadership, https://www.wttc.org/about/media-centre/press-releases/press-releases/2020/wttc-implores-g20-leaders-to-save-the-travel-and-tourism-sector-and-recognizes-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia-leadership/ [2] International Labour Organization, 7 April 2020, ILO Monitor 2nd edition: COVID-19 and the world of work: Updated estimates and analysis https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@dgreports/@dcomm/documents/briefingnote/wcms_740877.pdf [3] Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, 23 March 2020, The Economic Impact of Covid-19 https://www.mier.org.my/the-economic-impacts-of-covid-19/ [4] Bernama, 15 March 2020, COVID-19:MOTAC urges industry players to restrategise, promote online https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=1821530 [5] World Economic Forum, 17 March 2020, This is how coronavirus could affect the travel and tourism industry https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/world-travel-coronavirus-covid19-jobs-pandemic-tourism-aviation/ [6] Pacific Asia Travel Association, 28 July 2015, Korean Tourism Industry on the Rebound as PM Declares MERS All-Clear, https://www.pata.org/korean-tourism-industry-on-the-rebound-as-pm-declares-mers-all-clear/ [7] Bernama, 3 April 2020, Avoid public gathering six month, a year after MCO, https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=1828372 [8] World Travel & Tourism Council, December 2018, Domestic Tourism – Importance & Economic Impact, https://www.wttc.org/publications/2018/domestic-tourism/ [9] Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, 27 February 2020, Economic Stimulus Package No.1 https://www.matta.org.my/article/31296-economic-stimulus-package-no1 [10] CNN, 9 April 2020, As China lifts restrictions, here's where its people want to travel https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/china-travel-recovery-domestic/index.html [11] Department of Statistics Malaysia, 28 June 2019, Domestic Tourism Survey 2018 https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/pdfPrev&id=cUJybTRyNWZYd05qY2xlSmJFQXhYdz09 [12] WYSE Travel Confederation, Facts and Stats, https://www.wysetc.org/about-us/facts-and-stats/ [13] Tourism Malaysia, 15 August 2019, Domestic Tourism Performace 2018, https://www.tourism.gov.my/media/view/domestic-tourism-performance-2018 [14] Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism Statistics in Brief, https://www.tourism.gov.my/statistics [15] World Travel & Tourism Council, Travel & Tourism: Economic Impact 2019: World, https://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/regions-2019/world2019.pdf [16] Department of Statistics Malaysia, 28 June 2019, Domestic Tourism Survey 2018, https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=320&bul_id=cUJybTRyNWZYd05qY2xlSmJFQXhYdz09&menu_id=b0pIV1E3RW40VWRTUkZocEhyZ1pLUT09 [17] Bernama, 12 February 2020, Tumpu pelancongan domestik rancakkan VM2020 - KP Tourism Malaysia, https://www.bernama.com/bm/am/news.php?id=1813428 [18] Asian Productivity Organisation, One Village, One Product movement https://www.apo-tokyo.org/publications/p_glossary/one-village-one-product-movement/ [19] Statista, Distribution of domestic and foreign tourism's contribution to GDP in Japan in 2018 https://www.statista.com/statistics/731610/domestic-and-foreign-tourism-contribution-to-gdp-japan/ [20] The Edge Markets, 11 October 2019, Govt sets aside RM1.1b for tourism ministry to drive Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/govt-sets-aside-rm11b-tourism-ministry-drive-visit-malaysia-2020-campaign [21] Let's Go Holiday, 30 May 2019, 12 Long Weekends In 2020 For Malaysians, https://www.letsgoholiday.my/p/malaysia-long-weekend-calendar-2020

Domestic tourism offers recovery hope in travel and hospitality

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As the heart of Malaysia, the State of Selangor is a melting-pot of cultures, but wait, as if you haven’t heard of that already! There is definitely more to that in Selangor that extends further than just cultural diversity. Between arts festival, a unique rare beach phenomenon, exciting eco-adventure activities, stylish leisure to buzzing night-life ; you are just a click away from locking that flight and hotel deals you might be onto after a read-up on this feature. 1. Selangor International Indigenous Arts Festival (SIIAF) 2020 Transform your city-dwelling lifestyle for a day (or two) by getting close to the Indigenous tribes from Selangor, Malaysia and the rest world at SIIAF 2020 which is to be held on August 8th and 9th. Apart from witnessing back-to-back cultural performances from each of the participating Indigenous tribes, visitors get to walk through a special set-up of the Indigenous traditional houses, and partake in traditional weaving, communal cooking, blowpipe demonstration and the Kerchang game puzzle. Special handicraft and food bazaar awaits visitors with love for arts and an appetite for everything tasty! 2. Sky Mirror Jump on the bandwagon following the Sky Mirror hype in the district of Kuala Selangor. The place lives up to its name featuring a unique natural phenomenon of a sand bar that only emerges on certain dates of the month; perfectly reflecting the sky. Sky Mirror is one of the only two places in the world blessed with such natural wonder after Bolovia’s “Salar de Uyuni”. If you're looking for a place to stay to visit the Sky Mirror, check out our write up on Sekinchan Padi Box. 3. History and Heritage Appreciation As a region once affected by the colonial era, Selangor is rich with historical and heritage remains that are significant to learn from. Royal Klang Heritage Walk Tour and Kajang Heritage Walk Tour are simply dedicated to take tourists to iconic and historical sites in Klang and Kajang town. What’s more compelling, the tours are guided by local guides who truly know the districts by heart. 4. Conquer and Devour Selangor is home to an extensive choice of food; local, hipsterised or associated with culture. Satisfy your hunger at food fiestas held all around Selangor. Malawati Shah Alam Stadium alone has become the host for Selangor Food Festival, HAVOC Food Festival, Shah Alam Mega Street Festival, VFOOD Festival, Absolut Food Festival, Cik B Vaganza Food Fest and many more. Meanwhile, the Klang district in Selangor is famous for its Eat, Travel, Write Festival , Thailand-Malaysia Food Fest and Street Food Festival . For lovers of Japanese delicacies, the annual Bon Odori Festival is entering its 44th edition on July 18th. Buckle up for an evening of everything Japanese , plus a dozen or more sushi, dorayaki and takoyaki; just to name a few. Check out some of these cafes around Selangor here. 5. Stay in Style Your well-deserved luxurious staycation plan has never been this easy as Selangor is home to various 5-star hotels with top-notch hospitality, service quality and facilities for your sweet escape. Mövenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA outstands with its Islamic-design architecture, as well as its exclusive interior. With a 10-minute distance to the KLIA and KLIA2 airports, the Hotel provides a perfect stay in between transits. Sheraton Petaling Jaya is recommended for MICE tourism with 14 event rooms and ballrooms and 13 Maximum Breakout Rooms that take up a large 21,743 square feet. For nature lovers with worries on comfort and convenience, glamping is to go for. With the tagline “Get Lost Naturally”, The Sticks in Kuala Kubu Bharu town offers an escapade amidst nature in their “Tendoks”; a combination of the words “tent” and “pondok” (which simply means “ hut” in English). They give out the vibes of a true rustic living experience, without jeopardising comfort and convenience. 6. Home to International Marathon Events Yes, we heard you. The call for marathon events echoed notably in Selangor, resulting to a series of likeliness such as the Selangor Twin City Marathon 2020 , Selangor Marathon 2020 (February 23rd), Malaysian Women Marathon 2020 (March 8th), Hulu Selangor Ultra Trail Run (June 27th), The Great Malaya Trail (October 19th & 20th) and many more. These are the times where runners from all over Malaysia and neighbouring regions come and visit Selangor to support the practice of a healthy lifestyle. 7. Malaysia’s Biggest Golf Arena Selangor holds the pride as the largest and leading golf hub in Malaysia with a total of 46 golf courses (and growing) across Selangor. The State is recognised among golfers for its annual Selangor Amateur Open which enters its 47th edition this year. A significant number of golf courses in Selangor are award-winning, including the Glenmarie Golf & Country Club which plays host to Selangor Golf Festival Championship on July 8th to 10th. 8. Cruise-stop City/Village Tour Buckle up for a remarkable experience off-the-ship when your cruise set sail in Port Klang, the gateway to Malaysia, which is often chosen as the port-of-call of ships embarking on a voyage. The Shah Alam district close to the Port is home to a variety of tourism attractions including the Golden Triangle of Selangor, the i-City and the well-known Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah or the Blue Mosque , which is the second largest mosque in Southeast Asia. For a trip down away from the city, the Mah Meri Cultural Village provides half day and full-day tours for the exposure on the Mah Meri Indigenous tribe. 9. Buzzing Night-life You will not have a dull stay in Selangor as the State is teeming with swanky rooftop restaurants, lounges and bars for that vibrant nightlife experience. The Roof at First Avenue, Bandar Utama is a premium entertainment hub with an array of enchanting delights under one roof, and yes it does match its name. Experience luxury at the award-winning fine-dining restaurant, Signature, satisfy your taste-buds at Malt & Leaf and Yezi , pass some free time at the ultimate sports bar, SCORE , witness such a mesmerising view overlooking the city from the rooftop at Stratosphere, or dance the night off to the beat at Liquidity and PLAY Club . They are just steps away from one another! 10. The Surge of Adrenaline Take yourself up for a challenge with eco-adventure activities in Selangor. From conquering tree-to-tree obstacles at Skytrex Sg Chongkak, the first flying-fox park in Malaysia, mountain biking in Hulu Selangor , hiking up the Kanching and Sg Chiling waterfalls to paragliding, white-water rafting and rope swinging in Kuala Kubu Bharu town – Selangor is certain to take you on an unforgettable journey that is filled with the surge of adrenaline you crave for . Article provided by Tourism Selangor

10 Reasons to Explore Selangor in 2020

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Contributed by Justin Francis Covid -19 has kept me behind doors for weeks but it has not deterred my heart from roaming through the countries of my dream. One of the country that I wish to visit once this is all over is Austria. After being cooped up within these four walls during this Movement Control Order, my heart desires to be one with the nature. To feel the morning breeze and sun shining on my face. As I close my eyes, I imagine strolling by the captivating Austrian lake where swans danced to the tune of a love song while the light of a house by the mountain flickers. The best time to visit Austria would be in October where I will be able to witness the magnificent beauty of the country as the weather is perfect for an outdoor stroll and activities. Vienna, the capital of Austria, alone is a great excuse why one would want to visit Austria. Surrounded by spellbinding nature and historical building, as you take a walk in the city, you will hear music coming to live to treasure the memories of great composers such as Mozart and Strauss II. Perhaps, you may even hear this song “the hills are alive with the sound of music la la la la”. The most famed movie sound of music was filmed at Salzburg, Austria where fans would flock Salzburg to feel the presence of the legendary Von Trapp family. Austria is the birthplace of renowned people such as Adolf Hitler, Mozart and the father of psychology, Sigmund Freud. Walking down the historical lane will definitely give us the chill. Austria houses Admont Abbey, the largest monastic library in the world. The formation of the library in the movie Beauty and the Beast was said to be inspired by this breathtaking library. As the oldest remaining monastery in Styria, the Benedictine monastery captivated the world with its beautiful architecture. To make my trip a memorable one, I believe Sedunia Travel will be able to arrange independent tours to Austria where I can do it at my own pace with hassle free. I can also opt out to do the Cosmos and Globus coach tours where there will be an expert tour director and guide throughout your journey. Check out Sedunia Travel for packages to Austria and get in touch for more information.

Austria in My Heart

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In February 2020, the entire world tuned in with bated breaths as the Japanese government first announced the first Covid-19 outbreak onboard a cruise ship – the Diamond Princess which had docked at Yokohama. For weeks, the ship was the site of the biggest outbreak outside of China – earning even a spot-on Channel News Asia’s Covid-19 tracking map. The Diamond Princess was but the first of several cruise ships that reported multiple outbreaks of Covid-19 on cruise ships this year. While many cruise companies have been forced to anchor their fleets, some companies have taken on a proactive approach to aiding their customers during these trying times. Sedunia Travel’s partner, Ponant had arranged flights for 900 of its passengers after repatriating 1,000 passengers from four vessels in Cape Town, Australia, Seychelles and Martinique. Ponant has no suspected case of the virus on any of its ships at time of writing. Yet, despite the grim outlook for the cruise industry, cruise companies are seeing a rise in bookings for cruises in 2021. In the past month, cruise booking site, CruiseCompete.com has seen a 40% increase for its 2021 bookings in comparison to its 2019 bookings. Heidi M. Allison, the president of CruiseCompete.com shared that based on the available data, the demand for booking post-pandemic cruises is still strong, an encouraging sign for cruise lines. This is further supported by a recent analysis by Swiss Bank UBS that revealed that the number of cruise bookings for 2021 has gone up by 9% and this included a considerable number of people booking brand news cruises and not just re-booking cancelled cruises. Interestingly, Asia and Alaska are popular cruise destinations next year indicating that Asia to be a key feature. UBS also reported that 76% of those with a cancelled cruise this year has opted for accept credits for a future trip next year over a refund. “There’s still thousands of future cruise credits out there that hasn’t been used and those people are in the wait and see game,” Michelle Fee, CEO and founder of Cruise Planners said. “People are just waiting for the bans to be lifted and get back to travelling.” Because at the end of the day, this is not a cruise ship illness, it’s global pandemic that has affected every sector of businesses and daily routines. Travellers understand that and true to their nature, are just rearing to travel once more when it’s all clear. T he loyalty of cruise lines customer base and the rise in bookings even in the midst of a pandemic that spread on cruise ships show a sliver of hope for an embattled industry. If you're wondering where to cruise off to, check out these themed cruises or why not tick Antarctica off the bucketlist with Ponant? Themed Cruises Worth Setting Sails For Cruising to Antarctica 101 Starting to explore your cruise options? Then talk to Sedunia Travel, the preferred wholesaler for Ponant Cruises . Source: Business Insider , Daily Mail

Cruise Travellers ready to set sail once more in 2021

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While getting onboard a plane, passport in hand may seem like a distant dream now, rest assured - it will be a dream that will come true once more in the neat future once this storm has passed. At the meantime, it doesn't hurt to dream and plan for that next adventure. When it comes to coffee, wildlife and nature, and its many unique laneways amidst its historical buildings, the Australian city of Melbourne is no slouch. Even its surrounding outskirts offer memorable experiences for the adventurous travellers. So hop into a car or a private coach and join us as we take you around the region for the most epic things to do when visiting Melbourne. 1. Slumber close to rhinos and giraffes at Werribee Open Range Zoo Just 30 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, an amazing array of African animals live on 225 hectares of wide, open Savannah at Werribee Open Range Zoo . Here you will find gorillas, a pride of lions, cheetahs and hippos frolicking in the waters to name a few. A 40 minutes safari tour is included in the Zoo admission price with animal encounters also available at an additional fee. For those looking for an even more unforgettable experience, there is the Slumber Safari where visitors get to sleep in lodgings with en suites and a balcony. These eight tented lodges overlook the Werribee River where if you're lucky, you would be able to wake up to the sounds of rhinos, hippos, giraffes and zebras. 2. Swim with dolphins To swim with dolphins and seals at Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula is to experience earth's greatest moments. In their natural habitat, south of Melbourne, you can watch these creatures, hear them, and delight in them. In the hands of your experienced tour team , they will take you to where the ever curious Australian Fur Seal are found usually - just going about their native lifestyle without a care in the world. Then to cap off the magical experience, get ready with your mask and snorkel and dive in to swim amongst the intelligent wild Bottle Nose Dolphins. 3. Stargaze and sleep under the stars at Terindah Estate Perched atop the cliff and with breathtaking views across Port Phillip Bay with access to a private beach is Terindah Estate. The village of 15 luxury bell platformed tents present a camping experience like no other on the Bellarine Peninsula. Picnic right in the open under the stars as you enjoy picnic hampers prepared by the estate. While there, bring along your camera and a tripod and pray for clear night skies as we hear the stars are simply mesmerising once the sun has gone down. 4. Brew your own bottle of gin What better sourvenir to bring home than your own bottle of gin? At Queenscliff Brewhouse, you can enjoy a taste of the region in the variety of gin types available. If you are still craving for more, you can join our Gin masterclasses to delve into the wonderful world of gin, how it is made and be guided through the process of blending up your very own gin recipe in a take home bottle. To add to the overall experience, you can enjoy your drinks while basking in the sunshine in their outdoor garden or overlooking the Bellarine Peninsula in our upstairs restaurant. 5. Sit back and relax in the warm waters of Peninsula Hot Springs Enjoy a good soak in the award-winning natural hot spring and day spa destinations of Peninsula Hot Spring, at Mornington Peninsula. The waters of these pools are naturally heated and filled with minerals making for an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Take your pick from a social bathing area with over 50 globally inspired bathing experiences, a spa treatment at Spa Dreaming Centre and the new 360 degree view Hill Top pool. The latest addition offers sweeping views of the surrounding region and with stunning sunset and sunrise views, reservations in advance are a must to secure it. 6. Huff and Puff through Australia's premier preserved steam railway The journey aboard Puffing Billy takes you through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, located only one hour east of Melbourne. With lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest . Visitors from around the world enjoy travelling aboard Puffing Billy as a stand-alone experience or as part of a Melbourne day tour. 7. Enjoy a pasar malam experience at Queen Victoria Market Amidst a cooler climate and temperature, experience a night market unlike any other when you swing by historical and iconic Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday evenings in the summer. Here, the market offers an epic and mouth-watering line-up of food and drink, perfect for enjoying summer in the city.On top of that, visitors can also enjoy an exciting program of live music and entertainment including a night dedicated to local Aussie artists as part of Melbourne Music Week. Previous runs of the summer night market have also seen weekly fun with friends and family at The Night Court pop-up beach volleyball court. 8. Experience Melbourne by guided bike tour Why walk when you can cycle? There has to be no better way to experience Melbourne's famous laneways and hidden corners than by bike. Melbourne is arguably the most bike friendly city in Australia and this further enhanced by its scenic sightseeing attractions. E xperience Melbourne hospitality and discover the best places to eat, drink and shop on this leisurely ride with a local guide . It’s the perfect way to get your bearings and explore the city in just a few hours. If we've gotten the travel urges in you flowing, it doesn't hurt to start plotting out a possible trip to Melbourne in the near future. Be sure to check out Sedunia Travel to discover more of Australia.

8 Epic Experiences that awaits in Melbourne, Australia

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Written by Kirueben Visvaraj With the ongoing Movement Control Order, I have spent countless hours confined within the four walls of my studio apartment. As time goes, the mind wanders and the ambitions grow; what am I going to do when I get out of here? Who am I going to see once all of this is over? One thing for certain is that I want to be travelling again and now is the perfect time to set my plans in motion. I want to be headed to the authentic wonders and landscapes of Tanzania , home of the amazing Serengeti National Park. A wildlife safari is definitely something I want to experience, especially after all these time being held up in the concrete jungle that is Kuala Lumpur. Tanzania and Kenya come together as the setting for the Greatest Show on Earth with its annual migration of the wildebeest across the Sengerenti and Masai Mara National Park. Imagine the scene in Lion King with the wildebeest stampede; now multiply the scale of that by a 100 and imagine them travelling across hundreds of kilometres of distance. Now, imagine predators like lions and crocodiles waiting by the river banks ready to pounce on weak and tired to feed. It is a sight to behold! The drama, the thrill and excitement would be incomparable as you have front row seats to Mother Nature's Greatest Show on Earth. Contrary to popular belief, the Migration of the Wildebeest is actually an all year experience as the animals, in their large numbers take a long time to travel across the vast distance. What changes is the locations to catch this amazing spectacle. For me, my plan is to head to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in the month of April or May 2021. This gives me sufficient time to plan the trip in terms of the itinerary as well as to prepare the funds to make the journey. Our partners in Sedunia Travel are able to arrange fully private services at great value and comfort giving the opportunity for an intimate and personalized experience to my needs. After a couple of days of spotting the wildlife and natural landscapes like the Ngorongoro Crater and the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, the perfect end to the trip would be a relaxing stay in the picturesque coastal town of Zanzibar. Ideally, with the right budget I would even love to enjoy a stay at the Manta Resort situated in the beautiful private island of Pemba. The Manta Resort also exclusively houses the one of a kind and wonderful Underwater Room; within their Conservation Area. A private island surrounded by corals. It would be simply amazing to experience the fascinating shifting lights of the water, the ebb and flow of the tide and subject to the curiosity of the efishy inhabitants of another world. It is time for me to begin planning my travel to the magical lands and scenery of Tanzania . Being cooped up at home has given me plenty of opportunities to cut back on expenses and to start saving for this trip of a lifetime that I will soon savour. Oh, I just can't wait for it! Where will you be travelling to, once this is all over? We would love to hear your thoughts. Comment below to join the conversation. Check out Sedunia Travel for their travel package to Tanzania here or drop them an email to make that dream holiday come true.

When this is over, I am flying off to Tanzania, home of the amazing Serengeti National Park

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I've had the pleasure meeting travel TV host Samantha Brown about ten years ago when I was but a fledgling writer starting out at a local women's magazine. If I recall correctly, she was in Malaysia to promote her new Asia-based series for Astro's TLC channel (okay, I do remember a lot of details). During the obligatory Q&A session at the press conference, I remember her warm personality always accompanied by her infectious smile as she answered questions with the excitement of a new traveller. It was inspiring. Never mind all those travel vloggers that popped up all over social media in the past five years. Samantha Brown was one of the OG travel host and in an interview with Travel+Leisure recently, she wants us to focus on the most important part of travel - the people. "There’s no sentiment like, “this destination is canceled and we’re not going back.” It’s just a matter of postponing" Like many of us, Samantha has had to put trips on hold for a while due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but she remains hopeful. When it comes to rescheduling locations for her travel show, Places to Love , she said there’s no sentiment like, “this destination is canceled and we’re not going back.” It’s just a matter of postponing — which is exactly what she recommends for your travel plans. “Play it month by month,” Samantha says. If you already have something planned for this summer, hold off on canceling until you get more information. If you want to plan an upcoming vacation, “get a travel agent — they become your advocate — or start calling these businesses yourself and say, we’d love to come but we can’t put down a deposit and risk it going away.” A little due diligence goes a long way, and it’s best to just reach out and talk to the hotels or tour operators you're considering. “Get a travel agent — they become your advocate — or start calling these businesses yourself and say, we’d love to come but we can’t put down a deposit and risk it going away.”she advises. This unprecedented situation is anxiety-inducing and stressful, but there are signs of hope and support happening for the travel industry and its workers. Samantha noted that people are “exploring their own neighborhoods, they’re caring about their own local businesses, and in turn that is the travel economy.” By supporting our own communities, we sustain them, ensuring that one or three or six months from now, we have local restaurants, shops, and experiences that we can continue to share with the world. “The travel industry boils down to people — mom and pop businesses, small little shops — and that’s who we want to protect. And that’s what we do when we travel, we protect local economies,” she said. “Think local, and soon you’re going to be able to act global.” While filming for her show is on hold, Samantha is spending time at home with her family, finding the balance that so many parents are searching for as they switch to a work-from-home lifestyle . She’s keeping her kids busy with outdoor walks, PBS Kids shows, and Storyline Online — a website where SAG actors read children’s books. As soon as this is all over, Sam says she’s heading to the coast of Maine, where her mother lives. “I turned 50 [last week], and my mom has been making me the same meal for like 35 years. We’re going to miss this year, but as soon as I can, I’m traveling to Maine, and she’s going to make it for me.” "This is my favorite photo. I’m in Malaysia at a village of the Orang Asli (original people). It's customary to bring them something from the main town and so I brought apples. The children were extremely shy and very inquisitive about the color of my hair. Our guide and interpreter told me they had never seen blond hair before. I told him to tell them that it doesn’t run in my family either! I love this photo for the children’s faces each one of them is fully engaged in a wonderful exuberant expression." - Samantha Brown For all your travel needs be it local or international, Sedunia Travel is right there with you ready to help you plan as soon as things get better. For more information and to start planning your travel dreams, check out https://www.seduniatravel.com .

TV Host Samantha Brown Has a Message for You Travellers

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Australia may have closed its borders but its tourist attractions are still open to the world through virtual tours and experiences. Virtual attractions include the National Gallery of Victoria's art collections on the new NGV Channel. “And once it's safe to travel again, make sure you go and check them out in real life,” says Tourism Australia. At the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Tasmania, virtual visitors can live stream Tattoo Tim between 10am–4.30pm AEDT daily. Since 2011, Tim has sat at Mona for over 3,500 hours and with the museum now closed to guests, Tim is clocking up some additional hours while also practicing social distancing. A former tattoo-parlour manager from Zurich, Tim Steiner has an elaborate tattoo on his back that was designed by a famous artist Wim Delvoye, and sold to a German art collector. As part of the deal, Tim spends his days sitting in galleries so people can admire his work of art. Explore Uluru in the Northern Territory via Story Spheres, which offers 360-degree images and storytelling, while another of Australia’s icons, the Sydney Opera House, provides a 360-degree tour of the site plus a number of online exhibits and performances by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. For music-lovers, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is hosting live streams of its scheduled performances, including the works of Beethoven, Bach and Mendelssohn. National Gallery of Victoria's art collections can be seen on the new NGV Channel. Australia’s zoos are closed but virtual visitors can check out how the animals are coping without the crowds. Zoos Victoria has set up live streams at some Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo enclosures, including snow leopard cubs. And it’s showtime with koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland.   For a wild journey to Australia's outback, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a 1994 classic movie that will put you in the mood to explore Australia once it’s safe to do so. Source: Tourism Australia, Travel Weekly Asia

Visit these Australian icons Virtually

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I can plan everything on my own. Right? In a time where technology is literally at our fingertips, travelling could not be made anymore easier for everyone. Want to book a flight to Korea? Skyscanner is right there for you. Need a hotel at the last minute? Booking.com has you covered. For those of us who has grown up in an era of airline apps, community generated review sites and online booking platforms, the concept of using a travel agent is an anachronism – the vestige of a third-party middlemen services that has been eliminated by the World Wide Web and technology. Or have they? The “extinction of travel agents” has been touted since the emergence of international travel names like Expedia. But surprisingly though, the travel advising industry continues to survive and contrary to popular belief, thrive. In fact, more travellers, particularly millennials and business travellers are turning to travel agents rather than the internet to help with their travel arrangements and vacations. Recent research by travel and hospitality marketing firm MMGY Global found that 33% of millennials are more likely to hire travel agents compared to baby boomers or Gen Xers. Millennials is the fastest growing segment to use travel agencies today. This is because travel agencies continue to offer immerse value for certain types of travel on top of their expertise, business relationships and problem-solving skills in the area. Of course, to cater to its budding market segment of millennials and free independent travellers (FIT), travel agents too must change and adapt with the times. Mobile-friendly websites and responsive social media channels are the first impressions that today’s tech-savy travellers subconsciously look out for. No longer are these travellers hunting for guided tour packages but rather ready-to-purchase packages deals that can be customised and tweaked to their desires. FIT don’t want the usual rigid structure with every hour of a trip planned out for them. They want time to reflect and explore – a sort of self-exploration time in a finely curated adventure. For the new generation of travellers, it’s about that unique experience that changes you, a concept that grows in appeal. According Vox, “It’s about emotional and physical health and wellness; it’s about exclusivity; it’s about having experiences off the beaten path. Welcome to “transformative travel,” where a trip is the only thing standing between you and Your New Self.” A travel agent understands that and can cater to your personal wishlist accordingly. Want to swim with dolphins during your 4D3N free and easy trip to Perth? They can make it happen. “ When the Covid-19 issue erupted, our agent, Grace Marie was very reactive and got us a flight home within 24 hours. We are ultimately grateful.” said Ravin Raj about his honeymoon to Europe. If you’re planning a honeymoon, you certainly wouldn’t want anything to go wrong. That would be suicidal. How about planning a trip for a large group of people from the office? That’s where engaging a travel agent comes in handy. The internet can make it easier to make your own plans but with it comes information overload. Thanks to years of experience and expertise, travel agents can tell you what works and what won’t, based on your travel style. Travel agents have information at their fingertips. Information that would usually take a normal traveller hours or days to sift through on the internet. "Many thanks to our Tour Leader Mr Gary Oh from Sedunia Travel and our local guide Mr Andrew for helping out during the tour from ensuring the logistics, hotel and food were done well. Everything went smoothly."said Dr Loke from the Perak Medical Practitioners' Society about his group trip to Myammar. Travel agents have connections and relationships with airlines, hotels and activity organisers that DIY solo travellers do not have. Say you want to run the Tokyo Marathon but didn't get in through the ballot system. A travel agent affiliated with the organiser will be able to help you with that. These connections also often include a network of locals that can provide an added localised experience to the traveller, cheaper rates and the insider’s tracker to a more holistic experience abroad. Amidst the chatter of the internet, travellers want someone to say, “Don’t do that. I recommend this instead,” hence the role of the travel agent. "We had an amazing trip thanks to our Sedunia Travel agent, Ms. Julia Wong and just loved all the point of interests and itineraries she proposed for our company trip to Jeju Island. Her thoughtfulness and follow up in details were impeccable." shared Lim Chee Kian, IT Manager of his trip to Jeju, South Korea. Travel agents are also ideal for those who don’t want to handle the logistics of the trip themselves. Say you want to embark on a cruise to Antarctica that requires flying into one of several departure ports such as Ushuaia or Hobart. A travel agent would be able to advice on the best departure port, sort out the ground arrangements before and after the cruise from hotels to flights on top of arranging the actual cruise itself. All you need to do is turn up with your passport and luggage. Travel agents can offer a peace of mind and more. Due to their connections, a travel agent might even be able to secure complimentary room upgrades, meals, airport transfers and amenities that can add value to the vacation. On top of that, travel agents can also sort out the nitty-gritty details like insurance, passport requirements, visa, self-drives in foreign countries, customs, cultures and the dos and don’ts. (But should you get arrested on vacation, don’t call your travel agent. Call the Malaysian embassy instead. Your agent will have the contact details at hand) Shiqin Syed Mustafa spoke of her holiday in China, " There were days where we roamed on our own, our tour guide Ms Mei, arranged by Sedunia Travel, provided information such as bus number and metro stations and where we can find halal foods and restaurants around the hotel. She was well-informed of practices in Islam." And who do you call should anything and everything goes wrong? Your travel agent of course. Leveraging on their unique position and relationship in the industry, a travel agent’s greatest asset is their ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot for their clients in real time even as the situation changes. Many travellers could testify that in times in trouble, even the internet cannot substitute a knowledgeable, reliable and experienced travel agent. That real human connection to their client makes all the difference. I have been using Sedunia for a few years now. Despite the modern convenience of online travel booking, work and time constraints sometimes do not allow me the luxury of trawling the net. Safura at Sedunia Travel is always willing to help even when the service I require is only advisory in nature," said traveller Ann Musa. In times of crisis, the agent's relationship with hoteliers and airlines and internal agreements are what makes obtaining that refund or credits so much easier. Yes, it may take time to get back your money due to the many hoops and policy agreements but at least, it's not you who has to navigate your way through those hoops to get your money back. Engaging the services of a travel agent can kick start your holiday off on a positive note. At Sedunia Travel, their travel agents are ready to help you sate your wanderlust and plan your stress-free vacation. Check out www.seduniatravel.com or www.sedunia.com.my for travel inspirations and packages.

It's the 2020s - Should I still use a travel agent?

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As Malaysians, we're thankful that we have a plethora of food options to chose from. Chinese, Indian, Malay - Our local cuisine is world famous and reasonable too! Even a movement control order (MCO) can't stop us from getting our cravings for local food (Support your coffee shop uncle, auntie peeps!) to go, of course. We're also lucky we have food delivery options such as Foodpanda and GrabFood to bring these yummilious food right to our doorsteps. But sometimes we want something different, something international and that is where these small local cafes come in. They are well known for their tasty dishes and also offer delivery or pickup during MCO. So since we're cooped up indoors, why not give them a try? ITALIAN 1. LittlePeople Cafe To cater to the inner chefs in us, LittlePeople Cafe in Old Klang Road started offering Quarantine Starter Packs which comes with freshly made pasta and pasta sauce. Pick from carbonara, pesto or four hours cooked tomato sauces over a variety of pastas including their signature pink beetroot pasta. Perfect for that instagram post. Besides i ts signature pasta dishes, Little People Coffee is famous for a wide variety of cake desserts including burnt cheesecakes and crepe cakes. And great news, all are available for takeaway as well. Website: https://www.instagram.com/littlepeople__/ EUROPEAN 2. Dolce & Dough As indicated by its name, coffee and bread are Dolce & Dough's strength especially their sandwiches. Their grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Fries comes highly recommended if you're a fan of pesto. Their Chipotle Grilled Cheese Sandwich is their top-seller with cheesy goodness of mozzarella, cheddar and monterey jack and served with roasted pepper and tomato soup on the side. Their in house sourdough bread can also be ordered in advance. Website: www.instagram.com/doughanddolce WESTERN 3. MyBurgerLab A name that needs no introduction. MyBurgerLab is known for their innovative black bun burgers of many unique combinations - many paying tribute to the classic burger brands. Our favourite is the Beautiful Mess and the Jammin with Elvis. Vegetarians need not fret as well as they also have meat-free burgers. MyBurgerLab and their sister company, MyPizzaLab offer walk-in takeaways and delivery via Grabfood. Website: https://myburgerlab.com JAPANESE 4. Curee Fancy something Japanese yet different? We present to you, Curee, pronounced like Curry. The name of this quirky cafe behind Berjaya Times Square takes after its signature dish, Hokkaido soup curry. Many would know Japanese curry but soup curry is also a specialty of Japan or rather Hokkaido. We recommend asking them to add on grilled cheese into your spicy comforting soup. Currently they are selling their own inhouse curry cubes for your MCO cooking adventures. Website: https://curee.my 5. Niko Neko Matcha Fans of green tea can rejoice as Niko Neko Matcha does delivery and takeaway. Focused on serving the purest matcha powder sourced from a tea farm in Japan, Niko Neko Matcha uses traditional methods to perfect and produce the finest quality of matcha. Their vibrant, richly pleasant taste is enough for you to imagine you're in Japan. Website: https://www.nikonekomatcha.com/ MIDDLE EASTERN 6. PichaEats PichaEats is a refugee support enterprise that offers meal packages that cater for families and small groups. Priced between RM99 and RM180 for five people, the packages include dishes such as buttermilk chicken, chicken gulai, shawarma wraps, eggplant in tomato stew, hummus and basmati rice, as well as vegan superfood. Not only are you getting a Middle Eastern meal for the whole family but you're also helping refugees put food on their table. Website: https://www.pichaeats.com FUSION 7. Table & Apron This little eatery in Damansara Kim has taken the initiative to offer gift vouchers worth RM100 when you takeaway with them. On top of that, you will getting an additional 20% off on your order if you purchase the gift voucher. Their famous fried chicken, ulam-herbed crab rice charred eggplant and even tiramisu dessert are available for takeaway. Such a win-win situation. Website: https://www.tableandapron.my We know you're craving for the real deal overseas but for now, hang in there and order from these small businesses to help them out while filling your belly and satisfying your tastebuds. Remember to support and help each other and #kitajagakita so that we can #flattenthecurve during this #mco.

Dine Abroad from Home when You Order from these 7 Local Cafes during the Movement Control Order

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Travel is not just our business, it's our way of life. We are passionate about discovering new experiences and sharing them with fellow travellers. 

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