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Thank goodness for the era of social media and Youtube. If you aren't able to travel but need a little inspiration, you can simply head over to a travel vlogger's channels and watch them take on the world. Not sure where to start? We've got you covered on the Youtube front. Here are five travel Vloggers that you can spend the next two weeks binge watching. 1. Flying the Nest Stephen and Jess from Flying the Nest are a newlywed couple that have been on the road, traveling for over 4 years. They have also just announced that they are expecting. Before that, the couple have traveled to over 60 countries, uploading inspiring travel vlogs to Youtube three times weekly. Stephen and Jess also run a fantastic travel blog https://flyingthenest.tv filled with first hand travel recommendations from the places they have visited. We highly suggest checking them out for their high energy and great video editing. 2. Kara and Nate A Tennessee couple on a mission, Kara and Nate set out to travel 100 countries by 2020. And they have done it with Antarctica as their last and final continent!The couple uploads travel vlogs to YouTube every other day from both popular and lesser tourist-ed destinations. With over 1 million subscribers, Kara and Nate double down on value by providing an incredible set of resources like income reports, travel cost hacking, and video editing tips as well as great videos on destinations. 3. Abroad in Japan Chris Broad moved to Japan as an English teacher in 2012 on the JET programme and started making videos to documenting his life there. However, it was his British humour and sarcasm that won him a loyal following of fans, adding a unique twist to videos of Japan. His videos are further made even more entertaining by the appearance of several friends that have become well-loved personalities over the years. Chris recently documented his cycle across Japan and also created several documentaries of towns in Japan that were hit by disasters. 4. Mark Weins Mark Wiens is a full time lover of food and it shows in his videos where he shares his passion for food and travel on a worldwide scale. Through his food adventures, Mark is able to display the country's distinctive culture while also providing helpful recommendations on where to eat. It also helps that he's genuinely honest with his reactions when he tries something endearing viewers to his channel. His videos not only entertain his viewers but also inspire them to travel to discover the culinary wonders of the world. 5. Currently Hannah You might recognise from her parody video of travel influencers that went viral last year. Hannah is an Australian who moved to Japan to work at Universal Studios Japan as a performer. While entertaining due to her profession, Hannah also presents a refreshing point of view to travel content, highlighting topics such as eco-tourism, effects of instagram on tourist destination and so on. On top of that, her realness in front of the camera makes her relatable to any budding vlogger. And there you have it. Just some of our favourites to get you started. If you have your own favourite travel vlogger or Youtuber, tell us and we might feature them in part 2! Until then, stay safe, travellers!

5 Travel Vloggers to Binge Watch

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In a shock move, Thailand will be postponing the Songkran holidays from April 13-15 to later, undisclosed dates. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek made the announcement on her Twitter account. Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year festival. Ratchada says the meeting cited “increasing social distance” and “minimising public movement both domestically and internationally” to help stem the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus .
The compensating holidays will be announced later. A source at the centre also revealed that within a week it will present to the Cabinet a motion to have all entertainment venues close at 8pm and all universities close their campuses and provide online classes beginning April 1, “until the situation improves.” Many official Songkran events in various regions across the country had already been cancelled (with the exception of religious ceremonies), including the usual water wars and festivals that normally bring millions of tourists and Thais out to party. The unprecedented decision marks the first action taken on a national scale. Sources: The Nation , The Pattaya News

Thailand's Songkran officially postponed

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My fellow Malaysians, As you have already heard (and is currently panic buying, please stop), our government has ordered a restricted movement order on the country, starting from 18 - 31 March 2020 in a drastic attempt to curb Covid-19. A restricted movement order is not to be confused with a lockdown order which is what China and Italy have implemented. Malaysia currently has the highest recorded cases of Covid-19, the highest recorded cases in Southeast Asia, prompting the government to take these drastic measures. So what does restricted movement order mean? To break it down: 1. All companies and government to *CLOSE* unless you are part of the essential service ie companies that impact the country's economy and communication such as banking, postal, media, water, electricity, wastage and so on. 2. Effective 18th March you still can go out from your house but only if it's utterly neccesary, this is NOT a full lockdown. You can go out to work at all the essential Service or if you don't work there, you can still use the services. 3. Restaurants are not to serve customers but can open for delivery services such as Grabfood, Foodpanda and so on. But if your restaurant doesn't have delivery services, they are not allowed to open. Basically, restaurants cannot serve dine in customers. 4. You can still drop by your office, but you are not supposed to work with colleagues as the purpose of this restricted movement order is to ensure no spread of Virus. 5. You are not allowed to travel abroad from 18th March to stop the spread of the Virus. States such as Sarawak have implemented a 14-days self isolation for visitors and citizens to the state. 6. You can still go out jogging, hiking, exercise but avoid close contact with others. 7. Supermarkets, marts and morning markets will be open. Staff in this places are allowed to go to work. And you can go as customers. Again try avoiding crowds and wear a mask. 8. Since this is not a full lockdown, you do not need to worry about essential staff travelling to work. They can still travel as long as not outstation. 9. No public weddings, maintain small scale funerals. No religious activities, including No Friday Prayers. All religious activities are totally banned. 10. Transportation of essential goods still allowed. 11. If you are part of condo management, you are suppose to close but if it effects the water and electricity then you are considered essential staff. 12. All teaching places related to education are to be closed. All exams postponed, students are not allowed go out and all the centres to close till 31st March. In these two weeks, here are some things that you can do as a responsible Malaysian citizen: Stay indoors unless it's absolutely necessary to go out. Look out for yourself and those under your care for symptoms. Do not panic buy. Shop responsibly and buy only what you need. Supermarkets and marts will remain open during these period. Take your vitamins and exercise indoors as a good workout can help boost your immune system. Can you be arrested or fined for defying the government's Restricted Movement Order? Yes, you can be and could be sentenced to a prison term of up to two years, a fine or both upon conviction. For further clarifications, please contact the National Operations Management Centre at 03-8888 2010.

Malaysia PM Announced Restricted Movement Order, not Lockdown

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The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is urging the Cabinet to declare an all-out war against Covid-19 instead of continuing with protracted battles on a piecemeal basis with no end in sight. MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang says, “An all-out war requires the entire country to be locked down and this is what many European nations have already done and more countries are expected to follow suit. The global outbreak of the coronavirus has reached a scale where nations have to take bold and drastic measures.” “Until noon on 15 March 2020, 190 new cases were recorded in Malaysia, taking the total number of positive Covid-19 cases to 428. Our initial response to contain the outbreak was successful but no longer so. Hence, more effective measures are needed, and we could adopt some from overseas, as the novel coronavirus has now spread to over 155 countries around the world.” “The lockdown should provide sufficient notice and be clearly spelt out and not perceived as 24-hour curfew, which will result in panic buying and hoarding. Also, mechanisms must be in place to prevent or reduce unnecessary hardships to the rakyat as well as remaining tourists still holidaying in Malaysia.” “As for the tourism industry, there is little left to salvage. It would be better to press the reset button and start all over again on a clean slate by placing hygiene, safety and security as top priorities and restore confidence for holiday makers.” “When our country is all set, Malaysia will be recognised as one of the safest destinations to visit and Malaysians too would be welcomed in many countries when the situation normalises. For countries that are proactive in dealing with this crisis, tourism may rebound as fast as it had plunged, while others that take piecemeal actions will somewhat find it difficult to rebound.” “Meanwhile, MATTA is reminding everyone in the country to heed the many guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, such as adopting social distancing by standing at least a metre away from another individual. Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had announced that all gatherings, including international meetings, sporting events, social and religious assemblies, are to be postponed or cancelled until April 30 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” “Instead of endless running battles, it would be better to take the bull by the horns and it is an opportune time for the new government to rally the people together to fight and win this war. To rejuvenate our economy, we may have to start with a temporary lockdown.” “As it is our moral and social responsibility to place human lives first, all MATTA Fairs scheduled in Kuala Lumpur and in various states throughout the country have been deferred until the country return to normalcy. They include Cuti-Cuti Malaysia By MATTA Fair that will not be held on 4 – 5 April 2020, and MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur will not be held on 1 – 3 May 2020.” “Please note that the Malaysia Travel Fair held recently at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre from 13 – 15 March 2020 was organised by a different association registered as Persatuan Agensi Pelancongan Malaysia and calling itself as MATA. It has nothing to do with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) or MATTA Fairs”, concluded Tan. Source: MATTA Press Release

MATTA Fairs 2020 deferred until further notice

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Australia is the latest country in the Asia Pacific region to announce strict Covid-19 (coronavirus) measures on March 15 , with new requirements that all arrivals from abroad must self-isolate for 14 days.
"To help stay ahead of this curve, we will impose a universal self-isolation requirement on all arrivals to Australia and it is effective from midnight tonight," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a press conference in Sydney."It's legal enforcement... If your mate has been to Bali and they come back and they turn up at work and they are sitting next to you, they will be committing an offence,"

Australia's decision comes a day after New Zealand announced the same measures, in what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said were "the widest-ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world." This basically means that even if you're going to Australia for a 3 days trip, you will need to self-isolate yourself in the country for 14 days, risking forgoing flight tickets and leaves. Australia will also ban all cruise ships from arriving at its ports for an initial 30 days. Singapore has issued a similar travel restriction for people entering Singapore with a recent travel history to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland or the United Kingdom. Taking effect on 16 March at 11:59pm, this applies to all travellers including Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors, said Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) on Sunday.
However, this does not apply to Singaporeans and Malaysians using sea and land crossings with separate arrangements currently being worked out by a bilateral joint working group with Malaysia.

Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) this week said the outbreak had reached the level of a global pandemic, countries around the world have been introducing stringent measures to curb the spread of the virus.

There are now over 152,000 cases confirmed worldwide, according to WHO figures released on 15 March. Source: Asian News Network. The Star, World Health Organisation

Australia and Singapore implements 14 days self-isolation on travellers to tackle COVID-19

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CoVID-19 has been officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). By now many travel plans has been put on hold with rapid cancellations and to a lesser degree, postponement of plans occurring rampantly with each news update on the CoVid virus. Governments are stepping up their travel restrictions, attempting to curb or slow the progression of the virus in their country. Airlines, hotels, travel agents and F&B outlets have taken the blunt of the pandemic with sales taking a nose-dive in ways that has never been seen before. And here comes the million-dollar question that the ardent traveller has been asking: should I just go ahead with my travel plans or not? Quite simply, the answer is no. You shouldn’t. Other than running the risk of contracting the virus itself and passing it onto your loved ones and others around you, to travel in such a time is just too stressful, be it for work or leisure. No matter how cheap the flights. No matter how quiet the usual tourist attractions will be. It won't be worth it. At any given moment, your airline could cancel or reschedule your flight leaving your potentially stranded and thus incurring more cost on your part. The authorities could implement border restrictions and laws set in place to curb the spread. This might effectively also leave you stranded in a foreign country. And when you come back, you will be faced with a 14-days quarantine. While we may joke that it would be nice to be left behind in our holiday destination, this is not a time wanting to be in a country where the virus could potentially explode overnight, which is what has happened to Italy. Western countries had assumed they were too far from the outbreak in China and South Korea when it happened but in a matter of weeks, Europe had become the new epicentre of the virus. Talk to your travel agent for options. Check with your airlines and hotel on cancellation and possible postponement. You can get your refunds from your airlines or forgo the cost if you can afford to. Look at it this way, your paid ticket and hotel booking will help feed a staff in a travel-related company - an industry so badly affected by this crisis. At the end of the day, you can always gain back your wealth but you shouldn’t sacrifice your health. Or that of others. This is written entirely from the standpoint of the writer.

In the Era of CoVid-19: To Travel or not to Travel

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Sekinchan is the one of those little hidden jems that are perfect for a weekend staycation. It's not too far from Kuala Lumpur or Selangor and far enough for your escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Sekinchan is also on our ten destinations in Malaysia that look like you're in another country. The scenery is beautiful, the food reasonable and delicious and tuck away among a sea of paddy fields is the ever instagrammable and cosy Padi Box container hotel. Even from a distance, the vibrant homestay stands out making for a nice photo op. As an added bonus to cafe-goers, it's right next to the popular bus cafe, N16 that is constantly visited by day-trippers to Sekinchan. But why day-trip when you can stay overnight and enjoy the sunset and sunrise views over the paddy fields from the Padi Box container. While the outside of the container building pops with vibrancy, the interiors of the rooms and common areas are designed to elude homey and airy with natural lighting spilling in. Most of the windows offer an unobstructed view of the surrounding fields and if you're lucky, the fields will either be in a mesmerizing green or a rich gold depending on the season. Padi Box has pastel-coloured rooms with balconies that open right up onto the neighbouring paddy field and these are just perfect for photo taking session or just to enjoy the sight of the local birds, bangau flying over the blue skies. Activities around Sekinchan can be arranged at the reception and guests can rent bicycles for the whole day at only RM30. We would recommend doing so as it goes provide a unique experience of Sekinchan. However driving is the best way to get to Sekinchan due to the lack of public transportation in the area. Having a car will also make it easier to get to the many seafood restaurants in the evening. Parking is limited though at Padi Box. Reminder: Be mindful when visiting the paddy fields and stick to the pathways to prevent accidentally trampling on the rice fields. Sekinchan Padi Box Homestay
Address: Lot 11126, Jalan Tali Air 4, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia.
Contact Number: +6019-3205688
Website: https://www.padibox.com/

Staycation: Sekinchan Padi Box

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We have woken up to a new update on the CoVID-19 epidemic, sorry, not epidemic. It's officially a global pandemic now as declared by the World Helath Organisation on 12 March. This virus has rapidly spread to more than 121,000 people from Asia to the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Declaring a pandemic is charged with major political and economic ramifications, global health experts say. It can further rattle already fragile world markets and lead to more stringent travel and trade restrictions. WHO officials had been reluctant to declare a global pandemic, which is generally defined as an illness that spreads far and wide throughout the world (which is exactly what we've been seeing happen over the past few months of 2020). “In the past two weeks the number of cases outside China has increased thirteenfold and the number of affected countries has tripled,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva. “In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of cases, the number of deaths and the number of affected countries to climb even higher.”
Tedros said several countries have been able to suppress and control the outbreak, but he scolded other world leaders for failing to act quickly enough or drastically enough to contain the spread.“We’re deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction,” he said, just before declaring the pandemic. “We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.”Cases in China and South Korea have significantly declined, he said, adding that 81 countries don’t have any confirmed cases and 57 countries have 10 or fewer cases. At this point Antarctica is the only continent in the world that is CoVID-19 free. Until further updates and from all of us at The Malaysian Traveller and Sedunia Travel, stay safe, please take care of your health and look out for others. Sources: BBC, Channel News Asia, WHO

CoVID-19 declared a Global Pandemic by the World Health Organisation

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Any fans of Roald Dahl in the house? Acclaimed as ‘the standout musical of the decade’ by the UK’s Sunday Times, the multi award-winning Matilda The Musical will make its debut in Kuala Lumpur from 2 June 2020 at the Istana Budaya. Inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical has taken both London’s West End and Broadway by storm, garnering five-star reviews across the board. Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is now in its ninth year in London where it continues to delight audiences of all ages, and has been seen by more than 8 million people. The Kuala Lumpur season of Matilda The Musical is the fourth leg of the original London West End musical’s Asian tour after stops in Singapore, China and Bangkok. It comes direct from seasons in Johannesburg and Cape Town, as part of an international tour. Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and played to sold-out audiences at the RSC’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in England for 12 weeks from November 2010 to January 2011. It transferred to the West End later that year and swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards. As well as winning the award for Best New Musical, the four young actresses who originated and shared the title role made history by taking home the collective award for Best Actress in a Musical. The New York production of Matilda The Musical , which opened in 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre to rapturous reviews, was awarded the accolade ‘#1 Show of the Year’ from TIME Magazine, and won five Tony Awards®. The musical follows Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl who loves reading and learning, but is suppressed by her TV-obsessed parents who pay her little attention. As she grows up, she begins to resist the challenges and obstacles presented to her, learning that sometimes you have to be a "little bit naughty" in order to get through life. As she begins to master living with her family, her world is thrown into disarray as she starts a new school under the tyrannous grip of headteacher Miss Trunchbull. Seeking solace in the library in a world of her imagination and creation, Matilda forms strong bonds with adults such as librarian Mrs Phelps and her class teacher Miss Honey. Together they give her the confidence to embrace her special gift and individuality which is needed to reclaim her life. Featuring a smart and witty original score by Olivier Award winner Tim Minchin , alongside an exciting book by Tony Award®-winning playwright Dennis Kelly , and ingenious staging by Tony Award® winning director Matthew Warchus and Tony Award® winning choreographer Peter Darling , the musical adaptation is one of the most successful British musicals of modern times. The production has sets and costumes by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell , with orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale , lighting by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone , and sound by Simon Baker . With an incredible cast of young performers, Matilda The Musical inspires and delights audiences both young and old. The timeless story of a small girl's determination to challenge those above her for the greater good, combined with Roald Dahl's signature wit and naughtiness, makes this an unforgettable musical. The show season starts from 2 June 2020 onward with the following performance times: Tuesday to Friday: 830pm Saturday and Sunday: 2pm and 830pm Ticket prices: RM200 (excluding online processing fee) For detailed background information on the show and the characters please visit: www.matildathemusical.com

Catch Matilda The Musical in Kuala Lumpur This June

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AirAsia is extending the period to obtain credit accounts for guests with flight bookings until 30 April to/from selected destinations, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. AirAsia‌ ‌is‌ also ‌making‌ ‌provisions for guests‌ ‌who are unable to travel due to their recent travel history, nationality or travel restrictions imposed by various governments, as the following: 1. Move Flight: One-time flight change to a new travel date on the same route within 90 calendar days from the original flight time without additional cost, subject to seat availability; OR 2. Credit account: Retain the value of your fare in your AirAsia BIG Loyalty account for future travel with AirAsia. The online credit account is to be redeemed for booking within 180 calendar days from the issuance date for your travel with us. The actual travel dates can be after the expiry date as long as our flight schedule is out. The above options, applicable for flights ticketed prior to 8 March for travel prior to 30 April, are for direct online bookings made via airasia.com only. For other types of bookings, such as those made through travel agents, kindly refer to your respective booking channel for further assistance. Please refer to COVID-19 Refund Request Guide , to check your eligibility and on how to submit your request. AirAsia is complying with advice and regulations from the local governments, civil aviation authorities, global and local health agencies, including the World Health Organisation. AirAsia is closely monitoring this situation and reserves the right to announce further policies according to the latest developments. Follow AirAsia on Twitter (@AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) for the latest updates, or contact our customer support team at support.airasia.com . Guests are also encouraged to check their flight status at airasia.com/flightstatus for live updates.

Travel Advisory: AirAsia extends period of credit account redemption for selected destinations

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Updated: This campaign has been suspended due to the Control Movement Order. "Mau makan apa?" or"Eh, what to eat?” These are common questions asked by Malaysians especially between 12pm to 2pm when it comes to deciding where to get lunch with colleagues or friends. Oh, what a conundrum it can be, finding the next trendy bubble milk tea outlet with friends or which restaurant to treat your parents a hearty meal. Food plays an important part in Malaysia's identity and amongst our fellow Malaysians and this is something Klook understands. As part of the continued commitment to empowering the local community to explore home at their fingertips, Klook unlocked the F&B vertical locally and onboarded over 150 popular F&B merchants. This new service will allow users to browse F&B options on mobile app or website, purchase great F&B deals on-the-go and claim their meals by showing their e-voucher upon arriving at the restaurant. Need some ideas on where to hunt for the next F&B experience? Klook got you covered! 1. Truly Malaysian Food As a cultural melting pot with people from various cultural backgrounds, Malaysians are blessed with different flavours and specialty dishes of each culture. To bring it up a notch, Klook allows Malaysians to enjoy local cuisines with great deals at restaurants such as Devi’s Corner at Jalan Telawi Bangsar, Baba Nyonya restaurant and Cendol Kampung Hulu at Makan Avenue Melaka! 2. Quench your thirst with #Thirstday in March (suspended due to Control Movement Order) Are you a big fan of Chatto, Gong Cha and Fire Tiger? Grab a friend with you and redeem Klook’s Buy 1 Free 1 deals every Thursday this month! Not a fan of bubble milk tea? Klook has cafe options , such as Pulp by PPP Coffee in Bangsar for you to get caffeinated. 3. Unique Food Experiences in East Malaysia If you have not visited Sabah before, it’s time to take a look at its natural beauty and culture by taking on a Borneo Cultural Village Halfday Tour . Aside from learning how to cook Indian style pancake using bamboo, you will also get to watch the beautiful sunset on a boat and marvel at the natural light show as hundreds of fireflies put on a glowing performance. Looking for another way to experience the vibrant culture of Sarawak? Join a Bumbu Kuching Cooking Class and you will get to experience a hands-on culinary class by handpicking local unique ingredients at the local market. 4. Sweet Tooth It is always a pleasure to make plans for things you can look forward to. Make a dessert plan with your sweet tooth friends to the Mansion at The Majestic in Malacca or surprise your loved ones with a piece of brownie at Brownies Bar by The Accidental Bakers in Kuala Lumpur. If you have a friend who is a huge matcha lover, look no further to pre-purchase your Niko Neko Matcha drink before heading to Bangsar. 5. Reward Yourself with a Fancy Dining Experience For the upcoming months with occasions such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, treat your loved ones for a fancy dining experience to places such as Whimsy Dining Experience , THIRTY8 at Grand Hyatt and Poseidon’s Cove at Sofitel Damansara in Kuala Lumpur. Stay tuned at Klook’s #EhWhatToEat campaign page as they will bring more awesome F&B deals for Malaysians to enjoy.

How to Solve Your #EhWhatToEat Dilemma

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Bali has so much so offer apart from its beaches, padi fields, looming mountains, iconic temples and amazing cuisine. There is also its cultural days such as Nyepi Day. Nyepi Day or the Balinese Day of Silence falls on 25th March 2020 is a unique Balinese New Year holiday where all activity on the island literally comes to a complete standstill for the duration of 24 hours. Nyepi is observed as a day of complete silence without any noise, traffic, fire and lights. It begins at 6AM on Wednesday, 25 March and ends the next day at 6AM. Experience the serenity of this cultural celebration at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali with recharging activities for the whole family to enjoy. Bali auspicious day of silence is an opportunity to unwind and embrace total renewal. Rate starts from IDR 1,800,000++ per room per night with period of stay from 24 – 26 March 2020. The package includes stay in a Deluxe Garden Room with daily breakfast for 2 adults, one buffet dinner on Nyepi Day, morning yoga session on Nyepi Day with Jitendra Pokhriyal, access to WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and access to Westin Family Kids Club with many fun activities. Pengerupukan Day Dinner Embrace the moment and enjoy signature Balinese delicacies such as Babi Guling, Lawar Kelungah, Sate Lilit and much more. Be entertained by an authentic Balinese performance in a relaxed garden setting under the stars. Available on Tuesday, 24 March 2020 from 6:30PM at Ikan Beach Garden. Balinese New Year Celebration Join us as we embrace the tranquility of this auspicious cultural occasion. We present an extensive buffet dinner of flavorful international dishes including sushi options, classic roast beef, garden-fresh salads and irresistible desserts. Available on Wednesday, 25 March 2020 from 6PM at Seasonal Tastes. Nyepi Exceptional Offer Heavenly Spa by Westin offers an uplifting spa experience to restore body and soul during this Nyepi Day. Unwind in our luxurious thermal facilities and enjoy a full range of spa treatments from Sanur spa package to Merthasari spa package for total relaxation. Available on Wednesday, 25 March from 10AM at Heavenly Spa by Westin. Chakra Therapy A type of treatment that may take a number of different forms to help a person cleanse their chakras. Each of the chakras contains a vital key to unlocking the life force. Chakra therapy uses tools from Yoga and Bioenergetics as well as models of childhood development to root out these unconscious programs, greater aliveness and freedom. Available on Wednesday, 25 March from 10AM to 11AM at Lotus Room. Fun Spa Renewal Introduce your little ones to the art of relaxation at our Westin Kids Spa. Enjoy 50% discount on all spa treatments such as hair braiding, mini facials and even manicures & pedicures. Available at Westin Kids Spa from 10AM to 6PM. Kids Nyepi Break Experience the unique serenity of Nyepi Day with a line of fun and refreshing activities for the whole family. Kids will start the day with stretching, followed by cultural and crafty activities, such as temple visit, fruit carving and many more. Available at Westin Family Kids Club from 7:30AM onwards. For more information, please visit the website www.westinnusaduabali.com and follow the resort’s social media channels Facebook www.facebook.com/westinbali or www.facebook.com/pregobali and www.instagram.com/westinbali or www.instagram.com/pregobali

Restful Nyepi Break at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali

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written by Garrett Aeria Airline carry-on weight restrictions are a hot topic these days, with budget conscious travellers maximizing every bit of carry-on real estate to avoid paying those overly expensive baggage fees. Here are 6 tried and tested tips you can try out to carry on like a pro! 1. Invest in a luggage scale First and foremost, buy a scale so that you aren’t playing luggage roulette at the airport. Show up at the airport with the confidence of knowing exactly how much your luggage weighs. Don’t wait for the airport staff to tell you that it’s overweight and must be checked in. You don’t want to be that person, trust us. Not only is it time-consuming, last minute check-in fees can cost a bomb! With a luggage scale, you can weigh your bag as you’re packing so you know if you need to make any changes to your packing list. 2. Use lightweight luggage When packing, don’t forget to take your luggage’s weight into account. Even before you pack anything in, your luggage already weighs a fair bit! As a rule of thumb, carry a bag that weighs 20% or less than your airline’s carry-on weight limit. So if you’re trying to keep to a 7kg carry-on limit, go for a bag that weighs less than 1.5kg. The less your bag weighs, the more things you can carry! 3. Carry a foldable daypack In the old days when airlines were less strict, smart travellers use daypacks to share some of the weight when checking in, and can be declared as a personal item, where most of the time they do not count towards your weight allowance. It’s a neat trick that has worked for many travellers to this day, however nowadays there are a number of airlines that restrict passengers to only one bag. Therefore, it’s advisable to get a foldable daypack that can be packed and stowed away when not in use. 4. Substitute heavy items for lightweight alternatives Take a second look at your packing list and think to yourself. What can you swap out for a lighter alternative? Love reading during long flights and layovers? Swap out a book for an lightweight e-reader. Better yet, go paperless and read e-books from your smartphone instead. Pack only the lightest clothing that you have. Swap out that heavy winter jacket and learn how to layer your clothes for a change. Lugging a heavy DSLR camera with a couple of lenses in tow? Get a pocketable mirrorless camera instead. 5. Leave what you don’t need at home Have you ever returned home from a vacation and wondered if there was anything that you you’ve packed that you should’ve just left at homel? Perhaps it was that extra bottle of shampoo you never got to use? Or maybe it was that extra pair of shoes that never got to see the light of day throughout your trip? A good rule of thumb is to pack what you think you’ll need, then reduce it by half. Take it for a walk, feel its weight and then reduce it by half again. Always do your research before travelling, for instance that travel adapter you’ve packed may not be needed in a country that uses a similar power socket. An umbrella may not be needed if there’s no chance of rain. Whatever the case, many travel essentials can be purchased on the road if need be. 6. Wear your heaviest clothes onboard If it’s heavy, wear it. Don’t pack it into your luggage as it counts towards your weight allowance. Wear your heaviest clothes, such as a coat or sweater onto the plane, even if you aren’t cold. You can stash it later in the overhead compartment. The same goes for footwear. Wear the heaviest pair of shoes or boots that you’re bringing. Here’s another handy tip. If your coat has deep pockets, be sure to carry some of your heavy small items such as power banks, batteries and small electronics in your pockets to shed some of the weight off your cabin bag.

6 Tips on How Not To Exceed The Airline Carry-On Weight

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This Holy Month, come together in love and gratitude at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Diners are invited to take a trip down memory lane with a feast curated by Malaysia’s favourite culinary celebrity, Chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob. From April 24 to May 23, Sajian Merentasi Zaman (food across generations) will feature beloved recipes from Chef’s childhood days, offering a precious opportunity for the whole family to reconnect. Dust off old memories and share stories as you rediscover long-forgotten tastes, and introduce the younger generation to Malaysia’s secret culinary heritage. Four Seasons celebrates the true spirit of the season by nurturing togetherness. “In a world where everyone is busy and caught up in their own lives, we understand the value of spending time with those who matter most – that is real luxury,” notes Vinod Narayan, Hotel Manager. “Our team is creating meaningful moments through thoughtful menus and caring service, bringing people together naturally.” Drawing on a treasure trove of family recipes, Chef Dato’ Fazley recreates Malaysian dishes that have been lost in the mists of time and are rarely found on restaurant menus. Sample delights such as Nasi Tumpang Ayam Bakar Pasu (rice layered with different dishes, served on banana leaves), Puyuh Salai & Kulit Rambai (smoked pigeon with Rambai) and Urap Daun Kaduk & Telur Masin (kaduk leaves & salted egg). Each dish is prepared using healthy cooking techniques, so diners can forget about counting calories. End the meal on a sweet note with an array of desserts, including crowd-pleasers like Serabai with Gula Melaka (local pancakes with palm sugar syrup), Penjan Ubi Kayu & Pisang (tapioca and banana), and Lempeng Kelapa (coconut crepes). Along with herbs and spices, Chef Dato’ Fazley seasons his dishes with a liberal sprinkling of gratitude and joyfulness. “For me, cooking is an act of love that’s passed down from generation to generation. My grandmother was the heart of our family, her food brought the whole family together,” he recalls fondly. “Nothing unites us Malaysians more than our shared culinary heritage – I’m so thankful that my job allows me to evoke that wonderful sense of belonging and togetherness.” Sajian Merentasi Zaman will be hosted in the warm and welcoming ambiance of Curate. Local childhood snacks take guests back in time to simpler, carefree days, while live cooking stations add a welcome buzz: watch Four Seasons chefs led by Executive Chef Junious Dickerson in action and savour smoked delicacies such as crab, prawns and split gill mushrooms. Each table will also receive a bottle of homemade sambal , compliments of Chef Dato’ Fazley. Sajian Merentasi Zaman is available from April 24 to May 23, 2020 at Curate. Pricing: · April 24 to 30, 2020: MYR 189 per adult, MYR 94.50 per child (ages 6-12) · May 1 to 23, 2020: MYR 218 per adult, MYR 109 per child (ages 6-12) Four Seasons KL is accepting reservations via the Four Seasons App or through WhatsApp at +60-323828888.

Four Seasons Hotel KL Presents Sajian Merentasi Zaman, to bring the family together.

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In conjunction with International’s Women’ Day, five women are expressing their strength, determination and keen sense of adventure through solo travel. Malaysia has indeed been recently deemed a destination of choice for women as we're the world's most welcoming country for solo female Muslim travellers [1] . According to Tan Ming Luk, Country Head, OYO Hotels Malaysia shared, “In 2020, solo travel among women is expected to see further growth, with 80% of women travellers choosing to travel solo [2] . We are always delighted to hear positive findings about Malaysia as a destination of choice for women. As a company that’s committed to making travel safe, affordable and accessible to everyone, we celebrate and support every woman who feels empowered to embrace solo travel." Let’s hear from five adventurous women who have embraced solo travel, and learn tips they have developed from their travel experiences. 1. Enhancing your skills Solo travel will bring out the independent woman in you and your problem-solving skills will be enhanced throughout the journey. Overcoming barriers and solving problems on your own during your journey, such as communication barriers with the locals and getting lost when you are exploring new cities, helps you realign and refocus your mindspace. You’ll be ready to thrive and push past uncertainties and insecurities, not just when travelling but also in daily life. Favourite place to visit: Bali, Indonesia Laynisha Vijayraj, 23, Social Media Executive “Most of the time, things won’t go as planned, so have an open mind and experience everything wholeheartedly,” said Laynisha Vijayraj. 2. Embracing the world with confidence Women should encourage one another to explore the world with an open mind. When facing difficult situations, we must conquer our fears and progressively build assuredness and confidence in ourselves. This will allow us to understand our strengths and weaknesses, leading to personal growth. By honing our self confidence, we will truly accept and love ourselves. Favourite place to visit: Kyoto, Japan Alvynna Joanna, 25, Wellness Coach “When you opt for solo travel, do not overthink the situation - just go for it. Also remember to trust your instincts and assess the situation you are in. Breaking out of your comfort zone and creating new memories is important, but your safety should always be your utmost priority,” said Alvynna Joanna. 3. Developing new ways to connect with people in your surroundings When you travel solo, you meet individuals from all walks of life and you have ample opportunity to experience new cultures, cuisines and communities. This journey will elevate your communication skills and further develop your empathy towards people coming from different backgrounds. Favourite place to visit: Bangkok, Thailand Leena Al-Zawawi, 30, Tour Guide “I mainly do a lot of online research - reading articles and watching videos by locals about the destination. This is how I prepare myself to communicate with people in the places that I plan to visit,” said Leena Al-Zawawi. Favourite place to visit: Glasgow, Scotland Susy Narayanan, 50, Homemaker “People should visit places not commonly visited by tourists. This is where you'll be able to mingle with the locals and hear first-hand experiences and stories, instead of a tourist guide reading out a script to you,” said Susy Narayanan. 4. Rejuvenating your mind, body and soul Solo travel can also be a spiritual experience as it allows you to experience solitude from the world. It is important to take time off for yourself and reevaluate your plans for the future to meet personal goals in life. Favourite place to visit: Cebu, Philippines Natalie Vusak, 25, Product Engineer “Solo travel makes me feel like I have complete control of my life and the feeling is satisfying. Travelling alone allows me to collect myself and realign my positive thoughts in life,” said Natalie Vusak. Article contributed by OYO Hotels Malaysia Sources: [1] Malaysia is the world’s best destination for Muslim women travelling solo, report finds
[2] 80% of women travellers are choosing to travel solo

International Women's Day 2020: 4 Tips from 5 Malaysian Women on Solo Travelling

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