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Malaysians traveling for the upcoming Chinese New Year are in for a festive treat as AirAsia celebrates Shared Prosperity with special late night flights at fixed low fares between Peninsula and East Malaysia from 21 to 31 January 2020. Photo 1 Caption: (Third from left) AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail, AirAsia Group President (Airlines) Bo Lingam, Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook, AirAsia Group Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat flanked by AirAsia cabin crew at the announcement of AirAsia special flights at fixed low fares for Chinese New Year at AirAsia RedQ. Fly home from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, as well as from Johor Bahru to Sibu at only RM149* one-way all-in-fares and from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan and Tawau at only RM199* one-way all-in-fares. In addition to the late night flights at fixed low fares to six routes to East Malaysia, AirAsia also adds extra flights to 20 popular routes across Malaysia and to Singapore such as from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, Penang, Sibu, Tawau and Singapore, from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru, from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang and Tawau, from Ipoh to Johor Bahru and Singapore, from Johor Bahru to Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Tawau, from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Sibu and Singapore, as well as from Penang to Singapore. CEO of AirAsia Malaysia Riad Asmat said, “This is all about Shared Prosperity as AirAsia has championed the commitment in line with the Government’s vision since the very beginning, not only in form but in spirit and substance. As the people’s airline, we truly value the feedback from our guests to have fixed low fares to and from East Malaysia for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Today, we are pleased to announce the additional late night flights with 12,960 seats at fixed low fares to selected cities in East Malaysia for the upcoming festive celebration, in addition to the 65,826 additional seats to popular routes across Malaysia and Singapore. Whether it is a family reunion or a quick gateway, we hope these additional flights will help everyone to have a memorable celebration. Happy Chinese New Year to all our guests!” Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook said, “Festive season brings the opportunity for all of us to reunite with our family and friends beside strengthening our ties as Malaysians. Hence, we are pleased that AirAsia continues to support the government’s initiative to bring down fares during the festive season and increase the convenience of flying for the rakyat , especially to help the students who reside in East Malaysia. We hope everyone will take this golden opportunity to celebrate the festive season with their family and friends in their hometown.” All Malaysian can also double up on happiness and enjoy up to 88%** off for all destinations such as from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Langkawi, Kuantan, Lake Toba, Jakarta, Singapore, Surat Thani, Bangkok and more on airasia.com and AirAsia mobile app from 6 to 12 January 2020 for travel between 6 January to 31 August 2020. In addition, get 10% off check-in baggage when you pre-book it with your flights within Malaysia; 5% discount on hotel with promo code: DOUBLE2020; up to 50% off duty free shopping and 2020 BIG Points on ourshop.com; festive meal from RM12 such as Prosperity tomato egg and fish stew with rice and Pineapple Tarts; as well as amazing 3D2N SNAP (flight+hotel) packages from RM122. Additional late night flights with fixed fares from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak: Additional late night flights with fixed fares from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah: Additional late night flights with fixed fares from Johor Bahru to Sarawak: Guests traveling during the Chinese New Year period are advised to arrive at the airport earlier to avoid congestion, and to use our web check-in and mobile check-in services for maximum convenience. Web and mobile check-in services are available from 14 days before to 1 hour before the scheduled time of departure. Check-in counters close 60 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time for international flights and 45 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time for domestic flights. Whereas, klia2 check in counters for both international and domestic flights will close 60 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time. For the latest AirAsia news, activities and promotions, follow AirAsia on Twitter ( twitter.com/AirAsia ), Facebook ( facebook.com/AirAsia ) and Instagram ( instagram.com/AirAsia ). *Promotional fixed fares quoted are for one-way travel only inclusive of taxes and fees. Terms and conditions apply. **Discount only applicable to base fares.

AirAsia adds special flights at fixed low fares for Chinese New Year

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If you’re ready to tick Antarctica off the bucketlist, then this is the list of things to consider plus some fun facts and tips about your upcoming adventure. Antarctica is a fascinating place – mysterious, untouched by man, brutal yet so delicate at the same time. Nowhere else on earth compares to this vast combination of ice, land, snow and water. As global warming becomes paramount, it’s no surprise to see more and more travellers interested in exploring this icy continent. To protect it, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), an organisation jointly run by more than 100 travel organisations worldwide, carefully tracks and regulates visits to Antarctica. But travelling to Antarctica is not easy nor is it cheap. And rightfully so as setting foot on this icy and protected continent should be earned. Getting to the cruise port requires first flying into Ushuaia, Argentina and once there, you’re still at the mercy of Mother Nature as cruise operators may postpone the trip if the weather is uncooperative. But long journey and cost aside, it will be worth the cost and trouble once you set foot on the massive land void of mankind (provided your cruise has permission to make landing). And that is why it’s crucial to do proper research and planning. Here’s our guide to get you started on your adventure to Antarctica. 1. Fly or Cruise Fly or cruise – the million-dollar question for many first timers. There are many options to do either means of getting to Antarctica. But ultimately, an expedition cruise is part of the adventure and journey going there. Many cruise guests would agree that the entire sea experience including passing through the infamous Drake Passage was a rite of passage to Antarctica. Some can even attest to the beauty of the Drake Passage itself – a demonstration of Mother Nature’s power. Undoubtedly, it will be a magical adventure, reaching Antarctica by ship and witnessing the weather and ice change as you draw closer, spotting native birds flock above the ship and your first sighting of wildlife. However, if you’re prone to seasickness, then perhaps flight might be your only option as it’s too beautiful a destination to miss out. 2. Size of Cruise Now, one of main factors of travelling to Antarctica is the size of the cruise ship. The IAATO regulations dictate the frequency, duration and number of guests visiting Antarctic sites. Only 100 passengers can make a landing at any one time according to the regulations so selecting a smaller cruise with fewer passengers would be a more intimate and rewarding experience. Smaller ships also have a greater choice of landing sites – both in practical terms, as they can enter smaller harbours – and according to IAATO regulations. Larger ships spend less time ashore or visit fewer sites compared to the smaller ships as it takes longer to get their guests ashore. Some operators may run dual operations where some guests will be taken to land while the others will be taken on a Zodiac cruise around the area. They will then swap. However, if time is short or if the weather takes a turn for the worst, you might not even get your turn at all. Cruises with more than 500 passengers onboard are not even allowed to land any passengers while on Antarctic waters as per the IAATO regulations. 3. What kind of Cruise? Gone are the days of roughing it out on the violent seas just to get to Antarctica. Today, travellers have varying options when it comes to comfort and facilities. Some cruises such as Ponant have done up some of their cabins to feature a stunning balcony view and even comes with an ensuite bathroom. From a full meal plan, an open bar, wifi to a sauna, gym and even a library, the experience can be as luxurious as you can afford it to be. Some cruises also provide complimentary rental of the snow gear and parka which saves the hassle of purchasing and bringing along your own gear. There will also be opportunities to mingle with industry and field experts and who knows, you might even be able to pick up some wildlife photography tips from their photographer. Most Antarctic expedition ships has a lecture theatre, where insightful talks and presentations about the destination itself and its inhabitants will be given by these experts. These sessions take place throughout the expedition and are a great means of passing time during the Drake Passage crossing. 4. How luxurious is luxurious? Going to Antarctica is already a once-in-a-lifetime experience so why not make it the best trip it can be, by blending luxury and comfort into your adventure. Luxury cruise operators like Ponant often go above and beyond with top of the line facilities, top-notch services and exclusive partnerships with prominent industry leaders such as National Geographic. You will be amongst the few who would have had the privilege of interacting with industry experts like them. Furthermore, several of Ponant’s ensuite cabins have their own individual balconies, allowing you breathtaking views of the Antarctica. A journey to Antarctica is not a cheap trip, no matter which option you choose but for many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience and worth splurging for. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right expedition ship, the right flight and the right itinerary to suit your needs and desires. So, don’t delay your Antarctic dream any longer! How do I start planning for my adventure to Antarctica , you ask? Well, why not talk to Sedunia Travel, the preferred wholesaler for Ponant Cruises .

Cruising to Antarctica 101

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The Saudi Arabian government has issued out a notice reminding Malaysian travellers on the importance of conducting a health check before embarking on Umrah and Hajj. This is to ensure that travellers are free of chronic diseases and are a preventive measure from any issue that may arise during the pilgrimage. All those visiting Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Umrah and pilgrimage (Hajj) are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis, provided that the certificate is issued within a period of no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. The health authorities in the visitor’s country of origin should ensure that the needed vaccine was completely administered. Tight control is exercised on entry points in respect of pilgrims and Umrah visitors, and thorough surveillance shall be made in respect of visitors coming from countries infected with diseases subject to the International Health Regulations, in addition to isolation of suspect cases and surveillance of their contacts. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Twin Towers Medical Center KLCC

Umrah-Hajj Health Check Reminder

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Perhaps this is one of London's best kept secrets. Tucked away right in the heart of central London is a pedestrian street packed with over twenty secondhand bookshops and antique booksellers. The store fronts dates back to over a century, instantly transporting visitors back into an era where top hats, laces and the steam engine reigned supreme. You will find it hard to believe that Cecil Court nicknamed Bookseller's Row is just a stone's throw away from the popular Leicester Square. It was believed that this thoroughfare was the inspiration behind Harry Potter's Diagon Alley and for Potterhead, it's easy to see the resemblance. Within these shops, the die-hard collectors and literature fans can find anything from rare books, collector's copies and first-editions, to old stamps, maps, posters and banknotes. Fans of the classical music will like the fact that this little lane was once temporarily home to the famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he was touring Europe at the age of eight. The Mozart family stayed with a barber named John Couzin, and tickets for Mozart’s first London concerts were sold from his shop. As a claim to fame, a blue plaque was set up to commemorate his brief tenancy in the neighbourhood. Some even believed that Mozart composed his first symphony during his stay in Cecil Court but this has never been confirmed. Apart from just a lane for book lovers and historical buffs, Cecil Court was also the main center of the early British film industry earning it the second nickname, Flicker Alley. Till this day, the lane and its bookshops have appeared in several films such as Victim (1961), The Human Factor (1979), 84 Charing Cross Road (1987), and Miss Potter (2006). Cecil Court runs between Charing Cross Road and St Martin's Lane. Shop hours tend to open from 10:30am to 5:30pm and varies from shop to shop. The nearest train station is Leicester Square from which Cecil Court is just a two minutes walk.

Cecil Court: London's Hidden Literature Haven

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Japan Airlines will give away 50,000 free round-trip tickets to international visitors next summer as part of the Win a Trip with JAL campaign. But there is a catch . The lucky winners won’t be jetting off to the country's capital. In an effort to diversify tourism outside the capital during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Japan Airlines is giving away trips to lesser-visited cities — but the winners won’t get to choose their destination. The airline's website explains that when contestants send in their application form, they will see a list of four possible destinations where they could be sent. Hopeful travelers can search more than once to see different combinations of cities. Overlapping with the dates of the Olympics, the contest’s travel period runs from July 1 to September 30. Sorry, Tokyo is off the list! Applications must include the city from where they’re departing, the day, the number of people traveling (can be for groups of up to four) and what time of day they wish to depart. If the application is successful, winners will receive an email within three days, letting them know where they’re going. In order to enter, applicants must be members of the Japan Airlines loyalty program ( JAL Mileage Bank ), so sign up today ahead of the contest opening in late February. The contest is only open to those who are registered with the program in a country outside of Japan. The Tokyo Olympics will run from July 24 through August 9 and the following Paralympics will last through September 6. The Japanese government believes 10 million people will pour into the country for the athletic events alone this year. Source: Travel and Leisure, JAL press release.

JAL is Giving Away 50,000 Free Round-trip Flights to Celebrate the 2020 Olympics

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Grab your winter gear, put on your winter wear. Because it's time to visit Thailand! Wait, what? Winter in Thailand? Yes! Particularly the upper part of Thailand is expected to enjoy a cooling breeze and low temperatures of 13-19 degrees in the following weeks. This is because of a strong high pressure system passing through the northern region of Thailand as predicted by the Thailand Meteorological Department forecast. Main cities like Bangkok and its surrounding area are also expected to see a drop in temperatures by 1-2 degrees. In the south, more rain is expected so best to avoid the Gulf of Thailand as wave heights are estimated to be about 2 metres. We recommend downloading Accuweather into your phones as it provides on the go weather reports and updates depending on your location as well as daily forecast. Source: The Star

Winter in Thailand

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Christmas is just around the corner and no one is more excited about it than Japan. Why Japan? Why would a country that is primarily Buddhist and Shinto practitioners be so excited over a Christian religion? One word. Or rather three letters: KFC. Around this time of the year, flocks of Japanese people will head down to their local KFC to pick up their pre-ordered buckets of fried chicken goodness. All in all, KFC Japan sells approximately 300,000 party barrels and 800,000 Christmas packs during this peak season, which accounts for about a third of the chain’s yearly sales in Japan. And it’s not as simple as just turning up on Christmas Day and claiming your chicken dinner or having Grabfood deliver it to our doorsteps like we do in Malaysia. Every year, there are lines out the door, starting on December 23, and Christmas Eve is the most popular date – about ten times busier than normal. As the original story went, KFC became a huge thing in Japan thanks to Takeshi Okawara, the first KFC manager in Japan n 1970. It was said that Okawara dreamed up the idea of a party barrel for Christmas after overhearing the couple of expat tourists talking about missing turkey for Christmas. That sparked a light bulb over his head and thus began a Christmas tradition that continued to strive till this day. Of course, we've also heard of a more likely version where Okawara whose business was on the verge of bankrupt stumbled upon the idea of associating Christmas with KFC when he was asked to give out fried chicken as Santa Claus at a kindergarten Christmas party. Knowing his business was on the line, however, he went above and beyond the call of duty. With the spirit of Colonel Sanders and Santa-san wrapped in one, he stole the show. “I started dancing, holding the barrel of chicken. ‘Kentucky Christmas, Kentucky Christmas, Happy Happy,’ like that,” he told Household Name . “I made up a song, and danced around. Kids liked it . ” From there, he began marketing his Party Barrel as a means of celebrating the holiday with fried chicken as a substitute for turkey. In 1974, KFC kicked off a nationwide marketing plan, Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii , or Kentucky for Christmas and the rest as they say is history. Okawara himself climbed through the company ranks and served as president and CEO of Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan from 1984 to 2002. Of course, KFC will either confirm or deny this story. Till this day KFC and Christmas go hand-in-hand in Japan and it doesn't seem like the trend is likely to slow down anytime soon. Especially with this cooking hack that has been going around the net. And on that note, Merry Christmas!

Japan + KFC = CHRISTMAS

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As a foodie nation with a rich culinary heritage, Malaysia has inherited a vast array of cuisines from its multi-ethnic and diverse population. For Malaysians travelling abroad, nothing can cure homesickness as quickly as an authentic Laksa or a fragrant and perfectly fried Nasi Lemak. With this in mind, Destination New South Wales has curated a list of the top 10 Malaysian restaurants in the region for Malaysian travellers to experience a taste of home. 1. Jilat Jilat, Darlinghurst NSW Jilat Jilat is a café that serves various Malaysian dishes such as Penang Curry Chicken and Rumpus Fried Hokkein Noodle. Frequent customers recommend trying their signature Penang char kuey teow. 2. Ho Jiak, Haymarket NSW Ho Jiak Haymarket is Sydney’s first Malaysian Nyonya grill house and is inspired by the homestyle and street food dishes that Head Chef Junda Khoo grew up cooking with his amah in the family kitchen. Feast on thick, spicy Laksa with chewy al dente egg noodles, rated one of the best in Sydney. Or embrace the Nyonya grill with a grilled tasting platter of lamb cutlets, chicken and seafood, complete with BBQ char lines and chilli sambal sauce. 3. Penang Hawke, Campsie NSW Penang Hawker is a buzzing restaurant with noodle lovers who seek the perfect char on their fried kuey teow. A great restaurant for family-friendly service. 4. The Malaya, Sydney NSW Today, The Malaya continues to serve Sydney diners its unique range of Southeast Asian cuisine, from the original 1963 signature recipes to a spectacular range of seafood dishes that reflect the beautiful waterfront location and contemporary restaurant space. With sweeping water views, professional service, and an extensive wine and cocktail list, The Malaya provides a memorable dining experience for any occasion. 5. Malaysia Small Chilli Restaurant, Lilyfield NSW Malaysia Small Chilli Restaurant offers a wide range of Malaysian dishes from Nasi Lemak to Fried Noodles and even Vegetarian options. 6. Malacca Straits on Broadway, Ultimo NSW Malacca Straits on Broadway will take your taste buds back to the bustling streets of Malaysia. From street food favourites like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Nasi Lemak to their signature Golden Sand Prawn, this slice of Malaysia brings honest and soul-warming Malaysian cuisine to Sydney diners. Their menu embraces the best of hawker-style and hard-to-find regional dishes by sourcing the best Malaysian produce available combined with premium local ingredients. Whether you're looking for the taste of home or the taste of an adventure, sample Malacca Straits on Broadway to experience true Malaysia each and every time! 7. Penang Cuisine, Epping NSW Penang Cuisine serves one of the locals’ favorite Laksa. A quaint restaurant for a quick grab and go. 8. Vistana Malaysia Restaurant, Charlestown NSW Inspired by the rich and diverse culinary offerings from Malaysia, especially from the regions of Penang, Vistana Malaysia Restaurant, was established in 2010. Each delicacy is prepared by highly-skilled chefs from Malaysia using top quality ingredients to ensure authenticity in both presentation and taste. A signature feature at Vistana Malaysia Restaurant is the open kitchen featuring highly-skilled chefs. This enables customers to appreciate the skills of the chefs, who hail from various regions of Malaysia and bring with them unique culinary expertise and specialized skills. 9. Seaview Malaysian, Redhead NSW Seaview Malaysian’s menu is exciting, with some more adventurous offerings available. There are all the favourites, such as sweet and sour pork or popular delights like Dim Sims and Spring Rolls, plus an extended menu of “Seaview’s Specials” which will entice the lover of the Malaysian cuisine. 10. Oatley Chinese & Malaysian Restaurant, Oatley NSW Established in 1985 Oatley Chinese & Malaysian Restaurant is a second generation, family operated business, that prides itself in providing a fresh and authentic approach to modern Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. There are many dishes that are unique to Oatley Chinese & Malaysian, hand crafted from recipes handed down over the generations, the result is a range of signature dishes which are inspired from a love of exotic spices and only the freshest ingredients. And there you have it! So the next time you travel to NSW, you know where to go should the craving for Malaysian food kicks in. Check out our offerings of travel packages to Australia .

10 Malaysian Restaurants to Sate Your Cravings in New South Wales

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9,258km running from Moscow to Vladivostok. The longest trainway line in the world that crosses through seven time zones. Is over 100 years old and connects to the Far East To say that the Grand Trans-Siberian Railway’s legendary amongst travellers is an understatement. Did you know that a huge chunk of Russia, the world’s largest country is in the Siberian region – an area once closed off to the rest of world during the Soviet Union? During this time, only the elites could enter and only by train. Now this once-remote region can be accessed and explored by travellers by hopping on and off the Grand Trans-Siberian trains. Getting on the train, unfortunately, is no picnic. A messy tangle of administration and the language barrier can confuse the process. To simplify the checklist: Getting a Russian visa Booking the right class of cabin on trains Finding the right train and platform Understanding the seemingly random schedules across so many time zones in a short space of time. Unsurprisingly, many travellers opt to enlist travel agents. Through our many years of experience, we have assisted with many inquiries about the Grand Trans-Siberian Rail. So, let us put some of your burning questions to rest as we answer them here.

Q1. Which route should I consider? A: There are three principal routes to consider, with multiple train services along them. The first is the longest railway known as the Trans-Siberian and it crosses the enormous breadth of Russia, from Moscow via Perm, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita and Khabarovsk to the Pacific Ocean at Vladivostok. A complete journey takes up to 8 days from end to end . This steel ribbon has connected Moscow to Vladivostok since 1916 and is still being expanded till this day. The Trans-Mongolian follows the Trans-Siberian Railway until Ulan-Ude, where it splits off and takes the Trans-Mongolian route. Many travellers have shared that this is most exciting route to take out of the three. While you can do the trip direct, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Mongolia. If you plan to do stopovers, this must be pre-arranged, and tickets organised accordingly. We offer travellers the option of a 6,300km train journey from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar via the charted Grand Trans-Siberian Express. The Trans-Manchurian follows that route further, past Ulan Ude to Chita, before crossing Chinese Manchuria to Beijing running to 8,961km . The older of the two routes to China was completed in the 1900s and is served by one train a week taking six nights , using Russian first- and second-class coaches. Q2. How long should my trip be?
A: Ideally 10 – 12 days between Moscow to Ulaanbaatar is a good duration as this allows you to hop on and off the train for a day’s visit to selected countryside cities, stay overnight in a hotel before boarding the connecting train the following day. You can “enjoy” a 7-8 days onboard the train from end to end but that doesn’t let you see Siberia. If you want to stop at every city along the way, it can end up taking up to 19-20 days as the next train for the next leg of your journey will only come along every other few days.
Q3. Which travelling style suit me?
A: There are various ways to experience the Trans-Siberian Railway. Firstly, there is the backpacker style that involves sharing a cabin with strangers onboard the regular train. Best travel light as you will need to bring your luggage with you throughout the whole train journey. Stock up on wet wipes as there are no shower facilities onboard the train. On the other extreme, there is the upmarket option on the hotel-train style of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. The trains are privately chartered and good news, some of the rooms have an ensuite bathroom! Muslim travellers need not worry about their food as Muslim-friendly meals are prepared onboard as well. Then there is third option that offers the best of both worlds. With this option, you ride a private charted train with a private cabin just for you and enjoy an escorted mid-range tour through several cities along the way. You get to combine hotel and train stays throughout the entire trip so that it isn’t so taxing and allows a change in pace and scenery. Q4: When is the best time to go on Trans- Siberian railway? A: The Trans-Siberian Railway operates all year round . But tickets in May to September tend to tell out fast as the summer months have the best weather and longest daylight hours. During the day, you will be able to enjoy the scenery for longer periods and sunshine and warmth during the brief train stops. Q5. So how should I start planning? A: Reservations are required for all trains and it’s impossible to just hop on and off without them. To save time and the headache of planning out the logistics, many prefer the simplicity of booking an all-inclusive package with travel companies such as us. We offer a 12-day adventure onboard the Grand Trans-Siberian Express , providing a memorable train journey through some of the most remote regions in the world. We will handle your itinerary, accommodations both on the trains and in cities, your meals and of course, ensure that you see and experience the best of the Siberian lands. Best of all: daily shower facilities are guaranteed! Our programs include: Individual or group escorted tour packages from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar Russia Visa application Flight arrangement Comfortable and well-balance of overnight stay on both 5-6 nights in hotel and 6 nights train Professional tour escorts and train manager Full board meals Daily sightseeing on 7 major cities (Moscow, Yekanterinburg, Novosibrisk, Kranoyarsk, Ulan Ude, Irkutsk and Ulaanbaatar) So are you ready now to embark on your next travel journey into the unknown onboard the Grand Trans-Siberian Express? Head on over to this link to find out more .

Top 5 FAQs about the Grand Trans-Siberian

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Sedunia's Top 10 Travel Destinations for 2020

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Starting 22 January 2020, AirAsia X will be flying into Naha Okinawa, the southern most prefecture of Japan. The four times weekly service via Taipei will be AirAsia’s sixth international destination in Japan, after Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Nagoya (via Bangkok). AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail says, “Our rapid expansion into Japan continues following the launch of services to Fukuoka and Tokyo Narita earlier this year. Okinawa is an island paradise that offers a different Japanese experience for leisure travellers, including white sandy beaches with clear blue waters, some of the world’s most famous diving spots and unique Ryukyuan cuisine." Guests from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa Naha are not required to obtain a visa during their one hour fifteen minutes stopover in Taipei and may return to their seats after clearing a quick security check of their carry-on bags and inflight belongings. Okinawa is one of Japan’s 47 prefectures comprising 160 islands in the East China Sea. With its unique cultural heritage and local cuisine, Okinawa has long been a holiday destination for the Japanese, while its subtropical climate, coral-fringed waters and relaxed way of life attract throngs of international tourists looking for an alternative to the hustle-bustle of major cities in mainland Japan.

For the latest AirAsia news, activities and promotions, follow AirAsia on Twitter ( twitter.com/AirAsia ), Facebook ( facebook.com/AirAsia ) and Instagram ( instagram.com/AirAsia ).

Fly to Okinawa with Airasia X (via Taiwan!

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Article first appeared on Hype Malaysia The word “travel” carries different meanings to each traveller. For some, it’s a way to unwind and spend quality time with family or friends, for others it maybe a chance for exploration and an adventure of a lifetime. And if you’re sitting there going “ Oh, I can’t possibly fit into a travel stereotype “, trust us, you really can. Here, we’ve identified 5 common types of travellers – and we bet that you would be able to spot yourself in at least one of these: 1. The History Buff This traveller enjoys visiting historical and cultural landmarks that you probably have heard of but have never quite understood the significance of said location. Travelling with the history buff is like traveling with a walking encyclopedia – they would know all the lesser known facts (and sometimes figures) and will gladly sign up for a local guide to take them on a walking tour of the city. This traveller also appreciates indulging in an overnight stay at an old palace or something with some serious historical brownie points (and ghosts, probably). 2. The Foodie If you’ve got a foodie with you on a trip, you can bet that you will NEVER starve. This traveller has only one main objective, and that is to stuff their face with as many authentic food experiences as possible. The foodie will take the lead in researching for cooking classes and making reservations for all the hot-spots you should never miss. If a foodie tells you that you’re hitting up famous hole in the wall and you’re gonna have to queue up for one of the best (insert delicacy here) of your life, best believe that it WILL be worth it. 3. The Adventurer The Adventurer takes the term “ off the beaten track ” quite literally. This is the travel buddy you’d want if you feel like going out to untouched and unexplored parts of your destination. Just make sure to bring some shoes fit for hiking through thick forests or slippery glaciers and a mental state that’s pretty much ready for every un-touristy experience possible. You’ll need it. 4. The Shopaholic The shopaholic isn’t an avid believer of travelling light, but they will introduce you to the magical world of packing like a pro with their foldable bags. This traveller knows all the hot places with great deals for tourists and they know where to shop like a local. The shopaholic is also a firm believer in appreciating the local arts and crafts scene and is always on the lookout for local fashion designers, craft makers or even local wineries to visit. If you’re travelling with a shopaholic, be sure to be mentally prepared for all the shopping stops they have seamless slipped into the itinerary while ordering a festive latte from Starbucks. 5. The Instagrammer The Instagrammer has very basic needs, which means anything aesthetically pleasing and is worthy of at least 200 likes in a single Instagram post is fair game for this traveller. But that’s not all – the Instagrammer is also useful for checking the crowd and picturesque spots by utilising hashtags and location tags before heading out. For what it’s worth, if you’re looking for that one really good shot to upload on your socials, the Instagrammer will make sure that you get the BEST shot you possibly can. But no matter the type of traveller you may be, here’s why you need to take Cosmos or Cosmos Lite on your next trip: Cosmos and Cosmos Lite factors in the type of traveller you are and offers a service that will help you travel fuss-free by handling all the essentials from accommodation to transportation and itineraries. Whether you’re into art, music, food, wine, or history, Cosmos gives you the freedom to fully customise your trip to your heart’s desire. On a budget? With Cosmos, you can customise, make your selections and prepay for most of them, which enables you to plan out your travel budget better. For more on Cosmos and Cosmos Lite, click here .

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Malaysia is a country with a history as vibrant and engaging as its food scene and natural attractions. In conjunction with its 60th anniversary, Bank Negara Malaysia and Art Gallery (BNM MAG) invites visitors to learn about Malaysia's background from the financial end. So if you're in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia anytime from today until 30 June 2020, consider swinging by the BNM MAG to check out their new exhibition, ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking'. Perfect for the history buffs, this exhibition offers a different perspective to Malaysia's history through the eyes of Bank Negara Malaysia and its growth and development as an institution. Held in conjunction with its 60th anniversary, the exhibition was launched by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, (the grandson of Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhammad, the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.) The narration of the exhibition begins with the story of the establishment of Bank Negara Tanah Melayu by a small group of 67 employees within a small office space; moving on to Bank Negara Malaysia replacing the Currency Board as the only Malaysian currency issuer in 1967. This follows the empowerment of local banking supervision up to the era of fintech innovation and further discussions on the future of digital banking, including financial advisory and services initiatives. Visitors can take a step back in time to the recollections of the important economic and financial moments of Malaysia during the Deposit Taking Crisis 1985, the Asian Financial Crisis 1998, and how the Government together with Bank Negara Malaysia planned its own unconventional economic recovery efforts. This exhibition also features behind-the-scenes stories from the Bank's internal perspective through interviews with more than 60 employees and former staff members of the Bank – all packed with learnings and inspirations. There are more than 100 exhibits from 80 years ago up to recent years on display, including previously unseen artefacts, nostalgic films and photos. For example, the Japanese Invasion Money’s banknote printer and printing plate, various pattern banknotes (proposed designs that did not make the final cut), Bon Simpanan Malaysia (first 1993), shredded unfit banknotes, earliest ledger that recorded the number of currency stocks in circulation, old annual reports, vintage money boxes and evolution of staff attire over 60 years of service. ‘60 Koleksi Bank Negara Malaysia’ (opens March 2020) Complementing this exhibition is the new art exhibition on Level 3, titled ‘60 Koleksi Bank Negara Malaysia’ that features 60 local artworks of different genres and mediums acquired from as early as the 1960s. There are four main genres of artwork on display: figurative, landscape, built environment and abstract. Whilst there are similarities and differences in the artists’ background, education and experience, this art exhibition offers diverse stylings traceable to different periods in time. Among those on display are the works of pioneer artists such as Yong Mun Sen, Abdullah Ariff, Chuah Thean Teng and Hoessein Enas, as well as modern and contemporary artists such as Syed Ahmad Jamal, Yeoh Jin Leng, Nirmala Shanmughalingam, Jaafar Taib, Mad Anuar, Amron Omar, Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Chang Fee Ming, Chang Yoong Chia, Raja Shahriman, Multhalib Musa, Najib Bamadhaj and Anniketyni Madian. There will also be a line-up of programmes, hands-on workshops and Curator Tours for all age groups. For more information about the ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking’ exhibition, visit www.museum.bnm.gov.my/bnm60th. Duration of the exhibition: 16 Dec 2019 – 30 June 2020 Opening Days and Hours : Opens from 10am to 6pm daily, except for first 3 days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri Admission: FOC for all international and local visitors Guided Tours : Available FOC for group bookings (minimum 20 pax, advance booking is required). Address: Sasana Kijang, 2, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Contact: 03 9179 2784 / infomuseum@bnm.gov.my Website: www.museum.bnm.gov.my/

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